MISSY ELLIOTT PERFORMS AT ESSENCE FESTIVAL, PARTIES WITH BEYONCÉ & SOLANGE

Sparks were flying when Missy Elliott took the stage on Day 3 of the Essence Festival at New Orleans’ Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Saturday (July 4). In addition to performances from Usher, Mystikal, and Erykah Badu, the hip-hop trailblazer delivered one of the most anticipated sets of the weekend.

“I know y’all got your hair did and all that but we came to party,” said Missy (via Billboard). “I hope you brought your beautician with you.”

She ran through her hits including “Get Ur Freak On,” “One Minute Man,” “The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly),” and “Hot Boyz.”

Missy Elliott and Tweet

But she had some technical difficulties when she got to “Pass That Dutch.” After asking the sound guy to repeat part of the song (to no avail), she was unable to continue her set for six minutes.

“See? These are the type of things that artists go through,” she told the crowd.

When the sound came back, she was barely able to get through “Holding You Down (Goin’ in Circles)” and “Need U Bad” with Jazmine Sullivan before the mics were cut off again, much to the displeasure of her fans.


Two hours later, at 1 a.m., she returned to the stage to apologize, accompanied by Essence Communications president Michelle Ebanks and Monica, who was slated to appear during Missy’s set. Ebanks attributed the abrupt end of Missy’s show to a “production issue.”

“I’m sorry I was cut off,” said Missy (via NOLA.com). “I came here to give 100 percent. I was cut off. I was disappointed. I thank you for coming out.”

CHRIS BROWN FILES FOR PATERNITY OF ROYALTY

Does he have nerves or nah?  Chris Brown is fighting for Royalty. The singer has filed legal documents in Houston to establish paternity of his one-year-old daughter.

According to TMZ, Breezy and his baby mama Nia Guzman have been at odds over child support and custody demands, so he’s asking a judge for paternity, which will give him the right to challenge Nia over support and custody.

Chris is reportedly paying Nia what he believes is a fair amount (She claims $2,500 a month), but she is demanding $15,000 a month in child support. He wants a judge to set the number and believes it will be closer to his figure than hers.

He also wants a judge to establish custody guidelines. Nia has reportedly been denying him the right to see his daughter, and he wants a judge to set her straight once and for all.

Chris has been enjoying fatherhood. Last month, he celebrated Royalty’s first birthday by taking her to Disneyland and throwing a lavish party at his house.

“I think this was just a blessing in disguise with my daughter because I get a chance to look at her and teach her the right path and also be a father in my daughter’s life,” he told Ryan Seacrest. “Just to see a smile on her face—just to see the littlest things—is emotional for me, so I just love that aspect of being able to be a father now.”

NEW VIDEO: RIHANNA – ‘BITCH BETTER HAVE MY MONEY’

Must of us have uttered similar words...where's my money..lol!! Don’t mess with Rihanna. The record-setting superstar exacts revenge in the dark and deadly video for “Bitch Better Have My Money.”

 In the cinematic clip, which she co-directed with Megaforce, the bad gal goes gangsta and kidnaps a rich white lady in an elevator before carrying out her sinister plan. With the woman topless in the back seat, RiRi drives through the desert with her two female henchmen.

They charter a ship and get high and drunk in a motel room with their kidnapee by their side, but in the end, it turns out that the “bitch” is Rihanna’s accountant (the kidnapee’s husband), who’s been spending her money on strippers and alcohol. She ties him up and brandishes a knife before unleashing a bloodbath. Rihanna wakes up the next day in the suitcase, totally naked and covered in blood and money after the cruel and unusual punishment.

“Ya girl got director skillz!!! The concept for this piece came to me 8 months ago!!! So you can imagine how anxious I am right now!!!” said RiRi.

Watch her wicked games unfold.

SHERI SHEPARD AGREES TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT

Sherri Shepherd's messy divorce and child support battle with ex-husband Lamar Sally is finally settled and Sherri has agreed to pay child support for their child born via surrogate. Sherri Shepherd's messy divorce and child support battle with ex-husband Lamar Sally is finally settled and Sherri has agreed to pay child support for their child born via surrogate.

According to TMZ Sherri and Lamar settled their divorce and Sherri has agreed to pay $4,100 a month in child support for the baby born via surrogate that she claims she was tricked into agreeing to. The support order will increase to $4,600 once the child turns 13-years-old.

JANET JACKSON ANNOUNCES NEW UNBREAKABLE DIAMONDS COLLECTION

Like most celebs, singer Janet Jackson is looking to branch out and expand her empire. And while in this day and age for the average celebrity that would mean a clothing line- Miss Jackson, however, is no average celebrity, and thus has chosen to do things a bit differently.

Per NPR, Janet is getting into the diamonds business. That stunning yellow heart shaped necklace she wore at the BET Awards is reportedly a part of her new Janet Jackson Unbreakable Diamonds Collection, and will retail for the low-low price of only two millions dollars. The ring Janet wore however will be a bit more economical, costing a mere five-hundred thousand dollars.

The Janet Jackson Unbreakable Diamonds Collection will be sold exclusively via: http://www.paulrapsny.com/

NE NE LEAKES LEAVING THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA

The very Rich Bitch is hit the ultimate "Girl Bye"...You're going to need a glass of wine for this one. After nearly eight drama-filled years on Bravo's hit Real Housewives of Atlanta, fast-talking fan favorite NeNe Leakes is calling it quits, she tells PEOPLE exclusively. 

Leakes, 48 – arguably the network's biggest star, who's been with the show since its inception – will not be returning for season 8. She says there comes a time when enough is enough. 

Leakes issued a statement via twitter, "After seven seasons of being part of Real Housewives of Atlanta, I can confirm that I am not going to be returning to the show for Season 8.  I am grateful to Bravo, Andy Cohen and True Entertainment for giving me the opportunity to show the world NeNe Leakes and sometimes to show them NayNay," the reality star told Us. "Being part of RHOA has been a big part of my life but I’m excited for new the beginnings I am pursuing and embarking upon. Thank you so much to everyone who has watched and supported me over the years on this amazing platform.  With lots of thought and prayer I’ve decided to step out on faith and not fear."

"This was definitely a hard decision for me," Leakes tells PEOPLE. "Me and my husband [Gregg Leakes] have been going back and forth on it for weeks now. But my contract is up and I just think this is the right time. This is my opportunity to spread my wings and do different things." 

 The announcement comes with the news that Leakes will soon be focusing on totally new projects.

"I'm actually going to be doing a new primetime television show with a big legend," Leakes teases of the series she begins filming this week. "All of my fans will get to see me be really happy, witty and funny and tell all of those one liners that I always have said on Housewives."

It's a positive new direction that the mother of two is more than happy to take.

"I feel a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders," says Leakes, who throughout the years was the center of many arguments and altercations on the show.

BOO GAZING: CELEBS OUT: NAOMI CAMPBELL, SOLANGE, LENNY KRAVITZ & MORE

Naomi Campbell stomped down the runway like nobody’s business at the Givenchy Menswear show in Paris.

Lenny Kravitz and Salma Hayek were seatmates during the Saint Laurent Menswear show in Paris.

Sandra Bullock wore some chic Minions-inspired heels to her Los Angeles premiere.

On Monday, Tom Cruise gets rolling while filming a scene for his upcoming movie Mena in Madison, Georgia.

SOLANGE Solange attends the Kiehl's x Solange Partnership Launch Breakfast in New York City.

Cassie Ventura attends Ciroc Summer Brunch at PUMP in West Hollywood.

JANET JACKSON ACCEPTS BET ICON AWARD, AFTER DANCE TRIBUTE FROM CIARA, JASON DERULO & TINASHE

As Janet’s new single “No Sleeep” played before a group of dancers, the icon herself emerged to a standing ovation, looking stunning in all white.

She acknowledged her husband and parents, who were both in the audience, and thanked her fans for their loyalty.

“My heart is so full. Thank you God for making everything, anything possible,” said Janet. “I’m so grateful for the support you’ve always given me.”

Janet will kick off her “Unbreakable World Tour” on Aug. 31 and release her first album in seven years this fall.

But before Ms. Janet if you nasty excepted her award, The global megastar was honored with the Ultimate Icon: Music Dance Visual award and received a dance tribute from some of today’s top artists. Her longtime producers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, opened by recalling their first meeting with Janet in Minneapolis.

“Musically engaging, visually compelling, masterfully performed, and rabidly consumed,” were just a few of the adjectives the longtime duo used to describe Miss Jackson.

As a mini movie of Janet’s biggest moments flashed on screen, the star power was felt. Breaking from the traditional tribute norm, Ciara, Jason Derulo, and Tinashe danced to Janet’s classics, a testament to the superstar’s ability to mesh solid tunes with choreographed dance.

Tinashe came first to recreate the “Pleasure Principle” dance sequence (complete with chair), followed by Jason Derulo with 2001’s “All for You.” Ciara’s long-awaited moment sealed the deal as she recreated the classic “If” dance routine followed by “Rhythm Nation.”

BET 2015 RED CARPET ....WHO WORE WHAT AND WHY?

Well hello, Ciara. The singer (alongside football player-beau Russell Wilson) drops jaws turns heads in a sleek, beaded dress featuring an ultra-plunging neckline.

NICKI MINAJ & MEEK MILL

The sun was hot and the stars were even hotter at the BET Awards 2015 on Sunday. Before the main event, rappers, singers, athletes, and actors showed out on the red carpet at L.A.’s Microsoft Theater.  Who's your pick for best dressed?

GABRIELLE UNION

Power couple: Anthony Anderson, left, and Tracee Ellis Ross looked like they were ready for their wedding day.

So much space between them: Parker, left, kept her distance from Boris Kodjoe - who looked dapper in a grey smoking jacket and white slacks - on the carpet.

Golden girl: The Barbadian beauty, 27, sparkled in a gold suit that showed off her cleavage and her legs to perfection and rocked some serious bling.

CHRIS BROWN

BRANDY

ANGELA SIMMONS 

 Short and sparkly: Zendaya (right) wore a minidress that showed off her long legs as she posed with Laverne Cox.

Jonalle Monae

CHRISTINA MILIAN

KARRUECHE TRAN

Sluts R us...BLAC CHYNA & AMBER ROSE

TAMAR BRAXTON AND K. MICHELLE TO END FEUD AT BET AWARDS

The beef is over. Tamar Braxton and K. Michelle are putting their differences aside and uniting for a performance at the BET Awards 2015.

“There is a very special performance that is coming up,” Tamar tells ET. “With the whole women empowerment and everyone coming together, and everyone coming from a place where we can all understand each other, I’m doing a very special performance with myself and K. Michelle.”

She continued, “In the past, we’ve both had a lot of disagreements, I guess life in general. This is actually the first time we’ll be meeting each other. I’m just really excited because I’m really about girls sticking up for each other and being there for each other, and it’s time for all the nonsense to stop and let’s just empower each other and be great.”

DIDDY, LIL’ KIM, & FAITH EVANS TO REUNITE BAD BOY AT BET AWARDS?

Bad Boy is back. Diddy, Lil’ Kim, Faith Evans, Ma$e, and other members of the famed hip-hop crew will reportedly reunite at this Sunday’s BET Awards.

Faith posted a photo of her and Diddy in rehearsals with the caption: “In rehearsal clowning with @iamdiddy #BadBoy #Family #teamfizzy #teamprolific #IncomparableAlbum #Faith20 coming soon!”

She also shared a clip of herself performing “Love Like This” with her dancers and choreographer Laurieann Gibson. “Creative Flow #BET awards #prepnation #history coming,” said Gibson.

Ma$e, The Lox, 112, Mario Winans, and Lil’ Kim are also expected to take part in the celebration. Kim confirmed that she is in Los Angeles. “Big week ahead,” she tweeted.

A Bad Boy tour is also reportedly in the works. In April, Diddy announced that he would be launching a world tour. Tune in to the BET Awards 2015 on Sunday to see the Bad Boy reunion, plus performances from Nicki Minaj, Chris Brown, Kendrick Lamar, Meek Mill, Big Sean, and a dance tribute to Janet Jackson featuring Ciara, Tinashe, and Jason Derulo.

CHRIS BROWN WANTS YOU TO KNOW WHAT HE FEELS ABOUT WOMAN WHO WEAR WEAVES

Sorry we could not help but to laugh at this stunt queen! As the #Teamnatural, #TeamRealHair movements gather steam in the black community, men are speaking up about their distaste for all things fake as it relates to women but especially black women.

Yesterday, Chris Brown posted this photo of himself wearing his hair in a mini bun.

“This how most of yall ladies be looking after the club!” he wrote in the caption. His post was an obvious dig at black women who take their hair extensions out when they sweat out their weave at the club.

Some might find this offensive but we don't, it is what it is! This won't stop the gang of groupies with their 22-36 inch virgin weave hair from flocking around him. He has spoken he likes LSLH but real hair we must add.  

Although he clearly has no respect for women hair accessory choice.  Either way this post is for you.  I think the message is clear.  Stunt queen or nah?

BOBBI KRISTINA MOVED TO HOSPICE "RELATIVES SAY IT'S IN GODS HANDS NOW"

 

Not so good news for Bobbi Kristina Brown. Reportedly, the 22-year-old daughter of Bobby Brown and the late Whitney Houston, is being moved to a hospice.

On Wednesday, her family released a statement, sharing that her condition had worsened. A statement from the family read:

Despite the great medical care at numerous facilities, Bobbi Kristina Brown’s condition has continued to deteriorate. As of today, she has been moved into hospice care. We thank everyone for their support and prayers. She is in God’s hands now.

Just last week, Bobbi’s father, Bobby (Brown), issued the following statement:

Unless you hear it directly from me or through my attorney, do not believe any words attributed to me. I am making decisions with Pat Houston and we are working together for the medical care of my daughter. I do not have time for the frequent side shows that others choose to engage in almost on a daily basis. Right now we are focused on Bobbi Kristina’s medical prognosis and the criminal investigation. These are the priorities for us. Whoever had a hand in causing my daughter’s injuries needs to be brought to justice.

As previously reported, Bobbi was found in January of this year face-down in her bathtub. No additional details have yet been released. [E!, CNN].

DIDDY RELEASE STATEMENT ABOUT UCLA ARREST..."WHAT HAD HAPPEN WAS"

Mr.  "take that ...take that...is playing damage control.  Yesterday Sean Diddy Combs was arrested and charged with assault with a deadly weapon for attacking his son's football coach at UCLA [click here if you missed that].

Diddy speaks out about the incident…

Diddy's reps tell Revolt TV,

"The various accounts of the event and charges that are being reported are wholly inaccurate. What we can say now is that any actions taken by Mr. Combs were solely defensive in nature to protect himself and his son. We are confident that once the true facts are revealed, the case will be dismissed."

Meanwhile sources tell The Bruin Report  this is how the incident played out, 

The incident began early Monday morning when Justin Combs, Diddy’s son, was participating in an off-season workout on UCLA’s field. According to sources, Combs, who will be a redshirt junior defensive back this fall, had missed some recent workouts and wasn’t giving a great effort Monday morning, so UCLA strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi kicked him out of the session.

At approximately noon, Combs and Diddy came to UCLA’s athletic facility, the Acosta Center, while Alosi was in his office, which is adjacent to the weight room. Combs entered Alosi’s office while Alosi was on the phone, and Alosi asked Combs to wait a moment while he finished the call. Many sources who were in the locker room witnessed an angered Diddy enter Alosi’s office, rattling off expletives at the coach. Alosi then instructed interns who were immediately outside his office to alert campus security. A still incensed Diddy then came around Alosi’s desk, saying that he would get campus security on Alosi’s desk phone. Alosi, then, according to witnesses, put up his hand in a non-threatening way, and instructed Combs to get his father out of the office. Diddy then walked into Alosi’s hand, and told Alosi not to put his hands on him.

In the next moment, according to many on the scene, Diddy attacked Alosi, until interns and other personnel pulled off Diddy. The celebrity broke free again at one point and struck Alosi. The personnel were then successful in getting Diddy out of the office and into the weight room, where Diddy picked up a kettlebell, which is a type of barbell, and then swung in at one of the interns.

According to sources, Alosi had scratches on his face and his shirt was ripped as a result of the altercation.