Friday, August 31, 2007

Remembering Aaliyah: 1979-2001

I'll never forget that Sunday morning back in August. My boyfriend at the time, who was working overtime that weekend, called me early and was like "Yo, Aaliyah died yo!" I immediately told him to stop playing and that shit was not funny. I then turned on CNN, and the fear in my heart was revealed in a cumbersome way.

Later that week, I walked from my PR gig at the time to her memorial at Cipriani a few days later, which happened to be about two blocks away. I dedicated my lunch hour, and it took maybe 45 minutes just to get inside. It was as if you were at the actual homegoing, and it very thoughtfully done, as well as great closure for those who couldn't understand just why this happened to such a promising force in entertainment.

Aaliyah: Wherever you are in heaven, know you are always thought of...from your song popping up in my iTunes shuffle, to a picture of a new young hopeful, I've always modeled myself with the notion that 'beauty lasts a while, but charm lasts forever.' (Coco Chanel)

With that, I present my post, with a special dedication to Ms. Aaliyah Dana Haughton.



~NP/PG ;)

Friday, August 24, 2007

A very LOADED Post on a Friday... (originally written 8.24.07)

Hey candies-

What a week! I wanted to be here more often as I promised, but I started a new freelance assignment in a different department at MTV and was busy ALL day! Monday and Tuesday, however, I really just wasn't in the mood. I was off those days but I was a little 'tudish (when I have a attitude) so I didn't bother. Plus I only have maybe 5 people reading this rag via blog, so really, I didn't think it would matter...but that's not how winners think, so thus, I present today's post.

Let's start with a video or two to reminicse. Today's pick is none other that Tevin Campbell...OK, I hear you (no you did NOT go there NIC!) Let's keep it funky though...the following songs will forever be favorites:



This was Tevin's first release as a solo artist. I double checked
mP3.com to make sure I was right, and the quote goes "It's assured that Campbell first came to the notice of music fans just after his 11th birthday in late 1989 when he appeared on Jones' LP Back on the Block and was featured on "Tomorrow (A Better You, Better Me)," which hit number one on the R&B charts in June 1990." Also, you'll notice a cameo by none other than the "girl who went upstairs to her room and never came back down" chickie from the hit sitcom Family Matters (hint: she's singing in the choir).

Hmmm...Quincy Jones and young black boys has never really been a great combination; just ask Michael Jackson. So it was no surprise of course when he ended up outing himself in Sister2Sister magazine in 2000 or 2001 by stating he was trisexual, meaning he'd try anything at least once. The sexy young boy I fell in love with on the playground in the 6th grade was slowly diminished. Damn.


Ah, well...moving on:



I love this song too. Damn Tevin, why?

********************************

Solange Knowles and the Spotlight

My boy was handling coordination of the guest list for this event, so I inquired about interview Solange. Here's the e-mail:

from XXX Events Aug 17 (7 days ago)
to nicole price
date Aug 17, 2007 5:49 PM
subject Re: RSVP for Tuesday's Showcase/Interview Request
mailed-by gmail.com

Hi Nicole,
I've put you on the guest list for the event but i'm not sure if you will have interview time with Solange. I've forwarded your request to our publicity department and they will review it and get back to you ASAP.

-FIN-

So I wondered...why would she pass up press? I mean, I know I am just some random blogger/publicist/writer/jack of many trades, but it's my thought that bloggers hold more power than people would like to think (and some think they are now THE SHIT, but I will save that for another day when I feel like being a bitch).

And then the reports started coming in...I didn't go because I just wasn't feeling that day AT ALL...it had been raining since Sunday; the stars just weren't aligned for such an affair. Vivica's party was the same night, as well as Swiss Beatz (whom I've written about on this blog before).

Solange + Singing = ??????

Look I wasn't there...but I guess this is what I think. I think she's pretty, has really grown into her looks since first seeing her appear as a dancer on the DC tours back in early 2000...I do remember seeing her solo performance during that time...it was a dance routine, sort of Martha Graham or Lester Horton inspired.

Well...Martha Graham it was NOT. But she was a kid, so she got a pass. Then she released that album that no one knows the name of...I mean...here's my point. I think it's great that Bey and those two or three girls, depending on the season, built the empire. But I guess it's like when you are raising children. They are unique, so each has their own gift...I'm thinking there are way too many YES folks around her...

Vivica's Super Sweet 40-something B-Day

Unfortunately, I didn't go to Viviva's bday, but I heard the outside was sheer madness...Ra-Fael Blanco held this illustrious affair, so I know it was in good hands...however it just wasn't in me to go...therefore I can't talk about it, but I can say that Vivica looked her age and I was happy about that. No booty shorts circa the MTV VMA's '05...*wiping forehead*

Jonathan Jaxson and Gay Hollywood

I saw this dude's
link via Mediatakeout.com, so of course I indulged myself...I thought it was interesting that he'd outed so many black people, and I returned the next day to see he'd updated the list with some lesbians (both black and white).

My thought was: Word? Dayum. I really have nothing more to say about this...he's accurate on a few, though...for example, he mentioned one actor whom I heard was at a swinger's party getting it in the....from not one but two different MEN throughout the course of the evening and this was no less than 3 weeks ago (NO I WAS NOT THERE DAMN YOU!) Smile now...and sorry, no hints. I like him so I was saddened by the news, just cause I am like dude if you are gay...actually I will give it away if I go there.

The information was valid, as I know this person to be a swinger promoter for some years now. There are others whom I've heard random tales from friends in the industry. It's just funny this is coming from a gay white dude...even HE KNOWS that black folks are the heart and soul of real dough...I'm positive the traffic since MTO talked about it has been BIG.

I also wonder if some celebs and exec's were scared to see if there name was on there, especially if they aren't outwardly practicing their sexuality. Either way, I am really over the fascination of people's sexual histories. Unless YOU are sleeping with these people, why do you honestly care? I've been around Gays and Lesbians my whole life, especially while being a student at LaGuardia High School of the Arts...guess I am just over it.


Peace folks...

~NP/PG ;)

Monday, August 20, 2007

Manic Mondays

Mondays can be so weird...you are either looking forward to the week or you aren't. I must say, some interesting parties will be going down this week, as well as a few showcases I will be talking about. In the meantime, since I've taken a look around and see that real news seems to be more appropriate to read, take a look at the following stories...but I did throw a little gossip fun in there for all you fiends.


Hurricane Dean: It's the storm that's ripping a whole new...you know, into the Caribbean and now heading towards Mexico. You can find full coverage at CNN.com.


Leona Helmsley dead at 87: Wow. Read here.


Star Jones Rises Again: Her new show will air on Court TV today at 3:00 PM. I wonder if anyone cares...no, seriously. I say that because I just wonder if people are really looking for her or anything. I think we are all over The View, and we know it's not the same, meow, meow, meow...read more about it in the Peach Buzz.


And the Fashion Week lineup is listed here.


So until later, have a very boring Monday...I guess this would be a good time to write proposals for new clients or something...


~NP/PG ;)

Friday, August 17, 2007

The iPhone Bill...PRICELESS.

Not as handy as the hot ass phone...


Check out this video: My first iPhone Bill!



Add to My Profile | More Videos

The Reality of Reality TV, Vanessa Simmons debut on the Soaps & Notable Quotables

It's FRIDAY!

NOTE: I made a mistake on my last blog grammatically...I don't really have time to look for it, but I just wanted to say that since I try to be on point with that...I need to start referencing my AP Stylebook...eh, I will start next week.
OK, on to the goods:

So...on Wednesday, I headed down to M1-5, where Salt & Pepa were filming some scenes for their new reality TV show coming to VH-1 on October 15 (right around Hip Hop Honors). The show features the ladies (including Spinderella) and focus on where the ladies left off after an untimely break-up (but maybe timely) in 2002.


My colleague, Kim Harris of Painting it Red and I were walking up to the spot when we noticed the cameras. It looked as if they were trying to capture something, so we stayed back for a while to let them do what they do...


Then we hear "Action!" followed by "She's grown, she can go home on her own!" Salt then walks away...I look at Kim and go, "Huh?" Then I hear "Cut!" I then remember that these things are scripted...but Pepa was a bit much...maybe that's how you have to do it for TV though...


So then we walk inside and they give us the look I like to call the "Celebrity Glare." This is when you make no eye contact, even though someone is clearly looking for you to say hello. Hmmm...I smiled and kept walking...f' it...but I honestly think it was just one of those "in the zone" moments. However, I'd like celebrities to check that shit at the door, because frankly, you aren't much without fans and it's ok to look into someone's eyes. That's more than a enough...and a smile is just, well...Priceless ;)


Other attendees included Dana Dane, who informed me that his b-day is September 5, DJ Ralph McDaniels, the Awesome 2's, Big Ced, DJ Wiz and Kim Cooper (BET, former EIC @ The Source). Ohhh...and CHUBB ROCK. Yep. Kinda light in there, but fun times nonetheless.


Spindarella, DJ Wiz, Pepa and Salt, M1-5
(courtesy of Universal Concepts Photoography)

We headed to APT because we heard Q-Tip was spinning...but when we got there, an influx of people were outside, meaning it was packed inside, and suddenly the "I'm Over It" feeling came so we bounced.


OK, enough of the parties and stuff, onto the News:

Forbes says Rappers are DOING it!

Forbes says Rappers are the new Millionaires. "Despite its roots being connected from the underground and connected with criminality, hip hop has become corporate," says Lee Goldman, Forbes Editor. I'm gonna think about that one. Seems that the endorsement game is what is contributing to these riches, as albums are no longer the milk...

Anyway, the top five cash cows are:


1. Jay-Z @ $34 million

2. Fitty @ $32 million

3. Diddy @ $28 million

4. Timbaland @ $21 million

5. Dr. Dre @ $20 million


You can read the article here. (Right-click to view stories; Source: Daily News)


MaryJane, MaryJane...

First, they started that awful (yes, I said awful) lie about Marijuana leading folks to psychosis. Here are some more interesting pot stories for you:

Method Man Ends Pot Probs:
My favorite quote in this article is "He's never been in trouble with the law before. This is a guy who flies in the face of all stereotypes about rappers." Why is that funny to me? Anyway, read
here. (Source: Daily News)

High School...literally:
Read
here. (Source: Daily News)

Moving on...

Simmons Kid on your "Stories"...

Vanessa Simmons
starts her new career as Soap Opera actress on Tuesday as "Lola" on Guiding Light, according to "Soad Dish" (Daily News). I never watched that show, but I like her spirit, so hopefully I will get a chance to check it out on SoapNet. They repeat the daytime shows at night...I used to do "Days" but haven't really done that in a few...I'm more into paternity tests Tuesdays on Maury...


I'm done for now, but I will leave you with the following quote:

"Blogs tend to give you about 98% false information...bloggers tend to be lonely people obsessed with other people's lives..."
-Karrine Steffans, via her Video Diaries, Karrine.com.


I am really striving for my blog to not be thought about this way...I know you are saying "Who cares what she says, she's a whore!" I would say businesswoman, but maybe not in traditional formats we may be accustomed to...She has a point though...like seriously, some of these blogs do need to stop (and you know who you are). For example, you must be careful when talking about people you do not know...but we talked about this yesterday...it's the irony of fame. Either way, if you are gonna throw stones, be sure to be ready for some flying rocks coming your way, or you'll find yourself being hung out to dry. Trust me ;)

Special thanks to Kenya of Universal Concepts for the pics...I don't need to jack nobody...and I'd prefer not to...
Kisses,

~NP/PG

P.S. To the hater who had all those jokes, do me a favor...I am not into hiding, so don't make cowardly remarks without showing your face. Have a fabulous day! ;)

Thursday, August 16, 2007

DJ Priceless & A letter to Foxy...

Sup candies!

Last night after my gig, I stopped by the Hennessy "Art of Mixing" party at Pacha...I think it's the old Sound Factory which I spent all of 7 minutes in when it was open...just wasn't my scene. Pacha is alot sexier...and for the evening, we had a dancer on the elevator, which led us to the lair of mixing...

My only issue is it was a "House, Indie Rock & Mashups" party...I'm OK with all music (even folk) but I guess sometimes I am just in the mood to hear cursing and what not. I know, ignorant, but still a good release...however, I wasn't completely mad...just wasn't dancing, ya know?

Anyways, it wasn't as completely packed as my client, Tyson Hall (www.tysonhall.com), said it was when Cornerstone did the same event at PM a few months back...I call it the Beverly Bond effect. To me, certain parties just aren't parties without certain DJs...my top 3 right now for NY parties?

1. D-Nice: He's the DJ in your head...just knows how to throw on the right tune at the right time.

2. Stretch Armstrong: Back in '98 @ ReBar, now demolished to make room for more expensive condos, was the place to be on a Tuesday night. Big Frank and Roland (both promoters in NYC) would see the likes of celebs mixed with regulars in a very cramped spot...but for Armstrong, it was worth the trip.

3.Beverly Bond: She's just a girl's DJ...she looks real sexy for the dudes as she spins, but her plays are for us.

Moving on...

I had the unfortunate task of buying today's Daily News and Ms. Foxy Brown once again adorns the cover. Seems she got into a little argument with a neighbor and displayed the Naomi Campbell effect by smacking the chick with her Blackberry. Funny thing is, I saw this article in an African Business magazine about the purpose of their Blackberry's...wonder what Foxy's ad would look like? Anyways, read
here. (Right click to open to a new window).

Seems it's time for a letter:

Dear Foxy:
Sup ma? Saw you at that mess that they called the Urban something awards at the Hammerstein Ballroom...I was the one screaming your name somewhere in the middle of the audience, cause I couldn't believe you were there.
OK, I will get to the point. You do realize that this little incident is gonna have you on the Lil' Kim program, right? And I don't think you'll be able to pull those antics in jail...although, I could never see you being someone's...well, bitch.

Either way, good luck with this. I mean, since you just signed that deal with Koch and all, I think you could probably just go ahead and do one of those infamous "Rap Over Phone" albums...

Respectfully Submitted,
Priceless Candygirl

In PR Stunting News:

Books are the new pink (why hasn't this always been a good look?) Apparently, having a Lindsay Lohan or Poshy Spice Girl carry your book causes folks to run to the bookstores...don't believe me? See
here.


More to come...
~NP/PG ;)


Wednesday, August 15, 2007

New day, New Post...

It's been a while since I wrote, and there are a lot of reasons. First off, I was completely scared after a series of events which I hate to say it, but I actually started it and it was all my fault. It resulted in me needing to walk away from the whole blog game...I wouldn't visit gossip blogs for over a month!

I often read other blogs I like, and I make comments. Those who know me know I am extremely sarcastic, and a smart ass...but I am a sweet lady. I just like being a bad girl sometimes, and I get carried away...well, not only did this bite me in the ass, but it taught me a lot about the folks like yourselves who sit and read these things on a daily basis.

It's a battle for me because I indulge in gossip and blogging. As a publicist, I have to know what's happening...my insight and inner circle keep me abreast of things, and I CHOOSE to not talk about these things, but sometimes I do...especially if I have knowledge on the matter.

For example, a partner of mine went to Turks and Caicos about two weeks ago, and saw some things that for lack of a better word, conflict accounts made on numerous blogs (if you recall, Turks and Caicos is where a very popular prime minister and his wife live...and I will leave it at that).

So, me being the person I am, I may make a comment...there are people that I may not know on a "talk on the phone" basis, but I know them because they may always see me with my partners, or we have some connection. So, I may say things like "Kelis is a nice girl..." Kelis is a person who I went to high school with, and whom I've had brief conversations...true story: I went to a party to try to talk to her about being her assistant after hearing she needed one on the air...some call it stalking, but I say I am a hustler and a go-motherfucking-getter.

Another one of my gripes on these other blogs are spelling errors, and grammar...not saying I am Webster, but there are dictionaries ONLINE these days...and some programs like FireFox even highlight misspelled words...this doesn't stop certain bloggers, so as a joke I'd correct them...well, apparently these bloggers have feelings...they can dish and can't take...and their groupie "commenters" come to their defense.

Well, I am officially off of my bullshit, and I am back. But how do I make it so I don't become one of them? Have you seen pics of these people? I can't understand how they talk about people when they clearly don't look in mirrors. I am no model, but when I got a look at some of these clowns, I was in shock and awe...like are you serious?

BUT for their defense, I really get annoyed with the celebrities who think they shouldn't be talked about..."We want our privacy..." and all that other bullshit.

Well *Ring Ring*...the clue phone is ringing, so pick this up...don't become a celebrity if you don't want to be looked at or talked about...because it's a part of the business...it's SHOW BUSINESS. If you want privacy, be behind the scenes...k, bitch? Yeah, I am talking to YOU. And you know who you are...

There are some celebs who you'd really never know what the hell was going on with them...take notes. Don't think you can be a Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan...it's nothing to aspire to, unless that is your business. If you want to be the party girl or dude that fucks everyone, get ready because there are ALWAYS consequences...unless you are good at what you do, which means you pay the photographers to not say anything, or you make sure you establish a relationship with these cats so that they will kiss your ass...I see and read these posts ALL the time.

...but even then, just leave it alone...it's all about finding your niche in this business.

So with that...I blog, therefore I am...but I was WAY before the blog...

Stay tuned...and yeah, be a little afraid, too.

And for Nick Cannon fans, I just saw him downstairs at Junior's...I am doing a little stint at MTV this week...he's cute and little, has excellent skin...I want that Louis Vuitton backpack he had on man...it was pretty dope. I didn't say hi for fear of being called a groupie...but Hi Mr. Cannon :)

Smooches and Candy Kisses,
~NP/PG ;)