ITS MY BIRTHDAY-party pics

Thanks to all who came out last night to help us celebrate Dj Protege & D.Griff's birthdays as well as donate to the Austin Humane Society. The event was a smashing success and all in attendance where dancing & smiling till the nights end. Special thanks to Jameson Irish Whiskey and Corona beer. Shouts to bak & theFeedbak.com, Nice Kicks,the AHS, Lucky Lounge staff, Bboy Blitz, Pandavinci , Tony Lugo ,Zeale, DJ's Mike Swing, Rich, QD, Dirk Diggla, M, Abe the Assasin, Kewl Kris, Enfoe, & Mighty Mike.

*see the rest of the pics on our Facebook Page.

-S.DeBose

Its My Birthday Benefit Party

On the evening of Tuesday October 26, 2010 the boys of Kirin will be partying for a purpose. Besides the fact that we are celebrating the birthdays of myself and good friend to Kirin, DJ Protege, all proceeds from this event will go to a great cause, The Austin Humane Society. Sponsors of the benefit include Nice Kicks, Corona, Jameson, and of course Kirin. There will be 8 dope dj's spinning a set, free drinks, giveaways, and all the good times you can imagine. If you are in the Austin area please stop by Lucky Lounge and support this great event. Hope to see you there!

Lucky Lounge
209 W. 5th St
Austin, TX 78701

-D. Griff

Lebron James "Who Should I Be" Nike Commercial

On the eve of the 2010-2011 NBA season most fans aren't talking about the season itself but the leagues reigning MVP, Lebron James. A new Nike commercial hit the airwaves today featuring James questioning why we question his decisions. Some believe its just a marketing ploy for the upcoming season while others (like myself) see it as damage control for an image that was tarnished during the off season when Lebron left his hometown team for south beach and the Miami Heat. Either way, its a dope commercial and heightens the anticipation for both the new season and Lebron's quest for redemption. Check it out.

-D. Griff

Film: Kanye West -Runaway

The brilliance of Kanye West shines bright in this one. Without further delay, here's the short film "Runaway".

-D. Griff

TECH Review-Windows Phone 7

At Kirin we're brand conscious, but we're not label whores. If a product is made with a high quality, does what it should, and looks good doing it then we'll check it out.
With that said, Microsoft's newest, and some say last chance at the mobile phone market has definitely earned our seal of approval.
Windows Phone 7 ( or WP7) was originally supposed to be released with the Launch of the Windows 7 Desktop OS two years ago but due to delays in programing got pushed back. If you have had a Windows Mobile phone in the past you wont recognize these at ALL. WP7 is an entirely new build for Windows Mobile devices which means they started from scratch.
They combined the Zune HD with all of the Window's desktop essentials including a complete Microsoft Office mobile Suite and came out with a pretty solid system. WP7 will have all the usual smartphone features such as access to a mobile marketplace (and all you can eat style Zune Pass!),navigation via Bing maps or google, on screen keyboards, etc. I think the most stand out feature will be the access to Xbox Live. Which will allow users to connect with friends, compare achievements, and play mobile versions of your favorite games. This will probably be the closest we come to a hand held Xbox and with the multitude of device manufacturers making both touch screen only-and keyboard WP7 phones, the future of xbox gaming looks bright. Its already launched in Europe and set to launch in November on US shores. So get to your carrier's site and see what phones they have coming your way. It may not be "magical" but it will be capable of some pretty cool tricks regardless.

-S.DeBose

Weekend Jam: Black Star - K.O.S. (Determination)

Considering we just saw Kweli in concert a few weeks back and Mos signing with GOOD Music last month, it only makes sense to take it back to where these two guys began. The Black Star album is without a doubt a hip hop classic and one of the best of 1998. One of my favorites from the album "K.O.S. (Determination)" perfectly describes my mood right now. Black Star keep shining!

-D. Griff

Video: Nesby Phips - Blue And Green

If you haven't heard Ski Beatz "24 Hour Karate School" do yourself a favor and give it a listen. Just months after its release, Ski Beatz is gearing up for yet another album. This new record is inspired by the one and only, Miles Davis. A compilation album full of Miles remixes with hip hop artist lending a hand to the vocals. The first record to leak from the album features Nesby Phips over a jazzy, blues-infused melodic track. My favorite song at the moment. So laid back and chill. Groove to this.

-D. Griff

Nike Aina Chukka

I am very impressed with the new Nike Aina Chukka. It's a very sophisticated shoe. Premium leather with burgundy trim and an aqua marine blue sole. Each side of the shoe features one of my favorite trends normally seen in cuffs and other leather goods, the basket weave. Great Fall shoe for any sneakerhead. Now available at SIX FEET DOWN boutique in Stockholm.

-D. Griff

via: Freshnessmag

Kanye West Cover Art Banned

Kanye's "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" will hit stores on November 22. However, the album cover art Yezzy choose may or may not be. Certain stores (Wal-Mart being one of them) aren't very fond of Kanye's vision. They are claiming they will not carry the record if this album cover remains. If you remember a few years back Nas had to change his album title because of such backlash. Do you think Kanye will scrap this album cover?

-D. Griff

Design: Karaka Bay House

New Zealand based architects Stevens Lawson Limited have put together an incredible new home in Auckland, New Zealand. Founded by Nicholas Stevens & Gary Lawson, Stevens Lawson is a team dedicated to producing innovative buildings and engaging landscape. The Karaka House is inspired by a collection of interlocking concrete box forms. The three level home features a timberline spiral staircase, textured smooth concrete walls, while skylights and glass give the home limitless natural lighting not to mention immaculate views. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking Browns Island in the Waitenmatu Harbour, you can find this beautiful urban fortress. Take a look see.

-D. Griff

via: Stupid Dope

Weekend Jam: Foreign Exchange - Take Off The Blues

The third studio album by the Foreign Exchange "Authenticity" dropped this week and I must say I am loving the record thus far. Phonte & Nicolay stick with their signature sound and have easily put out another great album. So, in light of the new record today I decided to hit yall with a classic. This is literally one of my favorite songs of all time. Its what I like to call that "clean up the house music". Enjoy!

-D. Griff

JanSport Collection for Barney's

Remember all your backpacks from back in the day would have a hole in the bottom before the school year was over? Yep, I remember those days too. I had a couple of JanSport backpacks but definitely none as cool as their latest. The classic brand made a series of bags exclusively for Barney's New York right in time for the holiday season. The bag combines grey plaid patterns, blue tones, and brown leather. A great gift for anyone with style. Now available at select Barney's locations.

-D. Griff

via: Highsnobiety

Good Music Cypher

If you didn't catch the BET Hip Hop Awards last night Kirin's got your back. There were many highlights (and low lights) but the one that stood out was the G.O.O.D. Music cypher that featured Kanye West, Common, Pusha T, Big Sean, and CyHi Da Prynce. DJ Premier was on the ones & twos. Check it out.

-D. Griff

Video: Curren$y - Audio Dope 2

I, like many others, became a really big fan of Curren$y this year. The New Orleans native has been in the game for a while now and is finally getting recognized for his talent. I had a chance to see this guy in concert twice during SXSW this year and he put on a great show.

Fresh off the success of his major label debut "Pilot Talk" Spitta is back with "Pilot Talk 2" due out Nov 16th. Check out "Audio Dope 2" from the forthcoming album.

-D. Griff

Weekend Jam: Sleepy Brown FT. Pharrell & Big Boi - Margarita

If this song doesn't put you in a good mood there just might be something wrong with you. The first single from Sleepy Brown's 2006 debut album" Mr. Brown" never broke the top 100 on the Billboard charts but its always been one of my favorite joints. Check out "Margarita" and I guarantee it will put you in good mood. Enjoy!

-D. Griff

Nike Sportwear x Harris Tweed Air Royal

A cool shoe is a cool shoe no matter how its constructed. That being said, I never thought I would see a cool shoe made partly with tweed. Nike has proven me wrong by collaborating with Scottish fabric manufacturer Harris Tweed to do just that. The Air Royal is extremely hot in my opinion. Classic, yet innovative and possibly groundbreaking. I wouldn't be surprised to see numerous shoes mimic this model in the months to come. Dope shoe! Do you agree?

-D. Griff

via: slamxhype

Kanye West on SNL

If you didn't catch Kanye West on SNL last night you missed a real treat. Yezzy did his thing as usually in epic fashion. Pusha T made a cameo while the duo performed "Runaway". Kanye also performed "Power" but the infamous SNL diss was absent as a new verse emerged. Check it out.

-D. Griff

N.E.R.D. Interview

N.E.R.D. is one of our favorites bands here at Kirin. The trio recently sat down with Mark Hoppus (of Blink 182) to discuss their new album, the creative process behind the record, and working with Daft Punk on the latest single "Hypnotize U". Pretty cool interview. N.E.R.D. is currently on tour with The Gorillaz. Their new album "Nothing" hits stores November 2nd.

-D. Griff

via: Highsnobiety

Weekend Jam 2: Kanye West FT. Kid Cudi, John Legend, Pusha T, Ryan Leslie, Lloyd Banks - Christian Dior Denim Flow

I have to show Ye some love this week because even after a song from his actual album was leaked, and he vowed to dead Good Friday's, he still hit us with a banger this week! "Christian Dior Denim Flow" features Kid Cudi, John Legend, Pusha T, Ryan Leslie, and Lloyd Banks? Really? Did Curtis approve this? Either way, the record is hot and Banks was a good fit.

-D. Griff