SOLANGE KNOWLES FLAUNTS NEW LOOK FOR REFINERY29

Solange Knowles' style has always been a debate around the net.  Is she stylish, or is she a hodgepodge of a mess?  Well, you know my answer.  Solo can do no wrong in my eyes, so it's great to see her show off her new look. 

Head over to REFINERY29 to peep more flicks from the photo shoot, and to read the interview in which Kid Knowles discusses her upcoming album, comparisons to big sis, Beyoncé, and the inspirations for her style. 

imagery| Kara Gorna

CALVIN KLEIN LOVES BLACK MEN

Calvin Klein is possibly the only major fashion label that consistently uses models of color in their ad campaigns #norunway.  

For their Fall/Winter '10/'11 campaign, they again feature model David Agbodji.

 

Past models of color featured in Klein ads include Sessilee Lopez, Djimon Hounsou, and Mehcad Brooks.

images| models.com

OMAROSA'S TV ONE REALITY SHOW COMPLETELY FAKE? *SPOILER ALERT?*

I recently got some interesting news in my inbox regarding Omarosa's new TVOne reality show The Ultimate Merger.  

"Singer Ray Lavender is currently one of the suitors supposedly competing to win the heart of Omarosa. When really he is in a very committed relationship with Celebrity Model/Magazine Publisher Soncerae "The Ultra Model". 

Ray & Soncerae have been rumored to have been on and off lovers for 3 yrs. Below is an image they took together last year at one of Ray's photoshoots for Konvict Clothing. Also, the two were spotted together in Atlanta  at an event memorial weekend. Rumor has it that Ray Lavender wins out of the 12 bachelors that are competing for Omarosa's love. Sources say that The Ultimate Merger is just a publicity stunt to boost Ray Lavender's dormant career."

 ...only time will tell if this is indeed fact or fiction, still, i wouldn't be shocked if this is indeed true.  Anybody actually watching this show?  

CHRIS BROWN BREAKS DOWN DURING MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE

Chris Brown finally got his chance to pay tribute to Michael Jackson last night at the 2010 BET Awards, and as expected he have the best tribute to MJ that i've seen to date.  However, during his rendition of "Man in the Mirror" it seems that the content of the song got the best of Brown and he ended up in tears:

NEWS BREAK: DID RACIAL PROFILING LEAD TO ARREST OF 18-YEAR-OLD AUTISTIC MALE?

 On May 24th, 18-year-old autistic youth, Reginald "Neli" Latson, was arrested and held without bail for 11 days for allegedly assaulting a police officer who believed he was in possession of gun.

That morning, Neli left home early (without telling his mother) and walked two miles to Porter Library in Stafford, Virginia.  Latson visits the library frequently, but when he went that morning the library was closed, so he stationed himself under a tree at the front of the building. 

While Neli was relaxing in front of the library, the parking lot at the nearby elementary school was staring to fill. Apparently, someone at the school phoned police to report a suspicious person sitting outside the library, possibly in possession of a gun. A warning with Neli's description was issued, and officials, concerned that a gunman was on the loose, ordered a school lockdown and set up a search.  When police tracked Lason down, they claim he was resistant and even pepper sprayed one of the officers.  However, his mother, Lisa , has her son's take on what actually happened:

To me this sounds like another case of profiling.  A judge ordered Neli to be placed in a mental institution for 30 days of treatment. If his case remains unresolved at the end of 30 days, Neli will return to jail. Lend support to this case by spreading the word and singing the petition.  Head over to A Voice for Neli for more information.

A VOICE FOR NELI

SOLANGE KNOWLES SHOWS SEXY SIDE, FINISHES NEW ALBUM

Friend in my head, Solange Knowles, was not in the mood for the paps after leaving an anniversary celebration for Club Avenue in New York last night. Solo had a lot more sex appeal going on than normal in this pink mini; miss lady cleans up well. 

Kid Knowles is putting the finishing touches on her next album, and took to her DAMN BLOG to share, "AFTER FINALLY FIGURING OUT HOW TO COMPLETELY CAPTURE  MY SOUND, ( THIS ACTUALLY TOOK ME FIGURING OUT I SOUND BETTER ON A 250 BUCK LIVE MIC AND DITCHING THE $7000 “TOP OF THE LINE” SHIT) I AM ON A ROLL AND LOOKING FORWARD TO FINISHING UP SOON."    

imagery|  splash

T.I. GIVES DRAKE HIS BEST ADVICE...

In the current issue of Rolling Stone, Drake reveals, “T.I. told me to never stop smiling. That’s what people like about me.” 

Drake's debut album, Thank Me Later, moved over 400,000 in the first week, and the actor turnt rapper was all smiles outside an event in West Hollywood on Wednesday.  

imagery| Getty

KELLY ROWLAND COMMANDS THE CHARTS, DEBUTS NEW VIDEO

Kelly Rowland's first international single taken from her upcoming self-titled album is sure living up to its name on the charts.  This week, "Commander" debuted on the UK charts at #17, two weeks before it's proper release date (downloads alone), and is sitting pretty at #2 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Club Play chart here in the states. 

The official video for "Commander" just hit the net this week, although a rough cut of the clip spread like a virus earlier in the month. Take a look. I command you to:

ARE DRUGS RUNNING RAMPANT AT KANYE'S G.O.O.D. MUSIC LABEL?

In the photo above, G.O.O.D. Music recording artist Kid Cudi is hard at work rolling a joint.  This wouldn't be much reason for concern except Cudi posted the photo on his official website, and earlier in the month, he was charged with criminal mischief and possession of a controlled substance  after wilding out at the apartment of New York City woman.  The substance found on Cudi was liquid cocaine.  His arrest comes at bad time, seeing that the first single off his sophomore album, "REV OF EV," just dropped.  In the song, Cudi raps: 

I’m so higher, so higher and I like it, hey
I’m so higher, so higher and I like it, hey

I am happy today,
This not like other days,
Some how I feel okay

Cudi isn't the only artist on G.O.O.D. hinting at drug usage. Label head, Kanye West, drops a line on his new single, "Power," saying:

"Thinkin, no one man should have all that power
The clock's tickin, I just count the hours
Stop trippin, I'm trippin off the powder"

 ...there is so much truth in music that Kanye and Cudi may be sharing their vices to the world via their art.  Not saying this is a proven fact, but i am pointing out the trend.  Hopefully, Kanye won't be busted carrying any "powder."  The industry is looking for a reason to throw salt on his name after Tailor gate. 

LUDACRIS, TRINA, & HILL HARPER LIVE LARGE IN ATLANTA

Actor Hill Harper and Miami rapper Trina were on hand as Chris "Ludacris" Bridges was honored during the Magnum Live Large Project VIP Party in Atlanta, Georgia over the weekend.  I'm not sure exactly what Luda did to earn the award, but don't let your imagination run too wild (looks like Trina did).  

BFF  producers Jermaine Dupri and Brian Michael Cox were spotted on the inside, while Keisha Knight Pulliam and singer Bryan J hit the black carpet.   

...looked like fun times for all.

imagery| Rick Diamond/Getty

KELLY ROWLAND IS A GROWN ASS WOMAN

Miss Kelly's camp revealed the cover art for her US urban single "Grown Woman." She's giving me Donna Summer and taking me straight to the disco in a lot of her new promo shots. 

"Grown Woman" was written by Ne-Yo and produced by Stargate...sounds like a winner to me.  Check it out below:

DON'T YOU WANT A TASTE OF THIS GEORGIA PEACH?

She's no TIP DRILL, but Kim Zolciak got to be doing something right to keep Big Paw Paw as a sponsor.  The ATL housewife (they really need to re-title this show) was recently spotted on the beach in Miami spending some quality time with her family.

Season 3 of RHOA is set to debut later this year, but the drama is already out of control.  Nene's husband, Greg Leaks, recently put the show and it's main stars on blast, including his soon-to-be ex-wife:

QUICK VIDEO|→ MARK RONSON'S "BANG BANG" FT. Q-TIP & MNDR

On of my favorite producers, Mark Ronson (yep he's related to Samantha and Charlotte), just dropped the video treatment for one of my go to summer tracks "Bang Bang."  The single is taken from Ronson's upcoming release called Record Collection. I'm digging Q-Tip's throwback persona in the clip; check it out!

TYRA BANKS EMERGES FROM RETIREMENT?

Five years ago, Tyra Banks retired from the modeling industry by doing her famous strut down the  runway during the annual Victoria's Secret fashion show.  The retirement made sense at the time since she was making time to focus on building her brand and stepping into moguldom.

Now that she's ending her successful run as a talk show host, it seems as if her inner model can't contain itself any longer.  I'm sure that seeing her peers like Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Christy Turlington, and Heidi Klum still at the top of the industry, encouraged Tyra to somewhat re-emerge to join their ranks.  In a statement on her official website, Banks shared:

I joined IMG for a bunch of reasons…  I’m building my company and I realized there are a lot of companies that I can help and that can help me as we try to build our businesses.  We’ll do it together. I used to be with IMG and now it’s nice to return in a broader capacity. And to set the record straight, I’m not coming out of modeling retirement… IMG is such a huge company, there are many things I will be doing with them.  Some fashion-related, but don’t expect to see me at any go-sees!

...it looks as if Tyra won't be ripping the runways, but we'll see her face as a spokesbeauty or spokesperson for some top brands.  Her IMG test shots also leaked, and Tyra's pretty much returned to the form that made her a household name. 

DIRTY MONEY RIDES INTO LONDON TOWN

Diddy & his Dirty Money girls, Dawn & Kaleena, are across the pond promoting their upcoming release Last Train to Paris.  Puffy caught up with the ladies right before heading into Whisky Mist to party hard.  He even brought along his own cases of liquor.  

I'm fairly surprised that Dirty Money's music hasn't made much of a dent on the US charts.  The sound isn't much different from the top 10 singles "Last Night" and "Come to Me" off Diddy's last album Press Play.  Honestly, i haven't heard a Dirty Money single that i didn't like! 

Hell, even the "STROBE LIGHTS" demo featuring Lil' Wayne is fiyah. Last Train to Paris arrives in stores on June 28th; i'll be picking up a copy.

imagery| PacificCoastNews.com 

FRESH MUSIC|→ J*DAVEY'S "LAZY DAZE" + "GET TOGETHER" VIDEO

♪"LAZY DAZE"♪

(HOT!!)

One of my favorite bands, J*Davey, is back with new music.  "Lazy Daze," the lead single from their upcoming EP titled eViL chRistiAn cOp features Jack's signature breathy vocals along with a rhytmic beat helmed by Brooke D'leau.  Man, i think they make the best get-together music.  If you have hip friends open to blended sounds, J*Davey's music can serve up the perfect backdrop for conversation and fun times. 

Head to their Myspace (i haven't used that word in a while) to learn more about this dynamic twosome. Also, check out their latest video for the chill-azz single "Get Together." 

IT'S NOT OKAY TO LET YOUR KIDS DRESS THEMSELVES...

...even if they are child stars Jaden & Willow Smith.  The siblings looked as if they were headed to a costume party (#blamewillow) at the premiere of The Karate Kid at Mann Village in Westwood, California.

I guess there is  something to be said about letting your children express themselves and develop their personality. *kanye shrug* 

imagery| Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty 

FRESH VIDEO|→ LADY GAGA'S "ALEJANDRO"

The Steven Klein directed "Alejandro" clip solidifies Gaga's position as the Madonna of this generation. 

RIHANNA'S A RED HEAD, SOLANGE LETS HER HAIR GROW OUT

Singer Rihanna showed off her new-do during a performance at the Rock in Rio festival over the weekend in Spain. I think it's an interesting look, but nothing out of the ordinary for her. I'm just curious to see what it'll look like off the stage.  

Solange Knowles has also changed up her hair game.  Solo added some length to her previously  buzzed look, and I must say that i like this mini fro on her.  The Polaroids come from a Memorial Day party she threw for close friends at her California "Mission House."  

imagery| Carlos Alvarez/Getty Images Europe

BEYONCE, JAY-Z WATCH RAFAEL NADAL WIN 5TH FRENCH OPEN TITLE

Beyonce Knowles and hubby Jay-Z were in attendance for Rafael Nadal's victory at the 2010 French Open in Paris, France.  

Nadal defeated Robin Soderling of Sweden to take home his fifth French Open championship. It's nice to see Beyonce taking time off to enjoy life.  Still for some reason, i have a suspicion that we'll be hearing new music from B sooner than later. 

imagery| Bauer Griffin

SUPERMODELS SPOTTED AT BOOK LAUNCH

Who said that models don't read?  Both Alek Wek and Chanel Iman were spotted at the book launch party for "Glastonbury, Another Stage" at Milk Studios.

...i love models; especially these two.  Check out Chanel's portfolio at SUPREME MANAGEMENT online; and see Alek's portfolio over at IMG.

imagery|Stephen Lovekin/Getty

FRESH MUSIC|→ KANYE WEST'S "POWER" FT. DWELE

♪"POWER"♪

(MUST HAVE!!)

Kanye West  may snatch mics and read 16-year-old country singers their rights, but no one can deny that he is one of the greatest Hip-Hop acts of all time.  Yes, he tried to sing through his heartbreak, but you still bought the album.  And, if you didn't buy the album, i bet you know all the lyrics to "Love Lockdown."  

Nevertheless, Kanye returns to his former glory on "Power," the lead single off his fifth studio album, Good Ass Job.  The hard hitting, infective track features Dwele and samples King Crimson's "21st Century Schizoid Man."  Download/listen to the single by clicking on the title above.  Shouts to BLIND I for the link!

BEYONCE, KELLY ROWLAND PRIVATE ABOUT FRIENDSHIP

It's been quite some time since we've seen destiny's children Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland out-and-about together.  This has only fueled rumors that the two broke off their friendship after Kelly changed management (formerly managed by B's papa, Matthew Knowles).

Kelly recently squashed talks of a beef (no one wants these two to get along for some reason) in an interview on the set of her "Commander" video, and  Page Six recently confirmed my suspicions that the ladies are now being more "private" about their friendship.  Page Six reports: 

Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland are still tight after their days together as members of Destiny's Child.

Just after Rowland checked into the Empire Hotel Thursday night, Knowles arrived there with her bodyguard, who waited two hours in the lobby while she visited her old bandmate in a suite upstairs. Rowland just released a new dance song, "Commander," with producer David Guetta.

In order for Kelly to truly be respected as a solo artist, it is important for her to not constantly be connected to Destiny's Child.  Not many people ask Beyonce about DC when she's being interviewed, but almost every interviewer will bring up a DC question if they are talking to Kelly. The more Rowland can get away from being "Kelly from DC," the better chance she'll have for solo success outside of the group. I think that's why B and Kells have taken a more "private" approach to their friendship.  *sings*  That's the business...the business of family, yeah!