Teen Diaries Blog

ASK + REPLY | Lecrae Answers Fan Questions

adbranch — Wed, 16 May 2012 22:56:47 +0000

Have you downloaded Lecrae’s Don Cannon hosted “Church Clothes” mixtape? It’s a must-hear! The 18 track disc sounds like a classic hip hop album and makes you want to snap your neck, throw some elbows and then slap yo’ momma — until you remember that you’re listening to a Christian album. Sneaky genius! The project also features a guest spot from No Malice (Clipse) and production from 9th Wonder and Boi-1da.

After a recent visit to TD Radio, the highly respected (and super busy) Christian rapper took some time out of his schedule to answer additional questions from his loyal fans. Did Lecrae reply to one of your questions… ➫

StevenBridgeman: Are there any Reach Records Features on the “Church Clothes” mixtape?
LECRAE: Yes My man Tedashii and Andy Mineo appeared

JeffBache: Are you going to be releasing a single from the mixtape?
LECRAE: I did. It’s called “Church clothes”.

smartmelisa: If you weren’t a rapper what do you think you’d be doing?
LECRAE: If I wasn’t rapping, I’d be working in the music industry somehow. Maybe a radio/tv personality.

LECRAE333: How do you rap so insanely fast? and keep it comprehensible?
LECRAE: Man It’s taken years of practice to rap fast!

DwayneBailey: Lecrae who is someone you haven’t worked with that you want to work with musically?
LECRAE: Lauryn Hill

StevenBridgeman: In what specific ways has God been moving in your life? Inside the music and outside of it?
LECRAE: God is showing me how he’s uniquely gifted me. And the leadership roles he wants me to take.

smartmelisa: What do you want to have accomplished in 5-10 years?
LECRAE: 5-10 years hopefully will continue changing the world in a way that God is pleased with.

SammyAupperlee: Lecrae, what are your thoughts on pre-destination?
LECRAE: Predestination? lol Read Ephesians.

WesleyEtheridge: After getting saved were you ever tempted to just go back to the old you? And how did you fight those temptations?
LECRAE: Always will be tempted, but God says there is no temptation that isn’t common to us. And He provides a way to escape. I try to stay sensitive to his leading.

WesleyEtheridge: What do you think about listening to music that may have a good message but cusses? I love hip hop of all kinds but since I got saved I feel guilty listening to music that uses “foul” language.
LECRAE: That’s a long story, but you have to follow your convictions. Read Romans chapter 14.

TDRadio: As a Christian artist and entrepreneur, what do you think is the future?
LECRAE: Not sure about it as a genre, but as far as Christians doing hip hop I’m encouraged by it.

COOKING 101: Chocolate Covered Bananasby Maya, 16 (Sparta, NJ)

adbranch — Wed, 16 May 2012 19:34:05 +0000

I recently had my first chocolate, covered banana and instantly fell in love! The mouthwatering combination of sweet chocolate and a yummy, healthy banana is genius and the minimal effort is worth every delicious bite. Get the recipe. ➫

WHAT YOU NEED:
5 bananas
8 popsicle sticks
3 cups good quality chocolate bar
3 tablespoons butter, cut up

Toppings:
Chopped nuts
Toasted coconut
Cookie crumbles
Colored sprinkles or chocolate jimmies
Mini chocolate candies or mini semi sweet chips, for chocoholics
Granola

WHAT TO DO:
Peel and cut the bananas in half crosswise, so that you have 10 pieces. Place peeled bananas on sticks.

Line a cookie sheet with waxed paper. Place bananas on the cookie sheet in the freezer, keep them in there as long as possible, at least 10 minutes.

Heat chocolate bits with butter in a double boiler over low heat until the chocolate melts and butter is incorporated.

Dip the chilled bananas in chocolate and roll with your favorite topping.

Chill or freeze until ready to serve.

BEST OF TD RADIO | Rapper Lil Twist Interview

adbranch — Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:41 +0000

Lil Twist is by far one of the youngest and most celebrated Hip Hop artists in the game right now. The 18 year-old teen rapper can not only claim superstars Nicki Minaj and Drake as his labelmates, but he is also BFF’s with Justin Bieber, is mentored by Lil Wayne, and knows how to spit rhymes with ease. Listen to this fan favorite interview where he chats about his booming start in the music industry, and his experiences as one of the youngest members of the Young Money crew. He also gave his opinion on love as it relates to gift-giving. ➫

JOIN THE KERI KREW | Keri Hilson Wants You to Walk NYC on 5/20 to Fight AIDS | #PrettyGirlsSweat

adbranch — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:23:51 +0000

Dear Teen Diaries Readers,
As an ambassador for MTV’s Staying Alive Foundation (@mtvstayingalive), I’m walking in the AIDS Walk 2012 in NY. There are 34 million people living with HIV in the world. Our hope is to spread awareness of both the AIDS epidemic and the importance of HIV protection. It’s an amazing cause, and I’m proud to be a part of it! If you’re in the NYC area on May 20th come join KERI KREW for the walk! (CLICK HERE) to sign up.

Click here to learn more about my partnership with the MTV Staying Alive Foundation HERE.

If you can’t make the walk, (CLICK HERE) to donate to the AIDS Walk 2012 NY. *Deadline is May 20th

I appreciate any donations you decide to give in the fight against AIDS, whether time or money, and your efforts will make a difference –Keri

@TeenDiaries is joining Keri too! To help Aeshia and TDO reach their $500 donation goal, (CLICK HERE).

MUSIC VIDEO: Diggy Simmons – “Two Up”

adbranch — Tue, 15 May 2012 01:19:13 +0000

Diggy Simmons taps into his inner Kanye West alter ego for his “Two Up” song/visual. The feel good track is on his debut album Unexpected Arrival (in stores now). Check it out!

Fashion Advice From One Curvy Girl To Anotherby Jacqueline Smith (TDO Contributor)

adbranch — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:31:43 +0000

As a self-proclaimed curvy girl (and proud of it!), I’ve honed my sense of fashion over the years by simple experimentation. Some girls may dread approaching the fitting room, but in all actuality, trying on clothes is essential – this is where the transformation begins! Think of those mirrored, often poorly lit cubicles as your personal fashion lab. Use them to experiment with everything from fabrics, shapes and colors, to prints, fit and the latest designer trends. It’s an easy way to find out what’s hot and what’s not for your body type. Knowing what you like and what works for you is half the battle. As you become more comfortable with styling and embracing your curves, you will garner a greater sense of self – and nothing is more fashionable than that!

Spring/summer 2012 promises bold fluorescent hues, ultra-feminine prints, and trendsetting accessories. However, navigating through these in Vogue must-haves can be a bit overwhelming. Here are some looks to love to start you on your journey to fabulous style… ➫

Date Night: Piece this look together with nude pumps and a neon clutch!
Blouse: ASOS CURVE, $54.54 | Skinny Jeans: ASOS CURVE, $58.17 | Neon Convertible Bag: Urban Outfitters, $39.00 | “PRAK” Pump: Aldo, $90

Casual Weekend: This lightweight jersey top is designed in a relaxed fit. The length and shape conceals the tummy and slims down the hips. A classic pair of aviator sunglasses, skinny jeans, and wedges like the ones pictured will complete this look!
Top: ASOS CURVE, $45.45 | Skinny Jeans: ASOS CURVE, (no longer available) | “Jordan” Wedges: Wild Pair, $80 | Aviators: Urban Outfitters, $14

Night Out: The paneling detail on this “magic” dress instantly gives the illusion of a slimmer, more defined waistline and figure. A bold statement necklace, strappy sandals, and a cute clutch make this outfit a showstopper!
Dress: Very.com-Plus Size, $54 | Necklace: ASOS, $90.90 | Clutch: ASOS, $50.90 | Shoes: Zara, $99.90

Festival Fashion: This outfit was created to take those who are afraid of prints and showing off a little leg out of their comfort zone. Sophisticated, yet laid back, this look is sure to be a crowd pleaser.
Destroyed Denim Shorts: (Sizes 12-18), $29.99 | Horse Clutch: ASOS, $54.54 | Blouse: (Sizes L-XL) Zara $59.90 | Sneakers: Converse Chuck Taylor-Low Top, $45

Summer Vacation: I had to throw a bathing suit into the mix! It’s summertime and working a look on the beach is just as important as working a look on the streets.
Turban: ASOS, $21.81 | Bathing Suit: Forever 21 (Plus Sizes), $22.80 | Earrings: Melody Ehsani, $48 | Bag: Thursday Friday, $65

DIY: 10 WAYS TO TIE A SILK SCARF

adbranch — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:05:59 +0000

Summer is almost here and it’s time to get creative with laid-back methods to style your strands. Naptural85 shares 10 ways to use scarves to not only decorate your do, but to also shield your hair from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. That’s a wrap!

SPEED DIARIES | 60 Seconds With Mindless Behavior

adbranch — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:00:18 +0000

Clock is ticking… In 60 seconds, our goal is to get to know as many fun facts about the oh-so-talented boy band Mindless Behavior. These four, Cocoa Kissable cuties know how to shut a stage down, but what are some things that interest these talented teens off stage? Peep how much we discovered before they beat the buzzer… ➫

TEEN DIARIES: Name your favorite breakfast cereal.
Princeton: “Cookie Crisps.”
Ray Ray: “Cinnamon toast crunch.”
Roc Royal: “Captain Crunch Berries.”
Prodigy: “Mini Wheats.”

TEEN DIARIES: Who is your celebrity crush?
Princeton: Chanel Iman, Demi Lovato, and Selena Gomez
Ray Ray: “Keke Palmer.”
Roc Royal: “Nicki Minaj.”
Prodigy: “Rihanna.”

TEEN DIARIES: What is one thing that you never ever leave your house without?
Princeton: “My G-Shock, my lucky lime green g-shock. I wear it every single day. I take it on tour with me, it’s been everywhere.”
Ray Ray: “I never leave the house without my lucky necklace, but if we’re doing wardrobe, I stick it in my pocket or something.”
Roc Royal: “My pets and my hat.”
Prodigy: “My teddy bear chain and my glasses.”

TEEN DIARIES: If you had to work in any store at your local mall, which store would it be and why?
Princeton: “I would probably work at umm, Urban Outfitters or like Hot Topic or something. Because I love shopping and I love clothes.”
Ray Ray: “I think I would work at one of the Vans stores because I really like Vans or one of the food places because I really like to eat.”
Roc Royal: “I would work at Lids.”
Prodigy: “The jewelry store, I could go look for some teddy bear chains!”

TEEN DIARIES: If you could have the world’s largest collection of one thing, what would it be?
Princeton: “I have two — all the Disney stuff or all the G-Shocks, I love G-Shocks.”
Ray Ray: “Everything Twilight.”

TEEN DIARIES: If you could have won one single thing that you tried to win in your lifetime, but you didn’t win it, what would it be?
Princeton: “Probably something simple like a lottery ticket.”
Ray Ray: “One time I saw a contest when I was walking down the street to win a car, but I was too young. So I guess when I get older I’d like to join that contest again and see if I win.”
Prodigy: “When we were in New York, I saw this big ole Reese’s cup and I couldn’t get it.”

photo: source

DAUGHTER DIARIES: Why We Love Our Moms!

adbranch — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:17:48 +0000

T.E.E.N Reporter Rugi with mom Stephanie (born in NY, NY)
“This picture was taken in October 2009 at a photo booth during a trip to Belgium. It was a very special moment because my mother and I got to bond as we worked our way through Brussels, from coffee shops and ‘chocolateries’ to vintage stores and exhibitions – great memories I will cherish always. My mother is awesome because we are so much alike, she’s a friend and a role-model.”

TDO Intern Ashley-Cree with her mom Andrea - “I know you’re probably wondering who that beautiful lady in the picture with me above is. Well she is my heart, my role model, my best friend and I like to call her MOM for short. My mother goes by the name of Andrea, but if I had to name her, I would call her ‘one-of-a-kind’. Her beauty, her style and her captivating smile is just an asset to the lovely soul that she carries inside. So on this wonderful day, I would like to say to you my mommy, HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!” Check out some special messages our facebook friends sent about their moms for Mother’s Day… ➫

Congrats to Lakia Lightner!!! Her heartfelt Mother’s Day message helped score her mom a $50 iTunes gift card today

MOMMY MATCH: Name That Celebrity’s Mother!!!!

adbranch — Sun, 13 May 2012 05:11:33 +0000

What do you and your favorite celebrities have in common? Awesome moms — that’s what! Take a look at this grid of gorgeous mothers and guess which celebrity they gave birth too. For the answers… ➫

A. Nicki Minaj’s mother
B. Foxy Brown’s mother
C. Beyonce and Solange’s mother
D. Trina’s mother
E. Gabrielle Union’s mother
F. Alicia Keys’ mother
G. P. Diddy’s mother
H. Ashanti’s mother
I. Christina Milian’s mother
J. Wiz Khalifa’s mother
K. Waka Flocka’s mother
L. Keri Hilson’s mother
M. Amerie’s mother
N. Biggie’s mother
O. Lil Wayne’s mother
P. Mariah Carey’s mother
Q. Ciara’s mother
R. Rihanna’s mother
S. Cassie’s mother
T. Trey Songz’s mother
U. Drake’s mother
V. Meagan Good’s mother
W. Keyshia Cole’s mother
X. Jada Pinkett-Smith’s mother

How many did you get right? Tell us in the comment section!