tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-123426172024-03-24T19:32:42.751-04:00theHotness GrrrlUrban haps of a grrrl on a mission to be a better writer, a new music master-blaster and a wonderfully brilliant razor-packing, MAC LipGlass wearing feminista...theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-13929129748751996552010-02-23T17:48:00.005-05:002010-02-23T17:54:03.276-05:00theHotness.com<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0SmoMS-QCwoMSn1hOonIDyFDCm0MqIMvZlO6Fo16mLDsDYT6wMyB4CK0mJCfQOnYF9rheIMx3RORWS38GFIWa_dgB5WGYp6tixvL0QCcS7WZSDBVBGwZxx3QkwzY4-ZlM8Bwyw/s1600-h/fb_v2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 132px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0SmoMS-QCwoMSn1hOonIDyFDCm0MqIMvZlO6Fo16mLDsDYT6wMyB4CK0mJCfQOnYF9rheIMx3RORWS38GFIWa_dgB5WGYp6tixvL0QCcS7WZSDBVBGwZxx3QkwzY4-ZlM8Bwyw/s200/fb_v2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441575198965902050" /></a><br />I am now blogging at theHotness.com. I may come back to this special lil space, but for now, I'm catching wreck <a href="http://thehotness.com/">over here</a>.theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-86398359558929624632008-10-06T15:46:00.014-04:002009-10-17T13:13:20.711-04:00Foaming At The Mouth<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpenXyyHzmdtHC9KyNG2IUWSg4KdmmNmt5YYbmTNhD22Y6pKQ71ZyE_pHavumcMTU3MBhCedfF-juxgYsLoBSVFFS9lPmsXCf2oeBWIJcqMCbuYPB27WbDp5BVD8fwfxi5F24Hg/s1600-h/foamingmouth.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMpenXyyHzmdtHC9KyNG2IUWSg4KdmmNmt5YYbmTNhD22Y6pKQ71ZyE_pHavumcMTU3MBhCedfF-juxgYsLoBSVFFS9lPmsXCf2oeBWIJcqMCbuYPB27WbDp5BVD8fwfxi5F24Hg/s200/foamingmouth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393582783529341762" /></a> So the other night I decide to finally open one of two bottles of Hypnotique that I was given as part of a pretty decent party gift bag. I choose the small bottle first figuring that if I don't like the aquamarine colored potion, I can still re-gift the big bottle and give it to one of my unsuspecting liquor loving buddies.<br /><br />I pour the syrupy concoction in a lowball glass and immediately notice it has the viscosity of Nyquil. I'm already turned off because as much as I love the color blue, I feel it should never, ever be on my plate or in my glass. The last time I drank something blue was probably 20 years ago when I could not get enough Bonton BBQ chips and Bodega Blue quarter waters. The chips were literally fuschia-- Red #10, Orange #3 and a smattering of Yellow #1. One dollar would get me two bags of chips and two quarter-waters-- the perfect snack serving size! Afterwards my mouth looked like a <a href="http://shinymedia.headshift.com/images/photos/uncategorized/heatherette2.jpg">Heatherette dress</a> with a hot pink tongue as the flouncy skirt and bright blue teeth as the accompanying feathered boa. Tre chic; tre unhealthy!<br /><br />As I raise the lowball to my lips this awful chemical smell rattles my olfactory senses burning my nostrils a bit. Ew, it smells like <span style="font-style:italic;">Top Job</span>. What the hell? I stick my index finger in the mix just getting a drop on the tip. I put it in my mouth. Yuck! It tastes like <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIfgy0Kq-E4">Top Job</a> too! This can't be right. Oh my God. Someone must have tampered with this bottle. This is poison! I freak-out. Does Unik (the host of the benefit) know that someone is trying to sabotage him? I can't find his email so I leave a message for his publicist to call me back asap. I'm still freaked out as I search my Yellow Pages for the number of Poison Control. I have to alert the authorities. Someone is using toxins in Hypnotique to sicken and even kill the masses. The media has to be alerted to this crime. Oh hell, it just occurred to me, this could end up being more catastrophic than Jim Jones.<br /><br />As I stand in my kitchen smelling the bottle of Hypnotique, trying to see if I can determine whether it's Mop & Glo or Windex that's turned this tonic into toxin, I decide to search the label for anything out of the ordinary. I look for an expiration date cause you know, maybe I'm overreacting. Maybe this ish, which alleges to contain fruit, has just gone bad. Instead of ammonia that I thought I tasted maybe it was salmonella. Taunting death, I dip my finger back in the deadly tonic and then take a lick. Nope, this is poison fo' shizzy! But everything checks out. The bottle states "An exquisite blend of premium vodka, fine cognac, and natural tropical fruit juices." The thing is there is nothing <span style="font-style:italic;">natural</span> about this toxic tasting elixir. I examine the cork top to see if it had been stripped or mishandled in any way when I notice a tiny clear sticker on the side of the top. As I lean in closer to read it, I literally fall back against my kitchen counter, my body spasing out. There it was in tiny blue lettering: <span style="font-style:italic;">Bubble Bath</span>. My body is convulsing from laughter. I can't believe I almost drank bubble bath, but as you can see from the pic below the bubble bath bottle is identical to a regular pint-sized bottle of Hypnotique. Damn, all of this had me literally foaming at the mouth and thirsting over a simple night cap! From now on when I desire a drink at night, I will delight in my collection of herbal teas ...Yeah right, I'm making a Screwdriver as we speak. Good night!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvo3J6ZNpLbiUHSio0sWmKUTT9-l_3xQyoA5VcWFMKyDV4FLMJp5pB87Xsl7hv3UNo_4zZuGz_GDvG2ohCPY_nempJ27J8pihDRZNudj9sr5hZxQsbdToWyAjG7KKPF5pbMRmrg/s1600-h/P1000915.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrvo3J6ZNpLbiUHSio0sWmKUTT9-l_3xQyoA5VcWFMKyDV4FLMJp5pB87Xsl7hv3UNo_4zZuGz_GDvG2ohCPY_nempJ27J8pihDRZNudj9sr5hZxQsbdToWyAjG7KKPF5pbMRmrg/s200/P1000915.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392822513745631010" /></a><br /><br />Shout outs to my sister Dimitri for the title of this post and to the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Straight-Up-Dirty-Stephanie-Klein/dp/0060843276/ref=cm_lmf_tit_1">Straight Up & Dirty</a> for inspiring my own literary voice.theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-37975413340407206522008-08-05T17:07:00.005-04:002009-08-26T16:16:02.230-04:00Susan Taylor's Love<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYnjZrX3NxLWsrMhPoTjAbUIZrtNRGGuAlVl4HRTmGtrYtcBe5CUJQPqZhHwjtFkVK6U6iFNNu6sv15KQ0C0MFd6DqXCszfij5eMG-P32TjLg8ydMIwEHhhChk56YKHOKEXlxGw/s1600-h/P1000633.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYnjZrX3NxLWsrMhPoTjAbUIZrtNRGGuAlVl4HRTmGtrYtcBe5CUJQPqZhHwjtFkVK6U6iFNNu6sv15KQ0C0MFd6DqXCszfij5eMG-P32TjLg8ydMIwEHhhChk56YKHOKEXlxGw/s200/P1000633.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5285698659114240914" /></a> The weekend before last I was invited to attend a special book party celebrating the release of former Essence Editorial Director, Susan Taylor’s new book, All About Love. <br /><br />I thought it was special because the party was held at Susan's home in Sag Harbor. All snazzied up in a beautiful boheme French Connection sundress, I was ready to go and luxuriate in that glow, that all encompassing warmth that Susan oozes even with just a glance, when 45-minutes before the event was to start the heavens opened up and Mother Nature just saturated the earth with her goodness. But me and my crew had been looking forward to this soiree all weekend so we just packed it in and yeah my toes were soaked, but it was all good. The party was still on and we were still going to show our support come rain or high water. The reading was moved indoors, which made for a cozy affair in the "play room" of a beautiful house that sits back in the nook of a beautiful block off of the beach. Her granddaughter excitedly let us and all latecomers in through the sliding doors. It was just that intimate, that chill.<br /><br />My connection to Susan and to Essence goes way back. Outside of being a summer camp counselor and working after school in the NY Public Library, working at Essence was my first real job. I started as an intern supporting the Editor-- Stephanie Stokes Oliver. But then halfway through the school year Stephanie's assistant (and well known Poetry Editor), Angela Kinamore, had to take a few months off from work to take care of her daughter. Initially they were going to hire a temp to assist Stephanie, but then Stephanie said, "Why not just hire Nicole and put her on payroll? She knows the job." I'm sure there may have been some doubtful looks given from management, but in the end I got the job. Oh yeah I forgot to mention, I was only 17 years old and at the time the youngest member on staff. I was stoked! I went to class in the morning and was sitting pretty in my cubicle at 1500 Broadway by 1pm everyday. You couldn't tell me a damn thing. What I remember most from that experience is the support, trust and absolute belief in my abilities that I received everyday from Stephanie, Ionia, Elsie, Cheryl, Nicole and yeah, Susan too. I was mentored and learned proof correction marks in three days. Both Susan and Stephanie used purple pencils. They had their own style and were serious about the business. It was a beautiful experience that forever changed my plans to be a pediatrician and totally led to my career as a writer.<br /><br />Seeing Susan that Sunday brought all of those memories back to my mind in a flood. She read from her book and it was like coming home or at the very least coming back to the middle. She lives and breathes every word of her "In The Spirit" columns. Still. Please buy the book cause like me you will adore and be humbled by the various interviews and stories about love, respect and commitment. My fave of course is her talk with Alice Coltrane.theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-56453717450728674112008-07-15T13:03:00.013-04:002009-10-21T02:01:56.330-04:00Murakami, Mommy, & Me<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddLnKQ4qyBQKdx37SqFetOvYmAwARO_IJ_zGcot3784EGYKWmHKBx629_l0GGvKkmrlmDdmd9Fg0sVyyHtEJRyKl7Spyfb5DzTjC7Jx-wBoavGbwQ9mvxfnk2bQxM_pNx4bwuUw/s1600-h/P1000582.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddLnKQ4qyBQKdx37SqFetOvYmAwARO_IJ_zGcot3784EGYKWmHKBx629_l0GGvKkmrlmDdmd9Fg0sVyyHtEJRyKl7Spyfb5DzTjC7Jx-wBoavGbwQ9mvxfnk2bQxM_pNx4bwuUw/s200/P1000582.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394921403925609394" /></a> On Sunday my mom called to ask me if I would go to Brooklyn with her to visit a close family friend who was ill. I was already planning to catch the last day of the Murakami exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum, yet I wanted to see this "auntie" of mine too so I played <span style="font-style:italic;">let's make a deal</span> with mother Ruby and she agreed to go with me to see Murakami and I would go with her to the rehabilitation center. After I hung up the phone I was excited and anxiety ridden. What da hell did I just concede to? My mom is going to hate Murakami with his animated vulgarity. There's going to be hell to pay in the art world or at least in my world come Sunday evening. As soon as we park the car on Eastern Parkway I immediately let loose the goose and tell her that she is probably not going to like Murakami. That his work is a tad fresh and not like Krush Groove fresh, but Playboy fresh. She says that she’ll wait in the car and I feel awful. I convince her to at least see what else is showing at the Museum or in the Botanical Gardens next door. When she sees the crazy long line of folks at the museum’s entrance and the diversity of the masses—old, young, anglo, asian, black, boheme, big-boned big-mammas, and mohawked mulattos, she states "oh hell I gotta see what all of this about" and so we proceed. In the first room we are met by three different versions of this robotic femme whose breasts are exposed and retractable. By the third version her body has morphed into this flat missile like plane. It was outrageous and I loved it! Moms: "eh, that's interesting." In the next gallery there are the canvases for which Murakami is so well known- the skittle hued Louis Vuitton LV’s and his iconic DOB. Both mom and I were under impressed.<br /><br />Our dulled senses were quickly charged for better and for worse by <span style="font-style:italic;">Hirpon</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">My Lonesome Cowboy</span>--Murakami's gigantic fiberglass sculptures of a spurting sperm dilznack holding boy and another of a busty Pam Anderson type girl squeezing her nipples and using projectile breast milk as jump-rope. Classy.<br /><br />But baby when we hit that room with the flowered wallpaper and this beautiful 13-foot resin and fiberglass flower ball it was all smiles. The children that were there (traumatized no doubt by the previous room of body fluids) now yelped with glee. It was the Magic Garden to the nth power. Tan Tan Bo Puking was also crazy fresh! I gotta give my boy M-kami dap for that-- the little details, the colors, the drama of it all. Whoa! Moms and I made a beeline for the giftshop. We just had to get Murakami T-shirts to mark the occasion (cause of course that's what we Moore women do)! So glad I have the kinda mom that can hang and who wants to expand her artistic boundaries beyond Charles Bibbs and Paul Goodnight.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEi2HrvLFpKQW9NFAuANLBApreTkonAjst2k48lpDHHN_kEetVJElEGPyrWhd2dQrJ4996WtZcYZTRnDMFC_ikyGwW-9JjxPFLyxEiqe4oEc3yCpP8NMy_WHz5yiimhM5mUuTsQ/s1600-h/P1000592.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEEi2HrvLFpKQW9NFAuANLBApreTkonAjst2k48lpDHHN_kEetVJElEGPyrWhd2dQrJ4996WtZcYZTRnDMFC_ikyGwW-9JjxPFLyxEiqe4oEc3yCpP8NMy_WHz5yiimhM5mUuTsQ/s200/P1000592.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394925298600060290" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_2DNzNeXwSyP90cTqno6JIQOZ1QyExTPs7TCCLVibcKhqkwVANQKZWNNXptZeTYYlvsDXs3QzrejjRyOYn24tRQaIrIeBUBFe9nO8x5JVX0dnB44kyf-K7a9hu4nH8AJQ2Rqiw/s1600-h/P1000594.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh_2DNzNeXwSyP90cTqno6JIQOZ1QyExTPs7TCCLVibcKhqkwVANQKZWNNXptZeTYYlvsDXs3QzrejjRyOYn24tRQaIrIeBUBFe9nO8x5JVX0dnB44kyf-K7a9hu4nH8AJQ2Rqiw/s200/P1000594.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394925804720078274" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Click <a href="http://blog.wired.com/underwire/2008/04/preview-murakam.html">here</a> for more photos (Wired)theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-21613854138251542022008-07-03T13:51:00.007-04:002009-06-24T21:56:29.049-04:00Holidaze: Just Chillaxin<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoSUiGM-kyzWuNm32pzt7xcGaRTU4_V3cbFhRFrv8kUZ4GMrUzAtje43e0Z83mSYNMUMtyFh-EA3gFeO3IAIjABIUdxC07TFN6rfayLFQ_U49Gj386NAgWgc9gwODfINuQ15iNQ/s1600-h/beachchairs.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 136px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWoSUiGM-kyzWuNm32pzt7xcGaRTU4_V3cbFhRFrv8kUZ4GMrUzAtje43e0Z83mSYNMUMtyFh-EA3gFeO3IAIjABIUdxC07TFN6rfayLFQ_U49Gj386NAgWgc9gwODfINuQ15iNQ/s200/beachchairs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351078076555288018" /></a> Oh yeah, there's nothing like a lil vacation time! I've certainly been enjoying my week off from blogging. I'll be back next week, but meanwhile I wanted to wish you a Happy Long Weekend. I'll be making this here <a href="http://nyamfood.blogspot.com/2008/06/cucumber-limeade-lemonade.html">Limeade</a> (courtesy of NYAM) and eating barbecued chicken. Going to the movies to check out Hancock and Wanted (did y'all know that Wanted is based on a popular comic that features <a href="http://afrogeeks.blogspot.com/2007/04/fox-is-not-jolie.html">a Black woman</a>-- I hear Jada was supposed to get the role but somehow Angie scores another Black leading lady role. Is it the lips? Dang <a href="http://thehotnessgrrrl.blogspot.com/2008/06/its-black-thing-oh-no-wait-its-white.html">Black actresses can't catch a break</a>!) I'll also be downloading these soulful mixes from <a href="http://djqoolmarvsounds.podomatic.com/">Qool DJ Marv</a> while I chill out, read <a href="http://www.villagevoice.com/people/0827,free-will-astrology-july-2-through-8,499180,25.html">my horoscope</a>, and do absolutely nothing for a change.<br /><br />Anyway have a good one. Peace!theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-22762603362440532082008-06-27T16:25:00.005-04:002008-06-27T16:52:09.513-04:003 Things To Do This Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jaunted.com/files/4912/BB_NYC_Watefall.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.jaunted.com/files/4912/BB_NYC_Watefall.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> 1.) Check out the Waterfalls. It may not have the authenticity of the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or the grandness of Niagara Falls, but the <a href="http://nycwaterfalls.org/">New York City Waterfalls</a> like the orange Gates of Central Park back in 2005, is a public art project largely concerned, (if not solely), about juxtapositions. Waterfalls with the Brooklyn Bridge serving as backdrop and indeed as its canvas is something every New Yorker should wanna behold.<br /><br />2.) Check out <a href="http://www.studiomuseum.org/flow/">FLOW</a> at The Studio Museum of Harlem, which closes this Sunday. Flow focuses on the work of a dynamic generation of young African artists. I peeped some of the works from Flow when I was in South Africa last fall and believe me there’s some really creative joints on exhibit.<br /><br />And here are <a href="http://blogs.uptownlife.net/nicolemoore/?p=11">7 Other Cool Things To Do While In Harlem</a>.<br /><br />3.) Pray for all of the young girls <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/27/nyregion/27stabcnd.html">being stabbed</a>, raped, and, in the case of <a href="http://www.1010wins.com/3-Year-Old-Girl-on-Life-Support-after-Alleged-Abus/2490834">this 3-year old</a>, shaken to death. Then write a letter to your local politicians demanding tougher legislation against child abusers and, in some cases, against the parents of these victimized children. This nonsense has got to stop!theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-74356582755708466702008-06-24T23:09:00.021-04:002008-06-27T15:52:06.923-04:00So Sneaky Freaky(my kicks) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjJG4kUkRsa4oMTxYWC5PE9fdY3hYyC87fmrP519VcA0bQ5nNLLZNoLpWjSUXf05t3rWZDV8pMlSogpo6Yowp_9z2OSsyXC6f2dIfvZoeBb8TAdrsa_dHjBbC-Rf-VoI-ZCgKXA/s1600-h/P1000559.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFjJG4kUkRsa4oMTxYWC5PE9fdY3hYyC87fmrP519VcA0bQ5nNLLZNoLpWjSUXf05t3rWZDV8pMlSogpo6Yowp_9z2OSsyXC6f2dIfvZoeBb8TAdrsa_dHjBbC-Rf-VoI-ZCgKXA/s320/P1000559.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5216624312046652850" /></a> <br />I love rocking heels and wedges and especially love kickin up snow in my pumpkin orange platform boots, but really I'm a sneaker freak at heart and in earnest. Living in NYC I've been blessed to have access to some of the best sneaker spots in the world. Not like I've ever paid more than $100 for a pair of kicks, but it's so nice to try on the classic, <a href="http://sneakernews.com/2008/02/14/y-3-new-york-city-flagship-store-new-releases/">crazy expensive</a> limited edition joints every now and then. And wow, when they opened <a href="http://www.lasplash.com/publish/StyleAndFashion/cat_index_new_york_fashion/Laces_Boutique.php">this spot</a> just for us grrrls I was in 7th Heaven.<br /><br />But lately like in the last few years I've noticed an awful trend that's got me pulling my laces out in frustration. I don’t know if it started with <span style="font-style:italic;">Sex & The City</span> and Carrie's addiction to Manolos, Choos and all manner of 4-inch heeled shoes, but now it seems that wearing sneakers is deemed so unsexy, so uncool and so unfemme by men and by society at large. It's like when I wear my Pumas or my newest purchase-- the <a href="http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2008/01/30/nike-court-force-low-air-stab-copper-pack/">Nike Court Force Lows-Copper Pack</a> from their Limited Edition 2008 Olympic series (that's a mouthful), I get dudes saying, "Yo ma why you being such a hard rock today, what happened to the sexy lady I saw yesterday?" I'm like 'she's right here baby!' Dang, when did wearing sneakers render us grrrls frumpy, hard and asexual?<br /><br />I remember when hiphop first emerged and grrrls weren't considered funky fresh if we did <span style="font-style:italic;">not</span> rock a pair of Nike Pegasus or suede Pumas with big fat pink or baby blue laces. That was instant hotness back then that kept the boys coming to the yard. Oh yeah! Now I go out for a drink at The Mandarin Oriental and I'm rockin' my red Nike <span style="font-style:italic;">Sprint Sisters</span> and they tell me I can't sit in the main lounge cause of my kicks. Whut da? Now I must say for awhile there was a double standard (and there still is to a large extent) where a woman can wear sneakers to clubs and lounges and be allowed in, but men cannot. I guess those days are fleeting. And it’s funny because down South "tennis shoes" are relegated just for the kiddies, and for garden work or sporting activities if you are an adult. I guess BBQ isn't the only thing we are assuming from Southerners.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://nidelka.entryhost.com/teyanaharlem3.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://nidelka.entryhost.com/teyanaharlem3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />Even when I reflect on today's pop music scene, it's like the only chicks that rock sneakers are the ones that people allege are gay or either tom-boys (i.e. Teyana Taylor, Lil Mama, Missy Elliott, Da Brat). Then there's those paparazzi shots of fly women like <a href="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1298/1334941998_908f97b642.jpg">Beyonce</a> or <a href="http://www.shoehunting.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/kanyewest_alexisphifer.JPG">Alexis</a> in their stilettos and/or beautiful high-end designer gear lounging on the arms of their significant others that are dressed in jeans, t-shirts and Air Force Ones, err I mean <a href="http://www.nicekicks.com/bape-sneakers.php">Bapes</a>. I guess this is the other double standard whereby industry jiggas get off wearing rubber-soled kicks and its considered appropriate <span style="font-style:italic;">evening attire</span>. Don't let Janet Jackson get caught out at a party in a pair of Adidas. It would be considered another wardrobe malfunction, no doubt.<br /><br />I'm seriously pissed on one hand and I don't give a swoosh on the other. Living in Harlem, which is the sneaker capital of NYC, gives me firsthand, up-close, intimate moments with some of the hottest kicks out there and so that makes the double-standardized backlash tolerable and well worth it. <a href="http://www.freshnessmag.com/content/features/files/0505/atmos/index.php">ATMOS</a>, the Japanese-based sneakeria has a boutique on 125th Street that carries a small, yet very exclusive selection of sneakers. On 116th there is the currently under-constrution Training Camp Store where I copped those copper Court Force joints. And then there's the newest and probably greatest sneaker emporium to grace Uptown's streets-- <a href="http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2007/11/house_of_hoops_nike_harlem/">House of Hoops</a>, a retail marriage between Nike and Footlocker to promote the NBA-- the game, the players and their apparel.<br /><br />Needless to say, I'm going to keep on being the <a href="http://femalesneakerfiend.com/">sneaker fiend</a> that I am and rock my sneakers with pride. I'm a B-Girl at heart and everyone knows that a woman who knows her heart and loves herself in Louboutins as much as she loves herself in New Balance is the sexiest kind of grrrl there is!<br /><br />Other sneak freak grrrls: (<a href="http://femalesneakerfiends.blogspot.com/">female-sneaker-fiends</a>)theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-35946495285938551702008-06-20T13:19:00.003-04:002008-06-20T17:08:17.654-04:00Things to Do This Weekend<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.jeepbastard.com/gallery/labruja.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.jeepbastard.com/gallery/labruja.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> 1.) Check out La Bruja as she rocks the mic at SummerStage's <a href="http://www.summerstage.org/index1.aspx?BD=20521">Definitely Poetry</a> Jam on Saturday.<br /><br />2.) Check <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=53995913">Alice Russell</a> do her wonderful, jazzy, funky thing at Hiro Ballroom (rare NYC performance) on Saturday night.<br /><br />3.) Also on Saturday night go to El Museo del Barrio's film festival and catch <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NcPLE22N5CI">Maldeamores</a> a Puerto Rican film produced by one of my most fave actors-- Benicio del Toro.<br /><br />4.) On Sunday download D-Nice's crazy-fresh <a href="http://blog.d-nice.com/2008/06/16/the-d-nice-start-of-the-summer-mix/">start-of-summer music mix</a> while doing that last bit of that spring-cleaning you've been putting off-- Saturday is the first day of summer you know!theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-62389546531371061112008-06-19T18:25:00.011-04:002008-06-23T12:22:41.183-04:00In the News & On the Web: Black Models, R. Kelly, UBO MOvie<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3987/18_2008/vogueitalia-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3987/18_2008/vogueitalia-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> On the heels of Vogue's historic and therefore much talked about "Black Issue" that hits newsstands here next week, there is an article in today's NY Times (again) about the lack of Black models in major fashion magazines and runways. Written by Cathy Horn, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/19/fashion/19BLACK.html?_r=1&oref=slogin">"Conspicuous by Their Presence,"</a> focuses more on the upcoming issue and on Steven Meisel who photographed all the models including Naomi Campbell, Tyra Banks, Jourdan Dunn and Sessilee Lopez. Some interesting quotes from the article: <blockquote>O.K., so fashion ain’t deep. It looks into a mirror and sees ... itself. The irony in fashion is that it loves change but it can’t actually change anything. It can only reflect a change in the air. But what changes fashion? What would finally move American designers to include more black models on their runways? That 30 percent of the country is nonwhite? That black women spend $20 billion a year on clothes? That an African-American is the presumptive presidential nominee of the Democratic Party?</blockquote> <blockquote>Over Ms. Sozzani’s initial objections, he also hired Toccara Jones, a full-figure model, who became known from “America’s Next Top Model.” “I wanted to say something about weight, and I’m never allowed to do that,” he said. “I met Toccara and thought, she’s beautiful. What’s the deal with her? She’s great and she’s sexy.”</blockquote><br />Some people think it's agood idea and <a href="<br />http://feministing.com/archives/009425.html" target="_blank">others don't</a>. I personally think it's fantastic, but I am also aware of how some in our society like to make these grandiose public acts just for show, which don't have any roots in anything substantial or lasting. So my eyes are wide open.<br /><br /><br />So R. Kelly was acquitted of all charges. Surprised? Nope. I knew it. Anytime it takes that long to bring someone to trial there is a lack of seriousness in the midst. My comrade Joicelyn said it firsts three years ago, the judicial system and our communities at large do not care what happens to little Black girls. I followed up just a month ago when Kila (who is from Chicago) thought Mister Braid-My-Hair would be getting his cornrows done in prison. I told her then that those folks on the jury are probably blaming the girl in the video for being promiscuous and that further more we are not about to lock up the dude who gave us the 2-Step. Jalylah over at Vibe really <a href="http://blogs.vibe.com/babar/2008/06/r-kelly/">sums it up nicely</a>.<br /><br />And lastly <a href="http://www.furthermucker.com/blog/124/ubo-the-movie">Miles Marshall Lewis</a> hipped me to the making of a documentary about UBO (Urban Box Office). Dang near every Black artist/ writer/ "tastemaker" was scooped by UBO—the mega all encompassing, multimillion dollar website with aspirations to be all things for all Black folk. Well needless to say that ish never panned out cause well it would seem that the folks at UBO spent their millions on lavish parties (launch party on Ellis Island), crazy salaries, private jets, Gucci suits, Cuban cigars and Dom Perignon. So typical! Anyway this doc, being produced by the man behind the hugely popular gossip site <a href="http://urbanexpose.com/">Urban Expose</a>, should be painfully hilarious. I was asked to freelance for UBO three weeks before they went out of business and am still feeling the affects of their greed and mismanagement today when investors are still crazy skeptical of the urban online arena and it's potential to be highly successful. Thanks UBO for that one! Check the trailer:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qadkSn7dmoo&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qadkSn7dmoo&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-72300078212119189992008-06-17T17:28:00.008-04:002008-08-04T14:59:07.061-04:00Lingering Father's Day Thoughts<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjcyo3vWpKuekMusTEji0YGI6QRSEFHg7TGs2uVe1xjeVa_zFdZ701C5yKbhmFIOEOjChh791FoX_9jDVr5rPmi1AKbM7OdtKH7gvrAb4NmHTgvtu-3UsuXNARBo4esF6-b4n5w/s1600-h/P1000654.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVjcyo3vWpKuekMusTEji0YGI6QRSEFHg7TGs2uVe1xjeVa_zFdZ701C5yKbhmFIOEOjChh791FoX_9jDVr5rPmi1AKbM7OdtKH7gvrAb4NmHTgvtu-3UsuXNARBo4esF6-b4n5w/s200/P1000654.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5230736814153432082" /></a> I didn't want to blog about Father's Day, but these last few days all I seem to think about is my daddy and it's causing me to have major writer's block. I don't know why I didn't want to write about my father. Well actually I do. There are a ton of reasons and the underlying theme is that it's a personal thing. As many of you know my dad just transitioned last year and writing about it could be cathartic or it could be like scratching a newly formed scab. The not knowing has been reason enough, at least up to now, to keep my thoughts to myself. Well anyway every time I talk about my dad and how much I love him and why I credit him for most of my hotness folk say I should write about our relationship (Right Danyel? Happy Tate?) So this is what I gots to say about me and my dad-- Cornelius "Kurt" Moore.<br /><br />Because of him or should I say, <span style="font-style:italic;">road-trippin with him</span> to Cleveland or Trenton in his silver gray Toronado Oldsmobile, I knew about green anti-freeze before I knew about Tampax Tampons. I could check the oil in his car long before I signed my first check.<br /><br />Because of my father I knew as much about Miles Davis, Isaac Hayes and Lou Rawls as I did about Michael Jackson, Prince and New Edition and loved them all with equal fervor. I'll never forget the first time he played <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2KvM2T40RQ">Cristo Redentor</a> for me and my sister. We were young teenagers at the time. The sound of that mournful chorus and Donald Byrd’s trumpet would thickly flow through the four speakers in the living and dining rooms and fill our home like warm lava. My sister and I would sit back quietly absorbing it all. Today it is easily my most favorite jazz song of all time. As a matter of fact when he was at his most grave state and not conscious, I would play this song and James Brown’s "It's a Man's World." His eyes would be closed but he would squeeze my hand almost every time. Because of my dad's sensitive nature and extremely fragile state at the time, it was a family decision not to inform him of James Brown's transition. His love for James was that serious. I went to the Apollo the night of James' memorial and stood outside on behalf of my dad. Don't think I ever told him though. Yeah my dad gave my sister and I a Jedi's education in jazz and soul. <br /><br />Because of him I am a sports fanatic. I know a great deal about <a href="http://thehotnessgrrrl.blogspot.com/2007/01/love-and-basketball.html">the Knicks</a> and the Jets and the Mets and the Yankees-- Reggie Jackson, Mookie Wilson, Darryl Strawberry, Dwight Gooden, Patrick Ewing, these dudes were fixtures in my house-- if not on the tv, then in one of our fiery conversations or in some crazy bet between him and my Aunt Ann. My dad loved them all, but the Yankees were his absolute favorite team. Dang I even had my first taste of liquor with my pops watching a Yankees game. I had to be about nine or ten. He asked me to go to the fridge and get him a beer. A cold Miller or Budweiser, of course. He opened the can, took a sip and exhaled "aaahhh." I stood there watching it all-- amused, amazed and curious. I asked to take a sip. He said okay, "but a small one." With a quickness I turned that frigid aluminum can over into my mouth and tried to take the biggest gulp ever. It was good. I wanted more, but he said not this time. I told my sister and this somehow became our little ritual—watch baseball with daddy and we’d get a sip of his beer (maybe two if the Yankees or Mets were ahead). It was funny to us and so cool that daddy would let us taste what we knew was a grown-up drink. Besides we already had moms on lock in the morning with our requests for some of her "coffee-milk" and now we had Bud on Sunday afternoons with daddy. My sister and I, twirling around my dad's chair making ourselves dizzy playing like we were drunk, had a wonderful childhood.<br /><br />Because of daddy, I am a complete woman. I don't feel like I need to have a man, nor have I ever, to complete me or make me. It's certainly nice to be in a relationship, but my daddy loved his girls and gave us so much of himself that there is no void in terms of needing male validation. From the lil Valentine hearts he would give us filled with Brach <a href="http://thehotnessgrrrl.blogspot.com/2007/02/please-dont-give-me-roses.html">chocolates on Valentine's Day</a> to him helping me into the bath after major surgery just eight years ago he was always there with goodies, with jokes, and with a helping hand.<br /><br />Yep because of him I'm better. My dad made me a better individual (my mom too). So this is why I'm hot. This is why I'm hot! Thanks daddy... you are my original hotness.<br /><br /><br /><br />For Ayo & Lori.theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-48113429946664293662008-06-13T07:23:00.010-04:002008-06-20T17:09:42.973-04:00Things To Do This WeekendFRIDAY, 06.13 - <a href="http://www.summerstage.org/index1.aspx?BD=20515">MAVIS STAPLES & STEPHANIE MCKAY</a> @Central Park SummerStage in Manhattan<br /><br />FRIDAY, 06.13 - <a href="http://www.hob.com/tickets/eventdetail.asp?eventid=52247">LES NUBIANS @House of Blues in Chicago</a><br /><br />SATURDAY, 06.14 - <a href="http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/calendar.do?dispatch=detail&eventpageid=44706">KOOL HERC & LITTLE JACKIE</a> @The Brooklyn Public Library in BK<br /><br />SATURDAY, 06.14 - DIANE DACOSTA’S <a href="http://www.ddabtour.com/ticket_preorder/">AMERICAN BEAUTY TOUR</a> in Atlanta @Shrine of the Black Madonna<br /><br />SUNDAY, 06.15 – GAME 5: <a href="http://www.sportsnetwork.com/merge/tsnform.aspx?c=sportsnetwork&page=nba/news/news.aspx?id=4156826">BOSTON CELTICS & LA LAKERS</a> @The Staples Center in Los Angeles (and on ABC nationwide) at 9PM<br /><br />For more cool happenings in NYC this summer check Sharon Pendana's supa uber comprehensive listing of free events on her very cool <a href="http://pendulumswing.wordpress.com/2008/06/06/free-at-last/" target="_blank">blog</a>.<br /><br />And read <a href="http://blogs.uptownlife.net/nicolemoore/?p=10">here</a> why sometimes it's hard for me to find things to do in Harlem.theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-10985860658472707472008-06-11T09:57:00.016-04:002008-06-13T13:10:21.058-04:00Katy Perry<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22m4h-rv92JNIg5XmEDJV4XZv50cX1docptir3ORR0Z9k0aFqGRfF8PFwd2J2cUy9CT4kdW-oQSQU3S9V5ePAoM_zfvOxCL4dHkircrMQojvlaLC_h40GeKVDaAOXCis16CwWOQ/s1600-h/katyperry.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi22m4h-rv92JNIg5XmEDJV4XZv50cX1docptir3ORR0Z9k0aFqGRfF8PFwd2J2cUy9CT4kdW-oQSQU3S9V5ePAoM_zfvOxCL4dHkircrMQojvlaLC_h40GeKVDaAOXCis16CwWOQ/s320/katyperry.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211198287871822082" /></a> On Monday night I met up with new partner in crime, Jamiyla, at Steve Madden on the LES to check out this new artist that had music promotion bigwigs-- Giant Step-- going absolutely ga-ga. I had never heard of <a href="http://www.myspace.com/katyperry">Katy Perry</a> before I received my invitation. In all honesty the main reason I decided to go was for the Perrier Jouet and Stoli open bar. I know that says very lil about my curiosity for new music and volumes about my love for the bubbly, buy hey, music here lately just hasn't been blowing my skirt up.<br /><br />As soon as I turned the corner onto Rivington I was surprised to see a small line forming outside. Were all of these very hip, very cool multi-culti folk here to see Katy or to get their drink on? If it was the former I <s>wanted</s> needed to be in the know.<br /><br />By the time I slid inside, Jamiyla had made a new friend-- Tracey Moore (formerly of the <a href="http://www.jazzyfatnastees.com/">Jazzyfatnastees</a> and co-founder of Black Lily). While we sipped our mimosas, the three of us talked about the state of Black music and debated about how segregated New York City’s Black and White artistic communities had become. Initially I disagreed about this last issue, pointing to groups like Burnt Sugar and the <a href="http://www.afropunk.com/">Afro- Punk</a> movement, but then I realized that if it wasn't for Giant Step I would have never heard of <a href="http://www.katyperry.com/main.html">Katy Perry</a> and come to find out she is pretty well known outside of the urban or Af-Am cipher (she's been featured in the NY Times, on TRL and on this summer's Warped Tour). <br /><br />(Jamiyla & Tracey)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwsSo0w_Ouc7WtHwAtxMoKEJt0AhV5rTskqBBK9oiY07laU1xogadNg3_jVSJPbB4w_RfBf6fqpFidAaJbULMW1Kii-3jwptFclDM7CMq-taEQ3q-SDDHlZXQNX0QqW6nUKErNg/s1600-h/photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwsSo0w_Ouc7WtHwAtxMoKEJt0AhV5rTskqBBK9oiY07laU1xogadNg3_jVSJPbB4w_RfBf6fqpFidAaJbULMW1Kii-3jwptFclDM7CMq-taEQ3q-SDDHlZXQNX0QqW6nUKErNg/s320/photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5211199229934179506" /></a><br />She has this song, "I Kissed A Girl," which is like chicken pox catchy and she totally reminds me of early Alanis Morissette except where Alanis' "Like A Pill" was situated on a bed of anger and angst, Katy settles on a more humorous cushion for her set. She also reminds me of Ashlee Simpson or Avril Lavigne before they became US mag fodder. I'm looking forward to checking out her record, <em>One of The Boys</em>, when it drops next week.<br /><br />Afterwards I thought about some of the things Tracey had mentioned with regard to NYC's artists communities and how we tend to not socialize and collaborate across racial groupings. Maybe she is right. I think back to when I was a little girl and even though I may not have been chillin with white girls, that at least musically speaking, my homegirls and I would all listen to 92-WKTU and watch Video Music Box where they played Madonna, Blondie, Tony Basil and Belinda Carlisle as often as they did Vanity 6, Run DMC and the Mary Jane Girls and we loved them all and we're surely influenced stylistically by them too! We knew all the words to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhxDE4WMuNI&feature=related">"Mickey"</a> just as well as we knew Mtume's "Juicy Fruit." Of course this was before there was such a thing as urban radio-- clearly the beginning of our sonic xenophobia. Now I hardly ever listen to the radio and the only time I readily hear about white artists (in urban circles) is if they are "soul" singers ala Robin Thicke or Amy Winehouse.<br /><br />Well thank you Giant Step for always keeping me in the know. Last year you got me so into <a href="http://sarabmusic.com/site.html">Sara Bareilles</a> and now you got me again with Katy!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4F06DyWU2F8&hl=en"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4F06DyWU2F8&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-53121376708697027712008-06-10T17:42:00.005-04:002008-06-11T13:21:42.627-04:00It's A Black Thing, Oh No Wait, It's a White Thing!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.hola.com/belleza/especiales/peinados_que_hicieron_historia/fotos/bo-derek.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.hola.com/belleza/especiales/peinados_que_hicieron_historia/fotos/bo-derek.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> First there was Bo Derek rocking cornrows in "10" and suddenly braids were the ish and everyone just had to cop that style. Never mind that Cicely Tyson, <a href="http://blakslair.blogspot.com/2007/12/patrice-rushen.html">Patrice Rushen</a>, Peaches (of Peaches & Herb), and scores of other Black women from New York City to Nigeria rocked this style long before Bo ever got Dudley Moore open. Then there was Carrie Bradshaw and her <a href="http://getbeautymarked.blogspot.com/2007/11/must-have-trends.html">ghetto gold</a>. This chick, and the series that made hers a household name, Sex & The City, actually gets credit for name chains and their ensuing popularity! Do you know how absolutely ill this ignorance makes me? Every time I wear my name chain and some spritely young girl says, "ooh I love your chain-- so SJP," I really feel like karate kicking her right smack dab in the back of her True Religions, but usually I'll just share how my daddy got it for me on my 16th birthday from Corners on White Plains Road in the BX in the 80's when SJP was still a <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083482/">square peg</a>. Salt-N-Pepa, MC Lyte, Roxanne Shante, Tammi Billinghurst, Lisa Parran-- we all had name plates back in the day. And some, like my sister, even had name earrings and rings. Whut!!?<br /><br />But life sometimes bees like that, especially in Hollywood where White folks are repositioning much of urban culture for their own big box office payouts. And it's not just our hairstyles and jewelry, they are reappropriating entire cultural idioms as in <a href="http://www.babymamamovie.net/">"Baby Mama"</a> and "Knocked Up" into feel good success stories. In fact, as of late, Hollywood is just giving Black actresses the finger by casting white girls in the lead of Black biopics. They did it with Angelina Jolie when she played Mariane in "A Mighty Heart" and we kinda let it slide because, well, it was Angie.<br /><br />But now, and this is a real kicker (no doubt right back in our bootylicious booties), they have cast Mena Suvari in the true life story based on African-American Chante Mallard and get this, <a href="http://jezebel.com/5011611/why-cast-a-black-actress-in-your-movie-when-you-can-get-mena-suvari-in-cornrows">she's even wearing cornrows</a> for the part. And this, my friends, is why talented Black actresses can't get a decent movie role unless it's a Tyler Perry flick and why Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg is hosting The View. When it only requires one to be cornrowed, ebonicfied and blinged-out then any blond, brunette, doed eyed chick can be Black and therefore employed. Jeesh, am I the only one getting nauseous?theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-21405281500995689802008-06-06T09:17:00.002-04:002008-06-06T13:55:40.682-04:00Obama, Oh Yeah!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://whoisbarackobama.name/who-is-barack-obama.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://whoisbarackobama.name/who-is-barack-obama.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I have been hesitant to write about Senator Barack Obama this week partly because I cannot believe that for the first time in this country’s history (and in my lifetime) an African-American has won the Democratic nomination to be President and partly because the superstitious part of me feels like talking about it will jinx it-- maybe Hillary will rise from the ashes like some villainous character in a horror flick to claim victory, maybe and I hate to say the A-word, but you know it's a possibility especially when his opponent starts mentioning that Robert Kennedy lost his life that way in June. Anyway this is history! This is, as an older woman on the beach summed up so well last weekend, "simply thrilling." I just got used to the fact that Oprah is one of the richest and most powerful people in the world and now this. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/06/04/in-obama-many-overseas-se_n_105338.html">Yeah thrilling</a>.theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-39907234601321693462008-06-01T23:14:00.014-04:002008-06-06T09:31:55.185-04:00Sex & The City: A Night Out With The Grrrls<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.thefunfactory.ie/uploads/images/dir33/dir1/13_1.php"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.thefunfactory.ie/uploads/images/dir33/dir1/13_1.php" border="0" alt="" /></a> The clothes were flashy and seductive. Who cared if it was only 7pm and the sun was still shining. The ladies were rocking sequins, feathers and bodacious fake flowers. The weaves were tight, ponytails high and perfectly streaked bangs were coifed just so. And these were just the ladies <span style="font-style:italic;">on line</span> to see Sex And The City at the 34th Street AMC.<br /><br />And even though the <a href="http://movies.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/movies/30sex.html?incamp=article_popular_2">critics</a> wasted no time telling us SATC was nothing more than a shat filled excuse for product marketing with it's excessive brand placements and shopaholic protagonists, I found the movie to be the perfect salve for us grrrls left to contend with <span style="font-style:italic;">Iron Man</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">Indy</span> or more consistently <span style="font-style:italic;">Entourage</span> and <span style="font-style:italic;">The Wire</span>. While I love these shows and hear the movies are also thrilling, sometimes us ladies need our grrrly moments of indulgence. These critics who are just hatin because they probably have never had sex in this city or in any other can't see beyond Carrie's Choos for what really got us ladies rolling out this past weekend in crews so deep we made <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080120/">The Warriors</a> look like some suburban boy scout gathering. In SATC there were wonderful conversations about love and marriage, heartfelt testimonies about forgiveness and yes, all out fashion romps. It was a frock concert like no other-- the gladiator sandals, Vivienne Westwood and DVF dresses and ooohhh wheee those handbags. It was indeed orgasmic and well, I say give me more!<br /><br />It's called fantasy people and personally I feel women are not allowed to fantasize enough. Never mind that we are in a war and violence abounds on street corners, in college classrooms, master bedroom suites and in so many nooks of our everyday lives and still we not only continue to promote violence in our films, we encourage our young boys by gifting them with aggressively violent video games. Never mind that our men, well, they have hockey, wrestling and football to exorcise their aggressive fantastical whims. But dang, give a grrrl two and a half hours of Manolo Blahniks, erotica and romance and suddenly the entire film genre has gone to pot. Whatever! I loved it and if you've been reading theHotness you know that we (myself most certainly included) have <a href="http://www.thehotness.com/issue_10.html#chica">had our share of criticisms</a> about the HBO series. Clearly <a href="http://www.thehotness.com/issue_11.html#chica">our cries for diversity</a> did not go unheard. There was color (and even references to coloring, lol) sprinkled throughout the film in the background and in the forefront. And yeah, even though Jennifer Hudson didn't add any real substance or complexity to the production, like everything in the movie (and in the movie theatre), it all made for the sweetest eye candy a grrrl could have on a Saturday night out!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24gshciOP_STJnL4NnEA2T8AR-05b0guIay-ExcjJTtgm8dJXeJ5gEhRb-GPDK_hAnGuuidx7FkHPaY9dqE8BIRWlgwgn2TCKHSBoScp96IBqD21bJgdHoplnwyfj05t53qjmWQ/s1600-h/P1000531.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24gshciOP_STJnL4NnEA2T8AR-05b0guIay-ExcjJTtgm8dJXeJ5gEhRb-GPDK_hAnGuuidx7FkHPaY9dqE8BIRWlgwgn2TCKHSBoScp96IBqD21bJgdHoplnwyfj05t53qjmWQ/s320/P1000531.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5208759062324614194" /></a>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-23608667643140860552008-05-30T22:12:00.013-04:002009-10-17T10:25:29.842-04:00His Hustle, My Flow<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxoS-QZ0iXVX9yOoFpSOUxKXsadhrKxSbpblBcyh194mP-Rooj5bZKIg87LreW-sY4FywS6uuhuK4dAEypAMHP4XwCVPLV6NZ1Jae-NrPRvE4TXyAsNKgGa3BPTk4hfQPnYOS-Q/s1600-h/hustleflow.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 143px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqxoS-QZ0iXVX9yOoFpSOUxKXsadhrKxSbpblBcyh194mP-Rooj5bZKIg87LreW-sY4FywS6uuhuK4dAEypAMHP4XwCVPLV6NZ1Jae-NrPRvE4TXyAsNKgGa3BPTk4hfQPnYOS-Q/s200/hustleflow.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5393574701456970226" /></a> I recently traveled to South Beach for a lil fun in the sun with my homeslice from Chicago. This was actually my first time back in Miami in four years and I was totally outta touch with what was poppin. Ingenious me decided not to get recommendations from trusted well-traveled friends or from online info ciphers like <a href="http://travelingdiva.blogspot.com/">Traveling Diva</a> or Club Planet. Oh no, I was going to be spontaneous and just ask folks once I got to Miami. As soon as I got off the plane I spotted a brother waiting to board that was dressed in this fly outfit and just looked like someone I would want to roll with. When I asked him what was poppin in MIA he just responded with a laugh and then said he's from NYC and was catching a connecting flight back home from St. Croix and all he knew about Miami was that the Heat had a sucky season. Figures! So I make my way over to the Starbucks that's located at the end of the terminal and as I get on line I see a very attractive man. He's got that swagger and I catch his eye. As he walks by he doubles back and gets on line right behind me. Immediately I asked him with his chocolaty tanned skin what was hot in Miami. He looked at me and smiled and said he wasn't really sure what was up, that he had been there for business and was now headed to New York City.<br /><br />Him: I come to Miami all the time for meetings and business and just get drinks at various hotels. You should try the lounge at the Shore Club or Delano.<br /><br />Me: Well I already know about those places. I'm from NYC. Hotel lounges are a given.<br /><br />Him: Well I don't really do the club thing. You know I have bricks everywhere-- South Beach, NYC, Malibu, Beverly Hills.<br /><br />Me: Bricks?<br /><br />Him: Yeah, <span style="font-style:italic;">homes</span>. What part of New York are you from?<br /><br />Me: Oh so now Mr. Beverly Hills is spitting hiphop lyrics at me? I'm from the Bronx originally and I now live Uptown-- Harlem, and I've never heard <span style="font-style:italic;">bricks</span> used in that manner. <br /><br />Him: I may live in Beverly Hills, but I'm from the PJ's. I know Harlem-- the Pink Houses. Marcy in Brooklyn. I may work in "the industry," but I'm from the hood.<br /><br />Me: Okay Biggie Smalls with <span style="font-style:italic;">your mansions and Benz's giving ends to your friends</span>. I get it.<br /><br />Him: (falls back laughing) Yo, you have jokes!<br /><br />Me: So now you live in Beverly Hills? The whitest, most xenophobic, most plastic place to live in this country? I don't get it. Even if you work in the industry, you don't have to live smack dab in it unless you are looking for validation.<br /><br />Him: Nah it's not even like that. I genuinely like Beverly Hills. I can make any city my home because home is wherever I am.<br /><br />Me: Oh, so you I- Ching too and can spit 100 Laws of Power? Fascinating! So what do you do in the industry, Dr. Phil?<br /><br />Him: You're killin me with the snaps. I work in film. I make movies.<br /><br />Me: Really? Which ones?<br /><br />Him: Too many to name.<br /><br />Me: Uh ha, right. Well tell me "Mr. I Got Bricks" from coast to coast and too many movies to name, do you have a card?<br /><br />Him: No, I don't carry cards.<br /><br />Me: No business cards! I see. Well do you at least have a name?<br /><br />Him: Antoine. What's yours?<br /><br />Me: Nicole.<br /><br />Him: Well it was a pleasure speaking with you and when I get to New York I will talk to my friends and find out what's poppin this weekend in South Beach and will reach out and let you know. (he takes my card) Okay, Ms. Hotness?<br /><br />Me: Cool. Have a good flight.<br /><br />I walk away thinking I've just wasted 20-minutes talking to some wannabe producer, hustling me with his jive flow. Thirty minutes later I'm retelling the story to my girl back at the hotel and it's apparent that I'm still hot about losing much needed beach time by talking to some dude who didn't even give up the digits! Finally at the end of my story I say to her, "and if things weren't shady enough with this no business card having, can't name a single film I've made poser, homey's got the nerve to have some crazy, fake sounding Hollywoodesque last name. He couldn't be Antoine Johnson or Thomas. Oh no this fool's last name had to be <span style="font-style:italic;">exotic</span>. Brace yourself now-- "Fuqua". Yep, Antoine Fuqua. Have you heard of any crazier shiz before? My friend's mouth just dropped. Did you say Antoine Fuqua? Oh my god! Do you know who you were putting on blast? She then IMDB'd his name and well, all I have to say is I loved Training Day... ooops!<br /><br />For more about my trip to South Beach check <a href="http://blogs.uptownlife.net/nicolemoore/?p=9">here</a> where I also blog.theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-13752398316566573312008-05-29T15:59:00.013-04:002008-06-03T12:59:08.735-04:00Tanqueray Style Sessions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ_vaMAxpWhDAbgz_-bbYSlCEJbwLegBx_eul6envKrI0AOhmhfgLYt01x6CUYrVuGZKh72sxj0UbPdDyHkyCyDl1DKMYswo5ZLjSnjbfWxE6jH7FrGD4LpyCXv1zdnqGNsmW0w/s1600-h/P1000527.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQ_vaMAxpWhDAbgz_-bbYSlCEJbwLegBx_eul6envKrI0AOhmhfgLYt01x6CUYrVuGZKh72sxj0UbPdDyHkyCyDl1DKMYswo5ZLjSnjbfWxE6jH7FrGD4LpyCXv1zdnqGNsmW0w/s200/P1000527.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206195826670873810" /></a> Last night Tanqueray got the green bottles out and did it big for their Tanqueray Style Sessions-- some crazy synergistic, cross-marketing mash-up of booze, music, fashion and art all taking place under one roof in the name of brand development. The roof in question was that of The Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea, NYC. When I arrived it was a mob scene outside and immediately I was ready to head home, but comrade Larry Ossei let me slide to the front of the VIP line and I was able to ease in rather quickly. I honestly forgot how frickin loony people get when the call of "Open Bar" is made. Tanqueray, not even really a hot brand in terms of what’s poppin, had folks standing at least 50 deep in three different lines waiting to get their gin and tonic on or some other concoction. The whole experience reminded me of back in the day how folks in my hood would line up for our free cheese and butter. I saw author Trey Ellis who said to me in astonishment these lines are ridiculous. "Yeah, but how ridiculous does that make me for actually waiting on the line," I responded. After being on line for 15 minutes I started wondering if I had lush life issues, but then just contended that these types of industry affairs—fraudulent attempts at being supa cutting-edge necessitated a drink. Keeping it real, the music and art takes a back seat to cocktail sipping. There was a fashion show featuring a few lines including Marc Ecko and throughout the space were cute lil "branded" lounge areas created by Crate & Barrel and live art displays by graffiti artist STASH. It was a 3-ring circus with the main attraction being the concession stands.<br /><br />There were however two thrilling moments. The first happened 30-minutes before the fashion show started when a vent fell from the ceiling, hitting a woman. She was knocked down to the floor but looked like she would be okay <span style="font-style:italic;">after</span> medical attention. Clearly she's got a good case for a lawsuit. How's that for brand development Tanqueray?<br /><br />The second thrilling moment was a "surprise performance" by Ryan Leslie. I had heard so much about him-- heard his jawn "Diamond Girl," but never saw him live. He danced, twirled and generally sang his behind off. It took him a minute to gain the attention (and respect) of the crowd, but by the third song he had won over the audience with his charm and enthusiasm and folks had gathered around the stage to show dude in the shiny jacket some love. His band was tight. I just wish he would lay off of the Usher routine and give us more edge-- more James Brown if you will.<br /><br />I saw Sylvia Rhone standing next to DJ’s Steve Aoki & Mos cheering her artist on and looking fierce as ever. Damon Dash, who I <a href="http://thehotnessgrrrl.blogspot.com/2005/11/life-is-dash-part-1.html">interviewed</a> a couple of years ago was there with his son chatting with Angela Yee from Sirius, and speaking of <span style="font-style:italic;">Diamond Girl</span>, I met Jenn Tsang who creates fresh gold rings and other bombastic bling rocking the flyest denim jumpsuit. Also in the house Charles of Hustlemode with Mary Phanmaha from Rocawear and Slim Pickens.<br /><br />I had an aight time. Will I check for Ryan's record? Yep. Will I start ordering Tanqueray when <a href="http://blogs.uptownlife.net/nicolemoore/?p=3">I go out</a>? Nope. Will I make sure not to stand under any open vents? You damn skippy I will!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWa0dqjsVf3vy_z7Gs0v4Rm92hdbg0TDmRnoNpcCPvVs18VL4WE_lRvTxqmvQlqnPSvGsLcEDzec6iqvKhQOvrW68V0P6Db7gRbg1Jr8gpMWs8h0NfIYJDNQvrjzI7rQiAWyXtQ/s1600-h/P1000501.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCWa0dqjsVf3vy_z7Gs0v4Rm92hdbg0TDmRnoNpcCPvVs18VL4WE_lRvTxqmvQlqnPSvGsLcEDzec6iqvKhQOvrW68V0P6Db7gRbg1Jr8gpMWs8h0NfIYJDNQvrjzI7rQiAWyXtQ/s320/P1000501.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206173282387537026" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1BsDLhZ3sRvde3EPjtE71dL1ggkuU74B2BnJhbbA2QCHtw2mnwVeXfy_8C4uhONdngOy1F2CbM-XvAqn4IAbjVGjlBhYDpH7QggRymu_qEuBNZPaJ_EjDU6FmLK2ZqMNRvpOIQ/s1600-h/P1000499.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin1BsDLhZ3sRvde3EPjtE71dL1ggkuU74B2BnJhbbA2QCHtw2mnwVeXfy_8C4uhONdngOy1F2CbM-XvAqn4IAbjVGjlBhYDpH7QggRymu_qEuBNZPaJ_EjDU6FmLK2ZqMNRvpOIQ/s320/P1000499.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206172384739372146" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbIczTWe6UEXRvBvx-v5ihCHuPW4UMg3n8UcaZ3tR1avaRnfbQI5l4Twk_Ube3aRmGcGOxb_U-wOrWC0qaqAs_QLAWm2t551sfAe4sz3SZ_W1Dl1oHN6HX0PwJlRGsKkzWXpe2g/s1600-h/P1000503.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWbIczTWe6UEXRvBvx-v5ihCHuPW4UMg3n8UcaZ3tR1avaRnfbQI5l4Twk_Ube3aRmGcGOxb_U-wOrWC0qaqAs_QLAWm2t551sfAe4sz3SZ_W1Dl1oHN6HX0PwJlRGsKkzWXpe2g/s320/P1000503.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206175786353470610" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62aLe0qW4PK-gz6PsV2rCRSjmiEKMn2FoUFJLbY6420KsHS75sVLc1FHQfbgeXTcA7UeokvYq_JNcYYK1ZbnzFKawVfF6CR7QGkAlDyx03o4VFQniR84F3KUqG6VNSaTcuBFa3w/s1600-h/P1000500.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi62aLe0qW4PK-gz6PsV2rCRSjmiEKMn2FoUFJLbY6420KsHS75sVLc1FHQfbgeXTcA7UeokvYq_JNcYYK1ZbnzFKawVfF6CR7QGkAlDyx03o4VFQniR84F3KUqG6VNSaTcuBFa3w/s320/P1000500.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206180570947038386" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX9hFQv3TNl61D3nPRs7yHmKvCHZ0Pzk-M4UrZyM9XadpTNDfDxpfztvLHJhz1RtCxkTuC-oVYthfnlJqDu-T03hg83SW21O1F0tkzs68NCMPzB-YCO6u7rYWDR3-fIupm0Gymg/s1600-h/P1000504.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbX9hFQv3TNl61D3nPRs7yHmKvCHZ0Pzk-M4UrZyM9XadpTNDfDxpfztvLHJhz1RtCxkTuC-oVYthfnlJqDu-T03hg83SW21O1F0tkzs68NCMPzB-YCO6u7rYWDR3-fIupm0Gymg/s320/P1000504.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5206183324021075138" /></a>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-63933472000734418402008-05-19T15:59:00.022-04:002008-05-30T08:36:37.525-04:00Sixth Ave Street Fair & Uptown Designers MarketWeekends just seem to zip by, but then what else is new. Time flies warp speeds when you are having fun or, at the very least, when you're trying to chill. So it was for me this weekend. On Saturday I ran some errands and (literally) stumbled across the massive 6th Avenue street festival. And ooh wheee, I can’t tell you how much I love street fairs. The intoxicating smell of Italian sausages, peppers and onions on the grill and just popped hot kettle corn. It’s funny because I find in my travels there are two types of people. You got your amusement park aficionados and your street fair fanatics. The former loves the rides, the thrill of the rollercoasters and the exhilarating drenchings of water rides. I, on the other hand, fall into the latter category. I love walking from vendor to vendor looking for some unique rare find. Unfortunately the fairs in NYC have become more of the same mass produced trinket hodgepodgery-- sheet sets, wool sweaters, I love NY t-shirts, and hoop earrings galore. But the one thing that sucks me in every time is the fair's food fare. I'ma sucka for the chicken kebobs, funnel cake and kettle corn. And so I spent a good chunk of my Saturday afternoon munching my yum-yum off walking around midtown.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbciBTFpHqOU-UweUkw3hpFbSDALM71HUG1XzI1EJqfHmym0HVVVif5cLCt6-nx9XEd78go4wvj6hfGktpDet_EeBoKsxw8WIhmhhwkekFiJ8XmLmVjuYJCCzGdcEORF0FnhoSPg/s1600-h/P1000487.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbciBTFpHqOU-UweUkw3hpFbSDALM71HUG1XzI1EJqfHmym0HVVVif5cLCt6-nx9XEd78go4wvj6hfGktpDet_EeBoKsxw8WIhmhhwkekFiJ8XmLmVjuYJCCzGdcEORF0FnhoSPg/s320/P1000487.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203567850246905634" /></a> On Sunday the ominous clouds kept me at bay and so I stayed close to home, which worked out cause once the sun came out around 6pm I went to the Uptown Emerging Designers Market and caught the last bit of what was clearly a very hot affair. Unlike my 6th Ave experience the previous day, the vendors at this market, which was located in Harlem at the Hip Hop Culture Center (who knew?), featured vendors hawking all kinds of unique and stylish goods-- many handmade. I loved the wit of homey selling the <span style="font-style:italic;">Puerto Rican for a Weekend</span> tees to celebrate NYC's annual Puerto Rican Day Parade-- a day where not only Jessica Alba is Latino but dang near all of Gotham.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUEQXQgjguCEiG4Y9X_MV_vCIvQBvSxr2TDj94Ge1Z2BY0XstNm0_sRhE6avVNibiEWnuMf9KMGKvnHnhWb0ESZqIfoyYH_vPSwvz8p_wOQo1e5liKmxlS8nAaS3qN_uyYsnbKQ/s1600-h/P1000496.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCUEQXQgjguCEiG4Y9X_MV_vCIvQBvSxr2TDj94Ge1Z2BY0XstNm0_sRhE6avVNibiEWnuMf9KMGKvnHnhWb0ESZqIfoyYH_vPSwvz8p_wOQo1e5liKmxlS8nAaS3qN_uyYsnbKQ/s320/P1000496.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203571385004990258" /></a><br />My absolute fave though were the sisters behind Cut It Out apparel-- a line of tees that have all these cool, positive messages for women and girls like "Destroy Stereotypes" and "Dope Enough To Make You Holla & Scream" from Latifah and Monie Love's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JszargLKAfM">Ladies First</a>. CIO co-founders Noricia Anderson and Tirinda McNeil (in photo: 2nd from right & right) believe "that women should assert their inner strengths and explore their individuality." About the Harlem Market, Tirinda says "there's more love here and the people get us immediately.” Well I sure did. I bought two tees and am waiting for them to do a white and gold version of their iconic tee-- the one that features the ladies bathroom symbol emblazoned boldly in front. theHotness no doubt!<br /><br />I had a great time talking to the artists and vendors who all seemed to genuinely enjoy one another and the idea of growing their business in Harlem. The Market co-founder Michelle Gittens, who has <a href="http://youtube.com/watch?v=6NwDZkadzGg&feature=related">Heidi Klum's charisma</a> and Michael Kors' no nonsense all-American business sense and more designers under her uptown roof than any one season of Project Runway is excited about the future of the market. Here she is talking about the Market and what’s next:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/5OiJrZSXPjU"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/5OiJrZSXPjU" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-14173560554680200482008-05-13T01:40:00.016-04:002008-05-28T15:11:00.453-04:00Funk, Feathers & Fire: Joi, Tamar-kali, & blaKbushe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPhV0pygTn7I5zKGFOqbXRB6gk-cGzhRycDGvC0s0sngatFg8zDOfL5a60r09AViDZJMJKxUS0Joj_brVj0_-FyQjTUr6DbFkcq6rsCRc7ce2ER4uwJhB0RU6AC5fjpBEA6BqYg/s1600-h/P1000473.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXPhV0pygTn7I5zKGFOqbXRB6gk-cGzhRycDGvC0s0sngatFg8zDOfL5a60r09AViDZJMJKxUS0Joj_brVj0_-FyQjTUr6DbFkcq6rsCRc7ce2ER4uwJhB0RU6AC5fjpBEA6BqYg/s320/P1000473.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203566132259987218" /></a> I tell you no lie, back in '94, <a href="http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/store/artist/album/0,,201216,00.html">Sunshine & The Rain</a> was the frickin soundtrack to my life. I thought I had just landed the job of my dreams working at a major music publishing company only to discover on day two that the job totally sucked. And on top of that I had turned down a cool gig at Essence for it too. So I would go to work, happy to have a job, and one in the music biz no less, but miserable to be working for total lunatic haters (save for my homegirl--go Homeschool Records!) Anyway a total digression I know, but that song like the mystical music maven that breathes life into it every time she sings the lyrics encapsulates the disillusioned heartbreak and blissful joy that's a part of everyday life for everyday folk who dream big, work hard, and love deep. Joi is that artist. Shid, she's <span style="font-style:italic;">that</span> woman! Crazy critical acclaim from fans and critics for her first two records that got no real support from her label and fickle music industry; A freaky deaky awe inspiring romance and subsequent marriage to Big Gipp that dissolved like sand into divorce, lost love and baby-daddydom. So needless to say I could not wait to see Joi Gillium do her crazy sexy cool thing at Saturday night's <a href="http://thehotnessgrrrl.blogspot.com/2008/05/hustle-and-flow.html">Queen's Daughters</a> event.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2Eco5DgO5I_GUojdmkC1UZ4tQkJxjRf7hPwmpMn9xH4HfbXuDPY5RtAJYK4YrltGf2HA_KnwekopaGRa79sstTO5gvCmvoOBUbSo1mxzWKXwpyc6BcNioXNHCPL0uPPjnJxTbg/s1600-h/P1000472.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2Eco5DgO5I_GUojdmkC1UZ4tQkJxjRf7hPwmpMn9xH4HfbXuDPY5RtAJYK4YrltGf2HA_KnwekopaGRa79sstTO5gvCmvoOBUbSo1mxzWKXwpyc6BcNioXNHCPL0uPPjnJxTbg/s200/P1000472.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203564684856008450" /></a> Unfortunately the Ballroom was half packed, but that didn’t stop the three headliners from giving us stadium-packed-to-capacity worthy performances. The Labelle tribute, which I thought was going to feature all three singers jamming together, opened with Shelley Nicole’s blacKbushe giving the audience, as producer Kim Knox described it-- <span style="font-style:italic;">a baptism of fire</span>. I especially loved her song that she wrote in response to the cutting down of the noose-strewn tree in Jena, LA. It was my first time seeing her and she definitely lived up to all the hype I had been hearing about her over the years.<br /><br />Next up was Tamar-kali who was giving us Burlesque Ringmistress love. She twirled a cane, played guitar, bellydanced, did this amazing interpretation of Labelle’s funky Space Children that featured an accordionist, all while maintaining the illest décolletage. Now that's a real woman for ya! Here she is before the show talking about her personal style, Labelle, and bellydancing:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/B-MeSxKKM_k&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/B-MeSxKKM_k&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /><br />(and if you want to know the answer to the last question of this interview stay tuned for the relaunch of theHotness.com)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDLBdjgGs60aX_8WeR5KvHcnrKOeAZ73IH4s875EPM1zYyLRaSw7uFX8bx4cI1lm5VMrnPaUUT7_pc54AFy2OYBY9IybDik0BWmsqdbdLQmrv2r1M3FHq_N9v1U_5GEy2b6YXgA/s1600-h/P1000478.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDLBdjgGs60aX_8WeR5KvHcnrKOeAZ73IH4s875EPM1zYyLRaSw7uFX8bx4cI1lm5VMrnPaUUT7_pc54AFy2OYBY9IybDik0BWmsqdbdLQmrv2r1M3FHq_N9v1U_5GEy2b6YXgA/s320/P1000478.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5203561540939947762" /></a> And last but certainly not least, Joi strutted out on stage to what has now become her literal cat-call. With every meow moaned by her two backup singers, the excitement in the room intensified. I think <a href="http://www.popmatters.com/music/concerts/j/joi-020713.shtml">the last time Joi performed</a> in NYC was in 2002 so this was a long-awaited homecoming of sorts. And she wasted no time giving her peeps a taste of what they had been yearning for all night, if not a half a decade. She jump-started her seductive prowl tease with Tennessee Slim-- a fun, yet smoldering ditty that showcases the Star Kitty's country cat persona-- a brown liquor drinking, hammocked collards cookin, no mess taking single mama. From there she served up Ameoeba Cleansing Syndrome classics like "You Turn Me On" and "If I'm in Luck I Might Just Get Picked Up," which were both initially rooted in the deep murky back waters of Labelle, Betty Davis and Bootsy Collins. Clearly this was more than a tribute for Joi as her set list and indeed her professional discography prove. She’s got Patti's in your face machisma and flamboyance and for kicks she's got Funkadelic all up under her skin just to show off her knowledge of the music and the movement. When she sang You Turn Me On, which she used to sing with her recently deceased sista-friend and mentor Whyld Peach, it was apparent this "wings and feathers" jawn was more than a gig for Joi. She respects and misses her musical roots. Nina Simone is as much family for her as Whyld Peach. There is a palpable connection to the ancestors when she performs and she acknowledges the angels around her by donning her own wings. I couldn't help but get totally misty eyed. Fo sho' Ms. Gillium gives multiple meanings to the notion of getting moist. Holla and Aché to dat!theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-34507012975508815892008-05-06T18:01:00.008-04:002008-05-07T13:33:25.474-04:00The Queen's Daughters<a href="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w22/ubiquitanyc/uNYC_040408_queen-evite2-1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w22/ubiquitanyc/uNYC_040408_queen-evite2-1.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I can't wait for Saturday! <a href="http://www.myspace.com/joi" target="_blank">Joi</a> (aka Star Kitty, aka Tennessee Slim aka the grrrl that gave us "Sunshine & The Rain"), <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=9989032">Tamar-kali</a> (who I've raved about at least a zillion times in <a href="http://www.kalifly.com/">the past</a>), and <a href="http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=6527978">Shelley Nicole's blaKbushe</a> all on one bill?!? All under under one roof?!? Yep, bananas, mangos... whut? It's going to be nuts! This Saturday marks the debut of <span style="font-style:italic;">The Queen's Daughters: Celebrating Women Who Rock with a Touch of Soul:</span> Honoring the Musical Legacy of Labelle. Thanks to Kim Knox and the folks at <a href="http://www.myspace.com/ubiquitanyc">Ubiquita</a> we can spend Mother's Day weekend celebrating LaBelle-- some of the funkiest, most exciting and groundbreaking muthas in music. Check the show details below and get your tix in advance b/c they will be double the price at the door:<br /><blockquote>You are cordially invited to be part of a historic evening bridging past, present and future for women of color in music. THE QUEEN’S DAUGHTERS will feature stellar performances by 3 of the hottest women in independent music today as they pay tribute to the musical legacy of the incomparable LABELLE. Mother's Day Weekend will never be the same. Featuring live performances by Shelley Nicole’s blaKbüshe, Tamar-Kali, and JOI. Sounds provided by THE LADIES OF UBIQUITA DJ’s Reborn, Selly & shErOck. Tickets available through <a href="http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004066A2DD61A7?artistid=1203413&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=52" target="_blank">Ticketmaster</a> or by calling the Manhattan Center: 212-279-7740. Ask to speak to Mia, Lena, or DeVasha. Use the ticket codes below for discount. </blockquote><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Doors open @ 6:45pm for VIP pre-show reception<br />7:45pm for General Admission<br />Show starts @ 8:30pm<br />$30 VIP Ticket Code: VQD777 | $20 GA Ticket Code: QD777<br />The Grand Ballroom at The Manhattan Center<br />311 West 34th Street, Corner of 8th Avenue</span><br /><br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JJLJOcGWM_g&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JJLJOcGWM_g&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-8877734498936808482008-04-30T18:26:00.025-04:002008-05-13T14:14:00.893-04:00Santogold (& Lil Mama) @ Virgin Megastore<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLWjiKr90rtf2DcY9oM6FqKR5UAYamxTjjT4uOXuc4iuXnB6LbmYKTQ9LobfatfjK6fErjkrtC2V5Hq2Od8x6QmyroKFJyPX0VPABI-xrprSgcuvtssHUj2HAT6cRJ76kIPZYyw/s1600-h/P1000442.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJLWjiKr90rtf2DcY9oM6FqKR5UAYamxTjjT4uOXuc4iuXnB6LbmYKTQ9LobfatfjK6fErjkrtC2V5Hq2Od8x6QmyroKFJyPX0VPABI-xrprSgcuvtssHUj2HAT6cRJ76kIPZYyw/s320/P1000442.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195405313027491138" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-35D79v0G8qp9NvQqQ1HpreE54opJcCgq618LNEL74rWA7m1M-GEUJW7zjKmESISG3NGhPGnf3gjlderD3qkdM_gYlnzn31ORnWwQ7Cx9Ioq2nNz-Rv14JmW-R1zQ-ehSKvjs5Q/s1600-h/P1000447.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-35D79v0G8qp9NvQqQ1HpreE54opJcCgq618LNEL74rWA7m1M-GEUJW7zjKmESISG3NGhPGnf3gjlderD3qkdM_gYlnzn31ORnWwQ7Cx9Ioq2nNz-Rv14JmW-R1zQ-ehSKvjs5Q/s200/P1000447.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195408723231524194" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOO8I4kkHppQhkpPhKLAG0-6H33PHu1VGpz21V_tcBUgtSvCMOLTKSEjL78BLeIrlYS1KwimirL8wmGed_Wq3PTgYZWYj1YWc6puWOrOo62gzp5OUY2Zh1jbcBWljmiKOn7SOsA/s1600-h/P1000444.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZOO8I4kkHppQhkpPhKLAG0-6H33PHu1VGpz21V_tcBUgtSvCMOLTKSEjL78BLeIrlYS1KwimirL8wmGed_Wq3PTgYZWYj1YWc6puWOrOo62gzp5OUY2Zh1jbcBWljmiKOn7SOsA/s200/P1000444.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195406532798203218" /></a>(Santi & friend Angela Yee)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_phtajJCu_dTeQFMDVps-HJ9JA9DyZTJhb6G0g3GMU0ZhJvlr-uKHeoF_cC20-awZDIdAfYHLPhx-eY2UvEMBHsjr_xtpVveofq2fAZxXeyu_sS5Z39KzqpoTt-nZlgTqxINaA/s1600-h/P1000441.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv_phtajJCu_dTeQFMDVps-HJ9JA9DyZTJhb6G0g3GMU0ZhJvlr-uKHeoF_cC20-awZDIdAfYHLPhx-eY2UvEMBHsjr_xtpVveofq2fAZxXeyu_sS5Z39KzqpoTt-nZlgTqxINaA/s200/P1000441.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195403895688283442" /></a> I couldn't wait to get downtown yesterday to finally see <a href="http://thehotnessgrrrl.blogspot.com/2007/02/hot-grrrls-cool-music-santogold-is.html">Santogold</a> (aka Santi White) do her thing live. I've seen her perform before and actually produced and hosted a Hot Grrrls Cool Music showcase that featured her when she used to front Stiffed so I already knew homegrrrl had the goods, I was just curious to see how she was gonna gift wrap it this time out the box.<br /><br />And of course as things would have it, I didn't even get out of my office until 7:15 so I was only able to catch the last two songs of her performance-- Unstoppable and Creator. And of course that totally sucked as, I later found out, fresh from her late night <a href="http://www.prefixmag.com/media/santogold/les-artistes-conan-o-brien-video/18449/">stint on Conan O'Brien</a>, Sant did a full set of new music from her debut joint that dropped the same day. The seven songs she unleashed on the massive crowd were:<br />1. You'll Find A Way (the remix)<br />2. LES Artistes<br />3. Say Aha<br />4. Shove It<br />5. Anne<br />6. Unstoppable<br />7. Creator<br /><br />"Unstoppable" with its moody riffs and taunting chants put the crowd right in the palm of her hands as they cheered her on affirming their love and belief that Santogold will indeed rock on and on and on. The cheers of her fans, her friends and fellow bandmates got Sant's usually tough, wise cracking, goofy guise all moist and through tears and a cracking voice she thanked everyone for their support. It was a moment y'all. But as soon as the DJ dropped the track for Creator and those distinctive yelps resonated across the small stage, the tears quickly dried and the windows got even steamier. Folks were jumping up and down and cheering the grrrl Spin hails as "the next big thing." I felt proud-- like I was witnessing the evolution of something special, historic even.<br /><br />So after mad hugs and kisses-- I saw Jayson Jackson who now manages Santogold (as well as Mos Def), Angela Yee who's now an on-air personality for Eminem’s Sirius Satellite station, <a href="http://www.sirius.com/ciphasoundseffect">Shade 45</a> and Darryl Philips (of NTZ & Blow! Mag fame) I headed into Virgin to see what was poppin with their $10 sale. I picked up Purple Rain (finally) and the DreamGirls DVDs. Scooped the new Radiohead joint when some dude was like "you need to get that Lil Mama joint too.” Then the chick by his side was like “yeah it just dropped today." Before I could even hide the shmirk on my face, I turn around only to discover it's the lip gloss poppin shawty herself. Talk about your street promotions!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xlrFEFN_v8aiSdXr7pNHrbMjdtgb2HJriDsqMBjjtoEYRs9nOvL9GcojHFhjJVaymg0-mnwY7rdEF1ZLELcceNM5C4yiEkVQk-QkGw2YHZsSXAXFMg8cZtDsDYJXkhfFA-f8mQ/s1600-h/P1000448.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6xlrFEFN_v8aiSdXr7pNHrbMjdtgb2HJriDsqMBjjtoEYRs9nOvL9GcojHFhjJVaymg0-mnwY7rdEF1ZLELcceNM5C4yiEkVQk-QkGw2YHZsSXAXFMg8cZtDsDYJXkhfFA-f8mQ/s320/P1000448.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195409998836811122" /></a> Yep Lil mama was (strongly) urging folk to lay down their $15.99 and cop her CD. I give her mad props for having the mad hustle. I also liked her on that dance competition on MTV and told her as much. I didn't get the CD even though I do like Lip Gloss and the new single that's out. Maybe next time when it's $10. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XY_5mmTQ8uflKW0VOo-CbUan2YAfDGxkotXSxNseamm-fsez19PtzuACRXjBhAe1QYh7bt_8ZRE9cu_eNPQ_ntQkKWsSph5P2WbIInZG94g7M3sOHDXOa0JEg8QouRDJm1ewLg/s1600-h/P1000449.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0XY_5mmTQ8uflKW0VOo-CbUan2YAfDGxkotXSxNseamm-fsez19PtzuACRXjBhAe1QYh7bt_8ZRE9cu_eNPQ_ntQkKWsSph5P2WbIInZG94g7M3sOHDXOa0JEg8QouRDJm1ewLg/s200/P1000449.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195414366818551170" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Check my video of Sant ripping Creator (it's a lil wobbly cause your grrrl was standing on steps!)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pYk7iK4Y6D4"> </param> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pYk7iK4Y6D4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"> </embed> </object>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-23524247110019181182008-04-27T23:33:00.022-04:002008-05-07T13:35:52.532-04:00BLK JKS in BK @ Harriet's Alter Ego<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gJ13v_sMmRUKYZ_r-Jb-Z3anHw1GxWqgbFhWdN7tAAqvOyGqu7CAAKEUGTFbm9YEA6QZEYqzYt7FzUBha9x0vtkRUheoAbSsnuP4vBPK5xhZsv7ERXRptY7EHfBV3CnATrfANQ/s1600-h/P1000409.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gJ13v_sMmRUKYZ_r-Jb-Z3anHw1GxWqgbFhWdN7tAAqvOyGqu7CAAKEUGTFbm9YEA6QZEYqzYt7FzUBha9x0vtkRUheoAbSsnuP4vBPK5xhZsv7ERXRptY7EHfBV3CnATrfANQ/s320/P1000409.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195770544161441186" /></a>(Laini Madhubuti, Nicole Mason, Nneka Bennett, Kissa Thompson) <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jnegUkTKIJyWUbNvka1_yB9Q2vcwPBWex8-pGbswV86WyiWTOBPhJ-d_uUepT5QgEX8rtv5uisS6WDsuR_Zw7ni1s9jRkNpb_rjXqxFArH5rY3tyilu_IV6n-5VLhRLV5Yo_0Q/s1600-h/P1000407.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4jnegUkTKIJyWUbNvka1_yB9Q2vcwPBWex8-pGbswV86WyiWTOBPhJ-d_uUepT5QgEX8rtv5uisS6WDsuR_Zw7ni1s9jRkNpb_rjXqxFArH5rY3tyilu_IV6n-5VLhRLV5Yo_0Q/s320/P1000407.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5195769324390729106" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://leoafricanus.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/2420803761_99ef8b6d2a.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://leoafricanus.files.wordpress.com/2008/04/2420803761_99ef8b6d2a.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />I just got back from Brooklyn. <a href="http://harrietsalteregoonline.com/harriets.home.html" target="_blank">Harriet's Alter Ego</a> to be specific. The small boutique was overflowing with all sorta bohemes trying to catch a whiff of this South African funk that’s got everyone from <a href="http://www.thefader.com/tag/blk+jks">The Fader</a> to <a href="http://www.timeout.com/newyork/events/rock-pop-soul/59301/555560/blk-jks">Time Out NY</a> runny nosed and wanting more. My mom (bless her heart) hooked me up with a ride all the way from her place up in the Boogie down to Prospect Heights. I just had to see if the hype surrounding <a href="http://blkjks.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">BLK JKS</a> was really that deep.<br /><br />I got there <span style="font-weight:bold;">around 5:15PM</span> and at first the scene was cool and tranquil. The bartender had just started mixing her firewater concoction and there were a few folks milling around out back. Word had it that over 500 heads had rsvp’d and if anyone knows Harriet's, y'all know that joint holds bout 200...snuggly. And sho nuff <span style="font-weight:bold;">at 6pm</span>, right on CP Time, heads just started rolling in like cattle to fresh green pastures.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">By 6:30</span> myself and about 50 other people had already made our way to the front of the store to secure our spots by the sound equipment.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">By 7pm</span> the DJ was moving from ATCQ to Radiohead to Jimi Hendrix. The crowd, like the music, was growing restless and frenzied. When the heck were these cats going to finally show us what they got? Everyone was asking around: "So have you heard them perform before?" Have you ever seen them live?" "Have you heard their single <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USxy--jj6J0" target="_blank">Lakeside</a>?" No, No, No. It was crazy. Everyone was crammed in booty to body. Funky armpits up against racks of cotton fresh new t-shirts and pretty summer halters. Everyone had swallowed the hype and now we were rubbing our aching bloated bellies praying for satisfaction. I heard <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Land_fire" target="_blank">Happy Land</a> mentioned. I felt uneasy. Queasy even. Soon some folks were grabbing their belongings and walking out the door. It was too hot to just stand around and listen to old school records. That's why we have iPods!<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />7:25PM</span> – Knox Robinson, the group's manager and hype-man extraordinaire finally got on the mic to introduce the band. Oh no wait, first they are going to play newly recorded tracks fresh from Electric Ladyland’s studios. Okay, so couldn't we have listened to them 30 minutes ago? Needless to say there was no applause after the selections played.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">7:40PM</span> — The DJ, or was it Knox, got back on the mic only to announce that they needed 10 more minutes to sound check. WTF?!? Folks sighed, sucked their teeth and many simply surrendered to their hunger for real food, for air and for activity and left. The DJ put on Nirvana's "Feel Like Teen Spirit." Ha, well it did two hours ago!<br /><br />Finally I think it was <span style="font-weight:bold;">almost 8PM</span> and BLK JKS started strumming their guitars and singing beautiful melodies, saying all kinds of wonderfulness. Redemption was now finding its place in the air. Folks quieted themselves and things were cool again. If I hadn’t been so hot and mangled up in between folks and microphones and their cameras and bags for so long, I could be more descriptive. But check my video below and catch the flavors for yourself. I will say this though, their music is simple and in their simplicity they have found the key. Their songs are about the music, the pureness of music and that kinda made it worth the sweat and pain.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hvNtrrapDZA&hl=en"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hvNtrrapDZA&hl=en" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-59822973701164869382008-04-25T16:39:00.014-04:002008-05-08T09:40:55.366-04:00Shock & Awe<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://concreteloop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/sbcrowd.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://concreteloop.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/sbcrowd.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> Even though I had just showered and it was cool outside, I sat in front of my television feeling the sweaty moistness move from the palms of my hands to the pits under my arms. It was 9AM. Where was the verdict? They said they would announce the verdict at 9AM! Now I knew in my heart of hearts that these cops were wrong. No return fire. No probable cause. 50 bullets? One dead man? You can’t even reason that away or find an excuse good enough. Or so I thought. I’m sure Michael Oliver, Gescard Isnora and Marc Cooper thought so too and that is why they never took the stand. But I also know this is America. This is the country that when a Black man runs for President they say he is successful because he is Black. And that he is lucky to be Black. And this is a country that sent the owners of Studio 54 (where everyone including the Feds knew the snow was deep) to jail for a year for tax evasion, but sentences a Black man to jail for 3 years for <a href="http://www.knbc.com/taxes/1394441/detail.html" target="_blank">the same crime</a>. And I know this is New York City where a Black man gets shots to death for taking his keys out to open his front door or in this case has a bachelor party at a strip joint with his boys only to face a hail of gunfire killing him before he can even make it to the altar later that same day. Some luck. So I wasn’t expecting the judge to throw the book at these cops, but I did expect some sort of discipline. Some measure of intolerance to be voiced. But there was none and yes, I was surprised. Momentarily shocked. NYPD shows their as$ once again and yet we are reminded that their dirty, smelly blue behinds are still above the law and they matter more than any other booty that walks these streets. Was it just me or were you suprised too? Here are some comments about the verdict from today's NY Times readers:<br /><blockquote>The real question is why so many detectives were deployed from other precincts to go undercover in pursuit of perpetrators of victimless crimes. No good can come when armed officers are instructed to consume alcohol and pretend to be interested in the services of prostitutes. It is so problematic–as was demonstrated in this tragedy–that the practice should be forbidden.<br /><br />— Posted by Rey Olsen <br /><br />Well, I guess it's a good thing that the detectives are thanking God for getting a pass in the fatal shooting of unarmed black man in the hours before his wedding. But I have a feeling that higherups in the NYPD and higher courts will temper one judge's notion of mercy with justice.<br /><br />— Posted by hedda<br /><br />I am pretty pro-police, but I really was unsure as to how I wanted this trial to go. While I truly believe that the police did not intend to kill an unarmed man, I am not 100% sure that they should have been totally exonerated all all charged. But, again, I don’t want to see them lose their jobs/pensions/freedom. Lastly, why do people still listen to Al Sharpton. He never apologized for the Tawana Brawley mess, as I recall.<br /><br />— Posted by MetMom<br /><br />I'm a black professional man. This verdict is another step back for the black man in America. America is in trouble and look around and see what’s happening. Not just in NY but all over. Gay rights, Animal right, Women rights... but no rights for the man. Wake up and look around you.<br /><br />— Posted by Robert<br /><br />These reckless cowards never took the stand and were acquitted. they never had to defend their actions. they didn't take a blood alcohol test. they didn't even give a statement until days after the killing. so we’ll never know about the "inconsistencies" of their stories.<br /><br />— Posted by freedome<br /><br />The truth is the car was not a deadly machine, but the guys were just trying to escape a rain of bullets. It's easy to identify that the police acted wrong. All these is language confussion, drawing lines in whats criminal and whats wrong. Even if you like/support cops, it will be fair for them to go to jail. That will be justice. The rest is…call it what u want.<br /><br />— Posted by chuto<br /><br />To all of you who didn't understand why Reverend Whyte said "God Damn America!" Well, this is one reason why he said that... OK?<br /><br />— Posted by Carlton<br /></blockquote><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.antiauthoritarian.net/NLN/images/day_of_outrage.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://www.antiauthoritarian.net/NLN/images/day_of_outrage.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> The timing for Colson Whitehead's <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/24/opinion/24whitehead.html?_r=1&ref=opinion&oref=slogin">editorial</a> in yesterday's NY Times could not have been better timed. The piece is called Visible Man (an obvious reference to Ralph Ellison’s Invisible Man). So apropos. It seems that the racism that once obliterated us to the margins of society through back doors and to back seats has now profiled us to the bull’s-eye center point of ready, aim fire. Black men are both target and tagline.<br /><br />He opens:<blockquote>Before the primary in Pennsylvania this week, Bill Clinton was doing magic tricks — now you see the race card, now you don’t. Geraldine Ferraro and Bob Johnson, the founder of Black Entertainment Television, have been complaining that Barack Obama is leading in the Democratic presidential campaign only because of his skin color. Multimillionaire TV pundits are lecturing “the common man” on how outraged they should be about Mr. Obama's elitism.</blockquote>Colson's got a great since of humor as the piece throughout drips with the wryness and wit he's known to accentuate throughout his books. Lines like this had me hollering... on the inside of course:<br /><blockquote>Guns? I wish I had a gun! Ever run out of truffle oil before a dinner party and have to go to Whole Foods on a weekend? It’ll make you want to spread a little buckshot around, that’s for sure.</blockquote>and<blockquote>For all this jibber-jabber about how I don’t understand a working man’s problems, you should take a look at my medical chart. I have carpal tunnel, tennis elbow, miner’s lung, scapegoat rash and vintner’s dropsy, and just last week I burned my thumb making horseshoes. The funny thing is, I didn’t want to be a blacksmith. But I heard they had an opening and I couldn’t help myself.<br /></blockquote>He ends though as he began-- right back to the ironic political point at hand, which at the end really isn't that funny:<br /><blockquote>It makes the head spin, this talk of who’s elitist and who’s not. I’m confused, myself. For years, they said you can’t have this because you’re black, and then when you get something the same people say you got that only because you’re black. I mean, here I am, The Guy Who Got Where He Is Only Because He’s Black, and yet the higher up you go in an organization, the less you see of me.<br /><br />It’s as if Someone Out to Prevent Me From Getting What I Worked For is preventing me from getting what I worked for. If only there were something — a lapel pin or other sartorial accessory — that would reassure people that I can do the job.<br /><br />Some people say Barack Obama and I get everything handed to us on a silver platter. But we don’t let it bother us. We’re taking those silver platters and making them our canoes.</blockquote>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-23132006590543290542008-04-14T15:38:00.010-04:002008-04-16T14:22:24.050-04:00The Aries Woman<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thehoneyroom.com/store/images/87%20aries%20zodiac.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://thehoneyroom.com/store/images/87%20aries%20zodiac.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I think someone emailed this Aries description to me or maybe I just saw it on someone's site. I can't remember, but I do love what it says cause as an <a href="http://astrologyzone.com/forecasts/monthly/aries_full.php">Aries</a> woman it's got me pegged to an absolute T, especially the line about us not being insecure, but confident enough to know that we should be number one in our lover's eyes and when we aren't how this tends to get us shook.<br /><br />So this post is for all of my Aries grrrls out there. If you can't figure out why you are feeling uneasy, angry and dissatisfied just maybe your significant other is not giving you <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53sOpQQWOOA&feature=related">Top Model</a> status. Well tell em this is the season of the Ram and how it doesn't have to be about you all of the time (just <span style="font-style:italic;">most</span> of it) and then to befuddle them into submission talk about how Saturn will not return to Aries for 28 years and how we are living out the best of our years and how that can only make whomever we are with that much better.<br /><br />Happy Birthday Joanne, Vinita, Vanessa, Lisa, Barbara, AV, and Sena!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Aries: The Amorous Nature</span><br /><br /><blockquote>If you fall in love with an Aries woman, you'll never lack for excitement. But are you the kind of man who can handle a full-blooded independent, forceful female? Because that's what Aries woman is.<br /><br />This passionate, intense creature can't give a tepid response. She's a fully stocked fireplace, with logs, kindling, and paper, waiting for the touch of a match to set her on fire.<br /><br />In her relations with men she is domineering. You can either accept it or leave. If you stay, you've made the first concession on a long road. At the end, you're likely to find you've been molded and shaped to fit her image of what her love should be.<br /><br />What Aries woman wants, she gets. When a man meets an irresistible force like her, he tends to become a highly movable object.<br /><br />She needs love and gets more than her share, but no man becomes her lord and master. She meets a man on equal terms. If he offers loyalty, she repays him in kind. If he is untrustworthy, she also repays him in kind.<br /><br />In love she will be faithful, but she expects total fidelity in return. Her jealousy is rooted in possessiveness. She doesn't want a lover who has too many other interests. She wants all of him—or nothing at all.<br /><br />There is an important distinction to make about her jealousy that may be useful in helping to understand her fundamental character. She isn't jealous because of a feeling of insecurity (the root cause of most jealousy, but because she has to be number one.<br /><br />The Aries woman finds happiness in a long term relationship. She enjoys sharing everything with a lover and she is highly affectionate, even sentimental. She will be your staunchest ally, fight side by side with you, believe in you, encourage you. She's a marvelous companion for a man on the way up or fighting to stay at the top because she'll give him all the strength and determination she has. She's definitely ambitious.<br /><br />When she does not feel she is loved she can become shrill and demanding. Above all, she won't tolerate being ignored or neglected. The straight road to perdition is a relationship with an unhappy Aries woman.<br /><br />She wants to be understood and appreciated for her unique qualities. If you handle her with tact and give her the admiration she needs, this vivacious, active, mischievous, sensual, fascinating woman will do anything you ask.</blockquote>theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com474tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12342617.post-24439124977807769142008-04-02T13:47:00.016-04:002008-04-22T15:41:58.669-04:00Good Time, Good Wine-- Kedar Massenburg & Mondovino<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://a.abcnews.com/images/Health/pd_wine_070522_ms.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px;" src="http://a.abcnews.com/images/Health/pd_wine_070522_ms.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a> I love wine. And thanks to an ex, now I've become a bit of a connoisseur. For many, many years I was a devout red wine sipper. It didn't matter if I was having salmon, fried chicken or beef Teriyaki I was drinking <a href="http://wine.about.com/od/redwines/a/redwinebasics.htm">red</a>. Merlots mainly. And then that wonderfully rude, but oh so smart comedy, <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063/">Sideways</a>, came out and made us Merlot drinkers look like the Budweiser badunka-dunks of wine and I just couldn't have that so I began experimenting with some Cabs, Pinot Noirs and what quickly became a fave, Aussie Shirazes. Trying to be cool and non-confrontational one past date night I decided to go with the flow and have a glass of Chardonnay. He said that <a href="http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1036676&cid=TPV-Googlebase">Russian Rivers</a> were the ish-- rich and buttery. And I must say that is one of the few times I've gone white and it felt just right! Now I'm even into some of the more citrusy varieties of Chardonnay and this past summer, I was surprised by how satisfying <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/fashion/06ROSE.html?_r=1&ex=1155182400&en=8b6fa001e7c1ced7&ei=5087%0A&oref=slogin">Domaine Ott</a> (<span style="font-style:italic;">THE</span> summer wine!) and other brands of Rośe were to me-- the former 'Red' head!<br /><br />So of course I was delighted to attend a mixer this past Monday night hosted by <a href="http://www.nvmagazine.com/">NV Magazine</a> that was being sponsored by <a href="http://www.koruswine.com/">K'orus</a>-- the brand of wine developed by former Motown head honcho, Kedar Massenburg. Needless to say I was skeptical when I first heard the news. I mean who goes from being a record maker (and breaker) to a (good) winemaker. As soon as I spotted <a href="http://www.kedar.com/">Kedar</a> I walked up to him and asked him if his name was just tied-in for brand recognition or was he really about the grapes. Stunned he was like "No, this is not a <a href="http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3i5e3a99a6ac6063843ec1ca9a641e6b4b">Ciroc</a> kind of affair. I picked the grapes. I'm for real." So I tried the Chardonnay and I have to admit, it is good. It's gotta nice crisp citrus bite.<br /><br />I told him about my love for wine and about <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/16/dining/16wine.html">this documentary</a> that I saw one night on pay-per-view that opened me up to the madness, money, discrimination and power that defines the business of wine production in France, Argentina, Italy and of course the US. <a href="http://www.mondovinofilm.com/">Mondovino</a> is about the commodification of wine and how, like the commodification of hiphip, wine making has lost much of its authenticity over the years. Watching this film I was captivated by the artistry, if you will, that goes into making a good bottle of vino and how like everything else nowadays it's more about the loot and getting a high rating than about family honor and most importantly <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terroir">"terroir"</a>. It's an absolutely fascinating film that I would recommend to anyone who has ever uncorked a bottle (or I guess it's now <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=429023&in_page_id=1770">unscrew</a>).<br /><br />I'm always interested in trying new wines so please list your favorites below. Right now I'm digging Meerlust (South African/ Merlot), Cutrer (Russian River,CA/ Chardonnay), Pomelo (Lake County, CA/ Sauvignon Blanc), and Isole e Olena (Italy/Chianti).theHotness Grrrlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12695079056687046152noreply@blogger.com184