Goodbye Fall Hello Winter

As I sit here still in a calm daze continuously sighing for relief while I listen to my favorite Pandora radio station that consists of nothing more than the smoothest of jazz. I wonder what has caused my sudden feeling of ease similar to that of hours spent preparing for hurricanes? It could be only due to the fact that once again I have grasped HOPE by the necktie dragging it along on my crazy ride though the college education system. I may be a bit hasty in this assumption that this heavenly mood is solely correlated with the bright sunshine of free money for higher learning, since it is also that time of the year that a cold breeze swoops in carrying an insane amount of holiday spirit, but still this is not a sufficient enough reason for the great feeling I now carry in place of the anxious nervousness garnered from waiting for grades that very well could have been disasters in a financial sense

No that cannot be the sole reason alone due to the fact that the educational rat race has only been put on hiatus mercifully, but will soon began again bringing back the same tense feelings that ride along it’s coattails. No something else must be contributing to this unstoppable bliss I have seeminglessly obtained. Maybe it is the fact that with every passing minute time gets closer to the simultaneous end of a decade and beginning of a new one in it’s place, but what sets this coming decade apart from the past new years. It is the sole fact that with this year to come I will began pushing my goods hard on the streets, and I do mean both products and services. Trust that while you read this I am lazily laying in my bed banging out ideas like that of an automatic undestroyable tank set on the “win at all cost” setting on my newly acquired software from the Adobe offices .

To bring this article to an end, my calm joyous mood is attributed to the end of this hellish semester, acquiring HOPE once again, and the coming year that will be sure to be one of the craziest in my lifetime. I just wish I had a DeLorean to hop into and speed off into the future, but unlike that of Marty and the Doc I am only a prisoner of time.

I hope all the fellow college kids, hustlers, modern day hippies and fam have the same attitudes to life out there. When all looks down just Stay positive, Life Free, Spread Peace, and above all Seek the Higher Life & BECOME LEGENDARY.

WHO DAT?! Much Deeper Than A Game

While I sit waiting for the perfect time to sip hot chocolate and enjoy a healthy breakfast, few thoughts cross my mind other than the tests rushing towards me and the success that is slowly coming as well. I do not only mean in a scholastic notion when I speak about impeding glory, but more so a personal level that can be symbolized by that of my hometown team, The Saints. It is obvious to many that I am one of those many New Orleanians displaced by a certain disaster years ago, but this fact does not become apparent to some until I began to ramble on endlessly how this is the best year in the franchise's history. Before I continue, I must explain that this is in no way a post about football due to the fact that I am no way a sports fanatic in the least, but I am one of those that only watch football when one of the teams is rocking the colors of black and gold.

As I stated before, this is the Saints best year by far, and this much needed rise from the ashes can stand as a symbol for my journey through life. How so you ask? I've not lived a life deserving of any sort of documentation or a movie about a soul surpassing impossible obstacles, but any person who knows the different lifestyles led by New Orleans youth and how they clash each other would also know that any youth that can succeed in their young life in the crescent city can quite possibly succeed anywhere.

Why is this you ask again? Well, to keep it short and frank my inquisitive reader, New Orleans is a city that seems to be perpetually fucked, this is in the words of my father by the way. With failing school systems steadily producing illiterate elementary age students as well as schools fighting each other as if they were gangs,violent crime that could make any night on the town a life or death situation in a matter of seconds, and a city government more corrupt than a comic book villain explains this "fucked" status clearly. What makes this different from any other ghetto in America or the world for that matter? Probably nothing, but that's a completely different and bigger subject.

Now before I ramble on and on like I usually do, I'll get straight to the point. I can not speak on how the Saint's rise to prominence affects the city and the life there, due to not living in The N.O. since the hurricane and not being able to speak for the majority of the youth, but I know for certain that this undefeated status held by what was once the "worst fucking team in the league" again I quote my father on that is one of the most inspiring occurrences this entire year. What is this inspiring me to do you ask? Well you many question asking audience will have to wait till I am prepared to unveil my plan to the world.

Peace and love to all

p.s. don't be afraid to comment. I'll answer any questions or respond 11 times out of ten

A Little Inspiration and Motivation

Yesterday was a day that only comes once in a lifetime. The day when you realize what creates a feeling of true enthusiastic joy from something that can be considered work by some people’s standards. Thinking back it all started from a combination of inspiration and motivating words from a source that I barely ever read.

It just so happened for absolutely no particular reason other than curiosity I decided to check my horoscope. Now I’m not one to believe in horoscopes made to fit a type of person just because their born in a certain month, but despite that belief the words were seemed to be typed for just about any creative minded person who just so happens to be discouraged by the future ahead of them at the time which just so happens to also be the category I find myself in time and time again. I digress though, the basic motivational message through it all was not to work for anything more than sheer satisfaction. Create a labor of love in other words.

I’ll speak on what I decided to labor over later when it is at least half way completed later today. Here’s a preview and there’s more on my twitter if you are able to check that out.

The Refill Delivers Big

While I am as far from a drug dealing lifestyle as a Georgia State college student can be, the amount of sheer bangitude that comes from this mixtape is undeniable. I won't say too much because Pill's first two singles speak well enough for self, I would like to add that the entire tape goes just as hard. Go ahead and click that link and grab that.

This is Awesome! Panic Attack 2009

Friday Videos + JUVIE

OH LETS DO IT!!!!

I was gonna do a large knowledge filled essay on why The Saints and the citizens of New Orleans deserves a Super Bowl, due to all the large hurdles we've all leaped over. I'll just let this song speak for us all for now though, bigger article coming soon when some more personal hurdles are overcome. I smell trademark very soon.

Had to throw up Young Dro's new single to show love to my Atlanta patna n dem(not saying that again any time soon). It's all love for my step city ya know though lil woah.

Just a Preview

Just a Preview from Ian Labat on Vimeo.

I realized I had mostly scenery shots from my last visit to my hometown so I decided to just put out a little preview over some Jay Electronica- Exhibit C verses. Enjoy. Oh the song can be downloaded here

Legendary Characteristics

In my opinion, it is within human nature to find something that is loved, and become the best at it, but whether that loved activity is financially sufficient and career worthy are standards in most cultures today. While I could write a completely different essay on how this necessity for monetary stableness can make or break a person’s happiest goals in life, I am more concerned at the characteristics necessary to push a person towards not only choosing an alternative route different from a simple desk job, but also becoming so successful and talented that a human being can become legendary. Is it the talent alone, or is it more so the ability to affect a person’s emotions. Even more so, is it just a person’s work, or is it the personality and style of life that lends a hand towards representing, changing, or even creating a culture or subculture. The biggest question of all though, is that of a person’s will power. Does one have to knowingly make the decision to become legendary, or does such a high status just come as a side effect of a simpler want to just be truly happy. I’ll begin with the lighter questions since even I must think upon that of the last inquiry.

The easiest of these self posed questions is that of talent and emotional reactors. Yet it is not an easy question in it’s self, being that human emotions are similar to that of unstable atoms, reacting to everything around them in either positive or negative ways. Since this is a know fact among most human beings, it is not the initial reaction that is important that is important. Instead a measure of greatness is the piece of work’s ability to impact generations far behind the time of the initial creation. Similar to the initial reaction, the aspect of talent is not as important due to the factor of personal opinion. In comparison, cultural influence is much less subjective than that of an opinion claiming that person is good or not. For example, the works of Andy Warhol may be critiqued as uncreative and uninspired, yet he revolutionized the culture of life of an artist and the way it is viewed, by his own lifestyle and personality.

That leads me to the second point, the quality of works and a career in comparison to personality and lifestyle and which holds the more importance. This comparison is actually that which holds results finding that one factor contributes to the other in a large measure, yet without the second factor that of the first does not stand for much. Talent without that of personality has a tendency to be somewhat dry and unrelatable. This may be caused by the ever growing media technologies turning celebrity figures into a public characters. In some ways it is even impossible for a person in the public eye to not become a real life character for the masses to watch and follow on an hour by hour timeline. For the sake of specifics, it is not so much a person presenting their personality to the public and their fan base, but presenting a true, outgoing, and charismatic persona through the media. For example, Kanye West is no doubt one of the most widely known, creative, and influential person in the present day music world, but what truly sets him apart from many other talented souls is his asshole persona fashion forward senses, and being ahead of the curve by a mile. It his stepping out of the stereotypical role of a rapper/producer to take on many other lines of work that pushes his legacy forward.

The third and by far easiest of the questions once thoroughly thought out, happiness factor versus that of self confidence. Similar to that of personality/quality, confidence is one of the main affects when being personally happy with one’s creations, but happiness is not necessarily an affect of confidence. More so happiness is derived through a large amount of passion and hard-work, and ironically enough these are the same characteristics that separate a career from a simple job. I don’t believe I have to really explain the lack of satisfaction, depression, and questions of significance that can come from cubicle jobs and other forms of tedious work, and the complete opposite that can come from career paths now do I? Didn’t think so.

Well I quite done with this this little personal essay of mine, hope everyone enjoyed and comments and discusses. Let me know how you feel even if you don’t really agree with everything said here. It’s all love. Peace people.

Nice Day to Find Something New

The above photo has nothing to do with the rest of the post, it's just a great photo my girl, Liz took. That's @camefromnowhere and Liz Avent on flickr

Please forgive me for my absence from the internet, but I forgot how necessary it is to have a digital presence in these twitter times. The days prior to this beautiful Sunday were nap filled due to growing and disappearing agonizing pains running throughout my mouth from a traumatizing wisdom teeth operation. Since I was steadily becoming bored with the GSU Common complex, I decided to force myself and the lovely Liz out into the world to walk one of the many Peachtree Streets in Atlanta. This was not too hard due to the fact that the Georgia flip flop weather was in full affect, while the day before was somewhat bleak and sunless, the following day before Monday was completely opposite.

Adding to the wonderful day, the Miss and I stumbled upon an amazingly comfortable vintage store located right next to my favorite health destroying restaurant, The Vortex for those that don't know, in Midtown Atlanta. Even though the sign read Runway, the owner stated that they were having the sign changed, since they were not officially opened yet, and the official name was My! My! My!. While I don't want to jump the gun that this will become Liz's favorite store, it is very well possible since it is much more relaxed in mood but eccentric in wears and accessories fitting her style personally. Expect more from there earlier since we were invited to a grand opening party.

Sorry for the lovey dovey stuff, but I love this picture since I took it so awesomely in a foot mirror.

The bracelet Liz bought, this was one of the first times I've actually seen her just randomly buy something other than food. I guess I'm rubbing off on her. That's all for today, peace brethren.

Dope for the Day

I really felt proud of being a below-the-dixie-line citizen, so I felt like uploading some of the best Southern materials I could think of. Not gonna talk to much either, since I gotta get use to it due to the removal of the wisdoms tomorrow.

Young Dro Rubberband Banks

Guess I lied about the lack of written word on this post. Anyway, Dro has to be one of the best Southern rapper, and I only say that to not upset the Northerners who get their feelings hurt when someone says anything good out the south. Basically I am saying he is one of the best ever, so ha!

Free Bird - Lynyrd Skynyrd

Wanted to switch up tempo, and bring in some different sides of the sweet side of the country. If you've never heard this song before, you welcome. If you have and know it, feel free to play air guitar.

Mixt A: Vol 1

I forgot when this came out, but I've had it for awhile now, may have even posted it up before. Anyway, has a lot of good indy artist, both rap & and different types of rock. I especially like The N.E.C. LINK, and this is the tape that introduced me to Grip Plyaz

Pill Trap Goin Ham

Pill - "Trap Goin Ham" from The Educated Villains on Vimeo.

I know what you thinking, another Gucci and/or OJ. I even had that same preconceived notion, but by the time I gave him a chance to really listen, his new video already hit MTV Jams. Best believe when the next mixtape come out it will be up here. Enjoy.

Peace

Dope for the Day

I've decided to focus this post specifically on that of things enjoyed without payment therefore everyone can enjoy fully

Pato Pooh ft Adam Tensta

I actually looked this up at like 12 this morning right after the last post went up. I heard about Tensta awhile ago, and only know hearing something new from him. I gotta start looking up more out of the country music.

Vanguard Journalism: Cuba

While we're on the subject of out of the country subjects, this was a really deep 30 minute show that caught me off guard thinking a lot about how a lot is taken for granted here and overlooked here in America. Also, thinking about gun running, but that's just a story forming in my brain…maybe.

Frank 151 Chapter 38: Herbie Fletcher

Frank 151 has to be one of the best zines out there, and the best thing about these little booklets is that if found in the right shop in your area and it is free. Turns out this issue focuses on that of Herbie Fletcher, a legendary surf pioneer who influenced everything from designing to film-making. This also is available at Standard, I'll have it by tomorrow then.

Dopeness for the Ears

Asher Roth - Rik Smits(C'mon Baby Freestyle)

Dope for The Day

Neighborhood x Disney Vinyl Figures Preview

If anybody checked out the Mos Def show on Current, and didn't happen to remember that awesome clothing brand Mos was checking out in the episode, these are the same people. I can't quite put my finger on the exact reason why I think these are dope. It is either the fact that it is one of the top brands in the niche I am apart of, or the fact that I have a growing fascination for vinyl toys and that Big Bad Wolf would be a great collection to the group I already acquired from Criminal Records. Either way, I need that knife wielding wolf. props to High Snobiety

Acapulco Gold Fall 2009

I don't know much about this lowkey brand, other than the fact that they make some really classic graphics and gear, and no one can really hate that now can they? If they do they probably don't have a soul. props to High Snobiety and look on Runmygame.com for more info.

Amongst Friends 2010 Spring Collection

With an evolving collection and 13th Witness behind the lens, the guys of at Amongst Friends knows how to deliver with both quality of clothing and quality of presentation. I could really use some more layering pieces like the one below as well. props to Hypebeast

Warriors of Radness

This too falls in the category of brands I want to know more about, and want some of these hoodies if not all of them in my closet. props to Hypebeast again.

Pirate Radio

PIRATE RADIO: Movie Trailer - The most amazing videos are a click away

I knew for a fact that this particular post was of a heavy clothing side, but while I was typing away that attention of a shorter version of the trailer above caught my attention. With the inclusion of a boat load of actors I truly have man crushes on, and a story about something that wets my whistle. I had to search for a trailer as fast as possible. Expect me at the theater when this comes out.

Well I'm gonna sit back and enjoy the rest of Sons of Anarchy. Clay and Jax are finally fighting and I'm enjoying every second of it like a giddy school girl. Peace and Love people(unless it's Sons of Anarchy then it's as much violence as possible on regular tv)

Don Cannon and Young Dro Present R.I.P. I Killed That Shit

I've been waiting for this to drop for a minute now. One track in and already jumping round to the super fruity swag* Dro brings.

DOWNLOAD

*that's the first and last time I say that.

Ghostbuster The Video Game

If it was not for the allure of video games who knows what my shy younger self would have been doing back in the day, so I've decided to do a segment everytime I get the chance to rent or buy a game I've been dying to play. I have no wish to review everything out there, but only the select few that catch my eye, and transport me back to the times when all I needed was a big screen, some snacks, and a lazy summer day.

I'm not supporting any one console with the above picture

A-

I finally had the enjoyment of experiencing The Ghostbuster video game. Didn't this come out this summer you ask? Yes, but since I can't yet take the 360 my brother and I share yet, it would be extremely wasteful of sixty dollars to buy a video game. I also can't afford the side effect of mass procrastination. I digress though, Terminal Reality hits almost every point on the head with this Ghostbusters video game adaptation.

From the first time you start to move around during the tutorial and fire off your proton ray, a smile is to be had by any person who is a fan of the movie. Things begin to really pick up speed right after the tutorial is done with the introduction of ghosts, ghouls, and monsters in large numbers, or just large. Everyone knows Stay Pufts comes up in the game, so I'm not gonna spoil the fun of how soon the big loveable destroyer comes on screen. Not only does the quantity of adversaries present entertaining fights, but the inclusion of backstories, and also cursed artifacts in each level create for great adventure game as well as a shooter that makes for a good less serious shooter.

Main gameplay wise, Ghostbusters plays similar to that of Gears of War, but with a laser cannon instead of a chainsaw equipped gun. Many would expect that the proton pack would play a large role, and those individuals would expect right. A player does not have to count on just the proton laser as times begin to get a little rougher down the road, but have three other settings than the regular one everyone knows and loves. I'm not gonna get into all that, just know that it is worth it for how short the game is. I almost had it done within 4 days if not for having to leave the blessed 360. All in all though the worst thing is not the shortness of the game, being that gameplay begins to get a bit tedious by the last level, but your partner's AI is severely lacking the I part. Players will find themselves having to revive them more times that one would expect too.

Dope of the Day

RANSOM by Adidas Originals 2009

RANSOM by adidas Originals from Ransom Holding Co on Vimeo.

Hitting shelves later this month on halloween, probably for prices I can't afford, RANSOM does a good job of presenting the lifestyle behind each of their models. My favorite thing about this commercial is the total lack of pristine presentation. There is no attempt at making the shoes look too good to be walked around in, tree and mountain climb, even washing with water from a stream. I know people will most likely take that route, but what can you do ya know?

DJ Hero Cinematic Intro Video

Saying that this is amazing is just being redundant after viewing it, but the fact that it was a huge technical undertaking will not be explained here. I just love that such videos instantly transport me back to times when I would watch the intro video to Tekken 3. I can't wait for this to come out so I can finally understand how you play it.

Lil Boosie "Mind of a Maniac"

Motion Family is awesome. Boosie is awesome. So in relation this video and song is awesome. Simple and plain.

Current TV: Embedded with Mos Def

It is
It is not a coincidence that I am a great fan of Mos Def, and his music. I absolutely love artists that can express their personalities 100% whether it is Curren$y's pot head easy moods or Gucci's guddaness. Mos brings something to the table that is truly good. Anyone with working eyes and/or ears can tell that the man that is Mos Def is not some jaded rapper, cocky with his money, or looming over his fans like some type of god. Instead, fans can somewhat feel like peers on a human level due to the Brooklyn repper's wide eyed wonderment of Tokyo and Osaka. He doesn't attempt to seem as if, "Oh, I do this on the daily. Traveling ain't nothing to me. Another place another dollar." He has the same reactions to places, people, fashion, and technology as most similar thinkers would, and that is what makes this video such a inspiration to me. Shows me that one should never get to a point where they become resistant to amazements. I'm gonna get back to watching this and gathering quotes to twit about. Peace and Love ya'll.

Dope of the Day

Don Cannon x DJ Hero

A Girl's Dream / A DJ's Hero from Don Cannon on Vimeo.

I don't think this means that my favorite DJ will be in the actual game, but anything that can build a bit of curiosity within me for a video game can't be bad at all. Expect a lot of life wasted when this drops.

Don Diablo "Hooligans Never Surrender"

Upon reading the description on youtube, it seems like this video had some type of criticism for having violent characters. I don't understand what they are talking about, honestly. Great video even though it scares and amazes me at the same time.

ONETWENTYSIX Blog

While I don't really know much about the company behind the blog, the visuals presented on this site are truly inspiring.

Marge Simpson on Playboy Cover

All I gotta say is where is the Lois Griffin cover?

The Dark Side of Disney Princesses

Since we're on the topic of sexy cartoon characters, and no one can ever forget the Disney princesses, and comic book geeks are wondering what will come out of the Marvel x Disney thing, I had to include this. Who knew they would be so sexy when they got scarier? *raises hand* See more here.

Swagger Autumn/Winter 2009 Collection Look Book

To get back on topic of inspiring items and photos, Swagger is at near the top of the list. They truly live up to their name with these articles of clothing.

Dope for The Day

Nike Sportswear: London to Paris Cutters

LONDON TO PARIS from Amazing Grace on Vimeo.

A film about bikers from all around the world riding to go meet Lance Armstrong. Sounds something kind of fake, but it is a documentary. I really just wanna go ride my bike until I'm not angry at this fucking art grade, but my tires fucked.

Nothing much more than a really cool party flyer. If anyone has a site with a bunch of stuff like these I would love you if you send the link over

Three 6 Mafia feat Webbie "Lil Freak"

Spotted this the other day on MTV Jams I think. It was whatever MTV plays actual music videos. Always awesome to hear the Oscar Winning Southern Hip Hop group. I really love saying those words together. It's like a big middle finger to anyone who doesn't love the south.

Boyder f Asher Roth "How Many Bars"

Ya'll know I love me some Don Cannon and Asher Roth. This Boyder dude is pretty chill to listen to as well.

New Orleans Sunrise

New Orleans Sunrise, originally uploaded by Ian J.L..

Maestro Knows

Maestro Knows - Episode 10 (The Dream Team) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

Levi Maestro has to become a motivational speaker to young adults like me one day. This is absolutely inspiring to the deepest.

Dope for The Day

The Big Golden Farting Bull

So while doing my usual check of blogs and sites, I found this on Kanye's site, and instantly thought, "I want to see this beast in person". If I had the cash flow and free time, I would definitely go all around the world just seeing all types of amazing art most likely while putting up my own right along side them. Oh what the future holds for me. Back to the sculpture at hand though. Created by Chen Wenling known for making nothing but wild and crazy pieces, and this does not disappoint any of his fans. This is now up among his other work in his exhibition entitled "Emergency Escape" now showing at Joy Art Gallery.

Stashers by FALSE Preview Video

Stashers by FALSE (Preview Video) from FALSE on Vimeo.

I don't necessarily know what this amazingly unpredictable plush doll that seems to be sent from the fuzziest, evil realm of hell. What I am expecting out of this is all due to the known fact that the best thing about FALSE are the presentation and satisfaction derived from their products

Young Dro x Don Cannon RIP Outtakes

Rest In Peace - Outtakes from Decatur Dan on Vimeo.

I've been waiting for this mixtape for a long while now, and I see this as a showing that is near in arrival aswell as the delivery of the cover art.

Lenny Kravitz & Justice "Let Love Rule"

I knew this would be an awesome song, but the fake movie ending and credits really is hilarious. Not going to spoil it, but this deserves a must watch tag.

1800 Tequila Essential Artists Bottles

I'm not a tequila drinker in the least, but the presentation of these artists bottles are really worth checking out. What is a art student without a good drink?…A person needing a drink, not joking.

Forgot to add this before, but Lupe the Killer returns to rip through everything not keeping up. Just when I was thinking where one of my favorite rappers were.

FIRE

Vortex Lil 5

Vortex Lil 5, originally uploaded by Ian J.L..

Fly On

Fly On, originally uploaded by Ian J.L..

Fall Colors

Fall Colors, originally uploaded by Ian J.L..

I love when the colors on the trees begin to change for many different reasons, mainly my favorite weather and halloween. After that It's cold enough to be winter.