They're BAAAAACK!!!!! Outkast Announces 2014 Festival Tour

Andre 3000 & Big Boi are back...and I'm HYPE!!!!!

One of my FAV hip hop groups is reuniting (although they were never "officially" broken up) for an extensive festival tour to celebrate their 20th anniversary that will begin in April at Cochella. 

Outkast is one of those groups that, in my opinion, if you don't like them then you don't like REAL hip hop. Andre 3000 is that one-of-a-kind, eclectic artist that transcends generations and Big Boi is a REAL lyricist who can still rock with the best of them. 

They have always been a unique and special duo & we've been waiting for years to see them together again and here new material from them.


"It's truly an honor to celebrate 20 years and still be free to do music the way we choose," Big Boi said in a statement. 

"Don't just think outside the box, know that there is no box. I'm looking forward to rocking the stage with my Bro Ski and to all the fans - stank you smelly much, this is for y'all!"

"And imagine, all we wanted to do was rap! I am thankful to have been a part of a group that allowed me to explore anything that came to mind and have fun doing it. Returning to the stage together is the most exciting way for us to thank everyone for their 20 years of supporting Outkast," André 3000 said.

WELCOME BACK OUTKAST!!!!! I hope that they come here to Charlotte or a surrounding area because if so, I'm IN THERE!!!!! Below are a couple of my favorite songs by the group:

 "Roses"
  

 "So Fresh, So Clean"
 

"ATLiens"


"Elevators (Me & You)"

Not Uncle Phil: RIP James Avery

First of all, to everyone reading this, I would like to wish you a HAPPY NEW YEAR from me, Elle Shanice!!!!!

I did not plan to start off my 2014 blog posts on such a somber note, but the man who played a character on one of my favorite shows passed away.

I hoped that it was just another internet hoax but unfortunately James Avery, known as "Uncle Phil" from the iconic show "The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" died on December 31st from complications after heart surgery. He was 68 years old.

"The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" is not only one of the best black shows ever, it's one of the best shows PERIOD in my opinion. Avery's character, Uncle Phil, was one of those central characters that transcended the show. My memories of the show and of his character align with those of my own life and with my own father.

Uncle Phil was a no-nonsence father who provided the best for his family; he was strict but open enough for his family to feel comfortable talking to him. He withstood jokes about his weight from Will & Geoffrey, but I loved how he was a lawyer & his wife was a professor. This continued the trend of positive black families and characters in sitcoms of the 90's.

I've seen the Uncle Phil character listed with other great TV dads such as Cliff Huxtable & Mike Brady. I know that he just portrayed the character but it was still hard to hear that he had passed away, especially when it wasn't announced that he was sick or having surgery.

The same thing happened last year when Lou Myers, who played loveable Mr. Gaines on "A Different World" (another one of my favorite shows) passed away.

Rest in peace Mr. James Avery (1948-2013)...You will be missed!

Watch one of my favorite scenes below from an early episode of Fresh Prince when Uncle Phil gets Will & Carlton out of jail:

The World is a Little Less 'Fast & Furious': RIP Paul Walker

 I'm BAAAAAACK!!!!! I've been busy running my magazine Sista's Keeper but I'm back on my blog game...I just wish that it were under better circumstances :-(

The entertainment world unexpectedly lost one of it's brightest stars this past Saturday when Fast and the Furious star Paul Walker died in a fiery car crash in Santa Clarita, CA. He was riding in a Porsche driven by his business partner, Roger Rodas who also died in the crash after the car burst into flames. Sources believe that a mechanical failure may have led to the crash.

Walker was set to film additional scenes for Fast & Furious 7 which was scheduled to be released in the next year or two. Co-stars such as Vin Diesel, Ludacris, Dwayne Johnson & Jordana Brewster all tweeted their shock, sadness. & tributes to him. Tyrese even broke into tears when he visited the crash site days later. 

I think that there is NO WAY that they can continue filming the 7th installment of F&F, especially since Walker was supposed to film key scenes and is a MAIN character in the franchise. Even killing off his character, Brian, would be insensitive especially since he died in a car accident himself. This is not like when Heath Ledger died after filming The Dark Knight and they still released the movie. 

It took me a couple days to write this post because I was truly a fan of Paul Walker & I guess I was in shock. One of my favorite franchises from the past few years is the Fast and the Furious & he was the star alongside Vin Diesel. He also starred in another favorite of mine, which is Takers with Idris Elba & Michael Ealy. 

I'm also sad because he was one of my "white boos"...I only have 3: Chris Hemsworth (Thor), Justin Timberlake & the late Paul Walker. Aside from being a great actor, he was one of the sexiest actors in Hollywood with dreamy blue eyes & a beautiful smile (my weakness). 

In the wake of his death, people overflowed social media with RIP messages & photo tributes, but the most chilling of them all was the meme that was created with an ironic quote from Walker considering the nature of his death: 

"If one day the speed kills me, do not cry because I will be smiling."

My prayers & condolences go out to both families, especially Walker's only child, Meadow. Rest in peace Paul Walker...You will be missed!!!!! 

~Elle Shanice~

Amber Riley Should Win DWTS...But Probably Won't

*DISCLAIMER: Don't let the title fool you...I want her to win and have been voting for her but based on DWTS history, my argument as follows is why I don't think she will win...

Glee star Amber Riley has made a BIG impression on Dancing With The Stars season 17 and has become a front-runner in the competition. Despite her size, she moves well and has been able to master the steps of dances like the cha-cha, tango and jive, as well as bringing in her bubbly personality which viewers seem to love. 

However, DWTS seems to be biased against the black female celebrities that have been on it. To me, it seems that the judges (Carrie Ann Inaba, Len Goodman and Bruno Tonioli) are way more critical of black female celebrities' technique and precision than others. Maybe it's because they think all black people are supposed to have rhythm...

Most athletes like football players and figure skaters have done well on the show, plus comeback stories, sob stories, and injuries have all helped contestants get votes and survive eliminations. 

An element that should be good but might work against her is her partner, Derek Hough. In the season after a professional wins, they usually get partnered with a bad dancer to give other contestants a chance. Derek, who is the best choreographer in my opinion, just won last season with Kelly Pickler and has won 4 DWTS titles total. I don't think that the producers expected Amber to do as well as she's doing so they paired her with him thinking that she wouldn't last long and be eliminated early. 

However, she started off strong with an energetic cha-cha that blew everyone in the ballroom away and earned three 9's in the first week. Male celebrities have it easier because the female professional dancers just dance around them most of the time, or it's their name or personality that brings them votes each week. The female celebrities have to compete not only against the male celebrities but the female pros too.

The other black female celebrity, Christina Milian, was voted off this week despite receiving one of the first 10's of the season and an overall 28-out-of-30 for her cha-cha-cha. This elimination is already being viewed as "shocking" by many media outlets. 

Many of the black female celebrities have done well on the show but been voted off early or come short of the Mirrorball Trophy. Vivica A. Fox was eliminated 4th in season 3 back in 2006, despite never receiving an overall score less than 22 out of 30. Laila Ali never received less than a 7 on any of her dances during the entire season 4 but came in 3rd. Mel B came in 2nd during season 5 despite having the highest average score during the entire season. Toni Braxton never received less than a 7 during season 7 but was eliminated 5th. Lil' Kim never received lower than a 7 on any of her dances during season 8 but only came in 5th.

The biggest example of this was season 11, when front-runner Brandy came in 4th and was eliminated instead of Bristol Palin, daughter of former Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin. I didn't get why she was even on the show considering that she wasn't a good dancer or in the entertainment industry but her appearance on the show brought drama and controversy regarding viewer votes. I remember trying to vote for Brandy by calling her designated number but the line would say "Thanks for voting for Bristol and Mark" (Ballas, Palin's partner). What made it even worse was that Brandy finally received her much-deserved perfect score of 30 only the night before and was also chosen for the encore performance minutes before being eliminated.

No black female celebrities were chosen for seasons 1, 2, 6, 12, and 13 nor were any selected for the All-Stars season 14. Here is a breakdown of all the black female celebrities that have been contestants on DWTS and their respective finishes: 

• Amber Riley (TBA; season 17)
• Christina Milian (eliminated 4th, season 17)
• Zendaya (runner-up, season 16)
• Gladys Knight (eliminated 5th, season 14)
• Sherri Shepherd (eliminated 3rd, season 14)
• Wendy Williams (eliminated 2nd, season 12)
• Brandy (4th place, season 11)
• Niecy Nash (eliminated 7th, season 10)
• Mya (runner-up, season 9)
• Lil' Kim (5th place, season 8)
• Toni Braxton (eliminated 5th, season 7)
• Mel B (runner-up, season 5)
• Laila Ali (3rd place, season 4)
• Monique Coleman (4th place; season 3)
• Vivica A. Fox (eliminated 4th, season 3)

Good luck to Amber because I truly hope that she can break the curse against black female celebrities on DWTS. Check out her breakout performance of the cha-cha during week 1 where she got a 27 out of 30: 

~Elle Shanice~ APPROVED ✔: Tamar Braxton "Love And War"

~Elle Shanice~ grade: A

SHE DID THAT!!!!! After years of waiting (not so patiently), Tamar Braxton has finally released her highly-anticipated sophomore album, Love And War. 

Tamar has been ready to record and release this album for a long time and has been worrying her manager-husband Vince about it in the process. He has always said to her that it has to be right before they released it and he was right.

Tamar has been having a busy year already: she gave birth to her first child, Logan, in June in the middle of celebrating the success of her first single, "Love and War". The couple also filmed the ups and downs of promoting the album while pregnant for the second season of their reality show, Tamar and Vince.

All that waiting has paid off for Tamar as she has delivered a high-quality R&B album. We all know she can sing (as can all her sisters) but this is a great album for her to make a breakout performance as an artist.

Even though I am a "Tamartian" and could not wait to hear the album, I was objective in listening for this review. However, I enjoyed the album, which talks about the ups and downs of relationships, in it's entirety. These are some of my FAV tracks:

1. "Hot Sugar"- This is my #1 JAM from the album...it just makes you feel sexy for your man! I have been waiting to hear this song fully since she recorded and performed it on last season of Tamar and Vince. I'm glad that it made the album and I hope she chooses it for her next single."          
2. "Sound of Love"- This is the love song of the album, and by love I mean love-making! This slow jam will set the mood for anyone. 
3. "Prettiest Girl"- This is a great song where she sings about how great her man is to her and I'm sure it's about Vince. This is how every girl (including myself) wants to be treated by her man: to feel like the "prettiest girl in the world". 
4. "All The Way Home"- After a big fight with her man, she jumps in her car to get away but can't help but think about him so she turns around to make up. 
5. "Where It Hurts"- In this song, she sings to her love that she wants to make the pain of his past relationship go away and that she isn't going anywhere. 

I'm happy for Tamar as she is finally seeing the success, both personally and professionally, that she has been talking about wanting all these years. Watch Tamar and Vince Thursdays at 9pm on WEtv and check out the video for Tamar's second single, "The One" below:

Serena Shouldn't Have To Mentor Sloane While Still Competing

The issue of racial diversity in sports and in general is a detailed topic that will not be resolved in a single blog post. This is not about blacks in tennis or even women in tennis but about the relationship between two people: Serena Williams and Sloane Stephens.

Recently, there seemed to be a beef between tennis great Williams (who is my absolute FAV) and an up-and-coming tennis start Stephens.

In a recent interview with ESPN the Magazine, Stephens spoke out about the status of their relationship: “She’s not said one word to me, not spoken to me, not said hi, not looked my way, not been in the same room with me since I played her in Australia.” 


Stephens quickly back-pedaled in the days following her statements, saying on Twitter that they had spoken to each other and resolved whatever issue there was. Both of their camps must have gotten together and decided that the negative publicity was unwanted.

I interviewed her for the November 2012 issue of Sista's Keeper Magazine & she said that her and Serena had a "great relationship". She must have been hurt after meeting her idol and beginning this great friendship that seems to have waned recently after a few unanswered phone calls, text messages and BBM's. However, Sloane may have gotten a little too comfortable with their relationship and forgot that Serena is still competing and might just be busy or not in the mood to "girl talk".

Serena is the ULTIMATE competitor so I could see her getting a little salty after Sloane made a name for herself by beating her at January's Australian Open. She sent out a seemingly-cryptic subtweet after that match, starting simply "I made you."

However, the tennis season was in FULL swing  at the time and I can understand if Serena has her game face on. She just got beat by a lesser-ranked player after the AMAZING year that she had last year.

I don't think that Serena was willing to be a mentor at the time and give Sloane a "how-to" guide on beating her and she may not have wanted to engage in deep conversations for the sake of focusing on competing...just "hi" and "bye".

My take is this: both of them are wrong in this. Stephens got in her feelings after not hearing from Serena for a while and Williams saw all of the attention that Sloane was getting from winning their match and she thought that people were trying to replace her.

While it would be great if Serena takes on a mentor role with Sloane, people have to realize that Serena is STILL NUMBER 1! She is still playing, still a contender if not front-runner in ANY tournament or Grand Slam that she is entered. If Serena were retired or on another extended break from tennis, then YES she should serve as a mentor to Sloane. That may come later, but not now because they are still competitors.

DMX Needs Help...But He Has To Want It

One thing is clear about last night's episode of Iyanla: Fix My Life: DMX need SERIOUS help.

He needs help not just with a lingering drug problem but with all of the physical, psychological and emotional effects in his life that have stemmed from years of drug use.

In the interview with Iyanla Vanzant, he shares vivid stories from his childhood that seem to trigger rage and emotion in him. I'm not sure if it was drug-induced but he seemed to express himself in a way that was vulnerable and showed his true hurt.

The messed up thing about the whole situation is that he doesn't even know the effects of his actions on others or think that they are wrong. He knows what has happened to them, what he's done to them but he doesn't know WHY they hurt and doesn't want to listen. He does not once take responsibility for his actions and that is the saddest part

Vanzant uncovered a deep cycle of pain and hurt in the lives of not only DMX but his parents, his grandmother, his wife and his children that is rooted in loneliness and not feeling loved. He has felt it in his life and as a result has made everyone in his life feel that way.

It's painfully obvious his persona in the public is true and that it's not an act. He's aggressive, controlling, and has seriously demons that fame and fortune have only made worse. He has estranged relationship with his mother, his wife Tashera, and his children, especially his oldest son Xavier. When Xavier tried to talk to him with Vanzant's help, DMX tried to control the conversation and didn't want to hear what his son had to say.

I will give DMX one thing: this situation is NOT ALL his fault. Of course, it is mostly his fault but it is also YEARS of YES people who continuously hindered him instead of helping him with his problems. As a celebrity, he was probably used to getting whatever he wanted and not having any consequences. Yes, he has been to jail but he said that he liked the structure of prison.

That's why I think that he needs a REAL intervention without cameras. He needs to go to a facility with medical professionals to help him in a DETOX program. Maybe when his mind clears of

I usually put videos on my post but I won't this time because I don't think it will help the situation.  I offer my support to DMX but I also feel that he has to take responsibility for all of the pain that he's caused and want to receive help for his problems. Only time will tell if he will...

#SupportDMX

Candice Glover is NOT Playing Games Anymore

Since her audition here in Charlotte, Candice Glover has been a contender to win the 12th season of American Idol.

But after last night's performances of Dionne Warwick's "Don't Make Me Over" and especially The Cure's "Lovesong" to end the show, it is clear that she is above and beyond the other contestants vocally and in terms of  artistry.

Song choice is a critical on a show like this but I think that Candice has made great choices to fit her style and that she could make her own. She has elements of jazz, soul, and blues in her voice, even when she sings a Rolling Stones song. She has a way of making ANY song that she sings sound like it's current.

Her vocal runs are always amazing, she can hit both high notes and low ones, and the arrangements that she comes up with compliment her style perfectly. I really hope that the American Idol viewers and voters see that she is a complete artist that has an AMAZING career ahead of her.

She completely smashed one of my FAVORITE songs, "I Who Have Nothing" a couple weeks ago and people compare her to Jennifer Hudson, but I think that she has an artistry all her own. Jennifer is a powerhouse singer and so is Candice, but I think that you can feel the emotion and feeling in Candice's voice more. Maybe she will win and be the revenge for Jennifer's early Idol departure.

I will go so far as to say that if Candice does NOT win or even make it to the final two, then this should be the last season because it needs to be CANCELLED! I have been watching this show since the very beginning and I know that it is a popularity contest based on the votes of the viewers. Everyone is entitled to vote for their favorite person (and Candice is DEFINITELY mine), but at the end of the day it is a SINGING competition and Candice is the BEST singer.

Of course some of the other singers are good and will have careers in their respective genres (country, rock, etc.) but Candice is the only one who can pull off many different styles of music. So far during the top 10, she has sang the Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Marvin Gaye, Dionne Warwick, and The Cure, which is a pretty eclectic range of artists and genres.

Just watch her performance of "Lovesong" from last night. I have watched it like 1,000xs already:

  

Beyonce' Didn't Have to Call Us "B*tches"

As I've said before, I have always been a fan of Beyonce's...WAY back to the original Destiny's Child days. However, I have always been equally critical of her when, as a fan, I didn't like something she did musically.

Just when Beyonce' was starting to reel me back in, she does something to cast me back into the water. Beyonce' recently released a new song called "Bow Down/I Been On" where she took a unnecessary dig at her "haters":

 I know when you were little girls... 

You dreamt of being in my world... 

Don’t forget it , don’t forget it... 

Respect that, bow down bitches 

Beyonce' usually takes the high road and doesn't answer to criticism in such a negative way, which is why I want to believe that this song was not 100% her idea. She didn't have to do this in a mean and spiteful way because after her SuperBowl performance and SOLD-OUT upcoming tour, it's OBVIOUS that she still has "it" and we still want it. However, she should have continued to let her career speak for itself.

First of all, I happen to be a BIG advocate for women's empowerment and sisterhood, which is why I was put off by Beyonce's tone of "telling off her haters". This is a problem with black women where we "hate" on each other instead of supporting each other. I admit that I was one of the people who wanted her to sit down, have a baby and "get a life" (so to speak), not because I wanted to be her or was jealous of her success but because I cared about her personal life.

I've always wanted her to open up and share her life with me as a fan and when she never did, it turned me off. Beyonce' has been around for 15 years and has never been this open with us. Hmmmmm....I wonder why (new album and tour coming perhaps)? I don't believe in the Illuminati but I do find it interesting that she now wants us to "bow down" to her after she was brought up and raised in church...she KNOWS better.

Let me just say this: No matter how critical I am about her, I will not "bow down" to Beyonce' or any other celebrity because I serve the MOST HIGH GOD who commands "You shall have NO other gods before Me". Amen and HALLELUJAH to THAT!!!!!

Beyonce' was singing a different tune just last month in her HBO documentary, Life is But a Dream, where she actually came across with a women's empowerment message:

"It’s difficult being a woman. It’s so much pressure, and we need that support sometimes. We’re all going through our problems, but we all have the same insecurities and we all have the same abilities and we all need each other. Women have a responsibility to look out for other women.”

I was happy to hear her say this because she has such an unyielding fan base and people would take to that message as well because "Beyonce said it". However, how can you push that message while calling other women bitches and telling us to "bow down"?????


I miss the "independent woman", "single ladies", "survivor" type Beyonce' of old. This new Beyonce'...this media-crazed, needy for attention, everywhere-you-look Beyonce is getting old...and FAST!!!!! Maybe she should go back and listen to her words from "Survivor":

I'm not goin' blast you on the radio (I'm better than that),  I'm not goin' lie on you and your family (I'm better than that), I'm not goin' hate on you in the magazines ('m better than that), I'm not goin' compromise my Christianity (I'm better than that), You know I'm not goin' diss you on the internet, 'Cause my mama taught me better than that 

~Elle Shanice~ APPROVED ✔: Justin Timberlake "The 20/20 Experience"

~Elle Shanice~ grade: A

The term "blue-eyed soul" has come to describe  Justin Timberlake quite perfectly. Since being in the hit boy band of the late 90's and early 2000's 'NSYNC, he has really made his own lane that combines soul, R&B and pop.

I have been a fan of Justin's since *NSYNC and have follow his entire solo music career. I have CD's of both Justified and FutureSex/LoveSounds  so I am familiar with his sound. I didn't want to jump right into his new stuff saying I LOVED it if I really didn't.

This album keeps with his signature sound but takes it somewhere else that I was happy to go. Timberlake has always been soulful but this album is in OVERDRIVE...it's like nothing else on the radio right now or like anything I've heard in a while.

Yes, it's different but every artist should be a little different creatively after 7 years. This album takes you to several different genres of music; from R&B to dance, old school to even futuristic. Timberlake is the hot guy right now; he's fresh off a great Grammy performance and ratings smash of a hosting and performing gig at Saturday Night Live. I have somewhat patiently waited 7 years for new music from him and he did NOT disappoint.

The 20/20 Experience of course included distinctive musical genius of Timbaland, which it is easy to tell by now but hey...if it isn't broke then don't fix it right? I listened to the whole album straight through at least twice before I realized it. I was just grooving to the music and didn't need to skip a song at all.

All the songs are 5 minutes or more, and with the tempo changes when he switches it up, it makes it seems like there are more than 10 songs. The first song on the album, "Pusher Love Girl" is like a soul/blues mix where Timberlake compares his love interest to a drug. It's a song for grown folks with a catchy hook to go with it.

The first single is "Suit and Tie" feat. Jay-Z, which took me a little bit to get into. However, it has grown on me and it's a great song to dance to. My FAV song from the album is "Don't' Hold the Wall" which kind of hypnotizes me with its musicality. Other songs like "Strawberry Bubblegum", "Tunnel Vision", "That Girl", "Let the Groove Get In", "Mirrors", and "Blue Ocean Floor" round out the album and really make it a cohesive project that spans several .

Way to keep us waiting JT, but at least you came through (as I knew you would)!

Chris Brown/Rihanna SVU Episode Was The Worst EVER

Last night, NBC aired an episode of Law and Order: Special Victims Unit that was supposedly depicting the 2009 incident between Chris Brown and Rihanna. This was by far the WORST episode of SVU...EVER!!!!!
As a SVU fan and a frequent viewer of marathons on USA, I know that they usually take stories straight from the headline but this was a little TOO far.

This episode came on not long after Chris Brown confirmed that he and Rihanna are back together. They even put a disclaimer at the beginning to say that it "does not depict any actual person or event" but who were they trying to fool? It's like the SVU writers didn't even try to bring anything new to the story or try NOT to make it look obvious.

First of all, they played the MESS out of Chris Brown with this "Caleb Bryant" character. From his public apology video to the tattoo he got of Rihanna's face; they didn't even bother to change the character's initials ("CB"). They even made the connection between witnessing his mother being abused and I don't even think that was fair.

Munch even made a comment that this couple "should go on a double date with Chris Brown and Rihanna". There were so many BLATANT connections to Chris Brown and Rihanna that it made NO sense:

• Misha was an "island girl" from Bermuda; Rihanna is from Barbados...they couldn't even pick another island that didn't start with a "B" (Jamaica was available)
• Misha was close to her grandmother; Rihanna lost her grandmother last year
• There was a Jay-Z like character that discovered her; he was killed in the episode by Bryant

There were a MILLION ways that you could have recreated the incident without being so obvious. I don't know if NBC and the SVU writers were trying to send Rihanna fans a message or one directly to her about what might happen to her, they should have just had the Misha character LEAVE him or let her become happy without him.

She could have gotten the courage to leave him, she could have defended herself and killed him when he attacked her on the boat or hit him over the head with a bottle or SOMETHING...they didn't have to KILL her!

Even with killing her, it doesn't help the situation because it could be looked at as foreshadowing and I don't think it's fair to assume that Chris Brown is going to kill Rihanna. This will bring even MORE unnecessary scrutiny to their relationship. This incident was 4 years ago and it's obvious that the two have gotten over it. They are both grown and can make their own decisions about their personal lives.

If I were Chris Brown, I would complain that the episode is defamatory to him because it implies that he will eventually kill Rihanna. If he really is working on himself and his relationship with Rihanna, this episode certainly didn't help.

Watch the episode below:

VH1's TLC Movie Has Great Cast Potential

I'm BAAAAAACK!!!!!!!!!! It's been a minute since I did a post & my life has been CrAzY hectic lately but I'm here with a new topic and my same 2¢.

I was excited to hear that VH1 was making a movie about my FAVORITE girl group of all time, TLC. I was also anxious to see who they would cast to play the iconic members, especially my FAV the late Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes.

Sidora could pull off T-Boz with the right hair & clothes. 

It was announced that actress/singer Drew Sidora would be playing Tionne "T-Boz" Watkins, rapper Lil' Mama would be playing Left Eye and Keke Palmer would play Rozanda "Chilli" Thomas. I happen to think that this was AMAZING casting and you never know what they can do with special effects, hair and makeup.

I knew Drew Sidora from season 1 of "The Game" so I recognized the name when I heard she would be playing T-Boz. I think she can pull off T-Boz's cool and laid-back style with the right hair and clothes.

Palmer can pull of the youthful Chilli. 

Keke Palmer is one of my FAVORITE young entertainers out right now. I actually thought of her first to play Chilli because she can sing, dance and is perfect to play the youthful one (who hasn't aged a DAY since the last album).

The only casting choice that people seem to be questioning is Lil' Mama to play Left Eye, but I think that it's because Left Eye has passed and people don't think that Lil' Mama can pull off acting. I happen to think that Lil' Mama gets a bad rap because of her first single "Lip Gloss" and that she has never really been taken seriously (especially after going onstage during a Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performance). However, I do think that she can redeem herself and bring something to this role. She will surprised a lot of people with this one and hopefully it will help her generate interest in her music again.

I think Lil' Mama can pull off Left Eye. 

The three say that they are all fans of TLC, which gives me hope that they will do their best in the movie. I also hope that they know that these three women, T-Boz, Left Eye and Chilli were three INCREDIBLE personalities and characters in their own right, not to mention together 

I have been a fan of TLC since the very beginning in 1992 (I was only 4 years old, mind you). I own the CD of EVERY TLC album, Ooooooohhh...On the TLC Tip, CrazySexyCool, FanMail, and 3D. My very first concert was theirs, when they were on tour with MC Hammer and Boyz II Men. I've followed them until this day, seen the Behind the Music special many times so I know their story. I hope that these three do a great job.

REAL Fans Should Be Loyal But Critical

Photo via Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images

I want to preface this post by saying that I have been a fan of Beyonce' since the beginning and I respect her as a consummate artist and performer.

I do NOT, however, attend the "Church of Beyonce'" nor do I "worship" her in order to call myself a fan.

My initial reaction to the whole thing was that I was not surprised if she was lip-synching. I even gave her props initially on Facebook and Twitter because I thought the performance was subtle and she could have gone MANY different ways with that performance for that Inauguration moment with the whole world watching. There is no doubt that what we heard was Beyonce's voice nor am I questioning if she can really sing.

I guess that my issue was that the performance was widely thought to be the HIGHLIGHT of the entire Inauguration, not the second swearing-in of the first black President. All of the entertainment blogs, shows and even the talk shows led with Beyonce's performance being the best part of the day.

Beyonce' is a PERFORMER so she knew every cadence of the pre-recorded track and faked it to PERFECTION. She looked AMAZING, flailed her arms and even took out the earpiece during the performance as if she were really singing. However, singing for the President should be done LIVE out of respect especially when you are close to him like she and Jay-Z are to Barack and Michelle.

Beyonce' has some of the most devoted and unwavering fans in the music industry but sometimes I think that they make excuses for her as if she can do NO wrong. If I were Beyonce', I would want to be transparent and be open if and when my REAL "fans" tell me when they didn't like a performance.

I understand that Beyonce' is in the middle of a whirlwind comeback, with the Superbowl coming up and the GQ photo shoot. Honestly, I am glad to see her back but I just wanted it to be more authentic. As fans of Beyonce' or any other artist or athlete, we should be able to make comments about their performances because they are public figures and that is what they're paid to do (and chose to do).

The biggest excuse that was made was that the cold weather made her decide to use the pre-recorded track. However, if it was so cold, then why didn't she perform in the fur coat that she walking out wearing? Yes it was around 45 degrees and any artist would be worried about their voice in that weather, but if she would have sang live and not sounded perfect, I would have given her the benefit of the doubt because of it.

It's not that I'm upset that she lip-synced because it's supposedly a "standard industry practice" and because the "Star Spangled Banner" is not the easiest song to sing...I would have just rather have had a more authentic performance for that moment.

It was also brought up that Whitney Houston lip-synched her iconic Superbowl performance back in 1991. I didn't want to bring up Whitney because she died BUT Whitney also did drugs...would it be okay for Beyonce' to do drugs too because Whitney did it? NO!

I even had a falling-out yesterday with a friend over this situation which is absurd because I really didn't take it that seriously. I just wasn't surprised that she did it.

Olivia Pope is a "Side Chick"...In Name ONLY

I recently came across a funny picture on Instagram about my favorite TV show, Scandal:

Chicks be like "I can't stand infidelity" but on Thursdays be like "Awwwww"

I am 100% guilty of this!!!!! There's NO denying that President Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III is married and that his affair with Olivia Pope technically makes her the "side chick". However, if you watch the show faithfully (like me) then you KNOW that's just a technicality.

Fitz does not love his wife, Mellie, and is only with her because he didn't meet Olivia first. He is the President which means that he has been in the middle of a successful political career for some time so he knows what political moves play...and having a black girlfriend does not (let's be frank).

A lot of people say that Olivia Pope does nothing but give side chicks everywhere some hope. However, TRUE "Gladiators" like myself know that there is WAY more to the story than Olivia just being a "side chick". Fitz does not confide in the First Lady the way that he does with Olivia, he doesn't talk to her, have fun with her...NOTHING!

I came up with 5 reasons and included 5 scenes that show Olivia is more than just "the other woman" and I purposefully didn't include any of their steamy love scenes because it's more to it than that. You can't hear my argument by just watching one episode and jumping to conclusions...I need you to see BEYOND the obvious & look deeper.

5) Olivia was pursued by Fitz
Olivia hit Fitz and he NEVER saw it coming. In this scene, you see his immediate and undeniable attraction to her, and it's not just on the surface. She basically told him about himself in front of his entire staff, which prompted him to fire her, only to try to get close to her.



4) They can't deny it, no matter how hard they try...OR move on 
They know it's wrong for them to be together (for now) but it's UNDENIABLE. She tried to move on with Edison but he still calls her late at night from the Oval Office. He even used his Presidential power to spy on her and had the Secret Service kidnap her to bring her to him in the middle of nowhere for goodness sake! He wouldn't have gone through all that trouble for a side chick.




3) Fitz does NOT love his wife
If you've been watching the show since day 1, you know that Fitz and Mellie don't like each other...they don't get along...they rarely speak or talk to each other. Everything between them is a political move. Mellie is so caught up in her own agenda that she doesn't really care that Fitz is having an affair. She is playing her own game and is more worried about being First Lady that being Fitz's wife. He even ponders this in front of Olivia (what man NOT in love would put himself down or insult himself for a "side piece):

"Why didn't I meet you sooner? What kind of a coward was I to marry her and not wait for you to show up?" 

2) They really know each other
Fitz knows that Olivia paces in circles when something is wrong...Olivia knows that Fitz loves the outdoors...These little details in the relationship are how I know that it's more than a fling. In this scene, Fitz asks for "one minute" because he knows that's all they have but it's just what they both need. They can't be together right now so they take what they can get.



1) They belong to each other!!!!! 
They have REAL LOVE and PASSION for each other...If you don't believe me then just watch the clip below:

The "Reality" of Religion: The Sisterhood vs. Mary Mary

First of all...HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!! I wish all of my ~Elle Shanice~ readers the BEST in 2013...This is a rare Sunday post but I thought that it would be appropriate to post this today...

On New Year's Day, I watched the new show on TLC called The Sisterhood, which gives us an inside look into the lives of Atlanta's preachers' wives. The concept seemed somewhat interesting until I saw the first episode.

As a spiritual, Christian woman who attends church a decent amount of the time, I thought that I would like to see a different side of the people who run these churches nowadays, but I guess I got that...and then some. This was a little too much for me. In fact, it was a HOT MESS...

I don't think that it was a good idea to portray themselves as servants of God in such a negative light because they do represent their church as well. I'm all for pastors and first ladies being real people because the Bible itself says that "all have sinned" but this was TOO real for me.

Never mind them talking about their sex lives or explaining STD's & how to properly put a condom to their teenage daughters (instead of abstinence), but there was too much DRAMA!!!!! Gossiping, arguing and everything else that people dislike about other shows like Real Housewives of Atlanta or Basketball Wives. This show was so ridiculous to me that I don't even know if I believe that these are even real pastors' wives, pastors OR churches. 

I'm disappointed because The Sisterhood did not shine a good light on the Christian community, especially the black church after just one episode. They could have done this show so much better and I think that you can show a different side of reputation and tradition without going overboard.

Mary Mary's self-titled show is a great example of that. As successful gospel artists, they are able to show a balance between their personal, professional and spiritual lives without being too raunchy or bringing too much drama into it. Yes, they had a bachelorette party for their sister's wedding and they argue at times but I still think that they don't overdo it. They handle their business, take care of their husbands and children, make great music that praises God as well as gets people dancing, and show a real sister relationship that is authentic while looking fly.

The Sisterhood went down the wrong road in regards to displaying spirituality and the church on television. They could have shown relationships, sexuality and other "secular" topics in a way that could be used as outreach and bring people to the church. This could have really helped people with their spiritual lives but this show does not help anyone...it just hurts the perception of these pastors, their wives and their churches and puts it all in a negative light.

You can watch the entire first episode of The Sisterhood (which will be the last one that I will be watching) below:

"Scandal" Star Kerry Washington on Oprah's Next Chapter

On Sunday night, Oprah Winfrey visited the set of my FAVORITE show right now Scandal and interviewed it's star Kerry Washington, as well as it's creator Shonda Rhimes and the inspiration behind the character of Olivia Pope, real-life "fixer" Judy Smith.

Washington is the first African-American woman to star in a primetime scripted TV drama on a major network in over 30 years.

Let me just say that this show is LIFE to me: not only does it have intense plot lines from week to week but it has some of the most complex characters that I've ever seen. Olivia Pope is able to fix everyone else's problems but that is complicated by her steamy love affair with President Fitzgerald Grant. Their INTENSE chemistry and the overwhelming complications that arise (he's the President, and married with children) make for AWESOME TV. It's hard to root for the mistress in any situation but I really do think that Liv and Fitz have a GREAT love, no matter how complicated.

I was happy to hear that Washington was not met with absolute jealousy and hate when she was given the part over other black actresses and she gives some great insight:

Sometimes we buy into this myth of competition that comes from the myth of a lack: that if  I succeed, someone else can't. 

Shonda Rhimes talked about being a successful TV mogul as well as a single mother to 2 young girls. Scandal is her third hit show in a row for ABC, after Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice. She said that she had to take her flagship show back from her fans because they were starting to dictate how they wanted the show to go through social media instead of her as the creator. Judy Smith also talked about her experience as a White House press secretary and becoming a fixer.

Here is a clip where Washington talked about her groundbreaking role as Olivia Pope:

Ms. Washington Goes to Washington

For the first time in almost four decades, an African-American actress has landed the lead role on a primetime television series. Oprah travels to the set of this show, ABC's hit drama Scandal, to talk with the show's star, Kerry Washington. Watch as Kerry reveals why she had no idea her character, Olivia Pope, would be so momentous.

RHOA S5 E6: Phaedra Shuts Kenya Down...QUICK

Now that Kim Zolsiac is officially done with Real Housewives of Atlanta, the rest of the girls were able to leave the drama in the ATL and take a romantic couples trip to Anguilla that Peter has set up. Since Kim and Kroy won't be attending, that left the door open for Kenya Moore (who invited herself) and Walter to join them as well as Porsha Stewart and her husband Kordell. 

First, Kandi Burruss discussed the trip and her relationship with her mother, Joyce. She says that she actually likes Todd, which surprised Kandi because Joyce doesn't always like the men she likes. Then, Cynthia Bailey went to dinner with her husband Peter and were joined by Porsha. She invites them to come on the trip to Anguilla.

Time to go to Anguilla: They all met up at the airport where Kandi was surprised by Todd who she thought could not come. After the plane ride, they got on a boat to get to the island and Kenya decided to drive the boat. Yes, it seemed fun but it didn't help my assumption that she's crazy. She did throw a shot at the other women, yelling "Hold onto your weaves" because she's the only one with her natural hair.

When they arrive, Kenya gets mad that she is put in a smaller room, but she should be grateful that she is even there since NO ONE invited her. She also started pressuring Walter about proposing while in Anguilla, mentioning that there was a diamond store nearby.

Phaedra and Apollo have a funny conversations about the cleanliness of hot tubs, Cynthia and Peter discuss romance on this their second honeymoon, and Nene and Gregg show a rekindling relationship. Later, all the couples meet up by the pool but most of them just want to chill for the night. Apollo comes out with his swimsuit on and Kenya pushes him in the pool. She was CLEARLY flirting with him as he picked her up and jumped in the pool with her in his arms. She better watch out...Phaedra's a "southern belle" but she might CUT her!

The next day, Phaedra pulls out the thong swimsuit that was perfectly situated onto her "donkey booty". She was showing Kenya that there was NO competition or worries of losing Apollo. The couples explore the island and Kandi has an interesting conversation over dinner with Todd about what alcohol does to her where they enjoy a drink called "F--- Me Sideways".

Later, they have a fun night that included dancing from an Anguilla dance group and they decide to join in. Kenya continues to flirt with every man in sight because she's "trying to get a rise out of Walter" but if he is REALLY your man, then you don't have to make him jealous. Then she asks a completely OUT-OF-LINE question about who she would allow to have sex with Apollo for a birthday present. Phaedra FINALLY tells her to back up, saying "Go on with that bull----". I'm happy that Phaedra spoke up because that was TOO FAR.

Here's a clip from next week's episode when someone gets married (or remarried or renews vows) and things get testy again between Porsha and Kenya:

~Elle Shanice~ APPROVED ✔: Tamar Braxton "Love and War"

The highly-anticipated first single from WeTV reality star Tamar Braxton was released on iTunes today. "Love and War" is a ballad that was first heard on her hit show Tamar and Vince and I think that it will be a HIT.

One of the plot lines of this season was when Tamar's album would be released. It's been 12 years since her 1st solo album and Tamar makes it known that she's done with "doo-wop-bop-bopping" behind her older sister Toni Braxton and is ready to be a STAR.

I genuinely like Tamar and her show because just like my girl Nene Leakes, she's funny and crazy and says what she means. I was waiting to hear the finished product to this song since I heard it on the show and I think it is a great choice for a single. The lyrics are powerful and will bring her a lot of fans because they will be able to relate:

We stay on the front lines, but we’re still here after the ball drops

We go so hard, we lose control The fire starts, then we explode 

When the smoke clears, we dry the tears 

Only in love and war

Some of the initial reaction to the song is that it sounds a lot like Toni Braxton, and that the cover for the single resembles her as well. I'm one of the BIGGEST Toni Braxton fans so I know her voice and you can easily tell the difference between them.

First of all, Toni and Tamar are SISTERS so of course they resemble each other, moreso than any of the other Braxton sisters. Secondly, Tamar sang backup for Toni for YEARS and of course she may sound a little like her but you can definitely tell the difference if you really LISTEN.

Listen to Tamar Braxton's first single, "Love and War" below:

RHOA S5 E5: Kim Lies...Then Leaves

The DRAMA was on FULL BLAST on the 5th episode of season 5 of Real Housewives of Atlanta and it led to Kim's abrupt departure from the lunch and maybe even the show...

We find Phaedra Parks and her husband Apollo on a double date with Kenya Moore and her boyfriend Walter. Kenya immediately starts flirting with Apollo, talking about his "bulging muscles" which Phaedra finds unacceptable (I would TOO...I don't want ANY woman flirting with MY man). They then talk business about Kenya possibly producing their "donkey booty" workout tape.

Next, Nene Leakes and husband-or-ex-husband Gregg meet over Cynthia Bailey's house to discuss a couple's trip to Anguilla. Peter discusses his plan to have he and Cynthia to renew their vows on the beach. After the fiasco with her mom and sister hiding the marriage certificate, it would be great for them to make a new and happy memory together. 

Porsha Stewart visits a fertility clinic with her husband Kordell, and we find out that she had a miscarriage six months ago. It was great to get to know her on personal level and see a vulnerable side to her. She REALLY wants to have twins and they have a funny conversation about how to do it (eating yams, family history, etc.) Fortunately, they will be able to try again for a family in a month. 

Kandi Burruss has lunch with Cynthia and they talk about the Anguilla trip. Kandi says thay Todd may not want to come because the group is DRAMA (but that DRAMA paid your bills when you worked on the show SMH). They also discuss Nene and Kandi thinks she has motives behind her friendships. I think that Kandi keeps stuff going to stay relevant on the show because her career is now based off of it. 

Nene and Cynthia meet Porsha at her late uncle's home to discuss working for her foundation. They  also discuss Kenya's behavior at their events. Somewhere else in Atlanta, Kandi and Phaedra shop and talk about kegal balls...and Kandi says to invite Kenya to the lunch, KNOWING that her and Cynthia fell out (keeping stuff going again).

Then the ISH hit the fan at the lunch to discuss the Anguilla trip. Phaedra brings flowers and makes amends with Cynthia about what she said on the butt-dial message. Everything seems peaceful until a very-pregnant Kim arrives. First, she says she can come, then turns around and says she can't because her doctor said, then she said that her and Kroy were going on a trip the same week. She brings up a plethora of excuses, like "you can't travel at 28 weeks pregnant" and "Kroy is at camp", which may all be true but she should have just said "I don't wanna go with y'all". 

The ladies bring up their busy schedules and how they made plans to accomodate her. Phaedra brings up the point that she doesn't have time for her girlfriends Kim bluntly says "I really don't". They quickly realize that Kim does not care anymore. When Kim gets caught in the lies, she abruptly says "I'm done with this whole thing", leaves and doesn't want the cameras to follow her. 

Next episode, the ladies go to Anguilla and Phaedra might have to put Kenya in check about flirting with Apollo. Check out the preview: