Newcomer Elle Varner just dropped her new fresh-in-love video for her track "Refill." Check it inside, plus Fabolous' new video for "She Did It"....
She's a newbie on the scene, but the pretty YBF chick is keeping folks interested in her R&B voice. The 23-year-old L.A. native turned the Pop Wansel-produced visuals of her "Refill" song into a story of love at first sight. And having fun with sneaky mischievous acts with a cute boy on a cheerleading trip to NYC. Oh how we remember those days. Check the video above.
"Refill" is Elle's second single off her upcoming debut album, Perfectly Imperfect.
And everybody's fave illusive reality show boyfriend, Fabolous, just dropped the Aristole-directed video for his track "She Did It."
The joint appears on Fab's latest mixtape, There Is No Competition III: Death Comes in 3's. It's the typical crime boss with model chicks playing his heist companions type video. Check it above.
And speaking of Fab, his "Love & Hip Hop" star girlfriend/baby's mother Emily B. recently tweeted a pic of her face to combat rumors on a certain site that she had botox done and/or removed around the eyes. She said, "This pic was taken months ago while filming.. I was born w/this face #Idiots”
The Randomness:
1. Keri Hilson thinks it's a good idea to go forth with a third album. Check out her newest interview about it over at The Boombox. STORY
2. Dennis Rodman is reportedly broke with a drinking problem. Some things never change. STORY
Well isn't this cute. Alicia Keys tweeted a pic of herself and hubby Swizz Beatz having a "Target Date" today. Check it inside...
Michelle Obama was pictured in Target recently and folks on the internet loved it. Now Alicia Keys has tweeted a pic of her own Target run today, saying: "Target date! awwwww!! Lol!!;-)"
And Swizzy said, "A date in Target :) can't be to cool for Target :)"
It's a scarf...it's a fur...it's Baby Blue Ivy Carter! Mama Beyonce Knowles was spotted out and about in NYC with her precious cargo today wrapped up in a bundle of grey fur.
Pics of the cute twosome inside...
In a grey cardigan, grey/green skinny jeans and a pop of color with her bright yellow pumps, Beyonce hit the Manhattan streets with Mama Tina for some errands today with her baby girl wrapped up into a scarf/sling/onesie mode of transportation:
Cute. Bey is prepping the release of the official Summer Edition of her Pulse fragrance available in stores for a limited time. And also for her major comeback on stage at Revel Resort in Atlantic city Memorial Day Weekend.
As a talented musical artist, budding actor on a hit cable series and brand new spokesmodel for AKOO clothing, Rotimi Akinosho has stepped up as the triple threat to watch in 2012. TheYBF.com recently chatted up this super talented cutie to find out more. Check out our sit-down inside...
AKOO, the clothing line founded by superstar rapper T.I.,has just announced upcoming model/actor/singer Rotimi as the new face of the company. And we think it's a fab decision if we do say so ourselves.
22-year-old Rotimi, who also stars on the Starz series "BOSS" with Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer, Sanaa Lathan and now T.I., has been making moves in the entertainment industry for half his life, but his AKOO gig may be his biggest role yet!
So how does a young man land a model gig for a celebrity driven company so early in his career? Jeff Belizaire, Director of Marketing for AKOO, said it was a no-brainer. "T.I. founded AKOO (A King Of Oneself) based on having exceptional style and creativity," Jeff says. "And Rotimi is a rare talent that embodies our mantra of self-mastery. With his songwriting and acting, we admire that in him."
Born in Maplewood, NJ and raised in a Nigerian household, Rotimi credits his success to his family. He dished to us about how his upbringing affects his ambition, saying:
"There was a lot of structure and education. My dad always told me to work hard and play hard."
He added, "In a Nigerian household, it sets you apart because you realize that everything you get you have to earn. My dad instilled that in me."
Having attended Northwestern University, Rotimi, who's been playing piano and singing since he was 6, got a huge break in Hollywood this year when he was added to the cast of Starz's hit series "BOSS." Talking about the experience, he tells TheYBF.com,
"It was a blessing. Working with Kelsey [Grammar], Lionsgate and them believing in me was just awesome. I was able to have conversations with great directors and get into the role of the character. I'm playing a drug dealer but it’s a deeper story. It has meaning and the character is tough and vulnerable."
He also credits T.I. as being a great mentor and role model both on and off the set.
"TIP is one of those people where you learn from watching. I watch how he handles himself as a professional and he always tells me there is no limit to what I can do and to keep good people around me."
But despite landing such a large acting role so early is his career, Rotimi says besides AKOO, music is his main passion.
“I want to be one of the main voices of my generation to prove there is no limit to what you can do on the great. I want people to understand that you can go to school and get your degree….and live whatever you wanted to do. There are no limits to anything you can do.
"Boss" kicks off season 2 (10 episodes) this August.
Find Rotimi on Facebook and Twitter (@Rotimi). More pics of our new fave up and coming star, including his walk in this year's AKOO Fashion Show in Atlanta:
Dawn Richard just dropped her official "Bombs" video from her R&B/Soul EP, Armor On. Check out the video, which premiered last night on "106 & Park," inside...
In true warrior princess form, Dawn saddles up for her full solo studio album debut with her new mini EP Armon On. The track "Bombs," a follow up to "S.M.F.U.," appears on the EP and Dawn explained the concept of the video saying:
"I wanted the art direction to be cohesive with the song and sound of the EP. Warriors fighting for the same cause. 'Bombs' is the 'Hearts have arrived' record."
The video features tribal-inspired dance and warrior imagery.
Magic Johnson and his investment group have officially closed on a deal to buy the LA Dodgers for $2.15 billion dollars. Get the deets inside.
NBA Hall Of Fame legend and mega entrepreneur, Magic Johnson, is set to make history as the first black owner in MLB history. Magic and his investment group (MLB and NBA executive Stan Kasten, Peter Guber, head of Mandalay Entertainment, and financed by Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners) have closed on a deal to buy the Dodgers from owner Frank McCourt for $2.15 billion. And they get to keep the parking lots!
This price is reportedly the most ever paid for a professional sports team. And folks are really happy. Former Rihanna boytoy, Matt Kemp, who plays for the Dodgers, just tweeted,
"Good day 4 the @dodgers! The great @magicjohnson is the new owner!! Let's start a dynasty baby!!''
Ciara made her way to the balck carpet for Valentino's big event last night. The fashion house opened its flagship store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. And celebs were out in full force--including Ciara and her bleached blonde tresses front and center in a long sleeved low-cut black Valentino gown.
Pics of CiCi inside...
Can't front, chick always looks amazing in a figure hugging gown. Ciara rocked a sexy floor length dress for the big opening last night as Valentino Garavani celebrated 50 years of his brand. And her blonde ombre locks (and has she admitted to a boob job yet?) popped against the look...
Ci also tweeted a pic posing it up with current Valentino creative directors, Maria Grazia Chiuri and Pier Paolo Piccioli.
Guests also got a sneak peek of the 50th anniversary Valentino capsule collection, which features 50 ready-to-wear pieces inspired by Valentino Garavani’s animal prints from the sixties. Fab!
Romeo Miller was spotted leaving out the Cheesecake Factory in L.A.--chomping on cheesecake--yesterday with friends. But one particular female was observed as acting more than just a friend.
Pics inside...
It's no surprise that rapper/actor and son of Master P, Romeo, would have chicks literally flinging themselves at him. And he hasn't claimed to be in a locked down relationship these days so maybe it's nothing serious. But a midriff baring mystery brunette was spotted all around town with Romeo yesterday as they went shopping with his friend and grabbed lunch:
The paparazzi revealed the two spent the day together and she looked to be clearly more than just a homie. But who knows....
Raven Symone is channeling her inner theater diva for her brand new role as "Sister Mary Clarence" for the Broadway production of Sister Act. Check out the first look of Raven in all her Broadway glory inside...
In a dazzling silver beaded gown and white fur, 26-year-old Raven took on her new role as ister Mary Clarence in Whoopi Goldberg's musical adaptation of Sister Act. And we're loving it already. Last night, Raven made her debut at the curtain call for the production, and later hit up the afterparty:
And over at the after party at AVA Lounge at the Dream Hotel:
Different colored shoes? Really? She's always had an interesting sense of fashion. But we love her nonetheless. She looks happy and simply fab these days...
Pop star Rihanna is over in London where she kicked off promotion for her upcoming sci-fi action thriller movie Battleship. And topped off her night yesterday taking in Drake's Club Paradise Tour (and afterparty). See their candids inside and see video of Wale shutting it down in London at his own sold out show!
Over in London yesterday, Rihanna posed it up in a slinky olive green Alexander Wang halter dress and black Louboutin pumps for the first photocall for her upcoming flick Battleship (May 18) at London's Corinthia Hotel:
Chick made sure to accentuate the curves she says she's lost since losing weight recently.
Rih laughed it up with co-star Brooklyn Decker, who wore a Stella McCartney dress.
Later, she and Brooklyn posed with their co-stars Peter Berg and Taylor Kitsch. Hot cast.
*UPDATE* Rihanna answered the lingering "Is she dating Ashton Kutcher?" question at the press conference, and gave a snappy response about how disappointing the question was:
Ha!
And last night on the tube......
Rocking a Maison Martin Margiela Resort 2012 flame-print T-shirt and Christian Louboutin Sea.nn Girl thigh high boots, Rihanna was spotted at the Waterloo station heading to her homie lover friend Drake's concert at the O2 arena.
She and her girls Jen & Melissa cause some rukus inside the station:
After the concert.......
Rapper/Singer Drake and RiRi were both seen leaving--tons of security in tow--his official after party at Low Night Club in Mayfair.
Watch video of Drake performing his Club Paradise Live Tour in London here:
BONUS: Wale performed to a sold out crowd at London's XOYO last night. Watch a performance clip here:
The Randomness:
1. Wiz Khalifa buys $900K pad in his hometown in PA. Story.
Photos via PacificCoastNews.com/WeirPhotos / Splash News
Nicole Murphy and Kimora Lee Simmons Hounsou always make having umpteen kids look fab. Pics of the two YBF mommies out and about in L.A. yesterday inside...
Kimora Lee Simmons Hounsou rocked her all black look accompanied by nude pumps as she spent the night at dinner with friends. The gorgeous mom of 3 recently tweeted about having to drage some chicks out the bathroom at Soho House:
Shout out 2 tha girls I had 2 drag outta the bathroom at soho house!! I had 2 peeee! No luv lost boo! ;)
She said they were taking too long and all three girls in one stall probably weren't in there to pee anyway. Ha! Gotta love that KiKi!
Miami Heat star Chris Bosh ushered in his 28th birthday vintage style. 1920's vintage that is. For his 'Boardwalk Empire' themed out birthday bash in Miami last night, his pregnant wife Adrienne & teammates LeBron James & Dwyane Wade were there to play some jazz music and party it up.
Pics and deets inside...
Last night, Rémy Martin presented Chris Bosh's 28th Birthday Celebration with everything dedicated to Chris himself. Curator Amaris Jones had Miami's Prelude by Barton G. venue transformed into ‘Chris Bosh Supper Club’.
The fellas showcased their jazz talents (kinda) turning the aura into a Rémy Martin speakeasy, complete with a 1920s Boardwalk Empire-inspired casino and a pop-up Chris Bosh Comedy & Supper Club. The fellas performed an impromptu jazz session for the whole crowd--which included the whole Heat team.
Chris, in a Waraire Boswell custom suit, and an 8-months pregnant (it's a boy!) Adrienne Bosh, in a black Roland Muret dress & bubblegum pink YSL sandals, hit the carpet first.
The newly-engaged LeBron James and Savannah Brinson made their arrival. Loving Bron Bron's colorblocking going on here. We see you....
Mr. Wade flew solo as his girlfriend, Gabrielle Union, was out of town filming.
Complete with blackjack and craps tables, guests enjoyed signature "Boardwalk Bosh” Rémy Martin cocktails, while flapper girls and dapper waiters offered guests cigars to highlight the playful 1920s theme.
Comedians DeRay Davis and Gary Owen kept the party going. And as for Chris' b-day present from Rémy Martin: a surprise performance by Chrisette Michele, who wrapped up the evening by singing "Happy Birthday" to Chris before he was presented with a gentleman suit-themed, life-sized cake that matched the suit he was wearing.
Pat Riley, Juwan Howard and wife along with Timbaland and his wife Monique hit up the event:
Trey Songz stopped by Power 105 1's "The Breakfast Club" to talk about his new album "Chapter V," speaks on being the first blackman to ever be in a Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie and talks on the Trayvon Martin situation. Listen to the interview inside and hear Kenya Bell popping off on the radio in Detroit about "BBW" and Kesha Nichols flirting with her husband!
Trey Songz chatted with The Breakfast Club earlier about his budding acting career, his "Chapter V" album and serious subjects like Trayvon Martin. Here are the highlights:
On his upcoming "Chapter V"
Trey says it's all about timing and he's in no rush to release the record. He and his record label have come to an understanding that he's going to release mixtapes to build his brand and feed his fans. He did reveal he's recorded 30 songs....but the album isn't done.
On crossing over musically
Trey says he's in no hurry to "cross over" to the Jersey Shore crowd. It's important to him to keep his music urban and have a foothold on R&B.
On why sex is better than love
Trey revealed that he's been in love before and that feeling (of living for someone) far surpasses sex.
On his success so far
Trey defines what success means for himself. He added that he just toured off the success of a mixtape where he sold over 60,000 tickets and tons of merchandise so he isn't worried about industry standards of success.
On rumors he was robbed in Brooklyn
He says he was never robbed in Brooklyn.
On the Trayvon Martin case
He says that the situation is outlandish and it's great that people are taking a stand. But he added, young black men die everyday. We can't let this be a fad. "If we take a stand for something we have to be committed." [Totally agreed.]
On his upcoming Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie role
Trey revealed he is the first black actor to be a part of the franchise.
Listen to Trigga's full interview here:
Also on the radio.......
After all the drama of this week's episode and dueling interviews from "BBW" stars Kesha Nichols and Tami Roman, Kenya Bell hopped on the radio (AGAIN) with the same hosts at FM98 WJLB (COCO, Foolish & Mr. Chase) that got Tami upset in the first place.
And once again.....Kenya didn't hold back as the hosts CLOWNED the cast.
Kenya called COCO, Foolish & Mr. Chase to talk about how Tami and Evelyn were infuriated that she wouldn't step up to defend them while the radio show hosts were taking turns clowning on them.
Kenya said that she didn't feel a need to defend them because she barely knew them and she knows that they will take the first opportunity to throw her under the bus.
And in an interesting twist, Kenya said VH1 edited out a part of the confrontation where Kesha told Kenya that she got her husband’s number recently! Maybe that's why those kitten heel (sigh) shoes came off?
Host Foolish asked Kenya “Which b*tch would you like to house-shoe smack the hell out of?” Kenya repsonded, “Obviously right now its Evelyn & Kesha.”
As for that upcoming bottle-throwing incident with Evelyn, Kenya says she only ran because Ev grabbed the bottle. Kenya said she isn’t afraid of ANYONE on the show!
SIDEBAR: One of the co-hosts said that usually when a person form Detroit runs out the room....it's to go get something out of their trunk! Watch out Evelyn!
Oprah Winfrey is speaking out about the Trayvon Martin case revealing that she hopes to interview George Zimmerman. Get the deets inside and find out what Nick Cannon said about renewing his vows to Mariah Carey.
"Extra's" AJ Calloway sat down exclusively with Oprah Winfrey in St. Louis recently where she spoke for the first time about the tragic killing of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, cancelling Rosie O'Donnell's show and the big secret behind her Bobbi Kristina Brown interview.
Speaking about Trayvon, she said, "It is a tragedy and it is a shame that we're sitting here 33 days later and there hasn't been an arrest, or questioning of what actually happened. It's a tragedy and it is a shame and we all know it." She added, "Mr. Zimmerman... I would love to talk to him."
She also commented on the nation's outcry saying,
"I saw some people on Twitter saying nothing has changed, the same thing's going on. Lots has changed and you know why? Because black people, white people, brown, yellow people all over this country and all over the world are saying the same thing... it's a tragedy and it's a shame and justice needs to be served."
As for canceling "The Rosie Show" Oprah said, "I called [Rosie] and said 'We're not going to be able to go forward'... we both knew. She is a class act, one thousand percent."
Oprah also revealed deets about her highly rated Bobbi Kristina interview saying, "The reason I didn't [literally] sit down [with Bobbi Kristina] is because I was told that she didn't really want to sit down, so I just used that moment."
Tune in to "Extra" Thursday and Friday for the Oprah interview!
"It's gonna be big," says Nick Cannon, who revealed that he and Mariah Carey are making plans to renew their vows on April 30th....for the 5th time! (Damn time flies! They've been married 4 years on April 30th!)
He told Life & Style magazine that this go round, their renewal will be even bigger as it's the first birthday of their twins, Monroe and Moroccan.
"So it's a family day. We'll celebrate with them during the day and just the two of us at night." He added, "We get married every year; it's our thing. I just have to keep doing it to make sure it's real!"
They've had a rough 2012 so far. So congrats to them!
T.I. & wife Tiny were spotted clubbing it up at The Gold Room in Atlanta Monday night. And the bleached blonde up and coming rapper T.I. is now touting, Iggy Azalea, was there too. Why the mean mug Tiny?
And if you're wondering how T.I. ever even teamed up with this chick, Iggy revealed today there wasn't a "discovery" situation. She brought him in on the deal. Pics and deets inside...
Before we get into anything else, can we please discuss Tiny rocking this unnecessary black coat inside the club? Rumors have been floating for a while now that she's indeed pregnant again. So are you covering a bump and drinking seltzer Mrs. Harris? Hmmm...
Anywho...it's been widely reported that T.I. put Iggy on and is one of "his" artists. But Iggy tweeted today that's not quite the truth. When one of her followers asked how did Tip go about signing her, she responded:
im signed to interscope and i brought him in to be a part of my deal. id been writing for other ppl on the label for a while. it was never really a 'discovery' type situation.
Interesting. The trio partied away the night with the rest of the Hustle Gang and groupies:
Iggy's performing at the XXL Freshman show in NYC on April 9th. And if you haven't heard her voice yet (and actually want to), check out her new single "Murda Bizness" HERE. She may look like the innocent cousin of Taylor Swift, but sounds anything but....
Before instagramming a new pic of him and his girlfriend Karrueche (above), Chris Brown dropped several new projects for his fans. A new single called "Sweet Love," a new webisode video featuring the track "How I Feel," and his "Real Hip Hop Sh*t #4".
Check them all inside...
Here's Chris Brown's newest webisode to help promote his upcoming album Fortune (May 4). The track is called "How I Feel" and we see Breezy hopping his private jet ready for another day.
And his next official single, "Sweet Love," hit airwaves last night. Check it:
Breezy also announced his follow-up single will be called "Till I Die," a rap track featuring Wiz Khalifa & Big Sean.
BONUS: Chris is on his "Real Hip Hop Sh*t" again and also dropped his fourth rap song/video strictly for his fans. This one is just himself in the video and the track is produced by 9th Wonder. Check it:
Solange Knowles & Beyonce Knowles were both out on the town last night in NYC. But for very different reasons. Pics inside of Solo headed to rock her Stuart Weitzman boutique gig, while Mama Bey & Baby Blue made their way to the doctor's office.....
Beyonce was spotted leaving a medical office yesterday evening on the Upper East Side in NYC....with Baby Blue held extra close as usual. Bey kept it stylish in a grey cardigan and leather pants with her grey scarf covering up most of Blue...except a small patch of her hair.
Loving her Azzedine Alaïa lace-up calf hair platform boots.
Grandma Tina was there as well carrying Blue's other blankie. How cute.
And also uptown in NYC last night:
Solange and her fab self made her way to the Stuart Weitzman store for their Spring 2012 Collection party. She DJ'd the event, and turned it out in this cute summery colorblocked mini dress paired with her mint/silver toed 'Capsize' Stuart Weitzman pumps. Loves the look:
Solo posed it up with Mr. Weitzman himself and the host of the party (rocking the Capsize pumps in nude and silver).
Nicki Minaj has a new leaked track from her upcoming disc Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded (April 3) called "Pound The Alarm." Listen to the track inside.....
As she celebrates the platinum success of her "Starships" single and the pending release of Roman Reloaded, another full on club/pop track from the disc called "Pound The Alarm."
Also, Nicki will perform "Starships" on "American Idol" tonight. She tweeted yesterday,
Low-key rap icon Nas sat down with MTV RapFix Live host Sway recently where he talked about his start in the rap game, his thoughts on Trayvon Martin and how people found out about his financial status. Get the deets inside.....
Nas chatted with Sway recently about the early days of rap and revealed a bit of rap trivia associated with his song "Hate Me Now." Nas said the track was the first song Funkmaster Flex ever dropped bombs on (and now that's become an industry staple for DJs).
And though he was respectful as possible (but you could hear the bitterness) he talked about how his divorce from Kelis (and his first baby's mom) affected his finances. He said,
"I wound up paying more money to baby mommas than what some of my rap brothers and sisters make." He also added that he regrets how the divorce let people know a lot about his finances.
And on the Trayvon Martin case, Nas said it makes him think about his son's future. "It's a rage that goes through you that makes you want to react in all kinds of ways...But violence is not the answer. But what do people do when there is no justice?" But on a lighter note, he added that Trayvon will now have a legacy.
The newly independent Dawn Richard stopped by The Breakfast Club this morning and explained why we haven't seen her with Que (formerly of Day 26) lately--as they used to be attached at the hip. She alludes to some cheating going down, which ended their 5 year relationship, and dished on why she left Diddy & Bad Boy to do her own thing....
Dawn is officially an independent solo artist. She discussed this morning with The Breakfast Club on Power 105 that once Diddy said he was done with their group Dirty Money, she asked Diddy & Jimmy Iovine to let her go.
She just released her new EP Armor On as a prelude to her upcoming full length studio album. And she revealed the ups and downs with that, saying it's a difficult journey.
Dawn also revealed she's a single lady, but dating. And as for what went down with her ex-boyfriend Que--she said she never wants to put anybody in a bad light, but she's a woman who deserves more. When asked if he cheated, she didn't confirm...but definitely didn't deny. Actually sounded more like a Yes to us. Tisk tisk tisk.
