TheYBF.com talked to Oscar nominee Octavia Spencer about her BIG Sunday coming up, Hollywood's "It" girl Paula Patton, Honoree Kerry Washington and so many more on yesterday's 5th Annual ESSENCE Black Women In Hollywood carpet. 

Check out what they had to say about their overwhelming celebritidom, plus tons more pics of the YBF folks you didn't see...

ESSENCE Honoree Paula Patton was her usual excited self before she even hit the stage to accept her Award yesterday.  YBF's L.A. Correspondent Kalia Silva caught up with the Mission Impossible 4 star to find out just how she's handling all this overwhelming attention...and how her hubby Robin Thicke is doing post-arrest.  And Oscar nominee (and Honoree) Octavia Spencer told us what's REALLY on her mind about walking across that Oscar stage. 

Check out our exclusive red carpet video above.  Including our chats with Kelly Rowland, Tatyana Ali, Shonda Rhimes, and of course, Foxy Brown herself Honoree Pam Grier!

Mara Brock Akil in a grey sheath dress, Louboutin booties, and a Balenciaga clutch, Sparkle producer Debra Chase-Martin and Tika Sumpter in black lace LaQuan Smith and Casadei pumps.

Check out our gallery below of 30 MORE pics of the YBF folks you didn't see in our red carpet post yesterday!

Video Credit: Kalia Silva

Tamia just handed TheYBF.com an exclusive--her latest single "Beautiful Surprise."  Listen to it here FIRST!

Tamia's latest single, "Beautiful Surprise" is the title track from her 5th album, Beautiful Surprise.

The single is a positive upbeat sweet track with Tamia reflecting on the love of her life, her kids, and how happy she is to have such beautiful surprises in her life.  As we previously reported, her NBA star hubby of 12 years, Grant Hill, is in the upcoming video for the song (pictured above on set).

The hook is laced with her still amazing voice saying:

"Ooh, Aah, so happy that I could cry/What a beautiful surprise....Ooh, Aah...my man is back by my side/What a beautiful surprise."

The Salaam Remi-produced track was written by Tamia herself, along with Claude Kelly.  Check out the full song below:

YBF EXCLUSIVE: Tamia's "Beautiful Surprise" Single by TheYBF.com

"Beautiful Surprise" will hit radio next week and will be available for download soon.  Tamia's new album is due out this June, and is set to be released via her own label, Plus 1 Music Group.

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" co-star Marlo Hampton celebrated her birthday in the ATL with a posh dinner party over the weekend.  We've got the exclusive pics inside...

Chick may be certifiable on many-a-levels, but Marlo loves a posh party doesn't she?  And she's looking great.  The newest fashion loving friend of the ATL Housewives was in Europe last month for her actual birthday.  So Saturday night, her good friend, interior designer Michel Boyd, hosted a fete in her honor at his luxe home.

The sequined pants and SEX Louboutin pump wearing chick kicked it with her host Michel (above) and with friends like Lawrence Washington.

Looks like her sponsor hooked her up for her b-day with a fabulous all black and silver look for her big night.  Her bestie NeNe must have been busy with work because we can't imagine why she would miss this otherwise.  Marlo told Uptown magazine recently about her controversial friendship with Ms. Leakes saying "Team Smalls" was trying too hard to keep her away from NeNe:

I am only really close with NeNe, and I am cool with Cynthia. We don’t talk outside of NeNe. There are no hard feelings. At the end of the day, I don’t know them. I am going to kill them with kindness. In the beginning, I was hanging with the other girls and they were talking about NeNe so much. Me being Marlo, I think it is crazy how these women, excluding Cynthia, were talking about that one person. I said I was going to meet her myself. After I met NeNe we hit it off. We made some unhappy campers. They were praying that it didn’t work. We are both real and confident. When I am with NeNe, I have a great time. Whatever is on her mind she is going to tell me. NeNe has been honest and a friend to me. It was nothing like what I heard.

Marlo copped gifts from her friends and the dinner party enjoyed a gourmet dinner:

And the champagne filled decor:

Well isn't that special.  Happy birthday Marlo!

Photog: Robert Ector

"Love & Hip Hop" manager Rich Dollaz spoke to TheYBF.com exclusively to clear up rumors regarding Chaundrea Nicole and his "alleged" 12-year old child.  He also revealed who may NOT be returning to Season 3 of "Love & Hip Hop."  Find out all inside....

Rich Dollaz, a well-known manager in the game (Olivia, Ryan Leslie, Cory Gunz, DJ Webstar) spoke to TheYBF.com today to clear up rumors surrounding his involvement with Chaundrea Nicole and the 12-year-old girl she claims he fathered.

Bottom line: Rich admits he and Chaundrea indeed smashed about 12 years ago and the child could be his.

Rich, who is a single father of two, says he likes to keep his private life out of the mix.  He tells TheYBF.com:

"This is somebody I know and the baby could very well be mine.  If it is mine, it will be taken care of." 

 

He added that he plans to get to the bottom of this.  He has reached out to Chaundrea about a DNA test....but here's where the ish goes left.

Rich kept it honest and told TheYBF.com that after he found out about the little girl, he reached out to her:

"We spoke and now me and the little girl have a relationship. She wants me to see her for spring break and my family wants to meet her." 

 

He adds that all was going well until a web video (we told you about earlier) surfaced a few weeks ago.  Check it below.

So if Rich has been communicating with the little girl AND offered to take a DNA test....why would Chaundrea release a video claiming he denies the child and is a deadbeat?  And most importantly, Rich says Chaundrea NEVER responded to HIS request for a DNA test. Interesting.

Rich says:

"This is just her latest attempt to get some shine. With all that already being established, (e.g. DNA, phone conversations) why are you on blogs now?"  He adds, "Chaundrea has seen my family before.  So is this all about getting some shine.  I just honestly don't understand the motives."

Valid point.  In all of the postings Chaundrea makes sure she mentions that she models, her daughter models and that she hopes to move to Atlanta to break into the entertainment industry.  Just sayin'...

”What are your motives ma?" Rich told us about Chaundrea.  "If your motives are to get your baby to have a father and being taken care of, you are going about it the wrong way. You are just trying to get a come up.”

Hopefully....these two will be able to work this out, if that is really what Chaundrea wants. 

In addition to the drama, Rich also spoke about the positive aspects of his career and life. 

On "Love & Hip Hop" Season 3:

Rich says they won't start taping until AFTER the production company finishes with the ATL spinoff.  He says that at this point, Chrissy and Jim still haven't confirmed if they will come back and Mama Jones may be doing her own show.  He added that he hopes Erica Mena and Fabolous get more airtime next season.

On rumors he allegedly slept with co-star Erica Mena:

"We are not dating. We are cool.  But people also said me and Olivia were dating. If you are a man and out with a woman, people speculate.  But Erica is a talented girl and her hustle is crazy."

On co-star Somaya Reece's recent breast reduction surgery:

Just for laughs, we asked Rich if he thought smaller boobs would impact Somaya's career:

“I don’t know.  I don’t think her titties will help with her rap skills.  If you are a rapper, you should worry about rapping.  But more power to her.  People think I don’t like shorty, but she has an ill hustle.  I don’t hate her, I just think she goes about things the wrong way."

Ha!

The haute June Ambrose stepped out in NYC last night for her premiere of her upcoming VH1 show "Styled By June."  And with friends...who happen to also be her clients...like Jay-Z stopping through, it was a fab occasion indeed.

TheYBF.com caught up with the styling guru last night to find out about her most difficult clients, and if any members of The Carter Family will be making an appearance on the show...

June looked fantastically feminine at her NYC premiere at the Crosby St. Hotel last night in a Spring 2012 Cynthia Rowley colorful floral detailed Cynthia Rowley cocktail dress, bronze Brian Atwood pumps, Henri Bendel silver python clutch (she dished to us she loves mixing her metallics) and a silver Hermes cuff.

She's the CEO of her own company, Mode Squad, Inc.  And was the style architect for the US version of "X-Factor."  So, of course, we had to sit down and get the goods on who will (and won't) be making an appearance on the make-over focused series, who are the most difficult clients, and if she co-signs on youngins like Willow Smith having so much style freedom.  Check out our NYC correspondent Ashley Ennis on video with June during last night's event:

On whether The Carters will be making an appearance on the show (since she was spotted with cameras in tow styling Jay for his Carnegie Hall concerts)

"No! [Laughs] Jay-Z, Alicia Keys, Mary J, all of those clients, they don't need this show.  They are GOOD!  Jay doesn't need this process.  In this show, the process is about the emancipation, the rebranding...he's good.  The story line you see in this show is a lot more raw, it's so honest, and it's people you love and you want to see win at the end of the day. At the end of each episode you have a better understanding of what the celebs have to go through to become the Jay-Zs and to be the Alicias."

On who were her most difficult clients

"Everyone had difficult moments.  I had to deal with each one differently.  Some were more difficult than others.  Brat was difficult.  Um, Shanna Moakler was.  But every situation was a difficult process.  But that's what goes into it.  I mean, if it's not difficult then the work isn't really being done."

On staying fabulous at all times, despite juggling 2 kids, husband and hectic career

"I call it the wake before the quake.  I don't let my kids tap on my forehead like an earthquake is happening.  Don't wake me I'll wake myself, so that I'll feel nice.  By the time I'm dealing with you, 2 hours later, I am HAUTE.  [LAUGHS]  That's how you balance it.  You take time to work on yourself both mentally and emotionally.  I think you're a better parent and better partner that way.  I love cooking.  It's therapeutic for me and I love taking care of my family that way."

On styling her own family

"Styling my husband [Marc] is the worst.  He's very naturally fashionable.  My kids--the worst.  I hate styling them too.  [My son] Chance doesn't want to be styled.  And [my daughter] Summer is so headstrong and has such a great eye for pieces.  I put things in their reach that I want them to have on.  That's the psychology.  Like with my celebrity clients--I take things out of their closet that'll wreck what we've been working on."

On if she would give her own 11-year-old daughter (her daughter Summer isn't quite that age yet) as much style freedom as Willow Smith

"Parenting is not easy.  [Will & Jada] do things their way.  And I think they're amazing parents.  I'm not going to tell anyone else how to raise their kids.  Nor am I going to have an opinion about it.  Creative freedom is so important.  We're from an artistic place.  I think there are boundaries.  But whatever they're doing seems like it's working because [Willow] seems like a very well-rounded child."

"Would I let MY child shave off half of her head?  No.  We're just coming from two different places.  I don't judge."

More pics from last night's premiere:

With Deborah Cox

Fab! "Styled By June" premieres March 19th at 9:30p ET/PT on VH1.

Video Correspondent: Ashley Ennis

Last night in D.C., R&B crooner Robin Thicke chatted exclusively with TheYBF.com about his recent arrest for weed possession, if there's a baby #2 in the works and why he thinks his wife Paula Patton should play Whitney Houston in the upcoming biopic (which he thinks is happening way too soon).  Deets inside....

Mr. Robin Thicke serenaded the packed Park at Fourteenth in Washington D.C.  last night.  The 35-year old singer performed “Love After War,” “Lost Without You,” “Pretty Little Heart,” and ended his set with the Marvin Gaye classic, “Sexual Healing.”  

He was every bit the laid back, smooth gentleman that we expected. Here’s what he shared with TheYBF.com about his and Paula Patton’s relationship, his son Julian's upcoming playdates with Blue Ivy Carter, who he thinks should play Whitney Houston in a biopic, and his weed bust.

YBF: Who do you think should play Whitney Houston in a movie?

Robin: "My wife [Paula Patton]! She reminds me of Whitney Houston.  And when she was first starting, she was going out on auditions, they were like ‘ you know you remind me of that Halle Berry meets Whitney Houston.’ She got that a lot when she first started. So she’s been getting a lot of Twitter’s and Google’s about her playing Whitney Houston. But I think it’s way too soon. I think anybody that tries to do Whitney within the next year or two is a big mistake."

"Everybody just wants to appreciate Whitney for the genius that she was, and let everything else come in a few years. Besides my remake of course. That wasn’t for attention, it was just out of appreciation. But everyone that’s gonna make a movie is gonna wanna make money off of it and it’s all gonna get jumbled and no one is gonna wanna tell the bad stuff because it’s too soon.  And then you wont get the real story that what makes a human being a human being is their greatness and weakness.  And Whitney was one of the greatest singers of all time, so it’s gonna be hard to tell that story honestly."

So you and Paula have been together since high school.  How have you both been able to channel the negative feedback towards your interracial relationship?

"If you've been dealing with it for twenty years, sooner or later you wouldn’t let it bother you anymore. We’re not worried about the interracial stuff because that's just other people having to deal with their own issues about how they see the world and how they've been treated. If you got a problem with any other race, then some of those races haven’t treated you right. I’ve learned that with us, we try to focus on taking care of our baby, taking care of each other, and trying to change the negativity in the world one day at a time instead of trying to change it all at once."

So your son Julian is having his 2nd birthday on April 6th, how are you all celebrating?

"We haven’t figured it out yet.  We don't know if it’s a Barney party or maybe doing pony rides. My wife says as long as there’s cotton candy, she’s happy. So cotton candy for mama and pony rides for the babies. My father has a place in Santa Barbara outside of L.A. that has a ranch with a lot of horses and stuff. I think we might just take a few of our friends and their kids to just have a baby day. We get enough adult days."

Will Julian be hanging out with other celebrity babies like Blue Ivy?

"I’m sure they’ll naturally end up hanging out. I mean, I was born in Hollywood so I have a lot of Hollywood friends. One of my most famous actor friends was talking about babies and said, ‘I gotta get one for the house.’  It was pretty funny, it was a good line. I think it’s natural, with who our friends are ,when they have children we’ll end up hanging out together. And Jay and Beyoncé are probably my most favorite couple in the whole world."

So are you all expecting to have another baby soon?

"No. Not expecting, not planning. We are protecting ourselves from it. I think because of our schedules and because of the amount of love, we are both big love bugs.  We have big hearts so we give the kid so much. I don't know how we could split that into another kid. Maybe in five years, but right now it seems like momma, and dada, and baby is plenty right now."

Any update on your recent legal situation?
"Oh, the weed? Oh no that's done."

Gotta love that Robin...

YBF D.C. Correspondents: Chance Jackson and Keshia Jeantel

As a talented musical artist, budding actor on a hit cable series and brand new spokesmodel for AKOO clothing, Rotimi Akinosho has stepped up as the triple threat to watch in 2012.  TheYBF.com recently chatted up this super talented cutie to find out more.  Check out our sit-down inside...

AKOO, the clothing line founded by superstar rapper T.I., has just announced upcoming model/actor/singer Rotimi as the new face of the company.  And we think it's a fab decision if we do say so ourselves.

22-year-old Rotimi, who also stars on the Starz series "BOSS" with Golden Globe winner Kelsey Grammer, Sanaa Lathan and now T.I., has been making moves in the entertainment industry for half his life, but his AKOO gig may be his biggest role yet!

So how does a young man land a model gig for a celebrity driven company so early in his career?  Jeff Belizaire, Director of Marketing for AKOO, said it was a no-brainer.  "T.I. founded  AKOO (A King Of Oneself) based on having exceptional style and creativity," Jeff says. "And Rotimi is a rare talent that embodies our mantra of self-mastery. With his songwriting and acting, we admire that in him." 

Born in Maplewood, NJ and raised in a Nigerian household, Rotimi credits his success to his family.  He dished to us about how his upbringing affects his ambition, saying: 

"There was a lot of structure and education. My dad always told me to work hard and play hard."

He added, "In a Nigerian household, it sets you apart because you realize that everything you get you have to earn. My dad instilled that in me."

Having attended Northwestern University, Rotimi, who's been playing piano and singing since he was 6, got a huge break in Hollywood this year when he was added to the cast of Starz's hit series "BOSS."  Talking about the experience, he tells TheYBF.com, 

"It was a blessing. Working with Kelsey [Grammar], Lionsgate and them believing in me was just awesome. I was able to have conversations with great directors and get into the role of the character. I'm playing a drug dealer but it’s a deeper story. It has meaning and the character is tough and vulnerable."

He also credits T.I. as being a great mentor and role model both on and off the set.

"TIP is one of those people where you learn from watching. I watch how he handles himself as a professional and he always tells me there is no limit to what I can do and to keep good people around me."

But despite landing such a large acting role so early is his career, Rotimi says besides AKOO, music is his main passion.  

“I want to be one of the main voices of my generation to prove there is no limit to what you can do on the great.  I want people to understand that you can go to school and get your degree….and live whatever you wanted to do. There are no limits to anything you can do.

"Boss" kicks off season 2 (10 episodes) this August.

Find Rotimi on Facebook and Twitter (@Rotimi).  More pics of our new fave up and coming star, including his walk in this year's AKOO Fashion Show in Atlanta:

Watch video of Rotimi in action here:

Pics: AKOO/ExclusiveAccess.net

Trina Braxton is a free woman (almost) and making the most of her new single status by nabbing a Ken-like cutie for her new video for her single "Party Or Go Home."

We've got the first look at the pretty reality star's new video inside...

Trina tapped photgrapher Derek Blanks to shoot her new music video yesterday in Atlanta at Tim Barrett Designs.  And she made sure to make an interesting choice for her leading male.  The dark blonde modelesque guy was Trina's steamy partner in her handcuffs and jail cell scene.  Not surprised by that one:

Chick loves her dramatic makeup doesn't she?  She rocked neon extra sharp nails and short cutoffs and a plaid button down for her colorful look.

Trina posed it up with the production crew, and even had her sisters Towanda & Traci on hand for moral support.

Not mad.  Gabe who?

Photog: Paras Griffin

Lala Anthony hosted a private screening of her new film “Think Like a Man” with friends and family at New York's Bryant Park Hotel with X-Rated Fusion Liqueur.  And she took some time away from her cocktails to dish to TheYBF.com on her long engagement to hubby Carmelo Anthony, and their parenting skills when it comes to their budding model son, Kiyan....

La hosted last night's pink-themed event in her black Stella McCartney jumper accented with an Asif Zaidi statement necklace, and topped off her look with gold rosette Lanvin wedges.

TheYBF.com chatted with the actress/reality star on the scene about what she learned from appearing in Think Like A Man, and Steve Harvey's book on which the film is based. 

Despite Mr. Harvey advising women not to wait around during those "long engagements," La says otherwise.  Based on her own experience.  And she may receive criticism from blog readers who say she's always out & about instead of parenting her and Carmelo's 5-year-old son.  But the couple is nothing but focused on giving little Kiyan the best life.  Here's our chat:

On the tips LaLa learned from the book: "As a woman to control our emotions- sometimes we act off of emotions and if there's a way to control that I think we should. Women have a tendency to act off of emotions whereas men can set it aside."

On any situations in the book relating to those she has had with husband Carmelo Anthony: "Of course. Melo and I had a long engagement, and that's talked about in the book. But now we are happily married and do things our way. There are a lot of things in the book that I can relate to.  I think everyone could find some pieces of the book that they relate to and can apply it to life."

On her best on-set experience: "Working with new actors and actresses. There were days I didn't have to be on set and I would go just to watch and learn."

On spending time developing Kiyan's modeling future acting possibilities: "We don't pressure Kiyan, whatever he wants to do we support him, to act, to model, to be a basketball player. We just want him to be a kid and enjoy his life as a kid. The Jordan photo shoot was something he wanted to do, and we supported him.  It's the kind of parents that we are!"

More fab pics:

During the screening, guests were treated to sweets from the X-Rated Fusion Liqueur candy bar, popcorn and branded XRFL fans to signal when they were ready for another cocktail, named after the upcoming movie.

LaLa's mom, Carmen Surillo, was there to support as well.

Think Like A Man hits theaters this Friday, April 20th.

Photo Credit: Sara Jaye Weiss, YBF Correspondent: Ashley Ennis

Funnyman Tony Rock, who co-stars in the upcoming Think Like A Man flick this Friday, dished to TheYBF.com about DO's and DONT's of dating.  If you want to take this dude's advice...check it inside....

37-year-old comedian Tony Rock is amongst the talented cast of actors who will grace the big screen on Friday in Think Like a Man.  During an exclusive chat with TheYBF.com, the Brooklyn native, who is single with no kids, offered a few tips about what chicks shouldn't be doing if they want to keep their man where he's at.  And what she should be doing to keep him happy.

But first...we had find out Tony's Marry, Sex, Friend answers that his co-star Terrence J was too much of a gentlemen to answer.

Who would he marry? Regina Hall.  Tony gushed that Regina is the total package when it comes to a women.

Who would he have a one-night stand with?  Meagan Good.  He added that Meagan has a certain sexiness about her and it's hard to look at her and not think about sex.  [Our girl crush senses can totally agree.]

Who's more like a sister/friend?  Gabrielle Union.  He said Gabrielle is sweet and is that type of chick you want to protect.

On females KEEPING a man:

DON'T touch the tv during the Superbowl.
DON'T touch the tv during the NBA Finals.
DON'T interrupt him during major boxing events.
DON'T bother your man with silly sports related questions if you don't understand the game.
DON'T try to control the shower temperature during shower sex. Y'all women always like that hot water!
DON'T try to turn your man into something he is not.

Just in time for Mother's Day, fashion expert & styling guru June Ambrose chatted exclusively with TheYBF.com for Mother's Day and offered a few ideas for fashionable moms.

As the mother of 10-year-old son Chance and 7-year-old daughter Summer, June Ambrose is a working mom who manages to balance career and motherhood...all while staying effortlessly fly and fashionable.

She tells TheYBF.com the best thing about being a mom is the unconditional joy the kiddies bring.

"It's a real humbling thing," June gushes.  "It's so rewarding because it reminds you about the important things in life.  Like if you are having a really bad day you can count on the joy they bring to you.  And it's changed my perception on life.  My kids have taught me that I can just be me and that's enough for them.  And if that's enough for them, it's also enough for the real world for me to just be who I am."

While starring on her own VH1 reality series "Styled By June," we've seen her makeover celebs like Trina, Da Brat and Jaleel White.  But the guru also has tips for the everyday Young, Black & Fabulous mom about looking fab for yourself, your man and your kids...all while holding down the craziness that is mommyhood.  And how to spend YOUR day stylishly...

June's Hot Looks And Trends To Rock On Mother's Day:

For the mom who plans to just relax...

"I swear by cashmere sweat pants.  Though very comfortable, the pants still carry an element of chicness and maximum movement.  I also loves slip dresses, silk cammies by Miu Miu Prada and Rachel Roy's silk pajama pants (which are classy enough to wear both indoors and outdoors).  And even on a "lounging day" it's important to look good for your man in case he comes home and you want a "happy ending!" 

For the mom headed to a fabulous brunch...

"I suggest you celebrate in color and don't be afriad to be daring with your color and patterns.  Mixing sailor stripes with a floral print is one way a mother can stand out amongst the crowd.  Also, color blocking is BIG this season...along with pencil skirts." 

For the mom who wants to GLAM it up for a big night out with her husband or friends...

"I recommend metallics for a big night out because a mom should be able to light up a room when she walks into it.  And for those who lean toward dark garments, I would pair that with something that has some sheen or glitz to it." 

"And mom's don't have to go out and spend a ton to make this happen.  You can reinvent anything in your closet simply using accessories like a glitzy clutch, gorgeous earrings, necklaces and broaches."

For the mom who really wants to make a statement just because.....

"I suggest you pick a theme a run with it!  One theme might by "1940s Coco Chanel" and you're rocking a white tuxedo.  Another could be the "Greecian Goddess" where the mom shows off her arms or other fabulous body parts." 

Good luck keeping it sexy ladies. It won't be difficult for you fab YBFers. HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

TV personality Emily B chatted exclusively with TheYBF.com about navigating motherhood (and her new clothing line) while being a reality star...just in time for Mother's Day.  You might say she's inadvertently teaching her daughter some sketchy things about self respect as it relates to relationships with men...but Emily has a different take.

Get her nuggets of wisdom about how she keeps her teen daughter from doing foolish activities on social networks, why she will never fight on TV & what she teaches her kids about relationships...

Stylist Emily Bustamante, the mother of fourteen-year old Taina (pictured above as a baby) and four-year-old son Johan, quickly rose to reality stardom as the girlfriend of rapper Fabolous on two seasons of VH1's "Love & Hip Hop".  Now, as she juggles fame, career and motherhood, she offered nuggets of wisdom to TheYBF.com about what she's learned along the way. 

On what she tells her teen daughter about fame and social networking

"You know what, I think she has learned so much from me and my experience that I don't have to tell her anything.  I would let her judge for herself and make her own decisions, she's a smart girl.  She's not even famous and she's already felt the sting.  I allowed her to get a on social networking site with Instagram and already she has 10,000 followers.  She already feels judged and there are people stealing her pictures. She told me, 'Mommy, I don't know how you do it....I want to delete my Instagram because I don't like people in my business.'  I just teach her to not let other people's opinions determine who she is or can be."

On how women should carry themselves as an example to their daughters

"There are a lot of women who fight on television and I promised myself that I would never do that.  My advice to women who are put in bad situations in front of their kids is to shut down!  You don't have to participate in the madness."

On how she gets her children's respect

"One thing I teach my daughter is to have patience.  I'm always calm and I speak to my kids in a calm tone.  I never raise my voice to my daughter.  Once you raise your voice, kids stop listening.  If I ever need to raise my voice, my kids know I mean business."

On what she loves most about being a mother

"It's my motivation, my kids are everything.  I don't know what I would do without them.  I wake up every morning and take my kids to school and try to remain normal.  I love being a part of their life.  I don't need anything else but my kids."

On the hardest part about being a mother

"The hardest thing for me is always thinking that my daughter will make the same mistakes as me.  I got pregnant at 16 and sometimes I'm always comparing her life to mine.  I had to realize that she's not me.  She's a different girl and I have to know just because I did it, doesn't mean she will do it.  I tell her, don't be like me.....be better than me."

On instilling faith in the kids

"As a parent, you should have a foundation in your home and that includes the fear of God." 

On handling peer pressure 

"When it comes to peer pressure, teach your kids to be leaders not followers and don't let them fall into the trap of comparing themselves to other kids."

On navigating the hard task of communication with teen daughters

"I always tell my daughter that if she needs anyone to talk to that she should come to me.  There is nothing you're going through that I haven't experienced because I have been through it all!" 

Emily told us that it's ironic that she sees herself evolving into her own mother.

"Everything I hated growing up that I heard my mom say...now I understand.  My mother would always say, 'I'm not your friend I'm your mother.'  And that's one thing I tell my daughter all the time."  

So what's next for Emily B? She previously confirmed she is not returning to "Love & Hip Hop."  But she's got her own clothing line project in the works.

"Right now I'm working on a womenswear line call Emily B.  It's gonna be fun and affordable and trendy.  At the same time, it's going to be sexy and classy.  It's my baby right now.  I'm also looking at doing a menswear line as well because men's fashion is my passion.  Really....I love to style men." 

Looking forward to seeing it Em!

Whether they are good role models or bad ones, that's the title VIBE magazine gave these reality chicks.  For the June/July 2012 SEXY ISSUE, the most vocal, most feisty (which we guess makes them sexy to some) female reality stars are the cover subjects. 

Check out Kandi Burruss, Tamar Braxton, Evelyn Lozada & Chrissy Lampkin showing their sexy sides and talking ish (especially about Star Jones' petition to get negative fighting chicks off tv)....

After seeing these four have some TITilating play time behind the scenes of this shoot, you can guess they won't be scared to speak their minds about anything they're asked about.  Who needs tact anyway?

"Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Kandi, "Braxton Family Values" star Tamar, "Basketball Wives" star Evelyn and "Love & Hip Hop" former (allegedly she won't be returning) star Chrissy all got chummy for the sexy cover shoot.  No fighting, but lots of ish talking.  Especially with Chrissy calling out producers for being the cause of the fighting.  And Evelyn saying that nobody gives a f*ck about Star Jones.  WOMP.  Here are the highlights:

VIBE: Star Jones started a petition,lashing out against women and violence on reality TV. What’s your reaction?
Evelyn: [Bursts into laughter] I think she’s going to have to get a whole lot of names. Actually, I like the petition and I like the controversy because I’ve learned controversy is good. But I think she’s irrelevant. And she’s using our coattails to get relevant again. Nobody gives a fuck about her.

Do any of you see yourselves as role models?

Chrissy: I guess if somebody is afraid to speak their mind and wanna stand up for themselves, then yes. I want people to realize that they can have whatever they want. You can be respected in your relationship exactly the way you want to be. It’s up to you to go get it. Some of the stuff is a little heavy, but you’re not going to be exposed to crazy situations in life just by watching reality TV. You can go to the corner store and see crazy shit going on. You can go to school and see crazy shit.Don’t put it all on me.

Kandi: You would never imagine how many people come up to me on the street: “How could you be a part of that? It’s a disgrace to Black people.” I’m on a show called Real Housewives and I’m not married so I guess I represent single mothers out there who are handling their business and trying to take things to the next level. So when people say, “You shouldn’t be on the show, it’s like, “Well, who do you want to go on there? More people you don’t like?”

So you’re saying the producers orchestrated the violence?

Chrissy: Absolutely. They would go as far as telling the new girl, “Chrissy thinks she’s Queen Bee around here so we need you to step up because nobody here has a strong enough personality. We need you to shut it down.” They were feeding people this negative energy from the door. I have no reason to lie.

Check out the full cover story over at VIBE.  The issue hits stands next week.

*UPDATE* Evelyn tweeted that she and Star have privately discussed the matter and she apologized for her words against Star:

@StarJonesEsq know we've discussed my comments 2 @VibeMagazine privately, but want 2 publicly apologize 4 my words. Ur an amazing example!

I guess...

BONUS: Tamar Braxton & her sister and reality show co-star Trina Braxton will be making an appearance on the upcoming TV Land sitcom "The Soul Man," starring Cedric The Entertainer & Niecy Nash.  Check out our exclusive on-the-set shots of the fab twosome playing gospel darlings:

Mary J. Blige also stopped by the set to visit Ced.  "The Soul Man" premieres June 20th at 10p EST on TV Land.

This week, reports surfaced of R&B star Mary J. Blige's charitable organization FFAWN (Foundation For The Advancement Of Women Now, Inc.) coming under fire for not repaying a $250,000 bank loan, as well as lawsuits against Mary and partner, mogul Steve Stoute (pictured above).  Mary has since been accused of allowing her charity to fall apart, ultimately hurting the benefactors.

Now, Steve Stoute reveals to TheYBF.com the full story, the true culprit, and says all scholarships for FFAWN's young girls are still in place.

The NY Post reported earlier this week that Mary J. Blige's & Steve Stoute's FFAWN organization, which raises money to send several girls to college, as well as to fund her Yonkers Center for Women, was slapped with two lawsuits.  One for failing to pay the musicians' bands from a 2011 FFAWN Gala, and a second for failing to repay a TD Bank loan for $250,000 by December 2011.  TD Bank reported that the loan was acquired in June of 2011.  And only $368.33 was repaid.

Mary responded on Angie Martinez's radio show earlier this week saying, "It happens that FFAWN has been mismanaged and when I found out about all these issues and things that are going on concerning FFAWN, I immediately got on the phone with my lawyers and advisers and tried to rectify this and fix this so that none of those women would suffer that are going to college."

She continued about restructuring the company saying: "My goal is to do exactly what I set out to do and my motives were true and upfront. I set out to empower and encourage and help women because I got a second chance myself. I wanted to give them a second chance…. So right now as we speak I've hired a team of people that are making sure that my businesses are taken care of as far as FFAWN is concerned, we are not closing down, we are restructuring and we put a great team of people in place and I'm just proud to say that the grants, the scholarships that we set out to take care of will be taken care of. The Mary J. Blige Center for Women in Yonkers, everyone is in good standing."

Like many celebrity charities, a staff is hired to run their organization properly on a day-to-day basis.  Steve Stoute tells us the mismanagement is due to incompetence from a former staffer.

Steve reaffirmed to TheYBF.com Mary's sentiments with more detail, saying each of the several young women who were promised college scholarships are still IN college and new recipients are still going.  He says their money is covered, despite mismanagement of the $250,000 loan in question. (Editor has removed other names of those involved for legality)

"Mary J. Blige has not wavered at all on her commitment to put these women through college, Steve tells TheYBF.com.  [The responsible party] ran this organization out of her home. The person still sits on the charitable boards of other high profile celebrity charities. And left this organization after last year's gala. They were the sole signer on this [TD Bank] loan and didn't even tell anyone."

Mr. Stoute alleges that the Executive took out the loan in order to cover the expenses of an "over-produced" gala.  Especially since, as Steve said, the gala did not raise the amount of funds expected. According to Steve, not only did the Executive leave the organization soon after the gala without notifying anyone about the loan, he & Mary were also unaware of who needed to be paid.

In response to the lawsuit filed by performers and their bands who claim they were not paid for their gala services, Steve tells us:

We did not know who the person responsible did pay and did not pay.  The person produced the event and didn't close the event. We had no insight into vendors and their payments.

Steve also claims that the former executive used the FFAWN charity to further their own agenda in chairing other high profile celebrity charities, as well as leveraging connections into another high profile position in the music industry.  And left as soon as things went awry. 

An Executive provided legal reasons as to why the charity offices needed to be moved from the Translation offices--Steve's company--into an Executive's own home, which, Steve explained, is why the bank and process servers were unable to reach a representative from the Foundation once the Executive left the charity.

Mr. Stoute maintains that there is no "missing money"--in response to allegations that partial sales of Mary's My Life fragrance, intended for the Foundation, are nowhere to be found:

"Every single penny that the company took in has been donated. Mary has donated her time and performances and appearances for nothing in order to get this Foundation off the ground and running smoothly. All the money raised went to putting these girls through college. That's where it's always gone. There's no such thing as 'missing money'."
  
"I wish we would have known this person was not equipped to run this organization. Especially once it got to a certain size."

He does take full responsibility for not filing a 2010 tax return, saying, "We knew we didn't file and planned to file late, which is not out of the ordinary for any business.  We did put in for an extension." 

But Steve confirmed that all scholarship money, as well as Mary's Center for Women, are both in good standing despite these lawsuits.

TheYBF.com reached out repeatedly to the former Executive and staff for comment and received no response.

Erica Dixon, the girlfriend and baby's mother of rapper Lil' Scappy, chatted exclusively with TheYBF.com today about her new role on "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta."  If you don't know who she is, don't worry, we didn't either. But since we love a good love triangle and some good drama, we were quick to get to know Ms. Erica.  From her relationship with her rapper boyfriend to beef with his ex to her drug addict parents, we've got it all.  Check out our dish session inside....

 We told you earlier about the cast of VH1's "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" but most of you were left with big question marks when you read off the names of the stars. One such castmate is Erica Dixon, the girlfriend of Lil' Scrappy and mother of his 7-year-old daughter Emani. Though many people don't know who she is now, Erica promises to break-out from Scrappy's shadow and show the world "I am my own woman."

We just had to know how the two co-parent and if there is/was any tension between her and Scrappy's ex, ATL rapper Diamond (who was also rumored to originally be cast for the show).

Atlanta native Erica spoke exclusively with TheYBF.com about her role on "L&H: Atlanta" and why she decided to do the show.  

"I wanted people to know know who I am," she eagerly told us.  "A lot of people associated Lil' Scrappy with Diamond and they assumed that my child was her child. So I just want to give people a little insight on who I am and what I have going on."

Erica revealed that she met Lil' Scrappy in 2002 right after she graduated high school, and they began a relationship that has been "on and off" over the years.  Now this may strike some as odd since the rapper is commonly associated with his ex-chick Diamond.  So what's up with all the overlap? 

"We've been a relationship on and off for ten years.  During that off period, he was with Diamond. That situation came along years down the line during the whole Crime Mob thing after he signed with Lil' Jon."

Well that explains it.

Erica added that there was NEVER a love triangle.  "When Scrappy was with Diamond, he was not with me."

When asked if she ever has any contact with Diamond, Erica set the record straight:

"She was in a relationship with him, not me....so we don't have a relationship.  But with a situation like that you have your ups and downs....but this is about me right now.  I don't want to dwell on her.  Whatever relationship they had is in the past."

But with Atlanta's hip hop community being so small, one would imagine the couple must still have some type of dealings with Diamond.  In fact, rumors have been swirling that Diamond quit the show when she found out that Erica and Lil' Scrappy's mother, Mama Dee, had signed on.  We inquired about the rumor.  And Erica stayed mum due to being barred from talking too much about the show.  Heaven forbid anything is revealed before the show actually airs.

Outside of the show, Erica says she is in the beginning stages of a couple of things: Developing an online clothing boutique and starting a non-profit organization that targets young girls.  

"I had a hard childhood growing because I didn't have my mom around at all times," she explained.

Erica revealed that her mom was a drug addict and was in jail for her the first 6 years of her life.  And because her father battled an alcohol addiction, she was raised by an aunt and uncle.  

"But I've grown from that and I want youn girls to know that you can still grow up and be anything you want to be."  She adds that she and her parents are in a much better space now and she has great relations with both of them.  

With her own childhood being so rough, she makes it a point that Emani doesn't have those same issues.  

"We are great parents. I am a mother first and Scrappy is a great Dad.  He is crazy about his little girl.  He is very invloved in any and everything she had going on." 

She added that Mama Dee even gets in on the action making Christmas cookies, carving pumpkins for Halloween and is a fun grandmother.  Does Erica have any regrets about the show?  She said, "I like the castmates and the show itself was a great opportunity."  

Check out "Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta" on Monday, June 18, 7PMc.

Watch Erica's "Cast Profile" here:

TheYBF.com caught up with Tyler Perry at his New York premiere for the upcoming Madea's Witness Protection flick.  And surprisingly, Mr. Perry had much to say about the co-star of another of his upcoming movies, Kim Kardashian.

Deets inside...

Director and actor Tyler Perry, pictured above at the Tyler Perry's Madea's Witness Protection New York premiere at AMC Lincoln Square Theater, was every bit the confident head honcho when grilled by swarms of media about his castings of both Bobbi Kristina Brown & Kim Kardashian in his respective upcoming projects, "For Better Or Worse" and The Marriage Counselor.

"I didn’t have to defend Bobbi [Kristina], I had to defend Kim," Tyler revealed to TheYBF.com at last night's premiere.

He continued:

"There was so much going on in [Kim's] marriage at the time, but all that stuff is the past.  The movie is called The Marriage Counselor so, of course, there was some stuff to say about that."

And if you think Kim's acting skills (on an actual movie set that is) aren't quite sharp enough, Tyler has a different opinion:

"You know, I think she did a great job.  I don't think it could of been a better time for her because she was going through so much at the time. She did a fantastic job in the movie and I’m very excited about it.”

Oh.  And as for his thoughts about Kim becoming the latest chick on Kanye's throne:

"Oh, they’re dating? Hey, well, life is short. I believe you should live your life. You only have one to live.”

That's one way to look at it.

The multi-talented Mr. Perry also clapped back at the critics of Bobbi Kristina's skills as he predicts she'll have an incredible career:

"As far as Bobbi Kristina goes, I didn't have to defend her casting. The whole purpose of that was to make sure she was around people who care and love her. What I found when my mother died is that you need to be around people that you trust, and I was glad that I was able to do that for Bobbi.

That kid did a great job! She’s so talented and such an actor.  I’m so proud of her.  I’m telling you now, as far as she wants to go in the business she can.”

We'll be watching...

Madea's Witness Protection hits theaters this Friday!

Pics via Getty

"Basketball Wife LA" star Gloria Govan was front and center at her man Matt Barnes' BLEU magazine cover party in NYC Tuesday night.  And even though they are back together, the twosome confirmed to TheYBF.com there are no plans to head down the aisle...yet.  Check out our exclusive pics and chit chat with the couple and Meeka Claxton and Somaya Reece inside....

Ms. Gloria was indeed glowing at her man's BLEU magazine event Tuesday night, but it's not because of an engagement.  TheYBF.com was on hand at the private party at Ricardo's Steakhouse in NYC to celebrate Laker baller Matt Barnes' new cover. 

And while Gloria did confirm the two are back on and making improvements in their relationship...she's NOT engaged.  She tells us the rumors that swirled back in April were false.

The cast has been taping the new season of "BBW LA" for about a month now.  And Gloria tells us that a few new faces DO pop up this season on the cast.  As for who's returning--definitely her sister Laura.  And even though she didn't appear too thrilled about it--Jackie Christie.

As for what Gloria, who was involved in her own fair share of drama on her own show, thinks about the backlash of the original Miami cast of "Basketball Wives," she doesn't watch, but feels that it's "a bit out of control and immature."

That about sums it up.  More pics of Matt & Gloria boo'd up at the BLEU event:

Reality chicks Meeka Claxton and Somaya Reece (along with Al Reynolds) also came out to support.  The two reality chicks also gave us their 2 cents about being pissy with the producers of their shows.

Former "Basketball Wife" Meeka says Exec. producer/cast member Shaunie O'Neal is "full of it" about wanting more positivity. She said they taped plenty of positive footage that producers did not use because negativity is what gets ratings.

As for whether Meeka watches the show since being given the boot?  Absolutely not.  She made it very clear that she doesn't want to give them ratings. She says, though, she "has no regrets." Up next for the self-proclaimed businesswoman?  Working on a fashion line for young girls.  Of course.

And "Love & Hip Hop" star Somaya Reece looking fabulous after breast reduction surgery and a hardcore workout/dieting plan, had some words about her own show's producers.  She revealed she was "really disrespected" because they barely had her on this past season.  So she's not sure she's returning for the next one. 

She did confirm, however, that co-star Chrissy Lampkin is currently filming a spinoff show with Jim Jones.  And Somaya is close to finishing her rap album. 

Pics/Correspondent: Shayla Sommerville

Downing an entire $2500 bottle of Ace of Spades by yourself is an easy task if you're Chris Brown.  We've got an exclusive pic of the "Strip" singer engaging in a different type of bottle action than what went down a few weeks ago.  Plus his huge new neck tattoo....

Friday night at Supper Club in L.A., Breezy blew off some steam--while likely also celebrating his upcoming Fortune album release--with a bottle of champagne. 

We're told by a partygoer that the shirtless singer/rapper inhaled the entire $2500 bottle by himself while his crew stay "posted up" next to him.  The "Till I Die" rapper is also set to perform at Sunday night's 2012 BET Awards...

We can also spot Breezy's brand new neck tattoo (that he copped right before hitting the club) in the pic above.  His new ish is described by his tattoo artist (Peter Koskela) as "an indian chief transforming into a wolf."

Well that's interesting.  And even though it looks painful as all hell, Chris slept through the whole thing according to his tattoo artist who posted pic proof:

And in case you missed it, Chris released a diss to Drake today while rapping on The Game's new remix to Chief Keef's 'I Don't Like."  CB tweeted right after it dropped, "Won't be no back and forth shit."

A few of the bars:

"One on one, what you scared bruh? / Huh, matter of fact, 'Take Care' bruh."

And, of course, talked some ish about that Chris vs. Drake fight night at W.I.P. nightclub:

"A fuck ni**a, that's that shit I don't like/ They throwin' bottles, I'm throwin' models, just 'cause I give a bitch long pipe. Doing shows on the soccer field/ that's dome right? I be singin', he be singin', so it's on, sight/ But hold up, I ain't give a ni**a no green light/ This head up, my bread up, one-on-one, what you scared, bruh?/ Matter fact, take care bruh, you a pu**y ni**a/ My ni**a Tunechi, yeah that ni**a nice/ Shout out to Nicki, man that ass tight/ Them eyebrows, man, them shits is yikes/ OVO, you overdosed, screamin' YOLO no, I live twice."

Sippin'...tattin'...dissin'....at the same damn time.  Now that's talent.

Pics via TheYBF.com/Peter's Twitter

Antonique Smith, most notable for playing Faith Evans in Notorious and now, Rick Ross' main chick in his new "Amsterdam" video, recently chatted it up with TheYBF.com.   She's embarking on a new singing career.  So she dished on balancing her music and acting careers (she now calls Faith her friend), working with Ricky Rozay, and why she's paying for her own album! 

East Orange, New Jersey native Antonique Smith is certainly a YBF chick we're paying attention to.  When the Broadway actress decided to pursue a career in music, she knew exactly who she was and who she wanted her fans to see.  Unfortunately, record companies didn't share the vision. 

A little background on this fresh face we've seen, but don't know much about: Antonique was raised in the church and taught herself to sing by listening to Whitney Houston records.  The 29-year-old tells us that Whitney was her "first vocal coach" since she mimic'd her voice to learn rifts and runs.

As for her music's sound, she calls it "pop soul with a hip hop fusion." 

Antonique hated what we all know about the industry: Record companies control the artist, tell them who to be, who they can work with and what they can sing about.  But for the feisty chick with a deep R&B voice, that didn't sit so well.  So she decided to go the grassroots route and fund the record herself....with fan donations! (She raised over $9,000 after posting a clever clip to Kickstarter.)

On her upcoming album Speechless

I think fans will really like it.  It talks about what I'm going through.  I'm trying to keep it 100% pure so that's why I'm doing KickStarter.  As an actress the fans are already seeing me in different ways because I'm playing someone else.  So it's important for me to be myself when it comes to my music.  It will be very personal.

On the album's title track "Speechless"

It's a long song about a guy who just means so much to you to you that you don't have the words to describe it. All you can say is 'Ummm'.

On how she started an acting career

I started acting in my grandmother's living room when I was 4.  I used to record her own radio show on a small tape recorder where I played a variety of characters.  Those skits eventually led to my first job as a teenage drug addict on [the TV series] "100 Centre Street."  I remember my director said, 'She's a great actress with an amazing career ahead of her'.

On her lead role of "Mimi" in Broadway's RENT

I went through acting boot camp. I learned how to conserve my voice for 8 shows a week, that "the show must go on" and that you just have to "keep it moving."   And once Lady Gaga appeared on the scene, it's allowed artists to get a little more theatrical in their live shows.

On playing the leading lady in Rick Ross's "Amsterdam" video 

Working with Rick Ross was really great and I had a lot of fun on the set.  They know how to treat a lady and Rick is a really nice guy. Maybe we can work together on one of my tracks if I raise enough to pay him!

On her breakout role in Notorious (pictured above with Faih Evans & co-star Anthony Mackie)

I definitely appreciate both Lil' Kim and Faith Evans, but I have an actual friendship with Faith.  I hope I can work with her in the future as well.  We're trying to figure out on what song, but we haven't narrowed it down.

Peep Antonique's Kickstarter video below:

And you can check out her current single "Speechless" below:

TheYBF.com will premiere Antonique's next single, "Take A Chance", tomorrow.

She's one of our favorite YBF chicks for a reason.  Fresh off her Made In America Festival performance in her hometown of Philly, singer/actress Jill Scott has just been revealed as the October 2012 cover girl for Essence Magazine.  Check out the ultimatum she offered up to the magazine inside...

We caught up with the gorgeous 40-year-old at her Festival afterparty at Union Transport in Philly Sunday night, which also served as a fundraiser for her charity, Camp Jill Scott. And she unveiled her new cover alongside EIC Constance White.

Jill exclusively told TheYBF.com that she "staged sort of a coup" to make sure she could rock her natural hair for the cover.  The confident chick gave the magazine company a choice--either she did the cover spread with her natural hair, or she wasn't doing the cover AT ALL.

When we asked who would actually protest her request, she said we would be surprised, because it indeed happens.

But it clearly it paid off.  The "Golden" singer is looking simply fabulous on the cover of the October 2012 issue.  And since she can rock her natural hair just as fabulously as her wigs/weaves, she said in the mag that she has a right to do both:

“This is the simplest form of myself. I look in the mirror and it’s like, ‘Hey, there you go. What’s up, girl?’ For me, hair is an accoutrement. Hair is jewelry. It’s an accessory. Tomorrow I may want a wig down to my butt and I’m gonna rock it, and the next day I may want a big Afro and I’m gonna rock that too…”

Loves it.  And if you've been wondering why we rarely see her 3-year old son Jett, Jill says it's because she wants to keep him out of the business.  But the little cutie does attend concerts inconspicuously watching mommy from the crowd.  Sweet! 
 

Jill is also starring in the upcoming all-black remake of Steel Magnolias on Lifetime, October 7th at 9p ET.