Dates/Locations :: ASAP Rocky x Wiz Khalifa 16-day trip Europe Tour

Video :: Alright | Kendrick Lamar

But if God got us
then we gon' be alright.

Containing an unreleased song in the beginning, here's the new visual 'Alright' from Kendrick's current album To Pimp a Butterfly.  A little fun along with sustaining the message.  

Watch below::

Related Post :: Fabolous rhymes over Kendrick Lamar's track in new official video "Awwright" 

Related Post :: Video :: Kendrick Lamar decodes 'To Pimp a Butterfly'

Related Post ::  Video :: King Kunta | Kendrick Lamar

Last Resort kick starts a Fashion Entrepreneur Mentorship Program

Chad Balkum and Akeem Joseph, owners of Last Resort (apparel/accessories company), are inspired to help teens in their hometown, Newarkm New Jersey, live out their passions. Giving back to their community, Last Resort has kicked off a 12-week fashion business start-up course. Awesome to see folks come back and help those who don’t have the resources. Read the deets below::

 "The goal is to raise $10,000 to produce the hats designed in collaboration with the students that participated in the 12-week course. Last Resort will also be presenting the hats designed in collaboration with the students at Capsule Trade Show in addition to their own latest collection.
Proceeds from the sales of the hats produced in collaboration with the students will be used to create grants that can be put towards funding their very own start-up ideas or used directly in support of their pursuit of higher education.
Following production, Last Resort seeks to keep the course going for youth aged 15-17 giving the students something they never had; practical business knowledge and a team of mentors who care about seeing them live their dreams." 

Nothing but Trouble | Lil Wayne x Charlie Puth

I'm facing the bottle...
For all of my problems...

New music from Weezy F. Baby.  'Nothing but Trouble' hails from the 808 Movie soundtrack- a film about the 808 drum aka 'the heart of the beat that changed music'.  This is a fire lead single.  Listen below::  

Video :: Hip-Hop | August Alsina

I pray for better days
that it don't be the same tomorrow...

Back from a world tour and successful 2014 debut album release, August Alsina releases a new visual for his latest single called ‘Hip Hop’. Filmed in his hometown, New Orleans, watch the somber conscious video expressing current sorrows in the black community::

Motivation Mondays :: Freedom | Pharrell (Glastonbury 2015 performance)

The lyrics. The message.  The emotion in the entire performance from the stage to the feedback from the crowd. EMPOWERING.

Watch :: Big Sean uses 'Martin' sitcom inspired theme for new video "Play No Games" feat. Chris Brown x Ty Dolla Sign

You know what your problem is?
You on’t ever see the big picture…

Tiiiiiiiight. Continuing with the 90s theme of the Guy sample, Big Sean uses a Martin Sitcom inspired theme for his latest video ‘Play no Games’. It even features an appearance from Martin and Bruhman himself. Press play!

Video :: Project Steps | T.I.

Fake bishes on my timeline
sucka nighas in my rearview...

"Disrespect will not be disregarded".  

Say that.   T.I. revisits his old neighborhood in Bankhead for the 'Project Steps' visual.  As we've noticed he returns to it quite often over the past few years to always show love.  In this instance, it's not only that, but the visit also correlates with the title.  

This track so hard...    

   

Previous Post:  Video :: Private Show | T.I. x Chris Brown

'It's From the Sole' :: Andre McDonnell's Mission to Give Sneakers to the Homeless

"I don’t want to do soup kitchens,  I love sneakers. We want to take the sneaker culture and utilize it in a positive way.

...Is there a religious message behind it? Of course there is. I’m blessing people. Things could be a lot worse for me, but I want to give my blessings back.”   - Andre McDonnell, Founder of 'It's From the Sole'.

Three years ago, McDonnell was playing basketball and saw a homeless man without shoes.  At that point, he took his shoes off and gave them to that man.  Today, Andre McDonnell has turned that incident into a mission.  

'It's From the Sole' is a non-profit organization that provides the homeless community with sneakers.  Not just any sneakers though.  The sneakers accepted from donors are new or gently worn. 

 "We change and clean the insoles and shoe laces to ensure that each sneaker looks as new as possible."  

McDonnell has estimated that his four man organization has given away over 7,000 pairs of sneakers so far in the New York City area.  Unfortunately, even with such a great operation... things haven't been so easy to 'give' with a few hindering encounters.    

Roll the Dice | Pac Div

Everybody wanna eat
nobody... do the dishes...

The latest loosie from the Div- an relatable tune about being discouraged and taking chances.  

Listen below:: 

"you'll never know if it could change your life..."

Previous Post: Sun Down (Girls Night Out) | Pac Div

Made in America 2015 Lineup | September 5-6 | Philadelphia, PA

Beyonce.  The Weeknd.  Axwell x Ingrosso.  J Cole.  Bassnectar.  Modest Mouse.  Death Cab For Cutie.  Banks.  Meek Mill.  Big Sean.  Future.  Duke Dumont.  A-Trak.  Sanitgold.  Nick Jonas.  Metric.  De La Soul.  G-Eazy.  DJ Mustard.  GTA.  Cedric Gervais.  Claude Vonstroke.  Fabolous.  Halsey.  Action Bronson.  Earl Sweatshirt.  Ryan Hemsworth.  Vic Mensa.  Burns.  Botnek.  Aeroplane.  Jacob Plant.  Saint Motel.  Young Rising Sons.  Grits & Biscuits.  The Struts.  Flatbush Zombies.  Lola Wolf.  Creepoid.  SuperHeaven.  Hop Along.  Waxahatchee.  Strand of Oaks.  Remy Banks.  Mick Jenkins.  Marian Hill.  Post Malone.  Mayeni.  Bas.  Cozz.  Omen. Suicidal Tendencies. 

TIDAL users was able to snag theirs last month.  Now that the lineup is announced, pre-sale tickets for the masses will start tomorrow, June 25th @ 10AM EST.  The regular sale will begin Friday, June 26th @12Noon EST.  Either can be copped on ticketmaster.com. 

Video :: Last Kiss | OverDoz. x Pharrell Williams

***UPDATE from 5/26/15 post- Video Added.

I love your smile
how you kill 'em w/ the charm.  

"Last Kiss" is a fun funky groove featuring Skateboard P (and his style).  The album will feature production from Hit-Boy, THC, DJ Dahi and more.  Keep a look out for #2008.  Watch:: 

Related Post: Video- Rick White Friends | OverDoz.

Nas :: "America is Selling a False Dream"

America has spent so much time, money & resources fighting wars abroad and completely fell asleep at the wheel of the war brewing within our cities, neighborhoods & blocks...

This is BIGGER than BLACK and WHITE. This is about America selling a false dream. Now we’ve obviously progressed since the inception of this nation but we took our eye off the ball and it feels as though things are moving backwards.

As a black man, I find it difficult to understand that our biggest export (our American culture) comes from us. The people in the streets… The way the world dresses, talks, what they listen to, what they watch… That all comes from us.How can we be the ones responsible for America’s biggest export & fear for our lives like we shouldn’t belong here.

I don’t have all the answers nor do I believe anyone does, but we need to have conversations around how to improve as a nation. How do we show any ounce of progress that keeps hope alive.

This is too big of a problem to be solved overnight but there needs to be some questions answered to get things back on the track of righteousness. Amazing people died for this country. We owe it to the past, present & future to come together and move this country in the right direction.

This is my home just like it is anyone else’s. RIP CRISPUS ATTUCKS. FIRST MAN TO DIE IN AMERICA’s FREEDOM WAR & HE WAS BLACK! GOD BLESS EVERY OUNCE OF INNOCENT BLOOD SHED FOR THIS NATION & MY FAMILY.

Via Nas Instagram.
Well said.

Women's Empowerment Wednesdays :: "Wonderwomen"

#GirlPower

Video :: Girl | The Internet x KAYTRANADA

If I told you that you rock my world..
I want you around me...
Would you let me call you my girl??

The Internet's new album, Ego Death, drops in exactly 7 days.  Today, they bring us a new single AND video. "Girl" featuring KAYTRANADA is smooth ass cut about admiration for a certain girl whose worth you value (amongst other things), though the track takes a quick turn at the end. 

 They are 2 for 2 with the album cut releases.
Watch the cosmic/trippy visual (and listen to the extended version) below::
I could give you the life you deserve...
just say the word...

Related Post- Special Affair | The Internet

Video :: Money Trees Deuce | Jay Rock

***Update from 6/3/15 post- Video Added.  

Gotta get it
Ain't no options out  here...

With several solo loosies here and there, TDE's Jay Rock finally releases an official lead from his upcoming album.  I hope when the album drops, he keeps this on there.  It's like that.  Listen below::

Antidote | Travis Scott (Prod. by. Wondagurl x Eastbound)

 Gearing up for the release of his debut album, Rodeo, Travis Scott releases another tune. ‘Antidote’ is produced by Wondagurl and Eastbound.
FYI… this is just a loosie. It won’t be on the album. As Travis describes…
“THIS IS FOR THE REAL FANS!! THE REAL RAGERS!!”

Related Post :: 3500 | Travis Scott x Future x 2 Chainz

{Personal Post} PHOTOS :: Sneak Attack's 'Sole Much Art' showcase

 Sneak Attack, in conjunction with White Room, held a #SoleMuchArt/#SNKATTKDC  event- showcasing artwork of those based around sneakers.  An intimate event, people gathered around admiring and discussing the artwork, dancing the night away, and politicking with each other.  Icing on the cake?  Free admission, snacks, and beer/wine.  Fun fun times.  Take a glimpse::  

Album Stream :: Summertime '06 | Vince Staples

"GOT AWAY WIT IT OUT THE CIVIC..."

Word.  The time has come.  Vince Staples debut album, 'Summertime 'O6',  is set to roll out in one week (June 30).  Since the 2015 XXL Freshman, in which Vince deservingly made the cut, has a partnership with NPR, everyone can preview the entire album before it releases.  Available for pre-order on iTunes now, the double disc features collabs with Future, No I.D., Jhene Aiko, Daley, Kilo Kish, and more.  Check the track listing and stream the album after the jump::  

Motivation Mondays :: Giving Up is Like Slashing Tires

Food for Thought.

Little Bit of Lust | Phony Ppl

She never hit me with the
"What are we??"

You may have caught them the other week backing up Fetty Wap's 'Trap Queen' (& 'My Way') performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live straight killin it.  Here we have a new tune of their own.  Subtle raunchiness.  Upbeat Neo-Soul.  Listen below::

"Spend every dime if I can hit it..."

Previous Post: Video :: helGa. | Phony Ppl

New Venture :: Nas teams up with NYC Restaurant "Sweet Chick"

via SweetChickLife instagram

"It's already great.  I might add a dish or two maybe.  Looking to bring an added essence of Real lituationess to the already lit scene there.  Me.  I'm a ray of light, my G.  Good Times and a life is the right attitude."   - Nas to Mass Appeal

 Nas has added a new venture under his belt.  Recently, he has joined the restaurant business.  Partnering with the Sweet Chick restaurant in NYC (owners John Seymour and Peter Bittenbender of Mass Appeal), Nas has enlisted in the franchise assisting in expanding the brand and maintaining the 'NY State of Mind'.    

Sweet Chick, of southern cuisine x chicken and waffles, currently has two locations - Manhattan and Brooklyn.  I think it's safe to say, you can expect another to pop up soon.  Maybe on the West Coast?  Hmm...

 
Related Post ::  Photos : Nas' Sneaker Store '12AM Run' opens in Las Vegas 

Previous Post ::  Obey Your Verse:: Nas, Notorious B.I.G, Rakim, & Drake Lyrics on new SPRITE can series

Troubled Man's Lullaby | RetcH x Mac Miller (Prod. by. Larry Fisherman)

With a buzz growing, New Jersey rapper, RetcH, is prepping for the release of his 'Finesse the World' project. The minor creepy but sick production by 'Larry Fisherman' fits perfectly to that of the title. Listen below::
Side-commentary: they should def do a remix and add Earl Sweatshirt.

Shame On Ya | Jadakiss

Pills, Weed, Coke, Dope
That's a connect four...

Sweet loosie from Jadakiss- bars over ODB's 'Brooklyn Zoo'. Listen below::
"You gotta be paralyzed to not feel us..."

s.o. to SclassTakeover

Books come to life :: Sanaa Lathan snags lead role in Omar Tyree's "Flyy Girl"

One of the hottest books in Middle school.  Of course, it came out much earlier than we discovered it (Just like 'The Coldest Winter Ever') .. but we were at that age where our personal literature had taken a turn.  I read 'Flyy Girl' about 3 times.  It soon became a 'thing' of who was reading the hottest book during discussions in the locker room or passing in the halls.  

Over 20 years later since the actual book release (1993), 'Flyy Girl' is adapting to film!.  The popular book (part of a trilogy) by Omar Tyree will now make its way to the big screen.   Actress Sanaa Lathan (Love and Basketball, The Family that Preys, Brown Sugar etc.) has snagged the lead role of Tracy Ellison- the main character in the book for those who have not read.  

Lathan is not only starring in the Lionsgate film, but is serving as the executive producer.  Geoffrey Fletcher, screenwriter of film 'Precious', will author the script.    

For those who are not familiar with the book, check out the summary from AMAZON::

 

The bestselling urban classic novel about a young woman coming of age in the late 1980s.
Tracy Ellison, a young knockout with tall hair and attitude, is living life as fast as she can. Motivated by the material world, she and her friends love and leave the young men who will do anything to get next to them. It's only when the world of gratuitous sex threatens heartbreak that Tracy begins to examine her life, her goals, and her sexuality.

S.O. to UrbanDaily

Related Post:: Deranged and In Love- Watch new thriller 'The Perfect Guy' trailer starring Michael Ealy x Sanaa Lathan x Morris Chestnut

Keep Shining :: Chicago Teen, Arianna Alexander, receives $3Million in Scholarships

#BlackExcellence

5.1. (out of a 4.1) GPA High School Valedictorian of Kenwood Academy.   Accepted to 26 Universities ( including 6 Ivy Leagues schools).  Over $3Million total in scholarships offered.  This applies to Chicago Teen- Arianna Alexander.  

The teen recently decided to attend the University of Pennsylvania, where she plans to study to be an entrepreneur in the restaurant industry.  Alexander is already working on four different menus for restaurants she plans to open.  You go girl!  

Keep Shining Queen.

 

"Work Hard.  Pray on it.  And Don't Give Up." 

Related Post :: Women's Empowerment Wednesdays :: 99-Year-old Doreetha Daniels graduates from College

Related Post ::  Womens Empowerment Wednesdays :: 10 Year Old Math Prodigy, enrolls into College … #BlackHistoryMonth

Video :: Coffee (Fxcking) | Miguel

***UPDATE from 5/4/15 post:: Video Added.

Sweet dreams...
Turns into fxcking in the morning.

Original 5/4/15 post-

Towards the end of 2014, Miguel released 3 new songs. 'Coffee' was one of them. Newly renamed 'Coffee (fxcking)', the sensual crooner grabs Wale for a nice collaboration. I'm excited again for his new tunes. Check this one out below::
'It's the way that we feel...'

Time Warp... 2005 :: My Dog | CCB

Circa 2005.

Same year this dropped, I lost Tony.  I played this song countless times in college- dorm room, road trips etc.  You name it.. I had this and basically that whole CCB tape cranking.  This era was their prime hands down.  Last week, I had 'Under the Bridge' by. Red Hot Chili Peppers as a Time Warp post and mentioned to my brother later that day like 'Yo.. you remember when CCB syced this in their song!?'.  Didn't even attempt to look for the CD (which I'll find in the crate later), but went to good ol' YouTube and there it was.  YES.  This song is a bittersweet feeling for me all the way...

Miguel releases 3 New Songs :: "Face the Sun (feat. Lenny Kravitz)", "Going to Hell", & "FLESH"

As Miguel's third solo album, WILDHEART, is two weeks away  from releasing (June 30th), he drops a treat off to hold us over- 3 new songs :: Face the Sun featuring Lenny Kravitz, Going to Hell, and FLESH.  

From the sounds of these... it may be safe to say we will have another concrete album on our hands (Kaleidoscope Dream was like that).  WILDHEART is available now for pre-order in some international countries and at midnight for the U.S.  

Vibe out to his latest tunes below::

A Must See :: Take a glimpse into the Jordan Brand's 'Palais 23' Experience in Paris

"Michael Jordan’s personal relationship with Paris goes back to the very beginning of his professional career, when he visited the city around the release of his first signature shoe in 1985. Winning a pre-season tournament in the city in 1997 has made France’s capital part of the Jordan story, and Palais 23 is built around telling a past and future narrativestore you've got to have the right product.  And you've got to have the right product 365 days of the year"

Paying homage to the Great, a museum in Paris called Palais 23 opened its' doors Friday, June 12th to the public for the 30th anniversary of MJ's NIKE imprint.  The museum is dedicated to all things related to Michael Jordan and his legacy.  Fans were able to take in the experience observantly and interactively- from viewing exclusive pieces to participating in 'Last Shot', where you are challenged to recreate history-making Jordan moments from 1982 and 1988.  

However, with all that is said... don't get too excited if you're visiting Paris soon.  The museum was open for one weekend only- last weekend.  It closed on Sunday, June 14th (yesterday).  It may open again though... keep your eyes peeled!
In the meantime, check out the awe worthy photos inside Palais 23::

1800 Tequila Keith Haring Bottle Series ...

”Each year, world-renowned artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Gary Baseman and Keith Haring have their work emblazoned on our tequila bottle. These limited-run bottles, filled with 1800® Silver Tequila, become instant collectors’ items.” – 1800.

Last year close to around this time, I posted the Jean-Michel Basquiat limited edition bottle series.  In this year's Essential Artists installment, we have Keith Haring.  With this partnership, we are presented with 6 different bottles donned in Haring's social and political artwork.  This is the 7th installment of the entire series so far.  To check out previous series', click here.  

If you're already aware of the series, here's another selection to choose from to add to your collection.

s.o. to 1800Tequila

Obey Your Verse:: Nas, Notorious B.I.G, Rakim, & Drake Lyrics on new SPRITE can series

***Updated 6/14/15- Commercial Added.

”Legacy means everything to me.  When I wrote these lyrics, I never imagined my fans would someday have the opportunity to enjoy a can of Sprite and experience my art in a totally different way."  - Nas.

This summer, hip-hop lyrics will be plastered on SPRITE cans across the nation in the 'Obey Your Verse' lyrical collection.    The culture influence is everywhere.  In this series, there will be a total of 16 cans with each artist- Nas, Biggie, Rakim, and Drake- having a quote on one of their own.  According to a SPRITE press release, there artists were selected based on their reputation for being true to themselves through their music and advancing the culture.  

Check the song/quote listing + official promo commercial below:: 

{UPDATE} :: I added personal videos to my previous 'Personal Posts' (Concerts, Events, etc.)

 

Laughter is so good for the soul.  Not sure exactly what we were laughing at, but there is about four photos of us cracking up @ something.  Good times.  

Speaking of good times, I'm happy to say I added videos to quite a few of some older personal posts.  As you've seen in the most recent ones, videos will be added more often now.  I finally get to share the moments through photos AND visuals.  Enjoy.  

I copied and pasted the links of the newly added ones below.

{Personal Post} Photos/Videos :: August Alsina Album Listening Session @ Park 14th , DC.
-  Four vids added of the interview and performances.


{Personal Post} Photos :: Camp Floggnaw Odd Future Carnival 2014 | Los Angeles, CA
-  I had a couple videos (including one where i'm singing 'Run to the Sun' by. NERD to Ebonie) but I decided to keep the others for personal keep and only posted my slide video on this one.  Funners


(Personal Post) : Photos/Videos - Governor's Ball Music Festival 2014 - June 6th . #GovBallNYC
-  Videos of us jamming to Outkast' performance :-D

{Personal Post} Photos/Videos ::  Summer Concert Series Pt. 1 - Dipset & Jay x Bey's 'On The Run'
-  OTR footage 

{Personal Post} Photos/Videos::  Summer Concert Series Pt. 2 - Tyler the Creator & Frankie Beverly x MAZE
-  Tyler's concert footage.  In a more recent post, I talked about how Travis Scott/Young Thug concert was the most turnt up I've attended to date.  I can certainly say, this was the runner up.   

{Personal Post}  Photos/Videos :: Trillectro 2014 | Washington D.C. 
-  2 vids.  Schmurda dances and a super turn up to 'Dreams and Nightmares'.  Cameos from Brent and Jerome.  

{Personal Post} Photos/Videos ::  'Yeezus' Tour ...Baltimore show.   
-  Footage...  

Here's the link to view other Personal Posts