Jay-Z "Answer The Call" 9/11 Memorial Charity Concert Press Conference Coverage x Official "Blueprint 3" Ad @ Rhapsody.Com

Uno.



Dos.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Yes, we ALL know that the Blueprint 3 album leaked early this morning - I will give it the proper Livestyle analysis that it deserves tomorrow. Unlike many other blogs, I refuse to hastily issue commentary on this album (or any other album for that matter) simply in the name of keeping up with the insane 24-7/365 Matrix multimedia pace that we have all become a little to accustomed to - no, the tail does NOT wag the dog around here homie. Anyway, to quote the man of the hour, Jay-Z, from his "Reasonable Doubt" days, "In the meanwhile, here's something dope for yall to lean". The press conference coverage is standard fair, but, the Rhapsody.Com commercial is pure genius! Good shit!

BONUS:

I guess that it's just kind of a "BONUS" dropping day around here ... lol. Although this reference to a Jay-Z line from his classic song "Bring It On" off of his debut album alongside Sauce Money and the prior-to-falling-out-of-his-good-graces Jaz-O doesn't seem that obscure to me, I cannot and should not assume that we are all as well versed in the great verses of Hip Hop's greatest MC's. Listen and learn. This is Livestyle!

Drake Ft. Trey Songz - Successful (Official Video)

Helloooooo Ladies: The Mary J. Blige x Gucci For FFAWN "Twirl" Watch = Flip The Script For A Righteous Cause!

"Mary J. Blige and Gucci Team Up for a New Watch to Benefit Singer's Charity


Queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige, and Gucci creative director Frida Giannini have partnered on an original watch design to benefit Blige's charity, the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN).

A variation on Gucci's much celebrated "Twirl" watch, the limited edition timepiece has the ability to transform from wristwatch to sleek bracelet with a quick flip of the case.

The Gucci for FFAWN Twirl is all-black with Gucci's signature monogram pattern and ring of diva-worthy black diamonds.

"Mary J. inspires all of us with her songs and now her commitment to the empowerment of disadvantaged young women," says Giannini. "We're proud to support [her] foundation."

A portion of the sales from the $1,895 watch (engraved with the words "Gucci for FFAWN") will go to the organization, which aims to help women bounce back from traumatic experiences and realize their goals through career development and personal growth programs, as well as scholarships.

It was founded in 2007 by marketing guru Steve Stoute and Blige, who was once a victim of domestic abuse.

"I am so grateful to Frida and Gucci for their extraordinary kindness and generosity," says Blige.

"By opening their doors to support FFAWN, they will make a real difference in the lives of many young women seeking hope and help. Gucci sets a great example in the luxury world in recognizing its responsibility to give back."

If you're planning a Gucci spending spree, schedule it for September 16 at Gucci's Fifth Avenue flagship in New York City, when a percentage of all items sold will go to FFAWN."

Information Courtesy Of: Stylelist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Although I am decidedly anti-trend, there are some trends that are a welcome exception to this very discriminating rule. One such happening trend is the almost noble celebrity charity phenomenon (NOTE: I mean, this is just good PR too, right?). Of course rich celebrities could simply donate their money to worthy social causes of their choice, but, that would be a little too easy. No, the preferred and certainly more prudent method of "rakin' in the dough" is to partner with a popular high end brand and create some overpriced item for luxury loving liberals to sink their money into.

To that end, the 411 is that Mary J. Blige and Gucci are set to tag team the mid range timepiece market with the release of their limited edition Mary J. Blige and Gucci for FFAWN "Twirl" Watch. A variation of the much hyped "Twirl" model, this face flipping trinket can transform from an elegant watch bespangled with a bezel of luscious black diamonds to a buttery black signature "GG" monogram bracelet in the flick of a wrist!

With a healthy portion of the proceeds going to Mary J. Blige's FFAWN organization which is dedicated to encouraging and supporting the pursuit of excellence in women whom have fallen on hard times and aspire to beat the odds, @ a list price of $1,895 the Mary J. Blige and Gucci for FFAWN "Twirl" Watch is 1 of the best benevolent buys that Y.O.U. can make. Get a stack ready for the release @ Gucci’s 5th Avenue Flagship Store in NYC on September 16th. Stop playin'! Y.O.U. know what time it is!

BONUS:

Really, how surprised could Y.O.U. truly be that I would find an intriguing way to include a relatively innocous reference to Ralph Lauren Polo into this entry? Well, that's not exactly quite right. Actually, the "Rakin' In The Dough" alusion was to early 90's Hip Hop act Zhigge and the bashment tinged remix of their classic song of the same name. Once Y.O.U. feast your eyes on this video though, you'll dig where I'm coming from. I aint never been a Lo-Life, but, I damn sure live a life of Lo. Here's a little historical charity for my loyal Livestyle contingency. You're welcome. You're ALL welcome!

NEW MUSIC: Young Chris Ft. Freeway & Beanie Sigel - The Last Two (Dirty)(NO DJ)(Off Of The Forthcoming "The Network" Mixtape)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Young Chris Ft. Freeway & Beanie Sigel - The Last Two (Dirty)(NO DJ)

DJ Scoob Doo Presents: "Lost In Yonkers" Starring Jadakiss x D. Block (DVD Trailer)

streets talk dvd lost in y.o. hosted by jadakiss @ Yahoo! Video

The Brunch Bunch Pt. 50

Reverend T.D. Jakes Approved.

Jay-Z Interview On "Real Time With Bill Maher" 08-28-09 (Full Episode).

Uno.



Dos.

Mary J. Blige Ft. Drake - The One

Behind The Scenes: Cassie x Dimepiece Designs Collaboration A/W 2009 (Photoshoot x Interview) @ Dimepiecedesigns.

Play Fragrance For Men: Givenchy x Justin Timberlake = Greatness In A Spray On Bottle.

Givenchy launched a new fragrance for men, PLAY, featuring Justin Timberlake as the face and embodiment of the PLAY lifestyle. PLAY was inspired by the lifestyle of today’s man, characterized by freedom of action and freedom of movement. The PLAY fragrance is available in EDT and Intense EDT, formulated by Emilie Coppermann and Lucas Sieuzac under the direction of Givenchy’s ‘brand nose’ Francoise Donche. It’s a modern yet timeless scent that embodies its era with style. The ad campaign, shot by photographer Tom Murno, takes inspiration from Justin Timberlake’s real life. JT fits perfect, still looking hot.

PLAY EDT exudes a powerful presence with top notes Bergamot, Mandarin Orange, Bitter Orange, Grapefruit; middle notes Amyris Wood, Black Pepper, Coffee Flower; and bottom notes Vetiver, Patchouli.

PLAY Intense is charismatic and captivates with its sweet, caressing nature with top notes Bergamot, Mandarin; middle notes Amyris Wood, Pink Pepper, Coffee Flower; and bottom notes Labdanum, Tonka Bean, Vetiver, Patchouli.

PLAY is available now at Macy’s, Nordstrom, Dillard’s and Sephora.

Information Courtesy Of: Nitrolicious.Com


Available Online (x Offline) Here: Macys.Com, Nordstrom.Com, Dillards.Com x Sephora.Com

Hitting Newsstands Nextweek: Rihanna Covers The Vogue Italia (Couture Supplement) September 2009 Issue.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: With all of the très chic female buzz cuts and the militantly cut angular silhouettes popping up in collections on runways across the world, this obviously Grace Jones inspired Rihanna cover for Vogue Italia September 2009 is right on time!

Although only for the annual couture supplement feature and not the coveted main Vogue Italia cover, this androgynously avant-garde shoot captured by the incredible lens of New York based fashion photographer and all around auteur Steven Klein, is a brilliant case study in trendy transcendentalism. Yes, this smashing "Extreme Couture" black and white vision in Valentino is something a lot like "Memories Of The Future" homie - word to Erich Von Daniken. Google it!

NEW MUSIC: Drake Ft. Kanye West, Lil Wayne x Eminem - Forever (Produced By Boy-1da)(Dirty)(NO DJ)(The 1st Single Off Of The "More Than A Game" OST)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Drake Ft. Kanye West, Lil Wayne x Eminem - Forever (Produced By Boy-1da)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

Well, well well.. What do we have here? I figured it was only a matter of time til 'Ye officially co-signed Drizzy by hoppin' on a track with Mr. Wheelchair Jimmy himself! But Eminem? That's a shocker.  Now, who had the best verse on "Forever" is debatable, but, in my to always be respected and accepted opinion, I think all 4, Drake, 'Ye, Wayne & Em, killed on this beat! (For Y.O.U. BK boys, that translates to "bodied" in Chicagoan ... lol) Say what Y.O.U. want, I fux with it! End of story.

Signing Off...
Aisha

NEW MUSIC: Jay-Z - Venus Vs. Mars (Produced By Timbaland) x Hitting Newsstands Nextweek: Jay-Z Covers The October 2009 Issue Of XXL Magazine.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Seriously? Like, really? I just received a notice that the song that was originally included in this post violated some bitch ass Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and "infringes" on the holding rights of others ... so, yeah, I had to remove a record that EVERYBODY has heard by now! LOL! Whatever nigga. They can't stop this! The remainder of this post (especially the XXL Magazine and The Source Magazine O.G. cover comparison) is uncut dope. What did Y.O.U. expect? This is Livestyle!

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: No, Jay-Z has NOT made a complete liar out of me ... @ least not yet. Yes, it is true that only yesterday I declared that there be a moratorium senture placed on all Blueprint 3 songs because the toxic leaks that I have heard thus far have been nothing short of crap! That was until this morning. Although @candiedjamz and I BOTH agree that to lead with this story is too easy and, indeed tantamount to blog cheating fuckery, I can't help but post the 1st BP3 leakage that I actually like! In light of this pleasantly unexpected development I will temporarily lift the ban on all BP3 imports. Full suspension of this Livestyle embargo is pending and contingent upon the release of more good songs.

Thankfully, the Timbaland produced (AGAIN!?) "Venus Vs. Mars" gives true music connoisseurs such as myself a glimmer of hope that this will be a good album and that, more importantly, when not too busy name dropping Gwenyth Paltrow and Chris Martin OR secretly taking over the world with Steve Stoute, that Jay-Z still towers heads-and-shoulders above the rap game. Listen to the lyrics on this record and stare @ the October 2009 cover of XXL Magazine while Y.O.U. do so. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

BONUS:

By very virtue of the Livestyle doctrine of greater refinement, it is my sworn duty to point out corrolative connections and, in this case, "The Source" of a particular inspiration. Y.O.U. see it. Biggie still got this! Brooklyn we go hard!

Behind The Scenes: Trey Songz Ft. Drake - "Successful" Video Shoot (On Location In Toronto, Canada)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Uh oh! Trey Songz AND Drake ... together!? Somebody puh-leeze tell my sis Aisha that her dreams have now been fulfilled! LOL! Niiiiiiiiiiice!

Co- Editors Note: 

Bro I Love Y.O.U.

Signing Off...

Aisha 

NBA 2K10 Kobe Bryant Signature Play Trailer.

Surprise! Surprise! Bill O'Reilly Is NOT Feelin' Jay-Z's New Song "Off That" (NOTE: Admittedly, He Has His Own Reasons)

The Play Cloths Fall 2009 Collection (Cut and Sew) = V.A. Dope Boy Fresh!

"The Play Cloths Fall 2009 Collection has finally arrived at select Play Cloths retailers in the United States, including Standard, in Atlanta, Georgia. Here is a look at some of the cut and sew pieces from the clothing line brought to you by The Clipse. Some dope pieces include a Black and Red cardigan, two hoodies, and a polo; all of which feature what has now become signature logos and graphics from the brand. You can pick up your favorite pieces from the Play Cloths Fall 2009 Collection now at select retailers and Standard."

Information Courtesy Of: Freshnessmag.Com

Available @ StandardATL x Other Select Play Cloths Accounts.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: While The Clipse have managed to become critically acclaimed artists whom are adored by hapless hipsters who "don't have the technology or the steady hands" (NOTE: SuperBad movie quote = 25pts.!) to realize that this groups cocaine kingpin gram stories are heavily stepped on, there is no denying their multilateral talents. On the low, they are successfully building a brand that transcends rap and, on the fashion front, their Play Cloths label consistently has some impressive pieces. No doubt learning from the likes of Pharrell and Nigo, brothers Pusha-T and Malice alongside the company's chief designer Doug Life have remained compact and continue to use their razor blades to carve a creative niche all their very own.

The Play Cloths Fall 2009 Collection (Cut and Sew) has just been released to select accounts around the globe and, although their polo rugby top is waaaaaaaaay too derivative of the über popular AND highly bootlegged work that my man Paul Choi has done @ Ralph Lauren Polo for my ever discerning tastes, I do fuxs with 99% of this line. I encourage Y.O.U. to support this brand before it blankets every trendoids radar ... once a catastrophe like that happens, all bets are off! Y.O.U. already know. Act NOW!

BONUS:

I tried to told Y.O.U.! Livestyle is ALL ABOUT challenging the norms. This aint the "run of the mill" ... we're in the running for the mill$! Step your random pop-culture reference game up!

Co-Editors Note: 

It's only right that I, your very own Leaders brand rep, plug my store here, isn't it? The Clipse came through to our Gold Coast location to have an in-store meet-n-greet. The homie Davy Greenberg captured it all here: 

Play Cloths just so happens to be one of the accounts Leaders has to offer. Scream at us for what Y.O.U. need! 

Signing Off...

Aisha

Raekwon Ft. Inspectah Deck, GZA, Ghostface Killah x Method Man - House Of Flying Daggers (Produced By The Late Great J-Dilla)(Official Video)

ItsTheReal.Com Presents: "Run This Town" Official Director's Commentary = Hilarious x Surprisingly Accurate!

Run This Town (Official Directors' Commentary) from jeff on Vimeo.

NEW MUSIC: Jay-Z - Reminder (Produced By Timbaland)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Jay-Z - Reminder (Produced By Timbaland)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Yes, it is another beautiful day and my ears have been offended by yet another lackluster leaked track off of Jay-Z's plummeting in expectations Blueprint 3 album. The good news here is that Young Vito DOES deliver some strong verses (NOTE: In fact, he kind of bodies the 1st verse). However, the b-a-d news is that, once again, Timbaland produced this crap and he seems to have lost all of his Hip Hop sensibilities ... he must be all Pussy Cat Dolled out.

Seriously, did Jay-Z have a run in with hardcore Hip Hop beats? Did a hardcore track put the beats on him in front of Beyonce? Why has he seemingly sworn off all gutter music and, instead, chosen to fuck with this popcorn pseudo avant-garde-but-really-terribly-dated-and-boring bullshit soundscape? What the fuck!? Word up, I am about to impose a moratorium on this BP3 release and not post any more songs from this project until I hear something impressive. Talk to me.

Helloooooo Ladies: The 2009 Piaget Limelight Twice Watch = "Ohhh, Oh, Diamond Girl!"

"Sort of like getting two expensive watches for the price of one very expensive watch right? No, not quite, but you do get a "day" and "night" side for both the evening and daytime character of the timepiece. Piaget always like to play around with luxury designs when it comes to the Limelight series. Not being particularly en vogue right now among women's watches, I found it interesting for them to release a reversible watch. The timepiece has two complete dials, each with its own Piaget 56P quartz movement that is independently adjustable. Theoretically you have a watch with two timezones as well.

The watch case is in 18k white gold with a "hidden" time adjuster for each movement. There are three versions of the watch. Two with a black satin strap, and the cream of the crop model with the white gold and diamonds chains (six vertical ones that connect on each of the two ends) bracelet (total of 680 brilliant cut diamonds for this Haute Joaillerie version of the Limelight Twice watch). Both dials are off-centered and about as easy to read and Piaget could have made them (meaning bring you phone as a back up clock). The dauphine hands help though while looking stately, and the "night" side with the Roman numerals is probably the easier to read, but both sides quite pretty to look at. This watch just might be the cure for that "I can't spend big during the recession" problem you've been having lately. It is about now during mention of possible economic upswings after a long recession when big spenders get tired of not spending cause it was politically incorrect to do so."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Since it's inception waaaaaaaay back in 1874 by Georges Piaget in the village of La Côte-aux-Fées, Switzerland, the Piaget firm has become synonymous with exalted luxury and, as such, is universally regarded as 1 of the world's most prominent prestige brands. Taking the high price road during such recessionary times and, by virtue of defiantly refusing to acknowledge current economic realities, tapping into our aspirational side is precisely what Piaget and companies of their breed must do in the hopes of affecting a pleasant money mood change in their cosmopolitan clientele. For their part, Piaget has just introduced the dazzling double-sided Piaget Limelight Twice Watch for 2009.

Composed of signature Piaget 56P quartz movements an 18kt white gold case and a banded row of brilliant cut diamonds that would make officer Rick Ross wanna press charges (NOTE: Also available with a more conservative satin watch strap as well), the latest in their popular Limelight timepiece series is designed for a dime who's holding a little bit more change than her beauty status would imply. Yes, it retails for somewhere in the neighborhood of $58,000, but, if Y.O.U. really break it down, you're actually only paying $29,000 per watch. Now, is that a bargain or what ma!? LOL! Good shit!

BONUS:

If Y.O.U. thought that the "Diamond Girl" allusion contained in the title of this luminous entry was in reference to Ryan Leslie, well, Y.O.U. thought wrong. I can't blame Y.O.U. though, I relish my role as a pop-culture anthropologist and I rarely miss an opportunity to forgo predictability and unearth a rare gem or 2 for my loyal Livestyle community of readers and leaders. Yeah, I frequently deliberately make my shit extra random ... lol.

Listen, life aint just rap and, particularly if Y.O.U. grew up in NYC during the 1980's around ANY Puerto Ricans, then chances are that Y.O.U. are only too familiar with this classic freestyle gem "Diamond Girl" recorded by the group Nice & Wild. Wepaaaaaaaa!!!! Stop frontin'. Press play homie!

NEW MUSIC: Trey Songz- One Love (I'm Ready, Are Y.O.U.?)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Trey Songz- One Love

This is why I L.O.V.E. Trey! As much as I hate doing this, as the lone female voice around these parts, I felt obligated to Y.O.U. and my LiveStyle duties to make this post. I was so upset when I heard that his latest full studio album Ready leaked online yesterday because of my high hopes for Trey. Be that as it may, out of the 17 track CD, I felt it was only right to give Y.O.U. @ least one offering from this stellar project. "One Love", in my to always be respected and accepted opinion, is the best song that we haven't already heard off of this joint.

If anyone knows me, they know that I am a true believer and supporter of Trey for a number of reasons. He is not just your average artist but a talented, driven, and passionate human being. I respect him, his craft, and everything that he does for his supporters. There really are no other words for it.

Everyone has their opinions towards the leak and whether or not it even compares to the recent mixtape he dropped, Anticipation. To each his OR her own, but if Y.O.U. are a true supporter, Ready officially drops September 1st ... just because it sprung an early leak doesn't mean that we can"t patch it up ... lol. 


Signing Off...
Aisha

NEW MUSIC: Jay-Z Ft. Drake - Off That (Produced By Timbaland)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Jay-Z Ft. Drake - Off That (Produced By Timbaland)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Ummmmmmm, yeah, this song is NOT making me any more confident about this Blueprint 3 album. However, do be prepared for "Off That" to become the new "phrase that pays" for all futuristic fashionistas. Talk to me.

The Brunch Bunch Pt. 49

Reverend T.D. Jakes Approved.