DORIS - EARLSWEATSHIRT // A PRE-EMPTIVE REVIEW

I keep saying this but seriously, 2013 is the year for rap and hip hop. Among many other amazing hip hop albums that have come out this year, Doris by Odd Future's Earl Sweatshirt is one that I have been anticipating highly! After hearing Chum, I was hooked and excited to hear more from the newly re-invented Earl Sweatshirt. Doris came out two days ago and it pretty much blew up all over the internet. I got my brother Sureiyan (find his blog I Like Your Thursday Personality here) to pre-emptively review the album - 'cause its everything I want to say but said in a more eloquently way. Read the review after the jump. 

Quick notes: 

• The album is akin to a movie, high and lows. Drama and comedy. Builds the closer you get to the end. 

• Touches of 90s psychedelic hip hop, which I very into at the moment.

• The album is completely different to what we were expecting. For which Earl has been quoted will lose him existing fans but also gain new ones. Either way seems to be win/win. 

• More mature, harder rhymes and completely unique to Earl's sounds.

• My favourites; Chum (I seriously can not get enough of this song!), Whoa and 523.

GUILTY PLEASURES: TO TWERK OR NOT TO TWERK

That is definitely not the question. 

'Cause it seems like "twerking" is just about all the rage now. 

Busta Rhyme's new single "Twerk It" ft Tosh & Nikki Minaj was released recently and it features a new sound from the hip hop legend with a more striped back and heavy bass edge. I actually really like this song, despite the slow build. But when it does build, it builds good - and that's kind of Pharrel's (producer) trademark. Although surprisingly, despite its' title, the song's video clip tastefully refrains from too much overtly sexual (physically impossible for some) dance move. Unlike this not-so-subtle video and tune from Diplo where I first learned of the "twerk". The music video and dance move made such an impact that when it was released, fans immediately took it and started uploading their twerking attempts - which Mad Decent decided to run a comp with.

Though Diplo's influence - who I credit to really getting the movement up and running - has been around since mid last year; there seems to be an increase of twerkers, twerking and twerk related material. Everyone from Major Lazer to Jay-Z have commented on this new pop culture phenomenon. Though largely centered around hip hop music, twerking has made it into mainstream pop music, thanks to the one and only Miley Cyrus with her newest single "We Cant Stop" where she can be seen twerking to her own music. Despite it's overtly sexual context, the dance movement doesn't seem to be offending mass society and therefor it continues to grow. I honesty think this is due to how physically difficult it can be to #twerk and still look good.

2013 - The year the world learned to twerk.

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I'M KIND OF JEALOUS OF A 5 YEAR OLD.

There aren't many instances where I find myself looking up to toddlers. Although there are some rare instances where I feel that they might just have it better than I did when I was their age / do.

Chloe Clancy is only one of the examples I have. (The other that comes fresh to mind is of course Aila Wang, quite possibly one of the most well dressed toddlers out there). Who is Chloe Clancy? She is the daughter or Christopher and Kelly Clancy - proud managers of the Odd Future crew. Since discovering this bad ass, I am totally in love with her. She is both adorable and super cool with a fashion sense to match her environment and cultural prowess. When not hanging out with some of hip hop's best new talent, she spends her day helping out her parents help manage and promote aforementioned talented crew. Gurllllll you got it good.

I wonder if she needs a baby sitter. Where can I submit my interest?


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GUILTY PLEASURES: WILL.I.AM

Guys, I gotta confess. I freaking love Wil.I.Am.

Well not that you didn’t know that already. The man’s reputation is a little like vegemite, you either like him or you don’t. I posted a track from the Black Eyed Peas leader a few weeks ago (click here for that NMM post) and I knew I would be in a world of shame for it. BUT WILL.I.AM LOVER DONT CARE.

M.I.A PLAYS BY HER OWN RULES

She always has, and she always will.

And she's not about to change all that when releasing her new art book come visual diary, M.I.A, this October. The book is being published together with Rizzoli New York and is a curation of her visual outputs since her college days at Central St. Martins in London; telling her story through her famous stylistic collages, photos and prints.

I can't wait to get this book, and seeing as the book is coming out so close to my birthday, its going to be my present to myself. I couldn't think of a more fitting gift, considering my trip at the moment and the stage I am in my life.

 M.I.A's Instagram photo of the her art book's front cover.

I recently wrote an article for Portable about the book and the (controversial??) way in which M.I.A is promoting her art book - where she took to Youtube to show her fans the entirety of the art book before it even is printed. You can click here to read that.

Hope you are well!

Talk to you soon, xoxo

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MINDY KALING LIVE (NOT!) FROM #NYFW // VIA PORTABLE.TV

Happy Friday people! How are we this fine Friday?
But more importantly what are you doing for the weekend? And to my amazing Australian readers - you are well and truly in the swing of the weekend.

If you were anthing like me, over the last nine days of New York Fashion week, you have been glued to your smart phone. Trying to absorb the Tweets, Tumblrs, Posts, WordPresses, RedIts, Instas and many more for our daily (hourly?) dose of #NYFW amazingness. But one hilarious lady caught most of the attention thanks to her special Tweets.

From (allegedly) flirting with James Franco to bar hopping with Carine Roitfield, Mindy Kaling probably lived #NYFW the way we all wish we could have. Her "fake fashion tweets" were the best out of all the NYFW tweets - and dare I say she was more entertaining than the crowd who actually attended #NYFW - haha!

So, what better way to help celebrate the end of such a sartorially glamourous week by bringing to life some of our favourite Kaling #NYFW tweets.

I got to write this article for Portable.TV while I am interning here in New York, so....

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GUILTY PLEASURES: OPPA GANGNAM STYLE

Preface: There are a lot referring links to this post, so all those words that are highlighted in an orangey red are links that you might useful to get a further layer to this post :) 

Not since Beyonce's Single Ladies phenomenal video clip have I a) heard so much about a video
clip's choreography and b) have wanted to learn said music video's choreography.

TOP 3 HOLLYWOOD COUPLES // ATM

A true pop culture style post. I have been thinking about this post ever since I found out my first couple below - I was just so giddy - two of my favourite actors together in Hollywood unison brought to my attention thanks to Who Magazine. And I thought I would start my first ever issue of ATM: At the moment with this subject in mind.

Celebrity couples have been a fascinating aspect of pop culture throughout time. Beginning with traditional Hollywood couples like Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner or Laurence Olivier and Audrey Hepburn ....ahhhh. There is an exciting element of watching your favourite screen/radio/print stars (for a lack of a better phrase) getting it on in real life. Bonus points if you have “on and off air couple” status. It helps to humanise celebrities and potentially show that Hollywood and movies can be real life. And I think we're slowly all getting back into celebrity couples now, after a long stream of celebrity divorce and separation - too depressing for us. And above all, who doesn’t love a bit of juicy celebrity gossip.

Warning: I do talk about these people like they are my friends, you’re either into it or you’re not ;)

COUPLE 1: EMMA STONE AND ANDREW GARFIELD
My gosh, I couldn’t think of a more awesome couple of right now. I first fell head over heels for Andrew Garfield in The Social Network, he made wounded business partner look hot. But a bridesmaid no longer, Garfield is leading man in the next Spiderman movie, where Gwen Stacy is played by Emma Stone (so much better than Kirsten Dunst - anyone else find her annoying in Spiderman series?). And I dare to find anyone that doesnt like Emma Stone after Easy A (or Superbad). Two smart, talented and good looking yongsters - thank you Hollywood. Pending couple name: Mandrew???

COUPLE 2: KIM KARDASHIAN AND KANYE WEST
Kimye for life. It really couldnt get any better than this, Music’s bad man and a bodacious reality TV star. It really is about time, after all their flirtation on Kim and Kourtney Take NY and countless of Kim lyrics on Kanye’s tracks - this couple was destined to be. I have a soft spot for the Kardashians, and I dont think I need to reiterate my well known obsession for Mr. Yeezy - so this couple is a no brainer success story for me. Maybe now that Beyonce has finally accepted Kimye, maybe the rest of the world can too.

COUPLE 3: LIAM HEMSWORTH AND MILEY CYRUS
I don’t know what it is about these two, but they get my pop culture heart a flutter. Maybe its the young love or the idea that finally someone (an Aussie) has been able to tame the once bad girl, Miley. On a more industry level, maybe more of Aussie & Hollywood pairings could help to bridge the gap between the two entertainment industries??? We already are seeing the effects of it on the small screen now - Mel B and Kelly Rowland playing big parts on TV (X Factor, Channel 7 and Everybody Dance Now, Channel 10).

So tell me people, who are your favourite Hollywood couple of the moment? 

Cant wait to hear from you!

Talk to you soon,

- XOXO -

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NEWMUSICMONDAY: MOULDYLOVERS, AMADOU&MIRIAM, BEIRUT, HIP HOP TRAILER

Happppppyyyyy Monday!
How are we all this lovely day? Well it looks like its about to rain here, but its been a good day nonetheless! Why you ask? Cause all weekend (bar Sunday) I have been live streaming Coachella!!!! Oh its been great. So I actually only have officially two new songs - but something special at the end.

Lets get with it.

1. THE MOULDY LOVERS - KAKISTOCRACY

I saw these guys playing on Queen St Mall and instantly fell in awe. These are a some talented ladies and gentlemen.  I totally fell in love with their "gypsy funk" (their words) and it was clear from the crowd they drew on a busy Friday night that I wasn't the only one. So lets show some love to some local music acts - and find their song Kakistocracy on their Facebook here.

2. AMADOU & MIRIAM - DOUGOU BADIA FT SANTIGOLD

Wow. I can't express how much I am loving Amadou & Miriam right now. This track featuring Santigold is killer! I have been repeating it so much! I find it both soothing but also gets me pumped up, like there is this build in the song that is quite infectious. Amadou & Miriam hail from Mali and have been known as the "Young Blind Couple". The other track from the pair that I'm really loving at the moment is Je Pens A Toi <<<< so good!.

-------

As I write this I am actually streaming Snoop Dogg & Dr. Dre, so its only fitting that I end today's post with this amazing movie trailer. My faithful brother is keeping me up to date and recently sent me this video of an up coming movie/documentary on the birth "Art of Rap".
*** Update - Did you guys manage to catch that 2Pac hologram???? #thatshitcray. 



"Hip Hop didn't invent anything, it reinvented everything". 

Needlessly to say, I am both frothing over this and am jumping to catch it.
So hopefully they screen it here in Aus. :)

A short one today, but its quality not quantity.
Have a good rest of the day!
- XOXO -


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DIPLO "EXPRESS YOURSELF" VIDEO CLIP

Oh Diplo, you crazy!

"Express Yourself" by Diplo ft. Nicky Da B made it into my NewMusicMonday post here. And since then I was continuously wondering what the video clip to the song would entail... especially with lyrics such as these; "With your legs spread wide, and your as down low" I just knew it wouldn't be your run of the mill video clip.

So behold. Its definitely not everyones cup of tea.

SHOWstudio: Express Yourself - LILINTERNET / Nicky Da B / Diplo from SHOWstudio on Vimeo.



Ha! So much ass clapping.



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OPENING: 'OUR PLACE'

     click play : )

During the week I had the pleasure of being invited to a 'press launch' to a new bar opening in Fortitude Valley, Brisbane. I know, very fancy.

Our Place was conceived by some of Brisbane's best nightlife/entertainment professionals, who after many years of running and promoting other establishments, have finally gone all in and opened their own bar. A mixture of your grandma's old living room, your brother's 80s bedroom and your dad's basement bar... Our Place is a nostalgic home away from home.

Our Place is a great concept, modelled after a home, the bar has these cool pockets of spaces with different vibes all fitted out with antique furniture. With two different staircases leading you to different areas of the bar, Our Place is a great weeknight hangout. Finally, a bar where you can just sit and chill out in (a rare site for somewhere like Fortitude Valley).

Another great surprise on the night was the opening band at Our Place, Spacifix. I've heard of these guys from friends, but never really heard their songs/seen them live. So I was very happy to finally catch them on Thursday. Super fun and talented group from West Auckland, New Zealand (these guys are huuuuuuuge). They covered  some brilliant tracks but also have really good originals. Take some time to check them out on their Facebook page.

It was a great night out, with fun times had and catching up with Brisbane's press crowd. Including a random but awesome bump in with Brisbane's PR gal pals. It was great to sit and chat with these lovely ladies and quote "Shit Fashion Girls Say At NY Fashion Week" for most of the night ;)

Thanks for the invite Our Place (and Lily!)

Check out the links below:
www.ourplacebar.com.au
Our Place - Bar Page
Our Place - Community 

Happy Sunday everybody!
- XOXO -



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CONVERSE X GORILLAZ, ANDRE3000, JAMESMURPHY

Wow Converse, you have done it again. This is exactly why Amped+Dangerous exists.
When one of the most famous pop culture footwear company gets together with musical artists who will stand the test of time, I can't help but have a pop-culture-gasm.

Converse gets amongst it with another amazing (random but strategic) collaboration with three amazing artists. This time its between Gorillaz, Andre 3000 (!!!!) and James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem). And with the amazing collaboration come a signaure pair of Chucks as designed by the Gorillaz.

You can download the song from Converse, free o' charge, here.

Listen, feast and enjoy my friends.
My pop culture meter is off the richter scale at the moment.

Talk to you soon,
- XOXO -


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WISHLIST // NEW ALBUMS

There are some exciting news and revelations that has concluded to me saving my money, money, money.  And as such I am just going to keep compiling my wish lists of new CDs and Albums that I am lusting after.
And hey, who knows - maybe The Secret was right about something... maybe if I "visualise" it strong enough then many the CDs will just appear to me.

1. THE INTERNET - PURPLE NAKED LADIES

Made up of Odd Future's Syd Tha Kid & Matt Martians, I am super excited for this album. I think its refreshing to hear (and know) that the Odd Future are capable of sounds that are a little bit softer and melodic.
• Last talked about on A+D here.

• Digging these tracks:

2. HYPER CRUSH - NIGHT WAVE

So much love for Hyper Crush, I think they are super underrated and oh so talented! I really loved their last EP "The Arcade" and am really looking forward to this new one :)

• Digging these tracks (the first from the new album, and the second from The Arcade:

3. SAN SISCO - GOLDEN REVOLVER

Now I thought these guys would totallyyyyy be a one hit wonder with their Awkward track, but oh no no. They proved quite a lot of people wrong. Which is amazing! I want to get this album a) for the super sick cover art and b) I see a lot of potential in their songs. I think with a band like San Sisco, for me, I need to listen  to their songs a couple of time before I get really in to it. And hopefully this CD will do just that! 

• Digging these tracks:

4. SLEIGH BELLS - REIGN OF TERROR

I kept running through reasons in my head as to why I  am just so in to Sleigh Bells. And I really can't express it. Technically guitar slashing shouldn't pair well with sweet and high vocal chords. But it does. And Sleigh Bells do it well.  

• Last talked about on A+D here and here. 

• Digging these track (first from Reign of Terror, the last two from Born To Lose):

And thats me, for this post!
Let me know if any of you guys have these albums, or if there are any other albums I should have a listen. Or alternatively - if you want to sponsor my music tasting, I'm sure we can work something out ;) 

Have a brilliant weekend!

-XOXO-

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BIG DAY OUT BAG 2012

Ahhhh... finally. 

One of the biggest days this year (well, in my calendar anyway) is here. I have been patiently waiting for the Big Day Out since I heard the line up. And I thought I would share with you my music festival essentials. 

AQUA

JEREMY SCOTT SWATCH • A watch is the most essential essential. And this Swatch is perfect. Not only does it add a punch to an outfit, the Swatch is plastic perfection. Making it a durable accessory to withstand any most mosh pit. 

STATEMENT SUNGLASSES

PHONE • For photos, videos, SOS messages

FAN • We do live in the sun burnt country after all

PEANUT BUTTER MnMs • For protein of course

FRUIT

DISPOSABLE • I have never attended a festival without one. 

LIP STUFF

ID/CASH/TICKET!!!!!!

I also suggest carrying your essentials in a bag that you're willing to say goodbye to after a long, sweaty and dust fill day. Hopefully I can catch you on the flip side with some post Big Day Out stories, but until then, I ask you this Amped + Dangerous people.....

WHAT DOES YOUR FESTIVAL BAG LOOK LIKE???? 



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TOMMY TON WATCHING THE THRONE

Damn, Tommy Ton does it again. Here are some picture that he took at the recent Watch The Throne concert in NYC. He basically has the best seat in the house if his pictures are anything to go by.

I don't know what to be in awe of more, the amazing (amazing!) photography, or what Kanye West is wearing. A bit of both perhaps. Sooooo good!

These are a sneak peak, for more of this, head to Jak+Jil.

That jacket!!!

And my favourite... which is now my desktop wallpaper. :) 

** All photography belongs to Tommy Ton of Jak+Jil.
...duh.



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FRIDAY ROUNDUP: ZATCHEL.COM, DIY XMAS CARDS, NEEDLEDROP

Hallo friends, how are we?? Today's Friday Roundup is brought to you to help gear ourselves up for Christmas.. all three of my pop culture picks for the weekend are to help you in one way or another with the jolly period. 

From possible wish list item in the bags, to DIY christmas cards.. and maybe you want to get a friend or family member a CD but you don't know which one... I have a Friday Roundup pick for that ;) (#3).

1. SERVE YOUR POLKA DOIT FETISH WITH ZATCHEL.COM

How freaking adorable are these satchels!!!! Aaaaaahhhhh!!!

2. CHRISTMAS CARD IS ABOUT GIVING. SO GIVE SOMEONE A CARD THAT IS SUPER SPECIAL. HAVE A READ OF MY DIY CARD POST FOR TIPS AND TRICKS. 

Or alternatively, check out this mega awesome Christmas card...

3. INTERNET'S BUSIEST MUSIC NERD ON YOUTUBE. 

I can honestly he is one of the most engaging reviewers online at the moment. Love Anthony Fantano's take on music releases.. And a good looking bald man. 

Have a good weekend y'all. 

XOXOX

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2011 GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS: THE RED CARPET

Lets break it down people. I definitely thought I would wake up to the blogosphere going crazy over the red carpet from the Golden Globe Awards over the weekend.

But apparently, not so much. Well I was very excited cause I actually to see the E! coverage (I forget how much I love this channel) of the red carpet which I always love (I have Pay TV where I am now). I also got to watch the awards :) But only half of it. I thought almost everyone looked amazing! But of course I have my top three. And also most improved. As I was watching the red carpet I was like, man... this is really bias I only love (die!) for dresses on whom the people I love. In other words I literally fell on the floor for people whose movies/shows I have absolutely loved all last year.

On to the dresses. There was definitely a couple of trends that was going at this year's Golden Globes. I apologise early on, if I just murder these technical terms. I am going off what I have watched of Project Runway ;) I can just picture next season's Rachel Zoe Project where RZ runs around Paris and Milan trying to find that perfect dresses for her clients.

1. Trains (specifically Mermaid ones)
2. Column bodies (where they just go straight down)
3. Tight fitting bodices
4. Lots of SPARKLE!
5. Statement shoes, although most of the time you couldn't see it haha..
6. BLACK
7. BLUSH/REDS/ORANGES/PEACH
8. JEWEL TONES, EMERALD AND ROYAL BLUE
9. and duh.. CUT OUT BACKS.

TOP 3

ANNE HATHAWAY

ARMANI PRIVE

Loved Loved Loved this dress so much. And how can you not love Anne Hathaway. I think she/RZ really got what the Golden Globe Awards is all about. Its casual but fancy. Some celebrities just went too formal. 

EMMA STONE

CALVIN KLINE COLLECTION

So simple, and so so chic. Emma Stone pulls of this colouring oh so well. I now want to run out and get myself a peach maxi. Also, absolutely loved her reaction to Robert Downey Jr's pass at her.

LEIGHTON MEESTER

BURBERRY PRORSUM

She did the Gossip Girl cast well, no one else from the GG show attended the event, but I am sure Leighton Meester more than made for it. Loved the print and the daring slit down the dress. Also, I didn't see her bag on the red carpert but found a picture of it as I was hunting the above. And can I just say - I want it. Or at least try and DIY it. =|

MOST IMPROVED

TINA FEY

FROM THIS

TO A L'WREN SCOTT PIECE

Um, you guys can clearly see why. I do love my Tina Fey regardless. :)

WHAT THE?

  

HELENA BONHEM CARTER

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

I know its slightly weird, but I kinda digg it. Especially the sunnies. You go HBC!!

HEIDI KLUM

MARC JACOBS

Not for her dress, but for the makeup.. Heidi Klum is a natural beauty, she really didint need any make up let alone a really heavy look. Really unimpressed. 

THE MEN

ANDREW GARFIELD

CUSTOM EMPORIO ARMANI

Lets face it, he is just hottttt! And The Social Network was my favourite film this year. 

ROBERT DOWNEY JR.

PRADA

Only one I could see without the boring black suit. And like I said above, loved his bit when he was announcing best actress award in a comedy. This guy is just so funny.

ZAC EFRON

CALVIN KLIEN

No one can rock a slim suit and tie like Zac Efron. Love the line down the side as well. 

SPECIAL MENTION

ANGELINA JOLIE AND JENNIFER LOPEZ

ATELIER VERSACE                               ZUHAIR MURAD

***

Thank you Just Jared for making these pictures so accesible. Hence why you're at the top for people to source images from you. I bet your website hits have been crazy these last couple of days/hours ;)
Image sources - JUST JARED - also check out the site for other dresses from the night. These guys are pro at catching everyone from all different angles.

kazz, ☮+ xo.
amped+dangerous.