The 2015 MTV Video Music Awards, hosted by Miley Cyrus, definitely had its share of...interesting moments. From performances to skits to Nicki Minaj going in on Miley as she accepted an award, we're definitely going to be talking about this for a while!

Check out the full list of winners below and see if your favorite took home a Moonman!

BEST ROCK VIDEO
Winner *** Fall Out Boy – “Uma Thurman” 
Hozier – “Take Me To Church”
Florence + the Machine – “Ship To Wreck”
Walk the Moon – “Shut Up and Dance”
Arctic Monkeys – “Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?”

BEST POP VIDEO
Winner *** Taylor Swift – “Blank Space”
Beyoncé – “7/11″
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Maroon 5 – “Sugar”

SONG OF THE SUMMER
Winner *** 5 Seconds of Summer – “She’s Kinda Hot” – #ShesKindaHotVMA
Fifth Harmony – “Worth It” – #WorthItVMA
Major Lazer – “Lean On” – #LeanOnVMA
OMI – “Cheerleader” – #CheerleaderVMA
Taylor Swift – “Bad Blood” – #BadBloodVMA
David Guetta ft. Nicki Minaj – “Hey Mama” – #HeyMamaVMA
Fetty Wap – “My Way” – #MyWayVMA
Jack U ft. Justin Bieber – “Where Are U Now” – #WhereAreUNowVMA
Silento – “Watch Me” – #WatchMeVMA
Demi Lovato – “Cool For the Summer” – #CoolForTheSummerVMA
The Weeknd – “Can’t Feel My Face” – #CantFeelMyFaceVMA
Selena Gomez ft. A$AP Rocky – “Good For You” – #GoodForYouVMA

BEST MALE VIDEO
Winner *** Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
The Weeknd – “Earned It”
Nick Jonas – “Chains”

BEST HIP HOP VIDEO
Winner *** Nicki Minaj – “Anaconda”
Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen”
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – “See You Again”
Big Sean ft. E-40 – “I Don’t F–k With You”

BEST FEMALE VIDEO 
Winner *** Taylor Swift – “Blank Space”
Beyoncé – “7/11″
Nicki Minaj – “Anaconda”
Sia – “Elastic Heart”
Ellie Goulding – “Love Me Like You Do”

VIDEO WITH A SOCIAL MESSAGE
Winner *** Big Sean ft. Kanye West and John Legend – “One Man Can Change the World”
Jennifer Hudson – “I Still Love You”
Colbie Caillat – “Try”
Rihanna – “American Oxygen”
Wale – “The White Shoes”

ARTIST TO WATCH
Winner *** Fetty Wap – “Trap Queen”
Vance Joy – “Riptide”
George Ezra – “Budapest”
James Bay – “Hold Back The River”
FKA Twigs – “Pendulum”

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Winner *** Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood”
Beyoncé – “7/11″
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud”
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Kendrick Lamar – “Alright”

BEST COLLABORATION
Winner *** Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood”
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth – “See You Again”
Ariana Grande & The Weeknd – “Love Me Harder”
Jessie J + Ariana Grande + Nicki Minaj – “Bang Bang”

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

BEST ART DIRECTION
Winner *** Snoop Dogg – “So Many Pros” (François Rousselet, Jason Fijal)
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Charles Infante)
Jack White – “Would You Fight For My Love” (Jack White, Jeff Peterson)
The Chemical Brothers – “Go” (Michel Gondry)
Skrillex & Diplo – “Where Are U Now” with Justin Bieber (Brewer)

BEST CHOREOGRAPHY
Winner *** OK Go – “I Won’t Let You Down” (OK Go, air:man and Mori Harano)
Beyoncé – “7/11″ (Beyoncé, Chris Grant, Additional choreography: Gabriel Valenciano)
Chet Faker – “Gold” (Ryan Heffington)
Ed Sheeran – “Don’t” (Nappy Tabs)
Flying Lotus ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Never Catch Me” (Keone and Mari Madrid)

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Winner *** Flying Lotus ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Never Catch Me” (Larkin Sieple)
Ed Sheeran – “Thinking Out Loud” (Daniel Pearl)
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Christopher Probst)
FKA Twigs – “Two Weeks” (Justin Brown)
Alt-J – “Left Hand Free” (Mike Simpson)

BEST DIRECTION
Winner *** Kendrick Lamar – “Alright” (Colin Tilley & The Little Homies)
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Joseph Kahn)
Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk” (Bruno Mars and Cameron Duddy)
Hozier – “Take Me To Church” (Brendan Canty and Conal Thomson of Feel Good Lost)
Childish Gambino – “Sober” (Hiro Murai)

BEST EDITING
Winner *** Beyoncé – “7/11″ (Beyoncé, Ed Burke, Jonathan Wing)
Ed Sheeran – “Don’t” (Jacquelyn London)
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Chancler Haynes at Cosmo Street)
A$AP Rocky – “L$D” (Dexter Navy)
Skrillex & Diplo “Where Are U Now” with Justin Bieber (Brewer)

BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
Winner *** Skrillex & Diplo “Where Are U Now” with Justin Bieber (Brewer, Gloria FX, and Max Chyzhevskyy)
Taylor Swift ft. Kendrick Lamar – “Bad Blood” (Ingenuity Studios)
FKA Twigs – “Two Weeks” (Gloria FX, Tomash Kuzmytskyi, and Max Chyzhevskyy)
Childish Gambino – “Telegraph Ave.” (Gloria FX)
Tyler, The Creator – “F****** Young/Death Camp” (Gloria FX)

4:50:00 AM

Happy Friday y'all! We have another great spotlight today! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in a feature on the blog, visit our Features/Submissions page for more information!

Today, we have designer Carla Stovall! Raised in Dallas, Texas, Carla began developing a love for fashion as a kid, even drawing out her own designs. She received her degree in Fashion Design and Merchandising at Wade College in her hometown, where she learned how to sew and improved upon her designing and illustration skills. The designer acknowledged she has always paid close attention to styles people wear in Dallas, both the good and the bad. "To this day, when I see certain people, I [think] 'If they just would've done this, that would not look like that on them," Carla said honestly. "Half the time, I notice that people wear things that don't appear like it matches their shape." Those thoughts inspired Carla to begin creating custom pieces for others who are not the ideal "square" or "hourglass" shape.

The designer stated that she is inspired by Venny Etienne, designer of LeVinity, who actually attended Wade College as well, and spent time talking with Carla about fashion. "He inspires me because he started like I did," she said. "He just had a different way of doing it, and different vision [for his designs]." She also loves paying attention to the small details or items she sees in daily life that the typical person may not even be phased by. Those minor details often inspire her own custom designs. Carla's mom, who passed away a few years ago, also serves a big inspiration and motivates the designer to keep doing what she loves. "My biggest drive is thinking about how proud my mom would be of me," she said. "I push myself to keep going so I can make her proud."

Though she admitted that she only focused on designing off and on at first, Carla began pushing herself to hone her craft. During her time at Wade, she had a professor that would always compliment her work and encouraged her, even when she didn’t realize her potential herself. One of Carla’s dresses was actually showcased for the college’s 50th anniversary, which allowed her to connect with other designers and staff. “At that time, I started thinking ‘Well dang, if everybody thinks that I do good work, maybe I really need to get into it,” the designer said. Carla eventually started her boutique, Couture Station, which offers a variety of clothing for different body shapes for women. “It’s more of complimenting the best parts of you,” she said of the line. She also stated that she focuses on making sure her designs are distinctive from the pack. “One thing about Couture Station is that I try to not to do things that you can find in stores,” Carla stated. “There’s going to be something that makes it stand out from all the rest.” Her mission is to make ladies feel super confident and fly while rocking her clothes!

In addition to continuing to build her brand, Carla is working on  a fashion show with her sister set for November, opening it up to other upcoming designers for a chance to showcase their work as well.What sets this designer apart is that she refuses to limit herself to trends, always thinking outside the box when it comes to her clothing. Though Carla still balances a full time job with designing, she has a dream of expanding her brand across the country. The designer has a concept of a store that provides clothing, accessories, footwear, beauty products, and more, and offers quick turnaround for custom pieces, but still gives a peaceful vibe for customers (she calls it “Lowes meets Starbucks!”). The vision would provide customers to get everything they need for a complete look right in her store. Definitely a great idea!

You can connect with Carla and learn more about Couture Station on Facebook and Instagram! 

8:55:00 AM

 

Lil B – Bay Area rapper, Based God and Bernie Sanders supporter – made plenty of waves during the NBA Playoffs when he cursed LeBron James and J.R. Smith for their hubris, and though he'd subsequently lift the bad juju on LBJ, apparently the rest of the league was paying attention.

Or at least the D-League was. This week, the Delaware 87ers, the Philadelphia 76ers' developmental squad, extended a tryout invitation to B. All he has to do is show up at the New Castle Police Athletic League facility on September 19, where he'll compete alongside other hoops hopefuls for a spot on the team.

Read the rest of the article on Rolling Stone.

4:52:00 AM

On Friday, August 21, 2015, Just Mike (the poet) hosted the Washington, D.C. stop of The Love and Poetry Tour featuring Vision, Jamarr Hall, and other poets!

I really wasn't going to even write a post about the event, simply because I just wanted to just soak everything in and truly enjoy myself. I keep telling myself I need to actually enjoy more of life's moments, instead of wanting to capture them all for the blog or social media. However, the more clips I recorded on my phone (I couldn't help it!), the more I wanted to share with you guys!

I'm big on poetry, and big on using writing as self-expression in general. I watch spoken word a lot on YouTube and follow some amazing poets and writers online, Mike included. I've purchased a few of his books a while back, and HAD to see him in person on this tour! I'm glad I did. I was surrounded by amazing people with great vibes, all enjoying great words and music. I'll definitely be supporting the other poets, as well as checking out other open mic and poetry events.

Check out some video below!

Just Mike and I

Vision and I 

3:48:00 PM

Happy Friday y’all! We have another great spotlight for you today! As always, if you are or represent an upcoming artist, designer, producer, etc., and are interested in a feature on the blog, please visit our 
Features/Submissions page for more information. 

Today we have the multi-talented artist and musician Timothy J. Wilson! This star on the rise grew up in White Plains, NY, about 20 minutes from Manhattan. A pastor’s kid, Timothy started playing instruments as a child at church. “As a pastor’s child, you’re pretty much there all the time, [so] they’re putting you on instruments” the singer joked. In addition to the singing chops he inherited from his father and grandmother, Timothy began playing the drums, and then learned other instruments including the piano, guitar, and bass. His talent was being developed extensively as a kid for his journey as an artist. Even at a young age, Timothy knew that music would be his life’s path!


When he graduated high school, Timothy began performing at different open mic events and showcases around NYC, growing in his craft and letting his talent shine. In March 2011, he made the decision to move down to Atlanta after staying in Upstate New York for a while for his music career. “Atlanta has a great reputation for being a launching pad for so many artists,” he stated. Timothy acknowledged that the move has helped his career greatly, not only in terms of music, but also in TV and film! “You have some people moving from Los Angeles, coming to Atlanta, just because it’s so much production going on here,” he said. Not only has the singer performed at multiple cafes, colleges, and festivals, but he’s also been featured in BET’s Let’s Stay Together, branching out into some acting as well.

Inspired by top artists like Stevie Wonder, Prince, Michael Jackson, Jodeci, and Fred Hammond, Timothy really puts his musical talents to work, and has created truly great work! After dropping two EPs previously (Kiss Me and Born to Love), the artist released his third project, LOVESONGWRITER, in May 2015. “I felt that in R&B, I wasn’t hearing [love] as much,” Timothy said, acknowledging how different artists and groups in the past constantly sang of love but that times have changed. “In my mind, I [wanted] to do an EP that [had] the theme of love in every song.” As a songwriter, musician, producer, and singer, he literally created and produced the project by himself! “It’s like an artist that paints or draws, you know? You give them the canvas, and they get in there with those paints,” Timothy said of his creative process. “Give them some time, and what they’re gonna come out with is something that’s solely from them. Whatever you see on it is something that came from their heart.” Though he states that all of the songs on the project are like his “babies,” Timothy has a special place in his heart for the funk-infused track “Away,” which is definitely one of my favorites too. Timothy is using the gifts God gave him, and came out with an awesome project with this EP!





In addition to his music, Timothy has landed a role as Verdine White, legendary bassist of Earth, Wind & Fire in the upcoming Warner Brothers film, The Nice Guys, which stars Russell Crowe and Ryan Gosling (set to be released on May 20, 2016). “The role was so up my alley, because he was already one of my influences,” Timothy said. “We have the same skin complexion, [and] pretty much the same build, so all they had to do was put an afro on me, [and] some chops on my face!” He also has been cast in another musical role for the upcoming sitcom, Brothers In Atlanta, starring Maya Rudolph, Jaden Smith, and Bashir Salahuddin. “I’m actually playing in [Maya’s] band in the show,” Timothy said. The cast and crew have shot the pilot, which has picked up by HBO, and are currently waiting on the go ahead to resume filming. So many exciting opportunities and doors being opened for this multi-talented artist! “That’s several things that God has opened up just being here in Atlanta,” Timothy admitted. “I tell you one thing, it’s like being a musician actually helps open up roles even in television and movies.” Acting is definitely something that Timothy sees himself doing even more of in the future, being the total package as an entertainer.

With ALL of this going on, Timothy is already writing and recording new music, and continuing work with his own label, Tim’elody Records. He even launched a 100-day business challenge (from July 5th to October 12th ) for other entrepreneurs, challenging them to post something about their businesses for 100 days straight somewhere on a social media platform. “Sometimes when people have businesses, [they] slack on the promotion,” Timothy said. The challenge is to help build consistency and growth in other businesses, which is very commendable. In terms of what sets him apart, Timothy believes part of his uniqueness lies in being a multi-instrumentalist in this industry. “I definitely use that in promotion, because, when you’re out here, you’ve got to use whatever to your advantage as far as marketing,” he stated. In the future, the artist would like to continue to take his career to the next level, including writing and producing for other artists, performing at different awards shows and snagging leading roles in movies. “Just being successful as a man, and as an African-American male, continuing to be an example, making great music by the help of God,” Timothy said. “The promotion comes from God, [but] we have to put in the work, though. That’s what I believe is going to happen as I continue to keep doing what I’m doing.”

You can check out more from this talented singer on his official website as well as SoundCloud and YouTube. You can also connect with him on Facebook, Twitter,and Instagram! 

9:10:00 AM

Love featuring a diverse group of artists, designers, and on The Spotlight! That's the best part of the job! As always, if you or your client would like to be featured on the blog, please visit our Features/Submissions page for more information. 

Today, we have rock/pop group Young-Borra! The group, comprised of Jonas Young-Borra (lead vocalist/lyricist), Garrett DeTemple (vocals/bass/lyricist), and  Michael Curley (production), definitely has a unique sound that resonates with listeners. Jonas first met and began playing music with Garrett during their time at Purchase College in New York.





Jonas, the group’s founder, was raised in the Bronx by his mother, who was a former Broadway actress/singer, and his father, a jazz saxophonist who studied with Jimmy Lyrons. “All I heard until age 10 was pre-1970's jazz, classical and Broadway music,” the singer admitted. “I didn't discover anything beyond that until my dad's guitar player left some cassette tapes at the house with music from the 60's, 70's and 80's. He soon fell in love with artists like Van Halen, Fine Young Cannibals, David Bowie, The Village People, the Rolling Stones, and The Beatles. Though Jonas admits that each of the band members have their own unique interests, they all “weren't so much into what was the "norm" that other kids were listening to,” he said. “Together, our New York, fast-talking, fast-walking lifestyles certainly have affected our sound.”

Young-Borra’s latest track, “Surround Sound,” is an example of the group’s standout sound. Inspired by the band VHS or Beta, Jonas began working on the track on GarageBand a long time ago, but didn’t began working on it again until adding Michael on as producer. “Mike took the original ideas I had and melded it into something new,” Jonas said. “Garrett and I worked on lyrics until, after changing the melody several times, we finally got something that we liked.” The band recently released a music video for the song, which was mixed and mastered by the head of production at Purchase and Michael’s former professor, Peter Denenberg (Spin Doctor's "Two Princes" producer). The video itself was directed and edited by Erik Christopher Lopez. Check out the video below!


In the future, the group wants to travel the world, playing the biggest stages for audiences. “Young-Borra is a lifelong project now!” Jonas said. “Our goal is to be playing and writing music full time. This is all I want, all we want. It's exciting.” Jonas himself wants the band to “exist with relevance,” not just being the next best thing coming out for the moment, and then the fire fades out. The group is definitely talented, passionate and fired up, so be on the lookout for more from them in the future!

You can check out more from the band on their official website, SoundCloud, and YouTube. You can also connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

7:50:00 AM

Zendaya is officially set to judge the 2016 Miss America pageant!

According to PEOPLE, the star will join singer Brett Eldredge, snowboarding bronze medalist Amy Purdy and Taya Kyle, author and wife of the late U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle, on the judging panel for the competition.


Zendaya said in a statement:

"It's great to be part of a show that celebrates women who are in college or graduated, and striving to make the world a better place through their chosen platform, ranging from domestic violence and bullying to cancer research and female empowerment, while also embracing beauty and fashion."

The 95th annual Miss America pageant will take place on September 13, 2015.

I'm not the biggest fan of the pageant, but I do really like and have respect for Zendaya! This is a great opportunity for her, especially being as young as she is. Congrats to her for snagging this gig!

Image via Image Collect

6:26:00 AM