Rip the Runway Models

BET’s Rip The Runway popped off this past Saturday, so The Fab! family attended this invitation-only taping at Hammerstein Ballroom. Tapings are nothing like watching it on TV (think long breaks, re-dos)…it definitely isn’t as glamorous as it looks.

With hosts Joy Bryant and Derek Luke, this show was rather different from previous shows because none of the major urban lines were featured (ie: Baby Phat, Sean John, etc.) This year’s focus was on couture and obscure fashion designers.

To be honest, I missed Nelly and Lauren London, the hosts from last year. Joy was lack luster at best. Thankfully, Derek was still high off of his box-office hit movie, Notorious and saved the show.

Joy Bryant & Derek Luke

Of course the highlight of these shows are the musical performances that included: TI, Young Dro (I’m such a fan but don’t tell anyone :)), L.A, (”Aint I” is my song), Maino, Ron Browz (who sounds horrible live), Busta Rhymes (hype as ever per usual), Fabolous (I can’t wait for the new album), Keri Hilson, Mavado (Mr. I’m So Special), Bobby V (who looked like he was straight outta prep school but the ladies loved him, esp DC Fab!), and The Dream (”Rockin That Thing” is a hit…still!). O lawwddd and we can’t forget those GS Boys (Do the Stankkky Leggggggg…or NOT…smh). Keri was definitely my favorite performance, although her outfit wasn’t ripping anyone’s runway.

Jumpin Out the Windowwwwwwwww

Busta & Ron Browz

We gettin Arab Money!

TI & Maino

I spotted a couple of my favs there as well: Tabi Bonney, Dawn Richards, Chuck of AllHipHop.com, Anwaa Kong of EliteDCMag.com, LowKey from NMC and BET, and the cast of the new BET series, Harlem Heights. (I’m hoping this show actually shows young, black professionals in NYC in a positive light rather than wasting airtime like Baldwin Hills!)

After the show, its the after party…

Our Favorite Runway Coach Ivy with Gospel Fab! at the after party

BET held an invitation only, exclusive after party at Crest Lounge (known as the old China Club), and I must say that the party was a good look for the most part. With DJ SNS playing all the latest and greatest, every city (he even repped for DC by playing go-go) was well represented.

I spotted Dennis White (who played D-Roc in the Notorious biopic) and Sean Ringgold (who played Suge Knight). I couldn’t help but wish that Sean had worn that infamous red, button down, and re-enact his major scene from the movie when Suge was at the Source Awards.

Drinks were ridiculously expensive, and for an event that was supposedly for BET staff, you would think that some open bar movement could have been put in place. I believe that some mixed drinks were $15, and I waited 25 minutes for a $5 bottle of Deer Park.

Shout-out again to LowKey for his foolery at the party, and my new BFF, Ivy, that dances better than anyone I know!