Trendy Report - The Birther Issue

Donald Trump has been collecting and dispersing insults over the whole birther issue. He seems convinced that bashing President Obama's intergrity and background is the only way he can shine as a worthy Presidential candidate. From comedian Jerry Seinfeld to late night host, David Lettermen, tons of celebs have expressed their disgust at the way Trump has diligently disrespected the President by knocking down his creditials and challenging him on whether or not he is actually a US citizen. Trump has made a career talking "big" and throwing his weight around, but will that be good enough when it comes to the 2012 elections? Sure, he will appeal to those Americans who fell under the spell of Sarah Palin. The small town, small-minded citizens who are threatened by anyone with an exotic and sophisticated upbringing, and comes perfectly packaged speaking a language they don't quite understand. I can see how President Obama can seem scary, he scares me too. But in a good way. He is scarily brilliant and seems too good to be true. Its obvious that he scares the Trumpster too, thats the only reason why he is going overboard to discredit him. Donald Trump needs to stop being a bully and rely on his own merits to get him into the White House.

Trendy Fashion Report - The Royal Wedding

Kate Middleton finally married her Prince in style! The new Duchess of Cambdrige looked perfectly stunning and effortlessly elegant in her bridal confection by Alexander McQueen protege, British born  Sarah Burton. The Royal bride was every inch the modern day Princess with her "something borrowed" halo tiara that the Queen loaned her for the special day. She opted to wear her hair down in romantic cascading waves, and the V-neck with lace overlay detail was a nice way to show some skin without being inappropriate. Many of us could hardly wait for the big reveal and she didn't disappoint. She obviously knows she has a fantastic figure and she opted for gowns that helped highlight her best assets in a classic and traditional way. The dress she wore to the reception also by Sarah Burton was equally breathtaking and featured an eye-popping beaded waistband that showed off her enviable shape while adding a spark of glamour. It's clear she wanted to maintain the romantic tone of the day with another gown that had the full flowing skirt and sweetheart neckline. The mohair cardigan was definitely a gorgeous accessory that helped complete the ensemble. Her younger sister and maid-of-honor, Pippa was also a stunner and many revellers believe she might have upstaged her sister. But its hard to steal the spotlight from a young woman who has won the heart of the future King of England. The Duchess has proven that she is more than capable to assume  the new role she has acquired. Can't wait to see more from this new member of the Royal household!

Trendy Buzz Report - M3NSA Uncensored

I had the pleasure of interviewing Ghanian born and London based music sensation M3NSA and it was pretty insightful.

Music has always been the center of his universe and he cites his mother as his early inspiration. Not wanting to sound cliché, he remembers that he had told his mom at an early age that he wanted to learn the piano and she took that request seriously and quickly arranged for piano lessons. He jokes that he got licks (a British term for getting spanked) if he missed his lessons. Those lessons paid off and set him on a path of discovering his love for his music and the talent that he unknowingly harbored.

When asked who his musical influences are especially the hip-hop artists, he immediately pointed that rap had always been his staple since the days of Young MC. He always mentioned EPMD Heltah Skeltah, Lord Finesse, and Ras Kass among others.

Here are more snippets from the interview:

E – Were you nervous getting into the music scene professionally? What were your expectations as a new artist?

M3NSA – Man, thing about me is…I’ve been making music since I was 12 even but…I NEVER saw myself as a musician. I am almost 30 and I’d say up until 4-5 years ago, I made music and delved into all of it because I simply enjoyed it and created without much effort.

E – So it just always came naturally?

M3NSA – It was never a conscious decision to become a “musician”. I guess it was more of a realization that I was headed in that direction as a full time career and so I embraced it all. And that is why I have such a catalogue of unreleased work. And I don’t really have any expectations, just work hard and hope I never run out of creative juices

E – Did you ever have that pressure to pursue something more tangible?

M3NSA -  Naw, my dad is a full blown musician and actor, my uncles and aunts are worldwide recognized artists,  film directors, fashion designers and professional photographers…functioning very well in Africa…my folks accept the arts even more than all that other corporate crap…to each their own .

E – Wow

M3NSA – Yeah, Very Strange buh?

E – So you come very a very artistic background?

M3NSA – My cousin co-starred in the last Bourne movie. And his father is probably the most recognized fashion designer in Ghana.

E – Impressive! So it runs in the family. Do you and your father share similar taste in music?

M3NSA – Yeah, we both love jazz and the old highlife music. I mean with my dad on some shows in LA.

E – So are you happy with where you are now and what do you hope for in maybe 5 years? Are there are other aspirations on the horizon?

M3NSA – Aww man, I just want to feed my family. (Laughter) Man I just want to be able to create music I like without any unnecessary pressures from labels, or the industry of even current fads just create you know, and have a solid fan base that appreciates quality music that’s not afraid to push barriers.

E – Do you like any of the music today? A lot of people feel uninspired by some of the stuff out there.

M3NSA – I do! I’m inspired by even the crappy stuff out there…it keeps me in check you know.

E – Is music going to continue to be your main focus, or are you going to get involved in other facets of entertainment, like acting, etc

M3NSA – Aw yuh, I mean I already did a film (pidgin musical) last year with Wanlov called Coz Ov Moni, hailed as the world’s first pidgin musical.

E – Awesome! So what should we expect from you next?

M3NSA – We’re pushing No1 Mango Street hard, you know, playing live with the 6-piece band. So expect us in your city soon!

E – Great! Good luck with the album and look forward to seeing you live soon!

Trendy Celeb Report - Benicio Del Toro and Kimberly Stewart Are Expecting!

What is going on in the baby-making world? In what universe does one of Hollywoods's most talented actors hook up with Kimberly Stewart, whose only claim to fame is the fact that she is the daughter of rocker Rod Stewart? I guess just being a celebrity whether by default or through your profession qualifies you to link up with anyone in that world however random it may be. Del Toro's rep confirmed the baby news and explained that even though they are not a couple anymore (Shocking!), he is happy at the prospect of 31 year-old Stewart having his baby and will be supportive. Interesting...Despite my rabid imagination, I still can't create a scenario where these two meet and connect on any level. Hollywood sure is a strange place!

Trendy Spotlight - African Film Festival Entry - Thembi

The African Film Festival is underway, and the list of films on the roster will impress any avid movie buff. It runs through May 31st so there is plenty of time to dive in and get your ultimate viewing pleasure. Most of the films will be shown at the Walter Reade Theater of Lincoln Center and at the Brooklyn Academy of Music's Rose Cinemas. One of the films that has stood out for me so far is "Thembi", the story of the South African girl who contracted AIDS at the age of 19 through unprotected sex with an ex-boyfriend and became the voice and face of the disease both at home and abroad. Her determination to not just become a statistic but to use her misfortune as an opportunity to spread the word and prove that life didn't have to end after such a devastating diagnosis, gave her the license to travel the world and educate teenagers about the consequences of not taking necessary precautions when it comes to having unprotected sex. She ended up having a daughter with her long time boyfriend and thankfully the baby tested negative for the virus. But despite Thembi's spirited approach to life she eventually fell ill with Resistant Tuberculosis and passed away at the age of 24 in 2009. Her story is both touching and inspirational. Hopefully her legacy will continue to live on.

Trendy Look of the Moment - Elle Macpherson Dives into Mustard

Mustard is not necessarily a color many would readily consider but it seems to come alive in this chic ensemble model Elle Macpherson recently rocked at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami. The gold skinny belt helps to add that right level of elegance to create the illusion of a fancy jumpsuit. This look is yummy enough to make us hungry for those hot summer nights!

Trendy Beauty Report - Hair Rules!

The warm weather is fast approaching. Thank God! And now is the time for effortless style. For those of  rocking the natural do, Hair Rules is the answer to all our prayers. From the Quench Conditioner to the Kinky Curly Cream, all the products from this line provides their own special way of making your hair texture respond in a way that allows for easy manipulation and styling. Whether your hair is kinky, curly or wavy, you are in good hands with Hair Rules. Your "bad hair" days are officially over!