OF THE SAME EARTH

PUMA and American artist Kehinde Wiley recently collaborated on a series of products and artwork paying tribute to the 2010 African Cup of Nations with the goal of bringing solidarity among the competing teams and countries. The championship match is today between Ghana and Egypt. I will be watching, proudly supporting my country (Egypt).

"...no matter where you're from, we're all of the same Earth."

- Kehinde Wiley

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MOS DEF: THE ECSTATIC LIVE

Mos Def is definitely one of the greatest. His unique brand of Hip-Hop is brilliantly displayed on his most recent album, The Ecstatic, which has been in heavy rotation on my iPod since its release last June. His performance at the Key Club in Hollywood on January 28 was a perfect compliment to the album that left me at a loss for words (and it's been a while since a live performance has had that effect on me). I'm glad I finally got to see him. Here are some pictures I took during his set:

THE SUN IS SHINING

Last night, my good friends Violet Sun performed at the secluded Mirror Image Studios in Anaheim. Here are some shots I got during their set.
 

 

 

MUSIC FOR RELIEF

Music For Relief is a non-profit organization founded and run by artists, music industry professionals, and fans to provide disaster relief aid, as well as funding for research on prevention of such disasters. Recently they have teamed up with a dynamic arsenal of musicians to release a compilation of songs which pay tribute to Haiti. We have all seen the news broadcasts, articles, and tragic photos of the hundreds of thousands who desperately need help. Even if you don't like the music, make a donation if you can and share the music with someone who does. Don't believe just because you can only make a small donation it won't make a difference, it will! Times like these truly test the strength of unity in humanity, and now with MFR you can make change in harmony.

"It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do little - do what you can." -Sydney Smith

Visit MUSICFORRELIEF.ORG for more information.


Lupe Fiasco and Kenna – “Resurrection” (Haiti Tribute)

PROTO FOR PAID DUES

When it comes to Hip-Hop, spoken-word artist, emcee, and friend, MC Prototype brings more to the table than your typical underground emcee. Hailing from California's Inland Empire, Proto is a founding member of the Urban Poets Crew and also hosts Urbane Culture, a music and spoken-word open mic at his venue, The Bakery in Downtown Pomona. He has recently announced a Free Speech Tour to promote his campaign, PROTO FOR PAID DUES, where he will be proving that he is the most worthy candidate to perform at this year's Paid Dues Festival. Sign the petition, watch the video, and support your local scene.

SUPRA | SPRING 2010

I've never been a huge fan of Supra Footwear, but I'm pretty excited for their Spring collection. I give them my seal of approval.

Thunder - Jim Greco's signature model. Greco has always been one of my all time favorites. His part in BAKER2G is ridiculous! These shoes are definitely legit.

Cuban 1.5 - In addition to the four new colorways, the new versions of the Cuban come with leather laces and yes...you still get the chain too.

Bandit - Tom Penny's new signature model. These three colorways should be dropping soon, along with the rest of the new models. Yeah, I know suede doesn't get along too well with the wet weather, but this is California! If it's raining this week, it'll be sunny and dry next week. No excuses!

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FASHAWN: HIP-HOP'S ANTIDOTE

At the ripe age of 21, Fresno native Fashawn is already making a name for himself in the underground hip-hop movement. With 7 mixtapes under his belt, the latest produced by none other than The Alchemist, and his 2009 debut album, "Boy Meets World," produced entirely by Exile, Fashawn embodies the true essence of a great emcee. Not only can he spit, but his lyrics contain substance and a deeper message than the punch line-driven Hip-Hop overglamorized these days. Fash' is a great example of someone with a rocky upbringing, finding success through hard work and determination. So if you're one of the many who think Hip-Hop is dead, or have lost faith in it, think again! Fashawn is going to be making BIG moves real soon!

For the past week I didn't know what to blog about for the new year, but I think this is perfect. New year, new music...fresh start. Open your ears and listen. Stay up.

Fashawn on Myspace