RIP Legendary Lena: Please Refer To The Instruction Manual

"You have to be taught to be second class. You're not born that way." -Lena Horne 1918-2010

    The world was shocked and saddened to learn that the legendary Lena Horne passed away at the glorious age of 92. Known as the first Black woman to secure a major motion-picture contract, Horne was the blueprint for other Black Hollywood starlets.World-renowned not only for her astounding beauty but her television and Broadway credits as well.

     Lena made history by demanding that she would never play the role of "maid", and was first to be featured in movie advertisements alongside A-list white stars. She always appeared reserved, and full of grace in both her on and off-screen persona, as she realized the responsibility and impact of her media image across the globe. She was often met with opposition and when her movies ran in the South her scenes were often cut out as not to offend white viewers.
      "Mississippi wanted its movies without me," she told the New York Times in 1957. "So no one bothered to put me in a movie where I talked to anybody, where some thread of the story might be broken if I were cut." Notoriously taking hits to her dignity, she persevered in Hollywood grounded in her convictions. She demanded roles with dignity to refute negative connotation and association associated with Black female images in media. In the Washington Post article, film Historian Donald Bogle said the following of Lena Horne's impact on Black female imaging in Hollywood:

"Movies are a powerful medium and always depicted African American women before Lena Horne as hefty, mammy-like maids who were ditzy and giggling," Bogle said. "Lena Horne becomes the first one the studios begin to look at differently . . . Really just by being there, being composed and on-screen with her dignity intact paved the way for a new day" for black actresses.

  Lena's resume is lengthy and filled with accomplishments the pop tarts of today only read much less dream about. Lena Horne leaves a legacy worth studying on how to be iconic. I feel many young Black females in the public spotlight should be more careful with the images they voluntarily present *Can KatStacks read this??*. Realizing that the days of blatant segregation and racial discrimination are not so far away nor have the times changed so dramatically that all Black women have escaped characterization by the actions of one and stereotypes of old. Remember Lena Horne with fond gratitude for all she sacrificed, endured and accomplished, pray for her family during their bereavement, and encourage young people to be familiar with her work.
Lena Horne singing "Stormy Weather": 1943
 
Peace,

Dawnavette

Basketball Heaux: Sterotypical Takeover on VH1

 Basketball Wives, is the breakout "hit" that airs on VH1's Sunday Stereotype (Coon Edition) evening entertainment block. Better dubbed "Basketball Heaux", I've tried faithfully for 4 weeks to hang in there and view, if only to support a Black show with an all-female cast. *Fingers to the temple/ DEEP Sigh* There are so many factors however, that make this show deplorable, I had to blog it out. A few reasons why I simply...cannot... with this joke of a show.
1) Show Title is Inflated BULLOCKS!!!- "Baskeball WIVES" would imply that these women are or (at least at some point in time) were married to NBA Players. So how did the producers/editors let pass that only (2) of the (6) casted have even seen a wedding band or certificate?!?! The show's executive producer Shaunie O'neal (Currently divorcing Shaq) and Jennifer Williams (married to Eric Williams) are the only qualifying leads. The other (4) are variations of jumpoffs, delusional relationships (Evelyn Lozado was "engaged" for over 10 years to Antoine Walker-sowwy boo. You were NOT the ONE), or the ever-common "Baby Mama" role.
2) Spousal Apperances Border Abusive & Controling- I'm not clear when it became okay, but misogyny and verbal abuse towards women is definately considered cool again. How else to explain the 2nd episode's uncomfortable dinner scene between Jennifer and her cheating husband Eric? The conversation where he (basically) admits to cheating, blames his infidelities on the highly "emotional" sport of basketball, tells his wife to get over it and get her own life, then finishes with refusing her company for the evening while he heads out with his "friends". *le Sigh* WHATTHEJOEJACKSONHELL?!?!
Or how about the 4th episode's dinner scene with Matt and naive fiance Gloria, though she plays Suzy Homemaker for her guests, the tense undertone remains his unspoken infidelities. Oh, and distrust of her friends becuase they may shed light to the truth which EVERYONE knows?! Now, I'm no relationship expert, but those that isolate, threaten, abuse, or are unequal emotionally in no way appear healthy. Errrryone knows the backstories on most of these jive-@$$ "relationships" thanks to MediaFakeout.com or your favorite gossip blogsite.
3) WHAT do they DO?! WHAT is their PURPOSE?! - Daunting tasks in the lives of the chosen, pampered and played, include shopping ("Lemme put down my Chanel bag"), makeovers ("Royce. Needs.Breast implants."), dinners ("It's my independence party!"), and of course, fiending off the always-thirsty female groupie. Yes, although the "wives" themselves were but a mere punanny-pop away from permenant groupie status, they feel threatened nearly every episode by alll the other women mimicking their lifestyles and actions. They have the nerve to fight other "groupies" like "Plastic Surgery" whilst out in public. Yes. Screaming and drink-throwing over the age of 30. Class was not a prerequisite for hooking up with these ladies nor securing reality show fame. #justsayin #Proofsintheepisode
      Yawwwwn. The entire cycle is rather sad due to the lack of substance. There's never discussion about anything relevant other than who's sexxing who's Baller, and judging by Royce's infamous "How Low" display**, they don't even qualify for free game tickets. Tragic. Aside from child rearing (only 1 wife is ever taped with offspring), and their attachment to famous penis, none have a valid reason to be televisied. Television/ pop culture has room for only one public sexpot with mindless, Jezebel antics experiencing zero consequence or judgement. Her name is Kim Kardashian. Basketball Heaux are #Latelikecnn.
     I hope this show is not renewed for an additional season, because Black women need another negative sterotype attached like the gulf coast needs BP oil. I have a feeling it will be picked up again due to it's popularity, talk of another spinoff (NFL Wives-DEAD), and the legions of young women who aspire for even a taste of the materialism, emotional voids, and lack of respect often associated with being a "Basketball Wife". Excuse me, VH1 has revealed their truth: Basketball Heaux. Exploiting their lifestyle for reality tv coin and exposure.

**(In case u needed a refresher-Royce degrades herself for some Clippers tickets during SuperBowl wknd. Jesus take the wheel.)**


Peace,

Dawnavette

Nelly vs. Kat Stacks, and MUSIC MONDAY!!!

NELLY:KATSTACKS' LATEST PAWN- [I can't believe I'm reposting this] Nelly took time out of his BUSY schedule to argue with KatStacks Saturday night on the Internet Radio show (sensational even) Shade 45. Brief Background: KatStacks is the latest female to gain attention & capitalize off the strength that she's had sex with D-list rappers. Kat's claim to fame: members of the group Young Money (Who?? Right. Doesn't even matter). Still not clear as to how she's remaining relevant as she's not the most intelligent, articulate nor accurate tea-spiller, but we're now into week #4 and she has a solid fan base (Look for her blog. She's too irrelevant to re-post the link). ANYwho, Kat's tricked Nelly into giving her new life by "lying" on-air about sleeping with him (yawn). What's worse... is that he CALLS IN to indulge her delusions?! Nelly comes off looking childish, they both sounded flustered, and after 2min. of listening I grew bored. For anyone who cares/ workday foolishness: their school yard banter.


***MUSIC MONDAY***
 NEW BIG BOI- Sir Lucious Leftfoot has released another single from his (Highly) anticipated new solo debut on Def Jam!!!  *As a DIE-HARD Kast fan, you KNOW I had to post this banger!!* Click the link for a listen (explicit version/ use headphones if at work)
LIL' WAYNE'S NEW VIDEO- Prior to turning himself in for his prison stint Weezy.F. Baby shot videos for strategic release/ continuous promotion while he serves his time. His latest release is "Single", and though the video's low-budget (and Weezy seems high on film) I nodded my head. Yes. I did. Check out the video via the link!
NEW PLIES- I'm soo not a fan of "Mr. Goon Affiliated" but felt obligated to post the new single from rap's  raunchiest commercial rapper.  The song/video concept is a watered-down, fugazey bite on the King's (TIP) smash "Whatever You Like". The melody in the chorus samples Rupert Holmes' "Pina Coladas." (Is anyone TRYING anymore??!) I've summed this serving up as #Steamin'hotgarbage, but willing to bet it will be #1 on 106 & Park in NO TIME.


~This weekend in Cali was the massive Cochella Music festival!!! So sad I was not in attendence (Getting my weight up to secure a press past in the future) but my big homie QDEEZY was in attendence. (He's EVERYWHERE YOU WANT TO BE!!) A detailed report on all the haps will be posted ASAPington!!
Have a great Monday kids!!! smooooooches!!!

Peace,

Dawnavette

THE GAME RETURNS, DIDDY ON INSIDE THE ACTOR'S STUDIO, & LARRY KING NEWS!!

TINY & TOYA BACK LIKE THEY NEVER LEFT- DAUM.- The ever-popular thorn in BET programming's side, "Tiny and Toya" has returned to the channel for a second season. Now, most of you know, that in spite of the show starring two young Black females, I'd rather attempt taxes than stomach a 30-min. episode. I just don't understand why or how the two are relevant for having sex and getting sperminated by rappers (though I LOVE me some TIP and Weezy). I also can't stand the way they destroy the English language via their "narration". I just cannot suport it, but wish continued success on the nail salons (Tiny) and being BabyMama#32 (Toya). The duo made an appearance on (my fav) Chelsea Lately yesterday and below are a few highlihgts. You know Chelsea was thinking, "WHATTHEJOEJACKSONHELL?!?!?!" the entire time... Let me know if you caught the show!

BREATHING NEW LIFE IN FALL: THE GAME!!- THE GAME IS BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Finally, we can all sleep easier as EVERYONE'S FAVORITE BLACK sitcom has officially been picked up by BET and new episodes will debut at the end of the year!!! I'm toooooo excited though the show date and times still have yet to be decided, but the cast will be taping episodes here in Atlanta, and I cannnnot wait!!I was beginning to loathe these "new reality shows", thirsty for scripted plots and talented actors. The show's revival on BET may be the first time a Black show was saved from cancellation to appear on another network...so THANKGAWD!!! I'll be sure to post more updates as they occur!

**SMALLER DOSES**
BRANDY WANTS BLOGGERS TO STOP THE HATE- Although millions tuned into view Brandy's new show starring her immediate family (Sonja, Pops. and Ray J) as well as her laughable lace front wig and exsessive eyebrows, Brandy is still feeling the hate from bloggers. In a note published originally on Vibe.com & posted on Necolebitchie.com, Brandy whomps excessively about the pitfalls of being "talked about" online. Um, pause. But, considering Brandy hasn't had a hit in a MIN, is currently overshadowed in her carreer by her sex-tape/ womanizing younger brother, and we still haven't forgotten about her fatal car accident, daughter and false marriage she parlayed into a reality tv show... shouldn't she be GLAD some bloggers find her relevant at all???!! Anyone?? I swear sometimes celebrities forget that publicity at all is still good publicity, and that should be rule # 1. Look at Kim Kardashian?! 
DIDDY WRAPS "INSIDE THE ACTOR'S STUDIO"- Yesterday, Sean "P. Diddy"/ Take-that Take-That Combs shot his "Inside The Actor's Studio" episode set to air sometime this summer. ITAS is the top-rated Bravo show hosted by James Lipton that gets inside the minds of serious actors. So Diddy was selected because...*Crickets Chirping* Either way, he's a great talent and he gives his first interview after the shoot to MTV (Check the link). He told you he wouldn't stop... (Dylan's somewhere .38 HOTTT)
LARRY KING: FATHER TIME STILL PIMPIN-According to reports on TMZ, Larry King has filed from divorce from his 7th wife Shawn Southwick (8th marraige; re-married one woman twice) today. This was after an allged CRAZY@$$ argument regarding King having sex with Shawn's...sister??! ERRR?!?! WOW. Soooo, even the Super Seniors know about the slide & glide (Sidebar: WHO is boning LArry King?!?!). As the two battle it out in public, currently over the division of their multiple properties... I'll be watching. *Grabs popcorn*.

Peace,

Dawnavette

MUSIC MONDAY!!!!!!! NEW VIDEOS

Tiera Mari's "Daddy's Home Video": Shameless Promo or Needed Remix?-The former "Princess of the Roc" (for only a mere .30 sec. of life) has resurfaced again. If anyone was trying to pay attention, she has been sporadically spotted in d-list films and blogsites, most recently to promote her summer project, "At That Point". Today she leaked this video teaser to WSHH... and um... I'm rather saddened that she bothered to sing at all. She could've just sent in some still shots of T&A as opposed to give effort to staying on-key, a video treatment or mini-plot (I was offended for the food in the kitchen being wasted on such gar-bage). Female pop singers are no longer required to be talented, just cute and willing to get nakey. What will our daughters aspire to?!?!   Anywho, view below:


DRAKE's Latest Video "OVER"-GIVES. ME. LIFE!!!
If you didn't know... I'm like a HUGE DRIZZLE FAN!!!! HUGE!!!!! Anyhow, his latest video "Over" completely does it for me~ so fresh!!!! The visuals coincide with the lyrics, and I feel his passion as he continues his top reign (Enough swinging from Drakes treasures) View below! Share your thoughts!


Usher Releases 3rd New Video, "OMG"-Usher has another release from his #1 chart-topping album Raymond vs. Raymond, the Will.I.Am collaberation & produced: "OMG". I am not the biggest fan of this latest project, but this single is actually growning on me. I know... it's a bit corny, but I can def. see myself grooving to this in the club. Thoughts??


Monica& Trey Songz announce Tour- According to Sandra Rose, the two have already teamed up for smaller shows in smaller citites to gain a feel for each other as well as audience reception. Also, they will begin a major tour this summer, this on the eve of her successful debut of "Still Standing" and his relentless promtotion of... HIMSELF-including a new reality show, upcoming album, and constant radio domination. WOW. Which one of ya'll... which one of ya'll are buying tickets???!!!

With that kids, know that I've missed you terribly and am always working to improve. SOO much more to come!!!

Peace,

Dawnavette

TYLER PERRY GEARS UP "FOR COLORED GIRLS"

Tyler Perry is set to write, produce, and direct the iconic theatrical play by Ntozake Shange "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Not Enough" into a feature film production.He has already cast the featured roles with such stars including Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Whoopie Goldberg, Elise Neal, Kerry Washington, Loretta Devine, Phylicia Rashad, and of course...Perry himself.
*le sigh*
        When I heard this news, my heart immediately sank, and not simply because I'm already biased against most Tyler Perry films. I was crushed for several reasons. The first, is that this play, is very special, and held in the highest regard amongst Black women, or cultured people period. "Cultured" not in the narrow-minded and elitist sense of the word but based in fact. Not all of our beautiful children of color in this country are exposed to theater, let alone to the voice, movement, and theatrical expression that is Ntozake Shange. Written in 1975, the play is a collection of 20 choreopoems acted by nameless Black women known only as colors, still holds deep relevance when acted across the Nation today.
     The second is that the characters embody feelings and experiences indicative to the essence of a Black woman. So many young women have read and related, or auditioned and become changed once introduced to the Ladies of the Rainbow. Their testimonies and monologues are universal to women of color and it is truly a joy to watch on stage. I know TPerry has built a mega-brand off cross-dressing and moonlighting as a woman, but the truth is that he is not a Black woman. Therefore, any immediate authenticity in re-creating the story is lost...to a Black male with controlling authority (writer, director, producer, street team etc. that is T.Perry). I'm rather doubtful he can capture the raw emotion and testimony as written by Shange.
         The third, is that given the track record... how can I not be nervous?? Of all the many T.Perry films I've witnessed, and I do believe I have seen them all, the two stand-outs were The Family That Preys (great film) and Why Did I Get Married (Good film). Reasons being the acting was great, the plot lines were relate-able and I found characters I could root for throughout the films.Neither of the favorites tackled serious drama or were to align with Tony-award worthy performances of a theater brand, like "For Colored Girls". "Precious", the most dramatic cinema project where Perry executive produced alongside Oprah Winfrey, left me more than unfulfilled as it palled in-comparison to the masterpiece that was the novel "Push" by Saphire. I don't want to sit crushed in the movies next spring, watching the credits roll, angry that a T. Perry caricature will be mainstream America's equates to "Lady In Purple".
        In no way am I "hating" on Tyler Perry but pointing out my fears of the mega-director. A director known for breaking box-office records while utilizing a formula that often lacks provocative thought, intense character development, or diverse image representation among his Black characters, and dressing in drag as the beloved Madea. I will forever respect Tyler Perry and his many accomplishments for all Black folk in media, film production, development, and ownership in particular. I'm sure I will purchase a ticket to his interpretation of "For Colored Girls". I just wouldn't be myself if I didn't issue my version of a disclaimer though, prior to my scathing critique.

Peace,

Dawnavette

Papa Knowles Mu$t PAY, BSCOT in ATL, BUSH & TUSH, and MONICA!

Mathew Knowles: YOU ARE THE FATHER- Yesterday it was officially confirmed that Papa Knowles is in fact a rolling stone, as DNA testing proved he is the father to newborn male child Nixon, to mistress Alexsandra Wright. Papa Knowles allegedly carried on a 16-month affair with White, who filled for child support in Los Angeles courts.*le sigh* A L.A. judge ordered Knowles to pay $20,750 in back support for the month of January, monthly child support of $8,200 retroactive from February 1st and 100% of the uninsured medical costs. Nixon was born February 4,2010, and is the first male child for Mathew Knowles, who's wife (ex wife??) MamaTina Knowles filed for divorce last November. Neither Beyaki nor MamaTina have released a statement on the situation, but surely they are proud to have a new addition to their musical family. Um, congrats! Children are truly a blessing...aren't they?! *photo courtesy of TMZ*

   
IT'S BSCOOOOOTTT!!!-The YouTube/Media Underground sensation that is BSCOTT invaded Atlanta this week! My Sorors turned me on to his fabulousness last weekend, and I'm fascinated at his always perfect appearance, and hilarious catchphrases! How ironic that he hosted parties on Sunday and Monday, and spoke Tuesday at Morehouse College for their first annual Gay Pride Week. He also shot a top-secret photo shoot with the in-demand Derek Blanks (Alterego) and stopped by the Kenny Burns show on Beehive FM!! Whew!! As we missed him at Morehouse, I've posted the first part of his interesting interview on the Kenny Burns show, and if interested, watch part2 and part3!! Enjoy LOVEMUFFINS!!!!(smile)

***SMALLER DOSES***

BUSH & TUSH CHRONICLES CONTINUE-If you haven't heard by now, Kim & Reggie have split. This PR leak began on Monday when the rumors began the Bush broke up with Tush via text message while she was in Miami shooting Khloe & Kourtney Take Miami, and he was in New York. Allegedly the footage will be aired during the summer season of the show. Kim is now alleged to be dating a rich soccer star and was photographed yesterday looking #Outtacontrol. I was quite pleased to hear the breakup news however, as Bush is such a chocolate drop and newly single!
MONICA'S NEW ALBUM IS A SMASH-Yesterday ATL's own Ms. Monica released her 4th studio album in a decade, Still Standing. Rumored to not have the full support of J Records, her record label, the real tee-hee-hee was on Monica. Stores across the nation have reported selling out of the album yesterday, and the Billboard charts should reflect that her fans LOVE their Monica! Go cop this album to continue the support!



Peace,

Dawnavette