Klippers Barbershop - Elizabeth, NJ

I love people who take their craft seriously. This crossed my radar today and I just had to share it here. I have a friend that lived in Elizabeth but recently moved to West New York. I will be making a stop by this shop the very next time I go visit Jersey Gardens.

It's wonderful to see someone that's been a barber for 15+ years adapt to today's market and sell himself and his establishment in a way unlike any other barber I've seen or heard of anywhere. This was a brilliant idea as far as I'm concerned.

Through The Wire

I generally hate any kind of "sneaker art". This piece earns an exception as this is the work of an artist who happened to do a sneaker piece. Created by wire artist Curtis Anthony, this Converse All-Star rendition is so detailed and interesting that I felt compelled to share it here.

 

 

Flipping through the artists gallery I just stared in awe at the level of skill he possesses.  Pieces range in size and shape from life size potted plants to butterflies. Definitely hop over to his site and check out the work.

http://www.parlaitin.com

Dee-1 - "Jay, 50 and Weezy"

LA at Crash Mansion

A short while ago I had the opportunity to check out the 3rd installment of Legend Factory Live. This event is by far one of the best industry showcases I have ever had the pleasure of attending.  Each of the two shows I attended were absolutely brimming with talent from all genres of music. It's is genuinely a total experience.

One particular artist stood out to me at the last show and rather than gush over her talent and energy, I'll let you just experience it the way I did. Check out LA's indie video recently posted from her Twitter page.  This is Hip-Hop!


The L.A. Show- LegendFactory Live from Amanda Chavis on Vimeo.

SoSoon - The Bandwagon

 

RoxFontaine.com is an expression of Hip-Hop as fine art. If this blog had a soundtrack, SoSoon's 'The Bandwagon' would be it. The self proclaimed "Spike Lee of Hip-Hop" has directed a musical film of epic proportions without the convoluted climax scene typical of Spike's work. Nay, this is clear and concise communication set to a truly unique sound tailored to SoSoon's silky smooth delivery and incredible story telling skill.

The 13 track debut album is chock full of "Yo, rewind that!" moments, bangin' beats and top notch lyricism. The album takes you through the club, unhealthy relationships, self reflection and social commentary seamlessly. This isn't just the standard industry fare "1 of each" approach to album making. This is the total expression of a young man discovering himself, his sound and his future. He explains his poor spending habits on "Blowing Money". He tells of his infatuation with a love that wasn't meant to be on "Forbidden Fruit". Of course, he warns would be challengers of his lyrical prowess on the Michael Jackson sampled "Who's Bad?" 

Where this album really takes off and truly separates SoSoon from the pack is on the incredibly insightful and honest "The Underclass". The artist forces you to stop and reflect on the people that keep New York City running over a wonderfully produced track powered by a spacey Rhodes and soupy bass line. It makes me wish I had a record label.  I'd sign this dude immediately after hearing this song. This isn't just the work of a rapper. This is the work of a visionary.

Stream the album below but SUPPORT INDEPENDENT ARTISTS and buy this album! This will be the best money you spend this week. I promise.

SoSoon Website

SoSoon @ Bandcamp

SoSoon on Twitter