Genre bending hip hop, funk, electro, experimental band N*E*R*D have their fans sitting on pins and needles waiting for the group to release their third album “Seeing Sounds” on June 10th. Early accounts of the album including a short clip sample floating around somewhere on the net suggest that the band is in rare form with their most head nodding, ear drum banging, mosh pit inducing effort yet. However, fans and critics have to wait until the actual album drops (or until the inevitable internet album leak) to completely pass judgment. Until then HYPEBEAST has the new album cover complete with a over sized psychedelic neon colored primate representing the monstrous sound the band members must see every time they lay down a track and all three N*E*R*D boys staring in amazement draped in Billionaire Boy Clothing.
Genre bending hip hop, funk, electro, experimental band N*E*R*D have their fans sitting on pins and needles waiting for the group to release their third album “Seeing Sounds” on June 10th. Early accounts of the album including a short clip sample floating around somewhere on the net suggest that the band is in rare form with their most head nodding, ear drum banging, mosh pit inducing effort yet. However, fans and critics have to wait until the actual album drops (or until the inevitable internet album leak) to completely pass judgment. Until then HYPEBEAST has the new album cover complete with a over sized psychedelic neon colored primate representing the monstrous sound the band members must see every time they lay down a track and all three N*E*R*D boys staring in amazement draped in Billionaire Boy Clothing.
Some of Amos Toys’ most popular and recognizable characters are captured in this latest collection of t-shirts from the popular vinyl toy makers. Featured characters include the lovable Yod, King Ken and the Bird God which include clever little messages. Made strictly in Japan, the tees will be available now at store.amostoys.com.
The functionality and aesthetic of Portland’s Pendleton Woolen Mills can be seen in a new series of products co-created with Nike ACG. The capsule features a jacket and footwear. With Nike’s outdoor sub-brand ACG on board, expect much technical innovation to compliment the already strong characteristics of Pendleton.
In Reebok’s attempt to bring awareness to what is increasingly becoming their lifestyle flagship line, the Reebok Pump features in a 4th generation Bring Back collection. Featuring the mid cuts of the Omni Lite and Court Victory Pump, the upper with its shades of elephant-esque later are quite clean with breathable mesh finding its way onto the toebox. Much of the spice for this pack is derived from the use of fluorescent pink and green highlights. Available now at Mita.
With the consolidation of Nike’s Tech Pack into Nike Sportswear, early fans of the Tech Pack (us included) were still able enjoy a great range that featured technicality and performance with great aesthetics, well into Nike Sportswear’s recent re-launch. Although some many have had trouble choosing Nike’s Tech Pack offerings over established technical brands, Nike has made another strong case with these two highly technical jackets. Made with that same seamless bonding technology we saw debuted last year, the technology returns on these well-engineered jackets. Set to release later this year as part of Nike Sportswear’s 2008 fall collection.
Even in this weak state of economy, it seems that the power of streetwear cannot be stopped. HUF, the famed San Francisco streetwear/skate retailer started by Keith Hufnagel, is expanding its empire and will be opening their 5th location in Los Angeles this Saturday, May 31st. Among the special grand opening items are a series of t-shirts created with none other then Stussy and the special Satin SK8-HIs seen recently. Check out the new store if you’re around the area.
HUF Los Angeles
410 N. Fairfax
Los Angeles, CA 90036
A fruitful week has come to a close. This week was marked by a more than average amount of events going down thrown in commemoration of upcoming Diesel and Coach stores opening new retail locations in Hong Kong. Personal highlight was probably the chance to meet a living legend in Stussy founder Shawn Stussy and hear him talk so candidly about his experiences with many influential people of today and laying the brickwork to what is before us now. All this based on the creation of an innocent brand at a time when there was no designation or classification for what Stussy represented. This week’s staff picks includes choices such as the Perspective chair, FUCT x Zippo Japan lighter and COMME des GARCON wallets.
In my mind, no way anybody can hate on these upcoming Nike Air Maxs, featuring colorways referencing some of Nike’s all-time favorites in the Air Safari and Air Mowabb. For those who have never had the chance to grab a pair of Atmos x Nike Air Max 1 B, the Safari’s are a more then suitable substitute. Allegedly within this pack is also the Air Stab Runnin’ Gunnin’. According to Wellgosh, a release date is set for June 27th.
Two established toy makers in Japan’s Bounty Hunter and the UK’s Amos Toys have banded together to mix up two of each brands’ marquee figures. The creation of the King Kun vinyl includes both Amos Toys’ King Ken and Bounty Hunter’s Skull Kun. No word yet on a release date.
This upcoming collection of footwear features the similar themes as previous releases consistent with Caol Uno (10AC) collaborative projects. Keeping things utterly simple, are a pure white colorway with the use of woven materials. This theme can be seen over the Trainer Dunk Low SP, Air Max 1 Premium and Air Zoom Talache Low. Available soon at select Nike dealers.
Editor’s Note Due to miscommunication, this is NOT a 10AC collaboration.
Let’s have small recap here just to see if you’re keeping up (yes students there will be a test on this later). Kanye West drops his highly anticipated third album “Graduation” amidst an ingenious giant marketing campaign pitting him against 50 cent. Kanye walks away victorious in the record sales race and his new album is highly praised by critics as a successful mesh of infectious pop, soul full hip hop and a healthy dose of electro. One of the standout tracks on the album is “Flashing Lights”. The song combines soft melody with hard electronic kicks and snares as Kanye cryptically raps about the pitfalls of materialism and the trappings of fame. Because this was obviously going to be a surefire single, almost immediately fans began to discuss what they think the video will look like down to the director he may choose.
However, when the Spike Jonze directed video was released in all of its lingerie clad, Rita G slow motion glory (thank you Spike) the short clip baffled some fans and was lauded by others as a masterpiece. Version 2 of the video leaked on the internet about a week ago and was much more literal then the first version. The video showed another model obviously deeply intertwined in the night life and the danger and tragedy that can come from it. Just a few days ago, yet another version of the video was leaked on the internet and seems to be frustrating and delighting fans equally. This version seems to have no connection with the other two videos and appears to be a cinematic cross between a horror film and high fashion couture add. As far as storyline goes, it’s hard to make rhyme or reason of it but we don’t mind watching again and again.
