Red Tide Performing Live @ Esca in Sarasota Feb 29

DJ Kief, alongside Kensi, is hosting Friday nights at Esca in Sarasota.
They will be spinning hip-hop, breaks and electronic music from 9pm - 2am.
On February 29, 2008, Red Tide will be headlining the night.

Get Yer Dance On

Saturday Night

Feb 18 Monday Night

Thursday Feb. 21

Friday March 21 @ The Orpheum!!!!

New Balance "Chinese Opera Mask" Pack

I MUST HAVE THIS SHOE!!!
Developed by New Balance Japan, check out "The Mask" pack.
It consists of 3 New Balance 576's, each coming in strong colors, inspired by traditional Chinese Opera masks. Embossed graphics, premium suede, patent leather, reflective 3M material, mask embroideries and many more details.
A little info about Chinese Opera. The main color in a facial makeup symbolizes the disposition of the character. The facial makeups date a long time back to the Song (960-1279) and Yuan (1271-1368) dynasties at least. Simple patterns of painted faces are found in tomb murals of that age. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), improvements were made in the skills of drawing and in preparing the paints, leading to the whole set of colorful facial patterns that we see in today's Jingju (Beijing Opera). The art of Bian Lian (literally translated as "face changing") is a part of Szechuan Opera dating back to the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century. Bian Lian involves very fast mask changes to signify different emotions.
Now that you're super educated about chinese masks you, like me, may ask why they didn't include a color or a mask changing capability into the shoe pack. Wouldn't that have been cool!?! It would have maintained the theme and added an element that no other shoe company has really developed yet. Colors that change due to temperature, or masks that change when they move would have really set this shoe off. This is what NB should be doing with the Ndividual pack, by the way...

A New NB Blog I AM NOT ALONE!!!

Hooray!
:-)

here's what the nbkicks blog is all about:

nbkicks.com is dedicated to all things related to New Balance, from the fashion foward classics collection to the cutting edge NBX line. NBKicks and its network of sources will work to keep you up to date with new model releases, reviews, and buying guides.

Go check out NBKICKS
Do this immediately!

Crate Bros. "Sensual Seduction" Party

The Crate Brothers deliver another star studded event.
This time for Valentine's Day.
DJs Ladybird, Becca & Jamie.
doors open 10pm
Free before 11pm

Moe Pope & Headnodic are "Megaphone"

The ladies from NatAural High Records have done it again! Ever since I met Debby & Kandy at SXSW a few years ago I knew that these girls had something special. They've released nothing but heat from their label, (Jern Eye, Spear of the Nation, Omni, Spank Pop, Lunar Heights, Bavu Blakes) inked a deal with Koch for distribution (women with business sense in the hip hop game are mad sexy!!) and now they deliver another solid album for '08.

Moe Pope & Headnodic Are Megaphone is tight from start to finish! Headnodic's beats compliment Moe Pope's flow on each track. And while they do have some very talented guest appearances from the likes of Oh No, Zion I, and Gift of Gab, as well as Moe Pope's crew, Project Move, this duo stands on their own. Like Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Eric B & Rakim, Moe Pope & Headnodic are bringin' back the producer / emcee duo in a big way. Plus I can't forget the sweet cuts from The Oakland Fader's DJ Platurn.

Download "Drop"
Download "Danger Danger" ft oh no & gift of gab

In4mation Spring '08 T-Shirts

In4mation has started releasing their Spring 2008 collection. For now they only released t-shirts, but judging from their large cut & sew offering last season, you can for sure also expect more to come this season. My man DJ Nak-1 has already been rockin some of this gear but that's just how he rolls, always a head of the curve. I'd love to get a hold of the shark jaw tee...

Get yer Kid Sister "pro Nails" T-shirt

If you’ve been paying attention to kicks-n-jams, or the music scene at all, you’ll know Kid Sister is a rising star, having just signed to Downtown Records. Her second single, “Pro Nails” feat. Kanye West dropped recently so Fool’s Gold decided to put a tee out with artwork by Dust La Rock from the 12″ sleeve. You can purchase guys and girls tees here. Get ‘em while you still can!

Amp Live of Zion I does Radiohead remixes

After a cease & desist order put the breaks on Amplive's Radiohead "In Rainbows" remix project, the online music community reasonably wondered if the tracks would ever see the light of day. Well, here they are.

While the Oakland producer/DJ acknowledges that he probably should have contacted Radiohead (who were not involved in the project) to seek approval prior to making his interpretations publically available, an agreement has been reached between all involved parties and Amplive has been granted permission to release Rainydayz Remixes for free to the general public. Effective immediately, the eight-track record is available here.

Rainydayz Remixes is composed exclusively of source material pulled from In Rainbows, re-envisioned by Amplive and complimented by vocal work from Too $hort, MC Zumbi of Zion I, Chali2na of Jurassic 5, Codany Holiday, and Del The Funky Homosapien.

Barak Obama For President!!

Chris Holmes, made a remix of Barack Obama's South Carolina victory speech. And because kicks-n-jams is endorsing Obama for President I wanna share a couple videos with you.



and here is the Will I Am "Yes We Can" video

New Balance M574 NDK Ndividual

The next drop of New Balance Ndividual sneakers have landed at Overkill. The Ndividual Series enable you to change details like the laces and logos in different colours: black and neon yellow. The logos are attached by a velcro and come in neon yellow, neon camo and grey camo. Black, high quality leather upper with silver logo stitch. I like the idea of these sneakers far better than the execution. They should shy away from the "high quality" leather (suede would be better) and focus on other aspects. Maybe a different colored sole or a mid sole with more flavor. Add a lace lock or get more interesting with the eyelets. Right now the shoes come off like something your dad would pick up in a desperate attempt to remain "hip," whatever the hell THAT means! There is still potential for this series but they gotta get on it now before they completely lose public interest. It's funny that they drop this design called Ndividual and then turn around and can design truly original series like the "super team" family and the "hungry dragon" stuff. You can do better NB!!!

Sandpeople "Honest Racket"

So it's no secret that I am a West Coast music fan. Sandpeople is a crew from the West Coast (Portland in fact) that I know almost nothing about, but I saw the CD cover, and checked the song listing, and saw that my man The Grouch, of Living Legends, was on the album. So I had ta check it out. Turns out these Portland kids make a pretty nice album. "Honest Racket" is a well put together record with tightly woven beats and lyrics. Not dance music by any stretch but thinking man's hip hop that will get the neck snappin' if ya take the time to embrace it. I fully recommend the album. Go check 'em out and pick "Honest Racket" up.

Download "Real Estate"

Ta'Raach and Blu are C.R.A.C. Knuckles

C.R.A.C. Knuckles (Collect Respect Anna Check) consists of Blu and one of my favorite emcees, Detroit MC Ta’Raach (formerly known as Lacks). Check out these tracks from their album, "The Piece Talks," which is due out in April. I seriously cannot wait for this record to drop.

Download "Love Don't"
Download "Buy Me Lunch"

Nike Air Zoom Talache Mid

Quite simply I love this colorway. I don't know if I'd wear this style shoe but the colorway is a dead knock off of the Dunkesto Ronaldino. I love that shoe too.

The Air Zoom Talache Mid. Check out the leather covered mid-sole.
SoldOut has them in stock now in two colorways.

New Balance M574 Reptile Pack

New Balance presents an interesting new pack - the M574 Reptile Pack. It consists of three styles, each influenced by a different reptile - Snake, Lizard and Alligator. Overall the sneakers keep a subtle look and feature premium materials on the upper. These leave me a little cold (haha reptile...cold haha). A little derivative of the luggage pack and they coulda really gone out there with this kinda design. Like on the dragon release last year. Instead this pack is a high end but conservative shoe that I respect but would probably not pick up. It seems like these are an exclusive for the Japanese market. Via Conope.

New Balance A09 Hemp Pack is Tight

The A09 pack are new release sneakers made entirely of seamless hemp. Currently available in Japan, there is no guarantee we will see them in the Western market soon. More as the story develops. Saw these on the Conope site (can't read it at all but nice pics over there).
I have not been very interested in the NB A0 releases so far and the graff style N really turned me off but I am finally seeing NB do some interesting design with the style and this is the first of the line that I would definitely rock.

Provider x New Balance 1500

SNKR FRKR drops a nice surprise on us with the scoop on this interesting collaboration.
Australian store Provider teamed up with New Balance to work on the 1500 model. The outcome is a nice black/charcoal/blue colorway, with the entire upper coming in premium suede. The sneaker will be released in March and will also come with matching wayfarer sunglasses.

Check the interview at snkr frkr dot kom

Via Sneaker Freaker.

Reebok x Kool Aid

Reebok brings the ruckus with a nice colorful collaboration with that summer sensation, Kool Aid! Matching colors, smiley faces. Is this the return of late 80's acid rave?!?! I don't know but I'm diggin what they are doin here. Check the website Reebok X Kool Aid for more pics.

New Balance MT580J International Limited Ediiton

This is a HOT SHOE!!!!!

An Internation Limited Edition sneaker by New Balance. The MT580J comes in three colorways. The model should seem familiar, mainly due to the various collaboration between Undefeated, Stussy and Hectic on this model. In this release it comes in a grey/neon yellow colorways as well as in black/purple and white/grey. The Black Purple is my favorite. The subtle, distressed shading and materials combine with what is my favorite NB style (the MT580 rules!) in a bangin' shoe right here.

Mita in Japan will release all three styles on the 9th of February. I just hope they make it over to the U.S. of A.

More pics here

New Balance Fall '08 Preview

High Snobiety released a Fall '08 New Balance preview. Some new stuff comin' from New Balance. Some I'm feelin' and others I'm not. But all in all NB is mixing materials and colors with an eye toward uniqueness. So I can't hate on that. Check it out for yourself.

Dirt E. Dutch & Breez Evahflowin Are "Troublemakers"

Since I'm on this emcee / producer duo kick I wanna let you know about a new project from Breez Evahflowin. This time around the Stronghold emcee teams up with producer Dirt E. Dutch for a collaboration on Little Ax called "Troublemakers."
The tracks that Dutch delivers on this record may be some of the best production that Breez has ever had the opportunity to spit over. Breez doesn't disappoint either. He's spent years carrying the Stronghold crew's rep from battle to battle but it looks like he's finally gonna get some recognition as a writer and not just a battler. Check out these tracks and go get the album fools!

Download "Killhumanati"

Touch & Nato Are The Representatives "Intelligent Design"

Touch & Nato hail from Alberta, Canada. What I know about Canada is they have pro wrestlers, and snow, and beer. Now I find out they've got some pretty dope hip hop talent as well. These two have released a project they call "The Representatives: Intelligent Design." The album features appearances by Wordsworth, Cadence Weapon and others and Nato delivers solid production from start to finish. So pay attention and get down with a producer, emcee duo that you maybe never heard of before.

Download "Somethin' Real" ft Wordsworth
Download "What I Really Wanna Say" ft Cadence Weapon

Snoop "Sensual Seduction" remix ft Lil Kim

Snoop makes his move into the new soul-funk that Gnarls Barkley, Plantlife, Dudley Perkins, and Pharrell have been pushing for the last little while. It suits him nicely too. I've got the "Sensual Seduction" remix off of his forthcoming album "Ego Trippin'" here for you featuring Lil Kim. Check the video (it is awesome!!)
The album is due in March of '08 look for it everywhere!!

Download "Sensual Seduction" the remix

The Nemesis Two "Don't Stop Rockin'"

The Nemesis Two is back again for another round of dope hip hop out of the Great White North. From the new EP "Uncontaminated" which hits stores on January 22nd and will be available digitally on iTunes.

Download "Don't Stop Rockin"

410 Pharoahs "Fresh"

From Baltimore comes 410 Pharoahs. They drop a mix of the bmore club sound that has been makin' noise all over the country lately. The difference here is the skills and pedigree of the members. Most specifically Labtekwon!?! Lab has been around for a loong time. He's been on the underground scene since the early days of Rawkus Records and the whole underground hip hop explosion in the mid 90's. Now he returns (I guess he never really left) with a new sound and a new approach that clings to old school party hip hop aesthetics while maintaining a lyrical complexity that no other act is doing in this style. Their new release is on Ill Friction / Strictly Rhythm and they even have a co-sign from party master Kenny Dope himself!

Download "Fresh"

Talib Kweli "hot thing" Remix

This is the "Hot Thing" (remix), from Talib Kweli. This new remix of last year's hit features a brand new beat, a dope guest appearance from Jean Grae, and the soulful Ne-Yo on the hook. Talib's album "Eardrum" was one of the highlights of last year's very strong year for thoughtful hip hop music. It was also another landmark for Koch Records as a label to be paying attention to in the new year.

Download "Hot Thing" (remix) - Blacksmith Records / koch

Hit up Kweli on myspace at www.myspace.com/talibkweli Eardrum in stores now!

JB Classics Spring '08 Prime Label

This season JB Classics introduces yet another sub label of their brand - the Prime Label. Their Premium label delivers sneakers with special applications in limited quantities. The Prime Label will have a wider distribution and is priced just right. All models will continue to have the overall attention to detail. Each line will have its own separate packaging identity,placement,price points and quantities. I am really interested in the silhouette pictured above as it reminds me of a New Balance sneaker. I'd love to see what the kids at JB Classics do with it. If this one is any indication then i have another must pick up sneaker in my collection.

Militant Military "In Da Bikke"

things that make you go "hmmmm"
This one may take the cake. Militant Military is a Tampa group.
Here is their press release:

Militant Military? is compromised of what some may call a group of “young soldiers, rebels and revolutionaries”. Although the name may sound controversial, the troop certainly is not. “Militant Military? is a state of mind equipped with an army of Soljah’s to fight a battle for God” according to Soljah, the leader of the troops. “At one point, we were not disciplined, but had to learn to overcome those obstacles and discipline ourselves”. He further states, “due to our growth as individuals, as team, as a unit of one, we’re able to share a purpose, a vision, and the determination to work towards a common goal.”

What was once an ordinary group of men and women led by the misconceptions of life has now emerged into an Army that’s a force to be reckoned with. Whenever these Soljah’s take the stage daunting their signature mask and hip-militant attire, you best believe that there will be Attention on Deck!! The group is always on the grind performing shows throughout Florida; leaving their branded imprint in large and small cities alike.

This new revolutionary state of mind hip hop group promises to take charge and become viable members of the world’s hip hop movement.

Where to begin? Revolutionary towards or about what!?! Is it revolutionary to wear masks (ghostface)? Is it revolutionary to wear camo? There's nothing wrong with the song. It's a good club track about drugs and partying and getting fucked up. But what is militant about that??? What battle is being fought for God? How many more non-specific assertions can you make in one press release?
"We're militant!" about what?
"We're focused!" on what?
"We're disciplined!" How and why exactly?
"We share a determination! about what?
"We're working towards a common goal!" and that goal is...a player to be named later?!?!?
I DON'T GET IT! What exactly is being said here? If this is what's being pawned off as revolutionary in hip hop (and if it's accepted as such) then 2008 is in a sad state of affairs already. And nobody better come at me with this "stop hatin'" bullshit either. I don't hate party music. I don't hate on any form of music just because. This stuff is just mad inconsistent. If you claim revolution then BE REVOLUTIONARY! If you claim thug then BE A THUG! If you make party music then DO THAT SHIT! Be what you say you are!!
On a more positive note, their follow up song is called "Dat Pussy Look Good." So of course I will expect Revs. Jackson and Sharpton down here preparing a march with them any day now. If any song can change the system and smash the state it must be "Dat Pussy Look Good" right...

Download "In Da Bikke" (pronounced bike...yeah I don't know either.)

Dude N Em "Watch My Feet" remix ft Twista

I have been pretty obsessed with this song by Dude N Em called "Watch My Feet" since the Fall and realized I never posted it up here at Kicks-n-Jams. It is one more recent song that has made me RE Respect Twista. Man that dude can rap!! hahaha. Dude N Em is from Chicago and they are a part of that Chi-Town Juke music thing that has been blowin' up all over the place this year. Keep your eye on 'em because they are signed to TVT and will no doubt have a follow up to this extra hot song.

Download "Watch My Feet" ft Twista

New Balance 20th Anniversary 576 More Pics

Just when you thought it was safe we hit you with some new pics for a very dope shoe that New Balance is releasing in honor of their 20th anniversary. I posted about these 576s previously and had resigned myself to trying to pick them up online or via ebay. They've already been released at Mita in Japan. But now I have it on very good authority that these kicks will be available right here is the States as well!!
The shoes feature a velvet purple tongue and interior. Very nice details on the flower insole and the stitched "20th" on the heel. The gold lacelock and white sole are nice touches as well. All in all this is a shoe I'm really looking forward to. Feel free to repost these pics folks. Tell 'em kicks-n-jams hooked you up!

Ice Cube "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It"

Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It


I was prepared to hate on this song and video. But Cube spits knowledge here and pulls no punches plus the images in the video are on point.

Gemini ft Lupe Fiasco "We On"

Lupe Fiasco is all over at the moment. His new album "The Cool" is one of my favorite releases this winter. His FNF affiliate Gemini brings the hot shit on this one too.

Some West Coast Heat from Zion I, Too Short, & Mistah Fab

West Coast!!!! If you don't know then Imma tell ya that your boy DJ Lazy is a fan of the West Coast from waaaay back. Here are a few recent representas from the other side making some music that hasn't broken through to the mainstream yet but is just bubblin' under the surface.

Some hot tracks from the Bay Area. Slaps!!

Download "Goin' Crazy" Mistah Fab ft. Fabo, & 2Doll
Download "Don't Lose Your Head" Zion I ft. Too Short
Download "Popos" Turf Talk ft. E-40

Blame One "Finally" EP

Ripped from the vinyl only release by Blame One himself. Extended liner notes with a personal account of the songs can be found on DirtyScience.net, the new Blame One and Exile blog.

Dope. Link

This download will be really dope to some, outdated and/or even wack to others.Fuck it, it is what it is. I recorded this from vinyl straight to mp3 for the first time. I originally only pressed 500 copies of this on vinyl. It was my first vinyl as a solo artist (my group mystery's extinction was featured on vinyl before this). I to this day only have one copy so its very limited. Two songs ended up on “chemically imballanced” but they were heard here first. I didnt add any restoration or effects to clean it up, I kept it exactly as is. Ive always wanted to tell a bit of history behind songs and since this is free… I figured… why not

Kool G Rap & Haylie Duff "On The Rise Again"

This just in: CATS & DOGS LIVING TOGETHER, FIRE IN THE SKIES, REAL OLD TESTAMENT WRATH OF GOD TYPE STUFF!!"

This one goes into my "What The Fuck?!" Hall Of Fame.

Kool G Rap's upcoming album, titled "Half A Klip", will be released on the Koch Entertainment-distributed labels Chinga Chang Records and Latchkey Recordings on February 5, 2008 worldwide. Half A Klip features production by DJ Premier. The first single is titled "Risin Up" produced by Domingo. The next single "On The Rise Again" is produced by DJ Premier. Kool also allegedly fathered a child with Karrine Steffans.

Download "Kool G Rap ft. Haylie Duff - "On The Rise Again"

Rhymefest VS Michael Jackson Mixtape

Chi-town’s own Rhymefest is currently signed to producer Mark Ronson’s Allido Records, he is set to release his sophomore album, El Che, at some point this year (Wikipedia has it set for this spring.)

In anticipation, he’s put together another excellent mixtape, this time with a theme: the mixtape is a dedication to Michael Jackson and has ‘Fest rapping over old MJ songs and both old and original beats created from Jackson samples. The tape is mixed by Mark Ronson and features original production by Ronson & Emile. Talib Kweli, Dres (of Black Sheep) and the very dope DC rapper Wale (who is featured on Kicks-n-Jams here) all make appearances.

Rhymefest has very generously offered the mixtape for free download. Here’s a link to download it from his own site. (Mirror on Rapidshare)

Joell Ortiz: Ups And Downs Video

Joell is one of my favorite rappers of '07. Hopefully he'll continue strong in 2008.

Spy Vs. Spy teams with Puma & Bodega

Boston store Bodega has been behind some pretty impressive projects this past year, and more are to come. The store teams up with Puma and Mad Magazine's Spy vs. Spy cartoon for this latest project. The Puma Sky II Hi comes back as the Spy II Hi. Lots of nice details have been put into the shoe including morse code, bullet holes, dynamite swingtags and even a stash pocket. Via Sneaker Freaker.

Expect these to release in the coming months.

Lemon D live in Tampa!!

Lemon D, is a Jungle and drum n bass DJ and producer from Brixton in South London. He set up Valve Recordings in partnership with long-time collaborator Dillinja, with whom he also designed and built the Valve Sound System, purported to be the most bass-heavy system in the world (contrary to rumor, it is not the loudest). It is the only sound system purpose-built for drum and bass.

Albums include "Big Bad Bass" and "The Killa-Hertz" with Dillinja.

this is gonna be ruff!!!

Thursday Dec 27, 2007
at 10:00 PM
Crowbar Nightclub

FORCE Recordings

Click Here To View Event

Nike AF1 X Nitro Microphone Underground "Macka-Chin"

Here are the last Nike Air Force 1's to be released this year. These have been designed together with Nitro Microphone Underground from Japan This set of AF1's, called Macka-Chin and Suiken, (Japanese emcees that have been featured HERE on kicks-n-jams) have been released this past weekend in very limited quantities. Both sneakers come in subtle colors and premium materials, that you do not see everywhere. Thus also an elevated price point.
Macka-Chin is a producer/emcee from Japan. His crew, Nitro Microphone Underground, were signed to Def Jam Japan! If you want, you can think of him as their version of The Rza (underground producer and emcee who got snapped up and put on by a major label) and Nitro Microphone Underground as Japan's Wu Tang. They were the first Japanese hip hop group to achieve national success without having to go Pop.

Via Nike1Love.

Wale + JUSTICE = Explosive!!

This one is for my man DJ Rig. Wale (pronounced 'wha-lay') hails from Washington D.C. and just made the 150th cover of Urb magazine alongside the French duo Justice. He will be doin' big things in '08 and beyond and I couldn't be happier to see and hear more talented, artistically fearless emcees breaking through to the mainstream. Wale recently released a mixtape with DJ Nick Catchdubs called "100 Miles & Running" (you can get it here).

Download "W.A.L.E.D.A.N.C.E."

Ray J. & Yung Berg in some Florida Drama

Chicago rapper Yung Berg was arrested in Miami today (Dec. 21) for smoking weed. The arrest took place on the set of the video for singer Ray J.'s new single "Sexy Can I" from his forthcoming release "All I Feel," on Koch Records which features Yung Berg.
Now how are you gonna get yourself caught smokin' on a hip hop video set?!! That's more embarrassing than anything else. You can't look around and spot 5-0 on a video set?! Wake up Berg!! You're TOO HIGH!
According to sources, the 21-year-old rapper, born Christian Ward, is currently being held at the Miami-Dade Jail. Originally signed to DMX's (who has had his own recent troubles in Florida) Bloodline Records at age 15, Yung Berg is best known for his 2007 single "Sexy Lady," which peaked at the number 18 position on Billboard's Hot 100 charts. The single, which was originally featured on Berg's "Almost Famous" EP, also appears on his debut full length album "Look What You Made Me Do," due out in March 2008.

Download "Sexy Can I"

info via allhiphop.com

New Balance 20th Anniversary 576

New Balance presents another 576 20th Anniversary style. This limited edition sneaker comes with a white premium leather upper with tonal white embroidery going over the entire sneaker. On the back heel they embroidered "20th". In contrast the tongue and inner lining come in purple velvet, a perfect fit.

The sneaker has been released today at Mita.

Lupe Fiasco "The Cool" secret track

Well not really a secret (more like a bonus track) off of Lupe Fiasco's latest album, "The Cool," but check it out anyway. I like the track and I'm, strangely enough, finding myself really looking forward to the Lupe, Kanye, Pharrell collaboration CRS.

The Cool is available pretty much everywhere so go get it already!! It'll make a good Christmas Stocking Stuffer.

Download "Blackout"

Just when you thought New Balance Super Team 33 was finished...

We present you the next series to come out from the New Balance Super Team 33 - the Luggage Collection. After using the New Balance 1400 throughout 2007, New Balance now worked on the 998 for 2008. Especially since this model has been rarely used on special editions, it's nice to see it appear as part of the Super Team 33 collection.

Luxurious luggage is the theme of this new collection. One pair is inspired by Italian luggage, coming with a premium croc skin upper in a nice brown tone. The second sneaker is inspired by classic vintage French luggage, with an upper made up of premium leathers. The last one has been inspired by the military luggage by Victorinox., coming in a mix of black premium leather and nubuck. Pics Via LaMJC.

The New Balance "Luggage" Collection will be released the 20th of January worldwide, as usual in very limited quantities.