Somewhere in galaxy far away from here the true taste-maker still exist, unfortunately traveling at the speed of light to reach them currently is not an option. When you think of fashion these days it’s hard to remember a time when individualism has been more compromised than it is now. Let me put it in laymen’s terms, what people would call swag these days lacks it’s own namesake because everyone is doing it. For instance if everyone rocks a snapback doesn’t that defeat the point of buying a snapback? The crux of style and “swag” is supposed to be the ability to do what’s considered different with confidence. When different becomes the norm it no longer qualifies as stylish and those who subscribe to it are just followers who came late to the party. Portland designer Morgan Jones has seemed to master the art of individuality. Her jewelry line “Infamous Items” embodies what it means to be a true taste-maker. In a day and age where toeing the company line seems to be what’s cool her jewelry does the exact opposite. Maybe it’s the weather maybe not but the Pacific-Northwest has a way of affecting its citizens in strange ways creatively. Using militant and at times morbid design concepts the Grant high school graduate and Portland native is able to capture human emotion through her jewelry. Ms. Jones is able to hand craft jewelry with items that are more synonymous with violence then fashion but it’s that juxtapose in position that makes her line so fresh and unique. When it comes to fashion and design it takes something very different to catch my eye, it’s safe to say she had me at hello. She will be debuting new items from the Assassin Line live on the runway at The Refuge on 116 SE Yamhill 2/10/12 from 8pm-2pm. For more information on the brand log on to Facebook.com/infamousitems #Getinfamous
Often times when I hear a new hip-hop artist I end up feeling disappointed. The thing is it’s not really their fault for the most part; It’s not that they lack some “it” factor that’s only found in a few artist it’s more of the times we live in. In a society obsessed with celebrity and sensationalism it seems the art form as a whole has suffered as a result. Gone are the days of conceptual albums and lyricism, replaced by snap back hats skinny jeans and the plague known as “swag”. I’m not here to point fingers on who’s fault it is but somewhere along the way actually being a good rapper got lost in the shuffle. With that being said every once and while you do find a diamond in the rough. For every 10 new artist I get a chance to listen to usually only one or two get my attention. Atlanta native and Portland resident Stevo might just be the one for you too. Although his name might conjure images of a certain MTV funny man this Stevo provides fans with much more than an occasional laugh. The thing that stands out about Stevo’s music is it embodies youthful exuberance without compromising creativity. His latest mixtape “Pardon My Jet Lag” was well received by critics and music lovers alike and is sure to be one of many quality releases by the young Portland artist. Stevo also brought the ATL hustle to the Pacific- Northwest, which earns him bonus points in my book. Releasing his music independently through his own imprint Triple-SB his work ethic is starting to yield positive results. Although Pardon My Jet Lag is fueled by the high energy and lyrics of Stevo it’s when he links with Triple-SB co-founder and resident songwriter Nick Fave that takes the project to the next level. With Nick navigating melodies and chorus structure it allows Stevo the freedom to focus on the art of storytelling which is a real treat for the listener. If you don’t have a copy of the mixtape I’d advise you to step your game up it’s well worth the purchase.To check out more of his music visit www.reverbnation.com/Stevotriplesb and to download his mixtape visit www.datpiff.com and search “Pardon My Jet Lag” If you want to check him out live he’ll be performing live September 16 at The Candy Carnival in Estacada Oregon. Make sure you bring your lighters though, at a Stevo show you can bet you’ll need it. #Smokesomethin’
Has anyone ever wondered what really makes a good party? I mean if you think about it what’s truly the common denominator? I’ve been to clubs all over the U.S., from big markets to small markets and everywhere you go the definition changes. Some people think its beautiful people and others think its good music. I look at it a little different I think it just depends on who you are and where you are. If you’re in Los Angeles you might be looking for a swanky club with a V.I.P line that never moves. That’s not for everyone but for some that might be the definition of a good time. I’m not here to tell you who’s right and who’s wrong but I can tell you where to be when it comes to my town. When some people think of the Rose City they might think coffee shops and “keep Portland weird” bumper stickers and they’d be correct to do so. But that would only be half right, what some people might not know is if you take a more in-depth look there’s a nightlife seen that is just as unique as the people and places within the city. Who’s the person behind this nightlife renaissance? Well his family might call him Idris but if you’re a Portland native you probably just know him as Starchile. If you look at the local hip-hop scene now you wouldn’t know it but at one point Portland’s underground hip-hop scene was very popular. At its peak you could see Northeast Portland native Starchile on stage rockin crowds with a herringbone that would make Rappin’ 4-Tay blush. Those were the days when sold out local shows were common and hating was still in it’s infancy. These days the herringbone is gone but the man on stage is still moving crowds in a different way. As a radio personality slash promoter Starchile was able to parlay his people skills into a viable business and the nightlife landscape in Portland should be thankful for it. His latest event might just be the crown jewel of them all. Live & Direct is quickly becoming the place to be around town and created quite the buzz over the past few months. Located at the Rotture on SE 3rd & Pine you might not notice it driving bye but once you step in you’ll be pleasantly surprised. The music is tight the drinks are stiff and the crowd is diverse, Portland at it’s best. No fights no long lines and all without crossing the bridge. The next Live & Direct is April 8 and is sure to live up to the buzz surrounding it. Still asking what makes a good party? Just be there April 8 and you might just find out. For more information log on to http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=164131810306625
If you listen to hip-hop the way I do this post might give you a little perspective on how I see things. The way I look at it the most important thing an emcee is obligated to do is put on for his city. Maybe it’s just the way hip-hop is presented but ever since the days of the Bronx vs. Queens-Bridge battle there is nothing that says hip-hop like someone that put’s his city before himself. Oddly enough in other genres of music it doesn’t really seem to work that way. A band could be from overseas and you might not know it until you read their biography. One thing is for sure when you hear this particular emcee it won’t take you long to figure out where he’s from. Seattle native Ben Haggerty better known by his stage name Macklemore leaves no doubt where his heart lies. The Emerald City emcee reps Seattle every chance he gets. People around the globe might not be aware of Seattle’s rich underground hip-hop tradition but for those of us amerced in the culture it’s no secret there’s a lot more going on in the “206” than Seattle Seahawk games. Macklemore attended Garfield high school in Seattle, which just so happens to be the same school Portland Trailblazer shooting guard Brandon Roy attended. He began to build a buzz in the region after he performed at Bumbershoot in 2008. This festival is one of the most popular musical events in the Pacific-Northwest and can act as a springboard for any aspiring artist. His latest single and video “The Town” is a tribute to the Seattle hip-hop scene and pays homage to those who paved the way for him. Although Sir Mix- A- Lot is often credited as being the only Seattle born emcee to have enjoyed mainstream success he left many emcee’s inspired along the way. If representing your city is a prerequisite in hip-hop’s arms race, than Macklemore is more than ready for war. If you’re looking to catch a dope show in the Portland area he’ll be performing at the Hawthorne Theater March 3. You might want to grab your ticket early it’s sure to be a packed house. For more information log on to www.myspace.com/macklemore
Portland band No Kind of Rider has had a winding road to reach the Pacific Northwest. Originally hailing from Tulsa Oklahoma the band moved west to explore the fertile indie rock scene in the city of roses. If your not very familiar with the movement that’s happening in your city you can bet the revolution wont be televised. When you take the time and look around there are a variety of new and talented bands playing all over town. Many people that move to this area of the country have done so to take part in the blossoming music scene and people are starting to take notice. No Kind of Rider released “The Black Swan “ EP in 2008 which was well received by the Portland market. In classic Northwest fashion the band used word of mouth, a great live show and top-notch musicianship to further the bands buzz. Using a great work ethic and quality songs No Kind of Rider has just released a full length LP “Daaanger “ which is the bands best work to date. It’s available for free I might add on the bands web site http://www.nokindofrider.com/. Be on the look out for great things from this band and be sure to check them out live around town log on to their web site for more information. To listen to the title track for their new album click the daaanger icon” Daaanger”
Somewhere in galaxy far away from here the true taste-maker still exist, unfortunately traveling at the speed of light to reach them currently is not an option. When you think of fashion these days it’s hard to remember a time when individualism has been more compromised than it is now. Let me put it in laymen’s terms, what people would call swag these days lacks it’s own namesake because everyone is doing it. For instance if everyone rocks a snapback doesn’t that defeat the point of buying a snapback? The crux of style and “swag” is supposed to be the ability to do what’s considered different with confidence. When different becomes the norm it no longer qualifies as stylish and those who subscribe to it are just followers who came late to the party. Portland designer Morgan Jones has seemed to master the art of individuality. Her jewelry line “Infamous Items” embodies what it means to be a true taste-maker. In a day and age where toeing the company line seems to be what’s cool her jewelry does the exact opposite. Maybe it’s the weather maybe not but the Pacific-Northwest has a way of affecting its citizens in strange ways creatively. Using militant and at times morbid design concepts the Grant high school graduate and Portland native is able to capture human emotion through her jewelry. Ms. Jones is able to hand craft jewelry with items that are more synonymous with violence then fashion but it’s that juxtapose in position that makes her line so fresh and unique. When it comes to fashion and design it takes something very different to catch my eye, it’s safe to say she had me at hello. She will be debuting new items from the Assassin Line live on the runway at The Refuge on 116 SE Yamhill 2/10/12 from 8pm-2pm. For more information on the brand log on to Facebook.com/infamousitems #Getinfamous
