Witness My Existence...

2007-11-20T16:21:00.000-08:00

TFU STUDIOS

TFU Studios does amazing animation work. Their new promo video for PB Wolf's Badd Santa" blew me away!

One of my favorite videos in existence is their work for Cut Chemist's "Spat":

2007-07-29T13:13:00.000-07:00

D-Nice's True Hip-Hop Stories

I'm all about the back story to things...that's why I read liner notes and magazines, like Wax Poetics, from front to back.. Everything has a story behind it...

D-Nice's True Hip Hop Stories are gems...

Subscribe to D-Nice TV HERE!

+ this song is still one of the illest '90s tracks ever!

2007-07-14T22:26:00.000-07:00

MY MIND IS BLOWN!

My new favorite artist is Clutchy Hopkins. His music reminds my soul...of why I love music so much. I need to be making beats like this damn it!

Clutchy Hopkins "3:02"/Mickey Mouse "Steamboat Willie"

Who is Clutchy Hopkins? Pt. 1

Who is Clutchy Hopkins? Pt. 2

2007-07-05T16:52:00.000-07:00

DESIGN GEEKINESS

Ampersands are sexy.

Herb Lubalin's amazing ampersand.
Below are a few other images of his design work...

Logos: (top) Marriage, 1965; (middle) Mother & Child, 1966; (bottom) Families, 1980.

The Next War..., 1972

2007-06-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

MY FAVORITE TIME OF THE DAY...'SPECIALLY ON SUNDAYS

2007-06-11T20:31:00.000-07:00

SHE HITS PAUSE

How beautiful is this polaroid! Photographer, Matt Schwartz at She Hit Pause Studios really knows hot to capture moments in time with a soft vintage touch.

2007-06-11T19:54:00.000-07:00

DALI'S DESTINO

A Salvador Dalí animation now finished more than fifty years after he started it is to have its British premiere this week at the Tate Modern, UK as part of the first exhibition devoted to the artist's fascination with film. Dalí's animation, Destino, begun in 1946 and completed in 2003, was abandoned by Walt in the 1940s for being too peculiar and expensive, with all the artist'strademark melting figures, clocks, telephones and scuttling ants.

read more via The Gaurdian

Via Creative Review

2007-06-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

TWO OF MY FAVORITE PEOPLE

Bjork & John Kricfalusi (the Ren & Stimpy guy... CHECK OUT HIS BLOG!

"I Miss You"

2007-06-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

HUNGRY PLANET: WHAT THE WORLD EATS

What's on family dinner tables in fifteen different homes around the globe? Photographs by Peter Menzel from the book "Hungry Planet"

While we can somewhat relate to familiar families who spend around $200 to $300 per week, with staples like pizza, ice cream, fatty snacks, and plenty of soda, we realize other families across the globe chow down on the real —like the Ayme family of Tingo, with a weekly budget of about $31 and a prized family recipe of potato soup with cabbage.

Via Time.com

2007-06-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

GOOD MAGAZINES

The 51 Best* Magazines Ever

(*Smartest, Prettiest, Coolest, Funniest, Most Influential, Most Necessary, Most Important, Most Essential, etc....according to Good Magazine)

2007-06-06T10:14:00.000-07:00

M.I.S.S. CREW BLOG

So I started a "column" on the M.I.S.S. Crew site called "Art HERstory" (geeky, I know). It'll be running every Tuesday. Yesterday, being the first day.

Read the first entry HERE!

Let me know what you think!

2007-05-29T23:44:00.000-07:00

THE SCENE (DETROIT, 1982)

Groovin' on the Good Foot...D'STYLE!

2007-05-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

COOL VIDEOS

Found this little animated title sequence to be amusing: Trekat

HP comes back again with another heavy hitting creative, this time it's Michel Gondry.

2007-05-26T17:59:00.000-07:00

MUSEUM OF FORGOTTEN ART SUPPLIES

The first class we take in design school is a materials, tools & comping techniques class. They introduce us to the basic tools and tricks of the trade. It's only been 3 years since I took that class but some of those art supplies are about ready to enter the Museum of Forgotten Art Supplies.

2007-05-18T22:47:00.000-07:00

M.I.S.S. CREW BLOG

Apart from working on final projects these last couple of weeks, I was also working with Gabriella (Mama Clothing) & Liz (The Goods!) on redesigning the M.I.S.S. Crew blog (which I also blog on) layout and a couple of other pages. Gabriella & Liz did an amazing job putting the finishing touches on it (the main page and special features pages).

Check it:
M.I.S.S. CREW is grown and sexy and we're excited to announce the re-launch of MISSCREW.COM!! Big Thanks to Amanda Lopez for her beautiful photography on our home page.

2007-05-18T22:32:00.000-07:00

SONS OF MILES (FINAL)

My 9th semester at the Academy of Art is over. 9th SEMESTER! I've been going there every Summer, Fall & Spring since 2004. I thought about taking this Summer off (especially since I'm not getting any financial aid this Summer...grrr) but I'm so close! If all keeps going well, I'll be graduating next Spring.

Anyway, My Type 3 book, "Sons of Miles" is done. See it above. Better pictures to come. I'll be making prints from the art work in it, if anyone is interested.

2007-05-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

STYLE ICON

Your style icon may be in rehab but mine hangs in a Buffalo Stance!

Neneh Cherry's "Buffalo Stance"

Say WORD!

2007-05-13T13:55:00.000-07:00

LEGOLAND

The new LACIE external Lego Hard Drives are so awesome! I'd create a Legoland in my studio apartment with these filled with music!

2007-05-06T17:56:00.000-07:00

JAMAICAN LABEL ART

This made my day...CHECK IT!

2007-05-06T14:33:00.000-07:00

BOOKS I WANT...

...a short list.

2007-05-06T14:12:00.000-07:00

INSPIRATION MACHINE...

This is insane...a 24 x 140 in long banner.. About what? Nothing but anything around that we should take a few seconds to get inspired by...
CHEEEECK IT: jvallee.com

2007-05-04T01:28:00.000-07:00

"SONS OF MILES"

The book I'm working on for my Type 3 class, "Sons of Miles," is 13 days away from being finished. Here's the "approved" cover (well, part of it, the right side got a little cut off...not in the mood to upload another):

I'm happy with it...not thrilled but happy.

Thoughts?

2007-05-03T20:48:00.000-07:00

IT'S TRUE

"I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person."

- Audrey Hepburn

2007-05-03T16:38:00.000-07:00

AMY WINEHOUSE SHOW REVIEW

I've been horribly busy lately so I apologize for the lack of updates (Does anyone even check this anymore?!). The next two weeks are going to be scary stressful so any words of encouragement will be much appreciated :)

Last Thursday, I "snuck" out to Popscene (here is SF) to see Amy Winehouse (aka The Sad-"Snowboarder"-witha-Killer-Voice) open for Klaxons. I was on the guest list as a "writer" for Soundslam.com (Thanks again, Nick!) so I went alone (I had never been to a show alone!). I was a little nervous about doing a show write-up because, well, I'm not a writer! Bekka (aka Copy Writer Extraordinaire) was kind enough to edit my piece...Thanks again, B!

So here it is...along with a video from the show: Amy Winehouse Concert Review

Enjoy!

(PS...Feedback would be awesome! Thanks!)

2007-04-15T00:01:00.000-07:00

ASHES AND SNOW

Beautiful...beyond words...

“In exploring the shared language and poetic sensibilities of all animals, I am working towards rediscovering the common ground that once existed when people lived in harmony with animals. The images depict a world that is without beginning or end, here or there, past or present.”
—Gregory Colbert, Creator of Ashes and Snow

The photographic artworks of Gregory Colbert explore the poetic sensibilities of animals in their natural habitat as they interact with human beings. No longer shown as merely a member of the family of man, humans are seen as a member of the family of animals.

More: Ashes and Snow

2007-04-14T13:22:00.000-07:00

MAMA ON ELLEGIRL.COM!!

Elle Girl just featured our "Lichtenstein" tee (a shirt I worked on! yay!) in their "Get In Toon" story. Here's a lil' sneak peak of what's to come as far as our spring tees go . . . they'll be dropping in May.

2007-04-14T03:54:00.001-07:00

GOD'S HEADSET

God Listens to John Coltrane
and Thelonious Monk
every day and Charlie Parker
and Miles Davis every night,
which is why, despite his age,
he remains so cool and
admirably inimitable.

-Taken from "Beat Culture and the New America: 1950-1965"
(Whitney Museum of American Art)

2007-04-13T16:04:00.000-07:00

PEOPLE TREE FAIR TRADE

I'm diggin' how simple this little commercial for People Tree is. It's also informative, cute and jammin' with a Lee "Scratch" Perry tune!

2007-04-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

J.A.M.: KOOP

More goodness to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month (J.A.M.)!

Koop is an electronic jazz duo from Sweden that consists of Magnus Zingmark and Oscar Simonsson. You've probably heard at least one of the numerous remix projects they've been involved with. A favorite is the remix for Astrud Gilberto's "Here's That Rainy Day" for the Verve Remixed project.

Their album "Waltz for Koop" is short with only 9 tracks...but man, this quickly became one of my favorite album. It's on my list of "Entire Albums to Share with People" :)

Download & Enjoy: KOOP In A Heartbeat.mp3

Check out: KOOP on MySpace

2007-04-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

A TASTE...

...of a Miles Davis book I'm working on in my Type 3 class. 100+ pages. It'll be perfect bound and I'll be getting 3-5 made (depending on how much i dig it ;))

What do you think? Don't say nice things just to say nice things either!

2007-04-11T10:46:00.000-07:00

MAMA CUT & SEW DROPPED

Finally, the time is here. "La Dolce Vita" Spring cut & sew collection has dropped. Check out the Mama website for updated photos and detailed shots of the new pieces. I also own most of these pieces so hit me if you want to see any.

The full collection is available for purchase on the Mama website.

Select pieces are available at these retailers:
5 & A Dime - San Diego
El Mercado - LA
The Orphinage - Chula Vista
Eagle Rock Underground - LA
All The Right - Corona, NY
Brooklyn Projects Melrose & Echo Park- LA
Cap City - West New York, NJ
Bodega - Boston
Connoisseur 533 - San Jose
True - San Francisco
True East - Walnut Creek
Winner's Circle - Seattle
Fresh - Berkeley
The Avenue - Fountain Valley, CA
Subterrain - Santa Clarita
Thoroughbredz - Las Vegas
Groundid - Singal Hill, CA
Our Fly Lives - Miami
Attic - Paramount, CA
DigitalGravel.com
Cultistshop.com

Props to Photographer Ben Mayorga & Stylist Liz "Busy Lady" Baca for their awesome work on the photo shoot for the collection.

2007-04-09T00:59:00.000-07:00

TICK TOCK

I just wanted to share this article the Indianapolis InTake (like the SF Weekly or Guardian) did on my amigo Nick Saligoe aka DJ Metrognome. This cat's doing big things out in Indy and I'm so happy that he's getting recognized in the community.

Check the article here: Hip Congressman

Also:
DJ Metrognome's Myspace Music Page & SoundSlam.com (an online Hip Hop magazine he runs).

2007-04-03T14:43:00.000-07:00

TIA LEXX

Spanish Lesson for the Day: Tia = Aunt :)

ALYSSA ISABELLA VALDEZ was born to my younger brother Johnny and sister-in-law Monique on March 31, 2007.

In celebration of my new niece, here's a download: Darlin' Ukelele by Jolie Holland...a lullaby-esque song for little Alyssa.

2007-04-02T12:14:00.000-07:00

J.A.M.: BLUE NOTE RECORDS & THE SCIENCE

Just a quick post: I'll be posting up some of my favorite Jazz tracks this month in celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month. I don't have time for a write up on tracks today so I'm posting up two audio files with info on Blue Note Records and The Science of Jazz instruments. Thanks to the good sir Madlib for both.

Now, go on and DIG IT!

BLUE NOTE RECORDS

THE SCIENCE

2007-04-02T12:10:00.000-07:00

JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH (J.A.M.)

Jazz is love — in my book. It's hard to go a day without indulging myself in the intense sounds of Miles Davis and sultry lyrics of Billie Holiday. So this month I'm excited to have an excuse to celebrate one of my greatest inspirations.

Jazz Appreciation Month, created to be observed every April, is a celebration that encourages people to attend jazz concerts, listen to jazz recordings, support jazz programs, and simply enjoy the music's verve, pulse, and power.

In 1942, Viola Smith, a veteran drummer with 17 years of professional paradiddles under her belt, sent shock waves through the readership of Down Beat by extolling the existence of "hep girls," female jazz musicians "who could sit in any jam session and hold their own." A firestorm of letters-to-the-editor ensued, passionately debating the topic: Can women play jazz?

So pour yourselves a glass of wine or brew a cup of tea, sit back, relax (you deserve it!) and celebrate Women in Jazz.

Don't know where to start? How about HERE!

Info: PBS.org & Images: smithsonianjazz.org

2007-03-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

GOOD DESIGN

I'm a sucka for good design. From print to the kitchen sink, I love surrounding myself with good design.

Now, Bek-Deezy and I have a pretty eclectic collection of dishwares but YO...these below are SO fresh!

The Buddha Bowl is designed to rest in the palm of your hand and can be used for rice, lattés, ice cream, and even cereal. The handmade bowl is designed by Flavour Design. This interdisciplinary design company from Canada strive to design products that make people say “why didn’t i think of that!” The company owners Élan and Mark Falvai: “Our pieces aim to be clever yet elegant with a strong emphasis on ergonomics and functionality. We believe that the items you choose to surround yourself with should be interesting. They should enable you to strike up a conversation or at least make you smile”.

Their Udon Noodle Bowl is fun, elegant, and ergonomic. This bowl, which is also handmade, is available in eight colors and comes complete with chopsticks. More information about these bowls, and all their other products, can be found on Flavour Design’s website.

2007-03-24T11:24:00.000-07:00

NOTHING LIKE THIS

Daniel Garcia's video for J Dilla's "Nothing Like This" is beautiful. It's kind of like, Finding Nemo with a Tim Burton twist. Can't go wrong with that. Check it below...

Stones Throw posted a series of Ruff Draft related interviews on their YouTube page. They feature Dilla's mom, Illa J, Dave New York, J ROCC, Rhettmatic, Karriem Riggins, and Peanut Butter Wolf. There's nothing better than people sharing great stories about their friends.

2007-03-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

CURRENT MOOD

"Irregular Flow" on Vimeo

via Wooster Collective

2007-03-17T01:32:00.000-07:00

GUADALUPE, CA BOUND

I'm off to visit the familia tomorrow. I'll be gone for a few days. I'll be on the Amtrak working on class projects and sleeping for most of the morning and afternoon. It's also a good time for me to reflect. The scenery is ever-changing and beautiful. I'll try to take a few pictures.

This is just a taste of what the beauty of the central coast looks like:

Here's a track for you to enjoy while I'm gone.
This track may be a little throwback for some but I think it's the joint!
Dedicated to my brothers (who are also my friends) Luis and Johnny...oh, and Nick cause he likes the cowbell, haha ;)

MidAir_EaseOut.mp3 (12.89 MB)

This is off of Full Scope Records out of Chicago...and if anyone knows where I can get a copy of it on wax, PLEASE hit me!
Oh, and If you're going to listen to the track at all...listen to it all the way through, damnit.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

PEACE/PAZ!

2007-03-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

ERIK'S MUSIC

What inspires me? People.

I've been fortunate enough to meet people at the Academy of Art that are as passionate about design as I am. They make going to class exciting. I look forward to sharing my ideas with these people knowing that they are as excited to grow creatively as I am.

Last semester I grew to know a designer you should all watch out for. His name is Erik and he was born and raised in Texas. We had a couple of classes together before last semester and I gotta say this guy's stuff has grown to intimidate me, haha. He might not think so but he pays a lot of attention to detail and has pulled out a lot of strong projects.

Anyway, aside from being a great designer Erik's also a musician and yo this cat can make some dope tracks! He put up a few tracks that him and a friend worked on using a Les Paul and GarageBand. He did the beats and mixed everything down. I have to say I was very impressed! This was their first run and these track are good.

Check them out for yourselves on Erik's Blog (My favorite's the second one...but they're all dope!): I Usually Dont Impose

These tracks below are dedicated to Erik cause he's the biggest Beck fan I know but you're all welcome to download them. :)

Dark Star (Dave Sitek from TVOTR Remix).mp3 (5.7 MB)

Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime (JoolsMF Remix).mp3 (6.66 MB)

Enjoy!

2007-03-15T21:17:00.000-07:00

LADY LEXX x MAMA CLOTHING

Below are better pictures of some shirts I worked on for MAMA's Autumn/Winter 2007 Collection. They were all done in Illustrator CS. We give the silkscreener vector images and they put them in a computer that does the damn thing and BAM we get these babies.

Check em!

Imagine, August 2007

Mucha & Wave, August 2007

Lichtenstein & Rene Gruau May 2007 (Just the Lichtenstein. Gabriella worked on the Rene Gruau.)

What do you guys think? :)

Peep the rest of the collection HERE.

2007-03-15T17:59:00.000-07:00

ISO50

I've been diggin' on ISO50 for hot minute now. I love their art direction and color palettes. Cheeeeeeck it:

Two new ISO50 Prints Released

The "Vuela" and the "Past is Prologue" prints are both now available at the ISO50 Shop. The latter features artwork from the "Past is Prologue" album. If you missed out on the limited edition folded posters that came with the first run of the CD, here's your chance to get the full size artwork.
Check them out here >

ISO50 - iso50.com
Tycho - tychomusic.com
Tycho on Myspace - Myspace.com/tycho
ISO50 on MySpace - Myspace.com/iso50

2007-03-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

LE RANDOM

Sometimes I cruise on ETSY looking for inspiration. Today I came across DKim's ETSY store and man, this girl is certified cool!

Her Profile reads:
"A designer/illustrator working and playing in New York. I am an artist because I couldn't make it as a ninja."

Hahaha, Fuckin' great! I'm jackin' that...

Lexx's Profile:
I'm a designer/illustrator working and playing in San Francisco. I'm an artist because I couldn't make it as the female version of Chuck Norris.

Then she has these prints of original illustrations...and yo, I always say these things!

I've been saying this since I was little. Pepe Le Pew's pervy ass would chase this cat everywhere. When the cat was tired and trying to catch her breath or when she was sitting at her window thinking about him she'd "Le Sigh."

The above is something I say in my head to my teachers after a crit or out loud to my friends and fam when I get stressed...I usually follow it with: "You don't know what it's like when you try, and you try, and you try and you never get there!" (from the movie I Am Sam).

Haha...ok, I've said too much.

The End.

2007-03-12T20:31:00.000-07:00

TYPOGRAPHY SCHOOL FILM

Typography School - A film by Omair Barkatulla.

Via Swiss Miss

2007-03-12T12:08:00.000-07:00

FRENCH PUNK

....dedicated to Bekka, my roommate and the biggest francophile I know.

Pavillon 36 by Bérurier Noir

Amputé by Bérurier Noir

Bérurier Noir is a French punk band formed in Paris in 1983 by Loran (guitar), François (vocals) and Dédé (drum machine). They called themselves "noir" (black) for the color of mourning (because their first concert was planned to be also their last) and for anarchy and "Bérurier" after the character from the novels of Frédéric Dard. Instead of being an end, the success of their first show inspired them to continue. A cult band, Bérurier Noir were loved by a generation of youth and feared by concert organizers for the riots that followed their shows.

2007-03-11T12:26:00.000-07:00

MUSIC TO SHARE

My greatest joy is to give to people. Yes it's a tad corny but true. I like giving ideas, art, smiles, laughs, love...and music. So here you go:

Download & Enjoy!

HYPOCRITE LOVE by AIR vs ANTIBALAS

PS. I take requests! Funk, Psych, Punk, Jazz...I got it all.

2007-03-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

KERRI SMITH

I bought this book via Amazon:

Living Out Loud
written & illustrated by Keri Smith

Who also runs the coolest blog:
WISH JAR: Explorations of the Familiar

Who also created the coolest survival kit:

The Artist's Survival Kit

Enjoy!

2007-03-10T20:40:00.000-08:00

LOVE IS...

...the book I just finished reading: Love is a Mix Tape: Life & Loss, One Song at a Time by Rob Sheffield. It took me a week...and what a wonderful week it was! It was filled with emotions and laughs and it ruled my life (I took this book EVERYWHERE!)...I even slowed down toward the end because I didn't want it to end. At the same time, I was excited to pass it on to my roommate, Bekka. I need someone to talk to about this book, damnit! So, yea...it's in her hands now...and she's a fast reader. I can't wait!

I do have to say, I don't really recommend this book to those who don't have a strong connection with the '90s (people under the age of 20). Most of the book takes place during that era. It took me back! I even, subconsciously, bought a sweater similar to the one that Kurt Cobain wears on the MTV Unplugged video (Yep, I named that sweater "Cobain.")

I could say so much about this book but I'm not a great writer...Rob Sheffield is.
So don't take my word for it. If you dig music, read this book.

2007-03-03T16:56:00.000-08:00

CURRENTLY READING:

Love is a Mix Tape: Life & Loss, One Song at a Time by Rob Sheffield.

I'm only three chapters in and I'm in love...This book was written for me. More about it later.

2007-03-03T16:42:00.000-08:00

WASSUP ROCKERS

I was excited to see Larry Clark's Wassup Rockers ...but was very disappointed when I finally did.
Although it had some really good moments, they were very few. I don't really recommend it.
Rent In The Realms of the Unreal: The Myster of Henry Darger instead. :)

2007-03-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

IN THE REALMS OF THE UNREAL...

In The Realms of the Unreal: The Myster of Henry Darger is my new favorite documentary. This movie was amazing! I don't buy a lot of movies but I'll be buying this one sometime soon.

Henry Darger worked all his life in menial jobs in Chicago. Living alone and in poverty, he had no friends or close family. Spending all his off hours alone, he whiled away the hours working on a 15,000 page illustrated novel called The Realms of the Unreal. A stunning amalgam of religious imagery, fantasy, and heroic drama, the work was only discovered after Darger was moved to a hospital during the last days of his life. Darger also wrote journals and an autobiography. The documentary uses interviews with Darger's neighbors and narration of passages from his works, along with his illustrations, to explore the mind and work of Henry Darger.

If you've seen it or end up seeing it let me know what you think!

2007-02-24T16:54:00.000-08:00

5 THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME...

1. One of my favorite albums is "Damaged" by Black Flag.

2. I like drinking coffee that's been sitting in the pot for a while — strong and cruddy.

3. I like eating Ocean Spray jellied cranberry out of the can.

4. I have strange taste in men.

5. I've never been on a trolley car and I live one street over from the Powell Street Trolley Line.

2007-02-24T16:51:00.000-08:00

YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MANY BOOKS

To learn, read.
To know, write.
To master, teach.

2007-02-24T16:41:00.000-08:00

HAPPINESS IS...

Eating chocolate chip cookies with (soy) milk and listening to some tunes...it's the only way to do homework ;)

2007-02-19T13:06:00.000-08:00

MILES ILLUSTRATION

These are some illustrations I did for my TYPE 3 book project. These are all first run sketches that were "rejected"...I still dig them. I'm excited to see what I come up with for the next run.

2007-02-15T20:06:00.000-08:00

I GET DEPRESSED A LOT...

...But it's never this deep:

THE BRIDGE - Trailer

...I want to see this.

Is that morbid?

2007-02-15T18:18:00.000-08:00

LADY LEXX x MAMA CLOTHING TEES

The Hundreds are keeping a close eye on things at
Magic (Fashion and Apparel Trade Show).

They caught a glimpse of some upcoming MAMA gear:

I worked (long and damn hard) on the top two along with two others that are not pictured. I'll be getting mine when they get back from the trade show. More pictures soon.

Check The Feed.

Here's a picture of MAMA's Magic Booth.

Fel (Freelance Make-Up Artist & fellow MAMA Intern), Dree (Office Tramp & MAMA Intern) and Gabriella (Head MAMA in Charge) at Magic.

More Magic pictures on Gabriella's blog: The Glamorous Life

2007-02-12T14:41:00.000-08:00

INSPIRATION/MOTIVATION: AMPUTEE CUP

The first All-African Amputee Football Tournament is taking place in Sierra Leone.

Read more about it HERE.

Info & Image: BBC

2007-02-11T13:34:00.000-08:00

NEW BOOKS (and a DVD)

1. The Miles Davis Story (DVD) by George Avakian, Ian Carr, Don Carter (II), and Ron Carter

2. Love is a Mixtape by Rob Sheffield.

3. Miles: The Autobiography by Miles Davis and Quincy Troupe.

(This is a customer image from Amazon.com...thought it was too beautiful not to share.)

4. Worldchanging: A User's Guide for the 21st Century by Alex Steffen (Author), Al Gore (Foreword), Bruce Sterling (Introduction).

5. Colors: Tibor Kalman, Issues 1-13 by Tibor Kalman (Author), Maira Kalman (Author).

*sigh*...I really need a bookcase.

:)

2007-02-09T13:34:00.000-08:00

OSCILLATIONS

Contrary to popular belief I do dig on more than just hip hop, jazz, funk and soul...

A few months ago I came across a track by Silver Apples(a psychedelic electronic music duo from NYC) called "Oscillations". The first time I heard this track was also the first time I had heard of the band. I thought the track was beautiful and so amazing and months later it still blows my mind. I was surprised (I mean SURPRISED!) to learn that the track came out in 1968! This track was way ahead of it's time! It sounds like something Aphex Twin would have composed.

"Oscillations" was made on a primitive synthesizer and sounds like an urgent driving beat pulsating through time. The drums dance distantly in the back and sound almost tribal. The voice sounds like it's unraveling and being pushed by an undervalued drone in obscurity.

Yea. Trip the hell out. That's what I did.

If you ever come across Silver Apples...don't sleep! I'll try uploading the track sometime soon. If you can't wait, hit me and I'll email it to you. I'd love to discuss it with someone!

2007-02-08T23:38:00.000-08:00

DUH-HA, DUH-HA...

"Remember Rappin' Duke, duh-ha, duh-ha/You never thought that hip hop would take it this far "

Holy Crap-Nugget! This made me "BWAHAHA"!!

2007-02-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

TOMORROW...I GET MY MAD MAD FUNK ON!

WHAT: Wilson, Purdie and Green @ Mojito
WHEN: Friday & Saturday February 9-10 | Doors 6pm | Show 9pm
WHERE: Mojito | 1337 Grant Ave, @ Vallejo, North Beach, San Francisco | 415-398-1120
GENERAL INFO: www.sunsetpromotions.net
TICKETS: Very limited capacity – advance purchase recommended
$15 advance available at www.sunsettickets.com

In the ongoing quest to bring jazz back to North Beach, Sunset Promotions and North Beach Jazz Fest present an exclusive 2-night run with three masters of acid jazz. B3 legend Reuben Wilson, the world’s most recorded drummer Bernard Purdie and guitar wizard Grant Green Jr will play two sets/night at Sunset’s intimate North Beach venue, Mojito.

Reuben Wilson, one of the great B3 Hammond organ players of all time, has been playing with Bernard Purdie and Grant Green Jr, almost exclusively for more than 5 years. Having faded from the funk and jazz scene, Wilson regained notoriety in the early 90s when producers snagged his organ vamps for classic hip-hop tracks by Nas and A Tribe Called Quest. With a rollicking, freewheeling sound, Wilson's style is often compared to Jimmy Smith. But because he recorded with such legendary funkmeisters as Melvin Sparks and Earl Turbinton, he is among a select few 70's jazz artists who worked just as easily on the dance club as in the jazz club. He is best known for seminal Blue note acid jazz pieces “Bus Ride” and “Hot Rod”

Bernard Purdie has appeared on over 200 albums in his lengthy 40-year career; making him the most recorded drummer of all-time. A who’s-who of funk, jazz and pop stars, including James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Herbie Hancock, Quincy Jones, Teddy Pendergrass, Hank Crawford, Roberta Flack, Nina Simone, Gil Scott Heron, Steely Dan, Jimmy Smith, Jimmy McGriff, Lou Donaldson, Roy Ayers, Gato Barbieri and Mongo Santamaria and Grant Green Jr have called on Purdie’s unique talent to beautify their cuts. It has also been widely reported, including by Purdie himself, that he was hired to overdub drums on more than 17 early Beatles cuts, making him perhaps the legendary “5th Beatle” as well.

Grant Green Jr., the son of the legendary Blue Note jazz guitarist, channels his father's extraordinary legacy into a redefinition of jazz guitar. While influenced by the classic jazz funk guitarists, like his father and Melvin Sparks, Green Jr. tends to get a bit harder and dirtier than both of them. Working with Wilson on on a variety of recent records, the two are after a complete redefinition and modernization of that classic jazz-funk feel.

Info: SF STATION

2007-02-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

INSPIRATION: ALVIN LUSTIG

I'm working on a series of book jackets for my Print 1 class and have been looking for style inspirations.

I learned about Alvin Lustig in a 2004 issue of Print Magazine. It was mainly about his interior design but even that intrigued me.

A few days ago, I found 2 old issues of Graphis ('60/'61 & '64), an international journal of visual communication, and came across a few of Alvin Lustig's book designs. I headed to his website and I was really surprised at how thorough the site is! It's absolutely complete and does his beautiful work justice! I was going to take a few screen shots of my favorite pieces but this post would be pages long!

Here's a link to the site instead: Alvin Lustig :)

Enjoy!

2007-02-05T21:04:00.000-08:00

STOSSEL ON GRAPHIC DESIGN

2007-02-05T14:44:00.000-08:00

MY WEEKEND...

My best friends (aka My Parents) came up to see me this past weekend and surprised me by bringing my nephews, Chito (age 8) and Noe (age 6), with them! Here's a few pictures from our adventures:

I took the train out to Salinas (where my Dad's side of the family lives) and my parents picked me up from there. This shot is from inside the Amtrak station at Jack London Square in Oakland.

We went to eat at Phil's Fish Market in Moss Landing. I could never fully be a vegetarian because of the cioppino (seafood stew) they serve at this place. It's one of my favorite dishes ever! I was too busy eating to take a picture of it, haha. After we ate, we went for a walk on the beach.

My dad's a big kid. My nephews asked him to chuck a log into the water...and he did, haha. We all had fun playing at the edge of the water.

I have a thing for odd looking vans.

We stopped by my grandfather's (Papa Chago) grave. My nephews helped my dad put flowers on the headstone...I hadn't been there in a while. He passed away in 2003, right before I came out to SF.
After this, we went out to see my grandma (Mama Carmen) and my aunts and uncles.

Sunday we made our way out to Santa Cruz. My nephews had memorized Wilson Pickett's "Mustang Sally" and were singing it to me...and then we saw one! "A 1965..."

We went to the Santa Cruz Boardwalk and went nuts in the arcade. Here's my Mom playing ski ball. She loves it!

We were all tired at the end of the day but they still had to drive me up to SF. They brought me oranges from their backyard and a bunch of other treats...and a new coffee maker! My parents are too damn awesome. Thanks for the boost of energy before the semester dudes! Love you ("times infinity")!

2007-02-05T13:45:00.000-08:00

FILLMORE STREET, SF

"Where fashion and funk meet, and everyone comes to eat." -- Gourmet magazine

I love me some Fillmore Street. That quote above is damn right!

Here are a few of my FAVORITE spots on one of my favorite streets:

Fashion:
Upper Playground, 220 Fillmore Street
Contemporary Urban Wear. T-shirts and accessories by world famous artists, designers and graffiti legends.

Bekka's official...rockin' her Sam Flores shirt from Upper Playground (my present to her on her 26th Bday a few weeks ago).

Funk:
The Boom Boom Room, 1601 Fillmore Street
Live Groove Nightly
Don't have a picture of/at this spot...but trust me it's THE spot for live music!

Eat:
La Mediterranee, 2210 Fillmore Street

The atmosphere at this spot is nice. Great for a date...and very inexpensive! The service gets a 7...

...but the food gets a 10!!!!

Paper:
Paper Source, 1925 Fillmore Street
Do Something Creative Every Day

This is a candy store if you're crafty...and a Yeti in the window(?!?!)...only makes it better!

Bekka had a moment with him...they exchanged an intimate look...and quite possibly phone numbers ;)

Those are just my top 4 places...but that whole street has so much to offer. If you're in SF, spend an afternoon...or better yet, a whole day there if you can. If you're looking for inspiration it won't disappoint!

Need more convincing? Check the site: Fillmore Street.

2007-02-02T14:43:00.000-08:00

TODAY

CURRENTLY LISTENING TO:

Miles Davis (on shuffle)

CURRENTLY DRINKING:

Peet's Coffee (aka crack)- Colombia Caracol blend (very appropriate when your dad's name is Juan Valdez)

PLANS FOR TONITE:

Homework, watching 20/20's story on Revenge and THE SOUP ("Chicks, Man" "Oprah Girlfriend" "So Meaty")!

Yes, I know...I'm a big yawn, haha.

PEACE!

2007-02-02T12:40:00.000-08:00

PENGUIN BOOK COVERS

For my Print 1 class this semester we're starting off with a book jacket project. It's going to be for a series of 3 books so I've been looking around for a series or collection of book covers that I'd like to redesign. I came across this Flickr set a while back and it's perfect to use as inspiration for this project.

After buying the book "Penguin By Design: A Cover Story 1935-2005," Joe Kral (click on his name to check out his other sets. He's a design nut! I love it!) started collecting Penguin & Pelican books and was kind enough to share his collection with the world!

Check it here: PENGUIN BOOKS.

2007-02-01T16:21:00.000-08:00

THANK YOU JAY DEE, ACT 2

I can't believe next week will be a year that J Dilla passed. I remember where I was...what I was doing..who I heard it from...everything. It was a tough day filled with heartache and disbelief. I still have the ticket to the Donuts release party at the Mezzanine that ended up being a Tribute Show.

Here's a message I found encoded out of 10 track titles (out of 31) off of the "Donuts" album.

"Hi." "People"
"Stop" "Don't Cry" "Dilla Says Go" "Geek Down" "U-Love" "Glazed" "Donuts"
"Bye."

Yea, ok. I'm strange. Sorry...he's my Tupac (James Brown is my Elvis).

This year I plan to rock my Dilla shirt both on his birthday (Feb. 7th) and the day of his passing (Feb. 10th). I'm also planning to have some donuts from Bob's Donuts (on Polk St.) while listening to some Dilla goodness. You're welcome to join me.

Thank You Jay Dee, Act 2 Mixed by J Rocc

coming to Stonesthrow.com next week

Ruff Draft drops March 20.

www.myspace.com/jdilla

2007-02-01T15:20:00.000-08:00

A HIGHER POWER DOES EXIST!

I was listening to Budos Band (Daptone Records) about an hour ago and thought to myself, "When's Budos coming to SF, damnit!" and about 10 minutes ago I go to Myspace and there's a bulletin about them coming to the Boom Boom Room (one of my favorite spots in the city)! After getting a little vaklempt and almost schmutzing myself (yea, I know..very lady-like) I check my calendar for the 16th & 17th - CLEAR (yea, I'm not that popular, haha)!

I'm SOFA KING THERE! WHO'S COMING WITH ME?!
Check the info below!

BUDOS BAND

West Coast Tour
Two Dates in SF!
Friday, February 16th 10:00pm
Saturday February 17th 10:00pm

Boom Boom Room
1601 Fillmore St
San Francisco, CA 94115
BoomBoomRoomblues.com
Price: $15

2007-02-01T14:37:00.000-08:00

SCHOOL UPDATE

“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food.“ Hippocrates

(Yea, sorry dudes, Ramen & Cheese Burgers – not really medicine)

Before I tell ya'll about my first week of school let me just tell you that I have the best roommate/friend/partner in crime/Doobie Sister around! I open the fridge yesterday afternoon to find fresh APPLE-CARROT-GINGER JUICE GOODNESS! I love this stuff! I took a little drink...but when she gets home she tells me I have a whole 32 oz container to myself!!! I got a little vaklempt and almost schmutzed myself (yea, I know..very lady-like)...Anyway, I'm at work right now drinking the stuff uo and had to give her a shout! Thanks again, B.Wrekka! OPRAH GIRLFRIEND!

Anyway...I started Spring semester this week and so far I'm super-excited about this semester. I definitely think it'll be less stressful than last fall.

This is what I have going on:

Trend Forecasting – I'm hoping this class will help me with my internship/job in street wear. Also, having a non-graphic design class may keep me sane this semester. Sounds fun so far. I cringed at the thought of being in a room full of fashion design girly-girls...but they're alright and there's another graphic design cat in there.

The Power of Myth & Symbol – One of the best teacher at the Academy teaches this class. He's uncensored and the word 'taboo' is not in his vocabulary. He's amazing (more about him later). I took The Power of Signs (aka Semiotics) with him a few semesters back. His classes always blow my mind. My third eye is wide open!

Typography3 - We'll be making a book for this class. The subject is up to us. We looked at the books previous classes have made and they're mad intimidating...but I'm excited to make this book! It'll look good in my portfolio. I have to present 3 concepts next week for this project.

Print1 - I was dreading this class...I have this instructor who I've had for 3 semesters in a row (including this semester) but she's got some exciting stuff lined up for us to do (book jackets, posters for a cause, and a sustainable design project). There's only 6 people in that class, too. I walked out of there feeling inspired and creative. I wasn't expecting that...maybe it was just the St. John's Wort I took, haha.

Hope you're all Happy & Healthy!

"If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living." Gail Sheehy

PEACE OUT!

2007-02-01T00:15:00.000-08:00

THE GRANDFATHER OF SOUL

"The Grandfather of Soul" is a short by Keytoon Animation Studio and some what of a tribute to the late James Brown. This made me giggle...oh, and the animation is BEAUTIFUL!

CHECK IT!

2007-01-29T22:27:00.000-08:00

MIKE GIANT

Mike Giant is one of the hippest dudes around (he'd stab me with a fork if he knew I called him 'hip'). I first saw his art in a graff magazine back in '98...years later the dude's art still amazes me. He's become a successful tattoo artist and has worked with Scion and has his own clothing line, Rebel 8. Now he's doing big things with Adidas. Check it below!

Dropping soon: MIKE GIANT x ADIDAS x HEMP

...Nice one, Adidas!

Check the official Giant page here: MIKE GIANT.COM
Check the official Giant Blog here: Count Trackula on Fecal Face

2007-01-29T00:23:00.000-08:00

RANDOM STUFF

Last movie I watched:
SherryBaby (2006, Rental)
Watch it...Maggie Gyllenenhaal is AMAZING in this...Overall, this movie is mad intense.
WARNING: DO NOT WATCH THIS WITH YOUR MOMMA!

You should check out this site:
Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Especially if you're into "...supporting cultural diversity and increased understanding among peoples through the documentation, preservation, and dissemination of sound..."

I want this book:
The Early Bird - The Art & Design of Morning Breath Book (Hardcover)

I want these shoes:

...and I can't find them in my size! They're the only damn Nikes I'll rock...

2007-01-25T16:04:00.000-08:00

R.I.P. DAVE SHAYMAN (aka DISCO D) 1980-2007

Dave Shayman (aka Disco D) was found dead Tuesday morning of an apparent suicide. He was 27 years old.

For the full story CLICK HERE.

Image: URB.com

2007-01-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

SOME THINGS I'M CURRENTLY JOCKING...

Quote/Lyric:
"The Earth's a Turntable revolving on a beat."
~ Rob Swift ft. Gudtyme (on "The Earth's a Turntable")

Movie:
Junebug (2005, Rental, Highly Recommended! ****)

Music:
Flying Funk: Ultra Heavy Funk & Rare Grooves
from Flying Dutchman, Blue Bird & RCA

Art:
Jim Flora (Title: Sweets & JJ Johnson, 1992. Acrylic, 15" x 30")

2007-01-25T13:45:00.000-08:00

COVERSHOCKS

Shouts to COVERSHOCKS (aka Mr. Paul Duffy)! A talented DJ from the UK I met via the fantastik voyage that is MySpace. Check his music page out HERE and ask how you can get a hold of his COFFEEBREAKS Mix. It's one of my favorite mixes ever (this cat knows how to select)! PEACE TO DERRY, UK!

2007-01-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

HAPPY BIRFDAY, B.WREKS!

Today's my B.Wrekka's 26th birfday! We're going to have a party in our tummies tonight...aka GREEK FOOD! YAYBONK! ...and maybe a drink...or a movie...or something shweet! Either way it's going to be "Rockin'" and "Awesome"!

We alligator-three eat'chudduh!

(in an oh-so-very hetero way)

2007-01-21T00:28:00.000-08:00

ART/DESIGN QUOTES

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up.
~ Pablo Picasso

Art comes first, weird fills in the gaps.
~ Unknown

Design is about the ordinary thing done extraordinarily well.
~ Stephen Bayley

Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence.
~ Henri Matisse

Art, like Nature, has her monsters, things of bestial shape and with hideous voices.
~ Oscar Wilde

The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance.
~ Aristotle

Computers in the future may have only 1,000 vacuum tubes and perhaps only weigh 1 1/2 tons.
~ Popular Mechanics, 1949

You know, Hobbes, some days even my lucky rocketship underpants don’t help.
~ Calvin

2007-01-19T16:43:00.000-08:00

HAPPINESS IS...

101 Records
North Beach, San Francisco

2007-01-18T22:22:00.000-08:00

PEANUT BUTTER WOLF - "BARCELONA NIGHTS"

When: Friday, January 19, 2007 @ 9:00 PM
Where: The Canvas Gallery
1200 9th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122
How Much Skrill: $15

Stones Throw mastermind Peanut Butter Wolf dj's the opening of "Barcelona Nights": a photo exhibit by Adam Butlein.

Additional music by:
Mophono (CB Records)
Aspect McCarthey (the Shotgun Wedding Quintet)
Brycon (TopShelf Music)

We're SOFA KING there!!!

2007-01-18T20:39:00.000-08:00

I'M IN THE MAMA BLOG :)

This is where I'm at on Monday's and Wednesday's doing my SuperHyphyIntern thing.
My "new" shoes even get love! Haha..CHECK IT!

PAZ!

2007-01-16T22:53:00.000-08:00

MAMA QUILTED HOODIE

Just got my "Maria" quilted fleece hoodie from MAMA! It has hidden pockets, is fully lined and has a pearl & chain zipper pull...ooh, and it's mad cozy! Perfect for this chilly weather we've been having. I have to say, it's nice to finally own one after helping put each one in a plastic bag, seal them up and ship them out. I keep thinking it's free, but it's definitely payment for all the hard work I put in.

2007-01-16T19:08:00.000-08:00

THRIFTIN'

This past Sunday Bekka (my roommate/friend/partner in crime) and I set out to the Castro for an afternoon of thriftin'. First stop, Out of the Closet on Church Street. This is what I came up on:

Found an issue of Baseline Magazine (an international typographics magazine from the UK) from 2002 in pretty good condition. They're always inspiring. This issue has an article on old razor box graphics. Doooope. It was a good day for a graphic designer. I also found "Graphic Design: A Concise History" by Richard Hollis. I came up on an old United Airline map from the 60s and that orange thing in the middle is an old label maker. For 39 cents thought it may come in handy for a future project along with that map.

Bought these suckas for $7! There's nothing wrong with them! They're FIFTY24SF shoes and Upper Playground sells/sold them for $60! Check out those graphics!

After Out of the Closet we made our way to Crossroads Trading Company on Market. I bought some jackets and a shirt there. Nothing too great and exciting but definitely stuff I'll have in my closet for a while. Overall, I had a good day. I need these days now. I know there are going to be less of them when school starts up again in a couple of weeks.

2007-01-16T14:59:00.000-08:00

MR. SUPER BAD

Just thought I'd share a little about the above piece:
The quote was taken from an article in Tokion Magazine's June/July issue. The picture of James Brown is from a 2002 issue of Vanity Fair. The picture itself was taken in 1980 in NYC. I like to keep images and magazine clippings I come across for future projects...sadly this one came out for a remembrance piece, but it's all love. The background is a piece of cardboard I scanned in a while back for a school project. I've been using it a lot lately, along with those splats. The black arc is from a plate I traced with a pen I made out of a soda can. I used calligraphy ink and scanned it in (Scanning is a bitch, but worth it). The font is "Mrs. Eaves" and is available at Emigre.com.

This is only the beginning...I plan to make a number of pieces dedicated to Soul Brother Numero Uno. If anyone wants to collaborate, hit me up!

So, I'm feel that I'm better at expressing myself through art than with words...so instead of typing something up I thought I'd add some of my favorite quotes about the man when I come across them. Here are a few:

From Davey D:

"He delivered the drum front and center. Vincent noted that James Brown brought out a more prominent rhythmic foundation for the music and introduced the important concept of 'Hitting on the One'. James Brown focused his entire band including the complex horn, rhythm guitar and keyboard arrangements of his band mate Fred Wesley, Pee Wee Ellis and Nat Jones to 'deliver on the one'. James Brown punctuated his efforts by using his voice with his vintage grunts, groans and screams as a binding force which also drew everything 'on the one'. It seems so simple and commonplace today, but back then it was groundbreaking."

----------------------------------------

From Amiri Baraka - 1969:

"If Elvis Presley/ is
King
Who is James Brown,
God?"

2007-01-15T02:06:00.000-08:00

SUGAR PIE DESANTO

Last Friday I made my way out to the Elbo Room with my helladopetastik amigos Bekka & Joe to catch DJ B.Cause and friends give back to a lady who's given us so much, San Francisco R&B queen Sugar Pie DeSanto (Oh and Holy Crunk Nugget, we had a blast! Funk owns my soul!).

Mrs. DeSanto lost everything when her Oakland apartment burned down October 26th of last year. Her husband died trying to fight the blaze (read the story under the flyer for more info). 100% of the benefit show proceeds went to the Sugar Pie Desanto Fund. If anyone would like to donate to the fund, please contact Wells Fargo to make contributions: (510) 597-4210.

((UPDATE: DJ B.Cause said they raised approax. $1600 for Mrs. DeSanto last Friday! Thanks for the info B.Wrekka!))

To learn more about Sugar Pie, go here: Sugar Pie Info on Wikipedia or here: Sugar Pie DeSanto on Myspace

From SF Gate regarding the fire:

"The husband of well-known Oakland singer Sugar Pie DeSanto died Thursday while trying to put out an early morning three-alarm fire in the couple's third-floor apartment, fire officials said.

Jesse Davis, 52, died inside the apartment at 3833 Telegraph Ave. in the blaze, which also left a firefighter-paramedic hospitalized in serious condition with second-degree head burns, fire Capt. Melinda Drayton said.

Three other firefighters were treated at a nearby hospital for burns and an eye injury before being released. The four injured firefighters were hurt in an explosion apparently caused by superheated gases igniting thick dust in the air.

Pop and blues singer DeSanto was in the apartment with her husband when the fire broke out and was able to flee.

The fire started in the couple's living room and was believed to be accidental, Drayton said. A smoke alarm in a nearby hallway failed to work because its battery was missing.

Drayton identified the firefighter who remained hospitalized as Tim Takis, who was being treated at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in San Francisco.

"The fire flashed on the third floor, so superheated gases caused basically a fire explosion," Drayton said. "All the ... small materials like dust particles get to a point where they ignite."

The building's residents were evacuated, and about two dozen of them, including DeSanto, received emergency housing in nearby hotels from the American Red Cross, spokesman Alan Tobey said.

"She's in remarkable shape, given the circumstances,'' Tobey said. "She's obviously shocked but otherwise does not appear to be injured.''

DeSanto began her recording career in 1955 and recorded her biggest hit, "I Want to Know,'' in 1960. She is known for her wide range of musical styles, including soul, jazz and funk -- along with her energetic delivery and her ability to perform backflips during performances. She has shared stages with James Brown and with Ike and Tina Turner, and received a Bay Area Music Award, or Bammie, for best female blues singer in 1999.

The blaze was reported shortly before midnight Wednesday. Five dozen firefighters had the fire under control in about half an hour.

The owner of a liquor store across the street said Davis was a regular customer and a "nice, down-to-earth guy.''

Davis enjoyed cooking and taking care of the couple's apartment while his wife performed, according to DeSanto. He married her twice, the first marriage ending in divorce before the couple recon- ciled.

"He's my biggest fan, and he'll try to do things that keep me happy and keep me mellow,'' she said in an interview in the current Living Blues magazine.

Hatim Nasher, owner of Choice Liquor, said Davis and his wife would shop in the store once or twice a week, and would often give him audio- and videotapes of DeSanto's performances.

"I hate to see him go,'' Nasher said. "It's so sad. He was so nice, so polite, such a wonderful man.''

2007-01-12T19:18:00.000-08:00

BRENT ROLLINS IS...

...everywhere!

My favorite graphic designer on the planet is (and has been for a very long time) Brent Rollins of Ego Trip. 7 Years ago (FUUUUNK, 7 years ago!? Yep. 7 years ago...), when people asked me who my favorite designer was and I said Brent Rollins, I'd get blank stares (most graphic designers are so behind the scenes that they never reach the status of famed artists). So I'm glad to see the Ego Trip dudes doing their trademark tounge-in-cheek thing on VH1 cause it's giving them and Brent's designs a lot of exposure. He really does deserves it...along with the other Ego Trip dudes. From his book designs (Jeff Chang's "Can't Stop, Won't Stop" ) and his album covers ("Nia" -Blackalicious) he never seizes to bring the funk!

Here's were he's been:

On my Myspace :)

On my book shelf:

Brent Rollins x Stussy (Peep the interview):

Theme Magazine (Check the article):

2007-01-10T18:13:00.000-08:00

GHOSTFACE x PORTISHEAD x J DILLA (R.I.P)

Wouldn't that have been the best collabo ever!? Technically...It can still happen. The thought slowly blows my mind...

These are some of my favorite musical artist/acts and some of their current projects:

"DJ Muro: 'The Roosevelts' featuring Ghostface, Raekwon and Trife Da God. Taken from the 'Tokyo Tribe 2' soundtrack. (mp3)"
-Spine Magazine

"Portishead “Requiem For Anna”: The track featured here comes from a 2006 album of Serge Gainsbourg covers and bodes well for their next album which is coming out…… whenever it comes out."
-One Soulful Negro

"Previously unreleased track taken from the forthcoming re-release of J-Dilla's 'Ruff Draft' LP (out in March): 'Wild'. (mp3)"
-Spine Magazine

2007-01-10T16:53:00.000-08:00

PETE ROCK...

...is a muthableepin' genius!

...but we already know this.

One of my favorite tracks on that planet is "Blah Uno" by Deda produced by Pete Rock (on 2003's "The Original Baby Pa" & "Lost & Found: Hip Hop Soul Classics"...which I don't have either of...so if you have them, hit me with them, please! I came across the track on a 2004 Hip Hop compilation from the UK). From the minute that track came in to my head with the ubiquitous snare count ("One two three UGH")...I fell in love with it. I went head over heals when the sax came in sending me into Deda's "hard core" lyrics...with references to "thug bitches" and Phil Collins how could I not love this track! The track rides out with Deda chanting "Blah Uno...The highest type-numero uno " over the same sax that introduced him to me three and a half minutes earlier. The overall composition of the track is simple. I think to some degree Pete Rock's a minimalist. His beats are like pulses (interrupted by timed palpitations) and his samples always seem to hold a beautiful constant harmony.

Now, we all know Pete Rock can work wonders with sax samples...Best example: Tom Scott's "Today" for "T.R.O.Y."...which I'm not even going to begin to breakdown...That track can only be descibed with another acronym: G.O.A.T.! Now, contrary to popular belief (as well as some previous self-proclamation by my self), I'm not a "24-Hour Hip Hop head"...meaning I don't eat, sleep, and breathe hip hop (I like to balance my diet with funk, soul, jazz, punk, etc. from time to time)...so I don't know about all of Pete Rock's productions. I did know about his work with INI (Rass, Grap Luva, Rob-O), but didn't know that Rob-O had solo projects with Pete Rock produced tracks.

On Rob-O's most recent "Rhyme Pro" (?? Label???...oh, and weak title if you ask me), which includes previously unreleased tracks, there's a track called "Mention Me" ft. Meccalicious...and YO! It's DAMN FRESH! I don't know much about Meccalicious but I do know Rob-O was on the "Mecca & the Soul Brother" cut "The Basement" along with Heavy D, Deda and Grap Luva (NOT the Boyz!)...a classic "posse cut"...So I know the cats voice is going to bring some "Golden Era of Hip Hop" steez.

What kills me on "Mention Me" is that it comes in with a soft vibraphone(???) melody that if you don't listen for it you might miss. It's quickly complemented with Pete Rock's signature (a horn sample for those that haven't been paying attention). Now, if you listen to the track it's easy to let the horns and drums over-power the melody (which by now is laced thru the track)...but damn it, don't let them on this one! This subtle melody makes this track so future primitive. Again, a very simple track that holds all the elements of a "Golden Era of Hip Hop" track and more. The lyrics are strong enough to make this a very satisfying track.

I could go on about Pete Rock (especially after hearing the "PJs...From Afar" Raekwon-El Michels Affair Remix 2 minutes ago)...but for now, I'll say this again: Pete Rock is a genius. Period. Don't argue with me (As I sit here thuggishly eating my Animal Cookies while typing this, haha). Here's the track (Courtesy of good ol' Spine Magazine). If you don't enjoy it, go listen to the radio with the other sheeps.

PAZ.

"...Hip Hop don't revolve around Nas & Jay..."

2007-01-10T14:04:00.000-08:00

RANDOM STUFF...

MAMA Clothing, where I intern (more details about that in a later post), was featured in MissBehave Magazine (sister mag to Mass Appeal). The magazine gives props to the New Era lids MAMA just dropped. Mine's the black one shown in the picture below. It's called "Coco" and is a tribute to Coco Chanel...

Mags I'm reading: Mass Appeal, Fader, MissBehave Magazine, Swindle, and my favorite, Wax Poetics.

Some Thirft Store buys (all for less than $20!): Yellow cardigan-shrug thing by Koi Koi (?), Stussy T that says, "Stussy: Worldwide Stick Ball Champs", a Dali's Mustache book for my friend Emic (SURPRISE!), and a killer green vintage wool coat. YAY for Thrift stores!

2007-01-10T13:48:00.000-08:00

I'M IN FADER MAGAZINE! ((...sort of))

A while back, my good friend Nick (aka MetroGnome) asked me to work on an ad for his website, Sound Slam, that would run in the January issue of Fader Magazine. I picked the issue up yesterday and I have to say, circumstances aside (I made it at the very last minute, rushed and stressed.), I'm very happy with it. Check it below!

Front Fader cover:

Back cover:

...and this is the ad.

2007-01-10T13:18:00.000-08:00

WELCOME

So, um, yea....Welcome to my bloggy blog. Many of you know that I'm a self-proclaimed blogophile and some of you had even suggested that I create my own. It was always in the back of my head to create one but I tend to get busy with school and projects and I don't have the best writing skills so I always put the thought aside.

This year I decided to keep an "inspiration journal". A sort of diary of things that inspire me on a day to day. Something to look back on and gain direction from. As a creative person, I not only need inspiration to create...I need it to live. I know a lot of you feel the same. So I decided to push all my insecurities aside and just do the damn thing. Create a blog about my existence as a creative person (hence the title of the blog). The web address, www.breathinbreatheout.blogspot.com (yes, I know I misspelled the first "breathe"...I just said a paragraph ago that I'm not the best writer, haha) first came from the thought of naming the blog, "Respiration" (also the title of one of my favorite BlackStar joints). "Escuchela.. la ciudad respirando" (translation: listen to it.. the city breathing)...is the female element in that cut, which I thought would be dope since I live in such a lively city (San Francisco)...but this blog is my voice and not so much the city's.

So with all that said and out of the way...Thanks for visiting and enjoy being a witness to my existence.