MUSIC - NEXT

"Hold It Up" by 20 yr. old Mayne Ishu. I need to find myself a lighter so I can hold it up for this young man. HEAT...I'm talking Guyanese hot sauce on a deep fried jalapeno. Production by King D...I tip my hat to you sir. PLANTAINS! Definitely Mayne's best track...someone needs to groom homeZ, he's a worthwhile investment. Toronto STAND UP! -Mr.-

FASHION

The "51-30 PU" by Nixon. The perfect accessory for an outfit like this...ties everything together like twine - feel me? Come on now, neon yellow on black...BOOYAA! The face practically glows. With a $370 price tag, the 51-30 is accessible to most...a staple piece you can be proud of. Nixon always impressing. -Mr.-

FASHION

"Stadium" by 7Union. QUALITY. Wait a minute, let me rethink this...PERFECTION. 7Union DOES NOT mess around. Fabric selections, embroidered logos, fit and overall quality - second to none. The Stadium is a perfect example of the design teams expertise. Straight goods - hands down. -Mr.-

FASHION

"Imagine" by Orisue. The man - a legend, the design - 3D sci-fi at its best, the lyrics - timeless. Orisue you make me proud. If only mankind were capable (tear trickles down face). -Mr.-

FASHION

"ZX Racer" Adidas Originals. Crisp and oh so clean...can I get an amen? Arrow dynamically slick like a stealth bomber...throw these bad boys on a kung fu master and watch their performance increase 10 fold. And the color! Don't be scurred. Simply plantains. Adidas - originating never duplicating. -Mr.-

CINEMATIC DOPE

"Stand By Me" from the award-winning documentary "Playing For Change: Peace Through Music". Brilliant! Editing genius...audio, visual the whole nine. People of the world unite, you are more similar than you think. Why am I only learning of this film now? In this clip Ben E. King's classic "Stand By Me" is covered by musicians from around the world adding their contributions as the song transforms into a global performance. This video and "Don't Worry" is available on iTunes, while other songs such as "One Love" will be released as digital downloads soon; followed by the film soundtrack and DVD in stores 4.28.09. One Love yall...don't act like you know - KNOW! -Mr.-

http://www.playingforchange.com

WTF

Straight up and down...FU$K Warner Music Group and all other labels that deny YouTube access to their content. Power to the artist..yeah, yeah, I'm all for it, but labels have been pimping artists for so long spare me your sob stories. Corporate enterprises are geniuses when it comes to spinning expenses...a music video should be a marketing expense that is recoupable, and the payback should not be advertising revenue from video rotation but the new and old fans alike that are given yet another reason to support their favorite single/artist. Allow the bloggers and online mags access to your content and forget about the kibbles they are making off of thumbnail adds, enjoy the fact your content is getting aired, promoted and in most cases popularized. Here's a suggestion - ease off the production budgets...some of my favorite videos are from indie artists utilizing concept over smoke and mirrors, and approach the game from an indie perspective. Anyone seen Slumdog Millionaire? Yeah, I thought so. The world is changing around you. In a nut shell...FU$K Warner Music Group! And please, holler at me if you disagree. -Mr.-

WTF

"What The Fu$k"...straight up and down. Regardless of how The New York Post and it's author try to spin this editorial, there is a clear lack of taste, as well as poor judgement. Considering on the opposite page there is a picture of Obama signing the stimulus bill, the lines of comparison are clear as day. This is an example of how our society is NOT united and racism is still an accepted norm. Mistakes like this should not be tolerated. The presidents speech was touching and all, but the reality is America was never the "land of the free", the American Dream is more like a nightmare, and change has NOT come. Obama himself has benefited those that wish to bind by creating the illusion that all is well and back on track, giving the U.S. a new PR spin in its battle with International acceptance. Watch Zeitgeist: Addendum and tell me the stimulus bill is not a farce. Oh, and by the way...Afghanistan is not our mess to clean up. The system is the system and all politicians must play by its rules...true leaders reside outside the confines of political structure. And please don't get it twisted...I'm not saying Obama isn't a good man, I'm simply stating that his hands are tied and his actions are extremely limited. Bottom line - I'm sick of the same, when is REAL change gonna come? -Mr.-

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

"Zeitgeist: Addendum". Now I know most of you have heard of, possibly even seen this gem of a film, and regardless of your position after viewing, please spread the word. Movies like this spark thought, discussion and debate...to be frank - GROWTH. Knowledge is power, thought fuels motivation, and motivation fuels action. Culture is more than just clothes and forms of artistic expression, it is the environment in which these expressions are inspired, shaped and formed. Our environment is far from perfect, in desperate need of transformation, and is capable of so much more. Remember, you are part of a system that has been corrupted and driven off course...you can continue contributing to the problem or contribute to the solution. Change is more than a campaign slogan, it is our responsibility. -Mr.-

Resistance is feasible even for those who are not heroes by nature, and it is an obligation, I believe, for those who fear the consequences and detest the reality of the attempt to impose American hegemony. -Noam Chomsky-

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. -Martin Luther King Jr.-

MUSIC - VIDEO

"Bulls On Parade" by Rage Against The Machine. One of the filthiest, hardest tracks of all time. If you don't know...buy, download, borrow, or burn any one of their albums, listen to your new found gem after watching Zeitgeist, and grow you some BALLS! Ladies...figuratively speaking of course. DON'T SLEEP. -Mr.-

FASHION

"Tradition" LA Pack. Designed by Mr. Cartoon and SA Studios, this series is limited to 36 pieces...let me spell it out for you E-X-C-L-U-S-I-V-E. An old school design/layout, color selection - straight LA traditional...in a nut shell - simple, yet oh so clean. Two thumbs up - Brasil style. -Mr.-

FASHION

"Hoss" by Von Zipper. An old school look with a new school swagger...DZINE people, it's all about DZINE. Simple, yet demands a second glance. Von Zipper - act like you know. -Mr.-

FASHION

The "Erving Zip-Up" by Penfield. Repeat after me...DUTTY YAY. Thank you Sean Paul for the phrase that describes this hoodie to a T. "Dirty" for those of you needing to brush up on your patois. Plaid can be over used, played, boring...this right here however, a breath of FRESH air. Straight goods. One of the slickest hoodies I've seen in a long time. You'll see me rocking this soon enough. Proper like table manors - YA DIG! -Mr.-

FASHION

"Root Tee" by Alphanumeric. The Root of All Evil...say it with me now - MONEY! Never forget this simple, yet extremely important fact. I'm all about images that convey messages of substance and depth...there's too much bull$hit flooding the tee game - feel me? Red on grey...can't go wrong, faded text and a wad of cash...simple and plain, yet effective. BOOYAA! Make sure you peep Zeitgeist: Addendum (above) and get a clue, fuSk acting like you know - KNOW! -Mr.-

FASHION

"Adidas ZXZ" Kazuki ObyO Collection. Simply plantains my dear reader, simply plantains. For those that don't know "ObyO" stands for Originals by Originals...original designs manifested into being with help from fashion designers on the cutting edge of what's next - can I get an AMEN! Dope concept, crazy pieces, respect a must. These right here however...Tokyo kingpin Kazuki flipped the script. The sole, the lace configuration, the tongue, the fabric selections...WATERPROOF! Collabing at its finest. Top shelf like cookie jars...it doesn't get any higher. -Mr.-

NIGHT LIFE

The Main Ingredient: An Ode to Bonita Applebum (February 2009) from The Academy on Vimeo.DO NOT SLEEP! Certified, bonafied, without a doubtafied - one of the best parties going down tonight. 'The Main Ingredient' at Revival...you will not be dissapointed. Special birthday shout out to Mr. Wan Luv...make sure you buy homeZ a drink. -Mr-

KNOW YOUR PAST

"Pure" by Bronx natives the Troubleneck Brothers. This post is dedicated to those that know - FEEL ME! If you were around to witness Hip Hop back when...give thanks and praise. -Mr.-

MUSIC - VIDEO

"Make It Hot" (1998) Nicole Wray feat. Mocha and Missy Elliot, produced by Timberland. A little flashback for the ladies. What ever happened to Nicole Wray? -Ms.-

FASHION

This season has given a whole new meaning to the term ‘flower power’! Whether it’s a printed dress or a pair of flowered pumps, this is a simple way to add that extra punch of colour to any basic pieces you may have in your wardrobe.
For those of you that aren’t afraid to show your flower power, there is the beautiful strapless, silk dress by Shoshanna. This dress allows so many looks that it is truly worth every penny of the $375 price tag! For day wear, it can be worn more casually with a pair of gladiator sandals and a hobo bag. For a more evening appropriate look, I suggest ‘Oh Bis’ by Ash Italia. These shoes are stylish and dare I say: COMFORTABLE! With the leather lining, wooden trapezoid heels and hidden platform (for stability) this is a pair of shoes that will last longer than your lipstick! And for a final touch of colour I suggest the ‘Posh turnlock big slice wristlet’ in the mint colour from Marc by Marc Jacob ($248)...I promise it’s a lot less complicated than it sounds! -Ms.-

MUSIC - VIDEO

"You Too" by The Silverust. Straight outta Virginia, Nickelus(MC) and Kid Icarus(composer) pack more potential than a pocket full of money and a dream - ya feel me? The track needs to be mastered professionally, other than that...bangin! Nickelus(MC) is mad tight, flows on point, and embodies everything that an MC should be - smooth, flow tight, energetic and capable of moving a crowd. Act like you know. -Mr.-

IT IS WHAT IT IS

TRUST

Trust. Without it we are chained to the emotional chaos of fear. Trust in a friend, trust in a lover, trust in life and the inevitability of what may come. Doubt is a cancer that infects the mind and the heart. Life is too short to be worrying about "what if", what you need to do is adopt the mantra of "it is what it is". Life is full of twists and turns, and what we desire is not always the outcome...instead of focusing on the possibility of negative, understand that if something or someone you trust disappoints you, learn form the experience and keep it moving. It is better to live life stress free and hopeful, than stressed and doubtful. Don't anticipate the possibility of disappointment, give thanks and praise for what you have and anticipate the possibility of the outcome you desire. Life is a road we all must walk, appreciate those that walk beside you, but more importantly believe in yourself. You are love, light and capable of happiness...adjust your perception and clarify your position. Live in truth, act honorably and respect those around you. Define trust through your actions and allow those you doubt to plot there own course. The majority of the time there's nothing to fear but fear itself. Plain and simple...it is what it is. -Mr.-

FASHION

Leroy Jenkins. Once again...bow in the presence of greatness. All you other fitteds, relax and take notes. Brilliant! -Mr.-

FASHION

"The Splatter Logo Tee" by In4mation. One of their freshest designs to date...HANDS DOWN. Simple, yet demands attention. It's art people, frame the damn thing and hang it above your fireplace, sip some wine and admire your purchase. -Mr.-

FASHION

"The Melton" bomber jacket by 3Sixteen. A beautiful piece, the only thing I would change is the breast pocket...needs a flap, zipper, something - feel me? Dope nonetheless. The collar is top shelf and charcoal grey will never go out of style, definitely a staple piece. Sophisticated casual...act like you know. -Mr.-

FASHION

Vans "Syndicate line" by Gabe Morford. C&C...clean and classy - can u feel me? Also, solid and practical...the Syndicate classic Era's were made for skating. With the Matte black synthetic Ceraprene® toe and a Dri Lex® moisture wicking inside for breathability, these bad boys weren't just designed, they were engineered. They also come with a special belt pack to carry the necessary tools, as well as a U-lock designed by Garbe himself. Plantains! -Mr.-