I am a native of the U.S. Virgin Islands. I grew up in the Big Apple (New York City), which is where my love for fashion, music and the entertainment industry began! Red Carpet Shelley is all about spreading the love of my Caribbean culture and heritage. In life I have learned that nothing is certain except God and change!!
HE'S SO SPECIAL!!!!! Mavado's latest album "Mr. Brooks...A Better Tomorrow" debuted at the #1 Top Shotta spot this week on Billboard's Reggae Billboard. David Constantine Brooks aka "Mavado" has been on the reggae scene for some time now but is now gaining greater visibility outside of the Caribbean community. A large part of this is due to his recent hit song "So Special". Mavado performed the song on BET's Rip The Runway and the song is also in rotation on MTV Jams. Although the album has just been released, many of the songs on the album are already big hits (including "So Special") and will be familiar to most reggae heads. In a recent MTV interview Mavado explains how the struggles in his life are the inspiration behind his popular song "So Special".
"I sing about my whole life," "I've been through so many things and I'm still here today, so I try to put message in my song within my life, because it's a reality." "I'm not the only one that's been through struggle," he states. "I know you must have been through some kind of struggle in your life. Everyone [has] struggled." Look out for Mavado on Jay-Z's next album Blueprint 3.
Congratulations Mavado! Can your girl Red Carpet Shelley get a Piece of your Cassava?? I'm just sayin'!!!...
STOP YOUR WHINING!!! Last month, Jamaica's broadcast commission announced the banning of music containing explicit sexual and/or violent lyrics. Commission spokesman Cordell Green stated the "we've got to clean up the airwaves." At the heart of the controversy is "daggering" . According to the commission, the definition of daggering is a "colloquial term used in dancehall culture as a reference to hardcore sex or what is popularly referred to as 'dry sex' or the activities of persons engaged in the public simulation of various sexual acts and positions". Media outlets not adhering to the ban may face stiff penalties. As a result, Jamaica's CVM and TVJ will likely not broadcast next month's Carnival celebrations in Jamaica. They do not want to run the risk of facing huge fines or being put out of business by the government. No more whining de bum bum!!!
Sadly, amid all the speculation and controversy, not to mention two felony charges, Chris Brown today officially removed his name from the Kids' Choice Awards list of nominees. The following was issued from his rep "Chris very much appreciates the support of his fans and the honor they have paid him in the way of nominations for Favorite Male Singer and Favorite Song. Unfortunately, the controversy surrounding the incident last month has shifted the focus from the music to whether he should be allowed to be among those nominated. While Chris would like to speak to his fans directly about this and other issues, pending legal proceedings preclude his doing so atthis time. Once the matter before him has been resolved, he intends to do so."
This week, several talk show hosts are chiming in with their two cents. Both Oprah and Tyra have shows scheduled to air on Thursday on the subject of domestic violence. If nothing else comes out of this situation, one thing is certain domestic violence is being discussed and addressed for what it is UNACCEPTABLE under any circumstances. I truly hope that both Rihanna and Chris Brown recover from this unfortunate event...
That being said, I want to stress that domestic violence is often a two way street. As Chris Brown is standing judgment and everyone is pointing fingers, we should remember that a woman has no right to put her hands on a man either!!! Bravo's newest Cougar oops I meant housewife Kelly Killoren Bensimon (New York City Housewives) was charged with minor assault last week and guess who the alleged victim is: her fiancee Nicolas Stefanoff (10 years her junior!!!) Nicolas gave the following statement to the New York Post "If I had done it to her, I would have been put in jail immediately," the New York Post reports Stefanov as telling friends. "My injuries are worse than Rihanna's—and Chris Brown was charged with two felonies." Bensemon's lawayer told the NY Daily News "We deny the charges, and we hope this will be resolved." A show spokeswoman said producers and Bravo "don't comment on the personal lives of our talent." However, your girl Red Carpet Shelley does!!! Did you see last nights episode? Ramona was bad mouthing Kelly and if I were Ramona, I'd be careful!!! I'm just sayin!.....
Male victim domestic violence is the elephant in the room that no one wants to talk about especially the male victims themselves. So, to Oprah and Tyra and all other talk show hosts out there, I would love to see a balanced viewpoint on the issue of domestic violence. Its not OK to talk about domestic violence only from the woman's standpoint. Violence is violence and its wrong period!
Since we're talking NYC Housewives, did you hear that Alex lost her job at Victoria's Secret??? Yes, Victoria let the Secret out!! As a result, Simon (her very metro sexual hubby) has temporarily halted the purchasing of pink and/or green suede shoes until further notice. C'est dommage!!! That's French but you don't need to understand this, Alex & Simon's so-called French speaking children got this!!! Simon will also cut back on his body wraps but the couple will continue to swim in their beautiful. plastic 3 feet deep pool in their BK backyard!!!
One last Housewives tidbid. The Houseswives of Atlanta has made an addition: Kandi Burris. You may remember her from the 90s group Xcape. She currently works as a songwriter and should be an interesting addition given that her other Xcape counterpart is her best friend Tameka Cottle aka "Tiny". Tiny also happens to be T.I's wife... While she is joining the ATL cast, my favorite ATL wife is leaving: DeShawn Snow....Good luck DeShawn, I will miss you!!!! DeShawn, please be sure to send me an invite to your next free fundraiser!!
Over and out from your girl Red Carpet Shelley. And always remember, Big it Up, Live it Up!
Ok, so we have all heard the rumors that Chris & Rihanna have reconciled - ok its true!! OK, everyone get over it! Rihanna is 21 years old and in love so I'm not surprised. Besides, we still don't know what really happened. Last week the pair hung out in Miami at Diddy's exclusive Miami Beach waterfront estate (with the break up of Danity Kane Diddy has been forced to take in house guests!). Here, they are pictured exiting a private jet plane after landing in L.A. (returning to the scene of the crime I guess). Chris Brown has put to rest the old adage "the darker the berry, the sweeter the juice". His juice is obviously light & sweet and Rihanna is TOTALLY drinking the Kool-Aid. By the way, Chris is reportedly scheduled to cop a plea with L.A. prosecutors and possibly as early as today. Ok, Moving right along....
