April 22, 2012

Miguel ‘Adorns’ the stage at The University of Memphis

R&B crooner (or Usher’s little brother as I like to call him) Miguel performed at The University of Memphis in an electrifying concert Saturday.

A cool 65° afternoon brought a slew of students, faculty, and alumni to Memorial Field for SAC’s annual Spring Concert. The show opened up with local Memphis artist Kirby Lauryen. The talented songstress covered songs by soul divas such as Erykah Badu and Jill Scott in addition to performing her original material. After her performance I spent my time trying to find ways to get backstage for that up and close, personal shot of Miguel but to no avail.

Miguel, whose current mixtape Art Dealer Chic is available for download, said he wanted to create music for listeners who appreciate “real artistry”. He self produced this body of work as he claims he has done for the majority of his career. I’m always excited to see my favorite artist perform but I was especially amped for this.

I’ve been following Miguel’s career since his Mischief Mixtape. Since day one when I heard ‘Sure Thing’ via a YouTube video I’ve respected him for his raw talent and personal style. While all my friends were raving about how much they wanted him to perform his new music, the only song I could think of was ‘Strawberry Amazing’. I tweeted him at least three times before the show expressing how much I wanted to hear it because I consider it my theme song and one of my favorite songs ever. Well… I got what I wanted. Concert goers looked on as I sang every word but I didn’t care. I figured if your mouth was closed while he was performing ‘Strawberry Amazing’ then you weren’t a true fan. He also performed ‘Quickie’ (which was introed by 2Pac’s ‘I Get Around’), ‘Girls Like You’, ‘Adorn’, and a host of other popular songs.

Check out a few of the photos I shot below. And by the way, that’s me in the black and white sweater if you didn’t already know.

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March 6, 2012

VIDEO: Brandy & Monica – ‘It All Belongs To Me’

Brandy and Monica finally release a visual to their new single. It’s been years since the sultry duo teamed up on a track to make music history. It’s weird seeing these two as grown women in a video together because last time they were fighting for the love of a boy. Now they’re boastfully claiming their independence and financial stability as working women. Watching this video, I must admit, I was expecting to see 2012 Mekhi Phifer but to no avail.

Everything about this video is snatched to perfection —visual treatment, hair, make-up, and wardrobe. However, the editor in me is curious to know who the woman is in the background of Brandy’s solo shot when she’s gifting the watch to her beau. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the video as much as I enjoy the song. Granted, the two have been receiving flack for the song’s “elementary” lyrics but I believe the video makes up for them in a major way!

Brandy’s tone is to die for and Monica’s attitude and personality always shines through in every song and video.

In the midst of shooting this video the R&B divas paid tribute to singer Whitney Houston. Check out the Waiting to Exhale homage at the end!

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March 1, 2012

VIDEO: Jennifer Hudson & Ne-Yo ft. Rick Ross – ‘Think Like a Man’

This is the first time I’ve felt Jennifer Hudson’s weight loss looks good on her. The stylists (both wardrobe and hair) did an outstanding job in making her look chic and not too lean for the aptly titled, ’Think Like a Man’ music video. The lead single is from the motion picture soundtrack of Steve Harvey’s book-turned-movie. The film, which debuts April 20, features everybody from Regina Hall to Chris Brown and my personal favorite, Jennifer Lewis.

Below, check out how Hudson’s sleek ensembles compliment her new svelte figure. Please peep her Walter Steiger ‘Oscar’ ankle booties with the curved heel! And Ne-Yo’s beige jacket… I need that.

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February 22, 2012

Alexander McQueen Ocelot Leopard Print Shirt

Wild animal prints have been a trend for quite some time now. Mostly for women, leopard, tiger, snakeskin, and even giraffe prints have been spotted on pants, jackets, scarves, and every other type of clothing. As of late men have come around the bend and are now incorporating these bold prints into their wardrobe. I’ve been scouring local thrift stores for weeks now but to no avail. This new cotton/silk combination from Alexander McQueen’s S/S 2012 line prices at $616. Are you a bold enough man to rock this piece?

Fashion blogger and stylist Harrison Crite was spotted alongside Fashion News Live host Rocco Gaglioto at the 2012 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week last week. As a statement piece, Crite paired his leopard print button down with a black double breasted blazer, black slim pants, and natural beaded jewelry. The sleek sophistication of his all black ensemble is offset by the orange-brown gradient present in the shirt.

For fashion tips and pairings such as this visit his blog.

 

 

 

 

photos via upscalehype.com

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February 21, 2012

MUSIC: Rihanna ft. Chris Brown – Birthday Cake (Remix)

How exciting is this!? Okay, I really enjoy these two —everything from their past relationship to their present resolve on the domestic abuse issue. The media will never allow Chris Brown to live his mistake down and I’m sure after this release Rihanna will be spoken negativity of. The birthday girl announced a month or so ago that she would release a full version of ‘Birthday Cake’ as her next single from Talk That Talk on her 24th birthday (02.20.12). The remix is sexy and somewhat of a tell-all. Chris and Rihanna, do share.

The former couple also teamed up for a remix of Brown’s “Turn Up the Music”. Check it out on CONCRETELOOP.com. Does this sound like a match made in heaven?

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February 20, 2012

VIDEO: Chris Brown – Turn Up The Music

Chris Brown releases the video for his single “Turn Up the Music” from his upcoming album Fortune. The video, co-directed by Brown is high energy from beginning to end. I’d been anxious to see this video come to life since the behind-the-scenes video emerged last week. Aesthetically, the fashion of pairing animal heads with skinny suits has always been appealing to me. I want to try that look for a personal photo shoot.

Brown produced phenomenal choreography as expected and he did it all while sporting a fitted black suit, a white dress shirt, and a skinny black tie. There were numerous Michael Jackson gestures present that speak to his influence on Chris Brown’s entire celebrity. I, for one, have nothing negative to say about Chris… his artistry is developing regardless of his past or people’s judgement.

Fortune is slated to be released on March 16.

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February 16, 2012

Street Etiquette’s CROWNED

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL EDITORIAL

I never thought hair meant as much to men as it did to women until I got older. Most of my life, as noted in StreetEtiquette’s Joshua Kissi’s life as well, there were only three options: a cut, cornrows (which were deemed uncool after a certain age), or an afro. Being that my father was a barber he’d cut my hair —bald, even, faded, etc.— until his death. From ’96-’08 I continued the bi-weeky ritual of shaving my crown. Cornrows didn’t fit me and an afro was outdated in my opinion. During the course of those 12 years I noticed my male peers paying closer attention to their hair. The products and money spent to maintain their manes was a new concept to me. I got my hair cut and that was it. I didn’t wash it (yeah, I know) and rarely brushed it. I was not concerned with waves nor moisturizing it.

It wasn’t until I matured —until I paid more attention to my personal style that I realized how important hair was to who I was. The first journey I embarked on was inspired by Maxwell and John Legend. I wanted a wild, but clean twist out. It didn’t work. Don’t know if it was the grade of my hair or the lack of product but I soon realized it wasn’t for me. The next journey led me to where I am today. A week before my 19th birthday, I went to a local African beauty shop and began to lock my hair. Four years later and I’m still growing what I believe to be essentially a part of the man I am today: untamed, unpredictable, and different.

StreetEtiquette, well known men’s lifestyle blog, teamed with one of my favorite photographers Andre Wagner to create a portrait series. The series features 12 individuals who not only share a hair story but evoke style unparalleled to any I’ve seen in the Black community.

CROWNED is a portrait series depicting the styles of 12 individuals through the lens of their personal hair style, or in other words their CROWNS.

[Kissi]

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL EDITORIAL

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February 12, 2012

Old Hollywood Glam at 54th Annual Grammy Awards

Country singer Carrie Underwood

Glitz and glam was the highlight of tonight’s fashion for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. Singers, rappers, actors, and more borrowed style tips from 1950s old Hollywood glamour as they decided what they should wear to the biggest night in music. I am one who believes the red carpet should remain classy at certain events —the Grammys is one of those events. Rick Ross wore jeans and what appeared to be a Coogi sweater. Russian pop singer Sasha Gradiva wore a soft pink dress with heavy artillery accents that paid homage to Terminator. And dressed in a Little Red Riding Hood costume, Nicki Minaj graced us with the presence of The Pope on her arm and a Medusa applique on the skirt of her dress. I could not take! I preferred the romantic silhouettes of Kelly Rowland’s halter dress. The feminine prints of Fergie’s breathtaking orange gown. The luxurious fabric of Swizz Beatz’ velvet blazer. All in all, I saw more hits than misses on the red carpet and for that I am eternally grateful. Choosing a favorite styling tonight is hard —labels from Armani to Versace were everywhere.

The top three contenders in the women’s category are Carrie Underwood in a stunning Gomez-Garcia gown, Fergie in an orange Jean Paul Gaultier lace dress with her black Victoria’s Secret bra and Spanx showing underneath, and Alicia Keys in a simple black Alexandre Vauthier dress, see through Christian Louboutin stilettos and a gold statement necklace.

My top three guys picks are J. Cole’s black on black ensemble with iridescent burgundy and red accents, Swizz Beatz’ purple velvet blazer and bow tie with a sickening fluer de lis brooch, and Wiz Khalifa (mainly for his tasseled Christian Louboutin loafers) in D&G and Versace.

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February 11, 2012

Whitney Houston dies at 48

Grammy award winning singer and actress Whitney Elizabeth Houston passes away at the age of 48.
(August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012) 

Although this is not fashion related I feel the need to speak on it. Known for her raw talent, incredible range, and charming personality Houston’s death will be felt by many. In all honesty, Houston has not been the topic of many conversations lately however her death comes to somewhat of surprise. My Twitter and Facebook have went ablaze with condolences, rants, and playlist tributes. It’s funny how things happen —just a week or so ago, a group of friends and I were sitting around watching the 2010 BET Honors and the 2011 BET Celebration of Gospel commenting on Houston’s performances. We laughed at how animated and over the top she was. I overlooked the fact that she was overjoyed because she’d been delivered from drug abuse.

When I ended my shift at work today I ran into a schoolmate who told me the news. I thought it was another Twitter death and shrugged it off. Needless to say I turned to CNN for facts and there it was: SINGER WHITNEY HOUSTON DIES AT 48. All I could do was sigh and the first thought that came to my mind was her daughter. As someone who has lost their father I know how much it hurts to experience the death of a parent. Bobbi Kristina, 19, is Houston’s only child. I empathize with her and honestly hope society, bloggers, paparazzi, etc. realize how they could impact her life with the things the say and do. Yes, we’ve all joked about Houston’s drug use but it’s time to pay respect. Like actress Kyla Pratt tweeted:

Respect someone when they pass like you would want someone to respect anyone you have lost in your life. RIP Whitney

As her passing comes on the eve of the 54th Annual Grammy Awards there is talk of producers making changes to the program to tribute her. Whitney Houston has won six Grammy Awards since her career started in 1985. Now, one of the most successful and biggest voices in American pop music will never be heard again. What was your favorite Whitney Houston song?

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February 10, 2012

Outfit of the Day: Atomic Bomb

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