Cut & Sewn | HUF Summer Collection 2011

HUF has done a great job with their presentation; represented by an elite group of skaters, focusing on staying true to the brand, working on collaborations that relate to the brand, countless footwear commercials, and executing a fun unique collection every season. I have a hard time saying "I don't like this" to anything HUF. The creative minds behind the brand make sure they execute a clean and creative concept to each piece. In my opinion, I think HUF is here to stay... and will grow to be one of the greats.

Recently, I had a conversation with Asif about surrounding yourself around creative minds to help grow each other. With that being said, I can say HUF influenced my sudden urge to be creative and grow as a creative mind. I have always seen myself as an artist (graphic design, painting, drawing), lately I been coming up with some ideas that I want to execute. You can expect to see a more creative aspect on ListenUp. I can't wait to share.

*"365 Project" - 119/365  

photo by 1take photography's Jeremy Marucot

Ryan, and I have been sharing thoughts and ideas of a creative way to display a 'look'. Showcasing the 'look' with the activity behind the 'look'. Seeing as HUF just put out one of my favourite collections this Summer, we wanted to share some of my favourites from the collection and using Dom Kennedy's "Grind'n" as some mood setting music. Enjoy!


filmed by Ryan
edited by Ryan & Brennan

We look forward to producing more, so stay tuned!

100 Days of Summer | part 22

I have really been overdosing on OverDoz. ... Enjoy!

Download: "ifyouthrowitimmacatchit" - OverDoz.

100 Days of Summer | part 21

Earlier this week I finally purchased The National's fifth album, 'High Violent' (featured them on ListenUp's Top 10's). Such a smooth album, I suggest you to pick it up. Enjoy!

Download: "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" - The National

100 Days of Summer | part 20

'Timez Are Weird These Days' will be great. This is a nice remix of the single for the album.

Download: "Why Even Try" (RAC remix) - Theophilus London feat. Sara Quin

100 Days of Summer | part 19

Download: "In The Morning" - J.Cole ft. Drake

100 Days of Summer | part 18

Probably one of my favourite new groups right now, they even have a Neptunes co-sign... You know they are good then. Enjoy!

Download: 'Paradise Falls' - Mansions On The Moon

100 Days of Summer | part 17

On Saturday, Ryan (Hello Saskatoon) and myself were discussing the N*E*R*D/The Neptunes before their most recent albums 'Seeing Sounds' and the most recent, 'Nothing'. Reminiscing on old songs and the production behind it, comparing new artists to N*E*R*D and discussing the similarities/differences. It's funny to think that 'In Search Of...' was released 9 years ago (that was when I was 11 years old), and I now realize that N*E*R*D were a huge influence on my taste in music and fashion. With that being said... it encouraged me to take a listen to some of the songs that really influenced me as a kid. Enjoy!

Download: "Rock Star" - N*E*R*D
Download: "Maybe" - N*E*R*D
Download: "Us Placers" - CRS (Pharrell, Lupe, Kanye)

100 Days of Summer | part 16

'For Emma, Forever Ago' was the first time I heard of Bon Iver. Super mellow raw acoustic with strong vocals; The type of music you would listen to laying in your room while you sleep, or while driving around on a rainy day. Bon Iver delivers everytime with emotional meaningful music. I recently stumbled on 2 pieces of work that I never knew was released, 'Blood Bank EP' (2009) and 'Bon Iver' (2011). Both sound completely different than the first album, but in their own ways. 'Blood Bank EP' has a similar sound as the first album, with stronger vocals and a bit less of 'whiny' sound. 'Bon Iver' (the album) sounds fresh and new, less vocals with more instruments; This album in my opinion is completely different than any other music they have released... which may have been the reason for it being self titled (established a new sound; starting fresh).

The past 2 weeks I have had these two albums on repeat: at home and at the shop. Seeing as I believe in supporting musicians I will be purchasing hard copies of these albums ASAP and I want you to too! I like both of these albums from front to back, so I had a tough time picking a favourite song, so I picked the first song from both. Enjoy!

Download: "Blood Bank" - Bon Iver
Download: "Perth" - Bon Iver

100 Days of Summer | part 15

Dom Kennedy is producing really good music! Go purchase the newest work from the Leimert Park native, "From The Westside With Love II".

Download: "O.P.M." - Dom Kennedy

100 Days of Summer | part 14

Growing up in high-school listening to 'The Bake Sale' and dressing like Mikey Rocks, I would say The Cool Kids were a big influence in my life. They changed my taste in music and fashion...
Chuck Inglish and Mikey Rocks are like the Batman and Robin of Hip-Hop. Chuck Inglish produces crazy beats and grabs the mic from time to time, Mikey Rocks has a smooth and smart sound, they are unstoppable when they work together. This year Mikey Rocks put together a solo mixtape, with the help of Chuck Inglish's production and beats. Two words can explain the sound: mature and summer. This is one of my favourite releases from the group. I hope you enjoy! ListenUp.
Download: 'The Rocks Report' - Sir Michael Rocks

100 Days of Summer | part 13

Donald Glover is like the Lebron James of entertainment, he can be in more than one position at a time and still kill it; Hip-Hop Artist, Musician, Actor, Comedian, and Writer. Donald Glover goes by Childish Gambino behind the mic, his rap-style is comparable to Drake but on a whole new level. If you haven't heard any work from Childish, you are missing out...

Smart and witty joke rap over a Grizzly Bear sample... can't get much better than that. He puts punch-line style rappers on the sidelines (Drake). ListenUp.
Download: "Bitch, Look At Me Now" - Childish Gambino

100 Days of Summer | part 12

Tonight... De La... Grind'n...

Download: "Grind'n" - Dom Kennedy 

100 Days of Summer | part 11

To commemorate today, here is Canada's very own with some new music. Happy Canada Day. Enjoy!

Download: "Trust Issues" - Drake

100 Days of Summer | part 10

Tonight, I had an awesome opportunity to see The Black Keys live at TCU Place. Aristo and myself were supposed to go together but tickets sold out, Asif surprised me with an extra ticket! I was so stoked.

The show was so good! Everything you can expect and more. Great performers, the lighting and sound were amazing. Performed songs from the new album "Brothers"(may have seen on "ListenUp's Top 10's... here and here) and even some older songs. This duo (from Akron, Ohio) thoroughly impressed me with their live performance. If you haven't heard any music from The Black Keys, I suggest you go buy their albums and even see them live! With that being said...

Download: "Everlasting Light" - The Black Keys

100 Days of Summer | part 9

Download: "Friends.Women.Money" - Fly Union ft. Dom Kennedy

100 Days of Summer | part 8

I have a really broad taste for music. This next track might throw a lot of people off... but Florence + The Machine is one of my favourite new artists. Florence Welch's angelic powerful voice accompanied by a group symphony of talented musicians is something you should not ignore. I suggest you to listen to the live track below, download the track and buy the album ("Lungs"). ListenUp.

Download: "Cosmic Love" - Florence + The Machine

Fresh Off The Press | Finally Famous: The Album

I'll admit it. I most definitely slept on Big Sean. In fact, I have yet to listen to a single one of his mixtapes. The first time I heard him rap was on Kanye West's Good Friday, where Big Sean left little to no impression on me. However, after hearing that No I.D was behind the boards on his debut, there was no doubt in my mind that even if his "raps were wack" No I.D's production would be enough to salvage the album. In a way, my predictions rung true.

After a thorough listen of Finally Famous, I have only two qualms regarding Big Sean as an artist. Firstly, although Big Sean is able to time his verses to the beat most of the time, he often tries to rush his rhymes, which forces him to play catch up at the start of his next verse. Secondly, Big Sean shows humorous wordplay but almost no substance. Instead of using his platform to discuss more meaningful issues such as his struggle to break into the industry, the pressures of sudden celebrity, or even to perhaps tell a story, damn near every song is about the most typical topics in hip-hop (girls and money). However, if you're like me and are able to enjoy "mainstream hip-hop" as long as the production is tight, you will definitely enjoy most of this album. No I.D's production is marvelous enough to make up for most of Big Sean's lyrical shortcomings.

On Finally Famous, Big Sean shows several strengths: his ear for good beats and his ability to write songs that appeal to a large audience. However, he needs to focus on writing more compelling subject matter if he wants to be considered one of the greats further down the line.

7.5/10

Replay Button Music:

I Do It

Wait For Me ft. Lupe Fiasco

Memories Part II ft. John Legend

High ft. Wiz Khalifa & Chiddy Bang

Celebrity ft. Dwele

100 Days of Summer | part 7

Just because 'The Old Prince' has been on repeat in my car all week... I will share with you one of my favourite tracks off of the album. 

One of my favourite verses from the album: 

I Tunes, eye-patch

I'm in the same boat where the pirates be
Tell'em I'm down with that pirate stee
They don't buy it, I say don't buy it - pirate me

If it's ill, it'll spread virally
From my received folders to
Appearin in the love that the crowds show
(shhh) if it sound dope - keep it on the downlo(ad)
Keep it real, player
With the volume cranked
And I'll be ballin like Tim Duncan - callin bank
Cash - banked it
But the bank said
That my cheque's been bouncing like the bankhead

Download: "I Don't Like To" - Shad

100 Days of Summer | part 6

Download: "To The Beat (F'd Up)" - Schoolboy Q

100 Days of Summer | part 5

Download: "Here We Go" - Pac Div