Cultural Connect: Mississippi's Monumental Move
Mississippi Makes Educational Move
More than fifty years after the civil rights movement that affected and reconstructed the entire way of American life one of the states heavily involved in that movement is still making changes. A few days ago Mississippi became the first state to integrate Civil Rights Curriculum in grades K-12. The civil Rights/Human Rights Curriculum will become mandatory in the 2011-2012 school year. This requirement was signed into law five years ago, educators say the implementation of the new required studies took so long due to simultaneous reconstruction of the Social Studies curriculum as a whole.
Civil Rights has even become a part of a placement test that all students in the state are required to take in order to graduate to make sure that the material is indeed being taught. However there are still questions about what textbooks and materials the students will be taught with. Teachers also say that field trips to historical civil rights locations around the state will be apart of the learning process.
Hopefully this is a law that will be passed in other states and even on a national level. With Mississippi's poor reputation in education, allowing the studies of the Civil Rights movement to be taught year round on a state wide level is a major step in the right direction. Especially considering a time period that is other wise briefly glazed over in a 28day period during black history month. Now students will be allowed more in-depth knowledge to an era that helped shaped the United States all within a State that played a key part in that movement and is now continuing to keep it's story alive.
*For more information visit the Atlanta Post or Associated Press sites
Civil Rights has even become a part of a placement test that all students in the state are required to take in order to graduate to make sure that the material is indeed being taught. However there are still questions about what textbooks and materials the students will be taught with. Teachers also say that field trips to historical civil rights locations around the state will be apart of the learning process.
Hopefully this is a law that will be passed in other states and even on a national level. With Mississippi's poor reputation in education, allowing the studies of the Civil Rights movement to be taught year round on a state wide level is a major step in the right direction. Especially considering a time period that is other wise briefly glazed over in a 28day period during black history month. Now students will be allowed more in-depth knowledge to an era that helped shaped the United States all within a State that played a key part in that movement and is now continuing to keep it's story alive.
*For more information visit the Atlanta Post or Associated Press sites
808s: The Year in Music
The Year in Music
The end of the decade has sparked a new musical era with many unexpected artists emerging onto the scene. These artist are more Avant Garde and in your face than ever or are either as simplistic as the average citizen. It's apparent that the public is drawn to those artist they can either relate to or those that seem as though they are from another world, so this is a look back at SOME of the artist who were on Top of the World in 2010. We couldn't fit everyone so we just picked our favorites. Enjoy :-)
TOP 5 ARTIST'S OF 2010
5. Dirty Money
4. Rick Ross
3. Kanye West
2. Drake
1. Nicki Minaj
We all might as well declare 2010 the year of Nicki because whether you like her or not she was everywhere, most talked about, and most anticipated. She landed a deal for a Lipstick with MAC cosmetics, released an album that had the best numbers of any female rapper in the last 8years, had over 10 song features and she doesn't seem to be slowing down soon. Let's see if she continues to reign in the upcoming year.
The end of the decade has sparked a new musical era with many unexpected artists emerging onto the scene. These artist are more Avant Garde and in your face than ever or are either as simplistic as the average citizen. It's apparent that the public is drawn to those artist they can either relate to or those that seem as though they are from another world, so this is a look back at SOME of the artist who were on Top of the World in 2010. We couldn't fit everyone so we just picked our favorites. Enjoy :-)
TOP 5 ARTIST'S OF 2010
5. Dirty Money
4. Rick Ross
3. Kanye West
2. Drake
1. Nicki Minaj
We all might as well declare 2010 the year of Nicki because whether you like her or not she was everywhere, most talked about, and most anticipated. She landed a deal for a Lipstick with MAC cosmetics, released an album that had the best numbers of any female rapper in the last 8years, had over 10 song features and she doesn't seem to be slowing down soon. Let's see if she continues to reign in the upcoming year.
TOP 5 ALBUMS OF 2010
5. Dirty Money "Last Train to Paris"
4. Rick Ross "The Teflon Don"
3.Nicki Minaj "Pink Friday"
2. Kanye West "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"
1. Drake "Thank Me Later"
Top 5 Songs of 2010
5.Drake "Find Your Love"
4. Dirty Money "Hello Good Morning"
3. Rick Ross "Aston Martin Music "
2. Rosco Dash "No Hands"
1. Chris Brown "Deuces"
The "Fan of a Fan" mixtape with Tyga and Chris Brown was huge in popularity this year but nothing was more quoted than their song "Deuces" the video was number 1 on television for two consecutive months and the remix featured T.I., Drake, Kanye West, Andre 3000, and Rick Ross. Which gives it the stamp of approval as the hottest record of the year.
TOP 5 MIXTAPES
5.Khidd P "The Transition: Reloaded"
4. Big Sean "Famous vol. 2"
3. Wale "More About Nothing"
2. J.Cole "Friday Night Lights"
1.Wiz Khalifa "Kush and Orange Juice"
Wiz Khalifa's "Kush and Orange Juice" mixtape was all anyone could talk about in the first half of this year. Giving him the push from underground artist to mainstream. Even other hip-hop heads were requesting to tour with him. Songs such as "Up" and "Never Been" are some of the popular tracks that has made this artist one of the most anticipated for the upcoming year.
5. Ciara "Ride"
4. Trey Songz "Yo Side of the Bed"
3. Keri Hilson "Pretty Girl Rock"
2. Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce "Telephone"
1. Kanye West "Runaway"
5. Dirty Money "Last Train to Paris"
4. Rick Ross "The Teflon Don"
3.Nicki Minaj "Pink Friday"
2. Kanye West "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy"
1. Drake "Thank Me Later"
At the end of 2009 Drake had the most buzz of any artist in the business and his long awaited album was finally released in the summer of 2010. The album was no disappointment either it debuted at number 1 on the billboard charts and quickly went to platinum status. He had 3 number one singles off of the LP as well. Shortly after Drake headlined his own tour and landed a hefty endorsement deal with Kodak. He is currently working on his follow up which should be released in the winter of 2011.
Top 5 Songs of 2010
5.Drake "Find Your Love"
4. Dirty Money "Hello Good Morning"
3. Rick Ross "Aston Martin Music "
2. Rosco Dash "No Hands"
1. Chris Brown "Deuces"
The "Fan of a Fan" mixtape with Tyga and Chris Brown was huge in popularity this year but nothing was more quoted than their song "Deuces" the video was number 1 on television for two consecutive months and the remix featured T.I., Drake, Kanye West, Andre 3000, and Rick Ross. Which gives it the stamp of approval as the hottest record of the year.
TOP 5 MIXTAPES
5.Khidd P "The Transition: Reloaded"
4. Big Sean "Famous vol. 2"
3. Wale "More About Nothing"
2. J.Cole "Friday Night Lights"
1.Wiz Khalifa "Kush and Orange Juice"
Wiz Khalifa's "Kush and Orange Juice" mixtape was all anyone could talk about in the first half of this year. Giving him the push from underground artist to mainstream. Even other hip-hop heads were requesting to tour with him. Songs such as "Up" and "Never Been" are some of the popular tracks that has made this artist one of the most anticipated for the upcoming year.
TOP 5 VIDEOS
5. Ciara "Ride"
4. Trey Songz "Yo Side of the Bed"
3. Keri Hilson "Pretty Girl Rock"
2. Lady Gaga ft. Beyonce "Telephone"
1. Kanye West "Runaway"
When the premiere of Kanye's "Power Portrait" had everyone in a stir it was obvious that their was no telling what else he had cooked up for the videos off of his latest album. But the "Runaway" 34minute short film was more than even we could have predicted. The "video" which was narrated by Nicki Minaj in her infamous English accent was well received by his fans.
Honorable Mention
Although these artists didn't make any of our list B.O.B., Keri Hilson, and Travie McCoy still had a great year in music and it should be interesting to see how well they will thrive in 2011. Which artist are you most looking forward to in 2011?
FASHION: New Blog is the perfect Fashion Fix
Fly
Young
Original
Individual
This is for my fashion lovers! Here at Epiphanies and 808s we're always on the lookout for fresh blogs and this is one you simply must visit. The names says it all "Fly Young Original Individual" is a fashion
blog with daily updates, photos, and is juiced up with so much originality and spice that you won't find anything else like it on the web. Founder of the blog (Tyaletha better known as Ty) is a fashionista with a passion for all things creative and original. The blog also features some of her own personal designs as well as others. You can see posts on everything from the latest trends to what's hitting the runways, so as soon as you finish your daily fix of Epiphanies808s make sure you visit. www.fyoi-ty.blogspot.com
Young
Original
Individual
This is for my fashion lovers! Here at Epiphanies and 808s we're always on the lookout for fresh blogs and this is one you simply must visit. The names says it all "Fly Young Original Individual" is a fashion
blog with daily updates, photos, and is juiced up with so much originality and spice that you won't find anything else like it on the web. Founder of the blog (Tyaletha better known as Ty) is a fashionista with a passion for all things creative and original. The blog also features some of her own personal designs as well as others. You can see posts on everything from the latest trends to what's hitting the runways, so as soon as you finish your daily fix of Epiphanies808s make sure you visit. www.fyoi-ty.blogspot.comHOLIDAY CONTEST GIVE AWAY
HOLIDAY CONTEST GIVE AWAY!!!
Contest: Using your personal talents and skills Create your own content dealing with one of the five sections of the blog those sections being: 808s, Epiphanies, Food 4 Thought, Cultural Connect, and It's Poetic. Present your content in a creative way! Have fun with it :-) After your entry is complete email it to me at: Epiphanies_808s@yahoo.com If you create a video for the contest just send me the link to watch it.
Contest Rules: The contest officially begins December 21st 2010 and Ends January 1st 2011. NO ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE END DATE. All entries must be ORIGINAL work and a maximum of two entries per person. Your entry must include your name, what section your content represents, and what you like and dislike about Epiphanies808s.blogspot.com
Prizes: First Wins A Victoria Secret Gift Card or A Footlocker Gift Card and Your post will be featured on the blog, Second and Third Place Entries will have their post featured on the blog
Section Descriptions:
808s- The 808's section is where musical content is posted dealing w/ anything music related, this includes new music, features and articles on artist, or anything related to music or a music artist ex. "The Transition: Reloaded Mixtape Review"
Epiphanies- The Epiphanies section is more personal thoughts or documentation of how something triggered a realization causing you to have an Epiphany about anything big or small in life ex. My Journey to Blogging"
Food 4 Thought- The Food 4 Thought Section is where debatable topics are spoken on such as love, friendships, or anything that starts out in the form of a question ex. The "Are You as REAL as you think?" post
Fashion- The fashion section is where anything beauty, fashion, or clothes related is posted including pictures, what's hot for the season or new products to look out for ex. "Victoria Fashion Show" post
It's Poetic- The section where poets or poems are featured whether by written word or video ex. the "I am Ambition" poem posted on the main page
Cultural Connect- The section where anything news or community related is posted anything dealing from local or worldwide culture ex. The "Wyclef for President?" post
THE BLOG I MENTIONED IN MY VIDEO: ----> www.reddlipstick.blogspot.com
CONTACT INFO: EPIPHANIES_808S@YAHOO.COM
FOLLOW MY PERSONAL TWITTER: @HERSHEYS_KASH
FOLLOW MY BLOGS TWITTER: @EPIPHANIES_808S
SUBSCRIBE TO THE BLOG! ENJOY! AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS! :-D
808s: Nicki Minaj is Aladdin Not Jasmine
ALADDIN
NOT
JASMINE
She is not the supporting actress. She plays the leading role. A paragraph couldn't explain her, an article couldn't define her. She must simply be lived, looked upon, heard, and experienced for yourself.
Nicki Minaj.
Quotes by Nicki
"Got the eye of the tiger, The Lion of Judah, now it's me in my time, it just me in my prime."
"I'm fighting for the girls that never thought they could win, because before they could begin you told them it was the end, but I am here to reverse the curse that they live in."
"In Romans Revenge I say I am not Jasmine I am Alladin, It's time for the girl to be the main character yah know?"
"I am not a word, I am not a line, I am not a girl who could ever be defined."
"Why isn't their a female rapper turned mogul? I mean having an Empire beyond your rap career? and I don't know why, I just know I wanna be the first, and I will be."
"I'm not doing it for me, I'm doing it for them, when you start affecting lives you're no longer doing it for you."
"We done did everything they can think of, greatness is what we on the brink of."
"I'm on that different type of high heroine, put on my cape and hit the sky heroine."
"You have to ask for what you want. You have to identify what it is you need to get where you have to go and then speak that, and program it into your life."
Find All things Nicki related here:
www.twitter.com/nickiminaj
www.iminaj.com
www.nicki-minaj.net
www.nickiminajfans.com
Pink Friday
Nicki Minaj.
Quotes by Nicki
"Got the eye of the tiger, The Lion of Judah, now it's me in my time, it just me in my prime."
"I'm fighting for the girls that never thought they could win, because before they could begin you told them it was the end, but I am here to reverse the curse that they live in."
"In Romans Revenge I say I am not Jasmine I am Alladin, It's time for the girl to be the main character yah know?"
"I am not a word, I am not a line, I am not a girl who could ever be defined."
"Why isn't their a female rapper turned mogul? I mean having an Empire beyond your rap career? and I don't know why, I just know I wanna be the first, and I will be."
"I'm not doing it for me, I'm doing it for them, when you start affecting lives you're no longer doing it for you."
"We done did everything they can think of, greatness is what we on the brink of."
"I'm on that different type of high heroine, put on my cape and hit the sky heroine."
"You have to ask for what you want. You have to identify what it is you need to get where you have to go and then speak that, and program it into your life."
Find All things Nicki related here:
www.twitter.com/nickiminaj
www.iminaj.com
www.nicki-minaj.net
www.nickiminajfans.com
Pink Friday
1. I'm The Best
2. Romans Revenge feat. Eminiem
3. Did It On'Em
4. Right Thru Me
5. Fly feat. Rihanna
6. Save me
7.Moments 4 Life feat. Drake
8. Check It Out feat. WILL.I.AM
9. Blazin feat. Kanye West
10. Here I Am
11. Dear Old Nicki
12. Your Love
13. Last Chance feat. Natasha Bedingfiend
14. Super Bass
15. Blow Ya Mind
16. Muny
17. Wave Ya Hand
18. Catch Me
Dear Old Nicki,
Your influence moves beyond your music. I see myself in you. I keep this to myself because most people would be appalled at the fact that I this dark-skinned, coarse haired, African-American, 20year old college student has the nerve to mention herself in the same sentence as Nicki Minaj. But I do not mean in the physical sense. Just the pure essence of who you are and what you stand for is something I find myself relating too. Witnessing your career aspirations fabricated in reality remind me of the dreams I am striving to achieve, the voice I'm creating and stating on a daily. Many see you as simply an artist or the best female rapper and others just see you as a sex symbol, but none of those things are what draws me to your music or your movement. What draws me in is the messages you send and the truth that you put out everyday. Your passion and hunger to be successful in life that comes from an unselfish place, your struggle between being a "b*tch and a boss", the powerful and positive affect you have on people, yet showing the same vulnerability, fear, and happiness as a normal person. Hearing your album the last thing I expected was to hear the thoughts I think everyday in your songs. In most music that I enjoy I feel like the artist is speaking to me, but I felt like you were speaking through me. Which is why I've cultivated such a passion for your artistry. Watching your success is helping to fuel the fire within myself to be bigger and better to reach my goals with a confidence in who I am and a resilience to continue when the going gets tough. I am a woman, a visionary, unlocking the power of my mind and who I am to help those in this world around me. You are rising to the occasion and I when I'm rooting for you I am in turn rooting for myself. Thanks Nicki for reminding me that these dreams of mine are not as intangible as they sometimes seem and if I work hard enough I'll being flying and experiencing my own "Moments 4 Life". I truly tip my hat off to you and I hope one day I profoundly ignite a flame in someone the way you have conjured a fire in me.
with sincerity,
KaShawn
2. Romans Revenge feat. Eminiem
3. Did It On'Em
4. Right Thru Me
5. Fly feat. Rihanna
6. Save me
7.Moments 4 Life feat. Drake
8. Check It Out feat. WILL.I.AM
9. Blazin feat. Kanye West
10. Here I Am
11. Dear Old Nicki
12. Your Love
13. Last Chance feat. Natasha Bedingfiend
14. Super Bass
15. Blow Ya Mind
16. Muny
17. Wave Ya Hand
18. Catch Me
"Pink Friday" was released November 22, 2010 and debuted right under Kanye West at #2 on the billboard Charts. Three weeks later the album was certified Gold and is well on it's way to Platinum status. Singles for the album are: "Your Love", "Right Thru Me", "Moments 4 Life", "Save me" and "Fly"
Dear Old Nicki,
Your influence moves beyond your music. I see myself in you. I keep this to myself because most people would be appalled at the fact that I this dark-skinned, coarse haired, African-American, 20year old college student has the nerve to mention herself in the same sentence as Nicki Minaj. But I do not mean in the physical sense. Just the pure essence of who you are and what you stand for is something I find myself relating too. Witnessing your career aspirations fabricated in reality remind me of the dreams I am striving to achieve, the voice I'm creating and stating on a daily. Many see you as simply an artist or the best female rapper and others just see you as a sex symbol, but none of those things are what draws me to your music or your movement. What draws me in is the messages you send and the truth that you put out everyday. Your passion and hunger to be successful in life that comes from an unselfish place, your struggle between being a "b*tch and a boss", the powerful and positive affect you have on people, yet showing the same vulnerability, fear, and happiness as a normal person. Hearing your album the last thing I expected was to hear the thoughts I think everyday in your songs. In most music that I enjoy I feel like the artist is speaking to me, but I felt like you were speaking through me. Which is why I've cultivated such a passion for your artistry. Watching your success is helping to fuel the fire within myself to be bigger and better to reach my goals with a confidence in who I am and a resilience to continue when the going gets tough. I am a woman, a visionary, unlocking the power of my mind and who I am to help those in this world around me. You are rising to the occasion and I when I'm rooting for you I am in turn rooting for myself. Thanks Nicki for reminding me that these dreams of mine are not as intangible as they sometimes seem and if I work hard enough I'll being flying and experiencing my own "Moments 4 Life". I truly tip my hat off to you and I hope one day I profoundly ignite a flame in someone the way you have conjured a fire in me. with sincerity,
KaShawn
Fashion: VICTORIA SECRET FASHION SHOW PICS
Victoria Secret Fashion Show
On November 30th The Victoria Secret fashion Show premiered on CBS. This years show featured a combination of many different and creative themes which were broken into five sections. Katy Perry and Akon provided performances for the Angels to walk to. Fan favorite Adriana Lima and Chanel Iman were among the Angels that walked. Pictures from the show below.
On November 30th The Victoria Secret fashion Show premiered on CBS. This years show featured a combination of many different and creative themes which were broken into five sections. Katy Perry and Akon provided performances for the Angels to walk to. Fan favorite Adriana Lima and Chanel Iman were among the Angels that walked. Pictures from the show below.
