Ever wondered what it's like to drive a Jaguar?

Jocelyn R. Taylor, publisher extraordinaire and founder of JRT Multimedia, steps into the driver’s seat of the 2012 Jaguar XF Supercharged for a quick drive to a client meeting at the exclusive Short Hills Mall in New Jersey. From boardroom to department store, Jocelyn exudes confidence, clarity and an ever-present sense of humor. And, of course, she looks great in the Jag! Peep the video below:

Lauryn Hill charged with tax evasion may face prison time

Earlier this month, singer Lauryn Hill was charged with Tax Evasion for intentionally failing to file tax returns for the past decade. The past decade though L-Boogie?!? Well, TMZ is reporting that today she plead guilty and may face up to three years in prison. I just cant picture Lauryn in prison but you know the feds dont play with their money. Ms.Hill was released on $150,000 bail and the hearing will take place sometime in November.

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes divorcing

I'm convinced that celebrity couples don't stand a chance in Hollywood. In very unfortunate news Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes are divorcing after five years of marriage. 5 years?!? Remember when Tom was jumping on Oprah's couch professing his love for Katie? What happened? "This is a personal and private matter for Katie and her family," Holmes's attorney Jonathan Wolfe told People. "Katie's primary concern remains, as it always has been, her daughter's best interest." The couple, who married in November 2006, are parents to daughter Suri, 6.

Did you see this coming?!?

Nia Long and her children cover Essence Magazine!

Nia Long is unquestionably one of the most beautiful woman in the world. The actress and Mommy is gracing the August issue of Essence Magazine and she looks gorgeous!

She revealed to Essence "I’m in my forties, post baby and I’m thinner than I’ve been in years. The last step will be letting my hair go natural. That’s when you’ll know I’m free…" —NIA LONG
I cant wait to go pick up my copy, I heart Nia!

Usher speaks to Robin Roberts about custody battle

Usher has been in the headlines in the past few months embroiled in a very nasty public battle with ex-wife Tameka Foster for custody of their sons, Usher, 4, and Naviyd Ely, 3. Cameras rolled last month as tensions ran high during an emotional court hearing.

In an interview with ABC News' Robin Roberts, Usher speaks about his "steadfast belief that a father is important in a child's life. To have the time that I've had with them has made them the young men that they are. I want to raise them to be responsible future adults."

Asked what he wanted to impart to them, Usher said, "No one knows your child like you do. And it is taking the time to actively be there. It's a day in, day out process. I'm actively doing it every day that I possibly can, and being the father to them that my father was unable to be to me."

I wonder what Usher's Mom has to say about all this! You know Jonetta didn't even show up to the wedding, this is all kinds of messy chile!

Trip to South Africa inspired Tamera Mowry-Housley to get pregnant?

"Sister, Sister" star Tamera Mowry-Housley says she was “caught off-guard” when she found that she was pregnant with her first child, because she had only been trying to conceive for two months. Tamara and her husband Fox News correspondent Adam Housley are due to become parents on October 30.

In a blog post for People.com, she writes, “My husband and I hadn’t made a conscious decision to start trying to have a baby. However, after an amazing, life-changing trip to Africa, we decided we would leave our chances up to God. Two months later, we became pregnant.

“WHOA, that was fast! I had heard stories that becoming pregnant can sometimes take awhile, so I was definitely caught off-guard. But what a beautiful surprise.

“It took a while before the fact that I was pregnant settled in. Once it did, I kept reciting to myself, ‘I’m going to be a mom. I’m going to be a mom.’ I will never forget the feeling that swept over me. I found myself pacing my room with excitement and experienced a sense of joy I have never felt before.”

The reality star revealed the news to her husband in a very clever and witty way. “Once I got myself together, I immediately thought about how I would I tell my husband. I always wanted to do it in a creative way. I decided to text Adam a photo of four positive pregnancy tests – yes, you read right, FOUR positive pregnancy tests – and added, ‘HAPPY EARLY FATHER’S DAY!’”

How cute!! So happy for the couple.

Who rocked it best? Rihanna vs.Blake Lively

I see Rihanna and Blake Lively must have both received the memo to rock stylish pantsuits this past week. The fashionable duo stepped out in red hot outfits, begging the question-who rocked it best? I like Blake's version a little more, what do you think?

Magic Johnson's NYC ASPiRE launch: Celebrities, Yummy Food and Good Times!

Model Jessica White

NBA Hall of Famer Earvin "Magic" in partnership with GMC hosted a chic star-studded bash at Cipriani last night to launch the ASPiRE channel. Guys, I have never been to Cipriani in all my years living in New York and to be honest with you, I almost didn't want to leave. I had so much fun taking in the electricity in the room from all the power players gathered in one spot and not to mention the delectable food, live entertainment and flowing drinks....I was in heaven! Check out the pics below to see who else I spotted on the red carpet and inside the exclusive party:

Magic's wife Cookie Johnson chatted with PR maven Marvett Britto

People were not afraid to cut a rug at the swanky party. DJ-Nice kept the party rockin!

The mouth-watering food at Cipriani! YUM!

Remember Kwame from the Apprentice? He also made an appearance last night..

ASPiRE is dedicated to delivering enlightening, entertaining and positive programming to African American families, including movies, documentaries, short films, music, comedy, short films and inspirational programs. The channel launched last night at 8:00 PM on Comcast and Time Warner Cable. Magic addressed the A-list crowd and gave an impassioned speech about going back to the days of yesteryear where folks could watch TV with the entire family. Enough with the ratchedness right? Will you be watching in to ASPiRE?

I'll have whatever actress Lynn Whitfield is having- this woman is aging backwards!

Celeb stylist and VH1 reality star June Ambrose also came through to support Magic

Having a little fun under the ASPiRE sign. S/O to Marc Wilson Design for the tres chic decor!

Basketball player Carmelo Anthony

So let me tell you a quick story of how this picture happened with Carmelo. I was going back for a second helping of the tasty food at the event and spotted the basketball player chatting with friends. Never one to miss an opportunity, I confidently walked over and stuck out my hand to introduce myself. He obliged my request for a picture and and surprised me by how polite he was. I asked them if he was aware that his wife Lala's reality show just started airing on Vuzu in South Africa. He replied "yes"and I then encouraged him and Lala to visit their Mzansi fans to promote the show in that region. You all know that I am all about US celebrities reaching out to their African fans. So if you see the Anthony's in South Africa.. you know who to thank! Just kidding :)

Russell Simmons posed on the red carpet with Miss Universe Leila Lopes

I finally got to meet Salt from legendary rap group Salt-N-Pepa!

I'm not sure if you guys know this but Salt -N-Pepa's hit song "Push It" was banned in Zimbabwe due to it's racy lyrics. I chatted to Salt about being a kid and sneaking around to listen to their songs and she also laughingly recalled an incident in Small Town, USA where her and Pep almost got arrested for singing "Push It". Guess it wasn't just Zim that was ultra conservative huh?. The rapstress also revealed her that unfortunately her and Pep's show will not be returning to VH1 and that they hopefully will be working on some new thangs on Magic's channel.

Posing on the red carpet with journalist Daisy Lewellyn. Don't we just love her Tracy Reese dress? 

Singer Natalie Cole chatted with the press

Can we just take a second to take in the hotness that is singer Eric Benet? LAWD!

On top of meeting Salt- I also snapped a flick with Pep. My inner 80's child is so content :)

NBA Great Walt Frazier

African Girls- Angolan beauty Leila Lopes the current Miss Universe

Leila embraced me with a warm hug when I saw her at the launch last night. I interviewed her a few months ago and she remembered me from our pow-wow. The current Maxim cover star, told me that she was "very happy" with the results from the cover shoot. I bet! Her pictures are sizzling hot! Leila has been busy traveling all over Africa recently- she revealed to me that she's been to Senegal, Togo, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast and South Africa. Loves it!

The man of the hour- Magic Johnson! I am SO excited to watch ASPiRE 

I asked Magic if he had any plans to bring ASPiRE to Africa and he replied "I hope so, but not right now". I can totally understand the phased approach to have success in the US first and other regions at a later point.  I spotted a Sarafina clip (one of my favorite movies EVER)  in the ASPiRE trailer of content to come, so I am definitely pulling to see the channel launch in Africa.

Can I just tell how much I heart this man? PR superstar BJ Coleman. He is always so nice to me every time I see him!

"Sparkle" actress Tika Sumpter and her glowing skin also made an appearance

New Edition performed at the soiree sans Bobby Brown! I tell you what though, the guys still have IT!

 Director Malcolm Lee

Director Malcolm Lee is currently on pre-production on Scary Movie 5,  in development for a sequel to the Best Man and potentially doing a sports comedy with NBA champ Lebron James.  Given the controversy surrounding the Jennifer Hudson and Terrance Howard "Winnie Mandela" movie, I just had to get Lee's thoughts on the casting choices of the American actors in African roles. Malcolm answered "When it comes to doing a movie that you want to get seen, as a director you want to give it the best chance of being seen. The filmmakers thought that putting more well known actors would give it a better chance to get seen and I understand that from a business perspective". He added "it's good that a channel like ASPiRE will come out and South African actors can have a voice or potentially have a voice to tell stories they want to tell with authenticity". I certainly hope so, cause you guys know I feel about this whole disastrous casting fiasco.

I had such a great time at the ASPiRE launch, let's all do our part to support great TV. Thoughts?

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Interview with Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg

Makho with Amandla Stenberg

Hunger Games actress Amandla Stenberg blew me away during our interview. The young actress who stars in the 3rd highest grossing movie of all time is the one of the sweetest  and most eloquent 13 year old I have ever met. Check out my interview with her were we chat about almost everything- her charity involvement with a South organization called Ubuntu, her role in the Hunger Games and dealing with detractors. Peep the video below:

Which Zimbabwean landed in Ebony Magazine's Annual 50 hot list??

British born-Zimbabwean singer Shingai Shoniwa is making waves stateside landing herself on Ebony's annual 50 hot list. She's in good company with Will Smith, Beyonce, Rihanna and tons of other A-listers also featured on the glittering list. Ebony calls the Noisettes singer "a style maven, embracing the deep brown beauty God gave her, longs legs and lush lips" Word.

Speaking of the 50 annual hot list, gorgeous actress/model is also featured in the magazine under the category Model Beauty. 

A few weeks ago I got the chance to interview actress Joy Bryant at a Brotherhood Sister Sol event. The organization is awesome and helps children in the inner city streets of New York. In an exclusive chat, Joy revealed to me that she dropped out of Yale to pursue a career in modeling. Turns out the risk paid off with Ms. Bryant landing gigs in Paris and later starring in movies such as Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins and Get Rich or Die Trying. Talk about stepping out on faith! I admire people that live truly authentic lives and choose to defy the odds by pursuing their passion. 

Makho with Joy Bryant

Eddie Murphy's ex-wife Nicole is 44 and still killin it!

Hollywood ex-wife Nicole Murphy was pictured today doing promo rounds for her reality show in NYC. Let's be honest, girlfriend looks all kinds of amazing. Eddie Murphy's former wife is 44 and has 5 kids! I can't get over her body! Her VH1 Reality show along with the all other Hollywood ex-wives airs this Wednesday and you know I will be all over that like white on rice.

Nicole stopped by the Essence Magazine offices

The cast of Hollywood Ex-Wives appeared on Good Morning America

The ladies were also spotted taping at the Wendy Williams show.
The woman in white is R.Kelly ex wife

Nicole with Jose Canseco's ex-wife. Bootylicious!

HotMess.Com: The Winnie Mandela Movie

LAWD! They are serious about releasing this Winnie Mandela movie huh?

Jennifer Hudson and Terrance Howard

The trailer for the Winnie Mandela movie has been floating around the internet for the past 2 years or so and much to my chagrin the movie is finally getting a release date. The all new movie trailer features Jennifer Hudson as Winnie Mandela and Terrance Howard as Nelson Mandela. After seeing the trailer, trust me when I tell you it leaves a lot to be desired.  I told you last year how much I HATED the actors American version of the South African accents and I still 1000% stand by that statement. On the plus side, the movie's cinematography is beautiful but everything else is just bleh! Check out the trailer and let me know what you think:

Sisterly Love: How cute are these pictures of Solange and Beyonce?

Because I love all things Beyonce and Solange I just had to post these pics from Solo's instagram. Over the weekend Bey's baby sister turned 26 and the sisters celebrated in style in London. Cute!

The Best Way To Get Out Of Debt

The Best Way To Get Out Of Debt

Debt is bad and you want to get rid of it right away. Nothing destroys lives, marriages and creates more stress than being in debt. The way out is not hard in theory but requires a life change. This is usually were people pass or fail; many times they are unwilling to make a lifestyle change to save their financial future. When you want to buy that Lexus, remember: the ancient Greeks and Romans walked around in sandals and wore robes and they were just fine. Cars are luxury items, so be a smart purchaser. Remember that expensive doesn’t always mean better quality. Many vehicles carrying moderate price tags are better performing than overpriced luxury cars so do your homework. And always remember that a vehicle depreciates the moment you get behind the wheel. Billionaire investor Warren Buffet still lives in a modest house in Nebraska; the same house he’s lived in for over 50 years!. This is the mindset I’m talking about, this is key. If you can’t change your lifestyle, you will never get out of debt.

The rest is easy. First, downsize. Get rid of the extra gadgets, unnecessary expenses and re-budget so that you have positive cash flow every month. Next, you want to take your extra monthly income and pay down your debt in the following manner. First pay off the account that is accruing the most in interest charges every month. This doesn’t necessarily equate to the account with the highest interest rate. In most cases, this will be the account with the highest total balance but do the math anyway to compare finance charges on all of your accounts. Continue to pay the rest of your accounts in the same manner. If you have multiple accounts with similar interest rates, try your best to pay them equally. It never does any good to pay a significant amount on one card but only the minimums on another high balance, high interest card. Minimum payments are the credit card companies’ way to keep you in debt forever as many times the minimum payment barely covers or is less than the monthly interest you are being assessed.

Here’s an example for clarity: Let’s say you have $1,000 per month allocated for the pay down of credit card debt. This is what I would do in this scenario:

Example:

Credit Card

#1 $3,500 balance 15% interest
#2 $500 balance 19% interest
#3 $800 balance 17% interest
#4 $2,000 balance 16% interest

In this scenario I would pay down #1 first by allocating 100% of my monthly $1,000 until it was completely paid off. Then I would use the same process for #4. This is because even though the interest rate is lower for both, the total balance for each is greater and you’re paying more in total interest than on the lower balances with higher rates. That’s why I don’t agree with paying down the debt with the highest interest rate first as some experts suggest. I always pay off the debt that is costing me the most in total interest payments.

About The Author

Jamie has an MBA from Rutgers University and a Professional Certificate in Real Estate Finance, Investment and Development from NYU. He's traded stocks since he was 13 and bought his first property within a year of graduating college. He also flipped properties and got out before the 2008 mortgage meltdown because he was able to see the market turning before it happened. He's started two companies and also has experience in investing in antiques, collectibles, gold, silver and trading futures. He currently operates a website dedicated to helping people acheive financial freedom. How do you become rich? Visitwww.jamiesmoneyadvice.com.

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Ice T & Coco talk cars & keeping it sexy

Ice T and Coco

I love talking to celebrities who have no filters! I often times get tired of  hearing the same boring and rehearsed answers from the stars. Well rapper  Ice T did not disappoint me on the red carpet. I caught up with the Art of Rap director at the film premiere and asked him about how he and his wife Coco keep the fire burning in their marriage. Peep the video below:

Bikini clad Miss Universe covers Maxim Portugal

How HOT does Miss Universe Leila Loped on the cover of Maxim Portugal? Just in time for summer these pictures are sizzling!

BONUS: Check out the behind the scenes video of Leila's Maxim cover:
 

EXCLUSIVE: My red carpet encounter with Jada Pinkett Smith at the Madagascar3 Premiere

A few weeks ago I attended the red carpet premiere of Madagascar 3 in New York City. I got a chance to chat with the beautiful Jada Pinkett Smith about her role in the summer blockbuster flick, working with funny man Chris Rock and visiting Africa.

 I had so much fun with this interview, peep the video below:

Are you in NYC this Friday?!?

Attention NYC Peeps! If you are in town this Friday then please come out and support this great Face Africa event. Details are on the flier, see you there!