Pampering isn’t just about lying back and relaxing. We love a good massage as much as the next girl, but when money is short that’s when we’re all most stressed and a spa day might not be in the budget. Ultimately, pampering is about getting a moment to forget about the hectic nature of everyday life and soothe the brain. This list of 20 ideas is dedicated to working women, unemployed women, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives, daughters and every other type of women who deserve to feel like queens every now and then. That means — You! Here’s how to nurture your body, mind and spirit.

Our black celebrity news partner Necole Bitchie has awesome pics of the black stars who attended the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show on Wednesday of this week. Madame Noire has already reported on the plan for performances by Kanye West and Nicki Minaj — but who knew African-American stars like Tyson and Maxwell would be there in full effect? While some of the fashions in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show are questionable (and some of it is cute), there is nothing like a fabulous party full of beautiful black stars to give you that daily dose of glam. Check out these choice pics of black celebs who watched the extravaganza, and a few of the gorgeous Angels in their lace finery — then head over to Necole Bitchie for more photos of the fun.

Bey’s baby bump looks very clear here — and quite cute. Would you rock these extreme bras and panties? Click below for more!

Photo courtesy of drfunkenberry.com

What’s more exciting than new heat from your favorite artist? A collaboration between two of your faves! While some folks are always taking advantage of someone else’s studio time (hello, Small Wayne), others are a little bit more combination shy. Here are some of our dream musical match-ups. Leave yours in the comments section!

Ok, we know there’s no such thing as a “perfect” man. The beautiful eyes may come without the gorgeous smile. And the intellect may not always match the sense of humor. But it’s hump day and we decided to have a little fun by putting together some of our favorite features from some of our favorite guys. Check out our “Frankenbrotha” and let us know what we may have missed?

We often speak about those brothers who diss women in their music, or who fail to have Black women cast as the leading ladies in their videos, so we think it’s only right to take a moment to acknowledge those who have done right by sisters musically. We love these men for their talent AND the love they show to beautiful Black women in these clips! Check out some of our favorite videos and let us know which ones we may have missed in the comments section!

Sometimes I feel like my favorite recording artists are stringing me along when it comes to releasing albums. A date is set, then it is pushed back, another date is set, and it is pushed back once again. By the time their album is released, my anticipation has fizzled and I‘ve already found a new favorite artist.  Between touring, extracurricular projects, and appearances—artists undoubtedly find it challenging to focus on completing an album, but when it’s time to drop a new album—it’s time. Here are the ‘Top 8 Recording Artists Who Love to Keep Us Waiting:’

We have all found ourselves standing in line at the movie theaters to purchase a ticket for a film that stars a popular recording artist. In Hollywood, there is a fine line between actors and recording artists. Oftentimes ‘artists-turned-actors,’ and vice versa, create a major bang at the box office because spectators want to see if the music industry’s biggest names can translate their talent to the big screen. Many have tried and failed when stepping out of the recording studio and in front of the camera, but there are a few artists who we think are ready for their close-up. Check out the ‘Top 10 Artists that We ‘d Love to See Act’:

by R. Asmerom

What does Lauryn Hill’s career show about the fickle music business? Lauryn has managed to achieve a level of fame that does not require consistent publicity, album production or the “sex factor” that so many female artists rely on to stay in heavy rotation. It was Lauryn’s differentiation from the beginning that set her apart in the minds of music aficionados.  “Before Lauryn Hill, there wasn’t anyone who could effectively capture the pain and angst of young black women & make you want to party, all at the same time, said media commentator Tazz Daddy. “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a complete album, filled with ballads that pulled at the heartstrings of all people and hard hitting hip-hop joints that were lyrically & conceptually far and above her alleged competition.”

After being out of the scene for so many years, her rare appearance in the media sparks a storm of interest as evinced by her recent appearance on NPR. Maybe Hill didn’t set out to build such a strong and resonant brand, but it’s clear that she’s one of the few artists who has the power to make news whenever she chooses to step on the scene.

So what is Hill’s brand about? Strength, sass, femininity and originality. Even today, there are not many female artists who can copycat the original L. Boogie, which says alot about the music industry. Is it easier to wear skimpy clothes and gyrate your way to fame? Certainly. To be someone who doesn’t have to compete in the same game governing pop culture competitiveness takes a lot of talent and a high level of artistry.

“Lauryn wasn’t created by a group of record executives, said Tazz. “She’s a real chick from Jersey who has real talent. No autotune, no marketing tricks, no sextape. There are pretty girls with less clothing and more gimmicks, but they don’t have a tenth of her soul & substance.”

Other successful brand makers include Maxwell and Eminem. Both have very distinct and strong identities, standing out amongst the sea of copycats. And both have the ability to come in and out of the limelight, easily embraced by a loyal mass following. Identity, whether in business or personal, always plays a critical role in success.

by R. Asmerom

What does Lauryn Hill’s career show about the fickle music business? Lauryn has managed to achieve a level of fame that does not require consistent publicity, album production or the “sex factor” that so many female artists rely on to stay in heavy rotation. It was Lauryn’s differentiation from the beginning that set her apart in the minds of music aficionados.  “Before Lauryn Hill, there wasn’t anyone who could effectively capture the pain and angst of young black women & make you want to party, all at the same time, said media commentator Tazz Daddy. “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a complete album, filled with ballads that pulled at the heartstrings of all people and hard hitting hip-hop joints that were lyrically & conceptually far and above her alleged competition.”

After being out of the scene for so many years, her rare appearance in the media sparks a storm of interest as evinced by her recent appearance on NPR. Maybe Hill didn’t set out to build such a strong and resonant brand, but it’s clear that she’s one of the few artists who has the power to make news whenever she chooses to step on the scene.

So what is Hill’s brand about? Strength, sass, femininity and originality. Even today, there are not many female artists who can copycat the original L. Boogie, which says alot about the music industry. Is it easier to wear skimpy clothes and gyrate your way to fame? Certainly. To be someone who doesn’t have to compete in the same game governing pop culture competitiveness takes a lot of talent and a high level of artistry.

“Lauryn wasn’t created by a group of record executives, said Tazz. “She’s a real chick from Jersey who has real talent. No autotune, no marketing tricks, no sextape. There are pretty girls with less clothing and more gimmicks, but they don’t have a tenth of her soul & substance.”

Other successful brand makers include Maxwell and Eminem. Both have very distinct and strong identities, standing out amongst the sea of copycats. And both have the ability to come in and out of the limelight, easily embraced by a loyal mass following. Identity, whether in business or personal, always plays a critical role in success.

“Prince is not an artist, he’s a genre”

-Toure

Round here, we love us some Purple Rain-velvet wearing-orgasm screaming Prince. We thought of the perfect gift to give him for the b-day, but what do you give a man that has everything (even a symbol as a name)? Well, there’s no better form of flattery than imitation. So, in honor of our Prince, we’ve compiled a list of artists who should thank their britches Minnesota is soo boring he had to leave and be a STAR.

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