After the first song of this playlist, "Antidote" by Travi$ Scott, you will understand its energy. The mix was supposed to release on the 4th of July last weekend, but got stuck in limbo as InTheRough staffers debated on its name and content all day Saturday. Regardless, we wanted the mix to be fit for any great party, just as that day provided. Selections from the heavyweights like Meek Mill, Drake, and Future allow us to turn up, while newer songs allow us to sustain interest, specifically "I Got That" from D.C.'s rising producer Kelow. Aptly titled "This Should Have Dropped on the 4th", play our latest mix below or under ITR's SoundCloud profile.
October's Very Own for Apple Music /
Apple Music has digested with music listeners for a little more than a week now. The streaming service gives users access to 30 million songs all in one place and an array of features like shows by Drake and Pharrell on Apple's internet radio station, Beats 1. Drake is an interesting part of Apple Music. Back in June it was reported that Apple offered Drake a $19 million deal to have him as part of the new service. Today, those efforts pay off because Drake released the music video to his song "Energy" exclusively on Apple Music. Then, OVO mates Majid Jordan dropped a Drake collaboration called "My Love" to Apple Music as well. For all parties involved today is a win, win, but the competitive culture in music streaming services only continues to grow. Watch the "Energy" video here and listen to "My Love" on iTunes or below.
Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator Promotes Unity /
Compton, California native Kendrick Lamar finds his voice commenting on the reality of the African American struggle; when he raps, "N*gga, and we hate po-po/Wanna kill us dead in the street fo sho," it comes from a place of frustration having lived through truthful tragic events in the recent three years. Today, Kendrick sends another message this time standing up against gang culture. Using his Reebok partnership K.Dot's reach is strong as he presents the Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator. The Paperwhite suede sneaker protests color wars evident from the alternating "BLUE" and "RED" insignias on the heels, contrasted by the "NEUTRAL" tongue tag. Kendrick's signature, Top Dawg Entertainment branding, and a gum outsole completes the shoe. Hopefully the message, along with the footwear, is well received; buy the Kendrick Lamar x Reebok Ventilator now at European Sneaker Baas, and more retailers on July 18 for €130 EUR (approximately $142 USD).
Wiz Khalifa - DayToday: Boys of Zummer Ep. 1 /
Wiz Khalifa returns with his fan favorite vlog series, DayToday. The new season is aptly titled "Boys of Zummer" as it coincides with his tour alongside Fall Out Boy. Episode one draws the viewer in immediately with a funky opening sequence thanks to the track "You're Not Good Enough" by Blood Orange. From there explore the Pittsburgh rapper's joyous life during Grammy season, DJ Kat Daddy sets and after parties, a haircut with his son, a game of pickup basketball, up to his time on stage this summer. Enjoy below and look for new episodes premiering on Revolt, Wednesdays at 10:30pm EST.
Sports Matter because Ball is Life /
Sports are powerful because they create genuine experiences. I walked onto the basketball court on Manhattan St, Pittsburgh with my Official NBA ball and my DSLR perfectly waiting to capture the following moment. The itch to play basketball, its convenient location and neighborhood environment brought me to this particular court, so I was excited to start shooting around. I hit a couple three-pointers and made my layups; while I was playing a man-- who you could tell just wanted to play ball-- approached me. He asked, "Can I shoot with you?" I welcomed his company with a deal, "I'll let you shoot with me if you let me take your picture." He delightedly said sure after I told him the intended purpose. He took some jumpers and I observed, he would collect himself and we would converse then he'd continue loving the game. DeAndre from South Central, Los Angeles was in The Burgh visiting his Sister. He told me how he wished to move back to the area to buy one of the abandoned houses because he felt the community was peaceful. The inability to enjoy his neighborhood playground due to gang wars made the Manhattan court a welcome site for him. DeAndre, a retired basketball coach and minister, explained to me his Serra Catholic schooling and time spent at Tackle on the football field. "When we played Mater Dei we roughed them up," he chuckled to me.
I knew the game of pickup he wanted to play would not be gentle. DeAndre took to the paint on offense, using his width against my slender form. On defense he was physical, although I was much quicker than he was. I drove around him creating open layups, a few missed on my part and my at times yielding D kept the game interesting. I was playing with the lead as rain began to mix with our sweat. Thunder cracked and a jolt of lightening made us aware the game was ending. We left exchanging pleasantries; he noted how school can take you anywhere and encouraged me to keep working hard. I thanked him for the experience and he walked left back to a house, I got in my car and drove away.
Basketball naturally brought about a conversation between DeAndre and I, who had previously never met. A shared love for the game allowed us to engage on an authentic level that generated curiosity as we spoke about our life experiences. Sport brought DeAndre and myself together on July 6, 2015, good game.