Kanye West + G-Shock Party

Had the chance to go see Kanye perform tonight at Cipriani’s downtown for the seemingly annual Casio G-Shock event. Last year, Kanye had the nude girls with space helmets on as back-up dancers. He had a far more tame, but visually interesting aesthetic this time out: Almost all black, with straps wrapped around his arms, all topped off with a matte black face mask. He also had giant screens that counted down from 40:00:00 – perhaps a statement about the corporate-ness of the event.

Everyone knows I am about a mile up Kanye’s ass anyways, so I ain’t gonna lie… the show was great. The dude can do no wrong in my opinion. Hate on. Whatever.

And for all of you sneakerheads that act like you don’t care, but are secretly dying to know… He was wearing all black Timberland boots.

Friday Nights @ Duane Park in Tribeca

Last Friday, an old friend was in town and we were scheduled to meet up. I was very excited to see her, but then the destination came through via text: We are going to Santos Party House. Needless to say, I was not excited about the destination. So much so, I opted out of the evening altogether. But then the second text came through… How about Burlesque in Tribeca?

Upon arrival, I quickly realized that I had just stumbled upon my favorite NY nightlife experience to date. I don’t write reviews of much, but this place was inspiring. The environment was simply amazing. Having spent the last few weeks trying to work a little bit of substance into my life, I was blown away by Duane Park on this Friday night. It was just what I needed. It was like I had just walked into the 1930s. The dim, totally vintage lighting, with a killer chandelier hanging over the middle of the restaurant. A small, foot-tall stage, lit from the floor by bulbs that may as well have been 50 years old. The stage was just big enough for a single performer, complete with the vintage mic, and flanked by a jazz trio of a piano, stand up bass, and trumpet/singer.

Each performer was of the highest caliber. Hot as shit. Not too gimmicky, paying full respect to the art form. No annoying drag queen hosts adding unnecessary comic relief.   No shoddy sound system typically reserved for indie rock bands.  It was stripped down, pure and simple.  I left craving more. Someone has nailed this experience so well, they deserve an award. So check your calendar. Is it Friday? Then call me . Let’s go.

Duane Park Restaurant and Lounge
http://www.duaneparknyc.com/ > Source of Images

Upper West Side Steez

A few weeks back, I went to a great party on the Upper West Side. There was a no-shoe policy at the party, so outside the elevator/front door, there were dozens of shoes laying all over the floor. I saw a wide variety of shoes, including an abundance of prepped out boat shoes. I was inspired. I had to have some. So in order to step up my Upper West Side Swag*, I went in with these, because I was mesmerized by the rich red sole. Almost like Louboutins for dudes. I go hard.

*Ironic use of word ‘Swag’

Tupac Shakur – The Biopic

I was always completely fascinated with Tupac Shakur. I liked his music, and obviously some of it was undeniable, but I was never a huge fan of his music. But as a person, he was so compelling and inspirational. When he died, I remember thinking how disappointing it would be to not get to see him grow old.

I never really identified with Biggie the same way. Having moved to Brooklyn and felt his influence, and to the extent that a white kid can Texas can understand his influence, I am blown away. I finally watched Notorious and I loved it. Gravy killed it as Biggie. Seeing the portrayal of Puffy in the early years was a little freaky considering the mogul he has evolved to. The whole thing got me thinking about what the Tupac biopic would look like.

Since I cannot even begin to think who could and/or deserves to play him, I had a thought:

Island Def Jam – Spring Collection

In a slightly rare display of creativity, the lightly-fashion themed event was nice. What to look forward to:

• The Noisettes
• Another nice Kanye video for Paranoid
• Speaking of Kanye, Mr. Hudson has potential. I personally think he is the shit.
• A 10 year old rapper/r&b suburban, Sheckler-esque kid that would make Tupac and Biggie roll over in their graves.
• Maybe a little Fabolous.
• Hmmm. That’s it. Unless Lionel Richie puts out another greatest hits album.

Another Reason to Love New York City

Favorite part at about the 1:00 minute mark.

D-NICE

DJ, Photographer, Entrepreneur. D-NICE has become one of my favorite people to follow in hip-hop. He photographed Q for Def Jam / TAG Records and was hand-picked by JD to DJ our MTV VMA Official Kick-off party.

His documentary series True Hip-Hop Stories belongs on the Sundance Channel, but you can view the series here.

And follow him on twitter.

His site.

Q Da Kid – Dope Freestyle

I may be a bit biased, but the dude has got some lyrics.

New York vs. Dallas

I love Dallas. And I love New York. This is one of the reasons I <3 NY. These types of guys just don’t exist in Dallas.  I am not even slamming these dudes. I can totally appreciate all of our differences.   Texas has the redneck, frat boy version, but these dudes cannot be topped (no homo):

I really like that song.   Here is another…

and

and finally

Q Da Kid – Letter to Shakir

Props to Todd1 for the great video.   Nice job.