Madame Noire | Black Women's Lifestyle Guide | Black Hair | Black Love

Source: worldaccordingtomonte.com

Twitter is the devil. 140 characters certainly makes one think so. The age of social media has exposed celebrities as being undeserving of the pedestals they’ve built their images upon. You can learn a lot about a person in just one tweet and these days, even that’s just too much information.

There used to be a time when stars held a certain aura about them. It was a mystique that added to their presence and was fascinating because fans always wanted to know more. That time has come and gone. In its place is an era where Ke$ha tweets a picture of herself peeing in the streets. Chris Brown posted a picture of himself taking a dump. Rihanna recently uploaded a pics of herself making it rain at a strip club. Don’t even get me started on all the ugly tirades these people go on their Twitter beefs about the most obscure things. Very little has been left to the imagination.

Celebrities have become stunt queens chronicling every last minute of their lives. Their every indulgence has become public consumption. Even their good intentions are an exercise in vanity. The Digital Death Campaign a few years ago had celebrities lying in coffins and declaring themselves dead on social media until enough money was raised for “Keep A Child Alive.”  The “dead” quickly rose from their virtual graves and were updating their statuses before the monetary goal was reached. The efforts were undercut by the sheer narcissism. The world wide web still remembers just as it holds onto the memory of Rihanna and Ciara battling it out on Twitter over who could book a stage. And who could forget Chris Brown, Frank Ocean and Tyler the Creator going at it, calling each other b**** a** n****s and apes? There was also the time when even Jennifer Hudson threatened to go Chi-town crazy on a fan. From a purely entertainment standpoint, one could sit in front of their computer screens with a bag of popcorn and just refresh for the next few hours. However, when your antics are what starts to get you page views instead of an actual craft, there’s an issue.

It’s easy to insist that celebrities are upending conventional wisdom by putting their business on front street. They assume control by not pushing a phony perfect image. They’re being real but Dave Chappelle wasn’t lying when he said keeping it real can go wrong. It’s not always the best look; inviting the world into your most personal business and drama just gets the side eye more than a standing ovation. When that does happen, a lot of these stars tend to push back by telling the media to mind its own…even though they made their exploits public.

Beyoncé is called boring because she doesn’t tweet her every bowel movement. She’s only begun utilizing Twitter for professional purposes and is employing Tumblr to share family snapshots. Every star doesn’t need to follow her model and play it safe PG-13 style. At the very least, there should be a happy medium. It seems the more we know, the more some look at celebrities as people they actually know. But for others, the more we know, the less we can take their antics.

In the back of everyone’s minds, we like to think that these stars are just like us. We just don’t always want to see how much.

Stephanie Guerilus is a journalist and author. Follow her @qsteph

More on Madame Noire!

• Dayummm…They Look Good For Their Age: Celebs Who Prove That Black Don’t Crack
• Let This Be A Lesson: Nas Says He Knew Marriage To Kelis Wouldn’t Work
• 7 Singers Turned Actors: Who Was a Natural On-Screen and Who Was a Hot Mess?
• Decoding Your Downstairs: 8 Things Women Need To Know About Their Va Jay Jay
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• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind the Making of “Jungle Fever”

Source: celebrific.blogspot.com

It’s almost summer, and with that season approaching with the quickness (not until June, but you know Memorial Day ushers in the summertime way of thinking and naked-ness), it’s time to get ready for another presentation of the BET Awards. Nominations came out yesterday, and while I’m sure most–no, make that some–of the nominees are geeked up about their honors, I kind of rolled my eyes at not only the nominations, but the idea of another unorganized award show. Is it just me, or have the BET Awards become pretty irrelevant and unnecessary at this point?

I’ll never forget when the show was at its prime. The award show as a whole started in 2001 and has been a force to be reckoned with over the years, even pulling in MTV Video Music Award numbers, sometimes record numbers for the network. The most entertaining BET Awards presentation was probably the one in 2003 when Mo’Nique was the host, and anybody and everybody that was hot in the industry (and black) was in the audience. That was the year Bey performed “Crazy in Love” live for the first time, a very popular 50 Cent (remember, this was a LONG time ago) slayed the stage, and that was the year the show honored James Brown and Michael Jackson came out and got down with him. Our last glimpse of the men together on stage before both passed. Pretty awesome indeed.

But if you look forward after those years, the ceremonies became more and more ridiculous. From hosts who bombed (I still love you Damon Wayans), to reckless mess (Lil Wayne singing “I wish I could f**k every girl in the world” with his daughter and her friends dancing on stage), the terrible censorship (covering up clean words and accidentally letting the F-bomb and worse be aired on national television), and Debra Lee’s wardrobe choices, folks have been begging BET to go back to the drawing board with this once very fun and exciting annual event.

I’m sure most would say we need the BET Awards in order to honor OUR stars, but how does the show benefit and represent for black celebrities when half of them don’t even show up for the award’s ceremony??? Maybe they started to think the show was obscure as well, because last time I saw folks like Rihanna or even Kanye at the show, they had different boos on their arms and were all smiles before big scandals that would change the direction of their music and careers. And in all honesty, the show has started to honor the same folks over and over again rather than really showcasing a wide variety of talented black stars. And it’s getting pretty tired at this point.

For instance, this year, the video of the year category has two nominations for Bey and two for “The Throne” (Jay-Z and Kanye), leaving just one random nom left for Usher’s video, “Climax.” And that video came out, what, two months ago? And let us not forget that it has been the Chris Brown/YMCMB show for the last three years (Lil Wayne or Drake has consistently closed the show with stomach-turning flashes of Wayne’s panties and expletive-laden performances). Who can forget the fact that they let Chris Brown perform on-stage about three times last year and just HAD to give us a streamed performance of Beyoncé performing at Glastonbury? (They could have kept that.) And after a year that sprouted new female rap talents like Iggy Azalea and Azealia Banks, why Nicki Minaj is nominated against folks like Diamond (she had new music???), I have no clue. They might as well mail her that award now and save her the trouble of coming out. And No Jill Scott in the Female R&B category??? *scoffs*

I do commend producers for including the humanitarian award, the lifetime achievement award (which is hand’s down my favorite part of the show) and letting gospel talents perform (too bad they have to sit in the audience and listen to so much ratchet-ness a majority of the night). I even like that they try to broaden people’s musical tastes by having awards for international acts, but what good is that award when you hand it out before the program starts??? You see, for every step forward the show takes, it winds up taking a few more back. But then again, that’s the history of the network as a whole.

With this type of job, I’ll be watching so I can help provide coverage about what happened, who wore what, and all that jazz (just as I did last year), and I’m really just looking forward to the show’s attempt at honoring Whitney Houston. But I’m hoping with the time they have to put on something fancy, it will be great, and that the awards as a whole can get a major upgrade. But these days, I’m finding that this show…honestly, make that most music award shows, are becoming as irrelevant as as can be, and there’s nothing you can do about it but tune in to laugh, or tune out to maintain your right mind.

More on Madame Noire!

• Dayummm…They Look Good For Their Age: Celebs Who Prove That Black Don’t Crack
• Let This Be A Lesson: Nas Says He Knew Marriage To Kelis Wouldn’t Work
• 7 Singers Turned Actors: Who Was a Natural On-Screen and Who Was a Hot Mess?
• Decoding Your Downstairs: 8 Things Women Need To Know About Their Va Jay Jay
• No Need To Call Tyrone: 7 Ways To Bow Out Of A Relationship Gracefully
• Madame On the Street: How Long Should You Wait to Have Sex?
• Bet You Didn’t Know: Secrets Behind the Making of “Jungle Fever”

rollingstone.com

Think back for a minute to when you were in high school.  Am I the only one who thought that the “ruffnecks” were the guys to be seen with??  They were often the cutest boys in school who wore the flyest clothes.  As we got older,our taste [hopefully] matured from dudes who looked like – and might – they would beat the ish out of anyone who looked at them for a second too long to someone who as a bit more tame.  In fact, maybe he have looked tough on the outside but was a softie on the inside.  This guy is the “semi ruffneck,” if you will.  There are a few celebrity men who also fit that bill so check out the “semi ruffnecks” we’re loving and make sure to add your faves too!

It’s so easy for things to go out of style and for others to be in denial about it. In the entertainment business, what’s hot one minute can go out of style with the quickness the next. And while most viewers or consumers might express that they’re tired of seeing something, as long as it makes somebody a few dollars, it’s sure to be around for a while–whether you like it or not. But it never hurts to b***h about it, right? That’s what I’m here for…

Source: thejasminebrand.com

People With Little to No Talent on My TV

And they’re making mad money! Call me jealous (I am…just a bit) about it all, but with all the talented people I see on the trains alone in NYC trying to get some attention and a few dollars, it makes me somewhat irritated that folks who can’t hold a note, act for s**t, or do something other than act a fool in Louboutins on reality TV are making all the money and taking all the jobs. Who needs to be talented when you can writhe around on the floor butt naked in an unimaginative music video while singing/yelling/yodeling and go platinum because of it? Right?

What goes up inevitably must come down. It’s the law of gravity by Isaac Newton, but he may as well have been talking about the peaks and valleys of celebrity life. Stars are made and seemingly replaced by brighter ones almost overnight and one can’t help but wish for the originals to reclaim their place in the spotlight. So many rise and fall, but here are seven stars who need to shine even brighter once more.

lcaregina.ca

Halle Berry

Her name and face have been all over the news for everything from her baby daddy drama, engagement to her questionable choice of lacefronts. Paula Patton seems to be Hollywood’s go to woman of color these days, but there’s still a place for Ms. Berry on the silver screen.  Some may still debate whether or not she deserved her Oscar for Monster’s Ball, but she is still the first African-American actress to have been awarded the Best Actress statue, and that’s not by accident. It’s past time that she fully redeem herself from Catwoman with a role worthy of her talents.

Let me be clear in saying, I’m talking Louisiana Creole descent. Sorry if you clicked and were looking for one of the many other kinds. But where was I?

Frenchcreole.com identifies Creole people as a broad cultural group of people of all races who share a French or Spanish background. No matter how you come to the conclusion that one is Creole (and please, let’s not get into the colorstruck aspects of it all), there are many people who identify as such, and they speak a wide variety of languages. In our random travels through the Internet (or da Intanetz as we like to call it), we were surprised to find a number of celebrities who are of the Louisiana Creole heritage. If you’re nosey like us, you probably want to know who. Check it out.

Source: drumlessons.com

Sheila E.

Sheila Escovedo is hands down one of the coolest people to ever pick up a set of drumsticks and go to town on the drums, and if you didn’t know, she’s also of Mexican and Louisiana Creole heritage. Her father, famous drummer Pete Escovedo, is Mexican-American, while her mother, Juanita Escovedo (formerly Gardere), is French and black. I’ve been a fan since homegirl showed up in Krush Groove and dropped The Glamorous Life, but I can say that I didn’t know she was Creole…

Source: Tamera's Twitter

Ha! How many celebrity twins do you know? Of course, it’s Tia and Tamera. And as a caption for the photo, in adorable fashion, Tamera said: “Love this pic! Always together <3″

Tia's Twitter

And Tia most recently posted pictures of her little family at the beach. She and her husband, Cory Hardrict, are seen walking their little guy Cree on the beach, and the baby (who will be one in June) is all smiles.

Tia's Twitter

And her twin, Tamera, posted a picture of her own growing family. Literally. Mowry’s new addition to the family is due in the fall, and on Twitter she professed that she’s in love with her little bump, and the baby in there too: “Loving my baby bump. I’m obsessed with rubbing it:)” We’re excited that she’s so excited, and the mother to be looks amazing!

Source: Tamera's Twitter

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• “Would We Still Back Barack Obama if He Were Married to a White Woman?”
• “Messy: Terrell Owens Confronts Baby Mommas on Dr. Phil”
• “Check Ya Vocals: 7 Songs That Would’ve Sounded Better If Someone Else Sang Them”
• “2012 Met Costume Institute Gala: Beyoncé, Rihanna & More Show Out On The Red Carpet”
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Our favorite celebs have always have to be ready for the cameras. Whether performing on stage, shooting a moving or making a special appearance, these ladies never have a hair out of place. From their luscious waves, romantic curls to their long, sleek styles, we love them for rocking that true diva style. In our book, these celebs are at the top of our list when it comes to fab weaves. Check out our list and tell us if you agree.

imdb.com

Sometimes, celebrities hook up with each other and your eyebrow just has to raise because you can’t see how they’d even get together. In the cases of the celebs on the following pages, they actually had kids together! A couple of them might surprise you…

Read the rest of this entry »

By Jouelzy

Virgin Brazilian, Malaysian, Peruvian, Cambodian. Exotic hair is all the rage. But the price tag doesn’t quite work for a lot of folks. Don’t be ashamed if you’re still purchasing your hair from the local beauty supply store and can’t get the silky looks of the stars.  No need to compensate by buying the most expensive hair in the store either. There are ways to achieve a great look without breaking the bank. Even synthetic weaves can look fabulous and cost you less than $50. Here are some tips on maintaining a weave that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. Whether it’s synthetic or human hair, it’s going to look real and real good on you.

1.  Cut the hair to shape your face.
Don’t just sew or glue in two packs of weave from the store and rock it, because it is going to look stiff and fake. You have to alter it to fit your features and the look you’re going for. The easiest trick to creating a more realistic look is by simply layering the hair and shaping it to your face. Rather then doing a blunt cut, shear the hair at an angle with a razor. Razor combs will do the trick and provide soft angles, even if you’re a novice at cutting your hair.

2. Be aware that your hair has a short(er) lifespan
Know that with a budget weave the longevity is short. Preferably, only keep in the weave for a month. With a little extra care you can stretch it out to about two months. You want to limit the product you put in it and wrap your hair with a silk scarf every night. The key word is ‘care,’ and that will largely determine the longevity of your weave. The less ‘care’ you put into maintaining it, the less time you can make that hair last.

3. Put down the product
Once again, the less products you put in your hair, the better. Product buildup is a sure-fire way to kill a weave. The most you want to do is condition the hair and oil your scalp. And you ONLY oil your scalp NOT the hair. When you’re wearing a synthetic weave, no product allowed. Put down the Let’s Jam! and ampro gel, and stick to light hair products.

4. Keep it short and sweet
Sorry to those who are dying to have hair down to their butts. At longer lengths, folks will already be searching extra hard for your tracks, but full, shoulder-length hair has a more realistic appeal, especially if you are using synthetic hair. The rule of thumb is bra-strap length, and remember to layer the hair.

5. Say no to flat top
All-in-one packs are very tempting, but they’re also too thin. We’re not even talking big hair, just make sure you have enough hair to make it look full and have body. The worst is when your weave is too flat on the top and you can see straight though the hair. You can do the all-in-one packs, just grab two. You should still be within budget.

6. To blend or to sew, that is the question…
Understand that you are purchasing hair that is of a lesser quality. That’s not particularly a bad thing. But attempting to blend your hair with synthetic hair can go all types of wrong. You may be able to get away with certain brands of human hair, but check the luster of the hair and meter if you want to really go through the daily pains of blending your hair. Full weave is usually the way to go. Just add an invisible part for a bit more dimension, and enjoy a fly style that fits within your price range.

Jouelzy offers tutorials on all aspects of Black hair care via her YouTube channel, focusing on women with tight budgets. You can also find her daily hair tips and inspirations on Facebook.

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• True Life: I Was Dating a Man With a Secret…
• Who Gon’ Check Me, Boo?: Annoying Things You Should Check Your Friends About
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• Wonder What It Was Like To Date A Young Obama? 2 Ex-Girlfriends Reveal All
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