EVERY ONE HAS A 'MR ME TOO' FRIEND

The Clipse have 'cooked' (get it) up the perfect soundtrack for those friends in our lives that try to compete with us in all our endeavours.

Chill the **** out, we don't wear the same watch!

2008: LABELS TO BE SEEN IN

I know it's been a minute since I've shared some insightful tips on how to protect your integrity using clothes (yes, I said it!!). Really, it's a new year if you think you need a wardrobe change..........chances are you do so don't hesitate contemplate retail.

I have three labels (soem high street) that I'm very fond of at present and here they are.

In no particular order;

1 LYLE & SCOTT - great for polos, V-necks and cardigans. They have become slightly commercial since T4 presenters decided to slaughter the eagle logo but we are still very fond of it. For a polo expect to pay roughly £39. Not bad eh?


2 ALL SAINTS - the london brand is doing some graet things at the moment. Apart from quickly becoming the McDonalds for high-fashion brands with stores everywhere in London. The summer collection is looking well nice. It might burn a little hole in the pocket but it is so 150% worth every bit of material.


3 COS - I randomly discovered this stand alone Regents street store last year but it has quickly taken over Zara in my mind as the first point of reference for basic shirts, trousers, and suits. Great tailoring and the most expensive shirt is £35.

All these stores do labels have a ready-to-wear womens' component. You know I can't forget the ladies.

GINGER & BLACK: THE PERFECT DUO

Ladies & Gentlemen, I introduce ........... GINGER & BLACK

Ginger is Eri. Black is Daniel. Since December 2005, Ginger and Black have taken their dark brand of musical comedy all over the country. Ginger and Black have made appearances on BBC Radio 2, Radio 4 as well as regular slots on 4Radio's 'The Weekly Show'. They also recently featured in S4C's TV show Wedi Saith.

I saw them on BBC 3's Comedy Shuffle.

This is Hilarious!

BADGE OF HONOUR: SONGS ABOUT GIRLS

I'm utterly guilty as charged. I was one of the Black Eyed Peas haters (post-where is the love). I apologise and I take back a lot of the hurtful things I said about them after Fergie joined. I just loved the 'Back To Front' album too much and I thought they stood for conscious hip-hop to the fullest. I often forget that people gotta get PAID.

Just in case you wondering why this rant and random apology. I have been listening to the recent Will.I.Am album 'Songs about Girls' and my word it is supreme.

First, I was slightly irritated for not having discovered it earlier and second, it was my arch-music rival that drew my attention to it.

Now, irregardless of what you think of the Black Eyed Peas and their unique way of selling the public energy. The have a real talented front man and the more I find out about Will.I.Am's abilities, the more I'm like damn, did he do that?

'Songs about Girls' is a quirky blend of electro-hop (I just made that up, don't plagirise me). It is fresh and innovative and I want as many people as possible to support him.

Commercially, it has been a let down - this is by no means a reflection of the quality as its golden in content.

Tracks like Heartbreaker, The Donque Song are far superior to the lead single 'I got it from my mama'. Also, I really would like to speak with his marketing manager. the lead single was a disastrous choice and I honesty feel it possibly hinder the chart success of the record.

There are some killer lines on the record:

Ya I like the way your soul sounds to me
Ain't nobody do me the way you do me
I got the stamina for L-O-V-E
Whip out the camera lets make a movie
In the future we could look back at what we done did
We'll be makin love til we like a hundred
And thats why I had to remix this song
Cuz i want the truth to be told

SONG OF THE MONTH: THE DREAM

Just in case you actually thought Ri-what's her face wrote Umbrella - you are wrong!

It was written by a young man named The Dream. Like every other song writer including pink lips ne-yo, they start by penning songs for artists that can't put pen to paper before launching their individual projects.

The Dream on the other hand has impressed me. I have heard a lot of his stuff on mixtapes and I think he will do great things.

Here's his debut single: Shawty is a 10.

This is HUGE. GIVE RESPECT PEOPLE!

SHIT OF THE DAY

Ladies,

I know you all dream of you wedding day and most especially your traditional wedding cake. So I ask, how far would you go to get your dream cake?

Would you go this far?

I-Reporter's wedding cake is a full-size likeness of herself - CNN.com

They are Nigerians living in Texas.

Nuff said!

THE ANTICIPATION IS KILLING

As you all know we are only hours from the first set of votes to be casted in New Hampshire. Many of you would have guessed by now that I'm a huge Obama supporter and I believe in his very poignant message of 'change'

I urge Americans to go out in their hundreds and show support during these crucial stages of the primaries.

I would also like to urge the media to take it easy of Hilary Clinton. She has quickly become the target of 'America Votes 2008'. I felt very uncomfortable watching her breakdown on TV in New Hampshire yesterday.

I have also been thinking that although everyone should fight to win. A partnership between Obama and Clinton could work beautifully.

I think it is important to remember that Bill Clinton worked hard to improve the status of African Americans. Comedians like Chris Rock had tagged him 'The Black President' in the past.

He fought hard for civil/human rights for all Americans. The fact that Barack Obama is running and winning public support is indirectly part of teh work the Clintons has done almost a decade ago.

So you heard it hear first - how about Obama for President, Hillary his vice?

BLAST FROM THE PAST: ROOTS MANUVA

I got incredibly frustrated the other day when I couldn't find my Roots Manuva CD - Run Come Save Me. After 2 hours of searching, I moved my ass to the nearest HMV and purchased another copy. Luckily it was on sale (not that I wouldn't have bought it otherwise)

I forgot how great this record is so I ask the questions that I'm sure many want to - where is ROOTS MANUVA?

We need another first class record bro. Thank you for this though. Exceptional!

MARY DOING JUST FINE

Yo Yo Yo

Mary is back!

You know how we get by the prospect f a new album from Mary j Blige. Nothing makes me feel more whole that the sound of Mary's voice eating out my eardrums.

Her new single Just Fine didnt sit with me at the start but the more I listen to it the more I want to do something crazy like mimic her micheal jackson moves in the video.

Plus the beat is reminicent of our whole 2-step movement a la Craig david days. We like we like we like. Mary needs to go on tour. I want to see this MAMA!

2008: WATCH OUT

At Renaissance Man, we believe that 2008 will be a fantastic year for a lot of artists whom have worked very hard to build a following in the previous year. This year we are relieved to be able to share some great music with the world that perhaps we had been listening to for a while. In no particular order,

1 ADELE

2 THE DAP-KINGS

3 UNKLEJAM

OBAMA: CAN'T KNOCK THE HUSTLE

The first caucasus results are out from Iowa and suprise (or perhaps not!) Barack Obama won the democrats vote. This is such a turn-on for non-Americans as it finally demonstrates that Amerians can have a mind of their own and truly want CHANGE.

Barack Obama has been described by voters as "not your typical politician" and "refreshing" it gives me great joy that after shattered hopes with Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson, we have a real contender.

This man has clearly demonstrated that he has the momentom and I pray the momentom stays with him and his campaigners as they move to New Hampshire. A win there would be very favourable indeed.

Finally, this isn't about race - it's purely about COMPETENCE.

CELEBRITY HIJACKER

I was watching my TV last night when I stumbled upon the new Big Brother series.

As the ever cynic, I was almost ready to flick over when I saw a showreel for one of the housemates. After 2 revelations, I noticed a pattern of ypung aspiration individuals whom have achieved great things in their own right.

This got me thinking, after 9 series of trash-lollipop entertainment. They finally get it right. It has been a huge misrepresentation on BIG BROTHER's part to conclude that their past contestants were true representation of UK today.

It would be interesting to see how relationships develop in the house amongst sound minded individuals.

It is such a refreshing concept.

I urge you all to watch. You know where to find it!

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!