Throwback Thursdays: Aaliyah – Are You That Somebody
Today the Hip Hop world remembers our fallen Angel, Aaliyah Dana Haughton, who died 10 years ago today in a fiery plane crash on August 25, 2001 in the Bahamas after filming the music video for her single “Rock the Boat”.
The music video was directed by Hype Williams, who, at the time was accused of overloaded Aaliyah’s chartered aircraft with excess film equipment which caused the plane to crash on takeoff. It was later revealed that the pilot had traces of cocaine and alcohol in his system. Still, Williams’ once thriving video directing career never fully recovered from the industry blackballing.
By the way, the iconic photo above of Aaliyah and Left Eye was taken by your auntie. I made the mistake of uploading this photo (and others) to the Internet back in the late 90s when I didn’t know much about watermarking and copyrighting my work.
As you can see, this is the original photo without the dark shadowing like the photo you see all over the Internet. I have this photo blown up to poster size and hanging on my wall. It is one of the few rare images of Aaliyah and Left Eye together before they died.
The photo was taken at Lance “Un” Rivera’s birthday party at the Atrium nightclub on Memorial Drive in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Left Eye was supposedly dating Lance at the time. Lil Kim was there that night too.
No one could have imagined that these two young ladies, who were so full of life, would die tragically within a year of each other.
R.I.P. Aaliyah!
Celebrity Seed: Wendy Williams
Talk show Diva Wendy Williams tweeted this cute photo of her son Lil Kevin in Memphis, TN yesterday on Twitter.com. Lil Kev isn’t so little anymore. Wendy tweeted that she was treating Kev to breakfast at a Waffle House for his birthday. Kevin turned 11 yesterday while on the road with his mom. Lil Kev and Wendy share a special relationship.
Bisexual Halle Berry Celebrates Her 45th Birthday With Female Lover
Actress Halle Berry enjoys the best of both worlds. When her actor boyfriend Olivier Martinez is out of the country, she slips between the sheets with her personal assistant/lover whom we first introduced you to here.
Halle celebrated her 45th birthday by frolicking in the surf with her girlfriend as they lapped up the gorgeous California sunshine on a beach outing yesterday in Malibu.
Halle, who looked stunning in a peach bikini and colourful sarong, stood no chance as her mischievous chum leapt on her back and dunked her in the cool Malibu sea.
The Monster’s Ball star saw the funny side of things, though, and was seen roaring with laughter as her pal – who was fully dressed in jeans and a vest top – engaged her in a rough and tumble.
Also joining them was Halle’s little daughter Nahla, who gave her mummy and affectionate birthday hug as they whiled away the afternoon on the beach. Source
Photos: Splash via Daily Mail
Alex Gidewon’s Private Birthday Affair @ Reign Nightclub
Monday, (August 1st), was a night to remember as Atlanta’s tastemakers celebrated Alex Gidewon’s 40th birthday at the ATL’s newest nightclub, Reign! Rapper Jeezy was among the premier celebs who came out to support Alex. The party was also the Grand Opening of Reign and Dubai (formerly Vanquish).
‘I Love Music’ Birthday Celebration For Phillana Williams Sponsored By Grey Goose
Artist manager and music executive Phillana Williams celebrated her birthday at Salon Millesime last night in New York City. As you know, Phillana started out as Ciara’s manager. But before that she was an assistant at the now defunct LaFace Records in Atlanta. LaFace is responsible for establishing the careers of so many movers and shakers in the music industry! Many of whom came out last night to support Phillana!
WAIT, STOP THE PRESSES!
Phillana’s artist Miguel chose last night as a coming out of sorts for his longtime girlfriend (whose name is being withheld for now). Isn’t she pretty? We’re told that the two lovebirds have been together for some years now, and my inside sources ASSURED us that she IS his real girlfriend. So this ends all specualtion about Miguel’s sexuality once and for all.
Everyone’s Talking About Alex Gidewon’s Private Bday Bash Tonight at Club Reign
The name on everyone’s lips this past weekend was Alex Gidewon, the uber successful club promoter with a string of lucrative nightclubs in Atlanta. Tonight, Gidewon, who co-owns AG Entertainment with his brothers, will celebrate his 40th birthday at the newest jewel in his crown of nightclubs: Club Reign.
Most holders of invitations to Alex’s private party at Reign believe they will gain admission to the Ultra private bash at Dubai Lounge next door to Reign, but unfortunately, they will not.
Please be clear: there are NO invitations to Alex Gidewon’s Ultra private bash at the exquisitely appointed Dubai Lounge tonight. If you are an A-lister, a baller or a shot caller in Atlanta, your name speaks for itself. Your aura of sophistication is all you will need to get inside Dubai. If the doorman has to ask who you are, you will be pointed down the sidewalk to Club Reign.
But don’t be embarrassed: you won’t be alone — you just won’t be inside Dubai Lounge sipping champagne with the rest of the ballers.
The stunning Moroccan styled Dubai Lounge was designed by Michael Habachy of Habachy Designs, Inc.
Happy birthday, Alex! Have fun tonight!
We corrected this post to reflect the fact that Michael Habachy of Habachy Designs, Inc. designed both nightclubs.
Devyne Stephens 40th Birthday Bash at Dreamland
They say whatever happens in Dreamland stays in Dreamland. The ultra modern, Sandy Springs mansion is co-owned by music moguls Akon and Devyne Stephens. The men don’t actually live in the mansion, they just hold memorable parties there. Such as the star-studded, Polynesian style, Fantasy Island bash that Devyne threw for his 40th birthday extravaganza on Sunday.
Dreamland’s living room floor is transparent allowing guests to see the lush landscaping below.
Celebs in attendance included singers Akon, Ciara, Kandi Burruss, Timothy Bloom and V Bozeman, pictured above with actress LisaRaye (“Single Ladies”); rappers Too $hort and Yung Joc, Ron Devoe (New Edition) and his wife Shamari Fears (Blaque); Lakers star Ron Artest; Kasim Reed, the Mayor of Atlanta and more! I told you why singer Kelly Rowland wasn’t there. But in case you missed that, click here. Devyne made his usual grand entrance, landing on his front lawn in a helicopter!
Hurry over to lifestyle blog Talkingwithtami.com and let Tami fill you in on what happened at the party!
Photos by Prince Williams of ATLPics.net and Talkingwithtami.com.
