Down to the hour for Young Leaders. I don’t know how, but in case it may have slipped some of y’all’s minds, TODAY (Thurs., Feb. 13) is the day for the 4th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking Reception. If you are reading this before 5 p.m., then leave your corporate clothes on and make your way down to the Four Seasons before things kick off at 5:30 p.m. – or as soon as you can. Tickets are only $25 each and include drinks and hors d’oeuvres. I’m telling you (just like I’ve told you time and time again) you don’t want to miss the opportunity to join Emerson and The St. Louis American Foundation in giving daps to the young folks on their way to doing big things in our city. These twenty folks under forty being honored are the future leaders of this city – and I’ll be bold enough to say some of the Young Leaders will have an impact on this nation sooner than later. Wouldn’t it behoove you and a few friends to show them love on the front end? I sure think so.

Janky Juvenile? Those of us expecting business as usual with respect to celebs turning out Friday night at the Coliseum were sorely disappointed last week. By early evening Juvenile took to Twitter saying that the show was fake. But I heard from more than a couple folks that he refused to get on the plane because his wife wasn’t given the hook up on a free flight to the Lou. Folks are going to believe what they want, but Juvie’s “bad business” claims may have seemed more legit if the same crew of promoters didn’t have celebrity guests much more relevant than Juvenile just about every Friday for the past three months or so – and they’ve gone on without a hitch. I decided to stop through and see how the crowd would handle the news that Juvie wouldn’t be in the building, but the folks clearly got wind that he wasn’t coming thanks to his social media campaign – because there weren’t enough folks in the Coliseum to have a successful “back that thang up” contest.

Dip’s big 3-0. If you ever want to feel old, watch a youngster that you’ve seen grow up on the scene turn 30. I was feeling like dialing up MetroBus call-a-ride after watching the folks get it in with my baby bro Young Dip as he left his twenties in the dust Friday night at The Rustic Goat. It was nice and deep in the building with Aye I on the tables and another of my STL faves, Laurence Maroney, holding things down in the VVIP section. I’m expecting even bigger things from my boy Dip as he enters his new decade – and his b-day party served as an indicator that I’m probably right on the money.

Turned up with Team Money. Speaking of money, Team Money had The Pageant on lean for the Rockhouse Ent. All Black event Saturday night. Truth be told, I didn’t know what to expect from the evening, but it turned out to be one of my all-time favorite guilty pleasure partaking as I watched Floyd Mayweather and company give the people a show they didn’t even know they were paying for. When I made my way in, folks were lined up waiting to get in and showcase their tax money treats (new kicks, jewelry, red bottoms and store-bought tops and bottoms…if you get my drift). I don’t know if the ladies purchased their curves with fully functioning heating systems or they had Sochi Olympics ski outfits sewn in underneath their cat suits, but they were braving that cold like some soldiers as they stumbled through the icy sidewalk in six inch heels. And let me tell you, even though it was 12:30 or so when he showed up, Floyd made it worth their struggle. In true Mayweather fashion, the stage was on extra. There was at LEAST 100 folks, with about 50 “bad chicks” standing on what looked to be show choir stands looking like they were about to sing the national anthem to signal his arrival. It would be the “talks too doggone much on the mic” duo who actually introduced him though. And he came out shadowboxing with his whole entire crew in some “Rocky IV” gray sweats looking like he just ran from the hotel as part of his cardio regimen. Then he rapped along to the music, danced around, turned the crowd up nonstop until the Pageant opened the doors and ushered the folks out. It was nonstop and I was amused by every minute of it. Watching a world championship boxer dance and sing along to Beyoncé’s “Drunk in Love” and “Flawless?” Priceless. When I saw him patting his face and saying “I woke up like this,” I could have been knocked over by anybody’s oversized false eyelashes. I don’t know what they paid him, but I’ve been less entertained by folks with full bands and backup dancers. Then, as if the folks weren’t turned up enough, he decided to announce and sponsor (courtesy of his black backpack that was to the gills with bills) a $1000 twerk contest. Pandemonium ensued, and Floyd made it known that he was underwhelmed – until the last girl made it clap and compelled him to make it rain. The night was capped off by President of the Board of Alderman Lewis Reed presenting Floyd with a proclamation. Now that threw me for a loop. I mean, what has he done for the city – except a slight boost to the economy by way of gifting a rack to some chick for dropping it like it’s hot? He grabbed the plaque and hunched around like he deserved it – if for nothing else but making for a soulfully memorable night and giving Rockhouse buzz and street cred.

Sending prayers to the Towns family. I hate to be somber up in here, but I would be remissed if I didn’t ask y’all to say a prayer and send some love to super producer Steve T and his family. He and his wife were injured in addition to losing their two boys – and everything they owned – in that Berkeley house fire. Visit http://www.hopechurch.org/towns/ or call (314) 869-7777 for info.

STL’s reality TV magic touch. I know the folks have been quietly shading the city for our saturation on reality TV, but can we help it that our natural STL charm is so infectious? That being said, I want to shout out my girl Brittish for joining the cast of “Basketball Wives,” which returns on Feb. 17. And the talented Theresa Payne auditioned for the voice, so be sure to tune in to NBC on Feb. 24 to see how she fared!

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • FEBRUARY 13 - 19, 2014C12

Tee White and his lady Christina were among the masses who showed up to party with Floyd Mayweather Saturday night @ The Pageant

Lala with Model Mika

Shay stopped in to show Young Dip

some b-day love Friday

night @ The Rustic Goat

Photo by Arlis Davis

Kierra and Morgan came out to catch a glimpse of boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Saturday night @ The Pageant

Nikko Smith, Bell and Darius Bradford were in the mix Sunday evening for the Red Winter Fashion Affair @ The Rustic Goat Photo by Arlis Davis

Laurence Maroney, Triky and birthday boy Young Dip throw the ultimate big 3-0 birthday bash Friday night @ The Rustic Goat Photo by Arlis Davis

STL stars Murphy Lee, Kyjuan and City Spud were repping for the St. Lunatics Saturday night @ The All Black Affair @ The Pageant

Kelisha, Bria, Gabrielle and Elyse came through for the latest installment of Mocha Latte’s Simply Sexy Friday night @ Soho

St. Louis Rams Player Chris Givens was on the scene to support to Gbassa’s Pre Valentine fashion show Sunday afternoon @ Forest Park Golf House

House Raw Elegance owner Sherri with stylists/barbers Tasha, Nick and Tara @ their open house festivities last Saturday @ House of Raw Elegance

Jen and Dominique came through to Takaya to partake in the 1st Fridays festivities Photo by Arlis

Davis

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

The Money Team, Rockhouse Ent. and Liquid Assets had The Pageant leaning Saturday night thanks in part to the star power of Floyd Mayweather. The champion boxing star had the crowd hype from the time he stepped on stage until the party shut down as he played host with the most.

WWW.STLAMERICAN.COM Photos by Lawrence Bryant