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.

Blast Off!

First off, thanks to everyone that showed love and commented on the LAME blog. Apparently, I'm not the only one that felt that dude is just CORNY. What makes dude so corny is the fact that he tries to make him self seem so good and noble, but when reality he is just lame. Maybe if we would have met him in his sober state we could have seen if he was in fact a decent man trying to stay on the good foot, but unfortunately for him, his ass wanted to drink and be disrespectful. TSK! TSK! TSK!

Goes to show you NEVER know who is doing what in their lives. He tried to play us and give us the groupie girl treatment. He has no idea. I'm actually pretty tickled by it. And no I am not the end all and be all and I typically steer away from unnecessary drama, but I also like to do stuff for shits and giggles and this was right up my alley. Especially since this all happened in my presence.


This past Saturday my peeps over at VIP Saturdays had Pierre, Christian and Landon (a seemingly good and humble dude) on the show. You can check the audio below as Pierre was put in the hot seat. Pay special attention to when he's asked about sexing co-workers. Brotha please is all that I have to say. Shouts to Stylez for posting the audio and to the rest of the crew, DJ Self, Shayna D, Jules, and Kimmie



BLAST OFF!

V.I.P SATURDAYS W/ DJ SELF - KIMMI CUP CAKES CORNER

Once again thanks for the love. And tell a friend.

LAME!

Photocredit FlyStyleLife


*Disclaimer: I don't usually bash people on the mean innanets, but I couldn't resist. I won't go too hard, so don't get your bloomers in a bunch. And forgive me for the length of this blog.

Last night me and one of my besties went out. Started out at Hiro and realized that it was a tang fest so we bounced. Since the night was still young we decided to head over to Cafeteria. *sidebar: This place has the bomb waffle banana split...

While we were wrapping things up with our meal, I noticed that Christian from Harlem Heights was there. It's no secret that I think he's a cutie. I saw him last week at another spot and I was smitten, but I digress. When we were done, I told my homegirl that we needed to get on the move. Come to find out he was with another associate of ours and the other cute guy Pierre. *sidebar: I thought that Pierre was cute too until I saw Christian... This is where things get hilarious to my friend and I. Let me start by saying that we are FAR from being groupie type girls. But cute is cute. If it was some other cute dude, I probably would have said the same damn thing (I'm single, don't judge me lol). The slight bit of fame that these guys think they have isn't impressive and clearly has gone STRAIGHT to their heads (Christian not so much, he's a typical NY/Harlem dude). At first, I didn't mind sitting with them and seeing what these guys were about. First off, Pierre was drunk and Christian was just chill, slightly standoffish but that's coming from a Cancer who walks away from conversations if I lose interest. I am a perceptive person and I can pretty much size someone up within the first five minutes. I'm not the friendliest person so if I don't know you I don't talk to you. The only thing with this situation is we were sitting at the same table so I couldn't be that rude... (GETTING TO THE MEAT...)

So while I am sitting there taking it all in, I noticed that the seemingly "sweet," mature and "noble" Pierre is actually pretty friggin' pompous. On the show, his character seems kind of genuine and wants to help people to get out of tough situations. I thought that was a good quality, especially in a young Black man. What I saw last night did not indicate how he portrays himself on the program. I watch this show every week against my better Harlem judgment. There was one episode when he went out with Brooke (Ye's ex) and I thought that she clowned him without merit. Of course with good editing it made her look like a bad guy because she basically clowned him. He was slightly corny but I thought it was cute. She went on to say that he's one of those guys that would talk a lot about himself to make himself look good, but once again that wasn't shown. Last night, in a matter of five minutes (no lie), I sized him up to be a pompous asshole that puts on a facade to make him look better to others. Alcohol is a helluva drug and I believe that is when people's true personalities come out. He gave a toast to "stardom." There were some other girls at the table and he was squeezing one of their legs. He even tried to do that to my homegirl, but since we aren't into all of that she shut that down.

While I was conversing with Christian to just pick his brain about his experience, what's next, his current job and his true Harlemness; I notice that Pierre is just talking and talking about nothing. I wanted to ask him about his organization that he is working with and if this new found "fame" was helping his cause but after my five minutes of sizing his jerky ass up I realized that it wasn't even worth it. You can usually tell a lot about someone if you knew how they grew up. I determined that he was overcompensating for something. We probably grew up the same way, only thing is I grew up in Harlem and he in Trenton, NJ. He seems like he is just now coming to terms with it. I wouldn't even be surprised if he lied about how he grew up when he was in college. But he might have also been braggadocious about his growing up just to say "look at where I came from", which wouldn't be so bad if he wasn't so damn boastful. There is nothing worse than a good looking guy who is an asshole. That just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Christian on the other hand is chill, he's a Pisces and Cancers get a long with them best. Pierre is a Leo (run for the hills). When we found out his sign, it just confirmed my analysis. Here is where things could have gotten ugly. He had the AUDACITY to ask my homegirl if he could "Have sex with her in the bathroom " (he actually used the F word) after she asked if he was going to come through to her radio show. That put the nail in the coffin. How dare he even have the balls to say something like that? I understand that some girls would giggle and smile and agree to that but he picked the wrong one. I mean really, you are on a reality show on BET. FOH!

In addition when they were done eating and the check was left, our associate took out her wallet and proceeded to pay for the whole thing. HALT! Are you kidding me? You have all this pompous pseudo celebrity and you are going to let a chick pay for you and your boy's meal? FOH. We had to tell her to put her portion out and let these dudes pay for their own ish. Pierre would have let her too, if sense wasn't spoken to her.

All in all that experience was Hilarious. I've met celebrities that weren't nearly as jerky as this dude was. I treat them all like regular people. The significant difference is they have a little money (or a lot) and they are on TV. These guys were no exception especially since they weren't nearly close to stardom and still struggling. Yes, they have a little bit of a fan base and girls flocking to them but once this show is over, they will not be remembered.

When we were gathering our belongings, we overheard them talking about going to a party and that they were going to have tables and bottles so before we left, my home girl said out loud, "We should go to Body and pop some bottles." This is what Brooke said to Briana and I thought that was the dumbest thing I ever heard. SMH. After it was said Pierre and Christian turned around and said "What?" She said it again and needless to say they were displeased. And that was it, we left with no words and didn't even chuck a deuce at them.

That's all folks.

Sorry it was long, but definitely check out the LIVE version this Saturday on VIP Saturdays on Sirius/XM Shade 45 from 10-1 am

Also check it out in two weeks on The Cocoa Luv Chronicles airing from 7-8 on WBMB 87.9 FM


Besos

I'm A DIVA

Ladies, Ladies, Ladies...

You are welcomed to the 3rd Diva Lounge Event being hosted by Sirius' own Shayna D and myself Miss Cocoa Luv. This event is for the woman who is doing major or even minor things 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 TOMORROW 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.


P.S. The date of the event is Wednesday April 8, 2009.

Beyonce - Diva.mp3 -