And You Thought Your Family Had Problems

And You Thought Your Family Had Problems

I was still eating crayons and licking windows at the daycare center when DeBarge was pumping out hits in the 80’s, so as an adult I’ve always been curious about the real story behind the troubled family. Thankfully Vibe answered my prayers and questions in the “Broken Dreams” story.

Behold, manna from heaven.

On James DeBarge’s marriage to Janet Jackson

James DeBarge married Janet Jackson when they were both 19 years old. James met Janet because his brother Bobby was dating LaToya Jackson. “James and Janet started secretly seeing each other,” says Bunny DeBarge. Talking to her on the phone. Then they came to Grand Rapids and eloped. For the Jackson family, it was a nightmare.” …The Jackson-DeBarge marriage was annulled after two months and allegations of James’ drug abuse.

On El DeBarge’s battles against substance abuse

“Drugs happened,” blurts [mother] Etterlene DeBarge. “It’s painful totalk about, but when El got into drugs, it just paralyzed him. If I had to do it again, I would never allow my kids to be in the music industry.There are a lot of snakes out there, and they bite real hard.”

Chico on the DeBarge legacy:

“The heartbreak heard in Bobby, El, and Chico’s music may have many sources, but part of it stems from having to prove themselves worthy as soul contenders. Yes, folks constantly namecheck the Jacksons as the first family of R&B. But when it comes time to define the canon, the artistry and rich contributions of the DeBarge family has been unfairly kicked to the curb…“You know what us being in the studio tonight means?” Chico DeBarge asks of no one in particular. “It means that the DeBarge story is not over….”

Visit Vibe.com to read episode one of “The Rise and Fall of the DeBarge Family.” Trust me, it’s well worth it.

Baby Hair Overload

Baby Hair Overload

Jennifer Lopez on the video set of “Do It Well”

The last time I saw a Puerto Rican with that much hair slicked down on her forehead she was trying to use her EBT card in exchange for a dime bag and some pampers, but I refuse to co-sign this mess. Oh well, I gave up on J. Lo back in ‘99.

And the better not even think of cutting out Team Chunk from the video either! I would hate to send my plus size goon squad after her and Skeletor. We’ll put her Benz on bricks, no questions asked.

What In The Meow Mix Hell?

What In The Meow Mix Hell?

It’s amazing what you can do with a camera phone and a can of cat food. Wait . . . . nevermind.

[Thanks Jay]

See With Your Eyes And Not With Your Hands

See With Your Eyes And Not With Your Hands

Nay Nay was on her best behavior at the London Black Leaders Dinner honoring Nelson Mandela on Wednesday evening. Britain unveiled a statue of Mandela today outside the houses of Parliament, honoring the South African anti-apartheid campaigner as one of the great leaders of his era. Jesse Jackson took a break from skeeting in random women to also attend.

Question of the Day

Question of the Day

The celebrity line-up that will appear on the upcoming season of “Dancing With The Stars” was announced this morning on Good Morning America.

This year’s 12 contestants are Jane Seymour, super model Albert Reed, Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, actress-model Josie Maran, king of Las Vegas Wayne Newton, entertainer Marie Osmond, boxer Floyd Mayweather, Spice Girl Melanie Brown, racing champ Helio Castroneves, actress Jenni Garth, and actor Cameron Mathison.

Since I only recognized about five names I unintentionally started putting together my own cast. My top six picks are Lauryn “Who Hid My Meds?” Hill, Loon, Bobby Jones, Fabo, queen of the G-list BET Blackbuster movies Monica Calhoun, and Phil “Uncle Murda” Spector. Squad up!

WHO WOULD YOU PICK FOR YOUR OWN ALL-STAR LINE-UP?

I Know What You Are Thinking . . .

I Know What You Are Thinking . . .

…because I was thinking it too. Something along the lines of “YT got that poor baby out in public with a crusty mouth,” right?

Wrong! It’s only ice cream. Whew, that was a close one. I was about to hit Al Sharpton and Ben Chavis on the Blackberry. Zahara and Brad spent a day of cupcakin’ (see video for full explanation) together in Central Park on Tuesday.

Smile Wit’ Yo Eyes!

Smile Wit’ Yo Eyes!

at Nikki Beach Club in South Beach

I see you lusting over Ne-Yo! Put that bottle of Jergens away before your boss catches on to your under the desk action.

You can tell that Go-Go has spent many years standing in front of the mirror perfecting his raw emotion game. As my girl Butta would say, that boy is zestier than an entire bag of Missy Elliott endorsed Doritos. But I am not going to hate, the tang suites him well. I bet he even went the extra mile and tucked his dick for these pictures. Niccce.

And one for the road.

Chris Brown Covers Vibe

Chris Brown Covers Vibe

In an exclusive interview in the upcoming October edition of VIBE, cover boy Chris Brown runs over his rumored infatuation with Ciara, and addresses the new mature sound on his sophomore album, Exclusive. Dubbed the “Mega Music Issue”, the magazine features interviews with Eve, Kat DeLuna and Black Eyed Peas’ will.i.am, who shares his idea to revive the music industry. Newark, New Jersey mayor, Cory Booker, now governing the city after the tragic schoolyard shooting, is also profiled. The issue hits newsstands on September 11.

Forget Chris Breezy, I want to read about the Debarge family. They have more drama than a season of ‘Meerkat Manor.’ Yo, don’t sleep on the Animal Planet . Polow’s family is bananas.

Guaranteed Fresh

Guaranteed Fresh

Diddy gets his sandwich on plus more hot pics [Babes, Bling, & Booze]

Mims (you know, the “This Is Why I’m Hot” tragedy) tries to stay relevant by claiming that Kanye stole his sound [The Fury]

Meagan Good plays it close with her boyfriend Thomas Jones at his birthday bash [Juiicy Scoop]
…But did Lil’ Kim creep with him later? [Bossip]

Free El Debarge! [Rhymes With Snitch]

C+D and other urban/gossip blogs get name checked in the Boston Globe [ Boston Globe - - thanks Ayo]

Pick up some new gravatars with these funny caricatures [Layron DeJarnette Designs]

Solange inks deal with EMI [That Grape Juice]

Usher & Chilli’s failed relationship inspires book from ‘Nanny Diaires‘ authors [Real Gossip With A Passion]

The celebrity mama mafia bring in Lauryn Hill [The Secret Diaries of Janice Combs]

Tyra smiles with her eyes in the new promo picture for the upcoming season of ANTM [Juicy News]

Kelis outtakes from Spin magazine [Cake & Ice Cream]

Got a juicy link you would like to share? Want to plug your own blog? Post it in the comment section!

The "Say Something Nice" Challenge

The “Say Something Nice” Challenge

Amy Winehouse // Flick via Faded Youth

Related Article: Boycott ‘drug addict’ Amy Winehouse’s albums say in-laws [NME]