From his flawless mane to his singular name, it's clear that Elgin Charles is a man apart. The self-proclaimed "King of the Industry" and father of one is a gentleman and shrewd businessman who's just trying to make everything gorgeous on VH1's "Beverly Hills Fabulous" — and train his stylists up in the way they should go. ESSENCE.com chatted with Mr. Charles about being "Elginized," battling competition in Miami, and if he and ex-wife Jackee are really reuniting...

As if his looks aren't enough, rapper-actor Common understands the power of a woman. To that end, the hip-hop legend is hosting a Gala through his Common Ground foundation, which aims to help youth in under-served areas of Chicago and nationally, to celebrate women in excellence and leadership. The event will be held in Common's Windy City hometown and will honor Dr. Maya Angelou, actress Keke Palmer, business executive Dee Robinson Reid and "The View‚" host Sherri Shepherd. ESSENCE.com spoke with the handsome artist about his honorees and how his experiences have shaped his upcoming album, "The Dreamer The Believer..."

How do you celebrate the intentionally phenomenal life and accomplishments of Dr. Maya Angelou, one of the world's most celebrated humanitarians, poets and authors of our time? Well, with a party of course. Tomorrow, rapper and actor Common, alongside his community based organization, Common Ground Foundation, will host a gala in the Windy City to honor Dr. Maya Angelou and others for their drive, leadership and excellence. ESSENCE.com sat down with the always graceful matriarch to discuss Common, hip hop and why dinnertime is about more than just food...

Antonia "Toya" Carter spent most of her life looking for love. And it's pretty understandable why. Her parents chose their drug habit over raising her, shuffling her from relative-to-relative throughout her childhood. Some family members resented having to raise her and were more disgusted when she became pregnant at 14 with her daughter, Reginae, with ex-husband and Grammy-winning rapper Lil Wayne. Carter, 27, shares the highs and lows of her life in her new book, "Priceless Inspirations," due out on Friday. Fans of her now-defunct reality show "Tiny & Toya" can see her grace the small screen again on her new BET reality series, "Toya: A Family Affair" premiering tonight. Carter spoke with ESSENCE.com about her new reality show, her book and the importance of forgiveness and self-love...

Twenty-one-year-old Percy Romeo Miller may be the youngest contestant on "Dancing with the Stars" this season, but he's light years away from his lil' rapper days. The son of Master P was just 12 when his single "My Baby" hit the top of the charts. He has since released three studio albums, played basketball for USC, launched a clothing line, filmed a big Hollywood movie ("Jumping the Broom," due out May 6), and is now proving his mettle on the dance floor. We caught up with him on his way to a "DWTS" rehearsal, where he has been practicing "that crazy Paso Doble" with professional dance partner Chelsie Hightower...

Living fabulosity at its best; Kimora Lee Simmons knows a thing or two about style and ambiance. The tall glamazon will be adding a personal touch to one lucky classroom in America. Teaming up with Bounty's "We Love Our Schools" program, Simmons will provide a head to toe classroom makeover worth $50K. Fierce right?! Picture leopard rugs and furry backed chairs — well, maybe not so much but Kimora is working up something wicked for a lucky group of kids. Check out what she had to say about participating in the challenge, life after Baby Phat and her love for hubby Djmon...

LisaRaye is back in the saddle again (she really does ride horses). The stunning actress and former first lady of Turks and Caicos gives us a peep into her colorful life (it's not all white) on Season 2 of "LisaRaye: The Real McCoy," her reality series airing on TVOne.  Expect laughs, tears and even a little church. Through everything, LisaRaye keeps it real. She is after all, the real McCoy...

Platinum-selling gospel artists Trin-i-tee 5:7 might be down one member, but they're far from down and out. The former trio, which now consists of just Angel and Chanelle, is gearing up for their latest inspirational album, "Angel and Chanelle." Continuing to use transparency as a way to encourage, the ladies confess, "Whatever experiences you are going through, we are too. We're not exempt." Let the church say amen to that...