This year, we’ve seen many of our music icons pass on. Most recently, we lost arguably one of the greatest DJ’s to ever touch a fader, Grand Master Roc Raida. Roc was, and will continue to be, a great influence on so many DJ’s worldwide, for generations to come. To celebrate all of the great contributions that Roc Raida made to Hip-Hop, and to music as a whole, my brother DJ Manipulator has put together a final farewell song to pay tribute to Roc. Thank you Roc Raida, for all that you gave to us. We appreciate it.

Here’s the write up and download link from Social Light Sounds:

“On September 19th we lost one of the most talented, influential, and inspirational DJ’s of all time. Roc Raida of the X-Ecutioners. He was such a huge influence on me and the way I approached DJing. I remember when I was starting out in high school I used to watch his and the rest of the X-Men’s routines on DMC dvds over and over again, studying his body tricks(which i still cant do to this day),and the way he would juggle the records. It was incredible to watch him. You could tell the he was really dedicated to his craft. So I took sometime out to send a salute to the legend cause he inspired me to do what I do on the tables today. Rest in Peace Roc Raida, your contribution to the artform will never be forgotten.

-DJ Manipulator”

Thank you to everyone who’s supporting the record. We appreciate it.

I was recently put on to this cat Mike Posner… I hate the fact that I cant get this song out of my head so I figured I would share it, and hopefully annoy someone else as much as I have been.

Now this is more like it!!! Buckwild from the almighty D.I.T.C. on the beat.

Buckwild has been the only member of D.I.T.C. that has been able to balance the “crate diggin” style and culture of his crew and keep a street presence without a compromise.  While Diamond D, Lord Finesse and others have had trouble finding a position in current Hip-Hop (no matter how dope they are), Buckwild bangs at street level.

Is it that “Golden Era” producers are too stubborn to evolve? Is it that current artists don’t give them a chance?

I’m not sure but I will punch you in the face if you beleive in your heart of hearts that The Beatnuts couldn’t chef something crazy for someone new or that Pete Rock wouldn’t made a stand out track on the last Nas album.

Age dont mean shit— Marley Marl is on Cuban Linx 2!!!!

Quincy Jones was 51 years old when he produced Thriller.

Download – Aye Aye Nigggga!

Timberland partnered with Concepts on an event to launch their fall 09 Abington boot collection. Abington, which is Timberland’s original company name, is a top tier offering of classic styles with an emphasis on heritage and quality.

All of Abington’s campaign and look book imaginary is the work of the super talented 13th Witness. The event not only showcased great product but Concepts was converted into a gallery showcasing 13th’s original photography with Bobbito Garcia and Futura providing the music.

Fall 09 Abington boot collection available now at Concepts.

Big thanks to Brian Coleman for the commitment to getting this event right and everyone that made to time to come through.

Harris and “I don’t know his name”

Stussy Drew and Fresh the Haitian Macaulay Culkin

Trife

Sky and Ricky Kim made it down

Dj Beyonder of the Blade Runners

with Aleko and The Kid Daytona

Joined by Deon Pizzoint and J.Landlord of Jackmove

With Bobbito Garcia

13th Witness, Leonard and Ian

Abington designers – Dave and Chuck

Brian Coleman with Bobbito

Bob and 13th

Bobbito on the wheels

with Tarek and Timmy (13th Witness)

Leonard

Bobbito signed my copy of his classic book on sneaker culture

My dog Hendrix has absolutlety nothing to do with the Abington event. He’s a Puerto Rican Shi Tzu

Fall 2009 Red Wing Washaba leather and canvas boot is unbelievable. I Just got a special delivery from Red Wing and couldn’t wait to show the world.

I’d like to think last years Concepts Red Wing 875 boot which featured leather and canvas has something to do with this but either way these boots are very dope. Thanks Steve!

Sneaker Freaker #16 has officially dropped!! One of the best issues yet with multiple covers including the limited “Skippy” cover showcasing the Sneaker Freaker x New Balance 580.  This issue also highlights my Canadian fam Ransom’s Adidas project (no not one shoe, no not a retro in new colors… a line of  original Ransom Adidas!) and the Concepts “Freedom Trail” New Balance project (more to come on that!). Oh yeah— Fuck you to who ever leaked the photos early.

Sneaker Freaker x AIAIAI earbuds!!! Thanks Woody!!

My family in Detroit continue to amaze.

The Burn Rubber Time Piece Collection presents “The Woodward”.

Crack.

Visit Burn Rubber here

I got mine… go get yours!!!!

While in Vegas at a Nike VIP party I had a chance to see DJ Premier do his thing live. Growing up on the East Coast Premier was “That Dude”. There is no mistaking a Premo beat. The heavy drums, the soulful samples, the ability to draw from other hip hop artists lyrics to make the beat and sample speak without him using his own voice. Premier has always been someone I have looked up to in hip hop and having the chance to meet him and watch him spin was an honor.

In no order, here are a few of my all time favorite Premo beats.

Like I said this is just a handful of the hundreds of tracks that Premo has done that moved me.

Last night two good friends of mine met in the cage. Here is a video of the outcome. I tip my hat to both Shawn and Brad for the dedication it takes to prepare for an event like this. Good luck to both of you in the future.