Well, what do we have here?! Tina Knowles is getting married on a yacht today?  We are NOT mad.  Pics and deets about Tina and Richard Lawson's reported nuptials inside...

Chile, Miss Tina has gotten her groove ALL the way back.  She's wasting no time making her relationship with Brown Sugar actor Richard Lawson official.  When you know it's real, you know.  Richard reportedly took a page out of his new step-daughter Beyoncé's instruction manual and put a ring on it.  So the 61-year-old fabulous mom of Beyoncé and Solange is reportedly marrying 68-year-old Richard today aboard a yacht in Newport, California.

Beyonce and Tina were spotted arriving at the boat earlier today before the ceremony to do final checks on everything. 

TMZ reports the wedding party -- family and friends -- was asked to wear all white (Solange had that same theme at her wedding as well) and guests were brought to the yacht via SUVs.  Of course, there are pics and video of Beyoncé, Jay Z, Blue Ivy, Solange and Alan making their fab arrivals.  

Both Richard and Tina have been married previously, so it seems they know exactly what they want the second time around.  Cheers to that!

It also looks like (but we're not 100% sure it's her exiting that SUV) Richard's daughter, "Pretty Little Liars" actress Bianca Lawson, made her arrival as well.  Check out a few videos of the arrivals at the super fancy yacht below:

If the reports of the wedding are in fact true, congrats Miss Tina!

Photos: TMZ/Getty

Kanye West made a splash -- literally -- on his last day in Armenia.  Find out what he did in his wife's homeland inside....

After hitting several sites around Armenia with wife Kim Kardashian, kiddie North and the Kardashian family these last several days, Kanye wrapped his trip by doing what he does best -- making everyone pay attention to him.

Kanye decided to organize an impromptu free show for the masses at 9pm Sunday night.  By using social media to announce the show, over 3,000 screaming fans showed up at the duck pond in Yerevan to watch him perform around 1:20am local time.

Of course, 'Ye took it up a notch and dove into the pond while performing.  And we've got why:

Photographer sources report that the "New Slaves" rapper was on stage performing when his mic started to short out.  The crowd noticed, and minutes later, he asked a section of the crowd if they could see him and after realizing they could not, he jumped into the middle of the duck pond and drops his mic into the water.  Then all hell breaks loose.

He is then surrounded by fans as they run into the water with him as his bodyguard Pascal is spotted running to his side along with the Armenian National Guard and Police all getting soaking wet trying to retrieve 'Ye. Madness and a stampede occurred as Kanye is finally pulled out the pond. This guy.

His wife proudly documented the event saying:

We're sure we'll see it all play out on an upcoming episode of "Keeping Up With The Kardashians."

In other music news, Mariah is releasing a new album soon. It appears to be a greatest hits style, #1's albums. Pre-orders start Monday, but check out the cover:

Hmmm.  It doesn't look like 2015 Mariah, but if she likes it...we love it. 

Mariah said about the new release:

#RevealMariah thank you #lambily for joining the fun & revealing my new album cover! My new album #1 To Infinity will be available for pre-orders tomorrow @ 10am EST on mariahcarey.com! More details to follow! #1toInfinity

The album cover comes on the heels of a ton of Mimi-related news. First, Mariah Carey has been signed to an exclusive contract with Epic Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, it was announced by Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, Chairman and CEO, Epic Records.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back together again with Mariah,” he said. "There is really no one who comes close to Mariah as both a songwriter and a singer, and as the world knows, her vocal range is legendary and truly incomparable. Her music is indelibly etched into our culture, and she’s shattered so many chart records that she’s now firmly entrenched in the history books. With a fierce and loyal fan base that covers every corner of the globe, I have no doubt Mariah will do it again."

Her first release will be Mariah Carey #1 To Infinity, arriving in stores May 18th. The collection will gather all 18 of her Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles (17 self-penned). Included as the final track on the collection is Mariah’s breathtaking new single, “Infinity” (co-written and produced by Mariah).

And on Monday, April 27th, fans will witness the global premiere of both new single “Infinity” and the stunning Brett Ratner-lensed accompanying video. FYI - that's also the same day that Mariah has a spectacular kick-off event planned in Las Vegas to celebrate her upcoming Caesars Palace Vegas Residency!

Are you copping the new disc?

Photos: Splash/Kim's Twitter/Mariah's IG

Drake headlined the final night of Coachella 2015 and his set included a full-on makeout session with Madonna.  Watch the show inside...

Last night, Drake headlined Coachella where he performed tracks from his top-charting album If You're Reading This It's Too Late.

Drake's set happened on day 3 of the 2015 Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. 

He brought out one of the biggest stars in the world...

If you purchased his latest disc, you already know there's a track called "Madonna." That inclusion prompted Madonna to tell US WEEKLY, “The lifelong ambition I still want to fulfill is to go on a dream date with Drake – and only kiss him.”   Well......her dream came true.

Madge performed a medley of "Human Nature" and "Hung Up", then closed out her surprise visit with a long, awkward looking kiss. Afterwards,  she exited the stage with "Bitch, I'm Madonna."  You be the judge....but Drake didn't look thrilled.

UPDATE:

Now....sources close to Drake are attempting to save face (and Madonna's ego) claiming he was not disgusted by the kiss. They're saying the kiss was not prearranged (we call B.S.) and Drake only looked perturbed because Madge got her lip gloss on him. SIGH.....

Watch Madonna kiss Drake here:

Photos via Getty

It was an all white affair for the coupling of Tina Knowles and Richard Lawson yesterday. And the bride and groom looked amazing as they said their "I Dos" aboard a yacht. Peep their first official wedding photo inside….

Yesterday, 61-year-old Tina Knowles, mother to Beyonce & Solange, trekked down the aisle tojoin in holy matrimony with the love of her life, 68-year-old Richard Lawson.

The twosome reportedly made their love official aboard a yacht called "Eternity" off the coast of in Newport Beach, California. And they were glowing in all white.

The wedding party, family and friends (close to about 300 people) were all asked to wear white (much like Solo’s theme) to witness the special occasion. And special it was as her loved ones, daughters Beyonce & Solange, son-in-laws Jay Z& Alan Ferguson and granddaughter Blue Ivy, surrounded Mama Tina to join in on the joyous ceremony. It also looks like Richard's daughter "Pretty Little Liars" actress Bianca Lawson was also in attendance, but we're not 100% sure.

Both Tina and Richard have been married before, but it’s clear they have found love again. And are eager to spend the rest of their lives together.

Peep a few photos looking inside of Tina and Richard's all-white wedding affair below:

Fab! Congrats again to the couple!

Photos: Cliff Watts/Beyonce.com/FameFlynet

"RHOA" stars Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams brought some southern sass to the clubhouse on Bravo's "WWHL" last night.  See show clips inside...

Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams appeared on Bravo's "WWHL" with Andy Cohen last night to recap Sunday's "RHOA" episode and discuss what's going on in their lives. Phaedra worn a Torn by Ronny Kobo Esha Pointelle Dress Giuseppe Zanotti silk satin embellished sandals.

Porsha, who's been dubbed the "Princess of Thotland", wore a gold strapless dress from La Femme Fashion and Christian Louboutin Peep Toe Platforms.

On Instagram, she had a few words for fans/trolls who commented on her revealing dress as well as her body. 

"To whom it may concern: I am proud of my curves and proud to project a healthy & positive body image for other women & girls. I love to eat & cook BUT let me stress that I also workout daily (well as much as I can) and try to stay active. I’m not a thin girl. Women come in all shapes & sizes and they are all BEAUTIFUL. People have to stop using social media as a bullying tool it does nothing but promote negative body issues, fat shaming and eating disorders. No one is perfect, to all of the haters out there commenting, bringing people down & causing pain…..are you perfect?"

During the show, Porsha revealed that she hasn't spoken to her ex-husband Kordell Stewart since she signed her divorce papers a few years ago, while Phaedra shut down "divorce" talk.  Whenever the subject of her marriage to Apollo Nida was brought up, she simple stated "I'm still married."

There were also a few interesting exchanges between Phaedra and fans who called into the program.  Let's just say, she threw major shade and shut down several people.  Phaedra had no interest in discussing her kids or if they've visited Apollo in jail.  We guess we will have to wait for the "RHOA" reunion to find out about that.

Check out photos of the ladies leaving the Bravo studio...

Watch show highlights here: 

Photos via FameFlynet/Bravo/Porsha's Instagram

Jhene Aiko, Garcelle Beauvias and Taye Diggs took their kids to the Disney "Monkey Kingdom" Premiere while Eddie Murphy and his girlfriend Paige got kissy at the Lakers Game. See pics inside...

Jhene Aiko and her adorable daughter Namiko Love Browner were among the celebs at the world premiere Of "Monkey Kingdom" at Pacific Theatres at The Grove in Los Angeles, California yesterday.

Jhene, who looked fab in an Alice and Olivia dress and Barneys New York Shoes, performed at the People StyleWatch and Revolve Coachella party before attending the premiere.

During the festivities, Jhene and Namiko went "earthy" and showed off their green thumbs.

Taye Diggs, who'll start filming The Best Man Wedding in a few weeks, attended with son Walker Nathaniel Diggs.

"CSI: Cyber" star Shad Moss posed with one of the film's characters.  In case you missed it, the film is a documentary about a family of monkeys living in ancient ruins founded in the jungles. It's narrated by Tina Fey.

Shad, who has a daughter named Shai Moss AND a fiancee, rolled to the event solo.

Actress Garcelle Beauvais, who's made several recent appearances as a guest co-host on "The View", brought her twin boys Jax and Jaid.  Garcelle is currently working on Barbershop 3.

Also in the LA area...

Yesterday, famed actor and comedian Eddie Murphy and his girlfriend Paige Butcher were spotted doing a little courtside kissing at the Lakers game at Staples Center.

The couple watched the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Lakers (120-106) while sippin on a few soft drinks....not their normal java.

Coming down the pipeline, Eddie is set to play Richard Pryor's father, LeRoy Pryor, in the upcoming Lee Daniels-directed biopic and Beverly Hills Cop is getting a 4th installment! We can't wait...

Photos via Splash

It was a star-studded affair at this year’s UNCF’s “Evening of Stars” event held in Atlanta last night. Peep pics of “Empire” stars Trai Byers, Grace Gealey& Jussie Smollet. Also, flicks of Toni Braxton (in a extra sexy dress), Ludacris, Big Sean, Estelle, K. Michelle and many more inside….

The United Negro College Fund hosted its 36th annual “An Evening of Stars” event to celebrate and support higher education. Hosted by “black•ish” star Anthony Anderson, some of the entertainment industry’s biggest names gathered at the Boisfeuillet Jones Atlanta Civic Center in Atlanta last night for the premiere fundraising event.

During the ceremony, scholarships were awarded to students from UNCF and celebrities to help them financially to get through college and ultimately to help to support their dreams.

Furtherfueling dating rumors, “Empire” co-stars Trai Byers and Grace Gealey were all smiles…TOGETHER on the red carpet. If you haven’t heard, there have been rumors circulating for weeks that these two are an item. Neither of them have confirmed or denied whether they are dating or not, but if they are, we’re NOT mad.
 

They make one good looking couple if the rumors are true.

Trai sure cleans up nice, looking dapper as ever.

“Empire” breakout singer/actor Jussie Smollett hit the carpet before he was set to take the stage to perform alongside British singer Estelle.

Returning for the third consecutive year, “black•ish” actor/producer Anthony Anderson chopped it up with Jussie on the carpet before getting to his hosting duties.
 

And the two had a little fun before heading inside. Ha!

Jussie also hit the carpet alongside his “Empire” co-star Tasha Smith’s twin sister Sidira Smith. She looks fab!

“Braxton Family Values” star and singer Toni Braxton turned heads in a jaw dropping extra revealing Zeynep Erdogan couture dress. The 47-year-old stunna was spotted walking in with her mother Evelyn and sons Diezel and Denim before strutting her stuff down the carpet:

The R&B songstress later hit the stage to serenade the audience with Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds. She also took the podium with her son Diezel (who has autism) to announce their joint UNCF scholarship for students with autism. Nice!

Rapper/actor Ludacris was all smiles on the carpet and with good reason. His new action flick Furious 7 is smashing the box office, raking in $800 million globally in less than two weeks. The ATL rapper also dropped his newest LP Ludaversal two weeks ago and he’s gearing up to be a dad again as his wife Eudoxiee is pregnant with his third child.

G.O.O.D. rapper Big Sean hit the carpet dolo last night, sans his girlfriend Ariana Grande who’s currently on tour. The Internet was abuzz after one of her recent performances where Justin Bieber came out and affectionately wrapped his arms around his Ariana. If you missed the fiasco, get the deets HERE.

British songbird Estelle came out for the night’s festivities in an Amanda Wakeley x Saloni London look before rocking the stage with Jussie.

Actress/life coach A.J. Johnson lit up the carpet in a cute gold number paired with gold sandals.

“Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Demetria McKinney brought her man Roger Bobb along as her date. She will be starring in a new drama flick titled Sons 2 the Grave, also starring Darrin Dewitt Henson.

“Love & Hip Hop” creator Mona Scott-Young has plenty to celebrate after news broke that MempHitz LOST in the 2012 defamation case he filed against her and VH1 producers. We know she's happy.

Gospel singer Yolanda Adams slayed the carpet in a white (although it looks powder blue in the pic) one-shouldered dress before she took the stage to perform.

Retired NBA baller Grant Hill and singer Tamia brought the coupledom fab on the carpet.

“Devious Maids” actress Dania Ramirez posed it up in yellow on the carpet.

Soul singer Kem kept it dapper in a black suit with white trimming.

"Being Mary Jane" star and former NFL running back Thomas Jones was looking handsome as ever on the carpet.

And Morris Day and The Time were also in the mix.

Inside...

Toni and Babyface, who both took home a Grammy for Best R&B album for their joint LP Love, Marriage & Divorce this year, wowed the audience with their vocals.

Reality star and singer K. Michelle gave a powerful performance for the attendees.

Estelle and Jussie joined forces to perform their duet version of her single “Conqueror."

Yolanda Adams changed into a beautiful gown as she performed with gospel choir on stage.

Toni and her son Diezel took the stage to announce their joint UNCF scholarship for students with autism.

R&B singer Ne-Yo presented during the ceremony.

Trai and Dania also hit the stage to present.

Grace was joined on stage by producer Jermaine Dupri to present.

The Hills hit the stage to present.

Anthony Anderson brought the laughs while on his hosting duties.

Former kid star Keshia Knight Pulliam was also on hand to present.

And Atlanta mayor Kasim Reed took the stage to present. Fab times!

UNCF's "An Evening of Stars" airs April 26th at 10:00 PM ET on BET.

Photos: ATLpics

Janelle Monae brings her yoga moves to the club in her brand new video “Yoga” featuring Jidenna. Check it inside….

"Baby, bend over!"

Janelle Monae has been teasing fans via her Instagram with behind-the-scenes shots of her new visuals for her track “Yoga.” And today, the official video treatment was released.

The “Electric Lady” flexes her yoga skills and dance moves in the video for the party track. Janelle and her crew of yogis perform various yoga sequences all while partying it up to her infectious track. And “Classic Man” Jidenna comes through with his smooth and sexy lyrics.
"Yoga" will appear on a compilation album from the "PrimeTime" singer's Wondaland label titled, Eephus, scheduled to drop May 6th.
 

As Janelle says on the track, “You can not police me, so get off my areola” Oh! This is definitely a new summer anthem.

Check it below:

Photos: Janelle's IG

We’ve rounded up pics of YBF celebs enjoying Day 3 of Coachella in Indio, California. Peep pics of Rihanna, Karrueche Tran, Christina Milian, Usher, FKA Twigs and more inside….

Day 3 of the first weekend of the 2015 Coachella Music & Arts Festival went down in Indio yesterday. And the YBF celebs were on the scene ready to party it up. Even a broken foot couldn’t stop the party.....

SIDENOTE: If you're looking for the perfect summer festival look, hit up Edited In Chicfor buying options and more.

Rihanna was spotted at the festival rocking some aztec-print leggings and a matching pancho which she paired with Balenciago Leather Biker boots and a tribal-necklace top.

So whom did Rihanna watch on stage?  Drake of course!  She was front and center when her ex-boo thang kissedMadonna.

R&B crooner Usher was spotted in a golf cart getting USHERed to and from different stages.  Why? 

The "Good Kisser" had foot surgery.  Yikes....

Usher has not specified the exact nature of his ailment but he did Instagram pics from the hospital saying, "'Wish me well....space of improvement #footdown #6milliondollarman' and " #broken #fracturefashion" 

Twilight star Robert Pattinson was there with his girlfriend, British superstar FKA Twigs.  They partied with Katy Perry.

Lolawolf frontwoman/actree Zoe Kravitz was there looking festival fab....she can make anything look fashionable.

Christina Milian and Karrueche Tran posed with their crew.

Vanessa Simmons posed with her friend Johanna Desrosiers. 

Hey Angela!

We see Angela and Vanessa Simmons celebrated "Siblings Day" all weekend...

Rapper Tyler The Creator posed with funnyman/Adult Swim talkshow host Eric Andre.  Umm.....we don't really know how to caption Eric's dildo.  Maybe it doesn't need one....

Photos angelasimmons/christinamillian/vanessajsimmons/karrueche/zoeisabellakravitz Instagram/getty images/Pacific Coast News/WENN.WENNCHELLA

Liya Kebede is bringing the model fab on a bold new cover for VOGUE Paris’ May 2015 issue. In other news, John Legend is fighting to change the way we incarcerate Americans. Peep Liya’s vibrant cover and deets on John’s new initiative inside…

We may have recently kicked off the spring season, but supermodel Liya Kebede is ready to kick-off the summer season with her bold and fearless new magazine cover.

Shot by famed photographers Inez & Vinoodh, the Ethiopian beauty rocked a psychedelic couture catsuit by Dior for VOGUE Paris’ May 2015 issue. Not only does she slay her shoot, the YBF model chick becomes the first model of color to grace the cover of the magazine since 2010. And she does NOT disappoint. Congrats!

You can grab your copy once it hits newsstands April 22nd.

In other news...
 

R&B crooner John Legend is using his star power for the greater good. The “All Of Me” singer has launched a new campaign to help fight against and bring awareness to mass incarceration, one of issues he touched on during his Academy Award winning speech this year.

Today, the Oscar winner announced his multiyear initiative, FREE AMERICA. John will travel to Austin, Texas on Thursday to meet and perform for inmates inside of a Texas prison. He will also join a press conference with state legislators to discuss Texas' criminal justice system, according to reports.

During an interview with the AP, he said,

"We have a serious problem with incarceration in this country. It's destroying families, it's destroying communities and we're the most incarcerated country in the world, and when you look deeper and look at the reasons we got to this place, we as a society made some choices politically and legislatively, culturally to deal with poverty, deal with mental illness in a certain way and that way usually involves using incarceration."

After visiting Texas, the “Glory” singer will travel a state prison in California and will co-host a criminal justice event with Politico in Washington, D.C. He will also call on a few of his celebrity friends and different organizations around the nation who are committed to ending mass incarceration to join him in his fight.

"I'm just trying to create some more awareness to this issue and trying to make some real change legislatively," he said. "And we're not the only ones. There are senators that are looking at this, like Rand Paul and Cory Booker, there are other nonprofits that are looking at this, and I just wanted to add my voice to that."
 

Nice!

Photos: Vogue Paris/Getty

South African funnyman Trevor Noah is set to make a big splash in the cable news game, but first, we spotted him with comedic legend Jerry Seinfeld.  Find out what they were up to inside...

Earlier today, we spotted comedic legend Jerry Seinfeld strolling through DUMBO in Brooklyn, New York with South African funnyman Trevor Noah for his YouTube show "Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee".

Although Trevor has not ascended to "The Daily Show" seat yet, he's already facing heavy scrutiny from the media and his fellow comedians.  A NY Times article from a few days ago quoted Canadian comedian Russell Peters calling Trevor a thief, claiming he's stolen material from himself and South African comic David Kau.  And that's not all, Trevor's also come under fire for allegedly anti-Semitic tweets from years ago (folks have been searching through EVERY tweet).   Sigh....and he hasn't landed in the chair yet!

Following their coffee chat, Trevor and Jerry met up with fellow-comedic great Larry David at the home opener for the New York Mets at Citi Field. Their very public meeting is interesting since Larry and Jerry are two of the most well-respected comedians in the game...and they're Jewish.  It's great to see Trevor is building a network of support.

Photos via Splash

Rapper The Game is returning to reality television for a brand new show “She’s Got Game” where he’s looking for love. Also coming to tv, Ice-T and his wife Coco will test run their daytime tv show this summer. Deets inside….

West coast rapper The Game is looking for love. And he’s doing so in a new VH1 reality tv series.

For the follow-up to his last series “Marrying The Game,” which was suppose to follow the Game and his then fiancée Tiffney Cambridge to the alter, Game will look for the perfect love match in the new series, “She’s Got Game.”

Game, who was spotted recently on a lunch date with model Chantel Jeffries, will call on a few of his celebrity friends to help him choose the lucky lady as he embarks on a national tour during each hour-long episode. Each celebrity will select a young lady to accompany Game on his national tour. By the end of the tour, Game must choose the one young lady who has stolen his heart. Hmph.

The 10-episode series is set to premiere this summer. Will you be tuning in?

In other tv news....

Two big personalities will be hitting the daytime circuit this summer.

Rapper-turned-actor Ice-T and his wife Coco will be returning to television following their E! reality show "Ice Loves Coco." The husband-wife duo will be testing the waters of their brand new daytime talk show titled "Ice & Coco."

The twosome will be bringing their married humor and brutal honesty to the small screen this summer for a three-week daily test run airing on FOX stations, kicking off Monday, August 3rd.

According to Deadline, the “Law & Order: SVU” actor and his wife will cover trending topics such as celebrity news, and even topics of puppies. Oh…ok. They will also feature celebrity guests where they will play games, conduct fun segments, and open interviews. Ice and Coco commented on their new show saying, “It’s a fun show with our own style of hip, married humor and honesty,” Ice-T and Coco said.
 

They aren't the only Hollywood couple who has nabbed their own talkshow. "Murder In The First" star Nicole Ari Parker and husband/Addicted star Boris Kodjoe will also be testing their new talk show "The Boris And Nicole Show" this summer, kicking off July 6th. Sweet.

EXTRAS:
1. Part 1 “R&B Divas: L.A.” reunion special will premiere Wednesday, April 22nd, with Wendy Williams returning as the host. Part 2 will air Wednesday, April 29th. Both episodes will air at 10pm ET on TVOne.

2.  Khloe Kardashian will be named godmother of North West during an upcoming episode of "KUWTK."
 

Photos: FameFlynet/Getty

Storytellers Ava Duvernay, Shonda Rhimes, Debbie Allen, Issa Rae, Mara Brock Akil cover the upcoming issue of Essence Magazine. See a sneak peek of the cover inside...

ESSENCE'S May 45th Anniversary Cover stars five influential Black women who are changing the way Hollywood tells stories. This cover is epic.  And we've got chills.

All dressed in white, the gorgeous picture captures true YBF Chicks Ava Duvernay ("Selma"), Shonda Rhimes ("HTGAWM"), Debbie Allen "Scandal", "Empire", Issa Rae the "Awkward Black Girl", and Mara Brock Akil ("Being Mary Jane")

Golden-Globe nominee Ava DuVernay tweeted out the cover saying, "I hope someone sees this and thinks: "I will live the life I choose." Love to Mara, Shonda, Issa + Queen Debbie. xo."  Over on her Instagram account, Ava posted a pic from behind-the-scene with the caption, "Black Magic Women. xo"

Indeed.

Inside the May issue of the magazine, Shonda Rhimes cautions readers against calling the rise of Black women in control both behind and in front of the camera a "trend."

"It's an economic fact. There are more people of color than ever before...When the shows start doing bigger numbers than what they think are going to be their top ten shows, it becomes really hard to suggest that it's a trend."

Shonda went on to add an interesting perspective,"Literally everybody's starring in a pilot. I think that's wonderful. Part of me thinks, Well that's wildly racist of all the networks to suddenly decide that the best way to get a show on the air is to just throw a Black woman on it. Yet part of me feels like, For God's sake, it's about time! If they're going to be stupid, let's use their stupidity..."

Issa Rae, web innovator and creator of Awkward Black Girl and web show pioneer, says social media prominence has helped drive their representation in images and storylines but she wants to see many more people of color behind the scenes.

Ava adds, "Of course that has to happen. But it is more about people working autonomously, independently, to create their own structures, mechanisms, companies, outlets. Look at you, Issa—nobody was giving you anything, so you created your own work and your own platform and your own way to distribute."

Hollywood veteran Debbie Allen, who has had decades in the business as an actress and as a director ("Fame", "A Different World," "Scandal"), is hopeful for the future"I look at it as an opportunity. It is wide open and for the taking. When I first started, there were no women in the room, there were no Black people in the room."

Along with a "new" presence comes the need to discuss overlooked topics. Mara chimes in,

"I've been relentless [about discussing sexuality] since Girlfriends... My feeling about sexuality and showing a consenting adult having sex is that it's so empowering. Because if you are making the choice, you then have to be responsible for the choice. I think that message is conveyed to the audience. You're not just there for the convenience of a man, you are there because you want it. It creates an opportunity—well, hopefully—for the young lady watching or the other women watching to understand you have a say in this."

In addition to this groundbreaking conversation, the magazine also discusses how the women deal with spicy sex scenes, manage relationships and their demanding careers.  The May issue of ESSENCE is available everywhere April 17.

Photos via Ava DuVernay Twitter/Ava DuVernay Instagram

Zoe Kravitz gets very candid in the May issue of Marie Claire when she opens up about her eating disorders and her battle with weight.  More inside...

Art imitates life for actress Zoe Kravtiz in her latest film The Road Within (opening in NY & LA this Friday, April 17th).  In the flick, she plays a woman who battles anorexia. And for the cover of Marie Claire's Fresh Faces 2015 issue (there are four other covers starring Iggy Azalea, Hailee Steinfeld, Felicity Jones, and Kate Upton), the gorgeous 26-year-old opens up about her very real battles with weight and confronting some of her former demons. 

Here are the highlights:

On her role in The Road Within: "I went through eating disorders in high school, so it triggered some old stuff. I was so thin that I wasn't getting my period. And part of me didn't want to gain the weight back, which was really scary. People were like, 'You look so good!' I was like, Oh, my God, that is disturbing."

On sweatpants:"I've been trying the art of dressing up sweatpants. I feel like an NYU student. Not in a good way. But if you wear them with, like, a chunky boot, it's kind of cool."

This isn't the first time Zoe has opened up about her struggles with eating disorders.  You'll recall that she told COMPLEX, "I had a really hard time when I was 16, 17, 18. I started with the eating disorder in high school…Just [a hard time] loving myself. I think it was part of being a woman, and being surrounded by [fame]...I don’t think it was about the fame, but I think it was definitely about being around that world, seeing that world. I felt pressured.”

Thanks for being brave and sharing your story Zoe!

Watch BTS footage below:

Photos via Marie Claire Instagram/Marie Claire/Dan martensen

Avengers...Assemble!  Marvel Comics stars Chadwick Boseman, Don Cheadle, Samuel L. Jackson, and Anthony Mackie made their way to the Hollywood premiere of the soon-to-be blockbuster film Avengers: Age of Ultron.  And the comic nerd in us is totally squealing.  Pics from last night's red carpet of the stars and fans like T.I, Tiny, Kim Whitley and more.

It's here!  One of the biggest franchises in the film industry is about to serve up its second installment under the helm of Director Joss Whedon.  Avengers: Age of Ultron is getting the Hollywood treatment with a big premiere last night. The celebs flocked tot he carpet to catch the film before it hits theaters April 30th.

Our crush on Get On Up star Chadwick Boseman is growing by the day.  As the newest addition to the Marvel family (he's been tapped to play super hero Black Panther, which will get its own film and will also appear in the upcoming Captain America film), Chadwick came out to support the homies.  Looking  dapper as usual.

The Harrises are back from their family vacay to Costa Rica, and they made a beeline to the premiere:

T.I. & Tiny also snapped a pic with the action figure based off the film.

 Don "War Machine" Cheadle hit the carpet with his longtime girlfriend, mother of his kids, and House of Lies co-star Bridgid Coulter.  Love these two.

And we're looking forward to seeing what Colonel James Rhodes will be serving up alongside Iron Man in Avengers.

Star Samuel "Nick Fury" Jackson brought his wife LaTonya along, and the twosome got all cutesy on the carpet:

And snapped an obligatory pic with the action heroes on display.

Anthony Mackie, who reprises his role as Falcon alongside Captain America in Avengers, kept it hot on the carpet.

Actress Kim Whitley brought her son Joshua on the carpet for a fun night.

Cutie "blackish" star Miles Brown hit the carpet and snapped a few us-ies.

Henry Simmons, who stars in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," came out to support his Marvel colleagues.

The stars also took the stage to introduce the film to the masses. 

Who's ready?!

Photos: Getty

Ciara appeared on "The Breakfast Club" today where she talked about her failed relationship with Future, industry shade,and lessons she's learned so far. More inside... 

On today's episode of The Breakfast Club, Ciara appeared alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee, Charlamagne was absent.  If you were expecting a juciy interview where the hosts "go in" on the guest...this isn't it.   But....Cici does talk about Tamar Braxton's alleged shade, Future's multiple baby mommas and reveals that Lala Anthony is her only famous friend (what....no Kim Kardashian?!  Ha.).  She also talks about her music "failures" and what she hopes to see happen differently in the future with her record sales.  Here are the highlights: 

On Charlamagne’s Absence

"You know, I’m really disappointed this morning because Charlamagne is not here. I think we can all say to the world is that the reason that Charlamagne gives me such a hard time is because he is scared of me, that’s why he’s not here this morning. Now I know what it is. I kept trying to figure it out. Now I know it’s cause he’s scared of me."

On Her Single, “I Bet”

That song is for every girl and even some guys in the world. That’s one of those topics everyone can relate to. We’ve all been there before, we’ve all had experiences, maybe a few experiences, when you’re like, ‘I bet you’ll start loving me when I keep it moving and get with someone better.’ I think it’s a song for every one–it’s beyond me, in a sense. It’s so great when I hear so many women and people talk about how this song inspires them. You would hope music would do that–give them some strength and encouragement to keep it moving when you need to.

On Her Failed Relationship with Future

You know what, I’m human and I went with love in that situation. You can be with someone that has no kids and can be biggest jerk in the world. You can be with someone that’s super wealthy and can be the biggest jerk in the world. So it doesn’t make him any different than the one who doesn’t have as much or doesn’t have as many kids. You can’t really call it. At the end of the day, I rolled with love. And, my son’s father, I really believe, had the greatest intentions to love me. And a beautiful thing came from that. That’s just how I see it: you can’t call it.

On Lessons Learned

You live and you learn. My son has given me so much clarity. Now, I feel like I’m a full-on woman. You don’t really understand what that really means until a few things happen to you in life, but, my son has totally given me so much clarity. And I couldn’t be any more clearer than I needed to be. And you know, I definitely know a lot of things that I don’t want. I really know. And I’m clearer about recognizing them when I see it. And I know things I do want and hope for. I won’t move or budge until I get it. I think that’s what happened with my son. I have to make the right decision. I can’t be up here like, oh, if an accident happens it happens. No, I have to kinda be 'for sure for sure' with things I do. Even down to business decisions. Everything I do affects him. I always say, ‘baby gotta eat and baby ain’t cheap’. I gotta make sure I’m making the best decision I can make to make the universe right for him. Of course, for me, too, but he just really is the force. He’s the reason why for me. I’ve always wanted to be successful, but my son now takes it to a whole other level. I really have to go out here and bust my butt and make it right.

On Jermaine Dupri's Comments That 'I Bet' Ripped Off 'U Got It Bad'

We are cool. Jermaine is cool, but Jermaine is an expressive person. Jermaine has always been expressive over the years. Really, guys, one thing about having a baby, you really don’t care about a lot of stuff. You be like, 'They say what now? Ok, cool, alright, well, so what we gonna do on this next video?' You don’t really have time to sweat stuff. If Jermaine walked through the door right now we’d hug right now. He’s an expressive person.

On Her Relationship With Other Women In The Busines

My closest friends? To be quite honest with you, there is really only one that is professionally known and that is Lala [Anthony]. I’ve known her probably eight, however many years now. My other closest friend in the music industry but isn’t famous is my make up artist and best friend Yolanda who I’ve known since I was sixteen years old. I’m pretty consistent with those ladies. I do have people I get along with but in reference to my closest friends who I really talk to everyday about super duper deep stuff, those are my two closest girls. Girls like Kelly [Rowland], I love her, she’s so sweet, we get a long very well. And our babies are growing up around the same time period’ it’s gonna be fun to see our babies grow. There’s also women like Janelle Monae, who, I don’t talk to her at all on the phone but every time I see her it’s love. One of my friends is actually an actress, Lily Collins, and she’s super sweet. But my two people I talk to everyday… I could name probably, I don’t know how many, pretty much every girl, from my perspective and my experience, I get along with. When we see each other, it’s always love… My friend circle is really small and I like it that way, but I do like getting along with the girls. I’m a girls’ girl, so when we are doing events, or like a stand up for cancer event where all of us girls got together and sang for something: Beyonce, Mariah, myself, Taylor Swift–whoever it is, it’s fun when we all get along and we always show love, Now, that, I do have, I feel like, with pretty much every girl for the most part.

On Marketing Her Music

It’s like a domino effect, you know. If you don’t have certain things set up around it, it does make it more challenging. I think the reality for me is I feel like I’m now getting my rhythm back. When I first started, I was able to keep it moving and moving and moving. Now, we’re finally able to get some things that are necessary to support the music that allows you to really promote and keep the whole journey going. As we know, this new day, it’s a bit more challenging and you have to work even harder to really sell records. Who knows what will happen with my album comes out this go ‘round. I’m very confident in my body of work. I feel it’s my best body of work to date and I can stand on that. I’m excited. We have my tour happening, which is going to be fun ‘cause I can present the music like I want to. I think, you can do everything you want to do, you’re job is done. Now, don’t get me wrong, I want to be successful. I can’t see it going any other way than up ‘cause I believe the body of work really speaks for itself.

Photo via Angela Yee's Instagram

Did you want an invitation to Yandy& Mendeecees Harris' wedding?  Well, you're in luck!  The two "Love & Hip Hop: New York" stars are getting married....on live TV.  We really shouldn't be as surprised as we are.  Folks love to be on camera.  Deets inside...

Yandy Smith already legally changed her name to Yandy Smith Harris before ever signing a marriage certificate.  So why not make it official?

That's exactly what The Harrises are about to do. 

On the reunion show this week, Yandy announced she and Mendeecees would be getting married LIVE on a special VH1 show on Memorial Day.  And now, VH1 has spilled all the details.

In the network’s first-ever LIVE wedding special, called “Love & Hip Hop LIVE: The Wedding,” airing Memorial Day, Monday, May 25th, fans will get to see Yandy and Mendeecees tie the knot in a two-hour special episode.

Viewers have been privy to every part of the couple’s relationship over the years as they became parents, handled family drama and overcame Mendeecees’ incarceration, the challenges of their subsequent separation, and eventually, his conditional release. So why not invite everyone to the next phase: The wedding.

The very likely over-the-top celebration will capture every instant on the tumultuous road to the altar – from the occasional ‘bridezilla’ outbursts to heartwarming moments of emotion and anticipation.  So it's unclear if those moments will be pre-taped from previous months of planning.  But according to VH1, the special (at least in part), is live.

Check out the Harris family on VH1, Monday, May 25th at 8:00 PM ET/PT.

Photos: Yandy's IG

Drake has a new track, "My Side."  Listen to the song inside and see Rihanna's response to rumors she was doing Cocaine at Coachella. 

On Sunday, Drake was kissed by Madonna during his Coachella set, but that Twitteriffic moment wasn't the only thing to emerge from his set. He also debuted a new song called "My Side" and today, we have full audio of the song. He raps,

“Why are we wasting our relationship on a relationship?” he asks. “I empower girls that don’t deserve it / I don’t mean to do that shit on purpose.”

The song will be added as a bonus track to new copies of If You’re Reading This It’s Too Late, due April 21st.  And that's not all.....Drake will kick off his 6-date “Jungle Tour” with Future on May 24 in Houston.

In other news...

 

A video posted by badgalriri (@badgalriri) on Apr 14, 2015 at 9:38am PDT

@rihanna love , is that cocaine  pic.twitter.com/pVLi0gI4r4

— YourFavDarkSkin (@_MissTink) April 14, 2015

We know Rihanna loves her "greenery" and she was spotted puffing on several trees in plain view during the Coachella Music Festival. Now, she's had to respond to rumors about hard drug use after a video of her "touching her nose" went viral. 

She and her girls were dancing and listening to music (above) and you can see her sitting at the table rolling up something (likely a blunt).  In the second video, you also see her touch her nose and appear to inhale, or exhale or catch her breath...something.   That second video was enough to get folks buzzing that Rihanna was snorting cocaine.  When word of rumored coke use got back to RiRi, she responded in true Rihanna fashion -   

Got it.  And bloop!

EXTRAS:

Amber Rose is very busy. She'll be seen in the romantic dramedy Sisterhood, in theaters on next month and her book, How to Be a Bad Bitch, is set for release in October. In the meantime, she's in Amy Shumer's viral video "Milk Milk Lemonade." There's also a special appearance from Method Man....enjoy!

Photos via Drake's Instagram/badgallriri Instagram/@_miss tink Instagram

Last night, the Hollywood premiere of the Brotherly Love movie went down at the Pacific Design Center.  We've got all the pics inside...

KeKe Palmer let out her fabness in a gorgeous Michael Costello dress for her big premiere night for Brotherly Love.  She posed it up alongside co-star Cory Hardict.  And the rest of their castmates and celeb friends came out to snap some pics.

Bryshere Gray paused his "Empire" promo duties to come out to support.

Quincy Brown brought his mom Kim Porter to the carpet as his date for the night.  Sweet!

His brothers were right by his side to cheer him on for his big night.  Justin and Christian all posed it up with Kim.

Star of the movie Cory Hardrict posed with his wife Tia Mowry, who looked fab in a sexy black dress and cute pumps.

"Basketball Wives: LA" stars Malaysia Pargo and Brandi Maxiell kept it sexy in bright body con looks...the moms' fave style.  Malyasia is taking us all around the world while Brandi is keeping it subtly sexy in a pink curve hugging dress.

Cute looks.

Meagan Good rocked the carpet in thigh high boots and an oversized denim t-shirt dress.

Besties Christina Milian and Karrueche hit the carpetand Christina and her striped dress posed it up with Daphne Joy.

Tatyana Ali rocked chic wide leg pants for a fab spring look.

Logan Browning of "Hit The Floor" hit the carpet in short shorts and booties.

The cast and celeb friends had fun all over social media:

Malik Yoba and Terence J got silly at the premiere.

Even Diddy came out to support his son Quincy.  Nice.

Brotherly Love comes out April 24th.

Photos: A Turner Archives/AP/Instagram

In today's candids, we spotted Alicia Keys looking fab in Paris while some of our favorite YBF fellas dined out in Beverly Hills.  See their photos inside...

"Girl On Fire" Alicia Keys looked amazing as she stepped out of the posh Mandarin Oriental in Paris.

Alicia, who was dressed head to toe in Givenchy, was in the city to shoot a new ad campaign for the brand's latest fragrance “Dahlia Divin.” The new mom twice over is the spokeswoman.

After her work for Givenchy was done, Alicia was spotted doing one final strut through Paris while at the airport.  Work.

Guess who else is in Paris....

Kanye West and wife Kim Kardashian went shopping at Montaigne Market's store. A camera crew has been following the West across the globe as they visited Armenia last week. Then, North West was baptized at Saint James Cathedral in Jerusalem yesterday.

In Beverly Hills...

It was a reunion of sorts, last night, as the stars of urban Blackbuster movies all dined at Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills.  We spotted "House Of Lies" star Larenz Tate reuniting with Tyrin Turner, his co-star from Menace II Society.  Still looking good too...

Then the fellas hooked up with Furious 7 star Tyrese, who starred in another urban-classic Baby Boy.  Hey Jody!

The group was rounded out by Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx who has an urban classic under his belt as well...Booty Call?  We bet these fellas have another project up their sleeves...

Photos via WENN/Splash/CHP/FameFlynet Pictures