Owner – Goodtime Girl Entertainment

Owner – Tina Farris Tours

Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – UCLA

Masters of Arts – Marriage, Family and Child Counseling – Antioch University, Los Angeles

Previous Job Experience:

French, Spanish and Leadership High School Educator – Compton High School and

Sacramento High School

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Opting for a path less traveled, I reached out to Tina Farris, owner of entertainment powerhouse companies such as Goodtime Girl Entertainment and Tina Farris Tours to get an in depth look into her non-traditional path in her work place.

Tina, can you briefly describe your day to day activities and responsibilities as owner of two successful entertainment companies?

My goal is logistics. It’s my job to obtain and pass on information. I contact bus companies, agents, band members, artists, travel agents and my employees to make sure all tours are being executed.

What advice, if any would you give those seeking to become Managers in Music Industry and, specifically, looking to land a “major” client ?

I didn’t start this career landing a “major” client. I started as a groupie. I love the music of The Roots. I followed them all around the world. One day, they asked me to stay. So I gave up my job in Compton and joined the circus–being with one group who then rose to being a major client, led me to new clients just starting, like Jill Scott or D’Angelo. That led me to major tour managers who hired me like Alan Leeds, which led to Maxwell. Those three under my belt led me to Queen Latifah, which then led me to Fergie, which led me to Lil Wayne. The relationships with those two groups led me to the Black Eyed Peas and then Nicki Minaj. You connect the dots from there. However I didn’t show up on Fergie’s doorstep one morning wanting to be her tour manager. She was still in Wild Orchid when I started. It’s really a process; more of a wave to ride. That’s why I like to surf.

Must Read: What Is Usher’s Favorite Barbershop In Dallas?

What are the major challenges in your role as Manager and what solutions have you deemed best to handle these challenges ?

Major challenges are pleasing everybody, or at least trying to. Groups on the road are a system. You have the artist and you have band and you have crew. I’ve been on the bad side of all of them and the good side. It ebbs and flows and you have to be the patient one in the middle who rolls with the punches.

What challenges, if any, do you attribute to being a female in this industry ?

It has always been my opinion that sexism is a bigger demon than racism or any ISMs out there. You have to prove yourself over and over again and stop people from taking advantage of you over and over again. You can also use your feminine wiles to get through all of the flagrant attacks on your character. It’s a tiresome game but, no one told me to jump into a man’s business, so I take it as it comes and I dish it out when i need to.

What would you contribute your level of success to ?

I’m personable. I’m generous. And I love to have a good time.

Any advice for younger colleagues ?

I’d say go to your local club and ask to be the merchandise person or find a group of your own and start going through the motions to get them noticed. Make an album, make a video, make a Youtube channel. With today’s technology, there are endless things you can do and you never know who’s watching and who may pick up a phone to call you. Sure it’s a big chance, but you’re more likely to get a break if you have something someone can see. You can’t stay behind your computer waiting for it to happen, you have to make it happen.

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Long Beach Pride Co-President, Pat Crosby explains the importance of Queen Latifah’s presence at the pride celebration, “For her to make her worldwide Pride debut here in Long Beach is a tremendous testament to the popularity of our celebration and to the strength of our community.” He goes on to say that Queen represents the voice of our generation.

Must Read: What Does Queen Latifah Find Sexy In A Woman?

Just because Queen Latifah is set to headline this Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival doesn’t actually confirm her sexuality because headlining acts past in include India.Arie, Mya and Jennifer Hudson.

However, we do know that Queen likes to vicariously come out through her actions and those have spoken louder than words. In her cameo on Vh1′s “Single Ladies,” she played a lesbian character. On an appearance on Wendy Williams, she came up with the most awkward way to respond to whether or not she’d have children. *shrugs* Personally, I hope this performance is Queen’s true coming out.

What do you think about Queen Latifah headlining the Long Beach Lesbian & Gay Pride Festival? Let’s discuss on Twitter @Rhapsodani.

Click Through This Gallery Of Queen Latifah And Her Former Main Squeeze Jeanette Jenkins!
Queen Latifah and Jeanette Jenkins

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Listen To This Queen Latifah-Inspired Playlist!

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Queen Latifah Reveals Plan To Adopt Child

“Honestly, if God’s willing, it will work out,” the “Single Ladies” star responded when asked if she wants to me a mom. “However it’s supposed to work out and that’s the plan.”

“It’s kind of funny because sometimes we forget, hey, ten fingers, ten toes, good pregnancy, good birth, everything worked out,” she continues. “Mama’s healthy, baby’s healthy and sometimes we get caught up in the fanfare of it all.”

‘I’d love to be a mom. But how that works out exactly, I cannot say.”

Latifah has also mentioned that she would like to adopt a child one day.

“Joyful Noise” Stars Queen Latifah & Dolly Parton Talk Faith, Film & Collabos [EXCLUSIVE]

Queen Latifah Wants To Change The Image Of Curvy Women

Queen Latifah

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The two powerhouse actresses/singers shared some of their limited time to chat with HB about the movie, their roles and how they manage to keep their own faith in Hollywood. Make sure you check out Joyful Noise on January 13th!

Dolly, what have you been doing for the last 20 years?
Dolly Parton: I’ve been doing a lot! Dollywood and all sorts of things. I’ve been touring. People think you don’t do anything because you’re not on the big screen. I haven’t had any good scripts come along. I’ve had a lot of junk. Right after Straight Talk, it was a time where I was too old to play young parts and too young to play old parts. But then something like this came along and I could play my age—I have a grandson and a young spirit. I thought this was the perfect script for me. The character was everything I believe myself to be. She’s got a big heart, big hopes and big hair. [laughs]

Would you consider doing one of each other’s songs?
Dolly Parton: Sure!
Queen Latifah: Well, she wrote the songs from the movie, so I guess I already did. You still owe me some joints. [laughs]
Dolly Parton: I do a rap thing by her in my stage shows.
Queen Latifah: You’ve got to pull it up on YouTube, it’s the best.
Dolly Parton: Yes, we would! We would even do a duet outside the movie.

Two dominant female iconic brands—you’ve done so much in entertainment. Do you take ownership in that?
Queen Latifah: Dolly was very much an icon to me growing up—the way she carried herself. She was very gifted up there and I developed early, so she was of the people that I saw that carried it well. She’s got grace, poise, talent and quick wit. She’s definitely inspired me and I’ve tried to continue that carrying myself a certain way, how I feel about women and how we should be treated through my raps and my career. Whatever great benefit it’s had is fantastic.
Dolly Parton: We did great together because we are totally two individuals. She’s got her space, I have mine and I respect that. We admire each other for that. We don’t have to be best girlfriends, going to eat out—I know who she is, she knows who I am and we respect each other and our space—just like you do all people that are strong in their faith and themselves. Every day it’s something that we admire in each other that’s new.

Dolly, because your role was written for you, what challenged you as an actress?
Dolly Parton: I don’t think anything challenged me as an actress, but let me tell you what did scare me—is when I found out I would have to learn choreography. I’m always clapping on the off-beat. To learn to dance, I freaked out! I can’t even walk and chew gum! I thought, oh no! I worked so hard. The little routines that I did with everyone else, you have no idea how long that took me. That’s the first time I had to do something like that and I was scared! It was out of my element. I’m no dancer. I was panicked. I prayed for God to dance through me. [laughs]

Queen, where did you go emotionally to get through your most powerful scene in the movie?
Queen Latifah: The elevator scene with Kiki was about embodying the words from that scene. Todd’s a great writer. He put the nuts and bolts there. We needed to curve it here and there to make it personal. Although I’m not a mom yet, I have been that 17-year-old girl that needed to get checked. I know the pain I caused my mom when we communicated about that. I also witnessed the birth of a friend of mine’s two children. So when a mom says, “I brought you into this world, I can take you out…” I really understand what it is to push someone out of your body and bring them here. It’s a great deal of love and pain. You put a lot into a child, so to have them go away from the path that you set for them is difficult. Especially when you’re missing a man and no one knows how cold your sheets are at night. I tried to imagine all the things Vi Rose does in a day—cleaning bedpans, being compassionate and kind, coming home taking care of two teenagers (one with special needs), trying to keep your faith, lead a choice—she was all about controlling everything. That was the moment that pushed her over the edge.

Being that you’re both women of faith, how do you maintain your beliefs in a place like Hollywood?
Dolly Parton: My faith is very personal to me. God is just my best friend. There’s only one God and we each try to get to him in some way. I just keep myself anchored. I don’t worry about what other people do or say. He’s my personal savior. I claim that. I speak to God just like He’s my best friend. When I get upset, I argue with Him. [laughs] The more personal your faith is to you, the stronger it is and the more you get out of it.
Queen Latifah: I conquer with all of that. I’ll add that I do a lot of things that make me have to lean back on Jesus. I’m not perfect, but having faith has allowed me not to become “of Hollywood, hip hop or the hood.” I step into those worlds, but God quickly reminds me of what the truth really is.

View the Joyful Noise trailer below!

Queen Latifah Reveals Plan To Adopt Child

A Look At Some Of The Great Women In Hip Hop

The show won’t air until tonight, December 19 at 9pm, but we’ve got a teaser for you until then! Here are all the songs you can expect to hear!

MEDLEY: “You Keep Me Hanging On” – Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Mary J. Blige / “Spotlight” – Jennifer Hudson / “Real Love” – Mary J. Blige / “Since You Been Gone” – Kelly Clarkson / “You Keep Me Hanging On (Reprise)”

CHICAGO MEDLEY: “Rescue Me” – Sharon Jones and Ledisi/ “Ain’t Nobody” Mary J. Blige and Chaka Khan

DETROIT MEDLEY: “Nowhere To Run” – Marsha Ambrosius, Sharon Jones and Martha Reeves / “Chain Of Fools” – Kelly Clarkson and Ledisi / “Sweet Love” – Marsha Ambrosius and Ledisi

LONDON MEDLEY: “Back To Life” – Estelle, Erykah Badu, Marsha Ambrosius and Questlove / “Walking On Broken Glass” – Florence Welch

MEMPHIS TRIBUTE: “Knock On Wood” – Jessie J and Jennifer Hudson / “I’ll Take You There” – Erykah Badu, Chaka Kahn and Mavis Staples

PHILADELPHIA MEDLEY: “Wake Up Everybody” – Estelle and Travie McCoy / “You Got Me” – Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Black Thought / “Motownphilly” – Boyz II Men

AMY WINEHOUSE TRIBUTE: “You Know I’m No Good” – Sharon Jones with The Dap-Kings with Wanda Jackson / “Back To Black” – Florence Welch

Now, who looked best? Check the gallery below!

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VOTE!

“A lot of manufacturers don’t respect the curvaceous woman,” she said in the January issue of ESSENCE. “They don’t respect our dollar or our shape.” Thankfully, she’s found an understanding vendor in HSN. “[It's] been such a great partnership,” she says. “I’m happy to make women’s clothing I really like.”

In August, Latifah told PEOPLE she was designing for real women who want affordable, wearable fashion. “It’s really something you can incorporate into your existing wardrobe,” she said of the tops, jackets, jeans and handbags in the Queen Collection. “I mean these are things that are really beautiful, but they’re very wearable. We’re really trying to make sure that they have the best fabrics possible, that it feels good on the body. I’m a Pisces, I’m sensitive; I like things to feel good on my skin.”

Designed for women sizes 2 to 24, the collection is everything the actress wants: “stylish clothes that fit my body, and make me look good and feel good about myself,” she shared. “I wanted to offer basically the same things that I have the opportunity to have.”

Work it girl!!

She explained: “I’m definitely going to adopt – or have – a child. I’ve wanted to adopt since I was 17 or 18 years old.”

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Latifah also opened up about her older brother Lance Owens who died in 1992 at the age of 24 while riding a motorcycle that she’d bought him – saying his death had inspired her to live her own life to the full.

Latifah who usually wears Lance’s motorbike keys around her neck said:

“I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to not stop living.”

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“As my Aunt Elaine says, ‘You never get over it, but you get through it.’ I think the most important thing I’ve learned is to not stop living.

“I know for a fact that my brother would not want me to stay right there, stuck in that misery.”

Wendy had asked the new mom about how she lost her pregnancy weight and Tia gave all the credit to celebrity trainer Jeanette Jenkins (who we all know is Latifah’s long-time rumored girlfriend).

But wait until you see Tia’s face (and hear her stutter!) when Wendy asks about Jenkins & Latifah’s friendship! Too funny. Watch the 4:30 mark!

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Queen Latifah’s Girlfriend Will Take Her Back If She Kicks Her Nasty Habits

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Producers for the franchise said they wanted to upgrade the contestants for the new season, which begins next month. We can’t wait to see who her partner is!

ABC will announce the cast of Dancing with the Stars Season 13 on August 29 during an episode of Bachelor Pad.

What Does Queen Latifah Find Sexy In A Woman?

Queen Latifah’s Girlfriend Will Take Her Back If She Kicks Her Nasty Habits

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“I just like ladies who have class. Period,” she said, “and if it’s ‘T and A’ you’re sellin,’ that’s fine, as long as that’s what you’re selling. But you don’t have to show everything, you know?”

Latifah added:

You don’t have to show everything; you don’t have to put it all out there to attract a guy. Because what kind of guy are you gonna attract? What is he really looking for? If you wanna be a booty call, I guess you can throw it all out there. (laughs) But if you’re looking for a relationship with someone who respects you and respects things other than your body—your mind, your spirit, your personality, your smile—then you have to kind of exude that more so than just yo’ booty and yo’ titties.

The full interview should be hitting newsstands soon.

Ladies, take it from the Queen, trashy and sexy should never be confused with one another.

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The couple were spotted working out recently and from the looks of things the relationship is back on again. Jeanette has had a change of heart and she’s willing to take Queen Latifah back on the condition that the Queen kicks her nasty habits, which includes drinking, smoking and eating fatty foods.

Latifah can thank the “Biggest Loser” trainer Jillian Michael who told her she needed to cut back on that junk food and start exercising in order to win back her girlfriend.

“Jillian told her if she is planning to raise children, it is her responsibility to be a good role model,” said the insider.

Ah the things we do for love!!

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FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER: @Sweet_Sweetback

The clothing will come in a variety of sizes, from 2 to “plus-size,” though that term will not be used, per Latifah’s wishes.

Debuting August 27, all apparel will be priced under $100, with leather outerwear and bags between $170-$300.

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Latifah says:

“I wanted my collection to reflect my personal style while giving women the tools to build a wardrobe they can feel good in. I partnered with HSN because it’s the ideal platform to share my story and the stories of women who inspired me. I hope to instill confidence in hundreds of thousands of women across the country.”

The collection will compliment many body types and was inspired by Queen Latifah’s personal style and wardrobe.

SOURCE

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Queen Latifah Becomes “Little Mermaid’s” Ursula For New Disney Ads [PHOTOS]

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Latifah is particularly interested in a sports-themed talk show for women. Her production company Flavor Unit will produce the shows and though she may not host she promised to have a regular role.

“I’m kind of the Barbara Walters,” she added. “I’ll definitely float in and out.”

“It’s great having a company that’s supportive of doing the same kinds of things and looking to the future, as opposed to trying to hold on to how things were in the past,” Latifah tells THR.

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Shot by famed photographer Annie Leibovitz, the ad which will appear in national magazines.

In 2008, Leibovitz shot the “Year Of A Million Dreams” campaign, which included Beyonce as Alice from “Alice in Wonderland,” and from “Aladdin,” Whoopi Goldberg as the Genie, and Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony as Jasmine and Aladdin.

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Other celebrities remaking animated Disney classics include Penélope Cruz and Jeff Bridges as Belle and the transformed prince from Beauty and the Beast, and Olivia Wilde and Alec Baldwin as the Evil Queen and Spirit in the Magic Mirror from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Check out the Queen’s transformation below.

The show will first be preceded by a 2-hour movie, airing May 30, that includes guest appearances from Lauren London, Eve, Common, TLC’s Chili, and Kim Porter.

The show will then likely premiere in July.

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She  also shared some insights about some of the lessons life has already taught her:

FAMILY VALUES HUSTLE = SUCCESS

Latifah took her early cues as a businesswoman from her family. “My grandfather owned a hardware store in Newark,” she says. “Just seeing him become successful and how it became a family business was always interesting to me. And if my brother and I wanted money in our pockets, we had to get jobs–my first was at 15, at Burger King. We had to come up with ways to create an income.” She avoided the routes that some neighborhood kids took. “Unfortunately, some of the brightest minds use that hustler spirit and apply it to becoming drug dealers. I didn’t want to be that person. It wasn’t a positive way to make money, and we all knew that it led to death or jail.”

READ THE REST HERE

VH1 Creating First-Ever Scripted Series Based Off Queen Latifah Movie

Queen Latifah Comes Out With New Woman [PHOTOS]

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Surely, this is not the first time a TV series has been based off of a film, but in this case, the show is being picked up before the movie has been released.

“Single Ladies” is a comedic drama about Val, Keisha, and April – three best friends with different philosophies on sex and relationships.

Val (Stacey Dash) is an ambitious aspiring fashion mogul who wants to find a true partner. Keisha (LisaRaye McCoy), on the other hand, is a former video dancer just looking for a rich man to keep her in style. April (Charity Shea,) has supposedly found the perfect man and the perfect marriage – but is learning that marriage isn’t necessarily a happy ending.

The series will mark VH1′s first foray into the hour-long scripted genre and Latifah will make a guest appearance.

The movie features guest appearances by Lauren London, Eve, Common, Chili, and Kim Porter.

Both will both premiere in July 2011.

Latifah & Her “Trainer” Buy A Home Together

Common & Queen Latifah’s “Next Time” [NEW MUSIC]

Latifah, Lisa and Stacey

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Check out this brand new SEX SELLS “My Mic Sounds Nice” trailer! The documentary will give an inside look at how women have affected rap music, and in turn how rap music affects female MCs of past and present.

Artists such as MC Lyte, Missy Elliott, and Queen Latifah contributed significantly to the shaping of hip hop music, bringing new sounds to the record labels. With the emergence of a younger generation of women in hip-hop including Nicki Minaj and Diamond, My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women and Hip Hop will serve as a commentary for how hip hop music is influenced by women and vice versa.

My Mic Sounds Nice: A Truth About Women and Hip Hop, produced and directed by acclaimed young filmmaker Ava DuVernay.

The documentary will give an inside look at how women have affected rap music, and in turn how rap music affects female MCs of past and present.

This artistically-shot documentary, using full-camera portraits and interviews of some of the greatest women to ever hold a mic, examines gender-specific differences in artistry, marketing, promotion and economics, and explores why there are far fewer female than male MCs.  DuVernay, whose debut documentary, This Is The Life, won numerous audience awards and premiered on Showtime in May 2009, asks whether there’s still a place for women in hip-hop.  The answer may surprise you.

My Mic Sounds Nice premieres Monday August 30, @ 10p EST on BET.

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We brought you the pics of Latifah with Jeanette Jenkins while on vacation with Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Now Latfiah is seen with a new mystery woman. Check it out:

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BET Screens First Music Documentary On Women In Hip-Hop

UPDATE: Latifah was spotted with a new mystery woman! Check it out here!

Check out the two getting touchy feely below:

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Latifah was on the yacht with none other that pregnant Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz! Check it out:
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Makeup this flawless belongs to none other than the queen herself – Queen Latifah. Whether she’s hosting the BET awards or walking the red carpet, the queen always gives us a makeup look that we’d all like to mimic.

To get the Queen’s look which is draped in lavender shades:

Step 1: To get the Queen’s glowing skin, apply a bronzer to your temples and to the hollows of your cheeks

Step 2: Define your eyes by using a light hand to apply brow powder to fill in your brows.

Step 3: Apply an iridescent/pearl eyeshadow beneath brow bone to define the shape.

Step 4: Apply a soft lavender eyeshadow to the entire eyelid (up to the brow bone), and then apply a dark purple eyeshadow on the lower eyelid on the outside corners of your eye in a v-formation.

Step 5: Line the top and bottom of your eye (near your lash line) with a black eye liner.

Step 6: Apply mascara, or for a serious effect, strip lashes.

To learn how to get Nicki Minaj’s, Ashanti’s and Ciara’s red carpet looks from the BET Awards, click here.

Hue Knew It? I did.

GALLERY: 2010 BET Awards

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How To Get Glowing Skin At Any Age

You’ve been asked so much about your sexuality. Wouldn’t it be easier at this point to just speak on it-once-and be done with it?

I don’t have to explain anything. I don’t have to confirm anything. Look, I need my time. I need my life.

But isn’t that a part of being a celebrity, letting people into your personal life?

You know, I was looking at something the other day. A magazine with Jennifer Aniston on the cover. That’s a strong woman right there. All of these people in her business-who is she dating? Angie this. Brad that. They come up with so much stuff. That’s a tough situation to be in. My situation is small compared to that. But still, I don’t feel like I need to explain. I’m the one living it. You write about it. You go ahead and speculate. I’ll just live it.

Do you feel like you’re understood by the people closest to you?

Absolutely. I don’t feel like I need to explain things to a perfect stranger. The people who matter know. And they love me for Dana. I don’t have to tell Joe Blow. Joe, you worry about who YOU sleeping with.

She also explained why she is wary of social networks:

When I meet someone I want to enjoy the moment of connecting with them. If they’re scrambling to get a picture to post on twitter, they’re losing the memory by missing the moment. Real life and social networking are not the same. I’m in a hotel room right now looking out at Central Park. The people out there are living life, playing soccer. Do I want to kick the ball? Or take a picture of it? I want to kick it

SOURCE

And Check Out This Week’s Exclusive Interview: VIDEO: Toni Braxton Admits To Having A “Cougar Crush” & Blaming Herself For Son’s Autism

Latifah & Her “Trainer” Buy A Home Together

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Suits Threatens To Expose Latifah’s Sexuality

Prince has been named this year’s BET Lifetime Achievement Award recipient!

The 51 year old superstar joins the likes of Whitney Houston, Diana Ross, James Brown, and Al Green in being honored by the BET Awards, which will celebrate its 10th year in Los Angeles on June 27.

BET says the Prince tribute will stand out. Stephen G. Hill, president of programming, music and specials for the network, said BET will celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer’s “unique style.”

“Prince is dynamic. Prince is genius. Prince is music,” Hill said of the performer, who has 10 platinum albums and 30 Top 40 singles to his name.

The BET show will be hosted by Queen Latifah and include performances by Kanye West.

Source

Happy Birthday Prince

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Queen Latifah and her trainer/alleged girlfriend Jeanette Jenkins have purchased a Hollywood home together. According to the property records, both Latifah and Jeanette’s government names are listed as purchasers.

It is being reported that they bought the 2,096 sqft 3-bedroom house this past December for $1.34 million.

Listing information shows that walled, gated and perfectly private “mini-compound” includes a 2,096 square foot house with wide plank chocolate brown hardwood floors, 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The interior spaces include a living room with a glass tile fireplace surround, a large dining room that opens to the side yard through French doors and a huge family room/kitchen with hexagonal Mexican tile floors and wall of multi-paned windows that open the room to a terrace with sunken hot tub that stretches along the back of the house and a bamboo surrounded lower terrace. SOURCE

And check out our Original Story Of The Week: He’s done it again, TOP 5: Chris Brown’s Failed Attempts To Get RiRi Back

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SPOTTED: Queen Latifah & Her New MAN?!

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Hear one of the latest tracks off of Common’s Go! Common Classics “best of” album, dropping May 25.

The collection features 11 songs from Common’s decade at MCA/Geffen Records, along with the 1996 battle record “The B**** In Yoo.”

Yes, this is the same Kanye-produced track that leaked a while back, but THIS has all new verses and features his “Just Wright” co-star Queen Latifah singing on the hook.

“Just Wright” Stars Show Us 4 Perfect “Date Night” Outfits

GALLLERY: Common & Latifah Do The “Just Wright” Premiere

You can bet that with a situation like this, first impressions are made and date nights are had, so looks & style tend to play a role.

Here, Leslie and Morgan teach us the do’s and don’ts of date night attire.

SPORTS EVENT

Even though Morgan slammed Leslie for wearing this tomboyish jersey…she was going to a basketball game, so how much more appropriate could her attire have been?

Plus, we see no problem in repping your favorite team (it shows you’ve got spirit!) or your mans favorite team, if you’re not into sports (but pretend you are for the night). A T-shirt and jeans look shows that you’re up for anything. No man wants to 1) wait as you slowly tip-toe down shaky bleachers in your towering heels, or 2) hoist you over his shoulder because your 6-inches are sinking into the playing field.

But if this look is still too “one-of-the-boys” for you, pair it with a fitted blazer.

TRAILER: Common, Latifah & Paula Patton’s “Just Wright”

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MEET THE PARENTS

Both Leslie and Paula stayed true to themselves when it came to dressing for this event (you’ll see what we mean when you see the film!), but for now, we think these outfits would be perfect when meeting your man’s parents. Even if you’re not a girly girl, for goodness sakes, toss the trousers out for one night and put on a frock.

A denim or khaki dress like Leslie’s proves that you’re the lovable girl-next-door. And cinching it with a belt is a perfect idea, just so it doesn’t look too “maternity.” You’re not ready for that discussion yet!

But for the ladies that aren’t afraid of frills and florals and flow, Morgan’s dress is equally ladylike. Rock something like this and it’ll show that you cared enough to make (and leave) an impression.

Common Talks Serena, Erykah & New Movie With Latifah

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DINNER & MOVIE

Sure, dinner and movie at a restaurant and theater is great – pricey, but great. Move the date inside and you can save money, save those awkward moments in front of folks when you’d like to engage in some PDA, but can’t, and save a fancy outfit (this is not to say that you should be donning sweats and a headscarf to his place!)

Both the ladies got this right. A T-shirt is fine in this instance, but think more: sexed-up with a deeper neckline, slender fit, and complimentary color to skin tone, and less: grungy, misshapen, college sleepwear. Plus, they made sure not to go with an overly-ornate tee. No rhinestones, studs, and beading, please! Ouch, no man can cuddle up next to that!

Queen Latifah To Throw Paula Patton’s Baby Shower

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PARTY

When a man asks you to be his one-and-only date to a party, whether it be company, birthday, or wedding, it’s because he’s proud to have you on his arm. He’s ready to introduce you to the friends and family he knows and loves (and is willing to undergo the scrutiny, because some of them will most certainly judge).

So, if you’re going to be on display anyway, why not take the opportunity to make it good?

Turn heads in a dress you feel most confident in. But remember the cardinal rule: if you’re going to show your legs, pick a more modest neckline. And if you’re going to show some cleavage, lower that skirt’s hemline. Accessories are sexual in the sense that they draw attention to that part of your body, so while a bracelet and watch reminds him to hold your hand, earrings and necklaces will remind him to kiss your neck – after the party and in private, of course!

SEE THE LADIES’ REAL LIFE PERSONAL STYLE BELOW!

Queen Latifah

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Check out the flicks below:

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Common Talks Serena, Erykah & New Movie With Latifah

SPOTTED: Queen Latifah & Her New MAN?!

Gabourey Sidibe, Gayle King, Queen Latifah, Omar Epps and Marlon Wayans are just a handful of the celebs we saw there! Take a look below:

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VIDEO: Gabourey Sings It & Shakes It On “SNL” Opening

VIDEO: Relive Michelle Obama’s NYC Culinary Tour

FROM FREDDYO: Common visited Atlanta earlier this week for an intimate meet & greet to answer a few questions about his new movie, Just Wright, starring Queen Latifah. He also shared his thoughts on his ex-girlfriend Erykah Badu’s “Window Seat” video, his relationship with Serena Williams and whether he would date a woman Queen Latifah’s size. Here are a few notes from the interview:

While addresses his transition from hip-hop to movies, Common revealed that he has always tried to remain true to himself, be creative and still have fun. He took acting lessons and takes his role as an actor very serious. He wants to have a long career in acting and is in it for the long haul.

On relationship with Serena Williams He says: He didn’t have to use any pick-up lines. He was just honest. He has great intuition and street sense when it comes to women and dating. He doesn’t knock women who admire him for his work, but she should still be able to hold her own. He can tell if someone is genuine.

On Black Romantic Comedies making a comeback: He is enthused and excited that films are starting to show another side… “I am really GEEKED. It’s like we can be classy, too. We love too. Love is universal.”

When asked would he date a woman of Queen Latifah’s size: He responded yes, if he was attracted to her. He stated, no matter a woman’s size, she should be able to love herself first, then she can get love in return.

On being a sex symbol: He definitely appreciates the love, but doesn’t take it to the head.

On Erykah Badu’s Window Seat Video: Common says he hasn’t seen the video yet. He says he is very low-tech and had a hard time finding it on YouTube. But he salutes Erykah Badu and agrees with his homeboys that “Yeah, she’s a sexy woman.” He thinks she is innovative and it was a great marketing strategy.

TRAILER: Common, Latifah & Paula Patton’s “Just Wright”

VIDEO: Erykah Admits She Wants “All The Rappers” To Herself

Common & Mos Def To Get TV Show

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