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Drake DISSES Chris Brown During "Energy" Performance In Australia After Chris DENIED Entry Into Canada + Funk Flex TALKS Jay Z BEEF In "GQ"

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The war of words between Drake and Chris Brown is getting ugly. Recently, Drake took his "beef" to the stage and dissed Chris.  Watch the clip inside and see what Funk Flex has to say about his battle with Jay Z. 

A few days ago, Chris Brown and Tyga (who just released theirFan of a Fan album) gave an interview to Hot 97 where Chris was very dismissive of Drake.

Chris said,  “This n*gga not making us no money by us talking about him. We not getting no checks by this n*gga. We making him hot by talking bout this n*gga. I’m not giving this n*gga no more ratings. I’m not taking his side cause I don’t mess with dude. I’m on probation so that’s all I’m gone say."

Well....word got back to Drake (he's on tour in Australia and New Zealand) and he "worked" Chris into his act.  At his show in Auckland, New Zealand last night, he changed a line on his If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late track "Energy" to "I got R&B n*ggas that I gotta act like I like", replacing the original "RAP n*ggas". 

Watch it here...

 

 

And that line about Canada just so happened to work perfectly with what just happened as well.  Chris was recently denied entry in Canada because he's a convicted felon.  He tweeted, "Unfortunately I will not be able to perform in front of sold out crowds in Montreal & Toronto. The good people of the Canadian government wouldn't allow me entry. I'll be back this summer and will hopefully see all my Canadian fans!"

Over on Black Twitter....fans blame Drake for the border issues.... 

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We're sure this isn't over.  We'll keep you posted. 

 

We just hope Chris doesn't Ef up his probation....

 

In magazines...

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Radio personality Funk Flex has slimmed down and landed in GQ. He talked to the mag about getting healthy, losing weight and his "issues" with Jay Z. Here are the highlights:

You caused a bit of a stir last month with your Jay Z rant. Have you heard from Jay since you went at him?

[Laughs.] You mean past the time that he hit me with the capital letters in a text? I love Jay Z. And I respect him. This is the first time I've talked about this, by the way. You know how when some things happen you go, eh, water under the bridge? But when I got that email [from Jay Z's website Life and Times], for some reason I felt like a lot of the other things that had happened were not water under the bridge. And maybe you think I'm stupid or you think I'm a bitch. Either one I don't like.

So have we sat down?

No. I'll be honest, I'm not sure if I care about his opinion and what he feels in this situation. I will play his records to the grave. 'Cause I'm a fan. It doesn't affect anything I do professionally. Just don't capitalize and talk to me in a text.

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So he texted you like you were some sort of lackey?

Absolutely. And I enjoy getting in the ring with everyone and anyone. I think sometimes people forget I have a rule if you're an on-air personality or a rapper. You're allowed to come at me three times. And I count them. One, all good. There's two, all good. You ever notice, people never call me a bully? But I bait you, cause the first and second time, they go, "This dude's soft. Flex is soft." And the third time they go, "Oh my God, this guy is lashing out on me."

What you're saying is, there won't be a come-to-Jesus meeting with Jay anytime soon?

You know what? I'm past it if he's past it. But—and you can go to print with this—should he say anything about me in an interview, I'm going to fire off that night. The choice is really his. I'm going to come 150. He only felt 100. He'll feel 150. Any slick punch line, any slick interviews—we're gonna do what we do. We're gonna spar.

Read the full article, including his weight loss details, here.

 

 

Photos via Drake's Instagram/Jace Lumley


“Empire” Star Trai Byers REVEALS He Almost Became A PASTOR After Not Getting Work As An Actor!

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“Empire” cutie Trai Byers stopped by “Meredith Vieira” where he reveals he almost quit acting to pursue becoming a pastor! He also dished on Denzel Washington possibly guest-starring on the hit FOX series. Find out what he said inside….

 

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On today’s episode of “The Meredith Vieira Show,” Trai Byers, who stars as eldest brother Andre Lyon on the hit FOX series “Empire,” chops it up about what he contemplated doing with his life before landing a gig on “Empire” and starring in the civil rights film SELMA.

Trai, who admits he’s very passionate about his religious beliefs, reveals he thought about quitting his career in acting after not working at all in 2013.  And he wanted to become a pastor. He spilled,

Trai: In 2013 I did not work at all just contemplating what I needed to do if I was walking in my destiny or not. Is this what Trai wants to do? I am a big Christian so I always talk about that or is what God wants me to do. I really contemplated changing going into something else. I am very passionate about God and religion and I thought maybe I am supposed to be a Pastor. I don’t know. I am open to being used in any way that was aligned for me destiny wise and Empire came and right after Empire, Selma came. Then to look later down the line to see Empire was premiering on Wednesday night the same week on Friday Selma was going wide, you couldn’t time it like that.
Meredith: Did you believe it was a message?
Trai: Yes, Trai stay where you are.

The sexy actor also weighs in about iconic actor Denzel Washingtonpossibly appearing on “Empire” with a guest-starring role. A few weeks ago, director Lee Daniels posted a picture of himself and Denzel at dinner on Instagram saying he was working to persuade Denzel to make a cameo on the top-rated primetime television show.

Meredith: He recently posted a photo with Denzel Washington on Instagram saying, “Trying to talk this one into doing a guest star on Empire.” You’ve had a lot of stars on so far. Do you have any idea whether Denzel is thinking about it?
Trai: Wouldn’t that be great. I think it would be great. I love Denzel.
Meredith: He compares you to Denzel.
Trai: That’s high praise. The show is huge with a huge show comes a lot of rumors. I couldn’t say whether he was or was not, is or is not but that would be great. Hopefully he does.
Meredith: If he’s smart he’ll do it.
Trai: I think he’s pretty smart.

We agree.

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Later, Trai reveals how the cast found out that they were getting renewed for a second season. Unexpectedly, the main cast was on a plane to L.A. and once they landed, a random guy sitting on the plane checked his phone and saw the show had been picked up for a new season....and proceeded to yell out the news!

Trai:The core cast were on our way to the TCA’s in Los Angeles, all on a plane together, the Television Critics Association. So we are landing in LA and this man sitting next to me, he has a baseball cap on, regular guy, unassuming guy. As soon as we land they tell us we can turn our phones on. He turns his on and says, ’Hey, you know you were just picked up for a second season right?’ I’m like, ‘Really?’ I’m sitting in the middle, Yazz is in the front. Taraji and Jussie are across from me and Terence is in the back. I’m like, ‘We just got picked up for a second season y’all’ and the front of the plane just erupts. I’m sure we scared the mess out of the people in the back.

Nice!

Peep the clips below:

On almost quitting acting to become a pastor:

On Denzel Washington joining "Empire":

On how the cast found out about getting renewed for a new season:

You can catch Trai on “Meredith Vieira” today. Check your local listings for the time.

Don't forget! A new episode of "Empire" comes on tonight 9/8c on FOX.

 

Photos: Meredith Vieria

Wiz Khalifa Drops Racks At The Strip Club On Bash's Birthday + Deelishis Talks About Her Relationship With Wiz & Why She's Not A Homewrecker

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Deelishis is dishing on her and Wiz Khalifa's relationship....right on the heels of the stoner dropping racks at the strip club after his son's birthday.  Check it all inside...

Remember when everyone was shocked Wiz Khalifa started dating former reality star Deelishis?  Well, she is telling Kandi Burruss on Kandi Coated Nights how exactly it all popped off.  And why she's not a homewrecker:

Deelishis: Here's Wiz. He's a really nice guy. He's cool. He's a stoner and they (Wiz and Amber) got together and I thought it was a nice union. However, when I was approached with going out to the concert or whatever... I'm still a woman and I don't know her personally, so I don't have any responsibility or loyalty to... "Yo, I can't talk to you because you were once married to Amber Rose." No, she is one that I respect as an entertainer.

Kandi: Right.

Deelishis: But I don't know her, so I obliged. And so from the moment that happened, then I was a problem, because I was breaking up a marriage or a happy home. No! I was not around when that house was being wrecked. I don't know anything about the wrecking of that house. I just said Ok to an opportunity to go to a concert and we became friends, but as it became a big frenzy, I became a little uncomfortable, you know. But we're still friends.
 

The full show airs tonight on TGITV.com at 10p. ET.

 

And speaking of Wiz, he recently claimed he wasn't allowed to see and throw a party for his son Sebastian on his second birthday this past weekend, due to ex-wife Amber Rose keeping their son from him.

So new pics have surfaced that show how he decided to spend his evening a few nights later:

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Yep.  At the strip club...with Snoop Dogg...on Monday night.  TMZ reports:

According to our strip club sources -- and these photos we obtained -- Wiz was droppin hundos Monday night alongside Snoop Dogg and Ty Dolla $ign at L.A.'s Ace Of Diamonds.

We're told the crew let tens of thousands slip through the g-string adorned cracks that night.

He loves those strippers...

 

Photos: TMZ/KKN

Zoe Kravtiz POSES For "Ocean Drive" Magazine + Jada Pinkett Smith Likes To See Will With Other Women....She's a Voyeur!

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Zoe Kravitz proves that she got the best of her parents' genes in the latest issue of Ocean Drive Magazine.  See her gorgeous photoshoot inside and listen to Jada Pinkett Smith reveal why she gets turned on by husband Will's on-camera love scenes.

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Zoe Kravtiz, the eccentric and stunning daughter of actress Lisa Bonet and rocker Lenny Kravitz landed the latest cover of OCEAN DRIVE magazine.  Inside the March 2015 issue, the Lolawolf frontwoman opens up about her famous parents who she says are still really close and their blended family who she say her dad loves dearly.

Elsewhere in the article, Zoe, who spent her teeage years in Miami (where this mag is based) with her dad, dishes on her red-hot career (she's starring in the both Mad Max: Fury Road& Insurgent) and opens up about fame. Here are the highlights:

On becoming famous:"I can’t imagine what it’s like for people who come from very normal lives and all of a sudden become famous. I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe in it and feel the water before I got in the pool."

On what Lisa and Lenny think about her band Lolawolf:"At first, they were like, ‘Oh, what is this?’ which is how everyone reacts to it. The music is kind of weird and different. It’s good when you can’t describe it right away or put a genre to it; it represents me well. Now my mom plays it in the house and my dad is super proud."

On how her parents encourage her artistic side:"It’s always what I’ve done, before I even had a real understanding of how the rest of the world saw my parents. My dad was always really supportive. My mom always wanted to make sure that this is what I really wanted to do before being in the public eye myself. They knew that’s genuinely who I am — I don’t know what else I would do if I wasn’t creating."

On the Mad Max remake: “Aesthetically, it was the most beautiful, creative thing I have ever seen. It was really crazy and surreal and intense—we were out in the desert in the middle of nowhere, and all of a sudden, there’d be fire and bullets flying at us. It’s Mad Max, so it was definitely some gnarly shit we were doing.”

On forming a relationship with her dad after her parents divorced: “My mom told me that it was important for me to spend time with him. I’m sure it was hard, but she took it like a champ....
“Those are really strange years (attending Miami Country Day School from 11-15) that weird in-between place between being an adult and a kid.  I associate my time in Miami with that."

On their blended family: “It makes things so easy that my parents are still very close, they have so much love for each other. My dad and my step-dad [actor Jason Mamoa] get along really well, and my dad loves and is close with my brother and sister. It’s really beautiful. As long as everyone can be in the same room together, and have love for each other, it’s totally healthy.”

On fame: “I can’t imagine what it’s like for people who come from very normal lives and all of a sudden become famous. I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe in it and feel the water before I got in the pool.”
 

Read the full article here and more pics below:

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In other news....

 

During a red carpet interview with  Extra during the Focus premiere last night, Jada Pinkett Smith made a shocking revelation: She likes to see Will with other women!  We'll explain...

Will is headed to the big screen alongside actress Margot Robbie in FOCUS (in theaters on Friday, see last night's Hollywood red carpet premiere pics here) and they "get busy" in the film. But that didn't bother Jada....she liked it. Here's how the exchange went down....

After 20 years… I actually, you know…” Will jumped, “She a little freaky like that.” Jada continued, “Unfortunately, he’s right. It’s kind of a nice voyeuristic way to see your man, but I am kind of weird in that way. That’s a whole other conversation.”

Ohhh......Will and Jada have 50 shades of lovin'.


Photos via WARWICK SAINT

REPORT: Bobbi Kristina Slowly Taken Out Of Coma, Remains On Life Support

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It appears Bobbi Kristina is making a little progress. Doctors are slowly weaning her off the medication that has placed her in a medically induced coma since she was rushed to the hospital last month. Get the latest inside….

There may be some positive news regarding Bobbi Kristina’s condition.

New reports allege the 21-year-old daughter of Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown is being weaned out of the medically induced coma she was placed in after she was found submerged under water in a bathtub inside of her home on Jan. 31st.

Family sources tell PEOPLE, doctors have started to wean Bobbi Kristina off the medication that has kept her in a medically induced coma. The family source says, “

"We're all hoping and praying that this will give us some answers. We're hoping for a significant change soon, but we know that it may not change anything."

Although this is an improvement, her condition is still considered “severe.” She’s still on life support and that includes her being hooked up to a ventilator machine to assist with her breathing and a feeding tube.

Her supposed “husband” (who is not her real husband), Nick Gordon, recently went on a Twitter rant about Bobby Brown not letting him see Bobbi Kris while she's in the hospital. He blasted Bobbi K’s father for keeping him away and even shared screenshots of alleged text messages he fired off to Bobby. In the texts, Nick tells Bobby to GROW UP and once his daughter realizes what he is doing, she will HATE him.

Since his rant against Bobby, Nick is still active on Twitter, unleashing his frustrations and longing to see the woman he loves. He tweets:
 

 

  

  

 

As Nick continues to fire off tweets, Bobbi Kris’ family is doing their best to ignore his antics. The family source said,

“He can say whatever he wants to say. We are leaving the investigation in the hands of the authorities," the family member continues. "Our focus has always been Bobbi Kristina's health and recovery. That's all that matters to us right now."

As for Bobbi Kristina's aunt, Tina Brown (Bobby's sister), who was rushed to Emory University Hospital(where Bobbi Kris is) for stroke-like symptoms on Sunday, she's currently undergoing surgery to clear vascular blockages. You'll recall, she was rushed to the hospital after she felt numbness on her right side. Doctors expect her to remain hospitalized for at least another week depending on the success of the surgery.

 

Photo: Bobbi Kristina's IG

EVENING LAUGHS: Erykah Badu Gives Funny News Interview While Stranded At Dallas Airport

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Erykah Badu is stuck at the airport in Dallas. So what does she do? Gives a funny interview with a local news station. Peep her antics inside….

Erykah Badu seems to have a thing with reporters. Remember when she crashed a NYC reporter's broadcast and tried to kiss him? Well, she’s back to her funny antics.

While stranded at the icy DFW International Airport (where she’s from) en route to L.A., Erykah chopped it up with CBS 11 anchor Steve Pinkett. And she brought the laughs. During their chat about the snowstorm and reading the school closures, the Grammy Award winning singer said,

“It’s hard out here for a pimp, ya know. A lot of schools are closed, but Badu School is open though. I’m trying to get to Los Angeles, I just need to wait a little bit longer.”

Ha!

Check it:

Chick must really needs to get to L.A. because she could have just went home to chill or whatever.  By the way, she turns 44 tomorrow!

 

Photo: EB's Twitter

Kanye West Debuts "All Day" For BRIT AWARDS Performance + Janelle Monae, FKA Twigs & More Hit The Red Carpet

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Kanye West lit up The Brit Awards tonight with a debut performance of his new song "All Day".  Check it inside, plus Janelle Monae and more taking over the red carpet...

So...Kanye was tonight's headliner at the 2015 Brit Awards at the O2 arena in London.  And he had his entire crew of homies--including Virgil Abloh--on stage to rep for their hometowns and what they love...all day:

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And, as usual, 'Ye's performance doesn't come without controversy.  He dropped the N-word tons of times throughout and it didn't seem to get edited out on British TV.

Check out his hyped performance below that, by the way, came with an introduction from his wife Kim Kardashian:

 

 

And check out that Taylor Swift trying her damndest to dance on beat, per usual.

Over on the red carpet:

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Janelle Monae kept it chic in a velvet embroidered black Armani suit and her fave Gladys Tamez hat.  She opped things off with a Dolce & Gabanna button down, shoes and clutch.

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Lionel Richie hit the carpet with his girlfriend.

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Rita ora looked jet lagged after flying in from LA after the Oscars, but this sheer gold number is gorgeous.

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Singer Lianna La Havas rocked an intricate red gown for the occasion.

 

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Singer FKA Twigs hit the carpet in her usual eclectic look before being spotted making out with boyfriend Robert Pattinson.

 

BONUS:

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Right before tonight's Awards, Kanye was spotted cutting up at the tasty chicken place Nando's inside the O2!

Here's what went down according to paparazzi sources: The rapper sat at a table with his entourage, and at first shunned curious fans, telling them,"I'm just a singer who wants to be left alone." But it wasn't long before embraced the attention and after he finished his dinner, he jumped up onto the food counter and yelled, "If we are gonna do this, let's do it right!" before chanting "Yeezus" and encouraging the whole restaurant to join him.

Fellow diners got to their feet and joined in, but Kanye's bodyguard hurried him out of the door after things got rowdy.

 

Photos: WENN/Getty

VIDEO FAB: Jodeci's "Every Moment" Video

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Jodeci is on their comeback trail and they just dropped their brand new video, shot in the beautiful snowy city of Aspen, for their single "Every Moment."  Find out if the fellas still got it inside...

 

K-Ci, JoJo, Dalvin and Devante want you to know they're back and still serving up that R&B sound that made us fall in love with them two decades ago. 

We gave you an exclusive sneak peek at the Hype Williams-directed video yesterday, now check the final cut in full below:

 

 

 
 

Jodeci's new album The Past, The Present, The Future drops March 31st.  Click HERE if you're having issues loading the vid.


YBF ON THE SCENE: Terrence J & Keshia Knight Pulliam Spill Their Reasons For Attending College At The White House’s “Champions Of Change” Event

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Tuesday, TheYBF.com was front and center at the White House for the “Champions of Change” event to honor those working diligently to promote college completion and success at historically black colleges and universities. “E! News” co-host Terrence J and actress Keshia Knight Pulliam were tapped to speak on the HBCU alumni panel. Find out their reasons for attending college inside and see a pics from inside the White House….

The White House held a special event Tuesday to honor faculty, staff members and alumni from historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The “Champions of Change" affair recognized HBCU leaders who work to build pathways to graduation at their respective institutions. And TheYBF.com was invited as a special guest to take part in the distinguished occasion.

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About 150 people filled the Eisenhower Executive Office Building’s South Court Auditorium to recognize the “Champions of Change” who are doing extraordinary things to empower and inspire members of their communities. Each #HBCUChamp was nominated by their university’s president to attend the distinguished program.  And we learned a few interesting things about a couple YBF celeb college graduates.

The event featured three panel discussions, one of which was moderated by “E! News” co-host/HBCU alum Terrence J. Terrence is a graduate of North Carolina A&T University. He was tapped to lead the HBCU Alumni Panel and Spelman College graduate/former child star Keshia Knight Pulliam joined him. The HBCU Alumni Panel also included Kamillah Wood, Albert Sanders, Stephanie Young and Samantha Master.

Other notable attendees included Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett (atop) who issued the welcome remarks, and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx, who gave the keynote remarks.
 

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During the discussion, TJ and Keshia opened up about why they chose to further their education, attending historically black institutions. Upon graduating high school, Terrence revealed he had no interest in attending college. So what got him through the doors? Girls, of course. He said once he learned there would be cute girls on campus, he made the decision to go. But once he arrived, it was about even more. 

Terrence revealed he didn’t do well his first semester, but that didn't deter his success. He eventually became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., became the class president, and graduated with a 3.6 GPA.

Former “Cosby” star Keshia Knight Pulliam also spoke about why she decided to attend a university, despite already having fame and financial success. She revealed how growing up, she felt most people made the choice to go to college in hopes of eventually landing their dream job/career, which in turn would make them make money. Despite her huge success as a child actor, she said not going to college was never an option. While filming the “Cosby Show” as a child, she said she was inspired to further her educational career. And it's likely Bill Cosby played a role in her decision, as he’s an advocate for young people getting a college education.
 

During the panel, the participants also discussed topics such as alumni donating money back to their HBCUs, diversity and inclusion at HBCUs, first-generation college students and how extra-curricular activities helped their experiences.

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After the program, TJ and a few others were able to tour parts of the White House and meet senior level staff. The tv personality nabbed a flick with the First Family's newest dog Sunny.  Cute!

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Keshia got the chance to chop it up with a student, who happened to be a big fan. She stopped to snap a pic with him holding up a Hillman College ("A Different World") sweatshirt.  And yes, we want one too!

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VP Joe Biden's Chief of Staff Steve Ricchetti caught up with the group inside the Vice President's Ceremonial Office.

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TJ's Fraternity brothers Fred Whit and Uche Byrd were there to represent, throwing up "the hooks" while in the Ceremonial Office.  Of course.

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And the tv host took a moment to reflect while looking at the Washington Monument.  Fab times and a fab cause!

 

Photos: TheYBF.com's Jamishia Smith/Uche Byrd/@iamterrencej

 

 

#ThisIsLove: "Blackbird" Star Mo'Nique Pens Open Letter To Black America On Loving And Supporting The LGBT Community

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Oscar-winning actress Mo'Nique penned an open letter to Black America about loving and supporting members of the LGBT community.  Oh...and she has a new movie coming out too.   Read it inside...

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Last week, Academy Award winner Mo'Nique made headlines after an article in THR revealed that she was ALLEGEDLY blackballed by Hollywood.  One of the main criticisms she faced (according to a conversation she recalled with director Lee Daniels) was that she refused to play the game.  That's why it's interesting that she's penned an open letter on Ebony.com about the LGBT community and Black America. 

On April 24, 2015, Mo'Nique and Isaiah Washington are starring in Patrick Ian-Polk's film Blackbird, about a young singer struggling with his sexuality and how he's treated by others in his small Southern Baptist community.

Whereas Mo'Nique has been accused of refusing to promote her projects in the past...she's promoting this one.  And with good reason...she's also a producer of the film. Aha - looks like somebody is ready to play the game now! Once those checks dry up and the calls stop coming - you do what you gotta go.  Here's her letter:

I can remember the first time I was introduced to the gay community. I was 16 years old. It was a group of beautiful young Black men. They were friendly, kind and funny. They introduced me to the gay nighliife scene--The Clubhouse in Washington DC and The Garage in New York City-- and can I say, I’ve never partied so hard in my life! What a moment in time. It was at The Garage that I saw Grace Jones rocking out on top of a speaker, completely naked.

For as great as these experiences were, I was heartbroken to hear over and over again as most of my gay friends had the same unnerving story about being ostracized for being who they were made to be. Some of them had families rejecting them, others were simply not accepting of themselves. That made those clubs their safe haven. I found out that I had a lot in common with them, despite my own gender and sexual orientation, I was a plus-sized Black woman who knew what it was to be ostracized and rejected by both my own family and society because of my size.
When my husband, Sidney and I received the script for Blackbird from Isaiah Washington through our attorney Ricky Anderson, we knew we wanted to be a part of this necessary and amazing film. Blackbird is our love letter not only to the gay community, but to the church community as well. We all want to be loved.

Our hope is with this movie people can start living the life that they were given and not the one someone thinks they should live.

As a little girl, I had an uncle named Donald. My family treated him different and I didn’t understand why until I got older and understood that he was gay. Uncle Donald never really seemed to be too happy, and the only time I really saw him laughing was when he was drunk. "What a way to live," I would always think to myself. Not being accepted for simply being how you were made to be. With this campaign #ThisIsLuv, maybe we can truly understand the meaning of the word 'love.' We believe the moment we practice the meaning of love, people can stop 'coming out' and simply just be who they are. Imagine having to make an announcement that you’re heterosexual. Imagine one day that to be considered normal, you must stop being heterosexual based on someone’s belief and go against everything you feel inside of you--just to survive, to be accepted!. Sounds silly, right? It is.bird

Blackbird is a movie that allows you to come inside and see the journey that one family has to take on the road to acceptance. Julian Walker, who plays Randy, is fearless and brave to tell this story through his eyes and own personal journey. For the parents who may be struggling to accept their baby for who they were made to be, this film is for you. For the parents who are full of acceptance, this film is for you. For every LGBT person who has ever faced resistance for living their truth, this film is for you. With this film and this campaign, we are truly trying to make a difference. We hope not just the Black community, but all communities will come to a place of acceptance so people can really live their truth."

 

Watch the "Blackbird" trailer:

 

In other Mo'Nique news, she'll appear in Queen Latifah's HBO biopic Bessie as Ma Rainey. It airs May 16th at 8pm on HBO.

 



Photo via Blackbird Twitter/Facebook/Promo

Kanye & Kim West Dress Up & Strike A Pose At London's Abbey Road Studios, Grab Dinner After The Brits

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After rocking the stage at the 2015 BRIT Awards, Kanye West and his wife Kim Kardashian West hit up the famous Abbey Road Studios today. See their coupledom flicks inside....

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Kanye West and his wife Kim K got dressed up in their favorite hue to hit up the famous Abbey Road Studios in London today. And it was quite a scene as fans swarmed them to catch pics of the fashion loving couple.

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Before making their way inside, they stopped to pose it up for a few flicks.

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And they were ushered in with security close behind.

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Yesterday, Kanye West took over the stage Awards at the O2 arena in London for his performance during the 2015 Brit Awards. Ye anda slew of his homies packed the stage for a debut performance of “All Day.”

After dropping the N-bomb throughout his set, he and his wife Kim K caught up with Taylor Swift (whose face was priceless during his performance) and Grammy winning singer Sam Smith for a photo-op.
 

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After the show, it’s the after party! Well, an after party for two that is. Rather than hit the party scene after last night's awards show, Kanye and Kim trekked it to Hakkasan Restaurant to dine on modern Cantonese cuisine.

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Ye was all smiles as he and his wife made their way inside. Opting to wear something other than her husband's clothing creations, Kim rocked a knitted Julien Macdonald jumpsuit that she paired with Alaia boots.

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After dinner....

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The Wests hit up a recording studio in West London for a late night session. Looks like Kanye was on double duty--cranking out hits and keeping his wife happy.

Photos: Splash

CAUGHT ON TAPE? Will NFL Star Dez Bryant's ALLEGED Off-Field Behavior DESTROY His Career?

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Nope, this time it isn't Ray Rice. There's supposedly a new "tape" in town....and it's explosive (at least that's what 's being alleged).  Get the latest on the Dez Bryant tape speculations inside...

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Dez.....what happened?

If you're a football fan, you know that there's huge scandal brewing around Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant.  While most scandals stem from rumor and speculation, the Dez Bryant saga is interesting because of the whole "If....when" aspect.  Here's what we can decipher: There might be a tape of Dez Bryant.  And on said probable tape, he MAY be doing something "5 times worse than Ray Rice."  If there is a tape...when will it drop?

News of an alleged tape of Dez Bryant ALLEGEDLY doing something burnt up the net when well-respected ESPN sports reporter Adam Schefter revealed that he's been working on something for months.  But he can't talk about it.

"Well listen, whatever we’ve been working on is not ready and maybe it never will be. Who knows? You’ve got to be very careful on these things. People can talk about videos, they can talk about this they can talk about that. The fact of the matter is, it doesn’t mean anything and it’s really not fair to him right now until you have all your facts in line. Which we spent a long time trying to do."

For those wondering why a tape would be surfacing now, one NFL insider links it to Dez switching agencies.  Allegedly, Dez's former agency paid off a blackmailer to keep "the tape" out of the public eye.  Oops.....nobody told that to Dez's new representation over at Roc Nation.  Once the checks stopped for whoever was being paid to keep quiet....rumors of a tape began to surface. 

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Again....no one has seen the video.  No one can confirm what's on it.  And we're a bit baffled on how one can confirm a video even exists if it has never been seen.

Now that Dez's contract is up for negotiation....folks are talking even more.  Many are pissed that the Cowboys organization is so gung-ho about putting a franchise tag on him, despite his off-field behavior.  In 2011 alone, he had 6 incidents of police being called to his home in Desoto, TX.  No arrests took place. 

But, this new alleged video in question is supposedly the newest incident to be discovered from 2011.  According to NFL.com:

A report filed by the Lancaster (Texas) Police Department described the response by an officer to "an unknown disturbance" in a Walmart parking lot during the early morning of July 11. Vehicles registered to Bryant were at the scene in the parking lot, and Bryant later arrived in another car, when he was spoken to by a Lancaster PD officer. Upon further investigation, "it was determined that there was no offense" and "all parties were advised they were free to go."

Over on Dez's Twitter timeline, he wrote this cryptic statement this week:

"Just quit with the b.s. … It’s clear as day what's going on… I might need to do a exclusive interview about my life these past 5 years since the world is destined to know.  "I use to let people take advantage of my life now that I’m no longer allowing that to happen it seems to be a problem… I’m not ashamed of none of my past incidents because that’s what made me who I am today."

 

Something happened....we just don't know what it was.  But if/when Dez is ready to do that "exclusive" interview, we'll be twiddling our thumbs waiting...

 

EXTRAS:

1.  Judge sides with Adrian Peterson, lifts suspension.  Story

 

Photo via cwp twitter

TV ROYALTY: "Empire" Celebrates An UNPRECEDENTED 7th Week Ratings Rise! + Lee Daniels TALKS Bill Cosby, Monique & More On CNN

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"Empire" continues its rating juggernaut, climbing in total viewers for the 7th week in a row.  Get morning deets on the show's unprecedented success inside and see what director/creator Lee Daniels had to say about Bill Cosby, Mo'Nique and more... 

 

We've talked about "EMPIRE" and ratings before...and we MUST talk about them again. It's a big deal.  A really big deal.  Last week, 13.8 million viewers tuned into the all the drama unfold.  And you know who else is watching....Hollywood.  DEADLINE broke it down for us...

Since its debut January 7th, "Empire" has grown 39% in total viewers.  Every week, more and more viewers are tuning into the show.  Not since the dawn of television (back when it black and white) has that ever happened.   Not the Cosbys, not "Friends" not "Cheers" - NO tv show grows EVERY week.  Until now. 

For the seventh week straight (and with four episodes to go) the show has steadily increased.  Yes....Taraji and Terrence (and the rest of the cast) have ARRIVED.  See the chart below.

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In related "Empire" news...

 

Empire creator/director Lee Daniels sat down with CNN's Don Lemon for a captivating interview that covered a wide range of issues including homophobia in the Black community to racism in America (he says he still gets pulled over in Beverly Hills).  And he also opened up about two hot button issues, the media's treatment of Bill Cosby and whether or not Mo'Nique was blackballed.  Check the highlights and clips below:

On Bill Cosby:“He is one of the reasons that I am here today.  It is very, very hard, and what bothers me most is if there is an iota of truth to this… the one person of color that means the most to me is pulled down. If he is guilty then it says that we are human, which is what I like to examine with every character that I breathe life to. We are not black, it is not white, we are not grey, we are all complicated. We all like to point fingers and drag people down through the mud. I pray for him. I am wrecked by it, I am gutted by it.” 

On Monique being blackballed:“I didn’t say that exactly. During the [Oscar] campaign, she was making unreasonable demands, and I remember thinking ‘this is when reverse racism happens'. You have to thank the producers of the film, you have to thank the studio, and she didn’t understand that. People aren’t going to respond well. I love her, I’ve spoken to her. She’s brilliant, and I love working with brilliant people......Sometimes artists get in their own way — I know I certainly do often, I have my own demons."

Photo via EW/Taraji P Henson's Instagram

Young Jeezy THROWS Royal "Coming To America" Themed Party For Daughter’s 1st Birthday – Ludacris, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker & Mayor Kasim Reed

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Cuteness overload! Young Jeezy apparently has a young daughter (news to us). And over the weekend, he threw a huge royal bash fit for a princess to celebrate her 1st birthday. Peep the party pics of the cutie pie with her pops, along with Ludacris, Kandi Burruss, Todd Tucker, Mayor Kasim Reed, Tameka Raymond’s ex-husband Ryan Glover and more inside….

 

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Awww! How adorable is Young Jeezy’s baby girl? Loving her printed birthday dress and head wrap.

On Sunday, Young Jeezy was in full daddy-mode as he threw a royal “Coming to America” themed birthday bash for his baby girl Amra Nor to celebrate her first birthday.

It seems “Coming to America” themed parties are the new trend. "Real Housewives of Atlanta" stars Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker’s wedding had a “Coming to America” theme. Alicia Keys threw a “Coming to America” themed bash for her hubby Swizz Beatz, Snoop Dogg’s song Cordell Broadus had one last week and now the Avion don is following suit.

The party came complete with tribal dancers, drummers and rose petals scattered on the floor. The kids also got their faces painted and participated in arts & crafts.
 

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Rapper and friend Ludacris brought his baby girl (not pictured) Cai Bella (after winning primary physical custody recently) to party.

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"RHOA" star Kandi Burruss and her husband Todd Tucker came out to celebrate.

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Tameka Raymond's ex-husband Ryan Glover (middle) and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed brought their kiddies out for the fun.

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And what's a princess without her very own septor (and a change of clothes).

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Little Amra posed with her party guests dressed in their costumes and face paint.

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And Princess Amra took her spot on her throne alongside her pops. Too cute. 

Photos: Exclusive Access

FLASHBACK: Will Smith Performs "Summertime" On Jimmy Kimmel Live!, HINTS At New Music + "Bedroom" Kandi Burruss & Todd Tucker Having Issues In The Sack? (Preview)

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Will Smith hit up Jimmy Kimmel Live! for a flashback performance of "Summertime".  Watch it inside and check out an "RHOA" preview where Kandi Burruss and Todd Tucker discuss their bedroom issues...

"Focus" star Will Smith dropped by Jimmy Kimmel Live to promote the new film (in theaters tomorrow) and he also chatted about his former career as a rap superstar.  When asked by Jimmy if he still write rhymes, he said yes.  And he writes them in a "composition" notebook....old school!  He also hinted that he might return to music and there could even be a Jazzy Jeff reunion.

Speaking of old school, he burst into his classic DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince track "Summertime," from 1991.   It's not the first time Will has dipped into his catalogue. He performed "The Theme for The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" on "Graham Norton" a while back. Then there was his rendition of "It Takes Two" on the Tonight Show. Now we have this...

 

Will Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith reunite in the future?

Is Will returning to music?

 

In tv previews....

 

Is "Bedroom Kandi" founder Kandi Burruss having issues in the sack with her husband?  A new preview of "RHOA" seems to suggest so.  From what we gather, Todd is comfortable having sex once a week while Kandi wants it more.   Maybe she can use one of her toys to help the situation?

Kandi convinces Todd to go to marriage counseling to discuss the topic...but not before he gets in a diss.  When talking about sex, Todd says "I'm not Tyson Beckford and you're not Rihanna!"  Kandi took it as a "diss" to her sexiness.  But, we're sure he didn't mean that way. 

So...how much sex should a couple have in a week?  Hmph. 

"RHOA" airs on Bravo, Sundays at 8pm ET.


THIEF! Detectives On The Hunt For Lupita Nyong'o STOLEN $150,000 OSCAR DRESS!

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Awww hell!  Somebody has stolen Lupita Nyongo's $150,000 Oscar dress!  Deets inside...

A tragedy occurred at the London West Hollywood hotel in L.A. yesterday.  Remember Lupita Nyong'o's breathtaking pearl-drenched dress handcrafted by Calvin Klein's Women’s Creative Director Costa Francisco she wore to the Academy Awards last weekend?  Well, according to reports, someone jacked her for it!

TMZ reports:

...the dress was taken out of Lupita's room at The London West Hollywood. The dress is made of pearls ... 6,000 white Akoya pearls. It's valued at $150,000.

Our sources say Lupita told cops it was taken from her room sometime between 8 AM and 9 PM Wednesday ... while she was gone.

We're told there is security footage that cops are looking at that could catch the culprit right in the act.

That's a seriously bold move.  Reports say Lupita couldn't file  police report immediately because the dress is not technically hers....it's only hers on loan.  So why was she still in possession of it several days later? It's unclear.  But we've also learned that detectives were on the hotel scene today in the manager's office watching surveillance and security footage to try to catch the thief. 
 

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Watch your back Lupita.  And everyone who had access to your room.  We'll keep you posted on the case of the missing Oscar dress....

 

Photos: Getty

Raven Symone Heads To "Blackish" To Play Gay Sister Of "Dre" + New Edition MAY Get A Biopic....If This Video Goes Viral

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Raven Symone will be guest-starring on the funny hit series tv series “black•ish” in a role that doesn’t steer too far from her real life. Also, New Edition may be getting their own biopic, but the people behind the project need a little help from NE fans. Get the latest inside….

Raven Symone is continuing her acting comeback! After her surprise guest-starring role on “Empire” (abandoning the daughter she seceretly shares with Jamal Lyon), Raven Symone will be hitting the small screen again soon.

For her newest gig, the Academy of Art University student will be starring on the hilarious ABC series “black•ish.” She will star as Dre’s (Anthony Anderson) gay sister Rhonda who, according to Entertainment Weekly, is just as uncomfortable talking about her sexuality as her brother. As you know by now, Raven is apart of the LGBT community, so this role isn't be too far of a stretch.

In the upcoming episode, Dre and Rhonda will be battling for the top spot in their mother’s (Jennifer Lewis) rankings in a “playful rivalry.” Although Dre and Rhonda are super close, there’s some uneasiness when it comes to her discussing her sexuality.

Raven is expected to appear in an episode titled "Please Don't Ask, Please Don't Tell” later this season. Nice seeing her back on the acting scene.

“black•ish” airs on Wednesdays at 9:30 PM ET on ABC.
 

In movie news....

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A biopic on one of the greatest R&B groups of our time is in the works. It appears we may soon see the behind-the-scenes highs and lows of R&B group New Edition in a new film, chronicling their lives in the industry during the peak of their career.

Directed by independent filmmaker Bobby Huntley and produced by Nikki Wade, "NE Heartbreak The Movement" is helmed by die-hard New Edition fans who want to share their story.

In order for the film to hit the big screen, the sneak peek trailer they put together needs to go viral. The more exposure the film gets, the closer they are to bringing it to life. And get this, with everything they have created thus far, they did it with no budget.

Peep the trailer below:

So…New Edition fans! If you’re trying to see this film come to life, share the vid and follow them on their social media accounts. You can get the handles here.

Are you excited?
 

Photos: Raven's IG/NE The Movement

BIRTHDAY WISHES.....Wiz Khalifa FINALLY Gets To Throw Sebastian A Party!

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Doting dad Wiz Khalifa celebrated the second birthday of his son Sebastian Taylor Thomaz...a few days AFTER he'd anticipated doing so. But at least it happened!  See pics and vids inside...

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After a nasty fight with ex-wife Amber Rose that we all watched unfold on social media, Wiz Khalifa was able to celebrate BASHday last night.  With a room full of toys as the backdrop, the doting father treated son Sebastian to the best 2nd birthday ever.  And it was literally his "second" 2nd-birthday party.

You'll recall that Sebastian entered into our world on February 21st, 2013.  Back then....Amber and Wiz were one.  Since then, there was a nasty public divorce and Wiz has accused Amber of using Bash as a pawn to hurt him.  He says she even prevented him from throwing Bash a party on his "actual" birthday last week.  Amber did throw Bash a party...and Wiz apparently wasn't invited.

We (the public) might never know what actually went down, but we do know that Bash is loved and he had two wonderful parties.  Lucky him.

 

Meagan Good LANDS Lead Role In Fox’s "Minority Report" + Halle Berry Reveals, "I've Always Had A Hard Time Getting Roles"

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Meagan Good is heading to FOX in a new drama pilot titled "Minority Report."  Get the deets inside and see what Halle Berry revealed about aging and colorism in Hollywood. 

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Add Meagan Good to the long list of Hollywood Blacktresses who've made the leap from the big screen to a lead role on the small screen.  Joining Halle Berry"Extant", Kerry Washington"Scandal", Viola Davis "HTGAWM" and Taraji P. Henson"Empire", Meagan has landed the lead in a new FOX pilot titled "Minority Report."   It won't be Meagan's first time starring on the small screen (she led the now cancelled series "Deception"), but this one might be the charm.

What is "Minority Report"? It's billed as the sequel to the Steven Spielberg-directed movie (of the same name), set 10 years after the end of Precrime in D.C. If you're not familiar with the movie (which starred Tom Cruise), "PreCrime" was a specialized police department which apprehended criminals based on foreknowledge provided by three psychics called "precogs".  Based on our current landscape in America, it sounds a little like foreshadowing, doesn't it?

In the new FOX series, one of the three Precogs, Dash, struggles to lead a “normal” human life, but remains haunted by visions of the future.  Then he meets detective Lara Vega (Meagan Good). Lara, who's haunted by her own past, links up with Dash to break a few rules and use his gift to her advantage.

The pilot was written by Max Borenstein and directed by Mark Mylod. Meagan's supporting cast includes Laura Regan, Daniel London and Li Jun Li.  FYI - Meagan also has a recurring role on NBC's upcoming comedy series "Mr. Robinson."

 

In other television news...

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While filming the second season of her hit CBS-series "Extant", Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry opened up to The Guardian's G2 magazine about her struggles in Hollywood.  During the interview, which was reprinted by Daily Mail, Halle was asked about aging in Hollywood.  And she quickly turned the conversation to race saying, "I've always had a hard time getting roles." 

Highlighting the struggle of being both a Blacktress and aging, Halle revealed that it doesn't get any easier.  But she's still making moves in Hollywood. 

On getting roles past age 40: 'I've always had a hard time getting roles, being of color, so I've got as many available to me as I've always had - there's no difference for me'.

On her "acting" inspirations: 'I'm inspired though, when I see how many people of color are doing such good work out there. The real win is when we're not just selling stories of color, that people of color can be in everyday stories.' 

Agreed.  And that's exactly what she's doing with "Extant".  Keep up the hustle Halle!

 

Photos via Getty/Meagan Good's Instagram

Kanye West Takes A Latex Drenched Kim Kardashian To Madonna's Party In London, Gets Tattoos Of Important Birthdates...

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Kanye and Kim are continuing their UK fun as they closed out London Fashion Week last night at a party for Madonna.  Check out the couple -- and Kim in all her latex --inside.  And their visit to the tattoo parlor that resulted in Kanye copping more ink with a couple important dates...

The Wests had a busy night last night.  Over in London, Kanye and Kim left their hotel for Madonna's big bash at Annabel's private members club where Madonna was performing a secret gig.  Interestingly, they reportedly left BEFORE Madge even arrived.  But Kim was sure to get photographed from all angles in her latex pink Atsuko Kudo dress:
 

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After the party, they cut out to grab dinner at Mr Chow....where Madonna was also spotted arriving to dinner:

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And 'Ye kept his eyes glued on his favorite prized possession.

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After diner, the couple paid a visit to the Sang Bleu tattoo studio in Dalston, Hackney:

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The twosome arrived just after midnight, and spent a few minutes browsing books for ideas on designs, with Kanye pointing to an area of his arm which he thought the tattoo may look good on. The shutters were then lowered to stop people peeking inside the venue, even though we know they loved every bit of the attention, as the tattoo artist got to work.  The tattoo session wasn't over until 5AM!

So what's so important to 'Ye that he wanted to get it inked on his wrists while his wife sat and watched and gave moral support?

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The rapper had his deceased mother's and baby daughter North's birthdates etched on his wrists in roman numerals.  Kim proudly showed it off on Instagram right after the tatts were complete.

Well isn't that sweet....

 

Photos: Splash/WENN/FameFlynet/Pacific Coast News/Kim's IG

 

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