The Soloist: TRUE TALENT

The Soloist is an upcoming American drama film directed by Joe Wright and written by Susannah Grant.  The film is based on a true story of Nathaniel Ayers, a musician who becomes schizophrenic and homeless. Jaime Foxx portrays Nathaniel Ayers, one of the most talented musicians of all time, and Robert Downey Jr. portrays Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times columnist who discovers Ayers and writes about him in the newspaper.  Production of the film began in January 2008 and will be filmed mostly in Los Angeles.  The film was scheduled to be released on November 21, 2008, but has been delayed to March 13, 2009.

MOVIE PREVIEW

HAPPY B-DAY J aka Jay-Z aka Jigga

MY ALL TIME FAVORITE Jay-Z JOINT. . .IN THE SPIRIT OF HIS B-DAY

Chamillionaire - Interview about his LP3 (VENOM)

This is the best article that I have read in quit sometime. One of the most remarkable moments during this read came from David Banner, who said ‘Man, you know what we got to realize: we’re trying to be great before success.’ As a result, new horizons of artist vision was developed. And, in the end, as the saying goes “IF YOU KNEW BETTER, YOU WOULD DO BETTER!!!”

 

I AM SO INSPIRED!!!!

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ARTICLE

WATCH OUT FOR AUTHOR: Malcolm Nelson 

HIP HOP: BEFORE THE DOLLAR

A slow, thumping bass fills the air delivering such an impact that one chest becomes the accent drum . . .a sea of bobbing heads . . .a mc spitting thought provoking rhymes to a crowd of starving students, hungry for KNOWLEDGE! Do the math! This is Hip-hop . . . a cultural movement that has surpassed its 1970’s beat boxing beginnings in the streets of New York City reaching supernatural heights in ’88 with Tribe Called Quest, KRS-one, and Rakim. I believe hip-hop is a lifestyle defined by elements of the art, music, fashion, written, and social awareness.

In order to become a successful urban designer one must understand the hip-hop lifestyle. It is through this understanding of style that will deliver the tools necessary to appeal to the urban customer/clientele. I believe that I have what it takes to become the next urban fashion designer because I am passionate and committed to the hip-hop lifestyle. It is my belief, seeing is the gateway to our souls and tapping in that powerful gateway allows us to make dreams reality. In which case it is my goal to “Plan my work, and Work my Plan!” I am creative and discipline, flexible with a clear vision refined by my down to earth personality. When I walk in a room people can feel my passion. Look into my eyes and you will see my passion. When I speak it is my mission to reveal my pre-destined passion to the World. I don’t believe in the negative energies of this world that come in the forms of bad luck, coincidence, or chance. For luck, is when “OPPORTUNITY meets PREPARATION.”

This is an opportunity of a life-time, to reveal to the world my dedicated preparation and passion to become a fashion designer. My ongoing commitment to personal and professional excellence, and my tremendous ability to translate my thoughts and visions into works of art. I am eager to hear a response from all of my supporters/clientele because through this opportunity it is my goal to be an example of my preparation.

STAY TUNED. . .

Shantelle M. Brumfield
AKA "LADYBUG"

FISH PEDICURES: THE NEW PAMPERING CRAZE

Hello Lovelies,

So, as you know I focus on fashion, art, and music. . .but I could not avoid discussing the lastest craze. Are you ready for latest in spa pampering? Prepare to dunk your feet in a tank of water and let tiny fish nibble away.

These fish pedicures are creating something of a splash in the Washington D.C. area, where a northern Virginia spa has been offering this experience for the past four months. So, it is said that the little fish are naturally attracted to the unwanted shedding feet scales (YUCK). But, I guess in fish world its a delicatessen.

They have found a new way not to touch stinky, scaley feet, without lifting a finger. . .I WONDER WHAT'S NEXT!!!

STAY TUNE

LadyBug

P.S. if you are ever in the Washington DC area and want to join the 5,000 people who have already taken the plunge. . .Visit John Ho and his wife Yvonne Le at Yvonne Hair and Nail Salon.

Fonzworth Bentley - Everybody f. Kanye West, Sa-Ra & Andre 3000 (Video)

Hello LOVELIES,

I am here again delivery some musical food for your soul from the ultimate collaborations of the year. The stylish southern gentlemen recently idolized for his lifestyle while making his debut in the reality tv world as host of "From G's to GENTS". . .Mister Fonzworth Bentley has honored his position with the release of "EVERYBODY". This project showcases the heavy hitters of the music game today in an oldskool kind of way. The line-up goes a little something like this. . .SA-RA, Kanye West, and ANDRE 3000. . .I need to say no more!!!

STAY TUNE

Please enjoy this trip into the official world of MUSIC. . .

CoolOutrageousLoversOf UniquelyRawStyle. . .

NEW BLACK BARBIE: (SOROR EDITION) CELEBRATING THE CENTENNIAL OF THE LOVELY LADIES OF ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC.

Okay Lovelies,

I could not resist this breaking news. Barbie has launch a new collection of Black Barbie dolls, SOROR BARBIE. Since its launch in 1959 by Mattel, Inc., the sells of this fashion doll has been a major source of revenue. The American businesswoman Ruth Handler (1916-2002), creator of Barbie, which was inspired by a German doll called Bild Lilli.

Barbie has been an important element of the fashion doll market for nearly fifty years, and has been the subject of numerous controversies and lawsuits, often involving spoofs of the doll and her lifestyle. So, with the creating of the new collection the Black SOROR BARBIE it is only fitting to have "CRITICS".

The Black SOROR BARBIE series begins by celebrating the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority is currently celebrating its 100-year anniversary. A strong representation of power, vision and commitment endured by the Founders through the course of ten decades. Since 1908, the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, has been inspired by the vision, history, service, honor of sisterhood, anniversary, achievements and the legacy built by the Founders by strengthening their commitment to service. And, this BARBIE honors that spirit. . .


STAY TUNED

NSSoul LADY: BLACK FASHIONISTA OF THE MONTH

Well, Well, Well,

I am not sure if you lovelies have viewed the AUGUST 2008 issue of INSTYLE, but whoa!!!! Miss West Indian singing sensation/fashionista Rihanna is on the cover. This is huge for BLACK WOMEN representing beauty & entertainment. Not to mention she is doing her damn thang, big ups to URSULA STEPHENS (notable celebrity hair stylist) who in my opinion helped give Rihanna a cutting-edge. I love the hair cut and Rihanna is sure to be a show stopper at each and every event. Get it girlie!!!!

LADYBUG

POSITIVITY PHOTO EXHIBITION SUNDAY JUNE 22 @ CORRIDOR GALLERY

SUNDAY JUNE 22

I had the honor of being in attendance at the photo exhibition curated by Jamel Shabazz called Positivity. Hosted by DANNY SIMMONS' Corridor Gallery

334 Grand Ave.

Brooklyn, NY

(C or G train to Clinton and Washington)
OPENING RECEPTION 4pm - 7pm Sunday, June 22, 2008

(Danny Simmons and LADYBUG, National Society of Soul)

(Jamel Shabazz, photographer & curator)

NSS Letter to ERYKAH: May 9th 2008

2: My SIS ERYKAH,

We meet in NY for your pre-album release party at the Chapel of Scared Mirrors. . . I am the fly crochet designer who gifted you the signature gold DOOR-KNOCKER earrings, who was wearing the crochet leg warmers. I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for staying true to your heart and inspiring my LIFE. I have been a fan since day one . . . a fan of your craft . . . a fan of your drive, entering an industry full of wolves and you have manage to define and conquer your territory. . . a fan of your courage to step out on faith. . . I LOVE your music it has been the soundtrack to many experiences in my LIFE. Now, on to the new album . . .thank you for sacrificing your time to put this album out. This album, in my opinion, bears many emotional poetic moments and reflections of your world revealed to your fans. In previous albums we as fans were given more metaphoric underlining lyrical thoughts and now there is more vulnerability present. (i.e. “ORANGE MOON” vs. “ME”. . .)
Through my clothing line the mission is to “illustrate the importance of life through the use of fashion, written, and social awareness!!” done through sharing your soul through fashion. And, NEW AMERYKAH has become the soundtrack to my creations for its ability to portray the day-to-day struggles real people face. So, thank you. . .

STAY TUNE
Shantelle “LADYBUG” Brumfield
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF SOUL (www.nationalsocietyofsoul.blogspot.com)

BA-RACK THE VOTE: 01.29.08 TILLMAN'S NY

o1.29.2008

BA-RACK THE VOTE Networking Event: National Society of Soul was in attendance at NY's own Tillman's resturante and lounge, hosted by Grammy Award Winning Producer Bryan Michael Cox. Anything that has the word networking in the title is meant for NSS/Ladybug to be present. The party was a major success, lots of folks showed up for the cause, and the music was off the chain. The DJ was spinning some of my favorite joints by Homeschool Records recording artist ESTELLE. . . Tillman's was packed to its physical capacity and the room was full of fabulous folks with huge SMILES. Big ups to Brandon Broussard and sis Lorielle Broussard for creating a incredible political buzz in support of Sen. Barack Obama. To Bryan Michael Cox, for all who don't know him I am here to let you all know "he is DOPE!!!" He played the noteworthy host making his way around the room greeting all in attendance from locals to out-of-town guests.

Ms. Piper Carter (www.pipercarter.com), photographer from the hit reality tv show "THE SHOT", ya know I had to show some HU love "HAPPY BIRTHDAY LADY". . . And, let's not forget the unforgettable introduction to, in my opinion, one of the DOPEST photographers to hit the scene. . .my dude "DUTCH" (www.dutchlabusa.com). All-in-all it was an incredible night. . .next time you visit NY be sure to drop by Tillman's for guaranteed DOPE music, people, drinks, and more. . .

DIAMONDS ON THE FLOOR

Good tidings on this last day of 2007, Friends and Love ones!

Haitian– American singer Wyclef Jean warms our hearts this New Year’s with this recent answer to an interviewer’s question: blah --> How did your life change when you moved to Brooklyn [from Haiti]?

It was like day and night. The small village I was raised in didn’t have electricity -- no light, no nothing. My parents came and got me when I was 9, and I can still remember what it was like to see those headlights.

Landing at JFK for the first time, can you imagine?

I looked out the window and couldn’t see nothing but lights. They were so glaring that I said to my brother, “Man, we’ve arrived in the city of diamonds. This place is so rich, it’s nothing but diamonds on the floor!” It can be easy to forget, Readers. Lots of things are there to distract us. The stress of the job hunt. The bustle of the holidays. The demands of your current job.

But for many immigrants, and for all of us fortunate enough to be born here, this is the land with diamonds on the floor.

Don’t let yourself forget that we are the best educated, healthiest, best fed and best traveled generation in history. And the opportunities that we have when it comes to work really are unprecedented: to chose our own job, to pursue our own career, to pursue our own happiness.

That’s really tremendously different than the way our ancestors lived, and even far removed from the experience of most of our fellow human beings on the planet today.

So, even if you’re going through a tough time this year end, and especially if you’re not, please take a moment to celebrate the extraordinary good fortune we all have to be here in the here and now.

Because celebrating our successes -- spiking the ball in the end zone, high–fiving after the home run, raising our arms in victory at the finish line -- is something we don’t do enough in business and our careers here in America. And celebrating is important because it reminds us of what has enabled us to get to where we are today.

John D. Rockefeller was the world’s richest man in his day and undoubtedly had much to celebrate. But what was actually his “most joyful holiday of the year?”

You can find out in this clipping from the September 27, 1922 New York Times (click on the image to see a larger version):



Yes, John D. Rockefeller’s “most joyful holiday of the year” was the day he got his first job as a lowly clerk in a produce warehouse, and he celebrated that day for the rest of his life.

So, in this new year remember "LUCK, is when OPPORTUNITY meets PREPARATION!!!" Continue to make the most of every opportunity for it is your time to be living proof of your exhausted efforts of preparation.

May God bless you and keep you. . .

Love LADYBUG. . .

HIP-HOP: Artist Statement (LADYBUG)

A slow, thumping bass fills the air delivering such an impact that one chest becomes the accent drum . . .a sea of bobbing heads . . .a mc spitting thought provoking rhymes to a crowd of starving students, hungry for KNOWLEDGE! Do the math! This is Hip-hop . . . a cultural movement that has surpassed its 1970’s beat boxing beginnings in the streets of New York City reaching supernatural heights in ’88 with Tribe Called Quest, KRS-one, and Rakim. I believe hip-hop is a lifestyle defined by elements of the art, music, fashion, written, and social awareness.

In order to become a successful urban designer one must understand the hip-hop lifestyle. It is through this understanding of style that will deliver the tools necessary to appeal to the urban customer/clientele. I believe that I have what it takes to become the next urban fashion designer because I am passionate and committed to the hip-hop lifestyle. It is my belief, seeing is the gateway to our souls and tapping in that powerful gateway allows us to make dreams reality. In which case it is my goal to “Plan my work, and Work my Plan!” I am creative and discipline, flexible with a clear vision refined by my down to earth personality. When I walk in a room people can feel my passion. Look into my eyes and you will see my passion. When I speak it is my mission to reveal my pre-destined passion to the World. I don’t believe in the negative energies of this world that come in the forms of bad luck, coincidence, or chance. For luck, is when “OPPORTUNITY meets PREPARATION.”

This is an opportunity of a life-time, to reveal to the world my dedicated preparation and passion to become a fashion designer. My ongoing commitment to personal and professional excellence, and my tremendous ability to translate my thoughts and visions into works of art. I am eager to hear a response from all of my supporters/clientele because through this opportunity it is my goal to be an example of my preparation.

STAY TUNED. . .

Shantelle M. Brumfield
AKA "LADYBUG"

MY LIFE

My names is Shantelle M. Brumfield (aka LADYBUG)

My childhood ambition was to change the world one act of random kindness at a time.

My fondest memories are those sent went my family during the holidays. . .while playing dress up in my aunt’s size 11 model savvy pumps.

My soundtrack is HAPPINESS delivered through music and laughter.

My retreat is artist expression.

My wildest dream is to unlock the secrets of the universe in order to free individuals of POVERTY worldwide.

My proudest moments are when I put smiles on my love ones faces.

My biggest challenge is figuring out a way repay my parents for the sacrifices made during my upbringing.

My perfect day is shared with surrounded by friends and family sharing moments indulging in life’s blessings.

My first job during summer at University of California, Davis I was a teen counselor for a children’s athletic camp.

My indulgences are enjoying vegetarian cuisine internationally inspired and treating my closet to a timeless must have fashion essential.

My last purchase was a pair of metallic green cowgirl boots.

My favorite movie is the one I am living and dreaming daily.

My inspiration is the power of imagination.

My life is about planning my work and working my plan.

My business is being a WINNER, striving until results are ACHIEVED.


-"LADYBUG"