Thursday, March 18, 2010

Method Man x Raekwon x Ghostface - Our Dreams (Official Music Video Trailer)(Directed By Rik Cordero)

The Mr. Bathing Ape x Regal Shoes = Monkey Shines (An Experiment In Fresh Gear).


"As part of the Mr. Bathing Ape Collection, a collaboration between United Arrows and Bape, they worked with Regal on two shoes. A loafer comes in black leather with the line’s moustache logo and a lace-up comes with a dotted Bapesta logo on the toe cap. Both will be released along with the rest of the line on March 25th."

Information Courtesy Of: Highsnobiety.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Lest memory fails them, ALL loyal Livestyle readers should no doubt recall my mythical disdain for BAPE. Well, perhaps I am going a bit overboard. To clarify, there are a number of dope original pieces from the brand that Nigo built that I really do like, however, on the whole, I regard BAPE to basically be astronomically priced bootleg knock-offs of other goods. It is what it is.

That having been said, I know fly when I see it and these Mr. Bathing Ape x Regal Shoes certainly fit the bill. The Mr. Bathing Ape Collection in conjunction with United Arrows is composed of tailored pieces that bespeak a classic bespoke elegance in direct contrast to the elevated streetwear that BAPE is known for - and these shoes are the perfect foundation.

Even though Y.O.U. will never catch me looking like some high-watered pants up, suspendered down fake ass 1930's hipster paperboy (Or a "Newsies" movie reject ... lol), I do like where this style trend is going. Sign me up for the slick wingtips with that good BAPESTA star logo on the toe. Good shit!





Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The Last Of The Official, Taking Out The Artificial ... Let Me Relieve You, Replace That Shit With Some Lethal"


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: In the annals of Hip Hop history few artists, and certainly no other groups, can compete with the incredible library of unreleased music attributable to Mobb Deep.

If I could take my very own "Hot Tub Time-Machine" (NOTE: I soooooooooooooooooo want to see that movie) back to the mid-to-late 1990's I would visit a land before "jerk" dancing time that saw a young man just inches above midgetry lyrically propel himself and, subsequently, his Mobb to the top of the rap game. Yes, prior to succumbing to his crippling addiction to tossing out empty threats @ Jay-Z and whack-job conspiracy theories (NOTE: Whilst I most definitely believe in the existence of the Illuminati, the Bilderberg Corporation, the Trilateral Commission, etc. and the nefarious plots that they are responsible for, some theories are just too spaced out for me kid... lol), Prodigy and partner/producer Havoc authored some of the best music known and unknown to man. Case In Point: "True Lies".

This relatively obscure joint showcases Mobb Deep in prime fighting shape, delivering vicious Queensbridge reality rap and Holy Tabernacle Ministries philosphy backed body blows to this haunting track. This the type shit that had my dial stuck on New York City's 89.9 FM EVERY Thursday night! Listen and learn boys and girls. Good shit!

Behind The Scenes: Nicki Minaj Talks "Massive Attack" @ MTVNews.Com.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!! = Irish Car Bombs Away!!!!!!!!!


"3/4 pint Guinness® stout
1/2 shot Bailey's® Irish cream
1/2 shot Jameson® Irish whiskey


Add the Bailey's and Jameson to a shot glass, layering the Bailey's on the bottom. Pour the Guinness into a pint glass or beer mug 3/4 of the way full and let settle. Drop the shot glass into the Guinness and chug. If you don't drink it fast enough it will curdle and increasingly taste worse."

Information Courtesy Of: Drinksmixer.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: FACT: I am a drinker. I no longer smoke bud and I have never "partied" my way down the slopes powered by "Bolivian marching powder" ... my only vice (NOTE: Aside from money and beautiful women) is alcohol. Couple that pertinent personal information with the fact that March 17th falls only 3 short (NOTE: Not to be confused with Todd Shaw from Oakland, CA ... lol) days after my illustrious birthday and Y.O.U. have 1 of my favorite holidays - St. Patrick's Day.

Yes, everyone knows that, when not bloodshot red, Irish eyes are brightly smiling! These guys know how to par-tay! Unfortunately, St. Patrick's Day can turn into an "amateur night" of sorts serving as an excuse for some not-yet-ready-for-"primetime" drinkers to audition silly ass green concoctions, mixing different liquors and beer and, eventually, puking all over the streets. Rookies.

If Y.O.U. really want to honor your Irish friends, you're going to need good old Catholic Irish Whiskey - either Powers® or Jameson® (Bushmills® never touches these lips!). Next, after a few warm-up shots, Y.O.U. might wanna switch it up and bring in some Guinness® Stout - a favorite with my 4 leaf clover friends and proud Jamaican "Yardies" alike - and that's where the "Irish Car Bomb" recipe listed above comes into play.

Simple to make and easy to drink, this deceptively potent potable is a true pounders special. *At this point of the entry I am legally required to issue a disclaimer encourage all whom read this to "Drink Responsibly"* Cheers!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Live From Paris: Hermès Fall/Winter 2010/11 Womenswear (Full Show)

Lloyd Banks Ft. Juelz Santana - Beamer, Benz Or Bentley (Official Music Video)

Fabolous - Mr. R.I.P. (Official Music Video Trailer)(Directed By Aristotle x Thi Chien)

The Limited Edition Stussy XXX Anniversary T-Shirt Collection = Celebrate The Big 3-Oh With The O.G.s In Style.








"This year Stussy turns thirty years young. As with their XXV year celebrations, a special collection of colab tees have been minted to mark the mighty milestone. The roll call of brands involved in the Stussy XXX tee project reads like a who’s who of the street scene: Supreme, NEIGHBORHOOD, Bounty Hunter, PAM, Leilow, The Hideout, Slam Jam, Claw, HELLZ, Firmament, Last Laugh, Hyde SK and Forty Percent (a revival of 40% Against Rights, TET’s brand prior to W)Taps). It’s a two-tiered release, with the drops hitting the US on March 6 and March 20th."

Information Courtesy Of: Sneakerfreaker.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: As my birthday week officially kicks into high gear, it is only right that I highlight my fellow progressive fashion aristocracy members @ Stussy as they, too, celebrate their "dirty 30".

Yes, once upon a time, when counter culture was NOT hawked over the department store counter and skateboarders actually knew how to skate, Shawn Stussy (NOTE: Whom later partnered with Frank Sinatra Jr. in 1984) transformed "Surf Wear" by simply designing surfboards, t-shirts, shorts and caps with himself and his tastes serving as the litmus test for living fresh. His handwritten "Stussy" signature was a Pilot marker prophecy come to life ... and the rest is history. Fast forward to 2010, and O.G. "skatewear" (NOTE: All "wear" labels ironed-on to generalized classificatory style names are painfully inept, but, do remain the "last best hope" that our current vocabulary has for describing dope ... lol) has been elevated to the heights of corner store couture. In today's largely post brand whore world, the aesthetically astute realize that Versace and Stussy can co-exist and even be worn @ the same time ... no need to marginalize brilliance.

Now, with 30 years in the game, the streetwear "Spawn Of Shawn" (NOTE: Patent pending ... lol) have assembled to toast this pioneering brand and ALL of the big names are here - Supreme, NEIGHBORHOOD, Bounty Hunter, Leilow, The Hideout, Slam Jam, Claw, HELLZ and Hyde SK, et. al. To commemorate this momentous occasion, each "son-son" brand has crafted a Stussy XXX Anniversary t-shirt with the big homie to show some much appreciated limited edition L.O.V.E.

This 2-tier release hits the US Of A on March 6 and March 20th. Cheers!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Saturday, March 13, 2010

Behind The Scenes: Red Cafe Ft. Fabolous "I'm Ill" Video Shoot.


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Yup, there aint nothing like procrastinating until a record is well past it's peak to shoot a video for it ... lol. Message To Fat Joe: If Y.O.U. have even the slightest inkling of what's good for Y.O.U., Y.O.U. will take heed and learn from Red Cafe's mistake - roll digital film on "Ha Ha (Slow Down)" ASAP! "Get 'er Done!"

Friday, March 12, 2010

Trina Ft. Diddy x Keri Hilson - Million Dollar Girl (Official Music Video)(Teaser)

Nanotech x Rockie Fresh x SirMichaelRocks x Caleb James

Nanotech 210 x MYMG x UMG x Komifoto (Teaser) from Mike Maravilla on Vimeo.



The First Lady Of LiveStyle Says: I would hope that Y.O.U. remember something as epic as these Nanotech all-in-one watches that I introduced Y.O.U. to awhile back here @ LiveStyle. When these watch/cell phone contraptions 1st released @ Leaders 1354, the company was in it's developing stages and this collaboration video is proof of their great progress and boundless potential. (Sidenote: Shout out to Antoine & Donald! LOL!) As Y.O.U. should know, the limited Leaders edition watches have been loooooooooooooooooooooong gone, but I'm sure Y.O.U. can still get your hands on a Nanotech somewhere. (Try clicking the link maybe? Just throwing that out there.) Good shit boys!

Signing Off...
Aisha

P.S.
I see Y.O.U. Caleb! LOL!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Jay-Z's Speech @ The Barclays Center/Atlantic Yards Groundbreaking Ceremony March 11, 2010 = "Brooklyn, We Did It!"


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: After numerous setbacks and court ordered injunctions, today marked the official groundbreaking ceremony for Brooklyn's very own arena - The Barclays Center @ The Atlantic Yards.

Designed by the team of Ellerbe Becket and SHoP Architects (NOTE: The original concept was designed by star-chitect Frank Gehry) and scheduled to open for business come Fall 2012, The Barclays Center will finally give the NBA's Nets a $1 billion new crib and give the borough of Brooklyn our 1st professional sports team since the beloved Dodgers ditched Ebbets Field for the West Coast sun and fun waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay back in 1957.

Although real-estate mogul/developer Bruce Ratner is the true might behind this project and O.G. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and Al Sharpton were in attendance for this gala, for all Livestyle intents and purposes, minority owner Jay-Z (NOTE: That's riiiiiiiiiiight! Contrary to what Y.O.U. may hear in your local barbershop, Shawn Corey Carter enjoys only a sliver of this cherry pie ... not that that is anything to scoff @ ... lol) is the only speech from this afternoon's press conference that we give 2 fucks about. True story. I mean, what's the use of buying a $540,000 a year luxury box suite if there's A) No games, concerts or whatever to watch from your pricey perch and B) No Lebron James playing for your hometeam which Y.O.U. just so happen to own a stake in? Exactly! That would be patently ridiculous ... lol.

Shit wasn't all sweet though as this highbrow happening was met by local protesters who have long contended that the Atlantic Yards Project spells doom for the Brooklyn that we all know and L.O.V.E. Personally, I do have mixed feelings about this gargantuan undertaking ... I know that this will turn traffic into a food fight mess and that the already exorbitant property prices in Downtown Brooklyn will only soar higher and higher and, worst of all, force out long time low-income residents. No bueno.

On the other hand, the jobs that this arena will provide and the patronage that the overflow of crowds will bring to neighboring businesses can only be seen as a good thing, particularly in this barely rebounding economy. Ehhhhhhh, Y.O.U. can't stop the tag-team of big business AND progress. It is what it is.





BONUS:

"Representin' for THE BOROUGH!" Think B.I.G.

Behind The Scenes: Tehmeena x Baby Photoshoot @ HUSH Magazine.




Joell Ortiz Ft. Jim Jones - Nissan, Honda, Chevy (Official Music Video Trailer)(Directed By Dawud Gaston)


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Ohhhhhhhhhhhhh shit! Not only was the dazzling visual for Joell Ortiz's Jim Jones assisted ode to stash boxes and that good cop-and-go flow, "Nissan, Honda, Chevy", shot by a talented brother whom I have had the pleasure of crossing paths with, fledgling director Dawud Gaston, but, also, and oh so much more surprisingly, my man EST makes a cameo in this clip to show the world what the route is really all about. Watch out for them checkpoints my G's!

The Premium Label Grenade "No. 5" T-Shirt = All Is Fair In L.O.V.E. x War-drobe.


Available Online Here: Balancelifestyles.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: A few years back, after having spent the majority of the Summer swimming in an ocean of streetwear just off the coast of "Cool", my forward thinking friends and I gathered along the sandy shore to watch the tide of fly-by-night t-shirt brands come crashing down. We have not boarded a Jitney and ventured back to that once popular retreat ever since.

Lyrical lambasting aside, as streetwear became too much of a #TrendingTopic and seemingly EVERYONE haphazardly launched a line of ironically titled tees, I packed up belongings and moved to higher and flyer ground (NOTE: Brands such as Brooklyn Circus, Supreme, Stussy and other innovative purveyors of exclusivity do not apply as they transcend any trendy "streetwear" nomenclature). That having been said, as the days get longer and our sleeves get shorter, it is a must that I freshen my palate for the new season.

Even with my heightened aesthetic taste, I am relatively "low maintenance" - especially during the Summer months. At any given time my post-Winter wardrobe will consist of 4 camouflage shorts (NOTE: I'm sorry homie, but I haven't seen a pair of jean shorts that I would let touch me in like 4 years ... lol) and copious amounts of sneakers, t-shirts and polo tops. This is where the Premium Label Grenade "No. 5" T-Shirt comes into play. The beautiful minds behind Premium Label have made a name for themselves as the go-to tops-shop for t-shirts, crewnecks and hoodies featuring rapscallion re-renderings of glamorous haute couture runway models and the legendary logos of high-end fashion houses like Gucci and Chanel.

Although small percentage of their designs border on the terribly tacky side of corny (1 unfortunate t-shirt incorporates the abhorrent common colloquial language crutch that is the often misused word "swagger") this brilliant Chanel "No. 5" flipping tee makes me want to pull the pin on this bad boy ASAP! The $24 price tag might not be a problem, however, finding this premium product still in stock might be ... lol. Get yours.

The Escape - Justin Rose Featuring Yours Truly, @MsWindyCity_.

The.Escape. By Justin Rose from Justin Rose on Vimeo.


The First Lady Of LiveStyle Says: From one music enthusiast to another, I have a terrific obligation to recognize and publicize the immense amount of talent that my homie Justin Rose displays in this great short film. Not to mention, I am the unhappy (yet stunning ... lol) leading lady stomping around and complaining about music being of 1st priority. Peep my pout game. Can't Y.O.U. tell? #AishaShrug. LOL! Anything for PhliHiClub!

Signing Off...

Aisha

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Diddy x Friends Celebrate The Life x Legacy Of B.I.G. @ The Lab In Brooklyn, NY March 9, 2010.



CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Just when the world wrongly assumes that Puff has become completely estranged from his underground roots, he turns the game on it's solitaire diamond studded ear and reminds us ALL why, after nearly 20 years of sharing road duties with other innovators behind the wheel and driving Hip Hop culture, we still fux with him.

Earlier this year he helmed Raekwon's "Only Built For cuban Linx II" album release extravaganza @ New York City's über trendy Santo's Party Haus and, now, last night, he crossed that bridge to Brooklyn to celebrate the life and legacy of his friend and biggest meal ticket, the late, great Notorious B.I.G. AKA the "Invisible Bully" on the 13th anniversary of his death. Call it shrewd political positioning and/or merely the latest cog in his well oiled branding and mass marketing machine, but, no matter what, Diddy ALWAYS finds his way back to the hood ... even if it's *Cue Luther Vandross Voice* "If only for one night" ... lol.

Additionally, for my readers uninitiated in the workings of the murky Brooklyn underworld, The Lab Banquet Hall (Where this esteemed event was held) is a 1st class deathtrap ... lol. How many rappers on par with Diddy journey to the depths of the gutter - even better, a gutter NOT their own - and give it up for the hood (NOTE: Yes, Jay-Z I am looking @ Y.O.U.)? Huh? That's right NONE. Oh yeah, he also brought out everybody's favorite daydreaming dope boy, Rick Ross, DJ Mister Cee, Busta "Mr. Irrelevant" Rhymes, Fabolous and his latest tax-write-off Red Cafe to join in the fresh-tivities! Salute this man! Think B.I.G.