shoutout to april.

Check out an article about the 9/11 attacks published by myself and my fellow classmate, Audra Pettus.


http://media.www.blackcollegeview.com/media/storage/paper928/news/2008/09/07/News/911-A.Flashback.To.Reality-3425085.shtml




-updates coming soon!

a little bit of kanye..

source: Kanye West - Champion

accidental fab: 101

i purchased a few bohemian inspired skirts with clinched waistbands this summer. i usually pair them with wedges, tucked in fitted ribbed tanks pulled right under the bossom, and simple accessories- but the other day i wanted to try something new. i turned my boho skirt into a flowing tunic. the skirt originally reached the middle of the my thighs so once it was worn as a shirt it stopped right at my waist, perfect. because of the way women are shaped the front of the shirt will be a tad shorter then the back (or vice versa). so, in order to prevent the pregnant, drape look i grabbed a two safety pins and a handful of the fabric. while standing in the mirror, i pinned the skirt from the inside to create a tailored, but flowy top. by pinning the fabric directly under the bra line an illusion of a fitted waist is created. also, the extra fabric automatically turns into somewhat of a train, ending right at the jean pockets. now the top is even -from the front to back- with the exception of the cute, ruffled trail. you can either wear a tank top, colorful bra straps, or leave it as a tube top (a whole tshirt doesnt always work) and since the top is roomy stick to skinny jeans. i tested the look with my mother and sister, they thought it was originally a top. masterpiece created.
love it



last night, while washing clothes, i thought to toss my mother's lab coat in the mix (being the sweet daughter i am). but i forgot to check the pockets, usually she has a few pens floating around. you shoud have seen my eyes when i saw a big, black inkblot. tearing through the remainder of the clothes and mom's beloved jacket, i couldnt find any other spots except the many that were on one of my shirts. first i was upset and quite irritable. then i remembered i had been looking for a tie-dyed top. this one was perfect. a yellow long tank with spaced out, randomly sized, swirly ink spots -with the right pair of jeans and earrings, this outfit is a go. i dont recommend you go throwing an ink pen into your dryer and crossing your fingers that you get a new top, but when you think your favorite piece is ruined..




just call it accidental fab.

new artist

R.CITY

two brothers from st. thomas have been making headlines on MTV Jamz and my little sister's ipod. Rock City, Akon's newest artist, debuted with their single 'losing it'. its a typcial first single: just a dab of beat and bass, a sprinkle of personal- island style, and a pinch of depth. the entire song is based on them stalking a lady.. whose lips have strength? seeing the music video each time i turned to mtv and hearing the song constantly on the radio, was overkill. i couldnt pull myself to listen to them ..

until i heard this..





reminding me of a beat by lupe or kweli i was instantly captivated. at first sound, i didnt believe it was rock city - probably because akon wasnt in the background yelling KONVICT MUSIK! the lyrics are sweet, something like a hip hop soul lullaby - this girl clearly still has them head over heels. but the vibe is different, a new spectrum. i hear the depth their first single was lacking. its a feel good song and somewhat similar to i use to love h.e.r by common (i said sorta). if they were cuter, i'd probably fall in love.. must be the badu in me. when they come on the radio i may start paying them some attention, perhaps you should too.

campus crawl

the race for housing is nearly impossible to beat. most students wake up early or miss class just to right click three times for semi-decent rooming. some colleges have lotteries, while others focus on students gpa, involvement, and other requirements. one would think it would be simple to wake up, open the university's housing page, and select the room of choice. this is true, it is; however, with unreliable internet connections a simple task can be impossible.

imagine sitting at your computer for fifteen minutes, on the same screen, waiting for 9:00 am to hit. you know that in twenty seconds over half the people in your dorm and many others will on a mad dash for housing. its 9:00am. wham-bam-thank you ma'am! you're on, but wait.. why did the screen turn blank?



this question has been boggling university student's across the nation, specifically those at an hbcu in washington, dc. internet outages, round about housing responses, and inefficient work ethics have left some tuition paying students - dormless. when it seems impossible to get through to the housing managers .. after weeks of phone calls and meetings, the next step is speaking to the president of the university. chasing the pavement is the only way to get anywhere.


when a student has the criteria and rsvp points available to reserve housing, why ignore their concerns? what is the point of having housing officers who are not sympathetic to issues that plague the students? clearly the students can’t manipulate the wireless internet, so it must the university’s fault for having poor technology.


so what do you do?

you write a letter and you continue to call. you show up at one office and if they dismiss you, you prance into another. people can tell you 'no' all day, but eventually someone will reply 'yes'. gather your friends, family, and others for support - make a petition on the dorm reservation system. do what you can to make your situation better.


that's what Howard University student, Melissa, is doing,

she states:

"I am taking my final step in “Operation Melissa Must Stay” on Friday [August 8, 2008]. I am currently drafting an e-mail to our new President, Dr. Sidney Ribeau. In this e-mail I would like to attach a list of names of Howard students who feel that my situation is unjust and to regularly happening on our campus. If you are in a similar situation your name will be added also. All I need if for everyone to write on the wall of the event or if u want your name to be kept secret send me a message with your first and last name as well as your classification."

if you would like to help Melissa, and the many students in her position, send me an email with your name and classification and you will be added to the petition as well. you can also view her facebook event at : http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=21703948794.



there's nothing like paying thousands of dollars to an institution that can't guarantee you a reliable dorm-selection process.

..it’s a campus crawl.

Ms. L'oreal

im not going to get into this clearly altered image of beyonce from L'oreal .. today.



im going to ignore it and let you know that, from what i hear, her latest single features her lover, jayz. && she's rapping. yes, she's rapping - ill keep you posted. i know you're dying to hear it..

just listen.

what them girls like - ludacris, chris brown, and sean garrett.mp3







the beat is a definite banger with headliner chris brown on the track, how could it not be. ok, im playing chris brown is starting to be on every song like t-pain, so its nothing new. but the song is still whassup, the more i listen to it the more i like it.i can see the girls and i listening to it, vibin, as we get dressed for a night out. im still trying to figure out if that was chris or sean garrett that hit that micheal jackson note at the end. wtf was that? if you dont know who sean garrett is, goggle him - he's like that. aside from that, ludacris is coming back a little strong (ive missed him, personally), he has a few new singles out including his piece called 'politics'[listen here] which samples one of yung buck's beats. the song has raised eyebrows on Obama's end, who has previously stated Luda was on his ipod.


Obama released this statement, back in late July:

“As Barack Obama has said many, many times in the past, rap lyrics today too often perpetuate misogyny, materialism, and degrading images that he doesn’t want his daughters or any children exposed to,” explained spokesman Bill Burton. “This song is not only outrageously offensive to Senator Clinton, Reverend Jackson, Senator McCain, and President Bush, it is offensive to all of us who are trying to raise our children with values we hold dear. While Ludacris is a talented individual he should be ashamed of these lyrics.”



Case - Beyonce.mp3

dubbing from 'get me bodied', 'lost yo mind' and 'ring the alarm' to achieve this new sound - doesnt impress me. i struggled to find a decent verse, but was overpowered by the chorus. 'case' will probably be one of her singles, topping the charts of 106&park, and receive air time in area clubs but still i wonder .. dear b, what exactly are you doing? you're still yelling. you're not a ghetto mess, you're going to break your neck if you keep rolling it like that. aren't you happily married? ..sing a love song or something.

im just sayin..


------------------------------------------------------------------------


kisses and misses:

goes to..

lil mama.

ok ok, just take it all in and ask yourself a few questions.

1) what was she thinking?

2) was she supposed to be lola bunny?

3) why is she wearing red pumps with a see-thru pink top?

i knew she had an eccentric style, however; this is taking it too far. watching americas next dance crew and seeing her so proudly rock those glittery- fitteds-with-the-ponytail-cut-out- at-the-top-of-her-head, braced me for tonights teen choice awards red carpet. is it me, or does she look like an ex powder puff girl?. i can tell she was attempting the girly chic look, but she may need to stick to what she knows - everyone would be happier. i mean, at least her lip-gloss popped.

oh and this is miss, if you were wondering. ok ok, im done.

oh, and happy 47th barack.




n.mot

the critic in me.

the latest song from david banner && weezy looks like a spin off of some denzel movie, cant tell you which one .. but you know you see it too. i aint mad at mr. banner he cleans up nicely, indeed .. he even has on a real tshirt and everything. ok boo, i see you! as usual, wayne has on the same outfit he's been wearing in every video he's been in this year: v-neck, dark jeans, black jacket, shades, gucci rag and a red fitted. is it me or is he looking rather d.c these days? i mean, don't get me wrong i love him .. probably more than most but im just sayin... && is it possible for someone to use the same verses and/or punch lines on every single they are featured on?



"and you cant do this and you dont do that."

shawty say - david banner and lil wayne.mp3

opting to using "lollipop" as the basis for the single rather than "a millie" was a good move. using alternating levels while still contributing to waynes style, banner sends a positive message. he tells the ladies they need to find a real man, that will treat their kids right, and who they can eventually sleep with - basically. the video itself is alright, the best thing in it is probably the outfits the 'tasteful' models have on. the knitted creme dresses with black waist belts are definitely a good look for the fall (you know i had to throw that in there). but back to the song, with its percolating southern beat and the presence of weezy this will be another club anthem, for sure.



&& im glad meagan goode wasnt lookin the hott mess shes been lately in the streets of L.A.

n.mot

trendspot

colored denim is back again this fall. but this go-round pair the look with metallic kicks. it may seem outlandish or like 'youre doing the most' but the look is fresh- try something new. with metallic shoes and purple jeans, you dont need any other accessory other than a plain, fitted v-neck tee. think simple. if you arent sold on the the idea.. find your way to your local forever21, or a similar store, and try a pair on. if you dont fall in love with the look, lemme know. but i guarantee you will.

vans old skool lo pros come in silver and gold.

vans.com && alloy.com.

nike dunk lo pro women's premium ap

most urban linked stores

supra, i need a pair or three.

karmaloop.com

dear black in america, i gotta bone..

after watching CNN's BlackinAmerica with my family, i have to say i was disappointed. i could tell that members of my father's generation produced the show. i felt as though black americans were displayed as starving, 3rd world citizens, struggling to find themselves in a white world. you have GOT to be kidding me. arent we past that? at least more than the show portrayed. perhaps my views of the real world are unrealistic. but, i dont see things as black and white. our nation needs to get out of this state of mind that blacks are the underdog because we cant, wont, dont try to succeed due to the amount of pressure white america places on us. now, my father and i debated endlessly on the subject. he feels as though the show capitalized the essence of blacks in america. yes, this is true. if you think showing an elderly woman dying in a hospital or a young african american male with gun shot wounds is the essence of our people. every race endures a struggle of some kind. why does ours need to be a cable series? also, blacks wont be the largest minority by 2012, due to the overwhelming latino population that has immigrated. holding onto the past and old values keeps the black community floating in a sea of depression. thank you CNN. it saddens me that the world saw this showcase, a showcase for ratings. maybe i wouldnt be so disappointed if it was called "living in america" and not "hey look at me, im black and trying!" ive always had different views on race and the media. my parents are very much pro black - due to the time period they were raised, but i was brought up colorless(whether my parents chooose to admit it or not). but then again, ive always thought differently than most. care to debate?


bring it kidds.

rihanna .. the new beyonce?

you have to love her.


also, i cant stand Baldwin Hills and i will touch on that hott mess later.

her, chic.

not much time for shopping but i've realized that consignment shops are boring. i'll stick to thrift and vintage- they remind me of the day i fell in love with Dior bags. aside from that, here's a sneak preview of fall closet kisses and misses.


kisses

1. bow-tie tops
2. pair of snakeskin flats
3. comfy knits - colorful cardigans && boyfriend jackets
4. leather bags of autumnal hues
5. ankle boots with multi-textured combinations of leather and suede
6. head ties
7. peep toe boots, laced-up heels and t-strap pumps
8. aztec bags
9. maxi dresses
10. wide-leg styles

misses

1. novelty tees
2. colored nylon purses
3. fishnets
4. shiny black pumps - unless they are dual toned
5. jordans
6. trench coats
7. bright eyeshadow
8. stacks of colored beaded necklaces or bangles
9. bad fitting jeans
10. colored or metallic waist belts.
    
    

keri should diss the hot shorts, keep the shirt and belt and invest in a pair of dark wide-leg jeans.

booboo over here has it all wrong, but i dont feel like correcting his style. or is it just his greasy hair and lack of a shave. whatever, i want that bag!

this 80's reject, to my left just looks a mess.. a hottt dern mess. that is all.

don't step foot on the yard looking like this - experiment in your room, not in public.

of course im not of the fashion elite- such as coco chanel or ysl but do take heed. i don't want you fashionable howard kids to walk around looking like the three pictured above.





just saying..




bitchassness of the week goes to ...



im going to just roll my eyes and let ya'll watch these videos.



yung berg

"im kinda racist-i don't like dark butts," he says on a radio show. now, his infantile tail should know better- well maybe not .. i mean he still baths in baby oil and slicks down his baby hair. and he has the nerve to call someone a dark butt?! do tell me what a dark butt is mr.berg, please. look, im going to let b.scott speak, the counter part of chris crocker && our favorite divo, listen to her/his take on the situation.




terrence j of 106 & park



personally, i don't watch 106 & park that phase passed in the 9th grade or so, but from what i've seen i've concluded that i don't care for terrence j or rocsi. however, i'm siding with rocsi today. i don't blame miss thang for walking off the show, daily doses of ignorance would piss me off too. terrence has been to howard to do a few BET promo's and i peeped that his swag is .. terrible. on air, he's constantly clowning seemingly becoming wacker with each show. i don't know what led him to shower rocsi with insults the entire episode last friday, but i do believe he lost his mind. i’m still trippin off his “why don’t you have a body like Ciara” comment. is he really that insensitive? or is this just a lover's quarrel?




ps. i couldn't find the video of the actual event .. so ya'll gotta settle for 'ice' and his eloquent speech. don't watch it unless you're terribly bored.










n.mot

a girl and her shoes.

i've been needing a new pair of black heels. i found a pair and fell in like, but opted for a pair of gray retro boots instead. spotted some timeless jewelry at a random kiosk and picked up a few pieces to spice up a simple tank and skinny jeans. walked into the junkyard of f21 and a floral top caught my eye- one i normally wouldnt wear- but some new flavor is a must in a fall closet. i've vowed to stay away from the tired black, white, and brown tops as well as the basic jean this season. oh, by the way, it is about time to do some fall shopping. hit the sales..asap! which reminds me .. a pair of star ling peep toe boot heels are calling my name at the moment..hhmm maybe next pay check?


&& what became of those black heels you ask?
after a tiring night at job number two, i came home to find my darling heels sitting at my door. mom is too sweet. every girl needs a curly sue inspired T-strap shoe,with contrasting tones, block heel and retro-chic silhouette to go with a cute pair of jeans or a business outfit. kisses to aldo, i think im in love.


next stop.. thrift stores on warwick ave.


n.mot

craving

a good thrift store find.


a new wallet - not my normal betseyville , coach, dooney.. something different*


the new blackberry bold in my life, asap.



&& the italian vouge on my night stand.




im not mad at her.




i was surprised to find her in this issue of Italian Vouge, but i like her here much better than the Black Carpet on BET. I mean ...seriously.






i find it amazing that Italian designers and photographers alike embrace the African American or Black woman, while the American verison of Vouge still confuses Lebron James with King Kong.


im just sayin...



n.mot

tell jesse to calm down.

jesse jackson has lost all respect. truth be told, i was never fond of the man and when i met him he was rather distant and bland. as a man and ex-presidential candidate one would think jesse would know how to conduct himself while in the public eye. so much for uplifting the "black community" jesse! i can't seem to grasp why he, of all people, would degrade Barack Obama -our nations presidential Democratic candidate. mr. jackson is getting reckless and i might even build up the nerve to place him in the same catorgory as al sharpton; not a good look.


only the ignorant who lack common sense would utter crude words on a live television program .. i mean on The O'Reilly Factor.

"See, Barack been, um, talking down to black people on this faith based ... I want to cut his n**s off ... Barack ... he's talking down to black people."


sound bite..clip..or what have you.

the man is a fool.


good.day


n.mot

..ahem madam.

everyone has a blog.
what makes yours so special?






n.mot

hoodrats.a millie.thugs cry.

just listen: antimatter -n.e.r.d



now, we all know Lathorian Milton. The the infamous 7 year old that has proudly coined the term "hoodrat" .after stealing & totaling his grandmother's car. the "its fun to do hoodrat things with my friends" video has been uploaded all over youtube and facebook, && now he's back on some other..issshhh.

I wonder..

1. Did he see the youtube video and feel like this was the way to instant stardom?

2. Were the chicken wings that good to the point that he wanted to beat his grandmama?

3. Is this our future - hoodrat living?

no matter where i was i heard bits and pieces of the "The Carter III" weeks before its release on June 10th. even though it was the most leaked album it has sold over A MILLIE.5 in the first week. the last massively leaked album to do this was 50 Cent's "The Massacre" in 2005. everyone always has something to say about weezy, but numbers like these don't lie*. personally, I bought C3 but with all the mixtapes and downloads i didn't think it would sell - i was hella surprised to hear weezy went platinum - not mad at it though. it shows that REAL artist with REAL followers can still keep it underground and produce hundreds of mixtapes .. of the same songs && still make a profit the traditional way. the dj that leaked the carter III, chuck t, is probably on mute now. hater?



ps. who told Chris Brown he could do a freestyle to A Millie? && Hov, A Billie? ..really though..?






bitchassnes of the day goes to...

Young Buck and 50 Cent. Now, I don't know if I think 50 is a triflin 'for recording the convo with the tearful, scary, and punk tell-all Young Buck or is Young Buck triflin' for crying over the phone after he tried to publiclly play 50 cent and G-Unit.

the tape is madd long, and a year old according to Buck, but you don't have to listen to the whole thing to realize that 50 is playing with Buck's emotions. its priceless entertainment to hear a grown man who raps about being "hood rich" cry over losing a friend, money, and his crew.

but hol' up, Buck came back after the" telephone tantrum" with a 50 cent diss gracefully entitled The Tape Conversaitor.mp3. I have nothing to say about this one..

http://www.rapbasement.com/audio/young-buck-the-taped-conversation.html [hear it here]

"b*tch niggas do b*tch nigga things" - young buck.






oh, the bitchassness of it all. thanks 50 you're always up to something. Seems like a kindergarten "im not your friend no more" deal to me.



im guessing it's not over?





n.mot.

come out with your skills up*

just listen: erykah badu featuring pharoahe monch - the healer (bigger than hip hop)

there is nothing like smelly shipyard workers in the morning heat - i love being a bank teller. damn, who am i kidding?! i can't stand it or the fact that it has nothing to do with my major, i feel rather stagnent. summer break is half over thank goodness! anyway, on a day when my mother isn't forcing me to go to the gym i research music and dive into my writings - the escape was bouncing through soulfullvibes.com and found a new release from musiq soulchild. i love when neosoul artist switch up their style, i swear they are more diverse than the modern hip hop/rap artist. the beat captivates you more than the lyrics but the hook is ill - simple and to the point. his rapping needs work, but i see you boy! lil wayne came out with an alternate begininng to "mr.carter" on the carter III and he kills the verse, no im not a groupie .. completely. the urban music game is evolving - for the better its not dead ... just changing, the way our parents transitioned from motown to run dmc. everyone should get over it and move with it, thats the whole point of music industry anyway - keeping the fans on their toes. diggggg it.




scholarship applications came my way today there is nothing like free money. while you are home for the summer look up a fall internship or scholarship - open you're own door.



today on my lunch break i drove by a thrift store && decided to browse. im a rookie. even as the new kid on the block i was more than successful, by my standards of course. picked up a cute gold cluth : great for a nite out every girl needs one. found a tan purse with white trim very roomy & summery : just in time! my fav find was this gray pencil skirt by To The Max BCBG. grand total? $2.75.



n.mot