Bring Back Def Poetry Jam!

MTV, BET, VH1, and the rest of ya'll...how about bringing back a decent show to television rather than one of your BS reality shows? Bold, I know...

In my opinion, "Def Poetry Jam" was one of the best television shows I've ever watched. Just seeing the performers so passionate about their words was amazing. Thankfully, I happen to have lived in places where I can check out spoken word almost any day of the week, but for the most part "Def Poetry Jam" was introducing people to a world that was completely new to them.

I don't know why exactly the show ended. Maybe HBO didn't like how the ratings were looking or maybe Russell Simmons felt we'd be better entertained by Global Grind blogs written by Tila Tequila and Ashley Dupre...who knows. All I know is this is one show I'd absolutely love to see back on the air because the nonsense on television right now makes no damn sense. Apparently quality is something viewer's care nothing about these days.

Check out some of my favorite videos from "Def Poetry Jam."

Why We Love Common

The thing with Common is that every female I know absolutely loves him. Females hardly ever agree on anything! No matter what their race is, age is, or what their sexual preference might happen to be...the ladies adore Common (sorry LL). We all know Common looks great, but I think it's more of a package deal with him (and no not that kind of package).

He has amazing looks (one word: cheekbones), we all know he's hella talented musically (acting eh), and it seems like he has a pretty decent personality. What more can you ask for? This is personally why I think the ladies dig him. He's the ideal man. The prototype. I mean, imagine if he had those same greats looks and musical talent but had the arrogant personality of say...50 Cent? Or what if he was just as charming and talented but resembled Biz Markie's long lost twin brother? Exactly. I definitely don't think I'd be feelin' him as much.

And let's all be sure to check out Common's new movie, Just Wright, when it's released next month because alas' he's not playing a gangster who says 10 words max the entire movie.

(P.S. Please tell my why Googling pictures of Common for this entry was the highlight of my night? Lol!)

Rachel Roy Meet And Greet At Lenox Mall

Designer Rachel Roy will be holding a fashion show and meet & greet next weekend (May 8) to give shoppers a special look at her Spring 2010 collection. I actually featured some accessories from Rachel Roy's line in a post a few months ago because I was so impressed by the line.

Attendee's will be treated to music as well as hors d'oeuvres and those who purchase $100 or more worth of clothing/accessories from Roy's collection will receieve a signed copy of the Rachel by Rachel Roy Spring 2010 Collection Look Book and a special gift.

This event will take place at the Macy's in Lenox Square on Saturday, May 8 at 2 p.m.

Kelly Cutrone Atlanta Book Signing/Discussion

Renowned publicist Kelly Cutrone will be appearing at the Borders in Buckhead on Wednesday, April 28 to discuss her new book "If You Have To Cry Go Outside."

Although Cutrone is very well-known in the world of PR she gained national recognition following the premiere of her hit show "Kell On Earth" on Bravo.

I haven't read Cutrone's book yet because to be quite honest I'm not a huge follower of the fashion industry, but I've heard that it is a good read so I may check it out eventually.

For more information on Cutrone's appearance at Borders this week, click here.

Hey Mambo! Mambo Italiano!

I looove this commercial! I have absolutely no idea what it has to do with Visa debit cards, but whatevz it still rocks! You got pizza, good music, a pizza tosser extraordinaire, Morgan Freeman narrating...what more can you ask for? Advertiser's take note!



And while we're on the subject of epicly classic commercials...

Reality Travel Show Casting Alert

So casting company Gotham Casting is offering a fabulous opportunity to an "inexperienced traveler" out there. They're looking for someone to appear in a pilot episode for a new travel reality show. I know Gotham Casting works with MTV and VH1 a lot so it could easily be a possible show for one of those networks (maybe). Here's a little more info from the e-mail I received:

What this is: a show about travel, fun, exploration, and discovery

What this is not: a show about situations, competition or contest
There is no financial compensation for this role.

You will have all of your travel costs paid for, meals provided and get an experience of a lifetime.

You are:
Between ages 18-21
adventurous
never traveled outside of USA
been to less than 5 major cities within the USA
available to be on location for up to 7 days at a single time

for consideration, please submit the following to
commercialcasting@gothamcasting.com

Put "Reality Travel Show" in Subject line and include:

1. name / age / contact information (telephone & email) / city and state you live in and nearest major airport
2. photo (photo must be recent - within last 6 weeks and does not need to be professional)
3. have you ever been on tv? if yes, what show and do you have a contract prohibiting you from participating in this project?
4. where have you traveled to?
5. where do you want to travel to and why? (give one place within the USA and one place anywhere in the world)
6. why do you want to be on a reality tv show about travel?
7. do you have a passport?

Good luck to anyone giving this a shot!

Tribeca Film Festival Drive-In Movies

If you happen to reside in the New York City area and you don't check out the FREE Tribeca Film Festival Drive-In Movies taking place this week then you're a jerk, point blank. I've had so much fun at their events and I can't check it out this year (I live in Atlanta now for those of you who may be new to this blog).

Last year, I attended their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles night and the year before that I attended Thriller night (RIP MJ). They show great flicks AND you get free food and other random stuff. I really don't know what more you can ask for!

This year, they'll be showing The Spirit Of Salsa, Big, and The Birth Of Big Air. Now I don't know about that last movie, but the salsa one and Big should be cool beans.

For information on dates and times click here. Oh and FYI the first drive-in movie is tomorrow!

Tanya Morgan - "Bang N Boogie" (Video)

Brooklynati trio Tanya Morgan recently released the video for their track "Bang N Boogie." It's a simple video, but it works. AND I LIKES THAT! Oh, and I now have a sudden urge for a Gray's Papaya hot dog with mustard and extra sauerkraut. Who's with me on that one?

TANYA MORGAN - BANG + BOOGIE from AAC FILMS on Vimeo.

Throw Yo Hands In The Ayerrr...

If you got down with "Sweet Valley High!" Don't front! I know I did! And so did she. Ha!



Sweeeeet Valleyyyyy! Sweetttt Valleeeyyy Hiiiigh! Sweet Valley!

Okay, I'll let the madness end now.

Talib Kweli And Hi-Tek Tour Dates

I must say I definitely feel a certain way about Talib and Hi-Tek not stopping in any South Eastern states although I'm not too surprised. But for those of you who live in any other region of the United States the tour dates for the duo's tour are listed below. Also, be sure to check out their reunion album Revolutions Per Minute.

Thu 4/22 Cincinnati, OH / Covington, KY Xavier Univ. / Madison Theatre
Fri 4/23 Evanston, IL Northwestern Univ.
Sat 4/24 Grand Rapids, MI The Intersection
Sun 4/25 Pontiac, MI Crofoot Ballroom
Tue 4/27 Chicago, IL House of Blues
Thu 4/29 New York, NY Nokia Theatre
Fri 4/30 New Brunswick, NJ Rutgers Univ.
Sun 5/2 Long Island, NY Crazy Donkey
Mon 5/3 Washington DC Black Cat
Wed 5/5 Philadelphia, PA The Note
Mon 5/10 Kansas City, MO Midland Theatre
Tue 5/11 Tulsa, OK Cain’s
Wed 5/12 Houston, TX Warehouse
Thu 5/13 Dallas, TX Granada Theatre
Sat 5/15 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
Sun 5/16 Denver, CO Bluebird
Wed 5/19 Los Angeles, CA House of Blues
Thu 5/20 Anaheim, CA The Grove
Fri 5/21 Phoenix, AZ The Clubhouse
Sat 5/22 Tucson, AZ DV8
Sun 5/23 Ventura, CA Ventura Theater
Mon 5/24 San Francisco, CA Fillmore
Tue 5/25 San Diego, CA House of Blues
Wed 5/26 Santa Cruz, CA Catalyst Nightclub
Thu 5/27 Eugene, OR The Blueprint
Fri 5/28 Portland, OR Aladdin Theatre
Sat 5/29 Seattle, WA ShowBox at the Market

Photo By Marlon Ross

NYC Graffiti Exhibit (May 7-13)

For all the graf lover's out there Future Development will be hosting a graffiti exhibit from May 7-13 in New York City at Loft 676. The exhibit will feature works from Quik, Ree, Tats Cru, Bigfoot, and more.

“I am extremely honored to be able to bring together such a strong group of artists that truly represent the graffiti world,” Future Development curator, Cliff Campbell, said in a statement. “For some, the street art movement has been seen as a negative on communities, but when multi-national companies take interest, public views change.”

Peep the flyer below for more info.

Pill - Real Muthaphuckkin G's (Video)

P-I-Double-L recently graced the internet with the music video for "Real Muthaphuckkin G's." The song will be featured on Pill's upcoming mixtape 1140: The Overdose. Pill again keeps the visuals simple for this video which is directed by Decatur Dan.

D x Amoura x La Bella

Without further ado I bring you The Girls I Love (Amoura & La Bella) and I acting a fool in the streets of Atlanta! Yay!

Get You A New Watch Boo!

One of the Website's I write for is giving away two super fly Baby-G watches next week and I highly suggest that all of you enter. Trust me, if I could I WOULD! I would looove to get my hands on that watch pictured above which just so happens to be one of the watches RefinedHype.com is giving away. But I mean if you want to look like a lame this season then that's cool...I'm joking!

Click here to enter.

Kelis Releases Album Art For Flesh Tone

First Thought: It's definitely different. Although it's always hard to clarify whether "different" is a good thing or not. Second Thought: She looks like a damn 80's super-hero! Third Thought: Lady Gaga bandwagon maybe? Maybe... Fourth Thought: With an album titled Flesh Tone I definitely thought there would be a little more nudity. Ah well. Black Thought: Shout out to The Roots!

NOW that that's out the way I have one concern I want to address regarding Kelis. I'm sure we all know about the money she's about to get from rapper and ex-husband Nas. My thing is it really doesn't look like this chic is struggling. You went super-couture for your album cover, you're performing every week, etc. so do you really need all that damn money Kelis??? Do ya? DO YA? Exactly! Talk about milking it for all it's worth.

And on a super side-note...MAN I MISS BLOGGING!