Tag Archives: Janet Jackson

The entertainment world has become one big fit club. In an industry where image is everything—and a size 6 is considered overweight—celebs seem more inclined than ever to drop the calories and pick up the dumbbells in an attempt to achieve the body of their dreams. There’s also an ever-growing list of famous folks who are turning their battle of the bulge into big business, tapping into the $20 billion weight loss industry by signing lucrative deals to plug high profile diets and penning books that chronicle their journey to get in shape. But going from tubby to toned doesn’t always guarantee more success in Hollywood. Blackenterprise.com decodes the surprising affect dramatic weight loss has had on the careers of some of the biggest stars in the business. For better or for worse, these seven entertainers prove that in Hollywood, size really does matter. —Shydel James

Decoded: 7 Celebrities Who Went From Fat to (Financially) Fit

Physical fitness is not just a great lifestyle choice in some cases it can increase your marketability and revenue

Physical fitness can be a large part of personal branding & revenue generation. These celebrities…

By Shydel James

Posted: May 18, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Dick Clark passed away at the age of 82 after suffering a heart attack. Over the course of his storied career, the legendary radio/TV personality entertained millions as he rang in countless New Years Rockin’ Eve specials in New York City’s Times Square and a perpetual game show host. Most notably, Clark was the host of the classic American Bandstand, which broadcast new and popular musicians into the homes of countless viewers. Among the many greats that were featured on the show; Clark also helped break racial barriers by giving many African American artists their first TV appearances. In the wake of Clark’s passing, BlackEnterprise.com highlights some of the musical legends of color that have the American Bandstand host to thank for one of their big breaks. As a bonus, click the celebrities' name to see video of their American Bandstand appearances.—Anslem Samuel

7 Black Entertainers Who Became American Idols after ‘American Bandstand’

Legendary American Bandstand host Dick Clark broke many acts on his show, including these black musicians who later became true American idols

On Wednesday, April 18, 2012, Dick Clark passed away at the age of 82 after…

By Anslem Samuel

Posted: April 20, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Whether you’re an adoring Tupac Shakur fan or not, the unexpected hologram appearance of the deceased rapper during Dr. Dre and Snoop Dog’s Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival performance on Sunday was nothing short of impressive. With his true to life mannerisms and virtual swag, if you will, this performance gave a glimmer of hope to those who desire to recapture the talent of artists gone too soon. Footage of the monumental performance emerged yesterday morning, generating over a million views on various YouTube videos, and producing a great deal of conversation about the constant evolution of technology. BlackEnterprise.com takes a look at 5 other "visual" entertainers.--Reginald Larkin

The Road to the Tupac Hologram: 5 Other ‘Visual’ Entertainers

The late rapper Tupac Shakur’s collaborative performance at Coachella joins the ranks of other innovative…

By BlackEnterprise.com

Posted: April 17, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Kurt “Big Boy” Alexander has always been, well, a "big boy." For years the longtime radio personality played up his hefty size, even if it came at the expense of his health. After failed attempts at maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise, he eventually went under the knife in a quest to drop the pounds. However, complications from the surgery nearly cost him his life. Big Boy details his personal journey and lifelong struggles with weight in his new book, An XL Life: Staying Big at Half the Size (Cash Money Content). Now back on the right track, he shares personal before and after photos of his fluctuating weight throughout the years with BlackEnterprise.com. Afterwards click here to read Big Boy's interview with BlackEnterprise.com about how he triumphed over weight loss and gained a second chance at life.

Big Boy: Before & After the Weight Loss

Taking a visual look at the radio personality's amazing weight loss through the years

The radio personality shares personal photos of his before and after weight loss experience as…

By Anslem Samuel

Posted: February 7, 2012 Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
It took only 72 days for Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries’ marriage to dissolve. Reportedly costing a million dollars, the financial loss of the split is obvious. Similarly, Jennifer Lopez may have once sang “Love Don’t Cost A Thing,” but the singer/actress knows first-hand that a divorce can cost a pretty penny. After eight months of marrige to backup dancer/choreographer Cris Judd, she called it quits in 2002 and coughed up $14 million to Judd. With the recent announcement of her split from salsa singer Marc Anthony, there’s rampant speculation about who’s going to come out richer. J.Lo, whose estimated net worth is $150 million, easily eclipses her estranged husband who earns a respectable $40 million. If the couple signed a premarital agreement, there should be little worry about who gets what. On the other hand, the dirty laundry from some of the following couples was aired when news of their divorces spread. We’ve taken a look at the figures in 10 expensive celebrity divorces. —Brett Johnson

10 Most Expensive Divorces for Black Celebrities

A look at the most costly divorces of the rich and famous

Divorces and separations are all too common in Hollywood. Here’s a breakdown of some of…

By Brett Johnson

Posted: July 25, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Before reality TV took over, cable networks like BET, MTV and VH1 (along with an assortment of broadcast programs) used to dedicate hours to airing music videos. Now, there are only a handful of such shows around and fans are more likely to watch their favorite artist’s latest clip online than on TV. With that said, the quality and concepts for most musicians have gone down. Gone are the days of the multi-million dollar video shoot that was more than a lip-syncing affair and produced mini movies. Still in the midst of Black Music Month, BlackEnterprise.com takes a trip down memory lane with some of the most expensive music videos made by African American artists. You’ll also discover which famous family has a penchant for not only making records but breaking them (and budgets) as well. —Anslem Samuel

16 Most Expensive Music Videos by Black Artists

Creative expression for music artist sometimes comes at a high cost

From Michael Jackson and MC Hammer to Kanye West and Will Smith, music videos often…

By Anslem Samuel

Posted: June 29, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Michael Jackson in glasses

Michael Jackson: Decoding the Brand Power of a Black Music Legend

A reflection on the King of Pop's musical and business impact two years after his passing

As a musical icon Michael Jackson’s legacy spans from record breaking album sales and groundbreaking…

By Andreas Hale

Posted: June 24, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,
Over the course of the past decade Tyler Perry has dominated. His stage plays, motion pictures, DVDs, sitcom series, online talk show and book, based on commentaries from his popular character of Madea, have collectively grossed hundreds of millions of dollars. As the most commercially successful Black filmmaker in history, Perry is quickly making his way to billionaire status not by following the rules but by breaking them. Staying true to his core audience and pushing his message of family values, the media mogul has a lock on a lucrative slice of the African American market. Whether you love him or you hate him, you definitely can’t ignore him. If there’s still any doubt, here are a few reminders of Perry’s influence.

Tyler Perry Decoded: The Deals, the Brand, the Influence

A breakdown of the media mogul's empire and reach by the numbers

A breakdown of the media mogul’s empire and reach by the numbers

By Darralynn Hutson

Posted: March 21, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

5 Financial Pitfalls to Avoid When You Come into New Money

Music producer Chuck Harmony shares advice on how to handle success the fiscally smart way

Over the years, producer <strong>Chuck Harmony</strong> has worked with everyone from <strong>Celine Dion</strong> (“I Got…

By Anslem Samuel

Posted: February 22, 2011 Tags: , , , , , , , , , ,

Did Tyler Perry Pull It Off? ‘For Colored Girls’ Thandie Newton Weighs In

Talks about Perry's big risk, comparisons to 'Precious' and importance of trying something new

Thandie Newton admits it wasn’t easy playing Tangie in Tyler Perry’s For Colored Girls, which…

By Brett Johnson

Posted: November 8, 2010 Tags: , , , , , , ,