There is no denying that R. Kelly’s music is infectious. Just the other day I found myself singing along in the car. But I had to stop myself and ask: should I be singing this? Sure, one can argue that In reality, not all people feel the same about the long, drawn-out preamble to this child pornography trial. Yesterday, Debra Triplett who is 49-years-old was arrested, yes arrested, for screaming “Free R. Kelly” to the juror when they got off the elevator. Now she is sitting in jail (unless she comes up with $50K for bail) with a charge of indirect contempt of court. This is a mother and grandmother who is so enamored with this man that she thought it was a good idea to come down to the courthouse and act the fool—talk about a waste of time and money. Read the full story

There was a time when I watched American Idol like every other crazed fan. But I gave up that addiction a few seasons back, right after Carrie Underwood won. That’s when I realized that I was never going to see another black girl (or man) take the prize. I missed Fantasia’s return last night but I did catch it on You Tube. Y’all it scared me a little bit. The hair, the makeup, the nails and the performance were off the chain (and I’m not sure in a good way). Read the full story

Rihanna is Elle’s cover girl for June and it is the second time the magazine has featured her in a year. Back in the day, when I worked at the magazine, they always believed that putting a black woman on the cover would mean death at the newsstand. That thinking hasn’t really gone away but maybe being an “It” girl helps—even for a black girl. And Rihanna’s definitely an “It” girl. Read the full story