BADGE OF HONOUR: ALICE SMITH



Who is Alice Smith?

The same question I found myself asking as I looked at the billing list of the recently concluded O2 Wireless Festival at London's Hyde Park last Thursday.

Like any other festival fanatic, I was determined to scout all the new acts as I was in desperate need to reshuffle my music collection after all that's what Summer is all about.....isn't it?

At a hollow tent away from the main stage where the likes of the fabulous Hot Chip and Mark Ronson thrilled the many drunk punters was a tent which honestly resembled a circus backdrop; dark and littered I must confessed I was terrified as I approached it's entrance.

As we moved closer, it was evident that we were about to experience something quite special, what stood in front of us was the 29-year old, DC-raised woman looking every bit the star in fitted clothing and my personal favourite, stilettos.



It was almost unbelievable to hear the voice which powered through her standing mic backed by an all-male band, I quickly readjust after a few songs and basked in the glow of what is simply a fabulous talent.

Upon getting home, I trawled through the Internet to find background information on mu new love story and quickly realised that the person whom I thought was relatively unknown had been hailed by several credible music publications as "the one to watch" and has several TV appearances under her belt including The Ellen DeGeneres Show. I guess she's not so unknown after all, we're just ignorant here in England.

Anyway, here is Alice Smith with what I think is her most recognised song so far, this is Dream

BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL


Unless you've been asleep for the last 7 days, you would have heard about Italian Vogue's upcoming July issue featuring only black models.

The special issue include more than 100 pages of black-"ness", including the cover, which features images of black women taken by the acclaimed New York based photographer Steven Meisel. The pictures will be accompanied by articles on successful black women in arts and entertainment.

This issue has been regarded as "A breakthrough in fashion barriers"....what angers us is this idea that this edition is expected to be the worst-ever selling by the renowned publishers. Industry insiders claim black girls just "do not sell". What does that mean?

Is that implying that Vogue enthusiasts will suddenly not by their favourite read because a black woman is on the cover or black people don't have buying power or they can't read or are simply unfashionable?

I will not answer any of these questions cause these implications are simply too disturbing to comprehend.

ONCE UPON A TIME

This is British homegrown at its finest.

Sincere featuring Natty with Once Upon a Time

BRUTAL ANGLES


We're loving the new Rolling Stones Cover with Barack. We just hope it'll be from a different angle next time.

SLIPPIN' LITERALLY

You all know who this man is.



Ay yo I'm slippin' I'm fallin' I can't get up
Ay yo I'm slippin' I'm fallin' I can't get up
Ay yo I'm slippin' I'm fallin' I gots to get up
Get me back on my feet so I can tear shit up!


I been through mad different phases like Masons
to find my way & now I know that happy days are not far away
If I'm strong enough I'll live long enough to see my kids
doing something more constructive with they time
than bids I know because I been there
now I'm in there sit back & look
at what it took for me to get there
First came the bullshit the drama with my mama
she got on the fly shit until i split
and said that I'ma be that seed
that doesn't need much to succeed


How many of us held on to these words for years?......Only if he could have done the same.

DOGG IN HEAT



This is the disturbing mugshot of (not guest featured in a while) Nate Dogg, taken after he was arrested for trying to run his wife off the 405 in LA last night.

His 2001 duet with Mos Def and Pharoah Morch springs to mind:

Oh no
Brothas aint scared to hustle
Its been seven days, the same clothes
Ask them originals cause they know
Mos def, nate dogg, and pharoahe
Step away from the mic they too cold
The funk might fracture your nose


Yep.....but you didn't have to relieve it!

BADGE OF HONOUR: THA CARTER III



I have no words to describe how good this record is. You have to hear and own it to believe it!!

Yeah
To you foreva from me to you
I heard somebody say church, I'ma need a suit
I'ma need a coupe, I won't need a roof
Flyer than Beetle Juice Beetle Jucie Beetle Juice
I got the floor I'm tryna see the roof
Didn't wear a bulletproof so I got shot and you can see the proof
Blind eyes can look at me and see the truth
Wonder if Stevie do
But I'm a leave it to God not B but even U
Cause I'm a murder Y kill O and even U
Man I got summer hating on me cause I'm hotter than the Sun
Got Spring hating on me cause I ain't neva sprung
Winter hating on me cause I'm colder than ya'll
And I will neva I will neva I will neva fall
I'm being hated by the seasons
So fuck ya'll who hating for no reason

SW19: WHITE GRASS CHIC




Remember our SW19 chic post, where we suggested how to dress on and off the tennis court for the next fortnight in SW19 London. Well, it looks like it wasn't only fans who were taking note, the players also have dug deep and are displaying their own brand of individual style this year.

We are most proud of Roger Federer (donning a natty white cardigan) and Ms Serena Williams (spotting a short white mac coat), this is why Wimbledon is such a prestigious event. Nothing beats it.

Word on the street is - Maria Sharapova is going to re-invent women's on-court attire today. We look forward to it as she plays her first round match later today.

It's Grass baby!!

ANTI-OBAMA SLOGANS: SHAMEFUL




This truly wounds my heart. I've just found out about racist paraphernalia sold by a Republican vendor in Texas as part of the anti-Obama campaign. These buttons have slogans such as "Let's keep the White House White..."

It is really depressing that despite the triumphs of the Democratic party and the achievements of a potential great leader, some Americans still demonstrates ignorance of the highest calibre. Please don't get me wrong, I was never naive enough to think for a second that the next five months were going to be easy however I never conceived it possible that this type of derogatory message could make it into Republican campaign rallies. This is simply mouth-dropping.



C'mon Americans (white, black, yellow, blues ... whatever your political preference, we can do better than this). You are way too intelligent to treat democracy with such shallow roots.

FINALLY!



She's out.

You are the disgrace. How dare you use Islam as a crotch to behave like the uneducated buffoon which you are.

I hope you perish in obscurity.

SW19 CHIC

I'VE ACTUALLY GIVEN UP HOPES OF GETTING MY DESIGNER HANDS ON A PAIR OF WIMBLEDON TICKETS THIS YEAR.

I can't even get First Round Centre Court seats, can you just imagine? Yet I'm sure come Monday afternoon all you will see are these 2nd rate citizens with their ill-fitting clothes eating sweets at SW19as Roger Federer serves his trademark backhands. The injustice of this world. Do they not know who I am?

Since I can't get my hands on tickets, you can be assured that for the next fortnight my look will be GRASS chic. This is tribute to the delightful Wimbledon-inspired collection from Ralph Lauren.







So far everyone I have seen in the trademark green and purple jacket looks wrong so you know it means those rich-pansies just don't rock it right.

The collections has everything Belts, Caps, shorts and of course, the trademark Polo's. so whatever you're budget, you get something and look like me perhaps.

Just talking about it is making me what to purchase.

FIN.

VINTAGE BABY!

Vintage isn't such a bad word people!

Stay in some old-dusty ultra cool gear this summer. Invest in some out-of-this-world jackets, shoes, bags and other accessories. If that sounds good, it's all about Rokit Vintage Clothing. It is the vintage outlet regularly featured in the press and is a favourite amongst stylists and lovers of vintage.





I recently discovered their Covent Garden store and although it's a tad expensive, it's a guarantee for future purchases. Drop in this weekend -

42 Shelton Street
London, WC2H 9HZ
Nearest Transport: Covent Garden
020 7836 6547

WHO ARE THE THIRST?

This is 'em.

HOT RIGHT NOW: DONAEO

DON'T SPEAK JUST LISTEN!

This is Devil in a Blue Dress by Donaeo.

M-DOLLA: "...GET STUPID, GET STUPID...."

M-Dolla shows no sign of heading towards the anti-wrinkle cream and quite honestly I'm enjoying her recent efforts. We all agree that Confessions on the Dance floor was not popping hence it's nice to see her back grating her abdomen to great pop-tastic tunes with the little help of $1m-a-song producers but who cares, it's only money and it's M-Dolla.

The follow-up to my dance-floor ego-song "...I only got 4 minutes to save the world' is GIVE IT TO ME. Produced by newly-cool Pharell Williams (yep...it's cool to like him again).

The video will give you a headache with its over-excitable image shakiness but we like it all the same. Look out for the oversize Hermes purple Birkin which Pharell struggles with during the bridge. Soooooo avant-garde.

We like!!

N*E*R*D

The gang are back. Yep, the N*E*R*D maestros. Bizarrely titled, Every one's Nose - really challenging our intellect there.

The new music video has everything - Lindsay Lohan, drugs, unstable camera stills, bizarre antics but overall a great pop tune.

It's looking like the Resurrection of Pharell Williams is finally upon us.

RIHANNA EPIDEMIC



We can get enough of Rihanna at the moment. We are feeling the new Remix of Maroon 5's If I Never see your face again.

This is the most stylish video of the month so far.....

Enjoy!

PUSSYCAT DOLLS: TRAITOR & DANCERS

Okay, I'm sure I'm not the only one who thought "what is she doing there" after seeing Nicole's strategically re-group with the Pussycat Dolls.

What happened darling, did your career burned? Boo-fucking-woo!

Ms Nicole Extensions herself decided to use her backing dancers after the group's dye attempt to find a replacement. Anyway, luckily the performance was smoking and I actually think the song "When I grow up" is a catchy number.

But on the whole, MTV needs to scrap these Movie Award soirees, seriously - they are just too mediocre....pure drivel!

THE ONLY WAY...



Congratulations to Senator Obama after last night's historic achievement. We must now unite the party and keep the hope alive for the many democrats and all of us whom have supported both campaigns.

This is the image I want to see in January 2009.

God bless America!

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: GNARLS BARKLEY



Just when you thought they couldn't top their past video credentials. Here is another brave effort from the dynamic duo, the new single is the energetic yet complex 'Going On', the second single to be lifted from their sophomore album, The Odd Couple.

Directed by Wendy Morgan, the inspiration came from a Nigerian photographer who had previously mixed African tribal style with working class British skinhead punk style in his photo shoot. The end product is very striking and definitely a contender for future awards.

HOT ALBUMS: JUNE 2008





This is what we're listening to at the moment. It's a all male affair.

BADGE OF HONOUR: JOHN TERRY



We love nothing more than a triumph after a storm and today it goes to England captain John Terry after his emphatic goal for England against the United States in last night's friendly.

What a difference a week makes. BRAVO!

And to Metro after last week's headline: 'WHY DOES IT RAIN ON ME'....you can put that in your pipe and smoke it.

SCARLETT JOHANSSON SINGS ..... HER CAREER AWAY



Why I'm I the last person on earth to know about Scarlett Johansson's singing career? I'm so out of the loop that the release of her debut album 'Anywhere I Lay My Head' completely skipped my radar.

How can one of the main competitors as the love of my life make such a bold and if I may add DRASTIC move and I didn't know?



I need a moment.......................'Anywhere I Lay My Head' has been panned by my fellow bloggers "The album is the equivalent of a fart wafting in and out of the room," but like any classic denial, I will see for myself. I must give Ms. Thang her kudos, she hit back at the hostile blogging community with: "I don't know how people find the time to spend doing them. And why is it that people are so mean on the Internet? They're angry, really angry. They write things in language that I would never, could never, use: all that hatred and spite. Why is that?"
Yeah.....why is that Scarlett, speaking like a true genius. I'm going to carry my butt to HMV quick time after that comment.

PRIDE TO ALL BLACK WOMEN



Truly yours from the recently concluded Cannes Film Festival.

Isn't Kerry Washington beautiful??????????

MARIAH'S OATH: BYE-BYE-BYE-BYE-BYE-BYE



Just in case you were not tired of the new courtship between E=MC2 and what's-his-face...here are recent pictures as they arrive from their "honeymoon".

2 weeks down......6 and a half months to go.

TEAM ROGER



We must win! We must win! We must win! We must win!

As Roland Garros opens its dirty red clay courts to our favourite tennis stars this week, we are only interested in one thing - Roger Fereder must win the only title that continues to elude him.

This is the year of the underdog and please don't get me wrong I'm not for a second implying that Roger is or can ever be an underdog in any tournament but the last few years have seen arch-rival Nadal dominate the clay season(s).

Despite a slow start to the year, we are confident that our Roger is just getting warmed up - get ready!

CANNES - THE NEW BET AWARDS????

Just a quick trivia.....can someone tell me when did the Cannes Film Festival become the new black hang-out?

All the pictures I've seen this week are images of rappers, sport athletes making an appearance on the red carpet. Where are the film makers? Where is Terence Howard? Where is Chiwatel Ejionfor? Where is Forest Whitaker?

They actually deserve to be there, ehhhhhhhh Diddy on a yacht?????????????????!

BADGE OF HONOUR: NATTY

At Renaissance Man, we are really feeling COLDTOWN by newcomer NATTY.

If this is your first time hearing about this brave talent, he's 24-year-old currently based in London UK. He's the son of an African mother and Italian-English father. He has been described as a "reggae-lite, soul-tinged singer-songwriter". His musical roots are still unclear but we already feel his consciousness through his breakout single ColdTown which was released earlier in the month.

I just think it's refreshing to see an artist of his genre get positive support from a major record label. Times are indeed changing.

BEYONCE: BEAUTIFUL NIGHTMARE

When B-Day dropped sometime in 2006, I was slightly disappointed because I felt Ms Jay-Z wasn't pushing the boundaries or herself far enough musically. The same format was written all over the tracks which strangely were all recorded in less than 2 weeks.

I must confess I did tune off her music until yesterday when I heard a song tilted "Beautiful Nightmare" as of press time, I do not know if this is from an upcoming album or movie soundtrack or whom produced it, I just think this is the kind of music the superstar should be aspiring to. This is crisp, fresh and increadibly catchy.

There isn't a video for the song but thank Goodness for the millions of creative people on YouTube - here is a slightly-low budget promotional video.

Enjot the song.

WHO VOTED?




To all David Archuleta fans, you let the team down BIG time!. How could you let David Cook win this year's American Idol? What time was the show on anyway, was it passed curfew? Cause we know Archuleta has a lot of under-14 fans being 17 and all.

We are not pleased with the results! The best man certainly did not win.

WELCOME BACK, WELCOME BACK, WELCOME BACK: COLDPLAY

It truly is going to be a great summer of music. So many releases to look forward to and of course, top of our list is the much-anticipated 4th album from our princes Coldplay, due out on June 17th, titled Viva la Vida.

Singer Chris Martin chose it after seeing the phrase, which means “long live life,” on a painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo, who endured polio, a broken spine, and chronic pain for decades.

We think................DEEP! Then again, this is Chris Martin people.

We love this single though.

BE INSPIRED: WITH JORDAN

WE THINK................................



We shall let you decide!

TIRED: NOVELLO AWARDS



Showing up late to an Award show again......................................

You don't make it easy for us to defend you.

USH-USHER AT THE O2 INDIGO TONIGHT


At Renaissance man, we like Usher - you know we like the fact that he's back making love in the club and all the wonderful stuff but to be honest, we are not impressed with a recent development.

We just got off the phone with Ticketmaster as we try to haggle tickets for tonight's preview show (part of the promotional tour for the "Here I Stand") album and we almost burst out laughing when told; a ticket goes @ £50 per pop.

I mean come on, we've seen a lot of good acts within the last 12 months including Prince and I don't remember him charging as much as Mr. Tameka.

I said it a long time ago: We blame Tameka for everything. Even Jay-Z and Mary's collabo-tour in the states, don't cost this much.

OBAMA: POSTER FAMILY



With victory in sight, if Barack Obama becomes President - we can finally have the first "good-looking" family to enter the White House as oppose to having a family that becomes good-looking after a few months of crayon-people painting their faces on the Oval Office tab.



Does anyone remember Chelsea Clinton in her teens? Let's not go there.............

COOK COUNTY CRIMINAL COURTHOUSE DRAMA



I still can't believe R.Kelly is still denying the underage sex tape charges against him. Is this guy fucking insane......is the world blind? Why are we still having hearings about this issue? Is the judge on Prozac? Why are we wasting tax payers money on this shit?

That is him in that video not a wannabe-thug, you you you you. It is the Pipe Piper, The "what-is-R&B-without-the-'R'", "Kells". Try something else Sam Adam Jr - your client is a joke!

MUST-HAVE: TOM FORD




Certainly I know these campaigns will hold your attention but seriously, no bullshit! This is the fragrance for the summer. I got me a bottle.

You have no excuse but to smell like the DON, there's no point in looking like an Aston Martin but smelling like a Vauxhall Astra.

BADGE OF HONOUR: THE BOYS IN BLUE




A friend said to me yesterday "All is fair in war and football, mate" after I lamented after the Chelsea defeat at the hands of Manchester United for the second time in less than a month.

I'm not your average football enthusiast but I found myself utterly enthralled in last night's drama (Drogba sent off, Ronaldo & Terry's missed penalties, Perev - the nut job!) which sadly had to go to Penalties to decide it's winner. From my little knowledge of football, the boys in blue thoroughly deceived this as they played far superior to their opposition especially in the 2nd half. But I guess, I have to take on-board those wise words of K.

My heart goes out to Terry. Many more will come. You are champions in our eyes!

WE LIKE...THE TING TINGS

OKKKKK....I'm not saying let's all go and buy their album or anything but I just find this single very exciting. I think the solo and riff on the record is impeccable.

That's Not My Name is the 2nd single to be released from the Ting Ting's forthcoming debut album We Started Nothing.

I have been hearing this for weeks but paid it little attention but I guess like every good thing....it will eventually catch up with you.

Enjoy!

ADVERT OF THE MONTH: DRENCH SPRING WATER

Every six months, something happens in the advertising world. An agency comes up with a mind-blowing concept that manages to capture the essence of the proposed brand. I was the biggest advocate for Cadbury's 2007 Gorilla (much to the dismay of many colleagues who sadly failed to see the ad's relevance)
A new commercial has arrived for Britvic's youthful spring water brand Drench. The ad kicks off a three month, £2.4 million promotional campaign. The Britvic Marketing director says, "Drench wants to established itself as a credible and youthful brand and this new campaign will build on this by using charm and humour to continue to give Drench a distinctive and appealing personality."

I couldn't have said it any better. This is pure marketing genius. I even want to download "Rhythm is a Dancer" again.

WHO IS JESSE MCCARTNEY?

If you've read this blog before, you'd realise that I blame Justin Timberlake for everything. It's not like I dislike the dude or anything - I genuinely think he put out the best male Solo R&B album of 2007 but I just think he is responsible for a lot of pop-turn to R&B diluted music. Too many kids want to be Justin and do his dance move and sleep with Britney (oh my bad! Cameron)...He's just a record company template and that pisses me off.

The new wannabe JUSTINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN is this 21-year old American musical/TV star turned recording artist. He was with Disney (just like Justin), sings "contemporary R&B soul" (just like Justin), he's even won a Grammy for Best Children's album for How sweet It is (just like Justin).....do you see my problem?!!!!

Anyway, he's got a new single called Leavin' and my word could this sound anymore or look anymore similar to NSYNC's breakout single, Gone.

Watch...

THE BIG-MANOLO PREMIERE



Even though we all know that the film will be 90-minutes of pure glam drivel: men, women, dog, horse are all equally excited to see the new Sex and the City feature movie. Feedback from critics-land suggest that the plot is so basic that it's almost mind-boggling but yet, they have all said; it's a must-see.

At the London premiere, the "fab-four" looked good but slightly sombre except Carrie Bradshaw of course. looking at this picture, it is clear that this is pure PR-God; the positioning of Sarah Jessica Parker next to Kim Cattrall. The look on Kim's face is reads get that b**** away from me!

Plus, what I really want to know is, how come Sarah Jessica Parker gets to wear a hat. What's up with that?

THE AMERICAN IDOL TICKET......BLESSING OR CURSE?

I ain't going to lie, I'm an American Idol fan and I have been since the very first pilot series in the UK, originally titled simply Pop Idol. I even voted for the eventual winner, Mr Will Young.

Over the years, The Americans have gotten their claws on it and as usual revamped and remodelled the format to make it the global phenomenon that it is today spinning a franchise that has included Philippines Idol.....Go figure, making Simon Fuller (The original creator) a very wealthy man indeed.

I also have been debating for years if this show can really create great singers and eventual artists. I mean, the series has a lot to be thankful for producing Kelly Clarkson as it's very first winner and the most successful to date. She has gone on to win grammys even though her face freaks me the f*** out.

Last year's winner is starting to impress me. Her name is Jordin Sparks and funny enough that is the only series which I didn't follow religiously but her recent produce is very impressive and her last single "Tattoo" has quickly become a favourite on my MP3 player. Like past winners, I question her marketability, like her predecessors, Rube Stoddard, Taylor Diggs, Fantasia - they are not very attractive people on screen and somehow despite their great talents, they are relatively struggling to truly separate themselves sin the market.

The moral of the story is although the series is unquestionably a great platform for any artist, it is a combine of great music, charisma and talent that will ultimately convince tough critics like myself. In the meantime, listen to Tattoo - I'm very fond of this great simple melody at the moment.

Ladies and gentlemen, this is Jordin Sparks.

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MUST HAVE RECORDS: MAY 2008

Here are the three albums burning holes in our ears this month:



WATCH OUT: MATTAFIX IN '08



I'M SO EXCITED as I write this post. My boys are BACK, BACK, BACK, BACK, BACK!

Yep bitches, Mattafix is back. The first single lifted from the Rhythms and Hymns album, Things have Changed is fantastic and this is no exaggeration.

I have literally spent hours trying to find the video and I will not stop until I do, you need to see it guys. This is the evolution of my boys and finally I know the world will celebrate this dynamic duo with the vigour that they so rightly deserve.

MISSEN IDENTITIES: RAHSAAN PATTERSON

Doesn't it seem like the whole Neo-Soul movement of the late 90s seem to have evaporated without a trace. We all try to stay true to our "roots" in one way or another either by tieing a turban or wearing those ridiculous Malcolm X necklaces. Yep,...I've tried to bury it at the back of my consciousness.

A few artist were synonymous with that movement, most notably, The Roots, Erykah Badu (The weirdo), Jill Scott and many many more.

A guy bust into the scene really briefly with his self-titled debut album "Rahsaan Patterson" delivering soft-hits like Stop By and Where you are. I'm still utterly convinced that is problem was his image - a camp, Maxwell-esque style which I think American could identify with.

In his defense, he did release other albums in the noughties (Love in Stereo - Oct 99, After Hours - Oct 04, Wines & Spirits - Sept 07) but sadly they all sank without a trace. Nevertheless, he gave us good music once and we ask....Where art thou? bro.....

Show your face.

In the meantime, lets reminisce with my favourite single from him, Where you are

BADGE OF HONOUR: RIHANNA

I have been forced to bite my lip continuously about Rihanna since the release of her most recent effort, Good Girl Gone Bad.

The truth, Rihanna has always gotten on my last nerve ever since her debut release. I just thought who is this wannabe-star but ever since the cross-Atlantic hit, Umbrella. I cannot help but hmmm and sing to all her released singles, most notably Don't stop the music.

I actually went to HMV yesterday to purchase the album and I actually felt ashamed for knocking her unnecessarily.

The new single 'Take a Bow' was the final sale point...and just like the song, I finally bow to Miss Pon De Replay - you deserve all that you get.

Bravo. I also really like this video's simplicity - this girl is going places.

DUMB SHIT

You know I'd deliberately ignored to have a debate on the new marriage shamble that currently exist between Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon. The irritation that I feel about this union-doomed-for-failure is indescribable and it was even brought further to my forefront after watching Mariah's new promotional video for the delectable 'Bye Bye' Single in which Mariah and her beau, are seen to be cuddling next to each other on her private jet...whatever!

What is wrong with these celebrities? The first sign that the marriage will not last is having your partner in your video - we have seen it in the case of J-Lo and P. Diddy then J-Lo and her dancer and then J-Lo and Ben Affleck, as a matter of fact perhaps, J-Lo should write a book on this shit.

I just don't understand how you can marry someone only after 6-weeks of courtship. Is the sex really that good? And is sex with a young man is what Mariah wants, how about she hires a 20-year class A escort - there are plenty of them on the net. She can even get herself a Sakha-Zulu dick if she's desperate for a deep-throat.

Mariah is my girl but messing with whats-his-face is about to piss me off.

I give it 6.....let me be generous...7 months!

Anyone wanna place a bet? I feel lucky today

SHOCKER: RICHARD QUEST

I LITERALLY HAVE MY HANDS COVERING MY MOUTH RIGHT ABOUT NOW AS I FIND OUT THE SHOCKING NEWS BEHIND CNN INTERNATIONAL'S ANCHOR RICHARD QUEST.

Mr Quest was arrested on Friday morning in New York's Central Park for loitering and possession of meth.

According to reports, he was arrested with drugs in his pocket, a rope around his neck that was tied to his genitals, and a sex toy in his boot - this might be slightly exaggerated but I still remain shocked by the very idea of the man that I respect a lot being ridiculed to such an extent.

This just reiterate my life motto - All men have demons irrespective of status, background or influence. We are our own worst enemy.

FOX-BOOGIE BROWN IS BAD AS HELL.............

FOXY BROWN IS OUT OF JAIL. EXPECT A REALITY SHOW, A BOOK, A CLOTHING LINE, AN ALBUM.....just get ready for the Foxy Hell!

Can anyone spot how bad those fake tears were?

AGE AIN'T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER

I was watching some well deserved dose of this year's Dancing with the Stars and I stumbled upon these young (I mean - young!) dancing couple who were competing for the Junior Championship trophy. Their routine was so effortless and breathtaking that I gave them a standing ovation from the comforts of my own living room.

Please watch this 10 & 8-year olds respectively.

USH-ER, USHER!


Here's the cover to Mr Raymond's forthcoming album Here I Stand.

To be brutally honest, this is a shit cover artistically and one which isn't particularly inspiring. I trust the songs on the album will be fantastic but sadly it seems Ush- Usher is missing the mark with all his visuals at the moment including the atrocious Love in the Club promotional video.

We blame Tameka - for everything.........she is clearly stopping the creative blood access to his brain!

BADGE OF HONOUR: THE DECKER SHOE



They were big when I was 12 and quite frankly I use to associate them with blue-collar English men who strolled effortlessly down Kings Road, London.

But they are back....I'd like to introduce you to the must-have shoes of the summer -THE DECKER SHOE - originally made famous by the likes of JF Kennedy, Ralph Lauren and former bond, Roger Moore.

I got me a pair, how about you? They are delightful with a pair of slim fit chinos and if you really want to be fashion forward, buy a pair in BLUE - this season's alpha male colour.

Our recommended choice is the Timberland Classic 2-Eye Boat which are traditionally classic. It might set you back £85 but it's worth every penny. They are made with rich oiled leathers, in which water beads up and rolls off, along with handsewn moccasin construction and 360-degree rawhide laces. The non-marking, siped outsole provides ship-to-shore comfort and durability.

P.S. You don't need to own a boat to own a pair, so don't worry.