In today's YBF kids, we've got Jamie Foxx and little Annalise having fun in the mountains while baby daddy of the decade, Dwight Howard, might be adding ANOTHER one to his growing list of kids.  More inside...

And we begin....

Recording artist and Oscar-winner Jamie Foxx took his adorable daughter Annalise (and some family friends) up to Whitefish, Montana for vacay this week. The trip included a ride on a private jet, a helicopter, an ATV fun, horseback riding and boating.  Wow.....

Yes it's June....but the snow hasn't melt in Montana. Jamie tweeted,"#daddydaughtertime on top of the world #Whitefish #Montana. Snow doesn't melt at this elevation even at 60 degrees. #loveunconditional".

He gushed, "#daddydaughtertime From mountains to the lake! Her smile says it all. Embrace family y'all. Life is love. Don't take anything for granted, trust me. #Whitefish #Montana #loveunconditional."

The Django Unchained star has also taught Annalise how to ride a horse. We wonder if she sings and plays piano too.

The vacay came at a perfect time as Jaime is on break from promoting his single"You Changed Me."

That's a wrap....

Little Annalise must have exhausted her Daddy!  He wrote, "#daddydaughtertime Unforgettable times, great getaway with my little one. Heading home, thank you #Whitefish #Montana. She wore me out, ha ha ha. #loveunconditional"

Check out their videos here:

 

A video posted by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) on Jun 6, 2015 at 9:00pm PDT

 

#daddydaughtertime #cowgirl not bad for 6 years old. #loveunconditionally

A video posted by Jamie Foxx (@iamjamiefoxx) on Jun 6, 2015 at 10:09am PDT

Maybe your baby?

SMH....a woman by the name of Tiffany Render (above) served 29-year-old Houston Rockets player Dwight Howard with a paternity lawsuit on May 12th in Florida Court.

Here's the thing...this isn't the first time we've heard of Tiffany. Tiffany is an Orlando, FL resident and was allegedly supported by Dwight for years. She also has a daughter named Layla born in 2010.  So why file a lawsuit? We're thinking she and Dwight had an understanding, and then one month that understanding didn't hit direct deposit. Now....we need some paperwork. #noshade.

So, if you're keeping count, Dwight could be up to 8 children with 8 women by now. We've lost track and there really isn't any paperwork. Some women he battles in court (hey Royce Reed), others fade into non-existence (hey Christine Vest). Who knows....

We would like Iyanla Vanzant to get on the case and get to the bottom of this though.....
 

Photos via Twitter/Jamie Foxx's Instagram/BlackSportsOnline

Kelly Rowland is transforming her fabulousness into divas who are known for their gorgeous manes.  Check out the "Motivation" singer serving up a little Diana, Sade and more inside....

O, the power of the mane! Kelly Rowland just rocked a gorgeous photoshoot for MANE ADDICTS where hairstylist Kim Kimble and celebrity makeup artist Rokael Lizama used Kelly's wiggery, weavery and everything in between to transform the star into fabulous hair and beauty icons.

Styled by Rebecca Jefferson (Lance Gross' new wife and Kelly's main stylist) and shot by Mike Rosenthal, Kelly let down her braid and threw on her red leather crop and a matching red lip to give us a little Sade tease.

Hot.

Also in the editorial, Kelly served up Diana Ross tease with huge hair, a high waisted jean and a tight tank.  Kim said about the look:

“Today we are working with the lovely Kelly Rowland- who is an amazing songstress and artist.  So the inspiration for the looks are other iconic artists, like the first look we did capturing Diana Ross, who back in the 80’s had that big, curly, textured mane. There’s one album cover I had that wasn’t her typical tight curl, it was more like a loose, messy, lion’s mane type of hair so I’m using that as my inspiration.”

Kellyi went sultry as she channeled Bianca Jagger with a brushed out roller set to channel the 70's.  Makeup artist Rokael explained:

"...We went for more of a stained lip and kept the eyes very simple. I used Spice lip liner from MAC and added chapstick right over the top.”

And finally, Kelly donned curls for days as frnech 80's/90's supermodel Farida Khelfa Goude. 

As for her hair secrets, Kelly's #1 necessity is a silk scarf.  She told Mane Addicts, “I use silk scarf! It keeps my hair smooth when I’m sleeping. I also always use a good hair mask.”

Agreed!

Check out Mane Addicts for more deets on the makeup and hair choices, plus here's a little behind the scenes action below:

Kim Kimble

By the way, if you're wondering what mama Kelly and her son Titan and husband Tim are up to, she posted this vid on National Best Friends Day:

 

A video posted by kellyrowland (@kellyrowland) on Jun 8, 2015 at 7:22pm PDT

Adorbs!

Photos: Mane Addicts/Mike Rosenthal

Nicki Minaj heard her ex-boyfriend and ex-hype man Safaree Samuel's new song where he has some choice words for the raptress.  So she responded....with a vengeance.  Check it inside....

Yesterday, Safaree Samuels released a song called "Love The Most".  The lyrics had folks raising eyebrows because it sounded like he was spilling hurt tea.  We told you yesterday he rapped about how "you" didn't do it all alone, and it's clear he's referring to Nicki.  He also rapped about feeling some type of way when Nicki kissed Nas in a video.

Safaree has said plenty of times before he felt Nicki didn't respect what he did for her and Nicki was often concerned only about self.  Check out a snippet below:

 

A video posted by Safaree aka StuntMan (@iamsafaree) on Jun 10, 2015 at 1:54pm PDT

Nicki denies all of this constantly, and yesterday was no different.  She tweeted (then deleted) her take on the messy situation.  And she also threw out cheating accusations (read from bottom up):

Whle on the set of Barbershop 3 in Atlanta, Nicki also tweeted a few other things that she decided nnot to delete:

Nicki also professed her love for rapper Meek Mill, who she constantly posts about and is quite public with, unlike her relationship with Safaree.  She said:

Oh.

The saga continues....

Photos: Nicki's Twitter

Monica, Ciara, Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons are in mommy and daddy mode.  And we love seeing their family time.  Check out the cute pics inside...

Monica spent the afternoon with her oldest son Rocko at his school's end of the year field day.  And they looked like they had a blast.  Her husband and Rocko's step dad Shannon Brown was also in the mix.

Monica said about her son:

After working, Quick change to get to My Big Boys Field Day... Romelō's been out of school and now he will finally will have his brother with him... @ronclarkacademy #WhatAGreatYear to every student that focused, worked hard & stayed on task we are so proud of u!! #GreatThingsAhead

Happy summer Rocko!

Check out how Shannon and Monica get their foreplay in:

 

A video posted by Monica Brown (@monicabrown) on Jun 10, 2015 at 6:05pm PDT

Gotta love them.

 

Having fun in the yard with My Kids But My boo @lahluvie ain't bout this country life... #ButSheBeatsThisFaceTho #SnailsDontBITE LOL

A video posted by Monica Brown (@monicabrown) on Jun 10, 2015 at 5:50pm PDT

Ha.

Over in Disneyland:

Ming Lee Simmons is still celebrating her 8th grade graduation.  She had a full day at Disneyland with little sister Aoki and friends, thanks to her mom Kimora Lee (who is holding brand new baby Wolfe), dad Russell Simmons and stepdad Tim.

Russell said the girls wore him out.

He said:

Longest day. DISNEY finally over @mingleesimmons Aoki still celebrating early graduation from gifted school ....so proud of them #fatherhood #stepdad #@officialkimora @ginger.otiss @porschethomas

Cute!

 

I Can Finally Hold Hands And #WALK With My Little One! #Milestones

A video posted by Ciara (@ciara) on Jun 10, 2015 at 10:15pm PDT

And Ciara and baby Future just reached a new milestone.  She posted the above cute video of her baby boy walking.  And it's adorable.  She gushed about finally being able to hold his hand and walk.  Awww!

We told you Cuba Gooding Jr. will be starring as O.J. Simpson in the upcoming FX series “American Crime: The People vs. O.J. Simpson.” And now, we have pics of Cuba channeling OJ on the set during that infamous police chase in his white Ford Bronco back in 1994. Peep the pics inside…

Oscar-winner Cuba Gooding Jr. will kick off season one of FX’s “American Crime Story,” the new anthology series that will cover the trial of former NFL star O.J. Simpson, who was acquitted in 1995 for the murder of his ex-wife NicoleBrown Simpson and friend Ronald Goldman.

Yesterday, the 47-year-old actor was spotted on the set in Beverly Hills channeling O.J. (stubble and all) as he recreated the infamous police chase that went down on June 17, 1994 in O.J.’s white Ford Bronco. Almost 21 years later to the day….
 

During the chase, O.J. was in the backseat of the vehicle (allegedly threatening to take his own life with a gun) while his former teammate Al Cowlings (played by Malcolm-Jamal Warner) eluded the LAPD for an hour, driving from Orange County to O.J.’s home in Brentwood.

The low-speed chase played out on live television, capturing millions of viewers, all tuned in to see the end result. Eventually, the former NFLer surrendered to police.

Last month, Cuba talked to the AP about his upcoming role, in which he said,

“People keep asking me whether I think he did it or not, and I don’t think that’s the goal here, to prove his innocence or his guilt. I think it’s more us putting the judicial system under the spotlight … We try to find a truth in the moment so that we can find answers. I think this 10 hours of television is gonna be very powerful, and I think a lot of people are going to learn a lot.”
 

The new series is scheduled to premiere in 2016. Will you be tuning in?

Photos: Splash

Good friends Tyrese and Rev Run have nabbed a new gig! The guys will be dishing their point of views on topics, such as relationships, marriage and sex in a new talk show coming to OWN. Deets inside….

Furious 7 star Tyrese Gibson and Hip Hop legend Joseph “Rev Run” Simmons will be bringing their “menology” teachings to a TV near you soon.

Following the success of their 2013 New York Times bestseller “Manology,” the fellas have nabbed a new talk show coming to the OWN Network. Developed and produced by CBS, the untitled show will be an eight-episode weekly primetime talk show set to debut early 2016.
 

According to Deadline, Ty, a single father of a daughter, and Rev Run, a married ordained minister with 6 children, will discuss topics and questions about men, relationships, marriage and sex. The duo will answer questions from a primetime studio audience, as well as social media. They will also have celebrity quests to join them on the show.

OWN president Sheri Salata expressed her excitement about the new show saying:

“When Rev Run, Tyrese and CBS came to us with the idea of a primetime series we were energized by the chance to bring OWN viewers something fresh and entertainingly real in the ‘love space. We can’t wait to turn them loose – enlightening us all about what makes men tick.”

Hmm…will you be tuning in?
 

Photos: Getty/Ty's IG

Angela Bassett turned up the heat at the "American Horror Story: Freakshow" FYC special screening and Q&A in L.A. yesterday. Peep her white hot shots inside….

Hello gorgeous!

“American Horror Story: Freakshow” actress Angela Basssett showed up on the red carpet at FX’s “American Horror Story: Freakshow” FYC event looking like a million bucks.

The 56-year-old actress stunned in a fitted white cut-out back dress paired with white platform heels for a special screening followed by a Q&A at Paramount Studios in L.A. Her white clutch with a pop of blue and her perfectly shaped bob finished her gorgeous look.

Work!

After wrapping up the fourth installment of the anthology series, the Notorious actress will return for the fifth season. She will start shooting for "American Horror Story: Hotel" this summer and it’s expected to premiere this fall.

On top of that, Angela is also on the set in Chicago for Spike Lee’s upcoming (and already controversial) Chiraq film. She snapped a pic with Felicia “Snoop” Pearson recently, while working on the set:

No word on her actual role in the film (yet), but we’ll keep you posted.  

Photos: Getty/Snoop's IG

Grammy-nominated artist Jhene Aiko has designed a new summer collection for PacSun.  Get the deets on her designs and see Christina Milian, Lance Gross and more inside the event.

Last night, three time Grammy-nominated artist Jhene Aiko celebrated the launch of her "Soul of Summer Collection," which will be available mid-June in PacSun stores nationwide.

The collection was created through a collaboration with designer and NEFF CEO Shaun Neff and the PacSun company.

The festivities were held at Skyspace Los Angeles on the 71st floor of the U.S. Bank Tower in Downtown LA.

As a special treat, Jhene delivered a powerful acoustic set while guests sipped on cocktails from Hennessy V.S, including Jhené's Ginger Soul of Summer concoction.

And for a look at the entire collection, Neff created an intimate behind the scenes video highlighting Jhené's inspiration for the designs. 

The collection is designer Shaun Neff's first womenswear collaboration with an artist.  He and Jhene posed together to celebrate their success.

Singer and actress Christina Milian was on hand to support Jhene's new collection.

As you already know, Christina is also dipping her toes into the design world.  She recently launched a line of trendy t-shirts dubbed "We Are Pop Culture."

Newlywed actor and photographer Lance Gross attended with his wife Rebecca Jefferson. Last year, the couple gave birth to baby girl Berkeley Brynn Gross.

Reality tv star Laura Govan stepped out to get some attention pose for the camera.  SIDEBAR: She's still fighting her ex-Gilbert Arenas over her $1 Million engagement ring.  She claims he stole it!

Meanwhile, we also spotted Laura's estranged brother-in-law Matt Barnes at the party.  He posed for pics with Shaun.

R&B singer Kayla Brianna (better known as retired basketball player Kenny "The Jet" Smith's daughter) came out to cheer for Jhene too.

Congrats on your cute collection Jhene!

Photos via Noel Vasquez/WireImage

So….THIS happened. Lark Voorhies is a married woman now. A few months ago, she snuck off to Las Vegas to exchange  “I Dos” with the man of her dreams. Find out how they met and who he is inside….

Former “Saved By The Bell” star Lark Voorhies has been keeping a BIG secret...until now.

Chick got hitched back in April!  His name is Jimmy Eugene Green and he's supposedly a music engineer who lives in Pasadena, California. According to TMZ, the twosome met via Facebook last year and fell madly in love.

Chile....

Oh…and get this…

The couple is planning a huge wedding with family and friends next year. It will be their third wedding. We'll explain...Lark and Jimmy had a commitment ceremony on April 1st, and followed that up with a chapel ceremony (in Vegas).   Jimmy's Facebook account confirms they got married on April 1st as well.

The strange thing is…they have never lived together....and still don’t!  Well…if she’s happy then….congrats to the couple!
 

Photos: TMZ/Jimmy's IG

"Dope" actress Zoe Kravitz was recently tapped to front jeweler Alexis Bittar's Fall 2015 campaign.  Read the company's statement inside..

Lolawolf frontwoman Zoe Kravitz was selected by jewelry designer Alexis Bittar (above) to star in the company's fall 2015 ad.

Zoe's joins a long list of fashionable women (e.g. Joan Collins and Lauren Hutton) who've all modeled the designer's signature Lucite bangles and high-end accessories.  In a statement, Alexis explained the decision by saying,

"I have always admired Zoe's strong and unique sense of self. I felt a connection and a kindred spirit in this girl, and knew that I had to work with her. Her inner strength and individuality are so apparent and makes the jewelry come alive."

Meanwhile, Zoe expressed her excitement about the campaign on Instagram, sharing "Such an honor to be reppin for such a beautiful man -- inside and out !"

And in the latest issue of WWD, Zoe talks about shooting with Alexis and reveals why she really digs his ads.  “It was a really simple shoot. His ads are basically portraits, which is nice because in fashion there can be a lot going on and shoots can become very complicated. He lets the jewelry speak for itself.”

In the image atop (for the 2015 ad) Zoe rocks a poodle-shaped pin in Lucite-and-crystal pavé on rhodium with 14-karat gold accents attached to a gold collar necklace. The piece is from the company's S&M and gothic-inspired new collection. Zoe said, “What he does, and what I’m attracted to, is to combine a punk rock energy with very classic pieces. You can really see two worlds colliding.”

In other news, Zoe will soon grace the silver screen in director Rick Famuyiwa's 'Dope' (Starring Chanel Iman, A$AP Rocky & Shameik Moore).  Last night, the film opened at the 19th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF) in NYC.

DOPE arrives in theaters on June 19th.
 

 Photos via Zoe Kravitz Instagram/Alexis Bittar Instagram

Yesterday, the 2015 American Black Film Festival's opening night kicked off with a bang, led by the DOPE NYC premiere at the SVA Theatre. Peep pics of Taraji P. Henson, Chanel Iman, Naturi Naughton and more inside….

ABFF Ambassador Taraji P. Henson kicked off the opening night of the American Black Film Festival festivities with the NYC premiere of DOPE at the SVA Theatre. TheYBF.com was in the mix as the proud media sponsor.

The “Empire” star turned heads in a scarlet Jay Godfrey ensemble that she styled with printed sandals for a fun, flirty look.

Gorge.

DOPE star Chanel Iman was heating up the red carpet looking flawless in a white cut-out high slit dress paired with silver sandals.

Hot.

Chanel’s co-star and lead actor Shameik Moore was also in the mix.

DOPE star Kiersey Clemons strutted her stuff in a glam look for the carpet. In the film, she plays the lesbian best friend of Shameik’s character.  In the flick, she's often mistaken for a boy.

“Power” star Naturi Naughton showed up looking like a goddess in an Alice + Olivia gown. "Power" just got picked up for season 3 and production starts this September in NYC.

DOPE star Allen Maldonado, who plays a bouncer in the film, hit the carpet in a cognac corduroy suit.

“black•ish” star Jennifer Lewis stopped to pose it up before making her way inside to peep the funny film.

 

A photo posted by TheYBF.com (@theybfdaily) on Jun 11, 2015 at 5:02pm PDT

Quincy Brown, who played the hilarious brother to Chanel's character in the film, chopped it up on the red carpet before heading inside. His co-star A$AP Rocky (not pictured) was also in attendance.

Inside....

ABFF Ambassador Taraji P. Henson took the podium alongside ABFF founder Jeff Friday and Black Enterprise CEO Earl "Butch" Graves Jr. to speak on the importance of the festival giving budding stars exposure:

 

A video posted by TheYBF.com (@theybfdaily) on Jun 11, 2015 at 4:59pm PDT

Afterwards....

TheYBF.com spotted Spike Lee's beautiful wife Tonya Lewis Lee, looking fab in a Byron Lars dress:

 

A photo posted by TheYBF.com (@theybfdaily) on Jun 11, 2015 at 7:15pm PDT

Fun times!

Photos: Raymond Hagan/YBF Correspondent Jeff J

This weekend is certainly kicking off to an eventful one for two rappers. YG was shot early this morning in Studio City! Luckily, his injuries are not threatening. Also, 50 Cent will have to get his blue Lamborghini fixed soon after Chris Lighty’s daughter Tiffany Lighty ran into an Uber car in Brooklyn. Yikes! More inside….

Rapper YG was rushed to the hospital early this morning after getting shot!

According to TMZ, the “My N*gga” rapper was allegedly shot 3 times in the hip around 1:45AM in Studio City. Details are sketchy, but sources say he was rushed to a nearby hospital in his car after one of his friends hopped in and drove him to safety. As of now, there aren’t any suspects and no arrests have been made.

Luckily, none of his injuries are life threatening and he’s reportedly doing ok. Sources describe the scene saying blood was spewed on the sidewalk and multiple shell casings were found.

The “Who Do You Love” rapper is said to be “very uncooperative” with police. Since he doesn't shy from his Blood Gang affiliation, sounds like this just may be part of “that life.”

Get well soon.

In other news.....

When you’re 50 Cent, something like you’re side view mirror getting ripped off doesn’t faze you much. That’s what happened to 50 today, but, it doesn’t seem to be that much of a big deal for the NYC rapper.

Today, the “Power” star and producer was in Brooklyn filming with his former manager Chris Lighty’s daughter Tiffany Lighty for a new project she’s working on, reportedly titled “In The Light with Lighty.” Tiffany’s father, co-founder of founder of Violator Management, allegedly committed suicide a few years ago (although there are many unanswered questions surrounding his death).

While shooting on location in Brooklyn today, Tiffany hopped behind the wheel of 50’s souped up blue Lamborghini to take it for a spin. Well...things went left when she hit an Uber car, knocking the side view mirror off of 50's car. Tiffany claims it wasn't her fault, it was the Uber drive's fault!

She explains (via Instagram):

“Lol no, an Uber driver that was doubled parked opened his driver door w/o looking and broke the passenger mirror off. I didn't crash. Lol it was totally that guys fault. I was only going 30 MPH @italiaanita”

Eyewitnesses on the scene tell TMZ 50 was unbothered and even posed for a pic with the Uber driver, but he was behind the wheel when they drove off. HA!

Photos: Getty/@tiffanynoir/@thatsemilie

NFL star Reggie Bush and his pregnant wife Lilit Avagyan were spotted bumping their way into lunch together in Beverly Hills yesterday.  Check out the twosome inside...

After signing a 1-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers this past March, 10-year NFL vet Reggie Bush has big news in his personal life too.  While he and his wife have yet to explicitly SAY they're expecting their second child together, we started seeing Lilit posting pics in April that gave some serious baby bump tease.

Now, there's no denying it.  Reggie and Lilit were spotted enjoying lunch together at Il Pastaio in Beverly Hills yesterday.  And it looks like Lilit is ready to pop out baby #2 any day now.

Their new baby will join 2-year-old big sister Briseis. 

Reggie caught up with some kids after lunch and copped some candy for their fundraiser.  Nice.

Photos: Fame/Flynet

Thanks to two new business ventures, Nas will be selling high-end chicken and waffles and SPRITE!  Find out about his latest projects inside and get an update on YG's shooting.

Are you ready for some illmatic chicken & waffles?  Well...you're in luck.  We've just learned that "One Mic" rapper Nas has entered into a business arrangement with New York fried chicken eatery, Sweet Chick. Right now, the hipster haven has outposts on the Lower East Side and in Williamsburg, Brooklyn but will soon expand into other major cities across the country.

Owner John Seymour (shown below) dished on the expansion plans involving Nas, to the NY Post recently, and revealed that they'll make a more "official" announcement in the days to come.

In the meantime, Sweet Chick is the place to see and be seen for celebs in town. Recently Amber Rose and Cameron Diaz have been spotted dining there.

As well as....

Waka Flocka....

Questlove often DJs there....

And ABFF Ambassador Taraji P. Henson likes their food too!

In other illmatic ventures....

SPRITE has launched a new range of limited-edition soda cans with inspirational lyrics by Drake, Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., and Rakim.  The 16 can designs are dubbed the "Obey Your Verse" Lyrical Collection and will run through summer.

In the press release, Nas, a longtime partner of Sprite, says:"Legacy means everything to me. When I wrote these lyrics, I never imagined my fans would someday have the opportunity to enjoy a can of Sprite and experience my art in a totally original way."

Lyrics will appear on individual cans as well as 20-ounce bottles and multipacks. See a table of the featured lyrics below:

In other rap news...

Yesterday, we brought you shocking news about a shooting involving rapper YG.  In case you missed it, the "Don't Tell 'Em" rapper was shot 3 times in the hip around 1:45AM Friday morning in Studio City.  Luckily for him, his injuries were not life threatening AND police have major developments in the case.

According to a new report from TMZ, cops revealed the shooting might have been captured by surveillance cameras located at the San Fernando Valley recording studio/apartment complex where the violence happened.

Although the shooter is still on the loose, LAPD detectives have already requested the video, which they'll get within a day or 2.
And....there are video cameras inside the studio where YG was recording just before the shooting. Because a fight erupted in the studio, shortly before shots were fired, cops suspect they'll find a link. And that's a good thing, because YG is reportedly "Very uncooperative" with the police.  SMH.....gang ties (allegedly).

Get well YG!

Photos via YG's Instagram/Nas Instagram/Sweet Chick Instagram

At the 2015 ABFF, Taraji P. Henson sat down with Gayle King for a one-on-one discussion about her road to becoming a Hollywood actress. She also dropped some gems about life and going after your dreams.  More inside….

American Black Film Festival Ambassador Taraji P. Henson sat down for a candid discussion with "CBS This Morning" co-host Gaye King yesterday, giving us an up close and personal look at the woman who’s taking the world by storm.

Taraji shared her story about going from the hood to being the star of a majorly successful FOX series.
 

During their chat, Taraji revealed her struggles with college and talked about enrolling in North Carolina A&T majoring in electrical engineering. Once she got there, she realized math wasn’t her thing (specifically failing pre-calculus) and realized electrical engineering was NOT what she was passionate about.

Her father offered up some powerful words of advice and she decided to return to Maryland to attend Howard University in Washington D.C. where she majored in theater. By her junior year, she found she was pregnant, but she refused to quit.  She was determined to finish school…and she did. She said,

"Babies aren't a disease, they're a blessing. Just because you have a baby doesn't mean you have to stop following your dreams."

Awesome advice.

After college, she said she packed up her and her son’s things and moved to California with $700 in her pocket and Jesus on her side. She said when she would go on auditions where she was reminded by industry folks that she wouldn’t make it because they felt she was too old to try and get into acting. But, she didn’t take “NO” for an answer. She ended up landing a lead role in John Singleton’s 2001 classic flick Baby Boy and then in the blockbuster 2005 film Hustle & Flow, which landed her an Academy Award nomination.

Unfortunately, she didn’t win, but an Oscar nom is huge. She talked about her next role after after her Oscar nod, but apparently, people had plenty to say about the movie she decided to take after it. She said,

“The first call I got the day after the Oscars, Tyler Perry. The first person that called to offer me the No.1 position as the star of the movie in ‘I Can Do Bad All By Myself. Interestingly enough, people railed me doing that movie after the Oscar nomination and I was like [Martin] Scorsese didn’t call. [I got into it] to touch people, to touch and move and inspire. Art saved me from the hood.”

Nice!

The fab mother-of-one son (Marcel is 21-year-old now) also dropped some relationship advice while explaining why she has remained single over the years. She felt if she brought a lot of men in and out of son’s life, he would not respect her, which in turn would result in him not respecting women. She said she would love to have a companion, but he definitely has to bring something to the table. She explained,

"I'm not going to have a man just to have a man. If you're not adding to my happiness, then..."

Preach!

After her chat, she snapped it up with Gayle, ABFF founder Jeff Friday along with his wife Nicole and another guest.

Peep a clip from her sitdown with Gayle below:

Photos: Splash/ABFF's IG

Health-conscious comedian Kevin Hart wants his fans to live longer and stronger, so he challenged them to an impromptu 5K run.  See pics inside...

 

A video posted by kevinhart4real (@kevinhart4real) on Jun 12, 2015 at 5:07am PDT

Friday morning, funnyman Kevin Hart woke up with a serious issue on his mind. Health! He invited his 19.6 million Twitter followers to join him for a spontaneous 5K run through Atlanta’s Piedmont Park on Friday.

He tweeted,“Up & at it…we are about to get this spontaneous 5K run in this morning!!!!” Adding, “I’m serious about this” and “This is about health & challenging yourselves.”

The impromptu run was part of his partnership with Rally Health and more than 100 people showed up! After the run, Kevin posted, "This mornings "Spontaneous 5K Run" in Atlanta was a success....Major shoutout to all of the people that came out and ran with me this morning. I finished my run right around 22min & some change....that's a personal best!!!! I'm getting better people #RallyWithKevin #RunWithKevin #HealthIsWealth #Atlanta"

If you're in the area, Kevin take the stage tonight at Atanta's Philips Arena.

Photos via AP

The rappers were on the party scene in L.A. last night. Safaree Samuels was spotted passing out his CDs ahead of his mixtape release party at Playhouse, while French Montana was seen outside of the club snapping pics with a fan. Also, Drake& The Game slid out the back door of Hooray Henry’s after partying it up. Pics inside….

Nicki Minaj’s ex-boyfriend Safaree “SB” Samuels was on the party scene in L.A.  The NYC rapper held his mixtape release party at Playhouse nightclub a few days ago. But before rocking out to his tunes inside the venue, SB was spotted handing out a few CDs to fans. 

If you haven’t heard, Safaree recently released a new tracktitled “Love The Most”where he airs out some dirty laundry about his 12-year relationship with Nicki Minaj. And it is many things....

He accuses Nicki of cheating, popping pills and explains how upset he was that the Young Money rapper never had his baby. Following the release of the track, the “Anaconda” raptress took to her Twitter to clap back at her ex-beau, basically saying he’s being punished for cheating on her and she’s in love with Meek Mill now…of course.

Before hitting up his party, TMZ photogs caught up with the Trinidadian rapper outside Philippe Chow in Beverly Hills to ask him about his “diss” record aimed at his ex. He claims it wasn’t a diss record, but rather, him just telling his side of the story. He explained,

“It’s not a diss song. It’s just me explaining where I’m coming from. I ain’t trying to bring nobody done. It’s one song, I had a whole album written about me. ”

When asked about the alleged infidelity allegations, where Nicki claims he cheated on her and he claims she cheated on him, he said,

“It’s a 2 way straight, you know.”

He was also asked his thoughts on if he thought Nicki didn’t want to share the spotlight with him. He explained,

“No female is going to want it to change if you come in playing the background. Ain’t no female going to be comfortable with that.”

Check it:

Also at Playhouse....

Coke Boy French Montana hit the club scene last night to party with his homies. Hanging out and partying with his friends is probably theraputic for him after losing his close friend/rapper Chinx Drugz to gun violence.

Before buying out the bar, the NYC rapper posed it up with a fan.

Elsewhere....

The Game is a free man after turning himself in to police, allegedly on a criminal threats charge. After spending last weekend in jail, the west coast rapper is ready to live it up this weekend.

The reality star (who has a new show “She’s Got Game” scheduled to premiere on VH1 this summer) linked up with Young Money rapper Drake at Hooray Henry's for a fun-filled, bottle popping night.

After the turn up, the rappers slipped out a back door through the alley as they made their way to their vehicles. Hmm…we wonder if these two plan on getting in the studio together. We know Drizzy will be releasing new tunes soon after joining forces with Apple Music to release his next album exclusively on the new streaming service platform. Time will tell... 

Photos: Splash

Last night, HBO and ABFF presented the star-studded 'Ballers' celebration, honoring the upcoming scripted series and its stars. See pics from the party inside and BFFs Christina Milian and Karrueche Tran dining out...

TheYBF.com was on the scene last night at NYC's famed venue The Skylark, for an HBO/ABFF hosted partied for the new HBO series Ballers.  The shows stars Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and "Single Ladies" actress LeToya Luckett.

StartingJune 21, 2015 at 10 pm, Ballers follows the the lives of former and current football players and how they balance their lives with the daily grind of the business of football.

Photographer Lance Gross came out to support the show.

Actor Dule Hill stars on the series alongside The Rock.

NY Giants legend Victor Cruz posed on the black carpet.  We wonder if he believes the show is an accurate depiction of NFL players.

Boxing great Roy Jones Jr. gave the cameras a serious gaze. Roy has been a big presence at the ABFF. Last night, he served as a judge for the Comedy Wings competition.

Former "Soul Food" actress Vanessa Williams struck a few fun poses for the photographers.

Brotherly Love star Cory Hardrict came out to support the show.  Next up for Cory, he'll star in Walk Of Fame with Chris Kattan.

Ride Aong actress Jasmine Brurke recently signed on to star in the tv mini series "Venus Honey Traps."

Vanessa posed with Lisa Arrindell Anderson at the party. Lisa is nominated for Best Actor at the "Best of the ABFF Awards" taking place on Sunday for her starring role in The Sin Seer alongside Isaiah Washington and Salli Richardson-Whitfield.
 

In LA......

Fab besties Christina Milian and Karrueche Tran turned heads as they left Mr. Chow yesterday.

Karrueche has a lot to smile about.  She's starring in a brand new scripted web series entitled Vanity. It kicks this fall and co-stars Denise Richards as Karrueche’s business partner and nemesis.

 

A video posted by karrueche (@karrueche) on Jun 11, 2015 at 12:38pm PDT

Meanwhile, Christina is starring alongside John Stamos in "Grandfathered" on FOX this fall. Unfortunately for John, he got busted for DUI this week.

Looking for ladies...

Photos via Splash/Getty

Ciara and Russell Wilson's love thang is blossoming right before our eyes.  Check out the new couple boo'd up in D.C. (again) at a friend's anniversary bash....

Ciara & Russell Wilson have been popping up in D.C. together quite often lately.  The twosome got all cozy at Josephine's nightclub last month after Ciara's D.C. show.  And we all remember their White House State Dinner coming out party.

Now, the budding new couple is back in D.C. to celebrate their friends' anniversary.  Oh, and they were invited to the White House once again yesterday for a private Prince concert.  The twosome were spotted leaving out afterwards:

That same night, Russell snapped the above pic on their way to the anniversary bash, and they look quite comfortable with each other.  He simply said,"P.Y.T."

They made a stunning entrance to 1789 Restaurant in Georgetown, a luxe and renovated Federal home that has tuned into a restaurant, as they celebrated Ciara's makeup artist Yolonda Fredrick's wedding anniversary. 

It may have been Yolonda's big day, but CiCi still had her give her a face beat before the festivities.  Lookin' good.

Photos: Ciara's IG/Russell Wilson's IG/Splash

These two!  Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard stormed into the Monte Carlo Film Festival today looking like wealth...and fabulousness.  Check out our fave on screen couple inside....

"Empire" stars Taraji P. Henson and Terrence Howard attended the photocall for their hit show at the 55th Monte Carlo Television Festival in Monaco today. 

After serving as the Ambassador of the American Black Film Festival in NYC, Taraji stepped out overseas looking amazing in a red and black curve hugging dress by RVN NYC.  And she threw her feet up on the couch after blowing kisses to the camera:
 

Hot!

On Saturday, Taraji flew straight from NY to Monte Carlo for the opening ceremony of the festival:

Taraji kept it glam in a Valentino frock and Gianvito Rossi heels for the occasion.

Terrence copped a fresh super low cut for the summer, and we're feeling it.

Taraji will be getting back to work on "Empire", which returns to Fox for season 2 on September 23rd.  She's also on deck to team up with director Lee Daniels again for the upcoming Richard Pryor biopic.

Photos: Getty/Splash