Patty Jackson’s 411 for the week of September 10th

I had a chance to hang out with the stars of the stage play Whatever She Wants, Vivica A. Fox and Boris Kodjoe joined me as special guests on my midday show. Vivica held nothing back she says she was just as upset as everybody else over her early departure from Dancing With The Stars. She talked about love, admitting that dating Rapper 50 Cent was a mistake. It was a case of too much too soon. Vivica says no more rappers for her. She says she is ready to take a new approach to love by letting God choose the right man for her. Vivica was a delight and a lot of fun. She can be currently seen on the HBO series Curb Your Enthusiasm with Larry David, and she has a new movie coming out with Pop Singer Jessica Simpson. Auntie Viv says reports of her not getting along with Simpson were not true. She enjoyed working with her. Boris brought along pictures of his family. He has two young children, a boy and a girl, with his wife, Actress Nicole Ari Parker-Kodjoe. He expressed the importance of keeping family together, and how much he loves fatherhood.

James Brown’s oldest daughter wants some respect. La Rhonda Petit, a 45-year old former flight attendant, has been declared the oldest of James Brown’s children. The DNA test are back, and Petit is officially the oldest of the clan. Petit not only wants her share of the family fortune, but she wants to pay final respects at The Godfather of Soul’s gravesite. Brown’s body is being kept in a crypt at the house of one of the known daughters, and they want Petit to stay away. Petit just wants to do what’s right, but her half brothers and sisters want no part of her.

Where is Shaunie O’Neal? The soon to be ex-wife of Basketball Superstar Shaquille O’Neal has been very quiet since Shaq uncovered the truth. The male personal trainers that she was very close to, the hidden bank accounts in Switzerland and the Cayman Islands, the bearer bonds, the CD’s, the off shore accounts. Was she anticipating a divorce, or was she stashing away money so she could run off with her secret lover? The O’Neals appeared to be in love, but apparently Shaq was the only one in love. Yes, Shaunie had the four kids, and she was a great entertainer. But, sources say Shaunie was leading a double life, and Shaq uncovered the truth. Was Shaunie just being greedy? Shaq was very generous with his money, and he only required that you wear your hair short. Why would Shaunie do this to him?

Bishop Thomas Weeks says he’s going to contest his divorce to Prophetess Juanita Bynum. Weeks has had no contact with Bynum since her very public beating by him. A hotel bellman had to pull Weeks off of Bynum as he attacked her. Choking, stomping and beating the crap out of the fame evangelist. Bynum has forgiven her husband, but she feels she must end the marriage because she says this was not the first incident. She thought their routine blowups were normal (the shoving and the pushing).There was also the incident where a church member was physically attacked by Weeks. Bynum helped him cover it up to keep the incident from going public. Now you see what happened to her. Bishop Weeks says Bynum was cruel and hard to live with, and he will prove it. Even if she was difficult, there is no excuse for stomping someone in the ground.

The Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin is releasing details about her upcoming TV movie. The Queen is playing a big part in the casting of the movie. Terrence Howard is on board to play Smokey Robinson and Billy Dee Williams will be playing her dad, the late Reverend C.L. Franklin. There’s no word on who will play “Re-Re.”

“The Boss”-Diana Ross, Director Martin Scorsese, Beach Boy Founder Brian Wilson and Comedian/Actor Steve Martin have been named for The 2007 Kennedy Center Honors. The awards ceremony takes place on December 26th on CBS.

At the movies, it’s The Brave One with Jodie Foster and Terrence Howard.

Actor Duane Martin is responding to rumors about his sexuality. In the new issue of Essence magazine, the former star of All of Us defends his marriage to Tisha Campbell-Martin, and he says he is not gay. He says at first, they tried to ignore the foolish talk then it just seemed to take on a life all it’s own. Martin says at this point in his life, he has more important issues to deal with like raising his autistic son. Martin says he is not gay, and his marriage to Campbell is fine.

“P Diddy’s” ex Kim Porter also opens up in the new issue of Essence magazine. For the first time ever, she discusses the other babies. These are the babies that Diddy had with other women during their ten year relationship. While Kim was pregnant with her twin baby girls, there was a woman in Atlanta who had given birth to his first daughter. At the moment, there is a woman who is expecting another baby by Diddy. Let’s hope his career continues to be on a roll. With all these babies, he won’t have any money. The new issue of Essence magazine, with Singer Keisha Cole on the cover, hits newsstands this week.

The DeBarges just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. Last week, Chico DeBarge was arrested on drug charges. Chico is no stranger to jail. Years ago, he served a six-year sentence on drug trafficking. At press time, Chico’s older brother El DeBarge was still in jail for various offenses. Check out the October issue of Vibe magazine, it features an expose on the DeBarge family. During the late 70’s and 80’s, the DeBarge family ruled the music charts from their days as Switch and DeBarge with the hits There’ll Never Be, I Call Your Name, I Like It, All This Love and Rhythm of The Night. What went wrong with this family? The new issue of Vibe reveals all, including the drugs, the abuse, the HIV and prison sentences.

I love New York: Season Two premieres October 8th on VH1. On the second season, New York continues her search for love. Some of the contestants include a Wall Street exec, a stripper, an aspiring rapper and a midget.

Salt and Pepa will be reuniting on VH1. Their new reality show premieres October 15th on VH1. The girls are polar opposites with Salt finding God, and Pepa still being wild.

Oprah Winfrey gives new meaning to I love my dogs. In the event something should happen to “The Mighty O,” she has taken steps to make sure her dogs are taken care of. Sources say she plans on leaving her five dogs $30 million to make sure they continue to live well without her.

The 2008 Academy Awards take place next February, and The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart has been tapped as the host. Stewart last hosted the show in 2006.

Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson will be joining the cast of the Sex and The City movie. Filming on the movie version of the hit HBO series starts soon. Hudson will play an assistant to “Carrie,” the character played by Sarah Jessica Parker. The Sex and The City movie will follow the adventures of “Carrie,” “Samantha,” “Charlotte,” “Miranda” and “Mr. Big.”

Tyler Perry is launching an internet TV channel. All the info can be found on his website TylerPerry.com. Word has it he’ll be debuting the Tyler Perry talk show on the internet.

It’s been 26 years since the first installment of Indiana Jones, and the fourth edition comes out next May. Harrison Ford will be back as “Indiana Jones” in Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skull.

Ruben Studdard and Clay Aiken are going on tour. Studdard and Aiken competed against each other on American Idol with Studdard coming out as the winner. Since their infamous showdown, they have dealt with the ups and downs of their careers, including weight loss, theft from family members and internet sex scandals. Was that really Aiken advertising for men on the web? Both men are hoping their upcoming tour will jump start their careers.

Congratulations to Oscar Winner Jamie Foxx. Foxx just got a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

It’s official. Sherri Shepherd is now a co-host on the popular daytime talker The View. Shepherd admits there was a stall in contract negotiations when she wanted her salary on the level of her co-workers. Whoopi Goldberg serves as the lead panelist on the show. Goldberg is getting $2 million a year.

American Idol Judge Randy Jackson is producing Boyz II Men’s next project. Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville is a collection of classic Motown songs including Track of My Tears, Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing, Just My Imagination and an accapella version of Stevie Wonder’s classic Ribbon in The Sky. The album is due out November 13th.

Singer-Songwriter Smokey Robinson will be the latest honoree at the UNCF’s next telethon. The television fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund begun in 1979, and has been long supported by the Motown Legend. The telethon will air early in 2008.

Frankie and the Lady T, together? Yes! Frankie Beverly & Maze and Teena Marie are returning to the area Sunday, October 7th in Atlantic City at the Boardwalk Hall. Tickets go on sale September 10th at all Ticketmaster locations.

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

This former Groupie turned back up Singer is hiding her only child. She claims the father of the child is a legendary singer. Now that the singer has died, his known children are making all newcomers submit to DNA testing. The former Groupie/Backup singer is afraid of the truth coming out. So, she has sent the child away so he can’t be tested.

Upcoming Movies and Events:

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

Things We Lost In The Fire – Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro October 26th.

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

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

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE 3 LINKS BELOW FOR MORE JUICY GOSSIP!

http://www.v-103.com/pages/121190.php

http://www.mediatakeout.com/

http://www.bossip.com/

Biko is fashion icon in South Africa

T-shirts bearing the image of Steve Biko, the symbol of black resistance worldwide who was killed by apartheid police, can be found for sale at flea market stalls and exclusive boutiques across South Africa.

The question is whether the latest fashion is a sign the post-apartheid youth culture is embracing Biko’s message of racial pride and African unity, or just crass commercialization of one of the most important figures in South African history.

Biko, 30, died of a brain injury in a cell in Pretoria Central Prison on Sept. 12, 1977, after being beaten and tortured by apartheid police. The 30th anniversary of his death was to be commemorated in South Africa this week with events including a speech by President Thabo Mbeki.

At 22, Kenneth Mulaudzi was born after Biko’s death, and was still a boy when apartheid ended in 1994. In a trendy Johannesburg store over the weekend, Mulaudzi eyed a $28 T-shirt bearing Biko’s image.

“It’s not just a fashion statement. It is also a political statement,” Mulaudzi said. “Young people are proud of him. He is a hero. He fought for us.”

Mulaudzi, an aspiring journalist, knew quite a bit about Biko but hasn’t read “I Write What I Like,” Biko’s seminal collection of essays.

He does have a poster of Biko in his home and can sing the lyrics to Haitian-American rapper Wyclef Jean’s song “Diallo,” which draws parallels between the 1999 shooting of an African immigrant by New York police and the murder of the South African activist.

“I was surprised when I heard that song,” Mulaudzi said. “It means Biko has gone far.”

Biko’s message of black pride appealed to many people in South Africa’s townships. His death made him a martyr in the anti-apartheid movement and inspired films such as “Cry Freedom,” starring Denzel Washington and British musician Peter Gabriel’s anthem “Biko.”

The end of white rule in 1994 saw Biko’s appeal wane as South Africa’s black majority reveled in new political and economic freedoms.

However, today there is a growing disenchantment among young people who see the country’s leaders embroiled in scandal and a new black elite growing richer while most blacks find it harder and harder to keep up with inflation.

Jackie Radebe, 23, who bought a Biko T-shirt after reading “I Write What I Like,” sees him as a selfless leader whose politics of brotherhood are still relevant to South Africa.

“He had genuine compassion for the plight of the people, genuine concern about poverty, crime and loss of pride,” Radebe said.

While Biko would celebrate the “breakthroughs this young democracy has achieved,” Radebe believes his hero would be disappointed in the country’s leaders.

“As far as morals, integrity and principles … contemporary political leaders seem to be driven by money and self-interest,” he says.

June Josephs-Langa, managing director of the African-focused Xarra Books in Johannesburg’s Newtown Cultural Precinct, says those wearing Biko T-shirts are making a statement.

“In the same way many don’t know much about Cuban politics, the revolutionary status of Che Guevara is someone they want to identify with, want to parade,” she said.

But Johannesburg-based academic and cultural commentator Achille Mbembe, who is delivering a lecture in Biko’s honor this week, doesn’t see fashion as a fitting tribute to a man whose “death and life dramatically embodies the idea of freedom.”

“I think South Africa could commemorate Biko’s contribution to black emancipation in more powerful ways,” he said.

Nkosinathi Biko, who was 6 when his father died, takes a more reconciliatory tone. He points to the tradition in the anti-apartheid movement of using T-shirts to spread political messages or pay tribute to fallen comrades.

He also acknowledges the wealth of artistic material created in his father’s name has been important in keeping the memory of Biko alive.

“He is one of the attractive symbols of popular culture. Not just here but on the streets of New York, Brasilia and Liverpool, he is someone who resonates well,” he said.

___ On the Net:

Steve Biko Foundation:

http://www.sbf.org.za

LOGAN, West Virginia: A woman was sexually abused, beaten and humiliated while being held captive in a home in West Virginia for at least a week, sheriff’s officials said Monday after making six arrests.

Those arrested, including a mother and son and a mother and daughter, are white. The victim, a Charleston woman who was being treated at a hospital Monday, is black. The FBI plans to investigate it as a possible hate crime.

“The things that were done to this woman are just indescribable,” Logan County sheriff’s Sgt. Sonya Porter said.

Deputies found the 23-year-old victim Saturday after going to the home in Big Creek, about 35 miles (56.3 kilometers) southwest of Charleston, to investigate an anonymous tip. One of the suspects, Frankie Brewster, was sitting on the front porch and told deputies she was alone, but moments later the victim limped toward the door, her arms outstretched, saying “help me,” the sheriff’s department said in a news release.

Besides being sexually assaulted, the victim was stabbed four times in the left leg and beaten, Porter said. Both of her eyes were black and blue. Deputies said the woman’s wounds were inflicted at least a week ago.

During her capture, the victim was forced to eat rat and dog feces and drink from the toilet, according to the criminal complaint filed in magistrate court. The woman also was choked with a cable cord and her hair cut, it alleges.

One of those arrested, Karen Burton, is accused of cutting the woman’s ankle with a knife. She used a racist word in telling the woman she was victimized because she is black, according to the criminal complaint.

Deputies say the woman was also doused with hot water while being sexually assaulted.

The sheriff’s department requested the FBI’s participation, said agent Jay Bartholomew.

The six suspects were arrested Saturday and Sunday. Deputies were still trying to determine whether the victim knew her assailants and how she came to be at Brewster’s home, Porter said.

Frankie Brewster, 49, is charged with kidnapping, sexual assault, malicious wounding and giving false information during a felony investigation. Deputies said she was the woman on the porch.

Her son, Bobby R. Brewster, 24, is charged with kidnapping, sexual assault, malicious wounding and assault during the commission of a felony.

Burton, 46, is charged with malicious wounding, battery and assault during the commission of a felony.

Her daughter Alisha Burton, 23, and George A. Messer, 27, are charged with assault during the commission of a felony and battery.

Danny J. Combs, 20, is charged with sexual assault and malicious wounding.

All six were held Monday in lieu of $100,000 bond each, and all have asked for court-appointed public defenders.

Trick Daddy arrested after club fight

Rapper Trick Daddy was arrested after a fight at a strip club early Tuesday.

The rapper (real name: Maurice Young) was charged with disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest, according to police.

Authorities responded to a fight at Tootsie’s Cabaret just after 1 a.m. and found Young, who smelled of alcohol, cursing and “threatening staff at the club,” the police report said. Police repeatedly asked Young to leave the club, but he refused.

When they tried to handcuff him, he also refused and started moving his arms around, according to the report.

He was taken to a hospital where he was treated for injuries from the fight and later transported to Miami-Dade County jail. The rapper’s mug shot shows a bloody nose and cheek.

He posted bond of $1,500.

It was not immediately known if Young had legal representation. His label, Slip-N-Slide Records, declined to comment.

A Miami native, Trick Daddy’s albums include “Thug Matrimony: Married to the Streets” and “Back by Thug Demand.”

Kanye: MTV exploited Britney for ratings

Kanye West blames MTV for Britney Spears’ less than stellar performance at the Video Music Awards. “Man, they were just trying to get ratings, and they knew she wasn’t ready and they exploited her,” the 29-year-old rapper said Tuesday on Sirius Satellite Radio’s “The Morning Mash Up.”

The network made a “bad move” by having the troubled pop star open Sunday’s event in Las Vegas, said West, who feels he should have kicked off the show with “Stronger,” the first single from his new album, “Graduation.”

“They exploited her, they played me and I really don’t mess with MTV,” he said.

Spears, 25, looked unprepared while performing her new song, “Gimme More,” to a bewildered audience of her music industry peers. She seemed nervous and, at times, stopped singing altogether.

In a praise-filled statement released Tuesday afternoon, MTV said it “… has a long and collaborative relationship with Kanye and we hope and look forward to continuing that meaningful relationship.”

West said he wanted to perform “Stronger” on the show’s main stage _ where R&B hotshot Chris Brown wowed the crowd with Michael Jackson-esque dance moves _ but complied when he was asked to host a suite party.

West said it was a blow to the ego when Justin Timberlake, who also hosted a suite party, ended up “on the big stage” to give the closing performance with Timbaland and Nelly Furtado.

“Those are the big things, and you know what I do man, I really made the song `Stronger,’ you know, for stadiums,” he said.

West _ who threw a tantrum backstage after losing all five categories for which he was nominated _ said he has bonded with 50 Cent over what they view as disrespectful behavior from MTV.

“So why do you have me do `Stronger’ in a suite, but you end the show with Justin?” he said. “I looked at 50 like, yo, we need to help each other as much as possible.”

50 Cent has said he’d stop making solo records if West’s new album outsells his “Curtis” CD in their first week out. Both albums were released Tuesday.

___

MTV is owned by Viacom Inc.

___

On the Net:

MTV:

http://www.mtv.com

Sirius Satellite Radio Inc.:

http://www.sirius.com

Fiddy vs. Kanye: Fighting all the way to bank

It has all the drama of the “Thrilla in Manila.” It has everyone from Congressmen to the guy making fries talking. No, it’s not the next best thing in technology . And it’s definitely not about Foxy Brown being sentenced to a year in jail.

It’s something far more significant. I guess.

On Sept. 11, the sixth anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America, two of hip-hop’s finest will duke it out in the record stores when their much-anticipated CDs drop on the same day.

The battle of the beats between the street fighter 50 Cent (Curtis Jackson), and the Louis Vuitton Don Kanye West, is one of the most cleverly conceived marketing campaigns in the history of hip-hop. And if all goes as planned, the accountants for both rappers will be very busy this week ching-chinging.

The hype has certainly hit record highs.

West, 30, has been bragging for months that his “Graduation” CD is collectively the tightest groove since Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” And the man we call Fiddy, 32, is countering with the promise that if his “Curtis” CD doesn’t outsell “Graduation” this week, he’s never going to record another solo CD ever again.

Although that would be a huge loss to the hip-hop community, I suspect Fiddy’s pseudo-retirement would last about as long as Jay-Z’s. Last time I checked, that brother was still rhyming all the way to the bank.

“There’s no question that it is a marketing stunt,” said Erik Parker, SOHH.com’s director of content. “The question is do people feel manipulated by it and the answer is no. Consumers realize it’s a marketing stint and they’re happy with it, the media is happy with it and the labels are happy with it. They’ve been all over the place for months.”

That’s true. West and Fiddy’s menacing mugs graced a recent issue of Rolling Stone and on Tuesday they’ll battle it out on the mics during an appearance on BET’s “106 & Park.” Additionally, hip-hop site SOHH.com and other Web sites have been polling fans to see whom they think will come out on top and BetUs.com has posted the odds on the outcome. As of Sunday, West was a 2-to-1 favorite to sell more CDs during the first week of release.

West might have an edge because he has a more diverse fan base. According to several music critics, West does a good job of mixing it up on “Graduation.” His first single, “You Can’t Tell Me Nothing” is classic hip-hop and is getting mad airplay on urban stations across the country. “Stronger,” the second single, has more of a techno beat and soared to the top of the charts in the UK.

“I don’t want to say there’s not much difference, but they’re both bringing their signature styles,” said Tosha Thomas, vice-president and managing editor of Urban Network magazine. “So, if you’re a Kanye fan it’s the braggadocio (and) clever use of his words. If you’re a 50 Cent fan it’s the same braggadocio (and the) ghetto element that the folks on the block can relate to. I’m not saying that the folks on the block can’t relate to Kanye West, but he’s the college dropout with the witty repartee. Whereas 50 is just straight street, like yo!”

But even though West is currently the odds-on favorite to top his competitor, Fiddy does have the better track record when it comes to sales.

Fiddy’s last CD, “Massacre,” sold 1.14 million copies during its first four days of release two years ago, making it the sixth-fastest-selling CD since SoundScan started tracking those numbers. It’s also the second-largest-selling rap CD in history, right behind Fiddy’s mentor, Eminem.

Conversely, West’s 2005 release “Late Registration,” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard rap charts and sold 900,000 copies.

“I think it’s a toss-up,” says Cherie Saunders, editor of Radioscope’s EURweb.com. “You can argue that 50 is probably more commercial, whereas Kanye has more talent because he produces his own tracks and the beats are usually eclectic. But Kanye doesn’t have as much appeal with the rap crowd that just likes straight-up gangsta lyrics. I’ve heard songs from both CDs online and I think even though 50’s has some high points – like “Ayo Technology” with Justin Timberlake – I think Kanye has the better-sounding album.”

But just how real is this competition? Will Fiddy jack up West’s Range Rover if he doesn’t come out on top? Will West, not exactly known for his tact, say something disrespectful about Fiddy on a talk show? Anything could happen, but it’s highly unlikely there will be any violence involved. As far as we know these two don’t have any beef with each other. They’re just a couple of businessmen trying to sell their wares.

May the best six-pack win.

“I’m not saying there’s not real competition, each side wants to win,” said Parker. “It’s similar to a prize fight and the way politicians campaign.”

Added Thomas: “I would rather see two black rappers working it out in SoundScan instead of on the street where we might lose another Biggie and Tupac. Honestly, I think they’re both going to win. It’s a helluva marketing plan. Fans are competitive and each set wants to see their rapper win. But the genius behind this is that they’re both going to come up. And I think that 50 Cent is clever in the way he put that threat out there about how he will never release another solo project. He didn’t say he was never going to release another album or that he was going to pull a Jay-Z and retire.”

If he wanted to, Fiddy certainly could call it a career. The savvy investor reportedly owns a 10 percent share in Vitawater, which was recently bought by Coca-Cola. If all goes well, Fiddy could net a cool $400 million by the end of the year. On top of that he has his own Reebok sneaker, a successful clothing line and his own video game.

Makes you kind of want to pull for poor Kanye. Fiddy has so much already.

“The thing is Kanye is growing his audience and 50 has the largest fan base of just about any rapper out there,” says Parker, of SOHH.com. “This is a great moment for hip-hop. It’s the gangsta rapper versus the college kid. It’s almost like George Bush and John Kerry all over again but for the hip-hop set.”

Miki Turner is an entertainment columnist for MSNBC.com. She welcomes your comments at dmiki@aol.com

Kanye leads 50 Cent in CD sales face-off

50 Cent may be getting hip-hop’s equivalent of a gold watch next week. Early reports have Kanye West beating 50 in their much-hyped battle of album sales: West’s “Graduation” is on pace to sell about 575,000 to 700,000 its first week out, while 50 Cent’s “Curtis” is on track to do 550,000, according to Billboard magazine.

As of day one, Kanye had sold 437,000 copies to 50’s 310,000, according to Nielsen Soundscan.

Both albums came out Tuesday, and a confident 50 Cent famously announced that he would retire if West outsold him in first-week sales.

“I just don’t view him as competition based on our previous sales histories,” 50 Cent told The Associated Press last month.

But it looks as if 50 underestimated the power of West, and perhaps, overestimated his own appeal.

“I don’t think it’s helped 50 that so many of these prerelease singles that have come out have fizzled on the charts right away,” said Jonathan Cohen, Billboard’s senior editor. “There were street date changes. It has just not been a good run-up to this record for him.”

Meanwhile, Cohen says West is having a more “charmed” experience, despite his recent tantrum at the MTV Video Music Awards after going home empty-handed.

“These tantrums he goes on, these outlandish comments he makes, they don’t really hurt him,” said Cohen. “If anything, they’ve got more people interested in what he’s all about.”

Still, don’t finalize those retirement party plans for 50 just yet; there are several days to go before a final tally is determined, and he could catch up and overtake West.

“It is a projection,” Cohen said of the initial sales predictions. “It can very easily deviate.”

And there’s still the potential of a third-party candidate winning the race: country superstar Kenny Chesney, who’s “Just Who I Am: Poets and Pirates” also was released on Tuesday, is so far on pace to sell 400,000 to 550,000 copies.

___

On the Net:

http://www.kanyewest.com

http://www.50cent.com

httP//http://www.kennychesney.com

Comedian gets the hook for using N-word

A standup routine by black comedian Eddie Griffin was stopped after he repeatedly used the N-word, a magazine’s spokesman said Wednesday.

Griffin, who has appeared in movies such as “Undercover Brother” and “Date Movie” and the TV show “Malcolm & Eddie,” was performing at a Black Enterprise magazine event in the Miami suburb of Doral on Friday when he was cut off after using profanities and the N-word, said Andrew Wadium, a spokesman for the publication.

“We believe that ending the performance was the appropriate action,” Wadium said.

About 1,000 people registered for the performance.

Griffin’s publicist, Jeff Abraham, didn’t immediately return an e-mail and a call seeking comment.

The Rev. Al Sharpton, who attended a meeting held by the magazine in Miami but not the performance, said the crowd gave an ovation to Earl Graves, the magazine’s publisher, when he came on stage after the 39-year-old Griffin was pulled, according to a statement on the Web site of Sharpton’s National Action Network.

The statement said Sharpton “expressed gratitude that the nation’s pre-eminent magazine for African-Americans stands behind the efforts of National Action Network in getting rid of the N-word.”

Public discussion on the word’s use increased last year following a tirade by “Seinfeld” actor Michael Richards, who used it repeatedly during a Los Angeles comedy routine and later issued a public apology.

The issue about racially insensitive remarks heated up earlier this year after talk show host Don Imus described black members of the Rutgers University women’s basketball team as “nappy-headed hos” on April 4.

At its July convention in Detroit, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People held a mock funeral for the word.

Black leaders, including the Revs. Jesse Jackson and Sharpton, have challenged the entertainment industry and the American public to stop using the N-word and other racial slurs.

Patty Jackson’s 411 for the week of September 3rd

After five years, the fairytale has turned into a nightmare. The marriage of Shaquille O’Neal and his lovely wife Shaunie is over. Shaq has filed for divorce from his popular wife. Sources say money and cheating are at the root of the problem and all fingers point to Shaunie. According to friends of Shaq, he filed for divorce because he felt he could no longer trust his wife. Was Shaunie hiding money from Shaq? What was up with Shaunie and her young personal trainer? The O’Neals have four children ages 7, 5, 4 and 1.

Prophetess Juanita Bynum has broken her silence. She has survived a divorce, a nervous breakdown and life on welfare. Now she is ready to be an advocate for anti-violence. In a recent appearance on the TBN Christian Network, Bynum showed no bitterness, and she did not speak out against her husband. A couple of weeks ago, Bynum was beat up by her 40-year old husband Bishop Thomas Weeks. He attacked his wife in the parking lot of an Atlanta hotel. He beat, stomped and choked the popular televangelist. Weeks said the Devil made him do it, and he faces up to 27 years in jail. After news came out about the Bynum attack, reports surfaced about a church worker who was attacked by Bishop Weeks eight months ago. Is Weeks a serial abuser? The National Black Church Initiative is recommending that Weeks be suspended for three years because he has hurt the cause of Christ. They feel they cannot tolerate this kind of behavior. They are asking that church members not support him or recognize him as an ordained minister. Bynum has forgiven her husband, and she says she will continue her ministry. Bynum says she is not a Damsel in Distress, and her life has been changed forever.

Halle Berry is going to be a mommy! It’s official. The 41-year old Oscar winner is three months pregnant. This will be the first child for Berry and her longtime love, Model Gabriel Aubry.

Bobby Brown wants some respect! Brown has asked a judge to throw out his divorce decree from Whitney Houston. Bobby feels he was tricked into the divorce and his signature was forged on the pre-nup agreement. He also wants physical and legal custody of their 14-year old daughter Bobbi Christina. The Brown-Houston marriage officially ended after 15 years this past spring. Bobby says he thought they were working things out, but then he was tricked into the divorce. Bobby says he didn’t have his day in court. The next court date is October 22nd. Reps for Whitney Houston claim this all about money because Bobby is broke. If Bobby doesn’t get his way or some respect, look for him to write a tell all book.

Whatever happened to El Debarge? The popular lead singer of the group Debarge is 46-years old and the father of ten kids. He also has a problem staying out of jail. Debarge was arrested last week on a domestic violence warrant that was later tossed out, but he still had to stay in jail. The judge cited past incidents with Debarge, including arrests for drugs, vandalism and driving with a suspended license. In 1986, he was arrested when a college student claimed he assaulted her. In 1996, he was tossed in the slammer when he failed to pay child support. The Debarge family has a history of trouble with the law. Brothers Chico, Robert (deceased) and Thomas all have cocaine convictions.

The R Kelly child pornography trial has been delayed! Again! Now it won’t get underway until the spring of 2008! This trial has gone on forever. Kelly faces up to 15 years in prison if he is convicted of the 14 counts of child pornography he is facing. Kelly is accused of videotaping himself having sex with a young teenage girl. The girl is now 23, and she says if she has to take the stand, she is going to say that’s not her on the tape. The trial was delayed this time because the lead prosecutor in the case just had a baby. The trial has suffered many setbacks, including the judge falling off a ladder and Kelly coming down with Appendicitis.

Percussionist Sheila E will be on a judge on the new Fox show The Next Great American Band. Unsigned and undiscovered groups will compete for a record deal. The show debuts October 19th on Fox.

A controversial book about the life of Singer Phyllis Hyman is out in bookstores. Strength of A Woman details the singer’s life. Hyman committed suicide in 1995. The book discusses her troubles and her amazing singing career. The drug abuse, her diagnoses as being Bi-Polar and the turbulent relationships with men and women, nothing is held back. Hyman is best known for the hits Meet Me On the Moon, The Answer Is You and You Know How To Love Me.

With two wedding ceremonies behind him, Usher is ready to embrace fatherhood. Usher married Tameka Foster for a second time in an elaborate Atlanta ceremony last weekend. Now they are preparing for the birth of their first child. This will be her fourth. Usher says if she is having a boy, he will name him Usher, Jr.

Saturday Night Live Star Keenan Thompson wants to do more skits on the popular show, and he is vowing to lose weight. Thompson rose to fame on the Nickelodeon show Keenan and Kel. He has also starred in the movies Good Burger and Fat Albert. Thompson says he wants to lose enough weight to portray Presidential Candidate Barack Obama in some comedy sketches.

Actress Nicole Ari Parker-Kodjoe is ready to get back to work after having two babies with hubby Boris Kodjoe. Nicole says motherhood is fun, but she wants to go back to work. She has two movies coming out next year. She’s doing a movie The Better Man with Martin Lawrence, and she’s teaming up with Eddie Murphy in the comedy Nowhereland.

Jill Scott’s new album, The Real Thing, arrives in stores on the 25th. Check out my personal page on our website WDASFM.COM Go to Patty’s page and check out her new video My Love and movie trailers from her new Tyler Perry movie Why Did I Get Married. Plus, I’ve got the trailer for the new Denzel Washington- Russell Crowe movie American Gangster.

Actress Tatyana Ali is best known for her role as “Ashley” on the The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Now the popular sitcom star is ready to take on the soaps. Ali is set to join the cast of the Young and The Restless as a love interest to “Devin.”

Oscar Winner Jennifer Hudson has been looking fabulous. She’s hard at work on a new album due out in November. Check her out as the new spokesperson for Avon’s Imari Seduction. She looks stunning.

The VH1 network is catching heat because of their negative portrayal of Black Women. The VH1 network has made a ton of money off of popular shows that show black women in a negative light (Flavor of Love, I Love New York and Charm School, to name a few). Insiders at the network claim a proposal for a new show featuring black women was turned down because no one wanted to see a show featuring professional black women. The show in question would feature black women searching for love outside of their race.

American Idol Judge Randy Jackson is producing Boyz II Men’s next project. Motown: A Journey Through Hitsville is a collection of classic Motown songs including Track of My Tears, Ain’t Nothing Like The Real Thing, Just My Imagination and an accapella version of Stevie Wonder’s classic Ribbon in The Sky. The album is due out November 13th.

Singer-Songwriter Smokey Robinson will be the latest honoree at the UNCF’s next telethon. The television fundraiser for the United Negro College Fund begun in 1979, and has been long supported by the Motown Legend. The telethon will air early in 2008.

Frankie and the Lady T, together? Yes! Frankie Beverly & Maze and Teena Marie are returning to the area Sunday, October 7th in Atlantic City at the Boardwalk Hall. Tickets go on sale September 10th at all Ticketmaster locations.

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

Now that she has turned her back on her longtime boyfriend this Celebrity by association is feeling lost. She listened to her friends who told her leave that no good man…You’re Giving Him All These Kids And He Won’t Marry You…Leave Girl! Well, she left, and he could care less. He plans to support her financially for the rest of her life, but he is glad to be free of her.

A backlash is slowly brewing over an R&B Singer. She loves making headlines and leaking false stories to the media. Her latest stunt left a bad taste in a lot of people’s mouths. She leaked a story about having a deadly disease then took her time retracting the story because she was enjoying all the media attention.

Upcoming Movies and Events:

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

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

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

Things We Lost In The Fire – Halle Berry and Benicio Del Toro October 26th.

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

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

DON’T FORGET TO CHECK THE 3 LINKS BELOW FOR MORE JUICY GOSSIP!

 

http://www.v-103.com/pages/121190.php

http://www.mediatakeout.com/

 

http://www.bossip.com/

R. Kelly porn trial delayed again

R. Kelly is going to have to wait even longer for his day in court.

Five years after being charged with child pornography, the R&B star’s trial had been set to start on September 17. But a Cook County judge has postponed it because the lead prosecutor had a baby recently.

Kelly was charged in 2002 and is accused of engaging in videotaped sex acts with an underage girl. Since his arrest, the case has been hit with numerous delays. A new date hasn’t been set.

Kelly’s attorneys haven’t conceded that he is on the tape, saying his likeness may have been computer generated. They have also tried to raise doubts about the identity and age of the girl.

The case has been hit with delay after delay. Since being charged, Kelly has had six best-selling albums and three nationwide tours.