R.I.P. Teena Marie

Two of my all time favorite Teena Marie songs...  So sad. She will be missed.

R. Kelly - Love Letter Christmas (Remix)

My new favorite Xmas song.  Something to step to :)  Merry Christmas!!!

Rick Ross - Ashes To Ashes Mixtape

CLICK HERE

FOR THE FREE DOWNLOAD

Uptown Magazine Presents - Rising Icons

So last night I was invited to Uptown Magazine's - Rising Icon exclusive event. It was held at the famous Roosevelt Hotel in a huge penthouse suite.  They were honoring women in the entertainment business.  It was sponsored by Grey Goose and the catering was impecable! My type of event.  Top notch networking was done.  You are only as good as your resources in this town so networking is a must.  I snapped a few photos.  Check them out... 

Dwayne Wade is on the cover of this months edition

Darren Grant loved his sushi 

Michelle Kopacz, Ernest Skinner and Anita Kopacz

Rooftop right next to the Roosevelt Hotel sign

Press shot

Make sure you pick up a copy of "Finding Your Way".  Great book by one of my besties Anita Kopacz

Me being me :)

Thanksgiving In Ohio - Pics and Video

So I decided to travel to Ohio this year for Thanksgiving to spend some much needed time with my family.  I am so glad I did!  I had a blast! I saw some people I hadn't seen in 15 years.  It was wonderful and nostalgic.  These people know the inner me better than anyone.  You have to remind yourself where you came from in order to know where you are going...  It was a love fest :)

My big brother Terrence and Ronnie

My niece Brooklyn

Day Day, Ciara and Hoagy

Ciara, Suechee and Paula - Suechee did the cooking and all I can say is Blackberry Cobbler lol

My brother and his lady Ciara

Generations

Me and Ciara

My brother and Rob Wade

Had a chance to visit my Granny... She got sick right after I left :( I ask for your prayers please.

My Uncle Lee and cousin Chuckie

Ohi State vs. Michigan rival in effect!

Reggie Reg!

Trent-Dog!

Black Black

My niece Mariah in the black...

In this video we just got spanked in spades after running the table for hours.  The guys are super excited that they beat the champs.  Excuse the my language lol but you know how it is in competition!

Fancy

So I am in preproduction on a new show we are producing independently.  I can't talk about the project yet. Sorry.  Here are the first two hair/makeup stylist pics.  I think we may have found the one but we have a couple more people to see...

Christian Keyes - Cook My Dinner Naked

2 words.  GOOD LAAAWWWD!

Restore Sanity Rally 2010

So I had the pleasure of experiencing Washington D.C. for the first time last weekend.  I never had any desire to go until the inauguration, which I wasn't able to attend.  After that, It really wasn't on my to do list until recently for work.  We needed some "Sanity Rally" footage for a show we're working on.  Turns out, I LOVE DC! I've always loved history and the mystery behind it all.  I knew there was some in DC but the whole city looked European.  Like a city in France.  Paris maybe.  Rich in culture.  Every building had a story to tell and it's own charm unlike most places in the U.S.  It was refreshing to see a city not so plastic with buildings built in 30 days.  These magnificent brick and stone buildings and mesmerizing statues took years to build.  I truly believe in a past life, I was around during those times because I absolutely love that era in which they were built.  My favorite movies are period pieces.

I didn't really take pics of buildings or sculptures, mainly just rally stuff.  Had a chance to check out Ben's for the chilli burgers and YES they live up to all the hype.  Actor Lance Gross was there having a bite.  I guess a lot of people were there for Howard's Homecoming.  I was invited out to a few cool parties but I declined.  

The Restore Sanity rally was AMAZING.  Jon Stewart and Steve Colbert put on a great show for an awesome cause.  Ann, Lisa and I had a blast! I'd say about 500,000 people showed up.  Just a bunch of like-minded, beautiful individuals.  The signs were incredible.  It felt great to be a part of something so positive.  My first of many more political expressions.  We were able to get some nice footage for our show as well.  

Obama's Favorite Burger Joint

Me and my good friend and business partner Ann Flagella in front of the White House....
Check out the video below:  Here I am fooling around the night before the rally.  They gave me a wig and asked me to act like a "stoner".  Enjoy :) Also don't forget to get out and VOTE TODAY!!!!

Will Smith's Wisdom

Kanye West's Short Film - Runaway

Dope

The guy in red is siiiick!

Dedicated to HIM....

:)

Agape International Spiritual Center

I recently joined this amazing spiritual congregation called Agape. I usually go on Wednesday nights. I couldn't make it last night but then I realized they record it. I was so touched by this service I had to share. Michael Bernard Beckwith is the TRUTH! Enjoy. For more information click here

UPDATE: This is not the same service. It updates itself as they have new services. Enjoy :)

When A Woman Loves - R Kelly

Finally a REAL song from R Kelly! I was pissed about that auto-tune joint he did a while back. lol I was just hanging out with some music lover friends a few nights ago, listening to some oldies but goodies and we all were craving REAL SONGS and REAL MUSIC. If anybody can deliver, R Kelly can. 10 thumbs up! :)

Yesterday At The Beach...

While frolicking in the ocean, I got attacked by a killer wave lol I'm so happy SUMMER has finally decided to join us in Cali :)

Photo By Jason Wallace

Also here's a video of me and my girl Suzanne... from a few days ago at Temescal Canyon, my favorite hiking spot. My first real exercise since the whole toe issue.

Drake - Fancy feat TI and Swizz

Had to post this since every time I go some where, someone says the hook to me, "Oh you fancy huh?". I guess I am :) I love the break down of this song at the end...

Mid-Summer Nights Dream at the PlayBoy Mansion

I had the pleasure of going to the Playboy Mansion once again. This time for Hugh Hefner's Annual pajama party called A Mid-Summer Nights Dream! As you can imagine it was amazing with wall to wall beauties in lingerie, top notch catered food, full open bar to order anything your heart desired and live entertainment. There was also wall to wall high powered celebs to network with. I bumped into someone I hadn't seen in a while, Mr. Berry Gordy! I met him and his family years ago at a dinner party in Beverly Hills and instantly clicked with them about a project. Some how I had lost contact with them due to  lost phones and contacts, but we were reunited again at the mansion with lots of laughs, stories and possible future projects. For the youngins who do not know who he is, Berry Gordy discovered Michael Jackson and The Jackson 5, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson and The Tempations just to name a few. He also produced and directed one of my all time favorite movies, Lady Sings The Blues. Very powerful man with very easy going demeanor. Glad we reconnected. I would love to work with him on something and plan on it.

I had such a wonderful time hanging out with my girls Neferteri Shepherd and Lake Payne! Also in attendance was Jamie Foxx, Brett Ratner, Too short and a live performance from the "Toot it and Boot it" boys, (I have no idea what their name is) just to name a few.

Overall it was a great night minus an unhappy couple getting into it and pepper spraying the whole crowd. By that time I had already did all my networking so I was ready to go anyway. So it didn't ruin my night, just my lungs and eyes for about 2 hours lol! Until my next adventure...

Prada Camel Coat

I need this for the fall for my travels...

Me

I was going to do a photo shoot for this effect for my apartment.  Then I found this website called PhotoFunia and I realized I can just use some of the amazing shots I have already.  I will do another shoot still but at my leisure.  How dope is this? I can't wait to get these blown up in real life :)

The Los Angeles Flower District

So my BFF Karla comes over to my house for some adult time away from her kids and I cook and we drink wine (I'm on a alcohol fast now though) and celebrate life.  Just catching up and she tells me about this Flower District in downtown LA??  Anyone who knows me really well knows I love Orchids and Sunflowers.  So I couldn't wait to get down there. 

When I arrived I couldn't believe it . It is right around the corner from the fashion district! I have been to "The Alley" a million times and this Flower District is walking distance from it????  With store after store filled with flowers at wholesale prices??? INSANE!  So I enter one of the stores and I walk into what looks like the Holy Grail of Orchids.... I just stood there with my mouth open in awe like I was a kid in a candy store :O Needless to say I bought some :) I will be going back bi-weekly now for my plants and flowers.  I have always loved them. I will get HUGE bouquets.  But now I can get them for a fraction of the price my florist charges me!!!  I think I get it from my mom who has always had a green thumb, with beautiful exotic plants everywhere.  I am going to go back and take my time next time.  I got there kind of late.  It was noon and I think it closes at 2pm.   Don't quote me but they were closing down while I was there.  I kind of lost track of time.  Make sure if you go, to go early so you can savor every smell and beautiful flower you can!! 

Here are a few pics from my BlackBerry.  I need a new camera now to really capture the beauty of it all.  I will post pics of my bouquets.  I just bought Orchids this time :)

2010 ESPY Awards

So it was quite an eventful couple days for the Espy's.  I went to the Playboy Mansion for the annual pre-Espy Awards Bash with my girls Lake Payne, Dayana Fralin, DeAndra Avery, Suzanne Mari and Neferteri Shepherd.  It was AMAZING with great food, open bar and a high energy performance from LMFAO. Jamie Foxx jumped on stage and was on the mic getting the party hyped! Kim Kardashian was there with her new beau.  My favorite part of the night was talking to Joaquin Phoenix and his wife for a half an hour before realizing it was him! lol! Classic moment.  They were mad cool. It was a star studded event.  I managed to get only a few photos.  I was too busy networking, trying to raise money for a project I'm producing.

The day of the award show I was invited to go but I opted not to.  I"m not a sports fan enough to sit through hours of acknowledging people I don't know.  I decided to go to the after party instead, which was at Club Nokia and Congo room.  They are right next door to each other so it was a back and forth type of night.  The food was phenomenal!!! Omg.  The ESPY's do not spare an expense at all! Nothing like the BET awards at all.  Open bar too.  I didn't drink that night though.  (I am fasting from drinking for a month). There was LIVE performances by Lil Kim, Flo-Rida, Gucci Mane and Robin Thicke.  I only got to see Robin Thicke and Flo-Rida though.  I'm pissed I missed lil Kim! But oh well.  I recorded this lil video below....  

 

 Ran into Hill Harper!  Super positive brother :)

Booker T. Washington High Grad Deonte Bridges Valedictorian Speech

4TH OF JULY

I love this picture. It almost looks like a postcard! This is me doing me in Vegas at the Bellagio. The day before, I mindlessly snubbed my pinkie toe on my brand new sectional couch. I guess I'm not used to it being there yet. It's kinda huge. Anyways I was in severe pain but was not going to let it ruin my holiday weekend in Vegas. Needless to say I drank a lot of alcohol to keep it numb and it worked lol! I was a little bummed that I couldn't wear any high heels, but I still had a blast at the poker tables. Yes I am a mean poker player. I didn't take a lot of pics, because as they say.... What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas...

Janet - Discipline (Live at Essence Festival)

I love when Janet takes sexy to the edge...

SOULNIC 2010

If you are looking for something FLY to do besides the normal club scene, and love deep house and soul music, you don't want to miss this event.  You will dance nonstop...well maybe in between bites of BBQ! My type of party =) For more info on click here. See you there!!!

SOULNIC© is a Soul Music Picnic that will take place at LA’s historic Griffith Park. As the first event of its kind in Los Angeles, SOULNIC© will set out to follow in the tradition of several, successful Soulful House Music picnics that have been taking place annually in cities like Chicago, New York and Atlanta for several years. However, our purpose for this event will transcend music culture and impact the lives of youth through our commitment to raise money for The Lula Washington Dance Theatre Youth Program.

Erykah Badu At The Greek

So I went to the concert a couple nights ago and it was AMAZING to say the least. Who else can perform in 5 dollar sweat pants and a t-shirt and still be fly?? No one. If you missed it, you missed a great show. Here is a quick video from my phone and a couple photos...

Erykah Badu - 20 Feet Tall

I love this song :)



If you want to download a house remix of the song, click here.

The Killer Inside Me

 I saw this independent film last night and it still has me thinking about it.  PURE INSANITY.  If you like thrillers check it out.  Casey Affleck will probably win an Oscar for his portrayal of a serial killer.

RocK The Bells 2010

I will NOT miss this!!!

"Excellence can be attained if you: Care more than others think is wise, Risk more than others think is safe, Dream more than others think is practical, and Expect more than others think is possible.." -Anonymous

Janet On Idol

Ms. Jackson if your nasty! lol! Love me some Janet :) I'm loving the new haircut too. She's always been unafraid to try something new. Go Janet!!!

The Smiths Interview Barack Obama

King Driis - Hold On

I love seeing artist show different sides of their creativity... Some pull it off, some don't. Looks like Idris pulled it off. Can't wait to hear more :)

R.I.P. Lena Horne

R.I.P. Lena Horne. The epitome of class, poise, elegance, timeless beauty and raw talent. Thank you for going in through the back door so we can go in from the front.

Jean-Michel Basquiat - The Radiant Child

I have been fascinated by Jean-Michel Basquiat every since I saw the fairly unknown (at the time) Jeffrey Wright portray him on film. I am a huge fan of both of them now.



With all that said, I can't wait to see the full documentary directed by Tamra Davis! This is just a couple snippets/trailers. Enjoy! Art's Immortal Rock Star!!! Shout out to my good friend Fab Five Freddie who is also in the documentary.

Every Woman Should By Maya Angelou

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

enough money within her control to move out
and rent a place of her own,
even if she never wants to or needs to....
something perfect to wear if the employer,
or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ...

a youth she's content to leave behind....
a past juicy enough that she's looking forward to
retelling it in her old age....
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra...
one friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE .......

a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...
eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal,
that will make her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE ..

a feeling of control over her destiny...
how to fall in love without losing herself..

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and confront a friend without;
ruining the friendship....

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW....

when to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

that she can't change the length of her calves,
the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents..
that her childhood may not have been perfect...but it's over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

what she would and wouldn't do for love or more...
how to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW.. .

whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table..
or a charming Inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...

What she can and can't accomplish in a day...
a month...and a year...

M.I.A.- Born Free (Short Film/Video)

Now that's a video!

M.I.A, Born Free from ROMAIN-GAVRAS on Vimeo.

Drake - Over

Exactly how I feel right now :)

Recession Discoveries

We've all heard the word "recession" at least a million times in the last few years. It has been tough for many including myself. Money slowed up drastically. People lost their job and homes. Majority of us had to change our lifestyle to fit the times. It got so bad that white people saw a black man as some sort of Saviour to this country, Obama. None of us saw that coming and I still think I am dreaming sometimes when I realize we have a black President.

I have discovered so many things about myself and others in these low economic times. I was one of those people who was living far above my means. I needed everything designer, (although I have always went to sample sales as well) then I realized the clothes and things didn't make me, I made them. I can put on a $10 shirt instead of a $100 one and you wouldn't know because of the way I carry myself. I take care of "myself" more. Meaning, instead of getting those pedicures, manicures and waxes weekly, I get them monthly and maintain it myself. I polish my own nails! Wow! Who knew? I hadn't polished my own nails in 10 years and I love to do it :) I wax my own self! No way! I actually use coupons when grocery shopping and catch sales! Incredible! Before, I would just frivolously buy what ever I wanted, whenever I wanted. I have saved thousands on just these items alone. So now that money is flowing normally again for me, I am a new person, more grateful. More smart. Knowing the difference between need and want. Don't get me wrong, If I see something expensive I just "can't live without", I'll buy it. But that is rare.

One thing I have learned from one my super rich friends, not a thousandaire lol but a billionaire, is home and travel is everything. You wouldn't even know he has money if it wasn't for his houses in Malibu and Brentwood. He drives an old beat up 1992 Range Rover. lol But he drives it to his mansion. He could have any car he chooses! You would never know he was filthy rich if you saw him. He is very frugal and I admire that. Why spend a lot of money on stupid stuff when you can use it to travel the world vacationing when time permits? I'm turned off by men who walk around with diamonds like Liberace. It's a clown suit for chicken heads. All a man needs is a nice watch and be clean cut.

Also what I have learned is who my real friends are. Hard times show peoples true colors. Being my friend when it's popular to be, is so predictable. But when the shit hits the fan, who really has your back? Not those tag along, plus 1's, coat tail riding, fair weather, users, bullshyters, so called BFF's that claimed ya'll were ride or die. They expose themselves and quickly. Family too. On to the next person they can benefit from they go! They are like rats trying to get cheese. I thank the recession for revealing who those people were in my life. Now I have a clean slate with nothing but people whom have my best interest because they have shown me, when I had nothing to offer them but my friendship, that they love me. You can only see that when the smoke clears. It separated the real from the fake and I thank God for it. Never judge by actions, but by intentions.

So I see the recession as a BLESSING. I was forced to come up with new solutions versus waiting to get booked for a job. I'm not a good waiter. I would be waiting tables if I liked to wait. I have always had a leader, entrepreneur spirit. With that said, I have taken what I have learned over the years, and a applied it with some great resources/like-minds and 2010 will be the best year of my life! Hopefully you too will see the true benefits of this so-called recession and take the bull by it's horns.

ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE.

Death At A Funeral Premiere

The movie was funny with a very talented, star studded cast. I had a blast at the premiere catching up with people I hadn't seen in a while and networking with execs at the after party. It was freezing last night so I opted to cover the legs for a little comfort. I've already gotten bad press about the high boots and long dress but what do they know lol! Overall a great night with so many stars in attendance like Martin Lawrence, Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Zoe Saldana, Angell Conwell, Regina Hall, Chris Rock, Marlon Wayans, Columbus Short and Ciara to name a few.  My business partner and friend Ann Flagella came as well.