Common Intimacy at MIST Harlem; Many Splendid Reasons Janelle Monae Should Be on Cloud Nine and Beyond

No laughing matter: Album cover for Common's "Nobody's Smiling." Photo from Common Facebook page.

HEADS UP: Welcome to the debut of the Musical Notes column. It is a digest of musical goings-on – regardless of genre – around the world. It will appear once or twice a month on Fridays. Musical Notes could be a concert, interview, article, record release, mini-review, benefit, interesting sighting ... Essentially, news from the world of music. Strike up the band!

YOURS TRULY is about to be introduced to one of the stars of Queen Latifah's basketball film, “Just Wright” (2010).

We are on the roof of New York City's Empire Hotel for the film's afterparty. He is lounging on one of the sofas – chilling out. Introductions are imminent. Suddenly, he stands. Looking me in the eye and extending his hand, he reveals his name. I extend mine and my name. We shake and chat briefly.

That was the night that I met Common. That same night he registered on my radar. A common moniker for an uncommon fellow born Lonnie Rashid Lynn.

That was my up close and personal moment.

“Enjoy an intimate evening w/ me in NYC on May 6th,” Common wrote on his Facebook page a couple of weeks ago.

Earlier that night at the “Just Wright” premiere at the Ziegfeld Theatre, I'd chatted with Common's parents on the red carpet. Nice folks. Boyfriend was raised. And he was raised right. It should not have been a surprise that he would stand to greet someone, especially a lady.

In a few days – next week Wednesday to be exact – New York can get close to Common, too. That is, the part of New York that can fit into the square footage of My Image Studios (MIST) Harlem for the instrumental, spoken word and musical program, “Up Close & Personal With Common Presented by MIST Harlem.”

The multimedia, multipurpose space in Harlem's west 116th street corridor bills itself as a nexus of African Diaspora art, culture, music and cuisine (Madiba Harlem, Madiba Cafe&Lounge).

MIST Harlem is fast gaining a reputation as a go-to spot, not just in Harlem but in New York City at-large, adding its two cents toward the quarter's transformation into a Harlem Renaissance 2.0. MIST Harlem has recently hosted Danny Glover and Lauryn Hill. Comers include John Quinones (12 May) and Bill T. Jones (17 May).

After that introduction, Common was no longer just another rapper-turned-actor. He wasn't just about making coin, I would learn. He had a conscience, too, supporting any number of good causes. Busy work that inspired him to give up anti-gay lyrics. Well done. Now, if he would leave off with nigger/nigga and all of its irksome iterations.

Alas, that ignoble word finds itself on “Nobody's Smiling,” his critically acclaimed latest album (2014). One may be convinced to give him a pass, since it isn't uttered ad nauseum. And because the record is his outcry against the epidemic black male-on-black male crime that has been dogging the streets of his native Chicago.

The newly-minted Academy Award winner is an encourager, too. Not just to those trying to better themselves, but to those who should better themselves. Part of the credit for Serena Williams 2.0 should go to her ex.

Common admonished her to do her best, not squander her prodigious talent and legacy. From his lips to her ears and massive serve, improved footwork and lightning speed at 30-something. (See video above of Common's Academy Award acceptance speech).

One has to expect a song or two from “Nobody's Smiling” to find its way into his performance at MIST Harlem. Incidentally, on the bill with him are Amit Choudhary, Killeenaraye Rodriguez, Doe Wiz et al.

Commoner and Queen on the red carpet in New York for the premiere of "Just Wright." Archive photo.

At this writing, Common is expected in Henrietta, New York (Gene Polisseni Center) on 8 May, Washington, D.C. (Capitol Riverfront Yards Park) on 13 June and on 2 July in New Orleans (Essence Music Festival). No doubt, other dates will be added to his touring schedule.

Sometime today, he posted a gentle reminder on Facebook: “May 6th. Up Close and Personal. Harlem.”

From his lips to your ears.

Visit http://www.madibaharlem.com/event/common/ to learn more about and buy tickets to “Up Close & Personal With Common Presented by MIST Harlem.”
Visit http://www.myimagestudios.com/ to learn more about My Image Studios (MIST) Harlem.
Visit http://www.thinkcommon.com/ to learn more about “Nobody's Smiling,” Common's tour schedule and general information.
Visit http://www.madibaharlem.com/restaurant/ to learn more about Madiba Harlem.

Can You Blame Janelle Monae If She Suddenly Breaks Out in 'I Feel Good'?

JANELLE Monae is probably over the moon. Riding high. On top of the world.

And why shouldn't she be?

Reason No. 1: She slays in black.

Her rep as a consummate concert performer has her in demand all over the world, just as it was the other night when she was the headliner at the Spring Fling in New York City. (See video above).

Reason No. 2: JM is beautiful.

It's as if the diminutive singer preordained the fine weather for the Friends of the Hudson River inaugural party/fundraiser (Spring Fling) in the Winter Garden of the upmarket shopping, dining and cultural emporium, Brookfield Place.

The jollification was in the name of a good cause: preserving Hudson River Park. (http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/springfling)

Reason No. 3: She runs her own record label, Wondaland Art Society.

The Spring Fling deal was sweetened for guests/donors – including JM BFF at the moment Uzoamaka Nwaneka "Uzo" Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black") and Margot Bingham ("Boardwalk Empire") – with eats from Le District. Think of the feedinghole curated by restaurateur Peter Poulakakos as a more intimate, French version of Eataly.

The Eephus effect: Roman GianArthur, Alex Belle and Isis Valentino of St. Beauty; Jidenna; Janelle Monae; Nate Wonder, Chuck Lightening of Deep Cotton. Photo from Janelle Monae Facebook page.

Reason No. 4: Wondaland Arts Society has a new partner in L.A. Reid's Epic Records and a new name, Wondaland Records.

It is shows like the one the multiple Grammy nominee brought to Spring Fling that has contributed to her steady rise toward the top for the last five years or so.

Reason No. 5: And, and, and, on 6 May (Wednesday) “The Eephus” drops. The EP is the first collaboration between Epic and Wondaland. It is a music co-op, or in JM's words, a "collective."

The six-song record features acts from Wondaland's own stable. Aside from JM: St. Beauty (Alex Belle, Roman GianArthur, Isis Valentino), Deep Cotton (Nate Wonder, Chuck Lightening) and Jidenna

Reason No. 6: JM is talented.

A month or so ago, the Kansas City native released a teaser from “The Eephus” titled “Yoga” (with Jidenna). It's a danceable, catchy R&B/hip hop song. Nothing extraordinary. Not her soulfunkadelica.

And "Yoga" is lyrically suggestive in a way that heretofore was not JM's style, it has been much remarked upon. One must concede that "Yoga" does sound like a title straight outta Rihanna/Brittany/Beyonce's songbook.

Consider: Baby, bend over/ let me see you do that yoga (refrain) and You can't police this / so get off my areola. (See video at left).

Reason No. 7: In white, JM is divine.

As they say in baseball, here's to hoping Janelle Monae is the game-changer (the Eephus).

Visit http://www.jmonae.com/ to learn more about “The Eephus,” Janelle Monae's tour schedule and general information; visit http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/springfling to learn more about "Spring Fling."

MBFW Day 2: Bohemians, Rebels, Vixens and Meditations on '90s

HEAD’S UP: It's Fashion Week, baby! Who's ready? We're ready! And we have a slight tweak to share. Of course, we still endeavor to provide a roundup of the best, worst and most interesting Yours Truly&Co. witnesses, from trends to sightings to the rather unusual/bizarre. The tweak has been inspired by Twitter. The coverage will focus, as has become the custom, on what truly inspires or what is so painfully hideous that it is remarkable. However, we will tell that story in 50 words or less. Yes, 50. Or less. Ready? Let the games begin ...

Day 2
(SOME of the players at the tents and elsewhere): Academy of Art University, Argentine Designers, Billy Reid, Carmen Marc Valvo, Chadwick Bell, Cushnie et Ochs, Duckie Brown, Fashion Law Institute, Gregory Parkinson, Helmut Lang, HFR, Jason Wu, Jenni Kayne, Kate Spade New York, Lyn Devon, Mark and Estel, Misha Nonoo, Nautica, Noon by Noor, Peter Som, Project Runway, Rachel Roy, Rag & Bone, Rebecca Minkoff, Rodebjer, Rubin & Chapelle, Sally Lepointe, Suno, Tess Giberson, Todd Snyder, Tome, VPL, Zimmermann

A day of surprises from Carmen Marc Valvo and Rebecca Minkoff, while Cushnie et Ochs did a fine job of editing. Elsewhere, Nautica decided to keep it moving.

Nicole Miller
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and Frazer Harrison/Getty Images.

CONTRASTS fairly summed up in "Power Meets Pretty" and "the gardens of Versailles / storming the castle." Clever prints and surprising combos, all well-crafted. - YOURS TRULY

Carmen Marc Valvo
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

MYRIAD references: tribal patterns, paillettes, elongated torsos, transparency. Contributor Neil Wolfson called it: "Well done, but nothing exciting." - YOURS TRULY

Rebecca Minkoff
Photos courtesy of Frazer Harrison/Getty Images and Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
DRESSES were fine, with lots of loft to the longer silhouettes, but Ouch, my feet hurt. Gladiator meets Barbarella. - MARIE T. DRISCOLL

INSPIRED by fierce Latin bohemians like Frida Kahlo, the collection is RM's best to date. Where can a body get those gladiator sandals?!?! - YOURS TRULY (See video above, including performance by Janelle Monae).

Black Sail by Nautica
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

THE latest iteration of this nautical inspired brand incorporates tonal color blocking and asymmetrical piecing for the modern waterman- authentic performance with a metro twist. Loved the matte trench and the Vans shoes (aviator sunglasses too)! Definitely taken to the next level by designer Chris Cox. - MARIE T. DRISCOLL

THE label's first runway show in several seasons, but honestly, it was hard to concentrate on the clothes. - YOURS TRULY

On Deck today, Day 3: Alexander Wang, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Allen Kersten and Monsieur Belange, Altuzarra, Calla, Carlos Alberto Haute Couture, Charlotte Ronson, Christian Siriano, Cynthia Rowley, Designers Collective, Herve Leger by Max Azria, Jen Kao, Jill Stuart, Jonathan Simkhai, Katya Leonovich, Kenneth Cole Collection, Lacoste, Louise Goldin, Malan Breton, Mara Hoffman, Monique Lhuillier, Ostwald Helgason, Prabal Gurung, Rebecca Taylor, Robert Geller, Ruffian, Son Jung Wan, Tibi, Venexiana

Visit http://www.mbfashionweek.com/ to learn more about Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, including show information and videos.

In Mood for Roasting Chestnuts/Hot Sequins

The rocking bling long tank, left, is the favorite of Yours Truly in The Limited 2010 Holiday collection. She also likes the kaleidoscope shawl placket sweater in Mill Multi, below. Photos courtesy of The Limited.

INSIDE cool, darkened space that has white, leather sofas sprinkled about. Immediately forget heat and humidity outside. Walking over to deejay stand to holler at dj kiss. Tell her once again how hard she rocked house a few weeks ago for Farragamo’s Attimo party on roof of Standard Hotel. Also impart choice words about how great she is and all that she deserves because of it. Kiss her goodbye.

Thirsty. To bar for water first, wine second. Oh, there’s buddy and WWD photog, Steve Eichner. Give hug and again apologize profusely for missing his July 4th party on beach. Promise to visit before summer is over ... About that drink – one for SE, too.

Why am I here? Oh, yes. The Limited Holiday 2010 Collection Preview. Lots of such views ongoing now – lots of Christmas in July. Esprit has one ce soir. Puts Yours Truly in mood for holiday music and carols. Thinking about "Crescent City Christmas Card" (Wynton Marsalis), "Home for Christmas" (Amy Grant) and my fav, “A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Vince Guaraldi).

Like The Limited party. The Limited, I grew up wearing, say I to marketing people. Declare love for brand and name all clothes still have that I bought as long ago as the early 90s. Swear that I am not just sucking up to them because I am drinking their Sauvignon Blanc and pocketing their spiced almonds.

Holiday collection is fetching. Bunch of pretty, little dresses. Some with sparkle, some without. A lovely peacoat in taupe – looks very expensive. But it’s The Limited, so everybody can afford it. Taupe pants, too, have swagger. That black-belted red shell is going to turn some heads. The green plaid skirt with that black (faux?) leather jacket is such a flirt – but it’s all in good fun.

See those jeans? Not my cup of drink. Too much wear and tear for my tastebuds. Yeah, I get it: they ain’t for everybody, and I am one of those bodies.

Keepin' it movin’ …

What I Love/LOve/LOVe/LOVE: That burgundy/brown-creme v-neck sweater with elbow-length sleeves ($59.90/in stores come October). Plaid scarf in like colors is icing on cake.

Pièce de ré·sis·tance is sequinned tank ($49.90). One I see is aqua; The Limited calls it teal (also comes in other colors, including black). But won’t quibble over semantics. On living model it is paired with cropped black jacket & cropped pants. Pops like a firecracker. Look at Me: Staring. Coveting. Salivating. Gorgeous – more gorgeous than beautiful Nigerian model/server.

In November, will own it. Will rock it with red. With pink. With burgundy. With silver, gold …

The Limited Holiday 2010 Collection will start arriving in stores and online in October.

A Throwdown (and Beatdown) Atop a Boss Roof
A view of a section of the Manhattan skyline from the Hugo Boss roof at 26th street. Below, Robin Thicke and Janelle Monae sang into the night at the Hugo Boss Beat the Heat rooftop party. Photos from wireimages.com.

IN deep winter when Yours Truly is shivering from cold and windchill, I will think of the days of summer. My most fond memory will be the night I spent on high at the Hugo Boss Beat the Heat rooftop party.

HB, y'all, gave the heat a beatdown ...

I stroll onto the patio around 7:30. The sun is red-orange and is staring right at me. Luis, the security guard, strongly recommends sunglasses. I comply; he approves and sends me on my way.

Behold, a sea of beautiful people (Miss America Rima Fakih, Tyson Beckford), beautiful-people-in-the-making and wanna-be-beautiful-people. In double-quick fashion, I meet DM, a smartly dressed HB intern. “You look like you’re by yourself,” I declare. He is and so am I. It’s ON! Throughout the evening we gather/scatter and share a taxi to our UES n’hood. I grab a drink and join DM who already has a beer in progress.

Meanwhile, DJ Cassidy. Boyfriend is so baaaddd that he’s spun records for the president. He is tearing up the turntable, producing dancing/swaying/weaving/bobbing. All night long he does this. The humidity is lower up here, around 11 stories. Do I even need utter anything about THE VIEW? A breeze is hovering and delivering its agreeable blow.

Once it’s dark the mic is taken over by Janelle Monae. Her high-energy set starts off mysteriously as if something is about to happen along the lines of a King of Pop performance. What follows is not all that but lil Miss has her moments. Love the get-up and the hair – definitely channeling James Brown.

His turn at the mic Robin Thicke is smooth like silk. His sweet lollibies harmonize with this increasingly breezy evening. I’m feelin’ it but he’s too laidback for JR, an NBC cameraman I’m jawing with. JM is JR’s speed. We decide it might be a Mars/Venus thing and call it a draw. And we’re dancing. No, we’re putting down some Chicago-style step once DJ Cassidy is back on his game. And that’s the way we take out the night.

Night ... It’s around 8:30, maybe. Day is going off duty, and dusk is en route: Breathtaking! The most beautiful thing here. Purple/forest green/indigo/orange-red/gray sky. An artistic masterpiece. A sight for sore eyes. Tears are understandable.