Sneaker Mart

I've come to the conclusion that sneaker collecting is just like vinyl addiction, and all this collecting and trivia is so ingrained in the competitive Hip Hop scene that it's not surprising it's still male dominated. I wonder if anyone's written a thesis on this train-spotting phenomenon and how the marketers have harnessed it for profit ?! ;-)

Being a Hip Hop head and a bloke who's into sneakers I almost passed out when I saw this sneaker mart event - it's just like the record fair scene in the UK. The next Dunkxchange is in Las Vegas on Sunday 23rd April. As it happens I'm meant to be in Vegas for the start of the National Association of Broadcasters show to learn more about IPTV and Mobile TV. Uh oh, there's gonna be trouble!? Can you believe it?

These dudes look old enough to know better! The guy on the left has even got matching T-shirt and headband...you know his sneaker laces and colorway are pantone accurate!



Here are the rules of dealing. The stakes are high...See you there!

1. Guests may bring up to 3 pairs of shoes to sell or trade. If you would like to bring more than 3 pairs of shoes, please purchase a vendor table.

2. Other guests may have shoes you want to buy, so bring cash. For your convenience, there is a Wells Fargo ATM machine and banking center inside. Prices typically range from $70 for some popular, new shoes to $1000s for the rarest, oldest kicks.

RIP: J Dilla...1974-2006

13th Feb 2006 - RIP. Rolling Stone magazine summed up the achievements of J Dilla - even I didn't know he was the man behind the sounds that powered some of Hip Hop's best joints!

There is a several tribute mixes available for download. Here is the first of two mixes for your listening pleasure. If you're a real fan I suggest you send off for a cool t-shirt, produced by some cool folks in Switzerland. Keep J Dilla's sound alive. Love 'em Donuts!

Do a search of Google for J Dilla and you'll find new stuff to celebrate his life and talent.

Japan invades Culver City...Frank 151 x Scion

Mike and Stephen Malbon from the hip NYC magazine, Frank 151, hit LA again with Scion. This time they brought some hot Japanese graff talent to Culver City. Jing, Jeff and Heather were witness to a live crowd.

I took some of Nick's images to show Mike and tried to sell him on the idea of helping with a NYC show. We'll see what happens. Some more work to be done there.

Art & video clips:
Here are some images and vid clips of the night. I love the dancing peeps.



Here's some fresh Japanese live marker graff art in action!