Last week I posted a picture of R&B heavy hitters, Usher and Chris Brown that had a special air to it. Now, it’s Hip Hop’s turn. Photographed at Nello‘s Restaurant in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Jay-Z and Kanye West had a dinner date which gives us this picture. Might I say, it’s a little on the classic side.

Cj..

Had I seen this image of R&B crooners Usher and Chris Brown (pictured recently in Jamaica) a few years ago, I’d look at it in a completely different way. It would have almost been symbolic of Usher passing the torch or just even giving blessing to Chris’s rise to being in the likes of R&B royalty. But, after a few years and an infamous slap to face, It reads a little different–maybe still symbolic. With Chris’s recent Michael Jackson tribute, it seem that his career was subtly kicked back into motion as the industry seemed to finally move on and forgive him. Yet I still wonder, does Chris deserve a crown at the top of R&B or will others like Trey Songz rightfully snatch his chance at the thrown?

What do you guys think?

Cj..

We didn’t get a chance to do a review (one possibly in the works), but….

MESH. officially dubs Big Boi‘s Sir Lucious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty the #BestRapAlbum of the year thus far.

But then again, Teflon Don is coming around the corner…

Cj.

MESH.

photo: 83 year old Yoga instructor, Bette Calman

What’s Impossible?

MESH.

Don’t really care, but if I had to comment on the Lil Kim vs. Nicki Minaj wars….

I’d say Nicki’s face is beating Lil Kim’s at this moment.

#JustSaying

Cj..

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?

Well, what if the beholder cuts your paychecks?

Aside from sometimes being extremely overpriced (I still shop there anyways), American Apparel is known for its simplistic style and quality–I think they have the softest T-shirts in existence. It seems they also want to be known for the beauty of their employees and have always implemented strict rules for those in the AA crew. In order to get hired, you have to take a photograph which is later analyzed to see if you fit with the direction of the brand. Though recently, leaked memos suggest the strict nature of the company is starting to become…well…ridiculous. Here’s a couple of guidelines:

a) Makeup is to be kept to a minimal- please take this very seriously. Liquid eyeliner, pencil eyeliner and eyeshadow are advised against; mascara must look very natural (ie. should not be clumpy or a color that does not compliment your skin and haircolor). Blush must not be overdone- should not have glitter or sparkles. Liquid foundation is prohibited (undereye concealer is understandable if it looks natural- ie. not clumpy or caked on, must match your skin tone). Please do not use a shiny gloss on your lips; any lipcolor must be subtle.
b) Eyebrows must not be overplucked. Full eyebrows are very much encouraged. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color.
c) We encourage long, healthy, natural hair, so please be advised of the following:
-Hair must be kept your natural color.
-Blow-drying hair excessively could cause heat damage, so this is advised against.
-”Bangs” or “fringe” are advised against. It is not part of the direction we’re moving in.

and for the guys:

a) Hair should look natural. Excessive product to the extent of creating stiffness and an unnatural or greasy appearance to your hair is advised against.
b) Eyebrows should be natural. Please do not dye your eyebrows a different color or overpluck them.
c) Males should not wear makeup.
d) Facial hair needs to be kept clean and well groomed. Any mustache or goatee of a contemporary style are advised against.
e) No gauges allowed whatsoever.

I understand companies have guidelines, but come on. In fact, when I notice the rules for companies like American Apparel, Hollister, and Abercrombie & Fitch, I get slightly disgusted. Their need to implement a ‘standard of appearance’ when the make up of their customers doesn’t match their ideal is baffling. This suppose to be a land about celebrating individual beauty and style yet they’ve all seem to neglect that. Since I like AA too much to boycott, this post serves as my way of fighting for the cause.

[source]

No wonder it’s so hard to get a job there.

Thoughts?

Cj..

Haven’t done a Tack it Back Thursday in a while so here goes.

Last night I was listening to my iTune (which I pretty much do at all hours of the day) and was vibing to a lot of new M.I.A tracks. So this Take it Back features M.I.A’s “Bucky Done Gun”. The 2005 track lifted off her Arular album still stands as one of my favorites from her. The video is pretty dope too.

M.I.A will be releasing her next album MAYA July 13. If it’s anything like her last two albums, it’ll be a definite winner.

Cj..

First, lets get into the vid for “Deuces” one of my favorite tracks of Chris Brown and Tyga‘s popular mixtape Fan of a Fan.

Unlike most of the videos off the mixtape, this one doesn’t look completely low-budget. Haha

#Random Thought

With the release of two mixtapes that both bump hardbodied, is Chris Brown finally starting to salvage his career?

It’s no secret that Chris has been struggling ever since the Rihanna incident. It’s like no one really wants to forgive him. His last studio album Graffiti didn’t perform well as it was unsupported and ignored by the industry as a whole. I think that Chris will slowly get the respect he needs back for his career to continue and grow. I think he should focus on his mixtapes as they slowly warm audiences back up to him and some of his best material is on the In My Zone and Fan of a Fan mixtapes. With that being said, he also needs to watch his actions and his random fits via Twitter because that’s never a good look. Wishing him lucky and hoping everyone can look past his past, I mean we all make mistakes.

Thoughts?

Cj..

Where Brooklyn at? Absolut Vodka, in collaboration with famed director Spike Lee, has designed Absolut’s newest brand of vodka, Absolut Brooklyn. Inspired by the popular NYC borough, Absolut Vodka is a celebration of creativity and culture from New York. The flavor of the vodka is a mixture of apple and ginger. The bottle is decorated to depict the classic “Stoop Life” of Brooklyn. Hmmm interesting. I wonder what an Absolut Louisiana would be….

Cj..

Let’s play a quick game. I’ll say a word and you tell me the first thing that comes to your mind. It’s like a quick word association. Get it?

Me: Black actresses

You: Halle Berry, Lena Horne, Angela Bassett, Dorothy Dandrige, Alfre Woodard, Whoopi Goldberg…

Good, you did well. I’m actually proud.

Okay, sarcasm aside, when one thinks of Hollywood’s Black actresses these names and a few more immediately pop up. They are pioneers who are both beautiful and talent. Many, like Lena Horne, have paved the way for Black talent to have a place in Hollywood. It’s no secret that being a Black woman in Hollywood is no cake walk. With a saturated market, few roles, and all the attention going toward their White counterparts, it amazes me that so many have been able to succeed. But then again, Black women are fighters right?

Well, I’m proud to say that Black Hollywood has a new class of actresses ready to take on the challenges of those who came before them and take Hollywood by storm. Enriched with raw talent, exotic beauty, and undeniable charm, these new leading ladies surely won’t disappoint.

—

Kerry Washington

When it comes to intellect, poise, and style, few can top this beautiful thespian. Bursting onto the scene as the opinionated and wise friend to Julia Stiles’s character in Save the Last Dance , Kerry Washington was and remains an actress to keep and eye on. A graduate of The George Washington University, it’s easy to see how Kerry’s intellect plays a major role in her career as well as her portrayal of her characters. Starring in several independent films and successfully commercial films like Ray, The Last King of Scotland , Miracle at St. Ana, I Think I Love My Wife and Lakeview Terrace, it’s undeniable that the talent is there. She has several upcoming films this year and will continue to bud as a leading lady–plus she can dress her ass off. Backtrack: Did you see how amazing she look in I Think I Love My Wife? It’s no wonder he was second guessing.

Paula Patton

Known for being much more than R&B singer Robin Thicke’s beautifully exotic wife, Paula Patton is an actress who first saw her start behind the scenes. A graduate of USC Film School (my hopeful future graduate school) and a former producer of Medical Diaries on Discovery (where my current internship is)–pause: I think I like her even more–Patton’s first major role was in 2006′s Idlewild alongside Outkast. She continued her career through roles in DejaVu with Denzel Washington, Mirrors and Swing Vote. Her latest role was in the groundbreaking film Precious. Paula is a rare beauty who sizzles on screen. Her next film will be Just Wright starring Queen Latifah and Common releasing tomorrow (5/14). Backtrack: How did Robin Thicke manage to snatch that?

Taraji P. Henson

“I hate you Jodie!” Who would have ever thought that the same Taraji P. Henson from Baby Boy would bud into an Academy Award Nominated Actress. A fellow Bison, Teraji graduated from Howard University with a degree in Theatre Arts. A determined beauty, Henson worked her way through college and continues to work hard in her career. Starring in films such as Not Easily Broken, Hustle & Flow, and  Tyler Perry’s Family That Preys and I Can Do Bad All by Myself, Henson has established herself as familiar face in Hollywood. In 2008, Taraji played Queeni in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and her herself a nomination for Best Supporting Actress from the Academy . She continues in her career and will be in several films this year including the remake of The Karate Kid. Backtrack: She’s a Howard University alumni? Of course she was going to strike it big.

This still cracks me up.

Zoë Saldaña

The woman with the many accents in her name, the girl who captivates the hearts of several men (including myself) and the beauty who is without a doubt Hollywood’s latest “it” girl, Zoe Saldana had her break in 200o’s Center Stage where she played the headstrong Eva. After a few other roles, including Crossroads with Britney Spears, Zoe landed her first leading role in a major film, the urban classic Drumline. Since then, audiences have been graced with the beauty who has Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage. She’s been in a couple of interesting independent films like Premium and the modern day remake of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner with Bernie Mac and Ashton Kutcher called Guess Who. 2009 and 2010 have proven to be amazing years for Zoe as she has starred in Star Trek, Avatar, Death at a Funeral, The Losers, and has several more projects releasing. It seems that Saldana is slowly becoming one of the most sought after actresses in Hollywood. Backtrack: Why is she so gorgeous? No. That’s a serious question.

Each of these women possess a quality that will give them longevity in this industry. They each are unique, talented, driven, and are easy on the eyes. I can’t wait to see where each of their careers will take them. Expect to see them around a lot more.

Cj..

Here’s your chance to be featured on one of the fastest growing lifestyle blogs. MESH. loves new talent, new drive and new ambition and wants to feature all that the world as YET to see. If you’re on the come up as a musician,artist, photographer, designer, etc. then you want to get your name out there. Let MESH. help you. Email us what you’ve got to Contact@TheMESHlife.com

MESH.

I’ve been having some relationship problems. So I’ve decided to confront the manner with a letter. Here goes….

Dear Music,

WTF have you been on lately? Do you not love me the same way I love you anymore? Seriously, I’ve given you my all. I’ve made playlists and mixtapes, I’ve actively searched for you, I’ve been there for your new offerings each and every time while others have neglected you and left you to the cruel hands of urban radio. I’ve devoted my time to truly understanding your ways, your moods, your highs and your lows. I’ve been there, I’ve always been there!

Yet lately, I can’t help but feel you haven’t been putting the same effort into this relationship. You don’t seem to try to excite me anymore, you’re doing the same old thing multiple times and expect it to be innovative. I just can’t get with it. No longer do I want to flock to see what new you have to give me, because I already know it will disappoint. It’s like I have to force myself to like you when you once gave me this natural high at first listen. But, I’ve invested too much into you to let this thing of ours go. I’m too dependent. I just need you to get back to the level you once was at. I know you still like to surprise me with rare gems of pure delight, but I remember when it was a constant thing. All I’m asking is, can we get back to that?

Love,

Cj..

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.

Cj..

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].

Cj..

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.

Cj..

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!

MESH.

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

Cj

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.

Cj

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…

Where has all the great and exciting music gone?

Speaking of great music, you should give “Breaking My Heart” a listen to right now…

Cj