3.11.09

Ok so basically, I suck... this blog is high and dry. lol... I am having a pretty good time in life right now.
facebook.com/ccmurray0
If you have Ping on the iphone my ping id: billyjean
DO IT!

I'll be back...

20.10.09

SCORION RISING!



- - - -
Sexy, dark, and mysterious sums up your style, dear Scorpio. Actually, your sign was the main inspiration for our line, Scorpio Rising. You tend to be quiet and observant because your ruler, Pluto, teaches you to marshal your energy, not squander it. You know knowledge is power, so it is natural for you to reveal little about yourself, but you pick up lots of information about others. That's easy for you–everyone enjoys talking to you and you love to listen. A bit rebellious, you are not overly influenced by other people's opinions–you rely on your own intuition and feelings and doing so has always served you well.

Scorpio Rising suggestion:
The whole line is "you," but start with the Scorpio Rising cut-off sweatshirt. How could you not? Pair it with cut-offs to show off your legs, or your favorite skinny jeans.
- - - -
Urban Outfitters collaborated with Susan Miller to give us our "Scorpion Rising" horoscopes. "Scorpio Rising is exclusively available at Urban Outfitters, and is an NYC-based basics line with a fashion twist. Washed-soft t-shirts, dresses, skirts and singular graphics are designed with a perfect fit in mind, resulting in essential modern staples."

Get Yours


6.10.09


BLACK DON'T CRACK





NIA LONG LOOKING ABSOLUTELY AMAZING AT THE SCREENING OF CHRIS ROCK'S "GOOD HAIR" WHICH I HEAR HE IS GETTING SUED FOR... *SIGH*
THIS WOMAN LOOKS AS GREAT OR BETTER THAN SHE LOOKED IN LOVE JONES. SOMEBODY PUT HER IN A MOVIE QUICK, SHE IS TOO GORGEOUS FOR THIS.
I WANT TO BE LIKE HER WHEN I GROW UP!
COME ALIVE!!!


JANELLE MONAE'S COME ALIVE (WAR OF THE ROSES) WAS RELEASED FROM THE WONDALAND ARTS SOCIETY'S VAULT YESTERDAY AS A SINGLE(written by: Nate "Rocket" Wonder, Kellindo Parker, Chuck Lightening & Janelle Monaé) WHICH WAS CREATED ORIGINALLY EXCLUSIVELY FOR THE KIA SOUL COLLECTIVE (A GROUP OF ARTISTS WITH CREATIVE/ MUSICAL MINDS)GET USED TO IT, BECAUSE THIS IS JUST A SNIPPET OF WHATS TO COME ON THE NEW JANELLE MONAE ALBUM SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED IN EARLY 2010. THIS SONG IS BURSTING WITH ENERGY, WITH A WHITE STRIPES, THE WHO(ISH), EARLY MID 70'S SOUL, FUNK ROCK FEEL. NO GENRE CAN REALLY EXPLAIN THE SOUND THAT JANELLE IS GIVING. I CAN DIG IT.


THE MAKING OF WAR OF THE ROSES



Janelle_monae_come_alive_kiasoulcollective


Janelle_monae_come_alive_kiasoulcollective from MUSIC VIA: http://squintss.vox.com/


THE SINGLE IS HERE AND AVAILABLE AT THE KIA SOUL COLLECTIVE SITE
OR DOWNLOAD IT HERE


22.9.09



Hello Universe, I have been thinking; how must one become one with you? I feel like I am not apart of this world, I feel a distance. Is it me or you?
Write me letter or better yet, come sit next to me so I can feel you.

1.9.09

SEPTEMBER 10TH: FASHION'S NIGHT OUT!!

If you live in NYC, do this for my future city, and lastly do it for ME!... If anyone wants to get me one of those shirts email me and I'll give you the address to send it to... :)
Darn you Atlanta!


Model/Runway call! For CAU!

As reported on The Style House Chronicles.com...It's that time again.. Clark Atlanta University Homecoming Fashion Show!!! They're having their first model & designer call on Sept 2nd (models arrive at 6:00 pm & designers arrive at 5:30pm) at the CAU STUDENT CENTER... So models, if you got that Strut, fierce & confidence.. head over to the model call... this may be your chance to be discovered.. DESIGNERS bring your best pieces because this may also be your time...
for more details email : projectnext@ymail.com


I'm thinking about going to this but I get nervous/shy so easily. I know I shouldn't be but its me. I'm trying to get my friend Kamaria(@maripeneh) to come with.
Another faux is that I heard they are very unorganized, thats a peeve of mine, so I have less than 24hrs to make a decision.

29.8.09


HAPPY BIRTHDAY MICHAEL JACKSON!! YOU ARE, AND WILL BE FOREVER MISSED!!





28.8.09

Making of i-D cover


26.8.09

PRETTY YOUNG THINGS!!!



YES! I LOVE THIS COVER. THE SEPTEMBER 2009 I-D ISSUE IS HOT. ON THE COVER: CHANEL IMAN, SESSILEE LOPEZ, JOURDAN DUNN AND ARLENIS SOSA... 4 OF THE MOST POPULAR MINORITY FACES IN THE FASHION BIZ. I WISH I WAS ON THAT COVER...LOL
THIS WILL DEFINITELY BE ON MY COFFEE TABLE SOON!

25.8.09

Drummer auditions for Janelle Monáe band!!!
Hello Musicians!

Kellindo (lead guitarist and MD for the Janelle Monáe Band) will be holding auditions for a drummer to join him and Ms. Janelle Monáe on stage!

Audition Date: Saturday, August 29, 2009

Where: Apache Cafe
64 3rd St NW
Atlanta, GA 30308
(404) 876-5436

When: 10am-5pm

ALL drummers MUST be Atlanta based.

Please send your resumé, youtube links, photo, EPK, etc. and any other relevant information to band@wondalandarts.com and you will be contacted with an audition time.

Please come prepared to jam and play all songs from Ms. Monáe's epic release, Metropolis: Suite I of IV: The Chase Suite!

We look forward to meeting you and may the force be with you!

The Wondaland Arts Society
News Association and PR Tree
Aaliyah: January 16, 1979 – August 25, 2001


Today marks the 8th year of Aaliyah's death. Where on August 25, 2001, Aaliyah and eight others were killed in an airplane crash in The Bahamas after filming the music video for the single "Rock the Boat". I cannot believe it has been 8 yrs. I remember I was coming home from England that day and I was listening to the radio and Aaliyah's music kept getting played on the radio. Then the news came to me that she died. I was heart broken, because she was definitely one of my favorite artists. She was young, gorgeous, can dance, had a great personality, sweet etc...
She definitely paved the way esp. for Ciara, Cassie(benefit of the doubt), Rhianna, and any other female R n B singer that's come out after her.
People 18 yrs.+ got to really appreciate her watch and dance to those music videos... I miss those days...



Lets reminisce...
















21.8.09

400 years without a comb

This video, it speaks for itself... lets just say that.


17.8.09


Why Hello there young world. I have officially settled back in Atlanta. Well remember a few posts ago I was talking about a phone call/blessing that I got recently? Well, that phone call was a modeling job. It was for Outre, which is a hair company. I was a model for them last year for all the of their promotional items and calender for 2009 and now I am doing the same thing. It was so much fun. I flew to New York and had a 3 day shoot at Sun Studios downtown. So fun.

Here is my adventure through photos & video

ENJOY!...
















In a nutshell...


9.8.09




The Mr. & I were so hungry after a hot morningin Atlanta and shopping.
We ordered (2)blacked shrimp & grits, French Toast w/ strawberry&banana and Soy Sausage (no swine). With a side of water and apple juice.


Carol Street Cafè
CabbageTown
Atlanta, GA






CC

3.8.09

Girrrl, You got some "good" hair!...what you mixed with?




I am so glad this is coming out this year. It's about time!

This again! The issue of hair in the black community has always been crazy. I remember when I was younger, in the kitchen, getting my hair pressed out to be straight... then I graduated to the relaxer, this gave me movement and volume then on to the tracks, where I get more length and less money in my pocket...
I never really knew how huge the hair industry was until I was listening to the Michael Baisden show and the issue is Black people spend sooooo much money on hair products and we own nothing in it...funny huh?

But the reason why we spend so much money on hair is to fit that mold in society to fit in. Nappy hair means you're ugly, Straight hair means you're beautiful... We all know thats a lie. But straightening the hair, does give you an edge and bring out those beautiful features.

Good Hair, comes from when you have hair that is soft, wavy, hair that has loose curls... and baby hair on the sides... you'll get it later.

All hair is beautiful, sometimes you just have to tame the beast.

29.7.09

SWINE FLU

DID YOU KNOW THAT THE SWINE FLU IS GENETICALLY ENGINEERED. IT WAS MADE TO RESEMBLE THE SPANISH FLU KILLER VIRUS OF 1918.
READ MORE HERE PLEASE!!!

28.7.09

WOW

God works quick! I got a phone call yesterday for a job offer. I will tell you about it when my flight is booked & etc... I'm soooooo excited!

27.7.09


Ok Here I am!

A LOT has happened since my last post.

From the sadness of Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Steve McNair, Vernon Forrest, to the joys Jourdan Dunn's pregnancy, Meeting Gwen Stefani, Traveling, being in love etc... Summer 09 is something I will NEVER forget.

I'm in that time of my life, where I am still trying to figure out what I want to do. I feel that I could be great in so many ways, and I am in the position to do things but not sure how to go about doing it and not sure how to approach and not sure how to firstly find out what I want to do.
I ALWAYS find myself, complaining to my BF, Mom, friends, etc... of how much I hate my job, and how much time its talking from my life and how unnecessary it is.
Its that comfort zone of having a job and having money coming through, but I need to plan something while in the midst. I have been on my job for a year. It'll be 2 in April 2010. I won't allow that to happen.
So I'm writing out all the things I love to do, and that I will be/am confident in.

Wish me luck on my journey.

19.6.09

Shame On You Black America by Warren Ballentine

My entire life I have been hearing how the white man and the government is the reason so many of us were poor, uneducated, and unemployed. Now, don't get me wrong I do understand that the holocaust of slavery, the unjust justice system of Jim Crow and the civil rights disparities has crippled Black Americans in many ways. But, can we still say that today?

We must take accountability for our actions as well. Today we have a Black man as President but he is a President not the Savior of Black America. We have more Black millionaires than any other time in the history of this country, yet our schools are worst than they were before integration. Our unemployment rate is higher than ever before. Our kids are killing each other like they were living in the Old West. And we own almost none of the businesses in our communities. Is this what Dr. King gave his life for? Is this what Thurgood Marshall fought for?

Why is this all happening now? Lack of ACCOUNTABILITY in our RACE. We blindly support singers, actors, rappers, and athletes to the point that we make them gods. We spend our last dime supporting them but do they support us? How hard would it be for ten or twenty of them to come together and buy properties in cities and towns and open up businesses and trade schools? Where are the Dick Gregory's, Muhammad Ali's, Bill Russell's, and Jim Brown's of this generation?

I know some of you will say Warren these folks don't owe us a thing. Why do we keep asking for hand outs? To you I say a great majority of these stars voted for our current President¾and his message is clear that we have a duty to the greater good of all then a small few. What I am proposing isn't a handout at all. I am not asking for fish I am asking to teach us how to fish.

If a group did this it would allow people the chance to save their homes. Help keep our children off of drugs and out of the crime black hole that a majority of them seem to be in. It would help destroy the process that most of our kids and (many parents) seem to think that the only way to be successful is to be a rapper or ball player. It would help fund the education of these children to the point that the schools would truly be equal not just integrated.

ACCOUNTABILITY.. We must change this stupid no snitch rule in our communities. We must call the cops on our kids who are on the corners selling dope. We must stop blaming the white man for all the ills of Black America. We must stop all these town halls and State of Black America meetings.

And we must stop supporting these singers, actors, rappers, and athletes who don't do anything for us.

If you continue your current path Black America well Shame on you.

Warren Ballentine Esq

Warren Ballentine is a lawyer and a nationally syndicated radio host and a regular on Sunday nights on the newsroom on CNN. The Warren Ballentine Show can be heard weekdays from 10AM-1PM. (check local market listings) or visit www.truthfighters.tv.

VIA: www.weneedtostop.com

15.6.09

Ok so I will be getting a laptop soon! Then the updates will be on point. I usually update at work; but I was put on assignment to work somewhere else for 6weeks and basically the computers here are soooo slow and old as hell. So until, then, ... enjoy the past posts!
Oh yea, I will be a roadie for a while on a tour, I will show photos and etc... you'll see later...
Ok so I will be getting a laptop soon! Then the updates will be on point. I usually update at work; but I was put on assignment to work somewhere else for 6weeks and basically the computers here are soooo slow and old as hell. So until, then, ... enjoy the past posts!
Oh yea, I will be a roadie for a while on a tour, I will show photos and etc... you'll see later...

13.5.09

Janelle Monae's MTVU Clip: Violet Stars Happy Hunting
Get into it:


Who? What did I just see?:
Singer: Janelle Monae
Guitarist: Kellindo
Drummer: Young Pete
Wolf Masters: Chuck Lightning & Nate Wonder

11.5.09

President Obama Roasting on em'



We have the coolest President ever, "Whats up!", lol...
Love Episode: 1
Model Edition
Sessilee & Wydell

Cute.
Carmen Solomons


Agency: Storm Model Management
Age: 17
Height: 5’9
Place of Origin: Cape Town, South Africa
How discovered: "Watching a fashion show in a shopping mall and got spotted."
Arlenis Sosa gracing the pages of Vogue Italia again
Photographed by Michelangelo di Battista, Styled by: Alice Gentilucci
This is inspiration. Great lightening for this beautiful face.





When being nice goes too far

byKimberly Faye


This morning I was listening to the Steve Harvey Morning show with my boyfriend. There is a segment on the show called "Strawberry Letter 23" where listeners write in and get relationship advice from Steve and Shirley. Well this morning there was an interesting letter.
The letter:
Date: 05/11/2009
Subject: Did I Miss It Or What?

Hi Steve and Shirley, My husband, daughter and I went out to dinner a few nights ago. To set the scene Steve and Shirley, we were at one table and directly behind us was a table with about 8 men (black and white). As I was walking toward the buffet line, one of the gentlemen from that table passed me and said hello (thats it). Being the person that I am, I said hello and continued to walk(thought nothing of it). When I got back to the table, my husband flipped. He started saying things like the guy was disrespecting him and smiling with his boys. Well, I saw none of this because I kept walking after speaking (I was only being polite). I told my husband that I did not have a problem with the way he felt (being disrespected), but I did have a problem with him embarrassing me (he kept being loud until I got up and went to the car). He feels he did nothing wrong and feels that I am defending this man because of how angry I got over the whole thing. To be honest he should have received that as a complement, he had something this other man found attractive. Steve and Shirley am I wrong for getting upset? Did I Miss It or What?


Like Steve said this morning men and women think differently from each other, while a women think its harmful. The man feel's disrespected. This got me and my boyfriend talking, because we have been in a similar situation, where we were at a party. Anyhow, my boyfriend texted me about it while I was at work; here is what he said:
"Steve Harvey is so right. he just blasted the woman for getting mad. She should know that men don't want hot girls so that other men can flirt with them. Men don't need verification from other men that their girls are hot. She shouldn't have said Hi to him. I've noticed at parities or clubs or even on the street that often girls who are with their boyfriends don't even loot at me, because they want to avoid any problems. Then if they're introduced to me they turn out to be very nice girls."

I definitely have mixed feelings about that. If a guy knows you are with your boyfriend, men need to respect that. Women need to respect their men if they know a guy a flirting with them. BUT on the other hand, how are women suppose to know the little tricks and maneuvers guys pull on women that is considered flirting. Another thing about the "hot girlfriend" factor. Men aren't going to bring a busted girl/girlfriend to a show/mall/club/party etc... around guys cause they want other guys to know they can pull a beautiful woman. But I definitely respect the way men feel, because they know what other guys think about, because they are a guy.lol. But women are the same way we know the little things women to to try to flirt on the low when you are with your boyfriends, but the guy just think they are being nice. I feel that if you are confident in your mate you will not feel threatened if another guy thinks your wife/gf is hot. She can't help it, and vice versa. We just all need to learn to respect each other, and know our limits.

What do you think?
NIN|JA 09

Last night I went to the Nine Inch Nails/ Jane's Addiction concert last night. I had an amazing time out with The W.A.S. and we hung with the amazing Saul Williams who killed his performance with Nine Inch Nails. Going into the show I got to meet Mr. Dave Navarro, who rocked out as well, with his amazing guitar solos. I'm almost as good as that.

10.4.09

Earl "Snake Hips" Tucker
Before James Brown, Michael & Prince

8.4.09

Giant Afro & Leg Action
Naomi Campbell for Giant Magazine May 09
Face & Eye Action


Chanel Iman for I-D Magazine: May 2009
Chester French "Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance"


YAY! It's here!! If anyone is on Twitter and is Following D.A. Wallach of Chester French, you should know that he has been tweeting about the "Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance" mix tape for months now. I'm excited, because I am looking forward to see how creative Chester French can get. I love how they decided to put out a mix tape, such great marketing. The Mix Tape features some my favorites: Janelle Monae, Solange, Cassie, Pharrell Williams, Mickey Factz, Talib Kweli and Common.
Anyhow, download Chester French "Jacques Jams, Vol. 1: Endurance" HERE

26.3.09

Rewind to 2001
In 2001, I had the privilege and honor to live in England at that time in my life. One album I can remember was Craig David: Born to do It. This was the first concert I went to in England, which was dope by the way. He had all the right elements to deliver a great R&B record, especially in England, where Garage and Pop ruled the radios. My personal favorites are Rendezvous, 7 Days, Follow Me, Fill Me In and Walking Away.
Take a Listen!


25.3.09

*UPDATED* Show Canceled!BE THERE!!!


... and I will be there!!!...lol :)

23.3.09

Video Break:
OMG Ciara is giving me everything I need!!!

Whoa! Funny how time flies when you're having fun!

Time for an update finally!
I have been living life, enjoying life for what it is. Life is Cause&Effect... think about it... I'll stop here cause there is soo much to say about that subject.
Now I am an aspiring model, I have a sneak peak of a photo shoot I did this weekend... one of my friends Miya is an make up artist; an awesome one might I add, her full portfolio will be coming soon and when it does I will post it...


This is Me aka Ms. Cocoa aka CC aka Ollie Cocoa... she's having a rough morning, she partied so hard last night, she still has on her makeup. Here she is just being herself...Cocoa

4.3.09

The New IT Bag

This collection of bags, called Papier (= paper), was actually designed by Stefan Diez for Saskia Diez, his wife who designs really nice jewelery. They are made from the same material, Tyvek®, as his other bags A1 & A2. It is a synthetic paper made from PE which is extremely tearproof, lightweight, waterproof and recyclable. Like most bags, they become nice after some wear and tear. [via TAT]








I've been waiting for something like this. I use Tyvek envelopes all the time at work, but I never knew how much potential it had. Tyvek is pretty expensive material. That'll go with everything, now all I need is a Tyvek belt...