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!

Judge Glenda Hatchett Talks to the Men of Morehouse College

This past Thursday the honorable Judge Glenda Hatchett was the guest speaker at Morehouse College's Crown Forum. Hatchett, a well known judge and positive figure in today's society, addressed the Men of Morehouse in terms of making us better. No sooner than she stepped to the podium to speak, Hatchett let us know that we belonged to her, and that she expected nothing but the best from us. This struck home for every male sitting in the audience. I even saw one of my fellow brothers in tears from Hatchett's act of concern. As a second year student at Morehouse College, I can truly say that she is thus far the best speaker we've yet to have. She had no problem keeping it real with us, and informing us that the world we live in is a cruel one, and we must take it on, being prepared to the fullest. As a black woman growing up in Atlanta, Ga. minutes away from our profound institution, Hatchett also told us her rise to fame. An Emory University graduate to say the least. Hatchett truly represents what great things will come from those who continue on the right path. After her inspirational speech to the brothers of Morehouse, there was a small luncheon in her honor were representatives of the Black Tie Affair were also in attendance. She made sure she got around to each and every brother, dropping off even more encouraging words in the spirits of those who hungered for it. In the up coming future I look forward to working with Judge Hatchett and her new law program at Emory University. She inspires us all to be better than we were yesterday, and for that here at the Black Tie Affair we would like to send our love to her.

Congrats Mr& Mrs. Lamar Odom

The latest news on Khloe Kardashian and her marriage to NBA player Lamar Odom has had news waves blowing up!. Last week it was official and ever since then these two have not been out of the public eye. Rumors have speculated that this is all a publicity stunt for Kardashian and that no official prenuptial agreement has been issued from the Odom camp. Whatever the case may be, Khloe walked down the isle in her one of a kind Vera Wang wedding dress; with bridesmaids including sisters Kim and Kourtney. Also featured was bff Lauren London and LaLa Vasquez. The Kardashian/Odom wedding was truly the IT place to be in Beverly Hills last week. It almost was as hot as Jay-Z and Beyonce's. Mom-iger Kris Jenner sold the official wedding pics for a couple million dollars to OK magazine, who were not allowed to leak any of them until the issued hit news stands. E! was also in effect filming the entire ceremony for the next season of the Kardashian show. Talk about exclusive! But yesterday the season finale of "Kourtney & Khloe Take Miami" aired and it was sad to see the girls leave MIA. On the other hand the trailer for the next season of "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" also aired, and if you missed it, all i can tell you is to make sure in December you have your eyes glued to the television. This season the Kardashians wild out, they show everything leading up to Khloe's wedding, and of course the drama we love. Kourtney goes through her pregnancy, Khloe gets married, and Kim......well they had to keep us in suspense. We have to tune in to see exactly what Kim will do.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta Suffer A Tragic Loss

This past weekend as two of my good friends and I hit the streets of Atlanta about 2:00 am to get some food. One of my friends twitter buzzed out of control with a ton of R.I.P AJ tweets. Curious on exactly who this AJ was he turned to me and asked. Being the entertainment lover I am there were only about two famous AJ's I knew of. Within the next few minutes, my phone went off like crazy informing me that the ex-fiancee of Kandi from the Real Housewives of Atlanta , was just stabbed and beaten to death at the local strip club "Body Tap" here in Atlanta. This was a supreme shocker for me, I could only imagine how Kandi and the children are taking this. Our hearts go out to the entire family. When will people get the message about violence, we cant keep loosing people of this craziness. This incident is said to be all over a female AJ and the bartender at Body Tap were dating at the same time. Now how about them apples.

First YouTube Now The Maroon Tiger....

For the week of September 23-29 The Black Tie Affair has been featured in the Morehouse College newspaper, the Maroon Tiger. This feature is by far one of the greatest accomplishments the blog has yet to receive. I thought it was a joke when the corresponding editors Bryant and Jasmine emailed me, saying they wanted to meet and discuss featuring the blog in the paper. I send special kudos to the two of them, they were so professional in the interviews, and the final story came out GREAT!. Since the release of the paper, there have been non stop emails, text messages, and Facebook notifications on the feature, this experience has really gotten around campus like wildfire. For the followers who are in the AUC, I strongly suggest you all go and grab your copy of the Maroon Tiger, and read the article on myself and TBTA. Thank you all for your support, and I will continue to bring you the news from the web, and the paper. Next stop, magazines.

Much Love to you all,

-d.ford

"WELCOME TO HOLLYWOOD"

The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards

Sunday September 13th was the premiere of the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. And while we were all glued to our television sets, some of the industry's most profound artist filled the city of New York once again for the awards. The night kicked off with the Michael Jackson tribute which featured his sister Janet, it was rumored that she'd practiced day and night to make sure her segment was nothing less than perfect. While everyone had their own opinions of what Ms. Jackson should do, but instead she chose to stick with a classic of the duo; Scream. From start to finish Janet kills every step as though Michael was present on stage with her, they even played the video along with her, to add to the effect; MJ's presence was defiantly in the room. What a way to kick off the show.

This year, the Queen B, Beyonce and new comer Lady Gaga were tied for a total of 9 awards, the world was dying to know who would take home the most. The highlight of the night was indeed Kanye West and his rude antics toward 17 year old country singer Taylor Swift. Unbelievably she won Best Female Artist, beating Beyonce and Lady Gaga both. Being the good sports they are, the two ladies cheered on young Swift on her first VMA, Kanye out of no where takes the microphone from here and commends Beyonce for having the "hottest video of all time for Single Ladies" this sent the media on an outrage and put both West and Swift in the public eye more than the Chris Brown incident. While Swift has gone public and forgave Kanye, the media is still having issues on letting it go. Beyonce even allowed Taylor to do her official acceptance speech in place of her Video of The Year award. Now isn't that something?, one bad judgement and now its the talk of the town, but isn't that Hollywood?. We still support Kanye here at TBTA!!!!

OH!, back to Lady Gaga, Omg, here performance was mad crazy!!!, she opens being landed under a fallen chandelier then she just wilds out. Everything from here dancers to the effects of the show, mad her another media topic. So in the middle of her performance you notice that she goes over to play the piano (who knew she played), then all of a sudden she starts bleeding, that caused for a major OMG!, it came out of no where and the fans loved every bit of it. kudos to u Gaga, u defiantly did that.

Overall this years awards show was better than any of the other ones in the days of Britney and *Nsync. TBTA is in the works of trying to be at next years, cause if all this happened this year, who knows what will happen in 2010.

The Louis Vuitton 2009 Fall Collection

Today marked the official release of the Louis Vuitton Fall collection. This is truly the season for guys. Louie V calls it "A Man's World", its primary feature is the Monogram canvas of Macassar bag. This stylish yet masculine feature will run you about $2,230, and is worth every penny. One of Louis Vuiton's spokesman, rapper Kanye West is the prime example of the monogram tote being apart of men's fashion. In other news the Fall collection is expanding its fashion for men with tons of accessories. belts, wallets, and sunglasses to say the least. Time and time again Louis Vuitton has provided us with tons of seasonal pieces to add to our wardrobe, and TBTA is letting you know that the Macassar bag is defiantly a keeper.

CONGRATS Neffe & Soullow

Yesterday Neffe (Keyshia Cole's sister) gave birth to her 5th child a baby girl names Nayla. Neffe and her fiance' Soullow together have a total of 7 kids now, so this will defiantly bring about a new spin off of the debut show "Frankie & Neffe". I don't know how many of you saw the last episode where Frankie had all the kids in her downtown Atlanta condo, but it was a MESS!!!. But here at the Black Tie we supports of them , wish them all the happiness the world has to offer. Congrats you two, we're keeping our fingers crossed that this relationship will last the test of time.

The Blueprint 3 Is Realeased Early!

As many may know, I am "THE JAY-Z FAN!" This guy is defiantly the truth. So when it came to the release of Jay's newest project I was with it from the jump. Rumors surfaced the net saying that the Blueprint 3 would be pushed back due to label issues, but as of yesterday, the September 11th release of the album was a no no. Jay pushed the album up 3 days and made the official release date 9/8/09. What many people fail to realize is that when you are on Jay-Z status, you can do different things like that. And of course the Black Tie Affair has the album already, that was a given factor. But, from beginning to end the Bluprint 3 is defiantly a chart topper, it also features artist like Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Kanye West, and many many more. Kudos to you Jay, you certainly got the Black Tie's support. When can we expect the next tour???

I Love The 90's

At the Black Tie Affair, we like to keep up with the latest fashion. The newest thing to hit the block are the 90's retro shades. Now all the 90's babies, will defiantly remember these, every kid on the block was rocking a pair. Now some ten years later the shades have made a comeback, Jay-Z and Beyonce' have been seen all over the world with a pair of the retro's. I guess its true what the parents say, "keep all your clothes, cause in 10 years they'll come back in style". Well you've heard it here from TBTA, the retro shades are defiantly IN!, so make sure you grab a pair in all colors.

Jasmine Lynn 1990-2009

Today in the AUC (Atlanta University Center) we morn the lost of a fellow member in the class of 2012. Jasmine Lynn was a student at Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga who was caught in the crossfire of a gun shootout early Thursday morning. When news struck the three campus' it brought about a sudden stage of shock for us all. The fact that classes just began no more than a week ago, and now one of our classmates are no longer with us, is a hard situation to grasp. All day there have been Tweets, and Facebook messages sent about the memory of this young scholars life. There was also a night walk held in her honor; beginning at the famous Martin Luther King, Jr. International Chapel on Morehouse College's campus and ending in the exact location in which she lost her life. As we morn this tragic lost, the AUC is trying to remember the happy times shared with Jasmine. We know that it will take some time to get over, but she's in a far better place. The Black Tie Affair sends their prayers to all her loved ones. She will truly be missed.

May God rest her soul....R.I.P Jasmine

Alicia Keys & Swizz Beats Make It Official

I guess this is the season for all the upcoming couples to go live with their love. Last weekend Alicia Keys and producer Swizz Beats went open with their relationship, and we seen out having dinner together. They seemed to really enjoy each other's company. They also wrote the new single on Whitney Houston's LP "I Look To You", the song is entitled Million Dollar Bill. Its about time we've seen these two out together, they've pulled a Jay-Z and Beyonce' move and kept quite for long enough. We'll here at the Black Tie Affair we send out blessing, and hope the two of you can stick this out, cause Alicia is a keeper!!!