June 2010

By Souleo. Not every artist can build a reputation as a conscious artist, face a serious scandal and criminal investigation that calls his image into question and return more focused, humbled and wiser than ever before.  That is because not every artist is soul singer-songwriter, Lyfe Jennings.  After a custody battle with his ex that ended with him in handcuffs and facing jail, Lyfe has learned a few lessons that he says has made him a better father.

"When the situation jumped off it was because the lady was trying not to let me see my kids.  I had a terrible childhood with my parents and it scared me in thinking that I couldn't partake in that with my children.  So I learned that I have to think more because the right think can't happen if you don't do it the right way.  So now all my decisions are based on the future so that I can have one with my children," he said.

Lyfe's new outlook finds him aiming to bring back values of family, love and communication on his forthcoming release, I Still Believe.

"People are carried away with this technology stuff but I still believe in old-fashioned stuff.  I believe in taking care of grandma and not sending her to a nursing home when she took care of you your whole life.  Those values build character because you got to give up something to gain something.  So I still believe that values work."

Be sure to check out tomorrow's edition of The Questions with Lyfe.

By Souleo. Everyone has an opinion and everyone loves expressing their views especially online.  That's why JimmyJazz.com has created a new feature entitled, You Said it... Every week we will select some of the most humorous, random, shocking, insightful and intelligent comments from the world wide web on that week's hot topics.  This week we scoured the web and picked the most intriguing quotes on Ne-Yo announcing that he is going to be a dad, the Jackson family, Fantasia's new video for "Bittersweet," the BP oil spill and those annoying iPhone 4 issues.  Check it.

Watch Your Pockets Ne-Yo

This commenter below is feeling like there's a double standard for out of wedlock children.  But it's the allegation that Ne-Yo's girlfriend, Moneytta Shaw may be a gold-digger that has raised eyebrows, especially with all the recent sexual exploitation in the music business.

"WAIT!! IT IS OK FOR HIM TO GET SOMEONE PREGNANT AND YOU GUYS CONGRATULATE HIM BUT WHEN A FAMOUS FEMALE GETS PREGNANT.. SHE IS STUPID, DUMB A HOE AND LETS NOT FORGET "WHAT HAPPENED TO GETTING MARRIED FIRST THEN HAVING A CHILD" MAN YA'LL ARE SOOOOO WRONG!! AND WHAT MAKES IT SO BAD IS THAT HE GOT A MONEY HUNGRY, GOLD DIGGER PREGNANT!!!!! SHE ONLY DATES BALLERS AND RAPPERS ETC.. NE-YO U DUMB FUCK!!!"

Source: www.theybf.com

Commenter: It's Their Lives

The Jackson Family, Love 'Em or Hate' Em

If this isn't a backhanded comment then I don't know what is.  On one hand the commenter is defending the Jackson family but on the other insulting them.  Hilarious.

"It's sad & pathetic that people are condemning his family. If the family doesn't make money from his death then others outside of it will profit from it - it's best it stay in the family even if they are media whores with money hungry ways..."

Source:  Theybf.com

Commenter:  Hibiscus Rose

To Be Hood or Not to Be

I agree with the commenter that Fantasia sounds great but disagree that she can't switch up her image.  Just because you're from the hood doesn't mean you always have to represent it.

"Fantasia sounds great! I like the song. I don't like the treatment they did for her video. Fantasia is much more a round the way girl and this doesn't show her personality, which is great. This video isn't her or what's she's about. I think they try to water her down to appeal to the masses."

Source:  www.concreteloop.com

Commenter: TIPH

By Any Means Necessary

I have to agree that the BP oil spill is a national emergency.  If the answer lies in Europe then we need to do whatever it takes to resolve the problem since it won't go away on its own.

"A national emergency is in order. This should circumvent laws on the books that regulate the percentage of oil free water allowed back into the gulf from Dutch skimmers that we have rejected, even though they have been offered free of charge.

I think that the time is ripe for Obama to take charge here. Or has he been black-mailed by corporate Amerika into rejecting "socialist" assistance from Europe?"

Source:  huffingtonpost.com

Commenter: ultrabop

You Better Hold Me Right, Baby

The iPhone 4 has been getting mixed reviews and one main issue is the loss of reception on some phones when held at a certain angle.  So you gotta love this sarcastic comment below which should bring some comic relief for anyone upset that they had to shell out the big bucks on a wasted phone.

"People's hands are bad antennas, it's so obvious"

Source: www.mashable.com

Commenter:  Mark Lee

With the new iPhone 4 out this week the phone lines will be a-blazin' and we'll all become motor mouths just chit-chatting away.  I've got some phone tips that will make your world a whole lot easier to manage this week if you manage to pay your bill on time.  SMH.

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius:

You've got scandalous photos in your gallery section, incriminating voice memos about your plan to sabotage your evil boss and sexts that would make Tiger Woods giddy like a sex addict in the middle of the Red Light District.  It's time for you to clear out your phone 'cause something is bound to come back and haunt you this week.  So guard that phone like it's the last piece of cornbread on Thanksgiving Day.

Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo:

This is the week to turn your ringer off, put it on vibrate and have a little alone time in your bedroom with your phone.  Yeah, I said it!  There's a reason why a phone can vibrate and that's 'cause it's a multitasking secret sex machine.  Just make sure you don't accidentally dial your mother while you're err, taking your private call.

Libra, Aquarius and Gemini:

You text legitimate emergencies, break-up via email, leave voice messages such as "hey," and Tweet your friends from your phone with the message to call you.  Now does any of this backwards communication make any kinda logic?  Hells no!  It's time you learned the etiquettes of phone usage and you can start by doing us all a favor and turning your phone off until you get some sense in your head.

Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces:

You suspect your partner is up to no good so like any well-balanced adult who knows how to communicate effectively you've got an elaborate plan to hack your lover's password and browse through their phone for evidence of cheating.  Chile you need to stop.  Save that foolishness for insecure, jealous, possessive, foolish and fearful lovers.  Oh, who am I kidding?  That's all of us.  Go on then and see if you come up with any dirt!

I'm JizzleJazzle and remember don't be good, be fabulous.

By Souleo. If music is the soundtrack of our lives, then fashion is the visual indicator of our personal evolution.  By looking back on our fashion choices in life it is easy to understand who we were and what we were experiencing at any given moment in time.  With our new JimmyJazz.com feature stylEvolution celebrities will trace their personal evolution through style.

Our inaugural subject is veteran singer, actor and all-around talent, Marques Houston.  Marques has undergone major style changes from his days with the parted mini-afro playing Roger on the hit show, "Sister, Sister" to his half naked and beefed up look to his now hip and laid-back fashion choices as seen in the promotions for his forthcoming album Mattress Music.

Trace Marques' evolution below as he talks feeling trapped by his role as Roger, why his style during the album, Naked is one the most confident periods of his life, how being close to 30 has eliminated the pressures of fashion and more.

"The part was there because, Roger had braids on the show and my hairstyle for Immature was different.  I was trying to merge the two hairstyles.  During this time I felt like as an artist I had to break free of that character and be totally different.  I felt that wasn't the direction I wanted people to see me in my later teen years.  That's why I didn't do the last season."

"I decided to be a little racy this time since I had to step out and show people that I was a man now.  I was kind of skinny growing up so I wanted to beef up more and be more masculine.  I trained for almost 3 months straight with a strict diet and only drinking water.  During this I time was very comfortable with my body."

"Nowadays my style now is more grown.  I am comfortable with myself as an artist so I don't try to be too over-the-top or this fashion guru that everybody follows.  I'm almost 30 and when you get to this age it's less about entertainment but who you are in your everyday life.  Nowadays I like Gucci loafers and jackets, Levi's, and Nike's."

For more information please visit:

www.marques-houston.com

By Souleo. "American Idol" and "Celebrity Fit Club" alum, Kimberley Locke is on the move and there's no sign of her slowing down.  After racking up several #1 dance hits she is now a certified dance diva and recently partnered with hit producer and "American Idol" judge, Randy Jackson on his new label, DreamMerchant2.

Kimberley broke it down with JimmyJazz.com in this edition of The Questions.

Stop the hype: All the celebrity gossip.  It's everywhere.  The people love it.  I find myself checking it out too.  I'm like don't read it but I can't help it.  It's like a drug.  You have to at least read the cover.

Currently crazy about: "Unthinkable (I'm Ready)" by Alicia Keys.  Somebody who happened to be a guy-I won't say who-sent me that song and said listen to it.  I want to work with Alicia Keys and do a song with her.

I wish I could: I want to be in a movie ad I'm working on it.  I want to be in a Tyler Perry movie.

Favorite designer/brand: I love Catherine Malandrino's stores.  She is very in tune with the shape of a woman's body.  I am very curvy and can go into her store and buy something and it doesn't have to be altered.  I know it will fit me in all the right places and be classic and fun.

You'd be surprised to know: I ride a motorcycle.  I've been riding since I was a little girl.  When I was in Nashville last week I put 600 miles on my bike just riding with my friends and family.  I've been riding since I was little with my mom and dad.  It's a bonding moment for my brother and me.  I brought my bike in 2005 so it's one of my things that I love to do.

I dance in my underwear to:  Beyonce.  I love "Single Ladies" and "Halo."

I'll never say never to: I try to say never say never period 'because you never know what will happen.

When I'm in bed at night: I say my prayers and thank God for all the things he blessed me with and the wonderful people in my life.  I pray that everyday I can do something that will make a positive impact on somebody else's life.

By Souleo. The flames of summer were ignited last night by the heatwave of celebrities as they gathered for the first day of summer party hosted by Malibu Rum.  Performers Estelle and Sean Paul were joined by "Gossip Girl" star Jessica Szohr, soul singer Melanie Fiona, singer Alexis Houston (Whitney Houston's sister), rising Atlantic Records artist, Donnis and more.  The night featured thirst quenching and party-starting Malibu Rum drinks, an orange carpet representing one of this season's main colors, white canopied tents flowing in the breeze, the summery tunes of Estelle and Sean Paul, and one of the best views in all of New York City from the Tribeca Rooftop.

JimmyJazz.com tweeted the event live but now it's time to share what we didn't tweet last night.  We caught up with the stars to get their must-have looks for the summer season, their favorite summer pastimes and most memorable summer experiences.  Forget spring 'cause summer is officially in the air.

Sean Paul's favorite summer pastime:

I love going to parties in Jamaica.  I don't get a lot of trouble there and that's one thing that's great to me about living at home.  They are used to me after 15 years so it's not like I can't do this or that.  I get to relax.

Estelle's summer fashion tip and most memorable summer:

As far as tips I would say just be comfortable.  I'm a big advocator of wearing after flip flops after hours in heels walking on cobblestones.

My most memorable summer was my first time in Miami.  I left with a sun burn that lasted for a year.

Jessica Szohr's summer look:

I'm into the cropped jean jackets with the cut sleeves or quarter length sleeves and bright colored dresses.

Melanie Fiona's summer look and favorite summer memory:

I love hats.  They are great because I do the beach and my gets messy.  I also love big wooden tribal accessories.  They go good with a dress or jeans.

My favorite summer memory is having my first boyfriend.  It was good to be out of school and try to keep in touch however we could.  I would go to the corner store just to see if he was there and meet up with him.  So summer for me always feels like a loving and happy time.

Alexis Houston's most memorable summer:

Spending time with my family on a small island in the Bahamas.  I come from a family that is always travelling and it's seldom to be together at once.  So it was good to be together with Whitney [Houston], my nieces and cousins and college friends.

Donnis' summer look:

I'm a very simple Polo guy.  I guess it's the Atlanta thing.  I also need some boat shoes and a Fredrik Samuelsson summer windbreaker jacket.

Dennis L.A. White's most memorable summer:

My favorite summer memory is from three or four years ago at P. Diddy's all white party in the Hamptons.  I had no ticket but I snuck in, walked the carpet and got twisted that night.  A few years later and I'm in "Notorious."

Panama's favorite summer pastime:

I like to travel on vacation and enjoy the sun and beach.  I don't go too crazy but that's my thing.

By Souleo. Aww, sookie, sookie now!  Snoop Dogg is revealing his crush on Bon Temps' resident hottie, Sookie in a new promo for HBO's hit show, "True Blood."

This love jones could be the real deal or it could be Snoop's sneaky little way of finally getting a role on the show since he's been requesting a spot on the series for a long time.  Either way we don't think vampires, Bill Compton or Eric Nortman are too pleased about Snoop's display of affection for Sookie.

Check out Snoop's video "Oh, Sookie" here:

By Souleo. Tina Turner.  Cher.  Natalie Cole.  These are the names of the fabulous over 50 women in the music industry.  But who is holding it down for the men?  Well one of them is veteran Grammy nominated South African singer-songwriter, Jonathan Butler.  Jonathan returns with his new release, So Strong following a rough year that saw his wife battle cancer and the loss of his close friend and fellow musician, Wayman Tisdale.  The stress hasn't taken a toll on his health or looks as he has his family to thank for helping to maintain his physical appearance as he prepares to hit 50 in a year.

"I have three women in my house who will tell me if I look like crap.  My wife doesn't want me to eat the skin on the chicken.  So they keep me healthy by eating fish and sushi and working out," he said.

While his family keeps his health in check, Jonathan has a few tips for middle aged men on how to be stylish at any age.

"I am what my kids call a metrosexual.  I love nice shoes and jeans and good clothes.  Older men can't be afraid to look good.  I say buy something good today that will last forever and that means not too many wild shirts-tone it down a little.  My closet is full of stuff from 10 or 20 years ago that is still hip today.  So as far as image goes you got to take care of yourself."

For Jonathan taking care of yourself also means preserving a positive and upbeat outlook on life as one gets older.  Jonathan jokingly reflects on the fact that even though he will be 50 soon, deep down he still feels like a child.

"It's funny.  I'm like a kid.  How can you be 50 and stupid?  I'm wearing flip flops now, a red shirt and jeans hanging down my waist.  What's this 50 stuff?"

It's that young at heart spirit that will keep you looking and feeling stylish at any age.

Check out Jonathan's performance of "So Strong" on Fox 5 Morning News in Washington, D.C. here:

Oh no she didn't!  In a recent radio interview with "Big Boy's Neighborhood," Ciara placed top dollar on herself to beat out Janet Jackson in a dance-off.  Uhm, excuse me but didn't Miss Jackson school you and just about every other dance diva and now you wanna challenge the queen of dance?  Well, this week is all about dancing.  I know we all like to get our groove on but some of us need to groove the f*** off and sit our asses down in a corner and stop making a damn fool of ourselves.  SMH.  Read on.

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius:

Baby you are so damn extra and everybody loves it!  No one gets the party started like you with your agility, perfect lines and high energy moves.  You're the original party starter, motivator and well you should be 'cause it ain't like you got a life.  If I neglected all my priorities and spent all my damn time in the club I'd all be great like you too.  Honey, it might be time for you to get a new hobby.  I only tell you 'cause I love you.

Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo:

You got way too many problems on your hands this week (bills, heartbreak and trifling friends) to be hitting the dance floor.  You can't dip it low 'cause your heart is already as low as it's gonna get.  So stop moping around on the dance floor and go get drunk.  When you pass out you'll give a whole new meaning to dropping on the dance floor.

Libra, Aquarius and Gemini:

Everybody who hits the dance floor knows rule number one (no, it's not smack the trick next to you with your weave who thinks she can steal your man with the swivel in her hips) it is: watch the B.O.  And baby...baby...when you get started that B.O. turns into B.O.M.B.  Now pile on the deodorant before you start shaking it in the crowd or else you'll have the whole dance floor to yourself.

Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces:

You's freaky!  But it's time you quit turning the dance floor into a private strip club performance.  Nobody wants to see your clitoris from across the room as you bend over, drop it low, and spread-eagle on a handstand.  Tone.  It.  Down.

I'm JizzleJazzle and remember don't be good, be fabulous!