A Diva State of Mind

You’re invited to join BET and DC blogger Naseya Minor of TheSeventhDistrict.com for the Being Mary Jane Holiday Glam Nail Salon on Friday, December 27th at The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City. This event is free and open to all. Attendees will enjoy complimentary manicures, beauty products and more!

If you’re not in DC, no worries! The Holiday Glam Nail Salon presented by Revlon will be traveling to New York, Atlanta, Miami and Houston. Click here for upcoming tour dates.

After premiering earlier this year, Being Mary Jane starring Gabrielle Union returns to BET on January 7th! Can’t wait!

Yesterday during the BET Awards Pre-Show, Ciara debuted her new video “I’m Out” featuring Nicki Minaj.  It’s a dance track I’m sure ladies are going to love this summer.

Check it out!

In Tuesday night’s episode of Reed Between The Lines, the Reed’s daughter Kaci had a strong desire to change her hairstyle to impress a boy.  Like her mother, Dr. Carla Reed (played by Traci Ellis Ross), Kaci has beautiful natural hair that she wears in curls. She was required to straighten her hair for a play and once it was straight, she mistakenly believed that her straight hair was the only reason the boy she had a crush on started paying her any attention.

Dr. Carla Reed was definitely upset with her daughter’s desire to change her hair. Once you go to the creamy crack, your hair is never the same.  And I am saying this as someone who gets a relaxer every few months.  Natural hair is fabulous!

For decades, there has been a social stigma that natural curly hair is less beautiful than straight hair.  There is also an idea that a curly style represents a certain lifestyle that straight, relaxed hair does not.

I loved this episode because it shed light on a bigger issue than natural hair vs. relaxed hair. It reminded all of us about the importance of self acceptance.  Society has tried to convince us through various forms of entertainment that looking a certain way is right (long straight hair combined with a certain body type).  It’s important as women, that we don’t let what we see in media and hair stereotypes influence what we think about ourselves or the decisions we make in terms of our looks. Women should not feel as though they need to change their hair or any other physical attribute in order to please someone.  Your hair is the way it is for a reason;  you are the way you are for a reason.  Far too often we are so concerned with what others think and we get lost trying to make an impression instead of being comfortable in our own skin.

Thursday, August 25, 2011 marks the 10 year anniversary of Aaliyah Dana Haughton’s tragic death.  BET will pay tribute to the talented R&B star with a tribute entitled Aaliyah: One In A Million.  The one hour special will highlight her life and career with intimate conversations with family and close friends and feature never before seen behind-the-scenes footage.

The special will include interviews with Missy Elliott, Timbaland, Ginuwine, Damon Dash, Swizz Beatz, Lala Anthony, and Patti LaBelle.

“With ‘Aaliyah: One In A Million,’ we celebrate her life, her music and what she meant to so many,” BET’s President of Music Programming and Specials Stephen Hill said in a statement. “Aaliyah was a beautiful angel and we’re so glad that we were able to assemble her friends and loved ones for this unique special.”

I, like so many other fans, were devastated when I heard about Aaliyah’s death. She was only 22 years old.  She had a beautiful voice, was an excellent dancer and had her own signature style.  I have often wondered, what would the female R&B singer scene be like if she were still here?

The one-hour special airs Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 8pm on BET. Don’t miss it!!!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VKbWF1jwMhE&feature=player_embedded

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5AAcgtMjUI&feature=player_embedded

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5oAeoOcpUS4&feature=relmfu

I will admit that I was one of the 7.7 million viewers that were anxious for The Game to return.   Black television had lost Girlfriends after 6 seasons and shows like Living Single, A Different World and Martin no longer exist.  The Game was a new show for all of us to fall in love with.  It was funny, dramatic and realistic in terms of the drama the characters experienced (cheating, lying, humiliation, drug abuse).

As we all know the show was gone for 2 years so I was extremely excited when BET announced they were bringing the show back.  I assumed the character dynamics and drama would pretty much be the same, but unfortunately that’s not what happened.

When The Game premiered a few weeks ago, it was quite uncomfortable to watch.  Not because of a dramatic scene, but because it was so far off from the show we all loved.  The  majority of the characters are completely different and the acting isn’t great (ok I’m being nice.  The acting is BAD).  It seems like they’re trying too hard which in turn makes the characters unbelievable.

All of a sudden Kelly is ready to fight people in the street?  Since when did Tasha Mack become afraid of Kelly?  What happened to her boyfriend Rick Fox??  Terrance J is cool, but having him on the show as Tasha’s “boyfriend” just doesn’t work.  And we all knew Malik and Jason could be jerks,  but this season took it to the extreme.  It’s actually annoying to watch these two characters (was Dip and Pitts really supposed to be funny?)

To top it all off, the story lines seem to be rushed.   Episode 1, DJ is not Derwin’s child. Episode 2, DJ is Derwin’s child.  In the past, a story line like this would’ve lasted a few episodes.  At this point, we’re lucky if we can enjoy 10 minutes of actual content

I, like so many others, will continue to watch in hopes that it gets better.  However, if the show doesn’t improve, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s not around next season.  If I had known it was going to come back like this, I would have accepted the idea that the show was over 2 years ago.  I rather the show end on a good note than come back the way it is now.

What are your thoughts on “The Game?” Were you one of the fans who wanted to see the show return? If so, what do you think of the new season?

Founded by DJ Beverly Bond, BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc seeks to build the self-esteem and self-worth of young women of color by changing their outlook on life, broadening their horizons and helping them empower themselves.  BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. is an organization that takes an active role in being a part of the solution to the crisis facing young women of color.

For the past four years, BGR has enjoyed the opportunity to enrich the lives of girls from 12 to 17 years old through mentorship, arts education, cultural exploration and public service. At BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc., young women are offered access to enrichment programs and opportunities that place special emphasis on personal development through the arts and cooperative learning.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc. joined forces with BET to host the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards at the Paradise Theatre in New York City on October 16, 2010.  The show highlighted the accomplishments of exceptional women of color who have made significant contributions in their careers and serve as positive role models in their community.

Hosted by the fabulous Nia Long, awardees included Missy Elliott, Keke Palmer, Raven-Simone, Ruby Dee and many more.  Performers included Jill Scott, Marsha Ambrosius, Estelle and Keri Hilson.  This year BET is sharing this amazing awards show with its audience. The award show will be televised on Sunday, November 7, 2010 at 8pm. 

So Sunday night, make it a girls night and enjoy the BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Awards And while you’re watching, think about this….why do you rock??!

Visit http://www.blackgirlsrock.org/ to learn more about BLACK GIRLS ROCK! Inc.  Visit BET to learn more about the show on Sunday.

It seems like it was just yesterday everyone was talking about the album Ready and Trey Songz had taken over R&B. Since the release of Ready last April, Songz hasn’t slowed down and is still holding on to his reign over R&B music.  He has gone on tour, featured on BET’s docu-series My Moment, currently touring with Monica and is preparing to release a new album Passion, Pain & Pleasure.  Can we say GRINDIN’!

It looks like Songz continues to take over the airways; he’s released two new singles “Can’t Be Friends” (which I love) and “Bottoms Up,” a new club anthem. I’ll admit I was indifferent about this song when I first heard it, but the more I hear it the more I like it! 

Songz recently premiered his new music video “Bottoms Up” on BET.  I would describe the video as different, a little “crazy” (in terms of mannerisms), edgy and sexy; I give Songz credit for the video not being the cliche “everyone partying in the club” type of video because I’m sure that’s what everyone expected.

Trey Songz did not disappoint on Ready and everyone finally paid attention which allowed him to receive the recognition in the music industry he deserved. I’m anxiously waiting to see what he’s going to bring on Passion, Pain & Pleasure.

 httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9mcUOO4jKU

Let me go ahead and make that pre-order on iTunes!!

Shoutout to my twitter home Apuje who styled the video. To see his work, check out www.apujekalu.com

Sunday night marked the 10^th Anniversary of the BET Awards.  After last year’s disgrace of a show in honor of Michael Jackson, BET NEEDED to redeem themselves and make sure they got the show right!! And they definitely did; this show was 10x better than last year, but then again, they could only go up right?

The show was definitely entertaining.  Blog sites have been going crazy with commentary: recapping the show, talking about Chris Brown’s performance and Prince’s lack of enthusiasm.  Regardless on your take of the show, there are a few lessons learned from this year’s award show: 

1. Debra Lee Needs a Stylist (or a new one):

Every year, Debra Lee never fails to come out in some other the top outfit that would look great on someone else, but just doesn’t translate when she walks out on stage.  Is she picking out these outfits herself or does she have help?? And it doesn’t help that she seems to be nervous every time she speaks too.

Sidenote: Whoever told celebrities it was ok to wear sweaters and other winter clothing in 90 degree weather needs be fired. If these celebrities made that decision on their own, they clearly have no friends because there is no way I would let my friend walk outside like that.  It doesn’t make you look cool; you look foolish and uncomfortable.

2.  Never Try to Dress Like Your Kids

Jada Pinkett Smith. Need I say more? Usually Jada is on point when it comes to her red carpet outfits, but her 90s braids were an epic FAIL!! She looks like she goes tanning and was she wearing shorts or a skirt? Jada, we love you, but please stay out of Willow’s closet.

3. Lip Synching Rap Songs is NOT ok!

I don’t know who told Nicki Minaj that it would be ok to lip synch her 20 seconds on stage during the “Hello, Good Morning Remix” and “My Chicks Bad Remix”, but they clearly gave her some bad advice.  It wasn’t cool when Britney Spears did it, but at least she was dancing while “singing” so I understand if she didn’t want to sound bad and seem out of breathe. But Nicki, all you have to do is look like you’re having a seizure and say your 5 lines. Can it really be that hard??

4. Oldies Are Still the Goodies

From the surprise appearance by El DeBarge to Tyrese swooning the ladies with his Teddy Pendergrass tribute, these fellas proved once again that the oldies R&B is still the best.  I’ll even push early 90s into my “oldies” category because there is nothing like some 90s slow jams! The R&B music we were reminded of at the award show is exactly the type of music we’re missing today. I feel bad for these young kids today because they don’t have any clue as to what good music is.   I can tell you it isn’t Teirra Marie “Sponsor”

 5.  We ALL Make Mistakes

This isn’t a new lesson learned, but I’m sure someone was expecting a reference to Chris Brown if I was going to talk about the BET awards.

We all make mistakes and would want to be forgiven in order to move on. Why can’t C Breezy do the same thing? If he has truly learned from his mistake and is trying to be a better man, then let him be. Should I even bring up other artisit who we have forgiven over the years?

I would talk more about this, but between twitter and blogs, I’m tired of talking about it…moving on…

6.  Pregnant is Sexy

Alicia Keys looked stunning at the award show; I guess she has a reason to glow now that Swizz Beats divorce is final and the two love birds can move on to create their own family.   This diva worked it on stage with her pregnant self, singing some of her biggest hits while being recognized as the BET’s Artist of the Decade.  I think she forgot for a second that she was pregnant, because she climbed on top of a piano to serenade the audience during her rendition of “Adore” for the Prince tribute. According to Necolebitchie.com, this was supposed to be her last televised performance until after the baby was born.  Well she worked it out!!! Ms. Keys proved Sunday night that while she may be pregnant, she is still sexy and fierce! I wouldn’t be surprised if this diva was 9 months pregnant trying to go on another world tour!

7. We All Have Meltdowns; It’s How We Recover That Really Matters!

Last year Kanye West went a little crazy and had to go into hiding.  So it was refreshing to see him open the show with his hit “Power.” His show was solid and surprisingly, we didn’t hear from Mr. West for the rest of the night.  Maybe he’s done a little reflecting and now has his emotions under control after his stunt at the MTV award show last year.  Only time will tell until the next MTV Video Music Awards, but until then, Mr West, we’re glad you’re back!

 That’s all I could think of at the moment.  What other lessons did we take away from Sunday night’s BET Awards show??

Our society feeds off of negative stories about the Black community, so it’s important that we highlight those who are making history, especially in higher education!  The 21-year old Katie Washington from Gary, IN is the first African American Valedictorian at Notre Dame. She has a 4.0 GPA.

Here’s what she told BET:

“I am humbled,” said Washington, a biology major, to the Northwest Indiana Times. “I am in a mode of gratitude and thanksgiving right now.”

She has been accepted into medical school at Johns Hopkins University.

Congratulations Katie for becoming the first African American Valedictorian at Notre Dame.  Hopefully your achievement will encourage others in the Black community to stay focused on academic success and create their own history.

Last week, BET’s Rip The Runway showcased the Keva by Keva J. Spring Swimsuit collection.  Most of the designers featured showcased clothing, so it was refreshing to see a swimsuit designer.  Now I know there are a number of swimwear designers out there, but of course the first one that comes to my mind and the mind of so many is Victoria Secret (probably because they are in my price range when they go on sale).  But for those of us who want to try a different, but just as sexy, brand (designer), definitely check out Keva by Keva J.   Talk about FIERCE!! Heads will definitely turn when you walk down the beach in these suits!

Here are some of my favorites from Rip The Runway:

Check out the entire Spring & Fall Collection at http://kevabykevaj.com/home.html