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05-29-07 EUR ALL ON ONE PAGE
BRANDY HAS HAD ENOUGH OF THESE LAWSUITS: Fourth person sues Friday over fatal car crash; singer files complaint denying allegations.
*Days before a fourth person sued Brandy Norwood for her role in a fatal car crash last December, the actress/singer filed court documents responding to the flurry of wrongful death lawsuits brought against her by family members of the victim.
As previously reported, Brandy is already being sued in separate cases by the victim’s husband, parents and children. A fourth lawsuit was added last week by a driver who was caught up in the wreck’s chain reaction allegedly sparked by Brandy.
Mallory Ham, 50, filed suit in Los Angeles County Superior Court Friday claiming Brandy "recklessly wantonly, unlawfully, and maliciously" operated the car responsible for the wreck on the 405 freeway.
In the December 30 accident, Brandy's Land Rover rear-ended a Toyota Corolla being driven by 38-year-old Awatef Aboudihaj, who in turn hit 82-year-old Donald Lit's Toyota Tercel. That collision caused Aboudihaj's car to bounce into a different lane, where she was broadsided by a vehicle driven by Ham, 50. Aboudihaj died as a result of her injuries.
Ham’s complaint, obtained by E! Online, states that Brandy "carelessly and negligently owned, operated, entrusted, leased, repaired, modified, maintained and/or controlled a 2007 Land Rover Range Rover so as to cause a multi-vehicle accident that severely injured plaintiff Mallory Ham and killed another person."
The defendant was aware of the "probable harmful consequences of speeding…following other vehicles too closely…and tailgating other vehicles," the complaint continued.
Ham is seeking unspecified general, special and punitive damages for medical expenses, loss of earnings and other costs, as well as "past, present and future pain and suffering."
Ham, meanwhile, is named as a defendant in the lawsuit filed against Brandy by the victim’s husband, Maroune Hdidou, who is suing for the loss of "support, maintenance, solace, moral support, companionship and comfort" that his "faithful and dutiful" spouse provided him.
In court documents filed Wednesday, the 28-year-old entertainer fires back against the allegations outlined in the three lawsuits filed by Aboudihaj's family members.
"This answering defendant specifically denies each and every allegation in the complaint and further denies that plaintiffs have been damaged in any sum or sums whatsoever," read Brandy’s court papers obtained by E! Online.
Also in the filing, Brandy asserts her Fifth Amendment privilege to not incriminate herself and requests a jury trial.
The California Highway Patrol has recommended that the L.A. City Attorney's Office charge Brandy with misdemeanor vehicular manslaughter, but prosecutors have yet to decide if any charges will be filed.
YAYO ASSOCIATE CHARGED IN TEEN BEATING: Lawell Fletcher allegedly flashed gun at 14-year-old during incident.
*A 29-year-old man who was with rapper Tony Yayo during an assault on a 14-year-old boy received several misdemeanor charges in connection with the incident.
Lawell Fletcher, 29, was charged with menacing in the second degree, endangering the welfare of a child and assault in the third degree in the altercation involving the young son of music executive Jimmy "Henchmen" Rosemond. As previously reported, Yayo was charged on Mar. 25 with one count of misdemeanor assault and one count of endangering the welfare of a minor.
A police report states that Yayo and Lawell Fletcher were passengers in a vehicle on March 20 when they spotted the boy walking to his internship at his father's label, Czar Entertainment. Yayo and several associates are said to have swarmed the teen while Yayo allegedly smacked him, causing his head to hit the door of a building.
In the midst of the altercation, Fletcher allegedly flashed "what appeared to be a "silver semi-automatic handgun in his waistband, with his hand on the handle." The youngster, who feared he would be "shot and killed" if he tried to run, says the alleged assault has left him with headaches, earaches and "substantial" pain to his face.
Yayo, who has denied striking the teen and pleaded not guilty to the charges in April, is due back in court on July 24.
JEEZY ARRESTED OUTSIDE ATLANTA STRIP CLUB: Rapper charged with disorderly conduct after mouthing off to cop.
*Rapper Young Jeezy was arrested early Thursday morning outside of an Atlanta-area shake joint after he reportedly got loud with some off-duty cops.
The artist, born Jay Jenkins, was charged with disorderly conduct following an argument with several police officers serving as security guards at the Strokers Club in Clarkson, Georgia, reports MTV.
"I do know that there was no physical altercation between them,"
Officer Michael Payne told AllHipHop.com. "This was a verbal confrontation."
Jeezy was ordered to pay a $284 fine, according to the Dekalb County Sherriff's Office, but it was unclear as of press time if the artist was due to return to court and settle the charges.
JACKSON ITEMS DISPLAYED FOR VEGAS AUCTION: Hotel unpacks and places more than 1,100 pieces for sale this week.
*Platinum records, costumes and faded documents belonging to Michael Jackson and his famous siblings were among the more than 1,100 items displayed at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas Sunday in preparation for an auction this week.
Billed as the largest auction of Jackson memorabilia in history, the lot includes a Bill Whitten-designed militaristic red coat with gold rope that belonged to Michael Jackson, a 1987 contract detailing his $30 million purchase of "Neverland" ranch and a frilly pink "Mae West" dress worn by Janet Jackson at age 8 during family performances at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas in 1974.
"This really is a once-in-a-lifetime occurrence," said Arlan Ettinger, president of auction house Guernsey's. "I cannot imagine that somewhere down the road some other collection could come out of the woodwork and rival this. It's not going to happen."
Also up for bid is a worn telegram from July 6, 1984, where Marlon Brando encourages Michael Jackson before a show: "Please try not to make an (expletive) of yourself and please for God's sakes don't fall in the orchestra pit."
Millions of dollars are expected to be earned in the auction, which is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday following a court battle that ended two weeks ago when Michael Jackson's lawyers reached a confidential settlement and dropped an effort to block the auction.
As part of the settlement, Jackson was invited to attend the auction, but it was unclear if he planned to do so.
Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated by Universal Express to such charities as St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Ronald McDonald House.
50 CENT’S ‘CURTIS’ ON CPT: Release date for album to arrive three months later than expected.
*So much for 50 Cent’s relentless plugging of his new album “Curtis” last week during the BET Awards 07 press conference.
After telling folks at every turn, “‘Curtis,’ June 26th,” the due date has been pushed back to Sept. 4 so that the rapper can enjoy a
simultaneous worldwide release, Interscope said in a statement.
"I'm an international artist. My fans worldwide deserve to receive my album at the same time as my fans here in the U.S.,” explains. “Taking that into consideration moving the album to September was a necessary course of action.”
Radio response has been lukewarm for the album’s first two singles, "Straight to the Bank" and "Amusement Park," which are Nos. 49 and 53 respectively on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Chart this week.
Although a full track list has yet to be announced, “Curtis” features production from Dr. Dre, Eminem and Timbaland, plus guest turns by Eminem, Akon, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke and Nicole Scherzinger from the Pussycat Dolls.
In the meantime, 50 can currently be seen in a new TV ad for Vitamin Water, which features the artist relieving a symphony orchestra conductor of his duties, installing DJ Whoo Kid on first viola and leading the musicians through a rendition of "In Da Club."
Also 50 will take over as celebrity host for BET’s “Rap City” from today through June 2 at 5 p.m. ET. Expect an all-star lineup of guests including G-Unit’s Tony Yayo; veteran rapper KRS-One; hip-hop pioneer Marley Marl and DJ Whoo Kid on the turntables.
Also, fans can choose the song 50 Cent will perform on the BET Awards by texting BANK to 23898 to vote for "Straight to the Bank" or PARK to 23898 to vote for "Amusement Park."
THIS IS WHY I’M SUED: Rapper Mims accused of being sexist; female talent agent sues for $7.5 million.
*Rapper Mims, who tore up the music scene with his No. 1 debut “This Is Why I’m Hot,” is on the receiving end of a $7.5 million discrimination lawsuit claiming he pulled out of a deal because of his alleged misogynistic views of women, reports the New York Post.
In her lawsuit filed in New York’s Rockland County Court, 22-year-old talent agent Marquitta Blair says her civil rights were violated when Mims didn’t honor a contract to perform at a New York nightclub.
Blair says she sent a $2,500 down payment to Mims' agents for a scheduled performance at the Manhattan nightspot, Eugene. Blair states in her filing that the rapper never showed up “because of his discriminatory attitude” toward women which reflects his "pattern of conduct involving the belittlement and degradation of females as 'b***hes and hoes."
Mims, whose full name is Shawn Mims, was scheduled to perform a 10-minute set April 5 at Eugene for $10,000. Blair says she sent Mims’ agent $2,500 up front, but the rapper never took her seriously because she's a woman.
REFRESHED DAVID BANNER PLANS SUMMER ALBUM: Rapper took time to refocus after Hurricane Katrina.
*Rapper David Banner says he has bounced back from a terrible 2006 with a new sense of self and fresh outlook on his priorities for 2007 and beyond.
Banner tells Billboard.com: "2006 was the worst year of my life. 2007 has been the best year of my life. I've learned to say no and not take on everyone's problems. My father had brain and lung cancer, and I had high blood pressure because I was working 18-hour days. You have to value the person you are."
The Mississippi native says his involvement with the rebuilding effort following Hurricane Katrina was a bit taxing. Among other things, Banner gave out his own clothing to victims and organized numerous events designed to help displaced victims.
"I took on too much responsibility," Banner says. "I did volunteer work for six months for Hurricane Katrina but my own business wasn't right."
These days, Banner is looking forward to the summer release of his new album, "The Greatest Story Ever Told," with production from himself along with Nitti, Cool & Dre, Akon and Get Cool 3000. Guests artists include Chris Brown, Jim Jones, UGK, Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, Carl Thomas and Xscape's Kandy.
“I have a tendency to want to change music," Banner says. "But I realized that people just want hits. The ladies want a 'Play,' I made a 'Cadillac on 22's,' and I made a few 'Like a Pimp' records. I did a rock song that's probably going to get me hung. Let's just say the record was written three years ago-it's just truthful."
As previously reported, Banner’s semi-autobiographical animated series "That Crook'd Sipp," debuted earlier this month on the Cartoon Network. Banner plays the main character, a young contemporary black man named Virgil who tells the story of the Beauregards, a white family trapped in the 1800's in Mississippi but living in 2007.
BRETT RATNER TO HOLD CLINTON FUNDRAISER: Hillary to schmooze with ‘young Hollywood’ at filmmaker’s crib.
*Director Brett Ratner will hold a fundraiser in Los Angeles for Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton at his Benedict Canyon home, the same spot where Ratner was featured photographing models in the last episode of HBO’s “Entourage.”
The Clinton event, to be held next Wednesday, is aimed at young Hollywood and reflects the new efforts presidential campaigns are making as they search for new dollars among untapped donors. The sold out event costs $250 per person, $500 per person to also get into an after-party, and $1,000 for a VIP reception, the main reception and after-party.
“What is exciting is I think a lot people are going to come and hear Hillary speak that normally wouldn’t go to a political fund-raiser,” Ratner told Variety from Cannes. “That is what exciting about the way we are doing it. The list (of attendees) is a very interesting list.”
Last month, Obama attended a fund-raiser at the Hollywood nightclub Boulevard 3, drawing a crowd that included Hill Harper, Jessica Biel, Taye Diggs and Amy Smart, and a group of young professionals have formed their own Obama group, O08 The Movement.
LOLA OGUNNAIKE QUITS NY TIMES; JOINS CNN: Reporter is new culture correspondent for revamped “American Morning.”
*Former New York Times pop culture reporter Lola Ogunnaike begins her new job today on CNN’s “American Morning” as its regular pop culture and entertainment correspondent.
The journalist has served as a regular pundit on “American Morning” and CNN Headline News' “Showbiz Tonight,” as well as NBC's “Today Show,” MTV and VH1. She now joins an “American Morning” team anchored by former CBS correspondent John Roberts and Kiran Chetry from Fox News. They took over for Soledad O'Brien and Miles O'Brien.
Ogunnaike told Richard Prince’s Journal-isms column: "I want to bring what I do at the Times to CNN — pop culture, entertainment, trends, fashion — I want to bring all of that to the CNN audience. I bet there is a huge overlap.”
The 31-year-old descendant of Nigerian parents courted controversy last Oct. 16 when she served as a guest co-host on “The View.” The Times suspended her “for a couple of days,” she told Journal-isms, over “a colossal misunderstanding" about whether the Times knew she would be appearing.
However, her colleagues at the Times had nothing but praise for their star writer in a recent in-house e-mail congratulating Ogunnaike on her new gig. It read:
Folks,
Lola Ogunnaike, who has brightened Sunday Styles with the skinny on clubs, celebrity DJ' and e-mail etiquette since last October, is leaving us as of this week. She has been offered, and accepted, a job as an entertainment reporter for CNN's "American Morning."
Lola has been on loan to Styles courtesy of the Culture desk -- a big shout out to Sam Sifton for letting us share her talents -- and, in a bittersweet coincidence, she is exiting The Times through the same door she entered. Her first bylines in the paper ran in Sunday Styles way back in 1998, when she was still an N.Y.U. student. How far she has come! We wish her the best of luck, and I'm sure many people's American Mornings will be a lot livelier.
NE-YO TO UNVEIL ATLANTA STUDIO COMPLEX: Singer/songwriter introduces state-of-the-art Carrington House.
*Tomorrow evening (5/30), singer/songwriter Ne-Yo will open the doors to his sprawling new complex in a gated residential area of Atlanta that features three state-of-the art studios, two fully equipped kitchens and a posh lounge area to relax between recording sessions.
The new digs, known as Carrington House, will soon be filled with artists and producers signed to Ne-Yo’s Compound Entertainment roster, including female rapper Chi Chi Glacierz, R&B singer Paula Campbell, R&B singer/producer Sixx John and R&B artist/choreographer Shanell. Producers include the Heavyweights, Shay Taylor, Chuck Harmony and engineer Jaymz Skylar.
Ne-Yo, who just released his sophomore Def Jam album, "Because of You," is also joining Atlanta’s WVEE in conducting a talent search for the next big R&B solo star or group sensation, reports Billboard.com.
Auditions are set for June 2-4 at La Bam Studio in downtown Atlanta, and judges include producer Jazze Pha and "Idlewild" director Bryan Barber. A final five will compete for a three-year contract with Compound Entertainment and a three-year management deal with the J White Agency. The winner will be chosen June 5.
FOREMAN SAYS HE WAS DRUGGED BEFORE ‘RUMBLE’: Boxer says someone spiked his water to weaken him against Ali in 1974.
*Some 33 years after facing Muhammad Ali in the historic 1974 boxing match known as “Rumble in the Jungle,” former heavyweight boxing champ George Forman has cited a possible excuse for his defeat: his water was spiked.
"I said, 'This water tastes like it has medicine in it,'" Foreman said he told trainer Dick Sadler before the fight, according to ESPN. Sadler assured him it was fine, Foreman claimed.
"I know there was medicine in that water. I'll never forget that,” he said. "There was even worse medicine waiting in that ring - Muhammad Ali."
Foreman said he has spoken publicly about the drugged water theory before, but has brought it up again only because he discusses it in his new book, “God in My Corner: A Spiritual Memoir.”
"It wasn't a fixed fight. I got beat fair and square," Foreman admitted. But the ex-fighter also said it took him years to recover from the historic match in Zaire and that he was lucky to have survived Ali’s famed rope-a-dope technique.
"It was years before I got my health back together after that fight," said Foreman. "It wasn't doctors who put something in my water. They didn't have PhDs. I'm lucky I'm still alive."
Foreman returned from retirement to reclaim the heavyweight belt in 1994, becoming at age 45 the oldest man to hold the title.
O.J. COMPANY ORDERED TO TURN OVER BOOK: Judge demands all copies be handed in to prevent unauthorized distribution.
*A federal judge ordered a bankrupt company owned by O.J. Simpson's children to turn over any copies of Simpson's canceled book, "If I Did It," in an attempt to thwart any unauthorized distribution or dissemination.
Lorraine Brooke Associates, which names Simpson's oldest daughter, Arnelle, as its head, retains the rights to the book, in which the former running back explains how he might have committed the killings of ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman.
On Wednesday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge A. Jay Cristol ordered that all copies of the tome, including excerpts, summaries and manuscripts, be turned over to prevent Simpson from profiting from any future deals regarding the book, which publisher HarperCollins canceled following public outrage.
Lorraine Brooke struck a deal with HarperCollins to be included in an auction for the book's rights, but the company filed for bankruptcy, putting the sale on hold. Arnelle Simpson sought to reorganize Lorraine Brooke, which would have allowed her to maintain temporary control over it, but Cristol ruled last week that the company should be liquidated. He decided an independent trustee would control it.
Simpson was acquitted of the double murder in 1995, yet found liable in civil court and ordered to pay $33.5 million to the family of the victims. So far, Simpson has largely ignored the judgment.
Peter Haven, an attorney representing the Goldman family, said his clients were concerned that portions of the book might be released or sold, which could cause the value of Simpson's assets to decrease.
"We're in favor of everything that is done that helps provide some compensation to the family of the victim," Haven said.
YOLANDA KING MOURNED IN THURSDAY SERVICE: Eldest daughter of MLK was cremated per her wishes.
*A private memorial service was held in Atlanta Thursday for Yolanda King, the first-born child of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King. The human rights worker, author and actress collapsed on May 15 in the doorway of her brother Dexter King's home in Santa Monica, Calif. and could not be revived. She was 51.
Seated in the front pews of the famed Ebenezer Baptist Church were, U.S. Rep. John Lewis, (D-Atlanta); the Rev. Al Sharpton, civil rights activist and talk show host; activist Dick Gregory; Attallah Shabazz, the daughter of slain civil rights leader Malcolm X and a long-time King friend; SCLC President Charles Steele; the Rev. C.T. Vivian; Juanita Abernathy, widow of the Rev. Ralph Abernathy; gospel singer Dottie Peoples; the Rev. Byron Cage and long-time King family friend Xernona Clayton.
Yolanda King’s three siblings spoke to reporters following the five-hour service. Dexter King said her preliminary cause of death was congestive heart failure, reports the Associated Press.
The siblings’ mother suffered a stroke several months before Yolanda King’s death and had the same heart condition. Several of their relatives have also died of heart disease.
Yolanda’s younger sister, Rev. Bernice King, says she plans to get examined for possible heart conditions, and Martin Luther King III says he was examined about a month ago and received a clean bill of heath. He called his older sister's death "a wakeup call for all of us."
The siblings said they are still trying to come to terms with Yolanda King's death. As the eldest child, she often held the others together, they told reporters. Her remains were to be cremated, according to her wishes.
On May 17, Martin III, Bernice and Bishop Eddie Long accompanied Yolanda King’s body from California to Georgia on Long’s private plane.
(Bernice King preaches at Long’s church, New Birth.)
Thursday’s four-hour memorial service stretched past its scheduled noon to 2:30 p.m. time as testimonies were given from King’s relatives, classmates and colleagues within the film industry.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution covered the memorial service in the following articles:
• At Ebenezer Baptist, Yolanda King's Church Family Recalls Her Life - http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/05/20/0521metebenezer.html
• Farewell To Yoki
http://www.ajc.com/metro/content/metro/atlanta/stories/2007/05/24/0525metking.html
FILM/TV BITS: Mr. Winfrey denies book; ‘Poor’ Rosario; Glover honored; Abdul denies fit; Kerry on diets; Snipes as JB; Lil Flip’s reality show.
*Oprah’s daddy Vernon Winfrey is denying reports that he’s writing a tell-all book about his famous daughter. He told TVGuide.com that there is no book in the works called “Things Unspoken,” which had been widely reported last week. He also said he’s not shopping around any proposal for such a book to agents or publishers. But then he added: “We might think about it later on.”
*Rosario Dawson will join Channign Tatum and recently-arrested actress Lindsay Lohan in the upcoming comedy "Poor Things," starring Shirley MacLaine and Olympia Dukakis. Trent Haaga's script was inspired by real news events and crime scandals surrounding recent convictions of elderly women for various "grandma gang" exploits, which have included scams and cons involving drug sales, insurance fraud and murder. Ashley “Ash” Baron Cohen will direct the film, which begins shooting Wednesday. Lohan, meanwhile, was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence Saturday after her convertible struck a curb and investigators found what they believe is cocaine at the scene, police said.
*Actor/activist Danny Glover was honored at the Bollywood Movie Awards 2007 in Long Island, New York recent for his Outstanding Contribution to Global Entertainment. The ceremony at the Nassau Coliseum also saw a Lifetime Achievement Award go to Asha Parekh, while director Mira Nair received the Pride of India Award. Other winners included: Lage Raho Munnabhai (Best Film) Rajkumar Hirani (Best Director) Hrithik Roshan (Best Actor) and Bipasha Basu (Best Actress).
*Paula Abdul is denying reports that her nose injury was the result of a huge hissy fit, and not because she tripped over her Chihuahua Tulip last Sunday. A source told Page Six: "Paula did not break her nose. She had pitched a fit, threw something into a mirror or glass object, and a shard of glass struck her in the face, which explains why Paula's nose didn't seem swollen." However, a rep for the “American Idol” judge says the report is "absolutely, categorically untrue."
*Actress Kerry Washington, spotted last week on the Cannes red carpet as one of the faces of L’Oreal, spills her diet secrets to People magazine. "In general in life I try to live it, not diet," she said. "I think that's hard when you're restricting a lot. So I try to take it easy on a daily basis and do what's going to make me feel good." The 30-year-old says she generally exercises every day. Beyond that: "I watch what I eat, I do. My body is really sensitive so I'm very conscious of what I put in my mouth. I try for the most part to eat things that are going to make me feel better, not worse."
*Liz Smith wrote in her column Sunday that Spike Lee has hired tax-troubled actor Wesley Snipes to star as James Brown in a planned biopic for Paramount Pictures. Before the Godfather of Soul’s death on Christmas day, he was actively involved in the project that has languished in development for some time. Lee is expected to rewrite a script that has already been through several drafts. Production is slated to begin in either 2007 or 2008.
*Rapper Lil' Flip is working on his own reality TV show called, “The American Rapper.” According to Allhiphop.com, the premise involves the MC teaching contestants such career staples as conducting interviews and networking. "A lot of these reality shows is kind of a mockery of hip hop," Lil' Flip told the Web site. "With my show I'm gonna try to find a rapper, they get a two album deal, a chain and money. I'm teaching 'em media training. How to handle interviews, what not to say and do. How to talk to people and network, how to run commercial spots, how to construct a song, attitudes."
MUSIC BITS: Q shuns MiJac; Trina’s ‘B*tch II’; Miles remix EP; ‘Planet Rock’ lawsuit; N.O.R.E. & T-Pain; Jazzy Jeff’s reunion talk; Larrieux’s ‘Standards.’
*Music producer Quincy Jones says he’s way too busy to work with Michael Jackson on his comeback album, even though the pair made magic together in the early 80s with his albums “Off the Wall” and “Thriller.” Q told NME.com of a potential reunion: "Man please, I've got enough to do. We already did that. I have talked to him about working with him again but I've got too much to do. I've got 900 products, I'm 74 years old. Give me a break." Jackson is reportedly working on new tracks with producer will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas.
*Raunchy rapper Trina returns with the Aug. 14 arrival of her new album “Baddest B*tch II,” a Slip-N-Slide/EMI release described by the artist as "uptempo, a bit melodic and emotional." She tells Billboard: "I put 150 percent into this album. I'm stepping my game up like 10 notches. I have a thousand different emotions and feelings and I show it all in this project. I didn't want to be sad, just happy and high spirited, so people can see Trina really grew up." The first single is "I'm Single Again," which was to be serviced to U.S. radio over the weekend. The second is expected to be "I Wish I Never Met You."
*In honor of Miles Davis' 81st birthday last Saturday, Legacy Recordings announced the release of "Evolution Of The Groove," a remix EP featuring Nas, Carlos Santana, Olu Dara and a contemporary music ensemble featuring Miles' nephew Vince Wilburn, Jr. on drums and programming, guitarist Pat Thrall and bassist Charley Drayton. Due August 7, the album features such tracks as "Freddie Freeloader," "Freedom Jazz Dance" featuring Nas, "It's About That Time" featuring Carlos Santana, "Honky Tonk" and "Black Satin." “‘Evolution Of The Groove’ imagines Miles Davis in the 21st century, the lyricism of his horn and the power of his musical vision blending with contemporary hip hop, jazz and rock in provocative new ways and seductive new grooves,” stated Legacy Recordings.
*Members of the veteran hip hop group Soul Sonic Force are suing Mars Inc. and advertising agency Grey Global Group over a commercial for Starburst candy that allegedly uses their 1982 classic hit, “Planet Rock,” without permission. The lawsuit, filed in New York County Court, seeks an undisclosed amount of damages, reports Allhiphop.com.
*Rapper N.O.R.E. says call the Guinness Book of World Records. "I think I got the first T-Pain record without him using the voice-box thing," he told MTV, laughing. "The dude can actually sing without it. That's his trademark, so I guess he's sticking with it. But I didn't care what he gave me. I was a big T-Pain fan before he blew up, so I was just excited.” The song will be included on N.O.R.E.’s upcoming album “Global Warming 11368,” due in late summer.
*London’s Sun newspaper says it has confirmed that Will Smith will join his old partner DJ Jazzy Jeff for a new DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince album in November. The paper quotes Jeff as stating: "We've been asked so many times by fans but now Will really wants to do it. We talk about it all the time but recently he came up to me and said he was very serious about it and wants to do something very soon. It's just a case of finding the time. We're both so busy. You know, I'm on tour and he's making movies this summer. He's the biggest superstar in the world now. We're aiming for November." Jazzy’s new album, “The Return Of The Magnificent,” is out now.
*Former Groove Theory frontwoman-turned-solo singer Amel Larrieux is back with the new album “Lovely Standards,” a collection of classic jazz covers that was released last week. Tracks include "Shadow of Your Smile," "Something Wonderful," "I Like the Sunrise" and "If I Were a Bell." Larrieux tells NorthJersey.com: “I have always wanted to do an album like this, and I've always wanted too do a jazz album as well. So I figured why not do an album of jazz standards and put my own twists on the songs. And I tried to give them a modern feel and put my own sense of individuality on them, too." Larrieux says her next album, to be titled “Lovely Lullabies,” will feature duets with her 12-year-old daughter.
SPORTS BITS: Hill’s body found; Venus advances; Vick a ‘heavyweight’; FAMU b-ball coach arrested; Zab Judah scam; Blake rejoins Dunlop.
*The body of New England Patriots player Marquise Hill was found Monday, a day after he was reported missing following a jet ski accident on Louisiana’s Lake Pontchartrain. Hill's body was discovered by searchers about a quarter-mile from where the former LSU star and a female companion were involved in the accident, Capt. Brian Clark of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Department said. Hill's agent, Albert Elias, said he had been told Hill and a young woman were jet skiing Sunday in the lake when both of them went into the water, which had a strong current. Elias said the woman was able to make it to a pylon and hang on until she was rescued, while Hill was last seen floating away from the scene.
*Venus Williams advanced at the French Open Monday by beating French teenager Alize Cornet 6-4, 6-3 on a damp court following a three-hour rain delay. On Sunday, only seven of the 24 scheduled matches even began because of about 5 1/2 hours of rain, and both Serena Williams and Justine Henin had to wait through the delay to reach the second round. Serena came from behind to eventually beat Bulgarian teenager Tsvetana Pironkova 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.
*ESPN quoted a police informant Sunday who said Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick was at a dog fight in 2000 and is "one of the heavyweights" in the sport. "That's who bets a large dollar," the informant explained on the show "Outside the Lines." "And they have the money to bet large money. I'm talking about large money, 30 to 40 thousand, even higher. He's one of the heavyweights." The informant said his dog beat Vick's dog in 2000, the year before Vick was chosen by the Falcons with the first overall pick in the NFL draft. Investigator David Hunt said information from the informant has "resulted in the arrest of several individuals over the past few years, numerous search warrants, as well as convictions."
*Florida A&M University basketball coach Mike Gillespie Sr. was arrested Friday on a misdemeanor stalking charge and later released from jail on a $1,000 bond. A woman, who said she was stalked at work Thursday evening and Friday morning, told authorities on May 15 of Gillespie's advances, but didn't want to file charges, hoping he'd stop contacting her, a police report said. The report said police have investigated Gillespie several times since March 2005 on stalking complaints and warned the 56-year-old to stop his behavior. Gillespie's attorney, Tim Jansen, said that the coach had been released and is subject to GPS monitoring and is not to have contact with the woman.
*Welterweight boxer Zab Judah punked promoters and the media Wednesday, allowing his father, Yoel, to replace him on a conference call to plug his scheduled June 9 fight with undefeated WBA champion Miguel Cotto. Following the 30-minute call, several reporters called Top Rank publicist Lee Samuels to complain that it may not have been Zab Judah on the line. "I called Zab's number 10 minutes ahead to make sure he would be ready and I assumed the person I was talking to was Zab. I've been doing conference calls for Top Rank since 1982 and I've never been snookered like this before,” said Samuels. “I immediately checked with Judah's camp and they said it was his father on the conference call." Samuels said Top Rank would attempt to reschedule a conference call, this time with the correct Judah. Samuels said a few of the phrases used by Judah tipped the writers that it was a hoax.
*Dunlop Sports Group Americas announced today that James Blake has re-signed with the Dunlop Tour Team, and is currently playing with a Dunlop frame at the French Open – where Dunlop is the official ball supplier. Currently ranked No. 8 in the world, Blake is the highest ranked American player to sign with Dunlop since John McEnroe in 1981. "I began my professional career at Dunlop, have played the best tennis of my career with a Dunlop frame and I am looking forward to calling Dunlop home again," said Blake.
EUR FILM REVIEW: Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End Depp and Disney Deliver in Trilogy Finale by Kam Williams
*Who cares that a summer blockbuster might be an incoherent, overplotted mess, when it comes stocked with a charismatic protagonist, an intriguing love triangle, plus enough swashbuckling action and spooky special effects to make you forget the fact that the story is almost impossible to keep straight?
That’s what we have with Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, possibly the finale of Disney’s billion-dollar trilogy, unless the company can coax Johnny Depp to have another go at it as Captain Jack Sparrow.
When last we saw the terminally-eccentric skipper of the Black Pearl, he and his ship had been dragged to the bottom of the ocean by the Kraken, a mammoth sea monster doing the bidding of dastardly Davy Jones (Bill Nighy). In the interim, piracy has turned into a rather perilous profession, due to an unholy alliance between Jack’s tentacle-faced tormentor and Lord Beckett (Tom Hollander), the Chairman of the East India Trading Company.
With Beckett now in control of The Flying Dutchman, Jones’ ghoulish ghost ship, the invincible vessel has been ridding the Seven Seas of pirates. So, as the film unfolds, we are greeted with the spectacle of the mass hanging of hundreds of convicts condemned to the gallows.
Meanwhile, a plan is being hatched by Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and his fiancée, Elizabeth Swann (Keira Knightley), the fetching femme fatale responsible for seemingly sending Jack to a watery grave. With the help of Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) they encourage the rest of the outlawed Lords of the Brethren Court to put aside their differences to rescue him and thereby to resuscitate their flagging brotherhood of thieves.
Also among the ill-fitting crew of conspirators assembled for the adventure are the mischievous Pintel (Lee Arenberg), the superstitious Ragetti (Mackenzie Cook), and Tia Dalma, aka Calypso (Naomie Harris), a West Indian witch whose clairvoyant persona was ostensibly channeled from Miss Cleo of the Psychic Friends Network. Yet, none from this colorful ensemble can match Cap’n Jack in terms of magnetism, for his concatenation of tics still steals his every scene, even opposite his father, played by the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, who Depp freely admits served as the source of inspiration in creating the character.
Since Pirates 2 and 3 were shot simultaneously, fans of the franchise are forewarned to anticipate a sense of déjà vu while watching this flick. Although the scenes are certainly original, there remains a vaguely familiar air about it all, similar to the experience offered by the final installment of Lord of the Rings.
In sum, At World’s End is a CGI-driven, seafaring saga of Shakespearean proportions, exploring an assortment of themes worthy of The Bard of Avon: love and betrayal, good versus evil, failing and redemption, and more. Unfortunately, it spins a far more convoluted yarn than its demographic desires, a flaw further complicated by a glut of both good guys and bad guys to keep track of.
Best to think of Pirates 3 as just a Johnny Depp vehicle to be savored as a mindless, mildly scary escape. Just be sure to sit through the entire closing credits for a postscript which ties up loose ends while dropping a big hint about what might be in store should there be a Pirates 4.
Very good (3 stars)
Rated PG-13 for intense violence and frightening images.
Running time: 168 minutes
Studi Walt Disney Pictures
EUR DVD REVIEW: Wrestlemania 23
Trump vs. Vince McMahon’s Battle of the Billionaires Arrives on DVD
by Kam Williams
*Normally, I would have no interest in reviewing Wrestlemania, but my curiosity was piqued because of the fact that this particular installment of the popular pay-per-view franchise was billed as the “Hair vs. Hair” match between Donald Trump and Vince McMahon, the CEO of the WWE. Since neither of them needed any prize money, the winner’s prize was to shave the loser’s head bald right in the ring.
Obviously, the mass appeal, here, was the idea of watching a couple of billionaires going mano-a-mano, and especially the prospect of seeing Trump shorn of his trademark locks. Unfortunately, after popping in the DVD, I was disappointed to learn that neither of these things occurred, since the two of them never actually fight, but have representatives wrestling on their behalf. Trump does participate in the scalping of McMahon wholeheartedly, which is slightly entertaining.
If you’re a big fan of the WWE, or don’t mind the fact that the contests are carefully choreographed, i.e. fixed, the four-hour DVD does feature numerous other more compelling matches. These include the World Heavyweight Championship bout between Batista and The Undertaker, the battle for the Women’s Championship between Melina and Ashley, and an eight-man Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Given the profusion of jaw-dropping pyrotechnics, smokescreens, death-defying leaps and special f/x involving the smashing chairs and other props over each other’s heads, one can’t help but wonder why, if the WWE goes to such great lengths to orchestrate each fight, why not just let the guys, and girls have a real go at it. Though I felt cheated by the Trump-McMahon charade, I’m not too proud to admit that I still found the rest of the DVD amusing enough, even if I had to lower my I.Q. 50 points or so to enjoy all the spectacular stunts with wide-eyed wonder.
Very Good (2.5 stars)
Unrated
Running time: 4 hours
Studi WWE Home Video
STEVEN IVORY: Real Men Do It Arm in Arm
*Bina told me I'd love her father, and she was right.
A 76-year old widowed, retired Indian ophthalmologist, Abhay's suave looks, head full of salt and pepper hair and correct posture reminded me of the Egyptian actor Omar Sharif.
Quiet and introspective, Bina's daddy loved to laugh, and he peppered his perfect English, often clumsily, with American catch phrases. Curiously, Abhay's love of R&B went beyond mere Motown and '50s doo-wop; he listened to the Ohio Players (the Junie Morrison years, no less) and owned early records by Rance Allen and Millie Jackson.
In 1993 Abhay was on holiday in Los Angeles from his native Mumbai, India, visiting Bina and her husband Terrence, when Bina asked if I, someone who wrote about R&B, would be kind enough to take her pop to an old-school concert in town. A Hindu into the Dramatics? Abhay was a man after my heart.
I'd parked my car and the two of us were engaged in spirited small talk, making our way across the parking lot toward the concert hall, when Abhay casually put his arm in mine. Gee.
In other parts of the world, straight men routinely walk hand in hand and arm in arm. Some even kiss when greeting. I know this. However, we weren't in India, Africa, the Middle East or on a football field or basketball court--the latter two being where most exhibitions of affection among straight American males occur.
As far as I, then a novice to straight man-lovin,' was concerned, Abhay and I simply looked like two grown ass men headed into an R&B concert, arm in arm. A straight man can't catch a woman while on the arm of a man.
I didn't know what embarrassed me most--strolling with Abhay as if in an Easter parade, or the fact that his gesture of camaraderie made me so uncomfortable.
Thank God we had to unlock arms in order for me to collect our tickets at the window--but not before several people noticed, including two hulking brothers, one of whom snickered as the other gave us a disdainful glare.
In the theater, we located our seats and then headed back out into the lobby before showtime to stand in line for something to drink--with, behind us, none other than those two big guys who eyed us earlier.
I was attempting to ignore their mumbled insults about us, when Abhay abruptly halted his subdued soliloquy regarding Indian and U.S relations and turned to the men.
"ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR A BITE?!" He loudly barked. "YOU HEARD ME! I SAID, ARE YOU HUNGRY FOR A BITE??!!"
The area went silent, as nearby patrons pondered the commotion. I wanted to vanish. Abhay's sudden outburst left our adversaries speechless, perplexed, and so it seemed, just a little afraid.
"What's goin' on here," inquired a beefy middle-aged female security guard in braids, giving the four of us a disinterested once over. Heckle and Jeckle shrugged ignorance and left our line for the other side of the concession stand as Abhay earnestly explained something about the men being disrespectful. The guard just listened, paying more attention to Abhay's accent than his words, before turning to leave.
"By the way, badd ass," she dryly remarked as she sauntered off, "it's: 'Do you want a piece of me.'"
"Yes Yes!" Abhay exclaimed, laughing at himself. "This is what I meant to say!"
In our seats during the concert, I felt a bit shamefaced. As the Dramatics' Willie Ford bellowed that immortal opening line to "Treat Me Like A Man"--"Treat me like a man/not any way you want to..." I wanted to turn to Abhay and whisper apologies for my chickenshit insecure reaction to his expression of cultural endearment out in the parking lot. Then again, Abhay had been totally oblivious to my mortification, anyway. Or was he?
In any case, during the music, there was no talking to him--he and the caramel-colored honey sitting to his right quietly chatted up a storm between songs, before Abhay finally escorted her and her girlfriend out into the lobby for libations.
After the concert, I listened to Abhay gab all the way to the car about the joys of sweet soul music and his fascination with that delicacy known as the American soul sister, all as I quietly relished the bold, unusual and somehow rewarding sensation of being on the arm of a real man.
Steven Ivory's book, FOOL IN LOVE (Touchstone/Simon & Schuster) is in stores now or at Amazon.com (www.Amazon.com) Respond to him via STEVRIVORY@AOL.COM or MYfeedback@eurweb.com
THE BRIDGE: Retrospect For Life
By Darryl James
“Knowing you’re the best part of life, did I have the right to take yours? I created you irresponsibly, subconsciously knowing the act I was a part of the start of something I’m not ready to bring into the world…”
--from Retrospect For Life by Common
Tony and Gina were in love.
They were young and trying to find their way in life. High school sweethearts, they were now in college and all things adult were facing them.
They were changing, and because they were at two different schools, it was difficult to discuss certain things when they came together.
They were both very lonely, even with their new college friends.
Internally, Gina was wrestling with her blossoming womanhood, and burning desires for men that had not previously been problematic. She now had to balance those desires with the desire to be with the man she loved.
And Tony was also changing at an alarming rate.
He was wrestling with the temptation of other women who were more than ready to give him what he could not get from the woman he loved. He could not get it because Gina was a virgin, which was fine while they were in high school.
But in each of their own ways, they were both becoming uncomfortable with a relationship void of sex.
And the more Tony began to discover about college and life in general, the more he began to resent those who had pressured him into being there.
Gina was a prime target of his growing resentment. He began to resent her for going to a different school. He resented her for the time he wasted in high school in celibacy, only to have her leave him. Resented her for not wanting sex as much as he did because his little head was beginning to think more than his big head.
Gina had some resentment welling up in her as well.
She resented the fact that her mother had not discussed sex with her or properly prepared her for all of the feelings and desires that were now inside of her, clouding her thoughts and confusing her.
They were both confused.
But in confusion without resolution, they continued to hold on. He visited her, and she visited him.
Gina wanted to see him for his birthday in November, wanting it to be special.
Tony wanted sex.
Gina had planned a weekend for them at her school. She secured a guest room in the student union and filled it with things that she wanted to remind him of their love.
There were photos of their prom and from picnics and in their high school hallway.
Gina knew they both loved the same music, so she had her roommate’s stereo in the room, playing Prince’s music.
She burned scented candles and bought wine and fruit.
She was very sweet to him and gave in to anything he wanted.
Tony gave in to her as well.
Gina’s eyes showed what she wanted and needed from Tony. He began to give it to her tenderly, because it was also what he wanted and needed.
They kissed and held each other in a way they had not done in a long time.
And without discussing it or even really acknowledging it, they were actually making love to each other, expressing their love.
These had been the greatest moments of their young lives.
And, the next time during that weekend and the subsequent times when they would see each other, were the same beautiful and wonderful moments of love.
But there were few moments of conscious thinking about all of the possibilities that could result from the love they made.
One of those possibilities became a reality.
“I missed my period,” Tony heard the voice say as he watched his body on the phone.
“Are you sure?” his body asked.
“Yes. I went to the clinic at school.”
“What does this mean?”
“What do you think it means?”
He knew what it meant, but shock rendered him unable to speak further. He held the phone in silence for too long before Gina broke the silence.
“Call me when you come out of your trance. Remember, this is difficult for me, too.”
As he hung up the phone, every feeling that Tony had ever felt for Gina merged into one large lump that migrated north and rested in his throat, threatening to choke off the life-giving air from his windpipe and prevent him from swallowing any nourishment that he might take. A series of confused thoughts paraded through his head so swiftly that he was not certain which was present at which time, or if they were all present simultaneously.
Two major thoughts emerged victorious.
The first thought he had to embrace was that if she was going to have his baby, he thought they should plan a life together. He wanted children anyway, so he thought that if he had to plan for them earlier than he wanted, it was not that big of a deal. This just might be the thing that Gina and he needed to bring them back to each other and keep them together anyway.
The second thought was that she might want to delay marriage.
He went to see Gina, telling her that he loved her and that he wanted her to make the decision. If she wanted marriage, he was prepared. If she wanted to wait for marriage until they were ready to return to each other full time, he was also prepared.
He was not prepared for her solution.
Abortion.
Some men who are not prepared for a child out of wedlock would welcome such a solution. But Tony had already explored his feelings on the subject, and the thought of stopping the development of a piece of him was revolting.
He didn't believe the idea actually came from Gina because during those days, her life and mind were not her own. Her friends and family thought they knew what was best for her, and she typically took their advice even above his own.
But during those dark days, it didn't matter where anything came from. Once Gina locked on to an idea, it became hers, and nothing or no one could wrench an idea from her.
Tony talked until he was blue in the face and frustrated.
He begged and pleaded.
He told her he loved her.
He threatened her.
He gave in.
Resentment returned and dominated Tony’s love for Gina. And with her decision, he wanted to die, but death was too easy. He would have to endure the double madness of both an unwanted pregnancy and an unwanted abortion. Gina was convinced that having a baby at that time would only ruin both of their lives and there was nothing that Tony could say to her to get her to change her mind or even consider an alternative.
Gina said that she knew what was best for the both of them.
Tony knew that he was beginning to hate her.
That hate dissolved into nothingness, leaving an empty spot in his heart that could only be filled by time, wisdom and maturity.
He was numb.
Tony’s life was covered by a thick cloud that followed him day in and day out.
The days and weeks came and went, and over time, Gina had gone through with the abortion, but it was more than an unborn child that was killed.
Tony realized that bits and pieces of him were aborted that day.
His love for Gina was aborted.
His spirituality was aborted as he cursed God for this painful event.
His connection with his feelings and humanity was aborted, and his sync with the world as he had known it was no longer.
Gina remarked that Tony was very cold to her after the abortion. Tony snapped back that she was lucky he didn't murder her the way she had murdered his child.
He had no idea how to explain to her how much it had hurt him that she did not want the part of him that was inside of her to grow. And it cut like a knife to realize that she had made the decision to discontinue the life without considering his feelings.
They were both emotionally wrecked by the event, but without being able to discuss and process, they eventually fell apart.
As Tony grew, he would hear people talk about how men weren’t really connected to the decision-making process of abortion, but he knew that wasn’t true. He knew that he was connected to his aborted child and that it had scarred him deeply, changing the way he viewed life, love and women.
His life was forever changed.
“I’m sorry for taking your first breath, first step and first cry, but I wasn’t prepared mentally nor financially. From now on, I’ll use self control instead of birth control, Three hundred and fifteen dollars ain’t worth your soul.”
Darryl James is an award-winning author who is now a filmmaker. His first mini-movie, "Crack," was released in March of 2006. He is currently filming a full length documentary. James’ latest book, "Bridging The Black Gender Gap," is the basis of his lectures and seminars. Previous installments of this column can now be viewed at www.bridgecolumn.com. James can be reached at djames@theblackgendergap.com.
PEOPLE OF NOTE: Moon on a Rainbow Shawl
By Deardra Shuler
*Errol John the playwright who wrote “Moon on a Rainbow Shawl” understood the complexities of human nature. Although the setting of the play takes place in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in the 1940s, it could have just as well been any era and anywhere in the world. Life plays out in many accents and several shades of existence. And, although time passes making improvements in its wake, some things never change. Poverty for some may be a grade higher than for others, but the problems that go along with poverty demand a toll, a price higher than some can pay. Poverty wrenches the soul, tearing away at ones alabaster character. It demands human sacrifice while constantly testing the human spirit challenging it to rise above its circumstance.
John’s moon casts its pale light into the darkness of the human experience touching upon the raw emotions that demonstrate both frailty and strength. Errol’s play captures this so well by laying bare the longing that lies just below the surface in us all. The desire to rise above one’s condition is demonstrated aptly via the character of Ephraim which is skillfully portrayed by Erwin E.A. Thomas. Ephraim wrestles with his conscience throughout the play. He is neither bad nor good. He is merely human. Having reviewed his past, Ephraim prefers to look forward unfettered and unattached. He recognizes life is a crap shoot so focuses his intent on rolling snake eyes. Not leaving anything to chance, Ephraim seduces lady luck determined to win her smile. He has a plan, a long term secret plan that drives him toward his goal. A goal he is willing to cast love aside for in order to assure a brighter future. Name the price -- he’ll pay it, even if it costs him his integrity. The local girl he is seeing, Rosa (Carla Brothers), has simpler dreams, marriage, and motherhood. She innocently accepts the cards that fate deals out to her, never seeing outside the box. After all, society fashioned Rosa’s box so long ago that it’s become a second skin. Other options never even occur to her. She languishes there in innocent revelry until life offers up a bitter cup of brine. Abandoned, unprepared, and blindsided, Rosa prostitutes her values to protect her growing child. Via this play, the face looking into the mirror catches a glimmer of its opposite side.
Closeted within their ramshackle domains on the seedy side of town, the characters struggle to cut away the remnants of their despair. Charlie (Lincoln Brown) regales the tales of is long lost youth, a time when he had the opportunity to carve out a successful niche for himself. He knows his wife Sophia sees him as a failure but he is content to bask in the love of his daughter Esther who he cherishes more than his life. In his old age he is left with the ruined memories of his wasted potential. He rolls the dice again and comes up the loser twice, once in youth, and now as an old man. In taking the chance he reached for the brass ring but it yielded him nothing, despite his lofty purpose. One cannot help but reflect on the unfairness of life when sympathizing with Charlie whose only desire was to aid his brilliant teenage daughter, portrayed by young Najah Johnson.
At what price comes freedom? For Charlie it was the chance to sacrifice him self for love, and for him that was not too high a price to pay.
“Moon on a Rainbow Shawl,” does not judge its multifaceted characters it merely observes them. Errol John allows the characters in his play to judge them selves. In fact,
Lola Loui’s character, Sophia, looms larger than life throughout the play. Central to the play, Lola
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