Ali The First Rapper?

By JAKE COYLE, AP Entertainment Writer
December 15, 2006

NEW YORK (AP) -- "Float like a butterfly/ Sting like a bee/ Your hands can't hit/ What your eyes can't see."

Muhammad Ali's rhymes, taunts, provocations and exclamations were an endlessly entertaining and insightful facet of his larger-than-life persona. As he once said, "I outwit them and then I outhit them."

Writing for ESPN -- which published the book with Taschen -- pop culture critic Chuck Klosterman pondered, "If true, this would mean that rap did not originate (as commonly believed) in the South Bronx during the `70s; it would mean that rap was invented in Kentucky during the `60s. Hmmmm Maybe


Ali was extremely conscious of his legacy -- he was, after all, "the greatest" and "shook up the world." And he wasn't ever concerned about his verbiage making it into poetry books.



where do you think the First Rappers started?
Rap has been around longer than the 70's and 60's.

What do you think...

Ms Ray

Real News: End Police Violence

Event Date: December 16, 2006
Event Time: 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Location: 59th & 5th Ave., New York, NY

On November 25th, Sean Bell was shot and killed in a hail of 50 gunshots by NYC Police Officers - on the eve of his wedding. He and his friends were unarmed and not charged with any crime.

THIS INJUSTICE MUST END!!!

* The Bell shooting shares troubling similarities to the death of unarmed African immigrant Amadou Diallo, who died on his doorstep in the Bronx after being fired at 41 times by undercover New York City Police officers in 1999. Despite these wrongful deaths and increased complaints to the Civilian Complaint Review Board, there has been no substantive reform in the practices of the NYPD.
* In light of these horrific and unresolved shootings, we demand the immediate review of the practices of the New York City Police Department by the New York City Council and the New York State Legislature.

If you are in the New York City area, please support this cause. Enough is Enough!

Entertainment News: Miss USA, Ananda Drops Album

Ananda Set to Release Album Next Year

For more info on this release, check out vibe.com

Miss California may be Miss USA


First runner up Tamiko Nash, Miss California is reported to be up next for the Miss USA crown since the current Miss USA, Tara Conner has violated her reign by repeatedly acting inappropriately (or, acting like a little hussy in other words) in New York nightclubs. Even though Donald Trump publicly announced that Tara will not be dethroned, a source told TMZ that the Miss USA organization contacted Tamiko regarding her taking the title and will soon come up with a final decision soon. (full story)

I hope Tamiko gets crowned. I remember watching the Miss USA pageant and I wanted her to win. She was better than Tara anyway, she did an excellent job answering the questions. They need to give the crown to the most deserving...GOOOOO TAMIKO!!

Celebrity Sightings: Fantasia, Corinne Bailey Rae, and Jon B

Fantasia stopped by TRL yesterday

I love the shoes and the leather hoody!

Ms. Corinne was in concert on Wednesday in NYC.


Her sound is very soft and eclectic, almost in a childlike folksy kind of way. To be honest, when I first heard her sing, I thought she couldn't. I am so used to hearing the exaggerated and boastful sounds of Mary J Blige and Beyonce for the past 5 years, that I did not realize how nice her voice really was. She is also nominated for 3 Grammys. That's hot!


Jon B was spotted in London doing a concert.

Nice to see him back on his grind!

Fashion + Style: Zoe Kravitz, Top Notch Denim

Zoe, the 18 year old daughter of Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, covers the recent issue of the French Magazine, Jalouse

She's all grown up and hot now, PaPa Lenny is gonna have to keep an eye on her!

Levis Jeans $60,000!!

Today, jeans cost way more than the dollar they sold for in 1873. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the most valuable jeans are a 155-year-old pair of Levis 501, bought by an anonymous bidder on eBay for $60,000

Here are more Jeans I just picked for you.

APO Jeans'

$ 4,000

Personalized designer jeans that are exclusively made for their clients' individual fit.
What makes these dungarees so expensive is the hardware used. Designer APO uses diamonds on the front clasps and back pockets instead of metal. The pockets are silk. No wonder these jeans are some of the most expensive in the world.

Cavalli Jeans

Designer” Jeans
$1,185

Never one to be described as “understated,” Roberto Cavalli incorporates his over-the-top aesthetic into his designer jeans. This includes replacing rhinestones for rivets and using multiple denim washes, all of which are loved by celebrities like Beyonce and J-Lo

Triple 5 Soul jeans
Plain Premium Jeans
$700

For women who want to steer clear of rhinestone and fancy rivets, the Triple 5 Soul jeans have virtually no detailing and come in a heavy dark wash denim that has a small amount of stretch in them

PRPS
Celebrity Favorite
$450

Worn by the likes of Brad Pitt and other A-listers, PRPS jeans are made of rare selvage denim that is hand-dyed with natural pigments. Expertly distressed in strategic places.

Ms. Ray

I love Levis personally.

What's your favorite jean?

Bad hair days happen to the best of us.

Wigs Malfunction.

Even the men have bad hair days .

Exclusive Entertainment Foolishness and Drama: This is so bad!

Regina King is getting a divorce

Media Takeout-"While details of the divorce are still sketchy, a source close to the actress tells MediaTakeOut.com that the marriage was plagued with problems. According to the tipster who asked to remain anonymous, "there was drugs and abuse in that marriage ... it needed to end." The source adds, "they've been apart for a while, and Regina is doing fine."

What's up with Cuttino Mobley?

This pic is sooooo suspect, I knew it!
Hoooow you doooin'?

Rumor has it that Deelishus from Flavor of Love is now dating NFL star of the Redskins, Clinton Portis:

She finally got what she really wanted!

Art + Design

The new year is right around the corner, Why not take up a new hobby?



Here are some helpful tips for the new art collector :

1. Buy art because you like it and because it moves you, and because it will enhances your life.
2. Visit as many art galleries as you can, gallery staff can be helpful guides in your art education.
3. Get on gallery mailing lists so you'll be invited to openings and special events.
4. Visit and join your local Art Museums and Non Profit Art centers.
5. Curators sometimes give lectures on collecting art.
6. Attend National Art Expos and Art Fairs whenever possible.
7. If you know art collectors talk them and find out what they know and what they've learned about collecting.
8. Read art and art history books or books on collecting art.
9. Subscribe to a few art magazines.
10. Read reviews by local and national art critics, but keep in mind that reviews usually just reflect one persons opinion.
11. Once you've educated yourself and have fallen in love with a work of art.... buy it, take it home and enjoy it.
    

News: The Doctor is free Now.. + Circumcision & HIV

Dr. Death is free:

LANSING, Michigan (AP) -- After more than eight years in prison, a frail Dr. Jack Kevorkian will be paroled in June with a promise that he won't assist in any more suicides, a prison spokesman said Wednesday.

Kevorkian, once the nation's most vocal advocate of assisted suicide for the terminally ill, Mr. Kevorkian’s lawyer said that his client was suffering from hepatitis C and diabetes and that he had less than a year to live. He is serving a 10- to 25-year sentence for second-degree murder in the 1998 poisoning of Thomas Youk, 52, an Oakland County man with Lou Gehrig's disease. Michigan banned assisted suicide in 1998.



I'm from Michigan and I Remember this case. I feel if you're terminally ill and want to end your suffering and you go looking for Dr. Kevorkian to help make the transition go smoothly, Why not!! I don't think he should have done anytime.

What do you Think?

Ms Ray


Circumcision Reduces Chance of Contracting HIV??

According to the National Institue of Health, it has been reported that circumcision can reduce the possibility of a man contracting AIDS from heterosexual sex by 50%.

Uncircumcised men are thought to be more susceptible because the underside of the foreskin is rich in Langerhans cells, sentinel cells of the immune system, which attach easily to the human immunodeficiency virus, which causes AIDS. The foreskin also often suffers small tears during
intercourse. (full story, NY Times)

Let it be clear that circumcision is definitely not a cure for HIV/AIDS, it is argued that it can only reduce the chances of contracting the disease.

This is rather interesting folks. Stay vain, protect your self regardless.
Lady A

Just Random: B. Cox, Kelis's Hair, Brad loves Carol's Daughter, etc.

It's a "celebration bitches". Houston's own, Bryan Micheal-Cox celebrated his birthday at the Inforum in Atlanta.

B. Cox is a multi-grammy winning protege. He produced songs for Mariah, Usher, Janet Jackson, and a host of others. Check out his myspace

The Top Model Alums were spotted Thursday night at different events.

Danielle (winner) was at the Sagittarean event with Nnenna in NYC.
Just a note to D: Nnenna is messing up all of your fabulousness that you have going on in this photo. I feel that Nnenna has high fashion model potential written all over her, even more so than Danielle, but that 1993 candy striped dress she's rocking is killing the whole pic. Killing it!

Oh no! She has on hot pink shoes, gross!

Camille McDonald (another reject Next Top Model) was spotted at Tyrese's NYC album release party.

They both look like a miss match hell! Is she rockin' a cell phone purse. I know my eyes are fooling me. No they aren't, she really wearing a cell phone purse.
Another note: Am I the only person in the world sick of thick high waisted belts?
Tyrese, take off that chain belt charm connected to your jeans. I know the skate boarders of the world are pissed!



Earlier in the week, I talked about Kelis and how much I loved her hair, but I don't know what the hell she's doing now.

She introduced the look on her video "Bossy", and we all loved it.


Then she did the Vixen shoot, and she looked polished and fly. Still lovin' it!

Then, she had to dye it, which she is known to do. I was still one of the few on the Kelis Wagon. Cute!


Now, it's like oh no! What did she do? You know when you first get your hair colored and it looks all fresh from the Salon and like a week later it looks gross! That's what happened to Kelis. I guess she didn't get the memo, Mohawks are so yesterday!

At Vanity Pages, we leave no stone unturned my friends. We call it like we see it here!




Well Carol's Daughter should be very excited about Brad's pub for their line.

"Carol's Daughter Hair Products: For white people who might be having a little trouble with black- person hair, Carol's Daughter is a fantastic hair product. We got it for Z. Now her hair has this beautiful luster. And it smells nice, too."

We all know that Brad came from a trailer trash background, ya'll saw his E True Hollywood story, so I am not at all surprised by the "black-person hair" comment.

By Valentine

Accessories for the Spring: part deux!

So, I told you guys that this week is accessories week. I am basically highlighting random fly bags and shoes that I come across, no order, just flyness. For my male viewers, don't worry, I got you next week. Stay tuned!

Shoes, Sergio Rossi; Clutch (Roger Vivier)

I did not know Roger Vivier made handbags, how cute is that! If you ever happen to purchase any Sergio Rossi shoes, please make sure you don't have to do a lot of walking and standing when you wear them, these bad boys are not that comfortable.
These two accessories really go well with a festive outfit. I would do an all white number, maybe a flirty sundress, or a nice linen outfit. Of course, a nice denim ensemble would look really great with these pieces together. For fashion questions contact Eddie Nicole at vanitypages@gmail.com. STAY VAIN!!

Fahion: Naomi & Tyson, They're Back

Photos courtesy of concreteloop.com
Our Favorite "brown" models Tyson and Naomi are posing for this new Pirelli Pzero Ad campaign. I am an advocate for more images of "brown" folk on ads and billboards, how about you?

Wendy Williams Blasts Carmen

Can I just say, I love Wendy for this interview and New York is such a hot mess!

Celebrity News: Lil Wayne vs. Jay-Z

As much as I really don't care about these two, I guess I have to at least comment. Apparently in the recent issue of Complex Magazine, Lil' wayne talks about how he is better than Jay.. blah..blah..blah...boohoo! He is also taking shots at Young Buck, The Clipse and Pharrell Williams in Complex magazine's new December/January issue. Just another Publicity Stunt.

I thought Lil' man looked up to Jay-Z. What happened to the "Best Rapper Alive, Since the Best Rapper Retired"? Check out this link for details....nobodysmiling.com

Gossip

Still No Wedding, Damn!

I know I was a little hype about this supposed wedding. But damn! B is a southern girl from H-town like myself, and as independent as we are we want to settle down. If we are in a relationship for more than 2 years after the age of 24, we wan't a rock on that hand. Ladies, how would you feel if you were with a multi-gazillionare, who has the money, the power, and the respect, and you are supposed to be the baddest Bi%*# in the game, and no wedding, after 3years? Please, I guess I would...........probably.............. just wait.....impatiently!

Below is the story on what truly happened in response to the speculated wedding posted in PageSix.

http://www.kellyrowlandweb.com/-The New York Post trumpeted on Tuesday that the star couple were bound for a "rap wedding" disguised as a 37th-birthday party. The paper said that after boarding "a yacht in St. Barts," the guests "will also be ferried over to Anguilla for the wedding at Cap Juluca."
The couple actually wasn't anywhere near Anguilla, sources vouch.

Here's what really happened:

Monday night, right after Beyoncé walked the red carpet at the New York premiere of "Dreamgirls," she shanghaied her unsuspecting rap-star boyfriend to an airport where she'd chartered two customized 757s. (One had a 20-seat movie theater.)

Waiting were about 20 of their closest friends, including Beyoncé's Destiny's Child sista Kelly Rowland and music and marketing honchos like Lyor Cohen, Steve Stoute and Kevin Lyles.

After an in-flight feast prepared by two chefs, the gang touched down in St. Martin, where everyone boarded a 270-foot yacht.

For the next two days, Jay and his friends did the biggest of pimpin'. Two helicopters were on standby, and the lobster and Champagne - Jay-Z's own Ace of Spades vintage - flowed. There was swimming, snorkeling and even a four-man minisub to take guests on deep-sea explorations.

"The party must have cost $1 million a day," estimates one source.

The revelers finally returned yesterday morning. Jay stopped off in Miami for the Art Basel fest, where he was said to be considering a $7 million painting.
Rather than honeymoon, Jay is due to be here in town this weekend, possibly watching football.
As to when he and Beyoncé will get hitched, he's still guarding his cards. Next Tuesday on Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People" special on ABC, Walters asks him, "Do you see marriage in the near future?"

"Of course," he says.

How near?

"I don't know. I don't."

Entertainment News: Dereon Ad, Alicia Keys, Making the Band 4

New House of Dereon Ad Campaign:



Very Maxim......... No King Magazine. No more booty shots and photoshop. PLEASE!! Are we selling jeans or sex? I guess a little of both. I heard the jeans are a good fit. I just can bring myself to buy them.
Still looking good B!




More Pics of Alicia in her new film debut: Smokin' Aces



Alicia is doing the damn thing in these promo pics from her new movie "Smokin' Aces", starring Common and some others. From the photos, it looks very hot. This movie will be released in the Spring of 2007.




The Wire on BET


I am so excited to check out the wire on BET. If you missed any episodes, be sure to check it out in January of 2007.

Kim Fields Expecting

Former "Facts of Life" and "Living Single" star Kim Fields is expecting her first child with boyfriend Christopher Morgan. (aw..)
The 37-year-old starred as Tootie in the popular TV series, starting on the show when she was 9 years old.

She was married to Johnathon Franklin Freeman from 1995 to 2001.
Fields and Morgan, who is a Broadway actor, are expecting their new family member in May


Congradulations!!!
I love Kim Fields

How's your mom, Chip Fields
I loved the role Chip played in "Good Times" you know, Penny's(Janet Jackson)the abusive Mom. Uh, she was wicked in that role.

Ms Ray

Here We Go Again...for the 4th Time!

DIDDY IS BACK and this time, he’s looking for the best *MALE* talent in the nation! If your voice rivals Justin Timberlake’s. . .AND you put Usher to shame on the dance floor. . .YOU may have what it takes to MAKE THE BAND! Nationwide casting calls are being held in early 2007 - and DIDDY WANTS YOU!
Look for upcoming auditions in:Los Angeles, Houston, Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, and New York City!
Danity Kane from Making the Band 3 has already become a HUGE success!
Don’t miss your opportunity to make history with DIDDY’S INTERNATIONAL *MALE* SUPERGROUP in Making the Band 4! (Sorry, no rappers or MC’s, please)http://www.myspace.com/mtvmtb4

Diddy, you are killing me! He needs focus, seriously. He starts a project and barely finishes it. What ever happened to Dream, where the heck are they? Da Band, did their career ever get anywhere? No! And Danity Kane, they are alright with me but they haven't even had a number 1 hit yet! Diddy, you need focus, FOCUS! But, if you are trying to get in the music game, this is probably a good start! Take that, take that!