HAPPY NEW YEAR: I HEART 2010

2010 is well and truly behind us, however take a look at the music, fashion and everything in-between that made it the memorable year (in my opinion of course) that it was. 

I Heart Music 2010:
 The ArchAndroid,Janelle Monae

Janelle Monae's album is spellbinding and her voice is nothing short of majestic. Having been one of the first people to witness Janelle perform live at her first London Show,back in 2009, I was instantly overthrown by her refreshing and enchanting sound. Journeying  the story  of Cindy Mayweather, Monae has created an album that is fearless and anti-oppressive-artistically inviting you to explore the unsurpassed imagination. Evoking the  same feeling  reminiscent of an old Walt Disney classic, Janelle has produced a stunning body of work, one of which has become apart of my daily, 7 am iTunes  ritual. 


You know what to do.





Black Milk, Album Of The Year (365)

Black Milk is one of my favourite producers and his self professed 'Album Of The Year' is a statement that lives up to it's hype. Above everything else, one thing that is quintessentially unique to his sound and something that is rare on Hip hop albums of the past decade (barring his previous and just as credible album  'Tronic'), is the raw usage of live instruments. Whether it's the Detroit influence or the J Dilla home schooling, Black Milk has managed to cultivate an unlikely partnership between pulsating drums,unfeigned   lyrical content (just look to tracks such as 'Distortion') with varying melodies- a common theme displayed throughout the album but notoriously recognised on the interludes. In short, AOTY is bold, confident and compelling.
The drums on ‘365’ are over and beyond!
Press play.

I Heart Music: R.I.P Bobby Farrell

Bobby Farrell, the only male member in the iconic group Boney M, sadly passed away yesterday at the age of 61. As announced by his agent, the singer was found dead in a hotel room in St Petersberg, Russia, where he had been performing. 


Having interviewed Bobby earlier this year, I was given the rare opportunity to speak with an inspiring individual who even after 26 years of making music, still had a passion for making people dance and an unyielding zest for life.
R.I.P Bobby Farrell

I Heart Music (Video): Kanye West Ft Rick Ross, Jay-Z And Nicki Minaj-'Monster'

Finally the video for Kanye's new single 'Monster' has arrived.


Press play if you dare.


Are you scared?


Listen, breathe and scream.

I Heart Fashion: Liu Wen Covers Vogue Spain

Chinese model, Lui Wen graces the January issue of Vogue Spain. Nomad fashion has never before been so visually captivating.

I Heart Music (Video): The Man, The Music, The City-Black Milk

Some visual greatness from the creator of one of my favourite albums of 2010 'Album Of The Year (365)' by Dilla graduate,Black Milk.




Okayplayer TV: Black Milk - The Man, The Music, The City from Cam Be on Vimeo.

Listen, breathe and let the drums guide you.


Source: Pinboardblog

Out And About (Travel): Luxury Is A Virtue

Despite what your purse may pathetically display after the excessive pre-Xmas spending, luxury and travel rank at the top of my 2011 list of priorities -after all, I deserve it right?

Luckily for me and lovers of all things shiney and new, luxury hotels are on the rise and what better way to plan your luxurious voyage around the world than to have a look at some of the worlds top luxury resorts, new and old.

Adore with caution!

Shangri La-Paris

Sofitel, Mauritius, Cambodia, Vienna

La Mamounia- Marrakesh 

Taj Hotels Falaknuma Palace-Hyderabad India

St Regis-Bahia Beach Puerto Rico

Indigo-Shanghai 

The Cosmopolitan-Las Vegas

Le Meridien-Taipei

Chrome-Kolkata 

Club Med-Yabuli

Source: Luxury Society 

I HEART CHRISTMAS, BOXING DAY AND THE REST!!

The lead up to Christmas has been the most eventful week of 2010 for the ol' Brixton Girl, not because I was busy playing Santa Claus to my family or because  I had  suddenly decided to raid every Clark's store in London, in a generous effort to ship a dozen pair of shoes to Jamaica. Don't get me wrong, although the above reasons are feasible, the fact is the past week has been filled with a wealth of unexpected mini crisis', hence the irregular post updates ( my apologies). 

However; with Christmas 2010 in full swing, what started off as a peculiar week gradually transformed into a unambiguous, 'everything happens for a reason'-kind of week, come Christmas day.  Hurrah!!

Christmas for Musings Of A Brixton Girl is about family, gratitude, generosity, love and excessive food consumption-to waste is to diss! But Christmas wouldn't be the joyous annual occasion that it is without the photographic evidence that accompanies it, a.k.a the 'You've been caught slippin' file.

Take a peak at some of the images  I managed to capture over Christmas including a few pictures of my unorthodox but all together triumphant, grilled  Christmas  turkey-our oven broke down (don't asks!).

 MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW BOXING DAY !!!!!!!!!!!!

I Heart Music (News): Q-Tip To Produce Esperanza Spaildings Forthcoming Album

Apparently the news was delivered via twitter last night. This can only mean great music lies ahead. Can't wait!

Source: Pinboardblog

I Heart Music (Video): Chrisette Michele 'Goodbye Game'

Stunning. Powerful. Regal.



'Goodbye Game' is taken off Chrisette Michele's new album 'Let Freedom Reign'


Listen, breathe and listen again.

I Heart Music (Video): 9th Wonder And David Banner Ft Ludacris And Marsha Ambrosius - 'Be With You'

Taken off of their collaborative album, 'Death Of A Popstar'-9th Wonder and David Banner have teamed up with Ludacris and Marsh Ambrosius (former member of the duo act, Floetry) to produce what is a nice little grown and sophisticated number, entitled 'Be With You'.


The track is perfect for those Sunday afternoon cooking sessions in the kitchen and as for Ambrosius's silky vocals-simply lush!




You know what to do.

Be With You
Uploaded by yardie4lifever2. - See video of the biggest web video personalities.

Listen, breathe and two step around the kitchen.


Thanks Madnews

I Heart Music (Video): Curren$y 'Daze Of Thunder'

Creative Control have released yet another cool video for Curre$y's 'Daze Of Thunder' track. Using Rick Ross's 'Live Fast, Die Young' as the back drop for his latest offering, Curren$y delivers yet another ace track fitting for your car's speaker box.


Enjoy!



Curren$y - Daze of Thunder from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Listen, breathe and be cool.


Source: Soulculture

I Heart Fashion: Stella McCartney Launches Ipad App

Stella McCartney recently launched her very own Ipad App. Tapping into the digital revolution, the British designer will feature an array of exclusive content including some sneaky behind the scene footage of McCartney's latest SS2011 show and a stellar  performance (no pun intended) by N.E.R.D. As if that wasn't enough, the app also keeps you abreast with Stella's busy schedule- with regular updates on the label's  forthcoming  events and collections.

This is a definite must have for the fashion beast within.

I Heart Fashion: Christmas From Africa, With love

Africa for many is the birth place of civilisation but in most recent years it has also produced some of the most innovative and culturecentric (I just made that up) fashion labels. Fresh from the Gold Coast in Ghana, Sika Designs signifies the emerging fashion scene in Africa-it's colourful, diverse, unique, culturally rich and creative. Using highly skilled tailoring  to add a modern spin on traditional attire, Sika delivers couture garments in a refreshing way, which can only be described as quintessentially African.


What's more, with Christmas fast approaching , I highly recommend you check out the website to add some opulent sunshine to your dreary winter wardrobe.


Adore with caution!

Anything for the kids....

I Heart Fashion (News): The Temporium-Deezen Pop-Up Shop

Taking residence in London's affluent Knight's Bridge, the Temporium-Deezen pop-up shop will be showcasing a delectable range of products from designers across the globe-including scarves from Christian Zuzunaga and a special prize give away from the Ercol original collection, crafted in 1956. 


The shop will only be open until the19th December, so head down to 221 Brompton Road SW3 2EJ to grab a few Christmas treats before it closes. 

I Heart Music (Video): J Cole Laughs It Up With Nardwuar

As you've probably sensed by now, I'm quite the J Cole stalker fan and as such you can expect to see MOABG saturated with future J Cole related news-especially as I eagerly await his début album due next year. Catching up with funny man Nardwuar, the self professed 'Human Surviette' (don't ask), Cole jovially touches on a range of subjects and looks fooine doing it!


You know what to do.


Listen, learn and laugh.

I Heart Fashion: Wolf & Badger Are Giving

British reared fashion label, Wolf & Badger are making Dad's and all leagues of gentlemen the priority this Christmas by hosting a shopping event in an imperious effort to boast their most favourable contemporary menswear designers. Taking place this Thursday evening (16th December), shoppers can expect to be greeted with a warm glass of mulled wine and festive mince pies whilst enjoying a few discounts. 


The event will be held from 3pm-8pm, at the Wolf & Badger boutique, 46 Ledbury Road, London W11 2AB


Say no to socks! That's all

Just For Laughs: John Wall Does 'The Dougie' Dance Pre-Game

John Wall of the famous NBA Washington Wizards, reveals how he prepares for a game. Forget the routine team chants and hours of rigorous training, 'The Dougie' dance is all that is required to put you ahead of the league.


Hilarious!



And for those who don't know, just press play.


Cali Swag District- 'Teach Me How To Dougie'

I Heart Fashion: From Ashes To Ashtyn

Lace Bandage- Dress Pondi By Ashtyn

I love finding little fashion gems, it's like finding a favourite t-shirt that you thought was lost in oblivion only to be discovered again whilst carelessly rummaging through your wardrobe, on one fine Sunday afternoon. Luckily on this particular day of rest, I came across Ashtyn, a new fashion label created by New York based fashionista, Latisha Darling.


After the closing of her popular Brooklyn boutique Pieces, Latisha's new label offers an insatiable range of sassy off the shoulder chiffon blouses, fierce leopard print dresses and a Peplum dress that I'm convinced has my name embedded within its fabric.


Check out the video below, for the lable's début collection.


ASHTYN LOOKBOOK 2010-2011 Collection from ALL AREA CREW on Vimeo.


The Lace Bandage dress in a 10. Thank you, please!


So what's the verdict ladies and gents?

Source: Parlour Magazine

I Heart Music (News): 9th Wonder And David Banner Launch New Comic

The beat supremo 9th Wonder and rapper David Banner have released a new comic series in an unconventional effort to promote their forthcoming collaborative album, 'Death Of A Pop Star'. The first episode of their joint comic is entitled 'The Shake Down' and it will witness the dirty south duo combat crime using their superhero powers. 

Talking to the guys over at the Boom Box website, 9th explained..
"Comics, sneakers and hip-hop have always been close-knit with each other for years and years," the former Little Brother producer said. "This comic strip will show you exactly how CLOSE the relationships between those entities are."


The album 'Death Of A Pop Star' drops on the 21st December  and you can head over to www.deathofapopstar.com to indulge in some comic action. 


Source: Boom Box

I Heart Music (Video): Big Sean 'Crazy'

Kanye West's G.O.O.D Music ally, Big Sean just can't seem to escape from crazy women in his latest video.




It must be hard being a rapper these days.


Listen, breathe and say no to crazy.

I Heart Fashion: Calvin Klein Swim Wear SS2011

Calvin Klein released the campaign for their SS2011 Swim Wear collection. Featuring  Dutch model Marloes Horst as their muse to don the labels latest titillating swim wear and enlisting the expertise of famed photographer Sebastian King, the new collection is nothing short of effortlessly wearable chic.


Adore with caution!

I Heart Music (News): Celebrity YouTube

YouTube have announced the launch of the MyYouTube competition. The largest streaming video site will invite Kanye West, B.o.B, Rhianna, Chrisette Michelle, Nicki Minaj and Justin Bieber- to name a few, to help encourage fans to  subscribe to their individual YouTube pages and the artist with the most points at the end of the competition will be crowned YouTube Masterhead. In return, users will get the opportunity to win a few goodies from the participants and can view their page without leaving the home page.


The contest will run until the 5th February and will involve another 50 artists,  who have each recorded individual virals to help bolster their popularity. The spinning sensation that is Diddy, has already jump started the competition giving away  a pair of DiddyBeats Headphones but one can only giddily await what the other celebs have in store.


Check out Rhianna making her pledge below.


 I wonder what the Loui Vuitton Don will be giving away? Hindity, hint, hint!

I Heart Fashion (News): Mind Your Own Business

Far from just your average glossy fashion magazine, Stylist is also paving the way for the next big idea. If the thought of starting your own business captivates your imagination during your daily commute to the office, Friday lunch times may offer some much needed help. Stylist magazine is launching the first in a new series of online business masterclasses, commencing on the 10th December . Each week an inspirational  entrepreneur will be at hand to answer your question live and offer advice and guidance needed to catapult your master plan. 

Join the web chat with guest speaker Lisa Stickley at 1-2pm on Friday 10th December via www.stylist.co.uk

Out And About: The Twelve Cocktails To Christmas At The Waldorf Hotel

'The  Twelve Days' of Christmas is being replaced this year with a more thirst quenching experience.'The Twelve Drinks Of Christmas' is an exclusive drinks menu inspired by the traditional Christmas  carol, created by the clever folks at the Waldorf Hilton.


Introducing a range of 12 festive cocktails including the indulgent 5 golden rings( Goldschlager, port wine butterscoth and apple juice) and the gluttonous  Six Geese A-Laying (Appleton Estate Rum,Martini Rosso, Frangelico, Amaretto, sugar, syrup and fresh cream glazed with a delicate handful of hazel nuts), at £12 a glass- I guess Christmas this year, isn't just for the kids.


The Warldof Hilton is located  on Aldwych, WC2B 4DD. For more information on the event you can check out their website. 

I Heart Music (News): Cee-Lo's Profanity Earns Him A 2011 Grammy Performance

2010 has been a great year for Cee-Lo and it looks as though his current flow of good fortune will see him through into 2011 with a performance at the imminent Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. The 'F*** You' singer will perform his smash hit at the award ceremony and is up for several Grammy nominations. Needless to say the  Gnarls Barkely member will have to perform the clean version of the song, 'Forget you', in line with the FCC regulations. Bummer!


With the viral video for 'F*** You' (the integral part of the track's success)  viewed over 28 million times is comparison to the mere 2 million views which the clean version received- in the words of Jay Z "Men lie. Women lie. Numbers don't."


Give the people what they want!


The 53rd Grammy Award will be aired on February 13th  at 8pm EST. For the rest of the world, I guess we'll have to catch it on you tube.

I Heart Fashion (Video): Lip Service

Introducing NARS' new Pure Matte Lipstick collection. Ranging in six intense and high dramatic colours, the lipstick epitomises sophistication as well as offering a more practical stay true colour that stands the test of time-well for the whole day at least. The innovative matte collection strikes a comfortable balance between iconic matte-glamour with lustrous hydration. Perfect!


Press play for a little visual aid.


I've lost count of how much lipsticks  I have stored in my make up bag. Still, a girl can never have enough, right?

I Heart Music (Video): Wale And J Cole Take 'No Days Off'-Documentary

Roc Nation affiliates J Cole and Wale have kindly given us a 20 minute documentary on the day to day life of a 21st century Hip hop artist. Produced by the team over at Banks Films and directed by Ali Banks, if like me, the desire for the inside scoop gets you rather excited-this will certainly satisfy your intrigue.


You know what to do.
Part One:


Part two:


I hope Wale will be joining J Cole at his Koko gig on the 9th January. I'm assuming you've purchased your ticket already, right?


Listen, breathe and watch how it's done.


Source: Soulculture

Culture Vulture: London Goes Popovic

Famed  pop art activist Heidi Popovic will be showcasing some of her most renowned art work to the London public, in an exhibition due to be a held at the Olyvia Fine Art Gallery in Piccadilly. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Woody Allen  and Casper Friedrich, Heidi's work, which has never been revealed in the UK, is a definite must see for fashion and art lovers alike. 

The exhibition will be held from the 3rd December-15th January. 

Click here for more information. 

I Heart Music (News): Janelle Monae Announces 2011 UK Tour Dates

Janelle Monae is set to cross these shores once again, only this time the singer will be performing a set of shows across the UK for her 2011 tour. In addition to her up and coming show in London on the December 5th and Manchester on the 6th December, the quiff shaking, ArchAndroid will be performing on the following dates:

Bristol 02 Academy-February 24th

Birmingham HMV Institute-February 25th

Glasgow 02 Academy-February 26th

Manchester Academy -February 28th

London Roundhouse-March 1st

I love Janelle Monae and so should you. That's all.

I Heart Fashion: Walk In My Shoes

Italian shoe label, Salvatore Ferragamo is showcasing its newest project this month, allowing the customer to become the designer.


The star studded project which is being launched in Tandem in support of Angelina Jolie's ''The Tourist' movie, will include six models, from sandals to courts in addition to 23 different coloured satins. You can add your own personal design with the option to monogram your favourite shoe, but be prepared to wait for up to six weeks for your masterpiece to come to life.


I implore you not to waste time. Do it now! That's all.


Source: Vogue

I Heart Entertainment: Sean Diddy Combs, Chris Rock And Nick Cannon's Celebrity Roast

There's nothing I love more than watching celebrities make genuine fools of themselves but I'm also partial to the occasional premeditated celebrity foolishness as well. Luckily, BET share the same sentiment and have elected Sean Diddy Combs, Chris Rock and the ultimate professional  p*ss taker, Nick Cannon to poke fun at BET's Executive Vice President of Entertainment and Music Programming, Steven Hill. 


The Celebrity Roast  will also feature the likes of Gabrielle Union and  Mike Epps and is set to take place at NYC's Lincoln Centre on the 9th December- with the intention to raise money to help those affected by diabetes and cancer. 


This should be a gooden', though I wish someone would make fun at Diddy and his uncontrollable spinning. Now that's funny!

Culture Vulture: A Tribe Called Quest- The Documentary

A documentary about a Tribe Called Quest, why wasn't this idea conceived earlier? In any case, I can't wait.




Teach the kids...



Thanks Miss Kip!

I Heart Music (Video X Download): Raheem Devaugn 'Single'

I was meant to post this yesterday but my dilapidated laptop wouldn't permit me to. Any way, feast your eyes on Raheem Devaugn's new video 'Single'. This highly erotic video is not for the faint hearted, so press play at your own discretion.



Official Video: Raheem DeVaughn - "She's Single" from 368 Music Group on Vimeo.

There's no shame in Raheem's game, as the singer has also been 'Jackin 4 Beats' which, conveniently  happens to be the title of his new mixtape, available at a five finger discount here. Enjoy!


Thanks The Eminence Grise

I Heart Music (Video): The Rej3ctz Starring Chris Brown 'Cat Daddy'

'Jerk' ambassadors The Rej3ctz have released a new video teaching everyone how to do the latest dance craze, 'Cat Daddy'.The video also features a few cameo appearances from Chris Brown doing what he does best-well apart from singing that is.


You know what to do.


I like this track a lot, it makes me wish I were a 18 year old college kid in LA. Maybe next life time eh?


Listen,breathe and jerk.