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!

ACCESSORY RESURGENCE



We dug ours out recently and you know what, it still looks good. Get over it, the Jamaicans have moved to Ozwald Boateng - yep, believe it!

STRICTLY FOR EXPENSIVE PU-NA-NIs



ALL WE CAN SAY IS .... HER 'V' MUST SMELL REAL GOOD FOR YOU TO SHELL OUT THIS MUCH FOR A RUBBER.

YOU GOT THE MAC?






Really, Winter is a b****!

At the start of the summer, I felt London (and the rest of the world) was full of beautiful people. I hadn't processed the fact that summer made everyone feel good and when one feels good - one makes an effort to look good too.

In recent times, (mostly on the London Underground) I'm starting to think people are looking more miserable and damn right fugly!

All caution has been thrown to the wind about outer appearance, you find people digging out their older coats (which frankly don't deserve an hanger), others are buried underneath layers of clothing with pale/ dry skin and everyone (and I mean, everyone) has the flu!

You get it - JUST NASTY!

So, for the fellas - cause I know you need more help than most. Here's a few suggestions on how to do your-thang this winter.

Is you don't have one of the above (or a replica in some cases) do it NOW!

CAN I PLEASE TOP-UP MY i-PHONE



I'm getting increasingly irritated about this sole partnership between O2 and Apple's i-Phone. I mean, what's a brother got to do to get this shizzle on pay-as-you-go?

I was at the Carphone Warehouse last night and spent 30 mins in awe of the technology-ridden tool. My jaws dropped as I scanned through the endless list of functions until some sales assistant began to breathe down my neck with his sales pitch. I just wanted to say, can you top on an i-Phone bro?

Pure ridiculousness!!

Steve Jobs (CEO, Apple) better be careful - we are the people that make their brands as strong as they are. The sad capitalists - and right now, he isn't satisfying my retail itch.

KANO'S FEEL FREE

You all now that we give mad props where it's due, right?! Well we think that you do and that sits just fine within us.

Last night, we experienced the premiere of K - to the N-O's new video. The single is 'Feel free' featuring Damon Albarn and the spectacular London Children's Choir. From start to finish, we were engaged by Kano's delivery of what could easily be a hit/miss single (not that we agree! but others might not get it)

His convincing promotional performance made us rate this 'London-town bruv' as the future of UK entertainment. Period!

He understands what it takes to do this business called show and although we are yet to see him live - we are increasingly impressed with his efforts.

If you don't have a copy of his sophomore album 'LONDON TOWN' you need to cop it! Seriously!

BADGE OF HONOUR: ROISIN MURPHY


This woman is simply incredible. Her natural smooth vocals on electro-spaced drum beats guarantees daydreaming all the time. Here's a rare performance on the Jools Holland show on the 9th of November. This was her first appearance on the show as the ex-Moloko singer and we couldn't have wished for anything more. Brilliance!

The album is titled 'Overpowered', go and get your copy now!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cCj5o2k130

LIFE IS A BOX OF CHOCOLATES!

Our hearts has just sank at the devastating news of the death of Kanye West's mother, Dr Donda West died on Saturday.

This is a classic example that life is precious and no matter what success/ triumph a human being might be experiencing, one must never forget that life can throw it's fair share of disappointments your way.

At the height of his career, this is bound to be a great blow to Kanye as we all know he was inseperable from his mother-turned manager.

May her soul rest in peace. She was only 58 years old.

I urge everyone to pick up their phones right now and call your mama. We don't care how busy you are, do it now!

THIS IS SO SAD!

HUMANITY IS OVERRATED

The Finnish-school killer that left 8 people dead was apparently wearing a T-shirt that read:

HUMANITY IS OVERRATED

At what point, does an 18-year old get into this state of utter deception? How does one get into this frame of fear and hate?

CABLE CHANNEL EXTENSIONS

In today's digital satellite world, it seems like we are not getting newer channels, what we have are new extentions of our favourite channels. Flicking through Sky these days is as mundane as Martha Stewart, you have some shows been broadcasted more than thrice in a day.

How is this done? Take for instance Ugly Betty.

The new series was premiered on E4, then re-premiered (for non-satellite viewers) on Channel 4. If you missed that slot, you could catch up on Channel 4 + 1, if you were really impatient, you could watch ahead in the series on More 4 which also has an extention, More 4 + 1.

This is a growing trend amongst all TV giants, BBC, ITV, Channel 5 and we can't forget the genre-specific MTV extentions.

Which makes us ask the question: Are these extentions for the viewers benefit? or Is this just a brilliant way to generate advertising revenue like never before?

Let's Marinade on that for a second!

LET'S TALK ABOUT.......BODY TATTOO

When I was much younger, I wanted a tattoo of a cross on my left arm just like DMX. At the time (believe it or not) I thought I was a Ruff Ryder. I bought the clothes, the CD and even saw Eve in concert (Oh yes!!!)

Today, I don't quite feel the same about the idea of having often 'meaningless' symbols and writings scribbled all over my slim-frame. I thought perhaps tattoos look better on a certain type of frame. Maybe if I was packing the heat - perhaps it might look good on me too.

Many people can't seem to identify exactly why they like/have tattoos. At Renaissance Man, we are looking for comments. opinions on why their is a phenomeon called body tattooing and why it is very unlikely that it will fade for generations to come.

We want to hear from you.

OH NO...SHE DIDN'T!

Did anyone watch Saturday Night Divas on ITV2 on Saturday?

If you didn't, good for you! Despite the cheap TV set and production and everything generally mediocre, nothing could have prepared us for the shocking performance by Jamelia - a rendition of Outkast's Hey Ya.

Words could not describe the shock of our faces as we cringed all through the 3mins and 40secs of the modern classic. This performances was so karaoke that my nephew (whom on a good day loves the song) stood static as if his favourite pokemon had been assaulted.

It was just BAD and we like Jamelia, we really do!

BADGES OF HONOUR: ALBUMS ON ROTATION






















MONEY MISS ROAD

Rap star TI has been granted bail by a judge in Atlanta, but will be held under house arrest and under a £3m bail bond until the outcome of his forthcoming trial over weapons offences.

THE AMERICAN DREAM!

LEGGE!




Amy at the 2007 European Music Awards - watch!


I love my chick - yep yep - I love my chick!

STRICTLY COME....MOONWALKING!



Someone needs to invite MJ's black ass on Strictly Come Dancing. Wouldn't he be divine? We all know he can do with the extra cash. He can do the Smooth Criminal fall during the Cha Cha.......

SEX TAPE?


How many of us would like to see a Reese and Jake sex tape? It would their greatest work till date.

We wonder if he has the skill for graffiti.......that's a thought!

AMERICAN GANGSTER


As the ultimate Denzel groupie, you know we can't wait for the film of the year 'American Gangster' destined to be a bad ass flick.


It's in cinemas across the country from the 16th November and we can't wait to see the much-praised performances from the Acting Messiah, Mr Washington and our man from down-under, Mr Russell Crowe.


Jay-Z's soundtrack is also in stores in a week and it's gotten great reviews.

Y'all better recognise!

CHRISTMAS BOLLOCKS

So it's ho ho ho ho ho!
Just in case you've been on planet nowhere, it's hard to miss that increasingly growing christmas feeling. From the dazzling lights on Harrods to the overcrowded desperate shoppers on Oxford Street, Christmas is upon us and I can't help that warm sensation.
So what are we all doing this Christmas?
A break-up? An assault? Rekindling unfinished business? F***ing for relevance?
It usually gets pretty ugly around the December months as everyone wants to start the New Year afresh.
So what makes a great Christmas? Is there too much emphasis placed on a day? Do we all indulge purely for the potential gains?
Help me out people!

YEP.......BELIEVE IT!


Okay, so this isn't Perez or Bossip, we don't have photographers waiting outside restaurants waiting for a snappy moment. We are a respectable trash blog. Yep, I said it....respectable!

Isn't this the weirdest pairing in a while. Lance Armstrong clearly done with the over-40s after Sheryl (white trouser-suit) Crow, that he has decided to swap saliva with the very-bohemian barely-legal Ashley Olsen.

Help me out here people!

A NEW CRACKHEAD IN TOWN!


MARTINA HINGIS!


Once upon a time, there was a little untouchable brat called Martina Hingis. She was only 15 when she won her first grand slam and she went on to dominate the world of female tennis for years to come until The Williams Sisters arrived on the scene.


Like any good brat, she struggled to beat the sisters at the power game and decide (like any good bart would) to quit the game and move to a farm in her hometown of Basel, Switzerland where it is rumoured she milked cows on a daily basis..... for fun!


When the cheques stopped coming, she had a brain wave to go back into competitive professional tennis. Not that people gave a shit, she struggled to win a whopping total of 3 tournaments (not grandslams) till date.


So, Martina decide to quit professional tennis yesterday amid suspicion for cocaine consumption (wait for it...............) at the All-England Club during the rainy summer. Ooooh, and she reiterates that she isn't dodging doping tests.


What bloody-ever Martina.....get some f***** direction in your world.


The world is real, deal with it!

ESTELLE: ................


It breaks my heart when a girl has so much talent but yet unmarketable.


The truth is Estelle is a very talented artist but her features/ stage presence just does not correlate with someone that has the potential to sell bucket-loads of records.


Her musical merger with John Legend promised perhaps BIGGER things but after I saw her new video 'JUST A TOUCH' my old fears have resurfaced again.


Her face is just not right!

JA RULE: STOP POPPIN' STEROIDS


Has Ja been working out?


So I saw the new promotional video for his new single 'BODY' - not bad, not bad for the rule-master. We can't know his trademark sing-a-long hooks that has worked well for his collaborations with J-Ho and As-ha-I-can't-sing!


The single will definiately grow on us and that video is sexy. Everything was right - the palette, the women, the body, the texture.
Ja might have finally gotten his shizzle together! Round 2 - 50!




JUST A CASE OF BADDDDDD PR!


We feel for Heather Mills.

The cow just can't seem to do anything right. Just in case you haven't heard about her outburst on GMTV yesterday, the key story is that she's officially nuts.

She compared herself to Kate McCann and Princess Diana - you wish B****!

This week on your beloved blog, it's all about the 'Hustleress' - Foxy, Fergie now Heather. What an esteemed group (Don't you agree!). From a catalogue model, to a disability activist, to a McCartney, to a psycho gold digger.....ooooh, we love her. Someone please give her a medal. She deserves a pat on the back.

Next time she gets another offer to appear on TV (I can see the offers pouring in!). She should be introduced as "...It's Heather, B****!)

You better recognise!