MTV Video Music Awards-MJ Tribute

La Toya opens up to Barbara Walters on 20/20

Michael Jackson's middle sister, La Toya Jackson appeared last night in an interview with Barbara Walters on 20/20. La Toya gave a long and rambling interview full of controversial and sometimes inflammatory statements.

La Toya asserted again she thinks Michael was murdered and claims Michael told her, “La Toya, they’re going to murder me. If I die, they killed me.” She did not clarify who "they" were. Despite Michael's own statements about his estrangement from his abusive father, La Toya insists Michael and Joseph Jackson had repaired their relationship and that Michael's three children had a very good relationship with him.

As far as the children, La Toya says Katherine Jackson has made arrangements for the care of the children in the event of her passing, but she would not discuss those plans. She said even though Michael placed his friend Diana Ross second in line for guardianship of the children they do not know her at all; supposedly Ross and Mrs. Jackson have spoken about the guardianship issue, but said only Katherine knows the details of what was said.

Of course, La Toya took the time to speak about herself. She claims her ex-husband, Jack Gordon, used to lock her in a closet for eight hours at a time, and, said Walters, “forced her to pose for Playboy and several pornographic videos.” Snippets of La Toya's latest single aired during the interview.

La Toya said that Michael "looked fabulous," and that his body was clothed in white with lines of pearls across his jacket and a “big gold belt like a prizefighter would wear...his hair was done beautifully. His makeup was done beautifully.” She said he looked like he had paused to say a prayer just before going on stage to perform. Instead of one white glove, he was wearing two black leather gloves. He was, however, buried with a white sequined glove, shades, and notes and beads from his beloved children.

In a fitting closing, La Toya said of her younger brother, “He wasn't God, but he was godlike. He was the closest to a god that I know.”

ABC's report on the interview ends with a line that says La Toya requested they inform the public she was NOT paid for the interview.

Wendy Williams airs out Chris Brown

Monica Gets a Gig With Bill Gates

Monica performed in celebration of the launch of the “Get Schooled” program, a nation-wide initiative, co-developed by Viacom and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to engage students, families and community members in efforts to improve America’s public education system and encourage more young people to complete their education.

Peep this woman trying to get her baby in the club

Donda West Inspires New Law

Nearly two years ago, the mother of Kanye West, Donda West, 58, died as a result of complications from a cosmetic surgical procedure. As a result, a new law passed Wednesday in California.

According to the Los Angeles Times, state lawmakers approved a new measure, called the Donda West Law, which makes health checks and a written clearance mandatory before being allowed to undergo plastic surgery.

"Sometimes patients may think they are well enough for cosmetic surgery, but in reality are not," Assemblywoman Wilmer Amina Carter told the paper. "This bill will potentially save lives."

Prior to her death, West was instrumental in her son's career. Her close-knit relationship with the Grammy Award-winning superstar lead to her managing, and serving as CEO of, West Brands, LLC, in addition to co-founding the Kanye West Foundation, a nonprofit organization designed to decrease the dropout rate in schools across America.

Murry.....

...on this month's Essence. Can't they find somebody new to do these covers?

The celebrity stork has been busy

The celebrity stork has been busy these past few days. Tisha Campbell and Duane Martin had their baby, Keyshia Cole's sister Neffie and her fiance Soul Low had a little girl yesterday, and Lauren London and Lil Wayne had their baby boy. Now word has it Christina Milian is expecting. Must be something in the water (most likely money).

Tyler Perry Announces Dream Cast for 'Colored Girls'

When it was announced last week that Tyler Perry will be writing, directing and producing a film version of Ntozake Shange's award-winning 1975 play 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf,' there was plenty of talk as to who would be cast.

Well, while promoting his latest film, 'I Can Do Bad All By Myself,' which opens Sept. 11, Perry talked about who he wanted to appear in the movie. Among the chosen few are Oscar winner Halle Berry, Angela Bassett, Ruby Dee, Cicely Tyson, Maya Angelou, Oprah Winfrey, Thandie Newton, Kimberly Elise, Beyonce Knowles, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys.

Of the 11 actresses mentioned, six have already committed to be in the film, but Perry wouldn't say who exactly. Principal photography is scheduled to begin in Atlanta in November and continue through December, with a release planned for next year.

DA Dismisses Case Against Merriman

District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis made the following statement on Friday: "After a thorough review of the investigation into the Sept. 6, 2009 incident at the Poway home of Shawne Merriman, our office has determined there is insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that any crime was committed," Dumanis said in a statement. "This case is now closed. No further comment will be made."

Multiple sources had provided 10News in San Diego with new details about what led to the incident last Sunday involving San Diego Chargers star Shawne Merriman and reality TV star Tila Tequila at the linebacker's Poway home.

Sources close to the story related that Tequila -- also known as Tila Nguyen -- was unhappy that she was not the only woman getting attention from Merriman, and jealousy played a role in the early morning altercation.

The sources said that witnesses at Merriman's home said the three-time Pro Bowl linebacker went to his bedroom with two women.

Tequila walked into the room and Merriman asked her to join them. However, the sources said Tequila reacted angrily and threatened to have sex with a member of Merriman's entourage.

According to sources, Tequila was intoxicated, and she got buck-ass naked and attempted to leave the house. That's when Merriman, 25, tried to stop the 27-year-old Tequila, and that is when she called 911.

On Wednesday, the San Diego County Sheriff's Department handed over its findings in the case to the District Attorney's office.

Tila through her lawyer communicates that she, "Will immediately begin pursuing civil charges against Mr. Merriman and she will have her day in court."

They say....

According to ContactMusic.com, Jennifer Hudson’s sister Julia Hudson is pregnant with her second child.

Reportedly Christina Milian is pregnant

A little birdie told the folks over at Us Magazine that Christina Milian and the Dream are expecting their first child, thus the reason for the super speedy drive thru wedding this past weekend.

September 11, 2001 Never Forget

People I knew died in the September 11th attacks.

Never forget.

Work tirelessly for peace and freedom.

"We Don't Roll That Way"

I swear this isn't the Ellen blog; I really just wanted an excuse to use this picture.

Representatives from 17 record companies are suing the Ellen DeGeneres Show claiming copyright infringement for more than 1000 songs producers play during Ellen's opening dance segment on the show. For those of you who haven't seen Ellen's daytime talk show (lucky you!), Ellen has a short segment where her black DJ Tommy (?) spins dance, R & B, and hip hop records while the audience dances. Ellen, herself, dances off the stage, through the aisles, and back up to her set. A lot of the songs he plays are pretty good, by the way. Some of the songs cited include "Stronger" by Kanye West and "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder.

Anyway, the record companies gave the show a chance to explain themselves before they filed suit, but the producers just told them, "we don't roll that way." Say what? "We don't roll that way?" I think that's going to be my new anthem.

Client: 'Safari, I know this is 2pm on the Friday before a three day weekend, but I'm going to need you to get this project to me within 72 hours."
Wild Safari: 'I'm sorry. I don't roll that way.'
Client: 'Safari, you know we bring you a lot of business. We'll pay you double. Just submit an invoice after you turn in the project and I'll personally make sure you get the bonus.'
Wild Safari: 'You lie!'

Representative Wilson's career-ending outburst during Obama's Congressional address the other night is my other new anthem. I've been going around all week just yelling out "you lie!" as a non sequitur. It's a good way to get out of awkward conversations. Try it.

The record companies filed suit yesterday in the U.S. District Court in Music City, USA (Nashville, Tennessee). In part, the filing states, "As sophisticated consumers of music, Defendants knew full well that, regardless of the way they rolled, under the Copyright Act, and under state law for the pre-1972 recordings, they needed a license to use the sound recordings lawfully." Can you imagine the clerk that received that filing? Oh-em-gee!

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Tidbit Roundup

Allen Iverson twittered he's joining the Memphis Grizzlies.



Mike Epps will host this year's BET Hip-Hop Awards show from Atlanta.



Keyshia Knight Pulliam will NOT be posing for Playboy.

Diddy's band Dirty Money covers the latest Rolling Stone magazine.

Michael Jackson "This Is It" Film Poster

Michael Jackson's Rehearsal

The results are in: Caster Semenya is a....

An Australian newspaper, the Sydney Daily Telegraph, is reporting a confidential source leaked the gender test results for South African world champion runner Caster Semenya. According to the paper, the source says Miss Semenya "is a hermaphrodite with no womb or ovaries." Reportedly she has internal, undescended testes, but she still possesses external female genetalia.

The IAAF urges caution when accepting the Australian paper's claims because the IAAF has not released any offical statement, nor have they concluded their investigation; weeks of testing and expert evaluation lay ahead. The IAAF will discuss its findings with Miss Semanya prior to releasing any findings to the public.

Last Week the South African magazine YOU asked Miss Semenya about the uproar over her gender. She replied, "I see it all as a joke. It doesn't upset me. God made me the way I am and I accept myself. I am who I am and I'm proud of myself. I don't want to talk about the tests. I'm not even thinking about them."

It should be noted that modern medicine considers gender to be a continuum with an astonishing array of hormonal and genetic conditions resulting in individuals with ambiguous genetalia and/or apparent gender conflicting with internal anatomy and chromosomal makeup. Normally the sex chromosomes XX denote female and XY denote a male; in some extremely rare circumstances there have been XY females and XX males. Some individuals have, like the Australian paper claims Semenya has, internal anatomy that is at odds with their external anatomy. Some individuals are born with both ovaries and testes internally, though it is almost unheard of for an individual to have both male and female external genitals.

The question becomes, 'what actually determines a person's gender?' Semenya's birth certificate lists her as female, she was raised as a female, and she considers herself to be female. Do her heretofore unknown of testes make her male? Does the perception of many who meet her determine her gender? Is she neither female nor male or both? This is the assertion of some intersex advocates, 'intersex' being the preferred term for individuals formerly called 'hermaphrodites.'

Semenya stands to be stripped of her medals depending upon the decision of the IAAF even though they admit there was no cheating involved in her win. South Africa has lodged a human rights complaint with the United Nations alleging racism and gender discrimination over the flap. What do you think? Should Semenya keep her medal? Should the world be allowed to know what gonads and chromosomes she possesses? Is she really a man or a woman?

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Lebron is a free agent in 2010

There's a rumor going around that since the Knicks are owned by Cablevison, they are prepared to circumvent NBA salary cap rules by offering Lebron his own cable channel to lure him to the Knicks in 2010. On the other hand, if he can't recruit a couple other superstars to join him it'll be just him and Spike.

On the anniversary of 9/11, PETA is at it again

PETA's favorite spokesperson Pamela Anderson stars in the animal rights organization's latest video loop. In the video Pammie strip searches would-be airline passengers and confiscates their leathers and furs. The video was made to be played on CNN's airport lounge programming lineup. CNN balked, saying the video was too objectionable for children and families to view. PETA's next goal is to get the video played as part of the in-flight programming.

Riiiight. Because more anxiety about the security checkpoints is exactly what we need on 9-11.

Why can't they get anything done in Cali?

The California budget crisis is a continuing problem for the state. It is affecting just about everything in the state, especially the schools. 37,000 prison inmates are about to receive "get out of jail free" cards. Did I mention they're running out of drinking water, part of the state is still burning down and they plan to pay for some of all of this by selling all their old shit on eBay. They're actually doing a recession swap with eBay 'cuz eBay's ex-CEO is running for governor now.

Well check out Republican Orange County Assemblyman Mike Duvall "doing his bid'ness" during an appropriations committee meeting hearing in July. My man's freak game is so proper he had to resign on Wednesday after this news report was broadcast. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has 14 days to call a special election to fill Duvall's seat. (Yes, KCAL9 still uses Betamax.)

Update: Duvall says he's only guilty of inappropriate story telling, not actual adultery.

Ebony Cancels Annual Fashion Fair

Ebony

Ebony has decided not to hold their annual fashion show. The reasoning (recession) behind the cancellation of what is known as the biggest traveling fashion show in the world is that they want to maintain their excellence. They want to continue to reflect (recession) the community and what they want.

The decision was made by Linda Johnson Rice (recession), daughter of former founder John H. Johnson. The decision she made to shut the doors for the 2009 season was a very responsible(recession)one. The goal of the company and where they are directing the business seems to be promising and along the lines of what the community as well as her father would have her do.

T-Boz is selling her minimansion

T-Boz, one third of the 90's girl group TLC, is trying to sell her McMansion in Duluth, Georgia for $1, 250,000. Records show Tionne bought the 6 bedroom 6 1/2 bath 9,654 square foot home in 2001 for $1,122,700 so she doesn't stand to make much money off the sale. The house sits on a 0.96 acre lot and boasts 10 foot ceilings, three fire places, and a three-car garage.

This sounds like a small home, but I have to commend her for not going overboard with the unnecessary amenities. She got just as much home as she needed in a place that doesn't have celebrity cache to drive up the cost of living. Heck, she probably lived just down the road from her mama an nem in the Sugarloaf Country Club.

Thanks to Rhonda at Coldwell Banker for the info.

Pacman's big mouth lost him a football contract

Pacman Jones just screwed himself out of a football contract with the Canadian Football Leage in all of 15 minutes. He streamed a video on Ustream in which he basically insulted the CFL and his Winnipeg fans by saying he would drop them like a bad habit the moment an NFL team came calling. He then went on to brag about his house and his girlfriend's engagement ring among other foolish things. Adam, Adam. If ever there were a time to appear humble...here is the gist of what he said courtesy of the Winnepeg Sun:

“I’ve got a clause in my contract, when I get a call from an NFL team I can go over,” he said. “I actually got two calls today, so if they tell me tomorrow that Pacman’s back, that’d be a bummer for all my Winnipeg fans.”
“Go to the UFL and do my thing and get ready for a playoff run in the NFL, you know what I’m sayin’?”
“That’s when someone called Jones, live, and presumably told him what league he was really going to.
“Pain is only temporary,” Jones said. “Besides, I’m only gonna be there for eight weeks… or shorter.”

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According to Billboard...

Lil Wayne grossed approximately $42 million dollars making him the king of hip-hop tours for 2009. Jay-Z and Mary J. come in second with $35 million and Kanye third with about $31 million. Jay-Z's 'The Blueprint III' is expected to be NUMBER ONE next week and push 300 to 350,000 units, but he better watch his back for The Beatles...half of whom are dead.

Fellas it'll take you a while to recover from the disappointment

Fellas it'll take you a while to recover from the disappointment, but Kim from Real Housewives of Atlanta doesn't date Black men. I know, I know. You were hoping to get a chance to pull on that wig from behind but you'll just have to take Sheree's word for it.

Kim recently told Essence magazine, "I don’t date Black men. I never have. It’s not a prejudice. It’s just a personal preference. People always think that Big Papa is Black. I don’t know why. I’ve never dated a Black man. It’s not to say it wouldn’t happen in the future, but at this time, I never have." She also managed to get in a diss to Dallas Austin, "Dallas is a piece of work. He likes to Twitter, which is so trivial. I don’t know what his problem is and quite frankly I don’t care. I don’t have time for negative energy."

On another note: doesn't it look like he's singing the "Whisper Song" in her ear in that first picture?

Hef wants to see Kate's naughty bits

Rumor has it Hugh Hefner sent Kate Gosselin, star of Jon & Kate Plus 8 and mother of 8 year old twins and 3 (?) year old sextuplets a letter inviting her to pose for Playboy. Ever the prude, despite her eight children, Kate is said to have been deeply embarassed and tore the letter into pieces. I for one am relieved. Kate has a decent enough mom-body in clothing--especially for someone who has had eight kids--but the post-childbirth stomach of a mother of multiple multiples should only be seen by her mate. Besides, when they are old enough the children will be mortified enough when they read about their father's attempts to regain his castrated balls by changing co-ed girlfriends every 10 days or so.

The Brian McKnight Show

Stevie Wonder has been announced as the first guest on "The Brian McKnight Show," which debuts in national syndication on MyNetworkTV the week of Sept. 21. [Check local listings.]

“It just doesn't get any better than Stevie,” says McKnight. “Stevie is a living legend and I am so grateful he has signed on to help me launch the show.”

The singer's weekly one-hour entertainment variety showcase will feature celebrity interviews, round table discussions and musical performances shot at various locations in and around Los Angeles.

"The Brian McKnight Show" (which is news to me as I'm writing this and I don't think CW still knows exactly what night it's gonna be on) will air weekly in over 200 markets and is available in 96% of U.S. households.

South African Woman's 800 Meter World Champion Caster Semenya

To this <<---------->> From this

The test came back and determined Caster is a hermaphrodite.The 18-year-old South African track champ has no womb or ovaries and her testosterone levels are more than three times higher than those of a normal female, according to reports.

Maia Campbell is now in treatment

First of all, thank you for your support and kindness in regard to Maia (My-ee-ah) Campbell. Last night I received a wonderful email from a friend of her late mother, Bebe Moore Campbell. Nancy Carter, executive director of NAMI Urban Los Angeles (NAMI Urban Los Angeles (NULA) is the urban affiliate of NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness), thanking BlackWeb20.com for the coverage and the compassion shown towards Maia. Nancy alerted me to my error and explained that Maia has been diagnosed with bi-polar/manic depression. And because substance abuse is involved she has co-occurring disorder, which has symptoms similar to schizophrenia.
In short, Maia is mentally ill and has a substance abuse problem.

Nancy returned my phone call to her and shared some important and good news: Maia is in treatment. And she said that there is hope for Maia’s recovery but the prayers of “50,000,000″ people can make the difference, because Maia doesn’t like to stay in treatment, and her treatment involves drug withdrawal as well as treatment for her disorders.
Nancy was awestruck by the wonderful comments left on our site and by the general outpouring of support. She asked me to tell you that Maia’s disorders are exasperated and sent out of control by substance abuse. Pre-existing and early onset bi-polar, clinical depression and schizophrenia can be sent out of control by marijuana (the worst culprit), alcohol and of course, synthetic and street drugs.
Maintain your hope for Maia’s recovery. Nancy said, “She can use her beauty, talent, and celebrity for the good of others.”
Visit NAMI Urban LA's site to view a tribute video to Bebe Moore Campbell, co-founder of the organization.

Please visit Blackweb2.0 It is a really cool site!

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Sisqo you just might BE the father...

Remember the post back in early August about Sisqo allegedly knocking up a 14 year old groupie in Switzerland 10 years ago? Well her real name is Jamila and she’s still trying to get Sisqo to Maury Povich her son Ian (picture above).

Check out the pictures above-you decide...

Wise Latina Over Here...

Sonia Sotomayor started her first day as Supreme Court Judge on Tuesday.

Republican Senator calls Obama a liar during his healthcare speech

After heavy criticism from both the left and the right, including Sen. John McCain, Rep. Joe Wilson issued an apology for his outburst.

The day the internet died

A version of a Senate bill would give Pres. Obama and the administration emergency power over the internet in the event of a cybersecurity emergency. The bill, which has gone through several drafts, proposes to allow the government to commandeer and disconnect private non-governmental networks during certain events and to require those networks to be run by certified "cybersecurity professionals" at other times. For details on the bill, visit here.

Breaking News: Ellen is the new Idol

Ellen DeGeneres just Tweeted she will be the new judge on American Idol. Paula Abdul can officially forget about any hopes she had of being begged to come back. Ellen has a huge following (don't ask me why, I don't understand it) who is sure to tune in to listen to her corny, unfunny jokes on Idol nights. Riddle me this: Idol is a singing show that has made actual stars out of many of its contestants (whether they had talent or not is another discussion). What qualifies non-singing Ellen to judge aspiring professional singers?
P.S. I'm going to redouble my efforts not to watch this season. Idol consistently picks the wrong people to be winners and forces contestants to conform to schlock rather than to show their individual character as performers. It was already insufferable to listen to Simon's meanness and Randy's "you know man" comments every season. Add Ellen to the mix and it becomes completely unwatchable. Paula's spaciness was the only thing keepin g it entertaining.

Shawne tells his side of the Tequila hangover

Shawne Merriman issued this statement through his attorney regarding his girlfriend Tila Tequila's claims he choked her over the weekend:

“On September 6, 2009, the San Diego Sheriffs Department responded to a citizens complaint that was initiated by Tila Nguyen (aka Tila Tequila). I was taken into custody based upon that complaint. At the time, I was concerned about her welfare given the intoxicated state she appeared to be in and I encouraged her to stay until safe transportation could be provided. We would all do our best to help a friend if we considered their actions to be detrimental to their personal safety. I in no way caused any harm to Ms Nguyen, however, paramedics were called and she was examined but no injuries were reported. She was released and has since returned to Los Angeles, California. There have been no charges filed against me. I want to thank the San Diego Sheriffs Department for their professionalism. I will continue to cooperate fully with the Department and I look forward to clearing my name regarding these false allegations. I want to put this behind me so I can continue to focus on a successful season for the San Diego Chargers.”

Tisha Campbell had her baby

Actress Tisha Campbell Martin and her husband Duane Martin had their baby yesterday. The baby, who wasn't due until the 21st, arrived at 10:20am Los Angeles time. He weighed in at a hefty 9lbs. 9oz. and is 23 inches long. The family named him Ezekiel Czar Martin--(Czar?)--and he joins his 8 year old brother Xen--(don't they mean Zen?).

Did Katt Williams just commit career suicide?

Did he just commit suicide or did he make himself relevant again by getting us to talk about him? Either way he looks high as hell!

I can afford that!

Representatives for Forest Lawn Cemetery say Michael Jackson's burial there has ended the real estate recession--at least for their line of work. Plots in the Great Mausoleum where Michael was buried are now going for upwards of $9,900 and the owner of one double unit is now asking $34,000.

Am I the only one a little grossed out by her renting shoes?

Christina Milian and record producer fiance The Dream got married on Friday. Miliblonde and company got hitched at the Little White Wedding Chapel in Vegas, known for its drive-thru weddings. The Dream wore a $100 rented tux and rented shoes and a bowtie and Christina wore a $200 rented gown with a rented veil and rented shoes. Am I the only one a little grossed out by her renting shoes? People usually wear socks when they rent skates and bowling shoes and I know they probably spray them, but...I also think she should have made a bigger deal out of her first wedding since she crowed so much about being engaged. Even if you don't have a giant sit down reception for 300 people, you can still have a nice tasteful wedding that's a little nicer than a glamourshot photo shoot.

Snoop D-o-double-g gets a J-O-B

Snoop Dogg tapped for new position as "Creative Chairman" of EMI Music's Priority Records. The first new Priority release will be Snoop's own “Malice N Wonderland" his tenth studio album to be released in December. It will feature Soulja Boy, Lil Jon, R. Kelly, The Dream, Brandy and Jazmine Sullivan.

EMI is hoping Snoop will apply the same unique, creative and business savvy that established him as one of the most successful stars in Hip-Hop and helped define West Coast Rap as a major musical genre to develop great music for new and existing fans.

“Starting fresh with EMI is a great feeling. It’s a new partnership, a new Priority Records, and a new Snoop Dogg: the Creative Chairman…the Boss Dogg…the Dogg Father,” said Snoop. “The business model we’ve developed will bring the musical heritage of groups like N.W.A. to the forefront. And you definitely got to get ready for my new album “Malice N Wonderland” in December to kick it all off — this is going to be the most potent dose of Snoop Dogg yet!”

You know when they told him the salary, he asked "how much is that in chronic?"

Tyra's Hair Out of the Bag

unbeweaveable....Tyra's season premiere subtitled (This is not my hair)...

Here We Go Again...

Racist? Watermelon Soda Sold In Target from All Things Harlem on Vimeo.

This must be a Target "Express" it is the smallest Target I've ever seen.
Also, whenever I have a watermelon soda, this is not my brand...

The EriAm Sisters are the next big thing

The EriAm sisters are members of a close-knot Eritrean family who have taken the internet by storm since they first started appearing on America's Got Talent this summer. The lead singer Haben is just 11 years old, but she is a clear leader with her strong vocals and charisma. The middle sister is a fresh-faced 13 year old named Salina. The oldest sister, 15 year-old Lianda, could be mistaken for a budding supermodel. Together they make stage magic not seen since the likes of Destiny's Child over 10 years ago. If you like what you hear, please visit their website www.eriamsisters.com and show them some love.

BET Put on Blast by Ex-Insider

Andreas Hale, former Executive Editor of Music at BET.com, has been let go.

But instead of simply gathering up his pencils, Rolodex and the favorite coffee mug, Hale took to the web to lay out many of his trials and tribulations during his time at BET.

Hale then hit 'send' on an explosive email that landed in in-boxes Tuesday. The dysfunction that Hale describes is startling, but if we're honest, I think Hale verifies what many of us have long suspected:

"As someone who has been critical of BET for many years, it surprised many that I would leave my post at HipHopDX last year to take a position at BET. But it was an opportunity I absolutely had to take. I could no longer be critical of this company without accepting the opportunity to change it when given. ..."

"Although I was hired to bring about change, I was systematically shut down. I wasn't hired to make noise, I was hired to be silenced. The truth of the matter is that everything that you thought was wrong with BET is true. "

Read the rest of the article HERE...

Fiddy and Kathie Lee Discuss His New Book: The 50th Law

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

I think she'd hit it. What do you think?

Designer takes over Michael's last home

Ed Hardy designer Christian Audigier says he will take over Michael Jackson's Holmby Hills estate when Michael's lease is up in December. He intends to make the $90 million estate the headquarters for his fashion company. He and Michael were planning to launch a clothin line at the time of Michael's death. Audigier is also rumored to be purchasing Neverland Ranch but Planet Jackson could not confirm that at the time of this post.

White shoes, don't care

I don't care if it's past Labor Day. I wore them today and I don't even like snakeskin. (I love these shoes.) What did y'all do for your holiday? I spent it with family cooking out and drinking passionfruit margaritas by the pool.

Does he know she's not really white?

Rumor has it newly separated Oscar winner and Madonna ex-, Sean Penn, and Sports Illustrated model, Jessica White, are an item. Does he know she's not really white? (<-----I'm just being silly. She is absolutely gorgeous; while he is a brilliant actor, he was alleged to have beat Madonna on the regular back in the day. Oh, and he is technically still married to Robin Wright Penn.) No word on whose lips those are painted in her nether regions.

Photo: Rennio Maifredi for Sports Illustrated

Michael Jordan surprises everyone with his hall of fame pick

Michael Jordan chose someone with whome he has never played and who has never coached him to present him during his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He could have chosen Phil Jackson, Dean Smith, Charles Barkley, the list goes on and on. Instead, he chose David Thompson, The former NBA baller who had starred at North Carolina State.

Thompson was said to be flattered, "I was like, ‘Wow.’ He told them that he was a big fan of mine and I was the one that really inspired him. Being that there was so many North Carolina people he could’ve chose, I was honored. “I was kind of surprised, and also was really flattered that he chose me over Coach Smith. You know how important he is?”

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Janet to Perform Tribute to Her Brother at MTV Video Music Awards

This coming Sunday, September 13 at Radio City Music Hall in NYC.

The tribute will include and all-star lineup of 20 backup dancers 'which is being put together by some of the best choreographers in the world, including Frank Gatson and Travis Payne.'One of the dancers Kryiss Grant, said 'some of the rehearsals have lasted up to 15 hours and there won't be a dry eye in the house.'