Events

By Souleo. The flames of summer were ignited last night by the heatwave of celebrities as they gathered for the first day of summer party hosted by Malibu Rum.  Performers Estelle and Sean Paul were joined by "Gossip Girl" star Jessica Szohr, soul singer Melanie Fiona, singer Alexis Houston (Whitney Houston's sister), rising Atlantic Records artist, Donnis and more.  The night featured thirst quenching and party-starting Malibu Rum drinks, an orange carpet representing one of this season's main colors, white canopied tents flowing in the breeze, the summery tunes of Estelle and Sean Paul, and one of the best views in all of New York City from the Tribeca Rooftop.

JimmyJazz.com tweeted the event live but now it's time to share what we didn't tweet last night.  We caught up with the stars to get their must-have looks for the summer season, their favorite summer pastimes and most memorable summer experiences.  Forget spring 'cause summer is officially in the air.

Sean Paul's favorite summer pastime:

I love going to parties in Jamaica.  I don't get a lot of trouble there and that's one thing that's great to me about living at home.  They are used to me after 15 years so it's not like I can't do this or that.  I get to relax.

Estelle's summer fashion tip and most memorable summer:

As far as tips I would say just be comfortable.  I'm a big advocator of wearing after flip flops after hours in heels walking on cobblestones.

My most memorable summer was my first time in Miami.  I left with a sun burn that lasted for a year.

Jessica Szohr's summer look:

I'm into the cropped jean jackets with the cut sleeves or quarter length sleeves and bright colored dresses.

Melanie Fiona's summer look and favorite summer memory:

I love hats.  They are great because I do the beach and my gets messy.  I also love big wooden tribal accessories.  They go good with a dress or jeans.

My favorite summer memory is having my first boyfriend.  It was good to be out of school and try to keep in touch however we could.  I would go to the corner store just to see if he was there and meet up with him.  So summer for me always feels like a loving and happy time.

Alexis Houston's most memorable summer:

Spending time with my family on a small island in the Bahamas.  I come from a family that is always travelling and it's seldom to be together at once.  So it was good to be together with Whitney [Houston], my nieces and cousins and college friends.

Donnis' summer look:

I'm a very simple Polo guy.  I guess it's the Atlanta thing.  I also need some boat shoes and a Fredrik Samuelsson summer windbreaker jacket.

Dennis L.A. White's most memorable summer:

My favorite summer memory is from three or four years ago at P. Diddy's all white party in the Hamptons.  I had no ticket but I snuck in, walked the carpet and got twisted that night.  A few years later and I'm in "Notorious."

Panama's favorite summer pastime:

I like to travel on vacation and enjoy the sun and beach.  I don't go too crazy but that's my thing.

By Souleo. Too often the generous, humble and courageous spirits of those who make a difference never receive the acknowledgment and support they deserve.  At this weekend's 1^st annual fundraiser for the Moving Mountains organization founded by actor, Jamie Hector (HBO's "The Wire" and NBC's "Heroes") some of those spirits who change lives for the better were rightfully honored.

Inside the expansive downtown New York City loft of actor Kwane Spinks, youth members of Moving Mountains performed for and presented awards to this year's honorees which included:  WBLS radio personality Egypt (Image Award), Actor Michael K. Williams (Humanitarian Award), Robert Vasquez (Humanitarian Award) and Gifted Apparel for their continued support of the Moving Mountains organization.  For over 2 years the organization has served inner-city youth between the ages of 10-20 in developing their talents, attaining life skills and providing academic, counseling and various other services by way of the performing arts.

We got some of the night's attendees to share their stories on individuals who impacted their lives including Egypt's tale of inspiration from her teacher who died of AIDS, how Jamie found himself through a youth organization and more.

Egypt:

In the ninth grade my favorite teacher in the world, Mr. Campbell told the class he had AIDS and this was at the beginning of AIDS.  He passed three years later and that was my reality check that we can be here today and gone tomorrow.  He was an amazing inspiration because he took everyday and lived it like his last.

So I try to give and not just take, and make the most of everyday.  Many of us do not take the time and care to give it back God's blessings.  So I try to make sure I'm a living expression of those before me and what they have given back to me.

Jamie:

Those that made the most difference in my life are my mother, the organization Tomorrow's Future theatre company and the leaders in Brooklyn.  The organization gave me my love for acting which also was the model for my organization.  Sometimes people are talented and don't know what they are gifted at and that organization helped me recognize what I was good at.  My mom supported me in everything I did.  She showed me how to move mountains and was there for me every step of the way.

J.D. Williams:

I wouldn't be in this industry without a teacher of mine, Ms. Sharon.  When I graduated high school she took me to a photographer, paid for my photos, took me to the agency and literally got me started by my hand.  That was motivation for me to keep going for it.

For more information please visit:  http://www.movingmountainsnyc.org

By Souleo. What: Performing artists and a panel of experts join for a night of entertainment and real talk about better solutions for better relationships.

Who: Paul Carrick Brunson, star of the hit web series, "The Modern Day Matchmaker," will host with moderation provided by Nikki Nokes, author of Maybe It's You.  Plus, one of the six featured bloggers is Anslem Samuel, veteran journalist for XXL, Essence, Vibe, King and more as well the 2009 Black Weblog Award winning founder/blogger of the popular sex and relationship site, NakedWithSocksOn.com Anslem's expertise was featured in Jimmy Jazz's Valentine's Day style and dating special so you already know it's going to be a stimulating evening.

Where: The Providence Lounge @ 311 West 57^th St, in NYC.

(Sorry non-New Yorkers)

When: Thursday June 3^rd, 2010.  Doors open at 8pm.  The panel runs from 8:30-10:30pm and the after party will keep on kickin' until 2am.

Why: Anyone who is looking for love or an understanding as to why it's evaded them should attend.  Plus, there will be many singles in the building and they're all pretty much looking to mingle.  Even if you don't find "the one," you just may find one for the night.

How: Buy your standing room only tickets (sorry, seats are sold out) before the end of today.  The standing room only/after party combo is $20 or if you just want to get your groove on at the after party you can pay $10.  Whichever you choose use the discount code "NWSO" to get 20% off the ticket price.  Please visit: http://moderndaymatchmaker.eventbrite.com/ to get your ticket to love.

By Souleo.

Hip-hop was out in full force, quite literally that is, at the 2009 OutMusic Awards held in NYC this past Tuesday at the legendary Webster Hall.  The event was presented by the LGBT Recording Academy in partnership with Logo/MTV network.  JimmyJazz.com was on hand to check in on the state of LGBT hip-hop.  It is a scene that is emerging into the mainstream very slowly but surely thanks to the persistence of LGBT urban artists and their straight allies in the mainstream such as Kanye West, who earlier this year criticized his peers for their homophobia.

For Pony Zion, the lead choreographer/dancer of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew,” team finalist, Vogue Evolution, eliminating homophobia is crucial to fully integrating LGBT artists into the hip-hop scene.

“We should be further out there than we are.  If there was less homophobia and more focus on talent then BET, MTV and Logo could unite on more projects.  There are some things we can’t do ‘cause of homophobia,” he said.

Former American Idol finalist and openly gay R&B recording artist, Anwar Robinson agrees that homophobia is still a major barrier but is even more challenging for his fellow R&B/soul artists.

“With R&B there is a heterosexual romanticism which makes it a lot more difficult because they immediately link it to appealing to females,” he said.

The issue of homophobia was quite timely considering the new controversial lyrics from rapper, Eminem.  This is not Eminem’s first time coming under fire in the LGBT community for homophobic lyrics.   This time around he has targeted American Idol alumni and pop stars, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and former N’Sync member, Lance Bass.  In his new song, “Elevator” Eminem raps:

Sorry Lance, Mr. Lambert and Aiken ain’t gonna make it/They get so mad when I call them both fake/It’s all these f****** voices in my head, I can’t take it…”

Many are suggesting that the phrase “fake/It's” sounds phonetically like "faggots."  In response to the rapper’s latest controversy famed gossip columnist of the Village Voice, Michael Musto had a few choice words for Eminem.

“From the beginning I’ve been one of the few people saying Eminem may be brilliant but he is homophobic.  We have to stop making excuses.  I was really angry when Elton John did that duet with him at the Grammy’s and made it okay to like Eminem.  I think he really has a problem and he needs to just take it up the a** and get over it,” he said.

Overcoming homophobia is one of the most challenging issues facing the LGBT urban music community, but many left the awards show feeling uplifted and inspired that with a lot more hard work LGBT artists will soon find mainstream acceptance.

“It’s revolutionary and much awaited.  There are so many different audiences for our music and it's time for it.  People don’t realize it’s happening but this is the revolution,” said Anwar.

For more information please visit:  www.outmusic.com

By Souleo.

(Pictured Above: ROCKSMITH X FLuD Table Turns)

It is time to get grown and sexy according Flud Watches’ CEO, Doug Cohen and brand manager, Mel Peralta.  At an exclusive preview of the company’s 2009 Winter collection for press and stylists, JimmyJazz.com got a sneak peek at the new line and learned from Mel that this collection is all about representing the new level of maturity in the hip-hop world.

“I think it’s cool to be an older in style dude.  Rappers like Ghostface Killah or Jay-Z are still dope and relevant and selling records.  So we do have youth inspired pieces but this new collection gives the teenage guys and the kids just out of college with that first real gig something that fits their career and lifestyle change.  They are wearing more buttoned up shirts and cardigans.  It isn’t just about the baggy jeans and t-shirts and this new line reflects that transition,” Mel said.

The “grown and sexy” look is already receiving rave reviews from those within hip-hop such as rising lyricist and producer, David E. Beats.

“I like the hip-hop influence and the fact that it goes with any outfit, even the higher end ones.  They look understated which is the look I like to go for,” he said.

To attain this new look the collection is all about mixed materials and reinterpreting pieces with leather, silicone and stainless steel mesh bands to add versatility and flavor to each new design.  A few of the featured highlights include tricolored movements and the instantly popular, THN watch which features no hands.

Mel also revealed that beginning in March there will be one major featured collaborator per month for all of 2010.  Could JimmyJazz.com be one of them?!  Time will tell (no pun intended).

You can check out a few previews from the line below.

NEGATIVE SPACE

THE EXCHANGE

By Souleo.

If you thought hip-hop was one dimensional, think again.  Newcomer and Toronto rapper, Shaun Boothe is out to showcase all of the different elements of hip-hop and his persona in 3-D fashion.   JimmyJazz.com was in attendance to witness the premiere of his new video “Poor Boy,” at New York’s Bryant Park Hotel Screening Room.

Shaun Boothe “Poor Boy” Video Trailer:

The event was hosted by Hot 97 and MTV personality, Cipha Sounds who kicked it off in his usual humorous style.  Cipha Sounds noted that he had to support Shaun Boothe based on his creative concept of utilizing 3-D and his unauthorized biography series, where Shaun raps out the biography of noted figures such as Diddy, Oprah Winfrey, Bob Marley and others.

“You need some concept because everybody can make music now.  So getting CD’s used to be rare and you would know it was good for the money and effort, but now it’s hard to get through the muck.  I think Shaun has a creative concept that will get a lot of people’s attention,” Cipha said.

Already Shaun has attracted the attention of many industry tastemakers who were in attendance to witness the video première.  While 3-D glasses were inexplicably not given out we were able to witness the video and all of its colorful and energetic visuals.  We would have loved to have gotten the full effect but we at least got to hear a talented new hip-hopper arriving on the scene with a catchy and hard-hitting single.

Shaun Boothe’s Unauthorized Biography of Sean Combs:

For Shaun Boothe, the inspiration behind the 3-D concept was all about stepping outside of the limits of hip-hop.

“I’m a diverse person and as artists we get forced into a box.  When I’m in a box I punch air holes in it.  So I’m packaging it so they get all sides of me and not just one,” he said.

One side that Shaun Boothe is not afraid to show is his vulnerable side.

“As rappers we have this superman complex that as an artist you’re bigger than human and perfect and polished.  The reality is when I’m on stage I try to become bigger than life but still want to show my weaknesses and vulnerabilities,” he said.

One such insecurity he must grapple with is the reality being a starving independent artist.

“When you’re an artist and put everything on the line that’s the biggest gamble on yourself and dream.  I have friends who are lawyers and doing things and I'm still here grinding and struggling pursuing my dream.  It is hard sometimes to accept that I don’t have the monetary stuff to validate who I am but I know that I’m doing what I love and looking back with no regrets,” he said.

Shaun Boothe is definitely moving forward and helping to usher in the new hip-hop talent arriving from Canada, one dimension at a time.  Shaun is currently finishing up his debut album and plans to embark upon a 3-D hip-hop tour in 2010.  It all sounds exciting but just make sure next time we get a pair of 3-D glasses.

For more information on Shaun please visit: www.myspace.com/shaunboothe

On November 19th, the multi-talented musician and humanitarian, Wyclef, came by our Jimmy Jazz store on 442 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY. The Haitain-born, Wyclef help launch the new Timberland® Earthkeepers™ Yéle Haiti Collection at our store by greeting fans and signing autographs. As mentioned in our previous post, the cool thing about each Yéle Haiti boot sold is that $2 will be donated to Wyclef's Yéle Haiti organization to support reforestation in his homeland of Haiti. So basically you get to look cool and help help others... you can't beat that!!

Here are some photos from the event. Also don't forget to cop Clef's latest release, From The Hut, To The Projects To The Mansion, Available now!

Fans anxiously wait outside 442 Fulton Street for Wyclef to make his entrance.

Jimmy Jazz crew is suited up for the event.

Wyclef gets into swing of things right away.

The crowed continues to grow into the late evening.

Wyclef wraps up the event with a picture perfect group shot with the Jimmy Jazz crew.

Jimmy Jazz is excited to announce a cool partnership with Timberland and Grammy award-winning musician, humanitarian and former-member of The Fugees, Wyclef Jean. To help launch and promote Wyclef's signature Timberland Earthkeepers Yele Haiti boot collection, fans can drop by our Jimmy Jazz location on 442 Fulton Street in Brooklyn on Thursday, November 19th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Clef will be on-site to talk about the Timberland collaboration and his  Yéle Haiti organization. Afterwards, he will conduct a meet and greet with Jimmy Jazz shoppers. Shoppers who purchase the Earthkeepers™ Yéle Haiti boot on 442  Fulton Street will receive a free CD copy of the brand-new mixtape EP DJ Drama Presents Wyclef Jean A.K.A. Toussaint St. Jean From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion.

(Video Above) Wyclef Jean Presents Yéle Haiti Earthkeeper Line.

Jimmy Jazz is one of the first locations in the metro New York area to be carrying the Yéle Haiti collection, co-developed by Wyclef and Timberland under the popular Timberland® Earthkeepers™ line.  For every pair sold, $2 will be donated to Wyclef’s Yéle Haiti organization to support reforestation efforts in his homeland of Haiti. The Yéle Haiti collection is comprised of 16 styles of boots for men, women and kids, made from a variety of recycled and organic materials.

As summer vacation ends, school session begins, and Jimmy Jazz knows you’re looking for that fresh new look. On Saturday, August 1st  in New York City, sneaker guru Kiante “The Sneaker Mann” Young, held his event Kiante The Sneaker Mann’s Back 2 School Fashion Block Party, to help parents and teens do just that. 

1,000 attendees witnessed a fashion show, live paintings of honoring the late Michael Jackson, and plenty of giveaways from companies such as Sprite Green and Footlocker, sponsored by The Source Magazine. The event showcased fall fashion lines from Forever 21, Akademiks, Sabit, B. DES, Pastry, Adidas, Baby Phat/Phat Farm and many more. 

The Sneaker Mann is one of America’s foremost fashion and sneaker experts. He showcases the latest footwear trends on news shows across the United States. From athletic sneakers to fashion forward sneakers, Kiante knows his kicks.