Having recently watched The September Issue for the first time (save the boos and hisses– i know i’m late),  I’ve gained a different take on the infamous leader of the free (fashion) world, American Vogue Magazine Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. Seeing a glimpse into Anna the person, and not Anna the deadpan-straight-business-ice queen-of-Vogue was great. I really feel like she’s a great spirit, and believing that, I want to know more… so why not go see her in person?

Of course I can’t just traipse into the Vogue offices at will (yet), but I (we!) can go see her when she’s out and about, so let’s do it.

Pratt Institute in NYC has  announced that Anna will speak at the school’s Brooklyn campus at Memorial Hall Auditorium on Monday, April 19 at 6 p.m. for a lecture that is free and open to the public.

Seating is limited however, therefore RSVP’s must be made by emailing events@pratt.edu by Tuesday, April 23rd. Media spots are also available (contact Amy Aronoff).

After the lecture, there will also be a question-and-answer session with Anna and who I personally believe is one of the best dressed men in the world: Hamish Bowles, European Editor-At-Large for Vogue.

The fact that it’s on a monday is a bit icky being that I live in DC, but I’m seriously considering a trip to NYC for this.

PNC’s what up!?

AR!

It is incredibly hard to believe that the Grammy nominated ‘it’ boy rapper Drake is just releasing his first single for his debut album. I want his publicist. He is already a big name in the game and has yet to drop his debut Thank Me Later. His debut single (although he has had plenty of other singles) is called “Over” and is a great opener for his album. Filled with live instruments, the Boi-1Da produced track has Drake doing his trademark mix of rapping and singing. I like it and can see it doing very well (I mean it’s Drake afterall).

[Download Here]

“Oh that’s right….I’m doing me!”

Thoughts?

Cj..

*Warning: Crack music is in this post*

Admittedly, when I saw the track listing for Usher’s album Raymond vs. Raymond (releasing March 26th) had a song called “Mars vs. Venus”, I raised my eyebrow. I couldn’t help but to immediately think of Jay-Z’s “Venus vs. Mars”. So when I discovered that the track leaked, my curiosity nearly forced me to give it a listen. I’m so glad I did. The song is amazing. I won’t talk to much about it, just download it.

Although it has mostly been leaked, Usher’s album is shaping up to be a really great effort. I can’t wait to get my hand on the entire disc. I’m not sure he will ever have another Confessions, but Raymond vs. Raymond will be another great disc from the R&B superstar.

[Download Here]

THOUGHTS?

Cj..

Marsha Ambrosius is a rare gem. Her vocals are so soft and inspiring while her music sings to the heart. If you didn’t already know she is going solo leaving behind her Floetry days. Her debut album will be titled Late Nights & Early Morning and releases at the end of this year. Here’s a treat for Marsha lovers…her short and sweet mixtape Yours Sincerely.

[Download Here]

Cj..

One of my favorite song-writers/artists/producers The Dream has released his first single to be lifted off his upcoming LoveKing album. The song (titled “LoveKing”) is classic Dream-and I am not complaining. I was apprehensive when the beat first kicked in but my worries vanished as the song got into the heart of it. With his trademark off-the-wall lyrics and addictive production, “LoveKing” serves as a pleasant start to the material expected from the album. I am a Dream fan, Love/Hate and Love Vs. Money were amazing and cohesive efforts so I expect the same from the third installment.

[Download Here]

Cj..

Seeing as I am actually from the Caribbean as well, I was definitely one of those who gave Rihanna a hard time for her lack of representation. However, she finally decided to tap into her island background with this one and give us something a little different and less ‘dark’. I love it. The colors, and the subtle dance moves are fiyyyah. Who knew she could slow wind.

Aisha

The rasp-jazz songstress, Erykah Badu, takes us back to her musical roots with this captivating new single. The highly-anticipated “Window Seat” from her upcoming album New Amerykah Part Two: The Return of the Ankh is just the soothing cut I’ve been waiting to hear from her. The lyrics are executed perfectly alongside its smooth production. I wasn’t a huge fan of New Amerykah Part One: 4th World War, so hopefully this is reflective of what to expect from the sequel. The album is expected to drop on March 30th.

[ Erykah Badu - Window Seat ]

Aisha

The most interesting desert boot I’ve seen. Online boutique, Acne, presents a pony-skinned version.

Find them HERE for about $480.

…And speaking of pony’s. A dope rock rendition of Ginuwine’s hit by rock band, Far

[Props, Jabari]

Download Ginuwine’s Pony HERE

Far’s Version HERE

AR!

I wasn’t able to catch last night’s BET Honors, but I heard it was a smash hit. A couple of my friends were actually in attendence and told me that from the taping it was the best award show that BET has had to date. I’ve seen some clips here and there on the internet, but this one I’m about to post truly brightened my day. Singer, Kim Burrel (one of Whitney Houston’s favorites), paid tribute to Whitney with the song “I Believe In Miracles“. It was an amazing rendition, and Whitney couldn’t stay in her seat. I got chills listening to Kim sing and watching Whitney’s reaction. You’ve got to see for yourself!

I can’t wait until I catch the next airing of the show, that was enough to have me fiending for more.

*I know I’ve been gone for a minute, but I’m back ya’ll !

Aisha

Welcome to 2010’s most anticipated album.

AR!

Yesterday I had some hot hip hop tracks, today we’ll take a more alternative route. So enjoy these few cuts. All are worth a download for sure. Enjoy!

“Next Best Thing” – Nikki & Rich [DOWNLOAD HERE]

Scott Vener [check out his blog Broke Mogul for some great music], music supervisor for HBO’s Entourage believes Nikki & Rich are soon-to-be-superstars. After hearing this single, I can see why. With great production and 60’s era musicality covered with Nikki’s surprisingly soulful voice, this track is a handful– and I ain’t mad. — and I ain’t mad.

“Live Like We’re Dying” – Kris Allen [DOWNLOAD HERE]

[Props to Valdez Steed]. I’m a sucker for smooth joints, and this is just that. From the American Idol 8th Season winner, Kris Allen, Live Like We’re Dying is a smooth rock joint with great lyrics. Call this feel-good music.

“Fireflies” – Owl City [DOWNLOAD HERE]

You know that joint that’s been out for so long it’s technically old but you, for some odd reason, haven’t heard it until say— 6 months after its release? Yea… this is that cut. Simply addicting. Don’t know which one I like better…the sound, or the lyrics. I’ll let you decide.

“Runaway Girl” – Drake f. Colin Munroe [DOWNLOAD HERE]

Ok ok, technically this isn’t alternative. But who cares, it’s hot. Oh and Colin Munroe?– get up on em.

AR!

“Up Out Of My Face” – Mariah Carey f. Nicki Minaj

First up, the new single from our new favorite drunk and Ms. Minaj. Nicki starts off strong per usual and Mariah keeps it that way. Really diggin this single.[DOWNLOAD HERE!]

•••

Knockout – Lil Wayne f. Nicki Minaj

I don’t like this song. Consider this nothing more than Exhibit A of “Why I could care less about Rebirth.” Nothing’s worse than when an artist tries too hard. Wayne, you’re not a rocker–neither are you Nicki. Fuck outta here. [DOWNLOAD HERE]

•••

“Bedrock Freestyle” – Wale [DOWNLOAD HERE!]

This reminds me why I bang with Wale so hard. Almost forgot after that ATROCIOUS Hip Hop Awards freestyle fiasco. But hey, the man with the most underrated album of ‘09 goes IN. This freestyle is DOPE!

•••

“Thank You Freestyle” – Wale [DOWNLOAD HERE]

See above statement.

•••

“Drop The World Freestyle” – Royce Da 5′9 [DOWNLOAD HERE]

One of the most criminally underrated artists of the last decade. Royce been doing this, but let this be your introduction. Murders this freestyle.

•••

“Big Dog (I Wanna Rock) Freestyle” – Young Jeezy [DOWNLOAD HERE]

Shhh— don’t say it out loud, but somewhere between Thug Motivation 101 and now, Jeezy has lowkey become one of my favorite rappers. With arguably two classics under his belt [and one of the ten best rap albums of the last decade], you need to pay attention when this guy speaks. So listen up.

•••

“Upside Down” – Snoop Dogg f. Nipsey Hussel & Problem (my fave!!) [DOWNLOAD HERE]

Big Snoop and his illegitimate son team up on this track. Is it worth your time? Let’s just say after I heard this cut, I immediately gave Snoops entire album a listen [its damn good]. Beat is sick, Nipsey goes hard, this just goes. Call this my favorite song out of this post [u know I'm a sucka for a party song].

•••

“Buffalo Bill” – Eminem [DOWNLOAD HERE]

Deranged Eminem always has a place in my ipod. Marshall’s always at his best when at his most weird. No exception here.

Hope you enjoy!

AR!

Kelly Cutrone. Fashion Icon, and founder of the brand imaging and PR firm People’s Revolution (of MTV’s The Hills fame) discusses everything “fashion intern.”

“I don’t know if you know…that I made interning famous.”

My Resumé keep telling me ’she could GET IT.’

Who am I to deny my resumé?

AR

PS. Mrs. Cutrone has a book coming out February 2. More details, and pre-order HERE.

Here is the official full-lengthed video for Trey Songz’ “Say Aah” featuring Fabolous. It continues where “Invented Sex” left off, or should we say “started”. I hope everyone enjoyed their New Years celebration, this was definitely a banger in ‘09.

Aisha

One year is over. On To The Next One.

Here is the official video for Jay-Z’s “On To The Next One” from the Blueprint 3, featuring Swizz Beats. Jay sticks to the black and white themes of his past few videos. Visually, it’s a great video. The only issue I have is that the girl twerking in the middle should have been Beyonce. This one they have here isn’t doing the moves justice.

Aisha

Here’s a new track from Tweet titled ”Love Again“. It’s a mellow and soulful cut which features production from Charlie Bereal and Craig Brockman.”Love Again” is a certified winner, and gives me what I need from Tweet. I can’t wait to see what else the album has in store–it is slated for a fall 2010 release.

[ Tweet - Love Again]

Aisha

For the new music today I thought it would be cool if majority of the artists weren’t big names. So, lets kick it off with two names you should know followed by a few names trying to get their break into the industry.

[Monica-One in a Lifetime]

[Kandy Life- Lady Gaga] (recorded before her first album)

[Winner-Krys Ivory]

[Tipsy- Tayma Loren ft. The Dream]

[Sex Playlist-Chrishan]

Enjoy.

Cj..

Here’s a leak from Beyoncé called “Black Culture.” It is an interesting recording that sounds like it samples Michael Jackson. I doubt this song is anything to take too seriously, it really sounds like Beyoncé was just having fun in the studio. The track isn’t amazing but it is an interesting ode to the late King of Pop and a fun experiment.

[Download Here]

You know, I didn’t really care for it too much at first but the more I listen to it the more it grows on me.

Cj..

I want to give a special shoutout to my homegirl Brittany for giving me the tip off about this! Here is the official trailer for Sex and The City 2. I am a huge Sex and The City fan, and pride myself on having seen every single episode ever created. (I had a lot of time on my hands freshman year) I am more than excited to see this, and I’ll probably watch the trailer atleast 5 more times before I go to see. I can’t wait to get CARRIEd away, can you?!

Aisha

Here is the fifth single and video from Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 album, “Young Forever” featuring Mr. Hudson. This is my favorite track on the album, and the video is extremely simple, to the point and does the song justice. If you haven’t already, make sure to cop the Blueprint 3 , and definitely cop Mr.Hudson’s Straight No Chaser–both were certainly some of the best of ‘09.

Aisha