When art and fashion collide "Christian Louboutin"

These are a 1 of 1 spiked styletto designed by Christian Louboutin.

One day I will be able to do this!

GALLERY @ DD172: SWIZZ BEATZ from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Pharrell...

Parrell Williams recently served as keynote speaker at the Midem conference which focused on the world of the music business. The 40 min interview focused on various aspects of Pharrell Williams' approach to work and some key things including his favorite producer and upcoming projects including Jay-Z and Hans Zimmer on a 3-DGI film, Dispicable Me.

Pharrell Keynote at MIDEM 2010 from thecashmerethinker on Vimeo.

Probably the dopest CD packaging I've ever seen

Freeway & Jake One "The Stimulus Package"

Wu X Beatles

Not since Danger Mouse's mash up masterpiece "The Grey Album" has a mash up album peaked my interest. When I came across this I immediately wanted to hear it. I've downloaded but haven't had the opportunity to listen to it yet, but if Tom Caruana does either of these legendary groups justice, it will definitely make the grade. Enjoy....

Click here to download

Complex Magazine has the cover game on lock!!!!

Back to the Future!

Retro is definitely in and it has made it's way into the world of electronics.This latest camera model from Pentax, the Optio I-10 comes in a definite retro styling which embodies a design style drawn from Pentax’s Auto 110 mico-SLR range. A quick look into the features list includes a 5x zoom covering the equivalent 28-140mm focal length range with a 12 MP sensor. Movie is set at 720 p with three innovative anti-shake technologies built-in. No word yet on a release date.

 

Via: Hypebeast

More Pics after the jump...

Prada's "First Spring" Film by Yang Fudong

Prominent Chinese artist and avant-garde filmmaker Yang Fudong recently directed a film entitled ‘First Spring’ to represent “a new direction in Prada’s visual communications.” Inspired by the maxim, “a good year is determined by its spring,” the film is set in the streets of Shanghai, during the 30s & 40s. The black and white film follows young gentlemen—decked out in Prada menswear of course—as they travel through a dreamlike world meeting various characters throughout the city. Head over the Prada.com for the entire video.

ILL!!!!

My wife always says if it was up to me our home would look like a cold, museum from outer space. I beg to differ. I do like very sleek and minimalistic pieces, oh and yeah I would be okay with all white walls and a kitchen full of Viking stainless steel appliances....oh yeah and a Eames chair or two but since she wears the decorating paints, that is not the case. At any rate this bedroom from PRESOTTO ITALIA is dope and if I could afford it she would have to just compromise

Midnight Marauders!

Midnight Marauders is one of my favorite rap albums of all times. It's arguably one of the greatest . From start to finish this album delivers. But before I even heard the first lyric on this album I was captured by the dopeness of the cover. I remember trying to figure out who each person was on it and thinking how cool it would be to be one of them. Well in honor of my favorite rap group and my favorite rap album cover I've decided to recreate it albeit with my homies. So next time any of you come by to visit be ready to rock a pair of headphones and say cheese!

DIDDY!

Diddy is still that dude...

more pics after the jump...

Banksy "Exit Through The Gift Shop" film trailer

For those who don't know, Banksy is one of my favorite street artist. He is believed to be British born but because of his elusiveness, nobody has been able to confirm his identity.However, the way he conveys his message in his work is clever and very direct. His work is often satirical pieces on topics such as politics, culture and ethics. Even though his identity still isn't known, his popularity has grown tremendously. Celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Brodie Jenner have paid thousands of dollars to have original pieces of his work. For my followers who aren't familiar with him I've added another video that gives you more insight on who Banksy is....

Lupe Fiasco x Kenna "Resurrection"

Click here to download

Clipse "Freedom"

For some reason, if you film a video in black and white and add a little slow motion it'll make even the most simple videos seem cool...



Clipse "Freedom" Music Video from Malice of the Clipse on Vimeo.

Another epic video in the making.....

This is a short pre-view to Jay Electronica's "Exhibit A" . In my opinion Jay is one of the most interesting rappers out right now. I like the fact that he avoids all cliches associated with hip hop. He is definitely one to check for this year...

UH OH!!!! J.Cole in the lab with Pharrell!!!

I'll admit, I was a little disappointed when I found out that Kanye wouldn't be providing any tracks for J.Cole's debut.......But this will do!!!!!

And Oh Yeah, NO I.D. is doing the bulk of the album!!!

Big Sean "A Million Dollars" (Video)

This is yet another case where the video completely outshines the song. The director gives this video a cinematic treatment that isn't typical for hip hop videos. It's a great concept, I just wish the song was a little better. Big Sean is the latest artist signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. music label.

Pretty Innovative!

New York based architects LOT-EK is blurring the boundaries between art, architecture, entertainment and information. LOT-EK creates architecture from existing objects, systems and technologies to be used as raw materials.

Their work for PUMA City is pretty cool.

Taking advantage of the global shipping network already in place, Puma City makes use of 24 shipping containers. This 11,000 square foot traveling pavilion which was originally built for Puma's entry in the 2008 Volvo Ocean Race is a transportable retail and event building.

The Pavilion is fully dis-mountable and travels on a cargo ship and will be assembled and disassembled a number of times once it reaches the different international harbors.

CELEBRATE

Raheem DeVaughn - "Mr.February aka March Madness" (Mixtape)

I'm starting to like this dude...

Click here to download

This guy has by far the coolest job...

Levi Maestro is another person to keep your eye on for 2010.  He's created an online phenomemom with his show "Maestro Knows" an online show based around his day to day life. He gets travel the world, try out the latest kicks, chop it up with his favorite entertainers and gets a ton of free gear from his favorite designers. Maestro has directed and produced content for several corporate brands and music artists, building relationships one day at a time. The brand he has created is becoming stronger and stronger and I expect to see him on TV hosting his own show soon. Check out the latest episode of "Maestro Knows" featuring hip hop producer 9th Wonder below....

Maestro Knows - Episode 1 (9th Wonder) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

Chilling With Anthony Hamilton

Maestro Knows - Episode 2 (Anthony Hamilton) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

Gil Scott-Heron - "Me and the Devil"

To be honest, I wasn't really feeling this song when I first heard it, but the director captures the message of the song so profoundly that it help me "hear" it differently (if that makes any sense). This shows that a video can be filmed on a shoe string budget and the director can still create brilliant visual. Now I can't wait until the album drops!!!

Teddy Pendergrass Tribute Mix by DJ Wonder

DJ Wonder crafts a mixtape using classic Teddy Pendergrass music and the hip hop songs that sampled them.

Click here to download

Donate!

Donate! Donate! Donate!

Text Haiti to 90999 to donate $10

Teddy Pendergrass (3/26/1950- 1/13/2010)

Growing up my house was always filled with music. Soul, gospel, blues and even some early rock. Soul music was the music that captured my ear and my heart. I saw the way my Mom would react when Marvin would hit one of those silky notes that he was known for and how my Dad would nod his head to Al Green's gospel influenced R&B grooves. One of the voices that stuck out to me was Teddy Pendergrass'. Unlike the whiners of today, men sang like men and there was no voice as masculine as Teddy P's. He was a pure ladies man, but rough enough for the brothers. When he sang he commanded your attention. Songs like "Wake up Everybody" called for us to demand a change in our community. He also gave us songs like "Turn out the Lights" and "Love TKO" that was guaranteed to get you in the mood. Some of us where probably concieved while Teddy was playing in the background. Soul music lost one of it's great voices tonight. Teddy Pendergrass will be sorely missed, but his legacy will live on through his musical gift that he shared with the world and plenty more babies will be made because of him. Rest In Peace Mr.Pendergrass

One of my favorites. Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes (Teddy singing lead) "Be For Real"

Got Wax?

I took this pic while out digging last week. Boy did I find some gems! Check back later for a review of some of my finds....

The Worlds Tallest Building

2,717 feet. More than 160 floors. Views that stretch 60 miles. The Burj Khalifa tower, which opened Monday, in Dubai, has become the tallest building in the world. Designed by Chicago architects Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the glittering concrete and glass tower features a mélange of nightclubs, mosques, luxury suites, an Armani hotel, and even the world’s highest swimming pool. At this record-breaking structure there is plenty to marvel at and nearly too much to do. Though you may not be able to see it’s every feature in one visit, the 40 mile per hour elevators will at least let you try.—

via- NYTimes.com

Snoop Dogg feat. Jay-Z "I Wanna Rock" (The Kings G-Mix)

                                                      
                                                           Click here to download

Consequence feat. Diddy and The Lox "Whatever You Want" remix!!!!!!!!

                                                                 Click here to download

Mayer Hawthorne "Dusty Fingers" Video

I've recently picked up this hobby and I will be posting about some of the gems I've been lucky enough to
find. Check out his latest CD "A Strange Arrangement" . For those of you who haven't heard of Mayer Hawthorne, I've included the video for "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out"


Mayer Hawthorne's Dusty Fingers from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Mayer Hawthorne "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out"

Mayer Hawthorne - Just Ain't Gonna Work Out from Stones Throw on Vimeo.

Ski Beatz feat. The Cool Kids & Stalley – We Can Do It Big

WE CAN DO IT BIG: VIDEO from Creative Control on Vimeo.

1986 was a good year!!!

I came across this pic of one of my boys this weekend and had to post it. I was informed that this pic was taken in 1986. Janet Jackson had released her chart topping album Control, Tom Cruise lit up the big screen with Top Gun and Michael Jordan started what would be a string of scoring titles and was influential in something that would forever change the shoe game. Peter Moore crafted the Air Jordan I for Nike and along with it ushered in the culture of hip hop fashion into basketball. This shoe single handedly made Nike the juggernaut that it is today. Many don't know, but MJ was fined $5,000 every time he wore the very shoe that my man has on in this picture (Red/Black colorway) due to violating NBA uniform rules that prohibited vibrant shoe colors. MJ and Nike paid the price for the culture and they where rewarded for it. The Air Jordan is the biggest selling basketball shoe in history. You see, my man and his homie in the pic below where what we called "Fresh". No matter what else they had on that day, they had on a pair of J's and until this day a "Fresh pair of J's" will put you in the game. (Pun intended)

I bet this is a cool place to work!

Dutch artist Darrin Umboh designed an elevator interior for Antwerp-based advertising company DuboisMeetsFugger that's anything but boring.

More pics after jump...

THIS IS CRAZY!!!!!!

Cool Iphone App. Graffiti Analysis

Graffiti Analysis (iPhone) - DustTag v1.0 from Evan Roth on Vimeo.

Nike Sportswear Air Zoom Toki ND

These are pretty cool. Looks like Nike has taken a que from Vans created a very minimalistic skating shoe. For true skaters this shoe will definitely be more popular than the Blazer but the SB is still the end all be all. 

Sade "Soldier of Love" (Official Video)

Aside from the poorly choreographed, fake S1W's, this video is okay. I would've expected something a little more epic for a song this powerful, but it will suffice. I guess being force fed the crap that labels are pawning off as artistry had me expecting way more from an artist of this caliber.

20 years of "The Simpsons" Congrats

Ron English pays homage to The Simpson's and Jackson Pollock with this piece.

Mos Def feat. Talib Kweli (Creative Control Color Edit)

Codie & Chike give this video a totally new feel with a revised version

Mos Def Feat. Talib Kweli-History (Creative Control Color Edit) from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Jay Electronica- Victory (Mixtape)

zSHARE - Jay Electronica - Victory.mp3

Another great performance from the Chris Rock show...Esthero "Heaven Sent"

I actually bought this album several times because it kept mysteriously disappearing

It's funny what you notice while cleaning up...

Today while I was cleaning up, dusting to be exact, I came across two items in our home that made me stop and jump right online to share this with you.Anybody who has visited our home has more than likely seen one or both of these items. I purchase the segregation plate on eBay a couple of years ago before any of us knew that Barack Obama would be the leader of the free world. When I purchase the plate I knew that it was a very important reminder of our past but it has become an even more significant possession now. One day I will be able to literally show my daughter how far we have progressed. We all know there is still a ways to go but this definitely put things in perspective...

I need to read more....

This apartment located in Paris, France was designed by H2o Architechs for a comic book collector. See more pics after the jump....

Takashi Murakami Exhibition @ The Palace of Versailles

The Palace of Versailles has invited leading Japanese artist Takashi Murakami for a two-month retrospective later this year. The exhibition, running from September 12th to December 12th, will be Murakami’s first major retrospective in France, following fellow pop artist Jeff Koons who showed at the palace in 2008 and Frenchman Xavier Veilhan in 2009. Murakami looks to display his sculptures and paintings in 15 rooms in the palace’s Hall of Mirrors and the apartments of the King and the Queen. Since controversy provoked by the Jeff Koons exhibition, the palace, a symbol of the system of absolute monarchy, is being careful to avoid displaying works with pornographic or morbid connotations that might offend some visitors.

Source: Hypebeast

Need to see if I've earned enough allowance to cop these!!!!

Jordan Spizike's "Mars" inspired by Spike Lee's fictional character Mars Blackmon. Release date tomorrow.

Late Night with The Roots (Mixtape)

I will admit, when I heard that The Roots where going to serve as the house band for the Late Night with Jimmy Fallon show I was a little skeptic. I didn't know if it was a good move for what I and many others feel is the greatest band in hip hop. I didn't want them to be looked at as washed up or selling out to work for the man. I felt that my favorite hip hop band was too good to have to play intros and outros for guest and commercial breaks. Then I had to realize that for all of the incredible albums they have put out, they never recieved the proper fruits for their labor and most of their money was made from what seemed to be endless touring. I understood that this was a great opportunity for them to finally be able to be settled in one place, make some great money, and reach an audience that undoubtly had no idea who they where. On top of that we get to see Black Thought out shine other guest MC's repeatedly. Last night Jimmy Fallon's musical guest was The Clipse. They performed "Back by popular Demand". Since Camron wasn't their, Black Thought filled in and delivered a performance that made you wish that there was an official release.......Guess what I found today???????

                                                                Click here to download

I always thought this was a dope performance......D'Angelo "Chicken Grease"

Check out a young Anthony Hamilton singing back up...

New Blu Album!

                                                                 Click here to download

Lil Wayne "On Fire"

The Art of the cover...

The highest form of flatery for an artist is to have one of their songs covered by another artist. That is unless it is Weird Al Yankovic. More times than not, the cover never stands up to the brilliance of the original and you're left saying "some songs are just not meant to be touched".  However there are some instances where an artist forms a bond with the music and lyrics that where written by or for somebody else and gives the song a new life. Two really great examples of this are Otis Redding's version of "Try a little Tenderness" (recorded in 1966). This song was originally recorded in 1933 and covered a number of times by several recording artists but when Otis Redding sang that song it forever became his. Another example would be Luther Vandross' cover of  "A House is not a home" which was originally recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1964. This song is and will forever be Luther's. The most recent instance of somebody completely taking  ownership of a song is The Noisettes cover of The Killers "When we where young". The Noisetts absolutely got everything right about thier version. Definitely check out the Noisettes. They are a indie rock band out of London. This is one of many dope things that my father in law turned me on to


The Killers


Noisettes

There is an app for that!!!

Unveiled at the COP15 United Nations Climate Conference, The Copenhagen Wheel transforms ordinary bicycles into hybrid e-bikes that also function as mobile sensing units. “The Copenhagen Wheel allows you to capture the energy dissipated while cycling and braking and save it for when you need a bit of a boost. Controlled through your smartphone, it also maps pollution levels, traffic congestion, and road conditions in real-time. The Copenhagen Wheel project demonstrates that small intelligent implementations can lead to major changes.” Check out the video for a full demonstration.





Source: Highsnobiety

This is really cool!

Peter Ammentorp works his magic in this awesome video of him making an avatar of his own. Inspired by James Cameron’s new film, the photoshop wizard spent a couple of hours with this new creation. Definitely a cool clip, backed by the original soundtrack from the film. Check it out!



Birth of an AVATAR from Peter Ammentorp Lund on Vimeo.

New Gil Scott-Heron!

New music from the forthcoming album I'm New Here by the Legendary Gil Scot-Heron due Feb. 9

                                          Click here for link

The Nexus One

We need another Black Star album soon!

Reflection Eternal - The REUnion Mixtape

Click here for link

Don't call it a comeback

One of the people I have my eye on for 2010 is non other that former Roc-a-fella label head Dame Dash. And so should you. After a tumultuous year filled with rumors of financial troubles and a well publicized split from clothing designer Rachel Roy, many counted Damon Dash out. Never shy of adversity Dash has alingned himself with a unlikely group of artists and recently released a compilation CD title BLAKROC. The highly independent project which was produced exclusively by the blues/rock group The Black Keys, featured Mos Def,Jim Jones, RZA, Q Tip and a host of other hip hop artists. To top it off the project was only made available at fine independent retailers and ITunes. Also Dash has recently opened DD172. An art gallery that doubles as a creative space for musicians to vibe and let their creative juices flow. This may seem totally opposite of the lifestyle Dame Dash is known for but trust me when I say he is on to something. Dame is a smart dude and sometimes it takes a little serving of humble pie to bring out the hustle in someone. Mark my words Dame Dash will be a major player some industry in 2010. Kanye told you Diamonds are forever!!!!!


DD172 GALLERY from Creative Control on Vimeo.