Friday Jam: Kalae All Day x The Sun, The Moon & the Stars EP

I’m always looking for music to put on my Friday workout mix, and what good way to bring in the weekend with “The sun, The Moon, & The Stars”.  Harlem Native, Kalae is a songwriter/emecee/singer and what is said to be a “vandal”.  Apparently I’ve been missing out, because she’s been on the New York scenes for a couple years now opening for artists like Talib Kweli, CL Smooth, Pharoahe Monch, and Dead Prez.  Kalae All Day released her first project entitled “AFROMATIKNEOHHIPPEROCK*SOLEMUSIK*”  which was produced by Princess Superstar. Her first single, “O.G.LYRIKALBOOKBAGGER feat. Homeboy Sandman” hit the blog scene with a music video that was scene worldwide.  I love the angles and the bright colors and of course her afro!

Kalae All Day recently released her EP  this past April, The Sun, The Moon & the Stars and can you say AWESOME?!  All five songs represent an underlying theme of the galaxy.  Her diversity as an artist makes her stand out because she is able to sing and rap, quite like the skills of the legendary Lauryn Hill.  I notice that her strengths in creativity are well expressed through all of her music but as a newcomer to her craft, it gives me refreshing appreciation for music and production on this EP.  Her song “Eclipse” eludes a very jazzy, afro beat feel, where as “Sun & Moon” bring the pure hip hop.  An opening statement I’d like to call it, but Kalae All Day is definitely a breathe of fresh air from the typical hip hop scene right now.

Enjoy your weekend 🙂

Revisited: Almond & Shea Butter Shampoo/Conditioner

It’s only been a few days since my first wash with the Suave Professionals new shampoo and conditioner, Almond and Shea Butter. You guys have been asking so I’ve decided to give you the update a little earlier.  Let’s get down to the nitty gritty. . .

Almond and Shea Butter Moisturizing Shampoo (retail price $2.99)

Suave’s Claim: This moisturizing shampo is infused with 100% natural almond & shea butter, which are known for their rich emolients.  It replenishes as it cleanses leaving your hair well-nourished & beautiful.

My Results:  I’m so glad it comes in a big bottle, because I love to apply a very generous amount on my hair just to make sure that it works. This was my first time using Suave on my natural hair and I like how it builds a good lather and washes my hair clean.  Not to mention, I still smell the freshness of the almond and shea butter that they advertise to make wonders.

Suggestions:  I don’t recommend you use these products if you are doing a blow out or adding heat to your hair.  I wore my hair for three days in a blow out where I did roll/tuck style and it was very dry.  I don’t like having to add extra moisturizing creams that go against my daily spray.  Although it’s only been a few days, the only great things I like about it was the price and the smell.  Next time, I will do a deep conditioner with Free Your Mane’s conditioning mask to ensure a protection when I apply heat to my hair.

If you bought this Shampoo and Conditioner, I’d like to know your results so do share 🙂

Time to pop my “Suave” Cherry: Almond & Shea Butter Shampoo/Conditioner

I know I know! It’s been awhile since I’ve done a hair product review, so since I have an interview this weekend and I have to look fly, I’ve decided to wash my hair this weekend using Suave products.  It will be my first time trying it, I picked up the 2 for 1 pack of Suave Professionals Almond and Shea Butter Shampoo and Conditioner for a ridiculous cheap price of $3.99 from target so you KNOW I have to give it a shot. I’ve seen a lot of great reviews about it but if my hair falls out you guys are my witness. . . . . . .



Check back next week for the full review!

Afro Chic’s Friday Jam: Netta Brielle x In$an3

Check out “In$an3” by Netta Brielle. This Bay Area bred has been on my radar for awhile thanks to Rawe Mag for putting me on last summer when I returned home.  Ladies, add this one to your playlist cause it’s a perfect kick-off to summer, (although it looks ugly outside and I’m fighting a horrible cold) it really got my Friday going. Give it a listen!

Kev Choice x Are You Impressed (Video)

Check out the visual for the second single “Are You Impressed” by Oakland’s own Kevin Choice.  I’ve seen him and his perform a few times and have become an instant fan. He’s a talented artist who creates great music that any one can vibe to.  A few months back I featured The Power of Choice, his latest work which is like a breathe of fresh air when it comes up on my itunes.  Produced by Aagee and directed by Samm Styles and Brian Storm with smooth background vocals from J Myers.  Lot’s of Bay Area love!

Make sure you follow him on twitter because he might be in a city near you 🙂

shout out to 38thNotes.com for bringing this to my attention!

Jill Scott x So In Love ft. Anthony Hamilton (Video)

Check out Jill Scott’s latest video for “So In love” featuring Anthony Hamilton.  This song is the first single off her upcoming album Light of the Sun which I’m dying to get a copy of so my life will be complete.  This duo is so sweet and romantic, makes wish I could fall in love. Jill Scott looking amazing as always and I’m starting to think she’s my celebrity twin (Don’t judge me) lol. . .

Erkyah Badu x Out My Mind Just in Time (Visual)

Creative Control does it again.  Check out the visual for one of my favorite songs “Out of My Mind Just in Time” by Erkyah Badu.  I love the simplicity of the video, because they lyrics and concept are FAR from it. I think I will go do some twirling and dancing in my room now. . .tooshaay. lol

OUT MY MIND JUST IN TIME from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Blogger Afrobella creates MAC lip glass

Congratulations to one of my favorite bloggers, Afrobella, for being selected in the MAC Cosmetics “Bloggers Obsession” Collection.  I absolutely love her lip glass creation called “All of My Purple Life” (purple is my favorite color). Check out Afrobella’s exclusive and behind the scenes HERE.


Documenatry: Dark Girls (Preview)

Check out this preview for a documentary called “Dark Girls”.  Black women have been fighting this issue since slavery and it always makes me wonder when we ever get over this self hate.  I appreciate my upbringing and the value of the color of my skin and I always make sure to educate other girls fighting their racial complexion.  I could really go on and on about how I feel about the intra-racial discrimination and the bias and issues we have in the black culture but I’m sure just by watching these clips you will get a good sense of what this documentary is trying to portray. After watching, please feel free to share your thoughts and feelings in the comment box.

Look out for “Dark Girls” to be released this fall/winter of 2011.

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.
Directed by Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry
Produced by Bill Duke for Duke Media
and D. Channsin Berry for Urban Winter Entertainment
Co-Produced by Bradinn French
Line Produced by Cheryl L. Bedford
Edited by Bradinn French