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.

Candy Man

Candy Man, originally uploaded by Ian J.L..

Photography by Me and edited by Me

Dope for The Day

Uffie Pop The Glock

If you are like me and have been listening to Ed Rec since you first learned what Justice was with D.A.N.C.E. then you have likely heard this song. It finally gets a visual. P.S. Uffie is one sexy girl.

Scott Campbell "Always Almost There"

I really have to google this guy because this is honestly some of the most mindblowing I've seen in a while, you should google him too. Hell with that, just click his name, and go to his website

Mikkey Halsted Story Untold

I recently got the chance to see this guy live at A3C, and also give him dapp and props for being such a real mc. Download this and listen to the greatness that is.

Jet Files Bonus Living The Life

I really don't need to explain this much, I'm just waiting for midnight to get here and Oct 6 to come and then I'm buying this thing immediately

Oh btw go to this site and go to the third to last photo and look for a kid in a white hat, yeah that's me.

A3C Night 2

Curren$y A3C Performance Part I from The Smoking Section on Vimeo.

Curren$y x A3C Performance Part II from The Smoking Section on Vimeo.

Mikkey Halsted Performs "The Liquor Store" Live from The Smoking Section on Vimeo.

My Friday night while being incredibly long and late, was also great for the fact that I had the opportunity to see so many great mc's live. If I had some more money I would have gone the last night, unluckily I didn't. Can't wait till next year, and I can't wait till each of these performers come back around for their own tours and shows.

Dope For The Day

Yelawolf Photoshoot With Will Power from Atlanta UrbanMix on Vimeo.

Yelawolf has proven time and time again that he does whatever he wants and is true to himself, and that alone makes him awesome. Factor in the fact that he is also talented on the mic, and you have one of my favorite rappers.

Yelawolf - F U

Yelawolf - Wish ft Raekwon (you know somebody has to be dope to get a song with The Chef)

Keeping on the subject of music, my good friend BG dropped this off on twitter recently, can't wait to hear that whole mixtape.

BG - In My Younger Days

PS THis is my homegirl BG not the Choppa City one.

This video right here has inspired me to pay more attention to people riding bikes like this, this guy is using it like it's apart of him. Sheer awesomeness warning.

To end this post off, I have to give props to my dude Ryan. If anyone has ever gone to Standard or Wish back in the day then you have met this real cool dude. You can't help but support the StreetLocal brand. Can't wait for them new snapbacks to come in that's what I really want(It's my one unnecessary pleasure for my bday)

The Finer Points on Higher Learning: The World of Necessity Edition

Props to esc

Not factoring in the Recession, spending paper is pretty short for a college student, especially those with an acquired taste for the best. There is books to buy, tuition to be paid, food ain't cheap, if you are an art student, materials are far from painful to the pocket, and most of the entertaining events are far from free with even movies costing double digits. What is one to do when there is a surplus of goods that catch the eye and scream, "BUY ME. YOU KNOW I'M FRESH AND NEEDED IN YOUR CLOSET," at least that's what they say to me. The best rule of thumb I've come up with though when it comes to spending that job checks(in my case birthday money) is to buy what you don't already have a lot of, which means they are the closest thing to necessities in comparison to pleasurable buys.

Props to Bok_Bok

With winter getting ever closer, I'm tempted to plan to spend some bills on some new jackets, but the problem is I already have a more than satisfactory M65 and while it is a wee bit big on my skinny frame, it protects me from the wind like a tweed shield. Therefore, my buying of a new jacket would be a waste of paper. This is an example of something unnecessary.

Yes I really want this backpack. Can you read this Mom & Dad? I know you gotta squint real hard.

The product I do need the most though is something that I have overlooked for an amount of time, a nice backpack. For the entirety of anyone's school career, a bag has been present carrying a ton of books, but most of the time no one ever thinks about a book bag for anything more than color. While I do have a carrying tool that does a good job of protecting my laptop while also toting some other goods, it is becoming more and more of a burden with the amount of pencils, markers, books, sketchbooks, ruler, exacto knife, etc etc that I have to carry on a day to day basis. I personally need something that can be comfortably carried while riding a bike, and something that can carry a multitude of objects all while no crushing or breaking any of those materials. This is an example of a pleasurable necessity being that it isn't really needed in the sense that it costs 3 digits, but in my experience those walmart bags have a life span of a year, so you either pay a bundle of money on something good, or you pay a little bit of money each passing year. I'm getting off point a little bit though, I'll get back to worthy expensive goods vs unworthy expensive goods vs cheap goods at another time.

Props to Lactose the Intollerent

The best thing one could ever buy is something that goes past a material pleasure, and leads to a psychological goal oriented pleasure that will last an eternity. Any amount of money spent on providing a future for one's self is never wasted. In my case, I have to buy trademarks licenses or whatever the correct term is, server connections, web-space, stickers, and a web designer, but while this is more expensive and more time consuming compared to that of going to a store and walking out with a new piece to one's closet, the enjoyment from these are far better. Nothing can beat the feeling that you have done something that not only you can enjoy, but others can enjoy, and are fulfilling your own dreams.

In short, if you have a lot of sneakers and don't have cash to burn, don't buy sneakers; if you need something that will make living each day to day easier and won't leave you starving, by all means buy it, and if you have the chance to spend money on something that will make you truly happy and build a future for yourself....do I really have to say do it? Naw I didn't think so.

Peace and Love(props to Lucy because I stole that saying from her).

Dope for The Day

For now on I'll be including all the dope stuff I've picked up from the internets from videos to downloaded songs. This is what I love so I'm just sharing it. Props to everybody I put on here.

13th Witness - Riding High

Riding High from 13thWitness™ on Vimeo.

13th is one of the dopes photographers I've had the pleasure to witness, but this is among the most gnarly of his creations yet. The best part about this video is that it is nothing more than a bike ride of cool proportions, then again calling a bike ride cool is redundant.

Angels With Filthy Souls

Apparently that is what it is called, but I mainly know it as the gangster movie that the lil kid is watching on Home Alone. "Keep The Change Ya Filthy Animal" expect that on a shirt down the line.

The Roots - How I Got Over

You just can't help but love these guys. This time around they offer up a fairly more soul approach than the last album, atleast that's the impression I get from this new single. I really love it btw.

Curren$y - On My Way & Bout It 2010

I can't stress enough how much this dude's music is an anthem for my lifestyle at this moment. He just brings the heat EVERY SINGLE TIME. Can't wait for Jet Files and Smokey Robinson to drop. I hope they are free because I'm flat broke.

Bout it 2010

The Finer Points on Higher Learning

Props to chp_2k

Today I had the opportunity to witness the lazier population of the Georgia State student body. Maybe I am among the nerdy category of Hollywood stereotypes, but I do know I have a natural enjoyment from gaining any type of knowledge possible. Even though this is true, I’ve never given enough time to any type of study behavior. I would return home, spend the minimum amount of time on homework, then quickly approach the game system of the time, and continue to take massive amounts of time in the virtual world, but who didn’t do that grade school through high school?

Props to John Althouse Cohen

I’ve quickly learned from this year solely that this approach is not possible in school due to the simple fact of not truly being able to pick it up first go around without much outside work. On the one of the numerous other sides of the learning spectrum where a student does all the work possible while not truly learning anything, and never being able to apply their-selves outside of the classroom. This category of students is what I call the perfect failure. Even though they are able to get the highest grades in school, they never do anything associated with classes that isn’t going to be tested upon. This behavior leads to the same exact outcome as the habits that I exhibit.

Props to C. Barabanov

To make the best out of the academic aspect of college, it is necessary to never fall short of the expectation of professors. In the words of my father, “Don’t half ass it son.” If a teacher expect you to read a chapter, read one at least and more if possible. If not don’t expect to study the things guaranteed to be on the tests. Six chapters cannot be covered within thirty questions in the least, but the best possible strategy to combat such things is to pick up the key aspects. You can never fail with that. At least I hope because that is what I plan to do for now on. Wish me luck.