I guess The-Dream is feeling some sort of way about Keyshia Cole’s Twitter comments about Beyoncé’s song “Bow Down,” because he went on the radio this week and basically said that musically, he can’t rock with her right now.

In an interview with The Breakfast Club (Power 105.1), singer/songwriter let it be known that her opinions were for some reason, too disrespectful to warrant him getting in the studio with the “Trust and Believe” singer in the future. When asked by DJ Envy if he takes the people he works with and their beefs seriously, and if he could do a record for Cole since all that mess happened, he had this to say:

“Right now because of what happened, I can’t. I think she would respect why I can’t. That’s my family.”

When asked again if he she came calling would he say “Bow Down” and hang up (womp), he said no and replied, “You have a grown up conversation, like ‘Yo, you talking about my family.’

Surprisingly, Cole responded via Twitter of course, and respectfully made it clear that she will be fine without his musical contributions…trust and believe that! (had to do it.)

“Dream not writing any songs for me is fine…Im on my 6th album…He’s only wrote 1 song on 1 of my albums, which I did love, God Bless”

That song, if you were wondering, was from her latest album, Woman to Woman and is called “Hey Hot.”

The-Dream definitely doesn’t have to work with people he doesn’t feel like, but it’s just weird that so many adults take the things people say about Beyoncé so much to heart when SHE doesn’t even think it’s worth it to respond. Her man doesn’t even bat an eye as far as we can tell, so I would recommend Mr. Terius Nash quit playing and take whatever checks are coming his way and write those songs, because that drama is between them. As a wise…or silly man once said, “Your name is Bennett, and you ain’t in it.”

Check out The-Dream’s interview with The Breakfast Club on the next page, and the convo starts around the five-minute mark:

WENN

Soooo, it’s safe to say that Keyshia Cole has mad hate for superstar sensation Beyonce Knowles. On St. Patty’s Day, Beyonce dropped her latest single “Bow Down” and in a tweet to the world, Keyshia responded to the new song with, “First, “Women need to Stick together” now B****es better Bow. Smh. But it’s all G! Chicks stay shooting the s***. But when I speak my mind its a prob. #Well #StayMad.”

The funny thing is Bey doesn’t have to utter one comeback as her fans have already come back extra hard online . Keyshia might want to shut down her twitter account indefinitely after this one. #Womantowoman, if you mess with the Queen Bey, you will get stung . . . multiple times. #ouch#Let the tweets speak for themselves.

Source: WENN

A mere two months after Hip-Hop’s favorite secret (that actually isn’t that much of a secret) couple Nelly and Ashanti were seen hugged up and having at amazing time at the 2012 Angel Ball, the two are reported to have called it quits. A source exclusively revealed to Bossip.com that Nelly is actually the one who put an end to the relationship because of Ashanti’s inability to be faithful and her dishonesty about past infidelity.

It seems that Ashanti’s good girl image went down the crapper once word began circulating that she’s pretty “popular” among men in the industry. The source went on to say that for years Nelly ignored the rumors that the songstress had slept with celebrities such as Jay Z, Nas, and her producer Irv Gotti, who is actually a married man and openly admitted in a radio interview with Wendy Williams that he had an affair with the Glen Cove native back in 2007.

It was also rumored that she had some involvement with producer Chink Santana who played her love interest in the video for her 2004 single “Don’t Let Them“. The producer also played a leading role in Keyshia Cole’s “Should’ve Cheated” video, which triggered the circulation of rumors that Ashanti and Keyshia disliked one another because they were both romantically involved with the married producer; however those speculations were never actually proven. But, it seems that this very rumor is what caused Nelly to say enough is enough.

It is believed that Keyshia’s new duet with Ashanti “Woman To Woman” is based on more fact than fiction and is actually what pushed Nelly over the edge and that the two ladies have squashed their beef because Keyshia is now happily married. The source revealed that this is what caused him to begin questioning the nature of the relationship between Chink and Ashanti again and made it hard for him to believe her claims that the relationship was platonic. Again, allegedly.

We can only hope that these rumors aren’t true and that whatever the situation is, the two can find it in themselves to make amends and move on so we can get back to talking about how they’re a secret couple again.

Check out the video of Ashanti and Keyshia performing “Woman To Woman.” Does this strike you as a true to life scenario or do you think this is just a rumor?

Jazmine Denise is a news writer for madamenoire.com. Follow her on Twitter @jazminedenise

Keyshia Cole performing at the Soul Train Music Awards. Photo by Frank Micelotta/PictureGroup via AP IMAGES

Along with a Kids ´N Comedy show and a Long Island Farm and Spirits Tour, you can buy tickets to see Keyshia Cole at the Best Buy Theater in New York on the LivingSocial website. The package  is going for just $59 and you get a general admittance ticket, Skip-the-Line Entry, coat check voucher and a drink voucher. The show will happen on November 19. You have two days to get yours.

It sounds odd to us for a singer of Cole’s caliber to be offering a special ticket package online. To be fair, today the deals site features packages to attend the UR1 Fest in Miami, which will have acts including Kanye West, Keane, and Lenny Kravitz. For $499, you get a two-day pass (December 8 and 9), access to the media rooms where the acts are interviewed, money for souvenirs, prime seats, and an open bar. A weekend like this is usually reserved for someone with bucks to toss around. At $500, this is a mega discount, but it’s still not something that’s so cheap it loses the vibe of exclusivity.

Cole may be banking that her new CD Woman to Woman does better than her last, Calling All Hearts, which had low sales. After all, getting butts in the seats and records out the door is the larger goal. But doing ticket promotions like this one could damage her brand. Such a move (at such a price) gives the impression that concert sales (and interest in seeing her live) have bottomed out.

On the other hand, there are lots of people who want to see her on TV. The songstress has become a successful reality show celeb, with her BET program, Keyshia & Daniel: Family First, scoring big ratings for the network. The show has redefined Cole’s brand, giving her an “I’m just like you” air. But to sell tickets and CDs, she needs celebrity appeal. The deal works against that. And as evidenced by our recent slideshow, it’s important that modern divas have a strong brand, which becomes a calling card for fans and staying power at a time when many famous people are just a flash in the pan.

During her career, Cole has released four top-ten albums, had three number-one singles, and garnered four Grammy nominations. She is a successful woman, and the people doing her marketing need to perpetuate that image, not one of a singer desperately seeking  sales.

Source: Starpulse.com

Keyshia Cole really is the new version of Mary J. Blige. Everybody felt that way when the singer came out with her debut album, “The Way It Is” which played in heavy rotation on every heartbroken girl’s CD player. And just like Mary flipped the script with her music when she got married, Keyshia is doing the same with her next LP, “Woman to Woman.” The good news is she hasn’t forgotten about the ladies who still haven’t gotten to that “happy place.”

This weekend, Essence.com chatted with Keysh after her performance during the music festival and asked if motherhood and marriage have changed her music.

“It has,” she said, “because I’m in a happy place now. However, some of my fans are not. So I brought on a bunch of writers this time around… obviously I’m not in that place to write those kinds of songs.”

Good looking out. Keyshia’s subject matter isn’t the only thing that’s changed, the singer said.

“I think that I’ve grown vocally and I think a lot of the songs are touching to me.”

“Woman to Woman” isn’t the only venture on Keyshia’s plate. After her album release in the fall, her new reality show, “Family First” will debut.

“I’m a little nervous because it’s different,” Keyshia said referring to her first reality stint, “The Way It Is.”

“It’s me, my husband, my son and my mother, Frankie. My mother’s been in rehab for a while. I’m really proud of her. It’s just a different view of me and what I’ve been through. You won’t see Neffe on the show. However, I wish you would have.”

Sounds like marriage and motherhood are treating Keyshia well. Are you excited for her new album?

Brande Victorian is the news and operations editor for madamenoire.com. Follow her on twitter @Be_Vic

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Ladies, ladies, ladies when are we going to stop falling for the okey-doke and realize when we are being fed a bunch of bull. I know you probably think you are much smarter than that and there is no way you could get caught up in a web of deceit. But no one is immune from being blinded by love and lies.

Many of you have emailed me your questions and concerns regarding men in “situations” who you are dating.  Here are your answers decoded…

He told you – “We sleep in separate rooms”: This is usually said to make you feel like you are the only one sleeping with him. But what he really means is his wife/girlfriend no longer wants him sleeping next to her in their bed so he is uncomfortably resting his head on the couch or guest room.

He told you – “I’m looking for a place”: What he is trying to say is he has been fantasizing about the single life to the point of even daydreaming of having a bachelor pad to call his own. This man is going absolutely nowhere. The only way he is getting his own place is if his wife/girlfriend kicks him out.

He told you – “I’m with her for the kids”: This is an easy one. It’s cheaper to keep her. Men are far from stupid and when it comes to protecting their money they are pure geniuses. He knows he will pay a fortune if he walks away from his current family situation to be with you. So, in his defense this not 100% bull, there is some truth to it.

He said  –  “I owe her”  - What he really means is that even though she may not have been with him “shooting in the gym” she definitely was around way before he was. Plainly speaking, she has stuck with him through his good times and bad times and he will forever be loyal to her by never leaving. He may play around with you but his allegiance will always be with her.

If you have something you wanted decoded, shoot me an email at rhooks@madamenoire or find me on twitter @rashanahooks

thyblackman.com

With Mother’s Day nearing and everyone taking the time to express there appreciation for their mom’s it’s only right that we take it a step further and think about who we are, what we represent and how we behave in the spirit of the woman who birthed us. Would our mother’s be proud of the man we’ve selected to share our life with? Would she be pleased on the examples we are setting for our daughters? Are we living up to the full potential we know our mothers have equipped us with? If you can’t say yes to any of these questions than I think it’s time to make a change and begin to honor thy mother.

You see Mother’s day is more than just a holiday in May when we have the chance to shower our mother’s with the best and tell her how much she means to us. It’s also about honoring your mother through exemplifying the lessons and jewels she instilled in you. We know our mother’s are always going to be there for us regardless if we are doing bad or good, but we also know if we want to make her happy and proud we must project the good she has taught us. Living by example is the best way to do that. I know we are all grown and have developed our own sense of self, but let’s not go into the world acting like mama raised a fool.  Let’s not do anything that will embarrass our mother or shame our daughters.

So woman to woman, on this Mother’s Day let’s not only give thanks to our mami’s but live our lives in honor of her.

Want to talk to me Woman to Woman or have a topic you would like addressed? Email me at rhooks@madamenoire.com or follow me on twitter @rashanahooks

goddessintellect.com

A few years ago I wrote an article similar to this topic addressing the way to often excuses we women make for almost everything in our lives. Just think for one second on the amount of times you have said the word “but”. I bet it’s more than you would like to admit right? Well the good news is you are not alone, but the bad news is just like the other “but” it just gets bigger.

How many times do you say or hear, “I would date him but….”, “I want to go back to school but…”, “I need to leave him but….”? I can go on and on with a list of common “buts” so I will stop here for now.  Plus I would much rather get right to the point on the reasons why we make so many excuses. It’s easy to want and aspire for something instead of executing it into reality. Why? Because execution takes sacrifice, fearlessness, and a plan. Many of us want change but we don’t want to do the work that it takes to make that change. As a result we pacify ourselves with reasons that we believe hold us back. The truth is those so called reasons or “buts” are just buffers and blockers created by us to prolong what we fear most – change.

The thought of something different and new can sometimes paralyze us. Whether it’s a new environment, a new relationship or a new life, the essence of change can be frightening for some. Coming out of your comfort zone can be uncomfortable at first, but being uncomfortable is not always a bad thing ladies. It means you are growing and living at your full potential.

Woman to Woman always remember feeling fear is normal, but living in fear is not. How big is your “but”?

Want to talk to me Woman to Woman or have a topic you would like addressed? Email me at rhooks@madamenoire.com or follow me on twitter @rashanahooks

thehairstylistblog.com

Just in case you didn’t get the memo, I’m here to tell you all that you can have whatever your pretty little heart’s desire. That’s right ANYTHING – your dream man, career, home, or whatever personal goal you may have. The sky is the limit and it’s filled with endless opportunities for you to sieze.  That’s the real secret but what most of us fail to learn and forget is the strategy. You can’t get what you want without a game plan. Yes, some things come with a little luck but for the most part you need to put in some work.

Here are a few things to remember so you can get all you want out of life:

Ask for it – I don’t know how many times I’ve seen women fail at this first and most important piece of the puzzle.  In order for someone to know what you want  you have to tell them, if not they will give you what they want you to have. This factor is especially key in relationships. If you communicate your wants and needs clearly and upfront,  you will save yourself and your partner  a lot of unnecessary stress and headaches.

Check your emotions, issues and insecurities at the door – I’m calling this one out loud and clear  because as women we often allow our hearts to rule when we should be allowing the good sense god gave us to direct our actions. When it comes to getting what you want you must never allow your emotions to take control of you. Yes there will be days when you don’t feel like being bothered, your attitude stinks and you can really care less about anybody but no one should ever know that.  And if you have some deep rooted issues and insecurities about yourself work on them before you start trying to cover them up with your “wants”.

Write it down – Put it on paper! What you want is not real until you see it for real. If you don’t write in a journal start doing it. This is where your dreams turn into realities.

Stay focused – Distractions are not hard to find and they usually come in the form of unimportant and unnecessary matters. Try not to get caught up in things, people or situations that remove you from the task at hand. Keep your eyes on the prize at all times.

Never say never – Never say what you won’t do. Stay open minded while staying true to you.

Ignore NO’s – Never accept no as an answer. NO simply stands for next opportunity, therefore  don’t allow a little opposition to get in your way.

Don’t ask for permission – As women we often look for validation from others to confirm our own hopes and dreams. Stop it! Don’t wait for anyone to allow  you to make things happen in your life. Pat your own back and make it happen!

Want to talk to me Woman to Woman or have a topic you would like addressed? Email me at rhooks@madamenoire.com or follow me on twitter @rashanahooks

madamenoire.com

There comes a time in every woman’s life when there is no compromising or sheltering of herself for the sake of anyone or their feelings. It’s the time when she becomes 100% confident in who she is, where she’s been and where she is going. Her unwavering self-esteem is what makes her a true woman and armed with the tenacity to take on the world.   

With that said, there a turning point in our lives when “faking” becomes foreign and being honest and real is our reality. Here are just a few things we women of a certain age (cue 30+) should never fake the funk with…

1. Your feelings – If you feel strongly about something or someone, don’t be afraid to express it. Your feelings are real and should be treated as such.

2. Your reality – There is no need to lie or “front” about what you have or don’t have as a grown woman. Accept who you are and never allow anyone to make you feel less than that.  

3. A designer bag – If you can’t afford the designer bag you want at the moment accept it and move on, it’s not that serious. A woman of a certain age should not be sporting a knockoff of any kind.

4. An orgasm – If he is not pleasing you the way he should then tell him. Faking a good time will only hurt you in the long run. Be an adult and speak up!

5. Your friendships – Life is short, especially as you get older so befriending folks who you could care less about is useless and a waste of time. Not everyone is going to like you and you’re not going to like everyone either.

6. Your success- Don’t pretend to be less successful just to keep others comfortable. You worked hard to get to where you are. Don’t brag or boast just don’t belittle yourself.

7. Your past – I noted this in my last column, don’t fake your past. Accept your experiences, lessons learned, and wear them like a badge of honor.