As its nationwide debut approaches, Beyond The Lights director Gina Prince-Bythewood chopped it up with TheYBF.com about putting Black love on the silver screen and creating Black film stars. More inside...

We love a YBF chick who creates fabulousness on her own, without waiting for others to do it for her.  Director Gina Prince-Bythewood (shown above with film stars Nate Parker and Gugu Mbatha-Raw) is a woman after our own hearts.  She's a true romantic, obviously.  She's also been married for 16 years to her best friend...so she's knows a little something about love. With films like Love & Basketball and Disappearing Acts under her belt, it's clear that love is a theme that plays throughout each film project she tackles.

After graduating from UCLA film school, she went on to meet her husband and partner Reggie Rock Bythewood during their first week as writers on "A Different World". Gina believes in the power of love and wants moviegoers to walk out of Beyond The Lights with the same passion. "I see love from within and it’s important for me to share it."

What you may not know: Despite love being a universal theme (and despite successful on-screen love stories like Jody & Yvette's and Monica & Quincy's), it wasn't easy to get Hollywood on board with marketing a love story with Black leads.  Getting Beyond The Lights greenlit was a long and tedious journey. After writing the first draft in 2007, the script would got through several rewrites and get turned down by numerous studios before it finally landed at Relativity Media. She tells us, “It's been a long journey, but everything happens for a reason. It all works through God. “

When asked about her persistence in getting the film made, she shared, “I only write what I’m passionate about and that fuels the fight. You have to write something that you think others want to see and it's true to you. 'Beyond The Lights' was in me. I saw it everyday. I pictured it everyday. And that got me in the chair writing.

On Friday, moviegoers will get to see her newest a love story that she says was inspired by a live concert performance of Alicia Keys' song's "Diary" and written with the same intensity of the Black classics.

Here's what we learned (including her advice on how to find true love):

On her favorite love story
"My favorite love story is Black Orpheus (a 1959 foreign film made in Brazil by French director Marcel Camus). I’d never seen Black love portrayed so beautifully. And it’s just a really cool film. For me, it was very important. Growing up, I never had images to look up to on screen or on TV, or people who looked like me. And very few images of love."

On “love” as a recurring theme in her films:
"As a filmmaker, I love to see love stories. I love to go to the movies. I love to get wrecked and then built back up and inspired. And I want to fall in love again. So for me, I like to write what I see. It’s important for me to put that image out there of love."

On seeing “black love” on the silver screen:
"It’s important to combat the perception that Black people don’t want to fall in love and get married and fight for each other. Because we do. And I think the more we see it, the more it will become normalized and will contradict some of the negative images that we see."

On what makes “Beyond The Lights” so important:
"It’s important to put a love story in the world. A story that’s deep. That makes me feel. Makes me care. A movie that moves you. Men and women as well. The thing about “Love & Basketball” was that it attracted both men and women. And that’s the same with "Beyond The Lights". It’s a universal love story and there’s depth."

On Hollywood’s failure to produce more Black box-office stars:
"[Hollywood] is not developing Black stars. It’s a catch-22. When I first saw Nate in"The Great Debaters", I thought to myself, 'Who is this guy and why hasn’t he had the opportunity to be a true leading man?' But…he’s got that opportunity now. And Gugu is another star whom I think is going to blow. And now, we hope these are two people who can go on to get movies greenlit on their own."

On her own “love story” with husband, director Reggie Rock Bythewood
"We were hired a week apart on “A Different World.” It was both of our first jobs in the industry. We clicked and we were best friends first. And it evolved from there. We just think the same way and have the same dreams and aspirations. We have two boys. Been married sixteen years. It’s really about working with and wanting so much for each other. Our scripts go through each other before they get out into the world. I'm grateful to have somebody there to make sure that I succeed. And all the great elements of my male characters come from my husband. I see love from within and it’s important for me to share it."

On what makes “Beyond The Lights” a different-type of love story”:
"This is not just a man saving a woman. It’s two characters saving each other. And helping each other find their voice and fall in love that way."

Her advice on how to find true love:
"Find your voice, find your authentic self and be confident and brave enough to live an authentic life. Once you do that, then you’re more open, and love will come into your life. To love another - you have to love yourself first."

Hear, hear Gina!

Beyond The Lights (starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Nate Parker, Minnie Driver, Danny Glover, Chaka Khan, Amar'e Stoudemire) opens in theaters November 14th.

Photos via Getty/JKDOWD MEDIA

Kerry Washington doesn't wake up like this, she's got a glam team to make her look flawless for the red carpet and our tv screens on Thursday night.  And now, we get to meet the person behind her gorgeously "beat" face in the new issue of The Hollywood Reporter.  Check out Kerry and her makeup guru getting glam inside....

In the new Beauty Issue of The Hollywood Reporter, A-Listers pose it up with their glam squads to give a little inside look into who makes them so fabulous.  The "Scandal" star already been featured on the cover of The Hollywood Issue of the magazine in May 2013, and also in a previous issue with her stylist.  Now, Kerry's posing it up with her makeup guru Carola Gonzalez.

Gorge.  Kerry revealed how she made Carola her glam girl by happenstance:

"I was going to the NAACP Awards to support a girlfriend, but I needed my hair and makeup done. Carola was filling in for another makeup artist who was out of town. I looked at myself in the mirror [when Carola was finished] and that was it."

And the part of Kerry's face Carola will always have on point:

"Carola is obsessive about eyebrows. She needs the mascara wand to fix lashes and brows. I could be getting out of the car for a red carpet, and she’s like, 'Wait!' — fixing an eyebrow. It happened outside the Met Ball."

More highlights:

Kerry Washington's makeup artist, Carola Gonzalez, on her decision to go with a bold navy blue eye makeup to finish off Kerry's look at this year's Emmys:
"It was a great metallic blue. I think it was just the perfect choice for the dress."

Kerry Washington on her appreciation for how Carola looks at her red-carpet outfits and finds:
"A way to have my face embody the whole look of the moment. I always feel like myself, but I feel like the look is complete."

Kerry on how much she trusts Gonzalez with her appearance:
"She could do my face in the dark, and I actually want to blindfold her one day, just to see what happens because I think she could do it."

Gonzalez on her perfectionism with Kerry's eyebrows:
"I really can't see a hair out of place when it comes to eyebrows. It makes me sick to my stomach. I only look at yours and mine. I don't care about anyone else's."

Well, it's all paid off.  Up next for Kerry: She just shot another secret photoshoot for The Limited's "Scandal" collection this week.  Cant wait to see how it turns out.

Check out the duo's video above and the rest of the leading ladies and their makeup gurus HERE.

Photos: THR

"Delivered" homosexual Andrew Caldwell is speaking out about his viral video, saying he hopes lives are changed....and also hopes someone sponsors his conference.  Sigh.  More inside....

By now, many folks have seen Andrew Caldwell at the COGIC 107th Holy Convocation where he steps before the church as asks for "more" deliverance.  He goes on to reveal that he is no longer attracted to men, he's now into women and the church erupts into a thunderous celebration. Admit it- you laughed.  Most of us did.  And made a meme or two.  But is there more to this story?

Andrew posted a statement about the video on Facebook, revealing that he was molested as a child, believes he actually enjoyed it at the time, and has "struggled" with his sexuality for many years. 

My name is Andrew Caldwell. I appeared on a video at the recent Church of God In Christ International Convocation in St Louis. On that video I gave a testimony of deliverance from homosexuality. As a child, I was raped by a member of my own family. At that time I did not think of it as abuse. I kind of enjoyed it. I kept it to myself, not realizing how it had changed me. Growing up wasn't a pleasant experience. I was harassed, heckled, and ridiculed by classmates. Many told me that I would never amount to anything. This gave me the motivation to try to prove them wrong. Being fairly attractive as a young man, it was not difficult for me to get involved with other men. I have dated athletes, ministers, and celebrities. As time passed I got tired of this way of living. I always attended church. But I always found the same things in church that I found in the world. After joining my present church, it came to me that this lifestyle was not right. It seemed that the more I tried to quit on my own, the more intense was the temptation. All last week I fasted and prayed. On this past Saturday at the Convocation, there was an alter call. I came forward and offered my testimony. It was unscripted. Not only do I hope for my own deliverance but for the deliverance of others who may be struggling with their own issues. To my doubting detractors, I pray for you. To my supporters, I am grateful for your support and prayers

While some cynics would question whether this incident was staged, or wonder why the official COGIC logo is on the otherwise "spontaneous" video, this we did some browsing and learned this Andrew Caldwel cast is interesting, to say the least.  He recently sat for a Blog Radio interview that raised more questions than answers.

Here's a brief rundown:

He revealed that he’s been “gay” since the age of 7, but now, “I am truly delivered. I was delivered for a year. The Lord gave me a vision that if you continue to walk in this (homosexuality)…I was gonna die in a heart attack. I said LORD, I’m not ready to die. “

On his former lifestyle:
"I have not lied, I have not fornicated I have not slept with a man in a year since I have been delivered. I have no taste for a man. I have a taste for woman."

His advice to gays:
“God can deliver…but you have to want to be delivered. And then, it’s gonna take process.”

On his change from being a gay man to "liking women":
"I don’t hang out the places I used to go, I don’t do the things I used to do, I don’t say the things I used to say. I don’t buy the things I used to buy."

His hopes for the future
"I hope this video does get out…it can change a lives."

On the viral video:
It was not planned. He says he does not know who taped the video.

On response to the video:
He says he’s getting inbox messages from people who want to be delivered from homosexuality, and they're reaching out for help.

On people who criticize:
“Everybody has a past, but my future is my present. I don’t look back on my past,

Plans for the future:
"One day…I believe one day someone is gonna sponsor me so I can have a conference and fill that place up and hear everyone's story."

SIDEBAR:  Since the clip went viral, Andrew's ALLEGE mugshot (allegedly arrested for insurance fraud) has emerged.  We've also learned that he has a "few" books that he's written and is more than happy to promote with his newfound fame.

During another interview below, at the (1:21:16) mark, the radio host comments on the fact that Andrew could potentially make a lot of money from his "story" and the conferences that could be marketed around homosexuality conversion and deliverance.  This makes us wonder, is this a big scheme?  We don't have the answers.  Leave that to Sway and Kanye.  You decide....

In case you missed it:

Photos via Facebook

There’s a new rumor circulating that Jessica White may have found love with Dallas Austin. And yesterday, the two were spotted all hugged up on a lunch date in L.A. Deets and pics inside….

Looks like supermodel Jessica White may possibly be off the market.

There are rumors she and superproducer Dallas Austin have started dating and are madly in love. So much so, that the two have supposedly moved in together in Atlanta (where Dallas is based) and L.A.  Oh?!

The NY Daily News alleges the two hooked up after Dallas started working with Jessica in the studio. The Maybelline and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model is gearing up to release a record (who knew she could sing?), so she called upon Dallas to help her out. Apparently, that’s when their romance blossomed (similar to how he and his son's mother Chilli hooked up back in the day).  And they're now living the happy coupled life.
 

Yesterday, the two were spotted all hugged up before making their way inside for lunch at The Ivy in L.A.

While there, the twosome caught up with newlyweds Evan Ross and Ashlee Simpson Ross.

And to further fuel the rumors that the two are indeed in love, check a few flicks from Jessica's Instagram:

Looks like a budding red cup romance to us....

FameFlynet/Pacific Coast News/Jessica's IG

"DWTS" frontrunner Alfonso Ribeiro earned a perfect score this week and was also reunited with his "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" castmates.  See their pics and Alfonso's Paso Doble inside...

This week on "DWTS" Alfonso Ribeiro performed the Paso Doble with TWO professional dancers and wowed the audience, earning a perfect 10. In addition, to putting his stamp on the dance floor, Alfonso was supported by "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" co-stars Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali, and Joseph Marcell.

Alfonso told Us Weekly that it was "really cool" of his former co-stars to visit him. "Just having [all of] them here was wonderful. They're family to me. They'll always be family."

And what about Will Smith?  Alfonso says they are great friends and talk a lot.  "Will and I talk and we all get together. We all have such love for each other. Will actually rapped a birthday wish to [my wife] while we were all in Trinidad at Carnival for her birthday! He flew into Trinidad and hung out with us and we had a party and he got up and did a birthday rap for her. That's the kind of stuff we do for each other and it's just love — and that love is forever."

Also, Alfonso and his wife are expecting their second child.  Congrats!

Watch Alfonso double up for his Paso Doble with Witney and Lindsay

BONUS:  

You don't have to miss out on the fun with the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air cast.  You now have the chance to meet the cast....and it's all for charity! Here's the ad:

"Bid now on the rare opportunity to meet Will Smith and the cast of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air including: Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali and Alfonso Ribeiro for lunch in LA.  The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air hardly needs an introduction, as it was one of the most iconic television shows from the 90s that made us all laugh for years! And, of course, we all know the song! This is an experience you won't forget--bid now and support Karyn Parson's non-profit organization, Sweet Blackberry.  Donated By: Karyn Parsons, Tatyana Ali, Alfonso Ribeiro and Will Smith."

Bidding starts at $4K and goes until November 20th. Place your bid here.

 Photos via Alfonso's Facebook, Karyn Parson's Twitter/DWTS's Instagram

Today, Chilli joined the ladies of “The Real” as a special guest host, filling in for Tamar Braxton. Also, Adrienne Bailon held a private birthday dinner with friends in Hollywood. Peep the pics and videos inside….

Filling in for Tamar Braxton (who was likely filming for the Soul Train Music Awards), TLC member Chilli served as guest host for yesterday’s show.

During their girl chat session, Chilli opened up about being a single mother and raising her teenage son Tron Austin. She believes she was born to be a mother (and a member of TLC) and since God blessed her to become one, motherhood hasn’t been real hard for her.

So what about a single mother entering the dating world and introducing your new man to your children? The CrazySexyCool singer felt it all depends on the connection, whether its 2 months or 4 months, it all boils down to each individual situation.
 

And later in the show, she schooled the ladies on how to "creep", the dance from TLC’s 1994 hit music video. We see you ladies!

Fun times.

Check the clips below:

Speaking of "The Real"....

Daytime talkshow host Adrienne Bailon hosted a birthday dinner for her hair stylist Ray Dodson at Aventine Hollywood recently. 

The hostess with the mostest slipped into this curve-hugging bodycon dress and nude pumps for the occasion.  Fabulous look for her, as usual.

And before the festivities, the self proclaimed "Selfie Queen" posed it up before making her way inside.

She was joined by her bestie Julissa Bermudez and “The Real” co-host Tamar Braxton to celebrate. Fun times!

Photos: Splash News/Patrick Wymore/WARNER BROS

A group of Hollywood's top YBF celebs were out to dinner last night...and we're wondering if it was a causal dinner or plans for a future project?  More inside...

What happens when you walk into a swanky hotspot in the Hollywood -area where you spot Angela Bassett, Kerry Washington, Mike Epps, Tasha Smith& Lee Daniels sitting at a secluded table in the back?  You spy and figure out what the hell they're planning!  We might not have been privy to this dinner in time to do so, but we're surely snooping around now.

Last night, Lee Daniels posted a pic of his dinner with his well-appointed friends saying, "A late nite dinner with the children. @tasha4realsmith #angelabassett @eppsie #kerrywashington #uneedtobaflyonthiswall" 

Hmmmm....what would a fly on the wall witness?   Perhaps this was a table read for guest spots on Lee Daniels' EMPIRE project on Fox?  Maybe Kerry is recruiting them all for guest spots on "Scandal"?  Could Tasha be soliciting them as character witnesses in her legal battle with her estranged husband?  Did Angela invite them to the red-carpet premiere of her upcoming Whitney Houston biopic?

We're not sure what went down last night but from the looks of the pic, Tasha Smith may have drank water.  According to her estranged husband Keith Douglas (who filed for a restraining order because of her alleged drunken rages) - that's not her usual choice of beverage. #noshade #holdyourliquor
 

Photo via Lee Daniel's Instagram

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West hit the town after her full exposure of a Paper magazine spread.  Pics inside, plus Thandie Newton & Robin Thicke (with a new mystery chick) out in NYC....

When Givenchy's Riccardo Tisci is in L.A., his first stop is to wine and dine with Kanye West....and Kim.  The Wests were spotted having dinner with designer Givenchy at Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood, and driving away in their Mercedes G-Wagon.

Looks like they changed cars throughout the night.  Interesting.

And over on the east coast:

Good Deeds actress Thandie Newton was spotted taking her 8-month-old son Booker on a stroll in NYC . They both wore sweaters and hats on the chilly day in Tribeca.

Booker is NOT here for the NY chill, at all.  The cutie has two older sisters as well.

Also spotted out in Tribeca:

Robin Thicke was spotted leaving his new bestie Leonardo DiCaprio's birthday party with a mysterious girl. The couple, according to Splash News, was seen taking the elevator together and were chatting and flirting all the way out of Soho House before hopping in Robin's car and leaving.

Anything to ease the breakup pain, right Robin?

Photos: Pacific Coast News, Splash

So remember when Porsha Williams was allegedly dating Eagles running back LeSean McCoy? Well, it seems it was short lived. Get the deets on Porsha’s love life inside….

The brand new 7th season of “RHOA” just kicked off. And although Porsha Williams was demoted to a “B character” on the show, we thought she might possibly have an interesting storyline after she hinted at dating Philadelphia Eagles running back LeSean McCoy.

In the beginning of October, Porsha took to her Instagram and posted a picture of the all-star running back in his jersey with the caption “#babysteps”. We weren’t quite sure what she meant at the time, but soon after she released a statement regarding her demotion on the show and in the statement she said she would be "taking baby steps towards nurturing my relationship with my new love!!!" New love? Oh...

We connected the dots—babysteps=new relationship with LeSean. But it seems her possible romance was short lived. Weeks after posting the picture of LeSean, video vixen/”LAHH NY” star Tahiry hit up an Eagles game and was flexing in her LeSean McCoy jersey while cheering him on from the stands. Of course, she posted all the pics to Instagram. Afterwards, Tahiry & LeSean grabbed dinner with friends after the win, in which they both posted (and deleted) a group shot of them at the dinner table to their social media.

Hmmm...maybe this pissed off Porsha?

Because now, she’s claiming to be living the single life! In a recent interview with OK! Magazine, the “Dish Nation” co-host revealed she doesn’t believe any clips of her on the dating scene will be shown on "Real Housewives of Atlanta". She said, “The young man I was dating couldn’t film until later in the season. However, I did feel like I had so many things going on career wise and in my family relationships that there was plenty of craziness to show.”

The young man (he's 26!) she WAS dating. Mmmhmm..

Porsha also talked about how she’s happily living the single life with no regrets. She dished,“My love life is pretty awesome. I go from one minute wanting to settle down and thinking of marrying again, to wanting to concentrate on my career and all the great things happening for me. Let’s just say I’m still figuring it out, but enjoying the ride. No pun intended!”

The “RHOA” starlet also hushed rumors of her getting her own spinoff. She spilled, “I don’t know who leaked this rumor. However, Team Porsha will be the first to know when my show is coming out. But no, Bravo hasn’t spoken to me about a spinoff at all. I would love to work with Bravo on a show! They are family.”

And a few days ago....

“@CalmAndRelaxing: LeSean McCoy is having a bad year on the field but he smashing @Porsha4real so he winning.”um nooo

— Porsha Williams (@Porsha4real) November 11, 2014

A fan referenced LeSean having a bad year on the field, but luckily has Porsha, in which she responded, "Um nooo." 

Oh! 

Photos: Getty

Ahead of tomorrow's big release, stars of "Beyond The Lights" and other YBFers hit the Hollywood premiere last night at ArcLight.  Check it inside...

Actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw and co-star Nate Parker are gearing up for their much talking about release of their new movie Beyond The Lights.  And they kept it quite hot on the carpet:

GuGu worked this sexy long-sleeved Stella McCartney dress ($4035) in bluebird, trimmed in scalloped lace with an even sexier open back.  She topped off her look with a pair of simple black pumps and a matching black clutch.  Hot.

Actress Sanaa Lathan came out to support in between filming her new movie The Perfect Guy.

Hottie Salli Richardson Whitfield rocked a flirty lace playsuit for the red carpet.

Actress Holly Robinson-Peete thought these sequined front jeans were a great idea.  She's fab nonetheless.

Nate chopped it up with the vets--Johnny Gill and his co-star, Danny Glover, who plays his father in the movie.

Marlon Wayans was there to support.

And the movie's writer Gina Prince-Bythewood got some major support from her writer husband Reggie.  In case you missed our exclusive interview with Gina who shed light on the black actors getting shade in Hollywood, check it HERE.

Beyond The Lights opens n theaters tomorrow!

Photo: Getty

In new music, Azealia Banks dropped a sleek black-and-white video for "Chasing Time" while Shanice dropped two singles, "We Can Fly" and "Gotta Blame Me"...

Last week, Azealia Banks "pulled a Beyonce" (it's a pop culture thing now) and (kinda) surprised us with the release of her brilliant debut album Broke With Expensive Taste.  This week, she hits us with a futuristic black-and-white video about a love affair gone astray - or is it? 

Over the past two years, we've followed Azealia's celebrity Twitter beefs and problems with Interscope, so it's interesting that her latest single is about walking away from a strained relationship with the music industry.  During an interview with Pitchfork, Azealia revealed that she recorded the song shortly before she was released from Interscope.

"After I [self-]released the Fantasea mixtape [in 2012], and saw all this Internet success. I went on tour with a mixtape! With costumes! And it was being completely ignored by the label. They were almost trying to pretend that what I was doing wasn't happening. It was confusing. And you know, I was young and having a real good time bugging out. Around that time, I was like, "OK, they don't really get this." And then once I started turning in Broke With Expensive Taste tracks, I was like, "Oh, they really don't get this."

I don't know what the source of the conflict was because, to my understanding, I thought it was cool with everyone. I would always send them my songs and feel as if they liked me, even if they didn't get it. But it got to a point where they were like, "Azealia, we get it, you’re cool, but we've spent $2 million on this record, can you just give us one [hit]?” So then I did "Chasing Time", and I was just like, “You know, this isn't gonna work out.” It was like that awkward point in a relationship where you're forcing yourself to have sex because you're like, "We live here, we're sleeping in bed, it’s awkward if we don't.”

In addition to breaking up with Interscope, the video serves up some funky fashions, 90s style dance moves and an ode to Lil' Kim (she rocks an outfit with one breast out, covered by a pasty).  Watch it above...

In other new music...

Singer Shanice is using her OWN Network docu-series, “Flex & Shanice,” to promote the new music she's been working on.  This week, she'll drop a new song (on the show) named "We Can Fly." While, we're not sure why someone with a voice an angelic as Shanice would resort to autotune, we guess it's a sign of the times. Welcome back to the industry Shanice!  And listen to the song before the next episode above.

“Flex & Shanice” airs on November 15 at 10 pm ET/PT on OWN.

BONUS:

On last week's episode, Shanice dropped the lush ballad "Gotta Blame Me" saying, the song "transcends color lines and explores one’s personal responsibility for the aftermath and pain associated with breakups."  Enjoy.

Uzo Aduba and Mo’ne Davis were honored at Harper’s Bazaar and Panthere De Cartier’s “Women Who Dare” dinner in NYC. Meanwhile, Trey Songz, his mom April, LL Cool J and more attended the 26th Annual Thurgood Marshall College Fund gala in Washington D.C. Peep the pics inside….

“Orange is the New Black” actress Uzo Aduba and 13-year-old baseball prodigy Mo'Ne Davis nabbed two spots on Harper's Bazzaar 2014 Women Who Dare list. And last night, the magazine (along withPanthere De Cartier) held a swanky dinner reception at the Skylight Clarkson Studios in NYC to celebrate the fab female trailblazers of the year.
 

Stripping off her jailhouse clothing for her role as “Crazy Eyes” on the hit Netflix series, Uzo worked the carpet in a burnt orange puffed sleeve Rosie Assoulin dress, which she paired with a custom Blumera clutch and bone colored pointed pumps.

The Emmy Award winner normally slays red carpet events, but we're not quite sold on this look from the church's Usher Board.

Also on the list…baseball superstar Mo’ne Davis. The YBF chick looked darling in a very age-appropriate lace dress and ballerina flats.

The young prodigy has been on quite the roller coaster ride since she became the first female in history to pitch a shut out game at the Little League World Series. Not to mention, she can throw a 70-MPH fastball…like a girl. Her big accomplishment (so far) was highlighted on Sport's Illustrated August 25th cover.

Recently, she threw the first pitch during the World Series and is starring in a new Chevy commercial (directed by Spike Lee) that teaches America what "throwing like a girl" really means. She also landed a spot on EBONY magazine's annual Ebony Power 100 list as a "Young Leader", which is part of the December 2014 issue.

Congrats to them both!

Elsewhere....

Trey Songz is showing off where he gets his good looks from. And he clearly was blessed with genes from his hot mama, April Trucker. Trey brought his mother along as his date for the 26th annual Thurgood Marshall College Fund Awards gala at the Washington Hilton in D.C. yesterday.

Not only is Ms. April giving 20-somethings a run for their money, she is also the CEO of Trey’s charity foundation, Angels With Hearts. Meanwhile, Trey is gearing up for his "Between The Sheets" tour with fellow VA native Chris Brown& rapper Tyga, whick kicks off in Virginia on January 28th.

LL Cool J was tapped to host last night's awards gala. Over the weekend, students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) traveled to Washington, DC to participate in the Thurgood Marshall College Fund’s (TMCF’s) award-winning Leadership Institute.

This year's theme was "Developing Minds ... Delivering Dreams", where achievements of the country's most prominent visionaries who have used their starpower to positively impact the lives of students attending publicly-supported HBCUs were celebrated.

Grammy Award-winning singer Regina Belle worked the carpet in this gold gown before she took the stage to perform.

Actor/producer George Lopez and actor/former TCU tailback Aundre Dean came out to support.

And snap "selfies" on the carpet.

Inside....

Trey snapped a few pics before taking his seat beside his fab mom.

Regina Belle grabbed the mic and serenaded the audience with a performance.

Trey and his mother took the podium to speak a few words before the audience.

LL was on his hosting duties, stopping for a pic holding a statue of the first African-American Supreme Court justice Thurgood Marshall. LL was all smiles after he was honored with having a scholoarship named after him for his philanthropic efforts.

Last night's event raised over $3.2 million to the Thurgood Marshall college fund! Nice.

Photos: Getty

Lala Anthony and the sexy Rob Riley were spotted in Detroit for their latest film and we have a first look at them on the set.  Also, watch the trailer for "An En Vouge Christmas" inside...

A few days ago, we spied Lala on Instagram rocking some cornrows for a new movie. Now...we can spill the deets.  Shortly after she braided her hair, Lala hopped on a plane and flew to Detroit where she hooked up with "Hit The Floor" hottieRob Riley. 

The two are shooting an independent film titled Destined and Rob's caption on Instagram shared something about their characters.  He wrote, "You don't wanna see either of these characters in the streets...TRUST ME. LaLa as #Jada, Myself as #Cal #acting #indie #Detroit #vh1 #robertchristopherriley #robrileynyc #lala"

Hmm....it looks like Jada (Lala) and Cal (Rob) are from the rough side of Detroit. The film DESTINED is executive produced by Hill Harper and stars Cory Hardrict (shown atop with the cast). Here's the synopsis:

Destined tells parallel stories of Sheed and Rasheed (both played by Cory Hardrict) as they explore the idea of destiny as well as how the smallest incident can manifest itself into a life changing event.  The film also stars Chad Michael Murray, Zulay Henao, Jeremy Sisto and Michael Rainey Jr.

Lala also posed with her "other" good looking castmate, MoMcRae, who's starred on "Sons of Anarchy" "The Butler" and "Ray Donovan."

While on the set, Lala and the cast were visiting by a group of school kids from the Detroit area.    Lala said, "I was so touched by these Detroit students who came to interview us on set. Such great spirits with so much potential. Love the MOVIE MENT group here in Detroit. Giving back its all that really matters. Love u"
 

On television...

On Saturday, November 22, 8PM ET/PT, R&B singing group En Vogue will star as themselves in a holiday film about "getting back together" and performing.

An En Vogue Christmas, featuring both EV classics and two new tunes, is centered around En Vogue reuniting for a benefit concert to save the club that made them stars.

"They put aside their hesitations to reunite for the special night, but first must overcome their challenging history with Marty (David Alan Grier, In Living Color), their former manager and the man responsible for breaking them up. In the spirit of the holidays, the ladies find forgiveness and come together for an epic En Vogue Christmas concert to keep the club from closing its doors forever."

Taraj P Henson and Gladys Knight also star in the film. Here's the trailer:

You’ll recall Ginuwine was reportedly close to filing bankruptcy! And reports allude his estranged wife Solé has a part in it. But he claims she had nothing to do with it! Find out what he has to say about the whole ordeal and check out a new pic of Ludacris' "break baby" inside…

R&B singer Ginuwine seems to have fallen on hard times financially. And it was mplied,  his estranged wife Solé may have been the reason as to why he’s coming up short.

The “Pony” singer (real name Elgin Baylor Lumpkin) apparently owes $300,000 in back income taxes and his attorney claims he’s close to filing bankruptcy! We learned of his financial troubles after a lawsuit was brought against the singer by Robert Reives, the executive producer of the Ginuwine's 1996 debut album, The Bachelor. And he’s seeking as much as $250,000 in royalties.

A former member of tells TheYBF.com, his estranged wife Solé (real name Tonya M. Lumpkin) was allegedly Ginuwine's business manager (or acted like she was) for several years. She was the main point of contact for promoters/event planners/venues who wanted to book Ginuwine to perform.

The business-manager relationship began to fizzle some time this past spring. He allegedly raked in at least $75k-100k/month while performing overseas and elsewhere. He would allegedly do shows for $25,000 a pop, and would have at least 3-5 booked every month. So...what cpuld have happened?

Now, Ginuwine is speaking out in defense of his estranged wife, confirming she’s not the “bad guy” in the situation and that they’re currently working towards coming to their own amicable terms for their pending separation. He took to his Instagram and wrote:

 

I need to address yesterday's rumor because it is not totally accurate and I don't want my wife being made out to be the bad guy here. We are NOT yet divorced, but we ARE currently separated and working towards coming to our own agreement, without lawyers, to amicably and fairly divorce. We've kept it quiet because it is really no ones business but ours and our family's. Therefore, reports that she left me "broke" are untrue. She has been a good wife and mother and my poor choices and actions over many years have lead to this. I am on a path of becoming a better man and part of that is taking responsibility for my own choices and behavior in life, so that's what I'm doing by releasing this statement. I thank everyone who has been there for us through these trying times. You are appreciated. God bless

A photo posted by @ginuwine on Nov 11, 2014 at 5:57am PST

“I need to address yesterday’s rumor because it is not totally accurate and I don’t want my wife being made out to be the bad guy here. We are NOT yet divorced, but we ARE currently separated and working towards coming to our own agreement, without lawyers, to amicably and fairly divorce. We’ve kept it quiet because it is really no ones business but ours and our family’s. Therefore, reports that she left me “broke” are untrue. She has been a good wife and mother and my poor choices and actions over many years have lead to this. I am on a path of becoming a better man and part of that is taking responsibility for my own choices and behavior in life, so that’s what I’m doing by releasing this statement. I thank everyone who has been there for us through these trying times. You are appreciated. God bless.”

Oh.

Hopefully his role in the upcoming stripper flick Chocolate City can help raise a few coins....

And in other relationship news....

Ludacris’ Baby mother Tamika Fuller is sharing new pics of their daughter…except she’s keeping baby Cai Bella’s face from being shown. And we hear, it’s per Ludacris’ orders.

Tamika declared her almost 11-month-old baby girl as her #WCW on her Instagram recently (above), with the caption, "My #wcw #wce #wc4l #myTink #myheart #mybaby #myprecious #myreason #myeverything #MommyGang #blessed"

In April, she shared the picture above of baby Cai as an infant during Christmas 2013.

You'll recall, Cai's parents Ludacris and Tamika were involved in a nasty custody battle over her after Luda filed his own custody papers for his daughter and tried to convince the judge he was unable to pay his child support. That didn’t go over well with the judge and Luda ended up coughing up some dough...big time! This is the baby he had while he and his current girlfriend Exodie were on a "break".

Tamika was awarded full physical custody of their daughter on the grounds of Cai’s best interest is being with her mother. Luda also filed a motion to have Tamika held in contempt of court, which he also lost. To make matters worse, he ended up having to pay all of her legal fees to the tune of $35,000. Sheesh!
 

And it appears...Luda definitely has a type. Tamika and Exodie look very much alike....

In Luda's professional life...

The Atlanta rapper released a new Two-9-produced freestyle track titled “Money Counter” today, as he gears up to finally release a few projects he has been steadily working hard on.

Luda has an all-star line up in his professional career in the coming months. His new EP, Burning Bridges, drops Dec. 16th, he will be dropping a brand new album titled Ludaversal on March 31st and on April 3rd, Fast & Furious 7 hits theaters. Nice.

Check his latest musical offering above.

Photo: Getty/Tamika's IG

Drake's ex-girlfriend Dollicia Bryan booked the lead role in Tyga's "Make It Work" video.  Was she hired because of her "talent", or was this the latest in a round of jabs between the rivals rappers?  You decide.  And see Tyga out supporting his "friend" Kylie Jenner.

Before Tyga (aka T-Raww) heads out on the road with Chris Brown and Trey Songzfor the "Between The Sheets" Tour, he'll drop a video for his Sap-produced track "Make It Work."  In addition to "standard" video content (scantily-clad vixens, a club scene, fast cars, jewelry) the video will star a very special vixen - Dollicia Bryan.

You'll recall that Dollicia is the ex-girlfriend of Drake....Tyga's rival.  We've been following the social media battle between the rappers, which has include some serious flirtation between Drake and Tyga's baby momma Blac Chyna as well as Tyga going on record that he doesn't get along with Drake or Nicki Minaj.

Perhaps Drake fired a shot a Tyga when he recently posted a pic of Kylie Jenner on Instagram, but now Tyga seems to have taken it to another level.  Plus, "Make It Work" contains a few shots at Drake like "Ni**a never was my homey ... all these bitches know you corny ni**a." 

Does this mean we might spot Blac Chyna on the cover of Drake's new mixtape?  Hmmm......time will tell.

And last night, Tyga was spotted out with Scott Disick at the James Kendall Salon in Beverly Hills for Kylie Jenner's launch of a new line of hair extensions (see pics here).  We bet he's just COUNTING the days until her 18th birthday. 

Photos via Dolicia's Instagram/millticketCEO Instagram

Rihanna went old school while out on the town in NYC last night. She was spotted leaving one of her fave restaurants chatting it up on a phone…a FLIP phone that is. Pics inside of her hot look…

After performing at the Concert For Valorand making a stop in northern VA for a ROUGE Man event, Rihanna was spotted leaving one of her fave NYC eateries in a Dimepiece LA crop top, matching Dimepiece LA pants and orange bomber jacket yesterday. And chick was handling her business on a T-Mobile FLIP phone. Ha! Wonder where she dug that up.  We all know there's no Instagram on that piece...

The “Diamonds” singer dined on some good Italian eats at Da Silvano and made sure to leave in time to sit in front of a television to catch two hit ABC series “Scandal” and “How To Get Away With Murder.” Lately on Shonda Thursdays, "Scandal" fan Rih has been active on Twitter, tweeting fans who are also tuned in on the Shondaland madness.
 

Last night she tweeted:

Always them last 3 minutes! I can't take it! She hates us! #QingShonda#TGIT

— Rihanna (@rihanna) November 14, 2014

“@_shay12: @rihanna did you get into How to Get Away with murder?” Obviiii! Viola is bae

— Rihanna (@rihanna) November 14, 2014

A few days ago, the Bajan beauty spent the day on the White House lawn, posing it up as if she was Olivia Pope. Chick is clearly obsessed...like the rest of us.

NEWS:

1. Shaq took a friendly jab at his friend Charles Barkley, photoshopping Charles' head on a man's body mimicking Kim K's Paper magazine cover. Ha! PICTURE.

2. A founding member of the Twerk Team has died. Members of the dance group have sadly confirmed that dancer Jaimie “Betty Butt “ Moore was shot and killed during a fatal robbery. STORY.

Photos: Splash

The gloves are off between "RHOA" star Cynthia Bailey and former bestie Nene Leakes with the beauty queen offering some advice to the Broadway star - get a better wig and more flattering makeup!  Check out the diss inside....

Model and reality personality Cynthia Bailey (shown above at the Atlanta screening of Beyond The Lights with husband Peter Thomas and radio personality Stacii Jae) threw a little shade at former bestie Nene Leakes, following Nene's sit down with Andy Cohen on "WWHL."  In response to  Nene's "sad Cynthia" remarks, the Bailey Agency owner lashed out on her BRAVO blog. When asked if Nene's remarks surprised her, Cynthia said,

"Not at all. That's who she is. It's the same ol' two step. Embrace the people that are with you and try to destroy the people who are not. I have seen her do it to other ladies on the show (past and present), so although it was disappointing, it was not a big surprise when she did it to me. It's no secret that NeNe has gotten into it or fallen out (at one time or the other) with mostly all the ladies. My thing is this -- if I'm so irrelevant and you don't want to be my storyline (or should I say me be yours), why spend so much energy talking about me? That energy could have been put to better use looking for a decent wig and a more flattering makeup direction."

Bloop!

Cynthia went on to say that her marriage to Peter has improved since she and Nene parted ways:

"Sidebar: I don't blame NeNe for any issues that I have in my marriage. I put a lot of my time and energy into that friendship, and now that it is gone, I have more time to put that energy into myself and my family."

And there you have it....don't expect any olive branches this season!

Watch Nene's diss here:

 

#CynthiaBailey & hubby #PeterThomas rolled to the ATL premiere of #BeyondTheLights last night and #TrinaBraxton & #CarlAnthonyPayne. Are we feeling Cynthia's look?!

A photo posted by TheYBF.com (@theybfdaily) on Nov 11, 2014 at 8:05am PST

Check out more pics from the screenings and premieres of "Beyond The Light" on our Instagram, @TheYBFDaily.

Photos via Cynthia Bailey's Instagram/TheYBFDaily

Beyond The Lights is in theaters today! And last night, a few YBF celebs made their way to the film’s NYC premiere at Regal Union Square Stadium. Peep their red carpet pics inside….

After attending the Hollywood premiere, lead stars Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Nate Parker were front-and-center at the Beyond The Lights NYC premiere at the Regal Union Square Stadium last night.  Rapper Machine Gun Kelly and BET's Debra Lee were on hand, as well.

Gugu was the Belle of the ball in an emerald green one-shouldered gown and soft updo.  In the film, The YBF starlet portrays a purple-haired R&B-Pop superstar named Noni who struggles with the pressure of fame.

In an interview with VOGUE, the English actress revealed the flick is all about self love. She said,“This movie is very much about our time now and the state of our culture. Even though it’s a love story set in the music industry, it’s about loving yourself first.”

Nice.

Nate Parker looked sharp in a charcoal gray suit. The doting dad (of 3!) sat down with TheYBF.com a few weeks agoand dished on his wife’s reaction to his steamy love scenes in Beyond The Lights.

He revealed he arranged a screening for his wife to watch the film alone.  While she saw him in action, he cleaned their home and patiently awaited her arrival. He revealed when she came home, she was in tears.  It was not because she didn’t like it, but because she thought he did a fantastic job, and she watched him acting out how he falls in love. Awww.

Beyond The Lights director Gina Prince-Bythewood (Love & Basketball) was also in attendance for the NYC premiere.TheYBF.com recently spoke to the fab directress where she talked about the importance of seeing black love on the silver screen. She said,

"It’s important to combat the perception that Black people don’t want to fall in love and get married and fight for each other. Because we do. And I think the more we see it, the more it will become normalized and will contradict some of the negative images that we see. It’s important to put a love story in the world. A story that’s deep. That makes me feel. Makes me care. A movie that moves you. Men and women as well. The thing about “Love & Basketball” was that it attracted both men and women. And that’s the same with "Beyond The Lights". It’s a universal love story and there’s depth."

New York Knicks baller Amar'e Stoudemire took a break from the court and brought his wife Alexis along to check out the film before its debut. The Knicks hit the court tonight as they go head-to-head against the Utah Jazz.

Alexis dropped that baby weight QUICKLY.

Speaking of Knicks ballers:

Iman Shumpert brought his singer girlfriend Teyana Taylor on the carpet.  And she's rocking a brand new cut.  Are we feeling it?!

WNBA beauty Skylar Diggins worked the carpet in this form fitting LBD. Cute look.

Professional dancer/WSJ magazine cover guy Charles 'Lil Buck' Riley was also in the mix.

And songtress India.Arie came out to see the love story unfold on the big screen. Fab times.

Will you be hitting theaters this weekend to catch the film?!

Photos: Getty

By now, it’s safe to say Christina Milian and Lil Wayne are dating…at the least. And to further confirm the rumors, Christina popped back at a fan on Instagram who posted a collage of all of Lil Wayne’s baby mothers…with one spot including not-yet-baby's-mother Christina. What she posted in the comments surely raised a few eyebrows. Find out what she said inside…..

Christina Milian and Lil Wayne want us to think they’re just “friends working on music” (Yes..Christina is supposedly dropping a new mixtape soon). But, we know better. Especially when “friends” are dressing alike as they walk the streets hand-in-hand and celebrating with one another for birthdays and such.

To further prove her “situationship” with the YMCMB honocho, the Young Money singer took to Instagram to clap back at a fan about her romance with Weezy. A collage of Wayne's children's mothers: Toya Wright, Sara Vivan, Nivea and Lauren London was posted. And it included his "current" chick C Milli. They posted and captioned: 

These hoes love Wayne!!! #IJS #AllHisBabyMommas #ChristinaAndNiveaBo thHaveBabiesByDream #TheCircle

Shortly after the post went up, another fan tagged C Milli's IG handle, so Christina decided to respond. She crept up into the post's comments section and responded, "Sho do."  So it seems like she was talking about herself, and/or the baby's mamas.  Either way, no shame in talking ish we see.

As badly as Christina may want to be graciously accepted into the “baby mamas” club, two of Waynes exes are NOT here for it. Nivea has expressed her frustrations with C Milli now dating her ex-fiancé/son’s father, especially since Christina also has a child with Nivea’s ex-husband The Dream.  Wayne's ex-wife Toya Wright, who she shares daughter Reginae with, has also chimed in on their “relationship”, calling it a "hot mess".

After catching heat from other IG users, the poster then tried to backtrack her comment, in which she said,

Probably only because @christinamilian commented but now my neck is being chopped over it. Simply because I used the word hoes instead of females. Lmao. I really didn't mean they were "hoes" but okay. Wayne refers to all his females as hoes but that dude is loved. Feeling like Wendy Williams right now. Lol. People claiming I got 5 seconds of fame. Lmfao. It's IG. This ain't shit.

Don't mess with "Tina Turn Up".

Aside from popping back at fans on social media, during her down time, Christina is busy promoting Weezy's newest musical offering:

 

Tuuuurnt! #youngmoney #rp by @mackmaineymcmb "Carter V Season Deaux!!!! NEW MUSIC droppin today from @liltunechi ft @mr_brazyflow called "OFFDAY"...produced by X-Fyle"

A photo posted by Christina Milian (@christinamilian) on Nov 11, 2014 at 11:34pm PST

Stan for your man then chile....

Photos: Splash/@lovetayyyyy

Former "The View" co-host Sherri Shepherd has many irons in the fire.  In addition to an upcoming appearance on "The Talk", she spoke to UPTOWN about her two divorces, raising a special needs child and even reunited with former colleague Elizabeth Hasslebeck. More inside...

You can't keep a good woman down.  Since leaving "The View", Sherri Shepherd has played The Evil Stepmother in "Cinderella On Broadway", landed a role in Chris Rock's buzz-worthy flick Top Five and booked a 10-episode arc on TV Land's "Soul Man".

She even found the time to drop in on former co-worker Elizabeth Hasslebeck this week over at "Fox and Friends" (above), who recently revealed to PEOPLE that she had a tumor removed from her abdomen.  In addition to all those moves, Sherri will appear as a guest on CBS' "The Talk" on December 1st.

Clearly, Sherri has bounced back. In fact, she even had a Diana Ross moment on Instagram saying"Everybody has to have a #DianaRoss 'Mahogany' moment combined w a Glory Hallelujah time! Wish I could always have this pose #doublechinnomore." 

In the latest issue of UPTOWN, Sherri opens up about leaving her 7-year-gig at "The View", her HIGHLY publicized divorce(s), raising her special needs son Jeffrey and her crush on Idris Elba. Peep the highlights...

Having a special needs child…

made me more compassionate, more patient. I put him on a track team this year to work on his socialization skills. Jeffrey found me in the sea of parents and screamed “Mommy, I’m scared but I’m going to be brave.” Through tears I saw my baby run. He finished last, but he held his fingers up in the victory sign. He taught me that if I fall, as long as I get back up and finish, I am a winner.

The hardest lesson to learn…

is that I don’t have to take the weight of the world on my shoulders. I can’t take the weight of Christians, African Americans and of women. Being on The View, I would frequently have people who vehemently disagreed with my stance and would take to social media and fire vicious rants at me. I had to learn that I only have to please an audience of one: God.

My dream job…

is an uber successful sitcom. I’d love to be a chocolate Melissa McCarthy and the go-to girl for funny. And if all else fails, being a legal secretary wasn’t that bad.

Being single again…

I wonder, ‘Oh Lord, where do I start? How did I get back to this place?’ Now I’m back at all the singles ministries in church. When I got married, I got to sit in church and enjoy all the sermons. Now, [I’m] ushering and teaching Sunday School. Now I’m expected to do clean-up because all the married folks figure I have nothing better to do.

Leaving The View…

was bittersweet, exciting and scary. Seven years I was there and the cast and crew became a family to me. They embraced me when I moved to New York City not knowing anyone. Barbara Walters pushed me past my limits and challenged me. Every single day for about three years, I would go into my dressing room and cry because I felt I did not belong at that table. But her pushing me brought out a confidence where I could sit at that table and say ‘No. Let me finish.’ Barbara came to respect me, and if you ask her she will say, ‘Sherri always did her research, was always prepared and was the co-host who’d grown the most.’

I would tell my 21-year-old self…

to say ‘no’ often. A no can be turned into a yes but it’s harder to turn a yes into a no. And if you’re a female comic, don’t sleep with the other comics because it’ll take you at least 10 years to get your reputation back!

The lessons that two divorces have taught me…

are to get a chair, sit down somewhere and take the time to heal. Don’t make decisions out of fear. It’s okay to be alone. And make sure that the pre-nup is airtight, baby!

The biggest misconception about me…

is that I’m judgmental. People got mad at me because I gave such strong opinions on The View but that’s what I got paid to do. If I sat at The View table and didn’t give an opinion I would have been fired. In my personal life, I keep my opinions to myself. I don’t give advice about relationships unless you ask me, and then you’d still be wise to get a second opinion, because really, what do I know?

My celebrity crush…

Idris… Idris… Idris… where the hell is Idris Elba?!

Congrats to Sherri!  SIDEBAR: A recent ratings dip at "The View" has generated buzz that the execs may invite her back on the show.  But we're hearing Sherri is NOT here for that.

Photos via Sherri Shepherd Instagram/Getty