All posts by ilosm

“How Stella Got Her Groove Back”: (L) Michael J. Pagan and Angela Bassett; (R) Taye Diggs and Angela Bassett

Remember the kid who played Angela Bassett’s 12 year old son in How Stella Got Her Groove Back? He also starred alongside Denzel Washington in Fallen, as well as in other films such as See No EvilThe Gospel; Up, Up, and Away, and Gridiron Gang. He was a cute kid back in the day, but after seeing recent photos of him as a grown man now, we’re sure a lot of the ladies in our ILOSM fam’ will appreciate what you’re about to see.

Actor, Michael J. Pagan, is now 39 years old, so he’s legal ladies. However, it seems like just yesterday he was a kid who hadn’t even gone through puberty yet. Anyways, check out the ‘Stella’ co-star now  below and what he’s doing for a living these days…

“How Stella Got Her Groove Back” actor, Michael J. Pagan

Like we said, he’s a grown man these days…and he’s still acting and building his resume.’ According to his bio, he now wears several hats, other than just acting.

Michael J. Pagan

‘He has evolved from child prodigy into impresario and is currently writing and producing films.  Pagan adds the horror flicks House of Fears as Associate Producer and Chain Letter, which he wrote and produced.  He also stars in both films.  Pagan has worked with some of the biggest heavy hitters in the industry and he continues to surround himself with individuals of affluence. There are some things about Pagan you might not know.’

One movie he co-wrote was the 2010 horror film, Chain Letter. That was a hit at the box office that Michael also starred in and released under the entertainment company that he acquired from his dad in 2007 called Tigertail Entertainment.

His Views On “Maturing”

Michael J. Pagan

In an online post, Michael embraced the beauty of aging:
“I love maturing and getting older. My mind has grown. My purpose has been defined. Walking with way more purpose and clarity! Beyond grateful!! #focusonyourself #stepyagameup #growyourmind” – Michael J. Pagan

Female Fans Leave Thirsty Comments For Michael J. Pagan…

Of course, Michael’s female fans are leaving thirst filled messages for the brotha all over social media and some of them are hilarious. Check out a few comments below.

_brini****: you need a wife? asking for a friend
altdesig****: The fact that I’ve been in love with you for 20 years, and now I find you…and you’re thriving and still look good as hell… 😭😭😭😭
geez****: First of all why we ain’t know he was this fine fine now?
_myblackisbea*******: Damnnnn Quincy, you grew up 😂😍😍

It’s always difficult to imagine these kid actors as grown folks, if we haven’t seen them since they were still getting dropped off to school by their Mommas. Michael J. Pagan is yet another example of how time travels at damn near lightening speed. On a side note, if you were old enough to go see How Stella Got Her Groove Back by yourself (without a guardian) back in the day, you are officially Old School now. Welcome to the family.

O.J. Simpson with his then wife, the late Nicole Brown Simpson, and their daughter, Sydney Brooke Simpson

The late O.J. Simpson and his late ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, have two children together — daughter, Sydney, and son, Justin. With all the talk that has surrounded O.J. throughout the years (ever since his 1995 murder trial), his entire family has kinda been flying under the radar.

Their daughter, Sydney Simpson, has been living a normal, low-key lifestyle ever since their Mother’s 1994 murder. But in more recent years, the reclusive Sydney was spotted in St. Petersburg, FL., walking alone in public and completely undetected by the folks passing her by on the street.

All of that obscurity is probably a welcome treat for the entire O.J. fam,’ given the cloud of controversy that consistently follows the troubled NFL’er, even after his passing on April 10, 2024. Sydney was just 8 years old when her Mom died, but she is now 38. Get your scroll on to see more recent photos of her, and to also peep what her ex-boyfriend revealed about who Sydney reportedly believes really killed her Mom.

Sydney Simpson Now

Check out O.J.’s and Nicole Brown Simpson’s daughter, Sydney. Time sure does fly, doesn’t it?

Sydney Brooke Simpson

Sydney and her 35-year-old baby bro’, Justin Simpson, have both graduated from college. Sydney was an event planner at one point, and last we’d heard, she’s now owns her own business, Simpsy LLC, which according to EOnline, she ‘manages the three properties she owns’ in St. Petersburg, FL – the city in which she resides. Justin is a chef.

Sydney’s Ex Discloses About Who She Allegedly Believes Killed Her Mom

A few years ago – while O.J. was still behind bars for theft of his memorabilia in Las Vegas- Sydney’s ex-boyfriend, Stuart, did an interview with Radar Online, and revealed details about what he says Sydney told him about her opinions on her Mother’s death:

“Sydney is a real good girl and she has a good head on her shoulders,”Stuart Alexander Lee, who dated Sydney from roughly 2007 to 2012 tells Radar exclusively. “She’s not lazy. She works very hard.”

“She doesn’t understand that her story could help someone else,” Lee says. “When I was with her, I got friends in [the industry] I tried to set her up with and she said fame is a scary thing. It’s so real to tell your side of the story.”

(L – R): O.J. Simpson (inset photo); Sydney Brooke Simpson; Sydney’s then boyfriend, Stuart Alexander Lee; Sydney

“Everybody contacts her to speak out,” he claims. “She could be an inspiration to so many people, but she’s scared. She doesn’t understand. Hopefully one day she will.” But in private, he says, “She talked about the murders, of course. Of course she talked about it. The way she feels, she doesn’t feel like he did it.”

They [Sydney and her brother, Justin] speculate that it was a drug deal gone bad,” Lee says. “May she rest in peace, but [Nicole’s] throat was cut like a Colombian necktie. Sydney doesn’t believe O.J. did it, but she doesn’t know what to believe. The media changes, and how the police changed the whole situation… Either way, her mother died.”

“I had plenty of conversations with them [telling them] to confront the media,” he reveals. “They’re letting their dad sit in prison for nothing!”

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“And he’s a good father from behind bars,” Lee insists. “They all still love him very much. They go out and visit him, and he calls them all the time and they talk together all the time. He’s a father. He’s a good guy. I don’t think he did it.”

Lee and Sydney broke up because of the increasing demands of his music career, but he says, “There’s no hard feelings on either side. I want to see her happy, and if this can motivate her to speak out, I hope it really does. My whole thing is, I was always tired of her and her brothers and sisters crying over spilled milk. You can’t let the world beat you up, especially when you didn’t ask to be here.”

“I know that if she decided to speak out she could be in a better position,” he says. “She’s a good-looking girl, the whole nine. She’s hella strong.”

Overall it’s beautiful to see that Sydney and her brother, Justin, have been able lead productive and progressive lives, in spite of all of the pain they’ve endured. Wishing them continued success as they continue to process the recent passing of their father, O.J. Simpson…and continue to mourn the loss of their mother, Nicole Brown-Simpson.

Jackie Jackson; Paula Abdul

This alleged Jackie Jackson and Paula Abdul situation is a wild story and according to Jermaine Jackson’s former common-law wife of 7 years, it’s also a very true story.

Now, we have nothing but love for Jackie and Paula Abdul, but word on the Old School curb is that our girl, Paula “Straight Up Now Tell Me” Abdul had an alleged rendezvous with Jackie Jackson back in the day and the you-know-what hit the fan big time one evening in Los Angeles.  Jermaine’s ex, Margaret Maldonado, revealed exactly what went down in her tell-all book, “Jackson Family Values.” Scroll down for details…

Jackie Jackson with his then wife, Enid Jackson, who sadly passed away years ago

According to Maldonado, Jackie’s wife, Enid caught him having an affair with Paula Abdul (at the time, a Laker Girl and would-be choreographer for Janet). Maldonado claims Jackie did little to keep it a secret during its long run. Well, in 1984, it came to a head when Jackie took Paula to a Drive-In theater in the LA area. Marlon’s wife, Carol, found out about it and told Enid and that’s when the heat got turned up.

She goes on to say, Enid drove to the theater and located Jackie and Paula and yanked ‘Ms. Straight Up’ out of the Range Rover by her hair and dragged her across the theater lot. Then Jackie tried to pull his wife away. He was still trying to help Paula when Enid got into her car and put it in reverse and ran into Jackie’s leg and broke it.

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The broken leg kept Jackie from performing on the first half of the massive “Victory Tour.” Three years later, he and Enid divorced. Shortly afterwards, Enid had Jackie arrested for violating the terms of the divorce, by showing up to their former house together to use his home studio. If all of this is accurate, I guess it’s safe to assume that Enid did NOT play. All we kept hearing back in the day was Jackie broke his leg and would have to miss the tour because of a “car accident.” Glad to see that eventually all was forgiven among them and our beloved Enid Jackson was a beautiful soul, may she rest well.

Margaret Maldonado (Jermaine Jackson’s ex) pictured on the cover of her memoir, “Jackson Family Values”

The teller of this incident, Margaret (pictured above), is no longer with Jackie’s brother, Jermaine, but she and Jermaine have two children together and based on her book, she seems to have several stories to share about her former ‘in-laws.’ Nowadays she has a successful business representing photographers and stylists in Hollywood.

From the looks of it, everything’s all good now between Paula and the Jackson fam.’ A peaceful, happy ending is always a beautiful thing.

O.J. Simpson, one of the most infamous high-profile former NFL players of all time, has passed away at the age of 76 after battling cancer. The former NFL great, who was famously acquitted of the double-murder of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown-Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in the ’90s, lost his life on Wednesday, March 11, 2024 in Las Vegas, and his family announced the news on Thursday.

According to his family, O.J. Simpson was surrounded by his loved ones, including his children and grandchildren, when he took his last breath. His health had been deteriorating in recent years due to prostate cancer, and he had been under hospice care for the past few months.

The news of O.J.’s chemotherapy treatment first surfaced in February of this year, though details were initially unclear. However, in a video posted on X in 2023, O.J. himself mentioned battling cancer, but instead suggested that he had overcome it. The disease resurfaced in 2024, leading to his untimely death. In the lead-up to his passing, O.J. appeared frail and was often seen using a cane.

As you all know, O.J.’s life was filled with both triumphs and controversies. Before the murder trial that captivated the nation, O.J. was a beloved all-American hero, winning the Heisman Trophy and becoming a Buffalo Bills legend. He also found success in Hollywood, starring in numerous movies and TV shows, and even served as the face of Hertz for many years.

However, everything changed in 1994 when O.J. Simpson was accused of the brutal murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman. The subsequent trial, dubbed the “Trial of the Century,” gripped the nation, with O.J.’s defense team famously arguing the glove didn’t fit.

Despite being acquitted of the murder charges, O.J.’s reputation was forever tarnished. He was later found liable for the deaths in a civil suit brought by the Goldmans and the Browns, resulting in substantial financial damages.

Following his acquittal, O.J. faced legal troubles in Las Vegas, including a conviction for his involvement in a hotel room incident to recover sports memorabilia he believed had been stolen from him. He served a lengthy prison sentence before being released on parole in 2017.

While O.J.’s life was a tumultuous rollercoaster, he still had fans and family members who stood by him, even in the face of controversy. His passing marks the end of a multi-decade saga filled with crime, intrigue, and national fascination.

As we bid farewell to O.J. Simpson, let us remember that his life was complex, defined by both incredible success and unthinkable tragedy. The legacy of the man once hailed as an American hero will forever be intertwined with the events that unfolded in the 1990s.

Actor/comedian, Mark Curry

Remember comedian and actor, Mark Curry, from back in the day? Most of his mainstream fans know him as the star of the 90’s sitcom,  Hangin’ With Mr. Cooper. For those of us, Old Schoolers, who are 80’s hip hop fans, we also remember being first introduced to Curry, when he portrayed that hilarious ‘hater’ on Too Short’s 1989 hit, “I Ain’t Trippin.”

Mark Curry’s work created some great memories throughout the years, but behind the scenes, the brotha has gone THROUGH the fire and back. He endured a strange, frightening accident that left part of his body severely burned and has recently spoken about it. He also revealed which celebs helped him overcome his subsequent suicidal thoughts after the horrific ordeal.

During his VladTV interview, Curry was initially reluctant to discuss his accident, stating “that’s kinda blocked outta my life,” because it’s too painful of a memory. However, he did manage to give some details.

In 2006, 20% of Mark Curry’s body was severely burned while dong laundry at his home. Let him explain…

The Painful Details & Confessions Curry Has Now Given

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How Mark Curry’s Accident Happened…
In the video below, Curry explained that while doing his laundry at his residence, an aerosol can was behind the water heater, unbeknownst to Curry. The laundry machine was located near the water heater. The contents of the aerosol can, combined with the water heater’s temperature, etc, suddenly caused an explosion, throwing Curry across the room and ultimately landing him in the burn unit, in bad condition.

The Effects Of His Injuries…
Mark Curry was placed in a medically induced coma, after suffering massive burns on his back, side, and arm…

“I was in the St. Francis burn unit. I was in a coma for a while…and the Lord saved me…he saved me. It was just a [traumatic] event.”

Why Curry Contemplated Suicide…
After awaking from a 3-day coma, Curry explained why he wanted to kill himself, but in true comedic fashion, he still slipped a joke in to lighten the harsh reality of that time:

“It was a bad situation and it prompted me to go into a deep depression…and so, I don’t even deal with that. …and it changed my life.

I thought about suicide, but it’s hard to commit suicide when you’re 6’6” (LOL)…the ceiling’s right here. [So] I can’t hang myself. … It took me so low, into a black valley. People didn’t know what was wrong with me…

Celebrity Friends Helped Curry Get Through…

As Curry spent months in rehabilitation, recovering from his burn wounds, several of his celebrity homies and fellow comedians worked hard at helping him pull himself together emotionally and psychologically. They did so, by doing what they do best- finding the comedy behind the pain. He says they even jokingly compared him to Richard prior after Pryor’s infamous freebasing incident. It was a language Curry understood and still appreciates to this day:

“I’m in the hospital, [Bill] Cosby called me, making jokes. Damon Wayans called me, Chris Tucker [called]..all the comedians called me. All them muthaf**as joked on me,” Curry jokingly recalled.

His Biggest Surprises While In The Burn Unit…

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Curry says his biggest surprise during his hospital stay, was his tremendous weight loss, which gave him a clear picture of the depth of his situation. He was typically 230 pounds, but says that because there are no mirrors in the burn unit, he had no idea he’d loss so much weight, until he attempted to wear regular clothes for the first time while there. He recalled, “The pants fell straight off…I started crying, like ‘What is going on?!!!'”

He also recalled taking a bath for the first time in a long while after being burned, which is usually extremely painful for still recovering burn victims…but for Curry, it was “like a baptism,” because he miraculously felt no pain.

These days, Mark Curry’s back to fulfilling his life’s passion as an actor and comedian. His story is a reminder of the old school saying: ‘What doesn’t kill you, only makes you stronger.’ Best wishes to the brotha.

Mister Cee

The world of hip-hop mourns the loss of Calvin LeBrun, widely known as Mister Cee, a prominent DJ, producer, and radio personality who left an incredible mark on the music industry. Mister Cee, who passed away at the age of 57, was a beloved figure in New York City, instrumental in shaping the soundscape of hip-hop and nurturing the careers of talented artists.

Hot 97 Announces Mister Cee’s Death

On March 9, 2024, Mister Cee’s Hot 97 family announced his passing on social media, with the following message:

“As a family at #HOT97 and #WBLS, we’re deeply saddened by the passing of our beloved #MisterCee. He wasn’t just a DJ; he was a pillar of our stations, bringing joy to countless listeners with his legendary ‘Throwback at Noon’ sets. Mister Cee’s influence stretched far beyond the airwaves, shaping the very fabric of NYC’s DJ culture. Our hearts are heavy as we send our love and condolences to his family and the fans whose lives he touched through his music. Rest easy, Mister Cee. Your legacy will forever resonate. 🕊️”

Early Collaborations and Notable Achievements

Born and raised in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, Mister Cee’s passion for music began at a young age, leading him to become an integral part of the hip-hop movement. In 1988, he collaborated with the legendary Big Daddy Kane as the DJ on his debut album, “Long Live the Kane.” This collaboration marked the beginning of Mister Cee’s journey, earning him recognition as a skilled DJ and producer.

Mister Cee’s contributions extended beyond his work with Big Daddy Kane. He is widely credited with discovering another luminary of Brooklyn hip-hop, Christopher Wallace, famously known as the Notorious B.I.G. His faith in Biggie’s talent and his relentless efforts to promote his music showcased Mister Cee’s visionary approach. Ultimately, Mister Cee served as an executive producer on the Notorious B.I.G.’s groundbreaking debut album, “Ready to Die.”

Pioneering the Airwaves and Leaving a Lasting Legacy

Mister Cee

Mister Cee’s impact as a DJ extended far beyond the recording studio. For years, he graced the airwaves of New York’s renowned hip-hop radio station, Hot 97, where he became an institution and a purveyor of hip-hop classics. His extensive knowledge of the genre and his ability to curate seamless mixes endeared him to listeners across the city.

However, Mister Cee’s personal life was not without its challenges. His departure from Hot 97 in 2013 due to legal troubles sparked a watershed moment for hip-hop culture. Embracing his sexuality openly, Mister Cee shattered barriers and initiated important conversations about acceptance and inclusivity within the music industry. His bravery and authenticity reverberated within the community and saved lives in a real and tangible way.

A Legacy that Endures

Mister Cee

Despite his departure from Hot 97, Mister Cee’s love for music never waned. He continued to share his talent and passion through online platforms, creating mixes that captivated audiences worldwide. His contributions to hip-hop as a DJ, producer, and mentor remain unparalleled, leaving an indelible legacy that will inspire generations to come.

As we mourn his loss, let us celebrate the life and legacy of a true music legend: Calvin LeBrun, the one and only Mister Cee. Rest in power, king.

“Soul Train” founder and host, Don Cornelius; former “Soul Train” dancer-turned actress, Rosie Perez

Actress and former Soul Train dancer, Rosie Perez, has always admitted that she had serious anger issues back in the day. She recalled one heated incident when things got way out of hand on the set of Soul Train. One such situation apparently got ugly between Rosie and her then-boss, the late, great Don Cornelius…and let’s just say that neither Don, nor Rosie didn’t play that!

In her book, Handbook For an Unpredictable Life, Rosie Perez told the story of how she went through a LOT of torment as a child and was a ward of the state of New York by the age of 3. Her experiences of physical abuse at the hands of her Mother, the nuns at the Catholic children’s home she was sent to, and having to fend for herself, is what lead her to make the decision to do what she did to respond the way that she did when Don Cornelius made her angry. She says in hindsight, she thinks she overreacted, and this is what she said happened in a prior interview with Soul Train:

Rosie Perez

Interviewer: You didn’t just fight kids at school. You fought back against the nuns. Then you got into a fight with Don Cornelius when you were on “Soul Train.” Can you tell us that story?

Rosie Perez: That was a clue that I needed help. I thought, “I’m so together. I’m in college. I’m going for my major in biochemistry. I’m fantastic,” you know? “I’m on ‘Soul Train.'” And if you just pressed the wrong button, it was, like, just a nuclear explosion would occur in me.

That’s what happened with Don Cornelius. He touched me, and pulled me, and yanked me inappropriately. I freaked out, and I just started swinging, and started grabbing things. The first thing I grabbed was a two-piece Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was a low point. I was beyond embarrassed. I was still walking out with this pathetic bravado like, “So? I don’t care. I don’t care.” By the time I get in the car, I start crying. I felt like an idiot.

Interviewer: You threw a chicken wing at Don Cornelius’ forehead?

Yes. It’s embarrassing, and it was so wrong. I thank goodness that we were able to make up before his passing. But that’s what I mean it’s like, “Am I really enjoying my life? If I am this person holding on to this anger from the past, am I really enjoying my life?” No.

Geesh…Rosie was no joke back then! I guess Don didn’t have time for a feisty 5’1″ woman hurling chicken wings at his forehead every time she got mad about something.

Seriously though, if a man puts his hands on a woman inappropriately, by all means she has every right to react however she sees fit. We don’t condone anyone “pulling, touching, or yanking” anyone, but I think what Rosie is saying is that the extent of what Don Cornelius’ action was, was not as extreme as what she processed it as in that particular moment. So, it seems like that’s probably why she’s now saying her reaction to him was wrong.

Nevertheless, the good news is that Rosie says her anger issues are under control now. Like we mentioned earlier, her anger management issues come from a deep place of childhood pain and abuse from school nuns, according to her book. So to her credit, she didn’t just come here that way…but she had to do a lot of inner soul searching and healing to overcome her past struggles. Props to her for doing the work.

(L) Russell Simmons; (R) Russell with daughter, Aoki Simmons

Russell Simmons’ and Kimora Lee Simmons’ daughter, Aoki Simmons, has been the talk of these social media streets ever since photos recently surfaced of her kissing her reportedly 65-year-old millionaire boyfriend as they vacationed together. And now, Russell has finally shared his thoughts on Aoki’s reported relationship.

As we recently reported, Russells’ and Kimoras’ daughter, Aoki, is allegedly dating a 65-year-old millionaire named Vittorio Assaf. The news sent shockwaves through social media, with many expressing concern and disapproval over the significant age difference between the couple.

 

 

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However, Russell is unfazed by the controversy…or maybe he’s just pretending to be down with the thought of his daughter linking up with a 65-year-old dude. Anywho, in an interview with TMZ, the Def Jam co-founder expressed his unconditional love and support for his daughter’s choices. He emphasized that he respects her autonomy to make her own decisions, even if they might be unconventional:

“I’m not gonna kick and scream about her choices. … All I can do is offer my advice and unconditional love,” said Russell Simmons.

Russell revealed that he had prior knowledge of the relationship before it became public, because Aoki gave him the heads up that the news was about to spread across social media. Despite the backlash and criticism from fans, Russell remains steadfast in his role as a supportive father, offering advice and understanding to his daughter.

 

Aoki, for her part, seems to be avoiding the noise and negativity surrounding her relationship. She has addressed the backlash through her Instagram Lives, making it clear that she is unbothered by the public’s opinion.

As previously reported, Aoki seemed pretty much unbothered by the news of her alleged older boo-thang surfacing. Soon after the kissing photos of her and Vittorio surfaced, she posted a photo of herself to her Instagram Story, with a caption that read, “Errr well now I know why folks were calling me.”

 

 

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What do y’all think, I Love Old School Music fam’? Is Russell Simmons really cool with his daughter dating a dude who is only one year younger than he? Or is Russell just frontin’ for the public? 🤷🏾‍♂️

(L) Xscape’s estranged group member, LaTocha Scott; (R) Xscape members Kandi Burruss; Tameka Scott, Tiny Harris; (inset photo) Kandi

LaTocha, one-fourth of the legendary R&B group Xscape, has decided to take legal action against popular TV producer, Mona Scott-Young, and Live Nation. The reason? LaTocha alleges that her group members, along with Mona Scott-Young’s Monami Entertainment Group and Live Nation, are infringing upon her rights as one-half of the trademark owner of the Xscape brand.

It all started when Mona announced a nationwide tour featuring Xscape, excluding LaTocha Scott, who was left out. According to a report from Straight From The A, LaTocha, via her attorney Leron E. Rogers, claims that Live Nation and Monami Entertainment Group have been publicly advertising the Xscape brand for the tour without her approval or discussion of financial terms.

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The letter sent by LaTocha’s attorney claims that she was blindsided by the news of Xscape signing a contract for a tour without her consent. It also implicates Mona Scott-Young, suggesting that she intentionally chose to interfere with LaTocha’s rights, given her past involvement as Xscape’s management. LaTocha feels that this oversight was deliberate and not accidental.

LaTocha’s attorney has demanded that Mona Scott-Young/Monami Entertainment and Live Nation contact them within five days to secure the proper licensing for the use of the Xscape trademark. LaTocha and her sister, Tameka Scott, secured the trademark during a period when Kandi wasn’t planning on rejoining the group. Throughout this drama, LaTocha has been maintaining that her intention was never to permanently leave Xscape, but rather to take a break and pursue other interests.

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Not stopping at Mona Scott-Young and Monami Entertainment, LaTocha has also sent a similar letter to Live Nation regarding the use of the Xscape trademark at the Lovers & Friends festival in Las Vegas.

This lawsuit raises questions about group dynamics and the complexities of managing artistic collaborations. It remains to be seen how the legal proceedings will unfold and if any resolution can be reached between LaTocha Scott, Mona Scott Young, and Live Nation…and apparently, her group members as well.

As months of us are aware, LaTocha has been beefin’ with her group members on-and-off for years now, with many Xscape fans oftentimes siding with Kandi, Tiny, and Tameka. This was evident in the major backlash LaTocha received following various episodes of their “Xscape” Still Kickin’ It” reality series. There were claims of backstabbing, financial theft, managerial problems and more…with LaTocha and her husband, Rocky Bivens (pictured above with LaTocha), being finger-pointed -by Kandi, Tiny, and Tameka- as the cause of said drama amongst the group. So uh…yeah, this latest battle ain’t surprising…not one bit.

At any rate, we hope that a fair resolution can be reached, allowing Xscape to continue making music and entertaining their fans.

(L-R) Kimora Lee Simmons; Russell Simmons; Russell’s and Kimora’s 21-year-old daughter, Aoki Simmons

Aoki Lee Simmons, the 21-year-old daughter of Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons, has recently been rumored to be dating a much older dude. According to reports as well as recent photos (below), Aoki was spotted kissing Vittorio Assaf, a 65-year-old restaurateur, during a recent getaway to St. Barts.

Aoki Simmons with father, Russell Simmons

To put their 44-year-age difference further into perspective…Aoki’s moms, Kimora, is 48; and her pops, Russell, is 66…just one year older than her alleged new man.

Photos published by Page Six show Aoki and Vittorio sharing a steamy kiss on the beach. Aoki, dressed in a bikini, seemed to be having a good ol’ time time with the shirtless 65-year-old businessman. The pictures also captured their playful moments in the ocean, showcasing the apparent familiarity between the young model and the seasoned restaurateur.

 

 

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Sources have revealed, to People, that Aoki and Vittorio are reportedly officially dating after meeting on the Caribbean island.

[L]Aoki Simmons (21-year-old daughter of Russell Simmons and Kimora Lee Simmons); [R] Restaurateur, Vittorio Assaf (the 65-year-old Aoki was photo’d kissing on a beach in St. Bart)

It’s unclear if Kimora and Russell agree with their youngest daughter’s reported choice in the dating department at the moment. But Aoki seems pretty much unbothered by the news of her alleged older boo-thang surfacing. Soon after the kissing photos of her and Vittorio surfaced, Aoki posted a photo of herself to her Instagram Story, with a caption that read, “Errr well now I know why folks were calling me.”

Aoki’s post on Instagram Story; April 5, 2024

This isn’t the first time Aoki has made headlines. In 2023 she was in the spotlight for her public dispute with her pops. However, in a more recent interview, Aoki shared that she is doing great and was excited for the holidays with her family.

As for her future plans, Aoki had previously expressed her intention to attend law school in 2023. It seems like she’s making her own path and following her own dreams, regardless of the attention surrounding her personal life.

Thoughts ILOSM fam?