Tamar Braxton is getting a show on VH1 after the network won the bidding war. She’s got a 20-episode commitment. This week, she publicly apologized to Iyanla Van Zandt for her behavior and Braxton apologized to her former co-hosts (Loni Love, Jeannie Mai, Tamera Mowry-Housley and Adrienne Houghton) on The Real. Earlier this year, Iyanla tried to counsel the Braxtons. Tamar was not only resistant, but had harsh words for Iyanla. As far as The Real, Braxton and her then-husband Vince Herbert were producers and Braxton was a co-host before they were both fired amid backstage drama. Braxton explains all she knew was hurt, so that’s what she did. Meanwhile, the 42-year old singer/actress/reality star’s boyfriend, who is from Nigeria, went public with Braxton’s never having been loved and he’s the only one who can love her. Problem: I’m hearing he’s got a wife already. If Braxton marries him, she just might be wife number two. Get that prenup Tamar!!!
Wendy Williams may be living her best life, but with a new young man who has a record. Published reports say Marc Tomblin was convicted in 2013 for breaking and entering plus conspiracy to commit robbery with a dangerous weapon.By the way, his age and occupation keep changing too. First, he was an investment banker, then a fashion designer and now his age has gone down to 27. Williams got confronted by the paparazzi. She had to tell them yes I know about his record, but, Williams claims she’s having fun. She filed for divorce from her estranged husband Kevin Hunter following a slew of accusations against him including spousal abuse, a sidejawn and a side baby.
Congratulations to Cassie because she’s going to be a mom. The 32-year old singer/actress/model split from Sean Puffy Combs eight months ago and took up with Personal Trainer Alex Fine. Cassie took to social media and announced Me & U And A Baby, Too! She also wrote that she can’t wait to meet our baby girl. Fine took to the socials as well to declare his love and happiness for Cassie and their baby girl on the way. Looks like both Cassie and Puffy have both moved on after their 11-year relationship. Puffy, turning 50 this fall, has moved on with a 26-year old model. Looks like everybody is living their best life.
The BET Awards will honor Mary J. Blige and Tyler Perry at this year’s event. Blige gets The Lifetime Achievement Award for her years as the reigning Queen Of Hip Hop Soul. The Ultimate Icon Award is going to Perry, who has signed onto BET including their new streaming service. Look for the Tyler Perry programming this fall. The BET Awards performances will include Cardi B, DJ Khaled, H.E.R. Lucky Daye and Lil Nas X with Billy Ray Cyrus. The 2019 BET Awards hosted by Regina Hall airs Sunday, June 23rd at 8pm.
We remember Bushwick Bill Of the rap group The Geto Boys. Born Richard Stephen Shaw, Bushwick Bill stood 3 feet 8 inches tall.He originally joined The Geto Boys as a dancer (Little Billy). He quickly rose through the ranks to become not only a powerful MC, but a record producer as well. He had his share of troubles, including shooting himself in the eye. Bushwick Bill said he died and came back after that 1991 accidental shooting. He passed of pancreatic cancer after a February diagnosis. Plans for a Geto Boys Reunion tour fell through as his health wouldn’t allow him on the road. Hip Hop Icon Bushwick Bill was 52-years old.
Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish and Harrison Ford are all number one at the box office…together. The Secret Life Of Pets II is the sequel to the animated hit and the three stars are among the voices that helped the movie gross over $46 million in its opening weekend. The news is not all good for “My Nephew” because he’s being sued. A woman claims Hart’s bodyguards pushed her to the ground. Carmen Marrero says she was knocked to the ground by the Hart bodyguards and security when they rushed out of a New York building. Among her injuries, Marrero’s attorney says his client has a fractured face. Hart, his production company and the actor/performers union SAG/AFTRA are all named in Marrero’s suit. At press time, Hart isn’t commenting.
Cuba Gooding, Jr. has been partying up a storm, but a MeToo allegation may have him facing the law. The 51-year old Jerry Maguire Oscar winner may face charges related to forcible touching after a woman claims he grabbed her breasts at a Manhattan Rooftop Bar and Lounge. Gooding denies the claim and says partying with friends and posing for pictures is what he was doing and no way did he touch anyone inappropriately. At press time, we’re awaiting word from law enforcement. Gooding’s lawyers have told authorities to check the surveillance cameras.
On the cover of this month’s Ebony magazine isthe cast of Shaft.Samuel L. Jackson, Regina Hall (Girls Trip), Jessie T. Usher (Independence Day: Resurgence), Alexandra Shipp (X-Men; Straight Outta Compton), Method Man and Richard Roundtree (the original Shaft). Shaft hits theaters this Friday.
Tessa Thompson (Creed; For Colored Girls; Selma) is on the cover of Marie Claire and celebrating her new movie Men In Black International (MIB Int’l.). MIB Int’l. co-stars Chris Hemsworth and Emma Thompson. Tessa and Chris take the baton from Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones as the new agents who are entangled in a series of worldwide alien attacks they must stop. F. Gary Gray (Straight Outta Compton; The Fate Of The Furious) is directing and is looking for his fourth straight $100 million plus box office hit. Men In Black International is in theaters now.
The Rick James Story is coming. This will be a very deep story. James artistry as a writer/producer/performer is legendary. He had his own hits: Give It To Me Baby; Mary Jane; You & I and, of course Superfreak. He had hits with other artists: Smokey Robinson and Ebony Eyes; The Temptations and Standing On The Top; and Eddie Murphy and Party All The Time. Don’t laugh at that Eddie Murphy because the single went platinum and the album went gold. Then there was Teena Marie: from producing her Motown debut to their famed duets: Happy; Fire & Desire and Sucker For Your Love. Despite all his brilliance, the drugs, the drinking and the orgies were as big in his life as his music. James’ addictions led to stints in rehab, prison and a difficult road to a comeback. The comeback did happen once Dave Chappelle coined the phrase I’m Rick James, B**ch!, and Teena Marie took James out on the road with her for his last hurrah including a memorable (and blue) BET Awards performance. James died at 56 from heart failure. No word on casting yet, but the story of the King of Punk Funk is coming.
Hip Hop’s Billionaire, Jay-Z, is presenting Made In America 2019 in Philly. Cardi B and Travis Scott are headlining. Also on the bill are Freddie Gibbs, Grace Carter, Kodak Black and Anderson.Paak. The festivities take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Labor Day Weekend: Saturday, August 31st through Sunday, September 1st. Tickets and information can be found at madeinamericafest.com.
Spider-Man: Far From Home, starring Tom Holland, Samuel L. Jackson, Marisa Tomei, JB Smoove and Zendaya, hits theaters July 2nd.
Alicia Keys graces the cover of the latest edition of Essence magazine. It’s their escape, travel, self-care and style issue.
Speaking of Essence, they’re celebrating the silver anniversary of the Essence Festival in New Orleans. Forever First Lady Michelle Obama makes her Essence debut, and she’ll join Mary J. Bilge, Pharrell Williams, Teddy Riley, Missy Elliott, Brandy, MC Lyte, Musiq Soulchild, Major, Ro James, Queen Naija and El DeBarge and the return of Frankie Beverly & Maze to the Essence Fest. The 25th Annual Essence Festival will run Friday, July 5th through Sunday July, 7th.
The Dell Music Center has announced its 2019 line up for the summer. Everything kicks off Thursday, July 11th with the premiere groups of Philly Soul The O’Jays with special guests Russell Thompkins, Jr. & The New Stylistics, The Intruders and Bloodstone and the rest of the lineup:
Thursday, July 18th: Ne-Yo and Tamia
Thursday, July 25th: The Whispers and Stephanie Mills
Thursday, August 1st: India.Arie/Raheem DeVaughn/Major
Thursday, August 8th: Anthony Hamilton/Ledisi/Gregory Porter
Thursday, August 15th: Guy featuring Teddy Riley
Saturday, August 17th: Jordan Feliz
Thursday, August 22nd: SWV/Faith Evans/Next/Silk
Thursday, August 29th: Keith Sweat/Johnny Gill/Stokley
Check out who’s coming to town:
Saturday, June 29th – The WDAS Block Party starring Jill Scott, Jazmine Sullivan, Mase, DJ D-Nice and Musiq Soulchild at The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue, on Saturday, June 29th. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, June 29th– Diana Ross in concert at Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto theborgata.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, June 29th– Chaka Khan & Michael McDonald in concert at The Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, July 6th– Earth, Wind & Fire in concert at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Friday, July 12th and Saturday, July 13th– Lionel Richie in concert at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, July 20th– The Royalty Tour starring Mary J. Blige & Nas at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City. Log onto ticketmaster.com for tickets and information.
Saturday, August 17th – Hammer’s House Party starring MC Hammer, Kid ‘n Play, Sir Mix-a-Lot, Biz Markie & DJ Koolat The Mann Center for The Performing Arts, 52nd and Parkside Avenue, on Saturday, June 29th. Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.
Saturday, September 7th - The Royalty Tour starring Mary J. Blige & Nas at The Liacouras Center. For tickets and information log onto liacourascenter.com.
Saturday, September 28th – Snoop Dogg & Friends at the BB&T Pavilion in Camden, NJ. 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.