MUSIC VIDEO: "The White Shoes"-Wale

I'm so excited that Wale has officially released his video for "The White Shoes," the latest song off his upcoming album, The Album About Nothing!

Before you believe that this song is about materialism and copping white shoes, really listen to the message that Wale gives in the song. In the visual, we see a young boy in DC saving up for a nice pair of white shoes, but his joy in the shoes is, unfortunately, short-lived. "The White Shoes" symbolizes finding happiness in spite of those who may judge or look down on you.

Wale also included a group of moonz from the DMV (I had a previous appointment or I definitely would've been there!), which shows the love he has for us! I was able to get my pre-orders of the album a little ahead of time, and let me tell you, this is a very special project! Wale definitely gave his heart on this one.

Check out the video for "The White Shoes" below!

Full List of Winners at the 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards

The 2015 iHeartRadio Music Awards aired on NBC last night, March 29. Of course, as previously reported, Justin Timberlake took home the Innovator Award for his creative work in the industry. However, did your favorite celebs win anything?

Check out the full list of winners below (via Us Weekly)!

EVENTS: Mystique: 17th Annual BSA Fashion Show (Loyola University Maryland)

On Friday, March 20, I headed back to my alma mater, Loyola University Maryland, for the 17th annual BSA Fashion Show: Mystique! Having a slew of student volunteers, models, scene assistants and directors, as well as gaining support and clothing from a variety of retail stores and local brands, it literally takes months on end to get this show together (I know because I modeled as well *wink*). It's a HUGE event for Loyola, with students, staff, alumni, and other members of the Baltimore community and beyond coming out to support!

Directed by Loyola seniors Wah-De Dennis and Tiaira Walker, the show had amazing clothes and transitions for the audience to enjoy. Clothing was provided from Gap, The Strut Truck, Party Dress, Christopher Schafer, Brooks Brothers, Tin Lizzy, Double Dutch Boutique, Francesca's and Southern Proper. Hair and makeup was also provided by Roshé Cosmetics. There was even a special part of the show that integrated fashion and spoken word, featuring designs from a current Loyola senior I modeled with before, Abigail Lordson-Banini and her own clothing brand, House of Afi! I'm hoping to feature her and her designs on the blog soon!

Definitely one of the best shows that Loyola has put on! I really enjoyed myself, and got to catch up with a few staff members, alum and students, which is always nice. Check out pictures and video from the show below!

RECAP: "The Greatest Love of All"-The Challenge Battle of The Exes II Season Finale

Last night was an intense finale for Battle of the Exes II! Picking up from last week, three couples remain: Sarah & Jordan, Jay & Jenna, and Leroy & Theresa. For the first checkpoint, "Kayak the Fjord," the helicopters take them a some yards out from their kayaks to swim to short. The great swimmers that they are, Jordan and Sarah take off and get to their kayak first, getting a great lead. Surprisingly, Jay and Jenna do well and However, Leroy and Theresa struggle swimming, particularly Leroy. When they get to their kayak, they also struggle to actually go anywhere down the fjord, and Theresa panics and goes off on him.

RECAP: "One Is The Loneliest Number"-Being Mary Jane S2, E8

If you haven't been watching Being Mary Jane, you are missing out! Picking up from last week, Mary Jane gets a call from Sheldon as she makes dinner. He called to talk about their future. They talk about a lot of random things, but actually seem to be getting along well. All the while Mary Jane is making a list of pros and cons, which is pretty even. For one topic of conversation, Sheldon audaciously asks her if she's barren, which puts a crazy halt on the conversation. However, he compliments her on being brave enough to put her story out there like that. She feels stupid, but that's the last thing that he thinks she is. They literally talk half the night about any and everything. Sheldon is intrigued by her because she's bold enough to challenge him, which no one ever really does. He asks her to dinner, which she agrees to. They finally hang up, both happy.

In The Spotlight: Elite Trends Studio

So excited and grateful that I have been connecting with a lot of creative and talented people so far this year! The best part, to me, of what I do, is being able to feature other upcoming stars on The Spotlight. As always, if you or your client is interested in being featured on the site, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Right now, I want you all, especially those in the DMV area, to check out Elite Trends Studio! Elite Trends is a family owned business, which opened October 1, 2013 in downtown Silver Spring, MD. The studio, started off as a multi-departmental entertainment company to serve various needs in the industry. “Elite Trends Studios signifies great quality provided by trendsetter—a new way to look at things, a vision for a better tomorrow,” said Kierra Hart, who serves as an account executive for the studio.

RECAP: "Bye Bye, Love"-The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 Episode 11

The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 is almost over yall! Picking up from last week and Sarah's HUGE power move, Jordan tries to calm her down, but he honestly wishes that it would've went differently. Sarah, being the nice girl that she is, is so distraught. She did what she had to do though! Turns out that the teams are staying in a hotel for the night in Panama City. When they get settled a bit, Nia goes off on Sarah and Jordan, and even pulls Jordan's pants down and calls him the "f" word (I refuse to tolerate that here even with symbols). It's ridiculous. Johnny goes off on Sarah too, feeling betrayed, as does Nany, but it's all ridiculous. The goal is to WIN MONEY. If she doesn't look out for her and Jordan, who will?!

RECAP: "Let's Go Crazy"-Being Mary Jane S2, E7

Recaps on Being Mary Jane and The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 are a little late, but I still wanted to be sure I got them up. I have a lot to say as always! Picking up from last week's episode of BMJ, Mary Jane wakes up after having sex with David...and decides to clean house. Literally. David hears her vacuuming and heads out to the living room, where Mary Jane reveals she prayed for forgiveness for her selfish decision to sleep with him. She also made a deal with God that if she is actually pregnant, she will figure out how they (her, David, Anna, and the babies!) will all live together in peace. If she's not, their relationship is over. Which is absolutely crazy, but this MJ we're talking about so, of course, she would make a decision like this. David asks her if it's revenge, but to her, it's not. She's been rebounding and making crazy decisions over him, and feels like she needs to move on with or without him. This pisses David off, because now he has to wait on a decision from her about their relationship status based on a pregnancy test.

MUSIC VIDEO: "Guilty"-Sherwinn "Dupes" Brice

I just received a great music video that I just had to share before the night was over! Check out this music video by singer Sherwinn "Dupes" Brice for his latest single "Guilty."

The track, produced by Dupes himself along with Francis "Leebo" De Lima, and accompanied by Zach Popo and Jason Lovence, definitely has an island soul feel that listeners will enjoy! Dupes effortlessly sings this calming love song, opening up about the fact that he is falling in love, and admitting that he will deal with the price that comes with it. The visual itself follows a couple's journey on the beautiful island of St Lucia (!!!) and the events that lead up to a wedding day. However, the seemingly beautiful story doesn't go how you may think!

Check out the video below!

Justin Timberlake Will Receive the 2015 iHeartRadio Innovator Award

Justin Timberlake is to receive the 2015 iHeartRadio Innovator Award!

According to Billboard, the singer and father-to-be will receive the award when the iHeartRadio Music Awards airs live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on March 29 at 8 p.m. on NBC.

“Justin is one of the most dynamic artists of our lifetime, a visionary whose influence on pop culture starts with brilliant music and stretches well beyond,” said Tom Poleman, President of National Programming Platforms for iHeartMedia. “I’m amazed how he regularly breaks barriers that continue to shape and define music trends. We’re thrilled to recognize him amongst his peers—who also proudly call themselves his fans.”

In The Spotlight: Kimberly Lola

A spotlight to start off the week! I’m always interested to feature up and coming stars in the entertainment industry on The Spotlight. Visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today we have singer Kimberly Lola! Kimberly began singing at the age of two, and performed at different talent shows throughout elementary school. “One in particular stands out to me because a classmate later said that she cried because she thought my singing was so beautiful,” the singer stated. “I already knew I wanted to be a singer when I grew up but hearing that really made me realize how powerful music is.” On her career day in third grade, she and her classmates were told to come to school dressed up in clothes that showed what they wanted to be when they grew up. Kimberly simply brought a microphone to school, knowing exactly what she wanted. “Aside from a brief lapse in judgment in 2nd grade when I thought I wanted to be an archaeologist,” she said. “I never wavered from the goal of being a singer.”

NEW MUSIC: "Divine Energy"-Ridock King

Last month, I had the opportunity to interview a great upcoming artist Ridock King. He has released a new song called "Divine Energy," which I want you all to check out! "Divine Energy is that energy that you cannot necessarily explain but you like how it feels," Ridock said of the track. The uptempo track is really fun and great to dance to! Ridock himself is a positive artist that seeks to create good music for himself and listeners, and encourages everyone to enjoy life on the song.

Check out the track below!

Rihanna Will Star in New Episode of Dior "Secret Garden" Video Series

Rihanna is certainly making a mark in the fashion industry!

According to WWD, the singer will be featured in the fourth episode of Dior’s “Secret Garden” video series. Set to be shot by Steven Klein in Versailles (!!!), the film and print campaign will run this spring! What's even greater about this announcement is that Rihanna is the first black woman to be at the forefront of the French brand!

Dior has had millions of views with the first three videos of models strutting through the Versailles grounds rocking the brand's various fashions.

Rihanna is seriously killing it! Congrats to her for snagging another lucrative fashion deal, and continuing to branch outside of music.



Image via Katie Jones/WWD

RECAP: "Lovers In The Dark"-The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 Episode 10

Last night's episode of The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 was TOO GOOD! Picking up from last week, Nany and Nia continue to go back and forth and it's absolutely ridiculous. I can't stand that Nia gets so emotional over this game. I understand being an athlete, and wanting the strongest competitors at the end, but get it over Nia! At the end of the day, Jordan and Sarah are playing THEIR game. Nia needs to get herself under control. Truth be told, Sarah is one of the few rational people in this house, and I'm proud of her for finally looking out for herself. She's finally being logical in this game, and making all the right moves!

Wes and Theresa feel like they can beat Nia and Leroy, though they don't like the fact that they will have to face them. Obviously, they still want to win, and come back to freak Johnny out! Meanwhile, Leroy tells Nia to use her frustration to kill it in the Dome.

RECAP: "Pulling The Trigger"-Being Mary Jane S2, E6

Another great episode of Being Mary Jane last night! Picking up from last week, there is an armed man, Brian Ellis, threatening to kill himself outside of his law firm as Mary Jane watches from home. She calls Kara, and another anchorman is downtown covering it. At that moment, MJ gets a call from the doctor, and reveals she is nervous to take the shot she needs to trigger her ovulation circle. The plan is for her to take the shot, and then meet him to have her egg extraction the next night. She manages to pull it together, and get the shot done.

As Mary Jane leaves to go to work, David is waiting outside for her. He wants to talk to her about Ana, but she's not feeling the conversation, and rightfully so! David's had some epiphany that he's changed his life for someone he barely knows. He's trying to do the right thing by staying around for the baby, but feels trapped and thinks Ana feels the same way. To MJ, this doesn't change the fact that David got another woman pregnant. He wants her to tell him that it's not too late for them, but she can't do that. At the end of the day, their dynamic has completely changed, and it's like David expects for them to move forward like nothing has happened! Come on dude!

In The Spotlight: Vanessa B

I love featuring these great up and coming stars! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., please view our Features/Submissions page  for more information on being featured!

Right now, we have singer Vanessa B! Hailing from small town Carrollton, KY, Vanessa has been singing since she little. “I always say, ‘I didn't come out of the womb screaming, I came out of the womb singing,’" she joked. Growing up as a shy only child, Vanessa would spend time entertaining herself by singing songs in front of her Barbies and stuffed bears like she was “performing at Madison Square Garden.” Vanessa would also spend summers with her grandmother who had classic vinyl records from artists like John Coltrane, Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Etta James and more, which gave the singer a great appreciation for blues and jazz.

The Season 3 Cast of Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars Revealed (Plus Supertease!)

Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars has been a huge hit for WE-TV! The second season's finale will air this Friday, and looks like season three is right around the corner!

According to E! News, the upcoming season will feature Kendra Wilkinson & Hank Baskett from Kendra on Top, Jersey Shore's Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino & Lauren Pesce, Celebrity Apprentice and Making the Band's Aubrey O'Day & Travis Garland, Basketball Wives' Tami Roman & Reggie Youngblood, and Big Brother's Jeff Schroeder & Jordan Lloyd. These couples will be directed by marriage counselors Jim and Elizabeth Carroll, and their co-directors Ilsa Norman and David Bishop in hopes to save their

From the looks of the supertease below, this cast definitely has a lot to work through! Check it out below!

NEW MUSIC: "Bussin'"-8More feat. Gillie Da Kid & Fred The Godson

Philadelphia's own 8More has dropped a new single, "Bussin'" featuring Gillie Da Kid & Fred The Godson. Produced by 8MP Beatz, the song is definitely a hot one, especially with spring and summer coming up!



Check it out below and be sure to let me know what you think!

RECAP: "Switch"-The Game Season 8 Finale

I can't believe that last night was the season finale of The Game! Picking up from last week, Tasha meets with Blue and gives him a great pep talk for the championship game, all while ignoring Malik. When Jason comes in, she puts a "curse" on him, mad that he's the reason why Chardonnay left!

At the game the next day, Blue can't seem to focus because he thinks that Malik is trying to get with Keira. He tells Jason his suspensions, and Jason keeps mum even though he knows that something may be happening. It was weird how Blue just randomly came to that conclusion, though. It's obvious when you're actually paying attention, but Blue has been so focused on football lately. However, now he just has this gut feeling that something is going on, but that's not the most important thing right now.

RECAP: "Total Eclipse of the Heart"-The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 Episode 9

The Challenge: Battle of the Exes 2 made a crazy turn last night! Picking up from last week, as the remainder competitors party, Wes and Leroy talk about making it to the Finals. The goal is to now use Jenna and Jay as the scapegoat as planned. However, Jordan and Sarah refuse, knowing that Wes and Theresa are just scared to face elimination. Honestly, it doesn't make sense to do away with the easiest team now, when you can keep them for the final. Jordan and Sarah are playing for themselves, and Wes gets upset or whatever. When he and Jordan have a conversation about this all again the next day, Jordan makes the implication that Theresa is a bigger witch then he is an ass. To me, I never have liked Theresa. I think she's fake, and it shows when she hears from Wes that Jordan was talking about her. She starts crying and getting all emotional. To me, it's all stupid. Can we get the focus back to the game?!

RECAP: "No Eggspectations"-Being Mary Jane S2, E5

Last night's episode of Being Mary Jane was very emotional to watch! Picking up from last week, Mary Jane takes the cameras with her as she is at the end of her hormone regimen, The doctor does a sonogram for her, and admits that he does not see what he is hoping at this stage for her. He tells her she should try again the process. On live TV. Though she manages to keep it together on air, when they go to break, MJ freaks out, wondering what went wrong! The doctor tells her that her eggs aren't in the ideal condition, and advises her to maybe do a stronger dosage of hormones. Kara tries to give her a pep talk to close the show gracefully, and MJ manages to pull herself together, but goes off on Kara afterwards for letting her do this. However, it's partly on Mary Jane herself for making this decision. I think she was fine with it before, but now is upset that things didn't pan out the way she thought they would.  Kara tries to talk her down, stating that people will be compassionate towards her and those who are going through the same thing, but Mary Jane is clearly too upset to calm down.

Meanwhile, Helen talks to Lisa on the phone, which watching the segment. She's still very upset that, one, Mary Jane waited this long to consider having kids, and two, that she's documenting the entire thing. It's none of her business though! Helen also feels like maybe it's because of her lupus that MJ can't have kids, and Paul, Sr. gets irritated that Helen made the entire situation about her instead of worrying about MJ.

NEW MUSIC: "All The Things You Do"-Jahkoy

New music to start the morning! Singer Jahkoy has released a new record called "All The Things You Do!" Blending smooth R&B-reminiscent vocals with electronic music, the singer opens up about how he's been thinking about his significant other and what makes that person special to him in his life.

"All The Things You Do" is definitely a hit that I think you all will love! The catchy track will be on his upcoming EP, Temptations, so be on the lookout!

You can connect with Jahkoy on Facebook and Twitter and hear more of his music on SoundCloud!

In The Spotlight: Maximo

This is probably the most features I’ve done in one given week! Keeping me busy, but I’m truly honored to be able to do it. As always, if you are or represent an upcoming star in the entertainment industry (music, fashion, writing, etc.), please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured!

Last month, I featured Australian-based R&B producer/artist Maximo’s track “Hesitate,” which I loved so much! So glad I had the opportunity to ask him some questions about his journey in music. Maximo grew up in a very creative family filled with singers, dancers, poets, designers and more. His own father is a self-taught pianist who Maximo looked to for inspiration. “As a kid, I would listen to him play and then sneak up afterwards and try to copy what he did,” the artist said.

In The Spotlight: Amber Sauer

Keeping the spotlights coming for you all this week! I plan to have about three more up before the week is out, so be on the lookout!  As always, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information on how to be featured on The Spotlight!

Today, we have singer Amber Sauer! Amber grew up as a military daughter, as her dad was in the Navy and moved around the world. Her parents exposed her to a variety of different cultures and genres of music as she grew up, and, naturally, she was drawn to all things musical. “We finally settled around my 7th grade year of school in Paradise, California, a very small country town about 2 hours north of Sacramento in the mountains,” she said. “It was there, that I believe I really began my journey in the arts.” Amber quickly got involved and excelled in concert, jazz, and marching band in addition to choir. In choir, she studied opera and at home, she listened to artists like Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Amber also joined the drama department, and just became enamored by the stage overall. “I knew in high school that there was nothing more that I wanted to do than be on stage,” Amber stated. “I don’t think I was sure at the time, to what full capacity that meant, however. But I knew that I had something to offer the world of entertainment.”

NEW MUSIC: "The Matrimony"-Wale feat. Usher

"If there's a question of my love, you got it...Baby, don't worry. I've got plans for you...."

Everyone who knows me knows how big of a fan I am of Wale. Hell, I'm beyond a fan. I'm one of the Moonz (if you have to ask, you'll never know!). With his fourth album, The Album About Nothing, set to be released this month on March 31, to say that I'll be promoting him heavily here and on social media is an understatement! A little bit of a bias, but he's my favorite rapper, so expect to see his music and videos here!

The rapper dropped his latest single, "The Matrimony," today, which features the smooth vocals of Usher. Wale opens up about how he has been considering taking his relationship to the next level. He's definitely scared, but it's marriage and a family is definitely something that he wants. He also opened up about how the woman that he speaks of on the track suffered a miscarriage (which broke my heart because he's spoken before about how he wants a family).

Check out the track below!

In The Spotlight: Jay Wud

I'm telling you, the coolest part of what I do are these spotlights! To be able to feature artists literally from all over the world is incredible to me, and something I dare not take for granted. As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, writer, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for guidelines on being featured on the blog.

My last spotlight of the day (check back throughout the week for more!) is Lebanese singer/songwriter Jay Wud! Inspired by artists like Prince, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Nivana, and more, his rock music is definitely amazing to listen to. Jay picked up his first guitar at the age of 13, after receiving one as a Christmas parents from his parents. It was at that moment that he knew that music was something that he wanted to delve into. "I began performing around Lebanon at the age of 16 with different bands," he said. "The first big show I did outside of Lebanon was with a band I played with at the time and was supporting Robert Plant in Tunisia." Being from Lebanon, Jay admitted, though, that the life there is rough, especially for a musician like himself. "I took everything I could from the good, the bad, and the ugly side of it," he stated. "I consumed it all and it made me who I am today."

In The Spotlight: Sean Kelly

This week, I plan to have quite a few spotlights, so definitely keep reading and supporting these great up and coming stars!  If you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information to be featured on The Spotlight! 

Check out California-based singer Sean Kelly! Growing up in Cali, Sean split his time between Venice and Sacramento. His father taught him how to play guitar when he was 10 years old. "He would let me borrow his guitar and I would practice on the beach while my friends were in the water. I'd jam with them too every day." When other people started noticing his talent, he seriously considered pursuing music. "I wanted to either be a musician or magician and I only know two card tricks, so I think I made the right choice," he joked.

In The Spotlight: Doneta Dawson

Hello everyone! Happy March! Starting the month off with a few spotlights today. As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in a feature onThe Spotlight, please read our Features/Submissions page for more details! 

Right now, we have gospel singer Doneta Dawson! Hailing from Cincinnati, Doneta grew up in a musical family.  She also grew up in the church and has been singing in the since she was four, singing solos in the choir. "I learned very, very young about singing, about performing, about harmony, all of that good stuff," Doneta said. "I always wanted to sing professionally and I always wanted to perform."