Designer Samantha Black, aka Sammy B, is one of the hottest up and coming designers in New York, as was apparent by the energy of attendees who flocked to see her spring/summer 2012 fashion show. Held at the Metropolitan Pavilion, Black’s latest collection is American Apparel meets a visually expressive girl with spunk! Undoubtedly 80’s inspired, the collection was a mesh of neon, bright yellows, rich fuchsias, stripes and geometric patterns, cut-out dresses in forgiving fabrics, and plunging necklines.

The audience included downtowners, Brooklynites, and celebrities including Tika Sumpter of Gossip Girl, Fabolous, Solange, Angela Simmons, Kevin Liles, Fabulous, Run DMC, Omarion and others. Angela Simmons walked the runway in a pearl tone strapless gown with ruching, and Nik Pace of America’s Next Top Model strutted in an electric mini dress.

I loved the entire show because it was so youthful and lighthearted that it’s something that all girls in their twenties can embrace. From the black and white vertically striped mini-dress with floor-length tassels (lots of drama), to the geometric print high-waist pants paired with a mid-drift  skimming yellow cotton t-shirt, leopard print jumper, and an orange mini cut-out dress, Black’s latest offering is nothing short of a commercial success in the making. You can find more on Samantha Black at Sammybdesigns.com.

For more fashion musings, check out my blog Disciples of Haute.
– Sharifa Crawford

Club Promenade- 215 West 28th Street Between 7th and 8th Avenue

10pm- 4am

Knock Out Ent., GQ Promotions. The SplachLife Ent. present a grand event fit for the hip-hop masses. After devouring a delicious turkey if you are in New York, throw on your finest garments and head to Promenade along with The Knockout Boys to party it up with Brooklyn’s finest- Fabolous! Fab will be hosting and performing, so learn those “Throw It In The Bag” lyrics (You don’t want to be the only person not singing along!)

There are not many things in our current economy that are recession proof, but the ice on a chain can outlast any tough time. Although talking about ice, bling, freeze or whatever else people are coming up with to call their beloved girl’s and guy’s best friend is now a dying fad, it is fun to look back on the good times. When musicians had nothing else to talk about expect the temporary blindness they incurred as a result of their jewelry addiction, fans were wishing for the Robin Leech lifestyle with a few cold pebbles to match. Although denial is usually not a good look, we are going to take some time to flip the bird to this recession and talk about the best songs that rep for unnecessary extravagance in addition to giving a nod to the cold weather thats on its way. Ice talk can bring a smile to any one’s face.

Repping the Ice for Love

Teairra Mari:Diamonds

Teairra Mari proves that talking about bling isn’t all superficial. She wants to love her man just as much as she treasures her diamonds because after-all,they are forever. This former ROC princess used to throw her diamonds in the sky with Jay. Even though she has switched labels she made sure to bring along her love for the ice. If bling can bring you closer to your man, why not shine and love at the same time?

Longevity Matters

Kanye West: Diamonds Are Forever

Kanye’s book is not the only thing he owns that will Glow in the Dark. Known for being quite the fashionisto, he is never one to be without essential accessories and we all know that Yezzy loves his multiple diamond incrusted Jesus pieces. It’s common knowledge that diamonds are forever but Kanye made it a point to dedicate a full 3 minutes and 33 seconds to his VVS lifestyle. And it turns out that bling is also representative of the enduring success of the ROC label his diamonds represent. His diamonds are alive every-time he rhymes and with that said, no one’s bling can top the everlasting iciness of Kanye’s freezy power.

Flirting with Ice
Fabolous: Diamonds in My Damn Chain

If you can’t get girls at least you know once you come up on some diamonds you will be able to pull a few. Fab makes a case for blinging your way to love lust. According to Loso, if you want a good chain of events don’t leave the house without bling in toe. Dating can be awkward and meeting girls in the club can be a tricky task, but trust fellas, if you do like your boy, Fab and get real icey the ladies will start relaxing. Diamonds might not be the key to a lasting relationship, but they are the key to loose women cooperating in the club.

Keeping it Simple

Smitty: Diamonds on my Neck

Smitty is not exactly a word smith, but he is explaining all the varied activities he is able to participate in while having diamonds on his neck – which can be positive. This song illustrates bling’s ability to work well in all kinds of unique and compromising situations. Diamonds do not have elastic qualities but the flexibility concerning the moments where they are appropriate can translate into almost anything as Smitty demonstrates. I guess he is keeping it simple and letting the ice speak for itself here. Guess you can’t knock the hustle.

Prerequisites
Lil’ Kim: Diamonds

The Queen B is taking her royal status to the head on this song. It seems that she has some pretty specific demands in terms of her gentleman callers. According to the Notorious K.I.M the only thing better than money is diamonds. Along with the bling this song gives a laundry list of other outrageous high priced items she expects from her male company. Its surprising that she had time to make that long list in the middle of accusing every rapper for copying her eternal love Biggie Smalls (even though she pretty much re-raps all his hot lines in ALL of her songs). Maybe Kim and Fab should get together, he has the bling to meet her Diamond standard.

A Smile on the Rocks
Nelly: Grillz

Forget  working hard or balling on a budget, just follow Nelly’s advice, rob the jewelry store and tell them to make you a grill. Don’t aim to be a Crest Kid, head to your nearest mall and cop some jewelry cleaner. A great smile is a wonderful asset and what better way to let your words speak for themselves if they have diamonds to back them up? If you are on the Nelly plan, pictures won’t be the only thing worth thousands, a cool mouth piece will have you blinding people with your smile, literally.

Shining From Miles Away
Cash Money: Bling Bling

Its not a coincidence that Lil’ Wayne runs around talking about money all the time. Back in the day before he was leaning and baby making full time, he was spitting about blinging something serious in Nola. Every time he came around your city it was bling bling. Cash money’s creative conscious was focused on one thing and that was out blinging every one. There is no doubt that Nola’s finest brought the idea of dreaming, wishing and talking about ice to a whole new level. In the 90′s every one was seeing diamonds thanks to Weezy and his crew.

The Originator
Prince: Diamonds and Pearls

All hail the great Purple one. Before talking about bling was an industry standard, Prince was singing about two times the jewelry. Noting that diamonds are just an accessory and that love is the master plan, this epic song reminds us that diamonds, pearls and even the world don’t add up to the sum total of good ol fashioned love. The Artist formally know as an unpronounceable symbol takes the high road by down playing the importance of bling and gives big ups to tender love and care instead. A wrist full of diamonds…millions of dollars, A slew of Pearls…thousands of dollars, Prince reminding us all that love shines brighter than them all…Priceless.

They are true street goons and bosses, but they also know how to clean up and get their grown man on! Mixing urban trends with high fashion pieces, these trendsetters  know how to get fly.   Zania Black

One of BK’s finest has gone from South Pole to Louis and from Fubu to Ferragamo. This hip-hop all star will teach you a thing or two about being  F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S

Jasmine Hampton

To be a successful rapper you got to keep it gangster, have swag everyone wants, and tell multiple chicks they’re the best you ever had. What if rappers used their birth names on stage…..would you still listen?          Zania Black

These A-listers can’t keep themselves out of the public. Find out which celebs are making headlines and have made todays GIANT list…

1. Beyonce: We can’t get enough of her! Other than “Posion” being leaked Bey has also signed on for some lesbi-honest action in a new film “Tipping the Velvet” about a lesbian love affair. Beyonce seems to be breaking out of Papa Knowles’ mold and taking notes from her free-spirited sister Solange.

2. Drake: After months of singing “Successful,” he’s finally given us a glimpse of what’s to come in the video featuring Trey Songz. Looks like Drake’s knee may be even strong enough for some two-stepping in the video.

 3. R. Kelly: R. Kelly just won’t give up. We know the Piped Piper is considered the King of R&B but is making songs such as “Pregnant” really in his best interest? Kellz has also released the track-listing and album cover for his latest baby making soundtrack. 

4. Kanye West: For always expanding his resume. The producer-turned-rapper-turned-designer-turned-fashion-intern is now acting in “We Were Once a Fairytale,” a short-film collabo with Spike Jonze.

5. Fabolous: Fabolous has really been on his grind. Not only riding off the success of Loso’s Way but Fab has also inked a deal with Reebok. Check some video footage while on set here. 

6. Barack Obama: Just for acknowledging Sidney Poitier for all of his work. Would this have happened if John Mccain was president? 

7. Dwayne Johnson: We pray the “Rock” can overcome his newest opponent, diabetes.

8. Kid Cudi: The martian has managed to make news once again, releasing the artwork for his upcoming album. He’s also on the cover of the latest URB. 

9. Amerie: Though her album has been pushed back once again, Amerie knows how to rock a mean pair of pumps in her Elle Magazine photoshoot. 

These A-listers can’t keep themselves out of the public. Find out which celebs are making headlines and have made todays GIANT list…

1. Jamie Foxx: Who knew Jamie had a baby on the way? Will he blame this one on the alcohol? 

2. Ashanti: Giving back to the kids, Ashanti premiered her billboard in New York to promote her new Boys and Girls Club “Be Amazing” campaign. Atleast someone from Murder Inc. is doing big things… 

3. Fabolous: With Loso’s Way already platinum (the first of all of his albums) and a spread in Complex showing off his fashion sense, Fab is living what he sings about, “The Fabolous Life.” 

4. Jay-Z: For holding Rocawear down for 10 years and still finding time to dine with the wifey, Beyonce.

5. Sanaa Lathan: Sexy and comical, who needs more of a combination? This sexy single lady is also starring in the new “The Cleavland Show.” 

6. Oprah Winfrey: Although she won’t put any rappers on her show she’s still hood enough to dine in New York with her cynical and irate best friend Gayle King and homewrecker Alicia Keys. If she can kick it in Marcy Projects, we assume she can handle these two. 

 7. Naomi Campbell: Anger problems, catfights and all, she’s still a banger in a bathing suit. 

8. Gabrielle Union: Taking a break from the dating scene, Miss Union will produce as well as co-star in an upcoming Lifetime film. 

 9. Janet Jackson: After losing Michael, Janet is still on blazing track to success, dropping new promo pics for her upcoming album. 

10. Reggie Bush: After realizing his ex-flame, Kim Kardashian was damaged goods, Reggie cut all ties and even defriended Kim along with her sisters on Twitter. Ouch!

There’s been no shortage of clothing lines by rappers over the years, but when you consider the ones that have actually survived the times, well, that’s a completely different story. The likes of Rocawear, Sean John, and (somehow) Phat Farm have been going on for a decade strong, mainly because of the lasting legacies of the personalities behind the brands.

Thus, it was the lines by rappers-of-the-moment trying to cash in that came and went, but even some big names couldn’t make their clothing work when they themselves always looked as if they couldn’t dress themselves. Here’s GIANT’s look back on all the lines that have faded into oblivion.

Monday was far from mundane as MVD Inc, Belvedere Vodka and GIANT Magazine took over the downtown district to celebrate the release of Fabolous’ highly anticipated album, Loso’s Way. Idris Elba, Ryan Leslie, Keri Hilson, Vanessa Ferlito and Adrienne Bailon were just a few of the guests in attendance who partied the night away to the sounds of DJ Clue and DJ Cassidy.

Check out the new releases for Tuesday July 28, 2009.

Fabolous: Loso’s Way

Only two years after releasing From Nothin’ to Somethin’, Brooklyn, NY rapper Fabolous releases his fifth studio album, Loso’s Way. Led by The-Dream helmed single “Throw In the Bag,” Fab conceptualized this album around director Brian DePalma’s film Carlito’s Way.

Kristina DeBarge: Exposed

A product of R&B royalty, Kristina DeBarge (daughter of James DeBarge) has a name to live up to, but luckily her debut effort Exposed shows that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. With songs written and produced by none other than Babyface, the younger DeBarge is sure to live up to her family’s name.

It’s the F-A-B-O-L-O-U-S-that may be grammatically incorrect but to the Bed-Stuy bred MC it’s “Loso’s Way.” In addition to dropping his “autobiographical” album, Fabolous will also be presenting his fans with a 30-minute biopic. Not known for his sensitive side, the young stunner opens up and shows his life “from the streets to a hip-hop artist.” In a SOHH interview, Loso deemed his inspiration from the infamous gangster film, Carlito’s Way, in which he sees similarities between himself and the main character, Carlito, played by Al Pacino in the 1993 classic. “Carlito was a street dude trying to make the transition from the streets to something better.” Until the album release on June 30th, fans can preview Loso’s acting skills in videos released including “Throw it in the Bag” and “It’s My Time.”

-Felicia Kelley

A recession-friendly ode to Winona Ryder from Fab. His latest album, Loso’s Way, a retread of inspired by Carlito’s Way and Jay’s American Gangster, drops June 30—just in time to help him pay those legal fees and hire a better weedcarrier.

*Bonus: “It’s My Time” video

Without the restrictions of a record label, you can get away with saying anything on a mixtape.  You can also get away with putting anything on a cover.  Here’s our look back at those who used that freedom to give us the very best covers of ’08.

8. Mick Boogie and Terry Urban – Viva La Hova

Liberty Leading The People… in their Roc chains.  Subtle but gangster.

7. Charles Hamilton – The L Word

Sonic has great taste in women—and pornstars.

6. Asher Roth – The Greenhouse Effect

If Asher’s website being named “The Daily Kush” wasn’t enough indication that dude is a pothead, well you here you have it.

5. Crooked I – St. Valentine’s Day Bossacre

Not a fan of pointlessly made-up words but chainsaws are easily the greatest invention next to streaming porn Pop Tarts.  Ash would agree.

5. Curren$y – Higher Than 30,000 Feet

The iconic image of cool personified, The Rat Pack… and Curren$y breaking up.

4. Max B – Wavie Crockett

His Waviness rockin’ the coonskin cap = hella wavy.

3. Tony Yayo – Bloody Xmas

Because beefin’ on wax is so 2005.  You get where this is going….

1. G-Unit – Elephant In The Sand

The elephant silhouettes are a nice touch.  So is Joey’s ass crack.

Now for the worst…

8. Von Pea (of Tanya Morgan)- The Further Adventures of Von Pea

Simply because laser cats > laser ducks.

7. Charles Hamilton Discography

We get it, fam—you like Sonic.  Now grow up.

6. D-Block – Jedi Knight School

No Yoda means you’re relegated to the shit list.

5. Skull Gang – Takeover

The new movement to move wit is apparently Juelz’s biker gang.

4. Mick Boogie and DJ Treats Present Leaders of The New Cool

Mama always said don’t judge a book by its cover.  She never said shit about mixtapes.  Judging by that hot orange mess, the tape must be a study in lame.

3. The Game – Black Wall Street Radio Part 5

Obviously Jayceon’s idea.

2. Uncle Murder – Back On My Bullshit

That’s a million-dollar tagline right there.

1. Lil Wayne – The Drought Is Over Part 6

*speechless*

- Devin Chanda

And for more mixtape love, clicke here to check out our Top 8 Mixtapes of ’08 here!

So I’m guessing Fabolous went to a party sponsored by pink sparkling liqueur Nuvo and could feel his balls literally retracting into his body with every sip, so he went to the bartender and was like, “son, you gotta sneak a little Henny in this bitch,” and it actually tasted good, so he named it the Black Code and the world rejoiced.

Nuvo Sparking Liqueur’s “Black Code”:

Ice cold Nuvo sparking liqueur

Rocks glass (chilled)

Cognac

• Add Nuvo to chilled rocks glass
• Splash cognac on top
• Stroke chest hair a little
• Socialize

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.