Kim and Kanye: Friends With Benefits?

A recent magazine cover which prominently displays the nude full frontal of the 'Keeping Up With The Kardashians' star Kim Kardashian, has most people wondering why Kanye West would agree to showcase his wife's goods for all to see?

Talk show host Wendy Williams, seems to believe it's because the #MostTalkedAboutCouple is "grooming their 18-month-old daughter North West, to be over-sexualised like her mother." 

ESPN host Michelle Beadle, recently told TMZ it was because Kim had "no talent" and therefore, "what else was she going to do?" 

However, little sister Khloe Kardashian-Odom, has a rather different take on it as she bespeaks "If you got it, flaunt it", also "And people just, I think, went so hard on her during her pregnancy that I think it's almost that she feels liberated to show everyone, like, 'Look how bomb I look.' And she does, she looks great." 

Khloe also made it her point to say that this photo shoot was definitely a KimYe production, as Kanye most certainly encouraged her to do the shoot. 

So again, why would a man encourage his wife to bare all her nakedness to the world?

1. Is it because the world has already seen her nakedness, so why not continue the trend? 

2. Is it because he deems Kim's body to be a work of art, and he enjoys using his creativity to influence her endeavours? 

3. Is it because the two have a business marriage in which he promised to help her make more money and in return she'd do the same, all while making sure to keep up her end of the bargain to produce his children -- #FriendsWithBenefits? 

4. Or is he really just that confident in himself to allow her to continue business as usual, knowing that she isn't going anywhere? 

Although the soft porn magazine cover was titled #BreakTheInternet -- which it most certainly did not, and the magazines website received 5 million less views than the amount of people following Kim on Twitter -- the cover did however bring more awareness to the online site than it ever had before, but the backlash that ensued due to the vulgarity of the cover left the online business at a loss with regards too not receiving any champagne endorsements, so much so, that the bottle Kim Kardashian was holding had to be blurred out of the shot.

And although GQ UK gave Kim a 'Woman Of The Year' award (in which GQ US had given superstar Beyonce a ('Woman Of The Millenial Award'), GQ US decided to make it adamantly clear that Kim's award had absolutely nothing to do with their American chapter.  

Will Kim Kardashian lose endorsements because of her most recent shoot? Will it become harder for her to attain future endorsements and/or business ventures because of this particular shoot or just the opposite? And when Kim's pictures become mundane as people tire from seeing the same thing over and over again, will the next step be another videotape and will Kanye actually be in the video? Or will their public divorce be the next big payday -- as it's added to her video app game?

On a side note: Did Kim not realize that in her quest to be innovative she was actually recreating racist imagery, in which the photographer Jean-Paul Goude, simply used one of his old photos to create the new and improved Kardashian version? 

Photographer Jean-Paul Goude photo of Kim Kardashian recreated his now famous "Champagne Incident" photo.

The old photo was of Sarah "Saartjie" Baartman, whose buttocks were naturally big, round, and poked outward away from her body; much like Black people's lips poke outward from their face. 

For centuries Black women were made fun of for having smaller waists with larger hips and posteriors that protruded outward instead of inward, and now in the 21st century outward lips, hips, and butts are the new fade. 

Or maybe it was secretly always a fade when the invention of corsets became the new norm; corsets which forcefully squeeze (sometimes to death) and trains the waist to stay small, while making the hips and buttocks protrude away from the body. Corsets first became popular in 16th century Europe, and most certainly wasn't a coincidence. 

#AsKanyeContinuesHisPoliticalArtEndeavours

2014 LA

Disgusted Mother Wants Kardashian Kids Line Eradicated

Photo Courtesy of Babies "R" Us

Amie Logan, a 43-year-old mother of one, created a Change.org petition targeting Babies "R" Us to completely remove all Kardashian Kids collections of clothing. 

Logan stated in her petition, "I don't want my kid to grow up to be a sex tape star. You pulled the Breaking Bad toys because they promoted drug use. You should pull this clothing line because it promotes bad behavior as well. The madness has to stop. If the toys are damaging so is the clothing."

"Our priorities are a little messed up," Logan tells Yahoo Style. "We are getting upset that they have toys from a fictional television show for kids 16 and older, but then they’re selling the Kardashian clothing line, which is from a real-life family that made their fortune from Kim’s sex tape."

Although Ms. Logan's frustration is quite understandable, it must be known that one's child won't grow up to be a sex tape star simply from wearing a sex tape star's clothing -- as a child is only molded by the way it is raised. 

So Ms. Logan, if you do your due diligence and parent your children in the way you'd like them to turn out, don't be so concerned with clothing because at the end of the day your child is to young too comprehend who the Kardashians are anyway; and the clothing sure can't talk. 

Also remember, it's your prerogative whether you purchase the clothing or not; when people want to see a product or person go away -- the best way to do that is to boycott the product and/or the person. Don't put your hard earned money and time into a product that you don't approve of, and your petition can be a way of informing other mother's to boycott the product with you -- rather than having Babies "R" Us be forced to remove the goods. 

Business is business, and Babies "R" Us struck an exclusive "business" deal for the Kardashian Kids Line, however, consistent boycotting will eventually force the retailer to eradicate the product from its store's shelving due to declining profit -- as there are mother's currently in the process of boycotting Babies "R" Us altogether.

#PeoplePowerWorksAllTheTime

2014 LA

Tina Knowles' Personal Story

Getting to know the mother figure behind super power singer Beyonce, was just as delightful as listening to her daughter talk about her own life. 

Following Destiny's Child from its conception; the only thing I knew about Tina Knowles is that she's the master mind behind the groups fabulous outfits, she owned her own beauty salon, she could fry a mean Cajun turkey and cook up a "slap ya mama" gumbo! 

Outside of that her private life was just that -- private, until her very public divorce in 2011, from ex-husband Matthew Knowles.

Furthermore, I related so much to her story because it has been the stories of women in my own family; growing up poor, trying to find your own voice while others dictate to you how "they" want you to be, empowering women through beauty as my grandmother was also a beauty shop owner -- and on many days when I'd come to get my free hair-do, I'd sit and listen to the women chat, laugh, debate and create a one-of-a-kind culture all their own. And of course the strong woman talk that often told me to always work hard so that I wouldn't have to depend on a man for anything; I didn't realize it back then but these women were molding a mini feminist, which I'm presently proud to wear the title.

If you learn nothing from Mama Knowles' speech -- know this; nothing worth while ever comes easy, hard work does pay off, sacrifices are inevitable and should be used as a tool to make one stronger, and as you walk through the storms of life always know that God is waiting for you on the other side to hand you something greater -- as you were being prepared to handle the challenges ahead.

After her speech I feel more inspired, empowered, and eager

to press on with life's unfolding discoveries as I keep my faith in knowing that I'll end up exactly where I'm supposed to be; thanks Mama Knowles. And this is the stock on which Beyonce and Solange came from? Their significant others are very lucky.

2014 LA

Gotham! Gotham! Gotham!

Jada Pinkett-Smith as "Fish" Mooney

Gotham is a new television series on the Fox network, and if you haven't viewed it yet -- it's an absolute MUST SEE!

The mini-series is more like a pre-cursor to the movie Batman, in which you see how all the characters in Batman became who they are from this "earlier" rendition. You see how "Penguin" became how he is, you see how "Batman" grew up from childhood, you see how "Cat Woman" started out and so on and so forth. 

I originally heard about this thriller by word-of-mouth because I have mutual friends and family that LOVE Jada Pinkett-Smith, so when I was told that she was apart of the cast I was ALL IN. 

Jada's character as "Fish" Mooney is a sexy, sinful, and seductive woman who's the head honcho of her operation and when she instructs her followers to jump their only response is, how high. I've never seen Jada play a role quite like this before but I must say, she's giving the character and this show much life with what she brings regarding her artistic abilities. And every actor thus far as exuded A-MA-ZING talent -- in which I am permanently a Gotham fan for life.

This awesome series kicks off every Monday on Fox, check your local listings and use your OnDemand to catch up from the last 3 episodes! I promise you will not be disappointed.

#GothOnWithGothamCity

2014 LA

Alicia Keys' 'We Are Here' Movement

Soulful singer and uniquely connected to the universe visionary Alicia Keys, hits us with the #Real as she uses her wisdom and in depth mental to educate us all on why "We Are Here".

I appreciate the candor of the soon-to-be momma of two, who appears to want desperately for the world what she wants for her own children; a place that's safe, loving, and full of opportunity. Her words are empowering and the message is clear; if we are to have positive, peaceful and progressive change in our world it must start with you...me....all of us. 

If you want to be apart of the why "We Are Here" movement, click here and subscribe to receive more information about this important mission. And while you're at it check out Ms. Keys' video here, and hopefully it'll embolden you to action.

#OneLove

2014 LA

Karrueche Tran Disses Blue Ivy in Tasteless Joke

Karrueche Tran attends The Kill Collection launch at Vanquish Lounge on January 17, 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)

Karrueche Tran, the on-and-off again girlfriend of singer Chris Brown, made some disparaging remarks about Beyonce's daughter Blue Ivy while hosting on BET's 106 & Park.

During a segment in which the hosts highlighted the "top six things Blue Ivy thought about at the MTV VMAs," Karrueche, 26, said, "I really did wake up like this because my parents never comb my hair."

Needless to say, the Twitter community didn't take her remarks kindly and blasted her on social media about picking on a two year old baby, while lambasting her for appearing desperate to be Chris Brown's girlfriend.

Again, I'm not sure why people feel the need to make comments about Blue Ivy's hair -- but the negativity needs to STOP! This is a child and public bullying should be OFF LIMITS, period.

Although Ms. Tran tweeted that the comment she made was apart of her script, if you're truly a fan of Beyonce', then something deep down inside of you would've told you that making such a remark wasn't right. 

If it were me hosting on BET's 106 & Park, and they asked me to recite those horrible words about Blue Ivy or any baby for that matter, I would've told them NO! Some things aren't worth the money Karrueche, including your character but it's understandable that this is a learning process for many individuals.

And in case you weren't aware Ms. Tran, Blue Ivy's hair is naturally curly and if you were aware of black culture -- especially since you date a "black man", then you'd know that there are many textures and tones to black hair and if a black woman chooses to wear her hair -- or style her daughter's hair in its natural state, then it is for her to choose to do so and not the concern of any outsider.

It would behoove you to learn a bit about black history and how black people have been demeaned for centuries with regards to the texture of one's hair....you know, just in case you decide to have a black baby and need advice on how to properly groom a black child's mane. 

But whatever you do Karrueche, please stop perpetuating black stereotypes because it does nothing for your reputation and only seeks to isolate and degrade little black children -- potentially the ones that sit in the BET audience listening to your comments.

#ReadKarrueche

2014 LA

Update: BET and Karrueche Tran publicly and privately apologized to the Carters, regarding the tasteless joke made about their daughter's hair. #GoodJob #SubjectDead

2014 LA

Beyonce's 15 Minute VMA Performance was Epic

After you watch the MTV VMA's, do you ever only remember those distinct performances that had a chilling affect on you?

For me, it was performances by Beyonce', Nicki Minaj, and Maroon 5, that completely stole the show. I also appreciated the SNL funnyman Jay Pharoah, who was hilarious and had me chuckling quite a bit.

Nicki Minaj's Anaconda; I hardly know where to begin as her live performance was just as great as her music video! The set design, costumes, and choreography all intertwined perfectly while Nicki spit her venomous lyrics as she shook that rump shaker all over the stage, while making you comprehend the true meaning of the name...Anaconda. 

As Nicki gyrated all around -- the look on singer Rita Ora's face was absolutely priceless, as she appeared to be hypnotized by the twerk master that stood before her.

Newly married front man Adam Levine, led the Maroon 5 band into a rocking first song that tore the house down as he belted out his words with eyes closed, head back, foot tapping, and his signature staccato voice drove the chorus home. All you could do was rock your head and shimmy your shoulders, as you fully understood that the song Maps -- is a definite must have.

Beyonce. Beyonce. Beyonce.

One can hardly find the words to describe the amazing artistry of this extraordinary woman. If I had been near her as her performance ended, I would have taken slow strides toward her and then poked her with one finger -- to see if she was really human. But that's the feeling that she gives me when she performs -- a feeling that she doesn't seem almost real. Her level of performance intensity and drive surpasses anything that I would've ever imagined coming from any one artist. 

She took you from slow pace to fast pace so quick that it left your head spinning, and her words were so real and poetic as it captured a unique blend of:

- Grimy; "How did you wake up this morning?" 

- Reality; "We're taking this a little to far." 

- Charisma; "You're no angel either baby." 

- Sarcasticness; "Sometimes sh*t goes down when there's a billion dollars on the elevator." 

- Sexiness; "You want me -- I walk down the hallway -- you like it -- the bedroom's a runway -- slap me -- I'm quick to the doorway -- kiss -- bite -- foreplay." 

- Raunchiness; "Let me sit this ass on you -- show you how I feel -- let me take this off while you watch me -- that's mass appeal -- don't take your eyes off it -- watch it -- if you like you can touch it baby -- do you want to touch it baby?"

- Purity; "Come on baby won't you hold onto me Blue?"

- Beautifulness; "I'm just jealous -- I'm just human -- don't judge me -- If you're keeping your promise I'm keeping mine." 

Like an onion has many layers that one must peel back to get to the core of it; Beyonce' is a W-O-M-A-N with many different layers -- so many complexities, which she brilliantly fit all that is her into one concert of song and movement. She gave all of us -- all of her, on all of her many levels at one time and personally I appreciate her candidness, and how she made a masterpiece with it.

I've been riding with Beyonce' since her Destiny's Child years, and to watch her evolve into the true artist that she is today only makes me super excited about her future evolution, and what fantastic musical rides that she has in store for us. 

I want to ask Beyonce "does it get any better than this?" But something tells me that her immediate response would be, absolutely.

Queen Bey's performance closed out the show -- and rightfully so, as her husband and baby girl joined her on stage to reward her with the Michael Jackson Vanguard award. Congratulations Mrs. Carter, you definitely earned this prestigious award for your unshakable, undeniable, and truly gifted soul.

#Smh #MakingHistory #OutOfBodyExperience 

Catch the MTV VMA's on a repeat, I promise you won't be disappointed. 

2014 LA

Comedian Kevin Hart Pops the Big One

The funny man himself decided to put "a ring on it" to his girlfriend of five years, Eniko Parrish. 

He proposed on his girl's 30th birthday and released an Instagram post citing beautiful words to his lady love, which of course ended with a funny Kevin Hart punchline; it wouldn't be Kev if it didn't.

Second times the charm Kevin -- or is it third time the charm? Either way, A HOOD TALKS wishes for you much love, joy, happiness and unconditional love, for your second time down the aisle. 

Congrats to the happy couple! Click to view Kevin's proposal here.

2014 LA