FADER Media known for their various music and lifestyle properties including The FADER magazine and thefader.com is adding another jewel to the crown. Their latest venture, Suite903.com is a website dedicated to Soul music and the culture that surrounds it. According to Andy Cohn, VP and Group Publisher of The FADER media, after noting the yearly success of the eight year old Suite903 CD series, it made sense to create the site as an extension. Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Michelle Obama covers Ebony.

While the ladies seem to love to accessorize their outfits with diamonds and pearls, Michelle Obama says her best accessory is her husband. She tells Ebony magazine, “The best thing I love having on me is Barack on my arm and vice versa, whether it’s having him standing there smiling at me or watching him mesmerize a crowd or talk to some seniors in a senior center.” Michelle Obama told the magazine, which hits newsstands Aug. 12, that should she become first lady, her primary focus will continue to be “mom-in-chief,” to their two daughters – Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7. Michelle Obama also discussed her marriage, how she balances motherhood and work and her fashion sense. Michelle Obama officially graced her way into the international spotlight as a fashion icon, making it onto Vanity Fair magazine’s International Best-Dressed List the last month. The couple also grace the cover of next month’s Essence magazine.

Cynthia Rodriguez says A-Rod’s a cheater
Amid persistent rumors of an affair between her husband and singer Madonna, the wife of New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez wants out. Cynthia Rodriguez has filed for divorce, saying A-Rod’s a cheat who “emotionally abandoned his wife and children.” “The marriage of the parties is irretrievably broken because of the husband’s extramarital affairs and other marital misconduct,” her petition, filed Monday in Florida, states. A former trainer to Rodriguez calls the slugger “brainwashed,” saying that A-Rod has been seduced by Hollywood’s glamour.

NBA teams’ new look for ’08 can be revealed tomorrow
A moratorium on roster changes in the NBA is officially lifted tomorrow when teams can announce their final trade moves and roster additions. Among other developments, Eldon Brand is expected to re-sign with the L.A.Clippers. Teams will know the player salary cap for the coming season as early as tonight.

Racy cover doesn’t equal magazine sales
The controversial April issue of Vogue magazine, with LeBron James and Gisele Bundchen, was a flop on newsstands; it sold only 350,000 copies, 100,00 less than normal. Why didn’t people buy it? Find out more at Playa Hater.

T.I. opens up to XXL Magazine.

The rapper talks legal issues, personal change and Shawty Lo feud in new the issue. Read about it here.

BET.com gets in the booth with DJ EnuffDJ Enuff talks about what DJing means to him, where it’s going and if the art is dead. Here’s the latest.