Inspiration at its finest
Dapper Dan is the epitome of a fashion pioneer, but many of today's youth may not be aware of his profound impact in the realm of Hip Hop style. Fortunately, American media and content company Mass Appeal recently had a brief, yet informative sit-down with the Harlem legend to have a discussion about the formation of his famous uptown boutique, clientele, and even who he liked dressing the most.
Check out the clip below:
"We can vibe, but man don't dance!" British Comedian/Rapper Big Shaq has returned to the air waves just in time to provide a new summer banger, ironically titled "Man Don't Dance."
Shaq, who in reality is English funnyman Michael Dapaah, is now a bonafide music star due to his surprising, breakout mega-hit "Mans Not Hot." He hopes to hit the ball out the park with this new jam, and I honestly feel that he might do so. Big Shaq's latest track features a similar flow to the aformentioned single, but with more potent lyrics and a plethora of jokes.
Check out the single for yourself below:
Commemorating the release of Nigo's Human Made Spring/Summer '18 collection in stores, a lookbook is now available showcasing how to precisely put together killer fits using its threads.
Focused on perfecting heritage Americana, the BAPE founder's latest pieces include graphic tees and garments with very subtle detailing (including seams and buttons from aged mills that have been preserved in Japan). My favorite item from the collection is Human Made's Peacock Aloha top featuring hand-drawn artwork. That joint is smooth and extremely suitable for the calm summer nights in NYC (or any popping' city, really).
Check out the rest of the apparel below. Furthermore, you can cop the entire collection here.
If you're looking for love and have exceptional taste in fashion, then Helmut Lang has the perfect offering, handpicked for your liking. Founded by Austrian Designer Helmut Lang, the eponymous label has recently launched its alluring Pre-Fall 2018 collection, featuring 12 real life singles who are all ready to stylishly mingle.
Ranging from Bartender to Nurse Practitioner, the amateur models cannot be seen wearing any of the brand's latest offerings (well, technically only from the shoulders up) as their headshots are stylized to mock late '80s and early '90s dating shows. Hey, at least we all have a chance to get to know who they are (haha). Shout out to the homie Cherie Camacho for her feature (never knew she was into True Crime podcasts, interesting). Check out some of the other "contestants" below:
"I've always been super obsessed with the unique verbiage that goes with personal ads," says Ava Nirui, Lang's digital editor, to Vogue. "I recently had a realization that I'm constantly matchmaking friends and thought it would be fun to invite these friends (and friends of friends) to be a part of the Helmut Lang community, while potentially helping them find love in their lives."
Don't get too caught up in romance because Helmut Lang's new threads are absolutely fire. One of my favorite pieces is their Panel Neck Bomber, as worn by John above.
Shop the new collection here. Oh, and email LOVE@HELMUTLANG.com with the name of your desired boo to potentially link up with them (peep @helmutlang on Instagram for the full range of ads). Good luck!
It's a shame that I just started listening to Mike WiLL Made-It's Ransom 2 album. Released on March 24th of last year, the super producer's debut project contains a slew of undeniable hits featuring his Ear Drummer Records crew members and many of today's brightest Hip Hop stars.
One of my favorite cuts from the album, "Aries (Yugo)," co-starring Pharrell Williams and Station Wagon P was remixed a few months ago. Its added star-studded cast (Rae Sremmurd, Big Sean and Quavo) totally enhances the potency of the song. I'm all about the track's motivating aspect, "just be that n*gga with the bag/so when they say: 'who is that?'/oh, that's the n*gga with the bag/they be like: 'who that rolling past?'/oh, that's that n*gga with the bag," Skateboard P sings on the hook.
Check out the scorching visual for "Aries (YuGo) Part 2" (literally, though, it was shot in the desert) below:
Russ is back at it again with his self-empowering ways by releasing a fiery, finger-pointing new track called, "Sore Losers."
By the song's title alone, you can already infer that the multi-talented spitter (oh, you didn't know he produces, mixes, masters and writes all his records?) isn't backing down from any new age rapper who wants all the smoke!
"A lof of kids are poppin' xans and sippin' lean now/A lot of rappers using Instagram to teach how," the New Jersey bred rapper says in the mellow tune. "A lot of kids Od'ed that you don't read 'bout/Cause they don't follow rappers, they just follow fiends now/But I'm the bad guy for callin' it out/I come in clutch with the truth, y'all stalling' it out/I only get in trouble when I say the truth/Which means you gettin' fed lies every day, you fools."
The 5 minutes and 16 seconds track contains no chorus, yet is still intriguing due to Russ' hard-hitting bars on Hip Hop's current roster of gimmicky, drug-promoting players. Similar to the single's chill vibes, its accompanying visual is pretty raw as it features Russ kicking it with a couple of day ones in a lavish living-room-turned-recording-studio.
Check out the Edgar Esteves-directed clip below:
In our modern-day society, better known as "Generation Y," social media networks have connected millions of people all around the world. Instagram, specifically, has been the cause of new friendships and even business opportunities.
Although I've lived in Atlanta full time since the age of 12, between those years I also resided in Miami, Florida. Due to my sporadic periods living in the MIA, I've gained a significant amount of friends there. If you are in any way familiar with Miami, you can definitely understand how true the saying "what a small world," is. Everyone seems to know each other, so for obvious reasons, it is common to have lots of mutual friends. The funny part is that you initially meet these individuals through Instagram.
Meet Elias Becker, better known as E. Current. I've known him since I was about 14-years-old through mutual friends in Miami. At just 18 years of age, Elias has gained a following well over 17,000 and has captured legendary moments on the gram since he was 12. As long as I have known him he has always been next level.
Becker was born in Germany. Elias' father, Boris Becker, was once Germany's number one professional Tennis player. He has won five year-end championships, 13 Masters Series titles and an Olympic gold medal in Doubles. His mother, Barbara Becker, is an American designer, actress and former model. So, yes—as you may be able to recognize, talent runs in his genes. Elias moved from Germany towards the end of 1999 to his current residence of Miami. I can easily recognize how the city's live and distinct nature influenced his style.
I recently sat down with Elias to get his take on life, inspirations, dating life and find out about his future endeavors. Check out our conversation below:
SIR JULIEN: How did you come up with your nickname, "E. Current" ?
ELIAS: I was on a FaceTime call with my friend Nasir like two years ago. We were talking about social media and [how] we wanted our online personas to reflect what we had in mind. Marvel superheroes were always an inspiration to us, so I first came up with "E. Current" to be an off-duty superhero with a secret ability to create waves and currents. I liked the sound of it, too, so I kept it. Then, as time went on, I thought of it as being in the flow or progression of a person.
SIR JULIEN: I know tons of people who love your style. Who inspires you when it comes to expressing yourself through fashion?
ELIAS: I think that my family really helped me find a way to express myself the most. But in fashion, I was influenced as a kid by Kanye West, Pharrell Williams, Odd Future and ASAP Rocky.
SIR JULIEN: What are your favorite clothing lines right now?
ELIAS: I like a couple of lines. Sacai, Heron Preston, and Juun J are some, just to name a few.
SIR JULIEN: What is the most exclusive piece that you own?
ELIAS: My favorite piece right now are my grills from my homie Jonathan Raksha. Those are so cold!
SIR JULIEN: Would you ever consider dropping your own merch line or E. Current collection?
ELIAS: Yeah, I'm actually working on a fashion, film and music collective at the moment. It's expected to drop later this year. Stay tuned.
SIR JULIEN: What is most important to you when it comes to dating in Miami? I know it can be difficult. Do you have any advice for anyone?
ELIAS: I'd probably suggest not getting mixed up in all the pointless drama and try to find someone that you feel comfortable with all the time.
SIR JULIEN: Do you sometimes feel like people expect you to follow in your father's footsteps as a Tennis player or are they pretty much supportive of whatever career path you choose to take?
ELIAS: People who don't know me usually expect me to do something in the sports world. [Although] I really love sports, it isn't a passion of mines.
SIR JULIEN: What is your passion then?
ELIAS: My life passion is filmmaking. I really feel comfortable and at home when I'm writing scripts and directing my own films. I'm not sure yet what I want to do as a profession, but it has to be in the film industry. Whether it's in the way of art, directing photography, being a director/producer, or maybe even acting would be cool.
SIR JULIEN: So, I know you're a big fan of Los Angeles. Would you ever consider to move there in the near future?
ELIAS: I'm going to university in London next year, but who knows where I'll be after that. Maybe I'll stay or go to New York or LA for film school. We'll have to wait and see what my future holds.
SIR JULIEN: How do you want to be remembered?
ELIAS: I want to be remembered as a compassionate and giving person. My ultimate goal is that my work serves as a legacy and is appreciated.
SIR JULIEN: What is the best advice you ever received?
ELIAS: Never give up and work hard—eventually you'll get to your destination.
Written by Sir Julien George
"I need to feel your essence in my presence if you with it. I guarantee you won't regret you did it," J. Cole raps at the end of his second verse on Miguel's ballad "Come Through and Chill." Well, I'm sure they didn't regret their own decision to finally unveil the music video for the age old, yet potent single!
Directed by Kevin Calero, the visual is released less than a week after Jermaine shocked the world with his new rap album, KOD. It features the "Coffee" crooner on a chair singing smoothly to a love interest. Cole is found doing the exact thing. The only difference is that he's spitting some real stimulating bars to a shorty from a pay phone (haha).
If you're fortunate enough to have your significant other nearby, call them over to watch the clip below:
Based in Montreal, Canada, Men I Trust began in 2014. The indie band consists of five members, which includes Emma (Vocalist/Guitarist), Dragos (Keyboard player/Guitarist), Jessy (bassist), Alexis (Bassist) and Mathieu (Drummer).
The group's single "Show Me How," has a bass that caresses your soul. The track keeps my head bopping while relaxing my core all at the same time. The song is simply about unrequited love. Emma is singing about someone who she can't seem to stop loving—even if her affection will never be returned.
Enjoy the Men I Trust-directed visual for their tune below:
Written by Kareem Hilaire
"I can't speak for everybody else, but I don't want nobody in my pocket, nobody in my mind, nobody telling me what to do," says Juice from Flatbush Zombies after Elliott Wilson inquired about his rap group's decision to remain independent. I couldn't agree more with what the wild-bearded spitter stated—why would an artist want to be handcuffed to a major label when there are a number of ways (in this digital age) that he/she can "pop" independently?
This is just one of the many thought-provoking questions asked by Mr. Wilson during an interview with the Brooklyn Rap trio on his new show, Car Test. Not familiar with the Tidal original series? Well, each segment showcases the respected Hip Hop journalist riding around with a musical guest as he listens to and discuss their most recent body of work. The program's latest episode, featuring the Zombies, is the first that was taped in New York City.
While cruising through my old stomping grounds of Flatbush in a dollar van (true BK heads know about those), Meech, Erick Arc Elliot and Juice previewed their phenomenal sophomore album, Vacation In Hell.
Check out the bumpy ride below:
Aww man, it's always great to hear Cudi back at it again spitting potent bars on atmospheric beats. Although Scott's latest tune titled, "The Rage," is found on the soundtrack of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's latest movie Rampage, it could easily be a bonus track in any of his iconic albums.
The single, produced by Ben Billions and Kid Cudi's longtime buddy and collaborator Dot Da Genius, samples the legendary alternative rock group The Smashing Pumpkins' classic 1995 track, "Bullet With Butterfly Wings." If Cudi plans to drop more songs like this in the near future, his next project is sure to be one for the ages!
Check out his latest groove via Spotify below:
It's been a minute since I posted a video from my longtime e-friend Merlin Bronques aka LastNightsParty. If you're new to the blog, or simply don't know who he is (shame on you), I'll just say that Merlin is a deity when it comes to nightlife photography. Furthermore, his spellbiding captures of some of the finest female specimens on the planet are unmatched, in my humble opinion.
The multi-talented lensman's latest Youtube upload is a must-see for all budding photographers who are painstakingly avoiding to take bland shots of a poppin' party.
"You miss out on so much of the world by acting cool," Bronques candidly states at the beginning of the clip, right before he mistakenly falls in the hot tub at a Grammys afterparty. For most, this would be an embarrassing move, but for the smooth Canadian cameraman it is just a perfect segue that easily allows him to flourish.
Check out what transpires next below:
Ravyn Lenae is doing R&B in her own way. The Chicago-based songstress just released her EP, Crush, earlier this year. The project consists of five songs, all produced by Steve Lacy. Its lead single, "Sticky," is a bonafide hit that sticks like grits!
The tune is about a love that seems to be ending shortly. Ravyn is pleading for her lover to do his part in the relationship. The visual for the track involves vibrant colors and features the soulful singer grooving to the track while the camera circles around her.
Check out the Weird Life-directed clip below:
Written by Kareem Hilaire
Man, I'm still thinking about the incredible SoHo Sounds event I was invited to last week hosted by Soho House. The building (more like empty factory) was filled with so many entrepreneurs, models and just straight up dope individuals who are thriving in their respective creative fields.
Not only were the vibes on point, I was able to connect with so many people that I haven't seen in years. One of my long lost acquaintances was DJ, who is affiliated with the A$AP MOB. After we kindly greeted each other I had to come clean and state my distaste for Rocky's 2 previous Soundcloud releases. Fortunately, I was told those loosies were not included in his much anticipated album and that fire is on the way. Well, I'm really happy to see that he was right as Flacko recently appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform a medley of pleasing tunes that are speculated to be on his forthcoming project.
Not only did we get a performance from the braided-up spitter, he unleashed a mind-bending new visual for one of his new tracks titled, "A$AP Forever," featuring Moby.
Check out the Dexter Navy-directed clip below:
The lil' broski Ishmael Raps has been quite busy since he moved to Brooklyn from his hometown of Rochester, New York. Luckily, the budding spitter found some time in between his numerous hustles in the Big Apple to deliver a brand new visual of him absolutely murdering Rich The Kid's "New Freezer," beat.
Check out Raps' "Don't Freeze" (New Freezer Freestyle) below:
Out of thin air, Tyler, The Creator unleashes a brand new single with its accompanying music video!
Titled "OKRA," the bass-heavy banger features the Golf Wang general spitting the most fiery, braggadocious bars. I'm sure this is quite a surprise for Tyler fans who are accustomed to indulging in his often off the wall, meticulous storytelling tracks. Not only is he showcasing his flashy side in raps, the budding mogul is actually starting to rock trendy threads besides his own. I guess that's what naturally transpires when you're good buds with ASAP Rocky.
Check out the luminescent, Wolf Haley-directed clip for the song below:
I pride myself on easily pinpointing individuals who are destined to make their mark in the creative industry. Racks Hogan is one of the special bunch. I initially met the self-proclaimed 'Stylish Stoner' when he stopped by the BAPE store for the very first time. His presence was felt as soon as he stepped through the door due to his animated personality...and loud distinct voice (I heard his raspy roar all the way from the sneaker stockroom on the second floor of the shop!).
It wasn't a huge surprise when the Akron, Ohio-raised social media personality instantly transformed into an internet sensation from his hilarious cameos on Complex's Supreme drop series hosted by Emily Oberg. As a matter of fact, during the early stages of his SoHo buzz I bluntly asked him when he was going to have his very own show! Racks only replied with a sinister grin so I knew something was cooking. Fast forward a few years and here he is as the host of Complex News' new segment, "Get In Line."
Recently the dreaded up hypebeast (respectfully said of course) sat down with the sneaker gods of Sole Collector's online show Full Size Run, to discuss his grind, compare Kanye West's Yeezy's with Virgil Abloh's Off-White kicks, and even review one of Supreme's latest drop.
Check out the clip below:
A few articles ago, my contributing writer Sir Julien George penned a dope article about the soul-grabbing crooner H.E.R. Now, I'm happy to announce that she has finally unleashed the much-anticipated music video for her notorious single, "Focus."
The moody track initially appeared on the mysterious songstress' H.E.R. Volume 1 project, which was released back in 2016. It also made a special appearance on last year's H.E.R. Volume 2: the B Sides. As you can see, it took quite a while for the song's visual to be released, but when a body of work is so timeless, who cares?!
The clip features H.E.R. painstakingly attempting to get the attention of her inattentive boo, played by the homie Elijah Craig. Want to know if she finally got through to him? Check out the Shane Adams-directed vid below:
"Oh boy, I'ma have to call them boys on you. Aw damn, I'ma have to call that man on you." Only Jhene Aiko can make a menacing song sound so soothing and relaxing. Big Sean's boo latest single "Never Call Me," found on her sophomore album Trip, takes aim at a despicable ex-lover.
The soulful songstress released not one, but two compelling visuals for the track. The first is a metaphorical movie-like clip that depicts Jhene as Izanami no mikoto, a Shinto goddess who specializes in creation and death. A funeral is shown at the end of the video signifying a renewal of spirit. "The funeral is for a man I knew personally. A man who lost his way," Aiko states to Refinery 29. "A man who played the victim in a situation where he was surely not. A man who is a liar and a cheater. A man who has lost his pride and integrity due to his deceptive ways and lack of understanding love. This funeral is a funeral for his ego. In this visual, I portray the goddess of creation and death, coming to collect his poor spirit and set it free."
The "Slauson Hills" music video version of the song is my favorite one due to its rawness. The visual finds the multi-racial cutie in her hometown around close family members and neighborhood killers! Furthermore, Kurupt's verse (TBH, he's just talking his gangsta sh*t) sees the light of day in this iteration.
Check out the Topshelf JR-directed vid below:
Which one is your favorite? Comment below!
Last February, during an interview with DJ Whoo Kid, Migos frontman Quavo was asked about his past collaborations with Drake and stated, "He always be popping up and letting us know he sees us. We ain't got no relationship with him, but I know he watching and he respect the wave and he knows what's going on." Well, one year later the rap titans have solidified their partnership by teaming up to deliver a colossal new banger by the name of, "Walk It Like I Talk It."
The single, found on the celebrated Hip Hop trio's latest album Culture II, is a bouncy tune that'll have you doing the robot like you're strolling down the Soul Train line. As a matter of fact, its visual is an ode to the iconic American music/dance TV program. The fictitious show, hosted by the host with the most "Ron Delirious" (played by the hilarious Jamie Foxx), features a groovy performance by the "Versace" boyz and the Lionel Richie-esque 6 God.
Check out the Daps & Quavo-directed clip below: