The HEEL-TOE Express

You ever get that feeling that you just need some new shoes??? Every now and then it hits me, there's no way around it, there is nothing else you can do about it.  You just need some fresh footwear, some new kicks, some brand new boots...however you wanna say it we all know the feeling that follows, the first time you break'em out...so freshhhh! All the sudden traveling on the Heel-Toe Express is riding in fashion.  Here's a few of my favorites that I've stumbled on lately:

The new Skytop III

Holden+Vans SK8-Hi

A Colab by Vans and Holden (they make snowboard boots)

FEIT PNTHA LOW CORK

Seent'em on Theoriginalwinger.com

Banksy...Smart Street Art

Banksy is a graffiti artist, public activist, and film maker from Bristol, England.  His first movie debuted here at Sundance called "Exit Through the Gift Shop."  His art is usually on the street, often politcally charged with a dose of dark humor and wit.  Here are a few pieces displayed on his website:

 I highly suggest that you Wiki and Google Banksy. His work is smart, clever, and deep, and usually its message is just as good.

Here is a link to his website: Banksy

Rat Tail till I DIE!!....Art+Athletics

Roberto Baggio is an Italian soccer legend. I remember watching the World Cup at my neighbors house with my Mom in 1994 and again with my Grandpa in Italy in 1998. Baggio was unforgettable for a couple of reasons: First, for his flashy and electric play. Secondly, for his even flashier RAT TAIL!!  Infact, his nickname is, "Il Divin Codino." The Divine Ponytail.
Graphic Illustrator Zoran Lucic has done a great job comemorating several soccer legends by incorporating meaningful emblems and symbols from the players careers and uniting them into an attractive final product, which I think is a perfect example of a beautiful coexistance of art and athletics. 

 Speaking of World Cup memories...This is the headbutt that changed the world...and sent me shirtless down the street. 2006 Campioni del Mondo!!! (sorry for the writers bias)

Check out more of Zoran Lucic's work here: Zoran Lucic

The chase of The Cool!! What sets us apart...

Every generation has a group of people who are different fromt he rest. They are "COOL." But why are they cool? What is it that sets them apart from the rest of the masses and why is it that everyone turns to them for the next great idea, trend, or style? This well made video digs deeper into these ideas by going straight to several of the people who have been a part of the new trends that many of us recognize today.  They call these "Cool" people "INFLUENCERS."  Influencers are people who: "Have a different way of thinking and expressing themselves...embrace all forms of culture...are well respected and their ideas are valued," as it is expressed in this film.

INFLUENCERS FULL VERSION (FR) from R+I creative on Vimeo.

  To me the biggest thing that is mentioned is a different way of thinking.  Influencers are the people who aren't afraid to think for themselves, to reach beyond the ideas and expectations of their own culture and experience those of all cultures.  Often we see subcultures or trends that are divided and we assume that these boarders and differences represent conflict and rivalry.  Instead we can accept them, particapate, and adopt the good that we find in all cultures, trends, and styles while still remaining loyal to our roots and personality.  If you ask me this is a greater way of thinking and one of the things that sets people a part as COOL.  Thats my definition of Cool... and i like Cool people.

Roman Kidds x Unique Jewelry and other Extra Dopeness

I'm not even sure how but somehow i stumbled on a photo of one of these pieces and really liked it, so i followed the link to their FB page was blown away by their creations.  There's not a lot of info about these guys and their products but i gathered you can email them your order and they will ship it out.  Pretty simple operation but there's no way around the originality and creativity of their work. Check out some this dopeness:

This is my favorite piece, its in the mail babay!!!

The Roman Kidds say: "WE ARE ARTIST OF DOPE SHYT...PERIOD. SO THTS WHAT WE PRODUCE..WHO DOES IT BETTER?"

"To show you just how cold we are.... We are our own competition"  Pretty tru if you ask me, not much else like this out there.

Not limited to just jewelry.

Roman Kidds on FB

Stalley Live

So I talked up Stalley a bit on my last post, since then i stumbled on a youtube video of one of his live shows on his own turf, Cleveland, Ohio.  I couldn't help but be jealous of the energy and love there was at this show.  We need more good shows like this in Salt Lake!!! The fans knew every song and their energy feeds the performers. If you don't believe me go ahead and ask one of the professionals (@YoungSim @emersonkennedy3 etc.).  Anyway, check out the vid and enjoy, great song, great artist, great lookin show.

Stalley, unknown talent

Stalley is currently unsigned, having turned down offers from significant labels, and he recently released this mixtape sponsered by Mishka entitled "Lincoln Way Nights-Intelligent Trunk Music."  For me the title was all i needed to hear to know i would be interested.  With songs like "Slapp" and "She Hates the Bass" you can tell he has a taste for cars and in this video you can see that its good taste.  All classics, fairly original, minus the ridiculous Pimp My Ride style mods.
He was apparently discovered by Mos Def by accident when Mos walked into a Boutique where Stalley's was visiting a friend and heard the tape that Stalley had just finished.  His lyrics are close to his roots, small town Ohio, and the woozy loops reflect that as well. 
To make it even better the beard is dope and you will noticed the shirt buttoned up all the way to the top...

Emerson Kennedy x Postcard

One of the latest songs from my man Emerson Kennedy. I suggest all the ladies listen to these lyrics and think about your hood rat behavior.
"He drives a Maserati, recently justed passed the bar. I passed the bar we met at, and been like F*$% the law."