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If you’re a tad tardy for the party, and hadn’t yet heard that Will Smith has fraternal twin siblings, today’s your lucky day ILOSM family. Now, let’s talk about the twin Smith siblings and their dope lives. Meet Ellen, Harry, and Pamela a.k.a. Pam, the crew that always keeps it real with “fresh prince” Will.

Twin, Harry Smith

So, Harry is the CEO of Smith Global Media, a distribution company that scored a plush deal with Sony Pictures Home Entertainment in 2017. Harry has also worked with Will in real estate and with his company, Overbrook Entertainment.

He’s all about that business hustle, making moves in the entertainment industry. And you know what? He’s also a proud pops, showing off his adorable kids on social media every chance he gets. Can’t blame him, his little mini-me’s are too cute!

Twin, Ellen Smith

Now let’s talk about Ellen, the CEO and Founder of Dining with Divas. She’s a licensed cosmetology instructor, a badass mom, and a philanthropist.

Her charity is all about supporting women and their families when they’re going through tough times. It all started with her project, Mother’s Day at the Mansion, where she brought together moms in need for a beautiful celebration. The event had everything, from catered meals, to spa treatments, and performances. And you know who showed up to support? Will himself, speaking at the 2014 edition that was all about Autism Awareness. That’s what family is all about, having each other’s backs.

Meet Their Other Siblings

That’s not all though, Will, Ellen, and Harry also have two more siblings– one of them shares both parents (their deceased father, Willard Carroll Smith Sr.; and their mother, Caroline Bright), and the other sibling shares the same father as the Smith gang.

Pam Smith

First up is their full sibling, Pamela, or Pam as everyone calls her. She holds it down in their hometown of Philly, running her own boutique, called Pash Boutique. She sells jewelry, purses, hats, etc.

While she’s not in the limelight like their big bro, she still kicks it with the fam’ at those epic family gatherings. For example, she’s always present for their now 86-year-old Mom’s birthday bashes, and loves snappin’ pics with her siblings at the shindigs. Talk about family love!

Ashley Pettway

And last, but not least is their sister, Ashley Pettway, who is the daughter of Willard Smith Sr. and her late mother, Connie.

Ashley may look familiar to some of you because she was once featured on her sister-in-law, Jada Pinkett-Smith’s, former Facebook Watch talk show, “Red Table Talk”…alongside Jada’s former boo-thang, August Alsina. It’s unclear what Ashley does for a living, but one thing is evident– she is a proud mommy of one young son and is enjoying motherhood to the fullest.

Despite all the drama surrounding Will, at the end of the day…the Smith siblings are a tight-knit crew, rockin’ their own paths and supporting each other along the way. From Harry’s business ventures, to Pam’s boutique, and Ellen’s philanthropy, they’re clearly doin’ their own thing. They prove that for them– family is everything. Keep shining, Smith fam!’

I Love Old School Music family, y’all know “Calvin” from “227,” right? He was “Pearl’s” (Helen Martin) grandkid who had a thing for “Brenda” (Regina King). Curtis Baldwin nailed it as “Calvin” and seemed like he was gonna blow up in the acting game. But after “227” wrapped up in 1990, Curtis also seemingly bounced from the scene.

He wasn’t done with acting yet, though. He still rocked some dope sitcoms in the ’90s. He was in “Family Matters” in 1989, and then in “Moesha” in 1996. But now, he’s got a new vibe- being a dope dad to his kids, and a new hustle. Peep how he’s making people laugh these days, and check out his fly family below…

Meet His Family

Curtis oftentimes shares proud daddy moments online of himself and his fam.’ Check them out in the photos up top and below.

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What He’s Doing Now

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So what’s up with Baldwin in 2023, 38 years after “227” was over? His Instagram page, @iamcurtisbaldwin, shows he’s a dope dad of six kids, two with his ex-wife, Carolyn Baldwin. He also has four older kids from before. One of his sons is a rapper and musician, just like his pops.

Baldwin is a music fanatic, and has been chasing his dream as a musician. He always drops videos of him playing the guitar, singing, and rapping on his Instagram and YouTube. He also teams up with other artists and rocks the stage at different gigs. He has put out some singles and albums as well.

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In addition to throwin’ down on stage and in the studio, Calvin is still gettin’ down on-screen as well, with some of his most recent on-screen action being the comedy sketch show, “Shoot’ The Pitch.”

Old School Fun Fact

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Here’s a random Old School fun fact about Curtis: He and songstress, Faith Evans have been close homies for over 30 years, as is confirmed in Curtis’s online tribute to his friend; as well as in Faith’s memoir, where she spoke highly of her longstanding friendship with Curtis

And there ya’ have ILOSM fam, “Calvin” from “227” has evolved into a true family man and loyal husband, who’s also still out here pursuing his passion while at it. We’re not mad at that one bit…do your thing Curtis!

Junior, the iconic singer behind the hit song “Mama Used to Say,” has faced immense heartbreak due to the devastating loss of his wife, Nardia, and daughter, Jenique, to multiple sclerosis. Speaking about this tragedy, Junior shared his profound grief and the impact it had on his life.

In a prior interview, Junior expressed his sorrow over losing his beloved wife; and daughter in 2017. He reportedly said, “It’s a pain that never goes away. Losing them both to multiple sclerosis was unimaginable.” The singer highlighted the strong bond he shared with Nardia and Jenique, describing them as his pillars of strength.

Despite enduring such profound loss, Junior continues to honor their memory in various ways. He actively participates in raising awareness about multiple sclerosis by supporting charities dedicated to finding a cure. Additionally, he often dedicates performances to Nardia and Jenique during concerts.

Today, Junior remains deeply devoted to keeping their spirits alive through his music. He believes that their love continues to inspire him every day as he channels his emotions into creating heartfelt melodies that resonate with fans worldwide.

Speaking about his profound grief, Junior fondly described his relationships with Nardia and Jenique as filled with love and laughter. He emphasized their unwavering support for his music career and how they motivated him during challenging times.

“Nardia was my rock; she believed in me when no one else did,” he reportedly recalled. “Jenique was a ray of sunshine; her smile could light up any room.” Devastated by their untimely deaths, Junior channeled his pain into honoring their memory. He established the Nardia & Jenique Foundation to raise awareness about multiple sclerosis and support families affected by the disease.

“I want to ensure that no one feels alone in this battle,” he asserted. Today, Junior continues to honor Nardia and Jenique’s legacy through his music. He often dedicates performances to them, keeping their spirits alive on stage.

Honoring Their Memory: How Junior Pays Tribute To Nardia And Jenique Through His Work

 

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Following the heartbreaking loss of his wife, Nardia, and daughter, Jenique, to multiple sclerosis, singer Junior has dedicated his latest album to their memory. Junior expressed his deep sorrow and the profound impact this tragedy had on his life. He shared that losing both of them to such a cruel disease was unimaginable. Through his music, he aims to honor their memory and fulfill Jenique’s final wish.

“It shattered my world completely. But I knew I had to find a way to keep their spirits alive.” Junior’s relationship with both Nardia and Jenique was one filled with love and joy. His wife was not only his partner but also an incredible source of support throughout his career. Their daughter, Jenique, shared her father’s passion for music and often joined him on stage during performances.

Through heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies, Junior ensures that the love he shared with Nardia and Jenique echoes through each note he sings. 💔

Taraji P. Henson expresses gratitude to Oprah Winfrey for her guidance and support in Hollywood

Taraji P. Henson, the star of the upcoming musical film “The Color Purple”, has revealed the advice and encouragement she received from Oprah Winfrey, who also produced and starred in the 1985 film adaptation of the same novel. Henson, who plays the role of Sofia, said that Winfrey reportedly told her to “surrender to the process” and “believe” in her talent, as she faced the challenges and opportunities of working in the entertainment industry.

Henson also paid tribute to Winfrey for laying the “blueprint” for Sofia, a character who represents the strength and resilience of black women. She said that playing Sofia changed Winfrey’s life, and she felt that hers was about to shift too³. Henson added that Winfrey was a “woman who has done some great things but still can get down to earth with us” and that she was grateful for her mentorship.

Henson’s admiration for Winfrey comes at a time when she has also opened up about the pay gap and discrimination she faced in Hollywood, especially in her earlier roles. She revealed that she was paid less than 2% of what her co-star Brad Pitt received for “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, and that she had to pay for her own accommodation and expenses while filming. She also claimed that she was passed over for a role that was written for her in favor of a white actress.

 

 

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Henson said that she had to “bite the bullet” and accept the low pay, as there were few roles available for black actresses. She also said that she chose her son’s education over fancy cars and other luxuries, and that she had to work hard to find another job after each project. She said that she never expected to get paid what her counterparts did, but that she deserved “a little more too”⁷.

Additionally, Taraji also confessed that she “almost walked away from “The Color Purple”, presumably for the same reason– the low pay.

Following Taraji’s admissions regarding the pay gap in Hollywood, many fans assumed she was referring to Oprah. Why? Simply because Taraji’s latest project, “The Color Purple,” is partially funded by Oprah. However, Taraji was quick to shut those claims down, when she posted the following message online:

“It is so important for black women and ALL women of color to support each other.

It is also imperative to have women of color in decision making positions across ALL industries.

Thank you for responding to my message with the compassion, understanding and support that I’ve received.💜🙏🏾💜

With that being said…

Ms. OPRAH has been nothing less than a steady and solid beacon of light to ALL OF THE CAST of The Color Purple!!!

She has provided ENCOURAGEMENT, GUIDANCE and UNWAVERING SUPPORT to us all.

She told me personally to reach out to her for ANYTHING I needed, and I did!

It took ONE CALL… ONE CONVERSATION… and ONE DECISION MAKING BLACK WOMAN to make me feel heard.

Thank You Ms. @OPRAH For ALL That You Do 💜💜💜”

Henson’s story is an example of the struggles and successes of Black women in Hollywood, who have to overcome barriers and stereotypes to achieve their dreams. Henson has proven herself as a versatile and talented actress, who can play roles ranging from a NASA mathematician in “Hidden Figures” to a music mogul in “Empire”. She has also won several awards and accolades, including a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. She is now ready to shine in “The Color Purple”, which is set to release on Dec. 25, 2023. Hollywood, it’s about time for y’all to give this living legend her just due. 💪🏾

Ja Rule’s son, Jeffrey Atkins Jr., is his twin. The resemblance between the two is crazy! A photo of the father-son duo went viral on Twitter, and fans were left in awe of how similar they look. The photo shows Ja Rule, his wife Aisha Atkins, and their son Jeffrey standing together at Jeffrey’s high school graduation in recent years.

All three of them are cheesin’ it up for the camera as Jeffrey Jr. poses wearing a gown bearing the letters NH. The photo has caught everyone’s attention, thanks to the uncanny resemblance between Ja Rule and his son. While they do have different hairstyles, Ja Rule and Jeffrey have the same face. Same eyes, nose, eyebrows, and mouth. It’s like lookin’ at a younger 90s throwback version of Ja.

Jeffrey Atkins Jr. is Ja Rule’s eldest son. He was born on December 29, 1998, and is currently 23 years old. His mother is Aisha Atkins, who has been married to Ja Rule since 2001. The couple has two other children together, a 28-year-old daughter named Britney; and a 18-year-old son named Jordan.

Jeffrey doesn’t appear to be in the limelight himself, and is seemingly living a normal life after graduating from high school. He is not a rapper like his father, but he does share his father’s love for music. Jeffrey is reportedly a music producer and has worked with several artists in the industry.

Ja Rule’s wife, Aisha Atkins, is a former employee of Irv Gotti’s record label, Murder Inc. She has been married to Ja Rule for over 20 years and is the mother of his three children. Aisha is a private person and keeps a low profile on social media. She is not active on Instagram or Twitter, but she does have a Facebook account. Aisha is a devoted wife and mother and is often seen supporting her husband at his concerts and events.

Ja Rule’s daughter, Britney Atkins, is the eldest of his three children. She was born on December 7, 1995, and is currently 26 years old. Britney is a graduate of Hampton University and is a screenwriter and actress. She has appeared in several films and TV shows, including “The Cookout” and “The Shield.” Britney is also a writer and has written several screenplays. She is a talented young woman and is following in her father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

Ja Rule’s youngest son, Jordan Atkins, was born in April 2007. He’s the baby of the family and is still in high school. Jordan is a talented athlete and plays basketball for his school team. He is also a musician and has been seen playing the piano in several of his father’s Instagram videos.

It’s beautiful that Ja Rule’s family is a talented and close-knit group.  Ja Rule may be a rap legend, but his family is what keeps him grounded. They are his biggest supporters, and are always there for him no matter what. It’s clear that family is everything to Ja and we love to see it!

We’re continuing to keep Bone Thugs-N-Harmony rap legend, Krayzie Bone, in our thoughts and prayers, as he reportedly continues to fight for his life inside a Los Angeles, CA hospital.

Here’s the latest update:

Via TMZ [12:06 ET] — Sources with direct knowledge tell TMZ … Krayzie Bone is going into a second surgery soon in the hopes of stopping some internal bleeding, which is at the root of his health troubles.

We’re told this all started Friday when KB started coughing up blood, after which he checked himself into an L.A.-area hospital. After some tests, our sources tell us docs discovered a bleeding artery in one of his lungs … and they operated on him.

Afterward, we’re told Krayzie was placed in an induced coma — with the idea being that would help the healing process — but our sources say the issue wasn’t resolved, and that the artery continues to bleed in his lung. Now, they’re going back to try and fix it for good.

Our sources tell us his family members have been the only ones allowed to see him, and they’re at his side now. Krayzie’s team, we’re told, is meeting today to get more update.

In case you missed it…on Sunday, September, 24, 2023, it was initially reported that Krayzie Bone was ‘in critical condition’ at a hospital, a terrifying update that prompted an outpouring of online concern and love from many in the entertainment world.

At the time, it was said that Krayzie Bone was reportedly on a ventilator, due to surgery aimed at addressing a respiratory issue he has battling. This condition apparently led to him coughing up blood, and requiring immediate surgical intervention, as reported by AllHipHop.com.

According to AHH, Krayzie Bone’s initial hospitalization was prompted by a diagnosis of sarcoidosis, a medical condition characterized by the formation of inflammatory cells in various parts of the body. Following a procedure to address internal bleeding, his condition reportedly took a turn for the worse.

This frightening news seems to have first been publicly revealed by Krayzie’s fellow Bone Thugs-N-Harmony member, Bizzy Bone (who goes by @mrmcane on Instagram), who on Sunday took to social media, urging everyone to keep Krayzie Bone in their thoughts.

I Love Old school Music family…please send love and healing energy Krayzie Bone’s way at this time. And as we get more info, we’ll keep you all posted on his condition.

Even in the ever-demanding age of social media and camera phones, Michael Archer a.k.a. D’Angelo has found a way to maintain a Prince-esque type of obscurity. Little is known about his private life, except for his past relationship with singer, Angie Stone, and their adult son; and D’Angelo’s brief run-in with the law a while back, but none of that is was initially made public by him, those little fun facts always came from external sources first. For the most part, D’Angelo’s life is a rarely-seen. D’Angelo’s very proud and doesn’t hide his now-grown daughter, but he just doesn’t display her either, and rightfully so. But she, on the other hand, seems to put her Pops on public display every now and then, like any proud child would. See recent pics of her below…

D’ANGELO’S LITTLE GIRL HAS GROWN INTO A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY

The above photo is a throwback…but D’Angelo’s precious little girl looks TOTALLY different now.

MEET D’ANGELO’S 23-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER, IMANI

This is D’Angelo’s pretty daughter, Imani, who is clearly his mini-me. She’s 23-years-old, and seems to be a typical young adult- she loves hangin’ with her friends; unlike her father, she loves sharing bits her life and her opinions on social media; and she loves taking selfies. But then, there is her creative side – Imani can SANG and is a gifted musician as well.

THROWBACK FATHER-DAUGHTER MOMENTS

Below are a few throwback photos of Imani spending some quality time with her pops, D’Angelo…these are the type of Black father-daughter moments the world needs to see more of, in my humble opinion.
Imani’s throwback Father’s day post…

D’Angelo chillin’ with daughter, Imani, backstage…

IMANI’S VOICE IS BEAUTIFUL…MUST SEE

 

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When it comes to vocals and overall musical abilities in D’Angelo’s offspring, this apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Imani’s voice is so bomb..and ol’ girl can even play the ukelele. Check out the video up top and let us know what you think. Get it Imani!

MEET IMANI’S FORMER-MODEL MOM

Imani’s mom is a former model named Marcia Daly. D’Angelo and Marcia were apparently in a relationship during the height of the “Brown Sugar” crooner’s career. It’s unclear where they stand today with each other, but it’s apparent that they both love their daughter equally as much, and are very supportive of all her endeavors. Wishing Imani Archer much success going forward.

We have heartbreaking news to share with you today, I Love Old School Music family. The music industry has just suffered a tragic loss with the passing of singer, Irish Grinstead, one of the founding members of the 90s/2000s R&B group, 702. Her untimely departure has 702 left fans and fellow musicians in shock and mourning.

Lemisha’s Sister/702 Member Gives Details Of Her Passing

Irish’s older sister and fellow 702 member, LeMisha, confirmed the singer’s unexpected death on Instagram.

“It is with great sadness that I have to let you know that my beautiful sister and friend has passed away this evening,” Lemisha wrote Saturday, September 16, 2023. “She has had a long battle and she is finally at peace. That girl was as bright as the stars! She was not only beautiful on the outside, but also within.”

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She continued, “Sharing the stage with her was a joy I will cherish for the rest of my life. We, the family ask for prayers and respect for our privacy as we grieve an outstanding loss to our family.”

Although an official cause of Irish’s death has not yet been released, The Hollywood Reporter mentioned that in December 2022, 702 announced that Irish was taking a “medical leave of absence due to serious medical issues.”

 

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Personal Challenges and Triumphs

Irish Grinstead’s career was not without its challenges.

In the early 1990s, 702 signed with Mike Bivins’ Biv 10 Records. Irish’s, along with her sisters’ singing styles, proved to be the perfect formula for success. The group’s name, 702, paid homage to their hometown area code in Las Vegas. But sadly, in the early 2000s, the group faced a tragic loss with the passing of her sister, Orish, due to kidney failure. This heartbreaking experience underscored the importance of family and solidarity for Irish and LeMisha, who continued to perform as 702, eventually adding singer, Kameelah “Meelah” Williams, to complete their trio.

A Legacy of Hits

Irish Grinstead’s contribution to 702’s success continued with their sophomore album, “702” (1999), which included chart-topping hits like “Where My Girls At?” and “You Don’t Know.” These songs became anthems of the late ‘90s, with Irish’s voice becoming synonymous with the group’s signature sound.

Beyond the group’s commercial success, Irish and her sisters were known for their empowering lyrics and positive messages in their music, inspiring a generation of young women.

A Farewell To A Beautiful Soul

The news of Irish Grinstead’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the music industry and among fans worldwide.

Irish’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. Her legacy lives on through the music she created, which continues to be celebrated and enjoyed by fans old and new. Sending uplifting energy to her family and loved ones at this time. Irish Grinstead, rest well queen.

If you’re a fan of What’s Happening or Good Times, chances are you have seen the real-life daughter of late actress, Ja’Net Dubois’ (“Willona”) and didn’t even know it. She made several appearances on those two sitcoms back in the day. Ja’Net’s daughter was oftentimes cast as the ‘pretty girl’, or the ‘puppy love interest’ of one of the male characters on the show.

Ja’Net Dubois’s Daughter, Rani Dubois

Meet Rani Dubois. Her most memorable role probably came from the What’s Happening “Shirley’s Date” episode (shown in the video below), where she played the girl who got stood up by “Dwayne” and threw a drink in his face. She’s played a student, a cheerleader and various other roles on Good Times and What’s Happening between 1976 and 1979. Check out this throwback video clip of Ja’Net’s daughter, Rani, below…

Prior to Ja’Net Dubois heartbreaking passing from a cardiac arrest at 74 years young, in February 2020, you would have seen Rani making several public appearances with her beloved Mom. If you hadn’t seen those two queens toward Ja’Net’s latter years, She and Rani maintained a beautiful mother-daughter bond, and were just as beautiful as ever.

***

Old School Fun Facts About Ja’Net Dubois

An Old School fun fact about Ja’Net Dubois, is that although she played the best friend of JJ’s mother, “Florida,” she was just two years older than 76-year-old Jimmie Walker (“JJ”). Wouldn’t have thought that based on their roles on Good Times.

Another fun fact is that Ja’Net Dubois and Janet Jackson (who views Ja’Net as a mentor) were still very close up until the time of Ja’Net’s passing.

Thank you “Willona” for making us laugh and having that sassy attitude while doing it. Rest on beautiful queen.

The cost of fame sometimes challenges entertainers to weigh their moral compass, in order to ensure that their center is in a place that allows them to rest easy at night and awake to a reflection they still respect in the morning. For actress/choreographer, Rosie Perez, her personal morals were tested during her days as the character, “Tina,” the ’round the way Puerto Rican girlfriend of Spike Lee’s character, “Mookie,” in Do The Right Thing.

The year was 1989, when Rosie became the one of the breakthrough stars in the film. Two dynamic scenes helped solidify her spot – (1) her impressive dancing in the opening credits of Spike Lee’s joint and (2) the unforgettable intimate scene where “Mookie” dripped ice cubes over her bare breasts on a hot summer New York day.

Those scenes helped garner Rosie the titles of ‘bold,’ ‘beautiful,’ ‘fearless,’ ‘relatable,’ ‘talented,’ and so one. Unfortunately for Rosie, she hated the bare breasts scene. In fact, she hated it so much that she cried throughout the entire shooting of it.

Rosie Perez Tells Why She Cried During Filming

In a prior interview with New York Times, the Soul Train veteran admitted she felt violated, even though she was the one who actually agreed to shoot the nude scene. Rosie also stated that she finally spoke publicly about it, because her then 14 year old stepdaughter informed her that she’d seen her nude screenshots, from the movie, online. That’s when Rosie began to question whether, or not, she felt comfortable standing behind her work 100%…apparently she does not:

Rosie Perez- “My first experience [with doing nude scenes] was Do the Right Thing. And I had a big problem with it, mainly because I was afraid of what my family would think — that’s what was really bothering me. It wasn’t really about taking off my clothes. But I also didn’t feel good about it because the atmosphere wasn’t correct. And when Spike Lee puts ice cubes on my nipples, the reason you don’t see my head is because I’m crying. I was like, I don’t want to do this. I felt like Irene Cara in ”Fame.” It was like, Wait a minute, I feel so wimpy, this is not who I am. So that was my first experience, and it was horrible. But then I went and took my clothes off again for ”White Men Can’t Jump”! But that was because it was totally my decision, I felt totally comfortable, the director was so cool and Woody Harrelson was like, Well, whatever you want is cool with me. So there I felt empowered by it. But with ”Do the Right Thing” it was like, ‘Now I’m the object, here’s the shot.’ And the reason why I cried was not so much because I felt violated as because I was angry at myself, because I wanted to say: ”Say something! Get up!” So that’s how I felt violated. I felt like I violated myself.”

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Her Brother Brought Machete To Meet With Spike?

Even though she felt “violated,” in all fairness to Spike Lee, it’s important to note that Rosie Perez previously admitted that she was not threatened, nor forced to film her nude scene in Do the Right Thing. According to Daily News, she recalled in her memoir, Handbook For An Unpredictable Life, bringing her knife-wielding brother to set to ensure Spike Lee didn’t try any funny stuff during her nude scene negotiation:

Via DN: [Rosie] Perez fought Lee over the naked scenes, and later charged him with exploiting her. She actually had her brother-in-law, a drug dealer who came to the meeting with a machete in hand, negotiate that there would be “no ass-crack, nothing close to the vagina.”

Wow…gotta luv Rosie for making sure she was protected by any means, and much respect to Spike for still keepin’ it professional in the midst of tense hurdles they faced behind the scenes at that time.