Following the Young Money recipe for building up album hype, Tyga has come through with Well Done 2, a follow up to his 2010 mixtape of the same name. With his sophmore LP Careless World due for a September release, the YMCMB signee looks to gain momentum with WD2, putting his own twist on some of the hardest beats in the game today.
The Compton native goes hard off the bat, linking up with frequent collaborator Chris Brown on “Snapbacks Back.” Breezy surprises on the track with an aggressive verse and the two again show what a strong duo they make. Tyga’s laid-back drawl still works best over the light and buoyant production with which he first found success, but the inked up MC shows his versatility by delivering on a variety of beats from Tyler, The Creator’s “Yonkers,” to Frank Ocean’s “Novacaine.” Like his labelmate Lil Wayne, Tyga has shown a natural knack for taking on the big beats of the industry.
On the flip side, the tape doesn’t give the listener much of an idea of what we can expect from the Cali rapper’s highly anticipated album since so much of what we hear is informed by the current climate of rap. Tyga does a successful job at emulating Drake’s flow on “I’m On One” and Ocean’s on “LovaGain,” but as a result they come out reminding of the originals, lacking some of his original sound. Fortunately for T-Raw, he has the benefit of being surrounded by some of the most creative minds in the business, and considering Young Money’s recent album track record, Careless World will almost certainly propel the 21-year-old up and comer to the next level of stardom. — Lloyde Garavani
Last night, was the official Reebok Classics And Swizz Beatz "Reethym Of Lite" Campaign Unveiling in NYC.
The Event included an intimate performance by Swizz Beatz and friends, as well as an exclusive world premiere of "The Reethym of Lite" campaign and Swizzy's "International Party” music video.
Reebok enlisted the platinum producer/artist/designer/philanthropist as the creative director for this campaign, which marks the return of Reebok Classics to TV.
Swizz performed a plethora of hits including "Money in The Bank," "Phony or Fake," and his recent smash "Everyday (Coolin')." Notable celebs on deck included Diddy, Alicia Keys, Bevy Smith, Tika Sumpter, Maino, Busta Rhymes, Jay-Z and Beyonce.
The campaign featured the iconic Reebok Lite footwear and apparel through Swizz’s own Reethym of Lite.
The campaign is the latest step in a partnership that is focused on redefining the traditional definition of an artist-brand collaboration. Helmed by the endorsement of Swizz Beatz, the design has picked up steam since its initial drop earlier in the year.
They even unveiled some future Reebok heat.
Only seven retailers in the U.S. will be carrying the sneaker, including: Footaction at Greenspoint Mall (Houston), Sportsland (Chicago), Underground Station (Atlanta), Sneakervilla (Philadelphia), Sportie LA (Los Angeles), Jimmy Jazz (Brooklyn) and DrJays (NYC).
Once again, Swizz proves why he's a force to be reckoned with in this here fashion game.
Beastie Boys released the official, full-length music video to their song “Don’t Play No Game That I Can’t Win” featuring Santigold from their latest upcoming album Hot Sauce Committee Part 2 dropping on May 3rd. The Spike Jonze-directed video features Mike D, Ad-Rock and MCA visualized as action figures on a mission.
New from all-star former Clipse rapper Pusha T and supremely popular OFWGKTA artist Tyler, the Creator comes this behind-the-scenes peek at their upcoming video for “Trouble on My Mind.” The video seems to promise all kinds of debauchery, with each of the two rappers dressing in matching outfits to represent the other’s persona (Pusha T admits the Tyler doppleganger portion of this video shoot was his first time ever wearing Vans), extras from old ladies to street thugs and skaters running about, and 20-year-old Tyler, who is seen using crutches due to an injury, consistently hurling himself around in slapstick fashion. It looks like everyone involved had a fun time making this video happen and the end result is sure to be nothing short of entertaining. “Trouble on My Mind” is the newest single off of Pusha’s G.O.O.D Music solo mixtape endeavor, Fear of God.
During this year’s SXSW festivities, Kanye West invited his G.O.O.D. Music family and close friend Jay-Z to assist him on stage during his much-anticipated set. The event’s sponsor, VEVO, has now unveiled quality footage of the performance that include the likes of KiD CuDi, Mos Def, John Legend, Pusha T, Big Sean, CyHi Da Prynce, Mr. Hudson and of course the Watch the Throne protagonists. Check out above ‘Ye and Jay going “H.A.M” while other videos can be viewed here and below. Enjoy!
You could argue that Roc-A-Fella was born out of a desire for freewheeling creative vehicle. It eventually blossomed into a gigantic pie, and soon every major label wanted a slice.
The same can be said about Tech N9ne's Strange Music imprint. Tech couldn't get the majors to pay attention when he started out in '99. Now he can't get them off his back.
His latest album, All 6s & 7s, featured a who's who lineup of rap bigwigs, including Busta Rhymes and Lil Wayne. In 2009, Tech's Strangeland empire reportedly grossed $15 million in revenue. That's no cake walk for any company in a bruised industry, let alone an independent label.
AOL's The Boombox caught up with Tech Nina to discuss label politics and music business, among other things. And what's up with those allegations of devil worshipping?
On perceived satanist beliefs: "[Laughs] How crazy is that? People looked at my face paint, my crazy lyrics, my wild red hair and how loyal and intense my fanbase the Technitions were. They were talking about me being a cult leader. Can you imagine being in a place early on where outside of Strangeland everybody calls you a devil worshiper or a cult leader and your own people -- black people -- are not even coming to your shows? So you do a Rock the Bells show in 2008, with Busta Rhymes, Nas, Damian Marley and Raekwon and everybody is commending you. I thought everybody thought I was a weirdo! That show let me know that everybody was paying attention to me. I created my own lane. I had no idea that Nas and Damian had respect for me. Nas would be like, "Come out on stage, Tech. Rock with me." That's crazy to me. I had no idea, dude."
On gaining respect from mainstream peers: [Laughs] It's kind of funny. But it's proof that no matter if you are independent you can have success. I don't have to be on a major label to get these major artists wanting to work with me because I am right there. I've always been right there with them. I've always been an elite artist. Now people are starting to figure it out because of my numbers and the artists they listen to are speaking my name. Everybody knows I make wonderful music even if they say, "Aw, that's that weirdo s---." I love Lil Wayne for even having people look my way. I respect T-Pain and Busta Rhymes for giving me accolades. Thank you for recognizing real s---.
On the cons of being independent: The cons are that you will have no videos on TV and no songs on the radio. The radio game cost a lot of money, man. I would rather put my money into tour buses, merchandising and shows. Until we figure out if we want to play that majors game again, the way we tried to in 2002, and spent nearly $2 million doing it, we will do it again. The problem is, I don't look like anybody. With my face paint on I don't look like a regular black dude. MTV Jams is playing my videos now, but BET won't play me.
Did BET give you a reason?
They told me, "Well, that's not our format." But I'm something different. You have to conform to what I do. You have to come to Strangeland. You have to turn into Strangeland for a minute because there's something beautiful happening over here. My challenge has been getting my own people on it, but they are coming around slowly but surely.
He laughs at the irony of it all. The fact that Kansas City rapper Tech N9ne stands as one of the most successful independent artists of the past four years is a sobering realization that he is still trying to adjust to. But Tech's wonderment has nothing to do with a lack of confidence. On the contrary, it's the fact that he is genuinely shocked that a self-described weirdo who wears faint paint, raps about dark subject matter and puts on the type of wildly aggressive live spectacles that are more in line with an off-the-rails, balls-out metal act than a rap concert seems to be all the talk.
The indie talent that established his Strange Music imprint and empire with business partner and CEO Travis O'Guin in 1999, is now getting shout-outs by the mainstream likes of Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg and Busta Rhymes. With Tech N9ne's latest album, 'All 6's and '7's,' literally shaking up the music industry -- in June, the release made a shocking No. 4 debut on the Billboard 200 charts -- the self-contained artist, label head, producer, merchandising machine and touring force still wants more. The BoomBox finds out what fuels this seemingly unstoppable force of nature, why he won't jump to a major label and the reason why people think he's a devil worshiper.
A lot of the mainstream press came around to you when the news got out that your independent label, Strange Music, grossed $15 million in 2009 alone. How much did your life change after that figure was released?
It was crazy. It's like winning the lottery. But I don't want my picture up on a billboard saying that I won $15 million [laughs]. I didn't want that to get out. But it's out there now. It's a real f------ number and I hate it.
But it seems like the hype is for real. Your latest album 'All 6's and 7's' debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, selling 55,000 copies. Can you talk about what it's like to achieve that type of mainstream success without a major label pushing you?
I think it's by the grace of God. All the other artists recognize my ability to rhyme and my overall skill. When I was signed to Quincy Jones before I went independent, he told me to rap what you know and people will forever feel you. And I stuck to that. No matter how many people called me a devil worshiper, no matter how many people call me a cult leader. I stuck with rapping about what I know. Real s--- will always shine.
People actually thought you were a devil worshiper?
[Laughs] How crazy is that? People looked at my face paint, my crazy lyrics, my wild red hair and how loyal and intense my fanbase the Technitions were. They were talking about me being a cult leader. Can you imagine being in a place early on where outside of Strangeland everybody calls you a devil worshiper or a cult leader and your own people -- black people -- are not even coming to your shows? So you do a Rock the Bells show in 2008, with Busta Rhymes, Nas, Damian Marley and Raekwon and everybody is commending you. I thought everybody thought I was a weirdo! That show let me know that everybody was paying attention to me. I created my own lane. I had no idea that Nas and Damian had respect for me. Nas would be like, "Come out on stage, Tech. Rock with me." That's crazy to me. I had no idea, dude.
There was also the Lil Wayne co-sign you received earlier this year. How big of a shock was that?
That's when music fans outside of Strangeland started talking about me. Wayne saying that he liked Tech N9ne to Funkmaster Flex on the radio when he was locked up in Rikers was huge. I felt the same way when Busta Rhymes was calling me and saying, "Man, I really need you on this track." That lets you know real s--- will shine no matter who tries to tarnish it.
And both Wayne and Busta appear on your new album. That's a pretty great look for a so-called independent act, right?
When I do an album like this for the first time with Wayne, Yelawolf, Twista, B.o.B, Snoop Dogg, E-40, the Deftones and Mint Condition and it all comes together, it's a validation that I have been doing the right thing the whole time.
Do you sit back and think, "How in the hell did I pull off getting all of this star-power on my album?"
[Laughs] It's kind of funny. But it's proof that no matter if you are independent you can have success. I don't have to be on a major label to get these major artists wanting to work with me because I am right there. I've always been right there with them. I've always been an elite artist. Now people are starting to figure it out because of my numbers and the artists they listen to are speaking my name. Everybody knows I make wonderful music even if they say, "Aw, that's that weirdo s---." I love Lil Wayne for even having people look my way. I respect T-Pain and Busta Rhymes for giving me accolades. Thank you for recognizing real s---.
When you were recording 'All 6's and 7's,' what was your focus going into the album?
It starts off aggressive and gets kind of dim. It's a complex album. It gets dark with 'Strangeland' and 'The Boogieman.' It gets real sexual with the Wayne and T-Pain on a song called "F--- Food." It gets kind of pornographic with E-40 and Snoop and then it gets really personal. It's all kinds of confusion, but it's a wonderful confusion.
There have been reports that every label from Def Jam to Interscope have been after you to sign a major deal. Do you ever see yourself jumping into that major label world?
Every time I talk to Travis while I'm out on tour he'll tell me, "Def Jam called today." And I'm like, "What? I love Def Jam." It's great to hear that. That means a lot to me. But I have to have complete control -- 100 percent. The majors would have to give me millions to sign. I have to be able to write what I feel and do what I want. I have to be able to say, "Travis, I think we should release a EP on Halloween," or "Travis, I think we should put out a CD on my birthday or my mom's birthday." We can do whatever, man. We are the label.
You talked about the pros of being independent. What are some of the cons?
The cons are that you will have no videos on TV and no songs on the radio. The radio game cost a lot of money, man. I would rather put my money into tour buses, merchandising and shows. Until we figure out if we want to play that majors game again, the way we tried to in 2002, and spent nearly $2 million doing it, we will do it again. The problem is, I don't look like anybody. With my face paint on I don't look like a regular black dude. MTV Jams is playing my videos now, but BET won't play me.
Did BET give you a reason?
They told me, "Well, that's not our format." But I'm something different. You have to conform to what I do. You have to come to Strangeland. You have to turn into Strangeland for a minute because there's something beautiful happening over here. My challenge has been getting my own people on it, but they are coming around slowly but surely.
Your bread-and-butter has always been touring. In an era when concert box office totals have been steadily declining, how have you been able to find success on the road?
We've been selling out shows for a longtime. But the shows are double and triple now. The places are bigger and we are still selling them out. It's so crazy. I'm seeing it bubble before my eyes. It's growing like a forest fire and it's hard to concentrate because I'm looking out at all the people stacked in there on a Monday night. We do a show everyday. You are not supposed to sell out Las Vegas on a Monday night. We are playing to anywhere from 1,000 to 4,000 people. I do over 250 shows a year. It's going to be more this year because we are doing 82 shows in 85 days. This will be the longest tour I have ever done. My fans are great. People call them the new Deadheads. I have the Juggalos that are loyal, I have the metal heads, and the gang bangers. It's a melting pot.
When you think back to the days when labels were turning you down in the early 2000s, what comes to mind?
That this music thing is hard as hell. You have to have some kind of pilot to guide you through it all. You need money. We took losses, man. That first Hostile Takeover tour in 2001, we lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. You have to really believe in the music to lose that type of money on a tour. Back then, that's when I was into my drugs and ecstasy. I almost died taking 15 pills one night. It was hard for anyone to accept me. And I'm independent? Nobody wanted to open doors, radio, video, nobody. So we had to open our own doors. That's why I'm so grateful for all of my success. I want to keep it going.
In other equally important news. Amber Rose recently unveiled this tattoo of her "angel" Wiz Khalifa (real name Cameron Jibril Thomaz). The popular party girl stated that she wants his name tattooed on her body one million times. Moments like these really make me miss 'The Oprah Winfrey Show'. Somebody needs to sit this child down, force her to read some Maya Angelou and recite poems from And I Still Rise because she clearly needs an intervention.
In a rare move, pop Sensation Beyonce gave her fans an idea of what her wedding day may have looked like.
The recently released music video for "Best Thing I Never Had" finds Bey playing a soon-to-be bride wearing a sexy bridal lingerie outfit.
While singing about the man who wronged her, King B struts around her bedroom in a sheer white number complete with a shapely revealing front, corset lace-up back, suspenders and garter.
WOW.
We know Bey has definitely inspired a few women to not only hit the gym, but to purchase some sexy "wedding day" lingerie.
Even if they're not getting married *wink, wink*
We've taken the liberty of giving you plenty of options, after combing the #1 site for lingerie, Victoria's Secret.
Offered up is the exclusive music video premiere of Raekwon’s “Rich & Black,” featured on the rapper’s recent Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang release. LRG Films shot the video in one night at a live performance and after party in Oslo, Norway, with an appearance by Nas of course. Enjoy!
In April 2010, a few months before Game’s The R.E.D. Album was originally supposed to come out, a song appeared online that features the rapper alongside Justin Timberlake and Pharrell. A video was shot in Long Beach shortly after, but nothing except pictures had been seen of it since. Yesterday however, the monochrome visuals for “Ain’t No Doubt About It” were finally liberated onto YouTube. Watch it above, and look out for the August 23 release of The R.E.D. Album.
Offered up is a look into the upcoming Fall 2011 season from classic street label Stussy. As comprehensive as ever, the line expands quite well from the smaller summer selection as we see the introduction of outerwear, knits and button-downs, along with the other traditional Stussy staples, including headwear, accessories, denim and everything in between. Look for Fall 2011 through Stussy stockists soon, including Slam Jam.
Pharrell Williams discusses with Wallpaper* regarding his latest creative project – a youth center slated for his hometown of Virginia Beach. The Pharrell Williams Youth Center has already gained the backing of beauty care brand Kiehl’s which will work in tandem with Williams’ own From One Hand to Another charity. The project’s design comes courtesy of Miami architect Chad Oppenheim with statement “inspires to aspire.” Below are a series of answers from the interview involving Wallpaper*, Williams and Oppenheim.
What inspired the project?
Pharrell Williams: I wanted to provide people with the same opportunities I got. My teachers didn’t let me go until I had realised my potential. They taught me to fight my way out of a paper bag. Children need guidance and creative discipline and someone to be there when they fall. They also need a safe haven. At the moment, arts organisations across the US are having their funding cut and we can’t let that happen. There’s so little regard for creative skills. Where would we be without design?
Chad Oppenheim: We’re taking matters into our own hands.
You met at Art Basel in 2008. How did the collaboration come about?
CO: We were introduced through the French art gallery Emmanuel Perrotin, with whom we have both collaborated. Pharrell was a fan of what we were achieving and I liked the way he thinks artistically. He thinks big and it has been fun to try and turn his vision into architecture.
PW: Chad is a guy who turns real life ideas and situations into buildings. I like his very clean and linear signature. Together we wanted to challenge the status quo and create something that is sensitive to the environment.
How did you you establish the scope and programme of the proposed building?
PW: I talked about the DNA of the building. I want it to be a safe haven for children and a place that challenges them, encouraging them to be curious. We had a very easy creative dialogue. CO: There is an amazing grove of trees on the plot and we decided we wanted to integrate the building with nature. The tree house is symbolic of a child’s imagination. Pharrell wanted it to be a kind of metaphor for fantasy becoming reality.
What exactly will it house?
CO: It will house departments for all sorts of different creative vocations, including art, music, and research.
What has informed the material approach?
CO: We want it to be as green a project as possible and for it to be at one with its environment. It will incorporate reclaimed materials like steel, wood, metal and stone, as well as high fly-ash content concrete, photovoltaic panels, geothermal technology and indigenous planting.
As iconic London-based shoe brand Jimmy Choo has recently expanded their line of footwear to include a collection of lux men’s offerings, it makes sense that the company would partner with MR PORTER – another successful male-oriented spinoff of a fashion-forward brand. The two have produced a lovely video showcase of the latest Jimmy Choo men’s shoes, modeled by a set of stylish feet strutting alongside Manhattan’s Highline Park which stretches from the Meatpacking District up through Chelsea. Set to an upbeat, jazzy score, the short film’s real stars are (of course) the shoes. From brown suede oxfords to buckled sneakers in dark snakeskin, beige leather low-tops and a sleek pair of black double-strapped derbies, Jimmy Choo’s debut men’s collection is surely impressive. Certain to be expensive, all of the kicks are handmade in Italy and will be available soon at MR PORTER.
The New Orleans music duo have just teamed up with KiD CuDi and collaborated on a new single to set things off this summer called “Run.” The record is also scheduled to appear on their upcoming third studio album Eraser. Meanwhile, if you’re in the New York area this summer you can catch The Knux at Webster Hall on July 30, 2011. Peep below!
Let's face it, in NYC, "Swag Week" is every week. Birds strut harder on the sidewalks than they do on the catwalks, and Heidi's here to prove it. She's a cute rocker from Las Vegas who looks like a Marc Jacobs muse with a splash of sass. Her American flag sweater is a Wal-Mart pick-up (high-fashion, what?) that stood out last weekend when simply paired with thigh-high leg warmers and heels. She's in a band called Food Stamps, and hell if she saves enough of 'em she can look cute for weeks in Wal-Mart gear! Because when you look this good, it's not about brands, it's about how high you FLY.
