Street artist Jay Shells is doing something really cool in the streets of New York. He’s been putting up street signs that read historically memorable rap lyrics from some of the legends in hip-hop culture. With all the digital art out there we felt like this was one work of art that definitely deserves some attention. Click HERE for more info.
Didn’t even know Jay-Z would want to pull a move like this but being the boss that he is, this is the best decision for the whole Roc Nation. He signed himself and Roc Nation to a global publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Music. Jon Platt recently started working there too and him and Jay-Z have done work together in the past. Here’s what Jay-Z had to say about the move…
“The real meaning of success is being in the position to work with an individual you consider a friend. Jon Platt is such a person. He’s a man of extraordinary character as well as a remarkably talented executive with an ear for music and an eye for talent. It’s great to watch him grow to be one the best in the business.”
It’s no surprise this deal went through, if you look at past documentaries of Jay-Z’s career Timbaland has always been there supplying some serious fire when it comes to instrumentals. Jay-Z released the picture above last night with a caption saying “Roc Nation welcomes Timbaland to the family.”
Looks like hip-hop mogul Birdman took a trip overseas recently to sign some new talent. This time it’s not hip-hop or rock, but EDM production duo The Stafford Brothers. This is the first EDM act to ever sign to YMCMB and they hail from Australia. They already have a single on the way called “Hello” featuring Lil’ Wayne and Christina Millian.
We already did a “Pic of the Day” today but this one came up so it’s only right that we do two. In the pic above Kobe Bryant was signing some things for fans watching the Team USA practice and this little girl brought up Lebron’s signature shoe. He doesn’t look very thrilled about the situation but at least she’s got his jersey on.
Looks like all the hard work and cleaning up is finally paying off for Gunplay. It was announced earlier today that he has signed a solo deal with Def Jam. Gunplay has always been part of the MMG crew but never really got the same shine as everybody else. Good to see him doing big things and we look forward to the new music he’s going to make.
Looks like Chief Keef finally picked up that record deal everyone was talking about. There were rumors of him signing with Brick Squad but the dust has settled and he is now part of the Interscope team. Interested in seeing how this develops…
Converse just recently signed Pontus Alv to their skate team. Here’s a little interview describing the decision to sign on with Converse and how it all played out.
So, why Converse?
Converse is a classic brand with a rich history and background. I have always been a fan of classic, timeless stuff that never grows old or out of fashion. I recently ended my relationship with my former shoe sponsor and I started to look around. I only ride and represent companies that I personally like and believe in, so the list was really short. I chose Converse because they share a lot of the same ideas and visions that I have. A sponsorship is about building a good relationship and platform together where ideas and creativity can become a reality. Over the last ten years I have been on a personal mission to give back to skateboarding, inspire others and show different angles on what skateboarding can be about. I am still going full-speed in this direction and I can’t see myself stopping anytime soon. Together with Converse and their support I am sure that we can create some radical and inspirational things together for our culture. Giving back to skateboarders will always be at the top of the list and my main drive.
What is your first memory of the brand?
I remember when I first saw Converse, the opening trick of Mariano’s part in ‘Mouse’. He was wearing a pair of navy One Stars doing the switch bigspin flip and the first line at the Venice benches…instant stoke!
What drives your inspiration? From concrete to art, to filming, to running a company…why do you do it all?
It started with being frustrated about the skateboard industry and its general direction. That frustration became ‘The Strongest of the Strange’, which then lead into ‘In Search of the Miraculous’. The dark side and the bright side ultimately, but the bottom line is that I don’t always agree with all of the things that go on in skate culture and within the industry. I don’t like what certain people do and how they showcase skateboarding. I just can’t sit and watch our culture turn into rubbish! Although, there is some genuinely cool stuff out there…so I guess my main motivation is to show an alternative vision of what skateboarding can be about, or at the very least what it means for me. This rule kind of goes with all the things in my life – if you love something, believe in it. You also have to be ready to stand up for it when you see things you dislike. So bottom line is that I want to contribute to skateboarding, engaging with the new generations and showing them my vision of skateboard culture.
Whoa, did not see this coming. I love Fred Durst and everything but I did not see his career coming back ever again. Here’s what Lil’ Wayne had to say about the new sign. They are also working on signing Ashanti onto the roster.
“It’s the Real University, Two Gun Gang, Street Executives. It’s not DTP no more. I’m actually behind [Ludacris], he’s still my homie. I just took another route as far as running my own company and bossing up. But on the other hand, I’m still working with him. He has an album coming out this year, as well. Matter of fact, we are label mates, now, which is crazy. So, yeah, that’ll be cool. I’m looking forward to that.”
