Here's Toi Gichie at a recent interview in FL

Photo source

Click HERE to see more stars out and about!

Check out Common rocking this lucky Atlanta crowd at a free concert! Common and The Roots have teamed up with Hennessey to do a couple of free concerts for their fans.


click the video too see which blast from the past also performed that night!
Source

So there's this site called Tales From A Groupie and it pretty much speaks for itself. So this girl/woman/groupie/what-have-you is giving the nitty gritty on her bedroom experience with Mavado........

Photo by Roy Sweetland

Mavado came to Jacksonville 3/19/09 at a club called Plush. Since I've been knowing his uncle since '07 I knew I would get backstage pazzes. Well, he gave me 3 tickets and I invited one of my girls to come along so we went and bought outfits etc. So I called his uncle to touch base, while he is talking to me I noticed I didn't have his full attention, I heard a bunch of men in the background so I automatically assumed it was mavado and his entourage, his uncle told me he would call me back but I sweet talked him saying I missed him and I needed to see him and how I was stressed and needed some ganja to smoke(basically anything to get over there) he finally gave in and told me to come over to get my "package." Me and my girl got dolled up I'm talking straight diva status so we get to the house and he let us in but he wouldn't let us any further then the den. So I'm sweet talking and "choked" needless to say I got in the back to use the "bathroom." Once I walked through it was so loud and so much smoke, I saw Mavado but he didn't see me, I stayed in the bathroom did a good look over in the mirror and applied more perfume took a deep breath and walked out, his song "Real Killer" was playing so I started dancing and singing the song, almost all eyes were on me I waved and said how's everyone doing mavado looked at me and said "blessed" how he was looking me up and down I could tell he was f*cking me with his eyes, by then another song started and I did a little dutty whine and this lil thing I do with my ass. I saw his uncle coming so I gave him a seductive look and left meeting his uncle right at the door, his uncle gave me my package and I left. After a couple of spliffs and a bottle of hennessy me and my girl was ready to go to the concert, I called the uncle and told him I was in the parking lot. He told me and my friend to come straight up front in which we did and got in, he gave me 3 backstage pazzes and I gave him one back along with the extra ticket. At this time an opening act was on stage, me and my girl went backstage to chill for a few,the hennessy had me so bold, I went right over and sat next to Mavado's cousin chase cross an up and coming reggae artist. So me and my friend were talking to him at this time Mavado makes references to my breast and pum pum in his native patois language I laughed and responded. I could tell he iwas impressed by my speaking and understanding what he was saying, I asked for a picture with him giving some dude my phone for the camera. Mavado grabbed my phone and called his phone to get my number and said I'll see you after the show. After some grinding and blatant flirting I knew I wasn't going to make it to work the next morning. The show went really well I danced with his uncle and left immediately after trying to prepare for my booty call because I was sweated out. About 3:30 a.m. I got a call from anonymous number, I answered and he told me he was at the hyatt and to call when I'm outside and he will send someone to get me. When I got there he was chilling in some shorts and a green yellow and red netted like wife beater, he said something quickly to his boy and then he invited me to a spliff I smoked and drank some more, he turned on some music and told me to whine and take off my clothes, while I'm dancing and taking off my clothes he turned on a lamp and off the lights, he grabbed my wrist and got the spliff he stayed behind me grinding and whine to my riddim, out of no where he got aggressive and pushed me against the back of the sofa he smacked my ass and began to pull down my thong,

Go to The Site to read the full version






There's one of Common too. Damn he so fine. Serena you lucky eh....

I read the comments. It was funny that some people did not know who Mavado was-somebody wrote "Fuck is Mavado..? A new dance craze..?" Of course you had the usual stereotyping"Oooh island guys do it better" and what not (no comment! lol)

On the real tho...I wouldn't mind a story about Assasin. He's got a hot body. Lips that are just so divine and nuff attitude....Busy Signal is on my (reading) list. Maxwell maybe. In the soca arena maybe Benjai or Machel (I bet he's a fureak!)

So there are a few Caribbean artists or those with Caribbean heritage in the list of nominees for the 2009 BETAwards. They are highlighted below.

Rihanna performing "Take A Bow" atthe 2008BET Awards

Photo source

Now on the virtual awards last year which I think is a great concept, we had nominees for Reggae and Soca. So you heard names like Machel Montano, Fay Ann Lyons, Alison Hinds and Elephant Man. Una Morgan of Morgan Heritage presented an award. I know the show is only so long, ray-ray-ray-rah-rah-rah, but dang I mean at least mention one of these possible categories on live TV.

BET J features Caribbean shows and events, so why can't we have a greater role in the main event. I feel like having Caribbean specific categories is like we are the ugly sister that BET says is their cousin or their neighbor's kid or something.

Last year's show was total hotness, I hope this year's will be just as good. If I see Mavado perform I will lose it (in a good way lol). Well, Maxwell is making his comeback and he has roots in Haiti and Puerto Rico; and if India Arie performs with Gramps Morgan then there's a likkle more island representing there.

Interesting to note, Rihanna made it to the nominations (though she is really riding on T.I's coattails here) but Chris Brown is missing in action despite the fact that he was nominated for the Viewer's Choice Award the past three years. I guess the saying all press is good press, is just not fitting here as I am sure his latest headlines have had a role to play.

And the nominees are:

Best Male R&B Artist
The Dream
Jamie Foxx
Ryan Leslie
Neyo
T-Pain

Best Female R&B Artist
Beyonce
Keyshia Cole
Keri Hilson
Jennifer Hudson
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Group
Day 26
GS Boyz
NERD
The Roots
Three 6 Mafia

Best Collaboration
Jamie Foxx ft T-Pain-Blame It
Keri Hilson ft Lil Wayne- Turnin Me ON
Jim Jones & Ron Browz ft Juelz Santana-Pop Champagne
TI ft Rihanna-Live Your Life
Yung LA ft TI & Young Dro- Aint I

Best Male Hip Hop
Lil Wayne
Rick Ross
TI
Kanye West
Young Jeezy

Best Female Hip Hop
Lil Mama
MIA
Trina

Best New Artist
Keri Hilson
Kid Cudi
Ryan Leslie
MIA
Jazmine Sullivan

Best Gospel Artist
Regina Belle
Shirley Caesar
Mary Mary
Smokie Norful
Trin I Tee 5:7

Video Of The Year
Beyonce-If I Were A Boy
Beyonce- Single Ladies
Jamie Foxx ft T-Pain-Blame It
TI ft Rihanna- Live Your Life
Kanye West-Heartless

Best Actor
Common
Idris Alba
Samuel L Jackson
Will Smith
Jamal Woolard

Best Actress
Angela Bassett
Rosario Dawson
Taraji P Henson
Jennifer Hudson
Beyonce Knowles

Best Male Athlete
Kobe Byrant
LeBron James
Reggie Bush
Dwayne Wade
Tiger Woods

Best Female Athlete
Tamika Catchings
Lisa Leslie
Candace Parker
Serena Williams
Venus Williams

Rapper COMMON has launched an online book club to encourage literacy and creative writing among youths.
The socially-conscious MC, who has previously turned his hand to writing children books, has set up The Corner Book Club on his website CommonGroundFoundation.com.
The site will feature interviews with authors and items to inspire teenagers through the art of storytelling.
Common says, “My mom was a teacher, and growing up she always stressed the importance of education. So when I look back it’s not a surprise for me to use words as a tool to make change, and to inspire children for the future.
“You’ll never stop growing; you shouldn’t. And it’s alright to be a teen growing, but not in height. I’m talking about wisdom, experiences, and self-knowledge.”

Common at Softwear Launch
Photo source


Common has joined forces with Microsoft to create an innovative new line of t-shirts called Softwear. It has an 80s flair which takes one back to the days before Microsoft became an industry giant.The Creator
Photo source


One of his shirts is titled "The Creator: The Code of Hip-Hop". The black shirt features the full lyrics of his '94 classic hit "I Used To Love H.E.R" written in 80s computer font.



The Giver
Photo source

In addition, the acclaimed Chicago emcee has designed three other shirts showcasing throwback styles in phrasing, dress, and social courtesy.



The Vision
Photo source

Currently, consumers can also select “classic design” shirts featuring Bill Gates’ mugshot and a retro MS-DOS font logo.

Click HERE to see all the designs

Common, one of the confirmed artists for this year's show

On Saturday, March 28^th and Sunday March 29^th , The City of Miami Gardens will play host to a star-studded lineup for the 4th Annual “Jazz in the Gardens” hosted by #1 rated, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner. The event takes place at Dolphin Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, Fle orida.

Confirmed artists include Maze featuring Frankie Beverly * Anthony Hamilton * Kenny G * Common * Erykah Badu * Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds * Will Downing * Roy Ayers; * Angelique Kidjo * Jonathan Butler. Local artist names will be released soon.

Tickets are available through the Dolphin Stadium Box office, www.jazzinthegardens.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

The Obama's kicked off a list of 10 Official 2009 Inauguration Balls with the Neighborhood Inauguration Ball. Here is President Barack Obama dancing with First Lady Michelle Obama. They were serenaded by Beyonce who sang "At Last" by Etta James
Photo source

A little up close and personal....
Photo source


Alicia Keys sang at the Neighborhood ball.
Photo source

Common performed at BET's Yes We Will Ball which aired on BET on inauguration night.Photo source

Rihanna looks ravishing in this yellow outfit. Unfortunately her performance did not go down to well for whoever was representing the Washington Post.Photo source

Here's the review:
Then it was time for Rihanna. Just as quickly it was time to leave. The Barbados native was her usual intimidatingly beautiful self in a sparkling silver dress and some equally flashy hoop earrings. She and a four-piece band and pair of backup singers fumbled their way through “Disturbia” — it sure seemed like there was a lot of lip-synching and a recorded track. Then there was a five-minute break. Then, an equally awkward version of “Rehab” and half a cover of M.I.A.’s “Paper Planes.” Then another stage exit. And no return. “We are experiencing power problems and are unable to continue. Rihanna would like to apologize.” What’s stopping her?

Fifteen minutes later , some crew members started breaking down the equipment on stage, the DJ fired up some tunes from when people still actually bought albums, and I left.

Here's JLo and Marc Anthony at the Artists and Athletes Alliance event in DC on Inauguration night
Photo source

Wyclef (wearing a bumper sticker that says "Barack My World") performs at the Green Ball

Photo source
photo source


Selita Ebanks was definitely somewhere warm. source

So were Boris Kodjoe and Idris Elba. They were in the Bahamas for the 8th Annual Michael Jordan Celebrity Invitational Golf Tournament At The One & Only Ocean Club in the Bahamas on Wednesday, January 21st.

Source

Here is Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Looks cold huh. She was promoting her new movie The Greatest

Photo source

Mr. Benji N2O and young fans...

Me and Chappa of Caribbean Vibes Band at New Year's eve jam at Harlem Plaza

Clint and Daddy Chess at Harlem


Rihanna and Chris Brown partying it up in Dublin. Feelin The Lime green hoodie (wink)
photo source

Will Smith and Latina hottie Rosario Dawson promoting their new movie Seven Pounds.
Photo source



Dwane Husbands at the Barbados Music Awards Jan. 4th. Luvin those grey eyes!



DJ Beverly Bond (founder of Black Girls Rock) and actor Idris Elba at the Notorious movie premiere after party in NYC on Wed
Photo source

Voletta Wallace and Christopher Wallas Jr. B.I.G's mother and son at the NYSE on Thursday.

C.J rang the opening bell!
Photo source


Leona Lewis shopping in Santa Monica Thursday.
Photo source


Common at the WH1 14th Annual Critics Choice Awards in Santa Monica on Thursday
Photo source


Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon in Beverly Hills at the 8th Annual Awards Season Diamond Fashion Show Preview hosted by InStyle Magazine
Photo source

Here are some of our fav celebs out and about. Lil Rick celebrated his birthday in New York and Barbados. There's one pic here but trust me there are more to follow. Umm what else Triple K at Red Cross Headquarters on World AIDS Day. I took a pic in Roseau with Aima that day as well. Rihanna performed at 104 KRBE Jingle Jam and Several Celebrities attended a party celebrating Susan Taylor's longevity at Essence Magazine, Naomi Campbell poses with one of her photos in Miami. Enjoy

BET J held their first ever BET J Virtual Awards this week. There was no live audience, no big auditorium or orchestra none of that. Just hosts Nia Long and Chris Spencer in friendly banter, along with various presenters, and the winners accepting their awards. It's a neat concept. The hosts were very entertaining and just so natural, great chemistry. I really would not mind seeing them hosting again next year.


Photo source


So how did our Caribbean artists do? Lets see:

The first award of the night (Rhapsody Song of the Year) was won by Estelle for her song "American Boy" which she performed. That was the only award that she won despite her nominations for Best Female Artist (won by Alicia Keys) and Best New Artist -Soul Approved (won by Chrisette Michele)

Best Caribbean Artist nominees were Machal Montano, Alison Hinds, Elephant Man, FayAnn, Morgan Heritage and Mavado. Machal was the winner. Interestingly enough I made a virtual vote (no, I'm not gonna say for who) and the results were as follows : Machel 7%, Alison Hinds and FayAnn tied for 13%, Morgan Heritage 11%, Mavado 12% and Elephant Man 44%. Good thing they had a disclaimer I guess.


Wyclef Jean and Common were both nominated for Best Male Artist but it was won by Raheem DeVaughn.Wyclef won the Virtual Video award with his song "Fast Car" (Common was nominated to for his song "driving Me Wild"). Clef performed a short medly from the Apple store in NYC: "Fast Car", "Hips Don't Lie" (his part--duh) and "Jaspora" Haiti Sak Passe!!! He was also nominated for Best Live Performance which he lost to The Roots.


Una Morgan of Morgan Heritage presented the award for Best Gospel won by Marvin Sapp.

And finally Common won the Journey award for his musical and philanthropic achievements over the years.

And here is Common feat Lauryn Hill in the song "Retrospect for Life". This guy is just on a whole other level when it comes to Hip-Hop. Award well deserved!

Here's Common and his lady, Serena Williams in Santa Monica, CA on Monday. Source

Here is Vanessa Williams with her and Rick Fox's daughter Sasha Gabrielle at the 6th Annual TV Land Awards on June 8th.

Lisa Raye Misick wife of Turks & Caicos Premier Michael Misick was also at the TV Land event!

It was a very casual affair for Christina Milian on Sundayat the “A Time for Heroes” celebrity carnival to benefit The Elizabeth Glaser Pediatic Aids Foundation.

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon was also in attendance with her twins Jax Joseph and Jaid Thomas as well as husband Michael Nilon

Haitian born actor Jimmy Jean Louis attens the Incredible Hulk Premier with his wife and son on June 8th. He's the guy in Phat Girls with Monique.....soooo fyyynnne!!! Source

He also has a daughter, here she is at the Kids choice awards. Source

Bajan beauty Riri at the 2008 MTV Movie Awards. Source

And here she is with her "close friend" Chris Brown

The Simths: Will and Jaden at the MTV Awards June 1st. Too irresistable. Source

Mel B on her way to an interview in London. Source