Sean “Diddy” Combs to Lead a ‘Revolt’

We all know that Sean “Diddy” Combs “can’t stop and won’t stop,” and so far he’s holding true to his word. The music, fashion, and media mogul will add one more thing to his many hats: network owner. Yep, our favorite “bad boy” will join the ranks of Oprah’s OWN with his new cable channel, Revolt
Scheduled to air in 2013, the Comcast-distributed network will reportedly feature music and pop culture programming with a heavy social media influence.

“Revolt is the first channel created entirely from the ground up in this new era of social media. We’re building this platform for artists to reach an extraordinary number of people in a completely different way. Revolt will be live, like all great moments in television history,” Diddy said in a statement. 
In addition to Diddy’s new television venture, Magic Johnson and Tyler Perry are reportedly also in the works on their own networks too. Stay tuned.

Will you tune in to Revolt? Do you watch OWN?

Trend-Setting Styles from 90s’ Movie Sets

With the 84th annual Academy Awards airing this Sunday, I thought it would be fun to look back at some of our favorite old-school movies featuring BGs that made an impact on our style.

From Halle Berry’s short and sassy ‘do in  Strictly Business to Janet Jackson’s box braids in Poetic Justice to Nia Long’s lovely deep plum lip color in Love Jones, many BGs across the country went to great lengths to mimic these trailblazing beauty and hair trends from 90s’ movies.

Take a trip down movie memory lane:

Halle Berry’s role, in 1991’s Strictly Business stole the show with her short hairstyle that sent thousands of BGs to salons throughout the country requesting the coveted cut.  
Boomerang showed us brown girls and guys in a refreshing professional light back in 1992, but Robin Givens’ long and flowing weave gave hair mavens a new muse to emulate.  
Miss Janet Jackson, the ever-changing style chameleon, brought box-braids to the big screen with her film debut, Poetic Justice in 1993.

We all fell in love with 1997’s Love Jones, but Nia Long’s sleek wrap do’ and daring dark lips also caught our attention. 
Did I miss any movies from the 90s or 2000s that set hair or beauty trends for us BGs? If so, tell me in the comments. Out of these movies mentioned, which was your favorite?

R.I.P Whitney Houston: We Will Always Love You

As a child born in the 80s, I like so many other young girls danced and pranced to the songs of Whitney Houston. Her megawatt smile captivated us as we fell in love with her incomparable voice. Throughout the years we saw the pop superstar soar to chart-topping highs and we unfortunately witnessed her ultimate demise.

While she publicly struggled with substance abuse for years, we loved her unconditionally and hoped that she’d recover and make a solid comeback. We imagined her wowing us once again with her powerful pipes, but due to various speculated reasons she was never able to reclaim her vocal prowess.

Whitney Houston 1963-2012

Even though she’s sadly no longer physically present, her music movies, and fun-loving spirit will live on forever. She’s now singing with the angels along with our beloved Michael Jackson and guest starring on Don Cornelius’ Soul Train: The Heaven Edition. May she rest in peace.

What is your favorite Whitney Houston song/movie?

Listen: Brandy & Monica’s New Duet

As I mentioned last monthBrandy and Monica are back with a brand-new sure-to-be hit, “It All Belongs to Me,” 14 years after their first Grammy-winning duet, “The Boy Is Mine.”

The single will be on both Brandy and Monica’s upcoming projects, and will be available for purchase  February 14.

From the sound of it, the former teen songstresses are proving that they still have what it takes to top the charts.

Take a listen below:

What do you think? Do you like it?

EVENT: Celebrate Romare Bearden’s 100th Birthday w/Macy’s

Between New York Fashion Week and events commemorating our history, February is shaping up to be a month chock full of fetes.  
In conjunction with Black History Month and the late Romare Bearden’s 100th birthday, Macy’s is celebrating the famed African-American artist and author’s work. 
A series of Macy’s stores across the country will highlight and pay tribute to the North Carolina native’s artistic contributions by showcasing his renowned masterpieces. In addition to displaying his remarkable paintings, reception attendees’ ears will also be treated to the delightful sounds of live jazz by artists performing Bearden’s music.
Whether you’re heading to Macy’s this month to pick up a Rachel Roy frock for Valentine’s Day or a new compact from the MAC counter, be sure to check out this don’t-miss-event at a store near you. 
If you’re in the New York City area and plan to attend the reception you’ll get a perk! With any purchase of $50 or more, you’ll receive a complimentary scarf printed with Bearden’s most lauded piece, “The Lamp.”
Check out the details:
What: Macy’s Celebrates Romare Bearden’s 100th Birthday
When: February 9, 2012 at 6pm (Exhibit runs 2/9 – 2/12)
Where: Macy’s Herald Square, 151 W. 34th Street

Who’s your favorite artist?

*This was a sponsored post by BeEverywhere

Must-See TV: Black History Month

It’s hard to believe it’s February since we’re experiencing such a mild winter, but it’s here, which means it’s our month to celebrate and recognize our contributions to the country. PBS has several programs that highlight African-American history and showcase our stories.

From a documentary on the abolition of slavery to an exploration of our communities in the 60s and 70s through film and music, PBS will air a slew of programs that will enlighten and inform during Black History Month.

Check out my must-see choices:

Slavery By Another Name: Wall Street Journal senior writer Douglas A. Blackmon, explores the little-known story of the post-Emancipation era and the labor practices and laws that effectively created a new form of slavery in the South that persisted well into the 20th century.
Airing Monday, February 13 at 9PM, EST

Independent Lens: The Black Power Mixtape 1967-1975: Audio and visual interviews from African-American artists, activists, musicians, and scholars. Pictured: Angela Davis.
Airing Thursday, February 9 at 10pm, EST

Independent Lens “Daisy Bates: First Lady of Little Rock”: This program tells the story of Daisy Bates’ life and public support of nine black students who registered to attend the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, which culminated in a constitutional crisis — pitting a president against a governor and a community against itself.
Airing Thursday, February 2 at 10 pm, EST

How will you celebrate Black History Month? Will you be watching these programs?

Thank You, Don Cornelius

The news of Soul Train founder, Don Cornelius’s death leaves me with a heavy heart. Like so many little young brown girls and guys, I made it a point to catch Soul Train every Saturday morning for years.

I remember tuning in to see my favorite acts at the time, Bell Biv DevoeAnother Bad Creation, and En Vogue perform on that famous Los Angeles soundstage. Just thinking about those music-filled mornings brings back such fond memories.

Music is the universal language and Mr. Cornelius showcased it on a weekly basis for decades. His contributions to our rich, cultural history is unprecedented and he will live on forever in our hearts and as we stroll down the next “Soul Train,” line at a wedding. 🙂

May he rest in love, peace and soul!