Nicki Minaj is probably the lady on everyone’s lips in the Hip Hop music world. The Trini -Queens bred rapper has a lot of fans and an equal amount of haters. I first heard of Nicki when Necole Bitchie recommended her Beam Me Up Scotty Mixtape. Intrnigued more so by the art work I decided to take a listen. I wasn’t an instant fan, but there was something undeniable about her talent. I then noticed her everywhere soon there after and although I wasn’t a Stan, I definitely like her. I especially loved that she understood her image as a brand and seemed to take it seriously. Fast forward to a luke-warm first single, a silly beef with Lil Kim ; she still doesn’t have an album complete, yet she’s gracing mag covers, climbing billboard charts and winning awards.

It wasn’t until I read her story in Vibe Magazine’s June/July Issue that I really took a liking to her. It really just gave a inside look to Nicki’s life in her current state and where she came from, but I didn’t walk thinking I knew everything about her, but it was just enough to keep me watching what she’s going to do next. She seems to not take herself too seriously (yet) and seems to have a work ethic that will keep her in the game, she actually reminds me more of Eve than Kim, but I think she draws on various influences for her style and music. I think she setting the bar another notch for female rappers coming up, but who said there could only be one? I’m definitely not jumping to become a Barbie anytime soon, but she’s dope in my book.

Check out her video for “Your Love” (Side note: I laughed at the end, it wasn’t suppose to be funny but Michael Jae White face was so comical)

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Ever wish you had your own personal assistant? Well, Lifebooker isn’t quite that, but it does make your like a little easier by being able to book services like manicures, hair appointment and even kickboxing classes all at a discounted price in the NYC area. In an economy where prices are continuously going up, getting a good discount where you can is essential, especially on services you already pay for — 75% off spa services is not bad.

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I’m all about the hair! Hair care products, accessories and cool chicks with natural hair showing variety give me ideas for my own natural tresses. Black Girl with Long Hair is an ever-growing community of black, Latina and multi-racial women who choose to wear their hair naturally — with minimal or no use of chemicals, heat, weave or extensions. One of my favorite posts is the young kids with natural hair.

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Featuring: Diddy, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Nicki Minaj, Gucci Mane, Gyptian, Lady Saw, Serani, G-Whizz, Chino, Baby Cham, TOK, Mavado, Demarco

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THIS MIXTAPE FOR FREE!

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Yoga has been the popular exercise of choice for many, celebs like Russell Simmons and Madonna practice it religiously. Bikram yoga, named after creator Bikram Choudhury, is performing a series of 26 poises all while in a sauna-like room. Over the weekend I ventured into the world of Bikram Yoga after 90 minutes and sweat drenched clothes I left the studio with mixed feelings:

1.) It was a surprisingly challenging workout! Afterwards I felt like I could still run, the next day was a whole different story. I was extremely sore. No pain, no gain.

2.) I wasn’t quite sure if I was doing the moves correctly. A little more help from the instuctor would have made the experience better, but it wasn’t a one on one class either.

3.) I didn’t really feel extremely relaxed or “zen-like” during or afterward. It just felt like continuous stretching and strengthening.

You could definitely do the moves at home, but I’m not disciplined enough commit to working out in my living room. Not to mention I’m still not quite sure I did all the moves right. I will more than likely do it again, just to change up my routinc  of the gym.

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I applied the gel after Pantene Shampoo & Conditioner and Garnier Frutis leave-in-condidtion.  This is the finished look, wet. I tend to like soft curls that move when fully dry, gels tend leave the “stiff” effect, but  not this time. It gave my hair a slight shine with only a slight stiff hold. I loved that my curls shined and moved effortlessly when it dried. The light citrus smell was not overwhelmingly fragrant, in fact it wore off after a while. The Kimble Bounce Back Revitalizer worked great, I would definitely buy again.

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Vybz Kartel has found a success formula keeping the ladies on the dancefloor and simplyfying his delivery, making it easier to understand the metaphoric tones and nuances. Although he’s slowed down in delivery, his lyrics maintain razor sharp — and vulgar. Kartel releases his 6th official album Pon Di Gaza 2.0, a follow up to Pon Di Gaza with songs you’ve probably already heard (My favorite: Dollar Sign, and party favorites Virginity and Bicycle) and a few you haven’t.  Check out the amazing album cover and track listing below. Pon di Gaza 2.0 will only be available digitally Feb. 26 on iTunes or Amazon.

Pon Di Gaza 2.0 Track List

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While some may draw a slight video comparison to M.I.A.’s “Boys” video directed by JayWill, I find it more reminiscent of Dancehall fashion circa early ’90s. Colorful, sometimes gaudy, thread with unconventional patterns — the more outrageous the better! Check out a few clips from the original Dancehall queen, Carlene.

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