Watch This: Downtown 81

One of the best things about not having a television is that I can really find some treasures in the Watch Instantly section of Netflix. Par example, I recently ran across the film, Downtown 81 - a seedy, bizarre, "urban fairytale" of the undergorund NY scene, starring Jean-Michel Basquiat, a.k.a The Black Andy Warhol a.k.a Mr. Neo Expressionism a.k.a The Radiant Child.

The film is craaazy dope and it took a lot of painstaking work from the Producers to get it out to the public. It was made sometime between 1980 and 1981, but was not officially released until 2000 - over 10 years after J-MB had passed. The audio of the film was destroyed, and an overdubbing of Basquiat's voice was done by musician/poet Saul Williams. And as if witnessing the too cool for school swag of Jean-Michel weren't enough, there are some pretty great cameos from Hip-Hop pioneers Fab 5 Freddy and Lee Quinones, former Yardbirds manager Giorgio Gomelsky and Debbie Harry from Blondie. Ohhh and some incredible indie rock music featured in the film from bands that I am still trying to find out the names of..

Check out the trailer I found on YouTube below and if you find it somewhere, Watch It.

Word to Toronto

Canada has really been pumping out the talent over the past year. I've discovered so many of my new favorites - Broken Social Scene, Drizzy Drake, Melanie Fiona, The Carps - in just the past year..Now I've run across two more.

The first video is from electrohop duo, Thunderheist and it is Definitely danceworthy. The name of the song is "Nothing 2 Step 2" and it boasts great synth/drum machine work form producer, Grahm Zilla and equally as great vocals from the lovely, Miss Isis.

Video #2 is a short-n-sweet groove from 21 year old MC, KJ. He hails from Toronto by way of London and started out as a sound engineer in recording studios. The shortness of the song, "Repeat," is a little questionable, but, the beat reminds me of something from Hell Hath No Furry - which is a good thing.

Check them out below and see what you think..

Lectro BLACK

Holy Shit. Diddy has officially crossed over into the electro/house scene with the release of his latest mixtape, Lectro Black: Last Train to Paris MIXTAPE. Apparently, Lectro Black, is Diddy's electronic dance alter-ego that commands its listeners to "Dance. Dance motherfuckers, Dance." It's pretty amazing.

The entire mixtape was produced by legendary house DJ, Felix Da Housecat and is just under an Hour long. The tape does jam some heavy Electronic riddim, peppered with random outbursts from Diddy. I especially like the part when he refers to Ben and Andrew of MGMT as ANGELS (around the 34'' mark). It's...interesting..

After listening to the mix all the way through, I think it gets the D(D)W stamp of approval. It's riskier than Kanye's 808 and sounds like nothing Diddy has ever blessed our ears with. Although most of the magic is created by Felix's producing skills, the fact that Diddy is throwing all of his energy and resources into a project like this is very noble.

Listen/Download the mixtape riiiight here and see what you think..

Y S M B E

"Why are you making work about Perestroika? You are African, aren't you? Why don't you make authentic African art?" That's the question Yinka Shonibare was asked by his professor while at art school in London. After all, he was, or appeared to be, an African man. From that moment on, Shonibare always made it a point to explore themes of authenticity and origin in his work. And luckily for us, his work is presented through several different fantastic mediums - painting, photography, film and sculpture.

His renderings are just as diverse as his background. Born to wealthy parents in London and raised in Nigeria, Shonibare never felt that he was inferior to anyone because of his skin color. It wasn't until he found trouble selling his "non-African" art as an "African" man that he experienced the limitations of race. And on top of that, Mr. Shonibare has been considerably limited, physically, since he first went against his father's wishes and became an artist. He suffers from a disease that has left him partially paralyzed since he was 18 years old. Now 47, he has never let his race or his handicap be a stymie to his career. Instead, he chose to use them to his advantage, and as a way to set his work apart from that of his contemporaries.

One of the most prominent, and beautiful, examples of the artist's critique on origin and identity, is his use of "African" garments in sculpture. As you will see below, Yinka loves to drape his headless (and brainless?) mannequins with these garments. This became one of his favorite practices when he discovered that these so-called African textiles were actually wax prints exported from the Netherlands into Africa. He found it fascinating that the most Africanest of garments were not from Africa at all...

How to Blow Up Two Heads at Once (Ladies)

Scramble for Africa

The Swing (after Fragonard)

And here are some of his works using different mediums..

Black Gold II

Diary of a Victorian Dandy: 03.00 hours

A still from his film, Un Ballo in Maschera (A Masked Ball)

A retrospective of Mr. Shonibare's lifelong works, Yinka Shonibare MBE, is currently on display at the Brooklyn Museum until the 20th of September and is then headed to the Smithsonian in our Nation's Capitol. Sooo, if you are in or around Brooklyn before September 20, 2009, or D.C. before March 2010, you should definitely check him out.

If you don't anticipate to be in either of those cities, PBS will be highlighting the artist in their upcoming Art: 21 documentary. Check out the trailer here..

Dub(do)Work Mixtape - August 2009

Stacy was always ahead of her time - rockin' the wayfarers wayyy before they were en vogue.
(pic via Stacy's guestbook)

I'd like to dedicate this month's installment to a very special friend of mine. It took me a while to decide if I would approach this situation in my little nook of the blogosphere, or if it was even appropriate. And I'm still not sure if I've made the right decision. I didn't want to go along with things as if some supremely tragic event hadn't happen in my life and I also didn't want to cheapen Stacy's legacy to a blog post. However, I did want to make sure that she was remembered in every possible way..

So, this tape is dedicated to the companion, designer and poet extraordinaire, Stacy Marie Barnett. We are eternally grateful for your life and spirit and will deeply miss you until we see you again.

Stacy also really liked listening to Music and I'm sure that she would approve of the jams below..So, take a look around and see if ya hear anything you like..Enjoy...

1. Portofino/Teengirl Fantasy/dublab presents...IN THE LOOP: 5
2. Fuck You/The Knux
3. Night Vision (Daft Punk Cover)/The Twelves
4. Bang Time feat. Styles P/M.O.P
5. Missy Lazer - Pon de Gossip/Cookin Soul/Mashup Kings
6. Lights Out (Tepr Emo Remix)/Santigold
7. Hurricane/Ume/Urgent Sea
8. Cough Cool/Roxette
9. My Secret Lover (Diplo Remix)/Private
10. Might Like You Better (Blaqstarr Remix)/Amanda Blank/Might Like You Better
11. I Want U (!llmind Remix)/Common/!llmind Remixes
12. Born Slippy/Underworld/Live at Brixton Academy (01.11.08)
13. That's Not My Name (Skeet & Tito Remix) feat. Wale/The Ting Tings
14. We Are Golden (Jokers of the Scene are not Who You Think They Are Remix)/Mika
15. Windowlicker (Acid Edit)/Aphex Twin/26 Mixes For Cash
16. Yeyo feat. Raw Man/The Bloody Beetroots/Romborama
17. I Get High/Hostage
18. Feel It All Around/Washed Out/2009


...And as always, if you hear something you like, pleassze $upport the Artist!

Persepolis pt. deux

In the wake of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's presidential confirmation, I wanted to post the Marjane Satrapi inspired Persepolis 2.0 that has been circulating around the internet since Iran's supreme leader declared Ahmadinejad the victor last month.

Satrapi gained worldwide notoriety for her graphic novel Perspolis, which was later adapted into an animated film of the same name. The novel is an autobiographical tale of a young Satrapi that is set against the events leading up to and during the Iranian Revolution of 1979. I have only seen the movie and what I thought would be a boring, black and white historical reprise, turned out to be an amazing, colorful tale of the Irani youth. So, if you haven't already, be sure and check it out. (If you are a Netflix member, you can watch it, Instantly).

Click on the Persepolis 2.0 cover below to download the PDF version of the graphic novel.

Step ya Indie Rock Festival Game UP

I wasn't sure if I was going to post anything on this, because it had been covered by every major news source in the Houston-area. So, instead of stating the obvious, I decided to share some iPhone snaps and personal thoughts on H-Town's inaugural Free Press SummerFest..

The festival grounds were right on the bayou with a perfect view of the City's downtown skyline..


No festival is complete without some free-loving hippie shenanigans, right??...

humans of all sizes had some fun on the 100-ft. death-defying paint-slide

Free VitaminWaters...Thanks 50..

a whole buncha people

This guy was awesome.

clear skies..(no)...


a little art...

ANd, although I was only able to make it out on Sunday, the band that impressed me the most from the festival was the Texas-based grunge/punk rock trio, Ume. I had had several donuts and was relaxing on the top of some hill, when I was informed that I Had to check out this band that was performing. Reluctantly, I broke away from my chill zone and went to see what was up.. After all, I was there to hear new music, not contemplate what I was going to have for dinner under the Texas Sun.

ANd I sure am glad I was able to make it over to check them out. I only got to hear two songs, but that was enough. I was totally Blown away by the band's front(wo)man - "Lauren". The hair, The frailness, The voice. She was just awesome. And I'm pretty sure, Curt Kobain lives through her?..

And like anyone in the 21st Century who discovers a new band they like, I YouTubed the shit out of them when I got home..

Pretty amazing stuff. Look out for them on this month's D(D)W mixtape and check out their MySpace for more soundzz....

Henry V.

In recognition of last week's Copenhagen Fashion Week, I couldn't help but highlight one of the country's most interestingly talented fashion designers, the man you see above, Henrik Vibskov. To label Mr. Vibskov a "fashion designer" would be like labeling Souljaboy a "good rapper" - it's quite the understatement. His creative talents stretch across the board - he has made considerable accomplishments in the arenas of fashion, music, film And large-scale instillation art.

I first learned about Sir Henrik when I ran across a YouTube video of his Autumn/Winter 2009-2010 collection (below). It was definitely something I hadn't seen before, especially on a runway or at a fashion show. Mr. Vibskov obviously takes his shows seriously, because that's exactly what he gives you, a show. His A/W 09-10 showcase looks like something Alex would have experienced during the Ludovico Technique. Maybe not as ultraviolent, but just as bizarre and experimental. I've also included a video of his Fantabulous Bicycle Music Factory. Where, he puts his models to work, making them create odd symphonies whilst peddling away..

And here are some of the pieces I liked from his Spring/Summer 2010 collection...save the elevated, face- engulfing blond wigs...

Sooo.. be sure to keep your eye on Henrik, who knows what he'll be coming up with next..

Jaydiohead - Vol. II

I wonder if DangerMouse was aware of the Mashup Revolution he was starting when he released the Grey Album in 2004. I don't think he did.

To add to the looong list of mashup albums that have been released since then...NYC DJ and producer Max Tannone a.k.a Minty Fresh Beats gives us ... JAYDIOHEAD - The Encore. As you've probably guessed the album mashes the rhymes of Sir Jay-Z with instrumentals from future rock hall of famer's Radiohead. This release is the second installment of Radiohead/Jay Z mixing. I didn't post the first one because I was just generally against Jay Z rhyming over Radiohead tracks. But, I got over it. I still don't like it. But I got over it.

Pick up The Encore here and see what you think.

Where art thou Chromeo??

Our favorite Arab/Jewish connection has Finally given the people what they want - some got damn Music! Although it is not an original composition, Chromeo's latest release is a remake of the 1979 Eagle's hit, I Can't Tell You Why.

This track is just as good as the original, except with all the Chromeo fixins - some stellar talk box work from P-Thug, SexySynth grooves runnin' thru, and great vocals from Dave 1.

They are releasing the track on the upcoming DJ-KICKS mixtape and to, presumably, let their fans know what they've been up to. Hopefully they will be dropping some new, original jams soon..

Tap on the image above to pick up the track.

I WILL COME BACK

Holy Ghost! in the DJ booth at SXSW

It's been two years since the Brooklyn-based DJ duo, Holy Ghost!, have released any new material. Their 2007 jam, Hold On, was a major success and their latest release, I Will Come Back, is sure to follow suit.

As the title suggests, they Do come back. And this time with a video! I tracked it down at work today and really enjoyed it. It's hard to believe they made the video in July of 2009. It possesses a certain grittiness that really gives us a glimpse into what, I imagine, was the overall style and charisma of the Manhattan club scene, circa 1984.

When I started watching it, I was a bit unsure with what the theme was and where it was going. There are a lot of things going on - break dancing, pizza making, a recording session with legendary hip-hop producer Arthur Baker. But, around the 2:42-2:43 mark it Allll comes together and you definitely wish you could be a part of that party.

You be the judge..



I also wanted to include this segment of Nick and Alex at their home studio in Brooklyn. It sheds some light on some of their production secrets and how they are able to form such a distinctive, dope ass sound. Have a look and be sure to pick up the track from the July '09 mixtape if you haven't already..

Why So Serious?

When I first saw that at work this morning, I wasn't sure how to react. I'm usually a fan of underground, guerilla art, but this one was a bit different for some reason. Did it evoke the racial stigmas of America's past? socialism? How would Heath feel about all this? How would Hugo feel about this? Are conservative activists actually being creative?

The poster has been recently spotted spreading across Los Angeles, California. And no one's owning up to it. Major news outlets aren't even showing the image on their websites, opting to direct visitors to other, more sleazier sites. I think I would have liked it better without the SOCIALISM part. It sort of loses its allure. Skewing the public perception. And it makes me think that maybe El Rushbo had something to do with this? And that would be really unfortunate.

For fairness sake, I included some other pictures that all play with the same imagery of Obama and/or The Joker, just to see if any of them caused the same sentiment in me as this one did. They didn't. But, isn't this what good art is supposed to do? Affect us in a way that causes a stir, compels us to question and provoke our thought?

Ron English, Obama/Lincoln

Dillon, Uncle Sam Joker

James Lillis, Joke

and of course......

The Original - Shepherd Fairey, Hope - HTown installment

Crack Crack

CANDACE + TODD

Canadian photographer Tony Fouhse's latest exhibition at the Galerie La Petite Mort is really interesting. For this showcase, he gives us a first-hand perspective on a subject that is all-to-familiar to us in the U.S. - The Crack Addict. The showcase is a collection of photographs taken on a well-known street corner in Mr. Fouhse's hometown of Ottowa. The photos are both haunting and compelling, raising questions about the ethical boundaries of art. Some challenge the notion of creating art out of human suffering. They argue that making a commodity out of those overcoming adversity is morally objectionable, if not absolutely wrong. Others, like Mr. Fouhse, contend that their work is merely highlighting something real, something that is happening everyday. In his interview with the NYTimes, he says that he works With the addicts, and they are definitely a part of the process. They often offer suggestions for posing and some much needed Street Cred.


Either way, these collection of photos are definitely interesting, which Mr. Fouhse says is he only goal. Have a look..

YVON

JESSICA + MELISSA

CHANTAL

ROSE

If you have some extra time, check out the New York Times article on Mr. Fouhse's exhibition. There are more images there and some input from the artist himself.

Billionaire Boys Club, Hunting Pattern Colleciton, Season 9

Billionaire Boys Club frontman and superproducer Pharrell Williams recently released its newest line of BBC wear - The Hunting Pattern Collection. The "Collection" consists of two tee shirts and Ah backpack.

So far, the line has been labeled as a new form of "luxury realism" and the latest, greatest creation from the "pioneering street fashionista, Pharrell Williams". I'm afraid I'll have to disagree. I don't know if it's because of this interview or this quote, but lately, it seems that Everything Pharrell is saying and doing reeks of complete bullshit. THESE FUCKING TEE-SHIRTS ARE 120$$!! THEY LOOK LIKE THEY'RE SOLD AT ACADEMY!!!

Maybe I'm just hatin'. Just another blog trying to bring down the successful. But seriously, Mr. WIlliams, I don't buy this either. Please go back to the studio, so that I can become a fan of yours again. Please?





Naturally, some of us may agree to disagree. If you Are a fan of the Hunting Pattern, be sure and stop by the BBC store and have a look for yourself.

D(D)W Crate Diggers - Top 5 favorite Samples

The art of sampling has come to be a distinct practice for the musicians of our generation. Baby Boomers often criticize today's producers and beat-makers of stealing and lacking originality. Their criticisms are nothing more than a sign that the times, they are A-Changin. Taking classic music and using it to create a sound that is completely original and fresh is certainly the mark of a great musician, at least in my book. Everyone listened to the same classics, but for some reason when these musicians listened to them, they hear something totally different. Something tight as hell... Soooo, I took it upon myself to compile a list of my top 5 favorite sampled tracks..of all time? Not sure, but I think it's a good list for now.

5. Kraftwek, Computer Love x Theophilus London, Computer Love

4. Edwin Birdsong, Cola Bottle Baby x Daft Punk, Harder Better Faster Stronger

3. The Keith Mansfield Orchestra, Soul Thing x Dangerdoom feat. Talib Kweli, Old School Rules

2. Giorgio Moroder, Tears x DJ Shadow, Organ Donor

1. 10cc, Worst Band in the World x J Dilla feat. The Roots, Workinonit

Maaad Propers to Kevin Nottingham's website for some of the leads to the original samples and their offspring...his Diggin' In Da Crates section is absolutely wonderful.