Monica Sings The National Anthem At NBA Game: 3

First there was Whitney, then there was Beyonce', now it Monica. R&B singer, and big sister to the site Monica, sang at The Lakers v. Celtics Game 3 last night. Her rendition of the National Anthem was by far superb. Monica, who recently released her latest album "Still Standing" is truly showing the music game that she hasn't gone anywhere. In case you were living under a rock last night and missed my big sister kill the National Anthem, The Black Tie Affair is broadcasting it to you right here. And if you haven't picked up Mo's album, I need you to do it ASAP! Much love to Monica and the family.

Lil' Kim vs. Nicki Minaj

Ever since our girl Nicki Minaj has hit the scene, everyone wants to say that she's coming for Lil' Kim's title as the freaky girl in Hip-Hop. But for the record, Nicki is making a name for herself in her own way. This past weekend, Lil' Kim did a performance were her longtime ex-boyfriend Ray-J accompanied her. Ray took shots at Nicki and Kim egged him on as well. On the other hand a NYC underground rapper by the name of Keyz fired a few shots at the Harajuku Barbie over her freestyle "Itty Bitty Piggy", featured on her mixtape "Beam Me Up Scotty". Why all the hatred toward Nicki? I personally love Miss Minaj, and had the pleasure of meeting her in Atlanta were TBTA did a feature on her B-Day even in December. But i guess its true. Everyone isn't gonna like you. And in this industry, its more than just a few. Keep Your Head Up NICKI! we love u!
Checkout the video of Keys "Nicki Minaj diss" ma was fly, but Nicki has a deal. She doesnt.

Erykah Badu and Nicki Minaj Covers VIBE

With the resent hype of who will cover VIBE this summer. Both Erykah Badu and Nicki Minaj grace the the June issue. How you might ask? Well our people at VIBE informed that this issue was the most special, being that both Nicki and Erkyah are blowing up the charts. Check them out for your self.

Beyonce' "Why Don't You Love Me"

A few minutes ago, "The Queen B" Beyonce' just released her latest video/mini film "Why Don't You Love Me". Bey never fails to give you life with every project she puts out. She takes you back to the 50's as B.B. Homemaker, a housewife that does it all. Checkout the video for yourself, Its such a GREAT! way to bring TBTA back. We've been gone for a minute, but were back in action. We send much love to Beyonce' for this video.

"Why Don't You Love Me" - Beyoncé from Beyoncé on Vimeo.

Telephone....The Official Video

About 15 minutes, connects emailed me the official video of Lady Gaga feat. Beyonce Telephone. The long awaited video has had the entire music industry on pins and needles. But here at the Black Tie Affair we are broadcasting it to you right now. After watching the video, I must say that its not what i thought it would be. Gaga, chose to set this video up as a mini movie featuring the Queen Bey, and R&B singer Tyrese. If you pay close attention, you'll see various relations to the the Blockbuster film Kill Bill: Vol, 1&2. Overall this video left me extremely speechless in the end, especially the To Be Continued.... left at the end of the movie. So does this mean there is a remix approaching?..speculations say maybe. but here at TBTA will keep you posted every step of the way.

Fantasia is back For Real!

Tonight was the season finale of season 3 American Idol winner Fantasia Barrino's VH1 show Fantasia: For Real. Night after night we watched Tasia struggle with family and issues of the industry. But through it all she made it. Fantasia recently released her first single Even Angels off her 3 and long awaited album that's due to drop later this year. The soft and sweet track allows Tasia to pour out her soul and if you listen closely, you can even hear her crying. Fantasia believes "I cant sing a song unless i can really relate to it". And judging from the few songs on the show, this is her supreme breakout album. So bump all the other blogs, this one is on Team Fantasia. And will continue to bring you the goods surrounding our girl. Hopefully we can get an interview sometime soon.

Ludacris Is Back!

ATL's own and friend to all who love true rap music, Ludacris is back with another studio album. Battle of The Sexes is truly one for the clubs. Featuring artist like Nicki Minaj, Lil' Kim, Monica, Trey Songz, etc. Luda's album will truly be the talk of the Spring and Summer. The official release date is 3/9/10. And if you thought How Low and My Bad Chick were bangers, go cop the album for yourself and see just how fye it really is. We give mad props to Ludacris, and continue to wish him much success. Allegedly Luda is a fan of the Black Tie Affair. Well we hope he like this post!!!!!!

Lil' Wayne GOES IN!

Today was the official sentencing of Young Money CEO Lil' Wayne. These past few days of his freedom have truly been hard for his family and those dear to him, especially his fans. As a process of preparing for his sentence, Wayne had to get dental veneers, replacing his platinum grill. He also had to allegedly cut off his hair. Wow! when Wayne gets out, we really wont recognize him. All day today, the members of Young Money; Nicki Minaj, Tyga, Gutta Gutta, etc. tweeted their encouraging words for Wayne, as he headed to prison. Wayne is truly gonna be missed, but we all know this gives him time to come harder once released.

Nivea "Love Hurts"

Its seems as if only a few months ago, R&B singer Nivea had just given birth to her and Lil' Wayne's first child. Now she's back in the studio working on a new album. Earlier today Nivea released her latest video entitled "Love Hurts" were she bears all about here and Weezy's relationship. As if this was juicy enough, she features Wayne in the video, were he plays her love interest. Ironic?, by no means. We all are aware that Wayne will be serving time in jail pretty soon, so I guess Nivea wanted to air all this dirty laundry ASAP. I wonder what Lauren London has to say about this? TBTA has the official cut of Nivea's video, check it out yourself.

Rihanna "Rude Boy"

Yesterday was the official release of the 3rd single from the long awaited, darkest album yet, by Rihanna. "Rude Boy" is a seductive song in which Rih looks to find a guy who can handle her high sex drive. But by judging the video, she defiantly showed a very sexual and playful side. Giving you major colors, and out of this world outfits,; Rihanna is HOTT from start to finish. Checkout the video for yourself and see what you think.

Pearl Restaurant & Lounge

Last night while everyone was tuned into the Grammy Awards, I had the pleasure of checking out another one of Atlanta's hottest chill spots. Graduating Senior of Spelman College and CEO of Affairs of Isis; Danielle Jeter was the host for this extravagant event. Located at the Pearl Lounge 253 Peters St. In the heart of the Atlanta University Center, this private affair was one for the history books. The mood of the place was a very chill and intimate one, everyone dressed to the occasion in business casual attire. There were food and drinks to go around. Cuisines included Caesar salads, quesidias, and even a 5 star cheesecake that had everyone mouth watering. It truly felt good to be surrounded around the positive socialites of the AUC community, and the host Ms. Jeter made sure everyone was at ease. Pearl Restaurant & Lounge was truly the place to be last night in Atlanta. And here at TBTA we send a special Happy Birthday shout out to Danielle Jeter, CEO of Affairs of Isis.

HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY D.FORD

Happy New Years to all of you!!! We pray that everyone had a safe break. Here at The Black Tie Affair, we plan to kick of 2010 in a MAJOR way. First we will be celebrating the Founder and CEO of TBTA's 20th Birthday this weekend. D.Ford had planned a small intimate dinner with his AUC family, Facebook friends, and Twitter buddies at one of Atlanta's finniest dinning spots. The dinner will take place at Tavern Restaurant located in Phipps Plaza in the heart of Buckhead Monday January 18, 2010. Notifications have been sent out via Facebook and Twitter, and those close to him will receive personal text messages and phone calls. The attire for this event is casual but of course we have to throw a twist of Black Tie, just for perks. But we ask that you come out and celebrate this special day with our guy. We look forward to seeing you there. Reservations have been made for 7:00pm-11:00pm

Sell Back Books The Bookstore Won't Take Back!!!

Hello world! When I first saw this I didn't believe it either, but you can actually sell back the books your college bookstore will not take back. The organization is called Belltower Books and they buy back your old books. In its Information Section of the website, Belltower Books says; "Belltower Books was founded by two Cornell students to give fellow students a way to sell all of their textbooks conveniently. As students ourselves, we grew tired of book buy-backs that wouldn't buy all of our texts. As Cornellians, we didn't want to fight hills or snow or exams when selling our books. Now, with Belltower Books, students can turn their old textbooks into quick cash with NO EFFORT!" And now the Northern based organization is here in the AUC. With groups on Facebook, and workers on campus this is defiantly a college students dream. Did I forget to mention, once you schedule an appointment with them, they will come to you and give cash on the spot. I know a lot of y'all are still holding on to books that your various bookstores would not accept back, and they're collecting dust. so TBTA has the official link to Belltower Books. Cash in your books today!!!!

http://belltowerbooks.com/

Happy Birthday Nicki Minaj!!!!

This past weekend the Harajuku Barbie Nicki Minaj celebrated her birthday here in Atlanta. Friday night Nicki and Trina shut down Studio 72 in Atlanta, calling all Barbies and Kens to join them. Doors opened at 11:00 and we partied until 5am. The Black Tie Affair was defiantly in the building to party with Nicki and Trina. There were even surprised guest like Terrance J, Soulja Boy, and Rasheeda. This was the place to be this weekend. In case you missed it. TBTA has official pics from Friday night. Happy Birthday to all the Sags from The Black Tie Affair.

World A.I.D.S Day 2009

Today marks the official World AIDS Day. This epidemic has tainted communities for almost 2 generations. Across the world, their will be different rallies and events taking place. Here at The Black Tie Affair, we give our support to those who suffer from this deadly disease, as well as send special condolences to those that lost the battle with AIDS. Make sure you all practice safe sex, Its better to be SAFE than SORRY. As a whole, we can all stop this disaster from killing our brothers and sisters. So wear your red ribbons, or some form of red to show you support.

Beyonce feat. Lady Gaga Video Phone Remix The Official Video

A few hours ago Beyonce & Sony Music World released the official video for Video Phone Remix featuring Lady Gaga. Everyone is trying to get their hands on the video. And it may have taken a minute, but The Black Tie Affair has it, and is bringing it to all the viewers. Check It out for your self.

Kandi Is BACK!

Former Xscape member and Real Housewife of Atlanta star Kandi Burruss is back with her official album. It seems as if this is the season for new releases. Kandi a former member of Atlanta based group Xscape has been off the record for a number of years, and with a major comeback on the Bravo show The Real housewives of Atlanta, we see just how talented this woman is. At a later date fans can expect the official LP "B.L.O.G.S" from Kandi, but for now she has released on iTunes an EP of 5 tracks, including the hit Fly Above and Trade Him In feat. Gucci Mane. Kandi is truly showing the music industry that she is here to stay. Ive had the chance to personally meet Kandi and I must say she is a beautiful spirit inside and out, so I wish her nothing but success in here future endeavors. She also has a store here in Atlanta called Tags that i would enforce all the female readers to visit, you never know Kandi just may be walking through the store, or greeting you at the door. Much love to you Kandi, cant wait for the Fly Above video shoot. I know you're gonna invite TBTA right??!!!

Rated-R

For the past few weeks. The Good Girl Gone Bad herself has leaked tracks from her long awaited 4th album entitled "Rated-R". Yours truly had been able to grab a copy of the LP and from beginning to end Rihanna pours her heart and soul into every track. What makes this album different from her previous ones, is this one is very dark. With songs like Russian Roulette, Mad House, and Te Amo Rihanna bears it all, even the relationship with former boyfriend Chris Brown. Off the record, Rihanna endured a lot, even the thought of suicide. I don't the media is ready for this one. If y'all thought the 20/20 interview was a trip wait until the album drops. As of now the official release date for Rihanna's album is expected for November 23, 2009. Make sure you get your copy!