Drake & Kendrick Lamar: You Changed!!!!

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.

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*

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 "No Makeup" off his "Section 80" mixtape, where he proclaimed:

Damn girl, why so much?
You bout to blow your cover when you cover up
Don’t you know your imperfections
Is a wonderful blessing
From heaven, is where you got it from
I love your smile
You can do it without style
From your lips, all the way to your eyebrows
It’s the beauty in her
But when the makeup occur
I don’t see it, all I see is a blur

Now, I hear Lamar taking on the bad boy/playa role with lyrics like:

My nigga said he wanna fly out to get him some
3ws only for a three day run
Bitch, take the muthaf--king panties off you ain't no nun, shit
I be living in the sky every time i ride by them hoes

The lyrics above are from his debut single, "The Recipe" 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.

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.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Have you noticed that once independent artists sign onto major record labels that their creative control has diminished?
Have you heard the differences in lyrical content from before Drake and Kendrick Lamar were signed to majors?
Are you no longer a fan of Drake's after he signed with Cash Money Records?
Do you see a change in Kendrick Lamar's lyrical content?

The Rise and Fall: How Some Of Our Most Beloved Stars Fell From Grace

Its no secret that some of the best artists, actors, singers, etc. ever known have rose to extreme acclaim and infamy as the public watched in awe and admiration.  It is also no secret that some of these same brilliant artists have succumb to drugs and alcohol, which ultimately lead to their eventual demise, as the adoring fans again, watched in horror and amazement.  This sick love affair between artists and their fans has been even more fueled by the Internet, where blogs like TMZ and Perez Hilton crucify pop icons on a daily basis.  This coupled with the Twitter and Facebook phenomenon that allows its users to spread news like wildfire has created a culture where even the President of the United States can be ridiculed and scrutinized on a surprisingly disrespectful level.

We all know the cornerstone of the American existence is Freedom of Speech, but at what cost?  I can't help but wonder if some of these same artists that I have in mind, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, etc. were not partially broken down by the public's scrutiny.  Whitney having a very public run-in with Wendy Williams some years ago, along with her one-on-one interviews with people like Oprah and Diane Sawyer, as well as Bobby Brown's "Being Bobby" reality show, also made her a hot topic on the gossip mag/blog scene for years.

Michael Jackson, like Houston, one of the biggest pop stars ever, met a fatal ending at the hands of prescription drugs.  Perhaps they were trying to numb the pain.  Maybe they couldn't take the constant disrespect and mocking at the hands of those that used to buy their albums and look up to them.  We all know that the Hollywood lifestyle is more than just the glitz and glamour and the flashing lights.  In today's age, paparazzi can be your worse enemies and news outlets no longer honor nor respect the greats who paved the way.

In no way do I want to limit personal responsibility in this discussion because no one ever forced either to use or abuse drugs.  The pressure of fame can be damaging, especially when you are pushed into the limelight and forced to be something you are not or even worse, to go against your core beliefs and values.  No one will ever truly know the struggle of fallen icons like Jackson and Houston, but I think we all might need to take a look in the mirror to determine the causes.

Not only do I want to highlight the industry and the negativity that comes with it, but our pharmaceutical companies and health care providers also deserve some responsibility in these occurrences.  One used to think that hard drugs like cocaine and meth would be the leading cause of celebrities that live their lives on the edge, but the main factors in the deaths of Michael and Whitney were both prescription drugs.  If you thought that crack or "partying" would eventually lead to Whitney's demise then you were wrong.  So just as the person who would've sold the crack or cocaine to Whitney would be responsible, why aren't the pharmaceutical companies that create the drugs being held responsible on any level?  Or better yet, the MD's that prescribed the drugs, under their medical licenses?

Conrad Murray has been convicted of the accidental death of Michael Jackson, but what about the real drug dealers of this country?  Who is monitoring them or holding them accountable for the effects of the products they produce?  How many more Heath Ledgers have to die due to the effects of prescription drugs before America takes a look in the mirror and changes its ways?

As I stated earlier, I am all for personal responsibility.  Which is why I find all of these contributors responsible in the rise and fall of some of our most beloved stars.  To see them fall from grace makes my heart heavy, but ultimately restores my faith in normalcy and the importance of being grounded.  The grass is not always greener on the other side and that person in the limelight that you might look up to or admire could be facing demons that you couldn't even imagine dealing with.  So the next time we see our "stars" acting out or exhibiting negative or destructive behavior, lets rush to their aid and get them the help that they need instead of crucifying them and using them for our entertainment and gossip chat.  Besides, they gave their lives to their craft.  The least we could do as fans is honor and respect THAT.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
What do you think were the contributing factors to Michael Jackson's and Whitney Houston's death?
Do you blame the pharmaceutical companies that produced the drugs that initiated the fall of these great artists?
Do you hold the doctors who were in charge of their care with responsible for negligence?
Does the public and media outlets hold any responsibility for the deaths of our fallen stars?
What do you think is the solution to this reoccurring phenomenon of stars dying from the misuse of prescription drugs?

Hollywood Divorce

BornTooBlog has never really been about celeb gossip, but I can't help but piggy back on all of the divorces that are going down lately.  It seems like almost everyone is breaking up and getting divorced.  Without delving too deep in anyone's business, I wonder just what has caused these celebrity relationships to hit the brink.

For instance, we all know Kim Kardashian's marriage to Kris Humphries lasted all of 72 days; no big surprise there.  Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore are also going through a rough split after being married for 7 years.  Then you have Seal and Heidi Klum, whom were featured as one of the Power Couples I Love on BornTooBlog in the entertainment industry last year (http://borntooblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/power-couples-i-love.html), who now have a very rough road ahead of them in the divvying up of their assets and agreeing upon custody parameters.

British actor and comedian, Russell Brand and American pop star Katy Perry also decided to call it quits last month and are now working through a very public divorce.  And dare I say, Hollywood royalty Will Smith and Jada Pinkett, whom are heavily rumored to be splitting, were also featured on the Power Couples I Love post in 2011.

At this rate, will there be any Hollywood couples that will grow old together? Sure you still have seasoned actors like Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffin still hanging in there, but I am very concerned with how quick divorces are occurring, even with the couples that have been together for over a decade.  Its no secret that hollywood marriages don't seem to last too long.  My concern is that just like Hollywood influences American society to do everything else, could the Hollywood Divorce be a new trend in the lives of every day people?

I've been witness to several marriages this year and last year, of several of my peers and Lord knows its a beautiful thing, but what is it that we can pinpoint that is making these Hollywood couples divorce at an alarming rate? I really don't know the answer, but I just had to put it out there in the hopes of getting some feedback.  Do you think you know what the underlying cause is for all of these Hollywood Divorces?  Share your thoughts!

WEIGH IN
Have you ever been married?
Would you consider getting married anytime soon?
Do you believe in divorce?
What is the key to staying together?
What is one thing that you think all of these couples might be missing?

Below are pictures of the then couples that are now going through a Hollywood Divorce, in happier times:

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!!!

Entrepreneurial Spotlight: @SugarScoutCouture Spices Up Haute Couture Fashion At Something Old, Something New Boutique

My sister in fashion, my girl, my boo @SugarScoutC (C for Couture) definitely has one of the most chic boutiques in South Los Angeles and it is an absolute must for her to be my first Entrepreneurial Spotlight of 2012.  With a degree from FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) and a reality star/IT GIRL following, she is quickly staking her claim to the burgeoning fashion scene in Los Angeles.  Kenya Kirkland aka Sugar Scout Couture recently setup shop on 76th and Western to give everyday fly chicks the ability to shop, convenient, and affordable at her boutique Something Old, Something New.  With a passion for fashion and a focus for flare, @SugarScoutC is my favorite go-to-stylist when I want a comfortable and affordable, yet also, chic and trendy look.

Not only does she feature cutting edge and trendy styles in her funky, fresh boutique, she also has dedicated a portion of the store Something Old, Something New to classic vintage duds that are truly one of a kind.  Something Old, Something New is a one-stop-shop for a fashionista on the go who wants to make a splash at her socialite appearances and doesn't want to be a trend clone on the fashion scene or break the bank in the process.  Whenever I wear her custom-made pieces from her handmade earrings and headpieces, to the cuffs and various other accessories, I always make a statement.

When you walk into the colorful store, you notice floor to ceiling tie-dyed denim dressing room curtains, the pages of Vogue, W & Bazaar adorning the red-brick walls, as well as music playing and the occasional glass of wine and/or champagne waiting to meet your acquaintance.  Something Old, Something New is my favorite store, which also features a plethora of accessories ranging from jewelry, scarves, shoes, handbags and even bedazzled bras and bustiers.  Whether you're looking for a unique pair of distressed and fabulous pair of denim shorts custom designed by @SugarScoutCouture herself, or a vintage look to call your own, or even a haute club fit from head-to-toe...Something Old, Something New is your spot!

Below are some sneak peak pics from a recent mag photo shoot highlighting Kenya:

Photoshoot Credits
Styling: @AshleyRamona
Makeup: @paintedprettyMU
Hair - @studio_611
Here are some pics of yours truly, Maya Nichelle aka @BornTooBlog, rocking items and fits purchased from Something Old, Something New:

Custom headpiece by @SugarScoutCouture and spike bracelet from Something Old, Something New

Earrings by Sugar Scout Couture Collection

Earrings from SugarScoutCouture and blouse from Something Old, Something New

Birthday fit from Something Old, Something New

Kenya Kirkland aka Sugar Scout Couture features her custom line of jewelry at http://sugarscoutcouture.bigcartel.com/
Keep up with the latest fashion trends, shows and whats hot at her blog: http://sugarscoutcouture.blogspot.com/
You can follow her on twitter at @SugarScoutC

More pics from the boutique:

Something Old, Something New Boutique: 7525 S. Western Ave B, Los Angeles, CA 90047
HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!!

White Celebs, Black Babies, Pt. 2

I previously posted a blog about White Celebrities Adopting Black Babies in March of this year.  I featured A-list celebrities that had biological children, as well as adopted children from other races, specifically, of African or African American descent.  Madonna, Angelina Jolie and Steven Spielberg are a few that graced the list.  Fast forward to the end of the year and there are new white celebs with black babies.

Mariska Hargitay, best known for her role on NBC's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is one of the most recent white celebs to adopt black babies.  She has a biological child that she birthed in 2006 and also adopted a baby girl in April of this year, as well as a baby boy in October.  Check out the pics of her beautiful new family below:

Next on the growing list of white celebs to adopt black babies is FX's American Horror Story star, Connie Britton (which is my favorite show on TV by the way).  Connie is best known for her roles on Friday Night Lights and Spin City and is most recently known for adopting a baby boy from Ethiopia in November of this year.  Below are pics of her and her son Eyob "Yoby" Britton:

JUST PRECIOUS!!!!

As I said in the previous post White Celebs, Black Babies, I am not in a position to judge whether these adoptions are just a fad or ploy for publicity and attention.  My main concern is that another African or African American orphan now has a home and a loving family to provide and care for them.  Many people criticize actresses like Connie and Mariska for adopting children from other races, but I applaud them for being brave enough to adopt outside of their racial comfort zones by giving a needy child a loving home that they truly deserve and at the end of the day, that's all that matters!!!!

WEIGH IN

Are you personally against individuals adopting babies of a different racial/ethnic background than their own?

Do you think these celebs are adopting African children to help their image?

Would you ever consider adopting a child?

Would you ever adopt a child of another race/color/nationality than your own?

White Celebrities, Black Babies

Long before Madonna and Angelina Jolie began to adopt African children, Steven Spielberg and Tom Cruise welcomed African American children into their families. I know some people think this is only a Hollywood trend for white celebs to adopt black babies, but babies cannot be thrown away like trendy toys or sent to the dog pound like that cute little yorkie that was once cool to tote around but now is more of a nuisance than the "cool" thing to do at the moment.  In no way am I comparing children to material items, but lets look on the bright side.  Many people complain that these white celebrities are exploiting these African American and African children for publicity, but what really could they gain monetary wise from adopting a black child?

My personal opinion is that these celebs like Madonna, Angelina Jolie, and Sandra Bullock are coming from the heart and helping children in need by affording them a lifestyle that many of them would never see had they been left in the system.  It really warms my heart to see people step outside of themselves in a selfless manner in order to help children who are left behind by their rightful parents.

You may challenge their intentions, but all I care about is if the children are happy and well cared for.  Issues of identity will always be a concern when one race parents another.  I often hear things like, "white women don't know how to do black girls' hair".  Honestly, whether the child's hair is combed or cared for properly is the least of my worries.  What I do concern myself with are issues like exposure to opportunities, education, travel, etc.  These are the things that parents should be judged on.  Not who can twist braids the best.

When I look into the eyes of some of these children who have found new life and new families, I am filled with joy as they seem so content and happy with their new beginning.  I applaud anyone, celebrity or not, who is not afraid to adopt children that is not of their race.

I would like to know if you are for or against white celebs adopting black children and why.  Do you think this "trend" can be detrimental to the children involved?  Should children only be adopted by parents of their race origin?  I'm curious to know your thoughts...weigh in!

 

Tom Cruise and Connor

   

Angelina Jolie and Zahara



Madonna, David and Mercy

Sandra Bullock and Louis



The Spielberg's and Theo



Spielberg and Mikaela George