Hip Trips with Cheldin Philadelphia: FIT FOR A QUEEN!   Summer is winding down, and it’s the perfect time for some much needed pampering and to be treated like a royal, especially with the world premiere of the Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt exhibition at the Franklin Institute. So grab your girlfriends (or boyfriends) for a fabulous getaway to Philadelphia and discover your inner queen or king. Enjoy all that Philadelphia has to offer and experience the best in beauty, styling, dining and entertainment! …

Rakia's Style Nation: Philly Boutiques   With fabulous summer sales and fall fashion beginning to roll out, there isn’t a better time to shop in Philly.  Stop in at some of my favorite boutiques to see what I’m talking about! Insider tips:  No tax on clothing in Philadelphia!  Also, check out some other boutiques that I absolutely love!     South Street Headhouse District Astro - 720 S 5th St Located in the eclectic shopping district of South Street, Astro is my destination when I…

Tayyib's Beat: Exclusive Interview with DJ Aktive at the Philadelphia Museum of Art   I had the chance to catch up with DJ Aktive before he left to tour with Kanye West. Check out the video for my interview with him.

  Tayyib's Beat: Andre Harrell Exclusive Interview   I first became aware of Andre Harrell as a kid.  Back then, he was known as "Dr. Jeckyll" via hit singles with MC partner Alonzo "Mr. Hyde" Brown and for being a founding member of the "Harlem World Crew."   He stood out in the industry by wearing designer suits and ties while he rapped. Mr. Harrell's onstage image might seem like a precursor to his future of being one of the top music executives in the business.   What…

Rakia's Style Nation: Exclusive Interview with Project Runway Designer, Kristin Haskins Simms   When I found out that Philadelphia native, Kristin Haskins Simms, was going to be on Season 8 of Project Runway, I almost cried in excitement. Immediately, I began a social Facebook frenzy of instant messages and cyber congrats. I met up with the Strangefruit designer to chat about Philly and fashion. Here’s our exclusive interview with the Project Runway Designer: Rakia: Jay McCarroll, the winner of Project Runway’s first season, was a Philadelphian, and Pamela from last season worked at Philadelphia’s Drexel…

Philly 360° Exclusive: Backstage at Heineken Inspire July 16, 2010 Stephen Starr's Washington Square July 17, 2010 Theater of the Living Arts (TLA) Last weekend was a musically-driven, inspiring and stellar time in Philly – and I want to give you an all access look at all that transpired.   On Friday night, I gathered with a mix of old and new colleagues for the Heineken Inspire dinner at Stephen Starr’s Washington Square.  It was a good looking mix of young, progressive influencers who were gathered…

Jazzman's Best Jazz Spots in the City By Special Guest Insider Warren Oree   As always, jazz is very much alive in Philadelphia, but you have to know where to go. Here are some of the ongoing jazz spots that are happening throughout the summer.   Relish Restaurant 7152 Ogontz Avenue Jazz Thursday thru Sunday, 8 pm–midnight Jam session every Wednesday night with the Arpeggio Jazz Ensemble, 8–11 pm (no cover)   Dowling's Palace 1310 N. Broad Street Jam session…

EnterActive Arts Concert Spotlight: Jeri Lynne Johnson & the Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra Saturday, July 24, 2010 Great Plaza at Penn's Landing   The Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, led by maestra and Philly 360° creative ambassador, Jeri Lynne Johnson, will take stage at the EnterActive Arts Concert at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing this Saturday, July 24. The EnterActive Arts Concert is a program of “performance workshops” that will culminate with a “Master Class” performance. Audience members will watch and participate in dynamic, interactive performance workshops lead by teaching artists from various…