Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Travi$ Scott Ft. Migos: [Remix]


Houston's Scott hollers at the Drake co-signed Migos (of Versace fame) for a neat and tidy remix of Quitana.

Chance The Rapper: Everybody's Something



One of Hip Hop's hottest emerging talent drops the visuals for his latest metaphorical meanderings found on Chance's Acid Raps mixtape.

Video directed by Austin Vesely.


Action Bronson: Live From St. Hilda's


This is actually brilliant.

Some of the old ladies' faces are amazing. The best ones are the straight parrers that try and ignore what's happening.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Sampha: Indecision [Acoustic]



Seriously, Sampha's voice makes us a cry a little bit. Ok a lot.

Enjoy this illuminating, in-depth Yours Truly interview with the producer at his home in London, as he performs Indecision from his EP, Dual and talks about his unique recording process. With fans including Drake, you should go and buy your copy right now from right here.


Haim: The Wire


We caught Haim in Brooklyn (as you do) late last year and were blowm away. The incredibly talented sisterly trio pack an impressive line-up of R&B edged, Prince-tinged pop smashes.

This new single precedes the forthcoming debut album from the LA three, and is a great sign of things to come.

Lil Siva Ft Rosie Lowe: No Doubt


We heard 5 seconds of this track and fell in love.

Lil Silva of course produces, but also features on this beautifully soulful, quietly explosive track taken from Silva's EP, out via here on 5 August. Great visuals by Ferry Gouw also.

Margiela Streamlined High Tops


MMM know what they're doing when it comes to sneakers (they're pretty good at clothes too of course...!)

Designed in both 'Grey' and 'Reflective', these python printed, 3M finished guys have a slight holographic effect on the outside, with a delicious leather lining inside and gum rubber sole on the bottom.

Get your pair from here.

Tinie Ft. 2 Chainz: Trampoline






It landed last night and has already had a whole load of plays; Joined by 2 Chainz, Tinie sits on a horse, drops a dance move or two and whips his towel. He does like to whip his towel old Tinie, doesn't he.

Buy from here.


Monday, July 29, 2013

Miguel Ft. Jessie Ware: Adorn (Remix)




Two of 2013's finest voices team up on this remix of LA singer Miguel's Adorn.


Breaking Bad: The End Is Nigh



If this doesn't make you even more excited for the final part of Breaking Bad nothing will.

The amazing Aaron Paul recently surprised tourists from Ireland by popping out to say hi during their 'Star tours' in Hollywoodland.

Not only that, 'Jessie Pinkman' hung out with the family, taking pictures and telling them that his own family was in town for the 'finale premiere' this Wednesday.

Aaron Paul, we love you.

Wretch 32 Ft. Jacob Banks: Doing Ok



A fantastic video for an amazing song. Good work all.

Pre-order from here.


Picasso Baby: Trailer



Not quite sure how Alan Cumming managed to get himself involved in this one, but there you go.

Airing on HBO this Friday and billed as a Performance Art Project, the film documents Jay-Z's 6 hour performance of Picasso Baby at New York's Pace art gallery earlier last month. Attended by Judd Apatow, Cummings and performance artist Marina Abramovic, Hov performed the song over and over again. Why? We're not sure, but the film will no doubt explain all.

"Rap is thinking out loud," says Jay in the trailer. "And you're putting your fears and your vulnerabilities and your insecurities to music. Concerts are pretty much performance art, and a smaller venue is more intimate, so you feel the energy of the people."




Friday, July 26, 2013

Naughty Boy Ft. Emeli Sande: Lifted [Raf Riley remix]





Premiered on RWD yesterday, we're very into this Raf Riley remix of NB's rather ace Lifted.

You can buy this from here right now.

Clare Maguire: Paper Thin



Just listen to this woman's voice and tell us she's not one of the finest vocalists the UK has produced in years?

The tone. Oh, the tone...!


Wookie Ft. Eliza Doolittle: The Hype




The legend returns with North Londoner Doolittle, who has enjoyed recent success with Disclosure.

On The Hype harks back to the days of UKG and 2-Step - i.e the good old days! Eliza compliments the beat beautifully, resulting in a pretty great summertime smash.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Rizzle Kicks: Lost Generation


In which the Rizzles poke fun at John Terry, Big Brother and 'hashtag' trends and try to rob two 10 year-olds of their bikes. Naughty!


Jeremey Scott: Money Wings


Continuing their ever popular collaboration, Jeremy Scott delivers the money flavoured Wings 2.0 for adidas Originals.

As eye-popping as you'd expect, the dollar bill based design sees George Washington's face replaced with Scott's (sure). You can confidently predict that we'll be seeing a lot of these on the footsies of various music types.

Costing 239 Euros (approx £205), you can order yours from SNS.





Compton Cricket Club: Short




Who would have thought cricket could be a thing in Compton...?! It's actually been around for a while, founded by Ted Hayes and Katy Haber, first with homeless people in downtown LA in 1993 and now, for the last few years, with young people in the hometown of the Game and Kendrick.

Offering an alternate to basketball and described as 'the chess of field sports', the club was founded by original LA Krickets member Mustafa Khan as well as Hayes and Haber, to encourage young people away from the world of gangs and drugs. As Haber points out, "These kids were killing each other over shoelaces".

In this beautifully shot short, Khan, Hayes and Haber explain the origins of the club and the success they've had to date, while the young people beautifully explain why they love the sport.



Sneakbo: Trust Nobody


The Jetski Wave South Londoner returns with another upbeat banger, produced by Rvssian.


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Jay-Z Life + Times Interview: Part 2


In the second part of their conversation from the Yankee stadium, Hov and Wilson talk about parenting, Trayvon Martin, respecting your elders and fame.


DJ Fresh V Diplo: Earthquake



Featuring the formidable Dominique Young Unique, looks like now is the time for the young rapper, who's been tipped to blow for the last couple of years.

First premiered by Zane Lowe back in May, the single finally gets a Kick Ass themed video (it's on the official soundtrack) and, we reckon, a high chart position.


Awkward Interviews: Part 2042



We've all had bad interviews, and this one is a particularly good bad one.

Brice Willis takes no prisoners, and if the interviewer hopes that Mary Stuart Masterson is going to help him out, well, lets just say he's going to be disappointed.

Tbf, Willis does seem to be particularly grumpy from the off; not sure what happened before they started taping but he has no time at all for the interviewer, and things only get more and more awkward.

Gravity: Trailer



Starring Sandra Bullock and George Clooney and directed by Alfonso Cuaron (Y Tu Mama and Harry Potter), this forthcoming space flick looks terrifying.

After being hit by meteorites, astronauts are left stranded in space. Literally, how much would you poop yourself if that happened. Floating about in a massive black hole awaiting the inevitable end. This is going to give us nightmares.

** UPDATE**

Here's trailer number two and it's as claustrophobic and disturbing as the first.

Kanye Quest: Video Game



Well, this is amazing.

Travel to the future (3030) as Kanye West, joined by Jay-Z, Nas, Tupac and MF Doom, undertakes a quest to defeat the forces of evil (Kanye clones). Weapons include Wu-Tang swords and Kanye croissants.

Incredible excellentness.

Timbaland: Revolt Interview



We're just now tapping into our artistry. We're making real music now..."

Tim talks on why anyone trying to use Aaliyah's posthumous vocals just.won't.work. Word to Drizzy and Breezy.

Tim also talks about 'adopting' Khaled and Drake, going back in with Missy and 'Sinatra In The Sand', a collab between Nas, Hov and Justin.


Krept & Konan: Young Kingz

Sampling Mtume (better known as the backbone of BIG's Juicy) as well as Drake, Krept and Konan introduce their forthcoming mixtape, Young Kingz

Though this isn't out until Sept 2, you can pre-order from here.

Jay-Z: Life + Times Interview



"I put a lot of my life into what I'm doing now"

Hov sits down with Rap Radar's Elliott Wilson to talk about playing the Yankee Stadium, working with Justin Timberlake and their 'Legends of the Summer' tour, how New York lends itself to his art and, of course, Magna Carta: Holy Grail.




Givenchy Stars & Stripes Sweater



With fans including Professor Green, Dynamo and Rihanna, Riccardo Tisci is kinda like that dude right now.

His Givenchy T's have been flllllllyyyyyying out of stores, as no doubt will this sweatshirt. Boasting the Stars and Stripes motif, this polyester/ cotton mix costs £430 and is available from Mr. Porter.

Saucony x White Mountaineering


Saucony got things on smash right now.

These suede high-tops are a collab between Japanese label White Mountaineering and Saucony and we are very into them. Available in beige, burgundy and navy, if you too are loving the padded ankle with leather trim, then head here to get a pair.



Tuesday, July 23, 2013

RiFF RaFF: Shirt By Versace





It's all about Versace right now, apaz.

Taking on Kiro Bangz's Shirt By Versace, RiFF RaFF lets loose on Spring Breakers and James Franco.

Converse X Cartoons

Teaming up with Warner Bros, Converse drop the latest in their U.S Originator Collection with these Tom & Jerry sneaks.

Also in the mix are Gremlins and Looney Toons, available in the Chuck Taylor All Stars, the Purcell and the Skidgrip.

Available from Converse Japan right now.

COPE2 X Shepard Fairey

Legendary New York graf artist COPE2 teams up with his mutual admirer, street artist Shepard Fairy on this OBEY collab.

There will be just 300 of these released, with the first 100 available from 25 July from Obey.



Beyonce: Hair In Fan Shocker



Whatta pro.

She also upped this pic to Instagram, the 'weave in fan' remix LOL






Bashy: These Are The Songs





Did you know Bashy's Black Boys was made by that No.1 smashing powerhouse, Naughty Boy? The two created the epic track (the remix featured Tinie, Wretch, Skepta, Chip, Sway etc etc) in NB's shed in Watford.

Fast forward a few years and Bash is a fully-fledged actor and Naughty Boy is ruling the charts. But Ashley Thomas obviously still has music in his heart, as this track shows.

Sampling Danny Weed's Creeper classic, Bash takes us on a musical journey back to the days of UKG, tapepacks, dubplates, Eskimo Dance and vinyl sold out the back of car boots.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Yungen: Versace Remix



It's the beat they all want to jump on right now, and so it's no surprise Yungen chose to return to covers for the first time this year with Migos and Drake's Versace banger.




Kendrick Lamar: Bullett Freestyle



A genuine freestyle, K. Dot spits some bars from off the top at the shoot for his Bullett magazine cover.


Kanye West: Black Skinhead




After leaking a few weeks back, the official official version of Kanye's latest single has finally hit the netz.

Directed by Nick Knight and taking months to create, the pair have broken boundaries by making the video truly interactive. You can control the speed (and sound) that the video plays at, meaning you can screengrab with ease and upload direct to Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc etc.

Watch the video and screengrab to your hearts content here.


Friday, July 19, 2013

Angel Haze: Turn It Around





Wow, what a monster. At first, it's an unrelenting aural attack until a minute in when the tempo turns all slow and messed up. Produced by A Tribe Called Red from Canada, Haze promises a mixture of hot hitmakers and interesting up and comers on her forthcoming album

Pretty amazing stuff. We expect a lot from Haze's debut, Dirty Gold.


MMG: Studded Sneakers

If you like your feet with a little flair, then these Maison Martin Margiela low-top replica's should be right up your street.

Covered in a textile and leather upper, the sneaks were then covered with small black pyramid studs. Delicious. We heart these a lot.

Available now from £550


Jay-Z: Zane Lowe Interview


In the fourth and final instalment of their chat last week, Lowe and Hov discuss the influence that family has both in life and within creativity. Jay talks extensively about being a father, how Blue Ivy influenced Magna Carta, and how having two entertainers in the family can be a scheduling nightmare.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Yung Lean: Unknown Death [Mixtape]


We confess to being confused by this 16 year-old Swedish kid called Yung Lean.

The Stockholm MC has pretty racy, crazy, weird raps for one so young. We wonder what his mumzie thinks of him and his Sad Boys Crew?

His monotone delivery and left-of-center depressed raps make for very odd listening. But with coverage on Vice, Fader and Pinboard, he's someone we'll keep an eye on. We assume he's taking a satirical look at Hip Hop, but who knows, maybe he's being deadly serious.



Check out this just dropped mixtape (above) and the video for Hurt (below) to see what you think,


The Fifth Estate: Trailer



Hollywood was pretty quick off the mark to get this film made.

The Fifth Estate tells the story of Julian Assange (played by Benedict Cumberbatch), the man behind Wikileaks. Though Assange brandished the book that this film is based on 'War On Secrecy' as a "massive propaganda attack", it no doubt looks like an interesting watch. The achievements of Wikileaks and Assange himself are unquestionably incredible, but is he a man driven by ego or a genuine freedom fighter delivering truth to the world?

We'll find on out 18 October.



12 Years A Slave: Trailer



Starring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Brad Pitt and Benedict Cumberbatch, this Steve McQueen (Shame, Hunger) directed historical drama tells the true story of Soloman Northup, a once free man tricked and sold into slavery. No doubt the film will tell Northup's story, hopefully ending in his freedom after 12 years.

12 Years will be out this October.



Bart Simpson x Kid Robot


Ay Carumba...! Kid Robot has put their special twist on The Simpson with this zombified Bart. We love the brain matter pouring from up top, his crazed, cracky eyes and blue - BLUE - skin.

Get yourself down to the New York store on Prince Street, or check Kid Robot out online to cop yours.








Beyonce: Bow Down Preview



She got the grillz, she got the batty riders, she got good weave... What Beyonce doesn't have, for some reason, is volume.

Some five months since the song first debuted on the internts, Beyonce finally does a video for Bow Down (Bitches). Whether this means her album is now almost ready is anyone's guess, tbf, but we're always up for some new Bee.

Check the (silent) trailer and join us as we await with baited breath the rest of the promo.

Here's also a cip of the Queen Bee performing the single in her hown town of H-Town the other day. The intro to the track went like this...


"She turned Michelle and Kelly’s mic down at the Super Bowl! I know she’s bald-headed, that’s why she always wears that damn weave! Why is she always wearing those tired leotards? She know she lying! She was never pregnant with that damn baby! She is not a diva and she is not a king!"

...which is pretty amazing tbf and tbh.



Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Comme De Garcon Footwear



We love a plimsol and we love Comme, so what's not to love about these Comme De Garcon plimsols? Created by The Generic Man and Comme's SHIRT range, these all white shoes lined in colourful leather are one big 'yes please'.

Available from CDG soon.

10 Moments That Made Kanye West





Not to be missed, DJ Semtex will a documentary on the almighty West, this Monday on Radio 1 at 9pm and at the same time, the following Sunday on 1Xtra.

The two go back to the days before College Dropout and have met several times over the years. West even thanked Sem when he won his first BRIT award back in 2006, so you know there will be plenty of rare and exclusive interview footage to be heard.

Looking forward to hearing this.

Time For: Bishop Nehru








When I first started I was a little nervous about what people might think about the music but now I don’t have a care in the world.

Hailing from upstate New York, we have a lot of time for 16 year-old Nehru. Not only a rapper, but a producer and occasional video director, he makes us ashamed of our own antics at the same age.

We had a chat with the softly spoken rapper in Harlem, New York (pictured) ahead of his UK tour next week with Wu-Tang Clan (details below). Download Strictly Flowz, the follow up to his debut mixtape Nehruvia, above.


What do you represent as a rapper, a lyricist, a musician?
I’m not a 'typical' 16 year old. A lot of people tell me I speak very well. From a young age I developed myself as my own parent, so I wouldn’t have to look up to a parent as I got older. Everyone has to move away from their parents. So at 8 or 9 I developed myself so I could do things for myself without anyone else’s help or teaching me to do it. I always try to teach myself first. I think that’s me, my willpower, I don’t give up. I don’t giving up at all. I don’t like losing, giving up…. I don’t like any of that at all (laughs).



Tell us about your nod to Tupac's character, Bishop, from the film Juice.
Bishop in Juice is like my favourite character and he’s played my Tupac who is an inspiration to me. He was just cool. I liked that he wanted respect and he went to take it. That’s something that I admire; taking respect, taking what you want. I got 'Nehru' from the former Indian Prime Minister. I was in global history and heard the name and thought it sounded cool. Then I read up on him and I liked what he represented and so I chose it.




Who did you listen to growing up (we say 'growing up', you're still like 12 years old!)
I always listened to a mix of old and new. One of my older cousins put me onto the really cool, 'Golden Era' sound and after that I got to discovering myself, I started researching and researching. It was something that I felt like I could do. hen I first started making music, I was kind of corrupted by everything else that was going on; I was trying to be famous and not true to myself. I realized 'That’s not me, I can’t do that'. I started making the music that I liked to listen to.

When did you start rhyming?
About a year and a half ago. That’s when I started recording, but I’ve been writing for a long time. I started off writing poetry and then I transitioned to rap.

Why did you choose the medium of hip hop?
I don’t know, I just always listened to rap when I was younger, it was always around me. So I’m not sure what drew me to it but I knew I liked it, so I figured that would be good for me, if it was something that I liked. I tried it out and I liked it a lot.

I don’t give up. I don’t giving up at all. I don’t like losing, giving up…. I don’t like any of that at all 

One the back of one mixtape, you've worked with MF Doom and supported the Wu-Tang. Not bad going.
I don’t want to be cocky, but I knew this was going to happen, everything just fell into placeEverything that’s happened I knew would happen. The day before my first video got put on Worldstar, I knew that was going to happen. Meeting Doom, I knew that was going to happen. It’s weird.

How was Doom?
It was cool. He’s just a normal person. I was talking to him like a normal person. I’d like to do more stuff with him in future, if everything works out.

How do you describe what you do? What’s your MO?
It’s musical therapy and raw lyrics. By raw I don’t mean explicit cursing, I mean straight from the heart raw. My stuff is usually more conscious rap, but I switch it up on Strictly Flows. There will be more flows, more kicking back, not really any topics, more cipher, on the corner type rapping. When I first started I was a little nervous about what people might think about the music but now I don’t have a care in the world.

How do you fit in Hip Hop with School life?
I study online. High School was a bother. I didn’t like it. I was never a fan of school. I felt like I could learn more at home than I could at school. A lot of things are mis-taught at school. Not like maths, but subjects like history.

What do your friends think of what you do?
I don’t really have that may friends but the ones I do still associate with, they’re cool. They still treat me normal, they don’t treat me different, they’re still my bro’s. Everything’s cool.



If people want to know more about you, what song of yours should they check out?
Fickle Minds (above). When I was writing it, I knew it was going to be great.


Bishop Nehru supports Wu-Tang Clan at Manchester Apollo on 25 July and Brixton Academy on the 26 July.
Follow Bishop.
Download Nehruvia




M.O: Hot


We like this London three-piece a whole lot.

With dancehall being hot to trot right now, and with Carnival incoming next month, we lift two thumbs aloft for M.O's dutty rock inspired Summer anthem.

Produced by Karl -K-Gee' Gordon, you couldn't ask for a more fitting song to accompany us in our sweaty offices across the land.

Roll on the weekend...!

Time For: Naughty Boy







"I’m not just a producer – I’m a director too”. 

It's coming....

The debut album from Naughty Boy features Emeli Sande, Professor Green, Sam Smith, Wretch, Ed Sheeran, Gabrielle, Wiley and, well, loads and loads of other people.


No stranger to this blog, the  28 year-old from Watford born Shahid Khan, has worked with Emeli Sande, Wiley, Chipmunk, Tinie, Professor Green, Leona Lewis, Cheryl Cole, Susan Boyle and, if rumours are to be believed everyone from Britney to Mariah.

Over the last 24 months, Naughty Boy has become one of the UK’s most sought-after sound creators. With a distinctive, epic feel to his compositions, he was won the acclaim of Simon Cowell who called Naughty a “musical genius”, while his power as a producer and songwriter has ensured a hitlist of superstars will appear on his forthcoming debut album,  ‘Hotel Cabana’. The single has already spawned two massive hits: Wonder Ft. his buddy Sande and the recent No.1 La, La, La with Sam Smith.

Expectations then are high for the unassuming musician's debut. 

“I want it to be an album for our time; it has a concept to it, so it’s more like a film in some respects," NB told us. "I’m not just a producer – I’m a director too”. Since making the seminal rap song ‘Black Boy’s’ for Bashy out of his parent’s shed back in 2005, Naughty Boy has risen rapidly through the ranks from novice beat-maker to in-demand producer. “I grew up admiring the likes of Timaband, and I’m still inspired by him and Pharrell, as well as the Bollywood soundtracks I was bought up on,” he says. “However, I want to bring the sound back to the UK and prove that the US sound has become somewhat stale, the same sound is being recycled over and over again for the same acts. I want to show that in Britain we make vital, innovative sounds that are as, if not more, valid than the big American producers.”




Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Earl Sweatshirt Ft. Casey Veggies & Vince Staples: Hive



The OFWGKTA young 'un (is it just us or does Earl always look a bit tired? He might want to think about taking iron supplements) joins with Veggies and Vince on a standardly stream-of-consciousness over grumpy beat effort.

Dimply lit, in every sense.

Taken from the album, Doris, coming soon.


Kanye: Black Moleskinhead



How people think of this stuff never ceases to amaze us... But, think of it they do.

While on a train from Stockholm to Copenhagen (which, incidentally sounds like a rather lovely journey) Montreal copywriter David Fuenz got bizzy with a notepad and pen, illustrating Kanye's Black Skinhead lyrics.

Really interesting to see his chain of thought, though love to see this shot in a better close up so you could get a little more of the details. Small niggles, small niggles...


Mr. Hudson: Fred Astaire



If you've ever wanted to see Ben Hudson in his undercrackers, now's your chance.

You also get to see him brush his teeth, put on his socks and pervily videotape a young lady geting her kit off.

Well...!

Directed by Rankin, Fred Astaire will be available to download to pre-order on iTunes from 21 July.


Example: All The Wrong Places




Elliott Gleave returns with another huge hands-in-the-air banger aimed straight at the heart of festivals the world over.

The single also marks the Fulham musicians' move from Ministry to Sony, who release this single in September.


Monday, July 15, 2013

Jay-Z: Zane Lowe Interview



For those fiending for more on Magna Carta, Hov sat down with Lowe while in london this past week.

He talks about the new album and the glory days of Rocafella.

Throw ya diamonds up...!


A$AP Ferg Ft. Rocky: Shabba



He's really enjoying a renaisance isn't he, old Shabba Ranks? First Skepta pays homage, and now Harlem's Ferg has made a whole song about Mr Loverman (Shabba).

The pair played this at Wireless yesterday, before releasing this video this afternoon.

Feels somehow to appropriate to recall that old Shabba interview when he was interviewed by Dani Behr on the Word and co-host Mark Lamarr chipped in his thoughts.

A classic moment....!

We couldn't find it online, so here's a clip from the same episode when Shabba performs with Marky Mark. What a LOL!

Kanye X APC


 It's been a long time coming, but finally Kanye drops his APC collection.


Created in conjunction with Jean Touitou, the line is simply 2 x t-shirts, 2 x hoodies and 2 x jeans. Nodding to the 'trill' movement, no doubt these pieces, priced from 80 to 190 Euros,  will fly straight out.


Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom [Trailer]


Very, very much looking forward to this film.

Starring the amazing Idris Elba as Mandiba and Naomie Harris as Winnie, this film looks set to be a fascinating portrayal of one of the world's most enigmatic leaders.

Particularly poignant given Mandela's recent health issues, we suspect this might be big news at next year's Oscars.


Wondagurl: Interview



The 16 year-old Canadian student who managed to get a beat (Uptown) on Hov's Magna Carta talks about her recent lucky break, which happened when she met rhymer Travi$ Scott. She also tells how Pusha T turned the track down, before it peaked the attention of S. Dot.

Follow Wondagurl.


Tuesday, July 9, 2013

KAWS Re-Designs The Moonman




Street artist and provocateur KAWS has redesigned the eponymous MTV Moonman award. Featuring the x eyes associated with the New York artist as well as the body shape of the Moonman.

These guys are only available this year, offering even more incentive for artists to want to win one of these beaities.

Mac Miller Ft. ScHoolboy Q: Gees



In this trippy, ambient and slightly odd video, Mac and his buddy Q take us on a tour of Miller's neighbourhood, which to us, all looks a bit Alice In Wonderland.

Oakley x rag & bone



We love a bit of rag & bone, so when we heard about their hook-up with Oakley, we were veh interested.

Delivering design for the Frogskins, we're pretty into the camouflage pattern with orange lenses, lightweight, shock-absorbant O Matter frames, High-Def Optics and glare-reducing UV-protection, these all-purpose frames are a bit of a winner.

Available from 10 July only from rag & bone, these guys will retail from between $125 to $150.


Jay-Z: Dead Presidents 3 (Original)




As previously mentioned, Young Guru is Jay-Z most trusted studio man. In honour of the Magna Carta, here's the original version of Dead Pres 3, produced by Guru himself.

Kanye: Black Skinhead




The first visual proper to drop from Yeezus is the opus that is Black Skinhead.

Shot in black and white, there's a lot of topless Kanye and Kanye with gold chain. Lovely.


Timbaland: Making Of Magna Carta




When he gets going, Timbaland is one of Hip Hop's most interesting interviews.

In typical Tim form, he openly talks about falling out Hov after not turning up for his 40th before talking about his own role in the making of Jay's 12th album.

Young Guru Headphones





While it seems like the whole world and its D-list celebrity next door neighbour has a headphone line these days, some headphone lines are definitely worth checking out.


As Jay-Z's only engineer of choice, Young Guru has also perfected albums for Kanye and Alicia Keys. So we're sure the Delaware born Guru knows a thing or two about what constitutes supreme sonic quality.

Teaming up with AIAIAI, he's created the TMA-1 Studio Young Guru edition. Boasting sound quality out the kazoo, they also deliver on comfort with Japanese memory phone ears and reduced weight.

Available from 17 July and priced at 250 Euro, we think these appear a most sound investment.


Parkour POV



If, like us, you've always fancied yourself as parkour type of person but have been, well too scared, then check out this video of James Kingston who strapped a camera to his head to give us a birds eye view of life as a parkour.

Maybe not one for the faint-hearted or those with vertigo.


Monday, July 8, 2013

RDGLDGRN: Lootin' In London



Featuring the phenomenal Angel Haze, the Washington DC trio join forces with Haze on this smash of a single, featuring Dave Grohl on the drums.

Rizzle Kicks: Lost Generation



Harley and Jordan are on their way back with a brand new album, and this is the new single from the album, Roaring 20's.

Expect an ace video any day now.


A.P.C X Kanye





Following Kanye's LV and Nike collaborations comes this latest one with A.P.C.

Whatever form it takes (jeans is obviously one part of the collection), expect it to sell like hot potata's....


Jonathan Mannion: Va$htie Interview




Photographer Jonathan Mannon is one of the most significant photographers working in Hip Hop. From iconic album covers for Jay-Z and DMX to shots of Biggie and Rakim, Mannion has captured some of the most important moments in Hip Hop.

Here, creative director Va$htie (Joey Badda$$) talks to the New York based photographer  for Frank151 about working with the greats and remaining relevant.


Check the video above and here's some thoughts from Mannion when G-Shock caught up with him a little while ago.


On Jay-Z:
"I did seven covers for Jay, up to the Black Album . I have one million per cent love for Jay-Z. Our careers have run parallel. Our relationship has been career defining for me. We made what these images were, we created what they feel like and it's like DJ Quik said, 'The world sees hip-hop through your eyes'. There's a lot of people contributing but some of the significant, defining moments people can see 'Oh what, DMX in the blood? That was you?' and I want those defining photos.  


One of my standout memories is shooting Jay-Z’s Reasonable Doubt album in 1996. I turned up that day with three pages of notes and I was like 'Look, here's what I wanna do…' He had the whole Versace, speedboats, Biggie video thing going on and I didn't want that. I suggested we had to go Mafia, John Gotti, surveillance, sharp suits, swag… he was like 'I'm with it, let's go.' And so began the creation of 'Reasonable Doubt' - that was shot on the roof of my building, by the West Side Highway." 

Biggie:
"I'm grateful to have photos of Biggie, Jam Master J, Left Eye, Aaliyah… I worked with Biggie a handful of times. One time was at the Palladium party when he received his award for Ready To Die going platinum. Jay-Z was in the room, Busta Rhymes was there, Junior Mafia... I somehow weaselled my way onto the stage. I captured one of my most important pictures then because the vibe of that picture really is what that moment felt like." 



Shoot essentials:
"My three essentials for a shoot are: firstly an amazing assistant. I really need someone that can make everything move fluidly? Second, always have at least one camera loaded and available at any time. Lastly, I try get a good night's sleep too, but that's not always possible… [laughs]. I keep with me a positive attitude - the same dedication, the same attributes I've always thought make a good photographer. I don't take for granted that there's a hundred people right on my heels. People wanna do what I'm doing - they want my throne [laughs]."

See more of Jonathan's work here



Friday, July 5, 2013

Rudimental Ft. Foxes: Right Here



True to usual form, the latest Rudimental video deviates from the traditional by not featuring the band or guests.

This time, we're taken to Thailand's Tiger Temple, a Theravada Buddhist temple that looks after wild animals, including many Indochinese tigers. Obviously what happens in the video isn't your average day at the Wat Pah Luang Ta Bua but is a 'metaphor' for what happens to those poor old tigers in the horrible world of poachers.

Another stellar visual boys, well done...!




Thursday, July 4, 2013

Jay-Z Ft. Justin Timberlake: Holy Grail






Unless you're a Samsun user, you'll have another three days to wait for magna Carta to drop.

In the meantime, enjoy this collab with Justin, Holy Grail.

Bring on 8th July.

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Robin Thicke Ft. Kendrick: Give It 2 U



If you want to hear this song, you'll have to sign up to MySpace (aint' that smart). Is it worth it? If you like breathy-voiced Thicke and the amazing Lamar it is.

Not the sort of track we're used to hearing the Compton rapper on.

Hodgy Beats: Alone



Here's a new one from OFWGKTA's Hodgy,

Both visually and lyrically, the California rapper is as reliably eccentric as usual.

The Game: Ali Bomaye



Slightly slept on, Game's last album, Jesus Piece, was actually pretty brilliant.

Taken from said album comes this video for Ali Bomaye, featuring 2 Chainz and Rick Ross

This Is Shanghai: Time-Lapse


Created by the incredibly brilliant phtographer Rob Whitworth and 'urban identity expert' JT Singh, we love this compostion of Shangai by day, night, dawn and afternoon. We've no idea how they do this, but however they do, it's incredible  Love the way it zooms into minute detiail from far above the city, and, having been to Shanghai, love the way they've presented the city as one of the world's most beautiful, thrilling and crazily full-on.


Jeremy Scott x adidas: A/W 2013



Jezza is back, going crazy all over adidas clothing again.

The man who is fond of putting Teddy Bears on trainers (well, Lil Wayne loved them) makes sure the latest line is as attention-grabbing and bonkers as ever. Can't wait to see what he's done with the sneakers this season.

The line, dropping this month, is available from select adidas Originals retailers.


Jay-Z: Lyrics For Days


More lyrics from the brain of S Dot Carter.

These offerings, while presumably not the entire songs, don't delve quite as deeply as past offerings have so far.

Still, there's plenty of wordplay on display, with Hov going in on trypes of wine, bringing his own sand to the beach and wearing weird clothes.

Just two more days before Magna Carta Holy Grail drops. 


JME: Work [Behind The Scenes]



Directed by Matt Walker (Skepta, Wretch) and with the beat by Deeco (the man who created 96 F*ckries), we're looking forward to seeing the finished version of JME's forthcoming Work.

The beat sounds nice and grimy (perfect for JME) and we're into the concept, which by all accounts sees Jamie Adenuga dressed up as a fireman, a surgeon, a business man and so on.

Moeshe...


Tinie Tempah: Demonstration Preview



It's coming....!

A sneak peak of the first single from Tinie's second album, Demonstration.

We are excited. Very excited.