Happy Birthday! Rick Ross celebrated his birthday in Atlanta with his rumored girlfriend Ming Lee last night. Also, Marlon Wayans took his son Shawn out to eat for his birthday in Hollywood. Pics inside…

2015 seems to be treating Rick Ross well thus far. The MMG honcho has lost a ton of weight (thanks to “Ross Fit” exercises and his personal chef), he has a new lady in his life, and he recently turned 39-years-old.

Last night, music exec Dina Marto put together a private dinner at Ocean Prime in Atlanta to celebrate. His rumored girlfriend Ming Lee and friends gathered for some good eats and, of course, to sip on some Belaire Rose (which he endorses).

It appears Rozay and his new chick Ming Lee, who is an Atlanta hairstylist/entrepreneur, are getting rather serious. A few days ago, Ross and his family celebrated his birthday in Miami, including his children, and Ming was there also. Then, last weekend, she accompanied him after Super Bowl XLIX, as they partied with New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft.

The twosome have also been spotted together partying it up and getting cozy on many other occasions. Looks like they may have found love. Congrats to them.

Fun times.

In Hollywood....

Haunted House 2 actor Marlon Wayans treated his son Shawn (named after his uncle) to dinner as they celebrated his birthday. And according to Marlon, Shawn is now a teenager!

As they were leaving Madeo Italian Restaurant in West Hollywood, Shawn kept busy on his cellphone. During the evening, Marlon took to his Instagram to wish his baby boy a Happy Birthday saying,

Dear son, I can't begin to tell you how incredibly happy and proud I am to be your daddy. You are beyond amazing and still growing. Your hardwork and dedication towards excellence inspires me. It's not just how you play in the games but it's how diligent and responsible you are in everyday practice. That passion and persistence in excellence extends far beyond the basketball court, it's in your school work (A student), your spirit as a leader, your commitment as a friend, your demeanor and your loyalty to your good nature and wonderful character. Your generosity is seen on the court as u unselfishly dish the ball majority of the time to the open man with the "better" shot. I don't want to teary-eyed to think 13 years ago you made me a daddy again. I remember being the first one to hold you and quelled your new to the world cry with a simple "hey man... That's daddy's boy" you immediately stopped crying and smiled your adorable lil smirk and that moment we were bonded for life. I know I can be hard on you sometimes but that's only because I know your potential and together we will refine it so that you can reach Hieghts u never imagined existed. You are special son. The beauty of My heart smiles when I think of the wonderful man my little boy is turning into. You're a teenager... Wow! Hold tight to your innocence. Enjoy it. Stay light hearted and warm spirited as you ignite that fire of excellence these coming years. You are smart, sweet, kind, athletic, brilliant, funny, loyal, calm and every bit of cool I always wished I could be. At the young age of 13 I can already say you are the greatest! When daddy grows up I wanna be like you. Thank u for loving me, texting me, celebrating me, forgiving me, being patient with me, understanding me, protecting me and missing me when I'm gone. You make me feel loved and I need that at times. Thanks for knowing when. I love you past the moon beyond the stars around the galaxies and back for 2 4evers times infinity plus 2 days. If God ever takes me just know I'm always with you in your heart on your shoulder forever your 6th man in life and love. Enjoy your birthday son. I hope it's as special to you as it is to me. Dad

So sweet. Happy Birthday little Shawn!

Photos: ATLpics.net/Splash

"Celebrity Apprentice" stars Kenya Moore and Vivica A. Fox are engaged in a nasty celebrity feud. Find out what Kenya said about Vivica inside and see Vivica out and about in NY...

Kenya Moore was spotted leaving Rockefeller Center yesterday where she taped a "TODAY" Show segment.

Kenya, wearing a purple Escada suit and Louboutin heels, dished on getting fired off "Celebrity Apprentice", and opened up about her latest feud.

With additional appearances on "Wendy" and E! News through out the day, Kenya didn't waste anytime throwing Vivica under the bus for her "ghetto" behavior.   She told E!,

"If you know Vivica, you know that's who she really is. "I think she's proud of it, so it's not like I'm saying something that isn't the truth. She really prides herself on being ghetto. You heard herself say she's ghetto fabulous. I think in her generation, it was cool to say those types of things or brag about someone being physically attacked...it's embarrassing behavior."
 

Ouch......

And guess who also happens to be in NYC right now.....

Vivica has made it to the final three on "Celebrity Apprentice", but last night, it was all about underwear.

Vivica hosted the 2015 Femmy Gala (shown above with Victorias Secret EVP and Innovation Kristin Kramer and Founder & CEO Fashion Forms Ann Deal) the premiere event in the Intimate Apparel Industry. The gala raises money for the Underfashion Club to support its extensive Scholarship Awards.

Ironically, Vivica didn't wear a bra (to the underwear event).

Over on social media, Vivica, who coined #ToxicTrick in response to Kenya, has retweeted several anti-Kenya comments on her timeline.  Sigh....  Expect fireworks when these two ladies meet again during the live "Celebrity Apprentice" finale.  We'll keep you posted about the air date.

Photos via Splash/INF/Kenya's IG

Is Wiz Khalifa sending subliminal shots alluding his estranged wife Amber Rose is keeping Baby Bash away from him? Decide for yourself inside….

We were shocked to learn that Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose decided to call it quits after just one year of being married. And once Amber officially filed for divorce, we were even more shocked to learn that she was requesting $1 million in spousal support (which was NOT in the original pre-nup) AND she petitioned for FULL custody of their son Sebastian “Bash” Thomaz.

Wiz agreed to cough up the $1 million, but he was NOT willing to give Amber full custody of their baby boy. He filed his response to her divorce petition asking for joint custody of Baby Bash. That's fair, right?

As they continue to work out their issues on paper, it seems they’re now having co-parenting problems. After reading Wiz’s latest tweets, it appears Amber could possibly be keeping Baby Bash away from him. And he's not happy about it.

The “Young, Wild & Free” rapper posted up a series of tweets where he bashes women who use their children to spite the father calling them "foul creatures". We're not exactly sure what went down, but he eventually got to see Bash.

He tweeted (read from the bottom up):

Sounds like he's referring to Amber. A fan encouraged Wiz to get his wife back but he has NO plans of getting back with her, at least, that's what he said. Peep the tweet:

Damn!

With Amber trekking all across the country"working" as she makes appearances and hitting upstrip clubs, why not let Baby Bash spend time with his father (if true)?

As of now, Amber has not responded. Looks like there MAY be a nasty custody battle brewing.

Photos: Wiz's IG/Amber's IG

David Oyelowo is covering the 2015 Hollywood Issue of Vanity Fair.  Check out the Selma star and his VF counterparts inside, plus model Jourdan Dunn is all glammed up for GLAMOUR magazine's March 2015 issue....

It's David Oyelowo's time...whether he got a Best Actor Oscar nod or not.  The actor is on the cover of Vanity Fair's annual Hollywood issue, just released with a sneak peek today. 

And if you didn't notice, he's the only non-white face on the entire cover, which was shot by Annie Leibovitz.  While there is not one person of color included in the 20 Best Actor and Best Actress categories of the Oscars, folks have taken notice (again) at Hollywood's diversity issue.  The lack of nominations is not to say no one of color was deserving of a nod, or shine in general.  And David made it known it's Hollywood's issue....not people of color's.

During the recent Santa Barbara International Film Festival, David spoke on his Best Actor snub for his portrayal of Martin Luther King, Jr. saying:

"We, as black people, have been celebrated more for when we are subservient, when we are not being leaders or kings or being at the center of our own narrative."
 

The man speaks truth.  The Hollywood Reportercaptured his words saying:

He directed criticism at both the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the larger film industry for, historically, out of "white guilt," telling stories about black people only through the eyes of white protagonists, saying, "So you have a very nice white person who holds black people's hands through their own narrative."

Meanwhile, the Nigerian and British star is carrying on about his career.  He's circling a Disney project called “Queen of Katwe" and the film "Americanah", both alongside Lupita Nyong'o.

The full cover lineup is as follows:

Felicity Jones, a best-actress nominee for her performance as Jane Hawking in The Theory of Everything.

David Oyelowo, star of best-picture nominee Selma.

Benedict Cumberbatch, a best-actor nominee for his performance as Alan Turing in The Imitation Game.

Sienna Miller, star of best-picture nominee American Sniper as well as Foxcatcher.

Miles Teller, star of best-picture nominee Whiplash.

Oscar Isaac, star of National Board of Review winner A Most Violent Year.

Channing Tatum, star of Foxcatcher, which received five Oscar nominations including best director.

Amy Adams, four-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner for Big Eyes.

Reese Witherspoon, who is Oscar-nominated alongside her Wild co-star Laura Dern.

Eddie Redmayne, a best-actor nominee for his performance as Stephen Hawking in The Theory of Everything.

Check the BTS video below:

Meanwhile, British bombshell Jourdan Dunn is keeping it fabulous with her supermodel behavior.  She's got a glammed up spring spread in the March 2015 issue of GLAMOUR magazine:

Bring on spring!

Gorge.

Photogs: Annie Leibovitz/Alexi Lubomirski

Kerry Washington hosted a shopping event to celebrate the latest "Inspired by Scandal" collection from The Limited. Check out the pics inside...

"Scandal" star Kerry Washington made jaws drop in an exciting Dolce & Gabbana polka dot dress, Sophia Webster shoes, a Le Vian band ring, and a fun "Love" handbag from Roger Vivier yesterday (visit EditinInChic.com to purchase items from Kerry's look).

Kerry, shown above with Lyn Paolo and Elliot Staples, rocked the chic look while hosting The Limited Collection Inspired by Scandal Spring Shopping Event in Glendale, California.  Lyn and Elliott were her fab co-hosts.

Since it's debut, "Scandal" has inspired fashionistas around the world and The Limited took notice - launching their own "Scandal" inspired items.

The latest collection will feature looks inspired by Olivia Pope as well as other characters on the hit series.

During the event, the famously private mom and wife opened up to "Entertainment Tonight" about motherhood and how it's changed her saying, "The thing that has changed the most about me since I became a mom is that my heart keeps getting bigger and bigger."

Kerry also dished about working for the mom-friendly company Shondaland and bringing Isabelle to work. "I'm really blessed because my daughter gets to be at work with me a lot so that’s really fun and wonderful. Everybody at work really likes it. She brings a lot of joy wherever she is so it's fun to have her around."

Photos via Getty

In today’s music bits, Jazmine Sullivan is solidifying her musical comeback with a brand new tour coming this spring. Meanwhile, Azealia Banks is causing controversy, per usual, donning “whiteface” for the “Ice Princess” video treatment. Deets inside….

R&B fans’ prayers have been answered!  Jazmine Sullivan will be taking her “Reality Show” on the road. And we’re super excited about it.

After taking a break from the music industry for a few years, the soulful R&B songstress recently returned to the music scene with a brand new album titled Reality Show. Fans clearly missed the songbird with her third studio album landing the No. 1 spot on Billboard's R&B Albums (still currently No. 1), and No. 2 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

And now, she’s heading out on tour to belt out her soulful tracks for her adoring fans.

She took to her social media platforms to make the announcement saying,

#TheRealityShowTour coming to a U.S. city near you this March!! Tix info coming soon. Dates on my website: http://JazmineSullivanMusic.com/tour

The “Dumb” singer will kick off her month-long tour March 1st in New Orleans and will wrap it up on March 29th in Las Vegas.
 

Check the dates below:

March 1 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues
March 4 – Atlanta, GA – Center Stage
March 5 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
March 9 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore
March 10 – Philadelphia, PA – The Theatre of Living Arts
March 11 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza
March 17 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre
March 19 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
March 22 – Denver, CO – Gothic Theatre
March 25 – San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine
March 27 – Los Angeles, CA – Club Nokia at L.A. Live
March 29 – Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

Yes Jazmine! Who's excited?

In other music news....
 

Azealia Banks is no stranger to controversy, nor is she afraid of speaking her mind. So seeing her in “whiteface” should come as no surprise.

For the visual treatment of her track “Ice Princess” the Harlem raptress transforms into an ice princess, giving up a little Elsa (from the Disney movie Frozen) tease. While on the set, she shared a few shots of herself in white, powdery makeup and crystal blue contacts as she transformed for the visuals.
 

Posting the picture to her Instagram using the hastag “whiteface”, y’all KNOW this caused some controversy on Twitter from fans and foes abroad. As we all know by now, she’s not one to hold her tongue, so she let everyone who had a negative opinion have it, evening referencing the time Snopp Dogg transformed into his white character Todd.

Here’s what she said:

And for kicks:

Ha!

Speaking of Snoop.....

Today is signing day for high school athletes and Snoop Dogg along with his wife Shante Broadus are gleaming with joy! Their son Cordell Broadus, who stars in the ESPN series "Snoop & Son", has officially confirmed where he will be playing football for his college career.

So did the 27th ranked wide receiver pick his dad's beloved University of Southern California? Nope! He's creating his own lane and chose to attend and play for the UCLA Bruins. Diddy's son Justin Combs also plays football there.

The proud dad took to Twitter and tweeted:

Nice! His mother is also overjoyed, captioning the pic above, "Baby Boy @cbroadus #UCLA #Proudmama #Support #Ontothenext #Rideordie #Bruins "

Congrats Cordell!

Peep a clip of Snopp showing some tough love on their ESPN show below

Photos: Getty/Jazmine's IG/Azealia's IG/Shante's IG

"Empire" star Taraji P. Henson poses for the "NOH8" campaign in a newly released photo.  Check out Taraji''s pic inside and find out why John Legend is boycotting the Bevely Hills Hotel.

Taraji P. Henson (whom we LOVE as Cookie Lyon) adds her name and likeness to the growing list of celebs taking a stand with the N0H8 campaign. "NOH8", a non-profit organization that promotes marriage, gender and human equality, has linked with the cast of "Empire" to bring awareness to the rights of the LGBT community and to end homophobia.

During a recent talk with VOGUE Magazine, Taraji opened up about playing Cookie and her relationship with Jamal, her gay son.

VOGUE: Your character’s relationship with her gay son, Jamal, is really beautiful. When Cookie defends him so passionately from his rejecting dad, where did those emotions come from?

TARAJI: Once a mother; always a mother. I’m a mother in real life, so I don’t have to act. When it’s time to protect our child, as parents, we feel our kid’s pain harder than they do. I tried to explain that to my son. The closest he came to understanding was through his relationship with our dog. He said, I feel that way about Willy. We carry them for nine months. I could only imagine having a child that a father rejects.

I feel like Lucious rejects him out of fear. When he puts Jamal in the trash can, he wanted to throw him away before the world threw him away. He wanted to hide his son from everyone—the ugliness of being a black gay male to the world. Fear will do anything, and Cookie understands the pain on both sides. Cookie is never going to hate her child for being who he is, but she fears for his life, too, because he’s gay and black. It’s deep.

Make sure you check out Taraji on "Empire", Wednesdays at pm CT.

Here's another activist....

"All Of Me" Singer John Legend (shown with wife Chrissy at the Dick Gregory & Friends Tribute and Toast at The Ricardo Montalban Theatre in Hollywood last night) has joined the list of celebs who are boycotting the Beverly Hills Hotel after the hotel's owner, Brunei leader Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, instituted a new penal code that includes capital punishment for same-sex acts in his home country.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, a party honoring John (thrown by L.A. Confidential) was scheduled for February 5th, but John backed out. In a statement released by his spokeswoman Amanda Silverman, the singers notes Brunei's anti-woman and anti-gay policies for his no-show.

"These policies, which among other things could permit women and LGBT Bruneians to be stoned to death, are heinous and certainly don't represent John's values or the spirit of the event. John does not, in any way, wish to further enrich the Sultan while he continues to enforce these brutal laws."

In should be noted, Alison Miller, L.A. Confidential's publisher, argued that the magazine "is an avid supporter of equal rights for all people," and their decision to throw the party in the Beverly Hills Hotel's Crystal Ballroom "in no way suggests that we support any anti-human rights policies."

John is joined by Ellen DeGeneres, Anna Wintour, and Jay Leno on the list of Hollywood liberals who've vowed not to visit the Beverly Hills Hotel or other hotels in the Dorchester Collection.

Photos via Splash/Taraji's Instagram

Rihanna is a glowing golden goddess on the newest cover of Harper’s Bazaar. And for the spread, she let her inner daredevil surface as she swam with sharks for the spread. Peep her cover and check out SELMA stars Oprah, David Oyelowo& Carmen Ejogo on the cover of EBONY magazine inside…..

For Harper’s Bazaar March 2015 issue, Rihanna graces the cover in all her glowy goodness.

The “FourFiveSeconds” singer serves up some effortless fab to get us all ready for the upcoming spring days. And she certainly is warming things up with this slay-worthy cover.

The golden goddess lets her hair down as she “smizes” in the camera, rocking a bronzy bathsuit with looks to kill.

Being the risk-taker that she is, the Bajan beauty let her inner daredevil out as she took a swim with the sharks and rocked this hot golden Balmain jumpsuit:

Check out BTS footage below:
 

 

A video posted by Harper's BAZAAR (@harpersbazaarus) on Feb 4, 2015 at 3:02pm PST

We'll definitely have the spread once it's released. We're sure it will not disappoint.

On the music front, RiRi will be joining Kanye West and Paul McCartney to perform their new track "FourFiveSeconds" at the 2015 GRAMMY Awards (Feb. 8th). The video was released yesterday and already has over 1 million views. It's also rumored that Rih and 'Ye will be heading out on tour, but nothing has been confirmed as of yet. We'll keep you posted.

On another cover....

Last night, she brought the chicness at the "Inspired by Scandal" collection shopping event and today she comes with a brand new magazine cover.

Our favorite TV series "IT" girl Kerry Washington glams it up for InStyle's March 2015 issue. And she's certainly bringing the Spring-like vibes with her fresh new cover.

The "Scandal" star chopped it up with the mag about her post-baby workout routine (yoga, pilates and cardio), her beauty routine (which changes depending on what she's doing) and more. Check the behind-the-scenes clip here.

Kerry's issue hits newstands and will be available for digital download Feb. 13th.

And on another magazine front....

SELMA executive producer Oprah and the lead stars David Oyelowo (also on the cover of Vanity Fair's Hollywood Issue) & Carmen Ejogo are gracing the cover of EBONY magazine's February 2015 Issue.

As David speaks out on Hollywood only recognizing "subservient" black characters, Lady O and SELMA directress Ava DuVernay are busy working on their next project, an original series coming to OWN. Although the Oscars snubbed their incredible film, that hasn't stopped their media dominance. And we're here for all of it!

EXTRAS:

1.  Mary J. Blige and Sam Smith will be performing together at this Sunday's Grammy Awards!

Photo: Rihanna's IG/InStyle/EBONY

Bobby and Alicia Brown were photographed at Emory Hospital where we saw her baby bump for the first time.  Get the pics and new details about the investigation into the events leading to Bobbi Kristina's hospitalization.

While both the Brown and Houston families are keeping vigil at the bedside of Bobbi Kristina (who's been relocated to Emory Hospital), and reportedly NOT getting along in the least bit, there has been some good news to emerge from Atlanta. 

Bobby Brown and his wife Alicia are expecting their second child, as Bobby revealed on his Lifetime interview special recently.  Bobby and Alicia (see Alicia's baby bump HERE) are already the parents of Cassius Brown and Bobby has 4 children from previous relationships.  During their visit to Emory, we spotted Alicia's bump for the first time.  Must be a tough time for the family as they prepare to welcome a new life while keeping faith that Bobbi Kris keeps fighting for hers.

Also, there is an ongoing investigation into the events that led to the hospitalization of Bobbi Kristina.  Thankfully, the parties involved are cooperating.  Recently, Max Lomas, the friend who "discovered" Bobbi Kris (alongside Nick Gordon) in the bathtub, is now speaking out through his lawyer. Now that news about Max's previous run-ins with the law and alleged drug ties have been revealed, he and his legal counsel are cooperating with the police.

"It is our understanding that Mr. Lomas has cooperated with the authorities investigating what happened involving his dear friend. Mr. Lomas is deeply concerned for Ms. Brown and remains hopeful for her full, complete and swift recovery."

Mr. Lomas' widely reported recent arrest is completely unrelated to the incident that occurred at Ms. Brown's residence and there is absolutely no relationship between the two events. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges."

Meanwhile, a source told PEOPLE that the Houston and Brown families remain a constant presence at Bobbi Kris' bedside, often singing hymns. "We'll sing 'Jesus Loves Me,' 'Amazing Grace,' but also some of Whitney's songs. We've been singing 'Greatest Love of All.' Bobby has sung that to her too."  

Although Bobbi Kris remains unresponsive and can breathe only with the aid of a ventilator, the families are praying for a miracle.

Photo via Bobby Brown's Facebook

Oh, Stacey Dash.  The Fox News Senior Correspodent (the fact she just started this job 5 minutes ago and already has a "senior" position is laughable in itself) topped herself in the 'idiotic speak' department.  And now, she's backtracking.  But still needs to have several seats. Find out about her latest debacle after the jump...

Since Fox News continues to give this woman a platform, we'll continue to call her out for the pure foolery that comes out of her mouth.  Denouncing bad behavior can be just as important as praising good behavior.

Stacey Dash, who says she is a rape victim herself, said some words about rape victims that had the social media world and beyond railing her with no mercy.

While on the "Outnumered" Fox News show this week, Stacey criticized rape victims calling them "naughty girls".  It was all in response to a national sorority's ban on UVA campus women attending "bid week"--which is a week of so-called debauchery that the college men participate in while attempting to gain entrance in fraternities-- in order to avoid being raped. 

That "suggestion" by the organization is bad enough for obvious reasons.  Stacey seemed to agree it was a bad suggestion, but then followed up with foolery:

“It’s ridiculous.  And I think the girls, I think it’s a good thing for the good girls, OK—women—to be told ‘Stay home, be safe.’ The other bad girls—bad women—are the ones who like to be naughty, might go out and play and get hurt, and then, you know ...

She continued:

“The other thing about this is that it then blames the alcohol and not the person who overdrinks.  So, you know, it’s like the same thing with guns. Guns don’t kill people, people kill people. Alcohol doesn’t get you drunk, you get yourself drunk.”

So now, women who choose to attend a party are "bad naughty girls" simply because they decided to attend a party....and got hurt?  What?

We're not going to even touch the ish her co-host Andrea Tantaros said about “feeling sorry” for the fraternity men who were being treated as potential rapists as soon as they get on campus.

Stacey then semi-back tracked.  She posted a message on her Facebook page claiming she was just joking.  Yes, because victim-blaming rape jokes are always hysterical.  Especially coming from someone who claims to be a rape survivor herself.

Stacey said:

"After a failed attempt at humor about “good girls” and “naughty girls,” during my recent appearance on Outnumbered, I transitioned to the very serious issue of men blaming alcohol for their vile behavior. LET ME BE CLEAR: I am a victim of physical and sexual abuse. My point was that there IS NO EXCUSE for a man taking advantage of women under any circumstances. I believe that these universities focusing on alcohol consumption as a means to stop evil behavior takes the focus off the real issue of the objectification of women and how that can be prevented. I apologize to anyone who believed I was blaming the victims of these horrible acts.

Girl, have a seat and do us ALL a favor and remove yourself from public speaking opportunities.  It's becoming a public hazard.

With that said,her antics and publicity have helped her get a job again, apparently.  She's starring in a movie called "Cloudy With a Chance of Love" on Hallmark this weekend.

Photos: Stacey's IG/Facebook

Bobbi Kristina Brown has been fighting for her life since she was found unresponsive in her bathtub this past Saturday.  And according to a brand new report, doctors are telling her family to say their good-byes.

Details inside...

According to a report from PEOPLE magazine, a doctor told Bobbi Kristina Brown's family today that nothing more can be done.  And the family has been told to say goodbye.

The Houston family and the Brown family have been coming to the hospital all through the night to spend their last moments with the 21-year-old daughter of the late Whitney Houston.

A few family members have mustered up the courage to speak about their feelings.  One admits that the devastating news is hard to believe.

"If you saw her, you'd think she was just sleeping...It's sinking in that this is it, but we're all still praying that God will intervene and heal her body."

As expected, the news was especially devastating to her father, Bobby Brown, whose 46th birthday is today. "Bobby has been crying nonstop since yesterday," a source told the magazine. "We are grieving."

Bobbi Kristina has been breathing through a ventilator since this past weekend and was recently moved to Emory hospital in Atlanta for special neurological care.

Photo: Getty

Taraji P. Henson opened up to VOGUE about her "Empire" character Cookie Lyon, explaining her fashion choices, hip hop influences and her love for Lucious Lyon.  More inside...

"The streets ain't made for everybody, that's why they made sidewalks." –Cookie Lyon

Hmph.

Since the debut of "Empire", tv viewers all over the country have been fascinated by Taraji P. Henson's Cookie Lyon, a quick-witted street chick, fresh off of a 17 year-bid.  From her love of animal prints and furs to the way she protects her son Jamal from curel people (or at least attempts to), Taraji (as Cookie) has clearly tapped into something that viewers love.  We can all agree that her character is well on her way to becoming iconic.  The ratings say so.

Taraji, who recently posed for the N0H8 campaign, talked to VOGUE about her character where she broke down how she developed her fashion sense, revealed her hip hop influences (Lil' Kim, Salt N Pepa) and revealed how she hopes to see her develop throughout the show's run.  Here are the highlights:

What is it about Cookie that resonates with so many people?
I think it’s because she’s the truth; she speaks the truth. You know exactly what you’re going to get from her. She is what she is—I wish everybody was like that. She’s free, she’s in the now, she says exactly what she feels, and I know most people wish they could all be so bold. She’s the moral compass.

Were there people from hip-hop culture that you specifically referenced for Cookie?
She’s more than hip-hop: She’s everywoman, she’s a mother, she’s a family woman, a wife, a ride-or-die. She made a sacrifice to break the cycle of poverty, and that makes her an everywoman. Is she influenced by Foxy Brown? Certainly. That’s where a lot of her style comes from—Salt-N-Pepa, all of that. That era of hip-hop was her heyday, those are the woman she identifies with.

Lil’ Kim is surely a big influence on Cookie.
Kim is everything. Today it’s Nicki Minaj, but Nicki Minaj got everything from Kim. Kim came on the scene and made everything change for women—she made it feminine and sexy and hardcore. She was a champion, and she’s certainly Cookie’s champion.

Do you remember that time in hip-hop?
Absolutely, nineties hip-hop was my heyday—I was in my twenties. During the eighties and late seventies, when hip-hop first hit the scene, I was there. I’m a hip-hop baby, and I will never not listen to hip-hop. I’mma be one of those old heads still listening, one of those grandmas still hitting it and getting it. My mother knows the blues like I know hip-hop.

Your character’s relationship with her gay son, Jamal, is really beautiful. When Cookie defends him so passionately from his rejecting dad, where did those emotions come from?
Once a mother; always a mother. I’m a mother in real life, so I don’t have to act. When it’s time to protect our child, as parents, we feel our kid’s pain harder than they do. I tried to explain that to my son. The closest he came to understanding was through his relationship with our dog. He said, I feel that way about Willy. We carry them for nine months. I could only imagine having a child that a father rejects.

I feel like Lucious rejects him out of fear. When he puts Jamal in the trash can, he wanted to throw him away before the world threw him away. He wanted to hide his son from everyone—the ugliness of being a black gay male to the world. Fear will do anything, and Cookie understands the pain on both sides. Cookie is never going to hate her child for being who he is, but she fears for his life, too, because he’s gay and black. It’s deep.

Does Cookie trust Lucious?
Cookie loves him no matter what, because she knows he’s trying to do the right thing. He’s been an orphan since nine, so a lot of his actions are coming from that, having to survive in a really inhumane way, as a nine-year-old out on the street. I marvel at how he was able to do it. It’s how you look at it, and Cookie really knows him.

Are you and Cookie similar in any ways?
Some of it is me. I think with all of the characters I portray, there is a little bit of me. I have to pull from life experiences to make the words pop. With Cookie, I am a personality in real life, so we have that in common. But I don’t go flying off the handle in elevators. Like when she calls Jamal’s boyfriend La Cucaracha, or calls the cab driver a Pakistani. I don’t do that. I have the emotions in check.

Cookie has a lot of my dad’s character—the truth and the no-buffer. My dad was like that. I had to do a disclaimer before you met him. He don’t mean no harm, he’s just real, and that’s that. She did seventeen years in jail. What’s she gonna bite her tongue for? And that’s why people love her.

How does Cookie come to life?
Usually I’m asleep in the makeup chair, and when I wake up, I have the face and glam on. Then, they put the wig on and its like, Hey baby. It’s just her—it takes all of that to get in character.

Do you help pick the wardrobe?
Normally, they bring me a bunch of things and I pick what I like. I’m the one who has to sell it. It’s all about fit—if I put something on and I feel like Cookie in it, I’m feeling it. For the jewelry, they’ll dump a bunch of jewelry in my room and I just wear all of it.

What do you hope for Cookie’s character?
I hope that her seventeen years in jail weren’t in vain. I hope she really does become a major player in the company, because she knows what she’s doing. She’s smart enough to know how to go and get what she wants any way she can—you can’t handle no business dealing with thugs. She has the gift of gab, she’s smart, she’s passionate, and she cares. Who cares about music as much as she does?

Can we love Taraji AND Cookie any more than we already do?!

"Empire" airs on FOX, Wednesdays at 8pmCT.

Photo via EMPIRE's Instagram

Congrats are in order for Richard Sherman and his girlfriend Ashley Moss as they became first-time parents today! The happy couple welcomed their son Rayden and his birthdate is totally symbolic. Get the deets inside….

He didn’t bring home the Lombardi trophy this year, but Richard Sherman has plenty to celebrate!

Widely popular Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman is now a dad! He and his girlfriend Ashley Moss welcomed their baby boy this morning. And they are super ecstatic over their new bundle of joy as he is the first child for both of them. It’s reported his name is Rayden.

The original due date for their son was February 12th, so there was a lot of talk and speculation on whether Richard would play in Super Bowl XLIX, since the due date was so close to the day of the big game. But, the little guy held off and made his grand entrance on a more symbolic day. He was born on 2/5/15, honoring his pops NFL jersey #25. Aww….

The star NFLer took to his Twitter to express his excitement saying:
 

My son sure does know how to make an entrance! 2/5/15... Is it a coincidence or is he just that clever?! Either way I'm ecstatic

— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) February 5, 2015

Sports Illustrated writer Peter King revealed the baby's name in a congratulatory tweet saying:

Congrats to Richard Sherman and his girlfriend on the birth of son Rayden this morning.

— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) February 5, 2015

Congrats to the couple!

Photos: Getty/Ashley's IG

A handful of YBF celebs were celebrated last night for the 6th Annual African-American Film Critics Association Awards. Peep the red carpet pics and find out what awards Chadwick Boseman, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, David Oeylowo and more went home with inside....

The 6th Annual African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) Awards were held at the Taglyan Cultural Complex in Hollywood last night to recognize a few YBF celebs who are churning out some classic blockbuster hits.

Get On Up star Chadwick Boseman and Belle star Gugu Mbatha-Raw snapped a few pics after being honored for their hard work in the industry.

Gugu, who also stars in Beyond The Lights, looked gorgeous in a floral frock with her barely there makeup showing off her natural beauty.

The YBF starlet was awarded the Best Actress award for her role as Dido in Belle.

Sexy Chadwick was also recognized for his role as James Brown in the biopic Get On Up. The 42 star will soon be making history as he prepares to transform into Marvel's first African-American superhero, Black Panther. It's slated to hit theaters November 2017. Can't wait!

SELMA star David Oyelowo was honored with the Best Actor award for his portrayal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the civil rights film. During his acceptance speech, he thanked both Oprah and Ava DuVernay for believing in him and offering him such an extraordinary opportunity. 

SELMA& Dear White People star Tessa Thompson accepted the Best Breakout Performance award looking absolutely amazing in this green leather dress and gold strappy sandals.

The beautiful Ava Duvernay was gorgeous on the red carpet before accepting the Best Director award for SELMA. She thanked Oprah‬ and the legacy of black female filmmakers who came before her.

Lady O and the fab directress are currently in the works of a new original series coming to the OWN network. Ava is on-board to write, direct and exec produce the drama, which is adapted from the novel “Queen Sugar” by Natalie Baszile. And Oprah will be making her acting debut on her network. Nice!

Directress Gina Prince-Bythewood won the Best Screenplay award for Beyond The Lights.  As she accepted her award, she said, "This award makes writing a little more sexy".  Nice.

New dad Tyler Perry won the Co-Best Supporting award for his role in the mystery thriller Gone Girl. During his acceptance speech he said, "What I love is the spirit of what this room represents".

And funnyman Mike Epps and his wife Mechelle Epps, who is a producer/actress, were in attendance as well.

Fab times!

Photos: Splash

Rihanna is slaying shark tanks and magazine spreads all at the same time.  You've seen the first cover and the first few shots, now check out more "WHOA" worthy shots from her Harper's Bazaar March 2015 cover story, her take on fearlessness and thick skin, and a few obligatory candids of the Bajan beauty out and about last night....

As she gears up for the release of her 8th studio album, "FourFiveSeconds" singer Rihanna is swimming with sharks.  Well, she says only sharks swim with sharks.  So she's just slaying photoshoots with sharks in them.  This past December, chick made her way to the Florida Aquarium in Tampa and did umpteen outfit changes and dives inside a tank with three live sand tiger sharks.  And it was all to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the movie Jaws.

Then this happened, all while rocking swimsuits by Gottex, Burberry, Mugler and Chanel:

On swimming with the sharks of life

I try my best to avoid the sharks of life, but I have had my share of experiences with them, and in those cases I just have to handle them accordingly. But I do not swim with sharks … sharks swim with sharks.

On whether Jaws scared her or thrilled her

Both! It freaked me out because I was a beach baby, so every time a new Jaws came out I would take months off from the beach or just sit on the sand. If I happened to get in the water, my dad would hum the theme music, and I was right back out of it. But that was really my fault because I was obsessed with Jaws. Steven Spielberg was my childhood hero.

On her tough skin attitude

This skin has been developing since my first day at school. It didn't happen after fame; I couldn't survive fame if I didn't already have it. So sometimes the toughest thing in life is to be vulnerable. I'm not generally a sensitive person, but I tend to be more sensitive toward others and what they're going through. I don't know if that's the healthiest thing, but it's the truth.

On how she always picks red carpet winners

The way I dress depends on how I feel. I never have to psych myself up. Usually it just feels like it works.
My favorite red-carpet looks are usually the ones I get to help design: the Adam Selman Swarovski crystal dress at the CFDAs, the Stella McCartney all-white dress at the Met Gala, and the Adam Selman white jersey dress from the VMAs. But the red Azzedine Alaïa at the Grammys is also one of my favorites.

On whose style she would steal
Zac Posen and his sick custom suits … and the hair.

On how much maintenance it takes to keep up her image
At times a lot of maintenance, and at times none. I have a job that requires quite a lot of glam, and I have a great team that helps me with that. But sometimes, like when I'm in the studio or on vacation, there's little to no maintenance.

On why she returned to Instagram
I … like … pictures! And that's the bottom line.

On her guilty pleasure
Reality TV. I can't get enough of it.

On having that body AND eating pasta everyday
You mean how I got my cellulite?

Get her full interview HERE.

Harper's Bazaar's March 2015 issue is available on newsstands February 17.

Meanwhile, Rihanna hit the streets last night in L.A., to get a little more work done in the studio

Chick is really feeling the 90's these days isn't she.  Cute.

EXTRAS:

1.  Vanessa Bryant IS actually shooting in the gym with Kobe.  VIDEO

2.  Beyonce recently spoke on why D'Angelo's Voodoo album is so impactful 20 years later.  STORY

Photog: Norman Jean Roy/Splash/INF

Sanaa Lathan was spotted at LAX, where she boarded a flight bound for London.  Find out what's taking her across the pond inside and watch Thandie Newtown discuss her three home births...

Sanaa Lathan showed up at LAX wearing a sweater that appeared to splash a smiley face across her chest. 

Sanaa jetted out of LAX for a trip to London.  Once she hits the ground across the pond, she'll begin filming scenes for Now You See Me: The Second Act with Woody Harrelson and Daniel Radcliffe. Sanaa has signed on to play FBI agent Natalie Austin who'll do her best to bust up a band of bank thieves. The movie is set for a 2016 release date.

It's going to be a busy year for Sanaa.  Coming down the pipeline, she's already wrapped filming the Sony thriller The Perfect Guy and a sci-fi feature Ad Inexplorata.  And of course, The Best Man Wedding has been announced as well.

Coming to the small screen...

Thandie Newtown is heading to NBC for an eight-episode series event, "The Slap", kicking off on February 12th.  The London-native dropped by "Wendy" to dish on the controversial series which depicts the fallout from a man slapping another couple’s child.

During their chat, Thandie, who's been with her husband Ol' Parker for 18 years, shocked Wendy when she revealed that she gave birth to all three of her kids (ages 14, 10, and 11-months) at home.....with no drugs. Why? She said, "The idea of being at a hospital didn't make me feel secure. I found out you could have a mid-wife at home and I thought, that's great!" 

In case you missed "The Slap" trailer: 

Photos: Splash

Looks like there’s drama brewing between Porsha Williams and Teyana Taylor. Although they’re both gearing up to release “unbothered” apparel, they both seem to be a tad bit bothered with one another. In other news, Kanye West and Dame Dash have “cut the middle man out” (is that a shot at Jay Z?) and have reunited for a new project. Deets and receipts inside…

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Porsha Williams and singer Teyana Taylor seem to be in the midst of a little Internet beef. It appears the ladies are bickering over the “rights” to use the term “unbothered” on apparel they're both currently working on to release.

Based on Porsha’s Instagram, it looks like she’s releasing some t-shirts with the word “Unbothered” painted across the front. She took to her Instagram earlier this week to alert her fans that they can pre-order her new tees Feb. 8th.

The problem is, Teyana claims to also be working on a clothing line via her company UNBOTHERED LLC, so she took issue with Porsha using the coined term for her own "line". Peep Teyana popping off in Porsha's comments below:

The "Maybe" singer suggested she take down the post, but it's still up. And Porsha is still going forward with her "unbothered" t-shirts as well. She posted the picture atop and below today to show she still plans on releasing her shirts.

Recently, Porsha called up the Rickey Smiley Morning Show to address the "beef" and chick threw plenty of shade. During her chat with the radio hosts, she kept calling Teyana "Tatiana", she said she had NO idea Teyana was doing a clothing line, and said she is not doing a clothing line herself, but rather, just selling some t-shirts.

Oh...she also suggested Teyana contact her legal team to explain to her that she can NOT trademark the word "UNBOTHERED". (Porsha MAY want to check with her legal team as well).

Check out what she said below (at 4:15 mark):

Sooo...since Porsha was talking "paperwork", Teyana pulled out her receipts to prove she owns a limited liability company with the name UNBOTHERED:

Bloop!  But...if Teyana didn't actually trademark the name yet, she might be up a creek....

In other news....

Is Kanye West and Dame Dash about to get in the film industry together? Hmm...it seems like it could be a possibility based on Dame's recent Instagram activity. 

The State Property and Paid In Full director posted a pic of himself, Kanye West and Q-Tip alluding to working on a possible movie together, even comparing themselves to Dreamworks Studios co-founders Steven Spielberg and  David Geffen with the caption:

The thing we don't do historically and culturally is stick together but we are stopping that now if we stick together we don't need any middle men from others cultures... We know we can do it on our own...but we are so powerful together...pause and we have our own money..we already made history in music so we can do that for fun so we're gonna do movies... This is like when Spielberg and Geffen got together and did dreamworks...it's time...me and kanye making movies and my brother Qtip was there to bless the deal #independencewon #cutoutthemiddleman photo by @raquelmhorn @loisaidas @damondashstudios @dressedtokill_ddstudios @toohonorable_ddstudios @qtiptheabstract

Cut the middle man out? Hmm...is that a shot at his former business partner Jay Z? Kinda sounds like it.

We're sure you have heard the rumors that 'Ye and Hov aren't the best of friends these days, so maybe Kanye (who we must say is looking good in the above pic) & Dame are about to collaborate on something new. Guess we will just have to wait and see....

Photos: Porsha's IG/Teyana's IG/Dame's IG

In honor of the late Whitney Houston, Kelly Price hosted “For The Love Of R&B” pre-Grammy party last night. Get the deets on her emotional speech about Bobbi Kristina and find out who else came out to support inside….

Last night, good friend and fellow R&B singer Kelly Price hosted a pre-Grammy party “For The Love Of R&B, For The Love Of Whitney” in honor of the late iconic singer Whitney Houston in Hollywood.

In 2012, Whitney joined Kelly onstage during the same pre-Grammy party to sing “Yes Jesus Loves Me”, days before the legendary singer’s untimely death. Before kicking off the tribute party, Kelly stood before guests, urging everyone to send up prayers for Whitney’s daughter Bobbi Kristina, who is currently battling for her life at Atlanta's Emory University Hospital.

She reportedly said,

“Bobbi Kristina is in the hospital and her condition is very serious. I will say this one thing and this one thing only: Please continue to pray for her as she fights for her life. She is a young woman who deserves a chance to live and to thrive and experience the greatness that is inside of her and come into her own," she continued. "I will ask you all to say a prayer. If prayer is not your thing, send love. Send your love and well wishes to the entire family.”

Following her speech....

Kelly hit the stage alongside Faith Evans to perform their joint track, which Whitney was also featured on, “Heartbreak Hotel”. After their performance, the “As We Lay” singer encouraged everyone to speak positive about Whitney Houston and to keep praying for Bobbi Kris’ recovery. She said,

"Speak well of Whitney Houston. She deserves that from us. Keep her family in your prayers. Keep Bobbi Kristina in your prayers, if anyone can do it god can.”

Singer Sevyn Streeter and her gray tresses hit the carpet in a white before she graced the stage.

Sevyn paid tribute to Whitney Houston singing the icon's 1987 classic hit "Dance With Somebody"

“Grey's Anatomy” actor Isaiah Washington came out to celebrate Whitney’s legacy.

"Hollywood Exes" star Shamicka Lawrence was all smiles on the carpet before the party.

Actress Porscha Coleman, serving up a bit of Chaka Khan tease, was all about standing out and being noticed with her fire red hair and cheetah print.

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star and singer Demetria McKinney kept it cute in a emarald green mini and cheetah print knee-high boots.

And former "A Different World Star" Dawnn Lewis showed her legs in a black off-the-shoulder mini.

Photos: WENN

As her Reality Show disc sitting atop the charts, Jazmine Sullivan gets "real" in a new interview where she opens up about being abused and reveals what she's learned about love.  More inside...

R&B lovers exhaled when Jazmine Sullivan dropped her brand new album, Reality Show. a few days ago, and it promptly landed at the No. 1 spot on Billboard's R&B Albums (still currently No. 1), and No. 2 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.

Now that she's ready to dive back into the business, she's talking toHelloBeautiful.com& StuffFlyPeopleLike.com and starring in their latest Digital Cover Shoot. Shot on location in NYC, Jazmine talks about taking a three-year hiatus between her beloved debut album, Fearless in 2008 and this year's Reality Show, as well as how she survived an abusive relationship and what she's leaned about love. Check the highlights:

On The Infamous Tweet that announced her leaving the Music Industry
“I told everybody, including my Mom, Dad and management and everything all via Twitter. Everybody was mad at me. [They were] like if you were going to stop at least you could’ve called.”

Why she left The Music Industry

“A lot of people think that the pressure of the industry and--you know--my weight and everything, kind of made me stop… and me feeling like I was getting the short end of the stick. But that was not it at all. That had a little bit to do with it but a lot of it was that I was dealing with my own mess in my own life, personally, and it all just happened to be too much and I had to stop.”

On Surviving Domestic Abuse

“For a long time, I kind of kept away from everybody. When you know you’re not right, and you know you’re not doing something right, you try to stay away from people who will tell you that.”

“It took me a long time to feel comfortable enough to say it. I went through a lot of guilt myself, like, should I expose this? Am I being petty by talking about it? It’s a lot of feelings that women have in regards to this. But, [I realized] this can possibly help somebody to see that someone that they look up to, or listen to, or are a fan of have actually been through it, and not only have I been through it, but I came out of it. I just felt like it’s a part of my story so why not share it? I’m the face of my own situation. I don’t know if I can be the face for everybody, but I definitely want to share my story the way I’ve experienced it and I hope people can learn from it like I have.”

On Love

“I’m literally figuring things out day by day just like everyone else. People think I know about love more than I actually do. I love love and I’m always on a quest to figure out men and how relationships work and why they don’t work and stuff like that. But I don’t know shit.”

Jazmine and her Reality Show are hitting the road March 1.  Check the dates here.

In other entertainment spottings.....

It's Grammy Week in Hollywood, CA and several YBF celebs came out to All Def Comedy Live, Hosted by Russell Simmons and funny man Tony Rock to get their laugh on. 

Former "BBW" star Jennifer Williams was there.

Russell Simmons entertained a couch full of beautiful women (as usual).

Kylie Jenner was spotted laughing it up with singer Justine Skye.

During the show, Tony invited Justine up to sing her song "Collide" ft. Tyga.

Music manager Chaka Zulu was there.

Singer Bridget Kelly posed for the cameras.

Russell also posed with Miss Diddy.

Photos via Hello Beautiful/SFPL/Kass / Ken for The Brand Group

Gabrielle Union's"Being Mary Jane" press tour landed her in the hot seat with Matt Lauer on "TODAY."  See what she said about her long-distance marriage inside and check out Gugu Mbatha-Raw on the cover of Town & Country magazine.  

Rocking a Suno floral sheath dress, Sergio Rossi pumps and Kavant and Sharart Jewelry, Gabrielle Union entered Rockefeller Center this morning with a huge smile on her face.

The newlywed has a lot to smile about since her hit series "Being Mary Jane" (which has already been renewed for a third season) returned to BET this week.

During her segment with Matt, Gabby met TODAY's service dog Wrangler and revealed which news anchor she used to create Mary Jane's mystic.  "'I'm obsessed with Soledad O'Brien and that's who I sort of patterned her after. Soledad has an amazing life as far as we can tell and Mary Jane - she just can't get it right."

'I would like to think I've adapted some of the more believable qualities of respected anchors. But because we don't know what happens in your lives really, I made her a hot mess."

Gabby, who tapes "BMJ" in Atlanta, also discussed her marriage to Dwyane Wade and how she makes it work.  "I come home every weekend. I fly back and forth. I fly wherever that is or I'll fly home and hang out with the kids. We figure it out and make it work and a lot of compromise.'

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

"Being Mary Jane" airs Tuesdays on BET at 10/9pmC.

Following TODAY, Gabby taped a segment for Extra! with AJ.

And last night...

Gabby appeared on "Late Night with Seth Meyes" wearing a dress by Suno, Alejandro Igelmo shoe, a Michael Kors coat, Fragments Jewel, and an Hermes Purse.

On magazine stands...

"Beyond The Lights" star Gugu Mbatha-Raw covers 'Town & Country' Magazine's  March 2015 issue.

In addition to being a cover model, the British import has several feature films lined up for 2015.  In addition to completing the fantasy-flick Jupiter Ascending,  she also has The Whole Truth with Keanu Reeves and Renée Zellweger coming soon. Could this be the year she blows up in America?

Extras:

1.  Sony's Amy Pascal is stepping down after that hacking scandal.  STORY

2.  Diddy Says He Won’t Let His Son Appear on Empire. Sources Tell E! They Never Offered Him a Spot in the First Place STORY

Photos via Splash/Town & Country/Getty/Gabby's Instagram