Behind the scenes: The Dream in the studio

If you've ever wondered how hits are developed, produced and written, The Dream reveals his process here. I like how Dream puts together a part of the hook (instrumental) and then records the hook and develops a concept of the track and a distinct direction (pivotal to the success of a hit). He has been writing and producing in the industry for years and this is a great example of how today's RnB and Pop hits are put together. I sold my MPC a few months ago (the beat machine he's using), but I defintely miss how easy it was to lay down an idea.

Via Kanye's Blog

Nike SB Dunk High - April Release

The recent Nike SB Dunk High releases I haven't been to crazy about, but these remind me of the classic original colorway's Nike SB would originally put out. This colorway is ill and will defintely be copped this month.

You can check out Nike Skateboarding's website for this month's releases here...

Mysto & Pizzi on Thisis50.com

This video interview was put together well. Production on this was mean and I like the way these producers market themselves. They are starting to do a lot off of that Geico placement, ill move.

Pharrell at Mcdonalds in Paris?

Lol peep Skateboard P

New Track - Hustle

Asher Roth interview with Anthony Hull (JoyEngine.com)

I like Asher Roth's style. He writes well with a bunch of clever and witty lines all through his latest mixtape. He definitely seems humble enough to carry a career in this industry, not just a "one hit wonder". I see you Asher.

Music Video: Precious - Jim Jones ft. Ryan Leslie

Another ill Ryan Leslie production and Jimmy gave him room to do his thing (seeing that this track is on Jimmy's album). Jim Jones album Prey IV Reign drops Tuesday, March 24th.

New Track - Do That

A Guitar, clap and pop type vibe comes along with this. John Legend or Ne-Yo would kill this.

Spring Break x Shop Gentei x NYC x ???

I apologize but I've been on my spring break and haven't got a chance to post lately... Anyway, I'm back!


The photo below consists of a few pieces I picked up either in Soho or here in Baltimore. I wanted to also let people know ( if you don't already) about Shop Gentei, a shoe, skate and apparel spot in Baltimore. The only place in Baltimore to have a Nike SB account, Gentei provides ill flavor of clothing and an enjoyable atmosphere while shopping. The store isn't to big, but is designed well and should definitely be checked out if you are ever in the area!


Check their website out HERE...



Baltimore
1010 Morton St. Baltimore, MD 21201
(410) 244-8961

Towson
22 West Allegheny #102 Towson, MD 21204
(410) 339-3446

Kanye's Louis Vuitton Sneaker Line

Originally, I wasn't going to post this but I posted the Air Yeezy's and I thought for anyone who would like to know how much these shoes are going to cost, this product line photo might be helpful. I had assumed that his shoes would be priced between 7 and $800 but I didn't think any of the shoes would break a G...

Regardless, I doubt I'll pick up a pair anytime soon... (Jasper's are the only pair I'd consider)

Music Video: Make Love - Keri Hilson

The production on this track is ill (Polow Da Don and Timbaland) and the hook gives Keri the opportunity to showcase her true voice. She's proved at least to me that she isn't just a pop record vocalist. Kanye West plays the male role in the video, check it out.

Undercover 2009 Collection ( Fall/ Winter )

I'm into dark or Grey colored sweatshirts, hoodies, cardigans and coats and Undercover's 2009 fall/winter collection provides a few pieces that can be worn with almost anything. This line seems to be pretty well put together, meshing non-colors (black) or Grey with modern clothing styles and somewhat of a European vibe. This collection is pretty clean and I might end up picking up a piece before '09 ends..

Source: Hypebeast

Nike Air Max 95 Fresh Water

The Nike Air Max 95 is probably my favorite sneaker. This colorway is just in time for the spring weather. According to Hypbeast, these have already released at "select Nike accounts" but I will definitely be purchasing at least one pair when they hit stores locally.

Source: Nice Kicks

Artist to check out: Tyler Sherritt

A friend of mine and I were discussing our tastes in music, what we liked and what new artists we have enjoyed. She mentioned to me a guy named Tyler Sherritt (thanks Ashley lol) that she and another friend of ours had heard and instantly got hooked. I was given a YouTube link of a song called Marylin Monroe which included Warner Bros' twin pop artists Laze & Royal and Tyler on the hook. The verses aren't anything serious but Tyler's vocals are really clean. If you haven't already, check out his YouTube channel below.

Tyler Sherritt

Production: Pitch Wheel

I'm into a bunch of different styles of tracks and I think using the pitch wheel on keyboards when recording certain synths and instruments really brings a live/funky feel out of the track. Check out Ryan Leslie getting pretty illy with the Pitch Wheel in two of his production videos below.

Apple Releases Desktop Updates

Dropping the price of the 20" iMac from $1,499 to $1,199 seems like a great way to convince consumers like myself that were on the fence about purchasing an iMac, to buy one. Apple also updated the mac minis and mac pro. Providing more available ports, improved graphics and now using Intel's Nehalem-based Xeon processors within their Mac Pro desktops are examples of other changes made to Apple's Mac Mini and Mac Pro desktop line.

I know we should be saving money, staying liquid, etc. (lol), but it's Apple..

Go Buy!

Nike Air Yeezys Set to Release

I over heard this a while ago and eventually noticed a few sneaker blogs I check posting it. I am somewhat late on posting these but I actually like the design of the shoe, Kanye did a solid job. The strap and big nike check on the side give the shoe it's true flavor. The only color that appeals to me are the Grey (the first pair releasing this spring). It's good to see these finally release. I read somewhat near $200 retail for pair?

Drake Interview with Eighty81

Hustler Watch: Drake from Eighty81 on Vimeo.

I just checked out this interview over on October's Very Own, Drake's blog and Drake speaks pretty well on networking and developing as an artist. A college tour would definitely be ill.

Music Video: Blame It - Jamie Foxx ft. T-Pain

This video was done very well. With an eclectic group of stars on set, great camera angles catching Jamie and an intriguing overall theme, this video caught me as soon as debuted on MTV JAMS.


PS: Is that Samuel L. Jackson hitting an L?

Producer's Block

I'm in one of the editing suites at my university and I'm completely
stuck after finishing a track I worked on last night. Any advice for
coming up with new material?