Fantasia Wanted Out!

Fantasia Barrino says that she wanted out of her life 2 weeks ago when she attempted suicide. It's probably not fair for me to be a skeptic, but it seems convenient that Barrino has a new CD out today titled "Back To Me" and a new VH-1 "Behind The Music" airing tonight. Barrino is a talented singer who has legitimately had personal issues. Hopefully in this particular situation she's being sincere with her fans.

Gucci Mane Released!

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reports on the release this morning of rapper Gucci Mane. Gucci Mane was released from jail after serving 6 months on a probation violation from a 2005 assault charge. Upon his release, the rapper made the following statement:

"I have made some mistakes in my life that have hurt a lot of people who care about me. I have worked very hard to get past them, but those mistakes have brought me to where I am today, and they will not be repeated. These past six months have been a difficult time, but fortunately I have learned a great deal from my experience. I was able to do a great deal of soul searching; I am coming out with a new attitude towards life."

Gucci Mane states that he's about to hit the recording studio and will be releasing a new album in the summer. Hopefully he'll stay out of trouble as well.

'Treme'

The New York Post profiles the new HBO series 'Treme' which focuses on New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The show, a David Chase ('The Wire') creation stars Wendell Pierce and Khandi Alexander debuts Sunday at 10. 'The Wire' remains one of the best shows ever created for television, so if Chase is on his game, it looks like 'Treme' shouldn't disappoint either.

Tyler Perry Still #1!

Tyler Perry continues his hot streak, as his latest movie "I Can Do Bad All By Myself" made $24 million over the weekend making it the #1 movie. The movie starring Oscar nominated actress Taraji P. Henson proves that Perry is one of the top brands in the movie business, and his movies rarely disappoint.

La Toya Talks MJ With Barbara Walters!

La Toya Jackson sits down with Barbara Walters and talks about her late brother Michael in an interview that will be broadcast tonight on "20/20." La Toya describes how MJ was dressed and made up as he was finally laid to rest last week. La Toya along with Jermaine are the Jackson siblings who never met a microphone that they didn't like, so I'm sure the interview will be lively.

Atlanta's Newest Housewife!

Bravo's "Real Housewives of Atlanta" debuts a new season tomorrow night with a new Atlanta Housewife, former Xcape group member Kandi Burruss. The Atlanta Journal Constitution profiles Ms. Burruss who incidentally secured the role after talks broke down with BET to be on the "Tiny & Toya" show. The 33 year old Burruss who has written hit songs for artists such as TLC states that she is financially secure, but still a working woman while raising a daughter Riley as a single mother, although she is engaged.

Below is Burruss' take on her new cast members:

Sheree: “She’s not as bad as I thought she’d be. I already knew her ex husband [Bob Whitfield.] I was really cool with him. Times I have seen her before, I thought she had attitude issues. Once I was around her, I thought she was pretty cool.”

Kim: “I like Kim. We’re both Tauruses. We always make jokes about it. To me, she’s a real person. She’s over the top with some of the things she says and does. But she’s funny. She’s very fun to be around. She’s good to people. One thing I noticed is she picks up on little stuff. She remembers everybody’s name in the crew. That means she takes time to get to know people. She also checks in with me to see how I’m doing. It has nothing to do with the show.”

Lisa: “She’s a supernova of energy. I’ve never seen anyone like her. We have a good time when we’re together. I respect the fact she’s definitely about her businesses.”

NeNe: “The crazy thing is I was a fan last year. I really liked her a lot. Now I’m cordial with her because we have to do press together… I would say we would not hang out together if we weren’t on this show.” [She wouldn't say what the falling out was. We'll have to wait until the show airs.]

There's no doubt the show will not be boring this year, but as the other housewives have learned, once you're in the public eye and on television every week, your life becomes an open book.

Mariah Apologizes!

To say that Mariah Carey was pitchy while performing "I'll Be There" during Michael Jackson's Memorial Service would be an understatement. The New York Daily News reports that being overcome with emotion was the cause of the awful performance according to Carey. Mariah has been perpetrating as a singer for the last 10 years, unfortunately for her she simply can't hit the notes anymore. That's not a bad thing if she realizes it, and makes adjustments, otherwise her live performances will continue to be haunting to the ears.

Perez Hilton Alleges Assault By Will.I.am And His Bodyguards!

Gossip Blogger Perez Hilton went to Twitter when he was allegedly being assaulted this morning by Black Eyed Peas front man Will.I.am and his bodyguards in Toronto. The Detroit Free Press reports the following posts by Hilton regarding the alleged attack:

• PerezHilton: I'm in shock. I need the police ASAP. Please come to the SoHo Metropolitan Hotel now. Please.
• PerezHilton: I was assaulted by Will.I.Am of the Black Eyed Peas and his security guards. I am bleeding. Please, I need to file a police report. No joke.
• PerezHilton: Still waiting for the police. The bleeding has stopped. I need to document this. Please, can the police come to the SoHo Met Hotel.
Hilton is in Toronto where he presented at Sunday night’s MuchMusic Awards.


As of this morning the assault has not been confirmed.

Say It Ain't So Morgan Freeman!

The Post Chronicle is reporting on this bizarre story involving actor Morgan Freeman having an affair with his 27 year-old step-granddaughter E'Dena Hines. Freeman, 72, and one of our most beloved actors raised Hines along with his wife Myrna since she was a little girl. This report which originates from the National Enquirer is strictly rumor at this point, but the Enquirer was right on the John Edwards story.

David Carradine Dead At 72!

Actor David Carradine was found dead yeasterday hanging in a hotel room closet in Bangkok. Carradine starred in the television show "Kung Fu" in the 70's. Rest in Peace Mr. Carradine.

Roland Martin Not Campbell Brown!

CNN political commentator and replacement host for Campbell Brown's "No Bias No Bull" during her maternity leave has seen his star ascend during the last year. Page Six is reporting however, that the shows ratings have nosedived since Martin has taken over hosting the show. Martin isn't alone in his struggles, as Anderson Cooper's ratings are down 30 percent in key demographics.

Oprah's Blackberry Moment!

Oprah Winfrey agreed to write about Michelle Obama for Time Magazine's "100 Most Influential People" issue, and had proceeded to write the article in the memo section on her Blackberry. Unfortunately, the Blackberry wasn't as cooperative, as Winfrey recounts:

"I had written the whole piece on my BlackBerry, and I was feeling really so great about it," Winfrey told us at the Time Warner Center gala event Tuesday night. "I wrote it in the memo section, and I went to hit save and I hit another key — and it disappeared. I lost the whole thing!"

She continued, "I had been writing it for a long period of time. I'd add a line when I heard someone say something that I liked, and this is how I wrote it for, like, a month. I figured I would sit down the day it was due and polish the whole thing, but it was just gone!"

"I just stared at the BlackBerry for about 30 minutes," she laughed. "I hit every single key to make it come back. I called the IT guy and then I sort of stared at my computer. I couldn't even think of a sentence or a word [I had written]. It was like, 'Oh my God. This has never happened to me, but of course it happens for [Michelle's piece].' I had to start all over. I was panicked. It was an absolute deadline, so it was crazy."

Thanks to the New York Daily News for the article. Too cool that Oprah is still grinding after accomplishing so much.

Ola Ray Wants Her "Thriller" Money!

Ola Ray who is famous for appearing in the "Thriller" video with Michael Jackson filed a lawsuit yesterday against Jackson claiming she's owed royalties from the 14 minute video that celebrated it's 25th anniversary last year. Ray, now 48, and raising her 14 year-old daughter in Sacramento, CA is a stay-at-home mom. Thanks to the New York Daily News for the article.

Rihanna Linked To Lakers' Andrew Bynum!

Rihanna was seen dining with Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum last week at Mastro’s Steakhouse in Beverly Hills. Bynum at this point is playing coy regarding whether there is a "love connection" which is probably the smart thing to do.

Jamie Foxx Apologizes!

This is old news by now, but just following up on my post from yesterday, Jamie Foxx did apologize on the "Tonight" show on Tuesday night for his comments about Miley Cyrus. Jamie called his "Foxxhole" show the "Black Howard Stern" and stated that he didn't want to lose his comedic license. Jamie ain't no fool.

I'm Not The One!

While TMZ.com was reporting that Chris Brown's manager Tina Davis was the person who sent the text message that has put Chris Brown and Rihanna in an unbelievable firestorm, the New York Daily News reports that Davis is denying any type of intimate relationship with the 19 year-old singer. Davis' attorney Marshall Grossman issued the following statement:

"The relationship between Ms. Davis and Mr. Brown is that of manager and client." "There has never been any other relationship. The rumors in circulation are false."

Meanwhile Brown has removed his name from consideration for an award at the Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards airing March 28.

Is Tina Davis The Other Woman?

The Chris Brown/Rihanna relationship has captured national attention over the last month. Everyone from Oprah to Donal Trump has advice for Rihanna. Yesterday brought news that the woman who allegedly sent the 3 page text message that sent Rihanna into a tailspin is non other than Tina Davis, Brown's soon to be 40 year-old manager. A Brown/Davis relationship has long been rumored, but denied by all parties involved, however, Los Angeles police reported that the text message was from someone with whom Brown had a previous sexual relationship. TMZ.com broke the Davis side of the story, and E! News reports that Brown and Rihanna have even been recording a new single being produced by Polow Da Don in Santa Monica, CA according to the New York Post.

Well Oprah will dedicate tomorrow's show to domestic violence in honor of Rihanna. Too bad that all of this isn't a publicity stunt, and I hope Rihanna is not living what will soon become a nightmare.

Tameka Foster Recovers From Cardiac Arrest!

Tameka Foster, wife of R&B singer Usher is recovering after suffering a cardiac arrest prior to undergoing a liposuction procedure in a Sao Paulo hospital. The couple has 2 young sons, the youngest Naveid Ely Raymond is only 2 months old. Here's hoping for a complete recovery for Ms. Foster. Thanks to the Atlanta Journal Constitution for the link.

Did A Text Message Start The Fight?

Yes, this is a little overkill, but the story is sad and fascinating at the same time. The New York Daily News is reporting that singer Chris Brown received a text message for an alleged "booty call" from a female acquaintance, and when Rihanna saw the message she became upset, and the alleged assault took place. Being young, famous and having money sometimes is a combustible combination. Very sad!

Rihanna Is Cooperating With Police!

The Los Angeles Times reports that singer Rihanna is cooperating with Los Angeles police while they build a case against her boyfriend Chris Brown. The singer, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty is providing "ongoing" cooperation to detectives who booked Brown on Sunday on suspicion of making criminal threats against her. An early morning altercation left Rihanna with bruises and a scratch to her face according to a police source.

The fallout for Brown has already begun as the makers of Doublemint gum suspended Brown's endorsement deal stating the following:

"Wrigley is concerned by the serious allegations made against Chris Brown. We believe Mr. Brown should be afforded the same due process as any citizen. However, we have made the decision to suspend the current advertising featuring Brown and any related marketing communications until the matter is resolved."

If the accusations are indeed true against Chris Brown, this may be one of the quickest falls from grace in recent memory.