DJ ROB SWIFT (X-Ecutioners, USA)

the Architect album release tour March 2010

The Architect Album
Release Tour 2010
March 2010: 19 – 28 2010

DJ ROB SWIFT (X-Ecutioners)
www.djrobswift.com
www.myspace.com/djrobswift
www.ipecac.com

New Album: The Architect
Rel. Date: February 23, 2010
Publisher: Ipecac Recordings

Interview:

Dear Music Fans,

One of the most famous and celebrated Djs and turntablists in the world is back with a slamming new album “The Architect”, this time blending Hip Hop, scratching and classical music.

DJ ROB SWIFT is part of the biggest Dj group “the X Ecutioners” on the planet and toured and worked with everyone: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, Fat Joe, Everlast, Mike Patton (Faith No More), Cypress Hill, Wu Tang Clan, Eminem, Good Charlotte, Xzibit, Dan The Automator and even truly forward-thinking Jazz legends such as Herbie Hancock and Bob James.

It’s ROB SWIFT’S debut release on Mike Patton’s (Faith No More) Ipecac Recordings label, a perfect fit as both men have been challenging the notion of music for years. They have previously toured together promoting Patton’s Peeping Tom project and their collaborative effort General Patton Vs. The X-excutioners.

Tour Facts, Dates, Videos, Infos … read more …

I think cover songs are crap. There, I’ve said it.

Ok, I’ll be fair, only 98% of cover songs are crap.

However, occasionally when the Pop Gods spread their palms, and send clouds of fairy floss gently sprinkling to our earthly kingdom, a rare and magical thing can happen.

In this moment a great musician can take a song, turn it on its head and fill it with a pathos and depth you never knew was there.

When I saw this clip of Neil Young performing a cover of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, tears began to well up and a frog caught in my throat.

The clip made me remember those days coming back from high school to watch Fresh Prince in a whole new light. Now when I look at the Fresh Prince through the eyes of Neil Young, I see and I feel his pain.

Will Smith, the man. Lest we forget the gravitas and emotion he brought to the role of Fresh Prince, I’ve included the clip where the he breaks down in front of his father below. Have a handkerchief handy.

I salute you Will Smith. And I applaude you Neil Young for making us all pause for a moment and reflect on our own lives.

For within the pop lies the universal pain of the human experience.

I was browsing around through some images of this last Magic in Las Vegas and I came across this 3-sided canvas. Jose and Maxx242 busted an Expensive Taste piece which was 1 of 3 sides the boys and I sat and watched the most. The crew and I only stayed 2 of the 3 days at Magic and we weren’t there as Maxxer started to get down. We only saw the first 2 days while Jose ‘Direone’but all of the pieces came out great. The direct otherside to the Expensive Taste piece had OG Abel doing his thing which had a focal point focusing on DJ – AM resting in peace. Magic is pretty tiring and it was nice to sit around and see a bunch of my favorite graffiti-artists/artists getting down!

Images courdtesy of: Quatro

Here is the beautiful collaboration that Retna and The Mac got down on in Salt Lake City, Utah. One of our crew posted a video of interviews with the guys behind the secene, but here are the finished pictures of this gorgeous outcome. I wonder what all of the Mormons thought of the graffiti even though these images are very religious in theme. Either way, religious or not, Catholic, Mormon, Christian, or Atheist, these pieces and previous pieces by Retna and The Mac feature very similar religious icons images such as this and are beautiful no matter what you opinion of religion is. I personally am and have always been a very big fan of Catholic imagery which probably had to do with having a Catholic mother and finding prayer cards and various items around the house, but no matter what your religious stance is, it is impossible to find these images anything other than beautiful.

I am not sure and I have not researched Retna and The Mac’s reason for doing this piece in Utah or maybe they were even commissioned to do this piece, who knows. But I would not be surprised to see the cities inhabitants reaction to give them a different view of so-called ‘graffiti.’ Maybe it was a great way to show those who wouldn’t be big fans of graffiti or street art that it can be a valid artform that I know that it is. Granted, there are a lot of vary shitty ’street-artists’ out there who give nothing but a bad name to graffiti-artists and street-artists, for instance, those who take their self-proclaimed title literally. Going out into the street and making a mess is not graffiti nor street art.

I think what Retna and The Mac have done was great and most likely have changed a lot of people’s views of graffiti and street art. Still, I have not researched or even watched the video we posted a few days ago, but I am sure those living in Salt Lake City have somewhat of a different view and opinion of what they saw.

Gorgeous!

I really wish that I was able to make the Deftones benefit show for Chi Cheng. Chi was involved in a very bad car accident over a year ago and has been in a coma ever since. The shows were held on Thursday, 11.19.2009 and Friday, 11,20,2009 at The Avalon. Artists who performed with the original band included Robert Trujillo, most recently of Metallica who most-likely ripped-it up on the bass and probably played note for note perfectly and Dave Lombardo of Slayer who definitely tore that shit-up.

A ton of great bands, rappers, groups, families, and also a good number of those who you wouldn’t have thought even knew Chi donated a lot of great stuff with all benefits going towards the expenses for his recovery. The auctions for Chi are specifically being held Chariy Buzz.

DISSIZIT’s distribution company A Dope Distribution are having another landmark Black December Sale. By far, their Black December Sales are my favorite of any Black Friday type of sale because obviously, DISSIZIT’s sale is for all of December and the discounts are nuts!

The sale discounts are up to 75% off and is active from now until 12.31.2009.

Okay, so a little bit back, we posted the first ever REBEL8 Winter 2010 Lookbook. We mentioned that the new items are available at all REBEL8 retailers now and that the items would hit their Online Store on Black Friday, 11.27.2009.

Well, some of you can’t wait that long and I don’t blame you. These REBEL8 items look like they are of the highest quality and the most well-rounded collection to date. The next best thing to having these items available online directly through REBEL8 is to be able to grab these items online through Chocolate Crocodile directly here.

Even if you have no intention in buying these items, this will be the most detailed images of the newest item you will be able to find unless you hit a REBEL8 retailer.

So, hit up Chocolate Crocodile’s Online Store now to see all of the awesome new REBEL8 stuff, and guess what?! Wait until the Chocolate Crocodile – In-Store Black Friday Sale, obviously this Friday, 11.27.2009 from 10AM to 8PM! If this weren’t enough for you or you are going to be a hermit on Black Friday, don’t fret! Saturday, 11.28.2009 and Sunday, 11.29.2009 will carry-over the sale at 40% off the entire online store. Be sure to use the promo code ‘BLACK40′.

Yes, I know we’ve posted these flyers more than once today, and a bunch of times throughout the week, but what can we say?! Chocolate Crocodile are our boys and we have their back.

Chocolate Crocodile
18402 Ventura Blvd.
Tarzana, CA 91356
818.344.1660

Tuesday, 12.01.2009 from 7PM – 10PM will host the release party ‘Rollin’ High’ Dice Game at The Medicine Agency. Mike Giant illustrated the label artwork for the game. I am not 100% sure because I haven’t asked, but I am confident that the illustration print above for the game will be available for sale at the event. Like most Mike Giant or REBEL8 events, free booze will be provided for everyone. There will also be Mike’s latest venture, the San Francisco Street Style Photo Booth set-up for all of the visitors. Mike definitely likes to get the visitors and fans involved, so come dressed at your best. Mike says he ‘hopes to see you there!’

I’ve never been to The Medicine Agency, but from what I’ve heard and seen, it looks awesome and it will definitely be my first stop the next time I am up there. So, with that being said, if you are live up there or close by or happen to be fortunate to be passing through, make sure you go! There is no reason not to go! This dice game is going to be awesome. Such an original and dope concept!

The Medicine Agency
1262 Mason St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
415.829.8615

The day that the homie and business parnter Jose and I had a pick-up and drop-off at Rogue Status, I believe the ultra-talented Dan Martensen was in the store earlier to shoot Rogue Status’ Skate Team.

Anyhow, the images came out great and Dan is an awesome photographer. Above are the newly updated team rider profile images, while the profiles have not been updated, just the profile images. To view the team rider’s profiles, be sure to check them out here. Check it! It is nice to see the Rogue Status Crew adding some nice new touches to their sites.

Yo sprayed ‘dem good!

I’ve never been to New York before but I would gladly go just for this BNE show. I have been a big, big fan of BNE for awhile now. Chances are that you’ve seen BNE blasted up somewhere, much like Chaka could be seen everywhere all over L.A. back in the day, the difference being that BNE is worldwide and everywhere!

I’ve been seeing a ton of similar sticker-bombers on freeway on-ramps and street signs trying to copy BNE with some whack-ass aliases and tags but BNE cannot be touched and is one of the originators.

Mother New York in collaboration with Animal are personally inviting you to an awesome showcase of BNE’s work at the artists first-ever gallery show at the future House of Mother in Hell’s Kitchen on 12.10.2009 from 7PM – 11PM. Please be sure to R.S.V.P. by 12.04.2009 here.

Details will be given to you as you R.S.V.P. but if you are in New York during this time, this is one show you don’t want to miss!

Here is the event coveage from Black Book Session #6. Unfortunately this show was scheduled on the same day as Maxx242’s collaborative show with Xpres this last Saturday, 11.21.2009 at 6PM while the latest Black Book Session #6 started at 1PM and ended at 6PM. The Black Book Session #6 was held at The Garage Boardshop in East L.A. Again, I personally didn’t get to make it out to either and am kicking myself because I missed 2 awesome shows and would’ve been able to hit both!

Black Book Sessions are a non-profit organization committed to empowering and inspiring young, talented minds. The organization is dedicated to helping kids and teens develop their artistic skills and build their confidence. Another objective of theirs is to support and acknowledge young urban artists to reach their highest potential in their lives and communities.

Much like their other formats for the previous Black Book Sessions, there were 3 age categories including 9-13, 14-17, and 18-25 and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes for each. The artwork accepted could have been any size and could be done under any medium including painting, collage, or a total mix of any. The judges placed and awarded the prizes the same day and each entrant had until 2PM to turn in their work.

Sponsors included The Wild Ones, SGX Media, Art Supply Warehouse, and a few others.

The Garage Boardshop
759 S. Atlantic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA
323.266.3884‎

Given that people of all ages watch football on TV or in stadiums now days, we wanted to help everyone understand what is going on with the Referees (if you don’t already know).

Below, we’ve attached a photo that diagrams the signals that the Refs use in a football game. So whenever you see one of them use a signal like one of these, you’ll know what he’s trying to say!

Hopefully that helps clear up what all that waving is for those who didn’t know!

The Legends Team

A great piece of pop cultural writing by Bridget Johnson was recently offered up to me like something deep fried on a stick.  In “Watching Pulp Fiction With Quentin Tarentino“, she delves into what the legendary film could have become.  Some of the more interesting tidbits include:

There was originally a scene of Mia Wallace’s pilot, Fox Force Five, in the script, the third story was at one time completely different, bringing in new characters, Paul Calderon, who had a short scene as the bartender, was Tarantino’s favorite to play Jules Winnfield, Miramax kingpin Harvey Weinstein had plans to open a chain of Jack Rabbit Slims in the wake of the movie’s success, Vincent Vega was supposed to be the brother of Vic Vega (Michael Madsen) in Reservoir Dogs (though this is pretty much common knowledge to any Tarentino fan), Butch the boxer (Willis) was written for Matt Dillon, and Daniel Day-Lewis was interested in John Travolta’s role.

Oh my… Secrets nearly as juicy as a Big Kahuna Burger.  If you read the ARTICLE, scroll down to the comments.  It’s nearly a 50/50 split on QT lovers/haters.  He’s a polarizing film-maker, no doubt.  So was Orson Welles and Fritz Lang though.  So… ya know.

-Sonny

The previous post on the 25 year jubilee of Frankie Goes To Hollywood made me drag out this classic by ex-FGTH frontman/dancer – Paul Rutherford – which reared its squelchy Acid-head back in ‘89- ‘90.

At the time I worked in Fashion, and knew a guy called Ronnie who moved in the inner London fashion circles. He was close friends (if not sleeping partner  - never really found out!) with both Paul Rutherford and Martin Fry & Mark White from legendary ABC. I was a massive ABC fan,  and whenever I met up with Ronnie for lunch the talk always ended up on the current doings of said threesome, and the latest gossip circling out of fashionable Acid-Heaven Shoom.

Knowing I played on Saturdays at Acid-House club – Legends – Ronnie one day handed me the 12″ promo of “Get Real” with Paul Rutherford, which was – surprise – produced by Martin Fry & Mark White from ABC, and directly inspired by the shenanigans going on at Shoom.

It’s a treasured piece of vinyl to me, as it came directly from the source, and despite it being extremely rare it’s usually always been in my box.

Needless to say – it sounds nothing like ABC has ever done with its insane 303 arpeggio madness, eerie strings and Paul Rutherford giving it like some sexed-up, E-God amongst the barrage of Acid-drips, and my safest bet is – they dropped one while mixing this!

It holds its water firmly – even today – and you can drop this anytime, and it’ll go off big time!

Promise!

Mp3: Paul Rutherford – Get Real (Happy House Mix)

Robert Mark James, but known to everyone as Robbie, had a useful attribute for a legend. He had a name that fitted perfectly into a simple chant.

Hey Robbie Robbie,

Robbie Robbie Robbie Robbie Robbie James

It was a chant that became well used in those heady days when the Swans climbed up the divisions under Tosh; when Robbie dazzled the midfield with his pace, fantastic work rate and unerring eye for a goal.

It was also a chant that returned to the Vetch when, after spells at three other clubs, Robbie returned to the Swans for three more seasons.And it was a chant that resounded round the ground when, days after his tragic death, his photograph was paraded around the perimeter of the pitch, pre-match, for the fans to give a tremendously moving final farewell.Born in Swansea in 1957, Robbie signed for the Swans as an apprentice and was given his debut by manager Harry Gregg in the last match of the 1972/73 season when Swans beat Charlton Athletic 2-1 at the Vetch.He then quickly notched up a remarkable sequence when he became the youngest player in the Football League to reach 100, 200 and 300 matches, and gained the first of his 47 International caps at Wrexham’s Racecourse against Malta in 1978.In those initial ten years with the Swans – 1973 to 1983 – Robbie played in every division including, of course, the very top. He started a total of 384 League games scoring 102 goals, and 84 Cup games scoring a further 28 goals.Following the Swans relegation to the Second Division in 1983 he was sold to Stoke City. After spells at QPR and Leicester City he returned in January 1988, making an immediate impression on a useful squad that was going places under manager Terry Yorath. Installed as captain, he made an immediate impression leading by example. And at the end of that season, after thrilling play-off games against Rotherham and Torquay, the Swans were promoted. It was always a tremendous sight when Robbie decided to go on a run. Stockily built (he could have had a career in rugby if he hadn’t been such a brilliant footballer), he would put his head down and heaven help anyone who got in his way. 190 League and Cup games later, with an extra 19 goals to his credit, he had a major falling-out with the Swans` chairman, Doug Sharpe, and was transferred to Bradford City in an exchange deal that brought another ill-fated player, Welsh International Alan Davies, to the Vetch.Converted to a defender, Robbie hardly missed a match for Bradford in the next three seasons and then in 1993 he signed for (deep breath) Cardiff City. There was an irony in this because, as a pupil of Bishop Vaughan School and playing for Swansea Schoolboys he signed schoolboy forms for the Bluebirds, but didn’t follow it up deciding to work as an electrical apprentice before being approached by Harry Gregg.After just one season at Ninian Park, Robbie became player/manager of Merthyr Tydfil and, shortly after, Llanelli. It was in his second spell at Stebonheath Park (he had had short spells at Barry and Weston-Super-Mare in the meantime) that tragedy struck.On February 18th 1998, playing in a midweek Welsh League match against Porthcawl Town, Robbie collapsed and died on the pitch. He was just 40.Robbie James, whose sculpture is on the outside of the Liberty Stadium South Stand, was a great player during Swansea’s greatest period. His contribution to Swans success is immeasurable and he remains the favourite player of many of today’s fans.There is little doubt in my mind that had he lived then he would, today, be working alongside his great friend Alan Curtis at the Liberty Stadium in a coaching capacity. He was a great ambassador, a thrilling player, a crowd-pleaser in every way. Robbie Robbie Robbie Robbie Robbie James.

The undisputed best female rapper of all time Missy Elliot has been slowly working her new album, Bloc Party, for a few years now and we are told that we can expect to see it early next year.

As a big fan of Missy I have been waiting forever for this album and the early signs are showing that it is going to be awesome.

It’s not an official single but, Touch My Body has been released as a promo track and we got our hands on a copy. Check out a sample of whats to come below!

NL2T Rating: Song: 4/5

Found this little piece on T-Mac and it looks like we’ll have him back in the lineup soon… If only Yao Ming would stay healthy also!

HOUSTON — Tracy McGrady returned to practice with the Houston Rockets for the first time since microfracture surgery in February yesterday, but the seven-time all-star still doesn’t know when he’ll play.

McGrady said he can play now, but Rockets coach Rick Adelman has said he’s not ready. Adelman missed practice yesterday to attend to a personal matter. Assistant coach Elston Turner said: “It’s a process” to get McGrady back.

McGrady was set to undergo an MRI on his surgically repaired left knee yesterday which he says is “irrelevant,” but that the team wants to review any decision on his return.

(If you want to see the whole article you can check it out here: http://www.torontosun.com/sports/basketball/2009/11/24/11900776-sun.html)

Keep playing!
The Legends Team

Mike Parsons works in radio throughout Michigan and other places. I went to college with him.

If there was an athletic competition with 500 randomly chosen contestants and Parsons was in it, he’d finish dead last — or maybe 499. I would be 500 in that situation, or 499 if he did finish last. We’d both might fair better if we were running to an Old Country Buffet, but that’s still iffy.

If you ask Parsons what he knows about the NBA, he will tell you that Kendall Gill was on an episode of the mid-90’s Nickelodeon TV show “My Brother and Me.” Regardless of all that, Mike knows how to pick a fantasy basketball team from 1993 (my favorite year), and that’s why you must read this article up on his blog.

Starting 5: Fantasy Basketball 1993

READ MIKE PARSON’S HILARIOUS TAKE ON FANTASY BASKETBAL, 1993 STYLE

If for some reason you don’t laugh while reading this, then you didn’t have a pulse in 1993.

Peep this awesome litte exclusive nugget of a collaboration I found that will release as a CONART® x Xpres collaboration. Xpres was the graffiti-artist that just teamed-up with Maxx242 on ‘Attack of the 2 Headed Monster’ this past weekend. Be on the prowl for this t-shirt soon!

Also, keep checking-back for the upcoming interview with A$H of CONART®.

I am stoked to post the Winter 2010 REBEL8 Collection. Models include the homie Benny Gold, Mike Giant, Rob Collinson of Lowcard Magazine, Mike Maxwell, John Trippe, and Henry Lewis. The photos were taken by Dylan Maddux.

This makes for REBEL8’s very first lookbook! These items are available at REBEL8 retailers now and will be available online on Black Friday!

Our good homies that run The Bad Character have recently opened their new website which we announced a few moths ago. Anyhow, the website has been adorned with an updated portfolio of items that were desgined by The Bad Character Crew. Be sure to view the updated portfolio here.

Also, check back for an interview with The Bad Character Crew soon! In the mean time, don’t strain those eyes too hard with the unreleased items in the 2010 lookbooks!

Zumiez have made a very, very wise choice in picking up The Seventh Letter Crew products and are their most respected and legit brand that they carry, in my opinion. In commemoration and celebration of all of this, T7L Crew are holding an awesome contest. All that you have to do is pick-up any of the cut&sew items pictured above, take a picture of yourself in one of the items, and be sure to include a receipt of the purchased item. From there, 1 of 10 signed artist prints will be given-away from EWOK and RIME.

Also, Where Eagle$ Dare stickers will be given-away with The Seventh Letter Crew/Known Gallery Online Orders while supplies last! Good luck!

Jose and I had a few meeting and store visits last week. One of them included a stop off at The Last Laugh to drop our new t-shirts off to Estevan Oriol. I made sure that we saved-up our hunger for Cole’s French Dip. Cole’s holds the title for the ‘Originators of the French Dip’ which was invented in 1908 and is housed in its original location directly across from The Last Laugh. Pretty much everything inside of the restaurant is authentic and original, very, very little has changed since its opening over 100 years ago. If you are ever in the area or on your next stop to The Last Laugh, be sure to check them out!

Cole’s French Dip
118 E. 6th St
Los Angeles, CA 90014-2006
213.622.4090

Our homie Carlitos who regularly tattoos at The Last Laugh has added us to his blogroll. It is a huge honor to be associated with him as he is a great tattoo-artist. Not only is Carlitos one of the greatest tattoo-artists out there, he is also an accomplished L.A. County Firefighter. Be sure to check-out his recently opened blog. Thanks Carlitos!