Anyway, if you frequent these parts, then you’re pretty familiar with my magazine game; I GETZ THEM EARLY, LOL! This time, I didn’t hit my secret newsstand, I actually swiped it from an associate at an event several days ago. Since this issue doesn’t hit stores until February 17, I think I’m WAAAY ahead of the game with this issue. Others may have it (VIBE employees), but like always, your exclusive preview is available here……..FIRST!

Looks like VIBE is on that fresh sh*t because all the contents in this issue are geared towards the fresh and the FRESH ONLY. The Evolution of Andre Benjamin: FRESH! The White Tee: ReFRESHing! The Tattoo: SEXY FRESH! Terrence Dean breaks down The J-Sette (the dance routine seen in Beyonce’s, “Single Ladies” visual), while Memsor Kamarake rebirths and re-styles “The Black Model”.

Of course, an issue on Style wouldn’t be complete without the 31 Most Stylish individuals in the game. And since I’m not THAT much into the style realm, I’m not sure how valid these rankings are. Now I could sit here and reveal the entire list, but that would probably piss off B.W., D.Smith and the homey J.Cummings, so I’ll just list a couple names sans their rankings. Also, this list isn’t in any particular order, I’m just randomly naming the participants involved; Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers), Kanye West, Alain “A-Trak” Macklovitch, Yung Dro, Vashti Kola (IM GOING TO MARRY HER), Wale, Solange, Lil Wayne, Rihanna, Travis McCoy, Keri Hilson, Estelle, Neyo, MIA, and many more!

Oh, and I can’t forget the cover girl herself, Keyshia Cole. This isn’t one those interviews (where’s your life at now, how is Young Jeezy doing, is your show scripted), this is a FRESH interview. Keyshia discusses the evolution of her style, the influences that make up her style and where she’s headed (style wise). Check out what she had to say……

Keyshia Cole on developing into the person she is now….

“I used to be real passive, no matter what it was–my performing, everyday living, a man, family. Now, it’s like I’ve got to put my foot down. I’ve come too far to keep accepting a lot of anything. I’m comfortable with myself.”

Keyshia Cole on her mother influencing her style…..

“Not necessarily, because my mom…..it depends. [My adoptive mother]Yvonne Cole, definitely. Definitely more than my biological mother because while I was around my mother my entire life, she was really gone. I’d see her, I would find her and in the next 10 minutes she would be gone. She was constantly moving. But Yvonne taught me everything about being a woman that I need to know. Everything. Don’t go to church without a slip. All of that.”

Think you feel fresh now, wait until you devour the entire issue. Once again, VIBE Magazine proves why they’re always one step ahead. (WHAD UP DANNY?).

Sincerely

Low “I’m So Dope Boy Fresh…I Think” Key  

Ok, so maybe my job doesn’t ALWAYS embody the dopeness that I speak about, but it damn sure makes for some interesting commentary lol. Last night, of course, I was ripping and running through the big apple, event hopping like I had nothing else to do with my life (I actually didn’t). First, TG (BET.Com’s Director of Music Development & Marketing) and I hit up Karina Pasian’s Dinner Showcase at the STK Lounge in the meatpacking district. And while the alcoholic consumption was free, dinner was NOWHERE TO BE FOUND! As far as Karina performance, superb. TG said she reminds him of a young Alicia and I had to agree. 16 years old with such a seasoned voice, shorty is destined for greatness.

At the conclusion of that event, my homey Imo scooped me up and and we headed to the Yung Berg album listening session. Free alcohol once again, I made my rounds with cups of something toxic in my hand. Yung Berg, who’s finally getting his shot at releasing a product to the masses, seemed kind of unenthusiastic during the playing of his album cuts. I don’t know if he was perturbed with the lack of attention he was receiving or what, but something was iggin him, at least it seemed that way to me. I chopped it up with the homey Shaheem from MTV.Com and a couple other media associates for a couple of minutes and then made my way towards the exit sign.

At the conclusion of THAT event, I made my way down to Cipriani’s for DJ Cassidy’s Birthday party. When I tell you that place was a zoo, I hold that sentiment to the highest of it’s abilities. Though I had no trouble gaining access to the red carpet (gooooood loooks, Vanessa), 20 minutes after I got situated, people started coming from every direction possible attempting to get inside. Usually, the ambiance of “Let me in, do you know who I am?” doesn’t bother me, but last night, people were literally overdosing on the sentiment. I can understand people wanna party and have a good time, but damn, let the doorman and security do their job. Regardless, the turnout was major and I had an incredible time witnessing everyone bargaining their life’s away with the doorman and doorwoman attempting to gain access.

Anyway, I have an ish load of work to get done today, and this is only the first of MANY SoundOff posts. Scroll down for  some visuals and colorful commentary from my industry excurison last night lol.

Sincerely

Low “I’m 2 minutes from falling asleep on this keyboard” Key

The house was sort of packed for Young Berg’s album listening session….

Yung Berg introducing a couple tracks off his new album, Look What You Made.

Look at what New York made Yung Berg…..

Look what Cali made Yung Berg...

As you can see, Berg was ready to hit the road…. 

BET’s, Sharon Carpenter hits the red carpet at DJ Cassidy’s B-Day party…. 

Dr. Ben Chavis looks sort of confused, but ready to party….

The line ouside of Cipriani’s last night was INSANE,  so I took a picture of it lol…..

So So Def’s “Digital Darling”, Dondria smiles for the flashing lights 

Executive VP of Def Jam, Shakir Stewart and VP of A&R, Lenny S were all smiles at DJ Cassidy’s B-Day Party…. 

Hip Hop violinist, Miri-Ben Ari hits the red carpet…..

So adorable! Now if only we can get Cassie to release some music…. 

You KNOW Jermaine Dupri was in attendance…..

Mashonda looking oh so scrumptious at DJ Cassidy’s B-Day party….. 

Yung Berg and that DAMN Transformers piece….. 

Kevin Liles gets in on the action at DJ Cassidy’s B-Day party…. 

Swizzy The Monster made a quick appearance….. 

Russell Simmons poses for the cameras at DJ Cassidy’s B-Day party….

Terrance J and DJ Envy point out each others coolness during DJ Cassidy’s B-Day party…. 

Lil X slid through to wish DJ Cassidy a happy birthday….. 

Finally, the birthday boy, DJ Cassidy hit the red carpet with his million dollar smile….. 

Ahhh, yet ANOTHER function that you guys missed out on. Last night, Marquee in downtown Manhattan was the PLACE to be as Missy and her team celebrated her very special surprise birthday bash thrown by James Cruz (SRC). Me and my homey Eric hit the spot EXTREMELY early and as soon as we stepped in the line, the door man gave us this “Ha, Yea right fellaz” look. What made it even more amusing is when I told him my name and who’s list it was under, his face turned pretty sour lol. Without being searched (very odd), we breezed right in.

When I tell you we were literally the FIRST ones in attendance, I lie to you not. We found a spot, posted up and just watched as the lovely ladies and daper dudes piled right on in. Though we were kind of out of our element, a couple of young tender roni’s made us feel right at home and that’s when the party began to pick up. Within the 30 minutes, that placed turned into a COMPLETE ZOO! Every room was packed to it’s capacity and surprisingly, we were still able to maneuver without a hitch! Anyway, check out some EXCLUSIVE pics below (A majority of the photos were provided by Johnny Nunez and Joe Kohen).

Sincerely

Low “Check back tomorrow for pics from Danyel Smith’s Bday party” Key

Olivia (yea, I know lol) and Pepa

Missy Elliot and James Cruz laughing it up @ Marquee.

James Cruz presents Missy with her birthday cake as Julissa looks on.

DJ Cassidy came out to show Missy love!

Dallas Austin and his “Reallionare Boys Club” shirt, which is pretty damn dope!!

RIDICULOUS!!!

Julissa and her honey dips….GOOD LORD!

Missy got her drink and her two step on point….

Look at Cassie’s cute self….

Missy’s party received a thumbs up from Busta Rhymes

I was WAAAAAY to excited during this picture lol! Sidebar: Shorty to the left was SOOOO BAD!

Laurie Ann Gibson and James Cruz get cozy @ Marquee

My man, Eric enjoying himself to the fulllllllest lol! (No he wasn’t drunk)

The Mouth of NYC, Angie Martinez posted up @ Missy’s birthday party!

The birthday girl makes her exit….

Uh ohhhhhhhhh. Looks like we have a bit of an R&B tussle on our hands. Def Jam’s new signee, Karina Pasian and Bad Boy’s R&B Diva In Training (I couldn’t find anything else to call her lol) have coincidentally recorded 2 separate and distinct versions to the song “Official Girl,” which was produced by Nate “Danja Handz” Hills and written by The Clutch. While Cassie is pegging the tune as her official single from her sophomore set, Karina’s version is set to be an album cut on her freshmen debut.

Though I’m a HUGE fan of Ms. Pasian, Cassie’s version isn’t as bad as I thought it was going to sound. And while I’ll reserve judgment on the issue until I hear from all parties involved, I can tell you there is something shady going on….and I’m going to get to the bottom of it (unless a new song from Jay-Z, T.I. or Usher leaks, in which case, the issue will be swept under a Kashmiri rug and overshadowed by a new post lol).

With that said, let’s hear your thoughts on both tracks. Did Cassie kill it? Did Karina kill it? Or did they both BOMB on the tune?????

Cassie- Official Girl (Written By The Clutch & Produced By Danja Handz)

Karina Pasian- Official Girl (Written By The Clutch & Produced By Danja Handz)

Sincerely,

Low “Danja, You have some EXPLAINING to do” Key