Pre-Goodbye,Summer.

This is strictly freestyle, just stating and UNstating how I feel right about now.

Summer, Oh dear Summer ... what have you brought me?
Beach trips, Parties, Sandals, Scarves...oh, what a treat!
New men, THROWBACK men, so fathomable, yet, unfathomable for this girl to see

Internships, new opportunities, on my way to space
Unstoppable, Impossible... that is my state
Compromising my relations to obtain my fate
Because God has granted me a blessing ... to stamp a name never to be erased

But, you have deceived me Summer
For these events don't leave me complete
No friends, no family ... it's only me
On my own two feet

I began my summer juggling summer class and play
Went away for a long weekend, with no retrace
Random people here and there...don't know my name ... don't know theirs
Too much fun at once to remember names, even so...I probably won't ever see them again...so who cares

Random hook ups, new dude every day
Name, place, and dates dispersed through the air...unrevealed
Fill in the blanks, unmask their faces
Nope, sorry, my lips are sealed

Family events, family outings
...Cant get enough of them
Then days turn into weeks
and I ask myself, 'Where did they go? What happened to them?'

My best friend is gone for the entire Summer with no phone nor access
Who will I now share my moments with? Who will now help me clean up my mess?
Well, she comes back home for three days...and I only see her once
Her boyfriend has seen her several times, and when she returns...they're still inseperable...but I ask 'What about your friends? What about us?'

Speaking of friends...mine are no where to be found
I spent this summer alone...just listening to my 'Snowflake' ... hearing my sounds
No phone calls, no outreach ... seems like I'm unintentionally M.I.A.
With no friends around, I have had no choice but to become my main

Obviously I have been kept constantly busy with school and my internship
Constantly around people, but still alone
I went from being a social butterfly to never using my phone

Summer you have provided me with a series of Give and Take
I gave you my social life...as collaterol for my mind
See, spending all my time alone has provided me the space to evaluate
Evaluate all situations, evaluate me and my life

You brought an old *friend back into my life
A man I would have never thought to see
We have gone from yards to centimeters in our relationship
We've gotten pretty close, so close, it frightens me

Secrets unfold and linger through my ears
Causing traffic between my heart and my mind
So much so, I'm left speechless
Summer, you can be so inconsiderate...dumped me like garbage, left me in a mess

Subsequently, I meet a 'cool kid'
He likes what I likes, he's into what I'm into
Then I mess with the cool kid
Now that's all he wants to do, and now...that's all I want to do

...But he holds value
and I wouldn't mind having him around as a good friend
But I've been through this too many times before
and I know once a friendship like this takes on this language...it becomes difficult to comprehend

There's a certain appeal I have that many try to unfold
Funny because my appeal isn't an object...so how could it even be bent?
It's within...my little weapon
As you see, as any weapon, theusage is uncontrollable... it ups the count in 'friends'

And let's talk about....tanning.
Where the hell did mine go?
I want to be a deep, cinnamon BROWN
Deep brown, as the color of my soul

Instead, I'm sweet, caramel brown
Sugar rush...spreading cavities to those who taste
Ha, but as cavities, I leave a permanent mark
deep enough to touch the base

That is far from what I desire
I want to excite with my zest
Keep those interested but not enough to be planted
Just enough to be a scattered guest ;)

Don't get me wrong
I'm not 'that' type of gal
"I just want to have fun"
Even though 'fun' recently feels too watered down to grasp

To be continued...as the summer continues to stumble by....

SittingByThePhone.

Honestly, I'm very impatient...and staying up hearing the clock go 'tick tock' is a constant reminder of how time can all of a sudden stop.

-KéilaL<3ve.

Energy-KeriHilson.

Keri Hilson finally releases her first single, "Energy," and it seems as though she's receiving really good feedback. The song is catchy, realistic (hits close to home to some, huh?), and overall radio friendly. I can definitely hear this on mainstream radio.

Now, for the video...I love Keri Hilson, you all know I do. She's very gifted at what she does (especially writing), but in this video...uhmm. I'm not sure. To me, it seems as though she was trying too much...as though it wasn't coming off natural. But who knows, that might just be her 'natural' self...so say no more. Keri's body looks phenomenal in the video, and the guy in the video is =) too so, for the ladies (and some men lol), you have a little eye candy for your viewing pleasure as well.

So let me know what you think? Is it a hit for Keri?? ...or is it a 'maybe, next time.'



--This song took a while to grow on me too, but I always digged the lyrics. =]


-KéilaL<3ve.


Random Tid-bit: Ashanti and Nelly, they are way too cute. At first, I was jealous bc I've had the biggest celeb crush on Nelly for the longest, but Ashanti is also my girl...so at the same time...I wasn't tripping too much on Ashanti being his mate (even if I was...nothing I could do about it lol). Their song, "Body on Me," >>> ::exhale:: I don't know...it's not doing it for me. BUT "Good, Good" I love the video and song...it's just so...CUTE! Thank God Ashanti picked that song to be her single instead of "Body on Me." -Sorry for the many of videos I've posted ... I've been Youtube slaving. Well ... that's all ... toodles!

VideoOfTheWeek-4

This week's 'Video of the Week' features one of the many great pieces by spoken word artist, Oveous Maximus >Official Myspace<. I know that this is OLD, but I feel like this needs to be reached to as many people as possible (and to those who have heard it already...well I know you'll appreciate seeing/hearing it again...and again...and again lol). People need to understand the POWER of WORD!

Enjoy!



-KéilaL<3ve.

LetMeSetTheScene.

"I ain't one to cuss, but F@#k Ya!"

........

PutOn-Jeezy/Kanye.

I don't care how long this song has been out, but this is my ISH right here!

Honestly, Jeezy really knows how to move a crowd...remember the BET Awards??? Dude came out with only smoke on a stage...alone (well, until Kanye came out of course lol). Everyone in the crowd was on their feet! The video isn't spectacular, but the song is still dope, so.....

Enjoy!



Side-Note: Kanye is a trip!!! LOL...That's why I love the guy!

-KéilaL<3ve

HowDoesHeDoIt?!!.

Nas' Untitled LP is officially number 1 in the Billboard charts, according to Nielson's Soundscan (knocking out Wayne's 'Da Carter III').

---That is crazy! That's the power of GOOD music.

I remember listening to the Ed Lover Morning Show on Power 105 NY last week, I believe. Nas was supposed to show up, but as expected, he was a no show. --Nas has an infamous reputation of doing so.-- With no promo, how would Nas sell? Well, .... he sold all right! Enough to make him number 1!

Man, "Bow in the presence of greatness!" ...No, really.

-KéilaL<3ve

Thriller2.0 LOL.

Exactly how I pictured this video to be.



-KéilaL<3ve

WhereDoYouFindABlessing?.

I honestly feel like I have a real problem.

1- Why can I NOT accept this 'blessing? '
2- Why does something that's supposed to be 'good' feel so 'wrong?'

It's as though I can't GIVE without saving SOME for MYSELF. I don't know how to find a balance. ::sigh::

-KéilaL<3ve

'N Word' - Who Can Use It?...Who Can Not?...

The women from "The View" got into a heated argument last week over the usage of the 'N Word.'


What do you all think about this?

-KéilaL<3ve

"Diamond Girl" -- The 'Movie'

Ryan Leslie never seems to disappoint...I really enjoyed watching this 'movie.' He did a great job in every aspect of it...great actors too.

-KéilaL<3ve

::SIGH::

This is how I began my day.


After internship today, and walking through NYC.


What a tiresome day!!!! First, I'm NOT a morning person...so every time I required to wake up early...I'm a little rusty. I was all right this morning though bc I was excited to go to my internship (still sleepy though). As soon as I got to the office of my internship, my head began to hurt. Secondly, the woman I am interning for was off sick today so I was given a list of assignments to do. Boy, was one of the assignments a drain. I wasn't even able to finish at least half of the assignments because it took me so long to do one! I called her and left her a note though, so everything is fine. I really enjoy my internship too, but we'll get into that later. Thirdly, I have walked a much longer distance than what I walk in the city in, but man...something about walking in the city that sores me out. When I came home today, I just threw myself on the bed...I was sooo sore (hey, my first taste of being a daily commuter to the city).

Something great about today though was that I saw my friend Taylor! --she interns at BET's Public Relations department (pretty sweet). I was so happy to see her. I didn't realize how much I missed her until today. She is too funny! She always manages to crack me up hysterically! We're planning to have lunch together every Thursday since her internship is located by mine on Thursdays. I'm so happy about that!

Anywho, I am extremely drained and sore so after I wash my face, I might just call it a night. =] Smooches!

-KéilaL<3ve

Video(s)OfTheWeek-3.

This week's Video(s) of the Week is two featured videos on Janelle Monae; an upcoming artist with a partnership deal with Bad Boy Records who is bringing excitement and creativity back to music! I first heard of her on Big Boi's 'Got Purp?' (then Idlewild) and fell in love with her VOICE. This girl can SANG! Being trained in voice my ear automatically captured her voice and noticed that she had to vocally trained; her sound is perfect...her vibrato, the control she has on her voice. It's amazing to see 'real' singers with raw creativity making a comeback! Don't believe me? Watch these two videos....and decide. =]





Post-Script: I can not wait to see her perform in Central Park in August (that is, if I don't get Rock the Bells tickets...it's on the same day! =/ ). You can also PRE-ORDER Suite I of IV of her Metropolis album NOW go to JanelleMonae.com for further details.

StillCan'tAffordTheBlues.

Lately I've been feeling extremely tested. It's as though being ME has been rubbing everyone else in the wrong way and no matter what I do...it's turned into something negative. I give and I give...with no rewards; and not only physical gifts, but the simple gifts God grants us everyday. Why must I always be turned into the antagonist? I do what I have to do everyday, not only thinking about myself, but about those all around me. Why am I treated as the criminal when my actions do not speak of such evil?

Family. A union created by God...thicker than water...stronger than steel...as infinite as infinity. If I'm part of a family, why do I feel like I'm really not? God has granted me not only my internal family binded my blood, but an external family created through connections. My mother and I have the type of relationship far from an average fairy tale. It's as though I've been her number one enemy for most of my life. She shows no compassion, no trust, no love towards me. Nothing...she shows no value in me. And if I sat here and said it doesn't hurt....that would be a complete lie. I admit, I am far from a saint, but I have never done my mother in a way where she would show such hate towards me. Last time, I remember my mother being a 'real mother' to me was when I was like 4 or 5 and I really messed up my cornea on my right eye. She cried, she thought I was going to go blind in one eye, but thanks to HIM...I prevailed and have my vision [on both eyes]. I have been writing on my diary since I was probably in 4th or 5th grade. Volumes and volumes of entries written by me. If I was to go back and read some, I promise you that every other entry would be of my mother and the way she treats me. You know, she really cares for me, and she loves me...I know she does, but she doesn't realize that her actions and words do affect me...and they do hurt. If they didn't, I wouldn't be crying as I write this. She's proud of me, you know. After my older sister decided to take another path and not attend college, the burden was left on me. I was basically obligated to attend. Lucky for me, it was a mutual aspiration. My mother has done a lot for me and my sisters, she has, and she still does...even though it seems like I've been pushed away financially. This has nothing to do with money though. It's about how no matter what I do...I'm never going to have a seal of approval in her eyes. This morning, she was talking to my father about me and 'all that I do'...yea...of course...the negative, never the positive. She only speaks of my positive endeavors when it's convenient for her...when it makes her look good.

But away from my mother...

I have friends...or at least i would like to say that I do. I have one best friend who knows some of my deepest 'secrets'...secrets I feel i will never be able to tell. I treasure her more than the world because she has been there for me. Of course now with her boyfriend...our time is limited more, but I don't take it to the heart. He needs her time too. Even though, he receives her time more than even her family does. It's understandable though....my best friend is the hopeless romantic type.

I have a group of people I consider my friends. We hang out, discuss several topics, and enjoy each other's company, but there are times I feel like I'm somehow forgotten; as though, I am only there when convenient. I feel like when I'm gone...I'm really gone. I put effort, but the same effort is not given in return. Times are changing, and it feels like I'm...still. I love those who are in my circle, how come I don't feel that same love all the time. Is it wrong for me to feel loved? Because I'm starting to think it's a hopeless thought for me. I know I'm the worst when it comes to phone calls...but at least receiving a missed call from you let's me know you were thinking of me.

I guess all I have is my dreams, my aspirations. I have proven to myself that I can fulfill them and that there is still a star on Hollywood waiting for me.


"When I leave in the morning, I leave on the light, 'cause I still make it home to myself every night..."

--Nikki Jean

NikkiJean.

So I've been listening heavy duty to Nikki Jean (Nouveau Riche)'s music. All of her songs hit home strong. Of course, most of them are based on relationships BUT it's not the same 'ol 'I love you,' extremely sentimental type of songs. Her writing is so simple anyone can understand it but complex enough that it leaves the listener intellectually satisfied. I know that there are a lot of artists coming out now that are giving the music industry peppermint breathe, and that's GREAT, I am in love with that, Nikki Jean is definitely one of those artists. She plays the piano, sings, and best of all writes her own music. Playing the piano is a great skill to have, especially if you're fluent in all that comes with it. There are many artists who play the piano though, so what sets her apart? HER VOICE...HER WORDS. Her voice is nothing like what we hear in the radio now. She is no Whitney Houston now...but she definitely has a voice worth listening; it represents her words and music perfectly.

Here is one of my favorite songs by Nikki Jean, "Infinitely Valuable"



Infinitely Valuable
-------------------
-Nikki Jean

Under the bright lights

Their screaming your name
Thats what you get for your trouble
They want to see your joy, they want to see your shame
Your ecstasy, your pain

They want to see you laugh, they want to see you cry
want to see your birth, want to see you die
They I want to see you fly

They want you to entertain them
To exercise the demons within and you give it away

Give it away until there's nothing left
All I can say is save some for yourself
Truth be told, you can't be sold
You're infinitely valuable
Truth be told, you know, you're infinitely valuable

Like some she thrilled the truth
Send chills down every spine that's touched
'Bout gust of wind that's smelled
of christians and blood lust
In the arena
Under the bright lights

They frame you at the mic
you look like you're facing the seven sun and dust
while other people scream

They want to see you hurt, they want to see you bend
they want to see you break, they want to see you bend
they ultimately win

Want to believe you when you say you'll be ok
everybody wants to see a sinner learn how to pray
and you give it away

Give it away until there's nothing left
All I can say is save some for yourself
Truth be told, you can't be sold
You're infinitely valuable
Truth be told, you know, you're infinitely valuable

Dad, I lifeless, zombies strung out on cds they heard
Hang over the balcony they hang onto your every word
They want something they got
That
Can't be bought with material wealth
They need it, and you've gotta lie
You just cant help yourself

Give it away until there's nothing left
All I can say is save some for yourself
Truth be told, you can't be sold
You're infinitely valuable
Truth be told, you know, you're infinitely valuable
-------------------------------------------------------------------

DEEP!

Post-Script: She also has a video blog on YouTube which she updates frequently...she's awesome...very genuine spirit...you should definitely check her out. ;-)

*Here is "Sunshine" by Nikki Jean, this song seems to be a definite favorite among fans.

UsherIV.

Isn't this a beautiful picture?



It made me all fuzzy and warm inside =]. God bless Usher and his son Usher V.

-The new issue of Essence Magazine will be featuring Usher as he talks about fatherhood, his relationship with his father, and so on.

Abagond.wordpress.com

So, guess what? I found another great blog just browsing through the net. It's Abagond.Wordpress.Com, it is a very insightful blog which focuses on race, music culture, influential/not so influential people, and so on. I really recommend this site to anyone who is willing to not only read about issues that affect US, but also to anyone who is willing to open their minds and learn something who might have/might have not known. I actually spent hours reading through several of his blog posts, so I'm telling you...the site is definitely worth visiting.

Post-Script: I have been wanting to REALLY post on here lately, but for some strange reason I can't grasp the energy to do so. I would like to honestly deeply share, like I was doing when I first began this blog.

"Still in Musical Prison, in Jail for the Flow"

"Hero" - NaS feat. Keri Hilson

If you don't think this song is dope, then don't know nothing!

NaS is back! >Bow in the presence of greatness.<

Enjoy!



-KéilaL<3ve.

Post-Script: Polow murdered this track! He's really making moves in music.

25CoolestBrothersOfAllTime.

If you know me well, then you KNOW how big these two artists are to me.

Ebony magazine will be releasing EIGHT covers for their latest issue commemorating 25 of the "Coolest Brothers of All Time." Jay-Z, Barack Obama, Prince, Samuel L. Jackson, Denzel Washington, Marvin Gaye, Muhammad Ali and Billy Dee Williams are among the men that cover this monumental issue. The latest issue of Ebony magazine will hit news stands this upcoming Tuesday, July 8th.

Some of the 'cool' covers:




-KéilaL<3ve.

VideoOfTheWeek.-2

This week's Video of the Week is B. Scott's Episode # 182. If you have yet to know of B. Scott, get with the program! lol He is not only one of the funniest people on EARTH, he is also genuine with his advice, uplifting, and just overall refreshing. Subscribe to his YouTube videos and check him out at LoveBScott.com. Enjoy.



-KéilaL<3ve.

Post-Scipt: If you are a frequent reader/viewer of my blog, then I KNOW you KNOW of B. Scott!...and you know I truly love this guy!

Fresh.

Prada Jacket: $1000+
Polo Shirt: $100+
On Pharrell: Priceless.

-KéilaL<3ve.

Kanye Should'veWornThis. (j.k.)

Bow what he should have really done, Kanye should have definitely put M.I.A. in his "Glow in the Dark" tour. That would have been Bananas!!!



Post-Script: I would love to see Kanye, N.E.R.D., AND Lupe do a collabo with M.I.A.! That would be put into a genre in itself!

-KéilaL<3ve.

RockTheBells2008.

This is where I need to be August 3 ! Point blank, period!



-KéilaL<3ve.

ShutUpAndWatch. lol

Shut Up and Drive - Rihanna

I know you are all probably wondering WHY am I posting this video up? Well, some may and some may not know that I am huge on clothes. I don't even want to say fashion, because fashion can not be defined in just one word because it varies with every person. I like what I like, point blank.

Anywho, when I watch videos, I WATCH them. I mean, every aspect of the video. And being the girl that I am...I LOVE to see what EVERYONE is wearing in the video. Thus, this video popped up. This is when Rihanna's haircut was refreshing to my eyes...something new from her. Now, I don't know...I just want her to switch it up a bit. I love ALL of her ensembles in this video though. That is REALLY why I posted the video up. I would wear every article she has on in here. Actually, I'll wear all the articles EVERYONE has in this video, even the mechanic uniform (I'll turn it out real nice). She gets a 10 out of 10! She also looks uber pretty here 2. Now, 'Shut Up and WATCH' (okai...yea...that was cheesy) Enjoy.




-KéilaL<3ve.

post-script: Rihanna needs to let me 'hold' [wink, wink] those shades in the beginning of the video. lol

FlyGuyChronicles.

I'm a blogger, I enjoy updating my blog and I enjoy visiting other blogs as well. So, on my daily web surf...I encountered "The Fly Guy Chronicles." Need love advice? This is the blog for you! It's not your typical blah blah blah love advice either; it has substance to it. Even if you're not looking for love advice, it's a great place to find beautifully written lyrics/poetry, music, pictures, etc. It's a great blog, do check it out.

Fly Guy Chronicles


-KéilaL<3ve.

AMillli-Ne-Yo.

As I promised, Ne-Yo "A Milli" video. [Yes, there is an actual video out.]



Ne-Yo says that this is not a Chris Brown 'diss song'...WHOMP! ::cough::Yes it is::cough::. Come on now, let's be real, if it's not Chris Brown, then who are you referring to? Who else stated that they can outsell you in records? ...

I totally agree with Busta when he says that "A Milli" should go in the Guiness Book of World Records because I have heard 434743864546+ different freestyles over this same track! Hey, it is a great track though. Bangladesh is getting PAID. I'm definitely not mad at him.

So what do you all think? Ye or Ney? (Yes or No)

post-script: I love the way Ne-Yo says, "My middle name is Morebread..."

Rose&Beasley.

With all this NBA Draft madness going on, I decided to step outside and let the all-day, everyday College basketball/NBA heads handle it, BUT being the girl that I am...I couldn't help but scope out the two top picks ;-).

Two names.

Michael Beasley
Derrick Rose

Not only do I believe that they are going to truly have a great impact in the NBA, who knows, maybe 'Rookie of the Year' for one of the, BUT man THEY ARE FINE! I guess I'm going to watching way more Miami Heat and Chicago Bulls games from now on. Well, nothing new with 'Heat' because I'm a huge Wade fan.

Michael Beasley
-----------------------


Born January 9, 1989 (few days before me) in Fredrick Maryland, recently drafted 2nd overall pick to the Miami Heat. Beasley stands at 6 ft 8 and plays both forward positions and shoots jump shots with his left hand (ambidextrous). He played for Kansas State University for one year and then entered himself into the NBA Draft. His strengths are stated to be his "explosive combination of strength and athleticism. Can score from virtually anywhere on the basketball floor. Utilizes his length, quickness, and leaping ability to grab rebounds both in and outside his area. Plays with aggression and confidence. Left-handed." Beasley has been stated to be NBA's 'Next Best Thing.' ---And did I mention fine? lol *Check out for him on the cover of the latest ESPN Magazine...in news stands NOW.

Derrick Rose <3
-----------------------


From Chicago, IL, Rose was born on October 4, 1988. He was recently drafter by his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls, 1st overall pick. He stands at 6 ft 3 (perfect height for me lol...let me stop) and plays point guard. He played for the University of Memphis for one year before entering the NBA Draft. He strengths are said to be his "a rare combination of size, quickness and athleticism, he has the potential to change the way the point guard position is played … He has extremely long and explosive strides than not only give him a remarkable first step, but also unmatched ability to turn the corner … Using his incredible speed and ballhandling, he is almost unstoppable both in a half court setting and in transition … When he decides to attack, not many players can match up with him as he is relentless and constantly keeps the pressure on the defense..." He is also said to be one to look out for during his rookie season. Award maybe? Who knows? Definitely too early to tell. ---Oh yea, and did I mention, he is ohhh so fine!

Overall, I'm excited to see what all the newly drafted players will bring to their teams. I'll definitely be watching.

Post-script: You all know that the NBA Groupies will be in full force on these two...shoot...they probably already are.

SimplyBeautiful.

Al Green. What can we say about such a perfect artist?

He is 'simply beautiful.' One of my favorites to hear growing up.



Also, I can not leave out Maxwell's part of the Al Green tribute at this year's BET Awards. I can not think of anyone else they could've chose to sing this amazing song. Performance with the most impact that night...hands down. I love Jill Scott (ya'll know this), and I appreciated Anthony Hamilton's tribute to Al, but I truly believe that Maxwell REALLY got to the viewers.

Al Green Tribute (CLICK)

Post-Script: Maxwell has been working on "Black Summers' Nights," music which he plans to release in three separate dates. I am so excited. Maxwell is the flyest, dopest, most fresh...male SOUL artist out. No question. Come on now, did you see how he commanded the stage with only his voice and presence while honoring Al Green? A true individual.

Swagger-Part I

Swag? What defines swag? Is it clothes, money, personality, presence...or is it a combination of many traits? I want to know what you all think.

Artists who I have heard have 'swag.'
---------------------------------------

Lil' Wayne
Kanye West
Juelz Santana
Jim Jones
Jay-Z

So many more but these are the ones I thought of from the dome at this moment.

Lil' Wayne's "Da Carter III" went platinum within the first week of its release. This album was highly anticipated not only in the 'hood, but even within the mainstream audience. What was the difference in Wayne from "Da Carter II" to now? Many say that it's his newfound 'swagger.' But what is swagger? Many explain that his overall persona >> his style, his voice (which many girls refer to as sexy), his rhymes, etc. So persona...is that someone's 'swagger?' Many would respond to that question with 'no' because not everyone has 'swagger;' not everyone's persona exude 'swagger.' All right, so 'swagger' is only found in certain people.

But I still want to know, what exactly is 'swagger?'

I really want to get deep into this. Thus, I will continue to do my research. I want to make this somewhat of a short series. So keep looking out for the other parts of my "Swagger" post. If you can help me with my research, feel free to comment the post or if you have my myspace or facebook...you can reach me there.