Rod 2.0:Beta

Mary Wilson Talks to "Gay Times" About Dresses and "Dreamgirls"

Last week, Rod 2.0 previewed The Story of The Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, a retrospective which showcases dozens of the beautiful and elegant performance costumes of The Supremes, as well as sketches of the original gowns and archival video. The fabulous Mary Wilson, one of the original members of The Supremes who remained with the group into the 1970s, is interviewed in the current issue of Gay Times (PDF) and dishes supreme fashion and "Dreamgirls."

On comfort and the weight of the gowns:
Once you put them, they weren't as heavy as when you held them. And some were like 35 pounds!

On keeping track of the original gowns:
Quite a few were stolen in different places. Many of them are gown, but many have shown up on eBay, which I've been able to buy back. ... Very shocking. But it's been  really great because the fans, in a couple of cases, have helped me buy them back You know, you have to get them immediately, and so the fans jumped in there and helped me out tremendously. ... Once our bus was broken into and gowns went missing there. We had a fire in a nightclub in Mexico, and some were burned there. And THEN some were stolen from our dressing room in San Francisco.

On the Dreamgirls screen adaptation:
I absolutely thought it was wonderful as a movie, and speaking about that time period, but it wasn't the story of The Supremes. ... The gentlemen who wrote the original Broadway play were probably inspired by The Supremes, and I think as much as they could use our storyline, they did,  but then they created their own story around that. But I do think in the beginning that it was based on The Supremes. That was unauthorized!

Oh, and on several occasions, Mary Wilson refers to Miss Ross as "Diane." Ouch.

Some Background ...
The Fashion of The Supremes at the Victoria and Albert Museum [R20]

Pharrell Williams in "GQ"

Pharrell Williams, the ridiculously talented gay-friendly rapper, fashionista, designer and environmentalist,  continues in his march toward pop iconography in the current GQ. PW channels his inner Frank Sinatra in this golf-inspired editorial lensed by photographer Anders Overgaard. Style mavens will appreciate the slideshow and the Prada, DSquared2 and Louis Vuitton pieces.

Pharrell is the spokesman slash spokesmodel for Louis Vuitton, and, the outfit at left is from their collection.

Last month, Pharrell Williams covered Paper and "stripped down to his boxers" during the interview.

Shaking Up the Club [GQ]

More PHARRELL WILLIAMS
More FASHION

Some Background ...
Pharrell Williams (and Oversized Birkin) Cover "Paper" [R20]
Paper's Barack Obama-Inspired Fashion Editorial [R20]
Pharrell in "Vogue Hommes" [R20]
Pharrell Debuts Jewelry and Art Film for Louis Vuitton [R20]
Pharrell Shows Off His Oversized Hermes Birkin [R20]
Pharrell Williams for Louis Vuitton [R20]
Pharrell Sets the Record, umm, Straight [R20]
Milan Fashion Week: Emporio Armani [R20]
Pharrell Teams with Louis Vuitton  [R20]
"Not a Sex Symbol" ? [R20]
Has-Been Rapper Beanie Sigel Demands Kanye and Pharrell "Come Out of the Closet" [R20]
Live Earth Concert [R20]
Pharrell Williams at Diana Concert [R20] 
News: iPhone, Pharrell Wiliams [R20] 
Environment: Pharrell Concert [R20]
Attention All Size Queens [R20]

The Fashion of The Supremes at the Victoria and Albert Museum

Motown aficionados and fans of Mary Wilson and Diana Ross may want to take note: The beautiful and elegant performance costumes of The Supremes, one of the recording industry's most successful groups, are now on exhibit at The Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The Story of The Supremes from the Mary Wilson Collection is based on the collection of Mary Wilson. "On show are over fifty outfits that chart the changing image of the group, from their dresses in the early days as The Primettes, to the glamorous Hollywood designs worn at the height of their fame."

"It examines how the group was carefully styled by Berry Gordy and his Motown associates to appeal to the widest possible audience. ... The lavish outfits with beading and thousands of sequins could cost between one and two thousand dollars each in the 1960s, $13-26,000 at 2007 prices."

For those of us not lucky enough to be in London, there are some interactive extras online, including a section on styling The Supremes, designing your own Supremes album cover, and, a rich history of Detroit, Motown and the civil rights movement.

The costumes cover all The Supremes, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross and Florence Ballard, as well as Cindy Birdsong, Jean Terrell, Lynda Lawrence, Scherrie Payne and Susaye Green. All of these women were trend setters and divas in their own right.

Exhibition: The Story of The Supremes [V&A]

News: Pittsburgh DPs, Omarion, Janet, DADT, CA Marriage Ban

· Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl signs legislation that creates a new domestic partner registry and "although it carries no legal weight, it is expected to provide documentation for more than 100 Pittsburgh employers, including the city, that give benefits to domestic partners." Ravenstahl: "There's a lot of good, positive momentum in the city of Pittsburgh ... and we will continue to look for ways to show that Pittsburgh is truly a progressive city."

· After ending his 7-year relationship with Sony two months ago, R&B poptart Omarion signs with Timbaland's label.

· Janet Jackson is reportedly "developing a music competition" television reality series and "will serve as mentor to the up-and-coming singers and dancers." Target launch is September 10.

· Three California voters and four gay rights organizations ask the California Supreme Court to prevent a November ballot initiative that would ban same-sex marriage. 

· PageOneQ reports the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints "will officially urge its members to take the church stance on marriage rights to the voting booth" and support the proposed November marriage ban.  A gay Mormon group criticizes the decision and says "the Church should not be interfering with California politics."

· New York City public health clinics are no longer using OraSure's rapid oral HIV test because of inaccurate results. "The rate of false positives ... rose as high as 1.1 percent over the past eight months, or more than five times the level claimed in the kit's labeling."

· Report: Mexican government should declare HIV/AIDS a "national emergency" to ensure "universal, permanent and sustainable" access to antiretroviral drug.

·  Lesbians are disproportionately impacted under the "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" policy that prohibits openly gay people from serving in the military. "While women make up 14 percent of Army personnel, 46 percent of those discharged under the policy last year were women. And while 20 percent of Air Force personnel are women, 49 percent of its discharges under the policy last year were women." Pentagon officials cannot explain why the numbers for women spiked last year.

News: Marriage, Martha Stewart, Black Church and Gays, Pharrell

· Two-hundred and fifty evangelical Christian ministers arrive in Albany at the NYS Capitol to protest Gov. David Paterson’s directive requiring state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages. At the same time, the Empire State Pride Agenda releases the names of 335 clergy who support marriage equality for gay couples.

· Albany Times Union praises the governor. "In an age of divisive politics, it's almost astonishing to hear someone speak in a calm, clear voice—especially when his words have life-altering consequences for a significant portion of the electorate. But that was how Gov. David Paterson decided to inform the public of his May 14 executive order that New York should honor same-sex marriages performed in other jurisdictions."

· Martha Stewart denied permission to enter Great Britain because of her 2004 conviction for obstructing justice.

· Naomi Campbell pleads guilty for temper tantrum directed at two police officers at London’s Heathrow Airport.

· Social Security Administration must now recognize the children of same-sex couples.

· The Associated Press reports on the new transgender inclusive policy in the New York juvenile detention system that allows trans youth "to wear whatever uniform they choose, be called by whatever name they want and ask for special housing."

· Pharrell Williams has time to produce Madonna, cover fashion magazines, design clothing, design jewelry ... and now designs furniture.

· PrideSource reports on a town hall meeting in Detroit that brings together black gay men to "tackle the tough questions about the state of HIV for black men and how to fight" the epidemic in the black gay community.

· Rev. Dennis W. Wiley argues why the black church should support gay rights in The Daily Voice: "Because homosexuals are human beings who deserve the same rights as heterosexuals.  These people did not choose their sexual orientation. ... Many if not most of us in the black church are aware of this, but it is too difficult and uncomfortable for us to go against the grain of what has been taught to and instilled in us all of our lives. It is much easier for the black church to bash or ignore gay people, while at the same time exploiting their tremendous gifts and talents, than it is to become a safe space in which they can realize their full, God-given potential without having to hide in the closet."

Usher: Women Love "Each Other" After "Not Having Enough Men"

For someone who is avowedly very! straight!, R&B star Usher Raymond spends a disproportionate amount of time obsessing on the gays. Especially during magazine interviews. Via Lynne D. Johnson and The Daily Voice are Usher's latest musings on lesbianism and homosexuality, this time found in new cover profile at VIBE. Mitzi Miller's poorly-written article is a typifies the celebrity puff pieces regularly published in that magazine. The online excerpt offers an unchallenged, scientifically inaccurate quote that takes the cake for chutzpah:

"It can never be bad to have a foundation as a man—a black man—in a time when women are dying for men," he says. "Women have started to become lovers of each other as a result of not having enough men. Are you not studying the stories? Wake up! Black love is a good thing."

Usher amplifies the "foundations" of manhood by boasting about his infidelity during his well-publicized on-again, of-again relationship with Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas of TLC. A record label exec says the breakup "made him interesting" and implies the rumors of Usher's "unfaithfulness—which he freely admitted—[were] in order to sell records."  So the message Usher broadcasts to his fans is that women only become lesbians if they aren't "enough men" and "black [heterosexual] love is a good thing" even if it includes lying and cheating. Brilliant.

VIBE online is has been noted for some of its attempts to legitimize gay concerns but the offline magazine clearly acts as a  reaffirmation of anti-gay street cred to the masses who are looking for heroes in all the wrong places. Too bad.

Caught Up [VIBE]
Quote of the Day from Usher [TDV]

Some Background ...
Usher's Confession: "I Don't Get Down Like That" [R20]
Tom Cruise Helps Convert Usher to Scientology [R20] 
News: Usher and His Boyz, Philly Schools [R20]
News: Usher in the Mix, CFDA [R20]

50 Cent: "Never" Tempted to "Have Sex" with "Naked" Female Fans

Another week, another ringing endorsement of heterosexuality from campy rap superstar 50 Cent. After channeling the Village People in his latest music video, Fiddy reveals that while on the road, he is overwhelmed with offers of sex (from women!) but is "never"  tempted.

Showbizspy reports, "The In Da Club hitmaker—real name Curtis Jackson—is so popular with female fans, he often finds them hiding out in his hotel room without any clothes on. But Jackson claims he has never been tempted, comparing their behavior to that of the prostitutes selling sex in the Netherlands.

"He tells America's Vibe magazine, "I've been in hotel rooms, and girls were already there in the closet - naked. Hell, no! Are you kidding me? That's like Amsterdam."

Not really sure why "Amsterdam" immediately came to Fiddy's mind, maybe Lloyd Banks could answer that one, but, umm, aren't most naked groupies offering sex to rappers for, umm, free? Oh, and Fiddy has already said several times that he just waiting for the right "girl."

50 Cent's Naked Fans [Showbizspy]
50 Cent Compares Naked Fans To Prostitutes [EW]

Some Background ....
50 Cent "Inspects" the "Boys" in Campy New Music Video [R20]
Rapper Fat Joe Mocks 50 Cent and G Unit with "Gay Unit" Mixtape [R20]
50 Gave Good Face [R20]
No Homo [R20]
Get (Homo) or Die Tryin' [R20]
What Up S.L.U.T. [R20]
Bitch Better Have My Money And Some Prada [R20]
Gay or Rapper? [R20]

R. Kelly Acquitted in Child Porn Trial

Moments ago, a Chicago jury acquitted Grammy Award-winning singer and serial pedophile R. Kelly on all counts of a 14-count child pornography trial. The acquittal comes after less than one day of deliberations Friday and ends a six year legal case.

Prosecutors had argued that a graphic sex tape showed Kelly having sex with a girl as young as 13 at the time. Both Kelly, 41, and the now 23-year-old alleged victim had denied they were on the tape. Neither testified during the trial.

The prosecution's star witness was a woman who said she engaged in three-way sex with Kelly and the alleged victim. Defense attorneys argued the man on the tape didn't have a large mole on his back; Kelly has such a mole.

Jasmyne Cannick has written extensively on the monthlog trial. The prosecution's case trial focused on whether the R&B superstar was the man who appears on a "sexually graphic, 27-minute videotape" and whether one of his on-screen female sex partners was underage. The graphic video was widely available across the internets and showed oral sex and waterspouts.

R. Kelly has a long history of allegations of sex with underage girls. A number of young women in the Chicago-area have rallied to his defense and his supporters accuse his critics of trying to cash in on his fame. Unfortunately, yet another black celebrity who routinely breaks the law and is lionized by our community.

Jury acquits R. Kelly of all counts [AP]
R. Kelly/‘Law & Order’ Category [J Cannick]
R. Kelly not guilty on all counts [Sun Times]

Nate Adams Does Kelly Rowland

Here is the latest YouTube video from Nate Adams, the Noah's Arc hotness, actor, dancer, choreographer and Rod 2.0 crush object. For about 20 seconds, you are treated to a shirtless Nate as he frolicks across his bed and channels Kelly Rowland to lip sync "Love Again."  Love the song, love Nate Adams even more. Sigh.

50 Cent "Inspects" the "Boys" in Campy New Music Video

Outgoing editor Tyler Gray at RADAR gives a nice mention to Rod 2.0 while dishing 50 Cent's campy new music video. Thank gawd we all know that Fiddy is very! straight! because in addition the arson fire and baby mama drama making headlines today, "it's just silly to speculate that über hetero 50 Cent could be gay. Not that at least one nagging blogger hasn't tried repeatedly and hilariously to cull together evidence from his movie and book."

In the new music video for "Rider Part 2", the buffed and costumed Fiddy channels his inner Village People to strut his stuff in a Marine dress uniform in a barracks of camouflage-wearing soldiers. Sounds kinda like a plot for a gay porn flick, no? "Check out that ... um, tilted Captain and Tennille-style sailor's cap he's wearing while inspecting some prime soldier specimens, and, so, yeah, he's all tenderoni now, too, apparently, using a vocoder in a chorus that repeats the word "boy" five times. Did he just growl? ..." Yes indeed, 50 Cent growls twice while inspecting the "boys". What does it mean? Don't ask, don't tell. Watch the video here.

In December, RADAR named Rod 2.0 to its year-in-review issue along with Concrete Loop, Nah Right and Hot Ghetto Mess as part of its "Bloggeratti." Actress/comedian Kathy Griffin, gender bender Candis Cayne and director Craig Brewer were among the other honorees.

UPDATE: Rod 2.0 reader Seahwak on the obvious connection to gay icons. "Rather than Village People, my first impression was that he was channeling Marlene Dietrich, strutting around a bunch of soldiers who desire him."

Thanks BRIAN, TYLER, BERNIE and TAYLOR

50 Cent's Homage to Heterosexuality [Radar]
Home at center of 50 Cent lawsuit destroyed by fire [AP]

Some Background ....
Rapper Fat Joe Mocks 50 Cent and G Unit with "Gay Unit" Mixtape [R20]
50 Gave Good Face [R20]
No Homo [R20]
Get (Homo) or Die Tryin' [R20]
What Up S.L.U.T. [R20]
Bitch Better Have My Money And Some Prada [R20]
Gay or Rapper? [R20]