iNTERViEW WiTH THEEPAULPUGH & MiLES BRANDON

THPP:Who is MB(Miles Brandon)?

MiLES BRANDON: "Miles Brandon is in love with life Im glad to be alive.Im a rapper and a musician and a taste maker haha. When did you start rapping?I started rapping when I was a freshman in High School about early 2002. I was 13 at the time and the school i was attending had a rap battle. So me being me i entered it and I lost I was horrible at the time and not to mention i stole my verse that i used in the battle from the wake up show. It serves me right because i forgot the whole thing and only remembered bits a pieces from it and I sounded real stupid.I remember one line to this day i said "You look like the chocolate rabbit that likes to drop the soap" wtf so random and weak. But you got to start some were so from that day forward I vowed to myself never to loose another battle again and to become the best I can be at my craft."

What are your influences?

"My influences are my dreams and visions and life and pain and everybody who told me I cant do it or my dreams are to big to reach. So on that note i use all that as fuel and motivation. And of course in influenced by great music."

Do you expect to make rapping your number one career?

"Yes i do but at the end of the day i want to be looked at as more than a "Rapper" and more as a musician. I plan on launching other things on the side i have a few projects in the making right now. But all in all music is my number 1 goal."

Do you think the internet is a good or bad thing in music today?

"I think the internet is a gift and a curse because the rap game is over populated and any and everybody can be a "Rapper" and it makes people sometime ignore the actual people who but in time hard work and talent. But it can also be a gate way for an artist such as my self to reach everybody and market my self how ever i want."

What is the hardest challenge in the music industry today?
"The hardest challenge in the music industry for me is getting people to hear my music because its way over saturated but Ive found a few ways to get over that."

What does the future of hip hop look like through Miles Brandon's eyes?
"Well in my eyes i plan to be on top of the game in Hip hop and bringing people with talent into the game that really deserve it."

OAKLAND FOR THE WEEKEND

PROLLY WON'T HAVE TiME TO BLOG BUT

THANKS FOR ALL THE LOVE

"LiFE AND TiMES OF MiLES BRANDON" FREE MiXTAPE

Heres the link to download the FREE MIXTAPE

http://www.zshare.net/download/559379579ddf81d0/

SHOUTOUTS: THOMAS(MOO)

HAPPY BiRTHDAY BRUH

Bape x WTAPS Spring/Summer 2009 T-Shirts

Once again some nice t-shirts out of the on-going Bape and WTAPS collaboration have been released. One of them comes with the “Bapewatch” theme, the other two with the “Official Member” theme. They are now available at Cliff Edge.

Yes No Maybe New Era Caps | “The Fez” & “Velcro Patch”

UK brand Yes No Maybe presents an interesting set of new New Era caps. It looks like we have not seen it all yet. “The Fez” cap comes with a velour upper, logo embroidery on the back, gold silk lining and a tazzle. The “Velcro Patch” caps feature velcro uppers and all come with a series of patches that you can play around with. The cap is offered in a series of colorways. Both caps can be purchased in the Yes No Maybe online store.

Original Fake x Levi’s Denim & Denim Jacket

Not only the “Companion” Bearbrick will be released this week, but also the much anticipated new collaboration between Original Fake and Levi’s will be coming out. The raw denim and matching denim jacket both feature bold Kaws Chompers embroideries on the pockets. Yet another collectors item.

Original Fake Spring/Summer 2009 Collection | Gore-Tex Paclite Jacket & More

Here now the weekly update on their new clothing releases. The much anticipated Gore-Tex Paclite Jackets have dropped in three colorways. Furthermore they have also released a black blazer, featuring the crazy all-over print on the lining, that we have recently seen on the jacket and on the hand towel. Via L’Intrus

Supra NS Spring 2009 Collection | A Complete Look

Finally the complete line-up of the Supra NS Spring 2009 Collection. The non skate collection of Supra consists this season of three packs - the Burgundy Pack, the Bronze Full Grain Pack and the Grey Tie Dye Suede Pack. All three feature three sneakers, with premium leather uppers and nice details. The Bronze Full Grain Pack will be released on March 1rst and the Grey Tie Dye Suede Pack will be released on April 1rst. The Burgundy Pack is already available.

New Music and New Movement For Diddy??

Your boy, Diddy, is giving his new album everything he has with the hopes of inspiring a new sound:
Recent NAACP Image Award winning star Sean “Diddy” Combs is ready to introduce the world to the refreshing sound of ‘Train’ music on his forthcoming album “Last Train To Paris.”
Slated for release Sept. 22, Diddy’s “Last Train To Paris” features production from Rodney Jerkins, The-Dream, and Tricky Stewart.
“I’m ushering in a new movement called ‘train music,’ says Diddy.
According to the former “Last Night” star, “Train Music” blends elements of electronica, hip-hop, soul and funk together.
“I am going to show the world a new refreshing side of me. The album is deeper than any other stuff I have ever made. It’s a profound love story.”
While a single has not been released from the forthcoming effort, portions of Diddy’s recording sessions for “Last Train To Paris” can and have been seen on the hit MTV reality series “Making the Band 4″.
Diddy’s “Last Train to Paris” is also the follow up to 2007’s “Press Play” and features collaborative efforts with The Neptunes and Mario Winans.

India Arie’s Album Debuts at No. 3

India Arie, has dropped a new album and it fared pretty well in its first week:
In at no. 3 is a brand new album from singer India Arie. The new release, titled Testimony: Vol. 2 — Love & Politics opens with 76,000 copies sold, following up 2006’s Testimony: Vol. 1, which debuted at no. 1 with 161,000 sold. Continue »

Kanye and Amber: A Match Made in Style Heaven

Well, they’re saying Kanye is diggin’ on this Amber Rose character something awful, and that they are meant for each other:
Kanye West has a new lady love: model Amber Rose.
The two stepped out as a couple this Fashion Week, cuddling at Nur Khan’s Rose Bar on Tuesday night and attending Narciso Rodriguez and Alexandre Herchcovitch’s fashion shows together.
Although Kanye’s newest squeeze has done some nudie modeling (most recently in Smooth mag), the singer doesn’t just dig her for her bangin’ bod.
“She’s going to be good for him,” an insider confides. “Amber is a model with a fly, out-there, in-your-face style and attitude, just like Kanye. She’s his match.”
The source adds, “Traveling with Kanye can be rough — press swarms him wherever he goes — but Amber is cool and collected about it all. She doesn’t care about industry stuff, and she actually understands Kanye.”
Well, it sounds like Amber is gonna be Yeezy’s temporary-permanent main squeeze, so everyone better get used to seeing her and her head.

MORE KANYE & CUDi ON 106 & PARK

MY PRESSENCE iS A PRESENT-KANYE

BAPE L.A

The second U.S. store (after N.Y.) of the Japanese brand BAPE® has become a solid street-corner anchor at 8001 Melrose Avenue in L.A. With only a few flimsy palms outside, the eye-catching, BAPE signature camo print in juicy neon tubes strikes a commanding visual presence especially at night.

Inside, a huge glass cylinder, six meters in diameter, dominates the cool 4.5-meter-high space. Inside the cylinder, sneakers revolve on conveyer belts giving both an industrial and a museum-like feel. The oldest BAPE stores in Japan have already celebrated their first decade, but in Europe and the U.S., the brand has only recently started to gain a retail presence. In addition to Japan, BAPE stores exist in Hong Kong, Paris and London, and now two in the U.S.

The L.A. store was designed by Masamichi Katayama and his company Wonderwall. The 43-year-old Katayama is well known for retail work in Japan, France, U.K., the U.S., Russia, Hong Kong and China. - Tuija Seipell

UNBE-WEAVE-ABLE

In4mation x G-Shock GLX5600 | Apricot Colorway

iM iN LOVE!

FRESH

Murs Interview w/ Loud.com Pt. 1 & Pt. 2

Murs talks about his Lil Wayne t-shirt, one-taking tracks with 9th Wonder and accountability in Hip-Hop.
Also, producers, check out Murs and Loud’s “Everything is Presidential” contest.

In the second segment of Loud’s 3 part interview with Murs, the MC continues his previous thoughts on accountability in Hip-Hop, the notion of at-risk youth and his Paid Dues Festival.

Lil Wayne - February 18th

Congrats on the third plaque.
Lil Wayne - February 18th

Asher Roth - I Love College (J.Cardim Remix)

Colin Munroe ft. Young Buck - I’m Fine

Off K-Salaam & Beatnick’s Where The Streets Have No Name complilation, presented by illRoots and imeem.
Colin Munroe ft. Young Buck - I’m Fine
And here are a couple of dope bonus joints:
Colin Munroe ft. 88-Keys - Lost Cause
Colin Munroe ft. Che Grand - Too Much Too Soon

KiD CuDi & Kanye West 106 Freestyle

KANYE WEST VERSE iS SiCK!

KiD CuDi & Yeezy cypher on 106 & Park, who were there premiering Day ‘N’ Nite & Welcome To Heartbreak. Ye exposes himself as the other guest on Rawse’s Maybach Music Pt. 2 by previewing his verse.

Drake Interview w/ Complex

Drake speaks to Complex on a number of subjects ranging from his musical upbringing, to some of his influences, to the theme and plot line of So Far Gone, which makes a lot of sense actually. He also speaks on how he met Lil Wayne, the naming of his latest project, speaks on the XXL Freshmen 10, the comparisons to 808’s along with his own major label debut. He also sorta denies ghostwriting for Wayne but… nevermind. Also speaks a bit on his lifestyle, whether it’s clothing, champagne, Blackberry or maintaining a balanced daily diet of Nah Right.

Complex: Listening to your earlier mixtapes, as well as So Far Gone, a constant theme seems to be the notion that “All That Glitters Ain’t Gold.” It seems like you try to be honest and downplay the rapper lifestyle, like when you talk about buying a Phantom but regretting it.
Drake: Yeah, well, to be even more honest, I leased a Phantom instead of buying one, ’cause I didn‘t have enough money to buy a Phantom, I leased a Phantom because that’s what I thought I needed to do. And I’ve done a lot of things to just enjoy my nights a little more and to feed my ego. And that’s kinda why I rap about it, because a lot of people are like, “If he ever steps out of line, I’m gonna say Drake’s wack.” So the only choice I have is to be honest with my listeners. And that’s not to say it’s not a glamorous life and it’s not fun, but the reality is it’s great for the average person to hear a musician’s reality because we all seem so unattainable and so out of reach that when you bring yourself back to eye level with a fan and do it in the right way…
Complex: What’s the right way?
Continue reading this post…

KiD CUDi "DAY N NiTE"

THiS ViDEO iS DOPE!!!

Kid Cudi’s story is proof that there’s just no denying a good song. “Day N Nite” was written years ago, but the instantly likable stoners anthem with it’s hypnotizing melody and lyrics of escapism caught the ears of the likes of DJ A-trak and Kanye West and landed him a spot on the GOOD Records roster. In no time Cudi went from an employee at the Bape store to an artist on the cusp of super stardom. Fast forward almost three years later, after several remixes and constant radio rotation, the “Day N Nite” track finally gets the visual treatment it deserves by Ed Banger representative and video director So_Me. The half animated video continues with the surreal hazy drugged out feel of the track.

SHOUTOUTS: AY`ANNA & GRACiE

TWO OF MY FAVORiTE GiRLS iN THE WORLD!

i LOVE EM!

Super Soaker 50: 20th Anniversary Edition

Mann, has it already been 20 years?? Hasbro (not Laramie) is re-releasing the Super Soaker 50, the flagship water gun that introduced the pressurized pump to the water wars game. It drops on March 1st, but you can pre-order it on Amazon now for $14.99.

Supra NS Burgundy Pack

Factory413 just dropped Supra NS’ latest release, the Burgundy Pack, which features the Trinity, Skytop, and Strapped models with burgundy patent leather upper on a white sole. Pick each up at Factory413 now.
BUY IT »

Bonafide Icon “The Priceless” Tee

Your girl or your peeps might not understand why you would drop two bills on some ugly space lookin Foamposites, but real heads know Nike is killin it with the Penny retros. Bonafide Icon dropped a tee that explains it all. Pick it up at Karmaloop for $32.

SHOUTOUTS: PASTOR NAVELLE RUFUS

My old Youth Minister and friend Navelle Rufus has just became the Pastor of New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Pittsburg, CA.So if your looking for a Church home and your in the Pittsburg area go check him and out and see how God is blessing his ministry!

PUGH VLOG #11

CurT@!n$: Dope Boy C For President Episode II:Black Folks

http://vimeo.com/3280741 from J. Poakwa The Writer on Vimeo.

In episode 2 of “Dope For President”, CurT@!n$ breaks down some lyrics to “Black Folks”, talks rappers responsibility, and why not setting an example to kids is detrimental to the future.

U-N-I - A Love Supreme Sessions (Before There Was Love)

The highly anticipated “A Love Supreme” project from the L.A. based Hip-Hop duo U-N-I and producer Ro Blvd. will reach the public really soon. In this 5th Installment, we visit some of the contributors to the acclaimed “Before There Was Love” Mixtape: DJ’s Mick Boogie and Terry Urban, Glenn The Engineer, Producer Dibiase, Producer Faahz, Producer Cook Classics, and El Prez. Also, make sure you watch the entire video to catch the bonus footage of Evidence after the Key Club Performance in January of ‘09

KiD CuDi Freestyles With DJ Reflex & The L.A. Leakers

OMAR:VANS JUST FOR YOU!

The watermelon theme has been in full force as of late. A number of instances featuring the summertime favorite have dropped including CLOT and their Bearbrick (from last year), CLOT’s Levi’s denim release, Estate LA and their tear-away cap and even adidas Consortium who are also in the midst of dropping a watermelon inspired sneaker. Regardless, whether you like it or love it, here’s another take on the theme of fruit via Vans. Coming in women’s sizes are a three-pack featuring the Chukka, Era and Slip-On. Each feature a canvas upper featuring that succulent pink watermelon flesh while the sole represents the rind. Look for these to start hitting stores in early March with other packs on the way with a fruity theme.

Casio G-Shock GLS-5600V

Casio G-Shock drops some more styles for February with the release of a two-pack of GLS-5600Vs. Two colors include neon green/purple and black/pink. Both include a nylon strap with buckle which should probably be swapped out ASAP for the OG-style rubber strap. Available now at United Arrows, however with a growing number of stateside G-Shock drops, don’t be surprised if this hits globally.

KANYE FILMS VH1′S ‘STORYTELLERS’

Kanye West performed during a taping for Vh1’s latest episode of ‘Storytellers’ at Sony Studios on Friday (February 13) in Los Angeles

, California.

The superstar performed some tracks from his latest album, ‘808s & Heartbreak’ and gave insight on how he wrote some of biggest hits. The episode premieres Saturday, February 28, 2009 at 9:00pm ET/PT on Vh1.

BiRTHDAY SHOUTOUT

HAPPY BELATED BiRTHDAY TO MY BRUH
ANTHONY MiLLER

Mishka 2009 Spring/Summer Lookbook

Spring 2009 provides a certain level of evolution for Mishka as they dive further into the cut-and-sew pool with a medley of premium items. As expected, the brand continues their signature aesthetic with feel good pieces reflecting Mishka’s attitude towards streetwear design. The lineup features a solid array of spring colors, within every garment. As Mishka states: “Nate “Igor” Smith of Driven by Boredom, the lookbook is a perfect representation of the essence and soul of Mishka’s past present and future.”

LiL WAYNES ROCK ALBUM "THE REBIRTH" POSTPONED

It seems that even the best selling artist of 2008 can’t get a break. Lil’ Wayne, who is prepping his new rock album, The Rebirth has suffered an inevitable pushback. The album, lead by the Shanell-penned first single, “Prom Queen,” was originally set for release on April 7th, but will release sometime in May.

No need to worry, though, Lil’ Wayne has some more news. The rapper-turned-rocker also announced that he will release Tha Carter IV in December, just in time for the holidays.

In other news, Lil’ Wayne is currently shooting the video for “Prom Queen” in Los Angeles and his hometown of New Orleans. It is set to debut within the next couple of weeks. I’m interested to see what the concept of the video

will be. Like I said, I dig the song, I just am not sure how I feel about this new direction.

COUPLED UP: KANYE & AMBER ROSE

THEY ARE TOO FRESH!

Kanye West and rumored new chick “Model” Amber Rose sit front row at the Narciso Rodriguez Fall 2009 fashion show after party during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at the Gramercy Park Hotel on Tuesday night. The duo was also pictured getting close at the after party….

Don’t know much about Amber, other than the fact that she claims she is the one who got Rihanna to cut her hair and that she was spotted with Yeezy all during Grammy week, so obviously something is up.

Details Magazine | The Unraveling of Kanye West

Kanye West graces the March 2009 cover of Details Magazine alongside an interview covering various aspects of West’s career including fashion, music, personal life and his video game creations as a child.

“”First beat I did,” he recalls, “was in seventh grade, on my computer. I got into doing beats for the video games I used to try to make. My game was very sexual. The main character was, like, a giant penis. It was like Mario Brothers, but the ghosts were, like, vaginas.”

The complete interview can be found here.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class EDITION30

In my opinion G-Wagon is one of the most interesting cars ever made.

Celebrating 30 years of hand building the Austrian G-Wagen, Mercedes-Benz has unveiled an anniversary vehicle with the very same design principles and a few extra goodies. Entitled the EDITION30, two versions have made production including a higher and lower end model. The EDITION30 will be a G-Class based on the W463-chassis G500 featuring unique leather, wood interior and Platinum Black paint job. The lower end EDITION30.PUR will feature a more rugged exterior based on the older W461 chassis with G280 CDI running gear, off-road tires, headlamp guards, flexible wheel arches and optional roof rack.

KAWS “The Long Way Home” Exhibition

This weekend marks the opening of KAWS’ newest “The Long Way Home” exhibition at the Honor Fraser Gallery. Previews into his work to be presented features a number of re-appropriations of iconic cartoon franchises including SpongeBob, The Smurfs and The Simpsons. The exhibition will also include a life-sized Chum character among other iconic pieces.The show opens Saturday, February 21st at 6:00 pm and runs until 8:00 pm.

KAWS “The Long Way Home” Exhibition
Saturday, February 21st
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
HONOR FRASER
2622 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, California 90034
p: 310.837.0191

aNYthing 2009 Spring T-Shirts

Following up on the official announcement that the duo is back at it, aNYthing dropped a look into a couple of new pieces for Spring 2009. The t-shirts feature obvious references to their hometown of New York City. Both are now available at The Score with a special appearance by Brendan Fowler.

Marc by Marc Jacobs 2009 Fall Collection

Marc Jacobs’ efforts within his Marc by Marc Jacobs line has the New York-based designer focusing on garment layering, highlighting a wide range of textiles that includes argyle, corduroy, tweed, and even velvet. Taking a spin off your thrift shop favorites, the collection does well in combining a vintage technique into contemporary designs, in essence allowing for an endless amount of stylish combinations with a timeless, luxurious look.

Hollywood Ranch Market Deck Shoes

Often outsourcing to companies with a rich history in footwear construction, Hollywood Ranch Market once again pull through with a new pair of deck shoes. The Japanese footwear company create this silhouette with a combination of leather and suede featuring Portuguese manufacturing. They are now available for purchase at ARKnets for ￥16,800 (Approx. $179 USD)

Stussy 2009 Spring Lookbook

Stussy will begin distribution of their 2009 Spring gear on February 21st, 2009 at all North American Chapter stores as well as StussyDirect.com. The collection boasts various Spring weather garments along with with a nice selection of lightweight outerwear for both men and women. Highlighting the drop will be a handful of graphic t-shirts including collaboration efforts with John Pound and Peter Bagge

Kobe Bryant Says He Can Beat Lebron James 1-On-1!

Julio aka Namond From The Wire Can't Get A Job!

MiCHAEL ERIC DYSON SPiTS SOME KNOWLEDGE

Zach Randolph From The L.A. Clippers Punches Louis Amundson In The Jaw!

SOULJAH BOY SPEAKS

SAYS iF ALBUM DOESNT WORK OUT RINGTONES ALWAYS WiLL!

PRETTY DEEP TOWARDS THE END

Trae Tha Truth & His Son - Ballin Smashin

UMMMM...

LiL BRUH BE SPiTTiN

David Byrne ft. Chali 2na, Gift Of Gab & Z-Trip - The People Tree

True Stories Radio Presents The Lost Leak With Mickey Factz

Jay-Z Explains BP3 Delay

MTV Shows

“I really don’t, to be honest for you,” Hov said at his “2 Kings” gathering in Arizona over the weekend, when asked about a release date for the album. “If I don’t have any time constraints, I’ll mess around, I’ll never get it done. I’ll be Axl Rose out here! It’ll be 12 years later and we’ll be talking about Chinese Democracy. I really like the [time constraints]. But whatever happens, [the album] may turn out better, ’cause it’ll be done when it’s right.”

Full story @ MTV.

GATORADE "THE QUEST FOR G"

"WELCOME TO HEARTBREAK" DIRECTED BY NABIL

KANYE WEST "Welcome To Heartbreak" Directed by Nabil from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

ARTiST YOU NEED TO KNOW: MURS

iF YOU HAVENT HEARD ABOUT MURS BY NOW,

YOU SLEEPiN!

KNOWLEDGE: HAPPY PRESiDENTS DAY!

Adisa Banjoko speaks on Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama.

COMEDY: CAL NEWMAN "THE DADDY DATE"

With his new Valentines Day inspired mixtape, Well Isn’t This Awkward, XXLmag.com caught up with Charles Hamilton to talk about the disc, rap’s relationship with the word love and his crush on R&B singer Rihanna.
Derived from an imaginative tale that stars Hamilton and an unidentified female, Well Isn’t This Awkward attempts to ignite the two. The project was envisioned as a means to give listeners a chance to experience the stages of love sonically.
“Publicly I want to be able to say that I’m in love,” he said. “Anybody can be cocky and say ‘I’m the best rapper, top five dead or alive.’ I’ve got music like that, but I am starting to realize I can just be myself and an artist. I’ve accepted that, I claim that for myself, but the one thing I really want to claim is love… With Awkward I got a chance to show you how many different places you can go with love alone.”

WHO GOT GAME?

OBAMA GOT GAME!

NBA Legends Talk About Barack Obama's Basketball Game & His Swagger!

SHAQ PERFORMS WiTH JABBAWOCKEEZ AT ALLSTAR GAME 2009

Stussy Spring 2009 Collection | New Releases

Once again Stussy has dropped some new product from their Spring 2009 Collection. The release includes new t-shirts, hoodies, cargo pants, accessories, as well as some solid basics. Have a look at all the new product after the jump.

Mackdaddy Spring/Summer 2009 Lookbook | Move

We take a look at the Mackdaddy Spring/Summer 2009 Lookbook. The Japanese brand presents some nice outfits in their new collection, mixing smartly colorful and more subtle styles. The line has nicely developed, especially their accessories range. We really like the new footwear that we get a glimpse of in these images, as well as other accessories, such as tote bags and hats.

New Undefeated Releases | UNLV Snap-back Caps & Logo Lock Tee

Undefeated will be releasing some new product. The Undefeated Las Vegas 6 panel snap-back caps will be released on February 17th, exclusively at Undefeated Las Vegas. These caps are deadstock and are now coming back in limited quantities.
The Undefeated Logo Lock Tee comes in red and features the infamous Undefeated strike logo. It will be released on February 14th at all Undefeated Chapter Stores and also online.

SPECiAL SHOUTOUTS TO FRANK SUMMERS A GRADUATE OF MY HiGH SCHOOL AND A MEMBER OF THE UNLV FOOTBALL TEAM

Nike Air Force 1 “Black History Month 2009″

Nike presents once again an Air Force 1 for the Black History Month 2009. This is certainly one of the nicer releases we have seen over the years for the occasion, because Nike worked with smart and subtle details on the upper.
“This limited edition sneaker features a predominately black leather upper with red and green accents on the inner lining, tongue and heel. The latter area also features the centennial logo of the African American culture surrounded by 44 stars. Obviously, this sneaker contains the same colorway of the African-American flag. More red and green is seen in the form of contrast stitching seen throughout the upper. To finish it off, this sneaker is complimented with a icy, clear sole. Supposedly, this feature represents the marble courtroom floors of the U.S. Supreme Court in which the African American culture won many civil rights battles. This release is all the more interesting seeing that 2009 marks the 100th year anniversary of the NAACP’s existence.” Via Nicekicks/The305.