What's Beef?

The latest Hip Hop industry buzz is the Twitter Beef between veteran rapper Cassidy and MMG artist Meek Mills, potentially leading up to a face to face rap battle. In the words of the late great Biggie Smalls “Beef is when you can’t walk in the street/ beef is when I see you/guaranteed to be in ICU.” I think it’s safe to say that these two Philly natives are far from that.

I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Cassidy at Powerhouse Studios, in Yonkers last night. Cassidy shared with me that although he has been off the radar for a while, he has definitely evolved as an artist. He talked about working as a producer, perfecting his flow-play, and maturing as an individual so that he is able to rap about different experiences. Cassidy maintains that regardless of time away, he is still ill: “It’s still the same hard bars, lyrics, similes, metaphors. I still get busy on every record, never let up.”

Cassidy credits the late Tupac as an influence, admiring Pac’s fearlessness, work ethic, and his relationship with God. Cassidy also gives props to 50 Cent for being his own man even before he became signed artist, “(50) He said what he wanted to say and did what he wanted to do. I like that in artists.”

Cassidy’s return is certainly the shake up that the industry needs. If the battle does go down it will be ca-razy for sure. Most of all it would be monumental for Hip Hop! Stay tuned folks!

It is...

Crisp, tender, and richly unique
It spills out fast and uninhibited
like a large stream of soft bubbles
out of that small plastic circular wand
You try to catch it before it explodes
and disappears
even though it will no doubt return
It invites hope and evokes promise
It is plentiful and lush, never lacking
It is everything
Best of all it is contagious
It is a child's laughter

Being Charitable is Fashionable

I was pleased to attend the Shopping Night Out "Beating Cancer in Heels" charity event presented by Tene Nicole. The event was a festive evening that featured fashion forward items for sale, live music, a beauty bar, passed hor d'oeuvres and open bar.
The event was held at The Carriage House Center for the Arts, a lovely loft space in NYC's Mid-town East. A percentage of the proceeds were donated to Beating Cancer in Heels, a non-profit founded by Marlena Ortiz, a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed at the young age of 25.

The event was well attended, bringing out the best of NYC; hipsters, socialites, and Reality TV personalities. I was pleased to meet Ebony Haith from cycle 1 of America's Next Top Model. I give Ebony an "F" for Fabulous! She posed with me for a few pics, proving that she is both fashionable & fun!

I also met handsome Nollywood actor Jim Iyke.

For those unfamiliar with Nollywood- it is the term referring to movies made in Nigeria, West Africa. Nollywood ranks as the 3rd highest grossing film industry, with Hollywood being #1 and Bollywood (India), #2. Jim Iyke, is like the Idris Elba of African movies. And yes, he is as hot in person as he is on screen.

I came to support the cause and show love to my good friendtrepreneur Marchelle Wilson, CEO of feathersxxx- the premiere "toy" shop for the uninhibited woman.

Marchelle's passion and personality is the key to her success even though her products seem to sell themselves. Just ask Karen Gravano and Ramona Rizzo, of VH1's hit series Mob Wives. They hit up Marchelle's table, wowed by the feathersxxx display, and made a purchase on the spot.

Highlights of the evening included a live performance by a young lady who covered Christina Aguilera's "Beautiful" and an inspiring speech by a cancer survivor.

In the wake of Hurricane Sandy we are reminded that it is so important to give back to your community because you never know when you might need to receive. So I urge you all to make a donation for those affected by the hurricane. Donate as little as $10 to Red Cross, The Salvation Army, or The Food Bank of New York City. C'mon that is two cups of coffee people, you can do this... that little bit of money will go a long way. And if your budget is just too tight, then donate your time. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or shelter. The more people who help, the sooner our city and its residents can recover.

Remember folks, being charitable is always fashionable!