empire state of mind.

i have been waiting for this video to be released. I kept searching online and only found the previews which made me hungry for more. This morning I found the video and my heart is smiling.

When the Blueprint 3 album dropped I felt an immediate connection (unlike that of Lil Mama) to the songs on the album, mainly So Ambitious and Empire State of Mind The lyrics come more alive when you live in the big city. You find yourself saying "I know where that is/ I live there/ Thats so true" and so forth. Empire State of Mind is a reminder to me that living in New York is no joke. I came here to pursue my career and that song keeps me focused.

This video is a good portrayal of the city. You have the largest tourist attraction, Times Square, as the focus. I personally like the ideas of having them on the large Tckts steps-it gives a larger feeling which is needed with both artists.

Here is the video. Give me your feedback.

official girl?

so i am currently in the process of turning this into a . com

its about time... wouldn't you all agree?

i take my blog serious because i take all of my writing serious. i hope you all take me serious when i say that too.

so i am currently looking for a name for my blog, i mean liebe na is cool, but no one knows how to properly pronounce it and i need the name to be short but explain everything my blog and i are about.

sooo. if you would like to help me out in my name process, let me know. im curious and open to ideas.

but for now spread my blog link around.

i need to get higher on the blog steps

CMJ-southpaw showcase

The CMJ marathon showcase is by far the greatest musical showcase of up and coming and legendary artists held in New York City. Tuesday, October 21st I went to one of the many showcases that night at the Southpaw venue in Brooklyn. The lineup for the night was Jamine Solano, U-Dog, Wiz Khalifa, Grand Puba with Brand Nubians, and Spank Rock.

For those completely unaware, Jasmine Solano is a popular DJ from NY who not only can scratch but she raps too. Her sound was something that threw me off at first but it quickly grew on me. I immediately took to twitter to let my “followers” know that Jasmine Solano was not only an amazing DJ but a killer rapper too. I got a re-tweet saying thanks for my comment. After three songs, Solano went back to the system to keep the crowd live. Her DJ set was extremely live, a great variety and mix from artists, Ninja Sonik to Jay-Z. I was kind of disappointed about the lack of peoples knowledge of Ninja Sonik, “I said who that, who that?” but it was all good.
Jasmine Solano-Thats Not It


U-Dog from mega hip hop group Wu Tang to the stage next. Don’t get me wrong, I love Wu-Tang, grew up on it, rocked to it all that but U-Dog’s performance lacked that Wu Tang vibe that I was in need of. The crowd was either in love or wanted him off the stage. Their request was granted when U-Dog fell of the stage into the crowd, he laughed it off but we all could still feel that sting of embarrassment on his part. A girl in front of me was clearly at the show to see one person, Wiz Khalifa so she decided to do something more productive until Mr. Khalifa took the stage. The girl then pulled out her homework and worked on some math problems until Wiz Khalifa came out.
U-Dog



Wiz Khalifa, this is where I must remember that I am a writer then fan. I am a huge fan of Wiz so I’ll keep this as professional as possible. WIZ KHALIFA KILLED IT. It was evident that the entire crowd was there to see him and he treated his fans right with an amazing performance. If you weren’t already on the Taylor Gang bandwagon then you definitely hopped on it after seeing Wiz Khalifa live. His set included songs from the Flight School mixtape, Star Power mixtape and How Fly mixtape. It was only right to perform a High Fly song with the other artist on the tape and that is Curren$y, the hot spitta. “Clear the runway lady, I get money from sunday to sunday lady...” What better song to do then Car Service? After Wiz Khalifa killed the stage along with Curren$y, the crowd left with him. Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y were definitely loved that night.
Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y--Car Service


Grand Puba honestly had a tough set to follow but he is a legend so he still rocked it. It was only right that he brought out the other members to Brand Nubians to perform with him. The crowd still rocked with classics and showed them love. Their set was unfortunately cut short due to time constraints but they still rocked it with their limited time.
Grand Puba


SpankRock was the next performer to hit the stage. Due to the lack of publicity for his name on the bill, the crowd was quite small. SpankRock was a special guest but saved for last. His set was amazingly creative, the lights, the DJ and the drums were all perfection. I was completely bummed out when SpankRock ended his set by jumping off stage leaving fans puzzled as to what was going on.
SpankRock



**all videos are from the show that night**

mr.west, mr.west

I recently viewed Kanye West 's short film, We Were Once a Fairytale directed by Spike Jonze.

The short film was about 10 minutes or so long and it seems to portray West current state of life. I personally got that this short film was depiction of all of the depressed issues that have begun to pile up in his life. ie, his mothers death, the breakup with Alexis, and so forth.

It is clear not only in the short film but in everyday life that West has some issue that is deeply rooted. I honestly sympathize because I understand what depression can do to a person. I don't justify his actions but I do sympathize.

Unfortunately I am unable to show a link for the short film because Kanye West has removed it from online video sites.

Summary: The video shows West partying in a club, drunk, the alcohol level tends to take over and leads to an obnoxious behavior on West behalf. He becomes the drunk guy that no one wants to associate with it because it is too obnoxious to handle. His crazy behavior leads him to an office where he fantasies a sexual scene with a beautiful girl but in reality he passes out and wakes up with his pants down. He then proceeds to the restroom to vomit and again pass out. While laid out on the floor he notices a knife and then stabs himself. Instead of a heart being ripped out a rat-like image is instead ripped out.

I was originally unsure of the significance of the rat-like image but after a discussion with a friend it became clear. My friend suggested I watch the video for Gnarls Barkley-Who's Gonna Save My Soul?

this video is incredibly interesting. after watching this I now am sure of the theme for the rat-like image.

enjoy

la la la lanvin.

i have been a fan of Albert Elbaz since he became head designer for fashion house Lanvin. So is it any surprise that Elbaz continued to win me over.

his show was had a latin american inspiration but failed to be a line full of costumes which was perfection!

i wanted to showcase this collection not only because I am a huge Elbaz and Lanvin fan but because the hair and clothes added to nothing but fashion success!

i want this collection and i want my hair in a bun like that.



here is a clip of the show, go to one of the many vogue sites to catch the full clip. it is well worth the view.

giles

i recently posted a small review on fashion week. i figured that i couldn't leave you all alone with just that one post.

i fell in L--O--V--E with Giles spring/summer 2010 show from paris fashion week.



the pieces were incredible, very ready to wear yet very fashionable and fashion forward.

here is a short clip from the show. i promise you that if you are not already a huge Giles fan then you will truly admire this show.



the show had a very raw feel, from the music to the atmosphere. i am impressed.

and can we talk about my need for all of the dinosaur bags?! ah i need each one in my collection.

model crush: Jacquelyn Jablonski

my oh my Jacquelyn Jablonski why are you perfection to my eye?

...yes that is right. i have am too much in love with model up and comer Jacquelyn Jablonski. Jablonski is signed with Ford Models in the U.S., Elite in Paris and Elite Milan and Milan.

The American beauty is a New Jersey native and is continuing to take over the model world!

here are some pictures of my model crush, Jacquelyn.

paris fashion week.[spring 2010]

**i am currently working on an article on fashion week spring 2010 in paris. unfortunately i will not be posting my full article until it is published. so this is a watered down version of my article. it is more my view on fashion week, a more comfortable view, not so much news like. i took the time to explain each show for you. **


paris fashion week, any fashion week to me is amazing. it is a dream place for me, some of the best weeks if you personally ask me. i prefer european fashion weeks because i feel as if the european world is more open to the couture and avant garde looks that the designers present, i am not bashing the u.s.
i have seen many shows photographs but it is nothing like watching the shows. the whole idea of the designer comes alive and you can relate to the inspiration and intended feeling the designer has for his or her audience to feel.

i originally posted my views on the shows on twitter but 140 characters limits my opinions on all of the shows. so here we go.

john galliano is a personal favorite of mine. his work is impeccable and his shows are just so theatrical which i love. john galliano 's show was inspired by los angeles! he was inspired by the beautiful homes in my native land, and imagined who would live in them. this beautiful starlet and the actors petition story was formed and gained high reviews. what i love most about galliano is that his focus is not just on the clothes but the overall look, the hat, the jewelry, the shoes. everything added up to a perfect show.



for those unaware, galliano is also the designer for dior. i admire the big designers who have a personal line and also design for a major fashion house. it shows their creativity and galliano never ceases to amaze. the dior looks were very sensual yet chic. lingerie inspired pieces, a feeling of underwear becoming the outerwear. its a vintage dior look with a modern feel. the story of a femme fatale is played out for the audience.


-valentino, a power house in the fashion world. the show consisted of hard and soft elements, leather meets chiffon. the lace details on pieces appear as if they are lace but it is leather. the show was i-n-c-r-e-d-i-b-l-e.

[to be continued]

thanks to the lovely Amber Rose, I found this link.


" @DaRealAmberRose This shit is dope! (link) "




of course i had to hit the link and see exactly what she was talking about, the video above is one showing a variety of samples that Kanye West has used for his songs. I love the diverse sounds that he has sampled to make a great set of albums. Some samples aren't even that recognizable prior to watching the video.

just enjoy and embrace it.thats all i ask.

ignorance a virtue?

...that just can't be right.

yes it is true that we live in a time for a high demand of technology but are we relying on it too much?

social networks have "taken over" peoples social lives, websites like facebook and twitter make it easier for people to communicate. but had the easier capability turned into a new form of laziness? i am not knocking any of the sites, that would be hypocritical of me and i refuse to take that position. i have a myspace, facebook and twitter account and frequent twitter the most with constant updates of my opinions and life experiences. on the site there is always a list of trending topics, a list of what people are talking about the most. yesterday NASA made it to the trending topics list, I of course wanted to see what people were talking about. I watched as peoples tweets were pleads and hatred for NASA. none of which had any knowledge of the situation with NASA's current plan of drilling in to the moon, not bombing. NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration, their purpose is to explore space. We as humans must realize that Earth is not the only planet in our solar system. Why pay them to only focus on our planet and our moon?
So in an attempt to instill knowledge, facts, I posted a link to a news article explaining what NASA had planned. little acknowledge d it because their continuous pleads for NASA "to leave our moon alone" proceeded.

For those actually wanting to know what is going on here is a link of the article I tweeted. NASA current mission

I thought that the ignorance had ceased but it is still proceeding even as I type this post. Not only is NASA an issue with the twitter world but President Obama being the latest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Once again, people are jumping to conclusions without doing their own research. I felt the need to post the statements President Obama made about receiving the award.
"I am both surprised and deeply humbled," Obama said at the White House.

"I do not view it as a recognition of my own accomplishments. But rather as an affirmation of American leadership. ... I will accept this award as a call to action."

Obama said he did not feel he deserves "to be in the company" of past winners, but would continue to push a broad range of international objectives, including nuclear non-proliferation, a reversal of the global economic downturn, and a resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict.

I also felt the need to post the link for the CNN report on what happened. CNN-President Obama

Why can't people do their own research before jumping to conclusions? The same time it takes to send a tweet is the same time it takes to google the issue.

We need to do better people.

kent jamz.

I did a post last year on an upcoming group, which happen to be a personal favorite of mine, OVERDOZ! After returning to LA, I finally got my chance to meet the members and caught them perform live at two events. I, of course, sang along to every word. After exchanging contact information, I found myself sending messages to Kent expressing my love for his talent. I always would send "you're so talented" types of messages. I do that because I as a fan need them to stay focused and provide fellow fans with the good music to vibe too.

Well on my usual twitter searches, I came across the link for a song download and video of Kent-LAtlien and was immediately impressed. The song and video is a great showcase of his individual talent.
I am impressed with the video so much. It showcases LA and ATL in a great way. the video is shot by Ezekial Phillips, an amazing and talented director.

so Kent of ODOZ i give you two thumbs up bro!



download the song here. LAtlien

ready to uff.

i have always been a fan of the talented and unique uffie, a talented artist with a pop meets hip hop sound. shes on ed banger records, only one of the most talented european record labels. well one of the first songs i heard of the lovely uffie was 'pop the glock' which was several years ago. as much as i wanted a video to drop, one hadn't until recently.

as much as i love uffie, im a bit confused on the drop date of this video for pop the glock. finances? well anyways im still glad that the video dropped and that people are hopping on the uffie fan wagon. she is too talented for people to ignore.

here is the killer song, pop the glock. the video is creative and is bright, which i love. its a great video and i give it two thumbs up. way to go uff!

vow.

in my previous post on the movie julie and julia i mentioned an upcoming challenge for myself and i never told you all what it was...well i challenged myself to leave my hair alone for about a year

why you ask? it seems like such a simple task but for me it isn't.
i LOVEEEEE to change my hair color so much. when i get bored, i dye my hair. its definitely a rough process for my hair but i always took care of my dye jobs.

but along with my dye jobs i am overall bored with my long hair. i once read in Tim Gunn's book that if you have long hair and just throw it in a ponytail why not cut it?

and i completely agree, my hair is often thrown in a ponytail or braid which is useless to me.

there are so many unfortunate people who dont even have hair due to unfortunate health issues so i want to donate my hair to locks of love

so what is locks of love?

Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. We meet a unique need for children by using donated hair to create the highest quality hair prosthetics. Most of the children helped by Locks of Love have lost their hair due to a medical condition called alopecia areata, which has no known cause or cure. The prostheses we provide help to restore their self-esteem and their confidence, enabling them to face the world and their peers. (locksoflove.org)

the organization has moved me and is the overall reason why i am challenging myself to leave my hair alone so that it can grow (healthy) so that i can be a blessing to someone else.

...thankfully i have wonderful family and friends who are keeping me on track with my challenge.

my life.

i promise you all that im constantly grinding.

i now intern for my all time favorite website. models.com. yup thats right THE

i applied for the internship prior to my return to the big city and told no one that i had sent an email with my resume attached explaining my interest and devotion to fashion. i then received an email back and from there we scheduled an interview date and a week after returning to new york i had an interview.

ah my interview, was exciting! i was so nervous and prayed that i would be prepared for whatever fashion/model questions thrown my way. i evidently succeed and now am an intern.

i love my internship! its one day a week, i wish i could be there more but i understand. the opportunity is fantastic and i absolutely love everyone in the office. i am soaking in so much information, becoming extremely more familiar with model names and faces, magazines and more. this internship is truly a blessing.

here are some of the scans that i have done for the website. sounds weird but i love scanning magazines. i become more familiar with model names and faces as well as magazines.

Eliza Cummings in Dazed and Confused


Shaun Ross for i-D magazine


Sasha Knezevic for Perry Ellis (ad in GQ magazine)


that is my life as of now...well not all of it.
i am a full time student and still am committed to school and the launch of my career. i am still writing. that part of me won't ever cease. due to a lack of writing work, i have been taking on two articles a week which is the ultimate love/hate relationship. i love writing but i hate the strain i place on my schedule. so i'm trying to remain level headed and have a balanced lifestyle.

ah but that is my life in new york.

i promise to blog my lifestyle so you can live vicariously through my youth in new york.