Michelle Obama inspires me on so many levels, bellas.

She inspires me in terms of her poise, her grace, her accomplishments, her style, and in the way that she makes health and fitness a priority. I’m trying to do the same in my life, and the First Lady’s workout regimen inspires me.

Check out this Oprah interview for details – Michelle Obama is into the treadmill, weights, jump rope and kickboxing! Myself, I’m trying to get there. She wakes up at 4:30 a.m. to work out! I’m nowhere hear as fit as the FLOTUS is, but I agree completely with her statement to Oprah, “I realized that my happiness is tied to how I feel about myself.”

That’s how I feel as well, but exercise is a daily struggle right now that I’m hoping to make into a habit. One thing Mrs. O and I do have in common right now – a killer workout playlist of our favorite tunes to work up a sweat to! Via Women’s Health and Soulbounce, this is the First Lady’s workout playlist!

1. Stevie Wonder – “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)”
2. Beyoncé – “Move Your Body (Let’s Move Theme)”
3. Janelle Monáe – “Tightrope”
4. Sara Bareilles – “Love Song”
5. Michael Jackson – “Unbreakable”
6. Willow Smith – “Whip My Hair”
7. Beyoncé – “I Was Here”
8. Chubb Rock – “Treat ‘Em Right”
9. Ledisi – “Thank You”
10. Jennifer Lopez – “Get Right”

I have a workout playlist too – click here for all of it but be forewarned, some of it gets a little profane! But I’ll share my favorite PG-13 tracks right here with you. Maybe you like to work up a sweat to a few of these as well!

Afrobella’s Workout Motivation Playlist

1. Audio Two – Top Billin’

When you first get on the treadmill or elliptical, you need a tune that will get you moving and grooving and happy to be there. The beat on this is perfect for beginning my workout. And the braggadocio in the lyrics makes me feel like obviously I’m about to ACE this workout.

2. M.I.A – Bad Girls

I kinda drifted from my love for M.I.A for a minute there but this song and this VIDEO brought me right back. Bad Girls is everything I loved about M.I.A back in the day – undeniable beats, nonchalant “rapping” and sneering attitude for days. This puts swagger in my workout step. And HOW AMAZING is this video? Imagine being on THAT set!

3. Alison Hinds – Faluma

Soca is PHENOMENAL workout music. Specifically recorded and intended to move a crowd to dancing for days at a time, it is high energy music that won’t let you quit until you’re sweaty. It is ideal for exercising – in NYC, there are even Socamotion workout classes to teach you how to get in shape in time for Carnivals around the world! And Barbados’ own Alison Hinds has been my workout inspiration from the moment I first heard this song! You may remember this 2008 post about Allison that details the history of the song. Alison’s version of Faluma was first recorded in 1997 and it goes just as hard today as it did then. Put that in your headphones when on the treadmill and let me know what you think!

4. Beyonce – Countdown

Can a workout playlist be complete without Queen Bey? I say NAY. I absolutely loved the video for Countdown when it dropped and there’s something about the pace of the song that sends me head over heels in love. It makes me want to dance, and there’s nothing wrong with dancing through your workout!

5. Michael Jackson – Workin’ Day and Night

I’d also venture to say that a workout playlist without a little Michael Jackson is INCOMPLETE. The FLOTUS loves latter period MJ. For me, the frenetic rhythm of Working Day and Night powers me through even the most challenging of interval training peaks.

6. Justin Timberlake – My Love

When will Justin Timberlake take a break from Hollywood film sets and get back in the studio with Timberland? They’re an unstoppable combination! Until quite recently I’d forgotten HOW HARD this song goes in my headphones – can you believe this dropped in 2006? Can’t wait for new music from these two, for now it’s Justified and Future Sex/Love Sounds on repeat.

7. Lil Jon – Snap Yo Fingers

I hope y’all aren’t judging me. What can I say, Lil Jon is a great motivator! (Yeah!) The beat of this song is what it’s all about to me (because of course it can’t be the lyrical content). Most of Lil Jon’s songs make my workout go by a little bit faster. I know I can’t be the only one still getting down to crunk music on the downlow.

8. Gnarls Barkley – Go Go Gadget Gospel

This is a GREAT outdoor workout song because Cee-Lo’s voice truly SOUNDS like freedom when he lets loose. His voice is so unique and soaring. I love Cee-Lo! I think he’s a genius for many reasons. But this song right here? Makes me feel like running (and I’m so not there yet in my workout attempts).

9. Sheila E – The Glamorous Life

LOVE Prince, and this song is such an elliptical banger for a few reasons! ALL of those reasons are Sheila E. The DRUMS in this song are on another level! Something about this song makes me feel cute even when I’m dripping with sweat.

10. Jack White – I’m Shakin’

I’m a BIG Jack White fan, and I am flipping over his latest album, Blunderbuss. I don’t normally turn to Mr. White for workout music material, but this song right here fits the bill! It’s a cover of Little Willie John’s 1960’s hit, and that’s ANOTHER reason I love Jack White, he always pays homage to musicians of yore and introduces them to his audience. I discovered Little Willie John because of this song, and his life story is fascinating. Cannot WAIT for Jack White at Lollapalooza this year!

And that’s what’s getting me up and moving these days! My complete Spotify Workout Motivation playlist is right here. What’s on your workout playlist? Share and I’ll add my faves to my Spotify list!

When you think of Jody Watley, very specific visuals might come to mind. Sleek hair. Bangin’ brows. Hoop earrings. A matte red lip. When I visualize Jody Watley, I always envision her in an all black ensemble. And for me that’s entirely because Jody Watley was one of my earliest beauty icons. Her Eighties hits like Looking For a New Love, Don’t You Want Me, Real Love, and Friends were in regular rotation on BET when that was my daily diet of TV, and they helped to shape my definition of beauty.

I have always had so much love for Jody Watley as an artist. And now she continues to make amazing music and she also has an incredible style blog — please do yourself a favor and check out JodyWatley.net for a much needed dose of style and glamour from of the best to ever do it!

When I went to the Beautylish Beauty Social last year, Jody greeted me with warmth and kindness, and even made a point to attend the Brown Girl Beauty Uncensored panel I participated in. Honored was NOT the word. I was so absolutely thrilled that she would do something like that!

Jody is as beautiful inside as she is out. We first met at the home of legendary makeup artist Billy B, and they told me all about the video they worked on together for A Beautiful Life. Directed by the insanely handsome and talented Mike Ruiz, with flawless makeup by Billy B, Jody is transformed into myriad looks to display the range of her gorgeousness. And in case you missed Billy’s interview about the amazing experience – click here to read Billy B on makeup, being a legend, and Jody!

Must have been A LOT of fun on that shoot! I was lucky enough to catch up with the beautiful and talented Jody Watley, and ask her questions for Afrobella.com. We discuss music, her personal history as an artist, the shoot for A Beautiful Life and her love for Billy, and her beauty and hair favorites! Read on, bellas!

The Afrobella Interview — Jody Watley

Afrobella -   Of course anyone who’s reading this blog would instantly know who you are, but I always love to ask people to define themselves. So for anyone who was born and raised under a rock and doesn’t know, who is Jody Watley?

Jody Watley — I’d just send them to my website and say “It’s all there”  to be honest, LOL! In short-form I’m a Grammy winning artist – Best New Artist of 1987. It’s been written that I’m one of the defining and trendsetting artists of the 80′s at my pinnacle – I’ve learned to really appreciate what that means because thousands of artists release music every year without an impact. My style and music videos it has been written – raised the bar for women in music – not just black artists which I find to be really humbling.

I am also the first artist to blend Pop/R&B and have a Hot 100 Top Five single with a customized 16 bar verse and guest rapper with Eric B. and Rakim – obviously that formula continues to dominate the charts. When Eric B and Rakim and I did “Friends” it was called a ‘duet’, because no one knew how to refer to it. It’s been written in a couple of books already about the history and evolution of Hip-Hop… that’s a little of who I am..I’m also a songwriter of the majority of my songs and not just eye candy, lol (had to say that). So, that’s a little of who I am – as an artist.

Afrobella -  Fans have watched you grow up right before our eyes, from the days of Shalamar and Soul Train to the Eighties, and right on up to now where you’ve been in control of your musical destiny. When you look back on your career, which three performances are your favorites?

Jody Watley — Thank you! Well, I’ve always been in control of my musical career since I went solo – with God’s grace, strength and wisdom…and of course my freestyle Soul Train days.

My Mom recently asked me if I remember telling her very matter of factly at 4 years old that I had started my own modeling agency, LOL! I’ve always had big dreams. My first stage appearance was with my godfather soul music great Jackie Wilson. It’s impossible to pick a favorite performance – my most recent shows in Japan were awesome – I really try to appreciate being in the moment and feel each opportunity I choose to take is special.

That said, every Arsenio Hall Show performance whether I was doing up-tempo/ jazz or inspirational (Friends, Your Love Keeps Working On Me, After You Who, It All Begins With You, etc). The MTV Awards, The Beacon in NYC, Gibson Amphitheatre some of the footage captured in my ‘Everything’ video..performing with Stevie Wonder for his Skeletons MTV Special, The White House by special invitation, Lifeball (Europe’s biggest AIDS Charity Gala) in Austria a couple of years ago was so fabulous and over the top and the biggest stage I’ve performed on  — so many…being a part of Band Aid..I can go on. God is good and I’m so thankful to have the opportunities I’ve been given.

Afrobella -  Would you say you have a signature look? I would say you change the hair but there’s a timeless quality to your look. If you had to describe the look that’s become synonymous with Jody Watley, what would you call it?

Jody Watley – Most people say the jumbo hoop earrings. I went looking for the biggest ones I could find. I wore big hoops in junior high – of course not a big, but the big ones for that time. I’ve also worn an afro off and on since junior high.

My solo debut my style was more street chic funky trendy and with punk rock edge (lots of black the metal belts with spikes, short studded biker boots, etc) my desire was to create timeless classic images. Mixed with that were high end designers like Gaultier (preceding Madonna), and Issey Miyake and also vintage – I’ve always added vintage since my Soul Train days.

I’m a true chameleon in that I’ve changed so much and adapted to so many styles that I like and have made them my own. The jumbo hoops are still here  – not just for me but I see them on other young singers on the commercial radar, reality stars, in fashion editorials etc..my style has always evolved. Toward the end of the 6 years I was in Shalamar I was heavily into Vivienne Westwood / World’s End. My solo debut was trendy with a rock girl edge..my second album went in a more high fashion direction with Steven Meisel shooting the album cover. David Fincher doing the video for ‘Real Love’ – all of that was a bit of the fashion curve at the time. All of it holds up which was my goal – to have everything from the start be as authentic as possible. “Still a Thrill” in Paris – was funky and chic at the same time. It was all un-choreographed freestyle, which was and is different than most ‘dance’ videos. Other than make-up, I was my own glam squad (no stylist) on the style tip – also very unique to other artists.

My third and fourth albums ‘Affairs of The Heart’ (Tailored suits) and ‘Intimacy’ (Bohemian chic) were more introspective and I really didn’t want the focus so much on the fashion so I took things down a notch but still very me.

Afrobella - I want to talk hair with you! In your stunningly directed video A Beautiful Life, you go through many hair transformations. Of course my favorite was the big, fabulous afro!! What was your favorite look from the video, and if you don’t mind me asking, how are you wearing your hair now? Any favorite products or recommendations?

Jody Watley – Thank you! ‘A Beautiful Life’ was written as one of two new songs I’d written for my last album in 2006 ‘The Makeover’, which was an ambient electronic covers album. I released it directly to a major retailer and it was #1 for them – really cool on the entrepreneurial side for me. The project had 3 Top Five Dance Singles on Billboard, with one of them, the makeover of the CHIC classic “I Want Your Love” giving me a 13th #1 Dance Single. “A Beautiful Life” was #5 and I wrote it with the thought of writing a song for women or anyone in a bad or unhealthy relationship. “I’d rather be living on my own, then to live in a constant state of misery…because I’m stronger, wiser and feeling beautiful” are a couple of my favorite lines. So, I write what I live or think other’s are living – always have, all of my songs tell a story – old and now. I have to say that, because when you’re not in the Top 40 the average person assumes an artist isn’t doing anything..sometimes that’s true but not for me.

I think that’s what everyone should aim for. Life is too short to settle for less. I’m not talking about money and superficial things in the song.

My favorite is the Philip Treacy cyborg hat. It was a fun day of hair and make-up with Mike Ruiz and Billy B. We were doing a photo session / video.

As far as products, I have so much stuff, my bathroom can double as a beauty supply. I’m always trying new things. I’m currently big on natural things you can keep in your kitchen, olive, coconut, jojoba and vitamin E oils — they all have natural anti-aging anti-oxidants. I like making my own concoctions. I recently did a coconut milk, coconut oil and avocado mask for my hair – it was fantastic. Fresh cold milk soaked eye pads are great to whiten and depuff the eyes. I recently started using that because I suffer from allergies, which can make my eyes puffy. It works, it’s also soothing. Fresh cold cucumbers work of course as well, but the milk is really something!

I also use a jade roller to ward off wrinkles – although my Mom is in her 70′s and doesn’t really have many wrinkles – so I made get lucky, LOL! But jade is an Eastern tool that’s been around for centuries. It’s also a great de-stressor, very relaxing. We’re all more beautiful with less stress!

Afrobella – You worked with makeup legend Billy B on that video, and he’s such an inspiration to me. Billy does such amazing work, particularly with women of color in my opinion. Talk to me about working with Billy – what’s it like, and what do you love most about him?

Jody Watley — We first worked together on the artwork for “The Makeover”, including the special effects faux plastic surgery photo’s for the inside booklet, inspired by a layout I’d seen in VOGUE Italia featuring Linda Evangelista photographed by Steven Meisel called “Makeover Madness”. I thought OMgosh, this will work for the album. Getting older in this business of course you see people painfully trying to hang on to their youth with plastic surgery and I wrote a bit on the inside about the unbalanced view we have now on what beautiful is and the lengths people go to erase father time. Anyway – that’s when I met Billy, in NYC for the session with Mike Ruiz. The second was the video for “A Beautiful Life”, and then fabulous “Lifeball” in Vienna, Austria…and a test session we did for ‘Chameleon’ – which I LOVE.

I adore that Billy is a southern gentleman. One would expect him to be a prima donna or full of attitude.  He knows his craft is so down to earth in a genuine way. Billy is collaborative yet very honest.  I remember him telling someone it’s not about the bag – it’s what’s IN the bag – and of course how to use it when giving advice to up and coming artists. That’s Billy. He also turned me on the fried olives, which I’d never heard of, lol. We had them at lunch once at one of his favorite Italian restaurants. No one does lashes on me like Billy – I want to say!

Afrobella – What’s your philosophy about beauty?

Jody Watley — I recently came across an article with me in my late teen’s from my Shalamar days and I was talking about the importance on taking care of yourself and to be happy and wanting to age well. It made me smile to see the younger me was already on the right path. I still agree with that – it’s from the inside – out. It’s how I raised my daughter – using your intellect and brains is beautiful. I made sure she knew her brown skin was beautiful. Much of what we feel about ourselves comes from our home environments and so parents must be mindful and diligent as teachers, role models and cheerleaders of our own children.

We are beautiful – in all of our diversity of hues, features, hair textures, personalities, shapes and sizes and so on. Growing up I had pics of a range of women I looked up to in addition to my own Mom – from Beverly Johnson, Diana Ross Judy Pace, Diahann Carroll,Nina Simone, activist Angela Davis – as well as Janice Dickinson and Twiggy. You can have a pretty face and be ugly – because of your actions or character. If you are miserable – it will show..so inside – out. A smile and a pleasant face can be beautiful. A positive attitude is beautiful.

It’s a blessing to grow older but it can be tough in that women are said to become more invisible the older we get. For me as I get older, it’s about doing it with grace. You can still be fly and fabulous but it’s about finding what works – wherever you are today.

Everyone has to define beauty for themselves, though I do think we are often too hard on ourselves, and the media doesn’t help. So it’s important to learn to love and appreciates ourselves; while always leaving room for improvement but not beating ourselves up about it. This sounds cliché but it’s true. Validate yourself and all that is distinctly you.

The title song of my forthcoming album is ‘Chameleon’ and the title song is about us as women, mothers, wives/ex-wives, daughters, etc – and all that we do and the changes we go through and not just our appearance – our journey.

Afrobella -  What are your favorite products right now? Skincare, makeup, perfume?

Jody Watley – I’ve been a longtime products fanatic – my bathroom is like a beauty supply store, LOL! I try new things all the time. Obviously, I’ve become very focused over the last 15 years on anti-aging treatments and creams. Retinol, etc. I answered this one above when speaking about how I use olive oil, etc…

I don’t wear much perfume I’m more of a scented cream or oils person but though I like Annick Goutal Petite Cherie, it’s very light. The coconut oil mixed with a touch of vanilla oil always seems to get a great reaction when I put that together. I like the soft scent of fresh roses. Monoi Tiare Tahiti Oil is yummy. When I wear my curly fro’ I really like what ‘Curls’ Coconut Sublime Conditioner does.

Make-up is a combination of Chanel, MAC, Kett, NARS and on and on! I love false eyelashes, and crazy about the range of choice in nail polish available now. My favorite lip colors at the moment are NARS Falbala and Clinique Chubby Stick 07 Super Strawberry – for a more natural mouth.

Rosebud Salve is one of my must-have at all times products. I keep it in my car and purse. It’s multi-purpose for quick fix dry skin (hands), lips (an instant gloss), hair (sheen), and it of course smells divine.

Also for dry hair — I love Moroccan Argan Oil.

Afrobella -   Tell me about A Beautiful Life – what message do you want your fans to get from the track?

Jody Watley — Aspire to be in a healthy, uplifting and empowering environment – personally and professionally. We all deserve it – believe that and don’t let anyone make you think / believe otherwise about your self worth and value. If you’re in an abusive environment – get out and don’t look back other than to remember the lessons you’ve learned.

Afrobella -  What new and exciting musical projects are you working on?

Jody Watley — My thoughts on releasing more albums continues to shift though I remain immersed in creativity of all forms – music remains a passion but I’m realistic in today’s sales climate – especially for established veteran artists. My last album in 2006 was an exclusive with the Virgin Megastore chain directly through continued entrepreneurial side. ‘The Makeover’ was #1 for them as they worked to bring consumers back to the brick and mortar retail experience. The album which is available at iTunes debuted at #3 Top Electronic Albums which was cool.

“Chameleon”, will be my 10th full length and touches in part on my early Disco/Funk influences which of course is also full circle for me as my career started back then first as a dancer on Soul Train and then as a member of the group Shalamar. Additionally, the music oozes with soulful dance and electronic music my genre since 1999.  I plan on releasing a summer single titled ‘Nightlife’ which is inspired by my love of 70′s disco funk.

I’ve also done two fun guest vocal appearances with Canadian Electro-Pop band “French Horn Rebellion” as well as Stones Throw’s international modern funk artist Dam-Funk which I believe will be out this summer.

I’ve been doing select live dates to preview my new music, celebrate the 25th anniversary of my solo debut..and all of the other great music I’ve been known for the past few decades.

I have  literary aspirations in books that can translate to TV and film. I’ve loved writing since I was a child. I started writing poetry and short stories, which evolved into novels at 12 – which turned into songwriting. So, I’m looking forward to that next chapter – writing more. My children aren’t children anymore and so I have more freedom now. My #1 goal, in the midst of having a successful career was to be a great Mom and give my children a great foundation – and for the time I was married to be a great wife.

With my longtime associated with style and fashion I’m working on line of figure flattering pants for full figured women in particular – inspired by the creator of Spanx!

Basically, I’m adding to my goals and dreams and looking forward to the next chapters of my life and career.

I also maintain my own Style and Beauty Blog, which was in part inspired by Afrobella

Afrobella -  For anyone who has looked to your career as an inspiration and wanted to be like you…what’s your advice?

Jody Watley  — Be the best YOU, everyone else is already taken!

Seeing as we lost a legend yesterday, I had to ask Jody for a statement on the loss of Donna Summer. Jody has weighed on on her blog and you can read her post here. She shared this with me:

“Not simply “Disco” Donna Summer also ruled “Pop” Music radio and charts. Her double albums were/are unparalleled concept albums, few did them better male or female in any genre – her releases for me were events.  I couldn’t wait to see the cover art, read the liner notes and listen to the music, much of which she helped write.

Donna Summer also brought elements into the mainstream fusing Rock (Hot Stuff) with dance – one of her Grammy’s was in Rock..she really worked all genres and was such an inspiration to me in dance/pop. I also understood when she reached a point of not wanting to be put into a box and that she continued to work and create good music up through her last release a couple of years ago.

When I signed my solo deal with MCA, the executive who signed had worked with Donna Summer during her Casablanca years – which made it easier for him to understand and trust me..and to galvanize the company to market and promote me out of the box.

The current dominance of dance music that young artists have jumped on is rooted in disco .. electro, techno is simply another extension and so I hope they know she’s another artist whose shoulders they stand on.”

Bellas do yourself a favor and check out Jody’s blog right here. You can also follow her on Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter.

Thank you for being so amazing, so inspiring, and so accessible, Jody!

What’s your favorite Jody Watley song, bellas?

When I read the headline on TMZ, my heart sank right into my stomach. The Queen of Disco, the woman who contributed so much glamour and glitter to the soundtrack of my life, Donna Summer, has died of cancer at age 63.

This year has been awful, in terms of losing my childhood musical icons.

Donna Summer’s music was most essential in my earliest childhood years. Songs like Hot Stuff, Bad Girls, and On The Radio were in regular rotation on Trinidadian radio just as it was in America and around the world. In the Seventies and Eighties, Donna Summer’s music was inescapable. Infectious. Everything. These were my favorites of her phenomenal songs.

I was born in 1979, so I knew Donna’s Eighties hits best. I remember having a dance to She Works Hard For The Money that SO didn’t reference or comprehend what the song was even ABOUT.

State of Independence was my jam when I was a kid. Produced by Quincy Jones, Donna Summer’s cover of State of Independence featured a ridiculous all star choir in the background. Those are the combined voices of Michael Jackson, Brenda Russell, James Ingram, Dionne Warwick, Kenny Loggins, Lionel Richie and Stevie Wonder. (Thank you, Wikipedia).

I didn’t know Love to Love You until my teenage years and I definitely remember the first time I heard it. And once you heard it, you could never forget it. That’s the sound of a woman in control and fully aware of her sensuality, and I love it. Nobody could do this song justice like Donna did.

I Feel Love is evocative of an era and of a feeling. To me, I Feel Love is flowing dresses with bell sleeves, sequins and lame, sunglasses at night, and Studio 54 in its opening year. If you close your eyes, you can almost visualize yourself under the twinkling disco balls of yore. Listening to I Feel Love, you can see what the future looked like from 1977.

Donna Summer was a private woman and many have commented that they had no idea she was sick. She lived in Key West, one of my favorite places in the world. I hope her last days were spent surrounded by the love of her family and dearest friends, in comfort and peace.

You gave the world so much beautiful music.  Thank you, Donna Summer. RIP.

When I first opened my eyes to the world of beauty and makeup and possibility that I too, might be an attractive girl in my own right….there was the makeup of Billy B to guide me.

In case you don’t know, the celebrity makeup artist who today is beloved for his work on RuPaul’s Drag Race, who helped to make Lady Gaga LADY GAGA, thanks to his ingenious makeup work and creativity, was THE MAN with the makeup brushes behind the scenes of some of the most influential music videos of the Nineties and 2000’s. Missy Elliott’s She’s a B*tch. Destiny’s Child’s Independent Women. Mariah Carey Emotions. Lauryn Hill’s Ex Factor. TLC’s Waterfalls. HE DID THAT.

Billy is a living legend, highly sought after for his talents. But despite all of the famous clients, he remains at heart a sweet country boy from Aberdeen, Mississippi.

I have had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Billy before – the first time was at The Makeup Show in Miami in 2008, before I was a full time beauty blogger! I can tell you from personal experience, Billy is a lovely person, self-effacing and genuine and wonderful. He has a big, magnificent, colorful personality and is never anything less than 100% himself.

This interview covers a wide range of what makes Billy B an awesome guy. We talk about makeup for women of color, his incredible work on Jody Watley for A Beautiful Life, where his skills came from, and even the motivation that fuels his most recognizable work. The language gets a little more raw and real and Rated R than it usually is here on Afrobella, but HEY. It’s BILLY B. The man tells it like it is and pulls no punches. But I edited so bellas of all ages can still read this at work despite whatever filters there may be!

Afrobella – Billy, you’re so well known to so many, but I always love beginning an interview by asking the artist to introduce themselves. For anyone who’s totally ignorant to the world of makeup, please tell us who you are, and what makes you such a well known, well respected makeup artist.

Billy B — My name is Billy Brasfield, but you might know me as Billy B. and for those of you that haven’t heard my name before, I am a makeup artist. I am from a small town in Mississippi called Aberdeen. I was born in 1963, I have 2 siblings, Pam who lives in Tupelo Mississippi, and 1 brother who lives in …. Um, I forget. UGH. That’s terrible. But it is true.

I am self-taught, and that happened only because I lied to get a job at Macy’s Herald Square. Macy’s had an opening in cosmetics, I needed to pay rent, I taught myself how to do makeup, to keep my job. I have no idea, how the rest of the story happened, but I have been a makeup artist since.

From my 20+ years as a makeup artist, I have become most known for being “a white boy that can beat the hell out of a “Colorful Face”. Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Beyoncé, Well, name a woman of color and I have probably touched her face at least once. … I even did Juanita Bynum. See, told you.

Afrobella — For me, your work on women of color has been so incredibly inspiring. From Missy Elliott to TLC to Lauryn Hill to Beyoncé and now Jody – you’ve worked with so many icons in black music. As a makeup artist, what do you love about working with women of color?

Billy B — Thank you very much! I like a challenge. Ok, that doesn’t sound right (giggle) but when I was working on the Main Floor Cosmetics at the Ultima 2 counter, Flori Roberts was across from us.

The girls at FB were a whole lot more fun than my counter (although we did have a fierce b**** named Priscilla at our counter. She was the s***. We used to do (let’s say less than legal) things in the stock room. (Don’t hate, it was the 80’s) I lived for her, but I couldn’t learn anything from her because Ultima’s darkest color was “off white” ha ha But over at FB honey, COLOR!!!!!!! So anytime we got an “other than white” girl at Ultima, I took her over to FR and beat the hell out of her. I made it my business to learn. I had 0 knowledge of makeup. I mean Zip. So I’m sure I beat a GREY face more than once…. Maybe twice….

Then I learned quick, that…

1. Every woman of color has a unique skin tone unique to them, and the range of skin tons is endless.

2. When doing makeup for women of color, think out of the box. The most artificial colors can look perfectly natural on darker skin.

3. Darker skin tones LOVE makeup. You can paint paint paint and it still looks great.

4. When you are a makeup artist doing female celebrities of color, catering is better.

I am very proud of the work I’ve done with women of color!

Afrobella – What tips and advice do you have to share in terms of makeup for women of color? Any favorite brands in terms of foundations?

Billy B – I like Black Opal Stick foundation and Face Atelier Liquid foundation. Women of color can get away with heavier cream foundations, and some need it. Many women have several different shades of brown happening between the forehead and the neck…and some women want to even that out into one uniform shade. Maybe that’s why back in the day, there were primarily heavy liquid or crème stick foundations available. Now I think women of color approach their look differently. In many ways I think they have been “liberated.” More women are celebrating their differences instead of “blending in”.

Afrobella — Talk to me about Jody Watley. I realize not every makeup artist becomes friends with their celeb clients, but you and Jody certainly seem to be more than just client/artist. There’s a love and camaraderie there. How long have you known each other? What was your first project together?

Billy B — I have loved Jody’s work for years, but that changed the day we met. I fell in love with Jody as a person, a Human Being.

Jody Watley isn’t and has never been typical. The fact is that Jody is exactly the opposite., she is exceptional. I love her for that. I don’t “friend” my clients, to be brutally honest, I have more to gain from them as a makeup artist. I made a conscious decision to pursue knowing Jody. My admiration for her as a person was strong enough, that I was willing to blur the line that I had “drawn” to keep a safe professional distance from my clients.

But I knew I could with Jody. I knew I could benefit from her STAR. Not her fame, but I wanted to be in her light. Jody Watley is a Star. She is one of the brightest Stars I have had the pleasure of knowing. She Is everything I live for in a female… She is kind, clever, talented, funny, stylish a devoted Mother on top of course an iconic POP STAR! Its almost too much for this middle aged homosexual to bear. “snicker” God given beauty, incredibly good taste, face painted, hair snatched, sickening choreography, need I list anymore??? I didn’t think so.

I realize now, that Jody is one of the 1^st to “BRAND” I don’t know if she thought of her style that way then, but it was. Jody established a unique, strong modern style that she “owned.”

I don’t know if I have ever said this to her, but she should be very proud of that. Its not easy to do. I mean, how many artists, years later can say that their name is literally used as a fashion or beauty reference. Yes honey, give me Jody Watley.

IE Sickening matte red lip

Strong natural but defined brow

Snatched back Hhigh pony

A classic door knocker hoop earring.

Jeans

Black leather

Boots

Afrobella — A Beautiful Life is a beautiful showcase of Jody — of how iconic her look is. She’s such a classic beauty. What was the vision going into this project?

Billy B — I don’t know about anyone else’s “vision” but I thought to myself, The Good Lord (Mike Ruiz) has “gifted me” with what is more than likely the One and ONLY time that I ever have the honor of “Beating the Hell out of Miss Jody Watley” and this hillbilly from Mississippi has an agenda and something to prove…

1. Prove to Mr. Ruiz that he hired the right makeup artist for the job.

2. Honor and respect Jody as the Icon that she is by respecting her classic Jody Watley look, while also thoughtfully encouraging and guiding her to also depart from that look and create some new iconic looks for the kids that would be seeing Jody for the first time.

3. TURN HER OUT because I know every f** on the planet is going to be gagging at How SICKENING SHE LOOKS in the video.

4. To challenge and please myself

5. .And as always, a big part of my motivation is to help create something exceptional that people will notice, and admire.

6. For me, there is great personal satisfaction because , I consider every job that I do as a makeup artist as a big “f*** you” to everyone who ever called me a sissy or f***** or stupid.

7. Who is a stupid f***** now? A******.

8. I worked with Jody Effin Watley. And you didn’t.

Afrobella — Do you have a favorite look from the video? (Of course I am partial to the big fabulous afro!)

Billy B — I love it all, but of course I love the clip that I am in with her. It’s like “I worked with Jody Watley and I have the receipt to prove it”

Afrobella — I’ve never had the chance to meet him, but I’ve seen photos and he’s so extremely accomplished. He’s also distractingly handsome. What is it like working with Mike Ruiz?

Billy B — Take your thoughts about his accomplishments and his looks, and apply to personality. “Love him long time.”

Afrobella — I know you’re always working on something amazing and usually top secret, Billy — what’s next for you that you can talk about?

Billy B — Lord Have Mercy…. I am dying to tell you, but VERY soon! VERY soon. Buckle your Beauty Belts its gonna be a fun BEAUTIFUL (wear,watch and read) ride. Just saying!

Afrobella — I am sure you’ve been asked this one million times but here goes — any thoughts on a Billy B Beauty line? What would your products look like? And can your eager fans expect any news on that front anytime soon?

Billy B– Again   Lord Have Mercy…. I am dying to tell you, but VERY soon! VERY soon…

How soon? How about RIGHT NOW?

Bellas and fellas, announcing Billy B’s new AWESOMENESS – Billy B’s brushes will be launching with Beautylish sometime this summer! That’s SO SOON! Click here to check out the launch page for what’s sure to be THE must-acquire brushes for dedicated makeup artists.

“I am thrilled to announce that Billy B Beauty Paintbrushes are available again exclusively at Beautylish. When I designed the brushes, eyelash curler and Lash and Brow groomer it was with a Makeup Artists in mind…..ME… Billy B. I designed them for myself to work with. I was frustrated with what was available in the market and I had been modifying brushes for years but trimming them to change the shapes, and using brushes in ways they were not intended. I designed brushes that worked for me. I created brushes that were more compact, and more precise.

When I would work with them, people liked them and asked where they could get them. I decided to sell them. I had no idea how much work it was going to be.

Because most of the sales were to professional makeup artists or makeup junkies, it was extremely important to me that I provided more than exceptional customer service. I was involved in every aspect of the process and soon it was too much for me to manage with my schedule. I chose to take the brushes off the market, when realized it was impossible for me to provide personal attention to every person who purchased a brush that had a question. I feel like my customers deserved that.

Beautylish is a Fantastic Site devoted to Makeup Artists and Makeup Fanatics. They are passionate about what they do and the community they have created for makeup artists and Beauty Fanatics. I am so confident that Beautylish is the perfect home for BillyBBEAUTY Paintbrushes that they will exclusively be available at Beautylish.com. And trust, I am and will always be personally involved and available to those of you who choose to work with Billy B tools.”

So sayeth BILLY.

SO awesome! I love Billy and I LOVE Beautylish! Win win WIN. And YAY — June 18th 2-3:30 Billy B will keynote The Makeup Show Chicago!!! You KNOW I’m there.

Can’t get enough Billy B?  Click here to check out his website, click here to check him out on Beautylish, click here for his Facebook, his YouTube channel, and click here for his Twitter – no matter where you follow him, he’s a riot!

For even MORE Billy, do yourself a favor and watch Erin Scandalous’ AWESOME interview with Billy!

Thank you for being a friend, Mr. Brasfield! I’m honored to know and love ya!

22 years ago, the world lost a genius. Jim Henson left this realm on May 16, 1990.

I was a big fan of his work, from The Muppet Show and Sesame Street to Labryinth and The Dark Crystal. My brothers LOVED The Dark Crystal so much, our first dog was named Fizzgig!

Recently I watched Being Elmo on Netflix, which is all about the amazing Kevin Clash. If you’re a fan of the Muppets in general and the genius that went into creating them, it’s a MUST see.

It’s amazing that something Jim Henson dreamed up in the Fifties remains with us today, in movies and on television, entertaining and educating children around the world. What a beautiful thing. Thank you, Jim Henson, for changing the world in such a magical and meaningful way. Your legacy will live forever.

Which was your favorite of Jim Henson’s creations? Were you a Sesame Street fan? The original Muppet Show? Were you into Fraggle Rock, or Dinosaurs? Were you as obsessed with David Bowie in Labryinth as I was? Tell me!

Mama Bella, my mother, Peggy Aura Arlene Grell, is a woman of elegance and good taste. She loves the finer things in life. Every ounce of my fabulousness comes directly from her.

Right before my wedding, 10 years ago!

Mama Bella knows what she LOVES and isn’t afraid to say it. She also isn’t afraid to respectfully speak her mind if she’s confused by a gift. I remember when I was young, my big brother Clint gave her an iron for Mother’s Day. And my mama was NOT having it. I called her up yesterday to ask her why she had that hilarious and memorable reaction. “Well you see, in my mind, that’s how he looked at me. Like I am there to serve. So let me equip her with items to serve. It was NOT the thing to do,” she explained. And remember that year that Dad got you an exercise bike for Mother’s Day? That didn’t go so well either. “Yes, I remember. That threw me off completely.”

Baby pictures from Belmont, Trinidad

The typical gifts that Mama Bella LOVES? Flowers, fragrances, special clothing items and spa trips are all par for the Mother’s Day course. But to find out the VERY best gift a mother could get, I had to dig deeper.

My parents renewed their wedding vows for their 25th anniversary. I was 12

It’s Friday! Mother’s Day is SUNDAY. And according to my mother, these are THE BEST MOTHER’S DAY GIFTS YOU COULD GIVE.

Mother’s Day gift #1 — “Your presence and personal attention on that day. Get up, have breakfast with her, maybe you prepare her favorite thing and bring it to her on a tray. Or maybe you take her out for breakfast, lunch, dinner, whatever. The salient point is, spend time with her and be happy to be there. Remember in 2009, when they brought you?” (In 2009, my mother’s Mother’s Day present was ME, brought in on a surprise trip from Miami, right before we moved to Chicago). “The main factor that made that Mother’s Day so special, is that you were here.”

Mother’s Day gift #2 – After gift #1 I had to ask my mom, what if you’re not able to hop on a plane and surprise her, what’s another great gift idea? “Well if you can’t actually be there, just keep in touch. Let her know how you feel. Skype is a good tool for that. Call on the phone, send a card, all those little things mean something on Mother’s Day.”

I plan to Skype with my parents — I got them a Logitech camera a few years back and Skype sells Skype approved cameras and phones to make the process painless on both sides. It’s revolutionized communication. It’s so amazing to be able to literally SEE each other, show your relatives your apartment, eat a meal or play a game with them via the camera. It’s so awesomely Back to the Future, I LOVE SKYPE.

Mother’s Day gift #3 — I had to press Mama Bella to discuss actual material gifts, she’s definitely a woman with a lot of stuff (as am I, as am I). But she’s always had specific loves and she believes just about every woman would agree with her. “Gift number three…. flowers. To me, flowers say alot. Flowers and fragrances. Because your children can’t truly buy you the jewelry you might want unless they’re very wealthy. But a daughter or child should know what kind of scent their mother would like, and more than anything else it’s the thought behind the gift. The fact that you took time and effort to choose something special. You get extra points for effort.”

Me and my mom in Salybia, Trinidad, in January during my last visit home!

And there you have it, straight from my mom! She’s given me the best beauty advice, the best life advice, the best upbringing. I love you so much, mom. Thank you for everything you are, and everything you’ve done. Happy Mother’s Day!!!

Bellas, what are you giving or getting for Mother’s Day? Tell me!

My cat Max has been featured on Afrobella before – remember how little and cute he was when he first scampered into my life? Awwwww kitten! And now here he is, 15 pounds of FUN.

Life has changed so much for my furbaby since then.

Max was a Miami suburban street kitten, and he lived an indoor/outdoor life. Then he became more of an indoor cat, who’d run away and climb trees the second he could. Then we moved and he went from the sultry heat of Miami to a 12 acre spread in North Carolina, to a sad garage in Chicagoland for a little bit, and now here we are. Max is a high rise condo cat in downtown Chicago, and spends much of his day staring longingly out of the window at the birds that occasionally fly by. When he sleeps and his whiskers twitch and he makes little kitty noises, I am sure he’s dreaming of climbing trees, killing lizards, and hiding their bodies in my shoes (as he used to often do).

To make up for Max’s lack of outdoor fun, I let him get a good whiff of outside air every day – right now as I write this, he’s curled up by the screen and soaking it up. Because of high rise syndrome, he’s not allowed on the balcony. And to compensate for the lack of running around and climbing he used to do, Max now has quite the cat toy collection. He’s got a corner of our apartment so decked out with cat stuff, I’m sure even Jackson Galaxy would approve.

Max is a cat of strong opinion and particular taste. He only wants the Fancy Feast with the gravy – he hates that classic stuff and he won’t even sniff the high end Science Diet wet food I used to buy for him (but he’s addicted to their dry food). He won’t touch the lovely cat scratcher a friend gave us, but he’s all about the Bergan Turbo Track Toy. He’s obsessed with that thing.

When he wants attention or food, he’ll walk around banging our cupboard doors open and closed until we come over to deal with the situation. In the wee hours of the morning if he’s out of food, he will climb on my dresser and knock my lipsticks and necklaces on the ground until I get up and feed him. Despite that being EXTREMELY annoying, I still think he’s super cute and I put up with his shenanigans. That’s kitty love.

When the folks behind the Skratchkabin contacted me to see if Max would be interested in reviewing their scratching device/kitty abode, I said yes but with some reservations. It can take Max a while to show interest in new toys – if that interest ever makes itself apparent. I thought I took a while to familiarize myself with a product. It can take this cat even longer. BUT when we opened the Skratchkabin and set it up, there was interest!

Interest in examining this thing from all sides. I think part of Max’s concerns is the fact that there’s a back to the Skratchkabin. He doesn’t like being penned in with no chance of escape. He likes the mouse, because it’s big and tough and he loves using his back legs to wreak as much havoc as possible. It was REALLY easy for him to detach the hanger and the mouse from the front. We’ve had the Skratchkabin for a few weeks now and he’s only been inside of it twice, and that’s with the encouragement of treats.

So as a cat igloo/bed/hideaway, Max isn’t sold yet. BUT as a scratching device, he LOVES it. The Skratchkabin has definitely been helpful in giving him a surface to take out those feline instincts and aggressions, and he’s been better about leaving our furniture and shoes alone. Which is AWESOME. Because my leather office chair has had ENOUGH.

The Skratchkabin is $99 – which isn’t bad as far as cat furniture goes — and is available at KatKabin.com. They’re on Twitter @KatKabinUSA.

Are you a cat owner? No? Why not? Cats are AWESOME pets! If you’re looking to rescue a lucky kitty cat and give him or her a forever home, visit The Shelter Pet Project to find a shelter in your neighborhood.

For this post, I was asked to speak about a celebrity that I admire. Someone I turn to for style and beauty inspiration. I didn’t have to think twice when asked. My number one style icon right now is Michelle Obama.

Via the official White House Flickr page. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton)
When she speaks, I want to hear whatever she’s saying. When I see photos of her, I want to know who and what she’s wearing. When there’s a book or a magazine with her on the cover, I’m that much more likely to buy it — and I’ve got quite a nice little collection so far. And when the time comes for me to make an appearance, dress up in a fancy outfit and wow a crowd, I try to think about what she would wear, say, and do under the circumstances.

Michelle Obama is more than a style icon to me. She’s a life icon. The way she carries herself as the First Lady of the United States has ushered in a new era of femininity and has inspired me to be my own best, most stylish self.

What I love most about her style is the effortless simplicity she always manages to express. Michelle Obama isn’t a woman who makes fashion missteps often quite simply because she KNOWS herself. She knows her figure and which shapes of dresses suit it best. She knows that she looks amazing in bold, jewel tones, but she’s also stunning in a more understated palette, or in an unusual pattern. She boldly mixes low end with high end fashion without batting an eye. Her ensembles are never over the top or fussy, always timeless and appropriate.

Her beauty is classic and typically understated — Mrs. O isn’t exactly known for bold eyeshadows or out there lipstick. She keeps her hair in a sleek style that works for her, she’s always known for looking polished, classy, elegant and yet approachable and chic.

And that’s what I’ve learned from her. From watching Michelle Obama be the best First Lady she can be, it’s inspired me to be my own best self, and I definitely take style cues from her. She makes me want to wear shift dresses. She makes me want to go for a bold color that compliments my shade of brown skin. She inspires me to be classy and approachable, and a role model. I love that.

My Michelle Obama book collection currently includes:

Mrs. O – The Face of Fashion Democracy by Mary Tomer
Everyday Icon – Michelle Obama and the Power of Style by Kate Betts
The Obamas by Jodi Kantor
Commander in Chic by Mikki Taylor
and the brand new What Would Michelle Do? by Allison Samuels.

Have you read any of them? Which are your favorites? Also, I am contemplating adding book reviews to the Afrobella mix, what are your thoughts?

We think its tremendous popularity is proof that the 2012 Corolla offers the ideal blend of comfort, value and safety. In it, you’ll find a surprising number of high-end features, like available Display Audio system. It offers remarkable performance and fuel efficiency, plus an impressive list of standard safety features. Factor in its legendary reliability, and it’s even more apparent that Corolla is the smart choice.

Compensation was provided by TOYOTA via Glam Media. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of TOYOTA

When I think back on the earliest songs I knew and my earliest childhood memories, Bob Marley is there as the soundtrack. In my mind’s eye, I can remember seeing news footage of his funeral on Panorama, Trinidad’s national news program when I was a kid. Of course, I was only three. This may be one of the memories we create for ourselves.

 Photo by Kim Gottleib-Walker.

My father did a masters degree at the University of West Indies in Jamaica in 1981/1982. He returned with an armful of reggae albums – Bob Marley, Lone Ranger, Michigan and Smiley, Eek a Mouse, and Dennis Brown. We had almost all of Bob’s albums on vinyl – from Burnin’ on through to Uprising. I can still see myself, sliding the large black disc carefully from the album sleeve, carefully putting the needle down, then sitting back to soak in Bob Marley’s music. I remember singing Redemption Song so loud that one of my big brothers could hear me downstairs, and when he came upstairs he was too happy to let me know I got the words wrong. I made a point to learn the words, then.

Bob Marley’s music is part of the fabric of island life. You grow up with his music always lilting somewhere in the background, wafting out of a parlor or from a vendor’s cart, or a passing car. Because his music is so ubiquitous, it’s easy to overlook his most popular songs and feel like you know everything there is to know about him. I knew most of the information presented in Kevin Macdonald’s new documentary, Marley, which hits theaters, iTunes and On Demand today, April 20 – in a stroke of brilliant marketing and timing. I knew the information, but the presentation blew me away.

I got to see a screener a week ago or so. I went into the Marley documentary thinking I knew what I’d be seeing and it would be great. I left realizing that assuming you know and SEEING this man’s life play out before you is two totally different things. I left feeling all kinds of feelings – proud, empowered, heartbroken, grieving, but still in absolute awe. I left the theater convinced that EVERYONE needs to see Marley. Not just the college kids and the already converted fans. EVERYONE. Especially those who don’t know about the man and his message, and just think of him as ganja, good times and One Love. Because Bob Marley was so, so much more than that.

Obviously there can be no spoilers for a film like Marley, that’s like saying there’s spoilers for the end of Titanic or something. Everyone knows the end of this movie is going to be tragic. But there are revelations in seeing the tragedy unfold, and seeing how valiantly and desperately Bob fought to save his own life. It’s the part of his life that nobody else got to see, before now. The trip to Bavaria. Bob Marley in all of that snow, shorn of his crowning glory. Images that hit you square in the chest. And before that, the beginning – the life of struggle and poverty in Nine Miles and then Trench Town, the cameras traveling from First Street to Second Street, and then trodding on to Third Street as Bob did in Natty Dread.

I am only 33 and I don’t wanna sound like a grandma, but I wish more of today’s musicians and music consumers – the kids buying new music these days – would see this film. In his 36 years of life, Bob Marley made music that MEANT something. Music that seizes the heart and the waistline and makes you want to move and groove, with lyrics that spoke to struggle and poverty, injustice and righteousness, positivity and love. Music that directly addressed society’s ills. Music intent to provoke change.

I went to the screening with the homie Luvvie, and when we were leaving she was lamenting the state of music today. She was like “music isn’t ABOUT anything anymore.” My view is that nowadays popular music is about the self. It’s about how much I’ve got, how much of a gangsta/cool cat/sex kitten I am, how many expensive designer things I own, where I’ve been in the world, me me me. And before, there were people like Bob Marley who were making music about the world, and trying to make a difference in your own culture and society. I wish more of today’s popular, chart topping musicians would try to be more like Bob.

Marley shows a real, heartfelt portrayal of the man behind the Legend. Friends and family, the musicians he cut his teeth with, former lovers and baby mothers, and even Bob’s own children Cedella and Ziggy, share their memories. We learn that Bob Marley was a man of firm beliefs and expectations, a competitive and tough and seriously dedicated man, generous to a fault and aware of his position in the world.  He had crazy charisma and the ladies couldn’t help but fall for him, because despite the talent and the handsome visage, he was shy and introspective. It seemed that even when Bob was on the come up, he knew where he was going. He always had a message to be delivered around the world, to millions.

It’s amazing to see the journey – from Burnin’ and the struggles within the Wailers, to touring the world and performing before increasingly large and rapt audiences. It was fascinating to hear that Bob yearned to reach an African American audience that wasn’t yet feeling reggae all the way. He opened for The Commodores at a time that it should have been vice versa, just to reach a black audience in the USA.

What were the flaws of the Marley documentary? There weren’t many, but I must say, as someone who grew up so steeped in the music, I felt that the contributions of Peter Tosh were downplayed – despite the beef that simmered between the two men, they enjoyed tremendous creativity together and inspired the world together.

The crowd reaction really got to me at times – Americans are so quick to laugh at an accent that’s different, and it took me back to freshman year of college when I felt insecurity and pressure to adapt the way I spoke in order to be more clearly understood. I wanted to tell the annoying row of people behind me, HEY if you listen and stop giggling, you would clearly understand what everyone in the film was saying. Subtitles did help for some, though. I can’t lie.

Rita Marley makes a statement about melanoma in the film that troubled me, because the moment I heard her say it I knew it was untrue and also a possibly dangerous statement. It made me want to stand up in the theater and say “people that is incorrect.” Melanoma can affect anyone, regardless of ethnicity. I’ll be doing a series on skin cancer for people of color in May and I just interviewed one of Chicago’s best dermatologists, so this is a topic especially close to me right now. Please know that cancer never discriminates and we all need to be wise about that..

Even though the film was beyond amazing, I still wanted more. I wanted to see more of Bob Marley’s children – especially at the film’s end, because they are his truest legacy. I wanted to see Damian Marley, Stephen Marley, Julian Marley, Ky-Mani, Rohan – all of them. Even if it was just a group photograph. Something to show how his music and his physical likeness lives on through his children.

It’s been a week or so since I’ve seen Marley, and tonight, I am SO looking forward to seeing it again. This is a film I want to own on Blu-Ray and share with my family, it’s a film that will bear repeated viewings, and a film that I hope will inspire future generations. There will never be another Bob Marley. But the world can always use more people who were inspired by his music and his message.

Today and this weekend, in darkened movie theaters, college dorms, frat houses and homes across America, fans of Marley’s music will get to soak in the undiluted truth of this musical prophet amongst men. That in itself is a glorious and beautiful thing.

For a list of theaters where Marley will be shown, click here — and it’s also available On Demand and on iTunes!

Click here to visit the official website for Marley, click here to check out their Facebook page, and click here to follow them on Twitter.

Fierce, funny, and always 100% real — Jenifer Lewis has earned her place amongst iconic Hollywood actresses.

Since her stage debut in 1979, she’s had notable, beloved roles in every medium of acting – from the Broadway stage to the small screen to cinemas around the world. She’s known as a consummate professional, and has worked alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest stars in some of their most iconic roles. I first loved Jenifer Lewis on my favorite childhood TV shows — she played Dean Davenport on A Different World, and then Will Smith’s Aunt Helen on The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. She’s starred in some of my favorite films — as Tupac Shakur’s mom in Poetic Justice, as Angela Bassett’s mom in What’s Love Got To Do With It, and as the late, great Whitney Houston’s mom in The Preacher’s Wife. No wonder they call her “the black mother of Hollywood!” Jenifer Lewis can always be relied upon to play the wise, passionate, totally believable mother figure.

Jenifer is about to take on another maternal role in Think Like a Man — she plays Terrence J’s mom in the film, which opens nationwide on April 20. And Jenifer is also newly natural — at the NAACP Awards in February, she rocked her TWA with pride and looked stunning doing it.

I had the awesome opportunity of interviewing the one and only Jenifer Lewis about her career and her hair. She’s an amazing lady! And you can like her on Facebook — there she’s Jenifer Lewis For Real — and you can follow her on Twitter @JeniferLewis.

Afrobella — You’re a living legend who has played such a stunning variety of roles — usually you play a mother and you’ve been mother to a jaw-dropping array of stars. Who has been your favorite “play child”?

Jenifer Lewis — “There have been so many! I’d say Tupac was very interesting. Whitney was a lot of fun. And Taraji was wonderful – we had a great chemistry, she and I.”

Afrobella – Talk to me about what it was like to work with Tupac Shakur, he was so fascinating and talented.

Jenifer Lewis — “He was SUCH a NATURAL. The chemistry was great — it was like we were mother and son for years. Very interesting young man. He was who he was, and he honored who he was. Some people wear the fact that they are intelligent. He wore that.”

Afrobella – And if you might talk to me about Whitney Houston…

Jenifer Lewis — “Whitney was FUN. She laughed a lot and she really wanted to learn. I admired that in her. I love people who ask questions, there is courage in that. And her voice…I’ll tell the world — I witnessed Whitney Houston record three songs live during The Preacher’s Wife and to me her voice was the eighth wonder of the world. It was a moment I will never forget.”

Photo via fashionbombdaily.com

Afrobella – I saw the pictures of you rocking a fierce natural afro to the NAACP Awards – I love it!! Talk to me about your new hairstyle! What led you to go natural?

Jenifer Lewis — “I had surgery on my right arm – I couldn’t reach up to comb my hair so i just cut it off — only to re-discover my beautiful nappy hair.”

Afrobella – How do you feel about being natural?

Jenifer Lewis — “Look, like many Black women of my generation, I’ve been through it all. First, my momma fried my hair, then in the 70s, I got my fro. After that I burned my scalp with chemicals for 30 years. It became a habit that was hard to break. But I tell you – when you get tired of burning your scalp and wasting hours in the hairdresser’s chair, you will embrace your natural naps.

So how do I feel? Free. Honest. It feels so good, and it’s cute too. Sexy even. My fiancé LOVES it. He loves touching it.”

There are studies that show that one of the reasons for overweight and obesity is because of how we feel about our hair. Some of us fear that when we exercise our hair will “turn back” to its natural state – NAPPY! I am not judging, i am simply stating that for me right now, NAPPY equals HAPPY. You don’t have to choose between being cute or being healthy. I am proof you can be both.”

Afrobella – What are your thoughts on natural hair and Hollywood? It still seems to be such a big deal for black actresses.

Jenifer Lewis — “As a 50-plus woman who came from extreme poverty to appearing in 60 motion pictures, 259 TV shows and four Broadway hits, I’ve earned the right to wear my hair any damn way I please! There is no question that I will put on a wig to play a character, but in my personal life I am gonna do some laps in my naps!

And let me pause for the cause in tribute to Whoopi – she was the first Black Hollywood A-lister to say “this is me, I am free.”

To all you nappy sisters out there — go get ‘em tiger!”

Afrobella — So you LOVE your natural hair! And do you plan to keep it this way?

Jenifer Lewis – “I’m gonna keep it like this for as long as I like it, and right now I love it!

Listen, we’ve been led to believe that we need to look a certain way to be accepted in the world. I’m simply proving that’s BS.”

Afrobella — Are there any particular products that you’re using that you love for your natural hair?

Jenifer Lewis – “Girl, I just use some grease and I keep it MOVING! I braid it at night like my grandma used to do,. That makes it bigger the next day. I put a little olive oil…which is good for your hair and your skin.”

Afrobella — Which brings me to my next question…what are your favorite beauty products and tips for maturing beautifully?

Jenifer Lewis — “I just put on Kiehl’s Crème de Corps and I don’t mess with a lot of other stuff. My fiancé loves me without makeup so I don’t wear a lot of it when I’m not working. I’m a big believer in eating fruit, vegetables and grains, and I drink lots and lots of water. And I exercise — cycling, swimming, yoga, pilates. I have not had a cigarette or alcohol in 12 years because I “grew up” and wanted to honor my gift.

Afrobella — What would you say is the best beauty secret you’ve learned through the years?

Jenifer Lewis – “Authentic is always better.”

Afrobella - Your next film is Think Like a Man, which is like a who’s who of black Hollywood! How much fun was it to make that movie?

Jenifer Lewis — “I had a ball working on that movie, Tim Story is a wonderful director. His warmth makes you want to give him the performance he’s asking for. Gabrielle Union, Regina Hall, and Taraji P. Henson are always professional and fun.

Afrobella – Jenifer, you’ve done it all — you’ve had incredible roles on stage, on television, and in the movies. Do you have a preference?

Jenifer Lewis — “I do indeed have a preference and that would be the theater. It is immediate. You’re there with the people. You can hear them breathing, laughing, thinking. I’ve done four Broadway shows and have had concerts all over the world. Live theater is magic in the moment.”

Thank you for your time, Jenifer — it was absolutely an honor!

Think Like a Man opens in theaters on April 20, bellas – will you see it? Don’t forget to “like” Jenifer Lewis For Real on Facebook — and you can follow her on Twitter @JeniferLewis.

top image edited by Krystle Rowry of KrissDidIt.com