Mary Mary’s Top 10 Videos

10 “Shackles (Praise You)

9 “Thank You”

#8 “Heaven”

#7 “Yesterday“

#6 “Love Him Like I Do”

#5 “Get Up”

#4“I Worship You”

#3“God in Me”

#2 “How I Got Over”

#1 “Walking”

Music Video Of The Week

I’m loving the song “Gone,” by Nelly and Kelly Rowland. Not just because they are two of my favourite artists, but because the chemistry between those two is electric! Not only is the song creative, smooth and sensual, but it is sexy and full of vibes! Don’t take my word for it, check it out for yourself.

9 Black Movies That Should Be Converted To 3D

Filmmaker George Lucas recently announced plans to convert all six Star Wars films to 3D with the first hitting theaters in 2012.

We wholeheartedly disapprove of any more tinkering with the beloved film franchise. We’re still trying to get the memory of those “Special Editions” from the late 90’s out of our heads, not to mention those three prequels.

However, we couldn’t help but wonder what black movies would be fun to watch in 3D.

We don’t expect to ever see these films converted to 3D.  In all honesty, we don’t really want to see them in 3D, but we thought these would be pretty entertaining and funny to watch with the added third dimension.

1. Breakin’ (1984)

Hey… If they can make Step Up 3D, why not Breakin 3D?

2. Dave Chappelle’s Block Party (2006)

Technically, we already saw this one in 3D since we were at the concert, but who wouldn’t want to see Erykah Badu’s wig blow off during her performance in 3D?  Or what about The Fugees’ reunion?

3. Undercover Brother (2002)

This hilarious and extremely underrated movie was great in its original incarnation, but imagine Eddie Griffin’s monstrous afro wig in 3D.  The opening sequence alone with the orange soda and the car doing a 360 would almost be worth doing the 3D conversion.

4. Belly (1998)

We still maintain that this is one of the worst movies ever made.  No amount of 3D trickery could improve Nas’ acting, but Hype Williams’ hyper-stylized film would be even more visually compelling in 3D, especially that opening sequence…

Click here to watch!

5. Do The Right Thing (1989)

Two words:  Rosie Perez.  Two more words:  Ice cubes.   Ya dig?  Sho’nuff!

6. Jungle Fever (1991)

This is a highly unlikely pick, but just think about the infamous “Taj Mahal” scene in 3D.  Bonus points if they do that scene in “smell-o-vision” too.

7. Friday (1995)

There isn’t much action in this classic film that would warrant it being in 3D, but given the subject matter, if you smoked a little weed before watching Friday in 3D, we can’t help but think it would be a fun experience.   Not that we condone smoking the illegal plant…  We’re just sayin…   We also think “smell-o-vision” would be a good addition to this one too, especially for John Witherspoon’s bathroom scene and any scene where Smokey or Craig light up a joint.

8. The Last Dragon (1985)

The Last Dragon with all of its choreographed fight scenes would be pretty damned fun to watch in 3D.  Imagine Sho’Nuff & Bruce Leroy’s final fight in 3D and tell us that this isn’t a good idea!

9. The Wiz (1978)

The Emerald City sequence.  Need we say more?

12 Foods To Help You Look Younger

Add these great anti-aging food choices to your regular diet:

* Colorful berries. The antioxidant anthocyanin is what gives berries their blue, red, and purple colors. To get a healthy dose of this potent antioxidant, eat plenty of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries, pomegranate, cherries, acai berries, and blood oranges, to name a few of the best choices. Each of these foods has a variety of other powerful antioxidants that repair and protect your skin’s cells.

* Broccoli and broccoli sprouts. Quercetin is another powerful antioxidant that is found in broccoli, along with other foods including cranberries, onions, and apples. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent as well, fighting the No. 2 cause of aging. Broccoli sprouts have 30 times more isothiocyanates (yet another antioxidant) regular broccoli.

* Spinach. Lutein is found in spinach, kale, corn, and other vegetables. It has the ability to give additional antioxidant capacity to your skin and enhances skin hydration.

* Garlic. Allium is an antioxidant that packs a punch. Garlic, onions, and scallions are loaded with this free-radical fighter that is good for your skin and your immune system.

* Beans. “Eat your beans, too,” says Breiner. Anthocyanin is found in very high quantities in black beans and black soybeans. Soybeans are also high in isoflavones, also linked to anti-aging properties.

* Tea. Catechins, found in green tea, dark chocolate, and red wine, are another antioxidant that packs a wallop. “Have four to six cups of tea a day with lemon, which enhances the antioxidants’ activity in your cells,” Breiner advises.

* Wine. In addition to those catechins, resveratrol is found in red wine and has many anti-aging properties. It is another potent antioxidant.

* Yellow and Orange Root Vegetables. Put plenty of beta-carotene on your plate. These super-antioxidants are good for your skin and eyes. Good choices include carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and squash.

* Tomatoes. Lycopene, in red grapefruit, tomatoes, watermelon, and pink grapefruit, is a powerful weapon against free radicals. It has the ability to inhibit sun-induced aging and can neutralize free radicals. Breiner suggests, “Fill your glass with tomato juice or V8 juice daily.”

* Nuts. Eat a handful of nuts and seeds a day. They are loaded with “good” fat that helps “plump” your skin, antioxidants and lots of minerals that are good for your skin, too.

* Salmon. “Eat salmon at least three times a week,” says Breiner. “It has a host of benefits for your skin, from the omega-3s to the high-quality protein. Make it a regular in your diet, and you will see plumper, more youthful skin in about six weeks.”

* Water. Stay hydrated: (And if you are drinking decaffeinated tea, that counts.) Caffeinated beverages can dehydrate you, which can contribute to dry, sallow-looking skin.

VIDEO: On The Go Total Body Workout



P90X, Insanity and  HIIT, are all great sources for total body training, burning the maximum amount of calories and achieving optimal results. Ken decided to provide you with a” poor man’s” P90X total body routine. This program covers all major muscle groups. I decided to add a couple rotational movements to the program. We take movements such as lifting, walking  and running /jogging for granted. When we perform these movements there is always some sort of rotation involved.  It’s always good to train the body the way it is meant to work. Whenever possible add a few rotational movements to your routine. For this program he recommend 1-3sets of 10-12 reps for beginners, rest as long as you need between each exercise. For the advanced fitness buff  he recommend 30-45sec per exercises and a 1-2min rest after completing each circuit (3-4 times.) The video below will demonstrate each each movement in circuit fashion. Remember, challenge yourself burn as many calories as possible, most important, be safe  and have fun.

New R&B/Soul Albums: August 2010

Summer 2010 had been slow up until now when it comes to major releases by big-name R&B and Soul artists, but that’s set to change this month. Three artists releasing new projects this month have all sold millions of albums in the past and are so popular, they’re known by just their first names: Usher, Kem and Fantasia. Also heating up the month of August will be the latest – and he says last – album by Lyfe Jennings; Calvin Richardson‘s newest; and the release yours truly is most looking forward to: the debut album by YouTube sensation turned Jermaine Dupri protege Dondria.

1. Versus, Usher

This album of all-new material is the sequel and final chapter to Usher’s smash hit Raymond v. Raymond. It’ll be in stores Aug. 24 via LaFace.

Tracklisting:

1. Love Em All
2. DJ Got Us Fallin’ in Love (feat. Pitbull)
3. Hot Toddy (feat. Jay-Z & Ciara)
4. Lay You Down
5. Lingerie
6. There Goes My Baby
7. Get in My Car (feat. Bun B)
8. Somebody to Love (remix feat. Justin Bieber)
9. Stranger

2. Intimacy: Album III, Kem

The ladies are already going wild over this album, which is due Aug. 17 via Universal Motown. It will comes in two editions: regular and a deluxe package that includes a 30-minute bonus DVD with interviews, a making of the album video, and more.

Tracklisting:

1. When I’m Loving You
2. Can You Feel It
3. Love Never Fails
4. Share My Life
5. Human Touch
6. If It’s Love
7. Why Would You Stay
8. A Mother’s Love
9. You’re on My Mind
10. Golden Days

3. Back to Me, Fantasia

The latest album from the winner of the third season of “American Idol” is due out Aug. 24 via J Records.

Tracklisting:

1. I’m Doin’ Me
2. Bittersweet
3. Man of the House
4. Who’s Been Lovin’ You
5. Collard Greens & Cornbread
6. Teach Me
7. Move on Me
8. Trust Him
9. The Thrill is Gone (feat. Cee-Lo Green)
10. Falling in Love Tonight
11. Even Angels
12. I’m Here (from ‘The Color Purple’ musical)

4. I Still Believe, Lyfe Jennings

Lyfe has said that he wants to spend more time raising his kids and that he’s retiring from making albums after this. We’ll see. I Still Believe comes out Aug. 31 via Asylum Records.

Tracklisting:

1. Statistics
2. Love
3. It Coulda Been Worse
4. Spotlight
5. Busy
6. Whatever She Wants
7. Mama
8. Hero
9. I Still Believe
10. Learn From This
11. Done Crying
12. If I Knew Then What I Know Now
13. If Tomorrow Never Comes

5. Dondria Vs. Phatfffat, Dondria

Dondria, aka Dondria Nicole, aka Dondria Fields, aka Internet sensation Phatfffat, is releasing her debut album on Aug. 17 via Malacco Records.

Tracklisting:

1. You’re the One
2. Saving Myself
3. Shawty Wus Up (feat. Johnta Austin & Diamond)
4. Making Love
5. Can You Help Me
6. Where Did We Go Wrong
7. No More
8. Still Be with Me
9. You’re the One (JD’s Jeep Mix)
10. Believer
11. Kissed By the Sun

6. America’s Most Wanted, Calvin Richardson

The latest project from the self-proclaimed “America’s Most Wanted Soul Man” is due out Aug. 31 via Shanachie Records.

Tracklisting:

1. America’s Most Wanted
2. Never Do You Wrong
3. Feels Like We’re Sexin’
4. You’re So Amazing
5. Thug Livin’
6. Come Over
7. You Possess My Body
8. Reach Out
9. Adore You
10. Monday Morning
11. Paradise

7. The Budos Band III, The Budos Band

If you like Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings and.or instrumental old school Soul, then I highly recommend the Budos Band. Their third albums comes out Aug. 10 via Daptone Records.

Tracklisting:

1. Rite of the Ancients
2. Black Venom
3. River Serpentine
4. Unbroken, Unshaven
5. Nature’s Wrath
6. Golden Dunes
7. Budos Dirge
8. Raja Haje
9. Crimson Skies
10. Mark of the Unnamed
11. Reppirt Yad

7 Top Black Directors

How is everyone doing today? I’m having a lazy day home alone. Today’s blog is about black movie directors. They are often overlooked, but I’m here to show my appreciation.

Black Hollywood: the ebony Shangri-la of showbiz. In tinsel town, behind the flash bulbs of paparazzi snapshots, behind the casting cattle calls and behind a storyteller’s script is the film director. These hot-bloodied visionaries are the eyes and ears of the camera’s aperture. Visionaries like Hype Williams, Robert Townsend and Kennen Ivory Wayans have leaped into the limelight, looking to expose the grit of the world, allowing us to experience (or rather re-experience) the magnitude of the ailments of mankind. It is because of this that these men are huge influences on pop culture. But, how influential? Here is the list of our 7 all-time favorite directors in black Hollywood.

Tiny

F. Gary Gray (*New Edition*)

You know, it’s rare. We’ve usually left out some important figures in our bevy of lists and other incarnation, sometimes to the satisfaction or the chagrin of our readers. But we heard concerns about our Small, Medium, Giant inventory of directors African-American cinema, and our readers were right on the money when director F. Gary Gray was left off. He should be noted for his work. The director of the buddy dramedy Friday, one of the funniest films ever conceived, broke new ground by showing the African-American experience in a hood setting from the eyes and growing pains of twenty-somethings. In a sense, it was a bigger, better Clerks. Its stars Ice Cube—already a rising acting talent with Boyz n the Hood and Higher Learning—and Chris Tucker became movie stars. His follow-up, crime drama Set it Off delivered the most stunning performance of Queen Latifah’s career and influenced the later half of 90s hip-hop.  However, despite his work in music videos (“It Was a Good Day” by Ice Cube, “Waterfalls” by TLC, “Ms. Jackson by Outcast), we haven’t seen Gray surpass his 90s heyday. The Italian Job: Bust. Be Cool: A Bust. Law Abiding Citizen: A Bust. See, where we’re coming from?

Small

Lee Daniels

Once upon a time, Lee Daniels was a better producer than he was director. His directorial debut Shadowboxer was a bust. The Oscar-winning Monster’s Ball—a film he produced—won Halle Berry the coveted Best Actress award. So, when he finally produced the goods—directing another Oscar-winning picture, Precious: Based on the Novel “Push” by Sapphire—we were on the fence. Making history as one of the second African-American director and the first openly gay director to be nominated for an Oscar, he indeed proved he was a giant.

Smedium

Antoine Fuqua

Directing music videos for Coolio, Toni Braxton and Prince, Antoine Fuqua left his MTV rotation cloud nine to direct Hollywood blockbusters Tears of the Sun, King Arthur, Shooter and the recent Brooklyn’s Finest. But, he truly shined when he tapped Denzel Washington to star in the now-legendary Training Day, and we enjoyed the hard-boiled intensity and the “black Oscar night,” in which Washington won his second Oscar.

Medium

The Hughes Brothers

Known for directing hood films like Dead Presidents and American Pimp, the Hughes twins, Albert and Allen ditched their terrifyingly visceral take on the ultra-violent gun-toting 90s thug life hood films epitomized in the critically-lauded Menace II Society. After winning top honors at the MTV Movie Awards, the urban hostility and authoritative significant messages of the film coupled with Lorenz Tate take on a sociopathic inner-city teenager “O-Dog,” the boys started experimenting. With films like the Jack the Ripper period thriller From Hell and the post-apocalyptic action suspense driven The Book of Eli, the boys are getting off to a good start.

Large

John Singleton

When you think of a Giant, especially when you think of directors, chances are you’ll think John Singleton. Kicking off his career with hits Boyz n the Hood, Poetic Justice and Higher Learning, which showed the jarring inner-city decay of South Los Angeles in the mid-90s, Singleton became the first African-American to be nominated for the Oscar. Despite directing landmark music videos like Michael Jackson’s “Remember The Time,” he released cult classic Baby Boy, revenge film Four Brothers and action film 2 Fast 2 Furious. We can’t hate on a man who is on his grind.

Mammoth

Tyler Perry

The Renaissance man known for combining womanism, church and drag is just as controversial as he is acclaimed. The actor-director and playwright left his days as a luminary in Southern theatres and released the now-legendary Diary of a Mad Black Woman starring the whoop-ass take-no-prisoners matriarch Mabel “Madea” Simmons in 2005. Only four years later, he ranked on the sixth highest-paid man in Hollywood by Forbes magazine, grossing a collective $400 million worldwide.

GIANT

Spike Lee

Born Shelton Jackson Lee, “Spike” is solely responsible for splicing race relations and art as well as pushing poverty, crime and the dilapidation of the black community to the forefront. He is also responsible for presenting blacks as cognizant, conscious and sensual—not sexual—beings. His iconic production studio, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced nigh 40 films since its 1983 debut and the hard work has won Lee an Emmy and two Oscar nods. His signature “A Spike Lee Joint” is also plastered on monumental films Do The Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, Crooklyn, Clockers, Get On The Bus, Summer of Sam, Bamboozled and Inside Man… to name a few. Simply put, he’s the man. Our only regret (and his as well) is that he lost to Driving Miss Daisy in 1989 for Best Picture.

VIDEO:Tighten Up Your Abs And Tone Up Your Butt With A Medicine Ball Workout.

How is everyone doing today? I’ve been kindda busy preparing for the carnival so didn’t have much time to blog. I went to the carnival yesterday and danced all day in a very big and heavy costume and now I am sore. I had a blast though!

     Right, today I’ll talk about exercise.  You See them in every gym or personal training studio . There’s a good chance you know a few core exercises in which they are used . Did you know you can workout your entire body with a medicine ball?

I consider med balls just another tool for getting your heart rate up, burning calories and also a good way to improve athleticism and explosiveness. In this video,  Ken goes over eight medicine ball exercises focusing on the major muscle groups of the body. You can perform these exercises in circuit fashion, I recommend 10-30 seconds per exercises depending on your level. You can also add these movements to your current workout routine. Whatever recommendation you choose to follow, have fun and be safe.

7 Artists We Wish Would Come Back

Well, it has been a minute since I’ve done any blogging, but I’ve been too busy playing tennis all week. Anyways, let me get sraightinto it.

Every now and then an artist or group comes out with great music that we love, then they disappear for whatever reasons. All we can do is miss them and wish they’d come back. So here goes our list of celebs we want to make another album or single at least!

7. Cassidy

Last Album: B.A.R.S: The Barry Adrian Reese Story(2007)

With all the watered-down rhymes flooding mainstream radio it would be nice to hear some of Cassidy’s clever wordplay and hardcore lyrics.

Im A Hustla

6. Ja Rule

Last Album: R.U.L.E(2004)

I don’t know about you guys, but I loved Ja Rule and his singing/rapping sound. Too bad 50 Cent ruined his career then stole the same idea that he criticized (Don’t worry Ja, we want to see you back!)

Down For You

5. Eve

Last Album: Eve-Olution(2002)

The Pitbull in a skirt tried to make a comeback in 2007 with “Tambourine” but it wasn’t very successful. There is a lack of the female presence in the rap game and Eve’s tough girl steez is heavily missed.

Gotta Man

4. City High

Last Album: City High(2001)

I know City High broke up, but they made positive, upbeat and fun music. It’s a long shot wishing they would come back but what this game needs is more soulful music like City High’s “What Would You Do?”. Not to mention Claudette Ortiz is hot!

Caramel

3. Da Band

Last Album: Too Hot For TV(2003) (Last and only album)

Believe it or not the members of Da Band were actually talented (minus Dylan). They were hood, hungry and made a pretty good rap group with help from Sara’s vocals. They go down in history for being the only group on Bad Boy to disband themselves!

Bad Boy This Bad Boy That

2.Tyrese

Last Album: Alter Ego(2006)

Talk about underrated! Tyrese can sing his a** off and looks wonderful doing it. He’s a talented actor and model. I like him better as a singer and hope he can juggle all his talents better; that way we can get another album out of him.

Sweet Lady

1.Donell Jones

Last Album: Journey Of A Gemini(2006)

Donell Jones made his mark in the industry  with his hit “Where I Wanna Be” but long before he was singing he was writing. Writing songs like Usher’s “Think Of You” and 702’s “Get It Together.” Donell Jones Where I Wanna Be album is a classic and still resides as one of the best R&B albums ever!(Yeah I said it!) Come back Donell!

Where I Wanna Be

Questions To Ask Yourself After A Break Up!

Breaking up is never easy, especially when it’s  with someone you trusted and love dearly. After every relationship there should be certain lessons that you learned and a level of growth that you achieve afterwards.  it is important to know that some people come into your life in order for you to learn and or grow but not necessarily for them to be a permanent fixture in your life.  Below are a few questions that you should ask yourself after a break up and consider before you enter into a new relationship. Be sure to answer these questions honestly or it defeats the purpose.

What did you learn?

This is an important question that you should ask yourself. Knowing what you learned after a break up is important in your growth process. Overall after the end of every relationship there should be something that you learned or some form of growth that you developed from the experience.  Some learn that they can never be with an emotionally unavailable person, or someone who has kids, etc.. This learning experience is unique for every individual.

What qualities about your last partner did you like versus the ones you disliked?

Not everything about the relationship or the other person was horrible despite the fact that you two are now apart. This is the time where you should decide the qualities that you liked about the person versus the ones you disliked.  Some of the more likable qualities you may want your next partner to also possess. While there may be some that you wish to never deal with again.

What are qualities that are a necessity for your next partner to possess?

There may have been some qualities that your last partner did not possess but that you now find necessary in your next partner. Decide what qualities and characteristics are the most important to you. What you can do without and what you simply refuse to be without.  There may be some which are a necessity versus some qualities that are negotiable.

What mistakes do you feel you made?

In every experience there are always things that you wish you could do differently after it occurs. Use this time to decide for yourself what mistake you may have made in your past relationship that may have led to the demise of the relationship or that you simply never want to do again. Everyone plays a role.