S.P.F. At The Orpheum May 29th!!!

Starting Friday May 29th there is a new club night in Tampa. S.P.F. (superpartyfridays) is gonna be the craziest, sweatiest, awesomest night of the summer! It will feature Vox In Verse in their very first club residency alongside The FLA JAMMERS (DJs Rig & Lazy). Electro, fidget, b-more, club crushers, glitch hop, sleaze and anything awesome is the rule and there will be no exceptions and no excuses not too shake your asses off. All that combined with crazy tequila drink specials from the Orpheum and special guest DJs is gonna make this THE night to be at in Tampa. Go check out the S.P.F. myspace page and visit VOX IN VERSE'S page too.

I dropped a summer mix to get you all in the mood so go download it fools!!!
Stick it in yer MP3 player and rage!
Download: DJ LAZY'S SUMMER SPF MIX

KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT DROP 'ROBOT'

Available May 5th for Download on iTunes World-Wide


KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT unveil the first song off their highly anticipated album "SURVIVAL SKILLS" in stores August 25th on Duck Down Records.

ROBOT, produced by Havoc of Mobb Deep, is a hard-hitting track that showcases KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT in true form, highlighting the current auto-tune trend in Hip-Hop and exposing the copy-cat mentality that has rappers hiding behind "the program." Stepping outside the factory that Hip Hop has become, the duo lead the charge in the battle for originality.

"Survival Skills" has confirmed features from Mary J Blige, Slug, of Atmosphere, Immortal Technique, K'NAAN, Talib Kweli, Sean Price, Naledge of Kidz In The Hall, Smif N Wessun, Rock of Heltah Skeltah and Geo of Blue Scholars.

Production on the album includes tracks from Havoc, of Mobb Deep, 9th Wonder, Black Milk, Marco Polo, Moss, Coptic, KHRYSIS! and Ill Mind

To read the lyrics from ROBOT visit KRS-ONE & BUCKSHOT's LYRIC BOOK:
http://www.duckdown.com/krsbuckbook

Download "ROBOT"


For more information on the project visit:
http://www.duckdown.com
http://www.myspace.com/krsoneandbuckshot

New Balance '09 Gore-Tex Preview

Streetthing drops the latest New Balance preview for the upcoming season and believe me there is gonna be some fire coming soon.

P.O.S. covering "Why Go" By Pearl Jam

I've always been a P.O.S. fan. This just makes me like him even more. "There's no auto-tune in grunge music" hahaha!

Snoop Dogg Millionaire WOW

WOW WOW WOW
Snoop does dubstep and bollywood and I fucking love it!!!!
says Snoop:
produced by Wild Animals and Chase & Status; it also features the Hustle Boyz on the chorus. Los Angeles’ Wild Animals (John Legend, Kurupt, Murs) is one of music’s hottest up and coming production duos. UK’s Chase & Status won the Best Album Award at the 2009 Drum and Bass Awards.
Download: Snoop Dogg Millionaire

Nike Foamposite Lite “KryptoNATE” Release

Don't know if I could wear 'em but they are cool lookin. New York Knicks’ Nate Robinson astounded audiences during the 2009 Sprite Slam Dunk Competition when he dunked over Dwight Howard (6 feet 11 inches) to win his second slam dunk title. In superhero-fashion, he wore the much talked-about green Nike Foamposite Lites, now better known as the “KryptoNATEs,” defeating Superman himself respectively. Thanks to the huge buzz that event has received it looks to be that the KryptoNATE Foamposite Lites will indeed be released after many speculated rumors.

24Kilates x mita x New Balance MT576S

Just a super sweet lookin shoe from to stores that have released nothing but heat when they work with New Balance. Spain's 24Kilates has released one of my all time favorite New Balance shoes a couple years ago with the Gaudi inspired collabo. Mita is a longtime New Balance collaborator with a history of excellent design and concept releases. Here you see the MT576S, a derivative of the recognizable MT580 as they share the same mid and outsole. The shoe’s upper is derived from the 576 in a combination leather and patent upper in red and blue. The shoe releases on March 20th at mita.

New Balance - MT576S / FRAT x mita sneakers

WOW...WOOOOOOWWWW!!!!!

21 years ago, New Balance set the standards for trail running footwear with its M576 sneaker. Since then, it has gone through several renditions, including the exalted “Made in U.S.A.” & “Made in England” collections, as well as the exclusive “Japan Project”. It was from the latter that M576 went through one of its many metamorphosis. The result was MT576, a model exclusively for Tokyo’s retailer mita sneakers.

Building upon its heritage, the MT576 is still a trail running sneaker. Except the trail is no longer in the wilderness, but instead, the urban terrain of a metropolis. By adding elements from the sole of another New Balance classic, MT580, along with the patented ROLL BAR system, the MT576 is able to provide stability among the toughest urban environment. 2 different yet equally important cushion systems, C-CAP and ENCAP, guarantee performances found on other trail running sneakers, at fraction of the weight. Elastic bands along the tongue enable the MT580 to be worn without laces. A semi-secure shoe tongue prevents it from sliding out of position.

Apart from the MT576V – Raijin Edition in 2007, mita sneaker is scheduled to launch the next variant in this popular line, the MT576S – FRAT Edition. The new release took its name from FRAT, a well-known creative collective in Tokyo’s Ueno neighborhood. In this latest MT576, mita’s principle designer who goes by the name Sneaker Wolf, was able to introduce various icons the Ueno neighborhood is known for. This includes the embroidered ancient “Shi-mei-nawa” rope pattern and a shoe tongue in bamboo rake motif, a symbol of good fortune since the Edo era. The construction also comprised a glow-in-the-dark Ying & Yang symbol, a representation of “day and night” to the FRAT collective.

mita sneakers
4-7-8 Ueno | Map
Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan
TEL #: +81-3-3832-8346

Release Date: April 4th (Saturday)

Tricky w/ DJ Lazy, BC of RED TIDE march 7th @ State Theatre

Solebox x New Balance 2009 1500

Solebox delivers a preview of their 2009 1500 model. The shoe has been given a mesh toebox with combinations of suede on the toe bumper, nubuck on the heel and pebble leather on the middle panels. The red version will be more limited than the green version with an anticipated release towards the end of the summer.

New Audio from Cesar Comanche "Hands High" (Produced by 9th Wonder)

Die In Your Lap is the follow up to Cesar Comanche’s previous works Wooden Nickels (2000), Paper Gods (2002) and Squirrel & The Aces (2005) and appears on his own imprint, Defenders Of The Free World (DOTFW).

Cesar Comanche is one of the founding emcees of North Carolina's critically acclaimed hip-hop crew, The Justus League (Little Brother, 9th Wonder, The Away Team, etc.). Comanche, originally from Jacksonville, NC, began writing rhymes in 1994. In 1996, he met budding producer and fellow North Carolina State University student 9th Wonder, and commenced performing regularly and recording shortly thereafter. In 1999, Comanche, along with 9th Wonder, organized their fellow friends and rap artists in the Triangles hip-hop scene and started The Justus League Crew.

Cesar’s forthcoming LP, Die In Your Lap, will be released on 2-24-09 on DOTFW/ABB Records and the LP’s lead-single is the 9th Wonder produced “Hands High” (which is available now exclusively at iTunes).

Download Cesar Comanche’s “Hands High” (produced by 9th Wonder):

LADY SOVEREIGN DROPS "SO HUMAN" SINGLE TODAY!

LADY SOVEREIGN releases her new single "So Human" today, February 3rd (digital) on her label Midget Records (via EMI).

The single, taken from Sov's forthcoming album Jigsaw (due April 7th), was produced by Medasyn and features a remix by Sinden. Inspired by The Cure's "Close To Me", "So Human" reflects on Sov's roller coaster ride over the last two years.

Jigsaw is the follow-up to Sov's successful debut album Public Warning released in late 2006. Over the course of that release Sov won the respect of Jay-Z and America's urban doyenne, sold over 300,000 copies worldwide of her debut, and had the only ever #1 on MTV America's video countdown chart by a British artist with her single "Love Me Or Hate Me", which lead to over 750,000 sales/downloads in the US. She headlined Times Square on News Years Eve 2007 and played to over a million people as support on the Gwen Stefani tour. On paper it looked like the perfect ascent to success but ultimately she wasn't happy. Sov realized that her independence and control were slipping and she decided to walk away.

Over the last year Sov has gone back into the studio and recorded her new album, on her terms, set up her own label, Midget Records - a global partnership with EMI. Sov is back in control.

http://www.myspace.com/ladysovereign

http://www.ladysovereign.com

New Balance X Almond collabo #2

New Balance offer one of their best colorways of 2009 (so far) to a collaboration project alongside designer fashion label Almond. Almond and New Balance released my original "holy grail" sneakers with the "for love or money" collabo a few years ago and they've hit the ground running once again with this one. Utilizing the well-received 1500 model, the sneakers are a nice balance of colors in buttery suede panels along with white mid-soles and gum bottoms (mmmm gum soles!). There is no word yet on a release date, but the sneakers will be tagged for Approx. $302. Hopefully we will see a US release.

RJDJ sampling software APP

Ok, this could be a total flash in the pan or a brand new influence on the way sample based artists make music. I don't know but my interest is peaked.

New Balance MT580 GORE-TEX!!!

New Balance keeps coming with the hot shit for '09! Check out the new set of their popular MT580 sneakers. Still sticking to their 90s-inspiration, they up the ante this time with solid, neon colorways. These bright set of sneakers will come in blue, yellow-green and purple made for anyone looking to really break necks. As an added bonus, these shoes will be made of waterproof GORE-TEX material, adding extra durability, moisture permeability and windbreaker characteristics. Available now at mita sneakers.

New Balance CM996

New Balance has a 2009 January release in the form of two CM996Ms. A bold two-toned purple and pink offering is seen alongside an equally eye-catching metallic silver style. Look for these to hit select New Balance locations starting next month.

I Hated The TV Show Twin Peaks

But I like this shoe...
This Twin Peaks inspired Dunk SB High a.k.a “Night Owl” is hitting European retailers including Caliroots. The shoes feature a black suede upper with green stitching and an ice sole. An owl is standing above the swoosh on the heel. The insole features the floor design of the television serial drama “Twin Peaks”.

NEW YEAR'S EVE WITH DJ LAZY

New Year's Eve at the orpheum
with
dj lazy and funk jesus
live music by
HISTORY
GREY MARKET
& special performance by
BC of Red Tide

GET ON THE GUEST LIST NOW!!!

kill the keg till midnight
$4 jager bombs all night

EVERYBODY in TAMPA,


ORPHEUM NYE GUEST LIST IS NOW OPEN!


just hit us up with your FULL NAME to: http://www. myspace. com/theorpheum


HELP US OUT AND PLEASE REPOST THIS

A.R.C X New Balance 1300

A.R.C X New Balance 1300 collaboration will be released at Alife Rivington Club’s new Sports Store located across the street from their current store, in Lower East Side New York, opening in January. The shoes come in two colorways with a large A.R.C logo on the tongue. This is the first collaboration from A.R.C that makes it to retail. I really need this release. Like a diabetic needs insulin!

Royce Da 5'9" video "Shake This"

I don't know how or when he did it but Royce Da 5'9" has climbed into my top emcee list. He even puts himself as close as possible to the legendary Casual as my favorite "guest emcee."(i.e. the emcee who always outshines the artist who he is appearing with as a featured guest)
Royce drops fire on producer Copperpot's album. Go back and listen to him kill it with slim shady back in the day. He also sucks up all the oxygen on the EV records compilation. His work with both DJ Premier and Statik Selektah is pretty close to untouchable lyrically. The guy is sick and can always be counted on for a go to / rewind kinda verse.
He is also working on his Premier-assisted retail release, Street Hop

, the lead single of which is "Shake This," also produced by Preemo. The video to the song is currently circulating the internet, and the project is set for March 2009.

Cocaine Blunts and Hip Hop Tapes Just Nailed it on The Head

I agree with most if not all of what Noz has to say about critics in 2008

To hear the tastemakers tell it, the worst album of Lil Wayne’s career is the best rap album of 2008. And one of just two rap albums mentioned on Pitchfork’s year end wrap up (not even honorably).

No Jeezy (whose OMG! RECESSION! hook was almost tailor made for the pitchforkian “we like rappers who are smart but not smarter than we are” perspective) or Killer Mike (he of twelfth best single of 2006 fame) or Gucci Mane (who should’ve been this year’s Cam’Ron to people whose entire relationship with hip hop entails laughing with/at? it) or Z-Ro (who wallows in misery and self doubt better than any of the unwashed white folks who made the Pitchfork list). Not even The Fucking Roots (who put out a better album this year than all the other ones they put out in the ~eight year period when non-rap critics were fawning over them.) And yeah, The Mixtape About Nothing was cute, but not even Wale would try to tell you it was the second best rap album of the year.

But none of these acts need Pitchfork love. With the exception of maybe The Roots, it’s not like pitchfork kids were actually buying these types of records or going to those artist’s concerts, apart from their one off date at the Knitting Factory.

It’s an embarrassing time to be a music critic.

read more of this article/essay at cocaine blunts and hip hop tapes and subscribe to his blog!!!

realMad Hectic x Mita Sneakers x New Balance MT580 14 & 15th edition

Now in its 15th Edition the New Balance/realmad hectic collaboration keeps going strong. Two new colourways dropped in Japan on November 28th. The new colourways are sweet and I'm feelin' the green and purple the most. Below is a pic of the 14th edition of the colabo that I don't think I got around to posting on here. I like the iridescent color in the toebox on these...alot!

New Balance A16 Woven Suede Pack

New Balance have stepped up their game in the end of 2008. Keeping in tune with their latest trend, we get a look at the A16 model done up in buttery blue and khaki suede colorways. Aside from the nicely executed uppers are exceptional intricate detailing including a woven brothel creeper like toebox with leather piping that is just an absolute eye-catcher. Although both models are samples, they are now available for pre-order at atmos Japan with the final product outcome not expected to vary much from is initial stage.

N.A.S.A. drops new single and video for "Money"

N.A.S.A., the group project masterminded by the New York-based DJ/producer Sqeak E. Clean (and sibling of Spike Jonze) and his Brazilian friend DJ Zegon features collaborations with David Byrne (of talking heads fame), Chuck D, Seu George, Ras Congo and DJ Z-Trip, on the latest single "Money." They've already released the Kanye West, Santogold & Lykke Li collabo "Gifted."
"Andre The Giant has a Posse" graphic designer Shepard Fairey of Obey fame supplied the incendiary animated imagery used in the song's Syd Garon and Paul Griswold-directed video clip?

"Money" is from N.A.S.A.'s forthcoming debut album, 'The Spirit of Apollo,' which is scheduled for release on February 17th, 2009. N.A.S.A. stands for North America, South America in case you were wondering and is in no way related to producer/engineer NASA of Def Jux fame.

Check out "gifted"

The Hip Hop Wars

Brown University’s Tricia Rose, the Author of the famous Black Noise, has released a new title, ‘The Hip Hop Wars’. “Does hip-hop cause violence, or merely reflect a violent ghetto culture? Is hip-hop sexist, or are its detractors simply anti-sex? Does the portrayal of black culture in hip-hop undermine black advancement?” The book is available at Amazon.

mita sneakers x Lacoste M85 Mid

The well known Japanese sneaker store mita sneakers has seen itself at the center of numerous collaborations as the retailer lines up with Lacoste on this newly created M85-Mid style. A taller version of the popular Missouri 85, the shoe features a mixture of different patterns including hexagons and croc. Available starting January 2009.

Source: Sneaker Freaker

Masta Ace "true hip hop stories"

know yer history!!!
courtesy d-nice

True Hip-Hop Stories: Masta Ace from D-Nice on Vimeo.

The Grouch is awesome!!! Video

eYe Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons x New Balance 1500

As part of the eYe Junya Watanabe Comme des Garcons MAN collection, we get a look at the popular New Balance 1500 done up in blue. They are scheduled to release as a Japan exclusive with a premium price point of ¥31,000 (Approx. $331 USD).

Source: Tenisufki

Optimystik x mita sneakers x New Balance A03 Pack

Teaming up with New Balance, Japanese clothing brand Optimystik and mita Sneakers cook up another collabo featuring the outdoorsy New Balance A03 model. Two colorways were created, both following a rugged outdoors approach implementing wool with sherpa fur lining. Adding a new age touch, both pairs feature metallic leather with the use of 3M, hologram threading, and metal lace grommets topped off with hiking boot laces. Available now via mita’s online store.

New Balance MT580 2009 Spring Collection

With New Balance’s largely Japanese-exclusive MT580 seeing a more wide-spread distribution scheme in 2008, here’s a preview of what’s potentially to land at accounts around the world next year. Three easy to match colorways are surely going to please traditional New Balance enthusiasts including everybody’s favorite in mesh toeboxes. I love the MT580 shoe but have been largely disappointed with the American offerings so far.

Source: juebankongjian

United Arrows x New Balance CM997.5

Utilizing the New Balance 997 for their latest collaboration with New Balance, Japanese retailer United Arrows offers two variations of the classic. Paying homage to the shoe’s roots, an OG colorway can be seen alongside a more vibrant and brighter version which includes pink and purple highlights. Ironically these shoes are made in the USA but only available in Japan...sigh! Available now at United Arrows.

UNDFTD Japan x New Balance H574J “Man vs. Wild” Pack

Taking it’s moniker from from the well known Discovery Channel program, Undefeated’s Eddie Cruz cooks up two colorways in New Balance’s H574J model, a hybrid of their M574 and H710 hiking boots. The rugged outdoors platform sticks to its roots with a traditional alpine outdoor theme featuring olive green camouflage print adding a military aspect which exemplifies a struggle for survival most certainly reflected by the show’s “Man vs. Wild” set theme. Both color schemes are slated for a December 20th release at Undefeated Japan flagship locations. Retail will be set at ¥14,490 (Approx. $160 USD)

Source: Stussy JP

Sleaze Friday Night @ The Orpheum

2% mixin drinks

lazy mixin tunes

etc

The Rise Of Science Performing Live In Tampa

The Rise Of Science (ATL) simply spectacular
Ocean Is Theory (ATL)
Tides Of Man (Tampa Bay)
Silas (Tampa Bay)
Corline (Tampa)

doors at 7pm
shows starts 7:30
all ages
$8

no joke. if you ever thought you liked live music then this is the show for you. Rise Of Science simply blew us away the last time they were in tampa and unfortunately their show was not well attended. So we added some of our favorite local bands to the show and decided we'd leave it up to you. Go check 'em out at their pages and tell us we're wrong. Tell us they aren't fucking killer! We dare you!! This show is really not to be missed.


The Rise of Science - Short Comings can be Incomplete - Live

DJ REVOLUTION “KING OF THE DECKS” DROPS SEPT. 16 ON DUCK DOWN RECORDS

DJ Revolution said it best in a recent interview, "the connection between the DJ and the emcee has been severed. "King of The Decks" is my attempt at reconnecting it." Revolution did just that with his new album, as he brought together some of the most talented names in Hip Hop today, who not only produce quality music, but also respect the craft of the DJ Culture.

Revolution has spent 15 years perfecting that craft on the turntables. He's currently behind the wheels of the longest running Hip Hop show in the history of commercial radio, "THE WORLD FAMOUS WAKE UP SHOW" alongside Sway & King Tech.

"My goal is to re-introduce to the world what a DJ is. He or she is not just a celebrity, or someone who plays records, or makes funny sounds with turntables. I recruited some of the most legendary and also most talented up and coming artists to help me express all of this within the context of the music. The album drops on September 16th on Duck Down Records. Go get it!

Download: DJ Revolution "The DJ" ft KRS One

Tracklisting (all songs produced DJ Revolution except where noted):
1.) Intro f/Jazzy Jeff
2.) King Of The Decks f/ Sean Price & Tash
3.) THE DJ f/ KRS ONE
4.) Do My Thing f/ Guilty Simpson & Royce Da 5' 9"
5.) LADJ (skit)
6.) Funky Piano f/ Bishop Lamont, Crooked I, Styliztik Jones
7.) For The Kids (skit)
8.) The Big Top f/ Special Teamz
9.) Start The Revolution f/ Boot Camp Clik
10.) Scratch Nerds (skit)
11.) Invaders from the Planet Sqratch f/ DJ Qbert
12.) EY! f/ Joell Ortiz and Termanology (Produced by DJ Revolution & DJ Numark)
13.) Casualties of Tour f/ Rakaa Iriscience (produced by Marco Polo)
14.) Damage f/ Blaq Poet & Bumpy Knuckles
15.) Willie Lynch f/ Styliztik Jones and KBimean
16.) The Biggest Up f/ DJ Premier (Skit)
17.) Blow Da Spot f/ Strong Arm Steady
18.) School f/ Planet Asia
19.) Spit Ridiculous f/ Defari
20.) Pro's & Con's f/ Evidence
21.) Calling Haul (Skit)
22.) Man or Machine
23.) The Set Up f/ Sway & King Tech
24.) The Re-Match f/ DJ Spinbad

The Mighty Underdogs "Droppin' Science Fiction"

Ok, I'll admit that I'm extremely biased here. I could blog about this collaborative, super-group, album without ever hearing a single track and I'd still have nothing but love and compliments for it. The Mighty Underdogs are already hip hop royalty. Lateef and Gift of Gab have been on my top emcee list for over a decade (since the Solesides days) and I've been turned on to Headnodic since I initially heard his work and posted about it right here on kicks-n-jams. Add in the fact that it gets the co sign from indie, hip hop heavyweight, Definitive Jux AND features appearances from Zion I, Chali 2na, Tash (of Tha Liks), MF Doom, DJ Shadow, Damian Marley, Mr. Lif & more. Suddenly this album is lookin' like the monster underground hit of '08. How did I not hear a thing about it until now??? Not even a whisper...
I'm glad I did and you will be too when you check out this track! "War Walk" features Tash, Chali 2na, Zion I, & Raashan Ahmad and sets off an album that you're gonna wanna go pick up. I know I am. It drops October 14th on Def Jux. GO GET IT!!!

Download: The Mighty Underdogs "War Walk"

New Balance MT580 Luggage Collection

The new New Balance MT580 Luggage Collection has been released. It consists of 3 colorways of the MT580, all three coming with premium materials and nice color-ups. Inspired by the classic travel luggage brands, New Balance once again takes their inspiration from something different than most other sneaker companies.

The collection has been released at Atmos, but will also make it overseas to the US and Europe, which are eagerly awaiting the arrival of the New Balance 580 model. I will admit that I slept on these for a long time despite my friend John telling me how dope they were. Now that I've seen some hi-res pics and the nice materials I am completely on board. They rock!!

Nike Drops The Pantone Pack

As part of their Fall 2008 collection Nike presents the "Pantone" pack. Here we show you the Air Max 1 and the Blazer High out of the collection. The pack was inspired by the Olympic colors and is now available at Proper. I dig these flashy fellas. They remind of the Real Mad Hectic X New Balance collabo and I loooove those!

Is Charles Hamilton the Next Generation Of Hip Hop?

You tell me...
With his self-produced mixtape "Outside Looking" hosted by DJ Green Lantern praised by the likes of Pharrell and Eminem and a forthcoming album, via Interscope in the first quarter of 2009. Jimmy Iovine's newest signee, Charles Hamilton produces and writes all his own music and plays multiple instruments at the very young age of 20.
Already profiled by NY Times, XXL, Complex, The Fader, Trace, and Vibe Magazines, and Allhiphop.com, Okayplayer, Hiphopdx.com, DJbooth.net, Hiphopgame.com, Ballerstatus.com, Onsmash.com and the New Music Cartel among others; Charles Hamilton seems like a name you need to know!!
"If tomorrow I get dropped from my label, I'm not going back to a comfortable apartment. I'm homeless, again. I abandoned a negative lifestyle to achieve happiness in music. I'm watching my dreams unfold right in front of me, in my own zone. Reality, or as I call it, "The Lavalamp Zone."
The kid has worked with MC Lyte, freestyled with The Game and Kanye West, and successfully turned the punk pop song "Low Self-Esteem" by the Offspring into a hot hip hop track (check his mixtape!!). I'd say he has a pretty good shot at success...we'll see.
Charles updates his blog daily with his sonic philosophy at www.iamnotcharleshamilton.com

Download: "Outside Looking" mixtape (hosted by Green Lantern)

Download: "Brooklyn Girls"

Team Capcom Live At The Orpheum July 25th

A sweet hip hop show this friday at the Orpheum!!! Doors @ 10 PM
Featuring:
Eyeznpowa (aka Heaven Hates Hobos)
Halos For Hookers
Gravy Records
& hosted by DJs Ran Mecca & Dan Only

Sole Obsession x New Balance 991 1 of 1

On a recent trip to New Balance’s legendary Flimby factory in the UK for a preview of the 2009 NB range, Singaporean sneaker boutique Sole Obsession was afforded a great opportunity to create an ultra-rare 1 of 1 sneaker. Coinciding with the push New Balance is offering to the 99X series of running shoes in 2009, the Sole Obsession design is seen on a 991 in association with a colorway seen on an upcoming retro color of the New Balance 850. Premium materials are all but expected emanating out of the Flimby factory and can be seen in the form of croc/nubuck uppers. Due to the limited availability of this, don’t expect it to ever see a release. But it sure looks cool!!

The Cool Kids "That's Stupid" The Mixtape

The Cool Kids follow up their extra dope and unbelievably buzzed "Bake Sale" EP (go get it!!!) with a new mixtape: "That's Stupid."
You can go to their myspace page and download the entire 25 minute mix. Look for the Kids on the Rock The Bells Summer '08 tour coming to a city near you. If you live in Florida it is August 2nd in Miami.
Here is a track from the mixtape.

Download: Cool Kids "Box Of Rocks"

The Racism Conversation "A How To Guide For Beginners"

illdoctrine is the shit!!!

Santogold x Diplo:: "Guns of Brooklyn"

I've really been in a Diplo kinda headspace lately. He seems unable to do any wrong this year. More from that Santogold + Diplo mixtape that just dropped: here they cover "Guns of Brixton." Go check it at Mad Decent, and go buy Top Ranking: A Diplo Dub here.

SNEAKERSNSTUFF x New Balance 577

Get ready for this quality collabo between Sneakers-N-Stuff N New Balance. SNS celebrates it's 10 year anniversary with a dope 577 2 pack. Each pair designed by one of the owners of SNS. Drops August 15.

Hip Hop Flavors Radio Show Streaming For You!!!

This weeks show was really really really good in my opinion. I am gettin' the hang of my new hardware and the mixes were nice and smooth. Plus I banged out a ton of dope new tracks from The Glitch Mob, Theophilus London, Abdominal, Pain Language (aka DJ Muggs & Planet Asia), Ras Kass, Doomtree, Pacific Division, and a ton more (go check the show listing if you don't wanna take my word for it). Three hours of sizzling hotness!! Somebody should book me at a club I'm killin' it so hard lately! (yep I'm really feelin' myself hahaha)

Go here and listen to Hip Hop Flavors this week and I guarantee you will not be disappointed.

Busdriver & 2Mex at their very best video

SonGodSuns - Mirrors Into Fire
Busdriver is headed to Tampa this summer with the Flobots. It is Tuesday July 29th at the State Theatre in St. Pete. I'm going, you should too!!

Jean Grae & 9th Wonder Drop "Jeanius" on Blacksmith

Ok, I love Jean Grae! She is probably the most talented female emcee in the game today. Strike that, one of the most talented emcees in the game, male, female, or martian. Unfortunately she has no gimmick, no significant label backing, and thus no mainstream attention. What to do, what to do?
Well, there is one way to solve this problem. Put her together with a star making producer! Blacksmith (aka Talib Kweli's boutique label) grabs 9th Wonder and prays that he can do for Jean what he did for Murs, and Little Brother. Personally, I preferred Murs' work before he mixed with 9th and I have never been a great fan of Little Brother's combined work. Phonte and Pooh have made some nice solo stuff. But I digress. This is Jean's last chance to break through. If she doesn't do it now she probably never will. "Jeanius" is out everywhere and Jean deserves your attention. Listen to the single "This World" and then go check out the album here. Plus the album cover is a cool tribute to old school hip hop. I dig it!
Download: Jean Grae "This World"

New Balance X Frontline Shop 576 Collabo

Take a gander at the upcoming Frontline Shop x New Balance 576. Designed by Lars Holzbrecher and Robin Jungermann of The Hyde, the sneaker comes in a nice mix of classic and new design. I think New Balance saw the runaway popularity of the Solebox Purple Devils and connected the dots. Solid front color combined with dark back color. It works...

It will be released next week in a limited edition of 150 pairs in the Frontlineshop Selected department .