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Maybe I am reading too much into this (doubt it), but it does have some questions. There is no law that says you have to get along with everyone you work with, but in sports, you are always taught that it’s a team game. Repeatedly we hear that players build a bond, and it’s about “comradery.” I would especially think this would be true since both are Southern Gentlemen built on them old southern traditions. Both are on the offense where it is Chris Samuels responsibility to protect the QB, and open up holes for Clinton Portis to run through. The gridiron is a battlefield, and it’s team against team. That alone should build some sort of unity, right?

 Well this is what we do know. Chris Samuels is maybe one of the last players of the ‘Old Washington Redskins’ regime. Chris joined the Skins in 2000, and has only played with that team. That is pretty rare these days especially with Free Agency. Chris Samuels is a part of a class that included: Lavar Arrington, Stephen Davis, etc. Since that time, the face, coaches, and players of the Washington Redskins continued to change dramatically.  Clinton Portis joined the Skins in 2004. 2004 seams like a long time ago, but Clinton would be considered by most Washingtonians as the new Regime of the Redskins. It’s almost how the DMV is today. For those of us that grew up in Washington D.C., we recognize the change in culture and attitude. We remember when GoGo Music was king in this town. People flocked the doors of Frenchy’s Soul Food, The Wharf, and The Fish Market. Hole in the wall clubs were the popular scene. D.C. was like Chris Samuels; hard nosed. Now, D.C. is more finesse like Clinton Portis, The new regime. We replaced clubs for lounges. We replaced Frenchy’s for Georgetown Cupcake. We even replaced the name the Metro Area to the DMV. But this is a “Tale of Two Parties” not a “Tale of two Cities”. 

 Here is what we also know. On July 24, 2010, Clinton Portis hosted part II of his “Love From The DMV” Weekend with a Pool Party in Virginia. The water works began at 4PM and was scheduled to last until the hour when the neighbors start to call the boys in blue, [we know how it is]. Roughly some 60+ miles away, teammate Chris Samuels hosted his retirement Hawaiian Luau at his home in Southern, MD. “Huh?” “Did someone screw up on the scheduling?” How does two teammates on the same side of the ball have parties on the same day; at the same time. Even more than that, Chris Samuels spent about 5 years opening up holes for Clinton Portis, and if it weren’t for a neck injury that forced Chris to retire, he may have done it for 2 or 3 more years. So how did this happen?

Chris Samuels Retirement Luau:

Chris Samuels Hawaiian Luau is always a wonderful event. In the past year(s) that we have attended the event, it offers many different low key crowd pleasing activities including: 30 minute Massages, great food, the pool (of course), free drinks, models in bikinis and grass skirts, and The God Father of GoGo, Chuck Brown. This year, friendly casino style gambling and complimentary cigars were added.  Since this year was also Chris’ retirement, attendees included many of the Teams’ coaches including Coach Shanahan (which mustve restricted the normal media coverage). We were told that models in the Grass Skirts needed to be exotic and at least 5′7″. However, I know this not to be accurate unless tattoos is the definition of exotic, and by 5′7″ you are excluding the one bartender that I know stands no more than 5′2″. I hope the models I recommended (one being a current Play Boy Model) received a courtesy call (even if they werent used) to update their status (just think that’s the proper thing to do). “I aint want to gossip, but judging by the picture to the left…well, umm, yeah, REALLY!”
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More pics from http://dmvblogspot.bloggieblog.com/picbulk.php?nt=4&name=2010chrissamuel.

Clinton Portis  ”Love From The DMV:”

Proceeds of Portis’ weekend went toward the Gulf Oil Spill Relief and those effected by the Gulf Oil Spill.  This is definitely a noble and much needed cause. However, I do have one question? “Why was the party themed “Love From The DMV”? I thought it was because Clinton plays for the Skins and the DMV has been showing him love for the past 6 years. Or did it mean he was seeking love from the DMV to contribute to helping those affected by the Oil Spill. If it is the latter of the two, then forgive my ignorance, but didnt BP open up an account to pay for those affected?

This was my first pool party at the Portis home, and just as I stated earlier, Clinton’s party is the Lounge to the Club; The Georgetown Cupcake to Frenchy’s. IT was finesse filled with all the DMV socialites. There would not be any GoGo Music here. Although, there was a band playing some classic hits from the 60’s and 70’s. That does seem to always go over well at a socialite event. There was a plethora of food, but you were paying for your drinks unless you enjoyed Fever (sponsor for the weekend). Some of the crowd pleasers were the Bikini Fashion Show, The Fever Girls, and Elise Neal. The party definitely brought the Ballers from Vernon Davis to Edgerrin James; and thats just what a DMV social crowd and all the sponsors (plastered all over the gorunds)  like: Ballers at the Pool.

More pics from www.redcarpetimages.net from the party

Did anyone ask the same obvious questions that we did? Are we reading too far between the lines? If you had to choose, which party would you have attended? It’s your turn to weigh in. Let us know what you think!

Exclusive pictures by John P. Wheatley from Bobby V’s music video shoot for his new single “Phone Number” featuring Plies and Produced by Jazze Pha.

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Exclusive www.RedCarpetImages.Net pictures from Clinton Portis All White “Love From The DMV” Reception at Famoso Restaurant and Lounge.

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Exclusive www.RedCarpetImages.Net pictures from Essence Music Festival 2010.

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Lance Gross from Malik Pollard on Vimeo.

 For The Love Of Ray J Cutie Cashmere Talks About Posing For PlayBoy!
 
 

Ray J of Love Star Cashmere from Malik Pollard on Vimeo.

 
OchoCinco The Ultimate Catch Beauty Typhani didn’t hold her Tongue!

OchoCinco Ultimate catch Star Typhani from Malik Pollard on Vimeo.

 
 
 
NFL DB Kerry Rhodes Tells Us Why going to Arizona Was The Right Move at The Right Time!

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Full episode coming soon to Mad Flavor TV Show!

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Elan Extreme Magazine, Mad Flavor TV Show, and Red Carpet Images (www.redcarpetimages.net) caught up with many notables at the 2010 Essence Music Festival with photo clicks. Now we need you. Post your comments and tell us who you thought were HOT! and who was NOT! Give us your 1-5 rating with 1=NOT and 5=HOT

Name: Keri Hilson

Where you may know her from: Singer/Songwriter

The Buzz: Keri talked a little fashion with us on TV Row. Keri recently went from blonde highlights to totally blonde “for the summer,” she said.

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Name: Tyler Perry

Where you may know him from: C’mon? Really? Of course we all know Tyler Perry the King of the Stage Play (Madea Series) and now King Film Producer.

The Buzz: TP is touring with his latest edition to the Madea Franchise: Madea’s Happy Family. He also has a new film starring Ms. Janet Jackson. TP also had no comment on BoonDocks Parody, but did tell one reporter that all the gossip about lawsuits and firing staff is not true.

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Name: Terry and Rebecca Crews

Where you may know them from: The Family Crews Reality Series

The Buzz: This magically dynamic duo have quietly become the darling couple of Hollywood. The Reality series has been re-upped for another year. Terry is enjoying success on the new Sitcom “Are We There Yet,” and “Everybody Hates Chris” is in syndication.

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Name: David Tutera

Where you may know him from: Celebrity Wedding and Party Planner and host of  “My Fair Wedding” on WeTv.

The Buzz: David has been spending alot of time in NOLA and its not because he likes the Gumbo (actually we dont know that for sure). Word is David is about to start casting for “My Fair Wedding” New Orleans Edition. Ladies, get your King Cake ready. David, I hope you have a sweet tooth.

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Name: LL Cool J

Where you may know him from: Considering Ladies Love Cool James, I dont think we need to familiarize you guys with him.

The Buzz: Word is that LL Cool J may have “Exit (13)” from Def Jam, but he is considering doing another album. One that he would do own his own terms. Of course he is also enjoying a steady paycheck on CBS’ “NCIS Los Angeles”.

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Name: Laura Izibor

Where you may know her from: If you are a fan of the Hit TV Series “Greys Anatomy” than you may already be aware that you are listening to Laura Izibor’s song during the opening credits.

The Buzz: Laura’s music will be heard in even more upcoming films including Whoopi Goldberg’s newest joint “EarthBound”.

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Name: Michael Ealy

Where you may know him from: Shame on you if you dont remember that Michael was once shacked up with Halle Berry (lucky duck). This “Barbershop The Movie” co-star is also one of Essence Magazine’s Men Of Summer.

The Buzz: Michael Ealy will be starring in the upcoming movie “Takers” with T.I., Idris Elba, and Chris Brown. Mad Flavor TV also asked the Essence Man of Summer if he was single. Michael replied, “Im single, but not lonely.”

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Name: Ed & Lisa Wu Hartwell  

Where you may know them from: Without a doubt the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” where else. Seriously, can you even name what NFL team Ed played for?

The Buzz: Lisa Wu Hartwell has a new book on the shelves entitled “When The Cake is Already Made.” She already has plns into making the book into a feature film. Lisa also reveals that she will be doing her last stint as an Atlanta Housewife next season.

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Name: Trey Songz

Where you may know him from: Not only do you know this singer/songwriter, but you even know his catch phrase. “YUUP!”  I know you secretly whispered it

The Buzz: Trey Songz has started an Angel fanclub, and I dont know if that’s the best move. Things can get “touchy” (pun intended) especially with his underage fans. He is also slated to release a new ablum called Passion, Pain, Pleasure this fall.

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Name: Jill Scott

Where you may know her from: Singer/Songwriter and the “Why Did I Get Married” movie franchise

The Buzz: Will there be a Why Did I Get Married 3? Jill wasnt answering that question, but did tell us that her HBO Series will be resuming on the air soon. I guess we will take that for now.

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Name: Boris Kodjoe

Where you may know him from: Boris Kodjoe has been the resident eye candy for the ladies on television and film in movies like “Brown Sugar,” “Soul Food,” and “Madeas Family Reunion.”

The Buzz: Boris currently has an upcoming film with former Miss America Kenya Moore entitled “The Confidant.” He is also starring in a new tv series called the “Under Covers.” Boris has launched a new clothing line for men called Alfa (pictured here).

Now of course! We’re going to keep it real with you, our readers (family of readers). So here is our story, and we sticking to it…

The Highs, The Lows, and The So So

The Essence Music Festival brought a lot of high points for me. I hope that I mention them all and not leave anything out. One of the things that impressed me the most was TV-One. Yes, TV-One. I give credit where credit is due, and TV-One’s use of The Essence Music Festival was both a strategic win, and marketing win. Additionally, they were very welcoming to media, and gave us an all-access pass into their booth (where many of their TV Show personalities met with hoards of fans), and in their green room that was stocked with some of the best food I had during the weekend. They served its guests and talent Catfish, Gumbo, Jambalaya, Beef Patties, Macaroni and Cheese, and so much more. It was far better than the pretzels and veggie platter served by Essence in the Press Room; one of my lows, I will address that in a minute. Back to TV-One, if you didn’t know much about the Network before, you surely knew their name afterward. Boris Kodjoe and Kenya Moore sat and signed autographs for 2 hours to help promote their Movie “The Confidant”, produced by Kenya Moore herself. At one point Boris addressed the crowd and assured fans that they would not move until their hands fell off. K-Ci and JoJo were on hand promoting “Come Clean” a new reality show where the ex Jodeci members give us a no holds barred look into their road to recovery. The TV-One PR Staff gave media the green light to ask any question of the guys. That was surreal. I expected a muzzle to be placed on the duo, but no. It was so different that I neglected to ask K-Ci (and JoJo) if there was anyone that they have come clean to, and if not, is there anyone that they would like to come clean to. Of course, I would have been looking for a Mary J Blige conversation to ensue, but that is my low moment that I missed that opportunity. We also interviewed LisaRaye and Omarosa. I found both of these outspoken women to be a joy, and actually were two very high points of the weekend. In all, @TVOnetv left a great impression on me and I am eager to tune in to their new programming.

The Tide Booth and Ford Lincoln Booth were also on my high list. I was wondering how Tide could get people excited about washing clothes especially when you have all these other vendors with soundstages, and free giveaways. Moreover, Tide was across from the My Black Is Beautiful Booth that had free makeovers, massages, manicures, etc. But once again, I learned to never judge a book by its cover. Tide had a fashion and block party all day long. People got on their catwalk and strutted their stuff, Danced to their favorite Michael Jackson Song(s), and Tide entertained the crowd as DJ Beverly Bond, Idris Elba, Lamman Rucker, and other celebrities stopped by.

Ford Lincoln teamed up with Sirius Radio and that was a great move for Ford. The two companies used this Booth Merger to help promote Ford’s sync feature that includes Sirius Satellite Radio. Ford also used its vehicles to shuttle celebrities back and forth between their Hotel and their Soundstage. Maybe T.I. will buy a Ford/Lincoln? In any case, we test drove the MKS and I was impressed. The Automobile Company has come a long way, and being granted access to T.I., Melanie Fiona, Mary J Blige, Keri Hilson, and others was cool. Although, none would interview.

My biggest highlight from the events at the Convention Center was with Soap Opera Diva, Victoria Rowell. VR, got up on stage a broke out in a rap. WHO KNEW? She is no longer going by Victoria Rowell Soap Opera Diva, but Vicki R. Victoria Rowell’s rap was pretty cool to. The DJ actually had a hip hop version of the Young and The Restless playing, and suddenly, someone came up on stage and started to Beat Box. WOW!

The Superdome produced many highs. Nothing can be higher than Janet Jackson. Janet gave a performance of a lifetime. She is queen where Michael is King. Janet had us singing, dancing, and in the case of one brotha’ standing in front of me, slamming our chairs (because he obviously wanted to be the lucky guy in bondage as Janet Jackson grinded on him). Janet cleverly sang all of her hits in mini compilations. Thus, no matter your favorite Janet Song, she sang it. Janet had many outfit changes that did take a little long at times, but when she returned, automatically everyone’s jaw just dropped. When she came out with her S&M set and wore this nude body suit. OMG! Other performances we enjoyed were Charlie Wilson, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Trey Songz, Jill Scott, Arrested Development, De La Soul, and Mary J Blige. I had never seen Mary in concert and I went in it with my doubts. I don’t like artists that just sing, and don’t move and I never thought of Mary as being a dancer. Now don’t get me wrong, Mary still can’t dance, but she just come with that New York swagger. When Mary starts throwing her hand up in the air and waving it with that New York State of Mind, instantly you get hype. That Bronx runs deep in her blood. No doubt the biggest highlight of the weekend was kicking it with Terry and Rebecca Crews. The couple are obviously so in love. So much so that they practically glow. More than that, the two are warm, inviting, and really funny. Kudos!

How Low Can You GO!

Mary J Blige was a high, but unfortunately she also was a low. Let me say, that for real Mary, it may not be your fault, but you are a reflection of your people. Thus, it ultimately falls back on you. Okay, so Mary J Blige made an appearance at the Carol’s Daughter Booth. We all know Mary has her new fragrance My Life about to drop real soon. So the marketing minds thought it would be good for Mary to make an appearance and do pre-sales of the perfume. Scores of fans lined up and purchased the perfume to see Mary. Now I’m sure most people stood in that long a$$ line just because they like the fragrance sooo much (yeah right). They did it so see Mary (who was on the 2nd floor of the booth at least 15 feet in the sky so no one could see her unless you bought the fragrance and walked up the stairs. The pr staff said they canceled interviews with the media. Okay, fine, what else is new; but when they told our photographer that no one could go up with cameras, not even the fans. Hold up! NOT EVEN THE FANS!?!? So, after standing in the ungodly long line, fans can’t take a picture with the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. Isn’t that why they are even in line to begin with? That scored a season low for me.

Mary J Blige however was not the lowest. Ginuwine, when do you get over your self? Let’s see, Estelle, De La Soul, Chrisette Michelle, even the Underdogs performed in the super lounges at the Essence Music Festival. You performed at the McDonalds Booth. How do you even think you can play Hollywood? Saddest part about it is that, we didn’t even want to interview you. We were getting b-roll of the McDonald’s Booth, and your people want to jump up and try and block our cameras as you take pictures with the McCafe volunteers. You should be ashamed.

“Mr. Security Man. There something wrong with that line. When we asked Jada a question, you didn’t have to pull her at that time” (singing in my new edition cadence). Jada Pinkett Smith gave a great session during the seminar, and that was really a high. I even thought it was gonna’ get higher when I yelled to her, “Jada lets talk about the Wil and Jada Family Foundation”, and she looked. For 10 seconds, Jada was stuck. She wanted to come over and answer and talk to us about Hawthorne, The Foundation, Baltimore (us being from D.C. #DMV), and more. However, wouldn’t you have it some less than brown (translation white) security guard grabs her and says she has to go. UGGH! I was waiting for Jada to get Matrix on him and slide on over to us. Dammit!

The Press Room in all was great. Essence was accommodating, and we even had a spot on TV Row. So I was really pleased. I do have two lows though. Sorry, got to keep it real. Pretzels and Celery…Really Playa. Really? I’m not asking for a four course meal. But we can do better than pretzels and broccoli can’t we? I had to go up to the McDonalds’ Super Lounge (no Ginuwine wasn’t there) to get some better food than that. Next, then there was Tyler Perry in the Press Room. TP, I know you were heading to the bathroom and took a wrong turn like the movie, and ended up in the Pressroom. But, if you’re going to stop and interview with two TV crews, and even say that you have to stop and interview with Channel 11 News, wouldn’t it be cool to give two questions to the only TV crew you didn’t interview with. #ImJustSayin, there is three TV crews on TV row, and you interview with two of them.

Uh Okay, It’s Cool, but I am not impressed

There is Great, Bad, and then the kitchen sink (that’s everyone else in the middle). I Love Keri Hilson. I think she is a good artist. She has some sexiness, and lately she has been flashing her boobs/cleavage at us (see Million Dollar Girl Video with Trina). Unfortunately, she just hadn’t made it over the hump. She made it to the Main Stage which is huge, but something is missing. By my account, El DeBarge came on stage to save her. The Older crowd has yet to know who she is, and the younger crowd is still stuck in Beyonce mode. I think Keri would have done herself better justice by having dancers with her for more than just the one song. “Keri you gotta sweat girl.” Get Dirty South Funky! Also on the so so tip was Alicia Keys. I know Alicia is preggers, and so I didn’t expect her to do the Running Man, but she hopped on that piano to the surprise of Prince and the rest of us, and I at least expected that in the 1st 5 songs, she would sing her hits. It was like songs I never heard of. The 1st song was not familiar, the 2nd song Fallen (okay, I’m good there), the 3rd, 4th, 5th, what songs are these? The Essence Music Festival is not the place to try and promote your new album. We are here to sing to the hits!

Congratulations! You just one the Best of the Lowest

The New Orleans Taxi Service had to be the lowest part of the Essence Music Festival. Two of the three nights, I had to walk to my hotel with all of my equipment. Now, I spoke to one cabby, and he explained that the Essence Music Festival is not a huge money maker for them, and that most taxi services, or cabbies rather not work. As it was explained to me, people don’t want to pay the proper fair, argue with the cabs, and just give the taxi drivers a hard time. So I don’t know if the low should go to the taxi drivers or the patrons attending the Festival. Here is what I do know; most of the cab drivers were foreigners. So I can imagine them getting a hard time. Black people…it’s time to stop being so ignorant. Moreover, don’t you just out grow certain ish? Let the taxi drivers make their money. If you look on the windows of the cab, it clearly marked all the different pricing from Hotel to Airport, special events, meter rate, etc. If you gonna’ be cheap, then take a gypsy cab (like I did from the airport. $15.00 bucks suckas! Thanks Steve). Secondly, taxi drivers stop assuming because it’s a predominately African American Event that there is going to be drama. Money is green, and has no race or ethnicity, however, if we are going to spend our money with you, we expect some respect. Nonetheless, New Orleans Taxi Service(s), YOU #FAIL!

Touch My Shaft, Soul Sista’

Talk about transformation! We mentioned that Jill Scott’s performance was definitely a highlight at Essence Music Festival 2010, but it wasn’t until we saw these two shots of Ms. Scott (and I am calling her Ms. Scott because ‘Ima’ ‘bout to get Nasty), that got my attention (not to mention Jill’s performance on stage where she brought some guy on the stage for a lil’ tease session). As Jill told one reporter backstage, “We were freakin’…this is Essence, and that’s what Grown Folks do…” referring to her and the dude on stage. Well come over here and freak me too. Oscar Award winner Monique would be proud Ms. Scott. Jill came into the Belvy Lounge very modest with her shades rocking the short hairdo. She had that very motherly, somewhat reserved, comfortable demeanor, but when she hit the stage, she arrived in a form fitting leather outfit with the teased up for ‘afro that had all the mens’ fists (and other parts) risen up in the air. Granted, only Elan Extreme and a few others were privy to seeing the transformation (until we placed these pictures in this blog), and maybe that is partly why I am so excited. Jill Scott with that soft, innocent manner, warm smile, and shy laugh off stage gave us her “I AM WOMAN; HEAR ME ROAR!” performance on stage. ”Oooh and I Like It” (to quote El DeBarge who also performed at the Essence Music Festival). If it weren’t for me being the ultimate professional and for the big a$$ bodyguards with tasers and Billy clubs, I may have had to take Ms. Scott right there in the Press Room and become TMZ famous, lol, Just Kiddin’, maybe. Either way, Jill Scott you definitely received @Elanextreme ‘s “You Can Get It” for Essence Music Festival 2010.

How Do I End This Recap?

I could have ended this recap with my new love and affection for Jill Scott, but I felt I should do it with a summary and some thank you’s (I know just like the Black Man to give shout outs).

Essence Music Festival 2010 was a great time. We asked many Celebs to describe the word Essence and what comes to mind. Everyone’s answer was great and refreshing to hear. It made me think about how no matter how often I have felt that Black Unity is diminishing; there are some things that will forever unite us. The word Essence is one of them. I heard Beauty, Class, Black, Sisterhood, Black Women, Grace, and Timeless. Yeah! That is Essence. I even heard the magazine in the bathroom. Heck, that’s Essence too. For the last 16 years, The Essence Music Festival has successfully done one thing (if nothing else). It has become a reason for Family, Friends, and Black People to reunite and reconnect. Celebrities become fans, fans become friends, and friends become family. That’s Essence!

To see or purchase images from The Essence Music Festival 2010, logon to www.redcarpetimages.com

Mad Flavor Episode 2 – Kerry Rhodes Celebrity Bowl!