February 8, 2010
KELIS Featured In February/March 2010 Issue Of COMPLEX Magazine

KelisComplex

The very eccentric and dare to be different music artist, KELIS, is featured in the February/March 2010 issue of COMPLEX Magazine. Earlier today I posted the photos and interview excerpts of Drake who is featured in the same issue.

During Kelis’ interview, she briefly responds to men who make statements regarding the ways in which they like to see and interact with their women. I THINK the print is LARGE enough for MOST of you to actually READ what Kelis says.

Kelis is always full of Energy and Quick Witted responses, hence the reason I always LOVE reading and/or listening to what she has to say regarding various issues.

Get into her COMPLEX excerpts ABOVE.


Def Jam Releases Another Photo From Rihanna’s RUDE BOY Music Video

RihannaRudeBoy3

What Im enjoying MOST regarding the NEW photos to be released from the set of Rihanna’s highly anticipated RUDE BOY Music Video, is the FACT that she seems to be adorned in outfits that mirror various animals. While none of the costumes are intended to masquerade the Pop phenom as the actual creatures, the styles, colors and motifs definitely elude to a Safari effect.

While the RUDE BOY single is set to impact POP and URBAN radio TOMORROW, the actual accompanying Music Video wont be released until this Thursday, February 11th.

I will DEFINITELY be posting the newest visual compilation, HERE @ XemVanAdams.com

 


On The Music Video Set: Rihanna – Rude Boy

RihannaRudeBoy1

DEF JAM just released the ABOVE and BELOW posted photos from the set of Rihanna’s long awaited music video for her 3rd album single, RUDE BOY.

RUDE BOY is lifted from Rihanna’s 4th, full-fledged studio LP, RATED R, which has been certified platinum, globally. The single is set to impact POP and URBAN radio tomorrow, and has already received positive reception amongst critics and music lovers alike.

This could very well be the single to hit the Top Spot on Billboards HOT 100.

RihannaRudeBoy2

Meanwhile, as RUDE BOY was shot in Los Angeles the same weekend as the coveted GOLDEN GLOBE awards, Rihanna is adorned in island flavored garments. The video is said to be FUN and LIVELY; vivid with an array of colors and motifs associated with Rihanna’s Bahamian heritage.

From the two available photos, I think we’re going to LOVE this particular video MOST, amongst the others which have been shot in support of RiRi’s latest compilation.


He Doesn’t Look The Same In Person As He Does Online

Online1

THIS is how He looks ONLINE

Online2

THIS is how He looks IN-PERSON

Photography and Post Editing are MAGICAL, contemporary elements. One has the ability to totally and completely WARP their self images, as to appeal more physically attractive to those viewing the AFTER effects.

Whats a bit unfair and misleading however, is the FACT that people use their warped and distorted images ONLINE to lure others via various dating and social networks.

Back in 2004, I had a dating profile on a popular hook-up site called ADAM 4 ADAM. I posted maybe 3 or 4 photos of myself, all clothed, and attached a written profile describing myself. My photos and profile description were all very accurate in portraying WHO I really am…or was, then.

However, during that very NAIVE period in my life, I met maybe 3 or 4 other young men online, who I later decided to meet IN PERSON, after we had shared a few phone conversations and text messages. I NEVER went alone, for then I had a very close male friend who insisted he accompany me on my random excursions. HILARIOUS! Good Times then.

Meanwhile, On ALL 3 to 4 occassions, the young men I met face to face, looked NOTHING like the individual who was featured in the default pictures.

I began to realize, very quickly, that EVERYONE wasnt as honest and up front as I was online. People would use photos that were taken years prior, as they ALSO used photos that may have been shot from a very GREAT angle, using MAGICAL lighting, at the perfect, MIRACULOUS moment. I slowly lost interest in my online dating profile, and deleted it after a month or so of having it activated. Being ONLINE is a scary existence when the sole reason is to meet others for dating purposes; mainly because there are many who are afraid of rejection. As a result, these people will intentionally MANIPULATE their physical and social existence, as to appear to be someone MORE than who they actually are.

I have friends who have used Online dating services to meet others, and have literally turned around and walked away once realizing that the person they showed up to meet was NOT the individual they were looking/hoping for. To let truth be told, we live in a very superficial society. When people elect to go ONLINE to meet a date, the first element of attraction is the physical. IF the physical element is a sham, it creates a very awkward and uncomfortable situation for both parties concerned. This holds especially true for those who even choose to use OTHER PEOPLE’S PHOTOS as a representation of themselves.

As Ive grown up and into my adulthood, Ive always chosen to meet men FACE TO FACE.

I like to meet dudes in person, as to immediately capture their physical self, but to also embrace their natural vibe. I am NOT a phone person, at all, as MANY of you now know from reading my Blogs, watching my Videos, and following me via Twitter. I enjoy In Person, Face to Face interaction, for it helps AVOID a lot of trickery and falsehood. Im a man who believes in being 100% upfront from the very beginning. IF someone isnt physically attracted to who I am based off of what God has blessed me with, then so be it.

Im NEVER going to Trick and Fool someone into meeting me or wanting to be with me. That’s why I give the true essence of myself, as best I can via this Blog, YouTube, Twitter and my other Social Networks.

Have you been in a situation Socialites & Celebutantes where someone presents themselves ONE WAY online, and turns out to LOOK and BEHAVE totally different, IN PERSON?


The REAL Reason WHY Usher’s Latest LP Has Been So Severely Stalled…

Over the past few months, there has been a slew of rumors circulating regarding Usher’s fledgling relationship with his MOM-ager of the past 16 years.

UsherMotherUsher’s mother has been handling the business affairs related to Usher’s music career ever since the young star hit the scene in the middle of 1994. There were issues previously related to Usher’s marriage to former wife, Tameka Foster, BUT all seemed to be cozy once Usher was able to make amends and rekindle the broken business relationship with his mother.

Usher’s mother doesnt seem to get along with too many of his girlfriends, for its a known fact amongst Usher’s friends and other business associates that she and Usher’s latest, GRACE MIGUEL do not see eye to eye on anything.

As a result, USHER’S MOTHER HAS QUIT AS HIS MANAGER.

JIVE records pushed the RAYMOND VS. RAYMOND LP back to March 30th, for they do NOT want a new project released while Usher is steadily trying to secure NEW management. Usher suggested that he be allowed to manage his own career, with the help of Grace. The executives over at JIVE arent having it. They find the decision to be quite immature and ridiculous at this stage of the game.

READ The Formal PRESS RELEASE Below:

Apparently the crooner and his mother — and former manager– Jonetta Patton are officially on the outs and severed their professional ties in late November 2009.

“She walked away from the project because Usher had his girlfriend [and former Def Jam executive] Grace Miguel was all in the mix,” says the source.

“She felt as though if she didn’t end things when she did, it would permanently affect their personal relationship,” continues the source.

Usher had apparently declared that he would manage himself, with the help of Miguel, but the label felt that “there was chaos in the camp.”

But there may be hope for the singer yet: It appears Usher is close to signing an agreement with AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips,  manager for Lionel Richie, Toni Braxton and the late Michael Jackson.

DESPITE this recently surfaced information, I still have my personal opinions regarding Usher’s latest album, as I expressed over the weekend here at XemVanAdams.com. Scroll through the recent posts.


Why Are So Many Black Women Critical Of The Reggie Bush/Kim Kardashian Relationship?

ReggieKimCouple

For the past two – three years or so, football star, REGGIE BUSH and reality star/celebutante, KIM KARDASHIAN have been linked romantically; publicly acknowledging and displaying their relationship.

As Reggie most recently covered ESSENCE MAGAZINE, meanwhile winning last night’s Superbowl Championship, it seems that Black Women, specifically, have shared a slew of negative, judgemental comments regarding his likeness and union with Kim. Black women somehow feel that Reggie is a ‘Trader’ to the Black community, as suggesting that he isnt worthy of gracing a Black magazine because of who he loves.

Reggie Bush is only 24 or 25 years old, based upon my knowledge. He is a young, successful athlete who for the most part remains distant from the glare of mainstream Hollywood antics and scandal. He appears to be a rather quiet and laid back athlete, who Im sure lets loose a little more behind closed doors. Meanwhile, alongside his on the field prowess, as well as the millions of dollars that come with it all, he has elected to spend this PART of his life with Kim Kardashian.

Kim Kardashian is a BEAUTIFUL young woman, hands down. Aside from her voluptuous body, flawless skin, healthy, flowing hair, demure personality and sophisticated sense of style, she’s also a savvy business woman who stems from a healthy and successful family. Kim brings her own means of livelihood and success to the table, unlike other women outside of the African American community who hook up with Black, Male stars and receive LESS THAN HALF of the criticism that Kim endures.

NO ONE criticized PEPPA in lieu of her VH1 reality series last week when she was dating an Asian man. In fact, the 90% Black, Female viewing audience goes off praising Peppa in various online forums for her decision to date outside of our race.

Somehow, it is my belief that very insecure women are INTIMIDATED by Kim. She doesn’t come across or appeal as the typical ‘Jump Off’ chic, who is riding some dude’s coattails for the associated Fame and Fortune. Kim has acquired her own means of success, and quite frankly needs NO MAN or HIS MONEY to upkeep her present lifestyle.

MANY will argue that Kim is just ’some slut who made a sex tape with R&B star, Ray J’…but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Kim and Ray J had been in a committed relationship for 3 years before that particular video was shot and then released in early 2007. She engaged in the same sexual acts with her man as MANY OTHER WOMEN of all ethnicities do with the men they love as well. Like many other couples, Kim allowed her man to film/photograph their sexual relations. Ray J then became even thirstier for fame and opted to release the video footage as to increase his celebrity status. While the executed plan worked in aiding his opportunities for mainstream exposure, it all damaged the unknown reputation of Kim.

Kim Kardashian is no porn star or whore. We have NEVER heard her name or seen her likeness associated with men who she was not KNOWN to be romantically involved with; exclusively.

Honestly, despite any excuses that other women come up with, I simply believe that a LARGE REASON as to why Kim is unaccepted, is because she’s a perfect 10. If she were just some scraggly, ol, regular ‘white girl’ with nothing to bring to the table, and nothing to really gaze upon physically, people wouldnt care to comment.

The reality is that NONE OF US honestly knows WHY certain people make the decision to date OUTSIDE of their race. Its a personal decision that everyone must make on their own accord.

We have NO IDEA how many Black Women Reggie Bush dated BEFORE meeting Kim Kardashian, as we have NO IDEA how many Black Women he will meet and date once he and Kim are no longer together.

Sometimes when we spend so MUCH time criticizing other people, its important to sit back and ask ourselves, WHAT ARE MY DEEP ROOTED ISSUES and/or INSECURITIES THAT MAKE IT SO DIFFICULT FOR ME TO SIMPLY ACCEPT HIM/HER?


Rihanna’s ReRelease Of The 2009 Critically Acclaimed Rated R

RihannaNewAlbum

At this point, there’s absolutely NO DENYING the fact that either Rihanna is preparing to release an entire NEW pop inspired album in the latter part of this year, OR she is preparing to rerelease her latest full-fledged compilation, RATED R.

Most recently, the very in demand producer, DAVID GUETTA, made the announcement that he is going into the studio with Rihanna to create a slew of new music. Details regarding the genre and direction of her sound were not revealed. However, its pretty obvious that considering the dance inspired work that he has created for Kelly Rowland, serves as inspiration for what he’ll helm for Rihanna as well. Accordingly, last week, R&B singer/Songwriter, NEYO, announced that he has begun writing new material for the Pop/R&B phenom. He also didn’t delve into the details or specifics regarding the type of material that he was set to pen for Rihanna, BUT we can all assume that the songs will more than likely fall in line with the slow to midtempo ballads that the two have cooked up in the past.

I will HONESTLY say that I have HATED every single song that Neyo has ever written for Rihanna, aside from their latest RUSSIAN ROULETTE collabo. I can not stand Neyo’s lyrical content juxtaposed with Rihanna’s voice, and was actually SHOCKED in 2008 when their singles struck chart topping Gold. SERIOUSLY.

I truly believe that Rihanna and Def Jam are preparing to deliver a more mainstream, POP inspired edition of Rated R as early as this summer 2010. When RUDE BOY impacts urban and pop radio tomorrow, it is the hope of Rihanna’s record label that the song, paralleled with the video release will ignite a new interest in Rihanna’s album. The company is banking on this 3rd single release to increase album sales, therefore solidifying the commercial success of Rated R.

I think that everyone behind the project is pleased with the artistic outcome of Rated R, but not satisfied with the album’s global performance. I can believe that whatever David Guetta creates for Rihanna will certainly serve as the lead single to precede the Rated R repackaging this summer 2010. Moreover, the cliche Neyo single will follow by late July, early August, all in time to meet Grammy 2011 deadlines.

I Love RiRi and am hoping that she can once again reach that TOP SPOT on Billboard’s HOT 100.

We all know, however, that her BEST BET in achieving this goal is to pretty much Carbon Copy her musical efforts from the Good Girl Gone Bad era.


Drake Covers February/March Issue Of COMPLEX Magazine

DrakeComplex1

Rapper/Singer, DRAKE, has certainly solidified himself as the MVP of Hip Hop’s new class of lyricists and MC’s. He has carved out a nitche amongst the music industry that is undeniably unique and sanctioned as his very own. He’s a young man who has proven that one does not have to garner the full fledged support of a multi million dollar record label in order to sell music or appeal to the mainstream.

What Drake has accomplished in 2009 is rarely achieved in this day and time by any artist of the fledgling music industry. As the public eagerly awaits the debut of his solo, rap compilation, Drake continues to lend his voice, talent and appeal to building a career that some may argue lives to stand against the hands of time.

COMPLEX shot Drake’s Xclusive cover on the streets of ATL.

DrakeComplex4

Drake was recently interviewed by COMPLEX Magazine as he is also featured on their February/March 2010 cover. In the magazine, Drake discusses everything from his Music and Likeness to Money & his appeal to Women…

As smooth as your entry to the rap world was, you only stumbled when people questioned your choices, like the video for “Best I Ever Had.”

Drake: You can do something you believe in and people will still say, “This shit is terrible!” But I still believe in Kanye’s vision. Maybe we didn’t do a great job with getting the point across—it was supposed to be a humorous video. When I read the comments, I was like, Man, I guess no one wants to laugh anymore. Everybody wants the fairy tale, you know?

For an artist who’s perceived to be so multifaceted, it was interesting to see people try to put you in a box: “How could he do this? This is degrading to women!”

Drake: If you listen to the lyrics, it’s really not a romantic song. It’s humorous. Yes, it’s great to tell a woman, “You’re the best I ever had.” But the hook was so lovey-dovey that I just wanted to make the verses some fun shit. And that’s how I viewed that song. Like a good time, like a laugh.

Of all your contemporaries, it seems like you want to be famous the most.

Drake: That’s gonna change. When Cole’s sound is the new sound that everybody wants to hear, he’s gonna be like, “I wanna be as big as possible with this shit.” I didn’t jeopardize anything to be in the position I’m in. You’re listening to the shit that I believe in, not some shit I did because I needed to get here. People just happen to embrace my shit. That’s very rare—but I also think the younger generation appreciates that brand of music, so I think it’s possible for one of these guys to emerge and do exactly what I’m doing.

I think it’s just that you were so far from what people expected when they thought “Young Money.”

Drake: Everyone seems to have a comment for me about Young Money, “Fuck Young Money” or “Why are you with them?” But what people have to understand is maybe there was a way for me to be successful without Young Money. But we’ll never know. My loyalty is to Wayne, and that goes for anybody who genuinely believes in me. We don’t have the most personal relationship where we hang out every day or we talk that much, but Wayne’s admiration and respect goes without being verbally said. He put his neck out there for me at a very early stage, and those actions tell me everything I need to know about how he feels about me as an artist. 

You can READ the FULL ARTICLE in the latest February/March issue of COMPLEX Magazine. Get into some of the BELOW POSTED photos lifted from Drake’s most recent COMPLEX photo shoot….


Reggie Bush In The Locker Room After Winning 2010 NFL Championship

ReggieInTheLockerRoom

I will admit that last night was the FIRST time in my ENTIRE LIFE that I actually sat back and watched a complete Superbowl Football Game. Though I was incredibly disappointed with the multi million dollar commercials, as I was just as disgusted with the halftime concert, I did actually enjoy the on-field action.

Look at the very SeXy, REGGIE BUSH kissing his trophy in the locker room, following his BIG WIN last nite. TWITTER was filled with commentary suggesting that Reggie’s girlfriend, the voluptuous reality star, Kim Kardashian was in the locker room poking holes in Reggie’s condoms. LP! I reported a month ago that the two have an agreement that he would propose to her IF his team made it this far in the league. They Have. So….

I had someone special explaining the game to me during the first half, which easily allowed me to follow along during the second. IF you are one of the 2800 Socialites & Celebutantes who are FOLLOWING me on TWITTER @ TWITTER.com/XemVanAdams, then you are well aware of my Thoughts and Opinions regarding last nite’s Super Bowl XLIV.

A very special Congratulations are in order for the New Orleans Saints who were lucky enough to have #22 intercept that ball during the second half. Just as I took notice of the fact that the team ALWAYS seemed to miss their passes, here this young man captures one and charges down the field to solidify last nite’s WIN.

I can honestly say that I ENJOYED the telecast. I am not and never have been a sports fan, by far.

HOWEVER, now that I totally understand the ways in which the game is played, I can certainly tune in more often…NEXT SEASON.

February 7, 2010
When A Man Has A Versatile Sense Of Style…

PharrellVersatile

The ABOVE photo of Mega Producer, PHARRELL, was taken Friday night in Miami, Florida as the hitmaker made his way to an after party following BET’s SOS Hope For Haiti Telethon.

Im using Pharrell as the premiere example of one with a versatile sense of style BECAUSE he is a man who is well into his 30’s and yet, always manages to remain trendy, contemporary and stylistically appropriate to fit the occassion.

What I most LOVE about Pharrell is that his style comes across as being effortless. He combines an array of Colors, Garments and Accesories to create a youthful ode to fashion.

PharrellVersatile2

Pharrell has introduced quite a few fashions to the forefront, from the Trucker Hats of the early millennium, to the return of 1980’s skater shirts, canvas sneakers and rugged cargo shorts. He blends concepts that are still quite taboo for black men, while maintaining an image that is likeable and relatable amongst all ethnicities and races.

A man who is able to adapt his outfits to fit any occassion are a dream come true. There’s nothing more bothersome than always having to worry about dressing your man and picking out his clothes for events, parties, gatherings and other spectacles. The man who is able to walk into his closet and put together a look that easily fits between Day and Night events, is a man who is confident in his appearance. I dont believe that men or women have to own an abundance of clothing in order to dress well. Its NOT always about WHAT you have hanging on the rack or folded on the shelf, but moreso HOW one puts the pieces together in order to be appropriately attired.

Pharrell isn’t necessarily the BEST DRESSED man in Hollywood, nor is he a Fashion Icon of sorts. He is, however, confident in his outfit choices, which allows him to always look comfortable and sexy in his clothing.

He is a man of versatility who WEARS THE CLOTHES as oppose to allowing THE CLOTHES TO WEAR HIM.