Some of our favorite magazines make so much money off of women’s fear of being alone. Yep, face it people, relationship woes sell mags. (Not to mention R. Kelly CDs, expensive lingerie, Hallmark cards, condoms, porn, escorts…you get the point:-)) Sometimes you have to wonder, “Who keeps writing this and how do they know if it really works?”
Similar to why I started this blog in the first place, I would get frustrated (and still do) with the same repetitive topics (and advice) found in magazines. You know the ones: “how to keep a man”, “where to meet guys” and “what do guys really want”.
Blah, blah, blah. I’m not saying none of the advice works but…I’m just saying.
This isn’t an open rant about certain publications. Instead I want to introduce you to something new…www.verysmartbrothas.com http://www.verysmartbrothas.com/about-vsb/
Nominated for THREE Black Web Awards after only being launched in March, Verysmartbrothas.com (written by actual men) is like Maxim meets KING meets Today’s Black Woman. Well-written, witty and inspiring, Verysmartbrothas.com explores love, sex and relationships with both genders in mind. With posts like “Monogamy for Dummies” and “A Fish Called Karma”, Verysmartbrothas will make you chuckle while you think. A soon-to-be web favorite with a no-holds-barrred approach to relationships, this site explores all the little nuances regarding love and sex that the mainstream seems to ignore, making it relevant and real. (Kinda like “The Wire”, except there’s no violence or gun-toting Omar Little’s writing for the site, lol:-))
Can’t front on Rell’s “hood soldier” swag, but I do miss the Dips as a unified collective. How could anyone forget the ‘hood staple, “Diplomatic Immunity”? With the chorus on ”Dipset Anthem” still ringing in my ears, it feels like yesterday that I just heard that joint. Cam, where you at?
Check out Hell Rell, courtesy of Babygrande records
Did you ever hear a song that made time freeze? Music, especially good music can do that to you. Great music can immortalize time, creating long-lasting memories so vivid that whenever you hear that song it takes you back in time. Whether the moment was good or bad, that song has the ability to take you there. Maybe that’s why they call it “soul” music.
After a long day of running errands, I decided to indulge in a pedicure. Not just a simple soak and polish, I wanted to be pampered without having to travel to Manhattan. Instead of trekking to Soho to my usual spot, I decided to keep it local and head to ‘CURE Beauty Bar, a new nail salon that offers manis, pedis and various spa treatments for the face and body.
As I entered ‘CURE I was greeted warmly by the owner and the tranquil atmosphere. Decorated in warm ebony with turquoise and white accents, ‘CURE’s decor was comfortable, inviting and modern. After being booked in the computer by name (a nice, professional touch, considering at traditional ”pick a color” nail spots you have to stay alert for your name to be called or you’ll miss your services) and offered water to drink, I enjoyed the latest VOGUE Italia issue and made friendly small talk. I chose the daily pedicure special, a ”pomegranate/mandarin/honey pedicure” with a wine spritzer for $45. Right on time, I was promptly taken to a plush armless chair where a pleasant nail tech greeted me (in English) and introduced herself by name. As I sipped my wine spritzer and read my book, I was silently grateful for the excellent service, high quality products and professionalism at ‘CURE. No assembly-line pedicures here, I thought. Nor did I have to peek over my book to make sure the nail tech gave my tootsies the attention they deserved. In short, ‘CURE Beauty Bar is a perfect alternative to Manhattan for when you want to be pampered or are long overdue for a manicure or pedicure.
After the standard trim, file and soak, my feet were treated to an aromotherapy mask and a second treatment to slough off dead skin. Next they were moisturized and massaged (along with legs) leaving my feet soft, supple and my toes polished in the prettiest shade of lavender Essie polish!
Satisfied and relaxed, I waved goodbye and headed out into the BK sunshine. For tired feet that need to be pampered, who knew Brooklyn had the ‘Cure?
Being a 90’s Hip-Hop head, ever so often I peruse the ‘Net in search of old videos from the “Rap City” era (as I affectionately call it:-)) Amidst the fan-created videos and fuzzy shorts of some of BET Rap City’s most heavily rotated videos of the 90s, I stumbled across this gem: “Verbal Intercourse” (Nas, Raekwon & Ghostface from the “Purple Tape” aka Only Built for Cuban Linx album.
Never released as a single, “Verbal Intercourse” was a cult favorite among anyone who owned the Purple Tape for its scathing yet eerie Rza-produced track and a plethora of lyrical genius from QB son Nas and of course Rae and Ghost. Said to be one of Nas’ greatest verses, it earned Nas a “Hip-Hop Quotable” from The Source Magazine. Not to be outdone by a guest on their own track, Rae and Ghost come correct with the colorful narratives (“Got two spots in New Lots, flooded with rocks/Shoot-outs making me hot/Crooked cops bag 20 and the ball drop”) and vivid imagery (“Catch the most on tape/Kilos disintegrate/Pyrex pots we break/Fiends lickin’ plates”) we know and love them for.
In this excellent clip, IKE STAPLETON pays homage to a classic through sharp editing, showing a thorough knowledge of all three MCs, translating lyrical perfection into a visual masterpiece. (yes the video is that dope! Thank you IKE!)
My Fav Quotables: “Funny style n*ggas roll in a pile/Roosterheads profile on a bus to Riker’s isle/Holdin’ weed inside they pussy with they minds on the pretty things in life/Props is a true thug’s wife”-Nas
“U told ya boo u was whylin’/Once you heard Wu/Out of the blue ya, family’s from Shaolin”-Ghost
All I can say is that if you like lyrics, this is the joint for you! Despite the dissing, the witty lyrical barbs are On POINT (as if the GZA would have it any other way!) and the eerie track only compliments the tone of song and GZA’s trademark steely vocals. A certified head-nodder, joints like this make me love Hip-Hop again (in my opinion)… Listen to the link and tell what you think below.
Off of the forthcoming Cormega album, Born and Raised, The QB wordsmith is joined by an illustrious lineup of golden era greats. The perfect summertime head-nodder accentuated by MC’s that go for theirs on the track (in my opinion)…What do you think?
The original badass chick, Pam Grier aka Foxy Brown was kicking ass and taking names long before Lara Croft. Before starring in Blaxploitation classics like “Coffy” and “Foxy Brown” the buxom stunner first appeared in the prison film “The Big Doll House”. She went on to become a sex symbol of the 1970s, breaking barriers and proving that a Black woman could be hot, cool and vicious all at the same time.
For females who stay with a fresh mani-pedi, Essie is a very familiar name. Not your grandmother’s polish, ESSIE is my favorite choice for long-lasting nail polish in an array of colors.
During the summertime anything goes when it comes hands and toes but the trendiest colors I’ve seen are the following:
Cobalt Blue
Baby Pink
Lemon Yellow
Neon Orange
Royal Purple
But for a more understated look, try Essie’s classic nude shades on your next visit to the nail salon. Visit http://www.essie.com/tips/ for fresh twists on classic Essie colors.
YOUR TURN: Offer your tips for a DIY Pedicure in the comments box below
The average age of a child entering prostitution in NYC is 13.
Most of these underage girls are sent to jail for prostitution instead of being provided with therapy, schooling and the proper medical care needed to help them after enduring the horrors of the illegal sex trade.
Bed-Stuy, Brownsville, 125th, Hunt’s Point, Jamaica Avenue all seem like normal NYC ‘hoods but how normal is it to see a thirteen-year old girl selling herself for money at the mercy of a pimp?
Sad but true, the documentary “Very Young Girls” profiles the teens who live this life, some who have reformed from it and others, for very different reasons, can’t seem to stay away. Highlighting different girls in the “game” at different stages of their lives, “Very Young Girls” let’s these young ladies tell their stories and follows Ms. Rachel Lloyd, founder of G.E.M.S. (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services), a grass-roots organization that helps girls transition from “the life” to real life: finishing school, obtaining job readiness skills, emotional support, etc. While there are success stories in the film, what will touch your heart are the girls who can’t stay away from the life and who are very aware of the reasons why, which is even more heart-breaking.
It is also upsetting to know that in America a double standard exists, which many times prevents these young girls from getting the help they need. To the government a girl from Brownsville, Brooklyn who is coaxed into selling her body and is abused is considered a “ho” and will serve jail time. On the other hand, when a foreign woman is brought to America and works as a prostitute it is considered “human trafficking” and there are laws in place to protect and provide treatment for the women under this circumstance.
Not only a social cause in need of dire attention, underage prostitution in America is very real and just wrong. “Very Young Girls” gives an insightful, uncut look at the forgotten girls on the front line of this very deadly peril of the streets.
View a trailer of the documentary and find out how you can help end sexual exploitation via the links below
