Quick's Catch Up

NEEDCULTURE.COM - ENTERTAINMENT THAT UPLIFTS

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 11:45:00 +0000

Quicksters,

I'm starting a new blog site, Need Culture (needculture.com), and would be grateful if you will click over to my new platform! QCU has been an exciting journey, but over the past year I've decided that I would like to expand the subject matter that I blog about. I'm looking forward to building a new audience and at the same time continuing to stay in touch with those who have followed QCU!

-LaBrandon

THREE TIMES BEYONCE MADE US APPRECIATE FINE ART

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Mon, 26 May 2014 17:31:00 +0000

Beyonce and hubby Jay Z are known for being art enthusiasts (Jay even shot the "Picasso Baby" video in Chelsea's Pace Gallery!). Although Jay is more braggadocios about his love (and possession) of fine art, Beyonce takes a more subtle approach to help us appreciate quality artwork through Tumblr.

Kara Walker's A Subtlety - Bey recently dedicated a post about Kara's Brooklyn installment on her Tumblr.

Prada Marfa - This installment is modeled after a Prada boutique and includes luxury goods from the fall 2005 collection. The sculpture will never function as a place of commerce, the door cannot be opened.

Basquiat - Bey wrote a personal note detailing Basquiat's influence on her music.

imagery: Andrew Burton/Getty Images/Beyonce.com

CELEB COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS SEASON

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Thu, 22 May 2014 11:00:00 +0000

Celebrity and education don't always go hand-in-hand, but the 2014 graduation season has welcomed an uptick in the celebrity commencement address. We all know about Diddy's controversial Howard University address, but both Jill Scott and John Legend received honorary doctorates more quietly after Puff.

Jill Scott - Doctor of Humane Letters, Temple University

John Legend - Doctor of Music, University of Pennsylvania

imagery: wireimage

INSTAGRAM CATCH UP: PUMA x ALEXANDER MCQUEEN

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 20:30:00 +0000

I hit Lennox mall recently and feel in love with this beautiful collaboration between Puma and Alexander McQueen. The brands have partnered for a line called Black Label, and the mashup explores the mix of sportswear and street style. Shop the line over at Asos, and be sure to follow me on Instagram below!

WATCH THIS: LA LA'S FULL COURT LIFE RETURNS TO VH1

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 03:05:00 +0000

La La Anthony and her girls Po and Dice are back with the fifth season of the VH1 series La La’s Full Court Life. I'm all about ratchet reality shows (Love & Hip-Hop ATL, anyone?), but it's so refreshing that a wholesome reality program has been able to stick around for five seasons. La La’s Full Court Life is a fun show (and features a ton La La's famous friends). However, the show also addresses real-life issues such as women balancing family and career, gay and lesbian stereotypes, and the pressure of finding one's purpose. La La’s Full Court Life returns Wednesday, May 7th at 10PM ET/PT on VH1.

With her first book, The Love Playbook, topping the New York Times Bestseller List, a successful acting career, sold-out makeup line, Motives For La La and recently her clothing brand, 5th & Mercer, La La can’t be stopped. But handling her growing empire is a tall order and La La’s closest friendships will be tested. This season will feature appearances from her friends: Kelly Rowland, Trina, French Montana, Charlamagne Tha God and Swizz Beatz. Check out a super-duper trailer below:

TV Shows - Full Episode Video - Reality TV Shows

imagery: Piotr Sikora for VH1

THE KARDASHIAN WESTS COVER THE APRIL ISSUE OF VOGUE

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Mon, 24 Mar 2014 00:44:00 +0000

No one man should have all that power! Over the weekend, the net went crazy when the April '14 issue of American Vogue was unveiled featuring Kanye West and Kim Kardashian on the cover. Contrary to what we'd all like to believe, Vogue Editor-in-Chief, Anna Wintour, confirmed that Kanye didn't beg her to put Kim on the cover. Still, that didn't stop the backlash:

imagery: vogue.com

SOLANGE BRINGS IN SPRING WITH COSMO SPREAD

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Thu, 13 Feb 2014 14:00:00 +0000

Solange Knowles continues to land major fashion spreads, and her first of 2014 is a colorful feature in the March issue of Cosmo. In the spread, Solo gets to rock her favorite color (yellow) while previewing trends for Spring.

imagery: solange-k.net

ON INSTAGRAM: REMEMBERING NELSON MANDELA

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 13:33:00 +0000

Nelson Mandela is a #gamechanger. His mission to end South African apartheid made him an international symbol for human rights.

MICHELLE & KELLY ACCEPT PULPIT APOLOGY - EMOTIONAL OVER ILLUMINATI ACCUSATIONS

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Sun, 29 Sep 2013 01:05:00 +0000

Michelle Williams recently performed her inspirational single, "If We Had Your Eyes," at One Church International in Los Angeles. Her Destiny's Child sister, Kelly Rowland, was on site to show support.

During the service One's Pastor, Touré Roberts, brought the ladies onstage to apologize on behalf of the church for accusing them of being Illuminati. It was an emotional moment for the singers who have endured ongoing criticism for the disparity between their faith and public image. What did you think of Pastor Roberts' message to Michelle and Kelly?

imagery: wireimage

HOT ITEM: PHILLIP LIM FOR TARGET HIGH-TOP SNEAKER

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Mon, 16 Sep 2013 02:51:00 +0000

Phillip Lim's collaboration with Target went on sale today, and several pieces from the collection have already sold out. Thankfully, I was able to cop the high-top sneaker in white which features clean lines and bold black casings. If you're still interested in shopping this collection, you should make your way to Target.com fast before everything is gone.

BRAUN PUTS SHAVING IRRITATION ON ICE WITH NEW SHAVER

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Sun, 01 Sep 2013 19:19:00 +0000

For the past two years, I've relied on Braun's cruZer to give me a close shave while keeping the razor bumps and irritation at bay. Naturally, I was excited to learn that the company's new °CoolTec shaver, features a revolutionary cooling mechanism that cools the skin while shaving.

The innovative cooling technology basically consists of two main components: the Cooling Bar and the Thermo Electric Cooler (TEC). The aluminum cooling bar touches the skin during shaving, keeping it refreshed and removing heat via the TEC. The Thermo Electric Cooler removes heat and energy from the cutting system and the skin.

Not only does the °CoolTec provide an extremely comfortable shave - it's also fast! I've been able to cut my shaving time in half and gain better results since I started using the °CoolTec. It retails for $200 and you can pick one up at your local Target!

DO WE LIKE PO JOHNSON'S NOSE JOB?

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Tue, 27 Aug 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Po Johnson, La La Anthony's BFF and star of La La's Full Court Life, went under the knife for a nose job. The aspiring singer's decision will be documented in an upcoming episode of the show, but she was showing off her new look during the 2013 VMA weekend. So what do you think...thumbs up, or thumbs down?

imagery: wireimage

DSQUARED2 CASTS BLACK MODELS FOR FALL CAMPAIGN

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Wed, 14 Aug 2013 01:34:00 +0000

It's pretty rare that you see a model of color featured in an ad campaign for a major fashion brand, but it's almost unprecedented to see a campaign featuring only models of color. Dsquared2 designers, Dean and Dan Caten, cast models Brahim Zaibat, Brad Allen, David Agbodji, Nate Gill and Salieu Jalloh to front their Fall/Winter 2014 men's campaign. Check out how it all came together below:

QUICK INTERVIEWS: THE CAST OF 'THE UNWRITTEN RULES'

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Thu, 08 Aug 2013 03:18:00 +0000

If you frequent Quick's Catch Up, then you know that I'm obsessed with The Unwritten Rules. Starring (l-r) David Lowe (Peter), Aasha Davis (Racey), and Sara Finley (Kathy), the web-series examines the comedic realities of Racey Jones, an African-American in a predominantly white workplace.

The Unwritten Rules is in it's second season and has generated over one million views on YouTube.

Sara Finley explains, "I had never even heard of a web series before I was cast in The Unwritten Rules. I had no idea that it had the potential to garner such a strong following." Finley plays the boss that we love to hate.

"Sometimes it is difficult to play her [Kathy] because there are times when she goes too far and I don't like her either. I like to play her when she is just on the edge and she's just being ignorant, not realizing that she's hurting or offending anyone." - S. Finley

Finley also tells us that we can look forward to sassy confrontations between Kathy and Kaneisha, the new CEO this season.

Aasha Davis says that her favorite thing about The Unwritten Rules is that the series "takes a funny and meaningful look at perceptions and assumptions and makes them relatable to all walks of life." The comedy really comes through in scenes featuring David Lowe's character, Peter. Peter is Racey's awkward office ally. Lowe shares that he is "most comfortable doing this blend of awkward, smart comedy" and that Season 2 has been fun because "there's been an injection of drama and layers into all the characters."

Although there is no word on The Unwritten Rules making its way to the small screen, Lowe reveals that he could see the show doing well on HBO. New episodes are available the first Wednesday of each month! Click over to Youtube to get caught up on the series.

ON INSTAGRAM: CHICKEN N' WAFFLES

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Mon, 05 Aug 2013 16:00:00 +0000

One of my favorite Sunday brunch spots is FIVE Bar - and I bet you can tell why. Their chicken n' waffles is divine, but so is the jazz-filled atmosphere. Make sure you're following me on Instagram to see what I'm up too offline!

FOLLOW QUICK'S CATCH UP ON INSTAGRAM

GROOMING - BLACK MAN'S SUMMER SURVIVAL PRODUCTS

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Sun, 28 Jul 2013 19:50:00 +0000

Summer is my least favorite season. I hate sweating and I'm naturally hot natured. Fortunately, I've curated an arsenal of products that help me get through the summer days with ease.

Anthony's Instant Fix Oil Control: Instantly absorbs excess grease on contact and keeps shine at bay all day; the product also helps reduce the appearance of pores. ($28)
Balla Powder for Men: Upgrade from baby powder and get into this blend of soothing essentials that will leave both your "boyz" and body feeling dry and comfortable. ($12)
SoftSheen-Carson's Magic Shave Magic Bump Rescue: Keep your face smooth with this dual-action skin moisturizer and bump treatment. ($6)
Braun's Cruzer Face Trimmer: This sleek 3-in-1 shaver, styler and trimmer gives an amazing close dry shave. ($60)

What are your favorite summer grooming products?

SOLANGE RALLIES FOR TRAYVON IN BROOKLYN + OTHER LINKS

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 03:05:00 +0000

Last Sunday, Solange Knowles leveraged her celebrity by holding a peaceful Brooklyn protest in reaction to the George Zimmerman verdict.

PEACEFUL protest for #Justice in Brooklyn tomorrow at 5pm at Borough Hall!

— solange knowles (@solangeknowles) July 14, 2013

Zimmerman made some interesting comments on his Myspace page back in the day. [Huff Post] has the racially driven posts.
[NAACP] has an online petition to the Department of Justice in reaction to the Zimmerman verdict.
Rachel Jeantel was offered a full ride scholarship from Tom Joyner. [Black America Web]

LA LA ANTHONY: REALITY TV'S CLAIR HUXTABLE RETURNS TO VH1

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 22:46:00 +0000

La La Anthony is the Clair Huxtable of reality TV thanks to her VH1 series La La’s Full Court Life. I'm all about ratchet reality shows (Love & Hip-Hop ATL, anyone?), but it's so refreshing that a wholesome reality program has been able to stick around for four seasons. La La’s Full Court Life is a fun show (and features a ton La La's famous friends). However, the show also addresses real-life issues such as women balancing family and career, gay and lesbian stereotypes, and the pressure of finding one's purpose.

In Season 4, La La is working on a new relationship advice book, continuing her devotion to philanthropy and launching a clothing line with her stylist, Jason Bolden. Check out a super-duper trailer below:

Get More: La La's Full Court Life (Season 4), La La's Full Court Life 4

imagery: william davilia

MIKE & IKE REUNITE WITH HELP FROM NELLY

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Thu, 09 May 2013 06:09:00 +0000

Candy duo Mike & Ike officially reunited at an event in Tribeca yesterday! Long time fan and friend, Nelly, was on hand to discuss his role in the Mike & Ike reunion as well as his affiliation with Celebrity Sweat, a series of fitness DVDs that showcases the behind the scene workouts of popular athletes and celebrities. Our East Coast Correspondent, Keithroy, was able to speak with the rapper briefly.

Keithroy: Do you really like Mike & Ike candy or is this just another endorsement?

Nelly: I've loved Mike & Ike candy for years. They are the first thing on my rider and my entire team loves them.

Nelly isn't the only celeb that is a fan of the candy. We caught 106 and Park host, Miss Mykie, enjoying the new flavors at the event.

imagery: qcu/filmmagic

SCOTT DISICK'S UNBELIEVABLE MAKEUP SUCCESS STORY

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 04:02:00 +0000

Scott Disick's makeup jig has come to an end. On the finale of Kim and Kourtney take Miami, Kourt and my favorite Dash doll, Khloe, team up to call out Scott on his makeup wearing ways. Check out the glorious reveal:

Well, at least we know Kourtney has a type! Ladies are you OK with your man wearing makeup?

imagery: INFphoto.com

INFOGRAPHIC FOR THE ORIGINAL DIE HARD MOVIE

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Thu, 28 Feb 2013 05:23:00 +0000

There are four days left to enter our #DieHard Fandango giveaway so I thought it would be cool to share this awesome infographic that was done about the first movie of the Die Hard series. My favorite fact? There was a total of 19 characters with mustaches. Got to love the 80s.

This post brought to you in partnership with 20th Century Fox Fan Network Powered by SocialChorus. #DieHard #Spon

THREE REASONS TO WATCH 'A GOOD DAY TO DIE HARD'

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Tue, 19 Feb 2013 05:45:00 +0000

The much-anticipated fifth installment of the Die Hard series, A Good Day to Die Hard, hit theaters on Valentine's Day. In case you need a little motivation to go and see John & Jack McClane rock out in Russia, here are three good reasons to check out the Bruce Willis film:


3. Jai Courtney (Jack) gives good side eye.

2. Mary Elizabeth Winstead on a bike and in a bra.

1. Because you know you want to say it: Yippee-Ki-Yay MoFo!

This post brought to you in partnership with 20th Century Fox Fan Network Powered by SocialChorus. #DieHard #Spon

MICHELLE WILLIAMS TALKS DEPRESSION & DESTINY'S CHILD REUNION

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 00:36:00 +0000

Michelle Williams sat down with Rocsi Diaz of Entertainment Tonight to discuss her new play, FELA, talk about her depression and the Destiny’s Child reunion.

QUICK INTERVIEWS x "HACK" AUTHOR MELISSA PLAUT

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 21:05:00 +0000

I'm still one of those people who like to go to the local book store and buy actual books, so when I came across Melissa Plaut's memoir Hack, the ball-sy, bad-ass subtitle captured my attention.

Melissa P. | imagery: gridskipper.com

In her late twenties and after a series of unsatisfying office jobs, Plaut decided she was going to stop worrying about what to do with the rest of her life and focus on what she was going to do next. Her first adventure: becoming a taxi driver. Undeterred by the fact that 99 percent of cabbies in the city were men, she went to taxi school, got her hack license, and hit the streets of Manhattan and the outlying boroughs. I'm glad to report that Hack is a fantastic ride—so much of a good read that I had to reach out to the author while in New York for fashion week back in September.

Quick: I first noticed your book in 2011, four years after it was published, during a time when I was fed up with my job and looking to move the hell on. I knew Hack would be the perfect way to live vicariously through someone who’d actually taken the leap of faith and moved on. With a struggling economy and people taking jobs to pay the bills, have you noticed a resurgence of people reading Hack and being inspired to pursue a job that is more fulfilling?

MP: It's hard to tell. I stopped checking my Amazon ranking shortly after the book came out because it's too anxiety-producing. I have definitely seen an uptick in emails from new readers, but it's hard to say if that's related to the economy. I started driving a cab in 2004, during a mini-recession, and what I've noticed since the newer, bigger recession is that more and more people from the white-collar world are turning to the taxi industry for a job. In fact, just the other day I met a middle-aged white lady in head-to-toe Brooks Brothers, a former hedge fund manager, and where was she? Behind the wheel of a yellow cab. I don't know if there's a better indicator that times are tough!

Quick: One of the major story lines was your relationship with a fellow cab driver who was introduced as Harvey, but became Helen. Do you two still keep in touch?

MP: I definitely owe Helen a call. We haven't talked in a while, but that's just one of those New York things where the intention is there, and the sentiment of friendship still very much exists, but everyone's so busy that you just never seem to find the time to see the person. She's still doing the tour bus thing and I highly recommend doing a tour with her.

Quick: The ending of Hack finds you ready for your next adventure. What have you been up to, and are there any chances that we will get to read about your life adventures again?

MP: I wish it was as cut and dry as the subtitle suggests -- but unfortunately I never did stop worrying about what to do with my life. Does anyone ever? But over the past few years, I've managed to get a few interesting adventures under my belt. I took a course that teaches women how to do the "blue collar" trades, like carpentry and electrical stuff, and I was all set to start training as an elevator repair person -- just 'cause it seemed cool and hard and would expose me to the inner workings of tall New York City buildings -- but I couldn't break in to the union, so it never went anywhere. I've also learned Krav Maga, a super-intense and aggressive self-defense system developed by the Israeli military. And I've stayed close to the NYC taxi industry. I'm currently working with a company called Hailo, which is bringing a smartphone app to NYC that will allow people to hail a taxi by tapping a button on their smartphones. This is something that I really think can change the taxi industry for the better, because it gives drivers really awesome tools they can use to make the job better and more efficient. And through it all I've continued to write. I have two big works in progress -- one is about cults, and the other is kinda sorta about the Holocaust. They're both semi-autobiographical.

Quick: I love this book so much that I can see it being adapted for a movie. Is that something that you’ve been pitched or even considered?

MP: Thanks! That's so nice to hear. Both film and TV have been considered. And I even co-wrote a screenplay adaptation with the screenwriter and TV writer, Ariel Schrag (who is also a good friend of mine). But, I don't know -- my relationship with Hollywood has been really dysfunctional, to say the least. We keep breaking up and getting back together again. It's just much more difficult to navigate than the New York publishing industry. So, while I'd deeply enjoy seeing a film portrayal of Hack, I try to keep my expectations realistically low.

Quick: We could not end the interview without asking a tourist question. What’s your favorite place in New York that everyone should visit?

MP: Oh man, this question always stumps me because there are so many. It's kinda dorky and obvious, but one of my favorite places is still Grand Central Terminal. New Yorkers pride themselves, weirdly, on being immune to certain things -- but I don't care how long you've lived in this city, if you pass through that building without being the slightest bit awed by that ceiling, you're not human. Every single time I walk through there, I'm filled with a sense of wonder. It's like a commuter cathedral. And what I especially love is that, after they cleaned the ceiling in 1998, they left one little patch of dirt, just to show how disgusting it once was. If you're there, you gotta look for it -- it's a tiny rectangle in the northwest corner.

I also really like to hang out at criminal court at 100 Centre Street. My dad used to take my mom on dates there in the '60s, and I guess I've followed in his footsteps. I'll usually go at night (they're open 'til 1am) and watch the arraignments from arrests that happened the day before. It's often a funny, tragic, or downright absurd x-ray into the underbelly of New York.

HARLEM'S FASHION ROW 2012 - BACKSTAGE & SHOW

noreply@blogger.com (Quick) — Mon, 10 Sep 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Harlem's Fashion Row celebrated their 5th Anniversary with an amazing show at Jazz at Lincoln Center. If you are unfamiliar with HFR, it was founded to increase diversity in fashion by producing events to showcase designers of color.

This year's show featured collections from designers Omar Salam, Latisha Daring, Joseph Bethune and Nzingha Knight. Dark and Lovely partnered with HFR and celebrity hairstylist Keith Campbell to create looks inspired by the designs.

Backstage, Keith mentioned that the Dark and Lovely products were perfect for creating effortless looks and getting the models ready quickly.

Celebrities at the show included Vanessa Williams, Tasha Smith, Natalie Cole and Nicole Murphy (who walked for Omar Salam).

imagery: quickscatchup | wireimage