Singers Joe Jonas and Demi Lovato Magazine: Teen Vogue August 2010 Editorial: Blue Crush Hair: Dennis DeVoy Makeup: Sammy Mourabit Stylist: Lawren Howell Photographer: Norman Jean Roy [source]
I don't love Nicki. I don't hate Nicki. I am utterly confused by Nicki. However, she has been ubiquitous, appearing on countless tracks with other artists.
The video above is for her single Your Love from her upcoming yet to be titled debut album due in stores November 23rd. The song samples the Annie Lennox hit No More "I Love You's". Actor/Martial Artist Michael Jai White makes a cameo in the martial arts inspired clip. The colors and style is reminiscent of martial arts flicks like Hero and House of Flying Daggers. I like the use of the fabric to show certain element of the scene. During the fighting scene, the green represents the bamboo forests and the blue fabric shows flowing water. The end of the video shows the red fabric as the blood of the wounded Minaj. Overall, I like the video. For the first time, it seems like this is Minaj as a focused artist rather than an erratic imitator. Though the song isn't groundbreaking, it's perfect for the summer.
Above is the studio video for Memphian Skewby's take on Diddy's 2010 single Angels. Skewby's album/mixtape Proving You Wrong Since 1988 has become quite the underground classic since its release. A breath of fresh air in the usually gangster driven Memphis rap scene, Skewby's mixtape title uses the year that many see as the peak in hip-hop which is also the year of his birth. In a time when hip-hop artists such as Drake, Wale, and Kid Cudi are generating heavy buzz, it's safe to say that hip-hop in its original form is making a comeback. Check out more about the talented MC at his website: SKEWBYMUSIC.com
Model Daje Barbour Featured on Models.com, Daje is represented by Ford Chicago. He was scouted on orientation day at the university where he’s due to start studying Information Technology. Great look. Great potential.
“You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.” Oliver Goldsmith, Irish writer/poet
As I grow older, I have tried my best to resist the urge to jump into advice mode when talking to friends. I give great advice most of the time. I have a knack for it. However, talk can be cheap. I would rather live by example. I'm not perfect. None of us are. We can only strive to live the best lives we can and hope to get it right. Be seen more than you are heard. Think of what you would say to someone and instead put those words into action. Practice what you preach. In the end, you'll find yourself preaching less often.
First Beyoncé teamed up with Sugarland for performances of Irreplaceable. Now Reba is covering a song by her. Lord help us if Beyoncé announces she is going country. I meant to post this a while ago.
Love.this.song. Monica looks great and the storyline is pretty interesting. It's definitely somewhat uncharted waters in the world of female videos and the handling of love.
Usher will also release Raymond v. Raymond (The Deluxe Edition). The new edition will include tracks from Versus, as well as material from the original version of Raymond v. Raymond that leaked online before his album's release and didn't make the final tracklisting.
Rising supermodel Sessilee Lopez picked up a Model Of The Year Award in South Africa at the African Fashion Awards 2010. Top awards also went to Yves Saint Laurent, Azzedina Alaiia and Josheph Ettendgui who each received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Grace Jones was given the award for Female Style Icon, while Michael Jackson won the award for Male Style Influencer. Top Makeup Artist was given to the Pat McGrath and Edward Enniful of iD Magazine was named Stylist of the Year. [source]
"There's been nothing but discipline, discipline, discipline all my life." “It's the moment you think you can't that you realize you can.” -Celine Dion
The 90s power ballad is personified by the voice of Celine Dion. While many point to Mariah and Whitney, Dion's voice truly carried the genre. Building a meticulously planned career from humble beginnings in Canada, her songs Power of Love, Titanic's My Heart Will Go On, and Because You Loved Me catapulted her into the stratosphere of pop divas. Dion has lived a life void of tabloid fodder and meltdowns. Coupled with her incredibly polished vocal technique, it's easy to bill her as a bore. However, the Grammy and Academy Award winning star will go down in history as orchestrating one of the most preserved and consistent careers in the business. Only recently taking breaks to focus on family, she still commands a huge concert following years after her peak.
Because You Loved Me
River Deep Mountain High Live in Vegas
Interesting to note, in the style of many classic stars such as Sinatra and Streisand, Dion's career was built on covers. Most of her chart topping hits were previously recorded by another singer. Spawning contemporaries such as Christina Aguilera and Leona Lewis, she set the bar for girls with pipes. Collaborating in the past with everyone from Luciano Pavarotti to Destiny's Child, Dion is a versatile talent, a consummate professional, and a legend.
Model Krista White Magazine: Fiasco July/August 2010 Editorial: Urban Girl Photographer: Pino Gomes Fashion Stylist: Vanessa Torrico Executive Producer: Tina Gomes Hair & Make Up by: Pino Gomes [source]
You may or not recognize her, but Miss Krista White was the most recent winner of the Tyra Banks creation known as America's Next Top Model. She shines here in this stunning black and white shoot by photographer Pino Gomes for Fiasco Magazine's second issue.
Today, we remember those who built this nation and share pride in being part of the rich tapestry that is America. In the midst of cookouts, parades, fireworks, and church services, think about what makes you feel free. Happy 4th of July!
Models Evandro Soldati & Leslie Bibb for L'Officiel Brazil Editorial: Fuga Em Los Angeles Styling: Donald Lawrence Photography: Steven Gomillion and Dennis Leupold [source]