Youtube, I Tube, We All Tube.

"The next showcase for new music? YouTube


ATLANTA, Georgia (AP) -- -- When Ludacris' manager wanted to create buzz for his client's upcoming CD, he went directly to YouTube.com. But instead of releasing a flashy video for Ludacris' song "Let's Stay Together," Chaka Zulu just uploaded the track directly to the site with a just picture of the rapper as accompaniment.

"You actually get to visualize the music," said Zulu, who is also co-founder of Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace label. "Even if it's not a real video, music is emotion. Music has a concept and theme."

Though YouTube is known as the Internet's greatest video warehouse, it's becoming known as the place to find new music, no video needed. Put in the name of your favorite artist and there's chance that besides an assortment of their videos, you'll find a song with perhaps just a picture or a montage of photos to accompany it -- and it still gets thousands of views.

If anyone wants to hear Akon's remake of Michael Jackson's "Wanna Be Starting Something," it's there. Someone yearning for the new Guns N' Roses track "Shackler's Revenge" or T.I.'s new release "Live Your Life" featuring Rihanna, all it takes is a quick search of their name and song title. No problem. While some of the songs are posted directly by an artist's camp, others are uploaded by fans eager to share and discuss new music by their favorite act.

DJ Sickamore, who was director of A&R at Atlantic Records for two years and now has his own entertainment management company, says YouTube is a simpler way to listen to music on the Internet.

"Other file hosting sites have too many steps," said DJ Sickamore. "If I like a song, I can hear it instantly without any problems. You definitely have to take advantage of this tool."

Zulu first noticed the power of YouTube sans video two years ago when he posted Ludacris' song "War with God" with just the rapper's picture as a visual on the site. Soon after, Zulu's BlackBerry was bombarded with text messages.

"It had the Internet going crazy," recalled Zulu. "I was getting tons of messages about how they loved it. I didn't know that many people heard it.

"It's a viable marketing tool for us now," he added."

Read The Full Story Here: CNN.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: The evidence is overwhelming. In fact, my entries on this blog and your much valued readership is an addition to this Youtube marketing approach and simply the whole "new media" model in general. Y.O.U. can, and probably should, read the article in it's entirety, but my homie Sickamore sums it up quite nicely. Basically, today's world is completely geared towards greater convenience and personalization ... point, blank, period.

Fuck what they say about Hip Hop being "dead" or whatever yo. Remember: As Baron von Rothschild (of the richest family in the world whose banking exploits supply central funding to the Illuminati ... yeah, those Rothschilds) is famously quoted as saying, "Buy when there's blood in the streets, even if the blood is your own". See, when everybody else (READ: Pussies) has contracted an S.T.D. (S.cared T.o D.eath) and are too shook to make a move, that is the perfect time to invest in anything - even music - and get in for pennies on the dollar my nig.  Oh yeah, shout out and much credit goes to the homie Nately for sending me this article like (Cue Arnold Schwarzenegger voice as Douglass Quaid in the classic film "Total Recall") 2 weeks ago ... lol. Thank Y.O.U.! Holla @ ya boy in BK!.

NEW MUSIC: Rick Ross - Swagger Like Us Remix

Find more videos like this on DeeperThanRap.com

Really? $50 for Levi's 501 blue jeans? Apparently, they are beating the shit out of niggas in Miami for an essential article of clothing and that is not fair. I'm sorry ... it was just mentioned too early in the song for me to allow that to slide.

Anyway, Rick Ross has (like so many others before him who felt that their non-invitation to appear on the original song was a blow to their rap ego) recorded his very own verse for "Swagger Like Us" and, I must say, that it is indeed cooked cocaine. What can I say? Sure he's a terrible liar, but I fuxs with his "Maybach Music" my nigga. Oh yeah, according to the song, Rick Ross's "project bitch" pronounces his 57 Maybach as My-bach and he regrets not correcting her. Message To Rick Ross: Ummmmmmmmmmmm, your "project bitch" is actually right yo. Y.O.U. owe her an apology and an Ed Hardy dress ... lol.

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Rick Ross - Swagger Like Us Remix

"Hit Me On The Hip Anytime, I Don't Mind"

In honor of the homie T.I. dropping his latest album "Paper Trail" today I was inspired to do something different. Therefore, anticipating that most other blogs would feature his new music (I've been done that), I decided that it was the perfect time to take it back and either A) introduce Y.O.U. to or B) refresh your memory with some classic T.I.P. - "Dope Boyz". If you've ever been foolish, ignorant or biased-against-the-handful-of-Southern-rappers-who-can-truly-spit enough to doubt T.I.'s lyrical capacity, please listen to this song closely.

T.I.'s resilience is to be respected because he almost didn't make it out of the streets OR his 1st major label deal and the flop of a record that was released. Fast forward a few years and the homie has done quite alright for himself. This is the definition of "grindin'". Good shit.

Behind-The-Scenes: Tiara 4 Eva @ King Magazine Photoshoot.

Yes, Ms. Tiara Harris has been b-a-d for a minute. Y.O.U. aint know? She's an internet phenom who, sadly, never got the chance to go pro on a national video hoe level despite showing great potential and possessing some obvious amazing natural attributes ... lol. Serious Question For Tiara: Who the fuck is your agent ma and why haven't Y.O.U. fired them yet?

Grow Up: Panerai Limited Edition Radiomir Titanium Watch.

I've always been a collector of sorts.  Even today I still have 2 boxes of valuable comics sitting in my closet in dusty mylar covers ... lol.  My clothes (vintage and/or contemporary alike) are a whole other story of large bags and poppin' tags my nig ... lol. As I mature though, my tastes have grown to include and focus on different things, 1 of which has become fine watches.  Now, honestly, I can't afford to amass a collection of expensive timepieces yet, but I can admire their complications and learn enough to fuck up the salesperson @ Tourneau when I reach there.  Yeah, I know that the best watches don't even have diamonds my man.  Score 1 for the hood!

Anyway, Panerai (while not extremely popular with the rappers ... lol) is 1 of the watch companies that I have come to greatly respect over the years. Founded in 1860 by Italian watch maker Giovanni Panerai, the Panerai brand has since become a premiere name in the watch making industry. Today, 148 years later, the house that Giovanni built has just recently released the special edition Radiomir Titanium in 2 exclusive colors one in black limited to 100 units and the considerably more coveted brown version which is limited to only 50 units. This is the kind of watch that only a true boss can appreciate. Now, take the information provided below and go and "wow!" your friends!


Movement: hand-wound mechanical, exclusive Panerai OP XXVII calibre, 16 ¾ lignes, 18 jewels, monometallic Glucydur® balance, 18,000 alternations/hour, KIF Parechoc® anti-shock device. Power reserve 55 hours.

Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds.

Case: diameter 47 mm, brushed titanium with removable wire loop strap attachments (patented). Winding crown personalized Panerai.

Bezel: polished titanium.

Back: see-through sapphire crystal.

Dial: brown with pink gold ring and luminous Arabic numerals and hour markers. Small seconds at 9 o’clock.

Crystal: sapphire, formed of corundum, 1.9 mm thick. Anti-reflective coating.

Water Resistance: 100 metres.

Strap: PANERAI personalized alligator strap and brushed large-size titanium buckle.

Production Note: "Radiomir" was the self-luminescent material used to paint the hands and numurals on the dial of the watch. Later, Panerai changed this material to “Luminor” which was still self-luminescent, but not as dangerous as the original radioactive material. Panerai named it's watches after the material by the luminescent it used.

Jay-Z: Blueprint 3 News x Speculation Surrounding The "Hey! We've Got Swagger Too" Remix.

"News Bits: The Jay-Z Edition
September 29th, 2008 | Author: Omar Burgess

If nothing else, things will get a lot more interesting for Jay-Z during the fourth quarter. BET.com's Nile "Low Key" Ivey reports, via the network's "Sound Off" blog, that Jay has decided on Dec. 2 as the release date for Blueprint 3. The rumor mill began circulating after Jay-Z and Kanye West leaked "Jockin' Jay-Z (Dope Boy Fresh)" in August. The album will be Jay-Z's last contractual obligation under his current agreement. Def Jam has not responded to requests to confirm the news.

Jay-Z has confirmed the rumor that he is working on his own version of "Swagger Like Us." He originally appeared with Lil Wayne, Kanye West and T.I. on the original, which is featured on T.I.'s upcoming Paper Trail. Guest verses from Young Jeezy, Nas and Andre 3000 have already been recorded for the Blueprint 3 version.

Additionally, HipHopDX has obtained documents naming Jay-Z in an intellectual property lawsuit. Reggie Evans, CEO of I Will Not Lose, LLC, is attempting to sue the multi-platinum rapper over the use of the phrase "I Will Not Lose." The suit lists Shawn Corey Carter and Iconix Brand Group, Inc., who purchased Rocawear in 2007 for $204 million.

The court documents, which were originally filed on Sept. 18, accuse Jay-Z and Iconix of intellectual property and copyright infringement. Jay-Z began prominently using the phrase "I Will Not Lose" in 2000, after releasing The Dynasty: Roc La Familia. Evans' camp maintains that they sent multiple unanswered notices to Jay-Z and Iconix in 2007 after trademarking the phrase."

Information Courtesy Of: Hiphopdx.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Sooooooooooooooo, if the source for this story is correct, then Jay-Z really is dropping The Blueprint 3 this December? I don't know guys, this doesn't feel right to me ... like, I think that Jay-Z is still stuck in his personal 1-great-album-followed-by-a-lackluster-rushed-album-just-because-I'm-Jay-Z-and-I-can't-stand-to-see-anybody-else-run-the-4th-quarter Matrix. I will reserve judgement until 2 more records have leaked as I am treating "Jockin' Jay-Z" as just a street leak/white label joint right now. Also, I want to really see how this "Swagger Like Us Pt. 2" version shapes up.

I've read around the net how some people want to switch up the roster and include Eminem over Young Jeezy. Really? Look, I respect your internet geek fantasies, but, as a practical matter, if anybody should be replaced, it should probably be Nas whose "swagger" has always been questionable (NOTE: Although his tight pink suit might actually work in today's exaggerated skinny jeans "hipster" market). If they did replace Nas though, who else (that was NOT on the 1st record) has the starpower to warrant such a huge feature? Any ideas yall? Oh yeah, I'm not even gonna comment on the bullshit lawsuit my nigga. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

Even Future 1st Ballot NFL Hall Of Famer Emmitt Smith Feels Like There's Still Bitches That Owe Him Sex.

LOL @ this clip from last night's Monday Night Football game. Check out how Emmitt Smith catches himself and realizes that he's back on the air and stops rhyming immediately. Hey, "Put On" is a good song. Do ya thing homie.

Diesel Makes XXX Safe For Work!

Sooooooooooooooo, Diesel is celebrating its 30th birthday with a risqué ad that weds a montage of classic 1980's porn films (which I like to refer to as the "Golden Era") with cartoon animations. It's Who Killed Roger Rabbit? meets your girl's vibrating "rabbit" ... lol. The 120-second short film/commercial has been dubbed Safe For Work XXX, a play on the commonly used warning tag used on pornographic material NSFW and the roman numeral for 30 - ya know, for their 30th anniversary and what not. SIDENOTE: Who knew that Diesel S.p.A. has been around for 30 years anyway? Woooooooooow!

Hitting Newsstands Nextweek: Reagan Gomez Covers King Magazine November 2008 Issue.

Shorty from "The Parenthood" looking pretty damn good. I mean, I like her, but Mandalay Jay is in L.O.V.E. with her. Go figure.

Dr. Romanelli x Fruition Las Vegas = Carbonated Cool.

Dr. Romanelli x Fruition are back with their 3rd season collaboration appropriately titled the "Recycled Pop Bubble Vest" collection. Now, while I am none too impressed with Fruition's online shop dedicated to the hipster-that-is-too-lazy-and/or-uninventive-to-discover-their-own-vintage-finds, I do really like and respect the creativity of these bubble vests reconstructed from old Coca Cola apparel. I've been rocking vintage Coca Cola wears for years homie. My collection is pretty brolic and I aint need anybody to reintroduce me to this brand. See, when it's real and not calculated it all happens naturally ... that's what being "fly" is all about my nig.

Anyway, with that said, I do need 1 of these vests - unless, of course, this "hipster" haberdashery tries to charge unsuspecting trendoids like $300 and better for these joints. In that case, they can go fuck themselves ... lol. When it comes to Coca Cola, I've already got the "Real Thing". Oh yeah, shout out to SHWNRCK x my White brother Joey - both in Las Vegas.


Available Online Here: Dr.Romanelli.Com And Fruitionlv.Com

"So Now I'm Lampin' In My Man's Land, Streets Is Hot Like Sand, G's Is Rollin' In My Right Hand".

The eloquence of this song doesn't need to be dissected by me or anybody else.  I'ma just say, "medallions the size of dinner plates"! Yes, "exotic type shit" indeed my nigga ... lol. I can smell that A-work right now homie. Real recognize real. 

Andre 3000 x Barney's New York Present: Benjamin Bixby.

DISCLAIMER: The suspect nature of the above photo and the views implied therein are not necessarily the views of Livestyle or it's subsidiaries. It's just some fashion shit.

After years of "taking it there" musically and fashion wise, Andre 3000 recently launched his Benjamin Bixby line exclusively @ Barney's New York a few weeks back and now it is also available online. That's right ladies and gentlemen, he didn't fuck around ... lol.

Thus far, this collection seems to be a spot on reflection of Mr. 3 Stacks and his unique style - interpret that as Y.O.U. wish. Now, whether or not his "The Great Gatsby" meets traditional Southern gentleman aesthetic works for Y.O.U. is a decision best left to the individual. When I have a hankering for classic Americana and clothing that carries such cachet, I go straight to my man Ralph Lauren, so this shit isn't quite up my alley. I mean, upon further review, I would probably give the college knit a shot I suppose ... no bow ties though ... lol.

No matter what, I am proud of the homie 3-Triple-Oh for taking this endeavor so seriously and is continuing to redefine, in the eyes of the world, what Hip Hop is all about. Message To Andre 3000: Ummmmmmmmmmm, so, now that you've gotten this collection out of your system, can you thread together an album and give my CD player something to wear?


Available Online Here: Barneys.Com

Jhung Yuro x Hennessey Will Get Y.O.U. Laced.

"Hip luxury lifestyle brand Jhung Yuro has created an exclusive new limited edition sneaker for world renowned cognac house Hennessy. Dubbed the Hennessy Celebration Hi-Top, the brown and cream (like the bottle) sneaker is made from soft full grain leather with a suede tongue and vamp, napa pigskin interior and a croc embossed overlay and strap. It also has a non-marking rubber midsole and crepe rubber outsole with a leather logo patch. Only 500 handmade pairs of the limited edition shoe will be available for sale beginning Dec. 1 for $300 at Jhung Yuro's (pronounced "Young Euro") website. Each pair will come packaged in a custom lizard skin embossed shoebox with a braided rope handle. The cognac is extra."

Information Courtesy Of: Luxist.Com


Available Online Here: Jhungyuro.Com



CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: How cool are these kicks? Sometimes 2 of my favorite things join forces, the spawn of which surpasses my wildest expectations ... this is 1 such occasion. Prior to researching this post I had never heard of Jhung Yuro or his footwear, but I am about to make this brand famous in the hood - 1 foot @ a time ... lol. Once I have received my limited edition hi-top Hennessey sneakers I will make it my mission to kick my feet up on as many bars throughout New York City as humanly possible. Remember: Candy's dandy, but liquor's quicker. Good shit.

On Newsstands Now: Jon Stewart x Steven Colbert Cover Entertainment Weekly.

"Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart met up with Entertainment Weekly to recreate the infamous New Yorker cover and discuss the power of Sarah Palin, why TV news is about as credible as Muzak, and whether Barack Obama is going to be “sworn in on a gay baby.”

As to the Bush administration and the upcoming election, Colbert stated: “Any change is as good as a vacation at this point. I don’t know if you’ve paid much attention to the past eight years, but it has been a s-—t burger supreme. If somebody gives me an empty burger, it’s better than eating s-—t.”

Jon Stewart comments on Sarah Palin saying, “That’s how powerful Palin’s story is—it has cast the first African-American presidential nominee, the oldest [non-incumbent] presidential nominee, and a really wild cork vice presidential candidate completely out of the picture. The press is 6-year-olds playing soccer; nobody has a position, it’s just “Where’s the ball? Where’s the ball? Sarah Palin has the ball!” [Mimes a mob running after her.] Because they can only cover one thing.”

“I keep hearing that she’s ‘like us.’ There’s this idea that people who hunt and have ‘good’ values are somehow this mythological American; I don’t know who ‘this’ person is, I’ve never met them,” he continues. “She is no more typical ‘us’ than I am, than Obama is, than McCain is, than Mr. T is. If there is something quintessentially or authentically American about her, I sort of feel like, you know what? You ‘good values people’ have had the country for eight years, and done an unbelievably s-—ty job. Let’s find some bad values people and give them a shot, maybe they’ll have a better take on it.”

Information Courtesy Of: Coverawards.Com


Read The Full Story Here: Ew.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  While I was more than happy to see this New Yorker cover story die down, if anybody could recreate this infamously distasteful and counterproductive magazine cover and make it's re-emergence as a story a good thing it would have to be these 2 titans of comedy.  Believe it or not, their combined wit and hilariously cynical view of politics is, at least, stylistically probably responsible for 50% of the snarky, yet insightful, commentary that you find throughout the blogosphere today. The other 50% belongs to the late great George Carlin, of course.

Jon Stewart has come a looooooong way from working on MTV and I've been a Steven Colbert fan ever since I 1st saw him and Mr. Jellyneck on "Strangers With Candy".  Ohhhhhhhhh, Y.O.U. don't know about that show?  Yeah, it's some secret comedy society shit ... only the super cool need apply and invest in full season DVDs ... lol.  Hmmmmmmm, yeah, I've gotta hit Amazon up and get some "Strangers With Candy" AND "Mr. Show" DVDs ASAP! Good shit.

Helloooooo Ladies: Penfield Fall/Winter 2008-2009 Women's Collection = Bubble Wrap.

This great American sportswear company (established in Massachusetts in 1975) has earned a reputation for making the highest quality outerwear with specific attention paid to utility and function.  These guys are kind of like The Northface and by that comparison I mean that they make fly clothes that actually keep Y.O.U. warm and do whatever else they're supposed to do ... lol.  Not that most of Y.O.U. will be scaling any mountains or braving the Arctic Tundra anytime soon, but it is reassuring nonetheless ... lol. Over the last few years, Penfield has been collaborating with some official streetwear brands and those unions have spawned some cool duds and opened the brand up to an entirely new and receptive market. This particular post is for the ladies, but Penfield has a gang of good wears for the fellas too. Don't trip.

Anyway, Penfield's Fall/Winter 2008-2009 women's line offers ladies all of the style without sacrificing any of the substance associated with this company.  C'mon, let the other chicks rock their AKDMKS coats or, even on the high end, their Moncler jackets.  Cop 1 of these competitively priced gooses and fuck somebody's head up this Winter! Why not wrap your bubble in a good bubble? Trust me lil lady ... I'll show Y.O.U. how to do this hun.



Available Online Here: PenfieldUSA.Com

NEW MUSIC: 50 Cent - 50 For President.

See, this is all that 50 Cent has to do ... get back to making music.  I know that this isn't a complete song, but, sonically, he's taking a step in the right direction.  Word on the streets is that The Heatmakerz might get a placement on this album ... Curtis wants that New York City soul and my niggas still got that straight drop out the pot.  Message To 50 Cent:  This is what the fuck I'm talking about! Stay focused and put in that work my nigga.

Streaming Audio/Download Link: 50 Cent - 50 For President (Dirty)(Thisis50.Com Web Rip)

Yes, I Fuxs With Stussy Deluxe.

In case Y.O.U. didn't know, Stussy is the grand daddy of streetwear. Before Crooks ever stormed the Castle and before Fuct fucked with t-shirts, Shawn Stussy was catering to skateboarders, surfers and anybody else that was in the "know" ... ya know? Anyway, it's nice to see Stussy continuing to promote the premium leg of their company with their latest "Deluxe" offering. C'mon son, cashmere skullies are gully ... lol. They've even got flasks for the alcoholic on the go and some good 3/4 rain jackets for your lady homie. You've gotta L.O.V.E. it!


Available Online Here: Thereedspace.Com

Sunday Morning Inspiration: The Brunch Bunch.

Reverend T.D. Jakes Approved.

Will Smith: Prequels x Sequels = A Recession Proof Hustle.

"Smith Set for 'I Am Legend' Prequel

25 September 2008 6:59 AM, PDT

Will Smith has been given a 40th birthday gift by Warner Bros. bosses - the chance to reprise his I Am Legend character Robert Neville in a prequel to the 2007 blockbuster.

Movie executives have greenlighted the film on the movie star's birthday, confirming Francis Lawrence will return as the director and D.B. Weiss will pen the script.

And it's not the only Will Smith action/sci-fi blockbuster set for a second outing - the birthday boy's Hancock co-star Charlize Theron has hinted at a sequel.

In a recent interview with MTV, the actress said, "If everybody's on board, I would be an idiot (not to do it)... Riding the Will Smith train is a really nice train to ride."

Information Courtesy Of: IMDB.Com/News


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Will Smith has gone from corny novelty rapper to serious actor in a relatively short period of time. He has conquered the game and brings a much needed element of class to every project that he touches. Y.O.U. have got to admire this man's talent and, more importantly, his drive and commitment to excellence. Get that money my nig.

Jew The Right Thing x Vote For Obama!

The Great Schlep from The Great Schlep on Vimeo.
Some people find this woman stupid offensive and maybe they have a point, however, she is an equal opportunity offender and Y.O.U. have to respect that. Oh, Y.O.U. don't have to respect that? Ok, Ok ... no problem. Well, hopefully this hilarious video will change your mind fuck face! LOL.

Seriously though, Jews need to disavow the racist Conservative smear campaign talking points that they've been force fed and do the right thing this election year.

Hey, are Y.O.U. Jewish? Yeah? Well get your ass down to a nursing home or a Bingo game or something and spread the word homie ... lol.

I applaud Sarah Silverman and the good people @ thegreatschlep.com for their great efforts. Le' Chiam!

Spend 21 Nights With Prince.

"Product Description
21 Nights--a first book by Prince and celebrated photographer Randee St. Nicholas is a stunning multimedia volume offering a rare glimpse into the life, lyrics and mystique of one of the most notable and prolific musicians of our time. This beautifully designed photographic essay flows from Prince's sensational, unprecedented, record-breaking, sold-out 21 concerts in 21 Nights at London's 02 Arena in 2007. Giving insight into his dueling worlds of performance and solitude, 21 Nights incorporates Prince's evocative poetry and lyrics to new songs and other selections, and 124 full-color, sumptuous never-before-published images by Randee St. Nicholas. As part of the multi-dimensional experience, it will also include "Indigo Night," a CD--available only with the book--capturing Prince's after-hours, live after-show sessions--rare and profound moments of musical genius.

21 Nights takes the reader from the passenger seat of a limousine zipping through the streets of London to his sleeping quarters in a luxury hotel. In between we see him and his phenomenal band of musicians, singers and dancers backstage in the make up room to onstage, bathed in purple lights and a fog of gray smoke. Like a movie-in-a-book, readers are taken on his journey from London to Prague, in a style that takes glam rock to a new level.

Then there is poetry and lyrics that reveal the heart and soul of Prince--in addition to his incomparable talent. Going beyond the catchy hook, he expresses himself on everything from the destructive forces of war, greed and superficiality the life giving energy of love, beauty, and--of course--music."

Available Online Here: Amazon.Com


Visit The Official Prince 21 Nights Site Here: Prince21nights.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Yeah, the irony of me posting an entry that facetiously referred to 50 Cent remaking the classic movie "Purple Rain" followed by this entry a few days later has not been lost on me in the least my friends. I guess that "The Kid" didn't want to wrap up this week @ Livestyle as merely a comedy component in some miscellaneous post about a rapper ... lol.

Prince's brilliant music has delighted my ears for years, his artistic integrity and commitment to his work is an inspiration to me as a fellow artist and his uncanny midget-man-in-heels ability to consistently pull the finest women from across the globe is nothing short of amazing ... lol. Salute this man AND buy this book. Good shit.