I have been a long time Jay-Z fan and a huge fan of the second single off of the upcoming Blueprint 3. The song, "Run This Town," is one of those love it or hate it tracks, anyone in between doesn't really care about music. And anyone who has a crew of people surrounding them that are planning, hard working, grinding or just good at what they do, can feel this song. It's all about a takeover, so what do you run?
Watching this video you can see how Jay-Z has evolved from "Big Pimpin" to the now. The concept is clear cut, the esthetic is dark, it's straight to the point and all about the uprising. Vive la revolution!! I mess with this video!
With Morgan's semester about to begin, who better to be my newest Diva on a Dime, but a fellow Morganite. Introducing....
Name: Briana bka Brieyonce LOL.
Age: 20 Hometown: Middletown, Delaware What makes you a Diva on a Dime?:I'm all about style and all about saving. I call it being a Recessionista. I study high fashion magazines and scope out duplicates at bargain stores. I'm not afraid to shop at discount stores. If it's cute, it's cute. No one's looking at my tags.
What's your personal style?:Urban Chic, when the catwalk meets the sidewalk. Closet Must haves:Cardigans, tanks & tees and classic black pumps. Favorite spots to shop:Forever21, H&M, Target, Old Navy, Bakers. Spots to chill: Lounges and bars.
How do you save?:I save buy shopping online and at cheap trendy stores.
While being green, eco-friendly and all about Mother Earth is becoming more and more widespread, I've decided to apply the concept of naturality to myself in another sense. Going natural is never an easy decision to make, simply because the process itself is a journey. And with my second attempt to embrace the curly goodness that I was born with, I've found inspiration in my family, friends and the good ole internets, lol.
One of my Leading Ladies/N-Sistas from Morgan has recently began documenting her journey and had being doing it with so much personality. Miss Donna Jenay herself [read her blog] has made transitioning about dating your hair. She's all about getting to know her hair, it's likes and dislikes and loving her hair. Girl, yes!
My Mom, sister and Auntie Marie all have locs and I've always appreciated their beautiful hair. My best friend, Diana, has also been transitioning [longer than I have], but is handling it in a different approach. I mostly wear my hair out and she, being the more clever, has found a home in the kinky twist protective style. But we're both learning how to take care of our God-given hair.
Every now and then I'll give an update on the progress of my hair, struggles, products and all that jazz lol. No more creamy crack!!
In spirit of all this hair talk, here's the trailer for Chris Rock's Good Hair. Enjoy!
Hey lovelies and gents! Once again the difficult task of selecting this week's hot celebs falls upon little ole me.
Coming across this lady was fairly easy. One of my favorites, Solange appeared at an OP launch event [love the pink lip], being as she's featured in the fashion company's "Summer of Music." She also recently appeared at San Francisco's Pride wearing a metallic, rainbow catsuit, but you gotta love that girl.
If I could, I would make it Common, every week. I can, but I won't do that to you lovelies. Drumroll...... for the gentleman of the moment. The grown man sexy that is Idris Elba [aka DJ Big Dris the Londoner] landed on the cover of the August issue of Essence. The man is just fine and the accent doesn't bother me none, either.
He looks even better in the photos inside, but I digress!!
MK Links Model Managementbegan as a Dallas based agency headed by my dear friend Mahiri Takai. The company does a lot of HIV/ AIDS awareness events and even has a t-shirt line to help the cause by the name of Tested Negative. Mahiri's fashion based enterprise has grown so much that the company will soon have a commercial base in New York City. I'm insanely excited for my friend and I want you to help him celebrate!!
The MK Links Agency will be having an amazing launch party on Saturday, July 18th at Le Royale at 9pm. The event is hosted by VH1's Glam God winner Indashio and I'm sure you'll be suprised at the guess list. So, make your way there next Saturday, lovelies!
Finally!! A couple of rumored celeb pregnancies were confirmed for us in the past week. I'm sure you lovelies had already heard that Jennifer Hudson had a baby shower a while back and was still denying her pregnancy. And you've barely seen her since. She made an appearance at Michael Jackson's memorial service this past Tuesday, looking ready to drop! And she sannnggg that Free Willy song!
Another mommy-to-be that came out from her hiding place was Lauren London. Rumor is she's pregnant with Weezy F's baby and apparently at the same time as on and off girlfriend Nivea. [She messed up when she left The-Dream]. But anywho, she made an appearance at Diddy's fourth of July white party.
Last, but definitely not least Raven Symone and ex Jussie Smollet [Jurnee Smollet's older brother] recently had a baby girl, named Lilianna Pearman in an Atlanta Hospital. I know right, lovelies! Who knew?!? Supposedly, this is the newborn baby girl. [photo removed]
EDIT: It appears that That's So Raven's camp is saying she did not have a baby nor was she ever pregnant. Supposedly, she's a new auntie. Still, who knows?
Well, that's more than enough baby talk for one day. Good luck to these young mothers!
This is a new feature that I'm bringing to you lovelies. We are most definitely in a recession [RIP Vibe Magazine], so why not share ways you save money while still being a diva!
Name: Diana Age: 21 Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
What makes you a Diva on a Dime?:I'll scour the world for sales and bargains. Signing up for email notifications is my best friend! You'd be amazed how many coupons and free events you'll receive just for signing up for a free newsletter.
What's your personal style?:Urban Prep
Favorite spots to shop:Old Navy, Forever 21, Payless.
Closet Must Haves:Cardigans and flip-flops!
Spots to chill:Clubs and Lounges.
How do you save?:Look through the clearence and sale sections. Also, shopping online. Believe it or not there are a lot of online-exclusives and stores like Old Navy and the Gap combine shipping for a flat rate. I'm signed up at alltheparties.com and they send me invites to different clubs and lounges. By RSVPing I can get into some of New York's hottest spots for free.
Just some random Hollywood happenings and of course my input!
♠ I can go on and on about how trash the BET Awards were, but I barely have the energy. But I will say this!
-Jamie, the all purpose host, smh pick a job -Performances were dry, with the exception of Soulja Boy, the entire Ojay's tribute and performance, Jay, Maxwell & Ne-Yo. -Who let Ciara sing? She can dance, let her do that. -I'm still curious as to what Beyonce was going to do prior to MJ's passing. DRY! -Commericals were wild, everyone has a show. When am I getting mine? -MJ tributes could've been way better, period!
♠ Next up, the dreaded Drake video. The highly anticipated "Best I Ever Had" video was finally released and I must say it's a love or hate situation. The storyline of the video was clever, but the correlation to the song was barely there. Kanye's cinematography was enjoyable, but there were more than enough breasts in that video. My opinion? Better luck next time, I'm sure I'll "thank him later." Take a look for yourself.
♠ No, I have not seen the Tiny & Toya show. I think I'm subconsciously boycotting that show. I've had more than enough BET intake as it is. It's time to gain my IQ points back.
♠ Usher is questioning the paternity of his younger son, Naviyd. Smh, not suprised.
