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.

Sometimes that bond made through music is more personal than a relationship with someone you knew. My life story is no more tragic than the next person from my area. A youth filled with parents divorce, city life, running the street, moving constantly, lost some friends to the pen and the other side. Music was truly my “safe place”. Mom and dad arguing was drowned out by EPMD and Gangstarr. That’s it. I could plug to a lie director test on that.

Gangstarr was and is everything to me. Guru’s voice was the reasoning of a person that was college educated, street smart and had knowledge of self— all that came through the music. It was what I gravitated to during a period where things weren’t great.

Hearing Guru passed away and the circumstances behind it truly made me sad.

He will live on in his music and through the legacy he left behind with his art.

Maybe my brother Franco will bump into him up there—

Rest in paradise.

Keith Elam (July 17, 1961 – April 19, 2010)

Mitchell and Ness has partnered with Japan’s FAMES on a Run DMC branded fitted cap. The cap features the legendary (and constantly bitten) Run DMC logo in raised embroidery.

Classic and a must have for any hip-hop head.

I got mine. “Why you bugginnnnn?”

Big shouts to my man Vic over at M&N. Peep his site here.

Rest in peace JMJ.

Michael Jeffrey Jordan

One of the greatest athletes in human history and considered THE greatest basketball player of all time.

Michael Jordan is now more recognized as a brand and logo than the global sports icon that he is. Sometimes it’s hard to filter through the sneaker re-re-re-releases in fashion colors, and failed attempts at lifestyle clothing to match, to just remember what he was (and is) in it’s purest form – simply AMAZING. MJ’s super-human ability to do with the roundball things that all others couldn’t is what made the product associated with his likeness invaluable. What he did last week against the person that was cursed with the job of guarding him made this week’s shoe drop that much more special.

Obviously that is now not the case.

I live and work in a world where I understand the value of branding and marketing. The art of presenting information and creating energy to surround a particular product (in my case) to make it attractive, interesting, valuable, irresistible and worth your hard earned nickel.

Sometimes the art of selling clouds the truth. Michael Jordan was the best. The product with his name on it (was) the best.  Plain and simple.

Mitchell & Ness presents the 25th anniversary of Jordan’s 1985 All-Star jersey,  which is quite possibly the illest jersey of all time. No fashion colors, not a hybrid of 2 classic jerseys or any other non-original modifications.

Straight up – no chaser and simply AMAZING.

300 made.

November 10, 1971 – February 7, 2000

Rest in Peace.

Thanks to Kinda Dusty for help with photos.

CHECK FLYER FOR DETAILS

Couple more donations below:

St. Alfred Reebok Pump donated by Krabby — the head honcho at St. Alfreds in Chicago. Olny 31 made!!!! Thanks to Krabby and the STA crew!!!

My homie D.A. Wallach of Chester French has sent me some signed music to the auction. D.A. is a graduate of Harvard with ties to Boston. Big shouts homie!!

The “FOR THE PEOPLE: HELP SAVE HAITI EVENT” official tee shirt is in!

Available at our event on Sunday night (peep flyer for details)

Big shouts to the Hemlock Ink crew for working with me on printing our tee and donating their time, energy and resources to the cause. Thanks Guys!!!

The Good Wood pieces have landed and look amazing!

The Quinton caps are also in— big shouts to Brett and the Monarch / Quinton team!! Great job!

Dr. Romanelli donated 2 tees and a very limited cap to our cause. If you are a fan of the DR.X style and craftsmanship, you better bring your ass down to the Good Life Sunday! Thanks DR!

Got a call from Dennis of Karmaloop on behalf of himself, Greg Selkoe and the Karmaloop crew— they have went above and beyond and donated (2) $350 dollars gift certificates valid on their website and retail location on Newbury St.!! Can’t thank you guys enough!

This cap is limited to 24 pieces and will only be available at our event this upcoming Sunday.

Peep flyer for location and event details.

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.