Review: ‘Hot Ghetto Mess’ tepid, tired,is BET Racial Profiling??,Black People Dont Own It Anymore

If you truly want to see the definition of a hot ghetto mess, turn on VH1 on any given Sunday and watch one of the endless reruns of “Flavor of Love” or any of its other spinoffs and variations. Chances are, you’ll be thoroughly educated and offended (and, shamefully, entertained).

But if you thought you’d get that kind of knowledge watching Wednesday’s premiere of BET’s revamped “Hot Ghetto Mess” show _ now simply titled, “We Got to Do Better,” hosted by Charlie Murphy _ you were shortchanged. While there were examples of trifling behavior and crazy antics, for the most part, the show seemed like a reject reel from “America’s Funniest Videos.”

Certainly, there are some camps breathing a sigh of relief: The show was roundly criticized even before it made its debut by some who feared it was yet another BET show that would degrade black people by presenting offensive stereotypes as comedy.

Given BET’s track record, those critics had reason to worry. After all, the Black Entertainment Network has provided a seemingly endless platform for hip-hop thuggery, booty-shaking video girls, lowbrow comedy shows, and Toccara.

Perhaps the creators of “We Got to Do Better,” which is based on the Web site hotghettomess.com, were leery of being another example of offensive BET programming: The show hardly had any examples of the outrageous behavior the Web site deems “ghetto. There were no images of pimp-my-ride coffins, 5-foot-high lacquered hairdos, infants posing with 40-ounce bottles of beer, or pink-spandex outfits on a Mo’Nique-sized frame.

Instead, the show offered lame video clips that circulated on sites like YouTube months ago, and commercials that wouldn’t pass the cable-access test. To make clear the show wasn’t trying to pick on black folk, there were also plenty of white faces, as in a clip of a redneck Olympics-style event.

The show was racially balanced _ and equally unfunny _ on all levels.

“We Got To Do Better” also attempted to show it had a redeeming aspect by asking history questions to mainly uninformed people on the street (“How many blacks are on the Supreme Court?”). But “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” does it better _ and on that show, it’s funny.

Whether a show titled “Hot Ghetto Mess” or “We Got To Do Better” has a place on BET is open for debate. Clearly, there are enough negative stereotypes surrounding black people _ and clearly, the celebration of black foolishness has become more popular than ever.

VH1’s “Flavor of Love,” which has featured black women pulling on each other’s weaves, cussing each other out and even defecating on stairwells, has been a low-point for black images over the past two years, while scoring record-breaking ratings. That’s not to mention the head-shaking, eye-rolling antics on talks shows like “Maury” or other reality shows. Or the offensive behavior that seems to define every other hip-hop video.

When more people know about the agenda of “New York” than Condoleezza Rice, clearly there’s a problem in America _ and an opportunity that’s ripe for satire and profound skewering. But BET has too much baggage of its own to tackle such a project. Indeed, there’s more biting (and hysterical) criticism of so-called ghetto culture on black Web sites than could be found on BET’s “We Got to Do Better.”

Once again, BET has got to do better _ but it may not know how.

McDonald’s drops rapper from tour

McDonald’s drops rapper from tour

Rapper Twista, who was tapped by McDonald’s to perform during its nationwide concert series, has been dropped from the lineup because of his “controversial lyrics,” the fast food giant said Monday.

The Chicago rapper is better known for his lightning-fast rap delivery than particularly raunchy content: His hits include “Slow Jamz,” with Kanye West and Jamie Foxx, and “Overnight Celebrity.” However, he does use explicit language and reference drugs in his some of his rhymes.

McDonald’s, which initially signed the rapper to perform in Chicago for its 10-city concert series, said it could no longer support Twista for the Aug. 7 performance.

“Although we respect free speech and artistic expression, we do not condone or perpetuate derogatory language,” said spokesman William Whitman in a statement. “We want to ensure these free concerts are fun as well as appropriate for all of our customers.”

When asked why they booked the rapper, given his content, the company referred back to the statement.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Twista said that in some ways, he was surprised by the announcement, “especially after hearing from certain people that represented McDonald’s that they were fans of the music and they were excited about the whole thing and that they backed me, and then to hear a few a days later that I was actually not on the show.”

However, he blamed the increased criticism of hip-hop in the wake of the racial flap over former CBS radio and MSNBC broadcaster Don Imus for putting pressure on the corporate giant to drop him from the series.

“They started hearing things … feeling like they were getting a little flak, and I felt like rather than stick by me and stick through it, they got scared,” he said. “I’ve been rapping the same way for 15 years. It only became a problem when Don Imus said something negative about black women and they needed a scapegoat.”

After Imus was fired for calling the Rutgers University women’s basketball team “nappy-headed hos,” some critics decried what they considered a double standard for rappers who often use derogatory terms about women. Increased pressure was put on rappers and record labels to clean up offensive content.

Twista said that typically, when he performs at events that are more mainstream and that attract kids, he cleans up his lyrics, and had intended to do so for the Chicago performance.

“I was actually going to have a school with a choir come sing the song ‘Hope’ with me. So now … McDonald’s have to tell the kids that they can’t perform.”

Upper Deck pulls Vick cards, memorabilia

Upper Deck has removed all Michael Vick autographed memorabilia from its online store and will remove the indicted quarterback’s trading card from NFL sets that are scheduled to be released in October.

The announcement by the San Diego County company came a day after Nike suspended its lucrative contract with Vick and Reebok took the unprecedented step of stopping sales of his No. 7 jersey. Another trading card company, Donruss, announced it was pulling Vick’s likeness from any new packs.

“Of course we appreciate the fact that Mr. Vick is innocent until proven guilty, but the allegations alone have resulted in an outpouring of very strong emotion within our organization and among the collecting community,” Kerri Stockholm, Upper Deck’s director of marketing, said in a statement. “We believe collectors will agree and support this decision as being the best course of action for our football business.”

Items pulled from the online store include autographed footballs, helmets, jerseys and the company’s line of “Breaking Through” pieces. His card will be pulled beginning with the Ultimate Collection Football set.

The latest hit to Vick came two days after the Atlanta Falcons quarterback pleaded not guilty to federal dogfighting charges in Richmond, Va. In the indictment, he was accused of sponsoring a gruesome operation that often shot, hanged, drowned or electrocuted losing dogs.

NAACP leaders urge fairness for Vick

NAACP leaders urged public restraint Monday in judging Michael Vick before he has his day in court.

R.L. White, president of the Atlanta chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, said the Atlanta Falcons quarterback has been vilified by animal rights groups, talk radio and the news media and prematurely punished by his team and corporate sponsors.

“If Mr. Vick is guilty, he should pay for his crime, but to treat him as he is being treated now is also a crime,” White said at a news conference. “Be restrained in your premature judgment until the legal process is completed.”

Vick has pleaded not guilty to charges of sponsoring a dogfighting operation.

On Monday, Tony Taylor, a co-defendant in the case, pleaded guilty in Virginia to federal dogfighting conspiracy charges in a plea agreement with prosecutors. Purnell Peace of Virginia Beach and Quanis Phillips of Atlanta face similar charges and are scheduled for trial Nov. They remain free without bond.

Businesses have been quick to recoil. Nike suspended its lucrative contract with Vick and Reebok stopped sales of his No. 7 jersey. In addition, two trading card companies withdrew Vick items.

In an interview aired Monday, Vick told Porsche Foxx on Atlanta radio station WVEE-FM, “I know I’ve put the city through a lot. My owner, Arthur Blank, who I love sincerely, I’ve put him through a lot. And you know it’s hurt me to put him through these situations to have to deal with that because he shouldn’t have to.”

Vick thanked those who have continued supporting him and added, “It’s a crisis situation for me, but I’m gonna get through it.”

White plans to contact Vick to see what assistance the Atlanta NAACP chapter can offer. White predicted that public opinion may worsen in the wake of Taylor’s plea deal.

Until then, he said he would keep an open mind and encouraged others to do the same.

Georgia NAACP President Edward Dubose thanked Vick for his community service and the money and excitement he has brought to Georgia as a Falcon. Dubose said Vick is being prosecuted in the court of public opinion before he has had a chance to defend himself.

“We’re not condoning bad behavior, but Michael Vick is innocent until proven guilty,” Dubose said.

Atlanta chapter member Bernadette Allen attended the news conference and also a rally Sunday to support Vick.

“The man is entitled to due process under the law, as is any citizen,” Allen said.

Minds’ star Shemar Moore gets probation,He’s Not Gay,But He Was Drunk And Driving

Actor Shemar Moore was sentenced to probation and community service after pleading no contest in an alcohol-related speeding case, officials said Tuesday.

The 37-year-old star of the CBS series “Criminal Minds” was arrested June 1 after being stopped by the California Highway Patrol driving faster than 65 mph on a city street, officials said.

He was charged June 22 with driving under the influence and driving with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent or above, city attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan said.

As part of a plea deal, Moore pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of exhibition of speed, and the DUI charges were dropped, Mateljan said.

The actor was given 36 months’ probation and agreed to serve DUI-related conditions, including not driving with alcohol in his system, officials said.

He also agreed to 80 hours of community service and was given the choice of wearing an alcohol-monitoring ankle bracelet, Mateljan said.

“Shemar has not yet made a choice with regard to his community service,” his publicist Staci Wolfe said Monday.

Moore plays FBI profiler Derek Morgan on “Criminal Minds.”

“I’m a serious and conscientious person by nature, but my one vice is driving fast, and it unfortunately took something like this for me to take stock and slow down,” the actor said in a statement last month.

Shemar Moore,No He is not gay,its bullshit,and we stand on that

Their were two naked women on the beach with him,so what,he gets his freak on.We are sure that their was some real hating going on.a Black Man is not aloud to get his freak on and be loved by Black Women.We have been spying on him a long time,he is not gay.

Check Out The Latest Black Celebrity Dirt And News

Wedding bells and no pre-nup are ringing this week for Usher Raymond and his fiancée Tameka Foster. Usher, 29, and Tameka, mid-forties, are expecting their first child, a boy, later this year, and this weekend they are getting married. Foster first met Usher when she was hired to be his stylist. She then left her husband and three kids to be with the singing sensation. A lot of people feel Usher is making a big mistake, and risks ruining his career with this marriage. Earlier this year, Usher fired his mother as his manager, but word has it she will be in attendance at the wedding along with a slew of celebs. Is it love, or is Usher making a big mistake? Why won’t he get a pre-nup? Love is nice, but protect your finances!

The new issue of Essence features an exclusive interview with Mel B, Eddie Murphy’s baby momma. Mel talks about the upcoming Spice Girls reunion, being a single mom and how she questioned Eddie Murphy’s lifestyle when they dated. Mel says she didn’t like it when people would show up at all hours of the night, and how strangers were looking after his kids. Mel has hired Attorney Gloria Allred, one of the most powerful women in Hollywood, to get her money from Eddie. Eddie Murphy is going to find out the hard way that it pays to wear a condom. This new baby is going to cost him millions. Eddie’s new love Tracey Edmonds has a new movie coming out this week. Edmonds produced the comedy Who’s Your Caddy. Who’s Your Caddy stars Big Boi and Sherri Shepherd.

It’s going to be raining money for Kim Porter, especially if she talks. P Diddy’s baby momma stands to get a $1 million a year in child support and millions more if she writes a book and tells all about the hip hop mogul.

Hold off on those horderves! The Queen is postponing her wedding. The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin was planning to tie the knot with longtime love Willie Wilkerson, but now those plans have been put on hold. Aretha is working on a new album of duets, and she wants to finish that first.

Singer Angela Bofill has suffered another stroke. Bofill, 53, is in critical condition following a massive stroke that occurred July 10th. She suffered her first stoke in early 2006, and was left paralyzed on her left side. Bofill is best known for the songs I Try, Angel of the Night, This Time I’ll Be Sweeter and I’m On Your Side. Bofill did not have health insurance, and numerous benefits have taken place to help her with her medical bills.

A lot of people are wondering what’s up with Isaac Hayes. Hayes had a lot of people talking after a recent show in Hollywood where he appeared on stage stumbling and out of it. Last year, there were reports that he suffered a stroke, but his spokespeople claim it was just exhaustion. Hayes recently became a dad again, his 12th. Maybe the babies are wearing him out?

Singer Ron Isley is enjoying his last days of freedom. Isley will soon begin serving a three year prison sentence for tax evasion charges. Isley has been battling the I.R.S. for years, and now he has to pay up. After numerous delays, two babies, a mild stroke and a battle with kidney cancer, Isley will have to leave his family and begin his prison sentence. There is a movement underway to get him a pardon and keep him out of jail, but, will it be enough?

Spokespeople for Dave Chappelle say the popular comedian is doing well after being released from the hospital because of exhaustion. Chappelle recently spent a weekend in a D.C hospital getting hydrated and getting some sleep. According to his spokespeople, Chappelle needs to drink more water. He gets going on such a creative role while performing that he forgets to eat and drink.

The downward spiral of Singer Lauyrn Hill continues. She’s on tour. When she arrives at the venues to perform, she is usually late and angry at the audience. At one time, there was talk of a Fugees reunion, but now that Lauryn is unraveling. Don’t look for a reunion anytime soon. Former Fugees member Pras says he has lost respect for Hill and can’t believe how she is wasting her talent and her life. At a recent concert in Norway, she was seen throwing bottles at the security because they were looking at her.

Is Michael Jackson taking advice from Prince? The King of Pop wants to make a comeback, and has reached out to Prince. Prince suggested that Michael just sing: Stop the gimmicks, costumes, smoke and mirrors and just show the world you can still sing. Will Michael take Prince’s advice?

The Salt and Pepa reunion reality show is set to debut on VH1 October 15th. The show will feature the ladies, including Spinderella, reunited and resolving past issues. Pepa blames Salt for breaking up the group, and Salt feels her past efforts went unappreciated. Plus, there’s the issue of Salt being religious and Pepa still being a party girl.

How did Richard Pryor really die? Was he the victim of elder abuse at the hands of his wife? Pryor’s children are making this shocking claim in an effort to gain control over his estate. Pryor died in 2005 from complications due to multiple sclerosis. Pryor’s children want his last marriage to Jennifer Lee annulled because they feel she took advantage of their father. Richard Pryor was married seven times to five different women and had seven children.

Basketball Phenom Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers will be hosting the season premiere of Saturday Night Live. The 22- year old NBA star created quite a stir when he hosted the ESPY Awards with his dancing and comedy routines.

Danny Glover is coming to TV. The Lethal Weapon star will be playing the love interest of Sally Field on the upcoming season of the ABC hit Brothers and Sisters. It’s a reunion. The two starred together in the 1984 film Places in the Heart, and Field won an Oscar.

Is Singer Patti LaBelle in line to be on The View. The popular daytime talk show is looking for new hosts since Star Jones left and Rosie O’Donnell quit. Patti LaBelle’s name has been thrown in as a possible replacement. Patti’s got the credentials. She can sing, she can cook and she has personality for days.

The 59th Annual Emmy Awards take place on September 16th on FOX. The Sopranos are leading the pack with 15 nominations, Ugly Betty got 11 Emmy nods and Grey’s Anatomy had 10. Vanessa Williams is excited about her Emmy nod for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Williams plays the evil nemesis “Wilhelmina” on Ugly Betty. She says even though her character isn’t nice, it is nice to be recognized for her work on the show.

The final issue of Jane magazine features tennis sensation Serena Williams in the buff. It’s the Clothes Off Our Backs issue that will benefit children’s charities. The photo features Serena with just a flower and her well toned body.

Hoopz, a.k.a. Nikki Alexander and the winner of season one of Flavor of Love, is returning to VH1. Hoopz will be one of the contestants on the second installment of VH1’s Charm School.

The magazine Vibe Vixen is fading out. The women’s spinoff of Vibe magazine will only be published as special issues. There will be no more monthly issues after September.

Singer Regina Belle is working on her first gospel album. Belle is married to a former basketball player who has a church in Atlanta. When she’s not touring, Belle serves as the first lady of the church.

Congratulations to Actress Lisa Bonet, 39 and Actor Jason Momoa, 27. They are the proud parents of a baby girl. This is Bonet’s third child and second daughter. She has a 13-year old son by a yoga instructor, and an 18-year old daughter by Rocker Lenny Kravitz. Bonet is best known for her role as “Denise Huxtable” on The Cosby Show.

Congrats are also in order for Boxing Champ Laila Ali and former NFL player Curtis Conway. Muhammad Ali’s daughter and the former Dancing with the Stars contestant married her second husband over the weekend. Laila, 29, says Conway, 36, is the man of her dreams. His three children took part in their wedding ceremony.

The 2007 Marian Anderson Awards ceremony is taking place on November 12th at the Kimmel Center. Actor Richard Gere is getting the award this year. Past winners include Oprah Winfrey, Sidney Poitier and Quincy Jones.

WHAT’S THE UNDERGROUND BUZZ?!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

This hot Actress would be even hotter if she spent as much time on her career as she does chasing sport stars. She doesn’t care if it’s basketball, football or baseball. If you are a ball player, you can get a date with her. She used to be married to a football player, and she wants another Sports Star.

Why do certain stars claim that they looking for a special member of the opposite sex yet you never see them in public with the opposite sex?…Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm!!!

Upcoming Movies and Events:

Rush Hour III- Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker, August 8th.

Daddy Day Care – Cuba Gooding Jr., August 8th.

The stage play Whatever She Wants with Vivica A. Fox and Richard Roundtree September 11-16 at the Merriam Theatre.

The Brave One- Terrence Howard and Jodie Foster, September 14th.

American Gangster – Denzel Washington, Russell Crowe & Rapper T.I., November 2nd.

Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married – Jill Scott & Janet Jackson, November 16th.

The Better Man- Martin Lawrence, Mo’Nique and James Earl Jones, February 2008.

Shemar Moore

Shemar Moore explains! People Are Trying To Make Me Gay! I Am Not Gay! Moore, the star of the CBS show Criminal Minds and former soap star from The Young & The Restless, says he’s been set up. Moore says he was with two girlfriends, and they stumbled on a nude beach. He says he always wanted to go skinny dipping, so he went for it. He says his two lady friends were cut out of the picture, but he never explained his wrestling with a man underwater. Photos of Moore came out two weeks ago showing him nude on a gay beach.

I’m coming home, Mom:Sources tell News Usher racing to estranged mama’s side after he said nope to nups

Runaway groom Usher and his pregnant would-be bride Tameka Foster

Runaway groom Usher is headed back into his mama’s arms.

A day after the last-minute cancellation of his Hamptons wedding to pregnant fiancée Tameka Foster, the Grammy winner was bound for Atlanta to make peace with his estranged mother, Jonetta Patton, sources told the Daily News.

“The reason he called off the ceremony is that he couldn’t go through with it without Jonetta,” said one insider. “He had an eleventh-hour epiphany.”

The source said the 28-year-old multiplatinum R&B star was expected to fly home yesterday to Atlanta, where his mother lives. It wasn’t known last night whether the 38-year-old Foster, who is expecting his child in the fall, would be traveling with him.

The nuptials appeared to be going full-steam ahead late last week. After some negotiation, Foster had signed a prenuptial agreement, according to people close to the singer.

“Usher conceded to some of her terms,” said one source.

On Thursday night, he had his bachelor party. But, on Friday, “he started having second thoughts again,” said a source. “He was obviously troubled that Jonetta wasn’t coming.”

For weeks, it had been unclear whether there was a wedding hall big enough to hold Patton and Foster, who’ve long been at odds. Last week, sources said, Foster agreed that Patton could come to the wedding – but, by then, Patton had resolved to stay in Atlanta.

“Usher woke up on Saturday and said he couldn’t go through with it,” said a source. “Apparently, he also couldn’t bring himself to call all the people who were invited. He had the wedding planner call everyone in the wedding party.”

The word also went out to stunned guests who were about to board a shuttle bus from a nearby inn to the Sagaponack estate of Island Def Jam chief Antonio (L.A.) Reid.

Foster was furious: “She was marching around, cursing,” said a source.

Foster, a divorced mother of three, had at one point worked as Usher’s stylist only to be forced out by his manager-mother.

Later, she won a more important place in Usher’s life, as his girlfriend, and started crossing swords with several of his longtime friends and handlers.

Shortly before Mother’s Day, Usher announced that Patton, who had guided him toward superstardom, would no longer be his manager. Usher denied that Foster planned to take over the role Patton once held.

This month, Usher wrote an open letter in People magazine, declaring “I am not being led” by Foster. That letter prompted AOL Black Voices columnist Jawn Murray to call upon Usher to make up with Patton, or risk alienating his fan base of women. “You only have one mother,” wrote Murray, whose letter Usher is said to have read last week.

Also factoring into the crisis was a National Enquirer story alleging that Foster had served time for petty crimes and had once dated a drug dealer killed in an ambush.

The story quoted Foster’s half-sister, Valencia Foster, as saying, “Poor Usher has no idea who he’s marrying.”

Valencia Foster also said Tameka had threatened to ban her mother from the ceremony – because she had lost her false teeth!

“Tameka told her: ‘You’re not coming to my wedding without teeth.’”

Usher’s rep, Patti Webster, did not immediately return a request for comment.

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Usher-Tameka Foster wedding is canceled

The wedding between Usher and his pregnant fiance has been canceled, his publicist told The Associated Press on Saturday.

The wedding between the multiplatinum singer and his longtime girlfriend, Tameka Foster, was scheduled for Saturday. The pair are expecting their first child together sometime this fall.

However, a statement released by publicist Patti Webster exclusively to the AP read: “It was announced today that the wedding ceremony for Usher Raymond, IV and Tameka Foster was canceled. No additional information will be given regarding the circumstances of the cancellation, but we hope the privacy of this matter will be respected.”

Foster and Usher announced their engagement earlier this year, and later, that she was expecting his first child. She has three other children from a previous marriage.

Webster would not comment on whether the two were still engaged or even a couple.