Tony Yayo - Die Slow

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CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: I'm not exactly sure when or how but, sometime over the past year, Tony Yayo and his music became the most interesting thing about G-Unit. What he lacks in technical lyrical skill he certainly more than makes up for in authenticity and showmanship. What's good?

Diddy Refuses To Drop The Dough To Go See The Barry O. Show?

Diddy: "Word? I've gotta pay how much for how many tickets?  This is a rape worse than my standard Bad Boy recording contract.  Unforgivable."

"While he eagerly threw away $750,000 on an unsolicited James Bond movie audition last month, Sean "Diddy" Combs he has refused to cough up the $50,000 ticket price to President-Elect Barack Obama's inauguration in Washington on January 20.

The rap mogul has flatly refused to pay his way even though stars like Halle Berry and Sharon Stone have opened their wallets. "It's hilarious," an insider tells Vogue UK. "Sean Combs is trying to get four tickets. He's acting like it's a party at Bungalow 8 [a nightclub in New York], like they should just let him in. He's too cheap to pay and thinks he can just show up."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: If this story is indeed true (and I truly hope that it isn't), I have just 1 message for the homie Diddy: "STOP FRONTIN'". Sincerely, Livestyle.

Pharrell's BBC Ice Cream Season 8 Collection "Show-N-Tell" Lookbook Just Earned This Brand A Coveted Spot On My Good Side.

Information Courtesy of: BBCicecream.Co.Jp/Blog

View The Entire Official BBC Ice Cream Lookbook Online Here: BBCicecream.Com/Lookbook

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: As discussed @ great length in a previous entry of Livestyle, there are some brands that truly pique my interest (like A-Life and, particularly, the always impressive Supreme) that I just really I have a very difficult time purchasing because they are industrial-strength-hipster-douche-bag magnets. Too many intellectually lazy fuck boy trendoid followers flocking to your brand = a guarantee that Chris Live AKA Shaker will not wear your brand. Fairly or not, unfortunately, B.illionaire B.oy's C.lub has earned the same dubious distinction in my book.

In the interest of full disclosure though, my cousins Rob and Javon (2 people whose closets get the Livestyle Achievement Award for certified "dopeness" each year) have, through their excessive (READ: O.D.) patronage of both A Bathing Ape and, by extension, BBC, have made me give the homie Pharrell's label a real 2nd look.

With Season 8 of his burgeoning BBC brand I am happy to see Pharrell getting away from the in-your-face bright ass colors (cheap fashion shock value kind of shit) and really starting to pay attention to his item's details, silhouettes and overall construction. While I categorically refuse to fuxs with approximately 49.9% of this stuff (Jeans with a melting "ice cream" motif along the top of the waistline? Really?), this new collection does contain a few gems my nigga.

Basically, while Y.O.U. will never ever see me all BBC'ed out, I might have to seriously reconsider my stance on this clothing line and cop a few heavy exclusives to add to my esteemed rotation. We'll see where this goes. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Mya Gives The Requisite "Good" Girl Answer On Dating In An Interview @ VladTV.Com.

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Yeah, whatever Mya ... we already know. Word up, shorty is lucky that she's just so damn sexxxy and, for some strange cosmic reason, has become the ultimate exception to the real nigga "anti-smut" act of 1989 ... lol.

BONUS:

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CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: The cruel recording industry, fickle fans and an incredibly uncertain music sales market have all conspired together to relegate Mya's video for her latest single "Paradise" (from her new album) to the *Cue ESPN sports analyst/NutriSystem pitch man Chris Berman voice* "back, back, back, back, back, back, back, back" burner of the pop-culture stove ... lol. I mean, this clip is like 2 months old son.

Ummmmmm, oh yeah, Y.O.U. were probably wondering about the actual song, right? Yeah, I guess that it's OK, although Y.O.U. do not need to listen to this record nor do Y.O.U. even have to like it in order to be able to enjoy this fantastic visual ... lol.

The Brunch Bunch Pt. 16 *New Year 2009 Edition*

Reverend T.D. Jakes Approved.

Melyssa Ford = Habitual Squirter?

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Ralph Lauren Re-Releases The O.G. "Cookie" Ranger Boots AKA 1 Of The Many Reasons That They Call Me "Mr. Fields".

Available Online Here: Davidz.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Once, during 1 of many conversations regarding the state of Hip Hop with my good friend Paul Parris, I was shocked and amazed that he was shocked and amazed by the mini-uproar that Kanye West ignited amongst true "Lo-Heads", most specifically Lo-Lifes, by some of his irresponsible comments concerning his affinity for Ralph Lauren Polo gear.  Paul Parris could not, for the life of him, understand how anybody could lay claim to the popular promulgation of Polo wears.  It was waaaaaaaaaaay beyond his realm of comprehension how anybody could take offense to Kanye's assertion that Ralph Lauren was boring before he wore his clothing. Oh GOD, please bless my friend Paul Parris and his Bahamas born/Delaware raised heart - like so many people outside of New York City (and Brooklyn in particular) he simply was not equipped with the official unofficial history of Lo in the hood and, therefore, was unaware of how Brooklyn boys and girls completely changed the world of fashion.

Of course, Ralph Lipschitz had been successful with the Polo brand nearly since it's inception in 1967, but we took his fame to new and prolific levels.  Ralph Lauren's classic (READ: W.hite A.nglo S.axon P.rotestant - nevermind that he is actually Jewish) American aesthetic was never intended for urban consumption.  Hip Hop has always embraced, deconstructed and reinvisioned pop-culture - we sample records and anything else that we so choose.  Yes, akin to DJ's exacting their creative brilliance on select sections of dusty, obscure records, we liberally "sampled" the best of Ralph Lauren's garments and gave them a glorious gutter makeover. Polo Country knits and "Circle" ski gooses received the same innovative treatment as we layered Sportsman button ups over Executive Bear knits and tied Yacht Club scarves around our faces, like street cowboys hopping on the MTA iron horse.

Now, it is worth mentioning @ this time that, although I have lived a life of Lo, I am NO Lo-Life.  In fact, as I have addressed here before, I was raised as a Baby Decept off of Franklin Avenue and Union Street in the heart of Crown Heights Brooklyn.  Some people think that anybody who has a closet stuffed full of Polo is a Lo-Life and others think that, if Y.O.U. weren't a Lo-Life, then to own an excessive amount of Lo was verboten.  LOL.  Silly hipsters, tricks are for kids.  The truth is that merely having amassed an impressive collection of vintage Polo (like I have) is not now, nor was it ever, enough to qualify an individual as a true Lo-Life. After all of the hammers, boxcutters and icepick wars on the Franklin Avenue Shuttle train, I have since grown and linked with some real niggas from all sides of the game - Decepticons, Lo-Lifes, Ralphie's Kids, Face Heads, BMW, Izod Posse, Steam Team, Guess Hoez and so on and so on. Today, in spite of our different affiliations, we share a common history and an unbreakable bond birthed in the streets during the grimey 90's - it's a mutual respect thing, feel me? In summation, sorry, that little Asian kid with all of the Polo might have an nice selection of vintage I.T.'s , but, chances are, he is no Lo-Life ... lol. It is what it is.

Anyway, though this post may be a rant, it is not a pointless ramble.  No, this post is a primer for the uninitiated and a beautiful reminder for all of those who really know what time it is. The re-release of the celebrated Ralph Lauren "Cookie" Ranger Boot is serious business my nigga. Nothing can beat the O.G. green label Polo Country "Cookie" boots, but Y.O.U. would be hard pressed to find those in deadstock condition or, for that matter, really any condition worth wearing nowadays.  So, with that said, these re-releases are the next best thing. Y.O.U. already know.  Good shit.

Happy New Year Livestyle Friends x Family.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Slightly belated though it may be, the sentiment remains the same. Thank Y.O.U. for devoting precious hours of your life to reading and supporting Livestyle. As your personal curator of "cool", I take great pride in sharing my thoughts with Y.O.U. and I appreciate all of the feedback ... believe that. Happy New Year to 1 and all and, as always, may the best of your past be the worst of your future. I've got a gang of things lined up for yall in the Oh-9 ... music, movies and more. Trust me, it can only get greater later. Stay tuned. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

The Official Livestyle Guide To Toasting: Toast Better. Toast Faster. Toast Master.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: On this New Year's Eve 2009, I deem it important to briefly address what makes for a good toast. Now, I still drop liquor for the homies that aint make it, but, when indoors and surrounded by family and friends, it is not only a time honored tradition to perform, it also can add a touch of class to any occasion.

In my experience, confidence, brevity, a little bit of humor and candor - ya know, speaking from the heart - are what make for a most memorable toast. When all glasses and champagne flutes are raised, Y.O.U. can seize the moment and unify all party attendees or Y.O.U. can just waste their time. Basically, don't fuck this up. Done correctly, you'll be the toast of the town. Need an added incentive? Chicks dig it! LOL. How Y.O.U. like them apples?

Below are some classic toast quotes and an actual toasting "how-to" guide courtesy of Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri AKA Tony Sirico as published in "The Sopranos: Entertaining With The Sopranos". HAPPY NEW YEAR'S FROM LIVESTYLE! Cheers!

Toast Quotes:

New Year's Day is every man's birthday. ~ Charles Lamb

May you never forget what is worth remembering and never remember what is best forgotten ~ Unknown

Here's to your health! You make age curious, time furious, and the rest of us envious! ~ Unknown

May you live as long as you like, and have all you like as long as you live ~ Unknown

Success to the lover, honor to the brave, health to the sick, and freedom to the slave. ~ Unknown

Champagne for my real friends and real pain for my sham friends. ~ Tom Waits

Get Money ~ The Late, Great Notorious B.I.G.

"How to give a toast - by Peter Paul "Paulie Walnuts" Gualtieri
I am not a professional toastmaster, but I am usually the first person after the predesignated toasters to stand and speak my mind. Actually, I like to toast. I often prepare and rehearse the right words the night before. Then it comes out of my mouth spontaneously and sincerely. If you can't do that, at least do this:

1. Wait your turn. There's a specific order to these things that cannot be violated at a reception: best man first; then groom; then bride, if she wants; then father of the bride; then father of the groom; and so on. Unless you're one of those people, have another drink and be patient.

2. Quietly stand and ask for attention. No clinking of glasses, wolf whistles, or, "Hey, I'm talkin' here!" joke lines. Show a little class for once in your life.

3. Never say, "You know, I've never done this before," or, "Boy, am I nervous, I'm sweatin' like a pig." No one cares. Just get on with it.

4. Say something nice and personal. Avoid the standard crap like, "Here's to two wonderful people," or "I second what that guy just said." If you have nothing witty or heartwarming to add, don't stand up in the first place.

5. Here are a couple of ways people I know end a toast. "Salut'!" is always good. It means "to your health." Or, there's always "Cent'anni!" It means "a hundred years"- i.e., "May you live that long." If you want to strike a religious note, end with "E che Dio ti benedica," or "God bless you." Who can argue with that?

6. Finally, make it short, my friend. It's a toast, for chrissakes, not an address to Congress."

Max B @ Complex Magazine: "The Thug Ethicist".

Uno.


Dos.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In this most recent installment of Complex Magazine's popular "Thug Ethicist" Max B schools the youth in basic Biggavelli comprehensive G'd up reasoning and comparative analysis. Complex Magazine should seriously consider putting son on permanent payroll for this digital advice column. This aint Ann Landers yall ... lol. Good shit.

Behind The Scenes: Elke The Stallion Photoshoot.

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Diddy = A Self Promoter x A Gentleman.

LIVESTYLE EXCLUSIVE: Great advances in neuroscience and, specifically, brain wave imaging, have allowed Livestyle to capture this amazing picture from Diddy's shiny suit dream bank. Yeah, this photo is an exact rendition of what he wanted for Christmas and New Year's Eve 2009.

P. Diddy offers $15 cab fare for revelers

BY PETE DONOHUE AND BILL HUTCHINSON
Tuesday, December 30th 2008, 12:12 AM


Rap impresario and vodka pitchman Sean (Diddy) Combs wants New Yorkers to party on New Year's Eve, so he's offering to pay for the cab-fare to help tipsy revelers get home safe.

The hip-hop honcho and Ciroc premium vodka will announce Tuesday they are teaming up with the city Taxi & Limousine Commission to give away thousands of free cab rides to ring in 2009.

"New York is the world's most iconic New Year's Eve city, so let's lead by example and show everyone that a sophisticated holiday celebration doesn't just end when the ball drops, but when everyone gets home safely," Combs said.

Thousands of $15 debit cards that can be redeemed for single taxi rides will be handed out by Ciroc street teams in Times Square and in Chelsea beginning at 11 p.m. Wednesday night.

The cards will be doled out until 3 a.m. New Year's Day, or until the supply runs out.

Information Courtesy Of: NYdailynews.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: This guy is a class act! Of course this is an enormous publicity stunt, however, I will refrain from using the adjective "shameless" to describe this offer because I really do think that this is the perfect hybrid of marketing and trying to make a difference. I will say this though, with his bid to pay 1 million dollars to turn the New Year's Eve Times Square Ball a festive shade of Ciroc blue (the video is below) having been respectfully declined (READ: ignored) by Mayor Bloomberg, the homie Diddy came back with this free cab ride voucher campaign immediately. Sean Combs made sure to get his heavy slice of the promo pie for New Year's Eve 2009. This man plays for keeps yall! Respect the hustle.

Diddy's Promotional Plea Video:

Barack Obama x Family AKA Barry O. x Co. "Road To The White House" 60 Minutes 12/28/08

Celebrate New Year's Eve @ The Gansevoort Hotel With LOLA NYC x Friends.

"Please join the us to celebrate New Years Eve 2009 at the Gansevoort Hotel on 18 9th Avenue. A top shelf open bar will be provided all night long. Music by LOLA's very own world famous DJ Vibe. Tickets are all most sold out but some still remain exclusively at http://newyears.com/lola. Please let us know if you have any questions and we hope to see you all there."

Tickets Available Online Here: Newyears.Com/LOLA


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Due in no small part to my rich half Puerto Rican upbringing, I have NEVER been a person to party with strangers when the clock strikes 12 on New Year's Eve. Oh, @ 12:01 AM January 1st, all H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks can (and often does) break loose, but, @ midnight, you've gotta be home homie. Unexcused absences from family gatherings are customarily frowned upon and are punishable by the silent treatment and, in extreme cases, a "cocotaso" ... lol. Don't cry for me Argentina, I have made peace with my family duties a loooooooooong time ago and have actually come to embrace and L.O.V.E. playing my crib or a family member's crib when the ball drops.

Be that as it may, I would never begrudge all of the party monsters out there the joy that is hitting the streets and/or clubs and kissing strangers in the middle of a freezing Time Square or, in the case of this of LOLA New Year's Eve 2009 Bash, atop the über sexy Gansevoort Hotel in Manhattan's Meat Packing District (NOTE: A really unfortunate name for a neighborhood, right? I knoooooooooooow). Snatch up your tickets ASAP my nig. If Y.O.U. plan to step out this New Year's Eve, Y.O.U. had better do it in style. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

"Yeah! Superman. Supa Star. Give Me Super Fat Dough Like Pablo Escobar"

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Because genius continuously teeters on the edge of insanity, we, as observers, are often confounded by the choices that great artists make. As an artist myself, I fully understand and appreciate this fact.

In this case, the great artist is Hip Hop producer par excellence DJ Premier and the curious quiz that's fucked with his fans for a minute is why he would ever give so many amazing tracks to such painfully untalented rappers as Lil Dap and Malachi The Nutcracker (NOTE: I will give Malachi credit for the line "swim in big bucks like Scrooge McDuck" and for naming himself "The Nutcracker" years before the drink got poppin' in the hood) collectively known as Group Home.

On the real, these Group Home guys have arguably the highest concentration of Grade-A Primo beats ever assembled for 1 album on their 1995 debut "Livin' Proof". I always felt where Group Home was coming from, their whole movement was pure grimey Brooklyn @ it's best (I mean, look @ this video), but everybody knows that DJ Premier made this album. So, yeah, "Supa Star" is a classic joint. I wonder why though? LOL. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

New Scene From The Biggie Biopic "Notorious": Lil Kim x Faith Evans Staring Match = The Birth Of A Beef.

Movie Trailers - Movies Blog

BONUS:

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Seriously, what kind of friend would I really be if I did not post "Big Momma Thing" (NOTE: The original version of this song did not feature Jay-Z, had a few choice bars directed @ the late, great Tupac Shakur and had an entirely different hook which was an interpolation of the classic Eurhytmics song "Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)", but that's another history lesson all together ... lol), the song that Lil Kim is depicted recording in this clip from the movie "Notorious".

On another note, ex 3LW employee Naturi Naughton certainly seems to have Lil Kim's signature "Wha? Wha?" down pat. I had my doubts about shorty being that she looks nothing like Lil Kim circa 1996, but, she might just actually have the acting chops to pull this role off. Nice.

Y.O.U. Need To 2-Step Your Way On Over To The Southside Of Chicago x Catch The Last Day Of The Leaders 1354 Sale.

"Us moving will actually be even more beneficial to you because we’re selling whatever is left for 80% off Tuesday, December 30th. Come and get it while you can. BBC shoes $50, Coats, $75 bucks, jackets $30 bucks, jeans $10-$75….and much more."

Information Courtesy Of: Leaders1354.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In an ongoing effort to expand the Livestyle brand and, simultaneously, press reset on Hip Hop's waning cultural standards, it is imperative that leaders such as myself support other leaders, like Leaders 1354. Because I keep a highly esteemed, distinguished and diverse circle of loved ones as well, I also have absolutely no problem practicing promotional nepotism ... lol. Yeah, I've gotta show L.O.V.E. to my peoples yall ... it's only right.

With that said, shout out to 1 of my favorite She-E.O.'s Aisha, the head brand rep over @ Leaders 1354 in Chi-Town. If Y.O.U. are in Chicago tomorrow and you've got some cash money on hand, feel free to take full advantage of this liquidation sale and tell them that Livestyle sent ya. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Behind The Scenes: Gloria Maria Photoshoot @ Dynasty TV.

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NEW MUSIC: DJ Khaled Ft. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Go Hard Remix (Dirty)(NO DJ)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: DJ Khaled Ft. Jay-Z & Kanye West - Go Hard Remix (Dirty)(NO DJ)

A New Standard: The Journal Standard Hooded Duffle Varsity Jacket.

"The varsity jacket is definitely one of our favorite pieces in the wardrobe and especially in recent months we have seen some great alterations of the classic, especially out of Japan. Here is another one, coming from Journal Standard.

Their new hooded varsity jacket comes with a premium wool body, leather sleeves and further leather accents on the pockets. The added hood is not only functional, but also looks really good and they even added some characteristics of the classic duffle coat. Works for us!

The Journal Standard Hooded Varsity Jacket is now available at Hymns."

Information Courtesy Of: Vagant.Com

Available Online Here: Hymns.Jp

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Apparently, judging from my 1st 2 entries today, this last Monday of 2008 is all about creative collaborations and the reconstruction of classic standards. Hey, that's cool with me ... innovation is right up the Livestyle alley. In any event, much like a mouth wateringly delicious chicken and broccoli combination plate from Brooklyn's very own hood famous Kum Kau Chinese Restaurant, the Journal Standard Hooded Varsity Jacket is a must have combo.

To my loyal Livestyle readers, my affinty for varsity jackets is nothing new, however, I have yet to really address my L.O.V.E. for the classic duffle/toggle/Paddington Bear coat. I have been wearing both styles of coats before Complex Magazine or whatever trendoid manual Y.O.U. fancy told Y.O.U. that these outerwear choices were the way to go.

Now, thanks to the minds behind the designs (NOTE: Ohhhhhhhh, that should be the title of an ongoing feature @ Livestyle. Please make a note of it ... lol.) Journal Standard, I no longer have to choose between 2 of my favorite looks. I mean, the supple leather arms and pocket accents, the simple toggle @ the top and the good hoody (can't forget the hoody) make this some true fly nigga hardcore shit (shout out to the homie Ameer) for the corner store couture crowd. Yeah, I fuxs with this.

UNDFTD x Puma Suede Mid II Collabos = Don't Step On My Blue Suede Shoes Sucker!

"Undefeated has worked with just about all the big names in sneakers and can now add Puma to their long list of collaborative sneakers. The team-up will yield the Undefeated x Puma Suede Mid II. The Suede Mid II is fashioned with blue nubuck on the upper and the Undefeated five strikes logo in gold pins. Other Undefeated details include “UNDEFEATED” written in gold under PUMA on the side and the Undefeated logo on the keychain. Aside from this model, other colors will include red, black and white. Releasing soon at Undefeated."

Information Courtesy Of: Sneakerfiles.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: On the heels of the chunky gold link laced über cool Upper Echelon kicks featured here a minute back, comes these similar looking, but still highly original Undefeated (UNDFTD) x Puma Suede Mid II humdingers ... lol. Over the last few years, UNDFTD has successfully established itself as not only the most awesome sneaker boutique in the known universe, but as also a true brand par excellence unlike many of their flash-in-the-pan "look @ me, I just made a t-shirt" streetwear contemporaries. Combine UNDFTD's new school street chic aesthetic with PUMA's legendary retro sole and - voilà - Y.O.U. get these bad boys for your left and rights. Good shit.