Rare footage of Kanye West and his mother Donda West has surfaced. And they’re warming our hearts with their mother-son rendition of Ye’s “Hey Mama.” Check it inside…

We all know how much Kanye West loves his late mother Donda West, who died suddenly in 2007. He talks about her often in his music, he has a foundation in her honor and he talks about her a lot during interviews. Now, we get another sneak peek into their relationship via new rare video footage that surfaced recently.

The beginning of the clip appears to be footage taken from an MTV special which chronicled the making of his Late Registration album as Donda recites her favorite lyrics written by her son. Soon after, the footage goes to rare footage of the "Only One" rapper and his mom in the kitchen rapping to now popular single “Hey Mama,” an ode dedicated the woman who raised him.
 

Peep the heart warming clip below: 

Aww...loves it!

EXTRAS:

1. Kanye West and Daniel Ramos, the paparazzo who filed misdemeanor battery charges against him, have kissed and made up. The two shook hands after settling the civil lawsuit over the assault at LAX airport. STORY

Photo: Splash

Indiana Pacers Forward Chris Copeland -- and his wife -- were stabbed outside of 1 Oak nightclub in NYC.  The shocking deets inside...

News broke this AM that former NY Knick turned Indiana Pacer Chris Copeland was attacked around 4AM this morning while leaving the popular 1 Oak nightclub at W. 17th St. in Chelsea.

The NY Daily News reports an argument went down as club patrons left the closing club, and it resulted in a man stabbing 31-year-old Chris Copeland in the stomach.  Chris' 28-year-old-wife, Katrine Saltara (pictured above with Chris), was slashed by the attacker in her leg and arm. 

A 53-year-old woman named Catherine Somani was also stabbed in the stomach.

Reports state that Chris and Katrine were rushed to Bellevue Hospital and are in stable condition.  Catherine was taken to Lenox Hill Hospital.

Chris played for the Knicks from 2010-2013 and New York City is the hometown of his wife.  So the two are likely quite familiar with the club scene, but the unexpected attack is frightening.

In conjunction with the attack, Atlanta Hawks players Pero Antić and Thabo Sefolosha were arrested and booked for obstruction.  According to police, the duo “refused to move when police tried to set up a crime scene.”

The attacker has been identified as 22-year-old Sezoy Bleary and was arrested on the scene.  Here's the bizarre part, the Daily News states:

A police source said that Somani (the second woman who was stabbed) is a friend of Bleary's and was with him when the argument broke out. It is believed that she was slashed by accident, the sources said. "She was with him, and in the course of what he was doing, (he) slashed her in the abdomen," the source said.

The Pacers are set to tip off against the Knicks tonight at Madison Square Garden,  It's unclear if Chris will suit up.  The Hawks are also in town to tip off against the Brooklyn Nets tonight.

UPDATE:  Below is video footage of Chris and wife Katrine moments after being attacked (WARNING: Very explicit language, NSFW):

Photos: @DrayClarkABC7/Chris' IG

The snatchery was in full effect last night.  Jazmine Sullivan performed to a sold-out crowd at The Tabernacle in Atlanta last night where KeKe Wyatt and Keri Hilson were amongst the fans in attendance.  Watch Jazmine in action inside and see KeKe's post-baby bod... 

Last night, Jazmine Sullivan swept through The Tabernacle in Atlanta, GA where she thrilled fans and celebs with her soulful heartfelt music.  During a chat with the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Jazmine opened up about the love she's been shown in Atlanta saying,

"This is actually my second month. It was extended for a month because the first month went so well. We are back in Atlanta for the second time because we sold out so quickly the first time we came here. Everything is going well with the tour and I’m still promoting the album (Reality Show)."

The "Need U Bad" singer's show was attended by several celebs, including former "R&B Divas Atlanta" star KeKe Wyatt.  You'll recall that KeKe gave birth to her eighth child 4 weeks ago...and she looks amazing!  She captioned her pic with Jazmine,

"Guess who took me out on a date tonight?!? Yassss my boo @draecrenshaw (he had to drag me out... Leaving my 4wk old baby?!? No ma'am) Perfect surprise to see my favorite @jsullivanmusic thanks Michael Jamar for keeping my princess. Mommy will be home soon! Saaaaaaang Jazmine!!!!"

Atlanta-area native Keri Hilson also came out to support Jazmine on her big night.  Keri and Jazmine are old pals and even toured together when they were both newbies to the business. 

Keri wrote, "got goosebumps, shed a tear, & lost my voice...we shared our first ever promo tour together (Russ Parr), & it was encouraging to witness her return after similar experiences...I think I've made it clear that I LOVE @jsullivanmusic!"

Watch Jazmine's opening:

Watch Jazmine sing "In Love With Another Man"

Tonight, Jazmine takes the stage at Iron City in Birmingham, AL.  Work!

Photos via Keri Hilson's Instagram/Drummagurl_Taya Instagram/KeKe Wyatt's Instagram

The Wests are jet setting again.  And baby North West is only here for her Frozen luggage ride.  Check the pics inside...

The Wests are on the road again.  Kanye, Kim and North West arrived at LAX last night preparing to take off on a possible international flight.  But cutie North looked like she had just woken up from a nap and was unbothered by all the snapping paparazzi cameras.

Kanye carried in his sleepy baby girl before she popped up and served her usual face to the cameras:

Awww.

After walking to their gate, North didn't want to let go of her Frozen luggage, once again, and had a fun ride the rest of the way:

Ha!

Photos: Splash/FameFlynet

Kenya Moore channels her inner model for the cover of KONTROL magazine’s Spring 2015. In her cover story, the "Real Housewives of Atlanta” star reveals whether she believes her nemesis NeNe Leakes will cough up the dough for Detroit Public Schools, talks about her budding relationship with Cynthia Bailey and more. Check it inside…

“RHOA” reality star Kenya Moore is flexing her model skills for a new magazine cover. The former Miss USA is posing it up for KONTROL magazine’s “Fashion Reset” Spring 2015 Issue.

Rocking a blunt cut bang, Ms. Twirl served in an abstract print mini (styled by Julian R. Lark) as she rocked an array of designers for her spread including Roberto Cavalli, Valentino and Ralph Lauren.

In the cover story, the reality star dished on her relationships with her “RHOA” castmates, mainly NeNe Leakes. When asked if she thought NeNe would ever cut the $20K check to the Detroit Public Schools system, she said in so many words, NO.

You'll recall, Kenya was scheduled to make an appearance at a Detroit high school to donate her funds, but she was a no-show...twice! She eventually cut the check last October after winning $20K on "Celebrity Apprentice" and posted it on Instagram for all to see.

Ms. Twirl also talked about her budding relationship with Cynthia Bailey and how she feels about Phaedra Parks and her husband Apollo Nida.

Below are the highlights:
 

On if she thinks NeNe Leakes will write a check to Detroit Public Schools:
No, I don’t think so,” says Kenya, “People can see the type of person she is. “She used it to show the world how disgusting and evil she is. Why would you shortchange some kids because you want to be in a pissing contest with someone?”

On fans thinking she and Cynthia Bailey are an unlikely pair:
“How so? We’re both models/beauty queens that love fashion, worked in New York, and know most of the same people.” Now that things have changed between Cynthia and Nene, it’s been a lot easier to develop a deeper friendship for Kenya. “You no longer have someone constantly telling you who to be friends with and to choose.”

On how she feels about Phaedra & Apollo:
“I definitely feel redeemed from the feud with Apollo and Phaedra.” This was quite evident with the airing of Sunday’s show with Kenya and Phaedra making amends and hopefully slowing working to build a better friendship. Only time will tell.
 

Peep the behind-the-scenes footage of Kenya on the set of her photoshoot below: 

Photo: Nathan Pearcy/KONTROL

Romeo Miller is defending his relationship with his white girlfriend, revealing he has no preference of skin color when it comes to the ladies. Find out what he said about dating women of all colors, his life in comparison of the hit drama series “Empire” and how he was “catfished” back in the day….

A few months ago we introduced you to Romeo Miller’s new girlfriend Toneata Morgan, a pageant queen from California. Since then, the son of Hip Hop mogul Master P claims he has received tons of hate mail due to the fact that his girlfriend is white. In fact, he responded to some of the “hate” via an Instagram post last month where he put up a pic of himself and his girl and captioned, “That face you make when you take a selfie w/your white gf and you thinking about all the racist comments that’s bout to be under your comments lol.”

Well….he’s still defending his interracial relationship publicly. The all grown up (and sexy) Miller son stopped by “The Meredith Vieira Show” recently to address the negative backlash he has received since putting his love for his new boo on front street.

He said,

“It’s crazy to think in 2015 when I start posting pictures of me and my girl, obviously I’m black, she’s white, a lot of hate mail & hate comments was on there. It’s just sad because honestly, anybody who knows me, I’ve dated girls as black as Akon and as white as Casper. It’s all about the heart. She’s the one who captured my heart. She could have been blue, green or yellow.”
 

Oh....

Check it below:

He also talked about his life in comparison to the hit FOX series "Empire":

And he also admitted he was once “catfished” back in the MySpace days. He said when he was about 13-years-old he fell in love with a chick from Sweden, only to find out the person he was talking to was not the person in her profile pictures. Check it:

Photo: Meredith Vieira Show/Romeo's IG

The stars of Brotherly Love and Blackbird both hosted screenings in Atlanta last night and we've got fab pics from both events.  Take a trip to the ATL inside...

Last night, Broadway and movie star KeKe Palmer joined her Brotherly Love costars at their premiere at Phipps Plaza in Atlanta.

KeKe selected a flirty leopard and mint green Fausto Puglisi dress and Alexandre Birman shoes for the occasion.

This was actually the second screening of the Brotherly Love movie stars hosted at Phipps Plaza.  Yesterday, the cast invited a group of college students to the showing.  Cory Hardrict (the hubby of Tia) was among the film's stars who joined KeKe for a walk down the red carpet.

Quincy Brown, who dropped his single "Friends First" a few months ago, is also starring in the film.

Sabrina Rowe and Sharlinda Parker, who starred on "Big Rich Atlanta", came out to support the project.

The cast, which also includes Julito McCullum, Cory Hardrict, and Eric D. Hill Jr. were joined by Mayor Kasim Reed for a picture.

Before the screening, which included a Q-n-A, the cast gathered for a prayer.

They kept the audience entertained as they discussed the feature which was written and directed by Jamal Hill and produced through Queen Latifah's Flavor Unit.

Brotherly Love hits theaters April 24th, and in case you missed it, here's the synopsis:

Set in West Philadelphia, born-and-raised basketball star Sergio Taylor deals with the early pressures of fame. Alongside older brother June, who lost his own hoop dreams to the streets to provide for the family after their father's death, and sister Jackie , whose own musical ambitions are sidetracked by love, Sergio faces life-altering decisions on the tough streets of Philly.

At annother screening:

Academy-Award winner Mo'Nique joined her husband Sidney Hicks to host a private screening of their upcoming movie 'BLACKBIRD.'  The controversial film was written and directed by Patrik-Ian Polk and stars Mo'Nique and Isaiah Washington.

Funnyman Rodney Perry (who also starred with Monique on her ill-fated BET talk show) joined her at the screening.

"R&B Divas Atlanta" star Meelah gave a little shoulder tease.

Singer D. Woods (formerly of Danity Kane) also stars in the film.

Gary (from Rickey Smiley's Morning Show) was there to support.

Singer Bobby V posed....in this outfit.

Torrey Lamar (center) and Nikki Jane (far right) help round out the cast of Blackbird.

After the screening, the cast sat front and center at Midtown Art Cinema to talk about film and sit in on a Q&A
with executive producers Mo'Nique and Sidney.

Blackbird arrives April 24the and tells the story of a young singer struggling with his sexuality and how he's treated by others in his small Southern Baptist community.
 

Wonder if Mo still wants that sit down with Lee Daniels....

Photos via Chris Mitchell/ATLPics.Net

Tamika Fuller is having her say.  After Ludacris took full custody of their baby girl, the woman who was impregnated by Ludacris while he dated his now-wife Eudoxie is giving her side.  Check it inside...

In January of this year, just weeks after revealing he's married and expecting a new baby with Eudoxie (pictured below), Furious 7 star Ludacris gained full custody of his youngest daughter Cai Bella (pictured above with Tamika). 

The problem is, Cai's mother gave a compelling story in their custody hearing alleging Luda simply wants the baby for image and child support reasons (that he wouldn't have to pay if he has full custody).  And she revealed shocking details about him previously asking her to abort the child.  Now that all is said and done, Tamika is hurt her daughter has been taken from her.  And she's giving the masses her in-depth story.

In an essay written for MadameNoire.com, Tamika spills the details about what happened after she told Chirs "Ludacris" Bridges she was pregnant with his child...just a little while after the old friends reunited and had sexual encounters. 

The psychological manipulation began immediately. He broke down in tears when I told him that I wanted to keep our baby, and he begged me to abort the child whose heartbeat was developing in rhythm with my own. He told me that it would destroy his career and his image. I contemplated heavily on terminating my pregnancy. I don’t believe in forced parenthood or trapping anyone into raising an unwanted child. However, when I visited the clinic and heard my daughter’s heartbeat on the ultrasound, I knew I couldn’t go through with it.

He promised me the world – trips on his private jet and other perks of the rich and famous – if I would just have the abortion. He made me feel as if I was ruining us. It was as if he believed that our friendship should take precedence over the life growing inside of me and when he realized that it didn’t, it couldn’t, my real nightmare began.

And then she dropped some eye opening knowledge.  Clearly, Tamika (and/or her team) has been doing her research about fathers who gain full custody of their children.  And she has an explanation as to why the system automatically gives her the short end of the stick:

In her book, Mothers on Trial: The Battle for Children and Custody, Chesler found that 70 percent of fathers who fight for custody win, regardless of the father’s character or even if he’s an active part of the child’s life. The perception of mothers who retain custody of their children is flawed. They don’t all have their children because the courts decided that they were the better parent, but rather, the fathers didn’t fight for custody. So when a father does fight for custody, male patriarchal privilege rears its ugly head. He’s rewarded for being the rare unicorn that wants to raise his child so much that he goes to court.

Now, place those statistics and that history and situate them in Hip-Hop loving Atlanta where Chris is a favorite son. Throw in my less than ideal financial state and accusations that I had abandoned my first child, and I never stood a chance.

Interesting.  Check out what else Tamika has to say about accusations of her leaving her eldest daughter, her relationship with Ludacris, her plans to start an organization to help moms in her same situation, and more in her full essay HERE.

Photo: Madame Noire

Lil Wayne’s chicks Christina Milian and Karrine Steffans are back at it on social media. And, of course, it's all over Weezy. Karrine Steffans confessed in a recent interview that she will NEVER stop seeing Wayne, despite him being in a relationship with Christina, and C-Milli responded. Hmph.

In other news, Tamera Mowry Housley was glowing during her baby shower over the weekend. Get the deets and peep the pics inside….

On the heels of Christina Milian professing her undying love for her man Lil Wayne, she’s now back to swatting off his ex-flings. On social media. Again.

Recently, Weezy’s ex(?)-jumpoff Karrine “Superhead” Steffans sat down with VladTV to dish on all the alleged details of her non-exclusive relationship with the Young Money honcho. During her chat, the ex-video vixen revealed she will NEVER stop seeing Lil Wayne…no matter who he’s with, no matter who she’s with (even while married).  She says she will NEVER end her “situationship” with him. She spoke in detail how she would get up out of her bed with her husband in the middle of the night to be with Wayne if he called.

We believe next to nothing that comes out of Karrine's mouth.  But we're just relaying her message.  Chile….

A fan hit C-Milli up on Twitter to ask her thoughts about Karrine’s interview and she responded with a short and shadeful tweet:
  

Bloop!

Karrine then posted a subliminal, seemingly aimed at C-Milli tweeting:

Dear sweet baby Jesus laying in a manger, please forgive me for making all these girls think they can write books and talk to Oprah. Amen.

— Karrine & Co.® (@karrineandco) April 8, 2015

Hmph. Sounds like a little shade since C-Milli appeared with her bestie Karrueche's sitdown with Iyanla Vanzant.

This isn’t the first time these two have gone at it on social media. A few months ago, “Superhead” came at C-Milli about claiming a man who belongs to the world then the two went back and forth. Sighs…If you missed that, catch up on it HERE.

If you're interested in the rest of Karrine's Weezy stories, peep the interview below:

In baby news...

Come through, Tamera Mowry Housley, with the maternity fabness! The expectant mother was absolutely gorgeous and glowing at her daughter’s pretty pink baby shower held at Hotel Casa del Mar in Santa Monica, California over the weekend. And her co-hosts from "The Real" were right by her side to celebrate he upcoming bundle of joy.

The mom-to-be for the 2nd time looked angelic in a white Victor Alfaro gown, Valentino shoes, gold head piece, dripping in Kimberly Mcdonald jewels.

Put together by celebrity planner Mindy Weiss, the 36-year-old actress/talk show host's vision was brought alive with pink decor, including over 1,000 pink roses, pink flower shaped cookies, an abundance of pink balloons, tutu tablecloths and it was topped off with a pink velvet “bun in the oven” cake.

Tamera’s husband Adam Housley, her son Aden Housley, twin sister Tia Mowry Hardrict, brother Tahj Mowry, nephew Cree Hardrict and her mom Darlene Mowry (above next to Tamera) were also in attendance, to name a few.

Tamera and Adam are expected to welcome their baby girl this July. Congrats again to the couple!

Photos: Christina’s IG/Tamera’s IG/Loni’s IG

A white male police officer from North Charleston, South Carolina is facing murder charges following the shooting death of an unarmed black man.  Watch the shocking video inside....

Earlier today, a white police officer in North Charleston, S.C., was charged with murder for the shooting and killing an unarmed black man whom he pulled over following a routine traffic stop on Saturday.   And it is sending shockwaves thoughout America...once again.

According to the Daily News, the tragic encounter began at 9:30 a.m. Saturday when North Charleston cop Michael Slager pulled over 50-year-old father of four Walter Scott (who'd served in the U.S. Coast Guard) in a Mercedes-Benz sedan near Remount and Craig roads due to a broken brake light.  From this point on, there is "the tale of the tape" vs. what Michael Slager claims happened in his incident report.

According to the incident report and statements from city officials (via The Post And Courier):

At some point during the traffic stop, Walter fled the scene and a foot chase over a dirt-surfaced road near a small park began. According to Officer Slager's former lawyer, he got out his Taser to subdue Walter but the man took the device during a struggle. The statement says Slager fired at Scott several times because he “felt threatened.” Once backup arrive, police say they tried desperately to save Walter's life until paramedics showed up.

However, the tape (which was delivered to Walter Scott's lawyer and family via the camerman and then turned over to the NY Tiimes) shows something different:

When the cell phone cam picks up, we see Walter running away from Officer Slager and there's a string hanging from his body (presumably where he'd been stung by the Taser). He's at least 15 feet away from Officer Slager when the shots ring out. Eight shots are fired with four hitting Walter in the back and a fifth in the ear. AFTER the shooting, that's when we hear Officer Slager radio dispatch.  “Shots fired and the subject is down, he took my Taser.” He yells at the body, "put your hands behind your back" and then cuffs him.  He cuffs a dead body.

A backup officer arrives and we see him lift up Walter's shirt to check wounds, but NO ONE does CPR. Also, there's a point in the video where Officer Slager walks away from the body and then comes back to drop something on the side of Walter's dead body. It looks like it's the Taser.

 

Full disclosure about Walter Scott.  He has been arrested 10 times in the past, mostly for not paying child support. Back in 1987, he was busted on an assault and battery charge and convicted in 1991 of possession of a bludgeon. The Post and Courier newspaper In Charleston, S.C., also reports that he had an outstanding warrant in family court.  These facts are important as Scott's family believes one of the reasons Scott could have attempted to flee the police is out of fear of going back to jail.

The decision to charge officer Michael Thomas Slager came swiftly after the shockingly graphic video emerged. “It wasn’t just based on the officers’ word anymore,” said Chris Stewart, an attorney for Walter Scott’s family. “People were believing this story.”

The Rev. Al Sharpton toldNY Daily News,

"When a black man is stopped for a broken taillight and ends up being shot multiple times in the back, it is yet another reminder that we need a national strategy to implement real and meaningful police reform now," he said. "We simply can't rely on citizens with video cameras to make sure justice is served."

Walter Scott's brother Anthony said told the Daily News that the family wants the truth of what happened.

"If we didn't see the video, would we know the truth? From the beginning ... all we wanted was the truth. ... We can't get my brother back ... but through the process, justice has been served. I don't think all police officers are bad cops," he added. "But I don't want to see someone shot down like my brother."

This morning, Judy Scott, Walter's mother, appeared on GMA where she said her faith has sustained her during her time of mourning (see video below).

“I feel sad for the officer who did the shooting, because he’s gonna have to give account for that. And I pray that he would repent to the Lord for what has happened, and we cannot move and act so quickly, we have to think before we take action and remember that we all have … that’s my son. And I’ve lost a son that will never come back. We have his memories, but he will never come back. And I pray that this never happens to anybody else. 

When I looked at that tape, that was the most horrible thing I’ve ever seen. I am very, very upset concerning it. I almost couldn’t look at it. To see my son running, defenselessly being shot, it just tore my heart to pieces.”

 

The Department of Justice announced that the FBI would investigate the shooting along with the department’s Civil Rights division and the South Carolina U.S. Attorney’s Office.  We will update this report as more information is released....

Thankfully, Slager  will at least be brought up on charges.  As for whether he will be found guilty....time will tell.

EXTRAS:

Attorney L. Chris Stewart, a lawyer for the family of Walter Scott, questions what would have happened if there were no video of this shooting.

EXTRAS:

1. Dzhokhar Tsarnaev has been found guilty on all 30 counts in Boston Marathon bombing. Story.

Photos via Reuters/AP/Getty

So Ashanti is back on the dating scene? It appears so. And she’s dishing on her most recent first date with a new guy in her life.  Get the deets and check out Tiara Thomas’ new motivational track “On Me” inside…

Since calling it quits with Nelly (and all of the drama it brought it along), Ashanti has been living the single seemingly unbothered. She has been linked to Washington Redskins baller DeSean Jackson since becoming a single lady (which she denied), but now, the R&B songstress is confirming that she has officially hopped back in the dating pool. And she’s spilling luke warm tea on her most recent first date.

The Braveheart singer trekked it to “The Meredith Vieira Show” today in a chic and sexy white lace open back dress. [Loving Ashanti's outfit?  Cop your own white lace look over at EditedInChic.com!] 

The 34-year-old chatted on a panel about the perfect first date, including “Fashion Queens” co-host Bevy Smith and Meagan Good’s husband/film producer DeVon Franklin. When the songbird was asked about her idea of her perfect first date, she gave her ideal scenario. Then gushed on a recent “perfect” first date:

Below are the highlights:

Meredith: So Ashanti what would be your idea of the perfect first date.

Ashanti: I would definitely say a nice restaurant, it’s not too loud so you can actually hear yourselves talk, the lighting, white table clothes and you can connect and it’s not so serious that you feel like you have to be engaged but you kind of get to know the person you talk, you laugh,you’re eating, you are having a good time, it’s relaxed and it’s not too stuffy. I had a fabulous first date a few months ago. It was beautiful because there was a lot of thought put into it. It was cute, it was right up here at Milos. The food was amazing, the lighting was gorgeous, the tables, the waiters were really cool.

Meredith: What was your second date? Have you had a second date?

Ashanti: Uh huh.

Oh?? Wonder who the lucky guy is.

Meagan’s hubby/minister also dished on their first date…at the bar:

Bevy: Where did u take your wife Meagan on your first date?
DeVon: We went to The Sofitel.
Bevy: Oh that’s a hotel kind of story.
DeVon: Time out it was a bar. There was no dinner, it was just conversation.
Meredith: Just alcohol?
DeVon: I don’t drink, she drinks.

Our kind of gal!  Peep the clip below:
 

Following her appearance....

Chick was craving something sweet, so she hit up Godiva for one chocolate covered strawberry at Rockefeller Center in NYC.  Yep, just one.

And her momager Tina Douglas wasn't far behind.  Tune in tomorrow to catch Ashanti on “The Meredith Vieira Show.“ Check your local listings for the time.

On the music front...

Tiara Thomas, the R&B singer we first met on Wale’s 2013 track “Bad,” has some new music straight from her upcoming 5-track EP, Up in Smoke.

The up-and-coming singer collaborated with Ryan “Ryghteous” Tedder to produce her newest release, “On Me.”  On the track, the songbird brushes off the haters and fakes. Check it below:
 

Photos: Splash/INFphoto/Tiara's IG

Lee Daniels and Damon Dash have squashed their beef, dismissing a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed by Dame after lending the director $2 million for a few projects. And now, the two are collaborating on a brand new project. Get the deets inside….

Hip Hop entrepreneur Damon Dash and Oscar nominated director Lee Daniels have settled their differences outside of court and are now working on a new project.

Here’s what went down…..

Back in August 2014, Dame filed a $25 million lawsuit against Lee due to a dispute over ownership rights for films such as Precious, The Butler, and the recently popular FOX series “Empire.”

The Hip Hop mogul claims he gave the famed director a loan for $2 million to help produce Lee’s 2004 project, The Woodsman. Dame claims in return for the $2 milli, he was suppose to get executive producer credits, 50% rights on the film, and a guarantee that the investment would be repaid with interest from Lee. Dame also claims he brought on artists such as Kanye West to perform at venues where the film’s ads would run to help with promo.

Rather than being repaid, Dame claims he was offered a new deal from Lee where he would roll over the debt to other projects he was working on, such as the 2005 flick Shadowboxer. Dame accepted his offer and demanded credits, ownership and compensation. He argued Lee’s most recent works also fell under their contractual agreement.

You’ll recall, Dame called Lee out during an interview with Power 105’s The Breakfast Club last month, explaining why he decided to file the $25 million lawsuit.

Yesterday, both parties filed papers dismissing the lawsuit. According to THR, Dame’s attorney Natraj Bhushan said it was a "creative, fair" settlement that "calls for them to work together in the not-so-distant future." He then said he couldn't offer any specific details given a confidentiality provision.

Now, the two have kissed and made up and are working on a brand new project. Dame took to his IG account today to make the announcement. He also revealed he can finally watch The Butler and "Empire" now since they have settled their differences. Ha!:

 

This #bukowski movie gets serious and by the way lee Daniel is executive producer on this one...pause we squashed are beef...never wanna have a problem with another man from our culture...business is a ruff sport but yeah we worked it out...stay tuned @damondashstudios I can finally watch precious the butler and empire...I was to sick about it before.,,shout out to lee Daniels right now #warisalwayslastresort we good #investinwomen @raquelmhorn and @bianca.stam do their thing in this

A video posted by @duskopoppington on Apr 8, 2015 at 7:45am PDT

Well good for them.

Photos: Getty/Dame's IG

In our music bits, DMX's lawyer is denying allegations the he robbed a young man after a concert, Mariah Carey has left her high powered publicist and Webbie got closer to the Lord.  More inside...

So, somebody taped DMX in the airport recently trying to drop some knowledge.  And it's..interesting.  Check it above,

Meanwhile, X is back in the headlines for causing trouble...but his lawyer insists its all lies.  The "Party Up" rapper, with multiple arrests and jail stints to his credit, is accused of robbing a 21-year-old man at a Highway 21 gas station in Newark, NJ. The man said around 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, a person who identified himself as DMX pulled a gun and demanded he hand over his money, making off with $3200. Sounds crazy right?

The rapper's attorney Murray Richman calls the tale completely absurd," and in an exclusive statement to E! News says "it makes no sense at all."  He said,

"He was leaving a show, a very successful show, and he stopped for gas. Four young men approached him for a photo. They took photos and they offered [DMX] drugs. He said no and told them to go...They had an argument and next thing you know, they are accusing him of robbery. Just nonsense."

It looks like the X is trying to stay out of trouble and you have to admit...we haven't said anything about him in a long time!  If you're in the LA area, he and The Lox are at the Belasco nightclub tonight.

"Butterfly" songstress Mariah Carey is spreading her wings and seeking a new publicist.  Cindi Berger represented Mariah for more than 15 years, but now, the two are parting ways before Mimi heads to Las Vegas to kick off her residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace on May 6.

Cindi released a comment to Page Six saying,

“I have enormous respect for Mariah. She is one of the great talents and voices of our time, and I wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors. I care very deeply for her personally, but I felt that professionally it was time for us to move on.”

Mimi, who is covering the new issue of Vegas Player magazine as she gears up for her residency in Sin City, has not announced a new publicist but she has hinted at her next major project. New Line has bought an untitled Mariah Carey Christmas pitch from RatPac Entertainment, with writers David Diamond and David Weissman and producer Jon Shestack. The plan is for Carey to play a major role in the film and hopefully make some new Xmas tunes too.  Aha!  So that's the reason she's been spotted with Brett Ratner!  

And....

"Independent" rapper Webbie dedicated his life to the Lawd on Easter Sunday. The rapper says he heard a message from the man up above and decided it was time to step into the water and get a little closer.  God is good!

Photos via Getty/DMX Instagram

Christina Milian threw a party for her clothing line yesterday and BFF Karrueche Tran was there to support.  See pics inside as well as Meagan Good, Jennifer Williams and others laughing it up at All Def Comedy Live.

Young Money recording artist Christina Milian, who wrapped her first season of her E! reality show, “Christina Milian Turned Up,” kept it extra bright at Shiekh Shoes (rocking Dior heels, a tye-die WAPC top and a flirty pleated skirt) in Hollywood yesterday to promote her new fashion line, We Are Pop Culture.

We've talked about the line previously.  It is basically a collection of catch phrases ripped from social media.  Hopefully CM fans will support the line since she seemingly isn't getting much support for her music.

Her bestie actress/model Karrueche Tran showed up to lend support. 

CM managed to show a little love to fans and furry friends who came out to support her.

In other CM news, we learned that CM "loves" Lil' Wayne.  And she's telling anyone who will listen.  During a recent interview she revealed those three little words about the "Truffle Butter" rapper. Check it here.

After the launch event...

Christina and KT headed over to the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.

KT rocked her lace leggings and Christina rocked yet another bright and busy look. 

Here's the funny thing...the photographers snapped CM and a friend leaving the Chateau Marmont to pop into a liquor store.  We're wondering if they returned to the hotel and if CM is the type of gal to sneak her own liquor into the party?

Also in the LA area...  

Meagan Good, her sister LaMyia Good (who recently gave birth) and Houston rapper in Trae da Truth were all spotted at All Def Comedy Live, hosted by Tony Rock at The Famous Chinese Mann Theatre last night.

Former reality tv star Jennifer Williams, shown posing with Tony, was also among the crowd who came out for a laugh.  During his set, spies say Tony hit on Jen all night!  We wonder if they went out afterwards....

Meagan, who just wrapped shooting the tv project Minority Report and has a new tv pilot in the works ("Mr. Robinson"), held down the VIP with her sis and a few friends. 

EXTRAS:

1.  BOBBY BROWN is going back on tour...due to contractual obligations.  And he's not happy about it. Story.

Photos via The Brand Group/Michael Bezjian/splash, pacific coast news and inf

Taraji P. Henson is hosting “Saturday Night Live” this weekend. And she’s channeling her alter ego Cookie Lyon in the new promo clips. Peep Taraji’s slap game and check out her “Empire” co-star Terrence Howard starring in Madonna’s new video “Ghosttown” inside…

The debut season of “Empire” closed with much success. And the stars of the show are still at work.

Breakout star Taraji P. Henson has been tapped to host “SNL” this weekend, with musical guest Mumford & Sons. And it appears Cookie Lyon will be making an appearance.

In a promo clip for the upcoming episode, Taraji, rocking a BCBGMAXAZRIA Farrell fringe jacket, channels Cookie as she tries to help actor/comedian Taran Killam in a number of situations that call for him to tap into his inner “gangsta.”

In the skits, Taran asks Taraji is she anything like her on-screen character, which resulted in her slapping him in the face. Then she says, “'Don't ask questions you won't like the answers to little boy.” Ha!

In another take, Taran tries to pitch an idea for a new show--an “Empire” inspired soap called “Umpire,” which would follow a family of baseball umpires. Ha!

Check it below: 

Catch Taraji in action this Saturday at 11:30pm ET on NBC. 

There's another "Empire" star still in the news....

Terrence Howard stars in Madonna’s newest visuals for her track “Ghosttown" from her newly released album Rebel Heart.

In the video, Terrence and Madonna are survivors of a nuclear explosion. Once they realize neither of them are a threat to the other, they engage in a love tango (with Terrence showing off his footwork) and then walk off into the night. Check it above.

Tamar Braxton isn't letting a few (allegedly) unpaid bills affect her "pretty."  See photos of Tamar getting a mani-pedi with "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Kyle Richards inside...

Tamar Braxton was seen walking her hot yellow Louboutins into a nail salon in Beverly Hills, CA yesterday.

While Tamar looks like she doesn't have a care in the world, she's been taking a beating on social media and allegedly with the legal system.  First, a few former employees (namely ex-stylist DiAndre Tristan, a former nanny AND ex-makeup artists Terrell Mullin) accuse Tay Tay of not paying them.  Apparently, she and hubby Vince don't like to do paperwork.  THIS according to legal docs posted by Funky Dineva.

We reached out to Tamar about the matter but have yet to hear back.  Meanwhile, "The Real" co-host is keeping it fabulous and minding her own....unbothered:

She was spotted relaxing at the salon with Kyle Richards of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."  

We're sure she paid with cash or debit...

Photos via FameFlynet Pictures

Big Sean’s girlfriend Ariana Grande got a little too close for comfort with Justin Bieber during a performance last night. Now…word on the curb is that Big Sean allegedly issued a threat to Bieber, telling him to keep his hands off his girl. But is it real? Decide for yourselves inside….

It’s all “entertainment” until someone feels disrespected. Then, egos and pride jump into the mix, the social media antics pop off…but is any of it real? Let’s break it down.

Last night, Ariana Grande hit the stage at The Forum in Inglewood where pop superstar Justin Bieber came out for a surprise performance, joining her on stage. The two were performing “As Long As You Love” where, towards the end, Bieber decides to pull Ariana in front of him and wraps his arms around her waist as he leans in on her neck.

Check it:

Then, following their performance of "Love Me Harder" they embraced:

Now...supposedly her boyfriend Big Sean is said to have hit up his Twitter to comment on what went down on stage with his girl and then deleted it. There are a couple of tweets floating around of alleged responses:

One tweet simply reads "Wow." While it's possible he could have tweeted this after fans hit him up about Bieber all over his girl, we found a few other alleged tweets with the same comment, but different (and impossible, as they were dated in the future) dates and times. Hmph.

Then there's this:

Here's another supposed tweet from the Detroit rapper, which reads "This kid is about to learn not to touch my girl like that. Beliebe that."

This also appears to be another case of someone possibly flexing their Photoshop skills.  Big Sean's rep has also confirmed that the tweet is a fake.

There is also a picture of Big Sean supposedly sitting in the audience floating around (above) where folks are claiming he watched all of this go down. But, we did our research.  Sean was in Ottawa, ON last night, scheduled to rock the stage at the Ernst and Young Centre. So no, the above picture of him looking on is not from last night.

Nothing to see here kids....

Photos: Big Sean's IG/Twitter

The Wests got the royal treatment, interestingly, when they touched down in Armenia with police escorts and a welcome usually reserved for dignitaries.  See the fanfare inside and get the lowdown on the new installment of "LAHH Atlanta."

The Wests (along with the rest of the Kardashian clan) touched down in Yerevan, Armenia yesterday and they received a welcome usually reserved for royalty and visiting dignitaries.

Once North let got of her "Frozen" suitcase (above) after grabbing their connecting flight from Paris, the family got the royal welcome including women in traditional Armenian dress offering bread and salt (a traditional greeting for dignitaries).

After their arrival, the family dined at a local restaurant (below - Kim autographs the restaurant's wall) then checked into a Marriott hotel.

Now...we've learned why the Wests/Kardashians could be considered dignitaries or at best ambassadors.  The timing of the family trip to the homeland (Robert Kardashian was Armenian), conveniently coincides with the 100th anniversary of mass killings of Armenians in 1915. Many call the event a mass genocide. 

According to NBC NEWS, the mass killings were conducted by Ottoman soldiers in World War One.  While Muslim Turkey accepts many Christian Armenians died during the fighting beginning in 1915, they have historically denied that up to 1.5 million were killed and that it amounted to genocide.

So it seems Kim brought her new family...and the cameras...along for another E! channel funded trip.

By traveling during this "anniversary," it calls attention to this important facet Armenian history.  And since it has folks talking...are the Wests finally using their massive public following for a good cause?

On Instagram, Kim wrote"Armenia we are here!!!!! We are so grateful to be here & start this journey of a lifetime! Thank you to everyone who greeted us! I can't wait to explore our country and have some yummy food!"   

The fam trekked it to dinner and North killed us with cuteness as she left the restaurant with daddy 'Ye.

Hey North!

In other reality tv news:

VH1's guilty pleasure “Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta” is back for another jaw-dropping season set to begin Monday, April 20th at 8:00 PM ET/PT.  And it looks like Joseline is back with a new wig.

If you're wondering what's in store, here's VH1's verbal tease...

• After enduring a rocky year in her personal and professional life, Joseline Hernandez is making time for herself and focusing on self-reflection. However, the challenges are far from over as she is faced with having to support Stevie J while he works to rebuild his music career and leave life in the fast lane behind to avoid jail time.
• After her tumultuous breakup with Nikko, Mimi Faust is ready to redeem her career and her personal life. Her company MF Management recently gained two new rap artists Jessica “Dimepiece” and Tiffany Foxx. As Mimi tries to represent both women, she will get caught in a fierce rivalry between these two tough and opinionated artists determined to stay at the top.
• Since his separation with Mimi, Nikko has reunited with his secret wife Margeaux. However, she is struggling to forgive her estranged husband for his relationship with Mimi Faust. Nikko, on the other hand, is finding it hard to stay away from Mimi.
• Karlie Redd is a triple threat- actress/ business woman/ and recording artist- and is feeling on top of the world right now. She is all about her business, proudly “married to her checks” and over her relationship with Yung Joc.
• Rasheeda & Kirk Frost’s relationship seems to be back on the right track after an emotional year but when a sexy new female artist named Ashley Nicole comes on the scene, will Kirk resort to his old “I do me” ways?
• Lil Scrappy is officially out of the dog house with his girlfriend Bambi and is focusing on proving himself as an artist. But the calm is short-lived as drama heats up between him and Erica Dixon as they battle over support for their daughter. Meanwhile, Momma Dee is wrapped up in her own love story as she reunites with her ex-husband Ernest, who has spent the last 7 years in prison.
• A very pregnant Kalenna is ready to pop out her new album and her new baby in the next few months! However, she is plagued with anxiety as she and Tony struggle with their finances. When Tony decides to invest their savings into a night club, putting her music career on the backburner, will Kalenna be forced to choose between her marriage and her career?
• Yung Joc is rebounding well after his break up with Karlie Redd. Now working on his music career, Joc has his hands full as he works to provide for his children and their mothers without losing his current girlfriend Khadiyah.

Are you still watching the foolery?

Photos via Splash

Keke Palmer is heavy on the promo trail for her upcoming flick Brotherly Love. This morning, she hit up “Access Hollywood” to chop it up about her new role and also dish on the return of her talk show “Just Keke,” a new book she’s working on, her new gig on “Scream Queens” and more.

Also, peep the first pic of the main cast in the upcoming comic flick Suicide Squad inside...

Following twoAtlanta screenings, Keke Palmer trekked it to L.A. to continue her media rounds for her upcoming drama flick Brotherly Love (April 24th).

Last night, she was spotted meeting Island Def Jam president David Massey at Madeo in Beverly Hills for dinner (above), rocking a Nasty Gal top, bandeau & choker, a neon Alexander Wang mini skirt and Giuseppe Zanotti shoes, looking fab might we add.

This morning, the YBF actress (rocking a Donna Karen look and Christian Louboutin shoes) hit up “Access Hollywood” to talk about her new film and also a few other projects she has in the works. In case you’ve been wondering what happened to the 21-year-old starlet’s talk show “Just KeKe,” she filled us in on the latest. She said she will begin production in May and we can expect new episodes coming soon.

The upcoming “Scream Queens” star revealed she ditched her short, blonde coif for long, dark tresses for her role in the FOX anthology series. We can expect the show to premiere in October 2015.

She also shared that she is in the process of writing her first book. The Brotherly Love actress didn’t offer any additional details, but we’ll be sure to inform you once they are released.  She's a busy girl.
 

Check it:

Love seeing a YBF chick at work!

And in upcoming movie news...

Comic fans get excited!

DC Comics is gearing up to release the new adaptation of the comic book series Suicide Squad, starringFOCUS star Will Smith and his co-star Margot Robbie,"How To Get Away With Murder" actress Viola Davis, Thor: The Dark World star Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje and a host of others.

Fury director David Ayer will be directing the new action thriller. And yesterday, he shared the first pic of the main cast (minus Jared Leto) during a table read. Photographed in the pic along with Will, Viola and Adewale: David Ayer, Joel Kinnaman, Jay Hernandez, Jai Courtney, Adam Beach, Jim Parrack, Ike Barinholtz, Cara Delevingne, Margot Robbie and Karen Fukuhara.

Sucide Squad will follow a secret government agency who recruits imprisoned supervillains to execute dangerous black ops missions in exchange for clemency, according to IMDB. The new film is expected to hit theaters August 5, 2016. Will you be going to see?
 

Photo: Pacific Coast News/David Ayer's Twitter

"Empire" stars Taraji P. Henson and Jussie Smollett helped kick off the start of summer in NYC with MYX Fusions Moscato at their Summer Sizzle BVI 2015 Launch Party.  Get the pics inside...

MYX Fusions Moscato (owned by Nicki Minaj & Mona Scott Young) threw a party to help launch Summer Sizzle BVI 2015 (an international party event in the British Virgin Islands)last night at  the Ricco Maresca Gallery in New York.

FOX’s Empire stars Taraji P. Henson and Jussie Smollett hosted the launch party which included the refreshing natural flavors of MYX Moscato, Peach and Mango throughout the night.

And of course everyone wanted a piece of Taraji and Jussie.  In addition to starring on "Empire", Taraji will soon return to CBS' "Person Of Interest" series.  You'll recall that her character was killed off in the third season, but now, they want her back!  Apparently, she's shooting some "flashback" scenes.  The series is billing the episode as a "Final Farewell" (airing April 14th). We bet she and her agent really stuck it to CBS in the "billing" department and she's getting a huge check.  And don't forget that Taraji is hosting SNL this weekend!  Watch the promos here.

By the way, we just got a little nugget of new s- Taraji is working on a memoir!  The deal is with the Simon & Schuster imprint 37 Ink and has a planned mid-2016 release.

The tome will cover her childhood in a rough Washington, DC neighborhood and her journey to Hollywood with hit films "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," "Hustle & Flow" and "Baby Boy" and an Emmy nomination for the TV movie "Taken from Me: The Tiffany Rubin Story."

"Blood Sweat & Heels" star and newlywed Demetria Lucas D'Oyle looked chic in her leather jacket and leather boots.  Loving the dress.

Stylist to the Queen Bee (Beyonce) Mr. Ty Hunter sipped Moscato with the other celebs as well.

The 7th Annual Summer Sizzle BVI event takes place July 23 - 27 in the British Virgin Islands.

Photos via Patrick Neree