TOP 25 RAP ALBUMS AND MIXTAPES OF 2012

Hi, 2013, but before I can fully dive into you musically, I have to talk about the best rap and hip-hop albums and mixtapes of 2012. I'll cover everything from potential classic mixtapes, the undisputed album of the year and even my favorite ratchet tunes throughout. Also, if you're not familiar with my work, I like to rank albums, but more so put them in tiers. Sure, you can argue with me that one album is better than another in the same tier but may have a lower ranking. However, if one album is in the top tier (Penthouse) and another in a lower one (midrise), you missed the whole argument buddy. With no further or due, lets break down the criteria first. Meet the Pinnacle.

Imagine a city full of clubs, bars, restaurants, movie theatres and buildings, etc. In this city lies one lonely skyscraper-sized building fill of hungry, underground and established rappers. The name of the apartment is the Pinnacle. Here at the Pinnacle, rappers housing is determined by their album and/or mixtape. The better the mixtape, the higher you live. The Pinnacle is broken down into four levels.

Before I set up the levels, let me tell you more about the Pinnacle. Its leasing manager is the Internet, who’s boss is the developer and investor of the building, The Suits. The Suits never visit the Pinnacle but keep their eyes close on it through the Internet. At the Pinnacle they have a 24-hour concierge front desk which rotates between your favorite DJ. Whether, it’s Funkmaster Flex, DJ Drama or the ever annoying DJ Khaled. The janitor and custodial work is handled by The Streets. They know all the inner workings to the building and its little dirty secrets. The Streets and the Internet have a close relationship. Internet just happens to receive more credibility. Now, that you know the setup and people working inside the Pinnacle, let’s head to its floors.

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP

VIDEO: A$AP ROCKY TALKS HOMOPHOBIA IN THE URBAN COMMUNITY

Rapper A$AP Rocky talks with Hard Knock TV and tells the young generation it's okay to wear high end designer clothes and not feel gay. Check out how he lectures the kids not to give a F* what anybody says and just do them! Ayeee. Side note:  his album drops January 15th! Ya'll know I'm copping it!

Chad and Evelyn Divorce: Forshadowing at Its Finest

Well, Well...Evelyn Lozada told all in her interview on ABC 3 days ago about her and Chad Ochocinco's infamous domestic violence dispute when he allegedly headbutted her in response to her comments about condoms she found in his car. Smh. I don't even know where to begin with this saga, mainly because Evelyn is nowhere near an angel and we, as outsiders, don't know the whole truth to the events that went on that day. I can honestly say that this is Rihanna and Chris Brown deja vu all over again. Some blogs and websites have bashed Evelyn claiming that she deserved what happened to her. I do not agree with this. Although we have seen her anger and excessive violent outbursts on Basketball Wives, no woman deserves to be physically abused, demeaned or disrespected...POINT BLANK. However, there was a clip on the show when Evelyn and Chad talked about cheating and she blatantly said,

"Go to the pharmacy, get condoms...rather than hide it. At the end of the day, you don't have to tell me nothing." She then goes on to say "We don't want an open relationship... we are gonna respect each other's vows but we don't know what can happen. I don't know if I can be with you for 80 years and not be interested in somebody else." 

REALLY?!?! Evelyn damn near gave Chad permission to go out and screw around on her!!!! Body language and nonchalant attitude to go with it! As a new wife wanting to find love and settle down with your new husband, why would you even say something so pessimistic? Again, as outsiders we don't know what truthfully happened between the, but if in fact condoms were the culprit, this is a clear case of foreshadowing Chad's infidelity, which left Evelyn with 6 stitches in her forehead and Chad being cut from the Dolphins. Go figure.

Check out snippets from her interview on ABC:

WOW. Well boys and girls, this just goes to show you that everything that glitters ain't gold and playing out your "relationship" on national television is not the smartest thing to do. *coughs*

So what do you guys think about this scandal?

UPDATE Open Disscussion: Vogue Africa Will it Ever Happen?

These beautiful cover shots were taken by Paris based photographer Mario Epanya. His vision, Vogue Africa, does not yet exist. Why not? We have Vogue Nippon, Vogue India, and even Vogue Australia but nothing to represent the beautiful continent full of so much culture and diversity, Africa. It only makes sense to have a magazine to showcase the continents fierce fashion trends, diversity, and creativity.

I believe a Vogue Africa will be well received, it will certainly bring light to the creativity and beauty that lives and breathes within. What do you guys think?

UPDATE: The May issue of L'Uomo Vogue is entirely dedicated to Africa, an installment editor-in-chief Franca Sozzani entitled “Rebranding Africa.” Even tho I would have preferred to see an African model grace it's cover instead of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, the issue plans to show how Africa is a continent that is moving and developing. Inside you'll see positive images of Presidents, First Ladies, and Queens, but also artists, writers, musicians, designers and models who will aid in revitalizing Africa's image.

"Only showing its positive side we can change the perception of collective imageries and make it attractive for the production not only of fuel but also of fashion, cinema and tourism".

The May-June issue of L’Uomo Vogue is on newsstands NOW in Milan.

read more here and here

 source

Turn Your Passion Into Profit!!

"Do what  you love and the rewards will come."

Got a day job that you're not really feeling...it's just a paycheck that's getting you by? Need some extra cash in this crazy economy? Got some side hustle ideas that you could easily turn into profit? Well, put them to use and get the ball rolling!!
Turning your passion into profit is an EXCELLENT way to made a little side money, while still keeping your sanity at your day job. I've come up with some great ways to set up your side job and possibly turn it into a business.

Firstly, you should find what makes you the most happy and take advantage of this passion. Some common, but fun and fabulous ideas:

• makeup artist
• bartender
• jewelry designer
• styling consultant
• hairdresser
• real estate agent

They always say that if you "what  you love, the rewards will follow" and this is most often true. If you put your all into something and do it naturally, it doesn't become a chore because you are actually having fun making it happen. The sometimes difficult part about having a side hustle is the time you put into it -- you will get what you put into it. My suggestion is that if you have a busy schedule, devote some weekend time to your craft and build on it. This way, your passion is a masterpiece and not just a painting.

Once you have established your passion and depending on how serious you are in making it possible employment, ask yourself a couple of questions to see if you have the brain power and dedication to turn it into a small business.

Some great sites on how to get started:
Success E-zine:
5 Questions to Help Turn Your Passion into Profit:

Live Bold & Bloom:
The Secrets to Turning Your Passion into Profit:

There are thousands of books on this topic, so do a Google search and see what you can find. But just know there is light at the end of your tunnel, as long as you put your mind and heart into it!

Would You Make a Porno With Your Significant Other?

 

Hey world!,
So, I was having this random discussion the other day with some friends about pornography and if it's taboo to make a "tape" with your significant other. My immediate thought was, "Ummm, it's your relationship, you are entitled to do whatever the hell you want to do and shouldn't think about those types of consequences." Butttt, then, I thought about how shady people turn once their relationships and marriages fail and how they fathom that revenge can sometimes be the sweetest joy.

We hear about all the sex scandals in Hollywood, and while it's not always realistic to compare ourselves to those living in the spotlight, we have to remember that they are just as human as the rest of us and have relationships, too. Yes, some of their tapes were exposed to the world for fame, (i.e Kim K.), but others who made tapes and didn't expect them to get exposed fell victim (such as Rihanna's naked photos). I say this to say, do you have enough trust in your relationship to make a tape and if the relationship goes sour, would you worry or care if your business is possibly leaked for entertainment purposes?

This is touchy because you want to feel comfortable enough with your significant other to explore each other on all levels and not have to worry about such consequences. When my friends asked me if I would do it, I didn't know how to respond lol. I think I would have to be in the situation to make a definite answer. It's crazy because I'm sure Kim K and others who had leaked sex tapes didn't completely know their business would be put on blast when they were in the act. So, how would you know if your significant other, who claims he loves you and would never hurt you or do anything to ruin your reputation, would pull such a cowardly move once the deed is done?

So, the question is... Would you make a porno with your significant other??

Would You Take a Course on Beyonce?

You guys know I love Beyonce! Lol. Okay I won't even elaborate on that but I am not sure if you knew Rutgers University is offering a class on well...none other than our very own Beyonce! Kevin Allred, a doctoral student and lecturer in the institution's Department of Women's and Gender Studies, will be teaching a course, "Politicizing Beyonce," in which he examines the singer's lyrics and videos in comparison to the writings of Alice Walker and Sojourner Truth.

“This isn’t a course about Beyoncé’s political engagement or how many times she performed during President Obama’s inauguration weekend,” he says. Rather, the performer’s music and career are used as lenses to explore American race, gender, and sexual politics. She certainly pushes boundaries, Allred said. While other artists are simply releasing music, she’s creating a grand narrative around her life, her career, and her persona.”

Interesting.. would you enroll in Beyonce 101? Read more about it here.

8 Signs The Guy You’re Messing With Is NOT a Grown A** Man

 Hey ladies! I stumbled upon this interesting post on Madame Noire and I just had to share it with you guys. How many times do you say or hear your girls say "I Love a grown a** man!". Who doesn't like them? Who wouldn't want a grown a** man by their side? Let's get some things straight before I list the reasons why your boo just might not so "grown" after all. First, I don' think age equates to being grown. I know some immature men over the age of 30. Second, there really isn't a way to define what "grown" is but there sure is a way to know if he is lacking in his maturity level! Check out my top signs below...

Does he spend the little money he has on junk?

This is one major thing that seriously grinds my gears. What is the serious obsession some men have with copping the latest sneakers..every...single..time? Okay, let's get something straight here.. I love a man who can occasionally throw on a pair of fresh Jordan's with his outfit but if you can't cover all your bills and if you also don't own a decent pair of dress shoes, red flag. If your man is popping all the bottles in the club or getting all the latest video games but can't buy groceries or pay that phone bill, red flag. After a certain age, we should all be making more strides to save and only splurge every once and a while.

He Doesn’t Have Any Real Goals for the Future

Can your man tell you where he sees himself in the next 2-5 years? Does he have a solid plan for his future?  Eh, he wants to be a rapper you say.. NO! Stop it. Women don't like unstable men who don’t seem to be committed to one thing or don’t seem to know where they’re headed, but they want you to go too–maybe. If you ask him the question again and he says he’s still not sure or hasn’t really thought about it, just be sure to take yourself out of those “to come” future plans. 

He Loves to Blame Other People for Everything

Oh he couldn't get that new job because his manager hates him? Dang, his baby mother "trapped" him? Boo hoo sad story..next! Part of being an adult is knowing when to take responsibility for the part you play in things. If everyone else seems to be the problem–the dude he fought at the club, his co-worker, his ex, his mother–then it might just be that he’s in denial of the fact that he could be the real problem. You made your bed boo, lay in it!

He’s Not As Involved With His Kids As He Should Be

If your man has kids and he's not taking care of them like he should be and he's okay with that, red flag. What happens if you guys have children together? Serious problem if he just lets things be the way they are and not try to fix them. Let's just end this ugly cycle. Using angry exes as excuses as to why he doesn’t go around to see his son or claiming you can’t afford to put out that child support because you just don’t have it (but there go those Xbox games!) is played out. How is he gonna be there for you and he can't even take care of his own kids? 

He Constantly Talks About or Does Inappropriate Mess in Public

Major, major, major red flag. Why do you have to discuss sexual encounters in public, the constant yelling and cursing, why? Burping or passing gas without saying excuse me is so immature. This one is pretty self explanatory and you can see where Madame Noire is going with this sign. Your man should respect you and himself at all times. He is a reflection of you when you're not around. Nothing wrong with him grabbing your booty, but he better not do that mess in public!

Read the rest of the signs HERE. I credit this entire post to Madame Noire!

Which gets me to asking you ladies the question of the day...Would you ever tell your girl if her man wasn't good enough for her? Like you just know she deserves better, she doesn't see it right now because she's in the clouds. Would you warn her?  Hmmm...

7 Habits Women should steal from Men

Hey ladies! So before I start listing habits you should steal from men, I just want to state that I love being a woman! I love all things feminine and being a true girly girl wearing my pumps, lip gloss, and nail polish. Duh! But sometimes it's good to mix both worlds. I picked some of the most important habits from Madame Noire I think every woman should have in order to stay ahead of the "game", so to speak. Check them below!

1. IGNORE YOUR PHONE How often do you hear a woman complain that her man hasn’t called or texted her back for hours? Just walk through a bar and you’ll hear it a few times. But, fact is, women are more attached to their phones than men are. Men are better at being in the moment—at being in work mode all day, to the point where they don’t even check their phone on their lunch break, or at enjoying a four hour concert so much, that they don’t want to connect to the outside world. And that’s a good thing. Enjoy the moment. Stop checking your phone. Time will pass much quicker and you won’t even realize it took him four hours to get back to you.  Put the phone down ladies! I really need to work on this one. Like major! I am guilty of being on my phone while dinner, tweeting and taking pics, but it's actually not cute, at all! *coughs at Miranda* lol! 2. DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE FUTURE When it comes to relationships, don’t worry too much about where things are going. You’ll only stress yourself out because men just don’t worry as much about it as women do. So, you can either fight a constantly uphill battle of trying to drop hints about making your relationships “official”, or even about marriage, or you can sit back and enjoy the ride, like he is. Look—relationships that are meant to go somewhere, go somewhere. So don’t push it. I'm not the only one who thinks, "Omgosh, is he the one, can he be my  future hubby? O_o". It's easier said than done, but I've heard it makes better for enjoying the moment not tripping about the destination!

3. PRIORITIZE FRIEND TIME Man time is very important to men. They make a point of having at least one day a week when they go do something with just the guys. Women are more okay with bringing their man around to what should have been “girl time”, and sometimes they neglect to have girl time at all because they get caught up in their relationship. But it’s good for you and your relationship if you completely separate yourself from your guy sometimes. Girl night and girl talk is so important! If your man ever acts up, your girls are always gonna be there. Cherish your good girlfriends ladies! You're gonna need them one day as bridesmaids, lol!   4. STICK TO YOUR HOBBIES Same idea as prioritizing friend time, but more than just taking you away from your man for a while, sticking with your hobbies and your passions lets you remain the woman that he fell for. And, it helps you maintain a sense of individuality, as it is way too easy to suddenly wonder “who the hell am I?!” when you’ve been part of a couple for a long time. Yeah, I use to feel bad dedicating time to my blog in my last relationship, but this is my gateway and how I am able to express myself. Having some sort of hobby helps with keeping your own identity outside of your relationship. You never know, it can turn into something big! 5. HAVE MORE SEX Try to say “I’m not in the mood” less. Yes, you might be exhausted, but you know from experience that all it takes is that brief moment of pushing yourself through the exhaustion to suddenly be totally into getting it on. And sex is good for you and your relationship. It relieves stress, boosts confidence, and makes you and your man feel closer.  Yes ladies, sex is good! For the virgins, well I don't know what to tell ya, lol. But if you are active, it's great to connect with your boo and release some tension. Sex also burns calories so make it a work out, wink! So those are my top 5, read the rest at Madame Noire.  Did I skip over anything important? Comment below!

Is Rihanna wrong for Waking and Baking?

Now now now Rihanna.. we all know you don't give a flying fluck about what people or the media think about you. But c'mon son.. out in the open tho? You my friend are not Wiz Khalifa. Yes, Rihanna can enjoy a blunt anytime she wants to, we are not knocking her for that, but let's remember how she has endorsement and campaign deals. She honestly can not afford to start looking like a marijuana head and forget about the other green that comes into her pockets. Duh!

Lol.. she even lit up twice for the paps...

Lol and smh at the same damn time!

All I'm saying is.. Rihanna you my dear are a public figure with a brand and image to protect.. I mean if you don't care then hey that's your prerogative. But next time, let's start giving a fluck? No?

This gets me to asking ya'll.. has the media turned marijuana into a glorified drug? It's damn near legal in a few states.

Is Rihanna wrong for baking out the sun?

• Yes, she needs to protect her image!
• No, everyone does it. Why can't she. It's her business!
• Yes, but it's Rihanna, the girl got issues!
• Hmm....yes and no. She should just go inside and light up.

Created on Jan 17, 2012

View Results

Do You believe in the "Zsa Zsa Zsu"?

I know you guys are like, what the heck is a Zsa Zsa Zsu??! Well if you don't watch Sex & The City, it's a term Carrie Bradshaw would say when she met an attractive guy who gave her those butterflies in her tummy. It's the fireworks, it's the sparks, it's the tingling in your toes, that undeniably amazing  feeling. We've all had the Zsa Zsa Zsu before, you know when you see him and you just get all warm inside!

Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City quoted this:

"Some people are settling down, some people are settling and some people refuse to settle for anything less than zsa zsa zsu."

Interesting right, but what happens when the Zsa Zsa Zsu doesn't come when you first kiss your mate? Is that something to just, well.. overlook?  Mind you, when you see him you still feel the connection, he is FINE, you still get tingly inside! But the butterflies suddenly flutter away when you guys kiss.Ugh right! Have you guys ever been through this? Lol. Don't even think about overlooking the Zsa Zsa Zsu! When you take it all the way to home base (sex), that spark ain't coming. This is important ladies!!

Moral of the story is..don't overlook the Zsa Zsa Zsu! That spark and connection you get when you see him, the hurt you get in your cheeks from smiling so hard! The Zsa Zsa Zsu makes a relationship worth it.

That's just my two cents. I'm waiting for my next Zsa Zsa Zsu. I love that sh*t!

Have you guys ever over looked the Zsa Zsa Zsu when you kissed him and it actually worked out in the long run?

Do You believe in the Zsa Zsa Zsu?

• Yes, I am not settling for anything less than it!
• Zsa Zsa who? o_O
• I mean it's important, but other things make up for it when it's missing
• Yes, but sometimes it takes a while for it to get there. Be patient!

Created on Jan 17, 2012

View Results

What Makes You Feel Sexy??

All Things Sexy by mylifestylemude featuring printed panties

Hey guys and gals!

So this is a special post. It's an ode to what makes you feel beautiful, confident, and most importantly...Sexy!! Every woman loves to feel her best, be it in what she wears, how she smells, her work ethic, and her success. I personally believe what's outside ultimately makes you feel good within. It may be opposite for others, but this is my post...and I saw what I wanna! LOL

According to Webster's dictionary...
SEXY (seksi; adjective):
* provoking or intended to provoke sexual interest
* interesting, exciting, or trendy

Here's my questionnaire:

What piece of do I feel sexiest in?
Great fitting jeans

What accessory makes me feel sexy:
SICK high heel...nothing less than 4 inches
Silky robe
Statement necklace

The one pattern that makes me feel sexy:
anything LEOPARD print...anything!!!

My favorite sexiest fabrics:
Sheer
Lace

I feel sexiest when...
I'm doing what I love and being successful at it!

Are You Having a Quarter-Life Crisis??

1. Are you experiencing confusion or disappointment in your career?
2. Is it difficult for you to make decisions and when you do, you question them?
3. Do you overanalyze yourself?
4. Are you thinking about going back to grad school because you don't know what else to do with your life?
5. Do you feel entitled to a life much grander than the one you are living?
6. Is your life just not at all turning out like you planned?
7. Do you frequently compare yourself to other people your age and feel like you don't measure up?
8. Do you often feel depressed, anxious, overwhelmed, lost, and maybe even a little hopeless?
9. Are you concerned that you don't know what you want to do with your life?
10. Are you in a "funk" where you feel like nothing is terribly wrong, but nothing seems right either?
11. Are you stressed out by choices that seemingly will affect the rest of your life?

Take this quiz to find out what you may be experiencing...

The Dave Theory

Hey World,

So we haven't posted on relationship and dating. but we have included a few quotes here and there. Yvonne and I were talking to a guy we know about sex and relationships and he came up with this factual theory on the relationship game between men and women....we call it the Dave Theory.

Basic B*tches Wear That Ish...So I Don't Even Bother

Hey guys...ran across this video called Gucci Gucci by Kreayshawn, a white Oakland based female "rapper" who spits about basic bitches wearing mainstream designers such as Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Prada. She is repping her hometown of Oakland California, pracing around and throwing up her signs, and wearing what clearly looks like vintage and thrift store finds. The song's overall theme is that people should have their own identity and style, and not jump on the band wagon of what's "hot". I agree with the message, i guess...but this chic is..............interesting to say the least.

I think her lil sidekick with the nerd glasses is soo cute, with her bold lipstick and two toned hair...works for her!

Check out Kreayshawn:

Your thoughts of Kreayshawn's Gucci Gucci??

Head Diva In Charge

Hello Beautiful Readers! So,we all want to be the head honchos in our everyday lives, and we should all be striving to be the best we can be. Yvonne and I have been soul-searching lately, so I've decided to share with our readers a book I am completely falling in love with:  "32 Ways to Be a Champion in Business" by Magic Johnson.  I would DEF recommend it for all you rising business moguls and for those who want to become successful in your careers. It gives great tips and advice on how to hone your destinys and ways to become a better individual. Who doesn't want that?

In the book, Magic Johnson shares some of his own personal ways that he built his mega-empire. It will definately give you inspiration to follow in his footsteps on how to start your business and become your own Head Diva In Charge! Be your own BOSS, own your own DESTINY, and listen to YOURSELF.

It all starts with you..be persistant, be passionate, and be powerful.

~M

Beautiful Words....

Remember Ladies:

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot, who calls you back when you hang up on him.
Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead, who wants to show you off to the world when you are in sweats.
Who holds your hand in front of his friends, who thinks you' re just as pretty without makeup on.
One who is constantly reminding you of how much he cares and how lucky he is to have YOU...
The one who turns to his friends and says, that's her...

*Sigh*

~M

Source: thinkexist.com

La Belle Rochelle...

Her name is Rochelle, and she is a fabulous girl. I actually met her randomly one night at a party, and we have kept in touch since then; she is a mutual friend. She interns at WUSA9 News, and like me and Yvonne, she is making her moves in life. Loves her for that!

Anyway, she has a self-titled blog, and she speaks some truthful words. I admire her for her honesty and realness, because everything she says is true! She discusses everything from relationships to friends and the social world. I would recommend checking her out and reading some of her mind-thumping opinions.

A few of my fav snippets:

 Friends-How Many of Us Have Them?

• "We then started talking about current friends and how sometimes there’s an underlying competition between friends…especially when it comes to success and dating."
• "There are friends out there that only form friendships with certain types of people to make themselves look and feel better about themselves. This is some BS!" (Yvonne, lets not get on this one!)
• "Call me old-fashioned, but I like having friends that look differently, like different things, have opposing opinions and the list goes on and on.
• "Unfortunately, this conversation also made me look at some friendships Ive had over the years, and wonder if all of my friends have become my friends for the right reasons."

You Cant Change Me So Please Stop Trying...Thanks  

..."We started talking about a young girl that he mentors who is dealing with the “wrong men”. She actually has a young man that is chasing after her who is great, but shes not attracted to him. This gentleman (let me name him Mr. Q for now) looks like the perfect catch on paper…good job, great personality, humor, educated, driven, etc. What more could a girl ask for? Well Mr. Q tells me that unfortunately this young woman is dealing with a man that is simply put all wrong for her. He treats her like crap, isn’t driven at all, doesn’t help her in any way, shape or form. So Mr. Q then begins to explain to me the difference between the “Real Deal” and a “Situation”....

Look at her blog for the rest!!! www.labellerochelle.wordpress.com

Speak your mind,

~M

Visual Thoughts

Perfectly Written =)

So this shirt just spells everything that I either WANT or could use MORE of.

-Y