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STR8 TRIBUTE: “REMEMBERING AMY WINEHOUSE”

LexAve — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 14:25:19 +0000

In case you haven’t heard, Amy Winehouse is dead at 27. Winehouse was found dead by her bodyguard in her London apartment yesterday at 4 p.m. London time of an apparent drug overdose.
Amy Winehouse exploded onto the music scene in 2006 with her hit album “Back to Black” & created smashing hits like “Rehab”. Her soulfulness and unique fashion sense, made her a sensation you couldn’t help but not listen or watch. With so much success and fame, Winehouse quickly proved that success ain’t for the weak. She wound up as a victim to drug abuse including alcohol, cocaine & heroine. Despite her numerous attempts at rehab and making a comeback in the music world, Amy failed miserably letting all her talents go to waste. Talk about a sad story & a major loss in the music world. One of her lyrics that stand out to me is the line from “Rehab”- “I cheated myself like I knew I would. I told you I was trouble. You know that I’m no good”. How poetic, ironic and painful, eh? Did she really believe that about herself. Was she just doomed from the beginning? I can sit her and try to analyze every lyric but I’d rather celebrate her in this Str8NYC pictorial tribute…RIP Amy Winehouse. Enjoy!

STR8 TALK: WHY AALIYAH WILL FOREVER BE IN MY HEART?!…

LexAve — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 04:03:25 +0000

Today marks nine years since Aaliyah’s tragic death in an airplane crash. Her unique style, hypnotic vocals, and smooth criminal moves just made her a force to reckon with and just when her star was shining bright and she was about to take over in both music & Hollywood, her time was cut short. Her angelic and peaceful being was something that transcended through beauty, music and overall aura. It’s a fact she’s no longer here, but her memory and music will forever be in my heart and mind…and here’s why.

It was 1994- a time when I would listen in to Hot 97 specifically for the Angie Martinez & FunkMaster Flex Show like clockwork and I’d be ready with blank cassette, finger on pressed gently on the record button, ready to record at a moment’s notice for the playlist of the day. It was a daily routine for me as a teen…an era where cassettes where going out as CD’s were coming in. And the first CD I ever purchased in my life was “Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A Number” and all because of this classic video…
“Back & Forth”

Then Aaliyah blew me with this beautiful The Isley Brother’s remake…WOW!
“At Your Best (You Are Love)”

And just around the time I had a mean crush on a guy 3 years older than me…this song really hit home! “I got a thang for you and I can’t let go…”
“Age At Nothin’ But A Number”

For about a year straight I bumped all of Aaliyah’s tracks, rocked my hair straight, went extra hard on the tomboy look…I was Aaliyah’d out!
Fast forward three years later, 1997 and I was still a certified Aaliyah FAN! At this point Aaliyah began to dabble with her sexy side and albeit naughty side by teaming up with Lil’Kim on…
“If You’re Girl Only Knew”

Before emails and texts, people actually wrote letters and boy did I write a plethora of letters to then boyfriends…
“4 Page Letter”
I can remember chillen up in my room, practicing those moves @3:40 mark in front of the mirror, lol!
Not only did this video exude loads of sexiness but it also introduced us to former eye candy Ginuwine and master of beats, Timbaland.
“One In A Million”

And I continued practicing Aaliyah’s moves in my room, lol…
Then she killed it with this joint…certified platinum!
“Are You That Somebody”

After all that practicing in my room, I had this choreography DOWN! I can still do a number today, lol.
She inspired me with…
“Try Again”

And in 2001, Aaliyah blessed us with her final video…another choreography I had down…damn, where was youtube when I needed it.
“Rock The Boat”

All in all, Aaliyah played a major role in my life as a teenage girl, both as a role model and musician…babygirl will forever be in my memory. We can only imagine all the great things she would’ve accomplished if given more time on this earth. AALIYAH, I WILL MISS YOU FOREVER!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TUPAC!

LexAve — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 12:19:27 +0000

Born on July 16, 1976, Tupac was truly a blessing to the hip hop world. Even in death, Makavelli lives on. Definitely one of a kind…Happy Birthday, we miss you!

R.I.P. TUPAC!
Here are a few celebrities reminiscing about the moment they first heard Tupac was shot and passed away.

DON’T BE CRUEL…BOBBY BROWN AIN’T DEAD!

Lana C — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:39:22 +0000

Formally known as the “King of R&B” by ex-tenderoni Whitney Houston, Bobby Brown has succumb to rumors that he died of lung cancer on Tuesday night. Apparently, someone had a bit too much time on their hands and decided to spread the rumor via Twitter that poor Bobby passed away. Knowing Bobby’s history with drugs, the rumor does seem believable–but it isn’t! Bobby is alive and well and is currently on tour with his band “Heads of State” which consists of former New Edition members Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill.

Glad to hear Bobby didn’t drop dead, but there’s no denying that his career sure has!

WE’LL ALWAYS LOVE BIG POPPA!…RIP B.I.G.

J'More — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:43:09 +0000

Hip-hop hasn’t been the same since the Notorious B.I.G. passed away on March 9, 1997. So many questions arise, like what if he were still alive today how different would the game be? B.I.G. made me feel a sense of pride about my hometown, hell he had the world screaming “Where Brooklyn at?”.

BK Stand up!

What are you favorite memorable B.I.G. moments or songs?!

STR8 ART: ARTEKNYC DOES IT “B.I.G.”!

FailurePhobic — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:26:53 +0000

The greatest rapper of all time died March 9th.

Pictured is a vectored portrait from NYC’s own ARTEK. Obviously, its of the King of New York aka Frank White aka Biggie Smalls bka The Notorious B.I.G. Artek is willing to sell this amazing prints at cost. You can find additional info here. #BIGForever.

MICHAEL JACKSON RESURRECTS ON FUSE TV TODAY!

J'More — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:18:53 +0000

Although the King of Pop aka Michael Jackson is gone he is not forgotten. And for that very same reason, Fuse TV has dedicated today to none other than Michael Jackson starting at 11 am. Tune in to watch the King of Pop’s biggest and brightest moments all day! MJ lovers y’all definitely don’t want to miss this!

MUST-SEE: “2 TURNTABLES & A MICROPHONE: THE LIFE & DEATH OF JAM MASTER JAY”

J'More — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 23:06:39 +0000

It’s been seven years since the legendary Jam Master Jay of RUN-DMC was gunned down in his Queens studio. Security tapes of the incident mysteriously disappeared, witnesses didn’t want to snitch and the streets weren’t talking…until now. The exceptional documentary “2 Turntables And A Microphone” chronicles the investigation of Jam Master Jay’s unsolved murder, his life as a DJ and producer, as well as the history of Hip-hop and mainstream rap. “2 Turntables And A Microphone” features candid interviews with 50 Cent, Ja Rule, Russell Simmons, RUN-DMC and more! If you’re a true Hip-hop stan then this is definitely a must-see! Not to mention it also makes the perfect gift.

“2 Turntables And A Microphone” is available in a store near you and via iTunes NOW!

JANET JACKSON TO BREAK SILENCE ON MJ + NEW TYLER PERRY MOVIE…

J'More — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:00:32 +0000

Since the tragic death of the King of Pop, lil’ sis Janet Jackson hasn’t really been in the spotlight. Well, all of that is about to change with her first indepth interview since his passing with ABC’s “Good Morning America’s” host Robin Roberts scheduled to air on the network November 18^th at 10 p.m. Janet is also releasing a new compilation album which will include her Number Ones on November 17^th as well her new single “Make Me” produced by her and Rodney Jerkins.

While we wait for the exclusive interview, check out the trailer to Tyler Perry’s “Why Did I Get Married Too”…

“THE JACKSONS: A FAMILY DYNASTY” A&E REALITY SHOW…

LexAve — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 04:35:40 +0000

Let me get this straight…so your mega-star brother dies and you run off and get a reality show. Really?

Wonder how Janet feels about this mess?!

I’m convinced Michael’s death was all a plot to generate more money for his has-been siblings. When it comes to money…somebody’s gotta lose.