The talented UK beauty we know as Corinne Bailey Rae will be releasing her sophomore album, “The Sea,” on January 26. The first album since the untimely death of her husband, “The Sea” stays true to Rae’s original artistic form of expression, but yet, it’s clear that the album is a personal homage to her late husband Jason Rae.

“You slept a sigh like the angels speak. And we danced into tomorrow on bleeding feet. And I had thought that I would die here, but you pushed me on. You pushed me on. You pushed me on.” ~ “I Would Like to Call It Beauty”

“The Sea” proves to be one of the “must have albums of the year.” Rae continues to push on despite of tragedy and has been able to deliver a classic album. You know, they say that after tragedy, there is triumph. If this is true, then Rae just may be in store for one triumphant year.

One of my favorites…..

The perception of what sexy is varies from person to person. So we asked some our readers to weigh in and give their perspectives on what sexy really means to them. Here’s what some of our readers had to say.

Kenitha
“To me, sexy means having confidence and having the ability to accept things about yourself that you can’t change. Sexy means carrying yourself in a respectful manner.
I am coming out of a marriage where I was verbally and physically abused. I was called out my name because I gained weight after having my soon to be ex-husband’s child. He said that he wasn’t attracted to me anymore and I began to focus on my flaws. I started feeling like everything he said about me was true. But now that I am getting my divorce and with the help of the Lord, I am feeling sexy again. I haven’t lost much weight, but what’s going on with me on the inside makes me feel sexy and it has absolutely nothing to do with my outer apperance or what I’m wearing.”

Miriam
“Confidence! Sexy means being confident in myself and having a good spirit.”

Farrah
“I think a sexy woman knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to let people know. She knows how to draw people in with her personality, even if she’s not the best looking woman in the room. She doesn’t have to have the most expensive clothes on. Whatever she has on, rather it’s jeans and a T-shirt, she knows how to wear it with class and always with confidence.”

What do you think it means to be sexy?

Everyone loves a sale! There are people who go into a store and walk directly to the sales rack before looking at any other merchandise in the store. Whether it’s Macy’s or Wal-Mart, seriously, who does not love a deal? Most people want to get as much as they can for as cheap as possible. Usually, items are put on sale when they have become outdated or customers didn’t show interest in purchasing the product and now the store just wants to get rid of it. To do this, they mark the price down to make it more appealing to the customers. Not only have manufacturers learned to do this with products, but we as women have begun to do this with our standards. The fear of being alone or not having a man has caused our expectations to deteriorate and our value as women to decline.

Most women generally debut as the hottest new item on the market; therefore, their standards are high. Initially, many male customers approach her. They concur that what she has to offer is great, but once they realize the price they will have to pay to get her, they begin to reconsider. They say to themselves, “I believe I saw a cheaper version of this somewhere else.” They recognize she is a name brand product and will probably work better and last longer. But they think, “I really only need something that will do for now.” As a result, they purchase the cheaper knock-off version to instantly gratify their need. At first she believes, “Ok, that was just one man, surely they all can’t think like that.” But sure enough, customer after customer continues to past her up because her price is too high.

At this point, the woman begins to panic because she can’t understand why no one wants to invest in such a great product (person). She begins to believe the notion that her price or standards are unrealistic and she will never find anyone to give her what she is asking for. Most women give in to this idea and agree that maybe if they lower their asking price, they can get more customers to be interested. Almost instantly, after cheapening her asking price, men seem to be more attracted to her. However, some men still feel that if the price dropped once, then it will probably drop again. So they give her a little more time to sit on the shelf. Finally, when she is completely frustrated from being overlooked, she marks her price down again. Sure enough, the male customers are ready to purchase now. Since she is yet a name brand product, she will still expect him to treat her as such, but instead, his treatment of her reflects the price he paid to get her.

In life, value is only placed on what one has sacrificed and worked hard to obtain. When much has not been invested, it does not matter if it gets broken because it can be easily replaced. The dilemma that most women now face is that they have become too cheap! There is nothing special about us anymore. We are willing to do just about anything for little or nothing. We give our time, our hearts, our money, and our bodies in exchange for little or no commitment. Then we wonder why men have little regard about how they treat us.

Onetta: Let’s first talk about your new album. If I’m not mistaken, “Unexpected” is your fifth studio album. How was it working on this new album?

Angie Stone: This is my fifth solo album. Working on the new album was weak and strong: weak because I lost my father during the process and strong because it created a sense of power.

Onetta: I think people forget that you are not only a music artist, but you are a songwriter as well. Did you do any writing on this new album?

Angie Stone: I did some writing as always, but there were a lot more collaborations than normal on “Unexpected.”

Onetta: You have a song on “Unexpected” called, “I Found A Keeper.” I read somewhere that you are engaged. So is it safe to say that Angie Stone has found a keeper? You can tell me about it. Lol!

Angie Stone: I have to say that we think that all our loves are keepers until something goes wrong…so to answer your question, I’ve found someone worth keeping…time will tell if our hearts are engaged for a lifetime.

Onetta: You have a great fan base. What will fans hear when they pick up a copy of “Unexpected.”

Angie Stone: They will hear Angie from then ‘til now. (Smile)

Onetta: With an Angie Stone album, people know that they are going to hear great music. How have you been able to thrive in an industry where you seem to have to sometimes compromise who you are and often have to conform to certain standards?

Angie Stone: Being true to the art form keeps me thriving in this industry.

Onetta: As a fan of great music, I feel lately that there are too many music artists under the radar that are not getting the exposure that they deserve. What is your perspective on the state of the music industry today?

Angie Stone: There are a lot of great artists under the radar who deserve more exposure. If those artists persevere, they will ultimately get the exposure from the fans that they deserve.

Onetta: You have talked openly about being a dark-skinned artist in the entertainment industry and the difficulties that come along with that. I know people are tired of the debate about the light skinned/dark skinned issue within our community, but the problem is that this is a real issue, and I think we are tired of talking about it because we don’t know how to rectify this unspoken hierarchy of color that has existed since slavery. Do you feel that things are better in the entertainment industry for dark-skinned artists?

Angie Stone: I think being dark-skinned today is a blessing. More of our features are being copied via plastic surgery and have become a standard of beauty.

Onetta: I remember that when you were dating D”Angelo, there was this uproar because people perhaps felt that D’Angelo was too fine, or too whatever to date Angie Stone. Why do you think that people felt that way and did it ever bother you or hurt you that some people had that attitude?

Angie Stone: Not really because he raved over my beauty inside and out and proved it by always protecting me. What hurts is society still judges the shell of a person without knowing their heart…when you’re adored because of both.

Onetta: One thing I can say is that after the relationship ended, you didn’t have anything bad to say about him and he didn’t have anything to say bad about you. So it’s clear to see that the love and respect for one another was mutual.

Angie Stone: …And that speaks volumes.

Onetta: Well I must say, that in your latest promotional photos that I have seen, you are getting your sexy on. Lol! You look beautiful. One of my favorite songs by you is “Happy Being Me.” I love that song. Are you in a good place in your life right now? Are you happy being you?

Angie Stone: Always. Self-love is the most important thing in my life to me. You can’t expect to receive love if you don’t understand what it is to love yourself first.

Onetta: A couple of things before I let you go. It was reported that you were working on a book a while back. Are you still working on that book?

Angie Stone: Yes and no. It depends on the time I have to complete it. Right now, it’s on hiatus.

Onetta: You had a role in the film, “Pastor Brown.” What was your experience like working on that film and when can people expect to see it in theaters?

Angie Stone: It was a stellar experience. I love acting. People can expect to see it next year.

Onetta: What’s next for Angie Stone? I am going to put my two cents in. Lol! I think there should be an all star female tour featuring Angie Stone, Chrisette Michele, and Ledisi. What do you think?

Angie Stone: Sounds like a plan. You’re good!

Onetta: Is there anything you want to say to your great fans?

Angie Stone: Thanks for all the years of love and support. Enjoy the message in my music. Learn from it, apply it, and grow from it!

Onetta: Finish this sentence. My New Year’s resolution for 2010 is…..

Angie Stone: To stop putting a question mark where God has already put a period.

Angie Stone’s new album is available in stores now!

Check out the video below to hear Angie Stone’s latest single, “I Ain’t Hearin’ U.”

If you are keeping up with your favorite gossip site, then you know Lil Wayne became the father to two sons by two different women in the same year. You know the story and you know all the participants involved. So I shall refrain from naming any names, and besides, I don’t want those sistas to think that I am trying to project some negativity their way. That’s not my style. I don’t operate like that. What I want to bring to the forefront is the issue of sistas not insisting on condom usage by their partners.

The fact of the matter is there are so many women who get caught up in a Lil Wayne type situation. And I believe it’s fair to say that in most of these types of situations, women become involuntary participants to a certain degree. Think about it, have you ever heard a woman say, “I want to be among the two, three, or four or so women who have my man’s baby this year? That doesn’t even make sense, does it? That doesn’t even sound right.

I can relate and I can understand how a woman might get caught up in a Lil Wayne type situation. Your man might make you feel like you’re the only one. He might make you feel like you’re the love of his life. But you have to differentiate between was real and what’s fantasy. And what’s real is that you can end up being one of many baby mommas delivering your man’s baby in the same year.

We have this inner voice, this intuition that we like to ignore sometimes, especially when we are in love. But be honest with yourself and put yourself first. If you suspect some cheating going on or if you just want to do the smart thing, make you partner use a condom. There’s no need for you to get caught up in a Lil Wayne type situation. You feel me!

What are you looking forward to in the New Year? What are some goals that you want to accomplish in 2010?

‘Tis the season to get your party on and what better way to do it than with a dress by Baby Phat! Here are a few of my favorites. You can check out more dresses over at www.babyphat.com.

Onetta: When did your love for fashion begin?

Shanteé: I’ve always been in love with fashion, but the “fashionista” in me really started showing when I was in high school. Although Jordan sneakers, Uptowns, and Timberlands were my faves back then, I still kept my look clean, and I color coordinated everything. I also have to give my mother a lot of praise. She was a “fashionista” way before I came into this world! Unless she’s at the gym, you’ll never catch that lady in
sneakers!

Onetta: How would you describe your own fashion style or what could one expect to find in Shanteé closet?

Shanteé: In my closet, you’ll find plenty of basics and anything that compliments an hourglass figure, like scoop-neck tops, tanks, blazers, skinny jeans, and platform pumps. I’m very into trends, but I’m pretty much a minimalist, so you may find only one of everything in my closet; one pair of ripped jeans, one leopard print piece, a few studs here and there.

Onetta: I think some women have a hard time of discovering what their fashion style is or have a hard time of figuring out what looks good on their body type. What do you say to those women?

Shanteé: To those women I say, there’s nothing wrong with exploring. But, if you’re trying to emulate a style like Rihanna’s, and your lifestyle has no need, or no room for it, then it’s just not for you. Pick up a fashion & style magazine like Lucky, Style Watch, or even Seventeen. They offer many tips and tricks on different body types like hourglass, curvy, slim, tall, short, and etc.

Onetta: Right now, you know we are living during hard economic times, what advice would you give to someone who wants to have a “hot” wardrobe but has a limited budget?

Shanteé: The key is to have a good variety of things in your closet; great basics, everyday jeans, and mix ‘n match accessories (i.e. silver & gold). Trends come and go, so don’t spend too much on them. Splurge on classics, like a timeless leather bag or heels. Some of my fave stores are H&M, Target, and Forever 21 because they’re always up-to-date. But, I must admit they do carry a lot of “disposable” clothing, so you’ll end up re-buying and wasting lots of money on your wardrobe.

Disposable clothing is the types that are relatively cheap or inexpensive. They shrink in the wash, lose their color quickly, and get a lot of pills. Pills are the little balls or loose fabric and thread that show up on your clothing after a wash or simply after too much friction (i.e. when your jeans start to tatter in between the legs or the underarms of your sweaters). LOL! This can also happen when you’re a little heavier than the average girl, but if this happens on your first or second wear, then it’s disposable. You’ll throw it out in a few wears and buy a new one.

Onetta: Why did you decide to start your own online boutique?

Shanteé: Since my early teens, I’ve dreamed of working in the fashion industry and even dreamed of opening my own store. I faced so many obstacles early this year; from financial trouble, to family problems, and even school. One day in early February, I found myself browsing through one of my favorite shopping magazines – Lucky Magazine – which has a section dedicated to clothing and fashion boutiques from all over the U.S. Reading that section always keeps me motivated and reminds me that this is what I really want.

So, I said “F” it. I’m opening my store. I’m gonna name it Klassiq (yes, with a K), and before the end of the year it’s gonna be official. So, after running the idea by a few of my professors at my college in Manhattan, who pretty much looked at me like I was crazy, I said “F” them too! At the time, I was only 20-years- old, so I believe that is why neither of them showed any confidence in me. A week later, I still went and got my business license.

Trust me, it sounds a lot easier than it is, but I’ve been doing my research for years. Before, I could never come up with a name, but that one day in February, it hit me! Right away too. All those things that attempted to defeat me hasn’t, because I believe if you work hard at something and have a true passion for it, then you most definitely deserve it. Klassiq is not the physical store location that I always wished for, but it’s definitely a start and something that I’m very proud of!

Onetta: Tell me more about “Klassiq,” which debuted last month.

Shanteé: “Klassiq” is an online store for stylish and trendy females. I try to stock it with some of the latest trends and the current season’s bests. One of my favorite pieces is a black bold-shouldered long sleeve dress. It’s very sexy. I dubbed it the “Sasha” dress – after Sasha Fierce, of course. LOL!

Make sure you check out Shanteé over at Fashionista101 by visiting www.fashionista101.com  

Shop at “Klassiq” now by visiting www.shopklassiq.com.

You can listen to “Jukebox” over at www.myspace.com/priscillarenea.

“Jacqui was burned alive when the car she was riding in was hit by a drunk driver. She’s had more than forty operations and basically has no face. It melted away in the raging flames. A paramedic at the scene who heard her screams said he prayed for God to take her so her suffering could be over.

Burned on more than sixty percent of her body, Jacqui survived. And how! One breath at a time; she kept healing herself, through the most excruciating pain and scarring. She told me she only allows herself five minutes a day to cry. She said she has to keep getting up and moving forward. When I asked her if there were times she wished she died in that fire, she said, “No, I have too much left to do.”

Every time I read Jacqui’s story, I am always inspired. Keep getting up and moving forward! You have too much left to do! You can survive anything. Simply take one breath at a time.