Photos via WireImage

Don’t get it twisted…I would never bash my president! President Barack Obama has been immortalized as a wax figure to be featured in Paris’ Musee Grevin wax museum.  The figure was unveiled in front of the Eiffel Tower on Monday and was escorted by two real body guards. Tourists quickly gathered around to catch a glimpse of the U.S. President, totally unaware that it was a wax figure!

The Fake President + Two Live Bodyguards

“It looks really cool,” said American tourist Emily Artes. “Everyone was joking that he was actually here and that we were gonna take pictures with him.” The hot summer sun at the Eiffel Tower also threatened to melt the fake president’s face, prompting helpers to shade him with an umbrella.

The resemblance was so uncanny — down to the gray hair Obama is said to have acquired since the beginning of his presidential campaign.

After visiting France’s most famous monument, the statue traveled to Paris’ Musee Grevin wax museum, where it will stand alongside the likenesses of Nicolas Sarkozy, Angela Merkel and Vladimir Putin.

The sculptor says it wasn’t easy to create a model of a man that he had never met, relying solely on press releases and photos. That’s right… the creator of this masterpiece, Sculptor Eric Saint Chaffray had never even seen Obama in person!  Saint Chaffray has been creating wax statues for the museum for the past 20 years, and has worked on several American presidents in the past.

Dressed in a dark suit, the wax statue of Obama looked very serious. “We’re presenting Barack Obama at the Musee Grevin as part of a gathering of heads of state, which is why he has kind of an official attitude, a little bit stiff,” Saint Chaffray said. (Source)

Photos by Exclusive Access

Tiny & Toya held a private viewing party last night for the world premiere of their new BET reality show “Tiny & Toya” and were joined by all of their friends and family.

Tiny’s former bandmate and newly inducted Atlanta “housewife” Kandi Burress came through for support.

The show has gotten mixed reactions so far but one thing’s for sure, everybody’s gonna be glued to their sets. In case you missed it, you can catch the entire first episode below: (more…)

Celebrity photographer Derek Blanks has  done it again! This time, he’s captured the timeless beauty of Fantasia Barrino.

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After documents surfaced recently that Cedric “Alfamega” Zellars had once been a paid informant, T.I. wasted no time in hitting the airwaves of Atlanta radio station 107.9 to release the following statement…“You’re FIRED!” Just kidding. Here’s what he really had to say:

I am stunned and totally surprised by the news about Alfa “Ced” Zellers. Even though all of our artists and employees are asked by us to be honest and open about their past history, at no time did Alfa disclose to me or Grand Hustle what has now appeared in the media. He essentially deceived us by failing to fully disclose the truth about his past, and there is no place in our organization for dishonest and misleading behavior.

As I’ve always said, you must take responsibility for your own actions. We at Grand Hustle can not support or condone blaming others for our own mistakes. I hope and pray that God blesses Cedric’s plans, but i don’t foresee me or my company playing a role in his personal or professional business.

Alfa is said to be incapacitated at an Atlanta area hospital and is severely injured from unknown reasons. I have so many questions right now. Who leaked those old “A”zz documents? Why now? Why is Alfa in the hospital? What does any of this have to do with him making music? We may never know the full story but it’s interesting nonetheless…

Audio below: (more…)

Meet Laura Izibor. Ms. Izibor, hot new songstress from Atlantic Records has been making mad waves in the music industry with her soulful vocals and lyricism. She’s been named ‘Artist to Watch’ by both Vibe Magazine and Rolling Stone. I had the pleasure of witnessing Laura’s live performance a few nights ago and I can honestly say she earned both of those titles.

Born to a working class family in Dublin, Ireland, Izibor admits she didn’t grow up in a musical household.  “My mother raised five kids on her own, so there wasn’t much time to buy records – it wasn’t that kind of home.  I found myself fancying music at about 13.” Once the love for musicians like Stevie Wonder, Candi Stanton, and Roberta Flack took hold, she was smitten for good.  “One door opened to the next – first I discovered Marvin Gaye, and then Otis Redding, and I just fell in love with soul music.” Full Bio (word file)

The 20 year old musical sensation is set to drop her first cd April 28th entitled, Let The Truth Be Told.  Check out her first single, “From My Heart to Yours” as well as a live performance of “Don’t Stay” below:

“From My Heart to Yours” ~ Laura Izibor

Laura Izibor ~ “Don’t Stay” (Live)

Official Website

I got a late start this morning cause I tried to hang out last night.  First stop was at a house party to watch the NBA All-Star game and the next stop was a Warner Brother’s event for an up and coming artist (which I’ll post video as soon as I’m cognizant!).  But in the meantime, check out my booooo, Shaquille O’Neal, showcasing his dancing skills during the opening of the game! Hands down my favorite part! Well…that and his between the legs pass on Dwight Howard

Check out Tamia, Jordin Sparks and John Legend’s performances under the cut: (more…)

Of course the flix are still trickling in and I would be remiss if I didn’t post a few pics of the Atlanta Housewives at the 2009 Trumpet Awards. Lisa Wu-Hartwell and Ed Hartwell will forever hold the title of cutest couple. They look so good together! Sheree was doin what she does best and DeShawn was flying solo.

Sheree Whitfield

DeShawn Snow….is that WEBSTER chillin in the background??  Oh My!

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Photos via WireImage

Keyshia Cole and WNBA star Lisa Leslie were just two of the flawless celebs spotted at the 17th Annual Trumpet Awards in Atlanta last night. Old school legends like Tina Marie and En Vogue as well as A-town staples like Q (of 112), Bobby Valentino, Sean Garrett, Chris Tucker and Raven-Symone also graced the red carpet.

Check out the flix below:

Producer Sean Garrett & Comedian Chris Tucker

Raven-Symone is such a beautiful girl! You betta work B*tch!

The Divas of EnVogue are still doin their thang!

Surprised? Me too.

I never thought they’d be able to mend fences but times is hard and money is tight!

Viva La Recession!

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