Saturday, December 31, 2011

Happy New Years!


As another great year comes to a close - it's time to once again focus our attention on the future - and all the more blessings sure to come our way. The #OSTT family wishes you and yours a happy (and SAFE) New Years - and can't wait to see you all in 2012!

*Edit* I'm fully aware of what I did with that banner pic on this post. Don't talk about it - be about it!

Friday, December 30, 2011

American Apparel - Open Factory


Do you have one of those friends that seems to be anywhere and everywhere, doing everything? No? Allow me to introduce you to Mike. Concerts, Art Galleries, Sports games, pillow fights in downtown LA - he's there. He should  WILL be updating the site from time to time sharing his adventures. Without  further ado:

This post is a few months late, but on 11/11/11 I had the opportunity to check out American Apparel's “Open Factory,” program in which they showed how their employees manufactured AA organic cotton t-shirts from scratch.  While American Apparel is mostly known for being the official uniform of the US hipster movement (and quite comfy), American Apparel is a great example of a business being successful and socially/environmentally conscious at the same time. 

Instead of out-sourcing parts of their manufacturing, AA uses a vertical integration business model which means the entire process (from the yarn being sewn, to the dyeing, to the printing, and finally to the marketing/distribution) all takes place under one roof…locally with American workers.  Having the entire manufacturing process contained in-house means that AA has direct control over their environmental footprint, instead of out-sourcing work and turning a blind-eye to waste disposal and pollution which may go un-checked in third-world countries.  In addition to championing various social causes, AA also pays living wages to their workers, which means you're investing in your community the next time you pick up some sweet neon pink tights and green leggings.  

Pics of the process after the jump.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

The Hundreds - Spring 2012 Lookbook


The Hundreds present the look book for Spring 2012 - and you can view it in its entirety here. While on the subject of TH - don't forget to check out and vote for the Ben vs Bobby pack!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Kulma - Framing Shelf



I love products that are simple, practical, and stylish - and this built to order Kulma Framing Shelf is one of those items that fits the bill. Made of Oak and only manufactured upon request - this product is sure to spice up any room.
"Kulma, corner in Finnish, is a shelf to be hanged either in a positive or a negative corner of a room. The idea is to utilize and highlight both the space within the shelf and the corner surrounding the shelf."
Purchase information here.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Swatch - New Gent


My boy recently took a trip out to Hong Kong - and came back with a couple of HK exclusive Swatch's for me that I'm pretty stoked on. I haven't added many new looks to the Swatch collection, but whenever I'm gifted one, I can't help but log back on to the site and see what new goods they have available, and I'm rarely disappointed. Check out their new version of the Gent model - available now.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Ronnie Fieg x Asics Gel Saga II - Mazarine Blue


Ronnie Fieg has bringing a LOT of heat to Asics of late - and this trend continues with the bright "Mazarine Blue" kicks - 300 pairs available exclusively at the KITH boutique. Check out Ronnie Fieg's blog here for some background info on the photo shoot, feauting 21 yr old Norwegian model Siri Blomquist, here

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Mr Brainwash - Art Show 2011 Exhibition

Mr. Brainwash (of Banksy's "Exit Through the Gift Shop" fame) is unleashing his "Art Show 2011 Exhibition" on the masses beginning Sunday, December 25th - right here in Los Angeles. Say what you will about the man - but be sure that fans, critics, and haters will all visit what is sure to be another hit show for the perplexing artist. Highsnobiety has a preview of what you can expect (Think BIG, BOLD, and POP) on their site now.

Uniform Wares - 100 Series


My boy hit me up on Twitter to let me know he got a dope new watch from his Jumpoff (see vid starting at 2:00 through 2:20) - a 100 Series Uniform Wares watch. Too keep it 100, I had never heard of  these before (apparently, they are a British brand) - but was quickly impressed with the simplistic and classic design. Check out the watch above, the specs per Uniform Wares below - and purchase here.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Air Jordan - Concord XI Retro's

And here we are with the most anticipated shoe release of the year - the Concord XI's! As always - the hype around these shoes is insurmountable - moreso than any other Jordan drop the last 3 years. Just a fair warning - the thirst is HEAVY for these - so if you are interested - you better already be in line at a brick and mortar store that is getting them in - or be signed in to www.nike.com and ready to go at 12am ET, 9pm PT. Helpful info regarding the online release via Nike, here.

The Weeknd | Echoes of Silence


So I had a full night to listen to this and I probably listened to it all the way through about 8 times and each time I heard something different. My favorite album cover and probably my favorite album out of the series. If you haven't heard anything from him yet head on over to the-weeknd.com and do you self a favor. I will say this I heard a few songs from Abel before he became the Weeknd and his songs were very different so somewhere along the road he or someone else told him to sing in a higher pitch (because he didn't back then) and his production sky rocketed. These beats are so original and different, they make you think, they're sharp sounds with deep percussion.... I don't know how else to describe this sound. I may sound like I'm over-hyping this guys but he is something special for music. Sometimes we get so much music we become spoiled or we look for whats next rather then enjoying and appreciating whats here. Or think about it this way there have been music legends in the past who were huge influential to the music game you think it could be safe to say the Weeknd will be someone when we get older we'll look back and say he changed the way music sounds and took electronic R&B to another level? Anyways enough fluff go check it out for your self....

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Levi's - Eddible Schoolyard


Levi's® has partnered with food activist Alice Waters and friends to celebrate 40-years of the 'Delicious Revolution'. Since 1971, Alice and her restaurant Chez Panisse have brought together farmers, producers, chefs, educators, journalists, politicians, and artists in an effort to transform the American food landscape and promote a healthy, sustainable future. Proceeds from the sale of these 100% organic cotton t-shirts help support the Edible Schoolyard, a national organization that integrates garden and kitchen education into grade-school curriculum.
  • Letterpressed hang-tags on handmade paper embedded with organic seeds
  • Limited edition
  • 100% Organic Cotton - Imported
Aside from being a pretty cool project, and my love for mandarin's in general - this specific collaboration hit close to home. Why you ask? Because Dave Eggers wrote the 1 book that I started and failed to finish - A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius. I read a lot - and whether I love a book or despise it, and regardless of how long it takes - I finish it.. I can't even recall what it is about this book that prevented me to finish it - the Cancer portion hitting too close to home? The fact that it was so highly rated by the critics? The inherent sadness? - I don't know, but I'm tempted to pick it up and power threw off GP. Anyway - I digress. Purchase the shirt here.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Tipsey Elves


My boy Eros hit me up with this link for a friend of his who make some very creative Christmas (and Hanukkah!) sweaters.  The website has a lot of unique designs (Reindeers getting it in - as pictured above, Black Santa, and many more) - check it out for yourselves at Tipsey Elves! Oh, and did I mention that each Christmas sweater purchased leads to sweaters donated to children in need? That's the holiday spirit right there!

Asher Roth | Pabst & Jazz (Mixtape)


I feel like I needed to give this project the proper post for a couple reasons...

1) I want to start with my back story behind how I found out who Asher Roth was... Most of you know my love for Pac Div and one of the main reasons I dig the Div is because of how much energy their shows have. I feel like when you see an artist live you grow a certain respect for them based on how they perform. Well I happened to see Asher and Pac Div at the same time in SLC, Utah and Asher had an amazing set, but it wasn't that that won me over it was about midway through his set and something I would've never expected from a Asher Roth concert happened. He came rolling out on a power wheel and played "Candy Rain" by Soul 4 Real and I was sold one of my favorite childhood songs and he made the rap set fun. To me he is like the more serious version of Eminem with a laid back style, it just works for me. If you want to catch Roth in concert your lucky because he will be in LA on 12/30 at the Viper Room in West Hollywood! I've already got my tickets, this show will be special because he's going to have a live band and I would bet money that Chuck English & Chip Tha Ripper (LA Residents) will be in attendance or atleast I hope. Not only will a live band be there with special guest but the tickets are super cheap and its a small environment so you can't go wrong. Cop tickets here.

2) If you've been in a cave and don't know about Blended Babies you need to come out these dudes are solid producers. When I heard they were doing a whole mixtape with Asher I was again sold. I feel like the sound works really well with Asher's style. They've done a lot of solid work but if you want to hear a instrumental beat tape from them head over to iTunes for the Shooter McGavin joint.

Now that I got all that out take a listen & download if you like I have a feeling you guys won't be disappointed. Plus anyone who names their mixtape after PBR & Jazz is a fan of mine. ENJOY!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

RBG - HEALTHY IS THE NEW GANGSTA


I did a post back in May regarding Stic.Man from Dead Prez's last cd, The Workout - and I'll be honest, the post didn't get a lot of love. No sweat off my back - that cd is still one of the top 5 cd's I purchased in all 2011. Stic.Man is still promoting a heathy living with his newest fitness related shirt - Healthy is the New Gangsta. In this trend based world - might as well stick with a fad that's good for you. Purchase the shirt here, and check out a promo vid/interview after the jump.

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Jordan - CP3 V - Xmas Edition

Chris Paul wore these White on Red Jordan CP3 V's to his first day of Training Camp with the Clippers - and they look CLEAN! Check after the jump for the thoughts on the recent trade of a life long Clipper fan (ahem, me).

Friday, December 16, 2011

Billionaire Girls Club



Rapper/Producer/Rock star/Fashion Icon/Art Enthusiast Pharrell Williams has finally launched Billionaire Girls Club. Look - he even found some American Apparel models to pose wearing the gear! (I kid, I kid). I'm actually a huge fan of Pharrell across the board - and am looking forward to hearing more on his latest endeavor.

The T-shirts and vests feature the BGC logo and the ‘Space Girl’ head, created by the legendary Japanese graphic artist Sk8thing as a twist on the iconic men’s design. Available in five tri-blend colors, these designs outline the starting point for the new collection. As a prelude to a full women’s collection, the limited run of product will be stocked exclusively through BBC online and with a selected number of stockists worldwide. - Hypebeast


Purchase the available shirts here, and check after the jump for some previews of the designs.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

White Mountaineering


White Mountaineering is killing it with these shoes. Check out the plethora of other options over at High Snobiety.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

The Hundreds - Cabin T


New freshness from the Hundreds crew - featuring a woodsy/outdoor scene over a The Hundreds logo print - part of the current Fall/Winter line up, available now.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Stussy REAS Holiday Collage Tee

The one and only REAS - aka Todd James - and Stussy have brought their good vibes together for another collaboration project in the form of a 2011Holiday shirt featuring hand drawn images from REAS. Purchase now!

Jeremih | You're Mine



This is a single off what looks to be a Jeremih Christmas album. I respect this guy he has gotten consistently better vocally and I dig his sound this type of music fits him well. Enjoy!

DL: You're Mine

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Donatella Versace x Notorious B.I.G.

As part of The Fader's ICON issue celebrating Biggie, they reached out to the one and only Donatella Versace for her thoughts on Biggie - one of Versace's biggest (no pun intended) fans.

"I think Biggie was amazing. He came to my shows in Paris many times, and we’d see each other often. He always used to talk so nicely about my family. I think he was so smart, so intelligent. He had such a mind. So I loved what he was doing and how he was giving people a way to know about Versace—I do think he was giving people a way to know about Versace—I do think a lot of people started to know about Versace because of him."

Dope to see that the respect/admiration is mutual - which is not always the case in the fashion/hip-hop community connection.

Saturday, December 10, 2011

Nike Air Max 1 - White/Navy/Red

love. Love. LOVE. Nike drops this simple/classy pair of Air Max 1's out of the blue in the last month of the year - and in my opinion, these may be the best sneakers released in all of 2012! CLEAN! Pic via Nice Kicks.

Friday, December 09, 2011

Kaws/Original Fake - Snowman Companion


Original Fake - brainchild of the one and only KAWS, is hot on the tail of OBEY with its own season effort - featuring the famed Companion figure building a snowman in his likeness. Via The Feed. 

50 Cent | The Big 10 (Mixtape)


I'm going to be completely honest this is a solid mixtape by 50! I think it may be safe to say Curtis Jackson is back. There is no doubt about it this guy has been on the grind lately getting his Diddy on. Its good to see him back on his music grind I could do without some of the features but overall great production and great lyrics. Enjoy!

Ace Hood | The Statement 2 (Mixtape)


Super underrated rapper this is a solid mixtape give it a thorough listen I promise you won't be disappointed.

Thursday, December 08, 2011

5andaDime - Holiday 2011 Lookbook





In the words of my boy Aaron, it was time to "show San Diego some love on the site, dammit". Check out the 5andaDime Holiday 2011 Lookbook here - and the comments from the crew on the collection below. 

"Ants? Underwear? So mainstream. At 5&A Dime, we were out of pants before you were into them. Honestly though, people take themselves too serious. For the holidays, we wanted to go balls deep in the cheer and bring you a tongue-in-cheek look-book that pokes fun at both ourselves and all those “cool” guys. The exclusive button-ups are in limited quantity. Seriously, there’s only 40 total. All made in the US, each shirt has an embroidered 5D logo. For our holiday t-shirts, we took inspiration from vintage ads and product. We have some more in the works, but Dr. Dime won’t let us know just quite yet."

Remember - No Pants is the new Japanese Selvage Denim...

Wednesday, December 07, 2011

OBEY Clothing - Santa Paste

OBEY hit the ground running with the first holiday inspired shirt of the season. Available now at the OBEY Online Store - act fast!

Tuesday, December 06, 2011

Tyga | #bitchimtheshit (Mixtape)


Pretty solid mixtape I see where he is taking his sound it for the most part is all in the Rack City zone or this could just be mixtape Tyga we'll see what his albums sounds like which got pushed back today to Jan 24th. If you want my opinion I dig this sound good dance music and party music we need someone to keep giving us the stripper influenced joints. Enjoy!

HUF Fall/Winter 2011 Collection




I really like the direction that HUF took in its 2nd of 3 lookbooks it presented for the Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of a not so typical street artist capturing the subject's clothing - rather than a caricature of the actual individual.

Monday, December 05, 2011

NIKE AIR MAX 1 WHITE/SHALE-BLUE

CLEAN pair of kicks. Nike Air Max 1 - White, Natural, and Blue. Something to look forward to  (expected to drop 2012).

Sunday, December 04, 2011

Respect Your Elders


Here is a very affordable print for some of you that may not really be able to delve in to the art game as much as you'd like - but would still like a pice that you can put up in your place that you didn't cop at IKEA or a shop at the mall. Respect Your Elders is a print showcasing some of basketball's icons, including Magic, Patrick Ewing, MJ, Kareem, Dr. J, among others. Available as a 5 x 9 print for only $13.52 or an 8 x 10 print for $31, this will spice up a room in any house. Purchase here.

Saturday, December 03, 2011

Undefeated - Holiday 2011


Undefeated's Holiday 2011 gear is available now at their webstore. Support!

Friday, December 02, 2011

Steve Aoki x Dim Mak x Lil Jon


Lil Jon collaborated with the one and only Steve Aoki (and his Dim Mak Clothing company) on this caricature-esque shirt. You know Steve Aoki is a UCSB Gaucho right? Keep it moving. Purchase shirts here.

Thursday, December 01, 2011

APC - Spring / Summer 2012

When it comes to favorite brands - their are 3 Companies that have a permanent place in my Top 5 - Supreme, Ralph Lauren, and APC. These are three companies that set trends year after year - regardless of what's in at the time. APC comes with another strong collection for this upcoming season that you can check out here. I hope your graphics card on your computer is up to date, because this animation/movement on the modeled looks is crazy.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Reebok Blast



Reebok is really trying hard to not get lost in the shuffle when it comes to basketball related kicks. Nike and the Jordan brand have held down the front strong in the new Millenium, and it's cool to see Under Armour really promoting an exciting campaign around future all-star Brandon Jennings (more on this later)- but we haven't heard much from Reebok on the basketball tip (Sorry - John Wall and those damn Zigs get no love here). That being said, bringing back the one and only Nick Van Exel's Reebok Blast's from 95 though, with updated Hexalite features and other performance related changes, is a great start. Reebok's back? More info after the jump. 

Play Cloths Holiday 2011 (Mixtape)



Most places won't post this but OSTT has you covered. Play Cloths is getting ready for the holiday season by dropping a new holiday mixtape in support of their new 2011 Holiday collection. You may have seen them sponsor a lot of Pusha's music with the iconic running boy logo.

The mixtape features freestyles from Pusha T, Fat Trel, Liva Don, Tyler the Creator and Hodgy Beats of Golf Wang, and many more. It’s safe to say this mixtape is stacked with good music, no pun intended.

Tracklist:

1. Dont’t Fuck With Me (Feat. Pusha T)
2. Ima Boss Freestyle (Feat. Pusha T & Liva Don)
3. Tony Montana Freestyle (Feat. Pusha T)
4. Might Healthy Freestyle (Feat. Curt@!n$)
5. She Will Freestlye (Feat. Liva Don)
6. Ni**as In Paris Freestyle (Fat Trel)
7. Oooh (Ft. Hodgy Beats, Pusha T, Liva Don & Tyler The Creator)
8. Welcome to the Life (Feat. M. Watts)
9. I Shot Ya Freestyle (Feat. Curt@!n$)
10. Pesos Freestyle (Feat. Pusha T)

DL: PCH Mixtape 2011

Thank God I'm Fresh - King Me Hoodie


In the relentless search to bring you top notch fashion news of the day - A lot of underground brands don't always get the shine they deserve. That being said, I love it when they hit me up via EMAIL or on Twitter (Silk, Hop) to share new items. [Note - that's not a free pass that if you send stuff it'll get posted - it has to be, um, Tight!]. A couple days ago, TGIF crew hit me up on Twitter to let me know that their new King Me Hoodie has dropped online. They must know my affinity for hand-drawn/cartoon graphics. Head over to TGIF and purchase now. Use code "iAmKing" for a discount. Swag.

Check out the tag for previous Emerging Brands posts.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Juicy J | Blue Dream & Lean (Mixtape)


The newest Taylor Gang member Juicy J former Three 6 Mafia affiliate releases his newest body of work which I'm going to go out on a limb and say has the longest titled song names in the history of naming songs for mixtapes. Read that again if you missed it the first time may be one of those things that made sense in my head but didn't translate well to blog. You get what I'm saying overall I think the beats are great lyrics get a C+ but this is what people love to hear these days hard hitting beats with catchy lyrics so if I was grading it on that scale I'd say this is a B+ tape but that's merely an opinion you be the judge and take a listen. Lastly one of the standout tracks has to be the one with Kreayshawn. SWAG

CHUP Socks



I'm 100% for quality over quantity - but clocking in at $38 per pair - these Japanese made woven socks better feel like slipping your foot in to a cloud from Heaven. Available for purchase at Union Los Angeles.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Supreme x The North Face

Supreme and North Face's latest collaboration is featured in Cool Trans magazine, along with some other choice pieces from their current collection, as modeled by Yosuke Kubozuka. Check out the pics over at Hypebeast.

B.O.B. | EPIC: Every Play Is Crucial (Mixtape)


Strange Clouds drops March 2012. Looking forward to listening to this one alot of features on here including Eminem, Lil Wayne, T.I., Mos Def, 2 Chainz, Meek Mill & many more. Enjoy!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

NBA's Back!


What's that you say? The NBA is back? Let's get it! I will now end my lockout of posting basketball related sneakers since the Season is back on. I'll let you stick to Twitter and the "sources" and their articles over at ESPN, CNN, and other locations for now.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Eric Elms x Original Fake

After seeing the Eric Elms x Stussy collaboration a couple weeks back - don't get your hopes up. This shirt was actually developed for Eric Elms latest art show in Tokyo. We'll need to wait for a later date for Eric's Kilroy and KAW'S Companion figure to link up on a shirt. More pics here.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Zoltron - 18th Street Forum


I stumbled on this piece on Fecal Face a while back - and just had to post it. Artist Zoltron did a work featuring Ronald McDonald having a moment of clarity - and potentially feeling guilt over the fast food nation that he helped create. Over a two-week span, fellow artists took a crack at the wall - and oh boy. Check out Zoltron's original narrative here - and see the transgression of the piece below.

Wale | Barry Sanders (Video)



I figured it was fitting since the first Thanksgiving Day game was the Lions vs Packers plus I'm sure this is why Wale released it today. I honestly didn't think this song was that amazing when I first heard it. But after watching the visuals I'm sold Wale is a huge sneaker head and sports fan and I can only respect it. In this video you can see video of Wale making his way through Bristol CT home of ESPN and some raw footage of some of the great sports heroes, "Barry Sanders, Kobe Bryant, Grandmama aka LJ, The Candy Man Michael Olowokandi, Manute Bol, Harold "Baby Jordan" Minor, Michael Jordon, Vlade Divac.. I can go on.

Lupe Fiasco - Friend of the People: I Fight Evil (Mixtape)

I haven't gotten the chance to listen to the whole thing yet but my spidey senses tell me that it's moat likely pretty lyrically driven and hits political issues and strong beliefs. I respect Lupe for doing that he educates his listeners probably one of the reasons he doesn't get mainstream burn but I'd rather hear something real then hearing other rappers talk about how much money they have or how many whips they have, I dont have that money or those whips. Anyways I'll be thankful for any new free music on this wonderful holiday. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Mishka - Holiday 2011


Lot of great imagery on this one, folks. Check it out in its entirety over at Hypebeast.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Skulls 5 Panel Hats


SKULLS just put up some new 5-panel hats available for sale on their online store. Their collection sold out pretty quickly on the last go-round (only 5 in each colorway made), so act fast if interested. Oh, and all hats are hand-made in the US as well.

WZRD | Brake



Now I'm not even going to front I was worried about this new rock Kid Cudi not so much about him not cursing I totally respect that or any artist who can pull that off - wish more music was like that. I'm just not the biggest rock fan although I knew it wasn't going to be that type of rock.... Anyways I dig this sound and I'm excited for his new project slated to drop Jan 30. In case your out of the loop WZRD is the name of the group featuring Kid Cudi & long time producer friedn Dot Da Genius. Whats super interesting about this song is he really only sings like 6 lines haha. Still has that same Cudi feel but I can dig it. What do you think? Enjoy!

DL: Brake

Monday, November 21, 2011

Favorite Pastime


Last time I did a post on Favorite Pastime in early summer, 2011 - they didn't even have a web presense. Well, that has all changed. You can now keep up with this exciting Southern California brand over at their website - and yes, it is complete with a web-store for those wondering.