GET TO KNOW AKON...FOR REAL

Akon opens up a bit about his past and present self exclusively to "Blender" magazine:

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-click image to enlarge-

scan via ONTD!

In the one page interview, the Senegal-native musican revealed he has three baby mamas and one wife.

On how kids he has: Four boys and one girl. The oldest is 11, and the youngest is 7 weeks.

On why he'll never be addicted to drinking: Never drank. I"m Muslim, but really, I never understood the concept of getting high. I like to be in control of my own mind and my own destiny.

On why he refuses to tell his real age: I don't understand the importance. But I've been blessed to look young for a young time. My pops is 77 years old. You wouldn't believe it; he looks like he's in his mid-40s.

Fans of Akon will delighted on reading on his self-portrait (sunshine) and what else he reveals about himself in the September 2007 issue of Blender.

Akon also appear on Wyclef Jean's latest single, "Sweestest Girl" featuring Lil' Wayne and Niia:

Speaking of new music, Akon's latest single, "Sorry, Blame It On" has experienced some songwriting controversy. Reportedly Akon did NOT write the song which is reportedly a public apology for the underage stage dancing.

DJ and producer Clinton Sparks actually wrote the entire ballad -- even though
his credit is listed as co-writer and producer.

[source]

So do you think this song was made just to silence his critics and satisfy his fans? Drop down your opinions, folks!

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CANDIDS OF BORIS KODJOE

Boris Kodjoe and his wife Nicole Ari Parker were spotted picking up some dry cleaning in Hollywood earlier today.
Boris & Nicole who have two children together, met and fell in love on the set of the critically acclaimed series, "Soul Food."

[spotted at Concrete Loop]

These two seem to be really in love with one another.

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NEW MUSIC FROM 2FACE

Naija superstar 2Face Idibia of "African Queen" fame recently dropped off two new music videos, "If Love is A Crime" and "My Love."

IF LOVE IS A CRIME

"If Love Is A Crime" was reportedly shot exclusively in Ghana.

MY LOVE

For "My Love", 2Face worked with Ghanaian heavy hitters VIP.

Are you feeling these new songs from 2Face?

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INTRODUCING SADE BADERINWA

Feels Good 2 B Home wishes to introduce to you all New York City news anchor Sade Baderinwa.

Every weekday evening at 5 pm, Sade Baderinwa broadcast local & national news for the tri-state area audience alongside fellow anchor Diana Williams live on ABC 7 "Eyewitness News."

-Diana Williams and Sade Baderinwa in their Eyewitness News promo commerical-

Quick facts about Sade Baderinwa:
*Baderinwa's father is Nigerian and her mother is German.

*Tragic occurred before Sade took on her anchor position in July 2004. While preparing a report on location in Hackensack, New Jersey about local flooding, Ms. Baderinwa was struck by a hit and run driver who went through police lines.

*Fortunately, Sade returned to her anchor post five months later after multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy.

For additional information on Sade, be sure to visit her official ABC profile page. [image source]
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SADE'S COMEBACK?

A newsworthy tidbit from Jaws Juice surfaced online in regards to a possible Sade comeback. Not since "Lovers Rock" has there been a full length Sade record. In 2005, Sade contributed the bonus track "Mum" to the Voices for Darfur DVD.

Via AOL Black Voices:

Is singer Sade preparing her next comeback record? That's the question being asked since the 48-year-old London-based singer was spotted in New York City recently having lunch with friends. The 'Smooth Operator' vocalist was spotted dining at St. Vartan Café on 34th and Second Street. Her last album was 2000's 'Lovers Rock.' A rep for Epic Records didn't respond to a request for an update on the singer.

In anticipation of her comeback, Feels Good 2 B Home takes you all back to four classic Sade videos off her last record, "Lovers Rock":

KING OF SORROW

SOMEBODY ALREADY BROKE MY HEART (LIVE)

LOVERS ROCK (LIVE)

BE BY YOUR SIDE

Here's a two-part documentary on the making of Sade's Lover's Rock". [PART 1] and [PART 2]

Are you anticipating Sade's comeback?

more at twiigs.com...

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BEHIND THE SCENES WITH IMAN AND ALEK

Earlier I posted up scans from the Septemeber issue of Ebony magazine's historical fashion spread featuring Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek.

Go behind the scenes to see the process of pulling together the cover issue. Reportedly, Naomi Campbell and Liya Kebede were asked to be apart of the cover. Video spotted at Make Fetch Happen.

Folks it's that time again for a Site to Visit piece. This time around, the honors goes to Make Fetch Happen.

-click on image to visit, Make Fetch Happen-

This blog caters to Afro cultural fashion influences in the media. Make Fetch Happen just launch THIS month straight from Seattle's own FemmeNoire.

If you like to be included in these fun Site to Visit updates, do contact me at feelsgood2bhome@gmail.com!
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LIYA KEBEDE'S POSH SURROUNDINGS

Supermodel Liya Kebede of Ethiopia invites "InStyle" magazine inside of her posh Upper East Side apartment in the Big Apple.

scans via Make Fetch Happen.

The twenty-nine year old first black model of cosmetic empire Estee Lauder speaks up on her family: husband Kassy Kebede, son, Suhul, 7 and daughter Raee, 2.

The Kebede's moved into their three-bedroom Carnegie Hall apartment back in 2000 from their previous Soho housing.

Liya and Kassy felt that the apartment's neighborhood was... "more kid-friendly."

And in related news, Liya was recently featured on CNN Revealed for her heroic humanitarian efforts:

Part Two finds Liya juggling her celebrity status with her charity work.

Part Three disovers Liya talking candidly about her self-titled foundation as well as the historical Vanity Fair Africa cover spread. Liya, in this final piece, invites CNN cameras to her daily grind as one of the world's known supermodels.

The Liya Kebede Foundation focuses on maternal and newborn health in the developing world. Read more on Liya's humanitarian efforts over at CNN.

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LOLA OGUNNAIKE INTERVIEWS BEYONCE KNOWLES

CNN Entertainment correspondent Lola Ogunnaike interviewed Beyonce Knowles recently at Macy's in New York City Herald's Square.

Beyonce is busy promoting her new fragrance with Emporio Armani Diamonds. Lola caught up with the superstar to ask her questions about "the fall", her relationship with Jay-Z, and the significance of being a spokesmodel for Emporio Armani Diamonds.

FG2BH wanted to share with you all Lola's interview style. Lola has written articles for VIBE, New York Times, Rolling Stones, Glamour, and various cultural publications.


Quick scoop on Lola Ogunnaike via CNN:
*Lola Ogunnaike is the entertainment correspondent for CNN's flagship morning news program, American Morning.

*In May 2007, she was named one of Ebony magazine's "150 Most Influential Blacks in America."

*Ogunnaike received her master's in fine arts degree in journalism from New York University and a bachelor's degree in English literature from the University of Virginia.

[thanks Maxium Destiny for the clip!]

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ADAKU OKPI FOR ROCAWEAR'S I WILL NOT LOSE CAMPAIGN

Rocawear "I Will Not Lose Campaign" currently features R&B songtress Ciara, America's Next Top Model alum Tocarra, R&B crossover prince Chris Brown, and Oscar-winning rap duo Three 6 Mafia. Feels Good 2 B Home has an exclusive look at the image of Adaku Okpi and her son, Ryan Harris.

This paritcular AD is featured in September Essence, on newsstands now. Adaku and son Ryan were chosen to be in Rocawear's Kids ads.

Okpi's story all ties back to iwillnotlose.org, where users can submit their stories of perseverance and triumph over adversity for a chance to be in the Spring/Summer '08 campaign.


In the following youtube clip, Adaku tells candidly about being a single mom to her three year old son.

And here's a little synposis of the clip:

A hard-working, career-driven single mother raising two little boys, who will be strong black men in the blink of an eye. Help in raising them comes from two noble souls, a dependable grandmother and a caregiver whose love is just as nurturing as the boys' birth mother. Long hours at the office leave little time for Mom to play both the motherly and fatherly roles that her boys so desperately need, but she plays each part the best she knows how. Ryan doesn't know the sacrifices his Mom makes for him and his brother, but he knows she will always be there, and her heart-to-heart hugs are something that will help him to get through any challenges that life may bring.

[youtube]

Earlier I reported on Miss Okpi who represents Rocawear Marketing. Check out Adaku hanging out with her boss Shawn "Jay-Z" Carter here.

For additional information on Rocawear: I Will Not Lose campaign, visit http://www.iwillnotlose.org/

{Thanks Adaku for the AD!}

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ANGELIQUE KIDJO AND JOSS STONE DUET

Beninese* singer Angelique Kidjo has released a new single called "Gimme A Shelter" which is a cover of The Rolling Stones.

The song features UK soul singer Joss Stone (former girlfriend of R&B singer, Lemar). "Gimme A Shelter" music video was shot in NYC and was directed by Noble Jones.

The video will be available for purchase on iTunes with a donation of proceeds going to Oxfam (Charity Organization).

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, "Gimme A Shelter" first appeared on the Rolling Stones 1969 record, "Let It Bleed."

"Gimme Shelter" is also featured on Angelique Kidjo's current album, "Djin Djin."

*Benin is the also the homeland of Oscar-nominated actor, Djimon Hounsou. I'm feeling the Afro-beat Angelique gave the song. What are your thoughts?

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GOT it BETTER: IMAN VS SERENA

Via Obsessed-Hoopla: Supermodel Iman wore a canary (yellow) number to the Rachel Roy Collection celebration at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City back in March. Tennis champ Serena Williams wore a similar style Rachel Roy frock in white to the 2007 ESPY Awards. [source via source]

Iman vs Serena Williams: who got IT better?

more at twiigs.com...

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BIG BROTHER 8's CHARLEY UCHEA GOES CRAZY

Big Brother 8's Charley Uchea has had a heated bust up with former Miss England and Celebrity Big Brother star Danielle Lloyd outside of a London club.

The row is said to have started when Lloyd called the 22-year-old a "horrible dog" and was then confronted by her outside Embassy.

A source told The Sun that Danielle told Charley to "Fuck off and get a life."

A witness claimed: "The language was terrible." [source]

Thanks to Toya's World, here's a clip supporting the update title:

W-O-W!

And here she is checking into anger management classes:

Aside from her crazed behavior similar to Naomi Campbell, Charley Uchea can dress! [source] Keep up to date on all things Big Brother 8 here.

Quick facts about Charley Uchea:
*Full name is Charley Kazim Uchea.

*She's first cousin to Sunderland footballer Kieran Richardson.

*Coined an unemployed self-styled 'it girl' from Lewisham, South-East London.

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ALEK WEK AND IMAN FOR EBONY'S FASHION ISSUE

Supermodels Alek Wek of Sudan and Iman of Somalia are on the current cover of Ebony's Fashion issue alongside Tyra Banks and Kimora Lee Simmons:

In the September 2007 issue, Ebony magazine is honoring black beauty with 50 pages of fashion plus the 50 year celebration of the criticially acclaimed Ebony Fashion fair. Ebony highlighted the entrepreneurial and charity success of each inspirational model. Orginally Liya Kebede and Naomi Campbell were included for the spread but due to work obligation Liya and Naomi couldn't attend the photoshoot.

Alek Wek
Birthplace: Sudan
Entrepreneurial Success: Wek1933 Handbags
Big Deal: Fled civil war in the Sudan and became an international modeling sensation.
Give Back: Established W.E.K (Working to Educate Kids), which supports educational programs for youth in Sudan and New York City.

Iman
Birthplace: Somalia
Entrepreneurial Success: Iman Cosemtics, Skincare and Frgarances
Big Deal: New TV Show: Host of Project Runway Canada
Give Back: Global ambassador for Keep a Child Alive, providing antiretroviral treatment for African children with AIDS
Project Runway will air in Canada April 11th at 1:00pm on the Life NetWork. Keep posted on all things Project Runway at its official fan blog, Blogging Project Runway.

Thanks to Real Gossip With A Passion for the scans!

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AKON'S FAVORITE THING

Akon has something in common with model Oluchi and actor Boris Kodjoe--wearing a favorite accessory of their own to various red carpet events. Akon's favorite thing is a yellow track jacket with the colors of his country, Senegal, incorporated around the neck and pockets. The jacket also has the word, KONVICT, splastered across the front of the jacket.

Events Akon rock his favorite thing at:
Gwen Stefani "Sweet Escape" Tour - May 20, 2007
Power 105.1 FM at Planet Hollywood in New York City February 8, 2007
MTV's "TRL" - February 8, 2007

Of course, Akon rocking his favorite thing concept is meant for you to laugh! Well, I hope it worked! Do e-mail me your thoughts at feelsgood2bhome@gmail.com

And in related news, Akon's brothers are coming to a TV set near you with their new reality series, 'My Brother's Keeper.' Akon on the show's concept:

"Whenever I’m not in Atlanta, they go out posing as me and everyone believes it’s actually me. It’s so crazy, because everyone seriously believes it’s me. They are going around getting VIP treatment, girls, free food at restaurants, free everything and everybody is falling for it. It’s a real life thing, which has got really out of hand in Atlanta, so I decided to take the situation and make it into my advantage by making a reality TV show out of it. They get my life, all the perks without having to put in all the hard work I do. I’m constantly working so I can’t live it, but they are out there living it."

The million dollar question is---will you be tuning in?!

And in related news, check out the video treament to Akon's reponse to the underage bump n' grind fiasco, "Sorry, Blame It On Me":

Is the video necessary at this point?

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CANDIDS: DJIMON & KIMORA PLUS ZAHARA

Zahara and her famous family (The Jolie-Pitt) were in the same town as me a few days ago-Chicago:

If I wasn't attending to a family event in Chicago, I would have flew down to get some exclusive shots of one of my favortie pint-sized celeb. I did however bump into Danyel Smith (the editor in chief of "VIBE" magazine).

Kimora Lee Simmons and her man Djimon Hounsou hit up Sea World Orlando over the weekend. Anyone watching her new reality series in hopes of a glimpse of Djimon like I am?!? Do let me know. [source]

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MORE FROM DJIMON HOUNSOU'S CALVIN KLEIN SHOOT

More footage from Djimon Hounsou's Calvin Klein photospread has surfaced. Earlier I posted up pictures from this photoshoot which were taken by Peter Lindbergh in Palm Springs. [pics spotted at Concrete Loop]

Djimon's girlfriend Kimora Lee Simmons is one lucky lady, isn't she?
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SEASON 2 OF SOUL FOOD ON DVD

Fans of Boris Kodjoe's TV success, Soul Food would be pleased to learn that the DVD of second season will hit stores tomorrow (8/7). Here is the summary from amazon.com:

Picking up where the first season left off, the Joseph sisters–fiery Maxine (Vanessa Williams, formerly of Melrose Place), controlling yet vulnerable Teri (Nicole Ari Parker, Remember the Titans), and the baby of the family, Bird (Malinda Williams, Daddy’s Little Girls)–cope with the wake of a car crash that has left Maxine’s husband Kenny (Rockmond Dunbar, Prison Break) in the hospital, while Bird’s ex-con husband Lem (Darrin Dewitt Henson, Stomp the Yard) blames Teri’s boyfriend Damon (Boris Kodjoe, Brown Sugar) for causing the accident. From there, the series settles into its turbulent groove: Kenny finds himself drawn to his secretary at the towing company; Teri fights to be made partner at her law firm; Bird and Lem fight over the significance of visiting a strip club; Maxine gets into local politics; Lem’s store burns down and Lem is accused of arson; Teri suffers from worsening panic attacks; and Kenny and Maxine’s son Ahmad (Image award-winner Aaron Meeks) wrestles with school, adolescence, and the fallibility of his parents. The recurring theme, of course, is family obligations–what siblings owe to each other, what parents owe to their children (and children to their parents, as Kenny and Lem each struggle to make peace with their flawed forbears), what husbands and wives owe to each other. The commitment to these characters’ interconnectedness, explored with sincerity and care by the solid cast, is what makes Soul Food more than just a depiction of middle-class life.

GRAB A COPY HERE

In related news, BET J has been airing old episodes of Soul Food: The Series for months now. Make sure you tune in Mondays thru Fridays @ 11pm EST.
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OLUCHI'S FAVORITE THING

Nigeria's own supermodel Oluchi Onweagba and actor Boris Kodjoe have something in common--wearing their favorite accessory at various red carpet events. Oluchi's favorite accessory is a black deep-neck blouse.

Events Oluchi wore her favorite thing at:
Victoria's Secret Launches "Sexy Volume 3" 05 Apr 2005
Sports Illustrated 2005 Swimsuit Issue Event 15 Feb 2005

And here's a clip of Oluchi with her Victoria's Secret sisters Heidi Klum, Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio:

Oluchi comes on about :25 to :35 seconds to talk a bit about the 2005 book, "Sexy Volume 3."

"It's HUGE! I mean I came in this morning, I was like WOW! If you don't get to get a copy of the book, you can actually have a great look at the pictures."
-Oluchi.

Of course, Oluchi rocking her favorite thing concept is meant for you to laugh! Well, I hope it worked! Do e-mail me your thoughts at feelsgood2bhome@gmail.com

Be sure to visit Bella Naija to check out the latest on Big Brother Africa 2!
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LOLA, OLUCHI AND AGBANI AT 2007 NEA

Lola Ogunnaike, former VIBE and New York Times writer, and supermodels Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi and Agbani Darego attended the second annual Nigerian Entertainment Awards in New York City last month:

-Supermodels Oluchi and Agbani-

-celebrity news writer, Lola Ogunnaike-

Lola Oguinnaike currently held a position as CNN entertainment reporter. Oluchi recently welcomed her first child with fashion designer Luca Orlandi. Agbani, former Miss World, has done numerous photospreads for magazines such as Essence. This high profile event was hosted by comedian Julius Agwu. Get a full rundown over at LADYBRILLE.

2Face Idibia, Madarocka, and Micheal Blackman were also at this event last year:

-Micheal Blackman, the man responisble for putting dashikis on the map-

-Hip-hop artist, Madarocka-

-2Face Idibia of "African Queen" fame-

pics c/o NEA.
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AKON OUT WITH A MYSTERY LADY

Akon, the self-proclaimed ambassador of Senegal, was spotted leaving the airport in Nice with a Samantha Mumba look-a-like right next to him. [source]

As reported earlier, Akon loves the ladies. And so the million dollar question would decide if she is the lady of the moment or just someone who works for him. One thing these photos can confirm is that the lady has class. Akon's mystery lady is rocking a Louis Vuitton monogram speedy.

And in related news, he was spotted touching the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, during his visit to Jerusalem's Old City on Sunday, July 29, 2007. [source via Kevipod Music]

He sort of stands out compared to everyone else at the wall.

Via the.LIFE files:

"Akon is re-releasing his multi-platinum sophomore album “Konvicted” on Aug.
28th. To this day Akon, has sold more than 2.6 million copies of “Konvicted”. He’s also earned a Grammy nomination for the song “Smack That”. The CD/DVD will include 2 new songs, “Blame It On Me”, “Rush” featuring Kardinal Offishall. The
DVD component will feature a documentary of Akon visiting his native Senegal,
and music videos for “Smack That”, “I Wanna Love You”, and “Don’t Matter”.

Akon is currently on his worldwide tour which will end in September lending him time to join R&B sensation Rihanna on the Canadian leg on her “Good Girl Gone Bad” Tour."

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ETHIOPIAN WEDDING GOWN DESIGNER AMSALE ABERRA

Weddings are the pinnacle moment in every females life. Preparing for that one special day sometimes comes down entirely to "THE BRIDAL GOWN!" Feels Good 2 B Home wishes to introduce to you the Ethiopian Vera Wang---Amsale Aberra.

Ethiopian native, Amsale Aberra, has made an indelible mark on the couture wedding gown business.

[source]

Amsale not only caters to brides but bride maids. Here are a few of her designs:

According to The Wall Street Journal, Ms. Aberra's New York-based wedding- and evening-dress house, claims annual sales of about $30 million. The Amsale label is in the same league as Vera Wang, another high-end wedding-gown brand.

[source]
Her designs are in the post-prom meets nightmare '80s look at all! Bride maids can wear those looks over and over again for any occasion. Click here to check out her Fall 2007 collection.

Her designs are favorites of Kim Basinger, Salma Hayek, Julianna Marguiles, and Vanessa Williams. For those within the tri-state area, the AMSALE Flagship Salon is located on the east side of Madison Avenue between 58th and 59th streets on the 2nd floor at 625 Madison Avenue.

On her official website, Amsale runs down her creative prowess and fresh designs. Aside from designing gorgeous bridal numbers, Amsale maintains a daily blog called "Simply Chic by Amsale":

click on the image above to check it out!

Ladies and gents it's that time again for a Site to Visit. Introducing...Style Chile:

-click on the image to learn more- .

Style Chile is energetic style blog that entails creative writing and graphics. The site is maintain by Naki and Style Chile, two fierce independent females in the tri-state area. If their hilarious commentary doesn't grab you, do take notice to their weekly style recaps.

To be apart of Site to Visit blog post, do e-mail me at feelsgood2bhome@gmail.com!
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