SMH: Solange Responds to Interview Debacle…

What a turn off. Solange has responded to the mess that went down on air the other day with an exaggerated, drawn out, puff piece shot for You Tube. Sol-Angel wanted everyone to know what they didn’t hear which was a Fox News producer “setting her up” to talk about one of Jay-Z’s 40/40 clubs closing, being sold or whatever, in a negative tone. Right… so you were so furious and disrespected that you attempt to “play the host out” because you’re such a bad girl these days…  And the clincher - Solange says “I’m disappointed in the level of journalism… it’s at an all time low.” Hmmm, and you are… to be commenting on journalism? Let’s get some media trainers over to the Sol “empire” first… Oh wait, it’s more important to send this video out through Beyonce’s Myspace page. The madness starts at 1:01.

The Tenth Anniversary of “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill”

Bill Clinton was president going through the Monica Lewinsky scandal. US embassies in Tanzania and Kenya had been bombed. A tidal wave had hit New Guinea. And Google Inc was founded. Yet, it was a hot, humid, celebratory summer in New York and good hip-hop music was still cranking through the airwaves.  Lauryn Hill had just presented her solo debut The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill - the album that, if you didn’t know it already, solidified Ms. Hill as one of the greatest emcees (no gender modifier here) of all time. That was 10 years ago this very week.

During college, just a few years prior to this release, I would see Lauryn periodically crossing what we called “the steps” right in the middle of Columbia’s campus. She was a fashion forward, friendly from afar student who along with Wyclef Jean and Pras, aka The Fugees, spent time in the student hall performing soon to be chart topping music. That was obviously right before the release of the 1996 classic The Score and right after 1994’s Blunted on Reality. Like most Columbia dames, the New Jersey bred Lauryn had a certain swagger that epitomized the individualistic style of New York women in the mid to late 90s. Basically – it was obvious she was a star.

So by the time Lauryn’s solo debut would even be ordered for store shelf stocking, the beautiful, dred-locked, ultra-talented, smart and sexy yet classy rapper had already graced dozens of magazine covers. She was a phenomenon – no questions asked. And her album proved the same.

I had my first job at The Source Magazine just months before the release and the staff anticipation of this album was high like — smoke. Super scribe Michael Gonzales wrote the cover story on her that we green writers had all been fighting for (even though those of us who wanted it so badly barely had enough bylines to warrant a feature story inside the magazine much less the cover story).

It was a fun season, despite the disastrous goings-on in our country and abroad. And the soundtrack to that summer, which we kept through fall, on to winter all the way to the Grammys (where Lauryn amassed five awards including Album of the Year), to this present moment when we want to be taken back to a special place at a special time wasThe Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.

Win a Girls Night Out Sweepstakes!

During this lovely edition of Lil Alis Speaks… she takes on Girls’ Night In (just in time for the holiday weekend)!

Hi Lil Alis, I want to do a girls’ night in that will dazzle my homies. I’m looking for the right movie, the right food, and the right games to set it off! Basically I want a chic yet fun filled evening… Can you give me some ideas?

Lil Alis: Hey there Girl Gatherer! There are so many things you can do… but before I get into them, I suggest that instead of a night, do a ladies’ brunch at any Ritz Carlton, USA! You will spend the day dining, drinking and laughing… all in a wonderful setting and all while being served. You may even meet some new friends considering guests tend to spend all day sipping on mimosas.

Now if you are determined to do something inside – I have a few suggestions.

-Take It Back Night – Sleeping bags, pizza (by delivery of course), beer (a delicious yet light bodied brand), popcorn, Trivia Pursuit –the 80’s board game edition, and a marathon of 80’s movies: Pretty In Pink, The Breakfast Club, and Better Off Dead should induce laughter, fun, and a very good time!

-Princess Palace – Get tiaras for your guests and prepare regal hors d’oeuvres like chocolate covered strawberries, mini chicken kebabs, shrimp cocktail, veggie florets with dip, a cheese and cracker spread, and Prosecco poured in your wine glasses. Give each other pedicures and/or manicures (or even bring in a manicurist for the evening) and play Beyonce’s B’Day DVD on the flat screen for ambiance.

-Culture Camaraderie – Decorate your home with flags from the different countries your guests represent and have each participant bring a native dish. If any of the ladies don’t have a country of origin, tell them to choose their favorite vacation spot and represent for it! Be sure to bring out the bar and experiment with many mixed cocktails from all over! Pay it forward with the movie Amelie, a brilliant French film featuring the lovely Audrey Tautou.

Either way you do it, remember to send a creative colorful evite and always thank your guests when leaving with a small take-home token (a recipe printed on pretty paper, a flower from the fresh bunch you just bought, or, if you have the time, a mixed CD of girl power tracks).

And if you’re interested in the Ultimate Girls Only Weekend- check out the State Farm Ultimate Ladies Night Out! You and your three friends could be treated to a weekend getaway valued at $12,000.00 including hotel accommodations, tickets to a concert, limo service and a $2,000.00 Visa gift card. Log on to www.Sfredlive.com to enter to win for you and your best girl friends!

New York Fashion Week Coming Soon…

The Big Apple Fashion Week festivities celebrating the Spring 2009 lines kick off on Friday, September 5 and end on Friday, September 12. Sponsored by Mercedes Benz, the first day is looking at collections by BCBG Max Azria and Nicole Miller, followed by the infamous, yet extremely narrow jeans gawds’ Rock & Republic on Saturday. The prim, pretty, precious and exceptional work of Tracy Reese will be featured on Sunday along with Diane Von Furstenberg (who was recently inducted into the Fashion Walk of Fame), Herve Leger (who’s gotten so much run with the strapping mini dresses and skirts this summer), DKNY, Tibi, Lela Rose, and Miss Sixty. The entire schedule is posted here.

Birthday Spotlight: Meshell Ndegeocello

Funk, soul, rhythm impresario Meshell Ndegeocello celebrates her birthday August 29. The German born singer and instrumentalist grew up in Washington DC attending the Duke Ellington School of the Arts. Meshell began her music career in the 80s in the DC area before releasing her first album Plantation Lullabies in 1993. Since then she’s released six albums (thanks Matthew!) including her latest – 2007’s The World Has Made Me the Man of My Dreams, performed all over the world, and collaborated with the likes of John Cougar Mellencamp, Basement Jaxx, Indigo Girls, and The Rolling Stones.

Pinkalicious Curves

I’m definitely an iPhone girl… but before the genius piece of Apple technology walked into my life, I was Blackberry all day every day. So I have to give props to the Pink Blackberry 8330 Curve, a new smart phone from Blackberry featured in one of the most palatable hues ever. It does all the things a smart phone should – deliver your email via push technology, surf the internet, snap pictures, organize your day, watch videos and of course, connect you to friends, family, and fans while on the go. To celebrate the product on the market, last night in Los Angeles at Intermix was the launch party and MP Princess Sanaa Lathan was on site looking delightful and lovely as always.

Photo Credit: Darnell Walker

He Said, She Said: Hot Hollywood Messes

Solange Knowles is going all out for the release of this new album… But this (above) is a SMH mess, a SMH hot ass mess… Picked it up at Greasy Guide… Meanwhile, old comedy sitcom “One Day At a Time” actress Mackenzie Phillips was arrested at LAX in suspicion of drug possession. Still SMH…The Olympic phenom that is Michael Phelps not only turns up on the cover of Sports Illustrated confidently rocking all his medals… the swimmer extraordinaire is slated to host this season premiere of “SNL” on September 13 along with the self-proclaimed greatest rapper alive – Lil’ Wayne…And Matthew McConaughey’s mother has a very unabashed book on shelves called I Amaze Myself where she not only divulges that Matthew wasn’t planned, but that his father died in the “throes of passion.”

Viva Las Vegas! (It Could All Be Yours - Free!)

While I typically prefer a trip where foreign currency and customs are a prerequisite, I do have a city or two stateside that almost always guarantee a grand old time. One of those places is Sin City itself - Las Vegas. Whether it’s a 45 minute flight from LAX or a four hour flight from JFK, when you step foot down in Las Vegas, any time between spring and early fall, the weather, while it might peak at smoldering points, is usually warm, inviting and comforting. A walk or several strolls up and down the main strip provide for great head tilting sightseeing, while dipping and diving into various shops, restaurants, and hotel empires.

My choice places to lay my head in Las Vegas consist of three in particular…however, I’m always looking to explore other accommodations… One is the Mandalay Bay, particularly for its wonderfully fun wave pool and manufactured beach in the rear of the hotel, spa treatments, flat screen televisions (although little time will be spent actually indoors) and Jacuzzi style bath tubs in the very delightful brightly colored rooms.

The other hotel in favor is the Ocean 11’s famous Bellagio for its immediate connection to restaurants and stores galore and old school country club interior decorated rooms. Plus, to know that George Clooney, Don Cheadle and Brad Pitt really did walk in those casino halls is always a plus :).

And of course there is the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino, one of the largest hotels in the world, which while standing tall in its emerald green coating with a ferocious, albeit very welcoming, golden lion on the premises, also boasts of quite extravagant yet relaxing rooms, great room service and the best yet- concerts – like arena style concerts right downstairs… talk about entertainment at your doorstep!

With that said, there is a sweepstakes opportunity going on for a limited time that could earn you the opportunity to spend three (3) nights at the Signature MGM Grand. It’s called the Extreme Las Vegas Prize and it includes tickets to see magician Criss Angel, outdoor fun at the Adventure Spa at Red Rock Casino, dinner at Aureole at Mandalay Bay, $5,000 shopping spree (!!!), and a helicopter ride over the strip among many other wonderful things you’d love to be doing while in Vegas. So check out www.VisitLasVegas.com and sign up for your opportunity to win this amazing stay in Las Vegas before the sweepstakes ends on September 2, 2008.

Birthday Spotlight: Chandra Wilson & Alice Coltrane

Today is a two for one. Actress Chandra Wilson and jazz musician Alice Coltrane celebrate birthdays on August 27. Chandra is best known for her role on ABC drama “Grey’s Anatomy.” She was born and raised in Texas before heading to New York University to earn her BFA in drama. She has also had many day player roles in shows like “Law & Order”, “Sex & the City” and “The Sopranos.” Chandra is both an Emmy award nominee and SAG award winner.

Before passing last year, Alice Coltrane was the widow of jazz great John Coltrane. She was born in Detroit, MI and studied classical music. Prior to meeting John, Alice had already been playing on the jazz circuit. In the mid-60s she joined John in his group and the two married a year later.

He Said, She Said: Sad News Day…

I guess we’ll get the dreary news over first… Sheesh… Dr. Dre’s son Andre Young Jr. passed away from unknown causes three days ago…Dave Freeman, co-author of 100 Things to Do Before You Die, passed away this morning from hitting his head in a fatal fall…Crystal Magnum, the accuser in the now infamous Duke University rape case is set to release a memoir called The Last Dance for Grace…And strangely enough, there is something a little bit yucky about galactic porn star Jenna Jameson confirming her pregnancy… So now, on to less depressing news… Brad Pitt shoots his child’s mother Angie for the cover of fashion rag W…And the good folks at All Hip Hop have a nice rundown of the DNC events…

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