BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE ROBBERIES!!!!

Hello Hon-Tey's!



It been so much going on in the world these last couple of weeks - from Donald Trump talking smack about Obama...to one of the Guardsmen being banned from attending the Royal Wedding...to BEAUTY SUPPLY STORE ROBBERIES!


Yes, you read right!  Thieves who broke into a Chicago beauty supply store made off with nearly $80,000 worth of human hair.  The store owner, Jay Han, said he believed the thieves knew just how valuable the hair could be on the black market.  "The tresses are used to braid hair and for hair extensions especially in the African American community", he said.  Videotaped surveillance outside his shop showed a white van driving up to the back of the store on Sunday morning.  Three men used a metal bar to pry open the door.  The men left the shop with large plastic bins full of the packages of hair and other items including wigs with natural hair.  Mr. Han, stated, "they didn't take any money."


I guess this is becoming a TREND in the urban community.  Chicago is not the only city to fall victim to WEAVE JACKIN.


Nashville, TN was where another incident occurred. However, the suspects didn't make it far.  One was caught and the other is still on the loose.


Montgomery, AL.  The suspects are still at large.


Dearbourn, MI - Approximately 80 Velvet-brand hair extensions were stolen from the store.  Unfortunately, The owner of the store was shot and killed.


This is ridiculous!  Is getting your weave done that important?  Well, to some I guess it is.  So much so that one will LIE, CHEAT, STEAL AND KILL for a new do!

Lady/Water No Get Enemy by. Fela Kuti

Hello Hon-Teys!

I've been gone for a while, I was gathering my thoughts and focusing on my bread and butta!  However, I'm back and I wanted to share with you a legend that was known by some but has inspired many.  I am speaking of Fela Anikulapo Kuti!  Born October 15, 1938 as Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, a Nigerian musician, activist, composer and politician whom was famous throughout Nigeria, Europe, UK and United States in the late 1950's up until his death in 1997.  

Fela sang about political issues throughout the world and abroad.  As his music became more popular he used it as a soapbox to voice his political opinions, which in turn made is recordings more politically motivated.  Fela's music became very popular among Nigerian public and Africans in general.  In fact, he made the decision to sing in Pidgin English so his music could be enjoyed by individuals all over Africa, where the local language spoken were very diverse and numerous.

Afrobeat is the muscial style performed by Fela Kuti.  Which is a complex fusion of Jazz, Funk (espeically the music of James Brown)  psychedelic rock and traditional West African chants and rhythms. Some elements often present in Fela's music are the call - and - response within the chorus and figurative but simple lyrics.  Fela's songs were also very long, at least 10-15 minutes in length, and reaching the 20 or even 30 minutes, while some unreleased tracks would last up to 45 minutes when performed live.  This was one of the reasons that his music never reached a substantial degree of popularity outside Africa.  His LP records frequently had one 30 minute track per side.  Typically there is an instrumental  "introduction" jam part of the song, perhaps 10 - 15 minutes long before Fela starts singing the "main" part.

THE SHRINE (named after the famous nightclub in Lagos, Nigeria) is located in Chicago, IL and NYC is dedicated to Fela Kuti and his sons Femi and Seun Kuti among other groups or individuals that play Afrobeat music.

Some of my favorite Fela recordings are:

ZOMBIE

LADY/WATER NO GET ENEMY

EXPENSIVE SHIT

LADY

SHUFFERING AND SHMILING
YELLOW FEVER

2000 BLACKS GOT TO BE FREE

NO AGREEMENT

Well Hon-Teys, thanks for tuning in to my world...and I hope I have opened a new window for you to view music to.  Until we chat again...CIAO BELLA!

Backstage with Lorenzo Owens - What Kinda Man

HELLO HON-TEY'S!

Some of you didn't know that I like to rub elbows with individuals who are major go-getters and trendsetters in ALL arenas - and Lorenzo Owens is just one of those individuals that I am proud to say I have personally known for years. Originally from Milwaukee,WI now residing in Chicago. Lorenzo began his music career while in college after he began to see what effect his voice had on listeners.  He then took that talent on Oprah, (beat out 15,000 hopefuls) and snatched up his spot on the finalist competition, with Stevie Wonders All Is Fair In Love. Ren (what close family and friends call him) is currently on the grind and enjoying what he likes to do best.  SANG!!!!

YO NIKKI:  What artist dead or alive would you love to work with?

REN:  I can never name just one, but I would have to say Gladys Knight, Jill Scott, Chaka.  The list goes on and on.

YO NIKKI:  We all saw you on Oprah, did that appearance help your career in anyway?

REN:  ABSOLUTLEY!  In every way, it gave me a world wide platform of over 11 million viewers at the time. In such a competitive industry as this (where everyone is going after the same dollar, where everyone wants the spotlight and very few get it) being on the show gave me leverage over all of that.  Don't get me wrong it's still a grind, but I got a BIG hand up and beyond that I'm blessed to get up everyday and do what I love. Not to mention it was OPRAH!  What more can I say!

YO NIKKI:  Are you currently working on any projects?

REN:  Yes.  Currently working on my 3rd recording project among many other things in the works - but I'll keep em quiet until I get some confirmation on them. 

YO NIKKI:  What do you think of the current state of the R & B industry?

REN:  The industry is the industry.  It comes with it's good  and bad. As we well know the face of the music is changing.  We are all trying to see what it will look like in the near future.  My hope is that we get back to "music", "real music" minus all the gimmicks.  Real artists...we need an outlet and we need to be supported by labels that can get behind out individual visions.  I remember a time when music made you want to fall in love.  We don't hear that very much anymore and I believe it shows in how we relate to one another.  The love epic is very quiet these days, but I have high hopes that we will get back to it.  Until then I will try and stay focused and committed to my craft and let the rest flow.

WOW!  This interview was my favorite thus far, Lorenzo and I shared a bond, because I was featured in his first video,  I played the "other woman".  Therefore, while chatting with him we got a chance to catch up on what's been going on in each others (grown up) lives since then. This interview was like a chit chat session to say the least.  YAAAAASSSSSS!!!!  


To learn more about Lorenzo Owens log onto his website:


www.lorenzosite.com

Thanks for your support REN!

Coming to the stage: DRUNKEN MONKEE!!!

HELLO HON-TEY'S!

Currently trending in my world is DRUNKEN MONKEE!  An artist from Chicago, IL, who I met 6 plus years ago while attending Columbia College. His musical style stands out from various angles. WHY?  Because his on stage energy is off the chart!  His lyrics are clever and eyebrow raising!  And last but not least his personality is ELECTRIFYING !  While chatting with Monkee this morning after a crazy and slow start, I finally got down to the bones of what makes up the "DRUNKEN MONKEE", and after our interview...I  needed a freaking nap!

YO NIKKI:  Where did the name come from?

MONKEE:  Growing up being exposed to Jackie Chan and the late great Bruce Lee and overall Asian Martial Arts Culture, I then started to really emerge myself and gravitate towards it - thus becoming Drunken Monkee.

YO NIKKI:  Who is your Target Audience?

MONKEE:  Man, when it come to audience.  I really don't like to limit myself.  My music covers a diverse crowd:  Fat girls, sumo wrestlers, Pokeman, silver hawks, bourgeois women, ugly folks, ASSHOLES, fancy women.  I cover the whole gamete!  I don't want to limit myself.  Basically my audience is people who don't mind letting their balls and clit show!  (bursts into laugher)

YO NIKKI:  It seems as if performing comes natural, how long have you been performing?

MONKEE:   AAAAHHHH, Well, I've been performing since I was 1 yrs old let my family tell it.  When I was young I got a hold of my moms rum and performed Rick James, Give It to Me Baby, and from there - brought us here.  It also started in high school when I started African dance (begins to give a dope azz African beat), but professionally I've been performing for 15 years now.

YO NIKKI:  What is your "theme song" that plays over and over in your head?

MONKEE:   (starts to scream with the baby in the background) If I were to have a theme song it would have to be Jim Morrison (The Doors) Five to One...and the BIBLE, "John the Baptiste" - Burning Bushes!  Was that Blasphemy? (bursts into laugher)

YO NIKKI:  Well, you know I have to ask a question for the ladies, Are you single?  And what song describles your perfect female?

MONKEE: YEAH I'm single...and DAMN, I would have to say the perfect song is  Bootsie Collins, I Got the Munchies For Your Love.

There you have it HON-TEY's a little DRUNKEN MONKEE for your SOUL!  For more of your Drunken Monkee go to:  


www.Reverbnation.Com/drunkenmonkee

UPCOMING EVENT CHICAGO, IL

No Photo Shoot is complete w/out Krystal Danielle!!!

Hello Hon-Tey's!

Currently Trending in my world right now is Krystal Danielle, she is a MAKE UP ARTIST out of HOT MIAMI!  She is one of my inspirations because she stays on the grind and doesn't let the highs and lows of "the industry" put a damper on her GOALS!  While chatting with Miss Danielle I got a chance to see what makes this Lil Firecracker spark!


YO NIKKI:  Why were you drawn to this industry?


KRYSTAL:  I have always been fascinated by fashion, pop culture and the beauty industry.  I cannot tell you how I used to purchase every fashion magazine and study the editorials to the very last detail.  I got into artistry in such an unexpected way, but you know what they say, "you make a wrong turn but end up going right"!  I'm a very creative person and I breathe the arts.  Makeup artistry became the way I spoke to the world.


YO NIKKI:  What is the most challenging aspect of being a Make Up Artist?


KRYSTAL:  As a freelance artist, you have to understand that you work for yourself and you are building your brand--creating your empire.  To be successful and stay busy, you have to constantly network and put yourself out there.  You will hear a lot of  "No's", but you cannot let it hinder you.  It can be easy to get frustrated or disappointed.  This industry is not for the weak at heart.




YO NIKKI:  What and/or where was your favorite gig?


KRYSTAL:  HMMMM, I think each gig I have done has been rewarding and has been a learning experience in its own unique way.  Artistry is every-evolving, so I can see growth in each project.  I definitely have to say that I loved doing the Guess Marciano fashion show here in Miami!  The models were stunning!  I caught myself gawking a little!  The clothes were amazing and the atmosphere was electric!  




YO NIKKI:  Do you have a favorite artist/designer that you love to work with?  And Why?


KRYSTAL:  Larry Andrew for Asia Mynor!  I have to give it to him for being one of my all-time favorite designers.  We are from the same hometown (Milwaukee) and I love his fashion and trunk shows. When we work together, its magic because we really click together on the overall vision--which is nice!  He trusts me and I trust him, which makes things run smoothly!













There you have it!  Another rising star feel free to check out Krystal Danielle on the following sites:


www.modelmayhem.com/610628


www.krystalhardy.blogspot.com


www.twitter.com/UrMakeupArtist

Asia Mynor is MAJOR!!!

Hello Hon-Tey's


With most of the holiday parties behind us, I thought we as LADIES should kick it up a notch and start setting the stage for a new year and new YOU!  How?  Well, let's start with something major like ASIA MYNOR!


ASIA MYNOR is a clothing line by Larry Andrew, out of Milwaukee WI.  I jumped at the chance to interview Mr. Andrew between his hectic schedule as a professional Make-Up Artist and Designer and gather more insight behind the man with the GOLDEN NEEDLE...Thanks for squeezing me in Larry!


YO NIKKI:  Who an/or What inspires Asia Mynor?


LARRY:  I was inspired by women who embody a huge unapologetic in your face persona.  Women like Diana Ross and Josephine Baker.  My designs compliment a women who embodies that same thought process.  I flatter curves and a bustline well.  I love using color-blocking and unique seam placement to enhance a womans silhouette.


YO NIKKI:  Do you remember your first piece? And what was it?


LARRY:  (laughs)  I actually started out cutting and re-altering denim.  But my first piece that I constructed was a dress for my friend who was performing in a drag show.  I was still a design school student, and my skills were not AT ALL the greatest. I will never forger it, it was a black one shouldered dress with an asymmetrical hem line, and all  I could think the entire time he was performing was, "Dear Lord Sweet Baby Jesus, please do not let this poorly constructed dress fall off this man!"  (bursts in laugher) But that was my start, and I haven't looked back since.




YO NIKKI:  Have you ever had a collection that you looked back on and thought, "What the hell was I thinking?"


LARRY:  YES I HAVE!  My very first collection, Summer 2007.  I was all over the place: Silver metallic leggings, leopard print swimwear AND evening wear...the list goes on  and on!  It had no direction whatsoever and was all over the place.  Since then, I have learned to hone in on who my customer was, and to make sure that every collection tells a story and that every piece looks as if it belongs in the closet of the same woman.


YO NIKKI:  Do you have an Event schedule for 2011?


LARRY:  I only have one showing planned so far in 2011.  I am one of the finale designers The Fashion Revolution.  It is THE premiere show in Milwaukee and a huge honor to be part of.  I decided against doing a solo show this year and dedicated my focus to introducing Asia Mynor to larger markets.  I will be visiting Miami in February and I am really excited about that.


Asia Mynor can be purchased at:
Boutique Revolution 
5209 West North Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53208
414.871.0624

Did Someone Say VINTAGE???

Hello Hon-Tey's!


You know I'm all about the BOB (Black Owned Businesses), well, I must tell you about Boutique Revolution and Gallery located in Milwaukee, WI.  This Funky and Eclectic boutique caters to vintage clothing, Indie Designers, consignment, fashion workshops and art by local artists.  I LUV THIS PLACE!!!  The owner Sheena Marie is a sweetheart who always has a pot of tea brewing to accesorize your shopping experience.

Sheena Marie - Owner 

Boutique Revolution and Gallery
5209 West North Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53208
414.871.0624
http://www.thefashionrevolution.com