THIS WEEK
Sean Combs Is On The August Issue Of Vanity Fair And The Interview Shines A Unique Light On The Elusive Bachelor: The Sean “Love” Combs era is here, the 51-year-old mogul told Vanity Fair in his cover interview, published this week In his extensive chat with journalist Tressie McMillan Cottom, the Harlem native reflected on closing the door on his past Puff Daddy and Diddy personas and welcoming his new life calling. “You have the Puff Daddy era. That’s like this young, brash, bold hip hop, unapologetic swagger on a million and just fearlessness and really doing it for the art and rooted; the only thing I know is hip hop,” he said. “I don’t know about changing the world or anything like that as possible. Then after Biggie… after all of that… I wanted to get into other businesses. And so Biggie had called me Diddy because of my bop — the way I walk, my swagger, and they got something called the diddy bop… it was something before me.”
New Book Says Aaliyah Took Sleeping Pills And Was Carried To The Plane Before Crash: According to a bombshell new book on her life, R&B singer and actress Aaliyah didn’t want to board the flight that cost the rising star her life. After remaining silent for decades, an eyewitness has alleged that the singer was given a sleeping pill and carried — unconscious — onto the suspect aircraft before her fatal 2001 crash in the Bahamas. The shocking allegation was dropped in a new biography, “Baby Girl: Better Known as Aaliyah,” by music journalist Kathy Iandoli. “They took her out of the van; she didn’t even know she was getting boarded on a plane,” stated Kingsley Russell, 33, who was with Aaliyah— just before the fateful flight, the Daily Mail reported. “She went on the airplane asleep.”
DaBaby Apologizes Again After Being Dropped From More Festivals:
The rapper released another apology for the homophobic comments he made at the Rolling Loud festival in July after being dropped by Lollapalooza festival Monday— the third lineup he’s been axed from in the wake of the controversy. “I want to apologize to the LGBTQ+ community for the hurtful and triggering comments I Made,” the rapper wrote in a lengthy statement to Instagram on Monday. “Again, I apologize for my misinformed comments about HIV/AIDS and I know education on this is important. Love to all. God bless.” The “Suge” artist, 29, called the public outcry around his words “challenging” and thanked those “who came to me with kindness.” He went on to say“As a man who has had to make him own way from very difficult circumstances, having people I know publicly working against me — knowing what I needed was education on these topics and guidance — has been challenging,” he wrote. DaBaby was also dropped on Monday from the lineup of New York’s Governor’s Ball next month and November’s Day N Vegas Festival.
It’s Over Between Rapper Nelly And His Longtime Girlfriend Shantel Jackson. Essence reports …She revealed that the couple broke up, offering a brief statement over the weekend when a fan asked if they were still an item after noticing a decrease in photos of them together. “No we’re not ….. Just friends,” she replied. He actually replied to the news getting out by telling The ShadeRoom that the timeline of their relationship was actually shorter. It was thought to be seven years. “Well actually just 5years ended 2019 haven’t been together for the past 2,” he wrote in a comment. “ok now y’all know..!! #FACTS” The pair started dating in 2014. When Jackson, 37, appeared on the short-lived E! reality show The Platinum Life in 2017, she had nothing but positive things to say about their relationship. “The best part about being with Nelly is that he always likes to have fun,” she said of the 46-year-old musician. “I don’t wanna be a baby momma, I want, you know, the horse and carriage, the wedding, the ring before I have a baby. First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage.”
The two certainly seemed to be a fun pairing, and it was a significant relationship for Nelly. When he appeared on Dancing With the Stars last year (2020…despite him claiming they were done in 2019), she supported him and he talked about how they were “working towards” making things official. Nelly actually said way back in 2016 that they were “working on it” in regards to marriage. But the rapper is known for lengthy relationships that don’t make it to the altar.
Groom Thinks Wife Was Having An Affair With His Friend Shuts Down 
Highway In Wedding Night Shooting: Two people were shot on Saturday night on a Louisiana spillway after a groom exited his vehicle and opened fire. The groom, still dressed in his wedding tuxedo, reportedly thought his new bride was having an affair with his friend. The incident occurred following a wedding in nearby Kenner, Louisiana. The suspected gunman has been identified as 30-year-old Devin Jones, who was arrested for attempted first-degree murder, aggravated second-degree battery and two counts of aggravated criminal damage to property. Jones was reportedly driving a car with his new bride and a male friend when they became stuck in traffic due to a car crash involving multiple vehicles. An argument allegedly ensued with Jones accusing his new wife of having an affair with the male passenger.
The fight escalated when Jones got out of the car and allegedly shot the male friend. He also fired at another car stuck in traffic, injuring the hand of a driver, according to the police report. Jones’ wife fled the car and sought help from first responders who were aiding the victims of the collision. She was allowed inside an ambulance, but officers said that moments later Jones began shaking and striking the vehicle in an attempt to get her out. Jones’ male friend and the other shooting victim were airlifted from the scene and taken to a nearby hospital to be treated for their gunshot injuries
SingleSketches
The Women Speak …
Karen: “It’s best to find something you can enjoy alone. It stops you from depending on others when you feel like having a good time. Fun should not be contingent on other people. I’m not dating anyone right now, but I plan something fun to do every Friday and Saturday, and then I do my movie thing on Sunday.” MORE
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The Dating Chronicles
One More Time…
Karen’s spirit was sullen, as she sat watching the beautiful people gather at yet another popular club. She was out seeking the company of a man only because she wanted to be held, but she was not comfortable. The pain of past encounters now stifled her desire to love and be loved. Her passion had died with the last failed relationship. Now, she had a different agenda. From now on, she would not love for free. If a guy couldn’t offer her money or status, she would not waste her time. If a guy couldn’t offer her money or status, she would not waste her time. MORE
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8 Fun Things To Do
Before Summer’s End!
by M.K. Allison
1. Ride In The Open Air: If you don’t already own a convertible, rent one for a weekend and drive around the city or through the countryside with a friend or a group of friends. There is nothing like a ride in a convertible car on a warm summer evening. 2. Sleep Under The Stars: Rent a cabin in the countryside for a weekend and invite several friends to join you for swimming, bicycling, hiking, or a barbeque. Make sure it’s on a lake. Renting a cabin is not an expensive thing and it’s a unique place to have an outdoor party with a bunch of friends. Buy or rent a tent (they’re very inexpensive) and pitch camp with a few friends. MORE
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The 9 Guy Types
To Avoid On
The Dating Scene
by Coco Diong
There are certain personality types I think we all have encountered, and perhaps this will serve to give the guys who fit this profile an insightful look at why some women stop answering their phones when they know these guys are on the other end. Tom The Talker – This guy is basically looking for a listener. He spends all your time together bragging, complaining, and opinion spouting. He does not listen because he’s not really interested in your thoughts or views. He is usually very attractive, (which can stimulate the interest factor for a minute.) but super boring. Result: You know everything you need to know about him, in a very short time and he knows nothing about you. MORE
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The Top 5 Secrets
To Staying Slim
by Megan McMorris
Act like you’re a size smaller, and you’ll be a size smaller. This is how thin women thrive in a supersized world. We all have that one thin friend—the one who’s never bullied into submission by the breadbasket, and when she says “I’ll just have a bite,” she does just that. Is she for real? Turns out, research shows that thin people simply don’t think about food the same way as the rest of us. “Thin people have a relaxed relationship with food,” explains David L. Katz, MD, an associate professor adjunct in public health at Yale University. MORE
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Posh Party Protocol
How To Get Invited Back
by Edward Lamberto
Dress the Part
Wearing clothes that are appropriate to the occasion is very important. Don’t dress casually when the host has made a great effort to put on an elegant party for you and the other guests. Under-dressing for an occasion may insult the host and embarrass you. If you’re unsure about what to wear, ask the host when you respond to the invitation. And remember: When in doubt, it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than under-dressed. MORE
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10 Ways Not To
Blow It On
The First Date
by Lisa Laird
Watch what you say. Your conversation plays a large role in how appealing you remain. If you’re gorgeous, but dull, the evening won’t go well. Check your conversation to see if you’re funny, interesting and witty. Be current. Know what’s going on in the world, and strive to have an interesting view on life. Curb Your Excitement: Treat it as a nice break from a busy life and never act if you feel the person is blessing you with their presence. MORE
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The Singles Scene
by Sarah Smart
Q. I went out with a woman several times, (to who I was very attracted to) before she informed me that she had two kids from a previous relationship. I was immediately turned off because I don’t date women with children. It’s a personal preference that I don’t apologize for. I stopped all contact with this person, and she’s driving me crazy with her need to know why. I have avoided telling her the truth because I don’t want to be mean, but she’s persistent. Should I tell her my true feelings?…that I don’t wish to be involved with another man’s children. What do you say? MORE
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Health
How Smart Are You
About Your Body?
by Dr. Constance Borglow
Breast Cancer Awareness is something we can never get too much information on because it’s a disease that is running rampant through our communities. Breast cancer among African-American women is on the rise, and is deadlier than ever. Studies show that this disease kills more African-American women than any other group in the country. Breast Cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths among African-American women. Many women are walking around un-diagnosed out of a fear of being tested while others are suffering alone with a disease that can be totally debilitating. MORE
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Scoping:
How To Recognize
Mr. Wrong… Quick!
by Jovan Tahale
I was divorced almost a year and missing the warmth of a relationship when my phone rang at work one day and this melodious voice inquired about the cost of a computer system. His voice was so magnetic that I intentionally prolonged the conversation. When he became a regular client, we talked regularly, but it was always in relation to business. I would often make up an excuse to call and flirt with him, but he blocked all my passes by skillfully changing the subject. One day, out of curiosity, I arranged to finally meet him by tagging along with the company rep. My insides were quivering with excitement. MORE