Blac's Blaug

Marisa Tomei

2011-02-21T00:38:00.000-08:00

Marisa Tomei (pronounced /məˈrɪsə toʊˈmeɪ/; born December 4, 1964) is an American stage, film and television actress. Following her work on As The World Turns, Tomei came to prominence as a supporting cast member on The Cosby Show spinoff A Different World in 1987. After appearing in a few films, her breakthrough came in 1992 with the comedy My Cousin Vinny, for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. - Wikipedia

She's 46, yo. 46...

"George: And I got a date with the sales woman. She's got a little Marisa

Tomei thing going on.

Jerry: Ah, too bad you got a little George Costanza thing going on."

Pro-What?

2011-01-21T19:33:00.000-08:00

Rarely do I step into the realm of politics on this blog. Any time I do think about politics I end up thinking about the world in a broader view than right wing or left wing. Sometimes I think about "political" issues and how the affect me internally. Who am I to decide what someone else needs or what policies should be put forth to regulate the way others live their lives?

No, I'm not a politician. Nor do I have a staunch political stance. I do however have my opinions. In order for me to make my opinions I try to get educated on something and/or to at least form my opinion on what I feel and observe and not what others have placed upon me. I have no goal to indoctrinate people. There are no ideologies I wish to impose. I do however hope that my opinions and questions provoke thought. If you disagree at least you're thinking. Hopefully.

What makes things become a black issue? Who does decide when a human being is a living person? How did we ever make it possible for someone or anyone to decide?

What is murder? What justifies a death penalty? Is it really a case of Pro-Life versus Pro-Choice? Does separating such a sensitive subject into two opposing sides really appropriate? Why was this doctor making millions? How come the the government didn't step in sooner to address the illegal activity surrounding this clinic before legislation for abortion was up in the air again?

How come there's sex education taught to elementary school students but no relationship classes until we become adults? Could the money spent on this next ad have been spent to better educate people on how to better avoid an unwanted pregnancy??

This is BlacKostume. Telling you I'm not gonna stop asking questions. And neither should you. Just my opinion.

Relocating...

2011-01-13T23:34:00.000-08:00

Ok. So I may not need to use one of these quite yet, but a change is underway. I'd never really been a big believer in changing your location to change your outlook on life but I think there does come a time for evolution. Sometimes that manifestation of change comes in the form of a new occupation, new clothes, fitness plan and even a new living situation. Some people go all over the world and still don't know who they are. Some people whom never left their state are more worldly than those who ostentatiously keep tags on travel bags from ski trips 8 years past. Sorry. Just a lil' joke. Anyway. Bye for now. Signing off from Planet Kostume.

Social Construct

2010-12-29T22:14:00.000-08:00

I remember being in a supermarket with my mom when I was about 9. She bumped into a friend of hers. During their conversation they began to discuss what I was up to. Soccer practices, grades, the usual. I had stopped paying attention and just wanted us to finish shopping so we could go home. When my attention faded back into the conversation I heard her friend use the term "Boys will be boys." Even at 9 I remember thinking, "what the hell does that mean?"

I still don't know what that means...

Your Boy: Larry King

2010-12-17T15:49:00.000-08:00

This is a clip from a Larry King interview with comedian/actress Roseanne Barr. Larry King doesn't use the internet. Wow. I think his show ends soon. Good.

The most interesting thing to me about this video was not that Larry King can't use the internet, but the other things that they discussed. I had no idea that Roseanne was such an interesting person.

I'm not positive as to whether or not this transcript is from the very same interview with Roseanne but interestingly enough there aren't any videos of the more intriguing conversation.

The transcript however is right here: http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0108/16/lkl.00.html

C.A.N. The Mixtape: (Remastered)

2010-12-07T01:11:00.000-08:00

I love when things get remastered. Don't you?

Unlike your favorite editions of Star Wars or a The Doors album my first edition of C.A.N. really did need remastering. Lol.

What does C.A.N. stand for? Just listen and you'll get that much from it. Why would I name it that? Well isn't it somewhat shocking? Is it all about shock value? No. Is shock value always a bad thing? Or maybe a better question would be: is shock value devoid of actual value? Does what I'm doing have a point? Yes. Did I want to spell it out for people? No. Did I come quite close to just spoon feeding the idea directly to people so there would be no confusion? Just about. If I had explained myself 'til I was blue in the face would it have mad a difference? Ha. Good one. Probably not.

Did people ask themselves any of these questions when the cover was put in front of them? When anybody mentioned it? I hope so. At least that would've accomplished most of what I set out to do with this project. Create some type of dialogue about hip-hop where there wasn't an obvious idea of what was the correct way to do it. Lyrically or sonically.

During a conversation with an avid "hip-hop" listener, he broke down what he thought the difference between "hip-hop" and "rap" were: Hip-hop is in the intent of the music. Does it support the roots of where hip-hop came from? Do the lyrics speak with an obvious intent towards enlightenment? Does the beat sound very textural and organic? And I guess Rap is put under the category of "whatever comes on in the club."

Apparently, even despite the lack of vocabulary, lyrical intricacy, cadence, delivery, and ability to move a crowd, one rapper (or MC?) may be considered more "hip-hop" than another MC (or rapper) who is obviously better at his or her craft because of the intent.

Wow...Damn. Alright. Whatever. (Exasperated exhale).

Anyway here it is BlacKostume Presents C.A.N. The Mixtape (Remastered)...

Much Love. Blac.

The Period LP: Candid

2010-12-07T00:56:00.000-08:00

This joint is on the way. It's probably not highly anticipated, but I definitely think it will create and occupy a space in music. Who says nothing is original? If I see blue in the sky in the day time, black in the nights' sky and green in the grass I walk on, who is to say I can't use those colors to paint the ocean? Oh...Oh Gosh guys...I...I think I just cried a lil' bit. ;) Ha.

This Is Not A Mixtape...

Someone's Diary

2010-12-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

First in to fall under the "She Ill" label...introducing Shannon Morgan. A photographer.
I know many photographers. They all have different strengths and skill sets. I appreciate her stuff mostly for it's textural depth, motion and...CANDIDness. (shameless plug of my future first album).

Invisible Soldier

2010-12-07T00:21:00.000-08:00

Check out Marcus Kiser's blog. Always kills. First post to fall under the "He Ill" label. Enjoy.

Publish Post

Trial Time

2010-12-06T23:36:00.000-08:00

When I speak I often have a sarcastic wit and dry delivery. When I rap, delivering such lines as :"Stop rappin' 'bout these *******/you need to call 'em women/ you need to d**n respec' 'em/no. you need to check 'em" my goal is to come off brazenly ignorant, while maintaining an obvious sense of social consciousness at it's core. This has sometimes been viewed as conceptual genius or nothing more than the voice of another lost young black man, succumbing to the negative archetypical bravado of his generation.

Some get it some don't. The irony to this is that with me even explaining my motivations most opinions probably still won't change. Hungh.

But anyway. My point is this. In the event of me being judged as judgmental, let it be known right now that I'm probably one of the least judgmental people you'll meet...or at least I make it a goal. Do I hold myself to a high standard of conduct? Sure. Do I fall short at times? Yes. Definitely. Do I want more from humanity? As far as the way we treat ourselves? Each other? You bet.

Whatever deity you worship, religion you follow or level of spirituality you're at doesn't really matter to me. What is important to me how ever is that people show love and respect to one another. Not always a possible in every situation. It may in fact be quite rare. But while navigating through life's obstacles I do try to follow this: "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

I've been put in situations where my house has been knocked down and then built back up with glass. So my approach is to ask you why you insist upon having your dog do it's business in my lawn. I'll even try to understand where you're coming from... But if that doesn't work I'm throwing a stone at that *****. Joking of course. ;)

"BlacKeezy" Darden

Responsibility

2010-12-05T17:53:00.000-08:00

When I first started to rhyme ("last week" haha...you know who you are) I used it as an escape. An expression of thoughts I felt had been suppressed. If I rhymed over an "ignorant" or "commercial" beat, my attempt was to contrast it with lyrics that were a little more introspective. A little more "conscious". I feel like I rap for the person who considers themselves to be an individual. A thinker. I gave a lot of credit to listeners as far as their capabilities of being open were concerned. Maybe this was wishful thinking. There's going to be your group that listens to the way the MC rides the beat and then another group who feels more comfortable in a certain more traditional structure of a hip-hop song. Who's right? In the midst of right wing and left wing, catholic and jewish, black and white, and all other seemingly opposing forces (where people let an idea or title govern who they are to their core) : Where are the individuals? Few and far between?

Then I think about the youth. I think about my family. I think about the people in my life who are more accustomed to Tim than BlacKostume. I've been considering the power of words and sounds on the human psyche and what my ultimate goal for making music has been since I started...I won't ruin the plan. There is a method to my madness. In the flow of things I almost forgot ;).

So with everything evolve quite rapidly at this point in the entire world and many aspects of life, I question rather or not what I've been trying to do has been for naught.

Have my words been too explicit? Have they been too esoteric and not direct enough? Have my sonic creations stirred up emotions and motivations in others that weren't the purest?

These are just general questions where I seek no answer. Everything I've been doing has been deliberate. But some questions have come to mind as of late that I would like answered: Do other artist take responsibility for what they say? Is it about the art of the poetry and not of it's potential effects on listeners? Words do have a lot of power. Is it about getting a buck or a system of indoctrination? How much responsibility should we place on the listeners shoulders?

Ok, so maybe that last question was rhetorical. Ha. That would be like me looking for individuals. I'm definitely not looking for "individuals" who think exactly like I do. No. My responsibility is first to my self, then others.

This is BlacKostume. This is Tim. Striving to be the best individual, me, that I can be. Looking back on where I've been and what I've been through I am grateful. Now it's time to evolve again. Look N-Wordly and Look Out.

So, with all that said: What is this songs purpose?

Hello

2010-12-05T17:49:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've blogged. This is just a warm up blog to get me back in the swing of things. How are you? Has anybody asked you that recently? Heh.

Anyway, BlacKostume is evolving and so are you. Right? There's really no reason to fear. Let's go.

Scott Pilgrim Movie

2010-07-30T22:22:00.000-07:00

This looks pretty cool.

"It's Micheal Cera. He's so hot right now."

Unlikely Musical Connections?

2010-06-30T22:19:00.000-07:00

So the other day I'm at the day job and Tracy Bonham's Mother Mother comes on the radio (I have no idea what station btw), and then it hit me. Where had I heard that horn, or violin (or maybe synth?) line that played during the verse parts of the song? Where? And then I remember...First I'll let you listen to this cut from '96...

...and then I remembered the background music from this very brief video of Pharrell of The Neptunes:

Although it's not exactly the same you can hear how the parts in Tracy's song where that sound is overlapped by acoustic guitar has been exchanged for a few brass stabs. The beat is more so fleshed out but you get the idea...or am I bugging?

Keezy.

Sorry I left you...

2010-06-07T23:51:00.000-07:00

Hello planet earth and beyond. Second most Charlotte, firstly Wilmywood. It's late at night or early in the mornin' and I just performed at Monday Night Mic Fights. Shouts out to Selector E and all the other people on the bill and to all the patrons at Jeff's Bucket Shop.

Monday Night Mics Fights hunh? Tough crowd. I opened. I think my performance was decent. Sound was pretty straight I suppose. At the end of day I'm totally happy for the opportunity, but I don't think I'd do it again...

Before people start to get on this "Don't be afraid, Kostume. Do you." type thing, I wanna let you know it's not because I was intimidated or scared. Being in front of people and doing my thing is something I've always done, regardless of how the crowd felt, which is important however. Didn't know if you knew I've been training for public speaking and entertainment since I's a lil boy. And it's not that I wouldn't do it again because I don't think I wouldn't be welcomed back to the Mic Fights with open arms, but my reasoning is like this...Why?

I could perform the types of songs I like to do more often or the ones that I feel would be more fitting of the environment, but y'know what? I don't think that would matter. I was on stage in these fitted jeans, collared shirt and these black framed glasses. Oh yeah and a fresh pair of PF Flyers. Not exactly the Monday Night uniform. Not that everyone on stage didn't have their own unique style and appearance, but I'm far, far, FAR left of what those guys do...or am I? Hungh.

You can put olives in a bloody mary or in a martini, not so much in a long island iced tea. They're all drinks. The results of drinking them are about the same. But everybody has different tastes. Somebody once told me I could open for Lil' Wayne (and not Parish from EPMD, whom was the comparison at that time). Maybe that's true. I'm glad I had another chance to perform along side some of the dopest MC's in Charlotte, if not the world. 'Preciate it everybody. Seriously. I got a lotta haters out there. 'Preciate that too. Lol.

I'll keep on doing this thing I do for the people that I do it for. I'll still come out and support Monday Night Mic Fights, Selector E and all the fine folks that perform songs there...like I've always done for the past 3 years or so. And I'ma keep making music and it doesn't just stop at hip-hop for me. But tonight, and at other times prior (funny how we forget epiphanies), I realized that I'm BlacKostume, the sexy mixed drink amongst light, foreign, domestic and high gravity beers, fine wines, and expensive champagnes.

Maybe I'll stick to performing in Midwood or maybe I'll try to open for Plies or Gym Class Heroes or somebody like this...we'll see ;).

BlacKeezy. Wilmywood baby.

Period 2 Preview

2010-04-20T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Line-Up featuring ya boy BlacKostume

2010-04-15T12:59:00.000-07:00

BlacKostume performance coming up...Shouts out to Ike Turnah and all the fine folks at Turnah Classics.

Publish Post

If you've visited Blac's Blaug before you already know to expect the unexpected from BlacKeezy. Here's a sample of some of the dopeness you'll hear at the show.

I don't know what that dread guy was talking about, but Ike is sick! Blac...and while I'm at it..check this out too if you're in the area. Big ups to Maf.

New Big Treal!

2010-04-15T09:27:00.000-07:00

GET IT!

Movie Screening!

2010-04-15T06:24:00.000-07:00

Look A-Likes

2010-04-14T07:57:00.000-07:00

I use to think that Drake was Ricky from My So Called Life...here's somebody else I thought he favored.

Is that you Ross?

Animation: Music and Life

2010-04-01T13:54:00.000-07:00

An Interesting note on work ethic...from Lil' Wayne.

2010-03-25T10:18:00.000-07:00

Music Monday

2010-02-22T19:05:00.000-08:00

This is the latest from Big Treal aka Treallion Dollas (nobody actually calls him Treallion Dollas btw, I'm just being stupid). Full of that witticism that causes cataclysms, y'know! You are now entering The Age of Joe Grizzly.

Click the pic.

This is BlacKostume saying that I support any rapper that reps where I'm at.

Wheel of Fail.

2010-02-16T18:08:00.000-08:00

Photography telling a story...maybe.

2010-02-16T17:08:00.000-08:00

Period 2 madness...

2010-01-29T21:44:00.000-08:00

BlacKostume from The Period Mixtape 2: Some Spotting May Occur.

Listen Here.

"It's World War III in Liberia"

2010-01-21T01:03:00.000-08:00

Watch...

I'm just presenting this video to you, not to inspire activism, but just to give you the info. I do have one question, though rhetorical it may be: Why is there so much US military involvement in other countries and not this one? Why is there any anywhere for that matter? Why...period?

Download Links...

2010-01-15T13:55:00.000-08:00

Available for download: Some of the downloads for these do have their errors. It's pretty much just the order of the tracks. Go HERE for the proper track listing if you would like to get the "intended" experience. Blac.

LN2!!!!

The Period Mixtape...1?

Looking N-Wordly 1

Thank you to all my supporters! These are free. You're totally welcome by the way.

Producers that sample and ones who don't...Pharrell and Dj Premier

2010-01-15T10:12:00.000-08:00

Pharrell talking with Premo.

He killed Q-tip at the 2:20 mark. Lol.

I'm guessing Dj Premier has lightened up a bit on the whole "tinker bell beats" (synthesized keyboard beats) thing. In hip-hop, sample heavy and keyboard producers can both put out great and sub par work. This next vid is from Dj Premier and Guru's group Gang Starr. I agree with a lot of the points made in this song, Peace of Mine. I think commercially hip-hop is in a state of flux (isn't everything?), but from what I hear from people in my circle like Maf Maddix, Ike Turner, myself, Big Treal and Wolly Vinyl... Everything's Phine.

Good music doesn't just exist on the radio or TV. Look N-Wordly and look out.

Instant Smile

2010-01-14T13:40:00.000-08:00

"I had a cup of instant smile! I don't feel like smiling all the time! Sometimes I wanna cry or frown! Don't you understand?"

Hi. If you didn't know already, my name is BlacKostume. If you've heard any of my work (The Looking N-Wordly Mixtape series is still available for download) you know it seems like I can some times be "harsh" on the women folk. Well, it's only because I care so much.

This is yet another Twilight Zone post. I'm going to let this clip speak for itself.

I'm a little interested in what Super Soccer looks like. Ladies wouldn't you like to be transformed into something more desirable?

Ninjas are awesome! BlacKeeeeeezzzzy.

Design Inspirations.

2010-01-10T21:15:00.000-08:00

I recently started to listen to the album/mixtape So Far Gone to see what the big deal was about this Drake guy. Ever heard of him. Anyway. I fell in love...with the cover. Ha!

So I did some reasearch and found that the cover is directly influenced (or straight up jacked depending on how you feel) by a cover to The Economist Magazine (prior to finding out this information I had actually picked up a copy of The Economist where the cover story was about progress. Oh the irony).

The Economist cover:

The Drake cover:

This is BlacKostume. Occasional reader of The Economist.

Before and After

2010-01-10T20:41:00.000-08:00

Busta Rhymes circa 1990's

Busta Rhymes around now.

It's interesting to see an artist progression audibly and visually...

OMG! Where have I been??!!!

2010-01-09T12:04:00.000-08:00

I've been cyber silent on the blogosphere for a lil' bit. And this is why...

Looking N-Wordly 2. Click Here to listen. I'll make another download link for those who don't have a datpiff.com account. This was my third mixtape of 2009. More fly stuff to come. 2010 is gonna be good!

God City Interview

2009-11-16T09:25:00.000-08:00

I like that during the showing of Marcus Kiser's work they played a song sampling Brick House. Lol. BlacKeezy.

The only thing I like that Lenny Kravitz ever made...

2009-11-14T09:22:00.000-08:00

Zoe Kravitz.

Interesting hair choice.

The Twilight Zone

2009-11-14T08:27:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite TV shows as a kid. Yeah so what, I wasn't alive in the 60's but this is an amazing show. Very ahead of it's time. Every plot device ever used in any Sci Fi television show or movie was most likely already done on the Twilight Zone.

This is a piece of an episode entitled A Piano In The House. Music is incredibly powerful, is it not? Enjoy!:

Peep Rod Serling's Steez at the 5:00 mark. Classic Swagger. BlacKeezy.

Your Girl from The Looking N-Wordly Mixtape 2

2009-10-30T10:56:00.000-07:00

Free Listen and Download: Right Here!

BlacKostume: EP coming soon.

2009-10-26T16:46:00.000-07:00

I Normally Am Not A Blog Biter...

2009-10-21T00:15:00.000-07:00

I had to post this. My friend is the bear on the right. For all you Graphic Designers. Real Graphic Designers. Ya'll know what this is about. As a matter of fact a lot of creative, get money types can relate. Enjoy!

Playing down, pulling punches and selling yourself short.

2009-10-14T12:28:00.000-07:00

I remember in some of the lower levels of grade school there was such a thing as an award for "most improved." This was always interesting to me from a very young age. "If I play down at first and then excel later I get rewarded or recognized in a positive light. If I set my standard of excellence too high I get ostracized by my peers and will endure a much more negative critique should I stumble in performance." My interest in academic advancement started to leave me sometime in 9th grade and declined during the rest of high school. This fueled my decision to attend a graphic design tech school as opposed to a four year university (where most are urged to go to whether they know what their career path is or not). I was still a fairly good student considering and since then I have been honing my skills in other departments.

Currently I am skilled in digital music production, graphic design and illustration. I have oratory ability that would rival that of a lot of those who would consider themselves public speakers. I am one of the most creative individuals in the world.

Yes, a lot of this is fueled by opinion. Not just my own however. These have been opinions given to me by professionals and those who are experienced in each field, peers that I know personally and by those that do not know me at all. These are even reinforced by the petty actions and words of those who would go through a noticeable amount of pain should they attempt to give constructive criticism and not just make shallow attempts at bringing you down to their level.

Does my level of unapologetic confidence in my work and ability make you uncomfortable? Ask yourself why.

I am a modern day Renaissance man. I am not going to sell myself short and play down to coddle the egos of those around me who are supposedly supportive. I need to surround myself with like-minded, not exactly-minded, individuals who are supportive of the people around them and also display confidence in their own ability. I would suggest any creative individual to do the same.

Interesting video on the subject of excellence that came to mind:

BlacKostume.

Band Hero!!!

2009-10-12T09:17:00.000-07:00

Adam Levine of Maroon 5 speaks on the music industry and where it's headed in this interview for the new game in the Guitar Hero series: Band Hero!

More New Music from The Looking N-Wordly Mixtape Vol. 2

2009-10-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

BlacKostume - Mr. July (over I'ma Diva)

Listen Here!!

New Music by BlacKostume

2009-10-05T16:41:00.000-07:00

New music from The Looking N-Wordly Mixtape Vol. 2.

Listen and download here: BlacKostume - Rock 'em

A Good Movie...that happens to have black people in it.

2009-09-30T20:12:00.000-07:00

I don't normally cosign on "black movies". Meaning movies that see how much black "attitude" they can pack in. Not to discredit those movies, but plopping Morris Chestnut and Gabrielle Union in a movie isn't always the formula for a good movie (though those films definitely have their market). This is the trailer for 'Precious'. I think I'm gonna go see this.

Oprah and Tyler Perry are actually somewhat responsible for its' release. Awesome! This is also a good look for Mariah Carey. Grinded down. She normally looks like this right?

BlacKostume.

Oh right, ok. Meagan Good is not Lauren London

2009-09-27T22:22:00.000-07:00

Meagan Monique Good (born August 8, 1981) is an American film and television actress, and occasional film producer. Beginning her career at the age of four, Good has appeared in numerous commercials, television shows, feature films, and music videos.

Seriously, I always had trouble remembering the difference between these two. One doesn't have a baby by Lil' Wayne though...yet.

Lol. This video is pretty Looking N-Wordly.

2009-09-20T22:25:00.000-07:00

If Drinking Out Of Cups has almost 4million views then so should this one. This group of guys did the best spoof of a hip-hop video ever. Dipset. Dipset. Dipset. Ow. Ow.

Peep the Charlott Hornets license plate at the beginning. He's the original for those who don't know. Juelz Santana - Santana's Town

Pecha Kucha Charlotte 2009

2009-09-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

What is Pecha Kucha Night?

Pecha Kucha Night, devised by Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham (Klein Dytham architecture), was conceived in 2003 as a place for young designers to meet, network, and show their work in public.

But as we all know, give a mike to a designer (especially an architect) and you’ll be trapped for hours. The key to Pecha Kucha Night is its patented system for avoiding this fate. Each presenter is allowed 20 images, each shown for 20 seconds each – giving 6 minutes 40 seconds of fame before the next presenter is up. This keeps presentations concise, the interest level up, and gives more people the chance to show.

Pecha Kucha (which is Japanese for the sound of conversation) has tapped into a demand for a forum in which creative work can be easily and informally shown, without having to rent a gallery or chat up a magazine editor. This is a† demand that seems to be global – as Pecha Kucha Night, without any pushing, has spread virally to over 100 cities across the world. Find a location and join the conversation.

http://www.pecha-kucha.org/

Ok, So now that the intro is out of the way. I went to Pecha Kucha Night in Charlotte recently and have decided to do a little review. I'm not gonna speak on any of the other presenters but Ellen Penninger and Antoine Williams rocked it!

This is a picture of Ellen from the last Pecha Kucha. This time around she gave a stellar presentation on the things she learned since she's been laid off. That's real $#*%!

This is a sample of RAW's work. Antoine is a God City artist. He presented very well. It was refreshing to hear and see an artist speak on his work clear and concisely and still be interesting and thought provoking.

Congrats to the both of them for successful presentations. I'm considering doing a Pecha Kucha presentation one day...soon. Blac.

The Period Mixtape: BlacKostume!

2009-09-18T17:57:00.000-07:00

Welcome to history in the making. BlacKostume Presents The Period Mixtape. The Most Important "Rapper" Alive. Available for download now!

Listen @: DatPiff

Download here: BlacKostume Presents The Period Mixtape: A Looking N-Wordly Extra

Thank You. Blac.

BlacKostume: The Most Important "Rapper" Alive.

2009-09-16T13:01:00.000-07:00

Get a dust pan and broom out...

2009-09-08T13:22:00.000-07:00

...cause I'm droppin' names! But seriously, I met this guy last night at Monday Night Mic Fights (shouts to Eric). Big Treal!

While we're at it. Ike Turnah what up! I need to hit up one of these "spit a verse" joints (shouts to Self Taught). The angelic female voice you hear in the background is one Ms. Empress Journee (Ahem.Who I just did a radio show intro for).

Stay tuned to BlacKostume.

A Few of my favorites from back in the day. Throw backs they aren't...Toss backs maybe.

2009-09-08T13:04:00.000-07:00

I would recommend to anyone interested to find the unedited version of this song. It's classic.

I can't remember what else was popular around this time. Check these guys steez though. Their whole skinny pants steez weren't as ubiquitous as they are now. Ironically, they have a very 70's feel. I guess a decades reemergence into popularity has to be well timed...

BlacKostume.

Humanity has reached the pinnacle of food invention.

2009-08-26T10:24:00.000-07:00

Maybe it's population control or maybe it's because we're just plain awesome. Hmmm. With all the advancements we've made in technolgy (cell phones, basic cable, sneakers, etc.) we have hit a dead end in food research and development. Let's explore some of the monsters we have created:

Here comedian Patton Oswalt discusses one of my favorites...

On this next one, I don't understand why one wouldn't just buy a pizza instead. Give this vid a brief glance:

You'll only be able to handle 30 seconds of this. It's a long one (That's what she said), but it's pretty funny only because it's a real training video on how to murder 1,ooo's of people a day.

And now, because Colonel Sanders hates you...

KFC also urges you to "UNTHINK" apparently. Wow...Fail.

Pro atheletes turned...dancers?

2009-08-10T20:19:00.000-07:00

Stephon Marbury of the NBA:

Don't laugh. This is exactly how I get ready to leave my crib in the morning.

Starbury also makes stylish and affordable sneakers for those who don't want to spend $300 on a pair of kicks that won't help them run faster or jump higher:

Once again...Atheletes turned rappers

2009-08-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

"This time I'm a cowboy/and I got em saying wow boy!" I love T.O.

Is there anything this man can't do. Lol....Blac.

Can Anyone Rap?

2009-08-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

It's a hard transition from athelete to musician. At least in the respect department. Shaq Fu.

This one here is a classy one. Don't call it a movie. This here is a film.

2009-07-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

No. No. No. I'm joking. I consider myself a connoisseur of wack things from time to time (shouts out to T.O.'s reality show), but I think this is pushing things a little to far. I was under the impression that a friend and I were the only two people that saw this, causing me to beleive we had made it up. This is not true however. With that said, I give you...Gang of Roses. Enjoy!

Stacy Dash is in it though, so it's worth about 3 minutes of watching. Blac!

The Beginning of The End...for dudes?

2009-07-24T22:00:00.000-07:00

Good thing BlacKostume is an entity and not a man.

Guys. Start getting your mouths ready to earn your keep.

A Dedication.

2009-07-20T12:56:00.000-07:00

This video was sent to me via e-mail. It seems like it would be a nice dedication video if Lil' Wayne died. Hopefully he won't go before his time. Trill and touching. But seriously, I'm not a big advocate of a bunch of wack remixes put online (Looking N-Wordly Mixtape still available for download and a free listen) but I thought this was cool.

Padma Lakshmi

2009-07-18T10:42:00.000-07:00

Padma Parvati Lakshmi, Lady Rushdie (born September 1, 1970) is an Indian American cookbook author, actress, and former model who has described herself as the first well-known model from India. She has been the host of the US reality television program Top Chef since season two.

I don't even think I can give this one a clever segue...

2009-07-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

...I think it kinda says everything for itself. I posted this video somewhere else about 2 years ago or so. I guess it doesn't suprise me that the world hasn't taken a complete 180 since then. This clip of The Boondocks still holds true and probably always will. What is it about the wrong type of guy that attracts women so much? It's textbook:

I wasn't feeling either of these individuals at the time...

2009-07-18T09:39:00.000-07:00

...but I really dug this song.

The Game feat Kanye - Wouldn't Get Far

Leaders Create Culture: Model Audition

2009-07-14T21:42:00.000-07:00

I was chillin' this past weekend with associates, co-workers, and friends at the first LCC model audition...

Why shouldn't he be...

2009-07-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

Lil Wayne mentioned in an interview with MTV that he had an interest in playing "The Kid" in Purple Rain. A lot of fans, and non-fans, of his and Prince would scoff at the very idea. I ask, "Why shouldn't he play Prince's role. The both can't actually sing worth a lick. The both have overly prolific catalogs of music (not all of which, we can safely, are hits). They each have Dennis Rodman-like sexual histories. Lot of similarities...hmmm.

It's like the same picture.

Sometimes People Change...Joaquin Phoenix on Letterman

2009-07-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

So, apparently about a year or so ago Joaquin Phoenix decided he wanted to be a rapper. I have to ask. Have I made such drastic...progressions as our boy Joaq?

Before:

After:

There is speculation that it's all a front. Ha. Ha.

Thank God It's Friday. And since it's Friday.

2009-07-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

Remember when the T.G.I.F. line up use to be that joint...

What'd they do to Judy, yo? Was Laura really all that?

Classic Footage: Heroes Con

2009-07-10T07:04:00.000-07:00

Watch Rapper/Designer/Artist/Entrepreneur Wolly Vinyl wax poetic on Comic books. If you listen carefully, I think you can hear fellow Artist/Designer Marcus Kiser's uninterested voice in the background around 3:42.

Note: Wolly Vinyl is not that good at video games.

Suda 51

2009-07-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

Goichi Suda (born January 2, 1968), is the CEO of Grasshopper Manufacture. The "51" in his nickname, Suda51, is a pun on his given name. In Japanese, "Go" means 5 and "ichi" means 1. His works include Moonlight Syndrome for the PlayStation, The Silver Case, Flower, Sun and Rain, Michigan, killer7 for the Nintendo GameCube and most recently, No More Heroes for the Wii.
info courtesy Wikipedia

Suda 51's inspiration for his video games comes from several different pop culture sources that he "remixes", if you will, into something completely original. That's pretty hip-hop. Jackass, Memento and Spaceballs were all inspiration for No More Heroes...

Evian Ad Campaign.

2009-07-09T12:33:00.000-07:00

What do you think of Evian's new ad campaign?

Supa Dupa Fly

2009-07-09T11:59:00.000-07:00

MISSY ELLIOTT'the rain'

Rosario Dawson

2009-07-09T11:11:00.000-07:00

Rosario Dawson (born May 9, 1979) is an American actress and singer, perhaps best known for her roles in the films Men i Black II, Clerks II, The Rundown, Sin City, Rent, Death Proof, Eagle Eye and Seven Pounds.
info courtesy Wikipedia

Me and Ms. Dawson back when.

Thankyou from BlacKostume...

2009-07-09T08:59:00.000-07:00

My apologies for the lateness of this. I thank everyone that contributed artwork to my first live show. You all inspire me and helped me to see that anything's possible. Thankyou...Blac.
Bunny:

Nick Blooberg:

R.A.W.:

Wolly Vinyl:

Andrea Vail:

Jessica Carter:

Cntrl+P:
Credit Cntrl+P for header photo on this very blaug.

Marcus Kiser and Ryan Williams:

Much thanks to everybody that came, Fraser Frase, Eric, Mike Kies, and a huge thanks to Anita and everyone at The Nook (formerly The Graduate @ Plaza Midwood) for giving me the opportunity.

Analog Colors.

2009-07-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

Another Incredible Dose of music for the masses. Analog Colors: God City Mixtape Vol. 2.

Much thanks to Ike Turnah for putting things together. Stay tuned for download link. Coming soon.

By the way. This cover was a collaboration by designer Marcus Kiser and photographer Ryan Williams.

How Famous Do I Want To Be?

2009-07-07T23:02:00.000-07:00

Before I get people pissed off about this post, let me say this: Michael Jackson was an incredibly talented individual. He had an awesome voice, made incredible songs, performed like none other, broke barriers and represented something greater than himself. BUT. At the end of the day he was a human man. The same world that started his career also had a major hand in making him who he was in the end. Imagine being Micheal Jackson, the boy and them becoming Michael Jackson, the entity. All this before you graduate highschool. Now the world mourns...hmm. Dave Chappelle brings up a good point. "One minute they all love you, the next thing you know..."

John Mayer played beautifully at his memorial:

R.I.P. M.J.

Do You Like Art? Do You Like Fasion?

2009-07-07T20:37:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome event being conducted by some associates of mine. You might wanna Facebook this. It's gonna be MAJOR.

Host: LEADERS CREATE CULTURE<>Music/Arts - Exhibit
Date: Friday, July 17, 2009
Time: 7:00pm - 10:00pm
City/Town: Charlotte, NC
Phone: 7049234838
Email: ascott@hrgfx.com

Description
imagine the freshest artist in the citycoming together to provide you withA masterpiece of VISUAL ART & FASHION that's LCC>LEADERS CREATE CULTURE

There's gonna be stuff like this...courtesy Marcus Kiser:

http://ksrstudios.com/

It's going to be at Funktions. Shouts out to Bunny!

Sade

2009-07-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

Sade Adu, the reclusive "quiet storm" soul signer who takes notoriously long breaks between releases, has regrouped with the band that bears her name and is recording her first album of new material since 2000's "Lovers Rock," Billboard.com sources confirmed.
info courtesy Billboard

In spite of Sade's long breaks it's amazing how she/they can make such timeless music.

The Period Mixtape Preview......

2009-07-06T21:39:00.000-07:00

Make U Mizzine from The Period Mixtape...

Make U MizzinePart1.mp3 -

Even Though Barack is in Office...

2009-07-06T19:26:00.000-07:00

...it's important for black men (I included. Believe it or not.) to be aware of the fact that other men of color have already been setting our bar higher. Even prior to the election...

Sir Sidney Poitier,( born February 20, 1927) is an Bahamian-American actor, film director, author, and Bahamian ambassador to Japan (I love Japan!). He broke through as a star in acclaimed performances in American films and plays, which, by consciously defying racial stereotyping, gave a new dramatic credibility for black actors to mainstream film audiences in the Western world.
info courtesy Wikipedia

And his daughter fly...Blac.

EveryThing InBetween

2009-07-06T17:00:00.000-07:00

So, I put this video up a long time ago. I promise my album, EveryThing InBetween will be released soon. It's going to have all original production on it. I've been doing the mixtapes to kinda hone my skills and give the people a free taste of what they're in for. The Period Mixtape is being finished as we speak. EveryThing InBetween and more production for Wolly Vinyl are in the works. Here's the video aaagain. If you haven't seen it, it's new to you:

There's a Reason People Aren't Excited About the 80's Returning...

2009-07-06T16:42:00.000-07:00

This was sent to me via e-mail from a friend. I was gonna give them a credit but I can't put them on blast for the foolishness you are about to endure/enjoy... LOL!

The song is sub-a'ight though.

Soledad O'brien

2009-07-06T15:23:00.000-07:00

María de la Soledad Teresa O'Brien (born September 19, 1966) is an American television journalist. She is currently the host of CNN Special Investigations Unit on CNN, and is best known for anchoring the CNN marquee morning newscast American Morning from July 2003 to April 3, 2007. Soledad is of Cuban and Irish decent.
info courtesy Wikipedia

I think it was Stephen Colbert who said, "In the future everyone's going to look like her."

To Set The Record Straight!!!!

2009-07-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

Regardless of what you may have heard (hard exhale) I am not the guy from TV on the Radio. Lol. To be perfectly honest I hadn't heard much of their music until recently but I kinda like it:

Hey! You in the back! Can I have my face back please?

The Looking N-Wordly Mixtape

2009-07-06T14:10:00.000-07:00

If you haven't heard the first BlacKostume mixtape you can give it a listen at: http://www.datpiff.com/pop-mixtape-player.php?id=m91ef7d1

You can download it for free here:
http://lnk.ms/0XTxF

The Beatles...got beat.

2009-07-06T12:40:00.000-07:00

So The Beatles don't own their own music...wow. I think us creative types can learn a lot from The Beatles. And not just musically. Case in point:

Here's why it's not so funny anymore:

Hello and Welcome to Blac's Blaug...This was the video promo for my first show. Were you there?

2009-07-06T11:18:00.000-07:00

Once again thank you to everyone that came out and everyone that wanted to come but couldn't make it. BlacKostume exist outside of my head now..."Bare In Mind Barren Minds Bare No Fruit"