My Christmas Wish List

I both love AND hate writing this list. It's fun because I get to post my favorite products and why I would would love to have them. And it sucks because I know that I'm probably not getting a damn thing on this list for Christmas, lol. I can't be too mad though. A lot of us forget that Christmas is really for the kids and not grown ass adults.

ZUNE HD (36 GB)

This has to be one of the sexiest MP3 players around. I'm not really one for touch screen phones, but I think a touch screen MP3 player is doable. Plus, my 8GB MP3 player is about two album downloads away from zero memory.

$100 Barnes & Noble Gift Card

I love my books. I love shopping for books. I'd have a ball with a $100 B&N gift card. I'm daydreaming about it already lol.

Miss Dior Cherie Perfume

My mom bought this perfume a few years back when she went to the Caribbean and I absolutely LOVE it. And I have yet to own my own bottle of Miss Dior Cherie so I had to add this fragrance to my wish list. And isn't the bottle just charming?

New Laptop

It doesn't have to be this Samsung laptop, but I would like one that's lightweight, portable, has lots of memory, looks good, etc. I've had my HP for about three years now so I think it's definitely time for an upgrade.

Neon Post-Its

See, I'm being a little modest with my wish list :-) I love my lil' Post-Its (and yes they have to be neon). They keep me organized like no other piece of bright, sticky paper can.

"Bad Girls Club 4" Preview

"Bad Girls Club" on Oxygen is easily one of my top guilty pleasures. Last season my roommates and I were glued to our television sets for that one hour of sheer madness. And during commercials breaks we were all eager to jump in with "That girl is such a bitch!" or "Wow, these girls need help."

Unfortunately for me, down here in Atlanta our house has that "special" kind of cable that only gets certain channels and Oxygen isn't one of them :-( Complete bummer, right? But for those of you who do get the Oxygen channel here is a sneak peek at the upcoming season of "Bad Girls Club."



Season 4 of the "Bad Girls Club" will premiere on Tuesday, December 1 at 10 p.m. on Oxygen.

My Letter To Black Hollywood

Dear Black Hollywood,

You started out as a good thing, but it seems you’ve gotten ahead of yourself lately. You’ve turned one of the South’s most charming cities into a melting pot of wannabe hustlers (God, I hate that word), desperate model/actors, and Gucci Mane/OJ Da Juiceman clones. Up until this summer I had been MIA in Atlanta for years: there was the two year stint at Florida State University, the six months in Massachusetts (don’t ask), and almost five years in New York City. So my last memories of Atlanta are far from the BS I’m seeing now.

What do I remember? I remember going to Underground Atlanta and actually having a good time. I remember Music Midtown. Festivals in Piedmont Park. Being able to go to Lenox Mall and actually see some straight dudes! Now, Music Midtown is long gone, Underground Atlanta is probably on its way out, and Lenox Mall has become a “Hey girl, heyyy” haven. Let’s get this straight (no pun intended) I have absolutely nothing against gay people, but I do miss checking out the occasional eye-candy while shopping!

My biggest issue with Black Hollywood is it seems to have created a type of segregation in this city. Not the black/white segregation of years past, but more of a segregation based on interests. You’ve got your Black Hollywood crowd and then there’s everyone else: the artsy crowd, the hipster’s who swear they’re making major moves, the people who just wanna have a good time, etc. From what I’ve observed there’s hardly any mingling between groups. For instance, you’d probably never catch the Black Hollywood crowd at a graffiti exhibit unless it’s hosted by Ludacris and includes a one-hour Grey Goose open-bar. And I highly doubt you’d see the hustlin’ hipsters partying at the Velvet Room.

Don’t get me wrong there’s definitely hope for Atlanta. And the hope I see is in the music. Because, in my opinion, the music is what put Atlanta on the map in the first place (and the hope of finding good jobs). So hopefully, it’ll get us back on the map in a positive way and put an end to Gucci Mane clones, over-priced mega clubs, and social segregation.

Sincerely,

Danielle H.

Nola Darling - "Step To Me" (Video)

It's a great feeling seeing female artists out there doing their thing in a positive way. This is why I was definitely excited to see that female duo Nola Darling's new video has made its way onto the internet. Entitled "Step To Me" the video features appearances from Double-O of Kids In The Hall, Homeboy Sandman, Melo-X, Fresh Daily, and more.

Oh and P.S. I absolutely loooove these ladies style!

The ATL Jump Off 4 & Raekwon Show

In the next few weeks a lot of great Hip Hop shows will be going down in Atlanta. In fact Big Boi AND The Clipse will be performing later today in The A, but the price tag on those tickets were a little too no bueno for me so I'll pleasantly pass.

No worries though, there's still the Raekwon show which is going down next week and is only $18 (Woo Hoo!!). And the day before that B.o.B and Stanza will be performing at The ATL Jump Off 4 and tickets for that show are $10 (Yeaaa Booyyyy!). And I'm sure there's probably a bunch of other shows going down this month and next, but for now peep the two flyers for these shows.

B.o.B - "Nothin On You"

Atlanta rapper B.o.B has finally released "Nothin On You", the first single off of his debut album B.o.B Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray. The single is pretty hot and trust me it'll be everywhere in the coming days. And I can't wait for the full album although we still have a little more waiting for that one. B.o.B Presents: The Adventures Of Bobby Ray won't be released until early 2010, but at least they were kind enough to drop this first single.

Click here to download "Nothin On You."

Fefe Dobson Covers EZO Magazine

Canadian singer-songwriter Fefe Dobson will serve as the cover artist for EZO Magazine's third issue making her the first ever female artist to cover EZO. In the issue, Dobson speaks on her return to music and more. The issue will also include interviews with DJ Clinton Sparks, Schwayze, N'Dambi, Mickey Factz, and others.

Click here to download EZO's third issue. And to view behind the scenes video of Dobson's photoshoot with EZO peep the video below.

PUMA Store Holiday Party Remix

To gear up for the holiday shopping rush select Puma stores will hold special events in their stores beginning December 1. Those who stop by one of the participating Puma stores will receive discounts on items in the entire store and as an added plus the first 100 shoppers will receive a special gift with their purchase. There will also be DJ Hero kiosks set-up as well as in-store DJ. Check out the flyer below for more info on dates and locations.


(Click on flyer to enlarge)

Zoya Goes Green On Black Friday

If you're a nail polish fiend, like myself, and you're not familiar with Zoya then my friend you have LOST. It seems like every few weeks Zoya offers up some great promotion, whether it be free nail polish, free lip gloss, etc.

To celebrate Black Friday, one of the nations most frantic shopping days, Zoya is offering up yet another one of their fabulous promotions. Make a purchase of over $20 and Zoya will give you six (yes SIX!) bottles of their favorite green polishes for free. That's going green the right way if you ask me :-)

Check out Zoya's blog for more info on their promotion.

Royce Da 5'9 Releases Free Single On iTunes

This week rapper Royce Da 5’9’s “Something 2 Ride 2” has made its way onto iTunes "Single Of The Week" list. And to celebrate, Royce is awarding fans with a free download of the song, which is off his Street Hop project.

Click here to download “Something 2 Ride 2.”

The Who's Jax? Art Show At City Of Ink

Tattoo shop City Of Ink has been home to many art shows in recent months. Next month, City Of Ink will host The Who's Jax? Art Show. The show will be a dedication to the late Chris "Jax" Thurston. Check out the flyer below for more info.

New Kelis, "Acapella"

In a Twitter debut, singer Kelis revealed her new song "Acapella." Musically it's been a minute since we heard anything from Kelis. Along with the release of "Acapella" Kelis also shared a note with her fans about the new song and her new album.



Click here to listen to "Acapella."

Senor Kaos Lets Go Of The Fro

In order to save money, I guess those fro hair products were a little too pricey, rapper Senor Kaos has decided to ditch his signature fro. Kaos documented his big chop on video and even got some commentary from some people who are all too familiar with Kaos' fro.

Also, be sure to check out Kaos when he performs at the Raekwon show on Saturday, December 5 at The Masquerade in Atlanta.

Señor Kaos - "Funeral Of The Fro" from Señor Kaos on Vimeo.

Picture Diaries: Honey Magazine's Photoshoot With Amerie

In my opinion, HoneyMag.com is killing both Websites and print magazines when it comes to features and photoshoots. Their photoshoots with artists are always mouth-dropping amazing and they're accompanied by feature interviews that are beyond praiseworthy.

Check out a few of the pictures from Honey's photoshoot with singer Amerie and be sure to also check out the interview with Amerie on HoneyMag.com.

The Road Trailer

I can't begin to tell you how excited I am to see this movie. The trailer for The Road has been out for awhile now, but I haven't really seen too much promotion for the film which is surprising to me. The Road is based on the book of the same name by Cormac McCarthy (who also wrote "No Country For Old Men"). The Road, which is about a father and son seeking refuge in somewhat of a post-apocalyptic society, kinda scared me. I'm frontin', "The Road" scared the hell out of me. Not a ghost/ghoul/vampire kind of scary, but more of an uncomfortable scary. If you've read it you probably understand what I mean.

Here's the trailer for the film. It will be released this Wednesday, November 25.

Cooking With Ramen

It's been a pretty dull weekend here in Atlanta and I guess you could say the making of this video resulted from that. Check it out.

"Somewhere Out There"

Doesn't this song make you want to cry? Or am I just being overly-emo :-(

You MUST Read This Book

At Barnes & Noble last weekend I picked up Junot Diaz's "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao." I wasn't at all familiar with the book, but the fact that it was a New York Times Best Seller AND a Pulitzer Prize winner caught my attention. I picked it up and the read the synopsis and I was sold.

"The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" is about Oscar a "disastrously overweight ghetto nerd" who's a huuuge sucker for love. The book tells the tale of Oscar and his mother and his rebellious sister Lola. We read about his relatives in the Dominican Republic and the "fuku" that has haunted his family for years.

It is a story that is both tragic and comical. And aside from being a great read "The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao" also gives readers a brief look at the history of the Dominican Republic. A history that I have personally never learned about in high school or college. Anybody familiar with Rafael Trujillo? I had never even heard of him before reading this book.

But reader beware, this book is so good that you might end up with a brief case of readers depression. You know, that feeling you get when you're done reading a really, really good book? The sadness, the "Damn! It's over already?" If your readers depression lasts longer than a week then hit me up for a list of some other great books. You'll snap out of it then :-)

Picture Diaries: Leona Lewis' Party & Kim K. Shoe Shopping

Earlier this week UK singer Leona Lewis celebrated the release of her new album Echo at an ASICS celebration in Hollywood. And on the East Coast Kim Kardashian hit up Bourgeoisie Shoes in New York City for some retail shoe therapy.

Leona Lewis pictures courtesy of WireImage and Kim Kardashian pics courtesy of The Garner Circle PR.

Leona Lewis & Justin Timberlake





Eve


JC Chasez


Ciara



Hmm...not sure if I'm totally sold on that blue boot.




Kim and her mother with Bourgeoisie Shows owner Rashidah Ali.

Loosey Goosey

It's Friday night and what is everyone out there in the world doing? Getting ready for a night out with the gals? A few beers with the fella's? HELL NO! You know what us cool kids are doing? We're creating bomb-ass drink recipes with super-fantastical names like the "Loosey Goosey." Here goes:

Ingredients:

Grey Goose (pour as much as you like, don't be scurred)
Red Bull
Strawberry Kool-Aid
Skittles (any flavor, for a rocking good time use Sour Skittles)

Mix Grey Goose and Kool-Aid. Add a splash of Red Bull. Pour about 3 tablespoons or teaspoons (whatever floats your boat) of Skittles and Voila! And remember to drink responsibly you lushes!

Method Man & Street Life Perform Tribute To ODB

In honor of the late ODB, rapper Method Man and Street Life performed ODB's extra classic "Brooklyn Zoo" at a recent performance.

RIP ODB!

By the way, does anyone remember when ODB changed his name to Big Baby Jesus? I almost forgot about that ish until I was reminded of it when someone on a sitcom I was watching mentioned it. That was hella random when he did that, right? Well, now that I think of it it really wasn't that random for someone like ODB.

Hell Up In Hotlanta! Art Battle

I've been hearing about this art battle via Twitter since last week, but I found out the specifics of the battle over at Maurice Garland's blog earlier this week. From what I've heard Hell Up In Hotlanta! will pit local artists against each other for an all out art showdown. Sounds quite interesting if you ask me. Although (silly me), I kinda expected this event to possibly include some choke-slams and easels used as weapons. Guess not, but I'm sure it will be fun regardless. Peep the flyer below for more info!

Simmons Jewelry's Hello Kitty Collection

With the holiday season soon approaching it's only a matter of time before people start losing their minds in search of the perfect gift. Thankfully, I'm here to help! If you happen to be in search of something to get your uber-girly sister, girlfriend, cousin, etc. then you may definitely want to check out some pieces from Simmons Jewelry's Hello Kitty Collection.

The collection includes a number of pieces from watches to USB cases and the great part is the collection is very affordable, with prices starting at only $75. The Hello Kitty Collection is available at both Zales stores and Zales.com. Below are a few of my favorite pieces from the collection and to view more items, click here.

Hello Kitty Black Rubber Watch with Pink Sapphire, $75


Hello Kitty Padlock Pendant in Sterling Silver with Sapphires and Diamond Accent, $195

Hello Kitty Diamond Accent Bracelet in Satin-Finished and Pink Rhodium Sterling Silver, $195

Hello Kitty Diamond Accent Ring in Satin-Finished and Pink Rhodium Sterling Silver, $195

Little Bucket Bag Girl

I've been e-stalking this Deux Lux Drawstring Bucket Bag from UrbanOutfitters.com for quite some time now *sigh*. I'm really feeling it, but I feel like the price is a tad much ($68) since it isn't actually leather. It comes in three different colors: black, dark blue, and a coral color. Personally, I think the dark blue color looks the best but that coral is quite the looker! Ladies, can I get some advice please? What do ya'll think?

Here's some pics of my baby...Woah! Umm, err I mean this bag that I might purchase...





Blogger's Note: The coral bag is now ON SALE for $39.99!! My goodness, there is a God!

America's Best Dance Crew Auditions

For all you aspiring dancers out there here's your chance to appear on one of television's most popular dance shows. Starting tomorrow, November 20 MTV's America's Best Dance Crew will begin auditions for their fifth season of ABDC. Auditions will be conducted in Atlanta, Houston, Boston, and more. Check out the flyer below for more information and for those of you who do audition, the best of luck to you!

And for those of you in Atlanta auditions are TOMORROW!!!

50 Cent's MySpace "The Release" Show (FREE)

On Monday, November 23 rapper 50 Cent will celebrate MySpace Music's 50th "The Release" concert at New York City's Highline Ballroom with a show of his own. The show will take place in conjunction with both MySpace Music and HOT97.

For tickets send an RSVP to hiphoptix@myspacemusic.com.

Wale Trying His Darndest At DJ Hero

Wale might want to stick to rapping because it looks like his DJ Hero skills are nothing to brag about. But me on the other hand? All I have to say is WHO WANT IT?!!

The Ugly Truth About Movie Theater Popcorn

According to a recent study (popcorn lovers you might want to stop reading now) commissioned by the Center for Science in the Public Interest, a medium popcorn and soda at your local movie theater is the equivalent of eating three quarter pounders at Mickey D's AND more! Frightening, right? Those popular medium popcorn/soda combo's weigh in at 1,610 calories and 60 grams of saturated fat. No bueno!!

And to think I always thought eating popcorn (without all that extra butter) at the movies was actually somewhat healthy. I think this fact alone should make it okay for us to bring our own food into the theaters. Unless they start selling side salads and granola bars.

Download Emilio Rojas' The Natural

Check out New York rapper Emilio Rojas' latest project The Natural. The Natural features production from producer-extraordinaire Green Lantern as well as Nottz, Boi-1da, Sean C & LV, M-Phazes, 6th Sense, DJ Static, and others. Click here to download.

If Your Favorite LOST Characters Were Rappers

For us LOST fanatics, "early 2010" couldn't come soon enough. I mean, it's like ABC wants to torture us during the off season! Not cool. Any who, the other day I came up with this idea to create a list of LOST characters and the rapper they most remind me of. So BAM! Check it out and let me know what you think!


John Locke as Russell Simmons

Baldies aside, Locke and Simmons have several things in common. They're both very spiritual and well known for their calm personalities. Oh, and yes I know Russell Simmons isn't a rapper but he's a key figure in Hip Hop and the parallels between him and Locke just had to be mentioned.


Shannon as Nicki Minaj

If there's anyone on the island who would even think of referring to another woman as "Barbie" or calling things "fetch" it would definitely be Shannon.


Jack as Jay-Z

When it comes to leadership, both Jack and Jay-Z certainly come to mind. Although one has succeeded at his leadership roles and the others leadership skills are somewhat debatable.


Sawyer as 50 Cent

Aside from looking good shirtless, both 50 Cent and Sawyer reign supreme when it comes talking shit and of course instigation.

The People Speak Documentary

On December 13th, the History Channel will debut The People Speak Documentary, a documentary that will include appearances from a number of well-known artists and actors including Lupe Fiasco, John Legend, Michael Ealy, and Kerry Washingon.

As part of the documentary those involved recite documents, letters, diaries, etc. from the true pioneers of this country. The film is inspired by Howard Zinn's (pictured above) book "A People's History of the United States", Zinn also serves as one of the co-executive producers of the film.

Video preview of The People Speak -- forthcoming documentary based on A People's History of the United States from Voices of a People's History on Vimeo.

Lady Gaga On Boiling Points

While the debut of Lady Gaga and Beyonce's "Video Phone (Remix)" music video had the internet buzzing last night, another video of Gaga nearly had me falling out of my chair. A few years ago Lady Gaga was pranked on the MTV show Boiling Points. It wasn't the funniest or most memorable Boiling Points prank, but the fact that MTV had once tried to prank one of pop's biggest stars on one of their TV shows is quite entertaining to me.

Download Pill's 4075 The Refill

After much anticipation rapper Pill has finally released his mixtape, 4075 The Refill. Click here to download.

And for those of you in the Atlanta area Pill will be performing at Club Crucial November 18 and at Masquerade on December 5.

Melanie Fiona - "Bang Bang" (Video)

I heart Melanie Fiona. I do! I do! Not only because "Melanie Fiona 'Somebody Come Get Me' Lyrics" is the Google search that brings the most people to my blog, but because she's a fantastic artist. The girl can sing and from what I can see she hasn't altered anything about herself (personality, appearance, etc.) to be a successful artist. Her debut album The Bridge was released last Tuesday and she's released several singles from the album including "Bang Bang."

Check out the video for "Bang Bang" and props to the ladies (and man) over at AllThatsFab.com for posting the video.


"Bang Bang" Video

MELANIE FIONA | MySpace Music Videos

Dating In The Dark At Atlantic Station

Have you ever wanted to try a more extreme version of blind dating? Well, you're in luck (if you happen to reside in Atlanta)! Star 94FM and "Dialog In The Dark" have teamed up for Dating In The Dark. A first date that is done completely in the dark. Yikes! 20 lucky (I use that word lightly) men and women will speed date in the dark and after this interesting encounter they'll head over to Strip for appetizers and drinks.

To sign up for Dating In The Dark, which takes place the third Thursday of each month, click here. And if Dating In The Dark isn't your speed (sure as hell isn't mine) Atlantic Station also hosts a number of other activities and events. Check out their Website for a schedule of events.