Blac Chyna just copped a brand new toy thanks to her fiancé Rob Kardashian. Peep pics of her new ride, plus Chy's son King Cairo being his cute self inside….

Rob Kardashian is showering his soon-to-be wife Blac Chyna with some new luxury gifts. And she’s over the moon about it.

Today, Chyna hopped on SnapChat to share her brand new purple Huracan Lamborghini to add to her collection of cars. And she expressed her gratitude to her beau captioning, "Thank you baby." The couple is back in L.A. after hitting up several cities (NYC& Savannah, GA) for Chy's hosting gigs.

Rob dropped some major coins for the gift as the Lambo is estimated at about $199,000. That’s not including any customizations he had done to it. Ok Rob!

Check it:

 

A video posted by www.Lashedbar.co (@blacchyna) on Apr 20, 2016 at 12:13pm PDT

Must be nice after just a few months of dating.

Meanwhile...

Chyna's son King Cairo, whom she shares with rapper Tyga, is obsessed with fire trucks. So, you can imagine his excitement when he copped his very own fireman suit.

Cutie King rode around in his tot sized fire truck decked out in his fire gear outside of his home as his mom snapped pics and videos on SnapChat.

Peep King in action below:

 

A video posted by www.Lashedbar.co (@blacchyna) on Apr 19, 2016 at 8:11pm PDT

He's so cute!

On Instagram...

Rob had time to share how he and Chyna's Facetime sessions pop off. And here it is.....

Someone get Kris Jenner's therapist on the phone...STAT!

Photos: Chyna's Snap/Rob's IG

Erykah Badu graces the cover of FADER magazine where she taps into her political side and responds to the social media backlash she has received recently. Come inside for the highlights….

YAS! Come on through Ms. Badu with #HairGoals envy!

For FADER magazine’s 2nd Producer issue, the magazine tapped Erykah Badu for the cover. The singer-songwriter-producer is serving all types of natural hair goals on the cover as she models in bed dripping in stylish accessories.

Inside, the 45-year-old entertainer responds to the recent backlash she received when she shared her thoughts about an article that said girls should wear skirts that touch the knee to keep male teachers and students from being distracted.

Here’s her unapologetic response to the negative feedback:

"I was reporting, I was not supporting. It's possible to understand the psyche behind behavior without condoning the behavior. I don't have anything to apologize for. I don't mean to take anything back...Expressing our pain and anger for something can make us very delicate. I'm very sensitive about it now—more than before. My whole objective is to create a dialogue. That’s always my main goal...I really enjoy writing and being able to get words out of my mind in a clear way, and I get to do that when I go on Twitter. I can push send knowing that I've clearly communicated what I was trying to say. I just pretty much tweet spontaneously. I view myself as an artist and an intellect, a sociologist, a self-scientist—meaning that I test my own theories by having conversations with others. It’s part of my job. It’s who I am, it’s what I do."

Does her response change your original opinion of her Twitter dialogue?

Below are a few highlights from her interview where she talks about the #BlackLivesMatter movement, Donald Trump running for president, and more:

On Donald Trump and the various walls, physical and attitudinal, that he threatens to build:

“Oh, I don’t believe in any of that shit,” she says.

“The walls?”

“Politics. I don’t know how much we have a say…It’s a show, it’s a game. On the smaller scale, I think that your city reps and district reps are very serious about what they’re doing, and then when they get up a little higher it becomes a show. Everybody gets kinda turned out.”

“This is the craziest shit I’ve ever seen in my life,” she says of Trump’s success so far. “Is this real? But”—cryptically, with a shrug—“it will become a reality, if that’s what the plan is.”

On the talents of her kids, who speak many languages: “I just wanted to make sure,” Badu says, “that whenever I take over the country, I have a secretary of state, defense, and a peace ambassador at hand.”

On anticipating social unrest and the Black Lives Matter movement:

“I felt it coming on,” she says...“I was really feeling a strong affinity toward writing about what was going on around me. And I actually wrote about what’s happening right now in [2008's New Amerykah Part 1]. So I don’t feel the need to write it now, because I got it out...We can organize like a motherfucker when police beat us up. But can we organize to stop black-on-black crime, or poor-on-poor crime? Because, you know, poor is the new black. You don’t have to be black now.”

On Dallas and the Blues:

Much of this sensibility, she says, she owes to the absurdity that backlights the blues, one of Dallas’s great cultural inheritances. “That’s my roots,” she says. “We have a part of Dallas called Deep Ellum. Deep Ellum was a deep, rich blues part of town. It’s a dying art,” she says, but not at all wistfully. “It’s fine. It’s the way things are, and you evolve or you die.”

You can read her full interview here. Erykah’s issue hits newsstands May 10th.

Peep a few flicks from her spread, shot inside her home in Dallas:

You can read her full interview here. Erykah’s issue hits newsstands May 10th.

Photos: Jody Rogac via FADER

Tatyana Ali chopped it up with TheYBF.com about the struggle to slow herself down during her first pregnancy.  But she's proving she will juggle being a working mom and wife flawlessly.  Find out what she told us inside….

We’ve seen her grow up right before our eyes when she rose to fame after starring on the hit comedy series “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Now, she’s all grown up and starting her own family. The 37-year-old actress is gearing up to give birth to her first child and she’s engaged to her longtime beau Dr. Vaughn Rasberry.  But chick is proving she can juggle it all.

She's burning up the promo trail promoting her new thriller Second Sight while pregnant with her first baby.  And she's telling us all about it!

While she’s pretty used to making press rounds, this time she’s treading unfamiliar waters promoting a film while pregnant.

The soon-to-be mom dished to TheYBF.com about what it’s like having to work while carrying around a baby bump saying:

“I’ve been working since I was 4 years old pretty much straight, so it’s kind of interesting. It’s like ‘Ok, I have to calm down? What does that mean?’ So, I’m very blessed. I feel very lucky that we have this promotional stuff to do before the premiere because it’s fun. It’s what I love.”

Tatyana, who will play a devoted teacher named Cara Randall whose gift of “prophesy” leaves her haunted by premonitions of horrific kidnappings, explains:

“I usually can go 100 miles a minute,” Tatyana tells TheYBF.com.  “Traveling here and there. Hop on this plane, get on another plane. Up at 4 in the morning and go all day. I have learned that I have to slow down just a little bit. I have to schedule naps in....walk with food....”

Ha!  We can imagine! Those cravings are nothing to play with.

She continued,

“It’s actually fun to be able to promote something that I’m so proud of and that we worked so hard on. I can’t really work as an actor right now unless it was for a day and the character was pregnant. It’s an interesting time.”

It's definitely an exciting time for her and her soon-to-be husband.

Tatyana will star in the suspenseful thriller Second Sight premiering this Saturday, April 23rd at 10pm EST on TVOne.

Photos: Getty/@iammoniquelauren

TIME magazine just unveiled their 100 Most Influential People. And Nicki Minaj landed a cover. Find out what she said about women being bosses inside….

TIME Magazine has revealed its annual list of the 100 Most Influential People in the world and Nicki Minaj nabbed a spot on the list. TIME put the “Anaconda” raptress in the Icons category calling her a “chart breaker”.

In a behind-the-scenes interview, Nicki opens up about wanting to be her own boss and says women should be unapologetic about asking for more money. She says if you’re great at what you do, you can’t be denied.

“One thing I learned along the way in business is the necessity for you to be unapologetic about asking for how much money you deserve,” said Nicki. “At a very early stage in my rap career, I was making six figures for shows…If I heard there was another rapper making that, I thought, ‘you know what? I get out there and demand or command a crowd. I get out there and make my fans happy. I get out there and give a real show. I want that, too.’ And I pushed myself to be better with my showmanship, but I also decided, you know what? I want to be compensated well.”

The “ONLY” raptress encouraged women to stand behind their work ethic and to go after what they want.

“I would tell women starting out in business, if you know you’re great at what you do, don’t ever be ashamed to ask for the top dollar in your field,” said Nicki. “If I’m great at what I do, I can’t be denied. Some things may be overlooked but no one can deny my brand, and that’s the words of wisdom I would give to other young women.”

The Barbershop 3 starlet also talked about her collaborations with Beyonce.  Do they exude women empowerment?  Well, they surely are having an influence on the culture.

“Whenever I do something with her, I can feel the impact online and in the venue, wherever we are,” said Nicki. “It just feels like young women are being empowered and inspired because I think it says a lot when you see two young women at the top of their field, whether they’re black or white, it just means a lot when you see them owning who they are and owning the business.”

Check it:

Nicki’s mentor Young Money honcho Lil Wayne chopped it up with TIME about discovering Nicki and how he always knew she would be something great. He said:

“You know, in New York they used to have these street DVDs. It just so happened that I appeared in one, and when I looked at the finished product, Nicki Minaj was on a part of the DVD. I was like, “Woooooow!” She was just being Nicki without the glitz and glamour. When I heard the first two and four bars, it wasn’t even about her rapping better than any female rapper. It was about, man, she’s rapping better than other rappers—period.”

He added,

“I always wanted more for my artists and saw Nicki’s potential from the first moment I laid eyes on her. She’s reached far beyond everything I would have imagined. Man, she’s so influential and doing all the right things. She’s an icon, a boss and a role model to all these young girls out here on how to do it the right way. Her work ethic speaks volumes and has yielded these results. The scary thing is she’s still going. Ha! Nicki Minaj will go down as one of the best to do it in the history of music.”

Other YBFers who nabbed a spot on the list include Steph Curry (Titan), Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (Pioneer), Taraji P. Henson (Artist), Kendrick Lamar (Artist), Ryan Coogler (Artist), Idris Elba (Artist), Ta-Nehisi Coates (Artist), Ryan Coogler (Artist), and President Barack Obama (Leader).

Nicki Minaj is gearing up to perform at this year’s TIME 100 gala, a celebration of TIME’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world, set to be held tonight (April 21st) at New York City's Jazz at the Lincoln Center. Kanye West (who landed on the list last year) is also scheduled to perform.

Photo: TIME magazine

“Empire” starlet Serayah just rolled out a new video for the show’s track “Body Speak.” Peep her visuals, plus, take a listen to Chris Brown’s newest track “Shut Down” inside….

Following last night’s explosive “Empire” episode, a new video for one of the singles on the upcoming season 2/volume 2 soundtrack has been released.

This time Serayah, who plays Tiana Brown, is serving up the goods. She stars in the new video for the “Empire” track “Body Speak,” which is featured on the Empire: Original Soundtrack, Season 2 Volume 2 (available for pre-order now). The catalog of hits will be released April 29th, which features never-before-heard songs from the show’s upcoming episodes.

Get into Serayah’s dance moves and sultry lyrics below taken from last night's Shareholders meeting scene:

You can catch new episodes of "Empire" every Wednesday at 9pm EST on FOX.

Also on the music front...

After releasing a snippet from his upcoming documentary, Chris Brown is making a splash on the music scene with a brand new track titled “Shut Down.”

The R&B crooner teamed up with his Original Hood Bosses crew for the auto-tuned laced track. It appears Breezy is gearing up to drop a new mixtape as he has been tweeting hashtag #OHBMixtape all down his timeline. No word on when it will be released, but in the meantime, take a listen to his newest musical offering above.

We feelin' it?

[UPDATED] The unthinkable has happened.  The icon known as Prince has died. Full story inside...

UPDATE (2:51p ET):

TMZ reports Prince had gone on SEVERAL pharamcy runs this week, which they believe indicates a secret health crisis.  The site states:

Prince hit up a local pharmacy hours before he died -- the 4th time he visited this week -- indicating his health was far worse than the simple flu.  

TMZ obtained this photo of Prince leaving a Walgreens near his home in Minnesota Wednesday night at around 7 PM.

Our sources tell us Prince had frequented the Walgreens for years -- but last night, people at the store were concerned because he looked much more frail and nervous than usual. 

...........

The news has gone from bad to absolutely heartbreaking.  Prince has been found dead inside his estate, this according to his publicist who has confirmed:

Prince, one of America's most influential and enigmatic rock musicians, has died, his publicist told NBC News. The Wednesday afternoon announcement came a few hours after authorities in Carver County, Minnesota, responded to Prince's Paisley Park estate in the town of Chanhassen.

Just minutes after reports surfaced that a death occurred at Prince's Paisley Park estate, further investigations led to the discovery that it is the legendary Prince.

Reports state the 57-year-old was found inside his recording studio at his estate.  Other updated reports say he was found in an elevator inside the home.  CPR was administered.

The "Purple Rain" singer has been battling the flu and serious health concerns for at least the past month.  On April 15th, he was rushed to the hospital after his plane made an emergency landing in western Illinois, a day after he performed in Atlanta.  He cancelled two concerts that were supposed to happen a week prior.

Three days later, he popped up at a $10 dance concert in Minnesota and told the crowd he was "doing just fine."

TMZ first shared pics a little while ago of the activity happening right before 10AM just outside his estate.

R.I.P. Prince, the man who makes the word icon feel like an understatement. His persona, his genius and his outspokenness (in his unique way) about issues that mattered, will be truly missed.

Photos: TMZ/Getty

Taraji P. Henson, Idris Elba, Steph Curry, Kendrick Lamar and Ryan Coogler are amongst the few and proud who landed spots on TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World list. More inside…

TIME magazine has released its coveted 100 Most Influential People in the World list. And a few of your YBF faves made this year’s list.  Here are 5 of them who inspire us the most:

“Empire” starlet Taraji P. Henson was rightfully placed in the Artist category for her extraordinary role as Cookie Lyon in the hit hip hopera FOX series. For Taraji’s feature, “Empire” co-creator Lee Daniels pays tribute to the Golden Globe winner in a powerful piece. The famed producer accurately compares the 45-year-old actress to that of iconic actress Bette Davis. And it couldn't be more accurate.

He wrote:

What I love most about Taraji P. Henson is that she’s fiercely loyal. During her audition for Empire, she told me she wouldn’t take the role unless Lucious was Terrence Howard. She didn’t have the job yet, but she was standing there fighting for Terrence. That was the moment I knew she was Cookie.

Taraji is the modern-day Bette Davis, touching audiences with her honesty and intensity. When you are on set with Taraji, she listens, but she also questions. She challenges everyone to go the extra step to get it right. She has a deep understanding of the human condition, and she displays it with her eyes—the pain, the happiness, the love, the laughter. She probably would have been a great silent actor, but then the world wouldn’t have had Cookie.

Before Empire, she was underappreciated by white America and Hollywood, while African Americans heralded her as our Meryl Streep. I’m so proud that Cookie has moved her into the zeitgeist. What Taraji has done with the role made the world finally appreciate who she is—quite simply, a tour de force on and off the screen.

Spot on!

With “Empire” ratings continuing to drop (dipping 5% among adults 18-49 from last week), the Oscar nominated actress isn’t letting that get her down any.  And don't get it twisted, Empire's still a HIT show.  Taraji’s currently filming a new drama titled Hidden Figures where she will star as mathematician Katherine Johnson, one of the African-American women who provided NASA with important mathematical data needed to launch the program's first successful space missions. It’s set to hit theaters January, 13, 2017.

Also in the artist category:

Sexy British actor Idris Elba was also named as one of TIME’s most influential people. The history making, two-time SAG Award winner's career catapulted after appearing in the hit HBO crime series “The Wire.” Since then, he has been wowing audiences in movies like Beasts of No Nation, No Good Deed (also starring Taraji), and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, to name a few.

For his profile, “The Wire” creator David Simon reflects on a time Idris thought his career was over after they killed him off the show. How wrong he was! David shared:

Logistics undid me. From a floor below the writers’ office, the folks in production were saying Episode 311 hadn’t left the building yet, or more precisely: Idris Elba’s copy of the script was still waiting for a P.A. to ferry it over to set. I still had time to finish some page changes then head to the trailers, find my actor and break it to him. I imagined the conversation going like this:

“Good news, bad news. Bad news is we’re killing you.”

“Hell is the good news?”

“We wrote an amazing death scene …”

Maybe it’s funnier for the writers, but truth was I felt sanguine about ending Stringer Bell’s arc in the third season of The Wire.

For one thing, it made sense thematically to impale both Bell and Bunny Colvin simultaneously on the horns of reform. For another, I knew Elba, as true a leading man as I’d ever encountered, was not going to starve.

Before I could leave, the phone rang.

“I just read 311.”

“Whhaaaat? They haven’t delivered it yet.”

“One of the other guys showed me his.”

“’Dris, I’m sorry. I was on my way over to set to tell you.”

“So, I’m out of work.”

“Brother, you’re never going to lack for work again. You’re going straight to features. Don’t you realize that?”

Long pause, deep sigh and then: “From your mouth to God’s ear.”

No, my naive friend, He had precious little to do with it.

Arguably one of the best lyricists of our generation, Kendrick Lamar was named one of TIME’s most influential people. And with good reason. Kendrick has slayed our lives with conscious raps (all of which we can still bounce to in the club) to help bring the black community closer together and has also been a pillar in the community as a philanthropist.

#BlackLivesMatter co-founder Alicia Garza spills on Kendrick’s undeniable talent writing:

The first time I heard To Pimp a Butterfly was on a crowded plane heading to Jackson, Miss. With headphones on, there I was, bobbing my head and having audible conversations with myself because that album made me feel—moved and troubled, challenged, uplifted, angry, skeptical and raw. Far from creating “conscious rap,” Kendrick Lamar has evolved a new genre of movement music that asserts no answers but raises hard questions and brings us together to take them on. Thank God for his trip to South Africa, which he says made him want to put everything he was seeing and experiencing into an album that could translate that experience to someone in the ghettos of Compton, Calif. Kendrick should be applauded for inviting us to face things that are uncomfortable, for celebrating our will to survive and for being audacious enough to grapple with the questions that we all need to answer if we ever hope to get free.

Also on the list....

It’s a no-brainer 2015 NBA MVP Steph Curry, who is the best shooter in the league, would land in the Titan category. The Golden State Warrior has been breaking NBA records, team-wise and personally.

For his TIME profile, prima ballerina Misty Copeland touches on why Steph is a true role model and such a sports hero:

Many people wouldn’t naturally think of the similarities between a ballerina and an NBA player. Yet the lifetime of training and the discipline it takes mentally, emotionally and physically are certainly shared attributes. Coincidentally, I took my first ballet class on a basketball court at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Growing up with a family of sports lovers, I was raised watching basketball stars reign not just on the court but also in our home and throughout pop culture.

Many of our sports heroes are sold to us based on their superhuman skill level. But every so often we get to experience one who combines these superior physical gifts with humility and grace while also letting us into his life to share the journey to greatness with him.

I’m in awe every time I see Stephen Curry play. He combines a never-before-seen skill set with the panache and flair of a great performance artist. These skills and an amazing sense of the moment allow him to fearlessly lead his record-setting team by simultaneously fitting in and standing out, allowing his teammates to thrive and willing them to victory time and again.

My definition of a role model is someone who maximizes their potential to push the boundaries of their circumstances with passion, purpose, integrity and the sensitivity to know they are setting an example for others along the way. Stephen Curry is a true role model. I can relate to his underdog story. He is showing us all how through belief in yourself, hard work and dedication, it is possible to achieve your dreams, prove your doubters wrong and go from an underdog to a Warrior. Lucky for us, he’s just getting started.

And finally:

Famed director Ryan Coogler has been killing the box office with his film hits, including CREED and Fruitvale Station. Now, he’s set to direct the highly anticipated superhero flick Black Panther. Writer Ta-Nehisi Coates (who also made the list) gives a profile explaining why he's so needed in the film industry. He wrote:

There is a beautiful scene in Ryan Coogler’s Creed that captures what this young director proposes to his art form and to his country. The boxer and protagonist, Donnie (Michael B. Jordan), is running, in gray sweats, to see his ailing trainer, Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). A clutch of neighborhood kids on dirt bikes and ATVs trail him like a Greek chorus. As Donnie picks up speed, Meek Mill’s “Lord Knows” blares in the background. At the height of his sprint, Donnie screams in agony and joy as Meek gives way to soft pianos, big horns and triumphant vocals. Time slows, Donnie’s hood chorus surrounds him, and our eyes are drawn to a boy popping a wheelie with his left hand extended in the air.

All the beauty the Academy cannot see is in this one scene. That beauty, so often denied, is the stuff of Coogler’s work. This is not a matter of looking pretty—though that is part of it—so much as a matter of looking human. That is why Ryan Coogler is so necessary right now. On the biggest screen, he confers humanity and beauty on people told they are innately without it.

 

A video posted by TIME Magazine (@time) on Apr 21, 2016 at 4:27am PDT

It's a given that President Barack Obama, who landed on the list in the Leader category, inspires us everyday.  Just by BEING. You can read his profile here.

Congrats to all of the YBFers who made the list! In case you missed, check out Nicki Minaj's TIME magazine cover and spread HERE.

Photos: TIME magazine

The doves are crying, and so is everyone else. News of Prince's death has stunned, shocked and overwhelmed everyone all around the world. Hollywood is exploding and reeling from the news. We've rounded up reactions from YBF celebs and more who loved him inside...

 

Throughout the years, and all of my crises, Prince was always there for me. During my bankruptcy he asked me to go on the road with him. When I made the decision to retire he called me and told me that I had a gift and that I could not stop now. He was like my big brother, always looking out for me. No other artist has meant as much to me as he did. He was always there for me giving me his support. I will miss him so much. He was as special of a friend as he was a brilliant talent. My condolences to his family. Good night, sweet Prince.

-Toni Braxton

 

The Beautiful cast of @bwaycolorpurple tribute the late great Prince. Tonight was a very special night !!!

A video posted by cynthiaerivo (@cynthiaerivo) on Apr 21, 2016 at 8:13pm PDT

-Cynthia Erivo and the cast of the Color Purple

My heart is broken. There are no words.
I love you!

— SheilaEdrummer (@SheilaEdrummer) April 21, 2016

-Sheila E.

Paralyzing loss
Thank you Prince for your music and friendship
Cant process a world without U pic.twitter.com/f12ugTBC2O

— Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) April 21, 2016

-Holly Robinson Peete

Prince the doves really are crying now. Listening to your music. Remembering you. #RIPPrince

— Oprah Winfrey (@Oprah) April 21, 2016

-Oprah

 

A photo posted by Beyoncé (@beyonce) on Apr 21, 2016 at 3:00pm PDT

-Beyonce

 

You were an inspiration. You were an icon. You allowed me to tell you that you were my "love bizarre"... Thank you Prince for the memories. It was an honor knowing you #RIP

A photo posted by Sherri (@sherrieshepherd) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:24am PDT

-Sherri Shepherd

 

I'm still in disbelief. This one seriously hurts. R I P to a fearless creator & a Legend of our time. Prince, we love you & you will truly be missed @prince

A photo posted by LeToya Luckett (@letoyaluckett) on Apr 21, 2016 at 2:55pm PDT

-LeToya Luckett

 

Thank you for inspiring us all and thank for paving the way for artists like me. I'll never forget you asking me to sing Purple Rain in DC. Party up brother, you did it. #GOAT #ripprince

A photo posted by Miguel (@miguel) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:40am PDT

-Miguel

 

I can't even think of the words of what I'm feeling. This man was my everything, we had a family. I am beyond deeply saddened and devastated ... I loved him then, I love him now, and will love him eternally ... He's with our son now

A photo posted by Mayte Garcia (@maytejannell) on Apr 21, 2016 at 7:30pm PDT

-Prince's ex-wife Mayte Garcia -Erykah Badu -Will Smith

Prince and Michael were the only artists I actually followed around the world to see their stellar performances live.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 21, 2016

-Magic Johnson

 

Prince. When Doves Cry. One of the greatest song writers to ever step in a studio.. And use his imagination and soul... To make those records!!!!! U lit up the World Great Man. Peace.

A photo posted by Nasir Jones (@nas) on Apr 21, 2016 at 5:55pm PDT

-Nas

Whose gonna carry the torch of these legends? We gotta take music more serious artists! We've lost to many greats! Gotta step our shit up!

— Jazmine Sullivan (@jsullivanmusic) April 21, 2016

-Prince

Shocked & heartbroken to hear news of death of dear friend, #Prince.Pray for his family&thank God for his legacy. pic.twitter.com/M5qCx9iXkj

— Rev Jesse Jackson Sr (@RevJJackson) April 21, 2016

-Rev. Jesse Jackson

When you find out. Respect and Gratitude sir. Rest in Power. pic.twitter.com/TANYnEU2Th

— jesseWilliams. (@iJesseWilliams) April 21, 2016

-Jesse Williams

My whole family is just devastated by this. My dad used to do prince covers back in the Day and I know every word to his songs…. This day

— Ayesha Curry (@ayeshacurry) April 21, 2016

-Ayesha Curry

#RIPPrince. When we lose 1 our TRUE entertainers & pioneers it makes u rethink your life & stop taking people & things for granted. #TRUTH

— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) April 21, 2016

-Deion Sanders

Brokedown & cried at work 2day when I heard about the WORLD's loss of #Prince, an unparalleled genius who's music impacted most of MY LIFE.

— Tracey Edmonds (@Traceyeedmonds) April 21, 2016

-Tracey Edmonds

 

WOW.......!!!! Speechless.. Today is truly a fucked up day..!!!! The best EVER..!!!!!! #RIPPRINCE

A photo posted by NELLY (@derrtymo) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:29am PDT

-Nelly

 

Truly A Sad and Unforgettable Day. Thank You For All That You've Done To Pave The Way For Us Artists. You Will Missed, But Not Forgotten. May Your Music Live On Forever In All Of Our Hearts. #Timeless. #Prince

A photo posted by Ciara (@ciara) on Apr 21, 2016 at 4:27pm PDT

-Ciara

"Today, the world lost a creative icon." —@POTUS on the passing of @Prince: https://t.co/MTb3nKxruRpic.twitter.com/gowq1MExM3

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 21, 2016

-President Obama

 

Tonight I dedicate my show to you I've always talked about doing a song with you on most my interviews but I can at least say I was blessed with the opportunity to sing #purplereign when they HONORED You Thanks For inspiring so many buddy.. You taught me what it means to do what you feel and stay true to the music. You will be Missed but NEVER forgotten and your Music will live forever Heaven Welcome Another Awesome Music Director I've got to pull it together... Loved Him

A photo posted by Fantasia (@tasiasword) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:38am PDT

-Fantasia

 

nothing like sensing him over my shoulder...if anyone has a recording of us singing Diamonds and Pearls please post it and tag me.

A photo posted by Lalah Hathaway (@lalahhathaway) on Apr 21, 2016 at 5:54pm PDT

-Lalah Hathaway

I LOVED him, the world LOVED him. Now he's at peace with his Father. Rest in power, @prince, my brother. pic.twitter.com/ZN6cc3WWuF

— Chaka Khan (@ChakaKhan) April 21, 2016

-Chaka Khan

Shocked and soooo sad!! #RIP PRINCE #music#legend#gonetoosoonpic.twitter.com/KlEBPPl40U

— Jennifer Lopez (@JLo) April 21, 2016

-JLo

Long Live The King.

— Questlove Gomez (@questlove) April 21, 2016

-Questlove

"A strong spirit transcends rules."
-#Prince
Thank U 4 inspiring,influencing & leading the way. There is no other. pic.twitter.com/xUWigDOGy7

— Jussie Smollett (@JussieSmollett) April 21, 2016

-Jussie Smollett

My heart is broken. Prince man. One of the greatest. This one hurts like MJ.

— Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) April 21, 2016

-Steve Harvey

R. I. P to the King Prince thank u for inspiring me to be a Musician First and using this tool to heal people

— Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) April 21, 2016

-Wyclef

I loved this Man. Too soon. Can't comprehend it but it's unfortunately true. Heaven is yours. RIP #Prince#RIPPrincepic.twitter.com/EH8paEvn75

— MC HAMMER (@MCHammer) April 21, 2016

-MC Hammer

It is with a heavy heart that I write this text. Today the world lost a legend and I lost a best friend. Prince, Eye love U 4 Ever- Damaris

— Damaris Lewis (@DamarisLewis) April 21, 2016

-Prince's "muse" Damaris Lewis

I just wanna wake up from this nightmare. 57? No. Oh my Lord. NO!!!!!!!!!!!! Prince Rodgers Nelson was here and he showed OUT!!!!!!

— ⭐Jill Scott⭐ (@missjillscott) April 21, 2016

-Jill Scott

Thk you for leaving it all on the stage. You were the definition of a true artist. Thk God we were lucky enough to witness your gift #prince

— jurnee smollett (@jurneesmollett) April 21, 2016

-Jurnee Smollett

Frank Ocean wrote a tribute on his Tumblr:
I'm not even gonna say rest in peace because it's bigger than death. I never met the man (I was too nervous the one time I saw him) and I never saw him play live, regrettably. I only know the legends I've heard from folks and what I've heard and seen from his deep catalog of propellant, fearless, virtuosic work.
My assessment is that he learned early on how little value to assign to someone else's opinion of you…an infectious sentiment that seemed soaked into his clothes, his hair, his walk, his guitar and his primal scream. He wrote my favorite song of all time, "When You Were Mine." It's a simple song with a simple melody that makes you wish you thought of it first, even though you never would have — a flirtatious brand of genius that feels approachable.
He was a straight black man who played his first televised set in bikini bottoms and knee high heeled boots, epic. He made me feel more comfortable with how I identify sexually simply by his display of freedom from and irreverence for obviously archaic ideas like gender conformity etc. He moved me to be more daring and intuitive with my own work by his demonstration — his denial of the prevailing model … His fight for his intellectual property — "SLAVE" written across the forehead, name changed to a symbol…An all out rebellion against exploitation.
A vanguard and genius by every metric I know of who affected many in a way that will outrun oblivion for a long while. I'm proud to be a Prince fan(stan) for life.

A couple that works together! Ciara hit the stage in her soon-to-be husband’s hometown of Seattle yesterday to celebrate “WE Day.” Then, Russell Wilson popped up for a surprise appearance. Peep the pics and videos inside….

This year’s “We Day” kicked up with a bang as Ciara was tapped to perform before 15,000 screaming students. “We Day”is a huge celebration to honor the youth who are making a difference in the local and global communities.

Taking center stage at KeyArena, CiCi rocked the house hitting her signature dance moves and performing her catalog hits. She even brought a few kiddies to perform alongside her as she went through her set.

The “I Bet” singer put on a performance belting out her hits "Lose Control", "1,2 Step" & "Give Me Love."

Peep her full performance below:

 

A video posted by Ciara (@ciara) on Apr 20, 2016 at 9:40pm PDT

Then...

Super Bowl winning quarterback Russell Wilson, rocking all white like his fiancee, came out for a pleasant surprise. The kids had no idea the Seattle Seahawks baller would be making an appearance, so naturally, they collectively lost their minds.

Check it:

 

A video posted by SEAHAWKFANRUSSCI (@ciararussellseahawksfan) on Apr 20, 2016 at 7:35pm PDT

Loves it!

Backstage....

Werk!

We love seeing CiCi & Russ doing events together. #BlackLove and #BlackExcellence.

Photos: Getty/CiCi's IG/We Day's IG

Let the f*ckery commence! Blac Chyna and Kylie Jenner have seemingly squashed their beef and are now claiming they have been best friends/”sisters” the entire time. Oh. HOW SWAY? Peep their "friendly" pics inside…

As if enough isn’t going on already today!  Our tolerance for f**kery is low today, so here goes...

After a year (or more) of bickering online, it appears Blac Chyna, who's engaged to Rob Kardashian, and Kylie Jenner have called a truce. But let them tell it, they’ve been friends the whole time.

Today, both Chyna and Kylie posted up new pics on their SnapChats where they affectionately call each other “best friends” and even “little sis.” Oh?

Maybe they're comforting each other due to today's passing of an actual legend, who was legendary without clamoring for attention by any means necessary.

So the online shade last year was for what exactly? Attention? Hmph. We’re just confused why they would intentionally act as if there was beef between them when they’re supposedly so close.  Intentionally telling the entire world you have beef with someone by dragging them every chance you get, then the world simply repeating that you did so, and then you saying "Gotcha"...isn't clever.  It's actually a blatant lie, which even a 2-year-old can do.  It's childish.  And the amount of actual children in this situation -- from King Cairo to Kylie -- is already enough.

And yes, we've got time today.   Sometimes exposing foolery for what it is, is necessary.

Interestingly, this face swap doesn't cause much of a difference.  We know a few besties who share the same hairstylists...and doctors. 

We were rooting for you Chyna.  We were all rooting for you.  But it's the same farse do-anything-for-a-reality-show cloth, different cut.

But hey, if Amber Rose and Kim Kardashian can squash their beef (y'all know it's monkey see, monkey do with that family)…we guess they can too.

Do you boo.

Photo: Kylie's Snap/Chyna's Snap

Prince's legacy will live on in many ways, including through two organizations he donated large amounts of money to. The touching details inside...

To make sure they stayed open to help the community, Prince donated $1.25 million to two organizations in Harlem at one point. And today, they spoke his praises which shows just how impactful the icon was in areas outside of music.

Often speaking up for artists' rights and ownership, especially his own, Prince also was an advocate for communities.

The Uptown Dance Academy, a black dance school in Harlem where he once donated $250,000, almost had to close its doors in recent years.  Prince saved the company and they are forever grateful to this day.  

A representative/dancer from the Academy spoke to ABC News today saying:

"For someone that I have adored all my life, to give me a quarter of a million dollars, felt absolutely wonderful."

The Purple One also gave $1 million to Harlem Children's Zone, which benefits families battling poverty.  The organization put out a heartfelt message today saying:

We have a special love for him as a musician, social activist and human being. He will be sorely missed."

Even the music channels, who once played Prince's music often back in the day but have moved away from showcasing much music these days, are getting back to their roots.

VH1 announced that today (beginning at 5:30 PM ET), Prince’s iconic movie, “Purple Rain,” will kick of a weekend long marathon. Immediately following the first airing of “Purple Rain,” the network will air a block of his most memorable music videos. Throughout the following days, VH1’s Sway will host news updates with artists’ memories and fan reactions.

MTV stopped everything to play all Prince music today.  Get those details HERE.

His genius and his voice will always live on...

Apparently, Idris Elba has another wife no one knew about. And now, she’s speaking out about how the British hottie divorced her for fame! Do we believe it? Decide for yourself inside, plus get the deets on this love letter written by Tupac on sale for a cool $35,000….

Well this is…interesting to say the least.

A woman has come forward (with receipts) claiming she was once married to British actor Idris Elba and that he divorced her after his career started taking off.

The 43-year-old actor, who’s voicing a character in the newly released Jungle Book, married lawyer Sonya Hamlin back in 2006. But their romance was short lived. She claims he divorced her after just six weeks of marriage for the sake of his career. According to Sonya, he was told being married wasn’t the “right look,” so he supposedly called it quits, leaving her heartbroken.

"The Breakfast Club" radio personality Angela Yee said her friends who knows the alleged wife says it's true also. Hmph.

In an interview with The Sun, Sonya details their relationship from the moment they met, how they got married and why they split.

“Everyone was like ‘Dude, you’re the hottest sex symbol’,” said Sonya. “I know people were telling him he was going to ruin his career. He was being told it was an important part of his career to be a single sex symbol in Hollywood and that being married would damage that. Some people used to say, ‘Why her?’ It wasn’t the right look, that’s what they were telling him. It used to upset him. He was like, ‘Why don’t people just let me be happy?’ ”

Sonya goes on to say a mutual friend in her hometown Baltimore, Maryland introduced them three months after he divorced from his first wife with whom he has a daughter Isan (15). You’ll recall, Idris starred in the hit HBO series “The Wire” and the series was filmed in B-More.

She recounts their whirlwind romance in the publication, which reads:

In April 2006, the couple traveled to Las Vegas to watch a boxing title showdown between American fighters Floyd Mayweather and Zab Judah with some friends.

During the trip they decided to marry on a whim and wed the day after the match at the Little White Wedding Chapel.

Sonya said:

“We were just chilling on sun loungers early in the day by the pool.I know I was drinking a mimosa and we were talking and were both in a great mood. We had talked about marriage before and how we would want to keep it plain and simple.

“We were madly in love by then and we were like, ‘Let’s just do it’. We were both excited. It was a mutual decision.”

 

She said she and Idris returned to settle down in her Maryland home.

 

“He was on the cusp of moving from TV to movies, he was getting tons of offers to do movies. He was traveling all the time. I was on the cusp of a huge real estate boom, at that point I had ten employees.”

But as well as the bad timing, Sonya blames friends of her husband who she believes told him to dump her because she would be bad for his image.

She is still angry about that, saying: “I couldn’t understand how it would damage his career because I saw actors like Denzel Washington be successfully married.

She said Idris’ friends got in his ear telling him he needed to end the relationship.  It was hard on the both of them.

“He was protective of me, but maybe he listened to people in his ear. He just felt bad about it. He used to say, ‘You deserve for me to be around’ and ‘I know you have your practice that you worked really hard for and you can’t get up and leave and come be with me three, four, fives months at a time while I’m filming in another country’. Of course I wanted to save the marriage. It wasn’t easy for either of us. We wavered a couple of times. We were both just sad. He hugged me of course. It was very sad.”

Sonya then revealed Idris asked her to arrange the divorce since she’s a lawyer. She tried to file in Maryland, but strict divorce rules in the state would have meant they had to separate for a year first. They then got a lawyer in Las Vegas to have the marriage annulled by claiming she was drunk. She now admits that was a lie to get the marriage ended quickly.

Sonya said the breakup broke her heart:

“It did, it did. I didn’t date anybody for years. I was just like, I don’t want to have to go through anything like that again. At one point in time he was the love of my life — we were totally enamored. And anybody that knows us or saw us would tell you, ‘They were madly in love’.

You can read her full interview at The Sun.

Hmm...she does have receipts, but do we believe it? Sound off in the comments.

In other news...

An old love letter (above) written by the late Tupac Shakur has surfaced. And now, it’s being auctioned off for a cool $35,000!

According to the NY Daily News, the “California Love” rapper penned the note to a woman he nicknamed "Beethoven" because she had a penchant for playing the piano. He allegedly met her in drama class at Tamalpais High School in Mill Valley, Calif, where they studied Shakespeare.

In the love note, Pac got all poetic with his words to express how he felt about his high school crush. He replaced the “I” with the drawing of ah eye with long eyelashes and used hearts symbols rather than writing the word out. In one line he wrote, “As you will soon find out, I do not spare words, I say what I feel. So if something I say scares you, please don’t panic because I tend to get over emotional.”

If you’re looking to cop the original love letter written by the rap icon, it’ll run you about $35,000 (as of now). It’s currently being auctioned off on the auction site Moments In Time.

Look at how he dropped the digitis with a picture though.  Smooth.

Any bidders?

Photos: Dan Callister via The Sun/Moments In Time

A handful of our faves are making their rounds in NYC & L.A. Peep pics of Solange and Chanel Iman stepping out to REED x Kohl's Collection launch dinner, plus flicks of Zendaya, Tika Sumpter, Aja Naomi King and Regina King attending Glamour magazine's luncheon inside….

Solange Knowles Ferguson is still making her rounds in NYC. The fashionista stepped out last night to dine and socialize at the REED x Kohl's Collection launch dinner held at Kohl's showroom in the Big Apple.

Kohl’s announced today the highly anticipated collection of 100-plus handbags and apparel by industry-leading designer Reed Krakoff (above). Kohl’s surprised 100 women commuting through New York City’s Grand Central Terminal with a personalized style experience that included a handbag from the new REED collection.  That was NOT the day to call out from work!

Solo made sure to come out to support:

The 29-year-old stunna rocked a color blocked Kohl’s x REED Patio asymmetrical dress (available in Kohl’s stores and online this month) accessorized with the small RK40 handbag. Not our fave look from the singer, but she’s still a fab chick nonetheless.

Supermodel Chanel Iman was also rocking threads from the new collection. She rolled up on the scene in a black and tan Kohl’s x REED Jumpsuit while also rocking the RK40 Satchel.

The Sports Illustrated model snapped it up with actress Emma Roberts and designer Reed Krakof.

Over on the west coast...

YAS to these three GLAMOROUS chicks!

Actresses Tika Sumpter, Zendaya and Aja Naomi King were all smiles as they posed it up at the Glamour's Game Changers Luncheon. Daya was tapped to the host the luncheon alongside Glamour magazine’s editor-in-chief Cindi Leive.

The ladies got all glammed up to enjoy an afternoon surrounded by a bevy of inspirational women:

Just gorge!

As Daya made her rounds, she snapped it up with “Scream Queens” star Lea Michele and “Modern Family” actress Ariel Winter (above) and actress Jamie King (below).

Then, the ladies sat down to sip on a few drinks and chat it up about all things fabulous:

Fab times!

Meanwhile...

EMMY winner Regina King was spotted bringing the springtime fab in a color blocked dress upon arrival. Hey Regina!

And here's how the CoverGirl ambassador made her exit from the shindig:

Werk!

Photos: Getty/FameFlynet/WENN/Zendaya’s IG/@glamourmag

Well THAT escalated quickly.  Get the full video, which aired today, of Birdman losing his ish and cursing The Breakfast Club clean out...

UPDATE (11:05AM ET): We reached out to The Breakfast Club, and they confirmed the interview was pre-taped.  They also confirmed that the reality show cameras were NOT rolling as the paperwork wasn't submitted in time to allow them inside. 

As for what Rick Ross & Trick Daddy previously said about Birdman, Trick alleged in an interview that the Cash Money honcho flip flops between being a Crip and a Blood, and also said "but he wants to be a girlfriend."

_____________________________________________

You would think it's far too early to be this pissed.  But not for Birdman.  (It's actually unclear if this was live or pre-taped.)

The rapper/Cash Money honcho walked into Power 105's radio station with all his goons to do an interview with The Breakfast Club.  Before he could even pull out the chair good, he went OFF. 

Before sitting down, he rattled off, "I want to start this sh*t off straight by telling all three of ya'll to stop playing with my name! Stop playing with my f*cking name!"

When DJ Envy and Charlamagne told him to talk about it and asked what his issue was, Birdman said, "Ni**a when my name come up, respek (respect) it. Stop playin' with my f*cking name."

Apparently, the rapper was pissed about comments Rick Ross and Trick Daddy had previously made about him on the show.  When Charlamagne asked him if he rolled up on either of those rappers like this, Birdman clapped back, "I'm rolling up on YOU n*gga."

Things escalated even further when Birdman took off his shades and said "I wanted to look you in your face like a man."

This went on for a good 60 seconds.  It looked like dude wanted to do something, but of course, he didn't.

By the way, Birdman does have a new reality show on BET coming out called "Music Moguls."  If you follow us on Snapchat (theybf), we took you inside the BET Upfronts Wednesday night where Birdman announced the show, which also co-stars Snoop, Dame Dash and Jermaine Dupri.  It focuses on all the business music moguls conduct that the public rarely gets to see.

Check out the TBC video in full below:

Nope, it's not a throwback pic.  It's Vanessa Bell Calloway in 2016.  And she's proving she can still slay her Coming To America character like it's 1988....

YBF actress Vanessa Bell Calloway is still saying, "Whatever you like..." And NAILING it, apparently.

The 59-year-old actress, who made her big screen debut in Eddie Murphy's Coming To America, just slipped into her 'Imani Izzi' character for a brand new photoshoot with Derek Blanks. The first sneak peek is above.

They brought back that dress and that hair for a new project we can't wait to see.  Until then, here's what she looked like in the classic 80's movie:

Come through uncracked melanin!

Vanessa's set to star in the upcoming biopic, The Miki Howard Story, with Teyonah Parris and Darius McCrary later this year.

Photo: Derek Blanks

LaLa Anthony continues her rounds at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival where she was tapped to speak on the Daring Women Summit panel. She dropped a few gems on how to use your platform to support special causes. Get the jewels inside, plus big Beyonce & HBO news before tomorrow's big premiere...

Actress/TV personality LaLa Anthony is still hitting up events at the 2016 Tribeca Film Festival. The 36-year-old starlet was tapped to speak at the Tribeca Daring Women Summit held at Spring Studios in NYC that celebrated the most influential women in media, arts, and technology who’ve broken barriers in an unconventional fashion.

Panelists shared their passion for their craft and how they’re using their positions to promote special causes and interests. Before heading inside, the "Power" star snapped it up with writer Catie Lazarus, actress Mya Taylor, and fil producer Kristi Zea.

Here are a few gems Lala dropped on being a “Daring Woman” (via The Source) below:

Be An Advocate

LaLa and her family have been helping a boy named Anthony who suffered from a traumatic brain injury, and it’s something that doctors and people don’t know a lot about. Carmelo Anthony and LaLa have practically adopted this family and helped them with medical care and research into figuring out what exactly happens to the brain during these brain injuries. It is a cause that has grown near and dear to her heart so much that she’s planning to start a foundation that focuses specifically on the awareness of traumatic brain injuries.

Balance Multiple Causes

Along with the plans to start a foundation for traumatic brain injuries, LaLa is partnering with the producers of Eclipsed for the initiative to bring 10,000 girls to see Broadway for free. Broadway is astronomically expensive and something a lot of girls have never even heard of coming from the backgrounds they come from. The 10,000 girls get to see Eclipsed which is an all Black cast starring Lupita Nyong’o and simply a truly amazing first experience for the young ladies.

Talent Speaks For Itself

LaLa explained how acting and producing have become two of her biggest passions. Yet, people wouldn’t take her serious because they couldn’t get past her original image as a host on MTV. LaLa stated, “I tell my team all of the time, just put me in the room and let me control what happens when I’m in there. I just need the opportunity to be put in front of the right people and put in the room and I’ll shine and do what I have to do.”

The Power of Partnerships

LaLa was asked how she is able to balance all the activities in her life. She stated, “You make time for what’s important to you. I don’t sleep that much. But, I also put myself in the position to partner up with great people to make great projects together so that I can have help with what I’m doing. As much as I would love to do it all, I can’t do it all by myself.”

Check out a few clips below:

On television this weekend...

Good news!

Right after Beyonce had us getting into formation with our red cups for this HBO “Lemonade” announcement, we noticed many folks chatting online about copping the premium network for the weekend just to see whatever it is Bey has cooked up. Well, no worries.  Because HBO will be FREE this weekend!

Yep, if you’re not subscribed to HBO it won’t matter because it’ll be free this weekend, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Matter of fact, Cinemax will also be free this weekend.

We’ll be perched promptly at 9pm EST on April 23rd to see this Lemonade business. If you miss the premiere, it will re-air on Sunday, so set those DVRs!

Photos: Getty

Is a new addition coming to the Housley Family? It’s possible! Find out what Tamera Mowry Housely said about baby #3, plus family flicks of Bill Bellamy, his wife and kids at an event in L.A. inside…

With some many moms welcoming babies in the last few months, it may be hard to resist baby fever. And mom-of-two Tamera Mowry Housley knows all about it.

“The Real” co-host recently chopped it up with mommy blog Mom.me at the Milk + Bookies story time celebration where she hinted at welcoming a new addition to their family fold.

When asked if she would consider having another bundle of joy, she said:

"I think about it, I do," she admitted. "I don't know how much of a reality that is going to be, but my husband and I recently talked about it, and we said, 'We're just going to give it up to God, give it up to the universe.' If we're supposed to have another one, we'll have another one."

We’ll be keeping tabs on Tamera for a possible a baby bump alert!

She then dished on having baby fever:

"I have this inkling like, 'Oh my God, I'd like to have another baby, but then you have to think about the realities of having another baby. I don't think it will ever go away. Babies are just amazing.”

Mmhmm. Sounds like a new baby could be in the cards for the Housley family.

Speaking of families...

Family fun!

Comedian Bill Bellamy brought his wife Kristen Bellamy and their two kids, Baron& Bailey, to attend the John Varvatos 13th Annual Stuart House benefit, presented by Chrysler with Kids' Tent by Hasbro Studios. The beautiful family came out to support the Stuart House Benefit that raised funds for charity and to celebrate a great cause.

We're loving Kristen's boho chic steez she was serving on the red carpet.

Before hitting the stage, Bill and his wife snapped it up with fashion designer John Varvatos, his wife Joyce Varvatos and their daughter Thea Varvatos backstage.

"Reading Rainbow" host LeVar Burton was also in attendance to support the charity efforts. Nice!

Photos: Getty

We were excited to hear Harriet Tubman would be the first woman to cover U.S. currency. Now, we know why we won’t be able to get our hands on the new $20 bills until 2020. We've got the scoop directly from Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew. Find out what he said inside….

We were all squealing #BlackGirlMagic when it was announced that iconic abolitionist Harriet Tubman would be replacing Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill. It was then revealed the new $20’s wouldn’t be available until 2020.

So what’s the hold up?  Some folks around the net were up in arms with the belief they were purposely making us wait.  We even saw a few comments that the new $20's would never come into fruition anyway.  But we've learned it's definitely happening, and there's a couple significant reasons behind the wait.

During a conference call with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob J. Lew, TheYBF.com learned about the exact process of printing new bills and why it takes so long to do so. Especially these days.  And it's all because of the intricate process of printing currency.

Secretary Lew shared:

“It’s a very significant technological project to produce money nowadays because the way we prevent counterfeiting is through a lot of ways people can’t see or feel, but that is a research in development as well as a production challenge. I have directed the Bureau of Engraving and Printing to work as quickly as possible consistent with meeting the security requirements, which are first and foremost our responsibility."

With the way we protect our currency from scammers, it’s a tedious process to add new designs.

He also revealed how the process of selecting the imagery is a tough one saying:

“We started thinking about the $20’s $10’s & the $5 and the images we could include. It’s a long difficult process because you’re going through both different ideas and then you have to think about images that would be appropriate and go through the design process that’s still underway. It’s an evolutionary process.”

The 2020 date is also significant because it will mark the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement and the anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote.

So why Harriet Tubman?

Secretary Lew said Harriet’s story is one of the greatest American stories that exudes America’s values and democracy. He said choosing Harriet to be on the $20 bill is "one of his proudest decisions."

While we were told there were several good candidates who could have been placed on the new $20, he felt Harriet’s story was the most compelling in hopes it could continue the conversation of celebrating women who have made an impact on our nation.

As for some of the new designs on the other bills…

Reportedly, several YBF historical figures will be reportedly be featured on our money. Secretary Lew didn't yet confirm, but we're hearing rumblings that women’s rights activist Sojourner Truth is expected to appear on the back of the $10 bill along with a handful of other women’s rights activists.

Civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and opera singer Marian Anderson will reportedly be featured on the back of the $5 alongside former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Nice!

Jazmine Sullivan popped up at the 2016 Black Beauty Awards yesterday. And she’s serving all the cake. We see you Jaz! Peep the red carpet shots where the ladies, including Elle Varner,Teyonah Parris and more, are the personification of beauty...

Ok Jazmine Sullivan!

Chick was serving major bawdy, specifically in the “cake” department, at the Black Beauty Awards soiree last night, presented by Colgate. Celebs gathered to celebrate Optic White as one of the Best In Black Beauty Award Winners for 2016.

The gorgeous R&B songstress rolled up on the carpet at Mercantile Annex 38 to show off her banging curves in two different looks -- one for the chit chat portion and one for the party. And we’re not mad one bit! Slay on, Jaz.

In other news, she will be hitting the stage at the King’s Theatre in Brooklyn with singer-songwriter Ne-Yo on May 5th.

Donning all black everything, R&B singer Elle Varner struck a pose in a flirty look that she paired with purple suede heels for a pop of color. We hear she’s collaborating soon with one of the stars on the hit FOX series “Empire.” Hmm…any guesses on who it is?

The R&B songbirds were all smiles in their photo-op earlier in the evening. Get it ladies.

After posting up videos on social media mourning the death of Prince, “Survivor’s Remorse” starlet Tichina Arnold got herself together to try and have some fun at the event.

She's set to return to the small screen when the hit STARZ comedy series returns for season 3 later this year.

ESSENCE Editor-in-chief Vanessa K. De Luca shared a few laughs with Tichina on the carpet.

Chi-raq beauty and Tichina's "Survivor's Remorse" co-star Teyonah Parris showed off her killer legs in a cute silk mini dress. She's set to star in the upcoming biopic about R&B legend Miki Howard.  She's been taking us on her workouts via her Snapchat, and chick is killing it in the gym.  So gorge!

She caught up with one of our fave funny gals, Francesca Ramsey of "The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore."

Fun times!

Photos: WENN/Teyonah’s IG/@nbeauty/Francesca's Twitter

The Sheriff of Carver County just held a press conference to give details surrounding Prince's death.  Details and video are inside...

Sheriff Jim Olson of Carver County, Minnesota just held a press conference to clear up a few details around Prince's death.  He didn't, however, address the most pressing questions from media or any rumors.  He said before giving a statement that since this is only 29 hours into the investigation, conclusions have not been reached and anything that was taken from Paisley Park cannot be revealed.

Olson told the media:

To you, Prince Rogers Nelson was a celebrity.  To us, he's a community member and a good neighbor.  To his family, he's a loved one.  In life, he was a very private person.  We're going to continue to respect his privacy and his dignity and hope that you do so as well. 

We also respect the media's right to information.  Bear in mind that this incident happened about 29 hours ago and continues to be under investigation.

 

After warning the media there are some things regarding the investigation he would be unable to talk about, Olson issued the formal statement saying, "At about 9:43 yesterday morning, we received a medical call from Paisley Park."  He explained that the fire department, sheriff's office and rescue ambulance all responded to the call, which is the usual response.

Olson confirmed, "They found an unresponsive male in the elevator [on the first floor].  CPR was initially started but was unsuccessful.  He was pronounced deceased at 10:07.  We have identified him as Prince Rogers Nelson, 57 years old."

Prince was last seen alive around 8pm the night before when he was dropped off at Paisley Park.  Olson states:

Staff members from Paisley Park had been unable to contact Prince yesterday morning and went to check on him. They found him unresponsive and called 9-1-1.  Deputies went into to the building to make sure no one else was inside.

We contacted crime lab to help us with investigation, but this is normal protocol for an unwitnessed death.

The Chief Medical Examiner arrived at scene at 11:30am.  They do not know yet how long Prince's body was in the elevator before anyone else arrived.

He confirmed,"There were no obvious signs of trauma on the body.  Results from that autopsy will take several weeks..."

Prince was alone at home when the first 9-1-1 call came in.  Olson also confirmed there were no signs of a suicide at this time either.

The time it will take for the results was said to not be unusual. The autopsy is now complete, and Prince's body has been released to his family.

In response to the rumors of a drug overdose of painkillers being at play and that Prince's health was deteriorating, Olson said he didn't want to answer whether or not he was a healthy person, and said the Medical Examiner may address when the time comes.

It's interesting to note, there have been no calls for rescue services or assistance involving Prince directly in the past year.

Olson said he was unable to confirm if Prince was taking any medication at the time of his death.

Here's the video in full:

EXTRAS:

1.  Aretha Franklin gave her opinion on the cause of Prince's death, and it'll definitely surprise you.  VIDEO

2.  Sheila E. spoke to "GMA" today about Prince, her former fiancé and musical partner.  STORY

Photo: FameFlynet