Kandi Lands Her Own Show

Boy oh boy, reality TV just doesn't stop. Kandi Burruss of The Real Housewives of Atlanta has landed her own show.

Bravo released the following statement:

With her breakout personality and straightforward attitude, Bravo fans have grown to love Kandi on The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The Kandi Factory will capture a unique look at her successful music career as Kandi transforms two music hopefuls into the next big pop star.

I guess you can't knock the hustle. Congrats Kandi! 

Touré'sTyler Perry Tirade

VS.



Add journalist, author and cultural critic Touré to the list of people unhappy with Tyler Perry and his film making skills. Touré has blasted Perry saying,

 "He’s celebrating a certain victim hood and telling Black women that it’s okay to feel like a victim and to wallow in the pain of your life,” he said, adding, “It’s like cinematic malt liquor for the masses"

I have encountered this same argument with many of my family and friends. Not only do they feel Perry's movies are a set back to the black community but they also feel that his movie's are redundant. Perry has also come under fire by producer Spike Lee for the same reasons. I admit the dynamics of a Tyler Perry film are pretty much the same but to accuse his films of being a set back to the black community is reaching. I've seen all of Perry's films and I feel that some if not most of the characters are in many ways relatable to the black community. There is usually a religious undertone of sorts that always speaks volumes to having faith in god and that is huge in most black households. The endings can be typical but are always positive. Overall I can appreciate what he brings to the table as a writer and producer. His personal story of struggle is heart wrenching and he's said many times his inspiration comes from his past. My question is why do people insist that this man change his craft? As large as the movie making market is, why aren't other writers and directors filling the void and presenting us with other options? The blame is continuously put on Perry to change this so called plague- and to do this would mean changing his craft. Is this fair to him?

Perry obviously doesn't let the critique slow him down and his success is evident at the box office. If people like Touré and Spike Lee think that Tyler Perry films are coonery and buffoonery what do they possibly think about us- the people that support & go out to see them? Do they think Tyler Perry has brainwashed us to believe his work is truly quality or can they accept that Perry has filled a niche that many Americans black and white find truly enjoyable.

It's ok to have a preference as we all do. I respect people for knowing what they like and what they don't like. What I can't understand is why it's so hard for people to give credit when credit is due and understand that credit can be given regardless of preference. I applaud Tyler for his work in the film industry and will continue to support him and his craft.

Tyler's upcoming film Good Deeds is scheduled for a 2012 release.

DMX Releases New Video

Fresh out of the slammer, X is back! Troubled rapper DMX has released a new video titled "Last Hope". I got to admit I was feeling this track. Is the old DMX back?

If we see Frankie in the video doing the "Frankie Leg" we know somethings wrong.  Just kidding, we wish DMX the best!

Hip Hop Pioneer Sylvia Robinson Passes

Sylvia Robinson affectionately known as the "Mother of Hip Hop" has passed away. She was 75.  A true hip hop pioneer, she and her husband Joe Robinson, formed Sugar Hill Records in 1979 to usher in the rap era. She was also a noted singer with several hits under her belt. Her most noted work was the production of Sugar Hill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight” and Grand Master Flash & the Furious Five’s “The Message” that have become hip hop classics.

Robinson passed away today in New Jersey from congestive heart failure.

Check out one of Sylvia's popular hits "Pillow Talk"

Tyrese kicked out of Delaware Radio Station

Tyrese tweeted earlier today that he was kicked out of a Delaware radio station for voicing his opinion of a liquor store being across the street from an elementary school. His opinion obviously didn't sit well with the program director as Tyrese says he was booted from the radio station and his interview will be erased.

Check out Tyrese's tweets below:




 





Seriously, is this what happens when we voice our opinion regarding the upkeep and integrity of our communities? I guess in Delaware all Tyrese is good for is his latest single.

Tia & Tamera To Reunite On "The Game"

Sisters Tia Hardrict & Tamera Housley

Our favorite "twin" sisters have been taking the world by storm! Their new reality show Tia and Tamera has been a success and has been renewed for a second season! Just off the brinks of a new marriage for Tamera and a new baby for Tia, these ladies have given us a peak into their lives both professionally and personally. While Tamera has been settling into married life and contemplating returning to the screen, Tia has been juggling the life of motherhood and preparing to tape new episodes of the highly anticipated hit show The Game!

While chatting with TV Guide Tia revealed that the sisters will reunite on new episodes of BET's The Game.

“They’ve been trying to find a way to bring her on organically and the way [she guest-stars], it’s hysterical,” said Tia.

The new season of The Game is set to kick off January 2012. You can catch the ladies on the season finale of their reality show Tia and Tamera on Monday October 3rd at 10pm on Style.

Tia poses with her beautiful bundle of joy Cree Taylor Hardrict.

Atlanta's 3rd Annual BAR-B-Q Festival

If you're an Atlanta resident or visiting the area this weekend and looking for tasty fun check out the 3rd annual Atlanta BAR-B-Q Festival kicking off at Atlantic Station Friday September 30th. This is a family friendly event that everyone is sure to love. There will be over 40 BBQ teams, live entertainment as well as kid friendly events.

Tickets are $6 in advance and $10 the day of the show.

Come out and enjoy some Atlanta fun!

For more information please visit www.atlbbqfest.com

No Justice No Peace.....

In light of the recent Troy A. Davis execution the NAACP has pledged to make effort to end the death penalty in the United States. Almost a week later and Americans are still outraged at the blatant injustice we witnessed last week when what was possibly an innocent man faced execution for a crime many wonder if he really committed. For me this case was a wake up call. Anyone of us could've been in Troy's shoes and it's frightening to say the least. I looked at the world we live in and the the justice system we're supposed to trust with new meaning and much doubt. I don't know if Troy Davis was innocent or guilty but anyone who has followed this case could clearly see the doubt surrounding his possible guilt. I've spoken to friends about this situation and it seems I for one stand alone in my thoughts of abolishing the death penalty. Many seem to think I would have a different perspective if a friend or family member were the victims of a murder where the death penalty for the guilty was available. I think not. I've always looked at the death penalty as disrespect to the will of god. It's easy for us to tell someone they can't commit a murder but when the justice system feels it's adequate they can take a life. I do know  I could never work in a prison or be a part of the executing process under any circumstances. It seems so hypocritical. While we can't bring Troy back we can fight for other possibly innocent inmates who will soon face the fate of execution.

Is executing a factually known murderer worth the lives of many others who are possibly innocent? Isn't one innocent man dead one too many?

If you would like to sign the pledge to end the death penalty please visit www.naacp.org.

Basketball Wives LA Recap

   

I've just  finished indulging in my guilty pleasure of drama filled reality TV with an all new episode of Basketball Wives LA. While each show leaves me wanting more I can't help but notice the strong resemblance between the LA wives and the Miami wives (if it's ok to call them wives). It's full of fighting, chaos and friction which leads me to wonder if it's possible to have a successful reality show minus all of the drama?

I've noticed for the second week in a row Tonya Williams has been missing. Although I did find her to be a little odd at times I think she was indeed the balance the show needed. I read an interview recently where she explained she didn't know why she had been cut from so much of the footage and that VH1 has plenty footage of her but for some reason it hasn't been shown. From the looks of it she's been erased from the lineup all together which is pretty sad. Tonya has been an advocate against domestic abuse and wanted to share her stories to inspire others who may be in her situation to seek help. Sadly it doesn't look like she or her advocacy will make the cut.

Is this our fate where we have no room at all for a positive force on reality TV? As entertaining as these shows can be I must say parts of me feel totally embarrassed at the portrayal and unbalance. Do you think this negative portrayal hurts us far more than the enjoyment of what we feel is a little entertainment? Is this really reality?

President Obama's Answer to Black America

President Obama tells blacks America at the Congressional Black Caucus dinner on Saturday to quit crying and complaining and "put on your marching shoes" to follow him into battle for jobs and opportunity. With the 2012 elections coming soon, the president has stepped out to stress the new "Jobs Bill" that he has presented to congress for passing. The $447 billion bill was sent to congress days ago with the presidents request to law makers to "pass the bill immediately". The president explains, "This is a bill that will put people back to work all across the country," Obama said. "This is the bill that Congress needs to pass. ... No games, no politics, no delays."

What are your thoughts on the jobs bill? Do you think congress will work with Obama or have you lost all faith in politics saving us from facing another great depression?

You can catch President Obama tonight on BET at 7:30 PM where he will answer Black America.

Frankie & the "Frankie Leg"

Why lord? I saw this video and had to shake my head. Frankie has been MIA the last few months but she's back with a new dance called the Frankie Leg. Yep, you heard right, the Frankie Leg! I am sure this will be a hit somewhat like her infamous "Man Down Code 10"  catch phrase. Whatever the case may be Frankie seems to be sober and healthy which is a plus in my book.

Check out Frankie's moves!

Welcome Back RHOA

The Real Housewives of Atlanta are back! With a new season kicking off November 6, the ladies are gearing up to claim Bravo's # 1 spot with a drama filled season that's sure to please. Will you be tuning in to see the catfights and hair pulling as only the Atlanta crew can do best? As much as I hate to admit it this show is truly my guilty pleasure so I will definitely be tuning in.

Catch the RHOA on Bravo starting November 6!

Monday Blues

Another Sunday night with the Monday Blues. It's typical and almost inevitable that I feel this way. Hey, it happens every Sunday like clock work. Dreading the big day ahead and what the week will hold. My week normally consist of focusing solely on 4:45pm Friday afternoon when I can call it quits. Not good as outside of my "Friday focus", life's a big blur. I truly sabotage myself every Sunday. I sleep like I won't be able to sleep again for days. ALL DAY! This feels good until Sunday night when I am wide awake and can't fall asleep to save my life. No wonder I'm a zombie every Monday! Well I've done a little research & thought about personal ways to shake these blues. Something has to be done because Mondays surely aren't going anywhere!

My spin on tips that stood out on shaking the Monday Blues:

1. Usually on Mondays we tend to hit the snooze button at least 5 times before making an effort to truly get out of bed. We just can't believe the weekend is over and another Monday has arrived. By the time reality sets in and we make an effort to get out of bed we're late and already off to a bad start. Try to avoid the snooze button. Tough it out and get out of bed and to work on time! There's something about being on time that's motivation in itself. Make an effort to start your toughest day of the week with your best foot forward.

2. Another horror about Mondays that has everyone singing the blues is the anticipation of what's on your desk at work to be done. I know, I am guilty. As I lay in bed Sunday night too rested to sleep all I can imagine is what's there to be done and it makes me cringe even more at the thought of getting started. A way to fix this could be finishing your toughest task on Fridays. It's pretty hard to ruin a Friday so use this day to work your fingers to the bone to help your Monday run a little smoother.

3.Plan something special or out of the ordinary for Monday after work or plan treat yourself to a nice lunch. Sometimes the thought of looking forward to an event or outing is enough to keep your mind off of the negative and more so on the positive plans you have in store.

4.Try to associate with positive people. I know. This may be tough. There is nothing more irritating than getting to work with Monday Blues and there's this happy go lucky co worker sitting beside you smiling, laughing and happy as can be. While this may seem like torture, it's truly the kind of motivation we need. Smile more, laugh more and before you know it you've convinced yourself that Mondays aren't as bad as they seem.

5. Last but not least: My love of music is truly everything to me. I have noticed that listening to my favorite song(s) is the best way to shake any bad feeling be it Monday or any other day of the week. Keep that Ipod powered up and listen to your favorite jams. Make a Monday soundtrack full of songs that make you feel good and motivated to take on anything.

A friend shared the below affirmation with me a few months ago and even though we don't always take advantage of what a new day brings its important to realize the power we have day in and day out to make our lives what we want them to be.

" You have a clean slate every day you wake up. You have a chance every single morning to make that change and be the person you want to be. You just have to decide to do it. Decide today's the day. Say it; This is going to be my day". -Brendon Burchard

Have a wonderful Monday!

The Start of Something New!

Hi Everyone! It's truly been a long time coming. My name is Melanie and I have aspired to start a blog for a very long time. Laziness and procrastination kept me at bay but it's finally here. I have so much to say and share with you and I hope to inspire and spread a little love & happiness throughout our days together. This blog will be unique as it's all things me. Not to be selfish, you will be included too :) but if you know me you know the many thoughts that cross my mind on a daily basis from music, love & relationships,  politics, religion, celeb lifestyles to just plain old everyday life and living. I'm fresh into this so please be patient with me. I hope you enjoy what I have to say and take a ride on this journey of "blog- life" with me! Until next time, peace & love.

Thanks to Bennetta, Tremayne and my lovely husband Dwayne for all the inspiration behind starting this blog. I couldn't have done it without you guys!