June 5, 2006

Straight Talk

Life after the boy band B2K hasn't been a cakewalk for Raz-B (nee DeMario Thornton). Things fell apart in Dec. 2003 when Raz-B and group members J-Boog (Jarrell Houston) and Lil' Fizz (Dreux Frederick) parted ways with B2K's manager Chris Stokes and lead singer Omarion (Omari Grandberry). The guys entered into a business partnership agreement with Las Vegas- based CMX Entertainment in Jan. 2004, but that union was short-lived as well.

Two years on, Omarion has released a platinum-selling solo record, and the other three guys are still trying to come into their own. Raz-B, who turns 21 on June 13, said despite the challenges he faced during the ordeal, he wouldn't change a thing.

"Transition is life. It was rough and shaky but it was worth it. I wouldn't trade it for a zillion dollars," he said. "It taught me about working with people, taught me how important love was and loyal and how money is and all of that stuff. But I knew the Lord wanted me to walk through that transition to build my character and what not. Now I'm even stronger."

Raz shared that it was his relationship with God that helped him cope during the tumultuous times, and that's why he's readying an inspirational album called 'Raz-B: Revealer of Truths.' The CD is being produced by Michael Winans Jr. and executive produced by Michael Winans Sr., of the legendary group The Winans.

"This album is about me. I want to stand for truth, and I want to seek the truth out for myself," he said. The project is an independent venture through M & R Productions. However, Raz said that several major labels have expressed interest.

In addition to promoting two DVDs that document his post-B2K transition-'Prince & The Wiseman Present: Life After B2K' and 'B2K Unchained'-Raz will star in a forthcoming episode of 'Noah's Arc.' The show airs on the Logo network, the cable channel geared toward the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community.

The singer couldn't disclose too much about his role, however he did confess that "there wasn't any kissing or anything of that nature." He plays a gay character in the episode, which centers on HIV and AIDS. "It was a very, very positive role. It was to raise the awareness for kids with HIV and the kids who have AIDS. That's our demographic. Fifty percent of those people are our people. I felt like it was a mature decision for me to play a gay character," he said.

His performance last July at the Oakland International Black Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Film Festival & Pride Celebration caused speculation about Raz's sexuality. Was he concerned that his role on 'Noah's Arc' would further fuel the rumors? "The rumors and stuff like that, I don't really care. I don't let anything kind of really hold me back. I believe in trying to improve and trying to make a change and some people will look over and see that was a very mature decision, you know, to try and inspire the youth to think different. I kind of got tired of being like, if I got a gay friend I can't hang around them without someone thinking that we're dating or we're doing something together. I just want to let people know that I am a supporter, and I'm a strong supporter and here's the way I'm a show you. I'm not here to judge," he added.

'Noah's Arc' isn't his only acting role either. He'll star in two upcoming movies - an indie film called 'Pieces of a Dream' and 'Rhythm of the Night' alongside Ginuwine, Vida Guerra and former band mate J-Boog. As for J-Boog and the rest of the B2K gang, Raz said they have spoken.

"We've talked," he said. "I actually just invited them to come to my benefit concert. I am hosting a benefit concert at the Apollo Theater in October. It's to raise money for the Crystal Life Youth Academy, which is for special children who have been molested and abused and been in foster homes and things like that. My goal is to speak for the children who can't speak for themselves. There was a time in my life when I was a special child. Kids are our future and there are a lot of kids out there who are being misled."

Speed Dating

Fresh on the heels of the news that her relationship with Atlanta businessman Alan F. Daniels is a wrap, Nicole Murphy (ex-wife of Eddie Murphy) has begun dating again. This time, I hear Murphy is seeing a guy who my source described as a "hot Italian guy that looks like a younger Antonio Banderas."

Murphy and her man dined at three in the morning at Mel's Diner on Sunset Boulevard recently. The couple wasn't alone-her gal pals Stacie J. ('The Apprentice') and Daphne Wayans (ex- wife of Keenen Ivory Wayans) were also there. Two other young men joined the group as well, and according to the source, when the check came, "Nicole pulled out a wad of money and paid the bill."

Murphy must have made out nicely in her divorce from the 'Dr. Dolittle' star. The one-time model just purchased a new home outside of Hollywood in the valley. She was also spotted posing with her new Ferrari outside of the Comedy Store on Sunset Boulevard while 'Best Damn Sports Show Period' host John Salley snapped photos of her. Rumors quickly began that the two were dating.

We spoke to a rep for Salley (before Murphy was canoodling with her new boy toy at Mel's Diner) who assured us the two were just friends. "John is still a married man and is a happily married man at that," said the rep.

Buzzworthy

It was a not-so-love connection when R&B crooner Avant was set up on a blind date with porn star Heather Hunter by King magazine. I hear the two enjoyed one another during the date- there are several jokes I could add right here but I won't-but once the night was over, things got tricky. Apparently Hunter said she felt a connection and would love to see Avant again. The crooner on the other hand said "never again." Feeling embarrassed, Hunter appeared on Wendy Williams' syndicated radio show and said she didn't mean what she said. Maybe Avant wasn't interested in an additional "4 Minutes" with Hunter since word has it he's been dueting with Pussycat Dolls front woman Nicole Scherzinger.

Gabrielle Union will star in Tyler Perry's next film 'Daddy's Little Girl.' No, she's not playing Madea's little sister, but instead a successful attorney who falls in love with a janitor that's a single dad with three children. "Hey, I said let me go get some of what's going on there. It's a lot of money being made over there," Union told me about her decision to star in the Perry picture. Released by Lion's Gate Films, 'Daddy's Little Girl' will begin production this summer in Atlanta.

Talk about cutting it short. Sources tell us that a two-hour cruise given by track star Maurice Green and hosted by his fiancée Claudia Jordan ('Deal or No Deal') and celebrity photographer Arnold Turner got turned around because of illegal drug use onboard. The cruise left the Port of Long Beach in California and had only been offshore for about 15 minutes before the local coast guard made it return back to land. "It's the shortest cruise I've ever taken in my life," said one passenger. "The captain reminded people that they could not have illegal substances before we left. Someone decided to smoke some weed anyway and they turned the boat around." Singer Eric Benet, Omarosa Manigault and Karrine Steffans were among those on the boat.

Look out 'Kings of Comedy' and 'Queens of Comedy.' Christian comics Jonathan Slocumb, Chanita Morris (formerly known as Chocolate), Broderick Rice and Trina "Sister Cantaloupe" Jeffries are about to shoot a comedy special presented by none other than Dr. Bobby Jones. The special is slated to shoot in Atlanta and will air on a major television network, and also be available on DVD.

'Grey's Anatomy' star Isaiah Washington has secured the rights to portray Clarence B. Jones in his life story. Jones served as speechwriter and counsel to Martin Luther King Jr. and has since founded successful financial, corporate and media-related ventures.

Can't Say Names…

Sources say a certain R&B singing sister has had one too many nose jobs. Said singer had her nose nicked and tucked for the first time many years ago, but now she's obsessed and has had several reconstructions on. The nose now doesn't heal as fast following surgery and doctors say it's because of the amount of times she's had it done. Now she's being advised to not touch her nose again for fear she'll end up looking like Michael Jackson.

Frankly Speaking

"I always forget that I'm on TV so when someone's looking at me, it really ticks me off. I'm like, 'Why is he looking at me like that? Does he think I'm going to steal something?' Then they'll say, 'I loved you on 'Angel' or I watch you on 'Conviction' and I'm like, 'Oh, yeah.'" - Actor J. August Richards on the price of fame.

BV Scene

Actor Laurence Fishburne ('Akeelah and the Bee') was spotted at Ivan Kane's latest burlesque production 'Royal Jelly' at the nightclub Forty Deuce in Hollywood. My favorite weathergirl Jillian Barberie, from Los Angeles' 'Good Day L.A.' and the reality show 'Skating with Celebrities,' was also in attendance… Singer Gladys Knight dining in the back room of her restaurant, Gladys Knight and Ron Winan's Chicken and Waffles, in Largo, Md… Angelina Jolie's father, actor Jon Voight('Glory Road'), having breakfast at the Beverly Glen Deli on Beverly Glen Circle in Los Angeles… Diane Keaton ('The First Wives Club') getting off of an elevator after taking her son Duke to the pediatrician's office in Los Angeles.