Apparently, steroid use isn’t limited to athletes.
The Times Union of Albany cited unnamed sources in a Sunday report that R&B music star Mary J. Blige, rap musicians 50 Cent, Timbaland and Wyclef Jean, and award-winning author and producer Tyler Perry may have received or used performance enhancing drugs.
Mary J. Blige has slammed reports linking her to a steroid investigation, insisting she has never taken the performance-enhancing drug. Albany County District Attorney David Soares named the celebrities who featured in his investigation on Sunday.
The singer’s spokeswoman, Karynne Tencer, tells the New York Daily News, “Mary J. Blige has never taken any performance-enhancing illegal steroids.” [READ MORE ON THE SCANDAL]
Rapper Gives Away Free Tickets to Africa
GAHD Inc., which represents rap artist GAHD, who made history by incorporating himself and offering shares to fans, is rewarding roundtrips to Africa to fans that download the artist’s music.
GAHD, a North Carolina native who left Atlanta, Georgia several years ago and relocated to Zimbabwe, has been funding trips to Africa for people for a number of years now. Since fans ask him about Africa a lot after hearing the topic in his music, GAHD came up with the idea to offer them tickets in promotion of his upcoming album, From the Shadows, slated to be released in February.
GAHD is back in the United States finishing the album and capitalizing off of the buzz being created by his new single, “Joy After Pain”, that’s spreading across the nation. In the meantime, fans are going to GAHD’s website, gahdinc.com, and downloading music they love while simultaneously gaining an opportunity to travel to the Motherland.
Three Largest Black Book Sites Join Forces to Promote Black Literature
AALBC.com, Cushcity.com and MosaicBooks.com, the three largest and most established web sites focusing on black literature, announced today that they have joined forces to offer comprehensive online book promotion options to self-published authors and small publishing firms.
Together, the three web sites have over 30 years of combined online presence and over 4 million page views per month. Each site brings different strengths to the venture.
AALBC.com, founded by Troy Johnson of Harlem, N.Y. in 1998, is now the largest website dedicated to promoting books by and about African Americans.
Cushcity.com, co-founded by Willie and Gwen Richardson of Houston, Tex. in 1998, is the world’s largest African-American Internet retailer with over 20,000 products online, including books, DVDs, Greek products, calendars and art.
MosaicBooks.com, founded by Ron Kavanaugh of the Bronx, NY, in 1996, was the first site created to showcase African-American literature. It recently celebrated its 10th anniversary online.
“This effort brings unprecedented exposure to millions of African-American book readers worldwide,” says Johnson. “I am pleased to work with Cushcity and MosaicBooks to bring African-American authors and consumers together.”
The three sites will initially offer self-published authors and small presses simultaneous, prominent placement on each of the three sites’ home pages. There are also plans to expand these coordinated services in the future to include e-blasts and other marketing opportunities for authors.
The announcement comes on the heels of recent news reports highlighting the growth in the number of African-American titles published annually and the resultant increase in book sales revenue. Based upon book sales figures for 2006 released by the American Association of Publishers, African Americans spend about $1 billion of the estimated $24 billion spent in the U.S. annually on books.
Yeah, I heard this morning. I think that they need to leave these artists alone. Give me a break!
I am buying it. And besides, there is no law against an entertainer using ‘roids. So – whatever!
Typing too fast. I meant to say – I am not buying it (i.e., the rumor).
Sumbody please tell me what good would steroids do for Mary ummmn Hello r u serious???
What a shame…..Is beauty that damn important!! I was wondering how Timberland got so buff. Where’s Busta? The most shocking is Mary, why would she need steroids. I thought that Mary was pregnant, I guess that wasnt true.. RUMORS!!!
i refuse to believe that Mary J. is a roid user. I mean c’mon now ppl…it’s getting ridiculous.
and even if these people are, so what. who cares. give them a break. it’s a personal decision…what can you say.
im a big fan of all three but i feel that they are using that shit expect for marry
I wouldn’t be surprised but Mary has always been open about her drug use so if she did take roids, I would think she would admit to it.
except
umm tyler perry a steroid user? LOL
Mary and Tyler..I cant see the reason as tho why they need roids’….timbaland came out of the blue big as hell!!! 50 just came out big so I wouldn’t be surprised if both of them use it..but at the end of the day…WHAT DOES IT MATTER?????
PUhlease, MJB using steroids! I don’t believe it! They are getting way too carried away with scapegoating and trying to degrade the character of some of our most accomplished entertainers. Honestly 50 been in jail, he knows how to pump iron…and Timbaland, he is a damn near pudgy…Get a life!
That is soo hot giving away trips to Africa. So many people especially young black children need to experience the love and history offered by visiting many of the countries over in Africa. I have been to S.A. and it was a life changing experience.
Tyler and Mary I can’t believe that. How are they suppose to know they are taking steriods?
i’ve heard of singers taking coritzone shots to improve their performances, but not steroids…if this is true, wow, what a shame.
Something is up with this whole steroid scandal, but this has to be a joke. It’s like the earyly 20s and 30w when they accused people of being communist. Learn your history people or it will be bound to repeat itself.
I love the idea to promote more reading. that’s great. BET NEVER promotes reading.
I mean who doesn’t think that 50 & Timbo takes steroids???? Helllloooo.
Number 12, you don’t always take sterioids to get muscles, It’s mainly a recovery drug that can aid in muscle building, but it’s mainly for recovery time.
@5 I was going to ask was Dr. Dre on the list because body was buff all of sudden.
That would not be a good look for Mary
50 – believeable
Timberland – believeable b/c he was soo damn fat b4
Dont really know Tyler Perry b4 the Madea phase but I dont think steroids is neccessary.
That’s great about the Free trips to Africa…and that is really great to know people are concerned about Blacks and Literature. I love reading and I think it is a good idea.
Don’t care about the other stories…people need to turn off the tv, computers etc and read a book from time to time.
Typical CL posters NO one cares about the Book story or the Free trip to Africa the only thing people on this site care about is hearing gossip about people you know nothing about when will you grow up.
No disrespect to the other CL contributers, your writing style is breath of fresh air.
Damn Tim, those are some greasy ass pecks!! MJB on roids ummm, unbelieveable, but not unlikely. She has no major muscle mass and I just cant see it. Wouldnt roid use affect her voice in some way. I guess if she does a tenor remix to I’m fine we will have our answer!
This steroid scandal has gotten crazy! How did MJB’s name get into this? Could she and the other artists be possibly connected w/ a dealer somehow?
Now I could see 50 being a user, but this is all ridiculous!
Today I suggest everyone to read a book it increases vocabulary and expands your knowledge. That’s a good look for those three books sites. I agree with Keyshia Bet never promotes reading the only thing they care about is music.
Good Look @ GAHD INc too.
@Lisa unfortunately the comments on CL reflect the Black community they are more concerned with negative gossip than the positive.
Good thing GAHD is doing, I think Africa would be a great experience for anyone.
And as far as the steroid thing goes, why is everything lately implementing only Black Entertainers. I understand how we don’t always want to discuss race but why do we never hear anything about the things WHITE ENTERTAINERS do besides the obvious Brittney, Paris, and Lindsay news (and they get away with everything they do).
Are we snitching on each other or what? Whether this is true or not, I think we honestly need to start looking at our spouses, family, and friends. Make sure these are trustworthy people.
Hey, I know Troy @ AALBC. I’m on his site daily.. The “Thumper’s Corner” forums are hilarious, especially when Kola Boof was around!
I agree 22 and 26! Re the tickets to Africa, that’s a great idea, though I know many ppl of color who don’t care to know anything about African culture. Fortunately I’ve had the opportunity to spend 1 1/2 months in Senegal- possibly the origin of my ancestors.
Did you guys even read the other stories???
Don’t believe the steroid use for any artist. I believe they would get lipo before steroids.
Lmaoooo, Omg,#22 Lisa I was just thinking the same thing! Hell I myself bypassed the “steroid scandel” to read more about the Free trip to Africa, and the promotion of African American Literature! This is a wonderful oppertunity for African American’s to be informed of the vast number of African American author’s out there *claps*, kudos to everyone for making this happen!
Now I just have one question, what was wrong with Oprah promoting these types of author’s?
I’ve never even heard of this rapper until now, and I must say I have to give him the utmost respect for trying to make African American’s aware that they have a home to call their own outside the US! *claps* This brother is the truth!
What GAHD is doing is a beautiful thing. I have always wanted to visit Africa and it is wonderful for him to present opportunities like this for people like me.
The three Book Sites joining forces is an amazing and wonderful idea. I am writing a book now and what they are doing is greatly appreciated for aspiring writers like myself. Wow two of my life wishes coming closer in one day lol it feels like heaven.
For the other article no comment. Man oh man.
Can some body tell me why it’s only BLACK artists that have been named as having taken steriods. Never mind the fact that some of the names mentioned are random as hell (mary j blige, tyler perry ? ) but this sounds like some shit thats catching fire that was started on a black blog to garner interest. I mean with all the pill popping problems in young white hollywood which we ALL know about and only black celebs come up in some sort of prescription drug scandel. Fuck outta here, sounds like bull shit.
Kudos to GAHD…thats wonderful. We need more positive Black men in the music industry like him!!!
And I’m with #22…pick up a book damnit!!! Reading is such an outlet for me…I hit bookstores up at least once a week!!!
As for the steroid scandal…*yawn*…I’m sooooo unimpressed. Are they athletes? Competing for a marathon? I mean who gives a who shot John? Why don’t they focus on ole’ boy who is currently under fire right now…I hate to bring race in this but if a White man goes down they taking 10 more Black folks down with him. How the hell did this issue cross from sports to “Black” musicians? Give me a damn break…thats my two cents and now I’m permenantly done with this topic.
gET THE FUCK OUTTA HERE MJB HAS SWORN UP AND DOWN SHE STOPPED THA WHOLE DRUG THING A LONG TIME AGO! GET REAL PPL!
#22 and sesamestreet
shut up damn, you get no props for comming on a GOSSIP blog and hording the fact that you read the literary designated articles , it doesn’t make you seem smarter then you are which Im sure was your purpouse in mentioning that you read it and nobody else did, so sit down. I honestly don’t need to be cohersed into readign and literature becuase I partake in it on m own time, nor am I going to pretend to care about some no name rapper giving tickets to africa becase it seems like the “black” thing to do to pretend to be interested in it and talk shit about the people who didnt comment on it to make my self feel enlightened, especially your black ass sesame street.
when want to read I read , this si a gossip blog , do you go to Mcdonalds rent dvd’s ? no so shut up damn.
I love the info on the trip to the Motherland and the Black Literature Promo. The steriod thingy should have been the last topic on this section.
Everyone should read “Coffee Will Make You Black” by April Sinclair. It’s been out for years. It made me laugh so hard. I let someone borrow it and am going to purchase it again so that I can revisit the laugher.
I don’t know if anyone has said this but people are saying Mary might have used them for her voice…It has gotten MUCH LESS raspy over the years…she was out about the drug use and it’s effect on her voice…but these days she doesn’t sound as strained or raspy.
And others say she’s taking it for weight loss…I can see that too because she’s always going on and on about being teased for a big butt and I remember when she was all ripped like some female body builder.
Timbaland OF COURSE he’s on sterroids…his body looks so fake that I thought it was one of those animation jokes like they do with Ludacris until I saw that live he was the same monster.
50 Cent, of course… Wyclef, why not? Tyler Perry, maybe…
I wish some REAL AUTHORS could get some promotion out of this deal…I DO NOT read about gay black men in Atlanta or fly girls who move from Oklahoma to New York. Hopefully, the creative artists will get some exposure.
GAHD, left the “Untied” Hates of America and moved out. That is such a wonderful thing. I would love to be one of his ticket holders.
I’m loving the fact that BET is promoting more reading. Ppl should STAY reading something. I myself am reading Bill Cosby’s book “Come On People”. For the life of me, I can’t see why he received so much backlash from the blk community for this book. The book is awesome. Every single sentence is the truth and it speaks profoundly to us.
As far as the steroid use, I think thats just a ploy to divert their attention OFF of Clemons and the other “great” heavy hitters in the world of Major League Baseball. Hell they already got Barry, Marion, Mike and what not………….must they blame EVERYTHING on Hip-Hop……..damn!
U know timbaland did get beefy real quick and 50 aint lost a muscle since h been out I mean most artist have weight changes but he stay swole’ IDK
GEM
how do you figure steriods would have some kind of effect on her voice when the other people named in the report are impied to be taking it to add muscle bulk. Steriods are not usd to lose weight, those are diet pills .
The onl LOGICAL thing I could think of is the steriods might have some kind of carcinogenic effect and it’s something these celebs may or may not be using to get “high” and not add muscle bulk. Thats the only thing that makes sence becuase the names vary too much to be for what every one seems to think steriods are used for. And even so, how come Docter Dre. hasn’t been listed as having been possibly using steriods.
#37
I read that book before. And its funny that I can’t even remember one thing about it.
I’m more into Non-Fiction and Memoirs.
“A Piece of Cake” by Cupcake Brown is a must read. Yall get hip!
Love the idea about Gahd sending people to Africa! I love reading what a fantastic idea to come together and do publishing and such! There’s strength and power when more people are down for your cause. Reading really is fundamental.
I KNEW 50 AND TIMBALAND WERE USING STEROIDS BUT DAMN @ MARY.
Steriod report, forgot Dr. Dre and Busta lol!
Mary J on steroid …NOW where the hell did that come from????
#42 it definitely was an enjoyable, funny, fictious read. .if you can find humor and good times in growing up black, poor, jumping rope, having the straighten comb fry your scalp then you’d enjoy it.
I’ll definitely pick up “A piece of Cake” . .is it a fast read?
I don’t think Mary uses steroids I just think that’s the best way they can get at her for wearing all that fur!!! Cause she so damn fly
It’s no secret that a life on steroids can lead to super human acheivements! Entertainers go on stage and pop-lock-it for 90 minutes, so I can understand them turning to performance enhancement drugs! 50 cents was probably given steriods after he got shot 9 times…9 times!! Mary J. is in recovery, so she probably concedes to anything that doesn’t get her high! Tyler Perry probably takes steriods as a part of his harmone replacement therapy!
If administered properly, its much safer and long lasting than alcohol and drugs! So, when you take illegal substance out of the equation, the black athelete, entertainer and producer is no difference than the next person! Steriods in baseball, basketball, football, golf, tennis and now, its in singing. What’s next…Obama used steriods 20 years ago?
Interesting…!
i believe it. cause all of the artists mentioned got a little too bulky or toned a little too quickly.
I refuse to believe MJB uses steroids. Timbaland and 50..hell yeah they all buff and shit, but not Mary that just sounds crazy.
I love to read so these sites joining forces is a great look. Black authors are doing their thing!
I think that it is wonderful that GAHD is not only giving fans the opportunity to visit Africa, but also giving fans the opportunity to establish their own business through stocks. I actually visited the site, and it’s a great idea. One thing that I noticed is that the site did not specify the country that winners can win a trip to. As a Nigerian women born in the US I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to visit the continent on several occassions for the holidays, and I’m planning on going back to Nigeria this Christmas. I think Africa is overlooked as a vacation or a destination spot because of the negative stereotypes that this country has fostered surrounding the country and its people. If anyone ever gets the chance, take a look for yourself and experience the many wonders that is within Africa. There are 52 nations to explore so I hope with this competition people will be more inclined to do some research before they dismiss the whole idea of a trip to Africa.
On another note: The steroid rumor is ridiculous, even if it were true, steroid usage does not enhance one’s musical capabilities, so it has nothing to do with the artists’ ability to make money. Unlike a pro athlete steroid usage in the music industry is not prohibited so why would it matter that they are using it? Although, I don’t understand why one would use it. As far as the publishing websites are concerned that is great news!! It’s wonderful to hear about black owned businesses coming together!
As a self-published author, I welcome the joining of these three sites!
Lmao@ Hdizzle, your poor excuse for an attempt at using proper grammar, is my point exactly! Pick up a book and read dammit, no better yet, PICK UP A DAMN DICTIONARY! That would be best for you, now, review you long paragraph of idiotic “mumbo-jumbo” and get back with me when you learn how to spell, ok?
You are dismissed (as a certified dumbass)!
your* ^^excuse the typo
Good question #19. I notice that about Dr. Dre too!
I am glad that GAHD is giving away free tickets to Africia, more than what Jay -z is doing all he did over in Africa was “promote awarness” eff that that man has mountains of millions, if he can spend 500,000 on a Phantom he can help the people over there in Africia. I SSMH @ Jay.
Many stars use HGH–Human Growth Hormone to lose weight and build muscle. Janet Jackson was rumored to use it. Maybe that’s what Mary is believed to have taken.
I will go to the rapper’s web site and down load. That’s so inspiring what he is doing!
WTF!! MJB on steriods?? LMAO! Dis is a complete waste of reading and time! I saw dis on Yahoo! and was completely shocked! Is it me or does the media seem to take shots at African-Americans with this steriod scandal! Most of da baseball players accused were Black, now these hard-working entertainers are being accused! I dont believe for one minute dat MJB and Tyler Perry used any enhancement drugs! Its always a fuckin scandal! The ppl dat made this up probably use steriods as well!
Ok now as far as Dr. Dre, and 50 cent…i do believe that they may be using steroids because even if they was in the gym everyday there is no way they should be able to look the way they do in only a years time…something is not right….
But MARY i really see no reason at all why she would even want to use steroids and Tyler Perry as well its so freakin stupid…to me I think that maybe they are just attacking the successful African Americans that are really making a name for themselves…
I guess they think that “Ni**ers shouldnt have as much money as the white people” stupid but it seems like America is steadily heading backwards once again….