Gone

Michael Jackson is gone but not forgotten. Yesterday the world lost one of it's most famous and talented geniuses. The feeling that I think most people are feeling is numbness. I think that the shock is slowly wearing off but now I am just filled with complete sadness. But also relief for him and his family. Many people will try to point out all the bad and negative but I will not. We know what we did to help him sink further into his reclusiveness. People fail to realize that he was human just like the rest of us.

Michael was (feels very weird referring to him in the past tense) the ultimate performer. His moves and sound can be found in artists that are coming up today. His music had no genre. He was universal. No other did it like him and I don't think that anyone can achieve that level of success. There may be some contenders but MJ definitely is on the higher echelon of superstardom.

At this time I am super emotional, but I had to come off my hiatus to post on the King of all Music, Mr. Michael Jackson. He will be missed deeply. I could only imagine how his family must be feeling and I hope that they can put all of the negative behind them and come together for Michael and let him Rest in Peace. People joke that we lost him years ago and that might be true, but why is it so hard for the world to accept that now he really is gone...

Thanks for reading.

The Michael Jackson Youtube train
http://www.youtube.com/user/michaeljackson?blend=1&ob=4



King of Pop

I Trust You

Over this week, I've been really reflective. As the days get shorter and time goes by faster, I think about what I've done or what needs to be done in my life. One thing that remains a constant in my thoughts is how short life is. I have to remind myself of this daily because at times I get stressed out when things don't work out in my favor but as I get older and more spiritual I understand that G*D would not give me more than I can handle.

The inspiration for this blog comes from a gospel song by James Fortune and Fiya. I only hear it on the radio during middays. When I hear a GOOD gospel song it brings a tear to my eye. This is for ALL the people that are struggling and find it hard to deal with everyday troubles. Just trust in the lord (or whoever/whatever you believe in).

James Fotune and Fiya - I Trust You



***I'm not ultra religious but I can accept that there is a being somewhere looking out for us.

ENJOY

Thanks for reading.

DIVA DIVA DIVA

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies...

You are welcomed to the 4th Diva Lounge Event being hosted by Sirius' own Shayna D and myself Miss Cocoa Luv. This event is women that are doing major or even minor things in the "industry" and beyond. The turnout has been quite successful and VERY positive. No catty behavior, just young urban (city) professional women who seek to network with other fab divas.

It goes down TONIGHT at Nightingales in the LES
12th st and 2nd ave from 7-9 pm.

Music by the one and only DJ Profile

Hope to see you there.

Beyonce - Diva.mp3 -

Happy Mama's Day

A two for one: A Story and a Review

First, I just want to say that my mom is the BEST!!! She raised me right and is very well the funniest person that I know. Yes we have our issues but that's what happens when you are two VERY opinionated and strong willed women. I'm grateful to have her in my life and no matter what she's always been my rock. But here is one of the REAL reasons why she is the best.

On Sunday, I was knocked out, comatose and my phone rings. At first I looked at the phone and almost ignored it but then figured I'd answer because if I didn't, she would keep calling me back. I picked up the phone with my "special" just woke up and have no idea what day it is voice and said "Yea." She says "Well, I got the tickets for Beyonce." I said "What????" I practically rolled out the bed. I was ECSTATIC! The funny thing is, I might be a fan, but I have NEVER seen here perform LIVE. So when I found out that tickets for her MSG June 21-22 shows were going on sale soon, I immediately contacted all the folks that I knew that could possibly get me a hook up for the show. I almost opted not to go because her tickets were HIGH but then the best mommy in the world called with the BEST news ever. I can't stop cheesing...


So this brings me to the mother's day special review and special event for those women or men that want to take their mom's some place cool over the weekend.


This Saturday at the Carol's Daughter Heritage Store located at 1 South Elliot place, join the founder of Carol's Daughter, Lisa Price as she discusses her favorite things about mothers day and some special Mother's Day gifts.

One gift set that I absolutely love is the Pearl Gift Set. The scent is unlike the others in that its very smooth and subtle with rich blends of vanilla and caramel (my favs). The set includes a body creme as well as an eau de toilette . I already know that my mom likes it so this would be a good gift and make my job easy (she's HARD to shop for, I usually give her money lol - besides I already purchased her gift). I recommend this to you because it won't disappoint. The fragrance isn't too heavy which is why I like it. I am more of a body spray - light fragrance girl. The best thing about CD fragrance is that they are not heavy and you won't feel choked up. A lot of times I find that perfumes have too much alcohol and can lead to headaches.

I have been stanning for Carol's Daughter for quite some time now and I have yet to have an issue, only that she needs to bring back the Amaretto Truffle Oil. If you think that people will want to eat you after Ocean, WHEW. I can't even talk about it because it makes me sad to think that I didn't stock up on that oil when I had the chance. But I digress, if you go to the Carol's Daughter website, you will find more products for the women that taught you everything she knows (even if she wasn't there she still taught you something...message!).

With that said, I just want to say thanks to all the women that have made a difference in my life. They have definitely shaped me to be the woman that I am today. Though I am still learning and growing, I am grateful for what I have learned thus far. On that note, thanks so much for reading and make sure you let your moms know that you love and appreciate her. Because you know they are VERY sensitive lol.

A little something extra
The Intruders - I'll Always Love My Mama

Madcon - A Review

Last night I had the pleasure of sitting with the lovely ladies of Lip Service. Always a good time when I pay a visit. Shout out to my brotha from anotha motha, S. Malcolm for the invite.


Madcon - Who is that? What is that? Better yet, WHO are THEY?

Tshawe Baqwa and Yosef Wolde-Mariam are Madcon, a rap duo from Norway. When they walked in the studio, I was surprised to find out that they were of color. It's not everyday you hear about Black people living in Norway. I suppose it's my American ignorance that wouldn't allow me to think otherwise, even though I should have known, because WE are EVERYWHERE. The funny thing is they joked about the racial disparities by saying there were two other blacks in the country. At first I had some reservations about them because I am a known music snob (aside from me randomly liking Stanky Legg when it comes on the radio, smh). The good thing is I know that I'm not the only snob out there. Most Americans are snobbish, especially the so called Hip-Hop "purists". It would be safe to say that very few international Hip-Hop artists have a hard time coming to the states and making it big. Sometimes the crossover appeal isn't there nor is the strong cosign, a la John Legend and Kanye West for Estelle. No, she's not technically a Hip-Hop artist, but the co-sign definitely helped her to make a name for herself.

It's pretty hard to come to the US with a different Hip-Hop sound. This might be because we don't easily accept change. We have become accustomed to hearing the same formulas over and over, but I think that an international artist would add something interesting to the pot. What some people tend to forget is that Hip-Hop is more than music. It's a culture that spreads worldwide and is more than rapping about whips, chicks and "bling"(descending soapbox now).

Though I might be a snob, I give artists a fair listen. Even if it's for 30 seconds I check it out (30 may be too much for the trash that's out there). I can say affirmatively that they are not trash...so far. The song that I heard was "Beggin;" a nice blend of DooWop, Hip-Hop and Soul. What can I say? I'm a sucker for a good old-school vibe.


From their website...
"Madcons musical style is a retro-urban-mix with influences from funk, soul and hip hop (with additional elements and vibes from reggae, latin and african in the finished product). Yosef & Tshawe blend singing and rapping in a unique and harmonious way."


I might not be the "official" cosign, but I know what's good and I think that they have something. We are here to learn from different people and cultures and I'm sure that two African by birth, Norwegians have a very interesting story to tell.

Check out their video for Beggin below.

Ocean Makes People Want to Eat You

A Review

Over the next couple of days, I am going to do reviews for one of my favorite beauty products on the market, Carol's Daughter. I was introduced a little while ago and have been a fan ever since. If you are looking for natural skin and beauty care, Carol's Daughter is the brand for you. Backed by celebrity investors such as Will and Jada Smith, Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z, she is surely becoming a household name. I am proud of this fact because she got her start in her kitchen in Brooklyn. I'm sure that when she began she had no idea where it would take her, but she is a proof that if you build it, they will come. The new found celebrity is just the icing for Lisa Price.

I'm sure that you read the title and was baffled and not sure what I was getting at, but let me just say this, once you take notice to the power of the of the Ocean, you will be HOOKED.

Although my favorite scent in Lisa's product line is Almond Cookie, I must say that Ocean Body Butter is the best hands down if you are looking to purchase one of her butters. If you like fresh and clean scents this is the winner for you. In addition, if your skin is dry like mine, any of the body butters are great. The website will give you information on how and where to buy and I will tell you exactly what each of these scents smell like to me.

Breakdown of Scents
Ocean - Fresh and clean scent. Not too strong but a sexy scent for the spring and summer months. I like to put it on when I am feeling extra sexy. A little rub on the legs in the summer will make your legs glisten.

Almond Cookie - No you won't smell like cookies but instead you will smothered in the warmth of almonds and vanilla. This is my everyday scent. I layer the souffle or butter with the Eau De Toilette. It makes me feel incredible.

Groove - This is a great scent for more mature noses. It has a hint of musk, vanilla and coconut. For ladies that want to get their groove back :)

Ecstasy - Sweet, not one of my favorites but it is a best seller. It's a little more fruity then the others. Reminds me of a strawberry/pineapple icy on a hot summer's day.

Jamaican Punch - Another best seller. Great for those that love tropical scents. A little too strong for me, but it hits you with a fruity earthy scent, it has notes of ylang ylang, apple, and sugar cane.

Mango Melange
- If you like mango this one might be right up your alley. It's sweet but not overpowering. For decoration there is actually a piece of mango, I wouldn't recommend eating it though lol...I know someone that tasted it, and no it wasn't me.

Sweethoneydipchocolatebrownsugah - That's a mouthful. I remember one day I woke up and said to someone, "I am chocolate, wouldn't it be cool if I smelled like chocolate?" Then I discovered it. This stuff right here, is the business. When it was first introduced it was in a small, I believe 2 oz can, now it's in a full 8 oz. Combine this with the Almond Cookie Eau De Toilette and the men will definitely take notice. TRUST ME. Put a little butter on the girls and you are set :).

I know that the title might seem that I am exaggerating, but I would not even write about it if it weren't the truth.

For more information you can check out the website, www.carolsdaughter.com
If you want to see, smell and ask questions, I'd recommend going to the store and checking out the products for yourself.

You can check out the Legacy store in Brooklyn which is on S. Eliot across from Fort Greene Park or check out the Flagship store in Harlem located on 125th between 5th and Malcolm X BLVD (Lenox Ave).

Please see below for footage of Lisa Price and Mary J. Blige on the Today Show.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Once again thanks for checking me out.

MISS I THINK HE'S GAY

Miss I Think He’s Gay

I'm not sure if any of you watch the show Tough Love, but I have been watching since the very first episode. I started to watch because I thought that I might be missing something in my dealings with the menfolk. It's no secret that I'm single. There are reasons behind that singledom that I am slowly but surely coming to terms with. I've written in the past about dudes that I've dealt with, some good, others, not so good. All in all they've left an impression on me and I am definitely one for taking my mistakes and turning them into powerful lessons.

The women on the show have names that the coach has classified them as, you have Miss Bridezilla, Miss Gold Digger, Miss Fatal Attraction, just to name a few. The names are pretty much self-explanatory so I won’t delve too much into them. I mention their names only because I wonder what my name would be if I were on the show. It could be Miss Too Picky, especially if someone were to read my blog about my list of turn offs. It’s not a crime to know what I want and what I don’t want, but that’s not what this blog is about.

Before I go on, I just want to say that I have many male gay friends and they are truly near and dear to my heart. They are confident with their sexuality and who am I to judge? To each his own, that’s my philosophy. My problem lies with the men that are closeted homosexuals and are carrying on relationships with women knowing that they have urges to sleep with men. I understand that there are stigmas out there and it is extremely hard to be a Black man in society, let alone a gay Black man. But it is 2009, time to come clean. I’m not sure if the DL is strictly a black thing, but the way I see it, it’s mostly prevalent within our culture. I can’t speak on other races either because I am just a voyeur into their world.

After reading my boy’s blog over at NWSO and checking out Says The Single Girl. I decided to finally post the blog that has been sitting in my BB for months. NWSO’s blog struck a little cord with me because I might be one of those Black women that think that a lot of men are gay. I don’t claim to have the best “gaydar” but I can pretty much tell within minutes whether a guy has a little more tang than most. There are some guys that try to pull the trickery with the thugged-outness, but they can only pull the wool over my eyes for so long. When I was a teen I read all of E. Lynn Harris’ books and James E. Hardy books on the homo-thug population. Those aren’t the bibles, but they did help me to have a keener sense. There was also a time in my life when I would go to a couple of the gay clubs in NYC (if you’ve never been, go, it’s fun, only on the gay men nights though -torture but fun nonetheless). I definitely saw Craig and 'nem in the club posted up. Don't sleep.

As of late it has become a running joke. I spot a guy and claim him gay. No it’s not the “obvious” ones. It’s the ones that need that closer look. For one, I don’t like pretty boys or extra trendy metrosexual guys. That’s cool for some but give me a dude in a white tee and a fitted or a nice fitting suit any day. I don’t need my man to be fly and flashy. And don’t shoot me for this, but a little Harlem/BK swag never hurt anyone (yup I said it). I like my men a little rough around the edges. I realized this when I was in BK over the weekend. Of all the fine guys that were hipsterish or fly in their own way, I spotted the random dude with the grey thermal, jeans and Yankee fitted. Dude was fine (smh at my shyness right now).

But I digress, coming full circle now…I know that if I were to go on that show, Steve Ward would name my behind Miss Every Man is Not Gay. I have been working on not thinking this but I feel like gay is the new black. I know that it’s not just me so fellow readers what do you think? Are more men getting in touch with their extra femme side which is making them appear gay or are more and more men sinking deeper into the closet?

Once again thanks so much for reading, I appreciate ya and tell a friend. Definitely check out the video on Says The Single Girl's blog (link is above). I probably won't be the same again lol.