Finally…it’s here.

Jani Laitiala
Blind - The Blind Video

Via Rebel 8:

Please join us for an opening at The Skullz Press this Friday night from 6-9pm. I’m moving out of the space at the end of the month, so this will be your last chance to come party with us. I’ll be showing a preview of almost 30 new works, most of which will be headed to Italy for a solo show in Milan that opens Feb 25. I’ve got some new silkscreened editions available Friday night as well. Free beer! Need I say more?

This is a small disclaimer but every Friday starting today, I’ll be showcasing one video part for the hell of it of random skate parts that I have been feeling as of late (I know, very Berra-esque i.e. Buttery Mondays & Thrashin’ Thursdays). This is really just poured content from my brain since I literally watch skate parts everyday. This is what I dig from the music, editing and the skating……

Shuriken Shannon
Black Label - God Save The Label

1/28 – Souls of Mischief Album Release Party
Via Going.com:

On Thursday, January 28th, Souls of Mischief will be bringing down the house at the Mezzanine in San Francisco. To celebrate of the release of their new critically acclaimed album Montezuma’s Revenge, the veteran emcees will be performing various tracks from this highly anticipated project.

In an era when most rap albums are accomplished by emailing beats and verses back and forth, Souls of Mischief’s Montezuma’s Revenge was created the old-fashioned way, with the MCs – A-Plus , Phesto , Opio and Tajai – and producers – Prince Paul and Domino – in the lab together from the beginning to the end of the recording process honing and perfecting each song to create a magnum opus. The result, a cohesive, creative hip-hop album that you would expect from these seasoned emcess under the direction of a genius producer like Prince Paul.

So what exactly is Montezuma’s Revenge? “We recorded on this street called Montezuma Street in the boonies. When we came back that was the working title, because it was called Montezuma house,” Tajai recalls. “The deeper meaning is this album will make you crap yourself.” The final product features 18 tracks worth of the quality hip-hop you’ve come to expect from Hieroglyphics , with cover art by esteemed illustrator Steve Lopez (famous for his illustrations of Erykah Badu and others).

Thursday, January 28, 2010 Souls of Mischief will be taking over Left Fest, headlining a line-up that includes Crown Royale, Exile, Alexander Spit, Kings of 8-Bit, DJ Whooligan and Hosted by Supernatural MC. This is definitely an event not to be missed!

1/29 – Mos Def @ Shattuck Downlow
Via Going.com:

LIVE IN CONCERT FOR THE 1ST TIME IN BERKELEY!!!!

plus

“KEV CHOICE”
“SKINS & NEEDLES” (DJ ZEPH-OM & MAX MCVEETY OF CROWN CITY ROCKERS)
“TELEPATH”

FRIDAY JAN 29TH
DOORS OPEN 8PM TILL 2 AM

THIS SHOW IS GUARANTEED TO SELL OUT!! ALL NET PROFITS FROM THE DOOR GO TOWARDS THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC EDUCATION FOUNDATION !!!!!! HELPING THE COMMUNITY!!

SUPPORTED BY:

ANGEL MAGIK
ANKH MARKETING
INEFFABLE MUSIC GROUP

ADVANCE TICKETS $25
$30 AT THE DOOR
GET TIX NOW AT ORGANIC ROOTZ IN BERKELEY-2435 Channing Way.

1/29 – Madlib @ Mighty
Via Going.com:

Friday, January 29th, MIGHTY is proud to present MADLIB (Stones Throw Records). The night will feature an exclusive DJ set from Madlib himself with Support from DJ SHORTKUT (Triple Threat DJs / Invisibl Skratch Piklz / Beat Junkies) w/ Fran Boogie, Carey Kopp (CakeMIX SF) and DJ RasCue (Urban Empire). Doors are at 10PM. Advance presales will be available through eventbrite.com.

JUST ADDED!

DJ RAS CUE, bka Frank Quattlebaum, is a member of “Various Blends” and “Cali Agents”. RasCue is a staple of the Bay Area music scene, serving as Hip-Hop Buyer for Amoeba Music for 9 years and giving us great parties such as Rotation, Succotash, Crucial, Beleza, Loco Soul, Brick, Budonkadonk, Soul Afrique and Wax Wednesdays. Ras Cue will be holding down the side gallery all night!

I called it before the day started. Like always, rappers always perform fashionably later than expected. What was supposed to be midnight showing almost turned into a 1am start time.

One thing I sure didn’t understand was the whole live band gig. They had a guitar player and the piano guy and the whole time, all you heard was the DJ throwing in the instrumentals.

Biggest disappointment of the night…Fatlip was a no show. I wonder if history will repeat itself once again since Fatlip was pretty much responsible for the groups break up back in mid 90’s.

The remaining three rocked the house though.

And had to pick up some Usugrow prints before the UP sale ended. Something that I couldn’t quite spend money on just got a little more affordable. It’s not an original piece but it’s what I can afford.

Via Upperplayground:

Fifty24SF Gallery is proud to host “Character Assassination” – a solo exhibition by David Choe.

David Choe is one of the most diverse and prolific artists working today. His art combines his interests in American and Asian pop culture, graphic novels, and cityscapes, among other things. His work can be found on t-shirts, walls, oil paintings, and sculptures.

A globetrotter, David Choe’s murals cover walls from his native Los Angeles to Vietnam. His intricate brush strokes and characters translate well to consumer products and he has worked with Marvel Comics, Levis and Nike. His art, photos, and writing have been featured in Giant Robot, Hustler and Vice Magazine. David Choe has also self-published comic/journals: Bruised Fruit, Cursiv and Slow Jams. Most recently, he was featured in the documentary about his work “Dirty Hands.”

“Character Assassination” features new works on display at FIFTY24SF Gallery February 5 – March 24, 2010.

Also UP is a having s 50% off sale today and tomorrow to help with the Haiti catastrophe. Buy some cheap gear for a good cause.

Via Upperplayground:

For over ten years, Upper Playground has reached out to the surrounding community to raise awareness about social issues. Whether it’s raising consciousness of political campaigns, or donating products and services to organizations that further economic development in poverty-stricken areas, Upper Playground has always done what it can to help. Even without large corporate resources, Upper Playground feels a sense of social responsibility and is an example of the spirit a small independent company can have.

Last week, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake shook Haiti and as a result, Haiti has suffered a massive loss of life and resources. The dire circumstances in Haiti are prompting us to action. Upper Playground has teamed up with Fashion Delivers to donate clothing to the people of Haiti as part of a larger Haiti relief effort. From January 21 – 31, 2010, for every purchase a customer makes at a US-based Upper Playground retail location or on the Upper Playground web store, Upper Playground will donate a new t-shirt to Fashion Delivers. To encourage people to be a part of the relief effort, Upper Playground is offering 50% off on all purchases made in US-based Upper Playground retail stores and on the Upper Playground web store.

FTC coming out with the goods again for Spring 2010. Seems like they’re making sure you still get covered since the rainy season just started to dump in the Bay. Check out the Mike Giant cruiser below. Remember when I saw the original drawing at his show? Came out dope!

My friend Francesca that I shot photos for a couple of times in the past is having her album release party this weekend. Please come out and support a great person and a great musician.

Sat Jan 23 (9:00 PM)

Hotel Utah Saloon
500 4th Street
San Francisco, CA 94107 map
cross street: Bryant Street
district: SoMa

Advanced ticket price will be offered at a discounted rate of $8 and tickets at the door will be $10. You can purchase tickets here

Via SF Station:

“Francesca Lee is a San Francisco based singer-songwriter that merges elements of Folk, Jazz Pop, and Indie Rock”

The candlelight performance and launch of my new album will take place Saturday January 23rd 2010 at The Hotel Utah Saloon here in beautiful San Francisco. Show will start at 9pm.

Francesca Lee will be performing songs from the entire album with her band The New Believers. Jeff Johnson on guitar, Michael Winger on bass/synths, and Jake Wood on drums/synths.

Supporting music acts for the evening include SF singer-songwriter Kevin Meagher, DJ Keith Kanoff, following the lusterous and vibey music of Lindy Lafontaine’s Trio.

She will be autographing copies of my new album The Pieces Left throughout the evening and they will be available for purchase at the merch table.

I am always down for the new shops. From the looks of this video, these guys seem like they’re down for the cause. Gotta support the little guys…make sure to check them out when you’re in the area.

DWNTWN Skate Supply
644 Hyde Street, San Francisco, CA 94109
(415) 913-7422
Mon – Sun 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

The Pharcyde with Live Band
Jan 22 – Jan 23, 2010

Friday (10:30pm show) $30 advance, $35 at the door
Saturday (11:59pm show) $30 advance, $35 at the door

VIA Yoshi’s:

An influential alternative rap quartet from South Central Los Angeles, the Pharcyde was formed by MCs/producers Tre “Slimkid” Hardson, Imani Wilcox, and Romye “Booty Brown” Robinson. Hardson, Wilcox, and Robinson were all dancers and choreographers who met on the L.A. underground club circuit in the late ’80s, worked together for a while, and served a stint as dancers on In Living Color. Under the tutelage of Reggie Andrews, a local high-school music teacher, the group learned about the music industry and the process of recording an album. They landed a deal with Delicious Vinyl in 1991, and a year later released their eccentric debut album, Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde, which went gold. After support slots for De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest as well as a successful spot on Lollapalooza’s second stage in 1994, the group released its second album, Labcabincalifornia, which was calmer than their first but no less warped. After a five-year break which saw little action, the Pharcyde returned in late 2000 with their third album, Plain Rap.

Purchase Tickets Here

One of the best rap videos ever made courtesy of Mr. Spike Jonze.

My man Philly threw his annual house party Wednesday with his homies and I was blessed with an invite this year.

Haru greeting the guests with the friendly daps. He sure looks a lot different from the first time I met him.

Inquiring minds think alike. Nothing like some fresh Evan Hecox decks to compliment the living room.

White elephant game has become the rage for the past couple of years. I think this was my 5th one this year.

The prize of the century…a set of tools with matching purple vibrator for either anal or punany stimulation.

Thursday on New Years Eve, I did things all different. Dissed the bars, clubs and even getting drunk (I wish my mom can read this but yes, I was sober) and went to see Philadelphia’s finest The Roots at the Warfield.

A lot of things have changed with The Roots with their band members (can’t believe the OG bass player left) but one thing still remains since it’s creation and it is Black Thought as the essential conductor of his band. I found it amusing as most of the band just had their individual moments of euphoria from the patron shots they downed mid way. They would literally just break down and start laughing during a set! It is New Years Eve after all.

But fuck, imagine this! Two and a half hour set of all their classic and new songs and a ballon drop midway at midnight, all while standing 10 feet away from the stage.







This is probably the last time I ever bring my DLSR to a venue. I get pretty shook when 5 foot goon tell me they’ll take my camera away if I pop of any more shots. When did photography become more of a concern then weed? Anyway, fuck that dude in his pie-hole.

If you didn’t know by now, Chris Cole won this years Skate Of The Year award for the second time which only Danny Way has done. He killed shit at the Maloof Cup, won at Battle At The Berrics 2, and back three’d the Wallenburg big four. Make sure to take part in the celebrations today at Fort Mason area where they will also be premiering Thrasher’s new Prevent This Tragedy video, starring Sammy Baca, Emmanuel Guzman, Nick Trapasso and more.

Welcome to Fatlace San Francisco. Let me give you the quick two dollar photo tour.

What makes this place different from the rest is its diverse collection of all things unnecessary.

Unnecessary meaning, you could come in with the intent on getting a license plate frame and leave with a skateboard, a hoody, a bike frame, a watch and even some curb wax.

On display there right now smack dead center of the store is a classic German style motorcycle.



But today’s showcase was all about meeting Fashawn, repping of all places Fresno CA.

A Fresno rapper? I don’t think I’ve ever heard of such a thing. I was more in tuned with the Cali underground scene back in early 2000 (thanks to the Beat Junkie mix tapes). Since then, I have retreated to my original love of 90’s hip-hop…so if advancements have been made with new local acts, then blame it on the Goose, blame it on the Henny, blame it on that shitty Jamie Foxx song.

But if first impressions is what the industry measures artist’s success, then this guy will have no problem getting to where he wants to be. Dude was not only appreciative of the people that were there, he also was a total professional and answered every question and took every photo that was requested. Top it off, dude knows how to skateboard and you know that is porn to my ears.

But let’s keep it dolo with the mugshots.

Yup, Mistah FAB aka Yellow Bus Rider Boopiddy-Boopy Yee-yee was there too.

Fellow blogmates Phil and Pizo in the house.

Reign (on you hoes).

The Fatlace staff always holding the store down with the goods that you need.

And Mark and the Nemesis Crew.

I just realized the fat man is indeed coming soon. I need to get on my holiday shopping this weekend. No didlos like last year…I’ll keep things relatively simple.

I grabbed these tickets the other day down the block to Check out Goapele for last Friday. I was hoping to sneak in my cam into the show like I did the last time. And speaking of soul, did you hear the awesome news!

New single is okay. That hint of auto tune kind of makes me cringe a little. It just doesn’t belong with soul music….ever.

You always have to start things off right. This little Vietnamese place had 7 courses of beef and you get to wrap your own eggrolls all from scratch. It sounds kind of dumb at first but after a while, it is an enjoyable process.

I don’t think I want to be one to rip on a performance. I know the internet is always the coward way to express ones feelings and for the most part, I don’t really think everyone’s really entitled to give off such criticism.

But I think if you perform only about an hour show, it better have some star quality to it. Not really in talent and vocals, but more in just stage presence and crowd interaction. I felt like she seemed nervous at times, just coasting from song to song with nothing said in between. Too bad she is a sexy bitch though.

This was 1 of 5 shots that I popped off before my camera got taken away. It wasn’t their fault. There were about three announcements priors to the show to not take photos and I had to play deaf, dumb and blind. I kind of just gazed the rest of the time and respectfully applauded when she left. Highlight of the night?…she did a cover of Yeah Yeah Yeah’s Maps. That was somewhat of a big surprise.

Also checked out Philly’s blog the other day and noticed he got interviewed in the new Carboy mag and used one of my photos that I took during a session we had.

It’s not much but I have to take it where I can get it. This is pretty much a first for me…thanks dude.