Black10Star

Mariah Carey Drops Triumphant; La Toya Jackson Lands OWN Reality Show

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 13:51:02 -0400

Oprah has a new neighbor on OWN, La Toya Jackson. But first songtress Mariah Carey drops her inspirational single “Triumphant” featuring Maybach Music rappers Meek Mill and Rick Ross.
The track is the first single from Mariah’s 14th studio album and is produced her longtime friend, sometime manager and now American Idol co-judge, Randy Jackson.

In a press call on Thursday pitch-perfect singer shared her rational for bringing to of hip-hops biggest names on the track,

“Obviously Ross is a star and everybody loves him. I’m a fan of his music. I really, really wanted to work with him. I love the tone of his voice. I think the contrast of his voice and mine would be something special. I always like to do collaborations that people might think are different. And Meek adds a sense of excitement, a newness to the record. I’m really happy for him that he got this chance.”

That doesn’t mean the veteran R&B singer who reportedly wrote the song “going through a difficult time” doesn’t the soulfull days of her genre.

“It would be incredible if we can bring back the days where R&B songs didn’t have to cross over. It makes me sad that there are so many talented R&B artists that don’t get the chance that they should.”

In the end Mariah hopes to do what will help her win, “I want it to be well received. I want to stay true to myself and the music that I love and make the fans happy.” Take a listen to “Triumphant” below.

On Thursday Oprah Winfrey revealed she will welcome a Jackson to her OWN network. La Toya Jackson, one of the few siblings staying outside of the current Jackson family feud will produce and star in, ‘Life with La Toya.’ Cameras will follow the Jackson sister as she “juggles the many demands of her famous family, her life-long friends, and her growing entertainment business empire.”

La Toya said this about her new reality show, “I am so pleased to be working with television legend Oprah Winfrey and to be a part of the OWN family. This will be one of the most exciting adventures of my life.”

Look out for ‘Life with La Toya’ in 2013.

Listen to Mariah Carey “Triumphant” feat Rick Ross & Meek Mill

Source: Popular Critic

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Released From Jail Month Early

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 12:28:26 -0400

A month earlier than expected, Floyd Mayweather Jr. was released from a Las Vegas jail late Friday night. The all-around best boxer in the world smiled broadly, did not say anything and jumped behind the wheel of a blue Bentley with friend and business partner 50 Cents in the passenger seat and drove off.

He did not bother to look back. If he had, he would see the site of the worst chapter in his life that could have threatened his wildly successful career. Mayweather, released on good behavior, served two months of a three-month sentence in a misdemeanor domestic battery case. He was originally sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to misdemeanor domestic violence — but three months of that sentence was suspended.

Mayweather also pleaded no contest to two misdemeanor harassment charges — after allegedly threatening to beat his kids too during the incident. In addition to the jail time, Floyd was ordered to complete 100 hours of community service and a 12-month domestic violence program. So far, he’s completed roughly half of both.

All in all, he could have been charged and convicted of assault, which would have wrought much more jail time and likely impacting his career in a big way.

As it is, he can now resume boxing. Mayweather looked fit in a leather Miami Heat cap, pulled a gray hooded sweatshirt over his head. He hugged about 20 family members and friends, including his 12-year-old daughter, Iyanna Mayweather, and his manager, Leonard Ellerbe.

The undefeated boxer walked out of the Clark County Detention Center beneath the glow of street lamps and glare of TV cameras to resume a boxing career that his lawyers and personal physician warned in court documents might be at risk. They said jail food and water didn’t meet Mayweather’s dietary needs, and lack of exercise space in a cramped cell of fewer than 98 square feet threatened his health and fitness. A judge rejected the plea for home arrest, in essence saying “So what? You brought this on yourself.”

Mayweather, who goes by the nickname “Money,” in jail when Forbes magazine named him the world’s highest-paid athlete for 2011. No one is sure when he will step back into the ring. But the much-anticipated fight with Manny Pacquiao certainly will not happen this year, as promoters for Pacquiao plan on a fight Nov. 10 at the MGM Grand Garden arena in Las Vegas, Nevada Athletic Commission executive Keith Kizer said. Pacquiao’s opponent hasn’t been named, but Mayweather wasn’t believed to be on the list.

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Sen. Harry Reid Claims Romney Didn’t Pay Taxes for a Decade

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:46:38 -0400

As more questions swirl around Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney and how much he has paid in taxes over the past decade, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid believes he has the answer: none.

Reid went on the floor of the Senate today and repeated his allegations that Romney paid no federal income taxes for more than 10 years. Reid said he got the information from an investor at Bain Capital, the firm Romney ran until about 1999.

Romney has refused to release his taxes before 2010, remaining steadfast even in the midst of a firestorm of criticism and questions from both Democrats and Republicans. The longer the candidate goes without giving them up, the more damaging observers think they must be.

Going a full decade without paying any taxes would be about as damaging as the tax story could get. Polls have indicated that voters believe Romney should release more of his tax returns.

Reid has seemed annoyed that reporters would insist that he provide substantiation for his dramatic claim. When he went on the floor of the Senate this morning, Reid said, “The word’s out that he [Romney] hasn’t paid any taxes for 10 years.”

Reid has not let up in the past month, first alleging a month ago on the floor of the Senate that Romney “basically paid no taxes in the prior 12 years.”

According to Reid, he found out about Romney’s taxes earlier this summer from a Bain investor who called his office. Reid has refused to identify the investor.

“I have had a number of people tell me that,” Reid said in a conference call with Nevada reporters, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “I don’t think the burden should be on me. The burden should be on him. He’s the one I’ve alleged has not paid any taxes. Why didn’t he release his tax returns?”

While reporters push Reid to verify his sources, it should be noted that no one has ever accused the senator of being rash or undisciplined. In other words, for the Senate Majority Leader to go this far out on a limb, with such a huge danger of enormous embarrassment, it must mean that Reid feels pretty confident about the truth of his allegations.

When Romney was recently asked whether the effective rate on his taxes had ever been below the 13.9 percent rate he paid in 2010, he dodged the question.

“I haven’t calculated that,” Romney told ABC News. “I’m happy to go back and look, but my view is I’ve paid all the taxes required by law.”

Romney campaign spokesman Eric Fehrnstrom said on Fox that Reid’s charges are “baseless, and they are untrue.”

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Gay Community Stage Same-Sex Kiss-In At Chick-fil-A

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:25:27 -0400

Gay activists protest Chick-fil-A with ‘kiss in’.The chicken sandwich wars will intensify today as the gay community is planning to counter the public’s huge outpouring of support on Wednesday for Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy’s anti gay marriage position by flocking to Chick-fil-A restaurants and kissing each other in the parking lots.

They are calling in National Same Sex Kiss Day at Chick-fil-A and they are urging same sex couples across the country to take photos and videos of themselves kissing outside of Chick-fil-A restaurants,
The nation will be watching closely to see if their numbers come at all close to the “record-setting” sales numbers that franchises saw across the country in response to Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day on Wednesday. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who is also a Baptist minister and former presidential candidate, started the campaign on Facebook, drawing more than 21 million views.

While both sides claim that they are merely exercising their first amendment rights, it is a remarkably American phenomenon that the nation’s social wars have been directed at a fried chicken sandwich. Eating at Chick-fil-A has now become a social statement and will probably remain so for a long time to come. Seeing someone carrying a Chick-fil-A bag will allow the public to make assumptions about their politics.

The scene at many Chick-fil-A’s on Wednesday was bedlam, as lines snaked around the block and cars queued up for hours to show their support for Cathy’s politics. The issue of gay marriage was thrust into the national spotlight by President Obama several months declaring his support for it, provoking a firestorm of reaction on both sides. As the Chick-fil-A protests rage this week, a group of black pastors, the Coalition of African American Pastors, announced that they would be working to encourage black voters to withdraw their support for President Obama in the upcoming election unless he renounces his support for same sex marriage—something which the group must know is extremely unlikely to happen.
Watch CNN video

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Beyonce Accused Of Racism For Congratulating Gymnast

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 11:05:15 -0400

Beyonce is hit with criticism after congratulating Gabby Douglas on her Olympic gold medal. Meanwhile, Kelly Rowland dismisses Destiny’s Child reunion despite what papa Knowles hinted to last month.

On Tuesday afternoon Kelly Rowland was busy promoting her latest endorsement, a special edition TW Steel watch in New York when she asked about a Destiny’s Child reunion, “We have a good time together and I think that’s the most important thing. We don’t want to scratch each other’s eyes out; we love each other too much.”

In the same breathe Kelly sort of left room for a possible reunion…if the ladies felt like it. “If [reuniting is] something that we would want to do, you know, [we would do it] but in the meantime we’re just enjoying each other’s friendship. That’s the greatest gift of Destiny’s Child.”

Indeed. Meanwhile her ‘sister’ Beyonce is receiving some backlash for congratulating Olympic gold medalist Gabby Douglas. The 16-year old gymnast became the first African American to win the most coveted medal in the sport, the individual all-around.

Beyonce’s note read: “A huge congratulations to 16 year old Olympic Gold Medalist Gabby Douglas – WOW – what a thrill to watch you take this Gold! – enjoy this moment, its yours. Thank you for inspiring all of us! Love, B”

In true fashion, the comments came flying and they weren’t good.

A commenter by the name of “what” wrote, “since there is really no effort involved in blogging why didn’t she congratulate all of the other gold medal winners from the USA? oh yeah they have all been white”

Ginny added, “Wow just say congrats to the black girl always knew mrs jay z was racist”

jenni12 added, “beyonce is frickin racist…she didnt care to congrat anybody else or even the girls as a team..just the one black girl..cant stand that beotch”

It’s important to note that Gabby received congratulations from several other celebrities including Justin Bieber, Oprah, Lady Gaga and several others. Gabby has made it known that’s she’s a fan of Beyonce, after the celebs get wind they usually send out a message. And even if Beyonce was congratulating Gabby because of her achievements as a young black woman – bravo! The bigger concern should be why it has taken so long for an African American to win since the sport’s 1986 debut in the Olympics.

Gabby’s response? “WOW such an AMAZING experience! Thank you all for your support, love and prayers love you all!!! #oncloud9″

What do you make of Beyonce’s critics?

Source: Popular Critic

Gabby Douglas Hair Is NOT Up For Debate

Fri, 03 Aug 2012 10:48:11 -0400

Gabby Douglas hair debate is turning the spotlight on the self-hate issues of black women while Oprah Winfrey is also causing her own hair debate!

Let’s begin with Gabrielle ‘Gabby’ Douglas who has griped much of a nation with her skills and infectious smile. Standing at only 4’11, the shortest gymnast on the US 530 women team, Gabby helped bring her country two gold medals. She became the first African American woman to win the individual all-around gold yet despite her huge sacrifices and historic win her hair is at the center of debate.

“I love how she’s doing her thing and winning, but I just hate the way her hair looks.”

“With all those pins and gel … I wish someone could have helped her make it look better since she’s being seen all over the world.”

@stephaniebabe93 tweeted, “I know every black female looked at gabby douglas’ hair and asked Why? Just why?”

@MessyMeil said, “So for real though nobody wanted to go to London to do Gabby Douglas’ hair?

One commenter had enough and nicely put the unfortunate debate into perspective,

“While folks are so worried about her hair and she’s winning Gold Medals, there’s teenagers out here killing each other… Some people just need to get a grip on life and get their priorities right… Maybe the young girls out here now will see that they don’t need to wear all that weave in their hair to be beautiful. Natural Beauty is in Baby!!! Calling her a nappy headed ho won’t break her… Remember this the one finger you’re pointing at this young girl, there’s three pointing back at you!!! What have you done that was so groundbreaking at the age of 16yrs old???”

Virtual high five to that! Oprah on the other hand debut her natural hair on the upcoming issue of O Magazine – good thing right? Wrong!

One commenter outright accused Oprah of lying!

“I don’t blame non-black people for loving it and believing Oprah when she says this is her ‘natural’ hair but this B.S. is what makes actual kinky-haired women feel inferior because THIS is a LIE. This is NOT what most black women have on their heads unless they are mixed at some level and, no, you don’t have to be light to have mixed hair. “

Another insinuated it was a ploy for ratings,

“This cover kind of reads like ‘When your network ratings are down, pull out the natural hair,’” she said. “‘Those chicks on the internet will talk about you for free for DAYS.’ And now I feel like I might get struck down by Oprah’s aura for saying that…” We hope not, Danielle!

The resurgence of natural hair on black woman is a huge movement and perhaps Oprah was embracing her part in said movement.

In response to Gabby Douglas hair debate one commenter turned the spotlight on black women,

“Black women have a media view of self hate… Willow Smith does a Video black women got upset, We did call AL SHARPIE when a white teacher cut a little girls beaded braids, because the beads got on her nerves — The white woman stated SHE DIDN’T KNOW THE HAIR WAS REAL,
We Black women have made Indian Temples & Chinese manufactures RICH – buying FAKE HAIR……. Black Women if GOD or that Jesus person wanted you to whip your across your man’s legs He would have gave it too you
embrace your afro puff LOL”

What do you make of the criticism towards Oprah and Gabby Douglas’ hair?

Source: Popular Critic

Chick-fil-A Franchise in NH to Support Gay Festival

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 12:00:29 -0400

On the heels of Chick-fil-A president Dan Cathy’s very public funding of anti-gay marriage organizations, the operator of a Chick-fil-A franchise in New Hampshire has decided to strike back at his boss by donating sandwiches to an upcoming gay rights festival.

Franchisee Anthony Piccola said he will be lending his restaurant’s support to the New Hampshire Pride Fest, just as the restaurant chain has sat in the middle of a national firestorm about Cathy’s comments about gay marriage.

Piccola said that Chick-fil-A’s tradition is “is to treat every person with honor, dignity and respect—regardless of their belief, race, creed, sexual orientation or gender.” Last week he said the Nashua restaurant at the Pheasant Lane Mall has gay employees and serves gay customers “with honor, dignity and respect.”

Last month, Kathy told the Baptist Press last month that the Atlanta-based company was “guilty as charged” for backing “the biblical definition of a family.” In response to Kathy, gay rights groups have been calling for boycotts and efforts to block the chain from opening new stores.

One of the more dramatic protests planned is what opponents are calling “Kiss Mor Chiks” on Friday, when they are encouraging people of the same sex to show up at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country and kiss each other.

The New Hampshire festival emphasizing “Unity Through Community,” scheduled for Aug. 11 in Manchester’s Veterans Park, will feature a march, music and a “family-friendly” drag show.

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Black Pastors Campaign Against President Obama Over Gay Marriage

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:42:30 -0400

Rev. William Owens, leader of the Coalition of African-American Pastors, said he was launching a nationwide campaign urging African Americans not to vote for President Obama unless he withdraws his support for same sex marriage.

Owens announced his Mandate for Marriage campaign Tuesday at a press conference in Washington, D.C. Owens, who has been consistently blasting the president since he declared his support for same sex marriage back in May, represents 3,700 black pastors across the country who feel the same way he does.
By embracing same sex marriage, these pastors believe the president is threatening the stability of the family—particularly the black family.

“Mr. President, I’m not going to stand with you, and we have thousands of others across this country that are not going to stand with you with this foolishness,” Owens said at the press conference. “For the president to bow to the money, as Judas did for Jesus Christ, is a disgrace, and we’re ashamed.”

Later in an interview with the Christian Broadcast Network Owens said his organization has been hearing from African Americans across the country who don’t support same sex marriage and feel betrayed by the president. He pointed out that in the many states that have passed laws in opposition to gay marriage, African Americans were always overwhelmingly supportive of traditional marriage between a man and a woman.

“We feel Mr. Obama because of the money has bowed to the money people, the homosexual community,” Owens said. “We’re the ones who put him where he is. Where was the gay community when he was running for president? The Civil Rights Movement opened the door for him to become president. At this point he’s pandering to the homosexual community. He’s forgotten where he came from, forgotten who put him there.”
Owens said for those black voters who are not upset enough to withdraw their support for Obama, “we are going to get them upset enough if they are not upset already.”

With Chik-Fil-A president Dan Cathy publicly declaring his opposition to gay marriage and financially supporting organizations that oppose it, his restaurants have become a flashpoint for the social skirmishes over the issue.

Owens said the mayors of Chicago and Boston (in addition to San Francisco and Washington, D.C.) saying they don’t want Chik-Fil-A franchises in their cities was similar to his experiences growing up in the segregated South, where he was not allowed to patronize white establishments because of his skin color. He said these mayors and others opposed to Chik-Fil-A were discriminating against the franchise because of the president’s beliefs, just as he was discriminated against because he’s black.

“There’s no difference,” he said.
Supporters of the restaurant chain flocked to Chik-Fil-A’s around the country yesterday in what they were calling “Chik-Fil-A Day,” which was called by former former Arkansas Governor and Baptist minister Mike Huckabee. Long lines were reported at Chik-Fil-A’s from Texas to Virginia and some church pastors purchased bulk orders for their congregations.

Gay rights groups have scheduled a protest for tomorrow that they are calling “Kiss Mor Chiks,” when they are encouraging people of the same sex to show up at Chick-fil-A restaurants around the country and kiss each other.

Watch Rev. William Owens Interview With CBN

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Ryan Lochte’s Mom, Love & Hip Hop Star K. Michelle Deny Dating Rumors

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 11:18:18 -0400

Olympic champion swimmer Ryan Lochte is not dating Love & Hip Hopstar K. Michelle. Rumors began flying after the 26-year old VH1 reality star tweeted her loving support to Ryan before his first swim.

“OK ITS GOING DOWN THE 2012 OLYMPICS JUST STARTED AND MY POOH @ryanlochte IS ABOUT TO KICK A–. SO PROUD OF U. LUV YA.”

K. Michelle’s “Pooh” did kick butt when he won the gold medal which prompted more praises,

“And let the whip a– begin @ryanlochte wins his first gold medal . I’m so f—– proud of u!!!!!”

Perhaps the tweet by themselves wouldn’t have sparked dating rumors but Michelle added two photos of the duo looking chummy.

Turns out however they are just friends. First, Ryan’s mother Ileana Lochte or Ike insisted her son only has time for swimming and allegedly some one night stands.

“He’s too busy! He’s so warmhearted that I don’t think he’d want to have a relationship with somebody, don’t think he wants to get into a relationship. He doesn’t have the time. He is unable to commit to a single girl because he’s ‘always on the go.”

K. Michelle’s rep also released a statement:

“K. Michelle and Ryan Lochte are just great friends who support one another. Ryan and K. Michelle have known one another for some time, and their relationship is nothing more but wonderful and supporting friends in each other’s career.”

The Love and Hip Hop star double confirmed she and Ryan are not an item to her Twitter followers,

“This is so out the blue and old news. I am single. I have friends and I support their endeavors! #carryon”

Source: Popular Critic

Paris Jackson Twitter Rants Should Be Ignored Says Former Nanny

Thu, 02 Aug 2012 10:31:22 -0400

Paris Jackson is a child and her Twitter rants should not offend anyone, matter of fact, everyone should have sympathy for the 14-year old only daughter of the late pop icon Michael Jackson.

Grace Rwaramba, a nanny for the Jackson children since 1997 asked for understanding where Paris is concerned.

“Everyone knows that Michael went to great lengths to protect his children from the public eye,” she began.

“While the use of veils and masks was unconventional, it only highlights how important this issue was to him. He understood, probably better than anyone, that growing up as a public figure, especially in the entertainment industry can be disaster…The recent drama surrounding Michael’s mother, Katherine, the ongoing custody issues and now the public dispute between Paris and Janet is exactly what Michael wanted to protect his children from. These matters have been further complicated by Gladys Knight and others recent and well intentioned comments about Paris. I have great respect and admiration for Mrs. Knight. And while I agree with the spirit of her comments, attacking Paris in public is not the answer.”

Grace continued,

“Give her a chance to make and learn from her mistakes without demonizing her. She is a spirited, very expressive and dramatic young girl. The traits that made her the apple of her father’s eye are the same traits that she must learn to control as she matures into adulthood. Let’s be careful not to dim her spirit. It breaks my heart to think that Paris and her brothers could become the subject of endless criticism for simply being kids. Michael loved his children very much. He gave them tools that they will need to become good and decent individuals. I am confident that in time, Paris and her brothers will learn that their family loves and wants what’s best for them. Until then, please take her tweets with a grain of salt. No child should have 700,000 followers on Twitter or any other social media platform.”

We couldn’t agree more on her last statement. Meanwhile, tabloid site TMZ has confirmed that Janet DID NOT slap Paris. “Although we believed the story to be true when we published it, we have now determined it was not correct.”

As of this morning Paris remains her “spirited” self on Twitter insisting she won’t be silenced.

Source: Popular Critic

Diana Ross to Sign Off on Shared Custody for Michael Jackson’s Kids

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:54:46 -0400

Diana Ross, the backup guardian who Michael Jackson stipulated in his will should care for his children if his mother Katherine was not able, is ready to sign off on the new joint custody arrangement between Katherine and her grandson T.J. Jackson, according to a report on radaronline.

“Diana has no qualms whatsoever about the new custody agreement, she only wants what is best for the children. Diana knows that the children are old enough to decide who they want to live with and she defers to what they want. While Diana hasn’t been a big part of their lives because she lives on the East Coast, she is very fond of them,” a source close to the situation told RadarOnline.com.

Based on the will, the judge in the case ordered both Diana and Prince Michael and Paris’ mother Debbie Rowe be informed.

Katherine’s attorney Perry Sanders said Michael’s oldest child, Prince, 15, is pleased with the new arrangement because he gets along so well with TJ.

“There’s a close bond there and a definite sense of unity,” the lawyer told X17online. “Contrary to what people think, there was absolutely zero animosity between those two. I felt nothing but love in the room.”

The family attorney has declared that Janet—who security footage showed arguing with Paris Jackson and allegedly calling her “spoiled little bitch”—Jermaine and Randy are banned from visiting their mother Katherine’s home in Calabasas, but there’s been no word from the famous siblings on whether they will let it stand that they are barred from their mother’s house.

In the midst of the craziness, the childrens’ former nanny, Grace Rwaramba gave an extended statement to Radaronline in which she offered a window into the mindset of the children.

“Everyone knows that Michael went to great lengths to protect his children from the public eye. While the use of veils and masks was unconventional, it only highlights how important this issue was to him. He understood, probably better than anyone, that growing up as a public figure, especially in the entertainment industry can be disaster…The recent drama surrounding Michael’s mother, Katherine, the ongoing custody issues and now the public dispute between Paris and Janet is exactly what Michael wanted to protect his children from. These matters have been further complicated by Gladys Knight and others recent and well intentioned comments about Paris. I have great respect and admiration for Mrs. Knight. And while I agree with the spirit of her comments, attacking Paris in public is not the answer.”

Amen.

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Snoop Dogg Becomes Reggae Singer, Snoop Lion

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:36:31 -0400

Snoop Dogg says he has given up the rap game and turned to reggae. His new name? Snoop Lion.

He said he had a Rastafarian transformation in Jamaica when he visited a temple.

“I want to bury Snoop Dogg, and become Snoop Lion,” he said. “I didn’t know that until I went to the temple, where the High Priest asked me what my name was, and I said, ‘Snoop Dogg.’ And he looked me in my eyes and said, ‘No more. You are the light; you are the lion.’ From that moment on, it’s like I had started to understand why I was there.”

Snoop said he as looking for new challenges because rap had become too easy.

“Rap is not a challenge to me,” Snoop said at Manhattan’s Miss Lily’s restaurant. “With no disrespect to other rappers, but they can’t f–k with me in rap … I’ve won every accolade you can get in rap, they call me ‘Uncle Snoop’ in rap. When you’re an uncle, it’s time to find something new … I want to feel like a kid again.”

To announce his new career, Snoophas released a new project, Reincarnated, which consists of a documentary, reggae album and book.

The album’s debut single, “La La La,” is now available on iTunes. Snoop had specal words for “No Guns Allowed,” another track on Reincarnated.

“There’s a lot of killing going on in this world, and nobody ever speaks on it until it happens. And I’m tired of it … It’s so tragic that people are still doing stupid things with guns,” Snoop said. “I could have never made a song called ‘No Guns Allowed,’ because I’m supposed to be a gangster and we supposed to keep one on us at all times … But after looking at my life and what it is now and my kids, and all the things that go on in life, I feel like it should be no guns allowed.”

At the Manhattan gathering, a question was directed at Rohan Marley, Bob Marley’s son (and Lauryn Hill’s estranged partner and the father of her children), about whether Snoop’s conversion to Rasta was viewed with any suspicion in Jamaica.

“Music is universal,” Marley said. “Jamaica is just a part of music, so we were open to Snoop.”

In the past, Snoop has said that he believes he is Bob Marley reincarnated—thus the name of the album. It appears that folks should have taken him more seriously.

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Stevie J’s Rumored New Girlfriend Denies Pregnancy

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:16:56 -0400

Love & Hip Hop star Stevie J has found himself in another drama filled plot as his rumored new girlfriend Tammie Grant was pregnant. Reportedly Stevie was prepared to leave his Latina temptress Joseline Hernandez and his longtime girlfriend Mimi Faust for Tammie. It turns out the rumors are false and Tammie wants nothing to do with Stevie and his scandals.

I am not pregnant with Stevie J’s baby. There are rumors being said that just are not true. Yes, at one time me and Stevie were very close and we were seeing each other. I never gave Stevie any money which is absurd, nor did he break up my marriage, me and Gary Grant were already separated for 2 years when me and Stevie met. It was at my best interest to distance myself from Stevie and the scandals. I only have kind things to say about him and fond memories. I wish him and his beautiful children all the luck.

Apparently Joseline already knew Stevie, or as she affectionately calls him, Stebbie, wasn’t going anywhere. At a press dinner in New York earlier this week she stated, “I’m working with the best…he’s never gonna leave me alone. I suggest she stops crying because I ain’t going no where.”

Now if only Mimi can leave them both behind and move on.

Source: Popular Critic

Pharrell Williams And Jonas Brother To Join Mariah Carey On Idol

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:01:20 -0400

Mariah Carey is signed and sealed for the 12th season of American Idol on Fox but there leaves another chair that needs to be filled and maybe even Randy Jackson’s chair too!

The current leading candidates appear to be “Who I Am” singer Nick Jonas of Jonas Brothers fame, and Pharrell Williams, the rapper and producer best known for his work with N.E.R.D and the Neptunes. Jackson will reportedly be taking on a mentoring role in the new season. Show insiders claim that both Williams and Jonas are in talks with the program.

“Nick is pretty close to signing to be the Idol judge,” said one anonymous insider. “They flew him into L.A. last week for final meetings.”

Inside sources believe that producers are relying on Jonas to bring a younger demographic back to the program. Nick is the youngest of the Jonas brothers, who became teen idols with Disney in the mid 00s.

Williams, 39, is responsible for dozens of billboard hits, having produced songs for popular acts such as Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stafani, in addition to his own work with N.E.R.D. Recently, he has produced tracks for Rick Ross’s new album “God Forgives, I Don’t,” and the song “Sweet Life” off Frank Ocean’s “Channel Orange.” He is in currently in the process of negotiating a contract, according to insiders. “Everything is looking good, but they’re still working out details,” the source told Us.

Steven Tyler recently shed light on his two year run with Idol. “It was something to do while the storm blew by, to be honest… not my cup of tea. I loved it and hated it. It was a great job, I sat next to J.Lo and I made a ton of money. It was a moment in life and it became larger than life.”

Season 12 will premiere this winter, with host Ryan Seacrest standing in as one of the few returning faces after the idol shakeup. Fox has yet to comment on the signing of either Williams or Jonas.

Source: Popular Critic

Alleged iPhone 5 Built from ‘Leaked’ Parts

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:57:02 -0400

The iPhone 5 rumor mill is going into overdrive with yet another alleged photo of the upcoming Apple smartphone. Photos of the finished device, supposedly assembled from “leaked” components, were originally published together with its internal electronics circuit boards. These shots came from what appeared to be a Japanese iPhone repair shop and were subsequently picked up by 9to5 Mac blog.

The images reinforced earlier reports of a smaller dock connector developed for future iOS devices, as well as a pair of speakers and an earphone jack at the bottom of the casing. The chrome and brushed-metal rear cover also confirmed a new dual-material design as suggested by another rumor. Only time will tell if this is indeed the real McCoy with the iPhone 5 expected to launch in September this year.

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Democratic Party Poised to Support Gay Marriage on Platform

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 11:37:20 -0400

The Democratic party is following the example of its leader, President Obama, and is about to endorse same-sex marriage as part of its party platform. Since Obama in May became the first sitting president to declare that gays and lesbians should be able to marry, he put the issue squarely on the national agenda, prompting debate and soul searching across the country, from suburban households to the pulpit of the black church.

According to the New York Times, Democrats held a platform-drafting meeting over the weekend in Minneapolis and approved the first step to amend their platform, placing the amendment on track for adoption. In two weeks, the entire platform committee will vote at a meeting scheduled in Detroit. Then, if approved as expected, it would go before convention delegates in Charlotte, N.C., for final passage in early September.According to Democrats who were briefed on the vote in Minneapolis, there was no objection when the issue came up. Though the language that was voted on could still be revised, party officials do not anticipate any major obstacles going forward.Not only did the platform committee approve the same-sex marriage language, they also reiterated the party’s disapproval of the Defense of Marriage Act, which prohibits the federal government from recognizing legal same-sex marriages. The 2008 platform had a similar section.The Democrats would become the first major party to embrace same-sex marriage. But as historic as the platform would be, the president’s position makes it a bit less controversial.

Gay rights supporters praised the Democratic Party’s move.

“Like Americans from all walks of life, the Democratic Party has recognized that committed and loving gay and lesbian couples deserve the right to have their relationships respected as equal under the law,” said Chad Griffin, president of the Human Rights Campaign. “I believe that one day very soon the platforms of both major parties will include similar language on this issue.”

The Democratic Party platform that was drafted four years ago, when Obama was first running for president, called for “full inclusion of all families, including same-sex couples, in the life of our nation” and supported “equal responsibility, benefits and protections.”

But the platform stopped short of endorsing same-sex marriages, in part because Obama had said he remained opposed.

Despite the growing acceptance of same-sex marriage, the issue remains a difficult one for some Democrats, particularly those in the midst of hard-fought reelection campaigns in conservative-leaning states. It has also roiled the black community—particularly the black church—and upset many African Americans who were previously firm supporters of the president.

And while an increasing number of Republicans are coming around to support marriage rights for gays and lesbians, the Republican Party as an institution is still far from declaring marriage is for anyone but heterosexuals.

Peter Sprigg, a senior fellow at the Family Research Council, predicted that Democrats would regret their decision to include the marriage plank in their platform. “I think this is more politically correct than it is politically smart,” he said.

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Gabby Douglas Breakout Star; Venus & Serena Williams Cruise In Olympics

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:45:41 -0400

Gabrielle Douglas, or Gabby, is undoubtedly the breakout star of the US Women’s gymnastics team. Gabby made her desire to win a medal clear after she earned a second spot behind teammate Aly Raisman in the women’s all-around event. Unfortunately, that meant that the 2008 winner Jordyn Weiber was out.

Wieber, who had lost only two all-around competitions since 2008, cried as she made her way past the media and did not speak to reporters.

Douglas was spectacular in her first three efforts. However, she was disqualified for a medal in the floor exercise when she stepped out of bounds on her routine. Still, Douglas will compete for four gold medals.

It rained, as it often does in London, and Douglas said she took it as a positive sign.

“It’s like a manifestation is going to happen, you know, like a good thing is going to happen. It’s God; it’s God,” Douglas said. “So when it rains, me and my mom always text each other like, ‘its going to be a great day today.’ So I had peace in my heart and I came out here and performed very well.”

Douglas and Team USA will need to duplicate their dominant performance in order to hold off Russia, Romania and China for its first gold in the team event since 1996.

Venus and Serena Williams

The Williams sisters, Venus and Serena, started their path toward Olympic gold with pedestrian victories in their opening matches, generating chants of “U-S-A, U-S-A” from fans.

Twenty minutes separated the victories by the American sisters. Venus Williams took care of Sara Errani, 6-3, 6-1 in a match during which she hardly was threatened.

At the other end of the All England Club, Serena Williams disposed of Poland’s Urzula Radwanska, 6-2, 6-3.

Source: Popular Critic

JLo And Casper Smart Engagement On The Horizon

Tue, 31 Jul 2012 10:18:16 -0400

Jennifer Lopez and her beau Casper Smart may be heading down the altar. JLo and her former backup dancer have been going strong since last fall and according to their friends, a wedding may be around the corner.

“If Casper wanted to elope tomorrow, she’d say yes,” a source told OK! magazine. “They’ve talked babies, marriage, the whole nine yards.”

The 43-year old entertainer also confirmed to ABC News earlier this month that she would consider marriage again.

“For me, the biggest dream is the fairy tale. I will never give up on that dream.”

Despite Jennifer’s belief in the fairytale her friends aren’t very fond of Casper.

“The age gap is bound to become an issue. And as much as Jennifer loves the idea of marriage, she’s not necessarily great at it. It involves a lot of compromise and that isn’t her strong suit. But right now, Jennifer and Casper are crazy about each other and friends are bracing for a wedding announcement.”

Sounds like Casper is firmly in control of his relationship with the pop star, he reportedly holds ranks in the bedroom too.

“While she’s a huge presence and an A-lister, in the bedroom Casper is in control. He isn’t afraid to say what he thinks or stand up to her; he knows she’s ‘J.Lo’ but that at home she’s just the normal mom who’s cooking breakfast for the kids.”

Should JLo and Casper just go for it?!

Source: Popular Critic

Idaho Billboard Compares President Obama to Batman Shooter

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 12:12:52 -0400

A billboard suggesting similarities between president Barack Obama and Colorado shooting suspect James Holmes has caused a stir in one Idaho town and beyond.

The billboard, located in Caldwell, Idaho, features a picture of Holmes, accompanied with the text “Kills 12 in a movie theater with assault rifle, everyone freaks out.” Juxtaposed is a picture of Obama, with the text: “Kills thousands with foreign policy, wins Nobel Peace Prize.”
The billboard is funded by a group honoring the memory of the late Libertarian thinker Ralph Smeed, the Ohio Statesman reported. According to the group, the billboard is there to remind Americans of Obama’s promise to bring home the troops—a promise the group says has been broken.

“We’re all outraged over that killing in Aurora, Colo., but we’re not outraged over the boys killed in Afghanistan,” said Maurice Clements, a member of the group, which has previously paid to display other anti-Obama messages on the billboard.

Local residents have called the billboard “abhorrent,” but the message remains.

The sentiment expressed on the billboard is similar to a line from The Dark Knight, in which Heath Ledger’s Joker observes that no one would panic if he announced a “truck load of soldiers will be blown up” tomorrow, but people would lose their minds if he said a city mayor was going to die.

Source: Atlanta Black Star

Mitt Romney Blames Culture and God For Economic Disparity Between Israelis and Palestinians

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 11:36:36 -0400

This past week Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney went through the choreographed routine surrounding Israel that we see from presidential candidates every four years—he talked tough about Israel’s enemies and said wonderful things about Israel’s relationship with the United States.

Though American Jews make up just four percent of the electorate, presidential candidates customarily twist themselves into knots to make sure they appear as amenable as possible to Israel to lock down as many of those Jewish votes as possible. President Obama did the same thing four years ago, though he has made some steps over the past four years to seem more even-handed in the Israeli-Palestinian struggle than some of his predecessors, earning the ire of some Jews. But in the end, Obama has made the necessary threats against Israel’s biggest current enemy, Iran, and retained the U.S. as Israel’s biggest ally.

Romney wandered into dangerous territory during his visit to Israel when he mentioned the”power of culture,” an extremely loaded phrase in that part of the world, where every utterance can set off tensions and accusations of bias.

“And as I come here and I look out over this city and consider the accomplishments of the people of this nation, I recognize the power of at least culture and a few other things,” Romney said, citing an innovative business climate, the Jewish history of thriving in difficult circumstances and the “hand of providence.”

Romney lavished as much love as he possibly could during his trip to Israel. He declared Jerusalem to be the capital of the Jewish state—which is a controversial statement because the Palestinians are opposed to the idea and Tel Aviv is considered the capital—and said the United States has “a solemn duty and a moral imperative” to block Iran from achieving nuclear weapons capability.

“Make no mistake, the ayatollahs in Iran are testing our moral defenses. They want to know who will object and who will look the other way,” he said. “We will not look away nor will our country ever look away from our passion and commitment to Israel.”

Romney’s comments drew a standing ovation from his audience, including Sheldon Adelson, the American businessman who has pledged up to $100 million to help Romney win—and who may have been Romney’s primary audience .

But Palestinians were not so warm in their response to Romney’s comments. Saeb Erekat, an aide to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas—who Romney snubbed by declining to meet with him—said Romney’s comments about Jerusalem were “absolutely unacceptable,” and that “such statements and policy will push the region toward extremists.”

Erekat said Romney’s positions on Jerusalem go against long-standing U.S. policy.

“At the end of the day, the U.S. has interests in this region, it has embassies in 57 Arab and Muslim countries,” he said. “I don’t think they will sacrifice everything for such statements, mere disturbing statements that will strengthen extremists in the region.”

It became clear that it’s not enough for Romney to step into this long-suffering region and simply direct all his statements to appeasing Israel. There are many sides to consider with every issue, many competing positions.

With all the pandering to Israel by presidential candidates, the American Jewish Committee released a survey recently that found that just 22 percent of Jewish voters cited U.S.-Israel relations as their top priority in voting for a president.

“American Jews are very liberal, in general, especially non-orthodox American Jews,” Peter Beinart, editor of Open Zion, a blog featured on The Daily Beast, said on NPR. “Most elections feature candidates who most American Jews consider ‘good enough’ on Israel, and then they tend to vote on other issues.”

But Matt Brooks, director of the Republican Jewish Coalition, said that he believes Romney will make inroads in reducing the 80 percent of Jews who backed Obama in 2008—though he concedes Obama still will win the Jewish vote.

“The Republicans have consistently and unmistakably increased their market share among Jewish voters in four out of the last five national elections,” Brooks says.

In his Israel pandering, Romney said he’ll do “the opposite” of Obama on Israel—but Israel observers don’t really know what that means, since Obama has been quite supportive of Israel. Harvard professor Stephen Walt, the author of The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy, told NPR that taken literally, it would mean getting rid of all American economic and military assistance to Israel, as well as not vetoing Security Council resolutions critical of Israel.

“In fact President Obama, like all of his predecessors, has been very supportive of Israel,” he says. “The idea that Romney would be substantially more supportive is simply wrong.”

But because there’s no real Palestinian voting bloc in the U.S. who can offer advantages to any candidate who panders to the Palestinian side, the U.S. presidential candidates will continue going as far as they feel is necessary to make the Jewish community happy on Israel.

Watch Romney Visit Jewish Holy Site Video

Source: Atlanta Black Star