Black Girls Rock 2012

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.

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 BornTooBlog), alongside Eric Benet and Anthony Hamilton, literally tore the house down.  The trio sounded amazing and I thoroughly enjoyed their performance.

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, "Scandal", 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.

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.

Below are some pictures from the red carpet and event:

Tracee Ellis Ross looked sleek and classy.

Ciara....WTF!!!!

Eva Longoria's dress was cute but it wasn't very flattering

Gabby Union looked chic and sleek, but I'm not loving the wig.

I'm still on the fence on Laura Govan's frock.

Kerry Washington doesn't often disappoint, but tonight she did.

Keyshia Cole looked amazing in this figure hugging gown

Idris Elba...nuff said!

Smile Lala, you look great!!!!



Luke James getting his James Dean on!

Marsha Ambrosius seems to be keeping the weight off..good for her!

I wonder what the congregation had to say about the Preacher's Wife's fit for the night.

Mona Scott-Young and Kerry Washington

Taraji P. Henson giving a backshot ;-)

Did you see the program?
What did you think of the performances?
What were your thoughts on the fashion choices?
Were you touched by the work of any of the nominees?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!!!!

Hip Hop Power Couples I Love

In the past, I have highlighted Power Couples I Love featuring none other than Michelle and Barack Obama, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Seal & Heidi Klum, David and Victoria Beckham and more.  Now, I would like to shed light on the Hip Hop Power Couples I Love.  Its no secret that Hip Hop has pushed its way into the forefront of marketing, entertainment, fashion and media.  Hip Hop is now a multi-billion dollar industry and many of the artists responsible for pushing the envelope and developing it into what it is today are getting older, settling down and having children, and its a beautiful thing.

Take for instance, T.I. and Tiny Harris, one of my favorite Hip Hop Power Couples.  Not only does T.I. have platinum selling artists like B.O.B. on his Grand Hustle music imprint, but he is also finally getting his clothing line, AKOO, off the ground and into major outlets around the country.  Tiny has shown her boss mentality via shows like "Tiny and Toya", one of the highest rated reality TV shows in BET's history, her burgeoning girl group, the OMG Girls, as well as, her nail bar and upcoming ventures.  I have to give props to this couple because in light of police arrests, jail stints and tons of negative PR, they still find time to run their businesses, raise their children and keep things spicy in their relationship, as is evident on their hit reality show T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle.

Next on my list is Jim Jones and his beautiful, yet gangsta fiancé, Chrissy Lampkin.  These two, like T.I. and Tiny, have been together for several years, but have yet to produce any offspring, until now (she's pregnant).  Jim Jones has been working to pick up the pieces of his now defunct rap group, Dipset, has created a clothing line called Vampire Life and is now the star of the hit reality show on VH1, Love & Hip Hop, alongside his partner in crime, Chrissy.  Chrissy is always there to support her man and will literally slap-a-bitch if they come too close or try to disrespect.  While I don't value the violent and aggressive nature in which these two handle personal relations, I do admire their admiration, loyalty and love for one another.  I wish these two luck on their upcoming nuptials and child.

And last, but not least, the third couple on my Hip Hop Power Couples I Love List is Antonia "Toya" Wright and Memphitz.  Toya is Lil' Wayne's ex-wife and is the mother of his first child, Reginae.  But don't think she has let the divorce from Lil' Wayne and his multiple baby mamas slow her down.  To add to her growing resume and NY Times Best Seller, "Priceless Inspirations", she has opened her Garb boutique located in her hometown of New Orleans. Toya is also the star of a couple hit reality shows, including Tiny & Toya and Toya: A Family Affair, which I absolutely love and have featured on BornTooBlog in the past (see Toya Carters' A Family Affair).  Toya is now married to music mogul Mickey "Memphitz" Wright who is the former host of BET's show "The Deal" and is now the Senior Vice President of A&R at Jive Records. Memphitz is known for signing T-Pain to the label and is now mentoring and developing new Hip Hop artists like Key Swag 3000 who has appeared on 106 and Park's Top 10 Countdown.  I love how this couple shuns the outside drama and continues to focus on their marriage and family, as a unit. I'm excited to see what both of them have in store for the future.
 

I wish the best of luck to these couples in love and their future endeavors and hope and pray that 1/3 of them do not end up on my Hollywood Divorce post in a few months like the last edition. LOL

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you look to these Hip Hop Power Couples as inspiration in your love life?
Is there anything that these couples have done publicly that you would never do?
Would you agree to put your relationship on blast on reality TV, if it meant free publicity for your business endeavors?
What do you think will be the secret to their success and longevity? What advice would you give them?

BET Presents: Black Girls Rock!!!!

Last night I had the pleasure of viewing the taping of the Black Girls Rock Award show that aired on the BET Network and was hosted by the beautiful duo, Tracee Ellis Ross and Regina King, who both looked AMAZING!  Hell, everyone looked amazing as the big names and not so big names, as well as the young and old, graced the red carpet at the Studio Museum in Harlem.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. was founded in 2006 as a non-profit organization that "seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons, and helping them to empower themselves."  In doing this, founder, DJ and former model, Beverly Bond, created an award show to honor and celebrate the brilliance of black women both with celebrity and without. 

Last night Black Girls Rock honored none other than political activist and Black Panther, Angela Davis, with the Icon Award.  I literally had tears in my eyes when I looked at Ms. Davis and realized that her struggle for freedom and civil rights was not too long ago, yet we still have so much to do.  Ms. Davis looked lovely and gave a riveting acceptance speech about the power that lies in every single black woman across the world.

Gospel great Shirley Ceaser was also honored with the Living Legend Award for her remarkable career in music as well as her spiritual work as a pastor in North Carolina.  Academy Award Nominee Taraji Henson was also one of the younger awardees who was highlighted with the Star Power award for her work on and off the big screen.  Other awardees included Laurel Richie, President of the WNBA who received the Shot Caller award and Tatyana Ali, who received the Young, Black & Gifted Award.

Performances were made by newcomer Elle Varner, Estelle, Melanie Fiona, Erykah Badu & Mary J. Blige, Mary Mary as well as a poignant poem rendered by the incomparable Ms. Jill Scott.  Overall the show was very enjoyable and enlightening as they highlighted the youth that were also making a difference in their communities.

Now, enough of the talk about the awardees, the performers and the hosts...in true BornTooBlog fashion, lets get down to the red carpet:


Black Girls Rock Founder Beverly Bond looked classy in her all black sleeveless ensemble and peep-toe pumps.  The hair and makeup are beautiful.

Newcomer Elle Varner showed her funky/spunky side with a colorful, one-shoulder silk dress.  The up do adds a nice touch.

Jill Scott looked AMAZING after her significant weight loss in her all black fit with the curly fro to boot.  She looks great.



La La Vasquez looked STUNNING in her long-sleeve creme gown with the side slit, showing some leg.  The pink lip pops against the cream fabric.  This was my fav ensem of the night!!!!



Laurie Ann Gibson rocked in a gold and black Versace-esqe tank dress and peep-toe booties.

Mary J. also opted for an ALL BLACK ensemble.

  

Mary Mary



Melanie Fiona shined in a silk backless cocktail dress with pink pumps.  I'm loving the color and Ms. Fiona's new haircut.  She looks great!



Co-host Regina King showed off her ripped bod in a red strapless number. 

 

Shanell (Lil' Wayne's ex-boo) - NO WORDS except a *side eye*

 

Taraji Henson sort of disappointed me with this ensemble.  The makeup and hair ages her, but she is a true beauty nonetheless.

 

Tatyana Ali looked young and chic in this creme-colored beaded gown.



Tracee Ellis needs a bra on with this dress. o_O  She looks fresh faced and chic, but not glam enough in my opinion for the affair.  Her other outfits on stage were much more FAB!

To all those who saw the show, I would love to hear your feedback.\

To those who have not seen the show, you can catch footage, bios, pics and performances here:

http://www.bet.com/shows/black-girls-rock/2011.html

For more information on the non-profit organization Black Girls Rock, click here:
http://blackgirlsrockinc.com/live/

BET Awards 2011: Fashion Winners and Losers

I apologize for my late post-coverage of the 2011 BET Awards, but I was on vacation in New York and am just now able to post pictures, as well as my thoughts on the fashion looks that graced the green carpet on one of the biggest nights in Black Hollywood.  This year seemed to be a bit laid back chic when it came to the ensembles that the attendees donned on the green carpet.  Award show attire can go all kinds of directions, but because it was in Los Angeles, the sun was shining and the heat was on, female attendees chose to bare more skin and opted for mostly dresses and heels.  While the men went more with the sporty look and chose breezy fabrics to highlight their personal or not so personal (stylists) style.  Although not everyone was able to take home a trophy or even a nomination, they still have a chance to become winners or losers on the Born Too Blog Fashion Recap. Check it out....

Here are some highlights of the fashion Winners and Losers:

Joyful Drake from the new BET series "Lets Stay Together" looks smashing and retro glam in this strapless white satin gown. One of the top looks of the night. - WINNER

Ashanti rocked a teal satin and sheer evening gown.  Although this dress is nice and figure flattering, it seems better suited for a classier event.  Still a good look though.

Rapper Diamond tried to classy up her look with this cream strapless dress with ripped detail.  I think she looks good and the outfit is very flattering. 



Singer Estelle looked comfy and sexy in an off the shoulder maxi dress with a cinched waist.  However the dress is too long draping onto the green carpet and she could've spiced it up with a more colorful hue.  Its SUMMER for goodness sakes.

Rapper Eve looks HOT! And I mean this literally.  Am I confused or was this not shot in Los Angeles?  I know celebrity affords you the option of being daring and breaking the rules, but leather in the summer time is a rule that should never be broken. lol I love the outfit and how it fits her but I can not and will not concede to this outfit because she just looks too hot. - LOSER

Keke Palmer shined in her sequined Mandolo number.  Again with the pumps...lets start breaking out the sandals people. - WINNER

 

I'm really on the fence about Kelly Rowland's outfit.  There is something about it that is screaming "Grandma"!  However, it highlights her shape beautifully and the color is spot on for her complexion.  However, the wig MUST go!



I'm not really feeling this look.  The bright color of the hair seems to be washing her skin out, but the pops of emerald green and purple colors do pair well with her skin.  I probably would've opted to show more skin to accentuate her legs. - LOSER

Kerry Washington never disappoints and she shows and proves in this neon green gown that shows the right amount of skin and flatters her skin tone.  #WINNING!

I don't even know who Lady Ellis is but she got this one RIGHT! She is definitely one of the winners of the night in this blue gown with a very flattering draped detail.  However, it looks just a tad bit long as I would like to see the shoes she rocked with it. - #WINNING

Lala Vasquez was chic in a sequined Tom Ford dress and gladiator sandals.  The high bun gave it a more high fashion feel, although she looks a little hot. - WINNER

 

Michelle Williams, formerly of Destiny's Child, looks colorful and modern in a BCBG jersey dress with gold metallic heels.  This outfit is a winner. - WINNER



Necole Bitchie is my girl, but she's a bit old for the "Princess" look.  The hair and makeup is cute and I probably would've worn open toed shoes.



Nelly looked sporty and chic in a white collared shirt, black vest, grey washed jeans and Chuck Taylors. Thumbs up!  #WINNING



Ne-Yo kept it simple with a black and white contrasting outfit, however his jeans are a bit ill-fitting.

  

Only so many outfits will look right with booty implants. lol
Nicki Minaj rocked this mauve colored number with black booties.  This ensemble is a complete FAIL! I don't like it. - LOSER



Teairra Marie....really? I'm not feeling this look at all.  Looks like one of Tina Knowles' numbers from 2000. - LOSER



Tocarra Jones went the sequined route and paired them with black sandals



Tracee Ellis Ross in a sexy black number and red pumps.



The Prom King and Queen: Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose
*side eye*
Honestly, I have no words for them.  Imagine that.



OK Born Too Blog readers, here is your chance to weigh in.  Let me know what you thought of the looks on the green carpet.  Did anyone steal the show?  Or did your favorite artist disappoint?  Do you disagree with any of my fashion judgements? WEIGH IN!