Shontelle - Say Hello To Goodbye

“What Do Eyes Love” Exhibition

Hong Kong-based design firm OUTSIGN.lab has teamed up with CLOT to present an exhibition titled “What Do Eyes Love”. Shot by photographer Paul Tsang and styled by Philip Chu, the exhibit is an engaging visible experience that invites viewers to open themselves up to a variety of different experiences. The project features several prominent icons including supermodel Shupei Qin, Hilary Tsui, Anthony Wong, Wyman Wong and Sam Lee.

Source: Diane Pernet

R.I.P. "The Godfather Of Hip-Hop" Gil Scott-Heron (1949-2011)

Legendary musician and poet, Gil Scott-Heron, passed away yesterday in a New York Hospital at the age of 62.  Deets inside....
Gil Scott-Heron, widely credited as "The Godfather of Hip-Hop" died at the age of 62 yesterday. Scott-Heron was critically acclaimed for writing the hit "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised," which mixed poetry, politics, jazz, blues and soul.  His performance style, which combined the heavy use of percussion with spoken word, is widely credited as helping to shape hip-hop.
Jaime Byng, Gil Scott-Heron’s publisher in the UK, confirmed the death tweeting,

Just heard the very sad news that my dear friend and one of the most inspiring people I’ve ever met, the great Gil Scott-Heron, died today. Gil Scott-Heron’s death is NOT a rumour. I just called by Dorothy who is staying with Aunt Mimi in NY to tell me the news. I’m so sad.

Although Gil was HIV positive and battled addictions to cocaine and other substances for most of his career, no official cause of death has been released.
Meanwhile, the folks over at Rap Radar have compiled a list of hip-hop artists reacting to Gil Scott-Heron's death and you can check it out here.

Listen to a Gil Scott-Heron classic here:

Erykah Badu – Out My Mind, Just In Time

OUT MY MIND JUST IN TIME from Creative Control on Vimeo.
For the latest visual release off of her 2010 album, New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh, Erykah Badu decided to take a simple, yet artistic approach. This black and white video for the soulful, piano-driven song, “Out My Mind, One Time”, features the avant garde songstress dancing about by herself in a flowing gown. Check out the Badu-directed, Creative Control-filmed clip above.

Damn This Chick Goes Innn On Beyonce's "Run The World" (Lies)

Jill Scott (Feat. Anthony Hamilton) - So In Love

Dj Drama (Feat. Fabolous, Roscoe Dash & Wiz Khalifa) - Oh My

Jason Derulo - Don't Wanna Go Home

Beyonce Performs Her New Song "1+1" On American Idol! (Love Song)

Vans OTW 2011 Fall/Winter Pritchard

For Fall/Winter 2011, Vans OTW is introducing this new model with a more grown up look. Dubbed the “Pritchard”, the lace-up style features an EVA midsole and a cupsole outsole. With tonal stitching and cotton laces, the shoes come in a number of colorways and several different materials including regular suede, oiled suede and waxed canvas. The style is scheduled to hit store shelves starting June 1 at select Vans OTW accounts.
Source: FRESHNGOOD.COM

Alicia Keys Does "W" Magazine And Thanks Fans For Falling In Love With Her Music

In the June 2011 issue of W Magazine, Alicia Keys reflects on the ten-year anniversary of Songs in A Minor and why she's glad she never compromised her artistic integrity.
Above, Alicia wears an Alexander McQueen wool jacket, Ellen Christine hat and Versace ring.

In the latest issue of W Magazine, Alicia Keys reflects on her entry into the music business saying,

“I just wanted to be who I was, which was like so many other girls I knew. We grew up in the city, had a hard edge and obstacles to overcome, but we were still young and beautiful. I didn’t want to be all dressed up, all made up—I wanted to be myself, which hadn’t been done before.”

So that explains why the Alicia Keys we met in the "Fallin'" video looked like the girl next door.  Someone we all could relate to.
Alicia also said she didn't want to be controlled by the opinions of her handlers.  She continued,

“I was a young girl with very strong ideas but no experience. I just knew that everything else I was doing was wrong—that all the suggestions weren’t what was in my mind, they weren’t what it was meant to be.”

But she trusted her gut instincts and with 10 million records sold, it all paid off.

“How terrible would it have been if I had come out with some watered-down version of who I am? People fell in love with the real me, and I still feel blessed that that was how the journey began.”

More pics from the spread:

Alicia got dripped in red nails and lips.

The "Butterflies" singer rocked an Alexander McQueen navy wool coat.
Photos by Mario Sorrenti/Makeup Aaron De Mey for Lancôme/Styled by Alex White/Hair by Didier Malige for Frédéric Fekkai/Nails e by Yuna Park/

Sony PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset

In a move that’s certain to take your gaming experience to the next level, Sony has just released this battery-operated, wireless stereo headset for the PlayStation 3 console. Offering a number of attractive features like 7.1 virtual surround sound, a retractable microphone for high quality voice chat and easily accessible volume control and mute buttons, the headset also keeps you informed of battery status and sound controls with an on-screen update. Priced at $100 USD, the Wireless Stereo Headset will be available through select retailers worldwide starting this September.

Cee Lo Green – I Want You (Hold On to Love)

The Grammy Award-winning Cee Lo Green provides a brand new visual interpretation today for his fourth single, “I Want You.” In usual Cee Lo Green fashion, you’ll find a lot feathers and European accents in the outfits, with a lot of festive activities taking place in the background. The single can be found on his latest album, Lady Killer which is available now through iTunes. See how the lady killer does it right above.

Paul Smith for Manchester United Champions League Suit

Ahead of Manchester United’s Champions League clash against Barcelona, fellow English designer Paul Smith created the following suits for the Red Devils. Modeled by Vidic, Carrick and Kuszczak, package features slim cut grey wool/mohair suits, white cotton shirts and burgundy silk ties. A short Q+A with Sir Paul Smith was conducted by GQ and seen below.
GQ: Why did you go for the grey/burgundy colour combo?
Paul Smith: I am really drawn towards grey at the moment as a new alternative to black, and for me burgundy works really well with this shade.
Were any of the players particularly interested in the suits and their construction?
Generally speaking, the comments were very positive – especially the slimmer line that the suits have, and the fact that they are softer because of the wool/mohair mix and consequently more comfortable to wear.
Is there anything you have to bear in mind when cutting suits for footballers?
Obviously as sportsmen their hips and thighs tend to be bigger than the average man’s…
What’s your best advice for getting off a bus after a long journey and still looking good?
Don’t wear your jacket on the bus, and make sure the tie is not too long and not too short: ideally not with a huge Windsor knot but a more elegant, simple knot like a four-in-hand. One button on the jacket should be always be done up.
Are footballers starting to dress better generally, do you think?
If they are wearing our suits then yes, definitely!

Meister “Raekwon the Chef” CL2 Edition Watch

As one of the original members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Raekwon the Chef has been ranked amongst the top MCs of all-time. To commemorate a high point in his career and the success of his latest album, Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang, the recording artist has teamed up with Meister to release a set of limited edition watches. The black and gold Meister CL2 model features a stainless steel case with Japanese six-hand chronograph quartz movement and a scratch-resistant mineral crystal lens. Limited to a run of only 200 pieces, the watch is priced at $280 USD and can be purchased online through Meister.

Photography: Hypebeast

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Google Wallet

In an effort to improve the shopping experience for both businesses and consumers, the Google Wallet app enables users to tap, pay and even save by simply tapping their mobile phones. By utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, the app has the ability to store not just your credit card information but also loyalty cards, gift cards and special offers from retailers. Google Wallet will initially support both Citi MasterCard and Google Prepaid Card and can be used wherever MasterCard PayPass is accepted. Upon its release the app will only be compatible with the Google Nexus S 4G, available exclusively on the Sprint network.

Raekwon featuring DJ Khaled, Game, Pharrell & Busta Rhymes – Rock N Roll (Remix)

The Chef comes through with a mega lineup to remix one of latest his singles, “Rock N Roll.” You’ll find guest verses from Game, Busta, Pharrell and DJ Khaled. The original version can be found on Rae’s latest studio album Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang which is available now through iTunes. Meanwhile, an upcoming music video is set to drop any day now for his record with Nas in “Rich & Black.” Stay tuned.
 Raekwon featuring DJ Khaled, The Game, Pharrell, & Busta Rhymes - Rock N Roll (Remix) by Hypetrak

Air Jordan 7 “Cardinal” Retro

Following up the recent Bordeaux 7 release, Jordan Brand pleases fans with the return of the awaited “Cardinal” VII. Much like the original, the shoes are given a nice white leather treatment, accented with black midsoles along with bronze and cardinal red trim. Priced at $150 USD, these look to hit select shops on June 18, 2011, including Wish in Atlanta.

Devin Thomas

 Today, we have Devin Thomas of the NY Giants in stills from his new 2012 fitness calendar. Deets inside....
NY Giants star Devin Thomas has a new fitness calendar on the way, shot by photographer Maya Guez.  Portions of the calendar's proceeds will go to charity after its release this fall.

In addition to ballin' and being sexy, Devin has been interning with the production teams at the "Mo'nique Show" and Steve Harvey's radio show to get his feet wet with his film, television and radio interests.

 Photos via Maya Guez

Beyonce's Next Single Is "Best Thing I Never Had"?

Beyonce, the winner of the 2011 Billboard Millenium Award, is covering the June 4th issue of Billboard magazine.  And right after this Memorial Day Holiday, she's supposedly releasing her next single off her upcoming 4 album next Wednesday.

Read on for deets...
Rumor has it the track "Best Thing I Never Had" will be Beyonce's next official single.  96.1 KISS FM radio station in Philly let the cat out the bag.  They said that Bey's label told them they're giving the station the single to be released next Wednesday.
It sounds a bit odd since we would naturally think "1+1" would be her next single as she just debuted it a few days ago on the "Idol" finale.  But it's possible it will just be used for performance purposes.  Time will tell...
We posted her full album tracklisting here.  4 drops June 28th.

Diggy Simmons Drops First OFFICIAL Single "Copy Paste"

Known as the "General Jetsetter" to his fans, Diggy Simmons has dropped his first official single via Atlantic Records called  "Copy Paste" and we have it for you inside....

After launching three successful mix-tapes, The First Flight, Airborne and Past, Presents, Future, Daniel Diggy Simmons dropped his first official single today.
The single comes on the heels of Diggy's 16th birthday and his nomination for the 2011 BET Awards, in the “Young Star” category where he competes with Willow Smith, Jaden Smith, Keke Palmer and Shenell Edmonds.
The 2011 BET Awards will air on June 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, CA at 8pm EST/7pm CST and Diggy recently put on his Twitter:

“Tooo overwhelmed with all the amazing news I've gotten today! Don't even know what to say right now besides I love my #JetSetters 2 death!!‟

Listen to "Copy Paste" here:

Ciara Dishes On Her "Obsession" With Nudity

In a recent US Weekly interview, Ciara opened up about her fondness for walking around in the nude.  And I can guarantee there's a lot of folks who wouldn't be mad at her for it.  Get the deets inside...

While Ciara is known for her sexy legs and killer abs, it seems the "Goodies" singer has just discovered how much she actually likes her own body.
She recently told US Weekly:

"I feel the sexiest when I'm by myself, walking around nude.  I have this new obsession with nudity, it's really weird. It may sound weird, but I just really love embracing the body."

The "Gimmie That" singer also dished she works out 5 times a week to stay in shape.  And hs esays to ease up on the hard-core dieting:

"I would never advise somebody to be so strict to where you don't enjoy yourself," she says.

Hmmmm.....I wonder does Amar'e Stoudemire get to particpate in these nude displays.

Kelly Rowland Nabs #1 Spot With "Motivation"!

Kelly Rowland just scored a career high #1 spot on the charts.  And its all thanks to her "Motivation".  Deets on the fab chick flying to the top when you read on....

Kelly officially released her lead single "Motivation" off her upcoming third solo album, Here I Am, a couple months ago.  And she's nabbed the #1 spot thanks to Lil Wayne, constant radio rotation, live performances, and just an all-around hot song. 
She's #1 on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart (her first solo #1), in addition to jumping to No. 21 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, plus climbing Billboard’s Ringtones chart to No. 4.  Fab.
Her release from her label Universal Motown states:

“Motivation” is the biggest hit single of ROWLAND’s solo catalog and her first No. 1 R&B/hip-hop hit outside of Destiny’s Child since “Dilemma,” her Grammy-winning 2002 duet with Nelly, which topped Billboard’s Hot 100 and R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for 10 weeks and nine weeks, respectively. Directed by Sarah Chatfield, choreographed by Frank Gatson, and styled by Lysa Cooper, the seductive music video for “Motivation” has topped iTunes’ Top R&B/Soul Videos chart, ranked in the Top 10 of iTunes’ overall Top Music Videos Chart, and surpassed 14 million views on VEVO. “Motivation” is also No. 1 on the BDS and Mediabase Urban Published Charts, as well as the No. 1 Greatest Gainer on the Mediabase Urban Published Chart for its fourth consecutive week and the No. 2 Greatest Gainer on the BDS Urban Chart.

Here I Am is scheduled for a Fall 2011 release.  And she's slated to appear on the BET Awards Nominations Special on June 15th.  Can't wait for the next single...

Cassie Dishes On NOT Growing Her Hair Back, Beauty Secrets, & Her "Different" Album Sound

TheYBF.com was on the scene at this week's Carol's Daughter product unveiling in NYC.  And we caught up with spokeswoman Cassie Ventura to ask her a few of those questions you all always ask about in the comments section.

How the model turned spokeswoman uses her beauty secrets to stay (and feel) gorgeous...plus a bit about her new album...when you read on...

Everyone wants to know when Cassie will end her seeming obsession with shaving the sides of her hair.  And it doesn't look like that obsession is going to end anytime soon.  The Carol's Daughter spokeswoman, who also joins fellow spokeswomen Solange Knowles and Selita Ebanks, told us at Tuesday afternoon's Monoi Repairing Lotion unveiling:

“Everyone wants to know! I will at some point, I was actually thinking about it recently. I’m not ready, because I just shaved the other side. And I want to live a little bit, I feel like you're only young once and you can’t wear this everyday.”

She's right about that.  And speaking of everyday hair wear, she says she def rocks her natural curls on days when she's just "chillen," but if you're wondering why we rarely see it, she says it's because she "doesn't let everybody see [her] curls.”
So which beauty secrets can she absolutely not live without...In order to keep that skin of hers we envy in tip-top shape?

“I think the thing for me is that I feel undone when my nails aren’t done. My hands, my feet, and I also need something on my lips.  Some gloss or something..."
“And ALWAYS wash your face at night! I know a lot of people say they do, but they don’t. It’s important to drink water, drink A LOT of water.”

Sounds so simple but....
And about that next album (yes, she's still working on that) of hers.  Cassie revealed that you can expect new music from her this summer:

“I’ve been out in L.A. working on my album. I’m actually getting ready to have a meeting to show everyone what I’ve been working on, so I’m excited about that. I should hopefully be putting something out by the summer time.”
“It’s not necessarily R&B, not necessarily hip-hop, just something different.”

BONUS: Ms. Cassie may have been tight lipped about being Diddy's girlfriend....but we do find it interesting that she revealed her beauty inspiration is Mr. Swag's ex-love-of-his-life...Jennifer Lopez.  Ow owww!

More pics of Cass at the event:

Gorge.
Photog: Lesley Ware/TheYBF.com

Correspondents: Kourtney "K-Rich" Richard & Ashley Ennis

Oprah Winfrey's Last Show Kills In Ratings, Her Best Ratings Since 1994

It's no secret that Oprah is the queen of the small screen, but this week she truly went out on top as she said goodbye.  Her farewell show earned her best ratings in 17 years (since her "Shedding Disguises" episode).  Get the deets inside....
Oprah Winfrey's farewell show earned her highest ratings since 1994, boasting a 13.3 household share, which some sources estimate to equal between 15-20 million viewers. That's an insane number of viewers...especially for daytime.  The official viewer numbers will be available from Nielsen next week.  But keep in mind, no matter how large the number is, it doesn't include people watching various clips online or on DVR.
But one thing is already official, the final episode will go down as one of TV's biggest moments.
By the way, Monday and Tuesday weren't too shabby either with each of her finale shows doubling their recent averages.  Monday had a 10.2 HH rating and Tuesday had a 10.7 HH rating.
That's how you go out with a BANG.
Source

Kelis Has No Regrets About Divorce + Wiz Khalifa Says There Is "No Negativity" With Kanye

In a recent interview, Kelis opened up about her split with Nas letting the world know she is happily divorced with no regrets.  Get the deets inside and find out what Wiz Khalifa said about his alleged beef with Kanye West.

She was married to one of hip-hop's most respected artists for two years, and gave birth to his son Knight, before their split.  So after it all, how does Kelis feel about her divorce from Nasir Jones?  She says, "No regrets."
During an interview with Attitude magazine, Kelis said,

"I'm not a big regret person.  I've been divorced, and I can still say I don't regret it I'm a big believer that if a bad situation happens, it is a lesson that needs to be learned, just once."

Moving onto better days, Kelis added,

"I'm a mother and I do what I love for a living, and I have enough money to do what I want but not so much that it's a stress. I think happiness is a momentary feeling but I'm very content. I feel really good."

Good to see she's not bitter and has moved on.  I wonder whatever happened to her and Houston Texan (formerly of the Chicago Bears) baller Wale Ogunleye's relationship...
Also in music news....

Wiz Khalifa has set the record straight saying he has no negative feelings towards Kanye West.  There's been rumored beef that both deny to some extent ever since Wiz started dating Kayne's ex Amber Rose.
He told MTV news,

 "We're grown ups. And he's older than I am so I would absolutely expect him to act in a mature way. I ain't tripping on anything like that. I've got so much that I wanna do. I can't let my goals be tainted with anything negative."

He added,

"There's no relationship and no negativity because I've never met him. If I do ever meet him, I'll be nice and cool, as I always am, and hopefully he'll be the same way."

But what does it feel like to date a woman who's traveled the world on the arm of one of rap's biggest stars?  Wiz said,

"You can't judge a person by who they were with before.  If I'd done that, I would've missed out on a great person. There are tons of people who were with somebody and then went on to be with somebody else who they really found love with."

Damn....dude is smitten. Certain chicks get ya everytime...

VH1 Orders 10 New Episodes Of "Love & Hip Hop"

VH1 recently announced that they have renewed the "Love & Hip Hop" show, ordering 10 new episodes.  Deets inside......
Fans of the VH1 series "Love & Hip Hop" will be happy to know that they can expect a season 2 of all of the Mama Jones vs. Chrissy and Somaya vs. Olivia drama.
This season the show, created by Mona Scott-Young, was a ratings success drawing nearly 1.3 million total viewers for the reunion special and 1 million viewers per episode for the regular season.

For the cast, Jim Jones' girlfriend Chrissy Lampkin, singer Olivia Longott, Emily Bustamante (what's she going to talk about now that she's "split" from Fabolous?) and rapper Somaya "Boss" Reece are all slated to appear for a second time, sans Mashonda.  We told you previously that she decided not to return.
Talking about the renewal, Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President of Original Programming & Production at VH1 said,

"Our viewers have connected passionately with these women and their unique, authentic stories in the realms of pop culture and music," Olde continued. "We're very happy to be able continue those storylines."

I have no idea why I love this damn show.  Bring on the foolery!