The Real Chick

Something Better

April King — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 00:09:30 +0000

What is the true essence of love? On this 14th day of February 2010 as I sit watching a string of romantic comedies, I pose this question to myself. As I reflect on this day, I think about the fact that I was in love on this very day last year. I had a nice dinner and received a huge bunch of roses. I had let go of all of my reservations and unzipped my heart to let a reciprocal flow of emotions circulate. Given my sudden and subsequent unprepared loss of that relationship, I also question if one should allow their heart such unrestricted access. Is it really God’s will to make us suffer the most extreme pain, a pain only second to the death of a loved one. A feeling that is so unbearable that the only response is the well-wisher’s anecdote of taking it as a learning experience, that something’s better is waiting.

Something better?

Isn’t it possible that we waste precious and valuable time always in search of a better version of anything? For instance, Apple just released their new iPad and it is the answer to my obsession to purchasing an iPod Touch or even changing my cell plan and getting the iPhone. I’m intrigued by all of the apps, games and the Internet browsing, features that are available on the current model. Hypocritically, I’m waiting for the better 2nd generation model to be released at a later date. It’s supposed to have a 3G connection as opposed to the limited wi-fi. It could be more expensive and suffer from it’s own set of operating system issues, but hey it’s the latest, so it must be the greatest, right?

This causes me to wonder… has finding love become synonymous with waiting for the latest upgrade?

Love… there can’t be anyone better than the one who takes your breath away. Better means that you found the person that you most enjoy speaking with on a daily basis or making love to when the mood strikes, the one who you want to make life better for and assist in making their dreams come true.

So to answer the question…

Love is caring for, accepting, enjoying, appreciating, and being satisfied with the one that was fortunate enough to have intersected your path.

Images:
Sunset: April King
iPad: apple.com
First love: Norman Rockwell (art.com)

Chick Check! Nicki Minaj…

April King — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:28:59 +0000

Nicki Minaj

For our inaugural post, I am Chick Checking Nicki Minaj. This female rapper has come on the scene, apparently out of nowhere. I first heard her name through the grapevine, but the chatter mostly focused on her voluptuous frame, and her affiliation with rapper Lil Wayne, so it wasn’t until I saw Yo Gotti’s video ft. Minaj, along with Trina and Gucci Mane that I raised an eyebrow. I was impressed with this chick’s creative flow and the way she held her own with the other, more established rappers who shared the track with her. I have since followed Nicki Minaj on Twitter, subscribed to her Youtube channel and perused http://nicki-minaj.org/. I have not yet confirmed that this is her official website, however, the site posted that, “Minaj is the metaphor which underscores Nicki’s empowerment to have it all and do it all! The 23-year-old native of Jamaica Queens, New York is also a trained and accomplished writer, singer, actress and hip hop artist. Her “Wonder Woman” characteristics are embodied in the three facets of Nicki Minaj. The three elements that comprise this modern day “Wonder Woman” are Nicki the Ninja, Nicki the Harajuku Barbie and Nicki the Boss.”

I’m feeling this chick so far and I’m looking forward to seeing if she delivers like the other artist out of Lil Wayne’s camp, Drake. It seems as if Drake agrees that Minaj is a force to be reckoned with. He announced via his Twitter page that, “EVERYBODY JUST GOT ATE!!!! @NICKIMINAJ is the best female rapper alive.”

Minaj reminds me of Little Kim circa Hard Core, which isn’t a bad thing. I was a huge fan of Lil Kim during that era, however, Minaj seems to have the lyrical ability and swagger to hold her own in the booth. I am excited to see what this new female MC has to offer.

So, Nicki Minaj has officially been Chick Checked. We’ve got our eye on you, girl!

Source: nicki-minaj.org
http://twitter.com/drakkardnoir

Chick Check! We’ve Got Our Eye On You, Girl!

April King — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:05:48 +0000

My mic sounds nice… Check One!
My mic sounds nice… Check Two!
My mic sounds nice… Check Three!

The Chick Check is a featured column that will find and follow the most interesting chicks in artistry. Whether it’s music, movies/tv, fashion, or general “business babes,” we will feature those “Real Chicks” that are hott enough to make us take notice.

Following the wisdom of the original female rap group Salt-N-Pepa, this means they are “keeping on and they don’t stop!”

Photo credit: lynnedjohnson.com

Get the perfect brown smokey eye.

April King — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:59:57 +0000

Metallic Brown Smokey Eye—The Easiest Smokey Eye Ever!! – Amazing videos are here

Source: metacafe.com

Former NBA player Juaquin “Hawk” Hawkins Beat the Odds

April King — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 06:34:28 +0000

Juaquin Hawkins

Juaquin “Hawk” Hawkins has a charmed existence. The former college basketball star and slam dunk champion went on to live his dream by advancing to the NBA with the Houston Rockets. However, what really makes this athlete special is what he overcame during his tenure playing the game. Hawkins survived a stroke, which went undetected for over two days. His condition was first attributed to dehydration and he was forced to take a two hour flight which could’ve resulted in death for the player.

These days, Juaquin is spreading awareness as an ambassador for the American Stoke Association as well as by developing a motion picture based on his story. Juaquin is happy and lucky to be alive and he shows his appreciation by coaching youth basketball players through his Hawks Hoops Basketball camp. According to his Facebook profile, his goal is “teaching boys and girls the fundamentals of shooting, dribbling, defense, etc., and also helping to develop self-esteem, confidence and teaching the advantages of sports and education.”

Hawkins hopes that he can spread awareness about the signs of a stroke so that this tragedy can be prevented in others. He is an example that a stroke can strike anyone, at any time. Even a physically fit, young basketball player.

Is There Really a Such Thing as “Good Hair?”

April King — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 19:34:06 +0000

Hair is serious business in the black community. I say community because men are just as serious about their hair as women. Men search high and low to find the perfect barber, someone who can cut their hair just right, give them that perfect hairline and the right shave. They will follow their barbers to various barbershops, adjust their schedules to fit into an appointment and often build lasting friendships with this important person. And if hair is this important to men, a woman’s enthusiasm far exceeds that of her male counterpart. A woman will create a ritual around her style days. It is a permanent fixture on her calendar, the one unbreakable appointment. Doctor visits, dinner dates, parent conferences, they all have to made around this date and time. Women love talking with their stylist about new hairstyles, life’s milestones, children, gossip (their own as well as others) and any other topic that happens to come up. Some people have therapists… Well black women have hairstylists. It is what it is and the process has never been questioned, that is, until now. Chris Rock’s new documentary titled “Good Hair” has let the cat out of the bag.

Chris Rock was a guest on The Oprah Show recently to discuss his new documentary and she basically opened by telling him that he had let out all of our secrets. I didn’t quite understand this comment at the time, however after attending the movie’s premiere last night… Oprah, I feel you, honey, I feel you!

Good Hair was Chris Rock’s way of exploring the topic of hair issues in the black community after his small daughter approached him teary-eyed with the question of why she didn’t have “good hair.” This seemingly simple question prompted the “bewildered comic to commit himself to search the ends of the earth and the depths of black culture to find out who had put that question into his little girl’s head!” Rock provided commentary by famous names such as Nia Long, Raven Simone, Ice-T and Al Sharpton, among others. He traveled to various cities around the country and spoke with hair salon proprietors, hair care manufacturers, show promoters as well as everyday people who have been impacted in some way by the black hair care industry. One of the most memorable excursions in the documentary was Rock’s trip around the world to India to explore the source of the hair used for extensions in this country.

Let me start off by saying that I was quite nervous to see this movie. Since Chris Rock is a funny man who is not afraid to speak freely (to say the least), I imagined a movie that would set us back a hundred or so years. However, I was pleasantly surprised with how the movie raised pertinent points such as the safety of chemicals to adult and minor patrons as well as the stylists providing the service, the exploitation of the black consumers in the product manufacturing and retail sectors of the market as well as learning where and how many products are made. I also enjoyed learning of the showmanship of stylist competing in renowned hair shows, and his mention of the wealth potential of young stylists graduating from beauty college.
View snippet

Needless to say, every group has their little secret and the African American community whispers of what is gone through in pursuit of “good hair.” What I learned from this movie is that whatever “good hair” is, it is different for everyone. The thing is, it has been this way pretty much forever and if you are a black woman you have dealt with the conflicting issues in regards to hair care, style, processes, etc. This is a well-known subject, however, it is one that is often not addressed in circles outside of our own. It never had to be. It’s like that one big family who know to keep their business to themselves.

The documentary as well as my own experiences made me think about how every little girl will experience the frustration and subsequent expert-esque skill of perfecting her own hair ritual. Regardless of race, hair texture, color or length, women are always in search of the perfect serum, straighter, defrizzer, or brush that will make them look better then they did when they hopped out of bed that morning. While a lot of thought is put into our manes, it is equivalent to brushing our teeth or going to the bathroom…It has to be done.

View Good Hair ft. Chris Rock Official Trailer

Love Him Through His Stomach

April King — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:32:43 +0000

Pop Art Toaster, poparttoaster.com

It takes a lot of love and effort to surprise that special person in your life with a real meal prepared in a live, actual kitchen, right? Think about it. You buy the pertinent ingredients, clean the kitchen, marinate the main course, pre-heat the oven, etc.… all before or after the required eight or more hours at work. The worst part about all of this effort is the fact that the attempt is often lost on the person that the endeavor is geared toward. Now, you can be sure that your point gets across!

My thought is that discretion has no place in the pursuit of loving gestures and in lieu of knocking that person over the head with a steaming plate, you can leave them a note outpouring your desire to feed their soul. Creative. Yes. Subtle, absolutely not!

It is now possible to etch your adoration onto their toast, in the same manner that you are attempting to etch your love in their hearts. What’s that old saying: “The way to a love’s heart is through their stomach.” That old adage has gone quite literal with the invent of a cool new appliance that allows you to toast images and words onto your toast-able edibles of choice. Pop Art Toasters have removable stencil plates that allow you to etch images such as hearts, birthday cakes or a smiley face and words such as Luv U and I’m Hott and even Boys R Smelly for those girls-only brunch Sundays.

So, show your affection and make sure they get the point. Happy toasting!

Beyonce, Green Day & Lady Gaga Lead The Way With Three Moonmen at the ‘2009 Video Music Awards’

April King — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:49:51 +0000

MTV turned New York City inside out for the “2009 Video Music Awards” as the network celebrated a legend and brought together the biggest names in music, TV, film and sports. Live from Radio City Music Hall, VMA icon Madonna opened the show and introduced the emotional and heartfelt tribute to Michael Jackson. Janet Jackson was joined onstage by the most renowned choreographers in the world and Michael’s tour dancers, all of whom were influenced by the “King of Pop,” for a memorable and high energy performance. To honor her brother and his illustrious career, the dancers recreated some of his most memorable music videos including “Thriller,” “Bad,” “Smooth Criminal” and “Scream.” The celebration received a standing ovation and set the tone for the most important evening in music and pop culture.

Always controversial, British comedian Russell Brand pushed the envelope as he had fun with a slew of new stars and charmed the ladies. Aerosmith’s Joe Perry and popstar Katy Perry helped Russell kick-off his hosting duties in a big way with a light infused performance of the classic rock anthem by Queen, “We Will Rock You.”

Young country-pop superstar Taylor Swift earned “Best Female Video” for “You Belong With Me” in one of the most competitive categories of the evening, causing Kanye West to storm the stage in protest of Beyonce not winning. In a gracious act, Beyonce later called Taylor back on stage to rightfully accept her award. Beyonce did win an outstanding three moonmen including the coveted “Video of the Year” award for her viral video sensation “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).” Also landing three statues was Lady Gaga including “Best New Artist” for her hit single “Poker Face.” Green Day made a triumphant return to the VMAs by claiming three awards including “Best Rock Video” for “21 Guns.” Eminem walked away victorious in an extremely heated race for “Best Hip Hop Video” with “We Made You.”

Adding to her collection of moonmen and accepting her award via satellite while on tour, Britney Spears won “Best Pop Video” for “Womanizer.” After officially premiering at last year’s show, T.I. and Rihanna won “Best Male Video” for their multi-platinum song “Live Your Life.”

Eminem once again showcased his comedic chops teaming up with Tracy Morgan and featuring a cameo by Cyndi Lauper to present the “Best New Artist” nominees throughout the show.

Drawing on the musical energy and passion of New York City, MTV used the city as a backdrop to showcase the unprecedented and groundbreaking performances from today’s most popular artists. Making her first VMA performance a standout, Taylor Swift sang a never-before-heard version of her single “You Belong With Me.” Taylor fully incorporated all NYC has to offer by transitioning from a subway car to 6th Avenue surrounded by fans and ending her performance on top of a taxi cab.

Known for her over the top live performances and fashion forward style, Lady Gaga turned a childhood dream into a reality as she made her grand entrance into VMA history. During her unforgettable performance of “Paparazzi,” the international superstar gives her own interpretation on the price of fame which culminates with her levitating into the air.

Surrounded by pyro and using every corner of the VMA stage, fan favorite Green Day made an explosive return to the VMA stage by giving a high energy rock performance of their single “East Jesus Nowhere.”

Beyonce had all of Radio City dancing to “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” with her call and response to the audience as she translated her music video phenomenon to the live stage. The pop diva was backed by an army of dancers as they displayed their incomparable dance moves during her performance.

Already a household name across the pond, British rockers Muse gave a breakthrough performance expanding their fan base worldwide. The band performed their latest single “Uprising” from a live remote at the Walter Kerr Theater in the Broadway district of Manhattan in front of hundreds of screaming fans.

Determined to top herself and once again raise the bar for live performances, P!nk mastered a jaw-dropping aerial act 30 feet above the stage while performing her single “Sober.” And yes, she sang every single word of it.

Bringing the show to a climactic end, JAY-Z and Alicia Keys honored their hometown of New York as they gave a powerful performance of “Empire State of Mind.”

As the official VMA house band, hip-hop’s newest challenger Wale and the legendary go go band UCB hyped up the audience as they put their own unique spin on some of the biggest songs of the year, his own material and a few classic covers. They collaborated with a number of artists including Kid Cudi with “Day And Night,” The All-American Rejects with “Gives You Hell,” Pitbull with “You Know You Want Me” and 3OH!3 with “Don’t Trust Me”. Kid Cudi honored DJ AM during his performance of “Make Her Say.”

The star studded show also included appearances by Megan Fox, Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Jack Black, Andy Samberg, Kristin Cavallari, Pete Wentz, Gerard Butler, Diddy, Tracy Morgan, Adam Brody, Jamie-Lynn Sigler, Alexa Chung, Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship and Justin Bieber, Ne-Yo, Nelly Furtado, Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart, Taylor Lautner, Chace Crawford, Leighton Meester, Miranda Cosgrove and Serena Williams.

The MTV audience was treated to exclusive first looks at fall’s most anticipated films and soundtracks including Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT and The Twilight Saga: New Moon trailers during the show. Viewers were also given a sneak peek at the latest trailer from the upcoming movie Fame during MTV News’ “2009 VMA Preshow.”

Source: MTV

2009 MTV VIDEO MUSIC AWARDS WINNERS

April King — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 20:49:09 +0000

GENERAL CATEGORIES:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Beyonce
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album: I AM. . .SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter

BEST NEW ARTIST
Lady Gaga
Title: Poker Face
Album: The Fame
Director: Ray Kay
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Rockhard Films
Producer: Jil Hardin/ Nicole Ehrich

BEST MALE VIDEO
T.I. featuring Rihanna
Title: Live Your Life
Album: Paper Trail
Director: Anthony Mandler
Label: Atlantic Records
Production Company: Les Enfants Terribles
Producer: Gina Leonard

BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Taylor Swift
Title: You Belong With Me
Album: Fearless
Director: Roman White
Label: Big Machine Records
Production Company: Revolution Pictures
Producer: Randy Brewer

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Eminem
Title: We Made You
Album: Relapse
Director: Joseph Kahn
Label: Aftermath/Interscope
Production Company: HSI Productions
Producer: Mary Ann Tanedo

BEST POP VIDEO
Britney Spears
Title: Womanizer
Album: Circus
Director: Joseph Kahn
Label: Jive/Zomba Label Group
Production Company: HSI Productions
Producer: Mary Ann Tanedo

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES:

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Beyonce
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album: I AM. . .SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter
Choreographer: Jaquel Knight & Frank Gatson Jr.

BEST DIRECTION
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos

BEST EDITING
Beyonce
Title: Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)
Album: I AM. . .SASHA FIERCE
Director: Jake Nava
Label: Music World Music/Columbia
Production Company: Anonymous Content
Producer: John Winter
Editor: Jarrett Fijal

BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS
Lady Gaga
Title: Paparazzi
Album: The Fame
Director: Jonas Akerlund
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Factory Films Ltd.
Producer: Steven Johnson/Nicole Ehrich

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Green Day
Title: 21 Guns
Album: 21st Century Breakdown
Director: Marc Webb
Label: Reprise Records
Production Company: DNA Inc
Producer: Michael Angelos
Cinematographer: Jonathan Sela

BEST ART DIRECTION
Lady Gaga
Title: Paparazzi
Album: The Fame
Director: Jonas Akerlund
Label: Streamline/KonLive/Cherrytree/Interscope
Production Company: Factory Features
Producer: Steven Johnson/Nicole Ehrich
Art Director: Jason Hamilton

ONLINE CATEGORIES:

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO
Matt & Kim
Title: Lessons Learned
Album: Grand
Director: Taylor Cohen & Otto Arsenault
Label: Fader
Production Company: FVNMO
Producer: Taylor Cohen, Otto Arsenault

BEST VIDEO (THAT SHOULD HAVE WON A MOONMAN)
Beastie Boys
Title: Sabotage
Album: III Communication
Director: Spike Jonze
Label: Grand Royal/Capitol Records

Source: MTV

Fuller Lips, Thinner Hips… Is it Possible?

April King — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:53:30 +0000

Appetite suppressing lipgloss

My name is April and I’m a beauty junkie. The first step is admittance, right? Whether it’s the latest mascara that will bring out my brown eyes, the cream that promises to tame my unruly curls, or those vitamins that swears that my cellulite will dissolve after ingesting six pills three times daily; I’m game. On a recent lazy afternoon, while flipping through a dozen or so magazines, I came across a lipgloss that promises that my lips will get fuller while my appetite goes the opposite way. Intriguing, right? Who doesn’t want a sexy pout and a smaller muffin top?

Purple lab “merges science, technology, fashion, and beauty” with its new lipgloss, aptly named Huge Lips, Skinny Hips, which has Hoodia, a natural appetite suppressant and Vitamin B3, for it plumping properties.