Video | Lupe Fiasco - I'm Beamin'

When it comes to rapping, Lupe Fiasco has that edge. He exudes complexity, conciousness and good vibes with each lyric he spews; you can tell he's real passionate about what he does. From his critically acclaimed debut album Food and Liquor to his upcoming release, Lasers, Lupe has been one of my favourite rappers. He doesn't disappoint with his latest video for the track I'm Beamin'. The theatrical setting along with the intergalactic special effects marry perfectly and not to mention Lupe Fiasco looks bloody hot in his all black outfit.



(Will you marry me, Lupe?)

Fashion | Shop Smart.

We live in a consumerist society people - let's not pretend otherwise. Acquiring new things is fun and I absolutely love shopping. Whether it be vintage trawling, desperately bidding on eBay or casually perusing in London's West End, I don't care. I get some sort of adrenalin rush and it feels damn great. However, as an impulsive shopper by nature, I've now decided that making lists before I go out gives me a cetain focus and I'm able to identify exactly what items are worthy enough to colour my wardrobe. Picking up long-lasting statements pieces and everyday staples help me to shop less but create several different outfits without breaking the bank. And plus, I have many holidays to save for this year so spending wisely is a must. Anyhow. Have a peep at my shopping list for May. It includes everything from shoes and clothes to cosmetics and general fashiony items (whatever those are!)  I compiled it after clicking away at shopstyle.co.uk - a fashionista's haven since high streets shops and designers brands are all on this one site making it easy to search, find and purchase!

• A pair of gladiator sandals
• A mesh shirt (white or black)
• A NEW HAIR DO!
• A vintage pair of Levi's demin shorts
• A pair of tan heeled sandals
• A pastel pink blazer
• A straw bag/clutch
• A pair of harem trousers

And I think that's it! My aim is to stick to the list... let's see how I get on. Until next time lovelies!

Video | Nas and Damien Marley - As We Enter

You know when two artists, revered in their own respective genres collaborate and the end result is nothing short of dynamite? Yeah, well that's exactly what Nas and Damien Marley have created - a certified kaboom track. As We Enter from the album Distant Relatives, is somewhat of a reggae/hip-hop fusion, fast paced and hyped. It's almost in a call and response format, with Marley's choppy vocals in his signature Jamaican accent and Nas rapping with that typical Escobar New York swagger. I love it - especially the line,

'...and my man can speak patois, and I can speak rap star,
y'all feel me even if its in swahili, habari gani, msuri sana, switch up the language and move to Ghana...'

 

Meet and Greet | Chance meeting with Dash.

After an evening of shopping and perusing the West End stores for some trusty additions to my wardrobe, I was lucky enough to meet none other than Joel Dash. If you've ever taken the time to look at the blogs I read and recommend, you'll instantly recognise him from his own blog The Dash Empire. One word: Amazing. I was somewhat "excitable" but managed to find out what he was up to at the moment - working for a magazine having previously been a buyer at Selfridges and working at East London based magazine, Super Super. And despite him having an "off-day", he certainly looked fab, especially with the Louis Vuitton arm-candy he was sporting. *sigh* I salute you Mr Dash... you're great!

Fashion | Photoshoot with REDD.

A couple of weeks ago I had the privilege of working with some up and coming make-up artists Rhoda Abbey and Ekene from REDD. 'Twas a fun filled day indeed and I must say the make-up for all the models was absolutely fabolous. Kobbie Kessie took the photos at a studio in Brent Cross - and I may seem a tad bias (oh well) but watch out for these guys in the future! Here are some pics that will definitely feature in my portfolio. 

L'Introspective | Memory Lane.

It's amazing what you can find lost on your computer. I happened to stumble upon this video that I made some years back, featuring my made up character, Titilope Adejoke Williams (don't ask). I laughed so hard after watching this - I don't know what got into me at all.

Remember | Guru

1966-2010

Everyone in hip-hop hailed Guru aka Keith Elam, one half of duo Gang Starr as a pionner in the industry. One of the most lyrically complex rappers ever, Guru graced the hip-hop with intellect and smooth beats along with DJ Premier. As one of the most successful and acclaimed rappers of his time, Guru (Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal) fused jazz into his music, creating and virtually fronting a new movement in the music game. And now as he lays to rest after losing his lengthy battle with cancer; while his physical presence may be no more, he lives on through his music, through his passion that inspired many others to become pioneers in all walks of life. Rest in peace Guru.

Fashion | Christiane King

Whilst reading a couple of other blogs, like the appreciative blogger I am, I stumbled across some designs from Christiane King, a fellow Ivorian making waves in the fashion industry! Despite an early exit from the worldwide hit US TV show Project Catwalk, Christiane King continues to make waves in Los Angeles where her fashion label is based. After pleading in previous posts for an African version of Vogue, seeing her immaculate dresses being worn by some of the world's most recognisable faces, including Teri Hatcher and Lisa Raye, I can willingly admit that my smile stretched from Peckham all the way to the Kalahari. And she's from my country which is always a big plus! Her dress making is reminiscent of the breezy, sunshiny tailors from the African continent with a fantastic modern twist. I want need one of these dresses in my wardrobe.  S'il vous plaît? View some designs from her AW'10 collection below.

Today I Wore | Presidential Affair

After much delay, I finally decided to celebrate my birthday at the plush Embassy Club in Mayfair. Needless to say, my fashion had to be on point! I wore an off-white assymetrical dress from Aqua Couture teamed with my beige Carvela heels and a white blazer from Topshop. Have a peep at how the outfit turned out below!

Side note: Dancing for hours in 5 inch heels wrecked my thighs on a different level, but Embassy definitely lived up to my expectations!

Article | Politics or Politricks?

I'm not voting this year. Or next year, or the year after that. Politics doesn't interest me; I'm funny about trusting strangers. And that's exactly what I feel Gordon Brown (Labour Party), Nick Clegg (Liberal Democrats) and David Cameron (Conservative Party) are; this year's election front-runners. Funnily enough, neither of the three have beards which I find even more disturbing about them, but hey - each to their own. Nevertheless, I did watch the first ever Leader's TV Debate, a programme I found both compelling and at times, humourous. Each party leader reiterated their respective manifestos, answered questions from the audience and churned out some worthy quotes with Gordon Brown carefully pointing out to David Cameron how one can "airbrush their posters, but not their policies", a quote which had me nodding and tweeting furiously.

Aside from the political banter though, I did manage to pick up some of the plans each party leader had - Clegg wanted to introduce regional work permits and reduce the so-called "colleges of crime" that we formally know as prisons. Cameron highlighted the key point of limiting bureaucracy and minimising red tape in relation to law and order. Brown focused on the idea of a citizen conjunction, one that would enable the public to launch complaints against the police force working in their constituencies. Yes, much talk. But who's to say that any of these policies would come into effect when one of these men take the reigns? This is where my problem lies with the world of politics. Politicians possess the ability to canter on and on about reforming the public sector, improving education, the health system and the like, but each year, the public are showered with excuses, delays and tax increases.

As a young person, I'm not compelled to vote. Yes, I'll graduate when one of these party leaders are in power; and yes, their policies affect me. But I am not prepared to vote for a man who I do not trust, cannot relate to and ultimately do not like. With my education behind me, the world is my oyster, so that's where my main focus lies. Educating myself and increasing my intellect which may not necessarily involve the political world. Plus, no-one likes a trickster, right?

Vogue Verdict | May 2010

Usually, when that curious white package slips through the door early in the month, my heart skips. It didn't this time as I found the package already laying on my bed when I got home that evening from work; my magazine was delivered on a Saturday morning surprisingly. But, after going through my ritual excitement Vogue dance, I was thoroughly disappointed to see Gwyneth Paltrow on the cover. I'm not a big fan of seeing celebrities on covers of fashion magazines, hence the reason why I promptly stopped buying Vogue US. I like to see models posing on the front, I mean it's only fair, right? Anyway. Flicking through the pages, and my disappointment grew and grew. Three uninspiring editorials featuring models Constance Jablonski, Karlie Kloss and Dorothea Barth Jorgensen, the latter shockingly resembling that horrific character from The Ring films. Not good. A feature on the late enfant terrible of fashion, Lee McQueen saved this month's issue from utter neglect, as did a snappy inclusion on eight upcoming females; actresses, models and photographers and the like, including Leah Weller, Zoe Zimmer and Josephine de la Baume in fantastic Louis Vuitton. Another perky article on the sudden injection and focus of fashion in the British pop industry by Guardian fashion editor Jess Cartner-Morley again lifted this article ennuyant but not to an exciting degree. The More Dash Than Cash feature was as drab as the issue itself and quite frankly this post reflects my utter disgust at the seemingly laissez-faire efforts of this month's contributors. So I'm not going to write anymore.

Video | Drake - Over

Hmm. When it comes to Drake, I guess one could say I have a love-hate relationship with the guy. He's a well seasoned rapper, extremely talented and charismatic but I'm not overly bowled over by him. However, the hype surrounding him doesn't at all surprise me; Drake offers a fresh take on the rap game that individuals such as Jay-Z, 50 Cent or Nas may not necessarily capture. His punchlines are witty and intelligent, and the hunger he displayed on mixtapes such as Comeback Season and So Far Gone seems to still be a remaining feature on his upcoming album Thank Me Later, scheduled for release in summer. While some debate on whether Drake has stolen the flow of artists such as Kanye West or Lil' Wayne, I question whether this Young Money export can truly prove to be among the greatest rappers alive. Check out his newest video for single Over below.

L'Introspective | Happy Birthday To Me!

Today I Wore | Red Lipstick

I thought I'd do a post on my fantabolous new red lipstick. It's the exact one from the picture, in shade Mac Red; not a blazing fire engine rouge but more of a sexy deep scarlet, I think. Being quite sceptical I did try out a few shades including Mac Cockney red and a couple others, but judging from the smiling stares and nods, I opted for this one. Since red is such a bold, statement colour, I kept the rest of my make-up very simple, only applying black eyeliner and mascara and a touch of colour on my cheeks. I swept my hair to the side to create a casual chic day look and teamed this with a grey boyfriend blazer, my trusty denim skinnies and a bréton vest top from Gap. Quite nautical but very Parisienne at the same time. I slung my navy Longchamp Pliage bag on my shoulders and slipped some tan Office open toe wedges on my feet to complete my look. And voila! A spring way to wear dashing red lipstick! See below for pictures and let me know what you think!