ChinaShop » Joe Gall http://www.chinashopmag.com Music Art Fashion and Film Online Cultural Magazine Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:42:50 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 High Timez With Theophilus London http://www.chinashopmag.com/2012/02/high-timez-with-theophilus-london/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2012/02/high-timez-with-theophilus-london/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:13:43 +0000 Joe Gall http://www.chinashopmag.com/?p=104677 Continue reading →]]> 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.

On the tail end of his Tour de Roses—a sort of reinvention procession that’s featured a host of new material from not one but two purported LPs due this year—the Trinidad-born and Brooklyn-raised rapper wasn’t just one of music’s biggest stories. He was a fashion icon as well. The aforementioned Cole Haan collabo was just the beginning. He’s been in bed with Bushmills, and those varsity jackets he and his crew are rocking on stage in these photos from their Detroit show come courtesy of a partnership with Nike. His age? He’ll turn 25 this month.

London is a mixed bag of emotion. Dizzyingly creative, an interview with him can run the gamut from esoteric to sociopolitical. Sometimes he speaks in hurried, disjointed fragments, other times he can wax philosophical about a specific designer’s fall collection in ways that are so focused you’d think he was renting space in the designer’s head. And don’t get him started on Michael. He’s got a special place in his heart for the King of Pop.

“You can see all different references on my Tumblr,” says London. “I might post a photo or a Marvin [Gaye] song. But you know, I have no problem if people can’t quantify my catalog when all is said and done. I want people to only think of Theophilus London when they think of me. I might wear a Michael Jackson shirt because I love that guy in spirit, but I’m not gonna compare myself to him. I’m not gonna copy those guys. They were the greatest to me, and I just want to take their spirit and their soul and learn off their whole career. There are too many fake Michael Jacksons out there.”

Very true, and if London keeps up his accelerated, high profile trajectory, there will be a surplus of Theophilus pretenders out there vying for his number one spot.

Words by Rich Thomas (@TheLandfill). Photos by Joe Gall (@JoeGallPhoto).

Theophilus London Swingin the mic London live Live in concert with Theophilus London 2012 Welcome to the Theophilus party Things gettin blurry The band rocking London down low London and friends Theophilus London serenade Partying Theophilus London turning it out Theophilus London spreading good vibes Not afraid to relax In concert with Theophilus London Theophilus live Theophilus London live in concert 2012 #BestOutfitAward Timez Are Weird? Breaking out the spiked jacket Gettin crazy Repping LVRS T London Timez Are Weird These days Brooklyn raised Trinidad-born Theophilus London Live IMG_9509 Theophilus London Theophilus London party rocking Theophilus London shakes things up Theophilus London B & W Gold Theophilus London is the keg stand champ Theophilus London 2012 Ready for a keg stand yo Theophilus London up close and personal Theophilus London setting the party off IMG_9610 ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2012/02/high-timez-with-theophilus-london/feed/ 0 Wu-Tang Is For The Children… and Everyone Else http://www.chinashopmag.com/2012/01/wu-tang-is-for-the-children-and-everyone-else/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2012/01/wu-tang-is-for-the-children-and-everyone-else/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 18:53:30 +0000 Joe Gall http://www.chinashopmag.com/?p=104388 Continue reading →]]> 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.

Say what you will about their best years being behind them, but the fact that the Wu-Tang Clan are still touring and producing albums speaks volumes about the group’s ability to come together in the face of seemingly insurmountable creative differences and rip the hip-hop world one mic at a time. The pictures you’re looking at were taken during a gig at the Royal Oak Music Theatre on January 4, the halfway point in the group’s latest Wu Fest Tour. Pay special attention to the crowd shots. The group’s first album, Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) hit record store shelves in 1993, smack in the middle of what many consider to be hip-hop’s golden era, and if you’ve been reading up on our latest series of hip-hop articles, you know what that particular time period represented to youth culture in America.

It didn’t matter if you were from Brooklyn, Los Angeles or Duluth, Minnesota, the words of Method Man, the RZA, Raekwon, Ghostface and the rest of the crew bounced around your brain like super balls with concrete centers. Battle hymns, kung-fu analogies, drug deals and the O.D.B.’s esoteric pillow talk were all there to be deciphered and studied by young monks looking for something darker and dingier than mainstream rap and R&B. Like NWA before them, Wu-Tang covered dangerous, uncharted territory, but 19 years later, their music remains a hip-hop touchstone, and their presence on stage is legend.

The last time I saw the RZA in concert, he spritzed the crowd with champagne—his preferred beverage—and everyone within five feet of the stage probably sustained a moderate contact high. Par for the course at your typical Wu-Tang show. But you won’t find that bottle-popping mentality in his rhymes, and while your average Wu member has a Ph.D. in flossing, they still know how to keep it grimy. Word is the Clan has a new full-length in the works for this year. Hearsay will abound, members will beef in the press about not having enough control, and RZA will probably make an appearance in someone’s film in the midst of it all, but it will come out, and like everything they do, it deserves to be given its due process.

Words by Rich Thomas (@TheLandfill). Photos by Joe Gall (@JoeGallPhoto).

Wu Tang plays the Royal Oak Music Theatre WuTang Live 2012 Flexin the Wu Rzu wants you. Wu Tang plays the Royal Oak Music Theatre 2012 Wu fans at the Royal Oak Music Theatre Forever What time is it? Wu-oclock Butterfly or Wu sign? Flash your fav sign Rza sippin Wu Tang at Royal Oak Rza's champagne dream wutangclan.com The Collective And the crowd goes wild Wu at Royal Oak Music Wu Tang Wu Tang Clan 2012 Wu dresses for success (and warmth) Happy Wu years Strength in numbers Smoke signals Wu Tang @ Royal Oak Music Theatre 2012 Method Man Wu Tang Forever 2012 Through the smoke Contact high Fists in the air Blazing da mic Wu Tang at Royal Oak Music Theatre 2012 Fans at Wu Tang Show Hip hop lives Wu Wu Standin tall! Thumbs up for the Wu Wu Tang at Royal Oak Music Theatre on January 4 Now that is crowd surfing Wu Tang Forever ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2012/01/wu-tang-is-for-the-children-and-everyone-else/feed/ 0 The Past, Present and Odd Future of Rap http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/11/the-past-present-and-odd-future-of-rap/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/11/the-past-present-and-odd-future-of-rap/#comments Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:27:40 +0000 Joe Gall http://www.chinashopmag.com/?p=99267 Continue reading →]]> 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.

But Odd Future was a different kind of experience. In the interest of full disclosure, my first encounter with rap came via Public Enemy, and growing up in the late ’80s, that meant a steady does of Kool Moe Dee, EPMD, NWA and A Tribe Called Quest. Rap was funky, dangerous, political and comedic all at the same time. As I got older, my fascination with rap was replaced by a growing interest in the funky and semi-political world of dance music and the broad brush experimentation of indie rock. (Oh no! You dropped your Nord Lead in my emo ballad!) Of all my favorite albums over the last five years, I could probably count the hip-hop ones on half a hand.

Then along came Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All. The name alone reeked of pretentiousness. Coupled with the rampant stories of lyrical misogyny, violence and otherwise juvenile subject matter, I was not prepared to stand in line for, let alone pay money to see, this group. Coachella 2011 gave me my first opportunity to check ’em out vis-à-vis the aforementioned criteria. The crowd was off the chain from the start, and by start I’m talking about the 20 minutes before the group even came on stage. But 15 minutes into their actual set, I’d had enough. The tent was going off, but it wasn’t for me. The passive hateration was slowly affirming itself. Give me Fear Of A Black Planet or even some Dr. Octagon. You can have your Golf Wang.

Fast forward a month. Scott Sterling, a friend and fellow writer, is blowing up his various social media outlets extolling the brilliance of Goblin, Tyler, The Creator’s latest full-length. I’d heard Odd Future’s Radical mix tape and quickly dismissed it. But a funny thing happens when you find yourself at Amoeba Records on pay day with a pocket full of discretionary income. I picked up Goblin and tossed it in my CD player for the drive from Hollywood back down to my home in the South Bay. But rather than listen to it with the judgmental ear of a veteran (read: tired) writer and father trying hard to sift through the expletives in search of some sacred, artistic chakra stone of Pitchforkian magnitude, I tried to mind-travel back to 1991. The eve of my parent’s divorce. Just me, my Discman, a copy of Niggaz4Life, a White Sox Starter jacket, and a ratty copy of Hustler that I stole from my cousin. A time when I was hyper-emotional about a whole lot of shit that didn’t make a whole lot of sense. And you know what? The album sounded fucking fantastic. Still does.

Does that mean I’m gonna put it on my Top 10 list? Probably not, and I don’t keep it in the car for repeat playing. I don’t keep The Downward Spiral in my car, either, nor do I throw on Gish or Unfun or A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing on a regular basis. But they’re there waiting for me when I need them. Same thing with Goblin or whatever the O.F.W.G.K.T.A. collective is working on. Are they visionaries whose music will withstand the test and scrutiny of time? Probably not. They’re just kids who like the same kinda shit and talk about the same kinda shit that all kids have liked and talked about since the dawn of kid-dom. It’s just that everyone’s listening. Isn’t that all you wanted when you were a kid?

Words by Rich Thomas (@TheLandfill). Photos by Joe Gall (@JoeGallPhoto).

Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 Odd Future in Detroit 2011 ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/11/the-past-present-and-odd-future-of-rap/feed/ 0 Why Is This Man Smiling? The Smashing Pumpkins Go Big http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/11/why-is-this-man-smiling-the-smashing-pumpkins-go-big/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/11/why-is-this-man-smiling-the-smashing-pumpkins-go-big/#comments Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:02:08 +0000 Joe Gall http://www.chinashopmag.com/?p=98895 Continue reading →]]> 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.

Now, with a new lineup behind him—Jeff Schroeder on guitar, Nicole Fiorentino on bass, and 21-year-old Mike Byrne on drums—Corgan is on the verge of releasing the band’s ninth album, Oceania. And what better way to get your appetite whet than by playing a bunch of big ‘ol rock shows, like this one here at the Fillmore in Detroit on Saturday, October 15? Pumpkins gigs have always been a marathon experience, and with so much new material to draw from, this year’s batch of shows have been particularly eclectic.

Originally set for release on September 1st, Oceania is now due to drop in spring of 2012, but we’ve already got a track listing and cover concepts to chew on. Furthermore, the Pumpkins’ classic back catalog is set to get a refresh this fall, with Gish and Siamese Dream first up for the remastering/reissue treatment. (Pre-sale going on now, by the way.) It’s a project Corgan first talked about in an interview with EQ Magazine back in 2008. Needless to say, there will be b-sides a-plenty to pore through when those classic albums return for another spin.

Words by Rich Thomas (@TheLandfill). Photos by Joe Gall (@JoeGallPhoto).

Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 Smashing Pumpkins at the Fillmore Detroit 2011 ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/11/why-is-this-man-smiling-the-smashing-pumpkins-go-big/feed/ 0 Detroit Rock: Explosions in the Sky and Wye Oak http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/10/detroit-rock-explosions-in-the-sky-and-wye-oak/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/10/detroit-rock-explosions-in-the-sky-and-wye-oak/#comments Thu, 13 Oct 2011 21:09:07 +0000 Joe Gall http://www.chinashopmag.com/?p=98518 Continue reading →]]> 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.

The pride of Austin, Explosions found a home on Temporary Residence back in the early 2000’s, releasing a string of now-classic LPs like Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Die, Those Who Tell The Truth Shall Live Forever, The Earth Is Not A Cold Dead Place, and All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone. If you’ve seen Friday Night Lights—the movie, not the TV series—you know how powerful their music can be. They write and perform music unlike any other; epic instrumentals that take you from 0-60 and back again in the space of six minutes. And when they perform live? Along with bands like Sigur Rós, it’s the closest thing you’re gonna get to a religious experience without setting foot inside a church. Their latest album, Take Care, Take Care, Take Care, dropped back in April, and features the amazing “Last Known Surroundings.”

If you’re not familiar with show openers Wye Oak, you need to be. Carrying the torch for a small but mighty subsection of music—the two-man group—the Baltimore pairing of Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner has a great album called Civilian currently out on Merge Records. If you missed them in the States, you’ll have to wait until they come back from a monster European tour in November to check them out. The fine photos you see before you were taken during the bands’ show at the Royal Oak Music Hall on October 8.

Words by Rich Thomas (@TheLandfill). Photos by Joe Gall (@JoeGallPhoto).

Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 Detroit Rock 2011 ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/10/detroit-rock-explosions-in-the-sky-and-wye-oak/feed/ 1 Believe in Unicorns (and Other Weird Stuff): Austin City Limits http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/believe-in-unicorns-and-other-weird-stuff-austin-city-limits/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/believe-in-unicorns-and-other-weird-stuff-austin-city-limits/#comments Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:32:53 +0000 Joe Gall http://chinashop.designenginela.com/?p=97555 Continue reading →]]> 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.”

Words by Mike Bucher. Photos By Joe Gall.

Austin_City_Limits_0011 ACL 2011 ACL 2011 Daniel Zott of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. ACL 2011 ACL 2011 ACL 2011 Bright Eyes pianist. ACL 2011 Austin_City_Limits_0004 Austin_City_Limits_0006 Austin_City_Limits_0001 Austin_City_Limits_0002 Austin_City_Limits_0003 Austin_City_Limits_0007 Austin_City_Limits_0008 Austin_City_Limits_0009 Santigold Girls that look like Skrillex. Austin_City_Limits_0015 Austin_City_Limits_0016 Austin_City_Limits_0018 Austin_City_Limits_0021 Austin_City_Limits_0023 Austin_City_Limits_0025 ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/believe-in-unicorns-and-other-weird-stuff-austin-city-limits/feed/ 0 Heavyweight Hip-Hop: Rick Ross http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/heavyweight-hip-hop-rick-ross/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/heavyweight-hip-hop-rick-ross/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:22:05 +0000 Joe Gall http://chinashop.designenginela.com/?p=97358 Continue reading →]]> 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.

Ranked fourth in MTV News’ 2008 “Hottest MCs In The Game” (a list of ten rappers), Ross was hot on the market. Sought out by the likes of Bad Boy CEO Sean “Diddy” Combs, The Inc. (formerly Murder Inc.) president Irv Gotti, and Def Jam Recordings’ Jay-Z, Ross eventually signed a multi-million-dollar deal with Def Jam. Ross’ cameo contributions to Kanye West’s (2010) My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy helped propel him into the national spotlight.

Acclaim aside, Ross has also seen his fair share of contention. Most memorable is the controversy surrounding his having been a correctional officer in a Florida prison in the 90’s. This subject has been cause for feuds between Ross and others, namely 50 Cent. Ross initially denied the employment allegation but after his social security number proved the legitimacy of the claim, he conceded it to be true.

Ross also had a recent run-in with twenty-one year old female rapper, Kreayshawn. She briefly mentioned Ross in a recent freestyle live on Philadelphia’s Power 99 as she rapped, “You tryin’ to play me like a boss? You faker than Rick Ross.” Ross responded in a recent issue of XXL by saying, “I can’t wait to slap the sh*t out of whoever carries her bags. And I hope it’s her n–. Dirty b*tch. You better know who the f*ck you talking about. I’ll pay 50K to mess up your whole week.”

We’re not saying this guy is a role model in the least. He makes no effort to depart from the hip-hop genre’s pension for degrading portrayals of women, glorification of violence and drugs, and gluttony when it comes to wealth. However, whether or not you vibe what’s behind the sound that is Rick Ross, you’ve got to give this guy credit for the career he’s carved out for himself. Rick Ross, when it comes to the world of hip-hop, you done good… real good.

Words by Ariel Maccarone. Photos by Joe Gall.

Rick Ross_Low20110820_0002 Rick Ross at the "I Am Still Music" Tour 2011 Rick Ross at the "I Am Still Music" Tour 2011 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0005 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0011 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0003 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0004 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0006 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0007 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0008 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0009 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0010 Rick Ross_Low20110820_0013 ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/heavyweight-hip-hop-rick-ross/feed/ 0 Peace – Love – Spandex http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/peace-%e2%80%93-love-%e2%80%93-spandex/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/peace-%e2%80%93-love-%e2%80%93-spandex/#comments Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:48:38 +0000 Joe Gall http://chinashop.designenginela.com/?p=97270 Continue reading →]]> 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!

How and why did this (the spandex revolution) all start?

It all started as a way for friends to dress up and have fun. Getting ready to go out, dressing everyone up made it more exciting. Going out and dancing, when you walk in the room, everybody notices. It makes people smile when you’re wearing a full-piece body suit! It’s unexpected. It became kind of a lifestyle and I wanted to push that with the line. Spandex isn’t an everyday thing, but when you wear it, it creates a certain experience for people. You stand out, it’s comfortable for anybody, and its fun!

Why does spandex make you want to party?

It’s like Superman putting his cape on; you can’t not get down when you’re in Peace Love Spandex. It makes you roll like a superhero!

You teach sewing?

I’ve taught sewing camps and worked with girls of all ages. At our studio- Motor City Sewing- we run classes that teach everything from the basics to more advanced styles. I love to work with kids.

Why did you choose spandex of all fabrics to work with?
I found that the colors and prints were so inspirational to create with. It makes people feel different when they put it on. It changes your outlook, the way you move. Like dance, it frees you in ways and lets you really let loose. It makes people smile!

Spandex is on the comeback. LMFAO where’s spandex, a lot of kids at festivals, etc.…. what’s the deal?

It’s the future. To simplify and wear clothing that’s more responsive to your body and gives you confidence. It looks great, it’s an automatic mood changer- giving the individual an experience.

What kind of reactions do you get from your clothing?

It’s definitely not for everybody, but I’ve seen so many people who’ve never put a pair on and it just makes them so happy. They don’t expect for it to be so comfortable and freeing, but it really is! Put on a pair and let the party start!

What are your hopes and dreams for the future of P.L.S.?

To rule the world one piece of spandex at a time, and work with as many amazing people and artists as possible! Detroit is such a creative melting pot of people. I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many amazing designers and artists. We truly want to embody the Detroit Hustles Harder ethic. Wound, Aptemal, Foutula Lambros are all big inspirations for me and we love to create and influence one another.

Words and Photos by Joe Gall

peace_love_spandex_0016 Peace Love Spandex Peace Love Spandex peace_love_spandex_0000 peace_love_spandex_0002 peace_love_spandex_0003 peace_love_spandex_0004 peace_love_spandex_0005 peace_love_spandex_0006 peace_love_spandex_0007 peace_love_spandex_0008 peace_love_spandex_0009 peace_love_spandex_0010 peace_love_spandex_0011 peace_love_spandex_0013 peace_love_spandex_0014 peace_love_spandex_0015 Peace, Love Spandex peace_love_spandex_0019 peace_love_spandex_0020 peace_love_spandex_0021 ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/peace-%e2%80%93-love-%e2%80%93-spandex/feed/ 0 Shredding the Gnar with Lil Wayne http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/shredding-the-gnar-with-lil-wayne/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/shredding-the-gnar-with-lil-wayne/#comments Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:55:38 +0000 Joe Gall http://chinashop.designenginela.com/?p=96628 Continue reading →]]> 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.

I genuinely dig Weezy’s tunes. When I turn on Power 106 on my morning commute, the highlight of my drive through Laurel Canyon is singing along with “6 foot 7 foot” … yea, really.

The man has the work ethic of a Spartan, he’s rapped on 854 songs (as of this morning), runs a record label (Young Money Entertainment) and now he’s created and promoted his own traveling festival, the “I Am Still Music” tour which was expanded through September due to popular demand. The tour features Weezy himself, Rick Ross, Keri Hilson, Lloyd, Nicki Minaj and more.

Wayne took a little time out of his busy schedule to grind some coping and try his hand at a couple “kickflips” at a skate park in Tampa Florida. After charging hard for a few hours, Weezy took a pretty good spill, busting his forehead on a fixture at the park. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was treated and released. Tweeting about the incident shortly after, Weezy wrote, “The Lou was good but I busted my f***in head at the sk8park! 9 stitches! Gnarly gash over my left eye! Luv the people.”

The injury hasn’t slowed Wayne one bit. You can catch Weezy and friends at one of the 3 remaining “I Am Still Music” tour dates listed below or at a skate park near you.

I Am Still Music Tour Dates:
»9/9 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center
»9/10 – Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion
»9/11 – Woodlands, TX @ Woodlands Amphitheater

Words by Mike Bucher. Photos by Joe Gall

Weezy Skate_1418 Lil Wayne 2011 Weezy and Cory Gunz_1470 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0001 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0002 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0003 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0004 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0005 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0006 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0007 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0008 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0009 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0010 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0011 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0012 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0013 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0014 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0015 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0016 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0017 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0018 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0019 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0020 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0021 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0022 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0023 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0024 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0025 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0026 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0027 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0028 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0029 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0030 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0031 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0032 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0033 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0034 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0035 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0036 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0037 Lil Wayne_Low_20110820_0038 ]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/09/shredding-the-gnar-with-lil-wayne/feed/ 0 Keri Hilson: No Boys Allowed… Except Maybe Lil Wayne http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/08/keri-hilson-no-boys-allowed-except-maybe-lil-wayne/ http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/08/keri-hilson-no-boys-allowed-except-maybe-lil-wayne/#comments Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:00:45 +0000 Joe Gall http://chinashop.designenginela.com/?p=96486 Continue reading →]]> 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).

Some critics are of the opinion that the slutty side comes out when the music lacks, but I think that its a natural progression for a young woman to play with her sexual side while growing as an artist. And Hilson’s lyrics and beats are exactly where they should be. I think she can continue to push her own boundaries, without falling off the ledge (I am most certainly looking at you Katy Perry). Style does not dictate substance, but it certainly does make things more interesting to watch.

Don’t miss the last few opportunities you may have to catch this extravagant stage show.

»8/31 – Albuquerque, NM @ Hard Rock Pavilion
»9/2 – Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheater
»9/3 – Marysville, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheater
»9/7 – Omaha, NE @ Qwest Arena
»9/9 – San Antonio, TX @ AT&T Center
»9/10 – Dallas, TX @ Gexa Energy Pavilion
»9/11 – Woodlands, TX @ Woodlands Amphitheater

Words by Barbie Brady. Photos by Joe Gall

Keri Hilson 2011 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0002 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0003 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0004 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0005 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0006 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0007 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0008 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0009 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0010 Keri Hilson_Low20110820_0011

 

]]> http://www.chinashopmag.com/2011/08/keri-hilson-no-boys-allowed-except-maybe-lil-wayne/feed/ 0