Fresh Off The Press | The Brothers of Chico Dusty Mixtape

For fans of both Big Boi and The Blacks Keys, do yourself a favor and download this mixtape. Wick-it mixes the vocals from Big Boi's Sir Luscious Left Foot: The Son of Chico Dusty and music from The Black Keys' Brothers. I can't even choose a favorite song on the mixtape! It's that good. Honestly one of the best mixtapes I've ever heard, derived from two of my favorite albums that released this year. Stay tuned for ListenUp's top ten lists of 2010. Happy holidays and ListenUp!

Bring It Back | Sky High

DJ Benzi, Plain Pat & Kanye bring you some of the best remixes in this mixtape. I actually listened to this today at work, it brought back some good memories. Good music. Download it. 

Music Visual | My Days

I just heard about this super rad new 8 person rap/indie/rock group called "Kids These Days" about a week ago; My girl has some pretty good taste in music. I love the unique sound they are creating, Vic Mensa has a sick rap style. Peep the video below:

#Holla | Lusteg

We were featured on Ryan Lusteg's Blog... stoked! I was super surprised, honored and happy when I saw this. He is doing some amazing work, so you should check out his blog and flickr page.

Music Visual | God Bless

Curt@!n$ delivers once again, with this song over top of N.E.R.D track "God Bless Us All". Video is super rad; reminds me of 'Ye's "Good Life" video. Oh and expect to hear a great mixtape on Wednesday this week, as Curt@!n$ is releasing #Killa. Get hyped!:

Cut & Sewn | Maestro X Hall Of Fame

Levi Maestro has been killing it the last two years with his Maestro Knows project. Single handedly changed the idea of a blog/video series. Changing it for the better, while incorporating a bunch of genres (music, skateboarding, fashion, streetwear) into one big project all while documenting his life. His style, uniqueness and creativity can not be taught in a book or class room. Maestro is an artist in his own genre that noone can duplicate. 

His creativity can not only be used in a blog or video, but also in fashion and streetwear. He has released quite a few collaborations this year, with the likes of: Los Angeles jeweler Shayan Afshar, 13TH Witness,  and Yue Wu. Each having it's own hype and story behind the product. Recently, Maestro teamed up with Hall Of Fame to produce this sweatshirt: 

Maestro has always been a huge supporter of Hall Of Fame, supporting them as a shopper... as well as an occasional visit during a Maestro Knows episode. I love collaborations with a story behind the product and when they work flawlessly together. This sweater is that case, everything about it is cool and original. The front logo gives off a simplistic look to the piece, while the back tells the entire story "Making My Way To The Hall Of Fame". At the rate Levi Maestro is working and progressing... I wouldn't be surprised if they made a "Hall Of Fame" for him.

Photos by Ryan Lusteg. 

Fotography Fridays | Ricky Powell

Ricky Powell has changed photography forever. Documenting some of the most iconic and memorable moments of the 80's and 90's. This NYC photographer was a huge part of pop culture and help bring up some of the biggest names in hip hop and entertainment with a snap. He brought the candid approach to most of his unique and iconic photos. Capturing some of the biggest names in entertainment: Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Slick Rick, Method Man, Easy-E, Chris Walken, and Cindy Crawford (to name a few). Capturing moments on tour, and in unique settings. He is most known for his endless amount of work with the Beastie Boys. His work stacks up to over 10 years... he famously was the alleged 4th member of the iconic hip hop group.

 There are a lot of creators around the world that wouldn't be where they are today... if it wasn't for his impact on pop culture, photography and hip hop. Still doing it today, check out his interview with Frank 151 about his new series of NYC art. I also highly suggest to any art/photography enthusiasts to check out this Ricky Powell Art Show called "SNAP!" that Momentum Marketplace is throwing down:

Local Saskatoon photographers: Chad Coombs, Geoff Warrington, and 1 Take Photography will also be showcasing their work. Support your local!

#jussayin | Inspiring

Get inspired. Work hard. Be yourself, set no limitations. Enjoy:





I know I have already posted this video, but these three videos all work well together:



As our objectives and ideals grow, these sort of videos will help us out. Staying on track of what we want as a blog/brand, keeping it real and original.

Fresh Off The Press | Man On The Moon II: The Legend Of Mr. Rager

Although similar in several ways, Kid Cudi's sophomore album Man On The Moon II: The Legend of Mr.Rager doesn't quite live up to his debut: Man on the Moon: End of Day. Like End of Day, MOTM 2 takes multiple listens to truely appreciate. Both albums are dark in nature, but the atmosphere in The Legend of Mr. Rager is much more downbeat and depressing.

End of Day showed Kid Cudi's best qualities as an artist: his ability to vent, his accessibility, and his ear for excellent beats. With The Legend of Mr.Rager, all these qualities are downplayed. Two problems I've always had with Cudi are his limited vocal abilities and his sometimes indecipherable mumble-rap. It wasn't a huge inconvenience in End of Day, but with The Legend of Mr. Rager, it's a chore to understand most of Cudi's poorly enunciated verses. This in turn ruined the accessibility of most of the songs; regardless of the music.

On the topic of the music, majority of the beats here aren't nearly as well-crafted as they were on his debut, which shined with production from the likes of Kanye West and Ratatat. Many of Emile's and Plain Pat's beats sound like leftovers from End of Day that weren't good enough to make the cut. The combination of boring beats and Kid Cudi's mumbling make for a sloppy album. That's not to say that all the songs are bad, it's just that many of them have the potential to be better, resulting in an inconsistent effort. Speaking of inconsistency, the album's breakout single: Erase Me, doesn't fit in with the album's tone at all, and it's inclusion on the album feels forced. Although Man on the Moon II fails to live up to Kid Cudi's ability, there are enough choice cuts t0 salvage the album from total disaster.

6/10

Choice Cuts:
Scott Mescudi Vs. The World ft. Cee-Lo Green
Don't Play This Song ft. Mary J. Blige
Mr. Rager
These Worries ft. Mary J. Blige
The End ft. GLC, Chip Tha Ripper, Nicole Wray
All Along
Trapped in My Mind

Fotography Fridays | Atiba Jefferson

When you think of Atiba Jefferson, you think of the best skateboard photographers of all-time. He has captured some of the most iconic and memorable moments in skateboarding, while making them look flawless. Maybe I was just a little too focused or uneducated? Little did I know,  he has worked with some of the biggest non-skateboarding brands in the world (Pepsi, ESPN, Adidas, and Nike ...too name a few). As well as, some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment (Kanye West, Lebron James, Shaun White, Eric Koston, Reggie Bush, and Snoop Dogg... too name a few). I find it mind boggling: that he finds enough time to share his art with so many different audiences. Still being the best at whatever he does, he is a natural behind the lens.

Not only does he spend time doing photography, some of his down time is spent skating and playing in The Goat & The Occasional Others. Check out some of my favorites: 

Andrew Reynolds// Frontside Flip// Vancouver "Go Skateboarding Day" 2009

This is probably one of my all time favorite skate photo's. Two beasts doing what they do best.

Paul Rodriguez Jr.

Basically the Michael Jordan of skateboarding. Have you seen his Plan B part?!

Allen Iverson// The Pursuit Of Happiness // SLAM Magazine Issue #107 

I actually have had this in my bedroom for three and a half years now, I was a huge Allen Iverson fan. I used to get a subscription to the magazine every year, I did not know Atiba took the photo. 

Kanye West

Lupe Fiasco

This is rad. I think this was around when 'Food & Liquor' was released. Before he became a household name.

Hollywood Fires

I want this in a frame.

Lake

Love the colours.

Fans in the desert

I was in Palm Springs in the summer, and there were a ridiculous amount of these.

This could be a movie poster or album art. So dope.

#jussayin | Maestro Knows: My Friend Benny Gold

All I can/want to say is: Stay true to yourself, your dreams, your heritage, and your brand. Never drift away from what got you where you started, grow with your true self. Never try to be something your not. Benny Gold is that kind of guy: genuine and real. Check out what he is all about:

#jussayin | Life As I Know It.

"This is it, life as I know it. It's funny cause noone else could have predicted this for me; not even myself. My dad used to always tell me "you get out of life, what you put in". I never really gave it my all until about 4 years ago. I think it takes about 5 years of constantly working at something, until you become good at it. If that's the case I'm right on time."

If you don't already know who Dom Kennedy is, I suggest you go listen to 'Future Street/Drug Sounds', '25th Hour' and 'Westside With Love'... over and over again; Until you finally understand that he is the 'now' in west-coast hip-hop; ... and the future of hip-hop. Strong words... but I will let the music make you believe so.

Check out Levi Maestro's newest creation capturing Dom Kennedy's feelings, stories and life as he knows it. Just be cool.

This video hit me it the right places. I just wanna be in his position in the future: doing what you are destined to do. I feel like I am in the right place, but "it takes about 5 years of constantly working at something, to become good at it"... I'm in no rush to perfection. Life is for learning, learn as you grow. ListenUp.

#Holla | Google That

Recently, I was looking for a picture on google of the "Tiffany" Janoski (one of the most sought after Janoski's) for a collection I was working on. I stumbled upon this:

Yeah, that's right. We are listed as the number one result (that is not a photo or video), after I posted the Tiffany Janoski. I was super stoked on this. The whole idea of ListenUp is to archive our thoughts and ideas on certain topics and interests; We could never one-off a Hypebeast or Highsnobiety, so we won't even try to. But seeing this on google, and having a good amount of viewers from all around world; It feels good to know that we are sharing our ideas with somebody. ListenUp, we care.

Cut & Sewn | The Hundreds Public Label Winter'10

The Hundreds is what originally kicked started my role into the fashion/streetwear world. I was infatuated with the originality and creativity a tee shirt could bring to your image. I remember the first tee shirt I bought from Momentum 8th Street, 'Drawing Black Lines' were printed on the back; being really into painting and drawing... I liked it alot. 

After 13 seasons of heavy representation of The Hundreds goods billboarded over my body. I found myself growing up and out of the typical streetwear look that The Hundreds had been known for in the past. They have always been inspired by hip-hop, skateboarding, surf, punk cultures all reminiscent in the 80's to millennium; all things that I have been influenced by. But lately I have found that I have been leaning towards a more classy, fashionable image.

Years ago, when the first couple cut & sew pieces (selvedge denim, wovens, custom fleece and outerwear) were introduced to The Hundreds line-ups the original concept was to title the collections "Public Label" to give it different look and attract a whole new audience that maybe weren't interested in buying a graphic tee, hoodie or hat. But they ditched the "Public Label" title and released The Hundreds as a whole.

They are bringing "Public Label" as its own line. Focusing on a collection of higher-end, concept driven, wearable goods. A mature look for a modern man; who is into sophisticated looks, quality with palatable colors, and focused on what is 'now' in the fashion world. I truly am stoked on this, I have been more interested on dressing mature, and fashion oriented. I also can appreciate when a brand can properly conduct a concept or look. The Hundreds did not miss a hint of creativity or uniqueness while executing a new concept; important to anyone focused on what is now.

Fresh Off The Press | My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

In his latest album, Kanye West has once again proved why he is a true pioneer in hip-hop. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Kanye has never made the same album twice. His production/musical style has always built onto itself and changed, while the rest of hip-hop has scrambled to keep up.

Ye's debut album College Dropout not only brought back the soul sample, but at the same time proved that soulful beats could be hits with the masses. A year later on Late Registration, Kanye brought in Jon Brion to refine his production with a more orchestral sound, while still keeping his soulful roots. Also worth noting is the fact that Kanye collaborated with acclaimed producer Just Blaze for Touch the Sky, something Kanye had never done before. 2 years after that, Kanye once-again raised the bar with Graduation, infusing synth-heavy electro-pop/rock with his polished sped up soul samples, working with producer DJ Toomp on several tracks. Definitely a triumphant album. Now we all know what happened next... Kanye's mother passed away, and he made what is widely regarded as his worst album to date. Although I wasn't particularly fond of 808's and Heartbreak (repetitive lyrics and heavy Auto-tune anyone?), it did give Kanye experience with the vocoder, and more complex drum patterns. Despite my qualms with the instrumentals, it contained some of Kanye's most emotionally compelling work so far. A hit and a miss effort. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the culmination of all of Kanye's influences and experiences. It incorporates everything that worked and failed for Kanye in the past, resulting in one of the most unique hip-hop albums ever created.

1. Dark Fantasy: Kanye's albums have generally started off with impressive intros, and this RZA and No I.D. co-produced track is no exception. Nicki Minaj narrates in a faux-British accent before Charlie Wilson and Keri Hilson-esque vocals harmonize the chorus: "Can we get much higher? So high..." Kanye spits some of his finest trademark quotables over an incredibly infectious piano and synth loop : "The plan was, to drink until the pain over/ but what's worse, the pain or the hangover?/ Fresh air, rollin' down the window/ Too many Urkels on your team, that's why your Winslow." Arguably my favorite track on the album.

2. Gorgeous ft. Kid Cudi & Raekwon: This is a debut of a new musical style for Kanye. A laid-back track featuring a smooth guitar loop, a soft high-hat, and Kid Cudi handling the hook quite well, working within his rather limited vocal range. Kanye preaches his usual arrogant minutiae ala Graduation's The Glory that we all expect and love via distorted vocals. The true highlight of the track comes from Raekwon, who works emcee magic whilst being accompanied by electric guitar.

3. Power ft. Dwele: The perfect example of all of Kanye's musical techniques coming together in one song. You've got a powerful soul sample, polished orchestral strings, distorted vocals and a cinematic breakdown of the beat near the end. A perfect musical backdrop for Ye' to stunt while confessing his frustrations: "I just needed time alone, with my own thoughts/ Got treasures in my mind but couldn't open up my own vault/My childlike creativity, purity and honesty/ is honestly being crowded by these grown thoughts." Epic, and more chaotic than Kanye's previous collaboration with Dwele on Flashing Lights.

4. All of the Lights Interlude: An excellent prelude that sounds like something you'd hear at a symphony orchestra. The haunting strings sound so despairing that you'll be completely caught off-guard for the insanity that comes next...

5. All of the Lights: The "Stronger" of MBDTF, and one of the most overwhelming works from Mr. West. It's a blaring anthem with loud triumphant horns, and has one of the most INSANE drum patterns I've ever heard in hip-hop. The features here are so random, it seems as though Kanye picked them out of a hat. All of the Lights is a sonic masterpiece; a song that sets a new standard for producers everywhere.

6. Monster ft. Jay-Z, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj & Bon Iver: This track is one of the many posse cuts from G.O.O.D Fridays. Everyone featured, with the exception of Rick Ross, contribute to the track very nicely. The true winner here is Nicki Minaj, who manages to outshine both Jay-Z and Kanye with a wild and animated verse.

7. So Appalled ft. Jay-Z, Pusha T, Prynce Cy Hi, Swizz Beatz & The RZA: A posse cut from G.O.O.D Fridays that could've used one or two less features. Although Kanye, Jay, Pusha and Cy Hi satisfy with some very clever rhymes, Swizz and RZA's inclusions on the hook are completely unnecessary. It's a confusing move, making you wonder why they weren't given any verses (especially RZA). Despite these shortcomings, the dark beat fits in well with the tone of the album, and makes good use of Kanye's signature sampling.

8. Devil in a New Dress ft. Rick Ross: A gloomy soulful track produced by Bink!, one of the musical architects of Jay-Z's The Blueprint. Kanye sounds at his most natural here, delivering some great rhymes: "Hood phenomenon, the Lebron of rhyme/ Hard to be humble when you stuntin' on a jumbotron.""I hit the Jamaican spot, at the bar, take a seat/ I ordered the jerk, she said you are what you eat." Unlike on Monster, Rick Ross' feature is well-earned with his verses on what is undoubtedly my favourite beat breakdown on the whole album.

9. Runaway ft. Pusha T: This is the longest song on the album, and is (of course) an ode to himself and other douchebags (his critics perhaps?): "Let's have a toast for the douchebags, Let's have a toast for the assholes, Let's have a toast for the scumbags, and every one of them that I know/ Let's have a toast to the jerkoffs, that never take work off/ Baby I got a plan, run away as fast as you can..." It's a good thing Kanye chose to keep some of the samples used in the VMA performance, because they end up enriching the final product. Clocking in at 9 minutes, you'd expect for the song to become tedious, but Kanye knowingly breaks down his piano and synth beat roughly halfway through. Kanye also takes autotune in a new direction, by harmonizing his heavily distorted voice with sombre violin strings to haunting effect.

10. Hell of A Life: An angry and synth-heavy anthem that succeeds in being one of Kanye's most offensive songs yet. Kanye doesn't hold back, chronicling his wildest dreams: "One day I'm gon' marry a porn star/ We'll have a big ass crib and a long yard/ We'll have a mansion and some fly maids/ Nothin' to hide, we both screwed the bridesmaid." Kanye's pants of exhaustion near the end of the track reveal signs of regret in his lifestyle; an interesting addition to the song that makes Kanye seem much more sensitive, despite all evidence towards the contrary.

11. Blame Game ft. John Legend: A definite contender as my favourite track on the album, and also a testament to Kanye's growth as a songwriter. The despairing strings and somber keys create a beautiful backdrop which Kanye uses to vent: "On the bathroom wall I wrote: I'd rather argue with you than be with someone else/I took a piss and dismiss it, like fuck it, and I went and found somebody else/ Fuck arguing or harvesting the feelings, yo I'd rather be by my fuckin' self/Till about 2 AM and I call back and I hang up and blame myself... somebody help." With John Legend's soulful vocals on such a sorrowful song, his performance on the hook couldn't go wrong. Chris Rock also makes an appearance, bringing some humour to an otherwise bitter track.

12. Lost in the World ft. Bon Iver/ Who Will Survive in America: For those who have seen Runaway (the short film that accompanies the deluxe edition of the album), this track will undoubtedly remind you of the climax in the film. This track samples Bon Iver's song "Woods", making it a grandiose affair, by building on top of it with upbeat drums and vocal samples. Lost in the World also features Kanye's favourite verse he's ever written: "You're my devil, you're my angel/ You're my heaven, you're my hell/You're my now, you're my forever/ You're my freedom, you're my jail/You're my lies, you're my truth / You're my war, you're my truce/You're my questions, you're my proof/You're my stress and you're my masseuse." *sigh* That’s beautiful, and one of the reasons why Lost is one of my favourite Kanye tracks EVER. Who Will Survive in America is an excellent outro, featuring a preaching Gil Scott Heron. It uses the same instrumental as Lost in the World, but gradually breaks it down until there is only silence, followed by slightly awkward applause. A fitting end to Kanye's most shocking and daring work to date.

9.5/10

Fotography Fridays | Ryan Lusteg

I just found out about Lusteg's work about a week or so ago. I really like his art. He doesn't really have a set style of photography. Some photographers are really good at capturing feelings, some are good at capturing unique situations. It's pretty cool that he is super well known for his work in the skate world, but then I checked out his other works. And this is what intrigued me:

Anciet Mayan Cenote - This is so fucking cool. I love the colours.

Bird - Almost looks like a painting. Colours are crazy.

BJ the Chicago Kid - Reminds me of summer. 

Jamie Thomas - This is my favorite skate photo. Reminds me of skateboarding all alone in my garage, good times.

Levi Maestro - Super dope photo, I like the way he captured feeling.

Levi Maestro - I guess this was shot in Hawaii. I like the irony: "Under Achieving Loners". ahha

Levi Maestro - Another dope photo in Hawaii at sunset.

Mycole - Remember him?

Nelly the mouse - I hope this is a pet.