Tameka Foster Raymond, Usher’s wife, whom he married for the second time this weekend, was seen leaving the couples’ midtown Manhattan hotel. She seemed pretty happy today, showing off her pregnant belly. No man jokes this time. I’m being nice today! But one question … what’s up with the solo arrivals and departures?

Oprah’s girlfriend home girl Gayle King was spotted in midtown New York City. She was seen toting a bag that reads “I <3 XM.” I hope she’s talking about the radio! ;-) CONTINUE READING

KANYE WEST AND 50 CENT COVER THE NEXT ISSUE OF ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE!

With less than a week ’til THE showdown between KANYE WEST and 50 CENT, you already know big things are going to pop off within the next few days! One, being this Rollingstone cover, which I must add is PURE GENIUS! I’m still going strong for Kanye, but in my humble opinion, the #1 spot can go to either of the two at this point. Hell, even KENNY CHESNEY might sneak up behind their asses and take it!!

SHAQ AND SHAUNIE BACK IN JUNE 2006 // PHOTO BY FREDERICK BROWN

SHAQ AND SHAUNIE HEADED TO SPLITSVILLE » After nearly five years of marriage and four children together, Shaquille O’Neal filed for divorce from his wife Shaunie in Miami on Tuesday. According to a petition filed by Shaq’s lawyer, “The marriage between the parties is irretrievably broken.” The petition reveals that the couple has a prenuptial agreement, according to the Herald, which also reports that should the court agree, a copy of the agreement “will be filed … under seal.” The agreement “contains extensive provisions providing for confidentiality and non-disclosure.” O’Neal also says in the petition that Shaunie has been “secretive about her assets … particularly with respect to certain properties owned or titled in either [her] name alone or in other entities” and requests that the court require Shaunie to give a “correct accounting of all money, funds, stocks, bonds, and other securities (including bearer securities)” acquired during the marriage. Read more about this over at PEOPLE.

WHOOPI GOLDBERG BACK IN MAY 2007 // PHOTO BY BRAD BARKET

WHOOPI’S TAKING UP FOR MIKE VICK TOO… » Just like Jamie Foxx, Whoopi Goldberg has joined the “I think Michael Vick didn’t know what he was doing was wrong” club. Picking up where Rosie O’Donnell left off, Whoopi Goldberg debuted on “The View” yesterday with a spirited defense of NFL quarterback Michael Vick’s role in a dogfighting ring.

Dog fighting isn’t that unusual [in the Deep South] where he comes from. It’s like cockfighting in Puerto Rico. There are certain things that are indicative to certain parts of the country.

Co-host Joy Behar looked horrified. “How about dog torture and dog murdering?” Behar asked. “Unfortunately, it’s part of the thing,” Goldberg said. “Part of the fun, right?” Behar shot back. “I don’t think they see it that way. I just thought it was interesting, because it seemed like a light went off in his head when he realized this was something that the entire country didn’t appreciate,” Goldberg replied.

Vick pleaded guilty to federal dogfighting charges last week, including an admission that he took part in hanging or drowning up to eight dogs. The Atlanta Falcons quarterback has been suspended and faces jail time. After the show, Goldberg told reporters she wanted to bring a different perspective concerning the troubled footballer. “Just so he’s not this monster,” Goldberg said. “He’s a wonderful guy who was involved in something terrible. I’m not excusing it, I’m just saying, listen, I believe his apology … and maybe this will be a huge wakeup call to a lot of people doing this.” CONTINUE READING

Lil’ Wayne just made a withdrawal of 1,000 cool points from his account.

Rapper Ludacris and punk rocker Avril Lavigne dropped by MTV’s TRL today. Avril was there to perform her new single “When You’re Gone.” I really am ready for the ‘07 VMAs. They better not over-hype it like the usually do. I mean, it’s in Vegas! C’mon!! If I’m disappointed by the end of the show, some heads are gonna roll. Just watch . . .

CONTINUE READING

PHOTOS BY MONICA MORGAN FOR WIRE IMAGE

Common, Teedra Moses, and Raheem DeVaughn were on hand to perform at the Heineken Red Star Soul Concert Series at Seldom Blues in Detroit.

PHOTOS BY BARRY TAYLOR FOR WIRE IMAGE

Nelly, Ashanti, and some members of the St. Lunatic clan hit up Chase Park Plaza in St. Louis for a Black and White Ball hosted by Nelly. Have y’all heard the latest on Ashanti? Apparently homegirl used to fuck with Irv Gotti back in the day. And when I say “fuck with” I mean, he got some of those panty drawers. No surprise there, really … I, for one, knew all along something was going on between those two! Oh yeah, back to the ball … Ruben Studdard was there too! He performed… CONTINUE READING

Seriously, was I the only one who liked this guy? FOOD & LIQUOR was my ish in the ‘06! I still can’t believe – I must have been on antidepressants or something – cos I shole lent out that CD; never saw it again -_-

Best lines ever:

Welcome all of yall to my dark recesses
This is where I keep the bars like bathtub edges
My Ivories And My Doves My Levers and my Zests
It takes half of your bubble bath to match the freshness
The belly of the beast you know I’m from it
I wrap it in a towel here go my pal in the stomach
And I be on my green like Irish Spring and I Coast
Fudge wit It and get a mouth full of soap

How does he come up with this shit? Anyway, just to let you know, Lupe is coming back and full force too!

This is the official cover for David Banner’s Greatest Story Ever Told, in stores October 9, I think Dustin did an interview with him . . . I lost count, lol, he’s postponing all of them for whatever reason. Anyway, as a special treat, you guys get to download David Banner’s Spare Clips: The Mixtape – wooooo! Click Here peeples. The mixtape features some amazing guest appearances from Snoop Dogg, Akon, Lil’ Wayne, Bun B, Lil Jon, T.I., Rick Ross, Busta Rhymes, Pimp C, E-40, Lil Boosie, Marcus, 8Ball and Yola so get it while it’s hott!

AUDIO: BRITNEY SPEARS F/ AC – “TELL ME WHAT YOU SIPPIN ON”

Here’s the new Britney Spears track featuring rapper AC; production by Tricky Stewart. This is nice, even though Summer is just about over, who cares – it’s Britney! :nods to the beat:

I’m sure you remember the photo we posted up yesterday of Chris Brown getting it on (on stage) with a big girl at the Hot 97 “On Da Reggae Tip” concert. Well, there’s more! Peep the youtube video above…

THANKS AMANDA!