Premiere of 12 Years a Slave

According to THR,12 Years a Slave, a drama based on the remarkable true story of a free black man from the north who was deceived and sold into slavery in the south in mid-19th century America, had its world premiere Friday evening here at the Galaxy Theatre. The film was greeted with thunderous applause when its end credits began to roll; moments later, the audience offered a standing ovation as its director, Steve McQueen, and principal stars -- the British actor Chiwetel Ejiofor, McQueen regular Michael Fassbender, Kenyan newcomer Lupita Nyong'o and Brad Pitt, who is also a producer of the film -- were introduced for a brief Q&A.

Alicia Keys on Good Morning America

According to PerezHilton.com Alicia Keys performed live on Good Morning America, belting out her hit Girl On Fire as well as her latest track Fire We Make! 

Sunday Best Finalist Jessica Reedy Talks to Studio Q TV

Studio Q talks to Sunday Best Finalist Jessica Reedy at the 2013 Merge Summit.  We already loved that voice of hers and upon meeting her we immediately fell in love with her personality. 

Studio Q Talks to Erica Campbell of Mary Mary

Studio Q recently interviewed Erica Campbell of the Grammy winning gospel group Mary Mary on the red carpet of the 2013 Merge Summit.

Jay Z's Documentary Acquired by Showtime

According to The Hollywood Reporter Showtime is in the Jay Z business.  In keeping with its bid for cultural relevancy, the premium cable network has acquired Made in America, the star-studded documentary that chronicled Jay Z’s two-day 2012 Philadelphia music festival of the same name.

Preview Clips of R&B Divas LA Reunion [VIDEO]

 

Hosted by talk show and gossip gal, Wendy Williams, sat down with the ladies to get the details of their personal struggles, (i.e. Michel’le fake marriage), perhaps the instances of molestation and the drama behind the monologues.
There will also be some moments we didn’t get to see air on television. Maybe that make people appear better than they thought they did via editing and what not.
And just to add some levity to it, Lil Mo, in typical Lil Mo fashion, claims, once again, that she’s the greatest and demonstrates some of her vocal abilities to prove that point. You judge for yourself on that one. Check out some of the surprising and drama-filled moments from the R&B Divas LA reunion, including Kelly and Chante hashing it out, Claudette’s relative homelessness and Michel’le’s fake marriage, on the next few pages.
- See more at: http://madamenoire.com/296753/highlights-from-the-rb-divas-la-reunion/#sthash.ZhQtJlAy.dpuf

Hosted by talk show and gossip gal, Wendy Williams, sat down with the ladies to get the details of their personal struggles, (i.e. Michel’le fake marriage), perhaps the instances of molestation and the drama behind the monologues.
There will also be some moments we didn’t get to see air on television. Maybe that make people appear better than they thought they did via editing and what not.
And just to add some levity to it, Lil Mo, in typical Lil Mo fashion, claims, once again, that she’s the greatest and demonstrates some of her vocal abilities to prove that point. You judge for yourself on that one. Check out some of the surprising and drama-filled moments from the R&B Divas LA reunion, including Kelly and Chante hashing it out, Claudette’s relative homelessness and Michel’le’s fake marriage, on the next few pages.

- See more at: http://madamenoire.com/296753/highlights-from-the-rb-divas-la-reunion/#sthash.swHRI13Z.dpuf

According to YBF.com Television personality Wendy Williams serves as the no-holds-barred host of the two-part special featuring cast members Kelly Price, Lil’ Mo, Chanté Moore, Michel’le and Claudette Ortiz.

Josh and Fergie Duhamel Welcome Son Axl Jack

According to People, Actor Josh Duhamel, 40, and Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie, 38, welcomed their first child on Thursday, Aug. 29, their rep confirms to PEOPLE.  Son Axl Jack Duhamel weighed in at 7 lbs., 10 oz., the rep tells PEOPLE.  After announcing the pregnancy on Twitter, the reality of a baby on the way set in when Duhamel witnessed his wife’s first ultrasound.“It’s very exciting … [It's] unlike anything you’ve ever seen. You’re like, ‘Wow, it’s mine,’” the dad-to-be said in February.  For her part, Fergie — who celebrated with two baby showers — joked the pregnancy was a long time coming as Duhamel wanted to start a family after the first date. “He’s going to be an amazing father. He’s got natural parenting instincts,” she told PEOPLE in April.  The parents-to-be tried to keep baby’s sex a secret, but during an appearance on LIVE with Kelly and Michael, Duhamel hesitated before picking out a blue onesie. They did, however, manage to keep their son’s name under wraps. “Some people may not like it, some people may think it’s really cool, but we don’t really care — that’s why we’re not telling anybody,” Duhamel explained.  Coinciding with baby boy’s birth was a special surprise from new dad Duhamel: a push present.  “You got Christmas, you got birthdays, you got Valentine’s, you got Mother’s Day, you got every other thing in between … I don’t know who came up with this push present idea, but I think it’s probably a female,” he joked to PEOPLE.

The 2013 Merge Summit

Last weekend Studio Q attended the opening night of The 2013 Merge Summit hosted by actress Kym Whitley of “Raising Whitley” on OWN with a special musical performance by recording artist, Michelle Williams.

Lisa Kudrow Joins ABC Drama 'Scandal'

According to Deadline, Friends alumna Lisa Kudrow has been tapped for a recurring role on the upcoming third season of Shonda Rhimes’ hot Washington DC ABC series drama Scandal. 

Christian Milian, Amber Riley, Leah Remini & Snooki Join DWTS

According to BuddyTV, the new season of Dancing with the Stars is fast-approaching, and the cast will be officially announced Tuesday, September 4 on Good Morning America. But TMZ is already reporting several of the potential dancers this season.

OWN Orders New York Docu Reality Series Crazy.Sexy.Life.

According to Deadline, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network has given a straight to series order to Crazy.Sexy.Life., a new original docu-series about the fast-paced lives of four girlfriends living in New York City. The show is getting a high-profile sneak preview on September 3 behind the fall finale of Tyler Perry’s drama series The Haves And The Have Nots before the official series premiere in early 2014.

March on Washington 50 Years Later

According to Politico, Oprah Winfrey, Jamie Foxx and Forest Whitaker are among the celebrities joining three presidents this week to mark the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington.

Evan Ross Cast in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts 1 & 2

According to Shadow and Act, Lionsgate revealed, via its Twitter page, that Evan Ross has been cast to play a character named Messalla in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, parts 1 and 2.  He's described physically as a slim young man with several sets of earrings, and a pierced tongue.

Eva Marcille Is Pregnant

Congratulations are in order!  According to BET, Eva Marcille confirms that she is expecting her first child with songwriter Kevin McCall. The model and actress, who is five months pregnant, tells BET.com, "Being able to bring a life into the world is every woman’s dream but for me it’s more than just a dream it is a magical, mystical journey which I get to share with this amazing man." Eva adds, "Kevin is the only man who I would share this moment in life with.”

Michelle Williams Performs at The Merge Summit

Studio Q TV Talks to Michelle Williams (Destiny's Child) on the red carpet moments before she took to the stage to perform her new single “If We Had Your Eyes” and next single “Fire” for The 2013 Merge Summit Opening Night Celebration.

MTV's 2013 Video Music Awards [PHOTOS]

According to The Huffington Post, The VMAs, MTV's ever-shocking Video Music Awards turn 30 this year, which is about how old you'd have to be to remember when MTV played music videos.With One Direction hosting, Lady Gaga opening, Drake starting (from the bottom) and rumors of*NSYNC reuniting, it was bound to be interesting, but turns out it wasn't.

Danity Kane Reunites on MTV's VMAS

 According to E!Online, Danity Kane is officially making a comeback.  The platinum-selling pop group announced Saturday they are reuniting, with Aubrey O' Day posting a new promo pic of the group on Instagram Saturday with the caption, "DANITY KANE is officially BACK! @danitykane #vmas2013 #Rage."  Noticeably absent from the glam photo, in which the ladies strike fierce poses in all-black get-ups, is D. Woods, who won't be returning for the reunion.  And while there's no word yet on why D.Woods won't be back, Dawn Richards, Aubrey, Shannon Bex and Aundrea Fimbres will be on hand to make an official announcement about the group's reunion at the MTV Video Music Awards Sunday at 8:15 p.m. ET, according to the DK's official website.  Rumors started to brew back in May that Danity Kane might reunite, after O'Day tweeted, "I got a proposition if you want it... #DanityKane," along with a photo of the group.  Shannon, Dawn, Aundrea, and Aubrey were later caught on video that day meeting up for lunch.

Sidebar: This should be interesting. Check out our Studio QTV interview with Dawn Richard below.

Meet Kanye and Kim Kardashian's Baby, North West

According to USA Today the two-month-old daughter of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian was introduced to the world via her grandmother Kris Jenner's Twitter account. 

Marvin Gayes Family Rejects Six-Figure Offer

According to Billboard.com Robin Thicke’s team offered a six-figure sum to members of Marvin Gaye family in order to preempt a copyright infringement showdown, but the family turned it down. 

Randy Jackson Replaces Jimmy Iovine as American Idol Mentor

According to Deadline.com the sweeping changes on Fox’s American Idol continue. Top music producer Jimmy Iovine is leaving the talent competition series, where he served as an in-house mentor for the past three seasons. He will likely be replaced by former Idol judge Randy Jackson.

'The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete'

Debuting at this year's Sundance Film Festival, indie darling The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete will finally hit theaters nationwide this fall. The notable cast includes Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (G.I. Joe: Rise of Cobra), Anthony Mackie (recent beard game inductee), Jordin Sparks, and Jeffrey Wright.  Lionsgate will place this in limited release beginning October 11. 

Brandy Shoots Down 'Performance At Empty Stadium' Rumor

According to YBF.com on Wednesday, reports circulated the net in regards to Brandy giving a concert at a stadium in South Africa that seats 90,000.  And reports falsely spread the rumor that only 40 fans showed up.

Malone Musik Drops Single from Debut Album NOW

Maybe you have heard him on season 5 of American idol or crooning his soul out backing up Grammy-nominated R&B Divas' Syleena Johnson in her live shows and singing in the so in love duet "Little Things" on her album Chapter V: Underrated.  He is Malone. 

Omari Hardwick to Star in Starz's 50 Cent Drama 'Power'

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Starz has found the lead for its upcoming nightclub drama Power.  Omari Hardwick has landed the starring role in the drama from executive producer Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, the network announced Wednesday.  He'll play James "Ghost" St. Patrick, a wealthy New York nightclub owner.  Power revolves around James "Ghost" St. Patrick (Hardwick), a wealthy New York City nightclub owner who caters to the city's elite.

OWN Doubles Order for Tyler Perry's 'Love Thy Neighbor'

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Oprah Winfrey's OWN Network is doubling down on Tyler Perry's Love Thy Neighbor.  The cable network announced ahead of the scripted comedy's finale Wednesday that it has picked up 26 more episodes to premiere in January 2014.  OWN has also ordered four more episodes for Perry's scripted drama The Haves and Have Nots, bringing the total to 36.  Love Thy Neighbor is set at a family-run diner, where feisty matriarch Hattie Mae Love (Patrice Lovely) has her hands full not only managing her customers but also her family drama.  Since its May 29 debut, the series has averaged more than 1 million total viewers and a 0.88 rating among OWN's core women 25-54 demo. It is Wednesday night's top original series for African-American viewers.  The 26-episode pickup for Love Thy Neighbor comes after Perry's scripted drama The Haves and Have Nots had previously been picked up for 16 more episodes. That series continues to rise in the ratings, with its most recent airing scoring a 1.76 rating in OWN's core demo — a series high.  OWN and Perry inked an exclusive multiyear deal in October that will see the multihyphenate develop new series and projects for the network. The pact included orders for both Love Thy Neighbor and The Haves and Have Nots.  OWN also acquired the first 45 episodes of Perry comedy For Better or Worse, which previously ran on TBS, and will produce a third season. The show takes over Love Thy Neighbor's Wednesday 9 p.m. time slot beginning Sept. 18.

Sidebar: Even though I haven't laughed one time watching this show I am glad it is bringing OWN ratings. When Oprah said in a promo "It's not just funny, it's Tyler Perry funny," She couldn't be more right.  I love Madea, but this ain't her. Hattie Mae has made me snicker but the rest of the cast, uh neh. They are all very pretty though. Congrats Tyler and Oprah. Wishing you more success in the future. 

Jay-Z and Beyonce Purchase Chicago's Regal Theater [UPDATE]

UPDATE:  The report claiming Beyonce and Jay Z had purchased Chicago's iconic yet troubled Regal Theater for $250K in order to save it gained lots of traction on the web. But now, a source close to the theater (which has gone under contract) has confirmed to NBC News Chicago that Bey and Jay ARE NOT the new owners.

EBONY reports hip hop superstar couple Jay Z and Beyonce recently purchased the old Regal Theatre on 79th street in Chicago, IL for a mere $250,000. The old theater was closed for a year while undergoing renovations. Jay Z and Beyonce purchased the building after it was restored with city TIFF funds. The couple reportedly plan to bring entertainment back to the 2,500 seat theater. Beyonce reportedly purchased the theater partly because she attended a party there to celebrate Barack Obama’s presidential nomination acceptance speech in August 2008.  In other Jay Z news, the rap mogul donated $1 million in scholarships for students to study abroad.  Shawn Carter Scholarship recipient Laquisha Springer responded to criticism that Jay Z and Beyonce don’t do enough to spread the wealth.  “So I’m assuming people, when they say he’s not doing enough, they’re expecting him to literally help the world,” said the 21-year-old behavioral neuroscience major. “But for me, personally at least, his foundation has helped me out at lot since I’ve been a scholar.”

Sidebar: Jay and Bey now taking over the Chi.

Tia Mowry-Hardrict’s Instant Mom Series to premiere September

Deadline reports that the New Nick at Nite/NickMom comedy series Instant Mom will premiere September 29 at 8:30 PM on Nick at Nite.  Additionally, the family comedy starring Tia Mowry-Hardrict is getting a vote of confidence by the network with an order for seven additional episodes ahead of the premiere. That brings Instant Mom‘s freshman season to 20 episodes. Instant Mom, executive produced by showrunner Howard Gould and Aaron Kaplan, was originally developed for Nick at Nite. At the time of the pilot’s pickup to series, it was announced that the comedy will have its premiere airings on new block NickMom and then repeat on Nick at Nite. Instant Mom will now debut on Nick at Nite and air on NickMom later the same night.  Instant Mom follows young party girl Stephanie (Mowry-Hardrict) who trades in cosmos for carpools when she marries an older man, Charlie (Michael Boatman), with three kids. Stephanie slowly grows into her role as a full-time stepmom while struggling to maintain some sense of her fun-loving, slightly irresponsible life. Sheryl Lee Ralph stars as Stephanie’s mother Maggie, and rounding out the cast are the three kids played by Sydney Park, Tylen Williams and Damarr Calhoun. This is Kaplan’s second series for Nick, following Wendell & Vinnie, which is airing its final six episodes.

Sidebar: How do you rebound from the Game, by creating your own show. Congrats Tia.  Although you could have told Tamera before hand. Yeah, I watch the show. Lol

Ron Howard's Feature Documentary on Jay-Z Premieres at TIFF

Indiewire.com first revealed last summer (2012), the Jay-Z documentary from the super tag-team (director/producer) Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, will make its World Premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.  The news was announced this morning, putting the film in the festival's "Mavericks" section.  Titled Made in America, the film was shot, in part, during Jay-Z's Made In America music festival in Philadelphia, last September, which included (in the lineup) Drake, Santigold, Pearl Jam, Run-DMC, Skrillex, Rick Ross, Miike Snow, Odd Future, Janelle Monáe, and a few others. Grazer, who's producing via his Imagine Entertainment (along with Participant Media and Radical Media) previously shared that the film will be told through Jay-Z’s perspective - as in... how he put the Made In America event together, and more.
How much more? Here's TIFF's breakdown:

Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard joins us onstage for a live conversation, preceded by the world premiere of his star-studded concert documentary (screening at the Festival alongside Howard’s Rush), which recounts Jay Z’s rise to rap supremacy, as well as his preparations for the titular music festival he both curated and headlined [...] Drawn from an enormous trove of performance footage and backstage interviews, Made in America captures the inaugural edition of an exciting new festival created by rapper and impresario Jay Z, which rocked Philadelphia over Labour Day weekend last year. In keeping with his excellent and eclectic taste, Jay Z's extraordinary hand-picked lineup speaks to his broad and inclusive view of American culture [...] As seen through Howard's affectionate gaze, Made in America is a love letter not only to Jay Z and his unique project, but also to the city of Philadelphia. Fascinating interludes include one-on-ones with audience members about what the show means to the Philly community — the responses are both positive and negative. Howard explores the birthplace of American Independence and how it relates to this unprecedented event. He even takes some time to follow a local hip-hop group through its attempt to get added to the prestigious bill.

Last year, Grazer added, "Jay stayed the king for a very long time... I can’t even begin to explain how he is capable of remaining relevant. He is a phenom, like a musical Michael Jordan."
No trailer yet.  The Toronto International Film Festival kicks-off on September 5.

Sidebar: Ron Howard doing a documentary on Jay-Z. Wow. I'm starting to feel like Jay-Z is the Michael Jackson of Hip-Hop. Opie honoring Jay? A long way from Mayberry and Marcy's project.  

Erika Alexander Talks Living Single & The Cosby Show [VIDEO]

Remember Maxine Shaw, Attorney at Law from the hit 90's sitcom Living Single? Well, we do! We love Erika Alexander and the role she made so iconic, especially in the black community. We were elated to get a chance to interview her at Roland Martin's Hollywood Soiree recently.

Erika Alexander doing a studio Q interview at Roland Martin's Party

Erika Alexander, Queen Latifah, Kim Fields and Kim Coles in a scene from Living Single

We talked all things Cosby Show and Living Single. Erika also told us about her role in AMC's Low Winter Sun and a comic book that she, her husband, and brother created called Concrete Park. When my producer, Tam spotted Erika in the room no interview mattered but the one with her. I'm a big fan too, but Tam is a Stan. She has been wanting to meet Erika forever. So glad she finally did. It was also great to experience just how kind Erika was. I always like to mention when someone is kind, because everyone isn't, so when they are it should be noted.  A little bit of kindness goes such a long way.  We always appreciate when the people we loved are actually loveable.  As much as we all loved Max on Living Single, Erika Alexander is even cooler!  Check out our interview with her below and continue the conversation by following Erika on Twitter at @EAlexTheGreat

Studio Q Producer Tam and Erika Alexander

Former Child Star Lee Thompson Young Dies form Suicide

Lee Thompson Young, perhaps best known for his role as the action-packed kid in the Disney Channel's The Famous Jett Jackson in the late '90s, has died. He was 29.  Lee's publicist confirms the actor killed himself, telling TMZ, "It is with great sadness that I announce that Lee Thompson Young tragically took his own life this morning ... Lee was more than just a brilliant young actor, he was a wonderful and gentle soul who will be truly missed."
 Young's landlord discovered his body around 9:45 a.m. after staff members from his current hit TV show, Rizzoli & Isles, noticed he wasn't at work. They then placed a call to Young's landlord to investigate. TMZ was told when the landlord opened the door, he discovered Young's body.

 

Since beginning his career in 1998, the South Carolina native appeared in over a dozen TV shows and a handful of films. His most notable performances were on Flash Forward, Friday Night Lights, Akeelah and the Bee, and Scrubs.

 

Sidebar: Prayers go out to his family and friends. You never know what someone is going through. Be kind and reach out to someone you know is hurting. You just may save their life. RIP Lee Thompson.

The Merge Summit 2013

According to Euroweb.com The Merge Summit 2013 will be held August 22-24 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, California.  The event is presented in association with partners RCA Inspiration, Walgreens, BET Music Matters and UPSCALE Magazine. Integrating faith and entertainment, The Merge Summit provides a platform for men and women of faith to interface, learn and partner with leading executives and talent in the entertainment industry.  The Merge Summit is one of the largest events for people of faith and its multifaceted program includes a complete weekend of education, inspiration and entertainment.

Lee Daniel's The Butler is #1 at the Box Office

According to Time.com, Lee Daniels’ The Butler, starring Forest Whitaker as a White House servant with an inside view of every president from Eisenhower to Reagan, got the Forest Bump. The fictionalized biopic of presidential butler Eugene Allen won the weekend at North American theaters with $25 million, according to preliminary estimates from its distributor, The Weinstein Company. Three other wide-release debuts fared less well. Kick-Ass 2 got canned, Jobs was terminated and Paranoia persecuted. These movies’ sponsors will be dining not at the White House but at Wendy’s.  On its way to a win, The Butler sidestepped a few rug bumps, including co-star Oprah Winfrey’s fracas with a Zurich saleslady over a pricey handbag and TWC’s wrangle with Warner Bros. over the movie’s title. The disputes simply heightened audience awareness of the film: 72 percent of Fandango customers said that Oprah’s involvement made them more interested in seeing The Butler, and 40 percent of early attendees said they heard about the movie through reports of the title fight. The PG-13 picture also wasn’t hurt by the approaching 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech at the 1963 March on Washington, and of The Butler’s implicit happy ending of a black man not just in the White House pantry but at the Oval Office desk.

Sidebar: I am so happy The Butler is #1! Yaaaaaaas!

 

Here are the Sunday estimates of this weekend’s top-grossing pictures in North American theaters, as reported by Box Office Mojo:

1. Lee Daniels’ The Butler, $25 million, first weekend
2. We’re the Millers, $17.8 million; $69.5 million, second week
3. Elysium, $13.6 million; $55.9 million, second week
4. Kick-Ass 2, $13.6 million, first weekend
5. Planes, $13.1 million; $45.1 million, second week
6. Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters, $8.4 million; $38.9 million, second week
7. Jobs, $6.7 million, first weekend
8. 2 Guns, $5.6 million; $59.2 million, third week
9. The Smurfs 2, $4.6 million; $56.9 million, third week
10. The Wolverine, $4.4 million; $120.5 million, fourth week

Toni Braxton Wardrobe Malfunction

According to Essence.com, Toni Braxton suffered a wardrobe malfunction last night during a New Jersey concert when the back of her glitter-infused mini skirt slid down and exposed her backside to the entire crowd.  Braxton was unaware that her skirt was loosened and continued to belt out her classic hits while shimmying onstage.  Luckily Toni was wearing sheer, nude boy shorts, but from afar, it appeared the singer was totally nude.  As part of her routine, Toni invited an audience member onstage, and during her serenade, the kind gentleman gave her his blazer to cover up.  A few minutes later, a stylist came onstage to repair the dangling piece.  Braxton later joked about the wardrobe malfunction on Twitter. “Nobody’s Perfect! Lol,” tweeted Toni, to which her sister Tamar responded, “You are tho sissy! At least your ass is AMAZING!” Check out the video of the fiasco below.

Sidebar: Toni done showed her ass- literally! She is a real professional. I don't know who would have handled that like that. Maybe because she has a bangin body. Anywho she dealt with that perfectly. Who I'm mad at is her people and the audience! Somebody needs a pink slip! Lol Why didn't ya'll tell her sooner - everyone saw it way before she knew. Tsk, Tsk, Tsk we supposed to have our divas back. It took too long for her to know. Love Tamar's tweet.

Monica and Shannon Brown Expecting Baby Girl!

According to Essence.com, It's time to think pink for Monica and Shannon Brown. The happy pair are expecting a baby girl this fall!  Photos of the couple's baby shower invitation reveal that the Brown family is getting ready for the first little princess in their household. Monica has two sons, Rocko and Romelo, from a previous relationship and Shannon is also the father of a young son, Shannon Christopher Brown.  Monica announced that she was five months pregnant via Instagram back in May. As her due date inches closer, the fab mom has proudly flaunted her pregnancy glow and keeps fans updated via her social media accounts.  Congrats to the Brown family!

Sidebar: I love that Monica is having a girl! Love this photo. They looks so happy. Yay for them!!!

Raz-B ON LIFE SUPPORT Comatose After Bottle Attack

According to TMZ, R&B singer Raz-B is currently on life support in a hospital in China ... just one day after he was smashed in the face with a bottle at a nightclub, TMZ has learned.

We spoke to Raz's publicist, Toy Jones, who tells us, "He is in a coma and needs as many prayers as possible."

As we previously reported, the 28-year-old was performing at a club in China on Thursday and was smashed in the face with a glass bottle while trying to break up a fight that erupted in the crowd.

Raz received medical attention hours after the incident --and underwent minor surgery to repair a gash in his lip.

But the next day, sources close to Raz tell us he didn't wake up ... and Raz's backup dancer rushed him to a nearby hospital for treatment.

We're told doctors tested for brain activity and determined the situation was dire. Sources say Raz is breathing from a ventilator ... and has been slipping in and out of consciousness.

Sidebars: Praying for Raz-B.

Robin Thicke Sues to Protect 'Blurred Lines' from Marvin Gaye's Family

According to the Hollywood Reporter, in order to shield "Blurred Lines," the hottest hit of the summer, Robin Thicke, Pharrell Williams and Clifford Harris Jr. are going to court. A lawsuit was filed Thursday in California federal court by the trio against Marvin Gaye's family and Bridgeport Music, which owns some of Funkadelic's compositions. At issue are complaints about similarities between "Blurred Lines" and at least two songs.  According to the suit, a copy of which was obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, "Plaintiffs, who have the utmost respect for and admiration of Marvin Gaye, Funkadelic and their musical legacies, reluctantly file this action in the face of multiple adverse claims from alleged successors in interest to those artists. Defendants continue to insist that plaintiffs' massively successful composition, 'Blurred Lines,' copies 'their' compositions."The suit claims the Gaye family is alleging that "Blurred Lines" and Gaye's "Got to Give It Up" "feel" or "sound" the same, and that the "Gaye defendants are claiming ownership of an entire genre, as opposed to a specific work."  As for Funkadelic, there's said to be claimed similarity between Thicke's hit and Funakedlic's "Sexy Ways."  "But there are no similarities between plaintiffs' composition and those the claimants allege they own, other than commonplace musical elements," states the lawsuit. "Plaintiffs created a hit and did it without copying anyone else's composition."A New York Times critic has noted that "Blurred Lines" is "influenced heavily" by Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up,” but the lawsuit makes the point that "being reminiscent of a 'sound' is not copyright infringement. The intent in producing 'Blurred Lines' was to evoke an era."  The Gayes and Bridgeport are said to be threatening litigation should the plaintiffs not pay a monetary settlement. Rather than wait for such a lawsuit to proceed, the plaintiffs are going to court to determine the parties' respective rights and obligations.  In seeking a judgment, Thicke, Williams and Harris Jr. are not only looking for a declaration that their song doesn't violate the defendants' rights by copying their songs, but also that the "Gayes do not have an interest in the copyright to the composition 'Got to Give It Up' sufficient to confer standing on them to pursue claims of infringement of that composition."  The plaintiffs are represented by Howard King and Stephen Rothschild of King Holmes Paterno & Berliner.THR has reached out to the defendants for comment and will update with a response.

UPDATE: George Clinton, who once led Funkadelic and has feuded with Bridgeport and its leader over the years, tweets, "No sample of #Funkadelic's 'Sexy Ways' in @robinthicke's 'Blurred Lines' - yet Armen Boladian thinks so? We support @robinthicke @Pharrell!"

Sidebar: Hopefully this isn't true. But it would not be the first time a white man stole a black man's music and went to number one. Lol! Just kidding. We all know Robin Thicke is black. At least in his head he is. We'll compromise and call him light-skinned.

Oprah Winfrey on Watch What Happens Live

According to TooFab.com Oprah Winfrey appeared on "Watch What Happens Live" Thursday night to promote her new film "The Butler."  Check out the 5 highlights from the show below:

1. Oprah on Mary Jane
In the opening "Plead the Fifth" segment, Oprah admitted to smoking pot, but it was back in the 80's a long time ago.

2. Oprah on Whitney

One fan asked Oprah if she wish she was tougher on Whitney Houston during their infamous 2009 interview.

"No I don't," the former talk show host responded. "I said, 'Whitney, tell me what it is you want.' She said, 'I just want people to know the truth, I'm tired of all the bulls--t and I want people to know the real me and see the real me.' And I told her, 'I can do that.'"

"It's none of my business, I think it's their business to reveal what they want to reveal," she added. "I think earning people's trust is letting them know I'm not out to get them."

3. Oprah on Oprah

"I wouldn't consider a movie about my life because my life is basically boring."

But Oprah would consider writing her own autobiography.

"Nelson Mandela did say to me that I should [write an autobiography] one day. He said, 'you should do it for your own record. You should do it before you exit.'"

4. Oprah on her breasts

Oprah's "Butler" costar Terrence Howard described her as having "tig ol' bitties." Find out whether she was insulted or thought it was a compliment:

5. Oprah is (still) not gay
When asked if she's ever taken a dip in the lady pond, Oprah simply responded, "No I have not. No. No."

Sidebar: I LOVED Oprah with Andy Cohen. It was so much fun to watch her have fun. Her funny side always makes an appearance. Below are a few video tidbits from the show. Oprah is cool.

Spike Lee's Kickstarter Project Hits Goal

According to Variety.com, Spike Lee’s fundraising effort has topped its $1.25 million goal, four days before the deadline.  As of 10 a.m. PDT, Lee’s campaign had received $1.302,891 million from 5,368 pledges for a new film that’s known for now as “The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint.”  “God is Great,” Lee said in a Tweet. “Jesus Saves. Special shoutout to my brother Gene who put us over our goal. We did it. We did it. $1,251,231 and still going hard.”  About a quarter of the funds have come from 28 pledges of $10,000 in exchange for dinner and a courtside seat with Lee at a New York Knicks game. The campaign also generated $70,000 via 14 pledges of $5,000 in exchange for being named an associate producer and a $5,000 pledge in exchange for Lee flying to the donor’s hometown for a showing of any of his films — selected by the donor.  He also managed to sell three pairs of autographed Nikes that he’s worn for $500 each.  Lee has only described the film as being focused on human beings who are addicted to blood. He has tapped British actress Zaraah Abrahams as the female lead after discovering her while watching “Black Girl in Paris,” a short film by one of his students. For Lee to tap into the Kickstarter funds, the campaign was required to hit the $1.25 million goal by Aug. 21.  The two most notable Kickstarter campaigns for the Veronica Mars movie and Zach Braff’s film “Wish I Was Here” reached their campaign goals of $2 million in three and four days, respectively.

Sidebar: He made it! I know he feels just like I did when I accomplished my Kickstarter goal for our documentary on Whitney. Even though he raised 1.35 million and we only raised 5K it's an amazing feeling to hit your goal no matter what it is. Congrats Spike! Below is a video where he goes in on the host hater of a news show. She opened the segment way too negative for Mr. Lee. Checked her hard!

Miguel Arrested For DUI

 According to TMZ, California Highway Patrol officers pulled over the “Adorn” singer’s 2013 BMW X6 for speeding and tinted windows on an L.A. freeway around 2:15 a.m.  During the stop, they noticed the smell of alcohol and performed various field sobriety tests, which he failed. The singer, born Miguel Jontel Pimentel, also took a breathalyzer and blew a .10 and .11, which is over the .08 legal limit in CA.  Miguel was arrested for DUI and booked at a nearby station. He was released a few hours later after posting $5,000 bail.  He is scheduled to appear in court in September.

Oprah Gives Away a Car on Jimmy Kimmel [Video)

According to TooFab.com, Oprah Winfrey on Wednesday's episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Oprah (hilariously) made one lucky girl's day -- by giving her a brand new car!  We love how Oprah can poke a little fun at herself, especially when it comes to her larger-than-life persona ... which seems to come out every time she gives away an awesome gift. "I started to get this under control. Every once in awhile Jimmy this happens, especially when I skip lunch," she told Kimmel.  Check out the video below to hear O talk about her very generous ... problem.

Lil Mo Spills All the TEA on RnB Divas LA [AUDIO]

Lil Mo is setting the record straight about RnB Divas LA! She is spilling all the tea. I love how she is giving all the behind the scenes info. She is letting us know how it all went down from her perspective. My mouth was open the whole time I listened.  I see why people go solo. Listen below.

FULL LIL MO INTERVIEW RnB DIVA LA by dredblack