To commemorate the World AIDS Day 2010 season, Houston -based Concept 2 Resource MCS is collaborating with The Community Education Group, a national HIV prevention organization and a host of local HIV service providers to present the stage production of “You Better Ask Somebody”. The show will premiere on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at St. Johns United Methodist Church Downtown, at 8p.m. The play, written and directed by Fierce Productions, explores the personal relationships between men and women that put us all at risk for contracting HIV.

“We are excited to welcome this show to Houston. Its time that we really start thinking outside of the box about HIV and how to prevent its spread,” said Concept 2 Resource founder, Dena Gray. “This play really captures important information about relationships and behaviors that we have to discuss if we are going to really talk about the disease.”

SHOUT OUT TO http://www.urbanlimelight.com/ FOR KEEPING ME UPDATED AND IN THE LOOP! CHECK OUT THE "STIR HAPPY HOUR" HOSTED BY URBAN LIMELIGHT EVERY FIRST FRIDAY. DETAILS FOR THIS FRIDAY ARE BELOW. RSVP IS MANDATORY.

With Tuesday's extremely important election, literally around the corner, this past week I decided to venture out to see what platforms and agendas some of Houston's public servants were campaigning for or against this election season.

Momentum PAC hosted the "Candidates and Cocktails" event last Wednesday @ Faces Bar and Lounge in 3rd ward and I had the pleasure to meet some of the candidates and get a real live impression of each person's personality and point of view. Sometimes at these types if events you can have a lot of intellectuals and "socialites" that can have a tendency to look down on normal folk, that at the end of the day, are the same people that they want to help so intensely. This was the complete opposite...

It was an open forum where every question was answered with a sincerity and honesty that you don't necessarily expect when you speak to politicians this day and age. It was refreshing to to be received and acknowledged which I feel is what a lot of Americans are looking for when it comes to these types of public figures. We've had enough double talk and broken promises. We want to see results and I believe that the candidates the Momentum P.A.C have chosen to endorse represent the change we would like to see in our cities and communities on every level.

In my opinion, one of the most crucial issues this election cycle is the election of judges. Particularly in the black community, where the incarceration rate is extremely high, we need to have judges in place that will not only properly interpret the law but have other options as a form of redirection for lost brothers and sisters instead of just "lock up" with no hope of education or reformation. This year a historic number of African American judges will be running for office. Please do your duty as an American and VOTE. Don't let our ancestors sacrifice and struggle be in vain.

Below are links to more information regarding candidates, polling places, and any other questions you  might have about your right to vote.

Special thanks goes out to David Anderson and James Donatto.

http://www.harrisvotes.com/
http://www.raiseyourvote.com/

PHRANCHYSE - THE WINNER

9TH WONDER KILLIN THE TURNTABLES

This past Thursday, Red Bull Sponsored The Road to 8Mile MC Battle at Numbers and Hood Socialite was in the house to check out what type of talent was representing the H on "The Road To 8 Mile". I was pretty shocked that not very many local MC's/Rappers that you hear about around town weren't at this event. It was an awesome opportunity to market yourself, make some noise, and meet some contacts.

Anyway, there were some pretty talented, and some not so strong MC's that took the stage to brave the crowd and the judges during the freestyle battle. DJ Good Grief held it down, as usual, providing plenty of ear candy throughout the night. The panel of judges consisted of Bun B, 9th Wonder, and Rhymefest, who also gave us a short performance. I have to give it to the contestants. It cant be a comfortable feeling to be on stage in front of people ready to boo you, rapping in front of legends who have been in the game for up to 20 years off the top of the dome. I get nervous just thinking about it! Much respect to everyone that participated and especially to Phranchyse, who ultimately won the competition. He will go on to represent Houston at the final battle held in Detroit, where Eminem himself will choose the the best of the best. Special thanks to Red Bull for a night of raw, uncut hip hop. More pics after the jump!!

GALLERY M SQUARED
339 WEST 19TH STREET
HOUSTON, TX 77008

If you happen to be in DC on the 31st, you are cordially invited to kick it with one of my besties, Cassandra AKA "Mistress Flash" @ Rose's Dream for her 25th bday!! She is one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that I know. We have had some of the best times together and she will definitely show love to everyone than comes through the door. Especially if she finds out Hood Socialite sent you. We take care of our people.

Its free admission, all night so the more the merrier... There's no excuse not to throw on some vintage slacks and step out in style, jack! Its gonna be a party yall! Hahaha! Im so sad Im gonna miss this one but we have some FIREWORKS planned for you guys a lil later down the line so stay tuned. Until then, I'll be poppin bottles in spirit for ya boo. Love you Cass!! Have a happy birthday cat mama. :) 

“The thing about hip-hop is that it's from the underground, ideas from the underbelly, from people who have mostly been locked out, who have not been recognized.” ~Russell Simmons

We are living during a critical time in history. The economy is weak, public education is continuing on a downward spiral, millions of gallons of oil is seeping into the Gulf of Mexico around the clock, and people are pissed off. With good reason. While these problems can seem overwhelming, we as a people, can not allow our voices to be silenced. Houston HipHopolitic wants to help you SAY SOMETHING.

COMPLEX MAGAZINE: DAVID LACHAPELLE'S AMERICAN JESUS
SHE BREATHES: PHOTOGRAPHER YULIA GORBACHENKO
REGINA AGU: LABOTANCIA
THE REALNESS: A OMAR BROADWAY PRODUCTION
SWA-RAI: CHRISTIAN DIOR FALL COUTURE 2010

"Our intention is to build Armani/Dolci into the benchmark for fine Italian confectionery throughout the world." - Daniele Ferrero, President of Venchi.

Yes, you heard that right. Armani has signed a licensing agreement with Venchi and will soon be coming out with a line of chocolates, candies, ice creams, and more called Armani/Dolci. Allegedly, the recipes used for the treats are authentic 130 year old recipes that stay true to the region's choclate-making traditions.

According to Giorgio Armani, "This new collaboration with Venchi represents the natural fusion of my desire to offer our clients Armani/Dolci products of the highest quality, already recognised and appreciated throughout the world, with the exceptional skills and traditions of the Italian market leader in the quality chocolate sector."

I might be a little late with this but I thought this was so dope. Too bad he's not holding a screw tape... that might have been a little too real, though.

I love this blog. Join http://www.cheapeatsinhouston.blogspot.com/ for their first anniversary happy hour @ Sushi Raku. Drink specials, comp hors devours are being served for a small donation of $5 benefiting the Houston Food Bank. Make sure to RSVP by 2night!