Video clips have surfaced of actress Maia Campbell. The former 'In the House' star became a top 10 trending topic on Twitter yesterday after the Web site WorldStarHipHop.com posted a video appearing to show the actress-allegedly-turned-prostitute on a drug-induced rant in Compton, Calif.
According to EURweb.com, the trending topics "#Maia Campbell" and "#pray4maiacampbell" were among the top five on the popular social networking portal. Actress Holly Robinson Peete (@hollyrpeete) were among the many Twittering out of sadness and concern for the 32-year-old Campbell, who is the daughter of late best-selling author BeBe Moore Campbell. Robinson Peete wrote: "Hope Maia Campbell being trending topic can get her HELP IF that's really her in that video. (Amen - that video hurt my ?!)" Previous articles written about Campbell for Black Voices also became a hot search term topics over the last 24 hours.
The national tour of Oprah Winfrey's musical adaptation of 'The Color Purple' has launched a Hurricane Katrina fundraising campaign to build as many houses as possible in New Orleans by the time the show arrives there for its run at the newly refurbished Mahaila Jackson Theater, from Dec. 1 – 6. The show currently stars 'American Idol' winner Fantasia Barrino in the lead role. Starting with this week's engagement in Chicago at the Arie Crown, the tour will allow audiences to donate at each stop along the route. 'The Color Purple' is partnering with a local New Orleans' organization, the St. Bernard Project (stbernardproject.org), a grassroots, volunteer-based nonprofit that rebuilds homes in less than 12 weeks for approximately $15,000 each. To kick off the fundraising initiative, the show's producers and Alice Walker announced that they have collectively pledged to pay for the rebuilding of the first three houses.
"[We are] honored to be part of the first theater season in New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina. Since our show is so much about triumph over adversity, we would like 'The Color Purple' to give something back to the people of New Orleans," said Lead Producer Scott Sanders. "We love the idea of 'The Color Purple' putting families into new homes for the holidays this year."
Tia and Tamara Mowry are reuniting on screen. The 'Sister, Sister' actresses will star in the Lifetime movie 'Double Wedding,' which is a story about siblings who wind up dating the same man. Production on the project begins this month, with the goal of a June premiere, reported Daily Variety. The twin actresses and their mother, Darlene, are serving as the movie's executive producers, along with Howard Braunstein and Michael Jaffe. The former child stars have cultivated flourishing careers in their adult years: Tamera appeared on the Lifetime series 'Strong Medicine,' while her sister appeared on the CW's popular sitcom 'The Game.' 
Taye Diggs and his wife, actress Idina Menzel, welcomed their first child on Sept. 2. The 'Private Practice' star and Tony Award-winning actress are celebrating the birth of Walker Nathaniel Diggs this week. "Mother, father and son are all doing well," the couple's rep said in a statement. The couple, who wed in 2003, met on the Broadway production of 'Rent' in 1996. Diggs currently stars on the 'Grey's Anatomy' spin-off, and Menzel dazzled audiences in The Great White Way's production of 'Wicked.' They both revived their roles for the movie adaptation of 'Rent' in 2005.
With the release of the film adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical 'Passing Strange,' director Spike Lee is returning to his roots. The 'She's Gotta Have It' filmmaker will be among the presenters of 'County of Kings,' a show written and performed by the poet Lemon Andersen that will be performed at the Public Theater in New York City this fall. According to the New York Times, 'County of Kings' was featured at the Public's "Under The Radar" festival earlier this year and tells Andersen's story about growing up in Brooklyn during the birth of hip-hop. Jayson Jackson, who previously oversaw the careers of Lauryn Hill, D'Angelo and Tony Award winner Sarah Jones, will also present 'County,' while Elise Thoron will direct. It is scheduled to begin performances on Sept. 29, with an official opening of Oct. 12.
Rick Fox will be bringing the heat to 'Melrose Place.' The former-NBA-all-star-turned-actor has been tapped to play a recurring role on the new CW series, which is a resurrection of the popular 1990s FOX nighttime soap. According to Reuters, Fox will play the owner of the restaurant where all the aspiring actors on the show work. His previous acting credits include 'He Got Game,' 'Oz,' 'One Tree Hill,' 'The Game' and the movie 'Meet the Browns.' He even starred on 'Ugly Betty,' where he was featured alongside his ex-wife and series star Vanessa Williams. Black Music Notes June 1
6/1/09: Minnie Riperton
A very fitting homage will be paid to late, great songbird Minnie Riperton when a new batch of the acclaimed TV One docu-series 'Unsung' hits the small screen this month. Best known for her signature ballad 'Lovin' You,' the Chicago-born singer/songwriter's career and life were cut short after a three-year battle with breast cancer in the late 1970s. After Riperton's cancer diagnosis, she went public instead of retreating, serving as a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society. . She was only 31 years old when she died at the prime of her career. 'Unsung' premieres June 7 at 8 PM ET, repeating at 11 PM, as well as Thursday, June 11 at 10 PM and Friday, June 12 at noon and midnight.
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6/1/09: Grace Jones
The one and only Grace Jones has been tapped to perform live at the 'We Love' festival in Ibiza on Aug. 9. For the first time ever, the 'Pull Up To The Bumper' singer will grace the Spanish island's celebrated summer concert series, as part of the Wall Of Sound recording company's 15th anniversary. Last year, festival organizers bought The Chemical Brothers back to the Ibiza after a ten-year hiatus. This year, they are ready for Amazing Grace, who recently released a new music project titled 'Hurricane' on the United Kingdom based label. "We are putting on a line-up to inspire and one that will take all lucky enough to be there on a journey they will never ever forget," Wall of Sound founder Mark Jones said.
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5/28/09: Chaka Khan
Fresh from a headlining gig at the 2009 St Lucia Jazz Festival, Chaka Khan is ready to take on the nation's capital. The 10-time Grammy Award winning diva will fill in for previously announce headliner Natalie Cole, who is recovering from a live saving kidney transplant surgery, at 'The 18th Annual Capital Jazz Fest' running June 5 - June 7. The 'I Feel For You' chanteuse will join a slew of noted musical acts at the lovely wooded setting of Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland. According to a spokesperson for the event, the line-up includes performances by Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten, George Duke, Al Jarreau, Lalah Hathaway, Fourplay, Norman Brown, Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Kirk Whalum, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (f/ Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub and lady saxophone newcomer Jessy J) , Regina Belle, Marion Meadows and trumpeter Joey Sommerville.
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5/28/09: Grandmaster Flash
Grandmaster Flash will be honored with the Living Legend award at the Urban Music Awards USA 2009, set to be held at New York City's Highline Ballroom on July 17. According to a spokesperson for the event, more than 175,000 music fans across the world have voted online for the hip hop veteran to receive the honor. "Flash is an absolute legend and he remains an inspiration to the hip hop culture all together by flying the flag from its inception to the success it has become today," said Jordan Kensington, who is the C.E.O of Invincible Group & Founder of the Urban Music Awards. Nominees for the inaugural awards show include Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Bobby Valentino, M.I.A, Day 26, The Dream, Estelle, Kat de Luna, Akon, Kanye West, Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo and Eminem.
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5/21/09: Jay-Z
Despite stepping down from his Def Jam presidency in late 2007, hip hop mogul Jay-Z has finally left the label as an artist. Rumors started surfacing online that the platinum-selling lyricist, who owed the label one last album, brought himself out of his contract for $5 million. "I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely," he revealed to hip hop site Rap Radar. "I've been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique 'negotiations' ever...I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music."
Frank Micelott, Getty Images
5/19/09: Mary J. Blige
Mary J. Blige recently expanded her brand by signing with The William Morris Agency. According to Variety, the diversified entertainment agency, which also represents Alicia Keys, Rihanna, Kanye West, and Prince (to name a few), will assist the Queen of Hip Hop Soul in all areas of her career including the expansion of her entertainment company, Matriarch Entertainment. This fall the Queen of Hip Hop Soul will make her feature film debut in Tyler Perry's 'I Can Do Bad All by Myself,' scheduled to hit theaters September 11. She can be heard in the trailers for the Oprah Winfrey-presented drama 'Precious,' due out in November.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
5/19/09: The Dream
Following in the veins of fellow hip hop stars DMX and Tupac Shakur, singer-songwriter The Dream is planning on releasing his second album of 2009 entitled, 'Love King.' The R&B crooner, who recently released his certified gold album 'Love vs. Money' in March, revealed to Billboard magazine that he already has seven songs in the can and expects the album to hit stores in December. "I have to pace myself 'cause there's so much time between here and then," he said, "but the seven records I do have are timeless records. Whether they come out now or later it's not really going to matter what kind of records they are." In between recording sessions for 'Love King,' fans can now catch The Dream on tour with Keyshia Cole.
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5/19/09: The Whispers
After releasing classic hits such as 'In The Mood' and 'Rock Steady,'R&B stalwarts The Whispers are set to release their first gospel album on Kingdom Records. Grammy Award-winning gospel star Fred Hammond is expected to produce a bulk of the tracks. "We've been wanting to do this for ten years," explained founding member Nick Caldwell. "God has been really, really good to the Whispers. He was looking out for us even when we were ignoring Him. He allowed us to live long enough to do this inspirational CD that we want to use to inspire people to get closer to God." The as-yet-untitled anticipated album is tentatively scheduled for release later this year.
5/19/09: Mariah Carey
On May 23, Mariah Carey is set to perform a one-hour set at the opening of the most expensive resort in Europe, The Mardan. Carey alongside legendary British soul singer Tom Jones will reportedly be paid £1 million each to perform at the exclusive £926 million Turkey development, which features five acres of fresh water swimming pools and a sunken aquarium. Actress Sharon Stone and Paul McCartney are among the many guests invited to the 560 room hotel opening.
Chip Somodevilla, Getty Images
5/19/09: Will Downing
Overcoming his bout with the muscle disorder Polymyositis, Will Downing has set the stage to release is latest musical offering, 'Classique.' The balladeer's 14th album and second Peak Records project features his signature baritone vocals over 10 smooth-sensual tracks. Vocalist Phil Perry joins the 'After Tonight' singer for Marvin Gaye penned 'Baby I'm for Real.' Other album highlights include 'Love Suggestions,' 'More Time,' 'Something Special' and Barry White's classic hit 'I'm Gonna Love You Just A Little More Baby.' 'Classique' hit stores June 16.
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Comments: (50)
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By: "DimePiece" on 9/04/2009 2:34PM
I pray for Maia and hope she returns home safely! That girl has been gone for about a year. Didn't she stole a old SUV or something and was on the run? Being that she has Bipolar is sad and with the death of her mother makes her situation even worse? I hope she doesn't turn to another drug-dealer but turn to GOD for help! Those drug-dealers don't love you!
Maia if you are out there and reading these, a lot of people LOVE YOU and want for you to return SAFELY and GET THE HELP you need sweetheart! Everything will be alright. Ask God and he will help you find your way back home!
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By: popconnect01 on 9/05/2009 9:54AM
hiii
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By: Toni Fields on 9/05/2009 11:46PM
May God bless and watch over Maia Campbell. Lets all pray until something happens for this young woman. What a heart breaking story. I wish her all the best. May the love and peace of God sorround and protect her. I pray that the right person reaches out to her and is able to help her get her life back.
Peace & Blessings,
Toni Fields
"Each One Pull One"
www.twitter.com/ToniLyricLady
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By: peaches on 9/06/2009 1:34AM
Where are all the so called friends who were around her when she was doing good, It is a damn shame that someone so pretty and talented has ended up like this. I know her mother's passing really sent her over the edge. I feel so bad for her and the people around her now are exploiting her. God help her.
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By: lenjohn11 on 9/06/2009 4:35PM
It does not matter if Maia Campbell is pretty or not. She is a human being in need. It just so happens that there are people that she knows that have the resources to help her immediately. It is typical of the hood to think that this behavior is acceptable and funny. This is the same behavior that is glorify to demean women "because they put themselves are out there". Grow up. There is nothing funny about a mental illness, there is nothing funny about a person on drugs. The only person to laugh are the ones whose behavior would steal and take from their momma. I hope that she is present with a script as a drug user, hooker-wins an emmy, an oscar-then make a trillion dollars. The sorry low-class hood rats thought it was funny to put her off like that cause she was cute or a star. If people would stop glorifying this behavior it would help. God Bless Maia Campbell. God has not forgotten about her, no more than he has forgot about us. People talk about you whether you are cute, ugly, fat, skinny, thick, light or dark, penniless or rich. They don't care. Those who know what righteous is about, those who know how it is to come up and down, around and throught. Knows the deal. Help someone somewhere, sometime. To those that thinks is funny or typical. Grow UP.
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By: J. Irving Grante on 9/09/2009 5:07PM
JESUS CHRIST IS STILL LORD! MAIA, MY FAMILY WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOUR PHYSICAL AND SPIRTUAL RECOVERY. YOU ARE A CHILD OF THE MOST HIGH GOD, HE LOVES YOU EVEN WHEN YOU DON'T KNOW HOW TO LOVE YOURSELF. I HAVE LEARNED OVER MANY YEARS(60), THAT THE PAIN AND SUFFERING WE ENDURE IN THIS LIFE IS NOT FOR OURSELVES, BUT FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO FOLLOW IN OUR STEPS. THEY NEED TO KNOW WHAT WE KNOW, NOT WHAT WE THINK, BECAUSE WHAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED COULD BE THE KEY TO THEIR PERSONAL AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH. PLEASE REMEMBER YOU ARE LOVED MORE THAN YOU WILL EVER KNOW.THE SACRIFICE OF JESUS ON THE CROSS, WAS FOR OUR PAST AND FUTURE SIN, YOU MY SISTER ARE FORGIVEN..
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By: Deni on 9/13/2009 10:36PM
I agree with your emotions. I am also sadden by this mother, sister, daughter that has been overcome with mental illness & the mere fact that she is being exploited is awful. I am just praying that someone of good nature has her daughter & is making sure she is not being exposed to that lifestyle. On the video she explains that she (Maia) has been looking for her daughter (Elizabeth) in that neighborhood in Compton. I hope & pray that her daughter is not being exploited. This also sheds light of the subject of mental illness that has plagued our communities, but at the same time is hidden & not treated. Please someone, somewhere check on her daughter. It appears to me that she has no one in her corner and anything could happen.
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By: iaukea418 on 9/06/2009 9:22PM
What kinda mess is this! She's a great actress. I grew up watching her in many movies, music videos, and TV shows. I hope she gets better. She needs prayer the most right now.
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By: darlene on 9/06/2009 10:42PM
Maia....My prayers are with you....
It's unfortunate that we (humans)criticize,gossip, and laugh at the expense of someone who is clearly in need of help, and who's crying out for help.... Most people can't relate to someone who suffering from an addiction, or a mental illness or both.... For those who aren't educated on Mental illness definitely need to research Schizophrenia, bipolar and other mental illnesses....
I've been wking in the Mental health field for 16+ yrs.... I'm currently in my Clinical trng and wking with clients who are having Psychiatric Emergencies.... I'm a therapist in trng....And I have had an opportunity of doing therapy with clients who have been diagnosed with a Mental and addiction (dual diagnosed)....My point is this.... There is no reason to treat people with a mental illness or addiction with disrespect.... Treat them like you would want to be treated.... We need to embrace, uplift, encourage one another.... Next time you see someone who's down, suffering or crying out.... Just reach out to them and listen.... You'll be suprised they're human.....
Seek Out And Reach Out.....
Love You Maia....
Research: African Americans and the risk of Schizophrenia, African Americans and Schizophrenia.....
Darlene
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By: bbenton36 on 9/19/2009 3:53PM
I agree with you so much Darlene.I know what mental illness can do to you. I was so outraged about how the website exploited her while she's at her lowest point. She was such a beautiful and promising black woman. I know she must be internally having turmoil because the death of her mother and because of her career. I think it's so low class and dispicable that worldstarhiphop.com is exploiting her as a whore. This is an example of how society in America is degrading the state of the black woman.
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