The Next Big Thing!!!

Every once in a while we are able to experience a talent that changes the music industry. A singer with commitment and control of their own gifts, Just as many of the greatest artist that have ever performed in the secular music industry have done. There are some who last, while others go and  I believe Emeli Sande is here to stay. Already making an impressive name for herself by writing songs for the likes of Leona Lewis and Susan Boyle, and winning a Brit Award for Critic's Choice(Britain's version of the Grammys) and being nominated as British Break Through Act 2012. 

The 24 year old (icon in the making )was born Adele Emeli Sande who decided to changed her stage name to her middle name Emeli after fellow British artist Adele emerged on the music scene. Emeli has been writing and lending her talents to several of Britain's most popular acts over the last few years and now it is her time to shine. Her album Our Version of Events hits U.S markets June 5,2012, and I cannot wait! 

Coming Reviews on Emeli Sande

-She will be performing at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in New York City, April 24,2012 

-Full album Review June 2012

Here are her latest videos featuring songs from her debut album Our Version of Events!

Hear samples of the entire album Emeli Sande Our Version of Events

All photos and videos courtesy of Capital Records

My Dandy- Business Causal

Photos by Sureme Laster Bey 

In store shot by Neil Christian 

Album Review: Melanie Fiona -The MF Life

After waiting what seems as a lifetime for many fans of Grammy Award winning Universal Records artist Melanie Fiona, the label has finally released her latest album titled The MF Life. Vocals like Ms. Fiona's just don't come around as often as they should. Her mix of truth and passion could possibly make her the next generation Mary J Blige. The MF Life delivers a soulful out pour of honesty in the name of love and life, just as Blige's My Life album did in the 90's. It doesn't matter if she is singing about the joys or the woes of love, you can feel the genuine connection she has with her music, which draws you in track after track. Here is hoping the masses jump on board and discover just how important her contribution to the music industry has been thus far and can be in the future. 

Although I personally love each and every song off this album, stand out tracks are: 

-Can't Say I Never Loved You

-Break Down These Walls

-Change the Record ft B.O.B

-4A.M

-I Been That Girl

-Rock,Paper,Scissors 

-L.O.V.E ft John Legend  

-Gone And Never Coming Back

Check out my Latest Article for MUSED Magazine

IF YOU DON’T LOVE YOURSELF, WHO WILL?

BY SUREME LASTER BEY

THURSDAY, MARCH 22, 2012

“You have to love yourself before you love somebody else,” we’ve all heard it but what does that really mean? How do you go about it, especially if you are a serial single or reemerging single?

If ever asked do you love yourself the average person says, “Yes, of course,” and let’s face it why wouldn’t you. What is there not to love? You are smart, fun to be around and not too bad on the eyes, but do you really love yourself?  If you’re like me loving you comes in waves. Some days you love yourself more than anyone or anything in the world. Then there are other times it’s harder to find those parts you love about you especially if there is not anyone around to mirror your same sentiments back to you. No one to say I love your eyes, your hair or your outfit. Why do we equate loving ourselves with someone else?

First off, that kind of thinking makes absolutely no sense to put loving you with the same idea of someone else’s stamp of approval.  The math just doesn’t add up (that’s some new math as some of us call it).  You + Another = We but You + You= You. Loving yourself in my opinion is just that, love and self. Love is supposed to be accepting, understanding, communicating, respecting as well as giving.

If you are not accepting to your personal flaws and conscience of the things that you do that may bring harm to yourself and those around you, you have missed an important step. You have to understand yourself.  Ask yourself the questions that you should know in order for someone else to know how to deal with you. If you like certain foods explore why. Explore everything you like and dislike because the better understanding you have about yourself the more appreciation you will have for you. One important component to any relationship is communication bycommunicating clearly to yourself your dreams, goals and aspirations you have set for yourself. This can help you make better-informed decisions day to day. Aretha spelled it, sang it and told us how to go about it, R.E.S.P.E.C.T find out what it means to YOU! When you respect yourself you will not allow anyone else to disrespect you. Respecting yourself is also how you treat yourself daily. What foods are you putting into your body? What exercises are you doing to remain healthy? We all love a drink, but are you drinking too much or the wrong things? I always say if you wouldn’t say or do it in front of your mother then don’t do it or at least question why you  are and make another informed decision based on you and not your environment.  We are taught : It’s better to give then to receive but you got to give to you before you go giving to others. If you are not giving yourself the attention and time needed to be a better yourself, what are you going to give to someone else? Go out on the town alone, have dinner or a movie, concert or trip. Treat yourself. I will do anything alone because I enjoy doing things by myself time to time. Sometimes you don’t need another person around to receive all the pleasure you need and I often find I’m satisfied even better when it’s just… me.

My definition of love-acceptance, understanding, communication, respect and giving are all the things I want to find in the one I partner with for the rest of my life, just as these words can be used to guide them to me. We can use them to guide ourselves to loving ourselves, because as we know, “If you don’t love yourself how the hell you gonna love somebody else.” Shoutout to RuPaul.

Please check out their site:http://www.musedmagonline.com/

Article AND PHOTO provided by MUSED MAGAZINE 

My Dandy-Mixing Tones

One of my favorite pop artist Keith Haring, is currently showing at the Brooklyn Museum March 16th, through July 8th, 2012. Mr. Haring's work is best known for his original cartoon caricatures. Haring's art has crossed several mediums of the art world; including drawings, paintings, collages, sculptures, performances, videos, as well as installations. His work is not only produced in these traditional art forms but is widely known for evolving into wearable art. In 1986 Haring opened the Pop Shop, a retail store in Soho selling T-shirts, buttons, posters, toys and magnets amongst other unique merchandise. The intention of the Pop Shop was to be an extension of his work and provide a unique shopping atmosphere where his products could me purchased often cheaper then in galleries.

Untitled, 1981
Marker on Terracotta

by Jeffrey Deitch, Keith Haring, Suzanne Geiss, Julia Gruen - Rizzoli (2008.10.28) - hardback - 522 pages

The Garden of Radio Delight-1984

Haring was diagnosed with AIDS in 1988. In 1989, he established the Keith Haring Foundation, its mandate being to provide funding and imagery to AIDS organizations and children’s programs, and to expand the audience for Haring’s work through exhibitions, publications and the licensing of his images. Haring enlisted his imagery during the last years of his life to speak about his own illness and generate activism and awareness about AIDS.

During a brief but intense career that spanned the 1980s, Haring’s work was featured in over 100 solo and group exhibitions. In 1986 alone, he was the subject of more than 40 newspaper and magazine articles. He was highly sought after to participate in collaborative projects ,and worked with artists and performers as diverse as Madonna, Grace Jones, Bill T. Jones, William Burroughs, Timothy Leary, Jenny Holzer, Yoko Ono and Andy Warhol.

Full biography available at http://www.haring.com/home.php

http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/exhibitions/keith_haring/

My Dandy-Comfy Chic

Photos by Sureme Laster Bey

My Dandy-Buttons

Photos by Sureme Laster Bey

Art,Fashion,Charity-Amy Winehouse by Fred Perry

The final SS12 collection of Amy Winehouse by Fred Perry has been released and is now in stores. Inspired by Amy Winehouse and her personal love of 50's style and art deco. This collection captures the feeling of a spring or summer of the 1950s, that Amy Winehouse effortlessly lived. Proceeds will go to The Amy Winehouse Foundation, along with Fred Perry making seasonal donations. 

see the full collection at:http://www.fredperry.com/women/amy-winehouse/ 


Photos taken by Sureme Laster Bey at the Fred Perry Store in Soho
Model photos by provided by Fred Perry

My Dandy

All photos by Sureme Laster Bey

Through My Eyes- Concrete Jungle

All photographs taken by Sureme Laster Bey