Beats, Rhymes & Life

I went to a Sunday Matinee today to watch “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest” …it’s a documentary of the legendary hip hop group formed by Q-Tip, Phife Dog, Ali Shaheed and Jarobi. The film was directed by Michael Rapaport. First off, I really enjoyed watching this movie for the simple fact of it was like a hip hop journey, telling the tale of how Tribe came to be and touching up on the foundation of hip hop…especially during the era of my teenage years. I’ve always been drawn to east coast rap and their hip hop beats..I can still recall the first time I saw the video for “I Left My Wallet in El Segundo,” thinking wow…these guys are cool…so this doc brought me waaaay back!

I thought it was well done, documenting Tribe’s rise to fame and the new dimension they brought to the hip hop game, and as my boy GG said, the first half was “like a musicology.” More than anything, I loved to see the behind the scenes inner workings of the music game and how the group members interacted and dealt with everything that comes with being a rap star. The ending fell a little flat as I wish it had a little more insight to the fallout of the group, but maybe that’s just it, maybe there wasn’t more to show? Gosh, I remember going to Rock the Bells in 2008 in a steamy hot, HUMID Miami and other than it just being such an amazing event where the music touches your soul…it was a privilege to see Tribe on the stage together. Of course I had to cover it for Deco… Anytime I can push my agenda..I will! πŸ˜‰

If you’re a hip hop head, “Beats, Rhymes & Life: The Travels of a Tribe Called Quest” is a must see…brings you back to the “feel good” days of party rap. If you’re an aspiring artist, do yourself a favor and watch this… I’ve spent some time in and around the music industry and I think it’s SO IMPORTANT, especially for emerging (hip hop) artists to KNOW hip hop history. In the movie, Q-Tip said something like Hip Hop is the last American (musical) art form…and if you sit back and think about it, it’s true…it came from the Bronx to the mainstream. So all I’m saying is if you’re trying to make a come up in the industry, know the history, the musicians who laid the foundation and give respect. This documentary is one example of the power of the hip hop culture and its music.

OTF: EP. 31 – Chrissy Field

My latest episode of On The Flipside is out….and since I’m in the Bay, we shot this one near the Golden Gate Bridge at Chrissy Field in San Francisco.

Lots of fun stuff on this edition. First In Oakland for Seattle Seahawk Marshawn Lynch and his cousin Tampa Bay Buccaneer Josh Johnson’s youth football camp, Marshawn’s fellow Cal teammate Justin Forsett and Pittsburgh Steeler Lamarr Woodley were also there to help out. Then, it’s always a good time with DJ Irie…back in Miami for his 7th Annual “Irie Weekend.” I caught up with him, Lil Jon, Lil Jon sons DJ Slade, New Orleans Saint Darren Sharper and former N*SYNC-er Chris Kirkpatrick. also have video highlights from Red Bull’s red Bulletin launch party with Reggie Bush and the Sideline Distraction is an Orlando Magic Dancer!

Iron Chef in SF

This week I fulfilled one of my civic duties as a celebrity judge for a cooking competition!! πŸ™‚ This was an iron chef style contest put on by an organization called “Real Options for City Kids” or ROCK. Now, I can be pretty indecisive, but you know this time there was food involved how could I say no!?! Actually, I was pretty flattered to be asked to be a “judge” for this cooking contest that pitted 2 teams of middle school students against each other…..and I was thoroughly impressed at their skills!!

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So, the two teams were the All Starbursts (above) and The Fooders (below)…the challenge was for them to create a 3 course meal, plus a beverage using a secret ingredient, which in this case was SHRIMP!

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The All-Starbursts created a menu of Coconut Shrimp, Shrimp Jumbalaya and Funnel Cake with fresh fruit & chocolate syrup for dessert! They also concocted a refreshing fresh watermelon with mint drink!!

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Now The Fooders whipped up a feast with a Thai theme. They served me fresh Shrimp Spring Rolls with a 2 dipping sauces (fish and hoisin), Shrimp Pad Thai and a scrumptous banana ice cream dessert..along with a homemade Thai Ice Tea to wash it all down!!

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Each team took turns presenting each item to the panel of judges, explaining each dish and putting lots of effort into the presentation…while I just sat, ate and listened! I as just so impressed with not only the dishes they had cooked, but all the careful thought planning and creativity they showed. I don’t recall being so “skilled” in cooking at their age…PB&J suit me just fine! haha But really, such a wonderful program teaching them team work, following directions, budgeting and more… I particularly liked the Coconut Shrimp and Pad Thai…the funnel cake, and bananas with ice cream & cinnamon laced whip cream wasn’t bad either! πŸ˜‰

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However, at the end of the day there could only be 1 winner…and bragging rights went to the All Star Bursts! They edged the other team ever so slightly with a bit more “flare” in their clarity, presentation and organization. They also were overall the most consistent… The prize they were awarded was $70 to spend on groceries for their next assignment. The runner-up got $30…BUT the “judges’ pitched in an extra $40, so they too would have the same amount of money to shop for the next meal. Good job to all involved!

OBON Festival

I headed down to San Jose over the weekend to attend the Japanese Obon (pronounced OH-Bone) Festival in San Jose’s Japantown. It’s been a good decade, since my SJSU days, when I try to recall the last time I went..but anyways, I figured it’d be nice to be in some warm, sunny SJ weather and hang out! And — Norma, me and my sis all got LEI’d!!

My friend George who works as a reporter at a rival station also met us down there, and since he’s Japanese-American, we kept asking him how to pronounce the different Japanese terms he knew – you know, so we could learn to say things the right way.

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We ate at pretty much every booth there…BBQ Beef Teriyaki, Tempura, Gyoza, Udon, etc… They also had a BINGO tent which was fun, but nobody was able to get “BINGO!” See how intense Ade and Norms are…

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Cousin Patrick also came by to partake in the festivities…

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During the final part of the festival they perform a bunch of traditional Japanese dances and ask for everyone to participate…so George jumped in, donning his traditional garb! He’s even sporting his “karate kid” bandana…j/k But, doesn’t he fit right in with the kiddos?? πŸ™‚

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Stylin’

I had the awesome opportunity and experience to get “styled” at Banana Republic today at their Flagship store on Grant in SF..GINORMOUS!! I was set up with a personal shopper, and after I gave them my two cents ahead of time of the types of things I like, what styles I’m looking for and what I’m trying to do fashion-wise, they created a beautiful set-up in a fitting room for me so I could try to a bunch of new “looks!!”

My “stylists” Sayareh and Nanci did a great job of selecting items in-line with what I had told them I wanted, and there were several combinations and options to mix and match all the pieces.

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One of my “issues” is that since I’ve been living in Miami the past 5 years, my wardrobe is reflective of that….and now being in the Bay Area, it’s different – like sometimes my sister Ade says I’m looking a little “bootylicious,” because of how fitted my clothing can be, and then learning to layer is a must since the temps can range 30 degrees, depending where you are in the Bay.Β  I mean, in South Florida anything goes when it comes to dress, but I also felt the need to update myself to a more ‘mature’ look!! And — the GREAT thing I learned in the stylin’ session is that you can still look good, feel sexy and show off your shape, with chic sophistication!

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There were crop pants and long pants, scarves, shoes, blouses, jackets, vests, cardigans, dresses, hats, bags and belts…. After more than an hour of trying stuff on and figuring out what worked and what didn’t, I was able to narrow down my choices (that fit in the budget) of what I wanted to purchase and bring home! Typically my fashion sense is to keep it simple and safe, so having a personal shopper/stylist to show you different ways to wear things or try on clothes you would’ve never looked twice at was a very cool experience. I had done something like this once before at Neiman Marcus Bal Harbour for more formal upscale wear, but it’s always great to have an “expert” around to have an honest, second opinion and allow them to inject their fashion sense into you!!

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So, yeah…I highly recommend the experience… Just beware, unless you are prepared to BUY EVERYTHING you fall in love with…stay focused! I may be seeing some of the items I left in the store in my dreams! ha

Me + My Girlfriends

Last weekend’s adventure also including lots of time with me and my girlfriends..I didn’t get to see them ALL (Kimi), but everyone else came out to play, including Cat from Jax and Gaby from PHX! It also happened to be Irie Weekend as in DJ Irie…so lots of fun festivities going on…. My first stop was to see the Shelton’s and baby Darion!! I think his picture says it all…SIMPLY ADORABLE!!

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Look at how he gazes at his Auntie Aubrey with those big blue eyes… *sigh* He is a living cabbage patch doll!!

Then, later that night….I hit up Miami Beach and the Crown Royal Black Lounge at Mokai with Riza, where we met up with the Lady Dana!

Friday I attended the Irie Weekend Golf Tourney to shoot some interviews and footage for On The Flipside

Lil Jon and his son DJ Slade were also in the house… Photos courtesy my photog Anthony Peraza

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Friday night we LIV-ed it up…with DJ Irie and friends…

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DJ Irie had one helluva party with lots of star power LIV-ing with the best of em….

The best part was when Irie was “on stage” with Flo Rida..so fun to WATCH him have fun..great vibe and atmosphere!!

Saturday I brunched on Ocean Drive with the girls…

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And — I left the “Wet Willie’s” to Cat and Gabs!

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When Sunday rolled around, we were close to running on empty..but we managed to get it in one last time at LIV!!

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Above: Cherisse and Amy, Below: Gaby and Aubrey

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Mind you it was really only about getting dressed up so I could rock the fabulous feather earring you see me wearing in the picture..Gaby spotted ’em for me, and well, I was destined to have the earrings!

On another note…I learned oh SO MANY things from my friends this weekend, Blumpkin via Cat, Crippled Sparrow via Cherisse…but nothing could top Gaby’s “Cat Daddy” dance! She even shared this video with me of her dancing the dance….it’s dark and you have to turn your head to the side to watch…but you get the picture…enjoy!!