Red Bull Big Tune Winner Frank Dukes

When it comes to hip-hop, for me, it's all about solid production. Upon first listens, I almost never concentrate on lyrics; nothing draws me into a song like a well-produced beat. Because of my interest in the music over the message, I always look up the producer of any tracks I like. People tend to credit a track to the vocalist rather than the producer, but really, it's the producer that architects the overall direction of the song. That's why I admire artistic minds like Kanye West. Their music is inspiring. And beatmaking is catching on...
The Red Bull Big Tune Competition pits young producers against each other, trying to get the loudest cheers from a crowd that determines who has the best beats. Winner of this competition gets to choose an artist of their choice to collaborate on a song. Last years winner was Frank Dukes, who chose Ghostface Killah to rock the mic. Check out their final product.

Power Remix ft. Jay-Z & Swizz Beatz

Now that's how you remix a song! Kanye kills it. His album's gonna be album of the year! Get listenin' here.

ListenUp. presents Summer Mixtape

Award Tour.

Phil just dropped this photo of the upcoming Award Tour Fall Collection. This is going to be dope. Can't wait to pick up a couple tees.

Janoski-Grey Canvas.

As you probably know, Janoski's signature shoe is by far my favorite. Super comfortable, fits great, and looks rad. Well these grey canvas have just caught my eye, available at Momentum Marketplace and will be on my feet very soon. ListenUp.

Fotography Fridays.

All photos taken by this lovely woman:

Her name is Yumna. Look her up.

What Did We Wear Today? Cali Edition. (In N Out)

Vans Tee, 10 DEEP shorts, White Perf Janoski's

California: Day 5. (July 19th, 2010)

After, arriving back to SanDiego, we got hungry. So, we searched for the nearest In N Out Burger. GPS helped haha. I was so stoked.

Like a diamond in the rough.

This is me, smiling.

The atmosphere in the restaurant, was like an old school diner. Staff was friendly and restaurant was clean.

After seeing this sign... my expectations were high.

This is the menu... Simple, Cheap and Fast. I order two double-double's, fries and a chocolate shake.

So intriguing. 

Since 1948, began as a small diner in San Diego area, now is Nationally (Internationally(?)) known.

I asked for a hat, souvenir.

Burgers were so good, cheesy, juicy and filled me up. I washed it all down with this mexican beer called "Tecate"... one of the best beers I have ever had.

Power - Kanye West

We are so excited for October 12th. Kanye is going to change the game with this album.

Until Next Summer

 The Hundreds has helped Alexander grow in the past couple of years, and I honestly don't think myself or yourself would know who Alexander Spit was, if it wasn't for them giving him a voice through streetwear. With that being said... This mixtape has honestly been on repeat all day. Spit 'spits' it hard on this mixtape, cleverly titled "Until Next Summer". Best I have heard from him for sure.

Support the come up! Download the mixtape: here.

California: Day 3,4,5. (July 17th-19th, 2010)

Early Friday morning, we drove down to Indio(near Palm Springs, 2 hour drive from San Diego) to stay in my Aunty and Uncle's Vacation Home. Basically, they go there every other weekend and also rent it out to "vacationers".

Here is the humble abode:

Here is where i slept... except on the floor at the end of the bed.

The Living Room:

The Dining Room, and Backdoor to the pool:

The 'dopest' kitchen:

Front entrance:

Master Bedroom:

Master Bathroom:

Pool and 50 degree Celcius weather:

We spent every hour in the pool during the day, from brushing out teeth in the AM to bedtime:

My Uncle Colin is hilarious, and he tells great stories:

I look like a child/Ferris Bueller's Day Off:

This is Lacey, she is blind in one eye, and completely deaf in both ears. She is awesome.

On our way home, scenery was beautiful:

Uncle Colin and myself had a great conversation on the way home:

Driving in California is ridiculous.

Trailer : Alexander Spit - Until Next Summer.

"The Fire" - The Roots ft. John Legend

This is my favorite track right now, and "How I Got Over" is one of my favorite albums. Please support good music, Buy the Album. Download this track: here.

"Hey Wonderful" - Theophilus London

California: Day 2. (July 16th, 2010) Part 3.

The game was about to start, so we headed to our spectacular seats(right behind first base).

We all enjoyed the pre game entertainment.

Andy Bell from Nitro Circus threw the 'First Pitch'.

Don't let the 'Iced Tea' confuse you. It doesn't taste good, it is actually ICED tea. Not good at all.

First home run of the game after being down by one.

Another home run, our section was filled with Padre fans... good atmosphere. 

The DiamondBacks didn't like the call.

This guy took it to the next level.

Another home run!

One inning left... Padres up by ten... let's just say... they got it in the bag.

Fireworks! WE WIN!

Bench players rush to the field with excitement.

High fives all around.

Final score!