There comes a point in relationships where you’re ready to get serious with the one you call your boo. You’ve already gotten past the overnight phase and now you’re debating how it would be cohabiting in the same space. Beyond packing a for-one-night bag, having a drawer and keeping a toothbrush next to his, sharing a lease is the ultimate test many couples take in order to make things more concrete in a relationship. Living with your partner will require adjustments to your daily lifestyle, habits and privacy. Are you ready for that?

Like anything you do in life, there are pros and cons that must be weighed. Here are some things to consider…

Pros

1. Where Them Dollars At: It’s no secret that the economy isn’t thriving or booming. We’re all looking for ways to save a dollar or two. At least, I know I am. Moving in together is the smartest financial move a couple could make. Saving money on rent, utilities and food is beneficial for both parties. Everything can be split right down the middle causing you to have a little extra money for date nights and private trips.
2. Same Stuff, Just A Different Day: You can learn more about one another’s daily routine. You can see what your partner does when he wakes up in the morning and what he has to do before heading to sleep. Many times in relationships, we try our best not to expose our bad habits. Finally, he will get a chance to see what it really takes for you to get ready as well.
3. Let’s Get Married… Wait: Hopefully, you don’t plan to move in with everyone you’re in a relationship with. Moving in together should be a precursor to what married life would be like. This could be a time to test your relationship to see if you two can actually make it work occupying the same space.

Cons

1. No More Privacy: When you decide to move in together, you decide to lose all of your privacy. Your life will become an open book that is easily accessible to your partner.
2. Baby, Do You Miss Me?: It is actually hard to miss someone when you go to sleep and wake up next to them every day. Absence makes the heart grow fonder in any relationship. Having that downtime to yourself really makes you realize what you have and when you finally get to see your partner, you can truly attest to missing them.
3. Breaking Dishes: If you’re around your partner all the time, chances are that arguments will begin to happen. It is natural for couples to argue or disagree. So he’ll forget to let the toilet seat down or he’ll hate when you leave all your products on the counter over and over again. Even though all arguments aren’t going to be healthy, the small things will really begin to add wear and tear on your relationship. If you’re fighting as much as you take out the trash, living together will just send the relationship into early retirement.

Ultimately, it is up to both parties to decide if they’re both ready to make this commitment. There is no set formula when it comes to dating. Sometimes experimentation is the best way to learn more about each other. When you notice your relationship shifting, take control. It’s hard to predict the outcome of such a decision like moving in together so make sure everyone is on the same page. Even though finances tend to be the primary reason couples decide to move in together, please don’t make the mistake of saving a few dollars monthly the demise of your relationship. It is important to follow your instincts and pay attention to every little sign upfront.

When it comes to entertainment, we all know Beyoncé Knowles-Carter does it best. We can sit here and deny her talents and bicker whether she’s “iconic” or original, but one thing this Grammy Award-winner knows how to do is entertain. She has definitely been one of the most consistent artists of our generation, putting out quality work.

After years and years of pregnancy rumors, King Bey finally confirmed she was pregnant during this year’s MTV Video Music Awards. Prior to her announcement at the awards show, the 29-year-old songstress was no stranger to having suspected buns in her oven. During her three-year marriage to rapper and mogul Jay-Z, Beyoncé has battled these rumors, what seems like, everyday. With Beyoncé on the brink of a motherhood hiatus and dabbling in other business (The Parkwood Group), here are four artists who could potentially take B’s throne.

Kelly Rowland
With her promotions kicked in heavy gear after her latest album Here I Am dropped, it seems like people are really taking a liking to Miss Kelly. She’s been rocking in the same Beyoncé camp since Destiny’s Child days, so she has the opportunity to tap some of the same resources and connections. Kelly Rowland always manages to give good fashion and personality, which is something our Queen B could perfect. If Kelly Rowland can get with the right people, she can actually become the bigger star we all hope for.

Adele
Let’s face the facts: Adele owns the charts and radio waves. She has crossed over The Pond to the United States, garnering a lot of fans and support. With the Grammys coming up soon, I can assure you she will own those too. Without even the gaudy glitter and sequin leotards, Adele manages to capture our hearts. Like Beyoncé, Adele can have you running around the house trying to figure out ways to murder your ex or looking for the nearest razor blade. She is definitely the anti-thesis to Beyoncé, offering soul stirring work but in a different light, often very dark and morbid.

Rihanna
If we’re honest, Rihanna is on top of her game and has been for a while. Even without the vocal strength, she still seems to manage to rack in several number one hits (hi, Michael Jackson). Not to mention that her fans, the #RihannaNavy, go extremely hard for her. With her Roc Nation money, promotions are never-ending and she’s able to change her look every year when she releases a new album. Like Beyoncé, Rihanna over-saturates the market and with the missing Queen, she can definitely go harder!

Nicki Minaj
Nicki Minaj, Harajuku Barbie, Nicki The Ninja, Roman Zolanski or whoever she claims to be today has become a household name. With her illustrious, over-the-top fashions and quirky rap flow, Minaj is definitely playing in the big leagues now. Even Lil Kim can’t get enough of her, with constant disses sparsely coming out every other month. Minaj looks good on paper, cashing in on hot singles, collaborations and number one hits. She really is a true meaning of an artist because she does it all. If Nicki Minaj can believe that she is all those people and more, somehow we have to believe in her. This could definitely be her moment!

As Beyoncé enters her final months of pregnancy, these artists and others aspiring really don’t have much time. I’m sure once the baby drops, she’ll be announcing a world tour, and by then, ladies and gentlemen, it’ll be too late. Keep watching the throne.

Recent reports state that members of Jackson’s estate are horrified that the 2004 American Idol winner has become pregnant by a married man as she prepares to play the Queen of Gospel in the biographical film Mahalia!

“The family thinks if Fantasia plays the role, it’s going to sully the name of Mahalia,” executive producer Adrian Taylor told the NY Post. “They think she’s got the wrong image, having a child out of wedlock.”

Amidst the drama surrounding Barrino and her alleged boyfriend Antwaun Cook, production has been pushed further back because of the unexpected pregnancy. A few months ago the impulsive announcement came as the songstress was performing for an apartment opening in Jacksonville, Florida.

Not only are estate members disappointed but so are producers. Producers claim that Fantasia did not inform them about her pregnancy until she was about four months along. Producers of the film thought Fantasia was just putting on a few extra pounds preparing for her role.

Barrino’s pregnancy has had nothing but a negative effect on producing the film. With Fantasia’s due date not until the end of the year, the movie which was set to be finished by fall 2012 has no set begin date. Producers are willing to work with Barrino if she agrees to promptly begin filming in January. In the meantime, producers are currently looking to cast someone else in the role if Barrino cannot oblige to her contract.

After much speculation, doubting and internet innuendos, reports have been circulating online about the current state of songstress and weight loss show pony Jennifer Hudson’s relationship to her fiancé David Otunga, best known for his participation in the hit VH1 reality show I Love New York. Since their engagement in 2008, the couple already has a handsome two-year son. Also over the past years, Hudson has conquered many milestones in her career such as Oscar and Grammy wins and even a huge endorsement from Weight Watchers. (You’ve seen the commercials.) People are wondering where — and when–is the wedding. Unfortunately, there is a prenuptial agreement holding up the process. According to sources, the WWE wrestler’s refusal to sign a pre-nup is causing a delay in the wedding. Would you blame him?

Call me old-fashioned, but when I hear the word pre-nup, I quickly think about adding insurance to a marriage. Some people refer to this as “protecting your investment,” but I know if I were ever asked to sign one, I wouldn’t. I understand about being secure financially but something about restricting assets and setting boundaries before entering holy matrimony does not sit right with me. It seems like your money is more important to you than our love. Are we planning to spend the rest of our lives together or planning our divorce in a few years?

Hopefully our “ultimate merger” is not just bound by financial agreements. Yes, any successful marriage requires both parties to make investments emotionally, spiritually and fiscally. So if we’re making this commitment, I just hope we are going to ensure (or “insure”) my emotional and spiritual being after the divorce.

With the changing economy, women are now bringing more to the table, so they’re taking control of the situation and asking men to sign pre-nups. Like Hudson and Otunga, Hollywood couples face a different beast, but marriage rules should apply to all across the board. If you love someone, love them at all costs–with costs being the common denominator.

Everyone is not out to swindle you for your money. Hopefully, over the years you can tell if someone genuinely loves you or not. It’s difficult to paint all relationships with the same brush or color. There is no special technique when it comes to finding the perfect mate. But we all know that the ultimate goal of marriage is for two people to live happily ever after. Even though ever after might sound like a far off place bind by legalese and treaties, marriage is a risk you have to be willing to take.

So what do you think about prenuptial agreements? Would you sign one?

With the Young Money artist being in such high-demand, it was no surprise seeing her blazing the streets for Mercedes Benz Fashion week. At the height of fashion’s biggest night out, the blogs were abuzz with photographs of Minaj’s Asian inspired mod look. As Yves St. Laurent’s guest of honor, she caused a huge ruckus. A few days later a few flicks surfaced of her sitting front row alongside fashion goddess and VOGUE magazine editor Anna Wintour. Even seeing pass the awkwardness of the two, I begin to think that Nicki Minaj is really a muse for leading fashion houses, editors and fashionistas alike. Perhaps her forced outrageous style is paying off giving her that ‘moment of life’ she alluded to.

Recently, a few tweets surfaced from leading industry brands criticizing her look at the Prabal Gurung 2012 Runway show. During the show, Minaj sported some patterned leggings, a layered laced tutu, a hot pink pretzel necklace and an oversized pink bow. Elle UK tweeted, “We thought it was Gaga at Prabal, it was Nicki Minaj. Pink hair confusion #nyfw.” While the New York Times Editor, Eric Wilson also tweeted about her appearance saying, “Nicki Minaj on her clown/ballerina ensemble at Prabal: “Some stuff I threw together.”

After hearing those atypical comments, I was shocked because Nicki Minaj has been well received in the fashion industry. Everyone seems to be in love with her ability to take on imaginative and fashion-forward looks. Since her creation, she has graced the covers of international high fashion magazines such as Glamour, Elle and V Magazine. She’s been seen rocking everything from YSL, Dolce & Gabbana, Tom Ford, Christian Louboutin and Giuseppe Zanotti– to name a few.

Outside creating a frenzy, Nicki Minaj’s look has no thesis. Whatever happened to effortless style? Has that era died and went on? Apparently so because majority of our favorite entertainers have created alter egos or characters contradictory to their lifestyle off camera. The music business is a billion dollar industry built around faux characters and personalities. With en vogue individuals dominating the industry like Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Katy Perry and the late Sasha Fierce, music executives know the power of marketing. Not only know the power but also know the type of revenue an artist like Nicki Minaj can bring in. Her team realizes she has to compete to stay afloat or at least in the top 10 on the Billboard charts.

Hopefully Nicki Minaj gets the opportunity to find and perfect her fashion sense. I’m praying she has nothing to do with this “edgy” looks. Nicki Minaj is at the beginning of her career and clearly it shows this week at fashion week. She is seeking attention. She is desperately trying to find that “wow” factor while chasing that industry dollar. I would never knock anyone’s hustle. Nowadays, talent is simply not enough for people to stay relevant. At the end of the day– creative or clown– she’s taking off her clown clothes and cashing in at the bank, again at what cost.

I appreciate personal style and individuality but once you get to a point where it appears you’re crying for attention or a walking circus act, the act needs to stop. Show over. Curtain closed. Fin. Send out the clowns!

As if anything in the history of reality TV could come as a shocker, reality show star Evelyn Lozada claims she is calling it quits with Basketball Wives. Recently she took to Twitter to announce her exit:

“Just wanted to say that I won’t be on Twitter for a while. Going 2 possibly delete my account & I won’t be signing on 2 do anymore shows.”

If we’re being honest, Evelyn has been a pinnacle point for the show since its beginning. Her apt catch phrases, notable facial expressions and high school “Mean Girl” drama are some reasons people actually tune into the show every Monday. Even if you don’t want to admit it, you’re checking for her.

There are many reasons that might compel Evelyn to throw in the towel. From her current beef with Mo and Kita calling her a disrespectful “non-motherf—in’ factor” or just riding her 15 minutes of fame outside of the show, here are a few reasons we suspect that would drive Evelyn Lozada to quit:

Family First, Boo Boo
Perhaps Evelyn has actually decided to focus more energy on her family versus heading on VH1 sponsored excursions with her circle. With her daughter heading off to college and Chad’s sperm sitting in a freezer somewhere, family would be a great place for her to spend time. She might want to concentrate on planning a real wedding for her fiancé Chad Ochocinco. That way, she can get that ‘wifey’ status back.

“When You Care Enough To Send The Very Best”
Hallmark Cards would be a great place for Evelyn to take her witty talents. No matter what this woman says, everyone latches on to it. There are a million images and t-shirts dedicated to her catchy one-liners. With the holiday season quickly approaching, Hallmark probably reached out to her for some assistance. Tis’ the season.

Can’t Take No More
Evelyn notices the franchise is quickly failing. There are only so many seasons we can take of the same women throwing the same glasses of Moscato water and rocking the same gaudy hoop earrings. With the latest installment of Basketball Wives: LA and drama surrounding the producer Shaunie O’Neal, Evelyn should jump ship before it actually sinks. The proof is definitely in the ratings with viewership down season after season.

Keep It Cute Or Put It On Mute
Speaking of Shaunie, she recently mentioned she wanted shed light on more positive things the ladies are doing outside of constructively criticizing cast mate Royce Reed. Maybe Evelyn knows she doesn’t have much footage to give…

Who Wears These Shoes
Wait, doesn’t she have her own business? However when we actually get to see her Dulce Shoe Boutique in Miami’s posh Coral Gables area, the store is always empty. Always. Maybe she’s going to expand her business and obtain some clients. Those shoes cannot sell themselves.

When it’s all said and done, and contracts are revisited, I’m positive we’ll be seeing Evelyn joining her fellow Miami cast mates for season 4. Even though we can come up with a million reasons why she would want to leave, at the end of the day, a check is still a check.

For Gloria Govan, returning to the Basketball Wives was no problem, especially with the show centered around her.

During the first season of Basketball Wives, we were introduced to Govan amidst the drama surrounding her relationship with her fiancé Matt Barnes and her former Miami cast mates. After relocating to Los Angeles and surviving her first season playing for the NBA’s most recognizable team, she’s keeping busy — both as a mom to her adorable twins and taking on new challenges as a wife and businesswoman staring in Basketball Wives: L.A.

Govan sits down with VIBE Vixen to discuss her role in the new season, starting her own entrepreneurial projects, HeadBanger Accessories and if her and Shaunie plan to mend fences.

VIBE Vixen: Everyone wants to know, what brought you back to the Basketball Wives franchise?
Gloria Govan: When Matt [Barnes] got traded to the Lakers, the production company [Shed Media of Basketball Wives] asked me if there was a group of girls I would be interested in doing a spin-off with. I knew I had the opportunity to bring in the girls I liked and knew it would be awesome for the show. That’s when I came back and thought this was going to be a good opportunity for me. I wasn’t going to be the target; it was going to be with girls I actually liked.

How do you think the show will differ from the original Basketball Wives?
Majority of the women are with basketball players. We have a variety of different relationships. I’m excited to see that part of the relationships and dynamics. We have drama, and we’ve had a couple of confrontations, but, ultimately, we sat down and handled it. We just don’t keep throwing drinks at each other every time we meet.

How are the ties being mended with Shaunie O’Neal?
Shaunie and I are in the same thought that there is no relationship there. Neither one of us are interested in reconciling or moving forward together. When we see each other we are definitely cordial; we definitely stay out of each other’s way.

Who are some of the members you see yourself having a difficult time getting along with?
I think there are a couple of women that I wouldn’t say I don’t get a long with, but we just don’t see eye-to-eye. There are a couple girls, but at one part we all get along. Then there comes the natural drama. I really can’t say too much. [Laughs]

Who is the one cast mate besides your sister that you have truly felt a connection with?
Jackie [Christie] and Imani [Showalter] have been in the game, and we share some of the same connections. Jackie has been in the game for so long. Her and Doug remind me of Matt and I so much. They’ve been there, done that and have had a rollercoaster relationship. I would definitely say Jackie. She’s someone I can always go to and she’s always there to give me advice.

Hopefully this won’t be a spoiler, but will we ever see how your relationship advances with Matt this season?
People are going to get to see where Matt and I are coming from. You really get to see a different side of our relationship, and I’m excited about that.

Has Matt’s opinion changed about you continuing to be apart of the Basketball Wives franchise?
Yes, definitely. The first season he definitely wasn’t very happy with what was going down. Since we had the opportunity to pitch the girls involved in show, he really likes and respects the girls. We’ve been excited to participate in this show. His opinion and attitude has change.

Being familiar with the charity work and also your new accessories line, will we get to see a more entrepreneurial side of you?
You really get to see the 3-D version of our relationship. Not only you get to see Matt doing things like counseling, you also get to see us as parents and entrepreneurs.

How long did it take for you to get adjusted to watching yourself on television?
[Laughs] It took me a long time actually. I still have trouble. It’s hard because you look at yourself and say, ‘Oh my God, I sound that way!’ It’s something I’m still working on. I try not to watch as much, but I am finding it a little easier.

Don’t forget to check out Gloria and her cast mates in the season premiere of Basketball Wives L.A. on VH1, Monday, Aug. 29 at 8 PM ET/PT.

After years and years of pregnancy rumors, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter confirmed she was pregnant during the 2011 Video Music Awards in Los Angeles, Sunday. Once she hit the red carpet in her one-shoulder Grecian ‘forgiving’ inspired gown, she began to strike various poses highlighting her baby bump, insinuating that something was finally there. However, the flaunting of ‘Baby Carter’ did not stop there. During her live-performance of “Love On Top” she exclaimed, “I want you to feel the love that’s growing inside of me.” Could Beyoncé finally be pregnant?

The 29-year-old songstress is no stranger to having suspected buns in her oven. During her three-year marriage to rapper and mogul Jay-Z, Beyoncé has battled these rumors and more. Besides the faux production of sex tapes, celebrities deal with endless pregnancy rumors and the possibility of a love child.

Although she remains under much scrutiny, Beyoncé holds her finances and family in high regards. She is rarely featured in the media because of something she has said, so in return, many times, the superfluous attacks stem from what others say about her. We are very familiar with the Knowles-Carter clan, and timing is everything, especially when you dominate the industry. With pregnancy being a very intimate topic, why would she even go to the extremes of announcing her pregnancy during an awards show?

For the majority of us – or those who would freely admit – there is a strong connection to celebrity pregnancy within pop culture and our everyday life. We care. Someone new in the media is penned as being pregnant daily. The appeal with celebrity pregnancy and motherhood has become increasing popular with networks cashing in on these stories. Emerging shows like Teen Mom, The Secret Life of the American Teenager, and even the new reality series Tia & Tamera convey the importance of marriage and pregnancy being constantly discussed. Pop culture has a major influence on the way we decide to pattern our lives.

Does Beyoncé represent every woman? No. But is she a role model to many? Of course.

There is a strong connection between celebrities and pregnancy that is not always positive. Besides singer Mariah Carey, recently, women entertainers have battled issues like infidelity and conceiving children out of wedlock. Even Brandy has tried to cover her pregnancy up with an allegedly fake marriage. Let’s not forget our other beloved artists like Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, Jennifer Hudson and Monica conceiving children out of wedlock. Even though we might not agree on the way Beyoncé has handled her professional matters, she is definitely handling her personal life with much integrity that should be commended.

Women entertainers have a tough social responsibility.  They must properly balance the tenacity to enter a male dominated industry with the way they are perceived. While we should not judge women by the way they conceive children, marriage does not negate the possibility of producing offspring — planned or not. Everyday we are inundated by relationship books, corporate-bought-out magazines, blogs, and casual conversations highlighting parenting dynamics and challenges households face today in society. We so are quick to holler that the traditional family structure is dying; however, when a positive example transpires like Beyoncé being pregnant with her husband, we try to quickly discredit it.

We should care about Beyoncé being pregnant. Besides praying for strong maternal genes, it is definitely refreshing to see someone in the spotlight doing things traditionally.

It is hard to believe it has been 10 years since the death of songstress, actor and dancer Aaliyah Haughton. Even though she is no longer with us on earth, her memorable spirit is still something many fans adore and miss. With her girl-next-door charm and unforgettable signature quirks like the soft swoop bang over her eye, she was definitely a leading artist reigniting the charge for women in R&B.

The rising R&B singer-turned-actor was killed in a random plane crash in August 2001 after finishing the music video for her single “Rock the Boat.” At the time of her death, the “Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number” singer had just released her third studio album Aaliyah. Not to mention, buzz was generating around her latest appearance in the movie Queen Of The Damned. She was also rumored to be in talks of being casted in an updated version of the 1976 girl-group film Sparkle and various other projects. Recently, BET announced a special tribute honoring Aaliyah that will be held later today on BET at 8:00 p.m.

In honor of the late Baby Girl, here are some of her best videos:

“More Than A Woman”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oAeoOcpUS4

“Are You That Somebody”

http://youtu.be/GuWMW7hVdTs

“Four Page Letter”

http://youtu.be/ErMSF2YUiO0

“Up Jumps The Boogie” Timbaland & Magoo featuring Aaliyah and Missy Elliot

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8cFOm6VdpY

 “One In A Million”

http://youtu.be/_B0_RW5oSI4

“Hot Like Fire”

http://youtu.be/3U9X_2ky4-Y

Drew-Shane Daniels is a Philadelphia based writer who offers his two cents on pop culture, lifestyle, sexuality and entertainment. His work has been featured on Global Grind, Soul Train and Clutch Magazine. You can also follow him on Twitter @drewshane.