IF I COULD HIT THE SHOPS....

I'd buy, a pair of Ralph Lauren's Blucher Mocs. (www.ralphlauren.com)



I'd buy, a Cartier Skeleton Santos


I'd move to Moscow to wear Raf Simons' Fall 2009 overcoat


Perhaps get over my obsession of owning a pair of Church's brogues and opt for the Florsheim by Duckie Brown brogues for half the price

THUMBS UP OR ISH-NO-THINK-SO?

Wow....dilemma er....see what the team at the Renaissance Man are worrying about in today's age of a global recession.


Marc Jacobs and Kanye (the model above) have designed a pair of sneakers for the luxurious Louis Vuitton brand - I guess all kanye previous plugging finally paid off.

Our big dilemma is - does this look any different or better than a pair of Adidas Stan Smith?

Isn't this testimony that you can only design sneakers in some many ways - it don't have doodle to do with technology or creativity?

PULLING THROUGH

You didn't have to have seen last week's Grammys but chances are you heard from a friend, read a post-event review or witnessed highlights.

It was a great night for music and some exceptional musical treats. The question on everyone's lips were how would Jennifer Hudson handle the bundle of interest?

The answer simply is....

Watch her performance. This woman was born to have a story to tell.

PASTELLE

It must be one hell of a job to be Kanye West's publicist. I doubt if he or she actually gets any sleep.

As the Kanye news/ picture machine continues to roll, we received a press statement earlier which says Kanye will be focusing on his clothing label 'Pastelle' for the time being, hence don't expect an album drop in pending months.

The statement has some comic moments (I actually believe Kanye just takes the piss half-the-time during most press-related materials - he can't possibly believe all that he dishes out), he says he's ready to pour all his "superhero" energy into conquering fashion. Classic!

Love him or loathe him - He is Kanye.

STAY SPRING FRESH FELLAS

It's credit crunch fellas but there's no point in showing the world that you too are feeling the pinch. Here are some spring essentials to make yourself feel and look good and you never know - it may be the start of a change of fortune.

Our favourite is the Surface 2 air "Wall Street Hotline" Tee - you gots to love it!



Carrera Champion Plastic Aviators
$150 - www.bloomingdales.com




Les Essentials Canvas computer bag
$650 - www.bloomingdales.com



Robert Geller leather zip bomber
$1,860 - www.blackbirdballard.com



Georg Jensen 18K gold watch
$6,500 - www.barneys.com



Marc Jacobs 5-eye lace up shoes in caffe-brown suede
$500 - www.bloomingdales.com



Surface 2 Air "Wall Street Hotline" tee
$80 - www.bblessing.com

'RENAISSANCE'

Since we copyrighted the name 'The Renaissance Man', we are like hawks when we see anyone/anything which tries to identify with the name. Terence Howard's cover in the new Ebony Magazine 'The Renaissance of Terence' on the other hand, is just fine by us.

We need more name association of this calibre.

FUTURE 'BUSH' RELEASES

ERRR......FASHION FORWARD?!!!

Check out the irrepressible Kanye West & friends as they stun through the French capital.

The question is, is this a case of pushing the envelope intentionally or simply fashion forward?

You decide!

SONG OF THE WEEK: FREEZE

This is a feel good number, lifted from T-Pain's forthcoming album "Thr33 Kingz", this is the energetic 'Freeze'

1 YEAR ON....

A year has passed but the wounds remain unhealed.

Continue to Rest in Peace.

JANUARY 2009: ALBUMS ON ROTATION

At the Renaissance Man headquarters, we know it's only right to start the year on the right foot and expand our minds with the best sounds around so as usual, here are the albums which our people recommend and you should get.

IF YOU VOTED FOR HIM....THEN PUT YOUR HANDS UP!

It was inevitable that the "inauguration oath blunder" will take a life of its own in parody land but this is just too funny people.

It's a must see.

MALIA & SASHA OBAMA

We have a whole new celebrity children focus people. Forget Bradangelina's kids, Suri Cruise, the Osbournes, The Hiltons although technically the last two families are no longer kids although they should be treated as one.

There are new kids on the block and these are not child stars or silver spoon brats, these are the Obama girls and what a tag-team they're destined to be.

You cannot resist their classy, every-smiling demeanour and you can bet your ass they're smart too after all First Mum & Dad both went to Harvard Law.

We cannot wait to watch these two grow up before our eyes.....they are just simply divine!

To Malia and Sasha....a toast. Turn that Oval Office into a child-friendly place of work, Daddy gon' need some child distraction every once in a while.

LOST FOR WORDS: MEET THE .....FIRST FAMILY

"At last, my love has come along, My lonely days are over..."

Those were the beautiful Etta James words which showered the First Couple as they half-waltzed at one of the inaugural balls at Washington D.C last night.

It has to be the proudest moment for any wife to call her husband 'Mr.President' during their private moments on his day of inauguration.

For the risk of sounding like every other single news channel correspondent, social networking site activitist, bloggers, podcast, home mutterers.....this just continues to blow our minds at the Renaissance Man.

SONG OF THE WEEK: KID CURI VS THE CROOKERS

You'll be hearing a lot about this chap in 2009, he recently featured on a song on Kanye West's 808 & Heartbreak concept album and has been doing his rounds on the scene with the industry decision-makers.

Here's his debut titled 'Day and Night'

A very catchy tune coupled with a hilarious promotional video.

TAMEKA....BUT WHY!

1 in 3 people panned the new Usher album 'Here I Stand', 1 in 2 failed to understand his recent video images especially the travesty that is 'Moving Mountain', 1 in 1 are STILL trying to understand why he married his 40-year old bride and we can assure you more are likely to raise eyebrows as we reveal that Tameka Foster-Raymond will be the new addition to the US series 'ATL Housewives'.

Is it just us but ain't stars like Usher supposed to stay away from reality shows - the more we know about them, the higher the chances they lose their mystic. Can you just envisage Usher trying to convince us that he's no longer the 'pant-dropping-U-make-me-wanna-star' but the newly reformed dedicated father of one.

Savvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvve it!

GOLDEN GLOBES 2009

The Award Season is well under way and what better way to make ourselves feel insignificant that to thrall through some fantastic looking people pictures - in our most desire outfits by our most loved designers.

Here are some highlights:



These Kids are actually tooooo cool for school!

A DIVA IS A FEMALE VERSION OF A HUSTLER.....

Looks like we're over-doing the Beyonce swag today but fresh off the press...the new videos to singles "Halo" and "Diva" are smoking.

Watch the 'extra' swag on "Diva"....3 much!

B IS FOR BLACK.....DON'T MISTAKE IT!

After the fuss kicked-off by the African-American community over The L'Oreal Group's campaign which showed one of its celebrity endorsers, Beyonce Knowles looking well... "whiter", this year's campaign images has just been unveiled and is it just us but doesn't she actually look like an person of ethnic-origin now?

Lets do the comparison ourselves, shall we?



2009



OLD

2008

BALDY

We've been wanting reasons to further crucify Ne-Yo and his silly preoccupation with wearing a hat at every opportunity which has now been cleverly disguised as "the Gentleman's hat" - whatever!

We finally have put 2 and 2 together after stumbling on his Seattle Police mugshot and it looks like your fave 'so-sick' personality is balding.

Ha Ha Ha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I guess he kinda has to wear that hat otherwise he may be grouped in the OAP section at your local HMV store.

LEAVE PUFFY....LIVE ON THE STREET

This is what falling in love with P-Diddy will do to ya. Audrey O' Brien has been confirmed to do Playboy for $500,000.

Has anyone ever noticed why no one who that has ever been produced/ guided by Puff "Call me Sean" Diddy Poopy Diddy Pop, never makes a success out of their talent after they part ways. Think about it, where is Ma$e, Total, 112, ....it's almost like working with Puff is a curse for real.

The only person who seems to be exempt from this curse is the man himself...Go figure!

DRU-TV.....NO NO NO NO!

Someone better pinch me quick.....how the hell is DRU HILL, (i) going to try and make a comeback record then, (ii) anchor their very own TV reality show depicting their journey back to the top.

What part of N.O doesn't their record label understand. NO NO NO NO. We said it four times - hang them to dry.

I'D BEE DAMNED!

You know you gotta look twice when you see Sasha Fierce's name in the same sentence as a Golden globe - I thought she was been nominated for the category 'Best alter ego"....I'd been damned!

The "I AM" Beyonce, on the other hand, has been nominated for her song 'Once in a Lifetime' from the upcoming movie 'Cadillac Records'.

Any more confusing shenanigans B?

CALL HIM WHAT YOU LIKE, HE IS THE PRESIDENT-ELECT

I suppose it was extremely presumptuous on our path to think the negro-esque parodies, jokes, or slang would stop once the man of the year became the President-elect but I guess we were wrong.

Here's another ignorant song 'Barack the Magic Negro' doing its YouTube rounds and which the Sky News Channel has confirmed that the RNC Chairman defends.

Lord have mercy!

'I'M F******* MATT DAMON'

I must confess I have never truly found nor understood Sarah Silverman or her antics but I must admit this sketch 'I'm fucking Matt Damon' is pure genius.

Watch this!

BLAST FROM THE SANTA: MARY J'S BE HAPPY

The Christmas spirit is certainly in full swing - just arrived in London after a 12-hour flight and I was pleasently suprised on how much a golden oldie can lift the Renaissance Man's spirit.

Here's a classic from 1994 from Mary. J. Blige's My Life album....this is the standout breakthrough single 'Be Happy', that's all the team here can ask you to do today as you tuck into that turkey or lamb....whatever you're having this afternoon.

Just do that 90's head nodding to this!

SONG OF THE FESTIVITIES: DANIEL MERRIWEATHER

I've often defended the point that Christmas should usher in your favourite past times. Around this time of the year, some great music rears its head and become synonymous with the festive period of that year.

Daniel Merriweather (The guy from the classic Mark Ronson's Stop Me) is on the verge of dropping his debut record and this is the first official single (if I'm not mistaken) lifted from the record.

This is 'Changes' and it features possibly the rapper that will feature on some of the more important records (not necessarily commercial!!) in 2009, WALE!

This is so soulful yet adventurous.

SUPERMODEL SWAGGER

Guess who's knocking boots with Sessilee Lopez.....yep, you guessed right, it's no other than Mr. 'Love Lockdown' West. You might have noticed the Victoria Secret supermodel as the busty-fur-coat-wearing hardass who shovelled a strapped up Kanye to death in the Flashing Lights video.

What can we say, Kanye or as my uncle would call him 'Kenny West' has brung it again!

LET US UPGRADE YA!

Some fresh male accessories around - feast your eyes and perhaps part with your cash.



Patrik Erwell reversible mountain coat



Sony Alpha 900 DSLR



What a Man should know, Vol.1



George Hamilton's Louis Vuitton black leather holdall

ASTON MARTIN ONE-77

As we head rapidly towards what is clearly a global recession, should luxury car makers such as Aston martin be allowed to make cars like this $2 million limited edition One-77?

I know a lot of our male readers are instantly screaming YES at their computer screens - the only problem is they aren't the ones placing their government names of its waiting list.

STYLISTICS...

Here's Kanye again - never failing to disappoint with his trendy-ass-self. Here he is outside the David Letterman studios in New York as he continues to churn out one TV appearance after the other, all in aid of breaking more records with first week sales of his new release '808 & Heartbreak'

SHE'S ACTUALLY TOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOT

Model of the moment, Arlenis Sosa is actually too bloody gorgeous we have decided.

The 19-year old Dominican descedent is too beautiful for the camera lenses, we almost wish she hadn't been "discovered", it would have been reassuring to know that not all beautiful people are being used to sell garment.

The Lord is good and the word is Arlenis.

N-O, NO!

Just spoke with some excitable music journalists about the forthcoming Jamie Foxx album 'Intuition'

Sorry...but isn't this like getting excited about the prospects of losing a couple of quid over a bad bet? We all know it's gonna suck!

TAKE A WILLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLD GUESS!

Guess who made an appearance at last night's American Music Awards?




Soooooo...we ask the question, is this Be'I Am..pure' or 'Sasha'?

Kinda getting confused, can you just make up your mind.

WHO'S GONNA SAVE MY SOUL

At the Renaissance Man, we had been raving about the depth of Gnarls Barkley new single 'Who's gonna save my soul' for months, finally, a befitting promotional video has been released and like everything Gnarls.....this is master class.

Enjoy and think!

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: WILEY

Big shout out to Aterlieu Olu for giving us the heads up on the new Wiley single 'Ca$h in my Pocket'

It is funny indeed.....kinda reminds us of the hit series 'The Office' .... but on dope, of course.

THE SOFTER SIDE OF BEYONCE

The softer side of Beyonce is certainly the way forward for the emerging icon’s career. Regardless of our personal opinion on the persona and person behind what has essentially been a great musical talent. On the eve of her new release, I Am.....Sasha Fierce, a 2-CD music extravaganza – similar to an overdose of your favourite biscuit or fruit, this will essentially be the quintessential beyonz a.k.a Ms Put a ring on it dream.

She seems to have dug deep on her vocal arrangements and her song writing abilities, the sophisticated productions on the first CD instalment I Am, is admirable. For the first time, I find myself listening to beyonce’s lyrical content and I confess I almost don’t feel like I’m listening to a Beyonce record.

What do I mean, after all this is the same lady who brought out cliché empowerment drivel but pop classics such as Bootylicious and Independent women. It is reassuring that with age people grow and SOME artists develop musically. This is very evident on I Am and something the superstar should be proud of. Hallelujah, Halo have courageous melodies which rivals even Diane Warren in her finest hour.

The B-side ‘Sasha Fierce’ the supposed alter ego is far more brass and abrasive but sadly doesn’t work and almost puts a ? on which of the sides is really Beyonce. Is the delectable quality of side A, a A&R ploy or is it vice versa, whichever it is.....the 2CD is a commendable effort and granted to secure more airplay for the young woman who is quickly racing into the legends corner.....whether we like it or not!

ALESHA: NOT CALLING THE SHOTS

Do you ever think there are some 'stars' who are good at being jack-of-all-trades , and by that I mean - being a bonafide celebrity, glossy pages regular, etc.

Would you agree if we place Alesha Dixon in that box. I mean, we were all loving her towards the end of last year as she was crowned winner of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, gracefully silencing her enemies especially husband snatcher Javine.

Now......we have mentally tried to block her only hit 'Lipstick' from the face of the planet but she seems to be persistent. She has a new song titled 'The Boy does nothing' which sounds more like a re-make of Mambo No.5 by that fella with the moustache.

If the truth be told, this is awful. Is she's seriously trying to convince us that she has 100% creative input in this offering. We would choke with laughter. We believe in evolving but really - this is a longgggggggggggggg way from the Mis-Teeq ladies days. Even, Mis-teeq's half-boiled R&B tunes are masterpieces in comparison to this drivel.

C'mon Alesha, your credibility is seriously on the line.

I CAN FEEL SOMETHING IN THE AIR...

As they welcomed the most important news of their lives, we share the moments with the First Family....

IF I WERE A BOY

Beyonce's Black & White modern classic has truly struck a cod at the Renaissance office.

We were sceptical (as always) about what Sasha Fierce was trying to create, we almost went as far as to brand the video 'try hard' initially until tonight.

In the video, Beyoncé fantasizes about being one of those men who "send single ladies into sex-wielding tantrums over diamond engagement rings". The idea here is that the only power a girl has in a relationship is to act like a boy, instead of redefining "the rules" or refusing sucky relationships.

At the end of the video, though, we discover that Beyoncé's pseudo gender-bending is just a fantasy -- the reality is that her boyfriend treats her like crap, and she has resigned herself to that familiar role of the female martyr.

What is also particularly striking about this concept, is the 'cop' backdrop - get it! Cops are synonymous with safety, authority, and protection but in the case of the NYPD - corrupt, phony and lacking in credibility - we just wonder if this was a coincidence.

Now, on a normal day, we may find all of this rather dull but somehow, it has resonated - so I guess we like it!

KEEP THAT "AFRICAN-THEME" ON LOCKDOWN

I've always suspected that Kanye is probably a really miserable git in real life.

Watching his new offering, Love Lockdown for the first time (although I really enjoy the song and his vocals), I cant help but think - I've always know that you're self-righteous and probably like the rest of the world, completely unappreciative of whom you are despite the brava-li-cious persona.

The video on the other hand is very interesting. I must say increasingly, I'm liking the creative directions which artists are willing to take their visuals these days - it adds real authenticity to their respective produce.

The 'Love Lockdown' video is really impactful and really brings a song which might ordinarily drown without a worthy visual into prominence. The African drums are so well supported by the visual theatrics in contrast to the white backdrop.

This is the second African-inspired theme music video that has really impressed this year, the other was Gnarls Barkley's very stylist, Going On!

Again, Kan-yi-zee delivers!

BEYONCE: "PUT SOME $ ON IT"

Just saw the new Beyonce single "Single Ladies"

2 words - MY WORD!

10 years of consistency - too impressive!

YOU DECIDE....

We've been saying Common and Serena Williams are an item for yonks now. Here they are holidaying in Hawaii.

Pairings don't get more interesting than this, I tell ya!

16 @ WAR

Yep......I'm about to utter my favourite line whenever something exciting jumps out of the machine that is the American Music Industry.

"Here's possibly one of the most exciting young talents..." since Alicia Keys jumped out with 'Fallin' many many years ago.

Karina is the 16-year old Brooklyn native who has been generating a lot of attention amongst her peers with her honest approach to song-writing and her infinite capacity to paint vivid pictures of life as a teenager in East Coast, America.

Her debut single really hit a home run with us a few nights ago. The message of the anthemic '16 @ War' is so vivid and hard-hitting that you almost feel like a teenager again - susceptible to all its pressures and uncertainties.

It's a refreshing change from the usual record company teenager artist formula of songs about love and 'boys', it's no surprise chat rooms across the web are raging with teenagers donning '16 @ War' the soundtrack to their young lives.

This is very encouraging indeed.

KATY WHO?

Errrrrrrrrrrrrrh.....Why is Katy Perry presenting the upcoming MTV Europe Music awards?

Since when did you qualify to host a prestigious award off-the-back of a single?

When will the world stop falling for this drivel called A & R ploy used to create half-talented artists with gimmicks which are to be brutally honest, crap.

If a male artist, say imaginary 'Kurt Perry' released a single titled 'I kissed a boy and I liked it' and can bet our last dollar that song will not get a single radio airplay except on Gay radio stations that is.

We need to stop this double-standard bollocks which we so readily adapt as it suits us.

VERY VERY COOL AD: DIESEL SFW XXX

Finally.............. Porn has some use to the advertising industry.

Watch and learn.


Diesel SFW XXX - Watch more free videos

ALBUMS ON ROTATION: SEPTEMBER 2008

FRIDAY TRACK: 'I AM'

I am the white diapers I wore as they lowered my father into his grave
I am the Apostolic Church of Faith which triggered my curiosity for religion
I am the jollof rice I cooked on a stove
I am the family relative that took advantage
I am the french exam I failed at Dulwich College
I am the Miseducation of Lauryn Hill
I am the pages of GQ glossy
I am my brother's brown ankle boots which I wore in its tatters' state to school
I am the green school blazer which stripped me of any identity
I am BBC 2's This Life and its enigmatic characters
I am Top of the Pops and Soul of MTV
I am the Memorex VCR cassettes which I recorded 90's black music videos
I am the 7-hour National Rail journey between Aberdeen and London and the cheap cheese burger with relish which I dug into at Edinburgh
I am my sister for my first pair of Gucci Shoes
I am Forest Whitaker's Oscar acceptance speech
I am Vicky Pollard and the second series of Little Britain
I am the banger Mercedes which broke down twice a week
I am my mother's cook who was there when I was born and continues to feed me with joy
I am the tacky headgear I wore in 2001
I am Awujale's chieftancy title which I will accept

I am the Renaissance Man and this is the Friday Track - Santagold's You'll find

REALITY CAN BE A BITCH.

One can't help but notice MTV's The Hills promotional campaigns cluttering subways and bus routes across England. You know the Hills - the one where two girlfriends fallout over their individual choice of lifestyle and relationship partners - somehow, these girls have miraculously turned this bollocks depth into what can only be described as 'rivelting' television.

I don't think MTV could have mastered its media message better than this particular campaign strap "Reality can be a bitch". I wonder which brain-box on the MTV communication team came up with that genius tag.

Whoever said nothing creative comes out when you're intoxicated during a brainstorm?

The big question as Season 4 unveils is, are we still interested in whether Lauren and Heidi will ever play pillow fight again? Will Audriana ever wake up and walk away from Justin? Will Whitney become the stylist that like styles major fashions shows?

If you care enough to watch come 5th October - just rememeber - this is reality.

Go marinade on this!

ONE TO WATCH: DICK IN THE BOX

At Renaissance man, we have seen some funny things in our time but Saturday Night Live continue to deliver their unique brand of 'laugh-till-to-choke' humour.

We recently stumbled upon an old special feature - one which nevertheless still holds it's poigant sense of comedy.

It's called 'DICK-IN-A-BOX' and it features Trousersnake himself. Check this out!

GOLD ROLLIE ON KING ROGER'S ARM

He continues to be the Biggest B.o.s.s thus far, Roger Federer (13 times grand slam winner, all round greats sportsman, the face of just about every endorsement deal possible....should I go on) has just signed a multi-deal endorsement deal with Rolex.

King Rog is already featured on the Rolex website as one of their flag bearers. They have a good tag line on his page: ‘Let's not talk history yet. He's still making it’.

How gangsta....sorry Classy is that?

King Rog will continue to rule and we just gonna have to find something to do to Nadal in the new year.

Oh yeah, to the critics.....kiss his Swiss rear!

PINK: SAME ISH, A DIFFERENT ALBUM

SO Pink is Back!

Yep, she's back with the same blend of anti-pop antics. Listening to her latest Single, So What we were in shock as we could not believe how little progress she has made musically since her last effort.

Come on Pink! we know you're not a pop BUT rock star. We believe you, we really do. Just put out some decent music pleasssssssssssssssse.