Final Project

Number 5: "Imagine A Future Where We Wont Be Living In The Past"

Without the past there would obviously be no future.When it comes to just about anything; photography, music, fashion, and film, the past plays a major role in whats to come. I love being knowledgeable about the past and how things began. I love listening to old music as well as studying or doing research on old designers and photographers. I sometimes enjoy the old more then I do the new, I guess you say I'm kind of an old soul. Sitting down with older generations and discussing the old and the new is so intriguing to me, I also kind of see it as being crucial to me and where I want to be, or more so the type of person I want to become. Theres no new without a little old. 

Number 4: "Success Is My Idol"

We all have idols or people we admire and try to emulate, whether we recognize it or not. I see myself as being an introvert but only because I am so consumed in my thoughts and aspirations. Its hard for me to find people who see what I see or at least see the world in the way I do. I admire those who go against the grain, those who believe in themselves as well as their craft, and those who leave such a unique impact that we cannot help but take notice.

Number 3: "Tryna Find A Way; But You Never Found A Map"

I want to conquer it all. You could definitely say that I am a big dreamer and want to achieve many things in life. In my eyes its a good thing but at times it can be overwhelming. As a child I tried out all sorts of things and would change my "What I want to be when I grow up" every week, its a phase I thought I would grow out of but I literally find interest and passion in so many different things, all having to do with creating things and coming up with ideas that almost require a personal stamp if that makes any sense. 

Number 2: "Relapse, Just Relax And Pop In My Disc"

I love music! It's sort of a way to step out of any problems or troubles I have and just relax. I find myself listening to all genres, but I must say Rap, and R&B are the two main genres a listen to. 

Number 1: "Everything In Fashion"

I've been a fashion enthusiast since a child. The different styles and creations, along with the looks and how they're put together is something that simply amazes me. I myself am kind of a tomboy and often find myself preferring items in the mens sections but I also do enjoy upscale female pieces as well. 

Leaders Of The New School

This picture sure is controversial, but is it accurate? The bottom portion shows three legends and musical geniuses, does the top reflect their replacements? I think so. Wale, J.Cole, and Kendrick Lamar obviously have a long way to go when it comes to comparing themselves to the greats, but they definitely have proved they deserved to be here. Lets start with J.Cole, if people don't acknowledge his skills by now I don't know what it will take.  He's not any other up coming artist who runs to this one and that one trying to make a chart topping hit, I personally feel that he's one of the few that still respect the art of rap. I also love the fact that Roc Nation is a label who seems to focus on artist development and building artists instead of building popularity, the perfect place for him to be. Wale aka the poetic genius, is associated with MMG, known for their hard lyrics and chart topping hits, he's almost the poetic voice in the group. Not meant in a bad way, but in the same way Nas was, extremely knowledgable and undoubtedly intelligent. His lyrics show consciousness on whats going on and his delivery is impeccable in my opinion. Of course he throws in those chart toppers and club anthems as he should. Last but not least is the new comer, Kendrick Lamar. He arrived almost soft on the scene kinda stayed low and didn't make a lot of noise, which is definitely not a bad thing when your holding those type of skills. I kinda enjoy the rappers who rap and leave the BS to those who cant necessarily back their words with their talent or lack there of. All three of these man came on the scene true to themselves and their art, they didn't blow up right then and there but there talent prevailed. Those who have a slow start seem to last long in the Hip Hop world and I see these three definitely continuing to create good music for years to come. 

Its All About The Money Wk10

Nowadays rappers have to be more than rappers. Whats makes a successful rapper is everything he does outside of the rap scene. The money produced from albums and sales has increasingly reduced and in all honesty wasnt even that stable to begin with, the set up is almost created in such a way that it is almost impossible to see a major pay day if you dont have a back plan or a few.Being a business savy indivudual is the way to go, we all see P.Diddy, Jay-Z and 50 Cent, they built themselves brands and created empires. In order for a rapper to see any real money and longevity he must brand himself, the rap world is so much more than just the art now, its that and then some. You can look at rappers such as Common or Talib Kweli, both impecable rappers but neither have seen the type of success as say fabolous or Lil Wayne. Skills were important and still are but its all about the money now. What sells? Whats gonna get peoples attention? What do the people wanna see? And how can we bring in the money? It has shifted away from being a hobby or passion and became a business, turning artists into puppets, brining them in and squeezing every penny you could get out of them out. If you dont create something along the way, or make yourself a staple, you'll be chewed up and spit out.

"Put rings on everything, wear timbs on every scene"

1973 marked the year of a revolution, the creation of timbs. Nathan Swartz produced the iconic shoe, a leather waterproof boot,made solely for the working man not knowing how impactful it would soon become. Overtime the boots popularity began to rise, until the 1990's. When the art of gangsta rap became the new style and out came the timbs, the once known working boot became the new symbol for the urban community. There wasn't one person who didn't own a pair,or two, or three. In the early 2000's they even began to make it a little fancy, adding gucci labels and things of that nature to the boot, not the company itself but the wearers. The boot itself has been a symbol in the hip-hop community for a long time and now your starting to see it elsewhere. People that you normally wouldn't think to wear such an urban look is embracing it and loving it, I always said the Hip-Hop world can take something and turn it into worldwide craze. Im sure Nathan Swartz could have never imagined how large his work boot would become. Its not only a staple in the urban communities but now its a staple period. I myself get a new pair every year. 

"Downtown Mixing Fabrics tryna find the magic" Wk8

In September 2005 Kanye West first announced what was the beginning of his venture into the fashion world. A line called Pastelle Clothing was his first go at officially designing. The complications are unknown but the line was cancelled in 2009 but this was the start of a wild ride for Kanye. He then began teaming up with many different designers through the years; Nike, Bape, Louis Vuitton, and Giuseppe Zanotti. West has even had some success with the, I guess you could say redo, of his lines. Although Kanye always seems to discuss the lack of support he receives from the high end fashion world. Many people look at him as being egotistical and narsassistic  but i simply believe the he just wants to achieve greatness and go down in history. It seems to me as if he doesn't want to be known as a rapper who has a line but a true designer, which in a recent interview with Kanye i learned that he actually attended design school. He is qualified and shows dedication as well as a true passion for the art but is simply not well received or maybe well respected in the way he wants to be in the fashion world. 


Here are a couple looks from one of Kanye's shows:

The Art Of Name Dropping Wk6

Fashion seems to be the newest cliche in the rap community, a quick shout-out used to be the way to go, now it seems giving the fans a list is the new wave. Rappers have always been giving  handouts and special privileges when it comes to clothes, their influence over the community was something thats always been admired and used. Along with that, rappers seem to be to drop a couple names or even faithfully wear a brand and their interest and slight loyalty to brand grasps the attention of the designer. Thus, resulting in the partnership between the two, they end up front row at all the shows,they're seen walking around and showing up to industry events with these elite designers.One can call this a form a publicity, a beneficial relationship for both parties. Fashion designers get cool points and publicity while the artists get front row seat to a whole new world, and a chance to socialize different group of influential people.

"Rollin for Lana, dripped in Gabana" -Foxy Brown  

"Bought the Herve dress, it cause it fit the curves belts" -Fabolous

"Mr. Comme Des Garçons, Mr. Alexander Wang, Mr. Chain, pinky ring" -2 Chainz

"Raf Simons, Rick Owens, usually what i'm dressed in" - ASAP Rocky 

 

Outside The Lines Podcast

The lyric search website, RapGenuis, has thrown itself in the podcast ring. Rap Genius is one of the best websites for lyric look ups, the site not only provides accurate information, but also gives insightful analyses of the songs as well as the rappers. The company began doing the podcast last year, and trusts me when I tell you it’s worth your attention. It’s not some corny show with a bunch of unknown people, the show has a very friendly and inviting feel and its guest are very open. The channel has already had hip hop elite sit down and talk; Nas, Cipha Sounds,Talib Kweli, Rza, just to name a few. Do yourself a favor and go check it out!

Outside The Lines 

         - Rap Genuis

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/outside-lines-rap-genius/id530017639 

Project 6

The music lifestyle brand known as Rocksmith has been around for years, beginning in 2004 and there company continues to make strides in the street wear community. They are known for their music inspired collections and have recently been collaborating with an array of influential artists. One of the brands biggest projects this year is the ode to the Wu Tang Era. This year marks Wu Tang’s 20^th Anniversary of the release of the groups first studio album, 36 Chambers. The capsule collection features hoodies, T-shirts, and accessories, all covered in the original album artwork. Like anything else in the world, it is all about timing and it just so happens that Wu Tang is supposed to be reuniting and coming out with a new album. This partnership is a honestly a brilliant idea, any true Wu Tang fan had to have had original memorabilia from the group, all the way back from the 90’s and this new clothing line gives them items to add 20 years later. As far as the younger generation it’s something to look cool in I mean, don’t we all love retro stuff. Now, it is pretty obvious that the Rocksmith staff is hardworking bunch, due to the fact that they are doing pretty well with their own collection, taking on a collection with Wu Tang, and yesterday they just announced a new collection with Memphis rapper Yo Gotti.  The rappers album, I Am, is said to be dropping the 19th of this month and along with the album his fans will be able to support buy purchasing items from his own capsule collection. The collection will include French terry crewnecks and sublimated t-shirts in monochrome, volt, and magenta. Yo Gotti has definitely made a name for himself in the hip hop world, but will his collection be as successful as the Wu’s, one of the greatest hip hop groups of all time? All of the brands clothing can be found in select stores and, more accessible, there website RockSmithnyc.com

Midterm Interview

More Than Just A Rapper Wk5

In March ASAP Rocky had the honor of making the cover to one of the most elite fashion magazines, L'uomo Vogue, which is the Italian men's version. ASAP Rocky is definitely one of the many unique faces popping up in today’s hip hop world, he came into the game immediately capturing peoples attention due to his style, musically and fashion wise. Rocky brings a lot to the table; he's obviously far from being just some cocky Harlem boy. You can literally hear the extreme amount of knowledge and passion through every word he speaks. In the L'uomo interview the rapper expresses some of his views, 

"I’ve always been interested in fashion, since when I was a kid and used to shop on 5th Avenue. But the real leap in quality occurred when I was 16 years old. I immediately loved Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Gucci. Nevertheless, my approach has always been spontaneous, based on a sort of fashion sense that lets me blend haute couture with street wear. What's most important to me is originality. I don't have problems mixing things: I don't care if the outfit is considered elegant or not. It’s my style. Period."

This does not only hold true for his fashion sense but includes his musical taste as well. Below are some of the shots from the March issue. 

"...ratchets, designer jackets"

Coinciding with my recent interview, theres been an influx of artists stepping into the fashion world. In the years to come it seems hip hop lines will be no more, teaming up with high end fashion lines seem to be the new way to go, like rihanna's collaboration with River Island, and Kanye's clothing line with A.P.C. The downfall of hip hop lines can also be due to the change in street wear, thanks to brands like Ice Cream and BBC going against the grain.....But there is one group who gets a pass, the good ole Diplomats or should i say Juelz, Jim, and Cam'ron. Only Cam'ron can sell sock for $150 and have them sell out, Juelz promotion of slow bucks and Jim new line Protocol. Now don't get me wrong, there are still rappers who can create and sell clothes its just now they're competing with the whole fashion world, the competition isn't just with each other.

Can HipHop Be High End? Audio Interview

So I recently had the opportunity to interview my good friend, who just so happens to be a Bloomingdales employee as well as a Michael Kors specialists, Neils. We discussed Hip Hop's transition into the fashion world and whether or not they're necessarily welcome.

https://soundcloud.com/jhanetutt/can-hip-hop-be-end-1

"Truthfully I wanna rhyme like Common Sense But I did 5 mill'- I ain't been rhyming like Common since"

Everyone seems to be waiting on hip hop's big revival, the question isn't when its gonna happen but whether or not we'll let it . Lets be honest the music world is based upon us as consumers, they give us what we want. The radio and clubs play what they get reactions to, don't get me wrong, there are definitely favorites but in order for something to get air time the people have to like it. We all want the "real hip hop" but then again we really don't. Although.. the underground hip hop world is brewing and little by little the lyricists seem to be emerging(reemerging) from a lost world.