
The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. Summer is rearing its beautiful head out and these are a perfect accessory to those hot days out in the sun. The mesh upper gives an updated take on the classic All-Stars. You can get your hands on them at converse.com and if you use promo code CHUCKS17 you will get 20% off.

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Slated to be the 2nd single off Drake’s debut album, “Thank Me Later”, this Kanye West produced track spotlights Drizzy’s singing talents. The beat sounds like it was from Kanye’s “808’s and Heartbreaks” era. Radio friendly and catchy, this will be a chart topper.

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Classic Neptunes production laced with JT’s falsetto make up the ingredients to this feel-good summer jam by The Game.

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After first listen to this love ballad I couldn’t resist myself from thinking, “This white guy has soul.” Alex Boyd is relatively unknown but I hope to hear more from him and I hope you enjoy.

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Coldplay has always had amazing poem-like lyrics in their songs and one of my favorites is Sparks. You can imagine my delight when I came across this remix by Breezy LoveJoy. Breezy’s jazzy/R&B take on the song gives you a different take on an established hit.

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“Bring it to your body
After the afterparty
And heading on to the hotel lobby
Riding me like a Ducati
Faster than a Bugatti
I’m Like Whoa Kimo Sabe
Good Golly
Shorty a freak or she been practicing Pilates”

Much speculation has come upon the iPad in terms of its optimal use. Is it an oversized iPhone? Is it a mini-computer? Is it the ultimate e-reader? And furthermore, how will it actually be used? Well all of my questions and concerns have been answered! Meet the iCade. Simply slide in your iPad into the cabinet and you have an old school arcade. Donkey Kong never had such purpose.
**UPDATE**
We’ve been duped. Turns out this was an April Fool’s Day joke. Too good to be true I guess.

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After returning from my first Coachella experience, all I can say is; I’m pooped. With so many acts performing, the non-stop, go-go-go atmosphere left little in the tank. And even though we were running around with our heads cut off, we still didn’t get to see everybody we wanted to. B.o.B was one of those. Not sure if he played this song or not, but its bonkers. Eminem’s verse is a must listen.

Among the many traits that Jay-Z has mastered, one that I am most enviable of (other than snagging Beyonce) is his wardrobe. Most recently I was watching some footage of Jay-Z and noticed his kicks. After searching the vast interweb I found Radii Footwear, the makers of Hov’s shoes. I was pleasantly surprised with their creative lineup and affordable costs. Check’em out.

As a part of their 150 year Anniversary, TAG Heuer has released a new version of its popular Carrera line. I like how it is a little more simple compared to its mainstream counterpart. At $3,900 its a rather affordable luxury watch. However, I think affordable luxury is an oxymoron.

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If you couldn’t tell by his stage moniker, Chris Glover aka Penguin Prison is a little weird. Even one of his influences thought so. His music caught the ear of Q-Tip but after a couple meetings he was not signed because of his quirky-ness. Whatever the case may be, I still enjoy his music. Reminds me of David Bowie a la “Let’s Dance.”

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The UK has been offering up much of the music I have been listening to lately. Tinashe is no exception. The Zimbabwe transplant’s song “Saved” has an up-beat 60’s soul vibe behind some distinct vocals. It definitely makes you want to move.

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Though “Shooting Stars” came out in 2008, I only first heard it in the closing credits of “How To Make It In America” a couple weeks ago. The song reminds me of a night out in New York…. it’s not over the top but it doesn’t stop. Once you think it slows down, it won’t and you can’t get it out of your head for the next four days.

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Mateo has been long on the grind to becoming a mainstream artist. Originally writing for the rapper Eve until 2006, Mateo thought he caught his break getting signed to Myspace Records. Unfortunately the relationship with Myspace was short lived but Mateo keeps pumping out inventive remixes of todays hits. He transforms “Bad Romance” into an 80’s themed R&B ballad that is sure to catch your ear.

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Late to the game I know, but last year I was introduced to The Shins. A group of guys who treat their music like works of art. Their albums tell stories, their lyrics are thoughtful and their sound is all their own. Their songs were the type that you can get lost in; perfect for a long drive in autumn. Led by musical genius James Mercer.
In a contrasting musical universe (yes, there are musical universes) a producer named Brian Burton or better known as DangerMouse broke into my musical conscience with the highly acclaimed Grey Album and of course through Gnarls Barkley fame. The Grey Album was a mashup album of Jay-Z’s Black Album and the Beatles White Album. The album took the timeless lyrics of Jay-Z’s greatest album (yes, it’s better than Reasonable Doubt) and infused it with the beats from an even more timeless masterpiece in the Beatles White Album. The result was foreign, creative and inspiring. It just worked… the end result sounded so natural, like the lyrics and the beats were made for each other all along.
When I heard that Mercer and DangerMouse were collaborating on an album I was instantly a fan. The result is their group entitled debut album under the name Broken Bells. I only get to say this 3-4 times a year, but this is an album that I can put in my changer and listen to all the way through on repeat. It’s phenomenal. Get it.
(Side Note: Isn’t it interesting how Cee-Lo (from Gnarls Barkley) and James Mercer have somewhat similar voices? High and kinda whiny? Makes me think that Prince and DangerMouse NEED to get together and make some music!)
Thanks to Katherine B for introducing me to The Shins, Tyler B and Jesse B for heads up on the recent collabo.

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Fresh to hit the UK music scene is Ellie Goulding. Recently nominated as BBC’s “Sound of 2010″ (previous winners include, Adele, Little Boots and Corinne Bailey Rae), Ellie’s single “Under The Sheets” receives a hip hop treatment by Philly based Chiddy Bang.

One of the classiest yet most complex watches we’ve seen in some time. Definitely a timeless piece that we wish we could get our hands on!

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Had to showcase something that really caught my ear. First came across Ebrahim on his YouTube videos and his style is quite distinct. Making all the music by looping and layering vocals, he also mashes up songs to make a quite harmonious arrangement. In this particular song, he borrows from Lupe Fiasco’s “Paris, Tokyo” and D’Angelo’s “Lady” to create hotness.