Fans of Azealia Banks can star alongside the femcee in her brand new video “Wallace.” See what we mean when you go inside….

Azealia Banks has a new video and she wants YOU to star in it.

Teaming up with Google Cloud Platform, the NYC raptress brings a new interactive video for her track “Wallace,” featured on her debut album Broke With Expensive Taste. In the Nick Ace and Rob Soucy-directed visual, fans turn on their webcams which allows your reflection to become the backdrop of the black-and-white video as well as control Azealia’s movements.

In a press release, she had this to say about incorporating the technology in her video treatment:

“I’m such a huge fan of technology and creative new ways of interacting and engaging with fans, so this collaboration was perfect for me. Music videos are as much of an art form as the music itself," Banks said via a press release. "The more I can push myself in my creative endeavors, the better. Working side by side with this incredible team of tech-creatives was a truly unique and enjoyable experience, and I’m thrilled to be part of a potentially groundbreaking new 'norm' in the future of making music videos."

The Harlem native happily tweeted:

Here it is: http://t.co/k2EqX6VjJ3 Fire up your webcam through @googlechrome on your desktop and have fun! #Wallace

— AZEALIA BANKS (@AZEALIABANKS) March 11, 2015

She also shared a few screenshots from fans who got interactive:

@AZEALIABANKS#WALLACE ;) pic.twitter.com/CoHXMDOlfK

— Sam (@samgriffin27) March 11, 2015

@AZEALIABANKS wallace in global!!!! pic.twitter.com/cyDGScg6yQ

— egg salad (@mattytvylor) March 11, 2015

@AZEALIABANKS#WALLACE#SLAYITpic.twitter.com/ZgfsI1uDEW

— FELIPPE ALROSA (@WhosFelippe) March 11, 2015

The visual is only viewable via Google Chrome web browser and you must turn on your webcam. To get interactive with the Broke With Expensive Taste rapper, click HERE.

In other music news...Azealia will be hitting the stage for Coachella in April and her nude Playboy spread will be released to the masses on March 20th.
 

EXTRAS:

1. Kanye West has a new project. He and photographer Jackie Nickerson have collaborated on a new "zine" called “Season,” filled with pics of naked women and Yeezy's clothing for his collection. Check it out here.

A new Kanye song has hit the net, and it's all about his fetish love for his wife....and his love for himself.  Naturally.  Check out the full version of "Awesome" inside....

Back in 2013 at the MET Ball, Kanye performed a bit of this song and had folks wondering if this will actually be a single of his.  And now, over a year later, the full version of the song has dropped.

It's an ode to Kim, called "Awesome," and no, it's no, it's not a remix to "Perfect B*tch."   'Ye is letting folks know all the deep and meaningful reasons he thinks she is everything:

"Why did you ever listen to/People trying to hate on you/At least you know that's nothing new."

"You look too good to be at work/ You feel too good to ever hurt/ I hope you ready for tonight/I'm gon cook, you'll be dessert."

There's more:

"I know you must be tired/ From running through my mind/ Can I come inside?/ Cause baby you're awesome/ Also, I'm also awesome, also/ I'm also awesome."

Yup, he throws in why he's so awesome his damn self.  And throws a slight at her momager Kris Jenner and co.:

"You don't need to listen to your manager/You're way too hot for them to handle ya."

Check out the autotuned track below:

BONUS: The duo was spotted at the Chateau D'Ambreville in Paris yesterday.

 

A photo posted by TeamKanyeDaily (@teamkanyedaily) on Mar 11, 2015 at 3:32pm PDT

BONUS 2: 'Ye was spotted in the studio with Diddy, who has returned to music to Executive Produce his new album:

 

A video posted by Sean Diddy Combs (@iamdiddy) on Mar 12, 2015 at 12:28am PDT

Photos: Splash/@TeamKanyeDaily/@IAmDiddy

Terrence Howard and the cast of "Empire" had a double duty celebration last night.  Not only was yesterday's episode a doozy, it was Terrence Howard's birthday!  Pics from the party inside, plus Malik Yoba revealing some ass-tasic news about Janet Jackson....

Cheers to the Empire!  And to its leader Terrence "Lucious Lyon" Howard.  Last night at Nobu in West Hollywood, Taraji P. Henson, Jussie Smollett,Lee Daniels and more linked up to celebrate Terrence's 46th birthday.

The cast posted pics of Terrence, his cake and the fun times:

No worries.  Cookie and Anika are friends in real life.

Taraji was spotted leaving the restaurant with a cute top bun.

And co-stars Grace Gealey and Kaitlin Doubleday posed it up in all white:

Then the twosome hit Warwick afterwards to party it up:

Their co-star Malik Yoba appears on "The Real" today.  And he gave a litle nugget of info that we love:

Oop.  We see you Loni....

After playing around with the co-hosts, Malik gave the details on what it’s really like to smack Janet Jackson’s booty!

 

Loni Love: Probably your most famous on-screen wife is none other then Ms. Janet Jackson! Yes!

The REAL: (Cheers and Claps)

Loni Love: When you guys shot Why Did I Get Married, I mean it was like you guys connected. It was like you guys were an old married couple. How was that?

Malik Yoba: Janet, she was lovely. Some of us had worked together before. It was my first time meeting Janet, but she just fell right in.

Loni Love: She was cool?

Malik Yoba: She was cool, she let me smack her on the booty!

The REAL: Ooh!

Jeannie Mai: What?

Malik Yoba: It’s a true story. I said, “Janet, are you cool if I… (imitates smacking a butt).” And she was like, “Sure!”

He also recalls first meeting Taraji P. Henson when she moved to Los Angeles as a single mom and he knew from the beginning she’d be a star!

Photos: The Real/Pacific Coast News/Instagram

EXTRAS:

1.  Angie Stone has spoken out about the fight between her and her daughter that landed her an arrest.  STORY

Ahead of her tour overseas, Nicki Minaj hits the set to film the visuals for her track “The Night Is Still Young.” Meanwhile, her ex-boyfriend Safaree Samuels ran into some issues while in Brooklyn. Deets inside….

Looks like Nicki Minaj is trying to get in as much as she can before heading out on her European tour next week.

The “Anaconda” raptress was spotted working on the video treatment for her fun-loving party track “The Night Is Still Young,” which is featured on her latest album, The Pinkprint. And she ushered in help from Jennifer Lopez’s ex-boyfriend Casper Smart to help choreograph the dance routines in the upcoming visual.
 

Showing off her curvaceous figure, which she loves to do, Young Money’s first lady struts in a skintight black dress with her hair pulled up into a ponytail. She’s on location in downtown Los Angeles, where she has also been rehearsing for her upcoming tour. The Pinkprint Tour with Trey Songz kicks off Monday, March 16th in Sweden.

Take a listen to the track below:

And on another video set:

 

A video posted by HMOBB NO PASSES(@killavuitton718) on Mar 11, 2015 at 4:44pm PDT

Yesterday, Nicki Minaj's ex-boyfriend Safaree Samuels was approached by some goons in Flatbush, Brooklyn as he was trying to film for a new video. For whatever reason, some unidentified men approached Safaree and attempted to "punk him" to send him on his way. Peep the video above.

We first heard this "beef" pre-dated Nicki Minaj, but after scrolling on the Instagram page of the person who originally posted the video above, it may have something to do with the Young Money rap star.  Just when we thought maybe the run-in was part of Safaree's video itself, it appears one of the guys allegedly involved MAY be an associate of Nicki's current boyfriend Meek Mill:

 

I'm chasing dreams like @meekmill @slowbucks yet I'm on different team the hood fucks with us can't get enough of us #HMobb #LikeDis #Nopasses #Bordalinemuzik

A photo posted by HMOBB NO PASSES(@killavuitton718) on Feb 14, 2015 at 12:33pm PST

And then another video popped up on Instagram:

 

A video posted by nolagirlchefdee1 (@nolagirlchefdee1) on Mar 11, 2015 at 5:57pm PDT

People are still doing this? And uploading it to social media? We can't....

Photos/Videos: WENN/Splash/@killavuitton718/@nolagirlchefdee1

Two fine actors we always love to see were spotted in the streets of NYC recently. See candids of Michael Ealy and Method Man making their rounds inside….

O, hey there sexy!

Michael Ealy was spotted making his way inside NBC studios in Manhattan yesterday. The sexy star is currently on the third season of FOX's mystery crime series “The Following," so he's likely making his media rounds to promote the show. 
 

Along with hitting the small screen, Michael will also be starring in a new movie. He just wrapped up filming for a new thriller titled The Perfect Guy, which also stars Sanaa Lathan and Morris Chestnut. He will play the lover to Sanaa's character, but once she tries to end their relationship, he flips the script and turns into a possessive control freak who doesn't want to let her go. 

Below is a synopsis of the film:

In the film, Leah Vaughn (Lathan) appears to have the ideal life. She enjoys a challenging, fast-paced career as a lobbyist; Dave (Morris Chestnut), her longterm boyfriend loves her. And yet, at 36, she's ready to move to the next phase. Marriage and a family seem a logical and welcome step. Dave is not so sure. A bit commitment phobic, his misgivings lead to a painful break up.

Enter Carter Duncan (Ealy), a handsome, charming stranger whose path keeps crossing with Leah's. Caring and solicitous of Leah and her family and friends, their relationship rapidly progresses. It seems Leah has met the perfect guy. But if it seems too good to be true... Soon Carter's protective nature morphs into something more sinister. It's clear Leah has to end this new relationship and when she does, her onetime lover becomes her ultimate enemy. It will take every bit of her cunning and resolve to escape and outwit him.

Sounds interesting.  And we're always down for a version of "Fatal Attraction."  The Perfect Guy is expected to hit theaters September 11th.

Also hitting the NYC streets.....

Rapper Method Man (who celebrates a birthday next month) was spotted making his way inside the HuffPost Live studios. And he is SILL fine.

The “How High” actor will be returning to the big screen in the Adam Sandler dramedy “The Cobbler,” which hits theaters Friday.

The former Wu-Tang Clan member sat down with HuffPost Live to dish on his role in the new movie and working with Snoop Dogg on the highly anticipated “Game of Thrones” mixtape Vol.2. He also touched on the Eric Garner situation and his personal interactions with the police growing up in Staten Island.

Check his interview below:

Photos: Pacific Coast News/Splash

Ludacris is dishing on the married life with his pregnant wife Eudoxie and explains why their wedding ceremony was so small. Find out what he said about throwing a huge ceremony five years from now, what he will be doing during the upcoming baby shower and his new album and movie that will be released soon inside....

Ludacris is a busy man these days. Not only does he have a brand new album dropping the end of this month, he also has a new movie hitting theaters a few days after the release of his seventh studio album.

The newlywed hit up Chicago's 107.5’s"Kyle, Kendra & Leon In the Morning" to chop it up with the radio hosts about his upcoming Ludaversal album (March 31st), his action thriller “Furious 7” (April 3rd) and, of course, married life with his pregnant wife Eudoxie.

The rapper/actor revealed the only person in attendance for his super quick wedding was his mother Roberta Shields. And he explained the reason for the small wedding. He said he kept the wedding small (only his mom was there) because he’d rather wait to have a big ceremony to celebrate actually being married for a certain amount of time. Oh...

He explained,

“I’d love to have a ceremony after about five years to celebrate actually being married for a certain amount of time. That’s just me.”

Hmph.

After confirming he and Eudoxie are expecting, revealing her baby bump on Instagram, Luda explained what he will be doing during the upcoming baby shower. Like many men, he doesn't see a reason to be there, but, to make his wife happy, he will be close by. He said,

“I don’t understand why we need to be there. Here’s the happy medium: I’m going to be outside smoking cigars with my homeboys.”

He also opened up a bit about being married and working on being with his lady forever. He spilled,

“We’ve been through ups and downs like true relationships do. That’s my best friend at the end of the day. We’re going to try and Keith Sweat this thing, trying to ‘Make It Last Forever.’”

Luda also talked about the passing of his friend and co-star Paul Walker, how he has remained successful in the entertainment industry and transitioning from a rap star to a movie star.

Peep his interview below:

Photo: Luda's IG

Well this could be....cute.  Common and Lupita Nyong’o were spotted out and about in NYC recently. Together.  Find out what they were up to and decide whether we think they’re dating...or nah....

Well what do we have here? Common….Lupita Nyong’o.... out on a date? Possibly.

Tuesday night, Oscar winners Common and Lupita Nyong’o decided to spend a night out on the town in NYC. The twosome hit up off-Broadway stage play “Big Love” at the Pershing Square Signature Center. And fans were freaking out after seeing the two superstars together. Peep some of the tweets:
  

I am currently sitting in a theatre with Lupita Nyong'o and Common about to watch Big love. Be jealous. #starstruck

— Kevin DeCastro (@theatreblood) March 10, 2015

Oh you know sitting 2 rows away from Lupita Nyongo and common!!

— ⚡DeAngelo⚡ (@DeAnJELLOO) March 10, 2015

So I'm at the @pershingsquare1 and ran into Common and Lupita on a date.

— Taylor (@realtaycoleman) March 11, 2015

The Signature Theatre even thanked the A-listers for attending the show tweeting:

Thanks @common and @Lupita_Nyongo for visiting The Pershing Square Signature Center last night for #BigLove. We hope you enjoyed the show!

— Signature Theatre (@SignatureTheatr) March 11, 2015

Afterwards....

The Chi-town rapper and Kenyan beauty trekked it to BEA Restaurant & Bar for some cocktails and a bite to eat.

OMG Common just walked into a bar I'm at with Lupita Nyongo! #holycrap

— AnnieOnAir (@AnnieOntheRadio) March 11, 2015

If you look closely, it appears someone else was sitting at the table with them. So, it's possible they could be working on a new film project together or maybe they could be trying to throw us off.

Hmm…what do we think? Is this a date, or is this just friends having dinner?

We will say, Lupita was rumored to have dated rapper K'Naan last year.  So dating another rapper wouldn't be too far fetched.  And if she's going to date a rapper, Common could be the perfect choice....

Photos: Lupita's IG/Annie OnAir's FB

So everyone seems to think FOX’s hit hip hopera is based on their lives. Find out what NBA baller Iman Shumpert said about the similarities between two of the show’s characters and Diddy’s sons claiming to be the real “Empire” inside….

Looks like everyone wants a piece of the “Empire” pie.

Cleveland Cavaliers baller Iman Shumpert seems to believe two of the characters from the hit FOX series are stealing he and his girlfriend/singer Teyana Taylor’s style. So who are the culprits?

Hakeem & his “industry girlfriend” Tiana! Hmmm…the youngest Lyon son does rock a high-top fade similar to Iman. And Tiana rocks the extra curly hair like Teyana, not to mention, she has the same name (spelled differently) and is an R&B singer. Apparently, those similarities were enough to make Iman believe the producers are ripping off their swag.

While chatting it up with Northeast Ohio Media Group, the baller admitted he doesn’t even watch the show ("I don't watch that stuff, man”), but his family and friends put him up on the striking resemblances.

He said,

"I don't see how they can deny it. Everybody knows. They're using my girl's character, her style, her look and she's not getting anything for it. They didn't even change her name. They could have at least let my girl audition for the part instead of stealing her character completely.”

Oh…ok. Then he goes on to say they were blindsided by it all and that producers should have at least called them up to let them know. He spilled,

"And come on man, they're really using a guy with a flat-top like me. Come on. That's ridiculous. They never called us. We were blindsided. We found out by our family and fans when the show aired."

 

He added,

"Her fans are more mad about it than I am," Shumpert said. "I'm a ball player, but that's her field. That's what she does. Me personally, I don't plan on taking any action but I don't know about her."

Hmph. We do see SOME similarities, but we’re quite sure this is purely coincidental and it’s likely these characters were created long before the two began dating.
 

Also....

Diddy’s son Christian Combs recently took to Instagram to throw a pic of himself and his brothers Justin Combs and Quincy Brown. And interestingly, he captioned it with one word: “Empire,” implying he and his brothers are the REAL Lyon brothers. Well alright.

In other “Empire” news….

The highly addictive show is continuing its small screen dominance. Last night, Lee Daniels' hit family drama captured 14.9 million viewers, marking a new high for the series. As you know, “Empire” will be coming back for a 2nd season and we have a few tidbits on what can expect for the forthcoming season.

First, there will be more episodes added, more than the first season’s 12 episodes. Woot! The actual amount has yet to be determined, but we’re excuted to be getting more.  However, Lee is NOT feeling this and says he wants to fight it.

Also, they will be bringing in more African-American writers and Lee wants to incorporate more of the lower socioeconomic class African-American experience into the storyline...and less "extravagance." Lastly, Spike Lee has reached out about helming an episode in the new season.  And Lee is pushing to get Oprah Winfrey to make an appearance on the show. Get excited!
 

Photos: Getty/FOX/Iman's IG/Christian's IG

Jamie Foxx is gearing up for a new album with the release of his new track "You Changed Me," featuring Chris Brown.  Also returning to the music scene, Malcolm-Jamal Warner releases a brand new single “I’m Ready”. Get the tunes inside….

Jamie Foxx makes his return to the music scene with a brand new track titled “You Changed Me,” featuring Chris Brown.

Following his 2014 track “Ain’t My Fault,” the Annie star brings some new tunes, joining forces with Boi-1da and Vinylz for the beat.  The actor/singer is expected to hit the stage for a debut performance of the track at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on March 29th. And we can expect a full album from the triple threat May 19th.

In the meantime, take a listen to Jamie’s newest musical offering below:

In a new video....

Since releasing his sixth studio album The Young OG Project, Fabolous brings us new visuals for his track “Ball Drop,” featuring fellow NYC rapper French Montana.

In the Gerard Victor-directed clip, Fab and French take over Times Square on New Year’s, set in 1989 to ring in the 90s. Before the ball drops, the rappers take over the giant screens throughout Times Square before the cops catch up to them, only to be mssed by the skin of their teeth.

In other news, Fab is anticipating becoming a father for the 2nd time with his girlfriend Emily B. She’s currently counting down the months before their little bundle of joy’s arrival.

Peep Fab’s new video treatment above.
 

On the new music front....

Nearly eight years since the release of his last album, Malcolm Jamal Warner is ready to return to the music scene with some new music. Scheduled to drop this spring, Malcolm will be releasing a brand new EP titled Selfless, following his Love & Other Social Issues album. And he just released his lead single “I’m Ready.”

The new track features Mint Condition singer Stokley Williams and it will be one of the three tracks that will be featured on his upcoming EP. Also, fans can expect three spoken word poems on the project as well.

The actor/singer dishes to Billboard about his new musical offering saying,

"I feel honored to have the opportunity to work with Stokley, because in addition to being a huge fan of his work, he is one of the most respected voices in black music today," Warner tells Billboard. "My last CD was released in 2007, and I've done a lot of living and growing over the last eight years. It is difficult to encapsulate those experiences in a six song EP, but as with my two previous efforts, this is another avenue of expression for me, a way for me to create art in a way that I can't do as an actor or director."

Take a listen to Malcolm's "I'm Ready" below:

Malcolm recently won a GRAMMY in the Best Traditional R&B Performance category at this year's Academy Awards, along with Lalah Hathaway in Robert Glasper's rendition of Stevie Wonder's classic Jesus Children." Following his role in the LIFETIME original movie titled Megachurch Murder, the actor has landed a new gig as Dr. Craig Ellis on the FOX comedy pilot "48 Hours 'Til Monday."

Photos: Fab's IG/Malcom's Soundcloud

Celeb parents update!  Tamera Mowry is looking oh so fabulous as she takes her baby bump to dinner last night, plus The Carters are reportedly dealing with complaining parents at daughter Blue Ivy's school.  Deets inside!

Last  night, Tamera Mowry-Housely kept it cute in a white maternity dress and her Louboutin pumps as she dined out on a date with her husband Adam Housley.  The two left their 2-year-old son Aden back home as they grabbed a bite at Craig's in West Hollywood.

Recently, "The Real" co-host dropped some knowledge about the best things a pregnant woman can do.  And one...is wear maternity clothes:

She told People magazine recently, "The worse thing that a pregnant woman can do is force herself into jeans or clothing that obviously isn't maternity and it's too tight. So if you're not going to wear maternity clothes, make sure you can still get away with it comfortably."

She also revealed:

"I always feel sexier when I'm pregnant, maybe it's a mixture of hormones, but I feel so blessed to be given the opportunity to give birth."

Work.

Speaking of kiddies, Blue Ivy Carter and her parents Beyonce & Jay Z MIGHT be facing some drama at Blue's new elite pre-school in California.

Apparently, Blue's classmates' parents are complaining about her ad her security detail...actually the whole family's security detail, this according to OK! magazine.  Word has it folks are getting tired of their overwhelming spectacle that takes place during drop off and pick up every day.  

Interestingly, this school reportedly has plenty of celeb kids and kids with notable parents.  So presence of security detail would possibly be pretty standard amongst the students.  We're sure Bey & Jay aren't the only ones who would find all of this peculiar.  Tina Knowles is probably itching to have a conference with any parents who have a problem with her grandbaby. 

Peep the report below:

EXTRAS:

1.  Univision fires talk show host over Michelle Obama"Planet of the Apes" comment.  STORY

Photos: Splash

Now this is more like it.  Kerry Washington graces the brand new April 2015 cover and pages of Marie Claire magazine.  And it's gorgeous.  Check the pics inside, plus how she mastered the fashion game, the super sweet words she has about her daughter Isabelle....and how the "Scandal" queen channeled feeling un-pretty into a talent.

We can never get enough of the Bronx beauty that is Kerry Washington.  The 35-year-old has been in this acting game for almost 20 years, and it shows.  As the reigning queen (well, one of them at least) of TGIT on ABC, Kerry kicked back with her homie Lena Dunham -- the creator of "Girls" and self-proclaimed "Scandal" superfan -- for her cover story interview.

In the story, written by Lena, Kerry shares what she wants most for her daughter Isabelle, who turns 1 next month.  (Are we the only ones itching to fully see this baby?!)  She also explains why she's become a notoriously private person, how she overcame her insecurities as a little girl, and how she's come to master the game of fashion.

Here are the highlights (and more gorge pics of that perfectly toussled hair and those delicate and chic clothes) until the full story hits newsstands later this month:

Kerry Washington on privacy: "Earlier in my career I was much more super-sharey. There were moments when I wanted to process things that were happening to me more privately, and I didn't have the space to do it, because once you let people in, they're in and you don't get to say, 'Oh, I want this for myself.'"

On collaborating with "Scandal" creator Shonda Rhimes: "I'm very respectful of Shonda's vision of who Olivia [Pope] is, but she has said that she is informed by the choices I make. If we were waltzing, she's definitely leading. And she picked the song, and she probably dressed us, but it is a waltz."

On fashion:"I just put myself in a boot camp of figuring it out—and realized that I really loved it. I guess because I came to it later in life, I realized, 'Oh, going to a fashion show is like going to the opening of Degas at the Met or going to see Swan Lake.'"

On insecurities growing up:"I didn't grow up thinking I was pretty; there was always a prettier girl than me. So I learned to be smart and tried to be funny and develop the inside of me, because I felt like that's what I had."

On family:"I just want [daughter Isabelle] to know that she's heard. Really heard, because I feel like that is what we all really want. When I think about any of the missteps in my life that I've made, all of which I'm grateful for, it's because I just so wanted to be truly seen and heard for who I am and was afraid I wasn't or wouldn't be. I see you, I hear you, I'm with you as you are."

On Olivia Pope: "I don't think I consciously say, 'What would Olivia Pope do?' but there's a new thread of belief in my own capacity that I think comes from her. She makes it happen. She figures it out. She fixes it."

Simply flawless.  Check out the behind the scenes action below:

The issue hits newsstands March 24th.  But in the meantime, Kerry & Lena collabo on screen for the March 19th episode of "Scandal."  We'll be watching....

Photographer: Tesh

There's no more OMG Girlz....in case you were wondering what they were up to.  Find out about their split inside, plus Safaree Samuels explains that goon-filled video that caused him to flee Brooklyn....and also return.

Tameka "Tiny" Cottle's girl group she assembled, consisting of her daughter Zonnique Pullins, Bahja Rodriguez, and Breaunna Womack, is now kaputz.  The official Twitter account of OMG announced the girls will be going their separate ways:

Zonnique posted the below pic while vacationing with her mom, and simply caption "Forever":

We won't be surprised if Tiny pushes Zonnique into a solo career that actually has a chance to blow up. 

Meanwhile, remember the videos we posted of Safaree Samuels getting hemmed up by a group of goons in Flatbush this week?  Well, he's responding.  He confirms what occurred is legit.  He DID, in fact, get run up on.  And it's sad because he was simply trying to visit his goddaughter. 

Safaree spoke out saying dudes who "make it out the hood" get criticized for never coming back tot he hood.  But when they do go back, things like this happen.  Check out his explanation below:

By the way, Safaree went right back to that same Flatbush neighborhood later to shoot his video, and he brought his goons this time (pictured above).

Photos: Safaree's Twitter/OMG Twitter

Kerry Washington's star just keeps on rising!  Check out her latest role that will light up HBO, plus Diddy and Mary J. Blige sing and dance their way into the "blackish" season finale....

"Scandal" queen Kerry Washington is on the road to becoming the queen of all TV.  The 35-year-old Marie Claire cover girl& Neutrogena spokeswoman just signed on to star as Anita Hill in an upcoming HBO telepic called Confirmation.

THR gives a synopsis saying:

Called Confirmation, the telepic — which is in development from HBO Films — will detail the explosive 1991 Clarence Thomas Supreme Court nomination hearings (at which Hill testified), which brought the country to a standstill and forever changed the way people think about sexual harassment, victims' rights and modern-day race relations. 

Kerry is an impeccable casting choice to play the young, black, female law professor who took on the Judiciary Committee made up of all white males, back in 1991.  Anita bravely told her story of incessant sexual harassment she suffered while working for black Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas 10 years prior.

Her testimony at the hearing divided the country in regards to debates on race and sexual harassment.  Thomas was narrowly confirmed with a narrow vote of 52-48.

Speaking of Anita Hill, there is a documentary that came out last year, called Anita, that tells her storyin depth.  Check out her interview last year with CBS where Anita gave more insight into what went down over 20 years ago:

The upcoming HBO telepic, written by Academy Award-nominated writer Susannah Grant (Erin Brockovich), will indeed be one to watch.  Kerry was set to film the Amma Asante directed drama Unforgettable this summer, but this telepic may take precedence.

In other major TV news, Diddy and Mary J Blige will be singing their way onto the season finale of ABC's hit sitcom "blackish." 

Indie Wire reports the episode will be set in the 1920's Harlem Renaissance era, and the cast plus the guest stars will transform into entertainers.  Here's why:

The episode, "Pops' Pops' Pops," finds Jack and Diane (Miles Brown, Marsai Martin) looking for clues about their roots for their class assignment, a history of the Johnson family. But they can't find anything out about the family's past. Pops (Laurence Fishburne) comes to the rescue with a colorful story of how "Pops' Pops' Pops," great-great grandfather, Drexler Johnson, bet the future of the Johnson family against a ruthless gangster, Elroy Savoy.

Combs will appear as Savoy, the gangster in question, owner of the swinging Savoy club where the Johnson ancestors all met (including Anthony Anderson as Drexler and Tracee Ellis Ross as showgirl Bea).

Blige will play Mirabelle Calais, the club headliner.

The episode will also be choreographed by Fatima Robinson.  Loves it.  The finale airs in May.  We're ready!

Photos: Getty

Taraji P. Henson, Terrence Howard and the cast of FOX's record-breaking hit "Empire" treated fans to a live Q-n-A and mini concert from stars Jussie Smollett and Bryshere “Yazz” Gray last night during a screening of the finale.  And the "oldest" Lyon son Trai Byers revealed his musical talents too! Check it out inside...

Last night, the cast of Fox’s "Empire," the biggest success story of the 2014-2015 season, took over The Theatre at Ace Hotel DTLA for a live Q&A with their biggest fans.

The panel was hosted by Entertainment Weekly reporter Tim Stack and included cast members Terrence Howard, Taraji P. Henson, Trai Byers, Jussie Smollett, Bryshere Gray, Kaitlin Doubleday, and Grace Gealey—as well as co-creators Lee Daniels and Danny Strong and executive producers Brian Grazer and Ilene Chaiken.  And for an added treat, all three of the "Lyon" sons showed off their musical talent.

On the carpet...

It's definitely Taraji P. Henson's time.  As Cookie Lyon, she's become one of the most unforgettable tv characters in recent years and we LIVE for her fashions, furs and ponytails.  And of course, that slick mouth that gets her both in and out of trouble.  Chick slayed in a hot pink long sleeve Cynthia Rowley knit dress. Werk Taraji! 

Director Lee Daniels posed with Bryshere "Hakeem" Gray. Check out Bryshere's performance below...

We've got some tea! On Access Hollywood, Lee confirmed appearances from Oprah Winfrey and Common on Season 2. We can't wait!

Gorgeous actor Trai Byers looked dapper on the red carpet.  Did you know that he sings too?  He performed "Lately."

Grace Gealey aka Boo Boo Kitty rocked a white crop top and pink pastel slacks.  Nice!

On the panel..... 

Taraji and Terrence, whom also worked together on Hustle & Flow, dished on their on-camera chemistry.  And Terrence revealed the story we've all head before that Taraji played a big part in him getting cast as Lucious. 

And Terrence touched up her ponytail too!

Lee opened up about creating the show and how he pulled from his own life experiences. 

Jussie Smollett performed "You're So Beautiful" and revealed how playing Jamal inspires him to walk in his truth. 

Bryshere flexed his rapping skills.

Kaitlin Doubleday, who plays Trai's on-camera wife Rhonda, rocked it in a spring-ready cocktail dress.

Caught on camera...

 

@jussiesmollett talks about his experience playing Jamal on @empirefox. #empire #empirefox #empireonfox #empireemmy #jussiesmollett @televisionacad

A video posted by Scott Appel (@scottappelmedia) on Mar 12, 2015 at 11:46pm PDT

Jussie talked about "standing" in his truth and how the "Jamal" character has changed his life and impacted life of "Empire" fans.

In addition to small talk, the audience witnessed live performances from the cast, including Trai Byers, who shocked everyone with his impromptu spin on Stevie Wonder's "Lately."  Check them out:

 

#AndreLyon Singing?! #empireEmmys #Empire #FYC #traibyers

A video posted by The Red Carpet Report (@redcarpetreport) on Mar 12, 2015 at 8:44pm PDT

 

I mean, I can't even with the #EMPIRE mini-concert tonight. "Up down, up down, up down...shake it fast!" #EmpireFox #EmpireEmmy @EmpireFox @jussiesmollett

A video posted by Josh Sabarra (@joshsabarra) on Mar 13, 2015 at 1:32am PDT

Jussie & Bryshere perform "You're So Beautiful"

 

#EmpireEmmy #EmpireFox #SpecialPerformance @jussiesmollett

A video posted by @angeliquebates on Mar 13, 2015 at 1:01am PDT

 

might be a peon in this town but damn it feels good to be this close to some serious talent #jamal #hakeem #empireemmy #SHAKEITFAST

A video posted by Sanjana Seelam (@sanjanaseelam) on Mar 13, 2015 at 12:16am PDT

Watch Jussie bust a move!

Are you ready for next week’s two-hour season finale of "Empire," airing March 18 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX?  Getting our snacks and wine ready NOW.

Photos & video via sanjanaseelam/angeliquebates/joshsabarra/edcarpetreport/scottappelmedia on Instagram/Getty/#empire IG

Former NFLer Chad Johnson was spotted spending some time with his pregnant girlfriend Crystal Bates in Miami yesterday.  Check the pics of the couple inside...

Eating for two! Chad Johnson and pregnant girlfriend Crystal were spotted in sunny Miami coming out of Smith and Wollensky Restaurant yesterday. The former baller is expecting his fifth child with Crystal, it will be their first as a couple.

We wonder if Crystal snapped this pic for him at lunch:

ZEN... pic.twitter.com/yxKjl8ExeW

— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) March 12, 2015

The twosome laughed and smiled as they waited for their car at valet:
 

They recently went on vacation together to the Bahamas, and we're sure they'll be one or two more "babymoons" before that baby comes.

Photos: Pacific Coast News

Both the President and the First Lady worked the talk show circuit yesterday with the FLOTUS dancing to "Uptown Funk" and dishing on her "GimmeFive Challenge" while The POTUS had a very serious conversation about the police shootings in Ferguson.  Watch them inside...

There was a First Lady overload on daytime television yesterday.  The First Lady of daytime tv Ellen Degeneres welcomed both the First Lady of The United States Michelle Obama and The "First Lady" of "Scandal" Bellamy Young.  The FLOTUS dropped in to talked about the annual Easter Egg Roll and how this year's event will include a"Let's Move" component and a dance challenge.

"In honor of the fifth anniversary [of the Let's Move campaign] I've issued this challenge. We're calling it #GimmeFive and we're using the hashtag #GimmeFive on social media," Michelle said. "We're asking folks all across the country to #GimmeFive ways their leading a healthy life. We've got a lot of celebrities involved," she said, thanking Beyoncé, Nick Jonas and Ryan Seacrest for their involvement. "We're gonna take over the Easter Egg Roll this year with a #GimmeFive dance, and actually the So You Think You Can Dance all stars are coming to the Easter Egg Roll to teach the whole South Lawn this dance."

What's the #GimmeFive dance? You can learn it for yourself in the clip below as FLOTUS challenged Ellen to do the #GimmeFive dance to the tune of "Uptown Funk." Check it out:

Television viewers got a second helping of The First Family via a late night television appearance on "JKL" by President Obama...

President Obama's appearance had its funny moments, however, the POTUS also addressed a very serious issue: the cop shootings in Ferguson.  In the video above, you'll see the President read "mean tweets" directing at his leadership skills, golfing trips and choice of jeans.  We do agree that POTUS should have a good pair of denim...but DIFFERENT denim!

On a serious note, he spoke to Jimmy about the shooting of two officers outside of police headquarters in Ferguson, MO.  Here's his statement, on what he deemed 'criminal acts.'

“Obviously, we don’t yet know what happened. Our thoughts and prayers are with the officers and their families, and thankfully, as you said, they’re going to be OK. … What was beautiful about Selma was reminding ourselves that real social change in this country so often has happened because ordinary people are willing in a nonviolent fashion to make their voices heard.”

“There’s no excuse for criminal acts. Whoever fired those shots shouldn’t detract from the issue. They’re criminals. They need to be arrested. And then what we need to do is make sure that like-minded, good-spirited people on both sides, law enforcement who have a terrifically tough job, and people who understand they don’t want to be stopped and harassed because of their race, that we’re able to work together to try and come up with some good answers.

“What we have to make sure of is that the folks who disregard and disrespect the other side, people who resort to violence, that they’re marginalized.”

“But they’re not the majority.  And in the same way that you can’t generalize about police officers who do an extraordinarily tough job –overwhelmingly, they do it professionally — you can’t generalize about protesters who it turns out had some very legitimate grievances. The Justice Department report showed that they were being stopped, African-Americans were being stopped disproportionately, mainly so the city could raise money, even though these were unjust.”

“What was happening in Ferguson was you had city government telling the Police Department: ‘Stop more people. We need to raise more money.’ Folks would get stopped. They’d get tickets. Then, they’d have to wait in line to pay it, take a day off work. Folks would lose their jobs. In some cases, they were thrown in jail because they didn’t have enough money for the fines. And then, they’d get fined for that. So there was a whole structure there, according to the Justice Department report, that indicated both racism and just a disregard for what law enforcement’s supposed to do.”

Photos via ELLEN's Instagram

Three of our fave YBF folks are on the daytime tv circuit today. Come inside to see Rihanna’s “Good Morning America” appearance, Ashanti opening up about her stalker and Michael Ealy talks about his insecurities on “Meredith Vieira”…..

Hello gorgeous!

Rihanna was a breath of fresh air as she made her way inside a NYC studio for an appearance on “Good Morning America” today to promote her upcoming Dreamworks animated film HOME.

The Pop princess was pretty in pink from head to toe, rocking a Pascal Millet Fall 2015 jumpsuit, blazer and fur stole, which she paired with nude Christian Louboutin heels.

The Bajan beauty sat down with for an interview about her upcoming animated film and her co-stars Jim Parsons and Steve Martin joined her.

After chopping it up about the film and dishing on some of their favorite things, Rih and her co-stars rolled out the red carpet for one unsuspecting do-gooder. They gifted hometown hero Cheryl Jackson from Plano, Texas with a special surprise. Cheryl started a food pantry for people in need in her hometown so Dreamworks Animation donated food to feed 25,000 people in her town. They’re also heading down to Plano on Tuesday, March 17th for a special screening of the new movie.

Check it below:
 

Home hits theaters March 27th.

Also on the daytime circuit.....

Ashanti was spotted sashaying down the NYC streets after a taping for “The Meredith Vieira Show.”

Chick kept it cute and comfortable in a Jolie Fleur denim jumpsuit paired with nude Christian Louboutin pumps.
 

Look back at it!

During her appearance on "Meredith"....

The Braveheart singer opened up about her stalker situation she’s currently going through. She said she often has to restrain herself from going off because the situation is very frustrating and time consuming, having to go back and forth to court.

Below are the highlights:

Meredith: We were talking in the beginning of the show all you've been going through with this man, this stalker. The way you’ve handled it to me is very impressive. This is a man, just to remind the audience, he started stalking you, your family really in 2003, 2009 he went to prison for a couple of years has since come out and has continued the behavior.

Ashanti: It’s not fun, it’s a little cooky. It's very annoying to continue to take off from what I have to do with work for court and stuff. I think we have to go back to court again this month and I am not thrilled at all.

Meredith: You have actually faced him in the court room. He is representing himself on trial. What is it like to stand there across from him or sit there across from him?

Ashanti: I had to learn how to reserve myself because it’s a lot of frustration. It’s just not pleasant at all.

Meredith: I understand that but I want to know not the particulars of the case but when you are sitting there and you say you have to learn how to compose yourself are you operating out of fear or are you operating out of empowerment in some way at this moment?

Ashanti: It’s a little bit of both because at this point you don’t know how far someone will go. I have a mouth on me, if I say something a little crazy I don’t know what’s going to happen after that so just be strong and keep your composure. At the same time, again, I am very feisty so if things aren’t going the right way I have something stay.
 

Meredith: It’s having that kind of fortitude I think that helps you in those kind of situations. You are not going to let the bastard get you is essentially what it is.

Ashanti: High five.

She also dished a bit about her breakup with ex-boyfriend Nelly, which she said trust was a big issue.

Meredith: You aren’t together anymore you said it bascially came down to trust. I think that is something so many women deal with. How do you handle trust in relationships. Why do you think it’s hard to trust somebody?

Ashanti: I think sometimes when people have their own insecurities it allows them to act out of character, I’ve been betrayed. Again, you just have to grow, you have to grow up and accept responsibilities for the things that you do. I'm not a big fan of people being cowards. I think it’s really important to know yourself and understand what you want and get it. I’m in a different place right now.
 

Peep the clips below:

Also on the show....

Sexy actor Michael Ealy stopped by to chop it about his role on FOX series "The Following." During the interview, he opened up about his insecurities as a teen. It’s hard to believe, but Michael was very self-conscious because he had really bad acne growing up!

The charming actor also talked about working with Mariah Carey (and her extreme tardiness) as her love interest in the "Get Your Number" video. He then talked about turning down a cameo for Beyonce's "Irreplaceable" video, but eventually agreed to appear in Bey's "Halo" video, so he wouldn't be coined as the "bad guy."

Below are the highlights:

Meredith: Did u ever have an awkward moment in your life or awkward period?

Michael: Yes, no one believes me but I did. When I was in junior high school and high school I had a really bad acne. I had big blackheads, not just zits, yeah it’s disgusting right. That just affected my self esteem in a way in which I couldn’t my use my weapon if you will, I couldn’t use them because I couldn’t make eye contact.

Meredith: You didn’t want anyone to see your face.
Michael: I would get close and then I’d have to look away because I just didn’t want the girl to see my acne. I was paralyzed by it actually it was really bad.

Meredith: How did you overcome that then?

Michael: I don’t know just time passed. By the time I had got to college it had gone away. Started to gain more confidence.

Meredith: Started looking up?

Michael: Yeah, started making eye contact and from there just made it work.

Meredith: You also did a video with Mariah Carey, Get Your Number, where she is seducing you throughout the entire video, what was it like workign with her?

Michael: Well,

Meredith: Your voice went up.

Michael: it was great. Mariah, she was great. She was very very nice to me that day. She amazed me because she can actually sing with the track sped up.

Meredith: Really. Why would she do that?

Michael: To speed up the time, she was a little late, just a little late, okay six hours late but that being said we had to speed up the time. She was like, ‘Just run the track.’ They sped up the track so it sounded like the chipmunks were singing and she just literally did her thing. Cut, ‘Got it?’ They slowed it down and that’s what the video is. I was like this to her afterwards. I was like you are a bad woman, that was incredible.

Check out his interview clips below:

Photos: Splash

Jennifer Lopez, Rachel Roy and Nicole Murphy were out on the Hollywood scene last night. Find out what the L.A. divas were up to inside…

Last night, Jennifer Lopez brought her "street" style while grabbing a bite to eat in L.A.  The “American Idol” judge donned a denim jumpsuit and a pair of high-top sneakers as she made her way inside Craig’s restaurant for a delectable dinner.
 

Recently, the fab mother-of-two revealed what her “Sunday Funday” with twins Max and Emma consists of. She told E! they sleep in and start with a late breakfast, followed by free time to play on their electronics (since they aren’t able to use them during the week). She said,

"It starts with a late breakfast. We sleep in, even the kids sleep in. And Sunday Funday, they work towards that because they don't get to use their iPads during the week," she shares. "Or play video games or anything because it's school time. And they have to be good in school and then they get Sunday Funday. It's something I made up so they could work towards it and behave!"

Cute.

Also at Craig's.....

Fashion designer Rachel Roy was also spotted making her way inside the famous American eatery.

She’s currently on the road empowering women with her "Self Rule" campaign. Rachel hopes to inspire women to chase their dreams through inspirational messages on her Instagram. 

Peep the clip of her chatting it up about her campaign on ABC News below:

World News Videos | US News Videos

Elsewhere in L.A.....

“Hollywood Exes” star Nicole Murphy was spotted at kids consignment store SPOILED for their grand opening on Melrose Avenue yesterday. The children's clothing store was once an online-based consignment shop, but they recently opened doors to their first physical location.

The fab-mother-of five was on hand to show her support and snap up selfies.

Fun times.

Photos:FameFlynet/Pacific Coast News

Damon Dash is back with another interview. And this time, he’s ruffling feathers for those who work 9-5 jobs, dishes on the demise of Roc-A-Fella Records and calls out director Spike Lee. Get the deets inside…

Damon Dash is on the promo trail for his new film project Loisaidas (executive produced by Kanye West). And this morning, he hit up Power 105’s The Breakfast Club for a very in-depth and controversial interview.

Dame sat down with the radio hosts (along with battle rapper Murda Mook and OG Daniel) to chop it up about a number of things. DJ Envy kicked off the interview asking Dame about his former partner and friend Jay Z, which caused tempers to flare since he says he’s TIRED of talking about Jay Z. He said, “No more Jay Z questions! I told you why I didn’t want to talk about that man.”

Now…here's why everyone is talking about the interview. The Hip Hop entrepreneur proceeded to drop knowledge for the “working class” about getting financial freedom, but it came off as more of a diss. He said people who wake up everyday and go to a 9-5 have NO pride in themselves simply because they work for another man. Oh? He said "we" need to invest money in ourselves and own our own companies, so that we will have something to pass on to our children.

He also talked about the demise of Roc-A-Fella Records. The Hip Hop mogul said when Jay Z decided to respond to Nas’ “Super Ugly” diss track, without his consent, that's what kickstarted the beginning of the "end" of their empire.

Below are the highlights:

On people who work 9-5’s not having pride in themselves:
“You’re saying because you enjoy music, or enjoy being a DJ, you enjoy having a boss. If you enjoy being a DJ why don’t you own your own radio station and then DJ for your own radio station, so your son can just get on anytime he wants? There’s no steps to it because I do it. See, you enjoy the safety and security of a job everyday. But there’s no pride in that to me. My son takes pride in the fact that I have Dash Motors and because I have that, my son said ‘I’m not going to ever have a boss.’ His mentality is different. It’s just about changing their mentality.”

He added,

“I think because people on the radio tell people it’s ok to have a boss. They don’t understand that they can have more. And because of the direct consumer relationship and the Internet there’s no excuse. There’s just a pride you should have in ownership. Putting your own money up and invest. 9-5’s aren’t good. But when you do something for yourself and your family, it never feels like work. I hustle for my last name, not my first. How can a man who has a boss be proud? Jobs are for lazy people that don’t want to invest in themselves.”

On a man calling another man his “boss”:
“You’re only a boss if you put up your own money. All these so called moguls y’all are talking about, you name one of them that put their own dough up. You’re only the boss if you put up your own money. If you don’t put up your money, you’re nothing but a supervisor, it’s not yours. There’s no money in this world that somebody can pay me for me to call them a boss. That’s like calling somebody daddy. How can a man call another man like ‘yo that’s my boss.’”

On getting a check from Def Jam:
“I ain’t take no money from Def Jam. What you talking about? They didn’t cut me a check! We had a formula based on performance and they calculated and we got paid. We had Roc-A-Fella, we put up our own money for Roc-A-Fella, then we sold half of it. We became partners, so that means no one gave us anything. We were 50/50 partners; we built something and sold it. That doesn’t mean you work for someone. They let you believe that. Based on a formula, they bought the rest. That’s it. That’s not nobody giving me money. I never worked for them. Me, Biggs [Kareem Burke] and Jay put up way more money into Roc-A-Fella than Def Jam. All they did was collect our money.”

On the demise of Roc-A-Fella after Jay Z responded to Nas’ diss “Super Ugly”:
“I wish I could have rewinded it so I could have told him not to do that. That was the beginning of the end because before that we were unstoppable, but he messed up. I was like ‘you got caught up in gossip, you don’t have to answer to gossip.’ I thought he should have just let it rock out. I didn’t think it was necessary. That’s why he did it when I wasn’t around. So that’s why we lost.”

On calling out Spike Lee:
“We have to stick together and I’m sick of us as a culture not sticking together. He’s doing the same thing like I’m doing. He [Spike] was like ‘ya know, Dame is arrogant.’ And he didn’t want to offer no help, he didn’t want to sit down with me and I didn’t appreciate that. I want someone to ask Spike Lee why he doesn’t want to stick together. When have I ever been arrogant with him? Why don’t we stick together?”

Also in the interview, he talked about late rapper Big L gearing up to sign with Roc-A-Fella, what happened to the restaurant he was suppose to open with Cam’ron, Young Money rapper Drake battling Murda Mook and more. Check it below:
 

Photo: Angela Yee's IG

Rihanna is set to make history as the first Black woman to front a Dior campaign!  Get the deets on her upcoming Spring ads inside and find out who Eddie Murphy has signed on to play in the Richard Pryor biopic.

Earlier today, we spotted Rihanna, who's on the April 2014 cover of Harper's Bazaar China, strutting through New York City in a pink Sean John velour jumpsuit, Lindsay Degen antibody boots and a Dior "Diorama" flap handbag.

The Bad Gal of fashion is on the promo trail for her latest project, the movie HOME, which hits theaters March 27th, and features Rihanna in her first animated role, which also includes her single "Towards The Sun."

There's other big news in the "Navy" barracks.  We've just learned what Rihanna's top-secret photo shoot at the Palace of Versailles was all about. 

Rihanna is starring in the fourth episode of Dior’s “Secret Garden” video campaign. The film and print elements were shot by Steven Klein and will run in the Spring. The news was confirmed by WWD.

This is "extra" special because Rihanna is the first Black woman to rep Dior.  She joins the ranks of current Dior spokeswomen Jennifer Lawrence, Marion Cotillard and Natalie Portman.
 

In other new gigs...

Guess which big name celeb is hooking up with Lee Daniels...Eddie Murphy!  Before you get excited about seeing Eddie star with Terrence Howard and Taraji P. Henson, he's NOT appearing on "Empire" (yet), he's actually been cast in the forthcoming Richard Pryor biopic that Lee is directing.  The good news was confirmed by Entertainment Tonight who revealed Eddie will play Richard Pryor's father, LeRoy "Buck Carter" Pryor, a former boxer. ET also confirmed that Kate Hudson will play Richard's wife, Jennifer Pryor.

Yesterday, Lee uploaded a pic of himself and Eddie to the 'Gram with the caption, “Strap in and brace yourself. They done let me and him out of our cages! #idonteventhinkimreadyforthisone! #excited #proud #OMG”

Eddie will star alongside Mike Epps (Pryor) and Oprah Winfrey, who'll play Richard's grandmother, Marie Carter.

We're here for this.

Photos Splash/Lee Daniel's Instagam (theoriginalbigdaddy)