Now We Know Why They Broke Up!!!!

Sean Combs and ex-girlfriend Kim Porter, in happier, blingier times.Photo: Getty Images

Diddy Fathered another Child!!!

Sean "Diddy" Combs did indeed father a baby in Atlanta, and that's why ex-girlfriend Kim Porter finally left him after twelve years of dating. Turns out the other lady was expecting even as Porter was pregnant with Diddy's twin daughters. "He's not ready to get married," she told Essence, complaining that Diddy didn't believe in monogamy.

Sean Combs and ex-girlfriend Kim Porter, in happier, blingier times.Photo: Getty Images

What an Asshole!! The music and fashion mogul was apparently desperate to keep Porter in the dark about the other pregnancy while she herself was pregnant with the couple's twins. Word was he paid the other mother a million dollars in hush money.

Ms Ray.

Kanye West is Really The Louis Vuitton Don

Kanye West album cover

Takashi Murakami

Murakami Bag

What does Murakami and Kanye West have in common other than helping trend-set Louis Vuitton handbags?

Well, expect colorful packaging and design for Kanye's new album, Graduation, designed by the bag man himself, Takashi Murakami. Kanye left no stone unturned for this highly anticipated album. Takashi's art can sell for as much as $425,000. It pays to have people in high places!

SWAGGERjacked

1. Shop Intuition $250, 2. Faux Fur trimmed Ivory Cardigan, fabulousfurs.com, 3. Bootie by ninewest.com, 4. Bootie by Christian Louboutin, bergdorfgoodman.com, 5. Paddington bag by Chloe, saks.com, 6. High Waist pants by Chloe

Hey Ladies and Gents,

I hope you all disregard the whole "you can't wear white" thing after Labor day. White will definitely be a regular fixture in the house of trends this fall. You will see white boots, white coats, and handbags for ready-to-wear this season. Since the passing of Labor Day, fashion will kick into full gear starting with fashion week. Although all shows will be dedicated to the spring collections for 2008, be sure to watch out for the latest of the Fall trends from the editors, celebs, and fashionistas on the front row of the shows. Stay tuned to your local style channel to keep up with the latest or just catch Vanity Pages. I will try my damndest to keep you guys on the up and up.
Here is a trend you all should watch "booties". I will post fall trends for men and women this season so keep your eyes open and feel free to let me in on what you guys find out there.

Walk it Out!

It's been a long time...I shouldn't have left you, without a dope beat to step to...

It's been a while since I've posted something guys. Lady A has not left the building, life is getting in the way of me telling my stories, but I'll be back-I got some good ones for ya! Anyway, On this Labor Day Weekend I wanted to give you a lil' somethin' somethin' to make your Tuesday back at the office not so bad. Check out these ladies dancing Fosse style to the Walk it Out Remix ft. Andre 3000! It's hilarious! Whoever realized that the Walk it Out song went perfectly with this choreography should get an award...Enjoy!!

live. laugh. love. Lady A :)

Hot Bags For The Fall 2007

So Black Hair is an Issue...Well at least at Glamour Magazine!

So that's why it's so hard to break into the white world of publishing. Thanks Beauty Editor lady at Glamour, at least I have answers.

I'm not gonna get all teary eyed about this issue. My girls and I already knew the "hush, hush" views towards black girls and their hair styles from the corporate Caucasian sector. It's so lame that this has even come up, but it is reality. For some reason, I truly believed that my natural hair really didn't matter, especially in NYC. I've been going to interviews with top publishing firms feeling real confident about myself and it's sad to actually think that maybe I didn't get the job because some superficial loser overlooked my qualifications for my "political-powertothepeople" hair style. Damn, aint that a bitch!
Let me save up to buy a Chi so I can assimilate to white America! This same issue happened to my mother about 15 years a go. She was a sales exec at Fedex and they told her to take her ethnic braids out after she had already spent nearly $200. My mother was so tight! But what could she do? She had 2 kids to feed. Let me stop before I get upset...lets talk about it!! I expect some good posts about this topic.

The Story- So apparently the Junior Beauty Editor over at Glamour decided to give a group of lawyers including African American women advice on Corporate Fashion etiquette
Here's what the junior editor said to the law firm:

"First slide up: an African American woman sporting an Afro. A real no-no, announced the 'Glamour' editor to the 40 or so lawyers in the room. As for dreadlocks: How truly dreadful! The style maven said it was 'shocking' that some people still think it 'appropriate' to wear those hairstyles at the office. 'No offense,' she sniffed, but those 'political' hairstyles really have to go."

LMAO- she wanted to lose her job. I'm sure all 5 sista's at Conde Nast are calling for her resignation right now!

Faux Paux for Danny

I was gonna put this in the Debacles sidebar but I feel that D'Angelo should get some extra days of face time before I do another search of fashion faux pauxs. Danny was and still is one of my favorite America's Next Top model winners. I know she's on her paper chase and everything, but what in the Dress Barn Hell is going on in her world. With her new found celebrity and modeling skills, why would Wilhemenia allow her to do this? Yuck and Gross!! Speak up Girl! You got fans and shit!
I know we've been lax on the fashion post, but don't fret my pet, fashion week and the fall season is right around the corner and we will definitely be in attendance or stuntin from the sidelines. Hey! MAKE IT WORK!!

Ohhh the Pageantry!

This goes out to one of my close friends, Crystle Stewart, for having one of the best thank you speeches for a pageant and also standing strong in faith. I never gave her a deserved Congratulations! So I am going to make it known to all 10 people who read this blog. I also wanted to make fun of Miss Carolina. It's not right, because this was actually I hard question to answer, but she totally flunked this question. Poor Thing! But Crystle makes it look so easy. Love you girl! Mo City in the House! Next Miss USA!

Watch carefully for the "Thank You Jesus"

I totally felt that "Thank You Jesus", because I felt the same way when I...finally....got....a....job...yeah baby!. You know black folks will always thank the MAN!

But over in the Carolina's.....(Listen for the crickets)


And such as, South Africa, and the Asian countries.....such as...sit your ass down! Make sure you watch AC Slater's grin towards the end. He wanted to laugh...I know he did.

Market Value

Hey guys and gals! I know we have been lax in current post, but life has really kicked it up a notch for all of us and we are all now working on cool new endeavors. As you all know, I was recently a contributing style editor for this new online magazine, well now I've been upgraded to Editor at Large. Things are moving kind of slow at CAUGHT, but I just want to make sure that we are delivering the best work possible...so stay tuned for future issues. I knew I should have kept my big mouth shut with all my cool new ideas! Anyway, God has my steps ordered and I can actually get a feel for where my journey is going. You know how sometimes you want to do something in life so bad, but it just kind of never works out...or you get so close to what you thought was that "dream" position, but it didn't quite work out. And still for whatever reason, you have it in you to keep pushing. I guess you call it FAITH or wishful thinking.
Sometimes you just want something so bad and you want it now, but HE only gives you a taste in doses because you may not be entirely ready to digest the big meal HE has waiting for you. I think of it as a rationing of blessings. I know if I were presented with everything I wanted in life as far as a career and success all laid out on a table right now, I would probably go nuts and exhaust all my fruition from my labors. I might make irresponsible decisions due to my delusions of grandeur and in return not take advantage of the blessings given unto me.
My friend asked me this question...What are you worth? At first I didn't get it...like who really sits and thinks about what they're worth. Can you even ad value to your own self?
She further elaborated...."Remember reading about African slaves being put up for bids during the slave auctions?" This opened up a whole new dialog for me, therefore I want to share this with whoever is reading.
If you were big and strong you were worth this, If you were old and feeble you were worth that... The white folks and even some African "Bendedict Arnolds" thought blacks were worth $200 to over a $1,000 during slavery. If you think about your current salary and who you're working for, that same mentality has not changed.
If you're a black man with an Ivy League degree your worth this....and if you're a black woman with a master's you're worth that...If you didn't go to college your worth this...and so on...

I kind of got off task with this question but it just popped into my head at 10:55 am. What are you worth? Think about all your talents, strengths, and knowledge. If you were doing what you wanted to do as a career, what would you pay yourself, honestly? Are we really using our God given talents to our full capabilities? And if so, are we paying ourselves or Are we settling and just getting paid?

Getting paid and paying yourself are totally different!

Peace and Blessings,

Eddie Nicole

Suck A Mean One Old Man!

So David Banner basically told a senior citizen to give him fellatio on a nationally syndicated website. Wow...that really says a lot for the hip-hop generation that Banner is such an advocate for. I'm sick of the whole hip-hop tirades..blah, blah, blah. But what's even more shame is that David later responded back after Al's initial response to the d*ck sucking comment, and took a more respectful approach by writing this letter. The letter makes some valid points...but most of the content shows a lack of responsibility from a grown ass 30plus, big college educated dude....What's shame is that the d*ck comment totally cancels out anything profound he has to say. You can't tell someone to suck a mean one and then try to kick knowledge after the fact...Negroe Please!
One line really stuck out to me: "You don’t scold your child in public without fair warning! ", meaning the elders, i.e. Oprah, Russel Simmons, and Rev. Sharpton, should not call out the youth in public without consoling them first...WTF!!
Well I don't know how David grew up, but I wish my mother warned me before she laid down the law..maybe I could have gotten a head start run before I got clowned in a public...I'm just saying!
I just feel that David disrespected himself by demeaning his own people...no matter how hard he disagrees and disapproves of the permed-out-Reverend...you can't tell a Sr. Citizen to go down on you...that's just rude!

With One Catch

I know this may seem harsh or controversial, but if one day Baby Jesus decides to come to me in my sleep to reveal my future husband with the great physical traits such as: tall, handsome, and talented...but with one catch!.... he would be a homosexual...I would say alright, but one request
"Yes my child" -says Baby Jesus
me- "Can he be a reincarnate of the sexy Danny from "So You Think You Can Dance"?"

No matter how sexy and handsome a guy is....if he has the slightest homosexual tendencies (example: the gay lisp, arched eyebrows, colored contacts, muscle shirts, man capris), all possible attractions have been reduced to shame feelings of even having those ideas in the first place....Unless he is Danny from the show, So You Think You Can Dance. Man, he's as gay-as-today, but he's so beautiful and graceful. I don't expect anyone to totally agree on this subject...I mean he is gay. He has to be gay. He's way to smooth and charismatic in his dance. He's so statuesque and regal...it's not like I get hot when watching him... well I kinda do... but I just think he's a beautiful gay man and if I had to have a gay husband it would be Danny. We could go shopping and dance to Pat Benitar every night. I would ask his advice on what color I should paint my walls, "Eggshell or Cerulean?" and and and...we could watch Steal Magnolias and Beaches.... and recite lines from the movie Color Purple....and maybe go to plays and vacate in Italy....and maybe I could finally see Broke Back Mountain without putting up a fight....and and....

Just check him out ladies, he's so dreamy... in a light skinded waivy hair T3 kinda way.

Here lies the question, my hardworking slackers...have you ever been attracted to a gay guy? If any straight dudes answer this question...regardless of your answer...you might need to rethink some things about your sexual quest in life.

Goodbye My Sweetness!! (Pun Intended)


Congrats to Sabra Johnson, the new winner of So You Think You Can Dance. She won $250,000. She deserved it. She kicked so much ass on this show, and she had only been doing this for 4 years...I almost don't believe it. Just in case ya'll didn't tune in, Check out some of my favorite Sabra moments

Dominic and Sabra Week 4

Neil and Sabra - Paso Doble

Her partner Neil was sick with his as well!

Neil and Sabra Week 8

Foxy Brown charged with assault AGAIN!!!!

Foxy Brown Thinks She Naomi Campbell Or Something!!

NEW YORK (AP) - Foxy Brown’s temper seems to have got her in trouble again.

The 27-year-old rapper, who is on probation for attacking two manicurists at a nail salon in 2004, has been charged with assault and possession of a weapon - her cellphone - for allegedly hitting a neighbour with her BlackBerry.

Earlier this year, she was threatened with jail in a hair salon incident in Florida. Police said Brown threw hair glue at a beauty shop employee.

The latest arrest could lead to her probation being revoked.

"We have filed a violation of probation with the court," said Jack Ryan, a spokesman for the city department of probation.

Brown was arrested Tuesday for allegedly assaulting Arlene Raymond, 25, who lives near the rapper in the Prospect Heights section of Brooklyn, on July 30. Police said the two women got into a fight over Brown blasting her car stereo.

Raymond alleged that a few days later, they passed each other on the street and Brown hurled her BlackBerry at her, cutting her lip and knocking a tooth loose.

What's wrong with her!!

Ms Ray

Revolution: What's That

When hearing about devastating racial injustices, like Hurricane Katrina, and the James Byrd of Jasper, Texas dragging, one would say "I can't believe this shit is really still happening?" We all know racism is still alive and well. Of course throughout the present and future days of our time, there will always be a story of some idiot making racial, sexist, and misogynistic epithets (Don Imus, Isiaha Washington, Mel Gibson, Paris Hilton, Kramer-Michael Richards... ring a bell).
Depending on the severity of the racism and whether the actual accused racist is a celebrity or public figure, the media pics and chooses what is news worthy at times. It has been said prime time media doesn't have access to cover stories in small towns due to the archaic technologies of communication in said small town...that's baloney. If we "bloggers" can find these stories..why can't "they"-the media broadcast these issues on a broad spectrum across the world.
With that said, where do many of the heinous racially charged crimes take place?...Usually in small, po-dump, boondocks type of towns like Jena Louisiana... So one would think the folks at the white house or wherever would try to keep a special probe on these racially flagrant towns.
Hence the reason I'm posting this story. As I sit at my little cluttered desk, munching on Ramen noodles, I can forget about how crazy the world is, especially in our beloved country we call America. Check out this independent news clip about the Jenna 6 in Louisiana, you would be...well surprised.




On another note*
I hear people casually mock the phrase "the revolution will not be televised" or "we need to start a revolution up in here"...Yeah Right! If folks really understood the real meaning of revolution...they for sure wouldn't be casually claiming it. One has to be ready to literally die for the cause in order to start a revolution. I ask this question- is there any cause you would die for? Seriously!

I wouldn't know the first thing about a revolution...that's why I never play around with that word or phrase...because it actually meant something. I guess I'm too comfortable. At least I vote.

"Revolution is based on land, land is the basis of all independence, land
is the basis of freedom justice and equality. The white man knows what a
revolution is. How do you think he will react to you when you learn what a
real revolution is? "- Malcom X

For more info on this story visit colorofchange.org

Click here to sign the petition

I Went to School With This Guy

You ever went to school with someone who you knew would do something spectacular? Well, you may have seen the guy from your left of Chingy on several billboards and magazine ads, but I went to high school with this cat. I remember when "Steph" was the cute crazy guy in school who could sing, dance, run track, and skip classes like no other. I even remember when he took up stripping as a pass time his senior year (Hardbodies....). He's a definite hustler. Steph's a very interesting character with a great heart. Like myself, he's Houston born and Missouri City raised. His music is quickly gaining attention and the ladies...well just look at him...he's fine as hell. Remember Craig David, his sound reminds me of the Brit singer...Steph's just cuter :)
For a while he hustled as a model, gracing the pages of Vibe magazine to name one, acting as the male lead for videos with the likes of Destiny's Child and Faith Evans and now he's doing it way big as the new artist on the DTP label with Ludacris. His video, "Celebrity Chick", has been featured on 106 and park and MTV.
I can say, I'm very proud of Steph for pushing himself to new heights while facing adversity. I wish him the best of luck. Check out his songs and video on his myspace Steph Jones


Yours Truly,

Eddie Nicole

Is It a Bird? Is It a Plane? No, It's a Baby

THAT'S RIGHT SOMEONE NAMED THEIR CHILD SUPERMAN!!

WELLINGTON (Aug. 8) - A New Zealand couple is looking to call their newborn son Superman -- but only because their chosen name of 4Real has been rejected by the government registry.
Sheena and Pat Wheaton said that although their son's official name will be Superman, they plan to call him 4Real anyway. "No matter what it's going to stay 4Real. I'm certainly not a quitter," the baby's father said.


What is wrong with these people!!!!
JUST STUPID!
Ms Ray

Making Moves

I'm kind of sad today. Every time I hear something about Lauryn Hill, it never makes me feel happy...like what her music used to do. What happened? That's the question that has yet to be answered. Remember when she came out with the cool bob and the crazy big ass bow at the BET awards. Everyone just knew the Fugees were gonna infiltrate the game and bring back that creativity to Hip-Hop music that is so missed. We have to start an intervention and save our black soul crooners....This is ridiculous. Apparently, she preformed in Brooklyn (for what reason plagues me...all her performances in the past year have been shitty) and totally fucked over her fans again. She started 2 hours late...and crooned over old and new tunes and totally destroyed what were once masterpieces. I understand she's going through some shit, but Lauryn Hill is/was too important to the art of music to allow herself to fall off like this. She could move crowds. She's ruining her legacy of being one of the greatest...think Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles...I would rather her just stay on sabattical and come back with a bang...But has she ruined that chance?

Yeah that's him, D' Angelo. Again....What the Hell happened to his ass? He was the absolute shit back in the day. His first album will forever be a classic...now he looks like an old bumb. He kinda reminds me of the bumb that threw the damn sand which at me on the train...but whatever....Like I said, I'm really sad and disappointed. I hope he gets his situation together...this look is not sexy at all. Has he ruined his chance to make a come back as well?

What else? Oh yeah...I'm GLAD to announce my new column with CAUGHT MAGAZINE. It's geared to uplift the youth. So I'm uplifting these youngins on how to conduct themselves with class. Style is easy, class takes skill and time. So Congrats to me... I am the style contributor for the Swagger section. My debut has been featured in this month's issue. I will keep you guys posted on my latest entries. Check out my column...damn it!

I wanna first and foremost thank God, my mother, the academy, and last but definitely not least...THE FANS!

Peace and Blessings,

Eddie Nicole

Black College Kids Murdered Execution Style: $50,000 Reward is being offered for info on the killers

NEWARK, New Jersey In a city where the murder rate has risen 50 percent since 1998, three promising College students were murdered execution style in a playground on Saturday.

Their names: Dashon Harvey, 20, Terrance Aeriel, 18, Iofemi Hightower, 20. There was also a fourth victim who police say survived the gunshot wound to the head. Natasha Aeriel, 19 (Terrance’s older sister) is said to be in fair condition at the hospital.

An apparent robbery attempt by several assailants made the four the latest victims in this city where the murder rate has risen 50 percent since 1998.

Police said three were forced to kneel against a wall and shot at close range; a fourth was wounded.

The killings bring Newark's murder total for the year to 60, and put pressure on Mayor Cory A. Booker, who campaigned last year on a promise of reducing crime.

Mayor Corey Booker

"He doesn't deserve another day, another second, while our children are at stake," Donna Jackson, president of the community-based Take Back Our Streets organization, said Monday at a news conference in front of City Hall.

"Anyone who has children in the city is in panic mode. It takes something like this for people to open up their eyes and understand that not every person killed in Newark is a drug dealer.

At a news conference, Booker said it was a time for unity and "not a time to play politics and divide our city."

Killed were Terrance Aeriel, 18, Iofemi Hightower, 20, and Dashon Harvey, 20. Aeriel's 19-year-old sister, Natasha, was listed in fair condition at Newark's University Hospital after being shot in the head. She was found about 30 feet from her friends, slumped near some bleachers.

Authorities were assembling details of the crime from witnesses including Natasha Aeriel, but had not made any arrests by late Monday night.

We at VP keeps the families of the victims on our prayers!

Peace and Blessings,

Eddie Nicole

USHER & TAMEKA GOT MARRIED

Well, If Anyone Cares.They Did It.
Despite canceling their nuptials scheduled to occur earlier this week, the on-again, off-again wedding of Usher and his pregnant fiancee was finally on -- and held quietly Friday, sources told Stella's Column late Friday night.

The multiplatinum singer married his longtime girlfriend, Tameka Foster, who is several years older than he, during a private ceremony in his lawyer's office in Atlanta on Friday, sources said.

Among those present was Usher's mother, Jonetta Patton, who, it has been widely reported, staunchly disapproved of the marriage. Foster was reportedly largely responsible for Usher firing his mom as his manager last May.

The pair, who are expecting their first child together this fall, had been scheduled to marry last weekend before Usher publicist Patti Webster announced the wedding was called off.

Ms Ray

Beyonce And American Express

American Express has announced that Beyonce
will be their next celebrity rep. (She use it enough, that's the truth!!)

The credit card company has reportedly signed the singer/actress to a multi-million dollar ad campaign that will launch in late 2007. (You Go Girl!!!)

Ms Ray

Trust me, She don't leave home with out it!

Luxury Trump Condos Come With A Catch

Condos With A Catch!!!
You can't live full time at the Trump SOHO Condos

With an outdoor pool on the fifth floor, fine dining at street level and a private library in the lobby, the 42-story Trump SoHo won't only be the tallest building in the neighborhood, it will also be the most luxurious.(Talk about a very Expensive time Share) You can't live there!! After you paid Million of dollars, you can't live there at all!!! Well it must be nice to have that type of money to burn.

Yet no matter how many millions they pay for the 400 condos that will soon be available for purchase, the new owners will not be permitted to hang even a single family photograph on the wall.(Can you believe this, not one photo..not one. What's the point!)

Nor will they be allowed to live in their condos for more than 29 consecutive days or more than 120 days in any year. The rest of the time the condo must be rented out as a hotel room.


"We are required to change the keys when the owner is not there," said Julius Schwarz, executive vice president with Bayrock Group, Donald Trump's partner in the project. "There is an owner's closet in each unit, so you don't have to schlep a suitcase every time you come to town."

Other than this closet, there will be no physical evidence to hotel guests that a private individual owns the condo.

Ms Ray
What a Rip!

What do you think?