Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
FOOD FOR THE SOUL
Do you love soul food? Are you a vegetarian? Did you ever want to try vegetarian food with a twist of soul? Well, Soul Vegetarian East is the spot for you. Plenty of people think that vegetarian food is nasty or does not have any flavor, this is not the case for this restaurant. Located in Chicago, on the corner of 75th and Indiana, the aroma catches you at the door. The menu includes an assortment of veggie dishes, sandwiches, meat alternatives, desserts..just to name a few....but the list does go on. Oh, can not forget about the Sunday SoulVeg Dinner....that will fill you up but does make you slow down. Plus, I forgot to mention, THE FOOD IS FIRE or really good for those who don't know what "fire" means in this case!!! The restaurant is run by a community of Black Hebrews or African Hebrew Israelites (don't know who they are, I would advise you to look it up) that invest their hard work and time to deliver healthier food options for the surrounding community. If you want to stop hearing this review and find out what we are talking about....go now to: Soul Vegetarian East
205 E. 75th St. - Chicago, IL 60619
(773) 224-0104
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Speaking of Skateboarding.....
When it comes to skateboarding the name Rodney Mullen is definitely one you should know...
Rodney Mullen is widely considered the most influential skateboarder in the history of the skateboarding. The majority of ollie and flip tricks he invented throughout the 1980's, including the flatground ollie, the Kickflip, the Heelflip, and the 360 flip are regularly done in modern vertical and street skateboarding.
Despite Alan Gelfand's justifiable fame for inventing the ollie air (Gelfand's maneuver being primarily a vert or pool oriented trick) Mullen is responsible for the invention and development of the street ollie. The ability to pop the board off of the ground and land back on the board while moving has quite likely been the most significant development in modern skateboarding. This invention alone would rank Mullen the most important skateboarder of all time.
"Scoring...Pha-Real"
Did a lil' follow up on the Pharrell Post....& heres the promo poster for the movie. Oh yeah...& its a Rob Dyrdek project & features TK so it'll definitely be dope. This ones for the skaters.
"Seeing Sounds"
The ever expanding career of Skateboard P is expanding again....Pharrell is scoring a movie. No details yet on the project but I'll keep you in tune.
"Sneak Peak"
L.A. Gears are Back!
Over the past year L.A. Gear has been teaming up with Sportie LA to slowly implement some retro releases from their Unstoppable line. The most anticipated models of LA Lights and LA Techs (featuring the light up heel) have not yet been released but it was Just Announced! that there are plans to have them out by year's end.
"Behind the Scenes"
A sneak peak @ the work Ye' puts in behind the scenes making the "ridiculously priced but kinda worth every penny" Louis Vuitton Sneaks. Enjoy.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
"Hip Hop is Off of Vacation"
What do you get when you take arguably the best rapper alive & pair him with the arguably the best DJ/producer alive?
Hip-Hip Icons Jay-Z & DJ Premier have teamed up to drop a project this summer. The project will be entitled, “Premier Issue vol. 7: Hova Edition” and is set to release July 4th. Hip Hop is coming back...Keep an ear to the street for "Can't Cheat Death" the first joint off the forthcoming project.
Monday, May 25, 2009
"A Retiring Ape"
With swirling speculation about who would take the reigns since Nigo is stepping down from A Bathing Ape, a familiar personality in the realm of streetwear in WTAPS’ Tetsuya Nishiyama has officially been announced via NIGO(R) himself as the new design face of the brand. With his involvement coming to light in the winter collection, there also looks to be the development of a new line titled URSUS BAPE(R). With a well-documented aesthetic in WTAPS, we look forward to seeing the progression and different traits that A Bathing Ape will assume under TET-san (hypebeast.com)
"Sneak Peak"
In a preview to the upcoming fall/winter 2009-2010 adidas Originals by Originals collection, we examine a special release that involves both Kazuki Kuraishi (who was part of the inaugural ObyO) as well as NEIGHBORHOOD. The Vulcanized Boot in your typical NBHD black features a slim toebox which quickly bulks up towards the ankles and heels. A special logo incorporating the NBHD icon skull & Bones and the adidas Trefoil is seen marking the collar of the shoe. A release is slated for August, 2009 and will be available at retailers
"Dope Girl"
Originally from Kansas City, Kansas, Monáe was first featured on the Purple Ribbon All-Star's Compilation Got Purp? Volume 2 in 2005. Her song "Lettin' Go," from this album became a cult hit and a fan favorite. Her next major feature was on OutKast's movie soundtrack for Idlewild, where she is featured on the songs "Call The Law" and "In Your Dreams." She was also featured in the video for the single "Morris Brown," with Big Boi and Scar.
The Wondaland Arts Society was founded by the Wolfmasters Nate "Rocket" Wonder, Chuck Lightning, and Delvin Franklin along with manager George "Rico" Rodriguez, Mitch Mitchowski, and Janelle Monáe herself. Other artists on The Wondaland Arts Society include the Afro-punk group Deep Cotton.
Escaping from the underworld of her hometown, Monáe attended the American Musical Academy in New York City where she studied musical theatre and planned to pursue a career on the stages of Broadway. But feeling stifled by the lack of dynamic roles for black women on Broadway, Monáe decided to relocate to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue her dream of changing the world through her music. Monáe made her debut in Atlanta in the Fall of 2003. At the time, she was enrolled in Georgia Perimeter College and studied
Science. She performed at various events in the Atlanta University Center. Her first solo project "The Audition" consisted of raw acoustic production from fellow AUC group BOF (Best of Friends) and from Nate "Rocket" Wonder and Chuck Lightning of Wondaland Productions.
Monáe originally planned on releasing "Metropolis" in four separate parts, or "suites". The first "suite" of Metropolis, titled "The Chase" was released in August 2007 via her label, the Wondaland Arts Society. The first single from Suite I of Metropolis, "Violet Stars Happy Hunting" has since become an internet sensation and is an underground hit.
The album was initially only available via her website and live performances, as well as iTunes and other mp3 download sites. In late 2007, Janelle Monáe signed with Sean "Diddy" Combs' label, Bad Boy Records, who have since re-releasaed "Metropolis: The Chase Suite (Special Edition)" on August 12, 2008. The "Many Moons" video premiered on BET's 106 and Park on September 25, 2008. The song was recently nominated for a Grammy Award in the urban/alternative category. Monáe planned on releasing a full length album in January 2009, though the record has not yet seen a release.
"Musical Freedom"
At some point all good things come to an end...Def Jam's right to Jay-Z's upcoming "Blueprint 3" included. Thats right Hov has flown the Def Jam coop, spending a reported $5million to buy out the remainder of his contract.
"I can honestly say, working with Doug Morris and LA Reid has been a unique and fulfilling experience and I respect them immensely," Jay said in an interview. "I've been in the family for almost my entire career. Doug and I spoke directly and had one of the most unique 'negotiations' ever. Doug won the toss but, we both won in the end...I thank him for allowing me to be a completely independent artist. Not every artist can say they own or are given the opportunity to own all of their music." (Rap Radar)
Friday, May 22, 2009
Batman & Robin x Julian Beever (Random Dope Art)
This is superdope. 3D sidewalk art by Julian Beever. Yeah...thats actually flat.
"Do my ladies run this mutha...."
Well since I keep hearing I don't make enough posts for the ladies...here you go. Louis Vuitton Summer 09...enjoy.
"A Legend in His Own Right"
Takashi Murakami, or as most of you would know him, "the guy that did The Graduation cover art for Kanye"...or even as "the guy that designed the colorful Louis Vuitton Bags...lol, is one of the most thoughtful-and thought-provoking-Japanese artists of the 1990s. His work ranges from cartoony paintings to quasi-minimalist sculptures to giant inflatable balloons to performance events to factory-produced watches, T-shirts, and other products, many emblazoned with his signature character, Mr. DOB.
Takashi Murakami's work has been exhibited in prestigious museums
all over the world, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and a recent solo retrospective exhibition at the Bard College Museum of Art. Through his work, Murakami has played with these oppositions in East and West, past and present, high art and low culture while remaining consistently amusing and accessible. His work morphs the worlds of popular contemporary Japanese cartoons and historic Japanese painting (he is classically trained, with a Ph.D. in the traditional nihon-ga style). His recurring character, Mr. DOB, appears on t-shirts, posters, key-chains, etc. world-wide and has even come to life in the form of one of these 3-D sculptures. Murakami has also curated "Super Flat" an exhibition of contemporary Japanese artists.
all over the world, including the Tokyo Metropolitan Museum of Art; the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and a recent solo retrospective exhibition at the Bard College Museum of Art. Through his work, Murakami has played with these oppositions in East and West, past and present, high art and low culture while remaining consistently amusing and accessible. His work morphs the worlds of popular contemporary Japanese cartoons and historic Japanese painting (he is classically trained, with a Ph.D. in the traditional nihon-ga style). His recurring character, Mr. DOB, appears on t-shirts, posters, key-chains, etc. world-wide and has even come to life in the form of one of these 3-D sculptures. Murakami has also curated "Super Flat" an exhibition of contemporary Japanese artists. "I can't mention Kid Cudi & not give you a Ye' post"
Here’s the second drop for the Yeezy Tuxedo fitted that Hella Tight just released last night at their online shop. Oh yeah, & the bear glows in the dark.
"What happens when a lonely stoner & a dope label get together?"
Random Dope Collab by the good people @ 10 Deep & Kid Cudi...With the success of the 10 Deep x Kid Cudi mixtape they dropped last year and the release of this ‘Up There‘ tee this collab is looking like another smart move by both parties. Wed at 12pm Est 10 Deep will be re-releasing their collaboration tee with Kid Cudi. So if you missed out back then, heres a chance to score a conversation piece for that next party.
Friday, May 15, 2009
"Sneak Peak"
Diet Butcher?
Must have dope-ass kicks!! The Slim Skin sneakers returns in a patent leather finish and usual oversized fit. Blackbird has them for 608$US. Too rich for my blood but for the "sneaker heads" out there....those would take your collection up a notch & stop pretending like you've seen these before...lol
Must have dope-ass kicks!! The Slim Skin sneakers returns in a patent leather finish and usual oversized fit. Blackbird has them for 608$US. Too rich for my blood but for the "sneaker heads" out there....those would take your collection up a notch & stop pretending like you've seen these before...lol
Benjamin Bixby x 3$tacks
Eccentric? maybe....Creative?...definitely. Andre 3000 has been recreating himself for his millions of fans for some time now but, now he's giving his fans a chance to recreate themselves. 3Stacks is set to release his own brand of fashion, Benjamin Bixby, a clean & classic line that brings back memories of when men actually cared how they dressed. "Before all the trends & fads it was just about looking nice." said Andre. Either way I'm excited to see what the guy who wore shoulder pads & feathered pants to an awards show is gonna bring to the table.
"Crazy Flix"
Kanye x Amber Rose x Madonna ? Sounds like Nike & Louis ain't the only ones collab'n with Chicago's Favorite Son....
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
"FEEL HER BADUIZM"
FROM HER AFROCENTRISM TO HER CAPTIVATING LYRICS, QUEEN ERYKAH BADU IS A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH. BORN ERICA WRIGHT IN SOUTH DALLAS, THE 1ST LADY OF NEO-SOUL, WANTED TO GET RID OF HER "SLAVE" NAME EARLY IN LIFE CHANGING THE SPELLING TO ERYKAH---KAH MEANING INNER SELF. THE ARTS WAS INSTILLED IN HER AS A CHILD FROM PERFORMING WITH HER MOTHER AT THE DALLAS THEATRE CENTER. THERE WAS NO STOPPING THIS QUEEN FROM THIS POINT ON. BREAKING ON THE SCENE WITH "BADUIZM", HER LYRICS SEND A EVER CHANGING MESSAGE TO THOSE WHO CAN SEE, BUT ARE TRULY BLIND. HER LONG LIST OF HITS SUCH AS: ON AND ON, BAG LADY, NEXT LIFETIME, DIDN'T CHA KNOW-JUST TO NAME A FEW, SENDS ENLIGHTENMENT TO LOST SOULS WHO WERE STRIPPED OF THEIR HERITAGE AND CASTED AS A MINORITY. BADU'S LATEST ALBUM, NEW AMERYKAH, HIT RADIO WAVES LAST YEAR BUT ONLY RELEASING PART 1 (4TH WORLD WAR) OF HER TWO PART ALBUM. PART 2 (RETURN OF THE ANKH), IS SCHEDULED TO BE RELEASED LATER THIS YEAR. MS. BADU IS A BUSY BUSINESS WOMAN THESE DAYS FROM TOURING, MAKING APPEARANCES, AND BEING A TEACHER. OH, AND CANT FORGET, BEING A WONDERFUL MOM TO HER BEAUTIFUL KIDS: SEVEN, PUMA, AND MARS. AT THE END OF THE DAY, BADU JUST WANTS TO SPREAD HER "IZM" TO THE MASSES OF PEOPLE THAT ONCE WERE IN THE LIGHT OF GREATNESS.
WIKIPEDIA FOOD FOR THOUGHT: "Badu is also an African name for the 10th born child used for the Ashanti people in Ghana. Additionally in a letter written to Erykah from her father, "Badu in Arabic means truth and light...good choice kid." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erykah_Badu
~*DID A LIGHT BULB GO OFF IN YOUR HEAD YET???*~
WAKE UUUUUUUUUP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hip Hop Becomes a Hero?
Activision is set to once again revolutionize how consumers interact with music by releasing a new title this fall - DJ Hero - that will redefine the company’s popular music gaming platform. The company’s groundbreaking DJ Hero expands Guitar Hero’s signature social
gaming to all-new consumers with the addition of diverse music genres including Hip-Hop, R&B, Motown, Electronica and Dance. Introducing an all-new innovative turntable controller, DJ Hero transforms players into DJs who rule the club scene by creating original mixes of popular songs and music from the world’s most exciting artists and DJs.
gaming to all-new consumers with the addition of diverse music genres including Hip-Hop, R&B, Motown, Electronica and Dance. Introducing an all-new innovative turntable controller, DJ Hero transforms players into DJs who rule the club scene by creating original mixes of popular songs and music from the world’s most exciting artists and DJs."If You Don't Know...Now You Know"
Donuts Anyone?
Very few producers can say they've attributed as much to the art of Hip-Hop as J Dilla. The funny thing is, every other producer who can say that, you already know their name.
James Dewitt Yancey (February 7, 1974–February 10, 2006), better known as J Dilla, or Jay Dee, was an American hip hop producer and MC, who emerged from the mid-1990s underground hip-hop scene in Detroit, Michigan. He began his career as "Jay Dee" but used the name "J Dilla" from 2001 on. Many critics believe J Dilla's work to have had a major influence on his peers, and that he embodied the neo soul sound, playing a defining yet understated role during the sub-genre's rise (roughly from the mid-90s to the early 2000s). J Dilla was often dubbed "your favorite producer's favorite producer", and was highly regarded by mainstream artists and producers such as Common, Kanye West, A Tribe Called Quest, Just Blaze, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell Williams,and ?uestlove
"The Mighty Mos"
Mr. Flaco Bey better known by the masses as Mos Def has unleashes a new single from his upcoming LP, The Ecstatic. The inspiration behind this samba, jazz-funk melodic piece came about during his recent expedition across South America. It wasn’t until his trip to Brazil, where he managed to stumble upon this compelling track from Brazilian band, Banda Black Rio. The song, Casa Forte, was then given to his producers DJ Preservation to sample. The two managed to chop up the track and formulate this exquisite instrumental, which then was laced by an effortless spitfire of lyrics from Mos Def himself. The Ecstatic is slated for a release on June 09, 2009.
Also keep your eyes peeled for The "Boogie Man" Adidas x Mos
Levi's x Kaws
My favorite jeans designed by one of my favorite artists....can't beat that. The Chomper 501's are available on Levi's E-Shop.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
"He's So Focused"
In a world where image is everything...the man with the camera is king. In this case, the king who's name is on the tip of every model in the midwest's tounge right now is Divine Photography.
When we sat down with Owner & Head Photographer for Divine Photography, Devon to asked how he got started he said, "I got into photography because I felt there weren't enough photographers who captured the true essence of black women: their strength and beauty. I was tired of seeing King Magazine/XXL styles shots that put the emphasis on a woman's assets (emphasis on ass) I wanted to go in a different direction with my photography," and he has done just that.
Creating a worthy resume of beautiful shots, Divine is quickly becoming the most sought after photog in the region.
More so than his talents behind the camera, Devon is changing the way people see themselves. In a city where the word beauty isn't exactly the first word that comes to mind, he is creating a beautiful history for us to look back at. "My camera is essentially a time machine. My photos are snapshots of a certain moment in time. Think of the one thing you want to save if your house caught on fire. It would be your photo albums," said Devon. He also has a refreshing sense of humility that is rarely seen in this business, "There is so much that I have to learn about photography. Everytime I thing I've mastered something, something else comes up that I want to learn. I guess as an artist your craft is forever evolving."
Evolving or not, Divine Photography is definitely deserving of all the accolades received. With a pure blend of undeniable talents, solid work ethic & humble creative vision, Devon, along with Make-Up Artists Asia Dickens are here to make you beautiful.
"Tiger Woods sucked, Micheal Jordan sucked, Shakesphere sucked. Everyone in the beginning sucked, but they were persistent and never gave up on their dream. Never give up on your dream. "-Devon x Divine Photography
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
For A Good "Kaws"
As some of the added pieces to the 3rd anniversary OriginalFake collection,
the brand takes a familiar route in re-appropriating photographs. Having seen it done with Kate Moss in a memorable instance, this time around, babies are the subject for incorporation of iconic KAWS imagery.
Available now at select OriginalFake dealers including Anytime.
Anytime TSTShop B, Ground Floor59 Granville RoadTsim Sha Tsui, Kowloonp: 2311 7068
Eminem Vs. The Punisher Comic Book?
No Bull....Marvel Comics has produced an Eminem x Punisher Comic Book. You can find it in the latest issue of XXL or since its the digital age let's do this the easy way...click on the link https://subscriptions.marvel.com/digitalcomics/view.htm?iid=12466&title= to peep the digital version.
Monday, May 4, 2009
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