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Monday, February 28, 2011

Kanye West, Mos Def & Lupe Fiasco Freestyle Cypher At Blue Note NYC


Lupe Fiasco teamed up with Jazz-pianist Robert Glasper and his band The Robert Glasper Experiment to hold a memorable show at The Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC on Saturday night. During the performance they were joined by special guests Kanye West & Mos Def, and turned in a lively cypher for those in attendance. Hear it below!


Kanye West, Mos Def & Lupe Fiasco Freestyle Cypher At Blue Note NYC by Hypetrak

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Friday, February 18, 2011

#FreshThreads | Honet for Lacoste Capsule Collection



Initially a graffiti artist during the late 80s, Honet has become quite well-known for his unique brand of artwork in the world of painting. His latest effort comes via apparel as the artist links up with Lacoste on a capsule collection for the Spring/Summer 2011 season. Implementing his vibrant, signature style, Honet develops a selection of new designs for the storied French brand, including his take on the timeless polo shirt as well as some crewneck variations. Offered below is a look into the line, which releases in March 2011.



#FreshThreads | The Selby for Dockers Campaign



Dockers has enlisted the help of fashion and interiors photographer Todd Selby (better known as “The Selby”) to shoot the images for its new “Wear the Pants” campaign. For the project, Dockers selected seven men from around the San Francisco Bay area who are pursuing their dream jobs, including muralist Brian Barneclo, teacher and architect David Burnett, Incase industrial designer Bobby Chang, surfboard shaper Danny Hess, filmmaker Barry Jenkins and sustainable vintners Andrew and Adam Mariani. Following the men on their jobs while they wore pieces from the Dockers collection, Selby was impressed by the quality and range of cuts now offered by Dockers. Retailers who carry the brand include Barney’s, Steven Alan, Urban Outfitters, American Rag, Nordstrom and more.








#ART | JR in Los Angeles



Taking a similar path to Banksy in recent days, 2011 TED winner French artist JR has also made his mark on the City of Angels. His recent work is associated once again with his signature real life depictions in larger than life proportions. The art shown so far will be part of a larger exhibition titled “The Wrinkles of the City” which will be shown as 20 separate pieces across the city, focusing on various Angeleno citizens.




#LISTEN | Lupe Fiasco – H.A.M. (Freestyle)



With only days ahead of the eventual release of Lasers, Lupe Fiasco treats his following with a freestyle over Kanye West and Jay-Z’s “H.A.M.”. The piece was recorded during his current trip to London where the Chicago-rapper stopped by the infamous Tim Westwood radio show. This sure goes “hard as a ….” you know the rest. Lasers drops March 8th. Be prepared!


Lupe Fiasco - H.A.M. (Freestyle) by Hypetrak

AudioVisual | The Legendary: A Film About The Roots

The Legendary: A Film About The Roots from Cam Be on Vimeo.

Filmmakers Cam Be and Jeff Baraka uncover their brand new mini-film that was shot with the Legendary Roots Crew. Most of the in-depth footage was captured during their live shows and backstage. Below is Cam’s own description of the film:
During the latter part of 2010 Jeff Baraka and I had the opportunity to cover a number of concerts on the Hennessey Artistry Tour with the Legendary Roots Crew.
I have always been a huge fan of the music created by the best band to ever grace the Hip-Hop genre. In this film I wanted to not only highlight the versatility of a group that has played with most everyone in the industry. But also capture candid moments of real human beings just trying to share the gifts they have been given to the best of their abilities.
In addition to the Hennessey Tour, we got an chance to sit down with drummer ?uestlove at the House of Blues in Chicago as the Roots gave the audience a glimpse of why they are considered by many the hardest working band in show biz. All and all the Roots have proven time again that they are indeed Legendary.

#FreshThreads | NEIGHBORHOOD & Forty Percents Against Rights “GONZO” T-Shirts

In conjunction with the Japanese release of the documentary “Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson”, the brands NEIGHBORHOOD and Forty Percents Against Rights have each released a limited-edition commemorative tee shirt. The film, which is directed by Alex Gibney and narrated by actor Johnny Depp, is a portrait of the late American journalist Hunter S. Thompson who is best known for creating “Gonzo journalism”, and who was also remembered as a drug addict before his suicide in 2005.
Each tee shirt features a black and white graphic with the artist’s depiction and text of his literary work. With a release date of February 19 (to coincide with the film’s opening), the shirts will be available for purchase at NEIGHBORHOOD Tokyo, Rock and Roll Store Harajuku and Tower Books store locations.

#ART | Banksy in Hollywood


Coinciding with the recent hoopla and events taking place in Los Angeles, some new work from Banksy surfaced involving some signature social commentary. Charlie Brown holding a gas can as well as a gun-toting child in a field of flowers are potentially the start of several more pieces that will hopefully surface over the next few days.

#ART | Darcel Disappoints: New York Fashion Week


New York-based artist Craig Redman offers a fun portrayal of the recent New York Fashion Week via his one-eyed character Darcel. As part of Darcel Disappoints, several marquee names undergo the signature one-eyed transformation including Anna Wintour, Terry Richardson, Bryan Boy, Kanye West, Kristen Dunst and Oliver Zahm among others.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

#Kicks | adidas Originals ZX 700 Boat Shoe



adidas Originals release the following ZX 700 Boat Shoe which combines the design aspects of both adidas’ ZX 700 lifestyle runner and the moccasin upper of a boat shoe. Seen in a light brown leather, the sneaker features an interesting contrast thanks to a multi-colored liner. Look for this particular release at adidas Originals retailers.

#Kicks | Nike SB Denim Dunk High



Nike SB drops another quickstrike this month as we see the arrival of a denim Dunk High. The kicks feature a subtle approach with two colors of denim featured on the uppers alongside black outsoles and white midsoles. Look for these, along with the rest of Nike SB’s February drops, now through select SB dealers, including Premier.



#Kicks | Nike Air Foamposite One



After a long hiatus the Nike Air Foamposite One makes its return in Spring 2011 as Nike introduces a retro version of the popular Penny Hardaway design, first released in 1997. Done up in the trademark royal blue colorway, the kicks instantly evoke a ’90s nostalgia, arguably Nike’s greatest era for basketball sneakers. This particular release should be a big one for sneaker heads and Foamposite fans alike. A release is scheduled for February 12 at Nice Kicks, amongst other fine Nike stockists. Retail is set at $200 USD, unfortunately a $20 price hike from the original release price.

AudioVisual | Nas & Damien Marley: Distant Relatives Documentary

The Distant Relatives partnership continues as director B+ offers a look into a three-part series following last year’s adventures between music icons Damien Marley and Nas. The documentary is split into three parts, all seen here. During part 1 the duo visit the Bob Marley Museum on Hope Road, part 2 offers a look into the recording of “Dub Plates” at Tuff Gong Studios in the Bob Marley Museum, while part 3 shows an insider’s look at “what bringing Nas to Trenchtown is all about!” while they take you behind-the-scenes of the making of the video for “Land of Promise.” Enjoy!

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

#Kicks | adidas Originals Nizza Hi Lux Leather “Crow”



As part of the Premium Iconics Animal Print Pack by adidas Originals comes a new version of the Nizza Hi sneaker. With an all-black premium leather upper, the shoe features an attention-grabbing collar trimmed with crow feathers and has been re-designed with a nylon strap attachment and D-ring construction on the laces. Available now through select adidas Originals locations.

#FreshThreads | Nigel Cabourn Washed Oil Edgar Bag

In one of the most recent arrivals from Nigel Cabourn’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection comes the well-designed “Edgar” bag. A perfect combination of utility and elegance, the bag’s red cotton cloth has been coated with a refined oil that was originally intended for use by British fisherman. With an orange leather detailing, the bag also features full beige cotton lining and a beige shoulder strap with leather trim. Available now from LN-CC.



#Kicks | adidas Originals M Attitude Leather “Premium Iconics”



The M Attitude from adidas has been a long-standing lifestyle basketball release from the German sportswear brand. In one of its boldest versions to date, the style not only combines snakeskin but also a vibrant lime green color. The sneaker as part of the “Premium Icons” pack is available now through various adidas Originals channels.

#ART | Keith Haring: 1978 -1982 Exhibition at the Contemporary Arts Center Cincinnati


The inspirational legacy of Keith Haring will take to the Contemporary Arts Center in Cincinnati with an exhibition titled Keith Haring: 1978 – 1982. While Haring’s passing took place over approximately 20 years ago, he has firmly cemented himself as one of the best pop artists of any generation. The exhibition will touch upon his time in New York City from his original home in Pennsylvania, his time in school at the School of Visual Arts and the relationships he built with the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Kenny Scharf. The exhibition begins on February 26 and runs until September 5, 2011. More information can be seen here at the Contemporary Arts Center website.





#FreshThreads | Rodarte x Opening Ceremony 2011 Spring/Summer Collection

In a short six years, Rodarte has achieved accolades many could only dream of. From designing for Olympic athletes to their recent role in the costumes for the movie Black Swan, Rodarte and Opening Ceremony teamed up once again in the creation of a Spring/Summer 2011 collection. While known predominately for their womenswear, Rodarte’s work seen here with menswear was not without its limitations noting “It’s harder to make a jacket really beautifully done for men when you have so much freedom when you’re doing one for a woman. I feel like there’s a different set of rules somehow. Even if you could break them, they’re still there.” The collection will be available this week at Opening Ceremony locations in New York, Los Angeles and Tokyo as well as Barneys New York, Doors, Holt Renfrew, Podium in Moscow and DNA in Saudi Arabia.