Please take a look through and I would love to hear any/all feedback.

© Harris Tobey

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De La Soul = great hip-hop music since 1987.

De La has been one of my favorites groups since I was introduced to their debut album 3 Feet High and Rising in 1989. I remember looking at the track listing on the cassette cover and being wowed by the 24 tracks. At the time it looked like a double album! It was a great time in music for me. I could go from the aggressive & political Public Enemy to the super serious Rakim to the other side of the spectrum with DLS without changing the channel off of YO! MTV Raps.

They have been one of most consistent hip-hop groups of all time and not only managed to stay relevant and valuable in music but have found a new wave of energy partnering with the likes of Nike SB for the infamous De La Dunks, Frank 151 and Kid Robot on the newly released figures. The Plugs have been influencing the influencer set since the beginning — even if it took others a while to figure out where the influence originated from.

I had the pleasure to meet the guys at a recent show near Boston and realized that they were what I expected– down to earth.

With 20 years worth in albums I can honestly say I pumped the last album Grind Date as if I had discovered the new next thing. Still original, still powerful and still one of the best to do it.

Big shout to my man Pos!! See you next time you’re in town fam!

Big shout to my man Kent over at Detroit’s premier designer toy shop Lift for taking care of me. When ever you’re in the “D” please run by Royal Oak and check them out. Tell him the Butcher sent you!

Lift
228 W Fourth St.
Royal Oak, MI 48067
www.LiftDetroit.com

Raffle and / or Auction items for the FOR THE PEOPLE: HELP SAVE HAITI EVENT

If you haven’t heard, we are hosting an event to raise money for relief efforts in Haiti at the Goodlife in Boston this upcoming Sunday.

Peep flyer and scroll down to peep all the goodies we have lined up!

Adri Cowan the Public Relations Manager from Mark Batty Publisher donated a stack of “pop culture / art / graphics” titles from their Spring 2010 catalog. Thanks Adri!!!

My brother Fresh from Concepts donated a crispy pair of Kobe V’s to the cause. Fresh is Haitian and is a major reason why I decided to get involved in the cause. Hold your head fam.

This amazing P Rod 3 promo skate deck and shoe package was given to the cause by Spungie of Concepts. An amazing contribution that is going to raise some eye brows! Thanks Spunge!

The first colorway in the infamous Spizike was donated, once again, by our Jordan Brand rep George McConnaughey— Peep the pics. SIGNED! Thanks George for opening your heart and your stash closet!

Megan Farry of New Era has been gracious enough to donate every MLB home cap to one lucky raffle winner. So if you win this raffle, your size info and address will be sent to New Era and you will receive each hat in your size!! That’s 30 hats!!!!!

I cant stress enough that the focus of this event is to raise money. Please come ready to spend for the cause.

My man Paul Middleman, the creative director of Stussy, has donated some amazing stuff. Can you say collectible? Holy shit.

Stussy x Bape “desert camo” jacket. Japan only exclusive from the mid 90′s.

Stussy x Hiroshi Sunglasses. About 3 years old. Shape designed by Hiroshi Himself— also the pair he currently wears.

Rza as Bobby Digital promo toy from his 1998 debut album— this bus has a record needle and will drive on a record and play it. Bong.

This is very interesting— Hiroshi Fujiwara Nike Presto miniature toys from 2001. Hong Kong bootleg that Paul picked up on a trip to China.

A nice Porter messanger bag Paul bought 3 seasons ago to bring some stuff back from Japan— Very dope.

These Tiffany x Nike AF1 lacelocks were an exclusive given to attendees of the One Night Only event in NYC.

Yeah I know!!

This picture obviously isn’t mine but I have the Air Jordan IV Thunder & Lightning Pack – both shoes with matching jacket! Donated from my man George our Brand Jordan rep. My man!!!

From my man Harmeet of Puma— one very big Puma Suede!!! Peep my phone for size comparison!

My man Levi Maestro sent me some of his MK13 tees he did with 13th Witness and his Gourmet x Pepsi friends and family colab. Big shout to Maestro knows!

My muthafuckin man OG Slick blessed us with some canvas work!! Amazing donation from a legend!

The Cult Leader Ill Bill has sent 6 limited “Ill Bill” New Era fitted caps! La Coka Fans stand up!!

See you there— bring your heart and your money!

The way Rza would borrow and reinterpret a Willy Hutch sample is the way he channeled inspiration from Emanuel Leutze’s historic painting of George Washington crossing the Delaware River. This painting features his Wu (and blood) family the Gza and the late great Ol’ Dirty Bastard.

Super limited and signed by the Rza himself. What could be better than that? I know—- another Wu album.

Bong Bong.

Available at www.whenartimitateslife.com

Holla at me!

Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles!!

Well that and the Adidas / David Beckham party. So after I indulged in what seemed to be the oddest combination of foods (fantastic by the way), it was time to head out to the event. And yes I put syrup on my chicken.

The party was what I imagined a Los Angeles party to be… celeb city. Quincy Jones and his daughters, Snoop Dogg, Ben Stiller, Anthony Michael Hall (16 Candles? Ask Deon), Mister Cartoon, Ciara, and Eva Longoria were a few of the notables that were there to support David Beckham. Dj Muggs and a trumpet player provided the music and there was paparazzi outside the club in trees, under cars and in disguise. Big shouts to Lucci and James Bond for taking care of us.

With David Beckham and James Bond of Undefeated

With Deon and Uncle Lucci. I think Lucci is the closest thing I ever had to an uncle. He’s an O.G., design genius, and has infinite insight. Thanks for the love Greg!

I lost Deon in the crowd and when I realized it I headed to the bar to find him. The bar is like the customer service counter at Caldors. When you loose someone you automatically head there in hopes of reuniting.  I didn’t mean to interupt his conversation with Eva Longoria. Sorry.

After the Adidas event we rolled to a spot where Romanelli was hosting an art show. First thing out of his mouth was “where’s Fresh?”

Pilot x Romanelli

The Butcher, The “other” Butcher, and Lupe Fiasco