EtTa JaMeS "tHe DuChEsS oF bLuEs" DiEs Of LeUkEmIa

Etta James had been suffering from dementia, kidney problems and was battling leukemia. In December 2011, her physician announced that her leukemia was terminal, and asked for prayers for the singer. And now Ms. Etta James has passed.

The 73 year old rhythm and blues singer, broke racial boundaries with her extraordinary talent. The color of her skin didn't matter, but it was her raw and passionate singing ability that caught people's attention.

"Etta James was a pioneer. Her ever-changing sound has influenced rock and roll, rhythm and blues, pop, soul and jazz artists, marking her place as one of the most important female artists of our time," said Rock and Roll Hall of Fame President and CEO Terry Stewart.

Upon hearing of her death Beyonce, released a statement on her website that read: "This is a huge loss. Etta James was one of the greatest vocalists of our time. I am so fortunate to have met such a queen. Her musical contributions will last a lifetime."

"Playing Etta James taught me so much about myself, and singing her music inspired me to be a stronger artist. When she effortlessly opened her mouth, you could hear her pain and triumph. Her deeply emotional way of delivering a song told her story with no filter. She was fearless, and had guts. She will be missed."

Beyonce also played the late great star in a film titled, "Cadillac Records" in which she sung Etta James' songs with emotion, power and soul.

James was inducted into the Rock Hall in 1993, captured a Grammy in 2003 for best contemporary blues album for "Let's Roll", one in 2004 for best traditional blues album for "Blues to the Bone", and one for best jazz vocal performance for 1994's "Mystery Lady": Songs of Billie Holiday. 

She was also awarded a special Grammy in 2003 for lifetime achievement, and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In memory of the fabulous blues singer, below is a video of her infamous song "At Last."

Rest in peace Ms. Etta James. 

2012 LA

ThE vMa'S 2011 hAd A lOt BrEwInG iN tHe PoT tHiS yEaR!

Among the many faces that stood out at the VMA 2011 awards (Video Music Awards), Beyonce's face seemed to stick out the most. Or maybe it was just her belly! Beyoncé (seen above) and hubby Jay-Z are having a baby! This news has been much anticipated for years now! Congrats to the elated couple!

The performances I most enjoyed:

1)  Beyoncé delivered an exhilarating performance! Hitting every note on key and still partaking in a little booty shaking. I was nervous for her the whole time in those heels. In pregnant women the equilibrium could be off a bit, so I was hoping she wouldn't hurt herself.

2) You always expect Lady Gaga to come out with an original outfit every time, and this night she definitely did. Her performance was the true work of an artist. She is very talented.

3) Adele's voice was angelic and strong. I love listening to her sing, and even though she doesn't move around on stage a lot, you still feel her obvious passion and emotion with every verse.

4) I enjoyed watching Kanye West and Jay-Z's incredible energy on the stage. Especially with them sampling one of my favorite Otis Redding songs!

5) Last but not least, I enjoyed watching the little kids perform for Britney Spears' 'Michael Jackson Vanguard' award moment. I had almost forgotten the many songs Britney sang over the years, and I thoroughly enjoyed being reminded of them. Britney is an excellent performer who gives 100% to her craft. I'm glad to see her back on the right track.

BUT! We do have to give it up for rapper Nicki Minaj, (seen above) who took home the moon man award for 'Best Hip Hop Video'! Minaj went on to say this after winning:

"Oh my god!" Minaj screamed. "Southside Jamaica, Queens, underground female rapper, Young Money, Cash Money ... I want to thank God. I want to thank my family. I want to thank Sanaa [Hamri] for directing an amazing video.

"And the Barbz. I love you, Barbz. I love you so much. And MTV, I thank you."

In the category for 'Best Hip Hop Video' Nicki Minaj won over:

Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now" (featuring Lil Wayne and Busta Rhymes)

Kanye West's "All of the Lights" (featuring Rihanna and Kid Cudi)

Lil Wayne's "6 Foot, 7 Foot

Lupe Fiasco's "The Show Goes On"

Actor Russell Brand delivered a heartfelt tribute to singer Amy Winehouse (seen above), and spoke of her in such a way that you knew he personally related to what she had gone through. He sincerely felt the young singer's pain and at the same time praised her artistry, and compared her 'old soul' voice to the likes of Blues singers Billie Holiday and Etta James. This is an enormous compliment, and Amy Winehouse will go down in history as being uniquely known for her bluesy, jazzy and soulful voice. R.I.P AW.

Overall, the VMA's were exciting this year! I did miss Alicia Keys and Pink (both of whom recently had babies, congrats guys!), but maybe they'll make a cameo next year.

VMA 2012 let's go!

2011 LA

'The Help' CoTiNuEs To RaCk In MiLlIoNs!

Going to see "The Help", the most talked about film since its debut August 10th, I felt in the back of my mind that I'd already be familiar with the concept of the movie although I hadn't seen it. I figured it would be like the 'Rosa Parks' story, or another civil rights film that would yet again reveal the ugly past of American history.

I was correct with the concept of the film, however, I didn't expect a strong-minded, young and Caucasian writer would give a voice to the voiceless African American maids in the deep South of Jackson, Mississippi! That was definitely a great way to shake things up and cause A LOT of drama!

In the 1960's, the state of Mississippi was one state you absolutely didn't want to visit or live in if you were Black. Of course you can't change the color of your skin, but during this period of time African Americans were being treated as if they should have been able to change their skin color, and because they couldn't they were treated like second class citizens -- worse than dogs. 

Things haven't changed much in Jackson, Mississippi, with the latest news just this month of a hate crime against an African American man named James Craig Anderson, who was murdered by the hands of a young, Caucasian teenager named, Deryl Dedmon.

In the film, listening to those maids tell the young writer EXACTLY how they felt; it felt like a release for me. Which actually surprised me; then I realized I equated my personal experiences of racism and discrimination, to those maids personal stories. When the maids expressed their anger and rage of how their employers treated them, it felt like I was venting my rage against those employers that discriminated against myself as well. It felt good.

All in all "The Help" starring Emma Stone (Skeeter), Viola Davis (Abilene) and Octavia Spencer (Minny) was funny, emotional, deep and painted a vivid picture of the mistreatment of African Americans by the hands of White people during the 1960's in the South. Although the mistreatment was much worse than the film depicted, it still displayed the root of the problem. 

I would see this film again and when it comes out on DVD, it will find a place on my movie shelf next to the other classics.

2011 LA

"The Help" gets five stars from me! Check out the trailer below.

ThE lAtE gReAt NiCk AsHfOrD dIeS

Another great Motown legend passes on the torch. I remember growing up in a home, that played Ashford and Simpson music faithfully! 

Who can forget such amazing songs as, "Is it still good to you" and "Solid as a rock"!

Ashford and Simpson was one African-American group that helped to break the mold, when being black seemed harder then making a record.

I take my hat off to such great artist's as this. Ashford and Simpson, we love you and your music will forever live in us.

Check out a tribute and blast from the past below. 

2011 LA

AcTrEsS tArAjI p. HeNsOn BaReS aLl FoR cHaRiTaBlE cAuSe

PETA's new ad campaign is set to launch next month during NYC's Fashion Week, actress Taraji P. Henson (seen-r) stated she'd rather go naked than wear fur.

The forty year old actress stated, "Before I saw that documentary, I would wear fur. But I saw this documentary, and I was riveted. I cried. Could you imagine somebody ripping your hair out, while you're still awake, fully conscious? It's ridiculous, for the sake of fashion."

I'm sure PETA appreciates Ms. Henson's contribution to their project. Almost as much as men and women all over the world who are drooling over this photo right now! Ha!

This photo is rather captivating if I say so myself. 

2011 LA

SiNgErS fAnTaSiA bArRiNo & KaNdI bUrRUsS iN a BoOtY sHaKiNg CoMpEtItIoN!

To funny! Check them out!

Nj MoDeL iNdIcTeD oN cHaRgEs Of PrAcTiCiNg CoSmEtIc MeDiCiNe W/o LiCeNsE

Anivia Cruz-Dilworth (seen-r), a plus size high fashion model for Wilhemina and Click modeling agencies, has been indicted on charges of practicing cosmetic medicine without a license. 

Allegedly, six women went to Dilworth for buttocks-enhancement injections and was told by the model that she's a trained professional. Instead of receiving a fuller posterior the six females between the ages of twenty and thirty years old, were sent to the hospital before their second treatment could occur.

Cruz-Dilworth injected six women with what she described as hydro-gel; a solid jelly-like material thought to be similar to bathtub caulk, said Essex County Assistant Prosecutor Peter Sepulveda. 

Cruz used a syringe, marked the women, then injected them while using Krazy glue to seal the punctures. The effects of the injections were so serious that one woman had to undergo five separate hospitalizations and multiple surgeries. Cruz-Dilworth charged anywhere from $650 to $1,250 dollars for the injections. The 5 foot 10 beauty now faces 3-5 years in prison.

On her Facebook page Cruz-Dilworth, says she graduated from West Orange High School and Montclair State University and owns 'It’s Anivia' cosmetics and skin care line. The company’s website says the line has not yet launched.

LA's perspective: I personally met and got to know Anivia Cruz at Kean University before she had the Dilworth on her last name. From what I know of Anivia she was always very sweet, very kind, and very creative but somewhat troubled from her past. It's hard for me to believe that she would do this on her own. 

I'm not justifying what she did, just a bit confused by her far out actions. So I only hope and pray that a thorough investigation is done on her behalf, as I do not believe she acted alone. 

2010 LA

WiLlOw SmItH vIdEo DeBuT