Nate x Tim and Barry

The boy Nate showcasing his skills for TimAndBarryTV, at the Wholesome store in Shoreditch. Bars aplenty, peep the vid.

6'7"

This track, the first single off "Tha Carter IV" has been out for a few days now, I overlooked it at first but after listening I can assure you it is a banger. Its produced by Bangladesh who made "A Milli" and it's clear the chemistry is there, as the beat is crazy and Wayne goes in as does Cory Gunz.

Lil Wayne (feat. Cory Gunz) - 6'7 (Dirty)

Enjoy

Hercules

Ohio native Stalley serves up the first offering 'Hercules', off his new mixtape, Lincoln Way Nights (Intelligent Trunk Music). Stalley is a regular at DD172 and I personally have interviewed him twice. Here's the first and the second one is coming soon.

Thursday Thoughts- WTF Is Urban?

So another big year, for the UK urban scene with acts like Tinie Tempah reaching the stratosphere, N-Dubz still churning out hits like nobody's business and acts like Roll Deep, Skepta, and Wiley all charting with mainstream dancy tracks, in the case of William and his boys, consistently. Pro Green also had a very good 2010. Devlin, who released his major label debut this year, Bud, Sweat & Beers, earlier this year didn't really deviate from his sound, rapid-fire delivery, lyrical content and thought provoking material. However because of this he was never going to set the world alight, and he didn't, haven't heard the album, but unlike some other acts, will happily give it a listen.

Mainly what my gripe is, the moment when you get signed, the moment every MC/rapper (sometimes artist) dreads, underrated or overpaid? Griminal just inked with Universal a little while ago, we will see if his music steers from him single-handedly repping NASTY Crew at every possible chance to more poppy crossover appeal? 'Supa Dupa', his first release after the signing of his deal, implies otherwise. Not for a second, am I criticising any of these acts or MC's I have mentioned, but with the power of the internet I am surprised. Surprised, we haven't earthed an unknown talent, most of the time, its a popular artist who has been grinding for a while and then finally gets the little push, the backing of a machine and bucket-loads of Pounds on marketing and what not. There's no Kanye West similarity I can make off the top of my head, nor a British hip hop lyricist that has fiends fans going crazy over the product being supplied, like Jay Electronica. Not even a Soulja Boy reference or similarity can be made. Interestingly, Jessie J, Britian's newest Pop Princess, made her name on YouTube as a aspiring singer belting out hits on her bedroom floor.

 I would just like it, if artists on their second album could make songs like 'She Likes To' that would chart Top 20, but the album would sell on the strength of the artist, not whether the first single was soppy or synthy enough. The scene is called urban for two reasons, its not big enough and it has no sound. Hip-hop has trends, soul samples, Auto-Tune, chopped n screwed voice effects, but the sound more or less is the same.

Selling out is cool, I'm all for catchy singles with bait and over-featured R'n'B singers, but having to leave your genre or comfort zone, (can tell this when a song sounds forced), just so radio will pick you up, speaks volumes of a scene in its infancy.

Any thoughts on the 'urban' scene?

Monster

I have been a fan of this track since 'Ye leaked it all those G.O.O.D. Fridays ago. A sneak peek has surfaced and I'm posting in anticipation of the full video. I'm especially looking forward to seeing Nicki Minaj's show stealing performance, "Pink wig, thick ass, give 'em whiplash/ I think big, get cash make em blink fast" This line gets me gassed every time!



The video looks a little scary, but I guess it suits the name of the song.

Enjoy

A Day in the G.O.O.D. Life

G.O.O.D. Music: Pusha T Welcomes Big Sean To Virginia.

In this video, G.O.O.D. music brethren, Pusha T and Big Sean are followed around by Illusive Media, during their time in Pusha's hometown, Virginia. They are seen in the studio with Lex Luger, (B.M.F. and Hard in Da Paint). I have been listening to Clipse from early, I was even reciting Pusha T verses in my Year 9 Maths classes. No lie. Sean has been steadily improving for a while now. Nice video, and reminds me I have to get back to VA, my home from home.

Trapstar A-W '10 Lookbook- Pics and Vid

Video showcasing the upcoming Trapstar collection for the Autumn/Winter collection, which can be picked up in pizza boxes from the brand's flagship store in Portobello Road.  Some stills, below, from the said video shoot.

Video and pictures both by Lau Stevens.

Start It Up

Song has been out for a while, but never with the Pusha T verse on, now things have changed. I go on holiday next Monday, I expect to hear this a lot in the clubs. I also expect when the speakers blare out the 'Vroom Vroom bit', a lot of Aff's doing the Yung Joc motorcycle dance, circa '06.  Banks (one of the best punch-liners ever) getting a buzz again. NICEEEE!!
Lloyd Banks ft. Kanye West, Fabolous, Swizz Beatz, Ryan Leslie, Pusha T – Start It Up (Extended)

Thursday Thoughts - Ugg Boots

Is this fair?

Most probably the most common footwear likely to be found on females come this time of the year. Whether they are authentic or just imitations from shops like New Look or Shoezone, Ugg boots are the shoe boot built for these cold winter days. I must admit I am a fan of girl in Ugg's, especially when they are in good condition cause like most folk I'm sure they'd agree that slumped Ugg's are a sight for sore eyes, what's worse is when they are slumped and I've made the effort to look for the Ugg logo at the back, as soon as they walk past me, only to be greeted by nothing but the sound of the girl dragging her feet.

Is this fair?

That's my venting over, as I was saying they are very common amongst females coming in a variation of styles and colours, and nowadays I've seen a few males wearing them, and they are often slated as gay or camp. I personally think they're alright well only the classic black pair anything else is way too far out of the comfort zone. On my trips to Amsterdam I've seen males in abundance wearing them with Moncler jackets and I must say it drops nicely. That being said no matter how many times I hear how comfortable or how warm they are I highly doubt you will find me galavanting around the capital with them on, well not for now anyway.

So as I leave I ask what are your thoughts on men wearing Ugg's? And also if your Ugg's are slumped or leaning please put them to a side and accept that a new pair (real or fake) maybe your best option.

Real Estate

This song dropped yesterday, didn't play it until this morning and now I cannot stop playing it. No idea about the placement of this song but it (to me anyway) is something special. Wiz Khalifa is really doing a lot on hooks these days, not to say I wasn't listening a while ago. The beat is retarded as well. And yes, another Taylor Gang/JETS related post. Sue me. Listen below.

Wiz khalifa - Real Estate

Thursday Thoughts - Dr Who Capes and 'Chinchilla Fur' Coats

Chinchillas. Not this kind but more like.....

These. Not one of Fif's finest moments.

Almost all high street stores are now selling faux fur jackets, in the store I work in, they also sell these 'fur jackets'. Because of this I have seen how people can try on the ghastly things, and start swanning around or strutting their stuff as if they are modelling the Emperor's New Clothes. In reality, they are just wearing German Shepherd but seem to think they are decked in the finest of Chinchillas.

Now I am not a member of PETA, nor am I an animal lover, my typical West-African diet does not allow me to be one, its a Thursday so I am just sharing my thoughts. Wearing a faux fur coat is cool, but a one that drapes to floor like the one that got Frank Lucas (American Gangster) in trouble or one with bristling with whiskers is a no-no.

Capes

These I am actually cool with, I can respect a woman in a nice cape. Its just that I am concerned to as how far can the Dr Who obsession go? I have even seen tweed blazers coming into play a lot more recently, and even riding boots (No Yeo Valley). I am just saying lets not overdo it ladies, and in this increasingly unisex world we live in, we now have men's jeggings, and open-toed sandals, mandals. I just don't want to see no men or women head to toe in the Good Doctor's gear, hanging around telephone boxes and trying to communicate with Daleks.

Note to manufacturers, not everyone should try their hand at certain clothes, if you pop into ASDA for grapes and walk out with a fur coat, that is not correct.

Shouts to Beezy on this one. What do you think, have any thoughts on capes or 'faux fur'?

VA-G x G-Shock East

Last Friday, there was another G-Shock Session held at the G-Shock Store in Brick Lane. In conjunction with the Casio brand, VA-G (Visual Artistic Garments) displayed a limited number of collaborative pieces on the night. Artists and DJs on the night included the likes of Wretch 32, Cherri V, Marcus Nasty and Random Impulse. Video footage shot by Henry Houdini.

Skepta vs N-Dubz

Another calloboration from Skepta and N-Dubz

Another catchy hook, and more solid verses frome Skepta and Dappy. Plus a catalogue of 'Trapstar Clothing'

Enjoy.

Trapstar Starter Cap

For ages I've been after a snapback and I've always had a soft spot for London street brand 'Trapstar'. When i showed my brother ItsNate of Itstheleak (make sure you check that blog) that I was after a snap back he told me to get a Raiders starter cap, I just never got round to purchasing it. 

Call me lucky but Trapstar have remade the Raiders starter cap with their own spin on it, which is to be released on the 26th. Although it's not conventional for the current weather I'm still going to pick it up, I guess I'm getting the best of both worlds here!

Grenade

Second single off Bruno Mar's debut album, Doo Wops and Hooligans. Great song, nice video from an exceptionally talented singer-songwriter.

J'Aime Mon Carre! Launch Party

The other night, French high fashion house Hermes, hosted a launch party in the celebration of their campaign J'aime Mon Carre, which translates into 'I Love My Scarf' coming to East and West London. In East London at the Rochelle School of Arts, from the 18th to 21st November. In West London, the festivities will begin on Ledbury Road from the 25th November onwards.

Myself and some of the other Likely Lads, were present at the launch party. There were scarves elaborately placed everywhere, over tables, hanging from the walls, you name it, it was done. War Paint, an experimental rock group from LA, provided the evening's entertainment and there were delightful fancy fingerfoods on hand and as well as free drinks. Good times were had, photos below.

Shouts to Mister Lego.

Thursday Thoughts - Diamonds Are Forever?

In the past week, it was made public that rapper Jay Electronica has signed to Roc Nation. This might not jump out as you read, but I aim to explain and help you understand what is going on and why I have selected this story as the topic of my Thursday Thought.

Jay Electronica was is an undeground artist hailing from New Orleans,  building a buzz and demanding attention from the mainstream hip hop community as well as purists after dropping underground gems such as "Exhibit A" and "Exhibit C".  Below is the much-talked about "Exhibit A".

 Jay Electronica - Exhibit A (Transformations) (Produced by Just Blaze)

Fans and critics alike have been singing his praises and annointed him as the next "God MC" and have placed the burden of him to restore Hip-Hop back to a "healthy" state for some, maybe back to the days of ATCQ (A Tribe Called Quest) or something similar to The Roots or Mos Def. As a result the buzz Jay Electronica has built for himself, it was only a matter of time before the majors came fishing for his signatures. Big names such as Nas, T.I. and Diddy all asked where he was going to make his recording home, and when he would drop his mainsteam debut LP. Keeping many in the dark for almost a year now he has just signed to Roc Nation as I mentioned before.

This may have raised a few eyebrows, as it did it to mine. I've asked myself on many occasions was it the right move, as labels ultimately hold the cards and tend to interfere with artists work too much. Thus not showing the true colours of the artist but showing that they can make what will sell  at the current time.

Jay Eletronica also was good friends with Mr Carter's former partner in crime, Dame Dash. Jay Elec has been found at  DD172 on many occasions, and has recorded with several DD172 artists such as Mos Def and Curren$y. What will Dame make of this move? Respect his friend's business acumen or see this as an act of betrayal?

 Amanda Diva, Dame, Curren$y and Jay Elec back in the gold ol' days.

Also I asked myself him working under Jay-Z would he flourish as an artist as the current roster boasts J. Cole as well as Willow Smith both acts in which I believe his time will be dedicated to, to add insult to injury while Jay-Z was the head of Def-Jam some may argue his time in that position was not utilised correctly. That being said, some may argue that him signing to Roc Nation will introduce him to a whole new audience, however his die hard fans will hope that he does not become consumed of the idea of chasing platinum selling albums but rather focusing on making a classic LP.

Recently to hit the net is a track that features Jay Electronica, Mr Carter, The-Dream and Charlotte Gainsbourg called "The Shiny Suit Theory".

Jay Electronica featuring Jay-Z, The-Dream & Charlotte Gainsbourg - Shiny Suit Theory

When I first heard this I had to shout my brother Kwarmz just to make sure he has heard what I had just listened to, if this is a product of what is to come then all Jay Electronica fans have nothing to worry about as the chemistry shown on the track is nice.

What do you think about Jay Elec's decision?

Stay tuned for next week's Thursday Thought with Kwarmz.

Jetlife To The Next Life

If you have been keeping up with this blog for a while, following me on Twitter or have me as a BBM contact, you would know I have been going on about this album for way too long. I tried to order the album in the past (twice) and could be only satisfied with the physical copy. My HNW brother Dante, surprised me with this the other day, when he rolled to my house and presented me with this gift. Much love. I had to commemorate this special occasion.

JETS. Just Enjoy This Shit. 

Matty,  I got you.

NSW - Destroy To Create

Nike Sportswear recently held an event at 1948, in celebration of a new series of the Destroyer Jacket. On display, were previous jackets from older collections, work by the likes of Mike Cavendish x Duffy and I Have Pop to name a few names. There was free booze, a boxing ring, for some surreal boxing match with two female boxers. It wasn't weird because the brawlers were females but because it had just followed a mental moshpit in the ring, minutes before. Ohio native, Stalley performed as well. Nate and Blackstar were in attendance with me on this occasion.

Peep the pics below.

Thursday Thoughts

From next week, you can expect a brand new weekly feature, Thursday Thoughts. Myself and the boy Dantz at HNW, will be expressing our opinions on a variety of topics. We will take alternate turns, so I will start next week and then Dante the following week, and so forth and so on.

Just giving you lot the heads up. Blog Out

An Animal A Day Keeps The Doctor Away

My good friend  sorry my motherfucking homeboy, Mister Lego, is holding his own exhibition later on in the month. The Firm is presenting the exhibition which will run from the 18th November to the 4th December.
A multi-talented designer, with a sinister sense of humour and an intricate style, the exhibition will allow you to delve further into the mind of Mister Lego.

Private View: Thursday November 18th
 Location: The C.A.M.P. 70-74 City Road, London, EC1Y 2BJ

RSVP: info@thefirmbiz.co.uk

An Animal A Day Keeps The Doctor Away - Misterlego from misterlego on Vimeo.
Enough from me, check out the work for yourself.

What I've Been Up To...

As of recent times, I've been quite busy doing nothing out of the ordinary but just doing me, this mainly consists of being the poster boy for the "Corporate Monkey" 2010 Autumn/Winter collection. I haven't been strutting down no cat walk, just running across the shop floor back forth in order to raise those funds at some unsociable hours. Trust me it's peak!





Apart from that I've picked up Call of Duty: Black Ops I didn't queue up at midnight though. My place of employment had me ready to clock in at the early hours of the morning, so any thoughts of queueing up had to be abandoned. I've been playing for a few hours, already addicted and I haven't even gone online yet. I'm still getting preping myself for all the sharp shooting, abuse and banter that comes with it.

Currently Friday seems so far away but with that said, J Cole's album seems much further with no release date in sight. All fans like myself must sit and wait patiently, until then he has a mixtape dropping this Friday called "Friday Night Lights". If the new tape is like "The Warm Up", then we will all be nice.

I'm also feeling the new Ruff Sqwad video called "Champion", it takes me back to days of Anna and De Ja 92.3 FM, Mondays 4-6, minus a few man but none the less it still has that Ruff Sqwad vibe to it.



Anyway as today comes to an end, it is essential that I try catch up on some sleep, as when the sun rises so do I, to reclaim the title of corporate monkey. On that note I would like to state that I do have papers and the right to be in this country.

Enjoy

Lost Pics and Random Sh!t

I was going through my computer and my phone the other day, and thought these pics needed to be shared with others. A lot of them I thought I had deleted it, so I was pleasantly surprised to still see them. Warning: Some of these pictures are completely random.

Looks like someone just came home.

2 Peas In A Pod- Classic, I had to stay behind and capture the moment.

Lazy Journalism. He actually is 29, but The Sun thought as he is Nigerian.... well you know the rest.

.

Midget sized bottle of Dettol. If life is rough, and you cannot get access to pills, graze your knee,pour the whole bottle on the cut and you might do some serious damage.

Rise And Grind. I understand the need to advertise, but a little compassion

here would not have gone amiss. The poor guy only had a t-shirt and some headphones in his ear. I hope whatever music he was listening to that day, was real motivational.

Shitto, I was not bored at the time. I had to verify something with my brother.

Suarez. Full time striker, part time goalkeeper. If this guy ever happens to get lost in Ghana or North London, it will be a wrap for him.

Lyon's Miralem Pjanic. The 20 year old is one of the most technically gifted players in European football right now. Mark my words. He WILL be a worldwide superstar in years to come.

Well Done

Young Money's Tyga is back with the release of his latest mixtape, 'Well Done'. Tyga has been doing his thing lately, spazzing over famous beats, touring all over the place, he is due to come back to Europe in January, and scoring a #14 position on the Billboard Hot 100 off a mixtape record, 'Deuces'.

This mixtape mostly consists of freestyles on popular beats, but one of the highlights for me, is the track below, with his new best friend Chris Brown, on 'Wonder Woman'. Chris killed the hook and then some. Talented rapper, witty lines and a real nice flow, check out the tape some time.

 Tyga - Wonder Woman (feat. Chris Brown)  

Lacoste 12 Legends

My favourite brand of all time, Lacoste, (check this blog's first post) have come up with a fresh and innovative way of reworking some of their most signature sneakers. Mr Renè Lacoste, created the world-famous L.12.12 polo shirt, back in 1933. Now Lacoste have teamed with 12 collaborators from different fields and industries to help bring some new and exciting design ideas to life. Record label Stones Throw have been tapped up, as well as retail giant, i-d Magazine and Japanese high fashion desinger, Ato, this gives you an idea on the variety of brands working together with the company. Lastly, the entire rage will be (smartly) available on 12/12, December 12.

Below, are just some of the trainers available from the 12 Legends range.

Spotted @ Hypebeast.

Too Fake

Big Sean - Too Fake (Ft. Chiddy Bang) from illRoots.com on Vimeo.


Visual for G.O.O.D. Music Artist, Big Sean and the track off his Finally Famous Vol.3 mixtape, featuring Chiddy Bang. Nice video, some cool effects by the folks over at illRoots. My little sister put me on to Sean like a year and a half ago, and in that time he has come a long way. On this track, Sean displays some clever lines and some nice melodies. Chiddy does his thing as well.

Christmas Has Come Early For Some

My HNW brother, Dante, might be just be busting his favourite dance move, the Stanky Legg right about now.  For his wildest dreams have come true, Gucci have made 3D glasses. Not that he will not care too much about the 3D experience, but more so relieved whenever he is at the cinema, he will not need to take off his glasses, and others will envious be in their geeky big 3D spectacles. At the moment, only available from American stores, I have already joined the mailing list, the moment UK stockists get their hands on them, I will be getting asked for online verification. One man's rubbish is another man's treasure.

Overproof

PnB x Tim and Barry x Stop Beggin' throwing another party. Good times and drunken times can be expected.

Fast Lane

The newest G.O.O.D. Music signee, Cyhi Da Prynce recently dropped a mixtape, Royal Flush, to announce his arrival to the mainstream. He has been popping up on a few of Kanye's G.O.O.D. Friday tracks, and also on the now famous BET cypher with all his labelmates. Before linking up with the house that 'Ye built, he has been signed to Def Jam since February. A raspy voice, nice flow and clever lyrics can describe this song 'Fast Lane'. The song has a laid back feel, and the hook is also nice. 

Should be seeing more of Cyhi in the new year.

 05 - Cyhi Da Prynce-Fast Lane.mp3