The Cryptic Beauty

Caught In Motion: J. Cole Performs 'Power Trip' at his Dollar & A Dream Tour in Miami

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:07:00 +0000

The day has finally come! Roc Nation artist J. Cole drops his sophomore album "Born Sinner" (available on iTunes) today alongside his peers Kanye West and Mac Miller. According to Billboard, J. Cole's sophomore effort is expected to project between 100-250k while Kanye's "Yeezus" and Mac Miller's "Watching Movies With the Sound Off" is expected to hit 500k and 100k respectively. I listened to most of "Born Sinner" and I hope Cole outsell his projection.

This past week, the NC-bred rapper headed to Miami, FL to perform his new hit songs during his Dollar & A Dream Tour. Watch the crowd go wild for J. Cole below.

The Nearly Deads sign with Standby Records + Plans to Drop New EP this August

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:11:00 +0000

It's been forever since I wrote about The Nearly Deads and their amazing music! So where should I begin... Well to start, The Nearly Deads have inked a deal with Standby Records and will dropped their forthcoming EP, "Zombie Survival Guide" on August 20th.

According to Alternative Press, producer Jon King returned to work with the band after working with The Nearly Dead on their debut self-titled EP back in 2011. Around that time The Nearly Deads were becoming a cult fave especially with the outbreak success of their music for their insanely popular track 'Never Look Back' garnishing almost 5 million views since its release!

The band has also entered in Ernie Ball The Battle of the Bands once again to have the chance to perform at this year's Vans Warped Tour! Follow this link -- here to vote for The Nearly Deads and if there any chance you're not able to catch them on the Warped Tour catch them on tour this July with hard rock band The Offer. Stay tuned to TND's Facebook & Twitter pages for more news!

Read the official press release to find out what the band had to say about their new record deal and more below.

Photos: Tom Ford reveals Fall/Winter 2013.14 Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:15:00 +0000

Models: Soo Joo Park, Gemma Refoufi, Herieth Paul, Zuzanna Bijoch, Oli Tyler, Conrad Bromfield, and Juan Betancourt
Label: Tom Ford
Campaign: Fall/Winter 2013.14
Photographer: Tom Ford

Key Point(s): Hello 90's. My fashion hubby Tom Ford reveals his ad campaign for his Fall/Winter 2013.14 collection that boasts jackets with super bright electric shades and patchwork fur coats! If you would like to see the collection via the runway, follow this link -- here. View the advertisement below!

Music Mintue: Jay-Z to Release Twelfth Studio Album on Independence Day

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:44:00 +0000

Official Website: http://www.magnacartaholygrail.com/

Artist: Jay-Z
Album: "Magna Carta Holy Grail"
Release Date: July 4, 2013
Noted Producers: Pharrell, Swizz Beatz, Timbaland, and Rick Rubin

Key Point(s): This is how you market/promote your BUSINESS!! Rap mogul Jay-Z took over the NBA half-time (thanks to the kick-ass deal with Samsung) to promote his twelfth studio album "Magna Carta Holy Grail", an album that is slated to drop on Independence Day...

"We Need to Write the New Rules" is what Jigga is stating and is setting to release his revolutionary new album "Magna Carta Holy Grail" to fans around the world by his own set of rules... The album will be FREE for the first 1 million Galaxy S III, Galaxy S 4, Galaxy Note II users and available via customized mobile app.

Download Magna Carta app -- here on June 24th. The album officially unlocks on July 4th at 12:01am ET 72 hours before on sale release. View the making of the "Magna Carta Holy Grail" below!

Ear Candy Exclusive: Listen to Austin Millz' "No Loitering"

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:08:00 +0000

Artist: Austin Millz
Album: "No Loitering" (download for free -- here)
Release: June 2013

Key Point(s): Presented by BarrelHouseBKLYN, producer Austin Millz drops an exclusive 40 minute mix which includes artists such as PartyNextDoor, Rich Homie Quan, Miguel, Travis $cott & more. Millz has rubbed elbows with the likes of Jim Jones, Wale, Hit-Boy amongst others.

If you heard his previous works, the Harlem producer has also made his name known in the Electronic and Trap community with his unique remixes and shows. I can guarantee you that this mix will eventually be in your music rotation this summer. No doubt.

Listen and download Austin Millz' "No Loitering" below.

New Video: Chris Brown - 'They Don't Know' feat. Aaliyah

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:37:00 +0000

Artist: Chris Brown
Song: 'They Don't Know' featuring Aaliyah
Album: "X" (out July 16th)
Video Director: ?

Key Point(s): "Unity Is What We Are Afraid Of So Fear Is Insanity, Let's Love Each Other." - Chris Brown.

Watch the video below.

J. Cole & Dreamville presents "Born Sinner" | Episode 6: Cedric "Ced" Brown

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:44:00 +0000

In preparation for the release of his sophomore album, "Born Sinner" (available for pre-order on iTunes), rapper J. Cole shares his "Born Sinner" series (created by the Dreamville collective). The "Born Sinner" series highlights unique, personally curated content/stories surrounding J. Cole's life, others like rapper Kendrick Lamar, Grammy-award winning singer Miguel, Ibrahim "IB" Hamad, and more.

In episode six, J.Cole & Dreamville documents Dreamville’s producer Cedric "Ced" Brown reflecting on his past and discussing his passion for music.

Stay tuned to http://bornsinner.com for more episodes as we inch closer to the released date of J. Cole's highly anticipated sophomore album "Born Sinner" on June 18th. If you haven't, take a peek at his latest music video for 'Power Trip' (ft. Miguel) -- here and download the single from iTunes. Also, Cole dropped a touching song entitled 'Crooked Smile' featuring TLC this week which can listen to -- here and download -- here.

When checking out bornsinner.com, you can listen to the full album version of "Born Sinner" on the site. It's great, trust me! Don't forget to grab his latest mixtape "Truly Yours, 2" if you haven't -- here. If you missed the last two episodes, view episode 1 -- here, episode two -- here, episode three -- here and lastly, episode four & five -- here.

Watch episode six: "Cedric "Ced" Brown" below.

Summer Music: Ciara & HAIM cover Fader Magazine's June/July 2013 Issue

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 21:15:00 +0000

Magazine: Fader Magazine, June/July 2013 'Summer Music Issue' #86
Cover Stars: Ciara & HAIM
Photographer: Dorothy Hong
Stylist: Mobolaji Dawodu

Key Point(s): Ciara is joined by girl-band HAIM on the cover of Fader Magazine's annual 'Summer Music Issue'. On this cover, Ciara's new do looks great! View Cici's BTS photoshoot and the covers below!

New Video: Bruno Mars - 'Treasure'

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:23:00 +0000

Artist: Bruno Mars
Song: 'Treasure'
Album: Unorthodox Jukebox (available on iTunes/Amazon)

Video Director: Cameron Duddy & Bruno Mars

Key Point(s):Get tickets for the Moonshine Jungle World Tour by heading to http://brunomars.com/moonshinejungletour. German fans can watch the music video -- here. As for the rest, watch 'Treasure' below.

Cara Delevingne for YSL Fall 2013 Beauty Campaign

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Fri, 14 Jun 2013 01:20:00 +0000

Model: Cara Delevingne, Storm Model Management
Campaign: YSL Fall 2013 Beauty Campaign
Label: Yves Saint Laurent

Key Point(s): She's currently reign supreme as the face of Saint Laurent's Fall 2013 womenswear campaign, the label's Baby Doll mascara and now Cara Delevingne is featured in the new Fall 2013 YSL Beauty Campaign. Shown above, the English model rocks a vampy lip (with a daring black dress to match) and bold look-at-me eye makeup. The Fall 2013 YSL Beauty Collection will drop this August.

View a show of the palette Delevingne is modeling in this new campaign below.

Taking It to The Streets: Jourdan Dunn, Daphne Groeneveld & More cover Antidote Magazine's 'The Street Issue'

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 23:28:00 +0000

Magazine: Antidote Magazine, Spring/Summer 2013 'The Street Issue'

Models: Jourdan Dunn, Catherine McNeil, Daphne Groeneveld, Monika Jagaciak, Zuzanna Bijoch, Frida Gustavsson, Anna Selezneva, and Barbara Palvin

Photographer: Hans Feurer

Key Point(s): Antidote Magazine editorial team decided to create an issue based around one of fashion's greatest source of inspiration -- the streets. Photographed by Hans Feurer, some of fashion's favorite faces cover the Spring/Summer 2013 issue of Antidote Magazine.

View the pictures below!!

New Video: Terraplane Sun - 'Get Me Golden'

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 19:08:00 +0000

Official Website: http://www.terraplanesun.com/

Artist: Terraplane Sun
Song: 'Get Me Golden' (available on iTunes)
Album: "Ya Never Know" EP
Producer: David Cho
Video Director: Noel Maitland
Editor: Christopher Neil

Key Point(s): Directed by Noel Maitland, alternative rock band Terraplane Sun released a new music video for their single 'Get Me Golden' which is on the band's forthcoming EP "Ya Never Know" (out this Sunday, July 16th via Trauma 2 Records).

'Get Me Golden' is currently available on iTunes and from the looks of it, people are liking the track! The boys previously open for the band Imagine Dragons at the Hollywood Palladium and are planning to tour this entire Summer to support their new EP.

When speaking about their new single, Terraplane Sun frontman Ben Rothbard dishes:

"Golden was written with the notion that if you really want something, you gotta go and get it. One thing we've learned as a band, and even as just individuals, is that very little will fall in your lap...and if it does, chances are it won't happen again. You need to really go after exactly what you want, whether it's love, a goal, a challenge, etc."

To stay current with all things Terraplane Sun, follow them on Facebook and Twitter. View the music video below.

Out & About: Ciara arrives to BBC Radio 1 Studios in London with a New 'Do

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:52:00 +0000

Who: Ciara

What's Happening: The 'Body Party' singer arrives to London's BBC Radio 1 studios today on June 13th with a new, short and blond hairdo.

Are we feeling the new cut? I prefer Ciara with long dark tresses instead. Her shoes are killer though. View more pictures below.

Miley Cyrus: "I want Urban. I just want something that feels Black"

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:57:00 +0000

The hilarity!!! Seriously, this is funny!

Singer/actress Miley Cyrus told songwriters Timothy and Theron Thomas, better known as Rock City, to pen her music that "feels Black". The brothers sat down with Vibe Magazine to discuss their experience working with the former Hannah Montana star sharing how they came about creating her track 'We Can't Stop'. A track that was initially for Rihanna...

"When you listen to the Miley Cyrus record that we did, it's not ratchet but it definitely has a lot of urban feel to it," Timothy said. "She was like, 'I want urban, I just want something that just feels Black.'”

I can't say I agree with the boys because the lyrics are ratchet and the fact that Miley think this tune is "synonymous with Black culture" is ratchet. Not Peep the lyrics:

MILEY CYRUS | 'We Can't Stop' (lyrics)

To my homegirls here with the big butts

Shaking it like we at a strip club

Remember only God can judge us

Forget the haters cause somebody loves ya

And everyone in line in the bathroom

Trying to get a line in the bathroom

We all so turnt up here

Getting turnt up yea yea

She's trying hard to break out her Disney sugary pop shell, but this is not the way to go. Being "ratchet" isn't synonymous with being "Black" nor is it becoming.

ThatGrapeJuice said it best when they stated Miley was hunting for something more "stereotypical" than something that is quote-on-quote "Black". One of the TGJ staff went on to say "For, in showcasing the true extent of her musical knowledge, Cyrus’ "Black" request and subsequent use of ebonics, drug references and ‘Hey hey Shante’ lingo is both distasteful and a little disturbing."

Exactly... for Miley to see our culture like this, is actually disrespectful and it shows her lack of knowledge about our music.

Pop-locking and dropping it on stage with rapper Juicy J like some loose female is going to hurt her efforts more than help in my opinion. This isn't "Black music" Miley but I guess you probably don't care (or agree) since your antics still got 'We Can't Stop' topping the Billboard Digital Songs chart and Hot 100 chart... With that being, I guess this behavior isn't going to stop anytime soon. *Sigh* We can't stop her people, just let Miley be Miley, I guess.

Listen to the track below if you haven't.

Music Minute: Kanye West shares the Making of 'I Am A God' with Rick Rubin + NY Times Interview

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 05:48:00 +0000

Rapper Kanye West dropped a mini video of him and record producer/Columbia Records co-president Rick Rubin in the studio today where Yeezy is recording his controversial track 'I Am A God'.

'I Am A God' is a track featured on Kanye's sixth studio album "Yeezus" (out June 18th). From what I've read, the album showcases about ten songs with Kanye rapping over rock-influenced beats. Radio personality Peter Rosenberg (who went to Ye's listening party) stated "if you're strictly a fan of "Late Registration", "MBDTF", or "808's & Heartbreak" Kanye West, then this isn't the album for you."

Kanye also broke his no media interview silence to conduct an very lengthy, yet amusing, interview with Jon Caramanica for The New York Times where he discusses working with Rick Rubin, his influence in fashion & music, and more.

To add to this news, a video of Yeezy performing an acapella-version 'New Slaves' at the Art Basel in Switzerland this past Tuesday on June 12th. View the videos and read some excerpts from his NY Times interview below.

New Magic: Model Brenda Mutoni for Rubin Singer x Surachai Saengsuwan

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 03:35:00 +0000

Model: Brenda Mutoni, Base Model Agency
Pictorial: "New Magic"
Photographer: Surachai Saengsuwan
Label: Rubin Singer
Stylist: Mile Supakasem
Makeup: Wirat Leemakul

Hair: Somjate Klomnoi

Photo Assistants: Athur Louise, Koko Koset, & Janjira Jatejarungwong

Key Point(s): Photographer Surachai Saengsuwan partners up with fashion designer Rubin Singer to bring forth a beautiful pictorial entitled "New Magic" (styled by Mile Supakasem) with Canadian model Brenda Mutoni working the lense. View the pictures below!

Album Cover: Justin TImberlake - 'Tunnel Vision'

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Wed, 12 Jun 2013 23:14:00 +0000

Even though he's currently working on his next album, Justin Timberlake is still releasing singles from his multi-platinum album "The 20/20 Experience". Shown above, is the single cover for his track 'Tunnel Vision' which appears to show an image of Justin's face within the silhouette of a naked woman.

In other JT news, the musician/actor is starring in a new featured film entitled "Runner, Runner". Directed by Brad Furman, "Runner, Runner" stars JT portrays an in debt Princeton college student playing online poker as a way to pay off his $60,000 tuition before he gets kick out of school... the kicker is if he continues to play, the dean will keep him out regardless. Justin's character seeks out help from the online poker site's corrupt owner (played by actor Ben Affleck) and becomes his right-hand man.

"Runner, Runner" is expected to drop in theaters on September 27th and 'Tunnel Vision' will be released on Saturday, July 15th. Listen to the track if you haven't below along with the trailer to his upcoming film.

Man of Steel: Henry Cavill & Amy Adams cover Interview Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:41:00 +0000

Magazine: Interview Magazine, June 2013
Cover Stars : Amy Adams & Henry Cavill
Photographer: Mikael Jansson
Stylist: Ludivine Poiblanc

Key Point(s): Out in theaters June 14th, "Man of Steel" stars actor Henry Cavill and actress Amy Adams as "Lois Lane" and "Clark Kent", aka SUPERMAN. Directed by Zack Snyder and executively produced by Christopher Nolan, "Man of Steel" is an American superhero film based on the DC Comics character Superman. "Man of Steel" will be a reboot of the Superman film series, portraying the character's origin story which also stars Michael Shannon as "General Zod", Diane Lane as "Martha Kent", Kevin Costner as "Jonathan Kent", Laurence Fishburne as "Perry White", and Russell Crowe as "Jor-El".

With a star-studded cast and a director/producer team like Snyder and Nolan, the movie will surely do numbers at the box office. To build momentum for the official release, Adams & Cavill cover the June 2013 issue of Interview Magazine where they share with journalist Elvis Mitchell the chemistry they didn't develop offset, shooting during the tragic Boston Marathon Bombing, becoming one with their character and more! If you would like to read their full interview, do so by following this link -- here.

View the excerpts, official movie trailers, and pictures below!

Pretty Little Liars star Shay Mitchell covers ELLE Canada

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:32:00 +0000

Magazine: ELLE Canada, July 2013
Cover Star: Shay Mitchell
Photographer: Colette de Barros
Stylist: Hayley Atkin
Hair: Aviva
Makeup: Jeannia Robinette
Nails: Lisa Wong

Key Point(s): Pretty Little Liars actress Shay Mitchell took it back home when she covered the July 2013 issue of ELLE Canada. The Canadian born actress/model dons Summer's hottest trends for ELLE Canada's July 2013 cover.

Her hit ABC Family show, Pretty Little Liars, is back! Tune in tomorrow, Tuesday June 11th, at 8pm ET / 7pm CT for the Summer premiere!! Check out all the behind-the-scenes footage, excerpts, and photos below.

So Beautiful: Jourdan Dunn covers Russh Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 16:49:00 +0000

Magazine: Russh Magazine, June/July 2013
Editorial: SNAP
Model: Jourdan Dunn, Storm Models
Photographer: Benny Horne
Stylist: Gillian Wilkins
Hair: Brian Buenventura using Orlo Salon @ Management Artists
Makeup: Kaoru Okubo using MAC @ Management Artists
Photographer's Assistant(s): Stef Mitchell and Mike Smalls
Stylist's Assistant(s): Carly Day & Michael Beshara

Key Point(s): The impeccable Jourdan Dunn is snapped for the June/July 2013 issue of Russh Magazine. The Storm Models beauty flaunts 90's inspired get-ups with a 1,000 watt smile. View the photos below.

Azealia Banks, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar Light Up the Stage at The 2013 Governors Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 15:11:00 +0000

Who: Azealia Banks, Nas, and Kendrick Lamar
What: The Governors Ball Music Festival
Where: Randall's Island, NY

Key Point(s): Like Yeezy, rap's fresh faces Azealia Banks, Kendrick Lamar, and hip-hop veteran Nas lit up the stage at The 2013 Governors Ball. I can't for the life of me understand Azealia's outfit, but the girl was working the stage!

View the clips below!

Caught In Motion: Kanye West performs New Songs 'I Am A God' & 'On Sight' at Governors Ball

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:21:00 +0000

Who: Kanye West
What: The Governors Ball Music Festival
Where: Randall's Island, NY

Key Point(s): Yeezy hit the stage at The 2013 Governors Ball in New York this weekend where he debuted two new songs from his forthcoming album "Yeezus" (out June 18th). 'Ye performed a track entitled 'I Am God' and 'On Sight' to a pack crowd with some tongue-lashing lyrics....

KANYE WEST | 'On Sight' (lyrics)

Verse 1

Yeezy season approaching

Fuck whatever y'all been hearing

Fuck what, fuck whatever y'all been wearing

The monster about to come alive again

Soon as I pull up and park the Benz

We get this bitch shaking like Parkinsons

Take my number and lock it in

Indian hair, no moccasins

It's too many hoes in this house of sin

Real nigga back in the house again

Black Timbs all on your couch again

Black dick all in your spouse again

And I know she like chocolate men

She got more niggas off than Cochran (Huh)

From what I've gathered, 'On Sight' is clearly a jab at his "babymama" which is confusing, but I won't go into that... Before finishing his set, Kanye gave one of his Classic Yeezy Rant.

View the clips below!

Monae's Moment: Janelle Monae talks Prince Collaboration with Billboard Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Sat, 08 Jun 2013 00:09:00 +0000

""Electric Lady"... the album that will turn Janelle Monae from iconoclast to icon." - Julianne Escobedo Shepherd

Magazine: Billboard Magazine (view below)
Cover Star: Janelle Monae
Photographer: Marc Baptiste

Key Point(s): Can't help but to love Janelle Monae style! The eccentric singer covers this week's Billboard Magazine (available for purchase -- here) where she discusses her forthcoming album "Electric Lady" and the ultimate collaboration with iconic singer Prince!

If want to read the excerpt, head to Billboard.com! Read what Janelle had to say about Prince and view the magazine cover below!

J. Cole & Dreamville presents "Born Sinner" | Episode 4: Kevin "KO" Ogletree & Episode 5: Miguel

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 23:32:00 +0000

In preparation for the release of his sophomore album, "Born Sinner" (available for pre-order on iTunes), rapper J. Cole shares his "Born Sinner" series (created by the Dreamville collective). The "Born Sinner" series highlights unique, personally curated content/stories surrounding J. Cole's life, others like rapper Kendrick Lamar, Grammy-award winning singer Miguel, Ibrahim "IB" Hamad, and more.

In episode four, J.Cole & Dreamville documents the hard road taken by Kevin "KO" Ogletree before and after the success. In episode five, Miguel reflects on music, how people that are influence by music, and more... this episode also shows scene from their video 'Power Trip'.

Stay tuned to http://bornsinner.com for more episodes as we inch closer to the released date of J. Cole's highly anticipated sophomore album "Born Sinner" on June 18th. If you haven't, take a peek at his latest music video for 'Power Trip' (ft. Miguel) -- here and download the single from iTunes. Also, Cole dropped a touching song entitled 'Crooked Smile' featuring TLC this week which can listen to -- here and download -- here. When checking out bornsinner.com, you can listen to the full album version of "Born Sinner" on the site. It's great, trust me!

Don't forget to grab his latest mixtape "Truly Yours, 2" if you haven't -- here. If you missed the last two episodes, view episode 1 -- here, episode two -- here, and lastly, episode three -- here.

Watch episode four: "Kevin "KO" Ogletree" and episode 5: "Miguel" below.

First Look: Teyana Taylor Previews her "Dark Knight" Harlem GLC

noreply@blogger.com (Alexis Jackson) — Fri, 07 Jun 2013 22:45:00 +0000

Remember the mayhem that took place when G.O.O.D. Music artist Teyana Taylor released her debut sneaker creation Harlem GLC for Adidas?

No? Help yourself by taking a gander at this post -- here.

Well for those of you who know the fit as a fiddle musician is back for another round and this time Teyana is releasing her Harlem GLC in black! Shown above, the Harlem GLC in "Dark Knight" will be released on Black Friday -- November 29, 2013. So if you weren't able to grab the original bronze Harlem GLC sneakers, you have a chance at grabbing these! No excuses, save your coins!

Which color preference do you prefer? The Original Harlem GLC or the Dark Knight Harlem GLC? Take a view at them both below and you tell which one you like most in the comment section.