Pallbearers help carry the casket of rapper Heavy D at his funeral service at Grace Baptist Church on November 18, 2011 in Mount Vernon, New York.

Heavy D, who died at age 44 in Los Angeles from what his family said was complications from pneumonia, was laid to rest in a star studded funeral service in his hometown of Mount Vernon, New York on Friday (Nov 18).

A-List stars like like Jay-Z, Will and Jada Smith, Diddy, Queen Latifah, John Legend, Usher, Samuel L. Jackson and many more were all in attendance at the rap legend’s two-and-a-half hour funeral service at Grace Baptist Church, which was reportedly filled to capacity.

A mourner holds the program for Heavy D's funeral service at Grace Baptist Church on November 18, 2011 in Mount Vernon, New York.

Heavy D’s 11-year-old daughter Xea Myers spoke briefly during the service, telling the mourning attendees that her father was “still here, not in the flesh, but in the spirit.”

Diddy also talked about his late friend, including how he helped give him his start in the music industry, and how their longtime friendship continued up until Heavy D’s death.

“He became my friend. He became my brother, and I’m not talking about friend-brother like we cavalierly use the word, I’m talking about a real friend, a real brother,” Diddy said. “Somebody I shared my dreams and my secrets with, somebody that’s been there for me at my lowest point, my darkest hour when nobody wanted to be beside me.”

President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama even offered a few words of encouragement to Heavy D’s family in the form of a note, which was read aloud by Rev. Al Sharpton:

“We extend our heartfelt condolences at this difficult time. He will be remembered for his infectious optimism and many contributions to American music. Please know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.”

A memorial fund has been set up to help financially aid Heavy D’s young daughter Xea. Details can be found on the website: http://rememberheavyd.com

Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz attended Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson‘s big Broadway debut performance in “The Mountaintop” last Thursday night (Oct 13) at the Benard Jacobs Theater in New York City.

Other celebrities spotted at the theater in support for Angela Basset and Samuel L. Jackson during their new Broadway show’s opening night were Magic Johnson (with his wife Cookie), Gabourey Sidibe, Star Jones, Tisha Campbell-Martin and many others.

Check out the pics below:

Fashion’s Night Out is arguably the biggest event held during New York Fashion Week to kick-off the week-long festivities. It’s when celebs pile into hundreds and hundreds of stores across the country (mainly in New York City) after hours, and pose for pictures, do press, hang out with their celebrity friends and do some late-night shopping.

Held last Thursday night (Sep 8), this year’s Fashion’s Night Out featured appearances from many celebrities, including Solange, Chanel Iman, Nicole Richie, Mary J. Blige, Rachel Roy, Amare Stoudemire, Angela Simmons, Dwyane Wade, Ne-Yo, Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen, and more!

Check out pics from FNO in NYC below:

Solange Knowles attended Sephora 5th Avenue’s Fashions Night Out event in New York City.

Singers Estelle and Corrine Bailey Rae pose with model Selita Ebanks as the trio attends the DVF Celebration of Fashion’s Night Out in New York City.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen kicked off NY Fashion Week by attending the JC Penney and People StyleWatch’s “Miss for a Must” event at the JC Penney store in New York City.

Model Chanel Iman hosted a Fashion’s Night Out event at the Sunglass Hut 5th Avenue flagship store in NYC.

Designer Tommy Hilfiger and singer Joss Stone were on hand for the Tommy Hilfiger Fashion’s Night Out celebration at Macy’s Herald Square in New York.

R&B singer/songwriter Ne-Yo posed with fans, signed Francis Ellargo hats and hit the stage for a performance during an FNO event at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City.

Actress Joy Bryant hit up Burton Snowboards Fashion’s Night Out celebration in NYC.

Fashion partners Rachel Roy and Amar’e Stoudamire from the NY Knicks posed for photos at Macy’s.

Angela Simmons and celebrity stylist June Ambrose met up at the Lanvin boutique.

Fashion designer Rachel Zoe and R&B singer Mary J. Blige had cocktails at Intermix.

Actors Angela Bassett and Samuel L. Jackson posed for pics together as they attended the Giorgio Armani Madison Avenue Fashion’s Night Out event at Giorgio Armani Madison Avenue.

And basketball star Dwyane Wade attended Prada’s Fashion’s Night event at their 5th Avenue store in New York City.

But New York City wasn’t the only city participating in Fashion’s Night Out. Take a look at FNO pics from other cities below:

LL Cool J now endorses Gendarme fragrance, and was spotted promoting the men’s cologne at Bloomingdale’s in Century City, California.

Then he headed on over to support his wife Simone at her FNO booth at Bloomingdales, where she was debuting her Simone I. Smith Fall Jewelry Collection.

Naturi Naughton — who stars in NBC’s new show The Playboy Club — showed up at a Fashion’s Night Out event at a Bloomingdales in Chicago, IL.

And designer Nicole Richie attended a Fashions Night Out celebration at The Beverly Center in Los Angeles.

Here is the last batch of tribute covers from the 65th anniversary edition of Ebony Magazine!

Celebrities of today are channeling iconic celebrities from the past in 12 different tribute covers, and so far, we’ve showed you Usher (as Sammie Davis Jr.), Mary J. Blige (as Diana Ross), John Legend (as Duke Ellington), Blair Underwood (as Sidney Poitier), Taraji P. Henson (as Diahann Carroll), Lamman Rucker (as Shaft), Omar Epps (as Muhammad Ali), Regina King (as Eartha Kitt) and Yolanda Adams (as Mahalia Jackson).

And now, we have the last 3! Actor Samuel L. Jackson (as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), actress Nia Long (as Dorothy Dandridge) and actress Jurnee Smollett (as Lena Horne). Check out the three newest covers below and continue reading to check out the rest (in case you missed them)!

Ebony Magazine celebrates their 65th anniversary this year, and R&B singers Usher and Mary J. Blige, along with actor Samuel L. Jackson and actresses Taraji P. Henson and Nia Long are featured on the cover of their November 2010 “Special Collector’s Edition” issue!

Inside Ebony’s 65th anniversary anniversary issue, you’ll find a nice set of tribute covers of Diana Ross, Duke Ellington, Sidney Poitier, Diahann Carroll, Shaft and more, re-creating by artists of today, like Mary J. Blige, John Legend, Blair Underwood, Taraji P. Henson and Lamman Rucker respectively.

The mag also features tribute covers from Nia Long (as Dorothy Dandridge), Usher (as Sammy Davis Jr.), Samuel L. Jackson (as Dr. Martin Luther King), Omar Epps (as Muhammad Ali), Jurnee Smollett (as Lena Horne), Regina King (as Eartha Kitt) and Yolanda Adams (as Mahilia Jackson).

Check out a few of the tribute covers below!!

Samuel L. Jackson surprised over 6,000 Comic-Con goers attending a Marvel Studios presentation over the weekend (Sat. Jul 24) when the award-winning actor announced the cast of the upcoming “Avengers” film!

Just as the presentation was ending, Jackson stepped to the side and brought out movie stars Clark Gregg, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth of “Thor” and Chris Evans from “Captain America.” He then introduced another surprise guest Robert Downey Jr. who brought of the rest of the all-star cast, which includes Jeremy Renner as “Hawkeye” and Mark Ruffalo as “Bruce Banner.”

“The Avengers” is based on the comic book series of the same name, which brings various Marvel superheroes together, and is due in theaters sometime in 2012.

The 2010 ESPY Awards were held yesterday (Wed. Jul 14) in Los Angeles, CA. And celebs like Amber Rose, Mario (who brought along his new girlfriend Dez), Terrell Owens, Chris Bosh, Kenyon Martin, Hank Baskett & Kendra Wilkinson, Zac Efron and more all walked the red carpet before making their way into the Nokia Theater L.A. Live for the ESPYs, which, hosted by sports network ESPN, honors the best athletes and teams in the world of sports. Reggie Bush also attended the Espys Wednesday evening, but chose not to arrive to the show with his rumored new girlfriend Amber Rose, who made her presence known on the red carpet with a bright yellow dress.

The 2010 Espys also featured a performance from singer Janelle Monae, who also participated in a funny skit with actor/comedian Will Ferrell (equipped with one of those loud, annoying vuvuzelas). Check out 20+ pictures from the 2010 Espy Awards in Los Angeles at the Nokia Theater L.A. Live below and when you continue reading…

Celebrities hit the Gibson Amphitheater at Universal Studios Sunday night (Jun 6) in Universal City, California to attend the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, hosted by actor/comedian Aziz Ansari.

Some of the big names who walked the red carpet before making their way into the building for the show were Christina Aguilera, T.I., Diddy, Tyrese, Lindsay Lohan, Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan and more. Check out 20+ pics of celebrities at last night’s MTV Movie Awards in Hollywood below and when you continue reading…

Actor Samuel L. Jackson is in talks of playing world-famous Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Broadway. Jackson is said to be in New York reviewing for the play, “The Mountaintop,” which follows the events of the night before leading up to the MLK  assassination in Memphis, Tennessee in 1968.

The “Pulp Fiction” actor, who has a personal connection to the play because he was an usher at Dr. King’s funeral in Atlanta, has been offered a $50,000 weekly salary if he decides to take on the role. “The Mountaintop,” due to hit Broadway this Fall, was named best play at the 2010 Olivier Awards in London.

What do you think about Samuel L. Jackson playing Dr. King on Broadway?

Right after the 82nd Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles came the 2010 Vanity Fair Oscar Party, hosted by Graydon Carter at Sunset Tower Sunday night (Mar 7). Some of the celebrities in attendance for the big shindig were Amber Rose (without Kanye — where they do that at??), Lenny Kravitz and his daughter Zoe, Gabby Sidibe, Jennifer Hudson, Common, Robin Thicke and Paula Patton. Check out 20+ pictures of the folks mentioned and then some below and when you continue reading…

Over 83 million people tuned in last Friday night (Jan 22) to catch the Hope for Haiti Now telethon, which aired live and commercial-free on several major networks and was also streamed real-time online. The effort was spearheaded by MTV Networks, actor George Clooney and rapper/singer Wyclef Jean (who is from Haiti himself) in an effort to raise awareness and relief for the troubled country of Haiti, who suffered a massive earthquake earlier this month. According to recent numbers, over $61 million in pledges were made by members of the general public. Organizers will continue to take contributions for the next six months.

Celebrities who helped out by either performing or taking phone calls from pledges (or both) included Jay-Z, Rihanna, Bono from U2, Taylor Swift, Denzel Washington, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson and tons more. Continue reading for more pictures and click here to peep the performances if you missed them last week.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

The 2010 Golden Globes went down last night (Sun. Jan 17) in Beverly Hills, CA at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. The annual event honors outstanding achievements in the entertainment industry and is organized by the members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association (HFPA), who are also responsible for tallying up the votes for all of the winners (click here for the full list).

Celebs like Halle Berry, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Gabourey Sidibe, Mike Tyson, Leona Lewis and more were all dressed to impress as they attended the show and posed for pictures on the red carpet and in the press room. More pics from the 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards when you continue reading…

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

Actors Samuel L. Jackson and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson were spotted on location in the Manhattan area of New York City filming scenes for their new movie, “The Other Guys” last Friday (Oct 23).

The action/comedy film, directed by Adam McKay, also stars Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg and Eva Mendes, and is expected to hit theaters sometime in August 2010.

PREMISE: Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg) are partnered NYPD detectives who work in the forensic accounting department and rarely see any action. Gamble is more than happy with his job while Hoitz has been assigned against his will after a public incident with his quick trigger finger. They idolize the city’s top cops Danson (Dwayne Johnson) and Manzetti (Samuel L. Jackson), but when an opportunity arises for Gamble and Hoitz to step up, things do not quite go as expected.

R&B singer/songwriter Alicia Keys played host to her sixth annual Black Ball to benefit the “Keep A Child Alive” AIDS organization Thursday night (Oct 15) at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. The huge celebrity guest list at the event included Halle Berry, Usher, Samuel L. Jackson, Nick Cannon, Tyler Perry, Robin Thicke, Mary J. Blige and more. Alicia performed with John Mayer at the event, and also premiered her new song “Sleeping with a Broken Heart.”

You can check out a lot more pictures from the red carpet and inside the Ball when you continue reading!

R&B singer Ne-Yo launched a new ad campaign for Alfani (clothing brand) in New York, actress Kerry Washington attended a luncheon hosted by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in Beverly Hills and actor/former NFL player Terry Crews paid a visit to Planet Hollywood in New York City Tuesday (Aug 11).

We’ve also posted recent photos of Samuel L. Jackson, Mos Def, Gabrielle Union and others attending various events throughout the past few days. Continue reading to check them out and click each picture for more info!

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE

Actress/singer Christina Milian attended the premiere of her “Bring It On: Fight to the Finish” movie Friday (Jul 31) at at the 10th New York Latino Film Festival, rapper Young Jeezy celebrated his partnership with Belvedere Vodka in NYC later that night, and actress Vivica A. Fox celebrated her birthday in Toronto Saturday night (Aug 1).

Continue reading for brand new pics of Fabolous, Pharrell Williams, Chilli and more attending various events throughout the weekend!

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The 2009 ESPY Awards went down Wednesday night (Jul 15) at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles, CA. Kobe & Vanessa Bryant, Venus & Serena Williams, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, Michael Phelps, Wyclef Jean and other celebrities/athletes showed up to the ceremony, which was hosted by award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson.

The 17th annual sports awards show will air this Sunday, July 19th, at 9 PM ET on ESPN.

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PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGE / FILM MAGIC

Rock star Lenny Kravitz attended a photocall announcing his upcoming “Let Love Rule 2009″ UK tour at The Cadogan Hotel early Wednesday (Jun 24) in London.

Al B. Sure and his son Lil B. Sure performed together at J&R Music And Computer World Wednesday (Jun 24) in New York City.

Female rapper Rah Digga and Kolby Smith of the Kansas City Chiefs attended the 2009 NBA Draft Classic Tuesday (Jun 23) in New York City.

Actress Rosario Dawson can be seen here as she arrives at the 2009 Los Angeles Film Festival’s & Universal Pictures’ premiere of “Public Enemies” at the Mann Village Westwood Theater Tuesday (Jun 23) in the Westwood district of Los Angeles.

Wu Tang clan member RZA attended the afterparty for “Public Enemies” at the Hammer Museum Tuesday (Jun 23) in Los Angeles.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson and Sir Richard Branson posed for a pic on the red carpet of the Virgin Atlantic Red Hot Party at Tribeca Rooftop Monday (Jun 22) in NYC. Sir Branson is the founder/owner of the Virgin brand.

Q-Tip and Funkmaster Flex stopped for a picture at the launch party for The Nightlife Preservation Community at M2 Ultra Lounge Monday (Jun 22) in New York City.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / FILM MAGIC / WIRE IMAGE

Rapper Soulja Boy posed for the paparazzi as he exited MTV Studios last Monday (Jun 15) in New York City. Pull your pants up, son!

Award winning actor Samuel L. Jackson can be seen above walking to his car after doing some shopping at Whole Foods Market Thursday (Jun 18) in Los Angeles.

Sisters Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian were seen at the airport last Thursday (Jun 18) in Miami, FL.

Actor/comedian Cedric the Entertainer was spotted outside of Guys and Dolls nightclub Thursday (Jun 18) in LA.

Singer/reality tv star Brooke Hogan was sighted doing some shopping at the Kitson clothing store last Thursday (Jun 18) in Beverly Hills.

American Idol season 8 winner Kris Allen was seen at Robek’s Juice last Thursday (Jun 18) in Los Angeles.

Pop star Britney Spears and one of her handlers tried to avoid the paparazzi as she returned to her five star London hotel Thursday (Jun 18) night after performing a concert 200 miles away in Mancheste earlier in the evening.

Entertainer Jamie Foxx was spotted by the paparazzi as he left Armani Ristorante last Wednesday (Jun 17) in New York City after having a special dinner with RCA Music Group executives.

R&B crooner John Legend was seen arriving at an airport in Trinidad and Tobago Port of Spain last Wednesday (Jun 17).

The paps snapped some shots of NBA star Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers as he entered the hand and foot spa at Carol’s Daughter last Tuesday (Jun 16) in New York City.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES // FILM MAGIC

Tennis phenom Serena Williams was seen out and about doing some shopping at designer store True Religion on Robertson Blvd Tuesday (Jun 9) in Los Angeles.

Actor Samuel L. Jackson was spotted as he arrived at the Hakkasan Restaurant Wednesday (Jun 10) in London, England.

Actor Flex Alexander was also spotted arriving at London’s Hakkasan Restaurant Wednesday (Jun 10).

Baseball legend Barry Bonds was seen out doing some shopping on Robertson Blvd in Los Angeles Wednesday (Jun 10).

Singer Lionel Richie was spotted outside of the Dorchester hotel Wednesday (Jun 10) in London, England.

Michael Jackson was spotted as he and his entourage of police escorts left a medical building Tuesday (Jun 9) in Los Angeles. His people swear up and down that he doesn’t have skin cancer but why is he always leaving medical buildings with masks covering his face? Not to mention how he’s always toting an umbrella to avoid direct sunlight. Something’s just not right…

Here former talk show host Montel Williams can be seen outside of his Manhattan hotel Tuesday (Jun 9) in New York.

PHOTOS: WENN

We found Olivia! Here she is pictured with a blue ferrari at the Black Sports Agent Association’s 10th Anniversary Pro Football Draft event at the Dancy-Power Automotive showroom Saturday in New York.

Actor Samuel L Jackson hit up Denise White’s birthday party at Glow at the Marriott Marina Del Ray Saturday night in California.

Jennifer Lopez spoke as the Honorary Chairperson of the 2009 March of Dimes March for Babies at Crandon Park In Biscayne, FL Saturday afternoon. The singer/actress also had the honor of cutting the ribbon to kick off the march.

Oscar nominated actress Viola Davis and her husband actor Julius Tennon attended the 8th annual Tribeca Film Festival’s TFI Awards Ceremony at the City Winery Friday in New York.

Aubrey O’Day and DJ Cassidy posed for a pic together at the 8th Annual Tribeca Film Festival’s “Here and There” after party at The Eldridge in New York Thursday night.

Actor Evan Ross and his girlfriend Chora Skinner hit up the Chloe Los Angeles Boutique Opening part at Milk Studio Thursday in Cali.

Akon attended the 2009 Billboard Latin Music Awards Thursday night in Miami at the Bank United Center. Good thing he’s showing those teeth or else… you get the picture.

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE // GETTY IMAGES

The 51st annual Grammy Awards went down last night in Hollywood, despite all of the hoopla surrounding the whole Chris Brown and Rihanna situation, and dozens and dozens of the biggest names in celebrity entertainment showed up on the red carpet to pose for photos: Jay-Z, T.I., Keyshia Cole, Jennifer Hudson, T-Pain, Diddy, Robin Thicke and more! Continue reading for the rest of the photos.

CONTINUE READING TO PAGE 2 FOR MORE!

Many stars were on hand Saturday, January 17th 2009, just 3 days before Barack Obama‘s historical inauguration, to perform at the “We Are One: The Obama Inaugural Celebration” in Washington, D.C. in front of the Lincoln memorial. Some of the celebrities who either made speeches or performed include: Beyonce, Usher, Shakira, Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah, Samuel L. Jackson, and more! Continue reading for the rest of the photos.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES / WIRE IMAGES / AFP

Is that Prince, Denzel Washington and Pauletta Washington (Denzel’s wife)? Yup, it sure is! The three of them were spotted sitting courtside together yesterday (Christmas Day) at the Lakers/Celtics game last night in Los Angeles. The Lakers defeated the Celtics with a final score of 92 to 83. Continue reading to see who else hit up the game last night! I’ll go on and tell you Snoop Dogg and Samuel L. Jackson hit up the game too.

PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES

After comedian Bernie Mac’s untimely passing, and then soul singer Isaac Hayes immediately following within 24 hours, actor/comedian Samuel L. Jackson’s sense of humor got the best of him.

AOL BV: Were you surprised when you heard of Bernie’s passing? He’d been ill over different periods of time but he always seemed to rebound, and he was still a young guy.

Samuel L. Jackson: Fifty’s young. I’m going to be sixty this year so it’s a little more scary for me. My daughter with her interesting kind of sense of humor, he passed and then Isaac passed the next day, it was kind of like “We need to get you to a safe house.” “No, I’m alright.” Her sense of humor is like mine, because I was thinking that very same thing.

Visit AOL’s Black Voices “All Reel” blog to read the entire interview.

This is the official movie trailer for Overbrook Entertainments’ Lakeview Terrace starring Samuel L. Jackson and the lovely Kerry Washington. The movie is about a young couple that has just moved into their California dream home when they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their interracial relationship. Lakeview Terrace is scheduled to be realeased September 19th! Looks like it’s going to be good, can’t wait for it to come out!