The cast of BET's "The Game" celebrated the show's 100th episode and season six debut last night in NY.  TheYBF.com was on the scene, and we've got deets and pics from inside the premiere party.  Plus, watch the cast drop by "106 & Park"...

Last night, the cast of BET's hit scripted series, "The Game" host a swanky premiere party in New York City at the swanky Soho House.  The party celebrated last night's 100th episode which also doubled at the show's sixth season opener.  

The show's hilarious scene-stealer, Wendy Raquel Robinson, looked good in a blue cut-out sleeve jumper.  She thanked the attendees for their support of "The Game" over the years.  And Wendy, who runs a performing arts school called "Amazing Grace Conservatory," revealed at the party that her production company is working on a African-American centered remake of Alice in Wonderland. 

And Brandy posed with her sexy new co-star Jay Ellis. Jay gave a teary speech of gratitude to the audience where he thanked the fans for allowing him to nab this job for the last 8 months.

And Brandy (who also posed with former co-star Tika Sumpter), thanked the fans and spoke excitedly about the evolution of her "Chardonnay" character.  She'll be establishing a new bond with "Tasha Mack" this season.  And hopefully her character will learn some style sense.

The party was also attended by series regular Hosea Chanchez and BET's CEO Debra Lee.  

And earlier in the day....

The cast (Barry Floyd, Hosea, Lauren, Jay and Brandy) stopped by the set of "106 & Park" to talk about the changes their characters go through this year.

During the chat, the group congratulated Wendy on the success of Elle Varner, who was a former student at Wendy's performing arts school. 

Brandy gushed about her engagement and her role in the upcoming Temptation flick.

And Lauren got fab in white jeans with black piping, along with a mesh paneled biker jacket.

Watch the cast on "106 & Park" here:

Based off the premiere, we're not sure if this is still a comedy....and it seemed like one long infomercial for Instagram and Twitter.  But we're going to keep watching....

Photos via John Ricard/Courtesy of BET Networks/Instagram/Breanna Green of TheYBF.com

The 14-year-old daughters of Cash Money Records co-founder Bryan "Birdman" Williams aka "Baby" and Lil Wayne are adding their 2 cents to the family empire.  We've got Bria Williams and Reginae Carter's first official photoshoot for their brand new book under Cash Money Content...

The Instagram loving young & fun pre-teens have teamed up to pen a fictitious narrative of the adventures of two teen girls, called Paparazzi Princesses.  The youngins took their own experiences of the perks and disadvantages of growing up in spotlight, then wrote a book about it all.  But under fictitious names. It seems tobe the Cash Money Content theme as Evelyn Lozada did something similar with her "fictional" novel under the publshing company.

And since the girls have probably seen a lot of what goes on behind the curtain--especially with Reginae's mom Toya Wright starring in two reality shows--the novel is being written from a "fictional" standpoint.  Likely to protect the real life people involved.

Here's the synopsis: 

Instead of relying on Instagram and Twitter as most of their peers do, their story is told in their new novel "Paparazzi Princesses" through the characters of Kyla Jones and Promise Walker. On their journey to becoming their own women, the novel's main characters face their parent's high expectations, the pitfalls of being "unintentionally famous," and, most crucially, the trials and tribulations of high school, homework, crushes, and friendship that everyone goes through. A collaboration with author Karyn Langhorne Folan, it's bound to be a page-turner for teens and young adults everywhere.

Now check out their cute princess themed photoshoot:

Lil Wayne said about his baby girl's first book, "I've got to be honest. It's inspiring to see what these girls have done. It wasn't easy, and they did it all by themselves. 'Proud' doesn't even begin to describe how me and the 'Birdman' feel. I can't wait for everybody else to experience their story."

Birdman said about his little princesses, "There's no better feeling than watching Bria and Reginae make this dream come true. They took an idea, worked extremely hard, and brought it to life. It's the kind of story that everybody can feel, and it's only the start of much bigger things for these two wonderful young ladies."

Paparazzi Princesses comes out June 4th.  Gotta love the youngins.

"Love & War" singer Tamar Braxton spoke exclusively to TheYBF.com about juggling pregnancy and her burgeoning career. Find out how she does it inside.....

TheYBF.com attended a private viewing of "Braxton Family Values" with Tamar Braxton last night at the offices of Epic Records in NYC.  During our exclusive chat, the expectant diva dished about her pregnancy, her career and what she's learned about herself from watching "BFV".

With her song "Love & War" still high on the charts, Tamar says she's ready to juggle motherhood and an exciting recording career.

 "This is something I want to do.  My career is really taking off and I've been waiting for this opportunity all my life. And I don't want to miss one second of it.  I want to have my baby with me.  But I don't have to be at home."

Last season, "BFV" viewers watched as she struggled with fertility issues, but she jokingly revealed to us that she actually conceived her baby one "drunken" night. WOMP.

Though she wouldn't confirm if her good friend Tiny was correct when she blurted out that Tamar was expecting a baby boy on "Tiny Tonight", she did say that she would have a celebrity play date with T.I. and Tiny because she trusts Tiny with her baby. And when it comes to the Braxton sisters, she thinks Towanda would be the best babysitter because she's the most responsible.

We also talked about how she's grown personally over the past few years. Since filming "BFV" and "Tamar & Vince", she told us that she realized everything doesn't need a "comment."  And now that she watches her "comments", she's in a better place with her sisters.

She also talked about husband and manager Vince Herbert whom her sisters call her "velcro" because they're always together. She says they are celebrating their 10th anniversary this month.

Tamar was glowing in a short maternity dress which she paired with a black blazer and black Christian Louboutins.

She says she's been craving Apple Fritters from Dunkin Donuts since the pregnancy.

We also talked to producer LaShawn Daniels, the writer of "Love & War". He revealed that he's committed to Tamar's project because she's like family to him.

And for all the die-hard Tarmartians, Vince told us that Tamar's next single will be released in the next 2 to 3 weeks.

BONUS:

Watch a sneak peek of Tamar Braxton's performance from the BET's "CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL" which premieres Sunday, April 7th at 8:00 P.M. ET/PT on BET.

EXTRAS:

1.   Chaz Ebert released a statement about the death of her husband, film critic Roger Ebert saying, "I've lost the love of my life and the world has lost a visionary and a creative and generous spirit who touched so many people all over the world."Story.

Photos/Video by Shirley Vernae& Shayla Sommerville

Season 2 of "L.A. Hair" is on the way.  And we've got the exclusive first look at which celebs are popping up in new season, Kim Kimble and her team of stylists, and all that drama that goes down inside any given hair salon....

On this season of "L.A. Hair", Kim and her stylists work on high maintenance clients like Faith Evans, Michelle Williams, Fantasia, LisaRaye, LeToya Luckett, Vivica Foxx, Kyla Pratt and tons more.

And if you watched last season, you saw the typical salon drama of stylists backstabbing each other to be #1, a newbie stylist having the nerve to try to double cross her employer--Kim,  all the catty drama amongst the stylists.

And it's all continuing in season 2, except Kim's got a brand new salon.

Here's the first look at season 2:

The new season of "L.A. Hair" premieres on WeTV on June 6th.

The cast of "LAHH ATL" landed in New York to kick off the upcoming season of the show with cast favorites Stevie J, Joseline, Mimi Faust, K. Michelle and Erica Dixon in tow. See pics inside....

Joseline Hernandez...who showed up looking like she and Stevie just had a pimp-property conversation before they hopped out of the car...finally looked more lady like as she was on hand with her cast members to promote their show in NYC last night.

Mona Scott Young and her colorful cast of characters from season 2 of VH1's “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” attended a screening and press reception at Stage 48 in New York City last night.  And TheYBF.com was on site to take in all the foolery that ensued.

Mona posed it up with Mimi and Erica (above).

She also posed with "LAHH" star Yandy Smith and K. Michelle (who's rumored to be leaving the ATL and joining the NYC cast).  

Joseline, who went on to become one of the show's breakout stars if you want to call it that, showed off her assets.

And her boo Stevie J was there....still driving the bus.

Erica Dixon, in a sexy red dress, wasn't wearing an engagement ring but she confirmed to TheYBF that she and Lil' Scrappy are still engaged.   Mona later revealed that legal issues (meaning his checks getting garnished by people he owes) kept Scrappy grounded in Atlanta.  

Mimi Faust, who loves a good pop of color, also came to the press reception solo.  There was a little buzz once again that she's no longer with Nikko, the man she and K. Michelle argued about. 

Yandy seemed to be in good spirits considering that she's still going through some very troubling times with her baby's father Mendeecees and all of his legal issues.  Cute Louboutins though...

K. Foxx, who stars on Mona's other VH1 series, "The Gossip Game" looked foxy in a cheetah print jacket.

Angela Yee, also of "The Gossip Game" and Power 105.1's The Breakfast Club, interviewed Emily B.  No clue why she was there since she's adamant about not being a part of LAHH.  But maybe because she's appearing on the upcoming season of "Chrissy & Mr. Jones."

TV/Radio personality Ed Lover, who hosted the classic hip hop show, "MTV Raps", asked the cast a few questions.

During one "touching" moment, Mimi and K. Michelle made up after their blow-up this summer.

As Mona fielded questions from the press,  guests sipped on Myx Fusions moscato, Malibu Red and Ciroc.

 “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” premieres Monday, April 22 at 8pm ET/PT on VH1

Check out our one on one video interviews with the cast below:

TheYBF.com reported live from the scene were we spoke to Erica, Stevie, K. Michelle and Mona.  Erica told us that Shay is still a thorn in her side and is constantly trying to get Scrappy leave his family.  And she can't stand women like Shay.  K. Michelle told us she and Rasheeda don't get along because Rasheeda is very close friends with the man she accused of beating her (Memphitz). Stevie J said Joseline left the party early because he paid MiMi a compliment! And Mona talked to us about her upcoming Bravo show "Taking Atlanta" which focuses on people trying to achieve their dreams.  And she's also working on a film called "The Promise Keeper."

Photos via James Pray/Video by Shirley Vernae

TheYBF.com caught up with Tamar Braxton on the set of her upcoming video "The One", where she dished on being named one of the best dressed pregnant women, what she's craving and how she plans to raise her child. Find out what she said inside....

While shooting the video to her follow-up single "The One", Tamar Braxton, who hit it big with "Love And War",  "delivered" an exclusive interview to TheYBF.com's correspondent Lauren Smith  where she shared her candid feelings about being pregnant, what she's wearing, what she's eating and if she's packed a bag for the hospital!  She also revealed a "few" deets about her upcoming album. Here are the highlights:

On what it "feels" like to be pregnant:

I don't think any pregnancy is easy...people don't talk about that a lot. Everybody's like omg it's a gift, it's a blessing...it is! But it sucks!

On being named one of "Best Dressed Expectant Mothers":

I just dress to my liking. It's nothing that I'm doing purposely. Right now, I refuse to wear maternity clothes. You go through a bit of denial. I just think there are other things to wear rather than big t-shirts and clothes that make you feel unflattering. When you're pregnant, you want to feel as sexy as you can....and that is my goal!

On who she's wearing:

I call it my "maternity" McQueen...because a lot of his things are stretchy. A lot of BCBG. I refuse to wear anything uncomfortable.

On her cravings:

I still like sweet stuff. I'm like greedy Gonzales now (and she still loves Dunkin Donuts apple fritters).

On what she will take to the hospital:

It won't be anything high fashion...it will all be comfortable clothes. (And she hasn't packed a baby bag yet!)

On how she will raise her child:

I think if I follow her blueprint (her mom Evelyn) I'll be alright. My parents did a great job raising us. We've grown up to respect our parents and respect others. We get into little tiffs but we always make up. Those are the values I'd like to instill in my child.

On her next single:

This single...I love it so much. It's a throwback single...it's one of those summertime anthems.  As so as you hear it....you'll love it.

On her leading man:

He's yummy right? He's kind of yummy in a creepy way cause he looks like my brother and my brother's son.

On her album:

My album comes out soon. It's done. It's ready. (She doesn't want to give a date because it keep s changing).

On who she's listening to:

Fantasia, Kelly Rowland, and Miguel 

Check out a few flicks from the set:

Tamar posed with director Gil Green who's helming "The One."

And her husband/manager Vincent Herbert was right by her side....like velcro.

And Tamar was right....her leading man is yummy!

Photos via PCN/TheYBF.com 

LaTocha Scott is going hard on her comeback tip with a new role on "R&B Divas" and a brand new single.  And TheYBF.com has the exclusive premiere of her new single "Show Off" inside....

She was always THE voice of Xscape, and now that LaTocha is embarking on her solo career, the world will get to see the fab chick's true talent.

For her brand new comeback single "Show Off", LaTocha is upping the sexy factor and dished on getting in the "bad chick" state of mind:

"The song evokes passion and delivers an aggressive approach on what a woman wants from her man.  Most women suppress these feelings and won't express but I'm saying everything and then some."
 

LaTocha's giving a peek into her bad girl habits with lines like:

Kissing in the parking lot,I can't wait, let's get started in the car

I'm being a bad girl, I'ma tell you right now, I'm a show off...

While the Atlanta diva still has the soulful voice we loved from the 90's, she's showing us how much she's changed in other ways with this feisty new track and a hot new role on season 2 of TV One's hit reality show R&B Divas (premiering tonight on TV One at 10p EST.

This is shaping up to be a classic R&B summer.  Check out LaTocha 'put it down' on "Show Off" below...

It's the SUMMER OF GATSBY EXPERIENCE!

Washington, D.C. area YBF readers are invited to an EXCLUSIVE, YBF ONLY screening on May 7th of one of the biggest movies hitting theaters this spring/summer.  RSVP's open MONDAY, May 6th, 10am EST right here on TheYBF.com.  Check out how to be FIRST inside....

TheYBF.com has teamed up with Allied Media & Warner Bros. to host a screening for The Great Gatsby, exclusively for D.C. area YBF readers! 

With Jay-Z at the helm of the soundtrack, which also has plenty of YBF artists featured like Beyonce, Andre 3000 and more, it's only right that YBF readers get an advanced screening of the film (opening nationwide May 10th).

The first 200 D.C. area YBF readers to RSVP on Monday, May 6th at 10AM (as well as being one of the first 200 RSVPers to ARRIVE at the event on May 7th) will attend YBF's exclusive screening in D.C. at the AMC Georgetown Theater! 

And there's more...

The first 30 YBF readers to RSVP will ALSO be admitted to YBF's exclusive pre-screening VIP cocktail Tastemaker reception at the Ritz Carlton Georgetown!

RSVP's OPEN: Monday, May 6th 10am EST ON TheYBF.com

YBF's Summer of Gatsby Experience VIP Cocktail Reception: May 7th, Ritz Carlton Georgetown | Degrees Bistro, 5:30pm-7:00pm
YBF's Exclusive The Great Gatsby Movie Screening: May 7th, AMC Loews Georgetown, 7:00pm-10:00pm

The RSVP form will be posted Monday, May 6th at 10am right here on TheYBF.com.  RSVPs WILL fill up in minutes.  So RSVP EARLY!

ONLY 200 YBF readers will be admitted to the screening as this is the theater's capacity.  You MUST be a D.C. Area resident to RSVP.

GOOD LUCK!

The RSVP List for YBF's exclusive screening of "The Great Gatsby" in Washington, D.C. hit capacity in 10 minutes!  So IF you were amongst the first 200 people to RSVP, you have just been sent a confirmation email (to your email on form) with IMPORTANT instructions.  CHECK YOUR INBOX & SPAM!

And remember, in addition to making the RSVP list, you MUST ALSO be amongst the first 200 people in line on May 7th at the actual screening.  The FIRST 30 readers who RSVP'd also received notice--in their confirmation email--of entry into the VIP cocktail reception!

If you were completely unable to submit the form, this means the form closed before your submission (because the event reached its max).

RSVP's are for one (1) person per RSVP.  At the request of Warner Bros., a few more RSVPs were taken than there are seats.  This is to ensure a full house.  So get there early!

See you Tuesday, May 7th!

We met her in her first starring role as the cute teen everyone had a crush on during "The Parent 'Hood" TV show back in 1995.  Now, Reagan Gomez is 33, a wife of 14 years, a mom to two ridiculously cute kids, and one of the feistiest (politically) chicks we know on Twitter.  And while she expands her acting career into the world of creating her own web series around black actors, she's had to fight to win the struggle of every working mom: Being the best available mom to your kids while simultaneously giving your best to your career.

In a special Mother's Day post for TheYBF.com, Reagan dishes on how she wins that 'working mom' battle in the acting world...

Reagan Gomez (pictured above in the studio where she creates her webseries "Almost Home") pens her own advice, exclusively for TheYBF.com, about how she and other mothers can beat the working mom struggle:

Being a mom has totally changed my perspective on many things...including the business.  Having my children has really inspired me and given me the courage to get behind the camera.

I had my daughter, Scarlett, after my last tv show (Love, Inc.) ended (in 2006), and I immediately got "The Cleveland Show" which gave me SO much time at home with she and my son, Tyger, who's now 2.  I never want to give that up.  Ever.  My family comes first.

I feel like so many women in the business have to put LIFE on hold, because we're always waiting for that part that might change our lives.  I'm glad I decided to live my life.  Career and work will always be there.  My real blessing in life is my amazing husband and beautiful family.

-Reagan Gomez

Smart words from one of the most fab actress moms we know.  Reagan, who's joining the cast of TV One's "Love That Girl" next season, also relived the days of her second pregnancy as she showed her fans a never-before-seen pic with her two babies:

She said, "Nothing better than posting a, "ready to pop" preggers pic for Mother's Day, as you slide into your skinny jeans. I was 8 months in this avi.  And lemme tell you.....I'm getting heartburn all over again just looking at this Avi! Lolol! Ladies, we go through a lot. Love being a mom!

And you can check out the latest installment of her webseries, "Almost Home", with this episode featuring Jackie Long:

Check out lots more cute pics of Scarlett & Tyger:

Adorbs!

Happy Mother's Day all!

Photos: Reagan Gomez

KeKe Wyatt has made a fab comeback on the music scene, thanks to starring on the hit TV One show "R&B Divas" and keeping those talented pipes in tip-top condition.  She can still sing circles around most chicks in the business, even after mothering 6 kids and being a wife to her husbandger.

And for Mother's Day, KeKe tells us how amazing motherhood is even with a basketball team of kids, and how even the most annoying times lead to the most love....

In an open letter exclusively written for TheYBF.com, the fabulous KeKe Wyatt is dishing the real deal about juggling a load of sweet kiddies, an R&B career, and all that's good and bad in between.  The 31-year-old, who made everyone take notice in 2000 with her collabo with Avant, "My First Love" (that she recorded when she was just 15!), birthed 5 of her kids and is also stepmom to her husband Michael's kiddie from a previous relationship.

KeKe may have caused a bit of controversy with her stuck-at-the-hip style relationship with her hubby of three years during season 1 of "R&B Divas" (shown above during recent filming), but her mommyhood skills are nothing short of admirable.  The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence spokeswoman opens up candidly about the joys and realness of motherhood in her open letter below:

I thank God every day for blessing me with the greatest gift of all, my children. Anyone who really knows Keke Wyatt will tell you the one thing that I do not play about are my children honey. Most of you only know me as an artist or from R&B Divas ATL, but before any of that; I am “mommy” first. I come from a history of large families. My mother has 8 brothers and sisters and my father had 4 sisters; who in the world would ever think that I would have 6 of my own, Lord Jesus. Bean 13, Poopy 11, Makayla 9, Mimmi 4, Ke’mar 2, and Wyatt who will be 1 this month all have brought unspeakable joy to my life. Please don’t get it twisted I only have 2 baby daddies of whom I was and am married to now…BOOM! I know y’all thinking, “Dang Brady Bunch; no ma’am more like Wyatt-Ford Bunch.”…. lol

Sometimes I find it hard to put into words just how I feel about my children. No Shade but sometimes my kids do get on my nerves but they are my hun buns and they are the center of my life. As a mother, every holiday is a proud moment because I get to see the smiles on their faces. There are times I do feel a little guilt because my profession requires me to be on the road so much and miss quality time with my family. Thankfully my children know that mommy is always available to them even when I am not near them. Thank God for technology, because it allows me to stay in constant communication whether by skype, tango, or by phone. Once I return home I devote all of my time and energy to them. I truly thank God for my gift and the blessings that it has afforded me. Knowing and working in an industry that can be cruel and judgmental, my children provide just the amount of peace I need when times get really rough. Honey, I don’t know what I would do without my babies, every last one of them. I am honored to be able to wake up every day and hear my teeny weenys say, “Mommy”… OkaaaaaY!!!!

-KeKe Wyatt

Check out more pics of KeKe rocking her reality show work and her mommy work below:

With co-star Faith Evans

Her kiddies with co-star Syleena Johnson's son (far left)

Sweet!

Happy Mother's Day all!

Photos: KeKe Wyatt

TheYBF.com has an exclusive sneak peek of tonight's episode of "The Game."  And say it aint so!  Is Tasha Mack choosing Rick Fox over Pookie?  Check the clip inside...

In our exlcuisve sneak peek of tonight's (5/14) episode of "The Game," Rick Fox, Tasha Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson), and Chardonnay (Brandy) are all in the car....sneaking since Tasha can't be see out in the open solo with Rick.

Rick confesses his love for Tasha and it SEEMS Tasha agrees to let Pookie go.  But is that what's really going to go down?  We shall see.  Check out the preview below, and tune in tonight at 10p/9c on BET.

The show's mid-season finale wraps on May 21st.

Zoe Saldana hit NYC last night to chat up the press about her upcoming flick, Star Trek Into Darkness. Check out what she revealed to the crowd about passing her hard work ethic down to her niece, why she doesn't accept small money, and why she never wants to retire...

The 34-year-old beauty has been making major promo rounds lately for the new Star Trek flick.  And TheYBF.com hit up the intimate Q&A session & screener in NYC last night where Zoe dished training hard for her role as Uhura and why she'll never stop working.  And she'll keep rocking these blockbuster films until it doesn't make her happy anymore.

"I never want to retire," Zoe told the crowd. "What am I going to do, gardening? I want to keep growing, I'll always need to learn something, someone will always want me to teach them something. I'm always going to be evolving in my career. Right now, I've finally found something that makes me happy. I've been doing this for over 10 years and it makes me happy. And the moment this business doesn't make happy, I am going to do something else."

Zoe doesn't believe in the word "celebrity" because she works her ass off for what she gets.  And she's not going the easy route of some "celebs" and sleeping with a producer for the role.

 "Words like celebrity don't exist.  If you're in it for game, get out of it. It's always a producer to shag."

She also spoke about who she would groom in this business--and it's her niece. But Zoe's not tolerating any slacking whatsoever.  And no small wages for hard work. She said:

"I have a 10 year old niece so I would want to share with her and hope she got good experiences out if it.  I'm very Latino. And [the reputation of us] working for 40 years like an animal and getting a 14 year old's wage is old. It's capitalism. We've been somebody since the day we were born. You can be anybody. You are just one person and you're unique. If my niece one day wants to be an actress, she will work her ass off. I work my ass off.  And when I get freebies, I deserve them."

Well said Zoe.

Check out more pics of Ms. Saldana chatting up the pres with host Lola Ogunnaike of ARISE TV:

Star Trek Into Darkness is in theaters NOW.

Photog: Stephen Knight

Chicago native Jeremih has offered up yet another sexy street track.  And this time, it's his completely remixed, chopped & screwed version of "R.I.P."  We've got the exclusive first listen inside...

The "Birthday Sex" crooner has been dropping street singles and mixtape buffers for a couple of years now.  And even though he seems to be trying to take The Dream's crown of reprising that high pitched, R.Kelly bedroom sound, it's something different about this guy that we're feelin'.

His newest street track "All The Time" (def on our summer playlist) appeared on his newest mixtape Late Nights with Jeremih, but was re-released when rapper Lil Wayne added a verse to the song recently.

And now, as he gears up to drop his Thumpy Bumper studio album, he completely remixed Jeezy's "R.I.P." club (and thug) anthem to become a bedroom banger.  Check out the street single that won't be appearing on the album below...

For our special Father's Day feature, actor Pooch Hall chatted exclusively with TheYBF.com about raising his three children (ages ages 16, 9 and 6) and the important role fathers play in family structure.  Find out what he said inside and get deets on his new Showtime series "Ray Donovan."

Actor Pooch Hall, who rose to fame on BET's "The Game" and is gearing up for a flashy new role oin the upcoming Showtime series "Ray Donovan." According to theshow's press release, Pooch plays Darryl, a young fighter who trains at a boxing gym owned by Ray Donovan's (Liev Schreiber) brother Terry (Eddie Marsan). One of the series' main plotlines revolves around the dynamics among the male characters, once it's discovered that Ray's father Mickey Donovan (Jon Voight), is also the biological father of Darryl.

With the dynamics of fatherhood running throughout his latest series, we though it's be a great idea to chat with Pooch about his thoughts on fatherhood, the best part about being a dad, and moving on from "The Game."

On becoming a father:

I became a daddy to my younger brother - first.  When my parents were divorced, we lived with my dad.  And as an older brother, I had to help around the house.  I sorta assume the role while my dad was at work.  I had to hold it down.  To be honest, that was probably like my first taste of fatherhood.

On a father's role in the family:

I think a father is very imortant in the sense that he offers a male perspective and a male structure to the family household. I think it's important for a man to be in a child's life because he can touch on some things that moms may not be familiar.  That's why you have a mom and a dad.  I wish it was like that for a lot of familes.  Shout out to single moms.  

On leaving "The Game":

My contract had ended and BET said we're gonna get you on for season 6.  I literally booked "Ray Donovan" a week out.  And when we were making my deal with Showtime, they knew how strong my fan based was so.....they said you still can work over at "The Game."  And when I went back to BET with news and was like let's make this work, they didn't return my phone calls or emails...Everyone was like why'd you'd leave "The Game" and I was like I didn't leave..."It was hurtful.  I felt that we all made "The Game" what is it today."

Since departing "The Game", Pooch said he watched the first few episodes of the show (he's still friendly with his former castmates) but is focusing his energy on "Ray Donovan".     

Watch Pooch Hall dish on his new role here:

"Ray Donovan" debuts on Showtime on June 30th.

We've always thought he was a major cutie...and majorly talented in the acting arena.  And now, he's breaking changing it up and heading into the music space.  Actor Tristan Wilds is releasing a new album under a new name to match his new 'New Jack Swing' image.  

Meet "Mack" Wilds inside...

Last night, TheYBF.com joined a select group of New York tastemakers who were treated to the new music styling of actor Tristan Wilds.  But something was a little different.  Actually....everything was different.  From the bandana to the tattoos to the gold jewelry, Tristan, who rose to fame on "90210" and in Red Tails, entered the room as "Mack", a sexy New Jack Swing-inspired crooner.  And he's giving us a new fresh face on the music scene.

He's even got folks like Method Man, Ne-Yo and Rico Love supporting the switch up.

We chatted exclusively with Mack (we gotta go with the new music name now) during his recent listening party at the NY hotspot Stash.  And he opened up about the name change, how his music has evolved and making the transition from acting to singing. 

TheYBF: Why was it important to you to reveal under a different name and it be a surprise?

Mack: Mack isn't a different name I've been called Mack since I was a baby. Google "Mack wells" and my name will come up. Mack has always been me, it's my family's name for me

Tell what inspired the album.

Mack: This album is about summertime and love in summertime, girls I've had and lost. Everything I wrote is real and a lot of girls will be hurt by this.

What was the biggest transition from acting to singing?

Mack: The biggest transition would have to be timing. Finding time to dedicate to both parts, to both sides. The acting and the music, other than that everything is pretty easy. I've been wanting to do this since I was a kid and you know every time I get in the studio with Salaam it's magic.

We see you have Method Man on this album and Ne-Yo wrote some songs.  Who would an ideal feature be for your next album?

Mack: Anybody who was willing to sit in the studio together and make things happen...like Kanye. There's a bunch of people I would like to see.

Are there any diss tracks on this record?

Mack: No diss records, just real talk.

Is singing the best way for you to express how you feel?

Mack: Yes, yes and writing...the music, making a creation of it and seeing it come alive right before your very eyes. I think that's the biggest buzz for me. Being able to create something that people can relate to later on in life

How much of the album did you write yourself?

Mack: The majority of it, yeah.

Power 105 radio personality Angela Yee was there to support.
  

Mack's debut album New York: A Love Story was produced and written By Salaam Remi& Ne-Yo and will be released this fall.

Though we've heard Tristan's music before, his new hip hop-fused tracks are sure to open him up to a new audience. And we have to admit, we're loving "Own It."  But tell us if you're feelin' it.  Check it out below...

Photos via Shirley Vernae

TheYBF.com got the latest on the ongoing drama with fab chicks like Kenya Moore (who was rocking Kandi's dress from the latest reunion show)...and we got some dish from a few of our fave artists and actresses on their upcoming projects.  Find out what Lala Anthony said about her bff Kim Kardashian and North West.  Also, watch Melanie Fiona sing the praises of Drake inside...

During the 2013 BET Awards, TheYBF.com was live on the red carpet with our L.A. correspondent Kourtney "K-Rich" Richard getting all in everybody's fashion and their personal business.

While on the red carpet, we spoke with rapper Rasheeda, who's very pregnant and dealing with some serious relationship drama with her husband and manager Kirk Frost (who was hiding in the cut until we called him out).  Though Kirk has spoken out about their drama, and we've watched it play out on "LAHH ATL", Rasheeda talk to us exclusively and gave us an update.  

"We'll just keeping it 100, I wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the work that we do together as husband and wife.  So we have to work together to make everything work like it needs to.   We are......I'm making him work hard to get it back where it needs to.  He's really trying....."

Kirk chimed in, "I'm here supporting Rasheeda....just standing on the sideline and let her do her job.  I'm right here".

We also caught up with Lala Anthony who was fresh off the set of Think Like a Man Too. She talked to us about Kim Kardashian and her baby girl North West.

"I have not seen the baby becuase I've been in Vegas working and I haven't had a day off.  But I talk to Kim everyday and she's doing great."

And Canadian songstress Melanie Fiona stopped by and reflected on writing her hit song "I've Been That Girl" with Drake. When asked if they'd ever work together again she said, "I'd love to do a song with Drake.  I loved being able to work with him on the writing behind the scenes thing. Anything he wants to do on wax....I'm there."

Singer Luke James talked to us about going on tour with "The Queen" as he called her, Beyonce, and mentioned that his new single "I.O.U." (Remix) featuring Wale is out. (Check it here.) He's also starring in Black Nativity with Mary J. Blige and Jennifer Hudson.   

And we got to talk to a few of the Best Man Holiday cast about what to expect from the sequel!

Watch our exclusive red carpet chat with your faves below:

Video by Steven Baffo / On Camera Correspondent -- Kourtney Richard

Photo: HipHollywood.com

In conjunction with her brand new album, Rebellious Soul (dropping August 13th), singer K.Michelle has decided to turn her past abusive experiences into a campaign about fighting back.  And several women have already joined in to tell their stories about the negativity they are "rebelling against." 

Get the exclusive details as TheYBF.com helps K. launch this positive campaign, and find out how YOU can join too....

K. Michelle has been working with the organization Saving Our Daughters for over a year and a half.   Now the organization, which aids women in dealing with past negative experiences so their lives are not shaped by them, is helping K.Michelle with her own efforts at helping women, her REBEL AGAINST Campaign.

TheYBF.com has also joined K.Michelle in being a portal for exclusive assets that promote the campaign and your one stop shop for where to receive information on how to join.  And we'll also be posting the stories of women who have taken control and REBEL AGAINST negativity in their lives.  Check back at TheYBF.com's K. Michelle REBEL AGAINST page often.

Check out K.'s first video above where she gives you a sneak peek into the campaign. You can join the campaign by uploading your own story on her TUMBLR page.

K. has also penned a letter to telling HER truth about how her past caused her to live a life of hurt.  And that hurt often played out publicly with dramatic outbursts.  Now, she has now made a commitment to heal, change and evolve into a stronger woman.  And she tells why she is taking a stance in her own life...and why you should too.

Life is filled with so many unpredictable turns. At times, it presents hurdles and road blocks that can sometimes throw us off of our course. But, it’s the way we look at those moments and use them to make us stronger that determines our outcome. This is something I’ve learned over time. From day one, I’ve been honest. A part of that was my commitment to my fans. The sense of responsibility I felt I had to people who were growing and changing just as much as I was. The other part was my own healing. Every time I shared my truth, it took me one step closer to my personal freedom. And once I saw that this was the way to total deliverance, I promised myself that I would ALWAYS keep it real. Some people told me I was lying. They said that what I was sharing didn’t happen the way I remembered. And through that time I had to dig deep in order to continue pressing. When I was the only one fighting for me.

Today my life has changed. I’m no longer the woman I was before. I continue to evolve each day into someone I can be proud of. But my commitment to the truth and to my fans will NEVER change. The “Rebel Against” campaign isn’t just a marketing piece of my album puzzle. It is my life mantra. I encourage every human being to take a stance against anything that gets in the way of their personal evolution. I’ve been blessed with a worldwide platform and I intend to use it to bring liberty to anyone that needs a partner or a champion. I appreciate TheYBF.com for allowing me to share not only my story, but those of the lovely ladies you will see over the next few weeks. These brave souls came through the Atlanta based “Saving Our Daughters” organization (insert website). Each one shared their truth with the same goal of empowering others.

Let each one encourage you. Know that I am here for you! For more information on the “Rebel Against” Campaign, visit The My Rebellious Soul Tumblr Page.

We have the first look at Caroline Paris who has already joined the campaign. She rebels against depression, specifically related to suicide:

Visit TheYBF.com's K. Michelle REBEL AGAINST Campaign page often for new stories!  And upload your own HERE.

TheYBF.com is all over the steamy (literally...it's hot as hell) scene down at the New Orleans 2013 Essence Festival.  And last night, we caught up with Brandy after her first ever appearance on the Essence stage at the Superdome.  

Check out our exclusive chit chat inside...

Fresh off the Superdome stage Friday night, Brandy took a minute to dish on what exactly it felt like to tear down the stage in front of over 40,000 people.  And for a first timer, she did pretty damn well.

The super excited "Wildest Dreams" singer was still over the moon after her 45-minute 20+ song set.  She told YBF correspondent Kalia:

"I'm just blessed. I've never been at the Essence Festival, so to be here for the first time, to perform, to share this moment with my family and friends….it's freaking amazing. God is good….why don't I just say it…YBF…it's GREAT!"

And as for who she was looking forward to spending the rest of the night watching, the now engaged Temptation actress put on a girlish grin about a certain sexy crooner who also performed last night:

"I saw Maxwell in the back…I got me some tickets…I want to see everybody."

We know that's right B!

Check out video of our chat with the fabulous Brandy below:

Photo: TheYBF.com, Video: Kalia Silva

The "R&B Divas: L.A." cast took over the London Hotel in West Hollywood last night to celebrate the screening of the premiere (the actual premiere is tonight!) of their brand new TV One spinoff show.  TheYBF.com was on the scene and found out lots of info about the ladies.  Check out what the ladies told us about this upcoming season, plus some inside dish that went down at the event....

They're still fab...and they can still sing circles around more than a few of your new-age faves.  Last night, Dawn Robinson, Michel'le, Lil Mo, Chante Moore, Claudette Ortiz & Kelly Price banded together to kick off the new season of their show "R&B Divas: L.A.".

Dawn, who rocked a dress by 80 Karat, was pretty tightlipped about all the En Vogue drama with her losing the rights to the other ladies to use the name.  But we asked about the drama anyway.

“I can’t tell too much," she told TheYBF.com's correspondent Lauren.  "What I went through with En Vogue. Not putting the girls down but just telling the truth and the facts about what happened to me. I was the courageous one to speak up and because of that, I got ousted. Anytime you’re a whistleblower, you’re a problem.”
 

Chante Moore, looking hot (yes, we're letting her slide on that prom hair full of Pump-It-Up spritz) in a white deep plunging peplum dress and silver Jimmy Choo heels, hopped on the mic at the event to blow people away with her voice that still sounds amazing. 

She was also spotted hugged on and sitting on the lap of a mystery man.  Looks like the twice-divorced diva has moved on once again.  Chante's got a NEW man at home....

Michel'le posed it up in green with Exec. Producer Phil Thornton.  And she also hit the stage to prove that she's still got it live.

But when we attempted to ask the "Something In My Heart" singer about her ex Dr. Dre and his controversy with donating boatloads of money to USC...her NEW boyfriend came in and shut it all down.  Hmmm....we guess she's gone from bossy Suge Knight to yet another bossy fella.  She certainly has a type.

And when we asked her what her purpose for doing the show was, she sid she's just trying to get in where she fits in.

“I just want to let you get to know me because I’ve been dormant for so long," she told us."Longer than any of the other women.”
 

Lil Mo shimmered to the event in a gold & silver sequin mini dress.  After picking up her whole family and hauling them from Maryland to L.A. to switch her career from radio back to music, it seems like a great move for her.

Mo dished to TheYBF.com about her transition saying:

“I’m just a real chick so I’m going to keep it real the whole time. You’ll see my children driving me crazy. You’ll see me reintroducing myself to the music industry and this is a great platform. There’s so much more of my story to tell, how I balance moving to LA from Baltimore, four children, and my husband. You’ll see how I make it work.

Radio is theater of the mind and television is theater in real life. A lot of people liked my personality from being on the radio so now they get to see what they used to hear. And I’m really excited about that.”

Original "R&B Divas" from the initial Atlanta series, Faith Evans (she's a producer on the spinoff too) & Nicci Gilbert, hit up the event to show their support.

And City High's Claudette Ortiz is looking as gorgeous as ever:

Looks like she's come out of hiding with a BANG.  And on the premiere episode which we got to see, you'll see how she backed away from the music business after a couple of failed relationships and having kids, including a relationship with her former bandmate.  She's now a hot MAMA.

Kelly Price, wearing a dress by Knits by Wayne Daniels, is essentially the "Faith Evans" of the group as she tries to get all the girls to perform one big show together.  But the curvy singer has her own agenda for appearing on the show as well.  She tells us she's working with the Curve Your Evolution company to launch a line of jeans for plus size women. The launch will be in New York this October.
 

Kelly, who said she would love to work with singer Bridget Kelly, told us,"Every girl deserves a pair of jeans to feel sexy in.”

But that's not all she's up to.  She's got a new reality show she's doing called "Too Fat For Fame."

She tell us: “Think American Idol meets big Brother. Actors, dancers, models, etc... It's an unscripted reality series and a platform for people who are overweight. Those people who are talented and have doors slammed in their faces because they don’t fit the mold. That is my story today, that was my story 21 years ago, it was my story when it came to start looking for a record deal, and even now. I’ve been turned away from things because I’m too big. But I’ve been blessed. I’ve broken a lot of barriers. With that, I have a responsibility.”
 

Comedienne Torrei Hart made her way tot he event looking cute.

And fellow comedienne Luenell was also there.

Good luck to the ladies on a successful premiere.  Based on the first episode, the show is definitely an interesting one to watch.

Photos: TheYBF.com/ Brittney Butler for LoreneJanae/Getty