Q Parker is not only releasing his album The MANual on October 30th, he's pushing his third fitness calendar (dropping on the same day) for the fans.  Check out our exclusive sneak peek of his shirtless and sexy 2013 Fitness Calendar, plus his song he wrote specifically for Breast Cancer Awareness month....

If yu needed some motivation to work on your fitness in 2013, "Yes" singer Q Parker's got a workout plan.  Well, a workout inspired calendar.

The shots were done by respected photographer, Allen Cooley, at various locations in and around Atlanta.  A portion of the proceeds from the 2013 calendar will be donated to support breast cancer and prostate cancer research.

And since Q has supports wellness amongst women, he was compelled to write a song, along with Crystal Nicole, for his campaign of the same name -- "I'll Wear Pink For You". 

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, this initiative encourages men to wear an item in a hue of pink to symbolize support for women who have battled breast cancer, as well as to encourage women of all ages to do self-exams and get mammograms if they are in the medically recommended age-range.  A sexy do-gooder?  Yes please! 

Check the track below...
 

It's been a while since we've heard from Bobby V.  And the voice that made Lil Wayne's "Mr. Officer" a hit is prepping a new studio album of his own called Dusk Till Dawn. 

TheYBF.com has the exclusive premiere of Bobby V.'s brand new video from the album for his single, "Rock Body."  Oh, and the sexual escapade in the video is based on one of Bobby's real situations.  Check it inside...

For his 2 Mill-directed video, Bobby V. is back to his sexual escapades with the ladies.  In the “Rock Body” video (song produced by Jeffrey "J Leron" Toney), filmed in midtown Atlanta at Ramsey's Beauty Salon/Barbershop, Mr. V. is taking advantage of the pretty ladies who come to the barber shop on the daily.

And since this is the actual place where Bobby gets his haircut, it was only right he portrayed an actual "situation" that went down at the shop once.

When Bobby walked into the shop one day, a new intern was at the front desk.  And like most fellas who peep a pretty chick at the barber shop, he just had to take it there.

In the video, Bobby & his leading lady's flirtations get a little heated, and she was fired by the manager on her first day of work.  Check out the real situation that inspired the concept for the video above.

Bobby V.'s album Dusk Till Dawn is being released on October 16th, and you can pre-order on iTunes now.

Ne-Yo is prepping to release his brand new album R.E.D. tomorrow (Nov. 6th).  And before the big day, he's giving an inside look into how he writes those songs that become #1 hits for most of the pop & R&B chicks in the game.  And how he still knows how to get himself some hits too.

Check out our exclusive video with Ne-Yo inside...

From inside the studio where he's made himself hefty amount of cash by writing some of the biggest hits in R&B these days, Ne-Yo is giving folks the secrets to hit writing.  At least how he sees them.

In between writing and chatting it up with folks on his phone, Ne-Yo gave folks what it takes to write a big hit for the likes of Rihanna ("Unfaithful", "Take A Bow", "Russian Roulette"), Beyonce ("Irreplaceable"), Jennifer Hudson ("Think Like A Man") and even himself;

I don't have much of a process. There's been some songs where the melody came first. there's been some songs where the track will lead me to a lyric. There's been songs where the hook will come first or verse. That's the cool thing about music...there's no wrong way to do it. Unless you're off key...

And how exactly he pushes out hits left and right for Rihanna:

In writing for another person, you have to take into consideration how well that person can reproduce what is is you're trying to give to them. And you have to write according to it. I write well for people I have the luxury of having a relationship and can actually ask them what's going on in their lives.

Rihanna's one of those people. I can call Rih and go, "How are you feeling today? I'm about to go in the studio with you is there anything specific you want to say?" Can't do that with everybody. In that I have that luxury, it definitely helps.

Peep TheYBF.com's exclusive full 3 minute clip below:

BET's newest late night host, TJ Holmes, has plenty of big news to share these days.  After debuting his own show, "Don't Sleep," last month, he's got a growing family...and a growing show on the way.

Deets inside...

He's the cutie who took his political & news anchoring talents from CNN to BET to host his own show.  Now, the 35-year-old journalist is set to welcome a brand new baby with his wife of 2 years, Marilee. (Nice ring.)

TJ made the sweet announcement on "The Wendy Show" recently.  And he exclusively told TheYBF.com just how excited he & his attorney wife are while preparing for the little one's arrival.  He gushed to us:

"Marilee and I will welcome our first child in a couple of months.  We have had two blessed years of marriage, and now, we are so excited to grow our family."

Their bundle of joy is due January 2013.

And that's not the only big news.  We've learned that TJ's new late night comedic, yet informative political news show "Don't Sleep" (which is pretty good by the way), is getting a makeover. 

Starting November 19th, the BET show will be extended to 1 hour and will air weekly.  Every Wednesday at 11p EST, TJ will be offering up informative comprehensive segments with celebrity guests and news that matters.

Congrats!

Rich Dollaz is having an extra rough couple of weeks.  After his sarcastic claim of being engaged to Erica Mena backfired, he caught heat about his girl (and him being with other women) on radio interviews, and yesterday, he was arrested in Memphis.

Rich tells TheYBF.com he's got it all straightened out now.  Get the deets inside....

News broke late last night that Rich Dollaz was creeping through Memphis...and ended up getting arrested.  He was there to scope out a talent showcase.  But when 5-0 got wind he was in town, he was arrested due to a warrant for failure to appear in court.

Apparently, those paternity issues from over a year ago hadn't been straightened out, and he was supposed to appear in court for a paternity test.  Needless to say he missed it, and him popping up in Memphis under an alleged fake name didn't help.

Rich was a free man just a few hours later, and he talked to us today saying he handled everything:

"I'm good, I'm watching the Knicks game right now.  I got into some trouble.  Shorty (his alleged baby's mama) did some fabricating, but I'm good now."

And good he is.  He posted the above pic hanging out with his boys in Memphis after he was released.  He said:

Mtown Bitch and yes I'm free hoe

And it didnt stop there.  Rich went in on his Twitter (then later deleted it) saying:

"Bitch mad cuz Mickell got me out n 2 hrs crying and all that don't call the jail hoe I run the M hoe not u. Don't be mad I'm hot I rep the M So yeah I get out of jail in 3 hours you mad bitch?"

This morning, his vixen girlfriend Erica Mena tweeted pics of them kissing, but we're told they're old pics:

We guess she was trying to show her "support." 

Well isn't that...special.  Guess we'll see all this play out on season 3 of "Love & Hip Hop."  Because, of course, we've learned that the cameras are still running and the cast is still filming.

Pics: Instagram

Political talking head T.J. Holmes and his wife Marilee have just welcomed their brand new baby girl today, TheYBF.com has learned exclusively.  Deets inside..

We've watched him take his talents from CNN over to his own late night political news show at BET this past year.  And now, T.J. Holmes has a bouncing new baby girl to add to his list of big changes.

His lawyer wife Marilee delivered Sabine Holmes today in Atlanta, and the newborn weighs in at 7 lbs 8 oz and measures 20 3/8" in length.

We're told mom and baby are doing well and are perfectly healthy.

T.J. will likely remain in Atlanta with his family until work starts back up for him.  As for when his BET show "Don't Sleep" will return with the new weekly 1-hour shows the network discussed, a date has yet to be confirmed. 

But we do know folks loved T.J. making his surprise guest hosting debut on MSNBC a few weeks ago as he filled in for Alex Witt's Saturday morning show.  Could Mr. Holmes be getting a permanent daytime gig to accompany his weekly late night show?  Time will tell...

Congrats to the couple!

There's been foolish twitter beef this week between "Love & Hip Hop " Season 3 star Erica Mena and Power 105.1 radio host Angela Yee, all stemming from Angela doing her job and asking fans what they thought abut Erica's new record.  Now, Erica's taken Twitter to the streets and went up to Yee's JOB this morning to threaten her in person.

Check out what Angela Yee exclusively tells TheYBF.com about the incident...

The reality chick, model and wanna be singer Erica Mena decided to post up up outside the Power 105.1 headquarters in NYC while Angela did her morning show duties.  Aside from the fact it is ARCTIC cold in NYC right now, especially at 6AM, Erica brought Angela some doughnuts...wrapped in insults.

Erica posted the above pics showing herself decked out in football facepaint and sweats (and we wonder why she wasn't this prepared when she tried to fight Kimbella last season).  And she issued a few threats and insulted Ange's business deal with Belvedere Vodka:

E Money feeds the hungry! Your breakfast is waiting @angelayee ! #SponseredByCiroc Fuck Belvey Lmfao
@angelayee is real hungry in the Am's. Talking about me & My SON so I decided to come bring her some breakfast today!!

Apparently, Erica is harboring some anger about Angela asking, during the Twitter beef, how a person like Erica has a son in this world.

So we spoke to Angela this morning right after the incident, and it sounds like Erica was possibly all talk. Yee tells TheYBF.com she doesn't even know Erica, and Erica definitely didn't say anything when Angela walked past her this morning :

I hope she gets the help she needs. I walked past her and company this morning into my building, and didn't even pay any attention to the cab sitting out front. She didn't say anything to me, and I didn't even realize it was her until she posted pictures on Instagram holding doughnuts and wearing football makeup.

Womp. 

Erica's still talking on Twitter saying:

Dam This chick that shook she just ask power 105 to ban all #LoveandHiphop cast from the building! Smh think before you talk about some1 kid
Smh I was being nice too, I just brought the bitch some donuts ! Lmfao

We're going up to people's jobs at 6am now over Twitter beef?  Foolywang material.

We've got the first listen of Cassie's first official track off her upcoming mixtape RockaByeBaby.  And the gorgeous model chick flipped Trinidad James'"All Gold Everything" to make her own "All Gold, All Girls" Remix."  And she tapped rapstresses Trina& Lola Monroe to spit a few bars. 

Check it inside...

It's the ladies' turn to flip the much remixed "All Gold Everything".  So Cassie copped the track for her own "All Girls, All Gold" song that will appear on her upcoming mixtape RockaByeBaby.

Cassie also gave us some insight into the process of her new projects.

"I've been working on this Mixtape (RockaByeBaby) for a while now," The Bad Boy frontwoman tells TheYBF.com exclusively. "I wanted to give my supporters new music before my album. It was important for me to create it because I needed a moment to grow into being an artist as well as wanting to create something that my friends and I could listen to. I thought what better way to start that than by remixing my favorite records out right now.  I've been currently working with Trinidad James on a few projects and we came up with an All Gold, All Girls remix featuring Trina and Lola Monroe."

Cassie went on to reveal what we can expect from her new album and the mixtape saying, "The rest of the Mixtape includes other remixes but also a lot of brand new music from me featuring Rick Ross, Pusha T, French Montana, Jeremih & more. I'm really proud of this project as it is the first time I really feel in control of the music. It's a vibe. It's for the kids that appreciate music and I can't wait for everyone to hear it.

On this "All Gold, All Girls Remix", The "King of Hearts" singer rocks the hook while Trina and Lola Monroe push out their own verses.  Cass also sang a few verses of her own dishing about her posh life in Paris and beyond:

I aint f*ckin with no b*tches/We aint takin' no pictures/Smoke weed and blow kisses/Top speed and go missin'/You should be embarrassed/Talkin' about me/Just shoppin' in Paris/Mindin' my business

Popped a molly I'm dancin'....

Listen to Cassie's "All Gold, All Girls Remix" below.  You feelin it? (Having isues?  Listen HERE instead.)

We're all about good music.  And Jon B. has dropped another track off his upcoming B Sides Collection album (releasing on iTunes January 29th) with new and unreleased tracks.  Check out "Back 2 Love" inside...

Looks like Cali native Jon B. is serious about his comeback tip.  With another new release, "Back 2 Love," he's breaking out the ballads he's known for.  

The 38-year-old originally wrote and recorded the track in 2004 for his Stronger Everyday Album and revamped it to bring it up to date yet still has that classic R&B feel.

Check out the track below and decide if we're feeling Jon B. all over again...

It's official!  Singers Angie Stone& LaTocha Scott will be bringing their lives to the new season of "R&B Divas" in Atlanta.  Deets inside...

Network sources have exclusively confirmed to TheYBF.com that TVOne's hit show "R&B Divas" has two new cast members that can bring it in the talent..and drama...departments.

It was previously reported that Angie would joining the cast of ladies (including Syleena Johnson, Faith Evans, Monifa, Nicci Gilert & KeKe Wyatt).  But the second addition has been confirmed as former Xscape member LaTocha Scott.

Filming for Season 2 has already begun with Angie performing at the 2012 Soul Train Awards and LaTocha popping up on the red carpet of the 2013 Trumpet Awards. 

What are we looking forward to?  Well, Angie is the mother of singer D'Angelo's child.  And they had a long term relationship before he blew up in the industry.  And since we still harbor our crush on the mysterious sexiness that is D'Angelo...we're just hoping to get a little tea on that.

As for LaTocha, her baby's daddy is her manager.  That's drama in itself.  And now that she's working on her own new music, we're hoping she spills some secrets about former Xscape members Tiny& Kandi Burruss that we don't already know.

The official announcement about the two new cast members will be made soon.  And the premiere of R&B Divas (Atlanta) kicks off in April.

By the way, the L.A. spinoff of "R&B Divas" is indeed happening--eight episodes have already been ordered.  But the five cast members for that show have yet to be announced.

Will you be watching?

Photog: Paras Griffin

Love & Hip Hop star Erica Menahas us frustrated with her extraness one minute, then makes us respect her fearlessness with telling it like it is.  And even after all the drama--both on and off camera--with her boyfriend and co-star Rich Dollaz, she admits to us they're still together.

She also dropped a dime on who's REALLY winning between Tahiry and Kailyn when it comes to Joe Budden....

We caught up with model Erica Mena at Monday night's Isis King Fashion Show in NYC (pictured above with the show's models).  And Erica, who's also trying to gain some credibility as a singer, confirmed she's still with Rich Dollaz.  Yup, even after the interviews he's done recently where some would say he played her out by not trying to officially claim her.  And even after all his arrests/child support drama.

Erica told TheYBF.com about Rich:

"Everything is good! The good thing about us is that we're always working, we definitely stay on task and we always have something going on so our relationship always stays hot, fresh, sexy, intriguing."

Well, keeping things good since he's also your manager is always a good thing.  She's been working on a singing career, and even revealed she wants to get certain popular rappers to hop on the remix to her song "Where Do I Go From Here" (out on iTunes now).

"I like Future, I think the style of the song...they match! I think maybe someone dope like Eve on it, get a little female side of things. You just never know but I have some good things in the works."

Then, she gave us her two cents about that Tahiry-Kailyn-Joe Budden love triangle.  And Erica would know a little something about feisty love.  She says after that big fight between the two chicks (previewed last week), Tahiry needs to fess up about her feelings...because Joe clearly puts Kailyn at the top of his list.  No matter what.

"Um... I think Tahiry needs to admit to the fact she is in love with Joe, and kind of acknowledge that fact that she is a little bit jealous of Kaylin," Erica tells TheYBF.com. "I think honestly Kaylin is playing her position the right way, Joe puts Kaylin on a different pedestal than Tahiry, and I think that's whay kind of bother's Tahiry, and that's what made her react the way she did."

"He kind of brags about Kaylin more than( as far as social networks) he's quick to put out there that he's in love with this woman. She's young she's intriguing, she's fresh, and aint nothing like good meat. Ain't nothing like good fresh meat."

And as for those STD rumors floating around the net about Tahiry, Erica tells TheYBF.com she wouldn't be surprised if they were true:

"God bless if that's true and definitely stop spreading it. If you're a walking disease you should put yourself in a bubble and stay there. I think that could be true though... but then it may not but if it is she should definitely slow her roll."

Gotta love her.  Season 3 of "Love & Hip Hop" returns next Monday night on VH1.

Pic: Instagram

Despite throwing down in a big fight at a nail salon just the other day...with her boyfriend Rich Dollaz standing by watching...new pics surfaced of Erica Mena from a party last night that seem to confirm she's pregnant.

Check 'em inside, plus what Rich exclusively tells TheYBF.com...

"Love & Hip Hop" star Erica Mena rolled to D.C. last night where she hosted a party at Bar 7.  And she snapped a few pics in a tight glittery green dress that showed off a suspicious bump.  And she tweeted a few things that seemed to confirm her pregnancy.

Above, entertainment reporter Ashley Brittney posted a pic holding Erica's protruding tummy saying, "Auntie Ash."  Hmmmm..

Erica's friends snapped a pic with her belly with E in the club saying "No caption needed."

Erica already has a son from Terror Squad's Raul.  And it looks like she has another on the way.  She tweeted this morning:

I'm Laughing so much! I Love this right now. I'm happy

But is she just playing around by making it seem like she's got a baby bump?  That would be cray, but we have to wonder.  Because her own boyfriend was unaware of her possible pregnancy status. We asked Rich to confirm if she's pregnant and if he's the father.  He oddly said he knows nothing and is completely in the dark about whether she's with child.  Rich exclusively tells TheYBF.com:

"I don't know about all the pregnancy rumors.  Erica was posting pics on IG from Bar 7 in DC and I'm in Houston.  So I guess a convo is def in order when we are back in NY."

Rich said he just saw all the IG pics and was pretty shocked.  He also confirmed the status of their relationship telling us, "We're together on and off.  Mostly OFF these days."

Well this just confirmed a new storyline for LAHH.....

Pics: Instagram

Despite the backlashKeKe Palmer caught once she was announced to play Chilli in the upcoming TLC Bipopic, the actress/singer dished to us about what's going down during the first weeks of shooting....

TheYBF.com's caught up with the gorge 19-year-old KeKe Plamer on the red carpet of the recent Essence Black Women In Hollywood brunch at the Beverly Hills Hotel.  And she let us know how the filming will go for the much anticipated biopic about singing group, now officially named, “CRAZY, SEXY, COOL: THE TLC STORY.” 

KeKe explained:

"I'm going to fly out tonight to Atlanta and going to meet the girl some time this week. The first few of weeks were going to be doing a lot of choreography. I've already talked to Drew[Sidora] and Lil Mama, and were just going to get in there and do it. All of us are fans, so that gives it something. We want to do great because we want to represent who we love. This is exciting for me, this is a really huge deal."

And it sounds like she's learned how to handle the negativity by looking to the fab women ahead of her.  KeKe told us about being in awe of the women at the luncheon saying,

"You see these women who wrote the blueprint for themselves. They have pioneered their own careers and you can see that it's possible. As long as you stay focused on what you're trying to do, it's coming from your heart."

The Charles Stone-directed movie will air on VH1.

We also caught up with Oprah on the red carpet who revealed why this brunch was such a full circle experience for her:

"It feels like a full circle moment. Essence was the first magazine to put me on the cover. It was back in 1996 before my international show. So it feels like I'm coming home."

And now...she's taken over the globe. 

Check out the full video above of our Essence Black Women In Hollywood red carpet interviews where we chop it up with Gabrielle Union, Mara Brock Akil and more.  Check out all the pics from the fab event HERE.

Correspondent & Video: Kalia Silva/KaliaSilva.com

Everyday month is Black History Month here at TheYBF.com.  But we're closing out the official Black History Month with a different perspective: a week of Blacks Making History. It's not always the celebs in the forefront.  We're celebrating those YBFers who are making history right now in ways not always focused on. 

When it comes to true artistry, Sam Fine is an individual who has revolutionized how the world views "Black" beauty.  Come inside for our chit chat with the makeup guru who is changing the way we view what's beautiful...

Part of putting young, black and fabulous people on a pedestal is putting the spotlight on who's creating major strides on a MAJOR level.

So, TheYBF.com celebrates and acknowledges Sam Fine, a man who has literally touched the faces of the most famous Black women in contemporary history, and has changed the way we, and others, view "black" beauty. 

For a long time in Hollywood, black beauty was often minimized and not catered to either in front of the camera, or behind it.  While black models and actresses have now become the most emulated and beautiful faces that the masses look to, the person enhancing those beautiful faces is making history by being responsible for catering to those beauties.

Think about any (and we mean ANY) Black woman in the past 25 years who has stepped into the international spotlight and she have been touched and enhanced by the artistry of Sam Fine.  From Queen Latifah's first Cover Girl campaign to Brandy's "I Wanna Be Down" video to Mary J. Blige in "Real Love," Sam has had his hand on the pulse of Black beauty.  He's created images and looks that have graced magazine covers, international campaigns, movie and TV sets and worldwide music videos.  

Iconic women like Iman, Gabrielle Union, Naomi Campbell, Jennifer Hudson, Mo'Nique, Vanessa Williams, Tyra Banks, Patti LaBelle....they've all been "reFINEd".

Beginning as an illustrator at the Art Institute of Chicago, Mr. Fine made his foray into the cosmetics industry working at a local department store. "I started at a makeup counter and I don't think my family saw it as more than that….until I made it more than that."

Being the youngest of four children and the only boy, one might imagine that Sam's parents weren't excited about him moving to New York to become a freelance makeup artist. He tells us, "My dad is 81, and he couldn't imagine me being a freelancer, or an artist. He just wanted me to get a job with a consistent paycheck and benefits."

And since moving to New York to claim his place in history, Sam has released his book Fine Beauty, his DVD Fine: The Basics of Beauty, and became the first African-American spokesperson for Revlon and Covergirl cosmetics.

Now, as the Creative Director of Fashion Fair Cosmetics, Sam is one of the most notable voices in the cosmetics industry. Finding success for Sam, in an industry dominated by females was a challenge, but it has its upside.  

"I like to think of myself as a businessman in the beauty industry. I have a more distinctive point of view because I'm not a woman. I'm not thinking about how I''m going to look in this color. I think about how Vanessa Williams is going to look in this color. I see this beautiful woman in front of me and I want to enhance her beautify. So I take myself out of the equation because I'm not a woman. I think that is an asset to many men who are in the beauty industry. They bring a very different point of view. There is something unique about having a man address your beauty."

He also told us about the importance of simply "being in the room." 

"I am requested by many top celebrities.  And that means that someone in our community is reaping the benefits of employment and another person is getting their foot in the door."  

Sam added that when models like actress Vanessa Williams, Iman and Veronica Webb began their ascent into stardom, they payed it forward and recommend him for top jobs, and that's something he has continued to do in his own career for other makeup artists.  

"Sometimes the door isn't as open to us...so when we have the chance to recommend someone...we should."

And his inspiration for making YBF women look their absolute best:

"For me, I want to look back and remember how wonderful a moment was. I don't want it to just be of that moment. It is important to pull from trends, but its important to be timeless."

We asked Sam about common makeup mistakes he saw and he had an interesting response. He told us, "Makeup is a personality.  There are no rules. Who am I to tell someone how to look?"

That's coming from the master of makeup.  In honor of its 40th anniversary, Fashion Fair collaborated with Sam Fine on his first-ever collection so now his trend-setting, head-turning looks will be available to woman at home.

The Collection includes Eight Supreme Lip Color Shades ($22), Two Supreme Eye Color Quads ($38) and Supreme Shine Lip Gloss ($20).

Speaking about his new collaboration with Fashion Fair, Sam said, 

“It’s been such a privilege to work with Fashion Fair to create this inspired collection. As a pioneer in the cosmetics industry, Fashion Fair has truly changed the way we approach beauty. I’m excited for what the future holds for our collaboration.”

And we at TheYBF.com are excited about the major effect Sam will have on the fabulousness of the YBFers in the future.

Follow Sam Fine on Twitter @SamFineBeauty and at SamFine.com.

Photos via Twitter/ButterflyDiary.com

Trends may come and go but hairstylist Johnny Wright is one hairstylist who is creating “looks” that will go down in the history books. And while we continue our BLACKS MAKING HISTORY campaign to showcase YBF people who are making black history every day, come inside and meet the man behind the bang(s) heard 'round the world….

Image is everything, especially when you're the most watched woman in the world on an everyday basis.  So the person responsible for the visual aspect of that image--Johnny Wright--is, in turn, making history every single day.

It was the bang heard around the world--literally--as First Lady Michelle Obama stepped out on the arm of her husband, President Barack Obama, during the 2013 Inaugural swearing-in-ceremony after first debuting her new hair on her new Twitter account.

Though electing the nation’s first Black president to a second term was a truly historical moment, what really grabbed headlines around the world were the First Lady’s bangs, which she later described on "Rachel Ray" as her own version of a "midlife crisis."   And those world famous bangs--as well as every emulated hairstyle FLOTUS has rocked since she stepped foot into the White House--were the master craft of Chicago-born hairstylist Johnny Wright. 

During an exclusive chat with TheYBF.com, Johnny, who serves as the "First Hairstylist" to the First Lady and the artistic director of SoftSheen-Carson, spoke to us about the contribution he is making to the nation and how he’s carving his place in history.  And when it came to those bangs, he said,

"It was a collaborative effort. The First Lady said she wanted to do something different. But we didn't think it would make that big of an impression! Some people loved it and some people hated it and that's what's great about it."

So one might ask, how does a hairstylist give back to the nation? Johnny told us,

“A first impression is everything...and a lot times, that has to do with your appearance. I always tell people that a woman's hair is the first thing you "hear" before she speaks. It tells you a lot about her personality…without her saying a word.”

And Johnny has been helping The First Lady make great first impressions all over the world since they first began working together during her first appearance in ESSENCE Magazine (when President Obama was a relatively unknown senator).

From that editorial shoot, he fostered a working relationship with Mrs. Obama and her staff that continued with her appearance on the cover of O Magazine, her much-celebrated VOGUE cover and appearance at the Democratic National Convention in Denver.

“It's very challenging to work with the first lady. She has an extremely busy schedule and we do travel very often. And with all of the work she does, I think its very important for her to look good. It is my contribution to America. I'm a part of making her fell good and making her feel comfortable. And all of that has impact how she does her job."

Before his journey to the White House, Johnny was introduced to the hair care industry by his grandmother who ran several hair salons in the Chicago area. And we all know the best way to learn ANYTHING...is from mom and grandma. 

At the age of 12, his mother served as his first client after she agreed to let him give her a French roll. From there, he says he styled over a 100 clients that year.  And back then, you could have your hair done by Mr. Johnny Wright for $15! He’s come a long way since then, mainly because of the business acumen his father taught him about the value of his time and understanding his self-worth.  

Johnny also worked at the Frederick Fekkai Salon on Melrose Place in West Hollywood and has done the hair of former Turks and Caicos First Lady LisaRaye McCoy-Misick.

When asked about the challenges that come with his profession, such as creating editorials and inventing new looks, he told us,"Those things that would seem like challenges are lot of fun to me because they are creative and thought provoking. And those things make you grow as a person and a hairstylist."

But what Johnny says he values most are the friendships he's formed with his clients and what he's learned along the way through their relationships. 

"What I love about doing hair is the connection I have with my clients. So many stories and so many personal things have been shared with me that have allowed me to grow into the man I am today."

And we're honored Mr. Wright shared his story with us with his effervescent personality.  Loves it.

And for ladies hoping to achieve the Johnny Wright effect, he recommends products from the Softsheen-Carson line in the video below.

Follow Johnny on Twitter @johnny_wright. 

In case you missed it, check out our Sam Fine exclusive as part of YBF's campaign--BLACKS MAKING HISTORY.

Photos via Johnny Wright

As we continue our Blacks Making History campaign to close out Black History month, we're continuing to showcase YBF people doing amazing things you don't hear much about.  For the first time in U.S. history, a total of 32 people from America were selected as prestigious Rhodes Scholars...and three are YBF ladies.

Meet one of the young, black and fabulous 2013 Rhodes Scholars who graduated with honors from Yale, and has a fierce and fun persona.  Plus, we dig her love for hip hop...

Southside Chicago native Rhiana Gunn-Wright is putting the windy city in the headlines for all the right reasons.  Amidst the chaos and the drama plaguing the city, she's been featured on the front page in top news publications for receiving one of the biggest honors in the country.  She's joining the company former Presidents and world leaders, and she's barely in her 20's.

The prestigious Rhodes Scholarship is one of the top international awards bestowed on VERY few of the world's most impressive intellects who show through their scholastic and extracurricular endeavors.  And they are world changers.  They're the type of people who show you from the first impression that they're going to do "something."  You might not know what that something is....but it's going to be big.  Award recipients range from former President Bill Clinton to former US Ambassador Susan Rice to Newark Mayor Cory Booker (to name a few).

Rhiana, who graduated magna cum laude from Yale University in 2011 with majors in African American Studies and Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies, is the newest Rhodes Scholar....and a true YBF chick.  TheYBF.com spoke with her and we're extra impressed by her commitment to improving the world around her.  And doing so while maintaining her rigorous academic schedule and active social life.  She embodies what it means to be young, Black and fabulous.  She works hard...lives her life...and keeps focused on her goals.  Here's our chat:

What does it feel like to be named a Rhodes Scholar?
 
It feels insane and incredible all at once. It’s still hard for me believe that it actually happened. I want to hit a wall slide whenever I think about it. I just feel so incredibly blessed and grateful for the opportunity; it’s really amazing to see the Lord use my life like this.

How did you find out you were selected--and what was your initial response?

I found out a couple of hours after my one-on-one interview. I was sitting in a room with all of the other finalists from my District—all of whom were lovely, extremely impressive people—and the selection committee just came out and read the names of the candidates who won. I was shocked. It felt like everything was moving in slow motion. I was just staring at the Chairman with my mouth wide open after he said my name. Then I started making that real surprised Taylor Swift face. And THEN I started doing that thing beauty queens do when they win where they fan themselves real fast and cover their mouths. Basically, I was in a glass case of emotion and looking real foolish.
 
Do you remember when you first learned about the Rhodes Scholars and what led you to apply?
 
The first time I seriously learned about the Rhodes was my sophomore or junior year in college when my academic advisor told me I should consider applying. I researched the scholarship a little bit, but I didn’t want to go straight to graduate school after graduation so I decided not to apply. Then earlier last year, I was at work, and one of my co-workers told me about Cory Booker saving his neighbor from a burning building. (The man is basically a superhero.) So I started googling Cory Booker, and I learned that he was a Rhodes Scholar. Something just clicked. He is so committed to service, and it seemed like the Rhodes helped him to get to a place where he could serve others on a very broad scale. I knew that I wanted to do that same kind of work, so I decided to apply.
 
You seem well on your way to making your mark on Black History.  How important has education been to you on this journey?
 
Education has been extremely important. I mean I’ve always been a nerd. I’ve always liked to read and learn and think. But school gave me a place to channel that energy, and it taught me how to use it to create things—ideas, stories, whatever—that I thought could make life better. Plus, school has been where I have met some of my best friends and teachers. I would really be nowhere without my education.
 
What are you plans after you complete your studies?
 
I want to work on public policy, mostly related to poverty. It sounds kind of corny, but I really believe that it is our duty as Americans to care for one another in our times and places of need. Poverty is a factor in so many problems in our society, and I don’t think our country addresses the issue as well—or as humanely—as we should. I want to help us figure out how to do that better, so that we’re better serving those who are poor AND helping people climb out of poverty.   
 
Who do you consider to be "YBF" in your mind?
 
Beyoncé. Solange. Gabby Douglas. Many, many of my friends.  Really, I consider anyone “YBF”  who works hard, is honest about who they are, and lives their life in a way that brings them joy. They also need to at least be trying to make wise choices. Can’t be acting a mess out in these streets.
 
When faced with adversity, what do you pull from to stay motivated and focused?
 
I pray a LOT. During my Rhodes application process, I know God must have been like “Girl, HUSH.”
 
I also try to find some songs that speaks to how I’m feeling. I played out Big KRIT’s “Boobie Miles”, 
Kendrick Lamar’s "Sing About Me, I’m Dying of Thirst,” and Lianne La Havas “Is Your Love Big Enough?” when I was applying. I have to play some music that just knocks from time to time too. I gotta get hype!


Who are you listening to on your IPOD/Pandora station/Spotify?

Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Miguel, Kendrick Lamar, and Drake. A lot of Beyoncé and Destiny’s Child. Some Gap Band and Anita Baker. I’ve had some Chicago hip hop artists like Vic Mensa and Chance the Rapper in heavy rotation too.  
 
What can someone (school students) do now to prepare to be a Rhodes Scholar?
 
You have to do the things that prepare you to excel in school. If you don’t have good study habits early on, it can be hard to hustle backwards and get it together later. Just get used to going hard when it comes to school. Also, find some interests outside of yourself. It doesn’t have to be volunteering necessarily; it can be music, art, math, whatever. Find something that feels important to you and commit yourself to it.

You will be across the pond soon-- what are some must haves you're taking with you?
 
Hair products. My Netflix and Hulu+ subscriptions. A bottle of hot sauce. Lay’s Tangy Carolina BBQ chips and a couple bags of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Garrett’s popcorn.

If you could bring 5 people across the pond with you to keep you company (dead or alive)--who would they be?
 
That’s hard! Probably my family, my girls, Ashley and Christina, and my goddaughter Amaya.
 
You're a Chicago native--and with all the recent press about the violence happening there-- what are some words of encouragement for young people there?

I am so saddened every time I hear about another person being gunned down in my city. So much of the violence is happening in the neighborhood where I grew up and in areas where I have family and friends. Honestly, it’s really hard for me to talk about.  I would just tell the young people in Chicago that they should be encouraged by their own strength and bravery. To walk around in communities that are basically war zones, much less to go to school, to take care of yourself, to do right by the people you love—that takes real courage. And that’s what they’re doing every day. They should be proud of that and know that they have the type of heart that can carry them wherever they want to go in life. If they can make it in Chicago, they can make it anywhere.

And Rhiana (who will begin her studies at Oxford in October) wasn't the only young, black and fabulous individual to be name a Rhodes scholar this year.  She will be joined by two other YBF ladies in her cohort.  According to the Journal of Blacks In Higher Education, 

Joy A. Buolamwini is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology, where she majored in computer science. She is currently working at the Carter Center in Atlanta. She has founded or co-founded three businesses. She plans on a degree in African studies at Oxford.

Nina M. Yancy is a senior at Harvard University where she majors in social studies. Yancy grew up in the Dallas area but her family recently moved to Chicago. Yancy has had internships at CNN, the Center for American Political Studies and in the British House of Commons. She is a member of the Harvard Ballet Company. She plans on pursuing a master’s degree in global health science as a Rhodes Scholar.

 

Congratulations to all of the ladies!

Photos via IWPR/Georgia Tech/Yancy

We've got the exclusive first listen of Omarion's newest track "Paradise."  Check out Maybach O getting his chopped and screwed on inside....

Now that Omarion's going for an older, more mature sound, he's released his explicit & sexy track "Paradise."  The Youngfyre-produced song opens with a chopped and screwed bar and continues with a beat strictly for the bedroom.  Or the strip club.  Depending on your mood.

O’s gearing up for a summer release of a new yet-to-be-titled album, and the tone of this record reflects what to expect.

Check out "Paradise" below as Omarion demands it face down....you know the rest....

Omarion's EP Care Package is available online now....

As she gears up for her wedding to fiance'Todd Tucker, Kandi Burruss is dishing her own marriage advice to TheYBF.com.  And also tells us a bit about the upcoming "Real Housewives of Atlanta" reunion show, if she's returning to the show, and why BRAVO is pissy she's suing Kim Zolciak.

The engaged Kandi Burruss has some marriage advice already.  And it's the smartest we've heard so far. 

"Well, I learned from housewives that I shouldn't be giving other people advice about their marriage," Kandi, in a yellow peplum Karen Millen dress, dished exclusively to TheYBF.com at the Atlanta premiere of Temptation this past Saturday.

She continued, "I felt bad [about how the girls treated co-star Porsha Sewart on the L.A. trip]. After I went back and watched it, I was like 'oh that was wrong'. My mama always said you're not supposed to speak on other people's marriages, so that's my advice.  Just mind your own business and don't be trying to talk about it to other people who are not married."

Duly noted, Kandi. 

Check out what else the singer/songwriter revealed to us about whether she'll return to "RHOA" and why she's going forth with this lawsuit against former co-star Kim Zolciak over "Tardy For The Party".

On if she's returning to "Real Housewives of Atlanta" for another season: You know what, this year I have to say, [this season] was a lot better. I mean we didn't have drama, it was more funny stuff to me. When Kim left the at the top of the season, it actually made things better for the rest of us. We had little things here and there, but it was cool. I'm not totally done with "Real Housewives", but at the same time I'm more excited for "Kandi Factory". Just because it's not about drama at all. It's about the music and me helping people. And I'm executive producer on that, so it's a little different.

On the controversy over her newest single "Stay Prayed Up": At times it made me feel really bad. But other times, I was just like, you know, I've gotten use to people having things to say. I was just doing what's true to me. I would like to do more Gospel, but at the same time, I don't think people are ready for that from me.

On last week's "RHOA" reunion taping: I had to sleep all day from Thursday. It was an all day training event, but it was cool.

On why BRAVO wouldn't Kandi speak on her lawsuit against Kim Zolciak at the reunion taping:  Well, [producers] don't want me to sue her.  You know when you're on a show together, they say you're not suppose to sue each other. But what I'm suing her for has nothing to do with the show.
 

Kandi, pictured above joking around at the premiere with her producer fiance Todd, will premiere "The Kandi Factory" spinoff on April 9th on BRAVO.

Photo: KingDomLos' Instagram

While promoting his new film Temptation, Lance Gross talked exclusively to TheYBF.com about his relationship with his hot stylist girlfriend, pictured above, Rebecca Jefferson, and if they are planning to walk down the aisle.  Get the deets inside...

Temptation star Lance Gross should have learned a thing or two about marriage after his latest intense role in the Tyler Perry flick.  So when we saw Mr. Gross looking so in love at Saturday night's Atlanta premiere, we had to ask if he's ready to jump the broom himself with girlfriend Rebecca Jefferson.

"That's big!" Lance dished to TheYBF.com on the red carpet."Not anytime soon, not anytime soon. I'm comfortable where I am. We're in a great place, we're in love, just taking it slow."

Awww.

Also, the busy actor told us about his newest role in an upcoming unnamed NBC series:

"I'm playing a secret service agent. It's a political, drama, action show. I'm playing a secret service agent, I'm working my first day on the President's son's detail, he get's kidnapped under my detail. So it's my responsibility. I won't tell you too much, but it's a lot of action."

And we can expect for him to take on another Tyler Perry flick in between in his TV gigs....if the script is good.  He revealed about his character this go-round:

My character Brice, he is a small town guy, he works very hard. He married his childhood sweetheart, played by Jurnee Smollett-Bell, whose character's name is Judith. In his relationship, he has kinda lost touch and got comfortable in his situation that he's in.  He stopped doing the things that he use to do. It's kind of like flat, so that's when the temptation comes in. This other guy played by Robbie Jones comes in the picture and shows her a whole new world.
 

Check out Lance Gross when Temptation hits theaters March 29th.

Photo: G Paras Photos

On Friday, reports hit the net that Torrei Hart and Kevin Hart have finalized their split...and the division of assets.  Ex-wife and comedienne Torrei is now telling TheYBF.com exclusively that the reports were wrong, there was NO pre-nup.  And she tells us all about the marital and divorce drama she's leaving in the past...

Yesterday's report from TMZ stated that Torrei received $175,000 and a car and jewelry in the divorce settlement with comedian Kevin Hart, all based on their supposed pre-nup.  Now, Torrei exclusively tells TheYBF.com that report was wrong.  She says there was absolutely NO pre-nup.  The court's decision on assets was mostly based on Torrei ending the courtroom battle.

Torrei tells us she simply ended the messy proceedings.  So messy that she physically attacked Kevin's divorce lawyer last year (said lawyer is interestingly now Torrei's attorney).

The ex-Mrs. Hart says during their almost 10 years of marriage, she helped Kevin (who now has a model girlfriend named Eniko) build his empire into what it is today, like many first wives do.  She claims that despite the Laugh At My Pain comic constantly spinning the divorce his way, she has decided to focus on her new career and the couple's two kids, Heaven& Hendrix.

Here's the REAL deal on what went down, according to our exclusive chat with the comedienne.

Torrei on the Marriage & Legal Woes: There was no pre-nuptial agreement. Kevin and I have known each other ever since we were very young, and we genuinely loved each other. I knew Kevin when we both had very little. We built our love, our marriage, our family, and the Hart Empire from scratch together.

On attacking Attorney Debra Opri: Many news outlets have chosen to spin Kevin and I’s divorce proceedings in many ways. The truth of the matter is, yes I did attack Debra Opri and I am unapologetic for my actions. No one wants to be painted falsely in a negative light. With the immense amount of legal and emotional pressure that I was under, I think almost anyone can understand. A majority of the court’s final decision came from me simply being tired of going to court and fighting battles over money and material things. I’m a hardworking black woman; I know how to hold my own. In the end, the legal drama and the money drama were not worth it. Ironically, Debra Opri, is my attorney now, and we are close acquaintances.

On Kevin Hart: Kevin is a great father to both of our beautiful children. Like all marriages, we’ve been through a lot together. At the end of the day, Kevin knows the truth. He knows that I was the strong woman by his side every step of the way. I am nowhere near perfect, and I can admit that I have flaws, but he knows what I’ve had to endure over the last several years. Although things have been up and down, Kevin and I are actually really good friends. I recently had a yacht birthday party (pictured above), and Kevin paid for everything. We have children together, and our goal is to make sure that we provide a nurturing environment for them at all costs.

On Future Plans: I am, and always have been in full work mode. I recently Executive Produced and acted a short film titled “Victim of Circumstance,” which is being submitted to several film festivals. I also create sketch comedy on my YouTube channel“PrettyFunnyFish” with my partner Simone Shepherd. Moreover, I plan on going full speed ahead into comedic, as well as, dramatic acting. I am no stranger to entertainment, and I know what it takes to be successful in this industry. I am currently in talks with a few networks and have some really big things coming down the pipeline that I am not at liberty to disclose as of yet…but The YBF will be the first to know as soon as I have the green light from my team to speak on it!

In a public statement yesterday via her PR rep, Torrei also revealed she isn't focusing on the cheating Kevin did during their marriage, because she's moving forward with the career she says he didn't allow her to have:

"I could go into detail about extra-marital affairs, and other problems that many American couples have, but I won’t. Some who’ve walked in these shoes would boast, 'I’ve lived the Diary of a Mad Black Woman… almost scene by scene,' but I won’t.

I am not disheartened by the way things have turned out. It is no surprise to me. Kevin has chosen to be very vocal with his spin on his affairs and life choices."

And she ended with a bit of positivity:

"Although a position of honor, I always knew I was destined to do & be more than the house-wife Kevin allowed me to be. I know the dreams and plans God has for me....

I, Torrei Hart, will be a pillar for hundreds of thousands of women who are afraid to live life after life with their wealthy and/or powerful husbands. Women are too often defined by the pocket-size of their “pocket-sized” husbands. We are desperate for more positive role-models who are living examples of women who work and hold our own while we are yet “good help” to a grateful husband."

So, there you have it.

Photos: Torrei's Instagram