Summer Love

Since the heat has intensified, there has been a few couples I can't seem to get enough of. In this post you'll read about five couples that have emerged this summer.  Though some of these couples haven't exactly confirmed their relationships, they've been spotted multiple times together.  Make sure you guys let me know what you think of these romances.

5. Ray J and Teairra Mari


-Even though Ray J has been bragging about bagging Kimmy first, the BGC All Star host has been seen with this cutie a lot. Teairra Mari is one of those girls who jumped in the industry at like 16 and made plenty of mistakes.  Te, since you're getting older, lets not keep the trend going by dating this sleaze.  I don't care what he's telling you, he can't make you famous.  She seems like a fun girl though, I think she could find a better mate.

4. Big Sean and Naya Rivera


-This couple has been making lots of moves together, and personally I love them together.  The G.O.O.D Music rapper and Glee star have walked plenty of red carpets together and they seem happy.  Maybe Glee's mean girl just needs a little good in her. Best of luck to this couple.

3. Kevin McCall and Eva Marcille


-Okay first, do you guys remeber when her name was Eva Pigford? I digress. This model turned actress (that's when she changed her name ya'll) has been spotted with this cutie more than a couple times. The 27 year old singer and song writer is fine.  Thank heavens Eva dropped Flo-Rida and got with Kevin. I support.

2. Chad Ochocinco and K. Michelle


-I don't know if you can consider something a relationship if only one person is claiming the other but, who am I? This "couple" was confirmed by K, and the record is still out for Mr.8-5.  Maybe this reality couple is just for publicity, maybe they aren't I really have no clue.

1. Serge Ibaka and Keri Hilson


-These two are for sure my favorite.  They are seen plenty of places together, and they just look right.  Keri and Serge both seem very happy, and since she's pretty tall this is a good pair for her. I'm pushing for these two, and wish them nothing but the best.  But if they don't make it, I'll definitely take him off her hands.

The rap up- Although it may not be "cuffing season" these couples are making summer love look attainable.  I wish all five of these couples nothing but the best.

Love Always,
Deshauna

Who's Your Daddy?

Since Father's Day just passed yesterday and today is Man-Crush Monday, today we'll discuss some hollywood dad's we wouldn't mind seeing during a sleepover. 

5. Will Smith
Not only is he very handsome, something tells me he's a lot of fun too.  Will has three kids, Willow (the youngest), Jaden, and Trey, who's from his previous marriage with Sheree Zampino. This funny man always seems to be supporting these money making kids.  Definitely a favorite for a while. I love to see happy blended families.

The beautiful Smith Family at The Karate Kid premiere.

4. Carmelo Anthony
This very fine basketball player is one of the few that married his only "baby mama." Him and Miss Lala Vasquez have a cutie pie, Kiyan, who's six.  Not only are they a cute family, when the couple decided it was time to wed they included their son alot which is adorable.  I don't think we'll be seeing Kiyan rooting for anyone but his daddy for a while.

The Anthony Family showed up very stylishly at Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum in NYC

3. Channing Tatum
If he wasn't cute enough, he's a daddy now.  Him and his beautiful Misses Jenna Dewan-Tatum whom he met on the set of Step Up had their bundle of joy Everly in London on May 31st.  We hear she danced her way out of the womb.  Hopefully Magic Mike had a great first Father's Day.

This very elegant family was photo'd at the 85th Annual Academy Award's while Jenna wearing that "I'm expecting" glow.

2. David Beckham
This very fashionable father has four kids with Victoria Beckham aka Posh Spice for all you 90's kids.  Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, and their daughter Harper Seven are probably keeping this retired soccer player in great shape, as if he isn't already.  Let's just say daddy Beckham can do no wrong.

This family who was voted "The World's Most Fashionable Family" seen on a stroll looking fabulous.

1. Jay-Z
Although he isn't the most attractive daddy.  He bagged the queen, and that alone deserves to be celebrated.  Him and Bey had their daughter, Blue, who has already appeared in her mommy's HBO documentary Life is But a Dream and her daddy's song Glory.  This baby will have the coldest days in the office with her parents.  After denying the rumors of Bey being pregnant again, he released a commercial on his first Daddy day giving us all a little preview of his new album Magna Carta Holy Grail.  Fatherhood hasn't stopped his skill clearly, that album is gonna be some serious heat. Happy Daddy Day Hov.
 
Hov, Bey, and Baby Blue are seen here in Paris having luch.

Sidenote- Congratulations to Kimmy and Kanye for welcoming their daughter to the world on Saturday, right in time for Father's Day. And Happy Father's Day to my bestfriend, my daddy.

The Rap Up- Fatherhood is such a blessing, and these dad's being cool enough to be photo'd with their babies makes them just a tad bit cuter.

Love Always,
-Deshauna

Value Check.

The days where music was solely for mental enhancement are long gone.  We have reached a point in the arts where those who choose to think intellectually, or focus on more than the latest clothes are being ostracized. Which leads me to todays topic, has todays music altered our values as a race?  The first music from our people that's recorded would be the negro spirituals sang by slaves.  When they were singing in the fields, they sang about prosperity and making better lives for themselves. Not killing master because he's an opp, even though they were the supreme example of such.  Later we reached the Harlem Renaissance which was very instrumental, causing mental stimulation as well.  The days of Miss Billie Holiday singing are long gone.  During this period, making music was a privilidge.  Everything was organic, natural, and thought about for long periods of time.  Today's music has gotten us to caring about what the next person can afford.  Why?  Have we entered the phase of life where materials are the only thing that matters? What's worse is, many of us are buying things we can't afford to "keep up with the jones's" rather than taking care of our priorities.  If people my age have gotten to the point where there are murders over Jordans, and sexual favors are being done for Louboutins what's to come next for the five year old students screaming "No New Friends?" Newsflash, new friends are how we as a people can make connections and prosper in jobs and industries.  Loyalty isn't acheived solely from years of memories, but from an allegiance you and others have together. In the music previously stated, they were loyal enough to wait until it made it to their part of the US. Since technology has intensified wildly since then, we can hardly wait for albums to drop without them leaking first.  The microwave era we've grown accustomed to is hindering us all. 

The Rap Up- Music is for entertainment purposes, not to alter our sense of reality.  If you wouldn't make a decision before you heard it rapped or sung about. Don't make it.

Love Always,
-Deshauna

Fab Friday

Each Friday, we'll cover a star that is either fabulous or fresh. Since there has been such outrage after the drawings Roberto Cavalli released of our beloved Queen Bey, I thought she'd be a good place to start.  This superstar is seen in the drawings looking like the poster child for high end crack addicts.  At first, like many I was outraged by the Italian's drawing, but after doing some research, I learned that not only is Cavalli not the first to express his beautiful clothes in this fashion he definitely won't be the last.  According to a very close friend of mine, who also happens to sleighs the god's with his fashion designs, these drawings are normal.  These are based off the nine headed figures, which in english is why all of her limbs look so lengthy.  Fans are also outraged about the lack of curves, and thought there were illl-feelings toward Bey and her team, but not only are Cavalli and Knowles friends they have been in fashion cahoots for about 10 years. The beautiful dress will be worn in the Mrs. Carter Tour, which will be in Chicago on July 17th.  If you've yet to see her live, let me tell you...ah-may-zing. Honestly. After the photos were released, there has been a lot of lashing out toward the fashion industry as a whole including the "cotton ball and orange juice scandal" that pretty girl Bria Murphy discussed on ABC's Good Morning America.  In my opinion, as dramatic these photos and diets are, they won't be fixed until healthy lifestyles are promoted more.

The Rap Up- Fashion is art, not reality and "fashion illustration is meant to give you a small dose of reality, and a large dose of fantasy". We are all beautiful whether we are shaped like the left or right. Embrace it. Special thanks to Mr. Bennett Williamson, my Stanford Blancht, for the quote as well as incite to the design world.



Stay Beautiful
-Deshauna

Hit it and Quit it.

Does anyone ever hear an old song and think what happened to those guys? Since it's Thursday and everyone wants to violate my Instagram timeline of pictures from three weeks ago, I've decided that today's post will be about some of the best one hit wonders of the 2000's. Hopefully these take you down memory lane, but not far enough for you to ask "where are they now", because the answer to that is probably nowhere. So here we go.

5. Party Like a Rockstar - Shop Boyz (2007)

When this song first came out, everyone was a rockstar as silly as you may feel about it now. Its true.  Although the shop boyz (notice the z) did attempt to make other songs, this was their only big hit.  The Shop Boyz were signed with Universal Records which was a division of UMG Records, I know this all sounds very legit, but before you start practicing your air guitar solos. Don't, because a return from this group looks pretty dismal. Totally Dude.

4. Laffy Taffy - D4L (2005)

Is it just me, or did D4L seem like the most diverse group of friends.  They all seemed like they brought something different to the group, and were all really fun.  As nice as that may seem, it wasn't enough for them to make another hit and keep themselves off this list. I personally used to love this song, and it was my first ever ringtone. Gross, I know. Laffy Taffy actually peaked to the top spot on Billboards Chart and the single went platinum, and with all of that backing they still couldn't make another huge hit. Did that just make anyone else wanna get some Now and Laters. No, okay I'll relax then.

3. Tipsy - J-Kwon (2004)

When this song first came out, we were all way too young to be getting anything but chocolate wasted.  Yes, Hood Hop was a good song as well, but Tipsy is essentially what made J-Kwon a hood household name. The video also seemed like the best house party ever, but that couldn't keep him around long enough to make it to the kickback era.  Sadly, we're just finding out that Mr. Kwon (can I call him that) is attempting to make a diss record about Odd Future.  Please do us all a favor, stay somebody that we used to know in a tall tee.

2. Because I Got High - Afroman (2000)

Although Because I Got High is from Afroman's second album, it's his most known song ever.  I can appreciate that after this smoker's anthem went viral he gracefully bowed out of the music industry. Not many people know where he is right now, but we can all admit that that song isn't going anywhere, and neither is the topic.

1. Shoulder Lean - Young Dro feat. TI (2006)

This song made it to number one simply because, if it comes on right now you're gonna know the lyrics and start singing along.  Many say that this song came out before it's time,  but in 2006 it made it to the coveted top ten of Billboard's Hot 100. Young Dro hasn't been seen making anything since his album Best Thang (not thing) Smokin'. Although Ain't I was a hit as well, it wasn't a money maker like Shoulder Lean was which is why he made it to the top spot of this list.

The Rap Up- One Hit Wonders are great, they give current artists a goal of what not to become.  Although we loved these song, I'm not patiently waiting on a return from these fellas. I hope this makes you guys wanna pull out the durags, now that's a Throwback Thursday for your ass.

5 "Stars" Fighting for Relevancy

In all facets of life, there will always be someone constantly talking about themselves, what they do, and how they are on the top. Those are usually the ones who are irrelevant, not doing anything, and aren't near the top of a toilet paper pyramid. This post is dedicated to 5 Stars who simply won't go away.  Now don't get me wrong, I'm all about tenacity, but these stars should just hang it up.

5. Miss Karlie Redd   

Now don't get me wrong she is one of the sexiest seniors I've ever seen, but that's about it.  I feel like she's way too old to just now be starting a career.  Is it just me, or is she like an aunt or cousin that won't deal with their age and feels like she's much younger than she is.  Let's not mention K. was right, while researching her I definitely saw a brand of vinegar. What is that about? I honestly don't even know what her real talent  is but, people in Utah must. 

4. Bow Wow

Has anyone else suffered through an entire episode of the new 106 and Park, yeah me neither. Mr. 106 is no longer that cute boy he used to be, this is a grown man still referring to himself as a dog. Don't worry, I'll wait.  He's still very attractive, but how about you try to make your own music instead of introducing all of Future's, cause we haven't forgotten about you and CiCi's little rendezvous. His daughter is very cute though, so god bless.


3. Evelyn Lozada

This beauty has maintained relevancy by fighting, throwing drinks, and dating the wrong guys.  She looks gorge on the cover of Upscale Magazine with Tami and Shaunie, but how many times are you gonna refer to yourself as a basketball wife? Let the record stand, I saw Ev's ex-fiance at a very small Community College playing ball against some other no names.  Evelyn is beautiful, but what happened to the jewelry and the makeup line? Bring her to this season in August.



2. Ray J

He clearly didn't use his wish wisely.  After a not so subtle come back with countless reality shows on Vh1, Ray J has gotten desperate.  He's no longer trying to make himself more relevant.  He's lashing out and attempting to make Kimmy less relevant, and he's failing if you guys haven't noticed.  Instead of sucking up to Kim and perhaps getting an invite to the baby shower, he's burned his bridge with one of America's most know families. Oh and now he's hosting BGC's Allstar Challenge, and it's rumored that's only because Tanisha said no thanks.  I bet he wishes he had another wish.


1. Amanda Bynes

Mandy is a hot mess. Where did our cute little All That star go? Amanda has become the irrelevant, mean girl.  Just yesterday, June 11, she threw some not so subliminal jags at our girl Miley calling her ugly. First Rih-Rih now Miley?  She's in a very dark, Regina George-ish place clearly.  Oh and now she's talking about a tour with a new album, but who ever knew she sang. She's like a car crash, so bad but you've just got to watch.  Let us pray.



The Rap Up- These not so A list stars are really trying, but when is enough, enough?

Smooches
-Deshauna

Drug Store vs. High End (4 step faces)

Have you ever looked at someone's face and just melted? Makeup has become one of the loves of my life, and even though I'm young I have a very extensive collection. Everywhere I go I get the same questions. What kind of make-up do you use? Do you only use MAC? How do you do ______? In  this post we'll talk about some basic everyday essentials and then there will be a follow up with more extensive topics.

1. The fresh face.

         Before you apply any make-up, don't be triflin'. Wash those faces ladies and moisturize.  It doesn't matter what type of make-up you use. If that face is filled with past days make-up, oil, or anything else gross. Don't refer to it as beat. You need your ass beat. Sorry not Sorry.

2. Blemish Control

        To all those girls with the flawless skin, we hate you.  Number two is for the girls who have uneven skin but want that all over coverage.  Let me make this clear, if you're wearing both, it goes Concealer then Foundation. Never confuse it again. Many drug store brands don't have a concealer, but as far as foundation when I'm on a tight budget True Match by L'Oreal.  I'm a C6 on the compact as well as the liquid.  There are plenty of colors for my beautiful black girls, and they both cost about $10 each. For all my high-end ladies, Makeup Forever's HD High Definition Foundation, which is pretty pricey and MAC's Studio Finish Concealer. One of the major benefits of buying high-end makeup is that they'll match your colors for you. 

3. Blush

     Everyone who knows me knows I live for the rosey cheeks.  Blush is every girl's bestfriend no matter what color your skin is, you can find a great blush for your tones.  It's all about your skins undertones. Many of my chocolate beauties have purple undertones, which you should keep in mind while purchasing.  The light-skinned and medium complexions typically have more of a gold or orange base which you should see in the palettes.  Drug Store Divas use Covergirl's Classic Color. I'm 540 or rose silk, it's a pinky color that applies evenly.  My High End Hotties use Sephora's MicroSmooth.  I'm Guava Glow for that brand.  Sephora's was about $15 plus tax and the Covergirl's blush was about $6.

4. Lashes

      A little mascara will change you're life.  When you're lashes look good, you feel good. I always just buy a standard black.  For the drug store girls L'Oreal's Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara. It has a grade amount of both length and volume for lashes and costs about $9.  As far as the high-end girls, MAC's Haute and Naughty Lash  is FABULOUS.  I don't think I would persuade anyone to spend money excessively, but if you get an extra 20 use it wisely on this product.  It comes with two brushes...one to be haute and one to be naughty.  It costs about $25 plus tax, and it's worth every penny.

The Wrap Up- On a day to day bases all of the extra things aren't necessary.  These are a bit of my favorite types of both high end and drug store makeup.  We all have beauty, makeup is there to enhance that.

Go Beautify the World.

The Beginning.

So this is it. I'm finally starting the blog.  I'm sure people are wondering who I am, and why I think people want to read my thoughts so here we go...Beauty Behind Beats will be a hip hop blog from a woman's point of view.  All my life I've loved music, pop culture, style, and class and with this blog I'll be bringing that back to the urban culture. This isn't a serious, uptight blog though.  It's gonna be for all the girls who think hip-hop is only for guys. Any questions, topics you want covered, ideas? Contact me by e-mail at deshaunarussell@yahoo.com.

Peace & Love.