Tha ish: Year in review 2010

I love the end of the year because I unashamedly embrace my opinionated nature (I am a Taurus after all!) and proudly share with you a few picks for the best and worst ish of the year. Check it out!


ARTIST OF THE YEAR

Drake
Was there any doubt? Honestly, even if you don’t like Drake, you got to admit that the brotha worked hard this year! He seriously got his grind on. He released an inordinate amount of music, guested on tons of other artists’ songs, and made me change my mind (yep, I originally didn’t like him). He deserves all the accolades that he receives.


Honourable Mention


Usher, Trey Songz and Lady Gaga. Each artist released tons of music, toured, and remained relevant for the entire year. A feat that is sometimes difficult to achieve.


FAVE NEW ARTIST


Melanie Fiona
She’s soulful, humble and budding songstress. I am proud of this T.Dot native.


WORST SONG OF THE YEAR


Love The Way You Lie, Eminem f/Rihanna
I like Rihanna and I like Eminem, but this song resulted in disaster. The hook was the best part of the song, but still, even that couldn’t change my mind. I hate this song!!


Honourable Mention


The Time (Dirty Bit), The Black Eyed Peas
I am probably the only female alive that HATES the movie Dirty Dancing (sorry! It’s way too cheesy!). However, The Black Eyed Peas rendition/remix of the song that is very much associated with the movie (I’ve Had the Time of My Life), is blasphemous. What possessed them to touch this song? It’s just wrong!


DUMBASS OF THE YEAR

T.I.
I actually like T.I. , but I don’t understand how he could do a stint in jail, and wind up back in the slammer just a few months after being granted his freedom. Yo T.I., you need better people in your life!


FAVOURITE VIDEO


Telephone, Lady Gaga, f/Beyonce
This video gives me everything I like in a video—cool storyline (okay, weird storyline), outrageous dance sequences, and bad acting. Loves it!


WORST VIDEO


Runaway, Kanye West
Perhaps I’m not the most cultured person (nope, that ain’t it!), but I did not like this video. I like artsy films, but Kanye’s mini-movie bored me. I sat through all 37 minutes; however my mind started to wander after the first two minutes. I did promise myself to watch it again to give it a fair shake, but damn it, I’m not sure if I can do that.


BLOG OF THE YEAR (tie)


CurlyNikki.com and theybf.com
I must, must, must visit these sites on a daily basis.
CurlyNikki.com is a blog devoted to natural hair; actually it’s more of a resource for women who want to learn more about how to have healthy natural hair. Believe me, it was INCREDIBLY helpful when I went completely natural (no extensions!) for 3 weeks. I am obsessed with this website.


The ybf (The Young, Black and Fabulous) is the brainchild of Natasha Eubanks. She dispenses juicy gossip and news from an exceptionally hilarious point of view.


Okay, so those were a few things that I liked about 2010. Howeeeeever....I couldn’t comment on 2010 without sharing with you my fave songs of the year. These are the songs that I loved, obsessed over and played repeatedly. Check ‘em out. They are in no particular order.


1. Find Your Love- Drake


2. OMG- Usher f/will.i.am


3. Teenage Dream- Katy Perry


4. Grenade- Bruno Mars


5. Window Seat- Erykah Badu


6. Deuces- Chris Brown


7. Girl in the World- Rihanna


8. Aston Martin Music- Rick Ross f/ Chrisette Michele and Drake


9. Unthinkable- Alicia Keys


10. Monday Morning and It Kills Me- both from Melanie Fiona

Have a happy and healthy New Year!CurlyNikki.com

Tha ish: Fave Christmas memory!

Although I’m not into the whole gift giving aspect of Christmas anymore (hello, commercialism!) , I have to admit, one of my most favourite childhood memories is when I received a gift that every little girl (back in the day) dreamed of owning.



I remember waking up that Christmas morning to a sea of presents (we didn’t have money when I was a kid, so I have noooo idea how my mom spoiled us with all those gifts!). I opened each present with bated breath. Each gift revealed some socks, clothes—basically things I wasn’t looking for. Then.... finally, I pulled a BIG present close to me and ripped off some of the wrapping paper. I could read some of the writing on the box. It read....Easy Bake.. OMG, it’s the Easy Bake Oven!!

Yes, I was the happiest girl in the world. I wanted it forever and my mom (the best mommy in the world) bought it for me. I stared at it all day long and asked my mom when I could bake something in the oven. She assured me that I could make something soon. I was actually too excited to bake anything. I just sat there and looked at it for the rest of the day. That was the best Christmas gift ever!


Hope your Christmas is just as memorable! Have a Merry Christmas!

Tha ish: Bahamas, baby!





Although I just got back from my 4-day cruise to the Bahamas (Dec 6-10th), I am in a total funk. I miss the palm trees, white sand and flirting with lascivious Bahamian men! I need another vacation! LOL



We visited Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Freeport and Great Stirrup Cay. The islands were breathtaking. I have never seen water that colour in all my life! The water had such a vibrant turquoise-y colour that seemed unreal. I’m not much of a swimmer, but I had to dip my toes in the water just to fully experience it.


My favourite part of the trip was meeting a couple that operates Educulture Bahamas. It’s an organization that celebrates the culture of Bahamas. They provide a host of services. Everything from providing tours of the Junkanoo museum (Junkanoo is the major cultural festival of the Bahamas), to facilitating workshops and seminars. During our tour of the museum, we had the chance to make some Junkanoo music. Yes, I felt like a kid again banging on drums and shaking the bells!


I will say that I am very appreciative of the fact that I have consistently been able to get away from the blistery winter weather for the past 3 years. (FYI..it’s crazy cold in Toronto!) This trip was a little shorter than usual (I usually get away for at least a week), but I am soooo glad that I went. I have been completely stressed from work, and I really needed to take time out for myself to relax. I also went to celebrate my sis’ monumental b-day (don’t worry girl, I won’t tell them your age!).


Overall, Bahamas was gorgeous. I would like to go back to see and do more. Even though I’m totally missing being on vacation, I have my pics to warm my spirit! Yay!

Tha ish: Rick Ross f/ Chrisette Michele & Drake- Aston Martin Music

All I have to say is I loooooove this song.  I have listened to it at least 20 times since I downloaded it a few days ago. Can you tell I'm obsessed?  I don't care. I love this song!

Check the video here