Adenike's World

WWW.IMISSTHEOLDSCHOOL.COM

2009-12-11T17:57:00.000-08:00

Hey peeps! I haven't posted for a while on here, mainly because I have been spending time working on my brand new website www.imisstheoldschool.com.
The site is my ode to the 80s and 90s and celebrates everything fun and fabulous about that time! As someone who grew up in these two decades, the music, film, TV and lifestyle from that period is something that I still hold very dear. In my opinion, not much in today's world of popular culture lives up to that time!

The site launched this week and features an exclusive interview with former teen superstar singer Tevin Campbell, who candidly discusses his sexuality, taking hard drugs at 14 and the pressures of being a child star!
There are also posts on House Party, Neneh Cherry, The A Team, Musical Youth, A Different World, Naf Naf Puffa Jackets, Garbage Pail Kids trading cards and more!!!!

Please check out the site, which will be updated regularly and leave a comment! Thanks in advance for your support.

HEADS OF STATE SHOW

2009-11-02T04:35:00.000-08:00

This past weekend, I went to see Heads of State, aka Bobby Brown, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill, at the o2 indig0 in North Greenwich London.
I have been looking forward to the show for weeks as I am a huge New Edition fan – as a group and all their solo projects. But despite loving them since they first hit the came out with Candy Girl in 1983, I have never seen any of them live. So this was a big deal for me.
But first I had to get past the first hurdle of the original date (Wednesday 28th) getting cancelled. I had sound check passes for that date as well (doh!), and just found out the show was cancelled when I turned up for that. Lol!
Thankfully it was rescheduled for Saturday, and it was more than worth the wait. The crowd who turned up to see the show was extremely mixed – ages, races, sex and dress senses, but the thing we all had in common was an obvious love for the guys, which very evident when they eventually came out. All dressed smartly in white suits, with Bobby in a white baseball cap and Ralph in a trilby, they all looked pretty good. Bobby has piled on the pounds in recent years but was looking more on point than he has been portrayed in the media.
Complete with live band, they sang a mixture of New Edition tracks and solo material, including Every Little Step, Don’t Be Cruel, My Prerogative, Sensitivity, My My My, Mr Telephone Man, Lost In Love and Cool It Now, with each star getting their chance to shine while the other two played back up. Highlights for me included Bobby taking it back damn near 27 years to sing Jealous Girl, a track that appeared on the debut New Edition album. Also, Ralph singing Do What I Gotta Do, and Johnny and Ralph singing the New Edition hit Can You Stand the Rain. Each guy sounded great vocally and their dance moves, admittedly not as intricate as in their younger days, were cute and fun to watch. Bobby slipped into old school mode by attempting some grinding moves and by throwing sex faces at the audiences, which was more amusing than sexy.
This show was one of my most favourite ever for the sentimental factor. These guys were seriously the soundtrack to a lot of my childhood, so their music is so very dear to me. I’m glad I got a chance to see them (well three out of six ain’t bad) in my lifetime, as who would have thought they’d tour the UK again???
This year has been a mixture of highs and lows where music concerts are concerned. I got to see NKOTB five times (yeah, I’m a bit of a fan) and missed out on seeing my ultimate hero Michael Jackson – due to his unfortunate passing. So glad I got to see the Heads of State, and even more so that it was a good show.
I have some great video footage but annoyingly wasn't able to load it up. I'll try and add it later down the line.

Jay-Z confirms bringing Fela stage show to Broadway!

2009-10-26T15:11:00.000-07:00

There was a story a while back that Jay-Z was backing Will Smith and his wife Jada in reviving a Fela musical on Broadway. All investors are looking to raise a collective $11 million. Inthis interview Jigga confirms the story in this interview.

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JAHEIM - AIN'T LEAVING WITHOUT YOU

2009-10-23T04:45:00.000-07:00

The velevet-toned singer is back with a new single (complete with De La Soul sample) and I likes it a lot!

THIS WHY TLC ARE STILL MY GROUP TILL THIS DAY...

2009-10-22T12:29:00.000-07:00

I really looked up to this group when I was growing up. Oooooooooh On The TLC Tip is still some of my favourite albums! I wanted to be Lisa 'Left Eye' Lopes (R.I.P) when I was a teenager, but all of them were fly and had their won unique style, fuck it I wanted to be all of them rolled into one! lol!
In this interview on the Mo'nique Show (BET) T-Boz reveals that the group held their record label Arista hostage to get some money they felt they were owed! And of course Lisa was the ring leader! Classic!

DONAE'O - WATCHING HER MOVE

2009-10-22T09:45:00.000-07:00

This video has just hit the airwaves, for the single (a double AA side with Party Hard) out this week in HMV and on iTunes!
Donae'o, the undisputed King of UK Funky, is currently working on the follow up to this year's acclaimed debut album Party Hard, which should hit stores early next year! There are also rumours of an EP collaboration with Sway!

ONE WORD: DEEP!

2009-10-07T03:52:00.000-07:00

Gyant Unplugged TV - Episode 01 from Gyant UnpluggedTV on Vimeo.

And I am talking about the Diddy 'revelations' when I say that. Guess rumours been swirling for time but Mark Curry is now trying to confirm some of those rumours! Over to you Diddy!

MATURE OR BITCH MOVE? T-Pain Apologises To Jay-Z

2009-10-02T18:33:00.001-07:00

So if you follow hip hop beef, you will be aware that a few weeks ago T-Pain responded to Jay-Z's D.O.A (Death Of Autotune), dissing him on stage, saying 'He's 59 Years Old, He Don't Have The Right To Say D.O.A'. Ouch!

But instead of doing what most rappers would have done and retaliate, Jay being grown... didn't. So because he didn't I guess T-Pain was feeling a little sheepish about the whole thing and recorded this little ditty to let his feelings out about that and a whole lot of other shit most people will not care about.

Personally I feel like he's protesting too much on this song, especially with all the shit he's saying about his wife, damn near admitting that she ain't all that!
Furthermore, he should never have gone there in the first place with Jay-Z, as he was never directly dissing him on D.O.A, and because of that, his diss and this apology just sounds dumb.

MOBO 2009 VERDICT

2009-10-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post about the MOBOs since I got back from Glasgow on Thursday morning, but being overly tired and not getting much sleep over the last few days - due to the MOBOs (lol!) means I'm only just getting to it now!

I was mainly there to support UK Funky king Donae'o, who I represent as a PR, but was intrigued to see what MOBO would come with this year, like everyone else.

So what's my verdict on the show, which I saw live and direct from my champagne-laden table at the SECC Arena in Glasgow Scotland? In terms of production, it was very slick indeed. The backdrop looked very impressive and they switched it up for each artist. My favourite parts included the opening when Tinchy Stryder performed his new single Not Alone, and some neon green lights crossed over each other and shone out through the whole entire room, which was kind of surreal and coupled with the haunting melody of the music, made me feel like I was on a different planet or something.

Another highlight of the night was UK Funky and Donaeo (who I do the PR for) getting recognised. Although, everyone I spoke to says they were dying to see a longer performance from him - maybe next year, eh? Let's hope so.

The two host presenters Reggie Yates and US singer Keri Hilson were also very good and kept proceedings running very smoothly.

And it was refreshing to see all the UK acts (Chipmunk, Taio Cruz, N-Dubz, Ironik, Mr Hudson, Donae'o and JLS) getting lots of love from the packed crowd. The whole thing about not needing the Americans to put on a good show was echoed from the very warm reception they each received.

My only gripe was Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder not winning an award. I was especially dismayed over Tinchy as the pint-sized rapper has had an outstanding year - three number one singles, a million single sales, a number two album. The biggest 'urban' (oh, I hate that word) artist this year, and the screams from the crowd confirmed that. But Dizzee's non-existant relationship with the awards hasn't harmed him at all, in fact he has become even bigger, so I'm sure Tinchy will too!

People were skeptical about the show moving from its home of 13 years - London to Glasgow, Scotland, but it proved to be a very good move.

It definitely gave MOBO bigger kudos as they appeared as a big fish in a small pond, whereas in London, the novelty of the awards had long worn off. However seeing it do so well in Scotland no doubt London may appreciate it more in future. The fact that 2008 and 2009 has been a great year for black music in the UK also played it's part.

So all in all, a gold star for MOBOs. Now don't mess it up by getting too comfortable again, keep it fresh Kanya!

But back to JLS and the boys, who picked up two MOBOs on Wednesday, have come a long way since the below vid, haven't they?

HILARIOUS

2009-09-26T18:14:00.000-07:00

This video by comedian Affion Crockett (Wild N Out) has been doing the rounds for the last two weeks, but it never gets old - Check it out, it is hilarious! My fave part is the Kanye West dance moves - spot on! Classic!

THIS WILL PUT YOU OFF COSMETIC TOMFOOLERY FOR LIFE... HOPEFULLY!

2009-09-26T17:43:00.000-07:00

Like most I have insecurities about my body but it's videos like this that make me know that no matter how bad I feel I will NEVER resort to surgery, injections or any other 'quick-fix' measure. However bad you feel you look, it could always be a lot worse, and when it is, there is no going back.

BOBBY BROWN: VH1's BEHIND THE MUSIC

2009-09-25T09:16:00.000-07:00

VH1's brilliant music documentary series Behind The Music is back and I am so happy, especially since they have kicked off with one on r&b singer Bobby Brown.

Interesting choice as these days when you mention the name Bobby Brown most people will look at you sideways. Drug addict, destructive personality, numerous run ins with the law and the man responsible for corrupting former princess of pop and his former wife Whitney Houston, are likely topics they will throw up. Although those who know, know ain't no one corrupt Whitney Houston.

For me a huge Bobby Brown fan since his days in New Edition (I think I was about six when Candy Girl came out), I see something completely different. And I am sure there are loads of music fans in my age bracket, who may not like the Bobby Brown they see today, but can appreciate what he was once upon a time.

Personally I still see a talented man, who loved to perform from an early age, become a huge star when he was barely out of his teens and basically wasn't able to handle the sudden immense fame and adoration that came his way at all. He got caught up in all the usual trappings and it was kind of down hill from there

But I can't help but have a soft spot for this man, as Don't be Cruel was one of the soundtracks to my teens, I know all the songs word for word! And don't get me started on New Edition, especially their early stuff. It's so sad how things turned out, as Bobby bought something to the game that no other male r&b singer has been able to since, that ghetto rawness that you couldn't help but love. He was so real, which I guess was THE problem. And he was too ultra sexual on stage lol! to the point he was actually arrested - more than once, but true rock stars are not usually whiter than white. And as a teenage girl, of course my hormones loved all that!

Can't wait to watch this doc online when I get home. I know it will be full of shocking revelations, most of which I have heard before, but I guess that is the realness of Bobby Brown. I hope he can pull it together and just be at peace, but I love him for the memories he's given me.

ONE OF MY FAVE SONGS THIS YEAR... EM GOES HARD!

2009-09-24T15:23:00.000-07:00

I love the sentiment of this joint as well as the combination of MC's that feature on it, aside from Jay, everybody who is relevant in the world of hip hop right now is on this track.

The vid is directed by Hype Williams, and is taken from the soundtrack to the forthcoming documentary about basketball star Lebron James, which is called More Than A Game.

Eminem reminds everyone why he is as big as he is, forget gimmicks, at the root of Marshall Mathers is a raw and ultra talented spitting machine!

I'm not feelin hip hop too much right now, but this track has to be bigged up! LOVIN IT!

SMH AT THIS ONE....!

2009-09-06T13:39:00.000-07:00

This video is too much, white guy decides to relax his hair - yep that's right. See what he says about his experience. Classic!

TREY SONGZ IS FINE

2009-09-01T16:13:00.000-07:00

Trey Songz has been all over the Internet of late, plugging his latest album Ready, and I for one am not complaining. Yes, I got nuff love for the man Songz. In fact to put it bluntly I think he is sexy as hell!

When he cut off his braids a few years ago, I thought it might affect his looks, but he has been going from strength to strength ever since. And his music ain't too bad either!

I found this interview on Youtube and it made me like him even more. He seems very humble and didn't get involved when the DJ was trying to diss everyone.

Hmmmm... fine ass Trey Songz!

THIS IS HOT!!!! LOVE IT!!!

2009-08-31T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is one of the most creative adverts I've seen in a while. If I'm honest, I haven't been that wowed by much of the leaked music I'ved heard from Jay's new album The Blueprint 3 thus far, but this advert shows why he's on another level generally when it comes to hip hop! For those not that up on Jay-Z, this ad showcases the various poses from his past album covers. How many covers can you name? I think I can do all of them. lol! Can't stop watching this!

CHRIS BROWN ON LARRY KING...

2009-08-31T09:21:00.000-07:00

CHRIS BROWN TALKS TO LARRY KING
Uploaded by thatsfunny. - Classic TV and last night's shows, online.

Chris Brown recorded an interview with US chat show host Larry King where he discussed his assault on former girlfriend Rihanna back in February. The interview will air on US TV this Wednesday, and is the first interview he has done since the incident happened.

Last week Chris was finally sentenced to 80 days community labour and five years probation for the attack, so I guess now he feels like he can speak out.

In this clip he says he can't remember hitting Rihanna... Hmmmm. He needs to think real hard as he can't go around thumping down girls and not remembering. lol! It does all sound a little convenient, but he needs to take responsibility for his actions. I just hope he is getting some help for this.

On a side note, is it wrong that I think that Chris has been looking real hot lately? lol! Never really saw him like that AT ALL, but I guess this whole incident has forced him to grow up quick time, and my isn't he growing up into a fine young man! Hopefully he is growing into a better man!

Rihanna has yet to speak publicly about things. There was rumour a while back that she was going to be appearing on Oprah, but nothing has been confirmed on that score as yet.

THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

2009-08-28T13:42:00.000-07:00

I went to a screening of this yesterday, and I really enjoyed it. The documentary which went behind the scenes for the making of the September 2007 issue of Vogue magazine. Editor-in-chief Anna Wintour proved she does have a human side, although these moments were rare. lol!
But the best bit for me featured Grace Coddington, Vogue's creative director. What an amazing stylist! Her shoots were complete works of art. The former model, who has been doing the job for 20 years, is a genius!
The film hits cinemas for a limited period on September 11th.

MARY GETS WITH GUCCI

2009-08-28T12:56:00.000-07:00

My sister from another mother and queen of hip hop soul, Mary J. Blige is making major moves. The singer has teamed up with the creative director of Gucci (Frida Giannini) to design a watch to raise money for her charity The Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN).

A percentage of the sales from the $1,895 watch will go to the organisation, which looks to help women who have been through traumatic experiences to get back on track and change their lives for the better, though mentoring, and realize their goals through mentoring, personal growth programs and scholarships.

The limited edition accessory is a take on the 'Twirl' watch, which transforms from watch to sexy-ass bracelet, and is engraved with the words “Gucci for FFAWN”.
Mary set up the charity two years ago, along with Steve Stout.

I love Mary, and this charity sounds like a fantastic one for her to be involved in. She is a living testimony of someone who was so rock bottom and successfully pulled herself up.
I don't think Mary is given her dues at all when it comes to the way she did that. She managed to get through childhood poverty and abuse, addictions to drug and alcohol, self-loathing, an abusive relationship cycle, being taken advantage of business wise and so other trappings of the music industry, and is not ashamed to talk about her struggle to inspire others. AND... she never makes excuses for her mistakes and has maintained a successful career in a tough industry over an impressive 15 year period by just being herself. Her music is a movement, and I'm a soldier in that march, trust me. Met her, interviewed her, loved her even more and I am a lifetime supporter!

She is a true queen for real!

SCHOOL IS COOL!

2009-08-28T12:24:00.000-07:00

I came across this interesting online campaign on www.GetSchooled.com, and thought it was quite interesting. Get schooled is an a joint initiative by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Viacom which allows corporate and community stakeholders to address the problems that occur withing the US public school system.

The below celebrity-endorsed Public Service Announcements(PASs)by Solange, Lil' Wayne and Salt & Pepa are just three of the ones that will be aired simultaneously on September 8 at 8 p.m on all of Viacom’s television networks (including BET, MTV, VH1) to echo the message to American kids to “Get Schooled: You Have the Right”.

These are all part of a 30-minute special that takes in personal testimonies and experiences from popular figures of all ages and backgrounds, from the world of entertainment, sports and politics.

Other stars featured include Angela Bassett, DMC and Vivica A. Fox, Mekhi Phifer, Cyndi Lauper, Asher Roth, Ashley Tisdale and Neil Patrick Harris ('member him from 90s TV show Doogie Howser MD? Loved that show. lol!)

Maybe we should have a UK one of these. With Chipmunk and Tinchy Stryder, completing their A levels and degree, respectively, this year, it would be a good look!

Solange Knowles for Get Schooled from Get Schooled on Vimeo.

Lil Wayne for Get Schooled from Get Schooled on Vimeo.

Salt-N-Pepa for Get Schooled from Get Schooled on Vimeo.

WOOYYYY... I'M FEELING THIS. I CAN'T BELIEVE I FOUND A NEW TUNE I'M ACTUALLY FEELING!

2009-08-26T18:12:00.000-07:00

Forget all the Jay-Z leaks we've been fed these past weeks, and that Alexandra single Bad Boys? (no comment on that effort), and okay I was feeling the Whitney stuff enough to post some of it, so fair play to her... But this above here track has moved me! It has provided that spark inside me to make me REALLY give a shit about it, and that is not an easy thing to do these days when it comes to music.

Drake (who up till now I have only rated mildly) and Em are killing this! They are killing me! Thank you boys, you major! This is on rewind from now. Trust!

MOBO NOMINATIONS ARE OUT!

2009-08-26T17:56:00.000-07:00

I attended the MOBO nomination launch at one of my old stomping grounds The Mayfair hotel yesterday. T'was a good night, and saw a lot of familiar faces. All the info about noms are in the above vid! And I would like to say congratulations to my man Donaeo, who I currently do PR for, and who is up for Best UK Act. Note to the organisers, Donae'o so should have performed tonight. Devil In A Blue Dress, African Warrior, Party Hard, or new single Watching Her Move... Either of these would have brought the house down, literally!

The awards show itself is taking place in Glasgow next month. Will I be there??? Hmmm. Watch this space...

On a side note, classic moment of the night:
Adenike loudly to friend: That guy there looks like Eric Roberson. Friend: That is Eric Roberson. Eric Roberson (who has heard all this, and is looking at me crazy): Hi, I am Eric Roberson. Adenike: WAY TOO EMBARRASSED FOR WORDS!

RIP AALIYAH

2009-08-25T15:38:00.000-07:00

On the 8th anniversary of her death, Aaliyah is still very much missed. A lot of blogs are posting the I Miss You video, which features numerous stars and was made in tribute to her after she passed. However I wanted to celebrate her life, rather than mourn her death, so I am posting my favourite track of hers, Are You That Somebody.

I remember interviewing Aaliyah in 2000, when she came over to the UK to promote her film Romeo Must Die. She was a real sweetheart and I will never forget that she told me she liked my shoes. She was so down to earth, and despite her 'handlers' telling me what I couldn't and could ask her, she was so open and even answered the questions I wasn't supposed to ask (e.g. R.Kelly related).

I really miss her as an artist, no one has managed to fill her void, although many have tried. R.I.P Aaliyah

RUNNER CASTER TREATMENT WAS DISGRACEFUL

2009-08-25T14:25:00.000-07:00

I haven't really been watching the athletics too tough, but the story about runner Caster Semenya did catch my eye. The 18-year-old South African ran a show-stopping 800 metres in 1min 55.45sec at the World Championships in Berlin last week, winning the race in spectacular style. However it was a hollow victory as questions about her sexuality fuelled by her masculine appearance, took centre stage. I thought the way the situation was handled by the IAAF, the sporting body in charge, was disgraceful.

Admittedly she does have a masculine build and features, but any tests should have been done privately and discreetly, before any information was let out into the public domain. It seemed no one gave a shit about her feelings, and even though she won a great race, she was made to feel like a cheat and no doubt felt humiliated.

I was so proud today though to see the South African community come out in their droves to give Caster a hero's welcome, and to show their support. I was also happy to hear the South Africa's sports minister had written to the IAAF to complain of the way she had been treated.

The fanfare coincided with the news that the preliminary medical tests on Caster recorded elevated levels of the male hormone testosterone in her body, three times the normal female level of testosterone.

Whatever is proven or not proven, I think this should definitely be a lesson in the way people should be treated, man or woman, every human being deserves to be treated with dignity.

Caster's proud mother Dorcus, who has always maintained her daughter is female, has said 'I know who and what my child is. Caster is all girl, and no one can change that'.

MICHAEL JACKSON'S DEATH = HOMICIDE

2009-08-24T20:22:00.001-07:00

I can't believe that this is actually the official verdict on Michael Jackson's death. As much as I feel anyone responsible for ending anther person's life should be held accountable, I was really hoping Mike was gonna be able to finally be laid to rest peacefully. I can already see this morning's papers. This shit is gonna run and run, not that is hasn't already. Man... Is Michael ever gonna be able to rest in peace? He deserves that much as he didn't rest much in life.
On the flip side, I guess that Doctor Murray is gonna get his ass hauled in now for real...
Hmmm... This is gonna be interesting to say the least.

Here's the full report of how the LA coroner's office arrived at this verdict courtesty of www.telegraph.co.uk

Michael Jackson drugs death was homicide says coroner
The Los Angeles coroner has ruled that Michael Jackson's death was homicide, while police have found evidence pointing to manslaughter during a search of a clinic used by his doctor.

The coroner confirmed Jackson had lethal levels of the powerful anaesthetic propofol in his body.

Court documents unsealed in Houston, Texas, revealed that Dr Conrad Murray had admitted to detectives that he gave the singer several different drugs in the hours before the star died, after he repeatedly complained of insomnia.

These included propofol, a powerful anesthetic usually only used in surgery, which the coroner said had been found in high levels in the body of the "King of Pop".

Forensic tests reportedly showed that propofol, acting together with at least two sedatives, to cause his death.

The coroner's findings increase the likelihood that Dr Murray will face criminal charges, police in Los Angeles said.

The cardiologist was reportedly offered $150,000 a month to look after Jackson. He was with the singer at his rented Los Angeles mansion on the morning of his death.

Under Californian law, a homicide does not have to be intentional killing and investigators are understood to be looking at whether the doctor's decision to give propofol to Jackson outside a hospital environment constituted a level of negligence required for an involuntary manslaughter charge.

Since Jackson, 50, suffered cardiac arrest and died on June 25, police have searched Dr Murray's home and his two clinics in Las Vegas and Houston.

According to a search warrant affidavit, Dr Murray told police he had been treating the singer for insomnia for around six weeks and had administered several drugs, including propofol. He claimed Jackson had already been given it by other doctors and referred to the drug as his "milk".

Dr Murray told investigators that he feared that Jackson was becoming addicted to the drug and halved his dosage from 50 milligrams a night to 25 milligrams, administering the drug via an intravenous drip.

On the morning he died, Dr Murray said he gave Jackson a cocktail of drugs, starting with valium at 1.30am, an intravenous injection of lorazepam half an hour later and, when the singer was still awake at 3am, some midazolam.

After giving various drugs over the next few hours, Dr Murray told officers he finally gave in to Jackson's repeated demands for propofol and administered 25 milligrams.

Returning from making phone calls to find his patient not breathing, he told police he tried to resuscitate him and one of Jackon's staff called for an ambulance. Jackson was later declared dead at hospital.

Dr Murray's lawyer has previously said he never administered anything that "should have" killed Jackson.

MEAGAN GOOD IN WNWN MAGAZINE

2009-08-24T11:09:00.000-07:00

Actress Meagan Good looks 'hawt' in these pictures from WNWM magazine. I am definitely feeling these looks on her, especially the tranny lashes and make-up in the last pic. Sometimes overly trashy can be good, if you know how to carry it. Go girl!

ANOTHER MIJAC TRIBUTE... CUTE!

2009-08-24T03:55:00.000-07:00

I miss Brandy as an artist. I know she has had her ups and downs in her professional and personal life, but her voice is still one of my favourites in terms of female r&b singers (hers and former SWV singer Coko's).
I feel like she can still bring it all back and have a huge hit album. She just needs the right production and songs. I hear she is currently working on a new album, so let's hope this time she brings some fire with her!

SOME DAMN FOOLERY....

2009-08-23T15:47:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that despite black people being in this country for well over 50 years, there is still so much ignorance out there. The above picture was printed on the Daily Mail website and explained as Prince Harry sporting 'the Rasta look', an apparent disguise he uses and calls 'Winston'. First of all if that is true then my thoughts on this are way too deep to get into on this blog. Secondly, since when has long brown straight hair, and a scarf wrapped around it, as pictured on Harry (left) been considered dreadlocks?
Which part of this stupidness looks like a Rasta's hairstyle. Some people may think it is not that serious and I guess it isn't in the grand scheme of things, but every now and again these things just get to me. It's like when Rio Ferdinand used to have his hair in braids or cornrowns and some newspapers reported that he had dreadlocks. Or when every r&b singer who does something wrong is a rapper all of a sudden, e.g Chris Brown and Bobby Brown. Contrary to popular belief in the mainstream media, not ALL rappers are criminal, y'know? SMH! I know we are in a recession, but I'm sure it doesn't cost that much to do some research once in a while.

LOVING ALESHA, HER DRESS NOT SO MUCH...

2009-08-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

Some media outlets were pointing out the fact that singer Alesha Dixon's knickers were on display at the V Festival. But that might have been a good thing as it would have surely drawn attention away from her horrendous dress! Sorry Alesha, I've interviewed you on a few ocassions and you are a lovely lovely person, but this dress looks like something I would have worn to my eighth birthday party! NOT GOOD!

WHITNEY IS BACK Y'ALL!

2009-08-23T15:03:00.000-07:00

I know a lot of people have been saying the above statement ever since her comeback album was announced over a year ago now, but it's taken this new Whitney track for me to jump on that bandwagon. It was leaked on the net today, and although I saw it floating around I wasn't that interested at first. I guess I have become a bit cynical about music these days as everything that has any sort of hype to it never lives up to expectation. But like Million Dollar Bill, which was the last new song I heard from the forthcoming Whitney album, I decided to give this track a go. And I am so glad I did.
Whitney still has a great voice, so as long as she gets great music, she is all good, and this song is a VERY good. I'm also glad this song is very 'now' as there is no need trying to hold onto Whitney of old. Don't get me wrong I love Whitney of old, but those classic albums can't be duplicated or topped. She needs to move it forward and like Million Dollar Bill, this does just that. I wasn't really feeling the R.Kelly written ballad I Look To You, which was originally set to be the first single, because it was a bit too predictable. I am so glad they changed it to Million Dollar Bill, which was written by Alicia Keys and produced by Swizzz Beats.
The new album I Look To You is out in a weeks time, so I'm hoping she pulls another Your Love Is My Love, and releases a great contemporary album.

And now for old time sakes, my fave Whitney song ever!

OH SNOOP....

2009-08-23T14:02:00.000-07:00

I was all singing his praises the other day on this very blog... and a few days later I come across these very suspect pictures of married man Snoop Dogg all over the net! The pics were taken in a nightclub in St Tropez, and it looks like he and this young lady (who is not his wife Shante) are in their own little world on the dance floor. I mean damn, if you are married the only person of the opposite sex you should be leaning on like that is your other half.
What a damn shame! Am I shocked? Nah, not really. I don't think I'd be too surprised to see any entertainer photographed like this, but I at least expected Snoop to be a bit more discreet with his shit. I think any woman married to a rapper half expects and maybe just accepts that their man is likely to cheat on them - and yes I consider this cheating. But as long as it's not rubbed in their face, they can just about pretend it's not happening. There is nothing right about that at all, but it is what it is I guess.
But this shit, which is all out in the public domain is straight up disrespectful. The fact that Snoop has a reality TV show titled Fatherhood, and he has exposed his family life to the world as him having a happy marriage - he and his wife Shante renewed their wedding vows on TV not too long ago - makes it worse. His kids are likely to see these pics too, which is kind of sad!

As I write this I realise that there is a slight chance that the exchange between Snoop and this very 'affectionate' young lady stopped right here on the dance floor. However this picture of them leaving the club hand in hand doesn't really lean in Snoop's favour.

ALTOGETHER NOW... AWWWWWW!

2009-08-23T05:34:00.000-07:00

Kimora Lee Simmons and her actor beau Djimon Hounsou showed off their gorgeous new son Kenzo Lee in the US edition of OK! magazine recently, and I'm sure you will agree that the little man is a total and utter cutie! I thought Kimora and Djimon were a bit of an odd match at first, but every time they are photographed out together or filmed on the red carpet, they look really into each other, so good luck to them. And if they can produce a child as delicious as Kenzo, they need to stay together even if it is just to procreate at least a dozen more times!

JAY-Z MIJAC TRIBUTE - ONE WORD: CLASSY!

2009-08-23T03:50:00.000-07:00

This performance is a little old as it was back in July 31 at the All Points West Festival in Liberty State Park New Jersey, USA. But I had to post it, as it really touched my heart. Hov always knows how to get the right tone, not too much, and not too little, just right. Once again R.I.P MJ!

YESTERDAY'S V FESTIVAL WAS ALRIGHT... HERE ARE A FEW HIGHLIGHTS

2009-08-23T03:26:00.000-07:00

Dizzee Rascal is massive now! Who would have thought he would get this big? As for Amy, she seemed sober, let's hope it lasts, eh?

SO WHO WATCHED THE X-FACTOR LAST NIGHT?

2009-08-23T02:55:00.000-07:00

This guy Danyl Johnson, a 27-year-old teacher from Reading, tore the stage up last night and received a standing ovation from the all judges, including Simon! And he deserved it as he's got it all, the look, the performance technique and the voice, so hopefully he can go all the way. BUT this was just the first show, so I am sure there is more to come!

Danyl will probably be battling against this young lady, 19-year-old single mum Stacey Solomon from Dagenham,Essex you know how the judges love stories like this, and her voice and look is also a pop label's dream.

AND AS FOR THIS DYAM FOOL... There is always one, well there were a few last night, but this (the dozy guy) is the one I wanted to slap the most!

X-FACTOR FASHION!

2009-08-22T09:44:00.000-07:00

So, the new series of the X-factor begins tonight! Yeh!!!
It will be a few months before we know who will be the winner of the series, but tonight a lot of us will be looking out to see who is top in the style stakes, and I'm not talking about Louis and Simon. lol!
Danni Minogue and Cheryl Cole will no doubt be donning their best frocks to ensure they are crowned queen of the style-factor. I think Dannii managed to stay on top in the last series. Even though all the attention was on Cheryl as the younger, fresher female judge, Dannii always 'looked' better in my opinion. Her dresses were more classic and her body shape flattered her choices. In fact I regularly found myself texting my friend during the ad break to discuss where she thought Dannii had got certain garments from.
In comparison there were many of Cheryl's style choices I found myself cringing at, including the gold cut-out dress she wore at the final. Lovely dress, but she and her stylist should have known that her skeletal looking figure made it look, for want of a better word...disturbing. Seeing someones ribs through a dress is not sexy or attractive.
But that's not to say I didn't see any nice looks on Cheryl on the show or since I like Cheryl as the better personality in general). I just preferred Dannii's clothing most nights.
But when it comes to fashion, I have no loyalty (except when it comes to Rihanna and Amber Rose lol! those bitches are two fly!), so I am prepared to be wowed tonight. May the best woman win!

MICHAEL JACKSON - BURIAL DATE IS RE-SET

2009-08-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

It was previously reported that Michael Jackson would be buried on August 29th (what would have been his 51st birthday), but that the date has now been pushed back to September 3rd. According to Mike’s dad Joe Jackson, this is because this is when the kids go back to school in America, and this may be a disruption to proceedings. His final resting place will still be Glendale Forest Lawn Memorial Park, and I for one can’t wait for the poor man to be laid to rest. However I doubt the money grabbing vultures who have been coming out of the wood work since his death, namely so-called friends and family, will keep circling for any last bit of change they can squeeze from his memory.

SNOOP DOGG IS A MILLIONAIRE

2009-08-21T17:01:00.000-07:00

Snoop Dogg is such a character, and this clip is too funny. Watching it, it is hard to think back to the fact he started his career so gangster, and now he's a lovable caricature, just like his namesake Snoopy. But he's also a very smart businessman who has managed to keep himself relevant for over 15 years which is not an easy task for a rapper. And he is still making good music! Get them dollars Snoop!

LOVE THIS!

2009-08-20T15:34:00.000-07:00

To announce that Africa’s digital satellite TV service DStv now offers The Simpsons on channel Bué in Angola, ad agency Executive Center in Luanda, Angola decided to re-culturise America’s most famous TV family - and make them black!

Source:http://animalnewyork.com/2009/08/meet-the-angolan-simpsons/

LONDON PAPER CLOSES DOWN!

2009-08-20T11:09:00.000-07:00

Wow! I did not see this one coming! Just goes to show that no publication is safe! Very sad though as TheLondonpaper was a good little read. I will miss it on my journey home from work.

Full story here:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/aug/20/the-london-paper-close-plan

IS IT WORTH ALL THE HYPE?

2009-08-20T10:27:00.000-07:00

I cannot tell a lie - I think it kind of is. lol!

THE BLACK EYED PEAS MAKE HISTORY

2009-08-20T08:01:00.001-07:00

The Black Eyed Peas have make history this week with the longest successive stay at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart ever. They have held the top spot for 20 consecutive weeks with I Gotta Feeling which is in its eighth week at number one and Boom Boom Pow which spent 12 weeks in the top spot.This is the longest consecutive stay for an artist in the Billboard chart’s 51 year history.

I Gotta Feelin' (which reached number one on the singles chart on two separate occasions) is still at the top of the charts and is the most played track at national radio.

I loved this song from the first moment I heard it, as like a lot of the BEP's stuff, it just has that euphoric feel-good quality to it, where you can just jump in your convertable, slide the roof down and blare it out in the stereo... Or if you don't own such as car (like me) you can turn the TV on to MTV Base and wait for the video to come on.... It's a different kind of effect obviously, and there may be a lot of waiting involved but it's almost as good, I promise!

Jamie Foxx feat Drake , Kanye West & The Dream - Digital Girl Remix

2009-08-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

How much does Drake sound like Kanye on this song? If you close your eyes and just listen to the words, you can barely tell who's who.

TWO TURNTABLES AND A MICROPHONE - Jam Master Jay doc

2009-08-19T10:32:00.000-07:00

It's been seven years since Run DMC's iconic DJ Jam Master Jay was gunned down in a New York studio. As is often the case in situations like this (e.g Biggie and Tupac)the police are not any closer to finding the culprit. This documentary looks at Jay's life and the circumstances surrounding his death. It features loads of recognisable hip hop faces, including Russell Simmons, Common, Young Jeezy, 50 Cent, Onyx, as well as some of Jay's childhood friends and aquaintances - all whose lives and careers were touched by Jay. I don't know if we will be any closer to finding out what really happened after watching this, but it looks like a good doc all the same. R.I.P. JMJ!

KAMBER MAKE THE MAIL

2009-08-19T05:02:00.000-07:00

Kanye and Amber made the Daily Mail today. They really have arrived, huh? A black couple frolicking on the beach is not something you'd ever have seen before in this newspaper, unless it was Beyonce and Jay-Z of course... Hmmmm, looks like the battle continues.

Ne-Yo - I Can Feel You

2009-08-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

New music from Ne-Yo. Falsetto's in the house!

BIG SEAN - GETCHA SOME

2009-08-18T16:06:00.000-07:00

This is Kanye West's new artist Big Sean. He is signed to Good Music and Def Jam and his debut tune is both fun and playful. It reminds me of some of the rap that was around in the 80s (e.g Kid N Play, DJ Jazzy Jeff Fresh Prince) and doesn't take itself too seriously. I like it. I don't think it's gonna change the game or anything, but I like it.
Just so you know I am still searching for that song, album or artist to switch things up. It could be an established artist who is coming with something fresh, or a new artist who is bringing some fire. I will continue to appreciate tunes I happen to like, but when something really moves me, you will be the first to know. So hip hop is still dead, but I'm looking for something to bring it back to life. Holla!

AMERIE - WHY R U

2009-08-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Looks like Amerie is trying to channel her inner old-school Mary J Blige in her new song. From the hip hop beats to the melody, which sounds a bit like Mary's Love Is All We Need in places. Even the vocal sounds like it's imitating Mary. I like the song though, and feel this is a good progression for Amerie, not exactly orginal, but I still like it.

PEPA'S LOST WILL

2009-08-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

Ladies have you ever been in a situation where there was a guy who was really feeling you? He was sweet, generous, treated you like a princess and would literally lay down his life for you, but you just weren’t feeling him like that? You literally really wished you were, as he was so much of a good catch, but you just weren’t attracted to him in that way???
Fast-forward a few years later and that same guy who you thought was a geek, unattractive or for whatever reason ‘not the type of man you wanted to be with’ turns out to be the guy that every woman on the planet wants to be with. of course it should be a case of if you didn't want him before then... but if we are honest a lot of us may still looked back with slight regret. ESPECIALLY if you end up shacked up with a man who practically lives in an old string vest, even when he’s out on road, don’t take you nowhere, can’t be bothered to work, makes you wait on him hand and foot, and chews tobacco as a way of cleaning his teeth, even though he is only 35. And you stick with him just so you can say ‘you got a man. Then imagine, how much worse it would be if that man you turned down all those years ago happened to be superstar Will Smith?
You might just decide to jump off a building, having endured ‘your man’ trying to kiss you with his tobacco-stained teeth, talking about, ‘it’s his right as your man’, for the last time.

Pepa from 80s/90s hip hop duo ain’t got it as bad as all that, but she did turn down Will Smith once upon a time, before he became really huge. This was while they were touring together back in the 80s, and instead she was checking for MC Hammer’s brother, who according to her was the man back then (we'll have to take her word for that one LMFAO!). Later she got with former Naughty By Nature frontman Treach, who all of us can vouch for was full of swagger and sex-appeal, but who Pepa later claimed beat her up!

Ladies, it sounds so cliché, but it’s way easier to groom the outside than the inside, so if you got a man who treats you like a queen, you need to invest in him and make him your king! I’m not saying I would necessarily follow my own advice (lol!) but if Pepa took this route, she would not be saying the below years later:

‘I thought Will was really cute and we would hang out a lot on the road. He liked to take care of me and never let me spend a dime. He was that kind of guy, real generous. I sometimes kick myself when I think about what could have been. He was so nice to me, but I really wasn't feeling him. I guess I couldn't appreciate a nice guy like Will Smith. He wasn't thug enough. I was attracted to thugs and hoodlums. Will was too nice to me.’

I guess you win some and you lose some

VV Wants To Show Her V….. To the French

2009-08-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

This certainly is the year of the black British artist with Dizzie Rascal on Jonathan Ross, Tinchy Stryder continuously hitting number one in the charts like he’s glued to the spot, the Sugbabes (who have a black member Keshia ;-)) getting signed to Jay-Z’s new label Roc Nation, and now VV Brown being offered a wad of cash to spread her legs in US Playboy.
The last one for me is without a doubt the biggest ‘coo’ of the lot, as everybody knows you haven’t really arrived until you’ve been offered Playboy.
But alas VV failed to see it that way and turned down the opportunity.
But all is not lost, as she may have closed the door on the Americans catching a glimpse of her lady garden, but she is totally up for the French having a peek.
‘French Playboy is a lot more fashion driven and there's a real sort of almost 50s pin up sexy fashion thing to it,’ she said, of her willingness to strip down for the camera for one version of Playboy and not the other. ‘It would be like side profiles and silhouettes and very classy sort of nakedness.’
Alright V, don’t try and dress it up love, in fact do the total opposite and be done with it.

SAVED BY THE SURGEON’S KNIFE… NOT QUITE

2009-08-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

The 80s and 90s teen sit-com Saved By the Bell was my ish back in the day. That shit was one of the only things that could get me out of bed on a Saturday morning as a child, well that and my mum threatening to beat my ass if I didn’t get up and start my weekend chores. I remember always thinking how pretty the black girl who played spoilt rich girl Lisa Turtle was. The actress’s name was Lark Voorhees and she went on to star in LL Cool J’s show In The House, playing a variation of the same character. LMAO. The cast of Saved By The Bell recently reunited for the cover of US magazine People and Lark, who is now 35 (which is not old anyway), still looked good 20 years down the line. However I think in the 20 years the show has been off the air she may have invented a special pair of glasses, which means when she puts them on she sees the total opposite to what everybody else sees. So when she saw herself in the magazine she saw something so horrendous that shortly after it hit stands she set about ‘rectifying’ the situation. Judging by her smile in the ‘after’ picture, she was pleased with the results. Those special glasses must have made her face look real oily too. Damn girl! What would Mr Belding say?

CONVERSE GO DESIGNER

2009-08-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

I am one of the many wearers of Converse trainers/sneakers as those shoes stay comfy, especially when I am on the go. I love, love, love my black patent pair and am probably gonna cop some white leather ones very soon too. But I may have to look into investing in a third pair as I just heard that the brand will be collaborating with arty French fashion label Comme des Garçons's PLAY line.

Designer Rei Kawakubo, who has already designed a line with H&M, has rustled up four interpretations of the all star classic, all featuring PLAY’s signature heart in the place of the usual Converse logo, which look extremely cute – me likey very much!

More good news is that you will be able to pick up a pair of these limited edition gems at the end of the month, in Comme des Garçons stores in New York, Paris, London, Seoul and Hong Kong, as well as select retailers who stock the PLAY line.
Apparently Converse will also be teaming up with another designer Missoni, which should produce some interesting creations – watch this space, eh?

The Streets feat. Giggs - SLOW SONGS

2009-08-17T12:04:00.000-07:00

I like this one, and it's out today - That's all!

WONDER WHAT THESE TWO ARE THINKING...

2009-08-17T11:46:00.000-07:00

Looks like Beyonce and Jay-Z read my post a few days ago, and are stepping things up in their 'we are hotter than Kanye and Amber' campaign. It's like Bey is saying in this picture: 'Come on babe, make it look like we're talking dirty to each other', and Hov is looking away, having given her that blank stare that says 'Woman, I ain't got time for this.' LMAO!

BOW WOW SIGNS WITH CASH MONEY... AND SOME HIP HOP RANTIN'

2009-08-16T17:26:00.001-07:00

First UK crooner Jay Sean, then Drake (whose joint deal also includes Young Money and Universal) and now Bow Wow… Yep, Bow is the latest artist to sign to Cash Money Records, most famous for being home to Lil’ Wayne, Baby and dem. The pint-sized ‘rapper’ has been teasing fans with a ‘big announcement’ via Twitter and the ‘net for the past week, and now the cat (not the dog. Lol!) has been let out of the bag. Do we care about this? Nah, not really. Personally I feel Bow Wow was cute as a kiddie rapper, but now he is grown he ain’t really bringing anything unique to the scene. But then neither is any other rapper out there at the moment. Yeah I said it: NO ONE is bringing it in a way that is game-changing. Props to Hova, Eminem, and a lot of those other guys, I will reserve total judgement till I hear Blueprint 3 in its entirety, but right now I’m not inspired. And while I am on my soap box, it makes me laugh how a lot of journos jump on a bandwagon when it comes to certain artists, and say they like their shit to be in the ‘in’ club – fuck that. I am a fan of a lot of artists but if your record is not the one, then it ain’t the one.
I am actually anticipating Diddy’s Last Train To Paris project. Big ups to the man Diddy for still knowing how to hype a record. Forget autotune, Nas was right on the money a few years back, hip hop IS dead and needs resuscitating quick!

Mary J Blige - Bad All By Myself

2009-08-15T14:14:00.000-07:00

Find more videos like this on HOLLYHOODHDTV.COM

This is Mary's new song I Can Do Bad All By Myself from the forthcoming Tyler Perry movie of the same name. I love Mary - have since Real Love. And since everyone including my own mother thinks I look like her, there is that added connection - sing it Mary!

STEWIE IS OUTED

2009-08-14T06:14:00.000-07:00

I was amused to read that baby Stewie from one of my favourite shows Family Guy is gay recently. Creator of the US adult-themed cult cartoon, Seth McFarlane, outed him in the new issue of Playboy (what better place?). According to Seth, the writers even penned a whole episode about it, but figured that since Stewie is a one-year-old baby, albeit one with the brain and vocabulary of a college professor, it was probably not that much of a good idea.
For those who don’t watch, Family Guy focuses on the life of lovable buffoon Peter Griffin, his wife Lois, kids Meg, Chris and Stewie and their talking dog Brian. In the UK it is screened most nights on BBC3.
I am looking forward to forthcoming spin-off Cleveland, which stars Peter’s black friend and neighbour Cleveland. Saana Lathan and Nia Long have already signed up to do voices.

http://www.fox.com/familyguy

COOLEST COUPLE ON THE PLANET

2009-08-14T05:12:00.001-07:00

It’s official Kanye and Amber are giving Beyonce and Jay an Olympic run for their money as the coolest couple on the planet. For one their fashion game is way above Jigga and Bey’s. Regular readers of this blog will know that I’m sweating Amber hard when it comes to her style – chick just knows how to work it, while looking like she ain’t even tried. That’s true ‘sw-ha-gger’ (Swagger at its hottest). And not everyone can rock the bald look like that… (Cough, ahem Solange, although hers kind of growing on me now. Lol!)
And they really do compliment each other. Kanye is next level when it comes to his craft and his fashion. He stays outside the box and keeps it fresh. And he is cute too, in a geeky way.

There have been rumours about Amber being pregnant recently. Can you imagine how fly that baby would be? With her looks and his creativity, that kid would take over the world. I hope this relationship lasts as I love seeing these two together. Look at them holding hands… Awww, I’m about to well up folks.

NAOMI GETS JUNGLE FEVER

2009-08-13T12:25:00.001-07:00

Just seen this pic from the September issue of Harpers Bazaar. French photographer, Jean Paul Goude, who is best well known for his work with Grace Jones back in the 80s, documents supermodel Naomi Campbell's 'jungle experiences' in a spread titled 'Wild Things'.

Some peeps are up in arms, saying the pics are racist and shit. What do I think? Of course there are the obvious connotations surrounding the theme... Would I have done the shoot (if I was a world famous supermodel of course, as currently no one really wants to see my black ass)? Probably not. But I can't deny these are stunning shots. Whatever you wanna say about Naomi, she knows how to work a shoot! Holla!

Like A Cold Bottle Of Supermalt...

2009-08-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Kourtney Kardashian (left), who is up the duff. Following on from Jennifer Hudson and Jamie Foxx (apparently he's got a secret baby daughter, who obviously ain't a secret no mo'), there must be something in the water.
I love the Kardashian sisters (L-R Kim, Khloe and Kourtney) and the desperate attempts they clearly go to to keep their over-made-up faces in the news. I can't even hate on them for acquiring riches and fame for doing practically nothing, unless you count being the daughters of the man who helped get OJ Simpson off (the first time - guess that shit always catches up with you, huh OJ?)and Kim's sex tape with Brandy's lil' brother Ray-J (whose not even a real celebrity, so let's not), and drink up their reality TV show like I'm slurping on a cold bottle of Supermalt (Yum!). Knowing the publicity wh**res ( I say that with love, honest) that these girls are, Kourt is likely to spin this into the biggest 'celeb' story involving a baby since Michael dangled Blanket from the balcony)
'You’re going to have to see on the show [if we get back together],' Kourtney says(in that annoying Valley girl drawl), referring to her on-off boyfriend and father of her un-born child Scott. Do we give a fuck? Well, I hope you don't coz you really shouldn't. Me? I'm really really ashamed to own up to the fact that I do care. In fact I care a lot. I know I'm sadder than a BB contestant after their 15 minutes is up. The new reality show Kourtney and Khloe Take Miami, debuts in the UK on E! (Sky Channel 151) in September, and you know I will be tuning in... to drink that shit up like a cold-ass bottle of Supermalt! Holla!

HIGH ON THE MOUNTAINTOP

2009-08-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

I went to see the critically acclaimed play The Mountaintop at London’s Trafalgar Studios at the weekend. For those of you who haven’t heard of it, it is a production written by female US playwright Katori Hall. It is a two-hander performance starring Brits David Harewood and Lorraine Burroughs, and is well worth seeing. The play focuses on Martin Luther King’s (Harewood) last night before his assassination, and what transpires when the maid, delivering room service (Burroughs), reveals herself as something totally different to what he originally thought. The setting for the entire thing is room 306 of the infamous Lorraine hotel in Memphis, the one King was staying at on that very night, and the same one on which balcony he was murdered with a gun shot.
Burroughs is truly outstanding in her role as the quirky and cheeky Camae, her southern US accent is so on point I was convinced she was truly from Memphis. Harewood held it down as the legendary Dr King, however I have to say his characterisation of King’s voice (The gruff vibrato that often featured in his famous speeches), was a bit too much at times and in danger of verging on a bad parody. Despite the theme, the play was as funny as it was moving, getting the balance just right. At first I felt a little unsure about the writer’s references to King’s documented eye for the ladies. This was probably because we often see our heroes as untarnished, but it is what it is,and the best works capture reality as best they can, even when it is less than savoury, and I consider this a ‘best works’.

Check it out if you can it is well worth seeing.

Mountaintop runs till 5 September, Trafalgar Studios, 14 Whitehall, London, London, SW1A 2DY, 0870 060 6632

NOIRIN, THAT NAUGHTY WORD STARTING WITH 'H'

2009-07-30T16:55:00.001-07:00

Can't be bothered to write to much about this, but did want to express the fact that I can't believe how much of a bitch Noirin has become in Big Brother. What she did to Siavash is unforgiveable! But luckily it looks like there is no chance she will survive the eviction tomorrow, even against creepy Marcus. And here's hoping her smug boyfriend Isaac will follow her! If I see the two of their cocky faces on the TV screen a minute longer, will have to kick it in, and then I would have nothing to watch, so I think you will agree, it's best they go.

Hmmmm... Marlon Wayans

2009-07-30T15:46:00.001-07:00

I forgot how cute Marlon Wayans was until I saw him on TV today, being interviewed with the rest of his GI Joe co-stars (Sienna Miller and Channing Tatum) at the iTunes festival! He is fine! Check him out in my pics and see for yourself, including one from the movie, where he is decked out in sexy leather (he has obviously been working out!).
I remember reading an interview with Chilli from TLC a few months back, where she said she regretted not settling down with Marlon back in the day, as he was the one that got away (yep, the two used to date apparently). She definitely lucked out with that one - after all dating Usher didn't get her anywhere did it? Marlon seems like a more down-to-earth guy, who isn't affected by the whole Hollywood thing. He is also happily married now with two lovely kids, so no chance for me either, sadly!

CIARA NOT SHORT ON VOCALS!

2009-07-30T15:37:00.000-07:00

I've never really rated Ciara's voice, but this little skit is quite cute, and I must admit she's sounds kind of alright! Her short cut also looks a lot better in this vid than previous. But apparently her ex-stylist Shirlena Allen has been calling out 'Supa C',saying she ain't paid her for a short wig she originally styled for the star, that she doesn't know how to take direction and has no original look! Damn C, well at least you got your voice girl!

TRULY A KING... BUT STILL HUMAN

2009-07-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

Watching MJ's memorial on TV, and although all the performances and speeches were very profound and touching, me and my mum just totally lost it when his daughter made a very short but emotional speech. Little Paris really summed it all up, when she said her daddy was the best in the world, as underneath the hoopla, make-up and madness, MJ was that little girl's daddy, and a great one, according to her, and she is the best judge.
He also had two young sons, and was a son himself, as well as a brother, uncle and friend. Like Al Sharpton said to MJ's three kids at the service: 'Ain't nothing strange about your daddy, it was strange what he had to deal with'
He was a extra-ordinary one, but he was still a human being! MJ has been a big part of my life, all my life. I love his music, his videos and the fact that he broke down so many barriers and taught the world that music has no colour. R.I.P MJ, you're the best that ever did it. Amen!

R.I.P MJ...

2009-06-27T14:19:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning to write this since yesterday, but there were so many thoughts I wanted to express about Michael Jackson's passing, and just didn't know where to start.
First of all 'Wow!' Like everyone I was shocked, I am still in shock that this has happened, so unexpectedly, if at all, maybe I thought the king of pop was immortal, I don't know, I just didn't... I guess I just didn't ever expect him not to be here.
I had a ticket to see him this September at the 02. It would have been my first time seeing him live, not counting his brief stint at the World Music Awards in November 2006. I am beyond disappointed I never got that chance.

Secondly MJ has been a big deal in my life since as far back as I can remember. I grew up with his music, and loved watching his videos. And I admit over the years I became a little obsessed with trying to really understand why he was the way he was.
Although I'm not naive enough to feel like I could ever know what really went on inside the head of the greatest entertainer that ever lived. But I definitely know it must have been a heavy load to carry being such a trailblazer, and for a very long time being the one very few public faces representing a whole race, a whole culture to the greater masses. How would any of us of handled that? And how would any of us have handled, at the age of seven or eight, having the responsibility of getting and then keeping their family of 11 out of severe poverty?
Maybe this responsibility was part of the juice that drove Mijac to be so superb, so flawless, so talented. And as a result he also blessed the world with an endless catalogue of songs, videos, stage shows and memories that have bought joy, hope, excitement and unity. But I feel it also inevitably put a huge amount of pressure on him from an early age, something that never left him. I guess it became his obsession with perfection and 'getting it spot on', as he couldn't afford to get it wrong, which became a gift and a curse.

As I listen to my favourite Mijac song Man in the Mirror, followed by PYT, The Way You Make Me Feel, and others, I say a little prayer for Michael Jackson, that he is finally able to rest in peace, and sit back and enjoy his achievements... while teaching the angels how to moonwalk of course and putting on his final performance for God, that's a show I would loved to see.

R.I.P Michael Joseph Jackson, thank you so much for your extraordinary gift that the world will cherish forever.

I WANNA PARTY HARD... WITH DONAE'O

2009-05-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Damn, gotta get my blog on a lot more regularly. Hate leaving it too long but sometimes life gets in the way. lol! Can you believe that I started this post about three days ago, and haven't been able to finish it?

Been busy, busy, working on a lot of things, including the Donae'o project. His debut album Party Hard drops on June 8th, and it is a great album. As a PR you don't always 'adore' the projects you work on. And what I mean by that is, you are not necessarily a fan of the music or art of every single person you represent, but as a professional you do your job and work the project like you working a 'hawt' dress on the catwalk!

But I really heart this album and am proud to be working it. Tonight Doane'o hosted a media album playback at Volstead club on Swallow street (W1), and it was a great success. The singer who has been making music for many years now has oodles of charisma and entertained the audience as he took them through each track, explaining the essence of each one.

For anyone who doesn't get out that much Donae'o is the current king of the UK club scene's biggest sound right now, which is Funky House or UK Funky. His underground bangers African Warrior, Party Hard and of course Devil In A Blue Dress have been smashing clubs up and down the country for the last 18 months, and show no signs of slowing down, so his debut album has come at the perfect time. And don't be fooled, the set isn't just more of the same, there is electro, funk, r&b, and soul on this joint; in other words it is smoking! and you need it in your life.

Funky House is the next UK derived underground sound to blow and Donae'o is leading the charge right now. And a talented charger he is, he produces almost everything he releases, writes all his own material, and although sometimes it's easy to get totally caught up in his thumping baselines, he has a GREAT voice, which you get to hear in all it's glory on some of the album's more stripped tracks!

Stand outs for me include the aforementioned now classics as well as Be Strong and I, but my ultimate fave is Over You, it is a real wild card on the album, and not what you would expect from Donae'o, it is something you would probably expect to hear on a straight r&b album, and a good one at that!

The album is out on June the 8th, and I really hope everybody supports it. This is a talented guy,who had treated us with the gift of making us dance all these years, let's give back, so he can keep making music. And to show how heartfelt this post is, I won't even add it to my next invoice!

RIHANNA, YOU'RE KILLING ME!

2009-05-05T18:06:00.000-07:00

I’m back. Yes I know it has been way too long, but once again life got in the way! But something brought me out of hibernation and that was the glorious fashionista that is Rihanna! Yep, you can’t keep a good woman down, (although Chris Brown tried, Lord he tried!).
Rih-Rih rocked the house up-down and all around at the Institute Gala Ball at the weekend. Hair was fierce, outfit was oh-so out there, but totally fantastical! I was feeling it hardcore. That black satin Dolce & Gabanna tux with the puffy over-sized sleeves was killing me – and made sure everybody else was put in the shade, and not just cos the sleeves really were that big! I love, love, love the way this girl can take a risk and end up setting some major trends. She doesn’t play it safe and it usually pays off. I’m totally in awe of her blonde streaked hair and tapered sides - pure are a stroke of genius. Do I sound totally over the top and stupidly excited about all of this? If yes, then good. I am living out my fashion fantasies through Rihanna right now, really am!
I’ve been reading the blogs and some (okay, MOST) people are talking ‘ish about her get up, but that is why there are leaders and followers, and leaders should expect that hate… for now. In years to come Rihanna will be looked at as an icon, trust me! Madonna was ridiculed back in the 80s and now years later peops are saying she’s a style icon and shit, mark my words they will be saying the same about Rihanna in 20 years! Remember I told you!

Why Obamas Make Me More Proud Every Day

2009-04-08T13:43:00.000-07:00

I was reading the letters page in the Sun newspaper the other day (Yeah, I know, I should know better than that), and was immediately incensed by a letter I read where a reader accused President Barack Obama’s wife Michelle Obama of being ‘disrespectful’, for not only putting her arm around the queen, but by not curtsying when she met her. I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Who the F is the queen for anyone to bow to? Why should anyone be bowing to another human being in this day and age, especially in the western world? Especially not any one in that so called ‘royal family’. They are all a bunch of complete jokers and bigots.
But that's why I love the Obamas, they are who they are, strong black people who make no apologies for who they are and where they are, and if narrow-minded individuals don’t like it they can fall back.

Forget Desperate Housewives... These Girls Are The 'Real' Deal

2009-04-08T13:23:00.000-07:00

Being an Internet blog whore, I pride myself on staying extremely up-to-date in what’s happening in the world of celeb gossip, especially the US kind. So I’ve been hearing all about this reality TV show called Real Housewives of Atlanta programme for a while. The programme focuses on the wives some of the richest black men in Atlanta, including entrepreneurs, celebrities and sports stars. So it’s a reality show, with a lot of emphasis on the ‘real’. Even though I had never seen it, just reading about it, I was always intrigued by this show, especially the larger-than-life women and the whole load of drama it featured.
Anyhoo… yesterday my good friend sent me a text excitedly telling me that they would be showing the series on UK Sky channel Diva TV, starting from that evening. She had caught the show while holidaying in Miami, and had been raving about it ever since. So I decided to dip my toe in, and let’s just say I swam some hardcore lengths last night (and I’m not talking about anything sexual). The show is the bomb, and even though I never knew it till last night, I need it in my life, I so do. My favourite characters are NeNe, the flamboyant, huge-breasted mother of two, who is ghetto-fabulous with a capital G. She is married to an entrepreneur and is quite out there, clearly not giving an F bout most things. I love that!!!
I am also liking Kim, a blonde divorcee mother of two, who is seeing a black celebrity (she won’t name him and just calls him Big Poppa). In the first episode she describes her self as a black woman in a white woman’s body, so you know she’s got layers, seeing her whip off her clothes and change into a party dress at a gas station, while being shielded by her friends, was interesting.
I won’t spoil any of the early plotlines for any of you who want to tune it, but it is well worth watching. The first show showcased elevated egos and one of the worst ‘Shame guy’ moments I’ve ever witnessed. I will definitely be blogging some more about this, so watch this space.
On another note I wouldn’t be surprised if someone decided to do a WAG version of the show over here, but you know there won’t be any black women in that show. I was having a discussion with a friend of mine about black women who target celebrity men in the UK in order to live a lavish life, and made the point that there aren’t really any. Not because we all have such morals, but it is kind out of our hands. I made the point that the biggest black male stars in this country are footballers, and the majority of them ain’t looking at no black girls, coz you never see them with any, and you can’t tell me they never meet any. But I get the impression that she could be the most stacked, most beautiful looking black chick you have ever seen, with everything going for her, cool personality, no drama and know how to play her position, and they will look right past her to get to the broke-down blond with the straggly hair extensions, fake gold and face like a bull-dog.
Each to their own when it comes to inter-racial relationships (I ain’t mad at that at all), but at least let the girl you date look like she’s something special if you are supposed to be something special. Looks aren’t everything, but some of these chicks… Damn. And it’s not like they got anything else going for them, apart from the ability to shop till they drop, and roll out of clubs drunk every night. Even Ashley Cole got confused. He’s got a fit-looking white chick at home, who makes her own money and has a lot else going for her (Cheryl Cole), but still went looking for a bit of rough (extremely rough in that case), it’s like they have been programmed to check a certain type of woman, no matter what. I’m not trying to stereotype, but the majority of 'WAGs' fit into this category.
And besides, can’t a black gold-digger get a break and be a WAG for once, there really is no equality in this country eh? Lol!
Disclaimer: I make my own money and pay my own bills, but I don’t begrudge a sister who can’t be arsed to follow suit, if any man is stupid enough to entertain this. As long as you ain’t tryna push up my man or one of my family members, do your thing girl! Black or white!

THESE BLACK MAGS ARE DROPPING LIKE FLIES...

2009-04-01T13:32:00.000-07:00

So I just read that King folded - for those of you not aware of this publication, King is a black US magazine, which can best be described as a mix between Vibe and FHM, so think articles about hip hop slotted in-between sexy female celebrity photo shoots.

It is clearly geared towards a male audience, so think I may have been one of the few regular female readers of the mag (well I was for the first couple of years of its existence), which featured more T&A than beauty tips, but as a lover of black culture, I found it featured some good articles ('I didn't notice any words in the mag' I hear all the former male readers saying. Lol!), and the celebrities being interviewed seemed to say a lot more interesting things than they did in other magazines, in particularly the women, maybe it was their state of undress that did it. I mean why try and be coy when you've got your baps out and a camera shoved up your p***!

But any how King is no more, and it follows several black/urban publications down the dumpster. In the UK Blues and Soul, Touch, Hip Hop Connection and New Nation newspaper have all folded in the past year, while in the US Blender closed just like week, while the likes of Vibe, the Source and XXL seem to be getting thinner and thinner each month. So what does this mean? Does it mean that we no longer need black press? Isn't anyone buying it? Do those behind these publications need to step their game up? I think a mixture of the general recession, lack of advertising and lack of sales caused mainly by the rise of Internet blogs have hit all these mags and newspapers.
More mainstream media has also been feeling the pinch, but with slightly deeper pockets, they are surviving (just), but redundancies have been plenty.
But with these pressures, I think what is often overlooked is the need to be a lot more creative, in order to give readers AND advertisers a reason to care and want to stay connected.

Despite the falling sales, there is a need for black press in the UK, as without it certain issues and people won't be highlighted in the right way, so I guess we should all find a way to support it.

BRING BACK THE GOONIES? WHY I'M THE BEST GAL FOR THE JOB!!!!

2009-03-25T17:30:00.001-07:00

I love TV presenter Justin Lee Collins (Sunday Night Project/Bring Back), but then I kind of hate him at the same time. I love him coz I love watching him on the box and he cracks me up, but I hate him as he stole my job.
Yes, it's true ladies and gents, I was originally slated to front the Bring Back... series, but Justin got in the way, well it was more the fact that I was never in the running in the first place, in fact I was way down the list after Dwain Chambers and the third person to be be fired from the first series of the Apprentice (Nah, can't recall who that was either)... But you get my drift.

But anyhoo... JLC has made me dislike him even more as it has been revealed that after making such gems as Bring Back Star Wars (wasn't it an 'Oh, that's why he looked so different' moment seeing the side by side before and after pics of Mark Hammil following his plastic surgery after the first film?), Bring Back Fame (Now I know why they all thought they could live for ever... most of them were high during filming), Bring Back the A Team (George Peppard was jealous of MR T? I guess I would be too), Bring Back Grange Hill (Just Say No, unfortunately key members of the cast said yes, and how could cute little Zammo grow up to be so... uncute?) and many more, he is now working on... Bring Back The Goonies!
Oh my God! Like most kids who grew up in the 80s, I loooooooooved this movie! Corey Feldman (and Haim - who wasn't in the movie), who played Mouth, was one of my my pre-teen crushes!!! And Sloth as daaaamn h'uuugly as he was, was kind of cute, in a nasty and disgusting kind of way. And that fat one (Chunk), he was always eating, and who could forget the little Chinese boy (Data), who later turned up in Indiana Jones.
I can't wait to see how everyone turned out, although I know Corey (yeah, I followed his career - and what? I'm a bit obsessive like that, okay!) had some big problems with drugs as a child star and recently starred in a reality TV show with Corey Haim. Sean Astin (Mikey) went on to star in War of the Roses and then Lord of the Rings... And... the fat guy is no longer fat and is a top Hollywood lawyer...You see I should be making the programme, I've obviously got a knack for the research side of things. Eat your heart out JLC! You are not the only one who can grow a beard y'know.. well a little stubble at least. I betcha didn't know the makers of the 1985 show are trying to get a sequel made, did ya JLC (sticking my tongue out)!?! I'm too good at this, I know.

Channel 4, if you are listening I am available. In fact you can let Collins have The Goonies gig, even though I could do it better, I've even dug out a picture of what the cast looks like now (see below), so it should be easy enough to find them all. Failing that I could do Bring Back Beverley Hills 90210 or Bring Back The Cosby Show or even A Different World?
What about Blossom (remember that? lol!)... What do you reckon, post me your ideas, and if any of them get commissioned, we'll split the royalties.
I know, I know, I'm mad, but as always don't judge me. lolxxx

WHY US WOMEN SHOULD RELAX OURSELF... CHA!

2009-03-25T16:17:00.000-07:00

So Kim Kardashian, you know her, girl on the left, US socialite, daughter of OJ Simpson's former lawyer, or as she is better known 'that chick' in the infamous Ray J (singer Brandy's lil Brother) sex tape? Well she is on the cover of the new issue of US style mag Complex. However when posting pics of the photo-shoot from the interview on their website, Complex 'accidentally' posted up the un-photo-shopped version of one of the shots. And although in my opinion it didn't look that bad, it did showcase a few ripples on her thighs (see above for before and after pics) and less body toning than in the after picture.

Of course the Internet's blogging community had a field day (the same whole Beyonce hating thing I posted about a couple of days ago no doubt leading the charge), and took this and ran with it like they were Flo-jo and Carl Lewis' love child, throwing in their two cents of how bad she looked, and how she ain't as perfect as people always say and blah, blah, blah. Damn... A lot of people must have felt mighty great about themselves for seeing these pictures, but I think they may have missed the bigger message... which is no one, including these celebrities we so admire, is perfect, and half the time they never claim to be. We are the ones who propel these people to the dizzy heights of 'God-dom'. We worship them, wanna be them, wanna look like them, wanna go to the toilet like them...or what it is we think is 'them'. But do we really know who they are and what they really are? If we did, we might change our minds pretty quick and be thankful we are NOT them.

The moral to this story is be yourself, aspire to be the best 'you' that you can be, not Beyonce's stunt double or Kim Kardashian's official lookalike. Someone people are out there killing themselves at the gym, or even having plastic surgery to look like people, who don't even look like you think they do. There is nothing wrong with being healthy and having pride in the way you look, but there are a lot of us who are hating who we are coz we are not someone else. Deep, but real talk.
As if to emphasis my point, Kim took the photo 'mis-hap in good spirits and posted the before and after pic on her official website, along with a message that basically stressed what did people expect from a curvy girl like her. She also admitted that pics like this only inspire her to work at looking better... Damn... So even Kim Kardashian is aiming to look like a 'picture' of herself, as opposed to her real self. This shit gets funnier and funnier.

I'm not trying to act like everybody out there is so affected by this, and I'm so not, but it is something to think about, right?

Personally I think Kim looks great, she is a pretty and extremely sexy girl (I am not a lesbian, please don't judge me. lol!), and a few ripples on the thighs don't change that. So let's all embrace our own ripples, bumps and lumps, while aspiring to look good by our own standards and for ourselves, not for some unrealistic image in a magazine! Trust me after that last lap on the treadmill this evening (I was pounding away for 30 long minutes, that's a lotta miles people!) I realised I was never gonna be Beyonce in her 'Single Ladies' leotard. But I CAN be Adenike in a leotard though and still look pretty damn fierce (if I might add), and that is enough for me. Besides my version don't ride up so high, which means no pulling out of my ass cheeks every five minutes - bonus!

Disclaimer: I was only playing about the gym thing. I haven't actually been in a minute, seriously need to though, huffing and wheezing after walking up one flight of stairs is not the lick - in fact it's kind of shameful when people are watching, pointing and laughing. And that's just family members. As always don't judge me.xx

THE APPRENTICE... LET'S PRAY IT GETS BETTER!!

2009-03-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

So what do people think of the new series of The Apprentice after watching the first episode? It was alright for me, nothing amazing though. No characters who really stood out that much. I am a bit sad that there is only one black contestant (Mona Lewis), who I don't see winning, or coming close. The former 'Tanzanian beauty-queen' certainly ain't afraid to express her opinions though, but she doesn't really have anything great to say, so most of the time she is just annoying. And we know how much Sir Alan loves annoying people, don't we? lol!
And of course Deborah Barr is this year's Katy. Her bitchy and backstabbing traits are already starting to show big time. I don't like her, but no doubt she will be great to watch.
Anita Shah was the first contestant to go, but I know for a fact she will not be missed. She was the obligatory boring one, who blended into the background - the one Sir Alan gets rid of at the beginning. She didn't stand a chance in the boardroom alongside Mona and Deborah, even though they both deserved to go more than her, simply because the other two (Mona and Deborah) were much bigger characters.
I didn't really notice the boys much this week, but this is only the first show and no doubt things will hot up.
On a side note, did anyone see the Comic Relief version on the show a couple of weeks ago? I 'loved loved loved' Eastenders star Patsy Palmer ripping into Michelle Mone (Ultimo Bra creator). Michelle was on her high horse and Patsy brought her back down to earth in true head-twirling, finger-snapping style - I was whooping and clapping from my sofa. You can take the girl out of the East end, eh? Classic TV moment.

HATIN' FOR NO GOOD REASON...

2009-03-24T08:03:00.000-07:00

I came across this article on www.clutchmagonline.com. It was basically a list of reasons why many women (and men) hate on Beyonce, and it really made me think.
There is a whole lot of hating going on, not just on Beyonce, but on anyone we feel is doing better than us, or who we feel has it better than us, be it celebrities, our friends, sisters, colleagues, or whoever, and for no real good reason. Why must We hate when someone else is doing well, this should just inspire us to do better for ourselves, shouldn't it? Hate is an ugly one and in a lot of cases it is fueled by an ugly and bitter jealousy, which can be hurtful when you are on the receiving end. And also, most of the time you don't truly know what is going on in someones life, they may not have as perfect a life as you may think. My mama always taught me not to envy others, as what it for them is for them, and what is for you God chose especially for you. And I have to say, having kept that in mind throughout my years, I am honestly happy with my lot.

Here is the first half of the article, written by Alaina L. Lewis:

Dear Beyoncé,
I woke up this morning to the surge of a beautiful sunlight washing my spirit with a feeling of nothing quite shy of amazing. My man at my side, although he’s definitely no Jigga, managed to finally make it home from the club last night to snuggle next to his boo for a little R and R. Trust me, after years of waking up on the wrong side of reality, something in the melody of the humming birds whispering sweet nothings atop their perch outside my window pane, told me that today was going to be the right side of life for me. I know I’m not a solid gold dancer, but I’m fly enough to work it on Soul Train. If Tyra was looking for a Next Top Model you could easily sign me up for Cycle 20. Feeling myself and overwhelmed with my perfection, I decided to go in the kitchen and cook my man a little breakfast. But… much to my surprise, I was privy to a conversation that put a knife in my moment of ecstasy. It started with the TV belting what I thought were harmless lyrics… “Na Na Na, Diva is a female version of a hustla, of a hustla, of a, of a hustla…” and then it took a curve down to nothing short of offensive when my man busted out with this off the hook statement, “Damn, I wish my girl was as fly as Beyoncé.”

Sincerely,
The Newest Member of the “I HATE Beyoncé Club”

Before you all start out trying to ring my neck, I better first state the fact that this letter should strictly be filed in a drawer set aside for anything fiction. This letter isn’t true to my situation, but I guarantee you it’s a feeling that’s continually echoed throughout the minds of many women and men out there. We’re no stranger to the fact that people across the board got love for Beyoncé, but lets keep it real since we’ve already entered the sharing circle, and dish a bit on the reasons why people got hate for Beyoncé too.

1)”You remind me of a girl that I once knew.”
Usher wasn’t playing when he sang about his bout with Déjà Vu, but if Beyoncé reminds you of someone in your past, it may not exactly be a pleasant memory. Did any of you go to school with that girl who was balancing Student Council, Track and Field and in her spare time was the head of the Cheerleading Squad, while you were merely hoping to have a chance to at least make Student of the Week? Did I forget to mention that she was also dating the captain of the football team while you were still combing through the school directory hoping to will yourself a first date? Well, Beyoncé may unconsciously remind you of that girl that you hated who with the blink of an eye had and did everything you wanted too.

FOR THE REST OF THIS VISIT: http://clutchmagonline.com/lifeculture/feature/top-15-reasons-people-hate-beyonce/#2

Just Seen This Remix - I Really Like It - And I'm In The Video At 1:47!!!!!

2009-03-23T19:14:00.000-07:00

Yes I know it's New Kids On The Block... and they are so not cool (in your eyes), but give it a try, you might just like it. And did I mention I'm in the video (refer to the post titled 'Best Two Weeks Of My Life By Far' on Jan 27 to get the full story behind this and what connects me to this group).
This mix would have gone down well in a jungle rave back in the day! lol! Jungalist maaaaaasive!!!!! Seriously this tune is major, don't fight it. I am bubbling to this right now!!!

Okay, like seriously, i'm kinda addicted to the new 90210... how did that happen?

2009-03-23T18:27:00.000-07:00

I loved the original 90's Beverley Hills 90210 so so much. I was a Brandon girl as opposed to a Dylan (true fans will know what I am talking about here) and loved the whole love/hate bitchy friendship thing that Brenda and Kelly had going on so much that I replicated it every other week with my own friends (sorry ladies, I was young and trying hard to be cool).
Anyway, there is not really a rule about the number of trashy TV shows you are allowed to like at one time, but I feel I've kind of used up my quota by tuning into the Hollyoaks omnibus every Sunday morning. So 90210 is like my little guilty pleasure that unexpectedly snuck up on me, as I tried to hate the show, as it was never gonna live up to the original, but it got me in the end.

So for those who care, here's what's happening so far...Annalynn McCord (who plays Naomi, and who I loved watching in her former show Nip/Tuck) is bitch of the show and the new Kelly Taylor, even though the old Kelly Taylor is also in the show. She's all grown up now and has a little boy, who we think belongs to Dylan. Actually I'm not sure if that's been clarified or not yet, as I only really started getting into this in the last three weeks... But anyway back to the new cast members... Annie (the new Brenda- kind of) was secretly seeing Naomi's ex Ethan (the new Dylan, well kind of but without the dark brooding exterior), but little did Annie know that Naomi found out and as expected was far from happy.
And in this evening's episode Naomi got her revenge on Annie in the worse possible way!!!!
Also the token black character is Annie's adopted brother Dixon, played by the cute Tristan Wilds, who used to be in top US crime drama The Wire, which also featured our own Idris Elba.

Oh, and Brenda (the original one) is coming back, as is Donna (also the original one) No news on Dylan or Brandon yet, but watch this space!!!

Disclaimer: For those of you who don't know what the hell I am talking about, or more than likely don't give a flying f**k, normal blogging service will be back to normal next post, and as always... Please don't judge me. lol! :0)xx

Okay I Admit It... I'm A Twit

2009-03-23T18:24:00.001-07:00

I swore I wouldn't do it, but I have succumbed to the latest 'get a life trend'- Twitter! I started off slow as I always do and now I can't get enough! Please do not judge me, just hit me up at www.twitter.com/adenike1. I will try and keep you entertained I promise. Help me get as many followers as possible, as I don't have many friends in real life. As always, don't judge me. lol! Let's get this people!!!

HAWT-NESS =Hilson, 'Ye and Ne-Yo

2009-03-23T17:55:00.000-07:00

I haven't really connected with upcoming r&b singer/songwriter Keri Hilson, despite her churning out a a billion songs a week featuring high profile guests such as Weezy, Chris Brown and Timbaland in a bid to establish her as the next big thing. But I reckon this song right after the cut is the one.
It took Kanye AND Ne-Yo to do it... And if these two can't make it happen for Keri then she should give up now and stick to songwriting for other artists behind the scenes.
The video is smoking, but let's see if this single does the biz in the charts... On another note, is it just me or is there a whole lot of sexual chemistry between 'Ye and Keri of late, not just in this vid, but in a couple of interviews I've seen them doing together. It's just something I've noticed.
And despite confessing my love for the style game of Kanye's current boo and former stripper Amber Rose in a previous post, Kanye and Keri make a cute couple, doncha think? I mean their names even sound cute when said in the same sentence...Kanye n Keri...Keri n Kanye... Sorry Amber, you still look fly though!

I'M GOING JACKO BITCHES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

I know I'm late, but just wanted to let you all know that I am going to see Jacko in September! Yes after hours of waiting online and more computer crashes than I can count I finally got my tickets - Yeah!!! I have been lucky enough to be in a position to recieve my fair share of freeness when it comes to concerts (I only paid for one show since 2001, and I have seen plenty), but I wasn't taking chances with this one, so I got on the bandwagon like the rest of you common people (I'm playing - sorry. lol) and bought my tickets in the madness.
But now that I've got them I am excited and a bit nervous at the same time to be honest. Excited because this is the king of pop we are talking about and I have not yet been privileged to see him live, and nervous because I am scared that despite having tickets I still might not...

Let me explain... Jacko's tour starts July 8th, that's a whole two months before my shows... so will he last till September? lol! But in saying that I am willing to take that chance because it's Michael Jackson, the greatest performer of all time and someone I've admired since I was a kid.

So fingers (and toes) crossed that he will surprise us all and deliver way beyond our expectations. And of course come September I will boast... ahem...blog about my experience right here for all of you.

BLOGS ARE LIKE BUSES...

2009-03-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

Well for me anyway... lol! You don't get nothing from me for a while, and then a whole lot at once. So where to start. First off I am really feeling Kanye West's new chick Amber Rose, before you get excited, I don't mean 'feeling' like that, I am straight as a line. I mean I am feeling her swagger and her fashion sense. Kanye likes to go on about how fashionable he is all the time, but unlike Amber he often looks like he has been let loose in a designer closet (like a kid in a candy shop) and looks a bit staged (love you Kanye, but just my opinion). But his Amber on the other hand stays looking hot in an effortless kind of way.

This is how much I dig this chick's style vibe...I was deliberating about picking up a pair of American Apparel fitted pants a while back, but at £75 a pair, I decided to refrain. A few weeks later I spotted a pic of 'Ye and Amber at a fashion show and she was rocking a pair in black, the next day another pic appeared of her wearing the same pants in red (see pic), and she was working them out like it was her full time job. Let me tell you the next day I snapped up both colours without flinching - don't judge me. lol!

Another great thing about Amber is not everybody can get away with the bald look, Skin from Skunk Anansie was the last chick I remember it working for, but Amber pulls it off with ease, and to top it off it's all blonded up, like 'what?' A lot has been made about the fact that Amber is a former stripper and bisexual and blah, blah, blah, but all of that is by the by, she is showing some of these industry chicks (you know who you are) how to look fly and fabulous without breaking a sweat. Kanye is the star in the relationship, but Amnber shines way brighter when they out in public togther.

I am a fashion lover and am always checking for new looks, and love looking out for the celebrities who are working it at any given time. At the moment I am feeling Rihanna - that's been someone whose style I have been feeling for a coupla of years, since she cut her hair and got herself a new stylist - she looks hot whether she is casual or dressed up. And she continues to stay looking great throughout the whole Chris Brown domestic violence saga (aside from that police pic of course, that shit broke my heart).

Another one of my celeb style faves is a bit more unconventional for me, as it is Lily Allen - yep, I did say Lily Allen. What I like about the Smile singer is she dresses well for her shape, and she has been spotted wearing some classic design pieces in the past year - such as cute dresses, fitted shorts and play suits. Let's just say when she gets it right,she gets it really right.

But back to Amber, who is my new style hero... I know some of you might not 'get it', but to me her look is HAWTER than this laptop burning up my lap right now - I need to unplug this shit and let it run on the battery for a while. Damn!

THIS IS WHY WE HOT!

2009-02-12T17:14:00.000-08:00

This past weekend was a good one for us black Brits, first me old mate Noel Clarke and powerlist-featured artist and director Steve McQueen, both picked up BAFTAS, becoming the first black British males to win one in the award ceremony's history. Then Estelle only goes and nabs a Best rap/sung collaboration Grammy for her number one hit American Boy!
I was really pleased for Noel, who picked up the Rising Star award, as we went to college together and I always feel like a proud relative whenever he does something great, which is a lot these days. It's really weird looking back on the days of media studies A Level, the class we took together back in 1993-94. I never would have guessed that this is where he would be now. When I first saw Kidulthood, I was speechless. I couldn't believe someone I actually knew wrote it - it was such a brilliant piece of work. Adulthood, which Noel also wrote and starred in, and this time directed was just as good.
Back in St Charles sixth form college, we had a bit of a love/hate relationship (lol!) I guess we didn't always see eye-to-eye (nothing major, just playground-type squabbles). I was very shy and reserved back then, while Noel was... well, let's just say he wasn't. I remember him being as outspoken as he is now, and we often butted heads while working on group projects, but that always made for a successful piece of work as we were both passionate about it, which is why we've ended up working in media. And it is definitely all love these days. It is also nice that in my line of work I have interviewed him several times. We have both done well and it's nice that our paths have crossed in such as way. He always makes sure I know about his latest projects and get in on the reporting side of things early, which means I have gotten a few exclusives. And he remains the same as he always was, regardless of his success which is really nice.
As for Estelle, it was definitely a great moment for her. That girl, who is a fellow west Londoner is the epitome of grind. I mean no disrespect when I say she isn't the best singer in the game on a technical level, but what she does have is her own individually smooth tone, undeniable grit, determination and a uniqueness that brings it all together, and I love that about her. I've met and interviewed her on enough occasions now for us to both show love when we bump into each other, so again I'm always rooting for her. Again she has also remained humble - much respect to her for that too. Her album Shine was hot, in case you were silly enough to sleep on it when it came out last year and didn't know, and I look forward to seeing what she pulls out of the bag next. Go get it Estelle!!!!

THE BEST TWO WEEKS OF MY LIFE BY FAR

2009-01-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

It's taken me a few days to get down to writing this post coz the truth is I've only just come back down to earth from the perfect cloud I've been floating on. These past two weeks have been amazing, so much so that I couldn't have dreamt them if I tried.
At the epi-centre of this euphoria is a pop group known as New Kids On The Block; five white boys (now men) from Boston, who I have loved immensely for 20 years of my life.
At the age of about 12 when I first saw them perform The Right Stuff on the 1989 Smash Hits Poll Winners Party on TV, it was on from then.
I still remember being in the newsagents with my friend a few days later and seeing a magazine with them emblazoned on the cover. It was a whopping £1.50 (my total lunch money), but I didn't hesitate in buying it, and my growing obsession with the group, which would eventually see me spending a hell of a lot more money to feed my habit had begun. Who needed wallpaper? I certainly didn't as my bedroom was covered from top to bottom, including the ceiling, with posters of my boys. I had the dolls, the books, the bed sheets, the bubblegum, tapes, vinyls, videos, trading cards, and anything else I could get my hands on.
I taped any and every bit of TV footage they appeared in and had countless magazines, which largely were US imports and cost an average of £2 a pop. I saw them in concert twice in 1991, that same year I spent my half term holiday camping outside the Mayfair hotel in Green Park from the crack of dawn to the late evening, with the hundreds of other fans hoping to catch a glimpse of them, and we often did, and boy did we scream our heads off. Years later I used to travel to Green Park just to stand outside the hotel and reminisce. If I looked hard enough at the walls on the building across the street, I could just about detect the scrawled faded black marker messages of 'I love Jordan' and 'Joe is so fit' left by the fans.

I loved them all, but I was always a Donnie girl through and through. It was his eyes, his smile, hie voice and the fact that he always had something witty, funny or profound to say and he was street too.

After the group split up in 1994, I really thought these fond memories were firmly in the past. That was until I saw a tiny little news brief in the Metro newspaper around this time last year. It said that rumours were rife that the group were reuniting, after their website had been re-activated... Could it be?

Yes, it could. Fast forward to a year later and my boys have just finished their first UK tour in 18 years. I never thought I would see the day, so man did I drink up the experience and revel in it. From making a whole host of new friends on the official website forum, to securing an interview with the band (where Donnie offered to share his breakfast with me and told me he liked my shoes and (my face) - be still my beating heart. lol!),to seeing them twice in concert (in the second show, when the guys unexpectedly came up to the balcony for a stomping rendition of their hit song 'Tonight' Donnie, stopped, looked into my eyes and leaned in to kiss me - he did this twice I might add - yeh!!!!) to waiting outside their hotel, just like I did as a teen, just to catch a glimpse of them, and hilariously pretending to be a US tourist to gain access to the hotel bar, and it worked!!!! My friend 'Sarah Jayne'(who will kill me for revealing this) does a mean Kansas accent by the way. lol!

Those of you who know me will seriously be questioning my sanity right about now, I'm sure (lol!) But what can I say, Yes I am a little unhinged when it comes to this group, but I am a humongous fan, period. And I haven't laughed so much in a such a long time, so its all good!

And to top it all off the two concerts (one at the 02 on Saturday 24th and the other at Hammersmith Apollo on Sunday 25th) were all I could have wanted, with classic songs, such as Please Don't Go Girl, The Right Stuff and Step By Step, that took me back, and the new material from their new album The Block, that I've grown to love just as much. The guys looked and sounded great and proved all those naysayers, who thought they were washed up, wrong. (Boooo you naysayers!)

But now it is back to reality as it is all over... well at least for now. But they are back in the autumn, so I plan to thoroughly indulge in the experience once again, who knows what it will bring next go round.

2008-10-12T17:17:00.000-07:00

Its been a while... I know I promised not to do that anymore... disappear on you, but what can I say. What I've been up to in the nearly two months (wow! didn't realise it had been that long!!) since I last checked in. I met up with my teenage crush, I had a birthday, I interviewed a few people, I went to a few events, some good and some bad. I re-evaluated my life and I had some laughs along the way.

Before I move onto the next thing, I just want to say R.I.P to Daniel De-Gale! He was one of life's fighters and with all he had to contend with whenever I saw him he was smiling and trying to inspire others. His health issues inspired a work that healed and saved the lives of so many others, so his own life was certainly not in vain.

To ensure that this is his continued legacy I plead with all of you out there to attend one of the drives to give blood if you haven't already. Please don't put it off this time. It is a small thing to do and you can make a big big difference.

Give It Up To All Those Ladies Working Hard And Getting Their Own Money

2008-08-22T12:58:00.000-07:00

I love this song so much. Ney-Yo is officially one of my favourites artists - truly talented songwriter!!! Check out this new video for Ms Independent with some great cameos.

I Like This Song... Monica - Still Standing featuring Ludacris

2008-08-12T13:41:00.000-07:00

LITTLE JACKIE - THE WORLD SHOULD REVOLVE AROUND ME

2008-07-26T07:43:00.000-07:00

I came across this group’s video The World Should Revolve Around Me as I was burning the midnight oil on my laptop one night last week. Usually when I am working the TV is on for purely background noise, but both the song and the video, which I stumbled across on MTV Base, made me look up and pay attention. The style of music is quirky and melodic soulful pop with an old school hip hop slant. Lead singer and the group’s songwriter Imani Coppola reminds me a little bit of Kelis in her ‘I Hate You So Much Right Now’ days (in other words when she was still interesting), with her huge afro and playful ballsy demeanour. Straight after viewing the video I did some internet research on the group, which also includes producer Pallin. So just for you: one, they got their name from an old Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam Track, two; their music has been described as a ‘Lauryn Hill/Lily Allen hybrid’. And three the track is out on August 25th on EMI, while their album The Stoop is out on 1 September.

JUST BECAUSE....

2008-07-18T16:37:00.000-07:00

I have always fancied Nas, and he has a mole more or less in the same place that I have one. I like his new single Hero too, but have yet to disect the new album. But I mostly posted this just because it is a nice picture to look at. Well if it is good enough for Kanye's blog... lol! Goodbye.x

T.I SWITCHES TO SINGING....

2008-07-18T16:19:00.000-07:00

Is this what the thought of going to jail will do to you? Make you try things you that no one would have expected? Singing a whole song and not just the hood? lol! I think it sounds good though! The track is called Whatever You Like and will be on his forthcoming Paper Trail album.

UK STAND UP!

2008-07-18T15:53:00.000-07:00

This is the remix of Jay Sean's track Maybe,featuring Frisco, Jammer, Skepta and chipmunk.
I interviewed the charming Chipmunk a few weeks ago. He is only 17, and without sounding patronising he is so on point. He is in college, an A student and the one to watch as the next big star on the grime scene. He juggles studies with music and excels at both. And he is not doing the tired old 'gangster' lyrics either. Nuff major labels are fighting over him signing on the dotted line, but he is taking his time. Smart guy - he knows his worth. Can't wait to see what he brings with his album which is set to drop this year on his own label Alwayz Recordings.

Jay sean is also doing big things. His album came out on an independent but has made a lot of noise, and debuted in the top ten album charts when it came out.

A MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLE...

2008-07-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

So Sarah Jessica Parker has got rid of her infamous mole - you know the one that used to grace her chin. As a fellow 'moler' (someone with a mole on her face - although I prefer to call it a beauty spot), I was a bit disappointed with her decision. I understand that it could well have been a medical decision, but if not SJP should have realised that the mole gave her face character, in the same way it does for Cindy Crawford and as it did for Enrique Iglesias, before he too removed his. Often imperfections are what make us unique and beautiful. I mean could you imagine Madonna or Eddie Murphy without the gap in their teeth?
I personally love my mole, almost as much as I love the birth mark on my face, which when I was younger my mum smothered me with Vitamin E cream to try and get rid of. I got teased about it at school, but in the here and now I wouldn't be without it.
So SJP, if it was a vanity thing, I think you made a big mistake, as your mole was a part of you.

I'M LOVING THIS...

2008-07-16T11:45:00.000-07:00

I came across this cool-ass video on my travels. That's one thing I love about the likes of Andre 3000, Kanye, Sa-Ra and now Fonzworth Bentley, never afraid to take it there, and in the process pushing the envelope where it needs to be pushed.
It is simple but creative and still different... (if it is taking a while to load, be patient, it is well worth it, promise).
This reminds me of some old school group like the Temptations, but with a bit more swagger. The tune, which is actually Fonzworth featuring Andre 3000 and Kanye (I think), is called Everything, and is from Fonzworth's forthcoming debut album C.O.L.O.U.R.S
Boy, this makes me realise how much I miss Andre 3000's presence in the rap game. What do you reckon? Hit or miss?

THIS ONE IS FOR YOU MILLY... I'M BACK GIRL!

2008-07-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'm back. I promise this time. After getting a bit of a dressing down from my friend Matilda about not keeping my blog updated, I realised that it is my duty to blog. I mean blogging is the future. Where would we be without blogging? Where would I be without blogging?
So let's start with what have I been up two recently? Quite a lot actually.
I interviewed the gorgeous Robin Thicke and had the pleasure of listening to his new album Something Else. All the albums I've been hearing lately have really disappointed, from Usher's Here I Stand (I really tried to like it, I promise and am still gonna give it another go) to Ashanti (But then was I really expecting anything amazing from her? Sorry girl). So Robin was like a breathe of fresh air. Beautiful soul music, gorgeous lyrics, and an amzing voice, and he is almost as excited about the NKOTB reunion as I am. I'm a love him for life for that one). His single Magic (as featured in the Samsung adverts) is... well.. err magic. And I can't wait for the album to drop in September.

And speaking of albums I had the pleasure of going along to hear the new Common album Invincible Summer just today. As always Common is not staying within the lines, and has come with something very different. Production on the album is handled by the Neptunes and Mr DJ (Outkast). I am not sure how I feel about the Neptunes these days. I must admit I haven't heard an ultra-amazing beat from them in recent times, but there are some gems on Common's new set, such as Announcement, which will be a double AA side along with Universal Mind Control as the first single.
The rhyme style in Announcement is inspired by Biggie and is playfyul, bragadocious and clever. In fact Common is going for a cocky kind of flow on most of the tracks... and there was A LOT of sexual inuenndos, which I'm not complaining about.
We all know Common is fine as hell, so I ain't mad at hearing him us tell how he gets down, as it really helps on those lonely nights at home in bed(lol!) So thanks for that Common!

He also told me that is he really taking this acting thing seriously too and sees it as his future. Wow that is deep! After popping up in American Gangster, Street Kings and Wanted in recent times, he is currently filming the new Terminator 4 movie, so he stays busy.

Oh no, I am so rubbish....

2008-06-29T12:26:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in over a month now and I feel so bad for it. I promised myself that I would keep this thing updated when I first started it just a couple of months ago. But what can I say? I have been so busy, that I am too busy to post about all the wonderful things I have been busy with.lol!
But I hope to rectify that and get things back on track, so welcome back...

WOOOOW!!! LONG TIME NO POST! But St Lucia, Adulthood and Dirty Dancing all after the cut

2008-05-14T16:10:00.000-07:00

One of my biggest fears has come true and that it I have failed to keep up with my blogging- so slapped wrists for that. But Despite an ever increasing busy schedule I am trying to turn it all around from today. But in fairness to myself It hasn't been a case of just being too lazy to blog - more a case of life getting in the way of things. But a lot has happened since I've been gone. I went to St Lucia; my second visit to the island which was amazing. The weather was gorgeous and I didn't want to come back. I stayed at the fabulous Discovery in Marigot Bay, which is a private resort, with a private beach, a gym, a shopping centre, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, restaurants, boat trips, bar - in the fact the list is so long. I better stop now as I don't want to make you too jealous. I also journey out a few times to Rodney Bay and Castries (capital city) to take in more scenery and visit some sites.

The same day I flew back to England I went to a screening of Adulthood - the follow up to 2006 Brit flick Kidulthood. The film is real deep and basically follows the story of Same (remember the bully from the first film), starting from the day he is released from prison for killing Trife (Aml Ameen). Of course there are a lot of people who want revenge, so begins a very lively film.
My old college mate Noel Clarke (above right) wrote and directed this and plays the lead, which is a mean feat, which he pulls off nicely. Good to see all that fooling around in media class didn't affect his progress (only joking - I am extremely proud of his achievements). Who knew back then when we were sitting in class, usually bickering about something that one day I would be penning article about him? I guess we both done good. Noel is being touted as the British Spike Lee, which is a big look and I know that he is off the of Black Hollywood Film Festival (BHFF) next month, so good luck Noel!!! Adulthood comes out in the 3rd week of June, so make sure you check it out!!!

On a cheesier note, I have just come back from watching the stage show of Dirty Dancing. Yep, I am a sucker for a good musical. Grease is my fave movie of all time. The theatre versions are never as good as the movies, but hey, it's still a laugh, innit?

Missy Elliott's New Album Preview...

2008-04-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

Last week, I also had the pleasure of being one of the first journalists on the planet to hear some tracks from the new Missy Elliott album, her seventh studio set. As we all know a Missy Elliott album is always an event, and this one, which is still untitled looked to be going the same way when single Ching a Ling, which featured the first 3D music video, previewed a few weeks ago. So what are the other tracks on the album saying? The answer to that is typical Missy; playful lyrics, pulsating rhythms, crazy, but oh-so addictive beats and never boring. And news flash: the rapstress has also reunited with long-time friend and collaborator Timbaland for the ocassion, and a Missy/Timbaland joint is always something to celebrate.
Missy's manager Mona Scott (who I am pictured with top right) flew in to London as part of a European junket, and joined UK journalists at the west ends swanky 50 Below (exclusive members club) to play the tracks, which were still largely unmixed and some still unamed. Between tracks there was even a special recorded and comedic commentary from Missy, which kept us entertained along with the music.
Songs that stood out for me included Shake Ya Pom Pom. I think this one was produced by Swizzz Beats, and is one for the clubs. As always there is no sound that is too alien for a Missy song , hence the cow bells. Mix this with some Bhangra-sounding beats, and the result is a winning track.

All for you was described by Missy as one that takes it back to the Aaliyah 'One In a Million' days. Missy showcases her now trademark bragadocios sex talk here over this Timbaland produced track. But I like this one a lot; it reminded me of the song Computer love, and has a playful simmer vibe that fans will love. To introduce this track Missy tell us 'Now I ain't no singer like Beyonce, but grab a glass of wine and sit back...' The use of the vocoder (electronic voice alter) here would even make T-Pain jealous, but is that a good thing???

Hip Hop Don't Dieis another track that is likely to be a fan favourite, as Missy goes against the essence of Nas's last set and tells us why hip hop is very much alive and kicking. If I am honest there was nothing I heard that totally blew me away or had me humming along to after I had left the venue, like some other new music I have been listening to lately. However I am sure Missy has some more gems up her sleeve to ensure this is a solid set all round. Mona told us that Missy had just messaged her to let her know that Tim had just delivered another six beats, so I'm figuring there has got be some heat on at least two or three of those. Come on Missy, female rappers are a dying breed right now, show us that there is at least one not in any danger of going anywhere for now.

A BUSY WEEK

2008-04-05T15:45:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy week this week, which is why I am only now updating my blog. On Monday I hit Estelle's official album launch party, which was a great night. A host of industry faces and celebs turned out to support including Lupe Fiasco, Jamelia, Natasha Beddingfield, and upcoming rapper Chipmunk. I must say it was the best night out I have had in ages, with a winning mixture of good vibes, friendly faces and best of all great music, courtesy of DJs Big Ted, Shortee Blitz and Smasherelly. My feet were killing me from all the dancing by the end of the night, and anybody who knows me knows that is not something that happens often. But when classics from Guy and Heavy D and the Boys and Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam are being played, all you can do is shuck out.

So as the week limped (well I did,with my sore feet) on Wednesday I made my way down to the ever-so stoosh Park Lane Sheraton Hotel where Choice FM celebrated their 18th birthday. (That's me and my friend Selina Julien skinning teeth after dinner top right) The invite only dinner was hosted by Strictly Come Dancing winner Alesha Dixon and former Blue star Simon Webbe (top left). There were also performances from Simon, Jay Sean (easily the best of the night), Ciara and Kelly Rowland. Craig David, actor Aml Ameen and even Mariah Carey stopped by to help the black radio station with their celebrations.
Highlights of the night included a spoof version of Harry Potter featuring Choice DJs Richard Blackwood (as Harry Potter), George Kay, Lucy Ambache, Kat and Martin Jay, where Harry and his friends were fighting to ensure all bad music was eradicated from the world.
The after party went on till the early hours and saw both Alesha and Sabrina take the mic to entertain the crowd.
If I am honest I am not one to listen to Choice FM on a regular basis, but 18 years is a milestone by anyone's standards. Whatever you think of the station, they provide entertainment for so many listeners and an outlet for a lot of artists. So with that thought in mind I raise my glass to say "Happy Birthday Choice FM!"

Estelle Criticises British Record Labels And Mainstream Media

2008-03-30T13:16:00.000-07:00

Man I was so proud of my girl Estelle when I opened up the Guardian on Friday. Instead of just talking about how happy and grateful she was to have a number one record, she made it clear that she had to go to America to make that happen, as the UK labels are not doing their job as far as black artists are concerned. Talking about the UK music industry's blatant prejudice against black artists, she referred to Duffy and Adele; two UK white female singers who have been branded soul by themselves, labels and media. She slammed: "I'm not mad at them, but I'm wondering - how the hell is there not a single black person in the press singing soul? Adele ain't soul. She sounds like she heard some Aretha records once, and she's got a deeper voice - that don't mean she's soul. That don't mean nothing to me in the grand scheme of my life as a black person. As a songwriter, I get what they do. As a black person, I'm like: you're telling me this is my music? Fuck that!'

Excuse the ghetto-ness I am about to display, but two words immediately came to mind: Braap braap! It was so refreshing to see a British black person in a position of power or with the ear of media actually speaking out and having an opinion. Usually when a black person gets a bit of mainstream success, they are so scared of rocking the boat or losing that power that they prefer to hold their tongue, even though actually being honest about things would gain them more respect in the long run. Then when they are on their way out, they want to start talking. Michael Jackson and Lenny Henry are both examples of those who want to speak about racism behind the scenes when they are no longer at the top of their game.

And Estelle didn't stop there - bless her, she also addressed last year's controversy surrounding the uplifting and positive song Black Boys by grime artist Bashy. The track was banned from TV by regulatory body Ofcom, who deemed it 'racist'. Estelle said about the move:'What about that song is racist? He says in that song, we're not all killers and murderers. It's racist because he says explicitly 'black boys' in the hook? Fuck off. Bullshit. He's telling the kids they can be more positive - you don't want the kids to be positive now? You want them to keep killing each other? You don't think you can use this song in an ad campaign like Trident [the Metropolitan police campaign against gun crime in London's black communities]? It really is that ignorant. It's 2008, but it feels like 19-fucking-80-something.'
I couldn't agree more!!! For too long we been putting up with the blatant ignorant mentality of the UK music industry and the mainstream media. It is so commendable that Estelle is using her fame to raise these issues, as it has got the mainstream talking which is a big step forward. Other British stars should take note.

Here's Bashy's Black Boys video - one of the best songs of 2007. Big up to him and Estelle.

Ashley Walters On His Most Challenging Roles To Date...

2008-03-26T11:20:00.001-07:00

Black Brits are really doing it big at the moment, as you can tell from most of my postings thus far, and former So Solid star Ashley Walters more than most. The actor/rapper has been handling a lot of notable roles of late and there is more to come. As always I like to keep up to date with all that is going on, so it was down to central London for a bite to eat and a chat with the man himself. I know you're gonna like this one...

He made his name with the So Solid Crew, but these days Ashley Walters is gaining column inches for his acting not his music. And thankfully all the negative associations of the past, namely his two-year stint in prison in 2002 for carrying a handgun, appear to be dead in the water, as the British film industry celebrates one of their most exciting rising stars of the moment.
But acting is nothing new for 26-year-old who grew up in south London as it is something he has been doing since he was a child. He attended the Sylvia Young stage school and most of us remember him from Grange Hill. But it wasn't until BBC1's Storm Damage (2000) that he delivered a performance that caused people to sit up and take notice. Ever since then, one or two personal blips aside, it has kind of been written in the stars that the 2004 recipient of the British Independent Film Award's (BIFA) Most Promising Newcomer gong, was going to go far. And he has done just that; with standout roles in the UK and US, and a CV that boasts memorable turns in impressive list of movie (Bullet Boy, Sugarhouse, Life N Lyrics) TV (Hustle) and theatre (Sing Yer Heart Out For The Lads) projects, with his most recent role in the dark New York-based crime thriller WAZ, arguably his most challenging to date. Film-goers will see him take on the role of a young street thug, who just happens to be gay. This is sure to surprise many of his fans, but signifies his dedication to his craft and the work he is willing to put in to ensure he is a leader and not a follower amongst his peers.

What is your new film about?
It is a crime thriller, which is set in New York. I don't want to spoil it too much for people, but The concept behind it is basic human instinct and the fact that we as people are fond of saying what we would do if we were in a certain situation, but no one actually knows what they would do in that moment in time, unless or until it happens. It's a scary thing when you think about it and the film plays on that.

Your character is gay, which if we are honest can be a bit of a risk for a black straight male actor, especially with a street background like yours. How did you approach the role?
I have previously had scripts sent to me which have been for a gay character, and I admit I have always been hesitant. The main reason for that is because most of those scripts included scenes where two guys were kissing or whatever and to me it always seemed that this had been included just for the sake of it, and not for the greater good of the story. Initially I had similar issues with this script. For example the opening scene was supposed to be my character given another man oral sex and I just couldn't understand how that really fit in with the story. Elsewhere there was a lot of nudeness and 'lying together' scenes. I told my agent I would do the film but all of that had to go, and I guess they wanted me that bad for the part they were willing to change all the things I wasn’t comfortable with.

Where there any of the scenes that you actually agreed to do which you still felt uncomfortable with?
There is one scene at the end where my character kisses another man. It wasn't a full on or anything like that, but it was still hard. I spoke to the director beforehand and he understood this was hard for me, so he left it to the last day, so I didn't really have to think about it till then. But it was still difficult, and a good few hours afterwards I kept thinking "what have I done?" But then I watched it back on screen and I was relaxed about it.
But I want to challenge myself as an actor and this was a pivotal role for me. I made a conscious decision with myself to be more selfish with my roles. I've got to stop catering for what I think people are going to say and focus on what I want to achieve as an actor. I have to do parts that will further my career, make people in the acting field respect me and basically make me more money.
Saying all that I think this film is going to be well received and that it is going to do really well for me, regardless of what people think about that particular aspect of it.

Another recent role that seems to have challenged you was the part of a drug addict in Sugarhouse. How did you prepare for that role?
I watched a lot of documentaries about addicts and spent about two-to-three weeks on-and-off with a crack addict and a heroin addict, just going to their house, staying with them and talking for hours. I stole a lot of things from them like their speech patterns and I got the wardrobe people to copy their clothes. I also got some fake teeth made which changed the way I spoke and the shape of my face so all that added to the authenticity of it all but it was damn hard work keeping it up for that amount of time. I starved myself as well so I had to lose as much weight as possible. I was eating one piece of steamed fish a day. I hardly slept. I had just bought a new flat at the time, which was still empty, and I moved out of the family home, slept on the floor. I didn’t see my kids the whole time I was sleeping. I didn’t have any sex the whole time I was shooting.

Wow, that’s a lot of preparation!That was the first time I had gone all out like that for a part, but I had to go all out because at first the director [Gary Love]didn’t want me for the role. So those were all things I said I would do if he gave me the part. He didn’t believe I could stop being Asher D and become the down and out crack head. He kept saying “You’re too pretty”, “You’ve got too much muscle, how can you be a crack head?”

Tell me about your upcoming film Speed Racer, which has already created a lot of buzz.
It is based on an early 1960s Manga cartoon which had a cult following everywhere in the world except over here. You might remember a Ghostface Killiah video, where he uses a cartoon as his video – that cartoon is Speed Racer. The film, which was shot with a 370 million budget, and filmed in Germany features an A-list cast including Susan Sarandon, John Goodman, Emile Hurst and Christina Ricci. It is directed by the Wachowski brothers (Andy and Larry), and is gonna be huge. They have already done a deal with McDonalds, so look out for toys of me in Happy Meals. I am also going to be featured in the official Playstation video game for the movie. We are looking at a big summer release so the film should be out in June or July. I am also happy that this is finally a film of mine I can bring my kids to watch.

What films are you working on at the moment?I just signed up for a movie called Nottingdale, which based in the 50s and 60s, when a lot of black people started coming over to the UK. It’s set in a very racist time, and I play a jazz musician who also works on the buses, like most black people did back then. My character falls in love with a white girl played by Jaime Winstone. It’s weird because Jaime’s real life boyfriend Alfie Allen, Lily Allen’s brother, is also in the film as the leader of the NF (National Front) gang. I start my trumpet lessons soon as that is the instrument that my character plays.

You can now be classed as a Hollywood actor. Do you spend a lot of time in L.A?
I go out there on a regular basis and spend about two weeks each time cramming in loads of meetings. I’ve also got an agent out there who I’ve had for four years. It’s important to build up a rapport with people, most especially the studios. There are studios out there that can make or break your career; for example if you get in with Warner Bros, you could end up signing a five picture deal with them, which is obviously a good thing. I’ve got a good relationship with the Weinsteins (Harvey and Bob), who are part of Miramax and were involved in the movie Stormbreaker, which I starred in two years ago. There are loads more of those films in the pipeline and I am always guaranteed a job because of that relationship.

How do you find LA?
I don’t really like going to L.A as it is so pretentious. You’ll be in a bar talking to a woman and the first thing she asks is “So what do you do?” And if I say I’m an actor, the next line will be “Tell me something else honey, everyone here is an actor”. (Laughs) Why has it always got to be about what you do or what you’ve got? It’s so bad out there women laugh at you on the street, literally. I went over there with my manager recently and we rented out an Impala. That’s a pretty nice car, so we thought we were the shit. But because it had the stock wheels and not rims we had girls in the street pointing and laughing. It makes you think maybe we are not that fickle in London, as if I was driving that in Peckham, people would be like “Raaa!” They wouldn’t care whether it had stock wheels or not.

Is the music career currently on the back-burner?
I’d love to say the next three months I am doing my music, but if a film comes out I’m gonna take it. But I think it may be about focusing on other people and I just signed two new acts to my label AD82 Productions.

The new street tune Excuse Me featuring You, Harvey and Romeo has been getting a lot of love, is there any plans for the three of you to release anything official?
Jimmy Iovine from Interscope came over to London not too long ago as he is setting up a British division of the label over here and he has just signed a UK version of the Pussycat Dolls. Harvey and his business partner had a meeting with regards to working together. Jimmy knew about me due to the 50 Cent movie, Get Rich Or Die Tryin', and he had also heard about So Solid Crew, so his thing was to try and bring it back to together in a certain way. But his focus has been about Harvey, Romeo and me and bringing us out as a group. So he may be signing us to Interscope. We have put some songs together and sent them out to Jimmy and now we are waiting to hear back.

EX-MIS-TEEQ STAR SABRINA TAKES IT TO THE TOP!

2008-03-26T10:45:00.000-07:00

I recently interviewed former Mis-Teeq lead singer Sabrina Washington about her solo career, which was quite insightful as we've only really heard from Alesha Dixon recently in terms of what the former Mis-Teeq girls are up to. But it seems like Sabrina is getting her own sh*t together, and I wish her all the luck in the world. You can check out her new music at www.myspace.com/sabrinawmusic. Here's the interview...

She was the lead singer of popular British girl group Mis-Teeq, but when the trio split four years ago after a successful seven years together, Sabrina Washington disappeared from the scene without a trace. In contrast fellow former member Alesha Dixon, 29, has stayed very much in the public eye, signing a solo deal with a major label, suffering a very public and humiliating break-up with former husband Harvey, when he cheated on her with singer Javine and winning last year's series of hit TV show Strictly Come Dancing. Third member Su-Elise Nash was also frequently pictured out and about at showbiz bashes and last year opened her own dance school. But what about Sabrina? Well The F Word can finally answer that question, as the 29-year old north west London beauty, always seen as the quiet one in the group, is finally ready to make her presence felt as a solo artist. A street single Take It To The Top, has already received favourable reviews on radio and this friday sees her support Beautiful Girls singer Sean Kingston on his UK tour. When I meet up with Sabrina in a west London Bar, she looks suitably stylish in a black and white PVC mac and slouchy beret. She is visibly excited at the next phase of her career and we speak on everything from 'being the black girl in the Mis-Teeq' to how she discovered her new sound.

So.. What have you been up to since we last saw you fronting Mis-Teeq?

Since the group split, I just took some time out to reflect and spend some time with my family and friends, as when you are on the road so much you feel like you've missed out. Then I did some travelling, again, although I travelled to loads of different places with the group we didn't really get to see the places we went to as we were always performing or inside a hotel. I spent a lot of time in Miami. I was there for about two years on and off and it was nice - sun, sea and sand and all that. So I was just generally soul searching and finding out what I wanted to do next. When you have been an entity for so long, it is sometimes hard to see yourself as an individual, because when it was the three of us I always had to compromise or balance, but when it was just me it was all down to me.

What's happening with the music?

I have just released Take It To The Top as a warm-up record for the streets. I will have an official single out by the middle of the year and you will start to see some videos around that time as well. Then the album will be coming out at the end of the year.
Take It To The Top has had a really good response so far. Regionally it's getting really great plays and it's the same in London. I've recently came in at number 30 in the Music Week charts, which was completely unexpected as it's just a street warmer and not a single. It's nice that people are discovering me again. My sound is a bit of r&b, a bit of pop and some ska and a bit of Motown. I'm trying to produce something timeless and not just throwaway.

How did you go about finding your new sound?

I wanted something that was mine, like a signature sound. I found myself listening to a lot of old music; my parents come from Jamaica so I listened to a lot of reggae growing up, so I come up with a sound that represents that. Producers I have worked with include Soundbwoy, who did the first single Take It To The Top and Pete Martin - he worked with SoulShock and Karlin (Mary J Blige), but I am trying to find some new people. I also supported Sean Kingston on his UK, so at the moment it is quite hectic.

How do you think the music industry is different to when Mis-Teeq were around?

I've been watching the industry over the last two years and I am concerned for urban music as I think that record companies as a whole are not trying to push that right now. It's not how it was a few years ago when Mis-Teeq, So Solid, Ms Dynamite and Craig David were around. Then there were so many of us out there at the same time, but now there is an inundation of bands and I think people want something new they want something can hum to, and I can't hum to anything that is out there at the moment.

Are you signed to a major label or an independent?

Well I can't say anything at the moment as I am still dotting the i's and crossing the t's, but it is going to be a great year and my album and videos will be out there before you know it. But it hasn't been easy, and one of the reasons for that is to put it bluntly: I was the black girl in the group (laughs), and what I mean by that is that I am of a darker-skinned tone. And I will never ever be light-skinned with long hair so what I am trying to do with my music is embrace what I know, and not try and do anything that doesn't come naturally to me.

Tell me more about being 'the black girl in the group'.

It is something that I have faced but it is something that I will not let hold me back and it hasn't, because whether you are light-skinned or dark-skinned ultimately it is the talent behind it that matters most. And I think once you embrace what you are about and your culture then other people will too.

Of course with you saying all that I have got to ask, in your opinion do you think Alesha appears to have gotten more breaks because of her skin tone and hair?

You know what? I can't knock anything that has happened to Alesha because we have spent a lot of time together and she is like a sister to me. But I guess people may say that she has had bigger breaks because of the way she looks. But she still works really hard behind the scenes. What people have to remember is that it is not black people as a whole who pit against each other, it is the people on the outside, like the record companies based on what they think is acceptable. The UK labels need to take a prototype from America where there are artists of every tone and colour.

There were a lot of conflicting stories about why Mis-Teeq split, was it amicable?

It was an amicable split. It's hard when you are on the road with two different girls, and we all have different temperaments, and we spend more time together than we do with our families and friends or even partners. Considering we were together for seven or eight years, it is a long time behind the scenes and then on the scene to spend with someone and our schedule was hectic. So it was a natural progression. Everyone had different interests and solo was always something I wanted to do from when I was younger so I was like 'Let me just take some time out.' I didn't want to rush things.

Do you guys still talk?

I think people want there to be beef but I spoke to Alesha and Su-Elise both last week. At the end of the day what we achieved as a girl group and a black girl group in the UK was amazing, and no one else can share that experience but us, so we have a big milestone that we have achieved together, so there will always be that respect between us.

Are you proud of the music you did with the group?

Yeah, I am. I think it captured a time, like we started off on the garage scene and then moved into r&b. There was a moment and movement at that particular time, so i am proud of what I did back then, but I am even prouder of what I am doing now.

In the group you were seen as the quiet one, was that a true representation of you?

It wasn't y' know (laughs). But I was very young at that time and it was all very daunting, and being the lead singer there was so much to concentrate on. So at times I would just be quiet, but that's not me now as I've grown artistically and personally. But I can be quite loud and you will see that a lot more this time round.

What did you make of the way Harvey and Alesha split up?

I wasn't around when it happened so I can't comment on that, but all I can say is that out of that situation they have both made good. They both seem happy where they are, so if they are happy who is anybody else to comment?

What's this I read on the Internet about you changing your name to Puma?

That is not true. I think that story came from an on-going project that I am doing with producer Salaam Remi Ms Dynamite, Amy Winehouse). It is a cartoon he is putting together of all the artists he's worked with for Nickelodeon.

When you were in the group, you were engaged, are you still with the guy you were engaged to?

No, we broke up.

Are you with anybody at the moment?

(Pauses and laughs) I'll just say that I am happy.

Which artists are you feeling at the moment?

I like Amy Winehouse. I think she is mad, but it is her madness that makes her so unique. I think Bugz In the Attic are really talented. Bashy; I like.