Wednesday, March 29, 2023

He's Back: Tyler, the Creator drops New Single "DOGTOOTH" + Album Release Date

***UPDATE 03/29 "SORRY, NOT SORRY" added

Every 2 years, Tyler drops.  I know it's every 2... I acknowledge it's every 2... I expect it to be every 2 and I STILL react with exhilaration when the drop is announced.  Early this AM, Tyler surprised his fans with a fire new single and video, DOGTOOTH.  (Video gives me 'Bimmer' vibes)


He switches up a line towards the end and says "If you don't know my daughter name ".  My antennas went up and so did many others.  Tyler cleared that up immediately on Twitter saying 


He, also, explains via tweet "CALL ME IF YOU GET LOST WAS THE FIRST ALBUM I MADE WITH ALOT OF SONGS THAT DIDNT MAKE THE FINAL CUT. SOME OF THOSE SONGS I REALLY LOVE, AND KNEW THEY WOULD NEVER SEE THE LIGHT OF DAY, SO IVE DECIDED TO PUT A FEW OF THEM OUT." 
This started discourse on the validity of that because he references Virgil Abloh as an angel - "Virgil my chaperone, he look out from overhead" -  howeverrrr,

Time Warp...2000: Break Fool | Rah Digga


Circa 2000.
I revisited her Dirty Harriet album the other day and it aged very well.  I ran it back twice.  Previously, I noted my love for female MCs during this time/era.  Digga was definitely one of them and deserved more flowers.  She be spittin!  
'Tight' taking over spots like my name was Robin Givens...




{Personal Post} PHOTOS: A Ma Maniére NIKE Air Max Day


A Ma Maniére (meaning My Way in French) is a luxury apparel brand inspired by Parisian culture and fashion.  With store front locations in Washington DC, Atlanta, GA, and Houston, TX, their retail experience offers a trendy designed boutique housing new styles and threads from some of the hottest luxury streetwear and footwear brands.  The DC location held an event on 3.26 to celebrate Air Max Day and the return of the 86' Air Max 1.  It featured a handpicked Air Max exhibition curated by sneaker collectors Abdul (@dontchargeabdul) and Kevin (@kevykev), along with spins from DJ Jerome Baker (@jeromebaker3rd), DC's 'Sandlot' mocktails, and more.   A good time!  Check the vibes...


Monday, March 27, 2023

For the People: TELFAR is letting the Customer Pick the Price


Telfar has skyrocketed since its launch back in 2005.  Creating a lane of its own in fashion, style, and culture, the brand is now executing a unique sale for its latest collection.  Telfar Live hit the market at Noon EST today.  You read that correctly.  LIVE.

The collection dropped at a wholesale price, starting more than 50% off.  Each passing second, the price of the product goes up until it reaches full price.  Whatever price the product sells out at, then, becomes the price indefinitely (of course with fine print).  With that being said, the quicker you act on the purchase, the lower the price you pay.

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEOS:: Young Dolph "Dolphland" Pop-Up Museum

The realist advice I can give you is to never stop...

Dolph's Paper Route Empire Label partnered with Trap Music Museum to launch the national Dolphland Pop-Up Museum tour.  The tour has been across the U.S. over the last couple of months and will conclude in Dolph's hometown of Memphis, TN in May.  He's one of the few celebrities whose death I'm still affected by and anticipated heavy emotions going to this, but knew it was something I could not miss.  My brother, another fellow Dolph fan, accompanied me to this one.   Countless of patrons have showed up and showed love.  You could literally feel the love in the atmosphere.   Rightfully so, only Dolph records were playing throughout.  Special shout out to ALL of the artists who contributed their pieces to make this happen!!  
Here's how it went through my lens.  

You know what up... It's DOLPH!



Thursday, March 23, 2023

NBA's James Harden Introduces New Wine, J-HARDEN Prosecco


"This is an exciting time for wine and I love being a part of it. I've been eager to get my new Prosecco out there because I know people will love it"


NBA superstar James Harden is making moves on and off the court.  Last Thursday, J-HARDEN Prosecco Doc went live!  This is the latest addition to the J-HARDEN wine brand, which already offers a California Cabernet Sauvignon and California Red Blend. 

{Personal Post} PHOTOS/VIDEOS:: "Anyways, Life's Great" GloRilla DC Concert


As much as I played this and the Set the Tone EP(s), it was inevitable that I was going to this show.  GloRilla was on a sold out U.S. Tour with a DC stop along the way.  She brought the gang with her... Aleza, K Carbon, Slimearoni, and Gloss Up as opening acts.  Unfortunately with this show, K Carbon did not come out.  I, personally, was disappointed because I reallllly wanted to experience Set the Tone live, BUT... I just charged it to maybe she didn't feel well.  We're human.  It happens.  The show was still super LIT and I enjoyed myself.  Walk with me...


{Watch} "Little Richard: I Am Everything" Documentary Trailer


shut up!
Richard Penniman.  Innovator and originator of Rock n' Roll.  Richard was known for putting on a hell of a performance and speaking his mind.  "Little Richard: I Am Everything" digs more into his personal life story and how his art form helped shape the world of music.  We should start giving more legends flowers while they are here.  This documentary was long overdue. 
Watch the trailer below:

Rapper Ludacris and his Daughter Launch a Satin Bonnet Collection for Girls


If you aren't familiar, Ludacris' Karma's World Entertainment company premiered their animated Netflix show, Karma's World, in 2021.  In real life, Karma is his oldest daughter.  The show, however, centers a character named Karma who juggles rap dreams and ambitions.  Fast forward to 2023.  Firstline Brands has partnered with his entertainment company to launch a Karma's World Satin Sleep Collection.  

More than Music: Amerie is Releasing a Children's Book- "You Will Do Great Things"


Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Amerie proves that is indeed not just one thing.  Having a Bachelor's Degree in English, Amerie is now on a journey through literature.   Her current accolades in this realm include being the editor of NY Times bestseller "Because You Love to Hate" and  she, also, founded "Amerie's Book Club".  This month, her debut children's book "You Will Do Great Things" is set for release!


"You Will Do Great Things" is described as a magical picture book centering the future of great possibilities and accomplishments for our youth. 
The detailed synopsis:

Time Warp...2006: Make Ya Feel Beautiful | Ruben Studdard


Circa 2006.
I haven't heard this song in so long and it came on randomly the other day.  It really should've been a hit.  
Quality R&B.

I want you to know this
Girl, I want you to see that it's real
I want you to feel that you're my focus
And girl that's what you'll be



Monday, March 6, 2023

{Watch} "Show Me"... a short film by Joey Bada$$ featuring Serayah


I never knew a love that wasn't painless...
Directed by Levi Turner and McCray Sutherlin, Joey enlists actress Serayah (Empire, BMF, Wu-Tang: An American Saga) as his love interest. 


The pair give us a steamy, yet relatable, visual for his "Show Me" record, which released on Joey's 2022 album - 2000.  
Can't spell 'us' without 'trust'
Put the lust aside, there's some things we gotta discuss...

Watch the short film below:

Rapper Juvenile Launches his Own Line of Beer, "Juvie Juice"

Whoadie wusup!?
Urban South Brewery is the largest craft brewery in Juvie's hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana and is one of the leading breweries in Southern states.  Their current collaboration with Juvenile brings us a new beverage, Juvie Juice.

Juvenile, whose real name is Terius Gray, deems the inspiration stemmed from his favorite drink, Arnold Palmer.  Juvie Juice is a 5% ABV of half lemonade and half iced tea- available in 12oz and 19.2 oz cans; the brewery's first kind.

PHOTOS: Issa Rae Opens 4th Location for Coffee Shop, "Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen"


Actress, Producer, Writer Issa Rae continues to expand her resume.  Towards the end of last month, she celebrated the opening of the 4th location in California for Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen.  The chain was founded and initially started by Yonnie Hagos and Ajay Relan (both pictured below) in 2018.  

"We're from LA.
...We take pride in creating fun environments for people to connect with each other and themselves."


Rae became involved in 2019 and assisted with launching their first location in Inglewood.  Now, they are on their 4th in Downtown LA.  Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen offers a variety of coffee, expressos, and teas along with an assortment of food bites on the menu such as breakfast sandwiches, burritos, pastries, super foods bowls, sides of grits, sides of bacon... the list goes on.  Their "Immunity Booster" drink is a popular one that features orange, ginger, lemon, turmeric, black pepper, and honey.  Here's a glimpse inside their newest location:

Rapper Lola Brooke Shines in Timberland's Latest Campaign, Celebrating Hip-Hop


The Don't Play With It rapper's buzz continues to rise.  
The original Timberland boot and Hip-Hop were both birthed in 1973.  As there have been various celebrations of homage to Hip-Hop's 50th Anniversary, Timberland has joined the club with their release of a limited edition "Hip Hop Royalty" boot. 

"Hip Hop has impacted our brand enormously over the past five decades, so we're proud to present Brooklyn MC, Lola Brooke, who is one of the voices carrying Hip Hop into the next 50 years..."

The 6" boot is royal purple with the upper being gold colored premium leather.  Slight grafitti is placed around the logo and features Sedgwick Ave on the tongue; the street in the Bronx, New York where Hip-Hop began.  You can, also, find a boombox chain tag on the side.  Remaining true to their classic features, the boot is a waterproof nubuck with a durable/rugged outsole and insulation for warmth.  Check out more photos and a closer look at the limited tribute boot after the jump!