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 IconAward. 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:
We all recall that beautiful chocolate specimen singing on the bus on the Coca-Cola commercial many years ago. That beautiful black skin and those pearly whites exposing a raspy, yet strong vocal ability that no one had expected. Although Tyrese first came on the scene singing, he is now more well known for his acting gigs on Hollywood blockbuster sequels like Fast & Furious and Transformers. Fortunately, Tyrese is now getting back to his roots...R&B!
Tyrese has a few albums under his belt and some of his most noteworthy tracks like Sweet Lady and One have always been geared toward the ladies, whether it be apologizing for what he's done or saying he will do better. I wanted to feature Tyrese's Signs Of Love Making for the Throwback Tuesday video for because it is definitely one of my favs from his body of work...check it out:
He gives a special shoutout to Scorpio females at the 1:34 mark:
"I met a Scorpio. *PAUSE* Damn!
She had no limit to where she'd go.
And she was so damn sexual.
She said, "Tyrese, are you ready for me?"
I'll do anything to fulfill your needs.
Tell me what you want, and I got you baby.
Whisper in my ear, while I'm driving you crazy".
I'll smack it from the side.
While I'm grabbin' them thighs.
Now I know, what zodiac signs are all about"
Sorry...Its November, so you KNOW I had to do it!
Tyrese's new album Open Invitation hit stores and iTunes today and boasts some of his best work to date, according to the man himself. I already love his new track Stay, which automatically takes me back to the ol' school vibe of R&B when a man would beg his woman to stay with him after he had done her wrong. Tyrese has captured that ol' school feel and combined it with a new and fresh perspective, which I love. He and his favorite co-star, Taraji Henson, are featured in the video for Stay. Check it out below:
Here is the album cover and track listing for his new album Open Invitation:
1. I’m Home (feat. Jay Rock)
2. I Gotta Chick (feat. Rick Ross)
3. Stay
4. Best of Me
5. Nothing On You
6. One Night
7. It’s All On Me
8. Too Easy (feat. Ludacris)
9. Takeover
10. I Miss That Girl
11. Interlude
12. Make Love
13. Angel (feat. Candice)
14. Walk
15. What Took You So Long
16. Do It
TIME TO WEIGH IN
Are you a fan of Tyrese's?
Do you plan on purchasing the album?
How do you like the video for the first single Stay?
Do you think Tyrese can make a comeback?
