Kweli is the name, Blacksmith is the label...

So I caught Kweli's Blacksmith TV about a month ago while I was in San Diego. I was browsing my usual b.s. sites and noticed a video posted by Kweli. I watched a little of it and was intrigued by the storytelling and subject matter of the videos. Anyways, Blacksmith TV is basically Kweli's vlog (video blog). Here is his latest video about Rock the Bells and how he met Mos. Enjoy


Blacksmith TV Episode 4 - "Rocking The Bells Pt. 2" from tunji balogun on Vimeo.

You Know Them Stakes is High!

This performance was near the end of the evening when the orchestra did the classic, Stakes is High. Not thinking of anything happening at this point....Posdnuos and Kweli come out to the surprise of the crowd. The crowd going into a frenzy is a definite understatement that evening. Again, one of the best shows....ever.


A Suite for Ma Dukes Pt. 1 from Danny Siviengsay on Vimeo.

Yesssss

Ok, so my boy Peter aka Peterjay sent me this email about Opening Ceremony doing a little collab with one of my favorite brands, Uniqlo. Not much to say except that don't sleep on this because it'll sell out before you know it.

Classic

Sunday February 22, 2009 was a night to remember. 7pm at Cal. St. LA, people gathered to witness something incredible. The Timeless event for the evening was dedicated to J Dilla and his mother, Ma Dukes. The piece was titled "A Suite for Ma Dukes." Anyways, Carlos Nino and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson were the brains behind this collaboration. Ferguson was the director of the 40-piece orchestra interpreting J Dilla classics for the evening. A lot of people were in attendance; Talib Kweli, Posdnuos of De La Soul, Bilal, Dwele, Charlie 2na, Rhettmatic, Jrocc, Flying Lotus, Common, Illa J and the lady of the evening herself, Ma Dukes. An incredible evening to say the least. Check out the photos and vids will be up soon.

Outside before the show

The crowd

Miguel Atwood-Ferguson at work

Concert for the ages

I Can't Feel My Face Exhibit

So Sha and I went to a private party held at the Royal T Cafe in Culver City (thank you Margaret!!!!). The cafe/art space is owned by art collector Susan Hancock. Her collection of art is amazing. Everything ranging from Kaws, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince to name a few. All types of medium used for artwork are present at the space. There was even a pop up Kaws store selling the Warm Regards toy, a carpet mat and limited Original Fake tee made just for the event (I bought one). There were Harajuku waitresses serving amazing food and free libations for the night. Lychee so chu was amazing! Anyways, great event and great people throwing it. Check the pics below.

Harajuku waitress serving delectable delights

4ft Kaws "Black Companion" figure

Ltd Ed. Belvedere bottles x red bull

Painting that the exhibit is named after

Pretty trippy in person, awesome nonetheless

DJ Jus Ske turning lables

Susan's personal Kaws toy on display

SHAWS???

Me and the man of the night signing my tee (excuse the guy on the left)

More pics here.

Timeless

An event for the ages. If you happen to be in the LA area on Sunday February 22nd, try to make it out to this event. The event is the Timeless Composer Arranger Series and this Sunday is a tribute to the late, great J Dilla. Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Carlos Nino and a 40 piece orchestra interpreting J Dilla classics for the evening. Jrocc and DJ House Shoes on the tables for the evening and special guests TBA. Try to make it out and enjoy the music. Hit the links for more info. Peep the vid for a preview.

SF IV

Ok, I come home to find out that my bro bought Street Figher IV. I've been waiting basically 10 years for the next installment of the Street Fighter series and it does not disappoint. Honestly, game of the year. The graphics, game modes, fighter moves and storylines are just amazing. I've been a fan of the SF series since day one and SF IV still amazes me. The "wow" factor for this game is a 10 out of 10. If you're an SF fan or fighting game fan, please go pick this up. It gaurantee it will not disappoint.

Side note: Fei Long has the best looking ultra move in the game.

"Kaws" I thought you knew

If you are a Kaws fan, this weekend is for you. On Saturday Feb. 21st, there will be an opening event at the Honor Fraser in Los Angeles for Kaws's exhibition. The event will run from 6p to 8p, so get there early. Kaws rarely comes out to LA to do an exhibit and if this is something that you think you'll be interested in, go check it out. More info after the jump.

Saturday, February 21st

6p - 8p

Honor Fraser

2622 S. La Cienega Blvd

LA, CA 90034

Park City Recap

So I just got back from Park City, UT from a boarding trip w/ Sha, Jess and Ro. The snow out there in UT was amazing. The snow was fresh, the resorts are huge and the people are polite as ever. One of the best boarding experiences in my life. It's going to be hard to board anywhere in the So. Cal area after boarding in Park City.





More pics here.

Hilarious.

I need a boat now, ha.

lack of boogey_man

So, Sha and I headed out to the short noticed Mos Def show at HOB Sunset. Flyer in the email said very special guests and so I concluded something dope since it was the night of the Grammy's. Anyways, got to the venue around 10ish and Jean Grae is the opener. Dope mc and funny lady. After her performance, we waited about 1.5 hrs before he came onto perform (12:20 or so). At this point, we were tired of the wait and hoping to expect a great show.

So basically, the "special" guest for the night was Talib Kweli. Great guest and great Blackstar moment for the two songs they did, but that's it?! Don't get me wrong, Mos is one of my favorite artists, but I've come to the realization that he's not the best at trying to hype a crowd or keep 'em jumpin. I can feel the energy in the venue drained from the wait and also his interludes during his show. It was basically an on the go show. Whatever he felt, he played which is cool, but the energy in the crowd dipped after the Kweli appearance.

Some of his new tracks are dope and I'm looking forward to the new album, but I think I just wasted $45 for the show. I think it should of been the other way around. Mos the special guest and Kweli the headliner. In my experience, Kweli keeps the crowd hype, involved and movin'. Anyway, my gripe for the Mos Def show. Excited for the album, but not for any future performances.

Try it, just try it.

enough said.

I've been away...

...from my blogging for the past couple of days. I recently acquired a new toy and I've been messing around with it and checking out all the features and whatnot. I got a Blackberry Bold if you happened to read my previous posts. I have to say, the phone is a beast. I can understand why people are so addcited to their "crackberries" now.

Anyways, 3sixteen spring/summer line is floating around the net and I am thoroughly impressed with what they came out with. The garments are simple, clean and fitted. I like the direction their heading in for the spring/summer season. They're distinguishing themselves away from the your typical "streetwear" company.

pics courtesy of hypebeast

It has begun...

So my blackberry bold came in the mail yesterday and so far, I absolutely love it. I guess I am part of the blackberry nation now, haha.