Happy New Year 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Yet another glorious year draws to a close and I have once again been given the distinct pleasure of not only providing Y.O.U. with gratuitous entertainment, but, also, hopefully, enriching your soul and appealing to your better, more refined angels.

I am more grateful for your fellowship than Y.O.U. will ever know.  True story. Thank Y.O.U. I am inspired by your participation and am thoroughly humbled by your commitment to excellence as evidenced by your continued support of and adherence to the Livestyle doctrine. Livestyle is a peerless and unique extension of the American Dream. Now, my American Dream has become our collective dream. Y.O.U. are no longer "Sleeping With The Enemy" ... lol. To that end, please be advised that participation counts heavily towards your final grade in this advanced class. Talk to me. Talk to Aisha. We L.O.V.E. it.

Our chief operating principle is quality based on the philosophy of "flyness". Livestyle is a decadent monument to indulgence. Pray. I am the Dalai Lama of Prada. Welcome to Nirvana. LOL. Happy New Year!!!! Let's set 2010 off right!!!! GOD Bless.

Behind The Scenes: Diddy Crowns Rick Ross "The Don" On The Set Of The Dirty Money "Angels (Remix)" Video On Location In Miami.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Hyperbolic and ridiculous comparisons to the late, great B.I.G. aside, this video is "BAAAAAAAAAAWSE!" ... lol.  Good shit.

A Day In The Life: The Clipse @ Aol.Com (Boombox)

Nadia Dawn "Art Of Seduction" (Directed By Keith Morton)

ESPN's NBA Top 10 Plays Of The Decade = The 2000's D.efining M.oments P.ackage.

Kanye West x Bape Spring 2010 Lookbook x Album Of The Year = Greatness!

Information Courtesy Of: www.kanyeuniversecity.com

The First Lady Of LiveStyle Says: Did Bape seriously make a comeback? Yes! Atleast I'd like to say so. Featured in this Spring 2010 lookbook is Mr. Kanye West himself. The collection attributes Japanese and American influences with a new style of belts, shirts, varsity jackets, and trousers. While the collection is clean cut, the signature Milo hoody is the most vibrant of all pieces and features different characters from Milo's history of traditional Bape hoodies.

Not only is Kanye gracing the covers of fashion editorials, but his debut album The College Dropout was deemed Entertainment Weekly's Album Of The Decade. And that it was. Being the Chicago enthusiast that I am, I have to say The College Dropout has always been my favorite piece of work collectively and was deserving of this title. Its safe to say 'Ye is closing out '09 on a better note than he started with.

Signing Off...

Aisha

Fabolous Shuts Down Webster Hall In NYC Christmas Night.

Behind The Scenes: Rakim Ft. Maino "Walk These Streets" x A History Of Violence Tutorial On The Life x Legend Of Killer Ben.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Science of the 5% variety meets "Do Or Die" Bed-Stuy violence as Maino joins Rakim Allah in Brooklyn on the set of their collabo "Walk These Streets" off of Mr. 7th Letter's latest sonic gem, "The Seventh Seal". Real recognize real.

A History Of Violence Sidebar: The impressive mural that Maino stands in front of in scenes from this video is the recently refurbished memorial to fallen Fort Greene hustler and legendary music industry strong arm tactician Benjamin "Killer Ben" O'Garro. Killer Ben (Along with a number of other similarly notorious Fort Greene, Brooklyn bangers such as the original 50 Cent and Puerto Rican Supreme Magnetic) was a long time friend of Rakim's as well as being a long time thorn in the side of vulnerable victims city wide.

Murdered @ a payphone on the corner of Myrtle Avenue in 1995 @ the young age of 26 (NOTE: Allegedly in retaliation for "leaning" on an associate of the Notorious B.I.G. ... although Killer Ben clearly had enough enemies to place blame elsewhere) in the years since his passing, the facts surrounding his short, ruthless life have morphed into mythological street lure interspersed with bits of truth. He did shoot a cop with a Tec-9. In 1990 his 3 year old brother was slain, inadvertently, when niggas came gunning for his brother Jerome "Mister" O'Garro and lit up the door to his family's apartment in the Walt Whitman Houses in Fort Greene. He may have once used a little boy to shield himself from a hail of gunfire. In any event, not for nothing, but, a lot of so called "tough guys" breathed a sigh of relief when this man bit the dust. Now, that's a true story.

Original Killer Ben Mural By The TATS Cru (Photo Taken Summer 2007)

The Brunch Bunch Pt. 67 (The 2009 Holiday Honeys Edition)

Reverend T.D. Jakes Approved.

Young Jeezy: Toyz N Da Hood = Christmas Hope Instead Of Dope.

Toyz N Da Hood 2009 from Exclusive Access on Vimeo.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Before Jay "Young Jeezy" Jenkins got paid off the strength of his "gift of gab", he got paid from flippin' slab. Cool.  Now, check out this benevolent hustler on his new route going door-to-door with it like Fresh Direct® and giving back to the less fortunate on Christmas. Salute this man!

Respect The Architects: Paul McCartney - Wonderful Christmas Time

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Now, this shit right here! This 1's for the O.G.'s. Merry Christmas!

The Limited Edition Nanotech 210 x Leaders 1354 Watch = It's Time To Talk!

Available Online Here: www.nanotech210.com x www.leaders1354.com

The First Lady Of LiveStyle Says: Sorry! I'm a few days late to tell Y.O.U. about this über limited edition Nanotech 210 x Leaders 1354 collaboration watch, but better late then never! Right? Right. LOL!

Anyway, what I can tell Y.O.U. now is that this wrist piece definitely isn't your typical G-Shock ... it's a phone too! I had the pleasure of meeting the Nanotech reps in Chicago this past weekend and they walked me through the features of this futuristic gadget. Not only can Y.O.U. make and receive phone calls, but there are text message and email options along with a built in 1.3 megapixel camera for photo and video capabilities. Can we say DOPE! Yes, I know that today is Christmas, but I'm sure Santa left a few I.O.U.'s laying around. LOL!

Signing Off...

Aisha

Livestyle Wishes Y.O.U. x Yours A Very Merry Christmas 2009!

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Listen, whether Y.O.U. pray to GOD, Jesus Christ, Eloh (Eloheem), Allah or any other source of spiritual guidance and validation, Christmas is almost universally celebrated as a day to rejoice with family and to give thanks and praise. Period. Fuck the dumb shit.

On that note, I pray that Y.O.U. have a blessed and highly favored holiday.  May your glasses be ever full. Y.O.U. and your loved ones ALL have my warmest wishes and my best regards.  Oh yeah, Aisha L.O.V.E.S yall too!  Message To The Loyal Livestyle Community: GOD Bless Y.O.U., one and all. Cheers!

Movie Trailer: Sex And The City 2 = Livestyle Ladies Rejoice!

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Yes, Carrie & Co. are back for May 2010 and somebody is getting married! How do I know? Because I was on the set of this blockbuster film suckaaaaaaaaas. Shout out to the Hollywood/hood homie Jay Fessel! Merry Christmas bitches!

NEW MUSIC: Drake - It's Been A Pleasure (Reference)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Drake - It's Been A Pleasure (Reference)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Apparently this is an über early leaked reference verse for a track scheduled to appear on Young Jeezy's highly anticipated forthcoming "T.hug M.otivation 103" offering featuring the mainstream "Rookie Of The Year", Drake AKA "Wheelchair Jimmy". Can't Y.O.U. just hear Mr. "Young Jizzle With The Stamp In The Middle" all over this track? Imagine the contrast ... Degrassi High meets Trap Or Die. The completed version of this song has the potential to be better than beaver tails and ketchup chips! My Canadian peoples know what time it is, aye. Good shit!

Behind The Scenes: Lil Wayne "On Fire" Video = Tony Montana Approved!

BEHIND THE SCENES OF LIL WAYNE'S "ON FIRE" A DERICKG.COM EXCLUSIVE from DERICK G on Vimeo.

Amerie Ft. Fabolous - More Than Love (Official Music Video)

Christmas Coquito = "Hey Girl, I Know You're Thirstay ... Open Wide, It's Jesus Christ's Birthday! Say Aaaaaaaah!"

"Puerto Rican Coquito
The Christmas Punch Also Has a Story to Tell

Everyone knows that a Latino Christmas celebration is full of cheer and delight, good music, delicious foods and original and traditional punches. The Christmas dinner -- where family and friends come together to celebrate -- is an ancient Roman tradition that began before the Christian era. It was not until 354 AD that the Roman Bishop Liberius officially declared that Christmas be celebrated on December 25th.

There is no other time for you to really get a chance to savor all the delicious holiday punches very popular among Latin American countries. According to historians, ancient Persian villagers consumed a very similar beverage that consisted of a mixture of water, lemon, herbs, sugar and rum called "panch." That custom made it's way to Europe where it underwent several changes and eventually evolved into what we call punch, and later became "ponche" in Spain.

Today, we still enjoy these traditional drinks with our own particular touch -- hence a variety of punches. Fruit punches are among the most popular, but in several countries punches are prepared with different ingredients including milk, sugar, eggs and rum.

Without a doubt, milk is a key ingredient thanks to Carnation Evaporated Milk. It's the component that makes the most notable change -- it adds flavor and a rich and creamy consistency. Since 1899, Carnation Milk has been the favorite ingredient of the Latino housewife when preparing her best holiday beverages.

Remember to prepare your time-honored punch this holiday season. It makes the perfect gift -- you can even present your concoction in a beautiful bottle decorated with holiday paper and a personalized gift tag.

We would love to learn all about your native country's holiday beverages! Visit MiCocinaLatina.com and share your recipes with us. Here you can also find new recipes and obtain loads of information especially related to Latino cuisine.

MiCocinaLatina.com wants to share with you the recipe for the world-famous Puerto Rican Coquito, a tasty holiday beverage that your guests will simply love. Here is to happiness and good health!

"COQUITO" PUERTO RICAN PUNCH

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooling time: 2 hours

Serves: 5

1 cup water

12 cloves

2 cinnamon sticks

1 inch piece fresh ginger, peeled

1 can (15 oz.) COCO LOPEZ Real Cream of Coconut

1 can (12 fl. oz.) CARNATION Evaporated Milk

1 cup rum

Powdered cinnamon, (optional)

Place water, cloves, cinnamon sticks and ginger in a small saucepan. Cook at medium heat until boiling. Remove from heat, cover. Let cool 15 minutes. Remove cinnamon, cloves and ginger.

Place the coconut cream, evaporated milk, rum, water and spices in blender, cover. Blend for 30 seconds or until well mixed. Refrigerate in a crystal container or bottle for at least 2 hours or until liquid is very cold. Shake well before serving.

To serve: Serve 2 ounces in appetizer glasses. Sprinkle with powdered cinnamon if desired.

Advice: Drop a cinnamon stick inside the bottle/container for added flavor."

Information Courtesy Of: Boricua.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Although my palate currently favors the savory taste of finely aged whiskey to the sharpness of most rums, old habits are hard to break. I am both West Indian (by way of St. Croix) and Puerto Rican (by way of the South, South Bronx), so the Taino warrior in me views the festive imbibing of Coquito as a most splendiferous Christmas communion of sorts.

As a child, I wasn't allowed to drink (per se), but, when December 25th rolled around I was permitted to soak my little liver in this rum laced Holiday treat. Ahhhhhhhhh, the memories ... the spotty drunken childhood family get-together memories ... lol. I keed. I keed. Of course, Y.O.U. don't have to be Puerto Rican to enjoy this Coco López® infused libation, but, it certainly helps! *Cue Rakim Voice* "Check out, check out, check out, check out the recipe."

Y.O.U. bring the pasteles (NOTE: Pasteles are a must have for the Holidays. I have known Puerto Ricans to riot when pasteles supplies have run dry ... ala the great Bushwick, Brooklyn Riot Of 1989 that was spurred by an unforseeable and abrupt platano shortage earlier that Fall) and I'll bring the Coquito ... or vice versa. It's time to go heavy on the good Bacardi® rum my G ... it's a party! Message To My Loyal Livestyle Community: Drink responsibly and pour it up with L.O.V.E. this AND every Holiday season. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

MVPuppets: Blitzen Raps, Santa Raps x Reindeers Get Dunked On!

Uno.



Dos.



Tres.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: All of this hoopin' Holiday cheer comes to Y.O.U. from Nike, Kobe Bryant and Lebron "I L.O.V.E. NY" James with the good 1-2 assist from Krs-1 and Lupe Fiasco. Good shit!

NEW MUSIC: Young Jeezy - 4 My Town (Remix)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Young Jeezy - 4 My Town (Remix)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

Hitting Newsstands Next Year: Gucci Mane Covers The March 2010 Issue Of XXL Magazine.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:

"BURRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!"

Alicia Keys x Swizz Beatz Boo Lovin' @ Her Album Release Party @ M2 Ultra Lounge In NYC 12/18/09 AKA New Wifey, Mashonda No Likey.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In related news, it has been reported that Swizz Beatz's ex-wife, Mashonda, was spotted that same night with friends drinking piña coladas @ BBQ's on 23rd Street and 8th Avenue in New York City. Life goes on. Swizzy!

Jay-Z Ft. Mr. Hudson - Forever Young (Official Music Video)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: After premiering on the sneak tip on MTV BASE in Europe over the weekend, a T.V. rip of this gripping visual leaked early yesterday. Taped with a handicam of sorts, the quality was so terrible that I immediately became concerned that some of our friends in the UK may have lacked the proper DVR capabilities necessary to fairly compete in this digital age ... the poor blokes ... lol. Thankfully, I was able to score this HD version this morning courtesy of the good 24 hour party people over @ Rapradar.Com. Hey, hold the phone! Where the H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks are the videos for "On To The Next One" and "Real Nigga Shit"? What's really good?

The Ralph Lauren Tartan Duffel From The Holiday 09 Collection = Duffle Bag Man.

"Ralph Lauren tartan duffel: Part of Lauren's luxe new Holiday Collection, rooted in the spirit of 1930's Sun Valley, the famous Idaho ski resort frequented by socialites and celebrities. Tartan plaid wool with saddle leather trim embodies wintry sophistication."


Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Yes, as the clock ticks down to Christmas 2009, I, in my infinite lack of wisdom, have yet again procrastinated my way into a corner ... I am still not done shopping nor have I compiled a definitive wishlist of my very own. I am probably going to get hit with all kinds of colognes (Moderately cool.) and/or gift cards to places that I'll most likely never use (Not cool. A waste of both your time and mine). So, in a last ditch effort to ring in the new year with loads of new gear, in the next coming days I will overload your senses with fly gifts that I L.O.V.E. (Hint! Hint!) and I will extend my acceptance of charitable donations until New Year's Eve to better accommodate my generous fans.

Fashion is cyclical. As such, a point that I always attempt to drive home to my loyal Livestyle community is that no colorful au curant trend can box with the arms of classic sophistication. To that end, I have placed a moratorium on men purchasing new Louis Vuitton duffle bags (NOTE: A Well worn and travelled Louis duffle conveys a sense of appreciation for the distinct craftsmanship of such an item and is completely acceptable.) and, instead, would like to suggest that highbrow hustlers eschew crass "look-@-me" flash for true panache. Take for example the Ralph Lauren Tartan Duffel from their Holiday 09 Collection.

Inspired by the world renowned affluent resort village of Sun Valley, Idaho, this range "embodies wintry sophistication with luxe cashmeres, rich tartan plaids, regal velvets and chic yet rustic details, creating gifts with a nod to classic American heritage and modern sensibility." Once again, Ralph Lipschitz has exalted the Anglo influence (NOTE: In this case utilizing the traditional Scottish print "Tartan" ... what most of us on this side of the pond call "Plaid") on Americana to harrowing levels of contemporary brilliance. Simple, yet elegantly effective and reflective of a truly elevated sense of style. I encourage all "playaz" to tighten their "circle" and become "duffle bag" men. Impress your connect. Niiiiiiiiiice.

BONUS:

I shouldn't have to really include this Playaz Circle video for the song that my thinly veiled double entendre made reference to in the title and body of this post, right? Like, we're all on the same page, right? Fuck it.

The Brunch Bunch Pt. 66 (The Winter Oh-9 Great "Blizzard Of Booty" Edition)

Reverend T.D. Jakes Approved.