Friday, May 25, 2012

Prodigy Talks Second Book: “Strictly and Entirely About my Experience in Jail”


Prodigy’s second book will detail his life behind bars from October 2007-March 2011…
Prodigy
Prodigy’s first book, My Infamous Life: The Autobiography of Mobb Deep’s Prodigy, drew solid reviews and also stirred a great deal of controversy amongst several of P’s rap peers upon its April 2011 release.
But as much as Prodigy divulged about his life in the book, there was one significant chunk of his life missing—his three-and-a-half-year jail bid at the Mid-State Correctional Facility in New Jersey from October 2007-March 2011 for criminal possession of a weapon.
P left that experience out of his autobiography because he’s working on a second book that will detail only his experience behind bars.

Mary J. Blige f/ Rick Ross - "Why"

New Mary!!! Latest joint from her My Life II album featuring Rick Ross.

Music video by Mary J. Blige performing Why? . © 2012 Geffen Records

Lady Gaga's 'Simpsons' Turn, Tour Controversy Spark Billboard Chart Gain


Lady Gaga rises makes a big jump back into the top 10 of Billboard's Social 50 chart (climbing 14-5) thanks to the momentum generated by her guest appearance on Fox TV's "The Simpsons" (May 20).


The Social 50 chart ranks the most popular artists on YouTube, Vevo, Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, using a formula that blends weekly additions of friends/fans/followers along with weekly artist page views and weekly song plays.

The new "Simpsons" episode, titled "Lisa Goes Gaga" featured many of the pop star's signature outfits and the debut of a new original song, "You're All My Little Monsters."



Waka Flocka Flame takes a trip to the wild, wild west in the strange, sci-fi-inspired video for The Cataracs’ “All You.”


THE CATARACS F/ WAKA FLOCKA FLAME – ‘ALL YOU’

Waka Flocak Flame
The hitmaking duo, who’ve produced for Far East Movement and Dev, gets lost in the desert, where they meet a bartender in a saloon who squeezes them a special drink from her breasts.

They start hallucinating about aliens before Flockaveli bursts through the door and makes that ass clap. After spilling a drink on one of the cowboys, they’re called outside for an old-fashioned showdown, but their poor aim leaves their opponent unscathed.

Waka comes through to save the day, leaving in a Segway. Now this deserves a round of applause.

VIDEO: THE CATARACS F/ WAKA FLOCKA FLAME – ‘ALL YOU’




Gucci Mane-I'm Up by Gucci Mane {FREE MUSIC}

Gucci Mane provides the soundtrack to your Memorial Day weekend barbecue with his latest mixtape I’m Up, hosted by DJ Holiday, DJ J1, and DJ Trap-a-Holics. 



I'm Up Mixtape
The 21 tracks feature a long guest list including T.I., Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Scarface, Jeremih, Fabolous, and Future, with production by Drumma Boy, Polow Da Don, Lex Luger, Detail, and more.


Free Download
Gucci Mane-I'm Up by GucciMane

CENTRIC’S ELECTRONIC PRESS KIT (VIDEO)



 “Wordsmith & Centric - Hear The Whispers Feat.Dj Noah Ayala (Official Music Video)” — 

Artist: Wordsmith & Centric Song: Hear The Whispers Feat.Dj Noah Ayala 


8x10
Oakland California, one of those towns in California that rings bells due to the fact so much diverse talent has emerged from that area. Either born or raised here these individuals got there start in the Westside. People such as Tom Hanks, Gary Peyton, Bruce and Brandon Lee, Huey P. Newton, Keyshia Cole, Too Short, En Vogue, Tupac Shakur, Tony Toni Tone, MC Hammer too name a few who changed the face of music and entertainment. With this much greatness and diversification coming from the bay area it’s not a huge surprise Chris Louray Mandujan found his calling here while growing up. You may know him better as his producer name Centric and with his predecessors paving the way he’s got big shoes too fill and he’s off to a good start.

               With an independent label started by Centric he and two other members Cy Yung and Urban Truth formed “Free at Last LLC” a label who has already done some remarkable collaborations through the years with artist’s such as Kurtis Blow, Canibus, Skillz, Kool G Rap, Dipset and the late comedic legend Patrice O’ Neal. He has had his productions enhance the audio of tv/film entertainment as well with a tv pilot for the show “Karrotz” set to be part of the adult swim roster and has been used for MTV True Life specials as well. He also was selected by one of Apple/Itunes clients for using one of his instrumentals with online streaming clips. Not to mention Centric and aspiring artist Soul P are currently working on a score for a soon to be released sprite commercial.

View- Centric's Electronic Press Kit NOW!
http://lnk.ms/bzBM0

PITBULL SHAKES UP ‘TODAY’ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Pitbull aka Mr. 305

Pitbull 2012 photo courtesy Palace Music Group
Pitbull aka Mr. 305 brought the party to the 212 with his hip-shaking performance on the “Today” Toyota Concert Series on Friday. The Miami rapper, who is currently traveling the globe on a world tour, rocked New York’s Rockefeller Plaza with his international hits including “Give Me Everything,” “I Know You Want Me,” “International Love,” and “Back in Time” off the Men in Black III soundtrack. Take a trip to Planet Pit.

Thursday, May 24, 2012

PHILLIP PHILLIPS WINS 'AMERICAN IDOL' SEASON 11

PHILLIP PHILLIPS WINS 'AMERICAN IDOL' SEASON 11

Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez
The head to head face-off between American Idol season 11 contestants Phillip Phillips and Jessica Sanchez came to a close yesterday as Phillips was announced the winner of this season. The males are dominating Idol, especially since he is the fifth male in a row to take home the crown.
The 21-year-old Leesburg, Georgia native was stunned when his name was announced as the winner. 132 million votes allowed him to beat 16-year-old singing sensation Sanchez, whom many thought would be the winner.
"It's such a blessing to have, I'm kinda ready to try and comprehend it all. After I won, I wasn't thinking about anything. I wasn't thinking about the song, I wasn't wanting to sing or anything. I just started thinking about the journey and how far all of us have come and how far we made it, it's so overwhelming. Jessica has a huge future ahead of her and we're both supportive of each other. I love playing music and I'm just a lucky guy," Phillips told the Hollywood Gossip.
What do you think of this years winner? Did Phillip deserve to win?
Check out the revelation of the results below:

Mason Cook To Play Eddie Munster In NBC’s ‘Mockingbird Lane’ Pilot

EXCLUSIVE: Young actor Mason Cook (Spy Kids In 4D) is set to co-star opposite Eddie Izzard and Charity Wakefield in NBC’sMunsters reboot Mockingbird Lane

Butch Patrick as Eddie Munster
Mason Cook
The pilot, written by Bryan Fuller and to be directed by Bryan Singer, is described as a reinvention of the 1960s sitcom about The Munsters, a family of “monsters” — vampires, werewolves and Frankenstein, and their “plain” cousin (Wakefield) — that will feature striking visuals in the vein of Fuller’s ABC dramedy Pushing Daisies. Cook will play Eddie Munster, Lily and Herman’s only child, an earnest boy scout and budding werewolf. Horrified to learn the truth about himself, he refuses to eat meat and faces off against Grandpa (Izzard) at dinner. Cook has recurred on ABC’s The Middle and has roles in two upcoming movies: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, where he plays a younger version of the title character, played by Steve Carell; and Disney’s The Lone Ranger.

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

BBMA 2012: Behind the Scenes Photos

Stevie Wonder & Alicia Keys

Main attractions Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys meet prior to their highly anticipated collaboration.
Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys 
Gladys Knight and Usher
Stevie Wonder and Wanted
Wiz and LMAO



"Love & Hip-Hop"


There are already preconceived notions of what this second season will be. 

Love & Hip Hop Cast 2011
Executive producer Mona Scott-Young dropped a bomb on audiences by announcing Love & Hip-Hop’s forthcoming Atlanta edition. With the New York episodes filled to the brim with fist-fighting, drink-throwing and relationship drama, fans could only expect (or possibly hope for) the same reality TV fodder from the Peach State.VH1 definitely didn’t disappoint.

Taking their cameras south, Mona and company shine light on the messy trifecta that is Grammy Award-winning producer Stevie J, his longtime girlfriend Mimi Faust and up-and-coming Latina rapper Joseline. Not only will you get your fill of “what the hell” moments with these three, you’ll get an interesting yet familiar dynamic with Lil Scrappy, his girlfriend Erica Dixon and his overprotective mother Momma Dee. Lastly, you’ll catch up with rising songbird K. Michelle, Trinidadian artist Karlie Redd and ATL raptress Rasheeda.

Vixen caught the full first episode (aptly named “The A List”) and compiled a list of things we learned from this dirty south brigade!


RAY J RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL

After being hospitalized due to jet lag and exhaustion Tuesday, R&B singer Ray J is resting back in his Los Angeles home.

Ray J
According to E! News, the artist's rep says that it was the 32-hour round trip from China and four-hour drive to Las Vegas Sunday for the Billboard Music Awards that caused him to be rushed to an unnamed medical facility. "He’s been working too hard. He did a concert in China and is working on a new business over there.”
His rep also said that the "One Wish" singer's system was clean "following an extensive battery of tests to make sure that he did not have a blood clot in his lungs which is potentially a deadly condition that can occur following a long-haul plane flight." Heavy D suffered from the same condition before his death.
We wish Ray J a speedy recovery!

Queen Latifah Performs for "Her People" at Gay Pride Event


The private star sings "U.N.I.T.Y" at Long Beach, CA gay pride festival.

Queen Latifah Photo Courtesy Palace Music Group
Queen Latifah didn't make any big announcements at the Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival this weekend, but it seems she invited the world to read between the lines.

The hip hop queen, whose sexuality has been the source of speculation for years, told the 10,000-strong crowd, “I’ve been waiting to do this for a long time.” She then went on to perform her hits "U.N.I.T.Y" and "Ladies First." 

It was Latifah's first appearance at a gay pride event, and she said she was proud to be among "my people" for the evening. The Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival is the fourth largest in the country, and the masses of mostly LGBT fans gave Latifah an enthusiastic welcome.

The multi-talented star returned the favor, peppering inspirational sayings like “let your inner light shine in the world” and “conquer hate with love” between songs.

Latifah will soon be seen in the upcoming remake of Steel Magnolias, as well as on her own talk show, slated for launch this fall. Perhaps she'll have even more to share with her fans then.

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Nicki Minaj

music- topic- Nicki-Minaj
Rapper/Singer Nicki Minaj (born Onika Tanya Maraj) has much more to offer than just a cute face, a sassy attitude, and a hot verse. With songs like "Your Love" and "Right Thru Me," Nicki has demonstrated an ability to craft songs that showcase her fierce rhyming skill in an honest and vulnerable way. Born in Trinidad, Nicki moved to Queens, New York with her family and made a buzz on underground mixtapes before signing to Lil Wayne's Young Money team in 2009. Her loud fashion sense, vocal versatility and animated performances make her as hip-hop as it gets. 


2 Chainz: Police Tried to Assassinate My Swag

The rapper was released from jail after authorities detained him at LaGuardia Airport.

2 Chainz
2 Chainz had one item of jewelry too many when he was arrested at LaGuardia airport by police on Tuesday [May 22]. The ATL rapper spent hours in jail after the TSA discovered a four-finger ring that he said was misidentified as brass knuckles.

In an interview with MTV News, after his release, 2 Chainz said police confiscated the ring in an attempt to "assassinate my swag."

"Yeah, they took it from me, they took the Louis [Vuitton] case that I actually keep the jewelry in, they took that. I couldn't believe it," he said. "Me just trying to explain it was getting too frustrating, me just trying to explain my occupation and then when they finally got to the jail and everybody knew who I was, then they started calling their kids and putting me on the phone with their kids. It was like a weird experience."

2 Chainz explained that the reason he had the unusual ring in the first place was to start conversations, not fights.

"I do exclusive pieces. My pieces are actual conversation pieces, like, literally. When you see my gold, when you see my stuff, it's something to conversate about," he said. "People weren't doing four-finger rings and all that. I just like to set myself apart, so I definitely wasn't trying to beat nobody up on the airplane or nothing."

The "No Lie" rapper finally got out of jail after pleading guilty to an unspecified charge. He said that despite this incident, he has no intention of getting tied up in the legal system like some of his peers.

"I don't find that intriguing," he said. "You're supposed to make your mistakes during adolescence and use these times right here to kinda fix some of the things you did in the past."

Jury deliberations resume in ex-US Senator Edwards' trial


GREENSBORO, North Carolina (Reuters) - The North Carolina jury deciding whether former U.S. Senator John Edwards violatedfederal election laws during his 2008 presidential bid entered its fourth day of deliberations on Wednesday after it requested a closer look at some evidence.

US Court Edwards 2012 PMG
Jurors late on Tuesday asked to see trial exhibits that might explain the intent behind donor money used to support and conceal Edwards' pregnant mistress Rielle Hunter as he sought the 2008Democratic presidential nomination.
Prosecutors accused Edwards, 58, of trying to salvage his campaign by orchestrating a plot that funneled more than $900,000 from two wealthy supporters to Hunter, and a political aide who falsely admitted paternity of the child Edwards fathered with Hunter.
The defense said the one-term U.S. senator from North Carolinaand two-time presidential hopeful lied to his family but did not break the law.
The donor payments were intended as personal gifts to keep Edwards' wife from learning of the continuing affair and pregnancy and were not intended to influence the election, according to the defense.
Edwards, who faces possible prison time and fines if convicted of any of six felony counts in the case, has been waiting for a verdict with his family at the federal courthouse in Greensboro.

NFL making thigh and knee pads mandatory in '13


ATLANTA (AP) — The NFL's move to make thigh and knee padsmandatory equipment for the 2013 season already has drawn criticism from the guys who will have to wear them.

Rodger Goodell Photo Courtesy NFL
Not long after Atlanta Falcons President Rich McKay, chairman of the competition committee, said at an owners meeting Tuesday that the league can apply the decision unilaterally, the players union and several members expressed their dissatisfaction.
First, the NFL Players Association argued that the move should be negotiated.
"Any change in working conditions is a collectively bargained issue," the union said in a statement. "While the NFL is focused on one element of health and safety today, the NFLPA believes that health and safety requires a comprehensive approach and commitment. We are engaged in and monitor many different issues, such as players' access to medical records, prescription usage and the situation with professional football's first responders, NFL referees.
"We always look forward to meeting with the NFL to discuss any and all matters related to player health and safety."
Then the players spoke up.
"I hate that," Raiders linebacker Travis Goethel said. "I don't want that at all. I don't like having anything restricting my movement in my legs. If you get hit in the thigh, it really doesn't do too much to help you out."
Added Broncos cornerback Drayton Florence:
"My opinion is that I don't want to wear them, but you have to follow the rules and policies. I just think that's a way for them to kind of cover themselves with things that have been going on in the past" such as concussions suffered in collisions with knees or thighs.
Commissioner Roger Goodell can't see any downside to extra protection. He noted that the NFL and union have been discussing hip, knee and thigh pads for three years.
"I believe the technology has improved, the pads are far better than a decade ago, they allow better performance and are more protective. Every other level of football uses the pads."
Goodell pointed out something a Nike executive told him recently: NBA players are wearing more pads from the hips down than NFL players.
"There is something wrong with that," Goodell said.
Should a player not have the pads on when he enters a game in 2013, he will be sent off the field by a game official.
"It's the same as if he ran on without a helmet," McKay said. "It is a safety rule."
The pads rule would not go into effect on the field until next year so equipment manufacturers can work on safety and comfort.
Goodell said he expects evidence in the Saints bounties case would be made public after all the player appeals and grievances have been heard. Release of any documents also could be delayed by Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma's defamation lawsuit against Goodell after the commissioner suspended Vilma for the entire 2012 season.
Goodell said he has "not spent a lot of time" on the lawsuit in which Vilma contends the commissioner made false statements that tarnished Vilma's reputation and hindered his ability to earn a living playing football.
"I've been around this league for 30 years and you are going to make decisions that will not be unanimous, it just doesn't happen, particularly in a game where there is a lot of emotion, a lot of passion," Goodell said. "What I have to do is what is in best interests of the game long term.
"You watch Pete Rozelle and Paul Tagliabue, you are part of the decision-making process, and you see how they go about it. You watch other leagues, try to take in every perspective.
"You don't worry about a popularity contest. You can't."
The owners also voted to move the trading deadline from after Week 6 to after Week 8, and to allow one "marquee" player placed on injured reserve to return to practice after the sixth week of the schedule and to the lineup after the eighth week. That player must be on the 53-man roster after the final preseason cut.
Terrell Suggs, the 2011 Defensive Player of the Year, could fall into that category. Suggs recently underwent surgery for a torn Achilles tendon. If the Ravens believe Suggs can make it back by midseason, as the linebacker has predicted, they could use the IR special designation for him.
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft likes the adjustment because he knows firsthand how devastating an injury to a star player can be.
"It's good because I think it keeps the excitement in the game," Kraft said. "I know when we lost Tom Brady there was a feeling he could have come back at the end of the year. It would have been great for the fans, and I think every team has someone in that category."
Goodell said the league is closer to a decision on what to do with the Pro Bowl, which he called "not a competitive game" in January. He wants more discussions with the players about how to improve the quality of the game, but dropping it entirely still is possible.
"The issue is we recognize it is an all-star game, but we also believe fans expect more from an NFL game," he said. "If we believe we can achieve that, we want to give them every opportunity to do that."
Only New Orleans, site of next year's Super Bowl, and Honolulu are being considered if the Pro Bowl is held.
The league approved the Buffalo Bills playing one regular-season game every year from 2013-17 in Toronto, extending that international series. Expansion of the international series in London could come as early as next year, Goodell added.
While Cowboys and Redskins executives were in the owners meetings they learned that their grievance against the NFL and the NFLPA over reductions in their salary caps was dismissed. Dallas loses $10 million over this season and next and Washington loses $36 million.
Washington general manager Bruce Allen said the team is "obviously disappointed." Asked how losing another $18 million might inhibit the Redskins, he said: "We'll see. We'll have time to talk about it."

Trayvon Martin shooting: Witnesses change stories ahead of Zimmerman trial

Four witnesses in the Trayvon Martin case have changed their stories

By Dylan Stableford | The Lookout


Geo. Zimmerman, center, with a Seminole County deputy and Attrny Mark O'Mara  



Four witnesses in the Trayvon Martin case have changed their stories, some "in ways that may damage" George Zimmerman, the Orlando Sentinel reports.
According to records released last week in the second-degree murder case, the witnesses—all of them neighbors—were interviewed multiple times by police and special prosecutors about what they saw on Feb. 26, the night Zimmerman fatally shot Martin in Sanford, Fla.
Four days after the shooting, one woman told police she "saw two guys running" and then "a fistfight—just fists, I don't know who was hitting who." But on March 20, she told investigators she saw just one person.
"I couldn't tell you if it was a man, a woman, a kid, black or white," the woman, "Witness 2," said. "I couldn't tell you because it was dark and because I didn't have my contacts on or glasses. I just know I saw a person out there."
Another witness, who was initially interviewed on March 20, said she saw two people on the ground immediately after the shooting but was not sure who was on top.
But in another interview with investigators six days later, the paper reported, she was sure: It was Zimmerman on top.
"I know after seeing the TV of what's happening, comparing their sizes, I think Zimmerman was definitely on top because of his size," the woman, "Witness 12," said.
A third witness, "Witness 6," told police on the night of the shooting he saw a black man on top of a lighter-skinned man "just throwing down blows on the guy, MMA-style." He said the lighter-skinned man was calling for help. Interviewed later by investigators, he said he was not sure who was calling for help, and was not sure any punches were thrown.
A fourth witness also interviewed on the night of the shooting said he heard the shooting, ran outside, and saw Zimmerman standing with "blood on the back of his head." According to "Witness 13," Zimmerman told him that Martin "was beating up on me, so I had to shoot him."
A month later, the same witness described Zimmerman's demeanor: "[It was] not like 'I can't believe I just shot someone!' It was more like, 'Just tell my wife I shot somebody,' like it was nothing."

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

NEW MIXTAPE: 50 CENT 'THE LOST TAPE'


NEW MIXTAPE: 50 CENT 'THE LOST TAPE'

Stream and download 50 and Drama’s new mixtape below!

USHER DETAILS VIOLENT SITUATION WHILE ON TRIAL FOR CHILD CUSTODY

USHER DETAILS VIOLENT SITUATION WHILE ON TRIAL FOR CHILD CUSTODY
Keenan Higgins
re-Posted May 22, 2012


USHER DETAILS VIOLENT SITUATION WHILE ON TRIAL
Usher's child custody trial with ex-wife Tameka Foster is getting very ugly. He finally took the stand to defend himself against her allegations that he'd rather party than see his kids. He responded by detailing an incident one night where Tameka tried to get violent with him and his current girlfriend and manager Grace Miguel.
In video obtained by TMZ in court, Usher testified Tameka walked to his car and said, "I'm gonna kick your ass. Bitch get out of the car. How dare you bring this woman into my subdivision in my house?" and adding, "She continued to spit. At this point she pulled the door open, tried to swing at her." In the midst of the altercation, Usher claims Tameka hit him as well.
It's sad when situations like this get out of control, especially for the two kids involved. Some of these allegations are really intense, so we just pray that they hatch things out legally before anything gets too out of hand in trial.
Usher describes the incident:

Pete Rock Speaks Out Against Lupe's Sample Of "T.R.O.Y."


No disrespect to Lupe Fiasco and I like him alot but TROY should be left alone.

Lupe Fiasco's new single "Around My Way (Freedom Ain’t Free)" off Food & Liquor II dropped yesterday. Featuring a sample of the Hip-Hop classic, "T.R.O.Y." Well, producer Pete Rock was furious over the sample and took to twitter to voice his opinion.
Pete Rock photo courtesy of the Source Magazine
"No disrespect to lupe fiasco and i like him alot but TROY should be left alone. Feel so violated,the beat is next to my heart and was made. Outta anguish and pain. When it’s like that it should not be touched by no one! It’s so hard for folks to make original music, I possess that, but these dudes are scared of that and this is supposed to be HIP HOP? Man I’m a lupe fan and everything but TROY was my homie man. I think about him and Hev every fucking day!!!! Smh. Who ever Re-created that didn’t do a good job @ all. #nohate.This business can be so lame, sometimes I make beats blindfolded with one hand tied behind my back and still these cats can’t be original to. So untalented and unoriginal. Makes me feel like I’m truly the best that ever did it. Yo hev and t-Roy I love and miss da shit outta y’all. U guys have been violated with no Vaseline. So fucked up this business smmfh!!! And I don’t care who got something to say about it, kiss my.. I’m not flattered @ all. Dat shit is wack, and the producer should be ashamed of his fuckin self. Smh That record is dear to me yo fuck deez niggas!!!! I’m still Dat nigga out here believe it or don’t. Ur ignorance not mine, lame duck bullshit. I think lupe is a great artist, I’m that angry with him but it’s a major label idea. I can feel it. And y’all need to stop the childish games, I’m a fan of lupe and he is a great artist and a great person. And let me be clear cuz a lot of y'all don't know this. But Tom Scott himself gave me an approval for TROY, told me I did a great job!!"

VIBE'S 2012 SEXY ISSUE COVER STORY


GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN REALITY TELEVISION’S VENGEFUL, ’BOW-THROWING DRAMA QUEENS GET PAID TO ANTE UP, CATFIGHT AND GO DUMB FOR A LIVING.

 —BONSU THOMPSON

re-Posted May 22, 2012
VIBE'S 2012 SEXY ISSUE COVER STORY
There’s a much-abused adage that’s referenced in chats, debates and tweets, usually in defense of questionable conduct: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” That remixed Marilyn Monroe quote could be an unofficial slogan for the reality television explosion. Especially given scenes like one on the recent fourth season of Basketball Wives. While filming inside the pricey New York City eatery Cibo, a rabid Evelyn Lozada, the VH1 show’s most vocal star, stormed around the dinner table, lifted an uncorked bottle of wine and launched it at cast freshmen Kenya Bell, who’d previously called Lozada “loose.” The beverage whizzed past the head of BBW executive producer, Shaunie O’Neal and exploded onto the floor. Expletives followed, along with a plate, but no repercussions.
While networks have churned perverse drama like this into a ratings mammoth (VH1, Bravo and WE tv lead all cable networks in adult female viewing), the stars whose salaries average in the half-millions are left with much fandom, fortune and flack. Until recently, much of the outrage about going ratchet for ratings has been confined to social circles. But after viewing a later BBWepisode—in which Evelyn leapt on the table this time—media personality Star Jones produced a petition in hopes of aborting Evelyn’s spin-off, Ev and Ocho, premiering in September. Jones stated: “The violence on Basketball Wives is horrible and disgraceful…VH1 is rewarding this behavior.”
Unfortunately, the majority of these mavens of mayhem are also some of the biggest public representatives for African-American and Hispanic women. While reasonable adults can relish in junk food programming as toffeed guilty pleasure, those same exhibitions pose risks for impressionable youth. How does a parent advocate lady-like decorum when Real Housewives of Atlanta’s Nene Leakes fetches a million dollars per season for misbehaving the most? VIBE opened the floor to four of the genre’s leading ladies and spinoff recipients—Evelyn, Kandi Burruss (Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta), Tamar Braxton (WE tv’s Braxton Family Values) and Chrissy Lampkin (VH1’s Love & Hip-Hop)—in hopes of gaining insight on why these women are handsomely paid to seldom behave.
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