Barack Obama: Inauguration 2009

Okay I finally step away from the TV long enough to post up that Barack Obama is now the 44th U.S. President as of 12 Noon on Tuesday January 20th. (Yes We Can!)

First Lady Michelle Obama looked divine in a Isabel Toledo dress while Malia and Sasha wore colorful wool coats from Crewcuts by J. Crew. (Did you know that Michelle worn this all-black design from the Cuban-born American designer back in 2008?)

For the Neighborhood Ball which air exclusively on ABC, Michelle selected a one shoulder ivory Jason Wu gown. The First Lady previously wore a black and white sheath dress for the Barbara Walters Special (see left).

Random thought: Anyone else felt that her hair should been up? Love it or hate this look. The Huffington Post wants YOUR feedback! Barack thinks it's a winner and I quote the President himself: "How good looking is my wife?"

56th Annual Inauguration Performances...

Beyonce - "At Last" First Dance (HQ Fan Made)


Aretha Franklin - "My Country 'Tis Of Thee" performance


President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

See more action over at FG2BH Blog 2.0!
Photos: AP. WIREIMAGE. GETTY

News on Barack, Chasity & Estelle

To my FG2BH readers, I hope you all enjoyed the long Thanksgiving weekend. Can you believe it's already December?! For those in the NYC area, have you check out the window displays on 5th Avenue yet? Beautiful, huh?! Anyhow onto the post...
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President-Elect Barack Obama and his wife Michelle share the dual covers of Essence magazine. The Obama are featured separately on the January 2009 edition. Anyone else going to D.C. this January?

Read the full blog post here to see The New Yorker Obama satire cover.

Chasity Nwagbara, Nigerian composer and vocalist recorded a track with Busta Rhymes called "World Go Round." Remember her vocals and songwriting contributions on Jennifer Lopez's last album, "Brave"??! Well Chasity simply goes by her first time now. (Thanks for the tip, Uloma!)

That's not Chasity in the photo with Busta but actress Gabrielle Union. It's a screen shot taken from Busta's "I Love My Chick" music video.

Read the full blog post here to find out what other artists Chasity collaborated with.

Estelle (in Sonia Rykiel) performed at Indigo 2 with a new longer hairstyle but do you love her outfit and 'do?

Read the full blog post here to see Estelle's ever-changing hairstyles.

I'll leave you all with this hot South African song called "Tiki Tiki" by Phinda Mtya.

click here if you can't see the video.

c/o FG2BH at Wordpress!

Updates on Oluchi & Barack

Barack & Michelle Obama's "60 Minutes" Interview - did you catch it?

Read the full blog post here.

Herve Leger Fashion Face-Off: Oluchi, Star or Cassie?

Read the full blog post here.

Spotted: 2Face Idibia & Estelle + Djimon & Kimora

2Face Idibia and Estelle pose backstage at the 2008 World Music Awards pre-show. Estelle picked up World's Best New Artist Award. 2Face picked up a well-deserved award for World's Best Nigerian Male Artist. He definitely represented Nigeria Sunday night in Monte Carlo. (He's also scheduled to appear at the first ever MTV Africa Music Awards.)

Photos: GETTY/WIREIMAGE

Djimon Hounsou and girlfriend Kimora Lee Simmons attended the 2008 AFI Film Festival premiere of "Defiance" last night in Hollywood. Both had on rings on that special finger. (Hmm...)

Photos: Splash, WIREIMAGE, Getty

The Obamas (President-Elect Barack and wife Michelle) paid a visit to the White House. According to Michelle Obama fashion blog Mrs. O, The First Lady-Elect wore a custom made Maria Pinto red dress with matching kitten heel pumps. Barack also dropped off his two girls Malia and Sasha off to school this morning. (Aww!)

Photos: YBF, The Huffington Post

Photos taken backstage during Election Night 2008 surfaced on Barack Obama's official Flickr page. So for those wondering what Barack and his family were doing the moment he won the election, do check out the fun photo collages I made. (Click on the photos to see more!)

Photos: Obama for America

African fashion magazine Uzuri has been on my radar for quite awhile thanks to my cousin Kelechi. The official site is loaded with photos. If you're a fan of African fashion, then this magazine is a definite must-read.

About Uzuri:

UZURI is a leading global publishing and media company. UZURI magazine is inspired by the beauty of Africa. UZURI media network brings together millions of readers who are always looking for new trends in fashion. The UZURI audience has a unique taste for fashion, beauty, luxury and glamour and a desire to discover new tends. They have made UZURI their home and a place to discover style. The UZURI print magazine and website is a ‘must see’ and ‘must click’ for all fashionistas and especially women of color. [source]

Uzuri is available on the newsstand including stores Pathmark and Barnes & Noble.
Photos: UZURI Mag MySpace

FG2BH Blog has moved - click here!

Blogroll Reaction towards President-Elect Obama

Wasn't Tuesday November 4, 2008 truly epic?! History in the making, indeed! Tears, joy, pure excitement, and complete AWE are just some of the things I experienced the moment/day after. I think I lost my thought when President-Elect Barack Obama and his family (Michelle, Malia, and Sasha) walked out on stage at Chicago's Grant Park. A President that shares a funny name with me - who would have thought/dream it? Barack proved to me and millions nationwide and around the world that skin color/funny names does not matter but a person's character.

Below are links that share the historic news:

Michelle Obama in Narciso Rodriguez - love it or not? [Make Fetch Happen]

Mr. President + November 5th Etiquette [LadyBrille]

Victory Night, History Night in Pictures [The Black Snob]

Elections Highlights - Jesse Jackson's Tears, The First Family The American Dream Alive [Mrs. Grapevine]

Barack Obama wins the Election [Concrete Loop]

Celeb Moms React To Barack Obama's Victorious Win [Black Celeb Kids]

New York City & Hip-Hop Celebrate President-Elect Obama [Miss Info]

Michelle Williams and Diddy cast their Vote. [Quick's Catch Up]

Change Has Come To America [Fresh & Fab]

Election Day Video Playlist [Neon Limelight]

Politics: Barack Obama Wins Presidential Election. [Fashionista 101]

In Case U Missed It: The View Gets Emotional Over Barack's Win. [Straight Outta NYC]

Barack Obama: First Impressions [Clutch]

Hi Mom, Obama Won [Kanye West Blog]

Obama, Ya'll [Real Gossip 101]

Barack & Michelle Votes [Pop Culture Fix]

Barack Obama is Officially The 44th President of the United State [Toya's World]

"Rosa Parks sat so Martin Luther King could walk..Martin walked so Obama could run.. Obama is running so our children CAN FLY!" - Jay Z [That Grape Juice]

Celebs Celebrate Barack Obama's Big Win [PopEater]

Barack & Michelle Obama Have Grown Closer Through The Election [Us Weekly]

Today's Front Pages Hail Obama [Huffington Post]

Watch Oprah's live Post Election Special [THP]

Condi Rice congratulates Obama [YBF]

Obama's Family in Kenya Rejoice [Bossip]

photos: AP/Reuters

Seal Remakes Otis Redding Classic + Barack's Elected President

Seal did a cover of Otis Redding's "I've Been Loving You Too Long." It's the second soulful R&B-infused single off his upcoming seventh album, "Soul." Damn Heidi Klum is one lucky girl huh? Check it out...

click here if you can't see the video.

Here's the 1965 original written & produced by Jerry Butler and Otis...

click here if you can't see the video.

I think Seal did a fantastic job with making the song his own. "Soul" comes out on November 11th.

My Random Thoughts Shoe Crush:

These bow satin slingbacks from Christian Louboutin have been worn by Jordin Sparks and Jada Pinkett Smith. My shoe crush collection has expanded yet again...

sigh!

This song has become my most played track on my iPOD thanks to 27 Dresses.

"Like A Star" - Corinne Bailey Rae

Afro/Naija News:

Get to know Channel 8's Emma Adiei. [CosWeAfricanWomenAreDoin&DoingItwell]

P-Square's Peter Okoye has a name for his newborn son. [Bella Naija]

Be on the lookout for Afrofab's clothing line. [AfroFab]

Seal offers his own political opinion. [Black Celeb Kids]

Preview Beyonce's new album, "I Am...Sasha Fierce". [Fresh & Fab]

Election Foolery: Obama's Aunt. [Quick's Catch Up]

Rihanna's New Gucci "Tattoo Hearts" AD campaign. [Clutch: The Edge]

Sister Souljah's "Midnight: A Gangster Love Story" is out today! [Real Gossip 101]

First Lady-Elect Michelle Obama wears Narciso Rodriguez at Grant Park. [NY Daily News]

I hope you all voted today! Breaking News: Barack Obama made history by becoming the first African-American man elected President of the United States of America! The 47-year-old Illinois Senator gave his victory/first speech as President-elect at Grant Park. Obama will be sworn in as the 44th U.S President on January 20, 2009. (YES WE CAN!)

Photos: Reuters/AP

SEAL REMAKES SAM COOKE'S CLASSIC

Check out Seal's latest video for his single, "A Change Is Gonna Come." Personally I think he used the video as a means to flaunt his wedding ring. (I'm just joking of course!) Seal remade 11 throwback R&B songs for his upcoming album, "Soul" out November 11th.

If the song sounds familar, that's because it's a remake of Sam Cooke's 1964 Civil Rights Movement anthem .

Which song style did you prefer? (FYI: I'm sticking with the original!) Check out the tracklisting for Seal's "Soul" record via Billboard:

"A Change Is Gonna Come" (Sam Cooke)
"I Can't Stand The Rain" (Ann Pebbles)
"It's A Man's Man's Man's World" (James Brown)
"Knock on Wood" (Eddie Floyd)
"I've Been Loving You Too Long" (Otis Redding
"Here I Am (Come And Take Me)" (Al Green)
"If You Don't Know Me By Now" (Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes)
"It's Alright" (the Impressions)
"I'm Still in Love With You" (Al Green)
"Free" (Deniece Williams)
"People Get Ready" (the Impressions)

Zap Mama collaborated with Erykah Badu on the track, "Bandy Bandy" off Zap's 2004 album, "Ancestry in Progress." If you want to know more about this album, Okay Player has all the answers to your questions.

Related Links/Facts on Zap Mama:

• Zap Mama is a Beligan group led by the Congo-born vocalist Marie Daulne. [Wikipedia]
  
• Add Zap as your myspace friend. [MySpace]
  
• Read up on their updates on Zap Mama official site. [ZAPMAMA.BE]
  
• Zap Mama Fansite!
  
• Zap Mama has collaborated with The Roots, Common, and Talib Kweli.
  
• "Supermoon" the group's latest album was released in 2007. [Amazon]
  
• Marie Daulne on "Bandy Bandy": "Bandy Bandy" is a song about the oppression of a big city, and how to escape it by having a walk, allowing yourself to be astonished by the beauty of nature. [Maybe it's] an ant, a bird or a tree… all these small things. I learned that from my American friends in New York: people who have lived there for a long time, but still feel very close to nature. [credit: ZAPMAMA.COM viat The CDW]

Site to Visit: MRS-O.ORG
Barack Obama's wife Michelle has become the fashionista to watch so it comes as no surprise that she has a large fan base watching her every fashion move. Mrs. O fixes your obsessions with Michelle O's style picks. So I decided to make Michelle Obama Fashion (Mrs. O.org) today's site to visit. The site comes with a tag line that fits with its content: "Follow the fashion of Mrs. O: A regular look at what and who she's wearing."

http://www.mrs-o.org/

My random thoughts:
Only Heidi Klum and Melody Thornton can pull off that fringe Thomas Wylde "Nomad" bag. Don't you agree? This bag is one serious accessory that only the brave ones can rock. Heidi kept her look simple while Melody piled on a million and one trends for her look. I do love Melody's Gucci boots.

Photos: Socalite Life, Splash

While on the topic of Miss Badu, I thoroughly enjoy this vintage cut from her called, "Back In The Day."

disclaimer: my random thoughts are very tongue in cheek as is my twitter page!


Afro/Naija News:

• Check out this Nigerian-inspired clothing company, WeWe. [Fly]
  
• Sneak Preview of Estelle's "Come On Over" (Remix) video. [Stuff Fly People Like]
  
• Thandie Newton covers Black Book magazine. [Thandie Blog]
  
• Grab Michelle Obama's striped H&M dress. [In A Word..Fab]

SOPHIE OKONEDO CHATS WITH EBONY

Sophie Okonedo is featured alongside her "Bees" co-stars Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson for Ebony magazine's November 2008 photo spread. (photos: Keith Major for Ebony)

The British actress (shown in a scene with Jennifer Hudson's character) who won an Oscar nomination for her role in Hotel Rwanda, says it was "so unusual" to be on a set with "a whole bunch of Black women...all of them strong, all of them characters."

Remember you saw the scans here first on FG2BH!

Scans: Me

More "Bees" highlights:

• "Bees" leading stars campaign for Senator Barack Obama...
  
  

  Queen Latifah, Sophie Okonedo, Alicia Keys, and Jennifer Hudson want you to visit http://www.voteforchange.com/ to register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and find your polling location on November 4...

  
  
  
  
  
• Check out this frequently updated fan site, Sophie Okonedo Love.
  
  
• "Bees" just like I predicted gets Oscar buzz from Black Tree TV...
  
  
  
  
  
• On October 2nd, the cast and author of "Bees" will appear on Oprah.

My rants/thoughts:
I finally joined the hoopla that is twitter...and I'm officially 25 as of yesterday. October 1st would mark two years of FG2BH.
Last night I saw "Family That Preys" and let's just say that Sanaa Lathan's character is quite a bitchy one. Like Sanaa told "Jewel" magazine, you will applaud the way she got shut down at the end. Without giving too much away, you're going to enjoy that one particular country tune that plays in the movie mid-way through and at the very end. Anyhow I walked away with one lesson learned: Live your life to the fullest and do enjoy yourself along the way. I rate this movie as a must-see! I'll probably see "The Women" this weekend.
disclaimer: all rants/thoughts are in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

• Register to vote! November 4th is the day you vote for your U.S President!
  
  
• Check out Tina Fey as Governor/VP hopeful Sarah Palin on "SNL" ...

Did Tina Fey go too far with her latest Palin spoof? [La Times Blog]

Listen in on Michelle & Barack's one-on-one talk. [Black Snob]

Idris Elba and Laz Alonso were caught in this blinged-out Barack Obama tee-shirt. [Concrete Loop]

Nigeria's 48th Independence Day is this Wednesday October 1st. Rock your green white green ever so proudly!

MICHELLE OBAMA IN THAKOON...AGAIN!

Clearly the old saying, "If It Ain't Broke, don't fix it" applies to the fashionista Michelle Obama when she wore another Thakoon creation at the first Presidential debate.

Michelle's Thakoon floral Fall 2008 dress retails for $1,250. (Thanks to Black Snob for the dress ID!) So what do you think of Michelle's dress pick?

Sophie Okonedo has been busy promoting her latest film, "The Secret Life of Bees" and at each event, she switches up her style.

Grab Sophie's black beaded necklace for less:

1. apt. 9 gold-tone black beaded necklace $18.76
2. Black strand/white link necklace $18.99
3. Matte teardrop necklace, $4.80
4. Round Wood bead necklace, $565
5. Braided bead necklace, $230

Rants/thoughts:
Why is it when you speak to someone you haven't seen in a long time, they are quick to remind you that I'm so-and-so from [insert your hometown]. Do they say this to imply you don't know/remember where they are from?

Can't you hear the soul in this song?

So I went to the African market in New York City last night to purchase some vintage music. When I get to the counter, I'm overjoyed by the display of Nollywood movies and music. So when I ask the cashier whether or not they carry music. He told me ever so boldy no we don't. I look down at the display which CLEARLY has the music I wanted and I looked back at the cashier. I simply shook my head. Things that make me go hmm...
disclaimer: all rants/thoughts are in good humor!

Afro/Naija News:

• Chanel Iman made Gucci history! [Mrs. Grapevine]
  
• Ghana Gets $300 Million Facility From JPMorgan! [Bloomberg]
  
• Virgin Nigeria Suspends Plan to Fly U.S. Routes. [All Africa]
  
• Woman advocates for better life in Kenya. [ABC Local]
  
• Stephanie Okereke on the Making of "Through the Glass" Film. [Ladybrille]
  
• Brandy loves a great Chanel shoe. [SET]
  
• 50 Cent to Jay-Z: Beyonce made you! [Fresh & Fab]
  
• Who has better style - Rocsi, Ciara, Kelly Rowland or Angela Simmons? [Urban-Hoopla]
  
• Meet the new fashion girl, Aminata Niar. [The Cut]

BARACK'S HISTORIC SPEECH AT DNC

More than 38 Million Americans tune into to watch Senator Barack Obama accepted his historic Presidential Democratic nomination. (Barack became the first African-American to be officially nominated as a candidate for U.S president by a major party.)

84,000 squeezed into Denver's Invesco Field to hear what Barack had to say. Ironically, Barack's speech was done on the 45th anniversary of MLKJr's "I Have A Dream" speech...

In A Word...Fab has Barack's speech transcript!

Michelle shocked plenty of her fashion-obsessed fans when she stepped out in this Thakoon Resort 2009 dress.

Michelle for the first time did NOT wear a design from Maria Pinto. Michelle instead rock her printed dress with three Erickson Beamon broaches. Thakoon Panchiqul was delighted about Michelle's dress choice: "I am incredibly honored that Michelle Obama chose to wear a dress from my collection on such a historical night for her, her family and this country." [FWD]

Afterwards Barack was joined by his family and vice president running mate Joe Biden on the stage...

Photo credits: STYLE/GETTY IMAGES

Jennifer Hudson ripped (re: did the damn thing) the National Anthem as requested by Barack. What do you think?

Yesterday was Michael Jackson's 50th birthday. He made a rare phone interview with "Good Morning America". Here are a few of his accomplishments that I'm happy to be apart. I may be half his age technically but my earliest moment of MJ started right around his "Bad" era but I grew up to appreciate his "Off The Wall" and "Thriller" records. Sit back and enjoy the King of Pop at his very best...

"Billie Jean" at Motown


Diana Ross - "Upside Down" with MJB


"Remember The Time" live


"Dangerous" live


"Off The Wall" live

I've put off this fashion comparison for so long. Nicky Hilton and Estelle both wore this strapless colorblock Herve Leger dress but who pull off the look best?

Online Surveys & Market Research

The dress retails for $990 and it's sold out at Intermix! Grab Nicky's Gucci Hysteria cluch for $675.

Photo credits: ALLTHEPARTIES/WIREIMAGE/celebritysnap

Afro/Naija News:

• Amobi Okoye host Vogue Saturdays with Slim Thug. [INDMIX]
  
• Beyonce & Solange take over "The Early Show". [Fresh & Fab]
  
• Black Hollywood's reaction to Barack's speech. [Sterephyped]
  
• Find how Liya Kebede makes her money. [MODELS.COM]
  
• Kerry Washington channels her inner Kate Moss (re: check out that last YSL manifesto AD) for "Giant" magazine. [A Word For My Sista's]
  
• Liquid leggings is a style trend Keyshia Cole & Ashanti love to rock! [Head Over Heels]
  
• Naomi Campbell looks fierce in the latest YSL manifesto. [Off the Rack]
  
• A new style trend for Fall is these yummy statement necklaces [Fashionista 101]
  
• Check out Brandy & Solange's fierce bag look! [Mrs. Grapevine]
  
• Raphel Saadiq's back! [Quick's Catch Up]
  
• David Oyelowo to star in Who Do You Love. [It's All Reel]

OSI'S OUT & MICHELLE O AT DNC

My jaw dropped when I read the following headline from The Happy Go Lucky Bachelor blog, "Damn it! Osi Umenyiora out of season!" Talk ABOUT when bad things happen to good folks, huh?! Damn...

An MRI today revealed that Giants DE Osi Umenyiora suffered serious ligament damage Saturday night against the Jets and will be forced to undergo surgery, which will probably knock him out for the entire season.

There was some talk about whether to do the short-term rehab or the surgery, but in the end, the Giants opted for surgery to make sure Umenyiora will be better off in the long run. [source/credit: NJ.COM]

Michelle Obama, in a teal Maria Pinto dress and her own personal silver star Erickson Beamon brooch, gave a reviving speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

Michelle used her platform to talk about her humble beginnings, her husband Senator Barack Obama, and children Malia & Natasha.

I come here as a wife who loves my husband and believes he will be an extraordinary president.I come here as a Mom whose girls are the heart of my heart and the center of my world — they’re the first thing I think about when I wake up in the morning, and the last thing I think about when I go to bed at night. Their future — and all our children’s future — is my stake in this election.

And I come here as a daughter — raised on the South Side of Chicago by a father who was a blue collar city worker, and a mother who stayed at home with my brother and me. My mother’s love has always been a sustaining force for our family, and one of my greatest joys is seeing her integrity, her compassion, and her intelligence reflected in my own daughters. [CREDIT: BCK/AP]

Sasha and Malia chat with their father after Michelle's speech. Too adorable:


Thanks Black Celeb Kids!

Michelle Obama's good style sense was all the rage during the '08 Democratic National Convention live telecast. As The Black Snob brillantly pointed out Michelle dresses better than you. MARIAPINTO.COM.

Okay who wouldn't love her black Azzedine Alaia belt???

Photo credits: FACTIO/AP/NEWSWEEK/GETTY IMAGES


The full trailer for Sophia Okonedo's upcoming film, "The Secret Life of Bees" debut online recently....I had to freeze frame on Nate Parker for a good minute, lol!

I.cannot.wait.until.this.OCTOBER! Check out the film's colorful poster over at Thick Misses.

Boris Kodjoe and Nicole Ari Parker had a great time at their former "Soul Food" co-star Malinda Williams' wedding over the weekend at Newark's The Messanine. (Nicole was one of Malinda's bridemaids...and here is the advice Nicole had to offer to Malinda: "Enjoy each other fully and let one another know how much you enjoy one another, because remembering to appreciate your mate doesn't mean you remember to really enjoy the life, love and romance you have together.") Malinda tied the knot to her long time boyfriend Derrick "DJ D-Nice" Jones...CONGRATS!

Photo credits: Jason Blaney for ESSENCE.COM


Rants/thoughts:
Don't you hate when a song keeps playing over and over in your mind? These three are in constant rotation and I think I just made it worse for my peace of mind, lol!

No Doubt - "Magic in The Makeup"


Solange Knowles - "T.O.N.Y"


112 - "Nowhere"

Thank goodness for HBO In-Demand. Check out Katt Williams demonstrating how to get down in the club:

That dress rountine would be hot with this classic Hakeem song...

disclaimer: all thoughts/rants are in GOOD humor!
Afro/Naija News:

• Jennifer Hudson to sing National Anthem for Barack this Thursday. [Thick Misses]
  
• Angela Simmons and Cassie were caught in one another's closets apparently. [Mrs. Grapevine]
  
• Vivica A Fox joins the reality series circuit with Glam God [Hip Candy]
  
• Kanye West drops the COMPLETE video treatment for "Good Morning". [Straight Outta NYC]
  
• Rihanna and Kelly Rowland are crazy about plaid t-shirts! [Steal Style]
  
• Beyonce has a style obsession with this python Armani bag. [Genuine-Imitation]
  
• Vote on Solange's style. [SET]
  
• Chamillionaire made the Forbes list. [Naija Gal]
  
• Who caught your attention more - John Legend or Cassie? [Quick's Catch Up]
  
• Jazmine Sullivan proves WHY she's one to watch. [Fresh & Fab]
  
• Aubrey O'Day confirms Diddy and Cassie relationship to Wendy Williams. [World Star Hip-Hop]
  
• Omarion cuts off his hair...WHY??? [YouTube]