THE ASSASINATION OF THE YEAR



So the assination of Benazir Bhutto probably comes as no news to the majority of you. The nes giants (CNN, BBC News) have all literally spent all their broadcasting hours on the reporting of the leader of the PPP (Pakistani People's Party). Benazir Bhutto needs little to introduction, we have all gotten accustomed to her highly public family tree - in the past century, her father and two brothers have all been victims of politically-conspired assinations.

I must confess, I had very limited knowledge on the trials and tribulations of this matyr, I only got involved in her message upon her return from Pakistan from the UAE (where her family had been protected by the Royal Family).

I'm very aware that CNN has the capacity to cloud its viewers minds (especially in the case of its blantant biasness for its favored figures) however, I began extremely drawn to this woman and what I thought she stood for.

I'm extremely keen on acting as the student and I would like your respective comments on this tragic figure and her 'stagnant' message.

2008: UPON US

It is the end of the year and as usual it comes with its fair share of doubts and inhabitions. We are all prone to self doubt and violent questioning of our progress path in the past year.

I must warn that if you are currently experiencing this rather low path, it is important to remember that you are not alone. It is perfectly normal to think about where one is and where one 'could' be.

The only piece of advise I can give to hundreds like myself is DON'T SWEAT IT. THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG WITH YOUR CURRENT STATE OF MIND. Like Roisin Murphy said

" We are animals
One unbroken chain

I need to get you out of your cave, man
I need to let you out of your cage and set you free
If tonight's the night
I'm gonna' show you I ain't got no game plan

Out from under a rock
From a prehistoric sea we crawl
We are animals
Animal one and all
."

CHRISTMAS CAN BE A BITCH!

Now now now,

Christmas can be absolutely fabulous if you have someone to cuddle up to however, it can be a nightmare if you situation is the exact opposite. I have the perfect solution for all the lonely hearts out there.

This is an extract from LL Cool J's classic - 'I NEED LOVE'

When Im alone in my room sometimes I stare at the wall
And in the back of my mind I hear my conscience call
Telling me I need a girl whos as sweet as a dove
For the first time in my life, I see I need love
There I was giggling about the games
That I had played with many hearts, and Im not saying no names
Then the thought occured, tear drops made my eyes burn
As I said to myself look what youve done to her
I can feel it inside, I cant explain how it feels
All I know is that Ill never dish another raw deal
Playing make believe pretending that Im true
Holding in my laugh as I say that I love you
Saying amor kissing you on the ear
Whispering I love you and Ill always be here

2007 IN REVIEW: SINGLES OF THE YEAR

1 CRANK DAT - SOULJA BOY
2 STRONGER - KANYE WEST
3 GIVE IT.. - TIMBALAND
4 BED - BED
5 UMBRELLA - RIHANNA
6 REHAB - AMY WINEHOUSE
7 DRIVIN' ME WILD - COMMON
8 HOME - MICHEAL BUBLE
9 INTERNATIONAL PLAYERS ANTHEM - UGK ft. OUTKAST
10 BUY YOU A DRINK - T-PAIN

2007 IN REVIEW: FUCK UPS ON THE YEAR

It breaks our heart to do this but as usual the year wouldn't be complete with some anal celebrities doing damn ridiculous things with their careers. Some include -





BADGE OF HONOUR: LUPE FIASCO

It's been a bland few weeks in the Music world with nothing particularly inspiring tickling our fantasies. Last Night, we stumbled upon the new single by relatively underrated fly-boy LUPE FIASCO. The single is SUPERSTAR and we urge everyone to download the single. It's actually brilliant.

Fully endorsed by the Renaissance Man

2007 IN REVIEW: PHRASES OF THE YEAR

These are some memorable statements from our favouite ZOO culture - Celebrity land of course. Our top ridiculous catch prases are:

1) BRITNEY SPEARS -
"It's Britney Bitch"





2) VICTORIA BECKHAM - "That's Major"



3) RIHANNA 'Ella Ella he he'

BRITNEY'S SISTER IS PREGGIES

Yo,

This is as crushing as Muhammad Ali versus George Foreman in the jungle!

It has been revealed that Britney Spears' 16-year old sister (you know the one that had the outburst few weeks ago whilst someone was insulting brit at a mall in LA - yes her!) is pregnant.

Her mother is suppsedly "shocked" when it was revealed during the family's "thanksgiving" dinner. The father is her "longtime" partner who is no older than his child-girlfriend.

So we ask, how did he know where to stick it?

This is TRAILER TRASH for real. It's amazing how the real American trailer trash are trying to better themselves while the rich are trying so hard to be "normal".

Go figure!

2007 IN REVIEW: PEOPLE OF THE YEAR

Here's a list of some people "in the spotlight" that we have noticed whom have made huge waves in the past 12 months.

Please add to this impressive list - if you wish.












2007 IN REVIEW: ALBUMS OF THE YEAR

Hello Beautiful People,

It's that time of the year where I'm sure you've been bombarded with festive discounts, lists and gimmicks. At Renaissance Man, we understand these constraints hence we are starting our year wrap-up, a series of things that happened in the year - 2007.

We start with our favourite thing in the world of course, MUSIC! Here's our list of the great artists that have released some good music this year. These albums are in no particular order as we do not believe in hierarchy. All these albums have been the soundtrack to our year and we are very grateful to these great artists.

Let's look back peeps! Please feel free to add your favourite albums - we love to share!













THE "CANOE" STORY

Like every other person in Britain, I have been gripped by the irregularities of the "Canoe" Man and his wife. His wife finally returned to the UK two days ago, only to be escorted off the aircraft by armed policemen.

So let's rewind back to last week, when an "amnesia" suffering "canoe" man walked into a police station claiming absolutely no recollection of the past 5 years.

STOP......what the f***? I don't think he suffered amnesia, I think he's suffering from a bad dose of insanity. This man faked his own death and conspired with his wife to claim insurance worth over £400, 000 whilst agreeing to continue living his life as normal (except keeping his children in the dark)

I'm sorry, but this is f***ed up and what makes it all more anal is the fact that this is just another middle-aged couple in Britain scamming their way through the system.

The question now is why did he turn himself in? Well after extensive telephone conversations - the general census is as follows, something went horribly wrong. THE MOST LOGICAL, his wife started to wear the trousers as she had the money and he couldn't take it anyone as it wasn't what he had bargained for.

Interesting isn't it that he turned himself in without his wife's consent and while she was in Atlanta, USA.

All this hoop-la in the press makes me worry about the McCains. Does anyone still care about dear Madeline?

YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO MAKE A CHANGE!



Everyday, someone inspirational can motivate you to do greater things. Usually, these individulas tend to be older and wiser with much more wisdom to share. Last night, during the annual CNN Heroes presentation. I stumbled upon Pat Pedraja, an amazing young man who has done some absolutely wonderful things to help raise money and awareness to help kids with Leukemia.

I would like us all to read his moving speech -

"Thank you, I'm so excited and first of all I'd like to thank all the heroes that were featured online with me,' he said during his acceptance speech. "They are all such amazing people doing amazing things and it's really an honor to be among them."

"With just a cheek swab you can be on the national bone marrow's registry in over 50 countries and doing something so simple, you could be the one to save a life like a kid like me,' he said. "All of us have the power to make a difference. You just can never give up and always believe. I just want to let everyone know, you are never too young to change the world."

I would like to help him by spreading the word about voting for him on CNN's website.


http://www.baynews9.com/content/36/2007/12/7/308414.html


May you live long, Pat!

DAVID JORDAN



We warned you months ago about an emerging record industry protege named David Jordan. We are pretty sure that by now most of you have heard of him and his rather 'distinct' talent - he recently performed on the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Royal Family wearing a cross-between Freddie Mercury's trademark jacket and a morning suit. And as for the performance.................NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!

We can't take any of this Jordan dude, we are desperately searching for his talent. Surely, we shouldn't have to work this hard to spot it.

myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=23505629 - 37k -

OBAMA & WINFREY

So..............what do we think about the new power couple rocking the 2008 Presidential Race? Oprah 'dynamite' Winfrey ghas decided to endorse Democrats' candidate Sen. Barack Obama. She is currently on a 3-state campaign tour with him as they pack arenas of potential voters.

Without trying to be cynical, we ask, is this a really good move? Does celebrity endorsemnent enhance political profiling afterall Sen. Kerry was endorsed by everyone from Ben Affleck to Bruce Springsten yet he lost to George W. Bush.

Last night, a CNN guest described the OBAMA & WINFREY partnership as the ultimate "green card". Do we agree?

What we do agree in is the amount of black power that these two pack, while listening to their speeches last night - we thought DAMN, that's black intelligence!

Good luck Barack, in the words of brother Malcolm..... "By Any Means Neccessary"

I AM LEGEND

We know there are several sci-fi film buffs out there whom will be camping-outside cinema theatres to watch the upcoming Will Smith film 'I AM LEGEND'. But on a serious note, he's the only character in the movie - do we really like his face that much?

AMY GOT 6 NODS

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHHHHHH! THIS IS DELICIOUS NEWS. Weeks ago, we predicted that Amy Winehouse was going to be a suprise nominee at the forthcoming Annual Grammy Awards - well, the nominations were annouced yesterday in Los Angeles and our star has scooped 6 nominations for her 'Back to Black' album including Record of the year and Song of the year. We are very proud of Amy and can only pray that her personal life will not cloud the voter's judgement. We can't have another India Arie situation happen to a classic album.

DEJA VU: OMAHA SHOOTING

We will not try and engage you on the growing number of gun-related teenage outrage that has dominated the American society for decades. We however will like to ask the question:

HAS AMERICA LOST THE GUN BATTLE?

Either it be Clinton, Obama, McCain, Thompson or Guiliani. The successor needs to address this. We are not American however this affects us all.

DECEMBER AND IT'S TAKINGS

Another sad black celebrity death hit us this morning. Pimp C (half of southern duo, UGK) was found dead in his Las Vegad Hotel Room. It is thought he died of natural causes.

We are no strangers to the often brutally cruel month of December. As most preoccupy themselves with Christmas shopping, an alarming number of ordinary people are coping with a loss. As we enjoy this festive season, please let us remember the thousands plagued with the feeling of emptiness.

May this Month bring us true joy!

Rest in Peace, Pimp C - we shall celebrate your life and work. Our hearts go out to the many UGK fans including ourselves.

TAMEKA GOT A BABY!

Wamp Wamp, Usher is a father. Sorry ladies (and men), your hopes are over as his wife Tameka is no joke, she'll take you to the dogs. Over a decade older than Usher, Tameka has stirred controversy since day one with the tabloid and rumor has it, Usher's Mother.

She delivered a baby girl on Monday Night and the pair are reported to be 'doing well'

Congratulations Ush. It's a long way from You make me wanna.............

WHY BOTHER?

Watching last night's Republican Candidates debate, it is clear none of the 10 (Tancredo, Mccain, Hunter, Keyes, Cox, Thompson, Romney, Giulliani, Huckabee, Paul) men have a clue on what to offer the American People. I'm not American but like to think I'm a fairly rational intellectual but no way jose this time around, it's the Democrats turn......you can't fool the world again!

Watch us do the Soul ja Boy Superman on Rudy Guiliani's candidacy.

LEGENDS: I GOT A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YA




Does anyone remember the talented musicians called MN8? They were bigger than Oasis back in the early 90s with many many critically acclaimed albums under their belt.

Their combination of gyrating body movements and excessive somersaults left fans and critics alike, wanting more.

They were so huge they had a 'Period pain relief' drug named after them.

We salute you for your contribution to World Music. Your talent is unrivalled!

SOULJA BOY UP IN IT!

Can I remain a respectable 20-something professional whilst admitting that I'm obsessesd with the Soulja Boy - Crank Dat anthem? I mean trying to intellectualize/contextualize his lyrics leaves me with this -

Soulja Boy up in it (OH!)
Watch Me Crank It
Watch Me Roll
Watch Me Crank Dat Soulja Boy,
That Super Man Dat (OH!)
Now Watch Me Do
(Crank Dat Soulja)
Now Watch Me Do
(Crank Dat Soulja)
Now Watch Me Do
(Crank Dat Soulja)
Now Watch Me Do


Can you make any sense of this cause I certainly can't yet I find myself trying to fly whilst doing the "Superman" movements.

This is just plain ridiculous. This is worse than my obsession with Lil'Jon's Get Low - ski ski skiiiiiiiiiiiiiii!

IRREPLACEABLE - COUNTRY STYLE



So there I was watching the 2007 American Music Awards getting extremely bored with the routine performances from many of American's finest including Maroon 5, Fergie and Rihanna. Until suddenly, my new favourite country duo (Oh yes I said it) Sugarland decided to do a rendition of Beyonce's Hit - Irreplaceable.

It was something else - you must judge for yourself!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=8miRbCfh4JU

BADGE OF HONOUR: ROC BOYS

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh! It's so good to have Jay-Z back on form.

We have to confess the new single 'Roc Boys' rubs us the right way. The combine of cocky verbal assaults and insane Kanye production makes this tune a force to be reckoned with.

It's so addictive!

first of all i wanna thank my connect
the most important person with all due respect
thanks to the duffle bag the brown paper bag
the nike shoe box for holding all this cash
boys in blue who put greed before the badge
the first pusher who ever made the stash
the roc boys in the building tonight
oh what a feeling I'm feeling life
thanks to the lames niggas with bad aim
thanks to a little change I'll tear you out the game
bullet wounds'll stop your bufoonery
thanks to the paster rapping at your eulogy
to little kim and them you know the women friend who
carry the work cross state for a gentleman
yea, thanks to all the hustlers, and most important to you, the customer


If you haven't heard the American Gangster soundtrack yet - you are doing yourself serious injustice.

SO SAD



NFL player Sean Taylor died a few hours ago.

So sad, he was only 24!

We will update you further shortly!

TWO WORDS!

IS HE STILL SLICKER THAN YOUR AVERAGE?



Uncle Craig's new album hits the stores today and we have decided not to do a review of his 4th album. We want you to send in your observations on his most recent produce. We have to confess 'HOT STUFF' is rapidly growing on us.

We want to hear from you!

SAGGY JEANS

Okay.....I personally never thought this day would come where I would find the hip-hop culture of letting your jeans hang low cause me anguish but I'm tired.

I'm tired of girls showing their g-strings cause their jeans are too low.
I'm tired of skateboarders wearing their jeans low whilst wearing multi-coloured boxer shorts
I'm tired of greasy-looking students rocking this look that is as dated as the movie Clueless - az if!!


All around us are silly billys adopting this aging style and celebrating it like it's a badge of honour. This is stupidity of the highest order - we do not condone it and we certainly feel like the rest of the human race find nothing less amusing that the sight of a butt hanging out of ill-fitting trousers - trust me, THIS IS NOT A GOOK LOOK - WE WOULD KNOW.

In the words of Cher (from the Oscar-winning film) Clueless - I'm howdy!!!!!!!!!!

WHO IS DARREN B?



There is an unknown talent commanding a lot of MTV Base airplay at the moment. His name is Darren B - a young, black british singer/songwriter from East London. We have been hearing his single 'Stand by you' in recent weeks and we are almost shocked that this is a UK produce. This is prime R&B and we are very proud, indeed.

Here's an extract -

Anywhere you want, where you want to
go baby
Girl, I'll go with you
can depend on me
Yours truly
Girl I'll stand by you
Like i said from the start
I'm riding baby
Girl I'll ride with you
Even if you gain weight through stress
I'll stand by you


Please do everything you can to support - download, research, record purchase. This is brilliant!

You heard it hear first!

youtube.com/watch?v=iuFL2kJeNag

LIVE FROM THE O2 ARENA, LONDON



We are going to see Kanye (otherwise known as Kenny West) tonight at the O2 Arena, London.

This last minute development is courtesy of my fabulous cousin, Simsima. In true Renaissance Man style, trust us to update you on the highs, meltdowns and hopefully not, breakdown! There has been much talk about his emotional performance in Paris few days ago, we can't wait to see how he reacts to his London fans.

NANANANA IF THIS DON'T KILL ME, IT ONLY MAKES ME STRONGER.....LET'S GET LOST TONIGHT, YOU CAN BE MY BLACK KATE MOSS TONIGHT.......


How appropriate..........F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S!

GOD NEVER LEAVES HIS OWN



Our father in heaven,
hallowed by your name.
Your kingdom come.
Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our sins, as we forgive those, who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

CAN SHE REALLY DO WHAT WE LIKE?




I'm really not too sure about this new 'solo' career of Ms. Pussycat Doll. Does it all seem like a mistake?

As inevitable as it was that she was eventually going to leave the 1 singer and 6 deranged dancers' group - it almost seemed like it came too quickly. Don't get me wrong we like all her acrobatic body-popping moves while we are 'loosing up her buttons' or 'telling her to wait a minute' but in her new promotional 'image' she's just 'baby loving baby love, you making the sun come up' , I mean WHAT?

Is it really a good move to launch a new image going completely against the grain of what people have come to expect from you. Can Nicole Schmiw......(whatever the spelling is) really be classy? Can she be allowed to be a grown artist? Do people really want to see this softer edge or do we just want the SLUT persona?

Please help me out here, I'm sure I ain't the only one feeling the mediocre vibe. The scariest part is she's probably reading scripts as we speak, she's probably going to venture into film as well.

Lord have mercy!

NEW UNIFORM



Every once in a while, we like to keep you informed on recommended trends on how to KEEP all the attention on yourself.

Today, we are biggin' up BOW TIEs. They are relatively misunderstood by many and are only wore for formal engagements by the average English man.

At Renaissance Man, we say you can wear it casually with a pair of jeans and a white shirt. You can rock this look to a nightclub and test the reaction. Believe us, it will be one of admiration.

Also, try bright colours. They carry more weight!

THE 100TH POST: IF YOU LOVE SOMEONE...

This Morning, I'd like you to take 2 minutes out of your time irregardless of how busy you are and send a text, call or email someone that you care about.

Don't think about it, just DO it!

Call you mama, call you partner, call your long-time friend, just DO it!

You have no idea what impact you voice could have on their soul at this very given moment.

BADGE OF HONOUR: DAVID GRAY'S BABYLON

There are a couple of greatest hits out there that are worthy whilst others are just pure hysterical. One which stands out is from 'genius' David Gray. We honestly believe he's one of the greastest songwriters of our generation. Please please please go out and buy this album.

If you haven't heard of David Gray, he's a verse from one of his classics - BABYLON.

Friday night I'm going nowhere
All the lights are changing green to red
Turning over TV stations
Situations running through my head
Well looking back through time
You know it's clear that I've been blind
I've been a fool
To ever open up my heart
To all that jealousy, that bitterness, that ridicule

Saturday I'm running wild
And all the lights are changing red to green
Moving through the crowd I'm pushing
Chemicals all rushing through my bloodstream
Only wish that you were here
You know I'm seeing it so clear
I've been afraid
To tell you how I really feel
Admit to some of those bad mistakes I've made



Also watch - www.youtube.com/watch?v=ria8GSCFDdk

We salute your courage!

KING ROGER




Please tell us you saw the Masters Series Final in Shanghai, last night.

The man-of-all-men, King Roger Federer put critics to sleep with his genius display of champion supremacy.

The frightening fact is he's only 26!

His fiance is laughing all the way to the bank like 50. You know you gon' hit Rodeo Drive in a few days - just to update her old Balenciaga!

As you do!

MAMA OPRAH

I'm looking for friends who can get me on the Oprah Show.

Is anyone out there?

You know it's Christmas and in true festive-style, you bet she's going to be giving away some ridiculous things i.e Cars, iPhones (my personal desire) and other really usuable shiznits.

So, I'm looking to broker partnerships.

I believe in Mama Oprah - she's my Santa Claus!

BADGE OF HONOUR: BLUE MAGIC (AMERICAN GANGSTER OST)

Yep, we are feeling this tune hard. It's the Jay-Hova himself conversing on possible the most innovative drum programming by the Neptunes in a while.

The verses are equally as compelling:

So what if you flip a couple words,
I could triple at that in birds,
Open your mind you see the circus in the sky.
I’m Ringling brothers Barnum Bailey with the pies,
No matter how you slice it,
I’m your mother-f**king guy
And just like a B-boy with 360 waves
Do the same with the pot,
Still come back beige.
Whether right or south paw,
Whether pot or a jar
Whip it around,
It still comes back hard.
So easily do I W-H-I-P,
My repitition with riches will bring the kilo business,
I got kreole C-O bitches, for my niggas who slipped



SICK!

Trevor Nelson recently described Jay's new album as 'Blueprint 3'. We couldn't agree more.

SHOREDITCH BAR, EC1

People, People, People.

There are some things in this world that will take your breathe away. Sometimes it might be that you were not expecting it or you just couldn't deem it possible.

Last Friday, I found myself in what is considered 'the most exclusive club' in London. As the ultimate cynic, I wiggled my nose at such a brass statement thinking 'What the hell does that mean?'

I didn't know what I was in for.

We pulled up at a side road in East London. We were welcome by a polite maitre who lead us into a very swanky reception area. The reception looked more like the entrances of Ernest & Young than a membership club complete with John Conran-styled furnishings.

We got into an elevator and we pushed floor 4 - en route, we stopped to collect trendy-looking individuals on levels 2 and 3 along the way. Upon arrival on level 4, I was awe struck.

On my left was a warehouse looking layout (The Bar was a former Underground station) as we looked ahead, there were several sub-sections that include a pool area, an open bar with beautiful mahogamy finishing and a 5-star restuarant. As we walked further towards the end of the long room - we arrived at a magnificent lounge area coupled with crytal chandeliers orchestrating the muted lighting.

Completely bowed over, I got up and gave myself a tour. I walked from level to level stumbling upon a roof top swimming pool, a full fledge nightclub and many many other activities.

Membership is £1,000 a month. I have always condemned the extortion of the 'membership' culture but I'm going to have to eat my words on this one.

Simply unbelievable!

Now I understand the hype around Shoreditch.

CHRISTMAS WISHLIST!!














You know we have to do it. There is nothing worse than receiving shitty presents on the 25th. I get way too excited to get crap things that are not practical nor functional. So, here is the Renaissance Man's guide to 'how to keep your boyfriend this Christmas', ladies pay ATTENTION!

From Top Left -

MUSIC: ROISIN MURPHY'S Overpowered -

This has been a good year for good music especially from brave female artists. Clearly, amy winehouse leads the back with the brilliant 'Back to Black'. The solo debut from Moloko's style-front woman, Roisin Murphy is sublime pop. We cannot see how anyone can fail to appreciate this even if he/she were a hardcore grime fan.

DESTINATION: A TRIP TO TOKYO -

A holiday is always the ideal eyebrow raiser as a present. No one says no to a free holiday even if you were heading to Cornwall. Our ideal destination is Tokyo, only 22 hours on an airbus plane but the experience is like no other. So, if your relationship is on the rocks, this might be the perfect place to break up. Only kidding! We're lovers here not fighters.

MUSIC: SUGARLAND -

Country music is possibly the most honest music genre. every once ina while, Nashville unveils a new act - this time it's a duo with a lead singer with the most enthralling voice since Norah Jones. Just listen without prejudice. It's remarkable.

BOOK: THE BLAIR YEARS -

Hate him or love him, Tony Blair was an institution and his New Labour, New Britain regime might have been flawed but produced some great PR moments. 'The peoples' princess speech', 'The Putin visit', name it Alistair Campbell orchestrated it. This is the supposedly 'tell-all' book about publicity strategies behind the doors of No. 10. We've read it and we feel in love with Cherie's portrayal.

FASHION -

JEFFEREY WEST -

Patrick Cox, Churchs, John Lobes - you need Jefferey on your feet. Ideal for the man who has a well-fitted suit.


ATERLIER OLU -

For the flyest assessories visit www.aterlierolu.net. Great belts, hats made with the most distinct fabrics. You can't go wrong!


Wallets are always ideal, try our selections from Hermes and Bottega Veneta


LOUIS VUITTON -

This document 'pocket' is a must-have for the new year. Somehow it makes your documents feel like they might actually make you the millions you've always dreamt of.

EYE WEAR -

We love Tom Ford but this new collection from Marc Jacobs is something else. Enough to make you book a holiday.


NUDIE JEANS -

There isn't a better pair of denim out there at the moment. Go for the Slim Jim or Thin Finn, this is the only way to wear skinny jeans - if you must that is.

We hope that helps!