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!!!!

Music Review: Kendrick Lamar's "good kid, m.A.A.d city"

After dropping 3 critically acclaimed albums, "Kendrick Lamar EP", "O(verly)D(edicated)" and "Section.80" 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.

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 ("N’s in Paris", "Clique", "Theraflu").

“The Art of Peer Pressure” 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 "Boyz in the Hood", upset with the violence and police corruption that he is surrounded by with the Pharrell produced track, “Good Kid”. The MC Eiht assisted “m.A.A.d City” finds K.dot and his friends retaliating for the fight and ends up with K.dots friend Dave killed in the battle.

In “Sing About Me /I'm Dying of Thirst”, 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 “Real” and “Compton”. His father explains to him that “real is in responsibility/real is in taking care of your family/real is God nigga” and “Compton” is the victory lap in which he is giving homage to the city that made him.

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 “Good Kid in a m.A.A.d. city”. Certified classic debut.

By Shannon Page

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Are you a fan of Kendrick Lamar?
Have you heard his mixtapes?
What do you think about his debut album?
What is your favorite track on the album?

L.A. Based All Female Hip Hop Collective: The (SIS)TEM Stakes Claim To The Throne

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.

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.

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 The Treatment Mixtape.  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.

In April of this year they released The Treatment Mixtape 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 "Gimme That", "Don't Judge Me" and "Mic Check", 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.

For a free download of The Treatment Mixtape go here: http://thesistemcrew.bandcamp.com/
Follow The (SIS)TEM on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/TheSISTEM
and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thesistem

Here are a few pics of the ladies in action via their performances and tours across the country:

Happy Listening!!!!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you heard of The (SIS)TEM before?
What do you think about The Treatment Mixtape?
Would you like to see these ladies perform live?
Who is your favorite MC of the group?

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?

The Kings Of New York Perform Live at Carnegie Hall: Jay-Z and Nas Unite

 

I know you've probably heard the rumors about Beyoncé staying out all night for Jay-Z's performances at Carnegie Hall in NYC.  That bit of gossip has seemed to almost outshine the fact that the Director allowed Jay-Z to perform at the historic venue that was opened in 1891 and has never, until now, seen a rapper grace its stage.  What really touched me was the guest performers that he brought along with him for the ride.  Jay-Z brought out Alicia Keys, also a New York native, to perform with him as well as his once archenemy turned frenemy, rapper Nas.

We all know that Jay-Z and Nas' friendship has taken some turns for the worse in the past, with Jay-Z allegedly sleeping with the mother of Nas' first child.  Not to mention a scathing beef that was initiated with Hov's album The Blueprint, with a track called "The Takeover".  I recall so vividly unwrapping the CD case after it was first released, so anxious to hear the new material that Jay-Z had created.  Only to be greeted with an outright diss to Nas, one of my favorite MCs, over a Kanye West beat.  I'm sure we all remember that Fall of 2001 where two of rap's biggest giants collided in a rap beef that was made for the history books.

Nas, however, was not caught unaware as most of his fans were hearing the diss.  I remember reading articles in Hip Hop magazines, prior to the release of The Blueprint, where Nas explained that he knew Jay-Z was after his baby mama, his spot and the rap throne of NYC.  It would only make sense that Nas, having most likely read the Art of War and Machiavelli's The Prince, would be fully prepared to engage in arguably one of the biggest rap beefs ever. 

Nas fired back with Ether and I think its safe to say that Nas won the rap battle.  What he failed to secure, was the rap throne of NYC, as he neglected to engage further with Jay-Z after he continued to release verbal assaults via a track called Super Ugly.  In my opinion, Super Ugly was a desperate attempt at a response to the verbal lashing that Nas had inflicted on Jay-Z, the initial aggressor in this situation.  From my comprehension, Jay-Z later inadvertently admitted to losing the battle by saying, "Nigga what I'm doing can't be defined.  The Joneses can't keep up. Maybe my nigga Nas. But I got stronger after Ether."

It doesn't matter who you think won the battle, the fact of the matter is, two of New York's own went to war and both came out of the scuffle, not quite unscathed, but better men for it.  Years after the battle, the next time you would see Jay-Z and Nas together was on the video for Roc Boys, where Jay-Z enlisted the cameo appearances of Diddy and Nas, as they smoked cigars, rocked their Rat Pack tuxes and saluted each other in the video.  Now that was a beautiful sight.

Now, again, Jay-Z has proven that there are no hard feelings between the two MCs by bringing Nas along for the Carnegie Hall performance, an important historic event in Hip Hop.  I think this was a very gentlemanly move and I give kudos to Jay-Z because we all know he needs no sidekicks to rock a crowd.  Bringing Nas up to share that historical moment brought a smile to my face and a relief to my spirit, that all is well with two of my favorite MCs, dead or alive.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Do you think it was cool for Jay-Z to bring Nas on stage at Carnegie Hall to share this momentous occasion?
Are you glad Nas and Jay-Z are no longer beefing?
Do you think Nas' career took a dive after his beef with Jay-Z?
Did Jay-Z, in fact, get stronger after Ether?

Fashion Forward: The Many Looks Of Rihanna

As far as iconic celebrity fashion status goes there are two reigning divas: Gaga and Rih Rih.  Not only has the pop Bajan sensation better known as Rihanna blown up the charts since her emergence in 2005, but she has claimed the IT GIRL title in the music and fashion industry, always pushing the envelope and inspiring new trends.  Rihanna was named the Sexiest Woman Alive by Esquire Magazine in 2011 and her hits continue to climb the charts, while her videos display fashion and artistic genius.  If she's not on the cover of top mags throughout the U.S., she's doing spreads in elite mags like Vogue, W and Harper's Bazaar abroad.

Rihanna's fashion sense is legendary, but her hair styles are even more dynamic.  After the Good Girl Turned Bad, she removed her long, highlighted and flowing extensions and downsized to a funky, choppy, black do.  Ever since her music and her artistry made that transition, she has been a force to reckon with in the game...period.  A bevy of beauties young and old follow her like its Twitter; she has 11.5 million followers by the way, with every color change, cut and style, her Navy, as she calls them, runs out to look just like her.

Rihanna's marketing and branding potential is endless with a slew of beauty contracts, product sponsorship, record sales and a world tour that grossed over $95 million last year.  Even the Dutch magazine that called her a "ni&#@ bitch" had to eat their words as Rihanna calmly responds, flipping the bird with a "f%* you".  Rihanna can't change her nail color, rock the new Louboutin's or get a new and unique tattoo without her fans running out to duplicate her look.

She is a rude gal, a murderer, so hard, yet so sweet and all she really wants is love.  But best believe whether you like her or love her, envy her or hate her, she is RUNNING THIS TOWN!

Check out a pictorial view of Rihanna's varying looks since her introduction to pop stardom in 2005:

 

 

 

WEIGH IN

Are you a fan of the pop princess better known as Rihanna?

Do you admire her flare and fashion sense?

Do you wish she would disappear from the scene?

Are you a fan of her music?

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS!!!

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/