August 23, 2005

Pint-sized R&B singer Lil' Mo may be small in stature, but she has some big opinions on the state of the music industry. The "Godmother of R&B and Hip-Hop" says that the new breed R&B singers are more concerned with being "overnight celebrities" and not focused on maintaining the integrity of the music.

"Nobody is real anymore! Singers are afraid to sing," began Mo. "Most of them are more concerned with dancing instead of singing. These chicks can't stand alone, either, because most of them have their CEOs in their music video."

Mo says the reason for the current state of "watered down R&B" is "a lot of hip-hop men are behind the singers now." She continued: "They're only concerned with putting out a hot track and having their singers dance. But most of them can't even perform these songs live. At the rate we're at now, we're not going to have any more Gladys Knights, Patti LaBelles and Aretha Franklins."

The Roun'Table/Cash Money Records artist adds there are some singers who "still saaang" and Fantasia, Faith Evans, Monica and Mary J. Blige are among those she credits. "My dream tour would be to go out on the road with Fantasia and Faith. I rock with both of them hard," she said.

The Baltimore-bred belter admits she could do without many of the other girls out now. "I see some of them and ask where is Ashanti when you need her," laughed Mo.

We asked Mo about her rumored beef with newcomer Keyshia Cole that apparently began after Mo made similar comments about new singers on the syndicated Star & Buc Wild Morning Show. "I was in New York at Dream Hotel preparing to do a show. She saw my manager Phil Thornton (of Bright Star Entertainment) and my stylist in the lobby and asked them what they were doing there. When they said they were there to see me, she said, 'You all are traitors. She is the enemy.' Then she stormed off. I heard she was drunk, so I brushed it off and blamed it on the alcohol," recalled Mo.

Mo will drop her junior album 'Syndicated (The Lil' Mo Hour)' in late Sept. and then headline the Seagram's Gin Live national tour later this fall. "If you're tired of being hoodwinked, bamboozled, led astray and run amuck, then come see my live show. There's no lip-synching on this tour. It's all live, baby!"

Fox Hound

'Missing' star Vivica A. Fox tells the celebrity weekly OK! that she doesn't understand why, after two years, 50 Cent is still rapping about their failed romance.

"To be honest, that's not a good memory," Fox said in her six-page spread. "Evidently I must have been special or done something awfully right, because two years later he's still writing songs and talking about me."

Fox also told the newly launched American version of the popular U.K. magazine that she'll never marry again. "I could be like Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell. Marriage means too much paperwork for me. You got to get a prenup to make sure they're not marrying you for your money and all that stuff," she confessed.

For now, the actress says her career is her first love. As far as men are concerned, the 'Kill Bill' beauty told OK!, "I'm very happy single!"

Bravo Bobby!

'All Of Us' star Tony Rock is fanatical about 'Being Bobby Brown.' "Yo, that's the best show ever!" he exclaimed to us.

Rock says that the show confirmed for him that Whitney Houston is really from the 'hood. "I didn't know Whitney Houston was as ghetto as she is. I knew she was from New Jersey, but she's really from Jersey," laughed the comic. "I thought she was from you-make-some-money-and-move-to-Jersey, Jersey. But she's from carjacking Jersey!"

The former Oxygen network host, who is also the younger brother of Chris Rock, says while most don't realize it now, Bobby Brown is a modern legend. "I saw the episode when Bobby Brown did 'Jimmy Kimmel Live.' He's in court, he's on drugs, he's strung out, he's in rehab, he smokes a lot ... but when that motherf--n music came on, he was Bobby Brown of 1992," said Rock. "This n--a has still got it! He's not going to be appreciated until he's dead and gone. He's our version of Rick James."

As far as his own show 'All of Us' is concerned, Rock recently returned to work on the third season.

Can't Say Names ...

... Sources say a certain conscious rapper probably doesn't realize that his girlfriend's girlfriend is really her girlfriend! That's right, said rapper's gal pal is a part-time lesbian and is apparently cheating on him with a popular female deejay. No one wants to tell the hip-hopper that his missus has a mistress because when it comes to gay life, apparently he doesn't get down.

Buzzworthy

... Comics Buddy Lewis and Kym Whitley have launched a new comedy night at Serra's Dine & Dance in Studio City, Calif. The duo hosts the comedy showcase on Wednesday nights. Last week's show featured performances by Mark Curry ('Hangin' With Mr. Cooper'), Maestro Clark ('Soul Train'), Chris Spencer, Shang and crowd favorite Kathleen Madigan. Actor Michael Jai White, Surface frontman Bernard Jackson and several cast members from 'Gray's Anatomy' were also in attendance.

... Sources say that the Rev. Al Sharpton has a radio talk show in development by Radio One. Sharpton's show would mix music and real issues and would be the direct competition of ABC Radio's The Michael Baisden Show. Stay tuned...

... Blu Cantrell has parted ways with previous label Arista Records/Zomba/BMG. Cantrell told us her music video for the single 'The Cha Cha' that was premiered online was prematurely leaked. "That video was not supposed to be released," the singer shared. Cantrell is apparently close to signing a new record deal but details weren't available at press time.

... Three-time MTV VMA nominee John Legend has recorded a remix to his song 'So High' with The Fugees member Lauryn Hill. "I played on 'Everything is Everything' off the 'Miseducation of Lauryn Hill' album and I have been wanting to work with her ever since. It's great to see that wish finally came true," Legend said in a statement on his Web site. The single is currently being serviced to radio, while a music video for the original version of the song will premiere this week on BET and MTV. European fans can also catch Legend on tour there, and he'll join the Black Eyed Peas for shows in New Zealand and Australia.

... Fashion designer Montrese Chandler gave a sneak pick of her spring/summer 2006 collection with a Hollywood fashion show last week. The shindig was hosted by actress CCH Pounder. A bevy of Hollywood's finest were among those in attendance.

... "It's time to take a stand," an A-list Hollywood star told us. "And that's why I am rallying other celebrities to follow suit!" What's this all about? Well, a top Hollywood talent told this column that they are organizing an effort to encourage celebrities not to do interviews on "reckless and irresponsible New York radio shows." They continued, "Whether it is the morning, afternoon or evening shows, too many stations in New York are enabling their radio talents to use unethical means of generating ratings by reporting false stories and rumors, verbally attacking and ambushing celebrities and attempting to smear the character of reputable entertainers in an effort to get ratings. If we stop talking, they'll stop working. End of story!" Let's see how this unfolds.