Just Like Honey
Behold the dopest music video you are ever going to see… EVER. Erykah Badu is opening her latest studio album New Amerykah, Part One: 4th World War with the single “Honey” produced by 9th Wonder. Check the authentic vintage album cover remakes (Chaka Khan is my favorite) and the Andre 3000 nod. The album drops on her birthday February 26, 2008. And like the sister said - don’t forget to support your local record store.
Victorious
Straight out of Chicago, The Luna Negra Dance Theater comes to NYC for ten nights only. In it’s highly anticipated and anxiously awaited New York City debut, Luna Negra Dance blends classical dance with contemporary moves all wrapped up in Latin heat. It embodies more than just a dance performance, it’s more of a celebration, an ode to Latin culture. The crew of ten performers are led by the 2001 Ruth Page Award Winner in choreography Eduardo Vilaro, and for this production he has teamed up with Gustavo Ramirez Sansano and Bessie Award recipient Pedro Ruiz. The team has taken Chicago by storm, and are set to dance their way into the hearts of the rest of the U.S. starting with NYC. Luna Negra is definitely an experience not to be missed. Check out a video clip here.
10 Performances only from January 25th to February 3 @ The New Victory Theatre
Web site or 646-223-3010. Groups (20+) 646-223-3000. Regular Ticket prices: $12.50, $25, $35
KFC R.I.P.
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!
Style On Wax
By day, designer Kylee Fauss is a waitress for The Roxy, in Encinitas, California. By night, she’s designing Hip Hop inspired jewelry for her label Miss Wax. What began as a hobby over a year ago, has turned into a passionate career for the petite, bleached blonde. When it comes to jewelry Miss Wax is like the new, cool kid on the block. She’s bold, colorful and will “knock a sucka out” for stepping on her Puma. Fauss, who’s been dubbed a Hip Hop hippie, uses an abundance of music inspired images for her pieces. Turntables, headphones and other music tools are what makes the label the ultimate accent for street style. However, music isn’t the only inspiration that can be found among the unique earrings and necklaces. A spattering of pop culture has also inspired the designer… Kate Moss, the Garbage Pail Kids and even David Bowie have all been immortalized by her designs. Miss Wax isn’t yet widely available, but can be purchased on online. Now that’s what we call style on wax.
Step up Brooklyn!
I came across something the other night that woke up a child-like freedom and sent it rushing through my musical veins. Jun Oshima, an everything man grinding in many directions from music production to PR, is bringing back the simplicity of good music without the flash. Just pure enjoyment - letting yourself free and opening yourself up to the places music can take you, if you let it. Like many of us fascinated by the Brooklyn streets and the glow they hold, Jun uses still photo’s as the backdrop while Will Bradford gets his groove on in the short but sweet “Brooklyn Step”. Also stay peeled on his page for upcoming releases, and projects - this Toyko artist spreads his wings and makes Brooklyn his home. Find “Brooklyn Step” and more videos like it here.
In Your Face
Neck Face is considered by many to be the future prince of graffiti. This 20-something masked Californian skater built up his street credibility when spraying the streets of San Francisco, and later New York. His style is gritty and provocative but yet very playful, fascinating and oh-so-unique. When talking about his works he says, “I like seeing people laugh at my violent pieces, then they look around and wonder if it’s wrong to laugh at it.” The show features a wide variety of works by this multi-disciplinary artist: water colour pieces, acrylic panels and tin masks. Presented in collaboration with Vans, Singha Beer and Vice Magazine “Death Becomes You!” opens today, January 24th, and runs until February 16th at Melbourne’s Don’t Come Gallery.
Shake It!
If you haven’t had the pleasure of experiencing a set by Taylor McFerrin, you definitely want to stop by 205 tonight to check out the release party for his long awaited EP, Broken Vibes. Already gaining international praise and attention, the anticipation for this release has reached a fever pitch. His beatbox bringin’, laptop rockin’, soul fueling set always gets crowds vibing in a trance-like sway. Featuring 7 tracks, all in different dimensions and depths, his natural talent and feel for the groove will no doubt inspire and move you. Also, ready to show herself to the world, track 7 Celebrity, features vocals by Trace adored TK WONDER (who will be featured in our Feb/March Art Issue). Tonight the party starts at 9:30pm with buzzed about Muhsinah, followed by Hezekiah and then Taylor @ 11:15. Check 205’s MySpace page for more info.
United We Stand
The world’s “coolest” trade show on earth settles in New York on the 22nd and 23rd of January. UNITED Trade Show once again brings you the world’s top designers, boutiques, artists, DJ’s and blogs, jam packed into two days. The show was created out of necessity, to highlight progressive street wear and its evolution throughout the world. Founded by apparel trade show veteran Ryan Walker in hopes of showcasing the most important and influential apparel, footwear & accessories today, UNITED is dedicated to only a few dozen carefully chosen exhibitors. It focuses on trade show fundamentals, but in a new and creative way adding other values such as music, art and education. Some of this year’s exhibitors include 10DEEP, Live Mechanics, Free Gold Watch, FDL, People Cartel, Uzi, Dirty Jax, Homeroom, Akomplice amongst others. Check out the UNITED event’s schedule to make sure you don’t miss out on the slickest gear and most happening shindigs. Word.
Get all the info here.
L.A. Style
The L.A. Art Show is back this year with a vengeance! Now 13 years old, and stronger than ever, 2008 marks a new era as the L.A. Art Show joins forces for the first time with the IFPDA’s 23rd Los Angeles Fine Print Fair, bringing more than ever to the public. Now one of the most attended and anticipated events worldwide, the L.A. Art Show stands as a certified advocator of culture and art, not just for L.A. but for the world. Showcasing the work of artists from over 125 exhibitors based in New York, California, Texas, New Mexico, England, South Korea, Sweden, New Zealand, Germany and Canada to name a few. It’s a truly transcultural affair, presenting works from old masters, to those cutting edge contemporary artists from all walks of life. The show has played a major role in the development & cultivation of the art and culture scene in Southern California.
Taking place over a period of four days, from Thursday January 24th up until Sunday the 27th, it will be precluded with an Opening Night Gala on Wednesday January 23rd hosted by the Honorable Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Mayor of the City of Los Angeles. Preview tickets are $200 in advance (but all proceeds will benefit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art), but the main shows held on the 24th through the 27th are priced at $20 at the door and discounts are available.
L.A. ART Show: Barker Hangar, Santa Monica Airport, 3021 Airport Avenue (off Bundy), Santa Monica, California
http://www.LAArtShow.com/
We’re No1!
No 1’s Done It Right, is coming together once again to bring you a party that will stay in your dome as a night to remember, with a cause that is no doubt worthy of your respect. With a very successful launch party in November of ‘07, the crew founded by Nosa (not to be confused with the design company N.O.S.S.A ), was able to raise enough money to support the Macheo Children’s Home in feeding 150 Orphans for 2 months. This coming Wednesday the 23rd, it’s going down again, but this time you’re advised to expect even bigger and better. The music will be off the chain, with Baile Funk heaven from DJ Cassiano, Crunk California Electronic from Lets Go To War, and Melo-X bringing some serious Hip Hop - all blended together and topped off with an open bar cherry from 9-10. All proceeds go to F.L.O.H and Cucu Foundation. Bailectrohop… better act like you know! “ITS GOING TO BE INSSSSAAAAANNNNEEEEE!!!!!”