Oscar Pistorius, the African O.J Simpson?

On the wee hours of Thursday morning, Valentine’s day, Oscar Pistorius was arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, Reeva Steenkamp. She was found dead in Oscar’s Pretoria home with four gunshot wounds- two to the head and two to the upper body. Oscar and his legal team claimed it was not premeditated murder; he supposedly mistook Steekamp for an intruder and shot out of self defense. As much as I want to believe his side of the story is true, the facts just don’t add up.  Pretoria is a very affluent neighborhood; it is a gated community with security guards always on the watch. And from the pictures I have seen, his house seems pretty secure. Even if he feared there was an intruder, how did he manage to shoot her four times without noticing her voice or figure? Why did he have a gun casually in his bathroom?  Pistorius’s case is very similar to that of American footballer O.J Simpson who allegedly shot his wife dead . Is Pistorius going to become the African O.J Simpson? Even if he is found guilty, without the ‘proper evidence’, he will most likely be set free. National heroes (especially in Africa) aren't as easily prosecuted. 

Oscar Pistorius is a household name to many South Africans, and Africans alike. Dobbed as the “blade runner”, this endearing young man made world history last summer by becoming the first double amputee to run track in the Olympic Games. Oscar Pistorius was born without a fibula, making him an amputee before the tender age of one. Even though He went through rough times, Oscar never let his situation define him. He rejected pity and rose against all odds, making himself a worldwide known Paralympics star.

How this man who serves as an inspiration to many ended up in such a situation is beyond me.  Just last year, I was in awe of his courage and determination. I drew inspiration from him, and now this? His trial was moved to next Tuesday, I guess all we can do now is watch, and hope that he doesn't become the African O.J Simpson.

- Jasmine Mbadugha

For more info, read : http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-21475873

Kick Back With a Little Reality TV & Sports

In the city that never sleeps—there’s always something to do.  Between digesting  immaculate meals at new eateries and perusing through vintage goodies at posh boutiques, to merely gracing the city streets with your presence, the Big Apple has much to offer.  Three prominent NYC entertainment venues include Madison Square Garden, B.B. King Blues Club & Grill and Uncle Hov’s new playground, the Barclay Center.  Events taking place at these three hotspots are guaranteed to be top-notch and sensational.  As usual, I’m here to unveil the juiciest events happening in NYC alongside the best bargains.  

            Last summer, VH1 took us ALL by storm when Love and Hip Hop Atlanta air.  Graced with an eccentric bunch, we were left stunned, excited and anxious for more juicy drama!  A part from Stevie “Stebbie” J. and Ms. Jocelyn Hernandez baby, a new superstar arose—K. Michelle.  Whether you love her, hate her or indifferent, K. Michelle is one lady dedicated to proving that she A—won’t deal with drama and B—can sing.  This Tuesday, K. Michelle will be performing at B.B King.  Tickets are currently $35 and are selling out by the minute.  I have no idea what celebrities will be showing up to support Ms. K. Michelle, but I’m sure that you will have a good time and I know that Mediatakeout will have a few of their snoops there to report on the event.  To get tickets, use this link--http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004A2FB8E6ADD0?artistid=1504580&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202&tm_link=ms_home_event_link&ac_link=ms_home_event_tdusfortybelow

New York City is on fireeeeeeee!  Yes, yes folks.  Ms. Alicia Keys will be performing at the Barclay Center on April 5.  So far, Ms. Keys will be bringing 2012 and certainly 2013’s heartthrob—Miguel!  This is one show you do not want to miss.  For a stellar show like this, I can guarantee the tickets will be out soon.  Now is your chance to get your tickets.  Visit this website to check out the prices and get your seats before the time is out.  http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004A29E206A824?artistid=807171&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=202

For all my sports lovers, most specifically Knicks and Nets fans, I have a treat for you.  Recently, I came across a wonderful website called Scorebig.com.  Now, when I first found it and discovered how phenomenal their deals were, I was convinced they were a scam.  Nope!  Turns out, they were the best website I’ve discovered in a while.  Scorebig, in short, resells tickets to popular events, including concerts and sporting events, for killer prices.  All that you have to do is choose an event and offer a bidding price for your tickets.  Within hours to two days, they will let you know whether your bid has been accepted.  I scored 2 tickets to a Nets game sitting 10 rows away from the floor for 200 bucks!  Keep in mind; I did purchase the tickets a month and a half in advance. Visit Scorebig.com to score your tickets to the next Knicks or Nets game!

- Brittany Spell 

J. Cole Drake x Curren$y

Spring Break is almost here, and I know you’re just as excited as I am to have a break already.  So what should you listen to while your sitting on a beach, travelling home or just running around campus?  J. Cole’s Truly Yours is a definite must. While I restlessly wait for Cole to drop his second album, he gave us a little taste of what to expect.  The EP is a great display of Cole’s talent.  Its clear we are waiting for something special. ‘Can I Holla At Ya’ has this crazy beat with a Spanish guitar lacing the track while ‘Rise Above’ has Cole’s crafted story like flow that keeps it on my replay.  Then of course was the release of ‘Power Trip’ featuring Miguel, which has everyone talking.  I just can’t wait for the release of Born Sinner. 

Drake’s new single ‘Started From the Bottom’ is the type of track that you should expect to hear everywhere.  The beat is more than addictive and the flow is just right, Drake is a master at this.  But, I can’t say the lyrics do anything for me, it’s the kind of song that you keep playing, but you know Drake can do better.  While we’re on the subject of Young Money, Nicki Minaj and French Montana finally released their highly promoted ‘Freaks’ track.  This high energy track will defiantly be around for the summer, it has the kind of beat that makes you just want to dance. 

Since last week was all about the Grammy’s I didn’t mention Curren$y’s New Jet City mixtape, but I just can’t get enough of it so I knew I had to share.  Curren$y may be one of the most consistent rappers in the game.  Putting out mixtape after mixtape of his detailed beats and raspy voice floating on his tracks, New Jet City delivers just as his others do.  Some of my favorites on the tape are ‘Coolie in the Cut’, ‘Mary’, ‘Choosin’ and ‘Sixteen Switches’. 

What’s On My Replay?

Freaks – Nicki Minaj ft French Montana

You Don’t Even Know It – Rocko ft. Future & Rick Ross

‘Truly Yours’ – J.Cole

Mirrors – Justin Timberlake

Started From The Bottom- Drake

Grammys

It’s the week after the Grammys!  So you know its going to be full of the stories, the disagreements and Chris Brown’s face when he lost to Frank Ocean in the Best Urban Contemporary Album.  So here’s the run down.  The first award went to the timeless songstress Adele for Best Pop Song for ‘Set Fire to the Rain’.  Such a well deserved win for such a humble artist.  A great performance of the night was the Wiz-Miguel combo for ‘Let my Love Adorn You Remix’.  Miguel sounded so sweet as he bellowed out on the Grammy stage and gained much respect after his win for Best R&B Song for ‘Adorn’.  Other winners include Beyonce for ‘Love On Top’, Jay-Z & Yeezy taking home two for ‘N****s in Paris’ and one for ‘No Church in the Wild, Rihanna for the Best Short Form Music Video with ‘We Found Love’, Best Rap Album for Drake’s ‘Take Care’- sorry 2 Chaniz and then of course my favorite win of the night Frank Oceans win for ‘channel ORANGE’. 

Perhaps the most talked about stars where Chris & Rih while being cuddled up in the front row clearly comfortable with putting their love on display.  Rih had two outstanding performances and three amazing outfits!  A heartfelt rendition of ‘Stay’ and then later turned it up on a show stopping tribute to Bob Marley joined by Ziggy and Damian Marley, Sting and Bruno Mars, which was probably my favorite performance of the night.  Another great duo for the Grammy stage was JT and Jay-Z “get out ya seat Hov!” it was an upbeat high energy performance that set the tone for Justin’s album The 20/20 Experience dropping March 19^th.  Those were just a few of my favorite moments!

If you know anything about me you know that Rihanna is my ultimate girl crush and besides killing the Grammy’s last night in her red dress, Rih put out her video for ‘Stay’ (finally!) Check it out below.

Rihanna "Stay"

Bey is unstoppable! After shutting down the lights during the Super Bowl her tickets for ‘The Mrs. Carter Show’ kicks off in April so be quick to get your tickets!

What’s on my replay?

Same B**** - A%SP Rocky ft. Trey Songz

New Jet City Mixtape – Curren$y 

- Alyssa Jones

Work Off That V-Day Chocolate

Everybody loves a discount!  And one thing’s for sure—Brittany loves a great deal.  That’s why I’ve brought along one of my guilty pleasures—Groupon.  *Clears throat for sales pitch*  Groupon is an online website that features unbeatable discounted deals for any (and everything) you’re looking to get your hands into.  With outlets in hundreds of cities all over the world, the site nearly gives you deals for yummy restaurants, local spas, vibrant nightlife activities, heavenly massages, relaxing yoga classes and concerts for free, basically.  Seriously, they accommodate people with all needs and interests.  So how does it work?  You simply have to sign up and you’re ready to go.   Use this link to sign up: http://www.groupon.com//raf/UserReferral_rp/121015/10r1act/lk/uu49377063

With that out the way, I’ve selected 3 interesting Groupon deals happening in NYC!

            Ladies (or gentlemen) are you interested in burning a few calories while having some fun?  Do you know, or want to learn how to shake those hips like Baddie Bey?  Do you want to step out of your comfort zone and show people why your “hips don’t lie”?  If your answer was yes to any of the questions, NYC Belly Dance is where you need to be!  This Groupon deal features 5 classes, belly dancing or Zumba, for only $25!  This deal is a sure thing.  Valued at $60, you will be saving $35 on an exhilarating opportunity to learn a few moves for dance floor.  Click link to view the Groupon deal:  http://www.groupon.com/deals/nyc-belly-dance-1?pt=aURGkkzAAAAAQhlK1kxJGMPdOkyQwMeyP

            This next deal is perfect for date night.  Perhaps, Valentine’s day?  How does a late night out on the town sound?  Light appetizers, some cocktails, dessert and entertainment.  At Metropolitian Room you can get an once in a lifetime experience—a cabaret.  At this intimate and fancy venue, you will have pleasure of enjoying jazz played by the most skilled musicians and stomach-aching jokes from some outstanding comedians.  For $35, you get admission tickets, cocktails and dessert, which is really a really valued at $79.  All in all, this is a great Groupon for one of those slow-paced nights on campus.  It gives you a reason to get out and hit the city! Click link to view the Groupon deal: http://www.groupon.com/deals/metropolitan-room-1?pt=aURGkkzAAAAAbyY9_p5UYtK63mXVStzJ_

- Brittany Spell