It’s going to be a busy holiday season for Jay Z. First, his controversial deal with Barneys starts on Nov. 20, when his Christmas window at the store debuts, along with his special boutique. Then, he will enter the fragrance business with the launch of his first men’s eau de toilette, “Gold Jay Z,” which will debut on Friday, Nov. 29 at major department stores throughout the U.S. Created by Hova with Firmenich perfumer extraordinaire Ilias Ermenidis, “Gold Jay Z” is a fragrance that reflects on unmistakable, luxurious signature scents.
World-renowned business mogul Kimora Lee Simmons has donated $50,000 to a leading New York based anti-violence group, LIFE Camp, Inc., bringing the total raised for the online campaign initiated on behalf of the group to $129,550. Simmons said, “As a mother, an entrepreneur and a community member, I’m proud to support LIFE Camp and the work its founder Erica Ford has done to alleviate gun violence. The only way we will heal a country that is being torn apart by excessive violence is by properly funding groups that do the grassroots work in the community. I am proud to support such an important program.” The campaign was launched on CrowdTilt.com under the leadership of Michael Skolnik.
Handsome actor Idris Elba almost didn’t make it to the red carpet for the opening of “Long Walk to Freedom,” the new film from director Justin Chadwick in which Elba plays Nelson Mandela. He was rushed to the hospital in London after suffering an asthma attack on the plane shortly before it was due to take off for Johannesburg, South Africa. He made it just in time to be embraced by Mandela’s wife, Graça Machel, who said, “Let me hug my husband.” Elba also sat hand-in-hand with Mandela’s first wife, Winnie Mandela, during the screening.
On Oct. 28, VH1 and Myx Fusions Lounge, along with Monami Entertainment and Eastern, celebrated the season four premiere of the hit series “Love & Hip Hop” in New York. Hundreds of industry insiders packed Stage 48 to watch the live premiere with the cast, which included returning members Yandy Smith, Rich Dollaz, Erica Mena, Joe Budden, Tahiry Jose and Rashidah Ali, as well as newcomers K. Michelle, Tara Wallace, Amina Buddafly, Saigon, Erica Jean and Nya Lee.
Sister 2 Sister magazine is holding a 25th anniversary party on Thursday at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, sponsored by Toyota Avalon. Owner and Publisher Jamie Foster Brown will be serenaded by Trey Songz. “Single Ladies” star LisaRaye McCoy is the event host. Confirmed guests include Floyd Mayweather Jr., Toni Braxton, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Laura and Gloria Govan.