Self Scientific Chemistry (Bad Title I Know)

Headed across the street to Prohibit today at lunch to get a little preview of Chace Infinite and Self Scientific's up coming LP. Self Scientific, for those unfamiliar, is made up of emcee Chace Infinite and DJ Khalil. If the name DJ Khalil rings a bell it may be because he has produced and co-written for some of the industries biggest including 50 Cent, Jay-z, Cypress Hill, Tony Yayo, Talib Kweli and most recently the Clipse x Kanye 's "Kinda Like a Big Deal". 

Anyways background aside the tracks are legit. Not only are the beats ridiculously good but Chace reeks of talent. The combination of the talent made for quite the amazing listening session. I, like Mos Def, was taken by "JetSki" but was more impressed by "Heavy" which exemplifies the pairs ability to cohesively mesh impressive lyrical content with consistent head bobbing beats. I only had time to preview a handful of tracks but the album has a good feel and tempo and will more then likely be a staple on hip-hop playlists. In a few months you will be able to judge for yourself. Until then chew on this. And check out this coming Monday Morning Playlist for C.I.'s picks.

With the tracks still running through my head I pretty much danced my way over to Ciao Bella (125 Allen St) to capitalize on there daily thin crust two cheese and a drink $5 special. Not only have I had this twice a week since I have been here but the slices are as big as your face. I think I will single handedly put Joey's children (if he has any) through college. I have had a lot of pizza in my life and I would be willing to put it up against Gino's East of Chicago. Ciao Bella is between Rivington and Delancey and they do free delivery. Check them out.

Nike Mad Jibe QuickStrike Release

What kind of shoe does Nike not do? I saw this 'boat' shoe this past weekend down near Canal St. Has the makings of a great casual shoe: low cut design, classic Dunk sole and pretty darn fashionable. Perfect for a dress up or no socks summer shoe. Only objection for is the translucent sparkle blue sole. Nike make up your mind fashion forward or street. 

(via. NiceKicks)

MGMT Official Kids Video

The official MGMT Kids video dropped today. Definetley one of those WTF videos. That poor child.

Wale Official Chillin Video

This video make me want to punch myself in the face for not buying tickets in time for Wale's show tomorrow at M2 Lounge in New York.

Livestock Calgary Grand Opening - 6.6.09

Livestock opens its fourth location in Calgary this Saturday. Check out deadstock.ca or call 403.245.1444 for store and opening details.

 

Dee & Ricky - Entrepreneurship at its Finest

You have to respect the hustle and creativity of Dee & Ricky identical twins from Staten Island. The guys epitomize what it means to be an entrepreneur. Dee & Ricky, aside from making up two thirds of the rap/dance group Jackson Swinton, are two of the most successful young accessory designers in New York City. The two have utilized everyone favourite childhood pastime to create an unprecedented array of belts and brooches. The material of choice - lego. The two utilize the building blocks to create 'high end' and relatively expensive pieces including a heart brooch and cigarette brooch that retail anywhere from $75 - $100+. To think that the cost on one of these things is probably around $1. The best part is they know it...when Personna asked them "What can you both say about the person who you think buys and wears your products?" they responded "You're F*ing crazy for paying that much!!!" But it definitely doesn't hurt your business when you have celebrities like Kanye, Rihanna, Chad Muska, TK, Methodman, Antwan Dixon, Shay, Cudi and Marc Jacobs wearing your pieces. One might say it was Marc Jacobs who gave them their big break. The twins ran into Jason Preston who after seeing the accessory on the twins called up friend Marc Jacobs who a few days later was featuring the twins pieces in his Spring 2008 New York Fashion Week Runway show.

Check out the Dee & Ricky site to cop some summer pieces. Also if you really dig the gear the line is currently 20% off at Karmaloop.

(Sorry I jacked this photo from somewhere but no clue where...kudos to the photographer)

Maestro Knows - Tour Edition - Episode 1

Maestro announced this week that season one has concluded and that it was time for him to take the show on the road. Here is the first installment of the 'Tour Edition'. Enjoy.

3sixteen Sample Sale Los Angeles

El Mercado and 3sixteen are teaming up this weekend for a sample sale. The cash and credit sale runs Friday thru Sunday at the El Mercado shop at 5287 West Pico Blvd in Los Angeles. Sure to be some classics in the mix. Who knows maybe even a Cousins Crew...

Commonwealth x Reebok Omni Pump Lite

Commonwealth and Reebok are at it again with this a Summer Sea Foam upper and white midsole and outsole. The kicks will retail for $120 and are hitting shelves in August at Commonwealth DC and VA. 

(via. Complex)

A Day With 3sixteen

I wish more brands would do stuff like this and give us more then photo insight into the daily grind.

DJ AM Travis Barker "Fix Your Face" Vol. 2

The mixtape sequel to 'Fix Your Face' Volume 1 from DJ AM and Travis Barker is here. Dubbed 'Live From Coachella '09' the mixtape features blends of hip hop, rock and dance. AM spins while Barker plays drums over the beat. Here is Volume 2: the 'Fix Your Face' mixtape.

Tuesday's Chill Track: "100 Yard Dash" - Raphael Saddiq

Raphael Saadiq is an American singer, songwriter and record producer who originally hails from Oakland California. He has collaborated, written and produced for the likes of Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Macy Gray, Snoop Dogg, Kelis, Q-Tip, Ludacris, The Bee Gees, Lionel Richie, John Legend, Joss Stone, Anthony Hamilton, Ginuwine, Stevie Wonder, Earth Wind & Fire...need I say more.  

This track, 100 Yard Dash, is from his third solo record 'The Way I See It' (2008). The album according to Saadiq was a fusion of inspiration drawn from videos by Gladys Knight & The Pips, Al Green and The Four Tops.  

Thanks Ali.

DC Auto x Ken Block TeamWorks Collection

DC Auto x Ken Block have released their first TeamWork Collection of racing gear. To promote the line they put together this 'infomercial' which is much better then any Shamwow promo I have ever seen. I was skeptical at first but the video is actually pretty rad especially the 2:13 and 3:13 marks. The video aside from promo-ing the gear features incredible driving and maneuvering skills, drifting and stunt driving his way around the tarmac of Port of Los Angeles. Also has a little Dyrdek cameo. If you are a big DC fan or Dyrdek fan he is currently on his Fantasies Run Deep Tour which warps this week, June 7 at DC Soho from 12-2 pm. 

Rogue Status Gun Show - New Colorways

New colorways in the ever popular Rogue Status Gun Show tees. Available at the RS Flagship.

Rogue Status /// 1720 Main Street /// Venice Beach, CA 90291 /// 310.584.1197

(via. SmogCheck)

Today's Useless But Impressive Lesson: Damien Walters

Its been a minute since the 'Useless But Impressive' installment. I know nothing about Damien Walters other then the fact that it was on the Kanye Blog, he's from the UK, and has the makings for a great student double.

(via. KanyeBlog)