CRS Tee...

I will admit...2007 was a lackluster year for hip-hop, in my opinion. I avoid the radio like the plague because I am allergic to all that repetitive nonsense. Lean with it, soldier bounce, supermanin' hoes?! AAARGH!!!

That being said, there was one standout cut that I played about a thousand times in my cd player. And the funny thing is...it was on a mix cd (Plain Pat feat Kanye West). Us Placers by CRS, the rap group consisting of Kanye "Tuda", Lupe Fiasco, & Pharrell, was so refreshing to me. The track consisted of witty verses from all three solo stars and a mesmerizing chorus by Radiohead's Thom Yorke sampled from his song The Eraser. But evidently I am not the only fan of this song. I recently spied a tee-shirt on Ebay apparently inspired by CRS and the mentioned song. The (Fenally)tee depicts Kanye flossin' some Ato's, Pharrell "Baped" out, and Lupe sporting my favorite brand...Vans, in a nice earth-tone package.

No further news has surfaced about this tee, apparently a 1 of 1, that went for a whopping $117.00 on Ebay. But I can only hope it will be mass produced in some form eventually. Check the pics...

Vans x KISS...

~~I...Wanna Rock & Roll All Night....And Party Every Day!!!~~

All my rockstar wanna-be's should know the chorus to this song made famous by the one & only face painted, tongue lashing, band of rock hall of famers. That's right...I'm talking KISS. And for my KISS heads...I got good news.

A strong contingency of classic rockers have graced various Vans models in recent memory including Iron Maiden and Motorhead. Add KISS to the list of collaborators which can be seen here in a preview on a SK-8 Hi. Lead guitarist Ace Frehley's mug is pasted on the side in his classic get-up. One would assume a full pack would release with the whole crew of band members, however this is yet to be determined. A release date has been slated for October.



(Pic courtesy of MashKulture)

Btw...Am I the only one who enjoyed that KISS movie some 20 plus years ago? Damn...I was young as hell.

Muff'd part 2?

I've recently come across what looks like a sneak peak of another pair of Vans Sk8 Hi's...done up by customizing phenom "Muff" Ware. From what I've noticed from the pic, it looks like she decided to incorporate a couple popular color combinations.

Is that a "Knicks" and possibly a "brazil" colorway I spy? Hopefully more details will surface soon...but for now, peep the pic.

New Lupe Video...

Lupe Fiasco has just released the video for his 3rd single "Paris, Tokyo" from his latest album "The Cool". Lupe gets his GQ on, rocking a more sophisticated style, he also shows his love for Goyard throughout the video. Many exotic locations around the world are showcased in the video including Paris, Cairo, Madrid, Tokyo, and his home town of Chicago.

This is an example of Mr. Fiasco taking "hip-hop' back to the essance, tellimg a story in rhyme. Kudos to my favorite current artist.

Now...enjoy the vid.

Nike Hyperdunk...Kobe's Jump?!

As previously shown, Nike unveiled their new shoe for the Beijing Olympics, the Hyperdunk, which will be worn by Kobe and his USA teammates. A video has surfaced showing exactly how efficient these new shoes might become. It looks like Kobe is joined by fellow Laker Ronny Turiaf in a scene where Kobe attempts to jump over an Aston Martin while wearing the Hyperdunk. Whether this is actually Kobe or a stunt double remains to be seen...but DAMN if it doesn't look like him.

Peep the vid. What do you think?

Vans get Muff'd...

I keep repeating the fact that Vans are doing big things. One of the reasons for their recent success is the innovative colaborations that are constantly done with skateboarders and artist. Think Hosoi, Paul Smith, Supreme, W-Taps,...I could go on & on. But Vans are so "hot", especially the Sk8 Hi model, that sometimes you might want to use the classic canvas backdrop as a spring board for your own ideas...

An example of this happened recently when our own residential K.I.I.T.C. chick, "Muff" Ware, decided to customize a pair of Vans Sk8 Hi's specifically for yours truly. The end result...The Vans x Muff Sk8 Hi (1 0f 1). If you look at the details, the entire colorway of the shoe has been altered from it's original black/white checkered form...down to the stitching. Muff chose to blanket the sneaker with her four favorite hues (pink, purple, aqua-blue, and neon-green). After completing this, the shoes & box were tagged with her name.

I was so impressed with the finished project, that praise was in order. She did one helluva' job. Check the pics of Vans x Muff Sk8 Hi (1 of 1)...










Note...It is unsure if this was indeed a one time thing, or if future "Muff" Ware customizations may occur. Stay tuned for more information.

Third Time's A Charm...

Here is Van's third installment of their Iron Maiden collabo scheduled for their Holiday collection. Iron Maiden's art work is epic and this collabo could be compared to Nike's work with Pushead. For their holiday season they present to you the SK8-Hi version and a Slip On. The artwork is from Iron Maiden's Powerslave album and will be dropping for in October '08.

Since I already own the first two (Killers & Trooper)...I might as well complete the trifecta. AAARGH...F'ING AWESOME!!!



(pics courtesy of hypebeast)

N.E.R.D.

Pharrell Williams and Shay Haley of high profile music group NERD recently held an intimate autograph session for fans at Hong Kong's flagship BBC | Ice Cream store. The event was marked by the release of an exclusive t-shirt which was then made available for autographs. Tomorrow night, NERD will take the stage alongside Kanye West and the Terriyaki Boys for this years World Wide Bape Heads Show.







(Pics courtesy of Hypebeast)

I've noticed that Pharrell's swag has evolved again. Skinny jeans? Also...that does not look like Ice Creams on his feet. But anyways...keep doing your thing Skateboard P.

More YO! MTV Raps...

The incredible success of Puma's recent detailing of classic hip-hop has inevitably led to their third release revolving around the iconic TV show Yo! MTV Raps. Ironically, the program is set for a return of re-run episodes later this month on April 20th. This most recent pack of sneakers includes the First Round & the Suede. Available mid-March at select Puma retailers.

The sheer dopeness of the whole pack makes me wonder why I've only worn my Big Daddy Kane's once to date. Guess I have too many flii shoes. (lol) I'd be lying if I told you I didn't want these. Only one word needed...YO!







(Pics courtesy of Mita Sneakers)

Skull Tee...

I've been big on streetwear for some time. But I was wondering...why does it always seems like the hot shit is originating in the far east lately. This example continues the trend...Sense Organ Lab x Leftfoot T-shirt.
With design work coming from talented Taiwanese based artist Jahan, retailers Sense Organ Lab and Leftfoot have teamed up for this collaborative effort. A black t-shirt can be seen with a skull and bones and the names of both stores. The project marks the fledging Taiwanese market which has expanded rapidly in recent times.

You just can't hate on this swag. I like!





(Pics courtesy of Sense Organ)

Get In The Know...

Hey now! It's ya boy TIGGA TIGGA here...with the latest FAKE REPORT!!! Coming straight from the tables of Baltimore's famous Patapsco flea market, which just happens to be where fake sneakers are sold all year 'round. While walking thru, I happened to spy a pair of Nike SBs that were recently released in skateboard shops, only a few weeks back if I recall correctly. Yes, I'm talking about the Motley Crue album inspired "DR. FEELGOOD" Dunks. And yes, they have been faked!!! For all those that don't know what I'm talking about, check the pic.

That's a real pair that may cost you $100.00 to $125.00 out the door of your local Skateboard shop. But for $79.99, you can get a knock-off that looks just as similiar. All I can say is, "What the fuck?" The bootleggin' game is crazy. Now they making fake SBs before they even sell out in the actual skateshops.
To conclude...when your chillin' in the hood and you see a corner boy who doesn't skate wearing a newly released pair of SB dunks, You might get a puzzled look from him when you ask cuz' what SB shop he copped them from. Real recognizes real, huh?!

Until next time, It's ya boy TIGGA TIGGA, with the FAKE REPORT!!!

Shop:Gentei...

Yesterday, I made a trip to Baltimore's favorite concept store (Shop:Gentei) to check out their recent re-design. After walking thru the door...I was amazed by the job that was done. Strobe-lights, Old skool Conian (yes...the 80's Boombox) styled lightings, the paint splashes on the floor, PIFF!
But flash without substance is nothing. So let's mention the huge assortment of Vans that were showcased throughout the store (Sk8 Hi's and mids, Chukka lows, Half Cabs, etc)...Its' all there. For all you Nike lovers...check out their Nike section that includes the infared inspired Court Forces. For those that covet runners...the Patta Air Max 95s, both Nike Safari colorways, & the recent Air Structure Triax are available. They also carry Gourmet for you independent brand luvers. And last but not least, the clothing section is layered with the latest in streetwear and underground fashion. Yes my clothing conniseurs...they got you covered!

Anybody that's in the Baltimore area...do your self a favor and get to the store, asap. You won't be dissapointed. Whattup Oliver?

Pics...

Piff's Day!!!

I'll be out & about today, and getting liquor'd up tonite!
BTW, A message to all my peeps. Them presents better reach me before midnite. lol

Mr. Piff is....out!

Converse x Dr. Romanelli...

The latest artist to contribute to the humanitarian project Converse (Product) Red is none other than apparel customizer Dr. Romanelli. Famous for his customized jackets and the use of vintage materials, he has created a band-aid Chuck Taylor which I think has a deeper meaning of 'band-aiding' or fixing the problem with AIDS. Recently released at select Converse dealers, they've been literally flying off the shelves.

Yours truly was fortunate enough to snag a pair. As you can see, this is another example of innovation...from a non-Nike brand. I won't be wearing these babies for a while.

Pics...