Friday, July 22, 2011
Weed, Top Chefs and Rick Ross: Drake Ranges Wide on New Album
"I hate singles," Drake says. It's a funny thing to hear from the rapper behind hits like "Best I Ever Had" and "Find Your Love," but he says he's always felt this way – now more than ever, as he puts the finishing touches on his second full-length LP, Take Care (due October 24th). "With this album, I want to tell a whole story," he adds. "I don't want people to just hear a piece and judge the album on that."
Drake is home in Toronto, recording at his longtime producer Noah "40" Shebib's studio. The vibe is industrial yet cozy: exposed brick, low lighting, plenty of high-grade weed and virtually no decoration aside from a vinyl copy of U.K. dubstep crooner James Blake's debut on a windowsill. "This is home," says Drake, wearing a T-shirt, black jeans and work boots. "If I'm in a big expensive studio, it starts messing with my head about what kind of music I should be making."
To a degree, that's what happened with his 2010 debut, Thank Me Later, which sold 1.4 million copies and transformed Drake from mixtape phenom to platinum-certified star. "In no way am I not proud of it," he says, "but I think I got caught up in making it seem big and first-album-ish. I was a bit numb, a bit disconnected from myself. I wasn't able to slow down and realize what was going on around me."
He's taking a more deliberate approach with Take Care, toiling over the sort of intricately observed lyrics that made his breakthrough mixtape, 2009's So Far Gone, so thrilling. Tales of next-level conspicuous consumption (he shouts out celeb chef Thomas Keller's French Laundry restaurant, where he dined on a recent Napa Valley wine-tasting trip) butt up against memories of middle-class striving (he references renting luxury cars he couldn't afford). Adds Drake, "The whole process has been about slowing life down and really pinpointing emotions."
He cues up several tracks in various states of completion, all of which sit squarely in the sparse, somber register that's become his trademark. "Shot for Me," the likely album opener, is a marvel of melancholy bravado: He sings "Bitch, I'm the man" in a moan that undercuts the brag, over a beat (courtesy of Shebib) that pairs aching synthesizer notes with an exhilarating barrage of high-hats. Other highlights include "Free Spirit," featuring Rick Ross and the refrain "Tat my name on you so I know it's real," and "The Real Her," a narcotically woozy love song with detuned pianos and a Lil Wayne guest spot. Drake is also looking forward to collaborating with Abel Tesfaye, a.k.a. buzzy R&B gloomster the Weeknd — and, if he gets his wish, veteran beatsmith DJ Premier, Florence and the Machine's Florence Welch, and the xx's Jamie Smith. "No matter who's on it, it goes through the Drake filter," Shebib says. "He's so hands-on about how everything sounds."
Many rappers tout their effortlessness, but Drake is proudly perfectionist. Several of the verses he's written for the album are still missing their last two bars. "If your writing is strong enough, those lines dictate what the hook is gonna be about, how you're gonna go into the second verse," he says. "You need the exit moment, you know? 'And the crowd goes wild...'"
Video: Pusha T f/ Tyler, the Creator – ‘Trouble on My Mind’
Odd Future frontman Tyler, the Creator wreaks havoc with one of his idols, Pusha T, in the twisted video for “Trouble on My Mind,” The Neptunes-produced single off the Clipse member’s EP Fear of God Part 2: Let Us Pray, due this September. The odd couple takes to the streets of L.A., throwing eggs at innocent bystanders, riding a motorized bike with a motley crew, and trashing a hotel room. All in a day’s work.
TOPMAN 2011 Fall/Winter Campaign
Following an initial look earlier in the month, we get another crack at the new Fall/Winter 2011 collection from TOPMAN. Highlighting several different items than we previously showcased, the campaign features appearances by Sid Ellisdon and Josh McMellan. The apparel itself implements a casual, throwback look with modern interpretations of styles synonymous with decades past. Take a look below
Jay-Z x Kanye West “Otis”
Jay-Z and Kanye West give us a taste of their highly-anticipated album Watch the Throne with the soulful “Otis,” one of the Kanye-produced cuts featuring a sample of the legendary Otis Redding’s “Try a Little Tenderness.”
The hip-hop kings go back and forth flaunting their royal lifestyle on the hookless track. “I invented swag,” brags Hov, while ‘Ye proclaims, “I made Jesus walk so I’m never going to hell.”
Otis feat. Otis Redding by watchthethrone
Sunday, July 17, 2011
DJ Khaled f/ Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole, & Ne-Yo – ‘Legendary’
DJ Khaled rounds up R&B hotshots Chris Brown, Keyshia Cole, and Ne-Yo for a “Legendary” collaboration on his Cash Money debut We the Best Forever, available Tuesday. Breezy and Keyshia blend their soulful harmonies, while Ne-Yo holds down a solo verse on the anthemic tune. “Don’t let nobody stop the dreams, keep winning,” encourages Khaled. Rise up with the full song.
Kanye West, Busta Rhymes Rock with Q-Tip in Brooklyn [Video]
All of the lights were on Kanye West as legendary headliner Q-Tip brought out the Chi-town rapper toward the end of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival held under the picturesque Brooklyn Bridge on Saturday afternoon. The boisterous and diverse spectators—made up of skinny jeans-clad hipsters, waddling toddlers, and B-boys/girls—were caught off guard but roared with anticipation when Yeezy hit the stage.
Q-Tip performed a few classics before fading into the intro to Kanye’s “Dark Fantasy,” when he emerged in a black tank top and snapback, keeping the crowd hyped during “All of the Lights” and joining Q-Tip on “Award Tour.”
“This dude right here, I only felt like this when I met Dilla,” the Tribe Called Quest frontman said of Mr. West, who he collaborated with on Watch the Throne. “He’s just a respectable dude. I love this dude. He keeps me going.”
Busta Rhymes was also among the special guests, performing Tribe’s classic “Scenario.” “When ya’ll put me on ‘Scenario,’ it definitely changed a ni**a’s tax bracket,” joked Bussa Bus.
Melanie Fiona – Like I Love You
Melanie Fiona longs for some lovin’ on the reggae-flavored “Like I Love You” off her upcoming mixtape The MF Mixtape, the predecessor to her sophomore album The MF Life. “‘Cause I could be your Bonnie if you could be my Clyde/ Make this last forever ’cause I’m down for the ride/ And even if we fall, I’d rather risk it all than say that we never tried,” belts the Canadian songbird over the swaying rhythm. Escape to Melanie’s island paradise.
Pusha T featuring Tyler, The Creator – Trouble On My Mind Behind-the-Scenes Video
New from all-star former Clipse rapper Pusha-T and supremely popular OFWGKTA artist Tyler, the Creator comes this behind the scenes peek at their upcoming video for “Trouble on My Mind.” The video seems to promise all kinds of debauchery, with each of the two rappers dressing in matching outfits to represent the other’s persona (Pusha-T admits the Tyler doppleganger portion of this video shoot was his first time ever wearing Vans), extras from old ladies to street thugs and skaters running about and 20-year old Tyler, who is seen using crutches due to an injury, consistently hurling himself around in slapstick fashion. It looks like everyone involved had a fun time making this video happen and the end result is sure to be nothing short of entertaining. “Trouble on My Mind” is the newest single off of Pusha’s G.O.O.D Music solo mixtape endeavor, Fear of God.
Saturday, July 16, 2011
T by Alexander Wang 2011 Fall Campaign Video
Fashion designer Alexander Wang enlists of the talents of Santigold and Spank Rock for his T by Alexander Wang Fall 2011 ad campaign. The short clip features an exclusive remix of Santigold’s new single “Go,” with both musicians letting loose to the track!
Mister Keyhole Bracelets
Mister launches a new series of bracelets, adding further accessories to the San Francisco brand’s repertoire. Each of the pieces are handmade in San Francisco from hand-selected gem stone beads and custom metallic clasps. Hard-wearing yet comfortable, the bracelets capture masculinity while staying true to the understated aesthetic the brand has been built upon. Priced at $34 USD, all are now available through the Mister online store. A closer look is offered below with shots by Brad Brok.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Vans Pool Party Series: Visualizing the Lines
Check Rockstar’s Omar Hassan in the Vans online Pool Party series. This episode is called “Visualizing the Lines” and features Steve Caballero along with Lizzie Armanto. Pretty cool indeed. What are your thoughts?
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
J. Cole Craves Krispy Kremes in Michigan [Video]
J. Cole could hardly contain his excitement when rolling up to a Krispy Kreme drive-through in Troy, Michigan, while on the road for Rihanna’s “LOUD” tour. With Detroit MC Big Sean’s “I Do It” playing in the background, the Roc Nation signee satisfied his craving with a dozen donuts and a strawberry milk, and explained why Krispy Kreme is superior to Dunkin’ Donuts. After eating a dozen of these, you’ll need to “Work Out” to his new single.
The Cool Kids Feat. Bun B Gas Station X Summer Jam Ft. Maxine Ashley & Pharrell
The Cool Kids ft. Bun B - Gas Station
The Cool Kids- Summer Jam Feat. Maxine Ashley
The Hundreds 2011 Fall Collection Lookbook
The Hundreds has finally released their long-awaited lookbook for the Fall 2011 collection. Shot amidst the boggy wetlands of British Columbia, the lookbook captures some of the West Coast label’s most promising pieces for the upcoming season. Among the usual offerings of trousers, sweatshirts and beanies, we also get a peek at some pretty impressive outerwear pieces like the “Banger,” an indigo-dyed jean jacket with black jersey sleeves; the “Reloaded,” a hooded varsity jacket with a nylon shell; and the “Storm,” a workwear-inspired piece with leather trim on the pull tabs. See all of the items from the Fall 2011 collection below.
Kanye & Jay-Z Watch The Throne Studio Pics
The throne’s been on watch for quite sometime from Paris to NY and today MTO has some exclusive photos of Jay, Ye and Bey during the album’s creative process. Eat well, drink well and record. Shots from the lab underneath.
Kanye West – SXSW 2011 Performance
During this year’s SXSW festivities, Kanye West invited his G.O.O.D. Music family and close friend Jay-Z to assist him on stage during his much anticipated set. The event’s sponsor, Vevo, has now unveiled quality footage of the performance that include the likes of KiD CuDi, Mos Def, John Legend, Pusha-T, Big Sean, CyHi Da Prynce, Mr. Hudson and of course the Watch the Throne protagonists. Check out above ‘Ye and Jay going “H.A.M” while other videos can be viewed here and below. Enjoy!
Tattly
You're Late(Temporary Tattoos) by Julia Rothman.
"you wear a watch to know what time it is, but usually it just turns out that you're late for something. Save yourself the trouble of reading your watch when all you need to know is that you've got to hustle to catch up to the rest of the day.
PAS House / Skateboard House
The PAS House is the project of a private residence, to be built in Malibu, California. In this house you will be able to skateboard any areas and surfaces, Indoor and Outdoor.
"Each space is skateable as the ground becomes the wall then the ceiling in a continuous surface forming a tube of a 10ft radius. The furniture is also skateable, whether it is integrated in the curve like the sitting area, the kitchen or the bathroom or just as standing object like the dining table, the kitchen Island or the bed. Closets and drawers could be integrated in the curve too. The PAS house is the first house designed to be entirely used for skateboarding as well as being a traditional dwelling. It is the ultimate dream for generations of skateboarders who wanted to bring their practice into their home. "
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