I’m a photographer. We all know. So every once and a while I like to look up different photographers to get inspired by their work, creativity, and innovation. On my hunt, I came across two photographers that work closely together. Stephen Gomillion and Dennis Leupold‘s editorial and high fashion work is very inspiring. Check some of it out.
I’ve got to get on my grind.
Check more out at their website here.
Designer Matthew Williamson will be launching his designs for H & M‘s summer collection and apparently he thinks it’s okay to be sweltering hot during the summer. His collection includes jackets, scarves, and other “non summer” items. The pieces are interesting as separates but c’mon–scarves in the summer?
If you like what you see, the collection will be available in 1,400 H & M stores world wide May 14th.
Read about the song in the post below-amazing
Maxwell is back! Am I excited? Of course. This talented genius has graced the world with some of the most beautiful music ever. He is set to release a trilogy catalog album entitled Black Summers’ Night. The three disc will be released individually over the course of three years and the first was supposed to be released last year. It now will be released July 7th. The song “Pretty Wings” is simply put–amazing. It is about the singer’s last relationship. The snippet has been out for a while but now the full song is available. I smell my new favorite song for the week.
The video will premiere sometime this week as well. Don’t forget to come back to MESH to check it out.
Let me say what everyone already knows: The women’s rap game needs a queen.
Kim is dancing with the stars, Eve is no longer relevant, Foxy is still recovering from injury and deafness, and Remy Ma is in Rikers wishing she didn’t shoot a woman in the stomach. The crown is there for the taking, and I think Nicki Minaj, from Southside Jamaica Queens, is here to take it.
The lone female under the Young Money Ent. powerhouse (Lil Wayne, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Drake, etc ) is slowly making one thing clear:
Nicki Owns this.
Think [old] Lil Wayne… with a bra.
Minaj’ flow is sick, wordplay is at maximum, and never a hindrance… she’s sexy. “Beam Me Up To Scotty,” the latest mixtape from Minaj, was released a few days ago, and I’m sold. Girl goes hard. But enough talking, download “Scotty” after the jump, especially you ladies: you won’t regret it.
Download Beam Me Up To Scotty Here
BaseControl 2009 Spring/Summer. Some looks from their lookbook.
Pretty good stuff.
It seems the sweet days of the separate reigns of R&B girl groups such as En Vogue, Xscape, 702, TLC, SWV, and Destiny’s Child are gone and truly missed. The girl group has been a dead topic ever since the “break” of Destiny’s Child (rumored to return in 2011). There have been attempts at the success of these previous groups (Danity Kane, Cherish, 3LW, JS, etc.) but despite tremendous talents, these attempts didn’t quite succeed or last long. Danity Kane seemed to be well on their way but we see how that ended up.
Destiny's Child, one of the most successful girl groups of all time.
Well, it’s a new dawn of music and a new year that seems to welcome the return of the girl group in a industry solely focused on solo talent and artists. Although the task of being a successful girl group is a tremendous one, 2009 sees three efforts ready to fight the good battle to become the new leading girl group of R&B: Electrik Red, Sophia Fresh, and RichGirl.
1. Electrik Red- Think if Kelis were in a girl group with a touch of The Dream and Tricky Stewart.
Electrik Red is a very interestingly raw girl group under the direction and vision of mastermind songwriter/producer/ artist The Dream. All four girls were dancers and models before forming Electrik Red. They all appeared in Ciara’s “Like A Boy” video and from there became friends and formed the sexy quartet. Naomi, Leslie, Kyndra, and Sarah look to take the industry by storm. Their current single “So Good” is doing extremely well on the charts and their debut album How To Be a Lady Vol. 1 releases May 25. With tracks like “So Good” “Freaky Freaky” “Blind” and others it should do fairly well. Check out another single’s video they released earlier last year “Drank In My Cup.”
Sophia Fresh is another breathe of fresh air to the music industry. Put simply, these girls are raw. Under the direction of hit maker and everyone’s favorite coon T-Pain, the group has a unique sound. The group is made up of members Skye, Crystal, and Cole. Initially gaining attention with their Cee-Lo assisted track “Superbad,” the group slowly rose to become something to keep an eye on. Their current single “What It Is” feautring Kanye West is a true showcase of their edge and talent. The group doesn’t shy away from slower tracks as songs such as “Drop It” truly showcase the groups vocals. Check out the “What It Is” video.
3. RichGirl-Think the original Desitny’s Child’s baby sisters.
RichGirl is another new girl group. Their current single “24″ is starting to get heavy radio play. I initially doubted the groups success as I saw them perform at an event and although their vocals were great there just wasn’t a connection to the audience. But now, I firmly believe they have the ability to become a successful group. Audra, Lyndriette, Seven, and Brave are determined and focused which are highly important for any type of success in an industry as tough as the music one. The group is currently shooting the video for “24″ but you can check the song out here:
Don’t laugh, it’s back. Everyone in fashion has been forecasting the return of the denim jacket and now that time is here. This spring and summer’s must have. Below you’ll find examples from Marc J, American Apparel, Urban, etc.
The beauty about the denim jacket is that everyone can have one. No matter the size of your waist or your wallet, the denim jacket is for everyone. But don’t just throw it on, go find a nice one.
Fellas: The fit is crucial. Don’t just throw on a frumpy, sloppy smock of a jacket. Get one that fits. Make sure it works for YOU. I’d recommend Urban, American Apparel, local thrift stores, or possibly even simply going to the tailor and having your jacket fitted.
Ladies: Once again fit is crucial. Find a jacket that not only accentuates the parts of your body that you want it to, but doesn’t overbear you. Don’t let your jacket swallow you. Remember you own the jacket, not reverse.
Lee Japan Spring/Summer 2009 Line
With a farmhand inspired look, Lee Jeans comes pretty nice this season. A part of the heritage collection debuted in various countries around the world, the look is very simple and relaxed, just in time for a summer of the same vibe. Just admit it, you’ve always thought there was only one true American denim company (rhymes with shmee-vye), but Lee has been here. They just need to go as hard here as they obviously do overseas.
We’ve been sleeping on you Lee… Im wide awake now.
Take a look at more looks and buy some Lee Japan pieces here
According to our poll on which First Lady is flyer, Jackie-O or Michelle-O, you guys have decided which deserves all the accolades as Washington’s flyest presidential wife. With 40% of the vote, the results are:
Jackie-O! But give Michelle a couple of years.That’s right. Jacqueline Onassis Kennedy, is undoubtably a fashion icon. It seems that we all feel that our dear Michelle Obama can get to that point soon in her tenure as America’s First Lady but as for now we all can agree that for now, Jackie has it on lock.
Colab sunglasses I feel that I must have and share with the world.
Yep.
Beyonce looking like she ready to finally dump Jay and be with me at the Obsessed premiere last night in New York City. Talk about a ‘freakum dress’.
Obsessed releases nationwide today.
Hype Williams directed cut. Good visuals but the video is just there sometimes, enjoy.
[vodpod id=ExternalVideo.814978&w=425&h=350&fv=]
Lady Gaga enjoying tea time in London.
You had me with the hat. You sold me with the blazer.
Okay it’s not really odd, but this new Usher leak I ran across is very different for the popular R & B artists and dare I say, I like it. Titled “Radar”, the track is an upbeat Prince-esque tune that is playful and again different. It didn’t catch me at first but I’ve grown to like it a lot. Check it out.
(Radar-Usher)Also:
(Lover’s Thing- Ciara ft. The Dream)
Enjoy.
Although sadly this really is an after thought, Happy Earth Day! So go out -recycle, pick up trash, conserve, hug a tree- all that good stuff. Go green folks.
No seriously, you’ve noticed the crazy weather. Global warming is something serious. Think of the polar bears! Okay, that’s enough of that.
I fell in love with actress Zoe Saldana after watching Drumline then confirmed my love for her in Guess Who and a couple of independent films she has starred in. She’s talented, beautiful, a great actress, and again a banger.
See she’s gorgeous.
Zoe at the Star Trek premiere.
Zoe stars in Star Trek which will be released on May 7th.
I personally am not the guy to wear Jordans like my MESH partner-in-crime Aaron would below (great quote from Michael Jordan! I also play to win, most days.) but I wouldn’t mind possibly sporting these Greedy Genius Ocean Runners.
And you guys know I love me some Oakley.
(Check out more Greedy Genius here)
“I play to win, whether during practice or a real game. And I will not let anything get in the way of me and my competitive enthusiasm to win.” -Michael Jordan
Mike Mike… you sure we not related?
~AR
Aaron
