Author Archives: Joe Gall

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Gallery Music High Timez With Theophilus London

by Rich Thomas and Joe Gall
February 1, 2012 - 10:13 am

Of all the accolades Theophilus London received for his debut album, Timez Are Weird These Days, none was more highly regarded by the artist himself than the #7 spot he received on ChinaShop’s Best of 2011 list. Of course we can’t prove this, and there’s absolutely no evidence to substantiate the fact that he was even aware we had a list, but his swagged out, fashion-forward, post-hip-hop panache would lead us to believe that our fashion conscious and musically savvy blog is somehow resonating through the fabric of his trademark LVRS ball cap and limited edition, signature series, triple blue suede Cole Haans.

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Featured Gallery Music Wu-Tang Is For The Children… and Everyone Else

by Rich Thomas and Joe Gall
January 18, 2012 - 10:53 am

Though Kanye West’s notorious bum rushing of the VMA stage in 2009 will go down in the pantheon of bizarre award show moments, it still plays second fiddle to the granddaddy of all podium-jackings. Next month marks the 14-year anniversary of O.D.B.’s proclamation to a stunned Shawn Colvin and an international Grammy contingent that, regardless of how you saw it, Wu-Tang was the best. Let me repeat that. Fourteen years ago this happened, and the full-length that lost the Best Rap Album award (to Puffy no less) was Wu-Tang Forever, far from their best work. But who’s laughing now? Who’s managed to singlehandedly keep the spirit of posse cut alive in an era of me-first rappers who myopically extol the virtues of popping bottles and not much else? The Wu. That’s who.

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Gallery Music The Past, Present and Odd Future of Rap

by Rich Thomas and Joe Gall
November 10, 2011 - 10:27 am

I was not in on the ground floor with Odd Future, just like I was late to Bloc Party (2003), missed The Crying Game (1993), and was the last one in my 2nd grade class to hear about the opening of Disneyland Tokyo (1983). Given my somewhat systematic addiction for being on the bleeding edge of “what’s now,” being put in this position usually emits a reaction I call “passive hateration.” Not to be confused with proper hating—which is an active dismissal of whatever person, place or thing that happen to be on-trend—passive hateration is more of a laissez faire approach. I don’t actively hate. I just revel in the not-knowingness of it all, letting the wave of enthusiasm pass by like a surfer training his watchful eye on the Next Big Thing. I don’t surf, either.

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Featured Gallery Music Why Is This Man Smiling? The Smashing Pumpkins Go Big

by Rich Thomas and Joe Gall
November 2, 2011 - 12:02 pm

For the past two years, Billy Corgan has been dribbling out songs online—some as individual tracks, some grouped together in small EPs—as part of a massive, 44-song magnum opus called Teargarden By Kaleidyscope. Loosely based around Corgan’s interpretation of The Fool’s Journey in the Tarot, he described the project as a return to the Smashing Pumpkins’ psychedelic roots. If you’ve spent seven minutes rocking out to his epic 2008 jam “Superchrist,” you know that an unfettered and experimental Billy is exactly the kind of Billy you want pumping out records on a regular basis.

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Gallery Music Detroit Rock: Explosions in the Sky and Wye Oak

by Rich Thomas and Joe Gall
October 13, 2011 - 2:09 pm

If you haven’t gotten the memo, Michigan is the place to be this fall. Between the Tigers’ post-season appearance, the Lions’ 5-0 start, and the Wolverines back in the Top 15, there’s a palpable buzz in the city that just makes everything better. Bottle that energy up inside a venue like the Royal Oak Music Hall, leave Explosions In The Sky to set it free, and you’re asking for a transcendental experience.

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Music Believe in Unicorns (and Other Weird Stuff): Austin City Limits

by Joe Gall
September 20, 2011 - 9:32 am

If you’ve been to Austin lately, you know that the locals are fighting the good fight to, as they call it, “Keep Austin Weird.” Yep, you can even pick yourself up a bumper sticker or two to show your support for the movement…

ChinaShop was in the Texas town over the weekend for Austin City Limits, showing OUR support and soaking up the sun, the sights and documenting the adventure. Check out our photojournalism below and remember to “Keep Austin Weird.”

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Gallery Music Heavyweight Hip-Hop: Rick Ross

by Ariel Maccarone and Joe Gall
September 14, 2011 - 8:22 am

The “I Am Still Music” hip-hop tour drew impressive crowds as it made its way across the country for its 2011 run. The tour (headlined by Lil Wayne and featuring Keri Hilson, Far East Movement, Nicki Minaj, Rick Ross and more) ended its run on September 11th in Woodlands, TX. While Wayne took front and center, the rest of the performers, including Ross, held their own, contributing to the aura of the traveling festival.

If you’re unfamiliar with Ross, allow me to bring you up to speed. Ross is an artist who has dominated large parts of the hip-hop scene for years. Ross was one of the forerunners in revamping Miami’s rap scene and putting it back in the national spotlight. Predominantly influenced by Luther Campbell and the Notorious B.I.G., he began rapping in the 1990’s, fronting the group, Carol City Cartel. Their sound took its cue from Ross’ unique baritone voice; makes sense considering Ross is an imposing six feet at 300lbs.

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Fashion Peace – Love – Spandex

by Joe Gall
September 12, 2011 - 10:48 am

The future of super hero party style.

For fashion designer, wardrobe stylist, Angela McBride, spandex is a way of life. The self-taught seamstress has created countless amounts of stretchy goodness while hustling her way to the top. Working runway shows, styling photo shoots, to dressing the biggest names in entertainment today.

She’s currently taking over the city with Aptemal Clothing on a line of “DETROIT HUSTLES HARDER” spandex and booty shorts. She continues building her brand while promoting her work as a stylist for all types: hip hop, rock stars, whatever, she can do it all. Angela’s latest gig includes making some gear for the ultimate party band –LMFAO- who totally embodies what Peace Love and Spandex is all about: High energy fun, dressing up and getting down!

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Gallery Music Shredding the Gnar with Lil Wayne

by Mike Bucher and Joe Gall
September 8, 2011 - 10:55 am

Releasing albums from prison, changing genre gears and putting out rock albums, shredding the gnar at skate parts, Lil Wayne, it seems, is scared of nothing. You’ve got to respect a man who refuses to play it safe, a man who abhors following a formula, a man who will strap on a helmet and hit the coping.

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Gallery Music Keri Hilson: No Boys Allowed… Except Maybe Lil Wayne

by Barbie Brady and Joe Gall
August 31, 2011 - 12:00 pm

Say what you will about Keri Hilson, the girl is talented, determined, beautiful and in all the right company. Currently on the I Am Still Music Tour with Lil Wayne, Lloyd, Far East Movement and Rick Ross. Her sophomore album, No Boys Allowed has proved that she is no flash in the pan. Her strong voice and sex appeal continues to propel her above and beyond some of her lesser contemporaries (you know who they are).

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