That’s right. It’s official, MESH. is now Karmaloop representatives which means you, our beloved viewers, get a few perks. The main one being that while shopping online using the MESHLIFE promotional code you’ll receive some lovely discounts on the wide range of clothing available on Karmaloop’s site. Never been to Karmaloop? Well, shame on you. Karmaloop offers a variety of clothing ranging from urbanwear to punkwear to almost anything. The great thing about the site is that it has both men and women’s clothing, always has sales, and now that we’ve got you the hook up–you get 20% off your first purchase and 10% off each one after that.

So now you can get hot items like these for the low.

What are you waiting for?

Click here to get your Karmaloop addiction on…

And don’t forget the promotion code: MESHLIFE

You’re welcome.

Cj..

MESH.

Hi there.

It’s me CJ

You know, the other PNC who isn’t off gallivanting in NYC.

I’ll admit for a while and even still I am a bit #jealous of my other PNCs Aisha and Aaron living it up/interning in the Big Apple– attending lavish events, listening parties, and eating $1 jumbo sliced pizzas while I’m reduced to the $5 variety. I mean as much as I say I don’t like it, it is New York, where shit gets done.

Well, I’ve been holding the fort at MESH.’s home in Washington, D.C. and recently got my own internship grind on at Discovery Communications (Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, etc…oh and Oprah’s new network). Today was my first day and as exciting as that might be, I was overwhelmed by not only my new company’s relaxed and fun atmosphere but by the fashion choices of its new interns. Thus, I have been inspired.

—

Ok, summer internships. You know, the resume builders you work all second semester securing–going through countless applications and several nerve jabbing interviews. I understand there is a certain requirement of dress for the interviews (dark, boring, business professional) but now that you’ve secured the job, it’s time to have a little fun.

Even if your internship doesn’t require a certain style of dress, constantly remind them visually why they hired you. Play with fun summer colors but never look too casual. Guys, dress shirts (lightweight) are your best friend while summer chinos and linen pants teeter that casual/dressed line appropriately. Ladies, you should already know. Don’t shy away from bold statements and always have fun with accessories and soft colors that stand out without shouting “HI, I AM HERE AT THE OFFICE!”

It’s easy to find cool inexpensive styles for the summer and for that summer internship. Aside from thrift stores, favorites like H&M, Urban Outfitters, and Zara are constantly promoting sales for summer dress and have a few winter items for the low that can be effective in any season.Oh and don’t be afraid to pick up a couple items from Target or Wal-Mart (style doesn’t discriminate). For instance, my attire for my first day (business professional required) consisted of lightweight linens, a summer blazer, and simple yet stylish tie…and the cost?… Well, here’s the breakdown.

That’s right, for around $130 or less you can have a complete and stylish business professional look if you shop at the right places. Not to brag, okay, to brag–I turned heads at my internship and received several compliments, including my boss (the person who matters). It’s not hard to look the part and remember you want to continue to look the part day in and day out.

Looking for summer suits? check out your nearest H&M as well  as Uniqlo in NYC (they have a couple of $89 full suits–you can’t beat that).

Hope your summer internships are going great. You’ve worked hard so enjoy it!

Cj..

As apart of our What’s New? Who’s Next? series here on MESH, we like to introduce new MESHworthy talent.

—

Surround Sound is team of upcoming producers comprised of Brent Jackson and Alex Brown. The duo started in the summer of 2003 with the name of Beat Team. Now, years later and after developing their craft, the team has produced for several movie scores, Howard University artists such as Young Reno, Donny Bravo, Nick Sneed, Ashton Travis, and Fuse. The team has also worked with Chicago artists Shye, Cash Jones, as well as Avrey Smith (who is currently signed with Willie from Day26). Citing their inspiration from Timbaland, Drumma Boy, The Runners, and others, Surround Sound is motivated. It doesn’t hurt they create some hot material either. Brent and Alex have even won Howard University’s Hottest Producers Competition.

Here’s one of their hot beats for your listening pleasure.

Check out Surround Sound’s Myspace Music page here

MESH.

want to be featured on MESH.? Email contact@themeshlife.com

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.

Allow me to reintroduce myself:

MY NAME IS AARON

You may know me as AR. I used to write for this one blog, maybe you’ve heard of it, TheMESHlife.com? It’s kind of a big deal. But lately I’ve been acting WEAK

#weakweakHELLAweakweak

It’s been entirely too long since you’ve seen  the first and eighteenth letter after a few posts (no no, didn’t have to count. I know where my chips fall [in the alphabet no less lol]). 

But as I was saying, there’s no reason why you shoudn’t see AR after a few posts every day. So for that, to my readers, and my co-conspirators against the blogoshphere (whttap PNC’s), I apologize.

The MESH reader is a go getter, a person who doesnt take “no” for an answer, and doesn’t give excuses.

WE are the generation, and MESH is the fuel for that generation.

And this tank ain’t gonna run on empty, ya heard me.

AR!!

I’m back bitches. [sorry for cussin']

Love is just a word…until someone gives it meaning…

Music lovers, it’s been a minute (okay nearly an entire year) but it’s once again that time for a MESH. mixtape featuring a compilation of some of the hottest jams and grooves there is to offer.

What is love? Why do we obsess over it so much? When we question love, we tend to question ourselves. It’s the greatest mystery, the greatest comfort, the greatest hurt, it is Love’s Query. MESH‘s latest mixtape has the R&B/Neo-Soul lover in mind with soothing vibes and tracks all about the enigma that is love. With “Love’s New Image” the mixtape explores recent tracks about the ins and outs of love while also dabbling into love’s greatest relative–lust. “Love’s Old Soul” brings it back  as the neo-soul tunes effortlessly caresses the deepest thought of love, live, and learning. Discover some new songs and many classics from some of your favorite artists like Drake, Bilal, Tweet, Jill Scott, Maxwell, Beyonce, Aaliyah and more. This mixtape is sure to relax your mind and take you on a journey of question, doubt and understanding…..a journey of love.

Download MESH. The Music Vol. IV- Love’s Query Mixtape HERE

Let me know how you like it…

Cj..

MESH.

MESH.

Music.Edge.Style.Heaven

—

Last January MESH. was birthed from the minds of Aisha Johnson, Aaron Randle, & CJ Trahan II.

Last January the world was introduced to music, edge, style, and a bit of heaven.

Last January the MESHlife was created.

Last January it all began.

MESH. is excited to be celebrating our first birthday this month. Though we don’t have a particular date, January 2009 is a special month for the blog. It took the coincidental merge of three driven young individuals (the PNCs) to form the force that is MESH. The blog has quickly grown into a well-known entity in the blogosphere and is continuing to grow past all expectations. With the latest music, fashion, and lifestyle posts, MESH. has garnered the respect of many businesses and fellow lifestyle blogs. 2009 was an unforgettable year for the blog and it survived many struggles. But it’s a new year, and a new day and the MESH. PNCs are ready (along with you) to take the MESHlife to a new plateau of success. We would like to thank all of our supporters, especially those special few who have been down with us from day one (you know who you are).

Feel free to contact us as always @

Contact@theMeshlife.com

Twitter.com/theMESHlife

Also contact the PNCs personally @

Aisha

(Aisha@themeshlife.com)  (http://twitter.com/itsAK47)

Aaron

(Aaron@themeshlife.com)  (http://twitter.com/Boywonder11)

Cj

(Cj@themeshlife.com)  (http://twitter.com/CreoleJDeux)

MESH.

Each new year marks the begining of a new series of life lessons and experiences. Most deem this as the time to change how they’ve once been for the better, and start over anew. However, in most cases, these ambitions die out before we even hit February. In 2010, the MESH. team would like to give a big #weoffthat to New Years Resolutions. Yes, we should still celebrate to bring in the New Year, but each and every day should mark a time for personal growth and learning. Always strive to make the next day better than your last.

Aisha

MESH.

I’ve been doing a little bit of work on this one..

After talking to music enthusiasts, various tweople, and countless others, I’ve come up with what I think is a pretty decent Soul/R&B/Christmas Playlist to get you through this 2009 Holiday Season.

Complete with timeless classics (Nat King Cole), old soul (Donny Hathaway), contemporary R&B hits (Faith Evans), and even old and new school hip-hop (Ludacris, Run DMC), it’s all here, and sure to be a welcomed addition to any holiday setting. So next time you’re chilling with family or friends, riding in the car, or just relaxing alone be sure to pop in the this Christmas Playlist… your ears will thank you.

And remember, when folk ask: you got it from MESH!

Sneak Peak of the Playlist :

This Christmas (Donny Hathaway)

Let It Snow (Boyz II Men)

Joy To The World (Whitney Houston)

Christmas In Hollis (Run DMC)

Silent Night (The Temptations)

Please Come Home for Christmas (Jon Bon Jovi)

Christmas Time Is Here

Download the Christmas Playlist HERE!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS PEOPLE!!

AR!

Full Track Listing After the break..

read more »

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.

MESH. now has an official Twitter page! Follow us for updates on our latest posts and events!

MESH. 

What do John Legend, India Arie, Maxwell, Estelle, Aretha Franklin and Musiq Soulchild have in common?

Aside from breathtaking and classically soulful music, they have all shared the same opening act; a talented, enthusiastic, Irish/Nigerian songstress with a beautiful voice whose looking to take the R&B/Soul genre to new, unchartered territories. Her name is Laura Izibor and her sound is uniquely her own. Reminiscent of vintage and piano driven soul, Laura’s debut album Let The Truth Be Told is a classic and was featured on MESH.‘s “The Soundtrack of 2009: The Best Thus Far” [here].

Laura Izibor did the honor of opening for Musiq Soulchild at Howard University’s Homecoming R&B Concert this year and gave MESH. the privilege of catching up with her before her performance.

—

Let’s start with the popular question, how did you get started?

Laura: I got started by accident. In grade school, my teacher asked everyone to get up and sing. I had never sung a day in my life. So I got up and sang a line from “There Can Be Miracles” by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. That was the beginning; my teachers and classmates were like “Oh! You can sing!” That’s how I discovered I could sing, so then I started playing around with the piano and began teaching myself.  Songwriting was the next inevitable step and by 14 or 15 I was like I really want to do this. I began entering song competitions, sending demos off, and then I got my break when I was 16.  I showcased and then at 17 I got signed to my record label.

Your album is titled Let The Truth Be Told, so what truths did you want to reveal with this album?

Laura: Just my truth in life, in my own life and love. You know I was able to write the whole album so that it was nobody else’s vision or story. From one person to the next you’re able to put the album on and from beginning to end and say, “Ok, so this is what actually goes on in her life.” You’re able to feel that intimacy.

My personal favorite tracks from the album are “Mmm” and “The Worst is Over,” what are yours? Which are your favorites to perform?

Laura: Mmm, well they’re all like my babies! It’s hard to pick a favorite but I do love “What Would You Do” and I love “Mmm.” Oh! I love “I Don’t Want You Back” as well because to me it’s the irony of life when you’re over someone, they come knocking at the exact point you’re really over them and they want you back and it’s like that song is playing “Nope! I don’t want you back!”

So this is your first Howard University Homecoming, are you excited to be in D.C. and for Homecoming?

Laura: I am! I’m getting more and more excited because everyone else is so excited, you know?

What ways are you looking to broaden your fan base in the U.S?

Laura: I tour a lot. I just got off tour with John Legend, Maxwell, and India Arie. That’s where I’m happiest. I love performing. I get a lot of movies, TV slots and things like that. People can hear you in different ways.

So what sets you apart from the artist you’ve just mentioned and what makes you MESHworthy?

Laura: I think, I play an instrument, I write everything, I’m Black and I’m Irish, (Laughter) I keep saying that, it makes me original!  I don’t think it’s a competition, we are all individuals born with wonderful gifts and what music you make is a reflection of that.

Okay, last question for some fun. Is there any cool slang or saying from Ireland you can teach me really quick?

Laura: Um, you can…. actually no I won’t, that’s kind of bad. If something’s really good you can say rapid!

So, “That was rapid!”?

Laura: Exactly, or you can say deadly!

—

With music as deadly or rapid as hers, we are sure that Laura’s career will continue to blossom as she continues to offer uniquely raw and soulful music. If you are interested in her music, go get her album Let The Truth Be Told, which dropped June 16, you won’t be dissappointed.

-Cj

MESH.

thought you should know:

It’s my birthday.

Cj

Get a glimpse of us doing what we do best…..cooking up excellence in ‘the lab’.

What’s on the agenda?

MESH. PNCs

Expect big things in the coming weeks.

As we have previously stated, LEGIT: A MESH. Affair was a complete success. Here are the highly anticipated pictures of how it all went down. Enjoy!

Photography by Brittney Williams, Jasmine Whiting and Javi Beau. Thanks guys !

Will you be at the next event?

MESH.

The first day of class is over and I’m exhausted. The past week and a half were crazy for the MESH. PNC’s but we’re back and in full force. The party was a huge success, and once the photographers get back to us, we’ll have the pics for your viewing. MESH. has huge plans for the future and we look forward to your continued support.

MESH.

[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.

THANK YOU!

MESH.

The event will take place on Thursday, August 20th

At Tabaq Bistro on U St. In Washington, DC at 9pm

(Exact Address Of The Venue Will Be Given Upon RSVP)

RSVP
e-mail: meshcontact@gmail.com

Bish Please. Birds been got this worm.

You’re Late. List [closed].

MESH.

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 »

Music. I once said to my MESH. PNC Aisha and roommate Tallas, music is the driving force in our lives. It’s the rhythm to which we channel emotions, the beat to how we handle situations, and the soundtrack to our soul. Deep right? Well, here at MESH. we like to know what our viewers have etched into their musical spirits. We want to know….what four songs are on heavy rotation on your iPod and can’t seem to leave your head? But first, we offer ours.

Aisha:

1. Chameleon- Christian Milian

2. Winner- Drake

3. Regret-LeToya Luckett

4. Want It- Lloyd

Aaron:

1. When You Hear the Baseline – Major Lazer feat. Ms. Thing

2. Crumbling Therapy- Overdoz

3. Winner- Drake

4. Ask Them Hoes- Lil’ Wayne

Cj:

1. Whatever You Want- Consequence ft. Kanye West & John Legend

2. Playing Possum- Maxwell

3. Regret- LeToya Luckett

4. It Would Be- Trey Songz

We are really anxious to see the comments on this one. So again we ask…

What are your top 4 songs of the moment?

Cj