Would You Like Paper or Paper?

A few days ago, while checking out at Trader Joe’s, I kindly asked the cashier to pack my groceries in a plastic bag. Surprisingly, he told me that they stopped using them altogether! I usually have my handy-dandy tote bag on deck for these types of situations, but since it was an impromptu appearance (with very little groceries), I thought why not?  Abolishing plastic bags, though, is definitely a smart move for the environment’s sake. New York is following suit, as it might be the second state to ban single-use plastic bags.

After numerous failed attempts by the New York State Legislature, lawmakers have finally reached an agreement to put the plastic ban in their budget—voting took place today.  The law, which was initially passed in California, is set to take effect in New York on March 1, 2020. It will include exemptions for fish, poultry, uncooked meat, trash bags, prescription drugs, and restaurant carry-out orders.

I guess we should all start saving the infamous “thank you” plastic bags for souvenir purposes, eh?

Oreo's Creamalicious Lip Balm

Damn, who knew Oreo could be so cheeky?! We’re already enticed to lick off its signature filling and soon we’ll have the option of literally applying the scent of the cookie’s delicious cream on our lips (French kisses will never be the same).

In collaboration with Taste Beauty, the “Stuf,” chapstick is the bestselling cookie company’s first venture into the beauty industry.  Besides Stuf, Oreo plans on releasing a number of limited edition items for a month ahead of National Oreo Day on March 6th.  Keep your eyes peeled and lips pouted because the only way to receive the creme-scented lip balm is by entering a contest on Oreo’s site on February 4th.

While you’re waiting on your chance to cop the very rare Oreo x Taste Beauty ‘Stuf’ lip moisturizer, enjoy 112’s legendary seductive single “Peaches and Cream.” (just imagine the word “Oreo” in front it).

Rio Is Numero Uno

“Beautiful, I just want you to know, you’re the first-ever world capital of architectuuuure.” Don’t mind me, I had a sudden urge to sing my own rendition of Pharrell and Snoop Dogg’s legendary hit “Beautiful,” upon hearing that Rio de Janeiro, the city that they shot its accompanying visual, was picked by UNESCO as the World Capital of Architecture for 2020.

For years, the Brazilian seaside city has been a major tourist attraction due to its ethereal geography, historical museums, delectable food, and of course, poppin’ ass carnivals. As a result of winning the coveted title, Rio will serve as the brilliant backdrop for the International Union of Architects (IUA) World Congress Forum, which is scheduled for July 19-26 2020.  The event is a big pow wow where architects from around the world discuss topics such as mobility and sustainability.

Shout out to Rio one time, man. Let us all celebrate by rocking out to Theophilus London’s ode to the heavenly region:

Frida Kahlo Exhibit

Frida Kahlo was a magnificent Mexican artist who used her short lived, yet eventful life as a muse to produce incredible surreal paintings and self portraits.  Just in time for the holiday season, the Brooklyn Museum has announced a new exhibition chronicling the revolutionary painter’s work.

The show’s title, ‘Frida: Appearances Can Be Deceiving’, perfectly sums up Kahlo’s aesthetic as she concealed her physical disabilities with elegant Tehuana dresses and jaw-dropping accessories.  Tons of Frida’s unreleased artwork, belongings and even hand-painted corsets and prosthetics used throughout her lifetime will be displayed at the presentation.  (Damn, no wonder why it’s the largest U.S exhibition in a decade).

Tickets for the ‘Frida: Appearances Can Be Deceiving’ exhibit are available for purchase at the Brooklyn Museum site on December 3rd. For now, if you don’t know much about the beautiful artist (is it just me or does she really resemble my alt-reality boo Beyonce?), check out the clip below:

A Mess of Gigantic Proportions

On February 11th, 2017 I was fortunate enough to attend the homie Luka Sabbat and Photographer Noah Dillon’s inaugural Hot Mess art installation at Milk Studios.  Premiering in the midst of New York Fashion week, the duo’s exhibit displayed aesthetically pleasing pics capturing their feral adventures.  In less than two years, the creative compadres are back at it again with a larger than life art flex that’ll shut down any hater’s misconceptions.

Ahead of the Hot Mess boys merch release, Sabbat and Dillon have curated bootleg campaigns, titled ‘Free Advertising’, on billboards nationwide—their first stop: New York City. “We shot fake campaigns for select brands and have placed them on billboards in different states throughout America.  Everything shot and creative directed by HotMess corp,” Luka explains on Instagram.  “Will be posting more soon with updates on the rest of the billboards.   Merch will be dropping online for the first time soon.”  The brands on the fictitious Hot Mess campaigns include Snickers chocolate bar, The North face, and even Balenciaga. (Not your average mom and pop labels as you can see.)

The fellas are generating major hype for their first ever merch pieces. Will you cop?

No More Donuts For Dunkin'

Ahh! The title of this article is sensationalism at its best. Although I insinuated that Dunkin’ Donuts would stop selling their scrumptious, frosted delights—they’re really not. Instead, the American coffeehouse and doughnut company have opted to deliberately remove the word “Donuts” from its iconic logo.

Crazy, right? Well, that’s just strategic marketing for you. The meticulous move was made by DD in an attempt to rebrand itself as a chain that predominantly focuses on teas, coffees, and clutch service. According to Dunkin’ reps, beverages—especially coffee—makes up 60% of their US sales. I’m guessing the company caught up to our elevated health conscious ways and decided to “cut the excess fat” from its brand identity (saw what I did there?). “While donuts may no longer appear in our logo, we remain committed to serving our signature donuts and will continue to offer new and seasonal varieties to delight donut lovers everywhere,” says the Chief Marketing Officer at Dunkin’, Tony Weisman.

Starting in January, Dunkin’ Donuts will officially make the name change. What are your thoughts on the surprise switch? (no 6lack).

Jay-Z's Got The Keys

DJ Khaled couldn’t have made a better choice than enlisting Jay-Z to lay down his meticulous bars on “I Got The Keys,” featuring Future. To keep it a buck, I really didn’t like the song—the hook was a bit much—but I did appreciate Jigga Man’s boss talk! If I had to listen to anyone in the Hip-Hop industry rap about having “keys,” it would be Bey’s boo. Heck, the man seemingly has a cheat code to life, and his latest achievement makes yet another valid case for that assumption.

On Monday, Jay and Beyoncé received the Key to the City of New Orleans for their humanitarian work. While on their On The Run II tour stop in the Big Easy, the ballerific couple was surprised by New Orleans’ mayor LaToya Cantrell with the acknowledgment. “The Carters recently launched scholarship funds that will benefit cities on their tour,” writes mayor Cantrell under an Instagram photo of herself and Mr. Carter smiling with the framed key. “The #CityofYes embraces you both with love!.”

Damn, I don’t even think Master P got one of those bad boys yet from his hometown. Should he be concerned?

How To Take Party Photos

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:

Complex Has A New Star

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:

When Naomi Met Skepta

If you still haven't seen the British GQ cover featuring Supermodel extraordinaire Naomi Campbell and UK spitter Skepta canoodling in their undies, then I'll have to seriously question your love for the "culture."  (I'm kind of tired of using that word, you get me?)

The two British superstars were highlighted in the prestigious publication's main story for April, where they both candidly spoke about racism, politics, black power and more.

Following their cheeky shoot, the dynamic duo briefly discussed what it was like to be on the cover of GQ wearing the groundbreaking grime emcee's MAINS boxer briefs and even revealed when they first met.  

Check out the entertaining clip below: