DENIM LEGENDS

"Denim Legends" is a 400 page advertisement free super limited book edited and photographed by Wear Global Magazine. Interesting read although very pricey to say the least (890 EUR). Check out their site for more info and a small teaser.

-somegiant

GASLAMP KILLER

Circa 07. Gaslamp Killer performing a set in Chinatown L.A. Note the Mike Tyson x Supreme collaboration tee that you all want.

It's another installment of the WEEKEND JUMPOFF. See ya'll on the flipside.

P.S. RIP DJ AM

-somegiant

HOUSE OF CARDS

Check out the new video by Foreign Exchange for the single "House of Cards" off of their newest album Leave It All Behind. Very interesting concept...

---

Click play, sit back and enjoy.

The Foreign Exchange "House Of Cards" Official Music Video from Matt Koza on Vimeo.

WEST COASTIN

Something that has always been a part of us here at BTMxSHLF is the appreciation of good design and functionality. A company that is a great example of this is Swobo. From quality apparel to precise welding on their bike frames it is a way of life for these guys rather than a business. One model that stood out to me personally is the Folsom. This “coaster” brings back the retro feel with an updated twist. The Folsom sports no brake handles but utilizes the back break as a method of stopping. This bike brings me back to my childhood, flying down the streets throwing the pedal into reverse immediately stopping the motion of the back tire resulting in a “skid”. Then I remember looking back with pride knowing that I left my mark in that neighborhood. The idea of this company came from Tim Parr. He started Swobo in 1991 initially to revolutionize the “urban cyclists” wardrobe then later evolving to bicycles . It quickly spread underground stretching from it’s conception in San Francisco to Tokyo and London. Their main focus is to design apparel/bikes around the culture itself, keeping a reputation of quality and functionality. In 2001, Tim sold Swobo to Santa Cruz bicycles and went on a brief hiatus. Then in 2004, Tim catches his second wind and partners with Rob Roskopp to start work on resurrecting the Swobo brand. After a year of brainstorming and planning Swobo rises from the ashes a new and revitalized company. Check out their website www.swobo.com for more information.

-CMBDCTN

SERGIO LEONE

I have always wanted to inaugurate Sergio Leone through a post due to the fact that he’s overlooked (I.M.O.P.O.) and not too many pay respects to his regard. I consider Sergio Leone to be one of the most important film directors of all time. He should be situated shoulder to shoulder among the greatest and most well-regarded film directors like Alfred Hitchcock, Stanley Kubrick, Martin Scorsese, and Akira Kurosawa just to name a few. He launched Clint Eastwood’s career through the “Dollars trilogy” (‘Fist Full of Dollars’, ‘For a Few Dollars More’, and ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’) and forever changed and redefined American western. He specifically blurred the lines between the good and the bad through his subtle juxtaposition which revolutionized movies into something more realistic and believable. He made a scene longer than anybody would usually do a scene for letting the scene bleed into the audience absolutely captivating their utmost attention. His wide angles, extreme facial close-ups, and his speechless (pun intended) intros inspired me as well as other directors (Quentin Tarantino) in the way they would want their movies done. Kill Bill, Pulp Fiction, Reservoir Dogs, and pretty much all Tarantino films are clearly due to Quentin’s fascination with Sergio Leone (one could argue). So before you go out and watch “Inglorious Bastards” this weekend (which I know you will), try to gain some knowledge on its predecessor and watch “A Fist Full of Dollars”. INFLUENCIAL.

It's another installment of the WEEKEND JUMPOFF. See ya'll on the flipside.

-somegiant

OUTLIER

This company will alter the way we wear our clothes in a very progressive way. I believe in this company and what they stand for as far as innovativeness and groundbreaking future classics. The company I’m referring to is Outlier and it is tailored “performance clothing you can wear from your bike to the boardroom”. Yes indeed. And with their pieces made with schoeller 3xdry and nanosphere fabrics, they are water resistant, breathable, quick drying, grease resistant, stain resistant, abrasion resistant and so forth. Simply the best performing fabric as of umh…now and it’s versatile. It can be worn in and around your cubicle or wear it while doing an arm bar in your very first MMA match. It is multipurpose and all around worthy to be a denim substitute. I am currently on a look out for the Outlier OG Workwear model which has been sold out for several weeks now but I will not rest until I can in these. Remember that this is super new and that you heard it first from me.

just to keep the theme rollin', here is a fun fixed gear track bike video montage

Empire from Empire on Vimeo.

-come follow

THE SKY MIGHT FALL

The new joint from Kid Cudi “sky might fall” has such a thick emotional buildup that we here at BTMxSHLF took the liberty of making an unofficial video for it. Sorry, but Kanye couldn’t make the shoot so we did the next best thing. We sampled Radiohead’s “no surprise” video (another very inspiring emotionally driven video) and mashed it with Mr. Solo Dolo’s single, making a very interesting/attractive product.

"Sky might be fallin' but remember you can fly high."- The Man On The Moon

KID CUDI x THOM YORK x BTMxSHLF THE SKY MIGHT FALL from good peoples on Vimeo.

P.S. Please click HERE (vimeo link) if you want to watch the video in HD


-somegiant

THE DRIFTER

Rob Machado is nothing short of a legend and very few reach the milestones he has already reached. Hall of famer many times over (Surfers Hall of Fame in 2000 and re-inducted in 2006) and surfings most recognizable character. For 11 consecutive years ranked top ten in the world and we can go on and on and on but you get the point. He recently was on a 6 month trek with Poor Specimen’s Taylor Steele gathering footage for a now super anticipated autobiographical surf film, The Drifter. Please take two minutes to feast your eyes on the theatrical trailer below.

The Drifter - Rob Machado from Koastal Media on Vimeo.

-somegiant

HHHUFFF

Huf, man we love that company. Without question, one of the most highly acclaimed companies in the clothing biz and in design as a whole. Hailing out of SF, they blew the game wide open for the early adopters in the bay (somegiant and cmbdctn included) opening their doors in 02. Four shops and a slew of collaborative efforts (with only the premier NAMES in the industry) later, they are still looking as motivated and energetic as ever. Quality goods always. They have just recently collaborated with Jansport for a duffel and westridge pack which we think turned out to be another success. Another piece that you absolutely cannot leave the house without is the HUF x MOSLEY TRIBES sun glasses. Huf joined forces with Mosley Tribes, arguably the finest eyewear company ever, and just made the most perfect eye piece you could ever have on your bridge. The output is super clear and has a bronze metallic sheen type of filter. In other words, it makes everything in front of you pop out and look way better than it really is. So they're still banging it out with the rest, their color way is NEVER off, and their balance and presentation are like heat seeking missiles (always on target). The fall preview is up on their blog and it looks promising so don’t forget to type your way there. Alright? Then take your hand and put it opposite from the ground and say you agree.

-somegiant

SEAN BOOGIE x BTMxSHLF INTERVIEW

Through our travels we have met many interesting and gifted individuals. We have gone near and far slowly building a network that would eventually reach across the US. One group that stood out to us was a crew called the JUSTUS LEAGUE. Comprised of a heavy hitting roster that includes MC’s: Phonte (Little Brother), Rapper Pooh (Little Brother), Sean Boog (Away Team), L.E.G.A.C.Y., Chaundon, Joe Scudda, Median, producers: 9th wonder & Khrysis (Away Team) and DJ’s: Flash (Little Brother) & Paradime (Away Team). *I am pretty sure I have left a lot of the affiliates/members off but you get the idea. What attracted us to them was their distinct individuality. Each artist brings something different to the table but when combined create a perfect harmony of beats and rhymes. One particular duo that really caught our attention was the Away Team. We had a wonderful opportunity to catch up with Sean Boog as he gave us insight of his humble beginnings to his current standing in the music industry. Enjoy…


INTERVIEW: SEAN BOOGIE x BTMxSHLF

BS: Let us know a little bit about Sean Boog for those who don't know you.

Sean: Sean Boog is the mc half of a group called the away team. me and the producer half Khrysis (on the boards with the heat) lol... We've released 2 albums. In 2005 we released National Anthem and in 07 we dropped Training Day. I’ve also put out a mixtape in 06...(which I call a mixtape but is more like an album with a dj mixing it) called The Great Adventures of Sean Wayne. Im in a crew called the Justus League and on a label called Hall of Justus. We are out of Raleigh Durham North Carolina.

BS: So lets start from the beginning...when we first crossed paths you went by a different mc name...how come you changed it and what is the significance of your name.

Sean: My original name I gave myself was DefCon. Funny shit is I hate that name nowadays lol...anyway DefCon or Definite Concentration, like I said was just a name I gave myself. The name Sean Boog was given to me by 9th wonder. One day he was like you can call yourself DefCon if you want but I’m going to call you Sean Boogie and it just stuck so I ran with it.

BS: Speaking of 9th Wonder how did you connect with the big man himself?

Sean: Basically I met Cesar Comanche in early 01 through my DJ (Dj Paradime). Comanche introduced me to 9th Wonder and we just started recording. A little fun fact nobody knows is that 9th Wonder and me were the first ones to record in the infamous Missie Ann Studio. League fans will know what I’m talking about! But yeah we just linked through Comanche and started working. Back then it was all fun. Making music and doing local shows.

BS: So from doing local shows to touring around the globe...what lifestyle do you like better? At home making music or on the road with groupies haha..

Sean: On the road with the groupies alllllllldaaaaayyyy! Nah I mean the road is the best part of this music in my opinion. Performing, traveling meeting people and fans. Thats the life to me but making the music is a blast too. Creating and having fun with it is all good! real shit!

BS: So I know you have a new project you are working on but lets start with your first album. I know you were featured on many songs before you dropped your first album such as "the answer" on Foreign Exchange's Connected but how did it feel to finally work on your very own masterpiece (National Anthem).

Sean: Man it was a great feeling! It was fun. National Anthem was actually a couple years in the making. We started recording that album in 03 but it didn’t come out until may of 05. We had the opportunity to work with Smif n Wessun on that album ...which to me at the time was incredible! That’s when I knew shit was real like "damn I have a song with Smif n Wessun...thats crazy" Just an overall good experience, I learned a lot about making music when we did national anthem.

BS: What are some of the things you learned from making national anthem and how did you apply it in the lab making Training Day?

Sean: Just learned better ways to write songs and learned how to write better hooks. The first time I ever actually really recorded original material was in 01 so I had to learn how to create actual songs. I had been rapping for a long time but not in studios. As far as applying it to Training Day It came more natural. We actually recorded that album in like 3 weeks. Khrysis would make the beat on the spot I would start writing and we did the song. That’s also what I learned to do very well during national anthem...writing on the spot! To me that’s a must!

BS: So two albums deep and x amount of mixtapes killed. What do you have in store for your fans in the future?

Sean: I’m working on a solo record now before we get back into the next Away Team album. My album is tentatively called Happy Days. A lot of the production is done by my homeboy from Raleigh named Marshall Law...he’s a beast. Other than that I have production from Khrysis of course and my homie Dj Babu from Dilated Peoples. We were actually talking about doing an EP together in the future. I have my dude median from the league on the album, Cappadonna is on the album as well. It not finished yet but the album is fire. Other then that shows music and life man. Just grinding tired of working my 8 to 6 ...straight up!

BS: Wow there's a lot of heavy hitters on that. It sounds like its going to be a classic album. Speaking of classic albums, growing up, who were your biggest influences as an artist?

Sean: my biggest influences...man everybody. I loved the roots, outkast, nwa, ice cube, dj quik, spice 1, gangstarr, wu tang, boot camp and the list goes on for days. I say late 80s early to mid 90s hiphop in general . I lived that shit for real!

BS: That’s dope man...well I think we accomplished our mission. If they didn’t know who you were before this interview they definitely have a good understanding on who Sean Boog is. Do you have any last words or shout outs you would like to say to your fans.

Sean: Just stay tuned! The Away Team, The Justus League, Hall Of Justus we are just beginning. Be on the lookout! Hit me up on Twitter Twitter.com/seanboog. For sean booking hit me at sboogaway@gmail.com. Thanks for the love and support!

BS: Thanks for letting us pick your brain a little. It's an honor.

Sean: No doubt man I appreciate the opportunity

BS: Well from the staff here at BTMxSHLF we would like to wish you best of luck in the future and we look forward to hearing from you very soon. From our coast to your coast stay SHININ! (pun intended)

BTMxSHLF x SEANBOOG


For more information about Sean Boog check out their website at www.hallofjustus.com

-CMBDCTN

KIYA x SELECTISM INTERVIEW

In addition to the brain bruising you got from the last last post, part 2 is here. Self Edge is the name and denim is most definitely the game. Kiya , the brainchild and the thread to SE’s seam has just had a successful year opening it’s Fairfax chapter. Now the step up to that is the big apple which had it’s grand opening on July 24th. For all the bona fide superfuture lurkers and the plain old denim purist, here is another chance to a pick a brain which is probably made with 100% greige matter. Kiya murdered the interview. You may consume HERE!.

-somegiant

Wonderful

Some consider production to be the back bone of music. We look at it as a symbiotic relationship between MC and producer (can’t have one without the other). The producer lays down the canvas for the MC to paint their thoughts. Depending on the artist, sometimes the lyrics are written before the beat is even made or vice versa. Every once in a while you will come across a song that captivates you even before bar 1 of the first verse is delivered. The same sensation we felt when we first heard Dj Premier & Pete Rock is the same emotions that ran through our mind when we listened to a track produced by 9th Wonder. His soulful approach to production allows the listener to enjoy music for what it is. Check out this interesting interview of 9th as he explains his humble beginnings, tools of production and his thoughts of the current music industry.

---

Click play, sit back and enjoy.

9th Wonder Talks Pro Tools + Monitors from semantik on Vimeo.

DENIM IS FOREVER

Where do I start? Denim is such an innovative force and deeply rooted in our history that you can bet it will be here long after we are all gone. It has been a part of our daily lives since the late 18th century and that alone is something you cannot look over. These are only a fraction of a mind blowing amount of reasons why we at BTMxSHLF gravitate around "denim". We love all sorts of denim but the most important part is the cut, after that then the word selvedge comes to mind. The selvedge or self-edge or selvage denim as they say are made by old shuttle looms from beyond the turn of the century and it creates this very clean edge (can be seen on the out seam of the pants) which prevents the denim from unraveling. Shuttle looms also create tighter weaves requiring more time and heavier fabric (on the oz.) which ultimately makes a longer lasting almost unbreakable pairs of jeans. Also purchasing your denim in raw unwashed form is almost a must not just because of the fact that it will last longer than a factory distressed pair, but you may also naturally age it to your own body's composition. These are just a few things we learned from years of just draping ourselves with the highest caliber pieces made to satisfy. Remember, quality over quantity (it will take you over a year to break a pair in anyways) and only the ones with unsurpassed attention to detail and quality kind of quality. Thank you for your time. You have just been riveted (pun intended).

-somegiant

GOOD MUSIC

Well those who know us know that we are fans of good music in general. It is funny how much music can influence a person’s life, mood, ideas and thoughts. We basically use music as a catalyst to encourage creativity and fuse them into our designs. Just like design, music gives the artist an outlet to express themselves in limitless possibilities. Always searching for the perfect balance of production and lyrics, music is a never-ending pursuit of perfection.

A group that we definitely support and are huge fans of is FOREIGN EXCHANGE. FE consists of one producer (Nicolay) and one MC (Phonte of Little Brother). Nicolay who lived in the Netherlands at the time and Phonte from NC connected (pun intended) to create a masterpiece through the Internet. They first met on the okay player music forum and decided to exchange music files through instant messenger. They actually completed their first album before even meeting face to face. In 2004 they released their first critically acclaimed album “connected”. Little did they know what they were going to create would take the music world by storm. Currently they are on their sophomore album, “leave it all behind” which picks up right where they left off.

---

Click play, sit back and enjoy.

The Foreign Exchange "Take Off The Blues" official music video from Matt Koza on Vimeo.

-CMBDCTN

TODAY (YESTERDAY)

Got my sleep on and woke up midnight on the dot. Then I was like, "today was a good day". Then I was like, "what video did they make for me this time?".

---

"Today I didnt even have to use my a.k. I got to say it was a good day" -Cube

-somegiant

CSUCI

Spent a little time around the beautiful downtown Ventura and main st. is always packed any given weekend. We were just in time for a free gallery on Main st. and California hosted by CSUCI. I had a few favorites and stole shots quietly. Then I found out that photos are allowed. So bring your EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM. If you don't have one, sell your fixie, get the lens and drive to downtown Ventura. It's titled "Summertime Blues" and they will shut down on August 23.

-somegiant

IV YOUR PLEASURE

The year was 1989 when Tinker Hatfield blessed us with a creation that was way beyond its time. The Air Jordan 4 revolutionized design by combining style with aesthetics. What set this model apart from its predecessors was the addition of the ankle straps (or wings), which dramatically improved ankle stability. Just like the Air Jordan 3 before it the AJ 4 also included the visible Nike air pocket located at the heel for added comfort and shock absorption.
While wearing AJ 4s Jordan had an amazing season, which compiled of averaging 32.5 pts, an all-star appearance, first team NBA and all NBA defensive team. Although he accomplished so much that season his ultimate goal still eluded him, which was a championship. You may have remembered Jordan hitting the game winning shot in the first round of the 89 playoffs against the Cleveland Cavaliers. This catapulted the Bulls into the next round where they defeated the New York Knicks to advance to the Eastern Conference finals only to lose to the eventual champions Chuck Daly (R.I.P.) and the Detroit “Bad Boys” Pistons.
The AJ 4s have also had its share on the big screen with its most popular being the cameo in the Spike Lee joint “Do The Right Thing”. It’s the classic scene where the guy gets his brand new AJ 4s scuffed by a guy on a bicycle and he goes crazy about it. He places his shoe on a fire-hydrant and cleans it with a toothbrush. The AJ 4 have been in countless Nike marketing schemes involving Mars Blackmon (Spike Lee), which spawned the Can/Can’t TV commercials that we all love and remember.
Enjoy some teaser pictures of the Air Jordan 4 from our online shop soon to be up in running…stay tuned.

-CMBDCTN

so 1950's

Mid century design is undeniably supreme. This video is the best music video I've ever seen to date because it's solely inspired by mid century everything minus Kanye and his six inch Tims of course. The easiest most basic video, with the best glass on a vid cam. That's all you need and a little final cut knowledge. This video is so Choice and I love the low saturation with the horizontal split screens. Just mad good.

Kid Cudi - Make Her Say Feat. Kanye West & Common (HD) from DP on Vimeo.

-somegiant

DOUBLE OVERHEAD

So I documented a little bit of last weeks south swell that hit us like the winter of 69. Well not really quite that big but in my eyes, those waves were THE heavies. Absolutely the biggest I’ve witnessed around here because it never really goes double overhead in the summertime here. It was absolutely punctual and right on time for the 2009 US Open of Surfing. Went to the competition and the beach was packed and reminiscent of the late 80’s early 90’s period. The event was HUGE in direct correlation with the waves. I burned my face from the sun but it was beyond doubt worth the footage I got. And may I point out that I got to observe a few hall of famers and distinguished surfers in the industry doing their thing on the best waves HB has seen since the 90s. Congratulations to Brett Simpson who got bumped up to 5th place on the ASP rankings after winning 100K purse for the whole Hurley US OPEN. Also Congrats to Courtney Conlogue, Kai Barger, and Malia Manuel (the future) for winning the rest. It was fun and I wrapped up what I could in this video and a few still photos of the event. It's all Love.

HURLEY US OPEN OF SURFING 2009 x SOMEGIANT x BTMxSHLF from good peoples on Vimeo.

Rob Machado had two body guards (blue shirts) after every heat

packed like there's no tomorrow

volcom stone in the place to be


boardwalk and from my vantage point

this is to show us how easy life is

RIP to the 50 yr old man whose life was claimed by (in the words of bruce brown) "the dirty, old, nasty, wedge." He was a warrior taking on those 20-25 ft faces.

-somegiant