Red Table Talk W/ Kid Cudi

Mr. Rager himself, Kid Cudi is the latest guest on Red Table Talk, starring Jada Pinkett Smith, Willow Smith and Adrienne Banfield-Norris.  The Facebook sponsored American web series is known for its intimate conversations with some of the industry’s most influential figures. This particular episode touches on mental illness and addiction.

Aside from cooking up groundbreaking tunes, Cudi was known as the jokester during my time working with him at BAPE.  One would of never thought he was dealing with inner demons—especially after his skyrocketing success in the music and television industry.  “Well, That’s where most of the bad stuff came in because I had to live up to be this person,” Scott states after he was asked about being the hero of an entire generation. “It’s like doing a comedy, but you’re miserable. It’s like my life was this show and I was always supposed to be on.”

Furthermore, the former “How To Make It In America” star spoke of how he used drugs during his depression as an escape because no one was there to mentor him.

Fortunately, Cudi has been off cocaine for about two years and is now looking to consistently hum his way back into the hearts of adoring fans.  While you’re waiting for some new entrancing tunes, check out the clip below:

Claustrophobic (Music Video)

Man, kudos to my little sister for putting me on to PJ Morton.  If the multitalented crooner looks familiar, it’s because since 2012 he’s been one of the keyboardist for Adam Levine’s super successful pop rock band, Maroon 5.

I would of dug a little deeper into the background of the Grammy-nominated New Orleans artist, but words aren’t needed when an act is that good—the music always speaks for itself. Allow me to present “Claustrophobic,” the first single from Morton’s 2017 album, GUMBO.  The song truly is an anthem for all artists who are unapologetically two-stepping to the beat of their own drum. (makes sense why I like it so much.)

Check out the inspirational tune’s visual below, and if you loved what you heard, feel free to explore his fascinating discography.

LA PRKWY Tunes: Days In

Elijah Mora is working diligently to shine bright in the mainstream Hip Hop scene.  I met the emerging rapper this summer while on a shoot with photographer Deandre Mitchell.  Admittedly, I had no clue Elijah was going to tag along, but I’m glad he did. During our various location changes we had a chance to bond and I was thoroughly impressed by his ambition.

The confident 23-year-old spitter is representing the Big Apple to the fullest—more specifically, Laurelton Parkway. Born in Brooklyn with Haitian roots, Elijah and his family moved to the aforementioned Queens suburb at the young age of seven.  “I grew up in Laurelton, definitely a West Indian middle-class area, not the worst of hoods but having friends in different areas showed me shit ain't sweet,” he states. “Although things settled down now, I legit remember days when I couldn’t take my phone out on the bus in certain neighborhoods. Queens just prepared me for the world in general and how to stay on point. Anything can happen at any time.”

With his head on a swivel and an insatiable appetite for success, Mora unleashed a mixtape commemorating his beloved setting aptly titled, LA PRKWY Tunes. The sonic body of work consists of eight original tracks produced by fellow burgeoning artists OOLUWAA, Losco and Wavy J.  Setting himself apart from the pack, Elijah produced a short film alongside More Like This Media titled, LA PRKWY Tunes: Days In, to fully accent the tape’s four premier tracks. He further explained the visual’s significance by saying: “I felt like I have the mind for it, so why not bring a cinematic aspect into music. I was trying to capture just a day in the life type of feel. Kind of like watching the movies ‘Boys In The hood’ or ‘Friday’, showing you different areas of where I’m from and how we maneuver.”

Sit back, relax and watch an eventful day in the life of Elijah Mora below:

Rox Brown's Air Jordan 1s

The growth of Rox Brown is incredible!  During the early years of my dominance at the New York location of Nigo’s former empire, Roxanne was making her own mark at Pharrell Williams’ Billionaire Boys Club/Ice Cream shop in SoHo.  After BBC, she moved on to be the “it girl” at VFILES, while solidifying herself as one of Downtown’s shining personalities.  Her consistent grind has paid off as she is now living her dream as a full-time stylist and creative director.

Roxy’s latest stunt is in the form of a new sneaker! That’s right, she is the latest influencer who has been given the chance to create a stand-out Air Jordan 1.  Her iteration receives a satin upper in an all-black colorway.  Furthermore, Reflective 3M detailing is spread throughout the shoe with a bright red rose graphic embroidered on the heel and tongue replacing the usual “Nike Air.”  Last but certainly not least, Rox’s signature is hidden within its reflective detailing.

The Rox Brown x WMNS Air Jordan 1 is scheduled to drop at select Jordan Brand retailers on Dec. 12 for $160.

Finding: J-Kwon

“One, here comes the two, to the three, to the four/ Everybody drunk out on the dance floor!” I hope you guys aren’t tired of me and my habitual method of writing song lyrics to kickstart a poppin’ write up. Jay-Z said it best: “What you want me to do?  I’m sorry!”  Whenever I’m in the zone—especially when the article is music centered—my hands start typing whatever Source energy tells me.  This particular piece revolves around a Rapper that most people have forgotten about (his Hip Hop prominence occurred during my braided hair era), J to the mothaf%#$ Kwon!

Recently, BET premiered a new episode of their docu-series, Finding, featuring the “Tipsy” king, where he detailed his struggles and triumphs in the “manipulative” music industry.  He’s more than ready for a major comeback, let’s see what happens!

For now, check out the clip below:

Kawhi's "New" Shoe Deal

Breaking news! Kawhi Leonard has just signed a multiyear contract with none other than the grandfather of all dad shoes, New Balance.

Yup, I know exactly what you’re thinking: “This is a move only Kawhi would make!”  The new face of the Toronto Raptors organization is sort of regarded as a rather...unique NBA superstar with a questionable laugh [insert The Joe Budden Podcast sound effect here], but his latest feat is just as clutch as he is during the final seconds of a championship game.  NB certainly doesn’t have enough hops to jump over the Jumpman, however, they’re dishing out major cash that would entice any player in their elevated mind.  According to ESPN, Leonard, 27, was offered more than $5 million per season, positioning himself among the top 15 shoe endorsement deal earners in the league! Kawhi’s last sneaker venture was with Jordan Brand where they paid him less than $500,000 a year.

Twitter is having a field day with this unexpected news.  Check out some of the humorous tweets below:

The Lion King (Trailer)

“Nants ingonyama bagithi baba!!” The Lion King is arguably the greatest movie ever made.  Disney’s classic animated film initially released in 1994 when I wasn’t able to speak English fluently. Despite the annoying language barrier, the Don Hanh-produced masterpiece was still able to move me in ways that transcended time and thought by its enchanting storyline and spirit-lifting hymns.  When I heard there was a live action remake in the works my younger self was back-flipping for joy, now I’m ecstatic to present its very first trailer.

Premiered on Thanksgiving Day, the CGI teaser accurately displays the opening of Disney’s 32nd animated feature where Simba is raised by Rafiki on Pride Rock to the kingdom’s animals.  Fortunately, my man James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa (he was born for that part), alongside a star-studded cast featuring Donald Glover, Beyonce, Chiwetel Ejiofor and many more.  Additionally, Elton John and Hans Zimmer are returning to fine tune the movie’s magical soundtrack.

Disney’s nostalgic Lion King remake will be released in theaters on July 19, 2019.  For now, check out the trailer below:

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:

D'Evils (Music Video)

Just in case you didn’t follow through and dive deep into the discography of SiR (I briefly mentioned him in my last post), I decided to showcase the video of one of my favorite recent cuts from the sensational TDE multi-hyphenate.

Coined “D’Evils,” the irie riddim, found on Sir Darryl’s—yeah, that’s his real name—first full-length album November, samples late reggae artist Billy Boyo’s legendary hit “One Spliff A Day.”  Its flawless production blended in with the Inglewood native’s smooth vocals will most certainly keep your ears on fire during this chilly weather.

Rightfully so, the music video for the blazing single takes place in none other than Jamaica, where SiR is found with his lovely lady taking in the island’s organic vibes, and of course, enjoying “one spliff a day” to keep the evil away.

Check out the scenic, Karena Evans-directed clip below:

Music video for D'Evils performed by SiR. TXDXE.com https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/sir/884211644 Copyright (C) 2018 Top Dawg Entertainment. --- Powered by http://www.vydia.com http://vevo.ly/7EX4AU #SiR #DEvils #Vevo #RandB #VevoOfficial

Old Age (Music Video)

Whenever someone happens to catch me on the cobblestone streets of SoHo (or anywhere else in the city for that matter) they suddenly become bug-eyed and yell out : ”Yo Frendy! you got that Pharrell syndrome—you really don’t age.”  Now, I do not fancy anyone wishing any sort of malady on me, but this particular symptom, I’ll gladly accept. Before you start thinking all crazy, let me just say that I am not anywhere near the legendary super-producer’s length of life. I’ve just celebrated my 25th year on earth just a few more times than the average person  *insert smiley face emoji here*.

Back in August, “TrapHouseJazz” pioneer Masego released a majestic tune which dealt with the theme of age and its irrelevance. Man, let me keep it real, he’s basically crooning about his desire to court a genetically blessed, older woman. “I need me a sugar mama, old lady, foxy mama, sophisticated,” is how the multi-talented singer kicked off his daring single, so you know he ain’t playing no games!  Featuring TDE ’s most slept on and extremely talented artist SiR, “Old Age” serves as a soundtrack for those who are bold enough to shamelessly receive most of the benefits in a romantic relationship *Laughs*.

Check out the track’s comedic, Keoni Marcelo-directed visual with appearances by the hilarious Renny and thicka-than-a-snicka goddess herself Yaris Sanchez as “Ms. Johnson” below:

Wow Freestyle (Music Video)

I’ll start off by apologizing to all of the die hard Jay Rock fans reading this post.  I finally took the time to listen to the TDE lyricist’s Redemption album right after watching the music video for his trunk-rattling hit, “Wow Freestyle.”  That song is so hard I couldn’t hold off listening to the project any longer!

Featuring the incomparable Kendrick Lamar, the 11th track found on Jay’s latest effort truly displays the tandem’s clever wordplay and sensational synergy. Its visual, directed by Jack Begert, finds Top’s artists in their old hood where they use to freestyle before the fame.

Check out the clip below:

Rap Radar Interviews Tay Keith

“Tay Keith, F*ck these N*ggas up!” is arguably the best producer tagline in Rap today.  For the saying to be as potent as it is, the artist behind the infamous line has to actually be lit, and fortunately, the Memphis maestro passes the requirement with flying colors.

The distinguished Hip Hop journalists of Rap Radar recently sat down with the super producer to talk about his origin, schooling, megastar collaborators and more.

Check out the informative clip below:

Human Made x KFC

I haven’t eaten chicken from KFC in about 6 years, but with the announcement of its new collaboration with NIGO’s fashion label Human Made, I just might break my (semi) strict diet to taste what the hoopla is all about.

To be brutally honest, this joint venture is the epitome of a “weird flex but ok,” Instagram caption. Fortunately, the track record of the legendary Japanese designer is more than commendable so, in my book, his unlikely pairing with the fast food chain is…genius (haha).

Not much information is revealed about Human Made’s KFC mash-up but we can expect their delectable debut on November 16, 2018 in NYC. For now, check out the dramatic promotional video captured in Japan below:

Off Deez

“Off Deez” might actually be J.I.D’s very first publicly released song with a J. Cole feature.

Destin (yeah, I just spilled his government name) felt that he wasn’t ready to receive a coveted verse from Dreamville’s head honcho on his 2017 debut album, The Never Story.  Furthermore, the rising spitter wanted to fully express his come-up to the world alone. After one full year—filled with countless fiery freestyles and memorable performances (please go watch his appearance on COLORS)—the East Atlanta native has leveled up, and is now preparing to release his sophomore effort with a little help from several musical heavyweights...and yes, Jermaine is certainly not left out.

Produced by ChaseTheMoney, the Cole-assisted banger is from J.I.D’s forthcoming project Dicaprio 2, which is slated to drop on November 26th, 2018.  I honestly have no words to describe how scorching this track is.  All I can say is that if you had any doubts about why J. Cole signed this dude (seemingly out of nowhere), they will cease to exist after hearing it.

Check out the chune for yourself below:

Fukk Sleep (Official Music Video)

“F*ck popo, police, enemies, fake homies/ Can’t forget that I’m a OG, betta act like you know it.”  With that said, allow me to re-introduce myself--my name is Frendy! Sorry, I know that was a bit corny, but I’m extremely happy to be back writing for y’all. My regular readers would know that I often take breaks from the blog to recharge, and I must say, my latest one week hiatus was much needed.  There’s really nothing more important to me than delivering quality content, so just know that I have plenty more tricks up my sleeves for your inspirational needs.

Speaking of quality, the self-proclaimed PMF A$AP Rocky released an imaginative music video for his Testing stand-out cut “Fukk Sleep,” featuring FKA Twigs.  On paper, the combination of such artists sounds (as Mal from The Joe Budden Podcast would say) crazy.  Fortunately, the sonic outcome is eargasmic.

Produced by Object Animal & O Creative Studio, the Diana Kunst-directed visual opens up with an unconscious Rocky and Twigs in a contraption that disintegrates them into a world of their own, where they are causing major havoc.  The treatment isn’t far off from the duo’s reality as they are both unabashedly riding their own respective waves.

Check out the edgy 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?

Jansport's Desert Collection

Serious cojones were needed in order to rock a fresh JanSport bookbag back in my middle school days.  Yes, owning one of the iconic American apparel company’s bags automatically made you “the man”, but it also came with a hefty price of having to always be on guard against menacing classmates who were ready pounce on your unattended prized possession. (especially if the bag was decorated with multi-colored strings on its zipper.) Well, Jansport has returned with a new capsule in hopes of reigniting the grandeur it once possessed.  

Inspired by the sandy desert mountains, their Fall 2018 Desert Collection consists of the SuperBreak backpack, the Fifth Avenue waist bag and the Half Pipe FX mini.  Constructed with soft leather and suede, the bags are available in “mistral grey”, “vintage brown” and good ol’ black.

The Desert Collection is now stocked at NYC’s Extra Butter and will be sold at Jansport’s official website on October 28th.  Check out its lookbook below:

Who Hurt You?

Other than his surprise feature on the remix of fellow Canadian crooner Jessie Reyez’s smash hit single, “Figures,” and Anderson .Paak’s band Free National’s banger “Beauty & Essex,” Daniel Caesar has been laying low for the most part of 2018.  That is until now. Recently, the Freudian soul singer released a brand new single, which revealed a mildly wilder side of him we’ve never heard (or seen) before.

Titled “Who Hurt You?” The T-Pain-assisted jam finds Daniel singing about his infatuation with a bootylicious stripper from Atlanta who goes by the name of Priscilla. (I know, he took a page right out of Pain’s book.) Now, you might be confused at why the song is coined in such a mellow manner, but after a few listens, it can be inferred that the former dreadlock artist (yup, he chopped them off) is simply finding solace after a heart-wrenching heartbreak.

Check out the Jordan Evans & Matthew Burnett-produced scorcher for yourself below, and let me know if my deep dive is valid or not.

Kareem's Pick: UMI

For some reason, nostalgia always feels heavier in the fall. Music can vocalize the emotions that are hard to put into words. “Remember Me” by UMI is the perfect translation of how I’ve been feeling on the low.  

The Los-Angeles based singer/songwriter/angel ‘s track reminds me of a few risky texts I’ve sent in my lifetime. In the song, UMI pens a heartfelt letter to an ex lover detailing the memories they made together.

Nostalgia isn’t always gentle. Thankfully, this song reminds me that I’m not the only one suffering.

Written by Kareem Hilaire

The Flame Style 36 SF

These new kicks from Vans are absolutely fire in every sense of the word! This summer, my shoes of choice were the Flame Old Skool Blacks from the popular American skate company so I’m really happy to see that they’ve made a new iteration of the scorching silhouette.

Coined the Flame Style 36 SF, the fiery footwear is made in a monochrome colorway (unlike the aforementioned sneaker with orange and red flames embellished on each of its side).  The Flame Style 36 SF features an UltraCush insole and a rubbertoe cap. Furthermore, the Style 36 SF Vans includes sturdy canvas and suede uppers, water-based inks and glues, and classic waffle rubber outsoles.

Cop your pair now for a measly $62 here.