April 30, 2010

MISTER CARTOON X TRUE COLORS WORLD CUP 2010

Mister Cartoon is more than a street art icon, he's a living legend. He's been representing our home, Southern California, longer than I have been alive. I believe he is an honest and positive representation of Southern Cali street culture, which is too often given a negative connotation. Now that he is teaming up with Nike Sportswear, again, this time for the World Cup, is amazing. Not only will he be representing Southern California, but the whole United States. He's a truly inspiring individual.

Since my country (EGYPT) didn't make it to the 2010 World Cup, I don't know who I'm cheering for. We'll see.

April 27, 2010

WORK IN PROGRESS 1 & 2

Dennis and Gabe are from Original Knockoff, and they make videos...really cool videos. They are currently working on a music video for MC Prototype's new song, "Can't Hide." When they aren't filming or editing, they do this. These are the first two installments of their video blog, Work in Progress. Their commentary is amazing. Enjoy this, it's good for your health.



April 24, 2010

WHITE PERFORATED JANOSKI'S

It's been a while since I've posted any kicks on here. Contrary to what Proto says, I think I've only posted one other pair of shoes. Either way, I really like these. I gotta get a pair. When the whole perforated thing started, I wasn't really feeling it. I guess it has grown on me. Look for a "Mission Accomplished" post when I get them. 


via Flatspot

April 19, 2010

MUSIC MONDAY - HIGH SCHOOL EDITION

Earlier this week, I was hanging out with an old friend from high school. We talked about the music we listened to in high school, and how we still listen to most of it. It got me feeling nostalgic, so this week's post is dedicated to the best and worst 4 years of my life.

I listen to a lot of punk. Don't think this hip-hop game is all that defines me. An old friend of mine wrote a poem about 4 years ago that ended with the line, "Punk rock is the same as hip-hop, whether you like it or not."

I definitely have to start with this song. "Tearing Everyone Down" was the first Anti-Flag song I heard, and to say the least, it changed my life. A New Kind of Army is still, by far, one of my all time favorite albums. It never gets old.



This is another song that means a lot to me. Lower Class Crucifixion by The Unseen is still held in a special place in my heart.



I'm not saying anything about their latest album, but AFI is still my favorite band of all time. I've never heard a band recreate the energy of a live show on an album as well as they do. I told myself I would never get a tattoo, but if I ever did, the first would be an AFI tat.



Following the trend of posting the first song I heard from each of these artists...I think I heard "Cupid's Victim" by Tiger Army on a compilation CD in middle school, but I didn't buy any of their albums until 9th grade. I can't deny it, I'm a fan of love songs.

April 18, 2010

INSPIRATION

Our senses are constantly absorbing information. Naturally, some information gets blocked out, while others are instilled into our memories. So, no matter what, we are always learning new things. Sometimes the strangest things can inspire me, and other times, it's things that are beyond cool. A perfect example is this episode of Brand RMX by R+I Creative, featuring Jeff Staple, founder and creative director of Staple Design and Reed Space. He has achieved success through perseverance and innovation. If you truly believe in something, anything is possible with the right amount of work and determination. This puts a stamp on it.



DETERMINATION. DEDICATION.

I see myself as a creative individual. Ever since I was a kid, I noticed I liked doing things differently. I never followed trends or tried fitting in with certain cliques. I just did what felt right, and still do. So, over the years I've dealt with countless so-called friends judging me for what I do and how I choose to live my life. I guess even after high school, the games don't stop.

Recently, I've met and have gotten really close with some great individuals. It's so refreshing to be surrounded by hard working, creative minds, all with different goals and dreams, but still managing to help each other out with almost everything. We're a team. There's only so much one person can do alone, but with a strong team, the possibilities are limitless.

Although some dues have been paid, it doesn't stop there. We gotta keep pushing. I can't sit back and expect things to happen for me. We're the only ones who can keep ourselves from doing what we want to do. Everything we need to succeed is out there, we just have to go get it. I'm not waiting to wish on a star, I'm making my dreams reality now.

April 11, 2010

SUNDAY SKATE SESSIONS 4

Thomas Bonilla is a beast on a board. That's all I have to say.


Check out Organika Skateboards. They have a solid team. I look forward to seeing what they do in the future.

RADIO FUTURA IN-STORE

The Downtown Pomona Art Walk is always a great time. From galleries to performance venues, there's something to see everywhere you go. Last night, we spent most of our time at Radio Futura's in-store, where Tomorrow, Yesterday, Cookbook and Uno Mas (LA Symphony), and MC Prototype and DJ Nickyboi performed. Our friends at Original Knockoff also started filming scenes for Proto's new music video.

Radio Futura carries a lot of music that you may have a hard time finding at most other record stores. They have been open since 1997 and are still going strong. They currently have two physical locations in Pomona and Alhambra, alongside their online store. Check out one of the stores when you get a chance. Support your local scene.

MC Prototype & DJ Nickyboi:
 Yep and T.i.E (Tomorrow, Yesterday):



April 10, 2010

POETRY AND MUSIC

Recently, my friends SuperB and Shane Romero filmed a couple videos for Young & Direct Entertainment. I think the videos came out great! Shane and SuperB are also representing the IE at the National Poetry Slam this summer. I heard something about an upcoming tour too...





April 8, 2010

PROTO AND HIS FANS (PAID DUES PT. 2)

While I was at the show, I met a lot of cool people. Some of these people were familiar with Proto and his music, but some never heard of him or his music until the show. Here are some more pictures I took that day.

This is Kayla and Kenny. They're from New Mexico and they drove all the way to San Bernardino, CA for the show. I talked to Kenny for a little while before the show and he said that he has never heard MC Prototype. I ran into him after the set and it looks like they'll be taking something back with them to New Mexico.



Met this guy walking around while he was doing some promo work for Ballin' for Peace. He said he knew Prototype's music through his cousin. Peep the GCS shirt he's wearing!


These kids have never heard any of Proto's music, but still decided to pick up some shirts.


This is Billy. He drove to Paid Dues from Arizona. He's a true fan of hip-hop. Read his story here.


This kid said he didn't know about Proto before Paid Dues, and he ended up picking up a shirt. He actually wanted a couple different colors, but we were out of his size in the other color he was looking for. Next time, homie!


This is my friend Matt and his girlfriend. We go to school together. He just had surgery on his knee and he was still on his feet all day at the show. Another true fan of hip-hop.


These kids were dope!...and that's Proto being Proto.


This is Kareem. I was talking to him while he was in line to meet Murs and 9th Wonder. He told me he followed the Proto For Paid Dues videos and that he was a fan. Coincidentally, Proto was walking by and ended up standing in line for Kareem while he went to pick up a copy of The Ones Overlooked.








This guy works for Rhymesayers.



April 5, 2010

PAID DUES 2010

This year's Paid Dues Festival was incredible. The fact that I got to spend it with some great friends made it even better. This year's show was exceptionally special because my good friend MC Prototype was on the bill. He even got a special introduction by Murs. Congrats Proto!

While I was doing promotional work for Proto's new EP The Ones Overlooked, I got to watch a lot of other performers' sets. One that really stood out for me was Afro Classics. Scarub(Living Legends) and Very are really good at what they do. After their set, I picked up 2 of their CDs and talked to them for a bit. Those guys are real down-to-earth.

On the main stage, we saw Psycho Realm, Dilated Peoples, Tha Dogg Pound, Jay Electronica, Raekwon, Murs and 9th, and West Coast legend, Ice Cube. I could go on for days talking about how cool it was to see each of these artists. Paid Dues has gotten better every year since they started it, so I can only imagine how good next year's show is going to be.

Proto doing what he does. Photo by Dennis Chung for Original Knockoff. The rest of the pictures are mine.

1 part of the team - Lex Diamond, Kray-Z K, and me on the curb. These guys host a show called Daily Duels. Any MCs want to battle, hit them up! Oh, they battle too and they're both really good.

SuperB and Proto. Check out this video SuperB did with our friend Shane Romero.

I'm a fan too! Me and Scarub(Afro Classics/Living Legends).

Another part of the team, David (BLK) and Kei-O. 3 tracks on Proto's new EP were produced by Kei-O.

To be continued...