Black Grape, home to the talents of Eddie Kadi, Guvna B & Yolanda Brown is movement and venue for food, laughter and live events. Pbleepd have been in attendance from the beginning enjoying the restaurant in different capacities each time being satisfied. This time was the turn of Soul Lounge, an event in aid of Haiti.

In an intimate setting made for nights like this, The Soul Lounge produced a comfortable and friendly atmosphere for the audience, musicians and poets alike to enjoy the festivities. Accompanied by the talented Black Grape Live Band we witnessed a soulful, passionate & assured group of performances.

The night was hosted by Harry and Sarah, two naturally crazy people who gave the audience chuckles during the night and made the performers feel that much more comfortable. Poets on the night included Caroline G, Caroline Ohemaa, Ola the Poet and Essjae. Between them was raw intense uncensored stories of pain, disappointment and frustration, all delivered powerfully for effect.

The singers provided a pleasant atmosphere spreading vocals surrounding different perspectives of love. Sisters Christie and Charmaine both performed twice on the night; amazing vocals controlled by confidence and passion. They had great chemistry with the band and backing singers. Seyi wowed the crowd with an eclectic performance first performing an electro R&B joint featuring rapper JP, and then breaking out with an up-tempo rock track. It was a welcoming change of genre.

Rapper Fizzie broke out in acappella spitting about life and love, catering one track for the ladies and one for the fellas. In addition to the piano playing Seyi and the great acts on open mic it was shaping up into a great night of games, food and drink, socialising and music. The night was topped off by the organiser of the night, Oneka Baptiste singing wonderfully on stage with powerful and confident vocals reminiscent of Miss Jill Scott.

An overall great night with friends and family in attendance; let’s hope The Soul Lounge returns for another set, we’ll definitely be there to support.

YELE HAITI

Months of preparation and preliminaries lead to the penultimate stage of the ACS Kings & Queens event, the Meet and Greet. On Friday we had the opportunity to see the entrants face to face for the first time and were very impressed with the professional approach they brought to the night.

Accompanied by the design and choreography courtesy of Dynasty PR, all 24 King & Queens from the 12 respective Universities had a short but substantial amount of time to wow the judges and the audience with personality, poise and pertinence.

The entrants did an amazing job sporting varied outfits and making great use of the “catwalk” with their own style and form of interaction between each other ranging from Brunel King Dare on bended knee putting a ring on Brunel Queen Serina, to the debonair and dapper coat tail suit worn by Loughborough King Ola, to the impressive Egyptian choreography via Roehampton King & Queen, Joshua & Kyla.

It was an entertaining section for all those in attendance who included judges Mary Bello from Flavour Magazine, 2009 ACS Queen Candice Lemonius and Clothes Designer Patrick Kevin as well as CEOs & Representatives of Forreduci, Dionne Gooding Footwear, Grace Foods and Xcel malt. ACS Kings and Queens are known for exhibiting the cultural beauty of the African-Caribbean society both mentally and physically in all its diversity, without diluting its essence. Yet Friday wasn’t just about the ACS entrants, it was also about the numerous sponsors and foundations that the ACS have supported.

Prior to the entertainment, founders from the SFM Foundation, African Caribbean Leukaemia Trust (ACLT) & Sickle-Cell Society spoke in detail about the lengths and depths they took to help our African Caribbean youth. It was an educational and inspiring portion of the event aimed to give us a better understanding of the work that’s being done to shape the world in our favour as the next generation.

This year’s eventual winners will be obliged to do voluntary work for the Sickle Cell Society and various other charitable organisations that support the African Caribbean Community. One of those includes “Free The Child” (www.freethechild.org.uk) who serve and support underprivileged and abused children and young people in the UK and various parts of Africa.

First was the judging however, and after the intense and thorough voting system on www.pbleepd.com, it was up to the entrants outside of the Top 8 couples to make an impression on the judges. Was the choreography delivered well? Were the entrants confident? Was effort put into complimenting their outfits? All these questions were answered as final 8 University couples were revealed.

Final 8

Bedfordshire – King Isaac & Queen Nicholette
Birmingham - King Dami & Queen Yinka
Brunel – King Dare & Queen Serina
Hertfordshire – King Peter & Queen Bukola
Kent – King Ayo & Queen Tatiana
Kingston – King Jeffrey & Queen Charissa
Roehampton – King Joshua & Queen Kyla
Southbank – King Nathan & Queen Jade

Congrats to the final 8 couples as well as the ACS Kings & Queens Staff who put on a great event.The main event is 3 months from now, who will reign as 2010’s ACS King & Queen?

2009 brought A-Game material from the veterans: Jadakiss (The Last Kiss) Raekwon (Only Built For Cuban Linx 2) Mos Def (The Ecstatic) Jay-Z (Blueprint 3) to the established: Fabolous (Loso’s Way) Rick Ross (Deeper Than Rap) 50 Cent (Before I Self Destruct) to the rookies: Wale (Attention Deficit) Kid Cudi (Man on the Moon: The End of Day)

2010 releases hope to build on that element with some highly anticipated album releases. This has to be one of the most exciting years in Hip-Hop for a long time.

Eminem
Relapse 2
Release Date: TBA

Eminem Says: “When I finished Relapse, I had a whole album of material that didn’t make it that I wasn’t ready to throw away, so that was going to be Relapse 2. But then I got with Dre in Hawaii and started recording more, and now the new material has knocked out all the old songs.

Making Relapse, I was still working the drugs out of my system, so there was a lot of… just jokey shit. It was a lot of punchline-y, funny, shock value — kind of going back to The Slim Shady LP. And that was cool, but I’ve kind of flipped the page. Now I’m going for songs instead of one-liners.”

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Drake
Thank Me Later
Release Date: Late Summer

Drake Says: “Nas was somebody that I used to listen to his raps and never understood how he did it. I always wanted to understand how he painted those pictures and his bar structure.

I went back and really studied Nas and Andre 3000 and then came back with this album….It’s gonna be bigger, it’s gonna sound happier, more victorious, ’cause that’s where I’m at in my life”

Also Listen To: Fear

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Lupe Fiasco
L.A.S.E.R.S
Release Date: Summer

Lupe Says: “I feel like because of my first two albums I have built a foundation to branch off to make music outside of who I normally make music for.

My true fans are down so now I can venture out and experiment with other types of music. Its my favourite album so far”

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Kanye West
Good Ass Job
Release Date: TBA

Drake Talks About Kanye Album: “We’re in Hawaii working on both his (Kanye) and mine’s albums, he’s getting more studio time though haha. Good Ass Job, is going to be a force to reckon with.

His album is going to be one of the best hip-hop albums in the last 10 years,”

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Reflection Eternal
Revolutions Per Minute
Release Date: April 8th

Hi-Tek Says: “We’ve probably got a decade of our best beats on this album. Ive got an albums worth of beats in m back pocket, ready to make it happen

Also Listen To: Just Begun

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Ty
Special Kind Of Fool
Release Date: May 2010

Ty Says: “It’s a really special album for me. I had to go through something with my record and my life in order to feel enthusiastic about making music. This album was built out of going through a set of emotions and feelings and being positive about music. Everything we go through as adults influenced this record.”

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Common
The Believer
Release Date: Summer

Common Says: “My album will consust Raw music and raw hip-hop. Its soulful; working with Kanye, Twighlight Tone and No I.D is like going home again.

Even though I will be focusing on the essence of hip-hop I’ll be bringing something new and fresh”

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Ludacris
Battle of the Sexes
Release Date: March 9th

Ludacris Says: “It features females from the past and present from Eve, Trina, Lil Kim, Nicki Minaj. Rceords talking about women, talking to women, women talking back to me…its great music.

I always try to reinevent myself, this is the 10 year anniversary of my first album so it represents a new change”

Also Listen To: How Low

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J.Cole
TBC
Release Date: Spring Summer

J.Cole Says: ” Feels like I’ve been working on it for years, but now I’m officially in the studio working on it, like hashing s*** out. I’m gonna make sure it’s classic, I’m not gonna put out anything half-assed”

Also Listen To: Knock On Wood Freestyle

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Jay Electronica
Act III
Release Date: TBA

Jay Elect Says: “Im in the process of working and connecting. I don’t really feel like a song or an album is the end-all, be-all to what we’re doing.” “Exhibit A” producer Just Blaze will produce 65% of his solo album” Exhibit C & Dear Moleskine wil be on the album”

Also Listen To: Exhibit C

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Dr Dre
Detox
Release Date: December 2010/January 2011?

Dr Dre Says: “You know what, I’m working hard on it man, I’m going and I’m stopping, I’m working with other artists in-between and what have you, but I’m working hard on it and the minute it’s done and I feel it right here [in my chest] and it feels right to me, that’s when it’ll come out. And you know, hopefully at the beginning of the year”

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Nas & Damian Marley
Distant Relatives
Release Date: April 20th 2010

Nas & Damiam Marley Says: Reggae and Hip Hop are cousins, Go back before the ’90s and think about the music that was playing on the ghetto blasters and you’ll hear it. This project is to come together and do music on behalf of africa, to bring awareness

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Big Boi
Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty
Release Date: TBC

Big Boi Says: “Every song that I put out sounds totally different from the previous songs I put out. I slow-cooked this album and, man, I’m just so happy it’s about to come out. I cannot wait to give it to the fans. There’s been a lot of stops and stars with this project.

I’ve just been trying to make sure we’ve got the right avenues and the right brains and mindsets together to get the marketing and promoting behind it. When you work on something for, like, two years and 11 months, it’s like your baby. You want to make sure that everybody has taken the project the way they’re supposed to be taking it and the set-up is right.”

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Other Hip Hop Artists To Release Albums This Year

Lil Wayne (The Carter IV), Jadakiss (Top 5, Dead or Alive) Trina (Amazin), Andre 3000, Big Sean, Blakroc (Blakroc 2), Busta Rhymes (The Chemo), Bun B (Trilla O.G), D.J Khaled (Victory), Fabolous (Loso’s Way 2) DMX (Walk With Me Now & Fly With Me Later), Rick Ross (Teflon Don), Nelly (Nelly) & Young Jeezy (Thug Motivation 103)

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WHICH ALBUM ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO?

On a wet (very wet indeed) and rainy Wednesday night I took a well deserved break from my busy schedule to see the long awaited return of Corinne Bailey Rae. She’s been away for a while but with the release of her sophomore album ‘The Sea’ earlier this month a live show in my home town of London was well over-due.

Having had the pleasure of seeing Corinne live before, I eagerly anticipated round 2. As usual there was a little wait before the excited crowd (including Reggie Yates) got any action. The first action we did see was in the form of Corinne’s supporting act for the night Fyfe Dangerfield. I enjoyed his set he had a great voice and played an array of instruments from the guitar, to the banjo to the keyboard so it was highly entertaining. Although… he did do rather a lot of songs so the audience were pleased when he finished, especially as we were all eager to see the main event, CBR herself. Luckily we didn’t have to wait too long…

Corinne walked onto stage looking dazzling in a sparkly gold cat suit, big hair and her warm soft demeanour shining through. I doubt there are enough adjectives in the dictionary (or my vocabulary) to describe this woman. She is amazingly talented, humble, beautiful, sweet and sincere all rolled into one, and I am truly a fan.

She treated the audience to most of the songs from her new album, ‘Paris Nights New York Mornings’, ‘Closer’ ‘and ‘Are you Here’ being my personal favourites. However she did not disappoint the long standing fans by singing classics from her debut album including ‘Like a Star’, ‘Seasons Change’ and the crowd pleaser ‘Put Your Records On’. I am in awe at the amount of emotion Corinne puts into her performances and the way such a quiet and softly spoken lady manages to evoke such a strong emotional reaction from her audience.

When she sang ‘Like a Star’ one of the most beautiful and simple love songs of our generation in my opinion, obviously written for her late husband, the emotion she conveyed was so tangible. When she shed a few tears at the end I could see a few audience members shedding a tear too, not me of course… *shifty eyes*.

Something I admire about Corinne is that she has an extremely eclectic taste in music and through her performance you can tell she really knows and appreciates all genres of music. In addition to her own masterpieces, she also performed ‘Little Wing’ by Jimi Hendrix and the most soulful version I have ever heard of the Doris Day classic ‘Que Sera Sera’ I was literally blown away!

Corinne and her fantastic band entertained us for what must have been almost 2 hours but it literally flew by. As she said her thank yous and left the stage, the crowd roared for more, willing her to come back for an encore and the lady did not disappoint. She came back and sang the gorgeous ‘Til It Happens To You’ probably my favourite Corinne Bailey Rae song ever! The perfect end to the perfect evening…even the rain could not dampen my spirits after that!

Corinne Bailey Rae’s voice and whole aura is poetic, mellow, stunning and altogether magical, she’s is a must see live!

Sources:
Pic 2: http://www.essence.com/images/mt/corrine-bailey-rae-300x425.jpg

Don’t get me wrong, there were tedious tasks that you could do with your eyes closed, but hey I got to do it for the experience right?…hmm!

The first internship I embarked on was unpaid, it didn’t bother me and I was willing to work for free to gain experience. However, they paid more than enough for lunch and travel leaving me with spare funds. Genuinely, some companies cannot afford to pay an intern a salary, but several companies with their tight-fisted approach understand that it will not deter intern’s from working, but make them work that much harder to acquire knowledge for their chosen field.

On the lookout for my next internship I had a telephone interview with one company offering travel expenses and £3 per day for lunch. Needless to say the employer most definitely heard the drop in my voice after she made that substandard offer; as I expected I didn’t hear from them after the phone call. I KNEW there were better offers out there and it felt like a step back not forward.

Another company took exploitation to the next level; this internship is for 6 months and travel and lunch expenses at £150 per month. Honestly, I thought she was joking and probably my face collapsed, can’t hide my emotions when it comes to foolishness. The amount is fairly decent for some individuals, however not when you are based in Zone 1 and I no longer have the luxury of a student discount oyster card…PATHETIC!

As I quickly absconded from the interview, something she mentioned rang in my head, ‘I get an intern every 6 months’ WTH!! Here I was thinking slavery was abolished. She had the nerve to ask if I was still looking for full-time work as well as internships, well I had already made my mind up that I didn’t want it, so I told her YES! It explains why I haven’t heard from her, in the words of my mom ‘good riddance to bad rubbish.’

Reputable companies tend to push the envelope when it comes to paying interns. We are all aware of the fact that they have money, millions of it to be more precise. Yet, they find no need to pay the little man. I have had two interviews with such companies regarding internships, I figured why not get their name on my CV so that I will be one step ahead of my peers.

Both companies offered me the position; one had issues with their HR department and let’s just says I am still waiting to start. The other company offered travel expenses and £5 for lunch, this is an okay offer but it placed me in limbo because I knew they could offer more and I turned it down. It took some serious soul searching before I earned the courage to decline the offer knowing their reputation.

All in all, I finally found a paid role with the possibility of being made permanent after a successful completion of the internship. All the above did not offer this and I guess I am one of the lucky ones. Internships are worth it to a certain degree but some do exploit as I have duly noted above!

Continuing on from the popularity of Jazmine Sullivan, Jamie Foxx and Beyonce it soared as a genre and is slowly regaining it’s indentity back. 2010 looks to keep the trend going with anticipated releases from a variety of talented soul and contemporary R&B artists. Whats going to be on your ipod this year?

Erykah Badu
New Amerykah Part 2: Return of the Ankh
Released in March

Erykah Says: “I called it ‘Part II: The Return of the Ankh’ because this album is the sister of the left side of my brain — it is the right side,”… “

‘Part I was the left side of my thoughts — it was more socially political and my thought process was more analytical. This time there wasn’t anything to be concerned with — the album is more emotional and flowy and talks about feelings. It reminds of the days of ‘Baduizm’ — this is just about beats and rhymes in a cipher”

Also Listen To: Window Seat

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Jill Scott
The Light Of The Sun
Released in August

Jill Says: “I promise you, its a beast. With the musicians I worked with this time we did things a little differently.

We all went into seperate rooms in the studio, we could hear each other but we couldnt see each other, we didnt know what we were gonna play and I didnt know what I was gonna sing. We just started playing…and 8 songs later we were hugging and clapping and crying together, its on!!!”

Listen To: Wanna Be Loved

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Usher
Raymond Vs Raymond
Released in March

Bryan Michael Cox Speaks on Usher’s album: “I think Usher is in a place where he really wants to express what’s going on in his life, as any artist would.

Our records are definitely in that lane of touching on what’s going on in his life, so we are going to see what’s going to happen. I’m very excited about the album. I think he has a lot to say.”

Also Listen To: Papers

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Jamie Foxx
Body
Released in March

Tricky Stewart, Rico Love & The Dream Say: “He’s one of our favorite artists to work with. When I think of Jamie, I’m always gonna think to pound the urban community,” … “He has a really solid fan base in the urban community and I feel like his pop appeal comes through his personality, so we’ll make sure that we keep the music really urban.” “I respect Jamie because he was recording while on tour, he had a studio on the bus and was promoting a movie at the same time.”

Listen To This: Winner

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Bilal
TBA
TBA

Bilal Says: “On ‘Love for Sale’ I was going for a raw, bluesy feeling because I was listening to a lot of Howlin’ Wolf records,” “This time I’ve taken that and mixed it with jazz and rock inflections. This record is about me discovering Steely Dan, John Lennon, and Bobby Womack.”

Listen to This: Cheeba

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Monica
Still Standing
Released in March

Monica Says: “On this album I just wanted to get back to the basics of where I started. When I look back at my last album, The Makings of Me still sold a million records, which is a blessing because some folks aren’t able to do that.

But it wasn’t the 3, 4, 5 million that we were accustomed to. So it just made me realize that people want authentic Monica. They don’t want me to keep up with all the different gimmicks and trends that are taking place”

Also Listen To: Still Standing

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Goapele
Milk & Honey
TBA

Goapele Says: “With this album Ive been able to take a step back and be more objective and take a look at myself as an artist and a listener.

The feel of the album has a classic futuristic type of feel to it. Having a baby has made me want to let go with my music, so expect the album to be more fun”

Goapele: Different

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Estelle
All Of Me
Released in May/June

Estelle Says: “We’ve been working on the new album for a while, we went straight back in the studio. This time I just wanted to get it all out there.

You know, I’ve been through so many things, cried so many times, dealt with so much stuff, that I thought I would put it all on this album. I’m kind of toying with the name “All Of Me,” because that’s exactly what it is. I’m sick of struggling, it’s time for me”.

Estelle: Dancing

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Toni Braxton
Pulse
Released in May

Toni Braxton Says: “This album is very personal, its a survivor album. I call the album Pulse because I previously lost my love for music and life but Ive found my pulse again. Im very excited about this album, so many great collaborations and working with one vocal producer really helped.”

Also Listen To: Make My Heart

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ALSO WATCH OUT FOR 2010 Releases from Teedra Moses & Marsha Ambrosius. Download their free mixtapes below.

Teedra Moses -  The Royal Compilation:..A Love Journey

Marsha Ambrosius - Yours Sincerely

With an evening of live music, spoken word and an open mic session, The Soul Lounge is the perfect place for you to come to after a long day at work, you can eat great food, relax with great people and listen to a live band accompanied by wonderful artists.

Sign up for the open mic slots will be between 7-7:45pm, so come and show us what you’ve got!

As we all know, on the 12th January 2010, Haiti was hit by a tragic earthquake leaving the island in ruins, as we want to do everything we can to support this devastated island we will be donating all proceeds from this event to the victims of the Haiti earthquake.

All donations on the night are also welcome.

Doors open at 7pm Show starts at 8pm
Guestlist- £5 (Confirming your attendance for this event puts you on the guest list) Pay on the door- £7

For more info:
07949 666 916
07957 104 069

Come and enjoy the good vibes people!

Now why would you even go there?!? No matter how comfortable you become with your girl, there are certain lines that can just never be crossed and talking about her weight is one of them. Questioning her weight means that you’re questioning your interest in her and attraction towards her.

It can make a woman who used to do double takes in every mirror she walked past, now have a phobia for mirrors and any food that will make her gain even more weight. There is certainly nothing worse than a woman who feels insecure about her body. If you ever say these words, be prepared to face the consequences of only ever seeing her naked in the DARK!

“She’s hot!!!”

Unless ‘she’ happens to be ‘me’, this will not go down too well…at all! Things will be made even worse if you’re talking about the friend or better yet…the sister! Even if you said it innocently, your girl will automatically see this friend or relative as a threat which will create unnecessary tension. Your girl needs to be convinced that you think there’s no one hotter than her…even if that is so not true! So next time you see that friend of hers (who also happens to be single) looking like she just walked out of a magazine cover…take my advice, keep your thoughts to yourself!

“My ex used to…”

Do I have to elaborate on this one? Ex-girlfriend comparisons are an ultimate NO NO! To be compared to another woman is a negative in itself let alone a woman you were once in a relationship with.

The more you talk about your ex, the more you’re indicating that you’re not completely over her and no woman wants to be a rebound. So if an ex-comparison ever slips up, make sure it’s one that favours your girl otherwise…you’re in trouble!

“She’s a friend…”

Well you would say that wouldn’t you!? Women can always smell a threat, some like to make it sound like a God-given talent by calling it ‘intuition’ while others will admit to it being just pure paranoia! If a female friend is very attractive, gets along with you like cheese on toast and oh, she also happens to be ‘single’…this is enough to set the paranoia alarm off like crazy!

So if she ever questions the extent of your friendship with this ‘threat’, don’t just say she’s a friend, you need to elaborate! Saying the words ‘she’s just a friend’ should always come with an affix i.e. ‘because’. So always say something along the lines of…because she’s like an older sister, or because she dated your good friend or even because you simply find her so fricking irritating. All that is needed are a few simple words to elaborate why she could never be more than a friend, to help reassure us that this ‘threat’ really isn’t a threat after all.

“I’ve slept with…”

Hmmm, this is a tricky one. Whilst a lot of women would prefer to have the number of women you have slept with left unrevealed…some women would actually like to know. After all let’s face it; it does give a pretty decent indication of what type of guy you’re dealing with…certain numbers just scream out ‘Player! I will definitely cheat on you!’ So I’d say, to avoid any hiccups, don’t ever bring this up unless she does.

“I love you…”

Do you really? If you don’t really mean it, then don’t say it. The female brain takes these words very seriously. Expressing your love to her will indicate that you’re ready to take things to the next level. This will put her hopes to an all time high, and when there’s absolutely no progress being made by you, she will feel let down and hurt…negative feelings that could have been avoided if she had clearly known that you aren’t readyto take the next step. Unfortunately, there are many girls out there who have heard these very words and what are they doing now…? They are out there singing along passionately to Single Ladies, ‘if you liked it then you should have put a ring on it!’

"What Did You Just Say!?!"

“I never want to get married!”

What did you just say?! Not only is this not a mature thing to say but it instantly shoots down the chances of that woman sticking around. If a guy ever told me that during the early stages, I probably would moonwalk out because I just wouldn’t take him as a serious guy.

A good 97% of women would love to be married with kids in the future; it’s almost mandatory for this to happen. Therefore, they go into relationships that have long term potential and they would like to believe that eventually he will put a ring on it.

So to say that getting married is nowhere in your future plans is basically saying that you want to be a bachelor forever…this is not a good look for women seeking commitment. Even side chicks hope to become the misses someday…these words should never be said, period

Any more to add?

Pic Sources
http://www.syfx.com/phones_files/Annoyed%20women.jpg

Whyyyyyy!?! What is it about men or women in relationships that attract a collage of admiration and sudden affection confessionary from single friends, associates and/or newcomers? The statistics may be varied but the fact remains that once me becomes we, there’s a sudden flock of he’s or she’s ready to pounce…it’s an interesting coincidence.

Where did they suddenly come from? When did they start noticing your features? Why are they NOW laughing at your jokes and adding more o’s to their lol’s? Such are the different mindsets of the world there isn’t one sole explanation for why this happens; there are however many reasons as to what it is that makes them suddenly feel the need to disturb your relationship. So…

Why Do They Want You When You’re Taken?

Cliched Reason – People Want What They Can’t Have

It is written in folk law (no it isn’t) that anything that seems beyond one’s grasp makes it that much more attractive and desirable. This relates to a man, woman, material goods, job…whatever! When someone is in a relationship their perceived personality and looks value increases and more attention is paid towards them. It only takes a change of title therefore for a man or woman to become wanted up front as supposed to liked from afar. We love the chase, the games and the psychology behind this theory so much that it almost becomes an ego booster. Having someone who’s in a relationship all of a sudden fall for you will make you feel like you are the sh**.

Modern Reason – Taken People Have A Certain Glow & Aura About Them

The funny thing about being in a relationship is that you don’t even have to tell randomers that you’re taken, sometimes it’s written all over your…aura. Not to say that single people aren’t happy and positive but those who are taken have a certain confidence about them that make onlookers who are admirers a hindrance or bonus to their “chi” rather than a catalyst of it. As a taken person you seem to have the most confidence in a room as you are more comfortable and natural and worry or stress less. This in turn breeds attraction or adds up to the “incredible romantic gravity that pulls the opposite sex to your orbit” – Ask Men. Even conversation via text or messenger services seem to highlight the glow (obvious status updates aside) there is just something that shows….

General Reason – Taken People Are No Longer Stereotypical Perverts…in theory

Women are naturally (or unnaturally) perved over on a daily basis. Rain, Shine, Fog or Snow it’s very unlikely that a woman can’t go anywhere without a random dude trying to holla at her. Yet when she comes across a man or knows a man who’s in a relationship there is a safe zone as there is a likelihood that he won’t perve…stare maybe, but not perve or holla. He is now a gentleman. Once men are in a committed relationship, their behaviour undergoes purification and the selfish sexual intentions are removed. In turn, women lower their guard. Women can now discuss their romantic strategies, seek advice and flirt without repercussions but this has often ended up dangerous as the woman has gathered feelings.

Catch 22 Reason – Single People Want What Others Have

Like a child watching another child have ice cream, a single person wants what a taken person has. A taken person has already passed the hubby/wifey test by being in a steady relationship, they have been approved via their partner’s happiness. This creates a buzz for the single person as they want to chase that same happiness. It is here where things can become complicated as the single person has to understand whether they are chasing the taken person or the idea of happiness; even more important why are they willing to break up another relationship for it.

Generally speaking relationships align you in scenarios and places you may not have necessary been in if you were single. There are lifestyle changes…you going out more, you going out less, timing of certain actions are different and the use of applications applies around your relationship schedule…things change and move about whilst single people remain constant and consistently there.

As a taken person your simple reaction should be to commit to your relationship unless you have fallen for the trap, don’t cheat though!! As a single person you can’t help the way you feel but consider your reason for pursuing this particular taken person and think about their partner’s feelings.

Why Do They Want You When You’re Taken? ….Because you’re taken.

Sources

http://uk.askmen.com/top_10/dating_200/213_why-do-single-women-like-taken-men.html
http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/Wallin22.html

Pic Sources
http://powderroomtalk.typepad.com/.a/6a0105362dcc21970c0120a6eb46cd970b-320wi
http://images.smh.com.au/2009/04/07/463104/infidelity_lead_gallery__600x399-420x0.jpg

I say unsurprisingly because I know a fair amount of people who really liked the music on that album, so I’m here itching my scalp trying to figure out why it flopped so hard.

Why Did Ciara’s Album Flop?…

Then it came to me…‘her image change’. It’s safe to say that people, mainly the younger generation, buy into the image of artists rather than purely buying into the music. Unfortunately for Ciara, her music is targeted towards those image buyers and quite frankly, they just weren’t sold on the new image. Ciara was once in a lane of her own but she soon became lost in the traffic of other Pop/RnB female artists when she decided to ‘sex up’ her image.

So in a bid to follow her sexy Pop/RnB equivalents, she traded the sneakers, baggy jeans and hood dance moves for the Louboutins (hawt I must say!), super tight clothing and stripper like dancing. As nice as this may have been for the fellas to look at, it just wasn’t the tomboy Ciara that we loved and so she just got mixed in the bag of other female artists marketing the same sexed up image to the same crowd. Then she kept changing her style and hair, even sporting the Rihanna cut, and that’s when I was actually beginning to question ‘who is Ciara?’

Rihanna, as well as many other female artists, are proof that sex sells but for some reason Ciara proved to be an exception. It’s not because Ciara isn’t sexy, in fact I personally think her proficient dancing ability gave her a sexier edge than her rivals who just strut around half naked looking pretty or occasionally attempt stiff whining.

I guess it all comes down to Ciara’s decision to jump onto the sex sells bandwagon which is already full, rather than taking her established image to the next level. After all, from what I can remember, there was nothing wrong with that image??? (Other than the ‘she’s a man’ rumours!) Basically, if it isn’t broken then don’t fix it and that’s where she went wrong. There are more than enough Pop/RnB artists doing this sexed up music thing and it’s boring…every woman is sexy in their own right, Ciara didn’t have to completely strip off her tomboy ‘swag’ for us to consider her sexy.

Well I think Ciara knows where she went wrong and after seeing this video (below), I’m actually looking forward to new Ciara material now; I think we might be getting the hood Ciara back- woohoo!!!