Draya Michele, Trey Songz, T.I. and Porsha Williams were among the stars who attended an exclusive white party last night in Atlanta.  See some of the ATL’s most stylish white fashions inside….

 Last night in Atlanta, nightlife promoter Alex Gidewon and Grey Goose Cherry Nior presented an exclusive private screening at Prive Nightclub, one of Atlanta’s newest and sexiest venues.

The "All White Affair" was hosted by "BBW LA" star Draya (who tweeted ""Like whaaaaaaaaaaaa #manijustshittedonem") and R&B crooner Trey Songz.

Party host Trey Songz was seen making his way through the crowd in a white sleeveless t-shirt.

The King of The South, T.I., arrived wearing a black t-shirt and camoflauge pants.  We’re sure folks didn’t mind that he opted out of the white dress code.  He’s the King.  He can do as he pleases.

"LAHH ATL" husband Kirk Frost was there.

And "RHOA" starlet Porsha Williams also stepped out for the function.  Hmm…It sees like Porsha smiles a lot more since Kordell walked out of her life. 

Draya ‘s "BBW LA" co-star Bambi seems to attend a lot of ATL events.  It’s only a matter of time before she winds up on one of ATL’s many reality shows.

Producer Jazze Pha posed with members of his team.

Lil’ Scrappy celebrated his freedom last night.  Interestingly, he arrived at the party without Erika or Shay.

R&B singer Mario was among the talented guests.

Neyo’s fiance Monyetta Shaw was seeing arriving at the event. 

So So Def founder Jermaine Dupri, who celebrated his 20th anniversary this year, partied with his friends.

Kenny Burns, lifestyle guru and Grey Goose spokesman, looked dapper.

Mimi Faust also arrived at the event solo.

LaLa’s cousin Dice posed for the cameras.  

V103 personality Big Tigger posed with friends. 

Monyetta posed with a few friends, including "BBW LA" star Malaysia Pargo.

    
Photos via CME 3000/GParas Photography

After yesterday’s heartfelt release of her new single "Dirty Laundry" hit the net, folks have been puzzled about who exactly Kelly Rowland was speaking of when she confessed about her abusive past with an ex.

The first person that came to most people’s minds was her ex-fiancee, former Cowboy baller Roy Williams.  But he says today it wasn’t him, and he revealed who the abuser very well could have been….

Kelly Rowland exposed her heart and her past yesterday on her newest track "Dirty Laundry."  For the first time, her fans heard her story about her bittersweet "envy" of her sis Beyonce‘s career taking off, as well as the abusive relationship she suffered from.

This verse made everyone take notice:

I was battered, he hit in a window like it was me until it shattered/He pulled me out, he said, ‘Don’t nobody love you but me, not your mama, not your daddy, and especially not B.’

Who was she speaking of?  Most people thought Roy Williams, her former NFL fiancee.  Remember when they were in Modern Bride magazine taking pics like this like, forever ago:

The two called off their wedding around the same time this issue came out.  But Roy tweeted today their break up was not because of abuse.  Because he IS NOT the culprit.  He said:

So Kelly has a new song. Called #DirtyLaundry.. & what ever she’s saying in it ppl thinks it’s me. #wow #imnottheonlypersonshedated #wasntme

And in response to someone tweeting him saying they thought it was actually her other ex, Cuda Love, Roy said:

#bingo but thats not my place to speak on it.. #somanystoriespeoplejustdontknowaboutRT

Hmmm. Sounds like a confirmation to us.  As for Cuda (pictured below in the middle), you’ll remember him from the late 90′s and early 2000′s when he was getting shouted out on every other song by Mase.  He also managed both Mase and Cam’Ron. 

Cuda hasn’t put out any public statement confirming or denying the accusation.  Neither has Kelly. 

For now, she’s simply letting her music speak for itself and has gotten things off her chest.  And we applaud her for it.

Kel’s album Talk A Good Game is in stores June 18th.

Photos: Kliv27′s Instagram/Modern Bride/FAME

Fashion trailblazer Pharrell Williams has been added as a mentor to Rihanna’s US competition show "Styled To Rock."  Get the deets inside and see what Sweet Brown revealed about her upcoming reality show…

Executive producer Robyn Rihanna Fenty is bringing her "Styled To Rock" competition series to The STYLE Network, and producer Pharrell Williams has just been named one of the mentors.  The US-based series will follow the same format as Rihanna’s UK show of the same name, where 12 up-and-coming designers are given the opportunity to create unique fashion pieces for A-list celebrity talent.

Salaam Coleman Smith, President, Style Media, spoke of Pharrell’s addition to the cast saying,

“We are delighted to have Pharrell, who is a driving force in both the music industry and fashion world, serve as a mentor on ‘Styled to Rock.” Pharrell’s unique aesthetic and commitment to individuality combined with Rihanna’s vision for this series will enable our aspiring designers to hone their craft and learn from the very people who set the trends.”

The 10-episode series is slated to premiere in 2013.

In other new gigs….

Everybody’s got time for a reality show!  Sweet Brown, who became a viral sensation with the phrase "Ain’t Nobody Got Time For That" talked to TheGrio about her rags to riches life story and how she’s parlaying that into a new reality show.  She describes The Sweet Brown’s, as “a fish out of water, rags to riches series, that’s a combination of The Jeffersons and The Beverly Hillbillies.” She added, “It’s gonna be hilarious. You’re gonna really crack up.”

Also, she wrapped up an appearance in Tyler Perry’s next film, A Madea Christmas and will appear in a new movie alongside Gabrielle Union and Louis Gossett Jr.

And if that weren’t enough on her plate, she has a slew on ventures lined up, including a game application, cookbook, and a BBQ sauce called Oh Lord Jesus it’s a FIRE.

And if you were wondering what she thought about Charles Ramsey, she said,

"One similarity that I see, is that we love people. We gon’ help people. What Charles did was great. Because I have daughters and if my kids was missing that long I would want a good Samaritan to rescue my baby. Don’t leave me in the dark. Let me baby come home. So what Charles Ramsey did… I think it was a good thing; thumbs up, Charles.”

See Sweet Brown dish on her new life in the clip above.  Kudos to everyone.

The Trip to Bountiful walked away with four Tony nominations this week, and Vanessa Williams, Cicely Tyson and Deborah Cox were among the show’s stars who were on hand for the announcement. See pics from the Broadway press conference inside…

Earlier this week, Deborah Cox, who stars as "Lucy" in Broadway’s "Jekyll & Hyde" posed with Vanessa Williams, "The Trip To Bountiful" during 2013 Tony Awards: The Meet The Nominees Press Junket at the the Millennium Hilton in New York City.  And the YBFers on Broadway are racking up the nods.

Emmy winning actress, Cicely Tyson, garnered a nomination for “Best Actress in a Play” (after a 30-year absence from the Broadway stage). Condola Rashad (who’s our fave fab chick on the rise) received a nod for “Best Featured Actress in a Play. The play also copped nominations for “Best Revival of a Play” as well as “Best Sound Design of a Play.”

Media mogul Kevin Liles (one of the play’s producers) posed with his wife Erika at the event.

New York Knicks center Tyson Chandler and wife Kimberly (also producers of "Bountiful") posed with Ahmad Rashad (the father of Tony-nominee Condola Rashad).

Tom Hanks and Courtney B. Vance posed with producer Stephen Byrd and brand architect & producer of "Trip To Bountiful" Marvet Britto.

Fellow "Bountiful" producer Alia M. Jones posed with Kimberly, Stephen and Marvet.

And Tyler Perry hit up the production before the nods to wish congrats to Cicely Tyson.  We all know he loves himself some Cicely…

Photos via Lisa Pacino, Francis White

New stills from the upcoming film Black Nativity starring Angela Bassett, Jennifer Hudson, and Mary J. Blige have been released. See the official photos inside and find out about ASPIRE’s New "Exhale" talk show with co-host Malinda Williams.

New stills from the set of the film Black Nativity (November 27th) just hit the net and we get to see singer Mary J. Blige in her role as a guardian angel…with a platinum ‘fro.

Jennifer Hudson, who plays Naima (the mother of Langston) will also be among the musical talents who lend their voices to the film.  She’ll be joined by Nas, Luke James and Tyrese.

The film will centered around Jacob Latimore’s Langston (shown above) who will discover the true meaning of faith, healing, and family during a Christmas visit to the home of his estranged relatives Reverend Cornell and Aretha Cobbs (Forest Whitaker and Angela Bassett).

And heading to the airwaves…..

ASPIRE, the cable network started by entertainment mogul Magic Johnson, has announced the creation of a new talk show, "Exhale", targeting African American women.  Styled after ABC’s hit, "The View" the new chat fest will be on limited cable, instead of syndication, co-hosted by actress Malinda Williams, journalist Angela Burt-Murray, actress and comedian Erin Jackson, "Awkward Black Girl" creator Issa Rae, author Rene Syler.

Produced by Lynne Robinson and Black Robin Media, fans can expect to see the shows’ eight-episode first run will kick off in June, coinciding with the network’s one-year anniversary.  ‘Bird’ on a talk show?  This should be interesting….

Aspire’s General Manager Paul Butler spoke of the new gab fest saying, “We are thrilled to add ‘Exhale’ to our lineup of original programming. This fresh, hip and candid new series will enlighten audiences with its broad range of topics relevant to the community.”

Will you be watching?

Fantasia hosted a listening session for her Side Effects Of You album last night with Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland among the attendees celebrating her return. See the photos inside…

Like a scarlet letter, Fantasia endured many trials and tribulations with her most recent relationship.  She’s been under of the watchful eyes of fans and critics, and sometimes it’s gotten the best of her (remember those Instagram rants?).  But now Fanny has taken those displaced emotions and put them right back where her fans want them…..in the studio. 

Celebrating the upcoming release of her rock-soul disc, Side Effects Of You (April 23rd), Fantasia stepped out in LA last night with short auburn hair and a scarlet red dress that announced her return.  And she looks GREAT.

Held at London Bridge Studios in North Hollywood, Fantasia played the disc for a room full of celebs and tastemakers, while giving a special shoutout to her producer Harmony Samuels (shown atop).  "Thank You All SO VERY MUCH!!!! SIDE EFFECTS OF YOU IS DIFFERENT AND VERY SPECIAL.. @harmonysamuels. THANKS LOVE"

Fela! star Michelle Williams showed off her amazing figure and gave Fanny some love and support.  Fantasia tweeted, "Why I Love You SO MUCH?? CAUSE YOUR SO REAL… CANT WAIT FOR YOUR ALBUM BOO"

And proving that she didn’t burn any bridges when she left her run on Broadway, Fanny got support from some folks from her past.  "Ally Willis FROM COLOR PURPLE.. STILL SUPPORTING THE GIRL"

And possible new "X Factor" judge Kelly Rowland rocked a hot pair of zebra-striped pumps and red pants for the record release. 

Meanwhile, Kelly is gearing up for the release of her own Talk A Good Game album. 

Congrats to Fanny!

Photos via Instagram/Leon Bennett/WireImage 

Over the weekend, Serena Williams swung her way to her sixth Sony Open title, solidifying herself as the number one tennis player in the world. See her celebratory pics inside….

On Saturday, Serena Williams celebrated beating out her Russian opponent Maria Sharapova to win the Sony Open at Crandon Park Tennis Center in Key Biscayne, Florida.

With her sixth win, Serena now holds the record for the most Sony Open victories by a female.  She gushed to the crowd, ‘I felt good today. It’s so good to be No. 6 now – I mean, the six-time – oh, gosh. Thank you.”

Despite coming out on top, Serena admitted it wasn’t her best performance.  ’‘I’m happy to be holding the championship. It’s definitely not my best tournament. I think everyone here can agree. But those are the moments that count – when you can still come out on top.”

And then, On Sunday, Serena headed over to Crandon Park beach where she took a few post-victory photos and celebrated her #1 world ranking:

So what does a champion do to celebrate an international victory?  Serena revealed what went on at her post-victory celebration to her Twitter followers tweeting, "Big day. Celebrate?? Chicken and karaoke. #family"

BONUS:

The trailer for the upcoming documentary "Icons, Rivals, Champions, Sisters", has been released. Directed by Maiken Baird and Michelle Major, the film (on iTunes April 4th, theaters May 10) takes an intimate look at the lives of tennis superstars Venus and Serena Williams and the injuries and illnesses that threatened to take them out of the game.

Former Texas Tech football player Marlon Williams, who stars on MTV’s "Real World: Portland",  opened up about his budding rapper career and his controversial views on sexuality during his promo rounds.  Meet the preacher’s kid inside….

Marlon Williams, one of the stars of MTV’s "Real World: Portland", opened up about his life and the interesting back story viewers will see unfold on the show this season.  And to answer the question we know you’re asking: No, we didn’t know "Real World" still came on.  Hence, why the network seems ready to stir up some controversy.

But alas, a new season is on deck and a black roommate is front and center.  The former Texas Tech footballer player is the son of a preacher man and spent most of his young life traveling as a military brat.  After failing to go "pro" following a successful football stint in college, he went through a period which led to a few interesting choices, including sex with a man. In interviews with XXL and The Advocate, he talks about sexuality, his budding rap career, and explains his views on religion.  Here are the highlights:

The Advocate: OK, this is awkward. MTV tells us “Marlon has had intercourse with a man before and does identify with being bisexual. But he says that he is more attracted to women and doesn’t think he would be with a man again.” We could just take their word for it, but we’d rather you tell us yourself how you identify and why.

Marlon Williams: Well, I don’t consider myself bisexual, because I’m not sexually attracted to men. I did have sex with a man but my reasoning for it was different. It was in a hectic time of my life filled with fighting a lot of life battles. I was just making a lot of decisions that I would not normally make. At that time in my life the gay community embraced me, and it is one of those things that just happened. I have nothing against people who are bisexual or gay, but that is not my preference.

You’re the son of a preacher and were raised with conservative values. Does that cause conflict for you in terms of your sexuality?

Well, sex in any form is hard, because the beliefs of my parents say that you are supposed to wait for marriage. The big misconception used in religion is that some sin is worse than others. That isn’t true. All sin is equal. Therefore, anything I do that is sinful can be forgiven if I repent and make changes. My belief is that God forgives anybody who believes and wants a new start in life.

You were a star football player at Texas Tech and were under a lot of pressure to turn pro. Do you ever resent the way other people put those kind of expectations or dreams on your shoulders?

I feel that people having high expectations of me is a good thing. That means they see great things in your character and motivation. I don’t agree with the how people treated me when I didn’t meet their expectations, though. It’s my life, I’m going to live it the way I want. I’m still the same person. It’s just sometimes life throws you curveballs and you have to make adjustments.

What are you working on now?

I’m in the studio a lot. I just performed at SXSW. I’ve opened up for Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Mike Jones, Ying Yang Twins. I’ve been doing it, bro. I’ve got two mixtapes out, you can check them out at www.wavysquad.com. Go get those jams. Actually while we were in Portland recording the show, me and Anastasia, another girl from the show, we did music there. We recorded stuff based on what we were going through out there and our life experiences during “The Real World.” We’re gonna put that out this summer.

 

"Real World: Portland" airs Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT on MTV.  By the way, MTV aired a vintage "Real World" marathon last weekend starting from season 1 in New york.  It reminded us of how great this show used to be.

Watch Marlon aka Jay Dillinger’s "So Sweet" here: 

Photos via Ian Spanier

Jennifer Williams may no longer be a "Basketball Wife."  But she’s already in talks for her own reality show.  Deets inside, plus the "T.I. & Tiny" season 3 super trailer….

After parting ways with her frenemy Evelyn Lozada and the "Basketball Wives," Jen Williams has been focusing on her new Lucid lip gloss line.  So she’s reportedly been in talks with "Love & Hip Hop" executive producer Mona Scott Young about creating her own reality series.  And we assume it’ll be focused on her business ventures…and her boyfriend Cisco.

She told VH1 at the "Gossip Game" premiere party this week that she and Mona are indeed in talks to do a new show.  And we’re sure VH1 would welcome that with open arms.  As if they turn anything down.

Jen also made it known she and Ev are still not friends.  Obvi.

And in other reality show news, T.I. & Tiny are about to embark on a third season of their VH1 reality show.  And the super trailer just dropped.  Lots of love is in the air for all their kids….from Zonnique to King to Major.  Good luck handling all that.  The new season kicks off April 8th at 10p.

The 14-year-old daughters of Cash Money Records co-founder Bryan "Birdman" Williams aka "Baby" and Lil Wayne are adding their 2 cents to the family empire.  We’ve got Bria Williams and Reginae Carter‘s first official photoshoot for their brand new book under Cash Money Content…

The Instagram loving young & fun pre-teens have teamed up to pen a fictitious narrative of the adventures of two teen girls, called Paparazzi Princesses.  The youngins took their own experiences of the perks and disadvantages of growing up in spotlight, then wrote a book about it all.  But under fictitious names. It seems tobe the Cash Money Content theme as Evelyn Lozada did something similar with her "fictional" novel under the publshing company.

And since the girls have probably seen a lot of what goes on behind the curtain–especially with Reginae’s mom Toya Wright starring in two reality shows–the novel is being written from a "fictional" standpoint.  Likely to protect the real life people involved.

Here’s the synopsis: 

Instead of relying on Instagram and Twitter as most of their peers do, their story is told in their new novel "Paparazzi Princesses" through the characters of Kyla Jones and Promise Walker. On their journey to becoming their own women, the novel’s main characters face their parent’s high expectations, the pitfalls of being "unintentionally famous," and, most crucially, the trials and tribulations of high school, homework, crushes, and friendship that everyone goes through. A collaboration with author Karyn Langhorne Folan, it’s bound to be a page-turner for teens and young adults everywhere.

Now check out their cute princess themed photoshoot:

Lil Wayne said about his baby girl’s first book, "I’ve got to be honest. It’s inspiring to see what these girls have done. It wasn’t easy, and they did it all by themselves. ‘Proud’ doesn’t even begin to describe how me and the ‘Birdman’ feel. I can’t wait for everybody else to experience their story."

Birdman said about his little princesses, "There’s no better feeling than watching Bria and Reginae make this dream come true. They took an idea, worked extremely hard, and brought it to life. It’s the kind of story that everybody can feel, and it’s only the start of much bigger things for these two wonderful young ladies."

Paparazzi Princesses comes out June 4th.  Gotta love the youngins.