Really Quick

I'm gonna just say it...Beyonce is the ultimate SWAGGERJACKER!!

 

Like my relationship with Rihanna, the relationship I have with Beyonce is definitely a love hate one. Beyonce has been in the industry for too long, for her not to know that she's meant to be a trendsetter not a follower of fashion. Sure Beyonce can sing and dance, at the same time, but one thing she isn't is original. Unlike "Queen Bey", Ri-Ri (although she's been accused of swaggerjacking too) is in some right a trendsetter.

Hand on my heart when I first saw the pictures of Beyonce shooting one of the scenes for her new single, 'Run The World (Girls)', her outfit immediately reminded me of what Rihanna wore in her video for 'Hard'. If you fail to see the similarity in the pictures above and below then you definitely have your "Bey-shades" on.

 

But let's be real, does the title of her new single not make you think, "Hold up...wasn't Rihanna on Jay Z's track? What's it called again?" It's called 'Run This Town', and we can even say the title somewhat swaggerjacks Rihanna's song 'Only Girl In The World'. C'mon Beyonce - and if you haven't seen the next picture then boy.

It's obvious Beyonce has an issue with Rihanna but instead of competing with the girl (which she shouldn't have to as Beyonce's talent speaks for itself) she needs to stay one step ahead and show us why she's been on the scene for over a decade. However, I guess Jay Z likes the idea of his Mrs and Mistress in matching outfits.

If you're anything like me, you'd already know of the buzz that Beyonce has created over her return to the spotlight and like me, you're already bored. We all know that apart from the music, Beyonce is dry! She never does anything shocking in her interviews, she always lets us know how blessed she is and never gives us anything juicy - so long live Rihanna (& Chris Brown *cheeky laugh*)

Video Of The Week

I saw this video on WorldStarHipHop and I was amazed. The duo in the video, Karmin, did a wicked job of covering Chris Brown's song 'Look At Me Now'. They definitely owned it; the lady smacked all the verses, they can both sing and  they switched it up to suit their style, her voice, and even her gender. As I know you're going to like this video, I highly recommend you check out Karmin's website, to see more covers and original music from the duo - KARMIN MUSIC

But for now enjoy:

30 Minutes Later...

 

 

So I was so taken back by Karmin's cover of 'Look At Me Now', that I became obsessed and watch loads of their videos, and here are my favorite covers from the duo. Be sure to check out their website and watch their videos and let me know what your favourites were. Enjoy:

Karmin - All Of The Lights (Cover) ft. Orlando Dixon

Karmin - What's My Name (Cover)

Karmin - Firework (Cover)

Hmmm...

Take A Moment To Take This Photo In...

Are you with me now? Or do you need another minute? Yes - Idris Elba! The brother is fine, and I have to be real with you lot, I don't actually have anything to say about him, just that he's gorgeous. so moving along...

*Sighs* Keri Hilson. When Keri Hilson burst onto the scenes in 2008 I was definitely one of her biggest fans. Her music was good, her look was amazing and she didn't seem like your typical R&B singer - she was different. Then the more her popular she grew the more her style evolved, which I was down for, like everyone needs to switch it up a bit to stay relevant. Below I have selected six looks that Miss Hilson has rocked since her debut and the damage is there for your eyes to see...

  

These 3 Looks Showcase The Keri That I Loved and then...

  

Here's The Keri That I'm NOT Feeling!

As all these singers seem to do, Keri Hilson has become extremely annoying because she got obsessed with herself. She took someone's compliment about how pretty she is too far which lead her to release the very conceded song, 'Pretty Girl Rock'. That single is now certified gold and her head has swelled to about the same size as Kanye West's. However, I officially stopped being a fan when she premiered her video for 'The Way You Love Me', and just when I thought things couldn't get any worse - her sense of style also seems to be digressing and I don't know what her plans are, but I'm hoping it's to return to the Miss Keri Baby that I fell in love with.

Chris Brown - Beautiful People ft. Benny Benassi

Lastly, Chris Brown - there's no denying that Chris Brown gets on my nerves but unlike his ex-girlfriend the guy's got talent. He recently dyed his hair black again and I'm hoping that marks the end of his blonde alter-ego who thought he was invincible. Chris Brown should stick to the music and leave the fashion alone. Above is the video for his latest release from 'F.A.M.E'. The song 'Beautiful People' wasn't one of my favourites from the album (not that I have many favourites from the album) but it has definitely started to grow on me since the video came out. I like that the video is really simple and Chris has managed to do something a bit different from his usual, where he spazzes out whilst in-trance during a dance routine. I also enjoyed the cameos because he managed to get several heavy-hitters in a video that's less than 4 minutes.

I would like to end this on a positive but with Chris Brown that's never the case. This week Mr. Brown released the video to another single from 'F.A.M.E.' and there was honestly no need for it. I think it was Tuesday night when he was on Twitter boasting about the fact that the video would be on BET Uncut - like that's even a good thing? I really don't get what he is trying to do with his career because the video for 'Spend It All' is in direct contrast with the video for 'Beautiful People'. What Chris Brown needs to remember is that he is a Pop star, as much as he would like to think of himself as a R&B sensation, he's not - his music is of popular culture, he makes Pop music money, and therefore, he is a Pop star; meaning he has no business making videos where girls are booty-popping in their  underwear. But what I really don't get about the video for 'Spend It All' is what sector of his fans it's aimed at, assuming that the majority of his fans are females?

Something I Think You Should Hear...

Jhene Aiko - Sailing Soul(s)

If you were as big a B2K fan as I was then you would know who Jhene Aiko is.

But in case you wasn't (and if you weren't we need to have some words - B2K were live), Jhene was under the same management as the boy band, her role at the time was to be their cute little sister act who opened all their shows, featured in their videos and lent them her vocal talent whenever they needed a female on a track. Jhene managed to acquire a bit of fame (mainly from B2K fans) but her career basically died when the band dismembered in 2004.
Since then Jhene has not really put out any music, she posted a couple videos to YouTube but other than that she's been really quiet. Oh - but she did have a baby in 2008 for Omarion's younger brother, O'Ryan (who also released music off the back of B2K's success).

Fastfoward to 2011 and Jhene's back with her first mixtape 'Sailing Soul(s)'. This mixtape has definitely set some great foundation for whatever projects Jhene is planning on bringing out next. 'Sailing Soul(s)' isn't a masterpiece but what it is, is damn good music. She has really brought R&B back to what it's meant to be. The mixtape also feature some collaborations with some of the hottest artists, such as, Drake, Kanye West & Miguel. 'Sailing Soul(s)' is a very good look for Jhene and I honestly hope it generates enough buzz to grant her the success she deserved when she made her debut ten years ago because the girl can sing.

Favourites from this mixtape are (1) July ft. Drake, (2) Real Now ft. Lite, Hope & Roosevelt, and (3) Stranger.

As she is yet to release any official videos from 'Sailing Soul(s)', here is her video for 'NO L.O.V.E.' which she brought out in 2003:

Jhene - NO L.O.V.E.

Really Quick

I had to post these magazine covers to my blog because I am super-excited for this magazine to come out. Shout out to ELLE for their Women In Music 2011 campaign because these women (and Willow Smith) are amazing and all the covers are stunning.

Below I've uploaded my favourite covers but be sure to click on the link above to see what other female artists Elle selected and paid homage to:

Adele

Florence Welch

Gwen Stefani

Jennifer Hudson

Nicki Minaj

Robyn

Willow Smith

Fresh From The Editing Suite...

Kelly Rowland - Motivation ft. Lil' Wayne

I'll be the first one to put my hands up and say I really like this song - so well done Kelly; it's about time you got your talent together and created a tune. But sadly that's where the praise stops.

Kelly Rowland is 30 and I honestly think it's time for her to fix up and decide whether or not she really wants to make a go of a career as a solo artist. I don't understand why she doesn't know when she looks good? Kelly Rowland is a very beautiful woman, however, she constantly makes beauty/fashion decisions that work against her. In this video she's wearing a shoulder length curly weave with a fringe which does nothing for her face; Kelly suits short hair - end of.

I also feel as though Kelly is afraid to grow up, because I sometimes believe it comes to light that she isn't comfortable in her own skin yet. For the main dance sequence she's wearing (and I don't know why this was her outfit choice) a purple swimsuit with a long sleeveless cardigan and knee-high patent boots; you don't have to be a stylist to know that outfit isn't right. Kelly needs to be 100% sexy or else she shouldn't bother.

It also would've been nice if Kelly & Lil' Wayne had done a scene together just because it's nice to see chemistry between artists when they collaborate. On a final note, I applaud Kelly for the male dancers/models she chose for this because they helped make her outfit a little less painful to look at.

Be sure to leave comments and let me know what you think of this song, laters xx

Fresh From The Editing Suite...

Mary J. Blige - Someone To Love Me (Naked) ft. Diddy & Lil' Wayne

This is yet again another video directed by Colin Tiley and it's definitely not one of my favourites. The song is very typical of the Mary J. Blige's sound; it's very soulful and gritty. I'm not quite sure if Lil' Wayne's verse works well with Diddy's. I personally think it should've featured only one of the rappers as the chemistry wasn't quite right. In all honesty I preferred DIDDY DIRTY MONEY's version of this song and I liked their video much better too.

Finally, I'm not even go in on this too much because this could become a book, what is up with Mary's hair?

In the words of Kevin & Makael, "Girl!"

Be sure to leave comments and let me know what you think of this song, laters xx 

30 Second In The Mind Of...

Merrick McKay

McKay Model Behaviour - Work It!

Merrick McKay, 19, is a devoted fashion blogger and student who describes himself as epic, bold and hilarious. His thirst for fashion has prompted him to undertake a degree in Fashion Marketing & Promotion at the London College of Fashion. On completion of his degree McKay is looking to break into the industry doing pretty much anything which recognises his talent and pays him well. He describes the day he cut his shoulder length hair as the day he faced his biggest challenge to date, as well as achieving his proudest moment. So, without any further ado, welcome to the mind of Merrick McKay...

What couldn't you live without?
Jesus; He's sucha G!

What would you say is your worst habit?
I'm a little OCD when it comes to things - especially the physical aspects in life. I'm always striving for perfection even when it doesn't matter. For instance, I spend at least 4 hours on each essay I do trying to get the correct format for my essay (laughs), which is quite uncool.

What do you find really annoying in other people?
People who put down others, because every human being desires to be appreciated or feel important - FACT! Which is something that the fashion industry lacks incredibly and p****s me off! If you haven't got the energy to say "thank you", which are two of the most appreciated words, or even show a glimmer of a smile to your interns, you can at least make sure you pay them for their hard work; especially after 3 months. (Pauses) Oh, and cocky attitudes (smiles).

What is your guilty pleasure?
(Smiles) 'Fireworks' by Katy Perry (laughs); she shut it down!

What would be your dream job?
Owning various boutiques around the world which sale high-fashion brands like Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy - I would have the coolest company work-force in the world.

ONE thing no-one knows about you...
I have Indian and Chinese in me and last year I found out that I have a full Ghanian great Gran - my heritage just gets better and better (laughs).

Merrick's Favourites
Song
I Want You by Erykah Badu

Video

Website
*(Apparently it's not appropriate for this blog so we'll leave it at that)

You can follow Merrick McKay on TWITTER or check out his BLOG

Fresh From The Editing Suite...

Diddy Dirty Money - Your Love (Remix) ft. Rick Ross & Trey Songz

"We in the motherf***ing building, a hundred f***king bottles! Yeeaaahhhh!"

Now I've got to admit, this wasn't my favourite song from the 'Last Train To Paris' as I think the ladies' verse is a bit crude. But since getting the album in December it has definitely grown and every time Diddy's verse starts, I can't help but scream his first few words, "B**** you know I'm Diddy h**!" The video was directed by Colin Tiley who has been hard at work this year and is responsible for some of the hottest videos in 2011; and here's a little exclusive for you, he'll be directing Lil' Wayne's video for 'If I Die Today (John)', Keri Hilson's video for 'Lose Control' and Chipmunk's video for 'In The Air'. Diddy recently tweeted that the album's a visual one and wants to know what single to release next; I'm literally crying out to see a video for the fantastic song which is 'Shades' - so my fingers and toes are crossed.

Be sure to leave comments and let me know what you think of this song, laters xx

The Glamourous Life...

Issue 120: March 2011

Personal Opinion: Very Pretty & Very Annoying in GLEE

I know it's a bit late but I shouldn't have to tell you what I'm about to do because you already know, so let's get it going...

The top three 'Hey, it's OK...' from this month are:

1. "...if you're the one who writes her name on her stapler at work. Well, if people will insist on taking what's not theirs"
2. "...to send the odd tipsy text to a man. Drunken, tearful 3am phone calls, though, not OK"
3. "...to be over the age of 12 and still wear mittens. They're very trendy, actually"

This month's cover-star is Lea Michele from Glee. I have to admit she started off as one of  the funnier characters in Glee, then she became very annoying but in the more recent episodes of the second series she's started to grow on me again and gives me the occasional laugh out loud moment in some of her scenes. (But none of the cast of Glee are funnier than Brittany - b****!).

But back to GLAMOUR, now from reading my previous posts of 'The Glamourous Life...' I've realised that I hardly talk about the fashion content within the magazine, so it's time to switch it up.

Now I'm not big on following fashion trends because personally I don't get the hype around some trends, especially as some don't even last long and let's be real I don't have the monetary status to keep up with every trend. But a trend that I am definitely feeling is the bright block colours. In this issue GLAMOUR created a wicked ten page spread with the help of photographer, Coliena Rentmeester, called 'POP YOUR COLOUR' which for me sold the trend.

For those of you who know me (which is all of my 20 followers) you know that nothing makes me happier than, (1) eating good food, (2) watching a good film, and (3) experimenting with make-up; and if there's one thing that GLAMOUR caters to is us make-up fiends. 'Beauty With POW!' by Charlotte-Anne Fidler, highlights the hottest hair and make-up trends for this summer and I am loving it. As a young black girl, I'm fed up of playing it safe with my colour palette so with a little help from Sleek I will be rocking so many different shades of colour when the sun comes out.

I don't want to say too much more because you need to go get yourself your own copy but until next month - stay glamourous.