TheYBF.com was front and center all over the 2013 Essence Fest where we chatted with Will Packer about his wedding proposal, Soledad O'Brien, Estelle,Blair Underwood and more.  Watch our exclusive wrap-up inside including our interviews with celebs, straight from the scene...

Over the past few days, TheYBF.com brought you tons of coverage from down in New Orleans for the 2013 Essence Music Festival.  From the afterparties and award shows to what happened on the mainstage and the celebs we ran into around the city....we took you there.  

In between some good drinks and good food, TheYBF.com's Correspondent Kalia Silva chatted it up with some of our fave YBF celebs like Taraji P. Henson, Estelle, and Blair Underwood.  We also spotted Kevin Hart clowning around with singer Trey Songz.

Estelle told us that she felt honored to be at Essence because,"It's just a celebration of our people." 

And journalist Soledad O'Brien revealed to us that she's crushing on Maxwell (aren't we all?).  She said,"He is my big crush.  We tweet back and forth all the time and my husband is absolutely fine with it."

Plus, Blair Underwood pretty much fell in love with Jill Scott after her performance.  "That's worth the price of admisson.  I can go home now....but I won't."

Film producer Will Packer gave us all the details on how he pulled off that big proposal to his fiancee, Heather Hayslett, on the main stage in front of thousands (in between performances from Jill Scott and Maxwell).  On why he did it so publcly, it was really to save time on having to tell all their friends & family.  Ha!

"Back in the day, we would have had to call everybody. When I tell you, we didn't have to call one person."

So how did Will pick the perfect ring?

"This is how you do it fellas.  Over a year ago, in conversation, I heard her talk about someone else's ring and I got her to say what she liked."

The pretty Heather told us,

"I was completely surprised.  I had no idea.  He got ready to go on stage....I'm think he's going to talk about his movies.  He says I'm gonna take you with me.  And I'm like, take me with you?  And I knew once we got on stage...something's about to go down!"

And besides his engagement, Will, at the helm of the Think Lke A Man Too sequel and has signed a two year deal to develop television projects for Universal Television.  That's BIG!

Congrats to the happy couple!

Check out our full wrap up video and the proposal deets below:

Video by Kalia Silva(host/editor)/Chris Mitchell/Mia Hall

Photo: Chris Mitchell/CME 3000

"Let's Stay Together" actress Kyla Pratt guest stars on this week's episode of "L.A. Hair".  Watch a sneak peek inside.....

TheYBF.com has an exclusive sneak peek of tomorrow night's (Thursday's) episode of "L.A. Hair" starring sitcom actress Kyla Pratt.  On the episode, celeb hair stylist Kim Kimble styles hair for the Kevan Hall fashion show and "Let's Stay Together" star Kyla Pratt stops by the salon prior to an event she's attending.   But she misses all the drama.

Here's a couple of videos with new mom Kyla hitting up her same hairstylist since she was 13 (any YBF chick knows not to switch up stylists when you've got a good one) and talking about being a positive role model in Hollywood.

“L.A. HAIR” airs Thursday, July 11th at 9PM ET/PT on WeTV.

Photos via WeTV

Don't mess with Vivica Fox's wigs!  The actress gave stylist China a little READ on tonight's (7/25) episode of "L.A. Hair".  And we've got the exclusive sneak peek inside...

Vivica Fox lost her edges cool on tonight's episode of "L.A. Hair."  And it was all because a stylist wasn't up to par when it came to her professionalism of getting the wig styling done on time for a shoot.

As we all know, Aunt Viv launched her Vivica Fox Hair Collection a few years ago.  So, for her most recent promo shoot, Vivica took her wiggery to celeb hairstylist Kim Kimble's folks so they could work their magic.  And stylist China made Viv fly into a controlled rage when she showed up late and completely unprepared for the shoot.

Check out a clip below:

"L.A. Hair" airs tonight at 9p/8C on WeTV!

The Randomness:

1. Kanye West will NOT be prosecuted for felony attempted robbery after his latest paparazzi attack.  STORY

2.  10 black ex-"American Idol" contestants are suing over racism that they claim happened on several seasons of the show.  STORY

Mariah Carey is co-starring in the upcoming buzz worthy flick Lee Daniels' The Butler.  And during the recent press conference, she detailed a racist act she suffered from during the Civil Rights era as a child of mixed heritage.

Find out her shocking reveal inside...

The entire cast of The Weinstein Company's Lee Daniels' The Butler was presentat the press conference at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Monday in NYC.  And TheYBF.com was on hand to participate in the momentous event.

With big wigs like co-star Oprah giving their take on their own experiences during the Civil Rights era--the time period that the movie takes place during--it was Mariah's story that surprised many in the room.

When Oprah asked fellow co-star Yaya Alafia about a scene in the film where she gets spit on in her face, Mariah chimed in about her own real life experience.

The "#Beautiful" singer revealed that her Irish American mother was active in the Civil Rights movement, and that she, a young MiMi, was spit on as a young child while on the school bus.  MiMi revealed unexpectedly:

"That scene just Oprah, when you brought it up, I really had to thank you because that actually happened to me."

Oprah asked if she was actually spit on like in the film, and Mariah (dramatically) confirmed it happened in exactly the same way. 

"I know that people would be in shock or not want to believe or accept that, but it did happen.  So it's like, that right there was almost the deepest thing to me in the movie."

Mariah also discussed her biracial upbringing and the issues her family faced.  She revealed that her mother was the one who had to physically go to purchase their home.  Since her dad is black, they believed major issues would have surfaced had he gone himself, making it impossible to purchase.

Sounds like a few stars of the film can personally relate to certain unfortunate aspects of the powerful film.  So it's no surprise Oscar buzz is surrounding Forest Whitaker& Oprah Winfrey already.

Lee Daniels' The Butler hits theaters August 16th.

Photo: Getty Images

Singer Michelle Williams guest stars on this week's episode of "LA HAIR" as Kim Kimble teams up with photographer Derek Blanks for her upcoming album cover. Watch exclusive show clips from tonight's episode inside.....

On tonight's episode of"LA HAIR", viewers head down to Atlanta to watch "If We Had Your Eyes" singer Michelle Williams gearing up for her Journey To Freedom album cover shoot.

In our sneak peek clips, which you can only see on TheYBF.com, famed celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble nicknames herself the "weave blower" and uses an actual leaf blower to get Michelle's weave blowing in all the right directions (as she jumps on a trampoline!). Famed photographer Derek Blanks (shown above) also appears tonight, as he's been tasked with shooting Michelle's new cover.

Also, folks all over the country have been buzzing about Oprah's fab afro wig on the cover of the lastest issue of "O" Magazine.  The wig was designed by Kim Kimble! 

Watch two exclusive clips from tonight's episode starring Michelle Williams here:

Watch "LA HAIR" tonight on WEtv at 9pmET and stay tuned at 10PM ET/PT for a new episode of SANYA’S GLAM & GOLD, starring Olympic gold-medalist Sanya Richards-Ross and husband Aaron Ross.

Photos via WeTV

Keshia Knight Pulliam may have a new boo on her hands.  TheYBF.com spotted her taking in an Atlanta Dream game with radio host Big Tigger.  And, they went back to her place...together....

These two may be "just friends" for now, but we wouldn't surprised if their lil friendship blossomed into something more pretty soon.

Big Tigger recently moved to Atlanta to take over the Afternoon Drive slot on V-103.

And our spying eyes caught the two giggling and carrying on while taking in the Atlanta Dream WNBA game Sunday afternoon at Phillips Arena.  And while the Dream beat the Mystics, we spotted Keshia & Tigger sharing laughs between each other and snapping a few pics...separately....with fans.

We then spotted the two after their WNBA date outing in the lobby of The Atlantic...the luxury residential building where Keshia lives.  So either Tigger was just the consummate gentleman and made sure his "friend" got home safely.  Or, the two went a little further than the lobby...

The Randomness:

1.  Speaking of ATL folks, "RHOA" star Kim Zolciak just revealed she's expecting TWINS.  God help us all.  STORY

Photo: James Turner/TheYBF.com

We caught up with two of our fave YBF chicks as they promoted their upcoming movie Baggage Claim in L.A.  We found out from Lauren London& Jill Scott that they're real life good friends, really.  And the secret to how both single moms keep it ridiculously fabulous while embarking on their Hollywood takeovers...both as single moms. 

Peek in on our fun chit chat from this weekend's press junket inside...

This weekend at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles, TheYBF.com caught up with two of the most fab chicks in the upcoming ensemble cast romantic comedy film, Baggage Claim.  Lauren London -- who rocked a casual chic look of nude Manolo Blahniks, AG Jeans & a sleeveless white lace Urban Outfitters blouse -- and Jill Scott.

Dimpled cutie Lauren wasn't shy about telling us the real difference between MEN and boys, and how she keeps it fly with this busy jet setting life of hers.  And with her son in tow.  She's got to film BET's "The Game" in Atlanta much of the year, make guest appearances on VH1's "Single Ladies' and still keep up that movie career and home life in Hollywood.  So we grilled her on how she juggles it all.

YBF: Tell us about your character in "Baggage Claim":
LL: I liked my character because she was so happy and full of life and just this bubbly personality and I got really attracted to doing the film because the cast was awesome. I've always wanted to work with [writer David E. Talbert]. I've known David for a couple of years now, I’ve wanted to do a project with him and then working with Paula Patton and Jenifer Lewis... I play Paula's younger sister who's getting married and I want her to be my maid of honor. She's the 'always a bridesmaid never a bride' and my wedding kinda leads her to finding a man in 30 days and a date to my wedding and you see her in the process of finding herself.

Since the backdrop of the movie is Paula and co.'s flight attendant jobs, tell us about a horror flying story:
That extra check they do. When they pat you down. Like, girl, really? I clearly am not walking around with anything. That's been horrible. I don't like people who I don't know touching me.

Do you think it's because you’re the fabulous Lauren London and they're trying to cop a feel?:
I guess it depends on what city your in (laughs) I don't know. They're rude so I wouldn't think fans would be so rude. I think some people just do the most when they have power.

Do you find it difficult traveling with a small child?:
I think it's always difficult traveling with toddlers. You just want them to be really comfortable.  You wanna make sure they have everything that makes them comfortable. It's not easy for us to travel as adults so you imagine as a kid they don't understand but he's been a pretty good traveler.

Who from the cast would you take to travel with you?
Uhh... who would be my travel buddy? Haha that would be a trick question. It would be Jill. That's my girl in real life.

What are your traveling essentials:
A bottle of water, sweats and a hoodie, sneakers, thick socks, good music and a good book.

What is on your travel playlist:
My iPod is so random. I have everybody from Dr. Dre to Anita Baker,Sarah McLachlan to everybody. But really I listen to old school Faith Evans to old Kelly Price CDs.

What can we expect from Lauren London in the future?:
We actually go back to shooting another season of ‘The Game’ later on this month.

Agree or disagree: Men are intimidated by strong women

I don't think men are intimidated by anything, boys are though.
 

So are you dating?
No I'm not dating. I'm not into it right now. I'm enjoying being a mom and my career.

And proving that Lauren's co-star Jill is indeed one of those #RealFriends, she answered our travel buddy question very similarly to Lauren. 

She also revealed to us that her character in Baggage Claim, "Gail", is a spicy man eater who loves a wig.  Something tells us this role isn't too far from real life.  Meow.

Check out what the fab mom of 3-year-old Jett says about her co-star (semi) crush, her travel style (we are SO with her on this), and spying on boyfriends.  Oh, and we found out she has a lil A$AP Rocky ratchet in her...

YBF: Who from the cast would be your travel buddy?
JS: Lauren London. That's my homegirl. She’s so cool to get along with. She’s really easy and fun, light spirited. I know Lauren doesn’t try to work on a vacation. She’s trying to chill on a vacation. Like ,when we go out it's because its mutual. Have you ever been on a vacation with someone who's  like ‘come on lets go to the...and lets have... and lets do the...’ it's really agitating. I work. I travel for a living so it's not like I wanna work on vacation. I wanna chill.

What are your travel essentials?
They have this awesome lotion they sell at the airport. I like to travel with rose water to spray on my face through the flight. I don’t go too many places without Halls and nasal decongestant. I have Halls often. I normally have a neck pillow and lotion.

Who do you listen to while you're traveling?
Right now, I'm listening to Gregory Porter whose amazing. I’m listening to A$AP Rockyand Laura Mvula.

Have you ever spied on your boyfriend?
I don’t think so. I have shown up unannounced before and saw something I didn’t want to see. That's happened but the whole spy game, no.

Who is your favorite leading man in the film?
I would say Djimon Hounsou, "Quinton".  He seems very romantic [SPOILER ALERT] and he doesn’t want anything but at least you know. Others will pretend they do until they know for certain then all you have left is a bunch of feelings. Quinton would be my choice.

If you met a man who offered you a lifestyle of no commitment, would you take it?
It depends on where I was in life. If I was looking for love, then no. If I was looking for a great time, absolutely. For me, at this time, I wouldn't take it.

Are you in the studio? What are you working on?
I'm in the studio whenever no one is seeing me. I just got off a tour but in between the tour I go to the studio at night. Im working on 2 records, one is called the lullaby record its for adults and infants. Its pretty awesome and a studio recording as well.

Catch these two hardworking YBF chicks in Baggage Claim, hitting theaters September 27th!

Lauren London Photo'& Correspondent: Lauren Smith/TheYBF.com, Jill & Lauren Photo: Angela Yee's IG

LaLa Anthony is a married woman who has a piece of advice or two for single women...and those in relationships themselves.  And with her role in the upcoming romantic comedy Baggage Claim, she's giving her own take on how to find the true love of your life....and how to test his loyalty to you.

Check out our interview with the fab actress, makeup creator, reality star, mom & wife inside...

Recently at the press event for David E. Talbert's Baggage Claim at the Four Seasons in L.A., we caught up with LaLa Anthony, who looked fab in a Givenchy top and a sexy Helmut Lang skirt with Gionbe Del Rossi shoes, about everything women love to chat about: Finding "the one", checking his ass when necessary, juggling kids fabulously while being a working mom, and what to do when the passion runs out of a long relationship.

Oh, and we found out about her first meeting with her friend Kim Kardashian's baby North West.

The "Full Court Life" star (and author of the upcoming relationship book The Love Playbook) has been with her hubby Carmelo Anthony for a total of 10 years, so she's giving us real advice straight from the married woman tip.  Soak it up below...

Tell us about your character:
So I’m Tanya in ticketing. I’m part of the scheme that helps Montana find her love and stall him at the airport and I just think its really fun because they are so many airport stories people don’t know about -- this hidden culture of things that happen at the airport and its cool to kinda bring light to it through a fun romantic comedy that shows you that sometimes the best things are in front of you and you don't even realize it.

How did you come into this role?
I auditioned for it. David E. Talbert, our director, is just so amazing. He’s been so great and when I see the cast even at these press junkets where you run into everybody it's just so cool and it's such an awesome cast.

What are your traveling essentials?
I like to have great reading material. Its a chance to have no phone -- no texting or anything. I’m able to read a lot of things. Catch up on good movies for me and my son. I also find an airplane is a time for us to really talk and there’s no interruptions and just really have fun with each other.

What's the secret to traveling with children?
Generally, when I’m traveling with my son he travels with me everywhere so its not about me being comfortable its about him being comfortable so I have an iPad, a DS, fruit snacks, fruit, anything to keep him occupied. Poor kid sitting on a plane for five or six hours is a long time and we travel often between LA and New York. I always do things to make him comfortable.

Has your son Kiyan ever embarrassed you on a flight?
Only when he was younger just because you know with newborns he's tired and cranky and you can’t calm him down and I feel for parents now when everyone is giving them dirty looks. Its just something you can’t control. I remember just being embarrassed like ‘I want him to be quiet but I can’t stop him!’ Everyone is kinda looking at you like I wish you would shut that baby up!

Who from the cast would be your ultimate travel buddy?
Its so many fun people from the cast. Boris and I have a great friendship. He’s such a funny guy. I worked with him on "Real Husbands of Hollywood" and he's so attractive that I think people forget or don’t know how funny he is. So i feel like if me and him were traveling, me and him would laugh at everyone and anything the entire time. From a girls perspective, all the girls are fun. Paula, Jill, Christina, Lauren they’re all really fun spirits and I’ll take any of them.

What is your description of the Ideal man?
I think, really, a friend. [SPOILER ALERT] A guy that I’m friends with which is what happens in this story. He was right in front of her and she didn’t realize it. Most of the times, the best relationships are based on friendships I would look for a guy that is my best friend that I could be my true self with, that I can strip it all down and be comfortable with.

How far would you go to see if your man was faithful?
I think we’ve all done something crazy. I haven’t been that crazy, but I’ve definitely popped up at someone’s house, I think we’ve all done that at some point in our lives but thankfully now I’m in a place where I don’t have to.

What other projects are you working on right now?
I have a book coming out -- The Love Playbook in January. I’m really excited for that. It's more of a advice relationship book. My reality show, "Full Court Life", is on now. It's on VH1 at 10p on Sundays. We just wrapped Think Like A Man 2 which I’m really excited about.  Then, I have a movie coming out with Hill Harper next month as well called 1982.

What advice would you give to single ladies looking for true love?
I would say don’t put yourself on a timeline. So many of us have this idea of how its supposed to be. In high school we said by 30 we would be married and have two kids and when it doesn’t happen, you feel like a failure.  So what you start doing is just settling because you wanna fill this timeline that you set for yourself. There shouldn’t be a timeline.  Let things happen naturally when they’re supposed to.

More kids in the near future?
No. I love my family how it is. I love the three of us. We’ve managed to figure out our schedules and Kiyan is traveling with one of us at all times and I just like it how it is right now.

Have you seen baby North West?
Yes. I have seen baby North. She’s great. I’m going to go see her this weekend. She’s beautiful and they’re doing well.

We noticed a few cliches throughout the film and want your opinion. Agree or Disagree:
Men are intimidated by strong women: More times than not, yes.
Beside every great man their is a great woman: 100 percent.
All women should be married before 30: Absolutely not!
Sometimes marriage can lack passion and adventure: Yes.

Do you find that your marriage is lacking in some areas?
I’ve been with my husband [New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony] for 10 years. I find that if you don’t continue to put the work in then those things can happen. I focus on the marriage as much as we focus on being parents or having a career. Making date night, making time for each other, sometimes you get so used to a person that you just kinda feel like they’ll always be there and you don’t put that extra effort. You always have to remember to do that. It could be the simplest thing -- sending texts just constantly making the person you’re with feel good.

Baggage Claim hits theaters September 27th.  Part 2 of our Advice From Married Women featurette will be posted tomorrow with LaLa's co-star Paula Patton!

Photo Credit/L.A. Corespondent: Lauren Smith, LaLa's IG

On Wednesday, reports circulated the net in regards to Brandy giving a concert at a stadium in South Africa that seats 90,000.  And reports falsely spread the rumor that only 40 fans showed up.

We spoke to members of Brandy's team for an exclusive statement, and we've got it inside....

A certain internet site concocted a rumor slamming Brandy Norwood's capabilities of filling a concert venue.  Once an actual credible site picked up the story, the rumor spread like wildfire.  We decided to ask the source what went down to get to the bottom of it.  And we were told the entire story is false. 

With an exclusive statement to TheYBF.com to explain, Brandy's personal publicist emphasized this will be her first and last time addressing the online reports:

She was booked at the last minute to fly to South Africa to support a "cause"--not a concert. It was a cause that honored "Mr. Nelson Mandela" and there was other performers on the bill besides Brandy. She attended because she wanted to support the foundation and Mr. Mandela...a man who has changed history.

The statement continues,

This whole story has been blown out of proportion and Brandy has sold out shows across the world including South Africa before.

So, there you have it. Next up for B. Rocka -- She just hit the studio with producer Mike Will Made It (Ciara, Jay-Z, Kelly Rowland) last week and she's headlining Musicalize in London on September 24th at Indigo2.

*UPDATE*

The reps further tell us that Brandy--as well as all the others on the bill--was only scheduled to do two songs.  The story of her leaving in the middle of the set after two songs because she was upset, is untrue.  We're also told that Brandy was not originally scheduled to attend, but she made the decision to come when asked because she simply was eager to honor Nelson Mandela.  

The audience AND the South African media were unaware she was even there, so many left the venue before she came on as the closing act.  She was not the headliner and was not solely there to perform.  And Brandy says she would do it again as this was not about her, but only about giving back to Mandela's cause.  We're told,"Even if it was 50 people there, she would have still participated."

Photo: Pacific Coast News

In Part 2 of 2 of TheYBF.com's Advice From Married Women featurette, Baggage Claim star Paula Patton dished to us the real ish that comes with a long term relationship.  Very long term. 

Find out what hot mom & wife Mrs. Patton Thicke had to say about her new role as a love thirsty woman trying to find a husband ...and why she's had to resort to spying on her own husband in real life!

Rocking sexy "Maria" J Brand Jeans, a plaid Isabelle Marant top and gold Manolo Blahnik heels, Paula Patton chatted with us at the Four Seasons in L.A. during a recent Baggage Claim press event.

And just when we thought the high school sweethearts turned Hollywood power couple of Paula and singer Robin Thicke was pretty much perfect, the bubbly actress wasn't shy about telling us why it hasn't always been so peachy.  While her flight attendant character in the upcoming rom-com is willing to sacrifice herself for love, Paula tells us she's done some equally crazy things...all because of love.  And yes, that includes spying on her husband to make sure he wasn't cheating, and catering to her "woman's intuition".  Check!

Here's out chit chat:

Tell us about your character:
"Montana" is a really fun character to play. When I read the script I laughed out loud. I said I want to play this character but more importantly I wanted to be apart of a movie that I could see would be great. A great romantic comedy. Montana Moore is a young-ish woman that you meet at the beginning of the film and she thinks she’s found the man of her dreams. She thinks he’s going to ask her to marry him but she soon discovers he’s not so dreamy. She’s just gotten back from this trip to see him and she’s miserable and in walks her sister, played by the beautiful younger Lauren London, and she’s getting married in a month. She’s happy for her sister because she loves her but its also like...

Especially because her mother is very aggressive and the mother puts so much emphasis on the importance of marriage and that your not a lady unless you’re a wife. So you find a woman who’s at a real emotional place. She is desperate now. She says she’s not showing up at that wedding without a husband or at least a ring on this finger. With her two best friends played by Jill Scott and Adam Brody, who do a magnificent job in the film, they devise a plan because they realize I wont be able to find a new man in a month unless he's in jail, needs a green card or on the down low (laughs) so she has to go back in the past and revisit the ex-boyfriends to see maybe I was too picky, maybe I can do something differently. That's where she’s compromising her self and she's desperate.

You see all these different wardrobe changes to try and fit in these guys lives but something at the core of Montana won’t let her go all the way until she finds the real love. So it's a very fun journey over this 30 day period among all these men that she visits and the insane things that happen to her along the way with what these guys do. It's about a woman who realizes that she's enough on her own and no longer has the need to please her family anymore and she says take me as I am whether you like it or not and I’m okay with me, alone. So I always think of this movie as having two happy endings. I’ll leave the rest as a surprise.

Who is your favorite male counterpart?
I hate picking favorites. I really love working with everybody I have to say this. Its a good thing when you have such a huge cast like this and have great actors coming to play everybody came and brought their A game. They all felt passionately about the movie and just brought it. Thank God for them. But I do have to point out that Taye Diggs does a magnificent job in this movie he is so freaking funny, you’ll see. He was very fun to play with. I love working with Derek Luke. Nobody has a bigger heart than this man but Djimon is amazing. Its so hard to pick!

How much of Paula Patton is in your character Montana Moore?
I always find something about myself in my character I think its important. Not that you don’t become other people. I need to find one piece of myself, if its small or big, thats like the character. I don’t judge the character. I can exaggerate and envelop from something thats true on the inside. There’s a lot of things I keep to myself, for personal reasons that I connect to her but I do connect a lot about wanting to please people, caring about what everyone else is thinking and the growth that it takes to be okay with yourself and say, ‘you know what? Look, this is who I am, take it or leave it’ and love yourself enough to persevere through life, take the hits as they come, but know that you’re doing your best, trying your best, thats all you can do. It's still a work in progress. I'm a sensitive beast. But more and more as I get older I just try and not need approval from everyone else.

What advice would you give to single women looking for true love?
Don't look for your true love. Don’t look for a man that's going to marry you. That's not going to do you any good. Once you get the pretty ring and the party, there is a marriage part that you have to think about. It's more important for a woman who truly knows herself and enjoys her life alone and doesn’t complain about being alone and is spontaneous, which I no longer have because I have a child! I feel like when you enjoy your life and you love yourself people gravitate toward you and feel that you are confident and secure and that's when all the men start to come or whatever partner you want. But to marry not because it looks good on paper but someone who loves you exactly the way you are and all your flaws in spite of them and is willing to ride or die with you.

At one point Montana ends up in a trash can to spy on her boyfriend. Have you ever gone to great lengths to see if your man is cheating?
Yes. (laughs) Listen, I’ve been married a long time and we’ve dated a long time. Have I checked up on my man? Absolutely! Have I hidden in bushes, have been caught and made a fool out of myself? Yes! Love makes you do crazy things. [SPOILER ALERT] Luckily, I didn’t find him with a pregnant woman. Luckily, I was wrong. But I have absolutely [spied].

Are you telling YBF readers to start spying?
I wouldn’t say that's the best course of action but I think at that point you’re not really listening to anybody. You’re just like, I gotta find out, I’m going to do it. A lot of bad things can happen when you go on someone’s property uninvited. I would not recommend it. That's why there's love songs and books and poetry. Love makes us do the craziest things. I will say this: Sometimes we can be too suspicious and that's gotten me in trouble, but women’s intuition...trust it. Always.

We are not mad Paula.  Protect that investment! 

Baggage Claim hits theaters September 27th nationwide!  Check out Part 1 of our Advice From Married Women featurette with LaLa AnthonyHERE in case you missed it!

Photos & L.A. Correspondent: Lauren Smith, Paula's IG

John Legend is one step closer to being a married man.  And we caught up with him last night to find out what he's most nervous about, especially now that the bachelor party weekend is over...

Last night, TheYBF.com was on the scene for the SCENE Magazine and Town Residential special performance by John Legend at the Lower East Side hotspot, The Box.

And as the man who's about to marry one of the most mouthy models on Twitter celebrated the release of his upcoming album, Love in the Future, we had to find out what's going on in his head right now.  Fresh off his Bachelor party weekend in the Hamptons, John tells us there's no cold feet, at least not about the wedding:

"People keep asking if I'm nervous about getting married. I guess I should be, but I don't know. I feel alright. I'm more nervous about my album coming out."

And about writing his song "The Beginning" for fiancée Chrissy Teigen:

"Chrissy asked if it was about her. A few of the songs on the album are about her.  But she played this one for her parents. I was a little embarrassed because it says, 'We couldn't wait. We did it in the living room...'!"

John & Chrissy are set to get hitched at Lake Como, Italy early next month.

Meanwhile at the event, fans and other VIP guests, who were treated to GREY GOOSE bottle service, got an exclusive first listen of unreleased tracks from his new album. He even shared stories about Chrissy, who was the inspiration for new songs including "The Beginning" and "All of Me."

Also spotted at the exclusive listening session: Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys, Estelle, Gayle King, Nana Meriwether, Veronica Webb and more.

John's Love In The Future LP drops September 3rd.

Photo credit: Michael Loccisano/Getty Images; NYC Correspondent: Shannan Johnson

After G.O.O.D. gal Teyana Taylor showed up to Ludacris' White Party in Atlanta this weekend rocking a tight white dress that some thought exposed a small baby bump, rumors went rampant on the net.

But it's all false...

During LudaDay Weekend, singer/model Teyana showed up to Compound nightclub for the big White Party flaunting her petite yet enviable curves (above).  But some folks thought there was one curve too many--a baby bump.

Reports lit up the net that Teyana was a baby mama-to-be and the rumor went viral.  It didn't help that there was already a spark of a rumor about Teyana possibly being pregnant by her NBA baller ex boyfriend Brandon Jennings before this weekend.

But we reached out to Teyana's team to get to the bottom of the rumor, and it's false.

"Teyana Taylor is NOT having a baby at all, and we have no idea where this came from," Teyana's rep Adonis Spicer tells us.

So there you have it.  Plus, this is some of T's abwork she flaunted just a few days ago while doing a hosting gig in Nashville:

We can't confirm if she's still living that virgin life she spoke so much about, but we can confirm there will be no babies any time soon.

Photos: Prince Williams/ATLPics.net, Teyana's IG

A little something for you "Boardwalk Empire" fans!  TheYBF.com was on the scene at Diddy's big "Boardwalk Empire" premiere party in Hollywood this weekend.  And we've caught up with the show's star Michael K. Williams.  And he dished on what to expect from his character this season and what he loves about a woman....

At the Carondelet House this weekend, HBO star Michael K. Williams stopped by and told us what we can expect to see from his character, Chalky, this season on Boardwalk Empire.

“You’re going to see Chalky go through some changes this year. He’s usually focused, on point. Always on top of his game. This year he gets sloppy. His dream comes true, he gets the club, but the pressure of the business and everything, he doesn’t handle it too well. He gets side tracked by a beautiful woman that causes him to make some bad choices. Always...”

And he even shared with us his thoughts on whether women look better now or back in the 20s (era where the show is based).

“I think women look good in every era. What I find beautiful is usually not what’s on the outside... But a phat ass does help. A phat ass is always a bonus!"

Can't even be mad at this man for that answer.  His days of "The Wire" never seem too far in the past.

In other news, MK is making sure he keeps that work flowing.  He has signed on as supporting cast of the new Robocop reboot with Samuel L. Jackson, set to hit theaters next year.

He revealed to us after posing it up with Diddy, Russell Simmons and co-stars Erik LaRay Harvey & Margot Bingham:

“The reboot is really awesome. Great cast again. It’s the same story but with a different twist. It’s dealing with something that’s going on right now. Which is the topic about drones so we touch on that. But its the exact same story with a different tone to make it current.”

Both tonight's premiere and his new Robocop reboot should be must-watch material.  Congrats Michael!

The Randomness:

1.  Bruno Mars confirmed for 2014 Super Bowl!  STORY

Photos: Getty, L.A. Correspondent: Lauren Smith

Matt Barnes is Lamar Odom'sgoodfriend and former teammate.  And he says he never saw the alleged drug abuse Lamar has been accused of for weeks now.

At this weekend's Hollywood premiere party of "Boardwalk Empire", Matt Barnes had some kind words for his embroiled former teammate Lamar Odom.  And he hinted that this whole crack cocaine abuse fiasco could just be blown out of proportion.

“Obviously, things in L.A. get a little blown out of proportion," Matt tells TheYBF.com. "I know Lamar well and I just want to wish him the best. Not only in his basketball career but in his personal [life]. He knows we’re here for him and he should be fine.”

And as for whether he saw any drug abuse by Lamar after playing on two NBA teams (Lakers & Clippers) with him, “No. I’ve been around him this whole time, never saw it.”

Interesting......

By the way, we congratulated the newlywed on his latest nuptials with former "Basketball Wives: LA" star Gloria Govan and asked what does it take to work on a relationship the second time around (the two broke up right before getting married)?

He dished this little nugget of advice:

“Just make sure you find the woman you love or man you love. Make sure it's special. It's hard today to try and hold a successful relationship down and there needs to be a lot of communication. Outside of everything else going on you have to keep your relationship up top first.”

Good advice, Mr. Barnes.

Photo: Getty

We've just confirmed that not only is the "Love & Hip Hop" franchise not going anywhere anytime soon, but it's expanding into 3 cities!  Deets inside....

Rumors swirled last week about Ray-J and his "girlfriend' singer Teairra Mari were being cast in an upcoming "Love & Hip Hop: LA" spinoff.  And while no final decisions have been made about any castings, TheYBF.com confirms the show is, in fact, headed to Hollywood.

And that's not the only city that will get the must-see-ratchet-tv treatment.  New Orleans and Houston are also being cast. 

We're told by "LAHH" production sources:

Yes we are casting in LA as well as Houston & New Orleans. We are talking to a lot of great prospects and are very excited about the potential cast in all 3 cities. No final decisions have been made on cast or next city.

We can only wonder if Slim Thug and his on again off again ex LeToya Luckett will be the headliners of the H-Town spinoff.  Well known stripper Maliah Michel is already tied to Memphitz's "Mistresses" show we're still hoping never sees the light of day.  So it'll be interesting to see which vixens get involved.

And as for New Orleans....that's a toss up.  But we bet more than a couple Cash Money Millionaires will be involved. 

The NYC and Atlanta versions of "Love & Hip Hop" are expected to return for another season as well.

VH1 must have said they are milking that twerking cow for all it's worth...

The Randomness:

1.  Unbelievable.  The utter disgust that is George Zimmerman has just been detained for allegedly threatening his now estranged wife's father with a gun.  STORY  (How interesting that it took months for this "man" to even be ARRESTED for killing teen Trayvon Martin.)

Photo: James Pray

Last night in NYC, Diddy swept in to help honor his original baby moms, Misa Hylton, at the "Pynk Power Dinner."  Check out pics of Misa and friends celebrating her accomplishments.  Plus, we talked to Diddy about why he WON'T be the face of REVOLT TV....

Mecca Moore's PYNK Magazine continued their "Pynk Power Dinner" series last night.  And they honored stylist Misa Hylton, who rocked a vintage Norma Kamali jumpsuit with Chanel jewelry and Prada shoes, for all that she has done in the industry.

Misa's co-parent of son Justin Combs, Diddy, was front and center to join in on the celebration at Philippe Chow on the upper east side.

But before the dinner yesterday, TheYBF.com caught up with Diddy to dish about REVOLT TV.  You've seen the videos everywhere, his diddy jet dancing, and Mr. Combs prepping to bring his very own network to cable TV.  But we wanted to know if he was going to pull an Oprah and become the face of his own network.  The answer: Absolutely not.

"No, I will not be the face of REVOLT. This is a transition and evolution for me on providing more opportunities."

Diddy candidly continued:

"I want our on-air personalities to be teenagers, to look like the fans. I want them to know its okay when they make their mistakes because we're going to be making mistakes behind the scenes too. I don't want to promise anyone anything because we're going to be doing a lot of f*cking up. But it's going to be made for great television and it's going to be honest, truthful, fearless, and we're going to get better everyday."

And we support it!

Diddy clearly has mad love for his now long time friend Misa (who's super sweet) as he and his Bad Boy artist French Montana made an appearance in her honor.  And yes, we're overlooking these stockings.

Misa, Diddy and Rocsi Diaz snapped a pic.

Meeka Claxton and Ashunta Sheriff were there to celebrate.

And celebrity stylist Wouri Vice (who styles celebs like Alicia Keys) came out to celebrate as well.

Fun times!

Photos: Taj Washington

YBF Chick Angela Simmons recently presented her brand runway items for her brand new company, Shop Angela I AM, during New York Fashion Week.  And we caught up with the budding designer & retail lover during her big show Tuesday night.

Check out her celebs friends who came out to support, and our quickie with Angela backstage....

Talk about sexy!  At the STYLE360 Pavilion during NYFW, Angela Simmons showed off her designer skills & curating skills by presenting her new Angela I AM items during her fashion show.  The many looks were from up and coming designers she is selling on her website, plus a few of her own designs.

Angela rocked a red hot double thigh high slit gown with an open back cut out trimmed in careful beading.  And paired it with a pair of sleek black Louboutin pumps.  The dress was made by one of the featured designers, but the rest of the show was totally about Angela.

Gorge.

Karrueche Tran made her way to the Pavilion in a chic red pantsuit and her signature top knot bun.

Angela's "106 & Park" co host (and ex boyfriend) Bow Wow stopped by to support with Sean Kingston.

This fashion NO--Traci Bingham--made a random appearance.

Cutie Tristan/Mack Wilds was there for the show.

Po Johnson rocked her eclectic look and grey hair upon arrival.

Ariane of "LAHH: AL" rocked her curls and an interesting look that made her look half her age.

Model Tyson Beckfrod was there with his neon green shoes to support.

Angela's looked simply fabulous on her big night.

TheYBF.com caught up with the fashion lover backstage to chat about the show and ending her guest stint on "106 & Park" at the end of the month!  Check it below:

Photo Credit: Jewel Scott Jones/JewelScottJonesPhotos.com, Correspondent: Shirley Vernae Williams

Jaheim& a very married Cynthia Bailey cross a fine line between admiration and acting on it.  And we get to see it all play out in Jaheim's brand new video for his single "Baby x3". 

TheYBF.com has the exclusive premiere inside....

Jaheim's making it his mission to bring R&B back to where it used to be: scadalous storylines in songs and videos and a sexy track to match.

In his newest Derek Blanks-directed visuals for "Baby x3", the saga continues from his first video "Age Aint A Factor".  "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star Cynthia Bailey was his gorgeous model subject as Jaheim was the photographer in charge for a photoshoot all about women being sexy at any age.

In the new vid, Jaheim makes a move on the married Mrs., and his woman and her real life husband Peter Thomas take matters into their own hands when they sense an adulterous affair starting.  And it all ends with someone in handcuffs.

Watch the drama play out below:

Jaheim's album Appreciation Day is in stores now.

Now that Chrissy Lampkin& her fiance Jim Jones are bringing Jimmy's son Pudie into the VH1 fold to star in season 2, we had to ask one of our fave hip hop couples (we can't help it...we love them) what their relationship is like NOW.

Check out what the realest couple on VH1 dished to us inside....

More cuteness has entered the Jones household in season 2 of "Chrissy & Mr. Jones".  And it's in the form of youngin' who is just as cute as his pops.

As Jimmy's son, Joseph "Pudie" Jones, Jr., moves in with rapper Jimmy & Chrissy full time, Chrissy switches her priorities to step mommy duty.  Especially because Pudie's adorableness, brilliance and "shrewd operator" style--as he's been described to us--causes instant chaos when teamed up with his daddy. 

Chrissy & Jimmy chatted with TheYBF.com about the new season.  And we asked the budding fashion designer what it's like playing stepmommy.

"I'm not playing step-mom, I am a step-mom," she told us.  "It's family life and I think it brings a lot of joy in our household."

We stand corrected.

And if having Pudie in the house gives her baby fever...she said not exactly.  But the couple isn't ruling anything out:

"I don't know about baby fever but we would definitely welcome a new addition."

And since Chrissy & Jim's story has been teetering between marriage or no marriage (it seems to change every season), Chrissy confirmed to us they're still engaged...but there's no wedding date set....STILL.

"No [there's no date set]," Crissy revealed.  "We've been focusing on raising our son and getting to the business. That's been our focus."

And the ever romantic (when he wants to be) Jimmy chimed in about the key to having a successful business and personal relationship.

"Having a business and personal relationship is a real test but if everyone knows what's going on then it shouldn't be that hard. Chrissy and I have been together for a long time so we know each others' strong points, weak points, and what ticks the other person off. But when it comes to doing business, we got put all that to side and get straight to the business. We got a cool understanding."

And then there's Mama Jones' relationship book.  On how Chrissy feels about it and if Jim could learn anything from the book?

Chrissy told us, "I don't know. Mama Jones is Mama Jones. I have the book but I haven't read it. A part of me is scared and she's telling me don't be. I don't know what to expect from that book."

Ha!

Jimmy stuck up for Moms and said, "My mom has lived a lot of life and she's been a lot of different relationships so I'm sure there's a few lessons in there."

And as for Chrissy's goals for her Lady Vamp collection (a line she's developing alongside Jimmy's VAMP brand)?

"I would love to see it as a full lady line. I want it to be sexy, edgy, chic, comfortable, etc. You will definitely be seeing more of my business side this season."

In case you missed it, check out the trailer below for the new season kicking off October 28th on VH1:

We'll be watching...

Correspondent: Barbara Collins, Photog: NPG/VH1

TheYBF.com hit the pink carpet at the 2013 Black Girls Rock Awards this weekend and chatted it up with some of our favorite celebs.  See what Mara Brock Akil, Tatyana Ali, Lala Anthony and Debra Lee talked about inside.... 

TheYBF.com was live on the pink carpet Saturday night for the BET taping of Black Girls Rock! at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center. We caught up with a few of our faves who dished about some things we've been wondering about.

"Being Mary Jane" creator Mara Brock Akil, who received the Shot Caller Award, revealed her keys to success.  Because clearly, she's setting up a blueprint these days.

She dished to us, "I took myself seriously.  I believed in myself.  I envisioned it.  I think a lot of times the work is....people don't believe what they can do.  They don't even sit still and envision it. That process along will get people further along.  If you believe it, if you see it, if you dream it...that exercise alone will lead you to the choices that will make you get there."

Reality tv star and actress LaLa Anthony,  who was there to support her bestie Kelly Rowland, talked about being more open with her audience when it comes to sensitive issues (like sex).  "I'm able to be free and open and talk about things and people need to be able to hear it.  People have questions, people want advice and I want to be able to provide that."  

She's got the upcoming movie Think Like A Man Too and her advice book The Love Playbook, which comes out in January, on deck.

Actress Tatyana Ali was on hand to present the My Black is Beautiful award to three outstanding young women.  But she took a few moments to joke about the encounter with Drake that landed her in the headlines.  She assured us that they're "just friends".  

Celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins (who helped sculpt Kelly's abs) talked to us about her extensive clientele list of celebrity moms like Tia and Tamera Mowry, Pynk, and Paula Patton.  "I'm like the after-baby woman.  They come to me and say, 'Help Me'!"

Check out our chit chats below:

"Black Girls Rock!" airs November 3rd at 7/6c on BET.

Video by Bree Green/ Shirley V Williams