Lupe Fiasco - I'm Beamin' Official Video

This is the official vid for Lupe Fiaco’s “I’m Beamin,” the Neptunes produced 1^st single from the long-awaited 3^rd album Lasers. It was directed by Illusive Media the web, video, design and marketing group that has recently done a vids for The Clipse, Nottz, and Mansions on the Moon. Lupe is one of the most talented artist in the game and one of my personal favorites so I’m usually checking for his new material. I really like the way this video was done conceptually and it does a great job of adding a visual to some of Lu’s lyrics that go over the average cats heads. I was already loving the song but this video takes it to a whole other level. In my opinion this is Lupe’s best video to date. Check it out

As a bonus, here’s the Illusive Media directed, Haiti charity single, “Ressurection” from Kenna, Lupe Fiasco, and Mike Shinoda. Below the vid you can download to donate

Boondocks Season 3 Trailer

The freshest cartoon on cable TV is finally back for its third [and FINAL] season Saturday, May 2 2010. I don’t know about yall but I’ve been waiting on this since Season 2 ended. I’ve been watching season 1 & 2 on DVD wondering what’s in store next. Not only did creator Aaron McGruder hook us up with this ill preview, he backed it with the equally ill “Exhibit C” by Jay Electronica. Every time I watch this I get hype!! I know where I’ll be on May 2, what about you?

More at Boondocks Bootleg

Future Shorts

I got put on to Future Shorts the other day and as soon as I saw their work I knew I had to post it to the blog. They have a tremendous catalog of really creative material on their YouTube page that literally can go on for days. They mostly have short films but they are also committed to music through their “Music Matters” series. Below I posted three of my personal favs, a short film called “The Black Hole,” the Future Shorts collab with Gnarls Barkley for “Who’s Gonna Save My Soul,” and the Music Matters Kate Bush vid. Enjoy

The Black Hole

Who’s Gonna Save My Soul

Music Matters – Kate Bush

Video Premiere - M.I.A. "Born Free" NSFW

This is M.I.A.’s brand new video and it is refreshingly EXCELLENT. It has been banned in America and be warned it does contain some graphic imagery. In my opinion, its necessary for the concept. M.I.A. and director Romain Gavras metaphorically get their point across and shed some light on what goes around this planet of ours. Much props to them for this video and for using their art to make a political statement. Take a look and leave a comment

Video Premiere - T.I. "I'm Back"

The official world premiere of Tip's "I'm Back" video. I'm feeling the song and I like what the director did with the color changes throughout the vid. Its good to hear T.I. back on a track doing his thing. I can't wait to hear the rest of the upcoming album "King Uncaged". Check the vid below and leave some feedback

For more info on T.I. click here.

Nike SB Dunk Hi "Skunk"

Just in time for the unofficial holiday (4/20/10), Nike SB hits us with a Quick-Strike Dunk called the “Skunks.” The herbal inspired kicks, are mad detailed, featuring accents like a green skunk on the insole, orange stitching on the upper, and a “stash” pocket behind the tongue. The purple on the outsole and swoosh really set the design off and the material on the upper looks incredible. My favorite color is green and I’m diggin’ the theme behind these kicks, if I can get my hands on pair it’s a done deal. Nike has a great track record of fully expressing a design inspiration with kicks and these are no different. I mean, they even come in a plastic bag! Check ‘em out and let me know what you think

Shouts to The Shoe Game

Kid Cudi - Pursuit of Happiness OG vs ALT video

I'm real big on visuals for songs, so when I first saw Kid Cudi's original Pursuit of Happiness video, I was pretty impressed. There's a very distinct style to the video's direction and the "story" is definitely interesting. I love the way Cudi remains in "real time" while everyone else in slow motion. To me this underscores the story being told and goes great with the tempo and feel of the track. I recently ran across the alternate version of the video and visually it is actually more stimulating than the OG vid. It will make you feel like you are on a serious trip. Its not as stylish as the original version but the effects are better. Both vids are below along with Cudi's interview with MTV News where he talks about Josh Hartnett executive producing the OG version. Check 'em out and leave a comment.

Oh and if you don't have Kid Cudi's debut album, Man on the Moon: The End of the Day, you should check that out ASAP

Original video

Alternate video

Cudi's interview with MTV

MTV Shows

Dr. Dre & Jimmy Iovine talk Beats by Dr. Dre & Detox

For anybody living under a rock for the last few years that hasn't seen or even heard of Beats by Dr. Dre, they're arguable the best headphones on the market right now. I have a pair of the earbuds and I love them, I'm working my way up to the full size model and I'm sure it will be well worth the wait. Last week the good Dr. and Jimmy Iovine were in Boston for a Red Sox game promoting a new partnership with the club. They also did an interview talking about the Beats by Dr. Dre headphones and the now mythical and infinitely delayed Detox album. There's definitely a few gems dropped in here and some good (maybe great) news. Check out what they had to say.

Carl Erik Rinsch - The Gift

I ran across this cool short film by Carl Erik Rinsch called “The Gift.” I’m really impressed with what we did and how clean this looks. It has somewhat of an I,Robot feel to it but I’m excited to see where he takes this story next. Check it out and drop a comment. Thanks to /Film for the info.

If you can't see the video, click here

Incredibox

As a lifelong music lover, I came across this cool site and had to bookmark it. Incredibox.fr allows you to make your own song by choosing an instrument, percussion, voice, effects, chorus and a "bonus". Each one that you choose shows up as a different "character" and makes your song a little different. When you're done or if you want to change out an item, just double-click on it.

Any time I need to zone out or just waste a little time on the web (not social networking) this is one of my choice destinations. Check it out, I'm sure you'll spend some time here.

Nike Tiger & Earl Woods Ad + Original Audio

So ever since this Nike Tiger Woods ad dropped, there has been a media uproar and all types of controversy. Honestly, I really don’t see what all the fuss is about. Sure the ad has vocals from Tiger’s late father, Earl Woods, but if the family didn’t want to do it, they would’nt have. Also, if you actually listen to what Earl Woods is saying in the clip, it’s really the way the situation should be handled. Tiger is a grown man and despite his celebrity status, he doesn’t belong to us or owe us anything. The best we can hope is that he’s learned his lesson and improves from it. I don’t think that the public really have a right to be mad at dude about his personal indiscretions. You can be upset by his behavior and irresponsibility but these are things you can be upset with yourself about. By no means are any of us perfect, no matter what type of image is carefully sculpted and portrayed for and/or by us. Sure children look up to him, but those children should’nt look into his bedroom. They should see him on the golf course as a model of what hard work, dedication, skill, and determination will get you. With that said, here’s the clip where Nike got the audio for their controversial ad. The Nike ad is below that. Feel free to comment.

Earl and Tiger @ Yahoo! Video

Teaser Trailer: The Other Guys

"The Other Guys" is an action-comedy directed by Adam McKay (Anchorman, Talladega Nights, Step Brothers), where Will Ferrell teams up with Mark Wahlberg as New York City detectives. Ferrell and Wahlberg aren’t the stars of the department, that’s Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, and Samuel L. Jackson. They’re just the “other guys.” Its about time for another Will Ferrell comedy, yeah his cameo in "The Goods" was enough to hold me over but there's nothing like a Ferrell flick. Peep the trailer below.

There's a few times in this teaser that I actually laughed out loud so I'm excited for the August 6 release date. I’m sure I’ll be reviewing this flick once it drops. I’ve been looking forward to "The Other Guys" ever since I heard about it last year. Ferrell and McKay are a comedy film dream team, and it looks like this one will keep their streak going. Ferrell hasn’t disappointed me and I’m down to see damn near anything he’s in. The same goes for Sam Jackson. Drop a comment and shouts to /Film for the info.

Nike Air Max LeBron VII – Heroes Pack

I’m about to put you up on the illest original kicks in the minute, the Nike Air Max Lebron VII Heroes Pack. LeBron is definitely a sneakerhead and has continuously dropped multiple packages and colorways for every one of his signature shoes. The AML VII is no different and Nike and LeBron have gotten together to bless us with some HEAT. The Heroes Pack pays tribute to three of King James athletic inspirations that happen to be Nike athletes as well; Deion Sanders, Penny Hardaway, and Michael Jordan. Even though this pack has no confirmed release date yet (the reason that there's two versions of the MJ's from the pack) they are still blowing up the 'net. Its no secret that LeBron is fan of the basketball G.O.A.T., Michael Jordan. He is probably the best player to wear number 23 since his Airness, (shouts to MI’s own J-Rich) and has been drawing comparisons since he first entered the league. Now he has a pair of kicks that will also draw comparisons to MJ.

These are obviously inspired by the Air Jordan XI and take multiple cues from them including the patent leather upper, clear red outsole, and the signature bar across the tongue.

I think this was a cool accent by the design team, taking the LeBron Lion logo and giving it glowing red eyes

Here you can also see the multiple similarities between the Air Penny I including the cracks in the swoosh, the contrast stitching and unique tongue design.

Here's an individual shot of the Heroes Pack Deion's, not feeling these nearly as much as the other two pair. I am a diggin' the Nike Air Diamond Turf 2 (Deion's sigs) in red though

New Music: Big Boi - Shutterbugg

Big Boi - Shutterbugg (Prod. by Scott Storch) click to download

I don’t know about yall but as a HUGE Outkast fan, I’ve been waiting to hear some new music from Big Boi and Andre 3000 for a while now. Big Boi has been prepping his solo effort, Sir Lucious Leftfoot: Son of Chico Dusty for a minute and released one of my favorite tracks this year, “For Your Sorrows” featuring legends George Clinton and Too $hort. The original release date for the album was March 23, 2010 but was recently changed to July 6, 2010 with the release of the official 1^st single “Shutterbugg.” I’m feeling the song, its distinctly Big Boi but definitely has that Kast flavor to it. One of the main things that I love about it is it doesn’t sound like anything else out there. The production is on point and has a great bounce to it. Lyrically, Big Boi is head hunting while simultaneously carrying the mantle for one the best duo’s ever to pick up the mic. This song will definitely get love from the DJ’s and should be nice banger for the summer. Big Boi has definitely worked hard to build anticipation for the album, dropping independent videos for “For Your Sorrows” and “Shine Blockas” featuring Gucci Mane. Check out the track below and leave some feedback.

Shutterbugg

For Your Sorrows – Official Video

Shine Blockas – Official Video

Video Debut: The Dream - Love King

This is the official video for the 1^st single, “Love King” off The Dream’s 3^rd solo album of the same title. This song isn’t as catchy as some of his previous singles but its DEF grown on me after a couple of listens. I can see this being a spring anthem, a good joint to throw on and ride out to. I can’t even front, I own both of his previous albums, Love/Hate and Love vs. Money, and I’m diggin’ them both. The man is an extremely talented songwriter and producer (along with his production partner Tricky Stewart) who creates some incredibly inspiring music while dominating the charts.

As far as the video goes, I think it’s a pretty good use of green screen but it seems to be missing a some flair or flash. Now that the days of the over-the-top artist budgets are long gone, its cool to see what directors come up with to get the artists vision for the song across. There are some really cool scenes in this vid, but it does start to get kinda monotonous. Overall I think its a good video, check it out and tell me what you think

Oh and on a side-note, the artwork for the single is REDICULOUS! The water forming the crown and the heart from a splash is crazy nice.

Retro Alert: Air Uptempo III & Air Pippen I

“And I'm a Nike head, I wear chains that excite the feds…”

Nas said it best on Halftime from Illmatic. I’m a sneaker head and there’s nothing anybody can do about it. With that said, I’m extremely geeked about the news that one of my most revered pair of Nike’s from the 90’s, the Air Max Uptempo III, is being retroed this year. One of my favorite players of ALL TIME, Scottie Pippen, used to rock these during the 96-97 season before he switched over to his own signature kicks, (with the same sole) the Air Pippen 1. Nike is showing Pip lots of love this year, retroing the Pippen 1’s and the Uptempo III’s. I have to say, of the two retros, I’m feeling the Uptempo III colorway WAY more. Check out both pairs below along with the original Nike commercial and a couple pics of the kicks in action.

It was also recently announced that Scottie will officially be recognized as a Hall of Famer next year. Shouts to Nicekicks for the info

Air Uptempo III

Air Pippen I

Nike's "Silent Assassin"commercial for the Air Scottie I

Scottie in the Air Pippen I's and MJ in the Air Jordan XII after the infamous "Flu Game"

Pip in the Air Pippen 1's driving past Jeff Hornacek in the Air Uptempo III's

Logorama

Really nothing I can say will do this short film the justice it deserves but I'll try to give you some background. The name may be familiar to some of you who caught the Academy Awards, it won for best animated short. Its also been in both the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals. For those that don’t know about Logorama though, basically it’s that DEAL.

It was created by a French animation collective called H5 and its done completely in cell shading. It is set in a world where everything is based on logos, from the characters to the vehicles to the buildings. We live in a world where everything is branded, even this blog that you’re on now [is a part of my Verse-Is brand]. We as a generation are marketed to more than any generation previous. This short film takes those brand logos you see in every day life and turns them into a cool story. I cant give away too much and I’m not doing it enough justice, so I’ll shut up and let you check it.

John Nolan Special Effects Guru

I'm a big fan of all things film. Whether its short films, blockbusters, indie flicks, documentaries, or of course music videos I’m checking them out. I've gotten a chance to work on, and be in, a couple of music videos thanks to my good friend, Lavado Stubbs and his company Conch Boy Films.

I ran across the site of a talented special effects technician named John Nolan. (www.johnnolanfilms.com) He worked on a bunch of films including, Clash of the Titans (2010), Hellboy II, Where The Wild Things Are, and a couple of the Harry Potter films. He’s very talented and has a great reel of his animatronics work. It’s a cool behind-the-scenes glimpse into special effects and how important they are to film. I was really impressed with the giant claws that are sensitive and articulate enough to pick up a small object. The robotic mouse bench pressing with the mouse trap is like watching a cartoon come to life. There is even a robotic baby that is really nothing short of f**king creepy.

You check them all out here.http://www.johnnolanfilms.com/animatronics/showreel-flash.php

Piano Stairs, Scratch Mat, & The Bottle Arcade - TheFunTheory.com

When given the option, its a fact that most people take the escalator over the stairs. Although the stairs are better for your overall health and faster, we as humans have gotten kinda lazy. Well what if the steps were transformed into a working piano? Would you still take the escalator then? This is just one of many "fun" ideas promoting positive change. Check out these vids courtesy of TheFunTheory.com

For those that don't know about TheFunTheory.com "This site is dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or for something entirely different, the only thing that matters is that it’s change for the better." Here's another "fun" idea to promote change, the Scratch Mat. This will definitely get your friends to wipe their feet off when they come to your house.

Finally, here's the Bottle Arcade. I grew up in Michigan where we have a $.10 deposit on all bottles, giving us somewhat of an incentive to recycle. This is a great idea though, would definitely get kids into recycling and makes it MUCH less monotonous for everyone else

Glow-In-The-Dark Foamposite Tees by Giggs

http://www.sneakerobsession.com/24302/glow-in-the-dark-copper-eggplant-foamposite-tees-by-giggs/

So, being the sneakerhead that I am and a HUGE fan of the Nike Air Foamposite One’s, when I saw these glow-in-the-dark tee’s I damn near lost it. If I didn’t already want to sell an organ (or two) to get a pair of the kicks, the shirts make sure I'd sell bodily fluids too. One of the main things I like about the shirt is the material used on the 1 cent logo, the shine matches the Foams perfectly. Add to that, my growing up as an 80’s baby gives me an inherent love for most things glow-in-the-dark. INHO this shirt is a must-cop if you own a pair of Foams, what do you think?

Whats Up World

Welcome to my brand new blog, Uni-Verse-Is. I am the emcee, Verse-Is, 1/2 of the legendary Michigan Hip-Hop group, Figures Of Speech (F.O.S. YES!!!), and 1/4 of the Hip-Hop Group Broken English Majors (B.E. Boys). Im a true sneakerhead, a microphone fiend, and I'm from the greatest city in the world, Detroit, MI. I'm new to blogging so bare with your boy. As an artist (not just with music), I wanted another outlet to creatively express my thoughts, feelings, ideas, and opinions on the different forms of art that I love, including film, fashion design, sneaker design, music, and graphic arts. Don't get it twisted though, this blog isn't JUST about art, it will feature news, politics, gaming, sports, girls, technology -- basically everything that I'm into. You can catch me on twitter and facebook, plus I've got a personal website coming real soon. Anyway, good look on stopping by my blog and I'm looking forward to sharing some cool s#!t with you. Peace

Verse-Is

Big shout out to Raven Harbor Design Studio for my logo and Derick Xavier for my photos