Although these days I don’t really DJ or listen to Hip Hop much, there was a time for many many years when it’s all I listened to pretty much. I was consumed by the culture and it was definitely the biggest influence on me from my teens all the way till my early 30’s. But then it just got formulaic, commercial and dumbed down. It went mainstream and for me at least the better music had already been created and the culture was in decline. But I’m always hopeful. Kanye, Neptunes and a few other have at least pushed the boundaries now and again, but there are very few that excite me today. That’s why I was actually excited to hear that Q Tip (formerly of A Tribe called Quest) has just dropped a new single with an album to follow shortly. It gave me goosebumps to hear that familiar flow and the sample is great. Lyrics are intelligent and I can only wait in anticipation finally for a new Hip Hop album to drop….it’s been too long.

check it here….

http://www.q-tip.com/

click on the sampler image to check the track and video and you can buy at the itunes store…

alsp check here for the original sample which is also a beautiful track..

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=4j_YlO04hOE&feature=related

And I was just in NYC a few weeks ago and by coincidence went to the new club Santos Party House and saw Q Tip DJ an amazing set on the crazy sound system in this new and excellent club venue. He’s a great DJ as well as MC. here’s a few pics that might convey a little of the vibe. We danced till they shut it down..

And thanks to Boogie for sending this pic from the NYC Nike party….he’s an amazing photographer..check his work………

http://www.artcoup.com/movie.html

And Finally a big and heartfelt goodbye (for now) to Howard Lichter who all of us had the pleasure to work with at the Nike Tokyo Design Studio. All around hilarious great guy who is moving back to Portland to do more great things.

I don’t know how but we managed to get the Shibuya billboard screen for a 15 second farewell video. Heres some pics from Friday night. John Malkovitch style….caused quite a scene at the crazy Shibuya crossing..

Best of Luck H!

 

 

Took a quick trip back to London for a family gathering, but managed to see some old faces whilst there.

Pretty rainy but good to see real close old friends. 

Tea in Soho but connection is never far these days

Andrew Bunny, shooting me shooting you..

Mode 2 works his magic at the Nike 1942 space in Shoreditch..

 

 

After working with Aaron Rose on the Beautiful Losers shows that began in the US about 5 years ago, the circus finally arrives in Tokyo tonight and for the next 2 weeks. For anyone who has an interest in DIY underground subculture, including Skate, Punk, Hip Hop, BMX and the associated Art than spins out from these cultures it’s a must. The Tokyo show is an edited selection unlike the huge US and Milan show and the Beautiful Losers movie will also be debuting this weekend across Japan.

as an addition we also have the Lightening bolts exhibition, which is BMX inspired and features customized BMX plates from some of the industry greats, including Bob Haro, Dave Ortiz, Tet (Wtaps) who will also be showcasing the Japan national team BMX uniform that he created through Nike for the riders to wear this month in Beijing and many more creative contributions.

Although some may call “street art” a new phenomenon, there is actually a
long line of forefathers that have created artwork in a very similar
fashion. Artists like Keith Haring, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Glen
E. Friedman, Pushead, Craig Stecyk and Raymond Pettibon are perfect examples
of artists that worked hard to make the trails that we walk on now. This
wall is a tribute to all the artists who worked so hard before us to create
the culture we now call “modern”.

http://www.beautifullosers.com/

some behind the scenes….Aaronc”Mr Beautiful Loser” Rose

Shibuya Larry AKA Alexis tattooing Aaron. Alexis will be giving 500 yen tatoos kids. That’s about $5! Homemade tatoo machine with all parts from Tokyo Hands

Also popped down to the ne A.P.C. store opening in Aoyama. Katayama did great job on the interior and Jean along with Ino and Luli (lebaron Tokyo) gave the crowd a small live gig in the street.

http://blog.honeyee.com/jean/

 

 

 

If you ever have the chance to be in Tokyo, take the time to visit Hayama beach. It’s where the Emperor has his Summer home and is really an amazing contrast to the city and only an hour away. can’t do this in London when I was growing up, so for me the access is just fantastic. Had a great day at the beach with friends…

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