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:

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: 

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

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.

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:

RHOA S5 E4: Phaedra Gets Caught Red "Bootied"

Sorry that I missed last week's episode but I'm back with a recap of episode 4 of Real Housewives of Atlanta: 

This episode began with the conclusion to Kim's moving/eviction fiasco with movers taking the last boxes from the "haunted mansion". She keeps saying, "I can't get out of this house fast enough. She still makes ridiculous comments about movers, her former landlord Kendra, having to move back into the townhouse.

Meanwhile, Kandi talks to her mama Joyce, who apparently thought that she was moving with Kandi in the new houses. She complains about not having enough space in her house but Kandi said she knows older people who have lived in their homes for years and have plenty of room. She then discusses the comments that Kim and Sweetie made about her house and neighborhood. Kandi makes a good point: "At least everyone in my neighborhood OWN their homes" (HA! Kandi SOOOO plays both sides; talks about EVERYBODY SMH)


Phaedra and Apollo take Ayden to get his first haircut for his upcoming 2nd birthday party. Of course Ayden is resistent but Apollo (who is a master barber according to Phaedra) starts on the haircut himself. If he was that good of a barber then they should have just stayed at home and let him cut it. Phaedra talks about the party that she's throwing for Ayden at the Georgia Aquarium, which Apollo thinks is costing too much money and says that Ayden won't remember anyways. This is true, but "everybody knows" that Phaedra throws parties for herself and all she needs is an occasion.



Newest housewife Porsha discusses the blowup she had with Kenya at her charity event last episode with her husband Kordell. She called Kenya "Miss America" and she got offended then left. They had a curbside argument which resulted in Porsha "kicking her out". While I do think that Kenya overreacted and could have handled the situation differently, it's obvious that Porsha is not the brightest bulb in the chandelier. She said that Kenya is older and might have low self-esteem (which could very well be true).

Meanwhile, Kenya finally introduces her aunt and family to her boyfriend, Walter. They proceed to grill him and quickly point out the weaknesses in the relationship. However, they decide that they like him. Time for Ayden's birthday party at the Georgia Aquarium. Dwight is in charge of putting it together and as Phaedra says, "We don't plan parties, we coordinate experiences". Kandi comes to the party and Phaedra, Apollo and Ayden arrive accompanied by a drum line and on a train (what this has to do with the aquarium...IDK). During the party, Phaedra gets a call from Kim giving her excuse for not coming to the party. The guests are then treated to a private viewing of the "Dolphin Tales" show.

Meanwhile, Nene and Cynthia have lunch and she tells her about a butt-dial that a friend of hers received from Phaedra about Cynthia. Phaedra says that she didn't give a f*** about Cynthia coming to Ayden's party when she declined. Cynthia said that she would confront her about it. Phaedra and Cynthia go to dinner and she confronts her about what she said. Phaedra of course denies and comments and says she doesn't even recall that situation, but "everybody knows" that Phaedra LIES!!!!!!


Next episode, the girls go on their trip to Anguilla and Nene brings Gregg along to everyone's surprise. Also, Porsha tries to get them involved with the Hosea Williams Foundation, and Kenya begins flirting with Apollo. Then, things blow up a dinner with all the girls which leads to Kim leaving the restaurant (and apparently the show too). Stay tuned for more ~Elle Shanice~ commentary next week. Check out the preview for next week's episode below:

RHOA S5 E2: Kenya Is Doing The MOST

The second episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta season 5 premiered last night and the DRAMA is brewing and about the hit full swing.

Nene Leakes was in the L.A. Pride Parade representing her NBC show “The New Normal”. She was greeted by lots of fans and was very touched by all of the support. Her son Brentt and ex-husband Gregg (who she’s dating again) were there to greet her afterwards.

Kandi Burrus, Kenya Moore and Phaedra Parks met up for a “donkey booty” lunch. They get to know the newest housewife better but soon turn to gossip of course. Kenya discusses the Jet Beauty of the Week fiasco at the Bailey Agency and Phaedra said that she was enjoying her. We’ll see how long that lasts when Kenya tries to push up on Apollo later this season.

Kim Zolsiac and her assistant/slave Sweetie were at it again shading and trying to find a new house to live in. Sweetie brought up the old townhouse as an option since Kim still owns in but she said that it’s not enough space. 

Back to newbie Kenya: her aunt Lori came to visit at her new Atlanta home. They quickly discuss her relationship with boyfriend Walter, who aunt Lori hasn’t met yet, and ex-boyfriend Eric who she liked. Kenya said that she doesn’t want her to scare him away and not meet him until they are engaged (good luck with THAT!!!!!).

Meanwhile, Phaedra brings Nene and Cynthia to the gym to work out. They have hilarious conversation during the workout and make funny comment throughout. When they take a water break, Cynthia brings up that she wants to throw Nene a congratulatory party for all of her success. Nene flips it into an event for successful women in Atlanta. Phaedra asks if Kim is invited and Nene surprisingly said yes. Also, they discussed Kenya and the mess that happened at the Bailey Agency event. Nene gave the line of the night regarding Kenya:

“When was she Miss USA; how long ago was that? This here is 2012.” 

*Side note: That personal trainer Dexter from the Body Sculptor that was working with them was FINE!!!!!

Kroy takes Kim out on a boat for her birthday and gives her the expensive bracelet she wore at their wedding (but they don’t have a house to live in…SIDE EYE)

We met Kenya’s boyfriend Walter and immediately see cracks in their relationship. They have been dating long distance for 2 years and she moved to Atlanta to be closer to him. However, she finds out that he’s asked Kandi out before and quickly gets upset. They seem to go back and forth and that's not healthy for a relationship. They discuss getting married and having children (btw...Kenya is 41????? Miss USA WAS a long time ago huh?). 

Kandi and her boyfriend Todd start renovating their new house which is a work in progress and Phaedra comes by to visit. They discuss Nene being so friendly now and working out with Phaedra which Kandi can't believe. I don't see how Kandi has all this success, a new man and 2 new houses but keeps DRAMA going...SMH

Then came Cynthia's networking party/event for Nene and we see many successful Atlanta women. Kim comes with Sweetie and immediately starts complaining and tries to figure out an excuse to leave before Nene comes. Sweetie starts making her little side comments again too (she needs to be slapped). Nene runs into them and tries her best to be nice but Kim leaves anyways. 

While Cynthia was speaking to the crowd in support of Nene, Kenya starts talking during the speech saying she would throw her friends parties too. THEN she took another microphone and made her own speech (AGAIN) that began with:

Enough with the clown show, I know that this is Cynthia's event BUT...

After that, she pulled Nene aside and said she wants to be friends despite the tension with Cynthia but Cynthia came over and confronted her. She needs to either beat Kenya's behind or tell her off & NOT in a nice way...

Next week, we will FINALLY see Porsha (my namesake) join the cast and immediately argue with Kenya...this should be GOOD!!!!! Here's a preview:

RHOA S5 E1: Kenya is CRAZY & Kim is a Hypocrite

Season 5 of Real Housewives of Atlanta started out with a BANG and there is NO telling the drama that is in store this season. I LOVE the new intro to the show by the way...

Nene Leakes is commuting back and forth from Atlanta to Hollywood, working on her show “The New Normal” and Gregg is steady trying to get her back. I still think that, even though they may be technically divorced, they are still together because they are seen together ALL THE TIME. She was also seen hanging out with “Glee” creator Ryan Murphy where they talked about Obama fundraising dinners with $20,000 plates and even tried to call Tyler Perry (the number she called was disconnected).

 

 Kandi Burruss has a new man in her life, Todd (who used to work production on the show), and they are moving in together. Kandi says that she bought her new house in CASH and it has a guesthouse to go with it but I will come back to this as well…

Kim Zolciak is pregnant again, has hired Sweetie back as her assistant, and is being forced to move out of her mansion by her landlord/decorator for…I don’t really know why. She complains about the quotes from movers to pack up her house and put it in storage but that’s what she gets for flaunting that big house and all of her stuff like she has money. They better move back into that townhouse until they figure it out or she better call Big Poppa again…either one. I will come back to Kim later because she was talking RECKLESS in this episode…

Phaedra Parks is looking to open up her funeral services to animals as well and is seen visiting an animal hospital to learn more about sick and dying animals I guess. We also saw her this episode playing with one-year-old son Ayden (who is just as CUTE as he wants to be).

Cynthia Bailey discussed placing her daughter Noelle from homeschooling into public school with Noelle’s father, Leon (who is just as FINE as ever) & Peter. Noelle wants to go to a regular school and have those high school experiences. She also holds a modeling search for Jet’s Beauty of the Week and enlists newbie Kenya Moore to help but quickly regrets…

Speaking of Kenya Moore, she is the newest cast member and is quickly making her mark on the show, but not in a good way. She is acting really CRAZY already, calling her “security” on one of Cynthia’s employees, Carlton saying, “People are crazy” (takes one to know one).

Also, she was making rude comments about the models (though some should NOT have been at a model search) & was trying to push Cynthia out of her own agency it seems like. At the end of the search, she got up and gave a speech as if HER name was on the front door. Then when Cynthia got up and said something too, she acted like she intimidated Cynthia, but she quickly read her (Cynthia was shading & reading for the GODS this episode and I LOVE it!!!!!).

Going back to Kandi’s house: remember last season when Kim was implied to be a racist because of the “African babies at the orphanage” comments and was mad at Kandi as her “friend” for agreeing with Cynthia? Or on the Miami bus trip when she was SOOOOO offended that Nene called Sweetie her “slave”? Ok…

Well it seems that Kim is a hypocrite because she was heard making racist and bigoted comments about Kandi’s new house and neighborhood when she was given a tour. She said things like, “When I got off the exit to go to Kandi’s house, I immediately locked my doors” suggesting that she would get robbed or mugged in the neighborhood.

Also, when she saw the place where Kandi’s indoor pool would go, she said, “You don’t need sun! If I was black, I’d have an indoor pool too.” Kandi said that the mayor of Atlanta lives around the corner but that didn’t stop Kim from talking reckless as if she is not getting EVICTED and has to move out of her house.

Also, my girl Nene be KNOWING as she tweeted:

Racist comments! I been telling y’all this 4 a while now 

We didn’t see Porsha Stewart at all this episode and she is not featured in the intro to the show. I’m sure she is coming in later, as she is seen getting into it with Kenya on several occasions.

Next episode, Cynthia and Kenya keep their drama going during a congratulatory dinner for Nene Leakes. Of course, Cynthia feels protective of her friend Nene and is mad when Kenya gets close (Isn’t Nene just the center of attention? LOVE IT!!!!! #TeamTALLS) Nene also runs into Kim and Sweetie for the first time in a long time. Stay tuned to ~Elle Shanice~ for full recaps of the Real Housewives of Atlanta season 5 episodes!!!!!