tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42767831650376228552024-03-12T16:57:52.304-07:00Born Too BlogMaya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.comBlogger118125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-37194741885371329302014-01-16T22:11:00.002-08:002014-01-17T09:37:31.046-08:00Fashion Spotlight: Pure + Privé Spring/Summer 2014 Leather Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had the pleasure of interviewing Newton'Enis Henry Swader IV, Founder/Designer of <b>Pure + Privé</b> (pronounced Pree-vay), a jewelry and lifestyle brand company that was launched in 2012. Hearing Newton'Enis' story about how his business got started was so inspiring. As he explained the scenario of using his last $20 to put gas in his car in order to meet up with a denim distributor in downtown Los Angeles, who ultimately never showed up, it was quite evident that fate had its own plan in mind. Just as he was coming to grips with his inability to draw a profit from his first fashion endeavor (Faith Works Clothing Co.), he literally stumbled upon his next endeavor that day when something told him to take a stroll through the garment district instead of going back to his car and heading back home. Feeling disappointed, and literally penniless, he tried to walk it off and came upon a store that carried beads. He entered the store thinking he could find some beads for a prayer bead bracelet design he had come up with, but instead, met the owner and spoke to him in depth about making jewelry with beads and how he too had spent his life savings on his business.<br>
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The rest was history because shortly after meeting that man, Newton'Enis was being asked about the beautifully handcrafted pieces that he was wearing. After a 'Point of Display' deal with Bloomingdale's fell through, he was approached by a Bebe clothing representative who wanted to purchase earrings from him, but wanted to put their name on it. He knew in his heart that he wanted his craft to reflect his name and brand so he ended up declining that offer. Still, God kept opening doors and <b>Pure + Privé</b> was born with a clear vision, trademark and identity all its own. Newton'Enis explained that he "always wanted to stay a step ahead of everyone else, create classic pieces and never wanted to do what everyone else was doing."<br>
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The line currently features fine, handcrafted jewelry and more recently, he is in the development phases of adding optical (eyeglass frames), home and fragrance lines to his growing lifestyle brand. He has also already introduced leather handbags for women and backpacks for men via his <b>Privé Collection</b> that boasts plush leather materials accompanied by fine hardware details and design. <br>
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When asked about his creative process he admits that when he sits down to create, the environment can be hectic, yet he seeks to make an, "art piece", instead of just jewelry and "lets each collection take its own shape and theme". He and I have very similar tastes as we both love David Yurman (one of his style inspirations) along with Ralph Lauren and Armani. Although the attitude changes from collection to collection, the common theme between them all is that they are fueled by pure passion, inspiration and a keen thirst to make his brand legendary. He explained to me that, "If you're going to do something, pick someone who does it best and come for their throat."<br>
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<b>Pure + Privé</b> has a total of 5 collections (City, Nights, Vintage, Lifestyle, Leather) and will soon include home, optical and fragrance in 2015. <b>Pure + Privé's</b> Spring/Summer collection will officially launch on February 7th and will host a release party and birthday celebration for Newton'Enis at the Beverly Wilshire hotel. <br>
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He expressed how proud he was to be one of the few young, urban heterosexual males making waves in the fashion industry and noted, "there's not enough of us". I asked him what he would tell his younger self if he had the chance to go back in time and he said he would stress, "no matter what, believe in you right now, pay more attention in school and don't dim your light to fit in, because in the end you gone be alright."<br>
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Although things are really picking up he confesses that he is still continually amazed at himself and his accomplishments thus far. Swader IV told me a story about how he almost broke down in tears while shopping at the mall, walking around in his own brand. His personal mantras for success are "Dream, believe, do" and "Be legendary". The brand now has celebrity clients as diverse as Joey Lawrence, Charlie
Wilson and model Mamadou Sall, just to name a few, and will soon be featured
in choice high-end department stores in Los Angeles.<br>
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Below are a few of his ads for previous collections:<br>
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<br><span style="font-size: large;">His website is currently under construction, but you can take a peek at the new leather collection and also keep up with him on <i>Instagram </i>and <i>Facebook</i>:</span><br>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Instagram</b>:</span> <span style="font-size: large;"><b>@PurePrive</b></span><br>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Facebook</span></b><span style="font-size: large;">: </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/P-U-R-E-P-R-I-V-%C3%89/242318312474733" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">https://www.facebook.com/PURE+PRIVE</span></a><br>
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<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Share your thoughts about his inspiring story below in our comment section</span>.</i></b><br>
<br>Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-20199934808262730702013-10-10T14:11:00.000-07:002013-10-10T14:45:19.271-07:00Preachers of L.A:. False Prophets or Anointed by God?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969);"><br /></span>
Y'all know I love to blog about reality shows and Oxygen now officially has another hit show in their newest installment known as <b>Preachers of L.A</b>, which premiered last night!!! There has been such a huge response before this show even aired and I couldn't wait to see the outcome especially since I used to attend one of the featured Pastors' churches in the past.<br />
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The new hit reality show features Minister Deitrick Haddon, Bishop Noel Jones, Bishop Clarence McClendon, Bishop Ron Gibson, Pastor Jay Haizlip and Pastor Wayne Chaney. The initial standouts would have to be Minister Haddon who comes equipped with enough baggage for a month trip to Africa. Haddon and his fiancé/baby's mother are returning back to the spotlight from hiding in the shadows after their child was born out of wedlock while he was still legally married to his former wife. Haddon and his fiancé live in separate homes since they are not presently married. *side eye*<br />
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Bishop Noel Jones and his City of Refuge congregation in Gardena, CA is very familiar to me as I used to attend years ago. I can't lie and say I'm not the least bit concerned as to why Jones never remarried after his failed marriage with his ex-wife years ago. His 'lady friend' whom he claims is NOT his fiancé nor his girlfriend, definitely seems like she's been around waiting in the wings for awhile.<br />
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Bishop Clarence McClendon surely stands out not only for his historical family ties to the church, but also his impressive international ministry that reaches 250 million homes worldwide. From first observation, McClendon strikes me as the 'divo'' (ie. the male diva) of the clique of pastors and has a bit of an heir of arrogance when it comes to the rest of the group.<br />
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Lastly is Bishop Ron Gibson, a former Compton Crip and PCP addict, who resides in a pelestail estate somewhere near his Riverside church that boasts a congregation of almost 4,000 members. What stood out most about Gibson was his portrayal as a laid back and non-elitist preacher from the hoods of South Central and Compton who reaches back and ministers to the gang ridden community whenever he can. His scene shows him pulling up in an old school American classic convertible with his fitted hat to the back, dark sunglasses and a white tee as he pulls up in a gang ridden neighborhood and ministers to a Crip that he is trying to help change his life around after a recent brush with death in a gun shoot out.<br />
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The Internet has been in a social media uproar since the show aired last night and skeptics were everything but mum regarding thir personal feelings about the show. Of all the comments I read, what truly disturbed me the most was one comment speaking on how Bishop Gibson spoke street slang and wore street clothes when ministering to an active gang member. The viewer expressed disgust with the preacher's antics and pointed to his speech, his clothing and the fact that he pulled up in a bright red rag top convertible. Sarcastically speaking, this clearly couldn't be a true man of God because he wasn't wearing a suit, acting holier than thou and was actually meeting his congregation where they were in their own backyard, aka the hood. What kills me is people can be so quick to judge and say that these men are nothing but false prophets exploiting spirituality and religion for their own financial gain without knowing anything about their ministries and the good they do throughout the world and in their own congregations and communities.<br />
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I honestly am one of the skeptics of Pastors of mega churches like these displayed in the new series <b>Preachers of L.A.</b>, however, I made a conscious decision to observe these men in their daily lives and struggles before I was quick to judge their situations. I don't necessarily believe that you should not be prosperous just because you are Man of God. However, that still doesn't mean that I won't feel some type of way if a pastor pulls up at his poverty stricken congregation in a Bentley either.<br />
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The whole point of me sharing my views on the show and topic is to get people to open their minds, challenge their old way of thinking and try to look on the brighter side in an effort to open up real dialogue. Instead of always criticizing and crucifying these huge public figures in the church why not sometimes take a look at the good they have done and are trying to do, respect their flaws as human beings and stop putting anyone on a spiritual pedestal but your higher power. So the question for my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/borntooblog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> readers is are these <b>Preachers of L.A</b>. false prophets or anointed by God?<br />
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<b>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!!!</b><br />
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To watch clips from last night's season premiere click here: <a href="http://preachers-of-la.oxygen.com/pla_blogs/tag/cast" target="_blank">http://preachers-of-la.oxygen.com/pla_blogs/tag/cast</a><br />
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<br />Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-62399063287394121242013-09-16T13:04:00.003-07:002013-09-16T13:04:29.998-07:00Fatherless Children...An American Epidemic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently caught up on a series on Oprah's "Life Class" recently featured on her OWN Network. Bishop T.D. Jakes lead the class in a serious discussion about fatherless children. Oprah revealed a surprising statistic that 1 in 3 children in America are fatherless. It is because this very reason why I referred to this occurrence as an "epidemic" in the title of this post. The urban community knows all too well the reality of growing up fatherless. I endured 6 years of my adolescence without my father present so I know what it feels like to not have your father in your life. Fortunately, my father came back and fought for me and our relationship and today I can say I am very happy with the relationship we currently have. Unfortunately, many others aren't so lucky. One of the most beautiful parts about the series is the understanding that it is never too late to develop a father-child relationship, no matter what you've been through.<br />
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We only have one father in this life and often times, negative circumstances get in the way of us enjoying positive and fruitful relationships with our fathers. I've written before about fatherless children and the painful dynamics that this experience can create in one's life on this blog: <a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2011/03/wheres-daddy.html" target="_blank">Where's Daddy?</a>. Bishop T.D. Jakes pinpointed several things that I think might help my <a href="http://www.twitter.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">@BornTooBlog</a> readers in this situation. <br />
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Jakes made sure to impress the importance of understanding that like the fatherless children, their fathers have more than likely experienced some kind of trauma or lack of in their lives concerning their own parents. Many times when you look at fathers who aren't present in their children's lives, if you dig deeper, you find a man that did not have a father or who's father was abusive or had a negative impact on them in some way. Jakes explained that realizing this as a child can help facilitate understanding among both parties and can actually lessen the guilt of the absentee father. He calls this "understanding the wounds of your father".<br />
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<em>"I think once we let go of our ideas, our fantasies of what things could have been like and embrace what they are like, it gives both the father and the son a feeling of being accepted for where I am."</em></div>
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<em>- Bishop Jakes</em><br />
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Jakes also emphasized that once you do gain the courage as an absentee father to reenter your child's life in an effort to rebuild that broken relationship, you must "court your child" by establishing a foundation for your love and respect to grow on. I hear too many times that fathers who weren't there in the beginning come back trying to discipline their children off the bat or never even address the issues that led to their absence prior to trying to reestablish a relationship. This can often create further resentment and stop the reconciliation efforts in their tracks. Although the entire experience can be frightening to a father that is trying to reconnect with his children, the children are often just as afraid of rejection as their absent fathers. So now we have common fears, emotions and quite possibly, a shared childhood experience that can facilitate growth and understanding.<br />
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<em>"The father has to create a floor for the son's love to stand on because he and his son don't share the strong foundation of memories father-son relationships require."</em></div>
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<em>"Parenting is something that doesn't come with a textbook. You learn as you go. And I think sometimes we're so afraid that we're not going to do it right that we don't do it at all."</em></div>
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<em>- Bishop Jakes</em></div>
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I've written previously on how some mothers use their children as bargaining tools or as T.D. Jakes calls it, a "switch" to abuse the father with. Jakes further pointed out that when you use a "switch" to hit someone with, the switch (aka the child) gets broken and wore down in the process as well. I always told myself that if I had a child and me and the father were no longer together that I would never stop him from seeing our child because he was unable or unwilling to pay child support. I made this commitment to myself because it is very rare that I hear children complain about their relationships with their fathers due to lack of financial support. What I hear the most is usually a child reliving the pain of their parent(s) not being there as a support system when it comes to school, sporting events or momentous occasions in a child's life like graduation, the birth of a child, and so on. Jakes encouraged all fatherless children to "leave the door open" for their fathers should they gain the courage to come back into their child's life.<br />
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Ultimately, it takes a lot of dedication, determination and communication in order to build/rebuild the trust and bond between a father that was once absent and the child they left behind. However, if we are only blessed with one mother and one father, what could it hurt to try and reconcile and build a relationship when given the ability and chance? Children must learn to forgive and open themselves up to allow the process to begin and fathers must take the first step and keeping making steps towards resolution. Mothers must be a positive support system that helps facilitate the process and should <u>never</u> deter their children from reconnecting with their fathers unless they are a threat to their well being.<br />
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<u><strong>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</strong></u><br />
Are you a fatherless child?<br />
Is the father of your child absent in your child's life?<br />
Are you a father who has attempted to reconnect with your child? What has been the most difficult issue to overcome?<br />
Are you a fatherless child success story? What helped you and your father or you and your child reconnect against all odds?<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Instagram:</span> BornTooBlog</span>Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-25515049788618196122013-09-11T14:04:00.000-07:002013-09-11T14:04:02.887-07:00Its Been A Long Time...I Shouldn't Have Left You!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What can I say!?!?!?! Writers block is a motha. I always wrote from personal inspiration and I just haven't been inspired to write like I did before. Call it burn out, writers block, whatever you want, but the reality is its been too long since I wrote something and shared my views with you all. So many things have been happening from Love & Hip Hop Atlanta to Basketball Wives, Kendrick Lamar and his all-coastal beef with his Hip Hop counterparts to Jay-z's Magna Carta to Kanye's new album *confused look*.<br />
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One of the major things that I noticed during my hiatus were some of my predictions on old posts that became reality in recent months. For instance, I recall making a post about the possibility of West Coast Hip Hop music making a comeback back in 2011, and more specifically, the mention of a certain artist by the name of Problem that was next to blow. Well, here we are in 2013 and Problem is on every song with your favorite rapper AND West Coast music is now back at the forefront of Hip Hop music: <a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2011/10/can-west-coast-hip-hop-music-make.html" target="_blank">Can West Coast Hip Hop Make A Comeback?</a><br />
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Speaking of West Coast Hip Hop, a good friend of mine, Shannon Page, helped me with a music review on Kendrick Lamar's, "<em>Good Kid, m.A.A.d City</em>", which at the time was not as revered as it is today. Lamar's album was met with plenty of naysayers and skepticism, but dare I say it, the album has been catapulted to "classic status" by the Hip Hop world's elite taste makers. What a difference a couple years makes: <a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2012/10/music-review-kendrick-lamars-good-kid.html" target="_blank">Music Review: Kendrick Lamar's "good kid, m.A.A.d city"</a>.
I'm still waiting for the world to catch up with new artists I've featured on the blog such as Luke James and Daley: <a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2012/09/who-is-luke-james.html" target="_blank">Who Is Luke James?</a>, <a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/music-monday-daley-alone-together-feat.html" target="_blank">Music Monday: Daley: Alone Together Feat. Marsha Ambrosius</a>. While <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> featured artists like J. Cole and Frank Ocean have seen mainstream success since they graced the electronic pages of my blog back in 2011: <a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2011/08/j-cole-next-to-blow.html" target="_blank">J. Cole: Next To Blow?</a>, <a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2011/09/who-is-frank-ocean.html" target="_blank">Who Is Frank Ocean?</a><br />
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Relationships have always been a pivotal part of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> and believe me, there will be many posts to come touching on this HOT topic. There have been too many breakups, makeups, divorces, reconciliations, failed rehab attempts and newborn babies for me not to. As always, I welcome any constructive feedback and I look forward to reconnecting with my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> readers in a profound way before the close of 2013.<br />
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<strong><u>Questions for my BornTooBlog readers:</u></strong><br />
Which topics did you enjoy most on the blog?<br />
What do you miss most about BornTooBlog?<br />
What topics would you most like to see in the near future?<br />
What posts do you enjoy the least?<br />
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Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-25875614888520562662012-11-05T12:40:00.000-08:002012-11-05T12:40:15.522-08:00Black Girls Rock 2012<br />
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Tracee Ellis-Ross and Regina King hosted this year's installment of Black Girls Rock on BET. This program is always a touching one because I remember back to when I was younger and although we had a few positive black female role models in the media, I never was able to witness such an exemplary display of Black Star Power in one room on one night. Its just a wonderful reminder of how far we've come and just how far we have to go, but in that I must give major kudos to Beverly Bond, founder of Black Girls Rock, Inc. and the wonderful Debra Lee, Chairman and CEO of BET, for putting on such an amazing event.<br />
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The performances were stellar, including appearances by Alicia Keys, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, SWV, Ciara, Missy Elliot and India.Arie. The ladies held it down as they performed recently released songs and showed why they are Black Girls who Rock! The night wouldn't have been complete without some love from the fellas. Idris Elba came out looking like a bag of money as he introduced the gents that were going to honor the ladies of the night: Luke James (I recently featured him on <a href="https://twitter.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a>), alongside Eric Benet and Anthony Hamilton, literally tore the house down. The trio sounded amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed their performance.<br />
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Black Girls Rock honored the likes of Janelle Monae, the new face of CoverGirl, Kerry Washington, who is now playing one of the most powerful women in the country on her hit series, "<strong>Scandal</strong>", living legend, Dionne Warwick, Susan Taylor, former editor-in-chief of Essence magazine, Alicia Keys, who is a philanthropist in her own right with her successful charity and Humanitarian Dr. Hawa Abdi's and her daughters' work in poverty stricken Somalia.<br />
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This program is a testament to the beauty, strength and power in numbers when focused on uplifting the youth in an effort to prepare them for the future in a positive way that impacts us all. Showing young black girls positive role models in this day and age is priceless and is so needed.<br />
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Below are some pictures from the red carpet and event:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys6YwwLFr34/UJgeBBoE1ZI/AAAAAAAABQY/4L7R34VWwWk/s1600/Tracee+Ellis+Ross.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ys6YwwLFr34/UJgeBBoE1ZI/AAAAAAAABQY/4L7R34VWwWk/s640/Tracee+Ellis+Ross.JPG" width="424" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Tracee Ellis Ross looked sleek and classy.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1aJ6kn1Mu_g/UJgeCweMzZI/AAAAAAAABQg/LXCZzRpoLVY/s1600/Ciara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1aJ6kn1Mu_g/UJgeCweMzZI/AAAAAAAABQg/LXCZzRpoLVY/s640/Ciara.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Ciara....WTF!!!!</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQU56yPRITU/UJgeFBoC8rI/AAAAAAAABQo/iKNhdiANXtM/s1600/Eva+Longoria.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eQU56yPRITU/UJgeFBoC8rI/AAAAAAAABQo/iKNhdiANXtM/s640/Eva+Longoria.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Eva Longoria's dress was cute but it wasn't very flattering</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hATSZ3_LK9A/UJgeGlkHzFI/AAAAAAAABQw/s0fRFbymLto/s1600/Gabby+Union.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hATSZ3_LK9A/UJgeGlkHzFI/AAAAAAAABQw/s0fRFbymLto/s640/Gabby+Union.JPG" width="424" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Gabby Union looked chic and sleek, but I'm not loving the wig.</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL3ulshBqjk/UJgeH3VuRiI/AAAAAAAABQ4/S1kr38DNKTc/s1600/Gloria+Govan.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zL3ulshBqjk/UJgeH3VuRiI/AAAAAAAABQ4/S1kr38DNKTc/s640/Gloria+Govan.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>I'm still on the fence on Laura Govan's frock.</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3D1-3_2ovPg/UJgeJkU2e_I/AAAAAAAABRA/ZB92icWTmoI/s1600/Kerry+Washington.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3D1-3_2ovPg/UJgeJkU2e_I/AAAAAAAABRA/ZB92icWTmoI/s640/Kerry+Washington.JPG" width="424" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Kerry Washington doesn't often disappoint, but tonight she did.</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7xoTWcefGk/UJgeNDrVUEI/AAAAAAAABRI/5XAZO3_AD7o/s1600/Keyshia+Cole.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7xoTWcefGk/UJgeNDrVUEI/AAAAAAAABRI/5XAZO3_AD7o/s640/Keyshia+Cole.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Keyshia Cole looked amazing in this figure hugging gown</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcQWGhy-1Zk/UJgjB2B57CI/AAAAAAAABSc/dh-iJP4n5Ak/s1600/Idris+Elba.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lcQWGhy-1Zk/UJgjB2B57CI/AAAAAAAABSc/dh-iJP4n5Ak/s640/Idris+Elba.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Idris Elba...nuff said!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzyNoRV8oj0/UJgeOzHpezI/AAAAAAAABRQ/0SFe5JNJ35A/s1600/Lala+Vasquez.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IzyNoRV8oj0/UJgeOzHpezI/AAAAAAAABRQ/0SFe5JNJ35A/s640/Lala+Vasquez.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Smile Lala, you look great!!!!</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2y8xPCLPF40/UJgeSWWxXeI/AAAAAAAABRY/hZnREA-n_9Q/s1600/Luke+James.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2y8xPCLPF40/UJgeSWWxXeI/AAAAAAAABRY/hZnREA-n_9Q/s640/Luke+James.PNG" width="412" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Luke James getting his James Dean on!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj3_vFIzQPk/UJgeWQTs4kI/AAAAAAAABRg/unpfug_UpUk/s1600/Marsha+Ambrosius.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dj3_vFIzQPk/UJgeWQTs4kI/AAAAAAAABRg/unpfug_UpUk/s640/Marsha+Ambrosius.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Marsha Ambrosius seems to be keeping the weight off..good for her!</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrMb6VaiEow/UJgeX41vCnI/AAAAAAAABRo/cDnm7tPvsdk/s1600/Meagan+Good.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><strong><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wrMb6VaiEow/UJgeX41vCnI/AAAAAAAABRo/cDnm7tPvsdk/s640/Meagan+Good.JPG" width="424" /></strong></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>I wonder what the congregation had to say about the Preacher's Wife's fit for the night.</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQTD39qbYuM/UJgeZQdK_SI/AAAAAAAABRw/btC9M9800pw/s1600/Mona+Scott+Young+Keri+Washington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQTD39qbYuM/UJgeZQdK_SI/AAAAAAAABRw/btC9M9800pw/s640/Mona+Scott+Young+Keri+Washington.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Mona Scott-Young and Kerry Washington</strong></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODz7sCJoKkY/UJgebB38j1I/AAAAAAAABR4/1p0AYq9tOHA/s1600/Taraji+Henson.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODz7sCJoKkY/UJgebB38j1I/AAAAAAAABR4/1p0AYq9tOHA/s640/Taraji+Henson.JPG" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Taraji P. Henson giving a backshot ;-)</strong></span></td></tr>
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<strong>Did you see the program?</strong><br />
<strong>What did you think of the performances?</strong><br />
<strong>What were your thoughts on the fashion choices?<br />Were you touched by the work of any of the nominees?</strong><br />
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<strong>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!!!!</strong><br />
Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-51704082977578267632012-10-23T14:09:00.000-07:002012-10-23T14:09:29.771-07:00Music Review: Kendrick Lamar's "good kid, m.A.A.d city"<br />
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After dropping 3 critically acclaimed albums, <strong>"Kendrick Lamar EP", "O(verly)D(edicated)" and "Section.80"</strong> on the Top Dawg Entertainment indie imprint, the artist formerly known as K.Dot delivers his major label debut, a short film called, "Good Kid, m.A.A.d City". With so many artists conforming to the major label corporate agenda, dropping the typical radio single that sounds cookie cutter and manufactured in hopes of selling a lot of records only to recoup that advance back to the label; The great Dr. Dre gave Kendrick complete artistic control of this album that has no out of place songs or forced colabs. This album unfolds just like a movie. There are characters, good times, drama, thrillers, violence, a sex scene, redemption and some deep thought.<br />
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<br />The film starts in the end. Pulp Fiction-esque. The album opens with a prayer in which he is asking Jesus to be his Lord and Savior. What is remarkable about Kendrick is his story telling ability. At the very beginning of the album he’s telling a story about how he met Sherane over the summer and then began to lust over her even though her family is tied into gangs. He then takes his mother's car to pay her a visit and is greeted by two guys in black hoodies. The song is interrupted by one of several skits that helps creates this album's cohesiveness. His mother calls asking him, “when are you bringing the car back?”, and his Dad is in the background irritated that Kendrick took his dominoes. In the skit he states that Kendrick's mother is killing his vibe. Then the story really starts to take off with “Backseat Freestyle”. His homies come and pick him up and everybody is feeling good and carefree. Kendrick's friend pops in a beat CD and Kendrick lets off a barrage of aggressive rhymes with tales of being young and reckless over another banger produced by Hit Boy <strong>("N’s in Paris", "Clique", "Theraflu"). </strong><br />
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“<strong>The Art of Peer Pressure</strong>” enters with K.dot stating that he is actually a sober soul, but he’s with the homies so he’ll indulge in their mischief of weed smoking, liquor drinking and hollering at girls. His crew also gets involved with jumping guys from the wrong neighborhood and doing home invasions. The album takes a turn after he gets jumped by the guys in the black hoodies after he pulls up to Sherane's house. He finds himself in the role of Trey from "<strong>Boyz in the Hood</strong>", upset with the violence and police corruption that he is surrounded by with the Pharrell produced track, “<strong>Good Kid</strong>”. The MC Eiht assisted “<strong>m.A.A.d City</strong>” finds K.dot and his friends retaliating for the fight and ends up with K.dots friend Dave killed in the battle. <br />
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In “<strong>Sing About Me /I'm Dying of Thirst</strong>”, Kendrick finds hope in Jesus and holy water as he feels as though he’s dying of thirst and truly needs some type of guidance. The album ends with “<strong>Real</strong>” and “<strong>Compton</strong>”. His father explains to him that “real is in responsibility/real is in taking care of your family/real is God nigga” and “<strong>Compton</strong>” is the victory lap in which he is giving homage to the city that made him.<br />
<br />The lyrics, the beats, the cohesiveness, the introspective view and the concept of this album are all what’s missing in mainstream/radio Hip Hop today. Instead of throwing random songs together with the typical "flavor of the month" features, Kendrick took matters into his own hands. This debut album is a body of work and a rare commodity in gaudy mainstream Hip Hop. He’s definitely the “<strong>Good Kid in a m.A.A.d. city</strong>”. Certified classic debut.<br />
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By Shannon Page <br />
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<u><strong>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</strong></u><br />
Are you a fan of Kendrick Lamar?<br />
Have you heard his mixtapes?<br />
What do you think about his debut album?<br />
What is your favorite track on the album?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-64017795148185925822012-10-22T12:08:00.002-07:002012-10-22T12:12:06.392-07:00Why Do Men Have Kids By Women They Don't Like?<br />
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Men having children by women they can't stand is no new occurrence or phenomenon. Sure there are plenty of parents that were in love when they conceived their children, and later, due to unforeseen circumstances, fell out of love. But what about the men who were never in love with the mothers of their children, yet consistently had unprotected sex with these women, knowing they would not get along in a parenting situation, or even worse, that they would be unfit mothers? Who is holding these men responsible for planting seeds in women that they knew beyond the shadow of a doubt would make things hard when it came to seeing their child or would use the child as bait to get the things they want from the man?<br />
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I will give some the benefit of the doubt in saying that maybe the woman flipped once she found out she was pregnant or that the man didn't want to be with her, but many men knew the temperament and personality of the women they were having unprotected sex with and instead of "pulling out" or even better, wearing a condom, they chose to go all in. Scratch that, how about choosing not to deal with women whom you have nothing in common with other than sex so things like this don't happen at all? Does something happen when a man is inside a woman that doesn't allow him to restrain himself from ejaculating in her? Does the woman's vagina have some sort of timed vice grip that holds the man inside her until he fertilizes her egg? Somebody help me out here.<br />
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It may seem like I'm being silly or funny, but I'm dead serious!!! Why do men continuously impregnate women that they can't stand and have no possibility of having a future with outside of child support cases and birthday parties? It seems to me if said men took a little time to think past their penis, they would be smarter when dealing with women where signs of negativity are already present. A child is a lifetime responsibility and I'm sure many men regret that one fatal time where they let the vagina get the best of them. Men want to be seen as so strong and macho, yet can't fight off a woman that means them no earthly good. What's the point of having muscles and endurance if you can't fight off a lifetime of heartache and regret?<br />
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I think men need to think twice when having sex with ANY WOMAN that they deem is not mother or wifey material. That way, they can lessen the chances of impregnating a woman that will literally suck the life out of them throughout the duration of their co-parenting of the child.Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-84570815555718917202012-09-19T12:09:00.000-07:002012-09-19T12:09:07.009-07:00Evelyn Lozada Breaks Her Silence on Iyanla Vanzant's "Fix My Life"<br />
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Oprah has faced some hardships since she shut down the Oprah Winfrey Talk Show and started her own network called OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) on cable TV, but she is slowly starting to build up steam for the relatively new network with exclusive interviews with the likes of Rihanna, Usher, Jennifer Hudson and more. Her new show featuring life coach guru Iyanla Vanzant has also made major waves featuring the exclusive interview with Evelyn Lozada, Basketball Wives Miami reality star and estranged wife of Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson via Vanzant's show on OWN called "Fix My Life".<br />
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The irony of it all is that Lozada initially agreed to appear on the show to "fix her life" prior to her domestic violence incident with her husband, in an effort to shun her bad girl image that she not only gets paid to portray on Basketball Wives, but has garnered a book deal and hefty appearance fees for the reality star. After receiving backlash from the public and well known celebrities like Star Jones, Lozada finally realized that she did not want to be seen as the angry Latina woman that had originally created her stardom and celebrity, citing that her "ah ha" moment was when her step daughters mocked and idolized her violent actions on Basketball Wives. Lozada was determined to turn a corner and show the true her, get past her fears, pain and regret, and move forward to a healthier and more peaceful life.<br />
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In the first episode of the show, Iyanla delved deep into Evelyn's childhood and got to the core of her pain, rage and anger that often is seen played out on TV for all to see. Iyanla wanted to help her find her inner child that was still hurting from being rejected by her father. Iyanla was surprised to see that her husband, Chad Johnson, was not present for the interview although he had committed to being there. This was a red flag for Iyanla and she quickly proclaimed that in regards to her marriage, that Lozada was, "in trouble". With Vanzant somehow foreseeing the future, she later heard the news with the rest of the world that Evelyn and Chad had been involved in a domestic dispute which allegedly involved Evelyn being headbutted by Chad, requiring Evelyn to get stitches in her forehead.<br />
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After the alleged headbutting incident, Evelyn has since filed for divorce and says she has not spoken to Chad. The second part of the segment was recorded after the incident and Iyanla had somewhat of a "I told you so" vibe, while letting Evelyn once again, dig deep into her inner self to determine how she got to this point. I was so proud of Evelyn for her courage to want to change and her honesty throughout the process. Evelyn showed her vulnerability as she constantly shed tears while consistently confronting her past, present and future.<br />
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Seeing Lozada in this light really changed my views on her and I have never seen her look more beautiful and endearing. Lozada and Vanzant ultimately determined that her anger and rage stemmed from her abandonment as a child by her father and her dealings with men (promiscuity, low self esteem and teenage pregnancy) were also bi-products of this still open wound. Vanzant urged Lozada to discover who she truly was without the high profile marriage, hit reality show and closet full of Louboutins and the exchange was incredibly moving and inspiring.<br />
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I wish Evelyn Lozada the best on her journey to set an example for young girls, as the truly strong and beautiful woman that she is and hope that she finds her true calling, as she acknowledged that, "its not to act a fool on TV". To say that this show made me look into myself for similar answers to the ills that plague me would be an understatement. The show is definitely something I'll watch in the future as I believe I can learn and grow from the courageous stories of others.<br />
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Here is some video footage of the exchange between Lozada and Vanzant on "Fix My Life":<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
Did you watch the two part segment of Lozada on Iyanla Vanzant's "Fix My Life"?<br />
Do you now have a different perception of Evelyn Lozada, the "bad girl" on Basketball Wives?<br />
Do you have "daddy issues" stemming from abandonment as a child?<br />
Have you ever been a victim of domestic abuse?<br />
Does her courage and honesty inspire you to tackle some heavy issues in your own life?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-34746901761700822012-09-11T11:05:00.000-07:002012-09-11T11:15:14.273-07:00Who Is Luke James?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know I'm a little on the late freight with featuring this R&B newcomer, but I'm pretty sure many of you have not heard of him or maybe, you heard his music and didn't know his name, nor his face. Well, the wait is over! I was blown away by this guy when he performed on "Verses & Flow," a new show on TVOne that features talented spoken word artists a la Def Poetry Jam. James, originally from New Orleans, tore down the stage with his strong, yet silky smooth vocals and dynamic energy. Little did I know that he was responsible for one of my favorite R&B songs on the radio right now, "I Want You," where he declares his love for his dream girl.</div>
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Below is a video of "I Want You":</div>
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Here is a video of James' performance on "Verses & Flow":</div>
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In "Guilty Pleasure," James sings about a love that is so wrong, yet so right and I love the energy he brought to the stage. Luke James' pre-release album, "#Luke," will be released on Def Jam. Besides his musical dealings, he has been featured as the leading man in several videos, such as, Melanie Fiona's, "4 A.M.," Beyonce's, "Run The World," and has penned songs for the likes of Britney Spears, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown and more. I'm excited to see what this vibrant newcomer will bring to the R&B scene.</div>
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Here are a few more pictures of Mr. James:</div>
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You can find him on Twitter @<cite><span style="color: #388222;"><a href="https://twitter.com/whoisLukejames" target="_blank">WhoIsLukeJames</a></span></cite></div>
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Luke James' Official Website: <span style="color: #388222;"><a href="http://www.whoislukejames.com/">www.whois<strong>luke</strong>james.com</a> </span></div>
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong></div>
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What do you think of Luke James?</div>
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Have you ever heard of him?</div>
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Would you buy his album?</div>
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Would you like to see more from this new talent?</div>
Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-76315210619635657742012-09-06T11:48:00.000-07:002012-09-06T11:48:08.594-07:00Video Spotlight: Lupe Fiasco - Bitch Bad<br />
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My <a href="https://twitter.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> readers know I've spoken on this occurrence of the confusion between a man wanting a "bad bitch", but also wanting her to possess the qualities of a "good girl". In my previous post, <a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2012/03/men-say-they-want-good-woman-but-chase.html" target="_blank">Men Say They Want A Good Woman, But Chase Bad Girls</a>, I explained my confusion with men who think they can have both and laid out some general definitions of what these perceptions really mean. Now lyricist/activist Lupe Fiasco has put it in a song called, "Bitch Bad". <br />
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Lupe speaks on this reoccurring contradiction in Hip Hop music as he raps:<br />
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Now imagine there's a shawty, maybe five maybe four<br />Ridin' 'round with his mama listening to the radio<br />And a song comes on and not far off from being born<br />Doesn't know the difference between right and wrong<br />Now I ain't trying to make it too complex<br />But let's just say shawty has an undeveloped context<br />About the perception of women these days<br />His mama sings along and this what she says<br />"nigga I'm a bad bitch, and I'm bad bitch<br />Far above average"<br />
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First he's relatin' the word "bitch" with his mama, comma<br />And because she's relatin' to herself<br />
his most important source of help<br />
and mental health, he may skew respect for dishonor<br />
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Sure enough, in this little world<br />The little boy meets one of those little girls<br />And he thinks she a bad bitch and she thinks she a bad bitch<br />He thinks disrespectfully, she thinks of that sexually<br />She got the wrong idea, he don't wanna fuck her<br />He thinks she's bad at being a bitch like his mother<br />
Just like that, you see the fruit of the confusion<br />He caught in a reality, she caught in an illusion<br />Bad mean good to her, she really nice and smart<br />But bad mean bad to him, bitch don't play your part<br />But bitch still bad to her if you say it the wrong way<br />But she think she a bitch, what a double entendre<br />
Check out the video:<br />
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I'm glad Lupe has spoken up on this underlying contradiction that has become so popular in rap music these days. He's received a lot of flack for the song, as well as, his anti-Obama views, but I am still a big fan of this young and talented artist and I'm glad he's sharing his perspective on the subject and various other subjects.<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
What did you think about the video?<br />
Do you agree with what Lupe Fiasco is saying?<br />
Do you feel its a contradiction for a man to want a "bad bitch" but also want a "good woman"?<br />
What are your thoughts on the song and lyrics?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-79227841311310491502012-08-21T13:50:00.001-07:002012-08-21T13:50:48.873-07:00Helpful Tips on Redesigning Your Home<br />
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I've recently embarked on redesigining my apartment and it has been both a fulfilling and arduous process. Although I have yet to fully complete the entire project, I wanted to share some helpful tips along the way to inspire and encourage others that may be contemplating redecorating or are currently in the process of doing so.<br />
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<strong>Visualize.</strong><br />
First things first! You must have a vision for how you want your place to look, feel and be perceived before you start. You can browse through home design magazines, search for looks online or mirror a look/feel that you've seen in a friend's home or on TV. Whichever way you go, make sure that the picture that you are trying to portray fits your personality and is functional for your lifestyle.<br />
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<strong>Color.</strong><br />
I believe a great starting point is to go for the colors/paint that will set your intended mood for each room of your home. The functionality of each room will help you determine the colors you want to set forth. For instance, if its your bedroom, you might want colors that will make you feel relaxed. Painting your bedroom bright yellow may not fair well when its time to go to sleep so keep in mind what colors bring about what moods.<br />
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Selecting the perftect color for your room can help jumpstart ideas for furniture, accessories and accents. Let the color be the driving force along with the style you would like to encompass the room.</div>
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<strong>Style.</strong></div>
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They say style is everything so be sure to select a design style that fits your personality. Are you a modern chick or a vintage guy? Do you like classic art or cultural offerings? The style of your room/house should flow throughout so if you have your mind set on having a Japanese style bedroom, you might not want to feature classic/victorian style furniture and pieces in the living room. Every room doesn't have to be the same, but the themes in each room should complement each other, just as the colors you choose for each room should as well.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KjhhPI9yG2Y/UDPpdKEON6I/AAAAAAAABJI/khdf0wWT0sA/s1600/French-Style-Furniture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" mda="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KjhhPI9yG2Y/UDPpdKEON6I/AAAAAAAABJI/khdf0wWT0sA/s400/French-Style-Furniture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">French style furniture</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAzLk4VUXV8/UDPpwxekP6I/AAAAAAAABJQ/exSiUncquwQ/s1600/Victorian-Bedroom-Furniture.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" mda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAzLk4VUXV8/UDPpwxekP6I/AAAAAAAABJQ/exSiUncquwQ/s400/Victorian-Bedroom-Furniture.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Victorian Style Bedroom Set</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_c7w9N_XCts/UDPp_vRzoZI/AAAAAAAABJY/lnMfQddWVk8/s1600/modern-bedrooms-furniture-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_c7w9N_XCts/UDPp_vRzoZI/AAAAAAAABJY/lnMfQddWVk8/s400/modern-bedrooms-furniture-1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Modern Style Bedroom</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Modern Living Room</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktfoZTOYKZw/UDPv-ItWryI/AAAAAAAABLs/ZZpUzZZQVIw/s1600/barbie-dream-home-theme-living-room.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" mda="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ktfoZTOYKZw/UDPv-ItWryI/AAAAAAAABLs/ZZpUzZZQVIw/s400/barbie-dream-home-theme-living-room.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Barbie Dream Home Style</span></strong></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: small;">Asian Style Bedroom</span></strong><br />
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<strong>Be Patient.</strong><br />
Once you've decided on your colors and style/theme, next you have to choose the furniture pieces and accents that will bring this vision to fruition. There are all sorts of DIY (Do it yourself) projects that can be accomplished with the help of Home Depot or Lowes, as well as, self help guides on how to turn old and outdated pieces into something fresh, new and all your own. If you are a handy DIY type of person, this should be reflected throughout your home and will give you a great sense of pride once it is completed.<br />
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Also remember, your perfect home will not be completed overnight. It will take time and focus to find the right pieces for each room. Most importantly, don't settle!!! Choosing pieces out of convenience and not because they match your dream/vision of your new home is not the way to go. If you have a certain piece in mind and can't find it in stores, don't give up. Search online on furniture stores, craigslist and at Goodwills/furniure depots. Allow yourself the time to find the right pieces and don't rush the process. Eventually everything will all come together.</div>
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<strong>Its All in the Details.</strong></div>
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Making your home all your own can be one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do. No piece, item or artifact is too small or insignificant to go unnoticed in the overall theme. The trick to creating a beautiul style/decor in your home is focusing on the details. There is no need to match everything to your wall color, but again, there must be continuity. Accents like throws, pillows, picture frames, art, centerpieces, paintings, drapes, etc. are what brings the character into your space. Contrasting colors that blend well, but also POP is what you want to focus on. Be daring and brave and shun colors that are dull and boring. Instead, let the color do the talking for you to create a look and feel all your own. Your color pallettes should speak to your personality and style. Let the color and details speak for you.</div>
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<strong>Ballin' on a Budget.</strong></div>
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Redesigning/Decorating your home can be intimidating style wise and financially as well. Don't let the price tags get you down or discouraged. There are plenty of affordable furniture outlets that can give you the look and feel you want and not break the bank. Besides, what's the point of sitting in a beautifully designed space and you're eating Top Ramen for a year. Again, this is an issue of patience. There is no rush to purchase all of your items at once. Create a budget each month on what you have to spend on items and follow your plan. It will take sacrifice, but the end result is all worth it.</div>
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<strong>Follow Your Heart.</strong></div>
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In your excitement to celebrate your current progress, you might invite some family and friends over to take a look at the place. Of course we want our guests to love our new space, but you shouldnt feel deterred if everyone isn't as geeked about your choices as you are. Always remember, this is <u>your</u> space. You will be the one living in the space so negative feedback should be taken with a grain of salt, unless of course, the feedback is coming from an interior design professional who's work you admire and trust. This is your place, your vision and your hardwork...make it your own!!!!</div>
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong></div>
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Are you currently redecorating your home and found these tips helpful?</div>
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Do you have any design tips for the <a href="https://twitter.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> readers?</div>
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Is there a design disaster story you would like to share?</div>
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Has this post influenced you to redecorate your home?</div>
Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-80226654015416131662012-08-21T11:10:00.001-07:002012-08-21T11:10:12.964-07:00Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: Season FinaleI know we are all heartbroken to see our favorite reality smash hit of the summer go, seemingly just as quick as it came. It seems as though we were just getting to know the standout characters Stevie J, Scrappy, Mimi, Joseline, and K. Michelle, but the season has now come to a close and the only thing us fans have left is the reunion show that will be airing shortly. These castmates have been taken through a whirlwind to say the least.<br />
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When the show first aired everyone seemed to hate Joseline and Stevie J and were feeling sorry for Mimi. Now that the season has ended, perceptions and views have changed with bad boy Stevie winning the hearts of many men and women throughout the country. Now don't get me wrong, Stevie is definitely not the type of character I would look to have a relationship with, but you gotta admit that the guy has personality and a strong magnetism. I see the fellas on Twitter and Facebook every Monday chanting "Stevie J for President". He is clearly a favorite amongst the bad boy/misogynistic minded men who have grown to love his swag and confidence, as well as, his ability to attract women and keep them coming back. Contrary to the masses first feeling sorry for Mimi Faust, we are now somewhat "over" her victim role and I think in the end we might all agree that she is doing this to herself.<br />
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Karlie Redd and Benzino were definitely entertaining to watch. To see Benzino, the alleged misogynist/lady killer show his soft, loving side was definitely an endearing surprise. Karlie Redd seems like the only one losing in this situation as we have yet to hear any material from her or see her face outside of Vh1. I think we're all wondering why is this chick so career-centered when no one has ever heard from her or seen her outside of the show. It might be time to focus on other things than that career boo boo!<br />
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<br />Lil' Scrappy and Erica have been through a lot, but I give them credit for airing out their feelings and differences with one another for the betterment of their child, Imani. Mama Dee needs to permanently take a seat with her no spelling self, "B-I-C-T-H...and in that order". *sigh* Her meddling and immature/ghetto advice to her son seems to have only hurt his chances at finding true love, which deep down, I think Scrappy really wants. I won't cloud this season finale post with spoilers from blog sites speaking on what's going to happen on the reunion, but I'm sure we'll all be surprised to see what becomes of this couple.<br />
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Rasheeda and her husband Kirk have also been through a lot this season and I'm happy to see them renewing their vows and making the pledge to stay together no matter what in the end of the season. I wish Rasheeda the best in her career and marriage and I still can't wait to hear her song, "Put it on 'em, make him wanna marry me" on the airwaves. These two seem to have come out stronger than when they entered and hopefully they will achieve their goals of making Rasheeda a star.<br />
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K. Michelle really needs to stop crying and move forward. I understand that it's probably very difficult to be in the public eye and your alleged abuser has moved on to a new woman and family and continues to deny your domestic violence reports, but what she needs to understand is the fans want to know who she is!!! Not the battered woman, nor the new artist that got screwed out of her deal, but a woman that is resilient, strong, and will fight for what she deserves and wants. Like she said on the finale, "No more tears".<br />
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I can't lie, Joseline Hernandez' personality and swag has continued to grow on me since the beginning. The girl has the gift of gab and an undrainable source of confidence and perseverance. If she plays her cards right she might actually achieve her goal of never going back to the strip club. Fans are still wondering if her and Stevie can put the b.s. aside and just work together, professionally. Lets just say they both have their work cut out for them.<br />
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I don't know about my <a href="https://twitter.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> readers, but I can't wait to see the finale and the tomfoolery that is sure to ensue. I must give a big shout out to Mona Scott-Young for giving us our ratchet guilty pleasure and something to talk about throughout the summer. The Love & Hip Hop Atlanta cast have definitely made a name for themselves in such a short time. Now the challenge is to keep the fire going and to solidify themselves as genuine actors/celebrities/artists. Only time will tell if this cast will revisit our homes, radio stations, social networks and give us more drama to laugh, talk and shake our heads to.<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
Are you happy with how things ended in the finale between Stevie J and Mimi?<br />
Do you think Karlie Redd and Benzino were good for each other?<br />
Do you think Lil' Scrappy and Erica can make it work for the sake of their child?<br />
Have your views on Joseline Hernandez changed throughout the season of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta?<br />
Should K. Michelle move on from the alleged abuse and focus more on her career?<br />
Does Rasheeda have real potential as a music star if her husband Kirk backs off of her career?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-58205117085119897572012-07-31T10:36:00.000-07:002012-07-31T10:36:40.637-07:00Love & Hip Hop Atlanta: Therapy<br />
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Well, Mona Scott-Young has brought us the juiciest reality show known to man and it is quickly becoming America's favorite guilty pleasure viewing choice. Last night's episode of <strong>Love & Hip Hop Atlanta</strong> was outrageous, touching, intriguing and a *side eye* factor all at the same damn time. We saw Mimi and Stevie J attempt to bring some sanity to their interactions by speaking to a clinical psychologist. Although he is the therapist from the infamous Maury Povich daytime talk show, he quickly got to the core of Mimi and Stevie's issues and helped them open up about their pasts. Knowing now that Stevie J was abandoned by his mother at birth sheds a lot of light as to his faulty dealings with the women in his life and Mimi's Mommy issues also lend to her need to keep Stevie J around. I'm proud to see Vh1 showing the importance of therapy in this positive light and how it can help heal open wounds. More couples should be as brave and courageous as Stevie and Mimi...kudos to them.<br />
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Scrappy was up to his old shady ways trying to plan and plot a strategy to get off child support. I understand many young males of color don't like the system/government in their "business", but why is there a need to pay for expensive lawyers if you're planning on paying the child support anyway? Sounds kind of backwards to me, but I hope him and Erica figure it out. Although Side Chick Buckey (from Flavor Flav's Flavor of Love dating show) is conniving and ratchet, she has a little bit of sense and may be able to help guide Scrappy to the right course of action.<br />
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Joseline aka The Side Chick is quickly claiming her personal power and slowly cutting the strong ties that Stevie J bonds her with. Sleazy, I mean, Stevie J is quick to always remind her that he will exile her from the music industry and send her packing all her thongs, back to the strip club, but his threats are starting to wear thin on the poor child. I'm not sure how the season will end between Joseline and her "man-ager", but Lord knows something needs to change.<br />
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Benzino and Karlie Redd are just too much and I am really trying to figure out if this is a publicity stunt on both sides to improve their images. Visions of Benzino figuratively running through The Source magazine offices smacking ass and going under skirts comes to mind (this is not fact), but he now is showing his soft and human side while around Karlie as he spoils her and lavishes her with gifts and attention. I really can't be mad at the brother though; He's very charming and convincing.<br />
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At times I think that Mimi, Stevie, Joseline, Karlie and K. Michelle, who is such a talented artist, are all just great actors, but then I realize that Love & Hip Hop is so ratchet, ignorant, hilarious, addicting and ridiculous that I think to myself, you just can't write stuff like this. <br />
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<u><strong>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</strong></u><br />
Who is your favorite character on LHHATL and why?<br />
Do you feel bad for Mimi?<br />
Does Karlie Redd seem sincere?<br />
Who do you dislike the most on the show?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-67652416301773473712012-07-24T12:45:00.000-07:002012-07-24T12:45:18.303-07:00Drake & Kendrick Lamar: You Changed!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Drake and Kendrick Lamar are two rappers that I was listening to before they got BIG, so to speak. Its been bugging me for sometime now that I'm noticing the changes in their content and persona, now that they've signed on to major record labels with Drake at Cash Money and Lamar at Aftermath. When Drake first came out he was much more earthy and sensitive and his content was much more "girl friendly", which is what initially attracted me to him. Kendrick also seemed to be more of a conscious rapper before he teamed up with Dr. Dre to produce his recent musical efforts.<br />
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In my humble opinion, Drake signing with Cash Money may have skyrocketed him to super stardom and gained him millions of fans throughout the world, but as far as his musical content, I think it might be the worse decision he ever made. When Drake was set to go pro (sign on to a major label) there was a bidding war between all of the top labels so he pretty much had the ability to pick and choose who he would officially start his professional career with. Many artists are not as privileged to be at the center of a bidding war and able to decisively choose the right fit for what they are seeking to accomplish in their musical career. When I initially heard that Drake had chosen to sign with Cash Money I was weary of what it might mean for his image and sound. Well, so far, Drake has gone from the sensitive, introspective and seemingly "harmless" Jewish boy from Canada to a bottle slinging, gun toting, entourage accompanying, tough guy that threatens other rappers and dares them to throw rocks at the Cash Money throne. *sigh*<br />
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Kendrick Lamar was also a unique and artistic rapper that seemed to shun record industry standards with musical content and artistry that dared to be different and dare I say it, conscious. If you know the West Coast music industry well, you are well aware that it is very rare to see an artist come from the West Coast that is not a gangsta from Compton or Watts and/or a blood or crip. Its almost as if Snoop Dogg branded our side to damnation, as record labels refuse to produce any artists that do not fit this stagnant gangsta/thug prototype. At first, Kendrick was a breath of fresh air, and he still is, but I am wondering just how much Dr. Dre's influence will deter him from his roots of uniqueness. At first Lamar was beckoning ladies to tear down their masks in "<strong>No Makeup</strong>" off his "<strong>Section 80</strong>" mixtape, where he proclaimed:<br />
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Damn girl, why so much?<br />You bout to blow your cover when you cover up<br />Don’t you know your imperfections<br />Is a wonderful blessing<br />From heaven, is where you got it from<br />I love your smile<br />You can do it without style<br />From your lips, all the way to your eyebrows<br />It’s the beauty in her<br />But when the makeup occur<br />I don’t see it, all I see is a blur<br />
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Now, I hear Lamar taking on the bad boy/playa role with lyrics like:<br />
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My nigga said he wanna fly out to get him some<br />3ws only for a three day run<br />Bitch, take the muthaf--king panties off you ain't no nun, shit<br />I be living in the sky every time i ride by them hoes<br />
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The lyrics above are from his debut single, "<strong>The Recipe</strong>" featuring Dr. Dre where he explains the top 3 reasons why people come to Los Angeles/Cali, which are "women, weed and weather". This tone of lyrics is a far cry from the newcomer that once talked about the trials and tribulations of growing up in the hood, political activism, the importance of being yourself, etc. etc. I am in no way saying that Lamar has done a complete 180 on his former views and lyrical content, but one can only wonder if his inner voice will be watered down to package him for the Hip Hop community the way that only Dr. Dre can.<br />
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Please don't get me wrong because I still love these two dudes' music and I salute their artistic capabilities. I just hope that in selling their music through a major label distributor that they don't sell their souls. <br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
Have you noticed that once independent artists sign onto major record labels that their creative control has diminished?<br />
Have you heard the differences in lyrical content from before Drake and Kendrick Lamar were signed to majors?<br />
Are you no longer a fan of Drake's after he signed with Cash Money Records?<br />
Do you see a change in Kendrick Lamar's lyrical content?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-86331709297348087852012-07-24T11:43:00.000-07:002012-07-24T11:43:32.152-07:00Relationships: Is He Your Type or the Marrying Type?<br />
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Too often I find myself attracted to a certain "type" of guy. My type of guy has swag, style, confidence, charm, etc. Much more often, I find that relationships with my "type" of man never work out because they usually have many ladies that are fighting for their affection and trust me, I will never fight over a man. Much further beyond competition is the fact that my type is usually not the settling down kind.<br />
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What I'm coming to realize is that for as long as I can remember, my type of guy was only able to fill a temporary void when it came to relationships and never seemed to stick around for the long haul. Nor were they capable of having a real relationship equipped with ups and downs, growth and sustainability. <br />
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Now I find myself almost 32 years old and single....again! I am now forced to reevaluate the thinking and choices that got me where I am today. My conclusion is that I've always been attracted to the wrong type of guys. A six pack and big muscles won't hold you tight at night, nor will it calm your fears and support you through thick and thin. I am now redefining my type to include qualities that don't address physical attributes, such as a willingness to settle down, build a foundation and start a family. Other qualities that I am now more keenly focused on are commitment, trust, loyalty and honesty.<br />
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People always say you can have it all, but I constantly wonder if that is really the case. Most of my peers that are getting married seem to have the right idea about what the "marrying type" is. I do want to get married eventually and possibly have kids and I realize now that my "type" isn't the "marrying type". I'm ready to shed past hurts, disappointments and misconceptions to find the love that I truly want and deserve. I am a work in progress, but now I feel I am progressing in the right direction towards the goals I want to achieve in my life. So I'm saying goodbye to my "type" and hello to the "marrying type". This will take time and lots of self reflection, but I feel now more than ever I am ready to claim my prize of true love and commitment.<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
LADIES: Do you find that your "type" of guy is not the "marrying type"?<br />
Do you see similarities in your relationship life as how I have described above?<br />
Do you often feel you get the short end of the stick in love and relationships?<br />Are you willing to reassess the "type" of man you need instead of the "type" of man you want?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-87467062490630156942012-07-11T14:13:00.000-07:002012-07-11T14:13:41.277-07:00I Love My Mister Wrong<br />
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It seems that every other R&B or Hip Hop song on the radio is about a woman who can't let the man that treats her wrong go. If its not Mary J. Blige's song <strong>"Mr. Wrong"</strong> or Jeezy's hit song <strong>"Leave You Alone"</strong>, its another declaration that somehow, women are not strong enough to let go of a BAD THING because the love is so GOOD. Where did us women get things so misconstrued along the way that we become gluttons for punishment and began to believe that because he makes us feel good in the bedroom, or can possibly deliver emotional feelings for the moment, that he deserves our time or effort? Why do we as women overlook good men that don't necessarily fit the persona of the man that we think we want and need, that can actually treat us right and do good by us? Instead, we stick around with the players, pimps, or simply, the "emotionally unavailable" men. WHY?<br />
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Its not like these types of men show up out of nowhere and don't reveal their true selves from the beginning. Their aura and persona shines just as brightly as their pearly whites and bulging muscles, and quite often, bulging pockets. Us as women know what these men are about via our initial attraction to them. The attraction is electric and cosmic. The cocky glance and stare get us every time and all of a sudden, splash, our panties are wet with excitement. Sadly, too often we get the short end of the stick and I'm not talking about their penis size, because usually, that's all they have to offer in the love department. There is never a real chance at commitment or vulnerability, just a bravado that dares us to leave them, and if we do, they're on to the next leaving us torn and tattered in the aftermath.<br />
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Lyrics from Mary J. Blige's <strong>"Mr. Wrong":</strong><br />
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<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span class="line line-s" id="line_16" jquery1710903005143752468="63" style="mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Bad boys aint no good</span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span class="line line-s" id="line_17" jquery1710903005143752468="64" style="mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Good boys aint no fun</span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span class="line line-s" id="line_18" jquery1710903005143752468="65" style="mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Lord knows that I should</span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span class="line line-s" id="line_19" jquery1710903005143752468="66" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Run off with the right one</span> </div>
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<span class="line">[Chorus]</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span class="line"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_20" jquery1710903005143752468="67" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Me and Mr Wrong get along so good (so good)</span> </div>
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<span class="line line-s hover" id="line_21" jquery1710903005143752468="68" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Even though he breaks my heart so bad (so bad)</span> </div>
<div style="background-color: white; border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span class="line line-s hover" id="line_22" jquery1710903005143752468="69" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">We got a special thing going on</span> </div>
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<span class="line line-s hover" id="line_23" jquery1710903005143752468="70" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Me and Mr Mister Wrong</span> </div>
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<span class="line line-s hover" id="line_24" jquery1710903005143752468="71" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;"></span> </div>
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<span class="line line-s hover" jquery1710903005143752468="71" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Even if I try, no, I never could </span></div>
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<span class="line line-s hover" jquery1710903005143752468="71" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;"></span><span class="line line-s" id="line_26" jquery1710903005143752468="73" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Give him up cause his loves like that</span> </div>
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<span class="line line-s" id="line_27" jquery1710903005143752468="74" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">Aint no way that I'm moving on</span> </div>
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<span class="line line-s" id="line_28" jquery1710903005143752468="75" style="mozborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; mozborderradiusbottomright: 8px; mozborderradiustopleft: 8px; mozborderradiustopright: 8px; mwebkitborderradiusbottomright: 8px; webkitborderradiusbottomleft: 8px; webkitborderradiustopleft: 8px;">I love my Mr Wrong</span></div>
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How many times must we go through the same thing before we truly realize what is important in love and relationships? When will we consider loving Mr. Right instead of Mr. Wrong? When will we love ourselves enough to stop the pattern of self sabotage and self defeat regarding matters of the heart and start fresh with a focused and clear head? All I know is I can't stand to listen to another woman sing about setting herself up for pain and regret, because she can't see past his huge and tantalizing package, as illusive as it may be.<br />
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I'm waiting for the day when the way a man makes us feel physically will always match up with our emotional wants and needs and until that day, we will never truly find true fulfillment in love. I have been guilty of the aforementioned myself at times, which is why I say "we" and "us". Its now time for the curse to be broken and for us to break the shackles of the love spell, which we will soon begin to realize, was never really love at all.<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
Do you know a woman that always falls in love with Mr. Wrong? Are you one of them?<br />
What about Mr. Wrong attracts you and keeps you coming back for more?<br />
Do you wish you could leave him, but simply don't feel strong enough?<br />Do you believe you deserve a good man aka Mr. Right?<br />
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<u><strong>I would love for the men to chime in as well:</strong></u><br />
Are you Mr. Right and you constantly get overlooked by women for Mr. Wrong?<br />
Do you find that women say they want a good man, but really chase the bad boys?<br />
As Mr. Right, have you ever contemplated playing the bad guy role to make a chick interested in you?<br />
Do you think good guys ultimately finish last when it comes to love and relationships?<br />
<br />Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-34548722811094883322012-07-11T13:12:00.001-07:002012-07-11T13:12:41.101-07:00Frank Ocean Out The Closet, Is R&B Ready For A Gay Artist?<br />
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I first wrote about Frank Ocean around this time last year after hearing his mixtape N<em>ostalgia, Ultra</em> that introduced us to an introspective, yet forthcoming new artist that was gifted with the skill of writing and evoking romantic emotion that is often unheard of from artists his age; He's only 25. The subject matter that he displays through his songs are not only thought provoking, but wildly uncommon in this day and age of music that seems to focus solely on party and bullshit.<br />
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Ocean recently came out of the closet (acknowledging his love for men) by featuring songs on his debut album Channel Orange (released online on July 10th and available in stores next week) that focus on love and loss between two men. This album comes highly anticipated based off his previous work with Jay-Z, Kanye, and Beyonce, as well as, his own mixtape releases, but has left his current and new fans confused on what to expect next out of the newcomer.<br />
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I caught his performance on Jimmy Fallon that aired this past Monday and he sang a love song that he wrote about a man called <strong>"Bad Religion".</strong> I wasn't too blown away by the performance, but I thought to myself, is R&B/Hip Hop ready for a gay or possibly, bisexual artist? I've posed this question before in a previous blog titled, "<a href="http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/is-hip-hop-ready-for-homosexuality.html" target="_blank">Is Hip Hop Ready For Homosexuality?!?!?!</a>." Personally, I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear love songs about love shared between two men. I am by no means homophobic and I respect everyone's right to live free of persecution or judgement based off of their sexual preference, however, I'm just not sure if I'm ready to cross that bridge.<br />
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Below is video footage of Frank Ocean's performance on Jimmy Fallon:<br />
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I'd love to hear from my <a href="https://twitter.com/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> readers on this one!!!!<br />
<br />What do you think about the performance?<br />Are you a fan?<br />
Did you know he was gay/bisexual? Does it matter?<br />
Do you plan on copping the album?<br />
Do you think his coming out will help or hurt his career?<br />
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WEIGH IN!!!!!<br />Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-41344051253775165552012-06-19T14:08:00.000-07:002012-06-19T14:08:33.807-07:00Do Short Men Have More Confidence Than Tall Men?<br />
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I am a tall woman standing approximately 5'11 and I find that I am often greeted and courted by shorter men, much more often than I am by taller men. You would think that it would be easy for me to find a 6+ footer, but it seems as though all I get approached by is shorter men. A man recently asked me if short men approach me more than tall men and I definitely told him my experience proved that shorter men approach me more. I asked him why is that and he explained that shorter men like a challenge. They like the vote of confidence they get when they can pull or attract a taller woman. He also explained that tall men don't go after tall women because they are not secure enough within themselves to handle a woman of that stature. On the contrary, you would think that would be the answer for the shorter guys, right?<br />
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I'm sure taller women are used to getting approached by men shorter than them and often hear pickup lines like, "We're all the same height lying down." or "You're a tall glass of water." or even better yet, my favorite, "You're a tall tree that I'd like to climb"...*eye roll*. More important to me than the actual occurrence is the reason behind it. Are tall women just trophies that short men use to boost their ego? Are taller men intimidated by women that stand closer to them in height and would rather date a smaller chick to boost their egos and make them feel like "the man"?<br />
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We've seen several cases of this in Hollywood with Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, as well as, Kimora Lee Simmons and Russell Simmons<br />
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All of this ego boosting and opposites attracting is just too much. Isn't it harder to kiss a guy if he's 6'5 and you're 5'5? Wouldn't shorter guys look better with short women and taller men better with taller women? In a perfect world I'm sure this would be the norm, but in our society, things seem to be switched when it comes to the extreme sides of this spectrum. So my question is, are shorter guys really more confident or are they using this lack of confidence to fuel their "Napoleon complex"? Do taller guys shy away from taller women whom they are not able to dominate as easily as, lets say, a shorter chick? I want the feedback from the fellas and the ladies on this one, short and tall and everywhere in between!!!! :-)<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
Are you a taller chick that always gets approached by shorter dudes?<br />
As a taller man, do you prefer a woman that is much closer to you in height or much shorter?<br />
As a shorter man, do you prefer taller chicks and why?<br />
As a taller woman, would you prefer to date taller guys, but find that there is a shortage of taller men that are attracted to you?<br />
As a taller woman, are you comfortable with dating a guy shorter than you?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-52202501678916936622012-06-19T11:06:00.000-07:002012-06-19T11:07:34.479-07:00Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta<br />
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Well, Vh1 has done it again!!! They've come up with another reality guilty pleasure that will surely keep everyone buzzing throughout the summer. With the recent season finale of Basketball Wives, we have a new set of ratchet wives (I mean girlfriends and side chicks) to laugh at and shake our heads to in <strong>Love & Hip Hop's</strong> new installment in ATL. Mona Scott-Young has outdone herself with this cast of ATLiens that are working, loving and fighting their way through the cut throat Atlanta entertainment scene.<br />
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The cast has newcomers like Karlie Redd and K. Michelle, that some of you might've heard of and original players like Steve J, "a three-time Grammy Award-Winning producer who has worked with artists such as Diddy, Jay-Z and Mariah Carey, and his longtime girlfriend and mother of his child, Mimi Faust, whom we are just meeting. Mimi claims her and Stevie have been together for over 15 years, yet, I'm wondering when he had time to be with her because the last time I checked, he and rapper Eve had a longtime love affair. Things start off with a world wind between these two and I can't help but think how much more juicy its going to get throughout the season (Did you see the highlights?!?!??! Wow!).<br />
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There are other familiar faces via ATL born rapper Lil' Scrappy that has worked with the likes of Lil' Jon and the Eastside Boyz, among many others throughout Atlanta and the mother of his child, Erica Dixon, whom accepted him back after rapper Princess recently broke his heart. These two seem to be patching things up and are on the road to recovery, while Scrappy's crazy and overprotective mother, whom used to pimp and sell drugs (sigh), has to keep her nose in the business and make sure her son is being well taken care of. This mother-son-girlfriend dynamic is very reminiscent of Jim Jones' and Chrissy's love triangle with Mama Jones.<br />
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Up and coming female rapper Rasheeda and her manager husband, Kirk Frost, seem to have their work cut out for them as they embark on introducing Rasheeda to the world via her new album. The season opener would not be complete without the fiery Latina rapper, Joseline, whom like Somaya Reese of the 1st edition of Love & Hip Hop, is hungry for her spot in the rap game and will do almost anything to achieve her dreams, which includes, possibly stealing Stevie J away from Mimi.<br />
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I already know what you all are thinking: Mimi is a fool, Stevie J is a misogynistic a-hole, Scrappy and Erica are the ride-or-dies who just might make it work, Karlie Redd is messy and K. Michelle is too emotional. We didn't see much of Rasheeda and her husband Kirk, but I'm sure we'll have plenty to talk about in the upcoming episodes. All in all, this soap opera, drama style of reality TV is just like a train wreck, you can't stand the gruesome and grimy scene, yet you can't take your eyes off it and I'm sure Mona Scott-Young likes it that way.<br />
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Check out the cast, photos and clips from the new hit reality show Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta here on Vh1:<br />
<a href="http://www.vh1.com/shows/love_and_hip_hop_atlanta/series.jhtml">http://www.vh1.com/shows/love_and_hip_hop_atlanta/series.jhtml</a><br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
What do you think about Episode 1 of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta?<br />
Who are your favorite cast members?<br />
Do you think Joseline can make it big?<br />
Will you be watching the entire season?<br />
Who did you like the least?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-85323414655180962232012-05-17T12:30:00.002-07:002012-05-17T12:30:44.667-07:00How To Rise Up In The Company<br />
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I'm always weary of giving advice for something I'm not quite qualified to give, but I definitely wanted to share some helpful tips on how to move up in your current position with your company or organization, as I've had mucho success with these few tactics put into action. As I said in a previous post about my mother, she taught me life skills like essay writing, interview tips, how to dress for success and how to move up in your company or current position. If there is anyone who can show you the ropes of how to move up quickly in a company, its her and I would like to share some of her many tips for success, along with a few I've picked up along the way, with you all, my BornTooBlog readers.<br />
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First things first, you MUST dress for success. Always be mindful of the dress code and culture of your company, but dress UP, not down. Just because your peers rock t-shirts and chucks does not mean you can't wear a dress shirt with khakis or slacks. Yes, you might get teased or ridiculed for dressing better than your peers, but believe me when I say, the higher ups will take notice. I'm sure we've all heard that saying, "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have."<br />
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Secondly, when you first begin your position, you must realize that the word "No" shouldn't be in your vocabulary for at least 6 months to a year or more. Remember, this is your time to prove yourself. Everyone is watching you and seeing if you will sink or swim, so never turn down a task because it is out of your purview or job description. Managers love employees that are dependable and will accomplish a task that no one wanted, with a smile. Look at it this way, if you are able to complete tasks that are above and beyond your call of duty, your boss will be even more inclined to give you tasks and responsibilities that are more and more distinguished, which can transition into a promotion. Also, being a "complainer" is a no no. No one wants to deal with a whistle blower so choose your battles wisely.<br />
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Never go the caddy route and talk or gossip with your peers. Believe me, the higher ups know who are the troublemakers and who is spreading rumors or gossip. These people are the last ones to get promoted. Its always cool to have friends throughout the organization, as it can benefit you in many ways, but don't get labeled as a troublemaker just because you hang with one. Be mindful of who you spend your time with and never vent to your peers about your boss or any other people in positions of power because it can and will come back to bite you.<br />
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Respect the chain of command at all times. Going over someone's head to the wrong person in regards to a sticky issue can be career suicide. Always be mindful of the proper channels to resolve issues, accomplish tasks and what to communicate to whom. Confidentiality is of utmost importance in many organizations. If your boss sees that you can keep a secret, he/she will likely tell you more and more secrets, which ultimately will increase your worth in the company.<br />
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Make yourself as indispensable as possible. The more tasks you take on that nobody wants, the more you increase your job security. If you are the only one with the code to an account or the only one who knows how to perform a certain task, your odds of getting canned lessen significantly.<br />
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Getting involved with the company outside of work can do wonders for relations between you and high-level managers. If the CEO loves to play tennis or the company has a softball team and the top manager just so happens to be the coach or team captain, get involved and forge those relationships outside of work. This type of initiative can help tremendously when you are up for a certain position against another colleague that might not have forged the same relationships that you have. If push comes to shove, they will think of the person they are closest to, get along with, or share the same goals/mission for the company.<br />
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All of the aforementioned techniques are very important, but nothing screams "I want to move up in this company" more than being in the know about what positions are coming up for hire or restructuring and applying for those positions that you know you will be a great fit for. If you want to move up, you have to be serious about where you want to go and how you want to get there. If you know you would be good for a certain position, do your research about the requirements for that position and what skills, degrees or certifications are necessary to even be considered.<br />
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Being a self-advocate can be one of your greatest strengths. Whenever necessary, let those in positions of power know what skills you have outside of your current position. If you mentioned in passing that you have a background in marketing, managers will keep this in mind and pull you in when they need your expertise. When this moment comes, it is truly your time to shine.<br />
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Applying these tactics are almost sure to lead you to upward mobility, but remember, your skills and what you bring to the table must be more valuable than the position you are currently in, in order to move up. It takes time, dedication and steadfastness and also a company that encourages promoting from within. Building and harnessing relationships with key individuals and managers is priceless on your quest to moving up the ladder. Stay confident while consistently increasing your personal and professional worth.<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
Were any of the tips helpful to you?<br />
Have you had experience with some of the techniques mentioned above? Did these tactics hurt or help you in your quest to move up in your company?<br />
What advice would you add to the tips above?Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-801301004366479312012-05-15T12:06:00.000-07:002012-05-15T12:06:10.247-07:00L.A. Based All Female Hip Hop Collective: The (SIS)TEM Stakes Claim To The Throne<br />
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Ya'll aint ready! When I found out that there was an all female Hip Hop collective performing throughout Los Angeles a couple years ago I immediately got excited. I mean its not as if I don't constantly hear people complaining about the lack of REAL female MCs in the game. Whether you've heard of them or not, the fact is they are REAL female MCs and they go hard. The (SIS)TEM is a collective of female emcees, producers, vocalist, and Djs, co-founded by Aceyalone, Badru, and DVS-1, from the legendary Project Blowed in Los Angeles.<br />
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Comprised of some of L.A.'s most official female lyricists that have been performing, touring and spitting for years, even long before they joined forces (a la the Justice League), The (SIS)TEM is full of hard-hitting, grab your nuts and AK flavor music that is reminiscent of the West Coast rap groups of the past. DVS-1 had a vision for the group that did not include Nicki Minaj Barbie flows, nor did it require any help from the fellas. All that was mandatory of the collective were hardcore, take no prisoner flows, surely to make their toughest male counterparts take notice.<br />
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What the L.A. Hip Hop scene needs now more than anything is unity and The (Sis)Tem proves that point by enlisting the Hip Hop powers of DVS-1, Oracle, Miss Bliss, Brandi Kane, JiJi Sweet, Kandi Cole and Dawn Gun on <em><strong>The Treatment Mixtape</strong></em>. Each member has her own style and brand of flows sure to identify with every listener's musical wants and needs. These women have paved their own path, silenced the critics and have gained the respect of legendary MCs like KRS-1 and Chubb Rock just to name a few, as well as garnering several awards and accolades from their esteemed peers in the industry. Two of my personal favorites are Brandi Kane aka The Dopeman's Daughter and Queen Kandi Cole. Not only because they are personal friends of mine, but also because I've been seeing them do this rap stuff for years and their rhymes personally speak to me.<br />
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In April of this year they released <strong><em>The Treatment Mixtape</em></strong> that boasts beats and lyrics that are for the most part, clearly West Coast bred, yet evolve to tell a story that will resonate across the country. With tracks like <em><strong>"Gimme That",</strong></em> <em><strong>"Don't Judge Me"</strong></em> and <strong><em>"Mic Check"</em></strong>, the sistas of The (SIS)TEM are sure to please even the most harsh critics that believe there is no female Hip Hop presence on the west side of the globe.<br />
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For a free download of <strong><em>The Treatment Mixtape</em></strong> go here: <a href="http://thesistemcrew.bandcamp.com/">http://thesistemcrew.bandcamp.com/</a><br />
Follow The (SIS)TEM on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/TheSISTEM">https://twitter.com/#!/TheSISTEM</a><br />
and Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thesistem">http://www.facebook.com/thesistem</a><br />
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Here are a few pics of the ladies in action via their performances and tours across the country:<br />
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Happy Listening!!!!<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
Have you heard of The (SIS)TEM before?<br />
What do you think about The Treatment Mixtape?<br />
Would you like to see these ladies perform live?<br />
Who is your favorite MC of the group?<br />Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-20490419136250734652012-05-14T12:51:00.000-07:002012-05-14T12:51:39.237-07:00A Tribute To My Mother<br />
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I know I am a day late, but I definitely wanted to honor my mother for all that she has done. My mother, Lizzetta Lebeau Douglas, has always been an inspiration to me. As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be just like her. She was the most beautiful woman in the world to me and also the smartest. I could always catch her smiling, laughing, dancing and singing. Always vibrant and on point. Always striving to be a better person.<br />
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There are so many positive things about my personality and the person I am that I can contribute to her. As I often say, "I get it from my mama." My class, style, confidence, big heart and passionate persona has so much to do with her and the person she raised me to be. There are so many things that my mother taught me throughout my 32 years on this earth and it would only be right for me to reiterate a few pivotal points, just to let her know I was listening. *smile*<br />
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She always taught me to do the best in everything I did and to finish what I started. She taught me humility, the importance of speaking your mind, yet always respecting elders and people of authority. School was always a priority and ever since I could remember, I knew my destiny was college. In fact, living in Mrs. Douglas' household, you really didn't have a choice on whether you were going to college. The plans had already been drawn up for you. She taught me how to cook, clean, and take care of myself and she always stressed the importance of good hygiene and looking my best each and every day.<br />
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Throughout the years I've learned that its not only what you "teach" your children, but the example that you set for them through your actions that often determines which way they will go in life. Along with my mother's strong faith and spirituality, she not only talked the talk, but walked the walk. My mother always strived for personal achievement in her career as she was never satisfied with the status quo. Every position she took she worked long, hard hours, did the necessary studying and whatever else was required to move up. She taught me how to conduct myself on interviews, how to study and take tests and how to dress for success. She taught me that it is never too late to live out your dreams as she went back to school to complete her undergraduate degree years after dropping out of UCLA before we were born.<br />
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Family and friends were always a big part of our lives. We grew up with so many uncles, aunts, cousins, friends of the family, etc., that there was never a lack of love in the home, nor a lack of excitement. I would watch my mother in awe as she would play hostess to her many guests. My mother's magnetic personality drew lots of characters to our house, many of whom I have learned so much from and have impacted my life in a profound way. If anything, my party girl spirit definitely comes from her. She could whip up the food and the drinks, play the music and lure everyone to the dance floor so effortlessly. I just remembered being a little girl and wanting to be like her in so many ways.<br />
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I am just so thankful that the Lord blessed me with a mother like mine. She was always loving and forgiving and one of the most giving people I know. She would literally give you the shirt off her back, although she may have 30 more at home, its always the thought that counts {lol}. I just hope she knows how much she's inspired me and how grateful I am to have her in my life. She also did much of the things I speak of, on her own with little to no help. I love her dearly and nothing can ever come between a mother and her daughter and nothing ever will.<br />
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<strong><u>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</u></strong><br />
Did you spend Mother's Day with your mother?<br />
Do you routinely thank your mother for everything she's done for you?<br />
If you are a mother yourself, what do you most want your children to learn before they reach adulthood?<br />Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-45841034666344951442012-05-03T13:13:00.000-07:002012-05-03T13:13:08.266-07:00Snoop Dogg and Friends Document the 20th Anniversary of the L.A. Riots via Vh1's Rock Docs<br />
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Looking back 20 years ago to the week, all sorts of emotions came up when I watched VH1's latest Rock Docs film,<em><strong> Uprising: Hip Hop and The L.A. Riots</strong></em>, which premiered on May 1st on Vh1. As West Coast representer Snoop Dogg narrated the documentary, he explained the social and economical triggers that led up to that fateful day on April 29, 1992, which lasted 4 days. The documentary also highlighted how our new age civil rights leaders aka Hip Hop artists like KRS-1, Nas, Tupac, N.W.A. and Ice T, spoke on the growing rage and living conditions that were occurring in the ghetto prior to the uprising, yet why was no one listening? Instead they were trying to ban them from the airwaves because they were speaking the truth about the trials and tribulations that were occurring in the ghetto every day.<br />
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I was 11 years old and was not allowed to leave the house when all of the fires and looting were taking place. 53 people were left dead, while countless Los Angelenos were injured and billions of dollars of damage was done in the streets of South Los Angeles and abroad. While watching the documentary I think a lot of myths about the riots were dispelled as they showed races other than African Americans looting and causing mayhem. Furthermore, they also portrayed how many individuals who didn't even live in the area that came by to participate in the debauchery...SMH (Shaking My Head)<br />
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I understand the anger and rage that the people of my community felt on that day where the (4) LAPD Officers were acquitted for the brutal beating of Rodney King that was caught on videotape. Seeing an injustice like that first hand changed my view of this country and the world I lived in forever. However, the aftermath of the rage and violence left us with little to show for, other than a few pairs of Jordans, some electronic equipment, diapers, burned cars and buildings, and an infrastructure that would take years to rebuild.<br />
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I recall my parents taking us around on a tour of the devastation in the aftermath. We rode around South Los Angeles and saw all of the destruction first hand for the first time and not from the news channel's camera lense or perspective. Depression and activism followed shortly thereafter as black folks came together for what had seemed like the first time in my young life.<br />
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The documentary really brought some things to light that my young mind was not able to process at the time, yet in hindsight makes so much sense. Hearing the story told from the eyes of the musically artistic heroes of then and now really gave me a new perspective on this tragic incident in our history.<br />
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Below are some pictures to remind us all of the devastation 20 years ago:<br />
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As the country is yet again polarized on incidents of brutality and the mistreatment of people of color, such as in the Trayvon Martin case, many people have alluded to the 1992 riots reoccurring, if his killer, George Zimmerman is acquitted. Although it is not a situation of Police brutality, it shines the light on the realization that not much has changed when it comes to race relations and perceptions in this country, as well as, law enforcement's proclivity to protect their own, bury evidence and block the shade from tragedies such as Martin's unjust murder. Regardless, I urge us all across the country to think twice before we burn our own communities down, again, in a fit of rage and violence, because as we look back to the worse riots in our country's history, it doesnt change things.</div>
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Check your local listings and the link below to see when the Rock Docs will air again on Vh1:</div>
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<a href="http://blog.vh1.com/2012-04-04/vh1s-latest-rock-docs-film-uprising-hip-hop-and-the-l-a-riots-to-premiere-may-1/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://blog.vh1.com/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>2012-04-04/<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>vh1s-latest-rock-docs-film-<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>uprising-hip-hop-and-the-l<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>-a-riots-to-premiere-may-1<wbr></wbr><span class="word_break"></span>/</a></div>
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<u><strong>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</strong></u></div>
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Were you old enough to live through and remember the L.A. riots of 1992?</div>
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Do you think anything has changed from then to now?</div>
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Do you think people will riot if George Zimmerman is acquitted?</div>
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Were you one of the ones looting and burning?</div>
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If we could respond differently then, what would you say we should've done?</div>
</div>Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-59918544478048014212012-04-16T13:13:00.001-07:002012-04-16T13:31:53.070-07:00Music Monday: Daley - Alone Together feat. Marsha Ambrosius<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XMmgZlcpMc/T4yBsS2qoRI/AAAAAAAABCQ/LWrS8sQvWm0/s1600/Daley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nda="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6XMmgZlcpMc/T4yBsS2qoRI/AAAAAAAABCQ/LWrS8sQvWm0/s1600/Daley.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I just saw this video on Centric (BET) over the weekend and was blown away by this newcomer by the name of Daley who has featured Marsha Ambrosius on his song entitled "<strong>Alone Together"</strong>. If this song doesn't evoke any sensuality or sexuality in you with one listen, then, maybe its time to see a sex therapist. LOL<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/uV2kWGSFYXM?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Daley is a British soul singer from Manchester that was signed to Polydor Records. "<strong>Alone Together</strong>" comes off his <strong>Those Who Wait</strong> mixtape released in April 2011. This song takes me back to the late 90s/early 2000s neo-soul era. I'm looking forward to seeing more from this cat.</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><u><strong>SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS</strong></u></div><div align="left">How do you like the song and video?</div><div align="left">Would you like to hear more from Daley?</div><div align="left">What about the song/video spoke to you?</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><u>You can also find him online here:</u></div><div align="left"><strong>Twitter</strong>: <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/daleymusic">https://twitter.com/#!/daleymusic</a></div><div align="left"><strong>Mixtape Download:</strong> <a href="http://daley.tv/">http://daley.tv/</a> </div><div align="left"><strong>Online Music Store:</strong> <a href="http://www.last.fm/music/Daley">http://www.last.fm/music/Daley</a></div>Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4276783165037622855.post-9931071816901767772012-04-11T12:20:00.000-07:002012-04-11T12:20:08.870-07:00Video Spotlight: J. Cole feat. Missy Elliot - Nobody's Perfect<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3I5Qsr1FE0g/T4XY5_JzNXI/AAAAAAAABA8/EYQqmYIFQkg/s1600/Nobodys-perfect.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320px" qda="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3I5Qsr1FE0g/T4XY5_JzNXI/AAAAAAAABA8/EYQqmYIFQkg/s320/Nobodys-perfect.jpg" width="320px" /></a></div><br />
All of my avid <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/BornTooBlog" target="_blank">BornTooBlog</a> readers know that I am totally a J. Cole fan. I've done a few features on him in the past and now I am back with the video for his 4th single off his debut album "<strong>Sideline Story</strong>". J. Cole's song "<strong>Nobody's Perfect</strong>" featuring Missy Elliot takes me back to the days when Missy was doing her thing almost about a decade ago. Elliot has for the most part remained behind the scenes working on various projects, until now, with her new feature on J. Cole's debut album. Its classic Missy and Cole truly compliments her on this track. The video is artistic and definitely not your cookie-cutter representation of popular music today.<br />
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Check out the video below:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/9Pt0RHz_tno/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9Pt0RHz_tno&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9Pt0RHz_tno&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left">Here are a few cool lyrics from the song:</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left">Smokin' weed on the beach as my mind workin' like Plato<br />
Analyzin' the world, fantasizin' bout girls<br />
I'm handin' diamonds and pearls and vandalizin' her curls<br />
Sweating her weave out, moans as she breathes out<br />
Fuck I'm doin' in parties with Hov and Steve Stoute<br />
I step over piranha, death over dishonor<br />
They killin niggas for J's, that's death over designer<br />
Hey Cole heatin' up like that left-over lasagna<br />
Remember when I used to be stressed over Dawana<br />
Now a nigga only text and get stressed over Rihannas<br />
I'm talkin' tens and better, hood bitches in Timbs and sweaters<br />
And we always argue about the same thing<br />
Tell me why we gotta argue about the same thing</div><div align="left">I LOVES IT!!!!</div><div align="left"><br />
</div><div align="left"><strong><u>Share Your Thoughts</u></strong></div><div align="left">What do you think about the video?</div><div align="left">Do you like the song?</div><div align="left">Does Missy bring more credibility to the track?</div><div align="left">Are you a fan of J. Cole?</div><div align="left">Have you heard Cole's "Sideline Story"?</div>Maya Nichellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02374582516015653874noreply@blogger.com0