Check Fat Joe Album Review QtheQ

"Fat Joe has one of the best ears for beats and this album is no exception."

Last Friday Fat Joe held a private listening for a select group of press from the UK. The Purple Agency exclusively invited Qthequestion.com to come cover for the US. Click the link below to view their thoughts on Fat Joe's 9th solo album J.O.S.E 2

Fat Joe Album Review

The Color of Fashion!

With the recent passing of Naomi Sims, the first black model on the cover of Ladies’ Home Journal in November 1968, I pondered the strides made by women of color in fashion.

Not only are more women of color represented on the runways, but we are represented in the store windows as well. I was bit hard-pressed to find these darker hue dolls, but I uncovered a few. While unearthing the black mannequins, I dredged up the black mannequins that caused controversy a couple years ago.

Should black mannequins be hanging by chains in windows? Is it being fashion forward?



Posted by Katina of randomfemalerants.blogspot.com

Drake Hate

It seems that the hatred of Drake is like a contagion, spreading cross the North American Continent, from the USA to Canada. I thought they would have embraced him in Toronto, being that he is supposedly from Canada.

Walking the streets of Toronto, I came across this "up-and-coming" rapper in his own little fantasy world who wanted to spew venom about Drake. Although this guy resembles a muskrat, he is quite entertaining in the video. Truthfully, I think he wishes he were Drake. Meanwhile, while recording this little diatribe on my video camera, Drake was actually taking a dive while performing in Camden, New Jersey.

Isn't this Drake's second injury? I remember him performing in a chair during the BET awards. While the masses is focusing on his "fakery," I am fretting he might fall off a stage and not be so lucky in the future. This is the first time that I have ever heard of a clumsy rapper. I thought they all had swagger.

Little Wayne is thinking like an astute business man when he said "I am going to have to get some extra insurance." I hope that the insurance adjuster doesn't follows Hip Hop. If so, those premiums will be through the roof with Drake's fumbling track record.

Please enjoy the video!

Posted by Katina of randomfemalerants.blogspot.com

Women's Wednesday

I took it to the Streets of New York to see what everyday women are wearing.... look at what I found....


Ashley (20)
From: Wisconsin, currently resides in Harlem, NYC
Occupation: Student/Aspiring Shoe Designer
Fashion Rule: Wear what makes you feel good!; Know what looks good on you!
Favorite Website: www.thefashionspot.com
Favorite Designer: 3.1 Phillip Lim
Fashion Icon: Rihanna, Diane von Furstenberg, Myself
Quote to live by: "Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain and most fools do, but it takes character and self control to be understanding and forgiving." ~ Dale Carnegie

When I first spotted Ashley I was intrigued by her Jumper, first I thought is was denim but I asked and felt the material and found it was something much softer and light weight. I like the western inspired fringes. She found this garment at Rags-A-GoGo, which is a great thrift store on 14th street between 7th & 8th Ave.




Bre(20)
From: Pasadena, California
Occupation: Student
Rule of Fashion: Gold Jewelry
Favorite Website: www.whowhatwear.com
Favorite Brand : Elizabeth & James
Fashion Icon: Diane von Furstenberg
Quote Bre Lives by: "Live it, Love it, Get it" ~Bre

I loved Bre's look but what really grabbed my eye was this ring she got from AJ's Design Studio (65 Bleecker Street)... I love the separation and isolation of the precious stones.... It looks like a good one of a kind investment!


Lucia is a 23 year old student from Denmark who works for "COVER" which is Danish Magazine. She LOVES Alexander Wang. She rocked this fringed top from TOPSHOP and these acid wash shorts from American Apparel, and Chloe shoes. I can tell comfort was a key rule to her style....


I stopped Marie because she reminded me of Kate Moss, which in turn is her fashion icon. This 18 year old student loves Balmain and Stella McCartney. I liked her black thigh high tights and open toe sandals. I really like the skin she showed... a great way to be covered yet very sexy!


This Woman I saw in passing, but she was in a rush and I really wanted to capture her for the blog... I really like the design and details of her shirt dress and how she paired it with this gold belt and these multi-color metallic heels....


Kayan is a Jamaican raised Bronx Native who at the age of 21 is a well-known Spoken word Artist and full time student. She lives by the Quote "Are yon an image or a Reflection?" She finds great clothes in Forever 21 and Bebe, and she looks to Yves saint Laurant as the Epitome of Top Fashion. Rihanna and Solange are some Fashion Icons of Kayan and I definitely saw some Solange inspiration in her outfit. Her "Mister Shoes" ankle boots are great and I loved how she paired it with a flirty skirt and this custom made tank (do you see the buttons???).. LOVE LOVE LOVE

Here are some links to her Poetry:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUUUE3MZol0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7Kca3rA6bc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZyW6N794o8



Aba is a 24 year old Free Spirit from the UK spending some time in New York. She lives by the Quote "Do You", and her Favorite store is Primark (which is a great Store out of London). I particularly loved her Fringed sandals from top shop(a few seasons old now but still great).



Whitney(21) is a NY actress who looks to Kate Moss as a Fashion Icon. I loved her Fringed peep toe boots from Bebe, It was a great yet sexy addition to her Rocker look.

Lauren(22) is a full time student who finds Sienna Miller to be one of the leading Women in fashion and Style. Lauren paired this Men's inspired shirt with a pair of shorts to show off her long sexy legs and made sure not to cover those Yves Saint Laurent Shoes.

These two where ready for what ever the night had in store for them...

Celebrity Style


Rihanna Looked stunning in this comfortable yet sexy in this dress... She really has a great style team! I need to be a part of that soon.... Rihanna holla at me... you need me on your team! LOL!

Women in New York have so much Great Style and know how to show it off....
Stay tuned to see some more women next week!

~~~Ehcilc... Because nothing about me is Cliche!

Trendy Tuesdays: DENIM

Denim is a rugged cotton twill textile, in which the weft passes under two or more warp fibers. Denim has been in American usage since the late eighteenth century. The word comes from the name of a sturdy fabric called serge, originally made in Nîmes, France. Originally called "serge de Nîmes", the name was soon shortened to denim.

Denim has been an American Classic for many years now and is a recurring trend. These days the usage of denim range from every street wear to red carpet events. Denim has been a personal favorite of mines for years... Lets see where denim could be found these days......


STREET STYLE
I took it the streets of New York City to see how Denim is being worn and how everyday people use this trend to express how they feel and who they are.


Suzanne, 28
From: Texas, Resides in Gramercy NYC
Occupation: Owner of a Public Relations Firm
Fashion Rule: Comfort comes First
Favorite Website: www.STYLE.com
Favorite Designer: Rick Owens
Fashion Icon: Grace Kelly
Quote to Live By: "Seize the Day"

I like the way Suzanne made these oversized destructed denims very Feminine. She paired them with a great pair of wedges and a flowwy top... GREAT MIX OF STYLES!


Serena, 19
From: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: Student, Aspiring Publicist for a Record Label
Fashion Rule: Accessories are everything
Favorite Website: www.blackstylecentral.blogspot.com
Favorite Store: Zara
Fashion Icon: Rihanna
Quote to live by: "Never Look Back"

Serena's Look screamed comfort, she paired this fitted denim jacket with a yellow skirt and striped tank.... The sandals could have easily been changed into a pair of heels to make this look a great night club look!


Carlos, 27
From: Mexico City, Mexico
Occupation: Women's Clothing Designer
Fashion Rule: BLACK
Favorite Website: www.style.com
Favorite Brand: Comme Des Garcons
Fashion Icon: Karl Lagerfeld
Quote to Live by: "BE FREE"

Carlos' acid wash skinny jeans told me he like to keep things simple.... Efortless style is what I saw in him.... and LOVED his T-shirt. Forever a K. Lagerfeld fan!


Nicole, 25
From: Cincinatti, Resides in Miami Beach
Occupation: Hairstylist
Fashion Rule: Dont't Listen to my Boyfriend
Favorite Website: www.PRADA.com
Favorite Brand: Chanel
Fashion Icons: Coco Chanel, Lady Bunny
Quote to Live By: "Carpe Diem... Seize the Day"

Nicole looked like a girl who liked to have fun... even her pose made me smile...she is full of life and energy and it showed in her choice of denim.


Inna,20
From: Russia
Occupation: Student
Fashion Rule: I Buy what i like, No matter how cheap or how expensive.

Inna's pants showed that the cut of the pants can go a long way. She was ready to party and was wasn't concerned with her pants getting in the way. Her Heels and tank added a great color splash to these washed out denims....

New Yorkers know how to Rock there Jeans.....

HOT FINDS:



H&M has these 2 Women's Denim that would be a great investment, Both at $59.95






Mottainai has these 2 great pair of Mens Denim and this bag would be great for any man to have in there closet.... Unfortunately its one of a kind....


I love this Distressed Denim Dress (TopShop $100)


Jumper (TopShop $125)

Some Leaders in Retail Denim are showing you different ways to do it too!

Levi's has this western inspired look on Display on 14th street.


7 for all Mankind has a preppy look going on in the Bleeker Street Boutique.

Even Celebs are Getting there daily Kicks with Denim.

Keri Hilson Rocked these denim inspired leggings to the BET Rising Icons event On Monday July 27, 2009.


And Rihanna was spotted wearing this denim Strapless Dress in NYC July 27, 2009 and she paired it with a very Intresting Hat and a pair of Blue Suede Christian Louboutin pumps.

Denim on the Runways


Miss Sixty Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear


Balmain Spring 2009 Ready-to-Wear


D&G Spring 2010 Ready-to-Wear


Dsquared² Fall 2009 Ready-to-Wear

Denim is a strong part of the American Culture and this trend will constantly repeat itself but Im waiting to see in what new ways it will be reinvented....

~~~Ehcilc...Because nothing about me is Cliche

"Just Throw It On Layaway"

With the rapper Fabolous’new album & movie compilation, "Loso’s Way," in stores July 28th, I am crossing my fingers and hoping that the album does really well, being that he obviously needs the money. The track “Throw It In The Bag” stays on repeat in my iPod, but I cannot help but chuckle every time I sing my own rendition of the song.

The track brings to mind the incident reported earlier in the year by NY Post Page Six, where all of Fabolous’ credit cards were allegedly declined at a popular Atlanta establishment. An entourage member who offered to pay his tab with cash got in a fight with the bouncer outside, and then he fell and hit his head. When the guy heard the police sirens, he fled the scene while bleeding profusely from the head. WOW!

To all those wondering why I am dredging up old news, I think it is entirely relevant, being that Fabolous is telling the ladies to just “Throw It In The bag.” It would have been wise to put this track on hold two calendar years and not push it the same year that all his credits cards were declined.

To all those ladies who want to show Fabolous some groupie love and who have the notion that he might let you “Throw It In The Bag,” I urge you to reconsider. The only thing you will be doing is scuffing your Christian Louboutins and suffering a concussion as you flee the scene in your stilettos like the entourage member who probably couldn’t foot his portion of the bill. Terrific, now you have an $800 shoe setback!

Unless "Loso’s Way" has staggering sales, I will continue to sing my own rendition of the track, just “Throw It On Layaway.”

Contributed by Katina of http://randomfemalerants.blogspot.com/

MEN'S MONDAYS

Kris Van Assche 2010 Spring/Summer Footwear











I came across this shoe while checking out Hypebeast.com. These Shoes/Boots/Sandals are a great combination of the 3. These would be ideal for men of all ages and style. A great way to dress down a Suit and even better way to style up a pair of Jeans and Graphic T. These are definitely worth having in your closet. My personal Favorites are Black side lace sneaker, and the white and Yellow high top sandals which are also available in Blue! Keep your eye for a release date!

~~Ehcilc.... because nothing about me is Cliche!

BRUCE LEE CHANGED THE WORLD

Asher + Ceelo

New York Time's Guild prevents the Boston Globe from going under

(AP) - The Boston Globe and its largest employees union reached a tentative agreement early Wednesday morning on concessions that will keep the 137-year-old newspaper publishing, the union president said.

The breakthrough came at about 4 a.m., said Dan Totten, president of the Newspaper Guild. He did not release details pending a meeting with Guild members scheduled for Thursday.

"Out of respect for our members, the Guild and the New York Times Co. have agreed not to release details until Guild leaders have a chance to meet with our members," Mr. Totten said.

Globe spokesman Robert Powers said in a statement that details would not be released until Thursday. The Guild represents about 700 editorial, business and advertising staff.

The company had set a deadline of midnight Sunday to reach an agreement with its unions to make $20 million in cuts or close the Boston Globe. The Times Co. struck agreements with six of seven unions before the deadline, but even though talks with the Guild stalled, management backed off its threat to file a notice required by federal law to begin the process of shutting down the newspaper.

The two sides resumed talks Tuesday evening at a location outside Boston.

The Globe had proposed to slash wages by 23% to gain concessions of $10 million and keep the financially-strapped newspaper from closing.

The Guild has offered a 3.5% pay cut, plus three unpaid furlough days, for a total salary reduction of just under 5%. It said its offer represents more than the $10 million in concessions sought.

The Times Co. also sought to change its lifetime job guarantees, a key sticking point. At least one of the smaller unions agreed to changes in the guarantees for its members, but the Guild resisted giving up the guarantees.

Nearly 470 employees across six unions have the guarantees, including about 190 Newspaper Guild members. Most got the promises in a contract ratified in 1994, shortly after the Times Co. bought the Globe for $1.1 billion, in exchange for other concessions at the time. Workers can still be fired for cause, but the newspaper says the guarantees reduce its ability to pare its operational structure.

The Times Co., which overall lost $74.5 million in the first quarter, has said that of all its newspaper properties, the Globe has been the most dramatically affected by the recession, the advertising downturn and the migration of readers online. The Globe had $50 million in operating losses in 2008 and is projected to lose $85 million this year.

©Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

50 Cent & Rick Ross Beef makes Billboard, but most importanly they mention THE LIFEFILES

“We’re going to act like we didn’t hear that,” an unimpressed Ross said during a radio show interview about the comeback. “We gonna give him 48 hours to come up with another one.”

A few days later, 50 posted another video, which warned, “There’s nobody in control of me. I do what I want to do. Rick Ross, I’m-a fuck your life up, for fun. You’re gonna really understand how resourceful I am.”

At the beginning of February, Ross released the video for “Mafia Music,” in which he flaunts his mansion, cars, jewelry and handgun, among other things; he also put out another diss track, “Kiss My Pinky Ring.”

Despite the apparent animosity behind the feud, Ross says “Deeper Than Rap” isn’t an angry album. Other tracks include the reggae-tinged “Yacht Club”; “Lay Back,” with vocals from Robin Thicke; and “Bossy Lady,” which features Ne-Yo and may be the third single.

While IDJ’s Atlas says the beef may help sales, he isn’t relying on it to promote “Deeper Than Rap.” A strong viral campaign featuring videos of Ross doing everything from recording a track in the studio to sending direct messages to fans has also taken off on Ross’ site, DeepInTheRap.com, bolstering the banner ad campaigns on other sites like WorldStarHipHop.com, AllHipHop.com and TheLifeFiles.com, among others.

To hear Ross talk, it sounds as though the video for “Cold Blood” just metaphorically buried 50 himself—not their feud. “Money doesn’t make me—I make the money,” he says. “That applies to my opposition. If you rely on your money, you’re engaging in something that won’t work. If you aren’t making music that people want to hear or are in the streets with the people, you’re going to run out of things to do. Cartoons can only take you so far.”

A Lesson in Beat Making

GYANT UNPLUGS FROM SOHH.com

The most successful blogger on SOHH for the past three years has stepped down from his blog post and launched his own site gyantunplugged.com. Gyant, the undisputed mouth of the south, has decided to branch out on his own. With awards and accolades from BET (Top Blogger of the Year 2007) and Black Web Blog (2008), Gyant is a major force in the world of hip hop and urban blogging.

In just 3 years, the New York native relocated to Atlanta and built a solid base of followers who looked to his SOHH Atlanta blog for up to the minute hip hop news and gossip. He simultaneously maintained the SOHH Ya Heard blog that was recently renamed SOHH Gyant Scoop, which included daily doses of mainstream gossip. His exclusive posts have been reposted on other popular sites such as Mediatakeout, World Star Hip Hop, Dimewars, Crunk & Disorderly, AJC.com, Perezhilton.com, among others. He's managed to secure exclusive interviews with a-list celebrities such as Jermaine Dupri, Ludacris, T.I., Neyo, Flo Rida, Cornell West, Wendy Williams, Killer Mike, Eric Benet, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and more. As a tastemaker, Gyant also helped build an internet presence for independent artists Asher Roth, Rock City and Gorilla Zoe. With a no holds barred attitude, he's had run ins with artists such as Bow Wow and Soulja Boy, who both later understood that blogging should not be taken personal.

Gyant's decision to part ways with SOHH was due to his need for financial independence. He explains, "Former and present co-workers all advised me that this day would come. Luckily, working for pennies is a labor of love when you love what you're doing. That is why I am stoked to launch my new site, gyantunplugged.com, which will house all the exclusive content that I've consistently delivered on SOHH."
Gyant has resigned from SOHH, however his blogging days are far from over. His daily dish on the A-Z celebrities, upcoming stars and interesting take on celebrity drama can be found at his new blog site gyantunplugged.com. In addition to blogging, Gyant has ventured into the world of television and radio. He can be heard on Dirt Law Radio and 96.5 the beat in Michigan. "I'm grateful to have worked with the one leading hip hop website, but now I'm ready to build my own, so I can reap the fruits of my labor. I'm also ready to explore new opportunities in radio and television."

Be sure to check out Gyant at his new site gyantunplugged.com.

For submission of client news, email - Gyant@gyantunplugged.com

D Nice Portrait of a "Homeless Emcee"

True Hip-Hop Stories: Homeless Emcee from D-Nice on Vimeo.

Support Our Independent Record Stores

Saturday April 18th was Record Store Day throughout America. Over 1, 000 independent record stores celebrated by offering their customers in store performances, fantastic promotions and literally thousands of value added items. Record Store Day was started last year and was met with a huge response. It was covered by local and national press and was more successful then anyone could imagine. Not only did the majority of the merchants report big profits for that day, they also experienced higher then normal business for several weeks after the event. Mayor Michael Bloomberg has issued an official proclamation declaring Saturday April 18th as “Record Store Day” in NYC.

Nick Cannon+ The Life Files

LIVE From The 40th Floor, It's Nick Cannon! from the.LIFE Files on Vimeo.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Busta Rhymes For the.LIFE Files!

I definitely saw a different side of Busta with this interview. Congratulations to Darius, Fashion Editor for YRB, for keeping Bustsa Fashion foward.


the.LIFE Files Catches Up With Bussa Bus In Brooklyn, NY from the.LIFE Files on Vimeo.

Cudi in Inerview's April Edition Looking Legitamte

No mas Blender!?

Alpha Media announced that Blender magazine has folded with its April issue. Blender launched in 2001 and covered cutting-edge trends across several musical genres, from new metal to rock to hip-hop and R&B. The magazine will continue as a digital destination, part of Maxim digital, which encompasses the Web sites for Maxim, Blender and Stuff Magazine. Joe Levy, Blender's editor in chief, has moved over to Maxim magazine, where he will serve as the editor in chief. He formerly served as the executive editor of Rolling Stone, as well as the music editor and assist ant managing editor for the magazine. He has also worked for Spin magazine and Details. Jay Woodruff has been named chief content officer for Maxim and most recently served as editor in chief of Maxim digital. Oh Yeah..Did I say they still have their online page going. Check this Bun B interview. Hilarious.

Kid Cudi + Lifefiles =

Check out Javid's (Lifefiles.com) interview with Kid Cudi from the super exclusive Alife Rivington Club sneaker store in New York. Fresh from his performances at the SXSW music conference Kid Cudi talks about how he made it this far and the problems he faces in the music industry right now. Cudi is definitely a down to earth dude. We're happy he decided not to retire. We're just getting know him.

Spring + Shoes = Trend Alert

Louis Vuitton python leather sandal $2,700

Louis Vuitton python leather sandal + Victoria Beckham = DAMN!!

Barcardi B-Live

BACARDI B-LIVE Returns to Miami March 26 to Unleash a Multi-City Summer Tour

MIAMI, March 24 /PRNewswire/ -- BACARDI(R) today announced that BACARDI(R) B-LIVE(TM), an innovative global concert series that embraces diverse artists in a collaborative showcase, will preview its U.S.-based tour on March 26 at a private event at Blade at Fontainebleau in Miami. Following the press launch, BACARDI B-LIVE will continue throughout the summer with a multi-city tour.

To kick-off this year's tour, a vision of the BACARDI B-LIVE experience will be presented to invited press and trade coinciding with the 2009 Winter Music Conference (WMC) held in Miami, Fla. during March 24-28. At this event, the upcoming tour dates, locations and lineup will be announced, providing media with a preview of the summer tour.

The BACARDI B-LIVE kick-off presents an exciting line-up of diverse artists: Toronto based duo, MSTRKRFT; Fool's Gold label head and Kanye West DJ, A-Trak; Mad Decent label head, Diplo; DJ set from electrofunk duo, Chromeo; infamous DJ best known for his early career with Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff; electronic musician known for styles of breakbeat, house and dubstep, Drop the Lime; New York based dance music producer and remixer, DJ Steve Porter; electro club DJ, Auto Erotique; respected Toronto DJ of the house music circuit, Craig Pettigrew; producer and DJ, Sydney Blu; and French electronic music producer, Para One.

"BACARDI B-LIVE has gained momentum since its inception," said Billy Melnyk, experiential marketing manager, BACARDI Rums. "We're looking forward to bringing this interactive experience to more adult consumers across the nation and delivering a premium event."

A program of music events that has toured 25 countries, BACARDI B-LIVE showcases both international and emerging artists. It provides them with a collaborative environment and rousing audio and visual experiences that are designed to promote spontaneity through adult audience participation.

No mystery that the 'spirit' behind the B-LIVE series is BACARDI. In 1862 in the city of Santiago de Cuba, Don Facundo Bacardi revolutionized the spirits industry when he began producing BACARDI Rum, the world's best-selling rum brand.

Today, the BACARDI family of rums is produced in Puerto Rico, following the production legacy set forth by Don Facundo - crafted in a five step distillation process, aged in American white oak barrels, and filtered five times for unparalleled quality and smoothness.

BACARDI B-LIVE mixes the hottest music with the very best BACARDI cocktails for the ultimate taste experience. These events are exclusive ticketed event for adults aged 21 and over only. For more information, please visit www.bacardi.com.

About Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.

Bacardi U.S.A., Inc. is the United States import, sales and marketing arm of one of the world's leading spirits and wine producers. The company boasts a portfolio of some of the most recognized and top-selling spirits brands in the United States including BACARDI(R) rum, the world's number-one selling rum; GREY GOOSE(R) vodka, the world-leader in super-premium vodka; DEWAR'S(R) Blended Scotch whisky, the number-one selling blended Scotch whisky in the United States; BOMBAY SAPPHIRE(R) gin, the fastest-growing premium gin in the spirits industry; CAZADORES(R) blue agave tequila, the number-one premium tequila in the world; MARTINI & ROSSI(R) vermouth, the world-leader in vermouth; and other leading and emerging brands.