That has always been a question in thought, and still to this day I ask myself this. What am I talking about, or about whom? Well it’s more of a general problem with streetwear or whatever you want to call it, that has plagued (yes, like a disease) the minds of the mindless. Every year a clothing company does 3 or 4 collections, and some of the biggest in the game get this Pokemon gotta catch em all zombie like drone-age to their no thought tees and ideas… and it’s a little sickening. This feverish stand in line for hours for the new new, which isn’t soo new hurts the industry in my eyes.
Gone is the heart for design in these company’s and all they do now is slap a picture (That’s usually not theirs) on a tee with a logo and call it a day. What ever happened to gaining new ground as an artist and at least seem like you’re trying to keep a fan of your work? I know what happened… the mindless scenesters that follow things just because they heard Pharrell mention it or something to that degree. Those zombies will stand in line for something that all they did was lower the production count, but at the same time lowered the thought in design yet they think it’s the best thing ever. Even worse is the loyalty they give to the brand and follow it blindly, and not thinking twice on dropping 90 on some lame vector clip art type tee on ring spun cotton.
Sorry I like some artistic thought put into what I buy, or at least fake it and make it seem like you took time out and designed it. I am all for parodies or play with words/logos, but at a certain point it can’t be all you do… them all you’re doing is riding someone elses coat-tail to benefit yourself. Put some thought into it, I’ll buy that for a few if it at least seems you had a thought of your own.
Alot of Daniel Joseph talk today in twitter and blogs, people are definitely feeling the album, and rightfully so! Produced by Akai Pros (Amazing job!), and on the High Water Music label care of Sucio Smash, this is high quality Hip-Hop right here and the fact that it comes from Jersey…all the better! With lyrical skills and production values like these, Hip-Hop sure isn’t dead but actually re-emerging as the great art form it is. Straight up life and for music lovers for sure, this CD has those tracks that will have you coming back for more after the first listen. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting this artist and he is a straight up talented dude that is doing it right, and it shows in his debut CD Pretty/Ugly.
Not once while I listened to this album (3 count so far) did I get the feeling that I’m being sold an image/persona, or being fed hype. Just a great Hip-Hop album with meanings behind every song (Listening session, ya had to be there), and they all tell a story while sounding fantastic. I’d like to go on record and stating that every song on this is dope as heck, but there are those select songs that just make me nod and wow. They aren’t songs that you know will just fade away in the sea of music on your iPod. These tracks have long lasting material that is bound to be a favorite of many people!
First one is ESTILLME, my god this beat is siiiiiick and I don’t get tired of hearing the song at all. Just him and a dope beat about life, what is Hip-Hop if not that!? Like I said I don’t want to discredit Daniel Joseph and Akai Pros by saying only some are good cause they are ALL crazy, but there are some that just give me that dope beat face and feel different about them. Second one is Coffee and Cigarettes, the first time I heard this one in BlackFlag’s shop, I lost it haha. I’m glad I got the chance to listen to Daniel (BFS good looking!), and see what he’s about because it shows in his music… a true artist and amazing music. Overall it is an amazing cd, and after you listen to it… you will make sure you don’t mess with Jersey Hip-Hop because this is true to the art form in full!
Yesterday WGM popped thru Fat Beats to witness NJ Hip-Hop represented right with the CD signing event of Daniel Joseph’s debut Pretty/Ugly. He spit some songs off the album and performed with Eggs (Bullymouth). Got some pics of the event, check em out…after you go BUY THE ALBUM!
Thanks to Daniel Joseph for giving all of us the opportunity to share part of his life thru music, much love and best wished to ya brotha!
Today is the day that Daniel Joseph releases his debut album Pretty/Ugly to the masses, and here to gear up for his release is the Fly On Paper video. Dope artist from Newark, NJ (If you don’t know by now), is definitely doing his thing on High Water Music. Check the video and buy the album today!!!
Today one of our family pets died, our cousins to be exact. He was 14 and had gone thru much pain for a long time, but today was the final call for him. I didn’t know Chewie for a long time (5 years), but he was still part of the family and will be missed. He was usually in family functions walking around as the kids play around him and kept it moving like nothing’s happening. He had to be THE calmest dog I ever met, and was great with the kids. Now our cousins two kids don’t have their doggy anymore.
We have a dog named Leo (Puggle) and has always been considered to be a part of the family no matter what he rips/chews up. People often make fun of caring soo much for an animal and telling others to stop treating them like if they were kids… but they kind of are. The same way a young child needs you to care for it is the same way a dog feels, it is up to their owner/family to take care of this animal that loves you no matter what. They can’t do everything for themselves just like a small child, and need you to be there for them. They show you unconditional love like no other person might, and it never changes as long as you love them.
We can honestly say we wouldn’t know what to do if something were to happen to our dog, and don’t know how we would react to the news. I always joke around and say Leo is my hairy son because he acts soo much like a little boy, and does things people won’t believe me if I say them. There he is every single time we go out waiting for us to come home just to be around us, and show mad love no matter what just because you love him back. You can’t buy that love, even some family members need to take lessons from dogs haha! He is just happy being near us sitting, or playing… he sleeps a ton (does it for me), and is always up for play. He is my night video game buddy, my son’s play buddy, and my wife’s protector.
Nowadays this world has such negativity and hate, that sometimes it’s difficult to find such unconditional love. Yes they are animals but to a certain extent… so are we, and have people (and animals!) that love us no matter what. If you don’t have a pet it’s difficult to understand what we feel for our pets, so I am trying my best to put it into words. Sometimes Leo gets me pissed (Chewing, barking, and always wants a rub) but at the same time, all he wants is to be loved and give love and there is nothing wrong with that. Having a dog is one of the best things in the world, because you won’t and can’t buy that pure of heart. Love your pets like you love your family, I know they will appreciate it.
So as of recent I was talking to a few of my friends into sports about getting back into having a team. I’ve always been a baseball fan but rarely followed a specific team, always said I’m a fan of baseball and not a team… although I did like Toronto, and Chicago Cubs *sigh* at one point in my life. Do I side with the Yankees, or Mets because I’m from New York? Do I just side with wifey and be a Red Sox (major team rivalries obv.) fan, and don’t look at who I really want to support? I am siding a bit with the Evil Empire (Yankees) as of late, even tho they got their ass beat last night! Who knows maybe by next week it’s no longer in thought, and I keep watching all games and be happy just because they are ALL playing…
Blame today’s rain in Jersey for this post. I took these shots for days exactly like this.
The camera was THAT close to the water. I don’t know if I was more scared of my cam getting wet or flipping over in the tiny boat we were in… maybe the cam part. The hell with ‘Wish You Were here,’ how about ‘Wish I Was There’ again!!
Since I cut my hair (don’t worry it will grow back people), I been wanting to buy a fitted for a minute. I passed thru The BlackFlag Shoppe today with lil Giant (ran all over the place) and finally got myself one. Got a Crook & Castles Collenglish C (1), with that hot classic look to it. Also got a Frank151 zine in the bag, which I gotta read. Good looking out BFS, let me know when the new hats get there!
