Kendrick Lamar: Hip Hop and Social Policy

A very interesting article highlighting the connection between hip-hop (specifically Kendrick Lamar's m.A.A.d City album) and social policy (specifically gun control.)

Discourse

Discourse, defined by Webster’s dictionary, is ‘the verbal interexchange of ideas; especially conversation.’ That’s what I love about the likes of Melissa Harris-Perry, Chris Hayes, Ernest Hardy; and my new obsession: Ta-Nehesi Coates. They inspire discourse. As a society, we benefit from equal access to conversations about race, poverty, politics, government, and USA’ian affairs (including pop culture.) Left or right/blue or red/D or R/Donkey or Elephant/Progressive or Conservative – let’s talk and exchange thoughts and ideas; and let the democratic process decide which solutions are in favor.

Hand-Me-Ups

My partner tells me all the time that he gives me hand-me-ups, because what he usually passes on to me is something designer, or really cool. Above are a couple of cases to make the point. I was given this gray wool J. Lindeberg one-button sports jacket a few years ago. I don't wear if often, but when I do I always feel like I'm making a statement. Recently, I coupled the jacket with a new hand-me-up: A pink zip-up mock turtle neck Zegna Sport sweater. I paired the look off with black denim. The result was quite stunning.

Speaking of one-button jackets and Zegna, the British Creative Director of Z Zegna, Paul Surridge,  said in Details magazine [February 2013] about suit jackets, "Choose a two-button, because a three-button goes in and out of fashion, depending on trends, and you'll get tired of a one-button." But I haven't yet grown tired of my one-button jacket. In a Details "rules of style" article you can read their take on the suit jacket.
 

Texture

I like textures. I took this photo, which is of a wall at the Mandarin Oriental in Las Vegas, and liked the way it looked. I find this texture quite elegant in its simplicity. Like many of the other textures I've photographed, I used this as the background photo for my phone.

The World of Kendrick Lamar: good kid, m.A.A.d city

One of the best feelings for me is being transported into the world of an album. I felt that with Ice Cube's Death Certificate and many others. I heard a lot of buzz about Kendrick Lamar's album good kid, m.A.A.d city and decided - as I always do - to read a review of it, measure the content, sample the music and make a decision to buy, wait, or not buy. I chose buy. And what I chose was a voyage into Kendrick's world -  complete with dramedic (dramatic and comedic) skits with an emotional arc and arguable conclusion; the musings of a young man navigating the hard streets of Compton; and a young man commenting on the devastation of alcohol on a people and a community. Kendrick's lyrics are engrossing, and clever - his sound a mixture of west coast and south (to which a combo many of us, who are from the west and have southern roots, can relate.) His sensibilities are modern. I love the notion that Kendrick created commentary about family life, life on the streets, street life leading to death by murder, murder disconnected young people hope to avoid - and the hope we all have that we'll make it home safely.

The Big Payback

This book is a must for hip-hop lovers. Author Dan Charnas takes an in depth look at the 'history of the business of hip-hop.' You'll learn about the deals, and ideas that started hip-hop and the mostly (but not exclusively) men who made it happen. Speaking of which, the one shortfall is the lack of dedication to the women who have shaped hip-hop over the years. But the minimal look at the female artists at the center of the business may speak more to their lack of presence on the business end of things and not so much Dan Charnas failure to include them. Read and decide for yourself!

Rivieras Leisure Shoes

I recently purchased a pair of Rivieras shoes, at Barneys, for an upcoming trip to Miami. I hadn't heard of Rivieras before I saw them. Funny enough, I came across this article the very next day.

I chose this particular design in an effort to go bold! The other selections (such as the ones you see in the article) are very chic. But I felt going with a pattern that makes a statement will make my look standout.

These shoes will go well with shorts or jeans. Khaki color, or indigo. Black or white. My goal is to find a pair of brown khaki shorts to wear with a white t-shirt along with the shoes.

Jessie Ware :: "Devotion"

I first learned about Jessie Ware’s album, Devotion, on Pitchfork a couple of months ago. I read the review (was intrigued), sampled the album on Amazon (I liked it), and decided to buy it. The more I listened to it the more I realized her debut album was quite spectacular. Soon I realized that her album was nominated for the 2012 Mercury Music Award for album of the year. Nice!

When I saw that she was going to be playing at the 9:30 Club I thought to myself, “why not?” St. Vincent was the last concert I saw there, and the first concert of a non-mainstream artist I had seen in a very, very long time.

I really enjoyed Jessie’s show. The production was sparse and simple. It was just her and her three member band. She sang nearly every song off of her album, including a few covers. She managed to maintain an enduring quality, which new artists tend to have when they are embarking on their career and aren’t yet bogged down by expectations and image.

It’s my opinion that Jessie Ware is part of the future of (pop) RnB ---the type of music that may never fully hit the mainstream, in this current environment, unless a massive hit takes over. Music lovers should take notice of Jessie Ware and check out her album, Devotion.
Favorite Tracks: "Devotion," "Running," "No to Love"

I Love PV

Cardigan: Topman

T-Shirt: Personalized

Denim: AG Adriano Goldschmied

Boots: Prada

Belt: Johnston and Murphy

Watch: Ritmo Mundo