*~* Nov 5-Nov 11 *~*

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

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

The light’s on: The Spoken Word Artists of the World!!

I decided to switch things up this week and shine light on who I feel are TRUE lyrists; spoken word artists. Unlike the rappers of the current time, spoken word is filled with purpose; with sustenance; with passion; with conviction. It often leaves you questioning life and the issues the plague us daily. Not just talking about cars, clothes, jewelry and the degradation of women, the individuals I selected take us back to the political consciousness and reasoning; take us back to when love was more than just getting a woman intoxicated and taking her back to your house to have sex. It takes us back to the lyrists and R&B artists of the 80s and 90s. If only we could get this much passion back on a beat, then, maybe then we can get back to the days of true music! Enjoy!!

~Urbintel; The Male Ego

~The Mad Poet; Open Your Eyes

~Bassey Ikpi; Apology to my Unborn

~Jill Scott; Aint a Ceiling

~J. Ivy; Dear Father

~Shihan; Type of Love

*~*In Case You Missed It*~*

The latest happenings in the music!!..Nov 5^th-Nov 11^th

· Marques Houston Granted Restraining Order Against Raz-B

It seems that former Immature front man, Marques ‘Batman’ Houston has had enough and as decided to take legal matters against former B2K member Raz-B. A judge in VanNuys,California granted Houston a restraining order against Raz-B on November 3^rd, citing “emotional distress” after a video of the two getting into a heated phone confrontation hit the internet last month.

Raz-B, born DeMario Thorton, accused Houston and their former manager, Chris Stokes of child molestation. While Houston and Stokes have consistently denied such allegations, Houston cannot deny the toll all of this has had on his life. In paperwork, Houston stated, "DeMario is screaming at me, he has a deranged demeanor and is not acting like a reasonableperson. After I hung up on DeMario, he continued recording himself and falsely accused me of molesting him." As a result, Raz was ordered to stay at least 1000 feet away fromHouston, his job and his vehicle.

Houston also believes that Raz could become extremely violent if the two were to come in contact with each other and that because the infamous video has now been leakedtoseveraldifferent media sites, he is suffering from anguish and fear for his safety.

A hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 22.

· Shia Labeouf Set To Direct Kid Cudi Video

It seems that rapper Kid Cudi has friends in high places and when it comes to his sophomore album, his bringing out the big guns to help!

Cudi’s debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of Day received as great lift when actor Josh Hartnett (Black Hawk Down; Pearl Harbor), directed the video for his song, Pursuit of Happiness. With his second album, Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager, Cudi his raising the bar! Reportedly the Cleveland rapper has landing Transformers mega-star, Shia Lebeouf to direct a short film for the video Maniac, which features singer-songwriter St. Vincentand indie rapper Cage.

Previously, Lebeouf helmed the video for Cage’s I Never Knew You, a twisted take on Cage’s song about obsession.

Kid Cudi’s Man on the Moon II: The Legend of Mr. Rager hits stores on Nov 9^th.

· Monica Announced That She Quit Twitter Due To A Stalker!!

Last month, R&B songstress, Monica, unexpectedly announced that she could know longer be active on the social network Twitter and abruptly deactivated her account; leaving fans speechless. Known for her continuous flow of positivity and words of wisdom on her page, Monica absence left an undeniable void on the timelines of many.

Well, good news!! Monica is once again back on Twitter and revealed that the reason why she left was due to a stalker; though it was believed that she cancelled her account due to the backlash after announcing her engagement to Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown.

"I quit Twitter for a way deeper reason," Monica said during an interview with The Big Tigger Morning Show on Washington D.C.'s WPGC 95.5. "At first we couldn't really talk about it, but we had a way more serious situation than just somebody saying something on Twitter, and legally we couldn't really talk about it at the time. It was just suggested. OK, come off Twitter, find out who some of these people are. It was not anybody on Twitter. It was someone keeping up with me through Twitter. It's been going on for years, way before Twitter, but they were using Twitter to keep up with me."

"Some people thought it was something that someone said to me on Twitter," she continued. "It was absolutely nothing like that. People have talked about and been cruel toward me, and every other artist, long before Twitter came about, so it would never be something assimple as something that somebody said."

The Georgia peach has since locked her account, protecting her tweets which can only be available for her 400,000+ followers, whom she has approved.

Monica is in preparation to release a new album sometime next year!!

Monica; Love All Over Me

· Lil Kim Disses Nicki Minaj At Queens, NY Nightclub!!

Oh, this story just keeps getting better and better! For all those that thought that Kim was going to just sit back and let Nicki Minaj fire shots her way, think again! Lil Kim raised the sakes on November 6^th, calling Minaj out in her hometown of Queens, New York, at a rare performance at a nightclub.

Though Minaj denied dissing Kin in her latest track, Roman’s Revenge, Kim is not taking this laying down; going all the way in on the Young Money’s first lady during a break in her performance at club Pure.

"I got more love from Queens than this bitch do!" Kim exclaimed, receiving a wild cheer from the crowd, despite being in her adversary's hood. "I will erase this bitch's social securitynumber! First of all, I don't even need a record right now, I'll kill that bitch with my old s---! I don't never let nothing take me off my grind. As always, steady mobbin'," Kim shouted. "Money over these bum-ass b--ches."

Woo!!!!!!! This has just turned the tables.

Though nothing has been confirmed in regards to Kim’s new album, she has confirmed that she has signed with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation label.

Lil Kim Disses Nicki Minaj!!

· Wiz Khalifa Released From Prison After Drug Arrest

Rapper Wiz Khalifa performed rough crowd at East Carolina University on Nov 8^th but unfortunately, the night didn’t end as smoothly as everyone hoped. The Pittsburgh rapper wasarrested after the show and was charged with multiple marijuana violations, including trafficking marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and maintaining a place for the sale of marijuana.

The 22 year-old rapper, born Cameron Thomaz, was sent to the Pitt County Detention Center in Greenville, NC and was given a $300,000 bond. According the reports, nine others were booked into the center at the same time, for the same charges. Released on Tuesday Nov 9^th, Wiz Khalifa took to his Twitter account.

"Waken...baken...wrist still achin. thnx for tha love and support," he said. "Man, jail sux! but bein taylor'd doesn't ... finna get tha rest of these fools out and grab sum grub."

When will these rappers learn?? As of late, many rappers have been going under for drug charges (Gucci Mane, T.I. Lil Wayne) and just don’t seem to get it. But these are the peoplethatour children are looking up to?? It is a sad state that we’re in right now but I pray for the best!

· Lil Wayne Banned From Las Vegas Hotel

After making his grand return to the stage this past weekend with an appearance during Drake’s Las Vegas show, Lil Wayne was unable to end the night off in the right way. After leaving the stage at The Joint in the Hard Rock Hotel, Drake and the crew headed to Wynn Las Vegas for the after-party with Weezy nowhere in sight!

Sources for the rapper told TMZ that Wayne was banned from being on the property due to his recent chain of events. The hotel felt that with Weezy every move being monitored, any slip up or negative behavior would look bad on the hotel. Not pressed on the issue and havingnoscheduled performances or appearances at Wynn Hotel, Wayne went to the Palms CasinoResortto celebrate on his own.

Under the terms of Wayne's unsupervised probation stemming from a drug bust in Arizona in 2008, he is banned from drinking alcohol and doing drugs for the next three years as well as required to do 360 hours of community service in his residential city Miami. The 28-year-old must also stay away from persons engaging in criminal activity, cannot possess illegal drugs and must submit to random alcohol testing.

Lil Wayne & Drake; Miss Me Live!!

· T.I. Confined to Northern Georgia After Prison Term

Rapper T.I. is currently serving a 11-month prison term, as a result of his probation violation but unfortunately, freedom will still be out of reach after the bid is complete. Uponhisrelease next year, the rapper will be confined to the northern half of Georgia and will not be able to leave unless he has a good reason, according to TMZ.

According to court documents, T.I. will not be able to leave the Northern District of Georgia for a year, which consists of Atlanta, Gainesville, Rome and Newnan. The only exception to the rule is if he can prove it is for “verified employment within the United States”.

Additionally, Tip will not be allowed to leave Northern Georgia for more than seven days per month or in a row. And on top of his travel restrictions, the 30-year-old must participate in a drug/alcohol testing and treatment program, cannot drive a vehicle, cannot possess "any firearm, dangerous weapon, or other destructive device."

· Matt Lauer Responses to Kanye’s ‘Today’ Show Tweets

Just when you thought the worst was over, there’s more! In an effort to clear the air, Matt Lauer addressed Kanye West’s recent issue after his recent ‘Today’ show interview. Lauer felt the need to address the issue after Kanye tweeted that he felt “used” by the morning show and that Lauer attempted to “force” his answers.

Lauer went on-air to defend what he called “standard procedure” for the show; such “standard procedure” that Kanye disapproved of. He stated that it was this said procedure that causes the show to play video footage of incidents as a point of reference during the interview. In an attempt to defend the interview, the show aired some unedited footage, showing a clearly annoyed West. "How am I supposed to talk if you're going to run this thing in the middle while I'm talking," Kanye interrupts himself to say to Lauer and the producers. Check out the footage below!!

*~* Fashion 411 *~*

This edition of Fashion 411 is dedicated to my big cousin, La Tonya Williams-Betts, who wrote me, requesting that I do a fashion piece on maternity wear. Ton is expecting a little boy in a few months so I felt that it was important and necessary to show all my mommies-to be some love and let them know that they still have what it takes to be sexy, stylish and sophisticated!

*~ Maternity Fashion Trends ~*

For many, many years, expectant mothers have resorted to wearing clothing that are not only big and baggy but that did their new growing figure, absolutely no justice. During pregnancy, women go through a lot of changes; emotionally, physically and mentally and with all that goes on during these nine months, many women develop a sense of insecurity and feeling of unattractiveness.

Expecting or not, nothing lifts the spirits of a woman more than when she dons beautiful clothing and who said that just because you are pregnant, you cant look great?! Over the years, fashion as evolved and nothing could be truer in the case of maternity wear! Those frumpy, loose frocks have now evolved into lean, sleek trousers and jeans and sexy off-the-shoulder tops; pieces that compliment your natural glow.

When it comes to maternity fashion, the best examples are given by pregnant celebrities! They have the resources to afford professional stylists to help them figure out what looks good on the body and how exactly to wear it. By looking at their style and tweaking it to fit your own, personal style, you’ll develop a sexy and unique maternity style, all your own!

Here are some of the latest trends in maternity fashion:

1) Tunics: No matter the color, tunics are very popular and very stylish. They are very flattering because they are loose around the abdomen, providing comfort for the baby bump.

2) Maternity Jeans and Pants: It really hurts my heart when I see pregnant women out in public still wearing their pre-pregnancy jeans and pants; a big pregnancy-fashion No-No!!! While I understand that everyone cannot afford maternity clothes, by wearing your pre-pregnancy bottoms, you grant yourself less comfort for yourself and the baby and give yourself an overall, less flattering and polished appearance. Maternity pants offer all the comfort you need as your belly begins to expand and with different fabrics like, denim, cotton or flax and with an off-the-shoulder sweater, accessories and boots, you’ll be on your way to looking great!

3) Military-inspired: Catwalks this season have been flooded with military-inspired looks. The good news is that this style can easily be translated into maternity wear! Military style jackets with large lapels help balance out your baby bump. Dresses or tops with the military-inspired look, (brass buttons, and big pockets), are easy to dress up or down and have the ability to add a little pizzazz to your outfit.

4) Layers: Layers, layers, layers!!! You can’t go wrong with layers!! This is a great look for pregnant women as it is easier to get hotter than normal, so by layering up, you’re able to stay the right temperature and take off and put on, when necessary! Here are a few basic pieces you should have in your closet: t-shirts (graphic or plain), camisoles, thin hoodies, ponchos or cardigans. Don’t forget your accessories!!!

5) Lace: For a lot of women, they feel their most sexy when they are pregnant! Their curves are bigger and their hormones are on 10; so why not celebrate by adding more feminine articles of clothing to your wardrobe. When it comes to fashion this year, lace has become a major piece. Once itchy, lace has now become soft, sexy and sophisticated. Don’t go overboard though; gradually add lace into your wardrobe by buying a camisole with lace on the top. If you want to rock a full lace top, just make sure you feel the lace to insure that it will be comfortable on your body. This includes maternity lingerie!! (Most maternity lines have lace backed by a soft material, like cotton, to guarantee a style that looks and feels good!)

6) Safari: Safari-inspired fashion has made it presence felt for the Autumn 2010 season. Working with camels, browns and animal prints are your best bet. Again, do not go overboard with all this print; try incorporating a little bit and have fun with it! If you are one who do not feel comfortable wearing prints in public, you can release your inner animal with animal print undergarments, so even if you afraid to wear prints, you can still wear it for yourself or your main squeeze!

This was just a few fashion tips to help out my mommies-to-be!! Pregnancy is a beautiful thing and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t look beautiful, as well!! Babies are a blessing so wear it and wear it proudly!! Congrats mamas!!! *OXOX*

*~*Strategize, Accessorize, Mesmerize!*~*

Accessories: the golden touch of fashion!

Spotlighting wrist watches!!!

With technology on the rise and everyone around you pulling out a cell phone of some sort to check the time, one can easily assess that the age of the wrist watch has come and gone. Not so fast!! Though it may seem that the wrist watch has become an obsolete jewel of fashion, it’s never made a more glamorous fashion statement than it has today!

More than just a timepiece, watches have become a major accessory in the world of fashion. In multiple colors and multiple styles, such as diamond-studded, digital, small or bulky, wrist watches are back and in full-effect! Whatever your preferred brand or taste, I know that there is a wrist watch for you! Here are a few popular wrist watches for men and women! Check them out!

Women:

1) Luck Brand Watch, Women’s Black Rubber Strap-$45.00

· Lucky Brand delivers watch that looks good and fits your active lifestyle. Durable and stylish, this watch features a black rubber strap and round silvertone mixed metal case. Black dial with silvertone peace sign, stick indices and numerals. Quartz movement. Limited lifetime warranty.

2) DKNY Watch, Women’s Stainless Steel Bracelet-$75.00

· A chic modern accent for your wrist. This DKNY watch features a polished, wide bracelet in silvertonestainless steel. Stainless steel rectangular case and rectangular silvertone dial with logo and stickindices. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 30 meters. Two-year limited warranty.

3) Juicy Couture Watch, Women’s J Couture Princess Pink-$95.00

· J Couture Princess watch features pink patent leather strap and round stainless steel case with dangling crown-topped J charm. Black dial with silvertone Roman numerals and hands and large iconic crown logo in hot pink. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 30 meters. Two-year limited warranty.

Men:

1) Caravelle by Bulova Watch, Men’s Stainless Steel Bracelet-$69.99

· A sophisticated watch with distinction, boldness and utmost functionality, from Caravelle by Bulova. Silvertone stainless steel bracelet and round case. Round black dial with logo, date window and stick indices. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 30 meters. Two-year limited warranty.

2) Adidas Watch, Chronograph Toronto Watch Polycarbonate Bracelet-$85.00

· Ultra-clean, chronographic design by Adidas. White polycarbonate case and bracelet. Textured white chronograph dial features silvertone stick indices, logo, luminous hands, three subdials and date window at three o'clock. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 50 meters. Two-year limited warranty.

3) G-Shock Watch, Men’s Purple Resin Strap-$99.00

· Power up your daily routine with this pearly purple watch from G-Shock. Metallic purple strap and round case. Round purple digital dial with multi-function alarm, timer, stopwatch, calendar, backlight with afterglow and logo. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 200 meters. One-year limited warranty.

~~~~~ All of these watches can be found, exclusively at Macy’s!!!