Pic of The Day

Kirin photoshoot 1-12-11. Behind-the-scenes.

-D. Griff

Sample Sessions: Kanye West/Jay-Z & La Roux "That's My Bitch"

As announced earlier today via my twitter page the Weekend Jam is no more. That being said, I present to you something new. We call it "Sample Sessions". We are big music junkies at Kirin so enjoying music isn't enough, we want to unearth its origin. So we will use this forum to bring you some of our favorite songs and the record it sampled. Got it? Good.

First up is a new joint by Kanye West/Jay-Z & La Roux entitled 'That's My Bitch". This song boast a dope drum pattern featured in an oldie by Afro-Rock band Assagai called "Telephone Girl". Producer Q-Tip masterfully manipulated this sample to create something fresh for two of hip hops best. Check it out.

-D. Griff

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

Republic of Austin Interview

We recently did an interview with Austin-based lifestyle magazine/blog Republic of Austin. The shoot took place at Sneak Attack, one of our favorite local sneaker boutiques. Watch as we discuss tee concepts, our inspiration, and this season's theme. Check out the full interview here.

-D. Griff

Common at Southwestern U

My mane man Common recently did a small show in Georgetown, Texas on the campus of Southwestern University. I have so much more respect for him (not that I didn't already have plenty) for doing this show. One of the biggest hip hop artist in the industry and now-a-days a well known actor doing a gig in a small town at an even smaller university in the gymnasium of all places. Pretty cool right? Yeah, we all thought so too.

Lonnie "Common" Lynn wasted no time getting down to business. He started out his 45 minute set with the title track to his most popular album to date "Be". He continued to get the crowd hype with "Sex for Suga", "What a World", and one of my personal favs "Get em High". Now, we all know Common is a ladies man so of course he did some joints for the pyt's in attendance. He serenaded one special young lady to the tune of "I Want You" and took us all back with his first breakout single "The Light". And before you ask, yes, he did pay tribute to Dilla for that track and the countless others that Detroit's finest crafted to perfection.

I've seen Common in concert several times and I must say he never disappoints. As I'm sure most of you are as well, I am eagerly anticipating his new album due out later his year entitled "The Believer". Surely that will bring him to the road again where he always seems to stop in Austin. The production on this new record will be done solely by long time collaborator No ID and Yezzy himself. Oh and just so you know, we managed to slip Common his very first Kirin Tee. I'm sure he will rock it well I just hope he rocks it period! If he does, please believe this won't be the last you hear of it!

D. Griff