Kelly Rowland has already been a “Commander,” but in these recent promo shots, photographed by Robert Ector, she plays the part of the captain, dressed in nautical stripes, a sailing cap and gold, mesh jewelry. She looks hot, her latest single has hit #1, and she’s landed the coveted gig of UK “X-Factor” judge – so glad to see things working out for her! Kelly Rowland Finally Announces New Album Title Kelly Rowland: “I’m Ready To Be Boo’d Up” Kelly Rowland Looks Fab As “X Factor UK” Judge [PHOTOS]
An enabler is one that enables another to achieve an end; especially: one who enables another to persist in self-destructive behavior (as substance abuse) by providing excuses or by making it possible to avoid the consequences of such behavior. Before you move on to your next post feeling some peculiar air of superiority, please note that while the definition cites substance abuse as a self-destructive behavior, it doesn’t disqualify the many of you (yes, YOU!) that enable friends and family members financially, as well! It’s one thing to assist someone who may find themselves in a bind from time to time, but it’s another to allow people to become another line item on your own struggling budget. Not only is helping them, actually hurting them, but it may be hurting you, as well. Singer & actor turned author, Tyrese, put it best while on tour to promote his new book, How To Get Out of Your Own Way. His words echo in my mind still daily: “Sometimes to help someone, you have to stop helping them.” So simple, yet so remarkably powerful. And yet, I know how it goes. We feel obligated to help family and friends who are in a financial bind. After all, isn’t it the noble thing to do? It might be if it weren’t for the fact that nobility can often create an inability in a person to figure “it” out on their own. Financially speaking, “it” can be a number of circumstances from how to earn their own income and manage their own money wisely to how to decipher between their own wants and needs, pay their own bills on time and essentially how to hustle So, how can you tell if you are enabling someone in your life? Answer “Yes” or “No” to the following 12 questions: READ MORE How To Live Big On A Small Budget 3 Signs You’re A Financially Healthy Woman Did You Know Nicki Minaj Plays The Clarinet? See The Video Here! BLACK MUSIC MOMENT #62: Ludacris Debuts As Radio Personality “Chris Lova Lova” NEW MUSIC: Beyonce Ft. Andre 3000 “Party”
Kanye West’s ex-fiancée, Alexis Phifer , had a lil chat with VIBE magazine on life after Yeezy and Amber Rose talking sh*t about her…. Another one of Kanye’s exes, Amber Rose, once went on the radio and said something to the effect of “You see Kanye’s other ex, he was with her for six years, took her the same places and no one even remembers her name now…” Did that sting? I believe that you get what you want out of a situation and Kanye will tell you, that I didn’t [want that attention]. It’s weird. I’ll get on the red carpet and over-criticize myself. I don’t want that attention. She wanted that and that’s what she got out of it. But if I want to go to King magazine [Ed Note: This interview was conducted prior to Amber Rose’s June 2011 King cover] right now and be in a sexy bathing suit I’m sure I’d generate some type of interest. It’s just the decisions you make that put you where you are. She is where she’s at because that’s where she wants to be and I’m where I’m at because that’s where I want to be also. I was kind of like “Girl please.” I just laughed that off, brushed that one right off my shoulders. She doesn’t really know what she’s saying, so I can’t even be mad at her. She doesn’t even know the half.
Gender inequalities have fueled several debates in history, from women having the right to vote to women in the workplace. While researching gender inequalities in different countries, I came across the controversial practice of female circumcision in Africa. This painful practice is perpetuated in Africa because of male domination embedded in the social and cultural structures. Female circumcision is the process of cutting female genitals, specifically the clitoris. There are several different types of female circumcision, which we will let you look up on your own- the details can be gruesome. This procedure is often disguised as a celebration to young girls that are about to have it done. To her surprise, she is having an invasive operation instead. This procedure, practiced in over 25 African countries, is a clear violation of girls’ rights to their own bodies. Not only is the process itself extremely dangerous, but there is proof that girls are more vulnerable to infections and complications during childbirth after. So why would anyone enforce the practice of female circumcision? The traditionally male dominated African culture uses this procedure to justify what they consider to be a pure marriage. They feel that female circumcision ensures that a woman is a virgin, a requirement to get married. It is believed that without a clitoris, you are less likely to engage in sexual behavior before marriage. You have to wonder, where does male virginity come into play? Male circumcision is a much less invasive procedure that does not affect their sexual enjoyment. Men are not forced to undergo this painful operation to prove themselves, so why do women? In addition, cultural beliefs about female sexuality add to the persistence of female circumcision. There are widespread views that when females are not circumcised, their husbands and potential children are in danger. These unjustifiable worries force women to undergo a painful and dangerous procedure. The practice of female circumcision perpetuates the idea that males and females have different rights when it comes to sexuality and marriage. Women are forced to undergo this invasive procedure for no reason other than contrived cultural beliefs. The Female Crisis In The Congo, What You Can Do To Help 5 Reasons Why Little Things Can Make A Big Difference Did You Know Nicki Minaj Plays The Clarinet? See The Video Here! BLACK MUSIC MOMENT #62: Ludacris Debuts As Radio Personality “Chris Lova Lova” NEW MUSIC: Beyonce Ft. Andre 3000 “Party”
Three weeks shy of her June 28th release date, Beyonce’s album 4 has fully leaked online. While Bey seems to be handling the situation with ease she says ““My music was leaked and while this is not how I wanted to present my new songs, I appreciate the positive response from my fans,” she wrote. “When I record music I always think about my fans singing every note and dancing to every beat. I make music to make people happy and I appreciate that everyone has been so anxious to hear my new songs.” Her label has committed full efforts to removing the links on the Internet… BLACK MUSIC MOMENT #69: Rich Harrison Composes “Crazy In Love” Did You Know Nicki Minaj Plays The Clarinet? See The Video Here! BLACK MUSIC MOMENT #62: Ludacris Debuts As Radio Personality “Chris Lova Lova” NEW MUSIC: Beyonce Ft. Andre 3000 “Party”
The Latina/Filipino model that captured 50 Cent’s attention was engaged to comedian Deray Davis just a few weeks ago according to Mediatakeout.com . Daphne was recently photoed in Mexico with 50 on vacation but a source says “I thought DeRay and Daphne were getting married, next thing I know she’s on MTO on the beach with 50. I was like WTF.” Take a look at Daphne: Did You Know Nicki Minaj Plays The Clarinet? See The Video Here! BLACK MUSIC MOMENT #62: Ludacris Debuts As Radio Personality “Chris Lova Lova” NEW MUSIC: Beyonce Ft. Andre 3000 “Party”
Word on the street is that NeNe Leakes may not be returning to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” but what really has folks talking is that she’s reportedly being replaced on the show by Marlo Hampton, the fiance of NFL player Charles Grant. Yes, the same Charles Grant that NeNe was rumored to be dating when she broke up with her husband Greg, although Charles said in an exclusive interview with Hot 107.9 that he had never even met NeNe. This has not been confirmed by Bravo, but think of the drama we would get if this were true!! Grant recently became engaged to Marlo, who is a stylist in Atlanta. DRAMA!!! Charles Grant Responds To NeNe Leakes Pregnancy Rumors [EXCLUSIVE] NeNe Leakes Quits “Celebrity Apprentice” NeNe Leakes Attacks Radio Host [AUDIO] Star Jones: NeNe Leakes Is “An Uncaged Animal” [VIDEO] ATL Housewives NeNe & Phaedra Face Off On Rickey Smiley! [EXCLUSIVE]
Radio Facts, the leading urban industry trade site, has announced the Top 30 Black Women in Media winners! Radio One founder Cathy Hughes came in at number two, right behind media titan Oprah Winfrey. As the first black woman to own a publicly traded radio chain, Hughes is deserving of this honor. Also, Radio One Atlanta’s very own Ebony Steele from the Rickey Smiley Morning Show came in at number 30, while Shirley Strawberry from the Steve Harvey Morning Show came in at number 6! Congrats to all of the women of Radio One who were honored! Click here to see the entire list! RELATED: Rev. Al Sharpton Honors Radio One Founder Cathy Hughes At Inaugural Triumph Awards RELATED: Cathy Hughes To Be Inducted Into Radio Hall Of Fame
As if we haven’t heard enough domestic violence stories this weekend, another WTF moment comes out of nowhere. Thirty-two year old Lucinda Kinder from Coralville, Iowa was arrested after police responded to a 911 call/hangup. When police arrived at the scene, they found that Lucinda the victim (male) had been arguing. According to police reports, Lucinda punched and scratched the victim, and then proceeded to bite his “reproductive organ” until it began to bleed. YIKES! Apparently, the two have been in an intimate relationship for a little over a year now and had been living together. Lucinda was arrested for “domestic abuse and assault without intent causing injury.” She was being held on a $2,500 cash bond. Man, I hope things get better between the couple! Check out the video below. Read more here. SMH, so sad to hear stories like this! Miami Dolphins Football Player Brandon Marshall Stabbed By Wife An 11 Year Old Girl Was Raped, Town Blames Victim. Why? Gloria Govan Discusses Return To “Basketball Wives” & Matt’s Domestic Abuse Arrest
Nick Cannon, being his playful and goofy self, was joking around on his WXRK 92.3 NOW New York based radio show last week when he “accidentally” ended up blurting out his home phone number ON AIR to listeners. After the incident it seemed like Nick immediately realized that it was a bad idea and tweeted: ”My wife is going to kill me over this. Sometimes I get a little too carried away on the radio … ” And then, “Just gave out my home phone # on air and my pregnant wife picked up the line OOPS!” C’mon Nick, what were you thinking?! Of course, Nick and Mariah’s humble abode was flooded with phone calls by fans who listened to Nick give out the phone number on his radio show. One fan even got the chance to speak with Mariah when she picked up the phone. Nick then took to Twitter to acknowledge Mariah for being such a good sport about the whole ordeal, tweeting: “Thanks to my amazing wife for being a good sport and allowing me to make good radio. @MariahCarey you are the best!” How cute! Nick and Mariah, who have been married since 2008, are in their last trimester of pregnancy and are expecting twins (a boy and girl) any day now. Nick is known for being public about his relationship and feelings for his wife, especially on his radio show, and as we told you before, recently expressed to listeners that he regretted taking nude photos with his wife for the OK! magazine spread. Can’t wait to see their twins!! Read more here. Mariah Carey’s Baby Nursery Cost How Much?!? [PHOTO] Pregnant Mariah Carey & Nick Cannon Get Naked For OK Magazine Mariah Carey’s Topless & Pregnant Shoot [PHOTO]
