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STR8 TALK: 8 REASONS TO DATE A WHITE MAN….LATINA’S P.O.V.

LexAve — Wed, 10 Nov 2010 16:43:38 +0000

STR8 TALK: 8 REASONS TO DATE A WHITE MAN….LATINA’S P.O.V.

Last week ya gurl, LexAve, attended Madame Noire.com panel discussion featuring actress Malinda Williams, Egypt Sherrod of 107.5 WBLS in New York, Emcee Amanda Diva, Dr. Boyce Watkins of AOL Black Voices & Your Black World, Michaela Angela Davis (formerly of Essence magazine & Honey magazine), S. Tia Brown, Mark Anthony Neal and host China Okasi (Editor of Madam Noire.com). The panelist were part of Madame Noire’s premiere event: ’8 Reasons to Address Romance in the Black Community where they discussed the explosive article – “8 Reason’s to Date a White Man” written by LaShaun Williams at Columbia University on Friday, November 5th.

The room was filled with vocal and opinionated black folk both men and women talking about the prevalent issues of romance in the black community. As a Latina in the room observing the ongoing debate about love, romance, relationships within the black community…I couldn’t help but wonder do discussions like this happen in the Latin community. I mean since blooming teenage girl all I ever dated were black and latino men. And now that I’m twenty something, exploring new ventures in my life and meeting new people on a daily basis…I’m now dating a white man. And to be honest with ya, his “whiteness” doesn’t phase me. I mean we have similar interests, similar humor, mutual attraction, etc…and although his “whiteness” is not an issue, it’s definitely an issue for my fellow Latinos. For instance, we’re riding the train from the Bronx into the city and the stare downs from older Latino men and women is hilarious. And I thought the stare downs I got when dating a black guy was bad, ha! So sad! But I digress…I just wonder if my fellow Latinas talk about dating white men vs black vs. latinos. Some of the reasons to white a guy that was discussed by the panelists were:
1. “They open wide instead of down low”-That’s a load of crap. White men are just as likely to be down low as black men. This idea and stereotype feeds into the hype and histeria about black men being down low and less of them as being available to single women.

2. “Not looking for someone to take care of them”- I don’t know the statistics on White men vs. Black men coming from more stable family structures…but from my personal experience most of the black men I’ve dating were constantly looking for a chick to care of them. Guess that explains why I’m no longer with them.

3. “Attend and graduate from college”- Well this I agree with…White men are more likely to be college educated than black men. I’m not sure if the same can be said for Latino men, since Latinos are attending and graduating college at a higher rate than before. Not to mention this new statistics about black males doing worse than bad in the education system is just horrible news.

4. “At least attempt to marry before making babies”- I disagree with this reason. Just because it’s noticed that White men don’t have children sprinkled all the over the place, doesn’t mean they didn’t impregnate a chick. There’s a little thing called abortion.

5. “They don’t glamourize ignorance”- The Madame Noire article states: “They may listen to rap music, but they are smart enough not to act it out. The “thug life” is not something to be aspired. White men have a firmer grasp on what really defines manhood.” But ignorance doesn’t just lie within rap music. There are other forms of ignorance that some white men adhere to. Not agreeing with this claim as it’s just too general of a statement.

6. “Financial planning and stability”- I totally agree with this one. White men or rather white culture are just more educated in spending their money. Rather than looking to “Floss” like most men in the black and latino community…white men are just far more interested in being wealthy than appearing wealthy. There’s a big difference.

7. “Have the ability to look beyond your past”- Another general statement. This has nothing to do with race but rather the individual itself. Claiming that white men have no problem turning a “hoe into a house wife” is just dead wrong. How do you explain these rappers wifin’ up “former” strippers? C’mon…this has nothing to do with race.

8. “Don’t take everything as a challenge to their masculinity”- I couldn’t disagree more. Whether black, white, latino…men who feel insecure or intimated by strong educated women (black, white, latina) has more to do with their own lack of self esteem and own personal weakness. Some men are just aren’t strong enough to handle a strong woman and that’s their loss. #REALTALK

Overall it was a very interesting, mind stimulating intimate conversation that deserves more discussion and less stereotypes. As for me, none of these reasons played into me dating my white guy. It just for whatever works between us. Frankly, that’s all that matters. As for my Latino community, I’m considering taking a poll and seeing where Latinas stand on this issue. Hmmm…

STR8 EXCLUSIVE: HENNESSY ARTISTRY x MIGUEL x DONNIS x BILAL x ERIN CHRISTINE

skool — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:30:41 +0000

STR8 EXCLUSIVE: HENNESSY ARTISTRY x MIGUEL x DONNIS x BILAL x ERIN CHRISTINE

Once again ya gurl, Tina aka Skool, would like to extend a good ole shout out to Hennessy & Hot 97 for bridging the gap between established artists and aspiring artists with incredible talent. The performances all in all were impeccable, and the free drinks provided by Hennessey got the crowd loose, which complimented the vibes of the evening and made the night flow extra smooth.

Erin Christine, a wonderful up-and-coming artist by way of Connecticut was the opening act and her performance was nothing short of spectacular. She has an amazing voice that is sultry, melodic, and oh so passionate. That girl hit the craziest notes, and while she was hammering away at her electronic keyboard. Like check baby out! And next up, was ya boy Donnis who I must admit, was one of the coolest dudes I’ve met, hit the stage to liven everything up with his ATL-style and dirty south beats that shook the entire room. He was so energetic and off the wall!

Next up was “Mr. All I Want Is You” aka Miguel. Ladies brace yourself! He was just that good, so good that you felt his lyrics and passion through his completely powerful and melodic voice. Miguel literally left everyone in a state of bliss, which worked well to bring out the headlining act, Bilal who was AMAZING and SOULFUL! He has not recorded an album in 9 years, and after last night I know why. A true artist needs no description nor definition, he only needs due praise, and I’ll give him just that. Please go cop his album Airtight Revenge in stores now. #GoodTimes

Check back for our exclusive interviews and performance footage…keep it locked!

STR8 FLICKS: CELEBS HIT UP NYC…

J'More — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 20:19:15 +0000

STR8 FLICKS: CELEBS HIT UP NYC…

NYC was filled with celebs last night as they flocked to the many exclusive events that went down in the city that never sleeps. Chris Brown, Fabolous, and supermodel Jessica White attended Swatch’s launch party for their New Gents Collection at the Gansevoort.

While, our fav U.K. chick Estelle made her rounds yesterday along with Trey Songz, Method Man and others who came out to the launch party of Def Jam Rapstar at the Hudson Hotel.

“We da best” aka DJ Khaled shared DJ’n duties with Funkmaster Flex…

Donnis and Young Joc…

ALICIA KEYS’ “KEEP A CHILD ALIVE” 7TH ANNUAL BALL

LexAve — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:48:11 +0000

ALICIA KEYS’ “KEEP A CHILD ALIVE” 7TH ANNUAL BALL

Check out a very pregnant Alicia Keys working the red carpet belly and all in a stunning lace gown alongside her hubby, Swizz Beats at her 7th annual Keep A Child Alive’s Black Ball in NYC last night. Everyone from Whitney Houston, Usher to Jay-Z & Beyonce showed up in support. Overall the event was a huge success, raising over $2.4 million for lifesaving AIDS treatment, care and support to children and families affected by HIV/AIDS in Africa and India. Gotta love Alicia’s philanthropic ass! Check out some images below from the red carpet, the ball, and special performances.

Whitney was looking good…but unfortunately the heavy winds had her hair looking kinda crazy.

Usher was doing some major ass kissing to Alicia Keys…perhaps in hopes of scoring another hit with the mommy-to-be.

I get Janelle Monae’s look, but doesn’t she have anything else in her closet besides, blazers and cut-off slacks? #imjustsayin

Sade was a vision in white. Isn’t she like 50-something years old?! WOW! A certified stunner.

Beyonce was in the building looking very retro in this fushia number. And what’s up with the 80′s curls?! Hmm, not feeling it!

Don’t even let me get started on her dress! Just horrid!

Alicia and her mom, Teresa. Surely mama Keys is thrilled to have a new addition to their family.

Later into the night, Alicia Keys hit the stage with Jay-Z, Sade, Janelle Monae and others. There’s nothing keeping Alicia away from that stage…not even a huge belly. Too cute.

STR8 EXCLUSIVE: TREY SONGZ LOVES HIS NYC FANS…

LexAve — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 03:15:57 +0000

STR8 EXCLUSIVE: TREY SONGZ LOVES HIS NYC FANS…

The ladies of Str8NYC (LexAve & Skool) spent an evening with Trey Songz…along w/100 other female fans. HA! Power 105.1 held an intimate Q&A session with Trey songz and invited a small group of his hardcore female fans to the PC Richard & Son Theater in NYC.

Least to say Trey Songz had the all the women, and teenage girls in a trance. Mr. Yup played and playfully sang along to cuts off his new album Passion, Pain, Pleasure- like “Can’t be Friends“, “Bottoms Up“, and some other sh*t that sounds the same as the album before, Ready. Songz apparently loves his fan though, because quite a few times he would hug random girls who were on the verge of passing out from all his sex energy, lol. There was even one girl who asked if he’d take a picture with her; because at his last concert, she got cut in line by a stampede of girls. #AWWW I bet while she was hugging him she was thinking “MISSION ACCOMPLISHED”. Check out some exclusive pics and video below.

Check out Trey Songz tended to a crying fan @:52 mark.

STR8 EXCLUSIVE: JAY-Z & EMINEM @ YANKEE STADIUM

LexAve — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 18:32:49 +0000

STR8 EXCLUSIVE: JAY-Z & EMINEM @ YANKEE STADIUM

Last night our contributor Tina hit up the Jay-Z x Eminem extravaganza at the new Yankee Stadium up in the Bronx. Madness is an understatement. Realtalk, you could hear the crowd in the stadium screaming and chanting all the lyrics from blocks away…no lie! Everyone from 50 Cent, Drake, Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, B.O.B., Beyonce Knowles, etc showed up. Nothing less than epic! New Era was also in the building selling their Jay-Z/New Era hats…those fitted caps are tough! You’ll spot them in the pics below as the caps with Jay-Z’s 3 Red Stripes emblem as in his latest album, Blueprint 3, on the side, the cap also include a large ABE, or All Black Everything, insignia on the rear. Here’s our contributor’s Tina full recap of last night:

Shout out to New Era (props to Ant!) for hooking us up with tickets to the Jay-Z/Eminem concert yesterday. The Jay-Z Blueprint III New Era hat was a hit, because everybody and their mama were rocking one.

Needless to say, the concert was STR8 DOPE! Two of the biggest names in Hip-Hop performed onstage in the heart of the Boogie Down Bronx at Yankee Stadium where Hip-Hop was founded!

J. Cole was one of the opening acts along with Miguel as his featuring guest . . . “All I Want is You” is my jam. B.O.B. was the other opening act. Eminem’s performance was nothing short of amazing and very emotional. Em brought out none other than 50 Cent, D12 and Dr.Dre, who yet again announced that his Detox album is dropping soon. Come on Dre, you’ve been saying that since the Chronic 2001, and your fans are growing impatient.

Funny sh*t, ya boy 50 Cent, despite all the money he has, STILL cannot dress to save his life. He and the G-Unit crew were onstage with glow-in-the-dark Gucci outfits, lol. Like really 50? I guess all his money goes to his jewelery. I can’t be too mad, because at least it wasn’t G-Unit attire. Back to the headliner, Jay-Z graced the stage with guests like Chris Martin, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce, and Kanye West! The crowd was so electrified, that Brooklyn could hear their screaming and shouts for Jigga. Better yet, I’m sure Weezy could hear the momentum from Rikers Island!

Check out some the flicks from last night’s show below. Stay tuned for video. Oh and expect another recap from ya gurl, LexAve…I’m going be there tonight.

The homie Str8NYC.com/RocNation’s own J’More with guest.

That’s Tina…enjoying the show. Ha! I see you gurl.

Can’t believe it took Tina about an hour and half to get inside the stadium…it was pure madness on 161st yesterday.

STR8 GIVEAWAYS: JAY-Z x EMINEM @ YANKEE STADIUM

LexAve — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 02:38:34 +0000

STR8 GIVEAWAYS: JAY-Z x EMINEM @ YANKEE STADIUM

Hey readers! It’s been a minute, been handling some biz but we’re back in full swing for the fall. Str8NYC.com x RocNation have teamed up to bring 2 lucky loyal readers a chance to win a pair of tickets to witness a historical moment in hip hop. Jay-Z x Eminem shut it down at the new Yankee Stadium September 13 & September 14 and here’s your chance to win a pair of tickets. It all goes down in the BX next week. So here’s how to win:
THE READER WITH THE MOST COMMENTS AND PUTS “#JAYZEMINEM” AT THE END OF EACH COMMENT ON ANY POST ON STR8NYC.COM WILL BE OUR GRAND PRIZE WINNER! IT’S THAT SIMPLE!

Remember leave comments on any post on the site and make sure to end your comment with “#JAYZEMINEM” and you automatically enter to win. Be sure to use a valid email address when commenting. See you in the comments sections….GIVEAWAY ENDS SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH.

YOU’RE NOT GONNA WANNA MISS THIS!

STR8 TALK: FOXY BROWN, EXPLAIN THE F*CKERY?!

LexAve — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:48:40 +0000

STR8 TALK: FOXY BROWN, EXPLAIN THE F*CKERY?!

Words by Zunnania

Okay! What is the deal with Foxy Brown? I’m just so confused! How should I start this post?… probably from the beginning. Like many of you, I loved her the moment Foxy Boogie Brown came out! Loved her fake Jamaican accent songs! Loved “The Firm” collaboration. Loved that Jay-Z loved her. Loved that she came from Brooklyn. Loved that I knew people- that new people- that knew her. Foxy, unlike Kim (who I also love) was real and accessible. It felt like, I could have gone to school with someone like that. She was in a sense, “The Girl Next Door” or rather, “The Girl Down The Block”. I’m even inclined to believe that she possibly wrote some of her lyrics. To me, she could have been the next Queen Latifiah… okay wait; maybe I’ve gone too far! But, she could have at least been the next Eve. Acting career, makeup endorsements, and Ill Na Na fashion line! Some call her a bird, but she’s a bird that has staying power. Or rather, she HAD staying power. Now foxy is -dare I say it- on her way out. Out, like Charlie. Out, like Amil-lion! Instead of making raps, diss tracks, mixtapes… or attacking Nicki Minaj for the pr, she has:

Earned 80 Hours of community service for spitting on two hotel workers in ’97

Pulled a Whitney, Britney and Lindsay, going in and out of rehab in 2000

Crashed a Range Rover in Flatbush (yes Flatbush, that’s why I love her) Brooklyn, and thus arrested for driving without a license in the same year (2000)

Banned from Jamaica after she tried to evade a body search at the airport and punched a policewoman in the stomach in 2002

Pulled a Naomi by attacking two manicurists over 20 dollars. Received 3 years of probation and ordered to take anger management.
After expecting female rapper Jacki-O to bow down to Fox, a fight broke out at a radio station in Miami.
We all felt bad (well at least I did) when Foxy loss her hearing in 2005. But, then she assaulted a beauty supply store employee and plead guilty in 2007, and followed that up with throwing a Blackberry at a neighbor and almost running over a stroller with a BABY in it! A BABY in it!

Then sent to jail in ‘O7 for violating her probation, got into a prison fight, cursed out the correction officers and sent to solitary confinement.

Now, I can’t really blame her for any of what happened in jail, because that is my strategy if I ever get locked up.
I know there are two sides to every story and if someone comb through our lives with a microscope, we would all seem like we need to be locked up in an insane asylum. BUT, when you are famous you have access to not only money, but also the best pr and marketing agents in the world. Your team of experts would be able to spin whatever craziness into a justified and somewhat relate-able story. And even if the world doesn’t buy it-your fans will. Now as I stated in the beginning of the post, I’m a fan! And I’m not buying it! It has been two years since she’s been out of jail. But recently (July 22, 2010), Foxy decided to visit her arch-enemy (who already had a order of protection on her) and according to reports cursed her out and even mooned her. Out on $5,000 bail, Foxy just preformed at BB Kings. To which she attested to in court this morning by telling the judge and the entire courtroom:
“We just had a sold out concert at BB King’s,” she added. “LeBron James couldn’t make it, but I’m here.”

We’ll what other “great” antics Ms. Inga will pull before her next court date scheduled for January 28, 2011.

As far as her performance at BB Kings, I have one thing to say…what the hell is she wearing?!!!! Realtalk, I love me some Foxy, but she needs to lay low for a bit, fire the people on her team including her stylist and PR, and develop a comeback strategy. Idk, do something…

I’m just disappointed and confused, can someone explain? Foxy where you at?!

CARMELO ANTHONY & LALA VAZQUEZ GET MARRIED IN NYC…

LexAve — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:26:51 +0000

CARMELO ANTHONY & LALA VAZQUEZ GET MARRIED IN NYC…

After a long engagement, five years to be exact, Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony finally makes a wife out of his baby mama, former MTV VJ LaLa Vazquez. The pair held their nuptial ceremony at Cipriani’s in Midtown of NYC. With 320 guests present, including celebrity friends Kim Kardashian, Lebron James, Serena Williams, Spike Lee, Trina, Ciara, Angie Martinez- Carmelo and LaLa were escorted to the altar by their 3 year-old adorable son, Kiyan.

Is it me or does Kim K’s face is looking more wax everytime we see her?!

Kim Kardashian tweeted a picture of her and gal pals- Bride-to-be LaLa Vazquez, Ciara, Trina and Angie Martinez chillen on a boat ride on the Hudson prior to LaLa’s wedding.
Word is there’s a 5 part mini-series of all the planning leading up to Carmelo & LaLa’s wedding set to air September 19th.
Congrats to the happy couple!

STR8 EVENTS: THE FADER 68 ISSUE RELEASE PARTY x THE DREAM

LexAve — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 23:22:03 +0000

STR8 EVENTS: THE FADER 68 ISSUE RELEASE PARTY x THE DREAM

Last night ya gurl, LexAve, randomly attended The Fader magazine’s #68 issue release party at the Hudson Hotel in NYC. The event was sponsored by Budweiser and Def Jam. The basement venue was full of hipsters with beer bottles in hand…guaranteed good ‘ole time. Had the chance to reconnect with some of back in the day colleagues and meet some wonderfully snazzy people. But the fun came to a screeching halt when I found out The Dream was set to perform. To room full of hipsters…really?! Who knew this was his target audience. I know I didn’t. Anywhoo, as the night progressed- ya gurl kicked with galpal Zunnania of Zunnania Designs and Parrish of Sobs for the majority of the night cracking jokes and sippin’ on some bubbly…(I hate beer!) At about 10:15pm or so, the DJ went from playing electronica hip hop joints to full blown The Dream mode. WHAT?! Ok…10 minutes later, The Dream took the stage. He kicked off his set with “Ditch That“, followed by “Panties to the Side” (GASP), then “Love King” and finished off with “Make-up Bag”. Not only was I vexed at this “Teddy Graham” look-a-like only performing four songs and bouncing- he was straight up WACK! No stage presence whatsoever. I mean just ’cause you’re “ill” with the pen & pad doesn’t mean you’re meant for the stage. Not to mention “Panties To The Side” really threw me for a loop. I haven’t copped Love King and surely after his lackluster performance last night I don’t intend to..I wont even waste my time or disk space downloading the album #imjustsayin
On a side-note, can you imagine lil’ 5 or 6 year-olds dancing and singing along to pull your “Panties to the side“…SERIOUSLY! THIS IS BLASPHEMY. I love you Fader magazine, but The Dream was NOT a good look!
Stay tuned for videos to come. In the meantime enjoy these pics…