Paid and Popular linked up with the illest boutique in Ann Arbor, Motivation, for a Q & A for some insight on how a boutique is developed and run. Shoutouts to Mike, the co-owner, for taking time out for the interview!
Motivation Boutique // Premium Streetwear & Fashion
1203 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
(734) 769-2260
www.mtvtn.com
1) Why the location of Ann Arbor for the store?
Well, even though I'm originally from Pittsburgh, I've been here in Ann Arbor, Michigan since 1999 going to college and then grad school at the University of Michigan. When I was in college, there were never any stores in the area - and especially on campus - that I would like to shop at; I'd always end up getting my clothes online or back home in Pittsburgh. I knew there were others like me that didn’t dress in Abercrombie and U of M apparel everyday, so when we were thinking of the concept for the store, Ann Arbor just made sense. There's nothing like it here. From a business standpoint it's an almost perfect location --- we are right on campus and there's 40,000 college students living within a half mile radius of the store. It would be perfect if the students were here year-round!
2) How is Michigan's economy affecting your bottom line, if at all?
It's hard to say, only because we've only been open for 2 and a half months now, and those two and a half months fell during the holiday season. We've fortunately been doing better than we expected so far, but ask me that in a year and Ill have a better answer for you.
3) What was the process in making the Motivation mixtape & did you have any say in it?
I actually had no say in it, haha! DJ Benzi, who's from Michigan and loves the store, was the one who came up with the idea, and he hit Mick (Boogie) up and they got Fatman Scoop on board and made it all happen. And it turned out dope and everything I expected it would be! I've been working with Mick for 4 years or so now and learned to let the professionals do what they do best. I trust his musical/marketing expertise 100%, so I usually don’t give him too much input. My extent of working on this project was simply sending the graphic designer our logo for the back cover!
4) What's your inspiration behind the design of the boutique? We know its important to keep a fresh vibe by being creative with the blueprint.
Well the design was based on my personal style and ideas I guess. I designed all of it and just wanted real clean simple straight lines and a high-end modern look throughout. Everything is black and white for contrast with silver accents, and the wood floor and clothes pop against these colors. I also love hip-hop (I sold and promoted it in my previous business) and wanted to incorporate that into the atmosphere, so all we play as background music is dope-ass classic instrumentals. We also have some paintings being commissioned for the store that once they get done will add to that atmosphere. One thing that was also important was to have a layout that made sense and not have a crowded store, I really hate that when Im shopping! We didn’t have the huge budget as some of these stores in NYC or California but it still came out nice and like no other store in the area, that’s for sure.
5) What MOTIVATED you to want and do a joint venture with Mick in the form of a boutique? Why not something like, I don't know, real estate?
Haha, I don't know shit about real estate so that was out of the question! No, I'm a big supporter of doing something that you're passionate about and that you will be happy waking up and doing everyday. When I got my Master's degree, I got offered a job at Ernst & Young in accounting right out of school. But I didn’t accept it because I had this internet-based business popping off that sold rare hip-hop CDs, DVDs, and mixtapes. It really wasn't making much at the time but I thought if I had time to dedicate to it (most of my time was spent hitting the books), it could turn into something big. Plus, I'm not a very corporate person and couldn’t see myself crunching numbers in a suit and sucking up to my boss on the daily. My parents thought I was crazy. But I ended up putting my all into the business and it blew up. I sold it this past summer because CDs will be dead in a year or two and flipped some of the proceeds into Motivation.
But umm back to the question as to why a boutique, well me and Mick met through my old business and actually had another business together (and still do) where we partnered up to promote him as a Dj. We would always bounce business ideas back and forth and we both had a love for the clothing and culture in general (especially sneakers) so one day we got to talking about opening a boutique, came up with the concept, and when I sold my other business it was the right time to make it happen. Me and my girl Indra handle all of the day-to-day operations and management while Mick focuses on the marketing (he has a Masters in Marketing) and promoting it on a national level, because we aren’t trying to have Motivation known just locally!
6) How did you get so many accounts with such dope clothing companies & why'd you pick these specifically? Any chance of you guys getting an Obey or 12 grain account?
Right from the start, I singled out brands that a) I like and wear myself and b) I feel are at the top of the industry or creatively can be there. I'm a big believer of doing things the right way from the start, so I went after the big names - the Alifes, the Crooks & Castles, the Hellz Bellz', etc. - right from the beginning. There's a million and one streetwear brands out there and instead of picking up a lot of emerging brands that will readily give anyone an account, I went right after the big boys that are choosy with who they let sell their clothes. These brands only want to be in the top boutiques across the world so that they can keep their product exclusive. I set up meetings and presented our business plan and concept to all of the brands and they loved it; we ended up getting most of them on board before we had even started constructing our buildout for the store!
As far as Obey, I actually had them down in our business plan as a brand we wanted to pick up, but then I saw their booth at one of the trade shows and it was HUGE - they had the biggest selection of clothes out of all the streetwear brands at the show I'd say, so I decided to hit them up once we were more established and had a bigger budget haha. 12 Grain I'm not too familiar with, you have to put me up on them…
7) What's up with Mick's Thelonius brand?
I'm not even sure, you'll have to ask him about that, haha. It was supposed to be a collaboration between him and a dope designer we both know. It would be a good time to put it in motion though, now that we have the means to get it out there through Motivation.
8) Do you have a Nike (or any other sneaker) account in the works? Shoot for that tier 0!
We will have Alife footwear starting this Spring and also have a few other things in the works. No Nike yet though, we are really trying to focus on being known for having one of the best selections of clothing around and then we will move into other avenues like footwear!
9) Any plans on expanding the brand? Will we see something like Motivation car parts?
Haha, yeah we have the car parts coming out this Spring and then Motivation tires dropping this Fall! No umm…we have some things in the works but I really don’t want to say because there are a lot of copycats out there. I will say that you can expect more Motivation mixtapes. Also lookout for a crazy exclusive project between Mick & Lil Wayne, like on the level of the Dedication mixtapes…as long as Weezy can stay out of jail!
10) Predictions for 2008's fashion?
I think in general you can expect a continuation of what was started in 2007. A lot of streetwear companies are going towards more cleaner and subtle looks with a focus on the details. Crewneck sweatshirts will make an even bigger comeback as hoodies are being phased out. Also look for a lot more streetwear brands aimed at women to come to light. Hopefully we will see more creative brands coming out for the guys, it seems a lot of the new brands starting up keep using played out ideas that have been done 10 times over. Also hopefully in 2008 people will keep up the trend of wearing more fitted clothes…wearing your shirts two sizes too big is not what’s up…
11) How important for you was it to attain your Masters degree so quickly after finishing undergrad? I know it's hard for most to continue through 16 years of school only to tack 2 more on.
You know, when I was in my senior year of college I still didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do. There’s not so much that you can do with just an undergraduate degree in Economics now-a-days, so I was like what the hell, let’s go another two more years! It was important in the sense that the Master’s program really gave me a direction as to what I could do career wise (even though I didn’t end up being an accountant) and it gave me a really specific and detailed education in Accounting. Whereas when I got my undergraduate degree in Economics, I felt it was a lot more open ended and basic education; I felt it really didn’t prepare me for one specific job and I wasn’t really an expert in Economics. Or it could be that I partied too much as an undergrad, haha…
12) Do you feel it is necessary to attain a formal upper level education to become Paid and Popular...well, at least with regards to the paid part?
I wouldn’t say its necessary but I definitely think it’s helpful. If you go the normal route and get a job working for someone else, just by having a Master’s you’re going to get paid better starting off, that’s a given. You’ll also have a much better chance at finding a good job quickly because employers know you have that much more experience and education. If you go the other route and are going to be working for yourself, I don’t think it’s as helpful, but there’s definitely benefits. Yeah I might only use my accounting knowledge around tax season now, but what I picked up from my higher level Marketing and Entrepreneurship classes I use all the time. With my old business that translated into dollar signs and hopefully it will with Motivation.
13) What other business ventures do you have in the works?
Man, I have my hands full with Motivation and promoting Mick right now! I’m just really trying to focus on Motivation and putting my all into it to develop it into a successful business and brand. Maybe in a few years Ill have something else popping off, I definitely have some ideas I’d like to put into motion, but I’m taking things one step at a time …
14) Lastly, whats up with a discount??? Size L & 32 please!
Haha, I got you, I appreciate the love on the interview! For anyone looking to get some of our stuff, we do ship across the world, just hit up the blog on our website at www.mtvtn.com and you can see what we have new in stock and info on how to make an order with us. Also be sure to check out www.mickboogie.com, Peace!
Mick Boogie & DJ Benzi's "Motivation" Mixtape
1.31.2008
MOTIVATION-al Speaker
1.30.2008
Only if all our days were this fun
As most of you know PxP is full of DJ's, Hip Hop heads, Sneaker Heads, etc etc... and we had a few frineds over on Grind Time Radio this past Saturday. On the 1's and 2's was non other that DJ Louie Arson A.K.A. DJ Matches, we had Q there, we also had King Jaffe Joe of the miami sneakerhead scene Deelah, and of course the regular PxP crew LE Beats, E.T., and of course the host of the show DJ Main Event. Needless to say it was a full house. Watch how we show you hypebeast how it's REALLY suppose to be done, talk about Ghostface's cameo on the Dewey Cox story, vinyl purchases, Push Play's obsession with Soulja Boy, and how to step your game up for the year 2008. Below is just my favorite video out of all six. The rest can be viewed at PxP's YouTube Channel , and if your not a subscriber now is the time to become one as we'll be throwing up videos religiously of our journey to the top, hope you guys enjoy.
Also on a sidebar be on the look out for the monthly barometer mix. This month we will have 3 sets by DJ Louie Arson from this past Saturday's Grind Time Radio show.
L.E. Beats
A.K.A.
Mr. Supra Dance
A.K.A.
Pikaso
A.K.A.
The Resident Hater
The Deadstock Market
As an effort to give back to the sneaker community, Culture Kings presents:
"The Dead Stock Market".
Held during the last Wednesday of each month at Culture Kings Miami,
"The Dead Stock Market" is an opportunity for sneaker heads, sneaker collectors, and sneaker enthusiasts to meet, buy, sell, and trade Dead Stock or Near Dead Stock sneakers.
Admission is free. All ages welcome.
Event starts at 6pm and ends at 8pm.
Miami's own
DJ Louie Arson on the 1's and 2's.
You are not required to bring sneakers to participate in the event, "The Dead Stock Market" is a great opportunity to find sneakers you may have been trying to find or turn unwanted sneakers into cash.
Culture Kings
305.573.2399
**SEE STORE FOR MORE DETAILS**
1.29.2008
"Has Lebron Surpassed Kobe?"
"He's the most talented player in the game," James said in August. "He's the No. 1 scorer in our league," James said in November. "Kobe is dominant, he plays on the highest level all the time," he said in December. "Kobe's still No. 1 to me," James said this weekend when asked whether he thought he could take over the mantle as the NBA's best. "He's still the best player in the world," James said Sunday. As my good friend Brian Windhorst from the Who’s better?
“Has LeBron surpassed
The Scene:
12:30 PT
Los Angeles
Cleveland
Staples
You know when you just got someone’s number? Like…It’s not necessarily that you’re the best at it, but you could beat the person/persons who are supposedly the best at it? There’s always that one person that puts doubts in your mind when you normally wouldn’t have any. Fischer v Spassky, Jordan v Ehlo, Sampras v Agassi. We might have to add two more figures to this chapter after this past Sunday in LA.
What I saw this past Sunday was the continuation of a trend. A trend that began to mature a few years ago and is now becoming as steady as Dwight Howard and a double-double. A trend that is 5-0 in its last five meetings against LA. The trend of LeBron James getting the best of
Now you’re probably reading this and saying: “But how can you say that when
Body language is a term for communication using body movements or gestures instead of, or in addition to, sounds, verbal language or other communication.
For the first time in 12 years, I saw a
Now can I sit here and say a torch has been passed? Of course not! Well…not fully. Ummm…
Let’s break down the resumes:
if you're in LA....
this weekend, you're in LUCK! I hear 10Deep is having a CRAZY sample sale.
The good people over at 10Deep have even bothered with doing a commercial. It's really comical. Check it out HERE!
Saturday, February 2, 2008 & Sunday, February 3, 2008
11am - 7pm
645 N. Martel Avenue
Corner of Melrose and Martel
Los Angeles, CA 90038
1.28.2008
Rest In Beats: Mos Def's J Dilla Tribute
Paying tribute at Hill
by Teddy Ruck-Spin
When a show with the title "Mos Def Big Band: A Tribute to Detroit's J Dilla" comes to town, it's hard not to have high expectations. Not only was one of the most talented rappers performing the work of one of hip hop's unsung heroes, but he was doing it on Martin Luther King Jr. Day as part of the University's Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium. While Mos's recent track record of rambling live shows and uneven studio albums may have made some concert-goers wary of the ambitious event, his impressive performance momentarily put to rest any thoughts of his waning rap career. Along with members of Robert Glasper & The Experiment, the veteran MC orchestrated a fitting tribute to the late producer James Yancey (a.k.a. Jay Dee, a.k.a. J Dilla). At the acoustically perfect Hill Auditorium, Mos delivered a series of extended covers and brand new Dilla-inspired cuts.
After opening with a quick warm-up rhyme, Mos began with a call and response chant that referenced albums from Dilla's discography and shouted out his various collaborators. The chant included the refrain "We keep it ghe-tto like a plastic cup / It's fantastic" - a blend of phrases from the intros of Slum Village's Fantastic, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 and Dilla's Ruff Draft EP. Moments like this that hinted at Dilla's past work may have gone over the heads of much of the audience, whose attendance was more predicated on Mos's star power rather than the tribute itself. But aside from some mild crowd reactions, Mos and his band (dubbed "Watermelon" during the set) did their best to convey Dilla's spirit to an audience largely unfamiliar with his legacy.
Instead of running through Dilla's more popular works (such as Common's "The Light" or Q-Tip's "Breathe and Stop"), Mos focused on the Rhodes pianos and snapping drums of Dilla's trademark early work. He paid brief tribute to Dilla's hardcore compositions like "The $" and "E=MC2", but left out notable bangers like "Raise it Up" and "Fuck the Police." Various omissions aside, the more laidback selections were appropriate for a reflection on the life of Dilla, who passed away in 2006 due to complications from Lupus.
(video courtesy of rybarker12)
Backed by a soul-jazz band that has worked with Q-Tip and Common, Mos created a wealth of exclusive material that referenced hip-hop and R&B songs. Highlights included a rhyme about the first time Mos heard Slum Village's debut Fantastic, Vol. 1 in 1996 and Mos spitting Rakim's verse from "Paid in Full" over Dilla's rumbling "The $." Perhaps the most transformative segment was Mos's "D Mix" - a blend of "Ms. Fat Booty," the Pharcyde's "Passin' Me By" and Floetry's "Say Yes" over an instrumental rendition of Slum Village's "Fantastic."
One of the most poignant moments was Mos's adaptation of Robert Glasper's "Paint the World." Over a groove reminiscent of the live instrumentation on Dilla's Welcome 2 Detroit, Mos encouraged the crowd to fulfill their own artistic visions. While Dilla's MC'ing persona was preoccupied with musings about his material assets and beat-making prowess, his peers and fans alike are quick to recognize the spirituality inherent in his sublime creations. As the band channeled the warm textures of Dilla's work, Mos emphasized the lasting contributions of his peer and collaborator. In a spoken interlude, he described Dilla's music as "raw and beautiful," and reminded the audience that "when you do beautiful things, you live forever."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Professor Mos Def: Class is now in session
Before his first encore, Mos Def took the stage with Lester Monts, the University's senior vice provost for academic affairs. After giving some background on "one that we feel is the largest (MLK Symposium) in the country," Monts presented Mos with a "King, Chavez, Parks Visiting Professor Award" and instructed the crowd to call the MC "Professor Mos Def."
http://media.www.michigandaily.com/media/storage/paper851/news/2008/01/23/Music/Paying.Tribute.At.Hill-3163162.shtml"
1.27.2008
FASHION: If she cooks you grits in the morning...
don't tip her. Because the tip will probably look like this.
First commercial off of the Louis Vuitton & Pharrell Williams jewelry collection known as Blason. Yes I'd probably cop it for my girl but I'd have to be with her for a year or more before I even start thinking of jewelry. Or even presents... just kidding!
Valentine's Day is in a few weeks by the way!
Side Note: I know everyone loves the new N.E.R.D. song but am I the only person that feels like it doesn't fit the theme of the commercial?
INFO
The Blason jewellery collection, or the magic of an encounter.
Designed by Pharrell Williams in collaboration with Camille Miceli, this new Louis Vuitton collection is a variation on four themes, in which the rhythm and energy of the new continent harmonize with the spirit of historic Europe.
The collection will be available in Louis Vuitton Shops this spring."
1.22.2008
You dropped the class, we wrote the books...
Re-make of the Kanye West hit "Flashing Lights" minus the Dwele and Kanye West by Colin Munroe. A solid effort in my opinion, from the audio *Missy impression "reeeeemiiiiix!!!!"* to the visual. Rap cover bands in 2008? I don't doubt it. You can contact Mr. Munroe on myspace or website to show your love, hate, apathy, or any other feelings towards his song.
Side note: Someone let me know how to emote bloodlust and hunger! And big happy birthdays to El Ranchero and E.T. for 2008 is going to be a great year gentlemen!
1.19.2008
LE Beat's Random Rambles Vol. 1
Don't expect this to follow any format just try to understand it
It's now 11:46 i don't work for another 12hours and i'm already anticipating the ned of the work day. I've become a slave to the retail world and baically put alot of things i want to get done on hold because of a B.S. 9-5 that i HAVE to work in order to survive, since everything in this world has a monetary value. Then there's college, I love to learn. I read books for fun, I watch the discovery channel like a 14 year old boy who just discovered his Direct TV came with free porn, but I hate this whole aspect of college. Let's seriously break this down for a second;
01. You take the SAT's and stress over it for months
02. You fill out applications like a ex-con trying to land his first job
03. You finally get accepted but you don't know where to go
04. You make your decision
05. Now it's time for financial aid
06. Registration
07. You choose a major
08. Most people find out they hate the major and switch
09. After 4 to whatever amount of years you graduate
10. If your lucky you land a job but unfortunately not everyone is
Now let's take a look at statistics.
1. Two years ago in Southern China 20,000 college graduates had no choice but to stay in their dorm rooms after graduation because they couldn't find work and/or afford to move out.
2. According to a survey done in Cal Poly Pomona 30% of the people surveyed said they found work not because of what they knew but who they knew.
3. More people are now getting hired beacuse of work experience and not education level.
Now with this said let's look at some of the successful people in our country.
1. Bill Gates $56 Billion Harvard Drop Out
2. Sheldon Adelson $28 Billion City College of NY drop out
3. Lawrence Ellison $26 Billion University of Illinois drop out
Out of the top 5 in the forbes list only 2 have a college degree. There is even a person who has never been to college in the top 10.
Now here is the question is college worth the time, money, head aches, studyin. The answer is yes. I'm probably not suppose to curse but i'm going to break the rules. Fuck a degree go to college network and educate yourself. If you leave with a degree more power to you if you don't you can still acheive alot. Now i'm not encouraging everyone to drop out and chase your dreams blindly, but I am encouraging everyone to open up your eyes and mind and realize that knowledge is the door that leads you to success but netoworking is the key that will open that door.
The average kid now graduates college in 5-6 years if you are one of the lucky people that doesn't need to work get off your ass and network, do internships, in the words of Sicamore hit the pavement. Don't rely on your college degree to get you where you need to be in life it helps but as you can see and as most of you know you have to do alot more than go to college. It's about what you can accomplish not what you can recite. Till next random ramble i'm out.
LE Beats
A.K.A.
Mr. Supra Dance
A.K.A
Pikaso
A.K.A.
The Resident Hater
A.K.A.
Richard
1.18.2008
if anyone is going....
to be in New York for the holiday weekend, you might want to check this out.
A few legends will be performing at Studio B on Sunday night.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
8pm
Studio B
259 Banker Street
btwn Meserole and Calyer
Brooklyn, New York
7 Random Facts About LE Beats
1. I have a long run of aliases and split personalities to go with each so any given day I might be LE Beats (DJ, Hip Hop Head, Sneakerhead, Muisc Lover), The Resident Hater (Do I need to say more?), Mr. Supra Dance (If you don't know scroll down a bit or look at the past posts), Pikaso (A horrible rapper that never will make it), Richard (All around cool guy & intellect)
2. If it wasn't for Wu-Tang or Nas most likely I wouldn't be listening to hip hop right now.
3. I have a radio show on WRGP FIU Student Radio 88.1, 95.3, 96.9 Miami or onilne at WRGP.ORG (Leave it to me to spam on a blog i contribute on)
4. I'm Haitian so everyone who thinks i'm dominican, jamaican, or chinese (yes someone thought i was asian dumb motherf***er) no that their is anything wrong with those races but their is no need to be extremely suprised when I say i'm Haitian.
5. I speak creole not haitian get it right.
6. I love disney movies yes i'm a 21 year old male i don't really give a good **** what you think about that.
7. 2008 will be a good year for me (hopefully)
LE Beats
A.K.A.
Mr. Supra Dance
A.K.A.
The Resident Hater
A.K.A.
Pikaso
A.K.A.
Richard
New Janet Jackson Single!
So it's been quite a while since we've all heard anything from Janet."Feedback": A breath of fresh air?
The beat is nothing too complex. Some synth backed by a simple dance rhythm courtesy of Darkchild. The chorus works. It's definitely worth checking and It's good to see her making her way back into the pop world.
Check it.
For more interviews, updates and features click + subscribe to the Paid & Popular RSS feed.
1.15.2008
If you're in NYC this weekend // 7 Things About ANT!
I've been tagged by Sickamore under one of my many aliases to share 7 details about my life. Then I have to tag 7 other bloggers to do the same thing. The whole thing is very gay. But I like the calling other people out part.
Tag n!gga!: E.T., Neffy, El Ranchero, LE Beats, Goldie, Mick Boogie, Vega
1. To paraphrase Pimp C's line in "Big Pimpin" "If I wuddun't (blogging) baybeh, I would still be drive Mer-seh-deh." Or not. I've been playing it by ear career-wise, college was just the backup plan. I really thought I was gonna become an accountant (side-hustle) until I decided that I wanted to do stuff I liked doing. Yet I still have a year left in college, go figure.
2. I've gotta be one of the most jaded people in the known and unknown universe. I understand Wale when he says shit doesn't impress him. Most of the time, unless things directly effect me my attitude is "do whatcha want" or the fan favorite "whutevameng".
3. I'm a victim of great circumstances.
4. I don't DJ nearly as often as one might think. Thanks to pretty much everyone I have daily conversation with, that's about to change.
5. I'd rather cook my food than order it. Too bad I'm almost never near a kitchen.
6. The "Too Hot For Hoodies" feature was one of my better ideas.
7. 
For experienced clubbers only!
1.09.2008
Random Hot Sh!t Vol. 2
It's the return of the randomness! No one shall be spared!
Random Hot Kicks:
Nike SB Dunk Hey
Fitness Quotes from T-Nation.com:
"I think men should just withhold cock. Women should withhold the vag, too."
"...We need IQ tests before having children and we need body fat tests before being allowed to practice making children.
I'm kidding. But not really."
"You know what's not missing? Gimmicks."
"Unfortunately, it's easier to change a person's religion than it is to pry the Cokes and bread out of their chubby fingers."
"I told one fat guy to have a low-carb protein shake at night to reduce nighttime overeating. What did he do? He mixed it with whole milk, then added sugary yogurt, and bananas. Then he told me he was "doing just what ya told me to, Mr. Shugart!"
*puts the Coke away and does 500 sit-ups... minus 495*
New Missy Elliot: Ching-A-Ling
Pros: Missy's back! And not on drugs!
Nice beat.
Cons: Lyrics are a bit sub-par... or maybe up to par compared with the latter part of 2007.
Lacks the innovation & "fresh" factor of previous singles, ie: Work It
And I got 495 more sit-ups to go so until next time, never tip your barber saying "stay in school".
1.08.2008
Nicolay & Kay Interview on The Mission Radio Show
So last night on my show I got a chance to conduct a live interview with Nicolay and Kay who are currently promoting their TIME:LINE album. Overall the interview was entertaining and informative. Listen to the full interview below and shout outs to Nicolay & Kay for showing love.
Tune into the mission Radio Show every Monday from 7-10 PM. 88.1FM, 95.3FM, 96.9FM in Miami, FL or online at WRGP.ORG
TIME:LINE February 12th, 2008
1.06.2008
SUPRA DANCE
Ok. So Main Event, E.T., and myself were doing one of our extensive PxP meetings and I decided to create this dance in between the dead time. Now we did this like 2 weeks ago; completely spontaneous. E.T. posted it on the PxP's YouTube page last night and by tonight Mickey Factz has bulletins, Laced Magazine has it on their blog, and its' popped up @ other sites. I decided to post here where it originated. Here it is, the infamous "Supra Dance". Enjoy, favorite it, add that to your myspace page, I don't care; just something for y'all to watch and laugh at.
LE Beats
A.K.A.
The Resident Hater
B.K.A.
Mr. Supra Dance
1.04.2008
No Idea's Original
Sneaker boutiques like A-Life Rivington Club and Bodega show the creativity all future stores should strive for in their conceptions. HGTV representatives don't need to design the place but at least let the store represent your own innovative blueprint. Hoping to see something fresh last Saturday, the Paid and Popular team went to Las Olas in Ft. Lauderdale for the Liberty premium sneaker boutique grand opening.
The digital fliers didn't list a time so word of mouth spread of it's 6pm opening. A customer I was speaking with close to the opening time stated,"I have $200 to spend but since they're taking so long I'm not spending it in there anymore", not a good look. At 9:30pm when the doors actually opened, a crowd of restless sneaker connoisseurs and hypebeasts spilled in to find a small & brightly lit white room with a meager selection of merchandise. What immediately caught my eye was the resemblance to another established South Florida boutique Culture Kings. (see juxtaposition below; Liberty on the right)
There's no excuse for a lack of creativity. As a business owner you want to emulate the success of your competitors through innovation, not imitation.
A certain Queens MC clarifies my point perfectly:
"No idea's original, there's nothing new under the sun//It's never what you do but how it's done"
-Nas
All photographs are the copyrighted property of Kevin Clancy.
NFL Divisional Playoff Predictions.
This is El Ranchero's playoff preview.
I'm a football expert even though i never played professionally. I did get my "Deion" on with the high socks in Van Cortlandt and Dyckman Field every Fall/Winter though. Does that qualify me as a football expert? Hell yeah if you consider ESPN's Sean Salisbury barely got a snap in the league. See? Don't question me. Well I guess you can because there is a comments section.
AFC Preview
(The conference who's been King and will stay King like the NBA's Western Conference)
#5 Jacksonvile at #4 Pittsburgh -
Jacksonville will demolish the Steelers like they did 2 weeks ago in Pittsburgh. I feel so sorry for the black and yellow fans at the game this weekend. Their hearts will be broken. When you have a playoff tested coach in Jack Del Rio, going against a rook like Tomlin, you will see the difference in coaching besides the fact that the Jags are a superior team. Its time for the viewing public to see how good of a QB David Garrard is. Do you really think the Jags would be this far along with Leftwich? I doubt it. Great move Del Rio. Onto New England. Oooo will that be interesting.
Jacksonville 27 - 13
#6 Tennessee at #3 San Diego
This ain't USC Vince Young. You wont be able to work the same magic against the Chargers as you did against Reggie Bush and Leinart when you were at Texas. Im not going to sit here and act like the Chargers are a great team. They are mediocre. But we've all seen mediocre teams make it far. One thing that San Diego is is hot like the weather in their state. Plus they have one of the top 3 players wearing a uniform in LT. The Titans are only in the playoffs because of the Browns drinking choke suey. The Titans will make it interesting for a quarter and then LT and Rivers will dominate. By the way, Vince Young in college will always be better than the pro.
Chargers 35 - 13
The NFC Preview
(The Conference who will arrive in Arizona for the Super Bowl D.O.A )
#5 Giants at #4 Buccaneers
I hate the Giants with a passion. I know im from NY and all, but i do. I hate all hometown teams. Plus, they play in NJ. You cant tell me nada! But, i regretfully admit that the Giants will win this week. They wont win in blowout fashion like most are predicting because of their hearty showing against the Pats. They will win because they are a better team. You will see the usual Giant mistakes this week, but Eli will pull out the victory and break the stranglehold Jeff Garcia has had on the Giants since he was on the 49ers. The Bucs are a decent team, but they are only in the playoffs because of a weak division. A 50 year old offense and 21 year old defense doesnt mix. You need to meet in between. Plus Garcia has been in and out of the lineup for the past month. Who's hotter?
Giants 20-16
#6 Redskins at #3 Seahawks.
Remember 4 or 5 years ago when Mike Vick first entered the league and went to Green Bay and beat Brett Favre to end the Packs Lambeau winning streak. Thats exactly what 900 year old Todd Collins will do this weekend. The Seahawks streak isn't as long, but they simply dont lose at home in the playoffs. Well folks, the winning ends this week. Its just meant to be. Holmgren has done a fabulous job, but after the hurting the Skins put on him this week, he might just step down. Arizona and Frisco will be the class of the division for years to come. This weekend ends the era of the Seahawks. Plus, other than all that destiny stuff im spitting, the Skins are the most determined team in football. A fierce defense, weapons on offense, and the memory of Sean Taylor can carry this team far as long as they focus. I see Hasselback and the gang having a hard time scoring.
Redskins 31-16.
See you next week. Comments appreciating my predicting genius are accepted.
P.S. I dont encourage betting, but if you ever wanted to bet, this is the week. I'm throwing 2 bills on Jags to cover by 3. 2 bills on Giants Money Line. 1 bill on Redskins to lose by less than 3 or win outright.
El Ranchero...
EBAY Item Of The Week...
Now, I get all my clothes from EBAY. I’ll be real on that one. Actually, you should too. It’s better than shopping in stores and much more affordable. Just be careful buying sneakers there because you might get burned like Moss did the Giants secondary this past weekend. Sheeesh!
If you had any worries about buying on ebay, all my clothes are authentic. Whether Banana, Theory, Varvatos, etc. No fakes potna, except for these damn Nike AF1 Black Albums I copped from some cat from the Lupe side of
But, I don’t make mistakes like that anymore. No siree. My feedback isn’t in the 1,000’s, but it’s good. And you only purchase from people who got good feedback. Read it closely. Don’t be buying stuff because someone has perfect feedback, because people on ebay can buy feedback if you never knew. Anyways, to the gist of this blog.
I’m one of these dressed up cats. “Oh you one of these Kanye dressing dudes.” Na dog. Kanye wears a lot of urban ish. I’m not really on that. If you consider that guido tuxedo dressing up, get your closet re-examined.
So…I’m not the dunk wearing, Supreme fitted, skinny jeans (why you wear skinny jeans below your ass is a ridiculous concept), Champion hoody brothers. “I’m Not You” as Pusha and Malice would say. Nothing against it. I’m Dominican so that shit got beaten into my hood from a young age to dress “fitted” so to speak.
So every week, El Ranchero will hit you with an EBAY item of the week. I’ll try to tailor my pick so it can cross the tracks of my type of estilo to Fabulous or Lupe style.
So I’m hitting you with an item that can cross both tracks.
This is one of the illest jackets I seen in years. Look at the detail. I got so much beige shit, I’m looking at the black because it’s so crack. Batman type shit. Shouts to J.T.W. on this one. This is some
I’m not making myself an authority on style or anything. I’m not an icon or anything. I’m just the best dressed man north of
I just ordered mines last week. Once I receive mines in the mail and if it matches description, I’ll tell you guys to go ahead and cop if you want to wait for my feedback on this. Buy a size larger by the way. Even I’m doing that. I got to get a percentage from this cat because I’m about to make him some bank. Till next time putos…All the best in 08!
P.S Whether it’s Ralph Lauren or Banana, holla at me on AIM: Precise2103. If you need to know who sells fakes and who doesn’t. I’ll provide that info without a problem. Chuuch!
El Ranchero…