BRANDY! Two Eleven Listening Party and Concert FOTD

Brandy Norwood is back with her 6th album, entitled Two Eleven (her birthday and the day that Whitney Houston died.)  It was released on October 16th with 17 tracks (an intro and outro are included.)  The album has a mix of her traditional R&B sound and some futuristic funk by way of Bangladesh and Sean Garrett.  Read along and indulge in my fan life of Brandy.  I will go thru an e-listening party of Two Eleven and after, I'll show you my FOTD that I wore to her concert.

I pre-ordered the Deluxe edition CD on iTunes for it's 10-16-12 release.  I've been listening to it non stop on my iPod ever since.  Pull out the CD if you have it and let's go track by track on what I think of the album, what my favorite tracks are and what I least liked. You can leave your thoughts on the album, etc in the comments.

1. "Intro"

I love her intros, outros, interludes... it gives a bit of life to the album.  This intro is no exception with a hard beat getting us ready for the what's in store on the album.

 2. "Wildest Dreams" 

This was released as her second single.  While I think another track could have been chosen as the second single, the lyrics are super sweet as she dedicates some of the words to her new beau (See the credits on her deluxe version of Two Eleven.)  Never in her wildest dreams did she think someone could care about her.

3. "So Sick" 

Definitely one of my favorites.  An intoxicating beat gives bass and drama to a situation all too familiar.  Brandy talks about being love sick over someone who isn't worth the heartache. 

4. "Slower" 

Even after listening to this album numerous times, I didn't realize there was a track called Slower ;( Making love slower? I don't know.  I don't really listen to this track.

5. "No Such Thing As Too Late"

This is one of the traditional R&B cuts that I like on a night that I want to hear slow jams.  There's no such thing as too late when you are waiting on love.

 6. "Let Me Go"

I've become a sucker for the hard beats and tempo changes on this album. With a sample of "Tonight" (Lykke Li),  Brandy has another dance hit and another song marked as a favorite by me!  Baby, don't let me go.

 7. "Without You" 

This is my number 1 favorite on the album.  Without You is another R&B hit, awesome beat, but Brandy really sings on this one.  If I'm not listening to the album, I'm listening to this one song on repeat.  She sings from the heart on how she feels about life without her lover.

8. "Put It Down" feat. Chris Brown 

This was Brandy's first single from the album.  Chris Brown is featured and was one of the writers for this song.   Most of you have heard it, but it's a fun song where she talks about a guy doing what it takes to win her heart, not just looking the part.  The video is equally as fun  with C Breezy doing his thing, shirtless and tatted.

9. "Hardly Breathing"

Brandy stays true to her R&B roots on this track.  It is reminiscent of her Human tracks.  She mentions her mom again on this song.. I love Sonya, but she's ruled Brandy with an iron fist...In this song she's weary about a lover and wants him out of her life. She's hurt and hardly breathing.

 10. "Do You Know What You Have?" 

Like Slower, this is another red light special.  While she's basically asking her lover, does he know what he has in her, the tempo and melody suggests it's candle light music or head to the bedroom kinda music.

11. "Scared of Beautiful" 

Ahhh of all the R&B songs on this album, this one just hits the heart.  It wasn't a number one favorite until I heard her sing it live with so much conviction and emotion, it was hard not to see her side of the story.  In this song she's vulnerable and open, but many of us can relate to not believing that we are beautful or great at some point.  She shares this with us and Frank Ocean helps her to keep it real, tender and open.  I love it and reminds me why I love her so much. This would be my #2 song on the album. Seriously, hearing it live is another experience. 

Eeks... to be completely honest, the next few songs didn't move me much so I don't have a lot of thoughts about them.  I don't listen to them that much :(

12. "Wish Your Love Away" 

 13. "Paint This House" 

Another R&B, take it to the bedroom jam 

14. "Can You Hear Me Now?"

Nice song that I think I can hear being featured on The Game soon ;)

 15. "Music" 

16. "What You Need" 

This song is the best part of having the deluxe version of the album.  This is definitely one of my favorite songs.  Strictly for lovers, this song like So Sick mixes R&B melodies with tempo changes and heavy beats. I love it! Brandy isn't afraid to get sexy for us on the album.

18. "Outro"

The outro takes us out as we came in with a dope beat. Brandy gave us a mix of her style while taking risks.  This album was definitely a solid effort that took us back to the Brandy we all know and love.

 I'm really excited for Brandy and very proud of her and her work on this album.  I feel like I grew up with her: Thea, her music, Moesha, all of the reality shows when she was pregnant with Sy'rai to Dancing with the Stars, from love lost to love gained.  I'm still a fan 100%.  While the album Human got lost in the shuffle it was still a solid effort that she should be proud of.  Die hard fans know what it offered.  This album doesn't quite compare as Brandy is taking  a lot more risks, but is still true to her.  I love the album!

Now on to the concert and fotd!

I got to the venue and checked in on Yelp and .......................... my phone flatlined.  -__-

While I don't have blurry, flash flooded and/or dark pics of Brandy in concert dancing with her backup dancers, I can tell you she put on a great show!  I didn't feel that because I was in a smaller venue, she compromised her performance.  She gave us full out songs that she sang from the heart, she danced and worked the stage and she did a fab Whitney tribute set. This was an item off my bucket list that I didn't know existed!  I'm such a fan.  Truly excited that I was able to experience her live.  I was able to rock out the entire time. 

The look I wore was totally inspired by MAC's Glamour Daze collection promo picture.  White liner on the lower inner rim and light baby pink lipstick.  The white liner for a graphic liner look is nothing new,but it was fun to try again!

EYES
Maybelline Color Tattoo Bad to the Bronze
MAC Cork shadow
MAC Legendary shadow
Revlon Color Stay liquid liner
MAC Fascinating eye kohl
Maybelline Mega Plush mascara

FACE
Mehron CelebreHD Pro  cream makeup in medium 3 (as concealer)
MAC Accentuate powder to set concealer and highlight
CoverGirl Queen Lasting Matte powder in Light Golden
 MAC Copper Beech contour cream
MAC Small Vanity Blush

LIPS
MAC Beauty lipstick
 Are you a Brandy fan? What do you think of her new album?

Chrisette Michele:Promo Image for new single Charades f. 2 Chainz

I love Chrisette.  She def gained more respect and love from me when she connected with readers and Patrice herself via comments on Afrobella.com.  She's so bad ass! I love when she does her promo images. They are so inspiring.  With spiked hair, a pompador, or a long weave--she's adorable, but this funky, dyed, natural.. I'm digging it and loving it best.  The shades and lipstick are just as amazing.

Her new single, Charades f. 2 Chainz is available for a listen on Refinedhype.com. I'm inclined to agree with author Danielle on on her review of the single and her opinion on the 2 Chainz feature.  I love some 2 Chainz, but he does nothing for the song, just like the opening verse on Justin Bieber's Girlfriend.  Maybe 2 Chainz should stick to being featured on rap songs.

I leave you with one of my favorite Chrisette moments, natural hair and all-- she performs with DC's all girl go go band, Be'la Dona.  If she ever does this again, I'm sooo there!

My Jam: Elle Varner "I Only Wanna Give It To You"

Elle Varner and Orson Whales brings us a fun, colorful, upbeat jam that echos a fashionista's thoughts.. "I want you more than a new pair of shoes!" How about that and that gorgeous head of hair? Love it!

Demi Lavato on Lil Wayne's How To Love

Seriously, I love me some Disney (the talent that they find and nurture)! Demi is fab! She rocks this song! I've found new respect for her and the song!

Check out some more pics she tweeted from the photoshoot for her new album, Unbroken, released today!



A deep, vamp, soft look! Look who's on board giving Demi that oh-so-fab contoured, vamp lip-- it's Joyce Bonelli!! This makes me totally excited for her album and watching her recreate her image after her Disney sabbatical.

Silver Lips Beauty's New Series: What's Your Theme Song features Me!

Nikkia of Silver Lips Beauty started a new series called What's Your Theme Song? She marries her love for beauty and music in an interactive way by asking some of your favorites beauty bloggers about their music choices, habits and more. Guess who's featured first in this series? That's right! Yours truly ;) Find out what song puts me in a Beyonce mood here!

Mos Def and friends for Gulf Aid

Visit Gulfaid.org to help! By the way, this is my jam on my iPod ;D

Janelle Monae 5/18/2010

Janelle Monae is set to release her highly anticipated album, Archandroid 5/18/2010. I just experienced TightRope (gotta check the video!)

I'm constantly being force fed some dang Nikki Minaj, but I had to sift through my google reader to catch her vid on a blog... a damn shame. When she first hit the scene a while back, she wasn't beat over my head by the radio stations so I didn't take notice as I had given up finding music that would speak to my soul... well, there's Gospel music, but she's not a Gospel artist. Seven, Erykah Badu and Andre 3000's son, has a big sister we never knew about...

She's also traveling with Erykah Badu and N.E.R.D on tour!
5.28/Washington, DC/Constitution Hall Appearing with Erykah Badu, N.E.R.D.
5.30/Baltimore, MD/The Pier Appearing with Erykah Badu, N.E.R.D.
6.2/Chicago, IL/Chicago Theater Appearing with Erykah Badu, N.E.R.D.
6.3/Chicago, IL/Chicago Theater Appearing with Erykah Badu, N.E.R.D.
6.4/Detroit, MI/Chene Park Appearing with Erkyah Badu, N.E.R.D.
6.6/Boston, MA/Orpheum Appearing with Erykah Badu
6.7/New York, NY/Roseland Appearing with Erykah Bady, ?uestlove
6.8/Philadelphia, PA/Tower

Now if we can get some interviews highlighting her style choices and beauty regimen.,, she has the most gorgeous skin ever!
Thanks VioletPoetry for reintroducing me to Janelle Monae!

Missing Valentine Look and Listen

Last, but not least, the missing Valentine look:
You're between a rock and a hard place, you don't need him and need to let him go, but you love him so. The Valentine that you know you want, but is not yours; you'll be better off without him. This look and play list is for you!

Deets:
FACE: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation
Milani powder foundation to set

Get my pink vday look!

-Base lid from lash to brow with soft ochre paint pot

-Base lid with white eye kohl or nyx milk jumbo pencil (I used Fascinating eye kohl by MAC)

-use a light pink on the lid (I used milani's light pink from the Dream Baby quad)

-use mac girlie in crease (slightly deeper pink)

-use mac cranberry in outer v

-for more depth use a bit of mac carbon in (smaller) outer v

-use mac gesso (white shadow) on inner v

-line upper lid with black liner, wing it

-line bottom lid with black liner, wing it down

-use white pencil in between wings of liner

-apply lashes (I used Red Cherry #

CHEEKS: Milani Cherries on Top Double Impact Blush (old!)
LIPS: En Point lipglass (MAC, LE, Danse collection '06-- cannot believe my gloss is that old ew! lol p.s. this is one of my fave pink MAC glosses!)

This looks soft in the pics, but trust it's more intense in real life!

There's the look, now join us in pulling some heart strings with our "missing Valentine" tunes! This list is a compilation of favorite missing love songs on the iPod from Teen Yummy411 and me!

Missing Valentine Play List
Do You-Neyo
I Miss My Friend- Mario
Love Lost- Trey Songs
Promise- Ciara
Golden- Chrisette Michelle
We Can't Be Friends- Deborah Cox
Ex-Factor- Lauryn Hill
Never Gonna Let You Go- Faith
Brokenhearted- Brandy f/Wanye
Missing You- Mary J. Blige
Officially Missing You- Tamia
I Wish- Carl Thomas

So there you have it! All the Vday categories: Love, Anti-VDay and Missing Valentine. I hope you enjoyed the series, the looks and the play lists. Are you with the Missing Valentine crew? Do you have a favorite song that captures this sentiment?

Anti- VDay Look and Listen

Some of us appreciate the love in our lives, but we don't celebrate VDay the traditional way with that S.O.S, romantic dinners and gifts. We tell these no good dudes to kick rocks and we celebrate loving ourselves. Here's for those of us giving VDay a middle finger!

Deets:
FACE: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation
Milani powder foundation to set

EYES: Viz-a-Violet pigment foiled (lid), Soft Brown (crease), Bobbi Brown yellow setting powder (highlight), Sea and Sky mineralized eyeshadow, deep blue side (bottom lid), blue liner

on top lid, UD Ransom-purple liner on waterline

NW30, NW25 Studio finish concealer (under eyes, outer corner of lips, cupid's bow, bridge of nose)

2 sets of Ardell wispies, stacked

CHEEKS: Smooth Harmony (to contour), MUFE 92 (blush) with a touch of NYX Mocha

LIPS: UD Ransom, MAC Love Knot lipglass (LE)

There's the look, now join us in jamming to some of our "love lost" hits! This list is a com

pilation of favorite anit-love songs on the iPod fromTeen Yummy411 and me!

Anti Vday Love Songs
*Gives You Hell- All American Rejects
*Take This Ring- Tony Braxton

*Up Out My Face- Mariah Carey f/ Nikki Minaj
That's Right- Ciara
So What- Pink
Since You Been Gone- Kelly Clarkson
Single Ladies-Beyonce
Regret (f/Ludacris)- LeToya
Switch- Jazmine Sullivan
Hot N Cold- Katy Perry

Call Tyrone- Erykah Badu

*our favorite songs on the list!

"Get out of my face" and "just call Tyrone!" LOL!

Are you with the Valentine's Day is for Love party or the Anti VDay party? Stay tuned for the Missing Valentine look (final one)! Check out a similar Anti-VDay look I did in '08!

Valentine's Day is for LOVE!

Inspired by this MUFE/Sephora add, I knew this would make a fab spicy Valentine's Day look. Not your typical, nude eye with a red lip, but a spunky gold and purple!

Deets:

FACE: MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation

Milani powder foundation to set

EYES: Soft Ochre paint pot (as base) Brash (on lid) Spiced Chocolate quad, Plum Dressing (crease)

Violet Trance (outer v), Up at Dawn-icy lilac (inner corner, bottom lid),

Loreal Extra Intense Liquid Pencil in black (to line lid- one of my fav black liners!!)

black liner and Urban Decay's Ransom liner-purple (water line and bottom lid)

Red Cherry #47 false lash

CHEEKS: NYX Mocha (hot pink), Clinique's Aglow blush (shimmering peach), MAC Smooth Harmony (contour)

LIPS: MAC Beet lipliner, Pure Vanity lipglass -true red (no more Taylor Swift red lip envy! lol)

There's the look and here's a fab soundtrack for lovers on Valentine's Day; a compilation of favorite love songs on the iPod fromTeen Yummy411 and me!

I hope you guys can jam with this playlist like we did!

*He Proposed- Kelly Price

*There Goes My Baby- Charlie Wilson (Uncle Charlay!)
Superhuman- Chris Brown
Lay Down- Floetry
Here I Stand- Usher
Head to Toe- Eric Roberson
Only One You- Fantasia
Love Like This-Natasha Bedingfield
I Love U- Chris Brown
Flaws and All- Beyonce
Nothing Even Matters- Lauryn Hill
Make Love- Keri Hilson
Dangerously in Love - Beyonce
Can't Get Enough- Tamia

*our favorites from the list!

Got a fave love jam for the day of love? Stay tuned for our Anti-Valentine's Day look and playlist!

Yummy411: Beyonce and NARS

Beyonce and NARS, totally unrelated, but two of the hottest things in my world right now.
B's new single is my anthem! How does she always get the club bangers?!

Love the song, but don't know how to feel about the vid. Hot choreography, but then again you expect jelly shaking from B. Jelly shakin river dance? The drop it low gyrating? I wish there was a real storyline in addition to the dancing.

Now here's the NARS part. I used the Cordura shadow duo over Fez single cream eye shadow. The business.

(picture courtesty of bellasugar.com)

This picture was the best I found in terms of accurate, clear color. The shadow duo on the right is Cordura, $32 (if you haven't seen it before). The best, most buttery, runway bronze and shimmery chocolate ever! I NOW BELIEVE. Oh no! Someone save me. I don't need another makeup addiction!!! I will not let NARS have my soul!

The single cream eyeshadow in Fez, $22 is superb. It's a nice natural, flattering gold shade. Minimal creasing and worked well for my brown smokey eye. It went on well as a base for the shadows. Very little creasing, if any. My lids had a wonderful, sophisticated glimmer. My camera couldn't catch the sparkle =/

Yummy411: Aw baby no! My favorite face wash is gone!

Recently I ran out of the best facial wash ever, my beloved iQ Derma facial wash. My face lashed out in panic...... (horrible pics of sad, angry and confused skin ahead. Beware!) Yeh and this was right on time... right before I left for Fashion Week in NY.

My skin and face sang out.....

"Baby don't go, no baby no baby no baby"
"I can't believe that this is happening to us. We made vows to never be apart." "So I guess I have to keep on hoping, wishing, praying that you are here and I'd rather end this self misery than to go on living without you..."

Who knows that song? Give you $5 if you can name that song. Sike...
Can't figure it out, check here.

Yes, I'm considering breaking my bank on another bottle of my iQ Derma. (I know there are others out there that shell out way more on their Chanel and LaMer, but CVS is less than 5 miles away for me.)

Yummy411: Inspired Melodies...

Pink has been my makeup muse lately... I'm in love with watching her vid U and Ur Hand just to watch the beautiful work... Billy B? Anyone know? I can't find any info...

Not any makeup inspiration, but here's T I's video for Whatever You Like.. Zara is that you? She'll always be Zara, sorry for trying to have any other career LOL.. Can I be that waitress? Isn't that how Matt Damon found his wife?? I would definitely love to be her. I'm working the wrong service job. Ditch the food servers.. Any millionaires looking for a government worker LOL.. hmmm

UGK remixed an R&B Jodeci joint? I'm wayyy too young for this! LOL ... I think I like it, cuz I think I'm a UGK fan on the low..

Ummmm I've always kept it old school on here posting vids, but I'm missing Slvrlips Z share files. I don't own more music than makeup. Yo where's a new post homie?

Yummy411: Damaged Inspired FOTD

I wanted to use the two Milani Runway Shadows that I finally posted about (not an official review). This past week instead of catching up on the traffic and weather scene, I've been tuning in to music videos. It seems like MTV is up to their old stuff. Do they have one music/video dvd for the morning? Every morning Danity Kane's Damaged comes on. The makeup worn looked like I could achieve it with my new shadows, so I thought I could try to do something similar....

My FOTD is semi-inspired by the Damaged video:

Danity Kane Damaged Lyrics

The song is okay, the lyrics.. hmm I can relate somewhat. Either way, here are some stills for you:


And here's me LOL.. I said I was semi inspired!

FACE: Almay Face Brightener Sheer Shimmer SPF 15 in Bronze Afterglow, MAC MSF Natural Pressed in Medium Plus, cheeks- Trace Gold and Harmony blushes (my face looked prettier and had more of a bronze glow in person.. esp. my cheeks!)

EYES: brows- Cork e/s, Layin Low paint pot, Milani Silver Charm on lid, Milani Bronze Doll in crease, brown half of HiP's Brazen Duo in outer v, Maybelline liquid eyeliner to line top lid, HiP's color truth cream eyeliner in Teal on bottom lashline with Bang on Blue e/s over it, Silver Charm on tear duct. Maybelline XXL Curl Power Microfiber Mascara with some Loreal Voluminous thrown in (a couple of coats!)

LIPS: L'Oreal Golden Splendor l/s with MAC's Crescent lipglass

A bit more cam whoring... see those lashes in the last pic? Gah, I hate having two totally different eyes!

Yummy411: Sunday's FOTD

Here's another song that I love, though I have a love-hate relationship with these brats. (Thanks lil sis for keeping my playlist fresh LOL)

Used: (all MAC unless stated)

::FACE::

prep and prime 50

airmist foundation (medium?)

Golden pressed bronzer powder

::BROWS::

cork e/s to fill

concealer to shape

::EYES::

UDPP

yogurt by Ulta (lid)

trax (?) (crease)

a darker purple in outer crease

mystery kohl power to line top lid

faint light pink (above crease)

white wet n wild liner for waterline

styli style bronze liner on bottom lash line

a faint turquoise e/s on bottom lid

bobbi brown foundation to conceal under eyes

::LIPS::

taupe notch lipglass

How's your week going so far?

Yummy411: Holiday Party Crashers Part 2

Have you had enough spiked eggnog yet? Cookies, pies and cakes to celebrate the holidays? Well, while at your holiday parties I hope you were having fun, but not celebrating by being the joke of the event!

Here are my top party blunders so far:

5. I hope you dazzled, but was not the glitter ball of the party- shoes, shirt, makeup, accessories, stockings, all sparkling. Even dusting a bit of sparkle in your hair. One place of dazzle is enough!

4. Socialize! Back up off of the cheese and cookies and stop babysitting your plate!

3. YOU, the office wino and the rest of the staff now have an inside joke about 'holiday punch.' What happened at the party, stays at the party. Not a good look!

2. The Christmas Song b.k.a. Chestnuts roasting on an open fire is a not slow song for you to get your groove on!

1. Shame on the DJ, but more so shame on you! You know you are too old to Crank Dat Soulja Boy!

Check out Elle for more great tips on the Do's and Don'ts of holiday partying (see upper right side bar.)

Yummy411: Fresh Face Beauty (Smashbox)

You all miss my Smashbox videos don't you? LOL Well, I do! For those of you craving a simplistic, minimalist look (think: on the go, preggo mommies, conservative work place, teens) here is a Smashbox video showing you how to get that fresh faced look, especially for teens!



Now here are two of my favorite teen fresh faced beauties!!
Yes, I'm a Disney fan!
Miley Cyrus as Hanna Montana "True Friend"



I love KeKe Palmer! Here she is singing her new hit "Keeping it Movin"

Coco Mademoiselle with Keira Knightley

Ms. Knightley is so perfect for Coco Chanel!



Joss Stone recreates Nat King Cole’s L-O-V-E. Simply gorgeous! What do you all think?

Just to share..

So this is after a meet up, where I was denied entry... makeup going to waste? Well no, just come home and have a photo shoot! LOL

"It ain't where he's at, it's where he wanna beeeee!"

"I don't want yo man, cuz I got it like that, but it ain't even gotta be like that"

Damn Missy! Why can't she EVA rap any lyrics that make sense???

But that song bangs... hahaha

Here, I'm trying to get in this summer look that I've been wanting to try. I gotta tweak it, cuz this look can be hotter... ugh I guess for next summer =)

"Here’s a lil lesson, Lil’ Kim don't stress em. 'Kick em' all straight to the curb like Beckham"

"If he ain’t gonna love you the way he should, then let it go(Heyyyeahhhhhh-yeahhhhh)

If he ain’t gonna treat you the way he should, then let it go"

9/25 Releases:

Keyshia Cole is dropping her new album

Jill (Scott) is finally releasing her project

Jagged Edge has an album (publicity? marketing?)

Keyshia's jam is the only record really getting play which is why I can recite these lyrics lol...

I need a preview to make sure it's not on BL status....