Happy birthday

Singer Billy Brown (The Moments/Ray, Goodman & Brown) 70

Singer Fantasia Barrino 32

Singer Richard Pratt ( Blue Magic)

Remembering singer Florence Ballard (June 30, 1943-February 22, 1976-The Supremes)

New Edition is having an amazing 2016; not only will their BET biopic air in 2017, but the group will also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. They’re not alone; John Legend and Ice Cube are a few of the entertainers who will also receive a star on sunny LA Boulevard. According to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, the late Salena, boy band NSYNC, Hall &  Oates and Clarence Avant will also receive stars in the recording arts category. Tyra Banks will receive a star in the TV category along with Eva Longoria, Wolfgang Puck and more. In other Walk of Fame news, eleven-time Grammy award winning gospel legend Shirley Caesar received a star on Tuesday.  The event marked 50 years for Pastor Caesar as a solo artist. Fellow gospel singers Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin attended the ceremony at the Fonda Theater. Congratulations to all! Meanwhile, as mentioned previously, cable channel BET will air a forthcoming New Edition biopic series titled “The New Edition Story”. The three part series will chronicle the rise of five boys from Boston (Ronnie, Bobby, Ricky, Mike and Ralph, and the edition of Johnny Gill later) as all were thrust into the stratosphere of superstardom and all the drama in between. “Empire” star Bryshere Gray will portray Michael Bivins in the up coming made for television mini series. The mini series also stars Luke James as Johnny Gill, Keith Powers as Ronnie DeVoe, Elijah Kelly as Ricky Bell, Algee Smith as Ralph Tresvant and Woody McClain as Bobby Brown. The look of the trailer indicates that this will be a very good mini series. Rapper Lil Wayne’s prison memoir finally has a release date. Publisher Penguin Random House announced that “Gone Til November” will hit book stores on Oct 11, almost four years later than expected. The New Orleans native’s autobiography was published in early 2012, and scheduled for release in November of that year through Grand Central Publishing, a division of Hatchette Book Group. Penguin describes the 176-page book as a “deeply personal and revealing look at his time spent incarcerated on Rikers Island for eight months in 2010.” Wayne’s journals detail his thoughts and feelings, the people he met, his plans, his family, his children, his past and his future. Fans can pre-order the book at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com. Although his last single was 2015’s “Habibi (I Need Your Love)”, it’s been quite some time since rapper  Shaggy has released new music. In fact, it’s been three years since the release of the Sly & Robbie produced “Out Of Many, One Music”. After taking time off to revamp everything from management, (he’s now signed to Compound Entertainment, the firm that also handles Ne-Yo), to signing with a new label, (he’s now signed to Brooklyn Nights/Sony Red), Shaggy is making up for lost time. “Mr. Boombastic” is back with a new single titled “I Got You”, which he says is a great launching pad for the next phase of his career. Featuring Kingston, Jamaica singer/songwriter Jovi Rockwell, the track samples James Brown’s No. 1 hit of the same name. Shaggy attended a showcase for friend Jovi Rockwell where her manager played him some of her compositions. Shaggy was asked what he thought of “I Got You” and said he thought the song was a hit. Shaggy later recorded a verse for  the song at Rockwell’s request. But, ultimately deciding that the track didn’t fit the direction she was targeting, Rockwell gave the song to Shaggy. He and his production team enhanced the sample and added crashes to the mix. It’s great to see him back on the scene.

Happy birthday

Remembering Eva Narcissus Boyd known by the stage name Little Eva (June 29, 1943-April 10,2003)

Steadman Pearson (Five Star) 52

Rapper DJ Shadow 44

It’s been announced that singer and former “American Idol” contestant Jennifer Hudson has signed a new contract with Epic Records. Since leaving Arista/J Records and RCA, this puts Hudson in the hands of music moguls LA Reid and Clive Davis, who will share executive producer duties on her next album. The first time Reid and Davis collaborated was on the late Whitney Houston’s “The Bodyguard” soundtrack. The two must be planning something special for Hudson. In a press statement, Reid said Hudson’s award winning presence on records, film and stage makes her the premiere artist of this century. He added that he’s excited about working with Davis and looks forward to fans hearing what they’ve been up to. More will be revealed soon. Meanwhile, Davis stated that he signed Hudson in 2007 because he thought she was the strongest candidate as the next generation’s Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. Hudson stated she’s excited to be working with Reid and Davis and knows it will be something unforgettable. She released her last album “JHUD” in 2014, but it didn’t make much of an impact. Working with Clive Davis and LA Reid may mean major marketing and push to propel her to the top. On Sunday night, Beyoncé surprised everyone by opening the BET Awards with a powerful performance of “Freedom” with  Kendrick Lamar. She went on to win two awards that evening, Video of the Year and Viewers Choice Award for “Formation”, which her mother Tina Lawson accepted on her behalf. Tina Lawson explained that Beyoncé had to take a flight to Europe to start the European leg of “Formation World Tour” the following day, but wanted to squeeze the performance in because it meant a lot to her. Apparently, many aren’t buying it because many fans have accused Beyoncé of not wanting to be present at the ceremony, insinuating that she’s now too high on her horse to attend a black awards show. Mother Tina came to her daughter’s defense with an Instagram post venting her frustrations and at the same time clearing the whole matter up. Lawson mentioned during the show that Beyoncé took the time to squeeze her BET performance in, which is commendable. Rapper/producer Pharrell Williams recently took a trip down Sesame Street to teach Elmo and Cookie Monster that with a book, they can go anywhere and see anything. In the new clip, the Grammy award winning rapper/songwriter/producer teaches Elmo and Cookie Monster the importance of reading through a song titled “B Is For Book”. The song takes a journey through the imagination because of reading. Reading is fundamental indeed. After “Run The Jewels” cranked up the soundtrack on the debut trailer for Marvel’s “Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet:” reboot last month, Mobb Deep’s Prodigy has stepped into the role for issue No. 2. The latest monthly teaser series for the rebooted superhero title penned by author Ta-Nehisi Coates and illustrated by Brian Stelfreeze gets a lift from “Beast With It” featuring Prodigy and Mark the Beast. Marvel has promised a new video trailer each  month featuring some of the biggest names in the music industry.

Happy birthday

Singer/actress Tichina Arnold 47

Singer Jonathan Rasboro (Silk)

Singer Tomi Jenkins (Cameo)

Just days after singer Chris Brown’s former manager files suit against him, Brown now finds himself facing yet another lawsuit from former Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight. Knight’s suit stems from a 2014 shooting at a pre Video Music Awards party hosted by Brown at a Miami nightclub which left Knight injured from three gun shot wounds. The suit, filed  yesterday, blames Brown and 1 Oak Nightclub management for failing to provide proper security. The suit calls Brown out for a history of violence at his events. Ironically, Knight is currently in jail awaiting trial on an unrelated murder charge. One would assume that an individual who calls their record label Death Row Records would attract violence and legal woes. Beyoncé proteges Chloe X Halle made a significant impact with their performance on the 2016 BET Awards. A few months ago, the duo released their debut single “Drop” on Bey’s label Parkwood Entertainment, a tune which clearly shows the Beyoncé influence while undeniably heavy on the talent. During their performance, the sisters displayed their incredible vocal prowess and stage presence; played guitar and keyboards and sounded flawless. It’s not difficult to understand why Beyoncé  chose to sign them. The moment BET Awards viewers had waited for began  when Sheila ripped ferociously into the opening drum beat of Prince’s “Housequake”, which turned out to be one of three tributes to the late musician. The singer/songwriter/drummer/percussionist stated during an interview with Billboard magazine that the reunion with former members of Prince’s band the New Power Generation was an emotional one, but she asked the musicians to play and they started jamming. She added that the playing inspired the group to write a song about the icon that will appear on Sheila E’s solo album, which she confirmed will be released later this year. The project is named after Sheila E’s new single “Boy Meets Girl”. Both the single and its official video were released yesterday through http://www.sheilae.com. Rapper Ludacris is headed to Cuba. Not the newly opened culturally rich island Americans can now visit. :Ludacris will head to the U.S Navel base at Guantanamo Bay, known as the home for 89 war on terror detainees. According to the Miami Herald, the rapper/actor will play a free show for the troops, Department of Defense contractors and Navy families who live there as part of the annual “Freedom Festival” at Guantanamo’s Windward Ferry Landing, which is miles away from the locked down detention center zone that houses the prisoners. Ludacris hasn’t made any public comments about the show, but he has been posting behind the scenes pictures from the set of “Fast & Furious 8” set; in April the film’s producers stated that they will be “the first Hollywood movie studio to film on the island post embargo.” Ray J, Chris Brown and even former president George W. Bush have all commented on Kanye West’s “Famous” video. What do late night talk show hosts think? Well, “The Late Show” host Stephen Colbert was just offended that West left him out of the clip. Noting that West jokingly tweeted “Can somebody sue me already?”, Colbert said he’s ready to sue now. But only because he agreed to appear in the clip, but West allegedly cut him out of the final version. Luckily, Colbert kept the footage.

Happy birthday

Singer Lauren Jauregui (Fifth Harmony) 25

The 2016 BET Awards aired last night, and without a doubt, many may have wondered if the cable network would pull off a better tribute to Prince than Billboard had some time ago. Janelle Monae, Maxwell and Sheila E were among the performers who paid tribute to the late musician, with one of the evening’s  performances being delivered by Sheila E. Backed by a full band and dancers, Sheila put her all into her performance. He drumming skills are still on point and she even slid across the stage at one point. Prince’s ex-wife Mayte Garcia also participated in the tribute through dance. She was one of Prince’s dancers before marrying the musician in the 9o’s. Sheila E’s performance was one for the ages and one that definitely would have made Prince proud. Meanwhile, Beyoncé beat out Drake, Future, Bryson Tiller, Chris Brown and Rhianna for the Viewers Choice Award for “Formation”. She also won Video Of The Year as well. Bey and Bryson Tiller also tied as top  winners of the evening with two wins each. Congratulations Bey! A few weeks ago, Usher released his Young Thug assisted single “No Limit” ahead of his eighth studio effort “Flawed”, which is reportedly scheduled to be released in July. He brought it to the BET stage as well. In Usher’s signature style, he gave the crowd some intricate hip hop choreography along with some sexy innuendo. This single may become one of the big hits of the summer. It’s common knowledge that Alicia Keys is a talented piano player, but she showed the world how talented musician she really is at the BET Awards. Sporting black body suit, red jacket and pineapple headscarf, Keys performed her latest single “In Common”. She played multiple instruments, including piano and acoustic guitar. Her performance was bar none. Maxwell is back. He brought his latest single    “Lake By The Ocean” to the BET Awards with a wet performance. Standing under an umbrella, the crooner sang the song under rain graphics. He later transitioned into Prince’s “Nothing Comparers 2 U”. Janelle Monae may have single handedly brought all the Prince tributes to their knees at the 2016 BET Awards. Her high energy performance always impress, but this performance took things to another level. She began with Prince’s song “Delirious” before transitioning to “Kiss”, “Pop Life” and “I Would Die 4 U”, channeling his dance moves throughout. Wearing a white ensemble that transformed into classic Prince outfits, including the iconic booty cut out. Janelle Monae poured her heart into the performance to ensure that it would have been one the singer would have been impressed by.

Happy birthday

Singer Solange Knowles 30

Singer/songwriter/producer Lucien “Bowlegged Lou” George Jr.  (Full Force)

Singer Siedah Garrett 56

Singer Chris Brown can’t seem to catch a break. As he tours Europe and attempts to separate himself from his assault charge past, vultures are still trying to slam his name in the hopes of getting paid. According to TMZ, Brown’s former manager Mike G filed a lawsuit claiming that Brown beat him to a bloody pulp for no reason during a drug filled rage. In the suit, Mike says he had to go to the emergency room to be treated for his injuries. Brown is not having it! Shortly after news of the lawsuit broke, Brown posted a video on Instagram to set the record straight regarding what really happened, claiming that he fired Mike because he was stealing money. Brown stated in the clip that he doesn’t plan on paying the lawsuit any mind. We’ll see how things pan out. Earlier this month, it was confirmed that Janelle Monae, Alicia Keys, DeAngelo, Maxwell, Sheila E. and The Roots would be paying tribute to Prince at the 2016 BET Awards. Now, it’s been announced that Stevie Wonder has been added to the lineup. Wonder was part of the Prince tribute at the Billboard Music Awards along with Madonna, which endured some scathing reviews. BET promised to do a job so we’ll see what the network has in store for viewers. In other BET Award news, a tribute to Muhammad Ali, who passed away on June 3, has been added to the show as well. DJ Khaled continued blessing the late night television circuit with a visit to Jimmy Kimmel to share the cover of his forthcoming album “Major Key”, which shows the We The Best CEO sitting on a throne in a flower filled garden and a real life lion. Khaled stated that the album cover is authentic of what he represents, his spiritual beliefs and the vibes he keeps around him. Khaled, who’s also expecting his first child, added that he intends to Snapchat his son’s upcoming birth. Khaled will make a special announcement regarding his album on his Beats 1 show today at 5 p.m. Rapper Wiz Khalifa released the single “More And More” from his highly anticipated new album “Rolling Papers 2”. During an interview with Billboard magazine, the MC stated that he’s still working on the album. In explaining the recording process, Wiz stated that he records songs, then assembles an album from there. He added that his inspiration for the new album is what he does throughout the day. He concluded that he plans to have the album done before he and Snoop Dogg head out on The High Road Tour in late July.