Jay-Z--"Blueprint 3" Album

Hey MochaBelles,

For all my Jay-Z fans out there, you read this correctly! Apparently, Jigga is comin out with another album. After American Gangster...I don't know WHAT to expect. Well, this album is supposed to appeal to the MASSES and I hear that Timberland is producing most of it and wants it to have an international feel. For your listening pleasure, I have included a video of his performance of his track "Jockin' Jay-Z" produced by his lil' bro' Kanye. Awwwww, throw a Diamond in the sky for this one!

"Official Girl" Battle--Karina vs. Cassie

Hey Mochalitas,

So it seems that we have two artists trying to be "Official Girls"....I have heard two versions of this song and have to say that I like Karina's version better, but with some added effects, Cassie's version is dope too. I have the video for Cassie's down below, but here is Karina's version for your listening pleasure. What do you think? Which Mocha finessed it?


Karina Pasian--"Official Girl"

New Music Videos

Hey MochaBelles,

I hope you had a successful week! I have been extremely busy trying to learn the ropes at my new job. For all my loyal readers, I apologize for the lack of freshness. However, while I was away, some of my favorite artists were busy making videos.

John Legend ft. Andre 3000--"Green Light"



When I first heard this track, it was really hard to stomach; I guess I couldn't get the rhythm and was questioning why this was a John Legend song. However, like Andre 3-thou said, "Even Stevie had to come from behind the piano....!" I am really feeling this song and will add it to my workout playlist....

Cassie ft. Lil Wayne--"Official Girl"



I am really feeling this track. Not really a fan of Cassie's vocals, but she has created a nice track and she looked FAB in the video. She was definitely rocking some *MO-KNOWS* with a few of these outfits, and a *MO-NO* with her booty cameo and the random bikini outfit. The video seems to be a case of art imitating life....if you have been up to date on your gossip blog readings.

T.I.--"Whatever You Like"



Since I rep the Dirty South, I had to include this track. I like the Daddy Warbucs feel that T.I. is showing in this video. And I hope you remember MochaBelle Reagan Gomez-Preston who played Zaria on "The Parent Hood" TV show. We really had good television back then, didn't we! The song is a change from the rapper's usually gritty hooks and verses, a nice filler song on his upcoming album, Paper Trail, due in stores September 30th.

Ne-Yo--"Miss Independent"



I love the song; not too fond of the video. I feel like he could have done more with this............
Mochas, what are your thoughts?

Free Spa Day

Hey Mochabelles,

Do you need a tune up on your spa treatments? Well Spa Chinois is offering a few services today FREE OF CHARGE. From 12-7 you can choose from the following services

Free Foot Scrub
Free Eyebrow, lip or chin wax
Free Chinois Couture Face Mask
Free Hair Styling & Consultation

I'm in need of some relaxation myself so I will definitely be there today!

Spa Chinois

44 West 55th Street 5th Floor

New York, NY

212-245-3245

Nicole Richie--Bad Girl Gone Good

Hey Mochabelles,

During my morning commute to Brooklyn, I was reading the paper and came across some good celebrity gossip! Nicole Richie and her boo Joel Madden have created a foundation to help disadvantaged mothers. There website (richiemaddenfoundation.com) looks cool and I am glad to hear someone helping to resolve these issues in our own nation as well as abroad. The foundations goal is:

While providing direct assistance to those in need, its
broader mission is to raise awareness of systemic issues such as health care,
education and human rights as they impact disadvantaged children in the U.S. and
worldwide.

Solange--"Sandcastle Disco"

• MTV
• Music Videos
• MTV Shows
• Entertainment News

The Mochalicious Solange is determined to be respected as an artist...and not because she is Beyonce's kid sister. I am feeling her approach to music, it's fresh, it's new, it's necessary in these cookie cutter times.

However, to distance herself from the Queen B, she is definitely going to have to rock a new cut.....i.e. Rihanna edgy, Keri Hilson Bob, something that says SOLANGE! I like her material thus far.....she has definitely been blessed with a lyrical talent.

Musiq--"On My Radio"

Hey MochaBelles,

I was JUST thinking about where music is going this year...and who should I see when visiting my fave site..MUSIQ Soulchild. I am really excited to know that he will be coming out in November with his FIFTH album. I know you are excited. For you listening pleasure, here is his song ON MY RADIO.

Not sure if I am a fan of this particular song, and if this is the general idea of the rest of the CD...not sure I am feeling what his A&R is trying to do...

Let me give you some Throwback Thursday LOVE with this Musiq song that is a summer MUST...reminds me of a trip to Miami I took with some of my favorite NYU BUDDIES...

New Ne-Yo--"Let Just Be"

Hey MochaBelles,

I've got a treat for you. Today, while cruising with my boss, Ne-Yo came on the radio and my boss told me that if he weren't told that it was Ne-Yo singing, he would have thought it was Michael Jackson! First off, I couldn't believe my boss even knew who Ne-Yo was, and secondly I had to agree with him. Well, enough about me....

In anticipation of his Year of the Gentlemen album coming out September 16th, I wanted to let my Mochas hear this track that gets me going in da morning: Ne-Yo's "Let Just Be".

I love it! Can I really just find a dude and just BE? Can I not look fly all the time? That's just me.....Mochalitas, what do we think? Like it/No like it? Also let Ne-Yo know what you think too at http://www.yearofthegentlemen.com/

Want more? Check out the "Closer" video...

L'Oreal gives Beyonce Vitiligo

Uh-oh Mochalitas....

Seems like our Mochalicious Beyonce has been given a case of Vitiligo by L'Oreal. TMZ.com posted an image of the ad that has been featured in Elle, Essence and other publications and L'Oreal has responded by saying:

"Beyoncé Knowles has been a spokesperson for the L'Oréal
Paris brand since 2001."
"We highly value our relationship with Ms. Knowles. It is
categorically untrue that L'Oréal Paris altered Ms. Knowles' features or
skin-tone in the campaign for Feria's hair color."

I'm not upset by this ad....I DONT USE this product and I don't know any other MOCHABELLES that do....I'm mad they made QUEEN B look kinda manish....peep that strong jaw...AHH...if I were her people I would be OUTRAGED..!!!

Okay, on a more serious note.....{D.Rivers approaches podium and cues spotlight}

LADIES, we spend billions of dollars on cosmetics and L'Oreal is the largest maker of cosmetics; if we want to do something about it...LET'S DO IT...let's find all the businesses that celebrate the MOCHA that we possess (ALL shades of Mocha) and give the BILLIONS of dollars that we spend on products to them....!!!

By now you are thinking I'm crazy and you are gonna continue buying what you buy cuz who can really make a change; however, this attitude is something that L'OREAL and other companies that mass produce images of beauty know exists and are thus not threatened by our feelings of outrage!

To quote Mahatma Gandhi:

A customer is the most important visitor on our
premises. He is not dependent on us. We are
dependent on him. He is not an interruption of our work. He is the purpose of
it. He is not an outsider to our business. He is part of it. We are not doing
him a favour by serving him. He is doing us a favour by giving us the
opportunity to do so.

So, when we are ready to make change, and realize that the WE keep these companies afloat, say something......'til then....try playing a different hand outta ya deck of cards cuz those beauty moguls aren't fooled.........{D. Rivers steps down from podium}

Omarion's Mini Documentary

It's been a minute since I have heard from Omarion and I can say that I am still feeling that Icebox joint! Interestingly enough, "O" has decided to let his fans in on his new beginnings journey. I like the video he has put together and think it gives us a sense of who he is. I really like the fact that his mother does his hair....I have yet to meet a dude that would let a woman cut his hair! Although it is kinda on the dramatic side; I like it nonetheless. ALSO, he gives a shoutout to one of my favorite gossip sites..CONCRETELOOP, where they present gossip in a CLASSY way!

Kanye West--100m CHAMPION

Hey MochaBelles,

Just in time for the 2008 Olympics, one of my favorite ROC boys has done it again. In a video, reminiscent of the Crank Yankers, Kanye West explains why he is a CHAMPION! I love this dude's mind; he is not afraid to explore and mix mediums that may not seem compatible, and comes out with something fresh. He sets the tone of what is popular and I am a proud marcher to the beat of Kanye's synthesized drums! It seems like I am always surrounded by him...from the subway ads, to radio play, to magazines...enjoy his official video.

Bartering is BACK, Hello Beacon's Closet

Since I will be moving to Williamsburg : ) , I wanted to get a feel for what's nice in my neighborhood. To start, I have heard about Beacon's Closet on various vintage clothing websites and wanted to know if you all have been here. The first time I went I thought it was really nice; a fresh take on acquiring clothes without the guilt associated with dropping an entire paycheck on a few items. I haven't been back in a while, but now that I have some clothing I would like to get rid of, I guess now would be a good time to explore. After reading over the site, if they don't decide to purchase your clothing, they will donate them to one of the many charities that they work with! So.....if you can't get some extra cash, you can help another Mochalicious diva that may be experiencing turbulent times ;-)

In the spirit of "Moving On Up"...enjoy this classic theme song...its needs no introduction people, you should know this one!

Bernie Mac & Isaac Hayes Pass Away

Bernie Mac passed away Sunday in Chicago due to complications from Pneumonia at 50 years old. The New York Times has a beautiful story about his life and I am truly amazed at how he could maintain his jovial spirit despite the difficulties he has faced throughout his life. Dont want to read; listen to this review of his work from a Chicago Tribune TV Critic...she brings up GREAT points. Do you remember your favorite Bernie Mac joke/TV episode/movie?

I also heard that Isaac Hayes has passed away today in Memphis, Tennessee at 65 years old. Needless to say, he was a musical great that suggested to contemporary musicians to become more original like musicians of his day. Take a look at the Associated Press video clip of a small sliver of some of his accomplishments. What's your favorite Isaac song/TV show/movie?

Both of these men were legends in entertainment and may they both rest in peace.

*Whites in Hip-Hop*

While browsing through Caribbean Life, a periodical that I saw at a restaurant during my lunch break, I came across an interesting article that we should discuss. WHITE LIKE ME: 10 Codes of Ethics for White People in Hip Hop was written by JLove (Jennifer Calderon) and I would encourage each of you HIP-HOP enthusiasts to read it. She has presented a CODE OF ETHICS for White members in Hip-Hop and uses this piece to bring about "personal and collective growth" for those who choose to be a part of this culture. I like her approach; overlooking her site, she seems credible and is about the use of Hip-Hop as a mode of change and empowerment for multiple communities. The author gets straight to the point: identify what you are joining, how you fit, and what assumptions you must defeat in order to be a viable member of this culture. Moreover, she says that gaining access isn't enough; once gained you are responsible for educating others. This is an element that Hip-Hop has abandoned in our pursuit to Get Rich or Die Trying (much love to Fifty and his Business Pursuits....the subject of my next post).

Subscribers of Hip-Hop...what do you think?