Sorry for the delay folks. Hope VibeRotation 17 will set you up for the week despite it's tardiness. That being said, my goal with this set was to match some of the sentiment of spring, encompassing vibes from those clear sunny days to the cloudy yet serene rainy ones. There is something special about the seedlings of spring. A new energy is in the air as people shed their winter jackets, and are hungry for the summer sun. These songs, to me, best capture that spectrum, starting with some new releases and features from Yeezy, venturing on to some soulful Ratatat, and ending with a beautiful score to match the pep in everyone's step this time of year. Shout out to the outro instrumental of the playlist created by student-producer Jordan Williams of the George Washington University. A very talented musician and student of the arts, check out his Soundcloud for more of his melodious work.
Drake- My Side /
So Drake kills the Coachella stage, makes out with Madonna, and releases "My Side," which is the bonus track to If You're Reading This It's Too Late. Drizzy season is in full swing and will continue to be at least until the official release of the LP on April 21st. Check out the late night vibes below. Thanks Aubrey.
Documenting George Washington University's 2015 Spring Fling with 3lau and Theophilus London /
Washington, D.C. has become a home and a place of influence for InTheRough. Family and friends, travel, as well as College have all landed ITR in our nation's capital. D.C.'s classical metropolitan area featuring major sports, delicious eats, strong cultural centers, nightlife, and the unique characteristic of being America's Mount Olympus lends itself to an environment that inspires growth and creativity. Popular culture thrives in D.C., spawning artists like Wale and collectives like Proper Vibes who represent the area's appreciation for its consumption of Goods. These made George Washington University's April 4th Spring Fling concert with 3lau and Theophilus London as well as a trip to Georgetown a welcomed event for InTheRough.
Electronic producer 3lau coolly took his position behind his computer, black Wayfarers intact, and met a GW crowd he was impressed by, jumping off stage to interact with the front row mid show. Theophilus joyously followed the electronic house producer bouncing to the stage with a huge smile and an aged pair of Air Jordan 1 "Royal" on his feet. His performance was exciting in large part to the rapper's live band and set list, which he chose via the MacBook eight feet to his left on stage. Theophilus' 2012 track "Big Spender" was flipped into a pleasant version we had never heard. He too exchanged pleasantries with the crowd giving High Fives and hugs to anybody that wanted one.
Footwear was an interesting observational piece at the concert. The day's nice weather made sneakers a common theme. Progressive and hip hop influences the performers provided, matched with George Washington's setting placed keen attention to kicks. The Swoosh and its Jumpman bi-product were easily noticed in a sea of white Chuck Taylors. So, a visit to Nike Georgetown to conclude the trip seemed appropriate, especially when an inflated basketball teaches you a life lesson.
InTheRough's latest trip to Washington, D.C. offered the opportunity to document George Washington University's 2015 Spring Fling. It also fostered an interesting conversation with somebody featured on ITR often, Cautious Clay. The DC based artist speaks on his talent, Ableton production, the D.C. music community, and his future in a forthcoming interview with InTheRough.
Towkio featuring Chance The Rapper, Lido & Eryn Allen Kane - Heaven Only Knows /
Artists, friends, Savemoney representatives, and native Chicagoans Towkio and Chance The Rapper release a new song, "Heaven Only Knows". The spirited song title flows right into the encouraging organ featured in Lido's production. Towkio, Chance, and singer Eryn Allen Kane provide riveting vocals. After one listen you will be pleased to know there is more on the way from Towkio; his .Wav Theory mixtape is available on April 28.
Aimé Leon Dore "NY Navy" Collection /
New York based lifestyle brand Aimé Leon Dore has a knack for simplistic and functional design that carries influences from the historical past. Evidence of this is seen in the brand's offering for Kith done in January that celebrated the heritage of boxing in the '60s and '70s. ALD's latest collection takes direct cues from the birthplace of form and function, the military. Every branch of the military focuses on monochromatic color schemes and minimal individual detail because uniformity is the essential; the motto of the United States Navy is "Not for self but for country". Aimé's Spring collection, "NY Navy", certainly encompasses this sentiment using solely navy, olive, and cream white hues. Along with the colors, the Navy inspiration is evident in the garment silhouettes highlighted by the flight jacket, bomber jacket, and waffle t-shirt, as well as the template branding and numbering emblazoned throughout the delivery. The basic aesthetic that accompanies Aimé Leon Dore's "NY Navy" collection is made cool because it shows appreciation to the nation's heroes while done in a NY streetwear sensibility. Read more on the collection here and shop it at Aimé's concept store April 9 - 13, from 10am to 8pm.
Aimé Leon Dore Concept Store
179 Mott St
New York, NY 10012