Javier Nunez a.k.a. Wilfredo Gomez for FMS Shoes.

Emilio Rojas shows off some red/white Futures in the new video from Laws featuring him and Big K.R.I.T. It’s great to see these guys getting the love they deserve.

Via 2dopeboyz.com

CCS is by far one of the best places to shop for gear online. Now you can pick up your FMS Shoes right there on the CCS site. Click here to view their selection.

Love Me is a mysterious signature that started to show up on the streets of Downtown NY a few years ago. Whether stickered all over your favorite block or taking over serious wall space all around town, Love Me is hard to miss. I’m not one to throw my bro under the bus, so I opted for anonymity for him in this piece. His recent collabs with DQM, Bobbi Brown and Altamont are a testament to his impact as his tag and stickers are instantly recognizable with their playful heart motif and total lack of regard for legality at all times. Love Me recently bombed LA on the fire extinguisher tip, much to my liking, as well as killing lower Manhattan on a perpetual basis the last couple of years. His recent undertaking, the huge Love Me tag unveiled on Kenmare Street several stories above the unsuspecting public, was a example of my dude’s want to get his message across to the masses. Expect big things from Love Me in the next few years as his conquest to take over the streets of NY looks far from over. Here’ he explains where he’s from and what he’s up to.

Love Me Flickr

Hailing from Syracuse, NY and currently residing in Jersey City, Mel’s been documenting NY’s up and comers on his beautiful website, Village Slum, for the past several years. It’s become a staple on my daily blog troll. Mel’s trademark black and white photos and his access to the who’s who of rap talent in NY have set him apart from the usual photo blogs. If you want to see what NY really looks like, I highly suggest you check it out. There are lots of sexy ladies, candid shots of your favorite musicians, and a potpourri of downtown celebutantes.

Mel’s been busy lately being the Roots personal tour photographer, designing for Etnies, and working on a book with my pals over at 10Deep. Mel is documenting important social and artistic moments much like his heroes Ricky Powell and Martha Cooper. If I had to call it, I’d say Mel would one day sit along side these seminal photographers as an important player in documenting the NY social experience.

Here’s a link to Mel’s site

http://www.villageslum.com/photos/

@MelDCole

http://highsnobiety.com/columns/villageslum/

Here’s a cool little interview with Mel

http://www.streetlogik.com/article/mel-d-cole-one-shot-killer/

http://vimeo.com/7493038

SMOKE DZA:
Harlems own Smoke DZA has been stirring things up of late. The uptown rapper and polo rugby fan has been seen popping up on mix tapes by the laikes of Big K.R.I.T and on Curenscy’s recent release

Smoke Dza Substance Abuse Mixtape
Smoke Dza Substance Abuse 1.5: The Head Stash Mixtape
Smoke Dza Twitter

My man Emilio first bursted on the scene two years ago, quickly becoming a fixture in the NY hip-hop circuit with one of 2009’s most stellar freshman offerings, the “Recession Proof” mixtape. The Rochester native’s 2010 follow up with fellow Roc City native Green Lantern, “The Natural”, was quickly embraced by all the major hip-hop blogs and spawned the under ground banger “Bold and Arrogant” produced by M-phazes.

On the backbone of this mixtape Emilio has created a strong following amongs the hip-hop cognoscenti. Again teaming with his mentor Green Lantern, Emilio is currently working on his forthcoming mixtape, which is yet to be titled. Emilio is ready to smash the world with his unique brand of rap acrobatics and lyrical skill. Cats like Emilio give me hope that rap music can still be creative, clever and innovative, as opposed to the same old same. I recently had the pleasure of blessing Emilio with a track for his mixtape, and all I can say is that my man did my beat justice and then some. With music by the Justice League, Will Power, the amazing M-phazes, myself and Nottz, expect big things from the kid Emilio in the near future.

Here’s a few links to the young homie’s hustle, give him a listen, the kid’s nice with his.
Emilio Rojas on MySpace
@EmilioRojas
Emilio Rojas on Facebook
Emilio Rojas Recession Proof Mixtape
Emilio Rojas The Natural Mixtape

Black and white gallery courtesy of Jayson.

Jordan is one of the main people behind NY’s premier Southern-based hip-hop radio show, Ballers Eve. He hails from Marietta, Georgia, hence his love for all rap music from below the Mason Dixon Line. Jordo, as we call him, hipped me to Yelawolf over a year ago and has one of the best ears for quality Southern hip-hop that I know. He also hipped me to Big K.R.I.T. recently, another new fav of mine. Ballers’ Eve has become a staple visit for every emerging Southern rapper of merit when they stop through The Rotten Apple; Jordan and his crew (Minsky Walker and Cat Daddy) have been riding with their Southern brethren since day one.

Jordo also doubles as everyone’s favorite East Village bartender and throws down a heavy Dirty South set every week around town as DJ Dirrty. Baller’s Eve has become one of EVR’s (East Village Radio) highest rated shows and has premiered more acts that ended up getting signed than any rap show I can remember since the boom bap days of Stretch Armstrong and Bobbito. I first encountered Pill there, as well as the tremendous forces known as G-Side and the recently signed Jackie Chain, both hailing all the way from Huntsville, Alabama.

If your ever in NY and wanna chop it up, eat some great food and listen to the best Southern based rap show in the Tri-State area, come check out Jordo and the crew on EVR, or pop in to Lil Frankie’s sometime. The food’s banging and so is the music, as Jordo keeps it knocking whenever he’s behind the bar.

You can find out more about Jordan’s show “Baller’s Eve” on East Village Radio here and don’t forget to tune in every Wednesday night at 10 PM EST!

http://www.southernhospitality.co.uk/blog/?tag=ballers-eve

http://www.villagevoice.com/content/printVersion/1533167
http://www.ballersevenyc.com/
http://www.eastvillageradio.com/shows/nowplaying.aspx?contentid=1226&showid=72814

Crazee Dave is an NYC original, if there ever was one. One of the founders of DQM, which is among NYC’s illest sneaker spots, Dave is one of Downtown’s most beloved figures. He’s a true trendsetter; from his trademark Oakley shades to his pioneer fixed bike steez. Dave is never one to hold his tongue; his internet clips are legendary around these parts. The former Zoo York cohort is currently working on a top-secret project that involves a clandestine Chinatown local, which promises to be nothing short of eventful.

Dave, always one to crack a politically incorrect joke, throw back a brew and draw a drumstick on any wall available, also was recently my hypeman a Berrics episode, which may have been the highlight of my Berrics career up to this point. When he’s not snapping on people or riding his fixie, he’s usually holding court at the world famous skater bar, Epstien’s, making all my friends and I laugh. Stay tuned for the unveiling of Dave’s top-secret project coming soon. For more on Dave check him here:

Here’s a clip of Dave’s unsuccessful presidential run a few years ago:

Dave and me do the hypeman thingy:

Some links to Dave spouting his brilliance
http://slamxhype.com/news/dave-ortiz-dqm-interview/
http://nymag.com/shopping/askaclerk/21655/
http://www.freshnessmag.com/content/features/files/1104/dqm_beacon/index.php

Now that the shoes are hitting the streets, it’s time to celebrate. We’re taking over The Roxy in Hollywood on the 14th of July for our official FMS Shoes Launch Party. Details to come, if you were one of the lucky 25 to pick up shoes first at our Lil Jon event at The Fast Life, you’re already on the guest list!

Yelawolf + Ninjasonik + Marshall Barnes + DJ Spider + many more.

In my eyes, Wane COD is a style master if ever there was one. He is a prolific painter, with his work spanning over 3 decades, going back to the mid 80’s when he started to bomb trains. Wane has always been noted for his amazing paint control and has been referred to as a “writer’s writer”, a “style king”, and “The Mayor of Graffiti” for his even keel and humble manners. Don’t get it confused, Wane is supremely confident in his abilities, whether doing legal walls or graphic design. He’s been handling graphic design over at Sean Jean for 7 years now, after having freelanced all over the playing field. Wane still paints religiously; only these days it’s legal walls as opposed to train lines.

Wane is one of a handful of writers to connect with counterparts in Europe, where he has traveled to paint over 20 times in his career. He continues to do pieces with his trademark style, always crispy and clean. His flawless style has influenced thousands of future writers from all over the globe. Here Wane speaks about his influences, his inspirations, and putting in work:

Part 2:

http://www.facebook.com/people/Wane-Cod/587631347
http://www.waneknowshims.com/

http://whatyouwrite.wordpress.com/2007/09/19/puma-ad-featuring-wane-enue-cod/

http://www.graffitiprojects.com/wane9408.html
http://www.at149st.com/cod.html

Without a doubt Luis is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. Luis is super humble, always happy, and a total shredder sans any attitude. Luis has more pop than a little, and to call him one of NYC’s finest up and coming skaters would be an understatement.

Luis has been at it for over a decade now, repping Queens to the fullest. At 24 years of age, Luis has already made a big impression in the world of skateboarding way beyond NYC. He recently pulled a huge 180 heel flip at the Maloof Cup in his home town of Queens that prompted a standing ovation from the entire crowd. I caught up with Luis and asked him about his emotional moment at the 2010 Maloof Cup and more. Check it out here:

The Maloof Cup 180:

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=507068833915
http://twitter.com/LUISTOLENTINO
http://www.killluis.com/
http://www.radcollector.com/news/tag/luis-tolentino/

Dee and Ricky Jackson

These young homies are definitely on the grind, and then some. Having designed accessories from their Lego inspired belts for Marc Jacobs, to accessories for Barneys, the Shaolin natives are the current “it” kids of the downtown fashion scene. For the past few years they’ve wowed the public with their Lego inspired designs and outrageous personal style.

The twins’ recently designed G-Shock flew off the shelves, making it one of the fastest selling G-Shocks of all time. Their recently created heart brooches, which moved like hot cakes exclusively on the Jackson brothers website, appeared on a multitude of celebs from Kanye West to Kid Cudi.

Dee and Ricky are currently working on a piece for the metropolitan opera (yep, the opera), weighing TV show offers, and further developing their own line. In their down time the Jackson brothers have made custom pieces for the likes of Takashi Murakami and Rhiannon, and a host of other celebs. On the personal tip, the twins created the most amazing bag I have ever owned out of old Starter jackets for the brand No Mas. The bag is so incredible I had to include a picture of it, I own one and bring it everywhere with me.

That said, the sky is literally the twins’ limit these days, and I see no signs of them slowing down soon. With the world at they’re fingertips, there’s no telling what Dee and Ricky will fall in to next. One thing is guaranteed, it will be exciting to watch and I will be taking note.

The return of the G: Gshock that is designed by Dee and Ricky…All I can say is killer!

The bag I am in love with:

Check out this G-Shock video:

Here’s some more about the twins and a few links to their various hustles:
http://hypebeast.com/blog/deericky/
http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2010/01/05/2010-01-05_staten_island_brothers_dee_ricky_jackson_make_lego_jewelry_thats_been_worn_by_ka.html
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dee-And-Ricky/201628445752
http://www.gshock.com/news/54F2E7A8-249E-458E-9BCD-904485B68555
http://www.freshnessmag.com/features/2010/06/29/a-curious-incident-of-time-when-dee-ricky-meets-g-shock/4/
http://www.deeandricky.com/

Here’s Jesse Marco explaining what it’s like to be NYC’s hottest up and coming DJ…

DJ Jesse Marco is the current ‘it boy’ DJ around town. He’s made a big name for himself in a relatively short amount of time. Raised in NY’s East Village like myself, Jesse has been DJing since the age of 12, working at the legendary Scratch Academy alongside the Jam Master Jay all through out high school. He then used the experience to propel himself in to becoming one of NY’s most sought after DJs.

Jesse has also lent his looks to a few ad campaigns in recent years, being featured in a Terry Richardson Uni Glo ad series in 07. I first met Jesse when he interned for me at the now defunct Mass Appeal Magazine, where I quickly appointed him the Mass Appeal DJ. He was also my favorite intern of all time.

Jesse is currently embarking on making the transition from DJ to producer, having remixed records for the likes of Weezer, Rich and Nick for Interscope, and Tokyo Police Club. He’s now represented by powerhouse management agency, Deckstar.

Definitely one of the youngsters in NY on the come up. Keep an eye on this kid, he’s about 2 seconds away from being world famous, trust me!

Jesse came by to chop it up and these cats showed up. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t met Dee and Ricky, the twins before… this was truly a meeting of the youngest dudes in charge!

For more about DJ Jesse Marco check this stuff out:

Jesse Marco remix’s:
Not To Worry (Jesse Marco Remix) – Peter Bjorn and John by Jesse Marco

You’re Not My Girl (Jesse Marco Remix) – Ryan Leslie by Jesse Marco

I Want You Too (Jesse Marco Remix) – Weezer by Jesse Marco

Other Links:
http://www.myspace.com/thedjjm
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jesse-Marco/373532429368?v=info
http://twitter.com/JesseMarco

When you talk about the OG legends of skateboarding, you have to talk about Olson. He was one of the 1st skaters to introduce punk rock into the mix as well as interject a true sense of style and rock & roll attitude long before it became the norm. Just think, where would the world of skateboarding be without Olson’s trademark checkerboard motif?

Olson has parlayed his 35+ year skate hustle in to a burgeoning fine art career, and is in NY to participate in an epic surf art show titled Swell. Olson, a frequent visitor to NYC since the 80’s, was one of skateboarding’s first true champs. He won the Hester Cup way back in 1978, and was named Skater of the Year that season. Steve is the proud father of prodigy Alex Olson, pro skater and all around ripper. Alex still gets it in, having recently been spotted 50’ing the over vert hang at Chelsea Skatepark, and is often seen shredding the Supreme bowl in LA.

Not one to be pigeonholed, Steve recently lent his talents as an actor to the epically funny film, “Machotaildrop,” where he brilliantly plays a creepy skate shop owner. It was a pleasure hanging with Olson and having him come through. Stay tuned, I’ll be shooting him up at the skatepark in the next few days!

Here’s the invite for the Swell show, go check it out:

http://www.nyehaus.com/

Vintage Olson

Recent Olson:

Some Olson links:
http://www.outlookskates.com/CollectionOLSON.htm
http://skateboardermag.com/skateboarder-news-features/magazine/question-authority-steve-olson/
http://freedomfighterskateboards.wordpress.com/2009/08/31/steve-olson-art-show/

MachoTaildrop the film
http://www.machotaildrop.com/

Steve’s Art
http://www.lushlifenewyorkcity.com/blog/?p=1340

Ryan Monihan is a rebel, plain and simple. He always has been, from his early exploits skating for the legendary H Street Team, his crazy European skateboarding champ years, all the way to his epically anti-commercial films and commercials he directs. Monihan is always stirring up shit in the best way possible.

He’s a rebel rouser, a brilliant thinker, and an all around super talent. Monihan has directed videos for half the rappers you like, and a few your probably don’t like. He’s made short films for people like Scion and RedBull, and directed the funniest commercials you may have ever seen. He still skates all the time, following a serious knee injury that would have made most people hang it up forever. Always the comedian, Monihan never heard a bad joke he didn’t like.

His recent project titled “The Uniform Project” with his lovely counterpart, Sheena, is a truly interesting and charitable concept. It’s one of the zillion creative things he’s been involved in over the years besides, being my video directing partner (he directs, I produce). Monihan, never one to hold back, coaxed me up to the Chelsea skate park on a windy, rainy, hot day after coming by the pop-up so I could shoot a few pics of him doing what he still loves to do, even if he it ruins his knees again! Monihan Monihan is another reason why NYC is such a great place to be.

http://www.bricolagista.com/
http://www.scion.com/installation/artists/monihanmonihan.html
http://vimeo.com/user730218
http://cultureshoq.com/tag/monihan-monihan/

You may be asking yourself, “Who is Big K.R.I.T.?” If so, get a late pass, bro. He’s the newest cat on the block/blogs, and rightfully so. The Def Jam signee recently released his ‘K.R.I.T Wuz Here’ mixtape and received accolades across the board.

The MC/producer from Mississippi has been in NYC killing shows in front of packed houses, winning new fans nightly with his unique sound. K.R.I.T., unlike a lot of Southern producers, is a proponent of sampling, making his sound soulful. His mixtape is better than most entire albums, and that’s the God’s-honest.

His manager (Johnny Shipes) is a friend, and mentioned K.R.I.T.’s favorite brand was Famous Stars and Straps, so we arranged a tête-à-tête at the store so we could chop it up, as we are all fans of K.R.I.T. and his music. I also wanted to show the homie some love and hook him up with some FMS Shoes and new Famous gear, which he vowed to rock at his show at SOB’s tomorrow! Look for big things from Big K.R.I.T., Johnny Shipes, and The Cinematic Music Group in the next few, these cats got it crackin! Next up for Cinematic is Harlem’s own Smoke DZA, watch out cause that boys baaaaad!

BIG K.R.I.T. talks..

K.R.I.T. and Dante Ross talk about signing to Def Jam, NY, and the South…

Big K.R.I.T and my boy Johnny Shipes, the hardest working man in the world!

Big K.R.I.T. on Myspace:
http://www.myspace.com/bigkrit

Twitter:
http://twitter.com/bigkrit

Downoad that mixtape right here:
http://www.djbooth.net/index/mixtapes/entry/big-krit-krit-wuz-here/

Ari Forman is originally from Philly by way of LA, but he’s been on the scene in NYC for over 10 years, so he qualifies as a real New Yorker. As one of the brightest and most creative people I know, he also played a key role in The Bench, a goofy little project we did a few years back. Ari designed one of the most controversial pairs of sneakers ever made, the Ari Menthols, which sparked of a ton of dialog among sneaker heads and downtown intellectuals alike.

He and his partner in crime, Steve Espo Powers, helped establish one of the funniest hip-hop magazines ever, “On The Go”, which led him to form his marketing company, On The Go Marketing. Ari designed products and graphics for a slew of cool-guy entities, and beyond that he has amazing taste and style.

Check out some links about Ari and watch his video explaining the Air Menthols.

This was “On The Go Magazine.” One of the best mags of its kind, on par with the mighty “Ego Trip”, another personal fav of mine. If you can ever track one down, cop it.

You can check out more about Ari Forman at:

http://www.onthegoari.com
http://www.observer.com/2007/bench-bunch#
The Bench
http://www.smyrskicreative.com/journal/steve-powers-and-ari-forman

Don’t forget to check out the NYC Famous Stars & Straps Pop-Up Shop at 659 Broadway, Blades, NYC.