Leaving the Nest

Well it had to happen at some point I guess. Matthew Knowles father and now former manager of Destiny's child and now his eldest daughter Beyonce' The two say that they have decided mutually that is time for them to part ways on a business level.

"I am grateful for everything he has taught me," Beyonce said in the statement. "I grew up watching both he and my mother manage and own their own businesses. They were hardworking entrepreneurs and I will continue to follow in their footsteps."

Knowles has managed his daughter since she debuted as a teen in the multi platinum-selling group Destiny's Child in the late 1990s and throughout her superstar career as a solo artist. Kelly Rowland parted with Knowles as her manager in 2009 and Williams followed a year later.In the statement, Beyonce stressed her devotion to her father on a personal level.



"He is my father for life and I love my dad dearly. I am grateful for everything he has taught me," Beyonce said. Knowles also got personal in his statement.



"Business is business and family is family. I love my daughter and am very proud of who she is and all that she has achieved. I look forward to her continued great success," he said.



Knowles and Beyonce's mother, Tina, divorced in 2009 after 29 years of marriage. Tina Knowles worked as a stylist for Destiny's Child and continues to style her daughter. Together they launched a clothing line, House of Dereon.Noel-Schure didn't comment on who Beyonce's new manager would be.




My Final Thoughts: Well Beyonce' turns 30 later this year and she is now married not to mention the fact that her parents are divorced so there might be some tension there. I think that she does not owe him anything but love and respect and he owes the same to her. I feel as though she will not stop being his daughter and he will not stop being her father. Janet left the nest Joe was a good dad and manager but his children had to grow up and display their independence. About 3 or 4 years ago Usher made that  same step and people disagreed that but I understood why he did it. If it doesn't work out maybe Beyonce' and her dad will work together I am sure it was not an easy decision to make I mean Kelly and Michelle did the same. Matthew has held their hand for a long time. Whatever Beyonce' does her dad has taught her the meaning of hard work and she could retire right now and be all good so it's no biggie.

Long Live the Dame: Fly Away Liz Taylor

Even though I am a young college student I love some the actors from the "Golden Age" of Hollywood as many people would like to call it and one woman that I enjoyed watching on film was Elizabeth Taylor also known as "The Dame" I even own a bottle of her fragrance White Diamonds. If you don't know who Elizabeth Taylor is you must live under a rock.

Born Dame Rosemonde Elizabeth Taylor on February 23, 1942 but often referred to as Liz Taylor she was an British actress. She began her acting career as a child star unlike most child stars she was able to successfully transition into adult roles. Her film credits include the following The Big Hangover, Father of the Bride, A Place In the Sun, and Cleopatra lavish adaption about the Egyptian who was really what we know as bi-racial.

Why We Loved Her? She became known for acting talent, glamour, and beauty. As well as her interesting and sometimes scandalous love life.  I will say she did have an affair with Eddie Fisher her former best friends husband and that was not right but other than that she is cool in my book. There are few things I loved and admired about her was the kindness she displayed to others. Taylor was a strong advocate and supporter against the fight for HIV and AIDS, supported the gay community, Protested the Iraq war, and remained loyal to Micheal Jackson until his untimely death in 2009.

She is survived by her four children who were at her side on her death bed in the hospital as well as her 1o grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. The two-time Academy Award Winning actress and social activist will be loved and greatly missed.

Ethnic Notions: Blackface in 2011????

Even though Black History Month has passed last month Beyonce' caught much flack for a photo shoot that has really pissed some people off. I admit I am not too happy with what I have just seen but I am not going to attack her for this if I ever met her I would ask her questions about it and then explain my knowledge and how as well as why it was offensive. In the words of the late great Marvin Gaye what's going on? I am going to give a little history lesson and make my thoughts and opinion clear.

All my life my parents have always taught me a few things never bring shame to myself, never bring to shame to my family, friends, and my Black Community. Recently each Thursday I have watched The Black History Classic Films Series at my school. A few weeks back we watched a documentary entitled "Ethnic Notions" it discussed the way African-Americans have been portrayed in the media in America. One thing that we saw that still makes my blood boil is the infamous "Minstrel Show."


What is the Minstrel Show? The minstrel show is defined and known as an American entertainment consisting of comic skits, variety acts, dancing, and music, performed by white people in black face or, especially after the Civil War, black people in the black face. Black face minstrelsy was the first distinctly American theatrical form. In the 1830s and 1840s, it was at the core of the rise of an American music industry, and for several decades it provided the lens through which white America saw black America. African-Americans were depicted in films, music, and television, etc. as lazy, buffoonish, joyous, superstitious, and joyful. I would advise  Beyonce' to be cautious about the photos she takes and she decides to represent because its not like she has been a bad role model in her 14 year career.

Where does Beyonce' come in with all of this? Beyonce' did a photo shoot for French magazine L'Officiel Paris in their 90th anniversary issue she pays tribute to African culture, donning head wraps, and gorgeous gowns. There were a few shots that had Beyonce' in her natural skin color which weren't bad. So I think the magazine and photographers should have selected various Black women model, singers, actors, etc. to represent because Black people come in all shades and hues. That would have been my only suggestion I think Beyonce' thought it was a good idea but the finished product proved otherwise. I could see why people are upset because back in the day Black people participated in Minstrel Shows and did Black face to get a chance in the music and acting industry.

I Got Love for Nate Dogg

Nathaniel Dwayne Hale (August 19, 1969 - March 15, 2011), better known by his stage name Nate Dogg, was a Grammy-nominated American singer and occasional rapper. Raised in Long Beach, California he formed the rap group 213 with his cousin Snoop Dogg and friend Warren G, and was soon signed to Death Row Records along with Snoop Dogg. He made his debut on Dr. Dre’s 1992 album, The Chronic. Singing in what would later become his trademark style, he was well-received by fans and critics alike, and in 1994 he produced his first hit single “Regulate” with Warren G. Nate Dogg released his debut album under Breakaway Records in 1998 after a tumultuous time at Death Row Records.

The double album was titled G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2 and was followed up in 2001 with Music & Me on Elektra Records, 2002’s Essentials and 2003’s Nate Dogg. Recently he was featured on the hit single ‘Shake That’ from Eminem’s fifth studio album Curtain Call. Nate Dogg a West Coast icon passed away on the morning of March 15, 2011, known especially for his one of a kind hooks and vocals, like they say, “it ain’t a hit until Nate Dogg spit”.

In 2007, Nate Dogg had a massive stroke, and another stroke in 2008, however it is unknown if that contributed to his death. In January 2008, it was officially reported that the stroke had rendered the left side of his body paralyzed. Doctors believed there would be a full recovery, and his voice was not affected. In September 2008, Nate suffered a second stroke.Warren G later confirmed that since the second stroke, Nate was undergoing physical therapy in an attempt to return to some normality, but it was unclear whether Nate would be able to resume his singing career.



I am sad to hear this news I never knew he had health problems in recent years and I hope he is at peace. I was born in the early 90's so I grew up Nate Dogg and his music much love we miss you.

No Longer a Child of Destiny

Le Toya at 16

Born and raised in Houston, Texas on March 11, 1981 to an African American father and her mother African American and Native American descent. This girl had talent and passion for music and befriended Beyonce' Knowles, Kelendria "Kelly" Rowland, and Latavia Roberson they formed a girl group called Girls Tyme later changed the name to Destiny's Child and their first hit in 1997 with No, No, No Part 2. By 1999 the love and friendship the girls had fizzled due to compensation issues with royalties.  Who is this woman?
Le Toya Luckett she just turned 30 on Friday.

In 2006 she reentered the music scene and her released her solo debut Le Toya which spawned the hit singles Torn, She Don't and Obvious. She is only former member of Destiny's Child besides Beyonce' to have a #1 album. Let me say it I love LeToya's music I purchased both albums the girl is good. In 2009 she followed up the success of her debut album with Lady Love released in March 2009 she had more hits with songs like Not Anymore, She Ain't Got Shit On Me, and Regret feat. Ludacris. Outside of the music world Le Toya has her own boutique clothing store in her hometown Houston, starred in the film Preacher's Kid, appeared in Killers, finished filming the movie From the Rough, and has recently been casted in the HBO drama series Treme. She even landed an endorsement with Olive Oil Relaxer products so that is another thing to add to her resume also she used to date rapper Slim Thug.

Le Toya and Ludacris

For those who don't know the whole story behind the Destiny's Child drama and if the ladies even reconciled I will fill you in. Before the ladies of Destiny's Child even signed  a record label contract manager Matthew Knowles wanted the girls to sign a contract for him not a label contract. Luckkett's mother disagreed and requested an attorney  see the contract Knowles ignored the request but Le Toya still signed with him.

Le Toya, Kelly Rowland, and La La

As for the beef in an interview back in 2006 Le Toya said she was never really upset with Kelly and Beyonce' she was upset with Beyonce's father Matthew yet she said she understood why Beyonce' and Kelly became defensive. She also went on to say that she Beyonce' and Kelly have settled their differences and still love one another she even attended Destiny's Child's last few concert. Also Kelly comes by her boutique and sells Beyonce's House of Dereon clothing in her store. That's about all I know but it is unfortunate when money comes between family and friends and I am glad Le Toya is doing her thing. I mean after all when you turn 30 a light of maturity should come to your life.

Trey Songz - Love Faces

Nicki Minaj - Moment 4 Life (Clean Version) ft. Drake

Kanye West - All Of The Lights ft. Rihanna, Kid Cudi

The Life and Times of Chris Brown

The Life and Times of Chris Brown

In 2005 he came onto the sceen as a fresh faced teen, in 2007 he became legal, in 2009 he shocked the world and his fans when he assulted then girlfriend Rihanna he has been black balled ever since, in 2010 he dropped two badass minxtapes and gave a tear jerking performance at the tenth annual BET Awards.







Now  in 2011 he has died his hair blonde, appeared on SNL, released some nude pictures online, got into a Twitter beef with Raz-B, and a is dropping a new album F.A.M.E which originally meant Forgiving All of My Enemies. Who is this guy? We know him as Chris Brown. What will he do next?  The next video on deck is Chris's collaboration with Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne " Look at Me Now." I like this song more than that Yeah 3x teen bopper bullish. Personally I am still on Team Breezy and I think this will be a good year for him.



Here is Chris Before and After
 

Nelly - Gone ft. Kelly Rowland

On The Set

Nelly and Kelly Rowland are long-time friends and they are collaborating once again the song is supposed to be the sequel to the 2002 song "Dilemma." This time around they are enjoying a vacation in Cancun, Mexico the song tells a story and I love it.

I'm Back

I have been busy and dealing with all the demads of a college student as well as enjoying down time for Spring Break. But ladies and gentleman I'm back before I get back to my insightful thoughts, opinion, etc. I am showing some music videos that are my personal new favorites at the moment. Recently I just watched Behind the Music and the episode focused on rap star Nelly and I love his new collabortation with Kelly Rowland "Gone" so I am showing that video first.