Lil’ Kim could be featured in Playboy

The rapper who presented an award to singer Diana Ross wearing a top made of pasties is reportedly ready to take things a step further. Lil’ Kim plans to pose nude for Playboy magazine, according to Web reports. The rapper, better known as Kimberly Jones, has been known for her sexuality since she began in the rap game during the late 1990s. She hasn’t confirmed the reports of her planned debut as a model for one of the most popular men’s magazines in America.

Comedian Mo’Nique among participants in “African World.”

Veteran R&B performers the O’Jays will headline one of the biggest annual Black cultural celebrations in the Midwest this weekend. Comedian and radio show host Mo’Nique will also appear, along with singer Talita Long, mother of actress Nia Long at the three-day African World Festival in Detroit. Black art, African and Caribbean cuisine, and musical rhythms from throughout the Diaspora will be featured today through Sunday at the free outdoor festival on Hart Plaza. Established by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the event has attracted as many as 1 million visitors.

Comedian’s family expected that he would pull through from illness

A public memorial is scheduled for this coming weekend at Chicago’s House of Hope after star comedian Bernie Mac’s death due to complications from pneumonia. Funeral arrangements for the popular performer and actor are pending, Mac’s daughter, Je’niece Childress, says. Family members expected that Mac, whose real name was Bernard McCullough, would overcome the illness when he came down with pneumonia three weeks ago. “He had sarcoidosis, but it was in remission,” Mac’s sister-in-law Mary Ann Grossett tells People. “But because he had it, his immune system was compromised.” Of Mac’s wife since 1977, Rhonda McCullough, Grossett adds: “She’s devastated, however, she’s at peace about his transition because of her faith in God. Her faith is what is sustaining her.  Services are scheduled for noon Saturday in the 10,000-seat House of Hope, 752 E. 114th St., Chicago, said Danica Smith, Mac’s publicist. Donations in Mac’s honor may be sent to the Bernie Mac Foundation for Sarcoidosis, 40 E. 9th St., Suite 601, Chicago, IL 60605, Smith said. See more on Bernie Mac at BET.com/News.