Empire State Of Mind.

By Jay-Z featuring Alicia Keys. Directed by Hype Williams.

I'm posting this mainly because I like the song a lot. Long before it became a single I felt it was the best song from Blueprint 3. This video is really just okay, in my opinion. It doesn't look as triumphant and resounding the way the song sounds. The black and white aspect is okay, but its over used, and the portraits weren't that striking. I think color portraits would have caputured the life of the city better. And it didn't seem to have that Hype flair to it. Just seems flat. As always, I'll stop there... dope song though.

Hey, everyones a critic I guess. Just my two cents.

The Cyphers.

Segments from BET's Hip-Hop Awards. I agree, Nana... Buddens killed it. And I kinda like Nicki's verse.

Nana, I agree once again... Black Thought murdered this! Mos (What's up, Danielle) comes in second, and Eminem takes third in my opinion.

The beauty of Hip-Hop. Long live the Culture.

Videogioco.

By Milkyeyes (Donato Sansone).

The time and effort of animation always intrigues me. And with projects like this its never really about the story line, its more about the concept... the actual technique of the procedure itself.

And look at that... its a loop! Nice.

The Safe Way To Break & Pop.

I'm sure everyone has seen this by now, but its just too hilarious not to post at some point. So many good lines, and dance moves!

Classic, just classic.

We Were Once A Fairytale.

A short film by Spike Jonze starring Kanye West (among others).

Though unsettling, I kinda like this piece. Kanye did a pretty good job of acting drunk (no jokes here, I'll take the high road). So what does it all mean? That's a ?uestion for Spike and Kanye, but I'll put a few thoughts out there. With the first portion of the film being dedicated to watching Kanye's drunken antics, it would seem the ending would have something to do with his drunkenness. In my humble opinion its because of who he is most that most of the comments I've seen on this clip suggest the creature at the end is West's ego. Perhaps. If so, shouldn't we have seen Kanye sober and acting crazy, as he tends to do? Anyone one could potentially act this way when they're drunk enough. And the creature seems rather mild-mannered to be Kanye's ego, right? What about the rose petals? I could go on, but I'll stop there.

Art is open to interpretation.

Pencil Face.

Created by Christian Simmons.

This joint is mad creepy. The little school girl. The desolate landscape. The music. The pencil goes without saying. I knew it couldn't be trusted! And don't eat that cake!

This reminds me of the "Frakendoodle" SpongeBob episode.

Allow Wealth To Introduce Wealth.

Fellow Chicago brand Ends/Weath Corp. have redone their website and have new clothing offerings. They have also posted a few videos explaining their beginnings and a new lookbook.

Brandon and Juan have a very innovative team behind the brand and I'm always looking forward to what they'll be presenting in the future.

Nem Perez is also a beast on the motion graphics/film tip. Nice!

Life Is Better.

By Q-Tip featuring Norah Jones. Directed by Goodtimes. Real groovy track, with smooth visuals and transitions to accompany. Plus its an ode to Hip-Hop!

Go grab The Renaissance if you don't already have it. Solid album.

Let Love Rule.

By Lenny Kravitz (JUSTICE Remix). Directed by Keith Schofield. What a dope concept!




Is that Marty McFly?

Constant Surprises.

By Little Dragon. Directed by Fredrik Egerstrand. I kinda dig this joint. The video has some cool visuals, and I especially like the editing.

Nobel Peace Obama.

Chicago bred Barack Obama wins the 2009 Nobel Peace Price. Wow! It does seem a tad premature, but I do recognize the amazing efforts he has made and already done in uniting the world, starting with other countries being excited over his presidency.

Gondry Cross Country.

Just stumbled upon this little gem... "Behind" by Lacquer, a french band. This video is directed my Michel and Oliver Gondry. Check all the small subtleties:

I've been wanting to do a time lapse shot for some time. This inspires me.

2 Fingers For Fenger.

By Harold Green. A dedication piece in the wake of the death of Chicago's Fenger High School student Derrion Albert.

I haven't watched the footage of the beating. I can't. I don't wanna see that. I'm still trying to think of what I can do. Kudos to Harold. Its gotta stop.

...And the 2016 Olympics are a no go in Chicago. I personally didn't think it was a good idea in the first place.