A couple months back, Michiya Suzuki of Red Wing Japan visited the shop to interview me and the crew about what the Red Wing Boot company means to the U.S. consumer and to us as an account. Japan has a great appreciation for American heritage and U.S. made products and it shows in the new issue of The Red Wing Book. The magazine is filled cover to cover with articles and great photos of boots and other Red Wing products.

Big thanks to Red Wing (U.S. and Japan), Michiya Suzuki & Hiroshi Morohashi for their time.

I received a surprised package from my homeboy Derek over at Manifest Worldwide which included a few designs that really hit home. These designs make clever references to some of my favorite artists. Great designs, colors and genuinely inspired by an era that continues to fuel current and future artists.

“Ghost is Back” – Ghostface Killah and the movie Ghostbusters 2 merged into this awesome parody. One of my favorites!

“When They Reminisce Over You”- The Pete Rock & CL Smooth logo featuring the title of their most popular ode to a fallen friend. One of the greatest songs in the history of hip-hop music hands down.
“The Ruler” – As in Slick Rick the Ruler or MC Ricky D or the greatest story teller of all time! He was fly as hell and taught you how to “treat em like a prostitute”. Slick Rick could be my favorite rapper of all time.

Big shouts to MANIFEST WORLDWIDE for the blessings!

I have started and restarted this project multiple times with the goal of presenting a quality piece that wouldn’t be bound to current events but rather a focus on timeless topics. Something less reliant on what the artist I’m interviewing is working on and more about how they are inspired to work. A presentation of their thoughts and feelings delivered to you unfiltered with no chaser.

I set out to build a platform for inspiring personalities to speak on what they believe in, feel and most importantly try to give the viewer a better understanding of where they are and came from creatively.

I hope you enjoy my first episode.

TBB TV SEASON 1 / EPISODE 1
CURT@!N$: I am Dope Boy C

Curtains is an extremely talented artist who Kanye West dubbed a “fashion genius”. His choice of garb might lead you to believe that his music should sound a certain way but don’t be fooled by his penchant for being dapper. His compositions are as diverse as his taste for fashion. Curtains delivers aggressive and insightful lyrics with a message entangled in wordplay that will have your ear to the speaker trying to catch every curve ball thrown. In this piece Dope Boy discusses how his fashion sensibilities have landed him in a unnecessary rap category and why he doesn’t believe in being labeled.

Created & Directed by Frank The Butcher
Director of Photography: Nicholas Black
Audio Technician: Paul Mighty

Music: Bamboo Child by Ryo Kawasaki

Shouts to Kevin, Eugene, Luis and John Ta.

And big thanks to my team at Concepts for supporting the kid.

FRANKMATIC!!™

Chopping it Up: Frank the Butcher of Concepts from hypebeast.tv on Vimeo.

Holding it down out in Cambridge, Massachusetts with well-known retailer Concepts, Frank the Butcher’s influence has come at the hands of numerous sneaker designs. The well-versed personality with his extensive range of collaborative projects under his belt has made him one of the most respected and honest heads in the game.

Director: John Ta

We’ve watched each other grow and we’ll help each other build.

Set Free, Rob G (Black Scale), Curt@!n$ (Free Word), Mega (Black Scale) at my office in Cambridge.

Big shouts to my Dusty fam.

Download the album HERE

My in depth review coming soon.

Peep the Butcher cameo!

Contrary to popular belief, I wasn’t raised by wolves.

I didn’t have a picture perfect childhood but it made me the man I am today. My parents were divorced before I hit 3rd grade but my father did his best to be a constant figure in my life. Living in a neighborhood that was almost “dadless”, my friends were always interested in being around him when he came through. In 9th grade I moved in with him and so began my journey into manhood. His moral standards were always high– a very “do right” kind of guy and I believe I have a lot of that in me. His health is his top priority and at 51 looks almost too young to be my dad.

Avid reader, fitness freak, martial artist, ex marine, father and grandfather.

Life is not always easy but he has taught me that you have to stick it out.

I haven’t always been the ideal son but I can say my dad has done more than his part.

Here’s to you Pop.

HB knows all the in & outs and has mastered New York City. He embodies the independent spirit and has been a part of multiple grass root movements, first with The Orchard Street phenomenon and currently with The Wellington Papers music project (only Jackies get pins).

Artist, musician and professional New Yawker— you have not seen NY till you wandered “The Lower” with Breeze at ungodly hours of the night (I checked out around 2am but was made to feel as if I had an early bed time). Breeze continued til the sun told him to stop.

Keep up with his antics here: www.WellingtonPapers.com

Follow the Breezy one here: @HBWellington

A few images from my adventures below.

A force to be reckoned with a no bullshit attitude.

Had a chance to catch up with Mr. Infinite at Prohibit in NYC.

Great gear, dope shop with out the cool guy atmosphere.

Prohibit
152 Allen Street
New York, NY 10002
(212) 673-6773
www.ProhibitNYC.com

The 3D fold out cover for this issue is nothing short of awesome. Glasses included.

Great job guys!

www.SneakerFreaker.com