Invite Only http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/ Industry Events, Lessons, Shine, and Nonsense. For those new and old to the industry, who want the real story. en Copyright 2008 Mon, 12 May 2008 17:54:19 -0500 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://www.rssboard.org/rss-specification Don't Ignore The Signs I'm headed to Miami and there won't be too much blogging going on the next couple of days. While I'm away I figured I'd leave you with one uber- fab event and a wanna-be fab one. Wed May 7th, 2008 - 6pm Dr. Miracle's Beauty and Sunset at Sea Mixer Oooo la la. Normally I would love to get in, and give you the best and the worse, but there isn't too much negative to say. Well thought-out, carefully planned, and creatively executed this was by far one of my fave events in the last two months. Here's the run down, and 7 reasons why I absolutely thought this event was on point.
1. Bon Voyage- The event was held on the Cloud 9 III yacht and embarked from the NY Skyport Marina on East 23rd street. 2. You Go Girl -Dr. Miracle's made sure this was a "ladies' night." There was a culturally diverse mix of women from various fields like film, media, PR, and technology. Surprisingly enough there was no cattiness, and wouldn't you know, that silly trait most women posses called "competition" didn't rear its ugly head. 3. Touch My Body- Yesssssss. I experienced one of the most stress relieving massages while sipping on a Nuvo's cute pink champagne. Honestly, I don't really know if the massage was the best, or if the boat was making me a little more tipsy than normal for one drink, or the fact I had a hunky man with his hands on my...back. I'm just saying--Healing Hands/Grae Enterprises did their thing.
4. All Hands on Deck- They outdid themselves with this one. Giving free manicures on the boat? Nice touch. I was in need of a nice mani, my nails were looking kind of jacked. Although they had the stations set up on the bottom of the boat, making one of the manicurists seasick, Polish Bar of Brooklyn held it down--literally. 5. Beef Teriyaki Skewers- You know I love food, had to throw that in... 6. Hi, My Name Is-The networking was wonderful. Over dinner I had the opportunity to meet some really outstanding and gracious women who are on their game. I had a chance to catch up with some old colleagues, finally put faces to emails, and add a few new numbers to the BlackBerry. 7. Dr. Miracle's Gift Bags - Here's my plug advice: Pick up some Dr. Miracle's products--they work. You don't have to take my word for it; I know you've seen the commercials. Same Night - 11 pm Mary J. Blige After Party Pure foolishness! I went from total relaxation and inspiration to chaos! I shouldn't have ignored the signs; I would of had a much better night going straight home after my boat ride than to Spotlight Live! in NYC. The night was filled witha bunch of "Oh hell naw's," so I have to put this so-called "official" after-party for the Mary/Jay-Z concert tour on blast for keeping me up to 1 o'clock in the morning. A least the night taught me a lesson, and here are the official 14 telltale signs that an event may end up a disaster: 1. The person you are supposed to go with cancels. (What up Tiger?) 2. You arrive and everyone is on the VIP guest list. 3. When being from Vibe Magazine, the owner of Spotlight Live!, or Mary J. Blige herself can not get you in the door. 4. When you get inside and are searched for weapons. What? Not a good look for an "industry" party. 5. When there are at least three females with the same Forever 21 dress on. 6. When you finally get inside and there is no air conditioning, and it seems as if they turned the heat on level HELL. 7. When red rope bouncers take their jobs a bit too seriously.
8. When a club that has three floors only has one elevator. 9. When the biggest celebrity in VIP is Trina. (Until Mary arrived)
10. Whenever you see a girl in bright blue eye shadow, white pumps, white capri leggings, and a big blue pearl necklace. 11. Whenever a Flavor of Love contestant is in the building. 12. Whenever the club plays Soulja Boy's "Ya Trick." 13. When your feet begin to hurt in your pumps. 14. If Day26 or a Baldwin brother shows up - period.
This Mary party felt like one she would have had in 1994 when she was at the height of being ghetto and hood, but not the classy Mary we know today. A mess, I can't believe I got my hair done for the party, (What's up Qianna @ Beyond Magic) "All That I Can Say," (get it?) is I experienced the best and worst that night. Lesson: Go with your gut. Big UPS: Joelle Joseph (Dr. Miracle's), Liza Montoya (Urban Style Solutions) Kareem (Giant Magazine), Kenyatta Smith (Giant Magazine) Lisa "Fancy" Mesa (Critical Mention), Najwa Moses (Styleaholics Productions), Leesa Davis (Freelance Writer), Wesley Brown (HoneyBrownSugar.com), Warren Street, Qianna Curington (Beyond Magic Salon in Hillside, NJ) Trisha Lee (Polish Bar Brooklyn).]]> http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/05/dont-ignore-the-signs/ http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/05/dont-ignore-the-signs/ Beyond Magic Day 26 Dr. Miracles Forever 21 Mary J. Blige Polish Bar of Brooklyn Skyport Marina Spotlight Live Trina Mon, 12 May 2008 17:54:19 -0500 Too much, or not enough? Wednesday April 22, 2008 Here we go again, a day in the life of the Executive Assistant to the E-I-C. It was a hectic night, but I can't complain. Did three events in four hours, four events if you count a small afterparty at Virgils in the heart of Times Square. One thing I learned tonight, there are some clearly defined do's and don'ts people need to be hip to. First stop... Diddy's Ciroc Tasting Event, Audrey Lounge @ The W Hotel, N.Y., N.Y. Yes, another music mogul with his own liquor, how...predictable. I'm not hating on Sean though, do your thing--get your people drunk crunk. Ciroc, a vodka, is packaged very cleanly like VOX vodka, and it goes down as smooth as SKYY vodka, has the aftertaste of BELVEDERE, but because it's D-I-D-D-Y, it is distilled from grapes, which makes it the "Ultra Premimum" of all vodkas. High and lows of the event...
DO: Have a celebrity mixologist. (I see you Mr. Dale Degroff!!!) DON'T: Hold an event in a place so small, it becomes inevitable to touch someone's ass. DO: Invite tastemakers and media. DON'T: Not invite Diddy himself, or a rep to speak on his behalf. DO: Get the crowd involved in how to make the drinks. DON'T: Get noticeably drunk at a tasting, it's just lame.
___________________________________________________________________
Next stop: the U.S. debut of the 2008 "Smart Fortwo" car, at Pace Wildenstien N.Y., N.Y. The car, which strategically made its debut on Earth Day, has to be the smallest car I've seen in my life. It's 8 feet long, 5 feet high, and drives an average of 42 miles a gallon. The car was featured in blue, yellow, and red, and it really made me want to "go green." Strengths and weakness...
DO: Have a rep at each car to answer any/all questions. DON'T: Have that rep not know the answers to any/all questions. DO: Pick a location that is open and airy. DON'T: Have a bar that doesn't carry tequila, if it isn't sponsored by a particular liquor. DO: Have culturally diverse guests. DON'T: Put good food on top of rice cakes. (Beef and rice cakes dont mix) DO: Hand out eco-friendly gift bags in brown paper bags, cute look...I guess.
______________________________________________________________________
Spotlight Live Lounge, NY, NY. What do you get when you put Sylvia Rhone, Danyel Smith, Llyod, Mike Kyser, Free from 106 Park, Angie Martinez, Gayle King, Shanti Das, Kevin Liles, Alisha Renee, Irv and Chris Gotti, Ashanti, Emil Wilbekin, Q-tip, Angel Lola, Shirea Carroll, Mona, Ryan Leslie, Anthony Anderson,Stephen Hill, Flo-rida, models, industry insiders, and all those who got next in one building? The chaotic but exciting event - "R&B Live" held twice a month. This was the third I attended, and by far the best. I'm sitting next to the highly respected President of Universal Music Group Motown Records -- thee Ms. Sylvia Rhone trying to make sure I stay in my place without looking like a cornball. My likes and dislikes of the night....
DO: Have a line outside around the block. DONT: Have additional line inside just to get upstairs. DO: Shine like Universal's new artist Suai, who knew how to work the stage with 5 inch thigh high boots. DON'T: Have an awesome voice like new songtress Grits, but sing songs that discuss killing your father. DO: Be as hype and stylish as Ryan Leslie, who obviously stole the show. DON'T: Come to the stage like Ashanti dressed to the nine's, but cackling and laughing at her own jokes, that weren't funny. DOUBLE DON'T: Think because your a plantinum recording artist that your intro can be longer than your performance, when most came out to support you Ms. Ashanti. DO: Have all types of media to cover the event. DON'T: Let them block the view of the stage. DO: Have the privelage like me to sit directly next to Sylvia Rhone, Q-tip, or known figure in the industry. DON'T: Get in any of there paparrazi pics (we must crawl before we run!) DO: Put on your biggest smile, image means a lot. DON'T: Go anywhere without a breath mint, or gum...it will be your downfall. (I'm just saying a few hellos I recieved, I smelled before I heard.) DO: Try and make it to the next R&B Live Event! Lesson: The coolest things happen when you don't force it. Big Ups: Armelle Crump (Universal Motown), Shanti Das (Universal Motown), Dante Simpson (DSA Media), Brandon Hatler (Sunshine Sachs), Antoine Phillips (Giorgio Armani), Andre Cole (BET), Sonya Moore (Nation's Resturant News)]]> http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/04/too-much-or-not-enough/ http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/04/too-much-or-not-enough/ Ashanti Ciroc R&B Live Ryan Leslie Smart Car Sylvia Rhone Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:25:44 -0500 Hip Hop Everywhere What I'm Reading: Bliss (Crown Publishers) by Danyel Smith. Nooooo not because the author is my boss....well ok at first I was trying to get the brownie points, but now I've discovered it's actually a good train read back to Jerz. If you are trying to find out what the music/entertainment world really gives, this is it, as authentic as it gets. I mean, look who wrote it.
The main character Eva Glenn--is that chick: a successful powerful record executive in the hip hop/R&B genre who knows the industry inside and out. However, as the story unravels, so does she. She begins to realize she may not know herself as well as she knows the business. Readers take a journey with Eva through her drama, her highs, and her lows until she finally reaches the place where she comes to terms with herself. Although the book takes place during the late '90s, we all know "ain't nothing new under the sun," - not too much has changed. My advice: 1. Pick up a copy. 2. Get into it. 3. Get hip to the game. What I'm Watching: VH1 Ego Trip's: Miss Rap Supreme . This show is pure comedy...I can't clown it too hard because I will tune in every Monday night @ 10 p.m. (EST) to watch. The show which premiered Monday night, gives ten loud-ghetto-butta faces, with questionable rhyming skills and who have a horrific fashion sense, a reality show similar to last year's Ego Trip's: White Rapper Show. Hosted by MC Search and MC Yo Yo, the premises of the show is not to be bashed as much as the candidates who are battling to be "Ms. Rap Supreme." So who we do we have spittin' on the mic?
Truth is MTV's Real World weirdos don't have anything on these characters. From left to right: Brie, a scary-looking boxer chick who thinks pigtails are gangsta. The swagger filled female Chiba,whose car accident permanetly damaged her left eye, causing her to wear her weave and gobs of Prostyle gel pasted around her eye. Then there is Nikki2States, who after four kids and saggy breasts clearly is the angry black woman in the group. Next, the Russian New Yorker Byata has a laid-back personality that has clearly made her my fav. Ms. Cherry, who delivers her rhymes with a southern accent and a lisp, might need to take a vacay from the mic to go to speech therapy just so we can understand her. Yes that is Khia (My Neck, My Back) who is already winner for the complete foolishness title. Lioness, the German rapper whose claim was "I spit like a llama" had her ass sent home during the first episode. The very masculine Reece Steele,daughter of old school rapper LA Starr, and has me convinced they need to check her for an Adam's apple. D.A.B, whose initials may stand for dingy/ditzy ass broad is the ex-heroin addict, who is using her rhyming as therapy. Last but definitetly not least is the more than overweight big girl Lady Twist, whose "twist" is she is the bootleg version of Bone Thugs-n-Harmony. I urge you to tune in and partake in one of the many reasons Nas probably states hip hop is dead. Seriously, if your're watching for the love of hip hop you will be highly disappointed. However, if you are like me and simply want to be entertained by the challenges, drama, and foolishness, tune in to VH1 every Monday night at 10 pm (EST) and watch the remaining nine girls try to catch their 15 8 minutes of fame. Unless you're Khia...
LESSON: Be ye not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind...Romans 12:2 BIG UPS: Jozen Cummings (Vibe Magazine), Elliott Wilson, Shawty Lo, Nelly, Charles Wade, and Bobby Valentino, Angela Watford (Vibe Magazine)]]> http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/04/get-ya-mind-right/ http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/04/get-ya-mind-right/ Danyel Smith Khia Miss Rap Supreme Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:59:36 -0500 4 Stops, 3 Events, 2+ Drinks, 1 Night Thursday April 3, 2008 5:30 In the car off to Legacy Studios for Robin Thicke's listening session, we (Danyel Smith Vibe's E-I-C, Sean Fennessey Vibe's Associate Music Editor, and myself Asst. to the E-I-C) are really supposed to be there at 5pm, but it's cool - late seems expected in the "industry." In the car everyone is on their Blackberry, I think at one point the driver even pulled out his... 5:46 What the %^&^? The elevator doesn't work? At 279th flights of steps we finally reach Robin's listening room. We are greeted by his publicist Amanda, manager Miguel, Andre Harrell, fresh fruit, champagne, wine, and Mr. Thicke himself. Well to be honest I didn't even think Robin was really there. His music was already playing when we walked in to the room, so we all just began to get into it. One guy didn't look up to make introductions, had on a not so fashionable Zorro type hat, and dressed in black from head to toe. I'm wondering who is this guy? As soon as the first song stopped he lifted his head and theatrically revealed himself, said hello proving Robin was definitely in the building.
6:03 We're already late for our next event, but oh well I am feeling Robin's album right now. His album titled, Something Else, is well - something else. The album has smooth songs and at one point I think I started giving Robin the dreamy eyes. The man has talent shown on the tracks "Magic," a song about a special relationship that has sound reminiscent of Marvin Gaye. "Sidestep," a song for the old and the young to get thier two step on. "Ms. Harmony," a very airy, wispy, and light song, that tells of the struggles of a woman finding herself in love. After playing us "DreamWorld " a ballad which he discuss the deep things in life - how VanGough missed out, Marvin Gaye's relationship with his father, and racial tensions, Robin jokes, "figured that would be my club banger." Everyone laughs, I'm loving Robin's sincerity and swag. The album should be available late June, but he states "I wish I could have it out in two weeks, the sooner it is in people's hands, the sooner the celebration begins." I'm not mad at that...I grab a quick snapshot and make my exit. 6:31 Danyel, Sean, and I are back in the car, discussing how dope the Robin Thicke tracks are, and how much Sean F. doesn't look like Robin Thicke, shattered dreams.... 6:42 Drop Sean off back to the office, and Danyel and I head to Michelle Williams' listening session. We are on a Robin high, and I am hoping Michelle delivers. 6:46 We realize we gave the driver the wrong address, now we are headed uptown when are suppose to be going downtown...u-turn. Did the driver just roll his eyes?? 7:08 Electric Lady Studios, 52 West 8 Street NY, NY. Out the car, and up only one flight of steps, we enter Michelle's listening session. The music is blaring and the first face I recognize is - AJ from BET's 106 and Park. Where you been? Glad you decided to join the land of the living. Next I see Emil Wilbekin (E-I-C of Giant Magazine) in all his fashionable glory. There are plenty of others in attendance to support Michelle new album, Unexpected, but I don't see Michelle. I grabbed a glass of wine, couple of beef skewers, and got my network on. 7:40 Working my way half way through the room, I sat back one of the plush couches filled with coats and purses and actually listened to the music. There is no hymns and Jesus praises, her new sound is more similar to Britney's "Give Me More." Just as I was about to go for a second glass of white wine, a super dooper slim figure in skinny jeans, hot pink tank, and mock neck leather dark purple jacket comes in doing a techno-chicken like dance move. Is that Michelle? She swipes her side bangs away from her face and wha-la one third of Destiny Child has arrived.
7:46 She works the room, thanking everyone for coming out. I'm watching her in a trance, noticing how different she looks with her new shoulder length jet black bob, and obviously fake eyelashes. Her makeup is flawless and she seemed very happy. The kind of happy that gives sporadic movements and an abundant amount of laughter. I almost want to say Michelle calm down, but I don't. Instead I go over and introduce myself and say it really good meeting you. (Everyone says that, when in the next second they forget what your name is.) 7:52 Music ceases. Michelle speaks about what brought her to this new place in her music. "The album is called Unexpected, because when I first started on the album two years ago it sounded nothing like this." She's right these tracks coming from Michelle will make you drop your jaw. I'm trying to figure how her established fan base like my mother - who would rather shout hallelujah than holla is going to take this change? 8:06 Back in the car, we let the driver know this is our last stop - Diddy's exclusive showcase for Janelle Monae at Blender Theater NY, NY. 8:18 Soon as we arrive greeted at the door by Mike Kyser (former VP of promotion at Def Jam) who led us into the private pre-party being held downstairs. I go to the bar get my second glass of wine, and take in the room. I see a few of my fellow Vibe heads, and ex-Vibe heads, Ed Lover, and people who I've met at other events. Chilling I take a seat, even though people make their way upstairs to watch Janelle in action, I remained seated downstairs. The show starts (there are t.v's for our viewing pleasure) and Diddy's gives his famous "tonight we are making history" intro for Janelle. He walks off stage and away from the cameras. As we decide it is time to go, Puff himself comes downstairs and greets Danyel. As they chop it up, I get an introduction and a few words from Mr. Combs, and I was taken back. That close to Diddy will shake you up - his ever present power is sick!
9:12 On a Diddy high, Janelle's showcase comes to an end. The industry semi-elite return back down stairs for a meet and greet with Janelle. I'm getting tired, but I don't want to leave without saying hello. She has a sound totally different, and the difficulty in describing her music is what makes her special to me. Before I say good-bye to Janelle, I say hello again to Diddy and get a good four minute convo. Four minutes is more like forty when speaking to Puff, so I was pleased. 9:16 "Hey Janelle, I'm Shirea from Vibe...." we smile, chat, hug, and take a photo. I can't really do too much more, so I guess I'll call it a night... 10:47 See what happens when you have one more drink? Yes, I'm still here. I've spoken to Janelle's AR, the Retro kids, and a super funny upcoming comedian. Time for me to go, I have to go to work tomorrow. Lesson: Sometimes all you get is one opportunity - seize it. BIG UPS: Thailan Pham (People Magazine), Malaika Batson (Sony BMG), Mitch Martin (Wonderland Arts Society), Clyde Belcon (CMV Photography), Damien Lemon, Jackpot and Low Key (BET)]]> http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/04/4-stops-3-events-2-drinks-1-night/ http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/04/4-stops-3-events-2-drinks-1-night/ Blender Theatre Danyel Smith Diddy Janelle Monae Legacy Studios Michelle Williams Robin Thicke Something Easy Unexpected Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:01:43 -0500 Is Anyone Listening? Food and Drinks will be Served. That's all I had to read on the e-vite when I decided, "Whatever it is, I'm there." Arriving to the March 4 Bun B listening session, it seemed as if most came out for the same thing - grub and dranks. As the industry's "semi-elite" chatted, ate, and networked - they seemed to have forgotton why they were actually at NYC's Spotlight Lounge. When Bun B made his arrival, in his dark blue jeans, black T-shirt and fitted cap, everyone stopped smacking on thier mini burgers for a moment to remember, "O yea, he is what this is about tonight." Mr. B worked the room with a cologate smile (maybe veneers), forcing some in the crowd to take a second to wipe thier greasy fingers on a napkin quick enough to give Bun some dap and hugs. Working on CP time (a hour late) Bun made his way to the stage to introduce his newest project - II Trill to the tipsy and stuffed crowd. Once the music started the crowd bobbed their heads to the first track, "II Trill," ft. Z-Ro and J. Prince, produced by Clinton Sparks. Soon after that track ended, everyone's must of came down with the n-itis because the focus no longer was on the music. I have to admit, I got caught up in the "network" and pineapple margaritas. Label workers, magazine writers, bloggers, and the hoochies were all there getting in. I couldn't spot one hard core Bun B fan in the place. You know the type of fan - every track they are rocking and swaying like they in the studio creating the song instead of just listening... With at least five songs out the way, I began to see that this was a meeting of all those "who got next" in the industry. There were no Editor-In-Chiefs, Label Execs, not even the "Popular" Video Ho's Vixens (What up Lola) in the building. Everyone knew it wasn't the time to really dig deep into the album, but PR did a great job of putting everyone together to create "planned awareness." The biggest surprise of the night was speaking to Bun B himself. I had the chance to ask him a couple questions, and I was in awe of his responses. Educated and well spoken, his answers reminded me of that Lil Jon sketch from the Chapelle's Show. While his music is gangsta, grimy, and southern-when he finally spoke you just didn't expect him to speak with such clarity and refinement. He got political on me showing he was very informed on the presidential election, and when asked who this album was for, he responded in his most proper voice: "This album is for the people in the streets who aren't heard or the people who can't speak." Ohhhhhh so great. The album wasn't for most of us at the session, no wonder no one was listening. That made me feel much better about my motivation- Food and Drinks Will Be Served. Pass the wings please... With six or seven business cards in my purse and a full stomach, I made my exit. BIG UPS: CHUCK CREEKMUR, Co-Founder, AllHipHop.com (JERZEE!!); BIG CED, Founder, The Industry Cosign; GRITZ, Staff Writer, Ballerstatus.com; ANTOINE KING, Ceo, Spate Magazine; RONDELL MADDOX, Editorial Manager, Spate Magazine; and JON CARAMANICA, Music Editor, Vibe Magazine. Lesson: When you are trying to network, go to events solo - the lack of company drives you to meet people.]]> http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/03/is-anyone-listening/ http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/03/is-anyone-listening/ Listening Session Angel Lola Bun B Chicken Wings Jigsaw Spotlight Lounge Thu, 06 Mar 2008 15:58:31 -0500 What? You don't like OPRAH? 5th ANNUAL HIP HOP SUMMIT ACTION AWARDS The 5th Annual Hip Hop Summit Action Awards held at Capitale, New York, NY Feb 25, 2008, brought out a few known names and faces that have proven their dedication and commitment to community service and empowerment. Many of the celebrities in attendance, were eager to state some of their political views, along with what they thought about the upcoming election.
Valeshia Butterfield, Executive Director of the Action Awards, stepped on the red carpet looking fierce. Butterfield very well spoken, stated why she refrains from discussing where she stands on the election, "We're an non-partisan organization so we have to be politically correct. Tonight is night we celebrate, really get inovolved roll up our sleeves, and get active." That, however, didnt stop everyone else from speaking up.
Jim Jones, one of the honorees that night, stepped on the red carpet seeming to have rolled up more than his "sleeves". With squinted eyes, and lack of focus, Jimmy staggered down the red carpet, with his new bff, Damon Dash in tow, and met the press with a big smirk. Damon Dash who is notorious for his assholish (is that a word?) qualities, seemed to be a bit more focused than his boy Jimmy. When asked who gets his vote Obama or Hilary, he became a proud advocate for Obama. "Barack, Obama, Obama, fo sho'! Black power before girl power," the politically minded Dame Dash stated.
The obessive lip licker, LL Cool J, made a apperance as well, wetting up the place with his comments on politics. "I'm an independent, when it comes to politics, I have funny beliefs. I do like what Obama's vision and what he is doing. The hip hop community needs to get out and vote," LL Cool J said after licking his lips for the 1,768th time. Joining LL on the red carpet, was the overly media trained, Ciara, who also happened to be honored that night. Putting in a plug for her own organization, Ciara mentioned her college educated youth program that encourages other youth to vote. "I want the youth to be aware to the power we hold, we are future. My slogan is "Shake up the faith, don't wait." To busy gagging from the cheesy-ness of it all, you could of swore "We are the World" started to play in the background as she was speaking.
Ciara's little protegee Ms. Tiffany Evans, attended as well. Why was she there again?? O' yes, that's right she sang (or something kind of like that) for the presentation of Ciara's Action Award. When asked what she felt like was the biggest issue facing the hip hop community in the upcoming election, Tiff, went totally blonde, "Um that's a good question, I'm not sure, I'm not old enough to vote yet." Ms. Evans, we swore you just told us in your song "I'm Grown". Get it together, Ms. Thing.
Melody Hobson another honeree, forgot to dress to impress, but she stepped on the red carpet with the biggest accessory of the night - Mr. George "Star Wars" Lucas. Press wasn't as concerned with what Melody had to say, as much as they were that Mr. Lucas, writer/creator of Star Wars had jungle fever! When Mr. Lucas was asked his opinion on the upcoming election, he gathered all his face into one tight ball and shook his head no. Dont be scared George, let the force be with you.
Pharell Williams who presented Snoop with his award, also walked down the red carpet - ehm, very late. So late that much of the press didnt get to capture his FINE-ness until he was on stage. Once on stage he became that cute dude that you wished didn't open his mouth. "So what if Snoop smokes," Pharell barked to the crowd as all the weed heads started to cheer. Somehow the event took a weird turn for the advocacy of marijuana, when Pharell said, "Willie Nelson smokes, stop coming down on Snoop"
Snoop the biggest honoree of the night, stepped on the red carpet in the common laidback Snoop style. Snoop sans his wife, was more concerned talking about his growth as artist, rather than the growth of the country. "I am becoming more intellectual, becoming more active in the community, more of a leader. When I first came out I didn't really care. Now I'm trying to be more influential so kids can look up to me and say I want to be like Snoop Dog." When Snoop accepted his award, his speech was the best of the night. In the speech Snoop responded to all his haters who speak on him having a extremely negative image. He came at one his haters in particular, "O' I dont like Oprah, and it is what is. She doesn't know me." You could hear crickets in the room, everyone looking at each other in shock. C'mon Snoop, isn't everyone supposed to like Oprah?
Others honored: Doug E. Fresh, Chris Lighty. LESSON: Be aggressive for what you want. The people who mind don't matter, and the people who matter don't mind.]]> http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/02/i-dont-like-oprahbe-agressive/ http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/02/i-dont-like-oprahbe-agressive/ Action Awards Hip Hop Summit Snoop Dog Tiffany Evans Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:02:05 -0500 Act like you know... Here we go! One the insprirations for this blog was Ms. Badu herself. Soul Sista number #1, many of times I have caught myself with a girl crush - Erykah Badu is just that dope. I am delighted that her album New Amerykah: Part 1 Fourth World War dropped today. If you know whats good, you will go out and pick up the album. But before you get into it make sure you read about Erykah taping for VH1 Soul Storytellers that airs tonight, and if you think you may miss it, read what you will miss from someone who was actually there. Click on: Erykah:VH1 Soul Storytellers]]> http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/02/act-like-you-know/ http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/02/act-like-you-know/ Erykah Badu New Amerykah VHI Soul Storytellers Tue, 26 Feb 2008 10:00:23 -0500 Coming soon! This blog will cover random events, people, places, and things that in some way helped me learn a lesson that I want to impart on the readers. Not every lesson will be deep finding yourself lessons, some may be very simple and "tip" like, some will be very funny and not meant to be taken so seriously. Hopefully the blog will be heavy on events music and otherwise (since I get invited to many cool things) and less on celebrity gossip and the such. http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/02/coming-soon/ http://blogs.vibe.com/inviteonly/2008/02/coming-soon/ Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:47:57 -0500