Lawddd Help The Children!

No idea where that blog title came from, but that's the very first thing that came to mind when I saw this picture of Kelis. I can't even pick out what's worse: the pairing of a tuxedo jacket with such a horrible outfit, the bizarre-ass shoes, or the Hellraiser hair. They're all equally as terrifying ESPECIALLY when combined. Ouch! All hating aside, I'm still feeling her music I just hope she hires a stylist or fires her current one :-\

Bun B - "Pants On The Ground" (Produced by Double-O)

O-M-G! I'm dying over here, literally...LOL. And it actually sounds good!! This just made my day. Thank you Bun B, thank you Double-O, thanks "Pants On The Ground" man!!

Click here to listen.

Video Promo For Beyonce's New Fragrance "Heat"

All I can say is the guys are going to LOVE this one. I'm feeling like it's a little too oversexed for a fragrance ad, but hey that's just me.

Heat will be released on February 2, (The same day as the "LOST" premiere. Coincidence? I THINK NOT!) and if you're in the New York City area Beyonce will be appearing at Union Square Park that day from 6 p.m. and throughout the night to celebrate the launch of her fragrance.

Raven-Symone And Taraji P. Henson Reveal What Inspires Them

As part of Pepsi's "We Inspire" campaign actresses Raven-Symone and Taraji P. Henson share what inspires them.

Be on the look out for more Pepsi "We Inspire" videos from Queen Latifah, Thandie Newton, Keyshia Cole, and more. And be sure to check out PepsiWeInspire.com to share what inspires you.

Handbag Diaries: Vintage Leather Bag

There's a few things I'm obsessed with. Music, nail polish, and handbags all rank pretty high on my list of obsessions. I talk about music a lot on this blog and now I want to give my obsession with handbags a little more shine. So...without further ado...I bring you Handbag Diaries! I'm so creative with the titles, right?

Every few days I'm going to highlight a bag I have in my growing collection. The bag I'm featuring today is my newest bag and it's also my current favorite. I bought it at a thrift shop here in Atlanta. I like to call it my "mystery bag" because there are NO labels whatsoever on it. No designer label, material label, nothing! Here's a few pics. And ladies let me know if you're feeling it or not!

Meet The New "ABDC" Crews: The East

So far you've been introduced to the "America's Best Dance Crew" crews representing both The South and The West. Our last group of crews is representing none other than The East. Surprisingly enough, The East doesn't consist of any crews from New York City. I don't think it's a bad thing though. Although NYC does consist of a number of dancers, crews, etc. there are a lot of other cities and states in The East who also deserve the shine.

Here are the official bio's for the crews representing The East:

Blueprint Cru (Montreal, Canada): This Canadian crew is out to storm the home of hip-hop and demonstrate a level of synchronicity never seen before. Being the first-ever foreign crew to compete on “ABDC,” Blueprint has a lot to prove. Their motto is "Precision, precision and precision." Every move this crew does, they do as one, moving together. This dance crew is run like an army, training hard to look like one unit, to learn the origin of the move and then striving to perfect them. This perfectionist crew doesn’t believe in tricks and stunts, they believe in unified movements down to every minute detail.

draZtik (Providence, RI): Predominately self-taught from music videos, draZtik is set to prove you don’t need major street cred to hang with the big dogs of “America’s Best Dance Crew.” One of the only dance crews in Providence, RI, they do not garner much respect. However, with choreography that is an innovative combination of contemporary and ballet fused with popping and hip-hop, they plan to earn respect. Because they are all skilled in different styles, draZtik adheres to an unconventional philosophy of leadership by committee. Each member plays an equal role in the design and choreography of every performance. Although this philosophy can sometimes lead to tension amongst members, draZtik feels it ultimately gives them an edge over other crews.

Legendary Seven (Boston, MA): Legendary Seven is proud to call the hard streets of Boston home and are quick to tell you they are one of the last true Bean Town street crews. Their performances revolve around breaking, krumping and popping but, most importantly, big tricks. Crew leader Ernest “E-Knock” Phillips and fellow Legendary Seven member Darius Rutledge were both members of the Season One crew “ABDC” crew Status Quo which finished second to the JabbaWockeeZ. This time around, losing is not an option for them which means their tricks are even bigger and more imaginative then before.

Saltare (Raleigh, NC): These professional jump ropers are seeking exposure for their sport while at the same time conquering the dance world. They have walked away from their college degrees and steady jobs in pursuit of a dream: to become professional jump ropers and pioneers of a burgeoning sport. All six members are a part of the USA Jump Rope All Star team, which only features the best of the best in the country. Saltare comes to “ABDC” to expose the sport they’ve dedicated their lives to, challenge themselves in a different arena and prove that jump rope is more than just child’s play. Now they must incorporate their unique skill set into major performances that and transition their trademark jump rope into viable dance routines.

Static Noyze (Cambridge, MA): Static Noyze has always felt like outcasts, never really feeling like they fit in with anyone but each other. Bored with what they call “stock hip hop” – routines and moves that they’ve seen before – this off-the-wall group of dancers promises to shake up the “ABDC” stage with their distinct style of dance. They consider themselves to be innovators and describe their dance style as hip-hop with a contemporary twist. What makes them truly unique though, is that they use their routines to convey offbeat stories told through cutting edge moves and costumes. Static Noyze does not mind being called odd. In fact, they embrace it. These eccentricities are what make Static such a unique group and they hope America finds their unconventionality charming.

"America's Best Dance Crew" will premiere today (January 28) at 10p.m. ET/PT.

YelaWolf - "Pop The Trunk" (Video)

You ever see a music video and you're feeling it sooo much that it actually makes you like the song even more? That's kind of how I feel about the video for YelaWolf's "Pop The Trunk." Don't get me wrong "Pop The Trunk" IS a dope song...it's just the video is amazing to me. You hardly ever see that kind of story-telling in Hip Hop videos these days. Kudo's to YelaWolf, Motion Family, and everyone else involved.



Don't. Make. Me. Go. Pop. The. Trunk. On. YOU.

The Valentine's Day Hater

I've never had a Valentine. It's cool and all. I mean I'm on my "guys are really getting on my nerves" mode so I'm definitely not complaining about not getting to indulge in a fabulous dinner at Red Lobster or getting an overstuffed, atrocious-looking teddy bear. But to be honest Valentine's Day has always been a little awkward for me. And it started years ago...

Sometimes I remember random things that happened to me as a child and quite a few of these times these memories turn out to be made up (weird, right?). For instance, the time I thought a bear went on a rampage at the circus, turns out it didn't actually happen (I had to verify that one with my mom). BUT I CLEARLY REMEMBER my mean ass first grade teacher Mrs. Ja-Marbles (spelling is probably way off, but that's definitely what her name sounded like) giving the other kids more Dum-Dum pops on Valentine's Day! I think she was racist too (just saying). Needless to say, my being gypped out of Dum Dum pops on V-Day in first grade definitely set the mood for me with this dreaded holiday.

AND then most recently...

Two or three years ago myself and two other friends planned a girls night out dinner on Valentine's Day since we were all boo-less. Fabulous, right? You absolutely cannot go wrong with dinner with your girls on V-Day. Unless the third gal pal cancels last minute leaving you and your other friend looking like the world's most awkward lesbian couple. And that, my friends, is exactly what happened! Dinner was great and all, but can you say weird?

To wrap this up...

Valentine's Day sucks ass.

The Amber Rose Instrumentals

Yes, you read correctly. That does in fact say The Amber Rose Instrumentals. A producer by the name of Judah has gone out and released a compilation of instrumentals inspired by the one and only skripper turned rapper girlfriend Amber Rose. And if you think this is already kinda crazy check out the tracklisting:

01.) The Call From Amber (Produced By Judah)
02.) Rose' For Amber (Produced By Judah)
03.) Can't We Do It Over (Produced By Judah)
04.) Love Therapy (Produced By Judah)
05.) My Damn Imagination... (Produced By Judah)
06.) When Love Leaves (Produced By Judah)
07.) I Don't Care If You Was A Skripper (Produced By Judah)
08.) The Thank You (Produced By Judah)
09.) Slowly, Surely (Produced By Judah)
10.) Unconditional Love (Produced By The Judah)
11.) Dig This You Broad!!! (Produced By Judah)
12.) Revenge Is Sooo Sweet (Produced By Judah)
13.) The Imaginary Split (Produced By Judah)

I gotta give it to him though I'm probably gonna check this one out because of pure curiosity. I bet Kanye is kicking himself right now for not coming up with this idea first! Then again, probably not...

Meet The New "ABDC" Crews: The West

On past seasons of "America's Best Dance Crew," the crews representing the West Coast have always seemed to reign supreme. Personally, I'm hoping a crew from The South or The East takes it this season. But here's a little more info on the five crews from The West, taken from their official bio's:

The Blended Projekt (West Covina, CA): The Blended Projekt is a crew of young dancers (including three 16-year-olds) who combine traditional clogging with hip-hop dance in a technique they call “Blending.” While clogging has appeared on “ABDC” before, it has certainly never looked like this. Tired of what they considered the “nerdy” traditional clogging style, Blended Projekt rips the taps off their clogs and fuses them to their sneakers. Now when they perform, this crew of hip-hop lovers can keep its young and hip while maintaining its classic clogging technique.

BreakEFX (Denver, CO): This co-ed breaking crew hopes to break the mold of the B-boy stereotype and prove once and for all that breakers can do choreography too. They consider themselves the first B-boy-choreography crew as all the members have trained in all types of dance including hip-hop, jazz and ballet. BreakEFX is poised and ready to reclaim the “ABDC” title for breakers everywhere.

Heavy Impact (North Hollywood, CA): These big boys are out to break negative stereotypes and prove dancers come in all sizes. These guys have big hearts and hope they can inspire others who have a passion for dance saying, “No matter what the size, if you love to dance, you are a dancer.” Heavy Impact hopes that their combination of infectious feel-good dancing and inspirational charm will win over America, but they know this isn’t going to be an easy feat. They know when they walk out on that stage, people are going to assume they are a joke based on their appearance and this has been a hurdle they have faced their whole lives.

Hype 5-0 (Honolulu, HI): Driven to prove that Hawaii has a thriving hip-hop community, Hype 5-0 is out to show there is more to Hawaii than swaying grass skirts and coconut bras. With limited funds for travel, Hype 5-0 has honed their skills by spending countless hours on the Internet studying crews from the mainland. Now after conquering the island dance scene with imported moves this hard-hitting crew is ready to export themselves to the mainland and take the “ABDC” stage by storm. They have immense Hawaiian pride and incorporate native dance moves in all of their routines.

Poreotix (Westminster, CA): These shaded showmen inspired by robots aim to entertain the dance world with their unexpected humor and revolutionary mixed style. Over the last couple of years, Poreotix has laboriously honed their craft of popping and robotic movement and are at the top of their game. The way in which the crew blends the different dance styles gives them a distinctive animated look, and their integration of humor makes their performances fiercely entertaining. Poreotix are true showmen and never perform without their trademark shades. They use them as a tool to hide emotion so they can provide unexpected twists in their routine, taking the audience from serious to funny without tipping their hand.

"America's Best Dance Crew" will premiere on Thursday, January 28 at 10p.m. ET/PT.

The Boob Question

A few days ago I posted a short entry about boobs on here and I got quite a few responses. So I figured why not do a bi-weekly Boob-A-Palooza on The D Diaries.

To kind of kick off our little Boob-A-Palooza I want to first ask ya'll what is it with boobs??? I mean in actuality they're just appendages right? So why are guys so obsessed with them and they're size, color, etc.? Is it because you don't have a pair of your own? I know that last question sounded a little crazy, but seriously I wanna know! Do tell!http://www.blogger.com/

So guys (and girls), what is behind the infatuation with boobs?

Meet The New "ABDC" Crews: The South

For the fifth season of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" they've got something a little different up their sleeves. The first three shows will actually consist of crews competing against other crews in their region (The South, The East, The West). The judges will then eliminate two crews from each region.

Here are the official bio's from the crews representing The South:

Ghost (Houston, TX): Ghost is a crew that has faced a lot of adversity in life and dance has always been their refuge. In fact, they all met through their local dance venues over the past five years seeking a way out life’s hardships, gangs and family death. The crew would break into a local apartment complex gym room just so they could practice dance. They consider their style inspirational hip-hop and they plan to offer up some of the best musicality “ABDC” has ever seen with hard hitting, complex movements. As dancers they are a tight unit and their personal hardships have brought them even closer together.

Jungle Boogie (Stone Mountain, GA): These dancers pride themselves on their southern “Cranking” style and are on a mission to become kings of the dance jungle. “Cranking” uses big step movements and arms to cover the entire dance floor and each of the six members has a unique animalistic move to wow this year’s competition.

Royal Flush (Atlanta, GA): This crew has auditioned every season and their refusal to give up has finally paid off. Changing members after each audition, the crew believes it finally has the dream team it needs for success. Educated on the streets, this diverse crew’s styles include krumping, tutting, popping, breaking and even a hint of salsa. They do not claim to be “professionally trained dancers,” leading to difficulties in finding work in the dance industry. “ABDC” is finally offering them something no one else would: the opportunity to be champions.

Swagger Crew (Atlanta, GA): Tired of trendy club dances, this brash Atlanta crew feels its time to put true Southern street dancing on the map. These confident dancers are fired up by the complete absence of Atlanta crews represented on past seasons of “ABDC” and know they have what it takes to put Atlanta on the map. With a combination of southern cockiness, fast footwork and determination this crew is ready to bring some raw swagger to the “ABDC” legacy.

X-treme Motion (Houston, TX): These former Texas Southern University majorettes are bringing their bootylicious bucking style to the mainstream stage. These high energy, acrobatic and stunt-filled Southern belles are on a mission to show the world their majorette style of dance is “often imitated but never duplicated.” Their style is influenced by both street jazz and hip-hop, but what really makes them distinct is an intense booty-shaking move they call “Buckin’.”

Be on the look out for crew bio's for The East and The West later this week. "America's Best Dance Crew" will premiere on Thursday, January 28 at 10p.m. ET/PT.

Michael Vick vs. "LOST"

So Michael Vick (or Vick's people rather) have decided to premiere his new BET reality show/docu-series "The Michael Vick Project" the same day (Feb. 2) as the premiere of the last season of "LOST" (the best television show the world has ever seen). Honestly, I really like Vick, I'm glad he's back. But DO NOT mess with my "LOST!" That is a major no, no. Messing with "LOST" is wayyy worse than...(Err, never mind. I don't want PETA going ham on me...or soy ham...or whatever the hell it is they eat).

"LOST" or Vick...what's your pick?

John Mayer Writes Open Letter To D'Angelo

Yesterday (January 25)(errr, make that a few years ago), singer John Mayer released an open letter to fellow singer D'Angelo which was posted on Esquire.com. I think it's very, very interesting that it took a "lanky white boy" to write this kind of letter. I really hope D'Angelo comes across Mayer's plea because I too would love to see him back. Check out Mayer's letter below...

DEAR D’ANGELO, My name is John Mayer. You might know me from that “Your Body Is a Wonderland” song, or perhaps our mutual friend, Roots drummer? uestlove, mentioned me to you. I’m writing to ask you to put out a follow-up to one of the few records to change my life forever, Voodoo.

When Voodoo came out in 2000, I stood in line at Tower Records in Atlanta at midnight to get it. Turns out, it set the gold standard for modern “neo” soul music. It’s 2004, and I’m no less excited by it today than I was when I played it full blast in my mother’s Plymouth Voyager on the way to my bullshit job. I drive a nicer car now, but I still listen to Voodoo and wonder what my albums would sound like if I took a bite off your style and what R&B would be like if you came back.

In contrast to the present age of gunmetal-gray hip-hop, with perfectly aligned beats and blips, Voodoo throbs. It’s skin in the place of plastic. Questlove’s drums serve as an atomic clock, while Pino Palladino’s bass playing taunts the drums by showing the bar line just how late it can wake up and still arrive to work on time. I’m not even going to detail your impeccable vocal layering. You know what you did.

Yes, Voodoo isn’t laced with perfect pop hooks, but then again it’s so devoid of them that I never assumed you were worried about appeasing radio anyway. Its beauty is simplicity, a Japanese rock garden of hip-hop and R&B, and it’s because of the negative space that I can still listen to it. There’s nothing frivolous to get stuck in your head, so there’s nothing to want out.

If you haven’t recently committed any of yourself to tape, I’m begging you to put your suit and cape back on. Your contemporaries aren’t going to ask you to come back; they’re scared of having to be perched next to you. Only a lanky white boy like me can call you out of hiding. And if you need any help with those tunes, you know who to call. Questlove’s got my number.

Donny Goines Has "No Apologies"

On his latest track, "No Apologies," New York City rapper Donny Goines seriously gives it to all the haters out there. Produced by M-Phazes, "No Apologies," will be featured on Donny's upcoming album entitled 20X.

Click here to listen.

Picture Diaries: LL Cool J At PURE Nightclub

Rapper/actor LL Cool J partied it up in Las Vegas over the weekend at PURE Nightclub in the renowned Caesar Hotel (Yes, the hotel where The Hangover dudes stayed). Although LL was on total party-mode he still made sure to remind people of the help needed in Haiti. Check out pics from the event.

Photo Credit: Ron Koch/PURE Management Group

Years later and LL is STILL moving crowds.


Umm, isn't that the racist dude?


LL Cool J posing on the red carpet.

Spree Wilson DXNext Interview

I actually meant to post this interview a few days ago when the interview was posted on HipHopDX, but hey I'm a slacker sometimes (Kanye shrugs it out). Anywho, please do check it out. Spree had a lot of really interesting things to say about music in general.

Tennessee-born, Atlanta-bred artist Spree Wilson is a self-described “gumbo” of sounds. You never quite know what to expect when it comes to Spree’s music, but that usually makes it all the more memorable. With a list of musical influences that would make both diehard rock fans and Hip Hop heads proud Spree clearly has a sound all his own. His eclectic sound has even garnered praise from artists such as Q-Tip and Jay Electronica, and a production hand from No I.D.

In this DXnext, Spree speaks on everything from comparisons to Andre3000 to his recent career move from Atlanta to New York City.

Influences: “It’s not a particular genre that influences me more than the other. I get influenced by everything. It’s little things I pick up from here and there and I kinda just piece them together. Kinda like a jigsaw puzzle. I wouldn’t say Hip Hop influenced me more than Rock & Roll or Rock & Roll influenced me more than Jazz. At the end of the day it’s all equal to me. Music is music, and it’s something I can learn from anybody. Whether it’s somebody like Thelonious Monk or somebody like [Beach Boys singer] Brian Wilson you know what I mean. Somebody who can create music on a higher level.”

The Spree Wilson Sound: “It’s like a pot of gumbo. When you stick your spoon in it you don’t even know what you gonna get. You might get some shrimp, you might get some okra, some chicken. I don’t know. That’s what I describe it as. Something like that, something to that effect. Something that’s different, but good for the soul.”

Click here to read more.

Take Me Back, I Wanna Go Back

I'm sure we all remember this song. In fact, I don't know a single person who's never watched a "Rugrats" episode. That would truly be blasphemous!

Watching the video now I realize it was both a good look and a bad look for Mya and Blackstreet. It's a good look because it was actually pretty surprising for Nickelodeon to choose two R&B acts for the soundtrack to a children's movie, but on the other hand Mya's dancing in a oversized baby crib...Need I say more? Didn't think so.

"Genki Gives" Charity Dinner

If you're in the giving mood this week be sure to check out the "Genki Gives" charity dinner on Thursday, January 14 from 7 to 10 p.m. in Atlanta. For $75 you get to dine on a five-star meal while also helping out both Autism Speaks and Steps To Grow On.

Check out the flyer for more info (click to enlarge):

Samuel L. Jackson iPhone App

Do you want to be able to quote killer Samuel L. Jackson quotes in a moments notice? Well, there's an app for that. Seriously, there is. Thanks to Heatwave Interactive, iPhone and iPod Touch users can now download iSamJackson a new app that's dedicated to well, Sam Jackson.

I'm sure we've all been in those situations where we just absolutely needed a Sam Jackson quote to pull us through and iSamJackson does just that. You can impress your friends with random quotes from Jackson, ask him questions, and even have your personality evaluated by him.

iSamJackson is available for download in the app store and includes both a clean and explicit version.

Dante's Inferno Video Game

Remember that book you absolutely dreaded reading junior or senior year of high school? For me that book was Dante Alighieri's "Inferno." Because quite frankly I had no idea what homeboy was talking about and I could have cared less about all those fabulous levels of hell. Now, I "get" the book and I've actually attempted to re-read it although I've failed miserably.

But I've just gotten word that Dante's "Inferno" will be turned into a, wait for it...wait for it...VIDEO GAME!! Isn't that crazy? Who would have thought that classic literature would have eventually been turned into the latest game for X-Box, PS3. Who knows what's next. Could we possibly be slaying poems as Shakespeare on our Nintendo DS next year? Could the classic poem "Beowulf" soon become a 3D feature film? Oh wait, that actually did happen.

Dante’s Inferno the video game will be available on February 9, 2010.

"Motions Of The Ocean" Valentine's Day Sleepover

On Valentine's Day weekend, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta will hold an adult sleepover...*crickets* And if you think that's already somewhat creepy wait til you hear what they're calling the event, "Motions Of The Ocean"...*crickets again*

Okay, okay my internet sarcasm is making this event sound a lot creepier than it actually is so I'll stop now lol.

Basically, the event will consist of a dinner catered by Wolfgang Puck and then a lecture from Dr. Al Dove and Sr. Biologist Patricia Dove. I'm really trying to kill the sarcasm right now, but that fancy catered dinner they're putting on will be followed by a discussion on the mating habits of marine animals and that is just TOO damn hilarious to me! Anywho, following the dinner and discussion attendee's have the choice of spending the night at the aquarium for the adult sleepover.

Prices are as follows:

Lecture and Dinner: Member - $80 per person; Non-Member - $90
Lecture, Dinner and Sleepover: Member - $135; Non-Member - $160

P.S. Dammit! I think I've made fun of this event so much that now I actually want to go.

Attack Of The Boobs

When big boobs go wrong, TERRIBLY wrong...


So I came across this picture of Boobzilla when I was checking out photographer Tone's Website earlier today and I knew a boob rant was coming based on this pic. When your boobs are that big and they're that high up you know something ain't right. And I'm sure guys love this, but why? I don't get it. Please explain...

Oh Sh*t!

If you've watched MTV at all in the past week you've probably come across this commercial from Joe's Crab Shack. I was reading the comments on YouTube and the majority of the commenter's are right, this commercial actually isn't funny. I think it was done more for shock value than anything.

When I first saw it I laughed my ass off because I couldn't believe those lil' kids were actually saying "oh shit." And even though they bleep out "shit" you can clearly tell that that's exactly what those kids are saying. What folks do to sell low-quality seafood these days...*smh* Ya'll need to stay classy and stick to Red Lobster.

Open Bar AND A Movie

For all you movie lovers out there in the Atlanta area the Come Up Kids and Esperanza will be hosting movie night on Friday, January 8 at 8 p.m. The movie for the night will be Eddie Murphy's Delirious and the best part is the price of your admission includes an open bar (open bar for the mother fudgin' win!!). Prices are as follows:

One Ticket: $15
Two Tickets: $25

As usual, peep the flyer for more info!

Resolutions Shmesolutions

In case the title threw you off, this is my official "Happy New Year" post. So Happy New Year to you all, BUT I just want to say let's focus on being great every day of the year. We don't have to rely on the first of the year, the first of the month, etc. to decide to start attaining our goals. Good luck to all of you in 2010 :-)

P.S. What do ya'll think about my "2010" pic? Pretty gangster, right?

Big Boi ft. Gucci Mane - "Shine Blockas" (Video)

Last night at the strike of midnight (hello Cinderella!) the music video for Big Boi and Gucci Mane's "Shine Blockas" premiered on the internet. I was pretty amped to see the video, in fact, by 12:01 a.m. I'm pretty sure I was already glued to my laptop. The song is hot, but I'm gonna go ahead and say the video left a little something to be desired.

Obviously, Gucci Mane wasn't able to appear in the video but I think they could have done without the random pictures of him. It kinda made it seem like a memorial which was kinda weird. I love how the video started off in Walmart. That was kinda random and funny, but aside from that eh it was aight. I still can't wait for the Big Boi album though!