HIP HOP BLOG

By now, you have heard about the unfortunate passing of Don Cornelius, the creator of the iconic "Soul Train" brand. Certainly this was not the way we wanted to kick-off Black History Month. As creator of the longest running U.S. TV show in first-run syndication, Cornelius introduced African-American culture to a wider platform with his brand of music, dance and celebrity interviews. Everybody from Marvin Gaye to Michael Jackson to Stevie Wonder to Janet Jackson made memorable appearances on the show. Still it was the famous 'Soul Train" line which usually stole the show as dancers pulled out their best and not so best moves. Cornelius' place in history is cemented as a supporter of African-American culture and as a reminder of why we should all celebrate love, peace and soul.

Here are our favorite "Soul Train" moments:

Choreographer Laurieann Gibson obviously influenced her former client, Lady Gaga with these "less is more," looks that make you wonder what's underneath it all. If you're feeling particularly sexy you can strut your stuff like the both of 'em but uhm, we suggest you also choose a pair of leggings and a top.

Apple Bottoms killer red boots:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/womens/footwear/apple-bottoms-beau-boot/BEAU?color=Red

Baby Phat faux fur jacket:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/womens/clothing/baby-phat-faux-fur-jacket/1352BP?color=Black

Radio Personality and Author, Big Boy Isn't Getting with the
Celebrity Weight-Loss Program and Estelle Gets Personal

Fitness guru, Denise Austin and Ensure drinks nearly killed me. Okay, I am being dramatic. But I was diagnosed at the age of 13 as dangerously underweight after I subjected my already skinny body to a fitness/diet kick inspired by watching too many weight-loss infomercials. The experience left me paranoid for a few years; confusing bloating with the immediate onset of 10 pounds. I held back this tale from radio personality, Big Boy for fear he would deservedly give me the side-eye during our interview at Hue-Man Bookstore.

Big Boy visited Harlem to promote his new book, "An XL Life..." which details how his gastric bypass surgery and health strategy helped him lose 300 pounds. However you shouldn't expect him in a Weight Watchers commercial anytime soon since he expressed reservations surrounding celebrity endorsements. "What are we really telling these kids? They can't get these meals delivered and they don't have the free personal trainer. So they don't get the same result that some of these rich people can get," he says. "Everybody can't be on the red carpet in six weeks and I'm afraid of people losing reality."

I had to face reality this week when I realized that I am only one person and could not attend every event on my calendar including, Aloft Harlem's "Max Eternity, Man of Mystery Legends" exhibit presented by mobiXpay and Avisca Fine Art Gallery; Diane Davis' "Where Chaos Meets the Sublime" exhibit; and The Morningside Players presentation of "A Staged Reading of New York, by David Rimmer."

Instead I went from discussing shedding pounds to talking shedding tears, as I learned that singer Estelle is ready to invite listeners on an emotional journey with her forthcoming album, "All of Me." I made it just in time to her private playback session at, Open House despite stopping to help a woman who fell flat on her face on the subway platform.

Immediately Estelle and I recalled this scene at the 5:15 mark where she invited me on-stage. Then she revealed that a difficult break-up is what drove her to tears during her passionate performance of "Thank You" at the Black Girls Rock! awards. "Three weeks after getting the song I broke with my guy. So I dreaded getting up there to sing that record," she says. "I was more angry that day that I let it go on for so long but everyday since then I've been having a ball."

While Estelle is enjoying life I expressed my concern over her lack of mainstream success, since she deserves a wider market. She is not as worried since she believes that UK singers are usually less focused than their U.S. counterparts on such topics. "Our general energy is not the hype machine whereas Americans are born and bred to make it shine. I am learning the industry and to keep my integrity."

At that moment my thoughts on celebrity weight-loss ads and mainstream artists were confirmed; you can't always follow the hype.

Souleo Enterprises, LLC is the umbrella company that creates and produces entertaining, empowering and informative media and philanthropic projects by founder, Souleo.

This article is courtesy of our partner The Harlem Arts Alliance

****

The Harlem Arts Alliance is a not for profit arts service organization celebrating 10 years of service to a prestigious list of members such as the Apollo Theater, the Greater Harlem Chamber of Commerce, Columbia University, Harlem Stage (Aaron Davis Hall) and over 850 more cultural/arts institutions and individuals. The weekly column, Harlem Arts Alliance Presents: On the "A" w/Souleo, covers the intersection of the arts, culture and entertainment in Harlem and the greater NYC area.

For more information on HAA please visit: www.harlemaa.org

For more information on Souleo please visit: www.souleouniverse.com

For millions getting that morning cup of coffee or tea is an essential part of the day. Therefore a few savvy designers have seized upon this opportunity to design cup sleeves and holders for hot drinks, with a few even making ones for cold drinks. Check out some of the most inspired items below.

Jung-Woo Lee for Ek Design’s umbrella with coffee holder

Jimmy Choo’s RIKA

Ryan Jongwoo Choi’s smart holder

Cup Couture Cold Cups Sleeve

Crafty Staci’s reversible sleeve

Designer and creator of Jypsea, Meca McKinney understands the value of vintage goods, recycling and of course style. As an accessories designer her hand-made pieces have been featured on stars such as Res, Ciara and Letoya Luckett. Now you too can get the look and pair it with your favorite Jimmy Jazz products.

Long Fingerless Leather Gloves in Caramel Leather

Pair these gloves with this Essentials belted fashion sweater:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/womens/clothing/essentials-belted-fashion-sweater/9W404?color=Black

Navy & Tan Snakeskin Duffel Handbag

This handbag will look great rubbing up against this Dereon denim jumpsuit:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/womens/clothing/dereon-top-gun-denim-jumpsuit/D102409X?color=Blue

Black Leather Cuff trimmed in Black & White Snakeskin

These cuffs perfectly balance out the eclectic style of this Ecko tank top:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/womens/clothing/ecko-active-tank/EMT1124R?color=Grey

Money is said to make the world go round but it also can be a laughing matter. Don't believe me? Well, just ask Heidi Montag. Yeah, I'm serious ask Heidi.

Heidi Montag says no to plastic:

New credit card laws:

The New f****** Citibank:

It's not easy looking your best in the rain as you try to doge droplets and hunch your shoulders to avoid blasts of cold wind. Still actor, Mechad Brooks manages to show that you can not only sing in the rain but you can also look fashionable in it too.

Essentials belted jeans:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/mens/clothing/essentials-belted-jean-with-rips-and-tears/AHP10002?color=Blue

Essentials pullover fleece:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/mens/clothing/essentials-pullover-fleece-hoodie-jacket/OF4252?color=Black

Coogi fur lined faux leather jacket:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/mens/clothing/coogi-fur-lined-faux-leather-jacket/435CGM?color=Black

Pajar high top boots:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/mens/footwear/pajar-banff-high-top-fashion-boot/BANFF?color=Black

With iPhone sales showing no signs of slowing down many are seeking creative ways to make their iPhone unique. The easiest way to standout while answering calls or texting is with a unique case. We've compiled a few items that will have everyone reaching to answer your phone.

Vans "Waffle Sole" iPhone Case

SwitchEasy's Clockwork

SwitchEasy's Melt

SwitchEasy's Plank

Fendi

Roberu

Goyard

Homade

The joy of another week. The pain of looking into your future. Here we go.

Aries, Leo and Sagittarius:

We all get the blues from time to time for no apparent reason. All you need to do is go out to a bar, get drunk, get into a fight where you get the mess kicked out of you and go back home. Then you'll really have something to feel bad about.

Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo:

Sometimes the best way to get what you want is by smiling. Just make sure your teeth are in proper order. So it's time to keep that dental appointment and start getting your way.

Libra, Aquarius and Gemini:

You may be confused lately about which path to take but that's ok. Just know that whatever path you choose you'll end up where you're meant to be; even if it is with your pants around your ankles, an apple in your mouth, a chain around your neck and a copy of TV Guide in the back of an alley. Don't ask me what it all means.

Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces:

You've got a case of cold feet and it's not because you're about to get married or anything like that. You're just not choosing the right boots to stay warm in this cold season. And that's my shameless plug for these hot men and women's boots. Hey, not every week is gonna be a life changing revelation.

I'm JizzleJazzle and remember don't be good, be fabulous!