BV Entertainment Newswire August 2

Keeping It Really 'Real'

Though it's been over two years since Karamo Brown changed the face of reality television, he is still in the forefront dispelling stereotypes.

Yes, that guy.

He was the one who sported doo-rags and baggy-jeans, and was about to beat down some club denizens during one unforgettable episode.

The one --of Jamaican heritage-- who "represented" what America didn't typically know to be a black homosexual on television.

The tall, dark and handsome Houston native brought something "really real" to MTV's fifteenth season of its wildly popular reality franchise 'The Real World Philadelphia,' when he shocked housemates --and a national television viewing audience-- by revealing that he was, indeed, gay.

Since leaving the show, Brown has maintained a public profile with various appearances on MTV, and also morphed into a gay rights champion and motivational speaker.

"Just as an African American, same gender loving brother, it's important to be visible to help affirm other brothers to let them know that they should be comfortable within themselves," Brown told 'BV Newswire' about his gay pride.

This weekend, the reality TV hottie is in the Big Apple to help promote the annual 'Pride In The City 2006'; a free three-day celebration which includes concerts, spoken word performances and "all-night parties."

Presented by the Brooklyn-based People Of Color in Crisis (POCC), the festivities are designed to bring awareness to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Unconventional testing opportunities (on-site testing with rapid results will take place at most venues) will be offered for at-risk populations.

"POCC does so much work with HIV and AIDS advocacy, it's just so important to be a part of that because so many brothers are dying at such ridiculous rates of this disease," he added.

"Any organization like POCC that is leading the way to get brothers tested, to get them treatment, to get them information, I'm willing to be a part of."

R&B vocalist Chante Moore, Dance music personality Kevin Aviance and Spanish pop duo Nina Sky, have also lent their support to POCC's weekend mission, which will also include an awards ceremony honoring gay luminaries.

"The most attractive thing about having celebrities like Karamo and Kevin Aviance join our cause is the strength and leadership that they show by being in the public eye and not hiding their sexuality," stated POCC's Executive Director Gary English. "They're excellent role models that continue to use their voice to stand up for injustice which brings awareness to larger concerns like the fight against HIV/AIDS."

Brown, an alumni of Florida A&M University (where he majored in Business Administration), is in the midst of a month-long speaking tenure at New York City’s Pace University. "I'm there to just be a beacon of light and let them feed off of me and learn what they can learn from me."

"There is a little bit of pressure," he said, referring to people's perception of him. "But I don't let it get to me, ya know. People can want you to be what they want you to be but you can only be who you want to be."

Brown and his partner Edgardo Nieves (whom TV audiences were familiar with on the 'Real World') recently founded The Brave Heart Fund, a non-profit organization which assists teens who have had the courage to come out. He said the organization "provides financial support for those outed teens whose parents, schools and communities often abandon them."

Check out what the BV Community has to say about MTV's 25th Anniversary and weigh in here.

To The Lab From Rehab

D'Angelo is ready for his close-up -- again.

The neo-soul crooner who put many in a tizzy --by simulating a sex act in his music video for the song 'Untitled' (How Does It Feel) -- is staging a comeback.

'BV Newswire' has learned that the Virginia native, legally known as Michael Eugene Archer, is fresh from a stint at the Antigua outpost of Eric Clapton's Crossroads Centre, where he was drying out from substance abuse.

And he's ready for business.

Angie Stone's "baby's daddy" is in The Big Apple this week collaborating on new tracks with Common and Q-Tip, respectively, for their forthcoming album projects.

The 32-year-old 'Devil's Pie' singer also took meetings with Virgin Records urban music honcho Jermaine Dupri to explore ways to re-ignite his once thriving career. Veteran music executive Gary Harris (with whom he created magic with 1994’s groundbreaking 'Brown Sugar') is said to be working closely with the two-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter.

High powered music industry titan Irving Azoff (Christina Aguilera, Lenny Kravitz, Seal) is also in the mix.

The news of D'Angelo's return to music should be welcome balm to his legion of fans (who helped propel his two studio albums 'Brown Sugar' and 'Voodoo' to platinum sales). His most recent buzz includes run-ins with the law for a 2005 traffic violation and a 2002 charge for assault and resisting arrest.

Keeping Up With 'The Jones'

Quincy Jones has been named the 2007 DaimlerChrysler "Behind the Lens" honoree.

On October 24, the entertainment mogul will be recognized for his contributions in the world of film and television, at a posh event to be held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.

"People recognize Quincy Jones as 'The Man' in the music genre, yet his creative talents behind the camera have been just as powerful," said DaimlerChrysler Senior Vice President Frank Fountain. "We continue to celebrate the passions and talents that lead the way for others and help influence generations around the world."

The event, now in its fifth year, was established in 2002, by DaimlerChrysler to recognize and celebrate the achievements of individuals who work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry. Since its inception, the star-studded awards event has paid homage to film directors John Singleton ('Boyz N the Hood'), the late Gordon Parks ('Shaft') and Melvin Van Peebles ('Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song') and Hollywood power producer Ruben Cannon ('Madea's Family Reunion').

According to a spokesperson, the award recipients are chosen by a selection committee comprised of entertainment industry professionals and DaimlerChrysler representatives.

"I am proud to be in the esteemed company of this award's predecessors," Jones said in a statement.