I Believe....

     Getting ever closer to the biggest sporting event on the globe, we've been seeing the marketing build up on all media outlets.  As we've seen in the past, the commercials have been very creative in getting people excited to spend a month watching the best sport on the planet, played by the best athletes.
The rainbow of colors of all the participatory nations' fans will be on full display every where you ago. From the sports bars in your town to the local neighborhoods of your favorite cities, everybody will have World Cup fever.  Start planning your excuses to call out of work and get in front of the big screen because you're not going to want to miss any of it.
      ESPN has the ball rolling with this commercial to get all the US Soccer fans jazzed up.  It's going to be a very interesting World Cup for the US Men's Team as we've qualified for every Cup since 1990, but haven't advanced past the Quarterfinals.  For the US to make a big step in the eyes of football fans and to get to another level of respect, I think the USMNT needs a final four appearance.  It's time....between the advancement of MLS and producing solid players to the experience of playing in some of Europe's best leagues, we need to BELIEVE that we belong with the best of the world and it's our chance to prove it.

"You're The Real MVP" x Kevin Durant

     In this modern era of hundreds of channels, social media, and camera phones, the lines separating celebrities and the rest of the world is almost non-existent.  These platforms make normal people into reality stars and our hero's touchable.  Even though these outlets are available, rarely do you see an athlete at the top of their field shows moments of sincerity as much as Kevin Durant did receiving the NBA MVP award for this past season.  It's the best individual honor you can receive in a team sport where names like Jordan, Bird, Magic have become household names because of this.

     KD has won the scoring title many times, he's been an Olympian, he's brought his team to the NBA Finals and is a competitor of the highest level.  So to see someone of his stature take the time and sincere effort in recognizing the people that have helped him achieve his success, was a moment I think everyone should see, recognize, and appreciate.  The message of love, support, encouragement, hope, and never giving up is something we can incorporate into our lives every single day.  KD is living proof that if you keep a environment of positivity, love, and hard work, anything is truly possible.
     It's also very fitting that he received this award leading up to Mother's Day weekend as he clearly recognized the leadership, courage, strength and daily sacrifice that his mother went through to give him a chance....a chance at something much better than their daily struggle.  I think most of us can relate how our mothers played such an important role in who we all are today and in turn, how we go out in the world and affect others.
     Take the time and watch all 20 minutes plus of the speech, you will not regret it and I'm sure you'll find yourself watching it at times in the future when you need a little inspiration.  Watch it with your family, watch it with your mother, watch it with your kids.  This is something special and I think you would agree and you might want to keep a couple tissues on standby....Just sayin..

"Me and U" x Cassie

     Not too many men I come across where you mention the name "Cassie" and instantly, you're all on the same page.  Yeah..... it's proven fact.  Casandra Elizabeth Ventura is one of the most attractive females on the planet, there's no denying that and you add that she can sing, dance, model, act and well, she's close to perfect.  She still looks exactly the same as she did in this video from 2006 and it's not surprising that she's been Diddy's muse since then. This is where it started..

"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...

RZA x Montreality

Montreality has the art of the interview down to a science or even better, mathematics.  Who better to represent those mathematics than the almighty RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan.  It's no secret that he's probably my all time favorite artist, hence my moniker and the love for the W for the past almost twenty years.  This interview gives tremendous insight as to why I'm a fan and a student of the Abbott.  You can also see why and how the brand is as relevant today as it was when it started in the early 90's and has influenced even todays biggest musical stars.  Drake, who is arguably music's most popular artist, has the Wu flag representing all over his latest album.  Goes to show that RZA's values and dedication to his art and product is as genuine as anything else and will last the generations.  Education, hard work, humility, and leadership are all virtues that man should live by and he's proof of that.  Enjoy the interview and remember, Wu-Tang is for the children and is Forever.

Go KD, Go Dasher, Go Breezy...

     It wouldn't be Christmas without the NBA putting on a showcase of it's best players throughout the day as we open gifts and eat more food.  As they did last year, the NBA rolls out their Christmas commercial in promotion of their holiday jerseys as your leagues finest will rock the solid color tee's.
D. Rose, Durantula, Steph Curry, Nash, Harden, and the oop to the King are featured in the promo.
As much as these commercials feel like they'll really just shooting hoops making it sound like a real song, the holidays aren't the holidays without a little make believe...regardless I still get a kick out of it.