Who Is Luke James?

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.

Below is a video of "I Want You":

Here is a video of James' performance on "Verses & Flow":



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.

Here are a few more pictures of Mr. James:

You can find him on Twitter @WhoIsLukeJames

Luke James' Official Website: www.whoislukejames.com

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

What do you think of Luke James?

Have you ever heard of him?

Would you buy his album?

Would you like to see more from this new talent?

Grammy Awards 2012: Winners and Losers in Fashion

Personally, I can say that I did not get a chance to view the entire Grammy Awards yesterday and I am still a little tiffed about that, but that doesn't mean I can't speak on the Fashion Winners and Losers from yesterday evening where the 54th Annual Grammy Award Celebration took off in downtown Los Angeles at the Staples Center.  Check out the images below from one of the biggest nights in music and entertainment of the year:

Adele...the winner of the night

Charlie Wilson looks great from the neck down, but what is that on top of his head?  Someone please call the Fashion Police...STAT!

Esperanza Spaulding

Fergie looked sexy in orange lace.



Kate Beckinsale looked hip and chic in this cream draped mini dress.

Katy Perry looked matronly in the baby blue flowing gown, but I love the hair color.



Kelly Osbourne looked amazing..minus the too dark tan job.

Keri Underwood

Ledisi went for the sexy mermaid look with this metallic sequin number.

Mary Mary

Melanie Fiona's hair, makeup and accessories are all working for her!

Will somebody come and get this chick for once and for all.

Nicki Minaj *side eye*



Rihanna...FIERCE!



Alicia Keys and Rihanna are rocking the same heels., but with varying looks..HOT!

Taraji Henson, unfortunately, I am not feeling this look at all.

 

Taylor Swift looked great!



LL Cool J looked very dapper and definitely did his thing hosting the show right!

I usually have an issue with Lady Gaga's looks at these events but I think she looks very chic and couture!

Kelly Rowland....With what seems to be a reoccurring theme with her red carpet looks, I'm on the fence on this one.

Overall, from what I did get to see, there was a high level of energy, even with the recent news of the untimely death of Whitney Houston, just one day before the awards. RIP Whitney Houston. You will be missed!

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE FASHION WINNERS & LOSERS OF THE NIGHT!!!
Who do you think stole the show fashion wise?
Who should fire their stylist?
Who's look surprised you the most?
Who should've just stayed at home?

Fashion Spotlight: Karl Kani Turns His Urban Legend Into Live Life Love Denim Brand

While sitting in a cafe in downtown LA this week I ran into none other than Karl Kani, the man responsible for creating and elevating urban wear to what it is today.  Many young folks may not be hip to his legacy, but before there was a Sean Jean or AKOO, Karl Kani was branding urban wear with a level of class and sophistication never before seen in "street clothes".  Initially working for Cross Colours in 1991 with his line known as Karl Kani, he later bought the name from Cross Colours and took off on his own.

I can vividly remember the emergence of the Karl Kani brand in the 90s and how he took the baggy denim/t-shirt look to another level with gold (metal) accents, rich fabrics and colors and premium denim.  Thanks to Karl Kani urban fashion will never be the same and has seen billions in profits since the onslought of this unique fashion genre.

Once I confirmed that it was him, I asked if he had any new lines he was working on and he introduced me to his Live Life Love Denim brand, which he founded in 2004.  Live Life Love Denim is a contemporary premium denim line that retails for about $50-$250 with gear for men and women.  Kani's Live Life Love Denim can be seen on celebs like Eddie Murphy, Ryan Seacrest, Halle Berry and Melanie Fiona to mention a few, and features bold hues and unique washes that are sure to garner a slew of compliments and admiration from your peers.  "LLLD consists of sleeker, slimmer, more refined silhouettes; contemporary and couture; artistic and intricate-all while maintaining his signature stamp of quality and acute attention to detail."

Kani also mentioned the fact that he was currently shooting a fashion reality show at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising) next door.  I'm definitely impressed with what he has been able to accomplish thus far and believe he has a great product in his new line.  Live Life Love Denim is sold exclusively at Nordstrom, Atrium NYC, Fred Segal, Madison's and Barney's, but you can also purchase pieces from his online store at http://livelifelovedenim.com/online-store.  So if you're searching for cool gift ideas for your trendy and fashionable guy or gal, check out the brand online and in stores...HAPPY SHOPPING!!!!
Here are a few shots of the denim line:

WEIGH IN

Did you rock Karl Kani back in the day?

What do you think about his new line Live Life Love Denim?

Would you rock any of the pieces showcased above?

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/