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



Fabolous, Keri Hilson, Wiz Khalifa, Haiti & More Rip BET's Runway

Selita Ebanks, best known as top Victoria's Secret model, along with Mechad Brooks (Eggs from HBO's True Blood) hosted BET's Annual Rip The Runway fashion show that combines music and fashion to create a live, fast-paced, creative expression showcasing eclectic clothing lines for the petite, thick and size "sexy" (plus-size) urban chic diva as well as for the fashionable urban male. This year BET featured popular Hip Hop and R&B acts like rapper Fabolous, newcomer Wiz Khalifa, New Boyz, Keri Hilson, Lloyd, Melanie Fiona & Miguel.

A fab outfit is the perfect pairing to a dope beat. This year's lines began at the home front featuring local designs by Rachel Roy, Swimwear by Lila Nikole, plus-size designs by Tenille White, male fashion via Man vs. Machine and ended with Haitian native Hassan Pierre's Eco-friendly WISB* (Way It Should Be) line for women.

I was presently surprised by this year's designs and was happy to see Rachel Roy, Dame Dash's ex-wife, and her ready-to-wear designs, which I absolutely l-o-v-e. Her unique style of draping and eye-catching hues are very flattering for many body styles and fashion flavors. Her line is quickly becoming my go-to for original, sleek, sexy and affordable flare wear.

I truly enjoyed the swimwear segment which featured designer Lila Nikole who has outfitted celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Trina.  Her sexy and body conscious line featured colorful one-piece cutouts and barely there bikinis that will make you look like a million poolside.

LaQuan Smith, who debuted at New York Fashion Week last year, showed off some sexy and stylish pieces that were just as colorful as they were risque.  His celebrity clientele boasts the likes of fashion trendsetters Lady Gaga, Tyra Banks, Cassie, Lala Vasquez, Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj and has attracted the praise of the one and only, Andre Leon Talley (former American editor-at-large for Vogue magazine).  Be on the lookout for this guy. *wink*
Even fashion icon Lady Gaga showed her face in order to garner support for Japan disaster relief through http://www.ladygaga.com/ where you can find her Japan Earthquake Relief Wristband. Proceeds go directly to Japan relief efforts.

As always, there will be some disappointments with any BET production (*side eye* at Dwight from the Real Housewives of Atlanta doing makeovers when he is the one who is most in need of one). Either way, it was a successful production which showcased some cool and fun looks that can definitely inspire your wardrobe this Spring/Summer. Check out the official Rip The Runway Site RipTheRunway - The Rhythm of Fashion for more details and more coverage on the event.




Hosts Mechad Brooks and Selita Ebanks

 

F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S

Keri Hilson gets her Pretty Girl Swag on

 

Singer Lloyd looked very dapper

 

Miguel...hmmmm



 RACHEL by Rachel Roy

Lila Nikole

LaQuan Smith

Man vs. Machine

Hatian native Hassan Pierre for WISB*

JUST LOVELY!

Chris Brown and Rihanna Are Sick of Talking About The Fight, but is America?

Wow! Chris Brown finally has a chance to come back in the limelight...for good, and he lets his anger get the best of him...AGAIN.  I know we all heard about the reports of Chris Brown's meltdown on Good Morning America (in an attempt to promote his new album F.A.M.E.) following a series of uncomfortable questions posed by interviewer Robin Roberts.  I'm pretty sure Brown's media camp specifically urged Ms. Roberts not to ask any "Rihanna" questions and her constant probing at the issue might have caught him off guard.  He seemed ill-prepared to answer any questions on Rihanna, but for some reason I feel like his PR team failed him to a certain degree.  That is, unless this whole fiasco was a ploy to increase record sales (*wink*).  Whatever the case may be, somehow Chris Breezy has put that unfortunate Grammy night from 2009 behind him and clearly would like the rest of the world to do the same.

I recently read on Bitchie Life that Rihanna also got "feisty" with an interviewer for a recent magazine cover interview.  She apparently doesn't want to talk about the debacle anymore either.  Which brings on my burning question for my readers.  Are Chris and Rihanna right in refusing to talk about the incident? Do you feel they owe us, the public, more of an explanation or that they should be open to addressing the issue in every public forum known to man?  Is it their right, as public figures, to refuse to answer questions about it anymore?

I don't know about you, but I think Rihanna probably has more right than Chris to refuse to answer questions.  My concern is why must they both cop attitudes when this topic is brought up? Do they not know that whether they have gotten over it or moved past the situation, the general public has not?  Are they not aware that this issue will be looming over their goregous pop star heads for years to come, if not forever?  Do you think the public would be willing to let it go if they both were more forthcoming about the past?

I'm currently at a loss for words from Chris' actions.  I feel like he was definitely on his Road To Redemption Redemption Song: Diddy-Dirty Money feat. Chris Brown in Yesterday  (see my earlier post on the subject) but has now fallen several steps back.  We all understand that the celebrity life is hard work, both physically and emotionally and this life often can take a toll on the strongest of individuals.  However, the life of a pop star is chosen.  So, if you can't take the heat....you know the rest....

Please...weigh in!!!!

Where's Daddy?

One pet peeve of mine has always been women who keep their exes away from their children for no respectable reason.  I can understand a father who is verbally or physically abusive, threatens your well-being or is involved with negative activity that is not suitable for a child.  But what about the mothers who keep their children away from their fathers because they can no longer have said man, or does it because of a personal vendetta that has nothing to do with the child?  These situations happen all the time and I know how harmful these actions can be to a child.

Fact is, children need BOTH parents in order to become well-adjusted, well-rounded individuals.  I am in no way saying that children with only one parent will not turn out as good as children who had both parents.  That would be absurd.  However, I am saying that a child's identity comes from both of their parents, their heritage and family history and background.  When one or more of these aspects are lacking, it can be a hinderance to a child's development.

How many mothers have you observed that won't allow their child's father to come see the children unless they "see" them first?  Or even won't allow the father to see their children when they are unable to provide monetary support.  Occurrences like this really bug me and make me wonder what the real issue is.  Isn't the happiness of our children the most important thing?  I have yet to see a child that doesn't want to be around their father as long as they have not hurt them emotionally or physically.  Even still, children love their parents no matter what and want to be around them regardless of what they've put them through in the past.

How could a mother who claims to love her children and want the best for them turn around and shut their father out of their life for selfish reasons?  What kind of mother could conciously, with no guilt, refuse a father's request to see his children because he doesn't have a job that can collect child support?

If you are a mother or father who is keeping your children away from their other rightful parent for selfish or prideful reasons, I urge you to stop and think about how this might hurt the child now and in the long run, or even worse, how it can create long-term resentment from your children once they are old enough to decipher what's really going on.

I'm curious to see how men/women feel about this.  Especially the parents.  Do you think it is okay to keep your child's father out of his life if he is unable to pay child support?  If the child's father no longer wants to be with you or left you for another woman, do you think it is okay to deny him visitation?  Men: Have you dealt with a mother like this that kept you away from your child for selfish reasons?  Please share your experiences...

Men Have Sex With Goddesses and Marry Mortals

When discussing my relationship status with an ex-boyfriend, he relayed to me a very poignant line that I had never heard.  He said, "Men f*&^ goddesses and marry mortals".  When he said this I was genuinely taken aback until I let go of the shock of the statement and went deeper into the meaning.  What he was trying to say is men love to run around freely expressing their sexuality and lustful desires with women who in today's modern age represent Goddesses (think Marilyn Monroe, Cleopatra, etc.), but often marry a more conservative, and shall we say, less adventurous woman (think J. Lo vs. Jennifer Garner).

When I sat and thought back to how this cliche could play out in this day and age, I thought about the growing trend of Hip Hop stars getting boo'd up by ex strippers like Amber Rose or femme fatales like Natalie Nunn and how these women never seem to stick their sexy feline claws into their backs deep enough to keep them for good.

There is no secret that men love women who are freaks in the sheets.  If this were not the case, the porn industry would not be grossing $14 billion annually.  It is also no surprise that men growing up like to sew their oats and have sex with as many women as they can.  This has always been a rights of passage for young men evolving into adulthood.  But lets take a look at the current state of affairs when it comes to lustful activities.  We have all seen an increasing trend in pole dancing classes and classes on how to dance like a stripper in order to "keep your man satisfied".  So, I'm wondering, once you learn how to climb the pole then drop it like its hot, does a husband come after?  Do women find it that if they can put it on a man and make him scream that he will wife her up just like that?

I'm curious to know what priority sex really plays when it comes to getting married and settling down.  Would a man give up the sexy nympho for the straight-laced career woman?  Or do you have to be ALL OF THE ABOVE to get married these days.

I'm honestly curious and I pose this question to the men, but ladies, feel free to chime in:

WHO WOULD YOU RATHER MARRY? 

AMBER ROSE VS. MONICA



Amber Rose

Monica

  
TIA MOWRY VS. NATALIE NUNN
   

Tia Mowry

Natalie Nunn



KESHIA KNIGHT-PULLIAM VS. RIHANNA



Keshia Knight-Pulliam

Rihanna


Fellas...You decide!

Ladies....Chime in!

It Aint A Hit Unless Nate Dogg Spit: RIP Nate Dogg

Last night the music world lost Nathaniel Dwayne Hale (August 19, 1969 – March 15, 2011).  Best known as Nate Dogg, he first graced us with his talent and trademark vocals on Dr. Dre's The Chronic in 1992 and later made a name for himself as a surefire hitmaker on tracks like Indosmoke, Regulate and Aint No Fun.  Songs like these displayed his knack for infectious hooks and bridges that always left the listener wanting more.  He got his start early on as 1/3 of the Long Beach Hip Hop trio 213, which also included Warrren G and Snoop Dogg and later released his first solo album G-Funk Classics Vol.1 in 1996  

Further guest appearances on songs like The Next Episode, Area Codes, and 21 Questions clearly exemplified an artist that could literally breathe on a track and make it come to life.  There was something so dynamic about his voice and vocal delivery.  No one did it better when it came to making tailor-made chorus' that perfected the various Hip Hop beats and lyrics that his vocals accompanied.  Nate Dogg is known for his numerous guest appearances on songs with 2 Pac, Warren G, Ice Cube, The Dogg Pound, The Game, Ludacris, Mos Def, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, and 50 Cent, just to name a few.

After much success in the music biz with 3 solo albums, 4 Grammy nominations, and several movie appearances, Nate Dogg seemed to almost fall into obscurity leaving many wondering about his whereabouts and when they would hear his music again.  It was announced that he suffered a stroke in December of 2007 which later contributed to the paralysis of the left side of his body.  In September 2008, Nate Dogg suffered another stroke and left many fans wondering if they would ever hear him sing again.

When I hear new songs like Dr. Dre's Kush off of his upcoming Detox album, I think back to the era when the West Coast ruled the world.  Back when iconic artists like Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg were the undeniable heavyweights of the game.  Well, there Nate Dogg stood.  Always there, in their corner, waiting to lend his talented hand to the blockbuster boxing ring called West Coast Hip Hop.  He will live on through his music and will forever be known as one of the greatest to come out of Long Beach, CA.

Some of Nate Dogg's most noteworthy videos:

Warren G feat. Nate Dogg - Regulate
Snoop Doggy Dogg ft Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg - Lay Low
50 Cent ft. Nate Dogg - 21 Questions 
Mos Def feat. Pharoahe Monch & Nate Dogg - Oh No
Nate Dogg & Snoop Dogg - Never Leave Me Alone

What are your favorite Nate Dogg tracks and guest appearances?

Woman to Woman: What Would You Do?

I know we've all heard this song and some of us have even been in this predicament at one point or another.  My question is what would you do if a woman called you and asked you if you were seeing "her" boyfriend, husband, etc.?  What would you say? How would you handle it? Would you tell her the truth or would you tell her not to call your phone anymore?

From the male perspective I'm wondering if men do this too.  Has a man ever called you and asked if you were dating his girlfriend or wife?  What is the "man law" in situations as this?

Do tell...

An Open Letter to Black Men

A good friend and I, who also has a blog called Unprotected Talk Unprotectedtalk.com, recently had a heated debate on interracial dating and he urged me to share a RANT on the topic.  Check out what I said about this taboo topic on his website:

Unprotected Talk - An Open Letter To Black Men

I would love for males and females of any race to chime in on this topic.

HAPPY DEBATING!

"The Greatest Rapper of All Time Died on March 9th" - My Tribute to Notorious B.I.G.



If you know me and know how much I love Hip Hop, you know I LOVE Biggie aka Christopher Wallace (May 21, 1972 - March 9, 1997).  When I look back and realize its been 14 years since his death, I think of how he impacted the game and how it has changed since his passing.  Before Jay-Z was whispering "the city is mine", B.I.G. was already holding down the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant with his raw rhymes, unmatched delivery and ghetto fab flow.

B.I.G.'s music was lyrically cinematic.  When I listen to songs like "You're Nobody (Til Somebody Kills You)" and "Long Kiss Goodnight" (two of my favs by the way), I can see the plot play out in my head as if I was watching a movie.  Biggie had that gift of grabbing the listener and sucking them into his violent and edgy, yet eloquent stories. 

Ready To Die was considered a Hip Hop classic, but I believe Biggie's true prowess was most notably visible on his posthumous double disc, Life After Death.  This piece of work allowed you not only to see the "Ready to Die" Biggie with his who gives a what attitude, but it also allowed you to see Biggie; the father, the rapper, the lady's man, and the friend.  I don't know about you, but I liked to see him more in his totality than as a one dimensional character.

Gone, but never forgotten, his music and legacy still lives on.  Jay-Z may have made The Blueprint, but Biggie was definitely the architect behind the scenes.  In terms of delivery, lyrical word play, double entendres, swag and subject matter, nobody did it better (during his reign at the top).  Rappers are still biting his style and using his lines as springboards for their rhymes.  Whether he gets the credit or not, his work will undoubtedly be weaved into the historical fabric of Hip Hop.

Whether his music touched you when he was Ready to Die, or his sounds moved you in his Life After Death, he will always be loved and respected for what he did in his short time here on earth, and hopefully, his music will be Born Again.

Some of Biggie's most quoted Hip Hop Lines:
"Ladies, my Mercedes, hold for in the back, two if ya fat"
"Kick in the door waving the 44"
"B-I-G P-O-P-P-A. No info for the D-E-A"
"Number Four.  I know you heard this before.  Never get high on your own supply"
"Goin back to Cali strictly for the weather, women and the weed"
"You're mad cause my style you're admiring.  Don't be mad...UPS is hiring"

Check out some of his best videos here:
Notorious B.I.G. - Juicy
Notorious B.I.G. - Big Poppa
Notorious B.I.G. - Mo Money Mo Problems
Notorious B.I.G. - Hypnotize

What are your favorite Biggie rap lines and songs?

Photog Spotlight: 2011 NBA All-Star Weekend

I absolutely L-O-V-E photopgraphy.  I think it is a beautiful and expressive art that can communicate on so many levels.  Although I consider myself an amatuer photographer (lol) I know I have so much to learn when it comes to angles, composition, focus, editing, resolution, etc.  There is something so distinctive about a well taken photograph that really tantalizes the visual senses and can also bring about nostalgia, laughter, sadness or happiness and so much more. 

There are so many photographic inspirations around us, especially with the Internet and the ease of photo editing and sharing that it affords.  A good friend of mine, Nick Collins, owner and founder of Creatively Inc. has an eye for capturing profound images and making them appealingly beautiful.  He specializes in photography of all kinds, such as weddings, social & sporting events, and entertainment shots.

He recently attended the 2011 NBA All-Star festivities and captured some amazing shots of the action on the red carpet and behind the scenes in the Western Conference locker room.  I hand picked some great photos to feature from his website: http://www.creativelyinc.com/ that I think you all would enjoy:



Can you see the hunger?



Carmelo Anthony



Manu Ginobili of the San Antonio Spurs

 

Chris Paul

  

Snoop Dogg representin' the West(side)

 

Beyonce

Jay and Bey courtside...check the red bottoms (Louboutin)



East Meets West - Kobe Bryant and Ray Allen

 

Lenny Kravitz w/ MTV News

Shannon Brown of the Los Angeles Lakers



Nick Collins, founder and operator of Creatively Inc.

Check out all the happenings on the website and book them for your next event at: http://www.creativelyinc.com/