OPINION WORLD: TOP 10 2009 Obsessions

Three days into the New Year and I've been contemplating what was HAWT in 2009. As a result, here's my list. You can agree, disagree, or not give a shit. But, it's just my thoughts...


10. MILITARY-INSPIRED LOOKS
Let's start things off with a little fashion...Strong shoulders, epaulets, shiny brass and nickel buttons...everyone was looking for an army-inspired piece or two to add to their wardrobe this year. It’s classic. Designers responded with jackets, peacoats, vests, shirts, even boots at all price points to satisfy every shopper. I have three military-inspiried pieces myself.

If you still don’t have yours, check out some of my options below. This trend doesn’t appear to be going anywhere.




9. KANYE WEST AND AMBER ROSE
Talk about the biggest come up ever!! Amber Rose was nothing more than a stripper before she became Kanye’s arm piece. And now she’s a legitimate model posing for Vibe & Elle Magazines and getting thousands of dollars for club appearances. Her far out outfits and buzz cut seemed the only fashionably risky match to Kanye’s style. Many of her red carpet appearances overshadowed those of her beau, most notably her space cadet suit. No salt, chick is the poster child for progression.


I'm tryin to make a similar come up for 2010!

8. NIKKI MINAJ
Part Lil Kim, part Foxy Brown, all sexed-up...The Harajuku Barbie seemed to fall out of the sky in 2009. She ushered in a “Barbie” movement signing boobs with a touch of sexual ambiguity. Her cookies are always slippery and she had girls imitating her bangs and pink highlights for Halloween. Whether her body is real or fake, she has been endorsed by Young Money, most notably Lil Wayne. Her lyrical prowess may not compete with that of her mentor, but you must admit you find yourself singing along to her verses.

“I just had an epiphany, I need to go to to Tiffany’s…”

The first song I heard of hers, "Itty Bitty Piggy" has a "video." Peep below.



Step ya cookies up...

7. JAY-Z
Devil worshipper or not, Blueprint 3 dropped with much fan fare. Who cares almost half the album leaked before it’s release? Fans still went out and copped it making it the 11th number one album in Hov’s career, surpassing Elvis. I had the pleasure of seeing him in concert during his “college tour” and I LOVED it. He doesn’t have backup dancers and his only (permanent) hypeman is Memphis Bleek, yet he commanded a crowd. There’s no denying Jay-Z kept people talking this year about his personal life and his professional accomplishments. He’s not going anywhere.



"Please don’t bow my presence, how am I a legend?/ I just got 10 number one albums maybe now 11..."

6. GUCCI MANE
Emerging after a stint being locked up, Gucci Mane penetrated radio with “Freaky Gurl” and in 2009 kept the hits and guest star roles coming. His catchy lyrics presented many quotable lines though his apparent ignorance seemed inappropriate for any college graduate. I still listened though. “Wasted” has become the theme song for partying to the fullest. Though he is currently BACK in jail (like your other favorite rappers), he's banking on his new album, THE STATE VS. RADRIC DAVIS to hold him over.

Here's his new video for "Lemonade" in case you care...



BURR!

5. BEYONCE
She is…Sasha Fierce and everyone’s favorite entertainer. Who else could drop a dual disk presenting two different personalities so successfully (Nelly’s Sweat and Suit do not count!)?!? The album presented musical masterpieces like “Halo,” “Diva,” “If I Were a Boy,” and of course “Single Ladies.” “Single Ladies” was an obsession in itself with multiple imitations popping up all over YouTube. As if the video imitations weren’t enough, women then found it appropriate to leave the house emulating the style in the video. The whole body suit, tights, and heels look can definitely stay in 2009. Multi-million dollar tour, Thanksgiving Special and a possible lucrative deal performing in Vegas, Beyonce was the star to see in 2009.



And my favorite "Single Ladies" impression.



Get it Bish!

4. LEGGINGS
Tight and versatile, EVERYONE has rocked a pair or two (or five) of leggings. I remember when they first became a trend under tunics around 2007, but 2009 saw them emerging as complete bottoms for an outfit. The liquid variety especially became popular. First seen on stars, then quickly available anywhere, liquid leggings have become wardrobe staples of Nicki Minaj, Alicia Keys and Amber Rose.

If you still don’t have a fly pair of leggings, liquid or otherwise, peep some of the options below. I personally find it difficult to wear any other color than black.



But make sure you wear them correctly and not daily, otherwise you and the leggings end up looking cheap. #thatisall

3. CHRIS BROWN & RIHANNA
*sigh* Everyone is guilty of following this story, from the TMZ pics to the 911 call to the Larry King and 20/20 interviews. Opinions aside, this fiasco quickly thrust both of them into the spotlight and the topic of popular culture. Chris talked to Larry King promising to keep the night private. Rihanna interviewed with 20/20 and spilled all the beans (at least her version of events). Chris Brown got shunned, Rihanna’s album didn’t sell. But, both are more famous now than before that Pre-Grammy night melee.



I wish them both the best.

2. THE FIRST FAMILY
Our first (half) Black President of the United States of America, Barack Obama, created a media obsession. Everyone wanted to find out what kinda dog the family was gonna get. Michelle Obama’s wardrobe choices became entire discussions and popularized out J. Crew stores nationwide. The cutest little girls, Sasha and Malia were also topics of media fodder. How can you not love them?! A beautiful, happy, married, Black family...the media insisted it would be contagious.





Watching the President and First Lady interact it is apparent they not only are in love with each other, but they actually like each other. It’s such a beautiful thing.

*DRUMROLL*

Finally...

1. MICHAEL JACKSON
The King of Pop died June 25, 2009. I remember sitting at work and seeing the news break on Twitter first, then the radio, the people quickly stating that the reports of his death were false. Then getting home and CNN reporting that the reports were indeed true. A tear fell. I remember so much of Michael Jackson in our household. We had our copy of “Moonwalker” on VHS. He impacted people around the world. CNN reported he was one of the most recognizable names the world over. Masses of people cried around the world. Times Square stopped when the news was posted. He impacted so many lives. His funeral was the most beautiful swan song only befitting of an entertainer of his caliber. We will always remember where we were when we heard the King of Pop left this Earth.



And here's Spike Lee's video for "This is It" if you haven't seen it.



He will be missed.

Whew! *wiping sweat from brow* I'm done!
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