Kelly Rowland And Columbia Records Part Ways

Official Statement:NEW YORK, March 31, 2009 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ ----The Grammy-winning R&B/pop superstar Kelly Rowland will no longer be recording with Columbia Records as a solo artist, it was officially announced today by the label.

Rowland, a founding member of Destiny's Child, the world's top-selling female group, will continue her relationship with Columbia Records in her ongoing role in the iconic ensemble.

"Because Columbia Records has been my home base as an artist for more than a decade, the decision to move out on my own required a lot of soul-searching," said Kelly Rowland. "As a solo artist, I felt the need to explore new directions, new challenges, and new freedoms outside my comfort zone and my friends and family at Columbia have been incredibly understanding about my evolution. I want to thank everyone at Columbia for the love and support they've shown and I will never forget how many good times we've had over the years."

"Kelly Rowland is one of our finest contemporary artists and a musical force to be reckoned with," said Rob Stringer, CEO, Columbia/Epic Label Music Group. "It has been a privilege and a pleasure to work with Kelly and we will continue our working relationship with her under the Destiny's Child moniker. The decision for Kelly to seek other opportunities for her solo career was agreed upon mutually, and any reports to the contrary are false."

Singer, songwriter, performer, recording artist and actress Kelly Rowland rose to fame as one of the original members of Destiny's Child, the #1 female pop group of all-time. In 2002, during a hiatus with the group, Kelly released "Simply Deep," her first solo album featuring the #1 international smash single, "Dilemma," a duet with the rapper Nelly which earned Kelly her first Grammy Award outside Destiny's Child. In addition to selling more than 50 million records worldwide with Destiny's Child, Kelly Rowland has sold more than 4 million copies globally of her two solo albums: 2002's "Simply Deep" and 2007's "Ms. Kelly," which included the international #1 chart-topping single, "Work."

Source: Columbia Records

The Fashion Connoisseur

Drive Slow Homey

Everyone has probably heard about Andre 3000 getting arrested Saturday morning when he was caught driving 44 miles over the speed limit on a suburban highway in Atlanta. Police clocked 3000 who's real name is Andre Benjamin doing 109 mph in what was suppose to be a 65 mph zone. When asked why he was speeding; Andre merely said "he missed his exit and was running late for a birthday party." He was released on a $1,200 bond and is set to appear in court on April 29th. As the story unfolds, you know we'll keep you up to date here on YGT. Before we go, I want you to get into Andre's mugshot; as the Intellect and I were talking last night we were discussing how he's giving light eyebrow, slight mean mug and man CARTA in this pic. If you concur or want to object hit up the comments section.

Above all, we support Andre 3000 until the end of time!

While he's awaiting his court date maybe he can hit the studio; we're thirsty.

The Fashion Connoisseur

We're In It For Business & Pleasure

[CHLOÉ PFW FW09]









I'm in love with the new collection from Chloe headed by Hannah McGibbon. With this collection McGibbon wanted to bring Chloe back to the era of the 70s and 80's when fashion was more commercial. I love how the pieces I selected are feminine and whimsical yet cut and tailored exquisitely. Another element that caught my attention was the bronze, beige and brown hues. They go great with the models skin tones and showcase the profound elements of the collection even more. If McGibbon continues on this path, I could see Chloe going nowhere but, up. I'm excited!!

The Fashion Connoisseur

Throwback Tuesday

[Timbaland & Magoo feat. Aaliyah & Missy Elliott - Up Jumps Da' Boogie]

I don't care what anybody says Missy and Timbaland have always been ahead of the game. They were creating crazy beats back in 97 and are still current now in 2009. This is what you call artistry at it's finest. Let's take it back to the VA era; when everybody was getting their life from Aaliyah, Playa and Magoo.

The Fashion Connoisseur

Tippin Comes Natural To Some

The Fashion Connoisseur

Lenny Kravitz The Photographer

[Lenny showcases his newest hobby, photographer in the latest issue of Russian Vogue]






The Fashion Connoisseur

Tip In The White Party Like Aoooow

With the amount of white parties coming up in the next few months, I've found the perfect shoe to make you the hit of any party. The shoe pictured above is from Giuliano Fujiwara's Fall/Winter 2009 Collection. I'm in love with the simplistic design, exquisite cuts and immaculate tailoring.

The Fashion Connoisseur

I Am Tour Photo Exclusives

[Beyonce shut Edmonton down -- Take note Keri; now run and tell that.]














My favorite performance from the show so far is "Videophone," hands down. Get into the lights, the chair and the elaborate floor routine. I live!!

Signed,
The Fashion Connoisseur

Yoko Devereaux Spring/Summer 09

The Fashion Connoisseur

She's Out Of Rehab & Back On The Scene

So Rihanna is back on the scene and giving me what I want; I live for the curly hair and shoulder pads along with the modest look she's portraying in these pictures. At first, I was unsure how Rihanna was going to re emerge after the fight scenario but, I can see she is back! I want our YGT readers input on her new look, vote below.

The Fashion Connoisseur

Welcome To The YGT Tribe

Nanette Lepore
Seductress Sandals - $375

Giles & Brother
Zanzibar Necklace - $375

Tucker
Button Front Tunic Dress - $308

McQ - Alexander McQueen
Tiger Print Scarf Dress - $325

The Fashion Connoisseur

Twerk Team's Take On Plies "All Black"

This is a public service announcement to all my young women out there. I know it's fun to dance around the room with you girls but, don't record it and put it on You Tube. There is going to be a time when you pursue a job and that tape will always plague you. That's my advice for the day!

I'm done

The F.C.

Morning Man Bag

Now you can't get the Nike's below unless you have a magnificent bag to carry them in. This bag is by Lucas Ossendrijver's for Lanvin's FW Collection. Get into the embroidery of the bag that contains little sneakers; that's innovation at it's finest. So, now Lanvin is giving the bag/shoe connoisseur(s) something to rave about. I see it!

The Fashion Connoisseur

Who Stole The Honeycomb?

These Nike Skinny Dunks are a spring must have. I love everything from the Paule Marrot print to the chaotic butterfly pattern and bronze detailing. These could be paired with some fatigue shorts for a day in the park with friends or with a skinny jean and v-neck for a casual day around the house. I thought my shoe phase was over but, these may pull me back to the other side.

I'm enticed, aren't you?

The Fashion Connoisseur

Judy Jetson Morning Woman Bag

Balenciaga does it again; this time it's in the form of a metallic leather clutch. The clutch includes metallic, magnetic clasps and a leather-framed mirror that contains the signature Balenciaga logo. Priced at 1,075 Euros; this clutch is for the fashion connoisseur who likes to push the boundary; be it futuristic or artistic.

The Fashion Connoisseur