It's no secret to anyone who frequents this blog that music is a critical part of who i am and when i find something with layers and depth that really speaks to me, I must share. I just purchased the jazz album of an incredible young man from a lineage you may be familiar with, his name on and off stage is Kenneth Whalum III. The album is entitled To Those Who Believe.
For my generation--somewhere below 35 and above 18-- Jazz has become antiquated and we no longer spend time with this inspirational and culture-building art form. Most of our distance is created by lack of accessibility and connectivity. A healthy portion of the jazz artist we knew/know are at least 15 years our senior so we never found a connection with them, although a lot of that music was just as incredible. A young man like Kenneth Whalum who was bred musically by one of jazz's elite (and I'm sure there's more to his story that i don't know) has the proper foundation and the right placement to really be a torch bearer for the resurgence of a genre. He is authentic enough for traditional jazz aficionados who are usually more roped off in their own music VIP section, but he walks amongst the crowd of the socially aware, those who talk and interact with more people on a day-to-day basis than our parents, as a lot of our friendships and acquaintences are still closer to fresh than they are old; these people disseminate information like highly contagious viruses. Therefore I think this young man has the credibility and appeal to get people to listen to jazz once again. Here's a brief caesura, my dad would be proud of me right now.
Despite that last paragraph please don't make the mistake of thinking this was about his "hip" factor. The music is stellar, and this i know as i've sat in my dads car listening to jazz for hours upon hours through my upbringing, i've been to the record store with dad many times and also sat on the back porch with he and his jazz. This is character building material--and i mean that--, something i would recommend to every human i know. I will probably play this for my grandad and send a copy to my dad, I have already smothered my friends with this album (they were appreciative though). If you can give this a listen, i am most confident you won't return to me unhappy.
I was doing my NY Times perusing and I discovered a fascinating feature, for knowledge's sake. This is census information compiled from 2005-2009. You have the ability to put in your zip code and see the population distribution along with smaller radius'. If you just had the thought, "Eh that's cool but I'll keep going", do both of us a favor and just take a peek at it and you'll be intrigued by something. For instance I looked at the disparity between the opposite sides of hollowed 8Mile Road:
8Mile is the horizontal line that separates the coagulated blue dots from the liberated green dots, with a few other colors finding space amidst the open suburban range. I'm sure every region has its own idiosynchrisies, check your own out.
I showed everyone my blank Munny™, but since I have completed him. Here are a couple of pictured that more than likely show the fun I had. I'll have you know it was such a relaxing thing to do, I'm sure I'll paint more of them.
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A gentleman by the name of Paul Labonte created a book entitled "Photographs Inspired by the Rap Music That Once Inspired Me", which instinctively caught my attention. Although i do not have the book, what was unveiled to me felt a little shy of what i thought it would be. I actually felt like he could have crafted a little further. However check the video for his personal audio.
This mural blinds all the monotony of the world with one glance. It turns a sidewalk into a museum. How do you dress your life? Well i would like to dress some parts of my life like this. I'm sure it is painfully obvious now that i love this mural.
Since i mentioned the shoes in my last post i felt it was only right to give you slight recap gift wrapped by my compadre @Skighwalker. Very nice visuals for what took place. You have to be plunging your head under high water if you weren't there (including myself, as i was tied up). While I'm at it Cliff has relaunched his blog over at www.cliffskighwalker.com, check my panel on the right.
My closet (or Burn Rubber), located on 202 W.Fourth St in Royal Oak is sharing their biggest accomplishment to date in a week. Very proud and motivated by my guys @OhShitRoSpit & @BurnRubberRick. I'm not going to do too much talking, I'll skip right to the meat and potatoes, pay attention.
Historically the New Balance MT580 is a shoe released out of Asia with various collaborators. This marks the first time that the shoe has been collaborated on and brought through by the New Balance America team.
In business since 2004 Burn Rubber is Metro Detroit’s first premium sneaker boutique. The Burn Rubber name is a play on a phrase from the Motor City’s car culture. The name came from the comparison of the use of sneakers on a person to the use of tires on a car. Burn Rubber is known throughout their community as the place to get hard to find, limited edition sneakers and clothing.
Burn Rubber made the shoe their own by applying a shop colored theme and utilizing materials in unique ways. The custom designed argyle pattern that lines the inside of the shoe was created to incorporate all of the company’s branded colors. A reflective 3M material, originally developed to reflect light for night running, was also used throughout the mostly gray shoe to give the design another dimension. The majority of the shoe design is comprised of New Balance’s premium nubuck and gray mesh, and completed with a touch of patent leather and a classic gum sole.
As one of the most recognizable aspects of the Burn Rubber brand they have chosen to include the shop’s mascot on the hangtag provided with each shoe. The Chef, originally created to be “just another T-Shirt design”, ended up taking on a life of its own. The photo shoot for this project was done from the perspective of a chef and was intended to bring light to the story of Burn Rubber’s popular logo & style.
The Burn Rubber MT580 will be available on November 26th at www.burnrubberdetroit.com and at Burn Rubber’s Royal Oak Location (202 W Fourth Street, Royal Oak, MI 48067).
For the sketch and my man @BurnRubberRick 's insight go touch his site. There are also Wallpapers to download for your phone. Head over with your mobile.
I've slated myself to read a certain book by Malcolm Gladwell (Shout out to The Roots) but I haven't gotten around to it. This is a small piece that points out a little of what Gladwell talks about. Most of us are very aware of trends and the ebbs & flows they take along time, however everyone does not look at trends the same. There are spectators that watch and eventually have a "Eureka!" moment once the trend is front and center; but there are also those that have that "Eureka!" moment at 2:38 in the afternoon on a mundane Tuesday in August. The principle is simple, either you make them or you follow them. Check this film out and see if it peaks your interest, and see where you stand. I know where i stand.
I spoke on Twitter earlier today about music artist Scott "Kid Cudi" Mescudi and pointed out things that i perceived to matter with music pundits. Cudi's second musical offering, Man On The Moon II, was released today with what seems to be minimal hoopla; seems interesting for a widely known artist that commands so much money in concert appearances and is the absolute favorite artist and understudy of arguably the best hip-hop producer/artist actively working. Nonetheless reality prevails.
As a person who ardently seeks music to love and enjoy, I find Kid Cudi a very fascinating artist. I am under the heavy belief that i am witnessing history, I think Cudi is the first of his type. As I told my good friend @Kerrel_ he is a "howler", not a rapper or a singer. I've witnessed him in concert twice and I swear that if you turn your back at times during his show you would think a wolf has been switched into Cudi's place when you were not looking. As i think back to when Cudi was introduced to the world there were a lot of people that were confused by his musical presence, initially he was called a rapper until those in charge of the titles could no longer produce evidence to support that claim. However it was apparent to everyone that he wasn't a singer, or at least not by the definition we have commonly adopted. I will indeed admit, when introduced i didn't know what to call him either (If i was ever asked to call him something, generally I refer to him as an artist). This discovery alone was substantial enough to keep me listening to him in an effort to learn more about him and I'm sure i wasn't the only one.
Another facet of Cudi's commanding music presence is his leadership and pioneering ability. He is the torch bearer for a section of society that never really had a quality representative in the mainstream music world. Matter of fact my friend @Kerrel_ who is from Cleveland told me a story a while back of a house party he and Mescudi attended where there was quite a bit of substance abuse taking place in one of the bathrooms -- and Cudi was firmly planted in the mix. And for the those still wondering, drinking doesn't happen in the bathroom. Cudi was attempting to rap and from the account i received it wasn't really good. This is long before he was thee Kid Cudi. But the point is he represents a large part of a youthful experimental culture that trades Excedrin for Ecstasy. A generation that never really felt the need to deal with their problems without abetment. This is probably the one subculture of America that didn't really have it's own music catalogue. No matter what you are pioneering you have to be a secure and sturdy individual or either simply not care, which i think Cudi is both. Cudi believes he is that "Nice" when it comes to music (See Complex interview). There are few music artist that give the fans an open book to read, for instance Jay-z shows very little of himself through his music, most songs aren't really too personal or relatable (how many of us honestly have Maybachs); Mescudi on the other hand will point out his instabilities with no concern for side effects and i find that to be commendable and I'm sure for him it's empowering.
Kid Cudi gives you quite a bit of feeling through his music, and that is paramount to attract listeners. The sound isn't what entrances you, its the feeling. People like music that feels good, or takes them somewhere they want to go. Music is simply what feelings sound like. If you are indeed adept at putting your feelings into music then you will win every time. I'm under belief that a lot of artist don't do what they feel when the music strikes, they operate only in the confines of what they believe to be acceptable, or what they are supposed to do. Cudi came along at the right time and is afforded the opportunity to be free with his song making and doesn't appear to be impeded by the machine too much. He probably can send a lot of his gratitude to his boss, Kanye West. The point is this, a liberated artist is a heck of an occurrence to witness. It will usually end up in superb material or atrocious material and Cudi is surely standing in the superb line only behind a very few.
For anybody looking to get a one-of-a-kind music experience i recommend Kid Cudi, it is imperative that you show up without reservations. Pop the album in (I or II) and slide your headphones over your ears. You'll find something to latch on to, I guarantee it.
This blew my mind and made my body tense up all at the same time. Blatantly put, i was in awe. THIS IS OUR SUN. An astronomer named Alan Friedman captured these pictures which i believe originally landed in Discovery Magazine. Obviously he used a ridiculous lens. Here is the Huffington Post synopsis if you want to further educate yourself.
It's really not a whole to say to be honest. However if you have the expendable income you can purchase from this Euro website, Colette (I'll warn you, this site is going to start playing music). Legend has it these are hand-made in France, each is numbered, and it seems there are 250 of them.
This is a small trinket that I am working on. Here's the Munny. I'm living in a world now where I have to excite my own neurons, by surrounding myself with ideas and activities that I think are creative it keeps me stimulated. My mother always told me to never be "idle-brain". I've taken the time out to buy this little guy and now I'm going to paint him, for those that care. I'm showing him to you now in hopes that you'll be even happier when I finally paint him. Do you have things that move you? Try to surround yourself with those things.
We shall see how fun this is. And if all goes well I might paint more.
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"Look at cha, Look at cha, Look at cha, And i want to show you how you all look like beautiful stars tonight..."
There are billions of people on this earth and one of the most intriguing and awe inspiring happenings is when people find ways to separate themselves from so many that are just like them.
Here we are, a couple of days after, where the authentic feelings usually reside. Kanye has just debuted his short film "Runaway" and it has once again left him standing alone with no modern day peers in sight. The film was roughly 35Mins long with a delicately delivered storyline sandwiched between music and pretty imagery. A lot of artist leave the listener to fend for themselves when drawing conclusions and painting images in their head about the presented music, but Kanye spoon-fed all of his personal visions, whether fond of them or not. However it gives another avenue for avid fans and pedestrian listeners to latch on to, perhaps someone was not substantially moved by the music but they were inspired by the visuals.
Most hip-hop artist forget that they're making art. For the sake of consistency we'll classify Kanye West as a hip-hop artist (although i have another theory). Obviously most people want to sell music to the largest pocket of consumers they can reach, therefore you have to be very generic in your approach...unless you are THAT good (most aren't). One of the most perplexing phenomenons is that record labels usually sign hip hop acts that aren't 'That' talented. For instance I don't think many people would argue that 50 Cent, Rick Ross, or Gucci Mane are much more talented than many of their peers. Many of the faces in music are just that, faces. There are people who produce the track, craft the most important parts of the song, which would be the hook or bridge (IF the hip hop song even has a bridge now) and do a lot of the creative process for the "faces". It has become more important to find the right resource than to be the resource, which isn't always a bad idea but it shouldn't be the first option. The segment that now separates artist is marketing, therefore the eminent emphasis isn't on the art. Most passive music listeners will listen to whatever comes on the radio and aren't very discriminate in what they listen to. So the extra time/effort goes towards other things. Contrary to popular belief music is a niche culture.
Kanye on the other hand works equally hard at both, if you recall back to College Dropout he talked about how he had marketing schemes for an album that didn't even have a home (label) yet; he was the one who forced Rocafella to put the album out because he filmed the video got it played and was pushing his own art with his own drive. Whether one likes Kanye's presentation or not you have to be grateful that he is trying hard. He didn't wake up one day in Prague with a film crew, costumes, and backdrop and decide to shoot this film. He didn't decide to relay another gangster or street related visual back to us. He attempted to give us his story how he viewed it as he lived it; not give us someone else's story and try to fit it to himself. An "A" for effort should be given above all else. His motivation of changing the music landscape is the catalyst behind this and that has always been apparent. There are artist that often leave me perplexed to wonder what their motivation is in the music race. Kanye is amassing a nice collection of audio and visual memoirs to keep him alive for many years after he has stopped, and for an individual looking to change the ordinary that's not a bad idea.
Give Kanye credit, love him or hate him, he probably won't Runaway again... He'll be here in some form or fashion.
Thankful are we for the days that pass and teach us something as they breeze by. I've held an interest in ideas and occurrences like this for quite some time. This is just something to make you think, and for a select few of you it may even change some of your habits. I've been trying to eat better foods overall, and if in the process i can make the world a healthier place im all for it.
I love to see different takes on style, particularly takes that I align myself with on some level. This bite size film also incorporates some creative principles and perspective about being your own "Designer". We are all "Designers", if we choose to be. Here is the point you have been waiting for, this is about DE [Dress Easy], something i was recently dialoguing with @Kerrel_ about; the idea of buying what you need and having quality pieces. The days of buying frivolously are behind me; and there were very few of those as it was. Purchase with a purpose. The winter is approaching buy boots that actually keep your feet warm along with the style they possess. Although this isn't about boots i am confident you were caught in my gust.
This is something you have to mentally be prepared for, you don't just blow in here on a whim. Eating in thin or thick air seems quite intense to me...I love it. Apparently this is something that the Belguins (you know...the people who make the waffles [I'm just kidding]) have indulged in and now it appears to be coming to Vegas at the top of the year. I hate to see it rain or either have to fight with an eagle or hawk for a plate of corn.
Anyone who keeps track of me and my musical endeavors knows that i was really impressed by Mr. Hudson's (G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam) last album Straight No Chaser. This is a novel song pegged to be on the Caspa & Mr. Hudson EP, Back for the First Time (releasing in a few hours), the visuals are heart-warming but the music is nothing shy of magical. I couldn't resist sharing.
I don't even completely know what this is, but it's so amazing and makes my creativity abound so i'm posting it. It's a pencil sculpture and that's about all i can provide. Oh, i also know it can take the creator [Dalton Ghetti] up to 2 1/2 years to complete one of these puppies. Observe please.
There is a lot of history and legend behind the Onitsuka Tiger brand, even down through the Olympics, so when they do collaborations and make custom pieces we should take notice. The details of this shoe are incredibly tailored. Here's some small insight.
Very nice idea via the Chinese braintrust. What you are viewing is an innovation the Chinese plan on constructing next year. The rail bus is designed to go over traffic and essentially help travelers arrive at locations a lot faster than if they were competing in regular traffic. The questions I immediately thought of were, "what about cars that switch lanes -- or would like to for that matter". Perhaps there are kinks to be worked out.
My compadre KT brought out some familiar thoughts in a recent discussion about technology in America as a whole. We have so many capable individuals and resources and we have very few life-changing advancements. Most of the technological advancements come in small implementations and are generally for leisurely purposes, not the enhancement of life. For instance why do we still channel and utilize electricity the same way we did back in the 60's? Why haven't we updated irrigation systems or our transit? I understand things cost money but raising money has never been much of a problem in America. They attempt to appease us with iPhones and 3D televisions...we should be utilizing underwater boats to travel or moving holograms in the air with our fingers for our computers like Tony Starks in IronMan. There is so much more that can be done and they only give us the crumbs. And now my opining has come to an end, don't want my computer keys to jam...
Here is a moment for some you to catch up. I Am Young Detroit came through and talked with one of Detroit's leaders on a couple of fronts, Roland "Ro Spit" Coit. For those that are currently unaware you get the opportunity to see where he got his start and how he feels about moving the shop forward among other things. Its a really a exploration of his timeline through his own eyes. Have some.
Ladies, im going to give you a heads up on one of the most well-crafted events i've caught wind of, in quite some time. Love Me Glam. Today, Sunday July 11th, you can attend a pamper party that is more magnificent than any other one i've personally heard of. The event is coordinated by Love Publicity and Confessions of a Glamaholic. Alright here's the checklist of what's on tap: massages, mani/pedicures, make-up application, wine bar, photobooth (InaBooth Photography), hors d'oeuvres. Out of those services you can choose 3 for $35 (the food and wine is complementary). Check the video below for all the details. And click picture to enlarge.
When: Today, JULY 11, 2010 Where: Teari Message Spa, 1811 Parker St. Detroit, MI 48214 What: Complete gamut of things women dream about all day
This year's NBA free agent market has created a circus and the silent ring-leader of this big top is the NBA's "man-child", (each of those hold equal weight) LeBron James. Although free agency doesn't officially begin until July 1st, the campaigning began unofficially months ago. I've heard a lot of theories and thoughts but the one that i find to be the most scintilating is LBJ re-surfacing in Los Angeles - in a Clippers uniform.
The thing that makes L.A. unique from a basketball perspective is the fact that this market has been able to sustain two profitable franchises, with one being less than average on a regular basis; there are very few cities who can generate this type of revenue. The revenue base is strong, with many multi-million dollar entities, from high-end companies to a Kodiak theatre's worth of a-list celebs. In a study posted on Forbes.com in December of 08, it was revealed that the Lakers were 2nd in operating income while the Clippers were 13th among 30 NBA teams. The fascinating part of this is the Clips holding steady with no legitimate reason for hope or a superstar to rally around. LBJ could change both of those. With a legitimate superstar, and perhaps the most popular, he would be a cash cow for ticket sales (season and isolated). Russell D'Souza, co-CEO of SeatGeek, supports this theory when he talked about this years Eastern Conference playoffs, "Average ticket prices for the Orlando Magic's's home games in the secondary resale market "dropped immediately" to $154 from $177 when the playoff opponent was the Boston Celtics". LBJ would also bring legitimate hope along with his Gucci suitcases, especially when paired with all-star caliber veterans and sprouting superstars in their own right.
The Clippers have all the essential pieces in place to stay and help LeBron. With 18Pt/10Reb center Kaman locked up through 2012 along with fiesty guards Baron Davis (2013) and Eric Gordon (2012), LeBron has an ample amount of help. Not to mention he will be playing with last year's first overall draft pick Blake Griffin who showed quite a bit of promise before his season-ending injury. I have essentially just named their starting lineup. You add a couple of specialists and this team is as rock solid as any. The glaring difference with this Clipper team aside from its obvious scoring firepower is the presence of a veteran leader already in control, Baron Davis. The same Davis who took his 8th-ranked Warriors and slayed the number one seed Dallas Mavericks with primarily heart and grit, something the 09 Cavs obviously lacked. Below is the player payroll for the LA Clippers.
Los Angeles ClippersDate# oftotal
Player- signed- years- salary- misc- FA
Steve Blake ...........7/13/073$12 milliont-opt '10
Rasual Butler .........7/14/064$14 million'10
Bobby Brown ...........7/25/082minimum'10
Mardy Collins .........7/5/064$4,769,702rc'10
Drew Gooden ...........7/30/091$4.5 million'10
DeAndre Jordan ........7/15/082minimumt-opt '10
Steve Novak ...........9/11/091$1.03 million'10
Travis Outlaw .........7/18/073$12 million'10
Brian Skinner .........9/16/091minimum'10
Craig Smith ...........7/17/082???'10
Chris Kaman ........... 7/12/03,10/29/074+5 $11,214,368+$52.5mill '12
Eric Gordon ...........7/2/084$12,290,944rct-opt '12
Dear cynic, i already hear you lamenting about the Kobe factor. The fact that Kobe already runs L.A. can easily be a deterant to the untrained eye. But every rivalry has to have a genesis and this can be where LeBron makes his historic legacy. Coming into L.A. and creating a gang like turf war (couldn't help the gang reference when discussing Los Angeles) would generate huge buzz, forcing patrons to pick a side similar to the Mets/Yankees dichotomy. LeBron and Kobe are already fighting for what seems like exclusive support from NBA fans, it appears to be one or the other, no in between. This would only fuel the long-suffering argument of who is the real king of the NBA. Although this rivalry wouldn't be Magic vs. Bird, it would be the lone credible personal rivalry since then; we already know Kobe is willing to throw his chips all in. For the NBA this would almost guarantee a Kobe vs. LeBron match-up in the playoffs. Nike would finally get real utility out of their puppets and the basketball world would finally have its wish. LeBron would get to create his legacy, similar to Jordan. The United Center (where the Chicago Bulls play) is known as "The house that Michael built". LBJ could create his own legacy out in LA, especially if he can dethrone Kobe, the king of kings in the NBA.
A large part of this theory is dependent upon LeBron's willingness to collide with and defeat challenges. He obviously wants to win a championship but he has also been quoted saying that he wants to be the first billionaire athlete in the world. I don't know if that takes away from his desire on the basketball court but a market like L.A. would certainly help him find more money, especially if aspiring owner and entertainment mogul, David Geffen, gets majority ownership of the team from Donald Sterling.
This would be a very bold move that can put LeBron exactly where he needs to be on all fronts. It makes sense and dollars. But now we have to see if LeBron has the onions to take on such a challenge.
Semtex says: "If you're a fan you're going to love this...It may even make the biggest skeptic a believer". I think its an amazing piece of insight on Drake the person and the layers of who he is. The songs are broken down by Drake himself. For me this is what i love to hear from people in general, its even more beneficial that he's an artist. Its almost like storytellers without the stage. Immerse yourself.
Creative writer with a wealth of knowledge. I play for the eastern conference, my coach Perspective always makes me play Center because im a Forward thinker and I Guard my teammates. But im trying to change it up altogether and play left field, but the game isn't the same. Gotta go, its my turn to bat.
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