Wale Performs New Track (Pretty Girls)

"Ugly girls be quiet"
I wish I was at this show.

ARRRGH: The Feeling Of Frustration

Have you ever had a band, artist, tv show or anything that was "yours"? Lately a ton of media outlets have picked M83 as a breakout artist. But myself and many other have known about him for ages. Yes, "Saturdays=Youth" is a spectacle of sound but so were his other four albums. I guess there is nothing I can do do about losing "my" artists and musicians in this age of internet-word-of-mouth.

Hot Chip - Playboy (Video)

This song came up when I had the shuffle on my i-pod the other day. Ever notice when your in the mood for a song it hits you in a completely different way?

"So long to contentedness/I reckon next time I'll march in favor/So long I've felt a blessedness/No more is this a taste I want to savor"

Hold Me Closer Tiny Planter

The "Pinky Tree" is a creation by California based agriculture company Weeplant. These mini marvels of arboreal prowess grow inside a two inch capsule over six months to a year. Now only if Weedplant made the "Stinky Tree".

VIA designboom

Wallet Pains

The team at the Goodfoot Blog posted not too long ago that the semi-new St.Clair location was becoming the clearance warehouse for the United Front grouping of stores. Notably mentioning that there would be sales almost every week. EVERY WEEK. This weekend seems to be the inaugural weekly sale and their doing it in style marking down all their Stussy product 50 to 70% off! Fresh gear at fresh produce prices, what's not to like?

VIA Goodfoot Blog

The Cool Kids - Pennies (Video)

The Cool Kids live outside the box. Not your average hip-hop video treatment, but what do these guys do that is "average". Their newest CD "When Fish Ride Bicycles" is slated for a release sometime this year, which adds to a long ass list of albums that I am anticipating.

Get A Life

I have now blogged more in this month than I did last year. I hope I don't also end up with a Warcraft addiction. What is Warcraft?

That Guy...

Jim Gaffigan

You may have seen him with Conan O'Brien doing "Pale Force", you may have seen him doing his now famous "Hot Pockets" bit, or you may have just seen him in many commercials he has done, Jim Gaffigan is hilarious. One of the few comics who can actually make me laugh out loud, Gaffigan has his own unique brand of humour. But your probably too lazy to read this...

Big Sean ft Mike Posner - Who Knows

Yet another outstanding track from Big Sean and singer/producer Mike Posner. Something just clicks when these guys are together, hopefully he ends up doing a large part of Sean's G.O.O.D music debut album. 

Check out "Who Knows" here.

Ghostwriter

Wow this was a huge part of my afterschool PBS steez! I just have a few thoughts on this...

1.) Her name was Blaze? Really?

2.) Did Marcella Lowery play every black woman in NYC on 90's television?

3.) Have you ever seen the 2 episodes with Sameul L Jackson?

"Get these motherfucking (ghosts) off my my motherfucking (literature)"

Maximo Park - Apply Some Pressure (Video)

Yet another great UK rock band who have their own definite sound. The cover of this song on Mark Ronson's album "Version" is a great reworking of an already amazing song. Today was my first time seeing the video for it, probably because in Canada between the 5 or 6 music stations we have there are collectively 5 or 6 hours of music videos each day.

Where The Wild Things Skate

Finally! The faces of the "wild things" from Spike Jonze's upcoming adaptation are revealed. Made by Girl Skateboards, a company founded by Jonze and friends in 1993, these decks are yet another of the ever increasing "new medium" collectibles coming out of streetwear today.  Creepy but realistic, these monsters may haunt my dreams for the next few nights. 

 

VIA CtotheJL

Cajun Dance Party - Amylase (Video)

Winner of the ZachMorrisism "Award For Band Name Most Indicative Of Their Sound" Cajun Dance Party are yet another amazing British rock band. Something about the constant grey in the sky or the terrible state of the dental health in the UK must create musical geniuses. Grab a copy of their debut album "The Colourful Life" available at many online retailers.

Backpack Raf, Not Backpack Rap

There's a certain allure to these bags that I can't put my finger on. These bulky minimalist style bags are a collaborative effort between designer Raf Simons and outdoor gear experts Eastpack. The simple details and color schemes are perfect. Available through fine-goods retailer Oki-Ni, in London or on their website.

VIA High Snobiety

The Fresh Prince Extended Intro

I haven't seen this intro more than a couple of times. Once this show went into syndication it became a few quick shots accompanied by the last few bars of the song.

"First class yo! This is bad, drinking orange juice out of a champagne glass"

When We Were Young

Everything is cyclical when it comes to fashion and I wish I had known that when I was younger. I would of put all my clothes in some sort of time capsule and dig them up today. Ray-Ban wayfarers, Mickey Mouse tees and track pants with absolutely crazy patterns are just a few of things that have come back in style. Here are the top three things I wish I had kept;

Hypercolor Tees 

American Apparel has just recently brought back Hypercolor but I'm not digging them as much as the bright orange and purple tee I had back in grade three. I would spend hours blowing on that shirt making designs and face imprints. There's something about the distressed look of shirts that make up some of the allure.

Nike ACG Boots

No I didn't have these ones but I ended up with a pair of crazy ones (they were orange, bright green and of course dark brown), which at that time I thought were ugly. My family and I had gone to the Nike outlet in Buffalo and my mom made me get a pair of winter boots. Why didn't she make me keep them? Mom! Meatloaf! I mean, ACGs! 

Starter Caps

I had a black with white pinstripe Orlando Magic hat. I had traded all my Marvel trading cards with a friend for it. I wore that hat day and night. I ended up being a sun-stained with brownish pinstripe Orlando Magic hat.

The Mitchell Brothers - Michael Jackson (Video)

Speaking of The Streets here's a the video for "Michael Jackson" by The Mitchell Brothers, one of my favorite from 2007. I don't understand how more British emcees have broken into North America. I know The Streets and Lady Sov have had minimal success but these guys do have some profound songs and don't focus on the many things that are killing hip-hop.

Everything is Borrowed - The Streets (Video)

I caught this video on "The Wedge", an indie artist spotlight show on MuchMusic, the other night. There's something about Mike Skinner's delivery that works so perfectly.

"Just when I discover the meaning of life they change it. Just when I'm loving life it seems to start raining."

That Guy...

Mike Miller

I've always been a fan of the white guy who can shoot threes. Miller, who's become a bit of a journeyman, began his career with the Orlando Magic where he and T-Mac were a formidable pairing. Moving onto Memphis and then this summer to the Minnesota Timberwolves he is still a threat behind the line. Also I dig the hair, maybe he picked it up from Pao when they played on the Griz together. That Guy for three! 

ARRRGH: The Feeling of Frustration

Turn of your cellphones please means turn the power off and keep it off. Not hide it under your desk/binder and text. Not take a hundred "bathroom breaks" to take calls. Not torturing the rest of the class with your Flo-Rida ringtone. 

NoirBasic Varsity and Leather Jackets

Based in Paris NoirBasic is devoted to using quality materials in their products.Aligator, ostrich and sterling silver just to name a few. The grey leather jacket is tailored perfectly and resembles something that a spaceship commander would own. Blast off!

VIA Selectism 

From Hitmakers to Shitmakers

When XXL magazine did their "Freshmen 10" a couple months ago I thought they'd finally moved on from covering weak-ass rapppers. Then they hit us up with a 50 Cent cover and I waivered a bit. Now this, a cover with Dipset? Articles on Soulja Boy and Ron Brownz. I wish Mass Appeal was still around, I miss it tuuuuurribley.

Trans DF Express - Dungeon Family (Video)

Then I was introduced to Outkast, Goodie Mob and the Dungeon Family by a close friend and I was sold. I went out and bought "Even In Darkness" immediately and quickly realized it was one of those few albums you could play on repeat.

"Got no paper, to wipe my ass. Gimmie one little dollar, I'll show you how to make it last." (Crooked Booty/Track 2)

Heaven Only Knows - K-os (Video)

When this video came out in 2002, I was 15 and heavy into So-Cal Punk music (Blink 182, Lagwagon and Pennywise.) I remember thinking of hip-hop as Puff Daddy, Mase and other commerical rappers.

Anticipating...

2009 looks to be a year big changes in music. Artists are fusing genres together at an all-time high creating new sounds and allowing for broader audiences. Artists are also changing the way their music is heard, purchased, and distributed (especially within the blogosphere.) Here are some albums coming out in 2009 that characterize this shift.

Wale-TBA

With influences like Go-Go music and Mark Ronson with his big-band sound early in his career, Wale's sound has definite flare. Working with artists from Nick Catchdubs and Justice to TV on the Radio and Travis Barker this album will break down walls in music when it drops in March.

N.A.S.A-The Spirit Of Apollo

David Byrne, M.I.A, Santogold, Chali 2na, Gift of Gab, Z-Trip, Chuck D, The Cool Kids, Ghostface Killah, DJ AM, Kanye West, George Clinton, Tom Waits and about 20 other artists make up the roster of this album. Need I say more? N.A.S.A's debut album comes out February 17th.

Lupe Fiasco-LUPE.N.D (Everywhere, Nowhere and Down There)

Already working with a broad spectrum of artists ranging from UNKLE to Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump Lupe's genre mashing has no end. As previously posted on ZachMorrisism he has also begun working with a punk-rock outfit called Japanese Cartoon which will probably influence a portion of the sound on the LUPE.N.D triology. I just hope he doesn't do anything with Nickelback, seeing he's already let me down with that cameo in the "Rockstar" video. Come on Lupe, Nickelback. Really? For real reals?

 

Hammer Man

Wait, how did Hammer go bankrupt with magical shoes on his side?

New Goodfoot Tee's

This series of tees by Goodfoot meld their logo with logos of Canadian sports franchises. Personally I think the Vancouver Canucks one is awesome in all the colors it comes in, but that may be because my agression towards the Raptors lately. You can pick one of these up at most of the Goodfoot locations or check out all the colors at the Goodfoot Blog.

Jim Croce - Operator

So many childhood Sunday afternoons spent listening to Mr.Croce, Frank Sinatra, and many Motown musicians. My mother didn't have the greatest taste in music, but she did listen to eclectic mix of artists which I feel reflects in my taste today.

Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City

http://streetanatomy.com/blog/

Skulls, skulls and crossbones and skeletons have been a popular trend in clothing over the past few years. Now in 2009 the rest of the human anatomy are stealing the spotlight. At "Street Anatomy" they highlight the many different products (socks, shoes, trinkets, housewares) that use this motif. I usually check the site on Fridays for "Anatomic Fashion Fridays", check out some highlights bellow.

Ascot To Match The Socks

Sleepy Brown ft Outkast - I Can't Wait (Video)

Soundtrack songs with cheesy clips of the movie never do anything for me. This track on the other hand is one of those tracks that I find myself humming or quoting occasionally. Andre 3000 slaughters it as usual and Sleepy Brown's voice makes my mangina wet.

(Buffalo Bill Voice) "I'd fuck me"

Sky High (Produced by The Kickdrums) - KiD CuDi

About to "lonely stoner" myself and I stumbled across this track on 2dopeboyz. The Kanye samples are used so well in this G.O.O.D music anthem. Tidbits like this one and "Superboo" a few weeks ago have me really excited for CuDi's debut disc "Man on the Moon: The Guardians". 

"G.O.O.D music up in the party, paparazzi need not bother nobody"

Download "Sky High" here.

At Least It Wasn't "Greenman"

I trust all the faces...except the shark.

Logan Wayne

Wolverine + Batman = Dark Claw. I missed out on this in 1996, but with varying reviews of Amalgam comics maybe I didn't. 

Ninjasonik - Tight Pants (The Rap Remix)

I liked "Tight Pants", I loved "Art School Girls" and even though I don't really see too much difference between this version and the original, the video for this track is pure fun. Ninjasonik's personal harajuku girls (The Uniqlo Kunoichi Dancers) are way less abrasive looking than Gwen Stefani's and rock a turtle neck like nobodies business.

That Guy...

Aziz Ansari

One third of the comedic hydra that is "Human Giant" Ansari may be "That Guy 2009". Watching him on "Scrubs" the other night reminded how well he sells his characters and how he comes off so natural. You will be able to see him this year in three comedies; "I Love You, Man", "Observe and Report" and "Funny People".

ARRRGH: The Feeling of Frustration

This poster makes me wish for three things:

1.) That I lived somewhat close to DMV area.

2.) That I had a teleporter.

3.) That there were some frozen hors'dourves in my freezer.

What's a Cellphone?

When Zach Morris first introduced a young american teen audience to the notion of teens with cellphones, never in his wildest dreams did he think that it would come to this. Creatively named "lifestyle pc's" these notebooks are ridiculously tiny and could quickly replace today's i-Phones and Blackberrys. 

"The P-series Lifestyle PC will retail for about $900, and options include solid state (up to 128GB) or standard hard drives and a variety of colors, including garnet red, emerald green, onyx black, crystal white, and classic (matte) black, with matching accessories including a fitted leather case." 

(VIA CNET-CES)

Intervention This!

Once again Cap City hits it out of the ballpark, or in this case hockey arena. This St.Louis Blues colorway is similar, if not identical, to the Phoenix Suns color scheme. A hat that Big Cactus himself would approve of. Yes!

Check out this cap and the regular dopeness at eCapCity.

Again again again again - Bocce (Music Video)

Bocce is a band from Waterloo, a university town outside of Toronto, and have their own undeniable sound. This video is beyond mind-boggling and will probably take me many more views to completely understand/pick-up on any underlying messages. Check out Bocce at their myspace.

Mickey Factz X KRS-One

Wow, spit-truth-overload. I feel like I'm watching a video of a lecture when these guys spit. That Real Ish 101.

Oh My God...Check The Reference

Tribe Called Quest X Air Jordan

In preparation for the release of the Tribe Called Quest X Jordan 1's Jordan brand has released these matching tee's that were inspired by "Midnight Marauders". I love the new Q-Tip album but would love a new Tribe album to get me electrically relaxed. For now I'll settle for these tee's. Buy either color at Major.

VIA Nice Kicks

Losing My Freedom

Lost returns January 21st., then once again my weeks become Wednesday-centric. 

Only (Explicative) In Chicago Who Still Has A High-Top Fade

Read the title...duh!

Fresh Like Produce

Eric Elms for Vans Shoes

This collection comprised of two t-shirts and three pairs of  suede chukka style sneakers. I love the three unique colors that Elms chose for the shoes. In a time where many brands are moving from tee's and sneakers to cardigans and wallaby look-a-likes, this is a fresh breath of air. The collection is set for a July release in many fine retailers

VIA MashKulture

ARRRGH: The Feeling of Frustration

I see people with tags on their gear and stickers on their hats all the time and it makes me cringe. I don't hate it because it's not fashionable or tacky. I loathe it because it's idiotic and uncouth. Maybe it's simple, I'm growing up and I don't understand what youth see in certain fads. On the other hand with the widespread growth of subculture through the internet there are many more "niche fads" millions upon millions of people won't understand.

That Guy...

Joe Lo Truglio

The first time I saw Joe Lo was in 2001's "Wet Hot American Summer", one of my favorite movies. Then when he

popped up in "Superbad" is was glad to see he was rolling with Judd Appatow and his crew. Seeing that they cast the same guys in all his movies I knew I'd see him again. My theory was right and he once again appeared in "Pineapple Express" as one his best roles yet, Mr.Edwards. Just watching his physical expressions when watching Dale and the meathead jock talk about his girlfriend make me break out in laughter every time. Joe Lo Truglio is definitely  "That Guy..."

When I Need A Smile

Biz' Halloween Beat of the Day from Nick Jr's "Yo Gabba Gabba".

What isn't to like about this clip? Biz Markies costume, his horse-impression-voice, or the complete seriousness he pulls it all off with. Tons of great artists have been on this show already check out more of them on youtube.

Whoops

Sometimes in the hustle-bustle that is internet music and blogging we get caught up. Apparently (according to their myspace page) Lupe Fiasco is not the lead singer of Japanese Cartoon, but simply the financer and producer. Still dope. Check out another track of theirs Hierplanes at 2dopeboyz.

Fake British Accent...

"Japanese Cartoon", a Lupe Fiasco fronted project, recently released a debut track named Army. Now I like the political and anti-arms message, but does he really need to put on that accent to come across as "punk". The direction that this track is taking Lupe's music has me giddy as a school girl for the triple disc LUPE.N.D. On a side-note Lupe announced on his twitter this weekend that the first single off of Everywhere (the first of three discs) would be entitled Shining Down.

Download Army here.

Remember When?

E-40 ft Keak Da Sneak-Tell Me When To Go (Video)

"Imagine all the hebrews going dumb, dancin' on-top of chariots and turning tight ones"

Check out my twitter (->) for my feelings on the hyphy movement.

Superfriends

Boasting a full cast of characters from both Marvel and DC comics this track comes alive through it's emcees. In order of appearance; Mickey Factz,Print,Fresh Daily,$trictly Busine$$,6th Sense, Odisee,Outasight,Homeboy Sandman,Von Pea,8thW1, all narrate stories in true comic book form. With a beat reminiscent of early 90's Wu, these "superfriends" illustrate images with strategically placed references and colourful language. 2009 may be the year of non-conformity in rap.

Download "Superfriends" here. Respect to Fresh Daily!

Fresh Like Produce

You know what they say about guys with big feet?...They make turribley interesting art exhibits.

VIA A-Trak's Blog

ARRRGH: The Feeling of Frustration

I've tried and tried but I can't get "Sex On Fire" by Kings of Leon out of my head. If my sex is on fire, should I go see a doctor?

Matt and Kim - Daylight (video)

Close-space concerts!

"New York director Micah Perta explains, The concept for the video was to have Matt and Kim in cramped spaces at the beginning of the song as a counterpoint to the songs lyrics about daylight. Then we have a surprise ending where they shift into a colorful, open world that sets them into flight (even though theyre really on the ground)."

Go download this mp3 at Green Label Sound.

Senior Adult Choir Hip Hop

Youtube has now exploited euuurverybody. I know they're old but they even sing slow. I can't wait to have them bumpin' at my next jam. Cha cha slide!

Microphone Check One-Two

Speaking of "Flyer than the rest of em'"

These "Jeremy Scott X Adidas J-Wing Originals" have me a bit stumped. I don't know if I like them or not. Are they a casual shoe or a "going-out" show? Do they make me fly or "fly?

VIA The Hundreds/The Feed

Wale-Nike Boots

I woke up humming this song.

"Flyer than the rest of em'"

Adventureland Trailer.

This trailer makes me wish that Bill Hader was my boss. Looks to me that Ryan Reynolds is picking up where he left off in "Waiting".