Ashley Chin Announces Retirement From Styling, New Ventures with Vaughn Brian and twelveAM

I'm truly grateful for genuine connections and mutual support. I have that with Miami designer Ashley Chin, who I have featured several times on The Spotlight! Over the years, Ashley has branched out into the fashion world tremendously through her styling ,her own designs and now  Lux House Mob brand, as well as writing and editing for Ally The Journalist. I've been proud to watch her grow!

Ashley shared with me today that she is retiring from styling to focus solely on the business side of fashion. From prayer and talking with her mom, she bravely made the decision to turn to a new chapter in her life. "I think it was me really discovering my true niche," the designer said. "I mean, I LOVE styling but I think its run its course and now I have to aim for higher and more challenging projects in order to grow."

In The Spotlight: Ash

I really do love featuring the up and coming and hearing their stories! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc, please contact us (refer to our Features/Submissions page for more info!).

Today, on The Spotlight, we have alternative pop/R&B singer Ash! A few weeks back, I featured her song "Perfect" on the blog, which is getting a lot of great feedback from listeners. Of course, I wanted to interview this great upcoming artist, and share her story here!

Ash grew up in a creative home, and actually starting singing around the age of three. She wrote songs basically all of her life, but, after graduating from Spelman, decided to actually work for the government, just like her mom. "Once I started working in the public sector, I realized that I needed to stop working in the public sector and pursue my dreams," she chuckled. The singer saved up money, and began working as a background vocalist.

RECAP: "Nothing Was The Game"-The Game S8, E4

I'm really loving this season of The Game so far! Picking up from last week, after practice, Jason gets in his car and Malik is randomly there in the backseat! He brings a bag for Jason to open and it's filled with money. Malik tries to bribe Jason to get back on the team, but Jason obviously refuses, right  some of the other coaches get in the car.

Meanwhile, Blue and Keira are shooting a commercial, which Keira seems to hate because she considers herself to be a real actress, even though her part in the movie got cut. For some reason, she thinks a commercial is below her. She over acts with her TWO lines, not impressing the director at all. Meanwhile, Blue acts normally, and does very well. The director gives Keira a Snickers, as if to say you're not you when you're hungry!

RECAP: "Crazy Stupid Love"-The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 Episode 4

On last night's episode of The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2, the exes yet again got a little too close for comfort! Picking up from last week, Adam and Brittany are making out at the club and dancing all up on each other, like they're still together! Meanwhile, Jonna and Jay are still trying to make Zach and Jenna jealous, as if they really care. When Zach and Jenna kiss, Jonna and Jay kiss back, as if to get even or something. It's so childish, if you ask me. We also find out that Nany is secretly pining for Johnny Bananas, even though he has a girlfriend! It's way too many emotions going on right now!

The next morning, Adam admits he knows he "opened the floodgates" with Brittany, who he has said before is really clingy. They're cool, but they just can't be that cool. The girls tell Brittany what Adam said, and she gets upset and starts yelling at him. They both need to get their relationship in check before they lose this game!

MOVIE TRAILER: Fantastic Four Reboot

The first trailer for the upcoming reboot of Fantastic Four was released today, and it looks like it's going to be a good one!

The film, set to be released August 7, stars Michael B. Jordan as The Human Torch/Johnny Storm, Kate Mara as The Invisible Woman/Sue Storm, Miles Teller as Mister Fantastic/Reed Richards, and Jamie Bell as The Thing/Ben Grimm.The villain in the reboot will be Victor Domashev/Dr. Doom, portrayed by actor Toby Kebbell.

The trailer was very vague in terms of the actual plot, but I'm sure another trailer will come out soon that explains a little more of what we can expect. I'm going to see this for the action, of course, but more specifically for Michael B. Jordan!!!

Check out the trailer below!

In The Spotlight: Kendra J

Another great spotlight for you all! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc, please contact us (refer to our Features/Submissions page for more info!).

Today on The Spotlight, we have pop-R&B singer Kendra J! Kendra began singing at the age of five when she sang karaoke for the first time. Around the age of seven, she began singing on the children’s choir at church. “I knew music was something I wanted to pursue in elementary school,” Kendra admitted. “I loved singing for different ceremonies and assemblies. It made me so happy and I knew then because of the feeling of completion and peace that I experienced in those times that singing was what I wanted to do.”

RECAP: "The Pittsy Shuffle: Why Pitts Really Dipped"-The Game S8, E3

Last night's episode of The Game was GOOD. Picking up from the two-episode season 8 premiere, Perez Hilton does an expose on what happened at the wedding between Chardonnay and Jason. Tasha laughs as she watches, but Chardonnay is obviously upset at it all. She's not used to being in the spotlight like this, and feels attacked and slandered. Tasha proposes getting her truth out there and then launching her brand, and leaves Kyra with Tee Tee to get everything together.

Meanwhile, Jason, still staying at Malik's, tries to work with Blue on plays to make him better on the field. Malik is obviously bitter, changing the channel on the TV as the two try to work from the screen. Jason then gets a call from his divorce lawyer that Chardonnay gets to stay in the house as long as she wants, and is basically getting a lot from the divorce. He tries to argue it, but come one Jason. You can't destroy your marriage and think that you're going to walk away scot-free! When Keira comes by to take Blue to a Rick Ross concert. Jason, obviously upset at what's going on in his own life, basically tells Blue that he sucks too bad to be having any fun right now. True, but why so harsh Jason?

RECAP: "Love Sick"-The Challenge: Battle of the Exes II Episode 3

Loving Battle of the Exes II! Picking up from last week, the house goes out to party. CT comes back home to check up on Diem. One of the producers tells CT that Diem was feeling pretty sick, and she's been taken to the hospital. He automatically goes into panic mode, and wants to meet her there, even though he's been drinking. The producers instead let Diem and CT talk on the phone, and she sounds a lot better. Diem comes back to the house, and lays in bed with CT.

The next morning, Diem is sick again, with the house is really worried about her. Production takes her back to the hospital. CT makes her a care package, and everyone signs the box with well wishes. Later, however, TJ announces that Diem's medical issues will keep her from continuing the game, and CT has to go home as well. At this point, CT doesn't even care. He just wants to be with Diem. Diem's words in her last confessional acknowledges the fact that that she is so grateful that CT is always in her corner. She refused to quit, and wanted to live life to the fullest. I found myself tearing up, knowing how it all ends. RIP Diem.

New Kids On The Block Announce Tour with TLC and Nelly

New Kids on the Block have announced that they'll be heading back on tour, and, this time, TLC and Nelly are coming too!

The summer tour, entitled The Main Event, starts at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Events Center on May 1, according to the Hollywood Reporter. Tickets go on sale Jan. 31, and American Express presale begins Friday.

 "We've decided to reform again — not that we've broken up, but we're gonna go back on tour this summer," Donnie Wahlberg said on Good Morning America. He also said that the band will donate $10,000 to TLC's T-Boz and Chilli's Kickstarter fund for their upcoming and final album.

Check out the full list of dates below!

In The Spotlight: Flexy the Artist

I have the first official spotlight of 2015 for the blog! I have at least three other great artists lined up that I’m working to get up within the next week or so, so be on the lookout! If you are or represent an upcoming musical artist, producer, designer, etc., and would like to be featured on The Spotlight, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have Flexy the Artist! Raised in St. Louis, Missouri, this songwriter-singer grew up around music, as his parents and grandparents were all musicians themselves. At home, he listened to jazz and R&B artists, as well as the late great Michael Jackson, who he notes as one of his biggest inspirations. During his freshman year of college, one of his fraternity brothers sent him a goofy freestyle as a joke, and he decided to record one himself. “People liked it. It was really bad,” Flexy joked. “I’ve always had a great voice, at least, so it was easy to listen to, but ever since then, I’ve been going strong.” He began taking his music and career seriously, recording and performing at various shows.

RECAP: "The Wedding Night"-The Game Season 8 Premiere

The Game is definitely bringing the drama this season! Picking up last season's explosive finale, Chardonnay charges out of the church after slapping Jason for saying that he's still in love with ex-wife Kelly at their wedding! He tries to chase behind her, but she speeds off in the wedding car. I mean come on, Jason. You can't say you love your ex-wife, and think she's going to stay! I would've LOVED to be at that wedding though, especially for that slap!

As everyone leaves the church, Malik jokes with Tasha on the phone about the slap Chardonnay gave him. He believes this shows that anything could happen at anytime. He wants to move up his trials right now and play football again, even though Yana already told him . Jason walks up to Kelly, who doesn't know what Jason was thinking! Jason still has feelings for Kelly, but Kelly has moved on apparently! She found her a "muy caliente Latino," but had been keeping it a secret. Now Jason destroyed a good woman and relationship for nothing.

Mariah Carey Announces Upcoming Residency at Caesars Palace

Mariah Carey is heading to Vegas! The singer has signed a deal to do a residency at Caesars
Palace! 

The singer made the announcement in a pre-recorded appearance at the Ellen Degeneres Show, which will air later today, Thursday Jan. 15. "I'm going to do my first ever residency in Vegas at Caesars," she said with a smile. "This is a special event for me. And again, I have to hope that the fans will enjoy this because I’m gonna be performing, which was kind of inspired by my album Number 1’s, and this is now the updated version with 18 of them," she explained.

See her announce the news below!

RECAP: "I Will Always Hate You"-The Challenge: Battle of the Exes II E2

The Challenge: Battle of the Exes is heating up! Picking up from last week's surprising premiere, the house goes out partying Panama style! However, exes are watching each other flirting with other people, and it's rather awkward and annoying. Averey especially gets upset over Johnny's previous hookup with Nany, but I need her to build a bridge and get over it. Zach and Jenna seem to have a thing starting as well, which hurts Jonna.

The next day, T.J. introduces the second challenge, "Rounding The Bases." There's a baseball field, and the goal is to score a home run with your ex (T.J.'s words, not mine *laughs*)! At each base, there is a different task for the competitors. The last three teams at each base will be eliminated from the challenge, while the last place team at the first base will go straight to the Dome.

MUSIC VIDEO: "Single Fathers"-God's Elect

A while back, I did a mixtape review for God's Elect for Agape Soul TV, another website I wrote for in the past. I was instantly impressed and moved by this rapper's positive and inspirational lyrics. Now God's Elect has come with a new music video for his song, "Single Fathers," featuring the soulful sounds of singer Doneta Dawson.

The song, as the title states, is a dedication to single fathers who are actually active in their kids' lives. God's Elect is open about the struggles of a single dad, the importance of the entire family working together to remain strong, and reminds listeners to look to God for guidance.

Check out the video below!

Zooey Deschanel is Pregnant!

Congratulations are in order! Zooey Deschanel is pregnant!

The actress' rep confirmed the news to PEOPLE that Zooey is expecting her first child with boyfriend Jacob Pechenik this summer.“Jacob and I are over the moon. We are so excited to meet our little one,” Zooey said.

What's even better is that Zooey's own sister Emily Deschanel (Bones) is also pregnant! Those babies will have plenty of fun together when they get here.

Aww congrats to them and their families!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty

MOVIE REVIEW: Selma

Last night, I had the opportunity to see Selma, which chronicled Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s leadership alongside other notable leaders and activists during the Civil Rights Movement, specifically during the march from Selma, Alabama to Montgomery. Shown in limited release starting Christmas, the movie was officially released January 9th. From watching, it's clear why this film earned four Golden Globe nominations, which airs tonight by the way (and probably soon some Oscar noms as well)!

Directed by Ava DuVernay, the film was a superb look at this important piece of not only African-American history, but American history in general. Selma stars British actor David Oyelowo as Dr. King, who truly BECAME this man, from his voice to demeanor. That, to me, is always the mark of a true actor--to be able to become a character so much so that you never really notice the actor playing him or her. British actress Carmen Ejogo played Dr. King's wife, Coretta Scott King, and portrayed Coretta's grace and strength incredibly as well.

Official Cover Art for Lux House Mob's '4' Collection

You guys are going to be seeing A LOT about Lux House Mob from here on out! My girl Ashley Chin is doing big things as she branches out more into designing, and asked me to be one of the blogs who covers any releases for her brand. I was, of course honored to do so! 

This is the official cover art for Ashley's new collection, '4,' which will feature men and women apparel, and is set to debut this spring/summer! It's the first apparel collection under Lux House Mob, and I know that it's going to have a lot of hot items, so be on the lookout! So excited! 

TRAILER: Nicki Minaj's My Time Again Documentary

Nicki Minaj is set to release a new documentary to give her Barbz and other viewers a real look at
her life again, and we have a trailer!

The documentary, My Time Again, set to air on MTV in a few weeks, gives us a behind the scenes look at who Nicki is and what she deals with in her superstardom. In the short clip, we see Nicki's performance at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards (and the disastrous rehearsal where one of her dancers was bit by a snake), as well as her preparation for her most recent album, The Pinkprint.

The documentary will air January 18th at 10 p.m. ET on MTV. Check out the trailer below!

Get More: MTV Shows

I think I'm going to check this out. I'm always interested to see the person behind the artist, and I think that Nicki has a lot more to her than what's at the surface a lot of times.

Are you going to check out My Time Again?

Image via MTV

MUSIC: "Perfect"-Ash

Some new music for you! Alternative pop/R&B singer Ash, who has toured the last four years singing background with Janelle Monae, has dropped a new track called "Perfect."

Ash's pretty vocals really shine on the energetic and bubbly track! She sings a light-hearted message about finding a love that will do the simple things and that's perfect just the way he is. She doesn't need much. It's a very fun and light song that you just can't help grooving to! The song is the first single off her upcoming project, The Perfect EP, which is set to be released on February 10, 2015!

Check out the track below!


You can purchase "Perfect" on iTunes now! You can also listen to more from Ash on SoundCloud, as well connect with her on Twitter and Instagram. I'm also working on getting an interview with her soon, so be on the lookout! 

RECAP: "Where Is The Love?"-The Challenge: Battle of the Exes II Season Premiere

I LOVE The Challenge! I've been recapping the show for the past couple of seasons, and have loved every minute of it! It's very sad this time around, though, because we have lost two seasoned vets in the game that are featured in this season--Diem and Knight, who literally passed away within weeks of each other. However, I'm going to enjoy the drama, laughs, and random moments with everyone this season!

For season 26 of The Challenge, we've got Battle of the Exes II! This time the show, hosted by TJ Lavin, takes place in Pedasi, Panama, and partners up exes from the past. MTV also brings in a bunch of rookies from The Real World and Are You The One? The couples for this season are: Jonna and Zach, Sarah and Jordan, Nany and Johnny Bananas, Theresa and Wes, Averey and Johnny, Nia and Leroy, Brittany and Adam, Jessica and Dustin, Jenna and Jay, Jemmye and Knight, Hailey and Thomas, Simone and John, and Diem and CT.

REPORT: Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Welcome Their First Child

It's been reported that Blake Lively has given birth!

According to Page Six, Blake and husband Ryan Reynolds reportedly welcomed their baby over the holidays. The actress is said to have given birth near their home in Bedford, NY, with the baby coming a little sooner than expected. However, Blake and the baby are said to be healthy and fine! The actress first announced that she was pregnant back in October, though she looked to be pretty far along even then.

The publication reached out to Blake's rep, Leslie Sloane, who declined to comment.

If this is indeed true, congrats to Blake and Ryan! I know how much Blake wanted to be a mom, and embraced her pregnancy (and looked amazing all throughout!).

This post will be updated as more info comes out! 

Image via Getty

NEW MUSIC: "Cocaine"-Jhyve

New music to check out! Toronto's own Jhyve has released a new track, "Cocaine," and no, it's not about the powder. The singer uses the drug as a metaphor to describe addiction to love, and has come up with an emotional track that I think you guys will really love.

 Check out the beautiful ballad below!

You can learn more about Jhyve on his official website, hear more from him on SoundCloud and YouTube, and connect with him on Twitter and Instagram.

Let me know what you thought of the track below! And, of course, if you would like to feature your music on The Spotlight, email me BrittanyShawnte@gmail.com.

CONCERTS: Wale Hits the DMV with the Simply Nothing Tour!

Happy New Year everybody!!!! Can't believe it's 2015! Wishing you all much love and success in the new year! 

Last night, I started 2015 by seeing my favorite rapper perform. Wale KILLED it on his first stop of the Simply Nothing Tour at the Fillmore Silver Spring. The rapper featured Fat Trel and Sl*tty Boyz in the show as well, and the DMV really came out to support him. I was happy to finally catch him on New Year's Day!

This is my fourth time now seeing Wale, and it's always like the very first time. I still get as hyped as I did that very first time I saw him at Towson University some years back. He's a true artist, always wanting to connect and reach the people, and that has never changed. I see the growth not only in his fans, but in his music. I respect him and admire him honestly, which is why I go to shows whenever I can and tweet and post pics, and all that I do. I'm a very proud Moon always!

If you are a fellow Moon then be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram...I would love to connect with y'all! 

Check out some photos and video below!