Tattoo is Life :: Meet celebrity tattoo artist, Keith "Bang Bang" McCurdy

"Success took a Shot" - Dominic Cattano.

29-year-old (whoop whoop for 87 babies) Bang Bang has made a substantial reputation for himself in the celebrity community via his impeccable precision with the ink.  As a tattoo lover myself (I have 17), expressing art via your body or fascination with it is a way of life.  Over the years, a lifestyle that set most of us a part, has now become the 'cool' thing to do.  Tattoos are becoming more and more popular among the culture.   

Hailing from Pottstown, PA, Bang Bang is now New York based... the city where his dream became a success.  His kick start came 10 years ago when he tattooed Rihanna's Sanskrit prayer alongside her hip.  As he tells NPR, his interest for tattoos sparked at 15 when "I made the honor roll and I got a tattoo, and it was a great experience for me because it really fueled my interest more".  

{Listen} :: Thundercat announces new album "Drunk" + releases 'Show You the Way' w/ Michael McDonald x Kenny Loggins

Music joys fulfilled.  Thundercat announces his new 23-track album, DRUNK, set for release on February 24th.  'Them Changes' is making a reappearance from the 2015 project, THE BEYOND/WHERE THE GIANTS ROAM, on this album along with this soothing beauty 'Show You the Way'.  Steely Dan's, Michael McDonald... and Kenny Loggins?  You already know this is fire.  Listen below and catch that Sonic drop at the end:: 

{Watch/Listen} :: Matt Martians (of The Internet) releases new visual "Dent Jusay" ; produced by. Tyler, the Creator #DrumChordTheory

You don't know what you're missing
you might lose my attention...

Matt Martians takes a stroll with fellow band members Syd and Steve Lacy down LA streets for the visual of the up-temp smooth 'Dent Jesay'.  Matt's album, DrumChordTheory, dropped this past Friday/yesterday and it is friggin awesome.  Considerable repetitive rotation on my end.  Catch the vid below and another track from the album, 'Diamond in the Ruff/Feelin', after the jump!

Video :: I'm Better | Missy Elliott x Lamb

I don't compete 

with none of these geeks...

I've said this many times during debates or regular music discussions and I will say it again.  Missy reigns supreme when it comes to innovative stand out visuals.  Consistently throughout her entire videography, your attention is captured from beginning to end.   Each and every time.  The icon is back with a new single and video.  Watch below::

Related Post ::  She's Backkk. Watch Missy Elliott's New Video "WTF (Where They From)" featuring Pharrell

Video :: Meditate | Fat Stacks x Aunz (Prod. by. 30Roc of Ear Drummers)

No stress.  No L's

IT. IS. Whatevaaa

DMV's own... Fat Stackz and Aunz (I see you homie) collaborated in sync for the catchy banger, 'Meditate'.  Catchy by way of head nods, dance moves, lyrics, and good vibes.  Check out the video/audio below and literally meditate from the chorus alone... inhale x exhale.  repeat.  #NoPunIntended.

Video :: I Think She Like Me | Rick Ross x Ty Dolla $ign

You'll never find another (wo)man like me...

Ross can most certainly pick an icy production.  This Stylistics' sample is flawless w/ Ross and Ty Dolla both shining equally.  Press play. 

related post :  Video :: Layers | Royce da 5'9 x Pusha T x Rick Ross

{Personal Post} Photos/Videos :: The Bucketfeet x No Kings Collective Sneaker Launch + Dreams of Triumph event

I must admit, my personal posts have gone M.I.A. due to Snapchat.  *sigh.  It's easier and less time consuming plus it's posted right then and there.  I'm working on getting these back up and running though.  I have a lot of photos/videos to share (plus it would make great space on my phone).. so here's a start.  

Back in December of last year, the collab event with Bucketfeet and #NoKingsDC was held at Atlantic Plumbing rooftop.  The architecture of that building is so unique.  I headed out on that brisk night to hopefully cop a pair and enjoy myself.  Take a glimpse into the event...

Btw... the videos appear blank BUT if you press play, the footage pops up.

Ice Cube Launches the Big3 basketball League with Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin, Roger Mason Jr. + more

via SLAM

“After Kobe retired, I was thinking about 3-on-3 basketball on another level, but when Kobe retired … I’m sick of it,” Ice Cube said in an interview with The Undefeated. “I seen Dr. J [Julius Erving] go, I seen Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar] go, I seen Magic [Johnson] go, Shaq, Kareem, Kobe. I think those dudes left too soon. I think they still had game, they just couldn’t play 82 games. They just couldn’t play back-to-backs, three games in four nights. So we was like, let’s create a league where they can play again, and 3-on-3 basketball is actually the most competitive form of basketball played in the world.” -Ice Cube (via theUndefeated)

The Big3, a newly launched 3-on-3 league with former NBA superstars, will be comprised of 8 teams of 5 and are set to be played from June 24- August 26 this year.. every Saturday.  As of yet, there aren't any set locations but it's been shared that the cities/arenas will change each week.  Keep a lookout for ticket sale dates.  There is a chance they might come to your city!  Former Washington Wizard (whoop whoop!), Roger Mason Jr., will serve as the President and Commisioner of the Big3 league.  So far, according to SLAM, Allen Iverson, Kenyon Martin, Rashard Lewis, Bonzi Wells, Jason Williams, Chauncey Billups, and Jermaine O’Neal, have signed on to be involved.  

"When I got the call, it was a no-brainer.  You can’t say no to Ice Cube.” says Iverson.

I'm looking forward to this!  For more info, visit the Undefeated.

Also, s.o. to SLAM

Related Post :: STANCE socks Announces New Endorsement deal with Allen Iverson

Related Post ::  {Epic Video} :: Remembering the 72-10 Chicago Bulls from the 1995/96 Season

{Listen} :: Vashtie shares a birthday tribute to Sade, Aaliyah, FKA Twigs, and Kate Moss with mixtape "#One16Goat"

“January 16th is the birthday of Sade, Kate Moss, Aaliyah & FKA Twigs. In honor of these influential and iconic Capricorn women, I wanted to celebrate their lives through a special mix created by me.

Simply titled, #ONE16GOAT, for the animal associated with Capricorn, but also for the acronym “the greatest of all time” in reference to the goddesses born on January 16th.

Happy #ONE16GOAT Day, from your favorite Taurus!”- V. Kola

View the tracklist and listen to the mix after the jump!

{Watch/Listen} :: Syd from the Internet releases new solo music/visual, "All About Me"

"I sleep more than I need to.  I drink more on the weekend..."

Front Runner of the The Internet band, Syd, debuts a new record in preparation for her first solo career project, Fin.  Both she and Matt Martian from the band will release solo projects this year prior to the Internet's fourth album.  There's no ego trippin here though.  Syd made it known with a tweet 

"AIN'T NO GOIN SOLO BIH, WE'LL BE PERFORMING THIS AT INTERNET SHOWS ONLY".  

Solid.  Fin is set to drop February 3rd.  Listen/Watch the trancy trap record 'All About Me' below:: 

previous The Internet posts

Dates/Lineup :: ASAP Yams Day 2017 x Coachella 2017 x Governors Ball 2017 x Panorama 2017

Instead of making separate posts, I figured I'd throw them all on the same one; information at one source. They are in order by event date. Check em out::

Tony.

The moment I pressed play, an immediate head nod.. smile.. and glassy eyes followed.  Memories of us riding out playing this all the time nodding to each other singing the words is one of many of the precious moments.  Remember.. I even switched the Lil Kim flip to 'Hold you down Tony!" lol and you'd do the unforgettable smile you always gave.  1/16 is always harder than your birthday because it's the day I lost you.  I wish time healed all wounds, but some cuts seem to be too deep.  You are missed beyond word description.  

Playing this in your honor... may even rock ya necklace today.  Tell my grandmothers' I said Hello and I love and miss them too.  Rest in peace baby.  Always in my heart- Love, T.I.

#HoldYouDown.  

 

Previous Tony posts

{WATCH} Trailer :: "I Am Not Your Negro"; narrated by. Samuel L. Jackson

(Via YouTube)
In his new film, director Raoul Peck envisions the book James Baldwin never finished - a radical narration about race in America, using the writer's original words. He draws upon James Baldwin's notes on the lives and assassinations of Medgar Evers, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. to explore and bring a fresh and radical perspective to the current racial narrative in America.

"...cause I am not a nigger.  I am a man.  And if you think I'm a nigger, means you need it... and you gotta find out why.  And the future of the country depends on that..."
Powerful.. and unforgettable.  This is a must see.  

Related Post ::  TRAILER :: "The Black Panthers : Vanguard of the Revolution" airs Tonight!

Giving Back :: Colin Kaepernick Donates his Enormous Sneaker Collection to the Homeless

Using your wealth for a greater cause!  After this San Francisco 49ers season ended, Quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a step towards charity and donated his enormous sneaker collection to Bay Area Homeless shelters and orphanages.

via Colin Kaepernick  Instagram/CBS sports/Mic

Kaep personally packed his shoes, some hats, and some clothes to donate along with standing by his pledge that he will donate $100,000 a month to various charities/causes until he has reached $1Million.  This particular instance marks his third one so far.  30% completed.. 700K more to go.  For more information, visit Kaepernick7.com 

To see video footage, visit Mic.  

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

Runaway | Tay Walker

"Don't you ever dream of waking up next to the one that you love..."
Never lets me down.  Tay Walker releases a new music mental escape.  "Runaway" is warped of many beautiful warm feels guided through acoustic vibes.  Set your daydream clock.  It begins the moment you press play...
"Don't you ever think about a better place.  
....say babe, what do you think about.. the idea of running away?"  

Previous Tay Walker posts

Our Thoughts :: Top Albums of 2016?

The annual tradition continues as with previous years.  A panel of 7, we all took some thought and finalized what made the cut for us individually.  Check out our Top Albums (projects) of 2016 after the jump!