She's an around the way girl and not afraid to show it Taraji's bio debuts October 11th

You know who she is the doe-eyed curvy beauty who favors a young Diana Ross, she is sassy, funny, quick-witted, down-to-earth, and the lady you can hang out with at a five star restaurant and go to a Mary J. Blige concert with the next and go to McDonald’s. Her name is Taraji Penda Henson. She has an incredible talent and is able to work a comedic, romantic, diva, dramatic role.

 

 

 

She's cool and not afraid to take the bus too

 

Around the way girl gear bamboo earrings, sneakers, and expensive bag

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fans love her posting up quotes

 

Taraji and her mom

 

She’s not afraid to create a whole new person. She isn’t afraid to express herself in a role that will cause controversy either. One thing I love she said how “When she received the script from Lee Daniels she realized this role would scare the hell out of me. “Cookie Lyon” is the kind of person who will scare you and that’s what I look for in a role. Something to make me jump.”  We all know with her characters they are tough, fearless, and you don’t know what to expect. Each character she has played every woman around the world could identify with the character. I am sure some of you know the definition of “Around the way girl” a young hot woman who is urban, edgy, sophisticated, sassy, and street smart. I think the meaning fits her because she has all of those characteristics and more.

                Her autobiography reflects her story  Taraji is from a familiar place I know she was born September 11, 1970 and grew up in Washington, D.C. , she attended Oxon Hill High School and led her to later to study at the historically black college, Howard University. She studied there and majored in theater and drama.  She worked a cruise ship singer, and worked as a secretary in the Pentagon. She later became pregnant with her son, and later was discovered, and decided to travel out to California.  Taraji’s journey and story is one I believe will give every little girl, teenager auditioning for roles, and looking to breakthrough in the business as well a chance to make something happen. It doesn’t matter where you came from or where you have been you can take a chance and make your dreams come true.  For more information on the book visit http://www.simonandschuster.com and follow her on facebook, snapchat, Instagram, and twitter. Make sure you all tune in for Empire’s season 4 this fall. The book debuts on October 11, 2016. I hope my lovely readers will grab their copy. Also check out my tribute to Around the way girl with the classic 1990 hit from LL Cool J. I think you may see she fit the description to the t. See you and of course my readers always so much to share with you

Oh Darling! Let's go be Absolutely Fabulous like these ladies

On July 1, 2016 in the United Kingdom and on July 22, 2016 America get ready for these two crazy ladies hitting screens. These ladies are the original “Sex and the city” cast in my opinion. I love these two and can watch a marathon of episodes. I used to watch as a kid and actually rented the series a while ago just binge watching. I was completely shocked and pleasantly surprised when I saw the preview for this film coming out this summer 2016.

 

 

 

 

 

                Jennifer Saunders , Joanna Lumley, Julia Sawalha, June Whitfield, and Jane Horrocks will all reprise their roles as Edina “Eddie” Monsoon, Patsy Stone (Joanna Lumley), Saffron “Saffy” Monsoon (Eddie’s daughter), Bubble, and her dear funny and sarcastic mother  and the whole gang are all back.

I love this series I believed I discovered it on comedy central first and then just got into it right away. My mother and I are big fans. There’s no perfect person other than my girlfriends who I would probably go see this movie with cause we love Patsy & “Eddie” These ladies are the original sex and the city cast for sure remember how Samantha Jones (Kim Cattrall) and Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker) both worked for prestigious , well known magazines and public relations firms too. Eddie owned her own PR Firm and Patsy was working at a popular fashion magazine. The show is featured around all the crazy shenanigans and mishaps these two create. Eddie and Patsy always find a way to get out of their fun trouble and they always meet some interesting characters along the way.  The series has debuted several times in the last 25 years (1992-1996), (2000-2005), (2011-2012) and now the movie. It was originally written by Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders both.  The series has gone on to be such a big hit and popular culture phenomenon. You can’t help but recognize these two. So ladies I hope you all will go see this hilarious film.

I don’t know how many episodes I have probably seen but I will tell you they are all hilarious every single one. So on July 22, 2016-Friday I know where I will be I hope you guys will be somewhere at a theater, eating and indulging in popcorn, candy, and some fun treats too.

Follow them on twitter, facebook, and Instagram for more information. Visit them at @AbFab on Twitter.

 

               

               

 

 

To Orlando you're with all of us

Picturesque, beautiful, fun-filled, sunny, and exciting are some words often used to describe the city of Orlando and the state of Florida. People often describe it as a place to come relax and enjoy your self as well. On June 12, 2016-early Sunday morning the town would come to see this place in a different light one that would bring everyone together in a time of distress and need as well. At 2 am in the morning people were dressed casually and celebrating their days of work, wanting an escape, listening to music, perhaps conversing, and having great conversations too. When 29-year-old Omar Mateen a native New Yorker went inside Pulse Nightclub located on East Orange street in Orlando, Florida and took the lives of 50 people and injured and harmed 53. It’s still hard to wrap your mind over something. You want to go on with your days and lives but there is something that makes you remember we just went through another national tragedy again.  The nightclub which is predominantly part of the LGBT community was targeted by a homegrown terrorist here in our country.

                Mateen was identified by the police right away and was shot and killed once they were called and showed up as well. They automatically found him in th

 

 

 

 

e FBI data base he had been called for questioning and interviewed twice for several issues. People describe him as a racist, harmful, no true emotions to people of minority backgrounds or descent. He was described by his own family as an abuser , violent, irrational, and full of rage. He had dispassion against many people and didn’t mind expressing his feelings and opinions against any group. He didn’t have any empathy at all it seems if when his co-workers described him. They often felt guilty themselves for not standing up against someone who can have such hate and not feel any remorse. I would tell them this is something they could have not seen coming at all. How do you have a premonition about a man who plans to destroy and break the world’s heart? You don’t see something like this ever coming at all. I would tell his co-workers if anyone ever witnessed any signs. Not to feel guilty this clearly was something he had planned way in advance, took time, and had been keeping a dark secret for years possibly. It’s just a shame that maybe law enforcement didn’t see all the signs though either.

                The one thing that really touched me with this whole situation was the outpour of people quickly responding, the love, donations, and how quickly so many Floridians and people all over the world were ready to give. I watched the news coverage here in New York City and believe me we are all still feeling it. We know what this experience is like and we know that they can adapt the motto “We’ll Fight Back”, “We will be stronger and braver”. I believe this is the mentality we all have to adapt and now and take in just making sure we are more aware in a sense of our safety.

I don’t believe we need to judge, mislead, or become prejudice against people who we may not know. It’s a lot that really made me happy was how quickly the law enforcement got this man, how first responders got everyone out right away as well.  The one thing that hurt was the fact that parents, friends, and loved ones were unable to reach people right away due to the identification process. That took major time and people had to wait. There was one mother who unfortunately found out her son was gone. She was looking, just seeing her face reminds me how all parents feel horrified. You’re waiting, you don’t know who to ask, you are helpless, then you receive an answer without compassion. That’s the one thing that hurts. Another parent’s story her son was trapped in the restroom inside Pulse nightclub and he was texting his mother.

Their stories touched me the people who were rescuing those and these people really got me. Cause that waiting for a response on a phone call or text could be unbearable. It’s also sad because it was the last time she would say good-bye to her son as well. He was later identified as well and they all have been. People all over the world have been giving tributes. It’s just a shame that for our country we still have a lot of work to do. I watched the press conference and hearing that this would be President Obama’s fifteenth time addressing our country in a press conference it hurts, it’s a shame because he, our government, and his cabinet have been fighting against terrorism, gun safety, and so many laws since the beginning. This is one issue we cannot resolve over night.

The fact that it happened so abruptly and so quickly we all didn’t see this coming at all. I just pray and hope that we can come up with a better solution for laws, we know they are in our Bill of Rights and Constitution. We all have the right to bare arms but what gives someone to right to abuse the laws against life and create cruelty. Create harms against others out of hate, unfairness, and injustice as well.

                I believe this man may have experienced some racism I wouldn’t be surprised, but I am not giving anyone the benefit of the doubt in this case. I believe it was still senseless and harmful to everyone, it caused hearts to broken, memories, plans, and dreams to be erased for these families and friends. All we can do is pray for them to be stronger, to fight against this, and pray that solutions will be resolved. That we will have future leaders who will make wise decisions, who genuinely care, and who want to put the best needs ahead for this country as well. I dedicate this entry to all of you who experienced a loss and to all of the families who were touched , affected, and impacted by this tragedy. God bless to you all. People are still holding vigils, giving donations, and all of the support for these families as well.  I dedicated a couple songs to you all too.

Rihanna reaches Global Icon status with Anti in 2016

When you made it in Times Square with your poster you know your album is a beast. Took this last night 5/26/2016

I remember when this young lady first came out I was traveling abroad to Italy  learning beginner's Italian with “Macaroni” (Marisa, you all know one of my dear friends). So as we were traveling I remember visiting the internet café and there was a television on at the time. I look up and see MTV on and this girl moving her hips and dancing across the screen. She had long dark brown beautiful hair and hazel-green eyes.  She had a thick Caribbean accent and then her name flashed below and they said her name and it was Rihanna. The summer of 2005 was when I learned all about Rihanna and her music. I have been meaning to write about her a lot more often as well. I feel sometimes as a writer you have to time things and wait for the right moment. Sometimes you just know when it is the right time to release something and this definitely the right time for her. She has had over 8 albums over 52 singles have been released and have all made it on to the Billboard Hot 100 either in the United Kingdom or the United States. Rihanna has reached global icon status in a matter of a decade her career has taken off like wildfire. She has completely developed herself as an artist entirely. A recording artist is supposed to develop themselves, their craft, know the history, the present, and techniques behind their art form. They also learn how to create music, the business side of music, and promoting themselves too.

                For her as an artist she branched off into every single genre of the industry: R&B, Pop, Rock, Rap, Reggae, Dance, Club music, Country, and I believe if she wanted to do Jazz she probably could as well I think with the right song any melody you find for her I think she as an artist can connect to it. I didn’t realize at the time you know she was so young and was singing about issues and problems in relationships that 16 year olds don’t need to be singing about quite yet. She had a way of singing songs that even at a tender young age she could sing about grown woman’s problems in a problematic relationship. She has a raw ness, a vulnerability in her voice where you can see now she has been through things. The first time we all got to know her she was this beautiful Barbadian princess who could be relaxing in a hammock and singing fun, upbeat songs. Now she has evolved into the eclectic, rebel, bad girl, and enchantress. She has a way to grab people and get their attention right away. She has become a rebel and developed a strong exterior over the years to develop herself as an artist, speak her mind freely, and gain more control too. I don’t believe she is a bad girl I just know one thing Rihanna knows how to sell albums point blank. She has got the right musical army of soldiers behind her all the way they make sure she is taken care of completely. One thing I have noticed she has continued to expand her brand and herself as an artist with dancing, modeling, endorsements, clothing line, shoe line, and she has broken so many records.   

                Robyn Rihanna Fenty has broken a record of being Dior’s first African American woman to grace their campaign. She did with their Secret Garden collection in her stylish shades, red lipstick, and of course they have the right lady she’s 5’10 inches tall, with model looks and features. You she has the whole entire package, she has done some acting as well appearing on SNL in many skits, Battleship, and lent her voice to the main character of Home (2014). She has shown that she can cross over and work with just about anyone. She has worked with Kanye, Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake, her ex-beau, Chris Brown, Future, Drake,  and so many more. I would love to see her work with more female artists and possibly do some more songwriting as well. She has a way of transforming herself as a chameleon completely. She can become anyone she wants to be.  

 

 

2011 released "Rated R" featuring "So Hard" and "Talk that Talk"

 

 

2010 Relased

 

Her first album, "Music of the Sun" in 2005 featuring "Pon de Replay"

 

She released a reloaded album of Good Girl Gone Bad in 2007 featuring hit "Take A Bow" and "Umbrella"

 

2012 Unapologetic "Stay", 'Birthday Cake" and "Diamonds"

One other personal memory I have was when I was working at Roc A Fella Records doing my internship at Universal Music Group Records and I remember for the first time hearing “Umbrella” being played definitely a true hit. It was originally written for Mary J. Blige but she refused the pop confection hit. Truly a gift I believe because this song is played all over the world, in so many television, movies, and will be forever a karaoke go to song too.

One of her biggest accomplishments she just won a Billboard Award for Billboard Chart Achievement Award on Sunday at the2016 Billboard Music Awards and just performed “Love on the Brain” from her latest album  her new single just released in March is all ready climbing the charts right now. She has won numerous in the past as well from Billboard, American Music Awards, MTV, and more. So this woman isn’t slowing down at all. Expect more music and more of her fashion label in the future. For more information on her new album and upcoming projects visit http://www.rihannanow.com and follow her on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter.

 

 

You hear her on the radio now read how she got there-Angie Martinez-My Voice

The book just debuted this month with a foreword written by: rap artist/songwriter, J Cole

I have something definitely to share with you all when it comes to this special woman. You can hear her voice on the radio. It’s something about people’s voices and faces we have a tendency to remember especially when you have known or seen the person for a long time. Her story resonates with mine we both are familiar with the radio industry and how it works. I wanted to be in the music industry for a long time always wanted to be a singer/songwriter or become an actress actually. As many of you know my background let me into the media field.  So as you know I grew up around the radio industry. My mother, Gina is an account executive she works in the sales/advertising department of radio. She earned her degree in broadcasting from Stony brook University. So radio and music have always been a part of my life but when your mother is around that industry you really grow up around it.

                My mother has been around the industry of radio since the mid-1980s she found a job working for CBS Radio the year before I was born. She worked there for a few years before getting the opportunity to work and relocate to Washington, D.C. to work at Majic 102.3 radio station with Cathy Hughes. So for me being able to grow up around that I always knew I was attracted to the arts, entertainment. I love being able to see what they do actually. It really hit me when she got the chance to work at 93.9-Kiss FM in Washington, D.C. that’s when I discovered I had a knack for doing interviews, also I fell in love with having the opportunity to meet celebrities too. The first group I met was the R&B 1990s band, Immature who would later become IMX. I knew from that day this is it I am supposed to be in the music industry some way or somehow. So when my mother and I had to relocate back to New York she went first for a new opportunity I of course was right behind her. This time she would cross over into mainstream radio though. She had the chance  first to work at WBLS Radio station this was when I discovered many deejays one in particular, Wendy Williams who would go on to have a successful career in radio broadcasting, film, and television. Hence the “Wendy Williams Experience” and now “Wendy Williams Show”. So you all wonder how does  Angie Martinez fit into all of this. I will get to that in just a moment. In 1998 my mother asked me and told me she would be working for a new radio station well one that caters to a younger audience WQHT’s HOT 97 in New York City. I told her she should do it and the rest is history. She worked there for about 5 years during that time was definitely some of the most memorable times of my life and hers. In 1999 I would get the chance to experience my first summer jam concert. I loved it I was very young but it taught me how to grow up fast. I had a chance to see the faces of the radio station. One in particular of course is Angie Martinez she would emcee the show along with DJ Funk master Flex and many other people. Angie is one of the fiercest Latinas in the radio industry game. She has interviews hundreds of rap artists, R&B, pop and international stars from all over. You can recognize her voice instantly.

                I would also listen to her show and many others. I still do so it’s definitely a part of me so now when I hear she has a book I am like really!!! I have heard about her book with her Latin recipes, I have heard her album she had a single called “Mi Amor” and “If I can go” on the radio that was pretty popular where she crossed over from deejay to rap artist. So now that she has expanded her brand is incredible. In 2014, Angie left Hot 97 which of course many of us were like all sad because she has become apart of the 18-45 crowd when it comes to music. She has not lost her touch though she still conducts some of the best interviews in the business. She treats people very welcoming like their her personal friends. Although some are her personal friends she makes them feel at home when behind the microphone.

                One of my best memories of Angie has to be for my sweet sixteen she wished me a Happy Birthday for my 16^th birthday. So that’s something I won’t forget that I still have my sweet 16 video and the tape of dedications from everyone  including DJ Funkmaster  Flex, Red  Alert, and Angie to all of you thank you sending mucho besos !!!  For more information on Summer Jam (see I am giving you all a plug lol!) visit http://www.hot97.com for more information on Power 105 visit http://www.power1051fm.com , and for more information on Angie, her books, and music visit http://www.thevoiceofny.com follow them on twitter and Instagram too!!!!

"Southside with You" debuts this summer 2016

         Talk about a treat and love letter to and from the Obamas. I cannot believe after two terms and nearly eight years now that President Obama and his wife, Michelle have been in office in the White House now. I can still vividly remember sitting next to my father at his old apartment in Riverdale, Maryland and we were watching the live broadcast of him being sworn in and taking the oath of office with his hand on the bible. On that very cold January 20, 2009 day President Obama's wife, his two children, Sasha and Malia were observing and taking in the momentous occasion. What better way for them to be honored now with a romantic, drama, and biography about how their life and relationship all began in the summer of 1989.  I see this as a fitting tribute to the two of them especially with his last year in office and era of him and wife as the first African American family in the white house. I remember seeing Obama campaigning around New York, I even had a chance to do some phone banking for him in 2008 and in 2012 with his second term. It has been one experience I will cherish always I met many people along the way who are apart of me. I remember it very well and this part of my life will always be with me. I was in college at the time getting ready to vote for the first time. I missed the ’04 election due to my birthdate but was very happy for this election would fall just 2 days after I turned 22 years old. On November 8, 2008 I voted for the first time and am very proud I had a chance to vote for President Barack Obama on the ballot in Jersey City that fall day. It was a momentous election for not only himself, but for the country, and the world. It has redefined us completely as a country and a generation.

         I love that they decided to do a film on him especially right before he is leaving office later on this year and this is his last year and term. The entire family embarks on a new journey together next year and new chapter of their lives. Sasha it was just announced all over every single media outlet in the fall of 2017 she will be attending her father’s alma mater, Harvard University. She plans to major in film production (Wise choice) she even completed two internships working with the Steven Spielberg and on CBS’s “Extant” with Halle Berry. I wonder how will the world be “Post-Obama”, “post-Obamacare”, and how is this going to affect us all. Well obviously there has been hope, change, and a beautiful mark across the board for everyone to witness and experience. Now not only do we get to have a piece of history, memorabilia along the way.  In August we will now have a romantic drama about the Obamas and how the journey in the summer of 1989 in Chicago, Illinois where a young, Michelle LaVaughn Robinson met Barack Hussein Obama. This will be one of the films to remember. The film is directed & starring Richard Tanne, produced and starring Glendon Palmer , Robert Teitel, & Richard Tanne  is starring Parker Sawyers as a young Barack Obama as he is attending Harvard University. It will also star Euphemia “Tika” Sumpter who will play Michelle Obama nee Robinson.  Talk about the role of a lifetime. Tika Sumpter has starred and played many interesting characters just saw her most recently, “Ride Along 2” (2016) and she her resume is quite impressive, “One Life to Live”, “Stomp the Yard: Homecoming”, “Gossip Girl”, “The Game” (2011) , “What’s your Number?” (2009), “Think Like A Man” (2012), “Sparkle” (2012), “ A Madea Christmas” (2014), Tyler Perry’s “The Haves and the Have Nots” on the OWN network, and BET’s “Being Mary Jane”.

         As she will play Michelle the film will focus on how the couple first developed, their friendship, how their love, loyalty, commitment formed, and how the first family redefined themselves.  They both have achieved greatness since he first became senator, during his campaign, during two terms (2008-2012) and (2012-2016) his last and final term. They achieved many milestones, goals, and have even inspired couples all over the world not only to have a romantic relationship with their partners, husbands/wives, but to also develop a better business sense, they redefined family in the White House. I believe he has set a great example for African American men as fathers. You see a great deal achieved. He has inspired many men young and old.

What a beautiful way for them to be honored it is extremely bittersweet to say good-bye to them. They have become a great part of my life, volunteering for the campaign along with thousands of others has taught me something about fighting for change and what you believe in as well. It taught me why it is so important to give back as well. So now along with his and her biographies, photos, memories, videos, documentaries, hats, buttons. We will now have a romantic/drama film to show that true love and the right person can open up some major doors for you as a person.

Sundance was already released the film internationally on January 24, 2016 and now the film will debut within the country in  theaters on August 26, 2016. For more information I suggest you visit http://www.sundance.com , http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4258698/, follow Tika and Parker online for more information until the film’s website is posted and up. Of course you know I had to include photos my dear readers you may see some throwbacks you have never seen. 

       

2009- The Inaugural Ball Photo remember these Jason Wu designs &  to the left the 2013 Inaugural Ball dinner  

 

There’s a new matchmaker in town for Fox TV Networks” get ready for Coupled Up this May

Hello my beautiful and handsome readers I saw this show and instantaneously became interested. Many of you know I am part of the Bachelor/Bachelorette nation. I love a great reality produced television show. Now you get to see a new one come to Fox this time. I don’t remember them taking on too many matchmaking shows this time they are making it for the ladies though.  So who’s the host well someone who knows about perfect matches he was the host of BET’s “106& Park” television show for about 11 straight seasons from (2001-2012) along with his co-host, Rocsi Diaz.

 

                Now Terrence J (Terrence Jenkins) has completely reinvented himself he is an actor, has started his own production company, and also has starred in quite a few films and television shows “The Game” (2011), “Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man” (2012), “Act Like A Lady Think Like A Man 2” (2014), “Baggage Claim” (2013), he was co-host of E News from (2012-2015), and just most recently “Perfect Match” (2016) starring Cassie Ventura, Donald Faison, Lauren London where he plays an advertising guru in charge of a company with major celebrity endorsements who falls in love with the beautiful, Cassie Ventura the rest of this film you have to see for yourself never like to disclose too much in films until I do a review usually.

So back to Coupled Up will be focused around a group of ladies who are on the prowl to find love similar to the Bachelor/Bachelorette concept but this time it’s all about the woman’s choice to choose who she wants to end up with on the show. I am pretty sure their host will know how to assist and play the role with this unique and colorful gang of people. So get ready my readers television is going to get even more exciting on Fox television they’re heading into lover’s lane on May 17,2016 with “Coupled Up” for more information on the show visit http://www.fox.com  , for more information on Terrence J and upcoming projects and television shows make sure you follow him on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat.