UPDATE: Missy and Timbaland discuss Drake/Aaliyah! Is Drake Obsessed With Aaliyah?

Drake is a fan of Aaliyah, but who can fault him for that. She was a great artist and gave us so many R&B hits throughout the 90s and early 2000s. I still consider her to be one of my favorite artists and thoroughly enjoy listening to her music all these years later. But, it appears that Drake is taking his fandom to legitimate “Stan” levels.

And let’s be fair, Drake is a good artist in his own right. He creates music that appeals to the masses, at times showing a side to a man that is often kept private. He raps and sings, which has proven to be a great formula for him. However, I don’t think that means he’s a suitable choice to produce a new posthumous Aaliyah album.

Beyond being a fan of her himself and having his own successful career, I don’t know what exactly qualifies him to produce an Aaliyah album. I for sure don’t think it’s this beyond creepy tattoo of her face on his back. Or his recent area code tattoo that doubles as her birthday. If anything, his collection of Aaliyah tribute tattoos prove that is more of an obsessed fan.

According to Drizzy, he and 40 are “commanding” the project, which will feature Aaliyah and other artists that have worked with her. I found the first single, “Enough Said” which features Drake, to be good. But for Drake to self-appoint himself as commander of her upcoming posthumous album, it’s well, almost disrespectful. Missy and Timbaland were close friends of hers and helped to cultivate her distinctive sound. It is also unclear at this point as to whether her family is in support of his involvement in the project.

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. As a fan, I don’t want the Drake sound all over an Aaliyah album. I for one, hope to see Missy and Timbaland at the helm while Drake falls back. More importantly, as a fan, I want Drake to appreciate how great the album with the two of them in control as well.

Just in case you aren’t convinced that Drake is obsessed with Aaliyah, check out this Complex article…an Aaliyah earpiece?!!???!?!!!

**UPDATE** Watch Missy and Timbaland discuss the whole Drake/Aaliyah controversy.

Life Is Good - For Nas & Us Too

Life is good, and not just for Nas, who’s tenth studio album, Life Is Good, is number one on the Billboard charts. With his album reaching number one, it’s a sign that good music can top the charts again. Fans of hip-hop, celeb and non-celeb, are enjoying this album, with the word “classic” being thrown around.

It’s simple really, Nas had something to say, and thankfully we were ready to listen. He poured his heart out on this album, detailing personal events in his life that were very public.  He worked with great producers; performed over some great beats and an album that can easily play from start to finish has been created.

I take this as a sign, a sign that good, quality music is making a comeback. For too long, hip-hop has been flooded with songs lacking substance. And while fun, party songs are always needed, it’s as though party songs were all we were getting. Nas is oft referred to as a poet, a storyteller, and on this album he paints vivid images of life, whether its his own or life in general.

Hip-Hop has been thirsty for an album like this and Nas quenched its thirst (yeah I said it!). Seriously though, this album is a great look for an industry that at times seems like it’s being taken over by the youth who have no idea of how great music can actually be. I salute Nas for this great album and hope this inspires more substantial albums from our favorites as well as the burgeoning new hip-hoppers.

Melody Ehsani - A Kyndafly Favorite

Melody Ehsani has become a Kyndafly favorite. The quirky and eccentric style she uses to design her jewelry speaks to the very embodiment of what it means to be Kyndafly. There is a total uniqueness in the variety of pieces she creates. And she has continued to impress with her collaboration with Reebok on a pair of dope sneakers.

No matter if it’s an airplane ring, or pineapple earrings, her creations always evoke a spirit of fun. But, more than fun, they are fashion. These pieces give your look the perfect amount of flair and individuality one seeks when putting together that perfect outfit. Melody’s designs are created in the spirit of being true to oneself, a similar ideal shared by Kyndafly.

So, it’s no surprise that celebrities are often seen rocking her signature pieces. She also offers custom designed pieces for those that are truly seeking a one-of-one piece.

We salute Melody in her endeavors and continue to look forward to more fashion forward and inspired designs. Stay tuned with Melody Ehsani on Twitter @MELODYEHSANI, Facebook at Melody Ehsani Designs, Tumblr http://melodysblog.tumblr.com/ and Instagram at melodyehsani. 

Do Rappers And Athletes Influence Fashion

Do rappers and athletes influence fashion? The quick and perhaps obvious answer is yes. And really, how can you argue that. Since the dawn of hip-hop, fans have overwhelmingly adopted the fashion styles of their favorite artists.

From Run DMC’s Adidas to Jay-Z and his button-ups, rappers’ influence on fashion has always been apparent. The same can be said of some athletes as well. Deion Sanders is one that comes to mind, his flashy personality not only entertained fans, but also appealed to them, as many adopted his flare.

And then there are the many (successful and unsuccessful) fashion lines started by both rappers and athletes. The creation of a clothing line in and of itself suggests that one’s individual style is influential enough to sell to the masses. However, fashion lines are not for everyone, just ask Busta Rhymes about Bushi Sport, in fact Complex Magazine breaks down 10 failed rapper clothing lines that you probably never heard of.

However, while the obvious answer is yes, rappers and athletes do influence fashion, I think the dynamic has changed a bit. The world of hip-hop is infused in so much of our daily lives that it stretches across all types of industries. Fashion is one of those industries that blend well with hip-hop. And I think more rappers are taking their cues from high-end designers, and so are superstar athletes.

It’s not uncommon to find Pharrell Williams or Carmelo Anthony sitting front row at major fashion shows, both in the U.S and abroad. More and more, rappers and athletes are incorporating runway fashions into their wardrobes, and thus influencing the style of their fans.  Kanye West takes it further with his high-end designer collaboration with Louis Vuitton and then debuting his high-end line, DW Kanye West in October of 2011 at Paris Fashion Week. I believe that like all things, influencers of fashion are cyclical, and in 2012, I think the fashion industry is really pushing the direction of fashion and style.