TLC’s Chilli to promote Dasani water

Chilli from the R&B group TLC is now pitching Coca Cola’s Dasani and Dasani Essence water brands to African American women.

African-American women are heavy purchasers of packaged waters and the new effort is about “invigorating women in a that allows her to escape her daily challenges,” said Yolanda White, assistant VP of African-American marketing.

Chilli, a 38-year-old single mom, represents this target audience, White said.  “She gives reassurance to moms that you can still be a great mom, take care of yourself and look beautiful.”

Common debuts new cologne and clothing line

Rapper and actor Common will work with Diesel to introduce the new men’s cologne, “Only the Brave,” reports Billboard.  The Chicago native will appear in print and TV ads and perform in select Diesel stores nationwide.

“Common perfectly represents the spirit and energy of ‘Only The Brave’ fragrance: passion, will and conviction,” Diesel president Renzo Rosso said in a statement. “He’s in control of his own destiny and has made his mark in all of his pursuits, creating changes through every effort and every medium.”

“I wanted to partner with Diesel because that’s really what I’m about too – to be an individual and an artist, it takes both bravery and courage,” Common said.

Common will also work with Microsoft to promote Softwear, a T-shirt line about the popularity of personal computers.  The T-shirts, which were designed by Common, are available in retail stores.

‘Kumar’ goes to the White House

Kal Penn, who starred as Kumar in the movie, “Harold and Kumar Go To White Castle,” is now part of the Obama administration.  Penn most recently had a recurring role on the FOX series, “House.”  There is no start date yet for his new job as associate director in the Office of Public Liaison.  Penn will connect President Obama with the Asian-American and Pacific-Islander communities plus the arts & entertainment groups.

‘Game’ may become an hourlong show

As the CW network moves away from half-hour comedy shows in its lineup, “The Game,” is trying to pitch itself as an hourlong dramedy, according to The Hollywood Reporter.  There is still some doubt whether the “Girlfriends” spinoff will be renewed for a fourth season.  The show has already been pushed to the low-rated Friday night.

Gladys Knight joins new Tyler Perry film

Gladys Knight and gospel singer Marvin Winans have joined the cast of Tyler Perry’s new film, “I Can Do Bad All By Myself.”  As reported earlier, Mary J. Blige and Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson were already cast in the movie set to be released Sept 11.

The movie follows the character Madea as she finds a 16-year-old girl and her brothers ransacking her house and sends them to live with their Aunt April, a nightclub singer played by Henson.  Knight plays Wilma, a neighborhood matriarch who sings at the Marshall Baptist Church where Madea hangs out. Knight, Winans and Blige will all sing in the film.

Wanda Sykes becomes late-night host

Comedian Wanda Sykes will host a Saturday late-night show this fall. The Fox hour long show will replace the cancelled comedy, “MadTV.”  The show will feature a panel of guests discussing popular topics as well as field segments. 

Sykes currently co-stars on the CBS series, “The New Adventures of Old Christine.”  The comedian is set to host the 2009 White House Correspondents Association Dinner.

Taye Diggs expecting first baby

Taye Diggs, 38, and his wife Idina Menzel, 37, are expecting their first baby later this year, reports People magazine.  The couple met while performing in the 1996 Broadway production of Rent and married in 2003.  Diggs currently costars on the ABC drama, “Private Practice.”