In lieu of posting old school Christmas videos, I figured I’d get into the wintry spirit by taking you back to the last year it snowed in south GA. 1989. That year it SNOWED. People were going crazy. It was like how Y2K was supposed to be. Absolute madness! I freaking loved it.

Now that we’ve got that out of the way, how’s about a little end of the year house cleaning. Last week, Thelma and Diane complained about my forthrightness, or lack thereof, with sharing info on my personal life. Well, check out my dorm room from senior year. How’s that for sharing? Lol

I decided not to post some of my favorite pop culture videos as well this week. But nothing’s stopping me from linking to them:

EMMETT OTTER (“Barbecue!”)

RAGING RUDOLPH (Have A Merry Freakin’ Christmas!””

THE CHANUKKA SONG (”OJ Simpson. Not a Jew.”)

THE CHRISTMAS STORY(”Where’s Flick?”)

For the next two weeks, I’ll be on vacation. I may be out of town or I may just be in my bed sleeping. The point is, I may not have the time to devote to writing a proper column. So I’ll be posting random vids with a minimal write up.

Finally, I’d like to thank all you cats for reading this column since its inception. You guys have no idea how I often I check the site, on Mondays and Tuesdays, to read the comments. I love the back and forth with ya’ll. So, I hope you guys have a safe and wonderful holidays and I’ll see you on the other side. Holla.

THE D.O.C. | “THE FORMULA”
“High energy roll with the wisdom, sense of a rich man, knowledge and the rhythm. This is what I’m using to come up with a style so I’ll interact altogether better with the crowd.” Seriously, there’s not much to add to that. Dude was unreal.

BIZ MARKIE | “JUST A FRIEND”
“I thought just having a friend couldn’t be no crime.” First, you have to get past the loud, high, off-key singing. OK that’s gonna be very difficult, but give it a try. Yeah, it’s a lot harder than it seems but you can do it. Got it? Cool. Now listen to the words. What guy can’t relate to the heartbreak that Biz is going through? Just a friend? You can miss me with that nonsense. Ladies, why you treat us like so? We try to be good to ya’ll. Honest.

SLICK RICK | “CHILDREN’S STORY”
“Crumbs.” A master storyteller at the very apex of his game, MC Ricky D went solo and crushed everything in his path. Only Rick could turn a gangsta rap into a bedtime story and still make it dope. But, the whole album is pretty much classic. I will bump the hell out of “Mona Lisa” right now, and dare anyone to say something about it. If you’re feeling frisky, how about a triple dog dare?

QUINCY JONES | “THE SECRET GARDEN”
Ahh yeah. We’re gonna slow the tempo down a little bit. I’m writing this in my deepest, sexiest voice. Too bad you can’t hear it. Anyway, with Al B. Sure, James Ingram, El Debarge, and Barry White on a Quincy Jones track, this song couldn’t fail. Come on, this is like stealing. Speaking of, I might have to steal this bass line. I’m not above the occasional musical thievery.

DIGITAL UNDERGROUND | “THE HUMPTY DANCE”
“Samoans. Do the Humpty Hump.” I love how Humpty was so inclusive. He was up on the multicultural tip 18 years ago. Anyways, the dance was pretty stupid. But, it was infectious. You will be doing a tamed version of it in 20 seconds, guaranteed. Besides, it’s just one of those great party songs. Remember those?

Diallo Tyson is a filmmaker, comedian and old school music junkie. When he’s not busy, he is a rapper with the group “Two Pimps and a Dream.” Step into a groovin’ time machine every week on UTC.

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Fred Segal Man opened its doors to preview a few of their new lines. Young socials came out in full force to welcome four artists to the Vans Vault collections in the Conveyor. Sure to inspire sneaker lovers as well as individuals who are collectors of the brand, the new designers featured include R. Crumb, Rick Griffin, and Robert Williams. However it was the launch of two new jewelry lines, Browne & Co. and teraminO that I gave most of my attention to. I was able to catch up with a few friends at the event and even spotted my favorite new trend, the full length coat. I was quite amused by the oversized, warm, cozy mood these coats put me in as I watched, ok gawked at them. Check them out, get inspired! The event was very chill and there was a lot of good energy surrounding the new designers. I did a lot of people watching and even a little ear hustling. One girl was telling her friends how she found this vest on the street as she headed to the event. It was really cute; I wish I had found it myself. Here are a couple of the pics I snapped. Enjoy!

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Browne & Co.

Just two doors past the Koji BBQ truck Browne & Co. was on display with its beautiful collection of ethnic chains and exotic stones. Using a combination of ornate and distressed beads, and metals the hand made collection is the latest expression of actor turn model, turn jewelry designer Browne Andrews. The unisex necklaces, bracelets, and brooches are intricately paired with interesting feathers, coins, bones, and other delicious notions from places such as Tibet, Egypt, and Africa. Each piece makes for great conversation as well as pretty jewelry. Like the designer himself the pieces are fun, eclectic, and beautiful. After owning one piece you are sure to want to mix and enterchange the charms in order to create your own story. The brand offers a custom experience for clients to create jewelry that is a personal expression of individuality.
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teraminO

Bartolo August III, Creative director for Teramino, never left the counter; anxious and humbled to share a sampling of what’s in store for the label. Like Browne, Bart’s counter was frequented by the ladies, a few industry peeps and good friends. Deep emerald green in unfinished leather with gold brushed grommets was the theme for the night. They pulled a few tricks offering the sweetest leather bow –tie studded earrings for women. I also had my eye on the Chandler bracelet as well as the double loop ring.
Along with the jewelry, a line of Tees for men is now available. Coming in 2010 the brand will offer leather belts, bags, and a line of denim. www.teraminO.com

Totally Obsessed,
xoxo Love

Love Collins is a custom clothing designer and stylist who studied fashion design at Howard University and FIT. Her thoughts and interviews from the fashion world are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective. For more information, visit www.ilovecollins.com.

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MASE RELEASES 5 MIXTAPES ON THE SAME DAY
Mason Betha ain’t playing. He ambushed Diddy last month just to get release papers signed. Rapper/pastor Mase is back on his music grind and plans the release of five new mixtapes in one day. He says, “The tape is being dropped internationally and nationally. I do the impossible … 5 different DJs — one in London, Canada, China, Korea and the US.” It’s unclear if this tape will be released in five different versions with different DJs, because the only tape mentioned is titled I Do The Impossible. I Do The Impossible is available now. I’m interested to hear the language that Rev. Mase will be spittin’.

BIG BOI IS HEADED TO DEF JAM RECORDS
OutKast’s Big Boi has confirmed recent reports of his departure from Jive Records and will join the homies such as, Fabolous, Rick Ross and Jadakiss at Def Jam. He said, “The lawyers just have to finish their lawyering,” Big explained, and added that he was happy to be working with LaFace co-founder and current Island Def Jam Chairman and CEO LA Reid again, since “he’s been with us since the beginning.”

DARIUS MCCRARY IS NEW MALCOLM ON ‘RESTLESS’ NO MORE SHEMAR MOORE
If you thought Shemar Moore was going to reprise his role of Malcolm Winters on “The Young and the Restless,” well forget about it.. Next month, the character will be played by former “Family Matters” star Darius McCrary.

Darius signed a multi-year deal to assume the role be and his debut will air on Dec. 29.

“We are thrilled to have the character of Malcolm back on Y&R,” according to a statement from Maria Bell, the drama’s co-executive producer/head writer. “Malcolm, Neil Winters’ brother, has always been a catalyst to exciting stories.

“He’s coming back to town to see his brother and to reunite with his biological daughter, Lily Winters, as she fights for her life. Malcolm is a photographer…someone who lives on the edge and who always pushes the envelope.”

If I could juggle more than 1 TV gig at time you know a sista wouldn’t say “NO” to nothing. It’s hard enough being working actor in this damn town. (A working anything based on the economy), but that’s just me.

Shemar left the soap in 2005 to co-star in CBS’ “Criminal Minds.” Shemar had been approached before about coming back to the show but it was clear that it wouldn’t work out because of his commitment to ‘Minds’).”

Darius McCrary will find a familiar face on the Y&R set; the Emmy-winning Bryton James (Devon) used to co-star as Richie Crawford on Family Matters, as well.

NEWS BLAST
***Rihanna said to be dating “Beverly Hills 90210″ star Tristan Wilds. Tristan who also played on HBO’s “The Wire” was an “unexpected guest” at a party she held in Los Angeles home. The gathering served as a goodbye to friends before she headed to London this week.

“No one knew why Tristan was there initially, because it was not an industry party — it was very intimate, but everyone quickly realized they weren’t meeting for the first time, because they were openly affectionate for everyone to see.” Tristan is currently working on an album of his own.

“They hit it off the moment they laid eyes on each other,” the insider says. “He’s a real gentleman. She likes him a lot, and it shows. From the moment he walked into her party, Rihanna lit up.”

***Jennifer Hudson is set to star in a drama that casts her as the former wife of South Africa’s first black president, Nelson Mandela. “Winnie,” based on the Anne Marie du Preez Bezdrob biography “Winnie Mandela: A Life,” begins shooting May 30 in the South African locations of Johannesburg, Capt Town, Transkei and Robben Island, where the future president spent 18 of his 27 years in prison.

Winnie Mandela has been depicted as the mother and wife who was a steadfast supporter of her activist husband and who was jailed herself for campaigning for his release and fighting against apartheid.

“I was compelled and moved when I read the script,” Jennifer said. “Winnie Mandela is a complex and extraordinary woman and I’m honored to be the actress asked to portray her. This is a powerful part of history that should be told.” Jennifer is also expected to sing the film’s theme song.

***”The Wendy Williams Show” has been renewed on Fox TV stations through the 2011-12 season, even though ratings in most markets have been modest, she’s been granted another season to shine.

***”Precious” director Lee Daniels is now in advanced negotiations to helm “Selma,” which will trace the historic 1965 march in the Alabama town that marked the political and emotional peak of the civil rights movement.

Daniels, whose “Precious” is drenched in Oscar buzz, will be teaming on the project with U.K. producer Christian Colson, reports Variety.

“Selma” will be the first new project for Colson and his shingle Cloud Nine Films — which launched in March — since the producer enjoyed eight Oscar wins and a worldwide gross of more than $200 million earlier this year with Danny Boyle’s “Slumdog Millionaire.”

Shooting is set to take place by early spring. No cast has been attached yet, and the project’s final budget is still being sorted out.

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host on The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide this summer. Check out: www.myspace.com/BODIOGRAPHY

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$100 MILLION A YEAR DEAL FOR BEYONCE!!!
Not that any of us will be surprised, but Ms. Beyonce is about to become the wealthiest woman in all of entertainment. B’s Pops, Mathew Knowles, ain’t playing & is close to finalizing a ginormous deal that would have Beyonce become the mainstay at the Wynn Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Yes, Sasha Fierce would be the Wynn’s resident performer! And I hope you’re sitting down cause this deal is reportedly worth $500,000,000.00. Or $100 million a year for up to 5 years. Damn can a sista carry your bags, for a small fee (with lots of $0’s)?

YUNG JOC NO LONGER DOWN WITH BLOCK/BAD BOY ENTERTAINMENT
Well in the words of Yung Joc, here’s how his release from Block Entertainment went down:

Joc said, “I just got my release and one of the terms of the release was a defamation clause, so honestly, I can’t really talk about it too much. I’ve been released, severed the business ties. May God bless them and their regime, but I’m doing my own thing now. I’m actually in negotiations right now with a few labels. I just choose not to call out the different entities. Things are looking very good, God is very good. When I was going through this whole thing with the Bad Boy/Block situation, I didn’t know what the other side was going to be. I didn’t know if there was going to be light on the other end. I was hopeful, but it’s actually working out for the best. I ain’t mad. Nobody’s mad right now, everything is good.”

Young Joc continued by saying, “the type of deal that I’m doing, gives me all the freedom I need. I have control, leverage on budgets and everything just to say the least. Swagg Team Ent., that’s my label. I’m actually working on deals for that as well. Jive is actually the first to put a deal on the table. I learned to be a better artist. I learned how to be a better man. I learned how to conduct business in a positive manner, but I also learned it’s ok to get irate in certain situations to get your point across. You can use that as a last resort, or you can start off with that just to let people know that you’re not playing. Respect is definitely a major factor and is key in this. Those are just a few of the fundamentals that I learned throughout this whole situation.”

I love how he has maintained his professionalism, kept any bitterness out of the public and is pressing onward & upward. For that I wish him the best.

BEANIE SIGEL ANNOUNCES COMING TO G-UNIT WITH 50 CENT
Hate to say it, but I can’t keep up with Beanie Sigel’s incarceration schedule? One minute he’s in, the next he’s on tour, then he’s in a club cutting someone, then he’s back in the clink. Whew, I’m exhausted just typing this!

Anyhoo, the former Roc-A-Fella Records artist, Beanie Sigel, is on the outs with the label’s head Jay-Z. Did you catch the dis track he released last week?

Well, 50 Cent appeared on Philadelphia’s Power 99 radio station with Beanie Sigel, and made the announcement. “Beans is coming to G-Unit,” 50 said.

The deal is brand spankin’ new, and 50 revealed that he tried to sign the Broad Street Bully in the past, but Jay-Z blocked it. 50 claims that Beanie was so hot at the time, he was willing to drop some big money to get him.

“It was at least $800,000 at that point. At least, with the heat that was around him at that point,”50 explained. “I’ll tell you what I paid for Mobb Deep — that was at least $800,000 at that point. There’s no way Beanie Sigel wouldn’t have got that.”

At press time, it wasn’t clear if the deal was official yet, or if they were still ironing out the details. But one thing is clear, 50 is interested and Beans seems to be as well.

NEWS BLAST
***Beyonce’s TV Special is airing on Thanksgiving night. In concert and behind the scenes like never before. Beyonce will premiere a one hour special titled “I AM… Yours,” an exclusive look at her life both on and off stage on ABC & airs Thursday, November 26 at 9pm.

***”Diddy gets 50% of Ciroc profits. Ciroc volume sales climbed to 400,000 cases, from 60,000 cases in first half of 2007, the year that Diageo teamed up with Sean Combs . Diddy’s fellow rappers Snoop Dogg, Dr. Dre and Jay-Z all have endorsement deals with liquor brands in the U.S., while Combs is “a true partner” and receives half the brand’s profits.” Strachan said.

Diageo’s Ciroc vodka, an equal-share venture with Combs, is set to release coconut and red-berry varieties in the U.S. Diageo bought a 50 percent stake for $900 million last year, plans to enter 15 new markets including Brazil and Australia.

***Michael Jackson ‘This Is It’ earns $101 million Halloween weekend, film gets an extended run and will run until at least Thanksgiving.

***Janet Jackson to sit down with Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts to discuss death of her brother onWednesday, Nov. 18 at 10 p.m. The network is also set to announce that its upcoming five-episode series “Let’s Dance,” which features celebs re-enacting well-known dance routines – will launch on Monday, Nov. 23 at 9:30 p.m.

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host on The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide this summer. Check out: www.myspace.com/BODIOGRAPHY

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LIL WAYNE TO PLEAD TO 8 MONTHS IN JAILS
Lil Wayne was forced to plead out to a 8 month jail term in New York City over his alleged involvement with a loaded .40-caliber pistol gun found on his tour bus in 2007 while in New York.

Weezy who is 27-year-old now faces 15 years in jail for each count of criminal weapons possession and criminal possession of a loaded weapon.

Word is, Wayne is rumored to be willing to accept the deal to avoid a long term in jail over the gun. The term will begin in February of 2010 under the terms of the deal. “If he doesn’t plead, he goes to jail for a long time.”

A small amount of DNA may have changed the landscape of the case. There is a “minuscule” amount of the rapper’s DNA on the gun and that has strengthened the case for the prosecution.

Lil’ Wayne has another trial looming in March over felony drug and weapons charges from a January 2008 police raid.

BIRDMAN CLAIMS LIL WAYNE IS BETTER EMCEE THAN JAY-Z
Bryan “Birdman” Williams ain’t playing with getting his hustle on. He makes no bones about the label releasing ten albums which included, Drake’s “Thank Me Later,” Wayne’s “Rebirth” and “The Carter IV”, and Bow Wow’s forthcoming CD and that he is striving to have each of them fill up a spot on the top ten music chart.

Baby, as you know, doesn’t hold his tongue & recently spoke on Jay-Z’s MTV crowning of “Hottest Emcee in the Game.” Baby said the music television channel wrong for its choice.

He said: “I don’t think [Jay-Z] is the number one emcee in no kind of way, Wayne’s the best. He do the most and he make the most money. I don’t think no n*** in the business make more money than us. How can you be the best if you don’t make the most money? And you don’t do the most? Lyrically, come on man, be for real, can’t nobody f*** with Wayne…if you number one and you ain’t getting no money it don’t mean nothing.”

One may wonder if the Cash Money CEO’s implication is that Jay-Z , who co-owns the Nets, the 40/40 Club, and who is one of the biggest entrepreneurial figures in Hip Hop, is actually not making much money compared to Lil Wayne. Equally as noteworthy, Baby expressed his belief that lyrical skills don’t matter if an emcee isn’t big in the bank.

“To me, it’s who’s making the most money,” he continued. “That’s number one to me. F*** all that rap shit. They got cold rappers you never even heard. Then they got niggas who really can’t rap and making money. It’s about whose making the most money to me. I don’t give a f**** about the rest of that s****. Maybe other ones do, but if you making money, that matters to me.”

I’ll keep you posted if Jay feels the need or gets the urge to even respond from his yacht in St. Tropez…feel me

DAVE CHAPPELLE’S STANDUP WORLD RECORD RUINED BY WEAK BLADDER
Dave Chappelle tried hard to set the record for longest standup routine in the history of LA’s Laugh Factory comedy club, but his attempt was ruined when he had to take a bathroom break.

Five hours into his routine, he couldn’t hold it anymore & walked away to tinkle and was disqualified.

Maybe he should have gotten some tips from magician David Blaine, cause with all his stunts he knows the secret or has access to the catheter or contraption to help that bathroom move.

“There are only two rules.” said the club owner: “You have to continuously tell jokes that are funny and you can’t leave the stage, even to go to the bathroom.”

Dane Cook still holds Laugh Factory’s comedy endurance record with a 7 hour, 34 minute performance last year. The late Richard Pryor set the original record, 2 hours and 41 minutes, in 1980. Cook broke it 27 years later with a 3-hour, 50-minute set.

Chappelle raised the bar to six hours, seven minutes before Cook took the record back last year. Hopefully Dave will try it again, this time with a master bathroom plan!

NEWS BLAST
***Soulja Boy is facing eviction from his Los Angeles home. Apparently he owes $10,000 in unpaid rent and the building’s landlords want him out after he angered locals.
***Eddie Murphy has knocked $15 million off the asking price of his home as it’s been sitting on the market for almost 5 years. The New Jersey estate had an original price tag of around $30 million when listed in 2004. The mansion has a bowling alley, theatre and recording studio. The price has now been cut by half.
***Master P has an upcoming “No Excuses” television special and explains why he thinks the program will change VH1’s traditional image. The show’s premiere will take place next week. Also get ready for his new TV network called Better Black TV.

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host on The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide this summer. Check out: www.myspace.com/BODIOGRAPHY

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Jay-Z – Streets Is Watching | Where I’m From
“Who’s the best MC? Biggie, Jay-Z, or Nas?”I have to admit, I wasn’t the biggest Jay-Z fan in school. I thought he was OK. When Volume One came out, I was like “Meh.” But roomie, who happened to be a DJ, would always bump Streets Is Watching during some down time. At that point, I’d say “Eh, he’s not half bad I suppose.” Neither is Where I’m From. That beat should be in quarantine for the next decade. It’s just some old foul foulness.

Erykah Badu | Tyrone
“But you can’t use my phone.” I really do like this song, but chicks did their best to make it unbearable. I must’ve heard a “Call Tyrone” reference twice a day for 2-3 months straight. OK, I get it. Guys can be jerks. You’ve pounded into my head. I. Got. It. Grrrr. Lol But I do like the song. The first line is freaking hilarious. You definitely know from the jump that this won’t be your average love song.

Janet Jackson | I Get So Lonely
This song gives me such mixed emotions. It’s got an unbelievable groove, but every time I hear it I’m reminded of how miserable I was during the 1st semester. While everyone was out having fun, I was stuck inside cussing myself out for signing up for such classes. But damn, that shot of her walking down the hallway. My God, if that don’t put a little pepper in your pot I don’t know what will. Two points for Ms. Jackson.

Busta Rhymes | Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See
“Look at shorty, she a little cutie yo. The way she shake it make me wanna get all in the booty yo.” Greatest. Lyric. Ever. OK, no it’s not but it is damn funny and makes me giggle. What can I say? I’ve the maturity of a twelve year old. But you guys already knew that. Nevertheless, I am mature enough to never walk beside an elephant. I don’t need that kind of excitement in my life.

Rakim | Guess Who’s Back
Rakim Allah. The God MC. If I have to hype this one up for you, then you have a fundamental lack of hip hop knowledge.

Diallo Tyson is a filmmaker, writer, beat miner, [self-proclaimed] comedian, and old school music junkie. In his spare time, he contributes to the music blog, Finessed & Blessed and is a collaborator for the sports/pop culture blog, The The Commission. He can be reached at ddog_tap@hotmail.com. Step into a groovin’ time machine every other Monday on UTC.

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Dear Lovelies,

It’s interesting the many and different societies that this world has. Each have their own set of requirements, whether education levels, financial standings, personal style, or some are merely based on what you are willing to do. As I am writing this I am coming to you live from a place whose society I do not belong to and am completely overjoyed about it. The event itself, which is to celebrate the nationwide DVD release of the award winning documentary Flintown Kids, by director and fellow Howard University alum Omar McGee, is of great value to me. However it’s the other participants and the existing activities that have me cast out of this “club” society. (Yes I am beating around the bush a bit to avoid a negative tone. This is a gossip free zone!). Personal beliefs aside after a certain age the club just needs to be left to those who are trying to “find themselves” but in actuality are avoiding who they really are. Just to give you a taste the music playlist includes “Nuck if you Buck”. HA! I remember getting my groove on to this once, I’m not ashamed.

All of this got me thinking about societies and fitting in. So, I thought I’d do a quick update while in the midst of everyone shaking their derrieres in their House of Dereon. HA! Fish out of water, I digress. Enjoy.

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St. John Resort 2010 Collection
I recently I attended LA Focus Newspaper’s 12th Annual First Ladies High Tea hosted by Wendy Raquel Robinson and publisher Alis Collins. The event was beautiful. This year’s tea participated in the month long celebration of breast cancer awareness. Honorees included first lady of California Maria Shriver, and Dr. Betty Price of Crenshaw Christian Center. As I was talking to the event coordinator Jasmine Simpkins she pointed out the fact that even still after “we” book fabulous hotels, give eloquent performances and speeches, and put on fantastic well organized and orchestrated events the media placed us right back into South Central and down played the entire event as a visit from a Kennedy princess that was hosted by a Pastor’s wife. Gee thanks ABC 7, we see you.

On the best side of the event the International Ballroom at the Beverly Hills Hilton was delightfully set and filled with the “Sunday’s Best Hat Brigade”. I personally spotted a few hats that I would have loved to snag and add to my collection. Nonetheless the event was a success. This year’s fashion show was sponsored by St. John Knits, who previewed their 2010 resort collection. While most of the applause went to the two black girls that were strategically placed amongst the other pale beauties, the collection overall was very chic. The vibrant printed tweeds, pretty color-blocked dresses and even the boyfriend cardigan cut sweaters made me perk up on my chair a few times. If you have the opportunity to partake in next year’s event it’s more than worth the ticket.

Mr. Penn
The fashion industry and photographers around the world are sadly tipping their hats to legendary photographer Irving Penn. The captivating lensman, died this past week at the age of 92. His career, since taking off after World War II, has been closely documented and watched for inspiration and creative direction. His illusive style relied more on natural lighting, shadows and were vividly told in spaces that were almost empty, as oppposed to hot studio lamps and conventional story telling. The trick or the genius to his approach came from his imagination, the subject, and the photography as a medium itself. His work for Vogue, “created a marvelous world that could be experienced vicariously for the price of a magazine”, as Mary Panzer of the Wall Street Journal puts it. In fashions exclusive fantastical society, where women have silent children, never wrinkle, and wake-up with freshly made up faces Penn honed the idea, through his shots of keeping this fantasy alive. As he explained, “there is no room for less than perfection.” Penn was born in Plainfield, N.J., and grew up in Philadelphia. He studied graphic design at the Pennsylvania Museum School of Industrial Art. His worked has been captured and studied all over the world. Photos of his work are now on display at the Getty Museum.

Until next time lovelies,

Totally Obsessed,
xoxo Love

Love Collins is a custom clothing designer and stylist who studied fashion design at Howard University and FIT. Her thoughts and interviews from the fashion world are exclusive to Urban Thought Collective. For more information, visit www.ilovecollins.com.

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REAL HOUSEWIVES OF ATLANTA REUNION POSTPONED
The reunion show for Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” has been put on hold as cast member Kandi Burress deals with the sudden death of her ex-fiancé A.J. Jewell.

The taping was supposed to take place last week for a two-part air date of Oct. 29 and Nov. 5, but there’s no word yet if or when the show will be rescheduled.

A.J. Jewell, 34, suffered a severe head injury during a fight at an Atlanta nightclub Oct. 2 and later died at the hospital. He was buried on Oct. 9 in Georgia.

According to close friend and former Xscape bandmate Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, Kandi is holding up OK these days. “She’s doing much better, she’s a strong girl. I speak to her every day. I go and visit her. I went to the funeral. Whenever she needs me, I’m there.”

Cast member Kim Zolciak also commented on her friend’s strength in recent days. “It’s been very difficult,” she told Us Magazine. “I went to the funeral and I don’t think I have ever been that sad in my whole life. I don’t want to see my friend upset. It’s terrible. It’s something that will stay with me for life.”

Kim added, “Kandi is strong and she will pull through, but she is devastated. I walked out of the funeral thanking God for my blessings and just realizing that in a matter of a minute, your life can be over.”

I’ll keep you posted once the reunion has a confirmed air date.

BET HIP HOP AWARDS RECAP
Set your Tivo cause the show taped live last week in Hotlanta and will air on October 27th & will be hosted by comedian Mike Epps.

ATL’s finest, T.I., who is locked up in an Arkansas penitentiary on a federal weapons conviction, won the best collaboration award with Rhianna for the song “Live Your Life” and the album of the year award for “Paper Trail.” His fiancée, Tameka “Tiny” Cottle, accepted his awards at the ceremony in Atlanta and read a letter by the rapper, who began serving a year long sentence in late May. “Although I’m not there with you all, I’m there in spirit,” Cottle quoted the rapper as writing. “My road to redemption is almost over. Thanks for the support.”

Jay-Z was honored as the “MVP of the Year,” while Drake took home “Rookie of the Year,” and Ice Cube received the “I Am Hip-Hop” icon award.

Ice Cube said he was humbled by the award, and he believes his career as filmmaker could earn him more honors in the future. He helped launch the gangsta rap genre with the group NWA, and he starred in “Barbershop” and “Friday,” which he also co-wrote. “When you get recognized by your peers for a life of work, you got to be humbled,” the rap veteran said. “I’m honored by this. I have 20 more years of work left in me. I hope (BET) is ready to give out two of these awards.”

Rapper Busta Rhymes presented the award for “DJ of the Year” to DJ AM, the celebrity spinner who died of an accidental drug overdose in August.

Kanye West, meanwhile, couldn’t hijack the stage, because the rapper was a no-show. West had been expected to attend the fourth annual awards show. He fell under scrutiny for interrupting Taylor Swift’s award-winning moment at last month’s MTV Video Music Awards.

Jay-Z took the stage with Young Jeezy to perform “Real as It Gets” and rap group Goodie Mob performed its 1995 song “Cell Therapy.” Love the classic joints. Make sure you tune in to catch the outfits!

LEONA LEWIS ATTACKER CHARGED
A 29-year-old “fan” was charged with assault and placed in an area for prisoners with mental-health issues after recently punching singer Leona Lewis at a book signing in London.

Peter Kowalczyk 29, allegedly punched Lewis, 24, in the head as she was signing copies of her autobiography, Dreams, at a bookstore in London’s Piccadilly area. The south London resident will appear in court on Oct. 26.

“A guy came up and punched her to the side of the head.” A source described her as “okay but bruised.”

Leona, who didn’t require hospitalization, wrote about the bizarre incident on her Web site.

“Yesterday was a horrible shock and left me extremely hurt and upset,” she wrote. “I’m very sorry to those I wasn’t able to meet at the signing.”

Lewis had been scheduled to appear on a BBC program that night, but pulled out after the incident.

TRACY MORGAN GOES OFF ON FORMER SNL CAST MATES
That’s my man…I’ve known Tracy since his days in NYC back at the Uptown Comedy Club in the early 90’s when he used to rock the propeller hat & couldn’t see his feet. That’s my home-skillet for real.

Well Tracy Morgan isn’t holding his tongue on former “Saturday Night Live” castmates Cheri Oteri and Chris Kattan.

In his new book I Am the New Black, which is in stores now, the “30 Rock” star says Cheri & Chris looked down on him during their years together on the NBC series.

“I could remember those two, especially those two people, treating me like the invisible guy. Now look where they at. Cheri Oteri, she can’t even get arrested,” he says in a clip from the audiobook version. “Where’s Chris Kattan now? They never going to host ‘Saturday Night Live.’ They never treated me well. I never cared for them either. F*** ‘em.”

Tracy who has been nominated for an Emmy and who has also hosted “SNL,” adds that Will Ferrell, Colin Quinn and Molly Shannon treated him “beautifully.” And then there was Tina Fey, who ended up writing a role for him on her Emmy-winning sitcom “30 Rock.”

Now I understand why we all love Tina Fey & have never met her. Tracy says, “Tina wasn’t scared to come into my world and find the funny up in there. She’s that kind of cool,” he writes. The two get along so well, in fact, that Fey even used one of her more bizarre nights during her ‘SNL” stint with Morgan as the inspiration for a famous “30 Rock” episode in which she accompanies Tracy to an “after-after-after-after party.”

“I wasn’t really friends with many of my castmates at ‘SNL,’ but that doesn’t mean I didn’t roll up into ‘SNL’ and all those after parties with my own friends.”

Tracy continues to break it down keeping it very rough, rugged and raw in his book, it’s a definite must-have.

NEWS BLAST
***Kanye West’s clothing line “Pastelle” is history. The Internet was swarmed with pictures of different pieces from the brand, and since Kanye & his money people have decided to close up shop.

***Country singer Taylor Swift has hinted at plans to poke fun at her recent run-in with Kanye West when she hosts “Saturday Night Live” on November 7th.

***Tyra Banks has topped a Forbes list of the highest earning women on primetime television in the U.S. Tyra has pulled in $30 million last year between her reality series “America’s Next Top Model” and her daytime talk show.

Runner-up Katherine Heigl raked in $18 million for her role in “Grey’s Anatomy” and her film projects, while “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” actress Marg Helgenberger is in third with $9.5 million in earnings.

Forbes’ full primetime top earners list is as follows:
1 ) Tyra Banks – $30 million
2 ) Katherine Heigl – $18 million
3 ) Marg Helgenberger – $9.5 million
4 ) Eva Longoria Parker – $9 million
5 ) Mariska Hargitay – $8.5 million
6 ) Julia Louis-Dreyfus – $8 million
7 ) Maura Tierney – $8 million
8 ) Tina Fey – $7 million
9 ) Marcia Cross – $6.2 million
10 ) Jennifer Love Hewitt – $6 million.

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host on The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide this summer. Check out: www.myspace.com/BODIOGRAPHY

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R.I.P THE LEGENDARY D.J. MR. MAGIC
DJ Mr. Magic, one of hip hop’s infamous voices on radio, died Friday of a heart attack. Born John Rivas, he launched and hosted the first all-rap radio show in the U.S. Titled “Rap Attack,” (New Yorkers, stand up!!) The show debuted in 1983 on WBLS and quickly became an inspiration point for key players in hip hop. The show, which lasted six years, also featured deejay Marley Marl and Tyron (Fly Ty) Williams. Our prayers go out to the fans, friends & family of Mr. Magic.

T-BOZ HAS A BRAIN TUMOR
TLC’s Tionne ‘T-Boz’ Watkins has been quietly fighting a brain tumor since 2006. In the latest issue of PEOPLE magazine, T-Boz says she was diagnosed in 2006 and later underwent a seven hour surgical procedure to have the tumor removed. Reportedly enduring surgery that forced doctors to make a cut behind her ear, later peeling the tumor from her brain stem, T-Boz appeared on the NBC distributed reality competition ‘Celebrity Apprentice’. Admitting that she struggled through the season due to the tumor, the TLC singer admits that she felt it was best to keep the tumor secret and not let it be known to the public.

I think between the sickle cell anemia and this brain tumor, it may explain why she hasn’t been the most friendliest person over the years. You never know what someone is dealing with. As my Mama always said, “If you don’t have your health, you don’t have anything!

T-Boz says, “I didn’t want pity. I was there to help sick children,”

It’s great that she hasn’t allowed herself to sulk and become a victim. Instead, T-Boz and TLC pal Chilli (Rozanda Thomas) are due to perform at the Friends Concert, hosted by Justin Timberlake, this month in Las Vegas.

Set to take the stage together October 17, the duo, along with other celebrities, will perform to benefit Shriners Hospital For Children.

The concert, which benefits Shriners Hospital for Children, is part of a week-long charity event that includes the 2009 Justin Timberlake Shriners Hospitals for Children Open golf tournament, which runs from Oct. 12-18.

REAL HOUSEWIVES, KANDI BURRUSS: UPDATE ON FORMER FIANCE’S DEATH
Word on the street is that the fight that led to the beating death of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kandi Burruss’ ex-fiancé, Ashley “A.J.” Jewell, may have been started by Jewell because he felt disrespected.

Now you know TMZ is all up in the business and TMZ.com is reporting that Jewell was walking and talking as he left the fight early Saturday morning at the Body Tap Club, where he had an altercation with his co-worker – and now suspect – Fredrick Richardson.

Sources told TMZ, that Jewell declined an ambulance; instead choosing to have a friend drive him to the hospital. The medical examiner has yet to release the cause of death, although it had previously been reported that Jewell died of a massive head injury.

Jewell was interested in purchasing a portion of the club and it seems that Jewell had some words about a business decision. It appears there was a struggle for power over the club. Apparently they just didn’t like each other. A.J. felt like he deserved more respect from Richardson and it wasn’t given to him.

Richardson has been arrested for voluntary manslaughter in Jewell’s death and is currently being held without bail. He is due back in court on Oct. 20.

If you’ve been watching the show then you know that A.J’s nephew & Kandi’s relative were in a drunk driving accident leaving AJ’s nephew in a coma. I hope she will perservere and not think this show has been a curse for her.

FORMER BAD BOY “SHYNE” STILL BEHIND BARS
Dang……talk about time flying: Can you believe that rapper Shyne (government name Jamal Barrow) has been in jail for almost a decade?

Well, he was scheduled to be released from prison Tuesday, October 6 after serving more than nine years of a 10-year sentence in connection with the 2001 Club New York shooting involving Diddy and Jennifer Lopez. But……..his release is now under scrutiny as Shyne is being detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at an unspecified facility in Western New York State.

Word is…Officials are deciding whether to hit him with the ol “Slick Rick” deportation move back to Belize. Shyne is currently in federal custody while his future immigration status is determined.

In August however, Shyne’s lawyer said, “He’s 90 percent of the way home” after a judge ruled on his post-release supervision. Shyne received two and a half years of post-release supervision (probation, essentially) stemming from his conviction on first-degree assault and a host of other lesser charges. At the time of his sentencing, an official with the Department of Correction confirmed that Shyne would have to complete at least eight years and seven months of his prison sentence.

Well, he did his, Diddy’s and everyone else’s time…hopefully he’ll have a choice about his freedom.

NEWS BLAST
***Method Man aka Clifford Smith, was arrested on tax charges after turning himself in to the Staten Island District Attorney’s. He owes close to $33,000 in back taxes. He was arraigned and immediate released on his own recognizance. He is accused of failing to pay New York state income taxes between 2004 and 2007 amounting to $32,799. Method Man, 38, is facing felony charges of repeatedly failing to file state taxes and a misdemeanor charge of failure to pay tax. The tax man caught up with him once before in 2008 when they confiscated his Lincoln Navigator for back taxes. He could get up to 4 years in prison.

***Kanye West & Lady GaGa “Fame Kills” tour is cancelled.
Live Nation confirmed the rumors without giving a reason for the cancellation, adding that refunds are available at point-of-purchase and tickets bought online and on the phone will be refunded automatically.

Of course “creative differences” is what they are truly calling it, however many speculate that Kanye’s negative publicity is a major factor in the tour cancellation. The tour dates were announced just days after his now-infamous appearance onstage at the MTV Video Music Awards last month, interrupting Taylor Swift.
Gaga said that “It was a mutual decision. Kanye’s going to take some time off. But the good news is that I’m going on tour in a few weeks.” Make that money, honey.

***Regina King and Tracee Ellis Ross are hosting the fourth annual Black Girls Rock! Awards, to take place Saturday, Oct. 17, at New York’s Times Center. The 2009 honorees include Mary J. Blige, Raven Symoné, poet and playwright Sonia Sanchez, singer Janelle Monáe, Naomi Campbell and TruthAIDS founder, activist and White House Fellow, Dr. Mehret Mandefro.

Other participants include: actress Kerry Washington, philanthropist Jessica Seinfeld, Essence Magazine’s Emil Wilbekin, renowned visual artist Vic Muniz, multi-platinum producer Bryan-Michael Cox and more. To purchase tickets, please visit http://blackgirlsrockinc.com/Awards09/ or http://www.blackgirlsrock.org.

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host on The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide this summer. Check out: www.myspace.com/BODIOGRAPHY

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MATRIMONY IS IN THE AIR
Reality TV star Khloe Kardashian is now Mrs. Lamar Odom or keeping it real; “Mr. Kardashian.”

Mark Wahlberg (Marky Mark) & longtime baby’s mama Rhea Durham married in Beverly Hills this past week. In attendance were their 3 children Ella Rae 5, Michael 3 & Brendan 10 months.

Actress Claire Danes weds Hugh Dancey in a small ceremony in France after dating since Feb 2008.

“My Name is Earl” actress Jaime Presley married entertainment lawyer Simran Singh in Malibu. (Sorry to the baby’s Daddy, DJ Eric Cubichee).

DIDDY MOVES HIS LABEL
Sorry y’all, I just can’t get used to calling him Diddy. I’ve know Puffy for ions. But outta respect….here you go: Sean “Diddy” Combs has officially announced that he has moved his Bad Boy label to Universal Music Group’s Interscope Geffen A&M label, confirming rumors that had been floating around for weeks.

The deal, which also includes his future albums, creates a new joint venture with the Bad Boy label.

Unfortunately, the financial terms, nor the length of the deal was disclosed.

If you’ve been watching “Making His Band” then you know the first release on the new Bad Boy/Interscope joint venture will be his own upcoming album “Last Train To Paris,”

Previously, Diddy’s and Warner Music Group’s Atlantic label had a deal that laste almost five years. The current Bad Boy roster and catalog will remain with Bad Boy’s Warner Music joint venture which was once valued at $60 million.

NAS RUMORED TO BE NEW DEF JAM PRESIDENT
With all the marital drama surrounding Nas, there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. Word on the street is Nas may be following in Jay-Z’s footsteps as the next president of iconic hip hop record label Def Jam, a role he says he would take on enthusiastically.

Don’t get excited, the ink isn’t dry yet, but Nas says he has been in talks to take over the helm at the label once run by big wigs Russell Simmons and Jay-Z.

Nas says, “I don’t know what’s in store for the future. I’m happy to do whatever makes sense. I would love to add on and help hip-hop, I feel Def Jam is a great label for hip-hop music but I feel they could be doing a lot more for hip-hop, that’s what it’s about. Obviously people they have, have their own agendas and own direction and I respect that too. I think I can add on but I don’t know, at this point and time, I’m just taking it day-by-day, I’m not getting too caught up into all of that.”

My other Queens brethren, 50 Cent also previously hinted at the possibility of being the head-honcho over at Def Jam during an interview on NY’s HOT 97’s.

“When I run Def Jam I’m going to get rid of all of them,” Fif revealed in an interview last February. “Khaled, all of them… they’re going baby… I don’t think that’s a bad idea if I have to go to get rid of Khaled and a few other artist over there that I really don’t like.”

The Big Kahuna, rapper KRS-One spoke on his issues with Def Jam and the negative impact he thinks it had on hip hop:

“Def Jam is thedopest label in hip-hop, in the culture of hip-hop. There really would be no hip-hop as we know it today if it wasn’t for Def Jam. But you don’t get that respect without also being the label that single-handedly destroyed hip-hop. Every time you think of what’s wrong with hip-hop, the lyrics, the commercialized music, one artist being played on the radio all day, things like that, that’s all Def Jam. We respect it. Its a respect cause we all competing, so Def Jam had the hardest competition, but the hardest competition as I showed the respect, I also showed the truth. And the truth is everybody else had to sit down so Def Jam could be who they are.”

NEWS BLAST
***Flavor Flav the Reality King after his run with VH1, which included “The Surreal Life,” “Strange Love” and “Flavor of Love.” says “I’m working on a reality show and a talk show, going back to high school. I got a talk show coming, y’all ain’t going to be mad at ya boy.”

***Hall of Fame slugger Reggie Jackson, will host a new weekly series titled October Nights exclusively on SIRIUS XM Radio beginning Tuesday, Oct. 6. Reggie and co-host Bill Pidto will take calls from listeners around the country and offer an expert look at the playoff picture in the American and National leagues. The six week series will run through the 2009 MLB postseason, airing Tuesdays (7-9 p.m. ET) on SIRIUS XM’s Mad Dog Radio channel, available nationwide on SIRIUS channel 123 and XM channel 144.

***Black-owned business Carol’s Daughter has just become the official beauty product brand of Disney’s “The Princess and The Frog,” an effort to commemorate the studio’s first African-American princess. Carol’s Daughter has signed a deal to create a new bath and body line inspired by Princess Tiana, who will make her movie introduction in limited release Nov. 25 (a full release is planned for Dec. 11/my birthday).

The collection will have four products, which will each retail for $10 and highlight a special lesson that Tiana learns during the movie. The products can be used by all women, but are especially formulated for African-American hair. The shampoo is made to care for fragile, dry hair, and contains aloe leaf juice. The conditioner also has aloe leaf juice, as well as sunflower seed and olive fruit oils to help detangle hair.

The line will launch this month and will be sold at Macy’s, Dillard’s and Carol’s Daughter stores.

***Will Smith and his wife Jada Pinkett Smith will serve as co-hosts for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway, which will take place on Dec. 11 (my birthday ).

The concert, which comes the day after Nobel prizes are given out, will feature performances by Wyclef Jean, Toby Keith, Donna Summer, Puerto Rican singer Luis Fonsi as well as Amadou & Mariam, a blues and jazz duet from Mali.

The winner o f the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize is to be announced in Oslo on Oct. 9. The award is always handed out Dec. 10, the anniversary of prize founder Alfred Nobel’s death in 1896.

Big Lez has interviewed everyone from Tupac and Notorious B.I.G. to Mary J. Blige and Tom Cruise. She was host and producer of BET’s landmark show “Rap City” and has enjoyed an extensive tenure in radio as co-host on The Steve Harvey Morning Show in Los Angeles, plus stints at New York’s WQHT/Hot 97, Atlanta’s WAOK/V103, LA’s Big Boy Morning Show at KPWR/Power 106 and Sirius Satellite Radio. Currently, Lez is partnered with DVA Media + Marketing as producer and host of the syndicated urban radio report, “The Urban Eye,” which launches nationwide this summer. Check out: www.myspace.com/BODIOGRAPHY

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