Kenna, Kenna, Kenna, Kenna

Don't forget this name, please! This Etheopian born dude grew up in Virginia alongside Pharrell, Chad and Shay (yes, N.E.R.D.) and im guessing that talent is oozing out of those Virginia fountains. You heard of the fountain of youth, well Virginia has the fountain of talent! Kenna's album "Make Sure They See My Face" was by far my favourite album of 2008, it carried me through some great times. You may remember him from those PSP commercials a while back. Anyways, his music is a fusion of rock, funk and soul. There's no sound like it. It becomes hip hop minded with the spirit of Chad Hugo flowing through the production. Kenna recently released a remix to "Loose Wires" with The Cool Kids. It's a fun song to get you ready for any event. Sooooo....Check out the link, here’s the song, my gift to you, because that’s my JAM!

http://www.zshare.net/audio/5478935376574bd9/

Annita

Beatz that are so Sweet!

Swizz Beatz by far makes some of the best mind boggling music ever. He and Lil Wayne have teamed up...of course, and have given the world a wonderful gift. Interestingly, Lil Wayne only sings on this song... because rappers sing now...through synthesizers. Beatz lays out rhymes alongside his intriquate production. Sooooo...Check out the link, here’s the song, my gift to you, because that’s my JAM!

http://www.zshare.net/audio/547887979844ed42/

P.S. it has a Little Mermaid feel to it!

Annita

You thought frosh week was bad on Res.....

Christianity has gotten a bad rep because of how people have perversed the religion to propel their own greedy movements. It has been used in most forms of slavery, ethnic cleansings and genocides. Yesterday, it hit me hard when they connected genocide to Residential Schools in Canada. We are discussing about the Aboriginal culture in Canada at Uni, and some of what we are hearing is baffling. On the surface, residential schools were meant to assimilate Aboriginal children into European culture in order to make them more "civilized." These bording schools taught them to be domestics and fall into the entrapment of gender roles. Beneath the surface, the schools neglected and abused the children. They used every opportunity to harm the children including forcing healthy aboriginal children play with childen that were infected with small pox and tuberculosis. They were sexually abused and emotionally abused. Until last year, the government did not acknowledge this form of genocide and the residential schools worked hard to hide bodies and any form of evidence that would show any mistreatment of aboriginal children in the schools. This is a disgusting part of Canadian history, but there are more stories. Canada prides itself on being a peaceful nation, but it's a lie. No nation on this world is peaceful due to colonization. Colonization brought violence and false promises to the natives. The last residential school closed in 1998, and June 11, 2008, the government issuesd an apology. As of now, residential school survivors are being monetarily compensated but on the condition that they can prove their abuse and how they will manage the money. I don't know if it's a genuine apology or a slap in the face. But i would like Rick James to come and give Harper a SLAP! Anyways, check out this site http://www.hiddenfromhistory.org/ the information is amazing. Please spread the knowledge, education and wisdom creates power, it overpowers money! My wish is that the Harper government keeps it real in '09 and we should too! Much love and Peace, Annita.

Cool Kids -Pennies

Ya Boy-“I Got The Power”

CurT@!n$ - The Dope Supremacy

Boys, Please Behave!

This week we had some mad issues with boys, men, whatever. We had ISSUES! So, I decided to dedicate a moment to it and them! I think it is absolutely wonderful that men are persistent, we need more of that in this world. But if a woman offers you a look of disgust or disfavour, please do not follow it with a sense of triumph. What I mean is, if we tell you we don't like you, we actually mean it. WHY? Because it takes a lot for us to be blunt in telling you that we are horrified by your behaviour. In addition, pay attention to body language! If we keep a great distance from you or we have our arms are crossed, you should know that mentally we are trying really hard to run FAR from the situation, and hoping that we can make a getaway that will preserve our integrity and yours. Please people lets keep it real in '09. If someone is not feeling you or you're not feeling someone be absolotulety honest and polite. Because karma is a b....!

Annita

Mystic Bounce

Soooo, yesterday, with a lot of time on my hand, I started to organize my itunes which consisted of a lot of deleting....i had to S Club 7 was taking up too much space. Luckily for me I found an album that was tucked away and hidden in the archives. Madlib made a beautiful jazz and hip hop fusion album back in 2005. It is to date one of my favourite albums, what I like most about it is that I can blast it in my mom's minivan without having to duck for cover when profanity is blurted. Once and a while especially on warm summer mornings i'll put on this album as a soundtrack to my new day and watch the sun rise. Sounds mushy, well that's what I was going for. Here's one of my fave songs from the album, "Mystic Bounce". Check out the link, here’s the song, my gift to you, because that’s my JAM!

http://www.zshare.net/audio/540536374fe8c243/

Annita

Illecism :Even if your last name Williams kid you is not on my hype

New music is kind of my thing I like asking people who they listen to and checking out new artist, so yesterday one of my co-workers Juice(www.thepeanutbutterandjellyeffect.blogspot.com) and I were having our usually music convo. and he started to talk about this kid from D.C (that is my home ppl) named Illecism (Eurazmus Forh government name) now I think ppl need to really take notice he is 19 and his flow is ill word play is mad dope. I am kinda hooked I am the type that likes to listen to ish over and over again to just hear it right, not a lot of these artist take time to explain ish they go off about and I like that he does that he is on a different tip I like him and not just because he is a D.C kid (lol) but because he is real with it and because he is funny.. he did a cover of Common's track faithful which I am really feeling and chick please is a funny track..and wylin is a dope track for all those slow ppl he slows it down for you . But check out his myspace (www.myspace.com/illecism).
Peace Tricia Y

GOOGLE ME!

During the cold, busy afternoon in the streets of College and Spadina there was a sample sale during the biggest day of shopping and consumption.  This is when a internet celebrity was born, ME!  

My two close friends Matthew To (In the middle) and Andrew Ma (Right side) were checking out this sample sale on College St.  It had your streetwear basics like 10 Deep, Mishka, Crook and Castles, The Hundreds and many more.  Unfortunately there wasn't anything we liked but we did take a picture for them and got on formatmag.com.  Really cool picture check it out.  

Shout out to Ron who is also on there and shoot out to formatmag.com for allowing us to be on their blog.  

michael N

The Gaza children whose pictures are not shown on American TVs

I think the pictures should speak for themselves this is genocide...
763 Palestinians murdered by Israel in Gaza (more than 230 children & 100 women) & 3100 injured.

Out of this World

Although Lupe Fisco stated that he would be retiring, it hasn't deter people from maintaining their interest in his music, and rightfully so! Especially those exclusive mixtape songs that you literally have to go to Chicago to get, because Toronto streets never sell the authentic versions. Anyways, I came across a song he recorded called "Space Love" and it is by far one of my favourite Lupe songs to date. So, Check out the link, here’s the song, my gift to you, because that’s my JAM!

P.S. Rumour is is that this song could be a fake, you be the judge!

Annita

http://www.zshare.net/audio/53878682a4cf2134/

Paris is burning!

The title has not thing to do with the Mjolk's Spring/Summer '09 it is Ladyhawke's song by the same name.  

Melbourne based brand Mjolk has been doing fashion for a little bit, but I only really found out about the during the summer when there previous season was released.  I love this collection!   It is such a strong collection of clothing that can all work well together in an outfit.  Especially the bar bow tie and the oversized sweater.  This piece of art is something to really look forward to if you live in England of Australia, unfortunately we don't get it here in Canada. 

P.S. If there are any European or Australian readers can someone send me a piece from the collection.  I am a medium or small, and I wear size 12 shoes.  THANKS

michael N

Polka-Dot-Heavy !!!

pics via style.com

The dots are back for the spring sweethearts.... If you are a fan style.com you would have noticed the cover story on polka-dots for the up-coming spring. If you are not a fan of polka-dots it looks like you will be crying this spring (kind of i guess). They are a classic and this spring according to style.com this trend has gotten a fresh twist. Polka-dots have become a staple on the runway and is been shown in different ways. Much more retro bigger dots I must say I am really feeling the retro vibes that I have been seeing on the runway very much so my style.

Peace tricia Y.

I like Japanese Cartoons

If you know me I have a love for Japanese things, mainly Japanese cartoons and games.  Anime and Manga is what I love and to this day watch and enjoy.  Note I am not some kind of loser or anything OKAY!!

Anyways to the real topic at hand.  Today I logged onto my msn and got a message from my Anre who is also a regular reader to this blog and a BIG fan of Lupe Fiasco. (Just like the people on this blog.) It was a link to his new work and at first I didn't think I was going to like it, because after the release of The Coolest and listening to it for about two weeks I have come to the conclusion that it was pretty boring and it made me lost confidence in Mr. Jaco's skill as an artist.  Moving on now, this link was to Lupe's new 'band' known as 'Japanese Cartoon' where Lupe is the lead singer to a post-punk band with a heavy english accent.  After hearing this I was happy to actually hear something GOOD by Lupe after Food and Liquor.  As I do with all new music I find out I had to do some research, so I googled it and found out that it was too good to be true.  It seems that Lupe Fiasco is not even IN the band and the guy singing is known a Percival Fats who actually talks with a british accent.  Now I am disappointed, but what can we do?  I guess just wait for the THREE DISC album by Lupe in the near future.  IT BETTER BE GOOD!! You can also check out Japanese Cartoon here.

michael N

"Barack Obama is pussy! Yo mama is pussy!"

http://www.myspace.com/kesediam

So if you know me well than you will understand my love for poetry.. So I have been a fan of Kesed for a very long time this man's word play is way dope and he speaks the truth and if you are one of the people I call my friend (i am a bit picky aboutmy friendships) you have peeped his work I guess one might say I am kind of in love and maybe I am..... in love with his work. But that is the truth they don't call him fire spitter for no reason he got made skills and i think people in the TDOT need to take notice. Don't get me wrong I love our poetry scene in the T.dot thanks mad people like Dwayne Morgan and Travis Blackman and spaces like Train Studio... But I just had to share this with all of you he has made talent so check him out ..you have my blessings.

this is my fav. poem: Pussy


Peace Tricia Y

NINJASONIK WITH THE 'K' NOT THE 'C'

So if your like me and have been searching very hard for a unique sound to leave you singing to all you teachers before exam time, then the search is OVER.  I have the right remedy for you.  

Ninjasonik a duo of DJ/producers from New York have been making a buzz for their CRAZY, BANANAS live shows and their tight pants.  Jah Jah Brown aka Rev McFly and Kevin Ross aka DJ Teenwolf have put together this incredible punk/club/dance/rap group.  If you are unsure or unconvinced please youtube them or check out their myspace here.

michael N

YO Gabba Gabba!!

You remember watching Sesame Street and singing "C is for cookies" (that's my jam!). Or remember that purple dinosaur....well i'd like to forget. Things have changed since then those simple ditties with Little Tykes xylophone beats (flashback!) made our weekday mornings colourful. Last night I was watching Treehouse television and was intrigued by this show called YO GABBA GABBA! If BET created a children's show it would be called Yo Gabba Gabba! The host of the show looks like Andre 3000 and he is accompanied by his furry alien buddies. It was starting to look like an actual Andre 3000 video. Appearances from indie groups fronted by 12 year old singers and Biz Markie make the show remarkably much more appealing to older people. Classic sleep time songs are no more somber, with production sounding like the Neptunes or Jazzy Pha, it's no more sleepy sleep for the crib but instead an admition to Club Bed! I have to say the only thing that annoyed me (surprisingly) was the fact that the resident cartoonist was not as creative as Mr. Dress Up or Art Attack. At 5 years im not sure you could recreate the work that Mr. Art Attack does, but you could appreciate how coool it was. I'm absolutely smitten by this show, (and yes) i will be watching it again!

Annita

The Kings

So unless you have been living under a rock you should know Kings of Leon named for their preacher father Leon I just can't stop listening to the 3 brothers Nathan, Jared, and Caleb and cousin Matthew. Theyhave a great sound that one gets addicted to, I love the long hair retro chic style. This is one of those bands that has been out for a very long time and people are just now taking notice...well if you don't know who they are I think is time you start to take notice and hop over to HMV and pick up Only by Nights for 12.99$ and fall in love with Caleb Followill (vocals, guitar) like I have. My fav track on the record is Cold Desert whenever things go wrong this is the song that pops in to my head it holds a lot of truth to it. The line that I am hooked is :

i never ever cried when i was feeling down ive always been scared of the sound jesus don't love me no-one ever carried my load im too young to feel this old


I felt like this so many times in my life and I love this song. This is an album that you can listen to track by track and I love that.

Peace Tricia

Snow Snow go the Fuck AWAY : Spring 2009

via whowhatwear.com

aldo

urban

urban

I am a fan of the winter because my b-day is in the winter and I like sleeping in the cold because i am an odd child. But one is just tired of the snow and all that comes with it like slipping on the ice and falling on you butt in front of everyone at the bus stop ( pretty funny when it happens to others not so funny when it happens to you!), or getting a stupid cold from others because they don't no how to cover up when they are outside. In Canada it is cold as hell and I am done with winter. So I was really happy today when I checked out the www.whowhatwear.com and found that they had posted the Spring 2009 what to follow list which put a very big smile on my face because it gives you a great list of things that you can pick up for your closet. My fav. on the list our the Cage shoes which are pretty big right now which you can find at aldo for like 140.00$ which is o.k .....or pick up these Dolce Vita birdcage heels at Urban Outfitters 148.00 they are a bit pricey but if your like me you will wait til the go on sale or hit up ebay for great finds...I like the mini-skirts as well now the mini skirts are not the short nasty denim ones that makes people look nasty when they wear them wrong but nice high-waisted ones that look good when one wears it right Urban Outfitters has really nice ones Slinence & Noise has really nice one you can pick from which you can find at Urban
Peace Toya

The Art of Fresh

Art of Fresh is by far one of the greatest artist from Canada, let alone Toronto. Yeah, we have Kardinal Offishal, but i'm over him! Art of Fresh mix cool hip hop verses like Digable Planet, melodic choruses, and production that takes house music that makes your booty snap. It is that good! They just released their album this past fall "Back to the Earth," the album takes you on a journey, that you want to replay over and over. Check out their myspace page for thier album teaser. I shall speak no more!

Annita

http://www.myspace.com/artoffresh

Check Yourself!

This is one of the most flyest shows on television. These days tv has become boring and predictable. Exhibit 1: Flavour of Love 1,2 and 3. This show is a good idea, especially for those who do not have medical insurance. It is produced by Dr. Phil and his son. The premise of this show is a panel of four doctors that specialize in certain areas of health, such as womens health, cosmetic, pediatric and general health practices. People email and call into the show to ask very interesting questions. The doctors solve it with lots of informative and practical solutions. WARNING ALERT, WARNING ALERT there's a lot of old people (like our parents) talking about sex. All in all, I rate this show a 10 out of 10 for it's purpose. It's good to be educated, especially when a visit to a doctor can leave you confused. In toronto they show it on Global at 3pm. If you have the Rogers box they show it on the 100 channels a million times a day. If you live in the States it's on NBC. Check your local listings!

Annita

World Town

This face...remember it! This man is John Atta Mills, and he is the president elect for Ghana. Like Barack Obama, Atta Mills is expected to make great changes in Ghana. With the discovery of oil in Ghana it is imperative that they have a government that is transparent and inclusive. Corrupt governments have always held African nations back from progressing, and becuase Ghana is known as a peaceful nation, they will be of great example to other African nations and many other countries around the world. Atta Mills has worked very hard to be president elect, with unsuccessful candidacies and recounts for the votes with the current election. This 64 year old earned his PhD in law at the School of Oriental and African Studies in England. He has taught as a professor at the University of Ghana, and contributed to the Hockey Association of Ghana, amongst other associations. His goal and promise to the people is "good governance" with the discovery of oil, and not to establish a corrupt government. His hope is that with good governance Ghana will be able to compete within the global economy, and provide the people with essential social programs for them to achieve properity! All I have to say is a change is coming! Good job Ghana!!!

Annita

Here's M.I.A.'s "World Town"

http://www.zshare.net/audio/53727672f815ca2f/

Yummy!

So, I have had a crush on Manchester United and Portuguese player Cristiano Ronaldo for a long while now. He is good looking and very good at what he does (playing footie). Naturally, I have become a soccer fan! But don't worry, I still rep the Black Stars! Some may say he's a little soft, and so what! Yah, he cries (he's passionate). Yah, his skin is darker than mine because of hours of tanning (he wants to connect with my people). Yah, he shapes his eye brows (I'd rather look at two, than one unibrow). People (especially boys) don't be hating. He is actually legit. He was the second-highest scorer in FIFA world cup qualifications in 2006 for the European zone with seven goals. He was placed as captain for his Portuguese team in 2007. Oh, did I mention that at 18 years young he was given a $12.24 million contract with Manchester United. Homeboy's got it good...money, the looks, the talent, and my heart. Life must be great Cristiano! Anyways, please help me take a moment to gawk at him. Then I can get back to reality!!!lol

Annita

Don't Try This At Home, Kids!

It was really disheartening to hear the Dr. Dre's son, Andre Young Jr. had an untimely death on August 23rd, 2008. He was only 20 years! The death was claimed to be an accident, but the causes of it was still unknown. Only recently, they have linked his death to a morphine and heroine overdose. He died at such a young age! Listen up, kids, it's a lot of fun chillin with your friends and acting a little silly, but don't mix that sillyness with drugs. No one ever uses drugs in moderation because it becomes too addictive. Don't even go there! There's too much we need to experience in this life, don't cut it short for a moment of bliss. Once that moment dies out, it's hell trying to sober up and perhaps death can follow! DO THE RIGHT THING! Kids!!

***Rule of thumb, do everything in moderation. If you can't, rule it out!

UMC

By now I hope you have checked out Common's album. If not, please go to the record store or itunes and get it! The album is wonderful, especially for those who greatly enjoyed BE, Universal Mind Control will have you in a trans. Common uses different elements of who he was, who he is and who he is becoming. With elements and sounds taken from Like Water for Chocolate, Electric Circus, BE and Finding Forever is being placed into a melting pot filled with who he is becoming. The stew cooking is one of a classic album, and it's propelling the new sound and image of this generation (btw not all of us are hipsters!). Mixing hip hop/rap, jazz, funk, rock and some sexy fyness coming from Common (yummy!)! Yes, people he is fyne and you know it! Anyways, here's a must-have remix to "Punch Drunk Love." Check out the link, here’s the song, my gift to you, because that’s my JAM!

Annita

http://www.zshare.net/audio/5372427614f1aa46/

Great Music for 2009

It's always like Christmas day when I have anticipated a record release. I sache my way through the record store, grab the CD like it was black Tuesday, and pay for it with great joy. Well, this year I will be re-living this moment over and over, because 2009 has great album releases. Check out the list and mark it on your calendar. Enjoy!

January 29: Franz Ferdinand - Tonight: Franz Ferdinand (Domino)

February 10: Lily Allen - It's Not Me, It's You (Capitol), Mos Def - The Ecstatic, Missy Elliot-Bloc Party

April: The Clipse

June: Kanye West

TBA: Amerie, Good Charlotte, Kenna, Omarion, Quincy Jones, Shakira, Snoop Dogg, Shar Jackson (wth), Teyana Taylor, Wale, Big Boi, Andre 3000, Coldplay, U2.

Rumour has it that supergroup CRS (Kanye West, Pharrell and Lupe Fiasco) will be releasing their first record following the dope internet leak of US Placers in summer 2007. For me, this is the most anticipated album of the year so far because i'd like to see how dope the music would be when 3 great artists come together to collaoborate for the sake of art! Anyways, listen to US Placers. Check out the link, here’s the song, my gift to you, because that’s my JAM!

Annita

http://www.zshare.net/audio/537237714b94f51e/

Marchesa Glam Hunny !!!

pictures via style.com

Call me crazy but a girl loves putting on a "to die for" type of dress that gets everybody talking no matter who she might be and Marchesa seems to be the place to find that dress. I have been in love with Marchesa for a long time and I think i have fallen in love again with the Spring 2009 ready to wear collection. If you have a big party, birthday, or just wanna look good sitting around the house and got the money to spend to get the glam look pick up a Marchesa dress. That is glamour with a captial G hunny!

Mr. Ford's Spring of 2009

This collection by the great designer Tom Ford, who also did the photos for this collection makes you want to get right into spring and buy EVERY PIECE MADE!  Honestly I am not much of a blazer and trouser guy, but I want every piece from the collection.  It is a must for the Spring.  

michael N

The Elephant in the Room‏

thanks to my girl Tandoorie for the pictures

A couple of days ago one of my old friend Asam sent me an e-mail that I think everyone should read if you don't know what is going on in Gaza here is the time to learn.... If you live in Toronto like we do and took a trip downtown today you would have witnessed a protest that had a lot people who believe in change this is the story behind the protest and why something needs to happen soon. If learning about what is going on is all you can do than that is o.k but share what you have learned and get others informed this is something that we should not take lightly.
Peace Tricia

Gaza is the most densely populated area in the world. When Israel urges Gazans to 'get away' from Hamas so as not to be accidentally killed, one wonders where they are supposed to go. Gaza has been occupied by Israel since 1967. Its borders, coastline and airspace are all under Israeli jurisdiction. Nothing gets in or comes out of Gaza without Israel's permission (except the homemade rockets). Israel is bound by the Fourth Geneva Convention and other statutes of International Law that determine how an occupying force must treat the native population. Bombing the shit out of them, of course, is not one of the statutes.

750,000 Gazans are refugees; over 50% of Gazans are children. Gaza now has one of the highest rates of poverty in the world, and unemployment hovers around 70%. These facts, the most pertinent of which is the occupation of Gaza, are easily pushed under the rug as we read the latest glowing op-eds supporting Israel's 'retaliations' in the Gaza strip. The big fat pink elephant is the occupation, without which there would be no violence and no need for retaliation. It is an elephant that will not go away no matter how much we deny it or refuse to know about it. It is an elephant that can only be gotten rid of through the extermination of 1.5 million Gazans - a seemingly hyperbolic claim that seems closer and closer to becoming reality with each passing day.

You cannot occupy an entire population and expect it not to fight back. And unless you are completely racist towards Arabs, you cannot maintain Palestinians love killings Jews more than they love their own children.

Please keep this in mind as you watch the horror unfolding in the middle east. It is only just beginning.

In peace and sol,

Asam

New Wave

DOPE is the WORD! DOPE -is-the-WORD! This is a Lasonic i931 Ghetto Blaster made for you to mount on your shoulder and swag around the warm summer streets, with your music blasting from your i-pod! Yessss, your i-pod! It has an i-pod dock, USB port, SD MMC card slot, fm/am radio, mic input and EQ controls. Amazon.com will hook you up for $159.95. But don't think of it as a set-back, think of it as an investment...do you know how much money you can make with this? A travelling hip hop show! Think of it, music blasting while your friend is breakin' on cardboard and you MC'ing, while people are droppin coins (not bills, we're in a recession, money is money!). That's real dope. DOPE is the WORD! A great gift for anyone who is a gadget collector and a simple Hip Hop fan! ; )

Annita