Category Archives: CL EXCLUSIVE

*CL EXCLUSIVE*: 5TH ANNUAL ESSENCE ‘BLACK WOMEN IN HOLLYWOOD’ LUNCHEON (SPONSORED BY LINCOLN) + VIDEO

Concrete Loop was invited to the 5th Annual Essence Black Women in Hollywood Luncheon earlier this week in Los Angeles, California. The Lincoln sponsored event, which has been a highlight of the Oscar weekend since 2008, is always held in positive regard to its many celebrity attendees.

The 2012 honorees included, actress Pam Grier (‘Legend Award’), writer Shonda Rhimes (‘Visionary Award’), actresses Octavia Spencer (‘Best Breakthrough Performance Award’), Kerry Washington (‘Vanguard Award’) and Paula Patton (‘Shining Star Award’). Essence also paid special tribute to Whitney Houston during the event; playing select songs during each honoree induction.

Singer/actress Jordin Sparks treated the audience with an emotional performance of the song, “Look Into Your Heart,” which will be featured on the soundtrack of the upcoming film, Sparkle. The 22 year-old co-starred with Houston in the highly anticipated film that is slated for an August release.

Make sure to check out a bunch of exclusive photos below. We also have red carpet interviews with the (5) honorees and some exclusive footage from inside via Getty Video! Enjoy!

VIDEO: HONOREE *RED CARPET* INTERVIEWS

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REMEMBERING WHITNEY: OUR FAVORITE SONGS + MUSIC VIDEOS

We all loved her dynamic, powerhouse voice. So many have tried to emulate her, but none have come close to being as phenomenal as Whitney Houston. While winning music awards her chart topping hit songs like “How Will I Know” and “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” the late legendary singer took on modeling and worked her acting skills, playing lead roles in films like The Body Guard and Waiting to Exhale.

Despite battling the highs and lows of her life over the years, Houston managed to make a positive comeback to music and film. Although she has moved on in body and spirit, her music will live on for generations to come. Below are some compiled music videos & performances from Whitney’s 35-year career in the music industry. Rest in perfect peace, Whitney.

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What’s your favorite Whitney Houston song?

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EVENTS/VIDEO: KELLY ROWLAND & SYLVIA RHONE HONORED AT ‘ESSENCE BLACK WOMEN IN MUSIC’ (-ARRIVAL PICS)

Essence Magazine, Lincoln and My Black is Beautiful teamed up for this year’s 3rd Annual Essence Black Women in Music event at the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, California ( February 8 ). Singer Kelly Rowland and music industry veteran Sylvia Rhone were honored last night for their career accomplishments and influence in the music industry.

The red-carpeted GRAMMY Week reception included guest appearances by other celebrities like Jeanette Jenkins, Michelle Williams, Melanie Amaro, Ne-Yo, Melody Thornton, Letoya Luckett and Regina King. The legendary MC Lyte hit the stage to DJ, while Kelly Rowland performed some of her best hits and reunited with Eve for their 2007 single, “Like This”.

Rhone & Rowland were also chauffeured to the red carpet in Lincoln’s latest luxury car, the 2012 Lincoln MKX premium two-row utility. Check out the gallery down below to see who else stopped by to show some love.

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EVENTS: ESSENCE’S ‘BLACK WOMEN IN MUSIC’ (INSIDE COVERAGE + VIDEO)

( L-R ) CL Contributor Christine Imarenezor, Kelly Rowland and CL founder/editor Angel Laws

After gracing the red carpet, honorees Kelly Rowland, Sylvia Rhone and all of their supporters took the festivities into the Belasco Theatre in Los Angeles, California ( February 8 ). Inside, MC Lyte, who is the President of the Los Angeles chapter of the GRAMMYs Recording Academy – showed off her DJ’ing skills and eventually introduced music veteran Sylvia Rhone. Prior to her acceptance speech, a reel was played highlighting her accomplishments and milestones while being a mover and shaker in the industry. Upon receiving her award, she thanked her mentor/colleague Doug Morris and the late Soul Train creator/host, Don Cornelius:

“I owe thanks to a lot of people for this honor. There’s one person who I wish was here. Someone who supported and inspired me, a visionary, an icon of our culture, a very, very close friend. Words cannot say how much I owe and will miss Don Cornelius.”

Kelly Rowland hit the stage next and performed snippets of songs from her Destiny’s Child days like “Independent Women (Part 1)” and “Survivor,” then sang some of her solo career singles like “Dilemma” & “When Love Takes Over.” Producer Rico Love presented her with a plaque for selling over 1 million digital downloads of the collaborated single, “Motivation.”

Check the gallery down below, as well as a video of Kelly performing “Like This” with rapper, Eve.

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