Monday, August 31, 2009
Trey's Day is HERE and He's READY!
They say the third time's the charm. And now this boy has become a man--sort of. After the success of his "Can't Help But Wait" off of the sophomore album "TREY DAY", Tremaine Neverson better known as Trey Songz to YOU, is back with his third album, "READY" on Atlantic Records, and I must say this is a record that everyone should own! He sticks to his formula of sex but doesn't stray too far away from love and heartbreak.
The album opens with the intro, and Trey lets it be known that this album is indeed a "panty droppa". Then the knock comes, hard with an R. Kelly-laced track titled "Neighbors Know My Name" one of my favorite tracks on the album. Trey proves that he might just be the one to take R's place in the R&B world. Newcomer Drake appears on two tracks, "I Invented Sex" & "Successful", respectively. The album only has a few uptempo cuts, including the first single, Stargate's "I NEED A GIRL" and "LOL :-)" featuring mediocre rappers Souljah Boy Tell Em and Gucci Mane. This is the only track the album could have done without but Trey quickly recovers and give you the "Ready to Make Love" interlude and "Jupiter Love", where he sings of taking you on an elevated trip, while still in the bedroom. "Be Where You Are" comes next, and it's one of my favorites off the album. Trey's syrupy sweet vocals ride over this beat so well and he actually makes you feel like you are there with him. "Black Roses" is a hard track produced by Bei Major where Trey tells us about a love that's now dead. He sends the girl a dozen black roses to let her know that it's over and done. "Love Lost" is another recommended track which has a melody that reminds me of Michael Jackson's "Human Nature". The album sadly but oh so perfectly ends with the Prince-inspired song "Yo Side Of The Bed" where Trey does it falsetto and shows his raw emotion like never before. This is an album I would have to give an A because it shows a side of Trey that I think a lot of us have been waiting for. The grown and sexy side. Get READY!
Christopher Nic. Fall 09 Collection
I see it for me, all day. What do you think? I need feedback people! The photographs are compliments of another DOPE blog, Street Etiquette - go show some love.
-Christopher Nic.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Whirlwind
This weekend has been great. These posts about facebook and some of my
thoughts on my past have opened up some new incredible vistas in my
brain and into my life.
I'm loving it.
I have to say I am overwhelmed, humbled and grateful to you guys who
read all my stuff and you guys that have known me since I was that
tall gifted embryo.
I'm starting to realize that I've just gotten the edge pieces of my
puzzle sorted out but I'm really excited about fitting in the center
pieces.
There's so much more to say but I've yet to process it all.
Smell Like a Kardashian
In Kim K's quest to take over the world, she has recently signed a deal with Lighthouse Beauty to develop her own signature scent. Here's what Kim had to say about her exciting new project.
Only thing that I'm wondering is does it make you plump in all the right places...if so I'll take 2!
Kidding kidding
-Doni W.
A Childhood Revisted
It can stir up memories of the last time you saw someone, when you really were good friends, why you weren't friends later, who you were when you knew people versus who you are now. That kind of stuff.
Someone recently found me that I've known since grade school. Since he felt compelled to tag me in photos that may (or may not) have a date stamped on them, I feel compelled to tell you I was a very smart child prodigy and was placed in an advanced honors class while I was still in the embryonic stage. I was very tall for an embryo.
Looking back at things, I think by 5th grade it may have been obvious I was gay. Most of my best friends were girls. We played with toy horses. I had opinions on fashion, "No! I can't wear that shirt, I've already been seen in it in a class photo!" While some took a wait and see attitude around me, others had already made up their minds.
There was a neighborhood friend I had whose dad told him he couldn't play with me any more because I had saltwater sandals. With perspective, what the hell did that dad know? He beat his children with his police belt and poured straight Tabasco sauce into their mouths if he thought they were lying. He was a very bad man. I only know what he said because that friend was honest and told me. We continued to secretly play together in the neighborhood a while longer, but I was never allowed to come over to his house again.
I'm pretty certain there were other disapproving parents, I got pieces of information but never full stories from friends as they became less available. Friends fell away when we moved from 5th grade to 6th grade and joined Middle School with kids from other grade schools. New cliques, new alliances, new outcasts to be made.
I was okay for a year or so. Gym class arrived with middle school along with communal showering. At both of these, I did not excel. And so began a nudge to the sidelines. I broke my arm halfway into the 6th grade and one of the hallway bullies attempted yet another smartass comment on me and I took my arm with the cast and knocked the wind out of him. Once he was on the floor I stood over him and told him I would kick him in the nuts and finish him off, unless he promised to leave me alone, forever. (Such high drama!) That ended the bullying.
By grade 8, I was skipping a lot of school. I had a lot of "stomach aches". If I knew then what I know now, I would have switched it up with a rotation of excuses, stomach aches, diarrhea, twisted ankles and migraines. Live and learn.
High school arrived and it was the same deal all over again, new cliques, new alliances, new outcasts to be made. I found a group of people I really liked and we did fine for ourselves. I still saw friends I'd had in grade school in the halls and they obviously saw me, (I'm not invisible!) but they became more of the "hey friends" variety. You know, the people you nod and and say "hey" to, then keep walking.
But there was always a nagging in the back of my head, what happened? Why aren't we friends anymore? What did I do? (notice how self centered I am? I, I, me, me, I never wondered about them.)
Finally, college came and then the real world of work and finding your own sense of self and community. I discovered that what made me "weird" all through school gave me entry into a fabulous world of other people just as "weird" as me. I stopped looking backwards and started looking forward.
And now, Facebook arrives. People I thought I would never see again start arriving in my inbox. (Lets face it, I had no plans to go to a class reunion until these plastic surgery scars have completely healed and are virtually undetectable) Since I have evolved, I'm giving them the benefit of the doubt that they have evolved. Time and again I am impressed. As one person just told me, "most of us have evolved as much as those who moved to LA or NY or Paris. We just have lower house payments and it only takes us 10 minutes to get to work." A very wise observation.
Yet it doesn't stop the flood of some amazing childhood memories both good and bad. Along with the return of that nagging question: Why did we stop being friends?
I own my part in this. After school ended, I left. I needed to go find myself without expectations. Growing up in a smaller city everyone seems to know your name. You learn that lesson the day you get a speeding ticket and your dad knows about it before you get home for dinner. So I left to become anonymous and create a new version of me. (Younger! Blonder! Just as Gay!)
I think I would have hated Facebook ten years ago when I wasn't so certain of who I was. Can you imagine being in high school now and having Facebook a part of your life forever. Never being able to fully separate from your past to create that new adult you? I think Facebook, like tattoos, should be prohibited until you over 30. I've got the tattoo. As for Facebook? BRING IT ON.
Tweet! Tweet!
Plus, what's all that nonsense with the "@" and "#" signs? Way too confusing. Better to get back to your freshly baked, hot-out-of-the-oven chocolate chip cookies and watch Oprah.
But, wait! Don't give up so fast! Twitter is so much more than random ampersand and number signs and what Joey's having for breakfast. It's more. It's oh, so much more! And you can still eat all the cookies you want. Remember, you're on the internet - no one can see you! (Well, except for the aliens, but that's a whole 'nother story...)
Want to connect with other writers? Want to get great tips from agents? Want to participate in chats regarding the publishing biz? Then get your lazy bum over to Twitterville and start tweeting! It's fun, easy, enlightening, surprising, and ever-changing. Go on. Dive in. The water's a perfect 85 degrees.
Just don't tell me what you ate for breakfast.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ehh. I'll Pass.
Am I the only one who doesn't see it for the cover of Vogue Italia with Rihanna. I mean, Rihanna has put a dent in the fashion world with her trends but this just isn't it. Much respect to Steven Klein, because he does amazing work...but this...I don't know. It just doesn't really tickle my fancy. The Valentino dress is delicious, and everything else is to die for. But the cover is not giving me life.
-Christopher Nic.
Gimme, Gimme!
Ok, for some reason I am starting to see it for Cassie. Is it weird that I feel like that top has moi all over it?! Lol...seriously, though.
-Christopher Nic.
R.I.P. Dj AM
Another Hollywood Angel has fallen. Adam Goldstein, aka Dj AM, could not cheat death the second time around. "Goldstein was found dead Friday evening at age 36 in his Manhattan apartment, where police found a crack pipe and prescription pills. He had been dealing with burn injuries received in the airplane crash and post-traumatic stress disorder he'd developed afterward" according to the Inquirer.
Dj AM worked hard at his battle with drugs and was in the works to filming an MTV Network special called "Gone Too Far". He kept all the celebs dancing, and shared his gift at the best clubs and parties. And I'm sure he will be dearly missed.Mimic Me!
-Christopher Nic.
GQ Cudi
In the August 2009 issue of GQ, Kid Cudi is featured in a special grooming spread dealing with different hairstyles that GQ dubbed “Get Your Head on Straight”.
Kid Cudi On His Ever Evolving Do:
“When I lived in Cleveland, I had a barber who was by appointment only. We’d just kick it in his shop - I’d play him some of my music, and we’d crack jokes and watch movies. In high school, I kept a Caesar for a while, I had a Mohawk, and I used to apply these texturizer kits so I could have the bomb S-curl. I used to think I was [singer] Carl Thomas. Now I’m letting my hair grow out a bit, and I have this guy called Lyte who cuts my hair twice a week. Since I’m letting it go longer, I just get a trim and a lineup. I don’t really get the full cut anymore. I’m embracing my grungy look.”
-Christopher Nic.
Look 4 Less
click here to purchase.
-Doni W.
Seeing Rouge
Friday, August 28, 2009
Would You Wear?
Would You Wear these distressed denim boots from Bakers Shoes? I'm gonna hold my piece and just see what you have to say. Leave a comment.
-Doni W.
The Past Is Haunting Us!
Well surprise surprise. Designers sent their breathing hangers down the runway in almost every style that had been banned a few years ago. And surprisingly....I liked it! The new play with proportions gives fashion feins that freshness that we all long for. Cropped jackets are offset by high waisted loose trousers and sky-high platforms. Or, you can now see spandex mini-dresses once worn by the supermodel crew (Naomi, Cindy, and Linda), paired with boyfriend blazers, and oxford flats. And somehow...it works!
Ad of the Week
I'm sorry but ALL of Gucci's fall ads make me wanna die(in the best possible way). So I couldn't do one without doing them all.
You Gotta Love Her...
Estelle Hosts Rachel's Fashion Night Out
Fashion's Night Out is planned to be a HUGE night in NYC, and designer Rachel Roy is making sure her pop-up shop doesn't get lost in the chaos. She's called on her personal friend Estelle to host the party, Lady Bunny is in charge of the sounds, and Keyshia Cole will be making an appearance. Talk about star studded shopping, I would've been happy just to see Rachel, lol.
September 10th is definitely not the night to sit in and watch a movie. Go out and SHOP!
-Doni W.
Members Only
During Fashion Week this September designer Phillip Lim will be teaming up with American Express to hold a card member only event in Bryant Park. The attendees will enjoy cocktails, an encore presentation of his show, and elbow rubs with the likes of Vogue's Andre Leon Talley and Bergdorf's Linda Fargo, along with expert commentary. Sounds like a very stylish night, click here to purchase tickets.
-Doni W.
Chris Brown's First Big Interview
Chris "Knock-Out" Brown was seen leaving the CNN studios 2 days ago, after doing his hour long interview with the one and only Larry King. Brown's mother and lawyer was by his side the whole time, and it has been said that Moma Brown got really emotional and shed a few tears. I can't help but think that this will be the most popular Larry King among the 16-25 crowd.
The whole issue is so touchy, and I can already feel myself tensing up if he doesn't show any sign of remorse or regret for what he did. And knowing Larry King, Chris is going to be forced to answer all the heavy and uncomfortable questions.
The highly anticipated interview can be seen September 2nd on CNN.
-Doni W.
Reunion comittee
More and more I find myself being found by people I went to school with via Facebook. I signed up for Facebook to be political. Last Fall after Prop 8 passed there were protests and massive rallies. All of them organized by someone on Facebook, you had to have an account to view the info, so I reluctantly signed away my life.
I got hooked and was surprised when I suddenly had 40 friends. FORTY! Wow, I would have told you I didn't even know forty people. Then along came someone I went to school with (yes, I went to school) and they friended me, and then their friends friended me and so on and so on...
I made it a policy to not seek people out from my past. I've moved, I've changed, I've evolved and though I love my life, some people from my past...? Uh, why stir shit up?
But people found me. I am very open about who I am. And if they didn't like it, well, you came looking for me so tough shit. (Oh my god, I just used the word shit twice. I never swear on this blog!) There are ways to partition your friends in Facebook where you can shield information from some people. Me and my life? Kind of an open book (you get that way with a blog) and I don't have that kind of energy to learn how to do all that stuff. You pick me as a Facebook friend, you get all of it, not just some of it.
People surprised me. "I see your status as Married. I'm gonna take a guess that Lyle's the lucky guy. Congratulations you look so happy!" came the opening of one email from someone I used to go to church with (that's right, I've been to church).
Then the class president from high school found me. Nice guy. Not someone I hung out with a ton in high school. But it was a small town and you sort of know everybody. So I said yes. Hey, he came looking for me. Turns out he went looking for EVERYBODY. Suddenly he is friending every single person we went to school with (and more) and I panicked. I un-friended him. There, I confessed it. I panicked that EVERYONE I went to school with would suddenly find me via him and I wanted them to have to work a little harder. (irrational I realize because I am already friends on Facebook with about 4 other people who were (are) friends with EVERYBODY.
Okay, so here's where I just plow into this and disclose it all. So he friended me again. Damn, busted! I thought, "600+ friends, how in the world did he notice I went missing?"
I decided on a new tactic. I would be an ass and the next time HE would unfriend me. Whenever he would post a status, I would look for some smartass thing to say. He posted a status that said, "Without putting a whole lot of time coming up with the 'most impressive' answer - What are you thankful for?"
"My beautiful daughter"
"family"
"That I am saved by GRACE (God's Riches At Christ's Expense!)"
"Everything God has given me"
"I'm going with: family"
"the love of my life, my husband."
I'm certain those people meant what they said. And not all the comments were all like that. But remember, I had decided to be an ass and try to get unfriended. So I sat down and had my fingers poised to type, "gay sex". Then I remembered that this friend is a teacher and has lots of students as his friends. And did I really want to be THAT big a jerk? Instead I wrote:
"Sale at Gucci."
Not a jerk response, but certainly taking the piss out of all those other "holier than thou" comments. I went to bed satisfied that I would get some form of "tsk, tsk" in the morning.
Instead I got a personal email from him, " 'Sale at Gucci' - LMFAO : )"
Well shit.
So I have had to accept that people I went to school with are not actually the people I went to school with. I've changed and it appears possible that they could change as well. But now that I know who is thin and who is fat, I've seen all your photos of all your children, I know where you work and I know who you are sleeping with, what in the world do we have to catch up on from a reunion?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Paris Hilton's Cleavage
"Paris Hilton's Cleavage" Late Late Show.
Craig discusses where Paris Paris meets guys how Craig likes cleavage.
Well yeah... Paris Hilton's full of herself because Paris Hilton's so attractive, and therefore also deserves everything she wants. Go Paris!
:)
Source: youtube
I'm Blown Away...
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
JoJo Fights Back!
Pop Artist JoJo is suing her record label, Da Family, to be released from her record contract. The 18-year-old singer is VERY desperate to leave the company, which she has been signed with since age 12. JoJo, real name Joanna Levesque, now wants a judge to force Da Family Entertainment to cut her loose — plus she wants at least $500,000 for her troubles.
I ain't mad at her! Get outta there boo! Lol
-Christopher Nic.
THEE Photoshoot
Diddy's #1 chick, Cassie has finally held her photoshoot with your daughters favorite clothing company, DimePiece Designs.
I knew the pics were going to be dope. I would've never expected this dope. Like I knew she was dope. But not this dope.
Basically, I'm trying to say that the shit is booomb. (You guys thought I was going to say dope, didn't you? Lol.)
-Christopher Nic.
Look Familiar?
...now think back to Destiny's Child, circa 1999-2000.
Enough said. Outfits and all.
-Christopher Nic.
Did You See???
Cassie and Raquel Zimmerman took the cake at the premiere of The September Issue. Raquel worked one of her best assets (her legs) and Cassie rocked the edgy look with hot pink nails, black jumpsuit, and killer platforms (werk!). They certainly did not disappoint, especially since this is one of the big fashion nights of the year.