The Stussy x MAGIC STICK For SHOCK The VALUE – 5 Boroughs "The Choice Is Yours" T-Shirt Collection = 5 On The Black Top Side!

"SHOCK the VALUE is an online site that doubles as an online magazine and a web store from Tokyo and New York. It aims to bridge the gap between two cities and their recent addition to the web store is non other than Stussy. To commemorate the brand, both brands worked together alongside MAGIC STICK on special t-shirts dubbed the 5 Boroughs. The New York inspired graphics on the back of the t-shirt displays the five boroughs with a large Stussy logo in cursive writing on top and SHOCK the VALUE written in Shawn Stussy’s handwriting style. Three colorways will be available representing the three brands involved, White/Silver and Black/Silver for Stussy, White/Olive and Black/Olive for MAGIC STICK and White/Black and Black/White for SHOCK the VALUE. All of the items will be dropping this Saturday, July 23rd."

Information Courtesy Of: Freshnessmag.Com

Available Online (NOTE: Starting This Saturday) Here: Shockthevalue.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: I for one am incredibly proud to have come of age in a time when being a skateboarder in the inner-city was *GASP!* groundbreaking and, indeed, potentially an invitation for ridicule and perhaps even worse from certain unsavory and narrow minded fellow members of our urban citizenry.

Who was the "Splack" (NOTE: Yup, that's the super creative pejorative portmanteau that my childhood friends came up with for people like myself and my cousin Sydney (R.I.P.) whom shared both Black (In our case West Indian) and Latino parentage. Brilliant!) kid kick-pushing his way through "The Borough" down Bedford Avenue atop a Vision® brand Mark Gonzales deck in 1989!? Me, that's who! LOL. See, me and my niggas was doing this before the era of the homogenized homeboy made it acceptable to the masses. Nigga, we signed our own permission slips to take this trip. But, I digress.

Before I rail slide into yet another rant that only another Old New York alumnus could L.O.V.E., I'm going to bring my Independent™ trucks to a spark inciting grinding halt and get on with today's business: The surely über limited edition Stussy x MAGIC STICK for SHOCK the VALUE – 5 Boroughs "The Choice Is Yours" T-Shirt Collection for Summer 2011.

Admittedly, I have NEVER heard of either the MAGIC STICK (NOTE: A company name that I take no joy in typing, let alone actually saying in pleasant conversation) or Shock The Value labels. However, their smart collaboration with the legendary Shawn Stussy, the creator of the eponymous Stussy brand as well as the chief architect and author of the true and living streetwear bible, scores them some valuable points in my book.

The t-shirts are simple ... and I like that. The cursive "Stussy" prominently emblazoned across the back of the "5-Borough" t-shirt stands in eloquent contrast to Shawn Stussy's signature graffiti-meets-raggamuffin handstyle - used to write each of New York City's 5 boroughs by name and put up "Shock The Value" across the back as well - gives this piece perfect aesthetic balance. Clearly nobody reinvented the wheel with this release (NOTE: Dropping online this Saturday, July 23, 2011), but that's simply because they didn't have to. Nope, all they did was grease the bearings. Job well fuckin' done. Let's ride!


BONUS:

Vision® Brand Mark Gonzales Deck Circa 1988.


A Special Livestyle Message To The Uninitiated: Please accept the above picture as a little visual aid intended to eliminate any ambiguity regarding my reference to street skating pioneer Mark Gonzales as it appeared in the main body of this post. Feast your eyes on this masterpiece boys and girls. Now, THIS is a skateboard! Know the ledge.

Respect The Architects: Random Acts Of Flyness: JA ONE XTC x DUEL RIS: MTA Subway Tunnel "Throwies" (18th Street Station NYC) Circa 1997.

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Niiiiiiice!

"We're Not Candy, Even Though We Look So Fine And Dandy ..."

BONUS:

In the continued and sincere interest of futhering your cultural betterment, it is my view that Livestyle standards and policies must remain sharply consistent with regard to pointing out current (NOTE: Or, in this case, relatively recent when compared to it's antecedent) pop-culture happenings that are totally inspired by often long forgotten acts.

The "act" in question here today is the classic "We're Not Candy" anti-prescription pill popping PSA (NOTE: Which is eerily apropos now in 2011) which aired in Long Island and much of the 5 boroughs of NYC beginning some time in the mid to late 1980's. "This is serious (serious) ... we could make you delirious (delirious)" Yup! And Y.O.U. thought Busta Rhymes had all the answers, huh? LOL. Chill. This is a beautiful part of my childhood right here b! Respect the architects!

A History Of Violence: I Can Transform Ya.

"A Gang Gives a Name to Students' Fear: Decepticons
By DON TERRY
Published: March 1, 1989


A loosely organized street gang with fewer than 60 members and a name inspired by a cartoon has taken on near-mythical status among high school students in New York City, the police and school officials say.

The gang is called the Decepticons. Its members are said to lurk outside of city high schools - generally in Manhattan -mugging homeward-bound students and taking anything from their shoes to their earrings. Rumors have spread that they are about to ''invade'' schools. Frightened parents have kept their children home on the days of the supposed invasion.

Five Decepticons were arrested on assault charges last year and gang members were charged in 43 robberies, mostly involving thefts of clothing and jewelry, the police say. But the impact of the gang on students' psyches goes far beyond the group's reality, the authorities say. The fear of the 'Decepts' - as they are called in in teen-age shorthand - reflects a growing sense of dread that many students feel about street violence, the police and school officials say.

''Everybody's heard of the Decepticons,'' one boy said as he hurried away from a reporter outside Park West High School on Manhattan's West Side. ''They're everywhere. No. Don't use my name. They're vicious.''

So powerful is the gang's hold on the imagination of the students that they often use ''Decepts'' as a catch-all name for groups of teen-agers who commit random violence and vandalism. Giving Fear a Label"

Read The Full Article Here: NYTimes.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: And a legendary New York City street gang was born.

Before Y.O.U. today I would like to present a 1989 New York Times article dedicated to the brethren that took me in.

Thanks to the miracles of modern internet technology, such consequential documentation need not be restricted to "shushy" libraries filled with binders of brittle yellowing newspaper pages and storage cabinets overflowing with heaps of microfiche film. No, in 2010, search engines can power us down the information highway. This afternoon, rather then dredge up some "I-have-to-post-something-for-the-sake-of-posting-something" bullshit, I decided to park up on memory lane and invite Y.O.U. to share a bit of my past.

Now, to be perfectly clear, in 1989 I was a good 5 years away from repping that purple flag on the corner of Franklin Avenue and Union Street in Brooklyn U.S.A., but, this box cutter carved slice of Old New York still hits oh so close to home.

I am proud to have come of age during a time when only thorough niggas could keep their jewelry. For teenagers, guns were few and if Y.O.U. were too scared to throw them "dickbeaters", Y.O.U. pretty much needed to stay the fuck @ home ... lol. Over time, the new realities of money and drugs would change us all - some for the better, however, most for the worse. I was just a baby trying to be a man ... whatever that meant as viewed through my skewed prism of inner city machismo aggression.

The Decepticons played a significant role in the genesis of this particular nemesis. This is me. "What's the flava!?" Y.O.U. already know!

The Clae "McQueen" Sneaker For Fall 2010 = A More Mature Mold.

"Clae is going from strength to strength. Their high top McQueen sneaker returns for Fall 2010 in a beautiful wool option in two colorways. Leather details set some nice accents, giving the sneaker a great overall balance."


Information Courtesy Of: Highsnobiety.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Ladies and gentlemen of Livestyle, please come close and lend me your ears (NOTE: Yes, for internet article purposes the argument can be made that I should have said, "eyes", but, fuck that! Quit trying to steal my poetic thunder ... lol) and let me tell Y.O.U. a tale about a stubborn man named ME! LOL. My fashion forward urges regularly do battle with my genetically predisposed favor of good taste. My personal style is often a carefully threaded needle of casual string through the unforgiving eye of stylized elitism. Yes, I can be somewhat of a fashion snob ... lol.

I am not the easiest person to impress.

However, that having been established, when I do come across anything, in this case a burgeoning sneaker brand, that pushes the P.entH.ouse elevator button to my gilded heart, I must immediately investigate this new curiousity. To be sure, the Clae sneaker label has been on my radar for quite some time, but I regarded them as little more than a 2 or 3 season Trendoid habadasher that would run it's course in short order. So much for knee-jerk reactions.

Upon researching this popular boutique footwear line I was pleasantly surprised to find out that, Sung Choi, the man behind the Clae mold, is an Old New York veteran. I knew that there was something more here. Having started out with P.N.B. Nation in the early 1990's (NOTE: An upside down pig logoed pioneer streetwear company whose initials could mean anything from P.roud N.ubian B.rothers to P.ost N.o B.ills), I now tip my fitted cap to this man and his evolved sneaker collections of reputable pedigree. I've definitely got my eye on the Clae "McQueen" Sneaker for Fall 2010.

Typical of most Clae creations this full bodied wool body and leather accented classic British Clarks® (NOTE: Very popular amongst the rudebwoy set right about now. Yuh done know!) inspired sneaker successfully blends elements of shoes, luxury sneakers and straight up athletic kicks to create a formula all it's very own (Translation: In a pair of these bad boys, Y.O.U. can get into that nice club that still over does it with the whole "bottle service" bullshit in 2010 without having to bust out your church shoes ... lol). Get your grown man on without looking like grandpa this season ... lol. Good shit!

Helloooooo Ladies: The Married To The Mob Fall 2009 Lookbook Pt. 2 = Michelle Pfeiffer As Angela de Marco Approved!

"Married to the MOB releases their second delivery for fall 2009 dubbed ‘So High Society’, featuring MTTM’s very own Sarah McSweeney. The collection is about luxury, inspired by crisp fall nights and first dates, and showcases deep jewel tones of blue, orange, and purple. Some of the highlight pieces include the silky ‘JumpOff Jumper’, and ‘Cipriani’ Track Jacket, and the infamous World Wide print has returned, this time on the ‘Ex-Boyfriend’ oversized tee in burnout print.

The look book story features an independent young lady out and about in the city she dwells in, embracing the transition of summer to winter. She embodies the feminine mystique, balancing a mix of intimidating sensuality and warm approachability. Whether she’s having a glass of wine with friends in Tribeca, taking her dog for a walk in the Jardins du palais royal, or just running to the corner store to get some sugar, she’s always confident and she always keeps it official…

The fall 2 delivery is currently available at www.mttmnyc.com and Alife stores.

CREDITS:

Modeled by Sarah McSweeney
Photos by Brooke Nipar
Styling by Radio Rose Garcia
Makeup by Ashleigh B. Ciucci
Hair by Jenna Perry"

Information Courtesy Of: Freshnessmag.Com

Available Online Here: MTTMNYC.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: I 1st became aware of this burgeoning brand approximately 3 years ago and I immediately copped my lady some exclusivos to make her lady friends go gaga ... lol. Since then, in short order, I have watched the M.arried T.o T.he M.ob femme fatale firm ascend to the throne as the preferred outfitter of streetwear queens the world over. Clap for 'em.

The Married to the Mob Fall 2009 Lookbook Pt. 2 continues this company's impressive progression and looks to be their most comprehensive collection thus far. Their signature logo loco garments now seductively segue into more sophisticated pieces and, to my approval, further blur the lines between the corner store and Haute Couture.

I know these girls. Well, not really, but, coming of age in New York City during the 1990's, I knew a gang of chicks just like this. Many of them were some down ass White broads who smoked Chocolate Thai, rocked North Face Steep Tech jackets over good Polo Indian Head knits, got knocked for shoplifting and celebrated Seder @ a synagogue in The Hamptons. A study in contrasts indeed.

That inimitable Old New York sensibility informs this M.O.B.'s every move and is effectively infused in each of their collections ... that's how an O.G. like me fell in L.O.V.E. with them in the 1st place my nigga. Sure, they make their mistakes and they drink too much, but, who am I to judge? Ahhhhhhhh, I guess that this is what wedded bliss is truly all about. LOL. Good shit.

The "Save Fashion" Pop-Up Shop @ NYC's Notorious Port Authority Bus Terminal Opens Tommorrow AKA Heroin Chic Shopping Is Here.

"Video: Port Authority’s ‘Save Fashion’ Pop-up Has Some Seriously Amazing Deals
4/30/09 at 3:55 PM

We admit we scoffed at the idea of a fashion pop-up coming to Port Authority, because Port Authority is such an unpleasant place to spend time. However New York's beauty and market editor Aja Mangum got a sneak peek at the pop-up's offerings, and they look so amazing we'd swim to a barge in the East River to shop them. Okay, we wouldn't swim, but we would kayak! A Lyn Devon dress that was $1,325 is now $129.90. A Charlotte Ronson top that was $283 is now $50. And amazing Alejandro Ingelmo platforms are only $100. The sale starts tomorrow at 11 a.m. at, yes, Port Authority. Watch the video to see more."

Information Courtesy Of: NYmag.Com

Learn More About The Save Fashion Initiative Online Here: Savefashion.Com


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: The world famous inscription @ the foot of The Statue of Liberty as lifted from the classic Emma Lazarus sonnet "The New Colossus" has welcomed immigrants and visitors to this land of ours for well over a century. If that great bronze plaque reads, in part, "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free", I have long wondered why nobody ever installed a tin plaque display saying something like, "Give us your predatory pimps and your naive runaways" somewhere inside of the Port Authority Bus Terminal.

This Forty-Deuce landmark and former cathedral for innocent transients and hookers alike is 1 of the few remaining bastions of my beloved Old New York. Once surrounded by all kinds of peep shows, XXX video stores, questionable local bars and 1 particular Burger King that dubiously doubled as the hangout for all dope fiends in the know, the neighborhood has traded it's character for a pair of Mickey Mouse Disney® brand ears and bright corporate financed lights. No bueno.

Anyway, while I've seen a lot of things happen @ the Port Authority Bus Terminal, I never thought that I'd see the day when this derelict depot would house a high fashion rotating designer boutique-style pop-up shop. Opening it's doors to the public starting @ 11 AM, May 1, the Refinery 29 produced "Save Fashion" pop-up shop is on deck with some ridiculous sales for all of my recessionistas.

As usual, I have to wonder what they have in stock for a nigga like me, but, I wouldn't mind taking a trip to the "Deuce" to find out and do some people watching while I'm there. Hey, I might just thug out some fly heiress trying to get her "Downtown" slum on and score myself a golden-haired ticket ... lol. Let's get it.

The Stussy x Ghost RIS T-Shirt Collabo Collection x Photo Book = A True Rogue's Gallery.

Visit Stussy Online Here: Stussy.Com

Read The Stussy April 2009 Ghost Feature Story Here: Stussy.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Livestyle is truly a lifestyle and this blog is a selfish labor of L.O.V.E., if that makes any sense. I lead a considerably blessed life and a large part of GOD's favor has manifested itself in the rich experiences and relationships that I have cultivated over the years. This brilliant blog is a composite sketch of my animated world and, although not nearly discussed as much as it's impact on my life might dictate, graffiti has a major role in this motion picture. Yes, before I took trips back-and-forth, up-and-down the I-95 staring out of Roy Roger's wrapper littered rental car windows with my friends wishing on a Gemstar, I squeezed my mom's hand on trips to-and-from The Bronx as I marveled @ the trains and tunnels that young artists had turned into impromptu galleries. Back then, the world was so much smaller and the graffiti was soooooooooooo much bigger! LOL.

Anyway, like every true patron of the Hip Hop arts, I came up with a tag, racked some Pilot© markers and paint and hit the streets of Old New York with force. Honestly, I never claimed that "all city" fame (I didn't bomb hard enough), but, some of my extended family has. Dear? Ojae? Sere? Zen2? JA? Ring a bell?

Well, whether those names sound familiar to Y.O.U. or not, I expect Y.O.U. to be able to fully appreciate this Stussy x Ghost RIS t-shirt collabo collection and the accompanying book. Yeah, Ghost is an NYC O.G. in this underworld thing of ours who is making steady strides in the mainstream art scene. The Ghost Photo Book and Stussy x Ghost t-shirt series hits Stussy Chapter stores around the globe on Saturday, April 25th. Niiiiiiiiiiiice.

Get Ya Mind Right: Just Like Livestyle, This Particular Picture Be A 1-Of-1. (NOTE: This Is Just The Tip Of The Iceberg Homie).

L To R: Jacob York, Foxy Brown, Lil Kim And Don Pooh In D&D Studios Circa 1995.


CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Along with being the chief curator of all things relevant and reputable with respect to good hood taste and etiquette according to the waning yet still applicable "code of the streets", I am also the man who put the "O.G." in blog and continues to do so every trip.

While some of my non-competitors (NOTE: Competition is none) might digitally dumpster dive and Google image search relentlessly for historic pictures to support their entries, I often need not look any further than my own archival scrapbooks or through those of my friends and family for images that truly capture and distill the quintessence of Old New York and Brooklyn in particular. Lest Y.O.U. forget, therein lies the difference between Livestyle and them ... whoever they are ... lol.  I don't hide behind this blog, I use it as a platform  to bridge the gap between the internet and the block.  Niggas can't fuck with me. Accept no substitutes. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

The Dior Homme Nylon Zip Bomber Jacket For Spring/Summer 2009 = Sky Diving School Cool.

"I need this. Now. The Dior Homme Nylon Zip Bomber is part of their 2009 collection featuring: Nylon with striped knit trim, standing banded neckline, signature “Scar” stitching at rear shoulders and a mesh lining. Available here."

Information Courtesy Of: Limitedhype.Com

Available Online Here: eLuxury.Com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Surprised? Yeah, sometimes shiny things (when paired correctly with less shiny things) can provide an outfit with the perfect statement piece to enrich an otherwise dope, yet, sublime ensemble. Case in point: This Dior Homme Nylon Zip Bomber Jacket from their Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

As discussed @ length in previous entries, Livestyle is largely about the creative coalescence of the controversial and the conservative - a sort of "Organized Konfusion" if Y.O.U. will (shout out to Prince Poetry and Pharoahe Monch). Half windbreaker/track jacket and half futuristic Spacely Space Sprockets company baseball outing jacket, Dior Homme just dropped an expensive jewel for the fellas this season. Dior for sure!

BONUS:

Seriously, although the reference to Organized Konfusion was used as a metaphor for the brilliant blending of styles and sensibilities that makes Livestyle the only blog worth living by, I shouldn't really have to give Y.O.U. a refresher course on this group. Ahhhhhhhh, what the fuck? What are good random information filled friends for? Of course Y.O.U. can watch this classic Organized Konfusion video homie! You're welcome. You're all welcome.

Only NY Promo Sticker Pack Give Away = That O.G. New York City Sticky Icky.

"HOOK UP WEEK
March 1st, 2009

For 1 week only, if you email us your U.S. mailing address, we will send you a
sticker pack on the house!! (3/1/09 - 3/8/09)

info@onlynylives.com

Introducing the ONLY NY coffee cup. We got icons within icons!!! This one has been brewing for a while, so after finally seeing it produced we could not be happier. Just feels right at this point, and so far the reactions we have got have confirmed it… This one is for the people!!!"

Information Courtesy Of: Onlynylives.Com

Email For Stickers Here: info@onlynylives.com

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Whether directly attributable to Winston Churchill or not, the proverbial profoundness of the saying, "History is written by the victors" is most definitely on point my nig. With that in mind, Livestyle is here to write the rights and shame the wrongs perpetrated by the clueless nerds and trendoids against our great society by providing Y.O.U. pertinent information from the perspective of 1 of the handful of reputable bloggers out there who really does this street shit for real and has been doing so since blue Charms™ Blow Pops allegedly gave ya Cancer ... lol.

Anyway, each generation romanticizes their formative years and the memorable events that occurred surrounding them, but, c'mon son, somethings just truly were better "back-in-the-day". Case in point: Old New York (Shout out to the big brother Dear, OJae and JA).

All mushy hyperbole aside, if Y.O.U. have the misfortune of only being able to view New York City through a post 2001 prism, then Y.O.U. missed out on what this ultimate urban metropolis was really all about. Sure, there are still pockets of grittiness that have weathered the storm of bleach intended to scrub and sanitize these streets for the gentrified pleasure of newcomers, but, any N.Y.C. O.G. knows that shit aint the same around here anymore homie.

The legendary Tunnel nightclub is long gone as are the pimps, hoes and tranny crackhead prostitutes that littered 10th Avenue in Manhattan. Stationary 1 stop shop weed spots (think Bergen and Underhill in Brooklyn) are a thing of the past. Shiiiiiiit, nickle bags don't even exist anymore ... do they? LOL. Do people still shop and/or boost from Tent And Trails? Albee Square Mall located on Brooklyn's famous Fulton Street was unceremoniously shut down and demolished to make way for some "Yuppie" construct with little fan fair. Don't even get me started on the sky rocketing price of rent! Once a haven for artists and hustlers looking to stake their claim, an individual now has to be pretty much independently wealthy off top before they can even consider moving to even the worst neighborhoods in New York City. *Cue Joey from 1990's sitcom "Blossom" voice: Whoaaaaaaaaaa!

Rather than merely being a wistful rambling ode to the Old New York that made me though, this post is actually about 1 dope ass company (amongst a few others that will be covered here @ Livestyle whenever I get around to it) that is getting dollars from paying homage to that rich legacy - Only NY.

Obviously hardcore graff heads and just all around NYC historians in general, the brethren behind Only NY have gradually built a brand steeped in N.ow Y. C. (See) (NOTE: I've seriously been meaning to post the Supreme Alphabet for yall) nostalgia and pride. Known for their simple yet still crack-cocaine laced t-shirts and hoodies, this week, and this week only, Only NY are giving away a gang of free promo sticker packs on a 1st come, 1st serve basis yall. Free.99? Yeah, you'd better get Y.O.U. some!

"Brothers Are Amused By Other Brother's Reps, But The Thing To Know Best Is Where The Gun Is Kept"

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: What can I say about Gangstarr? If Y.O.U. don't know these men and their extensive catalogue of genre defining hits, then Y.O.U. don't know Hip Hop and Y.O.U. most certainly do not deserve to be reading this blog! LOL. Hailing from Texas and Boston respectively, DJ Premier (NOTE: DJ Premier was born in Brooklyn although he relocated to Houston, Texas, where he spent much of his formative years) and Guru embraced Brooklyn sometime during the 1980's and have been reppin' us lovely ever since.

Now, sure, Guru is a mediocre lyricist @ best, however, as he so eloquently put it in a record by the same name, "It's Mostly The Voice". What Guru lacked as an MC, he made up for in tenor and artistic vision and his cohesive union with Primo produced hood classics like 1991's "Just To Get A Rep" off of Gangstarr's "Step In The Arena" album. This song successfully captures @ snapshot in time from not so long ago when drugs weren't the only lucrative grind in town.

There have always been stick up kids and "jostlers" in this game, but, @ the height of the "Crack Era" - when even a lowly "lookout" could conceivably make $500 a day - bigger predators adapted to the bigger prey and made those that were too weak to maintain forcibly pay.

Shit aint sweet today though and that goes double for back then. Word to the wise: Like my big homie Clyde has been known to say in Winters past as we convened on Crooke Avenue sippin' chilled Grey Goose vodka, "Never leave a wounded animal". Basically, what goes around comes around and "Just To Get A Rep" tells this universal story to a "T" my nigga. Y.O.U. already know what it is. Oh yeah, this video makes me wanna break out my O.G. Patrick Ewing kicks (complete with the rubberized miniature basketball keychain) and a fresh snap-back Starter© cap early! LOL. Holla @ ya boy in BK!

NEW MUSIC: Rick Ross - Push 'Em Over The Edge (G-Unit Diss)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

Streaming Audio/Download Link: Rick Ross - Push 'Em Over The Edge (G-Unit Diss)(Dirty)(NO DJ)

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Well, you've gotta give it to Rick Ross, he is certainly trying to go blow-for-blow with 50 Cent, the head butcher @ the rap "beef" meat marketing plan plant. If nothing else, Rick Ross should get a commendation for valor after this little lyrical dust up ... lol.

The use of the classic Eric B & Rakim "Know The Ledge" beat from the "Juice" movie soundtrack is yet another reminder that, despite his Southern roots, Ricky does have an affinity for and, more importantly, a great understanding of classic New York City Hip Hop - so, that's good too. My only thing is, again, with ALL of the gaping holes in his own story, I don't know if any of these diss tracks are really sticking. What's good?



BONUS:

Eric B. & Rakim - Juice (Know The Ledge)
Uploaded by Eric-B-and-Rakim

This Livestyle reference was not a mere allusion to a subject, but, rather, a specific mention of the Eric B & Rakim gem "Know The Ledge" off of the "Juice" OST. Coming in @ just under 4 minutes, in 3 brilliant curse free verses (NOTE: Rakim never cusses in his songs) the 18th Letter deftly chronicles the highwire act life of a young crack slinger whose reign fades in and out just as quickly as does the record. Nobody does it better than the God Rakim ... nobody. Get ya mind right nigga!

"This Story Takes Place, Back In The South Bronx, Where At The Age Of 14 I Was Already Knockin' Off Punks"

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Believe me, I can understand why Y.O.U. probably don't like Fat Joe. His current incarnation as a 1st class hater with delusions of grandeur is not nearly endearing and, coupled with his shameless bandwagon hopping (from anything having to do with Miami to, most recently, mooching a decent record off of Harlem, New York's current paint-by-numbers hitmaker, Ron Browz), would make most level headed Hip Hop fans ask, "Why should I care about Fat Joe?". Fair question. However, allow me to retort with this DJ Premier produced "Shit Is Real (Remix)" visual short. See, Fat Joe is Hip Hop and, today, I submit this classic (yes, classic) video for your consideration.

Although credited to Fat Joe's 1995 "J.ealous O.nes E.nvy" album, I initially discovered this joint on an archaic audio dissemination device known as the "promotional cassette tape sampler" - the particular tape that I'm talking about was released by the now defunct Relativity Records in like 1994 or something like that. Anyway, before Hip Hop forced Fat Joe and other mega star power deficient, albeit moderately talented, MC's to scramble for cheap sales gimmicks, he kept up with the pro-jects instead of exhausting himself trying to keep up with the Joneses, the Combses and the Carters. Yeah, the "The Shit Is Real (Remix)" is official my nig.

Stripped of hyperbole and the requisite Hip Hop bravado, Fat Joe weaves a lyrically simple, yet ruthlessly detailed, South Bronx tale of a "have not" kid going all out in the literally burnt down battlefield of The Bronx in the 1980's to get what the "haves" have got. Sure, we have all heard this story before and, some of us, have even lived it, however, minus the romanticizing and gangster fantasizing, Y.O.U. get this - some unadulterated real shit from a real nigga. Now, tell me, what's fucking with that?


A Young Fat Joe & Lord Finesse Circa 1988-1989.

P.ost S.cript: This video is true Old New York right here. I feel like I used to see it all of the time, but, now, I honestly can't remember the last time that I saw people huddled around an inferno in an oil drum keeping warm in front of an abandoned building. Woooooooooooow! Yeah, sorry retrosexuals, no amount of hollow electroplated rope chains, skin tight jeans or "look-@-me-I-just-disovered-the-wonderful-world-of-vintage-thrift-shops" clothes could ever compare to this. This is Livestyle.

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.

"My Pockets Stay Fat And (And) They Always Like That, Not Only In My Pocket But In My Bank There's Stacks And Stacks"

Showbiz & A.G. - Fat Pockets

Some Bronx, New York gangsta shit courtesy of Showbiz & A.G. circa 1992. This classic shit is what I do homie. You're welcome. You're all welcome!

"The Young Are Trifle, True And Living Like A Cycle"

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Although, following Wu-Tang Clan's breakout success after 36 Chambers, their "affiliates" managed to release some of the worst music that I have ever had the displeasure of hearing, Sunz Of Man were my niggas. Not in the personal sense, but, their Brooklyn bop coupled with intricate rhyme schemes peppered with 5% Lessons (I'm gonna have to feed Y.O.U. some Supreme Mathematics on here 1 day in order for Y.O.U. to truly appreciate much of New York City's classic Hip Hop songs) and nods to the Holy Tabernacle Ministries headed by Dr. Malachi Z. York, felt as if they were lifted right from my adolescent mind as I composed my own rhymes in my head whilst riding the F, N and A trains to and from school. Yeah, The Sunz Of Man are official homie.

Look @ this video and pay close attention. I had the privilege of rising from these streets where Army fatigue clad congregations gathered on corners in front of bulletproof windowed 24 hour stores twisting nickle bags, looking for "victims", kickin' it to shorties, serving custis and exchanging ideas regarding life and The New World Order. Livestyle is all about evolution of taste, sound, style and, ultimately, Y.O.U. as a person. For me, this video provides a pretty accurate description of the pre-gentrified Brooklyn that made me, Mr. 401K, Charms, S.B., Rob Young, Marco Polo, Sincere, Scarface Mello and a host of other real niggas. Authentic.

"I'm Mainly Known For The Rough Raps But Kids Steal My Lyrics Like Hubcaps And Eat 'Em Like Stacks Of Flapjacks Like Rugrats"

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS:  Although, thankfully, not as overlooked as many of the old school Hip Hop acts that I feature here, Main Source still doesn't quite get the respect that their contribution to the game deserves.  I mean, I get it - it's a ripple effect kind of thing.  The further that Y.O.U. get from the epicenter of specific impact, in this case an artist's last hit song, the more their affect on pop culture dissipates until it eventually damn near disappears.

Only the crème de la crème of any field ever conquer the hearts and minds of a generation, but, make no mistake, Large Professor, Sir Scratch and K-Cut as Main Source dropped a truly classic debut album in 1991 with "Breaking Atoms".  Unfortunately, they never released a follow up album together because sometimes niggas just can't get along ... call it "creative differences" or whatever Y.O.U. want yo ... lol.

Anyway, on an album full of exemplary Hip Hop songs, "Just Hanging Out" (Along with the polite man's kicking a bitch to the curb anthem, "Looking At The Front Door") is my favorite. In fact, "Just Hanging Out"  is 1 of my all time favorite songs of any genre, point, blank, period.  For a producer, Large Professor was always a more than decent MC. Listening to the homie reminisce about his glory days before and beyond the stage has to trigger a very real and visceral nostalgia for any official Hip Hop head.

Well over a decade before it became trendy to recklessly rape the most obvious examples of anything that we remotely call "retro", Main Source successfully captured the essence of the "old school" and simultaneously shouted out their team in the lyrics whilst featuring some amazing vintage New York City Hip Hop photos and footage throughout the video.  Yeah, just like your momma told Y.O.U., honesty is the best policy. Y.O.U. already know, real recognize real.


BONUS:

Oh yeah, the song playing in the intro to this video is the über important "Live At The BBQ" record which introduced a 17 year old microphone man-child named Rapper Nas to the world. See, kids didn't always rap like Bow Wow and Soulja Boy my nigga. Nas - "Live At The BBQ": "Kidnap the President's wife without a plan and hangin niggaz like the Ku Klux Klan"! What!? Come on yall, cut the crap.

"Bulletproof, Ready For Action, No Fronting Fully Loaded Tec Chump Ready To Go Hunting"

CHRIS LIVE AKA SHAKER SAYS: Sadly, as is the case with too many of the great artists that I stumble across whilst strolling down memory lane, Queens, New York bred gutter soundscape creators, The Beatnuts, rarely get mentioned in great Hip Hop conversations. While I will fully acknowledge that Psycho Les and JuJu are by no stretch of the imagination EPMD, their impact on the game on both the artist and the production side is sorely underappreciated. The Beatnuts have a heavy discography and, dammit, Y.O.U. need to know about it!

Back when artists had the presence of mind to release well put together E.xtended P.lay albums as opposed to the long tracklist/short playback value projects that most niggas drop today, The Beatnuts released the criminally forgotten gem that is the 1993 New York City masterpiece "Intoxicated Demons: The EP".

I was barely into my teens when their 1st official single "Reign Of The Tec" hit the streets. Maaaaaaaaaaaaaan, all I knew when I 1st laid adolescent eyes on this video was that these Latin brothers were wildin' on camera with the Tech-9's out reenacting Bodega store robberies and cutting coke. Oh yeah, I was also under the distinct impression that somebody around my way must have loved this video and, in order to show that L.O.V.E., charged a good $500 a week to The Box because I swear that I saw this shit like 100 times per day for like 6 months straight ... lol.

Although members of the Hip Hop "Hippie" collective The Native Tongues, The Beatnuts were always about getting drunk, fucking chicas and running drugs. Yeah, that sounded great to me back then too ... lol. Please join me in saluting these men. Good shit.

Happy Thanksgiving AKA Break Bread.

First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving to Y.O.U. and yours. Now, secondly, I am fully aware of the fact the picture that accompanies this post is NOT an official image of Thanksgiving. Be that as it may, aside from the historical genocide exacted against our Native American brothers and sisters with boxes of bullets and smallpox contaminated blankets, this holiday has come to symbolize family and that's what this picture from 1 of the greatest films ever committed to celluloid, Goodfellas, is all about.

In this world we are far too often faced with the choice of feast or famine and, particularly on a day such as this, it is imperative that we examine what we are truly striving for in our lives and appreciate all that we have already been blessed with. This is about need Vs. greed. Y.O.U. have more than Y.O.U. think that Y.O.U. have. I wish Y.O.U. the best and I sincerely hope and pray that your Thanksgiving is full of L.O.V.E. and food ... lol. Be grateful. Be faithful. This is Livestyle.


BONUS:

Context is king. If Y.O.U. are @ all unfamiliar with the masterpiece that is Goodfellas, then the image included in this entry, sadly, holds no meaning. However, if Y.O.U. are a venerable virtuoso of gangster flicks like I am, then Y.O.U. know exactly what events brought Henry Hill, Jimmy Conway and Tommy DeVito to Tommy's elderly mother's house and why they are getting their heavy Guinea grub on in the middle of the night. The video provided should help explain yet another 1 of my random pop culture references and give some context to "this thing of ours". Shit is real.