NEW MUSIC VIDEO: OH AFRICA - AKON feat. KERI HILSON

Oh I love this song and video. It's Akon and MISS KERI BABAY lol. She is super cool... umm so is Akon lol..

The chorus is the best part of the song to me then the vibrant colors and the sense of togetherness the video brings brought it home for me. Nice!
 MeaLee

BIG SEAN "SUPA DUPA LEMONADE" FREESTYLE

ILLY ~♥Shené

NEW MOVIE: WALL STREET 2: MONEY NEVER SLEEPS

Releasing on April 23, 2010

According to IMDb: As the global economy teeters on the brink of disaster, a young Wall Street trader partners with disgraced former Wall Street corporate raider Gordon Gekko on a two-tiered mission: To alert the financial community to the coming doom, and to find out who was responsible for the death of the young trader's mentor.

~♥Shené

NEW MUSIC: "JUMP UP IN THE AIR (STAY THERE)" - ERYKAH BADU FEATURING LIL WAYNE

Sources state that Badu will be releasing at least 10 versions of this track.

Badu's new album titled, Amerykah Part 2: Return of the Ankh, will be released on March 30, 2010. I'm excited!

~♥Shené

NEW MOVIE: "THE LOSERS"

Hit theaters April 9, 2010

According to IMDb: After being betrayed and left for dead, members of a CIA black ops team root out those who targeted them for assassination. ~♥Shené

MUSIC VIDEO: "THEY JUST DON'T KNOW" - GYFT

BLAKstar played this song on a music show in the past. The video hit and I like the concept with the comic book...nice! ~♥Shené

J.D. SALINGER, AUTHOR, DIES

Author of iconic novel "Catcher in the Rye" and a number of highly praised short stories, J.D Salinger died at the age of 91.

If you haven't read Catcher, which is very rare, then I suggest you add it to your list. Considered a coming of age story, the novel follows anti-hero Holden Caulfield through the "phony" world.

Salinger, though well known in the literary world, choose to hide himself away after much of his success in the early years of his career. Living much of his life as somewhat of a recluse, he is one of modern literature's most unknown personas. 




"I hope to hell that when I do die somebody has the sense to just dump me in the river or something. Anything except sticking me in a goddam cemetary. People coming and putting a bunch of flowers on your stomach on Sunday, and all that crap. Who wants flowers when you're dead? Nobody." - Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger

-BCon-

FUNNY YOUTUBE KIDS

YouTube always has funny videos. Here are two that I watched recently that made me crack up. Silly kids.

"I Like Turtles" 

"Nintendo Sixty-FOOOOOOOUR"

Enjoy your laugh break.

-BCon-

STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

President Obama speaks about restoring security for middle class families after a lost decade of declining wages, eroding retirement security and escalating health care and tuition costs. January 27, 2010 ~♥Shené

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: "UP OUT MY FACE" - MARIAH CAREY FEATURING NICKI MINAJ

I kinda like it *shrug*

~♥Shené

NEW: APPLE iPad

 Today apple unveiled another new gadget, the "iPad." Basically a cross between a giant iPod Shuffle, Kindle, and basic computer, the iPad has many functions.

The iPad will be set to go in March for Wi-Fi models, and April of this year for the 3G models, but will be bringing a hefty price tag with it. Prices start at $499, but that is only for the most basic model.

I personally think they could have added a webcam for video chatting,  picked a better name, and of course, lowered the price a bit.

For specs and apple's presentation, go to the Apple Store online.

-BCon-

TOMS SHOES

    

Toms shoes is not just a shoe company for hipsters and do-gooders. Buying shoes from Toms actually helps other people.

For every pair you purchase, Toms will donate a pair of their shoes to a child who needs them. They travel all over the world to mass distribute children's shoes of all sizes and colors. By purchasing a pair for yourself, you are in a way, buying a pair for a child.

Available in all genders and sizes, Toms has a way for everyone to give back while buying something for yourself.

TOMS

-BCon-

NEW MUSIC:NEVER SHOUT NEVER

Never Shout Never released their album "What is Love?" today, January 26th 2010.

Their single of the same name is a fun video, so that is what made me want to see what was up. I cannot say I like them too much, but the video is definitely neat.

-BCon-

NEW MUSIC:CORINNE BAILEY RAE

Corinne Bailey Rae's "The Sea"was released today, January 26th 2010. Featuring key tracks "Closer," "Paris Nights/ New York Mornings," and "I'd Do It All Again."

-BCon-

MIXTAPE: WU-TANG VS. THE BEATLES

DOWNLOAD THE MIXTAPE HERE!

Tracklisting after the jump!

DRAKE ON THE COVER OF COMPLEX MAGAZINE

~♥Shené

"HOPE FOR HAITI NOW" CD

From the Hope for Haiti telethon of last week, there is now a 20 song album for purchase on iTunes.

100% of the proceeds from the sale of the full album are split between numerous organizations: Clinton Bush Haiti Foundation, Oxfam America, Partners in Health, Red Cross, UNICEF, United Nations World Food Programme, and Yele Haiti Foundation.

Top tracks include the current number one song on iTunes by Justin Timberlake, "Hallelujah" (ft. Charlie Sexton, as well as song by Coldplay, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, and Jay-Z.

To purchase the album, go to your iTunes online store.

-BCon-

"THIS IS IT" - ON DVD 1/26/10

"This Is It," the Michael Jackson documentary following his time preparing for tour, will be released tomorrow, January 26 2009.

Below is a video clip from the film, showing Jackson rehearse on stage.

-BCon-

NEW MUSIC: "SO APPALLED" - L.E

DOWNLOAD SO APPALLED RIGHT HERE

~♥Shené

O'BRIEN LEAVING NBC

Well it's official. Conan O'Brien is leaving NBC. Upon his exit from "The Tonight Show," Conan made a $45 million deal. $33 million of that goes directly to O'Brien, while the rest will be divided between his 200 member staff.

So what's next? Still no word from O'Brien. He has been in talks with networks but nothing substantial has been settled beyond his payoff from NBC.

-BCon-

TOY STORY 3

I love Disney, and I really love Pixar. So naturally, when I saw the preview of "Toy Story 3" in theaters, I got excited.

This video features an opening description of the plot, followed by the trailer for "Toy Story 3" that will be in theaters June 18th, starring Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, and Joan Cusack.


-BCon-

LAUREN LUNA - AUCTION TO BENEFIT HAITI

We are proud and happy at all the people we see who are supporting Haiti in their own special way. One of those people is artist Lauren Luna. She announced on her site that she is auctioning off a customized pair of shows the proceeds to benefit Wyclef Jean's organization Yele Haiti. The winner will be able to tell Lauren exactly how they want thier shoes customized.


"I decided to pull together an auction for a pair of my customs. They are listed on Ebay, right now the bidding is only $10. Which is actually pretty sad. If you look at custom shoe sites they can start at $150 and can go up to $700!! I’m making these customs for FREE!"

To bid on a pair of shoes & to see photos CLICK HERE 

FIRST LADY OBAMA ON HAITI

Michelle Obama posted a PSA on YouTube calling for attention to Haiti and the American Red Cross.




-BCon-

THE HOO DOO SOUL BAND

Local Columbus music lovers come together every Sunday night 10pm - 2am at Rumba Cafe ( 2507 Summit St.) to see The Hoo Doo Soul Band play a selection of funk, reggae, rock, and of course, soul. I saw them last Sunday and the house was packed with a variety of people who came to dance and enjoy. I went to see the show because a friend of mine plays drums with them now.

The band formed originally in 1995 from a group of local veteran players. Over the years the band has added and lost members along the way, but always stayed true to the soul. In 1999 they received the award "Best Cover Band" from Columbus Music Awards, and Best Live Performance in 2000. Hoo Doo opened for James Brown and Ray Charles in 2002.

To see what its all about, stop by Rumba on an upcoming Sunday night at you will not be let down.

Rumba Cafe

The Hoo Doo Soul Band

-BCon-

Jay-Z at Coachella

Jay-Z will be making a first this summer at Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival in California as the first hip-hop artist to headline the predominately rock focused fest in its 11 year history.

The festival this year will be April 16-18 in Indio, California, featuring more than 130 acts, including MGMT and Corinne Bailey Rae.

See Full Lineup Here


-BCon-

Monterey Bay Aquarium, California

While on holiday I also made a visit to Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey, California.

Along with the usual aquarium exhibits one might expect, they had large "touch" exhibits where anyone, young or old, could pet a starfish, stingray, or other squishy sea creature. This aquarium really was a great place for the whole family.

Monterey Bay Aquarium

-BCon-

Kaua'i Photos

As previously promised, here are some of my favorite photos from my trip to Kaua'i, Hawai'i.

(All photos are sole property of Brittany L. Conway and cannot be used or reproduced in any circumstance)

The "Forbidden Coast" scene from the hiking trail that goes along this side of the island for 11 miles

MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

HOPE 4 HAITI

Hope for Haiti is a benefit concert in Columbus, Ohio to be held at The Kings Art Complex Theater, Friday, January 22nd, 2010 @7pm. The cost is $10 @ the door and all proceeds go to the American Red Cross (of Columbus, Ohio) specifically for their efforts in aiding Haiti in Disaster relief & recovery.
Hope for Haiti is the collaborative effort of many of Columbus' young entrepreneurs. Feeling they were all called to help Haiti in some way, they decided to use the resources and networks they all possessed and invite the community out for what will prove to be a GREAT show & an easy way to give to this ongoing effort. Haiti will continue to need everyone's help and the concert is just touching the surface but will show the community and Haiti that we are committed to helping the world at large. We are all connected in some way.


The organizing sponsors of Hope for Haiti: BLAKstar Media, REACH LLC, Cover Me LLC, WUGR, The FlyPaper,  Hipolicy Magazine, JWORK LTD, De2 Media, 3 Birds Collective, Soulo Theory Design & LudieTrends, thank you all for your support and hope to see you on Friday for what will prove to be a good time. 


For more info follow us on twitter @hope4haiti  
Click the Flyer on the side of the website to RSVP via Facebook


The Concert Lineup: 
The Liquid Crystal Project
L.e
Speak Williams
Barbara Fant
Fly Union
Flex Crew
Carlotta Penn 


Hosted by Javier Sanchez

See The Event Posted on Columbus Alive's The a-list 
Take the time to read the following Haitian facts. From these brief facts you will see a history of a truly resilient people, who fought off slavery and survived civil wars, countless massacres and truly oppressive leadership.

- From 1697 to 1791 Saint Domingue, now Haiti, was the richest colony in the world. Its capital, Cap Français, is known as the Paris of the New World.

-Haiti is the Second independent nation and First black-governed republic and kingdom in the Western Hemisphere

-The Haitian army defeated the French forces of Napoleon in the Battle of Vertieres on 18th November 1803.

-This war resulted in the Louisiana Purchase in 1802 that doubled the America's size, making it formidable enough to withstand almost any outside threat. It gave America its heartland, as well as control of the Mississippi River and the important port city of New Orleans on the Gulf of Mexico.

- The Haitian Revolution was the catalyst for the Abolitionist movement and the end of slavery in America.

- In 1779, Free Haitians called “Les Chasseurs-Volontaires de Saint-Domingue” volunteered to fight for American Independence from the British

-Haiti is the first black republic in the world on January 1, 1804 and have remained independent to this day.

Golden Globes Fashion Report

As far as awards shows go, I am often most interested in the fashion. Sometimes we wonder not "Who are you wearing?", but "Why are you wearing that?"

First, Jane Adams' (HBO series "Hung") dress is not too bad, but her face seems to say it all...like she was dragged to the Globes against her will.

Second, Sandra Bullock looks ready for the prom in this purple

adolescent fluff.

For a full selection of fashion photos, go HERE.

-BCon-

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY

~♥Shené

GOOGLE SHOWS MLK DAY SUPPORT

~♥Shené

THE 67TH ANNUAL GOLDEN GLOBES

Best Motion Picture – Drama

“Avatar”



Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama

Sandra Bullock, “The Blind Side”



Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama

Jeff Bridges, “Crazy Heart”



Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical

“The Hangover”



Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical

Meryl Streep, “Julie & Julia”



Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical

Robert Downey Jr., “Sherlock Holmes”



Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Mo’Nique, “Precious”



Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture

Christoph Waltz, “Inglourious Basterds”



Best Animated Feature Film

“Up”

MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

NEW MOVIE: THE LOVELY BONES

"The Lovely Bones," based on the novel of the same title, opens today nationwide.

Being a literature lover, I wanted to read the book before I saw the movie. I don't even own the book, so we will see how that goes.

The Plot VIA imdb.com

Centers on a young girl who has been murdered and watches over her family - and her killer - from heaven. She must weigh her desire for vengeance against her desire for her family to heal.

-BCon-

BLAKSTYLE: PUMA & AMERICAN EAGLE JOIN FORCES

Clothing retailer American Eagle Outfitters will now sell PUMA brand shoes on ther website and in some select stores. I am a fan of both companies, and may take advantage of this partnership.

For men, go HERE
For women, go HERE

-BCon-

MADCON - BEGGIN

This song has been stuck in my head since yesterday, so I had to share.

Madcon is a multi-platinum Norwegian urban duo. The group has achieved international fame, due in large part to the international success of their single Beggin'. Madcon has won a World Music Award, sold millions of singles and compilations, and have performed and toured all over Europe.

In 2009, the band continued with album releases all over Europe, and their debut release in the US and Australia. (VIA Wikiepedia)

-BCon-

lyrics & more info after the jump...

LADY GAGA ON OPRAH

Ummm...WOW! She scares me...I don't care she does. I've said this before and I'll say it again she is a hybrid of Madonna and Marilyn Manson.

FULL INTERVIEW AFTER THE JUMP

 ~♥Shené

OUR FIRST LADY FOR RED CROSS ON HAITI RELIEF

~♥Shené

AVATAR - TRILOGY

James Cameron's Avatar has been a huge hit, one I did not see coming when I first saw previews in theaters months ago. Withthe hype still high, Cameron announced this week that he wants to do a sequel, perhaps even make a Trilogy.

To read the full article, go HERE.

-BCon-

NEW MOVIE: "TEKKEN"

According to IMDb:
A Young Man Who seeks revenge of his mothers death. He finds his grand-father, Heihachi Mishima, and pleas to be trained. When the Mishima leader announces a "King of Iron Fist" tournament. He finds out that his mother's killer, OGRE, will be participating in the tournament. He must fight against the worlds top competitors to achieve his goal with no interference.

Coming out this year!

~♥Shené

SAMUEL L. JACKSON iPHONE APP

Samuel L. Jackson has his own iPhone application where you can hear him recite up to 150 quotes and soundbites.

~♥Shené

JIMMY KIMMEL SHOWS CONAN O'BRIEN SUPPORT

GOLDEN GLOBES - LIVE

The 67th Annual Golden Globes will air live this Sunday, January 17th 2010, at 7 pm ET/ 4PT.

Hosted by British actor/comedian/writer Ricky Gervais from the film "The Invention of Lying[2009], and the British version of "The Office," the show will be sure to include your favorite stars. Tune in to see who walks the red carpet, and who walks away with a globe.

-BCon-

TEDDY PENDERGRASS PASSES AWAY AT 59

Teddy Pendergrass, who became R&B's reigning sex symbol in the 1970s and '80s with his forceful, masculine voice and passionate love ballads and later became an inspirational figure after suffering a devastating car accident that left him paralyzed, died Wednesday at age 59. The singer's son, Teddy Pendergrass II, said his father died at a hospital in suburban Philadelphia. The singer underwent colon cancer surgery eight months ago and had "a difficult recovery," his son said. "To all his fans who loved his music, thank you," his son said. "He will live on through his music."



My Favorite song by the great Teddy Pendergrass


~♥Shené

More after the jump...

OPEN HAPPINESS - HOW DID WE MISS THIS?

1question...how did I (MeaLee) miss this song & video? You see that my favorite artist Janelle Monae is apart of it.. I'm sorry I missed this :(. The song has been out since early last year...am I the only one that didn't know about this song?

MeaLee

The "Open Happiness" single VIA iTunes

Lyrics and a video of the studio session for This song after the jump

YELE HAITI (SCREAM HAITI)

If you have not been paying attention to the news, internet, people talking, if you have been sleep then maybe you have not heard that yesterday a major earthquake (7.0 on the Richter Scale) has rocked the western hemisphere's poorest country Haiti. Our prayers  go out to the families, the people and the country of Haiti, but at this time they need help! Many countries and organizations are giving relief to help an already economically depressed country, get involved! Even if it's only sending $5, I know the world economy is weak and our pockets maybe empty but it's time to lend a helping hand; as one poet (AP) whom I admire greatly says "Be mindful that we are all - in some form or fashion - connected"

Click The Links below for more information & how you can help

Donate to the Haitian Relief Efforts via yele.org

Donate here as well via The Haitian Alliance Inc.

Updates of event after the earthquake via CNN

More photos & info on the Earthquake in Haiti

txt "yele" 501501 to make a 5$ donation to YeleHaiti - Wyclef Jean's organization (charged to your cellphone bill)

txt "Haiti" to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross's Haitian relief efforts (charged to your phone bill)

If anyone receives any calls or inquiries about locating family, friends, etc. in Haiti Call 1-888-407-4747 and follow the instructions. The State Dept is asking for patience. Pleae keep trying if the line is busy. The advisories will be on travel.state.gov

CONAN O'BRIEN - LATE NIGHT SHUFFLE

Now that Jay Leno is moving back to his former late night spot at 11:35 pm, Conan O'Brien has been left with a few options. Entertainment commenters have been speculating over the past few days concerning what O'Brien would do, and now he has made a comment.

Most importatly, O'Brien said he will not move to the later time of 12:05 am. When asked about possible moves to other networks, he said he currently has no other offers and that he has no indication of what he will do next.

For Conan O'Brien's full statement, go HERE .

-BCon-

NEW MUSIC: VAMPIRE WEEKEND

Vampire Weekend released their newest album, "Contra", January 11, 2010.

Already climbing the iTunes charts, this second album is competing with Ke$ha's hit album, "Animal".

Most commonly defined as upbeat and peppy college-rock, Vampire Weekend is something to bop around to and mix in to a party playlist.

-BCon-

NEW VIDEO: SADE - SOLDIER OF LOVE

Get it Sade!

MeaLee

BLAKstar PHOTOS BY DIGITALLURE

CLICK HERE Check out some images from a recent photo shoot of us by Dwain Thomas of Digitallure

NEW MUSIC: OMARION'S NEW ALBUM "OLLUSION"

It's been some time since we have heard a full album from the former B2K lead man Omarion. The wait is over,  not sure if that is a good thing or not just yet. Myspace is offering a free listen to the entire album and Amazon is selling the full album for only $3.99 today. I am only three tracks into the CD and at this point can't say I am impressed *blank stare*. The first three have pretty cool beats but I was once told there is more to a song then the beat. With that said the first three songs leave a lot more to be desired (just my opinion).We shall see lol, maybe $3.99 is a deal and maybe it is still too much? Let me know what you all think and I will come back and tell you my thoughts.


MeaLee
CLICK HERE to listen to Ollusion by Omarion for Free
CLICK HERE to purchase to the album for $3.99 via Amazon

KAUA'I HAWAII

Look for my posts in the coming days about my week long trip to Kaua'i Hawaii.

As a preview, here is a map of the island. We drove from one end of the island to the other over the course of the week and it took less than a few hours.

If you are into tropical weather, less commercialized vacations, and lush native landscapes, I highly recommend Kaua'i anytime of year.

-BCon-

BLAKSTAR NEWS: SIMON TO LEAVE AMERICAN IDOL?

Love him or hate him, Simon Cowell is reportedly leaving Fox's hit show "American Idol" after this season.

Why? For the whole story, go HERE .

-BCon-

PLASTIC JUNGLE

Now that holiday gifts have been returned, exchanged, and redeemed, what do we do with those random gift cards for places you have never heard of? Answer: Plastic Jungle .

Here you can sell or exchange unwanted cards; however, you can also buy gift cards at a discounted price.

Happy shopping!

-BCon-

NEW MUSIC: "ONE DAY" MATISYAHU FEAT. AKON

After the original version of the song became the official anthem of the winter games, Matisyahu received help from super producer and artist Akon. Listen to the updated versaion of One Day...I must say I think I like it lol - WHAT A SUPER COOL VIDEO!

Matisyahu is an artist who surprised the music scene when he debuted. A Hasidic Jew from NYC on stage singing about how he was devoted to his religion in the style of reggae I'm sure would surprise anyone. His music has garnered him a large following and has opened the eyes to many that certain genres of music aren't just intended for a few people. Check him out on his MySpace. 

MeaLee 

CLICK HERE to download One Day - Matisyahu ft. Akon

BLAKSTYLE: LADY GAGA ALWAYS TURNS HEADS

Literally Lady Gaga fashion styles makes us stop, question, and keep looking and obviously keeping buying her music lol.

Here she is making an appearance at the Polaroid booth at the Electronics Show (CES) 1/7/2010 in Las Vegas announcing a partnership
MeaLee




 VIA AP Photo/Isaac Brekken

NEW VIDEO: TREY SONGZ "SAY AAH"

I can't help but to think that this song is trying to be the Blame It for 2010, not sure if it will be, just saying what it reminds me of. It makes me want to dance, so if that's what they are trying to make me do them mission accomplished lol

MeaLee

NEW MOVIE: "REPO MEN"

According to IMDb:
Set in the near future when artificial organs can be bought on credit, it revolves around a man who struggles to make the payments on a heart he has purchased. He must therefore go on the run before said ticker is repossessed.

~♥Shené

GET THAT OUT OF HERE...LOL

I was watching this a while back and felt like sharing! Lebron is a beast.

~♥Shené

NEW MOVIE: OUR FAMILY WEDDING

Looks hilarious! ~♥Shené

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: "FIRE" - LIL WAYNE

~♥Shené

GET SOME REGGIE BUSH ESSENCE

SWOON! Reggie Bush cover February 2010 Essence magazine! Look how good GOD is! ~♥Shené

INTRODUCING RHEA

Rhea is officially rocking with N.E.R.D and she is beautiful and can SANG! I can't wait to see how they introduce her on a track! ~♥Shené

NE MUSIC VIDEO: "HISTORY" - MOS DEF FEATURING TALIB KWELI

ORIGINAL BLACKSTAR! ~♥Shené

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: "I LIKE" - KERI HILSON

How do you guys like this video? ~♥Shené