Clay Cane is a New York City-based writer who is recognized for his contributions in journalism. Clay is a regular contributor for various print and online publications such as The Advocate and BET.com. He is the author of the highly anticipated novel Ball-Shaped World, which is a fictionalized account of the black and Latino ballroom scene. Also, he is the Entertainment Editor at BET.com and a member of New York Film Critics Online.
He can be reached at claycane@gmail.com.
I know people have been asking where is that Teen Marie interview. Well, here it is over at The Advocate. Lady T opens up about the gay community (I ask about her same sex experience!), why R&B artists are so extra masculine now and her new album Congo Square, which is in stores June 9th. Click below for the story.
Plus, click here for a review of her Mother's Day show over at EdgeNY.
Also, my interview with Marlon and Shawn Wayans went well, which is for the new movie Dance Flick in theatres tomorrow. And - they actually talked about the gay rumors, I didn't even have to ask them. Click below for the story.
You know that I am too excited to interview the legend Vanessa Williams! The interview is for gay press - please submit your questions in the comments! Me and Vanessa Williams - oh Lawd - let me get myself together!
Just recently I was saying to a friend, "$500 for a simple dress," quoting the legendary Octavia St. Laurent Mizrahi from the 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning. Unfortunately, I just learned via Frank Leon Roberts blog that the icon herself recently passed.
I remember the first time I saw Octavia in-person. It was at Jay Ebony's (now Father Jay Blahnik) Philadelphia Face to Face Ball on July 25th 1998. Octavia stormed for femme queen face in a white dress, flower in her hair and lip-synched a few bars to Billie Holiday's "God Bless the Child." The crowd was delirious, Octavia personified femme queen face and of course won grand prize. The picture above is from that night.
This is an era of the ballroom community that is transitioning over, in 2006 it was Willie Ninja, who was also a part of Paris Is Burning.
My condolences go to the friends and family of Octavia St. Laurent Mizahi. Rest in peace.
Check out one of Octavia's famous scenes from Paris Is Burning.
The dance paraody, Dance Flick, comes out next Friday, May 22nd. I'll be interviewing Marlon and Shawn Wayans -- submit your questions in the comments. And, NO - I ain't asking that!
Check out my review for the legendary R&B group En Vogue who performed on Sunday at B.B. King Blues Club in New York City. The group is officially reunited with Dawn Robinsonsinging like the lights were past due and the first of the month check was late! I forgot how amazing Dawn's voice is -- Coko from SWV or Dawn Robinson, I don't know who is the better singer. Here is an excerpt of the review and a video clip of "Giving Him Something He Can Feel."
Similar to last year, the En Vogue crowd was thoroughly diverse. Also, they didn’t forget the gays. When they went into their #3 Billboard Hot 100 hit from 1994, which was a duet with Salt-N-Pepa, "Whatta Man," they said all the ladies who have a good man put your hand up. Then added, "If you are a man who has a good man -- put your hand up!" The crowd loved that.
I had the pleasure of seeing the legendary Teena Marie last night in NYC (and En Vogue with Dawn Robinson - they were incredible, but that is another entry). Lady T sang from the bottom of her black soul -- although, I am still wounded I didn't get to hear "Out On A Limb"! How could she not sing that song?!
But, I digress, the Ivory Queen put on an amazing show. The highlight of the evening was when she gave a riveting performance of her duet with Rick James, "Fire & Desire" - check out the video below. I was no more good at 4:30 when she said, "Sometimes I just don't even know my own name..."
