Street Etiquette - The Black Ivy

Unfortunately I never got a chance to attend a HBC. Clark Atlanta University was my first choice but with out of state fees and no scholarship it just didn't work out. Maybe that's why this movement by the Street Etiquette gents resonates so deeply with me, that and the fact its dope as hell! Joshua Kissi and Travis Gumbs are Street Etiquette, a style blog and fashion guide that's making waves throughout the industry.

Their latest project "The Black Ivy" gives us an inside look at the style, culture, and tradition of the first black college students. Paying homage to such a special time in African American history with dignity and intelligence makes me proud. As the saying goes... Young, Gifted, & Black.

-D. Griff

Album Review: Bilal - Airtight's Revenge

Its an amazing thing to watch an artist grow before your very eyes. The truly talented ones get better as they go and that can definitely be said for neo-soul crooner Bilal. Since his debut album "1st Born Second" in 2001, Bilal has been somewhat of a staple in the music industry when it comes to album features and background vocals. Singing for the likes of Jay-Z, Common, Kanye West, and one of my hometown favorites Solange, Bilal's sophomore album has been eagerly anticipated by fans and artist alike. Nearly ten years removed from his debut album Bilal gives us "Airtight's Revenge" an incredible piece of artistry.

Bilal choose to go the indie route this time around and for an artist like him its the best way to go. This allowed the Philadelphia native to experiment in ways most artist can't. Producing nearly all 11 tracks on the album, Bilal was able to maintain the artistic integrity that made him the artist we fell in love with years ago. That in itself gave listeners exactly what they wanted from this album, Bilal's own thoughts, ideas, and concepts.

Love, relationships, politics, religion, and family are just a few of the places Bilal's mind takes us on his new album. "Airtight's Revenge" is a soulful record with traces of funk, jazz, and rock all mingled together to create the perfect blend. The album starts off with "Cake & Eat It Too" which is a retro funk tune that readies your ear for the album. "All Matter" is an uptempo track where Bilal shows the full range of his vocal arsenal while trying to explain what exactly love is. Another standout track and likely an emotional one for Bilal is "Little One" a song dedicated to his two sons that suffer from Sickle Cell and Autism. My current favorite is "Levels" a jazzy rhythmic tale that's dark and passionate. The album seems extremely personal for Bilal which makes it all the more intriguing. Every song takes my mind to a different place and when music does that its something special.

This record is like no other R&B album I have heard in the past. Needless to say Bilal wasn't afraid to let his creative spirit take the wheel and drive this album down a different path. Hopefully he won't make us wait another ten years for a follow-up.

4.4/5.0

-D. Griff

Downstairs 8 yr Anniversary

Last Sun (9/12/10) one of our favorite boutiques (and stockists! )
Downstairs Apparel had their 8 year anniversary party. Although owner Jeff Strange and crew have only been in their current location for a couple years, they where celebrating from the start of their original location, ironically titled "Upstairs Apparel" which was located down the street from where they currently are on S.Lamar adn Oltorf. They had plenty of free drinks, great music from DJ Leilani, and even a bunch of giveaways including hats and accessories. Great times where had by all. Check out our shots after the break.
-Steven D.

Biking: BMX Test Run

Back in the day the first thing I did when I got home from school was hop on my bike. Granted it was only a Huffy, I still manged to pull off some pretty mean stunts. Needless to say I wasn't anywhere close to the skill level of Evolution BMX Team rider Voranc Kumar. Check out some pretty dope test footage from the pro rider all shoot in 720p 60fps with 7D slow motion. Canon EOS 7D never looked so good!

-D. Griff

via: Highsnobiety

Cudi Covers Complex

Just about everyone I know has a different opinion of Kid Cudi. Some love him, some hate him, and others (much like myself) find it hard to formulate an opinion on the artist. On the eve of his sophomore album "Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager" Cudi sits down with Complex Magazine to discuss his drug use, beef with Wale, having a daughter, and of course his new album. I must say, even though I was not a fan of the first record I am eager to hear the second. Check out the interview here to get your fill of everything Mr. Rager.

-D. Griff

via: Complex

Weekend Jam - Redman "Pick It Up"

Just so you know, someone stole this cd from me like ten years ago and I am still upset about it to this day! Reggie Noble aka Redman dropped the classic album "Muddy Waters" in 1996 and its still a banger to this day. One of my favorite tracks from this record is "Pick it Up". Its just a fun record and Redman's comedic nature makes it all the more enjoyable in the video clip. Dude is funny as hell!

-D. Griff

Weekend Jam - Pete Rock "True Master"

So I was having a debate with a few friends about the best hip hop albums of 1998. Outkast, Black Star, and Gang Starr topped the list but one diamond in the ruff was left out. Pete Rock dropped a classic album that year entitled "Soul Survivor" and it was highly underrated. Listen and enjoy the first single from the record featuring Inspectah Deck and Kurupt "True Master".

-D. Griff