All Entries Tagged With: "Reality TV"
Bernice Is Back w/More Tow Drama, But Stays Humbled By the Love From Fans
Our favorite tough girl is back! It’s been a minute since STACKS Magazine spoke with Bernice [READ HERE]. At the time, she was adjusting to the new fame, her role, and the overwhelming support from her fans. At one point she was released from her duties as a tow truck driver. But the Tremont Towing family welcomed her with open-arms. Since then, she’s been working hard on nights and weekends in the city of Miami and South Beach. Her hard work and dedication is all for the benefit of her lovely mother. Coming from humble beginnings, she’s on a mission to build an empire so that her mom won’t have to work anymore. She truly has a heart of gold. Of course, though, once you piss her off all hell can break loose.
In season 3 and 13 episodes later, the fans can expect to see some interesting conflict from the Miami-native and the Tremont crew. “It’s a lot of drama. It’s a lot going on, man. Definitely, inside house [Tremont] it’s a lot going on. Basically, the dad got hurt last year (Season 2). People who he trying to get to take over to pretty much run the company while he deal with his health issues…so it’s a lot“, says Bernice. With the show premiering tonight on Tru TV, Bernice is somewhat limited in what “tea” she could spill. But she ensures that the fans will get a more in-depth look into the interactions and emotions that flow within the Tremont office. The health issues with Robert Ashenoff, Sr (the Boss) and the newborn of Christie Ashenoff has made way for someone else to manage the day-to-day operations. This new turn of events has caused a huge stir in the office. From Bernice’s point of view, it’s a matter of control. Unfortunately, everyone can’t be the boss.
Basically, it’s the drama. Everybody want to be the boss. Everybody want to be chiefs, but don’t nobody want to be indians. It’s crazy. Christy have had the baby and she was out for a while just dealing with trying to run stuff. But, everybody help each other out. But, it don’t usually work out like that when money is involved. And everybody trying to get a couple dollars. It’s just crazy! Exciting, crazy, and a lot of drama. This year is going to be more drama-filled I would say.
South Beach Tow started off with the crew towing cars and reactions of random individuals who didn’t follow parking instructions. Over the seasons, however, each crew member’s personalities started to shine. The viewers became in love with the characters and not so much with the act of towing a car. Apparently, the producers of the show has recognized this and will continue to push the stories behind the cast. In season 3, this will be evident as more drama with the crew jumps off. While the company is in a management transition, the staff will be more emotional and conflict will arise. According to Bernice, yes there will be “hella” conflict. She says, “You know, depending on who take over and who’s the boss, everybody don’t like everybody. It’s just like a family. Some people can be good as a friend, but can’t be good as a boss. You feel me? It’s just crazy. A lot of bumping heads.”
Drama makes for good television. But fans don’t worry, there will still be a lot of car towing going on. Unfortunately, Bernice couldn’t give any specific situations that will occur this season. But rest to sure that there wil be some wild and crazy stuff going on with the citizens of Miami. And the people of Miami sure do love them some Bernice. After mentiong to her that our first interview garnered a boat load of comments and support from fans, Bernice is still humble. She hasn’t let the fame get to her head and probably never will. Fans see her all the time in the streets of Miami. She humbly stops to take a photo or even sign an autograph. Despite what we all see on television, she’s very nice and a lover of the people. All of this is still a bit overwhelming though. But she’s handling things quite well with her longstanding friendships and support from family.
One thing about it, I’m from Miami so people will definitely recognize you. I love the people. I’m a people’s person. It’s pretty much the same. It’s still overwhelming, like, I communicate with the fans. I try to stay as humble as I can. Before all this, I knew a lot of people. So now, you got a lot of people on your side, backing you, and who want to see you do well. Of course, you got the people who hate. As long as they hate to the point that they are watching (the show) to hate, I’m fine with that sh*t. It’s all the same. It’s the same with everything. It’s just surreal. I have to tell the truth. I’m just thankful that people are really f**king with us like that. It’s good for me.
Stalkers stand back though! LOL. With the popularity, Bernice has encountered a few strange occurences. We tend to hear about strangers showing up a celebrities front door step. Not only this is crazy, but it is also dangerous. And it will be if you show up at Bernice’s house. Luckily she has not received an unwelcomed visitor as of yet. But she says that she has had several strange phone calls. “No, but somebody been calling my damn house. I don’t know how they got my number. They must be paying for that sh*t to get all your information. [laughs] But, I’m about to change it and block it. Listen, I have no clue. My number been the same since I was in middle school. It never been listed“, Bernice explains.
You got to love her. She upfront and don’t take no mess. And she appreciates all her fans. With her filming schedule being as hectic as it is, she does plan to get out and meet some of the fans. So, there could possibly a city-to-city tour on the way. Bernice understands the importance of having a fanbase and would like to reach and touch them and show them some love. One thing is for sure, she never wants to lose touch from where she came from. She states, “they say “you don’t change, people change around you.” That is so true because you know people change around you everyday. But, I still got the same friends. We still hangout. We still love each other. We still have fun. If I f–ks with you, I f–ks with you and if I don’t I don’t.”
Catch Bernice tonight at 9:30PM on Tru TV’s South Beach Tow. Follow her on Twitter @Bernice_SBTow!
More Reality TV by way of “The Cee Lo Life”
Cee Lo Green is bringing himself and the rest of the mob with him to the world of reality televeision. Cee Lo’s upcoming reality series titled “The Cee Lo Life” has been given the green light and picked up by TBS.
The series which will consist of six episodes will follow Cee Lo as he reunites with his former Goodie Mob group members Big Gipp, Khujo and T-Mo. Fans will be allowed a more in-depth look at the personal side of the group members especially Cee Lo’s. According to the president of TBS, TNT and Turner Classic Movies, Michael Wright, the show will be a “fun and funny journey packed with great music.”
“The Cee Lo Life” is scheduled to premiere early next year while Goodie Mob’s upcoming album Age Against the Machine is slated for release on June 18th. This will be the first album from the group since their last album release in 2004.
It’ll be interesting to see the direction the fellas take musically and to see them working together again. Hopefully this time they’ll have all their ducks in a row.
Tionna Smalls From “What Chili Wants” Says “Girl Get Your Mind Right” In New Reality Show
Remember Tionna Smalls from Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas’ reality show “What Chili Wants”? In the case that you don’t, she was the relationship expert that was attempting to assist Chilli with her journey of finding love. If you ever got a chance to check the show out, then you know that Tionna was no joke and was definitely no holds barred when it came to telling Chilli how it is and what she thought.
Well after being featured on that show Smalls is moving on up to big and better things by way of her own reality show. Based on her book, “Girl Get Your Mind Right”, Tionna has landed a show of the same name on the MTV network. On the show, Tionna will tackle relationship issues and advise 20 single ladies on their man problems. Throughout the season she will attempt to transform the ladies where their looks, behaviors and attitudes are concerned. The ladies will later be sent out on a date which will be filmed by a hidden camera.
Check out what Tionna and MTV’s Senior Vice President Tony DiBari had to say about the show. You can also peep the trailer below.
According to Tony DiBari:
[The show allows] us to take a look into the specifics of many more girls and each episode will wind up being more relatable. They’re looking for guidance and boundaries from someone other than their parents. We felt the combination of the genre and the personality like Tionna, who is so unique, made a lot of sense for us. We thought the hidden-camera took the genre to the next level. We wanted to take it one step further and really put it all to the test.
For a long time, dating shows were a real big part of our programming slate and we’ve kind of fallen away from that recently. It remains something that’s important to our viewers, and also because dating has changed so much recently that it feels like the right time to get back into that space.”
For those of you that will be tuning in, Tionna’s “Girl Get Your Mind Right “ premieres on May 20th at 6pm [EST] on MTV.
Photo Recap: R&B Divas ATL Season 2 Premiere Party @ Museum Bar
On Wednesday evening, Atlanta’s movers and shakers congregated at the Museum Bar in support of TV One’s R&B Divas. Regarded as the “Wednesday Night Social” event, the venue was packed with supporters patiently waiting to get a glimpse of what drama would unfold in Season 2. All though all of the “divas” were not in attendance, Nicci Gilbert and Keke Wyatt held it down as official hostesses. Other industry notables spotted were Chanita Foster (Beyond The Game & Divas & Cocktails), Brandy Lynn (Divas & Wildflowers), Egypt Sherrod (V-103FM), Shay Johnson (Love & Hip Hop Atlanta), DJ Traci Steele (Love & Hip Hop Atlanta), Wanda Smith (Frank Ski Morning Show), Lisa Wu Hartwell (Real Housewives of Atlanta – Season 1), and a host of other celebrities and industry insiders.
Below are a few VIP photos from the event.
Nicci Gilbert (Exec. Producer – R&B Divas)
Shay Johnson (Love & Hip Hop ATL)
Shay Johnson & Guest
Nicci Gilbert & daughter Brandy Lynn (R&B Divas)
Nicci Gilbert (R&B Divas)
Egypt Sherrod (V-103FM) & Mrs. Georgia
Brandy Lynn
Chanita Foster & Brandy Lynn
Keke Wyatt (R&B Divas)
Lisa Wu Hartwell & Guests
In case you missed our exclusive interview with the show’s creator and executive producer, Nicci Gilbert, check it out HERE.
Tune in to R&B Divas ATL each and every Wednesday night at 10PM on TV One!
Exclusive: ‘R&B Divas’ Nicci Gilbert Switches It Up for Season 2; Talks Self-Improvement, Syleena Johnson Beef & Expanding Her Brand
In the heaving world of reality television, one things for sure, the cameras don’t lie. Meaning that, although some trickery may occur with the editing, we visually get to see a person for who they truly are. The almighty lens tends to capture truths about a person. But, it is during the playback that each cast member get the opportunity to see their flaws first-hand. At that point, it is up to that individual to decide if change is needed. This is true for one star of TV One’s hit show R&B Divas, Nichole “Nicci” Gilbert.
Despite the rumors that were swirling around about Nicci’s separation from the show, she confirmed that those rumors weren’t true and will indeed be a part of season two. However, her portrayal in season one led to many negative comments from viewers. This didn’t sit well with Nicci. So much so, she acknowledged her flaws and dedicated herself to making positive changes in her life. Not many women can call themselves out and act on it. This is what makes Nicci a “real” woman.
As creator and executive producer of R&B Divas, her transition from music to television has been a trying one. As one-third member of the 90′s R&B group, Brownstone, over the years her passion for music diminished. This caused a fair share of disagreements amongst her cast members in season one. Some friendships remain while other friendships hit a low blow. But, her new found love for production and clothing design has launched Nicci into another creative space that is just as self-gratifying as music.
STACKS Magazine had the pleasure to talk to Nicci recently to get an exclusive in-depth look into who she is as a celebrity and businesswoman. She went into detail about her involvement as executive producer and the R&B Divas franchise. Also, Nicci spoke candidly about her feelings towards the other cast members, the effects of reality TV on the Black community, empowering full-figured women, and various projects she’s working on.
In the later part of 2012, several rumors were floating around about you being fired from R&B Divas. You then released a statement stating otherwise and that you will indeed be on the show. Well, it’s great to know now that you will appear in Season 2. But what is even better news, to me, is that you are one of the Executive Producers of the show. Is that true? Can you confirm that?
Nicci: You are correct. I’m actually the creator and executive producer of the show. So I actually cast all the women that you see on the show and some of the women in LA as well. It’s a new age in media. So I understand that anybody with a laptop can start a rumor. I just think that all is well is good because it gives us instant access to our fan bases and resources to promote our brand. It also can be a little convoluted and full of s–t. So that’s pretty much what that was.
I definitely have differences with my producer partners. Not with the network. TV One and I have a great relationship. But, I absolutely have differences with my producer partners. You know what it’s like when you are building a business and you have ideas and you get partners. We don’t always see eye to eye. So some of that stuff that you were getting from sources and other producers or whatever, you know where just people leveraging and using their relationship to make official statements. None of those statements were official. As I’ve expressed on numerous occasions, until you hear it from TV One or from me, don’t believe everything that you hear. But yes, unfortunately, I was the victim of some fraudulent recordings by some people who were in a “semi-official” capacity who happen to be partners that Faith and I brought on board to be a part of this as well. I understand now that’s what people want to hear. Most people aren’t interested in the upwardly mobile, empowering stories with black women. So this is something we’re still working to get to.
As Exec. Producer, what was the vision behind the show? Do you think that the show accomplished this?
Nicci: As people get a little bit more comfortable you’ll see the truth. You’ll see a little bit more of the truth come out. You’ll see a little bit more drama. Originally, the idea was that I didn’t see any real representation of the relationships with other women that I knew (i.e. my girlfriends, people I worked with). As far as us representing truth, us being honest and forthright, us all being singers, what makes us tick and what make some of that great soul music come out our spirit and out of our voices. That part of it, I think, is amazing. I hope that it continues to grow and evolve from there. I didn’t know that when you are playing the TV game sometimes you got to have a little extra drama. Sometimes you got to plant a couple seeds of B.S.. I hope that doesn’t overshadow and I hope that we don’t feel the need to compete. Because of course, when you have somebody blowing their brains out on TV, there’s going to be a million people that will want to see that. I hope that we can continue to be the example of a positive show. The truth is that we all have a little bit of ratchet in us. That’s nothing surprising. Everybody knows somebody like somebody on Love & Hip Hop or whatever. But typically, when you don’t like somebody you don’t want to be around them. You don’t have to sit up and be friends with them. You don’t have to sit and have cocktails with them. Unfortunately, that’s the formula for a successful show. Get a bunch of people who don’t like each other. Create reasons for people not to like each other. BOOM! There it is…two or three million [viewers]. My goal was to have a group of people that were friends and that like each other, empower, and uplift each other. Hopefully, we’ll stay that.
Bels: In the media you caught flack for being bossy and rude…
Nicci: You know, anything you say can and will be held against you in the editing room, right out. You know what I’m saying. I said everything that came out of my mouth. One of the things I wanted to encourage us to do as a people, just in general, is we hear something and we see something and we believe that sound bite. We believe the 15 sentences that come out of a person’s mouth on the television. None of these women are weak. None of these women are going to let me disrespect them and be rude.
Based on these things and how the audience itself put you in this box as being this type of person, did you find yourself having to change anything in this upcoming season as far as how you interact and communicate with other cast members?
Nicci: Absolutely! Last season, which people would never believe because again, we believe the sound bite. But last season, I spent a lot of time because I was executive producer and creator. I was a boss. We were literally trying to make sure that some of the things that were happening behind the scenes that people didn’t see [some of the cursing out and flipping out and all that stuff when the cameras were not rolling]. When the cameras were rolling, it was my objective to be kind of like, “yall let’s not do this.”
This season, I’m nobody’s momma. We’re all grown. Going into this, the ladies agreed to do this because they were like we’re your friends. We love each other and as long as you’re involved and it’s not going to damage our careers. So I was holding on my chest the responsibility of making sure that it didn’t turn into that show. Clearly with this particular group of people it could turn into that in a heartbeat. And it did behind the scenes. This season, I came into the situation and said “aye look, we’re going to just put it all on the table. I’m not going to look crazy by my damn self. I’m going to say exactly what it is. I’m not trying to protect anybody. I’m not trying to mother hen anybody. I’m going to handle my business and do what it that I need to do for me. But I am going to let you know that on camera that I’m not going for that this time. This flipping out behind the scenes and when the cameras are rolling “ooh no… NO.” We’re going to just keep it real and if this is what this is.”
I learn to just be more honest. I learned to be more honest and not try to control grown women. And that’s exactly what I was trying to do last season. Not because I wanted to control someone’s career, but because I wanted to prevent us from going down that road, which you’ll see this season. There is definitely a lot more drama. Some people are going to love it. Some people are going to not care one way or the other. Some people are going to definitely see that some of this is definitely drama….A LOT of drama.
Bels: Yeah a lot of times in any situation when there’s a group of women, especially strong minded women…
Nicci: Right! Like, I’m on the only strong minded one in the group. News flash! That ain’t the case. Yo, do y’all really think I could just flip out on them and they just sit there looking at me. Half the time, I was talking to the producers off camera. But because it came out of my mouth, it made for good TV.
Who would you say is the person(s) whose personality you just can’t seem to mesh with? On the flipside of that, who do you consider a “friend” or someone that you enjoy their company and spirit?
Nicci: Syleena Johnson. And as plain as simple as this…I don’t do “putting hands on folk” in any capacity. I don’t do because I’ve have a couple cocktails and flipped out. I don’t do any of that. I’m grown. Not only am I grown, I’m the person who brought you into the situation. For that reason alone, I think I should be respected a little bit more. I just don’t get down with people that don’t accept the truth. If you can’t handle the truth, you don’t need to be friends with me.
Well I mean… I think all of the ladies on some level have a good spirit about them. But, Faith (Evans) and I have been friends for the longest time. She is hands down. I’m older than her by a year or two. But, she is my counselor. She is such a resource for me because she’s been affected by this industry a lot longer than I have and in a lot more serious situations. Faith is definitely my friend, my sister. We go back 20 or so years. Anything I need, she’s there for me. Our children know each other. That is genuinely my friend.
Keke (Wyatt) is one the most honest women I’ve met in my life. I love her so much for her honesty and her truth and her vulnerability. I learned so much from her about not caring what everybody else thinks as long as you can get to a place of healing. I think Keke is a star. I think she is the star of this franchise.
And Monifah is obviously “Iyanla” to everyone. [laughs] Mo’ and I go back 10 years.
Angie (Stone) and I have known each other for a while. But, it’s different when cameras start rolling. When you see people like NeNe Leakes, Evelyn Lozada, and Tami Roman, who all of which are “go-get’em” girls. I’m not mad at anybody getting their checks. Especially NeNe, you put the work in for this money that you’re getting. But, when you have this kind of success and you see that as the blueprint, you’re going to get all kinds of characters that feel like “I can scream and curse and fight better than all of them.” And it’s just not that important to me.
Speaking of NeNe Leakes of Real Housewives of Atlanta, do you think there are too many shows? Plus, do you think African-American women are tarnishing the culture?
Nicci: Yes. I think it is unfortunate. But, I think it used to be where we were really concerned about the black man. I come from the age of crack. If they weren’t smoking it, they were dealing it. I’m from Detroit. Unfortunately, all of my cousins are locked up. Now, “they” figure because we had to learn from a lot of our mothers who were single mothers and had to learn that male/female hustle. Unfortunately, they realize “oh it’s not the black man we have to deal the degradation and all that stuff that need to happen. Damn, they’re over there. Those [women] are the ones that are going to empower the black man.” Not to get too deep, but it’s really unfortunate. It’s like crabs in a barrel. It’s the only thing you can get…is drama and ratchet-ry. If that’s the only thing that’s going to pay your bills and feed your kids, what are you going to do?
So the problem isn’t the African-American woman because we have African-American women who are not ratchet. I love the Gossip Game. Love that show. I love Mary Mary. I love Kim Whitley’s show. I don’t think there are too many reality shows. I think that they are not going anywhere. They are cheap to make. I think people having a platform, is amazing. I hope that R&B Divas becomes the franchise for TV One that ‘Housewives’ is for Bravo. I hope that people come to realize that all that is left in our community is the black woman. I mean…not ALL that is left. Unfortunately, the women who are holding the community down; the people that are holding the families down are black women. Now, these kids are flipping out. Girls walking up to people doors beating them down like, “you said something to me on Twitter.” It’s ridiculous. I think yeah, you can show that. We all want to see that ratchet-ry. Everybody, when they were a kid ran to see the fight. I didn’t. But, a lot of people did run to see the fight in the circle. But, where are the shows that help to inspire and empower. I looked up to Patti Labelle. I looked up to Gladys Knight and Aretha Franklin and we could see them in their gowns singing on stage. We respected them as icons and legends. We can’t allow this to happen with this franchise. And if and when it does, I’ll be building another one because I’m not going to do it.
Bels: and it starts with the producers….
Nicci: You know what’s really crazy. This is what I definitely want to get out.
This was Faith and I first TV experience. So, yes we are partners in the franchise. We are executive producers of any spin-off, any extension of the brand or any franchises or whatever. But, we do not make the final call on edit. That is Think Factory Media. Think Factory Media does not consist of black women. They are great. They are amazing. But, they are not us. TV One is the network. We brought Think Factory Media on board and introduced them to TV One to do this. We created it. We spent our own money shooting the pilot and flying everybody down. We cast the show and everything. But from there, we kind of washed our hands of it. It wouldn’t be fair for us to be on camera and have the ability to edit ourselves any ole kind of way.
Let’s say… we look like angels and the other ladies looked horrible. To level the playing field, we had to have a neutral party during the edits. But, what I didn’t expect is the disrespect that I experienced as a new producer. So now, I can empathize with Shaunie O’Neal. I can empathize with Mona Scott (Young). Because I understand that at the end of the day, I mean I don’t know what their deals are but, I would assume that Shaunie is not sitting in the editing base saying don’t do that. It may not be difficult for Mona because she’s not on the show. But it is difficult for someone on the show to be unbiased in the editing room. I’d be worried about myself. I’m not even going to hold you up. [laughs] I’d be worried about my brand. So, we do not.
However, I do agree that we still have to be accountable. My way of being accountable when it comes to that – I’m still going to get my check and I’m still going to get my credit. But, I will not be on the camera doing that.
In season 1, you made it clear that singing was no longer a priority for you and that you were diving into ventures outside of music. One of those ventures was Curvato Clothing Line. How’s the clothing line going?
Nicci: It’s going really well. We are about to launch our 2013 collection at “Full-Figured Fashion Week 2013” in New York City. I’m really excited about that. It is going to be sexy. It’s going to be confident. I’m a new designer so I’m learning. Our business will be a year old in August. So I’m definitely learning how to be better. The beauty of the whole Curvato movement is that it was born of me being subconscious and insecure about my body. I’m a big girl. So you know back in the day it wasn’t as accessible as it is now. It is a lot more accessible to be curvy and larger. You can be empowered. So, I really want the clothing line to represent that more than anything. I’m not trying to beat out Versace or Donna Karan or anyone. I’m just trying to create options for plus-size women. More important than anything, empower and inspire little girls who may need to see a reflection of who they are, looking fly. Know what I mean? And not like a mumu. So, the clothing line is a brand and a lifestyle for me. We are expanding the brand.
We’re launching a new online destination called AllThingsNicci.com, which houses all of the different brands. Along with that, we are re-launching Curvato Lifestyle this year. It will include a Facebook-like community for big women, curvy women and girls. So you’ll be able to set up a profile. You’ll be able to interact. I’m excited about that. In addition to our boutique, we are going to be updating it much more often. I finally got a styling team together. We’re excited. I think the clothing line is here to stay. We are going to reach for big box retailers in a minute. I kind of wanted to be in business and learn things and have an understanding of what it was before we started really reaching out to some of those larger retailers and trying to get things in stores. I just wanted to live in it for a minute. Now we’re ready to take it to the next level. I’m going to do a curvy pageant next year in 2014. Which I’m super excited about. So, Curvato is here to stay. You’ll see us…I lost some weight like Jakeem (Smith), Nicci’s executive assistant and a PR contact. He has lost some weight. We’ve been on our fitness grind. It’s been a long process. But we are getting there. So, I’m really excited about sharing that which is something I’ll be sharing on Curvato as well.
Are there any other business ventures in the works? Checking out J. Smith’s website, I noticed an announcement that you were in search of comedic script writers. Is this something you can talk about?
Nicci: Yes. In addition to that, we have Divas and Wildflowers, which is my daughters’ Brandy charity. I’m super excited about that. She’s using her love of fashion and makeup and all things girly to help inspire young girls. So, I’m helping her put together a series of events and fundraisers for that. R&B Divas L.A. will air this summer. I’m really excited about that. Faith and I are working. In our little prayer basket, we have R&B Divas New York, hopefully coming soon. Hopefully, TV One will be pleased with the whole franchise and the momentum to give us that. Of course, there’s my baby which is called Divas & Cocktails. Divas & Cocktails, in short, a fun little late night show. It’s kind of like “Watch What Happens” meets “Wendy Williams with a little bit of “SNL”. So it’s sketch comedy, standup, live musical performances, lip service, the talk, the tea, and celebrity interviews. It is coming every Wednesday night, at 11pm, right after R&B Divas online at DivasandCocktails.com. I’m definitely very excited about the possibility of that being picked up by a major network. It is in the hands of some cool people as we speak. So, I just want to continue to build my brand as a producer and content provider. That’s sort of it.
Throughout this process, what have you taken away? Are there any life lessons or food-for-thoughts that you can share with our readers?
Nicci: Yes absolutely. I learned a lot of things about myself that I’d probably would not. Anytime you see a mirror of yourself in any capacity, you’re like “ole Lord Jesus I need to lose some weight. I need to stop talking so loud.” I learned a lot of little things about Nicci that I didn’t really realize. I mean it is one thing to be loud. It’s another thing to be doing it on TV with a microphone. So, I learned that I could fall back a little bit and evaluate a little more, which is always good in any career. As a human being, if we’re not growing, you know what the alternative is. I definitely see that I’ve influenced and inspired a lot of young people, which has been a passion for me. I want to continue to do that and continue to build. I’m actually developing a show around Jakeem and Brandy and some of the other kids. They are grown, but, young people that I work with.
So you know…just seeing what works, what is effective and what’s not; understanding the business of television a little more; understanding what it is I need to stand for and represent. I’m very pleased with the fact that in spite of all the horrible “she’s terrible, she’s a bitch, she’s mean, she’s awful.” In spite of all of that, as hard as it is, any human being waking up to negative press every week, eventually, it’s going to break you and you’re going to be like “what the hell did I do? This isn’t what this was supposed to be.” But, then you realize who it’s coming from. Then you realize who the comments are coming from. You really sit back and think it’s ridiculous for me to have such an ego that I would think that that stuff really mattered and defined who I was. Faith and Mo’, these women are still (most of them) my friends. My husband and I are still happily married. The people in my life who matter and know me they understand it.
Now, it’s the real hard thing for me too. It really affected my mother in a negative way. My mother is like “you are the nicest person ever and you’re my child and I know you better than anybody else.” You know what I’m saying. So, it’s hard for her to see all of that. “Oh my God they fired you and you created it.” And I’m like, “Ma!” So, that’s tough. The affect that it has on my family is very very tough. And that’s when I will…you’ll get that “Detroit coming from Chicago-Mansfield” Nicci. And I have to remember that at the end of the day we’re here, we are breathing. For the most part, we are successful. To live in the moment that it’s real and to not allow the moment that is reality TV to define who I am in my real life as a woman.
Tune in tonight and watch the Season 2 premiere of R&B Divas, at 10PM on TV One!
You can follow Nicci Gilbert on Twitter @niccigilbert and stay connected 24/7 at www.allthingsnicci.com.
Special thanks to Jakeem Smith of J.Productions!
Another Day, Another “Reality” Spin-Off
It’s beginning to seem like if not every day almost every other day a new reality show is popping up.
After already pulling rank as not only one of the top “Real Housewives of Atlanta” but of the show’s franchise as a whole, Linnethia “NeNe” Leakes is getting her own reality show.
Following all the ups and downs of her marriage to Greg Leakes which ultimately led to them divorcing, the two have rekindled their love and are getting re-married. NeNe’s new wedding spin-off, “I Dream of NeNe: The Wedding” will follow the two as they make their way down the aisle. NeNe confirmed the news the tweet below.
I Dream Of Nene-The Wedding coming soon on Bravo! Greg & I hope 2 inspire others 2 save their marriage twitter.com/NeNeLeakes/sta…
— NeNe Leakes (@NeNeLeakes) April 18, 2013
Celebrity wedding planner Tiffany Cook will be joining the Leakes on the show as she assists them in putting their big day together. NeNe’s RHOA buddies Cynthia Bailey and Marlo Hampton will also be making appearances on the show.
The “I Dream of NeNe” wedding special will premiere on the Bravo network this fall. Will you be tuning in???
Robin Thicke Out, Chris Rock In As Part of “Real Husbands of Hollywood”
Kevin Hart recently confirmed the word on street concerning Robin Thicke’s departure from the comedian’s show on BET, “Real Husbands of Hollywood.” While many have speculated that Thicke’s decision to leave the show involves some beef, Hart says that’s not so.
In a recent interview Hart revealed that Thicke’s departure was simply due to schedule conflicts between show tapings and Thicke’s music happenings. Hart said,“Within this season, his schedule and what he was doing didn’t coincide with the show, so he opted to go and do his music. Hopefully at some point in time, we can have Robin come back and do some stuff.” You can check out the video below for Hart’s more in-depth explanation.
Fresh off of that news it’s now been announced that comedian-actor Chris Rock will now be joining the “Real Husbands of Hollywood. Rock will join Hart, Duane Martin, Boris Kodjoe, J.B. Smoove and Nick Cannon for the show’s upcoming second season.
Chris Rock’s addition to the show should make for an interesting new twist. We’ll keep you posted on when season two will return with its 12 new episodes.
Will you be tuning in when season two of the “Real Husbands of Hollywood” premieres???
Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Is Back + Season 2 Supertrailer
Love & Hip Hop Atlanta Season 2 is on its way! Thank GAWD. No disrespect to the New York cast, but this season of LHH was a tad bit boring. But now that it is to an end, the Atlanta gang is ready to set our HD screens on fire.
Back for season 2 and from what we can see on the trailer, Joseline Hernandez and Stevie J is still holding hands despite his alleged side affairs. Surprisingly, Mimi Faust is no longer partaking in that threesome and has found a more stable man. But, it’s the new guy that has stirred up beef between her and K. Michelle. K. Michelle’s ongoing fued with Rasheeda is what…ongoing. New issues seem to be brewing between Rasheeda and her husband, Kirk. Seems like a new baby is the cause for all the strife. Lil Scrappy, his baby mother Erica Dixon, Shay Johnson, and Momma Dee’s lives are one big love triangle that most of us LHHA fans are all waiting to see how it plays out. Benzino and Karlie Redd let their relationship and lives play out on the upcoming season. And, Atlanta’s own DJ Traci Steele is the new addition to the cast bringing additional baby father drama that should fit in quite perfectly.
Oh Boy! There’s a lot going on this season…exactly what we need to be highly entertained.
In case you didn’t see the supertrailer, check it out below…
Get More:
Love & Hip Hop Atlanta
Season 2 of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta premiers Monday, April 22 at 8PM EST on VH1!
Ex-NFLer Kordell Stewart Files For Divorce From his “RHOA” Porsha Stewart
In what originally appeared to be all glitter and gleam when it came to the marriage of ex-NFL star Kordell Stewart and RHOA’s Porsha Stewart, it seems things are not so much so.
While latter episodes of the recent season of Real Housewives of Atlanta brought to light a more dominant nature from Kordell about being “in control” of their marriage, he has now decided to end it all. According to documents filed in the Fulton County Superior Courts, Mr. Stewart filed for divorce late last week claiming that his relationship with Porsha is “irretrievably broken.” In addition to his claim, Kordell is also against her receiving spousal support stating that Porsha is “an able-bodied person, earning income and is capable of supporting herself.”
There’s been no response in the courts from Porsha at this time, so we’ll have to wait and see how this all pans out. But if my memory serves me correctly, I do recall Porsha stating on the show that they didn’t have a pre-nup. If this is true and with less than two years of marriage under their belt, it’ll be interesting to see how this all goes.
Bravo’s Newest Reality…”Married to Medicine”
Uh oh they seem to be coming so fast, I missed this one. But out of nowhere and I’m sure this comes as no surprise that yet once again premieres another reality show.
This time by way of the Bravo network comes a reality show that will chronicle the lives of a group of women who are doctors or at least married to one. The six women based out of Atlanta will allow Bravo to present their lives as they juggle their careers, families and social lives in Married to Medicine.
Married to the Medicine premiered this past Sunday on the Bravo network and drew in 1.9 million viewers. The show will air on Sundays at 9pm [EST]but in the case you missed the premiere you can play catch up by getting familiar with the cast below and of course you know Bravo will re-run episode one before airing the new episode on Sunday.
Meet the cast…
Jacqueline Walters
Jacqueline Walters is the doctor to stars like Toni Braxton, T.I., and Usher.
Jacqueline Walters is the doctor to stars like Toni Braxton, T.I., and Usher. This Board-certified OBGYN lives by the philosophy “work hard, play hard.” After graduating medical school at the University of Mississippi, Jacqueline completed her residency at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, Jackie has a positive and vibrant attitude toward life.
Her dedication to work and family sets this bombshell in motion at all times. Her husband, Curtis, and daughter by marriage, Kursten have to get up early in the morning to catch this career-driven diva — which by her definition stands for “Dedicated, Innovative, Victorious, Admirable.” Her “Thin is In” motto comes with a hint of vanity and sometimes pure obsession with eating healthy and excessive exercise. Between furthering her OBGYN practice, fostering a happy family life, and advocating for breast cancer awareness, many wonder how Jackie has time to balance it all.
Kari Wells
Kari Wells, a well-mannered, British-born model skillfully balances work, play, and family life in Atlanta with her husband of 10 years, Colombian raised, orthopedic surgeon Duncan Wells. Kari has had many successful careers including owning a production company. Today, she serves as CFO of her husband’s orthopedic practice and medical realty company, but her most important role is as mother to their two children, Alexa, 8, and Bryson, 7.
In addition to her various commitments, Kari is involved socially and politically in Atlanta and can frequently be seen hobnobbing with celebrities and politicians. The couple supports many charitable organizations including Doctors Without Borders and Thriving Children Atlanta.
Known for their international flair, the Wells family loves to travel, and Kari, who speaks four languages, lives by the philosophy “you cannot have a narrow mind with a thick passport.” Kari’s dogged determination to succeed, sense of humor and spirituality help her to live life to the fullest.
Mariah Huq
Mariah Huq, “Queen Bee” and sophisticated and fierce mother of two, brings a new definition to the term “working mom.” Enjoying a strong, multicultural marriage to Dr. Aydin Huq, an emergency physician and native of Bangladesh, Mariah juggles family and career with their two children, Lauren-Taylor, 8, and Ethan-Tyler, 6.
Mariah openly embraces her husband’s culture by attending Mosque, learning to cook traditional Indian food and studying Bengali. The founder/CEO of Mariah Media Group, troop leader of her daughter’s Girl Scout Troop, and a producer of Married to Medicine, Mariah has a full life. To top it off, Mariah is working on her latest venture, the Chief Operating Officer of Jewel and Jem, a children’s décor and pajama company, she runs with her sister, Lake.
When she’s not busy in the states, Mariah and her family support their family foundation in Bangladesh and are currently working on building a hospital in name of her late father-in-law.
Quad Lunceford
Known as the “Black Barbie” in her social circle, Quad Lunceford is the life of the party and a self-acknowledged socialite. She is newly wed to psychiatrist Dr. Gregory Lunceford, whose reserved demeanor often clashes with her unpredictable feistiness their love blossomed into a bond that will stand the test of time. Their personality differences may be connected to their gap in age — he is 13 years her senior, as she prefers it.
The couple is the proud parents of two pampered pooches: Khloe and Kar’ie. In addition to being enthusiastic supporters of the Canine Assistants Foundation, the Luncefords also volunteer their time and efforts with various charities and organizations throughout Atlanta.
When Quad enrolled in Tennessee State University, she was the first in her family to attend college. With more than a decade of experience in medical sales under her belt, Quad’s work ethic has landed her in the top 10 percent in her industry. Quad, who dances to the beat of her own drum, often says “I did not ‘marry medicine,’ medicine was lucky enough to marry me.”
Simone Whitmore
Simone Whitmore is an independent OBGYN who runs both her practice and house with an iron fist. She and her more laid-back husband of 16 years, Cecil Whitmore, have two sons, Miles, 14, and Michael, 10.
Simone graduated from Spelman College with a degree in biology/pre-medicine and earned her doctorate from East Tennessee State University. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Center and became a Board Certified OBGYN in 1999. From 1999 to 2004, Simone worked in various practices including Duncan-Cody Medical Group, Arista OBGYN and Castillo, Walters and Whitmore. She has owned North Perimeter OBGYN since 2004 and is a solo practitioner, allowing her to make her own rules. While her staff may call her “The Warden” and “Witchmore,” Simone simply likes hard workers and refuses to settle for mediocrity. Simone is a member of the American College of OBGYN and the American Board of OBGYN.
In her spare time, Simone participates in a mentor program with Spelman College and a local high school. When her packed schedule allows, Simone loves to shop, socialize, travel, and catch up on much-needed sleep.
Toya Bush-Harris
Toya Bush-Harris, met her husband, emergency medicine physician Eugene Harris, during a speed dating event five years ago while pursuing her Masters in education from the University of Phoenix and working two jobs. Even though Eugene was completing a rigorous medical residency at the same time, no amount of distractions could keep this dynamic couple apart.
In addition to being a busy mom to boys Ashton, 3, and Avery, 1, Toya is helping to launch her husband’s medical concierge business and working on publishing a children’s nursery book series. On top of family commitments and career projects, Toya and her family are in the process of building a home conducive to their growing family. When she first moved to Atlanta, Toya joined Mocha Moms, which brings moms together in the community to promote healthy families and she currently enjoys volunteering at her church and mentoring young women in area.
Be sure to let us know if you’re already watching this or whether or not you will be.
TV One Plans “Destination Divas” In Honor of Upcoming 2nd Season of R&B Divas
To kick off the return of the second season of Atlanta-based version of the reality show R&B Divas which premieres in May, TV One has deemed the month of April as “Destination Divas”.
Throughout the month the network will honor some of the top divas with sitcoms, specials, and classic movies in addition to reruns of season on of the R&B Divas. Some of the month’s specialties will include the R&B Divas Pre-Party, the 1983 concert Diana Ross: Live in Central Park and Top R&B Divas of All Time. Other divas that will be honored during “Destination Divas” include Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, Beyonce and Rihanna.
Check out the network’s website for more information on what will air and when. The second season of R&B Divas Atlanta premieres on May 1st at 10pm [EST]. Grammy nominee Angie Stone and former Xscape member LaTocha Scott have been added to the original cast which includes Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert-Daniels, Monifah Carter, Syleena Johnson and Keke Wyatt.
Will you be tuning in when the show airs?
Strip Club Queens Atlanta: Is This Taking Reality TV Too Far? + Official Trailer
There’s no doubt about it, between Atlanta and Miami, the strip club scene is a unarguably the top form of late night entertainment. With club owners and exotic dancers making stacks (on top of stacks) of dough, the strip club business is indeed very lucrative. It is no wonder we see many of our young girls entering this industry that’s looked down upon by Bible toting Christians and people who simply don’t care for the art form. Well, for those that are not privy to this lifestyle and underworld, Urban Clout is bringing this multi-million business to the forefront via reality television.
Strip Club Queens of Atlanta is the first installment of an online-based reality tv show. Although the creator Delmond Newton originally sought out Washington, DC as the headlining city, apparently their plot just wasn’t thick enough for his vision. As such, Atlanta became the next stop and deciding choice to start off the franchise. According the show’s synopsis on WorldstarHipHop.com, the series is the first of a multi-city franchise that will feature six strippers whom will give viewers access to their lives in and out the club. The ladies that are featured in the Atlanta franchise are Ferrari, Sina, Kat, BeBe, Ginger, and Boy Toy.
Peep the trailer below…
One things for sure, there’s plenty drama involved which is no different than any other well-watched reality show. But, is it taking reality tv too far? In my opinion, I don’t think it is. It is no different than watching music videos that always seem to have half-naked dancers included. I’ll even go out on the limb and say that the same people that watch those videos (or even go to the clubs) are the same contradicting individuals that sit around and throw shade. The one cool thing about this show, however, is the fact that it viewed only through subscriptions via UrbanClout’s website. Since this is considered X-rated, it is good that the show can only be seen if you pay $0.99 per episode. This should weed out our young kids from seeing this (despite still having access to the over-sexualized music videos I mentioned earlier).
What do you think? Does the general public even need a show like Strip Club Queens? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
Comedian Kim Whitley To Star In New Reality Show “Raising Whitley”
Actress/Comedian Kim Whitley will soon reveal her life via reality tv. Set to air on the OWN network, Whitley will star in her very own reality show, “Raising Whitley.” You may remember her from Next Friday, My Wife and Kids, The Nutty Professor II, Along Came Polly, and a host of other television and film projects. But outside of the acting gigs, the world never really got to know “who is Kim Whitley?” So, finally we all get the chance to.
According to a recent press release, “Raising Whitley” will be based on…
On her new show, “Raising Whitley,” cameras follow Kym as she embarks on the audition of a lifetime, being a mother. When Kym signed up to mentor a troubled young girl, she never imagined she’d get a call from the hospital saying, “Your baby is ready.” After learning that her mentee exited the maternity ward leaving only Kym’s contact information, Kym experienced a cataclysmic moment. With less than an hour to make a life-changing decision – and to do a lifetime of soul-searching – Kym chose to become a mother.
This humorous and poignant docu-series follows Kym and her chaotic collective of friends – whom she calls “The Village” – as they attempt to do something none of them have ever done before: raise a baby…together. The Village banded together to help Kym bring up baby Joshua the best they know how, but sometimes it’s hard to tell who is more mature – baby Joshua or the adults tasked with raising him.
Over the season, Kym learns the chaotic realities of becoming a full-time mom: She realizes that, while Craigs List may be perfect for finding an old couch, it’s not ideal for finding a new nanny; she survives Joshua’s first haircut; she gets her groove back on a manhunt with her girlfriends; and she discovers that being “just friends” with Joshua’s “daddy” may not be that simple.
Be sure to tune into OWN, April 20 at 10PM ET!
Photo Source: Zimbio
VH1 Ready to Get the Scoop with New Reality Show ‘The Gossip Game” [Sneak Peek]
For a brief moment, especially with the cancellation of the reality show ‘Starter Wives Confidential and green light, red light action that happened with rapper Shawty Lo’s baby mama drama show, it seemed as the world of reality was about to face some challenges. But have no fear because more reality shows are near.
Coming soon to VH1 is the network’s newest reality show, “The Gossip Game”. The show will shadow the lives of seven female media personalities whose careers revolve what’s happening in urban entertainment.
“The Gossip Game” premieres Monday, April 1st at 9pm [EST]. Here’s VH1’s description of the show, introduction of the cast and a sneak peek.
Every day, these ambitious women navigate the ever-shifting landscape of the media industry, where they strive to preserve their place in the ‘pecking order’ while chasing the latest exclusive scoop. These rivals, who often find themselves at the epicenter of celebrity controversy, forge an uneasy alliance of friendly foes as they compete to hit their professional marks by being the first to break the latest news and divulge the intimate details of the enviable lives of hip hop’s movers and shakers.
The cast of ‘The Gossip Game”…
Angela Yee, co-host of the “Breakfast Club” show on Power 105.1;
K. Foxx, co-host of “The Cipha Sounds & Rosenberg Show with K. Foxx” on Hot 97 FM;
Kim Osorio, Editor-In-Chief of The Source magazine;
Sharon Carpenter, reporter on Russell Simmons’ Global Grind website;
Jas Fly, freelance writer, whose pop culture column appears on Vibe.com twice a week;
Ms. Drama, host of the MsDramaTV blog and on-air personality at Major Playaz and
NYC Gossip Girl (Vivian Billings), owner of HipHopGossipSite.com blog.
Bravo Greenlights Kandi Burruss’ The Kandi Factory; Season 1 Starts April 9 [Trailer]
Kandi Burruss is making moves and isn’t stopping no time soon. With a highly successful reality show (RHOA) and sex toy line (Bedroom Kandi), the Atlanta native is heading back to television with her own show. Based on helping singing hopefuls find their spotlight in the music business, The Kandi Factory will follow each contestant through the a rigirous singers bootcamp. Each episode will feature artists as they prepare for the TKF music showcase where a winner will be chosen. Kandi and her team of choreographers, producers, and songwriters will lend a helping hand in efforts to find the next big artist.
Check out the official trailer for Season 1 of The Kandi Factory below…
The Kandi Factory will air on Bravo 10/9C, April 9!
Reality Shows = Big Bank
In recent years, reality shows have been one of the biggest money makers for broadcasting networks.Over 20% of primetime television is now made up of programs that are reality shows and game show competitions.Not all reality programs enjoy the same level of success as others.But this genre of programming is big business and major networks, like CBS and FOX, continue to succeed in “reality” alongside cable channels such as MTV, VH1 and Bravo.
So, how much money does a successful reality show generate?One of the biggest hit shows ever was “Survivor” on CBS.During one of their season finale’s, “Survivor” attracted more than 50,000,000 viewers.In one night, this was the largest viewership than any other series that year.For three months, “Survivor” brought in an estimated $30 million in profits for the network.CBS also reaped additional benefits from the show because of its affect on other tv shows whose viewership increased by being programmed next to “Survivor”.
The return on investment is phenomenal for networks, which is why they will continue to produce reality shows.When a program is successful, the licensing fee is raised each year.The licensing fee is the amount the network pays the production company to deliver the show. Another potential revenue source is via advertising.Advertisers are willing to pay sizable amounts of money to have their product incorporated into these television programs.This is called product placement.Product placement is a multi-million dollar industry that had been scarcely touched by telelvision (unlike the music industry who within the year or so began incorporating this marketing scheme into videos, commercials, etc).
So for those of you who despise reality tv, hate it!It doesn’t look like the cat fights, sex and gender exploitations, and the alliances aren’t going away any time soon. In fact VH1, one of the main cable stations that center their programming entirely around reality tv, will be bombarding your flat screens this summer with a host of shows.
VH1 Greenlights ‘T.I. & Tiny: Family Hustle’ Season 3
Photo Credit: VH1/Piotr Sikora
Here’s some exciting news for all you T.I. and Tiny fans.
Despite the adversaties the King has had to face throughout his life, Clifford “T.I. ” Harris has shown us all that no matter what troubles we face, we all can still succeed. In this case, we all can be successful and bring our families along for the ride.
The outpouring of support and high ratings during ‘T.I. & Tiny: Family Hustle’ first two seasons has pushed VH1 to greenlight its forthcoming third season. Set to air on April 8 at 10PM, one of hip hop’s favorite families will allow cameras back in as they continue their various hustles and family escapades. In season three, T.I. will continue to promote his latest album ‘Trouble Man: Heavy Is The Head’ and venutre into more films while his wife Tiny step up her efforts with the Pretty Hustle label artists, OMG Girlz and French Kiss.
Featuring rap megastar T.I. “Tip” Harris, his wife, entrepreneur and singer, Tameka “Tiny” Harris, and their brood of six children.With the recent success of T.I.’s new album “Troubleman: Heavy is the Head” and the premiere of Hollywood’s biggest comedy “Identity Thief,” T.I. finds himself spending more and more time in the spotlight. With Tip’s career in full swing, Tiny is busy at home taking care of business with the OMG Girlz! and working to develop a new girl group,French Kiss, with hopes of taking them to the top of the charts. Even though T.I. and Tiny are busy with their own hustle, they always have time for their six kids and each other. With T.I. behind the wheel in the entertainment fast lane this season is sure to take viewers on a ride they won’t soon forget.
Congrats to the Harris family!
Destiny Childs’ Michelle Williams To Star In New Show ‘My Sisters Keeper’
The next celebrity to showcase their everyday lives through reality television is Michelle Williams. Fresh off of her Super Bowl performance with Beyonce Knowles-Carter and Kelly Rowland, Michelle announced that she will join the VH1 roster with a new show called ‘My Sisters Keeper’.
According to news reports, ‘My Sister’s Keeper’ will air this summer and will coincide with the release of her third gospel album. The show will follow Williams and her sisters while she battles the day-to-day family life and career. Viewers will also get the chance to see Michelle record her solo project and possibly, her Broadway debut in Fela: The Musical.
“I am very thrilled about this opportunity, to extend into television with the eOne family as well, with this series,” Williams said in a press release. “Working together on my new gospel album and television series, I am excited to share with everyone a behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and journey of recording for the album, performing, fun family times and other unforgettable experiences out together with my dear sisters.”
Congrats to Michelle!
Shawty Lo Fights Back w/Petition For ‘All My Babies’ Mamas’ + Showbiz Tonight Interview
When the 13-minute trailer of “All My Babies’ Mamas” hit the internet, it didn’t take long for the news to spread like wild fire. The now controversial reality show pilot, featuring Atlanta rapper Shawty Lo, is a hot topic because of his 11 kids and 10 baby mamas. The idea of promoting parental irresponsibility and/or glorifying unprotected sex has proven to be too much for some to handle. So much so, an online petition started on Change.org, in which approx 40,000 signatures were collected.
Well, the outrage from the public caused the Oxygen network to pull the plug on the project. But, why did they? Could 40K signatures change the mind of the producers/executives at Oxygen? Since the creation of their hit show “Bad Girls Club”, Oxygen has garnered millions of viewers. These aren’t viewers who tuned in each week to see a wholesome caddy-free show about young girls. Instead, people who watch BGC enjoy the ratchet behavior. They get a kick out of seeing the girls dress provocatively, slug it out in fights, and oftentimes curse one another out. The reality is that millions of people are entertained by this! But, is “All My Babies’ Mamas” worse than BGC?
Year-after-year, controversial reality shows are aired that ruffles feathers (i.e. Honey Boo Boo, Love & Hip Hop, Basketball Wives, etc). But, no level of backlash has caused these shows to be canceled. In my opinion, it is unfair to prevent Shawty Lo’s show from airing. As explained in his interview with HLN’s Showbiz Tonight, Shawty Lo has not had a kid in 10 years. All 11 of his children were birthed during his younger (and reckless) days. He was a product of his Bankhead roots. His mom was on crack. His dad wasn’t present in the home. The grandmother that raised him passed away when he was a teenager. So, he had a lot of things lined up against him which prevented him from receiving the appropriate guidance. Eventually, he changed his life for the positive. He became the CEO of D4L Records and has been financially able to care for all of his kids (and some of the mothers). So, how can you fault a man for taking care of his family and wanting to show his reality on television? This could be an outlet for his family to make some extra cash. You mean, society has stooped so low to want to stop a man from making a honest living! For Oxygen to cancel his show, in my opinion, is ridiculous!
Check out Shawty Lo’s sit down on Showbiz Tonight below…
If you want to help Shawty Lo get his show aired, go and sign his petition at www.change.org.
TLC’s T-Boz Chases Her Solo Dreams in New Tv Show [Full Episode 1]
Photo Credit: TLC.com
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins, of the multi-platinum group TLC, is making a big splash back into the entertainment world. Her new reality show “Totally T-Boz” airs Tuesday, January 1 at 8pm on TLC.
The show will follow T-Boz as she moves from Atlanta to L.A. in efforts to “reinvent” herself. She will allow cameras to follow her as she go through her day-to-day routines raising her daughter Chase, spending time with her family and close friends, and embark on an overdue singing career. Despite her publicly known health issues, T-Boz is currently living a healthy life and continues to grasp experiences as they come.
Close friend and group mate, Rozanda “Chilli” Thomas will make appearances in the show as well. The 20th anniversary of TLC’s legacy is upon us and a major tour is in the works. In addition, there’s a biopic of TLC’s career that’s in production. If you are a fan of TLC, check out “Totally T-Boz” every Tuesday night.
Peep episode 1 in its entirety below…
Do you think T-Boz can make a huge comeback as a solo artists?
Season 3 of Love And Hip-Hop: New York [Trailer]
Get ready, get ready get ready! Buckle your seat belts and get ready for the ride that has become VH1’s Love and Hip-Hop no matter which city they’re in.
Nonetheless it’s New York’s time to shine, make a fool of themselves, and get their minutes of fame in and from the sounds and looks of things they are in full force and ‘ret to go’. Returning for season 3 are some of the previous cast members and of course some new members to spice things up. Here’s who makes up the cast; Yandy Smith, Mendeecees Harris, Erica Mena, Rich Dollaz, Jen The Pen, Consequence, Olivia, Joe Budden and his girlfriend Kailyn, Tahiry, Raqi Thunda, Lore’l, Winter Ramos, and Rashidah Ali.
Check out the trailer below to see what the show’s producer, Mona Scott-Young, has in store for season 3 of Love and Hip-Hop: New York which premieres on January 7, 2013 at 8pm [EST].
Love & Hip Hop New York Season 3 Trailer | Video by Get_Heard
The Game Publicizes Family Life In New Show ‘Marrying The Game’ [Supertrailer] + New Album ‘Je5sus Peice’
Next up amongst hip hop rappers to publicize their family life is The Game. After 8 years of sharing a loving relationship full of ups and downs, the westcoast rapper and his fiance Tiffney Cambridge are ready to walk down the aisle. According to VH1…
It was anything but love at first sight when Tiffney Cambridge first met Jayceon Taylor. Tiffney, the 5th grade history teacher took to Jayceon, but wanted nothing to do with his alter ego, the young rapper known as The Game. Despite her reservations, love blossomed and after eight years and two children King Justice (5 years old) and Cali Dream (1 year old), Tiffney agreed to marry him. Life is complicated enough for Tiffney as she juggles to balance her career, family, friends, and most of all, being in love with two men: Jayceon Taylor, and the rapper The Game.
For Tiffney, Jayceon’s actions leave her in a constant struggle wondering if she will have to compromise for the rest of her life with his demanding, lavish and wild career as a rapper. Each episode of “Marrying The Game” shows the difference between the most unlikely of couples and the love that ultimately brings them together and also might tear them apart. When you’re marrying Game, all bets are off, because it’s no easy walk down the aisle. Find out if they exchange vows on this season of “Marrying The Game.”
Watch the supertrailer below:
In addition to the new reality show, The Game’s fifth studio album Je5sus Peice is scheduled to be released on December 11. Highly anticipated to be one of hip hop’s best album of the year, The Game says the album will stay true to his “gangster” roots all while showing that one can live their life and have a strong sense of spirituality.
Je5sus Peice will feature collaborations from Young Jeezy, Future, 2 Chainz, Rick Ross, Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Fabolous, Kanye West, Lil Wayne, Common, Tyga, Chris Brown and Wiz Khalifa. The surprise element will kick in with features from Master P and Rihanna.
This will be The Game’s final album under his Interscope contract. Where will he go next? Although, there’s been word that Young Money is placing their bid, no confirmation has been made as of yet. Game fans stay tuned…
Event: Atlanta Pitch Summit 2012, Nov. 1-3: Learn How To Pitch Your TV/Film Ideas to Top Industry Players
On November 1 – 3, 2012, the Georgia Tech Research Institute will be the host location for a great opportunity. The 2nd annual Atlanta Pitch Summit is a three day conference that focuses on helping aspiring television show owners learn how to successfully sell their ideas to major networks. To help folks on their television journey, guest speakers will include Tracey Edmonds (Award Winning Filmmaker) and Mona Scott-Young (Creator of Love & Hip Hop). Major networks that will be in attendance includes BET, Aspire TV, GMC, Our Stories Films, Bobb Cat Films, Monami Entertainment, Greendoor Pictures, Trium Entertainment, and many more.
Reality shows are a big deal and major money maker for primetime and cable networks these days. If you’ve been sitting at home with the greatest idea for the next big hit show, here’s your opportunity to learn from industry players and even pitch your ideas! In case you are wondering what the panel conversations will discuss, here’s more details about the summit:
Exclusive Q & A with Mona Scott-Young (Creator & EP of Love & Hip Hop)
Exclusive Q & A Reality Check w/ Mona Scott-Young. When you think that reality TV has gone way too far, Mona Scott-Young -Creator and Executive Producer of Vh1′s Love and Hip Hop sits in the Hot Seat and shares her expertise on how she managed to have the #1 most watched show with VH1/Viacom.
Women in Entertainment-Panel
Women in Entertainment – featuring Tracey Edmonds- CEO Edmonds Entertainment & Our Stories Films, Connie Orlando- VP of Original Programming (BET), Tracy Christian, Agent (TCA Jed Root), Shay Griffin-CEO of The Chez Group, Denene Millner- Author (THINK LIKE A MAN)
Greenlight Your Pitch for Television-Panel
What are the secrets to pitching? What is the secret to getting your television show greenlit? Find out the TV Bible rules and the masterplan to creating pitches that sell. Greenlight Your Pitch w/ Tina Thompson, Dir of Prgm- ASPIRE TV, Joe Swift- 7 Stories Up, Programming-BET Network , Anthony Samadani, GC w/Trium Entertainment (The Biggest Loser)
Music Pitch: Promotions, Score & Licensing for Distribution – Panel
Calling all musical artists! This is your chance to learn the right way to push your record, track or jingle in a different direction than the regular mixtape. This panel will share how to release your music for Film & TV. Panel Guests: Traci Adams- VP of Epic Records, Melissa Love- Licensing Expert, French Spencer-Producer, Do It All-Lords of the Underground (artist), Jason Geter-CEO of Grand Hustle.
Comedy Focus-Panel
Calling all Aspiring Comedians who want to learn how Comedians Transition from On Stage to On Screen w/Tommy Ford (Martin)
Acting Workshop
Inspiring the person inside of the Actor with Celebrity Acting Coach/Casting Director Tracey Moore
The Benefits of Marketing, P & A (Print & Advertising) for Distribution – Panel
P & A (Print & Advertising) for Distribution w/ Angela Cannon, GMC-VP of Marketing, Mitzi Miller, JET Magazine
-Editor-in Chief, April Love-Public Relations, Tracey Walker – Online Marketing Expert, Nick F. Nelson, Liquid Soul Media – Chief Marketing Officer.
Writer’s Workshop
Structure of Dialogue w/ Colin Costello (www.colincostello.com)
Using Other People’s Money w/Shannon Nash – Panel
Financing a Film or TV show can be challenging for the producer and filled with traps for the unwary. It’s like a catch-22. The producer has the script, treatment, breakdown, schedule, budget, and a business plan. Now the producer just needs talent. But the talent won’t come on board without the financing in place. Given that most independent film producers do not want to (or can’t) use their personal funds to finance the project, the producer is left with one solution – Use other people’s money. Shannon Nash, ESQ., Michelle L. Davis, ESQ., Paul Garnes, Producer This panel will explore all the potential perils, pitfalls and proper ways to use other people’s money, including: SEC and state law security compliance and potential violations, using debt or agreements that look like debt (including high interest rates that may be illegal), crowdsourcing sites like Kickstarter and state and local tax credits and tax incentives such as the Invest Georgia Exemption for projects under $1million. The panel will also look at all the compliance issues that exist for many years after taking other people’s money such as: investor reports and communications, copies of tax returns to investors (Schedule K-1s for most investors), paying back lenders and filing with state and local agencies.
To register for the event, go to www.atlantapitchsummit.com.
And Now We Got ‘Starter Wives’
As if the boob tube doesn’t already have enough reality show, it seems as if 2013 will bring even more. Next up on the roster of upcoming reality show is ‘Starter Wives.” The head honchos at the TLC network are gathering the exes of celebrities to include 50 Cent, DMX, boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. and NBA player Lamar Odom. The show will highlight the ladies’ lives as they live it now as wells as the time in their lives when they “supported their former husbands/boyfriends before the fame and wealth made them the men they are today.”
Here’s a full list of the ‘Starter Wives’ cast…
Tashera Simmons: Ex-wife of Earl “DMX” Simmons and mother of four of his children.
Shaniqua Tompkins: Ex-girlfriend of Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and mother of his son.
Zakia Baum: Ex-girlfriend of Jermaine “Maino” Coleman and mother of his son.
Cheryl Caruso: Ex-wife of mobster Phillip Caruso and mother of his two daughters.
Josie Harris: Ex-girlfriend of Floyd Mayweather and mother of his three children.
Monica Joseph-Taylor: soon to be ex-wife of Aston “Funkmaster Flex” Taylor and mother to his two children.
Liza Morales: Ex-girlfriend of Lamar Odom and mother of his three children.
‘Starter Wives’ is set to premiere early next year with filming beginning this month.
T-Boz Set to Bring Reality on TLC
Tionne “T-Boz” Watkins of former hit girl group TLC is bringing her reality to the TLC network. In a recent deal with the network, T-Boz will bring to the boob tube her own reality show, “Totally T-Boz”.
The show will focus on the singer’s life as a single mom, her attempts to revive her music career and her comeback after battling medicals issues such as a brain tumor. Some of T-Boz’s family and friends will also be on the show including her daughter Chase. Filming for the project has already begun.
Here the press release for the show…
Joining Tionne on this adventure are her daughter Chase, little brother Kayo, cousins Barb and Chris, best girlfriend Tae-Tae, and business partner Tara, who are helping her confront the reality that this isn’t the 1990’s anymore: Now 42 and not in fighting shape, she must face the fact that she’s a different person, and the industry has evolved dramatically. While known for giving 100% of herself as a part of one of the best-selling female groups of all time, she’s facing the exciting prospect of reinventing herself as a solo artist – and not only as a part of “TLC.” With her team at her side, and tapping into her experience as a singer-songwriter, dancer, actress, author, choreographer, and executive producer, she’s hustling hard to transform herself into a bigger success than ever before.
“Totally T-Boz” will begin airing early next year. Will you be watching???
New Music: Keyshia Cole – Trust and Believe + ‘Family First’ Sneak Preview
The street tough, but modestly sensitiv,e R&B songstress Keyshia Cole is making her way back to the forefront of music. With the upcoming release of her album Woman To Woman, Keyshia is set on giving her fans the music that made them love her in the first place. In addition to her first release, “Enough of No Love” featuring Lil Wayne, the harddriven love song has kept a positive spot on the billboards. Now, to continue with that momentum, her new track “Trust And Believe” hit the internet last night. And without a doubt, all of her hardcore fans is drawn to the infectiousness of it’s words “…you can trust and believe you gonna need me.”
Take a listen to the hot new track below:
But wait, Keyshia has a lot more to come. Premiering again on the BET network, is Keyshia and her family in her newest reality show ‘Keyshia & Daniel: Family First’. The show will follow Keyshia as she continues her life purpose with her husband/NBA star Daniel Gibson, her young son DJ, and her mom Frankie and others from her family. The show is set to air on Tuesday, October 9 at 10pm est.
Bobbi Kristina & Family Moves On In New Reality Show ‘The Houstons: On Our Own’
Since the untimely death of icon Whitney Houston, her daughter Bobbi Kristina has seemed to be coping quite well. Despite random pics of her and her alleged “boyfriend” Nick Gordon popping up on Twitter, Bobbi Kristina has continued to live life her way and do some positive things. Tyler Perry swooped in earlier this year and offered her an opportunity to get her acting chops on. Now, in continuation of her television stints, she’s now to set to allow us to delve into her life as it unfolds.
The Houstons: On Our Own is a new reality show featuring Bobbi Kristina and the Houston family. Family members who will be apart of the show are grandmother Cissy Houston, Gary and Pat Houston, and Nick Gordon. The show was filmed in Atlanta (where Bobbi Kristina lives). The Lifetime network will air the series on Wednesday, October 24. “Remembering Whitney”, a special dedication segment that show rare footage of Whitney and interviews from her closest family and friends, will air one week prior.
Will you be watching??
Kevin Hart’s “Real Husbands of Hollywood” [Mini Trailer]
Ever since he made major waves with his stand-up comedy film “Laugh At My Pain”, comedian Kevin Hart seems to keep big things popping. Following the recent success of the film “Think Like a Man” in which he starred and his hilarious hosting gigs at the BET awards show, he’s now bringing his own version of reality tv to the BET network.
By way of “Real Husbands of Hollywood”, Hart will bring to the network a semi-scripted parody of the popular reality shows being watched today. In addition to Hart, other celebrity features include, Boris Kodjoe, Duane Martin and Robin Thicke. This is sure to be a shake up to the already existence of the female-dominated world of reality tv.
The 10-episode premiere season has been added to BET’s sitcom line-up for 2013. Will keep you posted on the actual premiere date but until you can catch a sneak peek below…
Leaving RHOA?? Hold Up NeNe Leakes!
NeNe Leakes recently expressed her thoughts on departing from the “Real Housewives of Atlanta“. After becoming the star of the very popular reality series, NeNe made a few major moves into television (starring on Donald Trump’s “The Apprentice” and now “Glee” and “The New Normal”). In deed, she’s made advancements to add some credibility into her passion for acting. We here, at STACKS Magazine, support any woman making strides in business.
But, are her plans to move on from RHOA a little premature? NeNe doesn’t think so. During an interview with the New York Post, she said…
“Just the thought of me being a ‘Housewife,’ [TV execs] would probably say, ‘Hmmm. We may not want to use her.’ Jus the whole persona of being a housewife: the cattiness and the bitchiness and the fighting, people see you as that is who you are,” she reasoned. “I can’t continue to be a housewife. At some point, I have to back out.”
Understandable. I mean, Joseline of Love & Hip Hop ATL couldn’t stay being a stripper forever (who ironically chose the same career choice as Mrs. Leakes in her younger days). So, although she has not said exactly when she’ll leave the show, my suggestion is that she stay long enough to cash a few more “trump checks”. Always keep your pockets diverse. Smart people make know how to get money from various sources. If she has the time and energy, I say continue to do RHOA for at least two more seasons. This will give NeNe ample time to truly solidify her place as a star in the entertainment game.
Give it up for NeNe though. The chick got her hustle on quick!
Bernice Returns To South Beach In Season 3, Wed. Sept 19 on TRU Tv
Are you ready?!! Season 3 of South Beach Tow premieres Wednesday, Sept 19. With guaranteed laughter and drama on the streets on Miami, the Ashenoff’s and their “too live” Tremont crew are back with more. South Beach Tow has become a favorite for millions of reality show viewers. The idea of having a show about towing cars may have seemed far fetched for exectuive producer Jennifer Lopez. But, the numbers don’t lie. Lopez has a hit show on her hands.
But, of course, there would be no season three without a few exciting characters to stir up some mess. And my favorite of them all is BERNICE! She has become the star of the show with her straight laced IDGAF attitude. I had the pleasure of interviewing Bernice earlier this year. I must say she’s a lot more complex than one may think. In case you missed the article, click on the link below.
I’m geeked up about season three. Are you? If not, check out some crazy sh*t Bernice says in the below show clip:
The new season of South Beach Tow airs Wednesday, Sept 19 at 9pm. Tune in!
