Tia Mowry hit up VH1's "Big Morning Buzz Live" this AM and spoke on her departure from BET's hit show "The Game."  Check it inside...

After dishing about her new book Oh, Baby!, her 11-month-old son Cree and his first words and cuteness, Tia reaffirmed her reasoning for leaving her show "The Game."  She maintains it was a mutual decision between her and the network, and she wants to focus on her other current projects.

It was definitely a mutual decision.  It was time for me to move on to other things like writing this book, and I just finished doing a movie on ABC Family, and then I'm working on the show with my sister, "Tia & Tamera", which premieres June 11th."

Still sounds shady.  Especially given how sudden it was, and not to mention Doug Banks radio personality DeDe McGuire's tweet the other day that said Tia told her she was fired:

Wow!!! For all those that watch "The Game" on BET Tia Mowry just told me she was informed an hour ago that she was FIRED from the show!

Hmmm....

By the way, based on this past Tuesday's episode, it looks like "Melanie Davis" wasn't returning anyway...

The Randomness:

1.  Get ready kids.  "Boondocks" is returning to Adult Swim for season 4!  STORY

In unfortunate news, America's disco queen, Donna Summer, died today after a battle with cancer.  She was 63.  Details inside...

"Last Dance" singer Donna Summer--who gained prominence in the 70's disco era--died this morning after battling cancer.  The 5 time Grammy Award winning Boston native was known for helping ushering in the disco era and offering up a different sound for the times.

Born LaDonna Adrian Gaines, the legendary singer reportedly died today in Florida according to TMZ.  She was married to singer Bruce Sudano with 3 kids (MiMi, model/actress Brooklyn Sudano and singer Amanda Sudano-Ramirez) and was a grandmother to four.

Other hits she's known for: "Hot Stuff," "Love To Love You Baby," and "She Works Hard For The Money."

R.I.P. Mrs. Summer.

UPDATE:

Donna's family released a statement today saying they "are at peace celebrating her extraordinary life and her continued legacy."  TMZ reports she died from lung cancer that she allegedly believed came from inhaling toxins from the 9/11 WTC tragedy aftermath.

Pop star Rihanna went topless--shocking--during her recent photoshoot with ESQUIRE UK Magazine. See a sneak peek at the photos inside and BTS video footage of Nas' "Daughters" video shoot....

Battleship star (opening tomorrow) Rihanna will appear in the July 2012 issue of ESQUIRE UK.....topless of course!  This comes after the singer was named Esquire's Sexiest Woman Alive just last year.  The singer shot the pics this past February at a studio in Dalston, East London with photog Melissa Forde.  

The full shoot and interview will hit the stands on June 4th.  Also, Rihanna is up for 13 awards at the 2012 Billboard Awards airing Sunday May 20, 8/7c on ABC.

Also in music....

Nas has released more BTS footage of his "Daughters" video shoot. The Chris Robinson-directed video features Nas' daughter Destiny with whom he's had a strained relationship in the past, as the song describes.  Peep stylist June Ambrose dancing it up at the end.

Photos via Melissa Forde

And finally...LisaRaye McCoy gives up the goods on what really went down with her and Stacey Dash...and Stacey's sudden departure from their VH1 show "Single Ladies."  In an exclusive interview with JET magazine, the former Premier of Turks & Caicos' wife refuses to take the blame for Stacey leaving...but does admit a catfight or two ensued.  Plus, the opportunist Hollywood actor she dumped as a friend...

In next week's issue of JET magazine, the feisty LisaRaye McCoy reveals she doesn't have the "power" to get a co-star (namely Stacey Dash) axed form her "Single Ladies" show.  But if you read between the lines, it's pretty clear she indirectly may have had something to do with Stacey's departure.  Not to mention the many sources who saw their fights first hand on the set.

Now, LisaRaye finally gives up the details.  Here's the highlights:

On moving on without Stacey Dash who played her best friend on the show:

Believe me I wish things had worked out because I thought Stacey and I were great together.  She was my age and we were working it.  It was sex-symbol to sex-symbol.  But she didn't want to be there.  I was disappointed about that.  She had some issues.  I'm not sure exactly what those issues were.  In the end, she and VH1 made a decision.

On the catfights that really went down on set

Yes, there was a disagreement over a scene.  And it really wasn't with me.  It was with the director.  I think it was about 2 or 3AM and we'd been shooting all damn day.  Stacey tried to argue with the director about a line.  And I'm like: "Girl, if you don't say what the director wants you to say."  It wasn't that serious at first, but it went there.

It's a bunch of women on the set.  We might all be on our damn period at any given point.  I just wanted us to move forward.  Then the argument took on a life of its own.  The show decided to use it for publicity.  They just ran with it.

On which Hollywood friend she had to dump

Duane Martin.  I introduced him to my ex-husband [former Turks & Caicos Premier Michael Misick], he got buddy-buddy with him and then turned against me.   Just recently, this fool Duane up and sold a building he and I bought awhile ago in Los Angeles, without asking...I don't care if we're not friends, just don't try to f**k me in the interim.

When I heard about him in the middle of Will & Jada's divorce rumors, I tweeted: sounds familiar.  He really aint got enough business.

Ha!  And there's more where that came from.  Pick up JET to see what LisaRaye had to say about whether she's feeling her new co-star, Denise Vasi, and if she and Vivica Fox ever squashed their beef!

Kandi Burruss and her mama Joyce stopped by Dr. Drew's show to discuss her successful sex toy line. Watch their segment inside and see former "RHOA" star Sheree Whitfield clear up rumors about why she left the show and if Chateau Sheree is really NEVERland...

"RHOA" star Kandi Burruss stopped by Dr. Drew's talkshow to dish on her successful sex toy line.  When asked why she created it, she said, 

“I have an online talk show.  We talk openly about sex and relationships. And from there, I got an idea of what people like over the last two years. I thought, ‘I want to have my own toys’. It’s an idea I thought would be fun and it has grown into something much bigger.”

Mama Joyce threw in her two cents saying the line is a great idea....especially for older women.  She cautioned that older women also have to protect themselves from STDs while maintaning a healthy sex life.  True...but awkward convo with moms right?

Also, today is Kandi's 36th birthday!  

Watch Kandi's segment below:

In other reality tv news.....

Sheree Whitfield has opened up to VIBE about why she left "RHOA" saying, “We don’t see the editing or what’s going on until the few days before everyone else and I saw how it affected my kids and their lives seeing their parents on TV, in court fighting. It’s just not good. So I felt like I needed to step back, because at the end of the day, I am more than just what you see on TV."  

While adding that Chateau Sheree is still being worked on (straight face), she said the fighting on tv with women she didn't like and the whole child-support issue was taking its toll.  

She added,  “Do I think African American women are portrayed in a negative light? Yes, I do. To me it’s not a race issue, it’s a gender issue.”

So what's next for Sheree? She's working with the “Lose 5 Million Pounds” campaign and has partnered with a fitness company.  Oh...

With Tia Mowry announcing this week she will not be returning for season 6 of "The Game," and reports saying Pooch Hall will not either, BET networks has issued a statement explaining the situation.  Deets inside..

BET, the home network of "The Game," said in a statement today that Pooch isn’t returning because of his “involvement on a new project.”   That new project is the Showtime pilot “Ray Donovan.”

The network went on to say it “is in the process of reworking the casting and storyline” and hopes Hall and Mowry “will make several guest appearances.”

Still calling B.S. on this ish.  Why?  Because Coby Bell--who plays the major role of Jason Pitts--has also played a mid-level role on USA network's "Burn Notice" for the past few years now.  All while still working on "The Game."  So it is possible.  Not to mention many of the non-lead actors like Meagan Good, Brandy and others have several different projects outside of the show. 

Everybody just needs to keep it 100 about what really went down.   And as for the show continuing without the main two characters--just not seeing it.

Oh wells.  It was fun while it lasted.

Deuces.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian are across the pond in the UK hitting up events and prepping for the Watch The Throne 5-night O2 arena stint kicking off tomorrow night.  Check out their pics from the The FiFi UK Fragrance Awards inside...

Kanye West was spotted outside of his hotel in London earlier today.  Love a man in a tailored white jacket. Lookin' good 'Ye.
 

And then my fashion high was curbed.  He later returned to escort his navy maxi dress wearing girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, out for the evening.

The pair were attending The FiFi UK Fragrance Awards held at The Brewery in East London.

It's perfect timing for Kim and Kanye in London as he prepares for his O2 concerts and she launches her new fragrance all at the same time.  And of course....the cameras never stop rolling...

Photos via Gotcha Images / Splash News / PacificCoastNews / FameFlynet Pictures

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Usher performed on the "TODAY Show" this morning as a part of their 2012 Summer Concert Series. See the performance inside and a clip of Iggy Azalea discussing her "strap on" skills during a twerk contest at her S.O.B.'s concert.

Usher kicked off the TODAY Show's 2012 Summer Concert Series today at 30 Rock in NYC. Dressed in a t-shirt and jeans with a green jacket, he wowed the audience with 8 backup dancers as he performed "OMG", "Climax" And "Without You."

When asked about his Looking 4 Myself album (June 12), he said it was the result of a 3-year journey where he adopted the mantra "Evolve Don't Evaporate."

When Matt Lauer asked him what he is evolving into, he said he is still trying to figure it out.

And at the end of the interview, he gave an adorable shout out to his sons and said it's great raising them.

Watch Usher perform "OMG":

Watch "Climax" here:

Don't forget to watch Usher this Sunday at the 2012 Billboard Awards. 

And in NYC…

"Rapper" Iggy Azalea performed at S.O.B.'s last night where she was joined on stage by Power 105's Charlamagne and comedian Lil' Duval for a "Twerk" contest. At one point, you can hear Iggy joke that she'd use a strap-on on one of the female dancers.  Not surprised by that one.

By the way, she and mentor T.I. shot down rumors that she's signed to Interscope. She's still a free agent.

Photos via WENN/Splash

Last night at AMC Phipps Plaza in Atlanta, your fave southern celebs put on their club best to catch the screening of Battleship.  Check out Toya & fam, Marlo Hampton, Da Brat (sigh) and more inside...

It was family time at last night's Battleship screening for the Wrights.  Memphitz, Toya & youngin' Reginae hit up the red carpet screening. 

Sometimes it seems like Toya just got a bunch of new stuff earlier that day and threw it all together so she can wear it all at once.  Cute look, but would have loved a nude bag with this though.

Hew Memphitz...and your zebra shorts.

RHOA chick Marlo Hampton looked nice in an all white look.  Loving the pantsuit with a neon pop of color in her shoes.

Oh Kalenna.  The former Dirty Money chick felt bright and shiny today...in more ways than one.  Just so many things arguing for my visual attention here.  And I don't like that feeling.

Speaking of not liking something... hairstylist & reality tv personality Derek J busted up on the scene with sunny yellow skinny pants, an orange long sweater and matching heels and....whatevs.

Da Brat had a relapse of timing again as she rocked a look any 12-year-old boy would love.  Why Brat?  The backpack too?  WHY?

Battleship is in theaters today.

Photog: Paras Griffin

Kanye West has announced plans to present a film and art installation at Cannes next week.  Get deets on the film inside and see pics of Kanye and Kim Kardashian leaving their hotel in London today.

On May 23, Kanye West and his creative firm DONDA (named after his late mother of course) will present a fusion of short film and art installation called CRUEL SUMMER at the world famous Palm Beach in Cannes.

The "7 Screen Experience" was inspired by the G.O.O.D. Music album CRUEL SUMMER and will remain open for public access for two days. 

Meanwhile...... 

"Those" two were spotted leaving their hotel in London this morning as Kim rocked a skin tight red lace dress and 'Ye rocked his fave leather pants.  Again.

Last night, the couple attended the FiFi UK Fragrance Awards.  Today, the pair headed to Kim's event at Debenhams to launch her fourth fragrance True Reflection.  And tonight, Kanye kicks off the Watch The Throne concert series with Jay at the O2 arena.

Photos via Splash/PacificCoastNews.com

Tia Mowry stepped out in NYC yesterday rocking a sexier look than usual.  Check out her sheer look for her book promo runs, plus Rihanna tapping into her island ways with a crochet & lace pee-a-boo look in L.A....

In a look fit for her home country of Barbados, Rihanna rocked a white peek-a-boo skirt and bandeau top --all of which barely covered her bits of cake--out to dinner at her fave restaurant Giorgio Baldi in L.A.  Maybe a pre-celebration for today's release of her movie Battleship? 

And speaking of that, the film's director Peter Berg recently commented to Entertainment Weekly that it was Rihanna's interview in the wake of the Chris Brown incident that won him over:

I’d obviously seen [Rihanna’s] videos and was a fan of hers. The videos were really sexy and obviously, you know, very entertaining to say the least. But what first caught my eye about Rihanna was an interview she did with Diane Sawyer after the Chris Brown incident, where she was very articulate, very poised, obviously a smart girl who talked about a very traumatic experience. That was a legitimate, violent, real experience that would traumatize anyone. I thought she handled herself very well. I was intrigued. That was the first time I really remember Rihanna kind of coming on my radar, someone that was more than just kind of a sexy girl that sang hip-hop songs.

All white accentuated her new tan nicely as she hit the streets with her bestie Melissa.

Next stop last night was...of course...the club.

Elsewhere in NYC yesterday, new mom Tia Mowry showed some gals can have it all:

In a sexy black asymmetrical & sheer skirt paired with an aztec print top and boots, the now former "The Game" star Tia made her promo rounds for her new book Oh, Baby!:

A departure from her usual toned down look--but we kinda like it.  Let's try different shoes next time though...

Pics via Pacific Coast News

A golden Vivica A. Fox was spotted leaving the Democracy Awards (which she hosted) in DC last night.  See Vivica looking fab and hanging with friends inside...

Last night, actress Vivica A. Fox hosted the Democracy Awards at the Capitol Hill Hyatt Regency in DC.

She was spotted leaving the hotel with BJ Coleman after the conclusion of the award show.

Then she linked up with actor Jonathan McDaniel, her co-star in the upcoming Robert Townsend film In The Hive.

The pair dined with friends at Old Ebbit Grill.  Auntie Viv keeping it sexy for the 40+ crew these...

Music legend Donna Summer didn't just inspire a generation of music fan, she also touched the lives of a number of celebrities. Find out what people like Beyonce, Nicki Minaj, Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin said inside about her passing....

In addition to those who already knew and loved the queen of disco, a new generation of music lovers were introduced to disco queen Donna Summer through Beyonce's sample of "Love To Love You Baby" on Bey's "Naughty Girl" track off her Dangerously In Love debut solo album.  Now, Mrs. Carter is joining a long list of celebs paying homage to the diva and her musical legacy.  See what other celebs are saying below:

DONNA SUMMER MADE MUSIC THAT MOVED ME BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND PHYSICALLY TO GET UP AND DANCE. YOU COULD ALWAYS HEAR THE DEEP PASSION IN HER VOICE. SHE WAS SO MUCH MORE THAN THE QUEEN OF DISCO SHE BECAME KNOWN FOR, SHE WAS AN HONEST AND GIFTED SINGER WITH FLAWLESS VOCAL TALENT. I'VE ALWAYS BEEN A HUGE FAN AND WAS HONORED TO SAMPLE ONE OF HER SONGS. SHE TOUCHED MANY GENERATIONS AND WILL BE SO SADLY MISSED.

MY LOVE GOES OUT TO HER FAMILY DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME.

LOVE,
B

-Beyonce

Aretha Franklin:

So shocking to hear about the passing of Donna Summer. In the 70s, she reigned over the disco era and kept the disco jumping. Who will forget “Last Dance.” A fine performer and a very nice person. She was a delight to the industry. She and Giorgio Moroder made sales and musical history in the 70s.

Chaka Khan:

I will miss her very much. My love goes out to her family. I’m here for them. Donna and I had a friendship for over 30 years. She is one of the few black women I could speak German with and she is one of the few friends I had in this business.

Barbra Streisand:

"I was shocked to hear about Donna. She was so vital the last time I saw her a few months ago. I loved doing the duet with her. She had an amazing voice and was so talented... It's so sad."

Quincy Jones:

"Rest in Peace dear Donna Summer. Your voice was the heartbeat and soundtrack of a decade."

Ellen DeGeneres:

"I’m so sad about the news that Donna Summer died this morning. I was a big fan. I even used one of her songs in my show that airs today."

Keri Hilson:

"I may be an 80's baby, but I loved the disco era. Donna Summer & Diana Ross were the inspiration for my 70's scene in Pretty Girl Rock vid!"

Niecy Nash:

"Whitney. Tina Marie. Vesta. Now Donna Summer. The choir in heaven has a new member. They will be singing up a beautiful storm"

Timbaland:

"This cant be true. I cant believe this RIP Donna Summer. At a loss for words"

The Summers Family:

"Words truly can't express how much we appreciate your prayers and love for our family at this sensitive time."

Janet Jackson:

We will miss Donna Summer! She changed the world of music with her beautiful voice and incredible talent."

Liza Minnelli:

"When you lose a friend you feel like they are gone forever.that is not true with my dear friend Donna. She was a queen, THE Queen of Disco, and we will be dancing to her music forever."

Nicki Minaj

"Wow, another legend gone. Rest in peace to the beautiful disco queen Donna Summer."

R.I.P. Mrs. Summer.

Will Smith had to "Get Philly" on a Ukrainian reporter who tried to get kissy with him on the red carpet. Watch Big Willy put the smack down inside...

While walking the red carpet in Moscow for the debut of Men in Black 3, a reporter from the Ukraine (who's known for kissing celebs) found out the hard way that Will Smith isn't one to catch off guard.

Will happily greeted the reporter at first....but after the "sneak" kiss, Will pushed him away and gave him a quick smack to the face. After the smack, Will said, "He's lucky I didn't sucker punch him." 

Watch it all go down here:

Supposedly this reporter does this with many celebs...but Will wasn't having that ish.  His girl doesn't play that.  And if one of y'all ask if I'm talking about Duane Martin..you know you're wrong...

After rumors swarmed the net this week that actress Raven Symone is gay and is living with her girlfriend, Raven has snapped back saying her sexual orientation is only for her..and who she's dating...to know.

Check out how she addressed the rumors today inside...

Apparently Raven's getting a bit tired of the topic of internet talk being whether or not she's an undercover lesbian who is secretly living with her girlfriend.  The Sister Act Broadway actress, who, along with many celebs and personalities, previously shot for the NoH8 campaign which raises awareness for getting rid of legislation that bans same sex marriage--tweeted what she thought about the hoopla and attention just moments ago.  In a cryptic non-confirming manner of course:

I'm living my PERSONAL life the way I'm happiest. I'm not one, in my 25 year career to disclose who I'm dating. and I shall not start now.
My sexual orientation is mine, and the person I'm datings to know. I'm not one for a public display of my life.

However that is my right as a HUMAN BEing whether straight or gay. To tell or not to tell. As long as I'm not harming anyone.

I am a light being made from love. And my career is the only thing I would like to put on display, not my personal life. Kisses!

So while she didn't confirm her sexual orientation, can we read between the lines and take a pretty good guess?  We loves us some Raven either way.  Even the nosy parts of us....

Nothing like kicking off summer with white hot looks in your closet.  And we're loving the way both ATL ladies Marlo Hampton & Monica are ushering in the season.  Decide who rocked the all white tailored pantsuit best inside...

Last night at a private screening for the Battleship film at Atlanta's AMC Phipps theater, "Real Housewives of Atlanta" almost-cast member Marlo Hampton looked white hot in her perfectly fitting Valentino pants.  She paired it with a White Iro tailored blazer, a silk white button down from Theory and the perfect pop of color on the feet--neon orange Jimmy Choo pumps.

But before Marlo rocked this look, Monica rocked an all white pantsuit (different designer) to her Grey Goose event she hosted at the W Hotel in Buckhead last week.   She rocked a shell blouse and a gunmetal clutch.  All paired with the perfect spring shoe--nude platform pumps.  And a pop of color with a bright pink lip.

While Marlo accessorized with Chanel & Hermes bracelets and a Versace gold clutch, Monica kept her look more sophisticated with several strands of pearls...and just her wedding ring.

So...

WHO RAN IT?!

Pics: Paras Griffin

"King of Hearts" singer Cassie is gearing up for a big concert in Cannes this weekend. See pics of her leaving her hotel and get deets on the show inside.

Cassie was spotted leaving The Martinez Hotel in Cannes earlier today.

She strolled down the street in a Salvatore Ferragamo jumpsuit and Givenchy heels.

But Cassie isn't just hanging in Cannes with her boo Diddy as a pleasure trip, she's performing on Saturday.

On Saturday....... 

She'll hit the stage with Kelly Rowland.  And since Diddy showed up in Cannes with a 50-person entourage, her cheering section will be huge!

Reality stars Chad Ochocinco and Evelyn Lozada were spotted filming their new reality "Ev & Ocho" in Miami recently. See the pics inside....

"BBW" star Evelyn Lozada was seen on Miami beach filming her new reality show "Ev & Ocho" with fiancé Chad Ochocinco.

The New England Patriots wide receiver shot the scene wearing a t-shirt with OMG AKA WTF in huge letters during a talk with Ev.

Ev has been in the news a lot lately.  Time will tell if the "BBW" boycott will have a bad impact on her wedding show.

And on her VH1 blog this week, Ev had a moment of reflection and seemed to see how bad the fighting on the show had become.

Last night’s episode was a whirlwind of emotions for everyone. It’s such a sensitive subject for me because I honestly see it from both sides. I’m not here to condemn or condone anyone especially given some of my choices this season, however I will say that once again last night’s episode and all that happened forced me to look at and examine myself in ways that I haven’t in the past. No matter what the situation is, I’m realizing that we as grown women are allowing ourselves to be placed in a position for judgment. I’m confident that I speak for many of us on the show that when it comes to creating a better balance for television, we are all working very hard to do just that. Many of us are getting help for our inner issues and striving to portray a more positive image overall.

Tahiti was just an example of all of us being a true work in progress…Hang in there with us, as we vow to grow and become better!

Time will tell.......

Photos via Splash News

Last night, Lil' Kim's "Return of The Queen" tour hit The Paradise Theater in the Bronx where she was joined by Eve, Missy Elliot & Pep on stage.  See pics inside and check out Kim performing with "Mob Wives" star Drita.

Lil' Kim's star-studded "Return Of The Queen" tour made it's way to NYC last night.  Her longtime friends and fellow rapstresses like Drita, Somaya Reece and a very pregnant Yandy Smith hit up the performance:

The Queen brought out some of her musical besties like Missy, Eve, Salt & Pepa and "Mob Wives" star Drita.

Juelz Santana also hit the stage with The Queen.

It was a sold out show for the Queen Bee.  It's great to see female rappers unite.

Has The Queen officially returned?

Watch Lil' Kim, Eve and Missy perform "Hot Boys" and "What Ya'll Want"

Watch Lil' Kim and Drita (this chick is serious about wanting to become a rapper isn't she?) perform "It's All About The Benjamins"

Bad Boy couple Cassie & Diddy--who are still acting like they are only "colleagues" and nothing more--were spotted aboard a yacht in the south of France.  Diddy loves to do it up every year for the Cannes Film festival.  And this year is no different.  Check out Cassie's stunning pics inside..

In a gorgeous gown with her new boobs on display, singer Cassie accompanied her boss/boo aboard a yacht for a dinner party in Cannes last night.  She looked stunning as usual as the event was sponsored by Giorgio Armani and was a J/P Haiti Carnival Haitian Benefit.

The two exchanged "Damn Baby" & "Thank you baby" tweets this past week when Diddy RT'd a sexy BTS shot from Cassie's upcoming photoshoot.  So I guess they're getting a bit more open about their "relationship".

Regardless, Cassie was right by Diddy's side for his dinner party last night:

Looking ridiculously hot.

And Mr. Combs didn't look so bad himself:

Since he's over in France, he's missing his oldest son Justin's prom.  But that didn't stop him from tweeting pics he was sent and said "Like father Like son":

Nice!  We see you J...

Pics: WENN/Twitter