Beyonce is finally a Suga Mama!

Congratulations to mega superstar Beyonce’ on being pregnant with her first child. Last night at the MTV Video Awards she made a special gesture that confirmed that she is going to be the mother of a new baby very soon. Beyonce’ performed the song “Love on Top” from her new album “4” and twitter buzzed around the world that she was glowing and that she has never looked so happy. When closing the musical number Beyonce’ opened her jacket and showed her new pregnancy bump.

Many people have already asked what is going to happen with her movie career and her tours? Beyonce’ has already made plans for her pregnancy and is very excited to be a new mother. Fans can expect for her to have enough music videos and music to hold them over until her return “back to business” and look at this pregnancy as her way of showing the world that “girls” really do run the world.

As for her new film, it may be pushed back shooting on her next project. The irony? She's due to star in a remake of the film, "A Star Is Born." In January, the Golden Globe-nominee was cast in Clint Eastwood's telling of the story of a young singer who falls in love with a spiraling, fading rock star. Filming on the pic according to Deadline, was due to begin in February. That won't happen, the site reports, quoting an insider's relaying that Eastwood has agreed to delay rolling until the baby is delivered and the singer is back to full strength. The film still does not have a leading man, as Eastwood's "J. Edgar" star Leonardo DiCaprio declined to take on the role of the alcoholic musician. Maybe when they do start production fans will have the chance to see Papa Jay Z on set with the baby while mommy gets her close-ups. Congrats Beyonce’!

FROM THE AUDIENCE: BEYONCE AT THE ROSELAND BALLROOM IN NEW YORK

From Drama Dupree of Atlanta, GA

If you were not one of the few lucky people in America who got to witness Beyonce at the Roseland Ballroom in New York here are some audience member clips just for you. It’s like you are almost there, just in the really bad seats…lol.

COUNTDOWN

Here is an account from one audience member who got to witness ‘the second coming of Michael Jackson’ (according to Jay-Z.)

She was so amazing, seriously. Seeing her in real life is mind blowing, she just as beautiful in person as she is on screen, so amazing and precise that you almost have to remind yourself that what your seeing is LIVE ACTION and is actually happening right there in the room with you.

The Power of the Queen "B" Beyonce!!!

4Ever Queen B
by Deshawn Moody

Mrs. Knowles(Carter) has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue since her beginning Diva days with one of the Best Selling All Girl groups Destiny’s Child. But lately the Press has been all over her. With all the controversy from her leaving her Dad’s Management ties to the upcoming release(leaked) album from the Queen B herself. You may have started to doubt our Down-South Maven but as always, the Queen never disappoints her true die hard Fans.

The epic “4” starts off with a Beautiful Ballad where B teaches us all little about the Arithematics of Love in the song titled “1+1”. Ne-Yo was there to lend a helping pen on this one. Next up on the Ballad train is “I Care” which quite frankly my Dear, I do. B shows us why she may still be Dangerously in Love as she belts outs notes and riffs to confess how she really feels. Not only does she give us new music styles and beats but we also get a Duo with the ATLien himself Andre 3000. The catchy bass thumping “Party” is actually the only song on the Album that is not a repeat on the Playlist. We travel back to the 80’s with the mellow tempo of “Rather Die Young”. Another favorite is “Start Over” because love should never die.

The Club banging “Countdown” will be one of the songs for the Summer. It gets the crowd bouncing all the way down to number 1 and is very Ala Destiny’s Child. The funky Brazilian bass sparking from “End of Time” makes it the number one Favorite of all time. This one pays a keen tribute to the late great King of Pop Himself. “I Was Here” goes deep into the Real life of the Queen as she soulfully expresses how she has left her footprints in the Sand of Life. “The Best Thing I Never Had” is said to be Irreplaceable Part II. This tune lets the X Factor know that it sucks to be in his Timbs right now. “Love On Top” is an Old-School feel with an All-time Classic Boy band groups. It makes you want to snap and two step all while clapping and hand swaying. Rounding out the bottom is none other than “Girls Who Run The World”. This Girl Anthem was the first release of the Album with a Premiere of a new transformed Shasha Fierce and her girl posse as they let Us all know that they are women hear them roar. Overall the new album “4” is one of the Moth’s best. Bey embarks on new territory as we are exposed to eclectic sounds and techno beats mixed with Jazz and smooth Caribbean tones. Rated Grade A, Gays Approved. LOVE IT!!

Dishin it With Dwight: A New Earth with Oprah, Jay-Z, and Abdul

UPDATE--- UPDATE--- UPDATE---IT WAS FOR OWN!!!!

Oprah and Jay-Z's "New Earth"

Rumors are flying all over the net about The FUTURE’s very own honorary member Oprah Winfrey visiting Sean “Jay-Z” Carter’s old neighborhood in Brooklyin, NY. Jay and Oprah visited Bed Stuy on Lexington Ave. & Lewis Ave. Jay’s block before moving to Marcy Projects; but then spent some time in Marcy Projects. The rumor is that Oprah was filming for an upcoming show that Jay will be featured on and Jay was showing her where he came up; if you also look closely in the photo you will see that Jay is holding in his hand “A New Earth,” which is an amazing book that Oprah has supported with her book club. A New Earth written by Eckhart Tolle assist readers in creating their life’s purpose and it challenges you to look within yourself and make decisions that truly transform your way of thinking in return creating “a new earth” for you and those around you. With this book being in his hand I wonder did Oprah bring him a copy? Is Jay currently reading it? Or was he trying to impress Ms. Winfrey? Regardless of why he is holding the book if you want an awakening in you and want to start creating new possibilities for your own life you must read “A New Earth,” it changed my life.

A New Earth
Tolle tells us there is good news, however. There is an alternative to this potentially dire situation. Humanity now, perhaps more than in any previous time, has an opportunity to create a new, saner, more loving world. This will involve a radical inner leap from the current egoic consciousness to an entirely new one.In illuminating the nature of this shift in consciousness, Tolle describes in detail how our current ego-based state of consciousness operates. Then gently, and in very practical terms, he leads us into this new consciousness. We will come to experience who we truly are—which is something infinitely greater than anything we currently think we are—and learn to live and breathe freely.

Patti LaBelle on Broadway in FELA!

Following two sneak peek performances Sept. 8-9, Grammy Award winner Patti LaBelle officially steps into the role of Fela's mother, Funmilayo Anikulapo-Kuti, in Broadway's Fela! Sept. 14. LaBelle succeeds Tony winner Lillias White, who played her final performance Sept. 12. The acclaimed singer will stay with the production through its closing on Jan. 2, 2011.

"After seeing the show, I was struck by the choreography and work of Bill T. Jones, and the passion and joy that overflows from the stage," LaBelle said in a previous statement. "Fela's mother, Funmilayo, was a strong, truly inspiring woman, and I am so privileged to be able to pay tribute to her on the Broadway stage."

LaBelle — who played Matron Mama Morton for a limited run in a Los Angeles stint of Chicago — is known for her Grammy Award-winning rhythm and blues songs, which include "On My Own" and "New Attitude." The one-time lead member of the group Labelle also sang on the group's biggest hit "Lady Marmalade." The singer has appeared on Broadway in three self-titled concerts and appeared in the 1982 revival of Your Arms Too Short to Box With God.

Fela!, the new musical based on the life and music of groundbreaking African composer, plays the Eugene O'Neill Theatre. After an acclaimed run Off-Broadway in 2008, Fela! began previews on Broadway Oct. 19, 2009. Sahr Ngaujah, who headlined the Off-Broadway premiere, alternates in the role of the late African musical figure, with Kevin Mambo (Ruined).

Tony-winning Spring Awakening choreographer Bill T. Jones directs and choreographs the production that features a book by Jones and Jim Lewis and utilizes Anikulapo-Kuti's own music. Lewis, a Tony nominee for Chronicle of a Death Foretold, also penned additional lyrics. The musical was conceived by Bill T. Jones, Jim Lewis and Stephen Hendel. The production incorporates the Afrobeat orchestra Antibalas and other members of the NYC Afrobeat community, under the direction of Aaron Johnson, who perform Kuti's music live onstage.

In Fela!, according to production notes, "audiences are welcomed into the extravagant, decadent and rebellious world of Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti. Using his pioneering music (a blend of jazz, funk and African rhythm and harmonies), [the musical] explores Kuti's controversial life as artist, political activist and revolutionary musician."

The design team includes scenic and costume designer Marina Draghici, lighting designer Rob Wierzel, sound designer Rob Kaplowitz and projection designer Peter Nigrini. Aaron Johnson and Jordan McLean will provide musical arrangements. The musical, which earned the 2008 Lucille Lortel honor for Best Musical, played an acclaimed engagement at the now-closed 37 Arts in 2008. 37 Arts was also the birthplace of the Tony-winning musical In the Heights.

Fela! is produced by Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter, Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Ruth & Stephen Hendel, Roy Gabay, Edward Tyler Nahem, Slava Smolokowski, Chip Meyrelles/Ken Greiner, Steve Semlitz/Cathy Glazer, Daryl Roth/True Love Productions, Knitting Factory Entertainment and Susan Dietz. In association with Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson. Fela! won three 2010 Tony Awards: Best Costume Design, Best Sound Design and Best Choreography. Visit FelaonBroadway.com.

Jay-Z Kicks Off World Basketball Festival at Radio City Music Hall Thursday Night

By Yepoka Yeebo

MANHATTAN — NBA superstars Kevin Durant and Rajon Rondo will be hitting the streets of Manhattan this weekend as the World Basketball Festival takes the city by storm starting Thursday night. Jay-Z will be the opening act for the World Basketball Festival's exhibition game at Radio City Music Hall at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday.

The four-day festival will feature national teams from China, Puerto Rico, France and Brazil, as well as a U.S. national team filled with NBA superstars. Derek Rose, Danny Granger and Stephon Curry will also play for Team USA. The national teams will square off in Madison Square Garden after holding open-air scrimmage sessions on a hardwood court built specifically for the occasion in Harlem's Rucker Park.

The Rucker court will be the first to be donated to a community center as part of Nike's collaboration with the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development and the New York City Housing Authority. The groups plan to build new basketball courts and refurbish old ones at 25 community centers around the city. Nike also teamed up with Jay-Z to design a collection of sneakers called "Air Force Ones" to commemorate this year's festival. Five limited edition pairs will be auctioned off on eBay to raise money for Jay-Z's Shawn Carter Scholarship Foundation.

The U.S. team will use the festival get ready for the 2010 FIBA Basketball Championship games in Turkey at the end of August. “We're thrilled with the opportunity to bring the energy and excitement of USA Basketball's men's national team to fans and give them a way to celebrate," said Jerry Colangelo, chair of USA Basketball. Team USA will play France at Madison Square Garden at 1 p.m. on Sunday.

The World Basketball Festival, which runs from Aug. 12-15, will also sponsor championship games for summer basketball leagues citywide.

I Am Forever Young

Have you ever said to yourself that you want to be forever young??? Well age is nothing but a state of mind... I AM FOREVER YOUNG!!! Check out Jay-Z and Mr. Hudson video "Forever Young" the feeling that I am radiating in my life... young, sexy, and successful.




Live in Concert with Beyonce "Forever Young" at Coachella Arts and Music Festival 2010

I LOVE NY 19 of 28 Places to Visit

The Empire State Building

Photos courtesy of Kennected

The Empire State Building is a 102-story landmark Art Deco skyscraper in New York City at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and West 34th Street. Its name is derived from the nickname for the state of New York, The Empire State. It stood as the world's tallest building for more than forty years, from its completion in 1931 until construction of the World Trade Center's North Tower was completed in 1972. Following the destruction of the World Trade Center in 2001, the Empire State Building once again became the tallest building in New York City and New York State.

The Empire State Building has been named by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World. The building and its street floor interior are designated landmarks of the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission, and confirmed by the New York City Board of Estimate. It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1986. In 2007, it was ranked number one on the List of America's Favorite Architecture according to the AIA.

The Empire State Building is the third tallest skyscraper in the Americas (after the Willis Tower (formerly Sears Tower) and Trump International Hotel and Tower both in Chicago), and the 15th tallest in the world. It is also the fourth tallest freestanding structure in the Americas. The Empire State building is currently undergoing a $120 million renovation in an effort to transform the building into a more energy efficient and eco-friendly structure.

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness: " 'On To The Next One' in Music: JOYA BRAVO"

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness Wednesdays

spotlights Joya Bravo this week.

I titled the article "On to the next one" a new slogan coined by Jay-Z. As music progresses into this new age conglomeration where world music meets pop meets rock meets soul meets classical, A.A+W's artist of the week Joya Bravo's "eclectically chaotic, multi-dimensional, complex and beautifully crazy" style is very representative of this new age/new wave artistry that is definitely "On to the next one."

Singer/Songwriter/Rapper/Violinist, JOYA BRAVO is a New York native born in 1986 Queens, New York and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. Conceived by Jamaican parents, Bravo’s upbringing was conservative, but musically charged.

Bravo began playing the violin at age 9. Her success eventually earned her a chair in the Metropolitan Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra (a highly accredited youth ensemble in the southeast region). She has performed with Grammy Award Winners The Roots at the Highline Ballroom.

As an all around creative artist, this powerhouse talent has a clear message to share with the world. She seeks to spread ideals of self-realization, collaboration and positive progression to future generations of the world through her craft. Some of Joya Bravo’s lifetime musical inspirations include: Grace Jones, Serj Tankian (System of a Down), Radiohead, Sarah Brightman, Bob Marley and many other artists her abilities supersede.

And Bravo doesn't stop there! Bravo continues working tirelessly and passionately touring with her music and more recently completed recording, performing, and co-producing the new McDodonalds national television commercial campaign, 365 Black. The newly 365 Black McDonald's endorsed recording artist "Dollar Van Demo" national campaign commercial can now be seen on every local and cable channel. McDonald's idea behind 365 Black is "that African-American culture and achievement should be celebrated 365 days a year — not just during Black History Month...It's a place where you can learn more about education, employment, career advancement and entrepreneurship opportunities, and meet real people whose lives have been touched by McDonald's."

Bravo to Joya Bravo for being the moving face behind this wonderful campaign. We salute you and your music this A.A+Wednesday!!!

Want more Bravo follow the links below:

http://www.myspace.com/joyabravo

McDonald's TV Commercial 2010 w/ Joya Bravo also she co produce the song

http://www.365black.com/365black/assets/swf/mediaplayer.swf?width=400&height=300&allowfullscreen=true&autostart=true&file=../video/ads/breakfast-is-back.30.flv

Joya Bravo VIDEO interview at SOB's NY 2009

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAe-GPS7geI&feature=player_embedded

Joya Bravo LIVE show VIDEO PROMO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Po0X_3vY9YA&feature=player_embedded

Download the Joya Bravo music sampler

This project, entitled "Move in Day", is a sampler and a showcase of her eclectically chaotic, multi-dimensional, complex and beautifully crazy experiences of 2009.The songs were written with passion in times of joy, pain, love, war, longing and contentment. Real experiences invoke real emotions; this is what Joya Bravo wish to share with you.

"If you place your faith in your feet you can walk further than you've ever imagined to places you have never imagined."

Thank you and Go Be Great! Nice ta Meet Cha!

Love Joya Bravo

PS. Oh, and by the way...I play the violin!

http://www.zshare.net/download/7223814308a9f535/

Tune in next Wednesday for more

Arts.Advocacy+Wellness with Cornelius Jones Jr.

Stay connected with me:

www.corneliusjonesjr.com

FaceBook: Cornelius Jones Jr.

Twitter: CorneliusJonesJ

FaceBook Fan Page: FlagBoy Official Fan Page of the Actor

www.theblacktraveler.com

Forbes TOP 15 Wealthiest Black Americans

15 - Kenneth I. Chenault
Net worth: $125 million
Source of wealth: American Express
Residence: New Rochelle, NY.
Age: 57
Long Island native studied history at Bowdoin College; graduated magna cum laude. Later earned a law degree at Harvard. Brief stints as a lawyer and a consultant; joined American Express in 1981 as director of strategic planning. Impressed management by turning around Amex's struggling merchandise services unit, which directly sold items to cardholders. A slew of promotions followed: president of consumer card group in 1989, president of travel related services in 1993, vice chairman of the company in 1995. Became president and chief operating officer in 1997; chief executive and chairman in 2001.

14 - Kobe Bryant
Net worth: $140 million
Source of wealth: Basketball, endorsements
Residence: Newport Beach, Calif.
Age: 30
Son of former pro basketball player Joe "Jellybean" Bryant skipped college ball; jumped straight from high school to the NBA at age 17 in 1996. Drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers; parents had to co-sign contract. Now is one of the game's premier players; 11-time All-Star and league's 2008 MVP has won three world championships with the Lakers. Endorsement deals pad earnings. Nike launched Zoom Kobe IV earlier this year; company's "lightest basketball shoe ever."

13 - Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter
Net worth: $150 million
Source of wealth: Entertainment, investments
Residence: New York City
Age: 39
Born in the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood; nickname "Jazzy" evolved into "Jay-Z." Began career rhyming on a street corner. Has sold more than 25 million units and won seven Grammy Awards. Biggest hits include "Guilty Until Proven Innocent," "Hard Knock Life." Tied Elvis Presley for most number one albums by solo performer with release of American Gangster in 2007.

12 - Alphonse Fletcher, Jr.
Net worth: $150 million
Source of wealth: Investments
Residence: New York City
Age: 43
Father was a technician, mother was an elementary school principal. "Buddy" majored in applied math at Harvard University, enrolled in ROTC. Sought fortune on Wall Street while serving 10-year stint in Air Force reserves. Joined financial firm Kidder, Peabody. Personally generated $25 million in profits one year; firm allegedly refused to pay promised 25% trading commission.

11 - Ulysses Bridgeman, Jr.
Net worth: $200 million
Source of wealth: Restaurants
Residence: Louisville, Ky.
Age: 55
Former shooting guard for the Milwaukee Bucks turned his athletic grit into a sprawling fast food empire. Raised in East Chicago, Ind.; father was a steelworker. "Junior" was picked in first round of the 1975 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers; promptly traded to the Bucks with three others for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Went on to rack up 11,517 career points, franchise record for most games played. Retired 1987. Bought five Wendy's franchises to generate income while planning his next career. Today controls 161 Wendy's and 118 Chili's restaurants. Total payroll: 11,000 managers, cashiers and cooks. Sales of holding company Manna Inc. in 2008: $530 million. Sits on board of PGA. Also owns small stake in Milwaukee soda bottler Black Bear Beverages.

10 - Janice Bryant Howroyd & Family
Net worth: $250 million
Source of wealth: Staffing, investments
Residence: Palos Verdes, Calif.
Age: 56
Fourth of 11 children; father was a foreman at a dye factory, mother stayed home to raise the kids. Janice took job as an assistant at Billboard Magazine; left to start staffing firm Act-1 in 1978 with $967 in savings and $533 in loans from family. Built up client base via word of mouth, cold calls. Today the employment services agency generates annual revenues approaching $1 billion. Donated $10 million to her alma mater, North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University, in 2004; gave another $10 million to University of Southern California in 2005.

9 - Don King
Net worth: $290 million
Source of wealth: Boxing promotion
Residence: Manalapan, Fla.
Age: 77
"Only in America." Loud-talking, flag-waving King ascended from a troubled past in Cleveland to become the biggest promoter in boxing. Accused of killing two men; 1954 case ruled a justifiable homicide, 1966 case ruled manslaughter. Spent nearly four years in prison. Entered boxing business while doing fundraising work in 1972 for a struggling Cleveland hospital. Asked Muhammad Ali to attend charity event. Later convinced Ali and George Foreman to let him promote their 1974 heavyweight championship bout. The "Rumble in the Jungle" in Zaire is remembered as one of the greatest fights of all time. Biggest success: boxing badboy Mike Tyson.

8 - Berry Gordy, Jr.
Net worth: $325 million
Source of wealth: Motown, Jobete
Residence: Los Angeles
Age: 79
Music pioneer put away his boxing gloves for songwriting at age 20. Borrowed $800 from parents to build his own record label. Created Motown Records in Detroit. Wrote hit songs ("Lonely Teardrops," "I'll be Satisfied"), managed talent (Jackson 5, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, Lionel Richie, Stevie Wonder). Known for running Motown's record production like an assembly line, emulating Detroit's Big Three car companies; fought numerous lawsuits brought by recording artists and songwriters alleging unpaid royalties throughout career. Sold Motown Records in 1988 for $61 million; later sold Jobete Music Corp. in installments to EMI Music Publishing for more than $300 million combined. Hit movie Dreamgirls said to be loosely based on Motown; Paramount Pictures and Dreamworks issued an apology to Gordy in 2007 for any confusion the fictional story might have caused regarding Motown's legacy.

7 - Sheila Johnson
Net worth: $400 million
Source of wealth: BET, investments
Residence: The Plains, Va.
Age: 60
Doctor's daughter and violinist co-founded Black Entertainment Television with former husband Robert Johnson; couple met in college at University of Illinois. Duo sold network to Viacom for $3 billion in stock and assumed debt; split fortune in divorce in 2002 after 33-year marriage. Today she is chief executive of Salamander LLC, which controls a portfolio of luxury resorts. Through investment in Lincoln Holdings, owns stake in NHL's Washington Capitals, NBA's Washington Wizards, and WNBA's Washington Mystics. Johnson is the Mystics' president and managing partner.

6 - William Henry "Bill" Cosby, Jr.
Net worth: $450 million
Source of wealth: The Cosby Show, entertainment
Residence: Massachusetts
Age: 71
Legendary comedian born in Philadelphia. Left high school in 10th grade; finished via correspondence course while in the Navy. Broke a long-standing racial barrier when he was cast as an equal to a white actor on NBC's "I Spy" in the 1960s; role as Alexander Scott garnered him three Emmy Awards. Left TV for stand-up comedy. Returned to the small screen 1984; launched The Cosby Show on NBC, propelling the network to first place. Iconic show about an upper-middle-class black family living in New York has made him hundreds of millions in pay and syndication dollars. Best-selling book Fatherhood sold 4 million copies.

5 - Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr.
Net worth: $500 million
Source of wealth: Restaurants, real estate, investments
Residence: Beverly Hills, Calif.
Age: 49
Grew up in Lansing, Mich., with nine brothers and sisters. Father worked at General Motors plant; mother was school custodian. Played at Michigan State; won national championship in 1979 in one of many legendary matchups against Larry Bird. Led Los Angeles Lakers to five world championships; 13-year career in NBA included three MVP awards, 12 NBA All-Star games, a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Retired from NBA after announcing he had contracted HIV, became an entrepreneur. Introduced well-known brands to ethnically diverse neighborhoods via Magic Johnson Enterprises. Today has partnerships with Starbucks, 24 Hour Fitness, T.G.I. Fridays, AMC Theatres.

4 - Michael Jordan
Net worth: $525 million
Source of wealth: Basketball, Nike, endorsements
Residence: Chicago
Age: 46
Arguably the greatest basketball player ever. Led the NBA's Chicago Bulls to six world championships during the 1990s. Left basketball for stint as a minor league baseball player after third NBA championship in 1993; returned to the Bulls two years later. Retired again 1999; took ownership stake and executive job with the Washington Wizards. Returned to the court in 2001; signed 2-year contract with Wizards. Total points scored: 32,292, ranking him third all-time. Released Air Jordan basketball sneaker with Nike in 1984. The Jordan brand brings in hundreds of millions of dollars each year in sales for Nike; royalty checks from that provide the bulk of former star's income today. Other lucrative deals throughout career: Gatorade, Hanes, Upper Deck. Owns stake in Robert Johnson's Charlotte Bobcats; runs team's basketball operations. Son Jeffrey plays basketball at the University of Illinois, younger son Marcus recently signed letter of commitment to play for University of Central Florida next fall.

3 - Robert Johnson
Net worth: $550 million
Source of wealth: BET, investments
Residence: West Palm Beach, Fla.
Age: 63
Former billionaire's fortune has fallen from peak as recession hammered media and hotel markets. Founded cable channel Black Entertainment Television in 1979 with $15,000 of his own money and a $500,000 investment by cable king John Malone's Tele-Communications Inc. Became the first African-American billionaire in 2000 by selling BET to Viacom for $3 billion in stock and assumed debt. Former wife and BET co-founder, Sheila Johnson, took big chunk of fortune in 2002 divorce. Shares of Viacom down 50% since last May, CBS off 70%. Formed RLJ Companies: hotels, casino games, banks, NBA's Charlotte Bobcats. Pledged to raise $30 million investment fund for Liberia; opening of $8 million Kendeja Resort slated for early summer.

2 - Tiger Woods
Net worth: $600 million
Source of wealth: Golf, endorsements
Residence: Orlando, Fla.
Age: 33
Golf prodigy showed off his putting skills on The Mike Douglas Show at age 2, has dominated the links ever since. Left Stanford University after two years at age 20 in 1996 to turn pro. Has since won 66 PGA tournaments, including 14 major championships. Now hunting Jack Nicklaus' record of 18 major career wins. Named PGA Player of the Year nine times. Total career winnings: $84 million. Intensely marketable; annual on-course winnings represent less than 15% of his income. Lucrative sponsorship contracts from Nike, Gatorade, Gillette, Accenture, AT&T and others earn him at least $100 million each year. Returned to competitive golf in February after rehabbing knee injury for eight months. Dramatically won the Arnold Palmer Invitational by one shot a few weeks later. Rare comment in 1995 on his ethnic background: "The various media have portrayed me as African-American and Asian. I am both."

1 - Oprah Winfrey
Net worth: $2.7 billion
Source of wealth: Harpo Productions
Residence: Chicago
Age: 55
The Oprah brand continues to hold its value despite the recession, as viewers tune in for money-saving tips, celebrity interviews and relationship advice. Rural Mississippi native worked the television news circuit in Nashville, Tenn., and Baltimore, Md. Transformed faltering Chicago morning program into popular talk show. Launched The Oprah Winfrey Show nationally in 1986; now airs in 144 countries, brings in 44 million U.S. viewers each week. Her Harpo Productions helped create the Dr. Phil and Rachael Ray shows; Dr. Oz show due out this fall. Media matriarch planning to launch Oprah Winfrey Network early next year.