Outlandish snowboard boots aside, Pharrell Williams is just too cool for school.
He’s sitting on the new chair he designed. Hmm…interesting.
Cj..It’s Black & Gold day. So you already know what I want to happen today.
Fashion magazines always tickle my fancy. Flipping through the pages of GQ, Esquire, Details or even Complex or Vibe can give a feeling of inspiration or confidence in one’s fashion. It’s fun to get new ideas for your own personal style and to see some interesting new fashion pieces. Fashion literature is an integral aspect of the conscious stylish individual’s ability to maintain their fly, their steez. Well, I’ve found a book that caters to history and uniqueness of American menswear fashion.Have a peek at American Fashion Menswear by Robert E. Bryan.
The book looks to showcase the evolution of American men’s fashion. From the practical and functional to the stylish and extravagant, men’s fashion has been as important in America has women’s. The book also shows powerful icons that have shaped fashion as well as the classic looks that still remain inspiration for today’s fashion.
Learn more about and purchase the book [here].
It’s been a long time since we’ve done our Take it Back. Take it Back segment here at MESH. So, if you’re new here, every once in a while we like to look at a throwback video/song and remember its excellence. Today’s take it back joint comes from Amerie. “Talkin’to Me” was the second single from her debut All I Have and is a classic R&B cut. Enjoy.
We here at MESH. just want to wish everyone a beautiful, blessed, and safe Thanksgiving.
Go on. Go eat and get fat. Be thankful for the food!
Underrated \??n-d?(r)-?r?t\-to not be aware or take account of the full abilities or potential of.
If you’re new to MESH. (where have you been?!) we like to feature artists who we feel are incredibly deserving and whose talents can often go unnoticed or aren’t respected in the way it should-the underrated artist. So far we’ve had our list of underrated R&B artists [here] as well as featured our first spotlight on the talent Jill Scott [here]. For our next installment, we will honor the genius that is Anthony Hamilton.
With humble beginnings in his Charlotte, NC church choir at age ten, Anthony Hamilton discovered his raw talent. With an uplifting soulful voice, he knew his sound could touch the hearts of millions. After several false starts, including two unreleased albums, Anthony began touring with D’Angelo as well has providing backups for artists like 2Pac and Eve. With the release of his album Comin’ From Where I’m From featuring his most successful single to date “Charlene,” he solidified his place as one of Neo-Soul’s leading men.
With studio albums like Ain’t Nobody Worryin’ and my favorite The Point of It All following, it’s hard not to see why Anthony Hamilton’s music is a rare treat to the ears. As always, lets try to break down how sickening the talent is. When you need that song that reminds you of how much you want, need, and respect someone despite your foolish decisions you have “Charlene” or “I’m a Mess” or “Please Stay.” When you need a sensual venture there’s the journey of “Float” or “Change Your World.” Need a little empowerment? Try “Ain’t Nobody Worryin’” or “Coming From Where I’m From.” And as always there are the beautiful ballads “The Point of It All”, “Never Love Again”, and “Her Heart.”
Simply put, Anthony Hamilton is an artist who can easily convey passion and emotion in his music. It’s the combination of his raspy vocals, subject matter, clever yet relatable lyrics, and the quality of his music. If you weren’t an Anthony Hamilton fan before, I implore you to listen to his music. Several of his tracks have changed my outlook on various situations in my life. His perspective of human emotions is so warm and charming. An Anthony Hamilton track is a feel good track that speaks to thoughts you never knew you were thinking. I expect to hear more inspiring music from Mr. Hamilton in the future and expect his career to grow with each album.
Give some of his music a listen.
Anthony Hamilton-Lucille
Anthony Hamilton-The Point of It All
Anthony Hamilton- Please Stay
Anthony Hamilton- Float
So what if there is a 60 % chance she’s a lesbian now, Rihanna is still fly as hell.
Her at the Balmain show during Paris Fashion Week.
Her [possible] lover.
Now, I made that title for a couple of reasons.
1.) The new music leaks offered have been underwhelming as of late.
2.) “Breaking My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)” by Mint Condition has been my throwback jam of the week.
3.) That new Amerie ft. Trey Songz leak (couple posts below- a real winner!) features that very song (what a coincidence).
So I ask…
Speaking of great music, you should give “Breaking My Heart” a listen to right now…
thought you should know:
Get a glimpse of us doing what we do best…..cooking up excellence in ‘the lab’.
What’s on the agenda?
Expect big things in the coming weeks.
September 1st is a special day to me.
Its always belonged to my mother, Donna Marie Randle, it was her day. It IS her day. A lot of people believe their mother is the best in the world… believe that few others compare. I’ll save the clichés for another post– this is all real.
There has been no single person, who has had a bigger impact on myself, work ethic, and ultimately success than you. When all else have shied away or left me feeling alone, you have always been there.
She’s always told me that if I were “1 or 101, she’d be there.” Well mom, I’m not 101, but I am on my way to the top, and true to your word, you’ve always been there.
That’s Love.
Aisha,
This has been a whirlwind. It’s been everything. You’ve been everything. A lot of these “friendships” are questionably to say the least. With success comes the suckas. But you’ve been there, and all this would be nothing without you. I am blessed to have you not only as a business partner, but as a friend. You are an amazingly beautiful person, and I am honored to be a part of your life.
Who: Trey Songz
What: Third Album “Ready”
Where: Worldwide Release
When: August 31, 2009
The R&B game needs a certified king.
With Kellz having not had an official album in almost two years, Neyo falling off just a bit, Lloyd producing great music with no impact, and The-Dream not quite falling into a certain niche, the throne seems to be there for the taking. The only question is: who’s ready?
Apparently, Trey Songz.
With what may be this year’s most anticipated R&B album from anyone not named Houston, Tremaine “Trey Songz” Neverson is making a strong case for why he needs to be talked about in the same circles as the heavy hitters.
Having created a fiercely loyal fan base through a multitude of leaks and mixtapes (“Anticipation,” “Genesis,” etc.) it’s not support Songz was looking for with this album, but unbridled expression: “this is the album that most exhibits myself… with the least compromise.”
Express himself Songz does.
Ready is a good, solid album showcasing sizeable growth from his first two: 2005’s I Gotta Make It and 2007’s Trey Day. Beginning with the unabashed “Panty Dropper” Songz sets the tone with the sensuality he’s known for. It is from this point that we are reeled into the world that is Songz.
Whether he’s bothering neighbors with raucous love making on “Neighbors Know My Name,” trying his hand at monogamy (One Love), or dreaming of unbridled success (Successful), Ready exposes all facets of the man that is Trey Songz.
The strength of Ready lies in its ability to not be one-dimensional. Often times, listeners are treated only to a sexy, almost lustful Songz, And while that man is definitely there, we also see a more vulnerable, human side of Trey – a by product of Songz’ obvious growth as an artist over the last few years.
Tracks like “Jupiter Love” and “Holla If You Need Me,” the latter of which was produced in part by current Howard student Chris Hines, are classic “Trey tracks” which, due largely to Songz smooth-as-silk voice, comparable production, and addictive lyrics will captivate even the coldest hearts. But it is the least recognizable tracks, that show a different side of Songz, which prove to be the album’s standouts. Take “Black Roses” for example. A sleeper hit, the Bei Maejor track is addictive as Songz croons of a dying love over a twisted guitar. “One Love” also samples a heavy guitar as Songz tells of his yearning for lasting monogamy. The Human Nature reminiscent “Love Lost” and seemingly Purple Rain themed “Yo Side of the Bed” are also great tracks showcasing Songz growth.
However, as with all growth, there are a few pains.
“Say Aah” featuring Fabolous, the owner of the best rap album of 2009 so far, has what it takes to be a certified club banger and will probably be the next released single and hit for Songz. However one can’t listen to it without calling to mind the already blockbuster “alcohol and club correlated“ hit “Blame It’ by Jamie Foxx—an originality fail. However the most glaring mishap has to go to the emoticon inspired “LOL 
(Smiley Face)” featuring Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy. Smiley Face is so commercial and mindless that it’s silly; and totally disrupts the smooth, concentrated flow of the album.
Webster’s Dictionary defines Ready as being “fully prepared.” Consider “Ready” as Trey Songz warning to the rest of the field. No this album is not a “typical” Songz album á la his smash mixtape “Anticipation.” But ready is a good album. Songz shows considerable growth from his first two albums, and makes it clear that the best is yet to come.
The throne is still vacant, and there’s a heated race to the top.
Trey Songz leads that race.
4/5 MESH MARKS
For those that don’t know CGI= Can Get It. Kim Kardashian changed up her hair style and now I believe she is on certified CGI level.
And lil’ mama not with Reggie Bush any more? Yea, I’ll gladly fill that void for her.
So, although I haven’t had any problems, the rest of the world nearly stopped today as Twitter didn’t seem to work. I can’t help but laugh at how dependent we have become on Twitter. Seriously, people were really tight about it being down.Well below is an explanation of what happened.
Don't you despise the Fail Whale?
Anyways peep the explanation of what happened [here].
While your at it follow the MESH. PNC’s
[Aisha's Twitter][Aaron's Twitter][Cj's Twitter]
&
Vote for MESH. in the 2009 Black Weblog Awards for Best New Blog and Best Group Blog [here].
Thanks!
Go ahead, Tweet this…the button is provided below. haha!
[The Scenario]
The MESH. PNC’s were all innocently enjoying their Sunday evenings:
Aisha-Just getting out of seeing Orphan…mentally preparing herself to drive a truck.
Aaron-Still recuperating from a lavish loft party.
Cj- Getting his ass kicked in a game of Monopoly.
[Then out of nowhere, they discover]
MESH. is a finalist in two categories (Best New Blog, Best Group Blog) for the 2009 Black Weblog Awards!
Excitement? (Hell yeah!)
MESH.| Music. Edge.Style.Heaven. would like to say thank you to all who have continually supported us. We didn’t realize the success we could accomplish and owe in large part to you guys. We ask that you continue to stand by us as we grow into an unstoppable force. We’re delighted that the MESHlife has become a legitimate lifestyle and encourage everyone to dwell in it and get lifted!
Now, the work isn’t over yet. We need for you to go [HERE] and vote for MESH. in categories 9 & 16 (Those are the only ones you have to worry about as you can only vote for a certain number of categories). Help us achieve this award and spread the word about the awards as well as our blog.
So I came across this….
And I was forced to remember just how dope IPO is and how they will soon be a force to reckon with.
If you foolishly forgot. Go find out a little more about IPO [here].
Way back when, I did a post dedicated to the underrated R&B/Soul artists in the music industry. Check it out [here]. I’ve decided that every so once in a while I would pick an artist from that list, or someone who comes to mind, to feature and expound on why they are underrated and why I think they deserve more attention. So, I welcome you to The Underrated Artists’ Hour.
Now, before we dive into this thing let me refresh your memory.
Underrated \??n-d?(r)-?r?t\-to not be aware or take account of the full abilities or potential of.
This go round’s featured artist is none other than:
Jill Scott is one of the most talented artists I can think of in the music industry. Sure, she’s won three Grammy’s (although for features and song writing) and her acting career has taken off beautifully, but there is something about her (especially her music) that is often taken for granted. A large part of it is because she’s in the beautiful genre of music, Neo-Soul, that often leaves its artists underrated. If it wasn’t evident from her style, Jill began as a spoken word artist. She was then asked to write on an Erykah Badu & The Roots track “You Got Me” which went on to win a Grammy. Jill then transitioned into a recording artist, something I’m sure her fans are grateful for as her music is effortlessly classic and beautifully touching. Her subject matter is real, her deliverance is perfect, and her vocals are soothing yet powerful. Yet, with all her true artistry, it doesn’t seem to connect commercially. Her album sales are decent but her disc only go Gold, while this women’s work should be a requirement to listen to.
Let me try to break down just how raw this chick is. Whether it’s the empowering “Golden” and ”Hate On Me,” the soothing “Cross My Mind,” the fun vibes of “Whatever,” the energy of “Gimme,” or the artistic beauty of ”He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat),” Jill serves timeless material. She has the ability to capture unique emotions in her music and truly expound on interestingly relatable subject matter. She’s able to be incredibly vulgar in a non trashy way. Take her songs “Epiphany” and “Crown Royal on Ice.” Both have incredibly mature material and when you break down the lyrics are both kind of freaky songs but the way they are delivered showcase Jill’s artistry, her class, and her rare abilities.
The great thing about Jill is that I think her days of being underrated are slowly coming to a close. She’s getting more and more attention, especially with her acting, and I feel that her next effort will be appreciated appropriately. She deserves it. Her talent is rare and the beauty of her as an artist, and as a person is captivating. It’s inspiring to see her live her life like it’s Golden. Keep it up Jill.
What’s your favorite Jill Scott song?
So, I must admit. I didn’t catch the entire showing of CNN’s Black in America 2 last night but the fifteen minutes I did catch seemed promising. I even heard there was a mini-shout out to my school Howard University! I will probably check out the second portion tonight but I just wanted to get everyone’s opinions so far of the sequel to the mixed recieved Black in America that CNN did a while back? The second part of the sequel continues tonight at 8pm ET.
I’m not sure why but this made me think of The Dream’s song “Sweat It Out.” Don’t you love that song? ANYWAYS peep Ciara’s new haircut she’s been rocking as of late.
It’s been said on countless Twitter updates, Facebook statuses, and text messages–If you were in DC and not at 20/20 The Vision is Clear presented by IPO Lifestyle Group and MESH. you were dumb! The event was a total success and IPO was largely responsible for everything. The grown and sexy atmosphere at Tabaq Bistro coupled with the amazing music blend courtesy of DJ Big Will made the night a memorable one. The event kicked off with a very relaxed lounge vibe as all the guest were feeling each other out but after a few drinks in the system and Big Will going in on the music, it quickly turned into a live, hype, extremely fun event filled with laughter, dancing, photography, and of course fly dressing. Ashaya Robinson churned out an awesome performance. Big ups to the Wesley Jackson of IPO who orchestrated the entire event and who was the birthday boy of the evening. And a major ups to my PNC Aaron Randle holding it down as the night’s host. The only let down of the evening was that my beautiful PNC Aisha Johnson couldn’t make it.
More pics from the party after the jump… read more »
Aaron
