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Archive for December, 2010

“Get Paid!”


 

Click the pic to listen.

I’m obviously a fan of MOST things that come out of my home state of New Jersey, but when I heard the track “Get Paid” from I-Dub I knew it would be on repeat on my phone for a while.  Along with the Jersey raised I-Dub, one of my favorite emcee’s Grafh teams up with NY legend Papoose in what can only be described as a lyrical trifecta.  Awthentik laces the track with a nice chorus, which compliments the verses and makes the finished product something that has tons of replay value.  Click the pic to hear the track.

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2010
12/04
CATEGORY
Music
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Isaac Penard’s “Skullitime”


I’ve been hearing that at first people were getting sick of me talking about how much I enjoy collecting time pieces, then I was told that some people had no idea that some of the watches I’ve written about existed.  So in the interest of informing the public about one of the rares time telling devices I’ve come across, I present a this piece from Isaac Penard.  The lower jaw is hinged to the base of the skull to make a cover for the dial of the watch. The dial is engraved and filled with niello marking the hours with Roman numerals (I–XII) and the half hours with fleurs-de-lis. The skull watch was a specialty of Geneva, and to a lesser extent of Blois, both prominent centers of Protestant watchmakers during the first decades of the seventeenth century. Isaac Penard was a native Swiss who was apprenticed to the Genevan master Jacques Sermand (1595–1651), a well-known maker of skull watches as well as watches in such shapes as tulip buds, crosses, and stars.

2010
12/04
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Burj Al Arab: The World Most Luxurious Hotel.


Burj Al Arab, also known as “Arab Sail”, is the most expensive and luxurious hotel in the world. The are no “standard” rooms here. Each one of the of 202 rooms is a deluxe suite. All rooms are two-storied, the smallest being 1830 square-feet large, and the biggest – 8400 square-feet. The cheapest suite will cost you $1500 per night. Claiming to be the world’s first 7-star hotel, it has truly become the symbol of Dubai.  Before the economic crisis, one could only book a room number half-a-year in advanced. Right now, rooms are usually available within a week or so.

Sheikh Mohammed – the ruler of Dubai – perfectly understood that his emirate needs a recognizable symbol. Same as the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Statue of Liberty in New York. For that purpose, he hired the British architect Tom Wright. The idea of building a Sail-shaped hotel came to him accidentally.  You can’t just walk in on Burj Al Arab territories just like that. The hotel stands on an artificial island, only accessible through a secured bridge.  Two city tour options are available at the airport: a simple guided tour for $55, or a tour to the Burj Al Arab for $175. I, of course, refused to drink tea with cookies for $120.

On entering the hotel, you would face the staircase fountain, with an escalator on each side. The fountain periodically starts to play, spitting short streams of water.  Burj Al Arab has the highest hotel lobby in the the world: 180 meters. The hotel is shaped into a triangle and the front side actually looks like a taut sail from the inside.

2010
12/04
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The Dicer/Serato 2.1 Additions.


So in my recent quest to update all my hardware/software, I came across the Dicer.  A funky little device for use with Serato 2.1 that help keep functionality on the tables, and not in the computer while playing.  DJ’s often hate a “PC DJ” who just looks like their doing something, but everything is controlled on the computer in front of them, and I know I have an issue with photographers ALWAYS choose to take pictures during the one millisecond while I’m using the computer to cue something up, so at times it can look like I’m over using my Mac to create my mixes, and not the turntables. But with the Dicer, that issue has disappeared.  Check the method below.  I’m definitely looking forward to testing these little diddies out in a club near you.

2010
12/04
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DJ Storm
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Rick Ross on The Source.


No matter what you may have heard about Rick Ross over the last few years… (The beef with 50 Cent led to 50 showing Ross’s baby pictures on the internet /That he may be broke / That he was a parole officer / what have you)… Ross has some pretty respectable statistics behind his name.  During the cover shoot of his upcoming cover of The Source, an “Uncovered” video was shot, shouting out some of his accomplishments, and I have to say, the man has done quite well for his career.  You can’t knock his hustle.

2010
12/04
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Entertainment
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The Expansion of Storage.


Over the last week or two, my home has turned into something out of “Dexter’s Laboratory”, with MPC pads, mic stands, DJ tables, Mboxes, speakers, MIDI controllers, microphones, ProTools 9 – HD, and a teeming mass of cables long enough to weave a bra for Sheyla Hershey.  With all this new gear, I’ve had to up my storage game to accommodate all the music that’s going to start oozing into people’s CD players.  While on a routine trip to Best Buy, someone asked me if I really needed 13 terabytes of storage, and my answer was “I didn’t know I had that much.”  That made me think of how quickly storage is expanding, and how much cheaper it’s been getting over time, so below is a little homage paid to the storage devices of yesteryear.

2010
12/04
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“Prada Private”


Prada is introducing PradaPrivate, a collection of sunglasses that enables wearers to customize the letters and symbols on the temple of their frames.  The Prada sunglass customization allows for two letters, numbers, and symbols to be placed on the temple arms of their shades.  Each sunglass arm has a tiny removable section that screws on and off, allowing the letters, symbols and numbers to be screwed on in any configuration.

You can even choose between 3 different colors for the frame, including Black, White or Tortoiseshell.  The new Prada Private glasses will be available starting today exclusively at Sunglass Hut in USA and Prada boutiques worldwide. Retail price is $365.

2010
12/03
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Shakur Sozahdah


The amazing Shakur Sozahdah is of East African descent, and just like all the other girls on this Blog, the typical model.  The alluring Shakur boasts a talent for music that many of her counterparts in the video vixen industry may not have.  The sound of the raptress is an eclectic mixture of musical genres. Shakur describes her sound as urban, euro, pop. “My sound is a good balance of hip-hop, pop, and London swag and it’s that diversity that makes it good ear candy. Every time I step into the studio, I’m going for music that has a feel good vibe with global appeal. We have seven continents in this world, so why limit yourself to just one. There are so many people out there I can reach with music, so I definitely do not want to stipulate my growth. International is where it’s at! I don’t think I sound like any female artist that’s out there now,” she explains. “It’s a new sound…it’s a new lane. I try to show my unique twist on what I do and I exemplify it in my music.” When asked what she hopes to accomplish Shakur’s goals are clear. “I want to flourish in what I do, learn from others, and create an empire. So many people fall off after a hit or two, but I want to create something substantial and use whatever status or fame I get to do something positive. I want to help people in any way I can and make a difference…whether it’s minute and miniscule, or something huge. I just want to keep the momentum going and never limit myself.”

2010
12/03
CATEGORY
Women
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Virtual Fashion Show.


When most people think about a fashion show, they might picture something like the above.  Well put together models, walking down a runway being examined in their freshly created looks by a mass of teaming critics, all the while a scene of chaos and mayhem ensues behind the stage as designers and make up artists scramble to get the next model prepared to adorn a new set of garments.  But the good folks at Google have presented a fashion show concept that’s a bit more simple.  The new Google ads feature a gaggle of Japanese girls engaged in the “Virtual Fashion Show”, a fun and interesting activity brought about with a projector, a computer, and Google.  Check the method below.

2010
12/03
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Victo Ngai’s Artwork.


Classic artwork, illustrations, and pictures always peak my interest.  So coming across classic styled Japanese drawing by Victo Ngai was like finding a $50 bill in my couch cushions.  While all the pictures vary in subject, scale, and detail, they all maintain a very tradition Japanese style that (to me) is extremely visually appealing.  Check the method.

2010
12/02
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The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong.


The new Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong will be the tallest hotel in the world and there will be an infinity-edge pool on the top floor.  The current record for the highest hotel pool is the infinity pool on the edge of the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, an open-air pool perched 55 stories up.  Like the Marina Bay Sands, the Ritz-Carlton pool will also be an infinity pool, but it will be located indoors on the 118th floor.

The hotel in the making will be the flagship property for the Ritz-Carlton in Asia, occupying levels 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre.  At the base of the ICC tower, the Elements shopping mall offers some of the finest luxury shopping in Hong Kong with brand names and international fashion brands fighting for space in this world-class location.

The building sits directly across Victoria Harbour and offers magnificent views of the harbor, Hong Kong Island and The New Territories.  The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is set to open March of next year. Rates at the hotel will start at 4,500 HKD, or $580, a night.

2010
12/02
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Grafh – Dark Fantasy (Freestyle)


 

Click the pic to listen. (Courtesy of HHG)

Grafh has always been one of my favorite emcees on the east coast, and since the recent outbreak of “Dark Fantasy” freestyle from various artists, I was waiting for one that stood out above the others.  Grafh’s style has seemed to switch up from time to time, but this track returns to his non-stop flurry of bars that made me a fan in the first place.  Along with his flow, he also emphasizes certain lines by cutting out holes in the beat which is also something that makes me an intent listener every time I hear it.  All in all, this is my favorite freestyle over this beat so far… especially the line, “If I’m not on the blog that you watchin, then log off.”

2010
12/02
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The Grammy Nomination Announcements.


As some people may know, the Grammy’s are soon approaching, and for a recording artist, the honor of just being nominated is a pretty big deal.  The Grammy’s have also been known for being somewhat partial to the hip hop genre… Until this year.  Check out some of the catagories, and the nominations below.

Record Of The Year
Empire State Of Mind – Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Love The Way You Lie – Eminem & Rihanna
Fuck You – Cee-Lo Green
B.o.B & Bruno Mars – Nothin’ On You
Need You Now – Lady Antebellum

Album Of The Year
Recovery – Eminem
Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
The Fame Monster – Lady Gaga
Teenage Dream – Katy Perry
The Suburbs – Arcade Fire

Best Rap Album
The Blueprint 3 – Jay-Z
Thank Me Later – Drake
Recovery – Eminem
How I Got Over – The Roots
The Adventures Of Bobby Ray – B.o.B

Best Rap Song
Empire State Of Mind – Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
On To The Next One — Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz
Love The Way You Lie – Eminem & Rihanna
Not Afraid – Eminem
Nothin’ On You – B.o.B & Bruno Mars

Best Rap Solo Performance
Over – Drake
Not Afraid – Eminem
How Low – Ludacris
I’m Back – T.I.
Power – Kanye West

Best New Artist
Justin Bieber
Drake
Florence + The Machine
Mumford & Sons
Esperanza Spalding

Song Of The Year
Love The Way You Lie – Eminem & Rihanna
Fuck You – Cee-Lo Green
The House That Built Me – Miranda Lambert
Beg, Steal Or Borrow – Ray Lamontagne
Need You Now – Lady Antebellum

Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group
Fancy – Drake, T.I. & Swizz Beatz
On To The Next One – Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz
My Chick Bad – Ludacris & Nicki Minaj
Shutterbugg – Big Boi & Cutty
Lose My Mind – Young Jeezy & Plies

Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
Nothin’ On You – B.o.B & Bruno Mars
Deuces – Chris Brown, Tyga & Kevin Mccall
Love The Way You Lie – Eminem & Rihanna
Empire State Of Mind – Jay-Z & Alicia Keys
Wake Up Everybody – John Legend & The Roots feat. Melanie Fiona & Common

Best Urban/Alternative Performance
Little One – Bilal
Fuck You – Cee-Lo Green
Tightrope – Janelle Monáe & Big Boi
Still – Eric Roberson
Orion – Carolyn Malachi

2010
12/02
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The Ex1.


What do you get when you mix an Autobot, the “Batman Begins” Batmobile, and a ‘T-Rex‘?   A vehicle that looks even better to slide into than a video vixen’s mouth… The EX1.  To celebrate their 200th anniversary, the french car maker Peugeot developed a new concept car that merges its motorcycle and automotive expertise in the EX1. the lightweight car features two seats and no top with power coming from 4 wheel mounted electric motors that add up to 340 horsepower.  The exterior design is quite dramatic with a large front air intake, side scoops and low-profile wind screen.  While the car won’t likely see a production line, the prototypes constructed by Peugeot are said to have achieved excellent results.

 

2010
12/01
CATEGORY
Automotive
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Snoop Dogg – “Wet”


Click the pic to listen. (Courtesy of HHG)

I have an adverse opinion of autotune and other voice altering effects in music (especially since I’m gaining ground as an experienced studio engineer).  But when I heard Snoop’s new single “Wet”, I was thoroughly impressed by the sound he was able to achieve when he stepped out of the box.  The beat is quite simple, (somewhat reminiscent of “Wait” by the Ying Yang Twins, but a more relaxed vibe), and is complimented by a slower style of rap by Snoop that still has the ability to get the right crowd in the club moving.  Click the pic to take a listen, and let me know what you think.

2010
12/01
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The Drunken Monkeys.


As a known drinker, I’ve always been curious as to what makes certain people more susceptible to the “temptation” of liquor than others.  I found some possible answers in a very unlikely source.  I realized this add for liquor isn’t far from the truth, after seeing this BBC documentary on monkeys on the island of St. Kitts. Some of them have tendencies much like humans, which leads me to believe that certain actions may be genetic, not just general behavior.  Check the method below.

2010
12/01
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Miffy’s Solid Gold 2011 Calendar


Japanese jewelry maker Ginza Tanaka has put on sale a 2011 calendar made of 6 kilograms of pure gold featuring popular Dutch rabbit character Miffy.  The calendar measuring 64 centimeters by 40 centimeters is on sale at eight outlets of the company as well as online.  The special solid gold Miffy calendar celebrates the “Year of the Rabbit 2011” and is on sale for a whopping 55 million yen ($655,000).

2010
12/01
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Damon Loble’s Women.


Damon Loble is a photographer born in Montana and now living in Los Angeles. His portfolio is focusing on one and only subject : Women. Shooting them in the simple apparel that could be, giving the picture at the same time a sexy and elegant temper. Giving himself a nudity and erotica photographer position, he has the talent, the imagination an the ability to create amazing portraits.  I’ve always known that eventually I was going to cross the “nudity border” on this blog, but I always wanted to do it with class/style and I appreciate being able to do it for the first time with Damon Loble’s art.

2010
12/01
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Art
Photography
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