The NAACP Image Awards went down this weekend in LA and the stars brought our their Sunday best for the festivities. Here's an uber quick roundup of some fashionable ladies.
My favorite of the night, Keri Hilson looked stunning in her all black ensemble.
Taraji P. Henson also looked beautiful in a form-fitting blue jersey dress.
KeKe Palmer looked appropriately 16 in this bright, yellow dress.
Everyone's favorite young couple, Eva Pigford and Lance Gross. Interesting look for Eva.
My girl Jill Scott chose an interesting dress choice. Anika Rose looked regal and Tasha Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson) is shutting it down for the 40+ crowd. Click here for a list of all the winners.
Aaron McGruder promised us another season of The Boondocks and he delivered! Well, he will. It has been officially announced that Riley and Huey will be back on Adult Swim come May 2, 2010.
There was an early trailer announcing the comeback of The Boondocks. The date provided is incorrect though. It has been confirmed that May 2 is the official premiere date.
Until that date, peep a clip of one of my favorite episodes, The Story of Ganstalicious, Pt. 2 (in three parts).
Yes! The Boondocks AND True Blood this summer?! I can't take it!
Pharrell recently posed for some pics for his clothing line Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream clothing lines for their Spring/Summer collection. The theme is "Classic Americana." Peep the pics below.
Kanye West is back... kinda. He has revealed an new blog to the world at KanyeWest.com. He first introduced the world to his new blog with the pics of Amber Rose (below) and his "Coldest Winter" music vid. Now that's a supportive girlfriend! He has since added a few more posts. I hope that this will coincide with some new music from Kanye!!
Uber cute couple EvaPigford & Lance Gross recently did a photoshoot together. The photoshoot represented a day in the life of Lance Gross. Lance Twitpic'd some of the pictures and YBF snatched em up. Peep the photos below.
So he ends his day at the strip club huh?? *side eye* But they are gonna make some beautiful babies!
Remember the Hot Boys from the original Cash Money?! Well Turk, who has been in some sort of incarcerated situation for about six years, recently lost his brother from gun shot wounds. The rapper has written an open letter asking for assistance from the hip-hop community to cover the costs of the burial.
My question is, where are his former "bandmates??" Lil' Wayne, Juvenile, and even B.G. all have enough money to help bury his brother. Why haven't they stepped up?
Peep Turk's letter to Ozone Magazine.
I really hope all of this gets handled. Peep the video to their biggest commercial hit "I Need a Hot Girl" below.
My condolences to Turk and his family. Thank Nik for the heads up!
XXL has been releasing videos of their Freshman 10 of 2010 through their website. Their most recent video profiled OJ Da Juiceman. Shortly after, another video appeared on the web of Drake from the Sprite Step Off competition this past weekend in Atlanta. In the video, he speaks on his and Nicki Minaj's refusal to be a part of the list. Peep the video.
Hmmm, interesting. I wonder who will be the last 4 videos XXL has yet to reveal.
I am a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. As a result, I of course, have a vested interest in Black Greek life and Greek life in general. I had the pleasure of attending the Chicago finals for the Sprite Step Off Challenge. Deservingly, the men of Alpha Phi Alpha and the women of Alpha Kappa Alpha won and qualified for the next round.
I didn't find the show to be incredibly breathtaking as a whole. I feel the Annual Greek Scene event hosted at my alma mater, Illinois State University, usually presented a better show. But I digress. The finals for the step competition were held in Atlanta and the winners were announced. In a (not so) surprising move, the women of Zeta Tau Alpha, a historically white sorority, took the crown. Peep their performance below.
First and foremost, they did a good job. But that isn't what I am here to address.
Before I get into the Greek portion of this discussion, let me first address the obvious. This is a white sorority with white steppers in an event that is catered to black fraternities and sororities and black steppers. This is MY blog, so I am going to state my opinion. We (as in Black people) have been and will always be representative of what is popular culture. We know that as we watch people emulate our style, our creativity, our finesse. Our culture is rich and full of history. This history includes Black Greek life. Say what you want about the rumors or stories associated with being a Black Greek, but as a whole, I find the experience to be both enriching and essential to who I am today.
In my experience as a Black Greek, I have learned the meaning behind many of the traditions we do. Many of them are sacred to us and hold special meaning. Some are newer than others, but the age does not determine the weighted value of the tradition. Yes, the Black Greek system has its roots in Masonic beliefs and traditions. Yes, Black Greek organizations mirrored that of white Greek organizations when we as a people were not allowed to become members of the organization. Symbolic hand signs, strolling, and stepping were uniquely Black Greek experiences. Line jackets, "ship names," and "line names" also developed.
The Black Greek experience has been watered down due to popular culture. But we've seen that done with just about everything. The difference is many traditions in Black Greek life are sealed in secrecy. The issue with watering down specific traditions that are essential to the Black Greek experience is the public doesn't see the value. I will not go into a long and storied history of movies like "School Daze" and "Stomp the Yard" and their effect on Black Greek life.
My focus are the women of Zeta Tau Alpha and their win in the Sprite Step Off. I am not an early Malcolm X (though I do idolize him). I do not believe we need to create separation to achieve equality. I do, however, feel that some things to need to be held sacred to maintain unique cultural identities. There are conflicting views of the orgins of stepping within BGLOs. Despite the dispute, is it not a Black thing?!? I find it disturbing that a white sorority would even consider entering a competition that is aimed towards Black fraternities and sororities. Even the advertising was clearly aimed towards us. My Line Sister and Pledge Daughter taped the local commercial for the event!
What have we lost as Black Greek lettered organizations? I am not saying our focus should instead be primarly stepping. But aren't BGLOs multi-faceted? Isn't the beauty of our organizations that we know how to incorporate the social aspect with the academic and political and service points of our respective fraternities and sororities? Is anything sacred?
I commend Zeta Tau Alpha for a good show. But I am also worried that traditions of value that are unique to the Black Greek experience are being lost. I am in no way dissing Zeta Tau Alpha. The did really well. What do you think?!
Your thoughts are GREATLY appreciated. *UPDATE* An official Sprite spokesperson released this statement via the Facebook group.
"The Sprite Step Off was initially created as a way to recognize talented college students and give out scholarships to help support their higher education. If we put on some entertaining step shows and brought people together along the way, all the better.
After the National Finals Competition this past weekend in Atlanta wrapped, we got together to do our post-competition review and found a scoring discrepancy in the sorority results. After looking at it and looking at it AGAIN, we determined there isn’t a definitive resolution.
Sprite is all about preserving the honesty and integrity of this competition. Because the scoring discrepancy can’t be resolved and due to the really tight margin between the first and second place sorors, we feel that the only right thing to do is to name both Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Chapter & Zeta Tau Alpha, Epsilon Chapter, co-first place winners of the Sprite Step Off.
With these revised results, we’re gonna increase Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Chapter’s scholarship prize to $100K, consistent with what Zeta Tau Alpha also got for their first prize winnings.
Thanks again to everyone who helped make The Sprite Step Off happen. And to one last stroll in the name of unity..."
The women of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Tau Chapter, were bumped up to first place as well. Here is the OTHER winning performance... smh
What is the credibility of the competition looking like now?
I said I wasn't gonna comment via my Twitter page. But I've been laughing about it all morning. Here's a brief synopsis of events.
TMZ said Yung Berg was a victim of a robbery during a house party. The assailants left with $10K work of jewelry and money. In the process, Yung Berg got pistol whipped.
The denial began right after. Yung Berg's publicist says his client was in Las Vegas, not L.A. during the alleged incident. Yung Berg then found it very necessary to release a video with his explanation of events. He claims TMZ fabricated the whole story. Peep the video below.
Why does he need to release a video you ask?? Yung Berg has been the victim of multiple robberies, assaults, and down right disrespectful actions since he hit the scene. Needless to say, his "street cred" is constantly in question (if he has any left).
According to The YBF, it looks like Keyshia Cole may have finally dropped her baby.
YBF posted a pic of Keyshia's sister's Twitter post from last night. Unfortunately, Necole Bitchie has confirmed that is not true and Elite posted the tweet as a stunt. Smh... When it does happen, I am sure there will be official congrats to Keyshia and Boobie on their new baby. I wonder if he will be a junior.
In other baby news, Christinia Milian is STILL pregnant with The Dream's baby. Word on the street, the little girl's name will be Violet.
Cute. And make sure you listen to his new song "Love King." He's got a family to support. You know Ms. Milian isn't bringing in any money. #imjustsayin
T.I. is still giving his ride or die Tiny stuff while he's serving the rest of his term. He recently added a Porche Panamera Turbo to the long list of gifts.
With two engagement rings and plethora of gifts, I wonder when they are gonna get married officially. Word has it shortly after his release. But there were also rumors they'd get married before he went to jail. So we shall see.
In other (less interesting) news, Jenny from the Block is has been dumped. Jennifer Lopez has been dropped from Sony.
Maybe it had something to do with this weak a** performance...
But do not fret J. Lo fans. She has reportedly signed another deal with an undisclosed label. Her new album, Love, is expected to be released this summer through her new label. Jennifer Lopez will also be the guest host on this week's Saturday Night Live. The world is at peace now.
There have been rumors a of Richard Pryor movie with Eddie Murphy playing the title character since Richard Pryor's death. It seemed appropriate since Richard Pryor was obviously a heavy influence on Eddie Murphy's comedic style. But the movie execs have sought someone a bit younger for the role. Marlon Wayans, most famous for "White Chicks" and the "Scary Movie" franchise has won the role of Richard Pryor. Days after the official announcement, the internet was in an uproar insisting Eddie Murphy, or even Mike Epps would be a better pic for the role.
I actually like Marlon Wayans and I think he can do it. He has great comedic timing and is one of the more talented Wayans family members in my opinion. In a recent LA Times interview, he commented on the naysayers:
"Look, I want to be able to make the stupidest movies ever, because they make people laugh and they make money... But that's not all I want to do. And I think I've proven to some people -- the ones paying attention -- that I can do more. Everybody else, well, they can wait and see and make up their mind."
The movie 'Richard Pryor: "Is it Something I Said?"' is being produced by Happy Madison and Sony.
Until the movie, enjoy one of my favorite clips from Richard Pryor's standup "Live on the Sunset Strip. He discusses his experiences with love.
Star player for the Los Angeles Lakers, Kobe Bryant, has teamed up with Nike to release a special edition of Nike Hyperdunks.
They are being dubbed the Aston-Martin Hyperdunks. The feature "Kobe’s signature embossed on the inside tongue and the Aston Martin logo on the outer tongue." Only 500 will be released and they are selling for a cool 700 American dollars.
Monica has released the video to her first single, "Everything to Me." It stars Ocho Cinco (Chad Johnson) as the leading man. Peep the video below.
Monica looks pretty as usual. Her fashion choices are interesting in a good way. Keep an eye out for her new album, Still Standing, set to hit stores March 22, 2010. Glad she's back!
Kanye West has finally released the long-rumored video to "Coldest Winter" from his 808s & Heartbreak album. It was directed by Nabil Elderkin. He was also responsible for "Paranoid" and "Welcome to Heartbreak." Word on the street is Kanye had nothing to do with the video, he just saw the final cut. Peep the chilly video below.
"Coldest Winter" is definitely one of my fave tracks from the album. This mix presented in this video is rumored to be made available on iTunes in the near future.
I'm anxious to hear where Kanye West takes Good Ass Job, the rumored title of his next album.
Ex-NBA star Jayson Williams has had some hard days as of late. Well, they just got a bit harder.
After the 2002 incident involving the death of his limo driver, Jayson Williams has been involved in a suicide attempt, a bar fight, and a drunken car crash. He has finally been sentence to 5 years with the eligibility of parole after 18 months, for the death of his limo driver.
I'm not really a fan of Nas. Sue me. But there are a few songs of his I rock with, one of them being "If I Ruled the World" featuring the great Lauryn Hill. Lauryn Hill's vocals on this track are buttery, smooth, and melodic. Enjoy the video below.
I love the idea, sound, and look of this song and video. It was so flashy and 90's appropriate. Even inspirational. This was Nas' first Top 20 song and was even nominated for a Grammy in 1997.
In a quick little vid, Drake discusses his influences and his (to me rumored) debut album Thank Me Later. He was interviewed after Atlanta's Sprite Step Off Competition.
Drake says the album will "sound happier" and "more victorious" representing his life. He also cites Nas as an influence.
Lil' Wayne and Lil' Twist got on ustream last night and he showed his teeth post his 8 root canals. Random 7 minutes of my life I'll never get back. But you can peep the video below.
What's up with Lil' Twist's hair though?! Sobriety is obviously not the goal prior to his prison sentencing. Oh and in case you didn't know, Lil' Wayne now has a twitter page as well @liltunchi *confused look*
Rihanna celebrated her birthday this weekend in Pheonix with Matt Kemp. Despite denying that they are indeed a couple, Matt Kemp spent time planning a surprise party for Rihanna. He even provided a mini streap tease.
I understand all in good fun, but I am slightly perplexed by the entertainment value. Rihanna's dress was cute though!
And in case you missed it, Diddy's son Justin has a sweet 16 party that aired on MTV. Peep the full episode below.
Welcome to a new feature as I try to constantly improve In a Perfect World...
Today’s addition to the blog is:
MUSIC MONDAY PLAYLIST
I will present a downloadable playlist based on a theme each week.
This week’s theme is Grindin’ & Hustlin'. As I find my footing for the blog, attempt to figure out my career goals, and focus on making more money, I find these songs provide a little motivation for me. None of them are hidden gems this go ‘round. Just simple songs about being the best you can me and maintaining your motivation.
The lead singer of Sade taped a skit with Wanda Sykes for her talk show. It was awkward with a few funny moments. But in the all, just awkward. Peep the video below.
Jay-Z has been busy solidifying his international status. He recently sat down with BBC's Friday Night with Jonathan Ross. He talks knowing President Obama, not touching The Beatles record, and being a 40 year old rapper. He even clowns Diddy a bit. Peep the interview below.
Funny dude. He also performed one of my fave tracks from Blueprint 3, "On to the Next One."
I think he really enjoys what he does. Still boycotting linings I see...
Ludacris' second single from his Battle of the Sexes album, "My Chick Bad," has been getting lots of radio airplay lately. He and Nicki Minaj taped a video to the song and released the world premier to BET's 106 & Park. Peep the video below.
Nicki Minaj actually plays crazy in this video. How appropriate. And check for cameos from Eve, Trina, and Diamond. They will be included in the remix to the song.
We all know Lil' Wayne's prison sentencing was delayed for a dental "emergency."
Lil' Wayne had his EIGHT root canals this past Tuesday in an 8 hour procedure. The dentist also worked on the few remaining natural teeth in preparation for his prison term. He will now be sentenced March 2 and is expected to begin his one year sentence the same day.
I show love to magazines because they are the reason blogs exist. And I still buy at least 5 a month and have subscriptions to 3 more. I love their glossy pages, exclusive interviews, and interesting photo spreads.
Anywho, Nicki Minaj is gracing the cover of the March 2, 2010 Fader magazine.
Say what you want about her delivery, style, or content. Nicki Minaj has the music industry's attention. She's like a breath of fresh air. She doesn't take herself too seriously and she seems like she really enjoys what she does.
Fader posted a video interview back in May 2009 before many of us even knew her name. Peep the video below.
Her stage training is apparent in the way she delivers and performs. Her eyelashes were killing me softly though. Cop the new Fader mag March 2, 2010 for the full interview.
BONUS MATERIAL:
Michelle Trachtenberg most famously from "Gossip Girl" and Harriet the Spy (though I know her from Euro Trip) was taped spitting Nicki Minaj's verse from "Shaking it for Daddy."
I've been hearing Brandy was planning to launch a rap career under the moniker BrandNu or some ish like that. I still like Brandy as a singer personally. I rock with Never Say Never... HARD!
Well I guess she was dead serious. While over at Necole Bitchie, I saw this video of her performing with Timbaland at the House of Blues in LA.
She's actually believable! Should she start rapping now??
With the introduction of social networks, it was only a matter of time before personal issues became "public" knowledge. Social media relies on participants sharing their personal information. This personal information is then shared with either a select group of followers, friends, or to the general public. Social networking creates the personal obligation to share your life with people granted access to your information. But it is a slippery slope.
Though MySpace was around before Facebook, I feel like Facebook specialized in creating "cyber thugging." It was on Facebook that I first noticed wall posts subliminally coming at someone else. And then status messages were introduced. Status messages allowed people to post a statement your friends can see. Though status messages were first intended to be quick blurts about your day to day activities, they quickly became the way to vent how you were feeling. It wasn't uncommon to see messages referring subliminally to a negative part of a user's day, most often involving another Facebook user. Facebook status messages created a medium for people to argue. The ability to comment on status messages created a whole other level of e-thugging. People bickered back and forth over status messages, publicizing issues for the Facebook world to see.
Then Twitter came along and totally revitalized social networking. Twitter makes you cocky enough to believe that people actually care what you say. Almost to the point you feel like you're depriving your followers if you don't dispense every aspect of your life and how you are feeling. But where do you draw the line?
Twitter has created the ability to mold a more secluded social networking environment (if you please) and only allow a select group of followers to see your tweets. Therefore, I feel people use this sense of exclusivity to be more open and honest than they would on Facebook (or Myspace if you still use it). I know I do. I find myself tweeting more of my innermost thoughts of various varieties. Stuff I think is funny, crazy, sexy, or dumb. Stuff I say. Stuff my friends say. And stuff I argue about. And there is where the problem lies.
When, if ever, is it appropriate to use Twitter to vent your frustrations about someone? And is it okay to do so subliminally?? I have definitely used #subliminaltweet to discuss another one of my followers without addressing them directly. Usually it's all in good fun and won't cause a riff between us. But it does allow my followers a glimpse into my personal life and the life I share with someone else. And usually the subliminal diss is far from subliminal.
For anything to be sacred, it is essential that everyone (or even a gang of people) aren't aware of every innermost secret. This includes relationships and friendships. Twitter does allow the chance to express positive things about your experiences with someone else, but venting isn't usually about the good things. When you take the time to write something malicious about a friend or significant other, it creates the need for conversations that should have been had in private beforehand. It's embarrassing and far from healthy. But these are just my opinions.
So where do YOU draw the line??
For more information on handling social networking arguments, read the article I posted below: How to Argue for Social Media
Ah... spring break! I remember this time last year I was planning to head to South Beach in Miami.
I still have a few college-aged friends making that trek to Miami or Panama City. So I decided it would be most appropriate to provide some swimwear options for all those hitting up a beach somewhere in the coming month. The only rule: LOTS OF COLOR!
First up, I've selected some swimming drunks for the men while they're on the beach or just strolling up Ocean.
My personal favorite are the Polo Ombre Board Shorts. I included a pair of bikini bottoms for the daring few.
On to the women... I'll start with the modest woman first. One-piece bathing suits can offer coverage and usually more interesting detail in comparison to bikinis or tankinis. Peep my picks below.
I like the Guess Tribal One Piece.
If you are gonna be on South Beach, modesty is not what's hot. So I have provided some bikini choices as well.
Ombre seems to be what's hot right now. I like the Diane von Furstenberg bikini the best. Prints are very spring break!
To all those that are going to Miami, have fun for me and grab a Call A Cab (or two)!
J. Cole is still on his grizzy. He (very) recently recorded a freestyle over Common's "Go" beat. The name of the song is "Knock on Wood." Listen and download below.
"Bend your ass over b***h I'm here for a reason!" Oh, okay! I dig. J. Cole is definitely an artist to look out for.
Ludacris is continuing with his Battle of the Sexes album and has released a new track featuring Lil' Kim and Fate titled "Hey Ho!" He's determined to make Fate blow up! Listen and download below.
The song plays on the double standard of man's promiscuous behavior versus that of women. Check out Lil' Kim trying to make a comeback though. Luda also discussed how he was surprised by the positive response he has received for "How Low" over at MTV News.
Waka Flocka Flame has apparently made a full recovery after being shot earlier this year. He has released a new song called "I'm an Illusion" featuring La Chat.
Honestly, this song is nothing special, but I had to include it simply because La Chat is on the song. For all my Three 6 Mafia fans, it was nice to hear her voice again.
Now for my R&B pick:
The Dream is back! He has a new song titled "Love King." I'm personally a fan of The Dream and I feel like he may be a little slept on.
This song doesn't really help his case though. I hope it isn't his first single for his new album. It's kinda weak, even though he says my name. :-) But I know he can (and will) come much harder than this. I wonder if Christina Milian had her baby yet.
The Black Eyed Peas have released a 10-minute video to "Imma Be" & "Rock that Body." They mashed the two and named the video "Imma Be Rocking That Body." I had never heard "Imma Be" until the Grammy Awards, but I love it. Peep the video below.
"You can't say futuristic and not be afraid of the future." Cute.
I like the "Transformers"/Futuristic /Robotic theme. I see where the ideas for the Grammy performance outfits came from as I assume this was taped prior to that performance. I see the other two members are saying something. I always questioned their role...
While over at Necole Bitchie, I saw she discovered a live performance by Solange. She performed a cover of "Tell Me" by Groove Theory (click the link to download and hear the original). I personally dig the performance.
She sounded really good and it looked like an organic jam session with the group Dirty Projectors. It is apparent Solange is a lover of music. Her ensemble is another story.
In rap news... Beanie Sigel was recently filmed at a performance in Philly. During this performance he takes the time to diss both Jay-Z and T.I. He plays off of Jay-Z's use of "already" from the song "Already Home. Watch the video below.
Dude is expanding... and I can't stand mans in the audience with his own commentary. Truthfully, I've always rocked with Beanie Sigel. But he called out T.I. for snitching. I'm not sure how I feel about that yet...
Finally, for shits and giggles:
DRU HILL IS BACK! They have released a video called "Love MD" about a week ago and it's making its rounds on the blogosphere.
I'm trying to figure out if the opening was like a joke or something. Actually, I'm trying to figure that out for their entire comeback. More power to them though. I'm sure SOMEONE is happy they are back. *snickering*
Sade's new album, Soldier of Love, has sold 500K units in its first week and captured the #1 Worldwide Album slot! Congrats! As I predicted when the album leaked, having full access to the tracks early did not effect the album sales in the least.
Congrats to them!! And yes I meant them, I learned Sade is a group though they share the name with the lead singer. I had nooo idea!
So I guess Usher has a sense of humor. His outfit (and lackluster) performance this weekend at the All-Star Game in Dallas has been made of fun of by EVERYONE including his ex-wife.
He responded jokingly on Twitter.
I'm glad he has a sense of humor about that weak outfit! Leather capris tho?!?
So Shyne has had an interesting year. After being released from prison, he was deported back to Haiti with the quickness. It appeared he had little (or no) support from Diddy who we ALL know he took that charge for. Anywho, things are back on the up & up.
Shyne has reportedly signed a 7-Figure deal with Def Jam! After being locked up for 8 years, I know he's got some stories to tell. He's recording in London. Diddy should be shaking in his Louis boots... *take that, take that*
Finally, the underground wonder, Curren$y may have a new label home. He was first signed to No Limit in 2005. Then Young Money Entertainment until 2007. He gets mucho love from artists like Mos Def and Jay Electronica and there are rumors they have started a group together called Center Edge Territory.
Well Rap Radar posted a pic of of Curren$y with a Roc-A-Fella chain around his neck. Peep it below. So is he signed to Roc-A-Fella now?? Does the label still exist?? Only time will tell.
Taraji P. Henson also looked beautiful in a form-fitting blue jersey dress.
KeKe Palmer looked appropriately 16 in this bright, yellow dress.
Everyone's favorite young couple, Eva Pigford and Lance Gross. Interesting look for Eva.
My girl Jill Scott chose an interesting dress choice.
Anika Rose looked regal and Tasha Mack (Wendy Raquel Robinson) is shutting it down for the 40+ crowd. 
