This trip to the barbershop is worth it

It's been a long time – 10 years to be exact – since Calvin's Barbershop last opened. The two stalwarts, Calvin (Ice Cube) the owner, and Eddie (Cedric the Entertainer) who has worked in the shop since Calvin's father was owner are back in their lead roles in Barbershop's third iteration, Barbershop: The Next Cut. Common and Lamorne Morris play Rashad and Jerrod, two of the other barbers at Calvin's.

Barbershop: The Next Cut cast from left to right: Common, Cedric The Entertainer, and Ice Cube

The shop which in an earlier version expanded to include a salon for the ladies has also expanded discussion topics from the old list of politics, social issues, and the opposite sex. Those same topics are now enhanced by a verbal battle of the sexes. Angie (Regina Hall) is co-owner and runs the salon. Nicki Minaj and Margot Bingham play stylists on her staff.

Barbershop: The Next Cut is the best one yet! It's funny, dramatic, well-written enriched by great performances. It deals with a catalog of compelling issues: marriage, parenting, dating, urban violence, interpersonal relationships and racial stereotypes.

I am usually not a big fan of films telling urban stories. They often project images with racist stereotypes just as offensive as those that were commonplace in the 1930s and 40s: black characters who are dumb; steal; lie; and who are excessively violent.

This story is about people who range in intellect, values, and goals. It accurately reflects the complex and diverse variety of people in the black community.

The writing is one of the keys to this film's success. The funny lines come at a machine gun rate. Eddie describes the young thugs in the neighborhood as "a bunch of conjugal visits gone wrong". There is the use of the "N" word. And I have always maintained that is not necessary. A creative writer can pen authentic dialogue without using that slur.

The director Malcolm D. Lee takes full advantage of Minaj's "assets". Her breast and butt are on screen so often that they could have been listed as co-stars!

As to our cast diversity rating, Barbershop: The Next Cut, gets a "D". Truthfully, this is not a diverse cast. It is almost an all-black cast, save an Indian-American barber who works at Calvin's and a few white characters thrown in at the end.

Barbershop: The Next Cut is more than just a comedy. It's exceptional filmmaking. It's rated P-13 and is 152 minutes. It gets our highest rating: See It!

Janet Hubert claps back at Jada Pinkett Smith's call for Oscar boycott; Tichina Arnold kicks husband to curb after viewing his sex tape with another woman

411 QUICK TAKES

FOX TELEVISION has announced that "EMPIRE" has been renewed for a third season.

An Ohio fugitive was apprehended in Florida after he sent cops a better picture because he hated his mugshot. Forty-five-year-old Donald "Chip" Pugh posted his new picture on Facebook. "Here is a better photo, that one is terrible," Pugh wrote. Now he is doing a selfie behind bars.

In other news, actor and rapper Kendrick Lamar will receive the key to the city in his hometown of Compton, California. Congrats Kendrick.

Singer Patti LaBelle is reportedly dating again....her 41 year-old drummer! The singer, who is 71, has been seeing drummer Eric Seats over the past year.

IN MEMORIAM

And, we bid a fond farewell to:

• actor Alan Rickman, who played Professor Severus Snape in the "Harry Potter" movies. He has passed away at age 69
• legendary blues singer Otis Clay, who passed away recently at age 73.

Our heartfelt condolences go out to singer Celine Dion, who lost both her husband producer Rene Angelil, and her brother, Daniel Dion, both died from cancer.

Lastly, we wish WCBS anchor Maurice Dubois a speedy recovery. Dubois has been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy.

What's The 411 - WHAT'S POPPIN'

Tichina Arnold Kicks Husband to the Curb

My family and I and I would assume most technologically inclined families do this as well, we send group chat text messages about something funny that happened or something we all should celebrate. Well, honey lamb, Tichina Arnold, who played Pam on Martin sent a group text for the ages! She found a sex tape with her husband, Rico Hines, a former assistant for player development with the Golden State Warriors, and another woman and sent it to her family as a group text!

Yes, it's reported that Tichina Arnold sent a copy of the video to his family and friends in a text message stating that "it's over between Rico and I" explaining that this was where she was drawing the line in the sand.

"This is where I part ways and all bets are off." She also stated that Rico wasn't using protection when having the alleged sex with this woman. I'm sorry "Pam" you waited so long.

Jada Pinkett-Smith Calls for Oscar Boycott and Janet Hubert Claps Back

It is the video that has gone viral. Actress Jada Pinkett-Smith said that she will boycott this year's Academy Awards due to the lack of diversity in actor category nominations.

The video has gotten over 5 million views. Pinkett made the call after the academy failed to nominate any actor of color for an award for the second year in a row.

Actress Janet Hubert, who worked with Will Smith, Pinkett-Smith's husband, on the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air jumped into the fray. Referring to Pinkett Smith as "Miss Thing," Hubert opens her video by asking, "Does your man not have a mouth of his own with which to speak?" before launching into her thoughts on the controversy that has drawn so much attention.

"I find it ironic that somebody who has made their living and has made millions and millions of dollars from the very people that you're talking about boycotting just because you didn't get a nomination, just because you didn't win?" said Hubert. "That's not the way life works, baby."

Black Twitter, using the hashtag #oscarssowhite, also called for a boycott after Pinkett's husband, actor Will Smith was snubbed for Concussion and actor Idris Elba for Beast of No Nation. The movie Creed only received recognition for best supporting actor, Sylvester Stallone, and none for best director or actor.

The critically acclaimed picture, Straight Out of Compton, did not receive a nod for best picture. But actor and rapper Ice Cube said: "It's the Oscars. They do what they do, but I can't be mad. The movie grossed over $200 million."

UNDER THE RADAR:

Bernie Sanders Takes his Campaign to HBCUs

Okay Hillary (Clinton), feel the Bern. Fellow Democratic presidential candidate, Senator Bernie Sanders, is taking his message of income inequality and criminal justice reform directly to a critical voting bloc he hopes will embrace his presidential candidacy: Black college students.

To win the South Carolina primary on February 27 and win over black voters in upcoming presidential contests, Sanders, the self-described socialist candidate, is forging ahead with a brand new strategy: touring Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and talking face-to-face with black college students.

Sanders' HBCU tour kicked off at South Carolina State University on January 14, which is six weeks before South Carolina's crucial Democratic primary in February, and the year's first contest in the South.

January Bargains: Electronics and Linens

Most of us like to shop, and many of us like a good bargain. So as we end January, if you need linens, now is the time to buy them. Department stores generally have "white sales" in January. Also on sale are Christmas holiday items and toys, and electronic items, such as TVs, computers, and phones as stores are making way for new products.

FAB411

5 Essential Oils Recommended for Hair and Skin

Beauty expert Essence Semaj gives her recommendations for essential oils for beautiful skin and strong and healthy hair:

Jojoba Oil: Jojoba Oil is the liquid produced in the seed of the Simmondsia chinensis plant, a shrub, which is native to southern Arizona, southern California, and northwestern Mexico. Jojoba oil is not very oily and is ideal for healthily hydrating skin and hair because it mimics the natural oils our bodies produce.

Castor Oil: A thick pale yellow oil obtained from castor beans, has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties and is high in Vitamin E, minerals, proteins, and Omega 6 and 9 beneficial fatty acids. Its unusually high ricinoleic acid ratio appears to make castor oil beneficial to skin and hair.

Additionally, castor oil has traditionally been used topically for acne and other skin conditions, as well as hair loss, rashes and more.

You can thin out castor oil by mixing it with another oil, such as mint, rosemary, or jojoba oil.

Hemp Seed Oil: Hemp seed oil is cold pressed from the seeds of the hemp plant and has a history of use dating back thousands of years to the Chinese Ming Dynasty.

In addition to its uses for heart and brain health, emp seed oil is often used as a moisturizer for the skin. Studies have indicated that hemp seed oil can dramatically decrease skin dryness to alleviate itching and irritation. Moreover, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may protect against the aging process while soothing the skin.

When choosing a source of Hemp Seed Oil, you want to be sure it is derived from organically grown hemp that is GMO-free (not genetically altered). It should be first cold-pressed, and produced in low-light and a low-oxygen environment, as heat, light, and oxygen destroy many of its natural attributes. It should also be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent rancidity. Hemp Seed Oil, a quality oil appropriate for nutritional, cosmetic, and medical uses, should have a dark green color and a rich, nutty flavor, and should always be packaged in a glass container, never plastic.

Grape Seed Oil: Grape seed oil is a preferred cosmetic ingredient for controlling moisture of the skin. Light and thin, grape seed oil leaves a glossy film over skin, when used as a carrier, oil for essential oils in aromatherapy. It contains more linoleic acid than many other carrier oils.

Grape seed oil is also used as a lubricant for shaving and as a growth and strengthening treatment for hair.

Tamanu Oil: Tamanu oil is derived from the large, blonde nuts of the Ati tree found in South East Asia and the Pacific Islands. Tamanu is considered to be one of the most effective agents in promoting the formation of new tissue, thereby accelerating wound healing and the growth of healthy skin.

What about coconut oil? Coconut oil is making a huge comeback and many people find coconut oil to be very useful for hair and skin. However, Essence recommends coconut oil for hair and body, but not for the face because of coconut oil's tendency to clog pores. She also recommends creating your own personal oils by mixing and matching essential oils to match your personal needs.

REALITY TV RECAP

Nicki Minaj Goes After Farrah Abraham and Abraham Returns the Favor

Stars get bored too, and some of them watch marathon episodes of Teen Moms!

Nicki Minaj blasted Farrah Abraham, on Twitter about the way she treats her mom, "your mother didn't open her legs and have that child. Be happy she's helping! Stop talking to her like that on TV u lil c***," Nicki Minaj tweeted at Farrah Abraham, a star of Teen Moms.

At first, Farrah Abraham didn't respond to Nicki Minaj's harsh words, but later decided to reply to Nicki's diss.

"Cause you're a parent right? You're videos look like porn. Horrible. Good luck being negative #godbless busy making TV."

Later, Farrah Abraham decided to use her daughter, Sophia, to deliver another slam to Nicki Minaj. The Teen Mom posted a Snapchat video of little Sophia saying,

"Hi everybody. Nicki Minaj is a total loser," along with the caption "Nicki Minaj please stop saying bad words."

Why is this 24-year-old woman on Teen Moms and why is she involving a minor in a conversation between grown people?

On Love and Hip Hop New York: Pregnancy is the Word

Peter Gunz impregnated two women, his wife Amina Buddafly and girlfriend, Tara Wallace. Ms. Buddafly made a decision to terminate her pregnancy, while Mistress Wallace decided to go through with her pregnancy.

IN THE PIPELINE:

Upcoming Events

The NAACP will hand out its 47th Annual Image Awards on February 5th

Comedian Mike Epps will appear at The Theater at Madison Square Garden on February 5th.

The legendary rap group Run DMC will receive a lifetime achievement award on the upcoming 58th Annual Grammy Awards on February 15th. The awards will be televised on CBS.

Chaka Khan! Chaka Khan, with special guest, Vivian Green, will be at The Kings Theater, on February 19th.

The grio.com is reporting that BET it will honor singer Patti LaBelle and movie producer Lee Daniels. The BET Awards will air on June 26th.

VIDEO DISCUSSION: Nicki Minaj blasts Farrah Abraham on Twitter about the way she treats her mom

Stars get bored too, and some of them watch marathon episodes of Teen Moms!

Rapper Nicki Minaj blasted reality TV personality Farrah Abraham on Twitter about the way she treats her mom, "your mother didn't open her legs and have that child. Be happy she's helping! Stop talking to her like that on TV u lil c***," Nicki Minaj tweeted at Farrah Abraham.

At first, Farrah Abraham didn't respond to Nicki Minaj's harsh words, but later decided to reply to Nicki's diss.

"Cause you're a parent right? You're videos look like porn. Horrible. Good luck being negative #godbless busy making TV."

Later, Farrah Abraham decided to use her daughter, Sophia, to deliver another slam to Nicki Minaj. The teen mom posted a Snapchat video of little Sophia saying:

"Hi everybody. Nicki Minaj is a total loser," along with the caption "Nicki Minaj please stop saying bad words."

Why is this 24-year-old woman on Teen Moms and why is she involving a minor in a conversation between grown people?

VIDEO DISCUSSION: In Nicki News: There are rumors Nicki Minaj and Meek Mill, her boyfriend of about a year, are engaged. Nicki tweeted "now this is what I'm talking about @meekmills" with ring emojis and a fabulous ring on her ring finger.  Is this real or imagined?

As if there weren't enough domestic violence and child abuse stories in the news, according to News Americas Now, an e-zine focused on the Caribbean and Central America, Nicki Minaj's mother, Carol Maraj, has reportedly given The Sun, a British tabloid, some insight into what Nicki's "life with father" was like.

Although this story could not be verified with The Sun online, according to News Americas Now, Radar Online and others, Carol Maraj, Minaj's mother, claims she was a victim of domestic violence and abuse while her young children, including, Nicki, cowered in fear.

She said her husband, Robert Maraj, would get high on cocaine and alcohol and then terrorize the entire family and physically abuse her.

Maraj, revealed how a young Minaj would sob in her bedroom as her father beat her mother black and blue in their Queens, New York home in the mid '90s.

She said Robert Maraj even tried to burn their home down while she was in it.

"One night I woke up and smelt smoke. I went downstairs and the kitchen was on fire. I had to run out of the house and it burned to the ground," she told the Sun newspaper.

Luckily, Nicki and her brothers, Micaiah and Jelani, survived as they had been staying with a neighbor because their mother feared something might happen.

Another time, Carol claimed, "I was trying to take Nicki and my sons to a neighbor's house on December 31.

"He saw me get into the car and when it reached a stop light he pulled me out of the car, punched me in the face and kept pulling me and pulling me back towards the house.

"Some nights, while my children were sleeping, my husband would come in intoxicated. He would be very menacing and threaten me, calling me a whole lot of names," Carol said.

"My children would sit up in their beds crying and wait it out. He would bring so much fear to them, they wouldn't know his next move.

"He was so violent. He would threaten us and keep us up all night.

"My kids would be crying until he eventually passed out drunk.

"He would hit the children too — but that's what they do in Trinidad, where he is from."

Radar Online says that it had exlusively reported that Nicki's father, Robert was arrested for drunk driving on October 18, 2013 and again on December 3, 2013, and subsequently indicted in New York Supreme Court on four counts of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a felony, aggravated driving while intoxicated, a felony, operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, a misdemeanor, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first, second and third degree.

He is expected to appear in court on July 9, 2015.

A whole year-and-a-half to appear in court on drunk driving charges, sometimes the wheels of justice moves rather slowly. This may need further investigation.

Nicki was born Onika Maraj and has reportedly talked about her father's drinking and violent behavior.

The news from Nicki Minaj's mother comes as Minaj's song, 'Bang Bang,' reached number one on British music charts and views of the 'Anaconda' video climbed to 200 million.

In this episode of What's The 411, the panel of Kizzy Cox, Jacinda Motton, Rita Obi, an Glenn Gilliam are talking about:

The children of the late R&B singer, Marvin Gaye, have filed papers for a summary judgment in a lawsuit over the Robin Thicke song, Blurred Lines.

SNL welcomes a new cast member for its Weekend Update segment. Michael Che, formerly of Comedy Central's Daily Show, is the first black cast member to host the segment in the show's 40-year history.

Actress Daniele Watts was briefly handcuffed and detained by two police officers on Thursday, September 11th, after allegedly engaging in public display of affection (PDA) with her boyfriend.

Minnsesota Vikings running back, Adrian Peterson, child abuse charges.

There have been celebrity responses to the Ray Rice incident. Singer Chris Brown, who had his share of abuse, offered this advice: "Ray (Rice) or anybody else, because I'm not better than the next man, I can just say I've been down that road and I've dealt with situations and made my mistakes, too. But it's all about how you push forward and how you control yourself."

ON THE CARPET

It's obvious. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell should be called on the carpet primarily because of his declaration that he, nor anyone within the NFL, had seen the Ray Rice elevator video before TMZ SPORTS released the video to the public on September 8th.

IN MEMORIAM

Bandleader, musician, composer, and educator, Gerald Wilson, died on Monday, September 8 at age 96, and jazz great Joe Sample passed away on Friday, September 12 at the age of 75 years-old.

Red Carpet fashions during New York Fashion Week featuring celebrities:

• Angela Simmons, shoe designer and entrepreneur
• Joan Smalls, fashion model
• Nicki Minaj, rapper, singer, and actress
• Skylar Diggins, professional basketball player with Tulsa Shock (WNBA)
• Tracee Ellis Ross, actress, producer, and television host

Vogue magazine gets smacked down for Columbusing after declaring that we are in the Age of the Big Booty. The Twittersphere jumped all over Vogue with the #VogueArticles.

WATCH VIDEO AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION

The principal at Fiorello LaGuardia High School for the Performing Arts denied rapper and actress Nicki Minaj's request to speak with the students at her old school. At issue was that the principal would not allow cameras in the school. Additionally, Nicki could speak, but during non-school hours and without the cameras.

With these parameters, Nicki took to Twitter proclaiming that it looks like she was not good enough to speak at her old school.

If Nicki really wants to speak to the students should she comply with the school's rules or make other arrangements?

The What's the 411 panel believes Nicki could make other arrangements with the school

Your thoughts?

Watch Video and Join the Conversation

The fashionistas were out and about during New York Fashion Week S/S 2015.

Ms. Fashionista J presented the follow celebrities that hit the red carpet during New York Fashion Week to give us her take on who was HOT or NOT:

• Angela Simmons
• Joan Small
• Nicki Minaj
• Skylar Duggins
• Tracee Ellis Ross

Tell us who you think was HOT or NOT.

View the Video and Join the Conversation