Jay-Z - I Know (Video)

We must say the concept on this one is very Abstract and appealing. The protagonist in this feature is none other than the child of Mr. Lenny Kravitz and Ms. Lisa Bonet, Zoe Kravitz. Check out the video. Do you know?

Lil' Weeziana Performance...

We can't front, this guy gives one helluva show. The hell is up with his The Grudge crawling ass though? It's good to know where Jae Millz has been all this time. Maybe we'll hear some new material from him soon, Hmmmm.

75 Bars(Black's Reconstruction) Behind The Scenes...

To add on to this post Here. Here is a behind the scenes look on the making of The Root's latest song off of their upcoming album Rising Down.

G-Unit - Good To Me (Video)

Curtis and The Gang offer up this video of what it means to be good to them. We swear dont step on our pool table. It wouldn't end pretty.

Estelle - American Boy (ft. Yeezy)

New video from Estelle for her American Boy joint. Video features Kanye and Sa-Ra creative partners. (British accent)"Cheers, we like it just a li'l bit".

Hear more Estelle Here. Estelle Myspace.

Clip Via Youtube.

ESPN Covers The Air Jordan Legacy...

With the 23rd model upon us ESPN did a little research as to why the shoe means so much in today's mainstream market and why it will have a lasting impression for at least a generation or two to come. With appearances by Spike Lee and Barack Obama.

...Because we've been wearing Mikes since we were crawlin', ballin'.

She'll Love Baby Milo...

Right on the heels of the Bathing Ape x Nickelodeon (Pics below) collabo A Bathing Ape, or simply Bape, has released a Baby Milo Plush Toy. Seeing as how this will probably look better on her bed than yours, why not be a sport and cop her one Here. Cliffedge Shop.

Via Cliffedge.

Previous Bape x Sponge Bob:

Sensual Seductionnnnn...

Snoop Dizzle + an ounce of dro + a vocoder while locked in a room = Sensual Seduction. Snoop gives us some insight on the creation of such an awesome song.


Clip Via Youtube.

The Kings of Hip-Hop LP...

Straight from the New York Daily News gossip columns, column writers Rush & Molloy have said that Jay-Z and Nas are getting ready to work on a collaborative LP due out early next year.

The LP's tentative title is rumored to be "Kings of Hip-Hop" and will feature Hov and God's Son trading lyrics to production sourced through Jay-Z's new Carter Music Group.

...Yeah, we'll believe this when Beyonce` starts responding to those letters we've been sending her. It's OK baby, we know that you haven't gotten around to them because of your busy schedule...we know.

What's Worse Than Stale Beef?

People who eat it.

The Roots - 75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction)...

Download/Listen Here. The Roots - 75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction)

A cut off their new album Rising Down, Black Thought unleashes some punishment over this breakbeat.

*Unfortunately we were unable to attend the concert at the legendary Apollo Theater due to an...unexpected turn of events (Hope he is feeling better Steven). If any of you, our beloved readers, would like to submit pictures of the event, please by all means...

Nas 'What It Is' Snippet...

Download/Stream Here. Nas - What It Is (Snippet)

What better way to start the week than to have some new music by your man Nasir "God's Son" Escobar?

Track is titled 'What It Is', premiered by Dj Kahlil at a Reason event.

"Esco Let's Go...Esco Let's Go!!!"

"So what's this, fuck *St. Nicholas*/ you the only ghetto nigga in the hood giving gifts."

Going to be on repeat thoughout the week.

From Marcy To Madison Square w/ Linkin Park...

Jay-Z and Linkin Park Tore down Madison Square Garden this past week. The crowd erupted when Jigga man stepped on stage and performed a number of his collabortaion tracks with the talented Linkin Park band.

"From Marcy to Madison Square", gets us hyped everytime!

Clip Via Youtube.

The World's First iBand...

OK, two things. What the hell does the guy on the right do? Furthermore when can we put Pro Tools(The industry standard for recording digital music) on this shit?

Very Abstract.

Nom De Guerre Spring 2008 Preview...

Without further ado here is an exclusive sneak peak from Clothing brand Nom De Guerre with their Spring/Summer Collection.

"The American idea of Manifest Destiny and her bygone Industrial Age inspired the clothes - when blue collar Americans wore suits and rolled up their sleeves.

The collection features rugged denim mixed with subtle sweater prints inspired by Pendleton blankets – a staple of the age. Weather resistant technical polys' accent
the collection, true to the ideology of Western expansion."

Nom De Guerre Driver Jacket:





Nom De Guerre Cowboy T-Shirt:




Nom De Guerre Classic Fit Jean:







For more of whats going on with Nom De Guerre, check out their LookBook, Here.

Nom De Guerre

You'll Be Wearing...

"In my *Fall of Rome Jeans*, My *Head Porter* Wallet/ My *Neighborhood* shirt, My *Eddie Chen* clock shit..." - Lupe Fiasco "Gold Watch"

Japanese brand Head Porter has revealed a few pieces from their spring line. Head Porter Plus, the clothing splinter of Head Porter, has revealed a Marine long sleeved striped Tee, a Marine Tattersall hooded jacket, a Marine parka and a Marine crew neck sweater featuring shoulder buttons!

Dope. Get your conversion calculators out because the pieces range from 13,000 to 36,000 Yen.

For specifics on the pieces you want to purcahse, visit Daventry Here.

Head Porter Online Shop

Daventry

It's just yeah yeah, she love it over here...
It's just yeah yeah, she love it over here.

Amerykah The Beautyful...

Miss Badu recently had a listening party at the Alex Grey Gallery in...yeah, New "My city's better than yours" York, this wednesday. Her new album New Amerykah will be in stores everywhere this coming tuesday, February 26th. We can't wait!

Also Read an article here, with the Dallas Observer, that goes further in depth with Miss Badu.

...We know all the dudes in the room that have a thing for neo-soul chicks just let out a sigh. It's OK. We Love this woman!

Thank you to Alex Grey for the pictures.

The Roots @ The Apollo...

You best believe that it's showtime. The roots will be performing at the Apollo Theater in the Greatest City in the world.

Catch The Roots Fri. Feb. 22nd @ the Apollo Theater.

Located At:

W. 125th St. Harlem NY
7:30pm & 11:00pm
Tickets range from $31.50-41.50

Embedding was disabled!!!

Please Please Please Click This Link. Black Thought Vintage Freestyle

The Mighty Mos: Drive By's...

Mos is the dopest. On point when he dropped knowledge about "Artist's".


Clip Via Youtube.

It's Fifty, Superbowl Fifty...Part II

Part two of Curtis and Marvin's(Yayo) interesting Superbowl weekend...

Previous post with Part 1 Here.

Complex Feature: Andre 3000 x Will Ferrell...

Recently to the Internet Here. Andre 3000 & Will Ferrell Complex Feature.

Andre "The Love Below" 3000 and Will "Old School" Ferrell give us some insight on their new movie and working together.

Here's what 3000 had to say about garnering a new fanbase:

"you appreciate them [the new fans], too. There’s something that touched them and made them say, “Hey, I like them,” or “I like that.” I guess it’s their responsibility to go back and see what movies he was in and other albums I made. But they might not even like those other albums, maybe they just liked that movie and that’s it, or that song, that’s it. That’s fine, too."

The movie looks hilarious and the feature is comedic. Great things from Mr. Benjamin lately. Kudos.

URB's Next 100 Cover Shot...

Erykah Badu and Jay Electronica, previous post where we introduced you to him Here, grace the latest cover of URB's magazine.

Inside Jay gives us insight on what a concert from him would be like...it's pretty far-fetched but hey, he's using his imagination.

February 20th In Brooklyn...

Doors open at 7:30. Open bar from 8:00 to 9:00. 21+ to enter.

Abstract Minds will be at this event. See you all there.

Located At:

262 Taaffe Pl # 517
Brooklyn, NY 11205
(718) 398-6666

For directions to get to Sputnik visit Here.

Be Safe New York.

Cool Kids: Interview & A Freestyle...

The newest 'Kids' from Chicago drop a freestyle and are interviewed overseas. Mikey Rocks first followed by Chuck Inglish. They're pretty good. Gaining a buzz, nice job.

Bonus Video: "Black Mags"



Download Black Mags Here. Black Mags.


Get more Cool Kids Here. Cool Kids Myspace.

Fred de Garilhe's Chanel Choco Phone...

We told you that 2008 would be the year of heavy collaborations, and we weren't lying.

Introducing the Chanel 'Choco' phone. This phone is designed by french designer Fred de Garilhe. At first glance the phone looks like a cool tic-tac-toe board but then it opens up in its activated state to reveal a screen hidden by the block facade. It works by integrating an optical fiber system that displays images between two glass panels. There are 12 micro lighter fibers, that throw image components to the glass. All lights only appear when you open the phone, by pushing removable part on it's side.

Very Abstract Minded. Although this is only a concept prototype, this phone may very well be underway in it's production stages in the coming year. Be on the look out.

Common On His New Album...

Rapper Common talks with MTV about his new album and his sources of income. Here's what he had to say:

"I'm looking around November, I'm working on a new album called The Believer. I'm just getting in the mode. I been touring a lot and been working on verses here and there. Now, I'm starting to get focused on the album, letting it take its shape. And at the same time I'll be working on films, God willing."

About his sources of income he said:

"I feel a lot more free with my music now that I'm doing films and stuff, because I don't put as much pressure on the music. It ain't my only source of income and way to make a living."

Umm, there you have it. Come on, we knew that Common was far from a starving rapper, however sometimes you need that hunger in your lyrics. We only hope that he isn't too comfortable in giving us Electric Circus' and Finding Forevers well, forever...

Read the rest of the article over at MTV.com Here.

Rita G. Defends 'Ye's Flashing Lights...

Model Rita G spoke with MTV about why people shouldn't rely on the mother goose to chew their food. Vh1 via'd the story:

"It's so funny, this video will go over a lot of people's heads — and it's supposed to. I think it's great that it does. Because Kanye is just on another level; he's ahead of his time, in a sense. All the third-graders who come home from school and want to watch videos and snap their fingers and all that, they're probably gonna think, 'That video is wack, but that chick got a fat ass.' And that's fine. But people in higher positions, they're gonna see something different. They're gonna get it, people who are thinkers..."

Word.

Read the rest of the article over at VH1.com Here.

Sheek Louch - Good Love...

Download the track Here.

"Shorty shotgun, black *Hilary Duff*" -You know what's up.

More D-Block goodness. Look out for Sheek's Silverback Gorilla album in March.

Jadakiss - Welcome To The Roc...

Download the track Here.

"Dust heads naked in the hallway spaced out." -Yesssss.

Crack.

Jay-Z x Steve Stoute: Translation Advertising Update...

Jay-Z gives us a little insight as to what we can expect from Translation Advertising. Translation Advertising is an advertising company that he and Steve Stoute will be partnering up to produce.

Read previous posts on Translation Advertising Here and Here.

Talib Kweli - Hostile Gospel (Deliver Us)...

Off that new album. Pretty dope.

Lloyd Banks - I Am Legend Freestyle...

Listen Here. Lloyd Banks - I Am Legend Freestyle

"Got metal for chest just like *Logan*" -That's Wolverine y'all.

Lloyd Banks showed out on this freestyle that DJ Whookid dropped on G-Unit Radio over the weekend. Is The Gang finally back to their old regimen of hard hitting mixtapes for the streets and good radio cuts for the airwaves? We'll see...

Glow In The Dark Mixtape...

Tracklist is as follows:

Intro 1:17 Mahito Yokota
Locked Away 3:30 Mickey Factz, N.E.R.D.
Gold Watch 4:13 Lupe Fiasco
Good Girl Gone Bad 3:30 Rihanna
Hey Mama (2008 Studio Version) 2:38 Kanye West
Dumb It Down (Live) 3:32 Lupe Fiasco
Sell Me Candy 2:46 Rihanna
International Swagger 4:14 Pharrell
Flashing Lights(Remix)exclusive 3:58 Kanye West, Dwele, Colin Munroe
Tape You/Nasty Naughty 7:41 N.E.R.D.
Push Up On Me 3:15 Rihanna
What It Do 3:57 Lupe Fiasco
Hater Family 3:36 PM
I was Waiting For You 2:49 N.E.R.D.
I Wonder Freestyle Live 3:26 Kanye West
Streets On Fire 4:40 Lupe Fiasco
Umbrella (Unplugged) 4:39 Rihanna
Good Night 3:07 Kanye West, Mos Def
Finer Things (Bonus Track) 4:15 Felli Fel, Neyo, Fabolous, Kanye, JD


Looks like it should be good.

Via lupEND

The Cool Kids Perform 'Black Mags' Overseas...

They are on the come up.

It's Fifty, Superbowl Fifty...

Curtis and his company at a superbowl event.

Nike x 'Artists'- The Running Man Collection...

This upcoming spring season will bring another Nike x "artist" collaboration. Like we mentioned before, this year is big on the collaboration tip between brands and artists alike.

Here we have Nike's Running Man Collection. Nike collaborated with three well known artists to give inspiration and insight on designs. Each artist gets a windbreaker, T-shirt and a shoe. Heres a breakdown:

The first artist is Parra. For Parra's pieces the artist used a jig-sawed broken image of a rabbit, Parra's signature design. In a similar fashion on the T-shirt, the rabbit can be found whole. An Air Max 95 model was Parra's choice of shoe and will feature the whole jig-saw rabbit on the heeltab area.

The second artist in this collection is Todd James a.k.a "Reas". For Reas' pieces, (lol) he used a caricature of a lightning bolt in a hurried, running fashion. In our opinion the dopest out of the collection, the lightning bolt can be found on the center of the T-shirt and the windbreaker has lightning bolt detail on its front. Todd's shoe of choice was the NIke Cortez model which sports the lightning bolt caricature on the heeltab.

The third artist to appear for this collab is Misha Hollenbach for PAM(Perks and Mini). Misha brainstormed a funny little tornado caricature with only the eyes visible sporting a look of imminent victory. The tornado print windbreaker for Misha is more of an all-over type fashion. Misha's shoe model of choice was an Air Max 90 running shoe which, like previously mentioned artist's models, sports the tornado caricature on the heeltab.

Look for these styles and shoes to drop in the coming months in limited releases at first and then gradual general releases.

For more Info Visit:

Nike

To see more of the featured artist's work Visit:

Parra for Rockwell Clothing

Todd James (Reas) for Reas International

Misha Hollenbach for PAM (Perks and Mini)

Wu-Tang Clan - Take It Back...

Caption: "Come on Rae...Look at the new eagle Pleaseeeeeeee"



The reason as to why "Before you had a name you were screamin' Wu-Tang..."

Video Via Youtube.