Point Blank Period -LaTre' / Music Review

Pretty Little Mastermind
Music Review

Point Blank Period (Astro Gang/DGMG)

LaTre' 

Summer 2015

Point Blank Period is anything but simplistic as its title suggests. Its futuristic with old school roots. Heartless but heartfelt. Drenched in street anthems yet doused with R&B tracks. 

At a time when rappers typically captivate the industry with gimmicks, beefs, and controversy, LaTre' reminds rap fans of why we love rap music with heat-laced beats and tales from the hood. If the reviews and art work on Point Blank Period are any indication, rapper LaTre' a.k.a. Benji Banx will be lacing his daughter Jhy (pictured) with even more mounds of cash from his recent project. Born and raised in Jonesboro, Louisiana, artist LaTre' displays his skill by combining masterful rhythmic timing and melodic vocals. 

In an example of the complexity that is Point Blank Period, a solidified street album, LaTre' scores a 10 with his female fans with tracks like "Go to War"  featuring Hot Boy Tay (Hu$$le Fam) and "Trouble" a 2015 rendition of Wyclef Jean's featuring Mary J. Blige. LaTre' gives a view into his heart and love life, yet boasts his sexual prowess in tracks like "Famous".

LaTre' captivates in "Devils" -a spiritual introspective about haters, private struggles, and murdered friend Lil Snupe (Hu$$le Fam/Dreamchasers).  R&B singer Reggie Recc connects the verses with a harmonious confessional that mirrors the track's theme of spiritual battle. The song induces chill bumps as featured artist/producer C'Nyle (RNIC) catapults a verse from the pits of his soul claiming his position as the 'meek' that shall inherit the Earth. 

Point Blank Period's most infectious track "Mud" is produced by Cruz Davinci and features Kevin Gates (Atlantic Records). After an intro that sounds like it came straight from the music sheets of rap-induced Mozart, LaTre's hook "Ain't Nan Nigga Gave Me Shit", gets straight to the point (as his album title promises).  "Mud" is a declaration of the artist's years of grinding to make his way to the top and gives the track certified anthem status.  Both Gates and LaTre' dirty up this track with semi-automatic style lyrical assaults on the mic. Gates emerges in the first verse like a monster from the depths of the trap and LaTre' follows with a plethora of unstoppable metaphors and innuendos that makes listeners scramble for the pause and repeat buttons!

With multiple successful self-released projects, a solid following, and unlimited talent, LaTre' proves he is a force to be reckoned with. Gaining more traction, while keeping just enough 'mud' on his boots to stay motivated. Visit the link below to listen to the whole album.

Listen to Point Blank Period Now

LaTre' Booking

Instagram @benjibanx

Twitter @benjibanx

Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase

Our children are our greatest investment.  What we invest into their minds and spirits will carry over into their future sense of self-worth. With discrimination, violence, and systematic oppression a part of everyday life in our community, I think we could use something uplifting that highlights how great our kids are, while bringing families together for something both entertaining and competitive.

Growing up, some of my fondest memories were of community-organized events like wiener roasts, lock-ins, dances, and talent shows.  It gave parents a safe place to send their kids, while promoting unity among the youth.  As a result, I have created a fun, competitive, and worthwhile series of quarterly events.

Dynasty Gems Pageant & Talent Showcase will seek to highlight beauty, talent, and character within our most valuable treasures- The Youth.  Boys and Girls (Baby/Child/Teen/College/Miss) will participate in a four-part competition that focuses on:

1. Beauty
2. Character
3. Talent

Cash prizes, trophies, tiaras/crowns, and bragging rights are up for the taking! Register your child today! The first pageant is scheduled for December 2015 in the Greater Atlanta Area.  Now registering all age groups with an *Early Bird Special* Entry Fee of only $25!!! Visit www.dynastygems.org now for more information!

Social Media Reprieve

Hello World!

I'm happy to report that I was granted an unusually gracious pass by a social media site as of late. In my first post I mentioned how I was given seven days to prove my name via Government ID for a popular social media site. Of course, I elected to NOT send them my ID.

Well the seven day grace period came and there it was, a 2nd request to confirm my "real" name.  I confirmed my birth name by clicking a button, and was allowed to log back in.

This is a-typical of many experiences that I have heard about and read about online. Many people complain that they are not allowed to revert back to their birth name without documentation. So imagine my surprise when I was allowed to!

Oh well, I will hold on to hope that there will be no future schenanigans. If so, I will be more than ready to make a very grand exit.

For now, I am still in both the blog and social media world, and life is great! Now let's get caught up. I've binged on social media the last few days and I'm ready to come outside and play with the real world! Happy Friday Eve everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Fall Beauty Review

Collage by Pretty Little Mastermind Images from Google Image

The Pretty Little Mastermind

Must Haves

 

Fall 2015

My favorite season is upon us! Let's pack up those shorts & maxi dresses and step into the Fall in style!


HAIR: Sweet Auburn is a bold and beautiful choice for this season. Whether darker or lighter, red heads have more fun!

THE DRESS: We love Tracee Ellis Ross in virtually whatever, but this yellow dress makes us do anything but use caution!

THE HANDBAG: This orange Jessica Simpson handbag is a luscious citrus POP to any outfit!

SKIRT SET: Jordan Sparks sets the red carpet on fire with this creme two piece!!! Long sleeves and zippers are must haves this season.

THE SHOES: These burnt orange and red tassel stilettos are a fantastically fabulous addition to any dress or skirt!

THE NAILS: Forest Green is our secret weapon color this Fall. Pop forest green on your nails or eyelids and watch heads turn!

THE LIPS: This Banana Milkshake lipstick by Ka'oir needs no introduction. Thick and smooth, this milkshake is certain to cause a double-take.

METALLIC TATTOOS: These are going to sparkle in the autumn sunset. An awesome addition to absolutely any outfit.

MIRROR SHADES: These chic and versatile lens can be worn year round, but will be especially sexy for the fall.

THE CLUTCH: This blazing red Juliette Jake crocodile clutch speaks for itself. A moment of silence while it works...

"The Game" Says Farewell in Championship Fashion - 8/10/2015 | 2:16 PM | Venus Clarke|

After eight seasons, a cancellation, a relocation, and a rebirth, The Game said farewell to their loyal fans on August 5, 2015.  To understand why fans love this show so much, one must recall its history... 

The Game began as a spin-off from one of TV’s most popular sitcoms, Girlfriends.  The 2006 Girlfriends episode entitled “The Game”, featured Melanie Barnett (Tia Mowry) who visits her cousin Joan Clayton (Tracee Ellis Ross).  Melanie is torn between pursuing a career in medicine and following her college sweetheart turned NFL player, Derwin Davis, to San Diego- and thus The Game was born!

Directed and written by power couple Salim & Mara Brock Akil, The Game debuted on The CW in October 2006, after The CW acquired The WB (previously UPN) television network.  The fanfare for the show was quieted by a thunderstorm of controversy brewing over The CW's new lineup. Despite high ratings and audience support, The CW only elected to bring Girlfriends from The WB and added The Game as a new edition.  Many fans accused The CW of deliberately white washing the network given that UPN was once home to The Jamie Foxx Show, The Wayans Bros., The Steve Harvey Show, and Sister,Sister.  And The WB was the present home to Girlfriends, One on One, Half & Half, and Eve; all tenured and popular shows.  

The CW went on to cancel The Game in 2009 after only three seasons.  This came on the heels of Girlfriends’  cancellation during the Writers Guild strike in 2008, making The CW completely void of any predominately African-American cast shows.  The fan outcry was bolstered by The Game’s nail-biting third season finale, that left many salivating for more “Sunbeams” and “Sabers”. 

BET (Black Entertainment Television) heard the cries of those fans and picked up the show for its Spring 2011 lineup.  The transition was not without a few kinks.  Many fans feared that script changes and the inclusion of a laugh track vs. a live audience were taking away from the show’s appeal.  The cast also complained in interviews that the filming regimen combined with the filming taking place in Atlanta vs. Los Angeles was hindering the authenticity of the show. 

However, by 2012, the show was nestled into their new home and gaining more fans than ever before.  After all the dust settled, lead actors Tia Mowry and Pooch Hall exited the show to pursue other ventures.  Meanwhile Brandy Norwood, Lauren London, and Jay Ellis were brought on as characters that were initially meant to extend the storylines of Jason and Malik.  However, "Chardonnay", "Keira", and "Blue" utimately solidified permanent stamps in the saga that is The Game.

Although we will miss The Game, we appreciate its send off. The story line came full circle and all of the “players” were in there for the buzzer! Melanie, Derwin, Tasha, Malik, Jason, and Kelly took us on a funny, sexy, fashionable roller coaster ride that ended in true Championship fashion!  Hats off to the cast, crew, creator, writers, directors, and BET for bringing a great ending to a great show! The Game and its legion of fans should serve as a testament that scripted “black comedies” are still wanted and adored! This shows that when we put our voices to work, we can make tangible changes in the entertainment industry. In the infamous words of Tasha Mack (and the title of the series finale episode)... "Pow, Pow, Pow!!!!"

Help, I'm Trapped In Facebook's Absurd Pseudonym Purgatory -AUTHOR: NADIA DRAKE

So due to my recent BOOT from social media, I decided to see if their were others that shared my utter disbelief at being asked for my "Government issued ID".  I found a very good article by Nadia Drake, check it out. 

Are social media networks trying to improve their service or suppress freedom of speech and freedom of expression? Is it down right discriminatory? Or just bad business practice? You be the judge....

HELP, I’M TRAPPED IN FACEBOOK’S ABSURD PSEUDONYM PURGATORY
-by Nadia Drake-featured in Wired Magazine Online

Hello World!!!!!

Welcome to The Pretty Little Mastermind's Blog! I'm your Blogger, Venus! I should (at least) introduce myself, before giving you my opinion and asking you about yours. Through this blog I hope to inspire, learn, teach, entertain, and share life through my eyes!  First let me explain the thought process behind my unique blog name.

"Mastermind" is what landed me here in the blog world. LOL! I was booted from a popular social media site for not providing a 'Government issued ID', after it was discovered that I was using the pseudonym 'Mastermind' as my middle name.  Who knew that social media was so particular? Especially given the plethora of silly names on social media.

All throughout school, I was the smart girl with BIG opinions on social causes. I remember many debates with high school teachers regarding what we were learning and current events.  I remember debating with one teacher over the fairness of Haitian refugees being turned around as they attempted to make it to the US in tiny boats.  I felt as though it was unfair to turn Haitians around, while allowing other ethnic groups refuge here.

Keep in mind, I was in the heart of Southern Small Town, USA.  Where our school was literally split down the middle racially, but the town at that time was 100% run by white political figures. This was also a school that STILL had segregated proms in the 90's!!!! (I'll wait for that to sink in).  

I remember once, having a head-to-head debate with my 10th grade Social Studies teacher about the origin of Egyptians.  Looking back, I sincerely hope this guy is no longer molding the mind of impressionable students, because he was either under educated or deliberately passing misinformation.  Anyway, he insisted that Egyptians we not 'black', despite the mountain of historical information that clearly proves otherwise.  I remember going home and complaining to my mom. She would always smile and say, 'Venus, I don't know how you got so militant'. LOL! For as long as I had an opinion, I asked questions and debated for what I thought was fair.

In the 8th grade, I purposefully wore shorts to school to protest what I felt was a violation of my right to stay cool during the humid summer/falls days of Louisiana.  Sure enough, I couldn't wear them alone. I gathered about four other girls willing to share in my "civil disobedience" against "the man" (our principal).  Needless to say, we were all thrown in detention, but I made the point I had come to make that day.  Thus the name "Mastermind" was born. 

Lastly, the name of this blog is inspired by one of my favorite TV shows, Pretty Little Liars (ABC Family).  In addition to being socially and politically conscious, I'm just a regular girl who loves a good mystery.  Pretty Little Liars is a show with mystery, fashion, and sarcastic humor.  All categories that will be covered in this blog, in addition to current events and political and social commentary! Nothing is off limits!

Enough layers for you? Good! Now let's talk!!!! Thanks and enjoy my Blog! Share it with others and join my email list to stay up-to-date with The Pretty Little Mastermind's posts and news! Smooches!!!!!!!