311

No this isn't a post dedicated to 311 the band. I have been blogging since late 2008 and this is my three hundred and eleventh post. As I prepare to leave for camp tomorrow morning I'd like to take one more opportunity to thank anyone who reads or checks my blog daily. I do write for you, but more importantly I write for myself. There is a cathartic release I achieve from it. I guess for now I'll try the old "pen and paper" approach. As I blog sporadically over these next four months I will try and keep you updated on all ZachMorrisism worthy happenings. Enjoy your summer, unplug your computers.

This Is How...

...I Spent Many Friday Nights.

Kelly KaPOWski (Vol. 5)

It was beautiful outside today. Why would I want to blog?

Orange On A Toothpick

I've tried on a couple of five-panel hats since they've become popular again and I just cant pull it off. I'd like to be able to blame the hats but in reality my head is massive. Not freakshow massive or "Hey Arnold!" massive, but too big to pull off a smaller sized hat. Anyways, Goodfoot just released these and have me wishing a smaller cranium. Anybody know a good witch doctor?

VIA Goodfoot Blog

Stacey Carosi - The Mess Hall

I wish our camp cook was (intentionally) this funny.

Hulk Hogan Rolling Over In His (Future) Grave

Spotted this mixtape cover at Nah Right this morning and couldn't stop laughing. Gucci Mane, who was recently released from his local penitentiary, is responsible for the 2005 track "Icy" that brought mainstream hip-hop down to it's lowest level. Now he's back! Slinging terrible verses, annoying hooks, and an abundance of references to the trap, crack and other criminal activities. I've seen people with "Free Gucci Mane" shirts, I'm considering getting some "Re-incarcerate Gucci Mane" tees printed.

SHEITAN Trailer

Released in 2006, "SHEITAN" revolves around a group of friends who end up spending Christmas Eve at the country house of a girl they meet at a bar. Once they get there, things get weird, like "groundskeeper-who-makes-love-to-his-sister-and-wants-your-eyes" weird. Through all this director Kim Chapiron brings humour and makes a statement about old and new ideologies in France. I hadn't seen a good horror film in a while, but "SHEITAN" gave me new confidence in the genre.

Stacey Carosi Part 2: Summer Mixtapes/Albums

Being away for the summer has it's advantages and disadvantages. An advantage is I get to spend countless days soaking up the sun with some of my best friends, doing a job I love. A disadvantage, I can't get my daily fix of singles and mixtapes readily available on the internet. Last year I came back to the city and downloaded Wale's "The Mixtape About Nothing" and KiD CuDi's "A Kid Named Cudi" in the same day. Can you imagine my glee? This summer promises to be nothing less than spectacular. Here are a few things to look forward to;

The Cool Kids - Gone Fishin'

A prelude to their sophomore CD "When Fish Ride Bicycles", Mikey Rocks and Chuck Inglish guarantee nothing but quality. With help from mixtape guru Don Cannon and their off the wall flows this one may cement itself at the top early. "Gone Fishin' " will be released May 1st on the Cool Kids Blog.

Wale - Back To The Feature

I've already hyped this mixtape enough in older blog posts. Will it be as good as "The Mixtape About Nothing"? If not we can always hop in the Delorean and make sure it never happens. Wale's album "Attention Deficit" was supposed to have a summer release, but now it's looking like a winter album. On April 29th "Back To The Feature" will be available.

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

The third studio release from these Brooklyn rockers may be their best yet. I've heard the low quality version that hit the net a month ago, but I am reserving full judgement til I hear the CD quality. If you haven't seen them perform "Veckatimest" track "Two Weeks" on Letterman, prepare for mind-melting goodness.

KiD CuDi - Man On The Moon: The Guardians

I can hear the internet locus humming while they prepare to eat this album up. Anytime CuDi has released a song, picture, or even said something in the past few months it has been posted everywhere by bloggers, including myself. Enlisting the talents of Snoop Dogg, Linkin Park (?), Just Blaze, Travis Barker and, of course, Kanye West for his major label debut may bring out many new faces of "Mr. Solo Dolo". "...The Guardians" is slated for an August release.

Stacey Carosi - Town Run

I can not believe I'm heading to camp on Monday. I'll have watch "Wet Hot American Summer" before I leave. It's one of those movies you can watch countless times and get a good laugh from it every time. Even David Hyde Pierce gets me in a few scenes and well, after "Frasier", I didn't think he could ever do that.

NBA Jam > NBA Live 200(Anything)

Downloaded a Super Nintendo emulator and NBA Jam: Tournament Edition today. At first I hated it, now I am enslaved by it's glow. Malone and Stockton. All day, everyday. 

Stacey Carosi Part 1: Slush Based Beverages

When it begins to warm up outside, there is nothing better than a slush based beverage. Cold, sugary, and coming sizes varying from small to unnecessarily huge, they go hand and hand with the summertime. Beware what you buy though, each brand offers a very different product.

Slush Puppie - You can find these in small convenience stores everywhere, but they have many downfalls. The cheapest of all three, the Slush Puppie is my last option. Made out of crushed ice and way too much syrup, you end up with a cup of somewhat sugary ice. Sitting around waiting for ice to melt is not one way I'd like to spend my summer.

 
Slurpee - Exclusive to 7-11 the Slurpee is probably the most recognizable slush based beverage. Coming in hundreds of flavours and usually a collectible cup, Slurpee knows how to grab dollars from sugar fiending pre-teens to the oldest of Star Wars nerds. My only gripe with Slurpees are the "post-Slurpee hangover" you get. Brought on by brain-freeze and ingesting way too much sugar, they can last for hours. 

Icee - Icee claims to be the "coldest drink in town" but I think liquid nitrogen takes that crown. Unbelievably smooth, the Icee comes in two flavours; Red and Blue. Yes I know they have actual flavour names, but Red and Blue is what I know them as. Available in the most random of restaurants and businesses, finding an Icee is like finding Bobby Fischer.

Who You Gonna Call? Ghost(Bapestas)!

I haven't been this excited about a Bape product since their collaboration with Marvel a couple years ago. Featuring the a merging of familiar logos and designs this line of tee's is a must have for all Bapeheads. I can make out an Ecto-1 t-shirt, but still have my fingers crossed that they put together a Slimer themed Bape-style hoodie.

VIA High Snobiety and Swagger Dap

Stacey Carosi

Today, April 20th, is both a day of celebration and a sadness. Though I'm on another level right now, I had to inform the reading audience about ZachMorrisism's temporary slow down in production happening soon. Much like Mr. Morris et all, I too have a summer job I will be re-locating to. Over the next four months I will post sporadic thoughts and finds as I become one with nature again. Throughout this week I'll be posting some things to look forward to in the quickly approaching, sun-filled months. I'd like to thank everyone who has shown their support and can't wait to pick up where I left off in the fall. See you back at Bayside!

Snoop-a-loop

What else would I post? Hope you've all had your "Blue carpet treatment, purple kush, that barney, green, some of that blueberry, raspberry, some of that belvedere,schome of that stchicky, icky, icky, icky...ohwee."

That Guy...

Bobby Moynihan

Very few of the "and featuring" actors on Saturday Night Live have what it takes to tickle my ribs, with the exception of Bobby Moynihan. His Chris Farley-esque body language and characters like Mark Payne; the white, dew-rag wearing waiter, keep me in on Saturday nights. Last weekend he played the mother of an incredibley speedy girl and even though his part was brief it had me laughing all week. Bobby is one of the countless members of Upright Citizens Brigade sketch troupe that have made it to SNL. He'll soon be hitting the big screen with cameos in "When In Rome" and "This Side Of The Truth". 

Note: It is impossible to find any good quality clips of SNL on YouTube. Damn you NBC/Sheinhardt Wigs!

Air Tech Challenge(d)

For someone like me who considers themselves a "streetwear junkie" my sneaker game is sub-par at best. I'm very picky when it comes to shoes, spending weeks, months, years scouring sneaker stores for that pair. Combined with my selectiveness is the fact I cringe when I look at most of the price tags. I do like these Nike Air Tech Challenge in black though. They are slightly different from the white pair that was released earlier this year but still boast the vibrant patterns and cool structure. Anyone could get their Space Jam on with these kicks.

VIA Sneaker Freaker 

Rick James And Mary Jane

A scene from "Friday" on a Friday. I can't wait to partake in some myself.

Playoff Fever

The NHL playoffs began last night but this promo get my ultra psyched for the NBA playoffs. Last years finals were nothing less than, amazing. I'm really unsure what will happen this year though. Everyone would love to see Kobe vs LeBron in a Lakers and Cavaliers final, but there are teams that are just as hungry. I just hope it doesn't end in a Utah Jazz vs Atlanta Hawks final. Thats not good for anyone.

Streetwear As Art

The worlds of streetwear and modern art have always been intertwined. Now, more than ever, many of the minds behind the brands are getting the recognition they deserve. The latest to take hold of the spotlight is Gold Coin's very own Ray "Three" Robinson. The exhibition entitled "3RD WORKS" is made up of projects done in mixed mediums, all in the regular Gold Coin form. The show is being held at DStructure's San Fransisco location until the end of the month and prints will be added to Gold Coin's online store when it launches.

Kid KiD CuDi

 

Earlier today KiD CuDi posted some photos of a younger "lonely stoner" on his blog. Take a close look at the class picture bellow, besides CuDi (top left corner), I think I see a young William Hung and Dwight Schrute front row centre. 

Extract Trailer

Mmmmmmmila Kunis.

MOY-tor Vehicle

Elvis Tomljenovic created the MOY concept car for "a generation who uses technology as a means to express themselves". Having a chassis made up of "outer and inner polycarbonate layers" filled with "liquid crystals, LED diodes, and electrochromic foil" (I have no idea..) owners can customize the cars exterior. Tomljenovic hopes to have the car come with preset options but allow others the choice of creating with their own custom patterns and designs. I'd love to see this in real life to maybe gain an ounce of understanding on how it works. And upload some kitten graphics on to my own.

VIA Core77

It's My Heart, Cookie

When I first heard of Jade's "It's My Heart, Cookie" EP, I thought it was the comeback album from Ms. Jade. You may remember from her 2002 hit, "Big Head". I was way off though. This Jade is Brooklyn based artist with a voice that cuts through you and a sound that fusing 1980's and contemporary pop music . With production by GFCNY's Precize, Chuck Inglish (one half of The Cool Kids) and an appearance by Theophilus London it feel as if this album was made for me. I can't think of a better feeling.

Download "It's My Heart, Cookie" here.

Rob Roy Interview

Just over a week ago, I came across the video for "Fur In My Cap" by up-and-coming hip-hop artist Rob Roy and was more than impressed. Soon artists like Kanye West and Questlove of The Roots were giving him his well deserved recognition. Seeing how quickly the internet buzz was building around him, I had to capitalize and ask for an interview (my first ever). After a bit of e-mail and Twitter tag, I got the pressing questions answered and hopefully give my reading audience a better picture of who Rob Roy is.

Within a couple of weeks from the video for “Fur In My Cap” premiering online you have earned praise from two hip-hop honchos, Kanye West and Questlove. How important is internet buzz?

In this current moment, tremendously important. I don't remember the last time I've watched television or listened to the radio.

What blogs and sites do you frequent?

Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, and Vimeo for my own personal recreation. Aside from those sites, I enjoy "The Lesson" content on Okayplayer.com.

The “Fur In My Cap” video has the obvious support of Alife , what’s your affiliation with them?

Alife is family now. We share similiar philosophies, and they believe in my art. I've been given their full support based strictly off of a love for what I'm doing creatively.

What other street wear brands are you feeling at the moment? Or are you more of a thrift store/vintage shopper?

Clothing-wise, I've never been too much into one type of thing. There are some pieces I like, some that I don't. I never had a lot of money, so my tendency is to wear the same outfit every day until my mood changes - washing that outfit frequently, of course.

Your style is a breath of fresh air compared to “the average rapper”. Why do you think that intelligent, unique flows and differing sounds have become a sought after commodity in hip-hop lately?

Humans possess an innate yearning for adventure. We like to be surprised.

To me there is an obvious Outkast influence in your music, am I correct? What other artists and sounds have influenced your music?

You are correct; Outkast has been the primary influence. I'm also very inspired by the painter Lucien Freud, all down-South music, blues, jungle/drum n' bass, classic rock, and 90's r&b.

Where did the name Rob Roy come from? The Scottish folk story turned Hollywood blockbuster or somewhere else?

Rob Roy is my birth name. I was born Robert Raimon Roy.

Rob Roy, the Scottish folk hero, is sometimes called “The Scottish Robin Hood”, are you hip-hop’s Robin Hood?

I like the concept of being a hero, although I'm not sure I'm worthy of that title yet.

Your album is entitled “KING WARRIOR MAGICIAN LOVER”, are you all of these things? Or is there a deeper meaning behind it?

I would hope that I'm reaching that point. Those are the 4 archetypes of the mature masculine psychology. The album tells the tale of the "hero's journey," and at the same time represents the alpha and omega of that journey.

What can we expect from the album?

Quality.

I know you and Donnis have a working friendship will he be making any appearances?

Donnis is the homie! The album in its current state has no obvious guest appearances though, with the exception of the 2nd track (Molly Steele) and an interlude (Chop). Expect collaborations between Donnis and I in the near future.

Thanks again for taking part in this interview. Any final words to your fans?

Read to succeed.

I'd like to thank Rob Roy once again for the interview and implore you all to check out his blog and MySpace for more of his thoughts and music.

Crying Blood - V V Brown (Video)

The act of "crying blood" is usually reserved for statues of religious figures and those with terrible cases of pink eye, but V V Brown brings a whole new meaning to it. This tune about the after effects of a failed romance showcases the true power in V V's voice. The video complements the fun nature of the song, even taking a page out of A-Ha's "Take On Me" video. In Britain VV Brown has garnered critical acclaim and was recently offered a deal with Bad Boy Recordings. Apparently she turned it down. Take that Poppa-Diddy-Pop!

If You've Got The Money - Jamie T (Video)

Before the internet became the most effective way to find out discover and get music, The NewMusic was my goto source. Introducing their audience to thousands of artists from different mediums they were on point for almost three decades. For me, Jamie T was one of those artists. His untraditional style and strange delivery create a sound that could be described as The Streets meets Arctic Monkeys, but that would be cliche and Jamie T is far from cliche.

Sidenote: Sadly in 2008 The NewMusic was cancelled and was intergrated into a blog used to shill MuchMusic's other sub-par programming.

Happy Screech(ster)

Somewhere in between "Kelly KaPOWski" and "Jessie Span-Oh Snap!" there is always time for family and food.  As we observe Screech(ster), please take time to enjoy both, while watching TV marathons and deepening your ass groove on the sofa.

No Post Days

At least once a week there is at least one day when I don't post. I never plan ahead, it just kinda happens. Sometimes it is a lack of inspirational content out there. Other times it's that the same story is circulating the blogosphere, which makes me feel redundant for posting it again. Whatever it is, I do enjoy my "No Post Days".

We Don't Have To Take Our Clothes Off - Jermaine Stewart (Video)

The first time I heard this song was when it was sampled in Gym Class Heroes "Clothes Off!". I didn't think about it again until a post at 2DopeBoyz mentioned it and had me pop and/or locking all over my house. Then in one of those coincidences of human life I heard it again twice in the same week, once on the radio and once at the end credits of "Zack and Miri Make A Porno". Until today I hadn't ventured as far as checking out the video. Boy was I surprised. Consisting of close-ups on glasses of cherry wine, female band member shots and the constant changing of clothes of Stewart this video is beyond a good time. I may go as far as saying a great time.

Robotica

Slowly but surely, Topless Robot has made it's way into my daily internet rounds. Self-described as "Nerd news, humour and self-loathing", they make the worlds of sci-fi and superheroes seem a little bit cooler. So stand up and march with me closet nerds! Today is our day! Or...go check out Shaun Clayton's article "The 10 Cereal Mascots That Are Probably Also Serial Killers" to fully gauge their comedic prowess. 

Divine - Sebastien Tellier (Video)

Day off, some Sebastien Tellier, and a few pre-rolled little guys.

Chester French & Clinton Sparks Present "Jaques Jams Vol. 1: Endurance"

Chester French, I am no longer angry you didn't pick one of my mixtape names. Telling the story of their rise up the ranks of the music industry,"Jacques Jams" is the perfect blend of riotous skits and Chester French's brand of hip-hop-pop-rock. Crammed with close to twenty guest appearances this album showcases their true talent as both artists and producers. "Sorry" featuring Wale, "I'm So Tall" featuring Bun B, Talib Kweli and Mickey Factz are two standout tracks that have already engrained themselves in my mind. Go download the mixtape here.

That Guy...

Nick Swardson

I hadn't done a "That Guy..." feature in a while, then I stumbled across this Nick Swardson stand-up clip and just had to. You may recognize Nick from the cameos he has made in Happy Maddison films ("Grandma's Boy", "The Benchwarmers", and "I Now Pronounce You Chuck And Larry") or the many viral videos he has done for FunnyOrDie. Nick Swardson has no big projects on the horizon, so for now I'll have to get my fix via YouTube. There is something so obscure about him that makes me laugh and who doesn't like a good beastiality joke?

Check The Timepiece

Nixon has gone and done it again with "The Time Teller". Coming in over a dozen patterns and solid colours these watches are fashionable but simplistic. Much like the G-Shock, I could see this watch becoming very popular within the streetwear community, even spurring collaboartions with notable brands and artists. 

Those Fruity Fruity Pebbles

The 90's were full of parachute-panted cartoon characters taking their turn at rapping. Hopefully Barney Rubble's debut CD never sees the light of day.

The Hundreds Misses Mass

Check out The Hundreds Blog today, where you can find another article about missing street culture magazine Mass Appeal.

Cinematic Excellence

When walking into my film class on Friday I was expecting nothing more than the usually painful hour and a half lecture, followed by a movie which blatantly points out ideas covered in lecture. Instead, after an informative yet brief lecture about the perception of African-Americans in popular culture, we watched the brilliant "Killer Of Sheep". Written, directed, and produced by, the often overlooked, Charles Burnett this movie exhibits life as true as it can be on film. It revolves around Stan, a middle-class man who works at a slaughterhouse, and his family (his wife and two children) living in the Watts neighbourhood (If the Watts area sounds familiar, it's because this is also where the Hughes brothers "Meanace II Society" takes place) of Los Angeles. Throughout the movie Stan is faced with ethical dilemmas and the overall feeling of helplessness towards his situation, which actor Henry Gayle Sanders portrays perfectly. You may have trouble finding this film in the conventional video store because only recently has it encountered critical acclaim, but I urge you to see it.

I Poke Her Face - KiD CuDi ft Kanye West/Common/A-Trak

A radio rip of this song was floating around the internet for a couple of days and I was anticipating the CD quality version. A well worded "Swagga Like Us" minus Lil' Wayne's mumbling , "I Poke Her Face" lightheartedly makes the joke we were all thinking about this Lady GaGa track. The scratches by A-Trak and piano sample add to another instant classic from the G.O.O.D. music crew. Download "I Poke Her Face" here.

VIA Kanye's Blog

Proofs - Mates Of State (Video)

This is the one of the few Mates Of State videos that doesn't remind me of a live-art exhibition or photo shoot. The horror film element reveals a seldom seen lighter side (in their video at least) from Mates Of State. I only heard recently that they had become a quartet, after playing as a duo for over a decade.

Kelly KaPOWski (Vol.4)

Did you ever find it creepy that Zack had that poster of Kelly in his closet? Do you ever find it creepy that I post pictures of a teenage Tiffani Amber Thiessen? Ponder this over the weekend.

I Got Something For Those Wale Fiends

Leaked by Wale himself, on his twitter, "Penthouse Anthem" is a slow-paced song for the girls putting themselves through college. A definite change from Wale's usual go-go style and vibrant verses, he portrays the gentlemen's club in a way that strays away from the usual "booty-based" approach (see Bubba Sparxx - "Ms. New Booty"). Download "Penthouse Anthem" here.

"No talking this late, I'm not Conan"

Comic Books Killed The Script Writer

I've become weary when visiting my local comic book store lately. I can't shake the feeling that any comic that has the littlest bit of quality writing will be scooped up by a film studio to be bastardized. Take "Kick-Ass" for example, a practically brand new comic about a teenager taking matters into his own hands via masked vigilantism who gets caught up in internet created buzz, is now wrapping up shooting. The worst part, Nic Cage is in it. How did this happen? Have script writers become extinct? I guess this all stems from my displeasure with "The Watchmen" being made into a movie. Something as perfect as "The Watchmen" shouldn't be tampered with and dumbed down for viewing audiences. "Kick-Ass" writer Mark Millar is brilliant and hopefully had his hands all over the film version. The one bright point from this movie being made is the casting of Christopher Mintz-Plasse (McLovin from "Superbad") as Red Mist, Kick-Ass' nemesis. 

Boo-urns

I was at school at 8 AM on a Friday. Boo-urns indeed.

Generic Hat Post # 4

These fitted hats made me say "uhhhh" proceeded by a "nahnah-nahnah!"

VIA E-CapCity

Every Greasers Dream

The "Comb-at"(bellow)  and "Combmando" (above) by Lorenzo Damianai and Studiobo,respectively, are the lastest in hair-care-weaponry. Actually designed to protect yourself but carry discreetly, these knives will leave you looking sharp. And you victims bloodied and near death.

VIA designboom

Fur In My Cap - Rob Roy (Video)

I was internet window shopping earlier at the Alife site when I came across this video for Rob Roy's "Fur In My Cap". The stop motion that this video is shot in compliments his Andre 3000 like flow. What really wowed me though was Roy's ability to belt it out on tracks like "Carmencita". With an evident Outkast influence, his music bursts out of your speakers and would impress the most patriot of ATLiens. The catchy nature of the hook in "Fur In My Cap" is contrasted by Rob Roy's fast paced verses packed with lyrical content. Check out his MySpace to listen to many more tracks.

Alone With The TV - The Mitchell Brothers (Video)

A Mitchell Brothers video in the morning. Truly the breakfast of champions. This is the song that got me hooked on the sibling MCs. If you haven't heard of this duo or their two albums ("A Breath Of Fresh Attire" and "Dressed For the Occasion") check out their MySpace.

"This evening I have brought back "Love Actually" because I thought what we had was actually love"