2009 BET Awards!!!

The 2009 BET awards and Michael Jackson tribute occurred this past weekend in LA at the famous Shrine Auditorium. This year I had good seats right where I can watch the entire show. While I've read so many updates about the awards - how bad they were, how they didn't pay homage to Michael Jackson, how bad Beyonce's performance was, etc I have to say the energy in the room was all love.

The awards hosted by Jamie Foxx had everyone and I mean everyone from Beyonce, Jay Z, Tyra Banks, Lil Wayne, Drake, and Puffy to Lebron James, the O'Jays, Ray J, and Snoop in the house. I'll post a couple observations that you did NOT see at home:

1. During Don Cornelius' long, boring, dry, and senial speech, actress/comedienne Jennifer Lewis made gestures of killing herself. While outsiders would say it was tacky, those who know Jennifer know that's just her. I must say Jennifer, I too wanted to do the same!

2. Drake sat in the chair throughout his performance because he recently tore his ACL. He did not go up on stage when Wayne won because he could barely walk without his cane. Although he wasn't as flashy as Weezy, he was the most popular person in the room, and he took a pic with Beyonce that I MUST get a copy of!

3. When Beyonce came out to perform, drag queen Keri Hilson sat in her chair when everyone else got up. Hmm, Beyonce did win Female Artist of the year right? RIGHT.

I have to be honest and say that BET did a phenomenal job pulling together a show within 2 days of Michael's passing. While I do agree that Jamie Foxx and NeYo sang way too much, I'm sure it was because they needed to fill time. I wanted more like a 'We are the World' tribute, or Madonna to come out, but I realized something. Nothing they could have done would have been enough. I did believe the peformances with 90's groups, the tribute to the O'Jay's by Tyrese, Trey Songz, and Johnny Gill was off the chain. That said, they better not create another LSG!

And did you see Monica's return??!! Banana's right! First and foremost, big ups to Keyshia Cole for being humble enough to allow Monica a forum to deliver such a hot performance. I'm just hoping that Monica drops an album soon before everyone forgets!

Lastly, everyone has had something to say about Beyonce's performance. Let's get this clear, BET is getting better and better every year. Beyonce's performace of Ava Maria is a song and performance she is currently doing on tour. Not only did she sound amazing, but she sung the end in French! I say, upgrade your swag and overcome the desire to see Beyonce in drag every time she performs because she was perfect!

That said, I've posted some pictures of people on the red carpet! Enjoy

Here are some pictures I took on the red carpet using my iPhone!

She was a friend of mine, Kelly Price!

This past weekend we stopped by Lucky Stike bowling alley in Hollywood for a pre-BET awards party. The hostess with the mostest, Carma graciously let us into this fab event where they had open bar (ya'll already know), food, and good music playing. But it was what happened towards the end that made this evening memorable.

My friend Ray who was on College Hill and is still affiliated with the network came outside and said he had a surprise for me. Now coming from Ray that could be anything so I must admit I was a bit nervous! Then a camera guy came up to me and I was like WTF because everyone knows I HATE cameras that I can't control. Then a group of people came out to the patio where I was sitting, noticably hiding someone. A few seconds later they parted and there stood non other than R&B/Gospel singer Kelly Price!

I stood up to greet here and then click click click cameras started going off! Kelly was the sweetest though. After exchanging information and talking about MJ, Ms. Kelly let me in on her music project. She has self funded her next project taking total creative control so you know it's going to be hot! After meeting Kelly I started talking to friends in the business and a birdie told me that Kelly is preparing to tour with Deborah Cox and Tamia. That's going to be a hot line up! I called Kelly to confirm and she wouldn't confirm or deny so you know that means it's true.

Also that night I ran into Celebrith Blogger B Scott (www.lovebscott.com), Film Director Bille Woodruff and Real Housewives of Atlanta Lisa Wuu and newcomer Kandi from Xscape. I asked Kandi if she thought a reunion with Xscape was possible to which she quickly said "no." Oh well, we still have En Vogue! Love Kandi and she tweeted me too. Now if she would just follow me we'd be alright!

Pleasure Parties!

OK OK, get your minds out of the gutter! *smh* Over the past week me and my crew had a blast with all of the BET awards parties. Now the best part was THEY DIDN'T COST A DOLLAR! Well, at least not for me. But the award for Best BET party (that I attended) this year belongs to *drum roll* Pleasure P and Justin Walker.

On Sunday morning at around 1230 am, the early morning before the BET awards I was tired and sitting in my car with friends. I had exhausted all party possibilities and wanted to keep going. I text every celebrity I knew to ask about parties. The first to respond was R&B hit singer, and former Pretty Ricky member, Pleasure P. He text me saying he and Baldwin Hills star and music producer Justin Walker were having a party as well as the address to his crib. We put the address in the navi and hit it to the hills. Everyone was that from Lil Kim, Chris Brown, Teyana Taylor and Jibbs, to Sean Kingston, Maino, Willie from Day 26, Terrence and Rocsi, and ME! I have to say, Pleasure P and Justin were dope as fuck! Both extremely hospitable and cool as fuck. After many many drinks and the best damn soul food, yes soul food, we kicked it until around 4am then cut.

On Monday night the night after the awards I started receiving texts from celebrity friends and eyelash Guru Jamaal Buster (www.jamaalbuster.com) that Pleasure P and Justin were having ANOTHER party! I called up my friend Bille Woodruff and Quincy (Puffy's son) and we hit it to the hills AGAIN! This time along with the original cast from Sunday's party I ran into Tamala Jones, Souljaboy, Slim Thug, and Omarion. Now this time I drank until the sun came up, leaving around 530am.

Although I joked around with Justin that he was the ringleader, I believe Pleasure's Parties were a doing all of his own! And go cop Pleasure P's debut solo album, 'The Introduction of Marcus Cooper' in stores now!!!

Chris Brown and Rihanna saga: PLEASE GO AWAY ALREADY!

Looking at the picture above you're probably thinking one of two things: 1. Both Chris and Rihanna have similar mohawks (at completely different stages) OR 2. Go AWAY already!

In the news yesterday they talked about Rihanna testifying against Chris for the beating that occurred the night before the Grammy's. I personally want this story to go away.

The media has sensationalized Chris and Rihanna's story to the point where little girls think it's ok for a guy to beat them, and Chris to feel comfortable enough to come out and denounce him being a monster! WHO CARES!

Here is my personal view of the entire deal. Rihanna and Chris made a beautiful couple, no doubt. Both were/are young. Both are rich and successful. Both don't need each other. But then Chris and her were chillin and at the end of it all (who really cares about the in between) HE BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF HER! NOW, there were rumors about a duet and a book denouncing physical aggression towards women! Hmm, wonder who the publicist for CB was at the time (You're fired!). Then there were rumors that Chris slept with his manager! I mean, c'mon! GO AWAY ALREADY!

We wish Rihanna the best!!! If Chris does get any time I'm sure BET will create a "Countdown to Lockdown" show for Chris too. Lord, it will never end.

Ray and Jason's crazy day!

As many of you know, the infamously fabulous Ray Cunningham from BET's College Hill is one of my good friends. If you've ever wanted to have a good time, talk about people, or just plain go crazy, you need to spend a day with Ray.

Last weekend we hit the Santa Monica Pier for what was supposed to be lunch, but turned into 10 hours of non-stop drinking, gossip, and laughter!

We started at the pier restaurant Marisol where we had chicken Nachos and margaritas. After B Scott (www.lovebscott.com) and Noah's Arc Creator and Director Patrik Ian-Polk joined us the fun began in what I canNOT even comment on!

After lunch we headed to the 3rd St. Promenade where we found a placed called Cabo Cantina and they had 2 for 1 drink specials! We met a great guy named Lucho who is a latin jazz singer and because of our great company he bought all our drinks!

We then headed to a private party at the Standard Hotel and then to a lounge where we continued drinking!

Needless to say, Ray is so much fun to be around, and if you dare to go there in his words, "you will get read." For more information on what Ray is up to go to his blog at www.raysbleujuice.blogspot.com or follow him on twitter at www.twitter.com/missterray.

Kelly Price KILLS this Gospel Song

Remember the day when real singers dominated the charts. I mean real singers, like Kelly Price. Recently a lost video of superstar Kelly Price performing at the BET Stellar Awards surfaced and I just had to share. Enjoy.


Kelly Price - For Every Mountain