~ So Golden: Oct 14th-21st ~

*~* MUSIC 411 *~*

***Flashing Lights: Our Time Is Now!***

Illuminating the talents of new artists; independent rhythm with a mainstream flair!

The light’s on: Daniel ‘Diggy’ Simmons!

A long way from the shy little boy, who often felt misunderstood on MTV’s Run’s House, as branch off the hip-hop royalty family tree, Daniel ‘Diggy’ Simmons, son of hip-hop pioneer Joseph ‘Rev Run’ Simmons of Run-DMC and nephew of mega-mogul and co-founder of Def Jam Records, Russell Simmons, has practically grown up in front of our eyes and has geared up to take the music game by storm!

Now 15, Diggy is firmly planting his feet into the hip-hop realm and showing no signs of stopping. In 2009, Diggy laced his vocals on The First Flight mixtape, hosted by DJ Spinking but it wasn’t until early 2010 that the world began to take notice. Recording over Nas’s classic, “Made You Look”, with the line, “You know I’m born in Queens so Nas gave me the clearance”, Diggy goes hard in this two minute freestyle, with speed, precision and impeccable swag, letting it be known to the masses that he is more than just the son of greatness but a lyrist on his own accord.

Soon after his freestyle became an internet success, streaming almost 62,000 views on Youtube alone, Diggy signed a contract with Atlantic Records and released the Airborne mixtape to celebrate. The mixtape includes the track, “Great Expectations” that can be heard as the featured track in the current AT&T cell phone commercial, starring Diggy. In October of this year, Diggy was offered an opportunity to perform on a platform that I think solidified his name in the game and dubbed him as the future of hip-hop.

Along with Ice Cube and his sons, OMG & Doughboy and alongside his big brother JoJo and dad, Diggy, with the crowd cheering him on, effortlessly ripped through his 16 bars during the 2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards cipher, once again letting the world know that he is a young force to be reckoned with and showing no signs of slowing down.

"Made You Look" freestyle:

2010 BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher:

***In Case You Missed It!!!***

The latest news in music: Oct 14^th-Oct 21^st

Ø T.I Get 11 Months in Prison For Violating Probation

After being commended for helping save the life of another, the self-proclaimed “King of the South” now had to face the music for his own transgressions. On October 15^th, 2010, a federal judge ordered T.I. to serve 11 months in prison, as a result, of the rapper violating his probation last month in West Hollywood. Represented by a team of six attorneys, T.I.’s attorneys pushed for a 5-14 month sentence, as opposed to the e8-14 month sentence suggested by his probation officer.

On September 1^st, T.I. and his wife, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle were pulled over after making an illegal u-turn on Sunset Blvd in West Hollywood. Police reportedly smelled marijuana, which forced them to search the car. It was then at they found pills which were later identified as ecstasy. T.I. was not to long ago released from prison on a federal weapons possession charge back in 2007.

Ø Alicia Keys Gives Birth to a Baby Boy!!!!

Congratulations are in order for new parents Alicia Keys and her producer-hubby, Swiss Beats! On Thursday October 14^th, Keys gave birth to a baby boy, Egypt Dauode Dean, at New York City’s St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital. While there has not been an official statement released to the public, Swiss Beats did express his happiness via Twitter. “I’m so thankful for everything I been blessed with in my life wowwwwww.”

Like Jay and Beyonce’, Keys 29, and Swiss 32, are known for keeping their romance below the radar. Maybe because Keys was soon labeled as a “home wreaker” after it was reported that Keys hooked up with Swiss while he was still married to R&B singer, Mashonda.

Swiss, who stated that his married to Mashonda was already over before linking up Keys, got together with Ms. Alicia back in 2008. Surrounded by close family and friends, the two got married in an intimate ceremony on the Mediterranean in August. This is Keys first child and the third for Swiss, who as a child with ex-wife Mashonda and a two other children from a previous relationship.

Ø Prince Announces ‘Welcome 2 America’ Tour

Pop legend Prince held a press conference at Harlem’s legendary Apollo Theatre Thursday October 14^th, to announce that he will be returning to the stage! The ‘Welcome 2 America’ tour is slated to begin in December 2010 on what Prince calls, “a purple night”. Joining Prince on tour will be Janelle Monae, Mint Condition, Esperanza Spalding and Cassandra Wilson.

“Bring your friends, bring your children and bring foot spray, because it’s going to be funky”, Prince told the crowd of people, as he read off the tour dates.

During his musical career, which extends over the last three-decades, Prince Rogers Nelson, has sold over 100 million records, including the classic hits ‘1999’, Dirty Mind’ and ‘Purple Rain’. As an ode to the musical genius that is Prince, VH1 recently named Prince the Seventh Greatest Artist of All-Time.

Go to Ticketmaster.com for tour dates near you!

Ø Jay-Z Gets Turned Down for a Collaboration with Sade

It seems that “King Hov” may not be as powerful as some thought. Though Sade is one on the most adored singers of our time, she has never allowed any artist to sample her tracks nor has she collaborated with any other artist. In a recent interview with Los Angeles Times, Sade admitted that though she has recently received collaboration requests from Drake and Jay-Z, she never felt right working with any other artist except her own band mates.

"I'm too scared," the singer expressed when asked about denying Jay-Z’s request to collaborate. As for collaborations, I'm collaborating with the band and do what we do. I see myself as a member of this band who does these songs that we write."

Ø Nicki Minaj Reportedly Fires Diddy as her Manager

It seems that the magic that once was is no more. It’s reported that Nicki Minaj has split from her manager, hip-hop mogul and founder of Bad Boys Records, Diddy due to feeling as though she was being managed by “her mother”.

“By now, everyone should now that I am really strict when it comes to my representation," Minaj said in a statement obtained by HipHopDX. "I had sympathy for Diddy, however, I feel as if I haven't gotten the guidance the manager is supposed to give his client. Personally, I feel like I'm being managed by mother. Even if you play the smallest role on my team, I wish to see progress. I'd like to thank him for everything he has done for me; for taking me under his wing. I wish him the best with repping Rick Ross but now that my album is about to drop, its time to get serious and stop playing games."

It was said that Benny Medina, former record label exec and former manager of Mariah Carey, Usher, Brandy and Jennifer Lopez, has signed on to manage Minaj. Making this her third manager in seven months; firing Waka Flocka’s mother in April.

Ø Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth Reunite for the One Nation Summit

The One Nation Hip-Hop Summit, a cross-medium gathering of experts in the four stages of Hip-Hop, DJing, rapping, dancing and graffiti, is planning its 3^rd Annual conference on November 6, in Santa Monica, California.

This year, hip-hop legends Pete Rock and C.L. Smooth will team up for a set with a special performance by ONYX (‘We Do It Like This’/’Slam’). Along with performances, the conference will host panel discussions addressing important events and issues within hip-hop culture. With the theme, “Building Bridges: Locally and Globally”, the summit also allows the youth to participate in a theatre production that will combine rapping, scratching, dancing, and art.

Ø Gucci Mane in Rehab for Cocaine Usage

After being released from prison only six months ago, rapper Gucci Mane has checked himself into rehab to deal with his cocaine addiction.

According to Ozone Magazine, members of Gucci entourage were involved in an hour-long stand-off outside the Riverwoods Southern Regional Psychiatric Center in Riverdale, GA. Apparently, the entourage which included his manager and lawyer begged him to enter the facility for treatment.

After convincing the rapper that his cocaine addiction could be the thing that sends him right back to jail, the 30-year old Gucci turned himself in for 28-day treatment which offers support groups for chemical dependency every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.

Gucci has been no stranger to substance abuse. In 2008, the rapper was arrested for DUI, violating his probation from a 2005 assault charge and sending him back to jail. While in jail, rumors spread that the reason he was sent to jail was because he tested positive for cocaine. "I think it was for marijuana," Gucci said of the failed drug test. "But it definitely wasn't from cocaine. I have never used cocaine. I stopped smoking and stopped drinking. For the last six months, I haven't used any drugs, and I will continue to claim sobriety."

Substance abuse is a serious disease and we are all sending prayers Gucci’s way for a speedy and successful recovery!

Ø Beyonce’ Reported in First Trimester of Pregnancy

For months now, rumors have been circulating that Beyonce’ was pregnant which was never confirmed by Mrs. Carter or her hubby, Jay-z but now the rumors once again has resurfaced. According to a source close to the 29 year-old “Dangerously in Love” singer, the pregnancy, which is in its first trimester came as a complete surprised.

“B was shocked” the source told US Weekly. “She loves kids, but she wasn’t ready to be a mother just yet. She really wanted to get her album off the ground and tour the world again.” Though the timing was not the best, the source says that the singer is “so happy.”

This would be the couple’s first baby. Married in 2008, the two have constantly dodged rumors that a baby was on the way. No word or confirmation from Beyonce’ camp as of yet.

Well, if it is true, congratulations!!!

*~* FASHION 411 *~*

**ファッション…La Mode…Moda**

Fashion; Internationally!

When it comes the international fashion for men, the main objective is to create slim, clean silhouettes; whether you’re wearing a double-breasted suit (which are making a come back) or sweats and J’s. I know that most men in America cannot wrap their minds around wearing anything that has a little bit of a fit, seeing as though we our a country that is all about the baggy, loose fitting jeans and shirts but over the pond, this style of dress is rarely seen on the bodies of European men. Even something as simple as a button-down shirt, jeans and a blazer has a clean, sleek look about it. Here are just a few ideas that my help you achieve your own unique, European look!

§ Shirts: When purchasing a button-down shirt, go for the one that has darts in the back, which creates a closer proximity to the body and allows for a more tailored look. With this tailored look, you can pull off an effortlessly sophisticated look that can be paired with your favorite pair of denim or a clean pair of slacks.

§ Pants: While most American men prefer to have their pants a little loose at the ankle, the style of the European men is to have the pants end directly at the ankle. This way, your shoes can be visible without exposing your socks. Just like the shirt, your pant should be sleek and clean, giving you a leaner look!

§ Blazers: Nothing completes an outfit for a man like a blazer! Just like with any article of clothing, you want to go for a blazer that has a great cut! It does not matter the style, as long as you have a clean, slim cut! Once that is accomplishment, you’ll be ready to hit the scene in an international state of mind!

**American Beauty**

Latest trends sweeping the Nation

~~ Black is Beautiful! ~~

To some, Black is a basic color, one with minimal excitement and flair but for men with a sense of style, they know that black is a powerful color in fashion that can be used as an accent or stand alone.

No color does a man justice than black when it comes to suits! Ask a woman what she thinks about a man in a sexy, sleek black suit and for a minute she may momentarily check out. Pair your black suit with and bright colored shirt and tie that brings all the color together and you’ll be guaranteed to turn heads, double time! Or for a more relaxed look, you could wear a clean black fitted V-neck T from Banana Republic ($26.50) or a Hanes® fitted black V-neck T, a slick pair of jeans and your favorite kicks and be just as hot!

As far as accessories, black is great when pairing it with tan or brown blazers, ties, shoes & silver & gold jewelry. With black, there are no limits with how far you can take it! It’s a great color and has the power to work wonders with any man that wears it! I’m a woman so take my word for it. We see you in that black and yeah, we like!

**Strategize, Accessorize, Mesmerize!**

Accessories: the golden touch of fashion!

Spotlighting: Colognes!

Nothing is more attracting than a man that has a great scent; when you can look at a man and say, ‘He looks like he smells good! Many men do not realize that having cologne that best compliment s their own unique body fragrance is just as important as any physical accessory, i.e., jewelry, ties, etc. And no one knows how a man should smell better than a woman! It is us that gets that warm, fuzzy feeling in the pit of our stomachs when you walk pass us, smelling so delectable!

I decided to help my fellas out by asking a few women what their favorite scent on a man was. At the end of the day, it is us that aids in creating your style because it is us that you essentially are trying to impress. Some of you may already have these scents in your arsenal or after reading this; you may want to add a few on your shopping list because if you do, I guarantee you will not regret it!

• Dolce & Gabbana
• Joop!
• I Am King
• Unforgivable for Men
• Very Sexy for Men @ Victoria’s Secret
• Usher
• Polo Blue by Ralph Lauren
• Eternity Cologne by Calvin Klein

These are just a few colognes that women are attracted to but next to pleasing our senses, are pleasing your own. You know what scent best works for you and your own body chemistry, therefore, go for what you know in order to preserve your sexy and enhance your appeal!