FAN EXPRESSIONS

After tapping a string of models (including Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Gisele Bunchen) to front its most recent campaigns, furrier Blackglama is back to using celebrities for its classic "What Becomes a Legend Most?" ads. This year's girl: singer-actress Janet Jackson. The 44-year-old superstar joins a list of Hollywood elite, such as Audrey Hepburn, Diana Ross, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, Liza Minnelli, Lauren Bacall, Marlene Dietrich, Judy Garland, and Lena Horne, who have starred in the black-and-white ads during the past four decades.

"If someone would have told me later in life that I would be alongside such legendary entertainers, I would have never believed it," Jackson said in a behind-the-scenes interview at New York City's Milk studios, where the campaign was produced. "When we did our first shot, that's what was going through my mind." Showing off her newly cropped hair and signature sky-high cheekbones, Jackson wears several all-black ensembles with pieces of black mink, which the star holds up to frame her face in most of the shots. Of course, this being fur Jackson is wearing, PETA has already issued statements on the matter. "You told me that you were always aggravated at photo shoots when stylists would try to throw fur on you and that you were even wary of wearing fake fur out of concern that it might actually be real or look real in photos and send the wrong message," PETA Senior Vice President Dan Matthews wrote to Jackson in a letter obtained by Black Voices. "You were very straightforward and sensible about it. What happened?" Jackson herself has stayed mum on the issue, instead choosing to talk about what the campaign means to her. "What makes a legend, to me, is someone who has made a major mark on the world that lasts forever. Not just with their art, but for example, Elizabeth Taylor is a legendary actor, but [there is] also her humanitarian efforts, working with AIDS and AIDS research," she says. "That, to me, is what really makes someone a legend. I have too much to accomplish to consider myself a legend." Expect to see Jackson's Blackglama ads in the September issues of Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and W, among other fashion magazines, as well as on a billboard in Manhattan's Times Square.

Source : http://stylelist.com

Perhaps it was the leaked photos of The Dream vacationing with his assistant (and Christina Milian's friend) Melissa Santiago that did him in. Or maybe it was his scandalous interview with ESSENCE.com in which he spoke about not wanting to help out with daughter Violet because it would create "expectations." Whatever the case the multi platinum-selling producer and singer/songwriter is sorry for "misleading everyone into thinking everything was fine and okay." The Dream, real name Terius Nash, has written a public apology to his soon-to-be ex-wife, and the public. "First I want to thank God for the trials of life, without them we can't know purpose," he begins in the letter, published on his personal website. "I would love to tell the truth as to why my relationship wasn't successful, but today that is between me and Christina. Its easy to say that it's because of another woman or a new relationship but truthfully, IT'S NOT.

It seems like Nash is addressing rumors of being a less than impresseive father when he writes: "I've always been a Loving Father, Hard Worker, Generous, Stern and Eager to prove myself. My faults are I can be irresponsible and an ass sometimes, but I HAVE NEVER and WILL NEVER be a malicious person or wish harm to anyone, especially those I love or the mother of my child. I'm sorry for the embarrassment to everyone involved." He even goes on to say that he once tried to take his own life because of the failure of his marriage. He writes: I've cried about this for months, after interviews, after prayer and I've tried to take my own life at a point because of the failure that was looming." He ends on a hopeful note: "This too shall pass! And everything will be fine!"

source: Essence

Dujeous. Pronounced doo-jee-us. But it's not about their name, it's about who they are: a seven-man band, raised in the ways and days of old New York. Friends since elementary school, the Dujeous crew blew up through the NYC underground, selling out clubs, throwing monthly showcases that featured the best MCs in the Northeast, and burning up the airwaves of the legendary Stretch Armstrong radio show. Fast-forward a few years and see who they are now: explosive live performers, feared MCs, in-demand musicians, and well-established producers set to unleash their sophomore album Day In Day Out. If you don’t know, now you know.

The seven-man hip-hop band Dujeous promises to stay down for their crown. Fresh off a performance at 92Y Tribeca in Manhattan, where they payed tribute to special guest Diddy with live versions of his classics, the underground favorites (members are Mojo the Cinematic, Rheturik, Mas D, Taylormade, Dave Guy, Tomek and Apex) sit with VIBE.com to speak on their come up and continual grind.

DUJEOUS - "BREAK BREAD" from Dujeous LLC on Vimeo.