I showed up to the Swagger On the Mic artist showcase
"curling this hair and crossing this bridge" late, but I'm hoping to make the 10.22 show in time ;) Last time, I was just in time for the freestyle cypher which, appropriately, starts of the night. It took a round or two before we
got something that wasn't written from a dude named Pharaoh - luckily for him because his music didn't play when he was supposed to go up. Fun Fact: Written freestyles will always be my pet peeve, forreal. I suppose this isn't a stab at anyone unless someone feels it. I'm not yet amazing at the freestlying thing, so it's always impressive to see anyone who is. The
most brilliant part about showcases like this is that the public gets to
see what the underground is cooking, but as an artist you also get to
meet talent striving for the same as you. The most difficult part of
participating in and attending showcases is that everyone
is an artist. You are undoubtedly in the midst of your competition, and
your time on the mic is the only #fact up for discussion. The most beneficial things I gained from attending this open mic were the feedback... and the opportunity to analyze the field and gauge which steps I need to take next. 
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2013. Show all posts
@SwaggerOnTheMic Monthly Artist Showcase - NYC
I showed up to the Swagger On the Mic artist showcase
"curling this hair and crossing this bridge" late, but I'm hoping to make the 10.22 show in time ;) Last time, I was just in time for the freestyle cypher which, appropriately, starts of the night. It took a round or two before we
got something that wasn't written from a dude named Pharaoh - luckily for him because his music didn't play when he was supposed to go up. Fun Fact: Written freestyles will always be my pet peeve, forreal. I suppose this isn't a stab at anyone unless someone feels it. I'm not yet amazing at the freestlying thing, so it's always impressive to see anyone who is. The
most brilliant part about showcases like this is that the public gets to
see what the underground is cooking, but as an artist you also get to
meet talent striving for the same as you. The most difficult part of
participating in and attending showcases is that everyone
is an artist. You are undoubtedly in the midst of your competition, and
your time on the mic is the only #fact up for discussion. The most beneficial things I gained from attending this open mic were the feedback... and the opportunity to analyze the field and gauge which steps I need to take next. DOWNLOAD + REVIEW: Eve - "Lip Lock" 2013
Eve is back & that's the part I can't fully get passed. The rapper/actress released her 4th studio album after an 11-year hiatus from recording music. Having been focusing on acting and her rumored beau, Maximillion Cooper, London's newest immigrant is back in hip-hop riding the "bow-down"wave.
Jay-Z's "Open Letter" - A Fearless #Review
Anyone who's met me knows I love HOV. I suppose that is my disclaimer. Just like his wife, he's got a lot going on. Public attention has always fueled the two in trying to show the world they've captured all the riches... but once you've got that, then what?
"Mr. President, there's drugs in our residence. Tell me what you want me to do. Come break bread with us," Jay rhymes in one of my favorite tracks, "Justify My Thug." Now that he's proclaimed his "clearance to the White House" I just can't help but to wonder what lengths he's going to for the people. In "Open Letter" he plays around with making moves with Cheif Keef and spreading product through the hood out of spite. He jokes (sorta) about telling President Obama to forget the legislative drama and chill with him on a beach. He's the only president Jay-Z has supported... In "Open Letter" he rhymes about how he never trusted politicians... you want Obama to quit on us too? Or are those just empty rhymes? Can we still trust you?
Fendi Spring/Summer 2013
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| Marie Claire March 2013 |
Fendi's Spring/Summer advertising campaign genuinely caught my eye. The first thing I noticed was the yellow border, as you'll see featured in your everyday magazine. Not to say the clothing isn't amazing, but I think this was a great choice for the season. With the black background, the models seem to fall a bit flat and lack luster. Adding the yellow, you've automatically added a bit of feeling to the photo. If it wasn't pink (which is my default) yellow was a pretty good choice.
As for the line for the season, if it glitters, it's mine. I love anything that sparkles. The line gave me damsel in shining armour, begging for a sword of some sort --but a clutch to match will do.
Check out the video of Fendi's Spring 2013 line below
as well as photos from my fav pieces & the advertising campaign in full :)
Beyoncé; Vogue Magazine's March 2013 Issue
They called her "Queen B," but I'm not sure they understood why. She's s f*ckin superhero. Beyoncé is a living example of what hard work, dedication and patience can bring you. Not only did she work hard on her career, but her relationship as well, I can imagine. The writer of vogues article, Jason Gay (I can't quite find him on the internet, curiously) writes that getting an interview with Beyoncé is spectacular in it's difficulty. She's a busy woman and he's a busy person as well. "She's on family vacation in the Caribbean; curiously I'm not invited," he writes. You're not family, Jason.
I admire Beyoncé most for being a normal person. She has spectacular talent, no doubt, but she doesn't let that affect how she interacts with the world. "Her boots are off, arranged neatly on the floor, still in her bkacj Norma Kamali bodysuit and Helmut Land pants, she asks for a robe. A white robe is presented, and Beyoncé cutely wraps it like a blanket over her shoulders. She resembles a teenager getting ready to curl up and watch a double features. She is 31 years old and about to embark upon perhaps the craziest stretch of her career," Gay continues. He describes everything to you but, curiously, never makes mention of her humanity. Sometimes, the most obvious, minute things are the easiest to look over, yet the most important in the world.
"Life is so much more than... It's not defined by any of this," Gay quotes the Queen explaining that she means the money, the fame, the bullsh*t. What I found most curious about the entire article was the lack of mention of God... Beyoncé always talks about God and, if you watched he documentary, you can see how He talks back to her. It's funny how you've got to be afraid not to offend people, so you hide what's most important to you. I wonder if this was the writer's decision to Bey's. I love Beyoncé most for her love of God. As a woman coming into my own, I sometimes find it difficult to maintain with the pressure of being a good person; a good friend, daughter, role model, artist, writer.... woman. I also find it most difficult to chase my dreams and succeed financially while avoiding putting my body in display with the grotesque options available to me, a woman of color with too much curve for a look book. More so, I find it stressing trying to find a way to be "sexy" while still having respect for myself... how do I attract a man.
Beyoncé gives me hope and strengthens my faith. She's shown me that I need to love everything I do. I need to take care to listen to my heart and put those dots together. I need to have faith. I need to pray. I need to be a strong individual but understand when others can help me --noting when I can do it just as well by myself. Beyoncé is the Queen because she is a leader. We, women who look like me, have never seen it done before. Rarely do the women around us marry before having a child. Rarely can they stay out the public eye without airing their husbands to the media/friends/part-time haters. Beyoncé teaches me a lot. The long and short of it, she is Queen because not only does she call deserve your love, but she earns your respect.
You's a bad b*tch, Bey.
Continue for Vogue's videos & pictures from the March 2013 cover shoot.
Naeem Khan - Fall 2013 Runway Collection
Royal. Regal. Sexy. Classy.
These are the words that come to mind with Naheem Khan's Fall 2013 collection. This is my favorite new-to-me line of the season. I typically like to introduce new lines because everyone pays most attention to the highly commercialized brands --which tend to lose their artistic integrity having traded hands so many times & being mass produced without courtesy to the artistry of design. Naheem Khan is not one of those brands. The house aims to "adorn" women with the elegance and attention they deserve --the awing embroidery is all done by hand.
EMERGE! F13 Runway Show
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| Bishme Cromartie - Fall 2013 |
I've never seen a more beautiful transformation than New York City during fashion week. February 13th, 2013 hosted EMERGE!'s finely picked, up-and-coming fashion designers to display their wearable art in the grand and revered Broad Street Ballroom. Deisgnerberg, Parul Aneja, ESPION Atelier, Butterfli Tia and Bishme Cromartie presented fabulous Fall 2013 collections displaying intricate craftsmanship and detailing.
The art exhibited on this night was not solely that of the clothing: The entire spirit of the place was beautiful. The models were exceptional with their makeup provided by LAMIK, an eco-chic make-up brand. Consciousness and fashion?! Does that really happen? With EMERGE!, it seems that's the only way things happen. Mikki Taylor, former beauty director for Essence Magazine and current philanthropist/author, was presented with the Fashion Innovators Award for her 30 years in the industry, representing and encouraging the beauty of brilliant and brown women like myself.
Goodie bags were provided by Miss Jessie's (which I love and will certainly fill you all in asap!) My guest pass was courtesy of the wonderful Nikkia McClain of Tené Nicole PR who I only saw once the whole night -- busy and beautiful as usual, arm-in-arm with her client, the sweet Carrissa Rosario, Maxim model and one of the hosts of the evening. There was nothing but beauty in the place --and I've got the pictures to prove it.
ELLA Performs 2.2.13
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2nd, 2013
Paul Robeson Theatre
40 Greene Street, Brooklyn, NY
8pm-11pm
$10.00 General admission
For my videos/recap of last time, CLICK HERE!!
Urban
Theatrical Players/Paul Robeson Theatre hosts its third Open performance
night.
They are seeking actors , dancers, singers, MC's, Poet's and etc. to showcase their talent.
Donna Missal w/ Ken De Poto - Singer & Guitarist
I'm not going to say much. Donna sings from the heart. She looks like she's having fun... best part is, she brings you right there with her. & Ken doesn't miss a note on the strings. He's right there, too.
Just push play.
Oh.. & check the dope camera skills via Chery - BostonChery.com
Beyoncé on the Cover of GQ (Feb 2013)
So what do we think?
You all don't comment much but...
Some say she's doing too much. Agree? Disagree?
January 12th- "Mic On Fire" Artist Showcase
Here's the real.
I enjoyed myself at the last show. & I make my own fliers because... I like to. & I deserve one.
& It's dope isn't it? #NoShade cuz the headliner, Monster Breezy,
is from #NewEngland so #IAintMadAtIt
#HelloCF
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12th, 2013
$10 Cover
8pm-10pm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12th, 2013
$10 Cover
8pm-10pm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 12th, 2013
$10 Cover
8pm-10pm
New Year's Champagne - Veuve Clicquot
If you didn't know, champagne is the only bottle that actually pops.
So what's in your glass?
Each year, one of the companies I work with sends out bottles of Veuve Clicquot as Christmas gifts --yes, my fav. Veuve is actually pretty light. Most of the champagnes I've tasted are a bit more bitter - For example, Moët has a beer taste to me. I can't tell you too many names, but I know I like Veuve. It's super refreshing and has an orange undertone (or maybe it's just the color of the packaging that makes me think so, I'm so susceptible), making it a perfect mate for next-day mimosas.
My favorite thing, about Veuve Clicquot is the history of the brand. Philippe Clicquot-Muiron founded the company in 1772 and played a major role in making chanpange the "it" drink for wealthy Europeans during that time. In addition to champagne production, the company also holds dealings in banking and wool trading.After Pierre's passing, the company was passed down to his son, François who married Barbe-Nicole Ponsardin in 1798. After 7 years of marriage, Françios passed, leaving the company in the hands of his widow --a brilliant 27-year-old woman. Veuve, in French, means "widow", hence the name of the brand.
Madame Cliquot is credited for advancing the brand during the Napoleanic wars by focusing on improving the actual wine and employing a tequnique called riddling:
Riddling: In this stage, the bottles are placed on special racks called pupitres that hold them at a 45° angle, with the crown cap pointed down. Once a day (every two days for Champagne), the bottles are given a slight shake and turn, alternatively on right then left, and dropped back into the pupitres, with the angle gradually increased. The drop back into the rack causes a slight tap, pushing sediments toward the neck of the bottle. In 10 to 14 days (8 to 10 weeks for Champagne), the position of the bottle is straight down, with the lees settled in the neck. (This time can be shortened by moving the bottle more than once a day, and/or by using modern, less sticky strains of yeast.) Manual riddling is still done for Prestige Cuvées in Champagne, but has otherwise been largely abandoned because of the high labour costs. Mechanised riddling equipment (a gyropalette) is used instead. - Riddling on wikipedia.com
Apparently, this has a huge effect on the bubbles in the bottle and how big they are. Riddling reduces the size of the bubbles --perhaps why I think it's so smooth. It also leads to a sweeter product. In addition to this, Madame Clicquot employed additional tactics to the practice as a means of setting Veuve Clicquot apart from competitors:
[Madame Clicquot's] technique still used the original English technique of adding additional sugar, but after this second fermentation was complete the bottles were held upside down. The bottles were regularly turned so that the dead yeast would all gather near the cork (riddling). Once the settling was complete, the wine near the cork was frozen and the cork and frozen plug removed (disgorgement), followed by an addition of wine to refill the bottle. - Madame Clicquot on wikipedia.com
I believe that the only way to truly enjoy a product (whether it be champagne or a bar of soap) is to understand what that product is. It also helps you understand what the true difference is between one brand and another. Or maybe it's just teh advertising geek in me. Regardless, all products are marketed towards a particular person. Veuve Clicquot is made for people who value "excellence and quality". It also simply attracts me because the affect that Madame Clicquot had on the brand, in those times, is amazing. We usually think of oppression for women in old times, but the truth of the matter is that if you are a brilliant, it's hard to deny. The company also continues to praise "Women of Inspiration" in heavy regards, fully realizing the grandure of Barbe's affect on the house as well are the champage industry as a whole.
So... there you go. Random dope sh*t :)
Pop champagne responsibly.
Happy New Year :)
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