Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum Cleaner

I saw this product being advertised during one of those infomercials you always happen to catch on television at night, except I didn't realize how amazing this product actually is until the ad was done. So, I had to do some research to see exactly what this device has to offer..

Combine the concept of a round ball and state-of-the-art vacuum technology and you get..



The Dyson DC25 Animal Vacuum Cleaner.
Click HERE to visit the official Dyson online store.

Box Office Heat: Inglourious Basterds

It's no longer "District 9" leading the box office approaching the end of this week. A new-and-improved action/drama/war film has taken precidence... =)



IMAGE SOURCE: iwatchstuff.com

In German-occupied France, Shosanna Dreyfus witnesses the execution of her family at the hand of Nazi Colonel Hans Landa. Shosanna narrowly escapes and flees to Paris, where she forges a new identity as the owner and operator of a cinema. Elsewhere in Europe, Lieutenant Aldo Raine organizes a group of Jewish soldiers to engage in targeted acts of retribution. Known to their enemy as "The Basterds," Raine's squad joins German actress and undercover agent Bridget Von Hammersmark on a mission to take down the leaders of The Third Reich. Fates converge under a cinema marquee, where Shosanna is poised to carry out a revenge plan of her own...

--- Courtesy of Yahoo.com ---

Click HERE for more details at Yahoo! Movies.

"The Dicoco Sneaker" by Creative Recreation

Once again, allow me to complete the previous fit with a pair of sneakers, courtesy of karmaloop.com..



$124.00, sizes 7 - 12 . WET. CRA-AAC-K.. jk. =)

CLICK HERE to purchase.

The "It's the Shoes" tee by Caked Out

Who would have ever thought of putting kicks on the monopoly guy? LOL. A company named "Caked Out" came up with the brilliant idea, and it's become one of my favorite tees of all-time. For 24 bones, it's collector's item for all my true sneaker heads..

Click HERE for more information on how to purchase.

--- Courtesy of karmaloop.com ---

ALIFE "Antique A" fitted hat

Made in China. If you're into fitted hats, this is definitely a great accessory for the matching kicks posted a few weeks ago..

Everybody High All Over (red/white)

Designed by New Era, you'll be dropping $50 for this "antique" product. Ha...

Click HERE for more information on how to purchase this product.

FEATURED ARTIST: Rich Young

Click HERE to PREVIEW and DOWNLOAD his new single titled "Stay The Night."

"The Calling: Remix & A Mixer" mixtape review

(Click album back art to download the mixtape for FREE.)

Track Descriptions
Track 01 – Luke 18 (Remix)  Time: 2:36

    The mixtape commences with a slower…mellower feel to it, occupying the instrumental featured on Wayne’s “I Know the Future.” It establishes the artists’ underlying eagerness to make music, better yet—“good” music—but implies the importance of “listening closely” to the lyrics in hunt to understand a far deeper reasoning for its origin. In fact, the inspiration to write this piece arose from a short eleven minute and eighteen second conversation, followed by the reading of an arbitrary biblical passage, particularly Luke 18, which the artist felt was initialized by a more powerful energy surrounding him. In short, it captures the mood of the phone call and the artists’ thoughts shortly thereafter—a philosophical moment, per say…

Track 02 – Who Shot Ya’ (Remix)  Time: 3:33

    For those who are fans of one who many believe is the greatest hip-hop artist of all time, Notorious B.I.G. (also known as “Biggie”), this track immediately determines whether a confident artist is true to his musical craft and, more importantly, if their music is worth listening to. The choice of production is a classic, and the artist invites you to critique his lyrical ability in comparison to the quality of pure hip-hop music in its prime, symbolized by the old school aura. The low, original female sample is used intelligently to describe the sexual orientation of the instrumental and the artists’ relationship to her, an indicator that music is a rather intimate subject matter for the musician, not limited by the existing mainstream stereotypes that exist today.

Track 03 – Hero (Remix)  Time: 4:08

    This track features the instrumental used on the song “Hero” produced by Polow Da Don from Nas’ latest album released in 2008. First impressions will lead the everyday listener to notice that it’s a choice that even an intermediate level artist should not attempt to subdue. From an artistic perspective, it creates a very intellectual mood and initiates a rather enlightening state of mind. The artist uses this concept to his advantage, blending an unorthodox writing style with an original musical flow. He delves into the center of his subliminal mind, touching on a variety of subjects including his status as a hip-hop artist as well as recent life-changing developments. It is also the artists’ second opportunity to showcase the poetic aspect of music that many musicians fail to recognize, and thus setting the bar for the remainder of the mixtape.

Track 04 – A MILLI (Remix)  Time: 3:00

    The sudden sound of helicopter propellers takes this track on a very mysterious path. However, most listeners will begin to recognize one of 2008’s most unique productions, Lil’ Wayne’s “A MILLI” produced by Bangladesh. There are arrays of similar remixes permeating the Internet, and still the artist manages to separate himself from the crowd by adapting a flow as contagious to the ear as otitis. Complimented by his usage of extremely eccentric metaphors and intellectual wordplay, this remix reproduces the strange energy that arose last year when the original version was first released.

Track 05 – Bye Haters “He Killed It” (Remix)  Time: 3:44

    The artist Maino, currently signed to Atlantic Records, debuted in 2008 with his single, “Hi Hater.” On the other hand, the artist Kid Psalm has decided to release a mixtape as his debut compilation and say a kind “Goodbye” to his haters, whoever they may be. Consistent with his previous remixes, he does not fall victim to the most common mistake that musicians make while developing a remix to a song: biting the same exact flow. He continues to show his humble nature by first acknowledging the artist featured on the original sound, followed by his personal musical genius. This is also a great example of how the artist paints a very colorful portrait of his life experiences while maintaining the mainstream edge that influences fans to purchase and enjoy music.

Track 06 – Heartless (Remix)  Time: 1:51

    The mixtape experiences a dramatic mood swing as the instrumental for Kanye West’s second single “Heartless” (from the album “808s and Heartbreak”) begins to play. The beat was recreated by producer “Wattzbeatz,” thus special thanks to him for his contributions to this track in particular. This one is slightly different compared to the other features; here the artist shows a sorrowful, emotional side of his personality, and it appears that he is grieving about familiar past moments in his life. He expresses himself so deeply on the instrumental, as if he is perfectly in tune with the sound, that his words alone capture the emotion articulated first by Mr. West. The flow design also remains unique and true.

Track 07 – Never Let Me Down (Remix)  Time: 5:31

    The artist compliments the previous track with one of Kanye’s old school productions, “Never Let Me Down” from his debut album “College Dropout.” It retains the mood of it’s former and continues to explain the complex personal story of an intimate relationship between him and a significant other. This track has a very unique design to it, and the artist skillfully structures his flow within, making use of the outstanding high-pitched sample. A closer look into the lyrics portrays an artist who considers music much more than a mere hobby, but rather a literal part of him and his existence. It also reveals the poetic phase of writing that preceded his career in the music industry, engaging listeners and allowing people to get in touch with their “real”, inner emotions.

Track 08 – Lollipop (Remix)  Time: 3:49

    Possibly the most questionable and controversial track on the compilation, the artist attempts to use an incredibly mainstream instrumental in a way that has never been used before…while free styling, or lyrical improvisation. The choice of production will be immediately recognized by most music fans: Wayne’s single “Lollipop” from his sixth release “Tha Carter III.” Since the beat itself symbolizes the clichéd radio hit, many people may think that this track assumes the same. Nevertheless, the lyrics paint a warm portrait of several relationships in the artists’ life, such as his connection to the suburbs of New Jersey, memories of specific female acquaintances, and those who have little faith in his music—the haters. There is a sudden breakdown near the middle of the track where the artist mimics the hook from Bow Wow & Soulja Boy’s “Marco Polo,” an act of comic relief to mock the theme of the commercial original.

Track 09 – Dope Boys (Remix)  Time: 3:19

    This is the first track where the artist presents a West coast style sound to his audience, featuring the instrumental from Game’s single “Dope Boys” from his third album “LAX.” The drum pattern in the beat was played by the drummer for Blink-182, Travis Barker. Coincidentally, Travis Barker was involved in a fatal plane crash around the same time the artist was working on this track for the compilation, thus it commences with related shout outs and condolences to those who lost their lives during the incident. The track discusses the artists’ eagerness to play a major role in the music that people today and future generations will be listening to as oppose to resorting to the alternate survival tactics that the streets have to offer and expands upon his ability to organize similes and various metaphorical concepts.

Track 10 – Mr. Me Too Pt. 2 (Remix)  Time: 2:52

    The artist further defines the meaning of versatility by using the instrumental on Clipses’ song “Mr. Me Too” on their sophomore album “Hell Hath No Fury,” produced by Pharell of The Neptunes. Originally part of a previous unfinished mixtape, the track demonstrates exceptional written materials and shows a stage of evolution in the artists’ career. Unlike the other songs on the collection, it lacks personal connections to the music and focuses on technicality instead.

Track 11 – I’m Illy (Remix)  Time: 2:42

    Many “true” hip-hop music fans will claim that this choice of production is inefficient, due to its simplicity and repetitiveness. However, the artist believes that inspiration can be found in the simplest of sounds and still create an atmosphere for good music. In addition, it is clear that the artist also feels that a good musician should not depend on the quality of the instrumental to produce a good overall sound; one’s lyrics should also be challenged to adjust to the changes in production and coordinate fitting lyrics. A great example of how the artist uses the power of his words to compensate for listeners who hold unsophisticated musical sequences in low esteem.

Track 12 – Day N’ Nite (Remix)  Time: 3:48

    The most inspirational piece as well as the last song developed for the compilation, this track features Kid Cudi’s “Day N’ Nite” instrumental produced by Dot Da Genius. The artist clearly shows his ability to switch tempos and emulate a new style of music. Though many different remix versions have already leaked, this track is sure to leave an impression that the others have failed to accomplish. The artist also prides himself on constructing a sound that is not easily duplicated as verified here.

Track 13 – Take You There (Remix)  Time: 4:03

    One of the shortest of the remixes, however, this track gives the compilation its balance with a blend of tropical R&B sounds. The artist takes his audience on a journey back to his island roots while at the same time speaking directly to the women across the world. For those who assumed that the contents of the mixtape would be limited to everyday hip-hop substance, this track exposes the artist to a diverse demographic and a subset of individuals who would not appreciate his music if he were similar to many of the one-dimensional musicians currently in the entertainment business.

Track 14 – Swagger Like Us (Remix)  Time: 4:46

    The initial concept for this track was designed as a collaborative project with the artist and another musician from his hometown. Conversely, the collaboration remained incomplete for numerous reasons and the artist decided to create yet another solo recording instead. He talks about the fundamental nature of the term “swagger” in a creative form of lyricism, featuring lines like, “…rock the mic so hard, you see minerals…” and “…the greatest of all time in my inner wool…” These lines, among other quotes, describe his unique personality and his views of swag and intelligence. On the other hand, the third verse offers a second opinion where swagger is less of a discrete belief and more in terms of the energy that comes from within one’s self and the way it is shared with fans and potential listeners.

Track 15 – Gotta’ Make It (Remix)  Time: 3:20

    The New Jersey native decided to continue his trend of assorted beat selections by choosing Plies’ “Got ‘Em Hatin’” produced by Nitti. Though this was not the original choice of production, as indicated by the quote, “…nobody told me, “Get lost, homey…where Jay went,” the artist noticed a rather special connection his words had with the instrumental. He begins to speak at a very spiritual level, outlining his struggles with both good and evil. The artist seems to endure a trivial rampage as he covers various topics at random; this is evidence that the music the artist produces is constantly flowing throughout his thoughts.

Track 16 – Jamaica Rum (Remix)  Time: 3:50

    This is THE most abstract track on the compilation…period. It features the instrumental played on Bob Marley’s song “Jamaica Rum” and lacks a conventional hip-hop drum pattern, thus creating a scenario for a true musician to display his or her greatness. As the artist begins to present, fans hear a combination of unique poetic excellence and a mysterious, emotional-filled delivery. He talks about his own personal reasons behind making music and directly tells the world what type of person he is. Later, he returns to his usual, simile-based style, quoting lines such as, “Music is my therapy, therefore I’m sick…no, I’m tight, but there might be lines you can’t grip.” Therefore, it is fair to say that this track will be one of the most creative projects in hip-hop history.

Track 17 – Out Here Grindin’ (Remix)  Time: 5:33

    An upbeat, southern addition to the mixtape will definitely appeal to the ear of the people around the artists’ current residence. In fact, he tacks on a verse that is worth enjoying the original song again to hear, quoting lines like, “…catch me at AT&T…and I’m the bomb like I just ate TNT…” and “…see I’m…I’m a phenom’, but you? You’re an R. Kelly mixtape peon…” He manages to create such an amazing audio experience that many fans may begin to confuse it with the original after a few listens.

Track 18 – Say Hello (Remix)  Time: 4:45

    Inspired by the most controversial track on Wale’s mixtape, “The Mixtape About Nothing,” and dubbed “The Kramer,” the artist commences by walking us through his opinion of the infamous “n” word. He states that despite the fact that the structure of the word itself changed, it still retains the same meaning of ignorance and subordination. He also admits to often using the terminology when he says, “Can’t say I never have when I still do…old whites growing on me like mildew…” After about halfway into the song, he starts to comment on personal issues. Contrary to his religious beliefs, the artist concludes the track by quoting the famous Serenity prayer from the Bible.

Track 19 – Pop Champagne (Remix)  Time: 3:43

    This is the most obvious example of how the artist uses specific lyrical techniques to transform what is simply a mainstream radio hit into an underground masterpiece with a powerful message. He uses vocal samples of producer Ron Browz, credited for the production of this instrumental, to give the remix a feel similar to the radio release featuring hip hop artist Jim Jones. He begins to clarify a young relationship between himself and a female friend he met on his way to campus, including his first impressions and the emotions he felt because of the interactions. In addition, similar to some of the previous tracks on the collection of music, he finalizes his recordings with superlative wordplay and breath-taking wit, including lines like, “…So the flow switch gears and accelerate…I’m on route to the moon; it’s interstellar space…where it’s really On Star…” The artist is able to bring his compilation to a very exciting halt and the impression that the future of hip-hop will be partly defined by a young man who goes by the name “Kid Psalm.”

(also included in the downloadable ZIP package)

Updated: Friday, April 3, 2009.

Kobe versus ..Kobe

Just watch. I'm not the biggest Kobe fan in the world, but I DO give credit where it is due. I think it's fair to say that this man was born to play professional basketball, yes. If not, he has one hell of a learning curve.

NBA on MySpace Dunk Week: Top 10 Kobe Bryant Dunks

Guitar legend-inventor Les Paul dies at age 94

IMAGE SOURCE: telegraph.co.uk/

(Originally posted on August 13, 2009)

Les Paul, who invented the solid-body electric guitar later wielded by a legion of rock 'n' roll greats, died Thursday of complications from pneumonia. He was 94.

According to Gibson Guitar, Paul died at White Plains Hospital. His family and friends were by his side. As an inventor, Paul also helped bring about the rise of rock 'n' roll with multitrack recording, which enables artists to record different instruments at different times, sing harmony with themselves, and then carefully balance the tracks in the finished recording. The use of electric guitar gained popularity in the mid-to-late 1940s, and then exploded with the advent of rock in the mid-'50s.


--- Courtesy of Yahoo.com ---

MY THOUGHTS: I feel ashamed to not have known this man before he passed away. I personally love the sound of the electric guitar--an instrument of popular choice whenever I feel like inventing a new melody for most beat concepts I create. However, not only is he the father of one of my favorite style of sounds, he was also a major influence on the technology that I have used since my birth into the music industry. Without the ability to multitrack, most, if not all, of my sound recordings-to-date could not exist. Thus, my condolences go out to Paul and his family who had the opportunity to be with him during his last moments. Rest in peace..though your legacy shall live on in the hearts of many, including my own.


Click HERE to view the full article on Yahoo.

BAPE, for the battlefield

I had the pleasure of putting on my first BAPE hoody fresh out of the dryer this morning, thanks to one of my homeboys who's been making some chess moves in this game of life. Hands down, it's definitely worth the quality.

So, I'm sitting at my desk, looking out the window and talking on FB, you know, surfing the internet..and I see a news article on Yahoo covering the progress in Afghanistan in terms of the war on terror. A few paragraphs into the spread and I start thinking..hmm, the possibility of 20,000 additional troops to be sent overseas again? IF I were to ever take the opportunity that the United States offers its citizens for joining the military, it would most likely be on one condition:



They gotta' let me go out in style :)
Visit BAPE.com now for a sneak peak at their latest collection.

FEATURED ARTIST: DoeBoy The Producer

DoeBoy The Producer is probably one of the coolest individuals that I've met down in Florida, much less my entire life. As we became good friends, I quickly discovered a common interest in music. I would soon start to witness him at work during the beat making process and immediately began to notice the amount of talent he possesses rhythmically. Although his projects vary from time to time, he specializes in a very classic, Southern hip-hop sound, usually using intricate synthesized melodies, snares and booming 808s, just to name a few of the repetitions within his arsenal. His presence is prominent on many tracks recorded by the Miami-based production team of both artists and producers dubbed "38 HOT," however, I will introduce them to the blog at a later time.

Stay tuned for the first LEAK in production from DoeBoy The Producer at WHOISPSALM?..

WHOISPSALM? Presents: "The Spotless Mind" album review

August 21, 2009

NOTE: With exception for the introduction, each paragraph of the review represents the next track on the album.




Click HERE to PREVIEW and purchase the album now on iTunes.

“The Spotless Mind,” which debuted via the Internet on February 14, 2009, is a very inspirational and soulful, Hip-Hop/R&B project, also representing the artists’ official freshman release. The album cover features a creative portrayal of a handgun firing what seems to be a synchronized, artistic bliss of hearts and diamonds. In my perspective, it is a metaphorical way of expressing the objective and quality of the associated compilation. Considering the title of the anthology, it also adds a sense of suspense and mystery and prepares your mind for the album’s unique sound.

With anticipation at its high, the first track, dubbed “Land of Make Believe,” makes a first impression by transitioning from a melodic sample of a woman singing and sounds of ascension to a smooth radio pod cast. The artist introduces himself and his relationship to rap, and touches on issues involving many façades that exist throughout the music industry. He is accompanied by a relaxing feminine tune on the chorus, which accentuates the initial jazzy aura established during the introduction. The song continues with a catchy flow and evidence of several old school influences, hosting a breakdown toward the end to conclude a powerful opening sequence.

The next track titled “Food for Thought” uses the classic “mixtape” approach, and you immediately begin to recognize the poetic vibe that the artist possesses throughout his lyrics. The production, on the other hand, has a very distinguishable flavor—one that many songs fail to create. It maintains a generally upbeat rhythm; smooth enough to make a large, diverse demographic drift in the direction of the dance floor. In essence, it’s good music. At this point in the album, it is clear that the artist is passionate about his craft and is able to produce a laid back yet valuable resonance.

Proceeding, the adjacent track titled “The Revolution Experimet” has anthem potential within the first few seconds of play. It seems as though the tone of the album is steadily increasing, especially as the beats continue to hit harder through every rotation. Despite the raw characteristic of the vocals and its fluid momentum, the lyrics are organized in a rather unorthodox pattern. Interestingly, this does not affect the result of the music, thus the artist still manages to showcase his musical ability; an overall decent recording.

The omnibus experiences a mainstream mood shift with the sound of a clean electric guitar, giving rise to the title of this record: “The Guitar.” This track focuses on a strictly alternative rock and hip-hop collaboration, highlighted by yet another female singer on the hook. You can almost feel the energy in the production running through your nerves as if it were adrenaline, and the open-minded listener will definitely appreciate the mixture of live instruments and wordplay. It is then polished by an organ prominence as it fades out at the four-minute mark.

From mainstream ear candy to political awareness, the album switches to a vivid picture of American warfare, described in detail by the artist(s). The beat has a different feel compared to its previous counterparts as it allows the lyricists to paint discrete emotional visuals of the pain, struggle and thoughts of the average soldier in real combat. As the song develops, you witness a story discussing very important topics unfold—a story that many active troops may be able to relate to. The eerie piano strokes and pounding drums give this track form and command, and thus illuminating the message being shared. The artists also carefully and intelligently design the song around the title of the recording, and this, in itself, inspired the development of the chorus. At about a little less than a minute left of audio, the producer brings in Dionne Warwick's “Walk on by” sample to complete the structure and motivate a remorseful response to what is happening throughout the tale.

Track number six, dubbed “Paradise,” begins with a classic sample, followed with a baseline and snare combination to initiate the “drop” into the depths of the instrumental. Unlike the previous recording, the artist does not concentrate on a topic related to the title of the track. Instead, he utilizes the mixtape approach as mentioned earlier and yet again uses a pungent female presence on the hook. Observationally speaking, this is thus far one of the least favorites of the tracks on the album, particularly in terms of lyrical versatility, but the production continues to tweak and enhance the overall flavor of the entire collection.

Imagine yourself in a luxurious wooden cabin, heated by a fireplace in the corner of the room, after you recently discovered that you hold the winning lottery ticket. This is how the introduction should make you feel for the first several seconds of the track. A featured artist approaches the rhythm with confidence and wit and the song then presents its listeners with a very jazzy old school style. Of course, the enjoyable saxophone playing smoothly in the background concludes the final additions to this record.

An unpredictable chopped sample from Jay-Z’s second verse on his track titled “Girls, Girls, Girls” blesses the commencement of Heartbeat the Producers’ eighth track dubbed “Peep Pick and Parlay.” The flow adapts a basic structure and prevents the concept of the song from developing efficiently. However, the chorus attains an admirable level of creativity using the poetic hip-hop sample. In fact, the manner in which it intersects the beat choice is impressive and very appreciable.

Whoa. The various samples used to transition between the music are very clever and this track uses its appeal to its advantage once again. As it reaches its first climax, the instrumental shows sign of being rather eccentric—a great quality for those who understand the beauty governing superior musical quality. A “Prince of Thieves” not only has a different label compared to the other tracks featured on the album, it also possesses a change in flow, microphone presence and delivery that satisfies the action-packed, “street racing-like” choice of production. Furthermore, if it was ever safe to assume that the effectiveness of the choruses could not increase anymore, this possibility is quickly put to rest with a four-sample hook, including quotes from hip-hop artists like Mos Def, Jay-Z and Cassidy. The scratches incorporate the b-boy vibe that many fans can easily interpret and remember, thus giving this song a ranking much higher than its peers.

A simplistic, abusive horn and a generic drum pattern give this track its overall structure while the linguistics remains similar. The title “Jersey Love” leans toward the implication of a hometown anthem, however, the song itself is a false representation of this ideology. Although it manages to capture the epitome of cliché hip-hop music, it does not necessarily meet excellent album standards. Unfortunately, it blends in with the remainder of the compilation and fails to create the catchiness that most people tend to retain from music.

On another note, the next song titled “Yesterday, We Love You!” strikes you instantly as an amazingly groovy collection of real instrumentation. The lyrics seem to follow a storyline in reference to its theme, and you can feel the difference in energy; by energy, I mean the emotional power exerted by the artist(s). Real music—preferably the type that just comes naturally and “effortlessly.” A lovely R&B serenade grazes the chorus, serving as an outstanding breakdown between verses. This track is cool; in fact, it’s ‘really’ cool. It has poise, definition, and a strong overall presence. Yes. A song that you will probably replay a few times if you like that intense syncopated sensation.

The last track titled “Suburbs” is the albums’ only bonus track, so I’ll let everyone make their own interpretations for this one. Overall, I would give this album three and three quarter stars out of five. The production was very consistent throughout and the lyricism maintained a unique style, despite the minor criticisms stated above. This album will gain the respect it demands, and set the bar for the next release, which will feature yet another great array of vocalists and musicians.


-- KP

Copyright © 2009. All rights reserved.

Click HERE to PREVIEW and purchase the album now on iTunes.

UPDATE: Hurricane Bill

..in case any of you are still concerned with the weather.

Bolt does it again, record breaker

During a conversation the other day, someone mentioned this and I didn't bother to look into it for some reason until now. In any event, as a fellow Jamaican ("Jamerican," so to speak), the news of Usain Bolt breaking a new record is like music to my ears. He's definitely putting Jamaica on the map and gaining greatly anticipated respect in the world of sports entertainment.



--- Courtesy of Yahoo! Sports ---

According to Yahoo! Sports today, "Jamaican Usain Bolt won the 200 metres gold at the world athletics championships in a world record time of 19.19 seconds on Thursday. He had already picked up the 100 metres title in Berlin by setting a world record."

For more on this story, click HERE.

"The Spotless Mind" album review preview

Click HERE to PREVIEW and purchase the album now on iTunes.

Hurricane Bill goes Category 4

Not exactly the best news for a few select countries in the Atlantic... :(



Hurricane Bill is pictured moving through the Atlantic Ocean, more than 1,160 miles east of the Lesser Antilles islands of the Caribbean, in this satellite image taken on August 17, 2009.

--- Courtesy of REUTERS/NOAA/Handout ---

Hurricane Bill became a dangerous Category 4 storm with top sustained winds near 135 mph early Wednesday, and forecasters said it could get even stronger as it howls over the open Atlantic...

Written by David Fischer, Associated Press Writer

Click HERE to read more on BILL @ Yahoo! News.

Sprint to release the HTC Hero Phone in Q4 2009

Released for Sprint, the HTC Hero is a Google Android smartphone that blends form and function. It has a bevelled edges and an angled bottom contoured to fit against the face. The handset features HTC's Sense user interface, focusing on making people the center. Users can view Facebook status updates and photos with their text messages, emails and call history in a single view. The Hero has a dedicated Search button to search through Twitter, locate people in the contact list and find emails in the inbox. Its anti-fingerprint screen and Teflon coating is offers smudge resistance. It also includes a 3.2-inch HVGA screen, GPS, digital compass, gravity-sensor, 3.5mm stereo headset jack, a 5.0-megapixel auto-focus camera and expandable microSD memory.


--- Courtesy of Mobiledia.com ---

Click HERE for more information about the HTC Hero Phone.

MY NAME IS...

"Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is.." - Jay-Z


KID PSALM.





Hugh M. Saddler (born September 9, 1988) is among the next generation of up-and-coming hip hop artists. He started writing short stories at a very young age, displaying his extraordinary imagination and sense of humor. Music became one of his early influences as he watched music videos on television with his two sisters in the living room of his parents' home, thus opening up a whole new area of writing: poetry. He began keeping journals of his poetic theories, experimenting with song lyrics when inspired. Eventually, song development slowly replaced all other forms of writing, marking the beginning of his hip hop career.

At about age 13, he joined his first online hip hop message board titled "Lyrical Beatdown" and began challenging other [older] emcees to lyrical duels, or battles. He developed his verse-writing skills over the next few years and started recording vocals at about age 15. Several years later, at the age of 20, he continues to master his skills as a musician, perfecting his style of writing and molding a flow similar to none other than himself: Kid Psalm the Perfectionist. His style, both electrifying and energetic, emulates the future of the hip hop industry.

Click HERE to preview my music and download my free mixtape.

Good 'Ol Australian football!

Q: What do you get when you mix American football and Rugby together?





And there's your answer. Thanks to my roommate Billy for putting me up on such great entertainment. LOL
Anybody down to play? =)

Box Office Heat: District 9

When I hit up my homegirl Michele last night, she told me that she just came back from watching the movie "District 9," released in theaters on August 14th. I've been hearing lots of positive responses to this film and she definitely confirmed all the hype. Looks like I'll be headed to the theater to make my own judgments real soon...

So, what's this movie all about? Well, if I told you, then you wouldn't have a reason to go see it. But here's an overview of the new box office topper taken from Yahoo! Movies.


Thirty years ago, aliens made first contact with Earth. Humans waited for the hostile attack, or the giant advances in technology. Neither came. Instead, the aliens were refugees, the last survivors of their home world. The creatures were set up in a makeshift home in South Africa's District 9 as the world's nations argued over what to do with them.

..and the critics have given it an A-. I'm sold. =) haha.

Click HERE to see a full description of the film at Yahoo! Movies.

DISCUSSION: "Wait No Longer, Speak!" Devotional

IMAGE SOURCE: Brisa (Marjorie Manicke) @ sxc.hu


"Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad." - Proverbs 12:25 NKJV


Few things are as powerful as the right words spoken at the right time. By the same token, words withheld when their season of opportunity is gone, are a heavy burden to live with. Looking back, one relationship expert offers these moving words:

"I remember when I took your new car on the road and wrecked it. I thought you'd be livid and come down hard on me, but you didn't. I remember when we went to the beach and you didn't want to go because you said it was going to rain. We went and it rained. I was sure you'd rub it in and say, 'I told you so!' But you didn't. Then there was the time when I spilled blueberry juice down the front of your new white tux. I knew you'd be upset and blame me. But you didn't. And remember that formal evening? I was mistaken and told you it was casual. You wore blue jeans and felt like a fish out of water. I was sure you would storm out in anger and leave me standing there. But you didn't. I wanted to tell you how much I loved you and how much I appreciated you for all those things when you returned from Vietnam. But you didn't."

Solomon said, "There is… a time to speak" (Ecclesiastes 3:1&7 NKJV). But it's a limited time, and when it's over it's gone. Don't spend your future regretting and carrying inside you the unspoken words someone needed to hear. "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones" (Proverbs 16:24 NIV). Wait no longer, speak!

SOURCE: thevine.co.nz
After reading the excerpt above, I realize that I myself am guilty of withholding words from the people I love and who I hold close to my heart. Often times it's harder to express these types of feelings in comparison to the comfort we find in being quiet and not saying anything at all. But maturity has continued to teach me how important it is to speak up and say what's on your mind. I remember how I felt when I saw the opening quote of this post for the first time, and it never fails to reproduce itself whenever I happen to read it again. In fact, there is nothing better than a simple compliment or even a few words of encouragement. Take some time to reflect and absorb this message so that the next time you're given the opportunity to make a difference in someone's life with a kind statement, you'll know exactly what to say. :)

From Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

I'd like to start this morning off on a different note. Talking to my mother this morning on IM inspired me to write the next two posts. However, we'll start with a little humor as an appetizer, so to speak..


After church, Robbie tells his parents he has to go and talk to the minister right away. They agree and the pastor greets the family.

"Pastor," Robbie says, "I heard you say today that our bodies came from the dust."

"That's right, Johnny, I did.""And I heard you say that when we die, our bodies go back to dust."

"Yes, I'm glad you were listening. Why do you ask?"

"Well you better come over to our house right away and look under my bed 'cause there's someone either comin' or goin'!"


On that note, let it be known that "godliness is next to cleanliness." When's the last time you checked under your bed? And there is no such thing dubbed the "Boogie Monster," so there is no excuse... LOL

HIT STICK!

I was watching some football highlights earlier today on TV and I couldn't help but notice how hard some of these players tackle! It probably doesn't feel too great to be on the receiving end of one of those hits, but I must say they're very entertaining to watch. In fact, they're so entertaining that I just had to find a collection of these "hit stick" episodes on YouTube to share with you.

Just click "Play" and enjoy the next three minutes of your life. :)



OUCH! What do you think?

Stussy Edition: Venus, baby!

One of my favorite clothing brands has done it again, creating both a bathing suit and tee fit for the ladies using imagery of Venus De Milo, the goddess of love and beauty. If you're trying to get a few double takes at the beach for under $100, this is a perfect pickup for the occasion.

Bandeau One Piece Suit: CLICK HERE
Venus Tee: CLICK HERE

Michael Vick signs 1-yr $1.6 M deal with Eagles

IMAGE SOURCE: http://www.mcall.com
PHILADELPHIA -- Describing the opportunity as a "surreal feeling," a remorseful Michael Vick was introduced Friday as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles, a fresh start for the disgraced quarterback who recently completed a nearly two-year prison sentence for bankrolling a dogfighting ring.

--- Courtesy of ESPN.GO.COM ---

MY THOUGHTS: Considering what he's encountered throughout his career ever since the infamous dogfighting scandal, he is very lucky to receive the opportunity to yet again become part of the NFL. In my perspective, I never believed he was AS guilty as the media portrayed him to be, and thus it was disappointing to witness such a talented quarterback get penalized for his indirect involvement in the dogfighting industry. Nonetheless, I'm sure his anticipated yearly salary is more gratifying than his pay rate as a construction worker. Vick + construction work?! Um..I definitely look forward to seeing him on the turf again. LOL

NY Giants are still my team, though. :)

Click HERE to view the entire story @ ESPN.GO.COM .

Some Comic Relief: A Bus Blooper

..I think this is why the adults always used to stress the importance of sitting on the seats of a bus correctly, as well as wearing a seat belt. This could have ended a whole lot worse--so, guys, don't try this at home..



Trust me. She will NEVER do that again. LOL

Nike "Heineken" SB Dunk Low

If you liked the bottle cap tee by ESR featured in the previous blog, here are a pair of kicks that will help complete your fit... :) And thanks to my homegirl Kally for putting me up on these joints. I give her 100% credit for this post.

Released during the silver box era in July 2003, the Nike SB Dunk Low Heineken is thought to be an icon in the SB scene as well as a controversial sneaker. The sneakers are inspired by the popular beer brand, Heineken. Despite hitting store shelves 5 years ago, Heinken was not pleased with Nike when they used their signature colors of green, black, white and red and the red star with a white border. One of the reasons we chose to feature the Heineken SB Dunk Low is because it is one of the most sought after Dunks and has becoming harder and harder to find over the years. Today, you can find the Heineken Dunks around the internet and other outlets with prices hitting $400+.

--- Courtesy of SneakerFiles.com ---

My conclusion? One word: SICK. Period. If your bank account can afford it, you'll be walking around with one "intoxicating" outfit. Ha..

NEW RELEASE @ EatSleepRace.com: Bottlecap Tee (Collection IV)

I absolutely LOVE the way my homeboy and his team flipped the bottle cap concept into a tee design. And for $23.99, you can wear it proudly on your chest, too! Feel free to check them out @ http://www.eatsleeprace.com where you'll find an assortment of DOPE products.

Keep grindin' E! :)

Thriller takes #1 spot on Yahoo's Top 100 Videos

With the shocking news of his recent death still lingering in the air, fans all around the world manage to put one of Michael Jackson's greatest hits at the number one spot, according to records today at Yahoo! Music. Take some time to remember the King of Pop and enjoy one of the most electrifying videos ever created. :)

ALIFE shoes?

I have to use a question mark on this one because I've never heard of this sneaker brand before. But it seems like they're pitching some pretty good ideas to the fashion industry. Here's a concept I found while browsing PickYourShoes.com...

Everybody High All Over (red/white)

Yeah, these are dope. Time for a little research using Google, of course. :)

ALIFE began in 1999 at the now legendary 178 Orchard Street boutique store in New York City. At first, it might have been easy to mislabel it as another boutique or sneaker shop, but with roots firmly set in the NYC community, ALIFE quickly established itself as something special. The owners called on artists from every corner of New York - from the Bronx to Queens, from Long Island to Brooklyn - and held a meeting to let them know that ALIFE was theirs to define. After that meeting, the 178 Orchard Street store transformed itself from a sneaker boutique into a workshop where artists and dreamers alike could collaborate and create something that was true to their lifestyle. The boutique became as much an art installation as it was a retail store, and soon, ALIFE boutiques began to spring up all over the world, from the famed Rivington Club in New York to shops in Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Tokyo.

Courtesy of Zappos.com. Click HERE for more information regarding ALIFE sportswear.

"The Calling: Remix & A Mixer" mixtape

The story behind the origin of the audio compilation is strictly defined in its title. “The Calling…” represents the spiritual belief that music has established deep roots in the artist responsible for the lyrical material, surpassing most, if not all, significant facets of his life—a permutation of emotions which have been greatly inspired by a force of nature unexplainable to mankind, but hinted in the form of faith and determination.

Despite several years of a “serious hobby,” the artist, who ironically refers to himself as “Kid Psalm” [in relation to the title of the mixtape], has landed upon an understanding that the effect that his music will have on the world is, in fact, inevitable, even if the overall sound quality of its production fails to meet industry standards. There exists nothing that could prevent the ears of many from appreciating the sound of extraordinary music, hence the meaning of “…Remix & A Mixer.”

However, the true implication of this portion of the title stretches beyond merely the quality of sound in which the anthology was recorded compared to that of a professional studio. It also describes the basic structure of the artists’ indirect connection to the entertainment and music industry. In other words, the mixer, which is very prominent on the album cover, is a symbol of the homemade studio that was used in recording, mixing, and mastering each featured track. More importantly, due to the limited circumstances stated above, the artist concluded that it was not in his best interest to release an original piece of music in this manner. The mixtape concentrates on creatively reproducing a variety of commercially distributed tracks, and thus remix.

Click HERE to preview and download for FREE.

Jay-Z brings Oprah to Marcy Projects

Jay-Z invited media mogul and billionaire, Oprah Winfrey to the hood; Marcy Projects to be exact.

For those that aren't aware, Marcy Projects is the birth place of Jay, Memphis Bleek, and the infamous Donald Rawlings a.k.a Ashy Larry. and still a very poverty-stricken area in Brooklyn, NY.

Oprah has been relatively vocal about her off-and-even-more-off again relationship with hip hop. She's gone on record saying that she doesn't have a problem with rap, but her actions have shown otherwise. Ludacris, Ice Cube, and 50 Cent have all publicly criticized Oprah for turning her billion dollar back on hip hop.

Click HERE to read more on this story...

Hip-hop, UK style: Maniac - New Age Grime

I was on Youtube.com yesterday looking for some Gucci Mane instrumentals to vibe to (I'm from New Jersey, btw..) and this kid, apparently signed to a UK record label dubbed GPP Records, floods my search results instead.

So I listened to a few instrumentals off of the mix released early last month and immediately recognized the raw, unique flavor of European hip-hop. Allow me to swallow my pride and say that this young artist has TALENT, and if you're open-minded for a new sound, I recommend you check out his newest mix HERE .