The Sophisticate Chronicles

For all you Tyler Perry Fans. .He is not only back with a new movie but with plans for a new sitcom!! The characters from Perry's "Why Did I Get Married?" and "Why Did I Get Married Too?" will be back. .but with a TWIST!! The new show "For Better or Worse" scheduled to hit TBS later this year will be centered around  a group of college best friends as they deal with life’s issues:  Carl and Leslie:  A beautiful, happily married couple who want their friends to be as happy as they are Brian:  A TV sportscaster who has a volatile yet comedic relationship with his wife, Michelle, a hair salon owner Janice: A therapist married to a sharp, ambitious lawyer, Jordan, who’s trying to keep his secrets secret. Well we can't wait to see what's in store from this show and it's characters. . Because we all know how the movies were. .Plenty of Laughter and Drama!!

"Jumping The Broom" in theaters May 6 features an ALL STAR* cast. . Angela Bassett, Loretta Devine, Paula Patton, Mike Epps, Laz Alonzo, Tasha Smith, Megan Good, and the list goes on!! For more information on the movie or to purchase tickets at a theater near you visit  http://www.jumpingthebroom-movie.com/ We are excited and can't wait!!

We're sure you've heard this one before: one day you're dating, all is well, and then the next minute your significant other stops calling. No texts. No visits, hellos, or goodbyes.   Weeks turn into months, the relationship quietly crumbles, and your still wondering why.  If you've been here before, don't panic - you're not alone.  Here's a quick guide to help you beat "the fadeaway breakup,"aka when your partner pulls a disappearing act. . . . Here are 3 reasons for the "fadeaway breakup" as reported by Yahoo.com:  1. "I Didn't Want to Hurt Your Feelings."  Remember grandma's old "if you have nothing good to say, don't say anything at all" mantra? Well, believe it or not, some people apply this logic to relationships. Many partners believe saying nothing is better than starting a hurtful uproar so they disappear, without a word or trace.  2. "I'm Scared, I'm Freaked Out." Although un...

Written by:  Amy Spencer for Match.com on Yahoo! Wonder if this one’s The One? Below are some telltale tip-offs you two are headed for happily ever after — plus, five clear-cut clues that spell bad news. First, the good news: You’re headed toward happily ever after if. . . 1. You discover quirky things you have in common It’s one thing to discover you both like the new Coldplay album. It’s another to discover your tastes or habits jibe in more surprising ways. “What confuses people is that they think they’re a match because they have things in common that many people have in common, like favorite books or songs, so they’re fooled into thinking they’re on the same wavelength,” says Sam R. Hamburg, Ph.D., author of Will Our Love Last? “The more uncommon and surprising your similarities are, the better.” That was definitely the case for one Rochester, NY dater named Patrick McAvoy. “I have this weird habit of belting out what I’m doing in song, so when I started dating Bethany,...

 Mr. Radio Raheem Devaughn is BACK at it AGAIN. . . . With his seductive song and video for "Breath" off of his First Studio album "The Love Experience" (recently featured on his mixtape "Heemy Taught Me")  Ladies. .Trust!!  You will probably take a couple of breaths and even faint after watching this new video. LoL!! ENJOY!!!! ;-)

After reading Big Sean's interview with Necole Bitchie, we just had to post his video to the blog. Enjoy!

Last night while on twitter we came across one of Necole Bitchie's tweets that included a link giving access to an interview she had with Detroit's uprising rapper, Big Sean. He is currently signed with Kanye West's G.O.O.D. music label. During the interview, Big Sean tells how he got discovered by Kanye West, getting signed to Kanye's label, his upcoming album, and what he looks for in a woman. Once we got to the part of the interview where he describes the type of qualities he looks for in a woman, we were in awe. Here's some of the qualities on his list: Necole Bitchie: What are the qualities you look for in a woman? Big Sean: I want somebody who has f**king goals, somebody who knows what they’re going to do. I got a life coach that teaches me ways to make life easier. One of the things they taught me was clarity is power. So if you’re clear about something and write your sh*t down, stuff you want to do—it’s clarity. It turns me on when a girl has goals an...

After weeks of anticipation and viewing movie previews on our televisions screens, Madea's Big Happy Family will finally be opening in theaters tomorrow. The movie features some of the following actors/ actresses: Tyler Perry, Lauren London, Teyana Taylor, Bow Wow, and Loretta Devine. Check out the movie snippet below: We can't wait to see this one!

The beautiful Lauren London made this week's cover of RollingOut.com. This is only a taste of what she gives to RollingOut: Girlfriend looks good. She's the hottest mommy we've ever seen, and it is obvious that she bounced back after having that baby. Go girl! This issue of RollingOut not only includes photos of Lauren, but it also gives a full interview with her as well. In her interview, she talks about people's perception of her, gives some of her beauty tips, talks about her career, and speaks on motherhood. To view more photos, and Lauren London's interview in it's entirety, click the link below: http://rollingout.com/covers/lauren-london-the-girl-you-love-the-woman-you-should-respect/ DO NOT FORGET TO CHECK MISS LAUREN OUT IN THEATERS THIS WEEKEND IN THE MOVIE "MADEA'S BIG HAPPY FAMILY!"

One of our FAVorite "SophistiKats" is gracing the May 2011 cover of  ROLLING OUT Magazine and looking GORGEOUS in Gold. . None other than  Antonia "Toya" Carter.  With the #1 Reality Show on BET right now "Toya: A Family Affair"  this Lady is definitely doing her THANG!! Oh. .and lets not forget her book  "Priceless Inspirations" Order your copy from Amazon today at: http://www.amazon.com/Priceless-Inspirations-Antonia-Carter/dp/0982702760

1775* Black and white Minutemen fought British Soldiers at Lexington and Concord. 1866* On April 19, 1866, the African American citizens of Washington D.C. celebrated the abolition of slavery. 4,000 to 5,000 people assembled to the White House addressed by Andrew Johnson.  Led by two black regiments the spectators, and the procession proceeded up the Pennsylvania Avenue to Franklin Square for religious services and speeched by prominent politicians.  The sign on top of the platform read: "We have received our civil rights. Give us the right of suffrage and the work is done." 1947* Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American major league baseball player 1960* Home of Z. Alexander Looby, counsel for 153 students arrested in sit-in demonstrations, destroyed by dynamite bomb.  More than eighty-three demonstrators indicted in Atlanta, Georgia, on charges stemming from the sit-in demonstrations at Atlanta restaurants.  Two thousand students marched on the Nashv...

Another Lady of VH1's "Love and Hip Hop" Olivia has released the Official video for her upcoming single "December". Olivia has been in the industry for some years now but seems to be motivated NOW more than ever before to prove that she is worthy and here to stay. The lyrical content of the song is on point with most women have dealt with at the hands of a lot of men. .The Promises. .Lies. .and Being the Other Woman. Hot Song. .Can't wait to see what else this Diva has to offer.

A BEAUTIFUL Ray of Sunshine is on the horizon!! That's RIGHT the beautiful DIVA, JILL SCOTT, is making her way BACK on the scene with her NEW studio Album. ."The Light of the Sun". Her latest single, "Shame" features Eve and "THE A Group", and boy....are they BAAAD!!! These ladies are on top of their "A GAME", FOR SURE. The natives of Philly not only represent for their city, they represent for hip hop, as well as Black women, in this video. As far as the WOMEN of the "THE A GAME"... Ladies, U BETTER WORK IT!!! ;-) In the words of Jill Scott, "Its a SHAME... you're MISSING OUT on a GOOD thang!!!" #TRUEstatement

1850* The California Fugitive Slave Law, introduced earlier by state Senator Henry A. Crabb, was adopted by the State Legislature. It authorized any slave owner claiming a runaway to obtain warrant for the slave's arrest. 1861* President Lincoln called for 75,000 troops to put down the rebellion. Lincoln administration rejected Black volunteers. For almost two years straight Black Americans fought for the right, as one humorist put it, "to be kilt". 1865* Death of Abraham Lincoln, Washington. 1899* Asa Philip Randolph, founder of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, was born in Crescent City, Florida 1919* Lithographer and sculptor Elizabeth Catlett was born in Washington, DC. Catlett was the first woman to teach sculpture at the School of Fine Arts, National Autonomous University of Mexico. 1959* African Freedom Day is declared at the All-African People's Conference in Accra, Ghana. 1960* Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee organized by y...

Straight from VH1's"Love and Hip Hop"  Somaya Reece has released the video for her song "Would You Still Love Me". Originally she took the track to Jim Jones for review and for him to hop on the track. .at the end of the day it was her Ex Boyfriend and West Coast Rapper "XO" who made the track. Honestly WE love the beat and lyrics. .she could use a little work in reference to her flow (delivery). .but we label this one as a "SophistiKat Banger"!! Do you THANG Ms. Reece!! Let us know what you think ;)

On Monday night's episode of Beverly Hills Fabulous; Sean went toe to toe with a tranny and it got real gutter.                 Click the link below to view the footage: http://www.vh1.com/video/misc/641277/taser.jhtml#id=1661720

Radio Raheem is BACK!!! With his recent video promoting his LATEST MIXTAPE,  "Heemy Taught Me". Raheeem DeVaughn pays respect to his fans and twitter followers in this video. This says ALOT about his character, considering he's always responding back to his twitter fan base, on the social website. WE LOVE YOU RAHEEM DeVaughn!!!  KEEP doing your thing!!! We support you, forever and a day!!! ;-)

Mary J is back with a HOTT new single featuring Diddy and Lil Wayne "Someone to Love Me". Looks like we are getting a little of the Old Mary in the New Joint. .Do your thang Queen!!

1816* By 1816 there were several African Methodist Churches around the country and that year they met to form the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church.  On April 11, 1816 Richard Allen was named the first bishop of this church. 1865* President Lincoln recommended suffrage for Black veterans and Blacks. 1881* Spelman College, an institution sponsored by John D. Rockefeller's family, opened for Negro women in Atlanta, Georgia. It became the "Radcliffe and the Sarah Lawrence of Negro education." 1899* Chemist Percy Julian born in Montgomery, Alabama. Julian studied at DePauwm, Fisk, Harvard and Vienna (Germany) Universities.  In his lifetime he discovered several synthetic substances including one that made paint water-tight, cortisone and a fire suppressing foam. 1967* Harlem voters defied Congress and re-elected Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. 1968* President Johnson signed a bill. This bill also made it a crime to interfere with civil rights worker...

Written for http://www.essence.com  by Paul Carrick Brunson  The availability of single men is largely about math.  If there are 10 single men at a party and you disqualify 9 of them, your probability of meeting Mr. Right shrinks to below 10% (the reason it’s ‘below’ is because, don’t forget, he needs to not disqualify you). When you take this same concept and apply it to our daily lives, the result is that very few women meet and then, subsequently, date men.   The average number of dates my female clients have before working with me is 3-5 per year (and I’m beginning to think this is the rule and not the exception).  To increase the number of men you date, there are 2 basic things you can do:  1) Expand your social circles.  2) Open your mind to new men.   Today we’re focusing on #2 – the following list includes the 10 types of men most women disqualify and I suggest taking a second look. Under 5'5" Guys Height is the number one re...

1872* Ruth Gaines-Shelton. African- American Playwright born at Glasgow, MO.  Best known for prize winning comedy The Church Fight, which was published in Crisis  (a publication of NAACP) in May of 1926. 1920* Carmen McRae Born April 8, 1920. After winning an amateur contest at Harlem's legendary Apollo Theatre in her hometown New York City, McRae went on to become a noted jazz singer with Earl Hines, Mercer "Duke" Ellington and Benny Carter bands among others and recording more than 20 albums. She Died Nov. 10, 1994 in Beverly Hills, Ca. 1938* Joe "King" Oliver  Cornetist, Bandleader, and mentor to Louis Armstrong, dies 1956* Christopher Darden was born April 8, 1956.  He was a prosecuting attorney in O.J. Simpson's murder trial. Christopher left the District Attorney's office to continue teaching law and later began an acting career. 1960* The Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) was organized on this date. 1965* Black Se...

  Our FAV... Mr.Romance himself... is back at it Again!!! With "B.O.B."  Just "Raheem DeVaughn Her"

Far from the VERY Posh and Prissy character "Gabrielle Solis" she plays on ABC's Hit sitcom "Desperate Housewives" Eva Longoria has shocked the Masses!! This week she released her first book. .and it's a Cookbook. . "Eva's Kitchen"!! The book features classic Mexican and Texas style recipes. .as well as International French and Italian recipes. . So whip out your apron and pumps because this book is sure to add some spice not only to your cookbook collections but to your kitchens as well. To order your copy visit  http://www.amazon.com/Evas-Kitchen-Cooking-Family-Friends/dp/0307719332

From the moment this Sexy Gentleman stepped onto the Lincoln Financial Field. .We have been Awestruck. .Not only for his undeniable skills on the field. .but his commitment to advocating against "Bullying" and giving back in his community . . So for our first installment of SophistiKats "Gentleman of the Week". . We present to you. .  Mr. Desean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles Date of birth: December 1, 1986 (age 24) Place of birth: Los Angeles, California Height: 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) Weight: 175 lb (79 kg) College: California (Golden Bears) NFL Draft: 2008 / Round: 2 / Pick: 49 Debuted in 2008 for the Philadelphia Eagles Philadelphia Eagles (2008–present) #10 Wide Receiver Career highlights and awards: 2× Pro Bowl selection (2009, 2010) 1× All-Pro Punt Returner (2009) 2× All-Pac-10 (2006, 2007) 2× All-American (2006, 2007) Randy Moss Award (2006) Pete Dawkins Trophy (2005) Continue to "Do You" and know that we will be watching and supporting. ....

1798* James Beckwourth, Pioneer/Fur trader was born in Fredricksburg, VA to white master and Black slave mother. Moved to St. Louis as a teen and became a scout with the Rocky Mount Fur Co. In 1824 he was adopted the Crow Indian Nation and married a Crow woman. He was given two Indian names "Bloody Arm" and "Bulls Robe" and fought many wars with them. He later moved West and discovered Beckwourth Pass in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. 1830* James Augustine Healy, first Black Roman Catholic bishop in America, born to Irish planter and slave on plantation near Macon, Georgia. 1846* Dred Scott and his wife Harriet filed suit against Irene Emerson for their freedom. The Dred Scott case was first brought to trial in 1847 in the first floor, west wing courtroom of St. Louis' Courthouse. A black slave from Missouri who claimed his freedom on the basis of seven years of residence in a free state and a free territory. 1869* Ebenezer Don Carlos Bassett, Princ...