- Tony Yayo can leave the state of New York? Forget being on probation, I thought there was a law against trafficking exotic animals. Hmph, I guess not. 50 Cent was photographed earlier this week entering Hot 99.5 in Washington D.C. Fiddy has reportedly gone into overdrive hitting major radio stations promoting his new album. I don’t know about you but on 9/11 I’m copping three copies of Kenny Chesney’s new cd just to spite both Kanye and Curtis.

- Ciara and Eve were all smiles Tuesday night at the Signature Apparel party at TAO in Las Vegas. Memorial services will be held next week for the yaki perched on top of Eve’s head.

- Melanie Brown went for a morning power walk with her personal trainer. There were no signs of that basket case she is married to.

The “Say Something Nice” Challenge

While we’re on the blast from the past tip, check out the latest from Another Bad Creation. Don’t call it a come back. Seriously, don’t.

[Thanks LaTia]

I was still eating crayons and licking windows at the daycare center when DeBarge was pumping out hits in the 80’s, so as an adult I’ve always been curious about the real story behind the troubled family. Thankfully Vibe answered my prayers and questions in the “Broken Dreams” story.

On James DeBarge’s marriage to Janet Jackson

James DeBarge married Janet Jackson when they were both 19 years old. James met Janet because his brother Bobby was dating LaToya Jackson. “James and Janet started secretly seeing each other,” says Bunny DeBarge. Talking to her on the phone. Then they came to Grand Rapids and eloped. For the Jackson family, it was a nightmare.” …The Jackson-DeBarge marriage was annulled after two months and allegations of James’ drug abuse.

On El DeBarge’s battles against substance abuse

“Drugs happened,” blurts [mother] Etterlene DeBarge. “It’s painful totalk about, but when El got into drugs, it just paralyzed him. If I had to do it again, I would never allow my kids to be in the music industry.There are a lot of snakes out there, and they bite real hard.”

Chico on the DeBarge legacy:

“The heartbreak heard in Bobby, El, and Chico’s music may have many sources, but part of it stems from having to prove themselves worthy as soul contenders. Yes, folks constantly namecheck the Jacksons as the first family of R&B. But when it comes time to define the canon, the artistry and rich contributions of the DeBarge family has been unfairly kicked to the curb…“You know what us being in the studio tonight means?” Chico DeBarge asks of no one in particular. “It means that the DeBarge story is not over….”

Visit Vibe.com to read episode one of “The Rise and Fall of the DeBarge Family.” Trust me, it’s well worth it.

It’s amazing what you can do with a camera phone and a can of cat food. Wait . . . . nevermind.

[Thanks Jay]

Nay Nay was on her best behavior at the London Black Leaders Dinner honoring Nelson Mandela on Wednesday evening. Britain unveiled a statue of Mandela today outside the houses of Parliament, honoring the South African anti-apartheid campaigner as one of the great leaders of his era. Jesse Jackson took a break from skeeting in random women to also attend.

The celebrity line-up that will appear on the upcoming season of “Dancing With The Stars” was announced this morning on Good Morning America.

This year’s 12 contestants are Jane Seymour, super model Albert Reed, Cheetah Girl Sabrina Bryan, Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban, actress-model Josie Maran, king of Las Vegas Wayne Newton, entertainer Marie Osmond, boxer Floyd Mayweather, Spice Girl Melanie Brown, racing champ Helio Castroneves, actress Jenni Garth, and actor Cameron Mathison.

Since I only recognized about five names I unintentionally started putting together my own cast. My top six picks are Lauryn “Who Hid My Meds?” Hill, Loon, Bobby Jones, Fabo, queen of the G-list BET Blackbuster movies Monica Calhoun, and Phil “Uncle Murda” Spector. Squad up!

…because I was thinking it too. Something along the lines of “YT got that poor baby out in public with a crusty mouth,” right?