Buzz Exclusive: Brownstone's Nicci Gilbert On Rumors She Broke Up 'Real Housewives of ATL' Star's Marriage

Bravo's reality show 'Real Housewives of ATL' has been a drama-filled hit for the network.

If the on-screen catfighting between far-from-desperate 'Housewives' like NeNe Leakes, Kim Zolciak, Sheree Whitfield, Lisa Wu Hartwell and DeShawn Snow wasn't enough, the post-show fall-out and bickering seems to be never-ending.

Last week a report surfaced accusing R&B singer Nicci Gilbert, formerly of the R&B trio Brownstone, of being "the home-wrecker" who destroyed Sheree and retired NFL star Bob Whitfield's marriage.

The accusation infuriated the singer, who was previously signed to Michael Jackson's MJJ Records, and she spoke exclusively with the BV Buzz about the matter.

There's an internet report that claims you broke up Sheree and Bob's marriage. How did that make you feel?

At first it made me very angry! Especially knowing the truth and knowing that's the furthest thing from the truth. I like to pride myself in encouraging the exact opposite behavior actually. I know that blogs misconstrue things and people assume things because they see you with a certain person, so I surmised that this is just what it is and I will deal with it in a reasonable way. I just don't want it to end up being some mudslinging, negative he-say, she-say drama.

Bob Whitfield What is your relationship with Bob? Because you all did date at some point, correct?

Bob and I dated before Sheree and Bob were married. Bob and I were involved and it was a serious involvement. But when he got with her, his and my relationship was put on hold. Even our friendship was put on hold. When he discovered what the situation was with her, he reached out and I was there for him as a friend. A friend and only a friend! And I use the word "friend" meaning somebody being a confidant and nothing more. We were not involved in a relationship at all during that time.

So until this story surfaced last week, there had been no issues surrounding you and Sheree as it relates to Bob?

None whatsoever! We all know the truth about this situation and the truth is definitely that I'm not a home-wrecker under any circumstances. Sheree knows that, Bob knows, his mother knows that and all of our families know that. Anyone who was around and is aware of Bob and Sheree's marriage knows that. That was a blatant all and out false rumor and lie.

And you and Sheree have always been cordial?

Absolutely! Our families ha Sheree Whitfield ng out together. We have been cordial, which is why when she had the opportunity to clear up the rumor on [local Atlanta deejay] Ryan Cameron's radio show I was surprised that it didn't happen.

Is it true she wanted you to give vocal lessons to her kids on an episode of the show?

Yes, she did suggest that I give Kaleigh vocal lessons and we do that on camera. This was going to be for season two. And I want to be really careful with that because I don't want to bring the kids into this situation in a negative way. Bottom line is they having nothing to do with this. They are great kids and we have a great relationship.

Now that this bogus story is out there and Sheree didn't clear it up when she had a chance, how do you feel about her?

I've never had a problem with her. I'm very happy for her success. I think if done correctly, this could help her and Bob sort of heal some of those issues they have in respect to their personal stuff. Again, they were husband and wife, a marriage couple and that had nothing to do with me. Bob and I dated before Sheree. We were friends before Sheree so we're definitely going to be friends long after Sheree. Me being a home-wrecker is the polar opposite of what that situation was. That's pretty much it.

How does Bob feel about all of this?

There are some things being put out there about his character and him not being a great dad and all that other stuff. I can speak for him as a father to his children. He's awesome! There's the excuse of TV turning things around and all of that, but no matter what they try to depict he's a great dad. He's a really funny guy and whatever issues they have, they should work it out.

As an African-American woman now living in Atlanta yourself, what do you think about the show, 'Real Housewives of ATL?'

You have to be careful as African-American women. I think they have to be careful of what images they are putting out there. We're in a day where Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey are defining what it means to be a Black woman and be fly, successful and educated to the world. So all Black women need to be mindful that we should not be doing anything to taint those images. Not saying that they are, but I am just saying they need to be careful. I'm not here to tear them or any individual down, but there's a lot of stuff going on with that show that isn't necessarily reality.

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Nicci Gilbert's last solo CD, 'Grown Folks Music' was released in stores Japan and is available on iTunes in the U.S.

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VIDEO: Watch Nicci Gilbert Perform The Brownstone Classic 'Grapevine' in Japan.

Black Music Notes Mar. 19

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3/19/09: Kanye West / The Dream
Seven years ago this month, music heavyweights R. Kelly and Jay-Z released their highly anticipated collaborative album 'The Best of Both Worlds.' Now it appears Kanye West and The Dream are vying to work on a similar project. "Everybody is trying to talk us into it," Dream told 'MTV News' of his and West's friends and business associates. "It was first thought of by me. I was in Miami at the time, and I gave Kanye a call and said, 'The best thing would be for me and you to do an album.'... Let's take the best of both worlds and put it on a CD and try to make something we can sell to the consumers. He says he's with it. We're gonna try to make it happen." For now, you can catch Kanye on Dream's potential third single 'Walking on the Moon,' which is featured on his newly released album 'Love vs. Money.'

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3/19/09: The Miracles
Legendary Motown group The Miracles is the latest musical act to receive a Hollywood star on the world-renowned Walk of Fame. The 'Ooo Baby, Baby' singers were presented with the 2,381st star on March 20 by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, President and CEO Leron Gubler. Motown founder Berry Gordy and Stevie Wonder were also on hand as guest speakers for the ceremony.

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3/19/09: Chester Gregory
After several years of blowing audiences away on the 'Great White Way,' Broadway Star and R&B soul recording artist Chester Gregory is preparing the release of his debut album 'In Search of High Love.' The March 31 release finds the multitalented singer introducing himself as a thoughtful and sensitive songwriter blessed with a voice that captivates and demands attention. "While I've thoroughly enjoyed performing on Broadway -- eight shows a week and telling other people's amazing stories -- now it's time for me to share my own," explained Gregory. Highlights of 'In Search of High Love' include the poetic 'Clouds to the Ground,' the crossover-bound 'Say it's Over' and Jackie Wilson's soaring 1967 chart-topper 'Higher and Higher.'

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3/19/09: Sammy Davis Jr.
Altovise Davis, the widow of Rat Pack member Sammy Davis Jr. , recently died at the age of 65. Two days prior to her death, she was admitted to Los Angeles'Cedars-Sinai Medical Center after suffering a stroke. The couple, who met in 1967 on the set of the musical 'Golden Boy,' married in 1970 and remained together until Davis' untimely death of throat cancer in 1990.

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3/19/09: Earth, Wind & Fire
Iconic Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group Earth, Wind & Fire is set to hit the road this summer for a 30-city tour beginning June 5 in Orange Beach, AL. In addition to Maurice White and company gracing the stage will be pop-rock band Chicago, which will perform a full show before joining for a final set together, according to Billboard. The tour will conclude on Aug. 1 in Lake Tahoe, NV.

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3/19/09: Kim Burrell
Gospel vocalist Kim Burrell is on deck to release her first new album in nine years titled 'No Ways Tired.' The project's title is inspired by gospel pioneer James Cleveland's classic of the same name. In addition to covering Cleveland's hit, Burrell also tapped other timeless classics including 'My Faith Looks Up to Thee,' 'What a Friend We Have in Jesus,' 'O Lamb of God,' and 'I Surrender All.' There are also a few originals. 'No Ways Tired' is set to hit stores April 7 via Shanachie Records.

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3/19/09: Mike Jones
Despite being on hiatus since the release of his debut album 'Who Is Mike Jones?' Houston's own Mike Jones is ready to make his mark on the charts once again with the release of 'The Voice.' Jones' sophomore effort is packed with some of the industry's most talented artist including, Lil' Wayne, T-Pain, Devin the Dude, Hurricane Chris and Twista. He's had recent success with his latest single 'Next To You,' which is currently number 16 on Radio and Records Rhythmic charts. "For the past four years, I have been doing a lot of restructuring, getting this record right, making sure my business is right and more," Jones said of his hiatus. "Now, I am ready to finish what I started. I'm hoping my fans will feel 'The Voice' was worth the wait." Mike Jones 'The Voice' is due in stores April 28.

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3/19/09: Prince
With the recent announcement that Michael Jackson will return to the stage this summer, another influential artist is also planning to make his return. Beginning March 25, Prince will be performing on the 'Tonight Show with Jay Leno' for three consecutive nights. In addition, the 'Little Red Corvette' singer is also readying the Mar. 29 release of his two new albums 'LOtUSFLOW3R' and 'MPLSoUND.' Prince is the latest artist to promote a release through multiple late-night talk show performances. U2 also recently performed five nights in a row on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' in support of its new album 'No Line on the Horizon.'

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