Wednesday, May 12, 2010

adidas Football: "Fast vs. Fast"


I feel like I've been riding adidas' tip a little bit lately but they just keep coming out with great stuff and I can't help myself. The latest offering is a commercial for their new soccer sneaker, the F50 adiZero, and features Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi and David Villa showcasing what "fast" truly means.

Nike SB "Eugene" Backpacks


Nike SB has released two new colourways of their "Eugene" backpack, one being a multi-coloured version known as the "Mondrian" and the other one is informally known as the "Gucci" colourway (red, black and kelly green). Both are available through DQM.

Good Morning: Rochester - "One Night" (Feat. Daniel Daley)


Yesterday afternoon I got to kick it with Mr. Rochester at the Contra headquarters and a few hours later I see this awesome video on the Contra blog. I'm pretty sure this is the first single off his upcoming album. Either way, I'm looking to hearing more. And if you have an extra minute, make sure to check out his new blog.

Hit the jump for his remix of Coldplay's "Lost".

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Good Morning: Drake - "Find Your Love" (Video) NEW LINK!


This video was supposed to drop at midnight last night on MTV.com, and it did, just not here in Canada, despite Drake being from Toronto. Needless to say, Twitter was ablaze with comments and questions from fans trying to catch a glimpse of what their Americans friends were enjoying. Luckily, at around 12:45, Oliver from Drake's clique came through with a Vimeo link so anyone could watch.

As for the video itself, I really like it. It was shot in Kingston, Jamaica a little while ago and I really feel as though director Anthony Mandler mightily stepped up on this one. Watch your backs for the badmans.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Street Etiquette Presents the Double Breasted Blazer


Josh from Street Etiquette shows us to rock a double breasted blazer with enough swag not to be mistaken for a box. The key is that the buttons line up closely together to create a slim jacket. I'm looking forward to more of these videos, especially if they all have J. Dilla as the background music.

Orisue Summer 2010 Lookbook Video


Orisue gives a behind-the-scene look of the photoshoot for their Summer lookbook. Cool looking clothes and a cool looking party.

This post is dedicated to my homey Alex Pletsch for putting me on to Orisue.

Good Morning: Banksy in Toronto


Following the recent American stops in conjunction with his new movie "Exit Through the Gift Shop", Banksy finds himself in Toronto to grace the walls with some classic stylings. The movie, which chronicles many of the notoriously secretive artist's creative aspects, premiered here this past Friday and is showing at AMC Yonge/Dundas.

More shots after the jump. Props to Hypebeast for the shots.

Saturday, May 8, 2010

Nike Blazer SB CS Brian Anderson


Nike SB pro skater Brian Anderson does the best accidental Michigan Wolverines-inspired shoe I've ever seen. This chopped mid sneaker is part of the SB Custom Series and features a heavily embroidered swoosh. I'm a fan and in the market for a classic-looking sneaker; hopefully Livestock picks it up.

Reflection Eternal - "Midnight Hour" (Feat. Estelle) (Video)


Here's the very well-styled video for my favourite track so far off Reflection Eternal's upcoming sophomore disc Revolutions Per Minute.

Friday, May 7, 2010

adidas Originals: Wood Rich


Here's a little promo video for adidas Originals: Wood Rich featuring artist Eric Bailey. Music: "Begone Slumber" by Danimals.

2-Minute Lego Star Wars Trilogy

Good Morning: Barney Stinson for Esquire


Neil Patrick Harris channels his popular character from How I Met Your Mother in this photoshoot by Matthias Vriens-McGrath for the May issue of Esquire. Daddy's home.

Via Design Scene. Full set after the jump.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Travie McCoy - Billionaire (Feat. Bruno Mars) (Video)


Here are the visuals to one of the chillest jams this summer has produced so far.

Bonus download: Bruno Mars - "The Other Side" (Feat. Cee-Lo & B.O.B.)

Umbro World Champions Collection


Seven beautiful women in nothing more than soccer jerseys and high socks...ya, you've already hit play, eh?

Hit the jump for a little more info as to what you're actually watching.

"Stop The Violence" Bone Sculptures


Photographer François Robert neatly arranged lots of human bones to create a bizarre - and bizarrely cool - set of war-inspired pictures.
"I always have been fascinated with skulls (In my home town in Switzerland, my parents and I were living above a Natural Museum). As I mentioned, I photographed over 140 skulls of animals from the Field Museum in Chicago, and it become a traveling exhibition across the U.S. for 8 years (sponsored by the Museum). In the mid-90’s, during an auction from an old school, I purchased 3 metal lockers and to my surprise one of them held a real, full size articulated skeleton. For years I had it displayed in one of the rooms in my studio and I often wondered what else I could do with it. Finally the idea came to me to explore the idea of disassembling the skeleton and rearranging the bones, and from that process came the series “Stop the Violence”.

Hit the jump for more. Via LikeCool.

Monday, May 3, 2010

Diesel x Iron Man "Only the Brave" Cologne


Diesel is set to release a special version of their "Only the Brave" scent in conjunction with the release of Iron Man 2. I have no idea if it smells good but the bottle looks damn cool!

Via Format Mag. More shots after the jump.

Supra "Cinco de Drinko" Skytop II


Leave it to Supra to use a celebratory day of Mexico's heritage, El Cinco de Mayo, as the basis of a dope limited-edition shoe, the "Cinco de Drinko" Skytop II. Only 200 pairs have been made and they'll drop at noon on May 5th at Factory411 in Los Angeles.

Hit the jump for more shots.

Stussy 30th Anniversary XXX T-shirt Collection


In honour of their 30th anniversary, Stüssy has hooked up with some big name companies (including UNDFTD, Ransom and CLOT) to create a collection of collaboration t-shirts. I love the UNDFTD one and am hoping all these will drop at the Toronto shop (431 RIchmond St. W).

Wale - "Diary" (Video)


Mr. Folarin drops the video to his single "Diary"; honestly the video is nothing special but it is nice to hear him speak about something a little deeper than his bottles of Spade and BBC/Ice Cream jackets.

Bonus download: "Diary" (Acoustic Version)

Music Monday: Dunc and Toine Makin' Dollars


One of my homeys out of Maryland posted a video by a band called Dunc and Toine Makin' Dollars on his Facebook wall the other day but unfortunately, I found too many other things to keep me occupied and I actually didn't watch it until I went over to my buddy Jordan's place and he was listening to their EP. So I downloaded their EP as well and I was very impressed.

The group is made up of two guys: the producer, Dunc, and the emcee, Antoine (who is also one-third of Life Connoisseurs) and their sound, although not exactly unique, is exactly the kind of hip-hop I'm into right now. And I gotta give my props to Toine because his lyrics are pretty damn solid.

Donwload the EP HERE and hit the jump for the video for "You".

Good Morning: Kanye Throws Down on the Cleveland Show


Last night on The Cleveland Show, Ye got in the booth and spat a few lines to try and shake off Cleveland Jr.; the battle ensues.

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Good Morning: Drake - "Find Your Love"


Drizzy doesn't spit a single line on the second official single off June 15th's Thank Me Later. Although this track - which was produced by Kanye West - is kind of nice, I need to hear some more rapping before I can get excited for this album again...

Download here.

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Lupe Fiasco - "I'm Beaming" (Video)


Lupe drops the video for the first single of his upcoming album Lasers. The video, directed by IllustriveMedia, mixes a variety of mediums to create a good set of visuals. Enjoy.

Theophilus London – “I Want You” (Mixtape)


If you only listen to one new thing today, make it Theophilus London’s “I Want You” mixtape, hosted by Va$htie.

Download here. Hit the jump for a video of "Life of a Lover".

Good Morning: Talibanksy


Following in the footsteps of the extremely popular British street artist Banksy, some young anti-war artists in Afghanistan have taken the stencils to the streets of Kabul to get their message out. They call themselves the Talibanksy and offered the following statement:
Selling the peace’ AKA (also known as) winning the war, has also become a big industry. Propaganda is everywhere from counter-narcotic campaigns to counter-terrorism to army recruitment. You can’t move without some form of visual purposeful persuasion burning a hole in your soul. Social and politically driven graphics, AKA street art, can evoke thought and stimulate discussion. Watch your public space.

Hit the jump for more images and a sweet video.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Skam Plays with Light for Contact 2010


Toronto photographer Steve Carty hit the streets of our lovely hometown to shoot graffiti artist Skam as he worked on some light writing installations for the upcoming Contact festival. I have to admit I had no idea what the heck light writing was until I saw this video but wow; give it a peek.

Shouts to Format Mag

Status Update: J. Cole - "Who Dat"


Here's the link for the explicit version of "Who Dat", the first single of J. Cole's upcoming debut Cole World. I'm feeling the artwork too.

Eminem - "Despicable" (Freestyle)


Slim slaughters two popular beats. I won't divulge anything else but I suggest you give it a listen. Download here.

Via Xclusive Zone

Monday, April 26, 2010

Levi's Red Tab F/W 2010


I love video lookbooks, especially when they're done this well. Featuring some upcoming outfits for both guys and girls from Levi's Red Tab collection, this short clip follows a few friends as they travel to NYC hot spots like Williamsburg, Brooklyn and the Chelsea hotel in Manhattan.

Props SartoriallyINC

M.I.A. - "Born Free" (Music Video)


I know I just posted the song this morning but the video also hit the net last night and wow... This 9-minute mini-movie absolutely destroys "Telephone - sorry Gaga. It's political, violent and extremely thought provoking. But I have to warn you, there is LOTS of sensitive material (blood, beatings, nudity) so be careful before choosing to watch it. Oh, and make sure to hit the "Full Screen" option.

Music Monday: The Link Dump Edition (Part 2)

Here's some more new music I've acquired over the week. Enjoy!

Lupe Fiasco – "Love Letter To The Beat" (Feat. Alicia Keys)

This is most likely off Lupe's upcoming Lasers. Download here.

N.E.R.D. - "Hot N' Fun" (Feat. Nelly Furtado)

Here's the first single off N.E.R.D.'s upcoming album Nothing, which is set to drop June 15th. Download here.

M.I.A. - "Born Free"

M.I.A. returns with "Born Free", a track that will appear on her as-of-now untitled third album, due out June 29th. Download here.

B.O.B. - "Airplanes (Pt. 2)" (Feat. Hayley Williams & Eminem)

The much-hyped about collab wth Em dropped this past week and it's awesome. This will appear on B.O.B.'s debut LP The Adventures of Bobby Ray, due out tomorrow. Also, I've never listened to Paramore but Hayley Williams has a great voice. Download here.

B.O.B. - "Not Lost" (Feat. T.I.)

The King jumps on this track with Bobby Ray. Unfortunately this won't make the cut for the aforementioned album due to issues with clearing the Coldplay sample. Still a dope track. Download here.

Good Morning: Changes (Pt. 2)


Last week I mentioned that some things would be changing, and literally the day after I wrote the post it all started to happen. But for the sake of not wanting to look like a tool, I waited a bit and here we are a week later, and with some experience under my belt, I'm ready to let you guys you know that I am now blogging for Think Contra. As stoked as I am for this opportunity, it means that sometimes ATP will get the short end of the stick, so if ever you log on and nothing has changed since the last time you visited, head over to Contra and see what's good there. Just so you're forewarned, some of my posts will overlap because I feel they are useful to both of the sites' readers, but many posts will be exclusive to either/or so make sure to check both anyways :)

That being said, I want to thank you guys for the great responses since this all started only 6 months ago. Your support has encouraged me to do things I never even could have imagined and I thank you all whole-heartedly for it. I still have no idea what the ultimate goal in all of this but I'll ride it out for as long as possible.

Have a good start to the week guys.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

RockSmith S/S 10


Here is the latest collection from NYC/Japan-based street brand RockSmith. The shoot features punk/rap collective Radical Outing and is a series of stills that showcases them as they make their way to CDR Radio in Brooklyn one afternoon.

The collection features a boatload of items including tees, jackets and hats, all of which I'm definitely a fan of. Some of my favourite pieces weren't even featured in this shoot but you can still check them out on Karmaloop.

Hit the jump for some more pictures courtesy of High Snobiety.

Louis Vuitton "Core Values" Campaign


Louis Vuitton brought three fútbol legends - Diego Maradona, Pelé and Zinedine Zidane - together for their latest "Core Values" campaign shot by longtime LV photographer Annie Leibovitz. The shoot took place in Madrid's Café Maravillas, where Pelé took on Zidane in a game of metegol a.k.a foosball. Head over to Louis Vuitton Journeys to watch a short video and vote for who you think won the match.

The rest of the shoot's after the jump. Pictures via La Nación.

Ransom x Adidas S/S 10 - Video Lookbook


Ransom finally let this one loose on Youtube yesterday. We've seen two previews and a few photoshoots but here is the entire lookbook presented in one neat video directed by Neon Gorilla. Enjoy.

Eric Bailey x adidas "Wood Rich"


This shoe is crazy on so many levels. Artist Eric Bailey threw all of his creative juices at this piece by mixing interesting patterns with symbolism and a very unconventional colourway to actually works. Props to you man.

Plus I can't hate on any artist who throws in a maple leaf on their design - whether it's Canada-specific or not.

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Scotts MLB Authentic Collection Grass Seed


With the release of the new MLB Authentic Collection, Scotts is helping baseball fanatics-slash-lawn lovers bring the ballpark to their backyard. Each bag contains the real grass seed that is used in one of 5 various big league stadiums available so far. This is a little ridiculous but also fairly hilarious.

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Gant Rugger's Varsity Jackets S/S 10


I'm very happy to say that Gant Rugger has perfectly executed one of my favourite trends for Spring, the varsity jacket. Available in two colourways at two very different price points, these jackets are cut to fit perfectly and ensure you look damn cool wearing them.

Hit the jump for more shots provided by Por Homme.

Shepard Fairey "Mayday" Mural


You all know Shepard Fairey, you just may not know you know him. Mr. Fairey is most known for his famous cartoon-ish "HOPE" rendition of Barack Obama, but he's hardly a one-hit wonder. The American artist is the creator of Obey clothing, a brand whose pieces is largely based on Fairey's designs. He's also an accomplished artist.

His latest project can be seen above. It's a mural at Bowery & Houston in New York City entitiled "These Parties Disgust Me" and was created for the “May Day” show, which opens May 1st and is hosted by Deitch Projects.

Hit the jump for an interview with Fairey in which he discusses every aspect of the project and even touches on the new Banksy film. Picture by Wooster collective.

Is George Costanza A Streetwear Icon?


This is kind of scary.

Via Start & Finish

Benny Gold Headwear S/S 10


Fresh off the heels of his flagship store opening, Benny Gold releases his newest collection of headwear. Featuring snapbacks, fitteds and 5 panels, Gold lets it all out in terms of diversifcation. And yet despite this, I can't decide if I like them. Any opinions?

Lacoste Bateau S/S 10


Your favourite alligator comes hard on these new boat shoes from French brand Lacoste. Available in two French flag-inspired canvas colourways and an all-white leather version, the Bateau line will ensure a few compliments at your next regata.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Ciara - "Ride" (Feat. Ludacris) (Video)

Ciara goes off in the video for her latest single "Ride".  After posting the track the other day, it would be an injustice not to post the video. And for the record, I know just as many girls that want to dance like her as I do guys that want to *drops mic*.

North Star Sportswear Summer 2010 Collection


After a 20 year hiatus, Canadian sportswear North Star Sportswear is back at it with their new Summer collection. The creative combo that brought you Team Canada's gear for the Vancouver Olympics, a.k.a. award-winning designer Adrian Aitcheson and Arcade Agency’s creative director Pablo Mozo, have hooked up once again to lead this iconic Canadian brand through its re-birth. For now, North Star will be available at the Hudson’s Bay Company as well as select boutiques across Canada but the plan is to eventually expand nationally.

P.s. I finally updated my Post Editor hence the new jump feature. It makes the blog a lot less cluttered; I'm a fan.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

H&M Fashion Against AIDS 2010 Collection


May I present to you H&M's newest "Fashion Against AIDS" collection, which draws on some serious Jimi Hendrix and Jim Morrison looks and updates them without sacrificing style. The drop occured right before Coachella as this collection is specifically designed with the Summer music festival-goer in mind and comes complete with some necessary accessories for your trip.

Head over to Definitive Touch and peep the rest of the collection. It's definitely worth a look.

Good Morning: Alexander McQueen Knuckle Duster Clutch


This is a weird post for me for a few reasons, not the least of which is the fact that this is about a women's accessory. I'm not someone who routinely looks to designers for inspiration - it's just not my style of clothing - but with this piece, I understand the relationship between art, design and McQueen himself. I promise I'll be back posting about menswear soon but take a minute to realize why this purse is so much more than what you carry your money in.

Monday, April 19, 2010

Nike SB Summer 10 Apparel Collection


Nike Skateboarding - commonly known as Nike SB - has released its spring/summer apparel collection and it looks fresh. Despite its sportswear roots, Nike is such a definitive company in both the clothing and equpment industries that even when they branch into something like skateboarding - which is a very interesting market in its own right - they still receive respect for their product. Plus I love that blue-white striped hoodie.

LCD Soundsystem - "Drunk Girls" (Video)


Spike Jonze gets behind the lens to direct the New York electro troop's first single off their upcoming album This Is Happening.

Chairless by Alejandro Aravena


Chairless was designed for furniture brand Vitra by Chilean architect Alejandro Aravena, and unveiled recently at the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan.
Chairless is a simple tool for sitting – a textile strap joined into a loop, measuring 85 cm in length and 5 cm in width, which can be wrapped around the back and knees in order to stabilise the body and relieve tension, while in a seated position. Chairless is mobile. Weighing less than 85 grams, the strap can be folded into a compact size allowing it to fit easily into a pocket – the ideal sitting aid while out and about.

I think this is a brilliantly simple innovation and would probably make sitting in the park a lot more comfortable.

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Sperry x Band of Outsiders


Two of the hottest brands hook up for this fantastically-executed collection of shoes. The set features a low-top boat shoe, a penny-loafer and a chukka, and they come in some beautiful colourways and very interesting patterns. All in all, I am extremely impressed by this collaboration. The shoes are available here.

Uniqlo UT All Stars Commercial


Uniqlo drops a new commercial to promote their new UT All Stars t-shirt collection.

Reflection Eternal - "City Playgrounds"


Yet another leak off the upcoming Revolutions Per Minute, this time with a slow groove. Download here.

Change


I usually don't do these types of posts but a lot has happened this week and this has some consequences - consequences aren't always bad - for ATP.

First and foremost, I'd like to inform you that ATP is now solely run by me as Josh will no longer be contributing. I wish him all the best and know that he will continue to do great things. Keep up with him on his new sports blog, Sideline Scuffle!

Second, I have some crazy opportunities coming up in the next few weeks and months (ThinkContra, whatup?; Life Connoisseurs, whatup?) and I can't wait to share everything with you as they come.

That's all I've got for now so be sure to check back often. Let the homey Sam Cooke take you away...

New Jays Marketing Campaign


1LoveTO threw this up on their blog this morning and I'm wondering what you think. Does a good campaign entice you to go to a game or will you only go when the team starts winning consistently?

Saturday, April 17, 2010

Saturday Night Music Dump

I have acquired way too many songs in the past 48 hours to post them seperately so here they are all at once for your parties tonight.

Drake - "Miss Me"

This unfinished track leaked today and will be featured on Thank Me Later. Download here.

Trey Songz - "Till the Day I Die"

ThisIsRnB let this one go without tags. Download here.

Ciara - "Ride" (Feat. Ludacris)

This is the first single off Ciara's new album Basic Instinct. Download here.

The-Dream - "F.I.L.A." (Feat. T.I.)

Another banger off The-Dream's upcoming Love King. Download here.

Nas & Damian Marley - "Land of Promise" (Feat. Dennis Brown)

This track will be featured on Nas and D. Marley's collabo album Distant Relatives that's set to drop May 25th. Download here.

Uffie - "Add SUV" (Feat. Pharrell)

I don't really like Uffie but with Skateboard P, I can deal with her. Download here.

Usher - "Secret Garden" (Feat. Robin Thicke)

Robin Thicke jumps on this body bumper with Usher and let me tell you, it's real nice. Download here.

All links provided by Xclusive Zone

Reigning Champ S/S 10


To understand Reigning Champ, you first need to understand CYC Designs, the Vancouver-based brand's parent company. CYC designs, headed by Craig Atkinson, is responsible for the fleece production for some of the industry's best-known brands including Supreme, Alife and their in-house brand Wings + Horn.

So it comes as no surprise that Reigning Champ is a label heavily predicated on combining cotton and fleece to create simple and clean tees and hoodies. This collection is no different, as the Canadian label continues to make waves with a strong Spring/Summer effort that features some interesting takes on classics like the orange t-shirt that looks like it could be a crewneck and the yellow crewneck with the button.

The collection is available at Haven.

Oakley Holbrook by Shaun White


Everyone's favourite carrot-topped snowboarder has collaborated with Oakley on a new set of shades by enfusing new school attitude into an old model, the Frogskin. The shades are available in 5 colourways.

Jay-Z brings out a special guest at Coachella


Jay-Z brings out the better looking half of his power couple to join him in a very nice performance of "Young Forever" at Coachella music festival last night in Indio, CA.

Seen at Rap Radar

The NBA Playoffs


Today is one of my favourite days of the year: it's NBA playoff time. The festivities kick off this afternoon as the Chicago Bulls head to Cleveland to take on the Cavaliers at the Q.

There are so many story lines these playoffs that I don't even know where to start nor do I think you have the patience to read them all. But I will tell you I like the Hawks, the Nuggets and the Cavs, I think Oklahoma City will prove tougher than L.A. thinks, and the Magic are ready to make up for what never came last year. 40 games in 40 nights? I'm pumped!

And in case you slept through the regular season, here the Top 10 plays of the year.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Comme des Garçons Moncler 365 Collection


For a much hyped about collaboration, Comme des Garçons founder Rei Kawakubo handpicked items from Moncler's S/S 10 collection and customized them to reflect a stylistic balance of the two brands. The collection is currently for sale at a special retail space in Tokyo that will be open for exactly one year (hence the 365) and a new collaboration is set to drop in July under the same theme. If that seems mystical, it is, and I can't wait to find out more about it.

Want Les Essentiels for Opening Ceremony


Coming off a strong collaboration with J. Crew, the Montreal-born Peart twins have hooked up with Opening Ceremony to create an interesting looking line of accessories. Unlike conventional black and brown male accessories, the two computer bags and the cosmetic case combine elegance with a little bit of flash in a green/orange colourway that is sure to cause for a few extra glances in your direction.

Benny Gold Flagship Tour Video


Skater/designer Benny Gold presents a brief intro for his new flagship store in San Francisco. The shop is set to open tomorrow and looks good so far.

Via Hypebeast

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Jackie Robinson Day


Unfortunately I got around to this much too late in the day but every single player and staff member in a Major League Baseball uniform today will be donning the number 42 in rememberance of a great player and a better person, Jackie Robinson. If you don't know who he is, Robinson was the first black player to ever play in the Major Leagues and ushered in a new era for professional sports in the United States.

Below is the Blue Jays active roster from tonight's game; very cool!