When you think of Amsterdam, if the only thing that comes into your mind is the Cannabis Cup, then I really think its time you put down the papers, and open your mind to the scene that’s rumbling in between the hash bars and red lights. As we approach the 400 year old alliance between New York and Amsterdam, the eclectic minds behind the creative collective, Concrete Stilettos, invites New York to come party and celebrate Amsterdam style with their introductory event Amsterdam 2012. The ideas behind the collective are refreshing and intriguing, because unlike the majority of events filling up the calandars each week, their main focus is to bring emerging scenes from other countries together.

Tonight, turn out the red light and troop down to Gallery Bar to enjoy some art by TRACE blogger Lichiban, get some pictures snapped by the one and only TONE of The New Pop, and enjoy music all night by DJ Morsy and Brainchild. Also be sure to keep the connection strong and stay linked to upcoming events and projects in New York, Amsterdam, Paris and London here. No cover!

The phenomena that Apple has created with the iPod continues to spread in its many forms, as it finds its way into the homes, studios, and pockets of technology freaks, and us simple ones looking for a way to have our music 24/7.
Anyone who has dropped their slick device down the stairs or in the street, knows a little protection can go a long way. Tinbot is bringing some artistic expression to the iPod case by combining fresh artists, a chic tin design, and a neoprene lining. Featuring artists like Jock, Mad, Sket One, Christopher Lee, and 7Sleepr, my favorite case is coming from the well-known Parra who is also a co-owner of the clothing line Rockwell.

Check out the site and grab one that tickles your iPod fancy before they sale out like the first generation of Tinbot cases. $30 a pop. For the artist who wants to do it themselves, they offer custom packages that will be available on their site soon.

Lately, I’ve really been jockin’ Talib Kweli, and have been moved (yet again) by his conscious flo, inspired from his revolutionary stance and pumped by the powerful culture he embraces and strengthens. I’ve been pulling out old classics from the Black Star album, Reflection Eternal, The Beautiful Struggle - each with tracks that helped to mold me as an MC, a person, and a part of the hip hop movement itself. Although the last 2 albums he released kind of slid past me, and I never got the chance to cop them, last week I randomly came across the video that recently came out for the track “Hostile Gospel” (Deliver Us) from his newest project Eardrum. Watch it for yourself, but I have to say, I’m getting some of those goosebumps that Talib was giving me back in 2000. The video was shot in Lagos and directed by Andrew Dosunmu.

Known in the 70’s as one of New York’s most “up” graffiti artist, James Top has painted the scene with his crew, tags, pieces and murals. He continued to evolve and contribute, by making the city a piece of art wherever he stopped to paint, and now he continues on canvas to bring consciousness to the “African American experience in America”. Opening to the public tonight, Afrology, is expected to be a historic night, attracting attendee’s from across the map, as Top exhibits 17 variations of the ‘Afro’ using graffiti art and mixed media.

Get your shovel out, trek down to the Lower East Side tonight and stop by the Essex Street Gallery! Come see this important figure in the history of New York subway art, as he shows through art what it means to be Black in America. “It is my time not only to be the voice of graffiti art but also to be the voice of the people in my community.”

www.essexstreetgallery.com

In Minneapolis, some anticipate February 18^th as if it was a national holiday. Wanna-be Gangsta’s pulls out their Dickies, bump Dre tracks from sun up till sundown, and drink Colt 45’s as if they’re going out of style. Dre Day! The festivities brought on by Burlesque of North America year after year, have come correct with ICE COLD Malt liquor, a bumpin’ sound system, and a sold out spot full of partiers ready to scream out some Dre lyrics till their heads are ringing.

This year we new Yorkers get to join in on the party as it hits Club 205 tonight to celebrate Dr. Dre’s 43^rd birthday. RSVP @ going.com/Dreday to get in for free or 5 dolla at the door. Party with Nick Hook, Egg Foo Young and Project Matt, an open bar sponsored by Colt 45 (40oz), and a Chronic photo booth. Word!

The rise of Supra has brought a whole new flair to the game of skate shoes. First getting my attention with the signature Chad Muska Skytop, I have been drooling with anticipation over what bombs will drop with the spring releases. Hitting stores this week, the Cuban (above left) is a sophisticated, chic, and straight up sexy shoe. Available in white or black, this easy to slip on gem comes with a removable tongue flap and metal Cuban link chain, looking fly on whoever dares to rock ‘em. If you’re looking for something to wear on the ramp with a little more ankle support, ease your feet into the Vaider (above right). Now available online, this delicious high-top promises to grip your board and provide some impact resistance for your soles, while keeping it flexible. No more blaming your shoes for not landing that 540 Shove-it….

Synth lovers behold! The Kaossilator has come, and can take your music to another realm with just the wave of a finger. If you know of the legendary Korg sound, and are familair with the KAOSS Pad, wait until you get a hold of this bad boy. Not only is it portable and battery run, but it’s easy for beginners to pick up on, and those who are already on the professional level can really sink their teeth into the endless possibilities. Just tap or slide your finder across the touch pad, and welcome 100 sound programs and effects, 31 complex scales, and 5o types of gate arpeggiation. One of the illest features this yellow box holds, is it’s capability to loop, record, and create a live musical masterpeice. You can first lay down a fresh dub bass line (up to 2 bars), then lay down some classical piano, trumpet, echoing drums with feedback, then throw in a Ryukyu scale over the top - all in minutes. Hello, one woman show… or a great addition to the band you already got rockin’ on the stage. This fits in your pocket, you can bring it anywhere and Turntable Lab has it at an affordable price here. Check out this demo:

Honoring the 1 year anniversary, Designers for Darfur invite you to their event tomorrow, as they continue to press for awareness of the genocide in Darfur. Though DFD was first introduced last year with it’s charity fashion show, they now represent hundreds of designers from around the world, and are very focused on continuing to come together and make a change in Darfur. By attending tomorrow’s event, you will be informed about the current situation by key members, and also have the opportunity to be a part of the video “Prayers for Darfur.” Check out this video for more on how awareness and involvement is needed to create change in Darfur!

I was at a party last Monday and though the party was jumping, the cookie-cutter fashion trends were making me yawn. Everyone started to look the same after an hour or so, including myself. Huge triangle Kanye scarves, skinny jeans in bright colors, custom sneakers, Cazal’s - I love all of the above, but not when everyone in line for the bathroom is wearing it. Just when I decided to plop in a corner with my Guinness, I saw something flash amongst the mob out of the corner of my eye. A woman with rich chocolate skin was wearing a necklace, and it was definitely something I’ve never seen before. With LCD lights flashing, the necklace resembled a combination of Egyptian and Huichol art that I can’t even take a stab at trying to explain. There was movement, color, and thought behind the piece, and it was anything but average. Soon after, I met one of the designers for the collection, and he broke down their philosophy and “out of this universe” design style. Stars, aliens, holograms, the ancient and the futuristic merge together to create Faux Real world. Reppin’ New York State, these designers want to take a different approach from a different angle with a different message, accompanied with a taste for this galaxy… and beyond. This project is just beginning to gather steam, so I don’t have more information as of now, but you can pick up one of the pieces at Seven New York and stay steady watching their MySpace page, and their site.

In December, the TRACE office was invited into Dante’s lair to grub on some of his buzzed about dishes, and get a feel for what this whole enterprise is cooking up next for 08′. I have to admit, I had very high expectations because there’s nothing I love more than great food. Though the rumor had spread that he could work wonders with your taste buds, I was devoted to my bloodline, and I severely doubted he could match up to my mother. After helping myself to thirds (I would have went for round 4 if I could move), I had to call my mom and apologize while explaining her defeat. This young and budding chef can do things with fake chicken that vegetarians and vegans have only fantasized about. What makes Dante’s events so unique, comes wrapped up in a package with some of the hottest up-and-coming music acts, and fashion designers - with his cooking as the headliner. Adding spice to the traditional cooking show, The Dante Fried Chicken Show, interviews guest like Santi White, Betty Black, and other’s on the rise, while teaching them how to cook some of his signature dishes. In celebration of the One Year Anniversary Show and MLK weekend, Dante had a party January 20th @ Supreme Trading in BK. Packed with artist’s, musicians and hungry party people - with performances by the one and only Dr. Roxanne Shante, TRACE blog newcomer Rye Rye, and tons more, complete with a fashion show by my clothing line crush, 21 Maroons (21MC). Though the fight through the mob for a plate was a battle, it was so worth the mouthwatering wait. If you missed this party, look out this year in Williamsburg for Dante’s restaurant opening!