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100% Grooviness. Latest underground Artist Businesses, Music, Reviews, Insights, Videos, Poetry, Photography, and More... from the real for the real.
Thursday, December 26, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Saturday, September 7, 2013
MIZZ TUFFY 2014
MIZZ TUFFY IS DUE TO THE RELEASE HER 1ST ALBUM IN 2014!!! INDEPENDENT FEMALE DRAGON OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE. THIS WILL BE ONE OF THE FEMALE'S EMCEE'S MOST AWAITED WORKS SINCE HER 1ST MIX TAPE PACKAGE FROM THE 80'S http://www.datpiff.com/Mizz-Tuffy-Package-From-The-80s-vol-1985-mixtape.362344.html WAS RELEASED APRIL OF 2012. THE LYRICAL, SABBY, STRAIGHT FORWARD EMCEE IS STILL DISHING OUT HEAT, SHOWING OFF HER LYRICAL GROWTH AND MAKING A STATEMENT OF HER IN-DEPENDENCY. INDEPENDENT FEMALE DRAGON IS JUST THE BEGINNING, HER BEST IS YET TO COME.
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Janelle Monae- Prime Time ft Miguel
Tick-tock, I'm watching the clock
I can't wait til we get to rock
I wanna scream and dream and throw a love parade
Is that okay?
Tonight is me and you alone
Won't make a call, won't even write a song
See I've been waiting and waiting for the time to say
Now listen babe
[Pre-Chorus]
When you're down, and it's hard
And you feel like you've given your all
Baby I know we'll always keep it real and true
[Chorus]
Cause baby it's a prime time for our love
Ain't nobody peekin' but the stars above
It's a prime time for our love
And heaven is betting on us
[Verse 2: Miguel]
Bang bang, I'm calling your name
You're like a fire the world can't tame
I wanna riot til the stars come out and play
Is that okay? Okay
Tonight is me and you alone
Won't take a call, won't even write a song
This'll be a personal kind of day
Listen baby
[Pre-Chorus 2: Miguel]
When you're down, and it's hard
And you feel like you've given your all
Baby my love is always right here for you
Yeah
[Chorus x2: Both]
[Guitar Solo]
[Chorus until Fade: Both]
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Friday, August 16, 2013
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Friday, August 2, 2013
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Monday, July 29, 2013
Friday, July 26, 2013
Monday, July 22, 2013
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Saturday, July 20, 2013
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Exsistance Has No Limitations, while Your Alive (Think Outside the Frickkin Box!)
Emotions are chemical reactions. You know how it goes...
Chemical-a substance produced by or used in a chemical process.
OAN:
The everlasting trend of all time is Money. Ppl can say it aint sh!t cuz thats A Fact. But Im up right now getting ready for work to Go slave for it. I can't help but feel so Conditioned. But hell it makes the World Go round...? I pause & reflect on Gravity, the Galaxy, while sitting inside a crader on the moon, man its Huge! lol. For what it represents & symbolizes I'll keep me A bird Flipped until my eyes close. Money talks & ill Pay for My #Freedom, but ah! It Takes $$$ (
Money- any article used as medium of exchange, measure of wealth, or means of payment, as checks on demand deposit or cowrie
Fact-something that actually exists; reality, truth. Your fears have no basis in fact.
Condition- a particular mode of being of a person or thing; existing state; situation with respect to circumstances.
Chemical-a substance produced by or used in a chemical process.
OAN:
The everlasting trend of all time is Money. Ppl can say it aint sh!t cuz thats A Fact. But Im up right now getting ready for work to Go slave for it. I can't help but feel so Conditioned. But hell it makes the World Go round...? I pause & reflect on Gravity, the Galaxy, while sitting inside a crader on the moon, man its Huge! lol. For what it represents & symbolizes I'll keep me A bird Flipped until my eyes close. Money talks & ill Pay for My #Freedom, but ah! It Takes $$$ (
Money- any article used as medium of exchange, measure of wealth, or means of payment, as checks on demand deposit or cowrie
Fact-something that actually exists; reality, truth. Your fears have no basis in fact.
Condition- a particular mode of being of a person or thing; existing state; situation with respect to circumstances.
Friday, July 5, 2013
Lyrics of the Day!
Steve Miller Band- The Joker
Some people call me the space cowboy, yeah
Some call me the gangster of love
Some people call me Maurice
Cause I speak of the pompitous of love
People keep talkin' about me, baby
Say I'm doin' you wrong, doin' you wrong
Well, don't you worry baby
Don't worry
Cause I'm right here, right here, right here, right here at home
Cause I'm a picker
I'm a grinner
I'm a lover
And I'm a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I'm a joker
I'm a smoker
I'm a midnight toker
I get my lovin' on the run
Wooo Wooooo
You're the cutest thing
That I ever did see
I really love your peaches
Want to shake your tree
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
Ooo-eee baby, I'll sure show you a good time
Cause I'm a picker
I'm a grinner
I'm a lover
And I'm a sinner
I play my music in the sun
I'm a joker
I'm a smoker
I'm a midnight toker
I sure don't want to hurt no one
Wooo Wooooo
People talk about me, baby
Say I'm doin' you wrong, doin' you wrong
Well, don't you worry baby
Don't worry mama
Cause I'm right here at home
You're the cutest thing
That I ever did see
I really love your peaches
Want to shake your tree
Lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey, lovey-dovey all the time
Come on baby ill show you a good time
Lyrics/ Song of the Day
Do you ever see that stuff that be
When it get cold, that ice that you can't see?
Shit happens sometimesYep, black ice
Now you know and I know, I done bumped every hole in the wall ya'll
Did you catch that phone call? Most of y'all did admit
Thought it was tall, Gipp flipped like a dip
Slipped fell on the black ice
Did you think twice? Homeslice came inHe went satisfied, got bent bars ain’t shit
Mean coast to coast, yell at the boat
Man do-si-dos, too many come and goes 'coz
Touched what I never touched before
Seen what I never seen before
Woke up and seen the sun sky high, sky high
Circulate like a Sunday paper
Capers caught long time with cheap flicks
Good picks pay hard, watch the heart turn sideways
Couldn’t tell, Burrell cells to those who lose cares
Players give you light for now
Feelin' good and warm, windows rolled tight35 degrees, nippy tonight
Don’t forget the Chapstick, lips dry quick
When the jack out, make you wanna act out
Take the slack out, some people black out
I done went into, came back out
Touched what I never touched before
Seen what I never seen before
Woke up and seen the sun sky high, sky high
Touched what I never touched before
Touched what I never touched before
Seen what I never seen before
Woke up and seen the sun sky high, sky high
I been in it for the past few days, tighter the phase
I been in it for the past few days, tighter the phase
I know I’ma praise, now can I rap, can I dap
Not really sure yet, who that lookin' over the shoulders
Of those bright dreams? Feenin' for the taste of menthol
Missed class, stayed in the hall, lookin' for a squeeze play Better yet a holiday, stayed away from the pyramid boy game
Broke it down to a neighborhood slang, cash before fame
Sky high, sky high, sky high, sky high
Sky high, sky high, sky high, sky high, sky high
Now who done stepped in, the nigga B-I-G the secret weapon boi
Slicka than black ice throwin' these flows
Like rice at weddings, so quit flexin'
You speakin' about same things as oppression to the ear lobes
Pay for the room and still be in pimp mode
Like Iceberg, Chryslers and Buicks
Them niggas ain’t on they job, so them suckers here to lose it
Abuse they privileges and not the whole villages been shot to pieces
'Cause niggas are bitin' that same stupid shit
I mean that leaches, boy don’t beep me
If you ain’t got no work, strictly 'bout these verses
Like the ones you hear at Church, boi
Search, boi, talkin' about yo dope is hump like Lurch, boi
Every time I heard you rhyming like a fuckin' jerk, boi, simp, yea
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your eardrums
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your eardrums
It was a beautiful day off in the neighborhood
Yellows and greens and blues and browns and greys
And hues that ooze beneath dilapidated wood
Anything could explain but pertains to cocaine and sustain in rain
See summer rolls around niggas holla 'bout change
Then they steady move them keys like Bob James
'Cause old man winter‘s arrived, the temperature dived
'Cause old man winter‘s arrived, the temperature dived
November just died, December’s alive
Thus it ain’t no typical rise, just individual’s way to bring home
The bacon when bakin' was all wrong
Makin' it our own, takin' me all wrong
We’ve all indulged in the bulge of those no no no’s, you ain’t solo
It’s even lower levels you can go
Take sun people put 'em in the land of snow
Touched what I never touched before
Touched what I never touched before
Seen what I never seen before
Woke up and seen the sun sky high, sky high
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
ZEITGEIST: Addendum - Full Length Featured Film, Circa 2008 Second Zeitg...
This world So... Full of Sh!t! And ppl are so Scary to Admit it & Open their eyes. Ain't Nobody free esp Americans, Live your fukking Life. Educate yourself on History because back then...they said the "education of the future doesn't matter". Money is paper right? Paper that man made, so its made up & can be made up whenever...yet Americas in Debt & ppl in poverty. And WTF!!! are We at war!? Watch a couple zeitgetist documentaries, then begin to further educate yourself. We living to Die anyway, at least its better to know the Truth! Cuz yawl got Authority Confused with the Truth! And technically Yeah, anybody with Big Money/Paper is a God. I haven't listened to Yeezy but from all the talk he speaking shum he knows 1st hand. The founding father where shum low down mudderfukkers who Ain't & their predecessors damn sure Don't give Af about us! Put when the "One Nation" fukked Up becuz of their Greed they'll realize money ain't sh!t.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Friday, June 21, 2013
BIG KRIT SERVE THIS ROYALTY LYRICS
"Serve This Royalty"
[Intro: Female Voice]
Ah, the way the walks is beautiful, the way he talks is beautiful
Uh, the brother is beautiful
The way he makes love to me is beautiful
You know, that's my man!
[Hook: Cody Chesnutt (Sampled)]
Platinum chains and rings is
All a brother knows now
Girl, you one of the first to know
Gold is back in town
So you gotta serve this royalty
Believing in me and my dreams
Serving this royalty right
Trust what I say and what I see and we can get it
[Verse 1:]
Yeah,
Money, cars and clothes, and all the cribs
Never trust these lames and hoes cause they ain't shit
Cause they'll just sink our dreams of things and jump ship
So we'll fly first class, full glass with blunts lit
Float on
I shake the world if you hold on
Get your body off, just to turn your soul on
Your black is gold so when it dark, get your glow on
My words are heavy like a Chevy, shall I roll on?
Our love's unlimited, vinyl record in the grooves of forever, bass and treble, bend this shit
Puff cut your affections like a painting God ain't finished with
Now had to be displayed so all these songs could say they finished it
I walk the talk so I can't run game
I'm the type of King that a need a Queen that's down to work and run thins
I'm a lion baby, untamed
Before I devote my all I need to know one thing,
Can you serve this royalty
[Hook]
[Verse 2:]
Whatever your heart desires
And to those that oppose our dreams and goals I set the world on fire
Go to war with giants of all kinds so when you sleep without your King beside you you sleep fine
I be you knight in shining armour, swing down with a hammer like Thor for those that want drama
Travel high and low for those expensive garments that I
Peel off your frame after I fight in your honour
Cause we can rule as far as the eye can see
If you down for the cause as long as your body breathe
Bet the heir that will proceed as Kings that's after me
But be colder than doors we close you'll have to be
There'll be tyrants that want nothing more than apathy
To defile on the kingdom of real and happiness
But history will whisper of our reign
Before I give my all, I need to know one thing,
Can you serve this royalty
[Hook]
[Bridge: Cody Chesnutt (Sampled)]
The dream is real if you serve this royalty
Leave your mama's house, make her proud
Serve this royalty right
From the valleys of Spain to the snowed banks of Maine
We can run this game
If you serve this royalty right
[Outro: Male Voice]
That's right, she's behind me 100%, man
She believes in everything I believe in
And whatever I do, she go and ride along with me and do it at the same time, you know?
With no doubt in her mind cause she know that I'm positive, and she knows that I'm out to get over, and she knows that I'm a try and get a piece of this country
Ah, the way the walks is beautiful, the way he talks is beautiful
Uh, the brother is beautiful
The way he makes love to me is beautiful
You know, that's my man!
[Hook: Cody Chesnutt (Sampled)]
Platinum chains and rings is
All a brother knows now
Girl, you one of the first to know
Gold is back in town
So you gotta serve this royalty
Believing in me and my dreams
Serving this royalty right
Trust what I say and what I see and we can get it
[Verse 1:]
Yeah,
Money, cars and clothes, and all the cribs
Never trust these lames and hoes cause they ain't shit
Cause they'll just sink our dreams of things and jump ship
So we'll fly first class, full glass with blunts lit
Float on
I shake the world if you hold on
Get your body off, just to turn your soul on
Your black is gold so when it dark, get your glow on
My words are heavy like a Chevy, shall I roll on?
Our love's unlimited, vinyl record in the grooves of forever, bass and treble, bend this shit
Puff cut your affections like a painting God ain't finished with
Now had to be displayed so all these songs could say they finished it
I walk the talk so I can't run game
I'm the type of King that a need a Queen that's down to work and run thins
I'm a lion baby, untamed
Before I devote my all I need to know one thing,
Can you serve this royalty
[Hook]
[Verse 2:]
Whatever your heart desires
And to those that oppose our dreams and goals I set the world on fire
Go to war with giants of all kinds so when you sleep without your King beside you you sleep fine
I be you knight in shining armour, swing down with a hammer like Thor for those that want drama
Travel high and low for those expensive garments that I
Peel off your frame after I fight in your honour
Cause we can rule as far as the eye can see
If you down for the cause as long as your body breathe
Bet the heir that will proceed as Kings that's after me
But be colder than doors we close you'll have to be
There'll be tyrants that want nothing more than apathy
To defile on the kingdom of real and happiness
But history will whisper of our reign
Before I give my all, I need to know one thing,
Can you serve this royalty
[Hook]
[Bridge: Cody Chesnutt (Sampled)]
The dream is real if you serve this royalty
Leave your mama's house, make her proud
Serve this royalty right
From the valleys of Spain to the snowed banks of Maine
We can run this game
If you serve this royalty right
[Outro: Male Voice]
That's right, she's behind me 100%, man
She believes in everything I believe in
And whatever I do, she go and ride along with me and do it at the same time, you know?
With no doubt in her mind cause she know that I'm positive, and she knows that I'm out to get over, and she knows that I'm a try and get a piece of this country
Thursday, June 20, 2013
I'm Keek'd Up!
Wanna see daily, random, & documented spurts in My life? Subscribe to My Keek :-) >>> https://www.keek.com/!WSt1cab
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Tupac Dear Momma Lyrics
You are appreciated
When I was a youngin' and ma mama had me
Seventeen years old kicked out on the streets
Though back at the time, I never thought I'd see her face
Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place
Suspended from school and scared to go home, I was a fool
With the big boys, breakin' all the rules
I shed tears with my baby sister
Over the years we was poorer than the other little kids
And even though we had different daddy's, the same drama
When things went wrong we'd blame mama
I reminisce on the stress I caused, it was hell
Huggin' on my mama from a jail cell and high school elementary?
Hey, I see the penitentiary, one day
And runnin' from the police, that's right
Mama catch me, put a whoopin' to my backside
And even as a crack theme, mama
You always was a black queen, mama
I finally understand for a woman it ain't easy
Tryin' to raise a man you always was committed
A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how ya did it
There's no way I can pay you back
But the plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated
Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady
Dear mama, place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?
Now ain't nobody tell us it was fair
No love from my daddy 'cause the coward wasn't there
He passed away and I didn't cry, cause my anger
Wouldn't let me feel for a stranger
They say I'm wrong and I'm heartless, but all along
I was lookin' for a father he was gone
I hung around with the Thugs, and even though they sold drugs
They showed a young brother love
I moved out and started really hangin'
I needed money of my own so I started shaggin'
I ain't guilty 'cause, even though I sell rocks
It feels good puttin' money in your mailbox
I love payin' rent when the rent's due
I hope ya got the diamond necklace that I sent to you
'Cause when I was low you was there for me
And never left me alone because you cared for me
And I could see you comin' home after work late
You're in the kitchen tryin' to fix us a hot plate
Ya just workin' with the scraps you was given
And mama made miracles every thanksgivin'
But now the road got rough, here alone
You're tryin' to raise two bad kids on your own
And there's no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated
Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady
And dear mama place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?
Pour out some liquor and I reminisce, 'cause through the drama
I can always depend on my mama
And when it seems that I'm hopeless
You say the words that can get me back in focus
When I was sick as a little kid
To keep me happy there's no limit to the things you did
And all my childhood memories
Are full of all the sweet things you did for me
And even though I act crazy
I gotta thank the Lord that you made me
There are no words that can express how I feel
You never kept a secret, always stayed real
And I appreciate, how you raised me
And all the extra love that you gave me
I wish I could take the pain away
If you can make it through the night there's a brighter day
Everything will be alright if ya hold on
It's a struggle everyday, gotta roll on
And there's no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated
Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady
And dear mama place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?
Sweet lady, and dear mama
Dear mama, lady, lady, lady
When I was a youngin' and ma mama had me
Seventeen years old kicked out on the streets
Though back at the time, I never thought I'd see her face
Ain't a woman alive that could take my mama's place
Suspended from school and scared to go home, I was a fool
With the big boys, breakin' all the rules
I shed tears with my baby sister
Over the years we was poorer than the other little kids
And even though we had different daddy's, the same drama
When things went wrong we'd blame mama
I reminisce on the stress I caused, it was hell
Huggin' on my mama from a jail cell and high school elementary?
Hey, I see the penitentiary, one day
And runnin' from the police, that's right
Mama catch me, put a whoopin' to my backside
And even as a crack theme, mama
You always was a black queen, mama
I finally understand for a woman it ain't easy
Tryin' to raise a man you always was committed
A poor single mother on welfare, tell me how ya did it
There's no way I can pay you back
But the plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated
Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady
Dear mama, place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?
Now ain't nobody tell us it was fair
No love from my daddy 'cause the coward wasn't there
He passed away and I didn't cry, cause my anger
Wouldn't let me feel for a stranger
They say I'm wrong and I'm heartless, but all along
I was lookin' for a father he was gone
I hung around with the Thugs, and even though they sold drugs
They showed a young brother love
I moved out and started really hangin'
I needed money of my own so I started shaggin'
I ain't guilty 'cause, even though I sell rocks
It feels good puttin' money in your mailbox
I love payin' rent when the rent's due
I hope ya got the diamond necklace that I sent to you
'Cause when I was low you was there for me
And never left me alone because you cared for me
And I could see you comin' home after work late
You're in the kitchen tryin' to fix us a hot plate
Ya just workin' with the scraps you was given
And mama made miracles every thanksgivin'
But now the road got rough, here alone
You're tryin' to raise two bad kids on your own
And there's no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated
Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady
And dear mama place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?
Pour out some liquor and I reminisce, 'cause through the drama
I can always depend on my mama
And when it seems that I'm hopeless
You say the words that can get me back in focus
When I was sick as a little kid
To keep me happy there's no limit to the things you did
And all my childhood memories
Are full of all the sweet things you did for me
And even though I act crazy
I gotta thank the Lord that you made me
There are no words that can express how I feel
You never kept a secret, always stayed real
And I appreciate, how you raised me
And all the extra love that you gave me
I wish I could take the pain away
If you can make it through the night there's a brighter day
Everything will be alright if ya hold on
It's a struggle everyday, gotta roll on
And there's no way I can pay you back
But my plan is to show you that I understand you are appreciated
Lady, don't cha know we love ya? Sweet lady
And dear mama place no one above ya, sweet lady
You are appreciated, don't cha know we love ya?
Sweet lady, and dear mama
Dear mama, lady, lady, lady
Mommy Day!
I promise! Everyday is Mommies Day, parents day really. Once you give birth to childen and raise them you'll see the beauty in it all from day one. I myself, am not reallly Big on any holidays but I would like to time shumtime out to recognize all the Queens/Kings out there doing there thing in parenthood. Salute :)
Thursday, May 9, 2013
ARTIST Spotlight @sdotpdotdesigns
If you've never had the oppurtunity of knowing one of those creative, in there own spirits type of people I erge you to check out media designer S.Pelt! He shoots shum of the Most Rad, visuals to date. The Arkansas native, Alabama raised current NYC resident brings out the Dopeness in creative visuals. Not only have I had the pleasure of working with him, he also took time out to anwser a few questions for me.
What exactly is it that you do?
S.Pelt:
I like to call myself a media designer. I offer design through multiple mediums of media. Ha. Also offering marketing and branding
Where are you from?
S.Pelt:
I was born in Arkansas but Alabama raised me.
How long have you been directing?
S.Pelt: 2009
Why did you decide to get into directing? Was there someone who inspired you to get into directing?
S.Pelt: I honestly got into it all out of necessity. My brother who is an artist in the Huntsville hip hop community (shouts Dizzy D) was in a group that was lacking some type of visual marketing and at the time I had an opportunity to do more to help. Around that same time I had a conversation with the manager of a well known and respected group from Huntsville and he put me on the idea of DIY (Do It Yourself). I credit that shift in thought with really putting me on the path to where I am now. Moving to New York City feed into my "drive to basket mentality" perfectly. I guess the artist came out that I didn't even know was there. Haha.
What advice do you have or what would you say to someone who wants to get into directing?
S.Pelt: Sacrifice! You're gonna have to sacrifice some of the things in life that you enjoy to be successful. Especially if you don't have any higher education in the field you're pursuing, but then that makes it all a double edge sword because why are you living if you not living?! Right? Eternal, internal struggle mane smh...
Have you ever encountered someone who had absolutely no talent? And did you have to break it to them?
S.Pelt: I guess we were all given some kinda mutant powers. So I guess it would be a matter of talented in what? I can say I enjoy working with anybody of any skill level who has a vision and is willing to work hard.
What is your philosophy on the profession of filming?
S.Pelt: Always implement what you've learned from previous projects and apply it to the next project. Growth.
What do you enjoy doing when your not working?
S.Pelt: Ha that's a loaded question! I'm always working on something! But when I do get a chance to shake loose, I live in NYC so I'm either trying to find a pretty girl or grabbing some good food.
Name shum artist you have worked with that have gone on or are becoming very successful.
S.Pelt: Luckily I've had the opportunity to work on the ground floor of a few artist careers so we'll see.
How do you come up shum of your visuals and concepts?
S.Pelt: I usually elevate and then marinate on an artist music or the profile of whomever I'm working with. I really try to create something that gives a personal connection to the client.
What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself in a year or two?
S.Pelt: I just wanna continue to build and grow as a person and professional without giving myself away. In 2 years I definitely see myself as a recognizable brand in my field and the movement.
What's your motto on life?
S.Pelt: Transition through life with a bold new approach....s.pelt
Where can the readers find your work?
S.Pelt: Www.sdotpdotdesigns.com
How can customers get in contact with you professionally and socially via social networks?
S.Pelt: Pretty much anything with @ in it @sdotpdotdesigns
Email: s.pelt@yahoo.com
Shouts Mizz Tuffy! Japanese bow mane!
What exactly is it that you do?
S.Pelt:
I like to call myself a media designer. I offer design through multiple mediums of media. Ha. Also offering marketing and branding
Where are you from?
S.Pelt:
I was born in Arkansas but Alabama raised me.
How long have you been directing?
S.Pelt: 2009
Why did you decide to get into directing? Was there someone who inspired you to get into directing?
S.Pelt: I honestly got into it all out of necessity. My brother who is an artist in the Huntsville hip hop community (shouts Dizzy D) was in a group that was lacking some type of visual marketing and at the time I had an opportunity to do more to help. Around that same time I had a conversation with the manager of a well known and respected group from Huntsville and he put me on the idea of DIY (Do It Yourself). I credit that shift in thought with really putting me on the path to where I am now. Moving to New York City feed into my "drive to basket mentality" perfectly. I guess the artist came out that I didn't even know was there. Haha.
What advice do you have or what would you say to someone who wants to get into directing?
S.Pelt: Sacrifice! You're gonna have to sacrifice some of the things in life that you enjoy to be successful. Especially if you don't have any higher education in the field you're pursuing, but then that makes it all a double edge sword because why are you living if you not living?! Right? Eternal, internal struggle mane smh...
Have you ever encountered someone who had absolutely no talent? And did you have to break it to them?
S.Pelt: I guess we were all given some kinda mutant powers. So I guess it would be a matter of talented in what? I can say I enjoy working with anybody of any skill level who has a vision and is willing to work hard.
What is your philosophy on the profession of filming?
S.Pelt: Always implement what you've learned from previous projects and apply it to the next project. Growth.
What do you enjoy doing when your not working?
S.Pelt: Ha that's a loaded question! I'm always working on something! But when I do get a chance to shake loose, I live in NYC so I'm either trying to find a pretty girl or grabbing some good food.
Name shum artist you have worked with that have gone on or are becoming very successful.
S.Pelt: Luckily I've had the opportunity to work on the ground floor of a few artist careers so we'll see.
How do you come up shum of your visuals and concepts?
S.Pelt: I usually elevate and then marinate on an artist music or the profile of whomever I'm working with. I really try to create something that gives a personal connection to the client.
What are your future plans? Where do you see yourself in a year or two?
S.Pelt: I just wanna continue to build and grow as a person and professional without giving myself away. In 2 years I definitely see myself as a recognizable brand in my field and the movement.
What's your motto on life?
S.Pelt: Transition through life with a bold new approach....s.pelt
Where can the readers find your work?
S.Pelt: Www.sdotpdotdesigns.com
How can customers get in contact with you professionally and socially via social networks?
S.Pelt: Pretty much anything with @ in it @sdotpdotdesigns
Email: s.pelt@yahoo.com
Shouts Mizz Tuffy! Japanese bow mane!
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Thursday, May 2, 2013
Janelle Monae Q.U.E.E.N Lyrics
"Q.U.E.E.N."
(feat. Erykah Badu)
I cant believe I love the things they say about me
Walk in the room they throwing shade left to right
They be like ooh, she's so fun face
And I just tell em, cut me up, and get down
They call us dirty 'cuz we break all your rules down
And we just came to act a fool, is that all right (Girl, that's alright)
They be like Ooh, let them eat cake
But we eat wings and throw them bones on the ground
Am I a freak for dancing around? (queen)
Am I a freak for getting down? (queen)
I'm coming up, don't cut me down
Yeah I wanna be, wanna be
Is it peculiar that she twerk in the mirror?
And am I weird to dance alone late at night?
And is it true we're all insane?
And I just tell 'em No we ain't" and get down
I heard this life is just a play with no rehearsal
I wonder will this be my final act tonight
And tell me what's the price of fame?
Am I a sinner with my skirt on the ground?
Am I a freak for dancing around?
Am I a freak for getting down?
I'm coming up, don't cut me down
Yeah I wanna be
Hey brother can you save my soul from the devil?
Say is it weird to like the way she wear her tights?
And is it rude to wear my shades?
Am I a freak because I love watching Mary? (Maybe)
Hey sister am I good enough for your heaven?
Say will your God accept me in my black and white?
Will he approve the way I'm made?
Or should I reprogram the programming and get down?
Even if it makes others uncomfortable
I wanna love who I am
Even if it makes other uncomfortable
I will love who I am
Dance 'til the break of dawn
Don't mean a thing, so duh
I can't take it no more
Baby, we in tuxedo groove
Monae and E. Badu
Crazy in the black and white
We got the drums so tight
Baby, here comes the freedom song
Too strong we moving on
Baby there's melody
Show you another way
This joints for fight unknown
Come home and sing your song
But you gotta testify
Because the booty don't lie
No, no, the booty don't lie
Oh no, the booty don't lie
Yeah
Yeah, Let's flip it
I don't think they understand what I'm trying to say
I asked a question like this
"Are we a lost generation of our people?
Add us to equations but they'll never make us equal.
She who writes the movie owns the script and the sequel.
So why ain't the stealing of my rights made illegal?
They keep us underground working hard for the greedy,
But when it's time pay they turn around and call us needy.
My crown too heavy like the Queen Nefertiti
Gimme back my pyramid, I'm trying to free Kansas City.
Mixing masterminds like your name Bernie Grundman.
Well I'm gonna keep leading like a young Harriet Tubman
You can take my wings but I'm still goin' fly
And even when you edit me the booty don't lie
Yeah, keep singing and I'mma keep writing songs
I'm tired of Marvin asking me, "What's Going On?
March to the streets 'cuz I'm willing and I'm able
Categorize me, I defy every label
And while you're selling dope, we're gonna keep selling hope
We rising up now, you gotta deal you gotta cope
Will you be electric sheep?
Electric ladies, will you sleep?
Or will you preach?"
(feat. Erykah Badu)
I cant believe I love the things they say about me
Walk in the room they throwing shade left to right
They be like ooh, she's so fun face
And I just tell em, cut me up, and get down
They call us dirty 'cuz we break all your rules down
And we just came to act a fool, is that all right (Girl, that's alright)
They be like Ooh, let them eat cake
But we eat wings and throw them bones on the ground
Am I a freak for dancing around? (queen)
Am I a freak for getting down? (queen)
I'm coming up, don't cut me down
Yeah I wanna be, wanna be
Is it peculiar that she twerk in the mirror?
And am I weird to dance alone late at night?
And is it true we're all insane?
And I just tell 'em No we ain't" and get down
I heard this life is just a play with no rehearsal
I wonder will this be my final act tonight
And tell me what's the price of fame?
Am I a sinner with my skirt on the ground?
Am I a freak for dancing around?
Am I a freak for getting down?
I'm coming up, don't cut me down
Yeah I wanna be
Hey brother can you save my soul from the devil?
Say is it weird to like the way she wear her tights?
And is it rude to wear my shades?
Am I a freak because I love watching Mary? (Maybe)
Hey sister am I good enough for your heaven?
Say will your God accept me in my black and white?
Will he approve the way I'm made?
Or should I reprogram the programming and get down?
Even if it makes others uncomfortable
I wanna love who I am
Even if it makes other uncomfortable
I will love who I am
Dance 'til the break of dawn
Don't mean a thing, so duh
I can't take it no more
Baby, we in tuxedo groove
Monae and E. Badu
Crazy in the black and white
We got the drums so tight
Baby, here comes the freedom song
Too strong we moving on
Baby there's melody
Show you another way
This joints for fight unknown
Come home and sing your song
But you gotta testify
Because the booty don't lie
No, no, the booty don't lie
Oh no, the booty don't lie
Yeah
Yeah, Let's flip it
I don't think they understand what I'm trying to say
I asked a question like this
"Are we a lost generation of our people?
Add us to equations but they'll never make us equal.
She who writes the movie owns the script and the sequel.
So why ain't the stealing of my rights made illegal?
They keep us underground working hard for the greedy,
But when it's time pay they turn around and call us needy.
My crown too heavy like the Queen Nefertiti
Gimme back my pyramid, I'm trying to free Kansas City.
Mixing masterminds like your name Bernie Grundman.
Well I'm gonna keep leading like a young Harriet Tubman
You can take my wings but I'm still goin' fly
And even when you edit me the booty don't lie
Yeah, keep singing and I'mma keep writing songs
I'm tired of Marvin asking me, "What's Going On?
March to the streets 'cuz I'm willing and I'm able
Categorize me, I defy every label
And while you're selling dope, we're gonna keep selling hope
We rising up now, you gotta deal you gotta cope
Will you be electric sheep?
Electric ladies, will you sleep?
Or will you preach?"
Cold War
To Make purposeful this Life, even in the Darkness I seek Light. In My soul, deep within I feel a great discomfort. As an artist I have a responsibility, not be selfish. To be aware and becoming aware more and more each day a great depression can take place. To turn around and face facts address the past and look at where you came from, who raised you, your traditions ect. I am so covered in junk, I feel gross, I feel, No hope-less. I cry, ready for the old me to die ten times over. I feel like quick sand is the ground beneath me. This world is black and white, day and night. ~Tuffy
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
MZ MAY
LAKEN LESHE HARDEN
The very beautiful "Mz May" b.k.a Laken Leshe gave us a brief run down of who she is.
Bio:
Strong believer in faith!
Independent goal oriented. Excepting nothing less than success. Live
life to the fullest one day at a time. I believe that if you can
visualize it and include God, it will surely happen. I dream big!
Latest Jobs:
Lambo Music Group Upper Echelon Fashion Show - January 2013
Grind NationPromo Commercials - February 2012
Grind Nation Paradise Show - April 2013
Models and Bottles Part I Party Host presented by Mix Boy
Entertainment - April 2013
Alabama Fashion Alliance Model for Designer : Ellena LeJeune - Spring 2013
Favorite aspect:
Its an amazing feeling of relief. for me its a way of
self expression. Kind of like telling my story through my photos.
Least like?
The criticism but I just continue to be strong and accept
it and deal with it but remain motivated and stay focus.
Suprises?
Unforntunately y some not-so-good ones....Lets just say I
discovered some shady people early on in the industry from past
experiences.
Awkward moments?
I actually have not had any true awkward moments yet...lol
Fav mod?
I'd have to say myself of course...lol
How fashion empowered?
I'd say the fashion is a way of showing who you
are like never ending art thats always repeats itself.
What I enjoy when not working?
Online shopping , reading , and most
importantly spending time with love ones ; family first!
Fav designer: CoCo Chanel
Fav part of body?
I have a few ....lol my long legs, thighs, my lips,
and tattoos
Fav food? seafood and italian
Suggest a Model friend?
Penelope Morris
If I could change one past thing?
I would change letting negative
people remain in my life way longer than their expiration date ;
wasting my time in the wrong direction. But for evry setback I always
bounce back.
Hardest shoot?
I really have not had any too tough ones yet thankful lol
Future goals?
To be more than just a mere model. I want to be BEYOND
successful in the industry. I would like to be an inspiration for
other aspiring models tryna make it out here and empower others not
compete with others. Most importantly Id like to give back and take
care of my family. Be "the boss" !!!
Life motto: "WHO DARES WINS!"
"DO RIGHT AND KILL EVERYTHING"
Words of wisdom?
First you have to ask yourself , where do you see
yourself in the future. Include God in it, pray for an ambitious
drive , work hard and stay on the right path. NO DETOURS!! NEVER
EVER QUIT!!! KEEP GOING!!!! WIN!!! Believe in yourself and "speak
it into existence!" Remember these 6 stages of how to unfold your
dream and vision...
1. Think it
2. Capture it
3. Hold on to it
4. Do it
5. Keep it
6. Teach it
"There is no success without a successor"
To book Laken: Email lakenleshe@gmail.com
Connect with her via:
Twitter : @lakenleshe
Instagram : @lakenleshe
Facebook : Laken LeShe Harden
BRANDED by @ggandgforever
Huntsville, Al is becoming increasingly reputaul for their underground culture of talent in all forms. I recently had the pleasure of doing a Q & A with "Good Girls & Gangsters" clothing line owners, S.L.A.S.H and Bently. Two legendary rap artist contributing to the ever lasting funk of hip-hop! The entrepreneurs took time out to tell me how good girls and gangsters ride, and Brand me!
*Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from?
Slash: GG&G (which stands for Good Girls & Gangsters) was founded and is currently based in Huntsville where we both stay. I was born in Tuskegee and My dad's side of my family is from Huntsville so I have a lot of cousins/siblings here but my mother moved us to Florida when I was real young, like 5 or 6. I came back to HSV after I graduated high school to start at AAMU in 2002 and have been here ever since.
Bentley: Im from Florence, AL. Northside to be exact, its about an hour and a half away form Huntsville. I moved here to further my music career & get away from everything going on in Florence. Just over the past week down there its been drug busts, police stand offs, and multiple shootings and I didn't want to be a victim of my surroundings like all of my friends. I didn't see me doing anything positive with my life if I stayed there so one day I just drove up here dolo and found an apartment. It helped that I was into music and already on the Huntsville scene so the transition was real smooth.
*What's your educational background?
S: I went to A&M briefly for a couple years. My major was fashion merchandising but I left to pursue entrepreneurial things.
B: I graduated from Florence High with an advanced diploma but didn't get to walk (thats a whole nother interview lol). After that I studied Commercial Music but it wasn't really challenging and at the time I already had the job my professor wanted so I felt it was nothing he could teach me & eventually changed to my current major in Criminal Justice.
*What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
B: Art has always been my biggest interest. The only thing I ever wanted to be other than an artist was an astronaut. I must have been 7 or 8 but I wanted to be the first Black Astronaut, I had no idea who Robert Lawrence Jr was at the time. Im also into Black history, I think it gets lost in the mix nowadays. In high school I complained in my History class until we noted a Black history fact everyday for February. Other than that, I love guns..Real big guns lol.
S: Music is probably my biggest interest but being an entrepreneur is probably what im the most active in right now. I like to do creative things so anything can be an outlet. Right now my creativity goes into coming up with new ways to market or promote. As weird as it may be, that's really my hobby and what excites me.
*What does fashion mean to you?
S: To me its just wearing what feels right or true to you, not necessarily whats trendy. I like fashion that makes a statement. Doesn't matter what the statement is, just as long as it reflects the wearer and the brand making it.
B: Fashion to me explains how you really feel. You can almost know what someone is going through by how they dress. If I'm feeling real good then your gonna know because Im gonna have a lot colors going on or Im matching everything just right, but when I don't feel like being bothered I will be wearing my hoody or something old.
*How would you define your city's fashion?
S: A melting pot. Huntsville attracts people from all over the country and world due to the military base and several colleges so people bring their styles from their own city and still wear it here but they pick up things from other people so it all blends together. There aren't a lot of stores with variety here in the city so the variety comes from the actual people. Three guys about the same size and height may buy the exact same shirt and one guy will wear a medium and some leopard pants with some yeezy's, one guy will wear a large and put it with some camo shorts and the last guy will wear a 2XL and put it with some 501s. Each person makes it their own. That's huntsville's fashion from what I see.
B: Everything that Slash said is exactly true but to add to that, It all depends on what demographic you are around. The college kids, successful 25-35s, and d boys all do their own thing.
*When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
S: I've been drawing since I was 4 or 5 but I started drawing sketches for my own imaginary sneaker label in middle school. Through most of high school I kept two thick portfolios of clothing sketches in my bookbag. Someone stole one of them the last day of school my junior year of high school. I was pissed. I actually fell back from drawing then because I was so mad and I started getting heavier into rapping, which I had also been doing just for fun in the lunchroom or before classes, etc. That was when i first started actually keeping a rhyme book and went to a studio.
B: I didn't realize it until after it happened. My phone juuggin all day anyway, so when somebody calling me for a shirt it was just another juug.It didn't hit me until I started seeing people really talking about GG&G and we gained the attention from all of the other brands in the city because we came up so fast. I couldn't believe what we created from inside of our living room.
*What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
S: Tennis shoes/sneakers. At first i used to trace those thugged out Bugs Bunny and Taz pictures from back in the day but then I would draw in my own shoes. Then i just started drawing shoes by themselves.
B: It was shoes for me too. Back in the early 2000s I used to put bandannas on everything. I had bandanna visors, air force 1s, dickies, you name it. If i could have put a bandanna rag top on my Caprice I would have did it, lol.
*Who are some of your favorite designers?
S: Im honestly more into men's clothes than women's if that makes any sense. I would rather look at a well dressed man or a fly guy but I cant say that I'm attached to any one particular label or designer. I just like dope pieces. Plus designers eventually get lazy and put their logo on everything simple instead of coming up with actual concepts for new designs. I'm not a fan of the "brands" themselves. I'm a fan of what they create.
B: I don't think Ive ever had a favorite designer. Only designer I buy over and over is Tinker Hatfield but I own pieces from everybody. I am into collections tho. Like, the BloodBath "Crack" collection is super dope. I Wish I would have though of it!!
*What do you like best about designing clothes?
B: It may sound shallow but hear me out, I enjoy killing other designers lol. I use to have a bubble Caprice with a gucci top, tvs in the windows, Lexanis, train horns, it was decked out. If you pulled up to me in a Caprice and it wasn't up to par, I know it and you know it lol. I think the car culture mentality for me, translated into the fashion. Even when I didn't design clothes I would put outfits together to try & kill everybody. I don't necessarily compete with other designers tho. Everybody is dope in their own right. I like Diamond Supply and buy a lot of it but I would never make a shirt with a diamond on it like "Hey Nicky Diamonds look at this" to me thats whack & being a biter. The best example is the Jordan 3 88s. A lot of brands made shirts for those shoes but we killed them all with our "Still Spendin" tee. Its all fun tho. Its just like rapping, I rap with a lot of talented people but we all are trying to be the best verse on the song. The other thing I like about designing our clothes is that it all makes sense to our brand. Whether it be a single piece like "Still Spendin" or something like our "Jack Boys" Collection, it all makes sense to what we stand for at Good Girls & Gangsters and carries that overall theme.
S: The reaction from people when they see it. Especially if they get the meaning. Sometimes our pieces only connect with a niche group of people but when they get it, they love it even more. It's conversational.
*How would you define your personal style?
S: Today...I probably don't even have any, lol. I dress for comfort now more than anything. I still like certain sneakers and i'll get those but im just not one of those "swag on full" kinda people. I love creating it and appreciate how people rock certain things but I wouldnt try to do it myself. I keep it pretty classic. Shirts with small or no logos. Some basic jeans or leggings and some sneakers for most days. When I do dress up, I clean up pretty nice though. An occasional skirt or dress creeps into my wardrobe every 6 mos or so.
B: Its all on how I'm feeling that day. If Im stepping out I try to come correct but on a normal Im just wearing some 501s & a tee with some dope sneakers.
*How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
S: This might be long but I like intelligent hood niggas, lol. And I know a lot of smart, college educated, independent, corporate job-having women are attracted to the same thing. It's always something cool that happens when that hood guy finds out that good girl has some hood characteristics and she finds out that he's more intelligent than society would have you believe he is. Sometimes that connection doesn't work out well but when it does, they can use both of their strengths together to accomplish a lot. Jay-Z and Beyonce for example. He's obviously very intellectual despite rapping about coke prices and such, while Bey makes sure to keep it classy for the most part but she clearly has a love for Popeye's and UGK like most people in the hood. So, to me, our line represents that balance. Our designs require thought, but they're still dope. They're fresh and new but not so outrageous that you have to sacrifice your manhood to be trendy. You don't have to wear zebra print and man jeggings or skirts to be stylish. You can still be a man. And as we expand into women's clothing this summer, I want it to represent women that are smart enough to excel professionally but still in touch with their "urban" side. She may leave work on the arsenal but on the way home she's blasting "Gin & Juice" and rapping along all the lyrics. And she likes guys that can hold a conversation about current events but know who to call for a 42" flat screen TV with no box for $200, lol. She's a hustler as well, in her own way.
B: What she said lol. Its just comfortable clothes that can reach a lot of age groups. Its some brands I see that cool but I would never wear them because its not my age group. Like slash said earlier, Some of our pieces have niche markets & when people identify with it, it becomes more than an article of clothing to them.
*What are some of your fashion goals?
S: My main goal is to help shape Huntsville and North Alabama as a whole with its own identifiable culture. It's not just about fashion. There are certain things about the city that make it special but they aren't recognized or bigger cities steal it and become known for it because they are more popular. We have a lot of urban musical talent that goes unnoticed. We also have a lot of chefs or aspiring chefs that could have big restaurants with signature dishes but they "sling plates" because that's where they have to start and no one is willing to invest in them. I'd like to make enough money to invest in the culture of Huntsville. But I dont have the time to let money be an excuse for waiting to make an impact. Coming later this year, I plan on expanding our website to do local restaurant reviews and feature even more local music artists than we have before. Fashion wise, we just want to keep improving our quality to make things that much more impressive. Attention to detail. Things like custom tags with little messages and better packaging. Hopefully we can make some more accessories to make our brand stand out. We have a clothing line but our brand is about culture.
B: My only fashion goal is to continue having fun making clothes & maintain ownership of our products and ideas.
*Where do you get your inspiration?
S: My beliefs. Music. The city. Tweetwatching, lol.
B: Being around loved ones just joking around. Im a firm believer to act out on any joke or conversation that lasts longer than 10 minutes because that mean you might have something.
*Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
www.goodgirlsandgangsters.com for everything culture related and shop.goodgirlsandgangsters.com to invest with us.
www.goodgirlsandgangsters.com
facebook.com/goodgirlsandgangsters
twitter.com/ggandgforever
instagram.com/goodgirlsandgangsters
*Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from?
Slash: GG&G (which stands for Good Girls & Gangsters) was founded and is currently based in Huntsville where we both stay. I was born in Tuskegee and My dad's side of my family is from Huntsville so I have a lot of cousins/siblings here but my mother moved us to Florida when I was real young, like 5 or 6. I came back to HSV after I graduated high school to start at AAMU in 2002 and have been here ever since.
Bentley: Im from Florence, AL. Northside to be exact, its about an hour and a half away form Huntsville. I moved here to further my music career & get away from everything going on in Florence. Just over the past week down there its been drug busts, police stand offs, and multiple shootings and I didn't want to be a victim of my surroundings like all of my friends. I didn't see me doing anything positive with my life if I stayed there so one day I just drove up here dolo and found an apartment. It helped that I was into music and already on the Huntsville scene so the transition was real smooth.
*What's your educational background?
S: I went to A&M briefly for a couple years. My major was fashion merchandising but I left to pursue entrepreneurial things.
B: I graduated from Florence High with an advanced diploma but didn't get to walk (thats a whole nother interview lol). After that I studied Commercial Music but it wasn't really challenging and at the time I already had the job my professor wanted so I felt it was nothing he could teach me & eventually changed to my current major in Criminal Justice.
*What are your general professional and non-professional interests?
B: Art has always been my biggest interest. The only thing I ever wanted to be other than an artist was an astronaut. I must have been 7 or 8 but I wanted to be the first Black Astronaut, I had no idea who Robert Lawrence Jr was at the time. Im also into Black history, I think it gets lost in the mix nowadays. In high school I complained in my History class until we noted a Black history fact everyday for February. Other than that, I love guns..Real big guns lol.
S: Music is probably my biggest interest but being an entrepreneur is probably what im the most active in right now. I like to do creative things so anything can be an outlet. Right now my creativity goes into coming up with new ways to market or promote. As weird as it may be, that's really my hobby and what excites me.
*What does fashion mean to you?
S: To me its just wearing what feels right or true to you, not necessarily whats trendy. I like fashion that makes a statement. Doesn't matter what the statement is, just as long as it reflects the wearer and the brand making it.
B: Fashion to me explains how you really feel. You can almost know what someone is going through by how they dress. If I'm feeling real good then your gonna know because Im gonna have a lot colors going on or Im matching everything just right, but when I don't feel like being bothered I will be wearing my hoody or something old.
*How would you define your city's fashion?
S: A melting pot. Huntsville attracts people from all over the country and world due to the military base and several colleges so people bring their styles from their own city and still wear it here but they pick up things from other people so it all blends together. There aren't a lot of stores with variety here in the city so the variety comes from the actual people. Three guys about the same size and height may buy the exact same shirt and one guy will wear a medium and some leopard pants with some yeezy's, one guy will wear a large and put it with some camo shorts and the last guy will wear a 2XL and put it with some 501s. Each person makes it their own. That's huntsville's fashion from what I see.
B: Everything that Slash said is exactly true but to add to that, It all depends on what demographic you are around. The college kids, successful 25-35s, and d boys all do their own thing.
*When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
S: I've been drawing since I was 4 or 5 but I started drawing sketches for my own imaginary sneaker label in middle school. Through most of high school I kept two thick portfolios of clothing sketches in my bookbag. Someone stole one of them the last day of school my junior year of high school. I was pissed. I actually fell back from drawing then because I was so mad and I started getting heavier into rapping, which I had also been doing just for fun in the lunchroom or before classes, etc. That was when i first started actually keeping a rhyme book and went to a studio.
B: I didn't realize it until after it happened. My phone juuggin all day anyway, so when somebody calling me for a shirt it was just another juug.It didn't hit me until I started seeing people really talking about GG&G and we gained the attention from all of the other brands in the city because we came up so fast. I couldn't believe what we created from inside of our living room.
*What was the first article of clothing you ever designed?
S: Tennis shoes/sneakers. At first i used to trace those thugged out Bugs Bunny and Taz pictures from back in the day but then I would draw in my own shoes. Then i just started drawing shoes by themselves.
B: It was shoes for me too. Back in the early 2000s I used to put bandannas on everything. I had bandanna visors, air force 1s, dickies, you name it. If i could have put a bandanna rag top on my Caprice I would have did it, lol.
*Who are some of your favorite designers?
S: Im honestly more into men's clothes than women's if that makes any sense. I would rather look at a well dressed man or a fly guy but I cant say that I'm attached to any one particular label or designer. I just like dope pieces. Plus designers eventually get lazy and put their logo on everything simple instead of coming up with actual concepts for new designs. I'm not a fan of the "brands" themselves. I'm a fan of what they create.
B: I don't think Ive ever had a favorite designer. Only designer I buy over and over is Tinker Hatfield but I own pieces from everybody. I am into collections tho. Like, the BloodBath "Crack" collection is super dope. I Wish I would have though of it!!
*What do you like best about designing clothes?
B: It may sound shallow but hear me out, I enjoy killing other designers lol. I use to have a bubble Caprice with a gucci top, tvs in the windows, Lexanis, train horns, it was decked out. If you pulled up to me in a Caprice and it wasn't up to par, I know it and you know it lol. I think the car culture mentality for me, translated into the fashion. Even when I didn't design clothes I would put outfits together to try & kill everybody. I don't necessarily compete with other designers tho. Everybody is dope in their own right. I like Diamond Supply and buy a lot of it but I would never make a shirt with a diamond on it like "Hey Nicky Diamonds look at this" to me thats whack & being a biter. The best example is the Jordan 3 88s. A lot of brands made shirts for those shoes but we killed them all with our "Still Spendin" tee. Its all fun tho. Its just like rapping, I rap with a lot of talented people but we all are trying to be the best verse on the song. The other thing I like about designing our clothes is that it all makes sense to our brand. Whether it be a single piece like "Still Spendin" or something like our "Jack Boys" Collection, it all makes sense to what we stand for at Good Girls & Gangsters and carries that overall theme.
S: The reaction from people when they see it. Especially if they get the meaning. Sometimes our pieces only connect with a niche group of people but when they get it, they love it even more. It's conversational.
*How would you define your personal style?
S: Today...I probably don't even have any, lol. I dress for comfort now more than anything. I still like certain sneakers and i'll get those but im just not one of those "swag on full" kinda people. I love creating it and appreciate how people rock certain things but I wouldnt try to do it myself. I keep it pretty classic. Shirts with small or no logos. Some basic jeans or leggings and some sneakers for most days. When I do dress up, I clean up pretty nice though. An occasional skirt or dress creeps into my wardrobe every 6 mos or so.
B: Its all on how I'm feeling that day. If Im stepping out I try to come correct but on a normal Im just wearing some 501s & a tee with some dope sneakers.
*How would you define the style your line exemplifies?
S: This might be long but I like intelligent hood niggas, lol. And I know a lot of smart, college educated, independent, corporate job-having women are attracted to the same thing. It's always something cool that happens when that hood guy finds out that good girl has some hood characteristics and she finds out that he's more intelligent than society would have you believe he is. Sometimes that connection doesn't work out well but when it does, they can use both of their strengths together to accomplish a lot. Jay-Z and Beyonce for example. He's obviously very intellectual despite rapping about coke prices and such, while Bey makes sure to keep it classy for the most part but she clearly has a love for Popeye's and UGK like most people in the hood. So, to me, our line represents that balance. Our designs require thought, but they're still dope. They're fresh and new but not so outrageous that you have to sacrifice your manhood to be trendy. You don't have to wear zebra print and man jeggings or skirts to be stylish. You can still be a man. And as we expand into women's clothing this summer, I want it to represent women that are smart enough to excel professionally but still in touch with their "urban" side. She may leave work on the arsenal but on the way home she's blasting "Gin & Juice" and rapping along all the lyrics. And she likes guys that can hold a conversation about current events but know who to call for a 42" flat screen TV with no box for $200, lol. She's a hustler as well, in her own way.
B: What she said lol. Its just comfortable clothes that can reach a lot of age groups. Its some brands I see that cool but I would never wear them because its not my age group. Like slash said earlier, Some of our pieces have niche markets & when people identify with it, it becomes more than an article of clothing to them.
*What are some of your fashion goals?
S: My main goal is to help shape Huntsville and North Alabama as a whole with its own identifiable culture. It's not just about fashion. There are certain things about the city that make it special but they aren't recognized or bigger cities steal it and become known for it because they are more popular. We have a lot of urban musical talent that goes unnoticed. We also have a lot of chefs or aspiring chefs that could have big restaurants with signature dishes but they "sling plates" because that's where they have to start and no one is willing to invest in them. I'd like to make enough money to invest in the culture of Huntsville. But I dont have the time to let money be an excuse for waiting to make an impact. Coming later this year, I plan on expanding our website to do local restaurant reviews and feature even more local music artists than we have before. Fashion wise, we just want to keep improving our quality to make things that much more impressive. Attention to detail. Things like custom tags with little messages and better packaging. Hopefully we can make some more accessories to make our brand stand out. We have a clothing line but our brand is about culture.
B: My only fashion goal is to continue having fun making clothes & maintain ownership of our products and ideas.
*Where do you get your inspiration?
S: My beliefs. Music. The city. Tweetwatching, lol.
B: Being around loved ones just joking around. Im a firm believer to act out on any joke or conversation that lasts longer than 10 minutes because that mean you might have something.
*Where can readers find out more about you and your work?
www.goodgirlsandgangsters.com for everything culture related and shop.goodgirlsandgangsters.com to invest with us.
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