Joel Kellem

Visit Hennsylvania by Alex Young

Go to a rap show in Pittsburgh and a bottle of Hennessy almost always gets passed person to person, and you see it raised as a party ornament.

Fixating on the brown, cognac brandy, and his native Pittsburgh, artist and fashion designer Aris Tatalovich conceptualizes the drink into a "Hennsylvania" T-shirt.

When Tatalovich previously released a navy shirt with Hennessy's font and white text saying "Hennsylvania," rapper and member of The Company Only collective, Joel Kellem supported the shirt. He wears the shirt sometimes at performances.

Now, Kellem can add another to his wardrobe thanks to a collaboration with Tatalovich.

Both artists produce a burgundy shirt to match the alcohol and Hennsylvania printed in white plays into the state the pair represent, Pennsylvania. Photographer Julian Ranallo offers visual evidence of the shirt inspired by the spirit.

If people fancy Kellem and Tatalovich's T-shirt offering, then they should attend the Hennsylvania pop-up shop held at Drip Lounge on July 15. The event goes from 6-8 p.m. and will feature other goodies, like dad hats from another The Company Only member, Pk Delay.

Drip Lounge

749 E. Warrington Ave.

Pittsburgh, PA

(412) 224-2707

Cool Things About to Happen in Popular Pittsburgh by Alex Young

Photo by Jimmy Schaffer for Faresh Brand

Photo by Jimmy Schaffer for Faresh Brand

People around the Steel City take matters into their own hands when it comes to finding things to do, they simply do it themselves.

Youth and popular culture in Pittsburgh, Pa. flourishes because the actors are extremely active in pushing their innovation, creativity, community, and business minds. With this, events, masterpieces, projects, and products are popping up all over the city for residents and tourists to enjoy.

The following reports on cool things about to happen in Pittsburgh to look out for.

1. The City Presented by Faresh Brand

"Pixburgh" apparel company, Faresh Brand hosts a mini festival on April 30 at Spirit Lodge. The mixed-genre event, with blues, rock, and hip-hop, will feature some of the 'burghs best musical acts, and attendees will represent the city's movers and shakers. See PK Delay of The Company Only, hot boys Choo Jackson, producer Christo, and DJ Socratee, along with talents Grandadchilds and Comancheria perform. Admission is free and the show starts at 8 p.m.

242 51st Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15201

2. 'I'm Just Being Nice' by Mars Jackson and Nice Rec

After local rapper Mars Jackson became the first hip-hop artist signed to label Misra Records, he announced a nine-track project executively produced by Pittsburgh's own Nice Rec to drop before his debut Unemployed Faith album. The new work titled 'I'm Just Being Nice,' is "for those whose been on this journey with me,"  and dedicated to his mother, Jackson says. The alternative hip-hop artist declares through his Instagram that the offering will drop before the end of April.

Photo by Keep Pittsburgh Dope

Photo by Keep Pittsburgh Dope

3. Market Street Block Party

Grocery, eatery, and beverage hookup, Market Street Grocery turned one year-old today. To celebrate, the shop, in collaboration with influencer and city advocate Cody Baker, is having a block party downtown. Join them for food, fun, and to listen to DJ Pete Butta on the tracks April 28 from 6-10 p.m.

435 Market Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

4. Creatives Drink 5

At the Mattress Factory on cinco de mayo, May 5 for non-Spanish speakers, people of creativity can connect, dance, network, and drink together in a motivated and energized atmosphere. Visual artist, food photographer, and event planner Cody Baker, along with partner in crime Chancelor Humphrey of lifestyle platform Keep Pittsburgh Dope, host the party where attendees drink for free. Go to Creatives Drink from 6-9 p.m.

500 Sampsonia Way

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

5. Cam'ron with Hardo and Choo Jackson

On May 13 at the iconic Mr. Smalls Funhouse, hip-hop descends on Pittsburgh as one of Harlem, New York's most entertaining talents comes to town for a headlining performance. Cam'ron, along with local rappers Hardo and Choo Jackson, will be hosted by DJ Afterthought and DJ Motor Mane of Taylor Gang. Buy tickets to the show here and show up before the show starts at 9 p.m.

400 Lincoln Avenue

Millvale, PA 15209

6. Pretty Chill Kickback

In the spirit of intimate and underground parties, representatives of The Company Only and Team Epic rap collectives Joel KellemPK Delay, and Norman Dean will throw a chill get together with music, BYOB, and hookah. Southside Hookah will hold the event, and you can get tickets for the night here. Catch the rappers perform and sets by Alex Rivera and DJ Noel on May 21 at 5-8 p.m. 18-year-olds and up are welcome.

57 South 10th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

7. Hendawg Millionaire Release Party

To celebrate the release of his upcoming mixtape, Hendawg Millionaire, which releases May 9, Palermo Stone will have a party at incubation hub Boom Concepts. Stone's Rare Nation mate JKJ, KH of Mo'$crill Hotel, DJ Spillz, and others will accompany Stone at the release party. $10 for all ages to enter, $5 admission with a bottle of Hennessy, bring your own beer, and Hook's Chicken comes free with admission. The night kicks off at 8 p.m. on May 14. Promotion for the event, along with others on this list, is provided by Jenesis Magazine, a cultural cultivator whose owner, Thomas Agnew, also runs Boom Concepts with D.S. Kinsel.

5139 Penn Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15224