Air Questo

Nike has teamed up with ?uest love from the Roots to create a unique style sneaker called the Nike Air Questo as park of Nike's Air Force One 1WRORLD campaign. It features a lime green aligator type patter along with burgundy compliments on the toe and back of the show; along with a gold foil swoosh. The back right corner features a black outline of ?uest Love's profile. Perhaps it maybe a little too much for some but if you feel it, kick it. ~R. Esquire

Consequence Disperse

New Consequence for Disperse featuring Really Doe and GLC, G.O.O.D music. ~R. Esquire

Nas at the Roxy

Nas blaze the stage at the Roxy and performed for over an hour doing countless songs. However he ended with a high note with some of the tracks off of "Untitled" check it out. ~R. Esquire

Lady of Elegance

With a smooth sultry voice and youth and exuberance, Esperanza Spalding is headed full steam to the future all the way from Oregon. She is intelligent to say the least as she plays multiple instruments before she picked the bass as her weapon of choice. After only a year of high school she enrolled at Portland State University where she graduated in three years, and then became of the youngest professors to teach at Berklee College of Music. She is more than proficient on the double bass and her jazz is something with a very modern feel yet very relaxing, I find Ms. Spalding herslef doesnt exactly fit in to the streotyped image of a jazz musician. To hear her sound and style you should look up her tow relesed studio albums to date, Junjo*2006* and Esperanze*2008* and enjoy. ~R. Esquire

Unbound Resolution

On the July 29. 2008 the House of Represenatives, lead by Democratic Represenative of Tennesse Steve Cohen; gave a NONBINDING resolution apologizeing for slavery and the cruelty, brutality, inhumanity, and injustice of the Jim Crowe Era. The Represenatives acknowledge that the negative effects are felt to the current day stemming from slavery which involve tangible and intangible damages. All of this is of importance because it is the first time that a federal branch of the government has issued an apology. With that being said I believe out of everything said in this apology nonbinding is the most important word. I feel it is wonderful for the government to formally give acknowledgement to the masses who suffered during a horrible period of United States history. However to give an unbinding apology to those you held bound and exploited seems ironic. On the other hand I can think nothing more American, to try to get the most for free. From free labor to being exonerated from crime free of responsibility. Perhaps it is merely a formality but i suppose we will all have to wait and see if anything develops from this unbound reolution. Check here for the full article http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/07/29/house.slavery/index.html?section=cnn_latest and comment on what you think, be heard. ~R. Esquire

A Sweet Deal

Preping for the Release of his new album "Murs for President" coming in late September, Murs and 9th Wonder have released a the album "Murs 9th Wonder Present Sweet Lord" for, available online for download. Murs has been a force in the western coast since the late 1990's and has decided to release some older tracks for free for all to enjoy. The download can be found at http://www.mursand9thwonder.com/download.html, enjoy ~R.Esquire

Put On

The Video for Young Jeezys new single "Put On" featuring Kanye West ~R.Esquire

Dope Boys

The California Kid is back with his new video for "Dope Boys" featuring Travis Barker off of his upcoming album 'L.AX.' *Los Angeles Times*.

Dont Act Like You Dont Know

New video from Skillz off his new album 'Million Dollar Backpack'; "Dont Act Like You Dont Know" featuring Freeway ~R.Esquire

Fonzworth Bentley ft. Kanye West & Andre 3000 - Everybody

Mr. Bentley is making moves in the industry. This video is a significant piece of evidence we should be seeing his album C.O.L.O.U.R.S *Cool Outrageous Lovers Of Uniquely Raw Style* very soon. Oh and of course Mr. Bentley may be seen on MTV as the host of the reality show G's to Gents. ~R. Esquire

The full package

Skillz or as old hip-hop heads may know him, Mad Skillz; is back with a new album for 2008 with a message packed in. After a long series of mixtape releases Skillz has released the album “Million Dollar Backpack” which should be on the to-get list for any lyric lover’s album list. Skillz gives testament to his longevity in the industry in the opening track “The million dollar backpack” which he states all the rappers who use to sport the backpack and what it represents; and on track 5 “Sick” he boast about his lyrical style and how he has been supreme with his flow since the first days of hip-hop. I would have to say my favorite track off this album would have to be the track “Im Gon Make It” and “For Real”. The album has incredible story telling capability and contains none of the party and b.s. records most rappers and record executives produce now. The track which makes the biggest statement on the album would have to be “Hip Hop Died”, which takes aim at the executives who only want hip-hop as long as it generates revenue. Overall, Skillz created a great album and can be played from beginning to end. ~R. Esquire

Manufacturing Dissent Since1989

Frank Shepard Fairey *usually goes by just Shepard Fairey* is a legend in the street art scene. From his meager beginnings from Rhode Island School of Design, influenced by the John Carpenter film “They Live” and Marshall McLuhan; his “Obey Giant” sticker campaign has become a global phenomenon. His art work is often overtly political and often his whole operation of marketing his art seems very contradictive to the very message he is sending out with his art work. However his impact cannot be denied hailed as one of the most influential artist of the 21st century and his text “The Philosophy of Obey” details his ideas and thoughts on the meaning of the art he has created. His work can most recently and readily been seen in the HOPE poster created for the Obama campaign, the new “Rock the Vote” poster, and recently teamed up with Upper Deck to create a Kobe Bryant MVP card. I myself have become a fan of his art work and would suggest anyone to take a close look and tell me what you see… ~R. Esquire

Magnifico Mastretta MXT

A car produced out of Mexico, from the ingenious design of the MXT firm comes the Mastretta MXT. The car is built on a bonded aluminum frame and packs a walloping 200 horse power out of a 2.3 liter V4 engine. The car seems to be a nice alternative for those who want to look sporty but would like to save some gas and keep a little money in the wallet. However I think its design is a little suspicious… Does anyone think it looks a little similar to a Lamborghini…...... curious. ~R. Esquire

iCare: Two wheels toward the future

It seems Honda has taken the first step in pushing the motorcycle toward the future with its iCare concept bike. This bike is sleek and futuristic. Details of this bike have yet to be released, but what is known is that it has a Honda 6 cylinder flat/1800cm3 engine. I expect big things in the future from this bike and Honda. ~R. Esquire

Be Kanye? Absolutely part 2

Perhaps too many Ye's in one place...? ~R. Esquire

Enjoy the music at the Red Café

Red Café has come back to drop off his new mixtape “Eviction Notice”. The mixtape provides some good needed lyricism back into the game from Red Café, and provides a little hope in the future when his album drops. The mixtape is an overall good listen, and I give it a generic good as it was nothing exciting or new, but it was not bad either. The mixtape has some notable songs such as “Dolla Bill remix” and “Paper Touchin”. After listening to tracks with Fabulous and Cassidy I think most people will find those artist compliment Café very well lyrically. Also for those who are enthralled by drama you will find that Café takes a few shots at the likes of Mike Jones, Hell Rell, and Hurricane Chris on his disparaging skit “Worst Rapper Awards”. Besides the gimmick of the drama on wax Red Café is a solid artist and can hold his own no gimmicks just lyrics. ~R. Esquire

Goyard: Something old for the new

You may have heard some of your more sophisticated Rappers sporting and referring to their Goyard bags and luggage in songs and videos; most notably in the Paris, Tokyo video by Lupe Fiasco. The Goyard brand actually dates back to 1853 and can be distinguished by its logo with a large ‘G’ encapsulating an ‘O’. The Goyard trunk comes in Large, medium, and small; the trunks come in various vibrant colors such as red, yellow, and black (perhaps not vibrant). Goyard also makes bags for men and women with the same notable Goyard ‘Y’ shaped pattern and comes in a variety of colors. The bags and trunks are on the expensive side but are beautiful accessories. ~R. Esquire

Popular Poku

If you don’t know who Takashi Murakami is by now you are probably familiar with his work. Most recently, you may have seen his pop otaku style art on the last Kanye West album Graduation and on a daily bases his work is imprinted on many Louis Vuitton handbags or silk scarves. Murakami has many exhibits in museums, most notably, if in the Los Angeles area be sure to check out the MOCA Museum exhibit. His art work is cited as being in the super flat style which he is credited for. I suggest if you like it to try to acquire a piece. As I had a college professor who told a story of a piece he bought and sold for rent money only to find it was worth triple what he paid. Perhaps the art work could be considered an aesthetically pleasing investment. Murakami was the only visual artist to make Time Magazine’s list of 100 most influential people in 2008. ~R. Esquire

A green flower by any other name

Now most cars I post on this site are on the extreme end of the save the globe spectrum; usually being completely hydrogen or electric. Now is a car manufacture’s honest attempt to go green even though they haven’t done investment into the green market. Lotus has created the Lotus Eco Elise. The Eco Elise has replaced normal car materials with eco friendly alternatives including: hemp, eco wool, and sisal in the car’s body and trim, and a high-tech water based paint. The car comes equip with solar panels in the hardtop to power the electric system and all the eco friendly alternatives shave 70 pounds off the cars weight. All in all this is an exemplary first step taken to create an eco friendly vehicle which any car manufacture can turn to without years of research. We should only expect better and bigger ideas from Lotus in the future. ~R.Esquire

Temperatures Rising

Asher Roth is a young new artist emerging and creating a buzz with his new mixtape “The Green House Effect. The mixtape is cosigned by two major Djs in Dj Drama and Don Cannon which gives more credence to the lyrical ability of Mr. Roth. After listening to his mixtape it is clear that he has a lyrical talent which is refreshing to hear and is an avid fan of hip-hop. From what I hear S. Carter himself [assed on Roth, but I have a feeling we will be hearing more from him in the future; so no worries about being passed on. The whole mixtape is something you can play from start to end so I suggest you check it out. ~R. Esquire

Product of the Environment

Recently I have taken noticed to exposing of the more sensitive sides of rappers. From the Game’s emotional outburst over the selfish attitudes of rappers and Young Buck’s cry for help and understanding to Mr. Curtis Jackson it is clear there is a real problem in hip-hop. That problem has become very clear and that is money. The rap industry is a billion dollar industry and everyone wants a piece of it. Corporate executives formulate plans to exploit every facet of the industry. The video response by Soulja boy to Ice-T made me think that, should we be proud of soulja boy for making his money off of hip-hop and moving out of poverty, then criticize him? I find that we should, at first it seems hypocritical, but so is this industry. I have come believe that I don’t find that many artists who talk about more than the usual topics at the current time in hip-hop are ignored because they don’t fit the look or the sound which ironically is commercialized now as “hood”. Executives often don’t want enlightened or conscious rappers as from a purely financial reason it won’t sell because people either won’t understand it or respect it. Many hip-hop fanatics often argue and say that we do want consciousness in our rhymes and it won’t flop, but to our own dismay the executives are right, Lupe Fiasco being a recent example as his sells were nowhere near platinum status; which in itself is a huge statement about our generation. Hip-hop is art or at least it was, and it has taken a turn for the worst. In order to preserve its integrity people must understand anyone who picks up a brush isn’t a painter and anyone who picks up a mic isn’t a rapper or at least shouldn’t be. But as nature tends to do it will correct its mistakes on its own. When the hip-hop market becomes over crowded, the records will stop selling and the executives will not push as hard. When that occurs all the hustlers who use rap to make money will move on to more lucrative hustles, but those who love and make real hip-hop will stay and persist. As Nas would say “If you a hustler get ya paper, you aint a rapper” and that is true. In the end hip-hop will always be there just under different names or another form, but as for now the industry is in the hands of those who only are concerned with reaping the financial benefits, and the current generations buys it anyway so it won’t stop; we gotta be better for the industry to get better. However the artist should remember as Soulja boy said ironically “Money aint everything”. ~R.Esquire

A Buck for your thoughts

Young Buck has been in many rap blogs lately stemming from the release of a taped conversation between 50 cent and himself. After the exposing candid conversation surfaced on the internet, Young Buck then made the decision to leave G-unit and become an independent artist. I’m not the biggest fan of the lyrical ability of Young Buck but I have to respect as a man after this incident and other artist should take notice. Now I will say that Young Buck was wrong for not handling business and owing Mr. Jackson money and also not paying taxes. However at some point it becomes necessary to grow and step out to determine who we are at heart. Young Bucks problems have only begun but I hope the best for him. As a man he will longer have 50 to take care of things for him, he will have to handle them as a man on his terms, for if he doesn’t the consequences will be his burden to carry. At the end of the day it will be worth it, for him and his family to know he made his future himself and learned how to deal with the problems that come his way. Eventually every man has to make his own on way and have something he can call his own. Hopefully in the end it will make him a better lyrical rapper… ~R.Esquire

Italia HOVA

Here we have the main man on hist global grind posing in an issue of Vogue Italia.

International respect for the product of Brooklyn. ~R.Esquire

P.U.S.H to Change

On July 9, 2008 Jesse Jackson made some very unsavory remarks about Democratic Presedential hopeful Sem. Barack Obama on a Fox news program unwittingly knowing his microphone was still on. In short, Jackson stated that he wished to remove Obama's "nuts" for preaching down to Black Americans. Jackson would apologize to Obama when he found that another news program was going to expose his comments. I decided to post this story to show that it is time for a change and times have changed. To appreciate the past is one thing, but the leaders of old most know when their time is up and when to gracefully step to the side to allow the next generation to solve their problems their way. Leaders such as Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson have become relics; I use to term relics to show that they are neither forgotten nor unappreciated, and must make way for the future and in this instance possibly the future of America. We dont march anymore Mr. Jackson, battles are fought in courtrooms, offices, and on the senate floor. Perhaps instead of protesting we should lobby, it seems to work for others. ~R. Esquire

Something Green

If anyone didnt know the G8 summit has been taking place. The G8 summit is basically a confrence held by the worlds 8 wealthiest nation: France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Russia; in which they discusses the most pertinent issues of the time. This summit held in Toyako, Japan wasfocused on the topic of cutting down green house gas emission. In what i feel to be a very tenacious goal, the G8 plans to implement plans in their perspective countries in order to cut global gas emission by 50% by the year 2050. Also there were signs change at the summit as many speculated on adding the countries: Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa. As these countries have rising economies and large population it only seems logical to add them as they will have numerous roles in the G8's global plans. Especially the idea of consulting with China; as the densely populated country is one of the worlds top green house producers. ~R.Esquire

Keep they heads ring'in...

Im sure by now most of you have seen these headphones in many a hip hop video and on some of the top notch DJs of today. Let me introduce "Beats by Dre" Headphones. This musical headgear, a collaboration of Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine, and Monster; will allow the music enthusiast in all of us to feel the bass of our songs along with clear, natural, smooth sound. Equipped with a carrying case, cleaning cloth, and cable these items maybe more suited for the music professional, especially coming with a price tag of $400. I myself sport the Skull candy headphones, a cheaper alternative for the rest of us. ~R.Esquire

Contraception against poverty

It seems the world bank has taken interest in creating awareness to the lack of access of contraception for the populous of developing nations. After reviewing the statistical information, vice president for the human development at the World Bank, Joy Phumaphi, decided that due to the 25 million unplanned pregancies in the developing world; it has augmented the poverty issues plaguing them. Phumaphi stated that women of wealthier nations are more likely to use contraceptives and have more successful pregnancies on average. To me this sounds like common knowledge. It seems a little repetative to produce this report, when it would have been better to figure out different sources in order to provide contrceptives to the countries. Interestingly enough, there was no mention in the report of AID/HIV prevention.... i know it is the World Bank but very interesting none the less. ~R.Esquire

An Untitled Hero

Nas video for the track "Hero" off of his album "Untitled". Everyone one needs a hero, why not you? ~R.Esquire

Clarity that gas is too high

Admist the high gas prices which continue to sky rocket, Honda has created the FCX Clarity. This vehicle is powered by a next-generation Honda V Flow Fuel Cell which runs off of hydrogen allowing it to go a distance of 280 miles, the equivalent of 74 miles per gallon. However all this who want to get their hands on one, they are only available in Socal so you may have to wait awhile to get your hands on one if your out of the area. Honda keep it the engineering going, gas price will go down one way or another. ~R.Esquire

Smells like Corporate Spirit

Im all for becoming a successful business entrepreneur and creating a thriving corporation, however does anyone else see something unfitting about a Kurt Cobain sneaker? ~R.Esquire

Fahamu Pecou is the S*!t!

Fahamu Pecou is a neopop artist out of Atlanta. Mr. Pecou is the star of his art collection notably called "Fahamu Pecou is the Shit!". The collection is a critique of the current exploitation and aggressive marketing techniques employed by the music industry in concern to hip hop artist. After taking a glance at his at work perhaps you will start to questions why do you really like that song on the radio or what makes your favorite rapper, your favorite rapper? ~R.Esquire

Britain's Finest

Right back like they left something! The British night is back in full effect, I expect these to be popping up in an area near you. Remember these back in the day!? If you dont check the commercial and let Kool Moe Dee refresh your memory. ~R.Esquire

G.S.E.T: Room to improve

The new David Banner album "Greatest Story Ever Told" was a mystery to me. I had no clue what to expect from it and to be honest the only david banner song i really felt was enjoyable was "cadillacs on 22's". I was a little hesitant as i felt dissappointed by some of his recent beats. Going through the album I did not feel it was great by any means but i didnt feel dissapointed, most likey because i did not have previous greatness to compare it to. I felt Mr. Banner has very strong opinons as evident from his monologues, however his lyrical flow and word choice is lack luster at best. I dont fel this album has any real standout tracks, the singles "9mm" and "Get like Me" are decent besides that the only other track i would replay are "Faith" and "So Long". In the end I have to say i feel there is potential perhaps Mr. Banner should take his own advice, its okay to leave the money and sex references out of some songs talk about more relavent subjects. ~R.Esquire

M.O.B: the future of the Diplomats

The new Diplomat Set album MOB is another addition to the flood of music they put out in harlem. The album is not a disappointment as some have said in fact it was right on par, with the previous ventures of collaborative albums of the MOB. Put I found this album not so much to be a legitamate album, but more of a prequel; a showcase of the future artist to look out for in NOE, Chink Santana, and Mel Matrix. Standout tracks on the album include "splash", "Im the man", "So cold", "Gizzang", and "Byrdgang money". With that being said dont expect an elite dipset album, but just more of a prmotional CD to showcase artist who havent been refined yet. You have to hand it to Jim, he knows how to market. ~R.Esquire

T.O.S the album or mixtape?

The new G-unit release T.O.S is here and for all the listen. I wasnt expecting much from the album and perhaps that was a wise decisions. The album itself wasnt horrible, it contains a couple tracks for the club which are the singles off the album, "I like the way she move it", "Rider Pt. 2", and "Party Aint Over". "Straight Outta Southside" is raw rap track to start the album off in reference to the classic from NWA. Over the album felt more like a mixtape then an album, in fact I believe it wouldve been received better as a mixtape. As an album it had a couple of quality tracks but the rest of the songs seem like nothing more than filler. Nothing thought provoking nothing lyrically new; a standard 50 cent formula.

Green speed ahead

For all of those who wish to change the world, but still have a taste for the luxurious, we enter the Ronn Scorpion. This car runs on a blend of hydrogen and gas, and will hit 0-60 in 3.5 seconds. I know it maynot be as fast as a Bugatti Veyron (My favorite car), but it is a great stylish alternative to the smart car. This car is a definite step in the right direction in creating a more mainstream fuel efficient car.... all that is left to work on now is the price. ~R.Esquire

Microcosms of Hip-hop

With the releasing of the new Nas album i felt it appropriate to open discussion on two of my favorie emcees and why i consider them to be great. I find that whether you hate Nas or Jay-Z you have to respect them. They both show what hip-hop is about and that makes them real artist. Many rappers wash out in the industry because they build themselves as a brand and conform to a style and try to market that for an entire career. But as with most stagnet things, people often become tired and discard them with the news of yester years. However these two have evolved infront of our eyes. Their styles changing from "oochie wally" and "big pimpin" to "One mic" and "Beach Chair". Their work and endurance in the industry speaks for itself, that these two have never created a facade and when they matured it was reflected in their music nothing forced. For all those including Nas himself critiquing hip hop and claiming it is no longer relavent should remember at one point in time even he made work that wasnt the most inspiring and just like he has, hip hop shall move in it's cycles and grow and mature. ~R. Esquire

The Audacity of Change?

In recent reports we find the presedential hopeful himself Sen.Obama has been making some statements which seem un-Obama like for some. He has taken a little fire for his support of the supreme courts gun ruling in D.C. in which he agreed with their decision for individuals to own guns in one of the nations most violent cities. Also he was recorded in stating that he would push for more funding for religious based programs, especially for children, in the nation which was part of the Bush adminstration's agenda. Is this a sign that Obama is no longer the audacity of hope many dream for but in stead just turning into another politician molded by the system? ~R. Esquire

Lady of Elegance

DJ Rashida is the current lady of elegance. You may have seen her on the MTV show "Americas Best Dance Crew" as their official DJ. She was the official DJ for prince and has an eccletic taste in music. Not only beautiful but well rounded as she attended college in Atlanta where she honed her skills as a dj by working at local clubs. The Daughter of two musically influenced parents made her a natural to the sounds she would learn to spin. Expect grand ventures in the future from DJ Rashida Rap Esquires current Lady of Elegance. ~R. Esquire

Guilded Art

The artist Goldi Gold is refreshing to see in all that is hiphop. His creation are vibrant in color and represent modern musicians and prominet figures as well as those of historical relevance. I suggest everyone visit his myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/goldigold and look around. ~R. Esquire

The Jones Experience

Nas video for "Be a N!**@r Too". What do you think?

Be Kanye? Absolutely

Absolute Vodka has called upon Kanye to endorse their product. Im no advocate for drinking but if it really could do what this post-80's eccletice faux infomercial claims to...... I may have to think twice. No matter how strange this commercial is, at least its good to see a company in cordial operation with a hiphop artist given Jay-Z and his venture with Cristal Champagne

Peruvian Prosperity or Personal Power?

Peru seems to be on the verge of more troubles. It seems that previous Peruvian presidential canindate Ollanta Humala is gearing up for a protest of the current government claiming that it has not sufficently satisfied the populous of the nation. He is thinking at running again for president, perhaps in hopes of implementing his plans that may or may not help. His protest is planned to at least put pressure on the current government to dispurse more wealth for domestic use. As in the past this seems to be very familiar in a historical sense. I still ask is the protest really to help the people or a presedential bid, Populous Prosperity or Personal Power? ~R. Esquire

Soundtrack for the success of Killer Mike

Killer Mike has com to delight us with his new album "I pledge allegiance to the Grind II". I some what believe this album will be slept on even though I believe it is getting a decent amount of promotion, at least on the internet. From the introduction of the album it is obvious Killer Mike is ready for success and is no stranger to hard work. The theme through out the album is the idea that it is the soundtrack to your success which is a great message to incorporate especially when you believe the words you project. The theme song of the album should be the song "Bang" which is a straight lyrical assault from Killer. The track gives you the feel of him and it is obvious he has a battle history. I hope Killer Mike receives the success he incorporates in the minds of all his supporters, not fans. ~R. Esquire

The N or the End for Nasir Jones

The New Nas album is finally here for the masses. After taking a listen for my self, i went to the hip hop community at large and found an assortment of reviews. Ranging from genius to total nonsense. Personally I found the album to be in more generalized terms, good. The record was not diverse topic wise, as i didnt expect it to be but the subject matter was very heavy and it is obvious Nasir took the time to write what he felt and not what would be excepted well. From the begining to end the journey of this album was a journey and a statement. Even the many who judged Nas for his title, then judged him when he changed failed to realize he still got his point across as everyone knew what the title is supposed to be. On the album itself Nas lyrically held his own as he does on the usual. I found America, Hero, Testify, Black President, and the intro of the album to be most striking. If you hate or love this album you should at least re-evaluate all preconceived notion on terms of what he was rapping about. ~R. Esquire