Monday’s Eye Candy- Daddy Yankee, YO!

Posted by WAJIMA — April 2, 2012

Reggaeton has been around for many years, this type of music started off in Panama, long before love filled the air in Woodstock, but it didn’t come out of the underground scene until (you may remember) Tu Pun Pun. Shortly after that it was adopted by the beautiful Island of Puerto Rico, which took the Caribbean sound to a whole new level.

When I got a hold of it in the early 90′s, I was floored. I couldn’t believe that I was walking around my neighborhood with a mix cassette tap straight from Puerto Rico, that contained the young voices of Vico C, Nick, and Ramon. During this time, no one knew who they were, and I had no idea that the tape with four songs, held the words of a boy who would go on to change the face of reggaeton years later. By this time I began to appreciate the rocksteady beats a little more, joining in with the rest of the young adolescents of my time overplaying the sounds of Shabba Ranks, at every house party we went to.

Fast forward 10 years later, I received a burned CD that read, “This will change your life”, and when I placed it in my CD player, it sure did change my life, Daddy Yankee was born.

When I first heard ‘No Mercy’, I thought, “what am I going to do with this?” I needed to share it with the rest of the world, I began to share it amongst my friends, which at the time didn’t welcome it too openly. By now the internet had begun to take shape, and I got a hold of Homerun-es, I spent most of the early years of myspace sharing nothing but reggaeton. It didn’t sit well with the listeners, so I did what I’m known for best; I obsessed over Daddy Yankee, when ‘Barrio Fino” came out until everyone knew his name. While people played the Gasolina, and learned about Daddy Yankee, I was siting back thinking, “well its about time!”

This beautiful man from Rio Piedras, is my reggaeton John Mayer, and I’m happy to share him with you on today’s post. Daddy Yankee released a new video over the weekend featuring Arcangel. Please take the time to listen, taste and enjoy!

Monday’s Eye Candy- Lisa Abreu!

Posted by WAJIMA — February 27, 2012

Q: You represent Miami, especially Hialeah. What do you love most about the City?

Lisa: I love the heat, the beach, the nightlife, the sexy people but most of all the fact that its home! I love being able to go to the bakery and get myself una Materva con una croqueta!

Q: You have great style, where do you get your fashion sense?

Lisa: Honestly, I’ve never considered myself to be very fashionable, at all! I like to be comfortable, but I also do enjoy playing dress up once in a while. I’m not the type to layout what I’m going to wear the next day, I never was. I just dress in whatever I feel like wearing that day, depending on my mood. However, I do know what I like and what I don’t like when it comes to fashion, that’s for sure.

Q: As a woman, we always have a signature scent. Mine is ‘Chance’ by Chanel. Which fragrance would you say is yours?

Lisa: Mine is definitely J’adore by Dior.

Q: There are many talented artist in Miami, who are you listening to these day?

Lisa: I definitely am a big supporter of the local music and artist scene here in Miami. I try to stay up to date with everything that is happening in the music scene locally, and support my fellow musicians and friends. On my iPod right now, I have a plethora of artists. Everything from, The Band Perry, to Halestorm.

Q: You are flawless during your shows, what are your regimens before going out on stage?

Lisa: On a show day, I try to rest as much as I can, and not use my voice too much. I definitely warm up vocally and take some time to myself to focus, and relax. I also like to have a moment with the boys before jumping up there. As cheesy as it may sound, it’s a ritual that makes a difference. Helps all get on the same page.

Q: You know it’s important to always have a piece of home when you’re on the road. What do you take with you to keep you balanced?

Lisa: My baby pillow! Cannot leave my house without it, always reminds me of home, and my mommy!

Q: You come from a musical background, whom do you say has been your biggest influence in your own music today?

Lisa: Music has been a part of my life since I can remember. There is not a moment of my life that I can recall where music was not present. I have so many influences growing up, but to name a few that have made a difference in my life would have to be Madonna, Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Myriam Hernandez, Hayley Williams just to name a few. There are so many artists that in so many different ways have influenced me, and have helped me become who I am today on and off the stage.

Q: You have done back up vocals for some very big names in the Spanish music industry. How was it working with Paulina Rubio, Cristian Castro and Pimpinela?

Lisa: It was an amazing experience and an honor to be able to share the stage with them. They were all stepping-stones that helped me better understand my craft and grow

Q: You’re the lead vocalist for, Avenida Zero. The band has been together almost a year, and in a short amount of time you’ve acomplished so much, you were given the opportunity to perform, in the 2011 Warped Tour. Tell me a little bit about that?

Lisa: When my drummer Gabriel, called me to tell me that we were going to play Warped Tour, at first I honestly couldn’t believe it. I thought it would never happened since our music was in Spanish. It was such a blessing to be a part of V ans Warped Tour, and play where so many of our influences have been before us. It definitely made the boys and myself, want to work harder. It also helped us realize that nothing is impossible. Limitations are only in our minds, everything and anything is possible if you want it bad enough.

Q: I am a fan of your band, loved you since Tabacoo Road, what’s in the works for Avenida Zero in 2012?

Lisa: Right now, we are in the studio recording our second EP, which will have some songs in English as well as a couple in Spanish. We are also, going to be filming our first video for Gran Estreno, in both languages. That will be coming out very soon, so keep an eye out for that.

Monday’s Eye Candy- Charlize Theron!

Posted by WAJIMA — February 20, 2012

I know what you must be thinking…Monday’s Eye Candy, really, her? Yes! Regardless of the amount of plastic surgery the woman has had done to her face, that doesn’t take away form the fact that Charlize, is a freaking hot piece of woman. So I would like to dedicate today’s post to her old face, because at one point those lips, cheekbones and eye’s were simply sex-a-licious.

Monday’s Eye Candy- LL Cool J!

Posted by WAJIMA — February 13, 2012

When I was growing up it was a must, that one of the men you should listen to before going to bed was always, LL Cool J. I have been an LL fan for as long as I can remember… not only did his music make its way into my boom box, but his body was plastered all over my bedroom walls. I remember hanging out with my girls in the park listening to ‘Bigger and Deffer’ if anyone was going to make you swoon over the boy in school it was sure to be, James Todd Smith.

Last night while watching him host the GRAMMYS, it took me back to hoop earrings, and sitting on the bus stops (well maybe not much as changed since the 90′s) however somethings have…somewhere down the line I had lost my passion for Hip Hop and R&B. But I guess your first crush will always be you first crush and damn…I haven’t had one of those in years.

Monday’s Eye Candy- Jason Mraz!

Posted by WAJIMA — February 5, 2012

Jason Mraz is one of those human beings that no matter what he does, he’ll make your heart smile, all while wearing a fedora hat.

I’m sure this goes without saying but the man is all sorts of awesome…perfect even. He’s a humanitarian, a poet, a singer whose soul vibrates beyond dimensions, and a friend of the moon who comforts us all while we sleep at night.

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I understand the eco-friendly thing Jason is going through, but if I can ask for one thing in this life let it be for him to bring back this look. Please and Thank you!

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Monday’s Eye Candy- Marcus Fernandes!

Posted by WAJIMA — January 30, 2012

If you have been following my blog, then you will remember this face featured in my ‘Music For the Soul- Falseta’ post. Well after careful consideration, and spending an entire day with these guys at the Broward Center for the Performing arts, I felt as if there wasn’t a better time like the present to feature this beautiful man… so here we go!

Meet Marcus, front man for the hottest local band in Miami, Falseta! Not only is he completely gorgeous, but ladies, the man is ultra sweet, humble and soft spoken…wonderful traits that go hand in hand with his boy next door kinda look, don’t you think? Thank you & You’re Welcome!

Monday’s Eye Candy- Edin Chavez!

Posted by WAJIMA — January 16, 2012

Edin started following me on twitter right after I tweeted about the Eiffel Tower 2.5 years ago, and the rest has been as they say: Pho·tog history.

Edin was born in Chihuahua Mexico, but lived most of his young adult life in Reno, one day without hesitation he decided to venture off cross country with his camera, and by the time he turned around he had already settled into a cozy little loft on South Beach, making Miami his most precious muse yet.

I had been in search of a photographer for what seemed like forever, only because everyone in the social media world needs one, there’s no point in being a network junkie and not have photographer in your circle, it just doesn’t make any sense.

Out of the many people I could have possibly come into contact with, I’m glad I now have him in my life, he is absolutely amazing. Last summer I had a choice between a NYC, LA or Miami photographer for the NOH8 Campaign picture: A La Risky Business, and once I was given the OK, I just had to go with Edin. It would’ve been completely ridiculous of me not have picked him for such a campaign.

Like most people who come to Miami looking for inspiration, Edin has planted his roots in this beautiful city. Don’t be surprised if you find him around town doing fashion shows, climbing a building in Mid-Town for some crazy tutorial, jumping in a plane for some serious street photography, or simply laying low and taking shoots of the sunset. Also you can find his work by checking out his page, following him on twitter, and ‘liking’ him on facebook.

Monday’s Eye Candy- Ryan Gosling!

Posted by WAJIMA — January 9, 2012

I do believe I’m the only woman in the world who hates the Notebook. There’s something about that movie I dislike, the only thing I enjoyed most was the era it took place in, and of course the scene that won MTV’s best Kiss. Now with that said, I think Ryan Gosling is one of the best actors out there right now. His craft is untouchable, and holding high ranks next to Leonardo DiCaprio, yes my list of actors is very small, but I have big names under my list. He completely stole my heart in Blue Valentine, sure it was a strong movie to swallow, but the unconditional love ‘Dean Pereira’ had for his tiny dysfunctional family was just something every woman desires deep inside but will never say it out-loud. Unfortunately for you Gosling seems to be picking up on his acting game, and heading into a more mature leading man’s role, I am a BIG Chick flick junkie, but if you can somehow tell me why I hated the Notebook, I might just give you my copy.

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Monday’s Eye Candy: Lou Plata.

Posted by WAJIMA — January 2, 2012

I first came across Lou, back in July 2010 for the 2nd annual Goobs for Boobs Breast Cancer event at Shake. He stood behind me with his hands in his pockets looking very cool for words for most of the night, out of thousands of people there, he stood out the most. The next day my post went live, and Lou popped up on my site, that’s when I learned that he held titled of CEO to antisteez, one of the hottest websites on the web.

After befriending one another on the interawbs, I suddenly had a revelation; why not feature one of the most infamous men behind the Miami scene on my site. So here we are, I’m about to give you a taste of what drives, feed’s, and keeps Lou Plata awake at night. Ready? Fasten your seat belts, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride.

It’s a Saturday afternoon, a ‘Ferrari Red’ Audi parks in front of my drive way. I open the door expecting another self centered man of the 305 sitting at the driver side. However, that’s not what I found, he came across as a gentleman with complexion of freshness and originality. Ray-Bans, low cut, beard looking sharp, Nikes matching his red plaid long sleeve bottom down shirt, underneath an antisteez tee.

During the ride I learn that the man has a passion for dogs, likes to cruise, is quite the storyteller, who barely sleeps. I guess time is of the essence when you have a website to keep track of, and a team that makes everyone else take a run for their money.

The man has an encyclopedia for a brain, at the age of 16 while most tagged the streets of Miami, and house parties broke into all hours of the night. His spare time consists of reading psychology books, and learning every corner of the internet, where he could be found behind a computer screen, teaching himself how to design websites.

His passion from music came from being surrounded by people in the industry at an early age. While most of our parents cooked our favorite foods to Celia Cruz, Lou was having dinner with her. Instruments became his outlet at one point, while others took hold to the guitar or drums, he fancied the violin, clarinet, the piano and the cello.

As time went on his interest for Hip-Hop grew, he pretty much has every lyric to every song ever made, and every track done by any artist stored in the back of his mind. By the age of 26 he ventured off on his own launching one of the most talked about website in Miami, Antisteez. The name comes from a song he was listening to one day by the influential East Coast duo, Gangstarr. Whose Jazzy Hip Hop sounds broke grounds for them with songs like “You Know My Steez”, which paved the way for one of the most dedicated man on this planet to go viral on the web.

Antisteez was nominated for ‘Best Music Blog’ for 2011 by Revolution Live. They say that “Behind Every Great Man, Stands A Great Woman.” Well behind this man stands a team who are working along side this prodigy in making sure he stays at the top of the game.

You can find Lou on antisteez.com during the ‘Famous Weekly Pod Cast‘ with Guilletine every Tuesday.