Man, who is this kid? Usher protege, singer, song writer, pianist, guitarist. 15 years old!! not to mention his lil adolescent cockiness is on a hundred-thousand, but thats what gives him his edge and a steeze that authenticates his coolest kid on the block persona. I'm not a big pop music guy, but I do admire the form of true artistry and legit musicianship. Talent is talent regardless of the genre. Although his music is not for me, this young cat is worth tipping my hat to. Truth be told, I know what I was doing at 15, and it wasn't nearly as prolific. Man, i was a lame 15 year old.
Ransom. Ive been a fan for sometime now, but the quality of the garments mixed with the creative styling has been leaving increasingly larger impressions on me as of late. While my favorite brand begins to reach and get repetitive and more hokey each season, Ransom just rips.
In my reluctant transition to the everyday New Yorker aesthetic, i've made the leap to purchasing my first real pair of snow boots, beefed up my jacket arsenal to include a fur hood bomber jacket; overcoat, and a decent pea coat. Now ive found myself eying puffer vests; The most signature of New York looks. I almost shake my head in California shame, but when in the empire state... Do what the empire state-ians do. YOU WILL SUBMIT!
inspiration: Kanye HOMECOMING Vid. I viewed in envy.
This morning unexpectedly presented itself in a special way to me. The lady is going out of town for the holidays, and it will be more than a week before we reunite to share the New Year together. With our relationship vacation on the verge of commencement we decided to share our Christmas gifts. To be completely honest, I wasn't very excited to perform the due diligence that is the mandatory relationship gift swap Christmas induces. I was trending toward channeling my inner Grinch that stole girlfriends joy. The meanie that chooses to stamp out the natural draw one feels before leaving a loved one for a while; in the snow, 4 days before arguably the best holiday of the year. The art of being an asshole was becoming the storyline written by yours truly, and I was becoming self-consumed with my own selfishness. Part of the beauty that is a quality relationship is having that other person that becomes a part of you, and they know you well enough to pick up where you feel emotionally deficient. So with her efforts a plenty I put myself aside and we shared our presents. I received a treasured gift to remember for many years to come, a personal bookmark for my journeys through adulthood; I presented her with what I imagine in her eyes a special gift with a world of access and an infinite landscape of possibilities, something I'm confident she will cherish for quite some time. With the many ungenerous choices I made last night, I believe If nothing more we made the right choices together this morning.
Now This is how you produce a commercial!! I'm a huge culture geek, and even more so a life-long student of creative marketing and bold branding efforts. There is definitely a formula and art-form that desires an explicit craftsmanship much like creating a great sculpture. There is a way about it, and when it is nailed - you just get it. Now i've never heard of this brand of sunglasses, but the way they've packaged and presented the lifestyle and storyline, they've now burglarized a way into the brand real estate of my mind. sweeeeet.
I'm loving this song right now. The kids up north in Toronto can seemingly do no wrong right now. 40's Production is tight, Drakes pen game is insane, and Alicia just flat out delivers. Makes me wanna head back to cali and throw this on driving PCH at a wee hour of night with the windows down. That zone out ish.
They even put a zone in the league to try to stop him.
Remix? brought the hood to the game, and they love him for the braids and tats.
Defied Convention (the league was so swaggerless before this dude came in, and this commercial fully exemplifies on so many levels how he flipped it up on its end and revolutionized ballplayer style on and off the court. For better or worse...)
Only the strong. Hold your own.
10x All star, 2x All star MVP, 4x scoring title holder, 2x league mvp, rookie of the year winner. It would have been tragic for him to retire in the fashion he did after 3 games with Memphis. Players of his caliber do not just fade into NBA obscurity. Its just not ok, and I really have to applaud philly for doing the right thing and bringing him back home so that he can potentially end it on a high note, and end it properly. I'm Glad hes back, and back where it all started. The city of brotherly love once again has the answer. As one of my good friends would say, all is right in the world of basketball. I can now rest at ease.
OOOh! the beach looks so good. I've been a big fan of this song for a minute now. Diz's Soon you'll understand mixtape is a quality collection coming out the west. Makes me proud to know theres still talent providing that Cali flavor to the fullest. Plus BJ can saaang.
I'm not really a Nike or Jordan brand guy anymore, but there's some things you cant deny: Good food, quality conversation, and a clean classic kick. O.k. theres obviously many holes in that last statement, but I gotta admit these joints are smooth.
I got a free bottle of ludacris's new cognac last week. Not better than my beloved Hen, but not a bad representation in my opinion.
Fun Fact:African Americans comprise anywhere between 60%-80% of the total American Cognac Market. In 2007-2008 America imported 51.7 million bottles so even if 60% of that was consumed by African Americans thats a whopping 31.2 million bottles of cognac. There is certainly a market for cognac in US as it is one of the hottest cognac markets.(Reuters)
100% of proceeds go toward clean water projects in countries of need.
Fall is in full swing. I think its time to play ball.
A bit old, but i want this look! (click)
:Quote:
lili0202: music like this makes me want to rip my phone out of the wall, throw all my papers in the air and quit, go drive the west side highway in a lambo while pouring champagne down my breasts.
39:57
lili0202: too extreme?
My place is near the same size in square footage @ around 500, But his place is dope. You really have to flex your creativity muscle when it comes to small spaces. I love it. My apartment, although slightly hood and dilapidated in the lobby, is one of the best things that happened to me in my move to NY. I love my space. Its still a work in progress, but its cozy, comfy, and most importantly it feels like home. I feel this guys spot has maybe a leg and a half up on me in creativity and technological enhancement. I hate wires, and he's done a masterful job of dispelling them while having all the best amenities.
I waited all summer to get the right glasses. Searched high and low. I thoroughly searched the internet to satisfy my often times deliberate discrimination for personal measures of sensibility. Saturday was the day, I woke up excited for my gift to be delivered in the mail. One thing though, a hurdle that could impede my christmas-like joy. If I didn't meet the mailman at my box i'd have to wait until Monday. Which makes pickup virtually impossible due to the post office's operating hours and my work schedule clashing. Plus its another 10 blocks uptown from where I live. All else to say It would be a genuine inconvenience and impractical chore. There was no other option for me, I had to get them that day. I walked all around my block in search of spotting one of those damn goofy white trucks with the bold blue eagle emblazoned on the side. I harassed tenants like a crazed rabid lunatic with hysteria in his eyes, prodding with swift inquisition "Is that today's mail you got there? Have you seen the mailman today? What time does he usually get here?" No one had a clue. In fact they played ignorant just to get me to scram. With no luck, and failing hope closing in. It happened. There she was. Mail cart in tow. Without hesitation I begged her to retrieve my gift from her mail pouch, and as America's finest servicemen and women should, she obliged. But not without complaint of her lunch break ensuing. Nonetheless, I had won. I rushed up to my apartment, tried on my prize, and wore my personal token of self-appreciation like a shining badge of honor. Yeah. I look good, I thought to myself... But not as good as this chick! Damn. CURSE YOU AMBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEER.
NDK is having its first official event. The night will showcase photos and video shot in Malawi during Eric's visit. This should be a fun event focused around a beautiful cause. Im very excited as things are beginning to move for us. Lets Go!
Ive had great luck in getting the product that i post on this blog. So far i can say i've gotten close to 70% of the more realistic items to purchase. Heres another Go at it! fingers remained crossed.
The Honolulu Advertiser did a small write-up/interview on Eric and New Day Kids. Mr. Rulona lays down the facts and speaks the truth. Welcome back home E! lets do this buddy boy.
"We listen to the needs of the schools in Africa and approve projects that we can raise funds for here in the United States. We want to give quality exposure to the schools, and also make it easier for people who want to contribute to worthwhile causes to get involved," Rulona explained. "I think there is a huge lack of trust when it comes to charity, especially with the younger 20- to 30-somethings. This is a very savvy and informed crowd, and they are demanding levels of transparency and accountability that many large organizations don't do well." The company is made up of two small teams, one in Hawai'i and one in New York City. As a small organization, it operates with minimal overhead in order to give 100 percent of donations to the projects. "Our goal is empower youth by increasing their options for the future," Rulona said. Get involved by visiting www.newdaykids.org.
Went to miami for the first time this past weekend and had a ball! Definitely will be returning soon before too long. I enjoyed enough fun in the sun to last me through the entire summer, or lack thereof since NY has rained every other day since the beginning of the new season. It definitely was difficult leaving the GOOD life, and equally discouraging waiting in the muggy and miserable subway this morning on the way in to work. All this being said I cant wait for my favorite east coast season to arrive, FALL. I love the look of Fall. The weather isn't too hot, and not too cold, but its like brother bears porridge-Juuuuusst Right! plus the steez is on code sickwidit in the fall. Layering pieces, boots, wools. Fun.
If i had a fortune i'd use it to buy a small collection of NBA jerseys. But not just any old NBA jersey, I of course being the chief of my own teepee, would only cop the finest-And by finest I mean the complete opposite of that. This summer i'd showcase the small town heroes of the league whose flames burned bright and burned out quick in my mind. Im talking ALL OBSCURE BBALL JERSEYS! yep. I love em. Love spotting em and wish i could be the king of rocking em. Its hot in NY and for sure my Grant Hill Pistons turquoise joint will get plenty of shine as it always does every summer. But Grant hill is a G, a fallen knee surgery General. I want the likes of a Sam Perkins a la Lakers jersey, or a Alaa Abdelnaby Trail Blazers jumpoff. Something that just makes you go 'WTF? number 17 Askew Supersonics???? Where the Hell did he get that?!' Thats what i'm talking about. Anyone can rock a Jordan, Lebron, or Magic jersey. But it takes THAT dude to rock a Arvydas Sabonis Blazers jersey. Word to Lithuania.
Shouts to the homie DAN J. this actually seems like something fitting for his blog. Shouts to Dustin, for being another fan of obscure jersey spotting. Its a lifestlye. HAHAHA.
Nas is like half man, half hilarious. What a great boxer this dude was. Even more so he was a masterful and prolific entertainer that switched the face on the sport of boxing. I love it when people just flat out have fun in professional sports. To me this is a lesson in never taking yourself too seriously and enjoying your moment, a class conducted by professor Prince Naseem!
This past weekend I went to see my favorite Hip-Hop group of all Time, Blackstar. As a fan i'd waited for this moment for at least ten years due to scheduling conflict on my behalf, and artistic indifference on theirs. I feel my mission is complete. I'd seen Talib live once, and Mos on a few occasions but never the two powerhouses together. I'm mostly happy that I wasn't disappointed; they put on a dope performance as a team. Cant wait till they can get back in the studio to create the second edition of one of my top 5 albums to bring when stranded on a deserted island!
Shouts to the homie JCEAL for the snaps. Shouts to B for the backstage and free 99 love. Shouts to Hil for the laughs.
Saw this over at the homie Eric's dropshadows blog You said it best brother. SH was fun and very meaningful to our personal and professional development. We were just kids looking to get into some ish, any kind of ish, and SH gave us the arena to let it out. Those fun times will be missed, but its on to bigger and better things! Cheers.
Jam-Jam-Ja-Ja-Jammin' on the one. Love that Stevie episode...
I thought it from the beginning, but never had the concrete facts to back it up. Thank you Daily Show! A much easier task proven than Jay-z and his self proclamation as the black Brad Pitt. Nice image, poor comparison.
J. Ronald Terwilliger - The $100mil man. You are so rad buddy boy. If only I could do a fraction of what you've unselfishly laid on the line. Magnanimous is without a doubt the word of the day. I feel like J.R. (thats what I'm calling him since we're now unified through this virtual bond of humane sensitivity. LOL) just walks around his crib with Enrique Iglesias on blast all day. Head to toe white linen outfit included. Villa optional.
i'm beginning to get that itch to get out of town again. Somewhere where i can meet this dude would be sweet. His swaggers on a 100. Especially how he shakes the spot at the end. Massive
hahah. I love seeing my friends grow old. Kinda scary, but cool at the same time. Very weird. The other day I found myself in an in depth conversation with D on 401k plans, and my boy sceezy is in a ADULT SOFTBALL LEAGUE!!! isnt that crazy? seems like last month we were drinking MGD 40's in the park behind my old house and smoking weed out of an apple with katie on the beach (not me though of course). Man... I really should have made out with her. I choked. She was the best thing smoking in high school at the time (pun intended). haha. Oh well. My point is time is slipping man. Enjoy every minute, even on the softball diamonds in your life.
Jon B who? Justin Timber-what? Robin when? I'm not sure why I'm so impressed by white people singing "black" music, but I am. For some reason it makes me happy. I think it may be the idea that there should never be a look or feel to music. In my opinion music should always be color blind, especially if its good because thats all that should matter. Quality music. I love when molds are broken and new angles are forged in the name of good art and the pursuit thereof. Being aesthetically genre bending is dope. Some things are a bit much though ref: vanilla ice, and Snow, and Duffy (chick is wack and annoying, such a Amy Winehouse coat-tail riding gimmick in a barrel, really record label?! you want me to believe this is soul music?)But when it comes to females Adele is holding it down for the melanin challenged musically-inclined soul singers of the world. Mama got a voice on her! Anyway, some call it soft rock and i just learned the term yacht rock, which i really like, but i call it blue eyed soul. Before the doors were open and Justin Timberlake "channeled" (aka stole) MJ's sound on his first album and Prince on his second, Hall and Oates had sisters with Afros ready to see whats really good with the team with the good credit score.
This dudes countdown is pretty official. Plus he reminds me of my boy Scott, super doppleganger status.
And yes, Michael Mcdonald is the king of Blue Eyed Soul. Him a run tings, yacht rock rudebwoy!
Congratulations to me! I made it through life yet another year. I was born around 5 something in the morning 27 years ago on this very day. Proves to be a small but very noteworthy accomplishment. The homie flew in this morning at 7 am. Knocking on the door like the police, but i didnt care because it was my born day. The train was crowded and some strange woman was rubbing her booty on mine for a good 4min, but i didnt care because its my born day. Nothing can phase me today. The only thing i'm worried about is what i will be celebrating in. First i was gonna go suit, but then i realized i had to stay true. If only I could combine how i feel with the traditional aesthetic of a suit.... HMMM. Wish i knew where this guy got his joint from.
This manages to say screw it, I'm about mines! and i made a conscious decision to "suit up" today. This joint is sweet. Just to further the juxtaposition i could fully lifestyle the look by rocking a tie for formality and a knife in my boot in case it pops off!
Well another year has passed and its about that time again. Time to acknowledge the day I was blessed with the gift of life. Yes My birthday is coming up next weekend, and yes I'm starting to feel old. My mother said something from social security came by the house the other day. That's when you KNOW shits getting serious! One great gift I will be getting is my best friend's arrival from California to celebrate our Bday's together just like when we were kids. Only except now we celebrate with mass consumptions of liquids (pause). If I had it my way I would get a few more super cool gifts like this one.
Damien Hirst X Supreme Skate decks Love Supreme. Their collaborations are genius. Real reckless at times, but genius. I got a chance to see Mr. Hirsts Exhibit in Dallas and I was blown away. Probably one of the best exhibits I've ever seen. So i gotta have these for my hallway.
New Day Kids launch NDK ALL DAY!! I really want new day kids to have the proper impact it needs. Planning for the launch party/fundraiser is exciting. I hope the rest of the year pops off as much as i want it to. Hopefully I'll get to go to Africa in July with the rest of the crew. As of now its looking shakey :( Until the official site launch in April here's our teaser blog. NDK
Vans X Taka Hayashi Oh I'm so cali. I collect vans because it is the ultimate California Coast shoe. The essence of Cali Cool. It represents where i'm from. These are next level.
Gourmet Sneaks. whats a 27yr old do when he moves to harlem and EVERY 15yr old in the hood rocks Jordans like they were selling em at payless in a blowout sale? he rocks em in italian canvas. These just look like the perfect spring/summer flight shoe to me. I just wanna take weekend trips with these on my feet.
Louise Nevelson I'm not very big on sculpture (prolly due to my fear of statues) but I cruised Chelsea yesterday and peeped this exhibit at the Pace gallery. This ish right here.. This ish right here!!! banoodles. I like the blackout versions better but this gives a better idea of how brilliant she was. If i ever become a super stoopid stanky rich billionaire i would have this just chillin in the room you dont sit in. Aka Living room for black people.
The mad scientist herself.
Hype williams: The videos vol. 1 Mr. Video Vanguard. Making me lust for "the life" since my adolescence. Just to throw on in the background when i have company over. sweet!
Mr. Dj Compose sent this over from a man by the name of DJ Uncle Q. Simply Awesome. I was at work when it arrived in my inbox and it made the day a little more seamless. I'm a big Tony Toni Tone fan and it goes without saying that Raphael Saadiq is just a flat out sexy-time genius. This is for sure my new midnight soundtrack. Which will de-thrown that Drake mixtape that i cant get enough of. Jah bless you Jay. Jah Bless.
http://www.zshare.net/audio/5041587402953e93/
tracklisting:
I Love Her Soul sister - Bilal It Never Rains (live @ the house of blues) Whatever You Want - Tony! Toni! Tone! Ain’t nobody worryin - Anthony Hamilton Everyday - Lucy Pearl Still Ray Trippin’ - Lucy Pearl Ask of You (live @ the house of blues) Anniversary - Tony! Toni! Tone! Lady - D’angelo Love of My Life - Erykah Badu They Can’t - Lucy Pearl Music - Joss Stone & Lauryn Hill Rifle Love Glow - Kelis So Lady - Mary J. Blige La La - Lucy Pearl You’re The One That I Like Be Here - Raphael Saadiq & D’angelo Bad Habit - Joss Stone Marathon - Kelis Body Parts Proper Nice -Joss Stone Excuse Me Soulfood Love - Joss Stone Tick Tock Dance Tonight - Lucy Pearl This One Let’s Get Down - Tony! Toni! Tone! & DJ Quick Attention - Kelis Chic -Raphael Saadiq ft. Teedra Moses Don’t Mess With My Man -Lucy Pearl Feels Good - Tony! Toni! Tone!
I dont know which part is better. Dude on rooftop or Dude on Car. Dont matter, any dance you can do in houseshoes I'm definitely down with it. Oh I love it.
I've been singing this damn song every morning for the last week or so. Its just so catchy. Curse you soulja boy and your ringtone rap for making me sing along happily. CURSE YOU!
I'll be in cali for the weekend, and im sure ill be singing this the whole trip.
This weekend I went out and met up with my homeboy at a bar in the LES. I'd been in a bit of a melancholy mood due to some issues of the female persuasion, so at any rate i felt like the best remedy was some good music, a two step or two, and some alcohol. A healthy dosage of alcohol. After having a good time and feeling good about my situation while walking home in the refreshing midnight hour air (Ny has been super nice the last few nights) I get summoned by some unknown birds in a SUV. Being the curious george that I am I choose to oblige with good spirit and attitude. Needless to say they had well... nothing to say. But the loud mouth one did humor me with a classic quote that i'm no stranger to. It was something to the effect of "You don't look like you like brown skinned girls". They were middle eastern from long island and the short one that exclaimed the bold statement was all of 4'10. By the way,why are the shortest ones always the loudest? Anyhow, I digress. So my natural and unflinching reaction was a smile followed by a " Now what the f*&k does that mean?!" Seriously. Its been more than ten years now that i've heard that, and not to blow my own horn but my song catalog is pretty diverse so to speak. So my presence as a self discriminating black man is perplexing. It baffles me to a comedic degree. haha.
But thank god for kanye, Aisha Tyler (the beautiful and self-proclaimed pseudo black woman)Saul Williams, Pharrell, Andre 3000, and a host of other black personalities that continue to help people better label the identity of black. Now I dont have to do so much explaining. Sheesh. Music has always been my identity anomoly. Growing up half of my life in South Central LA and Huntington Beach "surf city" california I was constantly exposed to a ton of genres of music. My first GF introduced me to radiohead, and whenever we'd fight it would be a fiona apple shoot myself in the head/ male bashing marathon. My best friend kristin took me to a grip of ska/punk shows and the deftones was the first rock album i bought. In exchange I taught Kristin her first rap lyric and she probably knows the whole doggystyle album from front to back (no pun intended). I was so hyped when i saw radiohead's grammy performance last night. Sh*t gave me goosebumps. I used to play Kid A and Amnesiac in my car like crazy. Back then I would get clowned by some of my homeboys because of my eccentric disposition. I got names like Chester, Carlton, and Pharrell, but my saving "black" grace was that i was nice at ball. Like county record nice pahtnah!!! funny how black is rap music and sports isn't it?
So heres to the books with the covers that look funny, but are great reads in bed. hahah. I have no idea what that means, but it sounds good! (editors note: ry scored really bad in the analogies section on his SAT's. REALLY BAD.)
Thom Yorke. Bananas.
First saw these guys over at the "New Leader Of The Pseudo's" Kanye's blog. Did my research and they are officially my new shit. That dance he does reminds me of something i would do in my kitchen with tube socks on. Love this video.
I was looking through some old photos today and this one in particular struck a chord. Sunday brunch in San Francisco. Good friends. Mimosas flowing. Good times. I've been missing the bay this past week. San Francisco just has a great feel to it. Theres something about that cold cali steez that's infectious. I used to like to walk around downtown by myself after a few drinks at a local bar just to feel the city. the fog and the trolley bell made me feel like my life was like a movie. A cinematic masterpiece of sorts. Mexican food in the mission late night, mmmmmm! so scrumptious. That place will always have a piece of me.
Jooooy. And Pain. Its like SUNSHINE! and rain -Rob Base/DJ EZ Rock
Its always a nice feeling when you hear someone who had an instrumental part in your adult development is still inspiring the world. I found out yesterday, ironically from another vessel of inspiration, my college roommate Dan completed his first novel. Im so proud of this dude. I'm especially proud because he was a amazing writer in college. Very poetic, and just flat out nice with the pen. I cant wait until my joint comes in the mail. I'll have a little bookshelf keepsake to add to my many leather-bound books and the rich smell of mahogany in my apartment. Dan, I'll never forget little jorge, juan, ernesto, jesus, and sancho chillin in the desk drawers late night. Nor will i forget all the porn matty had on his computer. Congrats my good friend. You can read the first chapter of the book here dans book
Man. I've been to a few places in my lifetime. I've seen a thang or two. My largest reget is unfortunately having the misfortune of memory space comparable to an old man. An old man that's better at laughing at his own jokes than telling em. A funny old man that leaves his dentures on the table every time he comes over for dinner. For this reason and the inspiration from enjoying my close friends' blogs, i've decided to start my own. So now this old man can share his stories at the dinner table before he leaves his teeth!
To all the girls i've loved before, and eventually forgot. My favorite shower song of all time.
btw. In the shower when I hit that high note on the chorus. Ya boy sounds just like ole' billy.
