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:

Kareem's Pick: Ravyn Lenae

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

A$AP FOREVER (Video)

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:

Raps' "New Freezer"

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:

SMALL CITY KIDS UP NEXT ~ MIXED BY JOE RICO THE FLOOD ~~~~~~

Tyler Is Talking His Sh*t

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:

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:

Focus (Music Video)

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:

You Should Of Called Jhene

"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!

They Walk It Like They Talk It

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:

Since we're talking about Aubrey (when are we ever not, right?), shout out to Oliver for retweeting my Grailed article on his OVO empire.  If you haven't read it yet, click the link on his Twitter feed or here to do so.

Kareem's Pick: MorMor

Seth Nyquist, better known as MorMor, is a mysterious Singer/Songwriter/Producer from Toronto, Canada.  His soothing single, "Heaven's Only Wishful," pleases all of the senses— there's something about the synths that calms me down.

Indulge in the tune's riveting visual below:

Written by Kareem Hilaire

Luke Cage Season 2

One of my favorite Netflix original series, Luke Cage, is warming up to return to a laptop screen near you (that is unless you're transferring the visual from a portable device to television).

Recently, the popular streaming company released a trailer announcing the second season of my fellow bald-headed broski's Marvel series.  

Check out the first teaser below to find out:

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:

Calabasas Style

Don’t front!  Most of you didn’t have a clue about The City of Calabasas before Kanye West started reppin’ it heavily out of thin air.  Don’t feel bad, though, I wasn’t aware of the super rich California suburb either until I saw its name printed on Ye’s highly sought-after Yeezy pieces.

Now that we’re all somewhat familiar with the exclusive community, let’s go beyond its protective pearly gates and find out what the region’s style is all about.  Refinery 29’s Connie Wang went on a journey to fully comprehend the swag that is dripping in Calabasas (If there's any ragù at all).  I’ll let you watch the video below to find out what transpired.  It's truly safe to say that Yeezy taught them all!

Saweetie Is 'Anti' Everything

Nicki Minaj and Cardi B may have some legit competition on their voluptuous tails!  Bay area rapper Saweetie is rapidly capturing the hearts of females and guys alike all around the World Wide Web with her sweet looks and addictive lyrics.

Recently, the Internet sensation released the music video for her freestyle to fellow West coast rappers SOBE x RBE’s single, “Anti.”  Directed by Bana Bongolan and Soben Phy, the clip finds the Filipino and Black bombshell kicking it with her crew of bad b*tches at the Moonlight Rollerway in Glendale, California.

Check it out below:

For more information on the seductive spitter, check out her informative sit-down with the Ebro In the Morning crew:

H.E.R. vs H.I.M.

If you have not been put on to the alternative R&B songstress, Gabriella "Gabi" Wilson, then what are you really doing?

Better known as H.E.R., the SoCal born singer/songwriter is currently signed to RCA records.  She released her debut album, H.E.R. Volume 1 on September 9th, 2016, featuring hits such as Focus, Losing and U.  Fans took a liking to H.E.R.'s style of anonymity and soulful sounds rather than her actual appearance.  Due to the unexpected amount of success from her initial EP, she was mentioned on iTunes' Best of 2016 R&B/Soul Albums list.  Furthermore, the track, Losing, made the cut on iTune's Best R&B Soul Singles list with over seven million Youtube views!

In October of 2017, H.E.R. released her second album, H.E.R Volume 2.  The project included included "Best Part" featuring Daniel Caesar, which immediately went viral earning her the support from celebrities such as Usher, Alicia Keys, Bryson Tiller, Kylie and Kendall Jenner and so many more.  Rihanna even posted a clip on her Instagram listening to H.E.R.'s hit, Focus.  Rolling Stones said that H.E.R's debut album "shows off her rich, velvety voice and diaristic lyrics about love, pain and all the emotions in between."  At this point in her career, it is safe to consider H.E.R. as an accomplished underground sensation.  That is until H.I.M. surfaced.

Meet the Queens, New York native H.I.M, an acronym for Her In Mind.  The singer is equally as mysterious and deliver the exact smooth sounds as H.E.R.  His debut album was marketed and mastered very well.  The idea of a male version of H.E.R was pretty genius.  H.I.M's career officially began in 2016 when he released his debut album, H.I.M Volume 1, only about two months after the release of H.E.R Volume 1.  The world immediately went berserk, in a good way.  Fans started to suspect that these two similar sounding artists were secretly and item, communicating with one another through their music.  H.I.M and H.E.R's album covers, musical styles and song titles were related.  One fan even tweeted, "When you find out that H.E.R and H.I.M have been communicating through their songs."  

This felt like a revolutionary Romeo and Juliet love story.  The only issue that stood in the way was that the two were not communicating with one another.  In fact, H.E.R has never even met H.I.M.!  He actually stole her entire concept and did it quite well.  Spotify said that H.I.M. "created a more complete response album than anything that has been made and does it from a genuine perspective."  The world still praises him for his musical style that he completely plagiarized.

Although H.E.R is anonymous, she still is findable.  After doing a diligent amount of research, I discovered her personal Instagram account, @GabiWilsonOfficial.  I went though her anonymous Twitter account and found a tweet dating back from September 23rd, 2017 that seemed to be subtweeting H.I.M. for stealing her vibe.  The tweet reads,"It's never cool to copy someone's whole concept and call it a 'response' to try to come up.  Be you!  Be original."

What do you think about these talented songwriters?  Should we be praising H.I.M.'s music?  Let me know in the comments below:

Written by Sir Julien George

There's Nectar & Pleasure In Passion

Rising lyricist Topaz Jones has just unleashed two new tracks in part II of his A side/B side series.  Titled "Nectar," and "Pleasure in Passion," the Montclair, NJ-raised spitter states that both of the songs explore the theme of desire.  "We all want the things we can't have. It can be a motivating factor or take power over you," he further explains.

Check out why i-D magazine dubbed Topaz as New York's Prince of Funk by listening to the jams below: 

ALYX

As of late, Kanye West and even the broski Luka Sabbat have been seen rocking fashionable chest rig bags. In case you didn’t know, these intricate statement pieces are made by Matthew Williams’ brainchild, ALYX.

Some of you may remember Matthew from his days with the popular DJ and art collective Been Trill alongside Virgil Abloh and Heron Preston, but now the stylish California native has his eyes set on conquering the fashion world with total creative control.  ALYX is a perfect mélange of Punk aesthetics and contemplative craftsmanship, which is why it is lauded by the fashion industry’s swaggiest (is that even a word? Ah well, I made it work though).  Founded in February of 2015, the brand initially started out by making women’s clothing and is now slowly becoming a major contender in the menswear scene.

Recently, ALYX unleashed its men's Spring/Summer 2018 collection titled, “Halcyon Blvd,” filled with raw cut leather jackets, leather pants, mesh military vest , cargo pants, chest rigs and many more tactical designs.

Peep the lookbook below:

The entire collection can be bought on ALYX's official website here.

Daniel Caesar's Colors Live Performance

This song right here goes out to my future baby mama!  I sincerely hope you’re reading this wherever you are in the world.  My fault, I got a little carried away there but Daniel Caesar’s “Best Part,” is a tune that’ll magically transform a hard rock into a gem. Or in my case, a simp into a deeper simp (just kidding).

The rising Toronto crooner is the latest artist to stop by Highsnobiety's "Colors" series, which feature the brightest, up and coming musicians doing what they do best. Check out the smooth singer as he serenades with a coffee mug in hand below:

Virgil Abloh x Air Jordan 1 "White" Release Date

Virgil Abloh’s white-hot run in the sneaker game is truly commendable!  For his next footwear feat, the Off-White label founder is scheduled to release the blanc version of his highly sought out sneaker collaboration with Air Jordan 1.

The Virgil Abloh x Air Jordan 1 "White" (USD $190) will be exclusively sold in Europe on March 3rd!  If you know anyone in France that can possibly cop a pair for you, tell him/her to enter the kick's online raffle here.  

Good Luck!

BBC EU x Alpha Industries NASA MA-1 Flight Jacket

Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club clothing line’s EU branch has collaborated once more with the iconic American label Alpha Industries to conjure up a bold new iteration of the NASA MA-1 Flight Jacket.

BBC is all about intergalactic space adventures so its only right that the brand printed its signature space camo on one side of the reversible jacket, while the other is in a bright cyber orange color-way. Wondering why that particular color was chosen?  Staying true to Alpha's ethos, the immensely noticeable orange hue was initially used to rescue personnel in the event of an accident.  The jacket also boasts patches from Billionaire Boys Club's fictitious space missions. 

The BBC EU x Alpha Industries MA-1 Flight Jacket will cost you about £350 ($489 USD) and launches on February 27th via BBC EU's online store.