When you say Snoop Dogg, most people conjure up images of smoke … (we’ll keep it PC for the kids!), “Dropping It Like It’s Hot,” or if you’re like me, his shiny natural hair. So, you can imagine my surprise upon hearing that our “old G” has been reborn as “Snoop Lion.” Yes … Snoop … Lion, as in the Rastafarian reference to the Lion of Judah.
During a 35-day retreat in Jamaica, Snoop fell in love with the island (Can you blame him? 😉 ) and Rastafari. He visited a rasta temple where he was given the Ethiopian name Berhane, meaning “light of the world.” Moved by his experience and “tired of hip hop,” Snoop believes that he is “Bob Marley reincarnated.”
Pauses. Scratches head. Bob Marley reincarnated??!!
Apparently the Marleys agree, as Bob Marley’s son, Rohan, gave Snoop his blessing. Snoop (eh, em) Lion will chronicle his spiritual development and experience in an upcoming reggae album called Reincarnated.
“Reggae was calling … it’s a breath of fresh air,” he said. “Rap isn’t challenging; it’s not appealing.” Snoop went on to name legendary reggae artists Peter Tosh and Jimmy Cliff as other influencers.
I’m happy to have JA on the map and, most importantly, in a positive light. I just hope that this isn’t another gimmick or Hollywood ploy to cash in on my bredren!
I understand that the island can inspire you. Snoop isn’t alone. James Bond creator and author, Ian Fleming, used his Jamaican retreat, Goldeneye, as a backdrop in his novels.
And the music–majestic. I may be totally biased, but have you seen how people act in a club once the music switches to reggae? LOL. Blame it on the drums and bass.
Bob Marley’s quote on life
Given the greatness that is Bob, the beauty of finding spirituality, and the Cali-coolness of Snoop, I’ll give this one a pass … for now. I just wonder if this is the end of Snoop’s curly mane or if he will lock it up in dreads and stuff them into his tam the way a true rasta man does.
Him a turn dread fi fashion, a fi dem, a fi we? 😉
Only time will tell. For now, let’s congratulate Snoop on his turn in life and apparent newfound relationship with Jah. Let’s also remember a few lessons from Bob, a man who remained true to himself and his beliefs, regardless of however controversial and rejected they may have been. From Paul McCartney to the Fugees and No Doubt, Bob continues to leave his mark 31 years after his death! Let’s do the same. Live a life worth living and shape generations to come.
Click here to read more about Snoop Dogg’s transformation to Snoop Lion.
In case you’ve been deprived (say it isn’t so!) or just want to celebrate all that is Bob, don’t forget to catch his “Rock Doc” (and locks) on VH1 this Sunday!
UPDATED: The documentary premieres on Saturday, 8-4-12!
Cindy Crawford interviews model Linda Evangelista backstage at the Giorgio di Sant’ Angelo show in 1990. Photo: MTV
Turn back the clocks to circa 1990. I’m wearing “my uniform” consisting of black jeans and a navy blue top. It was my uniform because I wore it nearly every day. Blame it on wearing school uniforms as a child or just plain comfort, but that was the extent of my external fashion.
While I wasn’t outwardly styled, internally I-loved-fashion. I couldn’t get enough of Vogue, Ebony, InStyle, etc. You name it, and I had to read it. I also had to watch it all: Videofashion, Fashion Television (loved it!), Style with the highly intelligent and posh Elsa Klensch, and the biggie–MTV’s House of Style. Yes, that of which was memorably hosted by Cindy Crawford.
Well, we’re in for good news. Word on the street is that House of Style is making a comeback this fall! I am really excited about this. I know that there have been previous attempts to revive the show, but now, with a new generation of young trendsetters, perhaps this one will work.
Israeli model and curlie Esti Mamo
But who will host it? We are past the era of the supermodel (I knew them all!). Wait. Moment of silence. Resume. Given this, I anticipate that the host will be either a Victoria’s Secret model or an actress/personality known for her fashion styling. I’m placing my bet on either Adriana Lima, Gisele Bundchen, or Kendall Kardashian. More K love? Of course, you know that I would root for any curly girl. Hey, hair and fashion go hand in hand! I suggest Israeli model Esti Mamo or U.S. model Chanel Iman.
“There’s a lot of thinking that’s going into figuring this role out, when this announcement will be, and who the type of person is who we want to be the face of [the show],” says Sophia Rai, vice president of digital production at MTV.
We’ll just have to wait and see when the host is revealed at the MTV Movie Awards on September 6. Stay tuned! To get you warmed up, MTV is airing a documentary on the show which will air on August 7. Let’s check out the trailer and look back at a classic episode of MTV’s House of Style.
Below: The trailer for the MTV documentary on House of Style. I watched every episode!
Below: From the archives–an early episode of House of Style. Look at how young Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Veronia Webb, and Linda Evangelista were! Baby models. They’re all still gorgeous. Miss the supermodel era. Sigh.
In our previous discussion on the politics of natural hair, we talked about politicians’ and their spouses’ hair. Today we look at the “natural hair movement,” as highlighted by MSNBC commentator Melissa Harris-Perry (love her!), who’s known for her long twists–not locks/dreads (as referred to by my Caribbean bredrens). The videos are included further below.
During the June 10th episode of her show, Harris-Perry interviewed a group of well-known and intelligent, natural haired women. The panel included actress and newly natural gal, Nicole Ari Parker, as well as blogger Nikki Walton of CurlyNikki. Hair-raising highlights and facts include:
Fact: Black hair care products have totaled $185M
Fact: In 2011, 36% of black women did not straighten their hair (via perms)
In regards to the “natural hair movement,” Nikki Walton says, “It’s about empowering textured women.”
A shout out to Hair Rules’ salon by Nicole Ari Parker (love her hair and applaud her for going natural). I can’t speak for the salon, but Hair Rules’ Quick Curls has been a life saver for my wash and gos thus far.
Fact: In 2006-2011, sales of hair relaxers dropped by 17%.
Anthea Butler of the University of Pennsylvania describes the “tumble weaves of hair in Harlem.” I nearly died hearing her describe this. Having worked right by Harlem, I am familiar with the many beauty supply stores … and tumbling strands of “good hair!”
How our fathers’ (and men in general) acceptance of us has a lot to with our own acceptance of our hair. How many times have you second guessed a natural ‘do because you weren’t sure if your significant other or the powerful male figure in your life would approve of it?
I think the interview was spot on. Melissa Harris-Perry gave kudos to all the black women who proudly sported their majestic curly manes well before it was the hip thing to do. I second that emotion and give credit to Angela Davis, Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and all the trailblazing women in that category.
Perhaps next time Harris-Perry can conduct a follow-up in-depth analysis on why so many black women are currently choosing to embrace their natural hair (blame it on the recession, the influx of natural hair resources, or our new-found love of our hair?). It would be interesting if we compared and contrasted this with our Caucasian curly girls and their relationship with their textured hair. They have a journey as well.
That’s my two cents but what are your thoughts on this coverage? Check out the videos below.
The candidate with the best hair always wins” ~ Article in the Huffington Post
A Photoshopped image of Michelle Obama with and without natural hair.
What if a presidential candidate or his/her spouse had natural hair? According to a recent article in the Huffington Post, that candidate would stay as is—a candidate.
Written by my former Columbia University classmate and political commentator, Keli Goff (good job Keli!), the article stresses the importance of appearances and its impact on political aspirations. Candidates’ weight and facial hair are discussed, but the topic of natural hair caught my attention. According to the Huff, not only is the public particular about candidates having the “right” hairdo (helmet hair comes to mind), but they are also anti afros of the Angela Davis kind.
Angela Davis and her signature afro
While authenticity is deemed as trumping all other factors, it is “the candidate with the best hair who wins.” Christine Jahnke, a media trainer who has advised both First Lady Michelle Obama and Senator Al Franken, says, “The wise candidate recognizes that appearances do count — from hair to hemline to heel height.”
The issue of whether or not female candidates and politicians’ spouses can sport curly manes is often debated and spreads into the current job race. Across many hair blogs, women are weighing in on discussions about hair appropriateness for work. Some women have decided to tuck away their curls or straighten their hair for job interviews. Other professionals like Ursula Burns, chairman and CEO of Xerox, have risen through the corporate ranks, proudly sporting an afro. Ah, but it is a shortly cropped ‘fro like Burns’ hair that is deemed as more “attractive,” according to Michael Goldman, a political consultant. It’s short enough to be discreet, without fueling assumptions about race and politics.
Xerox CEO and Chairman Ursula Burns
In the U.S., the number of women who have big chopped or transitioned into wearing their natural hair has increased steadily over the last three years, as evident by the increase in YouTube videos, blogs, and media coverage of African Americans’ natural hair. As much as the natural hair movement appears to be spreading among every day women, it still hasn’t found acceptance in politics.
Nevertheless, let us curlies and non curlies keep hope alive and work towards changing perceptions of the norm, regardless of political views. Remember, it was not too long ago that the idea of having an African American president once seemed far-fetched as well, but we are finally here. Perhaps one day as your favorite show is interrupted by a message from the White House, it will be followed by the image of an afro.
As a favor to a friend, I was asked to give advice to a college senior and fellow curly girl (yes!) on the working world and career options in the field of communications. After sharing my thoughts, it had me thinking about the journey we call life (bare with me for a moment).
I believe that part of our life lessons is to find, accept (for good and bad), and learn from ourselves throughout our different phases and stages. It may sound simplistic and easy for some of you to achieve. I commend you! For others, it’s a lifelong struggle between pleasing people by acting in accordance to their standards and being authentic to ourselves. This spans our career choices, how we present ourselves to others, and what we say about ourselves.
As a people pleaser, I often find myself questioning whether I’ve agreed with someone because I truly concurred with their thoughts or if it was expected of me and makes that person feel better knowing that I don’t challenge their thoughts. It’s as if some influencers–loved ones, friends, and acquaintances–are dangling a box in which a mold has already been cast.
Now, I will advise you as I advised this young lady. Whenever you’re presented the mold, step away! If not, you will miss the opportunity to live a fulfilling life and achieve success doing what is in your element, what God has gifted you to do. It is your choice to forge your own path and embrace your true self.
I too struggle with this, so I’m reminding both of us today. Let us repeat Uta Hagen’s words and remember to overcome the notion that we must be regular. Yes, let your freak flag fly!
Have you been forced into a mold? Have you broken free of it? Please share your story.
Thandie Newton and her curly mane, courtesy of Kay Montano
You may have seen her in Mission Impossible 2, Crash, or For Colored Girls, among an impressive list of other films. However, Thandie Newton first made an impression on me in the 1991 film, Flirting. She and Nicole Kidman, who sported her beautiful red hair (oh, I wish she could reclaim her curly mane), were just budding actresses at the time. Thandie’s career, like Nicole’s, took off. She’s since been herald for her talents as a Bafta award-winning actress as well as for her beauty. Little did we know that throughout it all, Thandie was also struggling with her naturally curly hair.
In an interview with make-up artist Kay Montano of Kaymontano.com, Thandie opens up about her childhood experiences and spending two years growing out her relaxer.
“To be honest I do struggle with hairdressers, even now. The main problem is that hairdressers (and some at the top of their game) don’t understand how my type of hair changes dramatically depending on what climate, substance, effects it. Water in anyform is like a cheeky magic wand – even mist! But with the correct tools, my kind of hair can do ANYTHING, which is brilliant!”
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