9/27/2008

Fashion WTF:Camoflauge Prom

I see that "we" are not the only ones to dress our children up in Auntie Rita's fashions for prom. The pink-toes do this crap too!

But what's so bad is that this is in New Orleans. I knew they had no fashion sense down there but good googally moogally!!! The camoflauge that you wear for hunting??? To prom??? Geez dude... what does your dad Bubba and your mom Lurline have to say about this look right here?

Techy Talk: Fingerfood

It should never be a shock to anyone why our country is probably the fattest on the face of the Earth. Technology has made it easier and easier for us to just keep sitting on our asses and gaining weight. From not having to get up to turn the t.v. anymore, to not having to slave over a stove all day with the use of microwaves, to not having to walk to the corner store when your house phone ain't on to use to pay phone! WE ARE LAZY! Now a designer by the name of Ken Goldman instroduces us to something to make our time at a dinner party a little less hectic when trying to balance your food in one hand and your drink in the other. FINGERFOOD! Most of us have been to parties and enjoyed the conversation, atmosphere and most of all the cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. Yet the difficulty in trying to be social while carrying a plate of food and a glass of wine in your hand is quite difficult and sometimes next to impossible. Ken Goldman’s design, Fingerfood is the answer to those who are not naturally born multi-taskers. Shaped like little plates, Fingerfood slides onto your finger like a ring, allowing for perfect balance and control. Each package of Fingerfood contains ten plates which are sized “one size fits most”.

9/26/2008

Jam Master Jay Slaying On Americas Most Wanted

Just as the authorities have yet to fine the murderers of Tupac and Biggie, the case is the same with hip hop legend Jam Master Jay from Run-DMC. There has been more pressure on the ones who are guilty of this crime, especially now that America's Most Wanted will be getting involved.

AMW is set to feature the unsolved murder of Jay during an upcoming episode. Jay was gunned down on in October of 02 inside his recording studio located in his hometown of Hollis Queens.

It just baffles me how the murder of someone so prominent in the hip hop community and an icon in that same arena, can go unsolved for so long. Especially with the fact that when the murder took place... there was six... yes folks... six people present in the the dag on studio. You know... ya'll dudes and some of you females kill me with this no snitching crap! If this was your brother or your father would you snitch then? So what's the damn difference! But you steady want to holla "Oh...that was my boy", "I'd die for that dude". Get outta here! But you won't bring the people who did this to your "boy" to justice?

Those present in the studio included associates of Jam Master Jay: Uriel “Pretty Tony” Rincon, Mike B., Jay’s assistant Lydia Allen High and her brother Randy Allen. While Jam Master Jay was sitting on a couch in the recording studio, two unknown assailants entered the recording studio and shot Jam Master Jay once in the back of the head. Rincon was also shot in the leg by a stray bullet, but was not seriously wounded.

After the shooting, a number of suspects emerged - mostly Jay’s close friends in the studio who witnessed the murder - yet no one has ever been charged for one of the music industry’s most heinous crimes. Even police detectives with the 103rd Police Precinct in Queens, as well as Jam Master Jay’s own mother have pointed to Jay’s inner circle as stonewalling the investigation. Those present that evening all say that they had anything to do with it. One person of interest officially emerged in the murder by the name of Tinard Washington, a child hood friend of Jam Master Jay, who was also implicated in the murder of Randy “Stretch” Walker. Walker, who was present when Tupac Shakur was shot inside of the Quad Recording Studios, was machine gunned to death on a Queens street, after a high speed car chase.

Washington, who was also a childhood friend of Jam Master Jay, was implicated in the murders by unnamed witnesses. He has previously denied his involvement in the murder of Jam Master Jay.

Jam Master Jay’s segment on America’s Most Wanted is currently in pre-production.

Jay Z Sued For "I Will Not Lose" Campaign

Jay-Z and Iconix Brand Group, owner of Rocawear Clothing, are being sued in federal court on copyright infringement charges.

The case was filed last Thursday (September 18) in Georgia Northern District Court by I Will Not Lose, LLC, a company claiming that Iconix Brand Group and Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, adopted the exact same “I Will Not Lose” trademark.

Last March, Jay-Z sold the rights for Rocawear to Iconix Brand Group for $204 million.

Despite this, Carter is also named in the suit as it is believed by the plaintiff that he continues to oversee the product development, licensing, and marketing of Rocawear.

Last year, Rocawear launched an international “I Will Not Lose Campaign,” (www.iwillnotlose.org) where stars such as Chris Brown and Ciara gave accounts of how they overcame personal challenges before reciting the trademarked phrase “I Will Not Lose.”

I Will Not Lose, LLC (www.iwillnotlose.net) CEO Reggie Tucker alleges in the lawsuit that his company trademarked the brand first and were subsequently ignored throughout 2007 after attempts were made to settle the matter out of court.

The plaintiff is seeking an undisclosed amount of damages for the dilution of their trademark.

50 Cent Claims Jay Z Not Famous Until April 4!

I know I know... ya'll are just as tired of hearing about 50 Cent as I am, but... dude just won't shut the *uck up!!!

If I didn't know any better, I'd have to say that after I heard this comment, I could definitively say that dude has been under a damn rock! Ok... well maybe not under a rock, but I'm sure his uber inflatted ego was the reason for his recent ramblings to MTV.com.

The Get Rich or Die Trying star has just made the outrageous claim that rap rival Jay Z wasn't all that famous until he married Beyoncé! Yes... you heard me right! Dude really thinks that Jay, one of the most famous rappers in the world, has only been a celebrity since April, despite the fact he had his first international hit in 1998.

"I'm a big fan of Jay-Z," 50 told MTV.com, "but outside of the States and hip-hop circles, no one really knew who he was until he married." Are you serious Fif? Surely some of the people who bought 50 million+ of Jay's records outside of the US must know who he is. But he might be a little closer to the mark on this one. 50 Cent also argued that the entrepreneur doesn't have $1 billion in the bank, despite several reports that he does."I don't believe he's worth that much!," he told the site. " It's all been exaggerated. I'm comfortable. I don't want for anything so I'm not in a race."

Whatever helps you sleep at night buddy!

Sean Kingston Get's Got!

Sean Kingston needs to take his money out of his sisters behind for this one. Apparently Sean needed to get this very expensive piece of jewelery from L.A to NY like ASAP. When he asked his sister to FedEx the $500,000 piece overnight... she did what any loving sister would do. She did it! But what she didn't do was use her dag on head when she insured the blinged out piece. Instead of insuring it for what it's worth, she insured the chain for only $500. A few 0's short ain't it? Maybe that's how much it's really worth??? Or maybe she was supposed to insure for the right amount but pocketed the rest??? I'm just throwing some things out there!

Anyways, so the package arrives... a day late, but it still got there. But once the box was opened, they discovered no blinged out piece. The L.A. County Sheriff's Department now has the case. A rep for Kingston could not be reached for comment.

BET Cancels Rap City

Times are hard on everybody these days. The economy is in shambles, banks are closing, no gas available, and now BET is pulling the plug on an iconic hip hop show. MTV set the presedence with the cancellation of one of their biggest shows, TRL, and now BET has announced that Rap City is no more!

From what I'm hearing, we still have at least another month or so of the show because the last show supposedly isn't until October 26th.

There has been much talk within the Viacom family, on the airwaves and on other blog sites about this change "possibly" happening and now it's looking like it's a done deal!

I think we all pretty much knew this was coming. Rap City hasn't really done too much since conception in 1989. Rap City was brought to the masses to compete with Yo! MTV Raps and their dynamic host Fab 5 Freddie! I know some of you young butts are like "WHO?" Look it up!!!

Unlike Yo!, Rap City went throught a plethera of hosts from their initial host in The self proclaimed "Mayor of Hip Hop" Chris Thomas, to Rap City's best host Big Tigger! I think when Tigger left, that's when things went down! I think J-Nicks knew what the deal was, which is why he's here in Atlanta on the radio! It's definitely sad to see something that you grew up on die a slow and painful death! But... I really wish they would have done away with that dag on 106th and Park! I so dislike that show and it's dumb ass hosts Terrence and Rocsi!

The Smiths Do Football!

The Smith family and a few family friends got together the other day for Will's oldest son Trey's football game. Will's Fresh Prince costar Alfonso Ribeiro also was in attendance. And yesterday (Sept 25) was Will's birthday and the family sent their love via sky plane with a banner that read: "Happy Birthday Will, Love All of Us." The Oscar nominee turned 40 years old!!! DAMN! And still is fine as all get out!
I promise they look like they're naturals at this. Jada with her chair for the bleachers... Will with the visor. So white pickett fenceish! I Love it!

Terrence Howard Mourns His Mother

Our deepest condolences go out to Terrence Howard at this time with the passing of his mother.

The 'Iron Man' actor and Oscar nominee has lost his mother, Anita Williams, to a long fight with cancer.

"Terrence Howard's mother, Anita Williams, has sadly passed away after a long battle with cancer," Howard's rep tells People magazine. "Terrence will take some time to privately grieve with his family. He appreciates everyone's support during this difficult time."

Jay-Z and Stargate Form Label

I know I'm extra late on getting this to you guys, but I thought it would be finally necessary to put in today's posts since there is some major buzz going around about this deal.

Jay-Z and Norwegian songwriting/production duo Stargate have joined forces under the StarRoc banner, which will encompass a record label and publishing company under Jay-Z's Roc Nation venture with Live Nation.

According to the principals, "the focus is to find new talent and develop artists through mutually beneficial global partnerships which include music distribution, publishing, touring and merchandising.

"Stargate (Tor Erik Hermansen and Mikkel S. Eriksen) has been behind several big hits for artists Jay-Z nurtured while president of Def Jam, including Rihanna and Ne-Yo. The duo is currently represented on the Hot 100 by Ne-Yo's "Closer" (No. 7), Rihanna's "Take a Bow" (No. 27) and Jennifer Hudson's "Spotlight" (No. 41).Stargate work will be heard on upcoming albums from Lindsay Lohan, Beyonce, Monica, R. Kelly and Keyshia Cole. As for Jay-Z, his new album, “Blueprint 3,” is expected before year’s end. It’s his last under contract for Def Jam before he begins recording for Live Nation.

But from what I'm hearing, the biggest news about this deal is the mere notion that Jay-Z wants to pick up Janet Jackson since she's left Island Def Jam, and 50 Cent. Janet... now I can see that one going down. But 50! Uh uh! We know 50 is his own man, and before he goes and has to answer to Jay, he'll create his own label and answer to no one but himself!

Lil Wayne To Join The Blogoshere

Looks like me and my fellow bloggers of the blogoshpere have some competition out there. Looks like Lil Wayne will finally have to put pen to paper and not just adlib like he does with his raps. Wayne will be commenting on everything from his love of the Red Sox to his recent Wimbledon-viewing party and little league football career.

The New Orleans rapper has joined ESPN. Lil Wayne is a guest blogger for ESPN The Magazine. “I don’t watch nothing but sports - no movies, no news, no television shows - so I thought this would be fun,” he writes in his first entry. An editor’s note introducing the commentary describes Weezy as “mega-rapper of the moment.” This ought to be interesting to see what his thoughts are on paper. If they'll be as muddled as some of his random blurbs to the media are!

Left Eye's New CD

We all love and miss Lisa Left Eye Lopes, but I'm not sure if coming out with an album is a smart move right now. Especially with all the big boys dropping here within the next few months and with the current climate of the music industry itself. But here it is, a new album from the greatest sista of uniqueness Left Eye. The album is titled Eye-Legacy! And this album is supposed to hit stores in November. I just want to hear the first single. It's being reported that there are songs on the album from Tupac Shakur, Lil Mama, Chamillionaire, Missy Elliott, TLC, Wanya Morris of Boyz II Men, Free, Bobby Valentino, and Left Eye's sister, Reigndrop Lopes on it. I'm crossing my fingers on this one!

9/25/2008

MTV's Hood Fab Comes To Atlanta

Ok... who has actually seen this show called "hoodFab" from MTV? Me neither!

Well basically, the show is centered on pitting local residents of whatever hood against some of rap’s biggest names. The show is hosted by some dude named Buttahman who travels cross country challenging the knowledge of both contestants. But guess what the prizes are ya'll??? Just guess!!! No, no cash, no fancy rides, no trips to a resort or nothin! All you get is a pack of Fruit of the Looms or some dag on tube socks!!! WTH?

Buttahman categorizes the show as "The Brokest Game Show in America", simply because they do it just to have something to do for fun and good times. I won't hate on that. Give the black folks something to do in the hood. Work them minds on out then!!!

In the past, previous seasons have featured the comedic host in popular cities like New York and Los Angeles, this time around Buttahman is taking the show to Atlanta - from Bankhead to the 4th Ward. On the season’s premiere, which debuted on Tuesday (September 23), Buttahman went to the Bowen Homes, pitting local rapper Shawty Lo against a fellow resident.

Purse Obsession: Michael Kors Rehearsal Drawstring Bag

I think since Michael Kors has teamed up with Project Runway, his line has gained so much attention. Everybody knows that the show has a huge following. And even if it's your first time watching that show and you see Heidi Klum introduce the judges, and she says Michael Kors, and you know that you've heard that name somewhere before... and then what do you do? You google him and find out all of this nifty stuff about him and his line of clothes, bags, and accessories.

I actually found this weeks obsession while surfing the net for more info on Michael. And when I came upon it, I knew that I had struck pay dirt with it. The Michael Kors Rehearsal Drawstring Bag is awesome... but not for the faint at heart with it's exorbitant price tag. But she's sooooooooo cute for a nice comfy turtle neck with some cute leggings and a killer pair of boots!

The slightly textured leather is an unstructured bag with drawstring detailing at each side. I love the use of a magnetic snap closure plus an interior zip, wall and cell phone pockets. With an unstructured bag like this, I find adding feet, which this bag has is a huge help. The double handles make it easily carried on your shoulder or in your hand. But more than anything else, it simply looks classy and fun. I can see this bag appealing to a wide range of handbag lovers. And the color - how rich does it look? No wonder the color is called “coffee” - deep, dark and delish!!! I truly like this bag, but my original question still looms - how much more popular do YOU think Michael Kors is now that we are in our fifth season of Project Runway? Either way, you can buy this handbag through Nordstrom for $1,595.00.

Labelle Is Back!

It's been widely reported that Patti LaBelle, Nona Hendryx and Sarah Dash all formerly of the 70's group "Labelle" were going to get back together one more time... and, much to my surprise, those reports have turned out correct.

Labelle is back in the building ladies and germs and they can be found in all of their feathered, bedazzled and synthetic hair-wearing glory on the cover of their new album, Back to Now. I'm not sure who's idea it was to get all featured up for this cover, but it wasn't a smart move! How much ya'll bet somebody uses this album cover as Halloween inspiration?

The CD hits stores on October 21st, and if the first single, "Rollout," is any indication these classics may have another one on their hands. Ya'll... this is one of those songs you'll hear in the juke joint around the corner from your auntie Betty's house! But I actually like it. The reggae-tinged track has a lil bounce to it that makes you wanna electric slide! And yes, they jumped on the Auto-Tune train too! But I ain't made at them. They gotta get in where they fit in these days!

Wyclef Jean co-wrote/co-produced the song and contributes some vocals to the track as well. Other contributors to the new album include Lenny Kravitz and Gamble and Huff... whoever that is!

Kimora Introduces Medical Apparel Line

Ms. Fabulosity herself, Kimora Lee Simmons is back and she's bringing the medical fashion game with her. Kimora has introduced a new line of medical apparel for all of the hard working ladies out there that want to stay chic and cute while poking and prodding away at their patients.

A statement on the website for the clothing line says:
"Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons celebrates the diversity and beauty of the career-oriented woman - particularly those in the medical industry. We are a brand dedicated to providing women with certain elements of fashion, flair, and fabulosity in their everyday wardrobe needs.”

Fight The Power Greatest Hip Hop Song Ever??

VH1 has compiled a list of the 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs Ever, and your favorite hip hop politicians topped the list. Public Enemy’s 1989 black power anthem “Fight the Power” came in at number 1.

VH1 is set to count down all of the 100 songs on the list in a series of shows beginning on Monday.

Following "Fight the Power" on the list is the Sugar Hill Gang’s groundbreaking song, “Rapper’s Delight,” followed by Dr. Dre’s “Nuthin but a ’G’ Thang” at No. 3. Run-D.M.C.’s “Walk This Way” with Aerosmith and Grandmaster Flash & the Furious Five’s “The Message” round out the top five.

Salt ’N Pepa was the lone female act in the top 10, with their early hit “Push It.” Jay-Z and Eminem made the top 20, while other acts on the list include the Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Snoop Dogg, Biz Markie, Black Sheep and J.J. Fad.

Do you guys agree or disagree! I say Fight The Power was a very influential song, but it wasn't the greatest!

So Ciara IS Really Upset With Vibe...

I thought this mess was resolved the other week when Editor-in-Chief Danyel Smith sent out a statement saying that Ciara did in fact pose nude for the Vibe cover and it was all her idea... but I guess not.

The R&B singer claims that she was indeed wearing underwear while taking those shots for the October Vibe cover. If you guys have seen them, the photos show Ciara with not a hint of clothing on, while covering up her goodies.

Ciara talked with MTV News and stated, that those photos are "very, very upsetting and somewhat misleading,"

"I have so much respect for Ciara, and Ciara was so happy when she pitched this idea to us, and the photos are actually striking and beautiful," Danyel Smith said during an interview with New York's KISS-FM. "It was pitched to me in a way that it was time [for her] to grow up and be beautiful and be free and be all the things she wanted to be."

So why is she now saying she didn't. What I need is for someone on the staff for Vibe, who was there for the shoot to speak out and tell us what the real deal is! Somebody lyin here, and I'm betting it is CiCi!

Fire Destroys Ludacris' Pool House

The damage from a “significant fire” at the Fulton County estate of Atlanta rapper Ludacris was limited to his pool house, and no one was injured.

Ludacris was out of town at the time. A family member was in the basement of the main residence when the fire started, said Fulton County Fire Department spokesman Gregory Chambers.

But it was a neighbor on DeMooney Road near College Park in south Fulton who initially reported the blaze, Chambers said. The alarm system in the rapper’s home was eventually triggered, alerting Ludacris’ relative.

The fire — which destroyed the pool house — was put out within 30 minutes, Chambers said. He said the pool house was larger than most homes. A fire investigator was on the scene by 11:30 p.m. No cause for the blaze was immediately identified.

9/24/2008

Let Your Voice Be Heard... By Any Means Necessary!

With the voter registration deadline of October 6 soon approaching, there are still way too many people of legal age, still not registered to vote!

The BET Networks is making an unprecedented, nationwide effort to encourage its audience to "STAND UP, SIGN UP, BE HEARD."

On Saturday, Sept. 27, BET Networks will host an on-air voter registration day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (ET/PT) aimed at getting people registered to vote. The special will re-air from 5-8 p.m. (ET/PT) Saturday.

During this historic, three-hour "Stand Up, Sigh Up, Be Heard: The BET Voter Registration Day” special, the BET studio in New York City will serve as the headquarters for the event, featuring host Queen Latifah, with appearances by Jim Jones and Mary Mary, and an in-studio audience of 100 unregistered voters.

In addition, BET will present live remote coverage from voter registration rallies taking place in cities in four key battleground states: Cleveland, Ohio; Detroit; Norfolk, Va.; and Philadelphia. At each rally, thousands of people will gather to register to vote, receive valuable voter registration information and hear about the importance of voting from BET hosts and news correspondents, as well as celebrity guests.

"To support this historic presidential election, we are making a major, dedicated effort to mobilize the hugely significant voting block of unregistered African Americans to sign up and get to the polls," said Debra L. Lee, chairwoman and chief executive officer of BET Networks. "The numbers don't lie. African-American voters have the potential to impact the outcomes of several states on Election Day. With more than 8 million African Americans not yet registered to vote, BET Networks is seizing this Saturday … as the moment to encourage our audience to embrace their civic duty and get on the rolls, so that they're set to vote in November and make a real difference in this election."

People please... if you are at least 18, go register to vote!!! Go to the church, the library, your DMV, wherever you can, and get registered. Don't let these rumors about home foreclosures, and not being able to be on taxes, and all the other things the Republican party is putting out there deter you from this historic event. Voting is your right! Don't just register... make sure that you go vote when it's time to vote as well! If you don't vote... you have no room to complain about your future. You had a chance to speak... USE IT!

Kanye Pushes Up Album Release

Kanye West is definitely his own man and set's his own terms. Dude has pushed up the release of his fourth studio album 808s & Heartbreak, which was originally scheduled to arrive on December 16th.

According to his Ye's blog, it will now be released on “November something.” The reason? “‘Cause I finished the album and I felt like it.” Well! Good enough for me. I'm hoping that he came to his senses and is tired of 50 gravy trainin it off of him! HA... I love that term since that news anchor used it on Solange's whack ass!

Kanye West Does Puppetry

Check out a preview of Kanye's puppet show set to air on Comedy Central.

Mariah Carey Loves The Kids

Mariah Carey is lending her name and face for a good cause.

The Grammy winner has signed on as the latest Hunger Ambassador for the Yum! Foundation's World Hunger Relief, an annual effort that aims to raise money for the United Nations World Food Program and bring an end to starvation around the world.

Her duties include becoming the actual poster child for the cause, appearing on print ads that will be featured in more than 100 countries and 36,000 franchises.

"The change from hunger to hope starts with you," Carey's poster reads.

If you want to donate to the cause, you can do so at any of the Yum! Brands restaurants, including Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, Long John Silver's and A&W Restaurants.

And the most exciting new of it all... in exchange for your charitable donation,you will receive a special free download of the song "Love Story" from Carey's latest album, E=MC2. Gee wilikers!!!

50 Cent Brings New CD To Life With Movie To Along

To be real with ya'll... I actually liked 50's movie "Get Rich or Die Tryin". Although, it's not anything that made me want to see it twice, let alone even think about him putting a different spin on it. But that's just what ya boy 50 Cent has done with his new film that's coming out.

Mirroring his Interscope-debut Get Rich Or Die Tryin’, 50 Cent will bring his much anticipated album Before I Self-Destruct to life with a film of the same name to follow, according to Rolling Stone mag.

Directed and produced by the G-Unit general himself, 50 aims to bring a different perception to the “urban life-style” that many films fail to connect to. “I showed characters under pressure in scenarios where they felt like there were no other options, even though there were,” 50 continued, “There are always options. People just usually start to see them while being incarcerated [rather than] seeing them in the first place.”

50 Cent will simultaneously release a soundtrack with the film, though none of the tracks from his album will be featured on it. “Interscope would automatically have the rights to it, when they had absolutely no ownership of the actual material,” 50 explained. Instead, he hired unsigned artists to record for the soundtrack that he reportedly wrote as well, an innovative move that will give it an organic feel similar to the film. Impressed by his own decision, 50 Cent let be known that he “kept the music up to standards.”

The album Before I Self-Destruct is tentatively scheduled for a December release, with the film and soundtrack coming soon afterward. Will I be going to see this... hell naw! To I even want to buy it on bootleg? Are you for real?

Sneak Of Da Week: Reebok Court Victory Pump

Maaaaaaan, these shoes bring back so many memories from high school! LOL!!! Not for me, but my ex had a pair that you couldn't rip him away from! But for the life of me, I'm not understanding why Reebok has decided to bring them back. But, nevertheless, they are my "Sneak Of Da Week" choice, simply for the pure nostalgia of them.

The Reebok Court Victory Pump - Turquoise Haze has recently hit the shelves of many Reebok retailers across the nation. The Turquoise Haze Court Victory Pump is part of the Reebok Purple Haze pack inspired by legendary artist Jimi Hendrix. The sneakers are complied of a turquoise, red and white colorway with an upper constructed of ultra smooth suede and fuzzy tennis ball material. Theres also a pieced patent leather trim design with embroidered ‘Reebok’ on side and an embossed limited edition mark on back of heel. Get them now at select Reebok retailer including Dr. Jays and on Ebay. More shots after the jump