Jill Scott’s divorce is final from Mike Dobson. After not quite two years, the couple called it quits. So what did this cost? Scott had to pay off Dobson’s $50,000 Benz. Dobson got his massage tables back. He takes back the hotel bathrobes (Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!), the bathroom mirror and the Price Purple Rain outfit. 49-year old Dobson had plenty to say at one time like being locked out of the house and that his now ex-wife has mental issues. Scott’s not talking and the settlement was sealed days before the two would have to go to court and sort everything out…. The hard way.
It seems like there is a gangsta aura in the air of the On The Run II tour, but it isn’t Jay-Z. It’s Beyoncé’s back up dancers. A 26-year old man tried to run on the stage and attack Jay-Z and Beyoncé. The man was drunk and charged with simple battery and given a citation for disorderly conduct. Now, how was he captured? When he rushed the stage, Beyoncé’s back up dancers swooped down and opened up a potent can of whoop a**! By the time the dancers, who practically all joined forces and got a piece of this guy, finished, the word was out. Don’t mess with The On The Run II tour…or Queen Bey’s dancers!
Eddie Murphy is waiting on baby number 10!!! At the tender age of 57, Murphy and his girlfriend Actress/Model Paige Butcher, 39, are expecting their second child together and Murphy’s 10th overall. Butcher and Murphy have a two-year old daughter already. The other eight children reportedly come from four other babymamas, including Mel B and ex-wife Nicole Murphy. It’s a good time for Eddie Murphy as he began filming his Netflix project Dolemite Is My Name. The movie is essentially the bio pic of legendary Comedian Rudy Ray Moore, who financed the first Dolemite movie with the proceeds from his underground comedy albums. When the movie became a hit, it began a franchise for Moore. Murphy will play Moore, and he’ll be joined by Wesley Snipes, Mike Epps, Keegan-Michael Key, T.I. and Craig Robinson. No streaming/released date has been announced yet.
Patti LaBelle is putting her acting hat back on and is coming to OWN. The Philly singing legion will be on the drama Greenleaf playing the super hyped motivational speaker Maxine Patterson, who’s also a longtime friend of Lady Mae Greenleaf. The two friends come together at a most important time when Lady Mae has discovered her husband’s secret affair. Greenleaf stars Emmy Winners Lynn Whitfield and Keith David and airs Tuesdays at 10am on OWN.
Speaking of Patti LaBelle, she took to Philly’s own Dell Music Center stage and did a special tribute to The Queen Of Soul. Aretha Franklin played The Dell Music Center herself back in 2007 and wowed the crowd in North Philly. Meanwhile, Franklin, who passed away earlier this month, left no will and her fortune is valued at $80 million. She wasn’t married at the time of her death, and her four sons would be her immediate heirs. But, a boyfriend, who has lived with Franklin for 30 years, has stepped forward. He’s a former firefighter and he’s looking to be acknowledged by the estate. How are the sons taking this? Reportedly not well. Close advisors are letting it be known they asked the Queen several times to get a will done but she didn’t.
As for Franklin’s homegoing services, the event will be streamed. Ronald Isley, Chaka Khan, Yolanda Adams, Jennifer Holliday, Fantasia, Faith Hill, Ariana Grande, Jennifer Hudson (the woman reported to soon play Aretha on the big screen) and longtime friend Stevie Wonder will all sing at Aretha Franklin’s funeral today in Detroit. Franklin’s longest living friend is Motown Legend Smokey Robinson, who will speak. Former President Bill Clinton, Detroit Pistons Legend Isiah Thomas, Arista/Sony Records Executive Clive Davis and the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Sr. will also speak. Reverend Al Sharpton will represent the Obamas and read a letter from the former First Family. The Obamas won’t attend as they’ll be honoring the late Senator John McCain who died from brain cancer earlier this month at age 82. McCain asked President Obama rather than Trump to speak at his funeral. The same goes for Former President George W. Bush as well who sending a letter for Franklin’s service but will attend and speak at McCain’s at the late Senator’s request. The Aretha Franklin public viewing at the Charles H. Wright Museum Of African American History in Detroit began earlier this week with Franklin’s body lying in repose. The wardrobe was changed from the red dress and shoes to powder blue outfit per the service instructions. Today’s funeral will take place at Greater Grace Temple in Detroit. A separate tribute concert is also being organized by Franklin’s longtime Arista/Sony label Executive Clive Davis for November at Madison Square Garden.
Janet Jackson, Naomi Campbell and Mary J. Blige will all be honored at The 2018 Black Girls Rock that also features a special tribute to The Queen Of Soul by Fantasia. The show was already recorded and Fantasia is winning praise for her tribute in the wake of Madonna’s disastrous attempt at The MTV Video Music Awards. Black Girls Rock honors women and girls striving for and achieving excellence in all walks of life. Queen Latifah will host The 2018 Black Girls Rock on Sunday, September 9th at 8pm on BET.
Speaking of Queen Latifah, she has been announced as this year’s recipient of The Marian Anderson Award. As a pioneering hip hop performer and groundbreaking female MC, Latifah evolved her career to also include $100 million blockbuster movies (Bringing Down The House; Girls Trip), television (Living Single; The Queen Latifah Show) and production (co-founder of Flava Unit Entertainment). The Marion Anderson Awards will take place at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets, for its 20th anniversary Gala and Concert. Latifah joins past recipients Harry Belafonte, Jon Bon Jovi, Oprah Winfrey, James Earl Jones, Patti LaBelle and Kenny Gamble & Leon Huff. The festivities will take place November 20th and you can log on to KimmelCenter.org for tickets and information.
Da Brat may be going to jail. The 44-yearold rapper and actress filed for bankruptcy for $7 million last week. Some years ago, she was sued for allegedly assaulting an NFL cheerleader for $6.5 million. Since she’s paid nothing toward the suit, DaBrat’s being threatened with incarceration. She’s going to have to work something out fast.
Good news for Singer Peebles. She sued VH1 for defamation because of how she was portrayed in the TV movie CrazySexyCool, the TLC bio pic. Peebles managed the group through her Pebbitone production company in the 90’s. Peebles then got the group signed to her then husband L.A. Reid and Babyface’s label LaFace records. Allegations flew back and forth in the TV movie and the portrayal was not favorable to Peebles. She filed a $40 million lawsuit against VH1 parent company Viacom. Just shy of a month before this case was to be heard in court, the parties reached an agreement. They’ve settled for an undisclosed sum. As of press time no comment from either side.
Faizon Love is being sued for sexual harassment. We know 50-year old comedian for his roles as Wendell in sitcom The Parent ‘Hood and in the movies as Officer Peters in The Players Club and Big Worm in Friday. Now Love’s personal assistant, Tashiana Luke, alleges Love constantly made unwanted sexual advances toward her and went as far as sending a sex tape to her. Among the sexual suggestions was how nice her a** looks in her pants and that she knows she needed her tuition paid. Luke’s lawsuit is for harassment and seeks unspecified damages, and Love hasn’t responded to the suit as of press time.
The Bobby Brown Story is coming to BET next week. The King Of R&B’s life story is at the center of the follow up TV movie to BET's smash hit The New Edition Story. Actor Woody McClain will once again play Brown. The two-part TV movie will span Brown's 30-year career. Look for stories revolving around Teddy Riley, L.A. Reid & Babyface, and among the women in Brown’s life, Whitney Houston and Janet Jackson. We’ll also find out if he really taught Michael Jackson how to moonwalk. Hmmmmm! The Bobby Brown Story miniseries will premiere Tuesday, September 4th at 9pm and Part 2 Wednesday, September 5th at 9pm on BET.
Mel B is fighting the rehab story. In a backtrack from reports of her admitting being a sex addict, alcoholic and going to rehab, the former Spice Girl is saying hold on a sec! Remember during Mel’s divorce from Stephen Belafonte, the nanny was dragged into it with accusations that all three participated in threesomes among other things. Mel appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show with guest host Actress Lea Michele. Mel says she’s been in therapy since her dad was diagnosed with cancer nine years ago. It then changed when she got out of an intense relationship. The singer/TV judge/reality star says no she’s not an alcoholic, no she’s not a sex addict because she’s been with one person for ten years. She couldn’t say more to be PC but that she addresses much of this in her book called Brutally Honest, which is to be released November 27th. Mel says seeking treatment was to ease her pain.
Iyanla Van Zandt is trying to fix The Braxtons. Tamar, Toni, Trina Towanda and Traci, along with their parents, are all seeking help. All the Braxton’s but Tracy have quit the Braxton Family Values show on We-TV. We-TV isn’t giving up yet, so they’re adding Phaedra Parks, Comedienne Kim Whitley and Flava Flav in an attempt to rescue the show from this walkout. Meanwhile, the Iyanla Fix My Life with The Braxtons will begin filming in September.
Naomi Campbell is on the cover of Essence magazine’s Fall Fashion And Beauty issue for the September edition. Essence announced their new issue with the statement This Is Not A Test, Giving Black Women Covers Since 1970.
Emmy nominated Actress/Writer/Producer Issa Rae of HBO’ Insecure covers this month Ebony magazine’s fashion issue. Part of Rae’s personal mantra is behind the cover and accompanying photo shoot inside. The 33-year old says she wants to continue to form platforms where young girls who look, think and feel like she does can see themselves. Meanwhile, Insecure airs on HBO Sundays at 10:30pm right after Ballers with Dwayne The Rock Johnson at 10pm.
Next up is Oscar Winner Lupita Nyong’o on the cover of Porter magazine for their desire issue. The 35-year old Oscar winner talks of self acceptance and the success of Black Panther, now only the third movie in history to make $700 million of its 1.3 billion gross in the United States box office alone.
Emmy nominee Tracee Ellis Ross covers Elle’ Canada. The Golden Globe winning actress, who has also directed episodes of her hit show Black-ish this past season, speaks about her social activism and growing up in her mom’s (Entertainment Legend Diana Ross) embrace and not her shadow.
Zendaya covers Marie Claire for their fall fashion issue. The soon to be 22-year old says she’s on a mission to rewrite the Hollywood narrative and show how much beauty there is in the wide spectrum of the African American community.
Queen Bey is on the cover of Vogue magazine. Beyonce speaks candidly about her marriage surviving cheating and the difficult birth of her twins, which resulted in her having a c-section. Bey not only had creative control over the cover and accompanying photo layout, but she had it done by African American photographer, 23-year old Tyler Mitchell. Mitchell shooting a Vogue cover is the first time an African American has ever done this in Vogue’s 126-year history.
Rihanna graces the cover of British Vogue for their September themed the big fashion issue. Rih Rih’s movie Ocean’s 8, the female cast-caper/heist movie, has taken in over $137 million at the summer box office.
Tiffany Haddish graces the cover of the September issue of Glamour magazine. Up next, Haddish co-stars with fellow Comedian Kevin Hart in Night School coming to theaters September 28th. After that, Haddish joins Tika Sumpter (The Haves & The Have Nots), Amber Riley (Glee), Omari Hardwick (Power) and Whoopi Goldberg for Nobody’s Fool, written and directed by Tyler Perry hitting theaters November 2nd.
Sanaa Lathan’s pet project, Nappily Ever After, is coming to Netflix. Lathan, who dons a shaved head for the role, plays Violet Jones, whose accident in a hair salon makes her realize she’s not living her life to the fullest. The romantic comedy also stars Ernie Hudson, Ricky Whittle and Lynn Whitfield. Nappily Ever After, based on the Tina Gordon Chism novel, begins streaming Friday, September 21st on Netflix.
Check out who’s coming to town:
Tomorrow, September 1st & Sunday September 2nd – Made In America 2018 starring Nicki Minaj, Fat Joe, Janelle Monae’, Miguel and Meek Mill on The Ben Franklin Parkway. For tickets and information log onto madeinamericafest.com
Tomorrow Saturday, September 1st – The Jackson Five 50th Anniversary World Tour at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event for ticket information.
This Sunday, September 2nd - Patty Jackson’s Annual Party in the Park Celebrating my 35th anniversary starring Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, The Whispers and Blue Magic at the Dell Music Center, 33rd and Ridge Avenue. For more information log onto mydelleast.org.
This Sunday, September 2nd – Earth, Wind & Fire in concert at the Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. For more information log on to theborgata.com
Saturday, September 15th – The Aubrey and The Three Amigos Tour starring Drake and Migos at the Wells Fargo Center. Log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com for ticket information.
Wednesday & Thursday, September 19th and 20th – Bruno Mars on The 24K Magic North American Concert Tour at the Wells Fargo Center with Special Guests Boyz II Men. For tickets and information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Saturday, September 22nd – The LIT AF Tour Hosted by Martin Lawrence featuring Deray Davis/ Deon Cole/ Adele Givens/ Benji Brown at the Liacouras Center, Broad & Montgomery. For more information log onto liacourascenter.com/events
Sunday, September 23rd– RBRM, a.k.a. Ricky/Bobby/Ronnie & Mike, a.k.a. Ricky Bell/Bobby Brown/Ronnie DeVoe/Michael Bivins at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event for ticket information.
Saturday, September 29th – Maxwell at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event for ticket information.
Saturday, October 6th & Sunday, October 7th- Mike Epps, Bruce Bruce, Jay Pharoah, Sheryl Underwood, Tony Rock and Gary Owen and more over the two days of The Atlantic City Comedy Festival on Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. For tickets and information log onto boardwalkhall.com/events.
Friday, November 16th – Hall & Oates at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto hardrockhotelatlanticcity.com/event for ticket information.
Tuesday, November 20th - The 20th Annual Marion Anderson Awards, Gala & Concert honoring Queen Latifah at the Kimmel Center, Broad and Spruce Streets, For more tickets and information log onto KimmelCenter.org.
Saturday, November 24th - The Irresponsible Tour starring Kevin Hart at the Wells Fargo Center. For tickets and information log onto wellsfargocenterphilly.com.
Saturday, December 8th – Maxwell at the Tower Theater on 69th Street in Upper Darby. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
If you would like more info please email me at PattyJackson@iHeartMedia.com or check me out with my midday reports at 10:30am, 12:30pm and 2:30pm during the day.