Shouts to Dukes of Daville. While the buzz over their funkadelic duo’s new mixtape is continuing to grow, a special listening event is hitting ATL next week at Room Service Lounge. With drinks provided by the Brand Ambassador of Ciroc Marc Bolden, and a special guest DJ, it’s definitely going down next week.
Dukes is offering some special invites for the GU readers. Email gyantunplugged@gmail.com for your chance to come and kick it.
I’ve been hearing about Ciroc’s new restaurant and bar area at the Phillips arena. Brand Ambassador Marc Bolden has been hard at work spreading awareness of the relatively new liquor that sweeping the nation. Rumor has it Ciroc is at nearly 2 million bottles sold, which in the game of spirits is VERY good.
While I haven’t yet had the chance to check out the venue, I’m hearing nothing but great things. ATL Bite life’s blog has in fact checked out the new facility and had this to say:
“..This approximately 10,000 sq ft space that seats about 250 people sits between the 203 and 205 section of arena and is probably the sexiest sports lounge you’ve ever been to. Not only does it boast a full bar sponsored by Ciroc (with bottle service), a reasonably priced premium menu, and group seating that mirrors the sections you’d find at one of Alex Gidewon’s clubs, the view of the court (or whatever event is going on at the time) is still prime.
I had a chance to sample several items. On the positive side, the Crispy Chicken Cheese Sliders were very Chick Fil A-ish so I was definitely pleased with those. The Signature Creamy Mac n’ Cheddar Bites, which was basically fried mac & cheese bites, were very tasty. The Shrimp and Super Lump Crab Cakes were DELICIOUS!!! However, on the down side, the Margherita Pizza was just okay. I’ve definitely had better. The mixed green salad was kinda blah but whatever. Finally, The Red Pepper Steak Burger might have been okay had it not been damn near RARE (ya’ll know black folks don’t do raw meat!!!).
Right now, RED is only operating before, during, and shortly after ticketed events. However, I have it on good authority that they will be opening in the not too distant future just like any other full service restaurant for lunch and dinner on non-event days. Not sure how that will work though. I don’t know how many people will just want to grab food at Philips Arean on the average day. But, hey, I was wrong once before.”
The Atlanta Ciroc market is being led by Brand Ambassador, Marc Bolden (Left) who’s working on many great Ciroc themed events in the city of Atlanta this summer, including some HUGE events he’s planning on having at the new CIROC BAR…. Stay tuned to his Twitter for updates and events @CIROCstarATL as he’s always out and about.
Is a partnership between Levy Restaurants, Philips Arena and CÎROC ULTRA PREMIUM VODKA/ DIAGEO. As of now, will be open on game and event days before, during and after events and will be open up till 2am. There are 3 other Ciroc bar locations throughout the arena also, 2 on the Hawk Walk and one at the Club level entrance.
Nice restaurant area.
Executive VP of The Blue Flame Agency, Dia Simms speaks on the landmark partnership below.
Consumers turn to our brand when they want to elevate their night with friends and family. We enjoy bringing this ideal to life for our fans nationwide and are confident that Ciroc bar at Red is a great example of this experience.
Something tells that this venue is going to the talk of the town as the Summer kicks into high gear.
When word spread that Steve Harvey’s New York Time’s Best Seller “Act Like A Lady, Think Like A Man,” was being made into a movie it was immediately off-putting. Not that I have anything against the comedian-turned-relationship-guru, I just found his whole brand to be reminiscent of Bill Cosby’s often times contradictory ways.
While the 70-80′s comedian was projecting a “safe” brand filled with matrimony, blah blah blah, other comedians were coming forward to say that Mr. Cosby was quite the opposite of his personal persona. Fast-forward to 2012, and I kind of have the same spidey-sense as it relates to Mr. Harvey. And with that I intially wasn’t buying any advice being offered to ladies on the stress of figuring out the opposite sex, or the concept of “Think.”
However, after garnering an advanced screening of “Think Like A Man,” I have to say that my opinion on the concept of “Think..” is shifting. “Think Like A Man” is an ensemble cast of today’s most prominent black actors. From Gabrielle Union to Micheal Ealy, the well rounded cast was sheer perfection.
Synopsis:
Four men find their love lives shaken up after the women they’re pursuing buy Steve Harvey’s best-selling book Think Like a Man and start taking his advice to heart.
When the men realize they’ve been betrayed by a fellow man, they get together to use the book’s insider information to turn the tables on the women to teach them a lesson.
With Rob Hardy and Will Packer at the helm, “Think Like A Man” is a universal story that is relatable in every walk of life. The search for one’s significant other can be an exhausting search. And this highly anticipated film doesn’t disappoint as it explores love, relationships, dating and finding your “happily ever after.”
Checkout stars from the upcoming film, which hits theaters tomorrow (4/20), on the Atlanta red carpet.Trust me when I say you want to see this film. It’s gets a solid A+.
Props to Saptosa Foster and Phillip Hudson of 135th Street Agency.
And major shouts to the Gyantunplugged cameraman George Sharkness III.
Easily my favorite ‘entreprnegro’ Ludacris took his cute daughter Karma to the annual Kid’s Choice awards in LA over the weekend.
Karma was there promoting her new educational kids site http:///www.karmasworld.com. The 10-year-old daughter of Atlanta’s hip-hop King is using her company and talent to educate her generation on fashion, spelling and more.
The heir to Luda’s fortune, appears to waste no time owning the camera as she takes pictures with her musical favorites Taylor Swift, and that DAMN Justin Bieber.
[Taylor Swift and Karma]
[Karma and Bieber]
And be sure to check below for an interview with Channel 11 Alive’s Karen Greer. (I think that’s her name).
Yesterday the first official party of spring belonged to Ciroc’s Sunset Lounge at Shout. With beautiful weather, and even more beautiful people, it was definitely the party to make an appearance. Ciroc’s new brand Ambassador Marc Bolden enlisted the likes of DJ Trauma to keep the party going. And man was it a good time.
DTP’s own Chaka Zulu made a special appearance to party with the regular folk, as Thomas Jones superstar artist Myko also came through to show love. From booze to babes, the Sunset Lounge was definitely the place to be Sunday. Check the pics & video compliments of @KingsMenMedia
AW Media Group and Enchanted PR handling the publicity.
Myko and friend stopped through to meet the people.
The presumable man of spring and summer Ciroc Ambassador Marc Bolden with Angela Watts (and of course Ciroc)
Interscopes Keinon rolled through to show some luv.
Tonight V103 held an exclusive listening session for Atlanta’s own Monica and popular singer Brandy. The “Soul Sessions” event was hosted by newcomer to the V103 family Egypt. If you all don’t know Egypt is the new Midday queen for V, and she’s wasting no time introducing herself to the people. After only being in Atlanta two weeks, E, is quickly becoming a very sought after Personality.
The event, which was held at Atlanta’s W Hotel, was filled with nostalgia. Grammy award winner Brandy was the opening act. Performing hits from her extremely successful “Full Moon,” what can’t be denied is her vocal ability. I’ve never seen Brand perform live except for the few times I’ve peeped a performance on TV. But I was definitely, and pleasantly surprised. It made me almost forget she killed someone on a LA highway. (yea i haven’t forgotten that). Egypt sat down with Brandy to discuss her new album, going on tour with Monica, and even what exactly Whitney Houston passed her when the late singer barged in on her interview with E!. And while the thirty-something songstress remained coy, she did open up about her daughter wanting to get into the business and more. Rapper/Actor TI, Tiny, Real Housewives Kandi, Jacob Lattimore and more were all in the building to show love.
Monica came out afterwords and performed several cuts from her new album plus songs like “Misty Blue,” and more. But the crowd went ape shit when both songstress’ hit the stage to perform their new single “It All Belongs To Me,” and their massive hit from the 90′s “The Boy Is Mine.”
Special shouts to the V103 staff for the unprecedented access. After all these years it’s still always appreciated.
Shouts to I’na at The Starfire Group for the invite to Segram’s Gin Calender Launch for 2012. The event, which was held at a new venue around the Atlantic Station area, was to introduce the new calender girl from the longstanding liquor company.
The lucky model’s name is Jennifer Anyl. She was personally styled by Bravo’s own Mychael Knight. And of course, the drinks were off the chain.
Check some imagery below.
[The winner of 2012 Seagram's Gin Calender Launch]
[Taiye and Seagram's Gin Calender model winner]
[Budding Singer/Songwriter Dean Write and myself.]
Shouts to Hannah Kang and MusicBusinessPolictics for the info on budding superstar K.Michelle’s b-day bash. Many of you know I was one of the first people to put you onto K.Michelle.
The sultry recording artist is poised to make her make in the game. Im gonna be front and center for K’s awesome experience at Aurum Lounge. Im sure there will be tons of people in the bldg.Will you be there?
The wonderful recording artist the world knows as Estelle was in Atlanta, GA over the weekend, and I got an opportunity to hang out with the UK star Sunday night at the wonderful Frank Ski’s in midtown.
Thanks to Atlantic Records and the awesome Cannon Kent, Estelle hosted an intimate affair with a few of her Atlanta friends. From Frank Ski himself, to Nina Brown – even DJ Trauma came through to show love. Thomas Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs star artist Myko was in the building and a few other movers and shakers were also in attendance.
Estelle was cool as a cucumber in town promoting her new CD “All of Me”. And you already know I had to have a quick sit down with her to catch up on the musical bullet points as well as discover where she’s been hiding.
We also got a rare wine lesson from the wine connoisseur Frank Ski.
Recording artists Yianna (Greek recording artist with Universal EMI) and Myko (Atlanta recording artist under Kansas City Chiefs Thomas Jones).
DJ Trauma and Estelle
Me, Trauma, Myko and The World Famous G Mack.
The lovely Cannon Kent..
Admiring my personally signed “All of Me” CD
Frank Ski, Estelle and actor Brian White, who’s got a new role in Tyler Perry’s new film “Good Deeds”.
“All of Me” in stores Feb 28th, 2012.
Derek J also came thru.
Estelle, Estelle, Estelle..
All the wine is gone.
Estelle and I sat down for a quick chat. Checkout the vocalist discussing her new album, Kanye West and more. And also to be sure to checkout Frank Ski educating us on the wine culture.
80′s/90′s rap trio Salt N Pepa are making headlines today over a presumable botched plastic surgery that went horribly wrong for lead rapstress Cheryl “Salt” James. While I have never understood those who go under the knife in an effort to appear ‘fresher,” and “more youthful,” I used to think to “each is own,” in that matter.
That is until Pepa, and now Salt, made a recent appearance at McDonald’s “Chicken Bites,” event (where shockingly mostly African-American celebrities was the events focus. What you trying to say McDonalds? Not all black people eat chicken (just sayin). Anyway. Check below to watch how Salt went from a respectable middle aged women to now the elephant man.
Not to judge, but I don’t think plastic surgery is in the bible there Salt. Jesus you look crazy. What in the hell were you thinking? smh. And don’t even get me started on Pepa.
The wave of plastic surgery is finally slowly infiltrating the black community. A race of historically youthful looking 40′s, 50′s and 60 year-old’s. I don’t know whats going on with this B.S. but let these two be a cautionary to us all that plastic surgery is NOT the answer.
I don’t care what they say, I know they both have to regret taking these drastic steps in an effort to “preserve” their youth.
