Like most beautiful stars, Paula Patton wasn't always the clear skinned, shiny haired seemingly perfectly polished face & body chick she is now.

Her high school pic surfaced.  Check it out inside...

The then-teenaged Hamilton High School student in Los Angeles had her eyes on UC Berkley and USC film school.  And those eyebrows are telling a story and a half!

Now, the 36-year-old new Pepsi Next spokeswoman is happily married to her high school sweetheart Robin Thicke and starring in Hollywood blockbusters like Mission Impossible 4.  Time...and tweezers and some wax...do wonders.

Earlier this morning, NBC's morning show "TODAY" announced the lineup for their 2012 Summer Concert Series...and some of your YBF faves will be rocking The Plaza.  Get the deets on Usher, the return of Chris Brown and more heading to 30 Rock Center inside....

Top R&B acts Usher and Chris Brown were among the artists announced as performers for TODAY's 2012 Toyota Concert Series.  Last summer, Breezy literally shut down Rockefeller Plaza during his "Today Show" performance.  So of course, they asked him back.

With this being their 17th year of the series, TODAY assembled a wide variey of acts for the music fans.  Here's the full list, with Usher kicking things off May 18th.

 JUNE
1 The Band Perry, #BandPerryTODAY

8 Chris Brown, #ChrisBrownTODAY

15 Justin Bieber, #BieberTODAY

22 Kenny Chesney, #ChesneyTODAY

29 Maroon 5, #Maroon5TODAY

JULY
6 Flo Rida, #Only1FloTODAY

13 Zac Brown Band, #ZacBrownTODAY

20 Hot Chelle Rae, #HCRTODAY

AUGUST
24 Train, #TrainTODAY

31, Jason Mraz with special guest Christina Perri, #MrazTODAY

Who are you most excited to see?

The Game spent last night pouring up $1400 bottles of champagne for his friends...and the hundreds of random folks inside Roxbury nightclub in L.A.  He also decided to become everybody's bestie and bought the whole club hotdogs.

Pics inside, plus Rihanna, Sean Kingston and his new boo (Evelyn Lozada's daughter Shaniece) were there too....

Either the bottles of Ace of Spades (which the club was selling for $1400 a pop) weren't tasty enough for the crew...or they wanted to pour out a lil for a homie.  Rapper Game and his friends were spotted inside The Roxbury partying it up last night after he bought several bottles:

And even tossed $200 bucks to the hot dog man to purchase hot dogs for his whole crew.  How charitable of him.  Bet those didn't sit right in that tummy though....

Before heading over to Roxbury herself, Rihanna was spotted leaving her fave restaurant Giorgio Baldi:

She rocked a white dress with black suspender tights and her black Mary Jane Loubs.

The "We Found Love" chick rolled into the club with her bestie Melissa:

Ri joked around tweeting she was on her first date in 2 years, but then tweeted a pic of her and Melissa saying she was her date for the evening.  I'm sure they rang in 4/20 properly.

And was spotted leaving in the wee hours of the morn:

Rihanna was just nominated for several Billboard Music Awards, which will air Sunday, May 20th.

Also spotted at Greystone:

Sean Kingston was spotted leaving out with Shaniece Hairston...Evelyn Lozada's daughter.  It's the second time these two have been spotted out together.

Pics via SPLASH

Rapper Nicki Minaj was spotted leaving her hotel in London earlier today in her neon candy coated look.  See her having fun posing with her candy inside....

Billboard's "Top Female Artist" nominee, Nicki Minaj, stepped out of the W Hotel in a bright multi-colored sleeveless top, neon yellow mini skirt and matching neon yellow stockings and fuzzy legwarmer booties.  

The colorful "Beez In The Trap" rap chick revealed this week, during her interview with Graham Norton, that "a voice" in her head told her to delete her twitter....so she did.  Of course.  But she says she's "thinking about returning and hopes her 11 million Barbz will wait.  Of course.

Nicki, who's soon launching her own fragrance, carried a lollipop to complete the look.  Guess she was inspired. 

Too bad it was raining.....I know those boots will look & smell a mess when wet.

Photos via Splash News

Actress Gabrielle Union stopped by "Chelsea Lately" last night, before the Instyle dinner, where she touted today's release of Think Like a Man and told a funny airport story. See the interview inside and pics of Kevin Hart, Idris Elba & Tyrese surprising fans in Atlanta at three screenings of the film.  

Fab chick Gabrielle Union appeared on "Chelsea Lately" last night to promote today's release of Think Like a Man.  But first, she attended "InStyle's Dinner With A Designer" celebrating Jason Wu over at L.A.'s Soho House.  And looked fab in a black and white floral spring dress.

On Chelsea, she told a funny story (she previously tweeted) about getting stopped FOUR times by airport security who then gave her weave a pat down!  And when Chelsea brought up the Obamas, Gabby talked about going to the White House and how good the food was.

Watch Gabby talk about her weave and "TLAM" here:

And in Atlanta last night.....

With director Will Packer by their side, star of the movie Kevin Hart popped into three screenings of Think Like a Man last night.  And he brought his homies Tyrese and Idris Elba along for support.

Fans lost it as their surprise guests entered the room.

Funnyman Kevin Hart, who was just added to the ESSENCE Music Fest lineup, calmed the crowd and thanked everyone for supporting the film.

Then he got on the mic and introduced the movie before the fans enjoyed.

Who's hitting the theaters today?

Photos via Prince Williams/ATLPics.Net

Ne-Yo's possible fiancee (Monyetta is making a point to show this diamond ring in every pic and rumors of the two being engaged have been floating around a while) & mother of his 2 kids, Monyetta Shaw, was on hand for former VH1 "Football Wives" star Chanita Foster's Atlanta charity event for her foundation, Beyond the Game.

Chanita, Monyetta, and many of the other ladies on hand to help the Beyond The Game organization push their mission of helping children in African countries with shes, food, and AIDS treatments.  The ladies involved with the organization host individual events to receive donation money and to spread awareness.

Last night, Monyetta hosted Karaoke For A Cause at Nancy's Pizza and asked people to bring toothbrushes and toothpaste to donate to the children of Swaziland.

Ne-Yo's mom put on her curve hugging dress for the ocassion.  We see you mama!

Also listed in the organization are (pictured and not pictured) Q Parker's wife Sharlinda and her twin sister Sabrina, Nicci Gilbert (of Brownstone) Terri Vaughn, and more.

And Keshia Knight Pulliam, looking cute in white and cream look, came out to support Chanita (above) to have some fun.

The Randomness:

1.  Blood bath at "America's Next Top Model"!  J. Alexander, Nigel Barker & Jay Manuel all AXED from the show. STORY

Well isn't this an interesting convo?  On part 2 of last night's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reunion show, newbie semi-cast member Marlo Hampton joined the ladies.  And made it her job to read the pregnant for a fourth time Kim Zolciak about her alleged ho-ness.  So the two went at it about who the bigger ho really is.  Class at its finest.

Check it inside...

Kim may have 3 kids with 3 baby daddies (+1 on the way) and works what she has (and we're not talking about brain cells) to get the mula and lifestyle she needs.  But she wasn't about to let Marlo...of all people...tell her about it.  Seeing that Marlo is well known for being superficial and buying any and everything that walks down the runway with money that's very likely and allegedly not hers, but belongs to her rich "snowflake" of the moment.  And if it is her money, there's a big chance she got it illegally, allegedly, based on her umpteen arrests for bad checks and stealing.

So...

Kim pointed out that Marlo uses her "hole" to get places.  Marlo snapped back saying that she and Kim were "cut from the same cloth". Then said "I take that back. You're a whore."  Ha!

Marlo continued, speaking about Kim's long relationship with the very married Big Poppa, "You ruined a happy home. I’ve never dated a married man. Next time you talk about the whole between my legs, measure yours."

Kim responded by calling Marlo an escort. “First of all, I didn’t ruin a happy home....That’s a lie No. 1. No. 2 I’m not a whore. No. 3. I’ m not an escort. You are. Big difference.”

Marlo then insulted Kim’s husband, Atlanta Falcon Kroy Biermann, by claiming that he couldn’t afford the ring Kim is wearing, so Kim sold the ring Big Poppa gave her to help pay for the ring Kroy got her.  Womp.
 

While this is pure hilarious satisfaction to watch, arguing about who plays their ho-role best is really a lose-lose for everyone.  I mean, really.

Check out video from the face-off:

And a preview of the third and final part (airing this Sunday) where Marlo talks about Kandi being a sugar mama to her new man:

Singer Dawn Richard recently posed for "REGARD" Magazine's 2012 April/May issue with a fab spread shot by celebrity fashion photographer Dimitry L.  Check out the new solo singer in cute summer looks and hear what she said about working with Diddy and the sound of her brand new album inside...

In "REGARD" Magazine's 2012 April/May issue, Dawn Richard opened up about her stuggles in the industry and how she has to keep her Armor On while pushing her own agenda and sound for her new music.  She also dished on work with Diddy and Danity Kane and where she sees her career going.  Here are the highlights:

On the breakup of Danity Kane:

There were no drawbacks. I didn't allow them. When one chapter closes, you have to start a new one. For me, if you allow yourself to think there are drawbacks then there will be some. I decided that I would just go harder and find a way to stay dancing inside the music.

On being innovative with P. Diddy and Dirty Money:

I enjoyed the freedom to dream sonically and lyrically. It was less "boxed," more "innovative" and that was the place where I dwelled. So, I was in my element. The edge. The rawness. The sound we created became a platform for others. Whether they admit it or not, we broke boundaries with that album.

On her album's different "sound":

It isn't a different direction. It's a continued one. I've just progressed the sound I already had. I think every album, every experience you have to grow. Each time I came out, whether in a group or solo, I've tried to best whatever I've already put out. It shows growth, strategy, and creativity. Why would you ask a person to buy and believe in a brand that never works to be better? I want to challenge people to grow with me. I like pushing the limits. For this project, I chose to be me. And that in itself, is taking things in a different direction.

On keeping her "Armor On":

Daphne Guinness said it best, "I went out in the world and realized that actually it wasn't such a very friendly place to be." And I thought... We Need Armor... this is the inspiration behind the entire "Heart Trilogy." The EP "Armor On," is the story of why I needed Armor to begin with. My relationship with the industry. Each song is a chapter. I wanted the EP and the albums to be like a musical graphic novel. So the lyrics play a huge role in the music. The words create vivid pictures of battles with love, self, music, and the industry. I wanted the "hearts," (that's what I call my fans/supporters) to relate each song the way they wanted to. I wanted to create layers so each person could dissect the story in a different way. "Is this about God, a lover, the industry, her label, her love life, etc..." These are the questions I want to leave people asking.

See the spread here:

Loves these pics.  The softer edge works for her better than the overly ~edgy~ vibe.

Photos via REGARD Magazine

Actresses Tamera Mowry-Housley and Tia Mowry-Hardrict are returning to the STYLE Network this June with season 2 of “Tia & Tamera.”  See their new promo pics inside along with an adorable photo of Mariah Carey swimming with her daughter Monroe.  

The Mowry sisters (and baby Cree!) are returning to the small screen this summer with their hit reality show "Tia & Tamera."  While we watched a wedding and a birth last season, this year we get to see the next phase to the twins' lives.  STYLE released a statement saying, 

“As they face the realities of motherhood and matrimony, Tia and Tamera lean heavily on each other to lighten the difficult moments with comedic insight and advice and to share their worries and fears.” 

In the meantime, fans can still catch Tia on new episodes of BET's "The Game" while Tamera is busy withthe flick The Redemption of a Dog which also stars Lynn Whitfield.

Check out the new season on Monday, June 11 at 8 p.m. (EST) on STYLE.  Can't wait!  Such a cute show...

And in other fab mommy and me pics......

Mariah Carey recently shot a photo of herself swimming in a pool with daughter Monroe.  Swimming has become a part of Mimi's weight loss regimen which she talked about in the May 2012 issue of "SHAPE" Magazine.  She said,   

“I realize that 90 percent of losing weight is my diet. Today my workout routine is more about getting and staying toned. And for me, that means either taking hour-long walks a few times a week or jumping in the pool three or four days a week to do 45 minutes of aquatic exercises.”

She also added that the road to giving birth to Roc and Roe was hard.  

“Pregnancy was probably the best and the hardest thing I’ll ever go through. I know for a lot of women, it can be wonderful and relatively easy. But for me, it was like ‘Okay, honey, do you have to do everything the hard way?’”

But the hard work clearly paid off.  Looking good!

Photos by Robert Trachtenberg/SHAPE

Ziggy Marley, the eldest son of music icon Bob Marley, has produced a new film about the life of his father. Get the deets inside...

In celebration of 4/20 (the actual day AND marijuana), Ziggy Marley has released a new documentary about his father, Bob Marley, appropriately called "Marley."  Directed by Academy Award-winner Kevin Macdonald and executive produced by Ziggy, the bio-doc is the first U.S. film to be released simultaneously in theaters and stream online and features rare footage and performances of the late icon.  

Ziggy recently chatted with Huff Post Blackvoices about the film and his dad's life.  Here are the highlights:

How does it feel to have a film debut in theaters in addition to simultaneously streaming it across digital media platforms such as Facebook?

I think it’s cool. It’s good to be ahead of the game. It’s always good to be doing something fresh. I think that it’s a fresh way to putting out the films that I’m involved in.

With this being the first official documentary supported by the Marley family, how much creative input did the family have in the production?

Well, we were involved from the get-go with facilitating everything that was happening in the film, including speaking to people to let them know our involvement with this to ensure that it was cool to talk to this producer. And everyone was being very open because they knew that we were a part of this thing and it wasn’t some random person trying to make a film about Bob. They knew that this would be the real deal. And that’s how we worked with the producers and the director in the film and just got everything done. And also set the tone on what it should be and give our opinions on the different versions until we reached a final cut.

Was it a marketing ploy to release the film on 4/20, due to your father’s association with marijuana?

Yeah, I think 4/20 is a special day. Of course, with our culture we use herb for so many different things not just for smoking. I think it’s something that we’re not going to hide from, and I think it’s appropriate because it’s a part of our culture and a part of Bob’s music. If you love Bob’s music, well guess what, herb is a part of Bob’s music.

The film covers an array of topics including Bob’s extramarital affairs. In your opinion, did you consider that to be a challenge in projecting?

Not really. We just wanted to make sure that everything remained in perspective. And that in no way anything that we did in terms of that subject would be disrespectful to his wife and our mother. So we had to keep everything in perspective and make sure it was done as respectful as it can be. My mother was very cordial in speaking about it and just telling people the truth about how the relationship was with her and Bob.

 

 

Sounds fascinating.  Check out the full interview over at Black Voices.

Think Like a Man, which stars fab folks like Kevin Hart, Gabrielle Union, Taraji Henson, Meagan Good and Michael Ealy is expected to rake in at least $20M this weekend.  Get the deets inside as well as relationship advice from LaLa on keeping the romance alive and co-parenting.

Good news for the Think Like a Man cast.  After an ish load of promotion, the film is expected to have a big weekend at the box office.  According to Hollywood Reporter, the movie raked in $500,000 in Thursday's midnight runs and was said to be surging today (Friday).  All in all, experts predict the movie will win the box office with a $20 milion take over The Lucky One.

Folks will likely use the movie as a teaching tool for their own relationships.  One of the films stars, LaLa Anthony, sure did.  She said she got great advice while filming.

"You have to find what works in your relationship because not everything works for everybody. Every relationship is different," she tells TheYBF.com.  "As women we know, 'this is not going to work with my man'."  

She also revealed that it's important to keep the romance alive.  For her and hubby Carmelo Anthony, she said a "date night" is a good way to stay connected. She revealed to us: 

"We have our date nights at least once a week. It could be going somewhere or just sitting a home and watching a movie together. The thing about me and Melo is we love being around each other.  We don't smother one another and we give each other plenty of space."

And what La has to say about couples with kids going through relationship changes:

"It (having a child) brings you closer together through parenting.  You have to agree on how you are brining up this child and understand that everything you do is going to reflect on the child. You have to be conscious of the lessons you are teaching them and getting on the same page with your partner is a part of that process." 

Sweet.

The Randomness:

1.  Beverly Johnson's daughter Anansa Sims is expecting second child.  Story.

Kelis seems to be taking the recent Nas' "Behind The Music" episode in stride.  Despite Nas' manager blasting her about spending up her ex-husband's money like there's no tomorrow, KeKe put on a floral dress yesterday and rocked her curls to kick off the season opener of "Ditch Fridays" at the Palms Pool & Bungalows in Las Vegas. 

Pics inside...

Kelis has finally found her stride again.  She's been rocking some interesting looks and just seemed like she had something going on  for the last couple years.  Other than her divorce and birth of her baby boy Knight of course.

So the 32-year-old mom of almost 3-year old Knight hit the stage at the Palms Casino & Resort in Vegas to party it up with the crowd:

You feelin' her look?

VH1 has released sneak peeks starring two fab chicks, June Ambrose and Brandy.  We've got yet-to-be-released sneak peeks from the upcoming "Styled By June", plus a look at Brandy's VH1 "Behind The Music" episode.  Watch them inside....

VH1 has released a series on videos allowing the viewer to get to know fab chick June Ambrose.  In the first two, June dishes on "keeping it moving" and not waiting around for a man and then she talks about balancing motherhood with her career.

Watch June talk about her "inner Joan Crawford" here:

Watch June talk about creating a work/life balance here:

Also on VH1:

Brandy gets very personal and talks about the marital "lie" that destroyed her career and the fatal car crash she was involved in. Watch her BTM sneak peek above.

Eva Marcille switched up her platinum blonde short cropped to an even shorter brown 'do.  Decide if we love the look inside...

The former "Hair Battle Spectacular" host, who is now filming her own reality show "Taking Hollywood," was spotted out partying at G5 nightclub in Miami Thursday night.  Eva hosted the party with Sheneka Adams and NFLer Bryant McKinnie and stepped into the club with a new look.

So...

DO WE LOVE IT?!

Nicki Minaj stopped by "The Graham Norton Show" during her time in London and she talked about why she deleted her Twitter account and her Nictionary. Deets inside...

While promoting her lastest effort, Roman Reloaded, Nicki Minaj appeared on Brit chatfest "The Graham Norton Show."  As we posted earlier, she told the host, "A voice in my head told me to delete my Twitter so I did."  She also talked about her hit "Beez In The Trap" saying, 

"It just means that, you know, its the [way of] saying "I am always" you know that's our slang way of saying "I 'be'ez doing such and such and such". So its really, its like, "I am always in the trap". Now the "trap" ladies and gentlemen relates to anywhere you get your money. So you in the trap right now playboy [referring to Graham Norton]."

She also played a game with Graham using the Nicki Minaj iPhone App "Nictionary."  She explained that her term "Strawberry Shortcake" is a noun meaning "A broke bitch."

Definition - One who loses sight on her goals and her cake by focusing on beef and negativity.

Another word she uses: The verb TumbleDry.  She said she uses it when speaking to washed up bitches.

Oh Nicki...

Watch the full interview below:

Despite signing a new contract worth over $30M, NFL superstar and daddy to 10, Antonio Cromartie, has allegedly defaulted on a $135K loan!  Get the deets inside....

According to TMZ, Antonio Cromartie, the infamous baby-making machine, is being sued by the Bank of NY for $105K in missed mortage payments on a small house in Tallahassee, FL.  

Antonio bought the $135K home for his mom after he was selected in the 1st round of the 2006 NFL Draft.   But for some reason, he agreed to a high ass 9.7% interest rate.

The Bank of NY claims Antonio stopped making payments in 2010 and now they want their coins.  

Maybe Antonio isn't getting along with his mom and is doing this for spite because he recently signed a 4-year contract worth $32 million with the Jets.  Wonder what the excuse will be.

Or maybe there's no bill money after paying off all the baby mamas......

PS: The rumor that his wife Terricka is expecting twins, which would bring the total number of kiddies to 12, isn't true.  She tweeted it (and a random sonogram) as a joke as she claimed media kept getting the stories about their family incorrect.

Fresh off the heels of their I Miss Us album release, SWV had an "Up Close & Personal" evening in Atlanta at Peter Thomas' Bar One lounge last night.  Check out the pics of the ladies having fun with their fans, including former Destiny's Child member Latavia Roberson, inside...

Celeb photographer Derek Blanks hosted the evening with Coko, LeLee & Taj. 

And it seems like Taj is still taking that drama with her hubby, Eddie George, in stride.

Latavia Roberson made a cute appearance at the event.  Haven't seen her in a while.

And the ladies also snapped some pics with the Rude Boys.  Remember them from the '90's?  "It's written all over your face....."  Who found them though?  Fun times.

Photog: Paras Griffin/G Paras Photography

Annnnnnnnnd ACTION!  Kim Kardashian hi-tailed it back to NYC where her new boo Kanye West is at, just one day after she was in his hometown of Chicago doing...you guessed it...promotion for herself and her fam.  And as soon as the paparazzi caught wind of their location and crowds of passersby whipped out their cell phones, the couple ate up the attention.  Not to mention the Kardashian reality show cameras were in tow as well.

Pics of the twosome kiki'ing around Manhattan Saturday afternoon inside....

Dressed in her favorite leather pants and fitted sweatshirt with a hot tan Celine bag and Un Bout Illusion Louboutins, Kim made her second trip to NYC in 2 weeks to kick it with her new lover--Kanye West.

The duo was spotted all smiles downtown while grabbing some ice cream.  Well don't they look so in love.  And by so in love, we mean with the attention.  And maybe with each other.  Would love to know who would win an ego contest between the two.

Kanye just returned from Qatar after shooting a musical film--much like his 2010 "Runaway" film--with Kid Cudi.  And according to Life & Style, Kanye was spotted entering Kim's downtown hotel at 1am early Saturday morn, just moments after she checked in.  And they headed to Mercer Kitchen until 3am.  And she reportedly spent the night at 'Ye's place.  Sometimes you just can't wait....

Later on Saturday evening, Kim went to dinner with her sis Khloe & mom Kris Jenner.  There are sure to be more K Dub & KK festivities soon...

Pics via SPLASH

As Coachella Music Festival wraps up today, celebs headed out to Indio, CA for the last weekend of music, fun & sun.  Check out Zoe Kravitz & her boo Penn Badgley, Angela Simmons, Frank Ocean & more...

Actress Zoe K. and her new boo "Gossip Girl" actor Penn Badgley hit the Coachella Valley grounds to catch some bands this weekend:

Cute little white dress for Zoe.

And Angela Simmons was spotted in the mix rocking 70's inspired extra long tresses and her cute hat and short shorts:

Looks like she had lots of fun with friends.

And Evan Ross brought his girlfriend along to the fest multiple days throughout the fest:

Y'all know the irony of that Michael Jackson shirt he's rocking is making me snicker....

Meanwhile...

Frank Ocean returned to the Coachella stage this weekend.  Here's his performance of "American Wedding" where he had a new band backing him--including Incubus guitarist Mike Einziger.

The song is a cover of The Eagles' 1977 iconic song "Hotel California."  So he switched up the melody a bit as the band has threatened legal action over Frank performing the song.

And A$AP Rocky fans can check out the newbie rapper hitting the Coachella stage to perform his new trck "Goldie" and bringing out Master P, Romeo and the No Limit fam who threw it back to the "Make Em Say Uhhhh" days:

Nicki Minaj was spotted leaving London's Heathrow airport yesterday decked out in hot pink robotic futuristic gear.  See the pics inside and hear about why she may not return to Twitter.  Also, we told you earlier about the making of the "Where Have You Been" video and now Rihanna is back with a third promo still and a wardrobe fitting vid. 

Billboard Award nominee Nicki Minaj was spotted at London's Heathrow Airport yesterday in a hot pink outfit (and pretty makeup we might add) and "Boy London" shirt.  She's been in London for over a week on a whirlwind promotional tour for Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded.

These boots though....

Also, Nicki seems to be craving attention from her fans as she recently did an interview and threatened to NOT return to Twitter.  I'm sure 12 and 13-year-old girls around the globe are losing their minds and Barbz are now on suicide watch.  Then she dropped another bomb saying she may retire early.  Sigh.  Gotta love the attention cravers.

It's interesting that Nicki chose to wear a "Boy London" shirt as it's one of her girl Rihanna's favorite brands too.  So speaking of Rihanna...

Rihanna has released a third promo pic for her next single "Where Have You Been."  In the pic, the singer is dressed like a tribal queen.  Also, she has released a second "behind-the-scenes" clip featuring the wardrobe fitting. 

Watch Part 2 featuring how Ri picked out the fashion for the vid below:

Photos via Splash