GABRIELLE UNION TO OPEN A WOMEN'S SNEAKER STORE IN MIAMI

Black girl magicGabrielle Union is one of the most stylish women in Hollywood. So it comes as no surprise that the actress is taking her love for fashion to the next level with her very own shoe store!

The Being Mary Jane star’s close friend and fellow Miami Heat basketball wife Faith Rein Haslem revealed that the two have been discussing an upcoming footwear venture in The Coveteur.

“Gabrielle Union and I are working on a women’s shoe store,” Faith Rein Haslem told The Coveteur. “It’s in the very early works, but we’re definitely taking steps in planning. Baby steps, but that’s definitely the goal.”

  Their sneaker store in Miami, Florida which is currently being called, Borrowed From The Boys. But unfortunately, don't think that you're just going to be in here copping your chick some of the freshest Jordan, Nike, or NMD silhouettes. Gabby and Rein are expressing that they want to enter the high-fashion sneaker game. With that being said, expect to see Buscemi, Giuseppe, and Balenciaga sneakers on deck at the sneaker shop.

JENNIFER LOPEZ HBO FILM TO PLAY DRUG LORD GRISELDA BLANCO

Jennifer Lopez is about to become the “Cocaine Godmother” in an HBO film about famed drug lord Griselda Blanco.

The singer-actress’ Nuyorican Productions and LBI Entertainment are working on a film that focuses on the life and death of Blanco, who is known for her role in drug trafficking in the 1970s and ’80s.

Lopez will play the role of Blanco and she is also set to executive produce the film along with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Benny Medina, Julie Yorn, and Rick Yorn, among others.

“I’ve been fascinated by the life of this corrupt and complicated woman for many years,” Lopez said, according to Deadline. “The idea of teaming with HBO felt like the perfect fit for finally bringing Griselda’s story to life.”

Blanco has been the focus of rap lyrics, as well. “Karma catches up to all you head honchos,” The Game rapped on “See No Evil.” “Two dome shots in that head, Griselda Blanco.”

The “Cocaine Godmother,” also known as the “Black Widow” and “Cocaine Cowgirl,” was shot and killed in Medellín, Colombia in 2012. She was 69.

Currently, Lopez is on the other side of the law as a star on “Shades of Blue,” an NBC drama in which she plays a police officer. She also executive produces that series with Goldsmith-Thomas and Medina. Nuyorican Productions has also worked on “The Fosters” and The Boy Next Door.

GIN & JUICE SNOOP DOGG & MARTHA STEWART TEAM UP FOR VH1 ‘DINNER PARTY’ SERIES

Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart are bringing the party to VH1.

The odd couple will star in a series for the network called “Martha & Snoop’s Dinner Party.” Each week, the domestic diva and hip-hop mogul will invite their celebrity guests over for a “half-baked evening of cocktails, cooking, conversation, and fun where nothing is off limits,” according to a press release.

“My homegirl, Martha and I have a special bond that goes back,” said Tha Doggfather. “We’re gonna be cooking, drinking, and having a good time with our exclusive friends. Can’t wait for you to see how we roll together!”

Martha concurred. “At our dinner party, we will exemplify America’s fascination with food, entertaining, and celebrity,” she said. “‘Martha & Snoop’s Dinner Party’ will redesign the traditional food competition shows in a new, different and very funny way.”



This might seem like an unlikely pairing, but Snoop and Martha have a long history of appearing on TV shows together, including Justin Bieber’s “Comedy Central Roast” and ABC’s “100,000 Pyramids.”

HISTORY HAS BEEN MADE DIRECTOR AVA DUVERNAY MAKES A FIRST.

Selma director Ava DuVernay is set to break a major milestone: she will become the first woman of color to direct blockbuster movie with a budget of at least $100 million when she gets behind the camera for her upcoming film, A Wrinkle in Time.

DuVernay joined the production earlier this year, and in doing so, became one of a select group of filmmakers, ones who directed a major movie with a budget in excess of nine figures. According to the LA Times, she’s also part of two much smaller groups: women who have directed a film of that scale, as well as directors of color.

The milestone is a notable one: it demonstrates the faith a studio has in its director, and puts DuVernay’s name before a wide audience. The film will be written by Frozen co-director Jennifer Lee and will star Oprah Winfrey. Winfrey is an executive producer for DuVernay's OWN show Queen Sugar.

DuVernay pointed out that she wasn’t the first woman of color to be capable of directing such a feature.

She noted that the milestone comes with a downside: audiences have certainly missed out on the visions of numerous other directors who could have come before her in another tweet.

KERRY WASHINGTON COVERS INSTYLE MAG & WHY SHE TOOK A BREAK FROM SOCIAL MEDIA

 Sometimes all the information is simply overwhelming.

That's why Kerry Washington felt the need to drop her social media connections, albeit briefly, in May, the Scandal star explained in her cover interview for InStyle magazine's September issue, due out August 12.

'I started to feel overwhelmed, like there was too much noise,' the 39-year-old said. 'I felt like I had to get back to who Kerry really is.'

The star, who is expecting her second child, said it was her success - and her unborn baby - that forced her to pull back a little.

'I think that's where the need for quiet is coming from. You arrive at a certain place of achieving and suddenly you feel like your goals are being dictated by other people,' she said.

'Right now, as I get ready for this second baby, it's really about me being in touch with what I want.'

The actress is expecting her second child with her San Francisco 49ers cornerback husband, Nnamdi Asomugha.

The couple, who married in 2013, already share two-year-old daughter, Isabelle.
And she looked stunning in the cover shot and two others that InStyle released on Thursday, all showing her from the chest up.

 In a second picture she posed in a black Bottega Veneta bra-top with spaghetti string straps and draped a Prada black and white plaid coat over her shoulder.

 In the third she wore a white Celine T-shirt with a black sequin design on the front and statement Leigh Miller earrings. Her hair was slicked down to appear as if she had just got out of a swimming pool.

SUICIDE SQUAD PREMIERE WILL SMITH, VIOLA DAVIS & MORE

He's a dead ringer for Deadshot. Will Smith was joined by his lookalike son Jaden on the red carpet for the world premiere of Suicide Squad in New York on Monday.

The 47-year-old looked sharp in a charcoal suit, with a lighter grey shirt and tie, finishing in gleaming brown shoes. Worst heroes ever: Will was joined by co-stars Margot Robbie and Jared Leto - who play Harley Quinn and The Joker - on the (black) red carpet.  Bad guys: Viola Davis and Joel Kinnaman also joined the trio. 

Over the top Margot Robbie stunned on the red carpet premier of her latest film Suicide Squad in New York.

Wearing an Alexander McQueen unicorn sequin maxi dress that shines and dazzles. She looks absolutely divine and the center of attention in her $12,000 above. Suicide squad in theaters this Friday.

 

VIDEO: MALIA OBAMA DANCING AT LOLLAPLOOZA

Being a teenager...It was a historic week at the Democratic National Convention, but Malia Obama skipped the event altogether in favor of Lollapalooza.

Fans captured footage of President Obama’s oldest daughter attending the four-day festival at Chicago’s Grant Park. On Friday, she and her friends were spotted on the side of the stage dancing during Mac Miller’s set (to his hit “Donald Trump,” no less)

FIRST COMES DIVORCE & THEN COMES MARY J. BLIGE ANNOUNCES NEW TOUR WITH MAXWELL

R&B veterans, Mary J. Blige and Maxwell, are hitting the road this fall for the King & Queen of Hearts World Tour. The duo’s first joint venture is set to kick off on October 15th in Frankfurt, Germany before making subsequent stops in Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

Maxwell is currently already out on tour, having hit the road earlier this summer with singer Ro James. Together the pair picked up Fantasia, who joined their tour last month in North Carolina.

As for Mary, she’s reportedly finished recording the follow-up to her highly acclaimed 2013 album The London Sessions. Early rumors have her debuting new songs on the tour.

And, as I’m sure many of you have already heard, Mary will have lots to share thanks to news of her divorcing Kendu Isaacs, her husband of twelve years.

Mary’s rep released a statement a few moments ago, which you can read below.

Ms. Blige is saddened to say it is true that she has filed for divorce, saying sometimes things don’t work how we hoped they would… but there is a divine plan and a reason for everything,” the statement read. “Mary will continue writing and working on her album, which is due out later this year, along with her world tour. She thanks and appreciates her fans for their support and love through this very difficult emotional time.

REALITY STAR! TOYA WRIGHT BROTHERS MURDERED IN NEW ORLEANS

Senseless...Reality star Toya Wright has lost two of her beloved brothers to gun violence  The two young men were discovered shortly after midnight Sunday inside a car near the corner of Pauger and North Miro streets in the city's 7th Ward. 

Both had been shot multiple times and pronounced dead at the scene, New Orleans police said. Less than an hour later, a man was shot to death in the Seabrook neighborhood of New Orleans East.

Police have not released any information about a motive or possible suspects in either fatal shooting

Wright, a New Orleans native, is the ex-wife of Lil Wayne and is one of the stars of "Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars" on We TV. She is also a musician, author and owner of a Magazine Street boutique. 

She could not be immediately reached for comment but she did release a statement on Instagram.  So we ask does Black lives matter?  Our prayers go out to her family.

To be continued...details are still coming in...

AND ANOTHER ONE...MARY J. BLIGE FILES FOR DIVORCE

We actually liked them together.,but sometimes "mo money..mo problems".   Mary J. Blige has split from her husband.

The 'Family Affair' singer has filed for divorce from Martin 'Kendu' Isaacs - who is also her manager - after 12 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.

According to TMZ, for unclear reasons the split date is stated in the documentation as 'to be determined', and the 45-year-old singer has asked the courts to deny spousal support.It is not clear if the couple - who don't have children together - had a pre-nuptial agreement.

Mary previously admitted having both a personal and professional relationship with her spouse could be tough. 'When you don't feel like answering to your manager, he's still your husband. If one of you doesn't want to talk about something right now, you have to respect that. And you have to respect each other's space.'  To be continued.

NEW VIDEO: JIDENNA – ‘LITTLE BIT MORE’

Jidenna delivers a “Little Bit More” in the music video for the latest single off his upcoming debut Long Live the Chief.

Donning “Classic Man” steez once again, Jidenna gets dapper for his girl in bright suits for the tropical setting. “She was made for my eyes,” he sings. “We escape the times.”

The fun continues for Jidenna, who shows off his dance moves through the evening. After all, he says, he’s going to need the whole night, plus a “Little Bit More.”

Earlier this year, Jidenna also unleashed the music video for “Knickers” and in December, he rolled out a clip for “Chief Don’t Run.”

Long Live the Chief is due in October on Wondaland/Epic. “You can expect swank. You can expect an album that feels like the adventures of classic man,” Jidenna told Rap-Up TV last year. “You can expect the best album in 2016, hands down, feet down.”

Escape to island paradise with Jidenna in the “Little Bit More” video below.

BEYONCE & JAY-Z SHARE PICS OF THERE EUROPE VACAY

 The Carters escape to Europe.

After vacationing in Hawaii last month, Beyoncé took some much needed time off to spend with her family during the European leg of the “Formation World Tour.” As news of her 11 VMA nominations dropped, Queen Bey shared the beautiful family flicks on her website.

The colorful images feature Jigga, ‘Yoncé, and Blue celebrating life in Paris with a stupendous view of the Eiffel Tower. In one shot, Mr. and Mrs. Carter embrace one another above the city. In another, Mama Bey and Blue jump around with the iconic landmark behind them.

During their European holiday, the picture-perfect family also took in some R&R at Lake Como in Italy. The ’03 Bonnie and Clyde cruised through the upscale Italian resort in a classic red convertible and enjoyed a relaxing boat ride with Blue Ivy on board.

This evening, the LEMONADE songstress is continuing her “Formation World Tour” with a sold-out show in Stockholm. The European leg of the tour comes to an end on Aug. 3 in Barcelona before heading back to the States in September.

RIHANNA CHECKS INTO A & E SEASON 5 "BATES HOTEL"

Rise and shine Navy, your girl has landed another acting role. Via the Hollywood Reporter, Rihanna will take on the role of Marion Crane in the fifth and final season of A&E’s hit drama Bates Motel.

Producers Carlton Cuse and Kerry Ehrin made the announcement earlier today while attending day one of San Diego Comic Con. “We wanted to thrust the iconic role into a contemporary spotlight and redefine it in a meaningful way,” Cuse told reporters. “We also heard Rihanna was a big fan of the show, and we’re huge fans of hers, so it was a perfect collision of creativity and fate.”

Bates Motel is loosely based on the Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho, and revolves around Crane’s character, who while on the run with a suitcase full of stolen money, is killed when she checks into the Bates and is then stabbed to death in the shower. The role was originally played by Janet Leigh and is one of the most iconic in film history.

FANTASIA DEBUTS ‘I MADE IT’ ON ‘GOOD MORNING AMERICA’

Gearing up for the release of her fifth album The Definition Of…, Fantasia stopped by “Good Morning America” on Monday to debut her new Tye Tribbett collaboration “I Made It.”

“I made it,” she triumphantly sings on the gospel song. “I made it, y’all! Still Standing.”

Due Friday, The Definition Of… features additional appearances from Aloe Blacc and Stacy Barthe, plus production from R. Kelly, Brian Kennedy, and Jerome “J-Roc” Harmon.

Prior to “I Made It,” the powerhouse vocalist also released “Sleeping with the One I Love,” “Ugly,” and “No Time for It.”

Watch Tasia’s powerful performance below.

ED HARTWELL FILES FOR DIVORCE FROM PREGNANT KEISHA KNIGHT PULLIAM

Ed Hartwell files for divorce from actress Keshia Knight Pulliam and demands a paternity test for her unborn child... 

A few months ago there were rumors Ed Hartwell and Keshia Knight Pulliam's marriage was on the rocks.  

The rumors were true. We’re told Keshia is not yet aware that he has filed for divorce. She also has no idea Ed simply wants out of the marriage and to remain single.

At least one of the issues stems from Ed feeling like Keshia acts in a “spoiled” way, something he knew before he married her after four months of dating. Apparently, he has a history of acting impulsively, i.e. that surprise wedding after just a few months of dating.

They did not spend his birthday together on May 7th.

Keshia recently revealed she’s pregnant with her and Ed’s first child, and it’s a girl.  According reports Ed Hartwell filed for divorce today after 8 months of marriage citing irreconcilable differences.

Ed tells The YBF, 

“Right now, the only thing I want is a paternity test for the baby.”