New Web Series: The Couple “Exes and Texts” (Premiere)
Hope everyone had an enjoyable Valentine’s Day or just a happy Tuesday (For the lonely and bitter lol)
Shout out to Clutch Magazine for keeping me up to date with this new one!
Check out this new web series “The Couple” while on your coffee break and share your thoughts! I definitely yawned a lil bit when they got to the texting argument, however this is really today’s relationship drama.
Whitney Houston Dies at 48, Glee pays Tribute
We’ve all been mourning the loss of the greatest vocalist of all time, Whitney Houston who passed away Saturday February 12th shortly before the grammy’s. There are still speculations on the cause of her death and although substance abuse was very prevalent in her latest years I just don’t want to believe that she’s gone because of it. Although I was thankful, I was slightly fed up with the grammy’s and their lack of tribute to Whitney Houston so I’m so glad Glee came through with a performance from Amber singing “I Will Always Love You” … check it out!
R.I.P Whitney Houston 
Afro Chick’s Pick: Music Videos on my Radar
Hello all! I’ve been quite a stranger this month, however don’t get me wrong I’m still keep up with the latest and newest. Just haven’t had the time or strength to post every moment. Check out the videos I’ve spotted this week that I’ve been playing on repeat. Enjoy =)
Esperanza Spalding – Black Gold
Miguel – Adorn
M.I.A – Bad Girls
Kelly Rowland – Keep it Between Us
Jay-Z & Kanye West – Ni**as in Paris
Red Tails Review – I won’t be throwing Tomatoes…This Time
I almost found myself hesitant to see Red Tails, but that’s what reading mixed reviews, looking at comments, and having small debates before even seeing the film would do to you. This past weekend social media went on a marketing frenzy to support the all black cast Red Tails, which is a film about the Tuskegee airmen; first black elite flight corporation.
Those of you who don’t know, the Tuskegee airmen were black pilots that fought in World War II, and although Red Tails was based on true events, this film gave just a snippet of the segregation, trials and triumph they went through as pilots in the 1940′s. It was no history lesson but rather a classic war movie about courage, triumph, and fear. I didn’t come in expecting to learn something new about black history or critiquing whether or not the facts of the Tuskegee were accurate enough to my liking. However, I’m definitely going to give George Lucas of Lucasfilm all the credit for picking up this film when no one else would because we do need to keep all black films and actors in Hollywood whether it be George Lucas or even Tyler Perry.
I’m not the biggest fan of action movies, war or combat, but having Andrew McGruder (Creator of Boondocks) as one of the writers gave the screenplay a soft edge. I was on the tip of my seat during the battle scenes and I felt a since of pride after every victory of the red tails. One of the four main actors that stood out to me was Nate Parker “Easy”. He was the captain of the team and a also drunk. In one scene he was going to give up on leading the pack after injuring two of his airmen, but after Terrance Howard gave that cheesey “Never Give Up” speech he flew the Red Tails to victory. I got it but it could’ve been more.
Yeah, Lucas didn’t spend a lot of time perfecting the dogfight scenes or the sentimental moments, and sure he could’ve cropped out the love interest, and not to mention the dialogue was corny cough cough Ne-Yo , but I am happy I went to support the movie and the purpose of Red Tails for me was expected. I encourage everyone to go see it and help it’s box office sells, then you can be a movie critic later =)
Ludacris and Daughter Karma Launch Educational Website – KarmasWorld.com
Rapper/Actor Ludacris launches an educational website with his 3rd grade daughter Karma, creating her very own online platform to help make learning fun and exciting for kids her age. Karma’s World was her idea and with the help from her dad she was able create an exciting concept for grades K-6. I had a chance this morning to view a few of the games and capture the essence of learning. It’s kind of like Dora the Explorer, the black girl version, and with a cool soundtrack. Not only does it take you on an interactive journey, the site offers lesson plans for parents and teachers, sing-a-longs to learn fractions, ethical lessons, and the act of politeness.
I commend Ludacris on this business venture because it is necessary for young children to find learning fun, especially from on of your favorite rappers. You can’t stop them from being on the internet so you might as well give them some positive to do.
Check out Karmasworld.com and share it with your little ones!
Milk + Honey: Episode 2
Check out the second episode of scripted series “Milk + Honey” that captures the lives of four young women who are navigating their life in Hollywood. The imaginary playground scene with Eva Monroe was REAL ….After you watch it, I want you to answer this question for me – Why are you the “Ish”?
The Misadventures of AWKWARD Black Girl: Ep. 11 “The Exes”
Happy Friday Folks! I haven’t posted awhile on here but I have been following what’s been going on in the media so I thought I’d do a little Friday catch up just in case you were absent from your computer. Check out Episode 11 “The Exes” from the hilarious web series The Misadventures of AWKWARD Black girl. It’s getting pretty heated for J right now, talk about a love triangle!
Wale – Lotus Flower Bomb ft. Miguel (Video)
Check out the latest visual for Wale’s sensational “Lotus Flower Bomb” featuring one of America’s Next Top Model’s Bre Scullark. To be honest, I’m not at all impressed by this video and I am still upset they cut her hair off in the all star season but nonetheless, Wale always looks handsome!
Red Bull Academy – Erykah Badu talks Dilla, The Beginning, and Relationships (Interview)
Shout out to Red Bull Academy’s annual series for the full interview on Erykah Badu in Madrid 2011 where she gave the ultimate breakdown of her relationship with Dilla, the beginnings of her music, and what inspires her today. I’d like to say that she is one of my top ten favorite artists but somehow I learned a lot from the two hour interview (took me a couple days). Check it out!
Lecture: Erykah Badu (Madrid 2011) from Red Bull Music Academy on Vimeo.
(Just a side note, it was interesting how she said she always played the wifey in her relationships. All them kids girl…hmmm lol)
Black Girls Rock Solutes Youth in Community
After a long day of work, I tuned into BET for Black Girls Rock 2011 where I immediately turned my frown upside down. As I watched the second annual celebration of black women in business, politics, community service, and sports I couldn’t help but get a warm feeling of empowerment. A few of the most influential and powerful women graced the stage; Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Angel Davis, Shirley Cesar, and Tichina Arnold shouting out words of wisdom, reflection, and remembrance of why black girls rock. Although there were many honorees, the youth recognition to community service stood out the most to me.
The co-hosts Traci Ellis Ross and Regina King introduced a fashion model and DJ by the name of Mari Malek. She is the co-founder of Southern Sudan Initiatives, a charity catering to the lost boys and girls and overcoming the hardships of Sudan, Africa. By incorporating Healthcare, Agriculture, Business, clean water, and Education Southern Sudan Initiatives plans to rebuild the community, lives, and give hope to the people of Southern Sudan.
Not only did I find this recognition of community service empowering but it was the fact that Mari Malek is a young model with dreams and goals with one being her priority to give back. Ye, she is in the fashion industry and yes, she DJ’s in New York, but she also has made an effort and dedicated apart of herself to give back to her own community in Sudan. My only hope in life is to do what I love by making a difference in someone’s life. I love Black Girls Rock for giving us a platform and so it was only right for me to highlight what I liked best about the awards show tonight.
If you would like more info on Black Girls Rock Inc. and Mari Malek you may click the links below:
Tabi Bonney x Feeling More feat. Nicole Wray
I absolutely LOVE the natural ladies featured in this video! Check out “Feeling More” by Tabi Bonney feat. Nicole Wray!
Afro Chick’s Video Reel Thursday
Check out these hot new videos that’s been on my rotation this week. Beyonce, J. Cole, Jhene Aiko, Kindred the Family Soul, The Dream and Bay Area’s own Siariashawn keep me grooving on different levels. Enjoy!
Beyonce – Party feat. J. Cole
J. Cole – Lost Ones
Jhene Aiko – My Mine
Kindred The Family Soul – Sticking With You
Terius Nash (The Dream) – Ghetto feat. Big Sean
SiairaShawn – Prototype (Cover) Live at Marcus Book Store
SiairaShawn -”Prototype” (Outkast Cover) LIVE @ Marcus Books, San Francisco from siairashawn on Vimeo.
Web Series “Milk + Honey” episode 1
I know you’ve got the sneak peek earlier this year, so check out the full first episode of “Milk + Honey” which is a Web Series produced by a LA Based production company called Brown Paper Dolls. Executive produced by the sexy Idris Elba, the series is about 4 women living in LA trying to live their dreams while going through spiritual journey, relationship drama, and more. There are a lot of new pretty brown faces in this series as well as actors you may already be familiar with. *cough cough* Lance Gross and Debbie Allen! So as the tough internet critic that you are watch the first episode and tell us if it will be a hit or miss this season!
Beyonce – Love on Top (Video)
Check out Beyonce paying homage to New Edition with her new video for “Love on Top”. She’s been getting a lot of mixed reviews in the blogosphere about her remakes and tributes to different artists in her music videos. I think its okay, you gotta pay respect to who came first. Right?
. . . and If you ask me, she hides her baby bump so well. Groovin’ in her sneakers and all! Tell me what ya’ll think about this one!
Ledisi launches a “Stay Together” Video Contest for Fans
Hey all you social media, music lovers, and video pros this is for you! R&B sensation, Ledisi just launched her Youtube video contest for her upcoming video “Stay Together” featuring Jahiem. To further promote her debuted album Pieces of Me, she is giving two lucky fans the opportunity to enter to win the ultimate Ledisi Experience. It includes a trip to see Ledisi live, Round trip air fare for two, two night hotel stay, and VIP passes for her meet and greet.
All you have to do is create your own video of “Stay Together” and upload it to her youtube to channel to enter. I think this a great for both her audience to interact with her music and also a great way to continue her foundation through social media and as a recording artist. If you are feeling creative and would like to enter to win here are the details for you —> Click here
Need more inspiration? Check out her latest video for “So Into You” here and good luck!
Chris Turner – If You Want Me To Stay (Sly & The Family Stone Cover)
Happy Monday!
You may remember him from my post on the band ERIMAJ “Conflict of a Man” or even seen him sing on tour with Bilal, However I like to follow his musical journey so check out his cover for the classic Sly & The Stone “If You Want Me To Stay”. I absolutely love his voice and it sounds even more fresh when he slips in a little Musiq Soulchild “Just Friends” (one of my favorite songs) …Enjoy!
Justin Timberlake – Words I Say
I haven’t been the only one patiently waiting his return and maybe, just maybe he’s Baaaaaack! …. A new Justin Timberlake song “Words To Say” hits the internet and his pop fans are loving it. Take a listen for yourself!
TheSeKondElement – What Would You Be Like?
Check out new music from Journalist, poet, and emecee TheSeKondElement also known as KAMMZ theACE. Her song entitled, “What Would You Be Like?” derived from a tumblr post where he friend reference the popular book Eat. Pray. Love. Here’s an excerpt:
“Your problem is you don’t understand what that word means. People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that’s holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you’ll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then they leave. And thank God for it.”
Take a listen to “What Would You Be Like?” and share your thoughts in the comment box below!
For more on TheSeKondElement, her radio show and more music visit www.Team2e.com
New Embassador Musiq Soulchild debuts “Yes” to Susan G. Komen “Cure Circle of Promise” (Video)
Last week, R&B singer Musiq Soulchild was announced the newest embassador for the Susan G. Komen Foundation, Cure® Circle of Promise. The movement is designed to help black women from around the world fight breast cancer. Featured is his official video for “Yes” off his latest album MUSIQINTHEMAGIQ, where he tells a story about a man support his girlfriend as she fights breast cancer. If you have a soft heart like me you will literally shed a tear watching this video. I appreciate Musiq’s activism on fighting for breast cancer and all the outreach and support will definitely change lives.
For more information on Cure® Circle of Promise and how you get involved visit here.
T-Ran x So Damn Good (Video)
Check out the official music video to “So Damn Good” off T-Ran’s latest mixtape The Wonderful Experiment. You can download it here .
Afro Chick’s Pick: The Good Sin x Late (Album)
What do you get when you mix the Good and the Bad? A dope artist by the name of “The Good Sin”, who knows how to put life experiences, dreams, and his evolving career into great music. Born Kellen Herndon from Seattle, Washington, He began pursuing his career as an artist at the age of 18, where he’s created his debut “Read or Not” Mixtape, and his latest project “Late” which was released in February of this year. The production of this 9-Track album is very unique and shows the difference aspects hip hop. I was immediately drawn into the jazz, spoken word vibe making his lyrics clear and precise. It’s always refreshing to understand the artist’s direction and as I writer I could follow his theme. I had a chance to ask him a few questions so in his own words. . .
Late was me and my producer 10.4 Rog’s first all original project. We wanted to create a project that took a feeling and stretched it out thru all the other emotions that initial feeling had me going thru. Late was that feeling. In life people will always say you’re Late at this or that. But in all reality you are where you are at that moment because that’s where you’re suppose to be and that’s where God has you. The theme is basically about “doing you”. There will always be outside influences to the way we operate but in all that we’re still individuals who have to stand on our own within Gods time for us.
I grew up off of Scarface, Jay-z, Outkast, J Dilla, Eminem, Kanye, Vitamin D, Dj Premier, Nas, NottZ, Busta Rhymes. A lot of people. Bilal, Common, d’angelo, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu. There are too many to name. O yea. Tribe too.
Stay true to your story. Make what is relevant to you. Create your own lane. Follow your heart and don’t be driven by money but by your vision.
You can listen to the full length album here and if you like, download it on the link below =)
Oh, and here’s the visual for “Bad About You”
Sundays in the Redwoods: Chrisette Michele, Shiela E., The Whispers and More
It’s finally here. The kick off for the “Sundays in the Redwoods” Concert series in Oakland, California where people from all over the bay area gathered the Woodminster Amphitheater to celebrate different genres of music each weekend. Hosted by the Oakland’s office of Parks & Recreation, the community is given different series of concerts for the fall; World Music Day (Sept 18th), Soul Symphony (Sept. 25th, The Rythmn Section(Oct. 2nd), and Talking All That Jazz (Oct. 9th). The artists headlining the upcoming series will be recording artist Chrisette Michele, The Whispers, Shiela E, Silk E., Latoya London, The Oakland Symphony, and Dos Four. This year I plan to attend at least one of the series and report back to you guys! Get your tickets now because it is sure to sell out FAST!
Tickets are a $10 general adminssion $125 VIP tables, Gates open at 1 pm and starts at 2pm every Sunday.
You can get them online as well as view the program guide for future reference http://www.sundaysintheredwoods.com/
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