"Let me explain something to you, Walsh. This business requires a certain amount of finesse."

It's coming. The Shape of Things to Come Mk2

Iceberg Spring/Summer 2010 Collection

I'm not normally one for catwalk fashion, but the odd menswear show, or the rare one I stumble across and truly take in, offers a few pieces of inspiration. Iceberg have really put together a lot of great looks here.

Now I'm not saying I like the complete look, or all of the items in all of the pictures I'm about to post, just the tones, textures and general cuts of some of the items.

I like these trousers:


I like this cardigan:




And that Jacket

Wan-Cee feat. Neon Hitch - 'What's Urban?"

L A V I S H L I F E S O C I A L C L U B

Shout out to Kei for inviting me over to the Lavish Life Social Club. It's a collective of really inspirational, creative, wonderful people residing in Atlanta. I'm with some pretty esteemed, admired company over there, so I'm going to have to up the levels and be on my best behaviour. You'll find me posting on Lavish Life on London, the UK and what's good on our fair and beautiful Island... This blog is now going to become a more personal site about me, my views and opinions, possibly more "work" related. I'm putting together another project - so hold tight for that. It's going to be alot.

Rinse.FM

make sure you go and check out the new and improved Rinse site. It's fantastic, seriously, this is the best representation of the culture of pirate radio, London and what we listen to. I truly admire Geeneus for all he's done for the music I love.



One of the most open and interesting interviews with the two people pioneering and champion Rinse (Geeneus & Sarah Lockhart) is featured on the site. Make sure you read that HERE

The scene in Brixton, south London, is his current focus. “It’s at the very point where I can see it going somewhere else. At the minute they’re calling it Dubbage. It’s nice, like house but with more energy.” He has spotted so many trends you wouldn’t bet against him. “Most people will say the music comes from London, but we can break it down further. Like between Roman [Road, east London] and Isle of Dogs comes grime. Croydon is Dubstep. That’s the very beginnings, d’you know what I mean?” He says he can pinpoint a grime rapper’s locality by the style of his delivery, “I could break it down to Plaistow, Leyton, Hackney, Bow, straight away.”

Major Lazer - 'Hold The Line'

Major Lazer "Zumbie" ft. Andy Milonakis from Mad Decent on Vimeo.

Mr Hudson speaks on the late Michael Jackson at Glastonbury 2009

VIA Team Supreme

Professor Green - 'Upper Clapton Dance'

Dizzee Rascal @ Glastonbury 2009

Watch the full set live HERE courtesy of the BBC.

Below is semtex's footage of their mini-MJ commemoration.

DIZZEE RASCAL & SEMTEX | MICHAEL JACKSON TRIBUTE @ GLASTONBURY 09' from DJ SEMTEX on Vimeo.

Donaeo, Double S, Wretch 32 - 'Let It Out'

How To Make It In America

From the makers of Entourage (Stephen Levinson and Mark Wahlberg) comes an exciting new show entitled How To Make It In America. From reading reports online it appears it hinges on a similar path to Vince and crew out in LA yet set in the Big Apple. With two industrious 20-somethings in New York City striving for success I'm looking forward to this, from what I've gathered it holds a slight context of sneaker obsession and skate culture.


Plus it stars Kid Cudi, now while he's been forced into the monolithic shadow of Drake in recent months, I've gone back to the mixtapes, not quite as excited as I was when he first burst onto the scene, but excitement nonetheless. Now I'm no longer engulfed but the swan song of hype that pretty much killed off Cudi for me, I can simply get back to the music.

Check out this cameo of Cudi on stage with his co-star from How To Make It In America Bryan Greenberg. It's a little different, but I think the vibe on this record compliments Cudi and his talent.

"I'm riding on my swangers and the drop a tinted up, I've got Kush in my blood"

Shout out to the Educated Villains for educating me on Trae and ABN. For those that don't know Trae has a pretty hilarious cartoon as well.



Trae is so well respected in Houston that the Mayor Bill White even gave Trae his own day. So come July 22nd, Happy Trae day.

Oh and his little kid can rap a bit as well.

Semtex Catches Up With Chipmunk

CHIPMUNK-THE PROGRESSION [INTERVIEW & FREESTYLES] from DJ SEMTEX on Vimeo.

Great interview, Semtex's production quality is high as always, well worth a watch. I've got so much respect for this kid. He's grounded, hardworking, intelligent, doesn't get caught up in no hype. Hats off to his management, they've done everything right up to now. He's a talent that will be around for a long time to come.

Donnis - 'Watch for It Freestyle'

DONNIS - Watch For It Freestyle - Snack Pack Vol. 2 from Motion Family on Vimeo.

Big up Donnis, caught a show of his in Atlanta, guy can spit.

Pill - 'Trap Goin Ham' (The Blogs Goin' Ham)

I warned you about this video yesterday! I don't need to justify anything I do, those that know, know, and those that don't don't. Pill is the truth. My boys in the A should be proud of themselves, one of the best rap videos i've seen in a while. This is real!

Sometimes I Wish...

I grew up in New York in the early 90s and used to go to the Tunnel regularly.

"I don't sip Crys, I sip Lean, You can probably catch me, Rollin on a Bean"

Gorilla Zoe ft. Tha Block Boyz - Just Joog from zachwolfe.com/live on Vimeo.

Zach Wolfe directed this. I'm a big fan of Gorilla Zoe and this is my first time coming across Tha Block Boyz. I really like how these Southern rappers have embraced pills and love talking about getting messy.

Harold Alexander - 'Mama Soul'

Probably the craziest vocals I've heard in a while. Some straight classic rare groove vibes for the summer sun.

Where Respect Is Due...

ANDY BEACH

Tommy James & The Shondells - 'Mony Mony'

the break down at 1:58 is awesome, why don't they make pop music like this anymore?

Stones throw Podcast 47: Madlib Live on Giles Peterson's 'Worldwide' Radio 1 Show

Make sure you download this for that summer Jazz vibe HERE

Big Up Stones Throw

Corporate Branding: 'The Footballer'

Flogging a dead horse comes to mind... Michael Owen is way past his best, and it seems his agent has resulted to a last resort. A branding pack on an aging professional without a club, demanding high-wages. I've never seen anything like this before. Thrown together on powerpoint, it looks very slap dash. Re-launching any individuals career is hard work, especially with the problems Michael has had, this is not a good start. Design can be used to really deliver and provide a clear and direct message. This is quite convoluted, is it a presentation on Owen the footballer or Owen the brand, his stock as either has rapidly declined.





Check the rest of the images at the conservative crap read Daily Mail

We can't forget some of his classic moments.

Mystro - 'Mess I Ever Had'

Mighty Mystro has always been known for his comical antics, I can't think of any other rapper in the UK who can actually do "funny" ... Mystro has always been able to make a crowd laugh as a great host of the classic Kung fu nights up in Camden Town. On this Dub for Shortee Blitz's forthcoming 'The Standard' mixtape which drops July 3rd, Mystro remixes Drake's 'Best I Ever Had' to great effect. Check it below and download HERE: http://www.divshare.com/download/7725856-1e0

Sharky Major - 'Shark Attack'

HYPE

"The only thing worst than being talked about is not being talked about." - Oscar Wilde

OJ Da Juiceman - 'Car Talk'

Naledge feat. Bun B, Curren$y & Doe Boy - Look At Them Hips

Naledge coming with the summer vibes. I'm a big fan of Kids in the Hall.

N.O.R.E - 'Everybody's An AR'

I suppose Nore is going after me and the countless other bloggers with opinions. I like this, Big up Nore!

Classic Noreaga moments:


Capone-N-Noreaga - Invincible


Tragedy Khadafi ft. Nas & Noreaga - Calm Down

"I represent for the people, let down by a Nation, and left in the streets where it's evil, little kids surrounded by knives and heroin needles"

Devlin is back after a short hiatus, we were left wandering what had happened to Dagenham's finest. I must admit that after a couple of appearances on Westwood over the last year or so, I thought the young MC had possibly been spending too much time with Ghetto. His flow seemed forced, arguably one of, if not the most lyrical in the Grime scene, his delivery was going into overdrive, and he struggled to spit such lyrical content at the same tempo as Ghettz. Anyway, he's brought it back down, and this is a classic. Devlin is reppin for a whole generation of disenfranchised kids, who know a thing or two about the World. I'm glad he's back on form, we've been waiting for the highly anticipated 'Bud, Sweat and Beers' for a minute. Big up Devlin and check out these Devlin classic moments below, for those out of the loop for the last couple years.


Devlin - 'Community Outcast'


Devlin - 'Dealers' (verse off of the Movement DVD)

The Trap Goin' Ham

All I can say is watch what's about to go down... as soon as the full version is up, it'll be here. Gangsta Pill! Check the tags. We does this!

In The Company Of Greatness

Photographer Zach Wolfe recently spent some time with Big Boi before a solo show in the ATL. The edit of this video is fantastic, and a lot of people seriously think that virals are easy. Pick up a Flip camera, roll on road, capture whoever it is you're doing promo for and away you go. It doesn't work like that, Zach spent a lot of time on this and it shows.

A Night with Big Boi & Friends - LIVE at the Tabernacle 5-15-09 from zachwolfe.com/live on Vimeo.

Courtesy of 2dopeboyz

Zach is incredibly talented check out some of his photography:

DJ Smutlee - Kiss 100 Mix

DJ Smutlee put together a heavy 20 minute mix for Sinden's Kiss 100 show this Thursday. Smutlee comes correct as usual, joining the dots between Dancehall, Funky and the like. This is the sort of set I want to go and rave to, he is truly becoming the go-to DJ in London for this sort of thing. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for Smutlee on lineups this Summer. DOWNLOAD

Tracklisting:

Drake - Best I Ever Had (Instrumental)
Major Lazer - Hold The Line (Accapella)
Demarco - Fallen Soldier (Accapella)
Young Money - Every Girl (Instrumental)
Klya - Do You Mind (Lovers Rock Remix)
Unknown - Chase The Devil
Maxwell D - Blackberry Hype
Dj Chuckle - Drop Low (Hardwell Remix)
Mavado - So Special (Dj Yonny Remix)
Warrior One - Bad Like Jimmy Cliff
Major Lazer - Pon Di Floor
Kyla - Daydreaming (Lil Silva Remix)
Ill Blu - Rider

UNITY

“We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men; and among those fibers, as sympathetic threads, our actions run as causes, and they come back to us as effects.” - Herman Melville

I Like Novelty Dance Rap

GS Boyz- 'Booty Due'


GS Boyz - 'Stanky Legg'

Grip Plyaz - 'Fuck That Hipster Shit'

When I was in Atlanta, I caught up with Grip at a Hollyweird show, he's apart of a really dope collective, with the hub of their activity surrounding a tattoo shop. Since the rise of the boutique rapper, those on the fringes of the Status Quo, these creative art hustlers have now become lumped together under an umbrella of wasteness. THIS IS GRIP'S RESPONSE. make sure you download it and get to know.

Chipmunk - 'Diamond Rings'

I heard this for the first time on Semtex's show last week, when Chipmunk was a guest. It surprised me, especially after 'Chip Diddy Chip'. He's come along way since Wiley first introduced him to the masses on Westwood about two years ago:

Kid Cudi - 'Heaven At Night'

Project Pat feat. OJ Da Juiceman - 'Keep It Hood'

Pink City

My people in ATL give you the guided tour of the infamous Pink City projects in the 4th Ward. When I was out there a couple of months back, I passed through 4th Ward Day with Pill and Whiteboy D, some very real dudes out there. Make sure you keep checking Pill's myspace for the new mixtape coming shortly. Pill can seriously spit, and I cannot advocate strong enough how good a rapper he is. Check the labels below for pill's first mixtape 'Pill 4180', it's alot, make sure you get to know.



Pink City ain't no joke. A lot of rappers pass through to take their promo snaps and hood video shots, then breeze off as quickly as they came in. Pill is from Pink City, a former Trapper and a very honest and real guy.

Big up my extended ATLien family.

DJ Smutlee - 'Crazy Legs 001'

London DJ's often have a penchant for mashing things up a little bit. As long as the baseline is deep and banging then pretty much few rules apply in the mix. Smutlee is one such DJ. He's hooked up with one of the most acclaimed nights in the UK, Crazy Legs to brings you this monster of a mini-mix. The night comes straight outta Bristol and has played host to a bunch of the World's most infamous. None more infamous than Diplo and the Mad Decent crew who'll be passing through their night this Friday. If you're down there make sure you check it.

Bristol has got a lot of great things going on and I need to reach real soon, hold tight Tom @ Chemical Records.

Smutlee is renowned for his mash-up specials, predominantly fusing Garage, Funky, Grime, Dubstep and Dancehall. There is a whole heap of goodness for your phonetic pleasure in this mix, check the tracklist below and Follow the one like Smutlee on a Twitter vibe HERE

DOWNLOAD HERE

TRACKLISTING:

Sticky Feat. Tubby T: Ganjaman
Jammin: Kinda Funky (Wookie Rmx)
Darqwan: Pipe Dreams
Dom Perignon & Dynamite: Got Myself (Together)
Darqwan: Confused?
Dj Zinc: Flim (Skream Remix)
Paleface Vs Sticky: Warlord (Vox Mix)
Zed Bias: Neighbourhood (El-B Remix)
MJ Cole Feat. Digga: Gotta Have It (Funky Dubb)
Twizzle: Sky Diving (Greenmoney "In Da Sky" Remix)
Skream: Fick
D1: Ongie Bongie
R1 Ryders: Rubberband
Radioclit: Africa Emerge W/ Dizzee Rascal: Ghetto (Smutlee Blend)
Dj Q Feat. Natz: Yours (4 Motion Mix)
Fuzzy Logic Feat. Egypt: In The Morning
Fr3e: Tribal Skank
Jalla: Turbulence
Kode 9: Bad 2
Altered Natives: Rass Out
LD: Woodblock
Benga: Emotions
Donae'o: Love To Happen
Mavado: Weh Dem A Do
Aidonia: Bounce (Inflation Riddim)
Toddla T & Herve: Shake It Feat. Serocee (Donae'o Remix)

Kelavision

Check out the first Episode of Killa Kela's youtube channel 'KelaVision'. Kela is one of the greatest beatboxers in the world, he catches up with Faith SFX, breaks down his latest joint with the one and only DJ Craze and shows a little bit of the wonderful world of Kela. The edit is real nice.

Manchester City Legends: Leonardo Shaun Goater MBE

1997 - 2003, scored 103 goals.

Where Respect Is Due...

BOOGIE

Gamepaused?

Check out these heavy T-Shirts courtesy of the Game Paused crew. Keep your eyes peeled over there for some serious business coming very shortly. These guys are ahead of the game when it comes to a lot of things. I'm keeping my lips sealed on this one. Just watch out for their movement.

"We gonna school you real quick"

Busta, Jadakiss, MOP! Live in NYC 2009.



Busta is a real living Hip Hop legend. Still doing it. Who remembers this? I used to run around my school shouting "It's Just Another Case Of That Old PTA" Obviously this wasn't in '91 as I would have been 5 years old, more like 2000 when I was 14.



Leaders of the New School interview in 1991



'PTA'

"It's Alot, It's Alot"

Carly Simon - 'Why'

Out to MK

Butterz @ Rinse with Sir Spyro & JJ

Elijah catches up with the legendary Grime DJ Sir Spyro over at Rinse. Buy his Rinse 07 compilation mix-album here you certainly need that one in the collection.

Rinse FM w/Spyro JJ from Butterz on Vimeo.

Tracklistings:

D Double E - Supdadupe
Nocturnal - The Real Best
Joker & Ginz - Purple City
Nasty Jack - One Spliff A Day
Footsie - 3 Plates
P Money - Say Something I Dont Like
Ruff Squad - Nug
Untold - Next Anaconda
Rude Kid - Jack Daniels
Frisco - Ignorant
Rude Kid - UFO Remix
JME - Juju Riddim
Joker & Ginz - Re UP
Ruff Squad - Bring Your Click
Newham Generals - Head Get Mangled Dubstrumental
P Money - P's A Rascal
Jakes - Rock The Bells
Nocturnal - Dont Phone Me
P Money - Grime Scene
Royal T - 1UP (Supersonic Butterz Mix)
D1 - Oingy Boingy
Nocturnal - Vet
Frisco - Say My Name
Maniac - G.R.I.M.E
Frisco - Darkside
Silencer - Dirtbag
Breakman & Newham Genenerals - Just know that
Dready - Invade
Maniac - Thug
Swindle - Swaggeristic
Joker - Holly Brook Park
Chase & Status - Saxon
Joker - 3Klane
Griminal - Its alot
Maniac - Ugly
Esco - 96 Bars
Skepta - Stupid
Scratchy - ??
Waifer - Gunman Skank
Nocturnal - Stop
DOK - Warning
Virgo - Hypnotik
Pay As You Go - Champagne Dance
Dizzee Rascal - Hoe
Footsie - ?????
Silencer - Final Lap
* Next Funky Hype *

download the full set here

"Back to Life, Back to Reality"

A few weeks ago I posted about this fantastic Afro-Beat, Jazz Funk blog called Voodoo Funk. The guy behind Voodoo Funk has crafted this truly inspring documentary about his journey to Africa in search of lost and forgotten vinyl records.

"Take Me Away Fast" Trailer from Leigh Iacobucci on Vimeo.

I really want to visit Africa, I've been secretly yearning for a trip to West Africa, I think Ghana could well be on the cards in the next few years. And for some strange reason, it's drawn me to this classic by Soul2Soul.

Donaeo

Donaeo has been around for some time, and he has certainly been putting in the work over the last year. Everyone is loving this guy's tunes at the moment. His debut album is on the way, he's the King of Funky right now. I'm really looking forward to the album. Not many UK "vocalists" have got it right in the past, I think Donaeo is the exception. Akon has covered his records, he's laid vocals on the new Lethal B track, and he's not at all "wet" in my opinion. 'African Warrior' and 'Party Hard' are serious Funky anthems, but I hope you remember this classic - 'My Philosophy (Bounce)'



Check out the artwork below for his forthcoming album (VIA SEMTEX), the UK has seriously upped the levels in the last four years. Quality control is certainly at it's highest, and the output is strong. Obviously there is a mountain of crap as well, but if you switch on to the right channels and turn off the BS, you can find a lot of heavyweight UK product. A high bench mark has been set and the talent is certainly here, with the self-publicating tools available and the power of "New Media" people are putting in the Promo work and reaping the benefits.

Mz. Bratt - 'Who Do You Think You Are' (Behind The Scenes Footage)

This record was played by Pete Tong a couple of months ago. I was meant to have passed through the shoot but was stuck up North unfortunately. Big up Terror Danjah, Bratt and the whole Soul2Streets clique. Can't wait to see the final video, check out Matt from BNTL for some shots of those in attendance.

This record could do big things for Bratt, not a bad start!

"She don't give a damn who's watching all she wants to do is skank, she loves the Buju Banton and she loves the Shabba Ranks"

This is probably one of my favorite Dizzee Rascal records to date. Produced by Shy FX, it's a massive jump up record with a hark back to Jungle. I can't get enough of this, it's the B-Side to 'Bonkers' which is out today. Go Cop That!

"God forgive me if I bust my nine"

For all those of you who haven't been to a grime rave, don't really get what it's all about, then this is a great video for you. D Double standardly merks and steals the show. I think this is from earlier on in the year, Cameo's birthday bash with a disgusting line up: Flirta D, Badness, D Double E, Footsie, Ghetto, Tempa T, Skepta, Wretch 32...


Disclaimer: One For The Yankee Mandem.

"I get a 100 a verse so put a bid on it, unless you God or got A Cool Kid on it"

This is probably my favorite rap record right now. The Cool Kids' Don Cannon hosted 'Gone Fishing Mixtape' is very serious. You can download it here. This is a remix of their 'Pennies' track, check the original video below.



These guys have been doing it for a while. I first caught them in 2007 at a DJ Craze party called Miami Bass Sessions during the WMC. It was an incredible line up. Scratch Pervets, Craze, Kelver, A-Trak and the Cool Kids. It was a crazy and very messy night. Certainly one of my best party memories of Miami.

It's a shame I'm looking more than a little gone in this pic backstage with Tony Vegas and Craze (and I think) Craze's Girlfriend.



I probably shouldn't have baited myself up like that. It was a few years ago now, and well fuck it, it was a sick night!

Asher Roth on Later with Jools Holland

Sunday Sessions - Movado feat. Alaine - 'Heart Beat'

Perfect record to see you through your Sunday.

Bashy on ITN!

Big up Bashy! He's on his grind.

Camden Crawl 2009

A couple of weeks back over here at Ecko we hooked up with RWD Magazine and hosted a heavy night at the Jazz Cafe. Unsuspectingly, after a few beeers, I had to do an impromptu interview with Texas Hip Hop artists Damaged Good$. It was my first ever video interview, I was half cut and I didn't have any questions ready, neither did I really know too much about the group so to be honest, it's pretty crap. Check out the Tim Westwood faux pas hand gestures. "FALL BACK"



Chantelle Fiddy is a vet and she puts me to shame.

Ace Boon Coon feat. Rick Ross & Young Dro - 'Fruity (Got Me Gone)'

This is a heavy track for all of you who do not know who Young Dro is, take a listen here


"Stupid, Stupid, Stupid, Fruity, Fruity, Fruity"

VIA THE FADER

T La Rock - 'Breaking Bells' (12-Inch Version - 1986)

Out to Moonstar

Mumdance Feat. Jammer & Envy - Live in Prague

This set is incredible. Download & Listen to it here.

Mos Def - Casa Bey

Mos Def - "Casa Bey" - The Ecstatic - 6.9.09


This is a cool video, very simple. Mos is a legend, a true Hip Hop great. After seeing the MF Doom 'Stan' video, of Mos in the studio reciting Doom lyrics, I can't help but think that this has a slight Doom edge to it, especially the production.

VIA SEMTEX

"Oooahhhh Ooooahhh"

Inja feat. Fallacy & Skinnyman - 'Hat Low'

It appears that Inja's switched up his sound since the days of hosting Rawganics in Cambridge. This is very much on a Grime-tip but I really like this track. It's not surprising to me that the "UK Hip Hop" scene is moving in this direction. The Grime guys have totally blown the old skool era out of the water and surpassed anything they've done prior in terms of raising the levels of exposure and the 0's on the end of the bank balance. This can be accounted for in that the majority of the Grime scene have developed and grown throughout the rise of the Information Age. Thus they have really utilized their fan base online. The post-modern sound of minimal electronic harshness is a product in every way of this new futuristic age, and as a result tends to be driven by the online demographic.

Anyway back to the track. Inja hooks up with two absolute stalwarts of UK rap in Fallacy and Skinnyman. Fallacy alongside Fusion created one of the truest club bangers the UKHH scene has ever produced, and his flow has always been a little on the Garage grime side of things. With Skinny you've got one of the forefathers, a true Don on the mic who has seriously put in the grind over the years and created one of my favorite Rap albums of all time. That includes our American brother's across the pond. Skinny has always had the ability to switch up the speed and rap his heart out.

I first heard this track on DJ MK's 'London Go Hard' mixtape in February and the video is dope. I really like the crazy CCTV monster cam, but what does let this down is the girls dancing. I just don't see the need for them to be in there.

"Roll that shit, Light that shit, Smoke it"

Mystro of NaturalBornSpittaz catches up with Devin the Dude backstage at his London show recently. Devin teaches you how to roll a blunt!



This is the preview for the full interview, in association with NaturalBornSpittaz and Pepamill.

Tempa T - 'I'm About I'm About'

Business Over Bullshit

Great interview with Bobby Ray aka. B.o.B.

Man Like Me - London Town (remix feat. JME & Rude Kid)

Voodoo Funk

I'm a big fan of 70s African music. A lot of what I've listened to and learnt about is based around the legendary Fela Kuti and the subsequent off-shots of what he pioneered throughout the Western World. Now often it's a little passe to state "oh I love Fela, that whole Nigeria sound is so dope" but at times you just have to praise and pay credit where credit is due.

Check out Voodoo Funk for some incredible mixes which are bound to get you in the groove. Another great place to start as an introduction to Afrobeat is this Nigeria 70: Lagos Jump compilation.


Not so long ago I passed through The Empowering Church in Dalston to see one of Fela's sons; Femi play. It was an incredible night in an awesome setting. The Empowering Church in Dalston is pretty much London's home to authentic Afrobeat, with a bi-monthly night 'Afrobeat Vibration' playing host to a whole heap of artists and musicians from London as well as the odd special guest from further a field.

Street Talk Episode 4

Kevin Whorington of Whores Never Learn comes with the fourth episode of Street Talk. It's doing a lot and it's cool that someone out of the London Creative Community and Street Scene is doing something a little different and intelligent. I like it. Check it below.

STREET TALK EP4 from Jama Noor on Vimeo.

Standard (ATL Boutique)

With the world becoming ever smaller, no longer are trends necessearily unique or bespoke to geographical locations. Every major city is now full of three or four "Sneaker Boutiques" selling often the same clothing lines, brands and kicks. Often these carry various low-key t-shirt brands from that town or city, sneaking them on to the end of the nearest Stussy rail. But what is unqiue and a raretity is service without a snigger. So many of these shops are full of protentious "I know more than you, I'm therefore cooler than you, where art thou's BAPE and BBC? assistants". London is guilty of more than filling its qouta of poncy scenesters self-gratificating through denouncement of unsuspecting consumer. The Standard in Atlanta is different. I strolled in on a quiet Thursday afternoon, greeted by two helpful assistance or store owners devoid of all pretence.

Walking me through the rails, the lines and brands, showing me the latest stock, telling me what's new in, what I might like and shooting the breeze on London, the A and clothing in general, my experience held a lasting impression. They know their stuff and are happy to help you, but this might just be an accentuation of Southern Hospitality into Sneakerdom, but needless to say, moments like these truly are enjoyable. I'm a consumer, I'm a fan, and I like to enjoy my shopping experience and discuss without hype or "oneupmanship" with those in the know.




Testament to their service with a smile was how they treated the 5 or 6 "heads" who qued for the Air Yeezy's. They put on a Breakfast Of Champions!



The new Alife's had just dropped that day, I made sure to cop a pair.

New York Dolls - 'Subway Train'

DMG$ Interview For Converse Music

Two weeks ago I caught up with Damaged Good$ aka DMG$. Two great rappers from Texas and a wicked producer from Dalston. Great combination. Kicked it with them for about 45 minutes before their soundcheck. They killed it, despite the mixed crowd and technical difficulties. Check the interview and footage below:

Exclusive Damaged Goods interview from Orange Dot on Vimeo.

The Reset

The other weekend the guys at Nike teamed up with the rising brands of the UK and put on an expose of British talent at the 1948 store. More things are needed like this to bring the people of London together. I didn't cop any Trapstar but my A.IN.T Slick Rick Tee and ALL CAPS Hard Times Tee are both doing alot. It was a cool little event, good tunes, nice people, sun was out, garms were fresh.

City Rats

I was actually quite looking forward to this film. Released on the 22nd April it documents some rather niche elements of London life. Then I found out Danny Dyer is in it. This drags the levels of anticipation down dramatically, but probably still worth a watch.

"Ain't I, Ain't I, Ain't I, Ain't I Got It Going On"

I've been meaning to post long extensive blogs about how amazing my life is, and how much better it is than yours. But business gets in the way, work prevails, and as narcissistic and egotistical as I can be, in this age of "Hey Look At Me" I've sort of toned it down. Follow my twitter for that kinda of OG Flamboyance.

Atlanta was a once in a life time trip. Shout out to Derek for holding it down and putting up with me for a week, Flip for being really cool and letting me roll with him on his interview. The Fourth Ward for being extremely gully but also incredibly hospitable. Pals is my kinda bar, Gangsta Pill, Fish and the real OGs, the Chicken Trap hustlers, Magic City for the best strip club in the world and all that good shit. I've got a couple of detailed posts coming but for now admire the pictures with gleeful envy. I wish I was an actual photographer, because Derek took me to places I really shouldn't have gone and I don't think many other Londoners roll down Simpson Road and kick it at The Grand Hustle studios...