Daily Happenings

There is one thing that I 'dislike' (hate would've been a pretty strong word to insert here) a lot: rushing to get up at 6 am, just to make it to class early in the morning and find out that it was cancelled about 5 min prior to my arrival.

So, what do I do, since I live an hour away and riding the subway just for the sake of it is definitely NOT an option: sitting in class discussing Strip-Pole Dance classes with the girls (now don't go ahead and assume the worst, its the latest buzz in fitness workout!), blogging and tweeting random fashion news and pounding cups of coffee (yes, I got my vices back, the occasional cigarette as well; not proud of myself, but in my defence its much needed).

Life decisions:

A few big dates are approaching in the next couple of months and the suspense is building, as I try to keep my cool and have everyone happy. But since, in life, there will always be someone who isn't entirely pleased with the course of certain actions, I've decided to put it out there but make sure I (and the ones most important to me) are left happy in the end. The rest will just have to sort itself out - I'm not anybody's life coach.

On another note, I have decided that in the next couple of weeks, I will make a joint-blog to 'ShearFusion' that I will dedicate entirely to my Fashion World. An addition of such sort, will help me focus better on my career path and keep me motivated to update more. I am not ditching this one - no worries - ShearFusion continues with joint-forces to bring you the best of our lifestyle and all that moves us! So stay tuned!

Fashion News (and more):

- I mentioned before that McQueen's Exhibit at The Met was on my list this summer - unfortunately, with such a busy summer coming ahead, that trip might turn out to be pretty hard to fulfill.
Fortunately for me, Jean-Paul Gaultier's work will be exhibited at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts this summer and THAT is definitely going to be a destination that I will be travelling too (perhaps, interspersed with some much needed cottage-time).
Gaultier is definitely a favorite on my list of Fashion Icons - his eccentricity and liveliness is much appreciated! Images to come soon.
For more info on this exhibit click here.

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Mario Testino - one of my favorite photographers and personal fan of Kate Moss (he describes her as 'one of the 5 people I love to shoot the most") - is reportedly going to be shooting the model for her upcoming wedding.
In an interview with "The Daily" he says that he can't wait to "capture the happiness that Kate is going through at the moment." (Fashionista)

And finally, a slightly celebrity-related news bit:

Yesterday I was told that Richard Phillips has put together a short documentary movie on the story behind the house-arrest of one of the most controversial 'actresses' in today's Gossip Websites - LiLo. I put actress in quotations, as (pardon me for daring to be so bald) the girl hasn't really done a lot of work, since the news of her substance-abuse came out (Was it years ago? Time's been slipping away from me..)
I'm definitely not one of Miss Lohan's biggest fans, but I'm just wondering what could possibly make this movie a success?

View the reel here.

Polished Flow: Bad Meets Evil "I'm On Everything"

"Syrup, painkillers, ecstasy, cigarettes, weed, Hennessy, Vodka ... I'm On Everything!"

Classic material right here, enjoy ma medicated people!

Polished Flow: Action Bronson "Time For Some"

The homie Action does what he does best with Statik Selektah on the beat.

Statik Selektah & Lord Sear Presents "Open Bar Classics, 90's edition"

The dudes Statik and Sear hook us up with their latest instalment to their Open Bar tapes.

Crazy tight mixes and some amazing nostalgic tunes.

Check the track list and tell me this isn't dope!

Crystal Johnson Intro
Mary J “Real Love” (original & remix)
Meth & Mary J “All I Need” (Puff’s Remix)
112 “Only You (Remix)”
Dru Hill “In My Bed (Remix)”
R Kelly “Be Happy”
Groove Theory “Tell Me”
Gina Thompson “The Things You Do (Remix)”
702 “Steelo”
Isley Brothers “Float On (Remix)”
Total “No One Else”
Faith “i Just Can’t”
Mary J “Everyday It Rains”
Aaliyah “Back & Forth”
Adina Howard “Freak Like Me”
TLC “Creep”
Horace Brown “Things We Do For Love”
Shai “Dont Wanna Be Alone”
SWV & MJ “Right There (Human Nature Mix)”
SWV “Anything (Wu Remix)”
Mariah Carey “Fantasy (ODB Remix)”
Montell Jordan “This Is How We Do It”
Zhane “Hey Mr Dj”
Eric Benet “Georgy Porgy”
Faith “Love Like This”
Lucy Pearl “Get Involved”
Lucy Pearl “Dance Tonight” (So What Its 2000)
Koffee Brown “The After Party”

Download it here courtesy of Showoff Records OPEN BAR 90's

Update..

Another Rainy Day in Toronto - I was just getting used to the warm weather and hoping that Beach Days were going to stay;too little...too early? If you could say that..

Lots has been happening - as usual - although definitely finding time to procrastinate as I ride the wave of life.

1st things first - let's talk Skateboarding:
- The Volcom Demo happened here in Toronto last Saturday - the guys definitely ripped it and it didn't go without an injury either. But you know the saying: "Bleed or go home!" (Did I just say that?). We were there to support them and of course have an excuse to drink a few and lay out in the sun; my feet now have that 'thong-tan-line' due to my beautiful brazilian gladiator shoes, but well..a sacrifice comes a long way!

- The Cr3w Shake Junt Demo happened yesterday as well - I refused to leave the house, as my 105 lbs wouldn't have allowed me to even walk straight through the streets (trust me, when that wind gets going, I might as well be flying through the sky; it's worse than a feather floating through a storm!). Karteezy and the Beast made there though - and by the Beast, I mean the 70-lbs Bulldog that lounges and sheds in the middle of our living room all day long. Bentley even managed to woo the skaters with his natural charm and scored himself a picture spot on their official blog (pictures coming up soon).

[Stay tuned for pictures, as I am blogging from the Showroom today and naturally my camera is nowhere near me]

On another note, many projects are in the works. I am excited to be doing more and more for The Gingerich Group (blogging, playing photographer, organizing events alongside the amazing Lauren Shirreffs); interesting PR opportunities coming up and the possibility of working with an America's Next Top Model LIVE judge (aahh, the suspense).
On top of that, a very special occasion is due to take place some time in the middle of the month of July (stay tuned for that; I'm not one to "I DO" and tell..)

Peace I'm out!

Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 8 Trailer

I'm pretty pretty pretty pretty excited for Larry and crew to return!

Enjoy

Diamond In The Ruff: The East Flatbush Project "Tried By 12"

When I look back on my life and see what things really influenced me, I always think of music as a staple point in my history. In the 90's, I spent a lot of my time staying up late to listen to college radio. Now for those who are not into hip hop or any underground music scene for that matter than this will be something new to y'all. Hip Hop's solid foundation began on college radio and if you were a hip hop enthusiast such as myself, you prided yourself on knowing all of the new joints dropping and you recorded everything, and I mean everything because college radio was the only dimension to find good music. Growing up in Ottawa, I had CKCU & CHUO at my disposal with such epic shows as "Peaceful Journey and Jeep Beats". My man El Karam was education the nations capital not only with exclusives and classics combined by flawless mixing and juggling. I was completely influenced by his style and music taste and I am happy to say that 15 years later I am still down with the get down and holding on to traditions. I heard "tried by 12" for the first time on the "Peaceful Journey". Would love to hear any stories y'all have from that time. Enjoy

Gasface Presents: New York Minute Ep.4 (Night Nurse)

"What goes up must come down. Everyone knows that, especially if you are from Uptown, Harlem.
G Dep was the talk of the town when he joined Puff Daddy in 1999. But he felt in love with the Night Nurse… 8 years after his meeting with the Hip Hop mogul, he was arrested for breaking a display model mobile phone and spent a year on Rikers Island, without anyone showing up with his $750 bail.Sometimes the night seems endless on AllertonAve.""

Big Shout To Gasface for the quote and clip

104 - Night Nurse from ARTE New York Minute on Vimeo.

Got That Eye: Estevan Oriol "L.A. Women" European Tour

The multi-facetted Estevan Oriol, takes us on an in-depth perspective of his European tour showcasing his new photo book "L.A. Woman". Oriol's influence and following clearly reaches the global level and won't stop till he reaches the top! Enjoy the edit

TOUR DE FUERZA from Kittesencula on Vimeo.

Ben Eine Presents: Oranges and Lemons

"There's a Starbucks, GAP, and all that shieet, it's just boring"! Ben Eine puts most of our urban sprawls into perspective and in his home town of Westminster UK, Eine is making a difference. Putting Graffiti on a creative pedestal with an attempt to drive the negative sigma contrived by popular culture to a halt, Westminster locals may just think outside of the box for once. "Get Up, Stand Up. Stand Up for your Right"! Enjoy the movement

Ben Eine - Oranges and Lemons from abbie brandon on Vimeo.

Stay Gold B-Sides Presents: JUSTIN "FIGGY" FIGUEROA

With two bangin' Thrasher covers under his belt within the first year of being pro, this has gotta say something about the homie Figgy. With his 80 pound steel balls he attacks everything and destroys it! Lots of footie with so much potential, he could've had a three part edit. Check it out and enjoy.

Polished Flow: J-Love Ft. Sean Price, Willie Tha Kid & LA The Darkman "Fuck That Man Up"

The New York native J-Love combines forces with ma man Sean Price, Willie the Kid & LA The Darkman to bring us the heavy hitter street anthem "Fuck That Man Up". Man, these dudes are serious - polished flow always bringing you the best of the best. If you don't think so, Sean P has my back! Enjoy bitches

Complex Presents: Sean Price on his 25 most influential joints

P! The dude Sean P is straight up crazy!

"Why?" - you ask.

If you've ever listened to the homie, you know that his word play, metaphors, references, and hilarity make him stand out of the crowd. By far he is the number one soloist on the Duck Down records camp. I know I'm going to hear a lot of people saying "Well what about this dude, and what about that dude?" Na na, Sean Price has stood the test of time and shown us that his game has only become tighter with the multiple Heltah Skeltah releases and his solo projects and mixtapes.

This article is dope and a must read! It has a bunch of rare video clips and some amazing depictions of the state of mind one has to be in to make such underground hits like "Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka".

Sean Price - " Me and Starang wrote our verses together at my crib and we went down to the studio and knocked that shit out. And I just said, 'The name of this here is Leflaur Leflah Eshkoshka.' I just said that shit, I don't even know what it means. There's no meaning to it. It means absolutaly nothing. We were just bugging the fuck out."

For any Sean Price fan, this is a must read!

Check out the FULL article on Complex

Vinyls are a man's best friend...

Tuesday: a day of PR and Social Media classes.
Definitely one of my best days, as I am quickly immersing myself into the depths of PR seas and very much loving it. It's one of those times when you truly find your calling and you know that it's going to be it.

A part of my Social Media training is the ever-enjoyable freedom to surf the Internet in search of new things and report on trends on my own free time.
However, this is a topic that I will be covering a lot, especially when it comes to trends and fashion-related topics. Until then you can check the quickly rising popularity of Social Media here [apparently, it's knocked off porn as the N.1 search tool on the web]

On another note, the weekend passed and with that our first Vinyl Expo in Toronto.

Woke up late (it was Sunday after all), met up with the 'Dizzle Shizzle' family and headed off to the Gladstone Hotel

$4 later and we were in:

Vintage was definitely the feel and music genres were all over the place!

Dizzle got his hands on some French oldies

...And my man ran his fingers through some good old Hip Hop

The morning was wrapped-up with a delicious brunch at the Hotel's Cafe and an afternoon of well-deserved quiet time with friends ... and listening to our newly-bought tunes.

This week is only just beginning and many things are in the works.
Stay tuned, as I'll be covering Evan Biddell's Soaree tomorrow night, FGI's Interior Design Panel, another exciting day with the GG staff and much more...

Done and Out!

Diamond In The Ruff: Big Daddy Kane "Show & Prove"

Summer block parties are my deal, always thought that they served a purpose deeper than just music and BBQ. I can vividly remember meeting some of the best people, eating great food, and without a doubt had some of the best times ever. I'm sure BK had some off the charts parties but I can definitely relate.

This joint is my favourite collaboration EVER! Has all them dudes on it and with Premo's production, no one can top that.

Enjoy

Gasface Presents: New York Minute Ep.3 (Land Of Dream)

"New York is an universal magnet. And Queens, with its two airports, is the American Dream’s waiting room. Next to Flushing Meadow Park’s Unisphere, at the end of Roosevelt Avenue –the most cosmopolitan thoroughfare of the city, there’s Willets Point, a place where the World meets with hundreds of ghostworkers from the Junkyard.

An inspirational blend for Deejay Mista Sinista."

Big shout to Gasface for the quote & clip

103 - Land Of Dream from ARTE New York Minute on Vimeo.

Today is THE day!

Hi friends (and future followers)!

As I sit in the GG Showroom and indulge in some fun tasks (fun is always a priority around here, we believe it eases the workload), my man and I finally decided that it's time to release this baby into the wild.

But before that, here's an update on what's been going on:

First off meet the GG mascot (coolest cat in the whole-wide world). He's not in-tune with the dynamics of our environment yet, but the bottom of the couch seems to be his favorite place to hide:

On another note, we are both immersing ourselves into new waters and testing new grounds - the Summer is shaping up to be a very exciting one and we'll make sure to keep the updates flowing on here! Living the dream in our own individual way is what it ultimately is all about!

This weekend, we will be attending a Vintage Vinyl Record Sale here in Toronto, so stay tuned for more details - it should be an exciting event!

Be Easy!

Slow It Down A Bit: The Weeknd "What You Need"

Get your head right and come and talk to me, but don't ever say that this slow jam don't tickle your fancy.

By fully backing the Weeknd movement I feel better about the direction of music and you should too. "Why", you ask? Why did we support Sade when she first came on the scene? Simply because music makes us feel human. And, c'mon people, we need to bring on something fierce and real to the table and let it sink in, let it sink in hard! I'm not versed nor am I cursed, but I do know good music! Enjoy

Polished Flow: Trinity Project "20 In"

Fat beats owner and founder DJ Jab has developed the super group Trinity, consisting of himself, AG and Sadat X. Trinity is just proof that them dudes that started it all are still putting out amazing music that tops all of the commercial trash today. Support good music and the real hip hop. The debut album hits shelves in the Fall, but there is no doubt we will see some fire from these boys over the summer. Enjoy

Soul Food: Action Bronson In the Kitchen "Seared Ahi Tuna"

Action Bronson has a spectrum of talents including cookin up some amazing grub. Bronsonelli provides a play by play tutorial on how to make a bomb-ass tuna dish. Bon Appetite and Enjoy

BLVD Skateboards Presents: "Stay In Front"

Coming at you Live, BLVD skateboards showcases their teams talent in "Stay In Front". The edit features Rob Gonzalez, Danny Supa, Danny Montoya, Nate Fantasia, and Jose Pereyra. The future looks really dope for the BLVD crew. And without further a due, enjoy!

BLVD Skateboards - Stay In Front from Hellaclips on Vimeo.

A Trend Day

1835 Yonge Street: the 'Headquarters' of the International Academy of Design and my daily destination!
This building has been my Fashion Home for the past year and with just under 6 months to go, I am starting to feel the pressure of what it is going to be when all classes are over!

In any case, its another morning, the start of another day and I am currently sitting in the setting of our PR class, browsing through Trend Web Pages, when I should be working on a Press Release. As busy as I must be, I have the upmost confidence that my work will always be excellent, whether or not I decide to leave it for the last minute.

With a cappuccino in hand - it's my early day today - I try to march through the seconds and minutes of the hours and manage to keep my sanity. At this point of time I need to be out there and work towards my career, but paying my dues will have to happen first.

I'm a big fan of Fashion Photographers, especially the ones who put an unconventional spin on the expected traditional approach. The conventional no longer really works: it's true of the Fall lines and it's true of every aspect in life!
Settimio Benedusi - an Italian Fashion Photographer who has shot notable faces like Giorgio Armani and many other influential fashion figures - has taken on a new approach by combining fashion, art and romanticism.
I am personally a fan of these unconventional methods and the unexpected shocking element, which inevitably manages to turn heads around and generate a positive response.

Below are some personal favorites of mine:

Check out Mr. Benedusi's work here and follow his blog for regular updates.

The 'Ultimate' Priest

'If you want to sink your teeth into the juiciest, yummiest Burger North of California, you wouldn't want to just walk by this venue'

I realize that this statement would not only make me look like a meat-freak (especially to some of y'all vegetarians and vegans out there), but it is likely to put me on PETA's Black List for a really long time.

The Burger's Priest is a small 'Hole in the Wall' located on the corner of Queen Str East & Coxwell Ave, Toronto. The guys have wittily created the name and backed it up with - what seems to be the cleverest slogan one can ever come up with: "Redeeming the Burger, One at a Time".
I have to be honest - North America's Fast Food culture is nothing like what I've experienced through my years of jumping from one continent to another and it is definitely not agreeing with me, but if I feel like a good ol' burger I will never choose to turn to another McDonald's again.
The guys from The Burger's Priest have won my undying support with the 'on-site daily ground beef', fresh ingredients and love for what they do. They 'moved' into The Beaches around the same time we did last year and have been the ultimate destination for every friend that passes through our house.

Last night - as I completed a hard workout at the Gym - I realized that I wouldn't mind gaining back the calories with a 'little' Double-Double from this Burger Venue; unfortunately for my physique, The Burger's Priest is located right across the street from my gym - talk about the ultimate sacrifice!

I met up with Mike and we not only got our hands on a couple of good Burgers but walked in right on time for their new(est) merchandise: The T-Shirt!
Check out Karteezy rockin' his own!

If you're a fan of good food and appreciate a good Burger, I advise you to put on your running shoes and jog down to this venue - not only will you burn those calories up, but the 'Burg' will taste that much better! I recommend the Double-Double!

I'm off to the Gym to make room for more!

Places

April was a cold month here in Toronto!
Not only that but our schedules were so off that we never really managed to attend all the events we wanted to!

We missed Redman at the end of March, ONYX a couple of weeks ago...But when 'HA' called us up to let us know of this year's Freestyle Battle "King of the Dot" we knew we had to get out and support his boys from MTL. It was definitely a Saturday well-spent: it's good to see people doing their thing and know that Hip Hop is still alive in the hearts of some. Those with passion shined-through, the rest - well they just 'fell off the platform' as their Egos started flying around without any sufficient rhymes to back 'em up!

__________________________________________

A week later we headed over to 99 Sudbury - the exclusive location of this year's Alternative Fashion Week.
99 Sudbury is an Event Venue, which houses many Art and Fashion Events; this time around it was the setting of an Art Market, where many local (and international) artists and designers/labels showcased their work.
We fell in love with many of their inspirational creations and I am currently in the works of contacting the ones that really grabbed our attention! It is great to to be a part of/and support emerging artists - we love unique pieces and at times 'detest' commercialism!

Check out the Set-Up of the Venue and its surroundings:

The Entrance.

Through the door to the chill-out lounge:

I love T.O. for its never-ending Graffiti Art:

Forgive me for this, but I am a fan of hidden-messages:

Stay Gold B-Sides Presents: ANDREW REYNOLDS

I can't believe that some of the footie was scrapped out of the feature, regardless the Boss destroys everything. Plus we get a little glimpse into his "madness" and tons of other dope stuff. Enjoy the edit

Spike Jonze Presents: Carroll 5 "Out Of Control"

Spike Jonze is back with the Lakai boys capturing them in their element. Jonze is the only one capable of creating something so dope, so enjoy the creativity you'll never have!

Polished Flow: King Magnetic Ft. General Steele, Esoteric, Ali Armz, Godilla, Allah, Vinnie Paz "Watch Out"

Damn, this is the type of craziness that I can vibe to all day, every day. An amazing collaboration of some serious talent, Vinnie Paz kills it. "You're all on that gay shit/Just so you can make hits"! I'm feeling this joint so hard right now, hope you feel it too. Enjoy

Soul Food: Fool's Gold Chowing Down @ Loco Moco in NYC

I can't even tell y'all how excited I get around good food, I mean it is like an overpowering sensation like no other. With that said, "Soul Food" will hit you off with clips of great cookin ideas and people enjoying their creations. Enjoy and chow down!

The Fool's Gold crew takes a trip to the lower east side of New York City and discovers an amazing fusion of a traditional Hawaiian dish with its own flare. Let's get inspired and feed our bottomless pits some great grub! Bon Appetite

Big Shout to Hypebeast for the clip

Food Gold Video Party: Loco Moco with Eddie Huang and Ninjasonik from Mr Goldbar on Vimeo.

Bones Presents: Jordan Hoffart

Jordan Hoffart simply rips!

Bones documents Jordan and hooks us up with this dope edit that really extenuates his skill and laid -back style.

Enjoy ma dude

Funny Ish: Notorious B.I.G. Calling out DJ Big Kap

Big Kap is definitely not having a good day and Biggie makes sure he knows it!

This clip is a must see, I must have repeated it 10 times already. Hilarious!

Enjoy

Polished Flow: Wais P "You See It"

Tight video from the homie Wais P. Gotta love the grimey Premier beat that just signs, seals and delivers the whole dope package.

Be sure to check out Wais P in his element on his upcoming EP "Game & Claim". Enjoy

Out of the Dark

"It's pretty hard to keep a Blog" - I thought today.

Don't know why, but between school, work and all the other stuff, it's hard to sometimes get motivated enough to write on here on a daily basis. But there's a reason why we decided to make this a mutual page - so that I can look at Mr. Kartel's posts every day and get motivated to beat him - at least in numbers!
So far that hasn't happened but I'm willing to step it up...



Today was a good day!

I'm involved in a project with the company I intern with - it's been very fulfilling both personally and professionally. More details to come when the project is made official, but I must say that I am already starting to see the fruits of that labour. Getting praise and approval from people whose feedback I truly cherish has definitely reassured me that I'm on the right path to success.

In addition, a small package arrived in the mail today - a little something from our biggest supporter!
Uncle B's undying support and presence in our lives has made us much happier! He truly is a role-model - happy, easy-going fella, whom anybody would be ecstatic to meet! Big Ups!! We can't wait to see you in California!!

I'll be back tomorrow with some pics and info from Sudbury 99's Art Market last weekend and some more fashion-related details.

Stussy X Marvel Comics Presents: Pete Rock

It is amazing to see people up on it! Pete Rock shares many of my passions including DJing and comic books. Growing up, I accumulated a serious comic book collection with my favourites being: Silver Surfer, Nick Fury, and The Punisher. The Pete Rock x Stussy x Marvel Comics collaboration is seriously dope. Big Shout to Stussy for catching up with the Mr. Remix himself in one of his favourite shops in New York City called Forbidden Planet. It is great to see Hip Hop and Comics seamlessly fused together. Enjoy the footie!

Big Shout to L. Ruano from Hypebeast for the the clip

Stussy x Marvel - DJ Pete Rock from Stussy on Vimeo.

Martha Cooper @ MOCA

I've always loved Martha Cooper's work and how she has had such a crazy impact on Hip Hop culture photography. Plain and simple when I think of the Golden Era and the foundation of hip hop I automatically think of Cooper's "Hip Hop Files". By all means she should go down in the Hip Hop Hall of Fame for exposing the true essence of genre in its early stages. Check out the clip and see how humble she views her work. A truly insirational individual. Enjoy

Big Shout out to L.Ruano from hypebeast for the clip

VNA x Martha Cooper at MOCA from Charlie Inman on Vimeo.

LRG "Give Me My Money Chico" Jack Curtin

Ma man Jack Curtin on his Grizzly in the "Give Me My Money Chico" edit. Enjoy

Jack Curtin - Give Me My Money Chico from LRG on Vimeo.

Gasface Presents: New York Minute Ep.2 (The Magic Number)

“Joell Ortiz; it’s me, Mike and Dennis”.

"An ex-con collecting muscle cars, a producer from haitian descent and a MC with no stage name remix the Holy Trinity live from Brooklyn… Holy sh*t ! Since those 3 got back together, each one lives in his own timezone. A paradox that works magic since Joell is on heavy rotation in the city’s biggest radio stations. How to get to the top without going anywhere"

Big Shout to Gasface for the quote and clip

102 - The Magic Number from ARTE New York Minute on Vimeo.