COLUMBIA PREPARES FOR THE WORST IN BEYONCE'S "4" ALBUM

Beyonce's latest album "4" will be released on June 28 but her label Columbia Records believes the album will not do as well as her previous albums because they feel it isn't as radio-friendly and commercial as they want it to be. But Beyonce, despite the suggestions her label hinted at, refused to make any changes or record new material. Columbia Records feel the solution to Beyonce rejuvenating her career would be to get back together with Destiny's Child and make another album.

A source explains the situation: "They're very nervous about Beyoncé's new record. It doesn't have the hit songs that her fans are used to. They asked her to make changes, but she said no. Beyoncé's career has stalled a bit. Columbia seems to think they can get some mileage out of a comeback record with all of the girls."

The Destiny's Child comeback album would be appropriately titled Family Reunion and could be out as soon as October of this year, but it seems now that Kelly Rowland is the member holding out since her solo career is skyrocketing right now. An insider claims, "She has her own solo career now, why would she want to be singing back up for Beyoncé?"

As of late, I haven't been a fan of Beyonce's sound with music but I respect the experimentation she's willing to take with different sounds. Plus every great artist doesn't come out with a "great" album every time, so give her a break! Every artist needs to grow and develop some way and who wants to hear the same type of Beyonce song. On "4", producers and songwriters include Ne-Yo, The Dream, Sean Garrett, Diplo, Jim Jonsin, Switch, Derek Miller, and Frank Ocean.

Beyonce's take of the album is, "I started off being inspired by [Afrobeat music pioneer] Fela Kuti. I actually worked with the band from Fela! [the hit Broadway musical based on his life] for a couple of days, just to get the feel for the soul and heart of his music; it’s so sexy, and has a great groove you get lost in. I loved his drums, all the horns, how everything was on the one. What I learned most from Fela was artistic freedom: he just felt the spirit. I also found a lot of inspiration in ’90s R&B, Earth, Wind & Fire, DeBarge, Lionel Richie, Teena Marie… I listened to a lot of Jackson 5 and New Edition, but also Adele, Florence + the Machine, and Prince."

Though her music career has stalled for a moment, I am definitely looking forward to another Destiny's Child reunion. But since Kelly Rowland is seeing music fame at the moment, I'm glad she's finally experiencing the success she's seen her other counterparts experience. Anyways check out Beyonce's album "4" to be released June 28th!!!



You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille

BEYONCE ESSENCE MAGAZINE COVER REVEALS WHITE FACE

Beyonce is featured on the July 2011 issue of Essence Magazine featuring her own cover story called "Eat Play Love" about her break from her busy lifestyle to focus on the simple pleasures in life: spending time with her hubby Jay-Z, her family, her nephew, having girls' night out, learning how to cook, and traveling with no agenda. Yes, she wrote the article too, now you can add Beyonce Knowles [the journalist]...

The photo shoot gives a glimpse of Beyonce's southern upbringing in Houston, Texas with a Western style theme. She looks gorgeous as always, but it's crazy how every time I see her in a photo spread or any advertisement, she looks like a white woman! I seriously thought she was a white woman when I saw these pics, her skin is lighter seems like it continues to get lighter and her hair is really blonde!

I've mentioned before her questionable blackface photo spread commemorating Fela Kuti, and I've also mentioned the rumors about her skin whitening, but seeing this spread just makes it seem true. No matter what color Beyonce was, the public loved her for her talent, not skin color. She's a beautiful and it seems confident woman, but why would she possibly go through a procedure like skin whitening? Is it true that the more "white" celebrities look, especially black celebrities, the more popular they will be? I sure hope not, but you can have a look for yourselves.

You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille

BALMAIN MAKES ITS WAY INTO HOLLYWOOD ROYALTY

BALMAIN is a fashion house created by French designer Pierre Balmain known for sophistication and elegance in 1945. The house at first started off showcasing long bell-shaped skirts with small waists that became popular as Dior's new look. In 1951, he opened branches in the U.S. selling ready to wear clothes. During the 50's he popularized the stole for day and evening wear as well as sheath dresses beneath jackets. Balmain's talent lay in his ability to make grand evening gowns and simple tailored suits using slender and elegant lines.

Passing away in 1982, Balmain's designs, most notably his vintage couture gowns still remain popular amongst the international jet-setters, movie stars, and socially prominent women. After his death, the house was taken over by Erik Mortensen and Oscar de la Renta [1993-2001] who brought classic, luxurious designs. Until 2011, the house was led by Christophe Decarnin who brought a more modern and edgier take. This past April of this year, Olivier Rousteing took over Balmain.

Seeing his designs make an appearance at the MTV Movie Awards this past Sunday made me intrigued to find out who this designer was. Kristen Stewart, Leighton Meester, and Mila Kunis wore his designs that night. What is also popular are the Balmain jackets that are military styled, very Michael Jackson-esque seen on Beyonce and Rihanna. Looking at his beautiful designs that have inspired designers after him, make me one day dream to wear one of the famous designs, I would be completely honored.

You Just Do You, Imma Do Me

Camille