Get to Know Ty Dolla $ign: The Leader of Hood R&B

It seems that new R&B is more hood than ever and leading the pack is the dreadlocked and tatted, Los Angeles singer, producer, and sometimes rapper Ty Dolla $ign. A myriad of Drake, the Weeknd, and Ice Cube best describes what his music sounds like. It's smooth enough to pull you in and raunchy enough to keep you interested. This is definitely not your mother's R&B. 

Though Ty is now gaining notoriety in the urban markets as a solo artist, many are familiar with his work without knowing exactly who he was. He produced and wrote the popular "Toot It and Boot It" hit by Atlanta rapper, YG.  To date, he has released two critically acclaimed mix tapes Beach House and Beach House 2 since late 2012. He recently dropped the Beach House EP on January 21st.  

Ty was genetically passed the musical genes with his father being a musician in the funk band, Lakeside. Not to be pigeoned into one category, he also plays bass, drums, and the guitar. Now signed to Wiz Khalifa's Taylor Gang Records, Ty is gaining steady popularity with his single "Paranoid" which features B.O.B. The creative visuals and relatable lyrics provide the perfect recipe for his come up. 

Check out Ty Dolla's Paranoid below and be sure to give the Beach House series a listen. 

5 Hot Sneaker Options for Grown Ups

As a admitted sneaker head, I have to confess my sneaker collection is pretty extensive. As I find myself having to attend events that cater more to the grown and sexy, my retro Jordan 7's were just not cutting it. I love dressing up but heels are my least favorite accessory! 

Thanks to one of my fabulous and stylish friends, I have been introduced to the comfort of a great wedge heel and cute sneakers that now coincide with my adult status. Check out some great sneaker options below that are hot and won't have your teenage children or siblings raiding your closet.

5. Coach Alegra Sneakers, $118.00

These "tomboy slip-ons" provide maximum comfort and are easy to wear. The come come in a camel, beige, and the tiger lily color seen below. 

4. Vans Suede Camryn Slim, $65.00

Vans' Camryn style are not only are fashionable but are also very reasonably priced. They are made of suede and have purple accents on the inseam fabric as well as on the soles. Very Girly!

3. Canvas Lace Hi-Top Sneaker by Charlotte Russe, $14.50

These sneakers come in various patterns and colors making it a sure fit for all tastes. The fact that they are priced to go makes it affordable to own several pairs to match your mood. I absolutely love the zebra printed ones below.

2. Diesal Sunrise Pit Sneaker, $104.99

Diesal brand may be known more for jeans than sneakers but the Sunrise Pit sneaker is great for everyday wear and when I wear them I constantly get asked where'd I'd buy them. 

1. Nike Dunk Sky Hi VT QS, $220.00

I know not everyone is crazy about wedge sneakers but as a shorty do wop, I love the extra height and all day comfort that a great sneaker wedge provides. The Nike Dunk Sky Hi version of the sneaker wedge is almost perfect. 

Words Are Mightier Than the Sword

Happy Belated New Year to everyone! Hopefully everyone ate plenty, drank until they called Earl, and spent many enjoyable hours with family and friends. I'm not one to gossip but um…..

This is the phrase that I heard over vacation when some acquaintances of mine begin to go in on some private information about one of our mutual friends. Though I love tea as much as the next woman, I never felt good afterwards after indulging in tidbits about someone who was not around to deny or accept what was being said about them. It took it happening to me to really accept the gravity and emotions that being lied upon and gossiped about can bring. As the saying goes, one can never know until they walk a mile in your shoes.

In the world of thousands of gossip blogs and news outlets that report more on celebrity "news" than actual current events, it can be a daunting task to not to fall victim of being caught up in someone else's business. Many of these outlets fail to realize that words they say or print can cause serious detriment to the people that they report on. Sometimes retractions or apologies afterwards are not enough to repair the damage already done or heal the broken spirits that come with spreading false information. 

Resolutions are not my thing but as we walk our way into 2014 I encourage everyone to recognize the weight of hurtful words and believe in the importance of kindness and encouragement. Gossip not only creates a never-ending cycle, it is never fun when one becomes the center of that gossip. Focusing more on what can make us better people and how we can be beneficial to the world makes for much more exciting news than who is sleeping with who or how much money someone makes. 

Let's make 2014 a great year by sharing our commonalities more than exploiting our differences. 

Many Blessings, 

Ms. Yaya