Grade A: The News Drop 10.11.10

Is Charlotte's own Tasha Michelle Grade A Material? - Twitter:@_TashaMichelle

Let’s toast to another week of news, information, and shocking events. Watching the news in many ways can be full enough entertainment to satisfy a lot of people’s needs. But nonetheless, we at #GradeA continue to keep you in the know. So click the jumplink to see what you need to know for school, work, or just general convo for the rest of the week.

Top 10 Cities For African-Americans To Live [HipHopWired]

Google is testing cars that drive themselves [Mashable]

Top 25 Smooth Fall Fashion Trends [Complex]

The Mean Girls of Morehouse [VIBE]

Grade A: The News Drop 9.13.10

Is Columbia, South Carolina bred Ms. Sophisticate Grade A Material?

Here comes the brand new flava in ya ear, time for new flava in ya ear. Well, maybe not brand new, but fresh nonetheless. Another week has passed as we have begun our national transition from the dog days of summer to the school days of fall. No matter the weather news never stops and we our continuing our tradition of providing you with a few key links that will keep you updated on what’s happening in the world around you. Your Welcome…Now hit the jumplink. 

Why Albums Are Released On Tuesdays In The U.S. [NPRMusic] 

Death of R&B Groups [SingersRoom]      

New G2 Phone Cometh, & Hopefully T-Mobile Won’t Taketh Away [TatsTechTalk]      

With NBA well dry, Iverson considering China [ESPN]

Grade A: The News Drop 9.7.10

Is D.C.'s own Karmyn Dior Grade A Material? Contact - Twitter.com/PrettyPinkz

Have no fear, we know you’ve had that itch all day to be “in the know.” Well with this week’s News Drop we’ve got your fix. Don’t worry you don’t need to sign in or sign up for anything. This is nothing more than a free ensemble of noteworthy events, articles, and thought provoking information that we’ve considered worth the click. So wait no longer, indulge and spread the word.

Google Plots Entry Into Online Music Sales [RollingStone]

Burger King to Sell for $4 Billion [Kidult]

Sorry! 7 Ways Kanye West Can Get Taylor Swift To Forgive Him [Vibe]

Feet as Fabulous as Carrie Bradshaw! — Shoe Designers To Be On The Lookout For!

Ladies, it’s summer time and that can me a lot of things, Bikini Season, beautiful weather, vacation, summer love…

Some of your summer love affairs will be with your man, but ladies AFTER you see these shoes, he MIGHT just have some competition!

The two shoe designers that you need to be on the lookout for this summer are Brian Atwood and Ruthie Davis. If these names don’t sound familiar to you, you have definitely seen them on the feet of your favorite celebrities.

Brian Atwood

Brian grew-up just outside of Chicago and has had his one-of-a-kind shoe line since 2001. But he’s no rookie, in fact, he was the first American to be hired by Gianni Versace in Milan and has also been recognized  by the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) for having the best accessory design in 2004.

Brian is known for the sculptural structure and striking details that be puts into of his shoes that are made only of the finest luxury materials. Still not convinced?! –All of my Sex And The City fans know that Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker, has a shoe game envied and adored simultaneously by women, young and old alike, all over the world….And just GUESS who designed exclusive pairs of shoes for Carrie in Sex And The City II ?! –That’s right, Brian Atwood.

But no more talking, you need to SEE this shoes ladies…

SJP(Carrie Bradshaw) pictured left sporting Brian Atwood's 'Loca' pump.

'Loca' www.brianatwood.com for more info!

Another Fabulous Pair of Brian Atwood Pumps...

Play Cloths Collabo with G-Shock

Finally the wait is over. Well, that is if you’re a G-Shock fiend like myself and of course residing in 2 Up, 2 Down (VA) then you’re automatically in tuned with the ventures of Virginia Beach’s own, The Clipse. Nevertheless, the wait time to finally receive the complete product is just in time for my summer 2010 gear.

Pharrell x Monclear Outerwear Collection (by J. Tinsley)

Spotted these over at StreetsAllSalute. Pharrell’s obviously been pulling double duty lately with his new outerwear line and a new N.E.R.D. album on the way. Hit the jump to see other scans.

LADIES…Could You Be Wearing Used Lingerie?

Now I know you’re probably only reading this line simply because the title caught your attention. But seriously ladies, take the time and at least watch this video. I’m positive that you’ll be as surprised as me the first time I watched it. I imagine you never thought it possible that you could be sitting here reading this while you’re wearing someone else’s panties. But apparently that possibility is much more of a reality than many of us ever thought.

As a man, to tell you the truth I’ve never considered that the black, lace, booty shorts where the cheeks hang out that I’m buying from Vicky’s could have been strapped to another woman’s asset first.  But for damn sure next time I’m doing a spot check, smell test, and any other check I can think of to ensure that I’m buying only the newest and freshest for my Shorty.

Air Jordan 1 “Silver Anniversary” Edition In Stores

As my close friends know by now, I am day by day becoming more and more of a sneakerhead. (That is when the funds are available.) But nevertheless, even when I don’t have the money to cop every pair of fresh kicks I hear about I still want to spread the word about them.

By now anybody with half an interest in the Jordan brand knows that this year marks 25 years of existence, crazy right? Sir Michael has certainly built himself a viable empire off the basketball court. This shoe represents the edge that Michael played with, with a little bit of the style and flash that the Hip Hop generation has certainly influenced the brand with.

Another Light Extinguished: The Passing of Alexander McQueen

Today the fashion world has suffered a devastating blow, the sudden death of designer Alexander McQueen. As is the case when anyone passes, it is more important to celebrate his life than obsess over his death. The beautiful thing about the loss of an artist like McQueen is we will always have the inspiring works of art he created to remember him by.

The British designer had a nearly 20 year career in fashion and was well-known for his extravagant runway shows and impeccable clothes. He has dressed everyone from Lady Gaga to Michelle Obama. The following is a pictorial tribute to the visionary designer

Going For the Gold: Ralph Lauren’s Olympic Collection

So we’re all looking forward to the upcoming Winter Olympics right? Probably not. If you’re anything like me you might watch the opening ceremony and call it quits after that. One of the most best parts of the opening ceremony is the parade of nations where the athletes enter the respective stadium carrying their flag and waving at the spectators. Its always interesting to see the creative outfits that each of the nations come up with to demonstrate their culture.

I’m not trying to be biased but once again USA will be the freshest country represented at the games with Ralph Lauren designing the opening and closing ceremony outfits as well as the gear they will be wearing throughout the games. Not to worry if you aren’t a world renown speed skater you can still look like one with Polo’s Olympic Collection.