10Deep Spring 2009 Collection

10Deep recently released the first part of their Spring 2009 Collection. The New York streetwear label has been doing their thing since 1995 and only gets better. They continue to put out creative pieces with impressive quality. The newest line has a little something for everybody, from the bold colors and graphics, to the toned down classics. Check out their Spring 2009 Lookbook also, http://10deep.com/SPRING09PREVIEW/ .

Source

Interesting Video....

Rob Roy "Fur In My Cap" Director: Ethan Lader from ethandirector on Vimeo.

I'm not too familiar with Rob Roy, but this is a creative video for his new single, "Fur In My Cap".

The Firm Freestyle on Hot 97 (1997)

Here's an oldie, but goodie!! Nas Escobar, Foxy Brown, and AZ gettin' they flow on HOT 97! I hope Foxy gets it togehter soon because she had flow back in the day!!

Artist Spotlight - Melanie Fiona

OK, here's the thing. My rule used to be that I had to hear (and like) at least five songs from an artist before I did a spotlight on them. But, I didn't want to wait for Melanie Fiona to drop three more songs when I could just give her a shout out now and hopefully add the new music as it comes in. How ill is she? She opened some shows for Kanye West in Europe without even having an album released. How ill is she? She signed a deal with Roc Nation (headed by Jay-Z) to be her management. How ill is she? Just listen to her version of "Ready For Love" below for a taste. The Toronto, Canada native of Guyanese descent is ready to make a big splash in the R&B world. She enlisted Busta Rhymes and Raekwon for the remix of her single "Give It To Me Right." And anytime an R&B singer has Raekwon on their song, they get props from me. She shows incredible voice control and range on the heartfelt "It Kills Me" which I hope she will shoot a video for soon. A lot of R&B singers come and go without leaving their mark. I hope Melanie Fiona will keep churning out great music because I think she has something different to offer the game. "Give It To Me Right" is currently available on iTunes (Hint Hint).

My Personal Melanie Fiona Soundtrack:


It Kills Me
Give It To Me Right
Give It To Me Right (Remix) feat. Busta Rhymes and Raekwon

http://melaniefiona.com/
http://myspace.com/melaniefiona

BOTH VIDEOS COURTESY OF MELANIEFIONATV:

OLD SKOOL VIDEO SPOTLITE - Black Moon - "Who Got Da Props"

One of the most overlooked East Coast hip-hop groups of all time has to be Black Moon. I mean I would never have them at the top of the list of my favorite groups, but it just seems like they don't get the recognition they deserve. In 1993 they released "Who Got Da Props" from their debut album Enta Da Stage. I used to love this song back in the day and it embodies everything that East Coast hip hop was in the early 90's. This joint had ill lyrics, a fresh head-bobbing beat, scratches, and a hook that is undeniably sick! Buckshot, 5ft, and Evil Dee showed on this song that they were going to be a force to be reckoned with in the game. This song actually reached #86 on the Billboard Hot 100 which surprised me. Times have changed in the music industry because a song like this wouldn't see the light of day now! The album Enta Da Stage also featured the jams "I Got Cha Opin", "Buck 'Em Down", and "How Many MC's" which all have a place in hip-hop history. After watching this video again I wonder if Buckshot would be considered a "backpacker" by today's audiences? I mean he is wearing a backpack. If Rick Ross threw on a backpack in his new video would that make him a "backpacker" too??? This is food for thought y'all do the dishes.

How Much?-Update* $215

The first colorway of the Nike Air Yeezy's drops in a few weeks, but the question of price is still up in the air. We know that they can't be as much as Kanye's Louis Vuitton shoes, which are priced over $700 (Damn!), but how much are they going to be? I might be the only one who is still on the fence about these shoes.

Mos Def- Get Ready!

One of the best lyricist there is!

Wale ft. Lady Gaga- Chillin

Chillin f. Lady Gaga - Wale

Well, you already know I'm feeling it. What about you King B?

Keri Hilson Video

I don't know who directed this new Keri Hilson video featuring Kanye and Ne-Yo, but they did their thing. Of course, it doesn't hurt that Keri Hilson is just so damn beautiful!

Clae Feature on Highsnobiety

Highsnobiety has a nice little feature with Sung Choi, the man behind footwear brand Clae. I'm a big fan of Clae, ever since Commonwealth VA had them a few years back. I'm definitely glad they came back so strong.

http://www.highsnobiety.com/feature_new/sung-choi/0/

Calvin Klein Baseball Jacket

Calvin Klein put a little twist on the classic baseball Jacket for the Spring/Summer 2009 Collection.

Source

Tough Times in "Streetwear"

I ran across this interesting article on Hypebeast.com. The article takes a look at how the small independent brands and clothing boutiques are handling the tough economic times. This is a good read, so check it out.

http://hypebeast.com/2009/03/tough-times-a-look-into-the-current-state-of-streetwear/

Check out these retro Jordan V's in red suede. Classic Jordan design. They come in a set with a charcoal colorway as well. Props to marqueesole.

Ok Smitty you asked for it!

Ran past this a while ago. I won't name names but a certain contributor to the blog is a Joe Budden FANATIC. Like I said I will not call out Smitty by name. Anyway here is a clip of Joey's girl's attempt at promoting his album gone horribly wrong. Sent her to the radio to buzz his album and...

JOEY + WALE + 9TH WONDER = INSTANT CLASSIC

"Wale reppin' the tight jeans babaay"

Not only is this just funny to watch, but Wale is SO SINCERE in what he says!! Quick Rundown:

1. Joey is the god of hip hop on the Internet = True

2. Slaughterhouse will get more comments than a new Nas/Jay song = Eh....I say False

3. Wale's "Head and Shoulders" was wack = FALSE, that song is bananas

4. Wale likes Kid Cudi's music = I don't really think he does..............

5. Tahiri isn't just a pretty face on a nice body = True, she makes good points

6. Joey doesn't think other rappers are any good = TRUE, sans Drake, Wale, and Slaughterhouse

7. Hov rapping fast is wack = Sad, but kinda true, sans "I Can't Get With That". That was fiyah!!

8. Wale is going to be on a future installment of Joe Budden TV = True, he is hilarious

9. Wale wears tight jeans = TRUE and TRUER!

10. This song is going to be hard = TRUE, I am looking forward to it

Artist Spotlight - Steph Jones

Why do hip hop labels continuously sign R&B acts just to have them sit in 'record label hell'???? I mean if you really think you can do something in the R&B genre go right ahead, but don't waste your money and the artists' time by having them sit. Steph Jones is a former Ford model and talented singer from Texas who was previously signed to Ludacris' Disturbing Tha Peace label. His only major exposure from that label was on the song "Celebrity Chick" featuring Luda, Chingy, and Small World. I really liked that song and thought that Steph would have big things in his future, but it hasn't panned out that way. He hasn't released an album yet, but he has been releasing music. I still have some of his earlier songs in heavy rotation. "Mr. Ordinary" is simple, yet fun, joint about doing regular things throughout your day. This song really emphasizes that Steph is not going to be your average R&B crooner. On the very impressive "La La Means Love" Steph goes all in and delivers a song that would have been a radio favorite. I have no idea why this song wasn't released as a single. The melody of this song is very smooth and the lyrics are great. I especially love the bridge and the "1 time, 2 times c'mon" at the end. Recently, Steph released a new song called "Shooting Star" which is very funky and futuristic. He does the auto-tone thing and even though I'm not a fan of EVERYBODY doing it, it does fit in with the beat of this song. "Shooting Star" is a great song to dance to and I've been playing it heavy for the past two weeks. I'm not sure if you can really compare Steph Jones to any singers before him, but I think that can be a good thing. Maxwell and D'Angelo have been mentioned, but I think his sound is completely different than those two gentleman. There is definitely a place in the game for someone with his talent. I hope he can find a label that will allow him to write and record the songs he wants because it would be a shame if he just fades away.


My Personal Steph Jones Soundtrack:


La La Means Love
Mr. Ordinary
Get Me Started (video below)
Shooting Star
You Are My Sunshine

http://www.myspace.com/stephjones2

OLD SKOOL VIDEO SPOTLITE - Sheena Easton - "Sugar Walls"

Before she made "U Got The Look" with Prince in 1987, Sheena Easton was already an established artist. She had already made the hit songs "Morning Train", "Strut," and "Telefone". And on the same album as "Strut" was the somewhat controversial Prince-produced song "Sugar Walls." In less talented hands, this song could have been way over the top. But, Prince and Sheena craft a very sexy, danceable joint that still holds up today. If you don't know what sugar walls are either you've been living under a rock or can't read between lines. But, with lyrics like "Come spend the night inside my sugar walls" and "Blood races to your private spots" it isn't hard to figure out. This video is kinda creepy to me though! It's like her eyes are trying to tell me something or she's trying to put a voodoo curse on me!! I can listen to this song all day, but I think I'm done with the video. Shit's creepy, yo!

Drake-So Far Gone Mixtape Review

My review is short and sweet: Dope! It's been out for almost a month now and I haven't been able to listen to anything else. With cameos from Weezy, Bun B., Lykki Li, among others, Drake definitely shines. This mixtape is better than most people's albums. This is a must have, so if for some reason you don't have it, go over now to http://octobersveryown.blogspot.com/ to treat yourself.

Get Ready!

Click Picture to Enlarge

Source

TW Steel

Here are a few timepieces from TW Steel's CEO Collection. I don't wear too much jewelry, but I feel naked without a watch. I'm really feeling the clean and classic design on these watches.

Source

Kanye and His New Boo

I guess this guy wasn't playing around when he said he'd do anything for a blonde dyke........

Best Diss Record Ever Courtesy of Slaughterhouse

I take offense to Jay being compared to Kobe. Kobe is a beast, but until he wins a ring without Shaq that comparison cannot be made.

Artist Spotlight - Asher Roth

"If Jason Bourne was to record and join forces with Zack Morris, they'd form my performance."


Yes, he's a rapper. Yes, he's white. Yes, he's from the suburbs. Yes, he kinda sounds like that other white rapper. Okay, now that we got that out the way let's get to know Mr. Roth. Born in Morrisville, Pennsylvania Asher Roth started rapping in high school and has since worked his way to an underground star. I've been listening to Asher for about a year and he has never really blown me away with his lyrical ability. There are a lot of rappers out there who can rap circles around this guy. But, what he lacks in straight lyrics, he makes up for in comedy, style, and enthusiasm. His first mixtape, The GreenHouse Effect Vol. 1, was a collaboration with Don Cannon and DJ Drama from the famed Gangsta Grillz series. There were moments on that mixtape when I found myself thinking "This guy ain't half bad and I wanna hear him spit over some beats designed for his flow." And I give anybody props that can come up with some of the stuff he does. Over the Shawty Lo "Dey Know" beat, he doesn't 'big up his haters', but instead asks "Excuse me waiter.......where are my capers? For real, I don't wanna be a pain in the ass, but I ordered capers on this salad." And he has an entire song dedicated on which female cartoon character he wants to have sex with the most. I'm not making this stuff up! His current single, "I Love College", is one of my favorite songs at the moment . These are the types of songs that Asher shines on. He is currently signed to Steve Rifkind's SRC label and they will be releasing his debut album, Asleep in the Bread Aisle on April 21st. There is definitely a segment of hip-hop fans that Asher Roth will relate to. He will also bring in a lot of new fans to the genre. As long as the label doesn't try to turn him into a pop star, all should be well for the kid.

My Personal Asher Roth Soundtrack:

The Lounge
Roth Boys
CANNON!!!!!
I Love College (video below)
Cartoon Chick

http://www.asherrothmusic.com/
http://www.thedailykush.com/


Asher Roth - I love college from lefebvre simon on Vimeo.

OLD SKOOL VIDEO SPOTLITE - De La Soul feat. The Jungle Brothers, ATCQ, Monie Love, and Queen Latifah - "Buddy (Native Tongue Decision)"

This is the best remix ever. EVER!!! De La had a lot of great songs, but this is my favorite by far. Everybody from the Native Tongue crew showed up to make this a special video. There is a lot of finger-snapping and laughing, but that adds to the charm. They are just clowning around as if they were shooting a home movie. It's like one big inside joke. I like the big dude running in the street says "This video makes no sense!" I agree! We also get a lot of earth tones, funky haircuts, and African patches! I used to have like three of those patches back in the day. This was off the group's classic debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising. That album offset a lot of the Gangsta Rap that was coming out in the late 80's/early 90's. De La Soul was innovative, inspiring, and made great music. Gotta love it.

I Can't Wait.....

Sony Cyber-shot T90 Digital Camera: Series highlights: Just under 5/8" (15mm), 12.1 megapixel 4x optical zoom lens, 3.0" touch screen LCD, Intelligent Auto, Smile Shutter™, Face Detection, Optical SteadyShot™ image stabilization, 720p HD video

Hopefully, I can get my hands on one of these when they finally come out. I was close to getting the Sony T77 a week ago, but I'm glad I didn't.

Source