The Cult of ... Ray J?

It happened sometime a few years ago actually, but it's momentum has been speeding at a frightening pace: Ray j, who's singing career is akin to Tiger Wood's basketball game, is big. Let me repeat that: Ray J, who's acting career is akin to Diddy's rapping skills, is big.
Some can argue that it happened when he got all the publicity of a B-movie superstar when his sex tape with Kim Kardashian was leaked. Others will say his 'consistent, high-level artistry" in music and film have catapulted him to the successful sex symbol (gulp, I know, I know) that he is today.
Smash that, homie.
Ray J is big because he has a timely trifecta working in his favor: A hot VH1 reality show, infamy associated with B-list celebrity sex kittens (Kim K, Lil Kim, and yes, Whitney). Of course, his TV past on "Moesha" didn't hurt him any. Consider this though: Ray J is so hot right now that he is no longer "Brandy's little brother," instead Brandy is "Ray J's older sister."
Need further proof?
"Smashed the homie" is in the American lexicon now.
Thanks, Ray J. We owe you big time.

Faith Evans signs up for reality show

It's no biggie for Faith Evans, the mother of the Notorious one's kids. She just inked a deal for a new reality show on BET, called "It's All About Faith."
Evans, who is prepping a new album after a hiatus from music, said in a statement that the show will focus on her other exploits besides her pipes.
“To be in a place where I have grown from an entertainer to an entrepreneur is truly a blessing,” Faith said. “I am excited to share this incredible experience with my fans and the world."

Faith is just the latest in a number of Biggie-related projects to get their own reality show: Diddy has had a recurring deal with MTV (Making the Band, etc.), Lil Kim did her thing, and now Faith. Lil Cease, where you at?

Kandi, Tiny, Diamond, Toya, Rasheeda, Nivea, & Neffe drop it on stage

Looks like the girls of A-town wanted to take it back to 1988 with a live and upclose version of Sir Mixalot's "Back Got Back". Go, 'Sheeda, Go, 'Sheeda, Go Kandi, Go Kandi, Go Neffe, Go .... just go.

Diddy, J-Lo sex tape?

If things couldn't get any more crazy for Diddy, there is a hint of possibility that there may be a Diddy-Jennifer Lopez sex tape out there somewhere, according to media reports.
J-Lo's ex says he can produce the tape, for a fee. Ojani Noa says that bringing Diddy into the Noa-Lopez catfight can strengthen NOa's argument that Lopez is basically a maneater.
We don't know if it's true, but if it is, then this tape could be as coveted as the unreleased songs Biggie Smalls is rumored to have created. This could be bigger than the mythic Dr. Dre album "Detox," which has been pushed back further than Sherman Hemsley's hair line.
No word on if Marc Anthony will then come out with his own remixed sex tape with J-Lo.

What if the Obamas were ghetto?

Let's be honest: When you first first heard about Barack Obama, you had no idea the substance of the man. You didn't know he had come out of Harvard or Harlem. You didn't know if he was a lawyer or a layman. You didn't know that his wife was a professional executive in Chicago, rather than a stay at home mom with two tween daughters.
Now, when you found out that stuff out, regardless of the man's speaking ability and likeability, did it make a difference?
Because, if it did, what if the Obamas were hood? What if they were ghetto? Would you still support them? Would you still think they are the epitome of easy style?
What if Obama had a baby mama and did a short bid in college? Would it matter?
Now ask yourself, why?

Weave: Why it will never die

People have been all over weave as of late, from Tyra Banks declaring a 'Real Hair Day' to Chris Rock's Good Hair" myopic biopic on lye, stop it. Weave is wonderful, though.
How else can a person with 1-centimeter follicles enter a building and emerge a few hours later with HTB (hair-touch-butt) syndrome?

Sanaa Lathan avoids critics of 'Tin Roof'

American actress Sanaa Lathan, currently enjoying a run in the play "Cat in a Tin Roof" in Europe, is throwing shade to all the theater critics.
Lathan is determined to play her role (Maggie) without the emotional baggage that comes from hearing the naysayers chirp.
"I learned my lesson a long time ago not to read reviews until the run is over because I don't want to get anything in my head about the performance until it's done," according to Contactmusic.
"Sometimes in this business you don't get to use all of your chops. This role is the pinnacle of roles for a woman my age. It's scary, challenging... she goes through a lot of emotions. I couldn't say no to it."
Neither can the critics. At least one has assailed her accent as being "all over the place."
Don't worry, Sanaa, "Tin Roof " is a winner. Let your haters be ya motivators.

Celebrity Style: Photographer Tony Chu

West Coast photography Tony Chu has been putting it down for a long time under the sunny skies of NoCal, but the East Coast has yet to experience the flavor. Allow me to introduce you.

When will PETA pick the wrong one?

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has made no bones about going after people -- big and small -- in their quest to bring awareness to the suffering of animals.
Oftentimes they do it in a public, very obtruse manner, some would say even mean-spirited. Their subjects are usually stuffy old people or unkempt young people who "didn't know" the plight of those pigs, cows, elephants, beavers, etc., that make their way into the American and world marketplace.
But some people, sometimes, don't take well to criticism. Take for instance, singer Kelis, who was recently slammed by PETA for wearing furs.
When Kelis got hit, Kelis hit back.
“There is no humane way to kill anything. It’s unfortunate but it’s part of life. With that being said, I would eat pterodactyl if you found some and you told me it was meaty and delicious. I eat meat, and in fact my mouth salivates as I type the word meat!”
Football player Michael Vick, also on the end of a PETA bodyslam, privately questioned the group's motives when they allededly sent protesters to Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank's home.
PETA has been known to pelt celebrities and government officials with eggs and even throw pies.
Rapper Lil Kim, who raps about oral sex but also brandishing Lugars, has also caught shade from PETA over her furs.
Sooner or later, PETA is going to pick the wrong one, though. Sooner, rather, than later.

Swizz Beats, Alicia Keys buy Lenny Kravitz' loft

It looks like ultra-hot producer Swizz Beats and songstress Alicia Keys are putting down roots together. The somewhat scandal-infused couple bought the former loft of rocker Lenny Kravitz. Kravitz bought and was trying to sell it for $19 milli as far back as 2002, according to media sources. Keys, who is fresh off the release of her new album, "The Element of Freedom," and Beats reportedly paid $400,000 less than the $14.9 million asking price. Swizz's ex, Mashonda, is gonna be so hot.
The place knows scandal as well, both Nicole Kidman and Denzel Washington have lived their (Does the ghost of Tom Cruise's career still haunt the place?).