ASHANTI
The wounds are still fresh from these recent celeb wardrobe disasters. So far 2012, sadly, has not disappointed in the "fashion faux-pas" department. From over-the-top costumes, to dress malfunctions and hideous accessories, brace yourselves for fashion fails we'd all like to forget about.
With this look, it's no wonder Sasha Gradiva came armed for the 2012 Grammy Awards! The dress was beautiful and elegant on this singer/song-writer/actress, however, it was the terminator arm that got in the way of what could have been a Marilyn Monroe moment. Maybe next time accessorize with something a little less bulky?
Last night the who's who of hip hop, Hollywood, professional sports, and apparently, even finance came out to celebrate Jay-Z's "formal attire only" grand reopening of the 40/40 Club. And, grand, it certainly was. Once we got past the red carpet, cameras, and mob of people trying to get in, we were greeted with Ace of Spades champagne as we entered the elaborate entrance that looked more like a grand ballroom than a "sports club." Just put it this way, 40/40 is Jay-Z's establishment, so you know it's going to be over-the-top. Gigantic chandeliers surrounded the decadent bar, lined with none other than Ace of Spades champagne. The tiered seating is furnished with white leather booths, surrounded by a glass enclosure and larger-than-life flat screen TVs. This "sports bar" is more fancy than most upscale lounges, and we loved it. It's safe to say, 40/40 Club is the "King" of all sports clubs. And we really expected nothing less from HOV.
Ja Rule. Remember him? The rapper who sounded like a mix between DMX and Cookie Monster? He also occasionally sang, or at least attempted to, and we ate it all up. What really put the artist in the spotlight were his top-selling singles with Jennifer Lopez ("I'm Real" remix,) as well as fellow labelmate Ashanti ("Mesmerize", "Always On Time", etc.).
Unfortunately, the former go-to recording artist for any musical collaboration in the early 2000s has run out of luck. Wednesday 06/08/11, Ja Rule was found guilty of gun possession, way back from an arrest in 2007, and was sentenced to two years in prison. He will initially be placed in a city jail as of now and will soon be transferred to a state prison.
New ultra lounge, Arkadia opened it's doors this past weekend and made quite the first impression on Miami's nightlife scene. The club, even in it's first few days hosted a birthday celebration for hip hop superstar Drake, who partied alongside Lebron James, Ed Norton, Alex Rodriguez and Ashanti.
The lounge within the Fontainebleau is now sister venues with powerhouse and award winning LIV nightclub. MMG Nightlife, the same masterminds behind LIV wanted to create a more personal and exclusive venue. The new space was designed for a little over 300 guest, with both indoor and outdoor space featuring a small pool for those party-goers who want to make a little splash before they leave the club.
With her around-the-way-good looks and sultry sound, Ashanti will soon have to sing hooks for a new label. Irv Gotti, still holding on to Murder Inc., said that he and Ashanti hardly ever speak. He added that it’s kind of sad to have to part ways- yet it’s still all good. Ashanti, who is set to star in a revival of “The Wiz” musical, needs guidance- according to Gotti. Apparently she doesn’t think so… so Gotti is firing her.
I guess Whitney Houston was still in rehab or something. Ashanti, the former Murder Inc. member and Grammy winner, has been chosen to play Dorothy in the soulful 70s adaptation of the Wizard of Oz ‘The Wiz’- which is loosely based on the classic but features an African American cast. The originally cast of the production featured the likes of notables such as Diana Ross and Lena Horne. And sadly, Ashanti definitely cannot fill those legendary shoes.
The show will be at the New York City Center this summer starting on June 12th and continuing until July 5th. So far, details of the rest of the cast have not been released. With Ashanti playing the lead, who knows who else will guest star. Let’s hope her acting is better than her singing. [billboard]
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