The beginning of TheYBF.com’s 4 week marathon holiday giveaway is here!  It's our FAVE time of year here at the YBF offices....so we're celebrating by giving YOU some of our fave ish we've seen this year every week till Christmas.

We're kicking off week 1 with some of our fave lingerie from one of our fave lines (especially great for the CGU chicks). Enter inside....

For Young Black and FABULOUS chicks looking for that perfect fit...we've teamed up with one of our fave brands, Lunaire, to give FIVE fab readers (1) lingerie set each from the collection of their choice!

My fellow CGU chicks (Curvy Girls United) will also love this.

Celebrity fave Lunaire offers "prettier" bras and panties from cups C to DDD! No longer do you need to keep it plain and nude.  Now we're keeping it SEXY.

Lunaire prides itself on developing the perfect fit and flawless shape for the woman with more than bee stings.  The line is available at FreshPair.com and Macy's.

To enter YBF's giveaway, submit your Name and Phone number to Giveaways@theybf.com. Put “Lunaire“ in the subject line.  Contest ends ends November 27th at midnight E/T.

*** All entries will be collected and used for future mailings.***

GOOD LUCK & Have a Young, Black, and Fabulous Holiday!

Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross sat down with UPSCALE Magazine recently to talk about their new show "Reed Between The Lines." Find out what the duo said about their on-screen chemistry and how their new show compares to their old gigs inside....

In the latest issue of UPSCALE Magazine, veteran sitcom stars Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Tracee Ellis Ross dished about their new sitcom "Reed Between The Lines" and their hectic lives as stars AND producers of the show. Here are the highlights:

On their connection

TER: ...the first moment with him was so palpable. What I experienced was a side of myself, Tracee, that I had never experienced before...doing scenes with Malcolm does not feel like acting.

MW: if you're going to be joined at the hip, you want it to be with someone who shares the same vision and shares the same kind of integrity and values..it's probably one of the best non-physical love affairs that I've ever had.

On their dual roles as leads and producers of Reed Between The Lines

MW: There's just so much energy we put into the show as actors and producers that it's hard to focus, at least this first season, on anything but the show.

TER: My life is moving at 100 miles an hour. My job is to take it one deep breath and slow step at a time... TER

On Girlfriends and her character, Joan

TER:  I just loved that character. I'm so proud of what we did, and yet, I had such a peace when we were finished...

On Comparisons to Cosby

MJW: None of us is Bill Cosby, so we're not trying to recreate Cosby. What we are trying to recreate is the universality and the timelessness.

Pop star Rihanna has just launched her first fashion line, a capsule collection with Emporio Armani Underwear and Armani Jeans. See the new collection inside....

Rihanna and the Emporio Armani Underwear/Armani Jeans teams have launched her first  fashion line, featuring denim and lingerie.

RiRi's collection will be available at select Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s locations and on Armani.com starting this month and features T-shirts bearing her R logo and Armani’s signature eagle, biker jackets, jeans in two different styles and sets of lace underwear.  

BONUS: 

Rihanna was featured on a recent episode of "Ellen" where she met Youtube sensations eight-year-old Sophia Grace and her five-year-old cousin Rosie. RiRi told tell

“I’m like a fan of you guys. Oh my gosh, I could just steal them.”

Drake covers the latest issue of Jet Magazine where he opens up about why he earned "street cred" in the rap game and what the Take Care album represents to him. Deets inside....

In the latest issue of JET Magazine (on stands Nov. 28) Drake talks about his place among hip hop's elite and why he is so well-respected among his peers.  Here are the highlights:

On respect in the rap game

"I think that it's evident that I'm myself, and I think people respect me for that across the board, he says. I get respect from the guys who are respected for being real rapper's rappers. I get respect from women. I get respect from mothers, fathers and kids. It’s very humbling and flattering and incredible, and I’m honored to be in this position because I get to be myself. And I get a lot of love for it.”

On using his music as a time capsule

“Music is the only way that I can really vent and tell my story. It’s definitely personal. It’s definitely very vivid, detailed, and I feel it’s an incredible chapter of my life documented,” he says. “All these albums and mixtapes are just time markers for me. Pictures and social media are great, but I think the best way for me to remember real feelings that I’ve experienced is to make music about it.”

On what Take Care means to him

"So was he feeling a bit overwhelmed “Yeah, that’s just the mode I was in. I know the album isn’t the most energetic body of work in the world. I wanted people to be with me because my life isn’t just one big party. There are moments I have where I’m by myself, and it’s very reflective,” he says. “I have a desire to come back and do some more aggressive music, because I truly enjoy those anthems and those moments as well. But I think this album is a great balance.”

On moving on to the next album

“I think I’m very hard on myself.  I don’t really give myself too much time to be happy or celebrate. Like this album, I’m very proud of it. People are giving me great feedback, but at the same time, I’m sitting on my bus already listening to new beats. I’m trying to figure out what I could do better or what my next move is. I’m obsessed with getting better.”

By the way, Drizzy's new Take Care album released today is predicted to push 700,000 units this first week and come in at #1.  Rihanna is on par to move 200,000 units with her Talk That Talk album also released today.

Tonight was the "Dancing With The Stars" finale.  Check out who won the coveted Mirror Ball trophy inside...

It's J.R. Martinez!  The war veteran/actor freestyled his way into yet another perfect score at Monday night's competition.  Then at Tuesday night's grand finale, with votes from the audience and the judges finally compiled, he was the clear Season 13 winner just as everyone predicted.

Rob Kardashian and partner Cheryl Burke came in 2nd.  And Ricki Lake and partner Derek Hough came in 3rd.

Check out his final freestyle to Kat Deluna's "Whine Up" with partner Karina Smirnoff below:

Congrats J.R.!!

Kelly Rowland tapped his royal chocolateness, Lance Gross, for her upcoming video "Keep It Between Us."  A pic of the two on set in Paris, plus T.I.'s new album announcement, inside...

Kelly's still promo'ing her Here I Am album...here and there...stateside.  The "X-Factor" judge took advantage of being overseas for work and jetted over to Paris to shoot her new video for "Keep It Between Us." 

And she flew in her leading man for the occasion...Lance Gross.  And "The Marriage Counselor" actor (they just wrapped shooting a few days ago) has made it known for a while now he has a major crush on her.  Too bad he's currently taken.

Kel tweeted: "My leading man for #KeepItBetweenUs has arrived safely in Paris! Guess who it is!"  And then she posted a pic of the two on set.

Right after her tweet, Kelly was spotted out in the City of Lights:

Hey Kel!

By the way, Lance tweeted the new posted for his upcoming movie The Last Fall:

Nice.

And in other music news, T.I. just announced his 8th solo album.  It's called Trouble Man.  How fitting. 

He's told media that he's focusing on his music, not so much partying, after being released from prison for the second time this past September.  Meanwhile, he and wife Tiny's reality show "T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle" kicks off December 5th on VH1.

Nicki Minaj recently announced Valentine's Day 2012 as the release date for her next project.  Get deets on the album inside and find out how she'll be involved with the 54th annual Grammys....

With today being the one-year anniversary of Pink Friday's release, Nicki Minaj chose this occasion to announce her next project.

The American Music Awards winner added, "Its not called Roman Reloaded. Its called PINK FRIDAY : ROMAN RELOADED!!!!!! 4 WORDS!!!! Love u guys soooo much!!! VALENTINES DAY biittcchh!"

Although Nicki didn't say if the project would be a reissue of her debut with some new ish thrown in or a brand-new album, it's clear alter-ego Roman Zolanski will play a big role.

The rapper also tweeted that she just completed a video with David Guetta for their single "Turn Me On" off his Nothing But The Beat disc.  Probably will be a world-wide hit just like everything else David has put out lately. 

And in other Nicki news, she's been added to the lineup of celebs set to appear on “The GRAMMY Nominations Concert Live!! — Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night.” She and Katy Perry will be presenting the nominations on November 30 at 10 p.m. EST. The pair will be joined by performers like Usher and Valerie Simpson, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Lupe Fiasco and Ludacris.

Chris Brown just dropped $1.5M on a swanky Hollywood mansion built on a hill.  A bachelor pad fit for an R&B comeback king.  See pics of the uber-fab crib inside.....

Thanks to a very successful comeback, Chris Brown just dropped $1.5M on this 2,473 sq. ft. Hollywood hillside mansion (though it looks like it's worth a lot more).

Complete with an outdoor pool, elevator and patio, this Jay Vanos-designed home boasts three bedrooms and three baths, a Crestron home automation system, state-of-the art audio and video security systems, and LED lighting displays throughout.

SIDEBAR:  Chris' new home is only 8 miles away from Rihanna's Bevery Hills mansion she's trying to sell.  But she never really moved into that place so....doubt they'll run into each other at Whole Foods.

Photos via Xposure.com

It's no secret we're Trina fans around these parts.  And she's looking fab on the new cover of Miami New Times magazine as part of their 30 MIAMI PEOPLE feature.

Check out her pics, plus what she had to say about breaking up the rap boys club, inside...

The curvy rapper hit the seen 12 years ago with her raunchy "Nan" track with her homie Trick Daddy.  And now at 32, Trina's still raunchy...but some type of way we're not even offended by it.  The "Red Bottom" rapper still has the strip club sound and raunchy lyrics, but we're loving her grown woman, anti-beef, sweet girl demeanor.

She donned a black sequined blazer over a black dress and her leopard Louboutin booties for her cover shoot.  So what's the baddest chick doing these days?  Running her own Pink Diamond Couture clothing line, managing the Diamond Doll Foundation (a mentoring program for teen girls), and prepping her sixth studio album.

On coming in and busting up the male dominated rap game in 1998

"Of course, rap was still a male-dominated game.  And I came into it around a bunch of guys like Trick Daddy and Rick Ross, who were just real strong dudes.  But coming up among men, you get that hardheadedness, that toughness about you. So I got the best of both worlds, because I had the guys there to give me the tough part, and then it was up to me to just keep my sexy going.  It kinda balanced out!

I wouldn't say I was considered an equal.  I was just a new chick who was fierce, bitchy, raw, sexy. And there was a lane for it.

I've worked with some of the greatest guys in the game, and they've always treated me with the same amount of respect, as if they were just working with another dude."

 

On her evolution in the rap game

"I was just growing.  Whether it was love, unhappy moments, fun, partying, hanging out with friends, traveling outside the country, all of my experiences were a part of my albums. Every time I did a record, I took it all into the studio."

 

On the female rap newcomers

"Now there are so many new, talented females coming up in the game.  And the ladies will have a lot to say in hip-hop. It's gonna be huge. Watch out."

Check out the full interview over at Miami New Times.

Extras:

1.  Florida A&M's band has been suspended after a drum major died with suspicions of hazing.  Story

Nia Long was spotted out and about for the first time since giving birth....and she looks amazing! See Nia and her boyfriend Ime Udoka out with their new bundle of joy inside...

Nia Long was spotted shopping at The Grove in West Hollywood with her boyfriend Ime Udoka and their newborn son Kez Sunday Udoka yesterday.

It's the first time we've seen Nia since giving birth and she looks so happy.  And her skin is absolutely radiant!

They make a beautiful family.

Photo via Splash

Meow!  Kelly Rowland and Lance Gross were spotted getting romantic with a steamy kiss in Paris today.  And they're proving why they need to reconsider a possible couple status between the two of them.

Pics and deets inside...

On the set of Kelly Rowland's new "Keep It Between Us" video, hottie actor Lance Gross has wrapped up in his coat and his kisses on the Bir Hakeim bridge in Paris.  The video and single will be the next release from Kelly's Here I Am album.

The twosome looked like they had all types of fun shooting the romantic vid:

They would make such a sexy couple.

Aww.  Too bad Lance is a taken man though.  Womp.

Photos via Pacific Coast News

Note to Drake and Big Sean: Do not f**ks with Chris "Ludacris" Bridges.  Luda dropped the video for his diss track "Bada Boom" and it's funny as hell.

Check it inside...

After both Drake and Big Sean did interviews accusing folks like Ludacris of stealing THEIR punchline flow (It's a parade...MACY'S!), Ludacris has decided to speak up.  Why?  Because THEY didn't create the flow and because Luda was already using the flow and versions of it throughout his 11 year career--while these two dudes were sharpening their pencils in middle school.

Drake told AllHipHop last year:

that flow has been killed by so many rappers. And, I never want to use that flow again in life. [Laughs] I wanted to take if off my album, because I was like, I shut 'em down. Onyx. I hate the fact that that rhyme is still in there. To be honest, that flow, you can trace it back to like…I trace it back to Big Sean (artist on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music). That's the first guy I heard utilize that flow throughout the duration of a verse. I'll give him that credit. I think Kanye got it from him. Me and Wayne found a dope way to do it. I don't want to sound cocky, but the best way its been used was on "Forever." Those lines just all individually make so much sense. They're all punchlines. Then a bunch of rappers started doing it and using the most terrible references in the world. I don't want to offend somebody…I hate that rappers picked that flow up. I wish they had left that for people that know how to use it. [They go like] "It's a parade! MACY'S!"

At that point, you never want to use it.

So, Luda had to take the youngins to school.  Not only was Luda using the flow Drake THOUGHT he and Wayne created long before Drake wheeled his way on the scene, but plenty other rappers have used this flow for years--Cam'Ron, Method Man, B.I.G, Q-Tip, and even Big Sean's boss Kanye West. And on Luda's new mixtape 1.21 Gigawatts, he included a skit of him rapping the same flow...from when he was 12!

Sometimes you gotta silence folks who know not what they speak.  I'm not mad at that at all.

You rappers aint even in my f'in TAX BRACKET.....Get back in formation....y'all n*ggas out of line....

WOMP!

Oh no!  Ciara's now rocking two medical boots in a wheelchair.  Looks like she injured her feet and/or ankles.  That sucks.  But she ddn't let it stop her show.  CiCi rolled her way to Devyne Stephens' Roll Over Hunger: Celebrity & Charity Skate Jam in Atlanta last night. 

Pics of Luda & Eudoxie, Diamond, Toya & Memphitz, and more inside...

At the legendary Cascade skating rink, celebs got together for a cause.  DeVyne Stephens and his DeVyne Intervention Foundation raised thousands of dollars were raised to help feed Atlanta’s homeless. Funds for the evening benefited the Hosea Feed the Hungry Foundation Holiday Dinner Program; an annual program providing four major meal service events that support Atlanta's
homeless by serving over 200,000 hot meals each year.

Ciara made her way inside...in a wheelchair!  No confirmaion yet on her exact injuries and medical boots, but it doesn't look good. 

She still managed to make her way to event since there are poeple in need.  Charity efforts were especially needed this year as the foundation has continued to lose donations due to a struggling economy.

She was smiling as usual and posed with Ludacris and Eudoxie:

Nice.

Ludacris and girlfriend Eudoxie hit the purple carpet looking great.  Loves the grey ostritch bag.

Def a cute couple.

Eudoxie kicked it with Toya inside.

And Toya and her hubby Memphitz brought their daughters Reginae and Mikkya along.  Is Nae taller than her mama...who;s wearing heels?  They grow up so fast....

The Ampro Gel Spokescouple had some fun.

Cute.

DIamond went the pin-up route with the hair and makeup.  Just seemed odd with this outfit.

And Jazze Pha was there too.

Devyne Stephens and Polow Da Don hit the carpet.

Big Boi and wife Sherlita were there.

She looks GREAT.

Ha!

Looks like fun and fab times (for a cause) indeed.
 

Pics: Prince Williams/ATLPics.net

'Tis the season to be giving...and several celebrities have been donating their time and money to charitable Thanksgiving Day events all across the county.  See photos of Zoe Saldana, Blair Underwood, Young Money, Chris Bosh and others spreading holiday cheer inside....

In Los Angeles.....

Zoe Saldana was among the celebrties who participated in the 75th Anniversary Of Los Angeles Mission Serving Thanksgiving Dinner To The Homeless at the Los Angeles Mission.

She was joined by her almost identical sister Cisley Saldana.

A red haired Jennifer Love Hewitt and Kim Kardashian also participated.

And we want some of whatever Blair Underwood is serving.  Whatever it is....

In Miami.......

Chris and Adrienne Bosh's Team Tomorrow joined Chapman Partnership to serve Thanksgiving Meals to those in need too.  Adrienne didn't let her new baby bump keep her in the bed either.

Awww.

Adrienne looks really comfortable around these babies.  Prepping for her own basketball team I see...

Mike Epps, who just wrapped up filming the role of Satin in SPARKLE, hosted a Turkey Giveaway with the City of Detroit that fed over 400 families.

Mike said, “I wanted to make sure I gave back to the community while working here on Sparkle.”

And in New Orleans......

Lil Wayne, Birdman, Slim, Mack Maine, Lil Chuckee, Derick G and the rest of the Cash Money/Young Money family held their 17th annual (yes, they've been holding down this cause for 17 years) Thanksgiving Day Turkey Giveaway.

Weezy, Baby, Slim, and others came out to hand out hundreds of turkeys to the neighborhood.
 

Over in Oakland yesterday:

Golden State Warrior Star Dorell Wright and his D. Wright Way Foundation, stepped in to save the annual dinner for the city (which has been suffering severe cutbacks.)   Dorrell single handedly put on the event for his community:

Held at the Oakland Marriott City Center, the dinner fed over 2600 people and gave out over 2000 coats.

He also posed with City of Oakland Mayor Jean Quan.

NICE!  HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL!

Photos via WireImage/DerickG.com/John Parra/Boddi/Eric Hobson

Sisters and "Basketball Wives" co-stars Laura and Gloria Govan went to East Oakland yesterday to hand out turkeys.  We've got the pics of the do-gooders, plus what Gloria's ex Matt Barnes had to say about the real reason they split up.

Check it inside...

Laura and Gloria's Turkey Drive yesterday went down in East Oakland at the Project Open Hand Center.

Hundreds in the community flocked to the center after Gloria announced on the radio Wednesday morn that any families in need to come by the center. Luckily there was enough to provide 25+ pound birds to over 500 families. The turkeys came with fruits and vegetables.  Nice!

But not all is well on Gloria's front.  Her ex and twins' father, Matt Barnes, put out a statement on Twitter last night saying Gloria asked him to front about their relationship for her "Basketball Wives: L.A." show.  They've actually been broken up since May.  And he says the reason they called it quits--is because Gloria cheated with HIS FRIEND!

And we hear (but have yet to confirm) that said "friend" is none other than Jaceyon "The Game" Taylor.  WOMP.  Check Matt's statement:

In May Gloria & I decided to separate & in the best interest of her career, I foolishly agreed to portray that we were still together for her upcoming season of her show on VH1. As recently as August we decided to revisit a joint statement of our separation, but Gloria asked to delay making our separation public for the interest of her show.

It is ironic now how Gloria is trying to manipulate the professional relationship between Eva Longoria & myself as the sole reason for our separation, when she knows we split up in May.

The reason why I broke my silence a month ago was because of the on going "affair" she was having with a now former FRIEND of mine.  Again, I wish Gloria nothing but the best, & I will continue to keep our beautiful children as my first priority.  Thank you

Three snaps and Turkey Day twist...

Just moments ago, Willow Smith released her highly anticipated third video "Fireball" from her forthcoming debut album.  And it features the lyrical and visual craziness of Nicki Minaj. See the visual inside plus get the official title of the album.....

11-year-old Roc Nation/Columbia artist Willow Smith is back with another hair whipping and dance heavy visually enthralling vid. BET's "106 & Park" premiered her new visual “Fireball” featuring Nicki Minaj.  The youngest Smith kid recently revealed she and Nicki recording apart but she was excited to shoot the video with her.  And there will be no other features on her upcoming album.

Watch the highly anticipated Hype Williams-directed clip here:

Willow's debut LP, titled Knees & Elbows, drops April 3, 2012.

Obviously this is a low quality version of the vid and AS ALWAYS, we will update when the official video is finally put online.

Our suspicions have been confirmed--"Real Housewives of Atlanta" newcomer Marlo Hampton has split with NFLer (and NeNe's rumored former side piece) Charles Grant.  She also spoke on his recent arrest...

We reported earlier that Charles Grant, who appeared alongside Marlo on this past week's episode of RHOA, was arrested last week on felony charges involving bad checks.  Marlo, who is not yet an official co-star, confirmed this evening to TheYBF.com that not only is the arrest news true, but the two have called off their engagement:

"I truly regret that this has happened to him," Marlo tells TheYBF.com.  "While my relationship with Charles ended earlier this year, I hope he will put these challenging circumstances behind him and move forward."

No wonder she and NeNe have been acting like besties for months now.  No word yet on Charles' bail status.

Jennifer Hudson was pretty in yellow at a Vanity Fair magazine shoot in downtown L.A. today.  Pics inside...

The "Where You At" singer is a busy lady these days.  After taping the Disney Christmas parade in Orlando, rocking the December cover of ESSENCE, and prepping for the VH1 Divas special, J-Hud donned a gorgeous and flowing yellow strapless gown for her upcoming Vanity Fair magazine spread in L.A. today:

Lovely.  Jenny is starring as a nun in the upcoming Three Stooges movie, alongside Sofia Vergara, Snookie, and more.  Peep the new trailer below:

It hits theaters April 13th.

Pics via SPLASH

Love her or hate her, Nicki Minaj is one of the most successful female hip-hop artist in the game.  And while that does depend on your defiition of "success," no one can deny her name is on everyone's lips one way or another.  That includes what her real age is--it's listed anywhere from 27 to 30 (but we're going with 29).

Celebrate Nicki's big year inside and of course...all those crazy ass costumes...in our gallery......

It's hard to dispute that Nicki Minaj is having the best year ever!  Her debut album went platinum, she set a record for having the most charted singles on the Hot 100 at one time and she was turned into an actual Barbie doll.  And in addition to high profile endorsement deals with Casio and MAC Cosmetics, her pockets profile are steadily expanding. She's still not our cup-o-tea, but we can recognize a celeb who knows how to ride the sometimes fine line between fab and foolish.

From her zany outfits to her multiple rap personalities, she's "interesting" to say the least and there's never a dull moment.  And that's just how we like our celebrities.

SIDEBAR: We're not sure if Roman Zolanski or Martha are basketball fans, but they also share a birthday with Dwight Howard who turns 26.

Talk a walk on Nicki's "colorful" side in our gallery.......

She's not going to let a pesky $100 mill lawsuit squash her baby glow...or her mani/pedi date with mom.  Beyonce and Miss Tina were spotted hitting up their fave nail salon Sakura in NYC last night. 

We've got the pics and deets on the video game lawsuit inside...

Months ago, video game company Gate Five filed suit against the "Love On Top" singer because she backed out of a huge deal to make a dance video game last minute.  And it cost them some serious cash.

Beyonce requested for the suit to be dropped, but the company just received the go-ahead from Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Charles Ramos to pursue the $100 mill suit.

Gate Five claims Bey abruptly backed out the deal to make the video game Starpower: Beyonce after she made an "extortionate demand" for more money.  But it doesn't look like she's letting it get to her.  More pics of the mommy-daughter duo looking cute in the rain last night:

Bey got a blue polish to match her shiny blue Louboutins.

And if you're still doubting that big round baby bump of hers, she said on her most recent special with Katie Curic:

"You know there are certain things that are so far, it doesn't even affect me.  I am cool, it is so ridiculous and over the top."

She's due in January or possibly early February. 

BONUS:

Beyonce's day Mathew Knowles--who reportedly she hasn't spoken to since they split from him being her manager--was also spotted arriving to a hotel in NYC.  I wonder if they're set to meet up...

Pics via SPLASH