Whats's going on Bull Penners?
How's life treat in ya!? Ayything good on my side lol!
So I just got home from watching "The Wolf of Wall Street" and as always, Leonardo failed to disappoint! Great fuckin movie. I recommend you go see it. It's the story that every business man, drug dealer and ambitious person should go and see. But I'm not here to write a review on a movie, as the title might have given away!
Coming home from the movies as always, my iPod was hooked up and my mind began to run like a hamster wheel! One of my FAVORITE songs, from one of my favorite artist of the last decade came on! "What song?" you ask... "I still Wana" By Pusha T Feat. Rick Ross and Ab-Liva! Holy Shit, that song makes me wanna go pick up a Kilo, bring it home, break it down, bag it up and hit the streets like Jesse Pinkman on a mission to get his house back!! Lol.
But this is not about my Hustler's Ambition.... No, in fact it's Deeper than Rap. Literally. See as the song was playing I remembered my aunt's judgmental tone when she got in my car a few months back when she asked me "So.... You consider this music?" My response? "Indeed I do!" and put the volume back up!
You see, what a lot of people don't realize is, music is Art. Just because you speak english, doesn't mean you can listen to Hip-Hop song and fully understand what the artist is talking about. Just like you can't think you're fit to step in a boxing ring because you know how to throw a punch.
There's so much going on in a Da Vinci painting that looking at it once with a naked un trained eye would be sure fire way to miss 70% of the content!
Well, a lot of rap songs are no different. You don't have to have a degree in art to break it all down, but you do need to have a keen sense of reading between the lines. And you have to be familiar with the relevance of what's going on in pop culture. You have to have a somewhat decent knowledge of history to fully understand a lot of Hip-Hop songs. It's more than just knowing what a Bugatti is and who Miley Cyrus is! At least with the kinds of songs that are more lyrical than the everyday basic level what you hear is what you get songs.
Not too sure what I mean?
Good, this is why I'm here.
Take "I Still Wana" for example: When Ab-Liva says "...Bel Biv Devoe, Push poison like a copperhead" You have to know who Bel Biv Devoe are, because if you don't know them, then you won't know that they had a smash hit single called "Poison" and if you don't know that a copperhead is a snake then it won't make sense to you when he said "Push Poison." See, just like that he referenced 2 completely different things and linked them with the word poison!
It doesn't end there, in fact that's not even beginning to scratch the surface. Jay-Z is arguably the king at referencing things from every aspect of life. Take for example when Hov said in Missy Elliot's "One Minute Man (Remix)" "I'm tryna hit you then quit you in the middle of the round like I'm Roberto Duran... No Mas!" Who the hell is Roberto Duran right? Well you see, you have to be familiar with boxing to understand that one. You have to know that Roberto Duran is an old boxer who in 1980 fought Sugar Ray Leonard (for a second time.) Midway through the early rounds of the fight Duran was taking an old school beating and yelled out to the ref "No Mas!" Translation: "No More!" He literally gave up! Lol So for Hov to say it in that verse is pretty freakin witty wouldn't you say?
I could go on forever, in fact I will Lol.
Take my homie Pazo: in his XCVI (96) Mixtape he had a song called TFAliens where he said "Plus I'm feel in like Eddie in the flick, no Prin(ce)ts when the Semi on the Hip" Do I have to break that one down too? (By the way, click the link and support my mans Music!!)
Well you see this is where we get to the more advanced levels of the course. See to fully understand this one you have to go back to the title of the project. XCVI is roman numeral for '96. All the beats used, for the exception of a few at the end of the tape are from Hip-Hop songs from the year 1996. This one in particular being borrowed from "ATLiens" by Outkast! Now on to the bars:
If you're not familiar with Eddie Murphy's 1988 movie "Coming to America" then you won't know that he was a prince of an African country and that his trusty sidekick played by Arsenio Hall was named Semi! Semi also being a term used in Hip-Hop for Semi Automatic guns. So you see the play on words. He might have said Prince, but what he meant was prints, finger prints! So did I explain that clear enough?
Anyway, it all goes to say, Hip-Hop is Art. Whether you've accepted it or not, whether you feel it qualifies as music or not, it is and will always be Art. Maybe if you are one of the people who thinks otherwise, it could just be because you simply don't understand it! And who knows, maybe it isn't meant for you to understand. Shit, I can't for the life of me begin to understand why people would ever subject themselves to listening to Reggaeton, but maybe there's something there that I'm missing as well, thus hindering me from enjoying it! Lol.
So to my aunt, or your mom, or father, of grandparents or teachers or whoever else it is that gives you a hard time and forces you to defend Hip-Hop, reference this blog post. Encourage them to open their ears and listen to the words behind the lyrics!
To those of ya who make real Hip-Hop, please keep it up! Pazo, waddup bruh!? #TFA stand up!
Stay Up, and Stay Tuned!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Tuesday, December 31, 2013
2013's a Wrap!
What's going on Bull Penners?
As we reach the dawn of a new year I find myself, although not in a very festive mood, quite grateful for the passed 365 days I've had.
Like every year, I feel I've grown and matured in these passed four seasons. I've made new friends as well as lost some old friends. I guess the old saying is true, you win some you lose some! Lol. However, regardless of any bad, I am grateful. This year marks the year that I met the most beautiful girl my eyes have ever seen. Shout outs to the month of April for arriving with Antoinette.
My grandmother turned 80 years old in the same month, and just a few weeks ago, I brought all her children and grandchildren together for a grand family portrait!
2013 may not have been an earth shattering year but I am beyond grateful for all I've learned from it.
I decided this year that I plan on getting into BMX, and it was the first time in my life that I went Black Friday shopping. And it might be the first time I skip my family's New Years party. The birth of my new thing in photography "Video'd Shoots" happened this year. And speaking of photography, I have quite a few big projects that were presented to me through my photography. Stay Tuned for those announcements in 2014.
All in all, there wasn't very many "accomplishment" this year so to speak, unless you call 23 pairs of sneakers, a new closet and a dope christmas accomplishments lol. But I'm grateful to have lived it. Everyone always says "New Year, New Me" I can't begin to tell you how much I hate that bumass quote. Especially since most people who say it are goal oriented for the first week of January and are then back to their everyday shit. Realistically speaking, every single day should be considered a new year. Don't wait tip January 1st to make resolutions, do what you need/want to do now. Everyday should be the first day of another 365 cycle.
But that's enough venting.
I don't do resolutions, but tomorrow I do plan on.......
Lol
Stay Up and Stay Tuned ya!
Be safe out there. Happy New Year!
As we reach the dawn of a new year I find myself, although not in a very festive mood, quite grateful for the passed 365 days I've had.
Like every year, I feel I've grown and matured in these passed four seasons. I've made new friends as well as lost some old friends. I guess the old saying is true, you win some you lose some! Lol. However, regardless of any bad, I am grateful. This year marks the year that I met the most beautiful girl my eyes have ever seen. Shout outs to the month of April for arriving with Antoinette.
My grandmother turned 80 years old in the same month, and just a few weeks ago, I brought all her children and grandchildren together for a grand family portrait!
2013 may not have been an earth shattering year but I am beyond grateful for all I've learned from it.
I decided this year that I plan on getting into BMX, and it was the first time in my life that I went Black Friday shopping. And it might be the first time I skip my family's New Years party. The birth of my new thing in photography "Video'd Shoots" happened this year. And speaking of photography, I have quite a few big projects that were presented to me through my photography. Stay Tuned for those announcements in 2014.
All in all, there wasn't very many "accomplishment" this year so to speak, unless you call 23 pairs of sneakers, a new closet and a dope christmas accomplishments lol. But I'm grateful to have lived it. Everyone always says "New Year, New Me" I can't begin to tell you how much I hate that bumass quote. Especially since most people who say it are goal oriented for the first week of January and are then back to their everyday shit. Realistically speaking, every single day should be considered a new year. Don't wait tip January 1st to make resolutions, do what you need/want to do now. Everyday should be the first day of another 365 cycle.
But that's enough venting.
I don't do resolutions, but tomorrow I do plan on.......
Lol
Stay Up and Stay Tuned ya!
Be safe out there. Happy New Year!
Thursday, November 14, 2013
The State of (Hip-Hop) New York
See that witty ass title I just gave ya!? Lol
Now first and foremost (again) music reviews and my feeling towards Hip-Hop are not necessarily what I do here on my blog, however, my blog is just that. My Blog! My own personal journal that I choose to share with you, my reader. So please bare with me as I rant and vent for the next couple of minutes.
Just the other day I was driving home from who knows where when I thought to myself: "Thank God for my iPod cause I damn sure don't wanna hear anything on this radio!"
Raise your hand if you've felt like me on this one.
Doesn't it seem like its the same 7 songs playing on the radio all day every day? Granted, there's more than just 2 stations on the dial, but damn, seems like if I don't wanna listen to Drake I have to settle for Katy Perry! No disrespect to Katy Perry. And correct me if I'm wrong, during the golden years of Hip-Hop, all you'd hear on New York radio is New York rappers, from Wu-Tang to Mobb Deep, Jay-Z to LL Cool J, Busta, to DMX and etc. etc. etc. But today it seems like down south artist and people from anywhere get more play! Now I know this topic went out with Lil Jon and snap music in 2007, but it's still relevant. Especially with kendrick Lamar stating he's the king of New York (which I loved) and we all know that he's from Compton, LA.
But now, this morning on 'The Breakfast Club' I heard Trinidad James saying something along the lines of
"New York Used to be the Mecca of Hip-Hop, we used to look up to ya and think, 'well damn' and just do our own thing. But these days, any rapper who's from New York, you might as well say he's from Atlanta. That's how I feel. And if anybody wanna do something about it, then we can do something about it."
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllright! That's enough, somebody cut his mic! Again those might not have been his exact words but that was the message he was sending, and he's not important enough to me or the Hip-Hop community for me to actually go and research his exact words.
Now, here's my problem. I'm more mad at New York for it's complacent ways than I am at Trinidad James for his blasphemy!
Here me out here. It all starts with the fans! It's ya fault. Hip-Hop fans are so fickle that they allow any and everything to fly. Trends come and go and New Yorkers get on any and everyones surf boards to ride the waves! When snap music was out, every DJ in New York was bumping' D4L and Ying Yang Twins and any other fuckin gimmick rapper that was out at the time and you would see any and all niggas in the party, snapping they fingers, bending their knees and doing whatever the fuck Soulja Boy would tell em to do! Hip-Hop might as well have been a segment on Barney or Sesame St. with all it's sing and dance along songs. If I'm lying tell me I'm lying! It was disgusting and anyone who knows me, knows that I hated it and in no way shape or form supported it. In fact I would literally cringe and my blood would boil when I would ride in the car and someone else would be playing it. Til this day I hate that music and feel that it should not be accepted in the Boom-Cap genre that we call Hip-Hop. Glad to say most of it is gone. But that's not to say that there still isn't any trash left.
Trinidad James arrived on the scene sometime last year, I think. He had a single called "All Gold Everything" The ghetto, ignorant anthem of the world! I thought Soulja Boy was bad, but man this nigga sucks! I hated, hate and always will hate the song, but it seemed as if I was alone on that one. Seemed like everyone around me, loved it, had it as their ringtone, and went crazy when it went off in the club.
Have you ever felt like you're standing in the middle of a crowded room, and you're the only one who doesn't understand what's going on? You're the only one who's not in on the joke, the only one who feels "This is stupid, why is everyone so jolly and happy-go-lucky about this" whatever "this" may be. Well that's how I feel about Hip-Hop today! Thank God for Kendrick Lamar and Thank God for Pusha T and all the other rappers who are still doing it and sticking true to the craft. Because without them we'd be left with trash and it doesn't seem like sanitation is coming by any time soon!
But back to the fans and New York. I'm more mad at ya than I am mad of this clown boy. Because at a Hip-Hop show in New York, this man dissed New York and got away with it. Lol, really? Had this been the early to mid 90's I swear the news on the radio would have been more like
"Atlanta Rapper, Trinidad James insults New York at a recent Hip-Hop show and is now in critical condition due to various gunshot wounds and stabs to multiple areas of his body!"
Again, if I'm wrong, tell me I'm wrong. Had that beed a Wu-Tang show in 94, or a Public Enemy show in 84, or even a 50 Cent show in 04 there would have been some sort of serious consequences paid by Mr. James. More than just 3 weak ass "Boo's"
Where does this comfort for blasphemy stem from? I'll tell you where. It comes from NY rappers in recent years going down south and elsewhere in the country to find fame and success (which is perfectly okay) but then forget where they came from and rep any and every other place harder than they do their own home.
I'm from the Bronx, nothin made me prouder as a fan of Hip-Hop in my earlier years than listening to Big Pun slaughter any and everyone by way of dope, fast, hard hitin lyrics whenever he got on the Mic. Who didn't love The Notorious B.I.G. given us stories of robbin trains, shooting daughter in their calf muscle and slapping babies at their christening!? Who didn't love Big L, and envisioned themselves in a dice game gone wrong when he gave us these vivid images that he rapped about. Who didn't love Jay-Z then and still loves him now?
However it seems like all of that is out the window for the exception of a few names. These guys didnt move to Miami like Fat Joe did to find success. And had they done it they would have still repped NY. They didn't go become popular in Atlanta and come back to NY as Novelty acts.
So yeah, why wouldn't someone on the outside looking in feel that New York's prime years are behind it? If I were from Atlanta and I were making my own music and saw how many NY Niggas were movin into my city to pursue their music careers I would think that New York fell off too. Rather than thinking "If I wanna make it, I gotta go to New York or LA because that's where stars are born," Like every other struggling artist feels; I would think "Shit New York aint pippin no more. Might as well stay my ass here and grind to make it!" So let's dig just a little deeper. Why does a New York Rapper leave New York to go rap somewhere else? Good question. How many of you who are into Hip-Hop have left New York? I have, I've been to Atlanta, I've been to Ohio and I've seen the difference. Here in New York, the radio does not support "Underground" artist or any up and coming artist. In fact they only play commercial records and artists who are signed. Whereas in Atlanta all you'll here is Atlanta artist, signed unsigned, hyped or underground. In Ohio, the Hip-Hop movement is strong. In both you see the family aspect. Artist tend to support each other, when one makes it, they all make it. Whereas here in New York, every nigga rappin bout the same shit want the spotlight for his or herself and is not willing to bring up anyone else with them to the top.
It's like fighting a nigga on your team, while you're losing a game by a large margin. The lack of unity is a problem. I hate cliches but if nothing else it shows you that indeed "United we stand Divided we fall!"So why is there no unity amongst New York Artist? Now that I don't know, but I do know that if it continues this way it won't be long before NYC is just another city tryna get on. If the DJ's at the major stations don't start going against the PD (Program Directors) we're gonna lose a battle in a war that shouldn't be going on in the first place.
The only battle should be on wax! Let's go back to the essence of it all. Stop worrying about who's dating who, who's fuckin who, who bought the new Bugatti and who wore the best sneakers to La Marina.... Ya making Hip-Hop sound like the gossip section of a High School newspaper. I'm waiting to hear about a rapper taking a random bitch to prom making big news headlines. Let's take it back to that real, hard beat, head bopping, meaningful lyrics that make you wanna rob the corner store (not saying you would or should do it but it makes you feel that way) Let's take it back to a time where if a man from LA said he was king of New York he wouldn't be able to come to New York. Back to a time when a man Dissed New York IN New York he wouldn't make it out of New York! Can we do that New York?
I guess that's all I have to say. I din't even have a good way to close this off. I just know that New York got me feel in glad I'm not a rapper. cause I wouldn't find where to hide my face from the shame of the state of the rap game!
Now first and foremost (again) music reviews and my feeling towards Hip-Hop are not necessarily what I do here on my blog, however, my blog is just that. My Blog! My own personal journal that I choose to share with you, my reader. So please bare with me as I rant and vent for the next couple of minutes.
Just the other day I was driving home from who knows where when I thought to myself: "Thank God for my iPod cause I damn sure don't wanna hear anything on this radio!"
Raise your hand if you've felt like me on this one.
Doesn't it seem like its the same 7 songs playing on the radio all day every day? Granted, there's more than just 2 stations on the dial, but damn, seems like if I don't wanna listen to Drake I have to settle for Katy Perry! No disrespect to Katy Perry. And correct me if I'm wrong, during the golden years of Hip-Hop, all you'd hear on New York radio is New York rappers, from Wu-Tang to Mobb Deep, Jay-Z to LL Cool J, Busta, to DMX and etc. etc. etc. But today it seems like down south artist and people from anywhere get more play! Now I know this topic went out with Lil Jon and snap music in 2007, but it's still relevant. Especially with kendrick Lamar stating he's the king of New York (which I loved) and we all know that he's from Compton, LA.
But now, this morning on 'The Breakfast Club' I heard Trinidad James saying something along the lines of
"New York Used to be the Mecca of Hip-Hop, we used to look up to ya and think, 'well damn' and just do our own thing. But these days, any rapper who's from New York, you might as well say he's from Atlanta. That's how I feel. And if anybody wanna do something about it, then we can do something about it."
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalllllright! That's enough, somebody cut his mic! Again those might not have been his exact words but that was the message he was sending, and he's not important enough to me or the Hip-Hop community for me to actually go and research his exact words.
Now, here's my problem. I'm more mad at New York for it's complacent ways than I am at Trinidad James for his blasphemy!
Here me out here. It all starts with the fans! It's ya fault. Hip-Hop fans are so fickle that they allow any and everything to fly. Trends come and go and New Yorkers get on any and everyones surf boards to ride the waves! When snap music was out, every DJ in New York was bumping' D4L and Ying Yang Twins and any other fuckin gimmick rapper that was out at the time and you would see any and all niggas in the party, snapping they fingers, bending their knees and doing whatever the fuck Soulja Boy would tell em to do! Hip-Hop might as well have been a segment on Barney or Sesame St. with all it's sing and dance along songs. If I'm lying tell me I'm lying! It was disgusting and anyone who knows me, knows that I hated it and in no way shape or form supported it. In fact I would literally cringe and my blood would boil when I would ride in the car and someone else would be playing it. Til this day I hate that music and feel that it should not be accepted in the Boom-Cap genre that we call Hip-Hop. Glad to say most of it is gone. But that's not to say that there still isn't any trash left.
Trinidad James arrived on the scene sometime last year, I think. He had a single called "All Gold Everything" The ghetto, ignorant anthem of the world! I thought Soulja Boy was bad, but man this nigga sucks! I hated, hate and always will hate the song, but it seemed as if I was alone on that one. Seemed like everyone around me, loved it, had it as their ringtone, and went crazy when it went off in the club.
Have you ever felt like you're standing in the middle of a crowded room, and you're the only one who doesn't understand what's going on? You're the only one who's not in on the joke, the only one who feels "This is stupid, why is everyone so jolly and happy-go-lucky about this" whatever "this" may be. Well that's how I feel about Hip-Hop today! Thank God for Kendrick Lamar and Thank God for Pusha T and all the other rappers who are still doing it and sticking true to the craft. Because without them we'd be left with trash and it doesn't seem like sanitation is coming by any time soon!
But back to the fans and New York. I'm more mad at ya than I am mad of this clown boy. Because at a Hip-Hop show in New York, this man dissed New York and got away with it. Lol, really? Had this been the early to mid 90's I swear the news on the radio would have been more like
"Atlanta Rapper, Trinidad James insults New York at a recent Hip-Hop show and is now in critical condition due to various gunshot wounds and stabs to multiple areas of his body!"
Again, if I'm wrong, tell me I'm wrong. Had that beed a Wu-Tang show in 94, or a Public Enemy show in 84, or even a 50 Cent show in 04 there would have been some sort of serious consequences paid by Mr. James. More than just 3 weak ass "Boo's"
Where does this comfort for blasphemy stem from? I'll tell you where. It comes from NY rappers in recent years going down south and elsewhere in the country to find fame and success (which is perfectly okay) but then forget where they came from and rep any and every other place harder than they do their own home.
I'm from the Bronx, nothin made me prouder as a fan of Hip-Hop in my earlier years than listening to Big Pun slaughter any and everyone by way of dope, fast, hard hitin lyrics whenever he got on the Mic. Who didn't love The Notorious B.I.G. given us stories of robbin trains, shooting daughter in their calf muscle and slapping babies at their christening!? Who didn't love Big L, and envisioned themselves in a dice game gone wrong when he gave us these vivid images that he rapped about. Who didn't love Jay-Z then and still loves him now?
However it seems like all of that is out the window for the exception of a few names. These guys didnt move to Miami like Fat Joe did to find success. And had they done it they would have still repped NY. They didn't go become popular in Atlanta and come back to NY as Novelty acts.
So yeah, why wouldn't someone on the outside looking in feel that New York's prime years are behind it? If I were from Atlanta and I were making my own music and saw how many NY Niggas were movin into my city to pursue their music careers I would think that New York fell off too. Rather than thinking "If I wanna make it, I gotta go to New York or LA because that's where stars are born," Like every other struggling artist feels; I would think "Shit New York aint pippin no more. Might as well stay my ass here and grind to make it!" So let's dig just a little deeper. Why does a New York Rapper leave New York to go rap somewhere else? Good question. How many of you who are into Hip-Hop have left New York? I have, I've been to Atlanta, I've been to Ohio and I've seen the difference. Here in New York, the radio does not support "Underground" artist or any up and coming artist. In fact they only play commercial records and artists who are signed. Whereas in Atlanta all you'll here is Atlanta artist, signed unsigned, hyped or underground. In Ohio, the Hip-Hop movement is strong. In both you see the family aspect. Artist tend to support each other, when one makes it, they all make it. Whereas here in New York, every nigga rappin bout the same shit want the spotlight for his or herself and is not willing to bring up anyone else with them to the top.
It's like fighting a nigga on your team, while you're losing a game by a large margin. The lack of unity is a problem. I hate cliches but if nothing else it shows you that indeed "United we stand Divided we fall!"So why is there no unity amongst New York Artist? Now that I don't know, but I do know that if it continues this way it won't be long before NYC is just another city tryna get on. If the DJ's at the major stations don't start going against the PD (Program Directors) we're gonna lose a battle in a war that shouldn't be going on in the first place.
The only battle should be on wax! Let's go back to the essence of it all. Stop worrying about who's dating who, who's fuckin who, who bought the new Bugatti and who wore the best sneakers to La Marina.... Ya making Hip-Hop sound like the gossip section of a High School newspaper. I'm waiting to hear about a rapper taking a random bitch to prom making big news headlines. Let's take it back to that real, hard beat, head bopping, meaningful lyrics that make you wanna rob the corner store (not saying you would or should do it but it makes you feel that way) Let's take it back to a time where if a man from LA said he was king of New York he wouldn't be able to come to New York. Back to a time when a man Dissed New York IN New York he wouldn't make it out of New York! Can we do that New York?
I guess that's all I have to say. I din't even have a good way to close this off. I just know that New York got me feel in glad I'm not a rapper. cause I wouldn't find where to hide my face from the shame of the state of the rap game!
Friday, November 8, 2013
Nike Lebron XI's (Sneaker Review)
What's going on Bull Penners?!
Today I'm doing something I've never done before here on my blog or anywhere else for that matter.
This is my first ever sneaker review. I know most people prefer video blogs for this, but I'm an old school dude.
About 4 or 5 months ago I came across the picture of the new Nike Lebron XI's (11).
Initially I didn't care for them, and possibly it was just the picture that I didn't care for. But a few weeks ago, right before the release I saw them in person and still wasn't too fond of em, but I did like them more in person than I did in pictures. However even in person they weren't attractive enough to pay the $275.00 price tag that the guy was trying to get for them on a pre-release early date.
Some time passed and for the first time ever I realized that this was one of those sneakers that was going to grow on me way after the retail price tripled. So being wise to the fact I decided to go and look for them and see if I get lucky before its too late. Last weekend I went out to brunch and shortly after found myself in the 'Foot Action' in Bay Plaza here in the Bronx. And of course they were sold out. I was prepared to leave the mall that day empty handed and thought to myself "I might have missed them and I'm not paying any more than retail." But before walking away defeated I decided to check the 'Jimmy Jazz' right down the sidewalk.
I walked in, and to my surprise there was still a pair on display. If you know anything about this 'Sneaker Game' as we call it, then you know finding a pair of recently released Lebrons on a shelf on display is kind of a big deal. So I asked to see a size 10 or 10.5. I wear a size 9.5 but for some reason Lebrons and Foamposites run small for me so I size up one or one and a half sizes up. Maybe it's because I have flat feet. Ahh well. They didn't have either of the sizes I asked for, but they did have a 9.5 left, my size. I figured I'd try them on although worried that they'd be too small. Like they say "You'll never know until you try" and when my foot slid into the shoe I was shocked to find out they fit like a glove! I stood up, walked a few feet to the mirror and immediately knew that they'd be coming home with me! Instantly they went from "They're Okay" to "Holy Crap!"
So I took out my debit card and swiped! Retail on these bad boys is $200.00 so the final price of $217 and change wasn't necessarily something I was thrilled about, but lets be honest, I've paid more for a pair of sneakers so....... Yeah. Lol. But after reviewing the sneaker it seemed to make more sense.
Although I've never been a fan of the actual word 'FLYWIRE' being printed on the shoe, I guess it's no different than the word 'Hybrid' on a the trunk lid of a car. And the flywire does look extremely dope through the holes though out the upper portion of the shoes all the way out to the eyelets to holding the laces. Good work on the design of these Nike.
Also the insole to these sneakers is thicker than any pair I've ever seen. It its literally the size of a Nike Air Force 1 midsole! I have no doubt that my grandparents can wear these and walk a mile in em and feel the comfort that is the Nike Lebron XI.
And of course, what attracts most people in the first place, the dope ass colorway! The "Kings Pride" colorway is definitely dope! Its the best of the ones that I've seen that are set to release. The green sort of holographic color on the foam material with the accompanying olive colored suede kind of upper makes it look like something the green goblin would wear. Remember when he wore Flightposites? The black of course is fitting on anything and the red is just the right amount to pop out at the eye. The lining brings it all together and puts it over the top. The added 'LJ Crown' logo on both the tongue and lace tips is always a good look. Finally the mint green sole might as well be a big red bow. The perfect contrast to wrap this shoe up. All together its such an attractive sneaker that I am sure I will Un-DS (wear for the first time for those of you not familiar with the lingo) very soon! After all, it's the only shoe that I've ever done a sneaker review on. Lol
All in all, in my opinion this is one of the best Lebrons to release since the "Pre-Heat" Lebron VIII's. Another pair that I initially did not like and am now kicking myself for not buying when they were sold for retail! Makes me wonder where they'll go with the XII. But of course, there's no need to jump the gun, there's still a lot of enjoyment to be had with these. If you're like me, and you tend to pass up on things that don't initially catch you, but end up liking them later when its too late, then you should definitely cop these. Don't walk into Flight Club 6 months from today and live with that $450.00 price tag. If you have flat feet, or even if you don't, know that they run true to size. Buy the size you normally wear. So tell me how you feel about my first sneaker review, and what you feel about the sneaker.
P.S.
Quick Announcement:
I recently got invited to a meeting with my boy AJ and he pitched an idea to me about a new sneaker site/online shop. We went over a few points and came up with the name "Kick'd In" which will serve as a new member of the ever growing Sneaker Community to provide everything from information and forums to consignment retail. Stay Tuned for more info on where you can find the site.
Stay Up and Stay Tuned!
Today I'm doing something I've never done before here on my blog or anywhere else for that matter.
This is my first ever sneaker review. I know most people prefer video blogs for this, but I'm an old school dude.
About 4 or 5 months ago I came across the picture of the new Nike Lebron XI's (11).
Initially I didn't care for them, and possibly it was just the picture that I didn't care for. But a few weeks ago, right before the release I saw them in person and still wasn't too fond of em, but I did like them more in person than I did in pictures. However even in person they weren't attractive enough to pay the $275.00 price tag that the guy was trying to get for them on a pre-release early date.
Some time passed and for the first time ever I realized that this was one of those sneakers that was going to grow on me way after the retail price tripled. So being wise to the fact I decided to go and look for them and see if I get lucky before its too late. Last weekend I went out to brunch and shortly after found myself in the 'Foot Action' in Bay Plaza here in the Bronx. And of course they were sold out. I was prepared to leave the mall that day empty handed and thought to myself "I might have missed them and I'm not paying any more than retail." But before walking away defeated I decided to check the 'Jimmy Jazz' right down the sidewalk.
I walked in, and to my surprise there was still a pair on display. If you know anything about this 'Sneaker Game' as we call it, then you know finding a pair of recently released Lebrons on a shelf on display is kind of a big deal. So I asked to see a size 10 or 10.5. I wear a size 9.5 but for some reason Lebrons and Foamposites run small for me so I size up one or one and a half sizes up. Maybe it's because I have flat feet. Ahh well. They didn't have either of the sizes I asked for, but they did have a 9.5 left, my size. I figured I'd try them on although worried that they'd be too small. Like they say "You'll never know until you try" and when my foot slid into the shoe I was shocked to find out they fit like a glove! I stood up, walked a few feet to the mirror and immediately knew that they'd be coming home with me! Instantly they went from "They're Okay" to "Holy Crap!"
So I took out my debit card and swiped! Retail on these bad boys is $200.00 so the final price of $217 and change wasn't necessarily something I was thrilled about, but lets be honest, I've paid more for a pair of sneakers so....... Yeah. Lol. But after reviewing the sneaker it seemed to make more sense.
Let's be honest, we all know that I didn't pay what I paid to go play basketball in them, but I do know that if I did, I'd be in good hands... Or feet I suppose! Lol.
The sneaker is both light weight and durable. The ankle support is just as good as Lebrons that I've worn and played in before. Also the Foamposite material is enough Nike Technology to help you understand the price tag. If that isn't enough for you, Nikes latest technology (at least to my knowledge) Flywire is also featured in these. Flywire is... just what it sounds like I guess, it's a lightweight wire made of nylon or vectran and it's purpose is to provide more support and still remain light. It also serves as a cool aesthetic twist to replace plain eyelets on the shoe.
Also the insole to these sneakers is thicker than any pair I've ever seen. It its literally the size of a Nike Air Force 1 midsole! I have no doubt that my grandparents can wear these and walk a mile in em and feel the comfort that is the Nike Lebron XI.
And of course, what attracts most people in the first place, the dope ass colorway! The "Kings Pride" colorway is definitely dope! Its the best of the ones that I've seen that are set to release. The green sort of holographic color on the foam material with the accompanying olive colored suede kind of upper makes it look like something the green goblin would wear. Remember when he wore Flightposites? The black of course is fitting on anything and the red is just the right amount to pop out at the eye. The lining brings it all together and puts it over the top. The added 'LJ Crown' logo on both the tongue and lace tips is always a good look. Finally the mint green sole might as well be a big red bow. The perfect contrast to wrap this shoe up. All together its such an attractive sneaker that I am sure I will Un-DS (wear for the first time for those of you not familiar with the lingo) very soon! After all, it's the only shoe that I've ever done a sneaker review on. Lol
All in all, in my opinion this is one of the best Lebrons to release since the "Pre-Heat" Lebron VIII's. Another pair that I initially did not like and am now kicking myself for not buying when they were sold for retail! Makes me wonder where they'll go with the XII. But of course, there's no need to jump the gun, there's still a lot of enjoyment to be had with these. If you're like me, and you tend to pass up on things that don't initially catch you, but end up liking them later when its too late, then you should definitely cop these. Don't walk into Flight Club 6 months from today and live with that $450.00 price tag. If you have flat feet, or even if you don't, know that they run true to size. Buy the size you normally wear. So tell me how you feel about my first sneaker review, and what you feel about the sneaker.
P.S.
Quick Announcement:
I recently got invited to a meeting with my boy AJ and he pitched an idea to me about a new sneaker site/online shop. We went over a few points and came up with the name "Kick'd In" which will serve as a new member of the ever growing Sneaker Community to provide everything from information and forums to consignment retail. Stay Tuned for more info on where you can find the site.
Monday, October 28, 2013
Bang! Bang! an Eno Bull Video'd Shoot
So the other day I was sitting around realizing that I hadn't shot anything in a while.
No biggie, writers have writers block so it shouldn't be a surprise that photographers go through dead spots of inspiration; Besides, I've never liked the idea of shooting 'just because.' The idea, the photos, the final product all has to come from a genuine place. The art cannot be rushed.
So the other day, sitting around, just thinking to myself, I came up with a new concept. It's called "Video'd Shoots"
Basically, it's a trailer to a themed photo shoot. I've realized that we live in a day and age where video is more interesting to most people than photography. But me loving photography as much as I do and refusing to give it up as my passion, I decided I'd give people just a little bit of what they want. So rather than post one picture and say something like "More images coming soon" on Facebook or Instagram or whatever, I'll give you an actual video trailer to build the anticipation for the images I will release later on.
Hence me calling it, not a "Video Shoot" but a "Video'd Shoot" as in a photo shoot where there was filming! Get it? am I making any sense?
Well whatever, I won't bore you with too many more words.
Check out the first (of many) Eno Bull Photography Video'd Shoot:
Please don't take my idea and run with it as if it's yours! You heard the concept here first! Enjoy.
And as an BullPen exclusive, peep the first image from the set:
Shout outs to the amazing Blanca Rosa Martinez. I call here Bebe! And my lil brother Rudy, for playing one of the greatest dead guys I've seen since Denzel in training day! Lol. Stay Tuned for the rest of the images. They'll be releasing some time tomorrow on my new, under construction website: www.EnoBullPhotography.tumblr.com Stop by when you can!
Peace.
Stay Up and Stay Tuned!
No biggie, writers have writers block so it shouldn't be a surprise that photographers go through dead spots of inspiration; Besides, I've never liked the idea of shooting 'just because.' The idea, the photos, the final product all has to come from a genuine place. The art cannot be rushed.
So the other day, sitting around, just thinking to myself, I came up with a new concept. It's called "Video'd Shoots"
Basically, it's a trailer to a themed photo shoot. I've realized that we live in a day and age where video is more interesting to most people than photography. But me loving photography as much as I do and refusing to give it up as my passion, I decided I'd give people just a little bit of what they want. So rather than post one picture and say something like "More images coming soon" on Facebook or Instagram or whatever, I'll give you an actual video trailer to build the anticipation for the images I will release later on.
Hence me calling it, not a "Video Shoot" but a "Video'd Shoot" as in a photo shoot where there was filming! Get it? am I making any sense?
Well whatever, I won't bore you with too many more words.
Check out the first (of many) Eno Bull Photography Video'd Shoot:
Please don't take my idea and run with it as if it's yours! You heard the concept here first! Enjoy.
And as an BullPen exclusive, peep the first image from the set:
Shout outs to the amazing Blanca Rosa Martinez. I call here Bebe! And my lil brother Rudy, for playing one of the greatest dead guys I've seen since Denzel in training day! Lol. Stay Tuned for the rest of the images. They'll be releasing some time tomorrow on my new, under construction website: www.EnoBullPhotography.tumblr.com Stop by when you can!
Peace.
Stay Up and Stay Tuned!
Family First?
I was gonna write a blog post about a situation I've recently found myself in. A post about family and loyalty and the whole nine, yaddah yaddah, blah blah!
Then I decided, naaaahhh! Nobody wants to hear me complain about shit. Everybody has their own problems right?
I will say this tho, my time will come at which point I don't wanna see any open hands coming my way, I promise, I WILL spit in your palm.
To quote the late great Carlito Brigante: "There ain't no friends in the shit business!"
Stay Up and Stay Tuned!
Then I decided, naaaahhh! Nobody wants to hear me complain about shit. Everybody has their own problems right?
I will say this tho, my time will come at which point I don't wanna see any open hands coming my way, I promise, I WILL spit in your palm.
To quote the late great Carlito Brigante: "There ain't no friends in the shit business!"
Stay Up and Stay Tuned!
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
A Night of Firsts, Moms Birthday
What's going on Bull Penners?
So yesterday was a very interesting day. A day of ups and downs. It began with me being robbed of $350 by some scamming company that claims to be a debt collection agency, yeah, that happened. But almost nothing could bring me down seein as how it was my Queen's birthday!
My mom turned 51 years old yesterday and I felt blessed for her. Reaching 50 was a big deal for my mom because her mom only made it to 45. Fuck Cancer! So of course her day was spent answering phone calls from what would seem to be everyone who knows her. Calls and text were coming in, even from Honduras.
My lady and I decided that we would take her out to eat and bring my dad and Rudy along with us. In the evening we arrived at Red Lobster and it marked the first time my girl and I hung out with my whole immediate family. Might not sound like a big deal, but I love that I can share moments of my life like this with her. While at dinner, my pops who I have lived with and known for 26 years made a joke! Several jokes actually. And if you know my pops, then you know that joking is not something he does often. At least not with us! We were all on the salad course of our meal and while picking at it and eatin it he said, "Where's the Beef?" so at first, I did the "Family Guy, Ostrich" laugh, Haaa! But when I realized the reference and recognized that this was him making a funny, I kid you not, I lost it! I literally began to laugh out loud, holdin my stomach falling over in my seat in the excitement of hearing my pops tell a joke! LMFAO! Son, I said to him out loud "I've never in my life heard you make a joke pops!" He began to laugh and just like that I swear I felt the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. There was no stress, no worries, no anything, just an amazing time spent with my family over dinner. Tears of joy fell from my face and the rest of the dinner went on in the same exact way. Laughing, joking, discussing everyone's lives and where we are, how we're feeling and what we're doing.
It was the first time in a long time that my family and I had come together for something as simple as having dinner and this time I had my girl with me. So dope!
I asked my father "Why did you do this to me man?" In reference to not allowing me to live passed the age of 22 without losing my hair and becoming bald due to his genetic make up. To which he responded "That has nothing to do with me" and continued to enjoy his Lobster and shrimp! Lol
The man was in rare form. Mom was having the time of her life and I even showed her pics of Laila, the dog that we adopted for a few months (Who's name was changed to Leela and now has her own InstaGram!) Lol.
It was the red pedal in my Life or Death Tattoo. (You may have to reference that via this blog site if you're not familiar with what I'm talkin about)
When the dinner came to an end, the waiters and waitresses sang Happy Birthday to my mom and brought her a dope lookin Strawberry Cheesecake. My pops ate about 80% of it, but I don't think she'd have it any other way.
All in all it was a day that started rough, followed by an evening that ended smooth as hell! I was so grateful for life; not that it's ever very different from that but you feel what I'm sayin. We packed up all the food we didn't eat, especially those crackmazingly awesome biscuits and hit the road back home. I wished my mom a Happy Birthday once again and got ready for bed.
To think I've waited 26 years to let someone pull a fast one on me and take money out of my account, and in the same day celebrate my mothers 51st birthday to the sounds of my father cracking jokes! Life has a very funny way of playin out. Good thing I have a great sense of humor!
Happy Birthday again mom! I Love you!
P.S. My the pic I posted of my mom and I on IG yesterday grossed 70 likes! I've NEVER gotten that many on a pic of myself! F ya'll for that! Lol. Nah, but I say that to say I appreciate those of you who wished her a happy birthday be it through me or to her directly. Bless ya all.
Stay Up and Stay Tuned!
So yesterday was a very interesting day. A day of ups and downs. It began with me being robbed of $350 by some scamming company that claims to be a debt collection agency, yeah, that happened. But almost nothing could bring me down seein as how it was my Queen's birthday!
My mom turned 51 years old yesterday and I felt blessed for her. Reaching 50 was a big deal for my mom because her mom only made it to 45. Fuck Cancer! So of course her day was spent answering phone calls from what would seem to be everyone who knows her. Calls and text were coming in, even from Honduras.
My lady and I decided that we would take her out to eat and bring my dad and Rudy along with us. In the evening we arrived at Red Lobster and it marked the first time my girl and I hung out with my whole immediate family. Might not sound like a big deal, but I love that I can share moments of my life like this with her. While at dinner, my pops who I have lived with and known for 26 years made a joke! Several jokes actually. And if you know my pops, then you know that joking is not something he does often. At least not with us! We were all on the salad course of our meal and while picking at it and eatin it he said, "Where's the Beef?" so at first, I did the "Family Guy, Ostrich" laugh, Haaa! But when I realized the reference and recognized that this was him making a funny, I kid you not, I lost it! I literally began to laugh out loud, holdin my stomach falling over in my seat in the excitement of hearing my pops tell a joke! LMFAO! Son, I said to him out loud "I've never in my life heard you make a joke pops!" He began to laugh and just like that I swear I felt the weight of the world lifted off my shoulders. There was no stress, no worries, no anything, just an amazing time spent with my family over dinner. Tears of joy fell from my face and the rest of the dinner went on in the same exact way. Laughing, joking, discussing everyone's lives and where we are, how we're feeling and what we're doing.
It was the first time in a long time that my family and I had come together for something as simple as having dinner and this time I had my girl with me. So dope!
I asked my father "Why did you do this to me man?" In reference to not allowing me to live passed the age of 22 without losing my hair and becoming bald due to his genetic make up. To which he responded "That has nothing to do with me" and continued to enjoy his Lobster and shrimp! Lol
The man was in rare form. Mom was having the time of her life and I even showed her pics of Laila, the dog that we adopted for a few months (Who's name was changed to Leela and now has her own InstaGram!) Lol.
It was the red pedal in my Life or Death Tattoo. (You may have to reference that via this blog site if you're not familiar with what I'm talkin about)
When the dinner came to an end, the waiters and waitresses sang Happy Birthday to my mom and brought her a dope lookin Strawberry Cheesecake. My pops ate about 80% of it, but I don't think she'd have it any other way.
All in all it was a day that started rough, followed by an evening that ended smooth as hell! I was so grateful for life; not that it's ever very different from that but you feel what I'm sayin. We packed up all the food we didn't eat, especially those crackmazingly awesome biscuits and hit the road back home. I wished my mom a Happy Birthday once again and got ready for bed.
To think I've waited 26 years to let someone pull a fast one on me and take money out of my account, and in the same day celebrate my mothers 51st birthday to the sounds of my father cracking jokes! Life has a very funny way of playin out. Good thing I have a great sense of humor!
Happy Birthday again mom! I Love you!
P.S. My the pic I posted of my mom and I on IG yesterday grossed 70 likes! I've NEVER gotten that many on a pic of myself! F ya'll for that! Lol. Nah, but I say that to say I appreciate those of you who wished her a happy birthday be it through me or to her directly. Bless ya all.
Stay Up and Stay Tuned!
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