Music has and will be subjective. It’s an art form that can’t be quantified and packaged perfectly as “good” or “bad”. Instead, this is something that we as fans can decide for our own consumption, and because of the diversity in music, we have such an opportunity to develop our musical tastes and styles. I’m not sure how I feel about the Grammy awards last night, and there are so many factors that go into my opinions about the swirling controversy around the winners and losers, that I become disillusioned with music and the industry as a whole. I enjoy music because I like the way it makes me feel. It is a simple and timeless formula that I am proud to follow, as I think it is a part of my identity as a person. With that, I am proud to list off some of my favorite, profound, and what I believe to be the most influential tracks of 2014, that deserve praise of any standard. Check out the playlist below and on our Soundcloud.
The Blacker The Berry- Kendrick Lamar /
Congratulations to Kendrick Lamar on the two Grammy awards he racked up last night with his powerful song, "i". Such a victory is not followed by relaxation though, as King Kendrick has unexpectedly dropped a new track, "The Blacker The Berry." Seemingly occupying the opposite end of the spectrum as "i", K. Dot provides yet another racially-charged track that only further demonstrates his level of artistry and way with words. Let the song speak for itself and have a listen below.
1-2-1 w/Jeff Staple featuring Nigel Sylvester /
Through his talks with Vice Sports and now with Jeff Staple in the latest edition of 1-2-1, Nigel Sylvester is genuinely intent on living his dream as a professional BMX rider. What makes the 27 year-old Jamaica Queens rider so unique is the unorthodoxy to his career: you will not find Sylvester in any competitions and you will not find a blueprint to map out his success, he simply loves what he does. Sylvester and his friends use their creative entity, Pyradice as a platform to express themselves. Sylvester says of the brand, "When I'm in the streets riding my bike, that's my Pyradice. Whatever place makes you happy or you want to create from or see yourself in, that's Pyradice." You can consistently find Sylvester with his bike on the road less travelled having carved out a niche full of opportunities that includes work with Nike, Gatorade, and ESPN The Body Issue. You make your own success ladies and gentleman; watch 1-2-1 w/Jeff Staple featuring Nigel Sylvester below.
InHerRoughStyle: Cruelty Free Fashion /
Winter is a season where it can be hard to stand out. It’s tough not getting lost in a sea of neutral toned pea coats, infinity scarves, and hats. However, today’s InHerRoughStyle post will show you how to bring some life to your winter wardrobe, and how to change up your typical outerwear.
Faux fur coats and vests have become a major trend this season. I personally am a huge fan because not only are they extremely comfortable, but they can also spice up any outfit in a matter of seconds. In addition, faux fur is cruelty free, so you can still get that glamorous look without harming any animals.
Today’s outfit consists of a light pink faux fur coat. While the color pink isn’t usually associated with winter, the muted tone gives the outfit a pop while still being appropriate for the season. I then paired the coat with a a graphic crew neck, a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans, and black chelsea boots.
Since we'll all be enduring six more weeks of winter, don’t be afraid to rock the faux fur trend in the meantime. Try ditching your North Face and try something that’ll make you feel classy and fabulous. Whether it’s a coat or a vest, anyone can pull it off without having to spend a fortune.
Get some more inspiration here on different ways to wear faux fur!
See you next week!
Lanie
Get Involved /
While Vic and Kaytranada have kept it poppin’ with their latest two drops, we are excited to hear from the quieter Savemoney counterpart, Towkio, in his newest track: “Involved Ft. Vic Mensa (Prod. Kaytranada)”. Featuring also an involuntary head bob upon each listen, this song gives me some spring vibes that unfortunately don’t match the iced out weather here in D.C., or anywhere on the east coast for that matter. Hopefully this is the first track of a few more to be released early from Towkio’s “.wav Theory” which has been continued to be pushed back until April. Keep an eye out for upcoming information on Vic and Kaytra as well, and be sure to show the track some love below.