BET Awards Rights A Wrong

As BET celebrated 10 years of the BET awards show last night, I reflected on how much the station has declined in those past 10 years in my opinion. I charged my phone's battery so I could tweet during the show.This year, Queen Latifah was the host and her lackluster jokes and many skits just weren't...funny to me, she was trying too hard. I missed the first few minutes of Kanye West's opening performance of his newest single "Power" . I couldn't gather if that was a chain or a dinner plate he had around his neck. It was apparent after keeping a low-profile from the Taylor Swift interruption, Kanye was trying to get his mojo back. More strange things unfolded as the night progressed. Jada Pinkett-Smith rocked a braided mohawk, presented the award for best Female Artist the recipient was Alicia Keys...four months pregnant Ms. Keys seemed surprised she won. Soon following her win, Ms. Keys took the stage the first of two performances performing songs off her latest release "The Element of Freedom" During her performance of "If I Ain't Got You", she bought out gospel singer Kim Burell. Many people had no idea who she was, as her joining her on stage was rather awkward. I've had much to say about her courtship with producer/sometimes rapper Swizz Beatz, some of my male friends on twitter debated back and forth with me about Ms. Keys and Swizzy but hey my opinion is my opinion. I re-tweeted this tweet of my friend's as the hook, line and sinker...( RT @BlkSportsOnline People love Alicia Keys hate Beyonce. Beyonce married. AK took a chick husband and knocked up. #hypocriticalabit about 15 hours ago via Touiteur) . 

              









   The next award recipient was Young Money as Nicki Minaj delivered the acceptance speech rocking a Ronald McDonald/Wilma Flintstone wig with a wedding gown. Some of my twitter friends called her the Bride of Chucky lol! I'll highlight a few things from the show that I liked. Monica although her choice of wardrobe was questionable (Batwoman) I did enjoy her performance of "Everything To Me" Ms. Arnold bought Deniece Williams who sang her 80's classic "Silly" the song Monica sampled for her hit single. 

Nia Long and Larenz Tate performed a brief skit from the movie "Love Jones" . Twitter was blasting Larenz Tate...(*DEAD* RT @BrookeAshley247 Larenz Tate should remember all his lines from Love Jones...I don't think he's been in a movie sense. about 16 hours ago via web) Umm hello did people forget that he was in "Biker Boys", Ashanti's "Rain On Me" video, "Crash" and 'Waist Deep?" 

Tyrese one of my favorite performers of the evening, paid tribute to his musical idol Teddy Pendergrass who passed earlier this year, singing a melody of the Mr. Pendergrass' songs "Come and Go With Me", "Close The Door" and "Turn Off the Lights", Tyrese later tweeted about his experience on stage. 












Usher performed "There's Goes My Baby" and Trey Songz performed "Yo Side Of the Bed" blending in Prince's "Purple Rain" which some thought was actually the tribute to this year's Lifetime Achievement recipient. Diddy-Dirty Money's performance was pretty good although the strobe lights hurt my eyes for the rest of the evening, I'm still trying to recover from it smh...Diddy spoke his success into existence ten years from now, we'll still be on top, and he is, even with 20-year-old dance moves. Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Kim Burell, Fred Hammond and Yolanda Adams performed their tribute song "Are You Listening: A Love Song For Haiti" which some of my followers felt was another awkward moment in the show.

After the train wreck of last year's Michael Jackson tribute throughout the length of the show I was anxious to see who they would have perform a tribute to the greatest entertainer of my generation. Jermaine Jackson thanked the fans for their support of the Jackson family as they grieved the death of Michael Jackson, Jermaine didn't know who was performing as his introduction was yet another awkward moment in the show. The performer of the tribute was now other than Chris Brown. C Breezy obviously studied the moves, thrusts and agility of MJ as his dancing closely paralleled Mr. Jackson. I had my reservations about Breezy performing last year due to my favoritism of Usher, but Breezy single handedly killed that performance. Complete with glow in the dark hats and suits during the performance of "Smooth Criminal" America and the twitter community witnessed a historical performance. When it was time to sing "Man In the Mirror" Brown couldn't hold back the tears as the message in the song spoke volumes. Just two years before Brown was on top of the world, winning the best male R&B Artist that was totally blotted out by that ugly incident last February involving then girlfriend Rihanna. Many blasted Brown for pulling a publicity stunt, some thought he was crying over that situation from last year, while the legions of his fans knew the real reason behind those tears.

This 21-year-old man was allegedly banned from participating in any tributes for the King Of Pop, radio stations stopped playing his music, his album sales didn't match the success of his last two albums, forcing him to do mixtapes Brezzy is cryin' cuz of errthng he went thru. Almost lost his career,freedom &he FINALLY got 2 perform the tribute he shld had did 1 yr ago about 15 hours ago via Echofon....Chris brown lost EVERYTHING. This is his 2nd chance and on an emotional song he cried. Don't throw stones unless ur perfect about 15 hours ago via Echofon...) 

The two final performances I enjoyed most was the tribute to Prince and El DeBarge. Janelle Monae, another new artist, Alicia Keys and Patti LaBelle all performed. I couldn't gather why a tribute done by all women and not one man came to mind to do one of his songs? Alicia Keys' performed Prince's "I Adore"  which was pretty good followed by her crawling across the piano which warranted a safety issue and a perplexed expression on Prince's face. Not to be outdone by the younger pack of singers, Patti LaBelle performed a stirring rendition of "Purple Rain" kicking off her shoes in true Patti style, receiving a standing ovation by Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson himself. Many tweeted about his flawless hair, outlandish wardrobe, his mesmerizing eyes and his sexuality for the remainder of the show.  Mr. DeBarge with his golden voice still proved he has it. Performing a melody of his hits as well as songs from the group DeBarge I wondered to myself if he either had an album coming out soon or if BET gave him a reality show like so many others on the network.













There were more awkward moments some of the newer artists performances were cut short by commercial breaks, and announcement of award recipients not shown during the show, I figured they must have been pressed for time. So here's a list of all the winners of the evening: 

Video Of the Year- Beyonce' feat. Lady Gaga "Video Phone


Best International Act - Dizzee Rascal

Best Actor - Idris Elba

Best Movie – “Precious”

 Video Director of the Year - Hype Williams

Best Collaboration - Jay-Z & Alicia Keys

YoungStars Award - KeKe Palmer

 Best Actress – Mo’Nique

Best Female R&B Artist - Alicia Keys

Best Group - Young Money

Humanitarian Award Recipient - John Legend

Best Male R&B Artist - Trey Songz

Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient: Prince

Best Gospel - Marvin Sapp

Subway Sportswoman of the Year - Serena Williams

Subway Sportsman of the Year - LeBron James

Best New Artist - Nicki Minaj

Fandom Award- Chris Brown

Viewer's Choice Award- Rihanna feat. Young Jeezy "Go Hard"

List of winners compiled by BET.com
Pictures compiled by Google image search




 
 

Jill Scott and Maxwell- One Night Only

A few months ago, my brother called to tell me he bought tickets for us to see Jill Scott and Maxwell in concert during my birthday month. I was excited, being a fan of both artists music, so I looked forward to the day approaching. A short stint in traffic had my brother and me worried we would miss the beginning of Jill's performance. After hiding my camera which I didn't have to do since no one checked my bag just my ticket, we were relieved to see Guy Torry as the opening act. We soon learned we didn't miss much with him being on stage 1) He shouted out Kobe Bryant when the vast majority of Philadelphia doesn't like or claim Bryant as a Philadelphian 2) He dissed our home team the 76'ers saying we were mad they continue to lose games. I wouldn't have been surprised if someone would have jumped him on stage, being as though we are deemed the worse fans in all sports. Less than 10 minutes later, the show began with shadow dancers doing there thing, the band setting the crowd's atmosphere, the background dancers adorned in Adidas rocking to the beat, and then enters Philly's own Jill Scott. Dressed in an Adidas jacket, rocking Gazelle sunglasses, her signature Afro, sparkly tights and some hot shoes she began her set with "Gimme" and quickly went through a catalog of her hits from all three albums: "The Real Thing", "Insomnia","Whatever", "It's Love","Come See Me", "He Loves Me", "Not Like Crazy","Crown Royal", "A Long Walk" her new single "I Love You" and finished her set with "Hate On Me" followed by Ms. Scott chanting "North Philly's in the house", and striking a b-boy stance as a message to all the haters.
 During her set Ms. Scott made her fans feel like she was a close friend, she wasn't afraid to show her vulnerability in love and life, she also spoke on being hurt in a relationship, and surprisingly her messing up in a relationship. She made her fans laugh telling the all too familiar tale of conflict between your head and your privates; a man that's good for pleasure, who sends a tingling up your spine, but gives you grief with their irresponsibility. Before exiting the stage she thanked Philly for all their love and support, for accepting her as she is in the fickle music business that prefers a slimmer, half naked woman, instead of a woman who's a little thicker in the waist and chooses to wear clothes that leaves something to the imagination. "Thank you Philly for allowing me to be...human. Thank for letting me go to market to buy groceries, thank you for allowing me to take my son to the park, Philly is my safe haven." She finished her set telling the ladies to get ready for Maxwell "He's even sexier in person" which was met by screams from women.

After a brief intermission, Maxwell entered the stage dressed in a gray suit and a pair of sunglasses. It didn't take long for women to begin rushing the stage, screaming, and reaching out to touch his hand. Some women even threw their panties on the stage, and gave him a card. Maxwell stated  per her fans request, he was going to do a mix of his old and newer songs. He went into a a string of his hits and some album favorites of fans "Sumthin', Sumthin'", "Ascension (Don't Ever Wonder)", "Bad Habits", "Fistful Of Tears", "Stop The World", "Cold", "Fortunate", "Reunion", "'Til The Cops Come Knocking", and the Isley Brothers "Don't Say Goodnight" While watching Maxwell perform, I finally understood how older women felt seeing people like Teddy Pendergrass and Marvin Gaye in concert. Maxwell has all the makings of the perfect man: he's handsome, immaculate style, a beautiful smile, talented performer and a great sense of humor. "I smell that good stuff, y'all smoking at my show? Where's the connect at...it smells like badussy in here...but that's not what it's about tonight it's about love...I know a lot of you fellows don't wanna be here, but after tonight she'll give you some." much to the laughter of the crowd. Maxwell finished his set with "Pretty Wings" or "Wangs" as he sings.
  Overall, the show was more than I expected these two performers don't get half the credit they deserve, they have more than studio voices, the can sing, they can rock to the beat, they can open up and relate to their fans on levels not yet achieved by other artists. I hope I get the opportunity two see these two again in concert...again...for one night only.


Here's some video from the concert:

High School High Reunion

If you remember last, I mentioned an early high school reunion taking place this month, and I still was sweating the small stuff, as far as my appearance goes. I had my outfit planned out, was going to wear all black to make myself look smaller. That plan quickly went down the drain once, I popped the zipper on my dress, uggh talk about irked?! I haven't been down Dave & Buster's in years, so I was surprised when I saw the $5 cover charge, I was like what is this a club?! I played a few games with my boyfriend before he went to hang out with his friends. I turned to my left and saw some of the same people who were either my friends or associates, and realized how fast 8 years passed by, without me even seeing most of them since graduation. Quick hugs, and smiles and conversation lead us to having drinks and talking about different events from high school, such as Big Steve slamming Chris C. everybody was in school that day and it was hilarious. I began talking with one of my friends, telling her about my fear of people judging the way I look. She put it in this prospective, we're all grown now, and we can't expect our bodies to look the way it did when we were kids, the same exact sentiment of another friend echoed just three weeks earlier. I started looking around at my classmates and realized that Steph was right, some were married, others have children, and the guys no longer look like the boys I used to roll with in high school, the were men now. I thought of my smaller frame and thought I don't want my 18-year-old body back, I want my 21-year-old body back lol! Some funny things happened while we were there, my boi Reese drank one drink and was sweating like he stole something, we were laughing because naturally we knew he probably couldn't handle his liquior, he's not a drinker. Then my boi Sunny said I was weird when I was in school, I said everyone was kind of weird so what made me any different, his reply "Cuz I ain't hit that it school." My reply was I was interested in you then, or now, he was drunk so I didn't get too offended, but the icing on the cake was from Shawn, "Why haven't you settled down yet, let a ni**a buss in you, have a few babies." What kind of sh*t is that to say to someone? Sorry, I'm just not down for being somebody's random baby mom, plus I have some more living to do before I settle down with kids. All in all, it was a great reunion, and we made a vow to spend more time together and hopefully have more of our classmates come out to catch up and reminisce.

Accept me flaws in all

Usually while on facebook, I'll only go on there to post new pics, occasionally update my profile pic, and play cafe world, so when I saw a class reunion for the class of 2002, I clicked on it. A friend of mines from Bok decided to have a small get together at Dave & Buster's March 20th, as a means of catching up, just 2 years shy of our 10 year class reunion. I quickly accepted, as most of my friends and acquaintances I haven't seen in 8 years. Then I thought about something that on television shows people torture themselves about before being around their peers...their weight. I'll admit, I'm not the same size I was in 2002, let alone the same size I was in 2008.

I'm usually one to be confident in my own skin, and I'll admit have gotten quite "settled" in my relationship, but there's something about being around my peers, that makes me take notice of the small things. The picture on the left is me at the Senior class splash party a cool 125 pounds, extra small shirt and size 7/8 jeans. The picture on the right is of me at Del State homecoming 2009 182 wearing a med/lg shirt and a size 13 pants. Some may say well Tia over the years you do gain weight as you get older; however, I don't have any justification of my weight gain outside of eating and little to no exercise. Most of my peers have settled down into marriage with children, and others are single parents, I'm not married and have no children, and I'm a little worried that they'll look at me strange. I say this because a guy I had a crush on in high school saw me on the G bus in 2003, around my freshman year at Del State and said these exact words: "In high school you were the truth, but now I don't know..." As if this dude actually was an Idris Elba, he looked kinda smoked out to me.

Maybe I'm being shallow, or insecure to a certain degree but presentation is everything. I want to still have the wow factor I had in high school when my waist, hips, thighs and arms were slimmer. No doubt when I step up in the place I'll be dressed to the nine's, and I'll make sure to have on an all black outfit, cuz after all, black makes you look smaller. :-p

I got the golden ticket!

I first heard of the President visiting my job Arcadia University on Thursday but it was supposed to be hush, hush. By Friday the word was out and the campus was a buzz, I knew I didn't really have a chance in hell as to seeing him, so I prepared to take pics of the big screen, all the while bubbly on the inside. I had planned on wearing business casual clothing from my days of old at Honda Financial Services, instead of my uniform of tan slacks and a button up shirt. As I was getting off the bus, I saw a bunch of protesters outside the campus with their signs and posters, as well as Cheltenham Police and a number of security from all over.

Around 10:30, we got a call from our big boss Mimi telling us that we got tickets to see the President. At first, we tried walking straight towards the Kuch Center, but quickly were turned away. After 10-15 minutes, my co-workers and I tried again, this time walking around the residence halls and other buildings towards the back of the Kuch Center. We were given our tickets, and went through a pat down and metal detectors, just like my good ole days at Bok and Del State. While standing and waiting, I was interviewed via the radio for a station based in Philly on 900 AM. (Link for that coming soon!) I also put it out there, that while I'm currently employed at Arcadia University, I was always looking for opportunities to branch out into Mass Communications, after all, that's what I prepared a career in. Finally, after a prayer, the Pledge of Allegiance, the singing of the Star Spangled Banner, and a speech from a single mother currently struggling with high health care premiums, the President of the United States entered the stage to cheers and a standing ovation.

The President greeted everyone from Governor Ed Rendell, to state representatives, and the mayor of Philadelphia, to the students, staff and faculty of Arcadia University. He then proceeded to taking off his suit jacket stating, "Man, it's hot in here." Of course I was hooting b/c after all the President is a handsome man. He then went into his speech on the push for health care reform, and how he wants it to be possible for current young adults to stay on their parents health insurance until the age of 26. I missed that boat unfortunately, I've already began working and I'll be 26 this year. The President made some good points, and of course there were naysayers in the crowd, blurting out their opinions, and that just wasn't the right environment to do so, I saw Secret Service coming around with their glocks on their waists, I was certain they would take the men out, literally. The President finished around noon, shook a few hands, and I couldn't get too close to him anyway, I was all the way in the back. I'm all for the health care reform, my current health insurance only covers 30% of my dental, and I have to pay the rest out of my pocket, currently I'm paying $445 for my wisdom teeth pulling from a month ago. How many people can actually say, they had the opportunity to hear and see the President speak?

Side Note anybody from the Philly area knows NBC 10 news anchor Renee Chenault-Fattah, well she was at Arcadia as well. First, her complexion is actually lighter in person than what it is on tv, and she's beautiful. I tried to get a picture of her too, but homegirl that was with her, blocked her from my camera AND my phone.  Then as they were leaving through the back door with other news people, the woman had a nerve to give me the stink eye. Hey lady, it's not everyday that I get to see President Obama, and one of the women in Mass Communications that inspired me to get into Mass Communications.

Sex, Lies and Videotapes

So I'm a day late and a dollar short about the whole FAMU orgy/porn tape hitting the fan, but after a quick google search,I learned that the tape is a lie...or is it? a
Apparently the tape is a form of spam, once someone clicks on the link to so-called view the tape, you open up your computer to a virus. Funny how quickly this has bubbled over and sizzled down. There may actually be a tape out there, coming from a HBCU myself, sex tapes were the norm at Delaware State University...it didn't matter if you consented to the tape or not, 9 times out of 10, someone besides the person you were intimate with saw all the goods. Just as a friend of mine's @tone2fly mentioned in his tweet sex sells, and in the day and age, ppl can become famous for a sex tape, or have their world turned upside down, from some a$$hole from their past releasing the tape for public humiliation, exposure, or the classic case of the girl played you out, now you're salty and bitter. Depending on who was on the tape, they could have easily put the disclaimer out there that it was a fake just to protect their image #imjustsayin'. Well pplz, let's see if there's more to the story than what is being told on the net, stay tuned!

Been around the world

As the new year has progressed to the third month, I realized that I've been without a doubt a homebody. While most of my college friends went away on Spring Break excursions, I went back home to Philadelphia. My own brother is more mobile than I am, he's been out of the country and probably will have many more places that he will visit. I wondered in my 25 years, why haven't I gone farther south than Virginia and farther north than Canada? I figured it must be due to whenever I wanted to plan a trip, some unforeseen event took place tying up my money. So I said this year I'll travel more. In February I visited New York again, this time Queens, NY
I also began taking part in weekend girls night out, instead of my normal weekends of either being bored and doing homework, or going to my mom's in DE. It's refreshing to go out with a group of ladies my age or around my age who don't have a hassle finding a babysitter.
There will be a few more ladies nights before my Memorial Day weekend trip to Miami, just have to get my body right and tight like I was via 2006, b/c my girlfriends are all smaller than my size 13/14alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444203066507268482" />
I also plan to get my passport(I know I'm well overdue for one)and visit Maryland to visit my good friend Porshie, to Las Vegas and hopefully a cruise on a beautiful island. Life is extremely too short, why not enjoy it while I can?