"Heartless" x Kanye West - 808's & Heartbreak

     Early on the Throwback Thursday or your Flashback Friday...but as we cleared the Valentines Day season, no better time to view and listen to "Heartless".  Mr. West's biggest single from his emotional diary of "808's & Heartbreak" album that almost created it's own genre.  The artistic cartoon effect that resembles the 80's, Stay On Me, but the current method was called Optiflavor, which used real life movement and was converted to animation.  More importantly, the video was directed by Hip Hop's Video Moses, Hype Williams, in 2008.  Hype actually paid tribute to Ralph Bashki, as the same animation was used for the video as was Ralph's movie from 1981.   That animation used live action footage and then animators drew over top of the video.  This became one of Kanye's most popular singles and paved a way for a genre that really didn't have a lane previously.  Him and NO I.D were the producers.

GRAYCLIFF by Frank Lloyd Wright

      Fourth of July weekend on Lake Erie and taking in some good ole Americana.  Nothing says USA better than taking a tour of a home created by one our country's most profound architects, Frank Lloyd Wright.  Just south of Buffalo, New York, the summer home of the Martins sits on the edge of the cliffs overlooking Lake Erie and was built between 1926-31.  Isabelle and Darwin Martin were rich Industrialists who commissioned Wright to build their vacation home after he built their main dwelling in Buffalo.
     There are  many highlights of Wright's effects on his work that make this building a very compelling work of art.  One being his appreciation of the natural surroundings and using actual materials of the area to build his work.  In this case, he used the shale stone that the cliffs were made of and used them throughout the home.  He also knew that over time, the natural combination of the rain and the elements in the stone would discolor the stone in different colors and add to the organic feel of his designs.
     Other features of the home are having a garden at one of the end of the home where the runoff from rain showers were angled so that it would empty in the garden and keep it watered.  Another Wright touch would be the open ribbon like windows on both sides of the home.  It gives the illusion that you can see through the home and enjoy the views of the lake and Canada across the way.  My favorite aspect of Greycliff is the running fountain that is designed in the front of the home and main walk way.  Two smaller walls line a water way that empties out into a bigger, natural, pool, so that it gives the illusion the lake is running through the home.
     There are many other features of the GreyCliff estate that are fantastic, like the garage, tennis court, and the sheep that were there to chew the grass, basically a natural lawn mower.
     I think it's amazing how Wrights designs still look so modern, especially given when they were conceived, and the amount of detail he put into every aspect of what he was creating.  Even down to the furniture and materials used, he didn't leave any form or function unthought of.  Completely recommend seeing this or any of his works when given the chance.
     Big thank you to the Hambergers for being fantastic hosts and guides!

"Number One" Pharrell x Kanye

     Hard to read an article, turn on the television, or look at social media without seeing something about these two superstars, Pharrell and Kanye.  They've both managed to turn their careers into an ongoing creative process where they've kept themselves as relevant as ever within pop culture.  Music, fashion, art, seem to be constantly influenced by both and with two very different attitudes, but with the same results.  I've been listening to some of the earlier work by both, given Pharrell has his second solo album releasing this month and we just passed the ten year anniversary for College Dropout.  Very interesting to see and reflect how far they've come but also just as interesting as to where they'll go next.   This song and video seems very appropriate for both of these icons as everything is Number 1 in their lives, even when it originally was released eight years ago.  Styling in this video was flawless, what else would you expect.  The king of videos, Hype Williams, directs it and gives it his usual signature look.

"PASS THE BLAME" KAWS x Mary Boone Gallery

     You could say that 2013 was the busiest year ever for KAWS as he continues to become a staple in American pop culture.  On the heals of him designing the set for the MTV Music Video awards, even the MTV Moonman got the KAWS treatment, he also had multiple solo exhibitions open at the same time. After a fantastic month long showing in Philly at PAFA, he had two shows in New York, one at Gallery Perrotin and the other at the Mary Boone Gallery.  The iconic XX and crossbones have been seen everywhere. 

     I took the opportunity to take the trip to see the latter since the main pieces of this exhibition were the 18 foot plus wooden statues of KAWS ever popular Companion characters.  The Mary Boone Gallery was a great setting for the three giant figures as the main room allowed natural light to highlight the characters and their size.  I went on the last day and the place was buzzing with fans of all ages snapping pictures of the fellas.  Thought it was neat to see little kids kind of playing amongst the feet of these characters as you wonder how they will remember these giants and art overall as they grow up. 

     I have to say seeing this in person were very impressive.  The smooth wood and details of the characters were beautiful as the two figures, one consoling the other is called "ALONG THE WAY".  The other individual figure is called "AT THIS TIME" as he hides his eyes from what he's already seen and doesn't want to see again.  There were also some paintings that were part of those show and they were highlighted in the room in the back of the gallery. 

     Enjoy the pics and definitely keep your eyes and ears open in 2014 to see where KAWS and his Companions will be showing up.  I'm sure he will continue his momentum and I completely recommend to see some of his work in person if you have the chance...his mediums and work is a lot of fun to enjoy.

A Boy Amongst Giants

More pictures after the jump...

"Philly Is Ugly" x Nathaniel Dodson

     Having never lived more than an hour away from the City of Brotherly Love, it has obviously given me an affinity for one of the first cities in this country.  The long chronicled history has been told many times and is embedded in the city's culture and personality.  Philadelphia has served as the metropolitan cityscape for the South Jersey, Delaware,  and Eastern Pennsylvania region since inception.  It's easy to get overlooked when you're in between the city that never sleeps and the nation's capital but there is no doubt that Philly has it's personality and can hold it's own amongst the best cities in the world.  Although some outside perceptions of Philly has been the opposite..
     Local Philadelphia photographer Nathaniel Dodson put together a short film, using stop motion photography, to dispel the myth of the city's aesthetics.  The title "Philly is Ugly"  pokes fun at that idea as he gives everyone a really wonderful view of the city we've grown to love.  It also gives you a different view of the things we see every day and take for granted or don't think much of.  A building here, a road there…
     A great original soundtrack, provided by @shelteredturtle, accompanies the visuals as well.  Hopefully you enjoy it as much as I did and feel a little sense of pride for "our" city.  
     You can follow Nathaniel on Twitter @EndyPhoto for more information and behind the scenes footage.



Philly Is Ugly from Nathaniel Dodson on Vimeo.
View in full screen!

KAWS Companion (Passing Through) x 30th St Station Philadelphia

     It's not uncommon for people to see some odd sights when in some of the bigger cities in this country.  In this case, KAWS' 16 foot sculpture stood tall as it greeted visitors, commuters and everyone in between in the main lobby of 30th Street Station in Philadelphia.  The internationally known urban artist, Brian Donnelly, better known as KAWS, was at the train station for the presentation of his "Companion (Passing Through)" sculpture as it sat at one end of the historic building.  The statue has graced NYC, Hong Kong, Austin, Miami and finally has touched down in the City of Brotherly Love.  It's the first of many engagements KAWS will have with the city, with the support and direction of the Philadelphia Academy of Fine Arts, he will have other pieces placed at their building and an exhibition to follow in the fall.
     PAFA had a press event in early April to present the statue and KAWS was present to field questions from the media and invited guests.  After a break, he came back to sign some of his famous toys, books, shirts, etc, for his fans and took pictures.  Below are pics from the event and a video showing the statue being assembled.
     Donnelly is originally from Jersey City and has turned his graffiti beginnings into being an international pop culture icon that has covered every medium imaginable.   
More information about him and the upcoming exhibitions in Philadelphia via PAFA can be found here.   Unfortunately, it was only on display from April 11th to May 14th, but you'll never know where Companion will end up next…
     Other KAWS posts … KAWS x Hennessey , KAWS x Dos Equis, Kawslo.

Click below for more pictures

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

  Watch the video first (if you haven't already, over 27 million views in a week in a half)….yeah, pretty great concept right?  Pretty amazing when you watch a commercial and don't realize it is one, since it invokes an emotional response.  Especially one that has a human element that everyone can associate with right away and leaving you feeling a little better about yourself.  You might not run out and buy Dove but I don't think you'll forget watching this for a while.
Kudos to @josh_willins  

"Coexist" x The XX

     One of the best albums of 2012 that flew under the radar was "Coexist" by The XX.  The English band has really impressed me with their last two albums being absolutely enjoyable to listen to.  Both albums sound very similar as if it could be one album, as their distinct sound is very consistent.  This album seems to be a smudge more uptempo in a few of the songs, with an almost dubstep tempo to them.  Makes them sound all that much better.  I really enjoy listening to a full album without having to skip through them (especially since I'm a commuter).  Almost like a book with different chapters, a good record brings different emotions, up and down and tells a story.  Some songs are betters than others, you'll have your favorites, but as a whole, it really makes for enjoyable listening.
     Get both records, have some wine and relax...The XX might end up your favorite as well.

Kanye On "Cruel Summer"

     As the much anticipated "Cruel Summer" album dropped   This is a great introspective video of Kanye discussing his thought process while doing this collaborative album with his GOOD Music labelmates.  It's inspiring to see an artist continue to strive to be the best regardless of any previous successes.  We could all take some of the energy and determination in our lives and professions to be the best at what we do and proud of what we can accomplish and create.  
     The album is fantastic, especially with each artist striving to provide their best talents so they can hold their own amongst each other.  The label's roster includes Big Sean, Pusha-T, 2Chainz (TityBoi), Teyana Taylor, Common, Kid Cudi, Cyhi The Prince and John Legend.  The album has a ton of guest artists and producers, all listed in the video below.  Some highlights are the verses by Wu vets' Ghostface Killa and Raekwon, they are some of the best of the album.  The Dream and yes, even Ma$e, dropped a smooth verse on "Higher" which is a great song.  Hov kills it, so does Yeezy on "Clique" which was produced by white hot Hit-Boy.
     Mr. West's work rate has been roaring since his brief hiatus after his mother's passing and the quality and creativity hasn't been better.  MBDTF to Watch The Throne to Cruel Summer along with touring, designing, and everything else he does, (and Kim), it's great to be a fan and enjoy the art.
   

Makers of Tomorrow

     Absolutely can not wait until Labor Day weekend to see two of my favorite artists of all time perform on the same stage….or at least on the same stage, two different nights.  None the less, who would have ever thought to see rock gods Pearl Jam and hip hop Godfather, Jay-Z, perform at the same weekend concert blow out, in Philly, none the less.  Well, yes, that's what is on deck in the form of the "Made In America" concert that Budweiser is sponsoring with two of the best in the business along with a menu of supporting acts including Rick Ross and team Maybach, Passion Pit, Skrillex and literally I just checked the website and Drake, Chris Cornell (blowing dust off of Soundgarden CDs), local favorite Jill Scott, and yes, RunDMC will also be performing.  They released this teaser video, called "Makers of Tomorrow" with Hov narrating on how music grows and mixes with genres, which basically this concert will be showcasing.  Honestly, counting the days down to this show…….

Kaws X Hennessy

     The holiday season wrapped up a couple weeks ago, but it's never too late to give a nice gift to your friends and bring a bottle to the next social gathering.  An easy way to kick it up a notch is with the limited edition Hennessy X Kaws bottle of their infamous French cognac.  Brian Donnelly, better known as Kaws, has collaborated with the Hennessy brand to put an artistic view on their bottle label.  The Jersey native worked with Dos Equis in 2010 on their bottle (See here) and this year, he visited Cognac, France to see first hand what he's putting his mark on.  Check the video for his own take on the visit and his thought process when doing these collaborations for these world renowned brands.   His design is very recognizable from his recent exhibitions with the bright color, 3-D type layout.  The trademark Kaws double "X" is on the bottle along with the "chompers" and he included a sweet message on the back of each bottle, check the picture below.  It's a simple idea, but at the same time should open up some eyes to some alternative interests and appreciation of art.  Kaws is quite popular and has worked on multiple exhibitions,  album and magazine covers. Hennessy speaks for itself.
Each bottle is individually numbered up to 420,000, so there's enough to share, but they won't be around forever.  Cheers!

IceGrill,USA - Part 2 Interview with Greg Santarsiero

     We watch movies every day and we never really consider how that film became reality.  They just don't show up in the theatre, DVD, and cable.  There are endless hours of creating, writing, casting, shooting, editing and the guts to put it in the public spotlight.  Even then, it doesn't equal success but sometimes it does and you can see why.  I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to  interview Ice Grill,USA movie co-creator, writer, and director, Greg Santarsiero, and ask some questions about his movie.  
     We spent an afternoon at the South Philly institution, Tony Lukes, and after some cheesesteaks, we got to talking about his inspirations, what got him into films, what inspired Ice Grill,USA, hip hop and everything in between.  It was great to get an inside look at the film making process, but more so, the passion, drive, and dedication from someone who is doing all they can to pursue their dream.  It was definitely inspiring to see and listen to an artist that is still very hungry and truly believes in his talent.  After you watch Ice Grill, USA, it's hard to not be a fan and connect with both the movie and what made the movie a reality, especially if you're from the South Jersey region, but really from any region where the struggle continues.  I see very big things in the future for these guys and I'm honored to have Greg as my first interview for ElephantSmart, as he represents a lot of the same things that drives me everyday.

The sky is truly the limit for Greg and his collective, Enlightened Party Multimedia.  You can find more information about him and the other co-creator, Mark Bernardi, on their movie site, IceGrillUSA.com along with a ton of additional information about the film. 
Follow Greg and the film on twitter @GSantarsiero and @icegrillusa.  Big thanks to Alex Errico for the pictures, follow him @aerricomediallc and to contact him.  You can find my review for the movie HERE.

KingRizza: You wanna say a little bit about yourself, what inspired you to make films?

Greg:  Yeah, myself and my associate Mark Bernardi, pretty much my best friend since 6th grade, co-collaborator, have done everything together from the ground up.  We met in 5th and 6th grade and found our way into film making right around the Pulp Fiction era, our later years in high school.  We started to get into indie films and I realized around that time that I had a gift for writing. I know Mark is a brilliant guy, one of the smartest people I know.  We started to think what we were going to do with our lives, the big picture.  At that time, we were both into sports time big time, especially basketball.  The idea of making a career of that was far fetched, but the idea was how do you live an extraordinary life, make an impact, do something that touches peoples lives.  We grew up in a colorful area, where there is such a diverse group of people in Brigantine, South Jersey, right outside of Atlantic City.  We were around such a diverse group of guys, people of all walks of life, class, ethnic groups, ages, from people 5 years younger to people 25 years older, so we really had an appreciation for the region and plight of the working class, with how much depth and color to the people of that realm.  I’m from a blue collar background, middle class background, surrounded with people with such interesting personalities and diverse backgrounds.  So many instances where people made indelible impressions on you and themselves were characters.  
I’ve always been into hip hop.  My first encounter was when my mom bought me a Run DMC, King of Rock, tape.  I had a buddy who had an older brother who had Eric B and Rakim posters on his wall and we looked up to him. My mom worked at a bookstore and they sold tapes.  I had a record collection at the time, my dad was into Motown.  Having that hip hop cassette pretty much from that point on in 3rd grade, it was strictly hop hip, I’m 33 now, so since i was 8 years old, i’ve been basically listening to nothing but hip hop.  I think hip hop has directly influenced our view of the world, basically as class and the sociology of growing up in america in the 80’s and 90’s and it directly impacted our view of the world and impacted the kind of art we wanted to create.  So we came from this working class background with all walks of life and the influence of hip hop.  Those things impacted directly, the kind of films we wanted to make.

Click below for the full interview and believe me, it's worth the read:

Ice Grill,USA - Part 1 Review

     "Drugs. Sex. Gambling. All In A Day's Work." is the subtitle for the movie ICE GRILL, USA, which sets the tone of the film before you even hit play.  Local New Jersey filmmakers Greg Santaserieo and Mark Bernardi wrote and directed the drama that takes place in Atlantic City, where the movie was filmed,  as well as where they grew up.  I appreciate the regionalism and authenticity since I myself grew up about a half hour outside of the city of bright lights and dark alleys.  They do a fantastic job of using the resort city as it's own role in the movie as the characters shuffle through the environment trying to figure out how to make the best of their lives.  The life of money, night life, booze, girls, and the party never stopping is what is always offered but the line between good fun and illegal trouble is always blurred.  Especially when you live, work, play and survive in that environment all of your life.
     Auggie Logan, played by Connor Fox, is the man in the middle of the journey as he comes back to Atlantic City to embark on adulthood and make career decisions that will affect him the rest of his life.  He rekindles his relationships with his family along with long time friends who have never left.  Immediately, he's faced with two different avenues in which he knows the consequences of, but it's a matter of getting immediate satisfaction or what he knows to be the "safer" route.  Consistent pressure from both sides progresses as he plays the middle constantly juggling his own thoughts.  Does the promise of gorgeous arm candy, money, and respect make him cave to a life of watching over his shoulder, possibly jail, and even death or does he follow society's morals and climb the corporate ladder, pay taxes, and be "normal" even though that lacks the sex appeal and great times the former offers?  It's actually a pretty common life question that a lot of people probably face at some point, especially in a community such as Atlantic City or thousands of cities, towns across the country.  In these situations, it sometimes seems easier (and enjoyable) to sell drugs, quick cash, pop bottles and shorties, then it is to wake up at 6 am, do your 9 to 5, listening to crap from your boss, always feeling broke.
     The movie elevates the emotion when these options could possibly be the same thing.  Love, hate, pride, jealousy, …there is a thin line between such different emotions.  A lot of times, it can be the same thing that triggers both.  Auggie is presented with all these contrasts as the two lives he lives starts to become the same.  He's forced to make choices that will shape his future along with the people around him.  His brother and boss on one side of his casino job and his "boss" on the other side of his illegal life.  At the same time all this is going on, there's another driving force that affects everybody involved and affects all of their decisions.  That magnetic force is bombshell cocktail waitress, Claudia.  She plays her role to perfection as she is the main trophy of anyone she comes in contact with and she knows it. Like many situations, common sense loses to passion when matters of the heart are concerned, especially when she's wanted by many in an environment where image is everything.  Take the journey with Auggie, Claudia, and the rest of Atlantic City's finest, as he chooses his direction, the aftermath, and everything else in between.  
     This emotionally and though provocative movie is very refreshing and entertaining.  It brings new talent and creativity to the forefront of filmmaking.  I look forward to future projects from Enlightened Party Multimedia.  For more on Ice Grill,USA, click HERE for the interview with co-creator, writer, director, Greg Santarsiero, where he gives even a deeper look into the film and the movie making process.



   



     

Backyard Art

     Beautiful design is timeless as well is anything that makes itself a part of American history and considered the epitome.  Those are some of the thoughts when it comes to Frank Lloyd Wright and the legacy of the United States' foremost architect.  I'm a long time fan of the genius that is him and the magical structures that he created over the better part of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
    He designed everything from homes to churches, schools to museums the Guggenheim), hotels to skyscrapers, and always imprinted his view and created forms that are timeless.  One of the more intriguing things that Wright did, regardless of fame, was that he still accepted commissions to do smaller projects, such as these smaller one family homes.  They called these homes Usonian.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that he actually designed four homes in New Jersey, one being in Cherry Hill.  After driving back and forth a few times, I found the J. A. Sweenton residence behind an office building and I was quite impressed.  Most of the time, you know that when you see a Wright piece, it's different than most buildings  you've ever seen.
     I asked the home owner politely if I could take some pictures and he graciously suggested I go along the tree line to get better pictures. You can see the wonderful angles and shapes he used, for example the dramatic shape of the roof on the one side, it's only 3 feet from the ground.   The 3 bedroom, 1 bath home was built in 1950 and is about 1,500 square feet.   The back of the house has 6 glass doors and uses natural light and the surroundings to be part of the dwelling.  His buildings are known for being organic and trying to be a part of the land rather than something completely foreign.  A lot of times, furniture is actually built into the home as part of it, which is a very unique look.  If you're not familiar, I definitely suggest reading up on it.  The man is pure genius.

6 Glass doors in the back

Black Out

     Umbro has been in full support of the historic NY Cosmos futbol.  They've been releasing sportswear lines based on the professional soccer team team that played in the NASL (North American Soccer League) from 1971 to 1984.  The infamous Pele played for them from 1975 to 1977 and obviously it was at it's most popular here in the United States.  Last year, Pele announced as an honorary president of the NY Cosmos, that the new team plans to be an expansion team in the MLS within the next few years.

     Another great player on the great Cosmos' teams of the 70's was Brazilian international star defender Carlos Alberto Torres.  He was captain of the Brazilian team that won the World Cup in 1970 and then he came to play with the Cosmos in 1977.  That day was infamous for another reason as a panicking blackout hit New York City the same day he arrived to sign his contract.   In this wonderful black and white animated short sponsored by Umbro, Carlos himself, narrates his experience the day the biggest city in the world had no power, while going to meet with the Cosmos to give his signature.  In tribute of that day 34 years ago, July 13 1977, Umbro releases a Blackout collection of Cosmos gear that is all black.
Enjoy this clip and for more great info on Mr. Torres, you can click here to get to the NY Cosmos offical page. 

Summer Time

     The summer is always one of the best times of the year, especially the 4th of July weekend, since there's not much that goes into the holiday except for hanging out with friends and family, grilling various meats and enjoying various cold beverages.  Hit up the beach or pool and you're set.
Last week, Google celebrated the Summer Solstice by having world famous, Takashi Murakami, design a google logo in honor of the longest day of the year, being the first day of summer.  Murakami is known for his cartoony pop art work as he designed Kanye's "Graduation" album cover and has collaborated with Louis Vuitton many times as well.

Sith Ink

     This is one of the coolest tatoo's I've ever seen, let alone, a Star Wars tatoo, which earns triple bonus points.  Obviously, she's a follower of the Darkside, with the iconic portraits of the Death Star, Darth Vader, and a Stormtrooper all intertwined with roses on her sleeve.  Love how the Tie Fighter is coming out of the flower as well.  You can follow the canvas of this tattoo on twitter, @PrincessLesha for many, humorous Star Wars related comments.  Kudos to one of the illest tributes.  Simply Awesome, I can hear Darth Vader's asthma from here..

On To The Next One...

     Been busy lately, but had to get back to E-Smart and let's start it back up with this video from Kings in the game, Hov and Swizzle.  Two of my favorites since the late 90's and they provide a progessive video that is the last thing you expect for a "Hip Hop" video but it does more than work.  J and Swizz have been known for their cultural and artistic interests and they show their affinity for the abstract with Sam Brown directing this video.

All Of The Lights

     King of music video's, Hype Williams, and Kanye West, combine to give the world the video for the single "All of the Lights" off of Ye's latest album, MBDTF.  It's an epic song with a beautiful intro provided by Elton John but this song really includes over 11 other artists contributing their vocals to it.  You won't be able to tell since they're layered over each other, but Drake, Alicia Keys, Kid Cudi, Fergie, John Legend, The Dream, Ryan Leslie, and others all provided their voices for the song, most notably, Rihanna, who does the chorus and also appears in the video....oh yes, she does.
Hype and Mr. West have worked together before many times.  Gold Digger, Amazing, Heartless, Stronger and others.  Hype's resume is basically a who's who's and what's what's of hip/hop and R&B music videos and of my all time favorites.   There is an influence from Gaspar Noe's 2009 film Enter the Void in the video as well.
I love when hip hop transcends the norm and shows a true artistic quality.  The horns, vocals, percussion, orchestration and now the visual all come together to provide something fantastic for everyone to enjoy.  Ashy to classy....Enjoy the video and the song.

All-Time Classics..

     There is something to be said of images of events and people that last the test of time and don't lose any of the emotion that was captured.  If anything, the legacy and meaning continues to grow into legendary status, almost mythical.  GQ has a great article in this month's magazine that captures this with words and pictures of who they consider the all-time coolest athletes.  I was pretty hyped to see  a young Jordan (and corresponding Air Jordan VII's)  grace the cover when I received my copy in the mail. Even happier to know that I got this one out of the many issued based on the different athletes.  Thank God.
These athletes cover the globe and different sports, but all embody "cool" and we all know that feeling of growing up, watching these people on tv, pretending we were them in the backyard, hoping to grow up and be just like them.
Take a look for yourself at this link and after the jump.