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Launch of FYI TV: MICKEY FACTZ Interview
Filed Under FYInterviews | Leave a Comment
Good Morning World! I hope that everyone is well.. It’s been a while since
I put up a post, but my brother from another mother Zak’s has
been holding it down.
We’ve just added another facet to the FYI Newsletter… We added a live TV segment
called “FYI TV”… Read more
FYInterview: Jonas, LRG
Filed Under FYInterviews | Leave a Comment
FYI: Peace, State your name?
Jonas Gregory
Bevacqua
FYI: Where you from?
JONAS: California, but if “where you from?” means what ethnicity I am, then I am for sure vietnamese mixed with something that I’m not
sure of, but am on a search to find my birth Mother and will soon know the truth. So for right now let’s just say I was born and raised in California and I’m vietnamese and
something breathtaking.
FYI: What’s your daily hustle?
JONAS: My daily hustle is to win and be the best that I can possibly be at everything I do, along with the
illest, flyest, smartest, stupid freshest kids that I have crossed paths with.
FYI: Describe your style and what influences/inspires you?
JONAS: My style changes by
the seasons, actually f*!% the seasons, it changes every time I feel like it, so it’s hard to tell exactly when? But right now I’m on this smooth scum bag, Libarace, future
shit. Pretty much going back to how we started but with a little bit more knowledge and experience. But the same state of mind and young heart. I can’t really say all of the
things that influence/inspire me because I don’t have the time or patience to type plus I can’t give up the secret formula. But I will say it is the kids I work with, my
mentor and partner Robert Wright and this little thing called “life”.
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FYI: What was your reason for starting “Lifted Research Group”, or as the world knows it, LRG?
JONAS: LRG was started to change the way
people thought about clothing/design and youth culture in general. It was made to let people know that they didn’t have to buy A&F and Polo, that there were alternatives to not
only other corporate brands, but a brand that supports the youth or the type of music/scene and if they skated or not or all of the above and then some. But also a brand that
was fly, witty, fresh, and [of] the same quality, if not better. In my opinion there wasn’t a brand like that out at the time. It was something our generation needed. I take
that back, LRG is something the world needs period. We wanted to let the kids know that it was ok to not give a f*#%, but if you’re not gonna give a f*&% at least look fresh to
death while you’re doing it!
FYI: What are your overall thoughts on the state of Fashion, Entertainment and Music?
JONAS: I think people need to fall back on this
whole 80’s thing (yes street wear I’m talking to all of you, high-end, low-end, mid-end). I feel like Designers and Kids don’t have their own identity so they look at the
past for it. I don’t have a problem with people using a certain decade for inspiration, but don’t knock it off to a tee (pun intended). At least flip it a tiny bit and put
your own twist on it, push the envelope, risk something. I might dress up likeBeethoven tomorrow, but I’m gonna rock it with some moon boots, ya dig! Music sucks right now
except for a handful of Rappers, DJ’s and Bands that are keeping music alive period.
FYI: Where do you see the Brand in another 3 years?
JONAS: Like Buzz Lightyear
says “to infinity and beyond”.
FYI: Which Celebrity has the most Fashion sense, in your opinion?
JONAS: The Rocketeer, Buzz Lightyear, a Panda Bear, the Predator,
Jesus and Santa Clause.
FYI: What are your favorite brands and why?
JONAS: LRG for obvious reasons. Balenciaga Mens, Phillip Lim, and Bernard
Willhelm.
FYI:What’s the most important thing that you can’t live without?
JONAS: LOVE
FYI: What advice do you have for anyone that wants to start their own
clothing line?
JONAS: Be smart, dont start. Just joking, on the real I would say “red lights mean go and yes means no” follow your heart instead of your pocket and it will
pay off (pun intended).
FYI: Thanx for taking time out of your hectic schedule and making this feature a reality. Continued success!
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Visit L-R-G.COM
for more on this brand
Posted by W. Zak Hoke (Creative Kingpin) for FYI-MAG.com, GRBG/garbege, and Ducksauce
FYI REVIEW: HALO 3
Filed Under FYInterviews, Gadgets | 1 Comment
Better late, than never!
All the hype and circumstance surrounding the launch of Halo 3 has been very distracting. So we at FYI felt it necessary to fall back and wait until the smoke cleared before we
commented on the game. With television commercials that look like movie clips, the collectors’ set, the limited-edition Xbox 360s with matching color scheme and a midnight
release that created lines wrapping around malls - Microsoft caked up with $170 million in sales from the first day of it’s release. To date, Halo 3 may have sold up to 5.2
million copies worldwide. If you’re wondering how much of that cash is going into the Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation for education, the answer is easy: $0.
But on a cooler note, we’d like to hear from all you gamers out there who’ve purchased or atleast played the
game.
Post up your comments rating the game below.
FYInterview: Pep Almighty, Frequency Revolution
Filed Under FYInterviews | 2 Comments
FYI: Peace, State your name?
PeP Almighty but PeP
will do just fine.
FYI: So, where you from?
PEP: Originally the U.K. but I’ve lived in NY longer and consider myself a New Yorker.
FYI: What’s
your daily hustle?
PEP: As soon as I wake up I instictively reach for my blackberry because that usually dictates the work flow of my day. Typically that involves going
through new beats that my Producer has sent me and tailor making playlists for meetings with A&Rs that are project specific.
FYI: Describe your style and what
influences/inspires you?
PEP: My style in terms of my business is just aggressive, efficient and direct. I’m a straight talker and I have a low tolerance for tardiness.
But above all else, I believe in the practice of ethical business. My personal style I guess could be defined as streetwear, but in my line of work I sometimes go for a more
clean “grown up” look. I’m inspired by my peers, whether it’s allies who’s work ethic and approach I admire or those I view as competition who keep me on my
toes.
FYI: Who was your Favorite Celebrity to work with?
PEP: Definitely Mary J Blige. The epitome of graciousness and humility. She truly is the
Queen.
FYI: What are your overall thoughts on the state of Fashion, Entertainment and Music?
PEP: One thing I have noticed is it’s become a lot less regional. I
remember back in the day when it came to dress code it was easier to tell where someone was from, now dudes from down South like Lil’ Wayne dress like a NY streetwear consumer.
On the flipside, NY artists especially rappers, have conformed with their sound so it has a Southern influence. Basically it’s about what’s winning at the time [and] not
about what gives your region it’s own identity.
FYI: It has been said that you are currently working with the hottest emerging Producer in the game right now. Tell
us how you and the Boy Wonder, “Calvo Da Gr8″ hooked up?
PEP: Calvo Da Gr8’s music was introduced to me when he was just 14 [years old] by a good friend of mine who was
a rapper and knew Calvo’s Aunt. At the time he hadn’t yet developed his own sound and all of his beats sounded like an imitation of other people’s [think Super Producer
Timbaland]. But I could still tell he had an instinctive ear for music and that he had the potential to be special. Four years later I started Frequency Revolution and he was
the first person I thought of [working with]. He drove from Baltimore to my apartment in Spanish Harlem, his development was incredible and [right then] I knew, he was ready to
compete in the marketplace. The rest is history…
FYI: Which Celebrity has the most Fashion sense in your opinion?
PEP: That’s a hard one. A few people have
their moments. For streetwear I would probably go with Kanye as the obvious choice. David Beckham gets it right sometimes but other times he’s a little too Metro/Euro-boy for
me. Everytime I watch an Oceans movie Brad Pitt and George Clooney make me want to wear a well tailored suit.
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FYI: What are your favorite Brands and Why?
PEP: Stussy because
they’re a streetwear original who gets the balance right by being vibrant without being cartoonish. Nike and Adidas because I think they’ve mastered turning a Sports Brand
into a Lifestyle Brand. PRPS because I love the washes and the cut on their denim. Garbege because the design aesthetic is so original and well thought out.
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FYI: What’s the most important thing that you
can’t live without?
PEP: My sanity.
FYI: What advice do you have for anyone that’s striving to be in the Music Industry?
PEP: It can be a very
thankless job so learn how to grow long arms and pat yourself on the back when you can. Always have a clear idea of your identity as a person, be a leader or get lead in a
direction that benefits you.
FYI: What’s next for PEP & Frequency Revolution?
PEP: In terms of releases - Bow Wow/Omarian album on a song called “Bachelor
Pad”, Chingy’s first release since reuniting with DTP on a song called “All Aboard Ride The Train” and yet to be titled songs by MJB, Usher and Jamie Foxx. Ciara reached out
while she was on the Screamfest tour and said it’s time to go back in in December of this year too. Maybe a role for me at a major label but only as a Consultant, I think I’m
too opinionated to be an employee. Actively looking for Hungry, Talented Up and Coming Producers and Songwriters, then developing acts under the umbrella. We actually have a 5
year plan, but the immediate future is about building the catalog with placements and using it as a platform to build the brand.
FYI: Thanx for your time kind, sir. We
wish you continued success!
PEP: The Revolution will not be televised…but it will be HEARD I promise you
that!
www.myspace.com/pep_almighty
www.myspace.com/calvodagreat
Frequency Revolution website coming early 2008
FYInterview: GFC
Filed Under FYInterviews | Leave a Comment
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FYI: State your name?
Mickey Factz, The voice of GFC.
Steve-O aka The Biggs of this Sh**!
Kwasi “KwaZZ”
Saint Louis, some call me The
Architect, others call me the Oracle. At the end of the day we’re all caught up in the Matrix.
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FYI: Where are you from?
MF: I’m from the birthplace of Hip-Hop, The Bronx.
SO: Harlem World raised me.
KZ: Harlem World,
“Riverside MuthaF*cka” as Tupac said in Juice.
SL: Currently residing in Queens by way of Brooklyn, NY.
FYI: What’s your daily Hustle?
MF: Recording
music in the studio with Whitebone, meetings with labels, writing music, picking out music with preciseness.
SO: Co-Owner and Editor And Chief of Laced Magazine. A&R of
GFCnewyork music department. Part time Photographer.
KZ: Laced Magazine Co-Founder/Creative Director and Wardrobe stylist for your Best dressed Entertainers.
SL:
Strategizing and expanding upon the endeavors that make up GFCnewyork - that range from the Publication, the Music, the Design and so forth.
FYI: Describe your style
and what influences/inspires you?
MF: My style is like Denzel (who influences and inspires me as well) because he is so versatile with each movie. Plus he’s an African
American who is respected in every field of life. As an Actor and as a Humanitarian.
SO: Harlem inspires my style. I like to stay clean. Nothing more, nothing
less.
KZ: My style is universal. I can go from the hoodest hood to a meeting with executives and feel comfortable in what I’m wearing. Inspiration for me comes from
everything and everyone. I listen and observe as much as possible. I am inspired by successful African Americans. Everyone from Michael Jordan to Malcom X to Mike B. My family
and friends are the most influential people in my life.
SL: My style is moody, because I go through periods where I’ll just switch it up in reference to styles,
patterns, colors, and so forth. But generally it’s lazy comfortable, because I really don’t want to have to think about what I’m wearing. I’m a true New Yorker, I like to
stay on the go, so anything that’ll slow that process down frustrates me. As far as what inspires me, I would have to say my environment, art, design, and simplicity.
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FYI: What is your Favorite Sport & Why?
MF: Sex…. I’m best at every position.
SO: Basketball is the greatest sport in the world. Michael
Jordan playoff games were the greatest. I remember when the Bulls vs. Blazers came out on Super Nintendo. That was a problem in my life. Ever since then, I’ve had the dream to
be in the league. Now I’m in the greatest sport ever. The Magazine business.
KZ: To play, I’ve done it all from Hockey to Baseball. But my favorite sport to play would
be Basketball. Because I like to mix at the top of the key then dish off for the alley. To watch depending on who is playing, it’s Basketball. If Vince Carter, Barron Davis, or
Ray Allen is playing. Football if the Raiders are playing and Tennis if the Williams Sisters are playing.
SL: Haven’t been really a sports guy since High School, but
I’d have to say the Hustle because the competition out there is endless and the game is never over. Plus, I love what I do, so that’s what keeps me going. But in the
traditional sense of the idea of Sport, I’d say Basketball. I haven’t been watching to much of it since MJ left, but I’ll always love the sport. On the other hand, I do want
to learn how to play golf. It seems very relaxing and a thinking man’s sport…I think all day.
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FYI: What are your overall thoughts on the
state of Fashion, Entertainment and Music?
MF: Fashion, Entertainment and Music is redundant. It’s all about the fast buck and not the slow millions.
SO: Fashion
is fashion, different trends for different times. Some shit is corny; some shit is cool. The market is over-saturated but that’s how the game goes. At the end of the day, Polo
is still here, so I’m sticking to the script. I love music right now; people say Hip-Hop is dead but it’s not. I think you have more of a selection nowadays. Everybody
doesn’t like the same music. So you get to pick whether you want to listen to: Baby Huey or Lupe Fiasco. Hip Hop is Alive Got Dammit!
KZ: Fashion is in a State of
Emergency. There is a famous quote that describes the present state of fashion that reads “There is no originality, just undetected plagiarism”. Entertainment and Music is
about having fun again. People want to go party and dance like the days of Studio 54. That’s why music is more beat driven and lacking in substance. That’s cool to me. If I
want substance, I’ll put on some Tupac or Marvin Gaye.
SL: Fashion, Entertainment, & Music is at a grand point in commercialization and with that you get non-progressive
and quality assurance issues. I think every artist and designer should want creative control over the process and outcome of their end product. If you don’t then your liable
to sacrifice originality or get misinterpreted. At the end of the day, I feel its up to the artist/designer to build the right network of people that understand and can
translate his/her visions. Very few staples like that in fashion, entertainment, or music these days. With more money comes generic cookie cutter products or services…so I’m
not surprised by the current state of each of those fields.
FYI: Why did you guys start the GFC click? What does acronym GFC stand for?
MF: We were allllllll
talented enough to do it ourselves but being together solidified our strength. GFC stands for Get Fresh Consulting. We will get you fresh in every aspect of life.
SO:
GFCnewyork is not a click. Clicks don’t get money. They just hang out. WE WORK HARD. No days off. Magazines, Music, Fashion, Design, Art, Writing, Photography; you name it, we
do it. And we actually get paid to do it. (Editor’s Note: Cha-Ching $!)
KZ: We started GFC because we were all moving in the same direction.
SL: Well pretty much
for the reason I said in the previous question. Alike individuals with interests that all tie in together. A team that we can depend on to understand and execute our ultimate
vision, which was to create commercial entities in the fields that we love and just build [on] our culture. Originally the acronym stood for “Get Fresh Crew”, but as we’ve
serviced in our areas of expertise for other people and companies it evolved into “Get Fresh Consulting”.
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FYI: Which Celebrity has the most Fashion
sense?
MF: Mickey factz. Point black.
SO: I would have to say Kanye West. Because you can tell it’s not just his stylist dressing him up. He actually has a good
sense of style.
KZ: None of them. People give Celebrities way too much credit. Celebrities pay a lot of money to look the way they do - trust me, I know. Image is
everything in entertainment and they will stop at nothing to create and maintain an image. With that being said, I like Diddy’s fashion sense even before I got my first start
as an intern as his assistant stylist. Diddy can go from a dress suit to sweat suit and look fly in both. I respect that.
SL: Shhhh…I’d have to say Kanye West, because
he simply does what he feels.
FYI: What are your
favorite Brands and why?
MF: Polo = classic, Nautica = classic, L&D = hot, Nudies = raw denim, 13 months = premium denim.
SO: As of now, Rugby Polo, WESC, Nudie,
Supra, Garbege, Lavie, Vans. I really like to dress clean. Very simple, all that wild colorful stuff ain’t me. Anybody that’s
making clean clothing is alright in my book.
KZ: This is my favorite question, where do I begin? My favorite brands are Y-3, Rugby by Ralph Lauren, all other Ralph
Lauren brands (RLX, Double RL, etc), Nautica, and a New Brand called Public School. Y-3 is so rare, so clean, with a good price point. When you buy and wear Y-3 there is a
certain fashion sense that comes along with it. Rugby is Ralph Lauren for the twenty something crowd. And the price is damn near too low with the same craftsmanship as Purple
Label. Double RL has the dopest jeans and the most timeless jeans. Nautica is some straight HARLEM-ish. That red, white and blue is so Harlem. It hasn’t been the same since it
was sold about 3 years ago, but you can still get some great pieces. Public School hasn’t hit stores [yet]. But all I can say is, “Everything you like now, I liked in Public
School”. It’s detailed couture pieces at a price even youre Mother would love. Check for Public school in Barneys 2008.
SL: Anything Ralph Lauren - classic. Nike,
self-explanatory. Jean Shop, great denim. PRPS, love the treatments to their pieces. Mike & Chris, dope tops/jackets. Trainerspotter - dope jackets. Public School, dope new
brand. Ozwald Boateng & Yves Saint Laurent, clean and dapper.
FYI: What’s the one thing that you can’t live without?
MF: My sidekick and iPod.
SO: I
can’t live without my MacBook. I love my computer. It’s my life!! I think I would lose my mind if someone took it. I always ask myself, if someone came up to me with a gun,
would I give it up? Never…
KZ: Family, Friends and Music. Music can change my mood immediately, I Love it. The tones, the beats. Music is some powerful Sh**. Friends
and family is like air to me, I need it to live. I grew up in a close knit family and am now apart of another one, GFC.
SL: My family & friends.
FYI: What
advice do you have for anyone that wants to get into the game known as the Entertainment Industry?
MF: Never sleep.
SO: Work hard; don’t ever let them tell you
that you need a big time investor to make things happen. Just make it happen. Always keep your word and read the Art Of War. It changed my life.
KZ: Be yourself, Speak
up, Learn through trial and error.
SL: You have to go into it expecting to get nothing, wanting to get everything.
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Interview by Malcolm “El Presidente” Phipps
Photography by Atsuko
Tanaka
Edited by Zakh Hoke (Bloggesaurus Rex)
FYInterview: DIPSKATE
Filed Under FYInterviews | 1 Comment
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FYI: State Your Name(s).
Ramelle Knight aka Fetty
Calvin Sayles aka Cali Bishop
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Julian Bah aka J
Bah
John Stephens aka Johnny Blanko
FYI: What CIty, State or Country are you Reppin’?
Ramelle: Bronx, New York …Home Of Hip Hop
John: The
Bronx
Calvin: Money Makin’ Manhattan
Julian: ATL
FYI: What’s your daily hustle?
Calvin: High rollin’.
Ramelle: Grinding for
checks, working on my career.
Julian: Putting my skates on and seeing where they take me.
John: Life.
FYI: Describe your style and what
influences/inspires you?
Julian: My style is easy. I make the biggest tricks look simple and just flow when I’m doing it. If it don’t look good, you ain’t doin’ it
right. What really inspires me is seeing young cats comin up in the game. They help me stay focused, ’cause I know they’re going to be better at skating then me one day, and
that helps me to stay on my grind.
Ramelle: I have an innovative style. When my style is seen by others, I help them build. I’m the foundation of swagger, ya
dig!?
John: You can see the hunger in whatever I do. I go hard (no homo). My style is real heavy.
Calvin: I am all about style, I used to have to blend in to
other people’s styles like a chameleon, but now I’ve adapted over time to make my own. I love fly clothes and bein’ myself.
FYI: In your opinions, what
Celebrities have the most Fashion sense?
Ramelle: My homie Jim Jones - he changed fashion in the ‘hood serious. You go to Harlem right now, you will see people with
smaller sized jeans, wallet chains and v-necks. He has the whole world changing thier swagger.
John: Jimmy switched the whole hood from wearing [3XL] size t-shirts, baggy
[jeans] and du-rags to putting on some clothes that actually fit.
Julian: All celebrities have good fashion sense. They got to.
Calvin: Cali, Jimmy, and Juelz -
they sparkle.
FYI: What are your Favorite Fashion
Brands and Why?
John: b.unique, Miskeen, Parish Nation, Evisu, Akademics and Nostic. These clothing lines’ designs are official - everything from the colors to the logo.
They keep my swag on point.
Calvin: b.unique, Nostic, Miskeen, GRBG/garbege, Artful Dodger ’cause they make stuff people don’t really know about - their clothes are a
mystery and unpredictable.
Ramelle: I don’t have a favorite - if it looks good, I’ll wear it.
FYI: Besides Freestyle Rolling, what is your Favorite Sport
and Why?
Ramelle: Freestyle Rolling (new term for inline street skating) is my first now, but I’m into basketball also.
John: Freestyle Rolling, because it’s
exclusive and I can express myself in ways most people can’t. Plus I’m nice with it - but overall, this is my passion.
Calvin: Believe it or not, basketball. When
you’re living in “affordable housing” areas, it’s the number one thing kids have to look up to, ya dig?
Julian: Freestyle Rolling. I got hooked on it when I was young -
about 9 to 10 years old. I started getting a little more serious with it, and it just stuck with me. I cant even explain the feeling you get when you’re in the air jumpin’ off
a roof or grindin’ down a rail with a 30 foot drop on the other side… and the feeling if you land it is even more unexplainable. I do know I’m glad I started doing it, and
don’t have any regrets. It’s a good way to express yourself and get all your problems off your mind.
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FYI: What are your overall thoughts on the state of
Fashion, Entertainment and Music?
John: I love it. It’s always changing, and that’s what the world needs, right?
Calvin: I wanna take it all over, one city at a
time. Freestyle Rolling.
Julian: That is exactly what DipSkate is - we’re some good looking, music-orientated Freestyle Rollers.
Ramelle: I feel a lot of people
in fashion design are becoming biters - they don’t have thier own ideas anymore. Entertainment has been around since the beginning of time. It will always be here. Music is
another thing that is very strong to the people - music enlightens people. Without it, we are nothing. As of right now, music is dying though - a lot of gimmicks going on. It’s
time to bring the real sh** back.
FYI: How did you guys get up with Jim Jones and Julez of the Diplomats?
Calvin: Through Joe “Mr. Do It All” Miles
(R.I.P.). Joe was Jim’s assistant for two years before he recently passed of cancer. Also, we got connected through Courtney and Chris Brown of Brown Brothers Productions/
b.unique.
Ramelle: We were pushing Freestyle Rolling out to the people, so that everyone can see what we do is hot. We were linked up at one time with Dame Dash. He saw
what we were about and had respect for it. But as everyone knows, the Roc fell apart, and so did our plans with them. We knew Jim from previous times being in the Def Jam
office, so we hit him up to show him what we were doing with our sport. He watched the videos and was amazed! Right after that, he wanted to make a skate team. I was shocked,
but at the same time, I was down for it. Now we’ve been with the movement for a year, and it’s getting very strong.
FYI: What’s the Number 1 Thing You Can’t
Live Without?
Julian: My punkin’.
Ramelle: My friends and family - they keep me grounded.
John: Food. I love food. If you know me, then you know my
appetite.
Calvin: God, money and love.
FYI: What advice do you have for anyone that wants to get into Freestyle Rolling?
Ramelle: Try it out. Have
fun, and don’t listen to the Haters. If you want to make it [into] a career, work hard and don’t give up!
Calvin: Get in now before it’s too late. Once you’re in you
won’t choose to get out… you’ll love it too much.
Julian: It’s not for everyone. Some people get it, some people don’t. But not matter what happens, your gonna have
fun doing it. So the advice I give is to keep it up.
John: Make sure you’re having fun! I can’t stress that factor enough. Don’t go out there trying to front flip a
20-set of stairs. Lord knows I’m not. Expect a few bruises. You won’t learn everything in a day so keep hustling at it. You have to crawl before you walk.
FYI:
What’s next up for the DipSkate Team?
Calvin: We’re working on a potential skate park deal, more shows, clothes and expanding the team in different
ways.
Ramelle: We’re wrapping up the final leg of the Ball4Real tour as a part of the Freestyle Rolling Promo before each game. This Fall, setting up the new roster of
team members for DipSkate and Gentlemen’s Klub. We’ll be filming a DipSkate video. I’m going to be dropping a DipSkate mixtape soon, so look out for that. I’ll be appearing
at the MAGIC Convention in Vegas this month. Also, we are going to be traveling a lot, so look out for us in your town!
John: Expect to see us in music videos, your
favorite magazines, mixtape appearances, DVD releases, video games and more. We’ll also be doing demos at your local skatepark, so hit us up at dipskatebooking@gmail.com to
inquire. We are taking over! Checkmate!
Julian: Stay tuned to find out!
FYI: Guys, Thanx for taking time out of your busy schedules to show us some love.
Keep changing the World! We’ll be watching!
Words by Malcolm (El Presidente)
Edited by
FYInterview: SNEAKER BISTRO
Filed Under FYInterviews | Leave a Comment
FYI: Peace, State Your
Name
Sneaker Bistro Joe
FYI: What City, State and/or Country Are Your Reppin’?
SB: Patchogue, Long Island, NY.
FYI: What Do You Do And How Do You
Do It?
SB: Bringing streetwear and kicks to Long Island by serving it up at the Bistro.
FYI: Why Do You Do It?
SB: I do it because I love and have a passion
for the lifestyle. We want to educate the consumer.
FYI: Describe Your Style and What Influences/Inspires You?
SB: I rock what I rock. One day you’ll see me in
Nike and the next in Reebok. I’m all over the map [and it translates into] Sneaker Bistro being different and stepping outside the norm.
FYI: Favorite Music Era?
Artist/Group?
SB: When it comes to music we love all music. [But] we can’t get through a week without putting on some early Wu-Tang.
FYI: Who Would You Like To Do
a Colab With and Why?
SB: We would love to do a Pump colabo with Reebok because the pump is a classic sneaker.
src="http://fyi-mag.com/fyi/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/reebok-pump-omni-lite-easter-edition-2007-via-freshness.jpg"
alt="reebok-pump-omni-lite-easter-edition-2007-via-freshness.jpg" hspace="25"/>
FYI: What Are Your Thoughts On The Current State of Fashion, Art and
Entertainment/Music?
SB: We need GOMMI (by garbege) - LOL! At this moment we feel there are only a handful of companies staying true to their roots and making dope gear.
We also feel fashion, art, and music are all meshing these days. Its all becoming one.
alt="grbg-gommi.jpg" />
FYI: What Should Kids Start
Lining Up For?
SB: Glow in the dark Pumps dropping around November.
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FYI: What’s the craziest thing you’ve seen in the world of Street Fashion?
SB: A lot of dudes don’t know the difference between real and fake kicks. Stop
rocking fakes with pride!
FYI: Future Projects?
SB: Possible expansion of the Sneaker Bistro Boutique and events in the works.
src="http://fyi-mag.com/fyi/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/sneaker-bistro-2.jpg" alt="sneaker-bistro-2.jpg" />
FYI: Thanks for your time, energy and support. Keep up the good
work and hold me a size 9 in them Night-Glow Reeboks.
Footwear - In addition to Nike, Sneaker Bistro also carries an extensive selection of Reeboks including Ice Creams
and Limited Edition Pumps. DC Life, Vans Vault and Creative Recreation.
Apparel - GRBG/garbege, KIDROBOT, Lemar and Dauley, Crooks and Castles, 10 Deep and
others.
target="new">Sneaker Bistro Boutique target="new">www.sneakerbistro.com
580 Route 112 Suite 17
Patchogue, NY 11772
631.730.7132
sneakerbistro@yahoo.com
FYInterview: SECRET SOCIETY
Filed Under FYInterviews | 3 Comments
alt='secret-1.jpg' />
FYI: Peace, State Your Name
Jorrel of Secret Society and Kickstore.com
FYI: What City, State and/or Country Are You
Reppin’?
Secret Society: Queens, New York City - All day everyday !!
FYI: What Do You Do And How Do You Do It?
Secret Society: When it’s all said and
done I do it all.. I does what I do.. I do it like I’m doin for T.V.
FYI: Why Do You Do It?
Secret Society: I do it because I can’t expect failure.. I love
what I’m doing.. I don’t have to come to work everyday and listen to no white collar.. Plus it’s a billion dollar industry for doing what I love on my leisure
time.
FYI: Describe Your Store (Theme, Brands, Clientele)?
Secret Society: Secret Society is a upscale doe boys walk in closet. We carry Secret Society’s
instore labels, GRBG/garbege, Rogue Status, Reason brand and the most exclusive sneakers in the market. Our clientele ranges from Street Peddlers, Paper Chasers… We are very
culturally diverse here in Queens.
FYI: What Is The Future of
Retail?
Secret Society: In my eyes everything in this business is recycled from one era to the next. So it’s basically about finding which past styles will be duplicated
and when.
FYI: What’s Missing From The Market?
Secret Society: Realness and straight business.. If you can’t be real about it, just be honest, people
will respect that. At the end of the day it’s about being a man and keeping your word and for whatever reason you can’t keep your word, [answer] your phone up and explain the
issues at hand. You’ll be respected.
FYI: What’s The Key To Your Stores Success?
Secret Society: The key to our success is to stay on top of the hottest
product in the market.. Also, if we personally wouldn’t rock it, then we wouldn’t cop it because we are dealing with our peers [as well].
src='http://fyi-mag.com/fyi/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/secret-3.jpg' alt='secret-3.jpg' />
FYI: Where Do You Go From Here?
Secret Society: I leave Secret
Society and I holla my wifey and see what my peoples are doing for the night.. Might hit the gym and get my weight right because you want to make sure you are here to live out
the fruits of your labor.. We in the the air, we there !!
FYI: Shout Outs?
Secret Society: Shout to GRBG/garbege, La Familia, my Brothers, Moms and Pops.
The whole Secret Society organization.. You are only as strong as your weakest link, so you got to make sure you pull the weeds out so the grass can look fly.
Oh and a
special thank you to all of the Secret Society and Kicksstore.com customers.. Without them we are nothing!
Thanx for your time, energy and support. All the best to
you guys!
Secret Society
47-09 91 Place
Elmhurst, NY 11373
+1 718.271.1600
info@secretsocietynyc.com
href="http://myspace.com/garbege"target="new">Zakh Hoke
FYInterview: DIRTY JAX
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FYI: Peace, State Your
Name
Josh Kimerling aka Dirty JAX
FYI: What City, State and/or Country Are Your Reppin’?
DJ: Sedgwick Ave… Boogie Down Bronx, NYC.
FYI:
What Do You Do And How Do You Do It?
DJ: I design fly T-shirts for cats who get laid. Shockingly, chicks love my shirts, so I make smalls.
FYI: Why Do You Do
It?
DJ: Because there’s all this cultural/artsy s*** out there and I felt that my friends and I were way too shallow to be f****** with it. I also wanted to rep the
BX…. Oh…and so I can be broke well into my 30’s. Holla.
FYI: Describe Your Style and What Influences/Inspires You?
DJ: I used to be heavy into the NYC
club scene. Not so much anymore because I have a business to run. But I love that sexy, party s***. I love the scene and the energy that comes along with it. The eardrum
piercing music and the ladies that look like they spent all day getting ready. Everyone feels like a superstar. So many people have that spirit crushing 9-5 grind that they
need to feel like that. Thats reflected in Dirty JAX… your alter-ego. The SEX MONEY FAME themes are universal to everyone. Dirty JAX is who you want to be when you’re not
on some serious s***. [Your alter-ego has arrived]
FYI: Who Have You Worked With/For In The Past?
DJ: Aside from doing the regular freelance gig I’m
trying to get some collaborations going with well-known established brands who’s notoriety I can exploit for my own personal benefit… Up until now though, the dopest collabo
I’ve ever done was with this kid Jake Goldwasser… I had his Bar Mitzvah shirt looking sick!
FYI: Who Would You Like To Work With/For In The Future and
Why?
DJ: Jakes younger brother Mike. He’s turning 13 soon and we’ve already started discussing concepts for his Bar Mitvah Tee. Jake was into rock music so his pops
took a picture of him playing guitar and we did this rock concert design with his favorite vacation spots as tour stops on the back. I’m telling you dude, I rocked that shirt
to South Beach during Winter Music Conference and heads were going nuts! Mikeys more into whips… I got Phantoms on my “Whips & Chains” design but he’s more of a sports car
guy. I was thinking of using a Lambo in the design but I’m concerned that Lemar & Dauley will accuse me of biting.
FYI: What Are Your Thoughts On The Current
State of Fashion, Art and Entertainment/Music?
DJ: Fashion - Yes, there are a lot of brands popping up and I’m one of them but I don’t don’t see it as us against
each other… I see it as us against them.. the big brands. Were too small to be stealing market share from one another. However, as a whole we (The independents) are stealing
market share from the huge guys. More people are looking for exclusive product that helps them express themselves in ways that bigger brands aren’t able to do. We need to
support each other and grow together because we can affect the growth of the business as a whole as long as we keep our s*** together. Everyone just needs to stop hating and
worry about making dope [product] that people will want to buy. That’s all I worry about.
Art: As far as I’m concerned, some of the best artists are printing up
T-Shirts. Besides, I’m a sports dude and you just can’t have too many hobbies. Not enough minutes in the day to watch Sportscenter 3 times and stay up on what new artists
are showing at what galleries. I have a fantasy league team to run! That being said, I’ve been sweating Banksy for some
time. He had these paintings where he painted military attack choppers into this serene Bob Ross-type painting…. Completely original and hilarious. That’s a special
dude.
Entertainment/Music: Well I love to get loose on
the dancefloor so I like many different genres of music. That being said, I grew up in the Boogie [Bronx] so hip hop has been pumping through my blood since my ears were
exposed to sound. Again, however, here is another artistic genre where it seems trendy to be a hater. I’m always defending Southern Hip Hop to my friends. It’s the hottest
s*** out there right now. The beats, the lyrics… I challenge anyone to find a more skillful and polished emcee than either Wayne or TI.. How many recycled Biggie tracks [or
rhymes] can I stomach? Let the man rest! Hip Hop is music…it’s entertainment…people listen to it in their cars and they dance to it in clubs. If you take the first 10
years of Hip Hop, and dissect the content, you will find it extremely similar to the last 10. Partying, having money, not having money, drugs, everyday hood crap, etc… There
was a lot of experimenting in the mid-90’s with some high concept stuff, but it got old. People don’t need gems of wisdom coming from their favorite Rappers. I actually feel
that the Producers are the stars of the show today. Why not? Dope beats is what its all about.
FYI: Where Do You Go From Here?
DJ: BACK TO THE STRIP CLUB!
HOLLER!!! Oh and I’ll be doing my best to get banned from the UNITED Tradeshow next Monday/Tuesday (July 23rd & 24th) in NYC. Come by and peep the Dirty JAX ‘07 Fall
Collection. The shirts are mixed with baking soda so you can put it in your pipe and smoke it!
alt='justme.jpg' />
href="http://www.dirtyjax.com/"target="new">Dirty Jax
FYInterview: SHIN TANAKA
Filed Under FYInterviews | 1 Comment
FYI: Peace, State Your Name
My name
is SHIN TANAKA, Graffiti Designer and Toy Creator.
FYI: What City, State and/or Country Are Your Reppin’?
ST: I’m based in Fukuoka, Japan. (Fukuoka is my
birthplace.) However my activities are global via the internet.
alt='202359992_276093126f.jpg' />
FYI: What Do You Do And How Do You Do It?
ST: I’m running a custom paper toy project. I design cut-out paper toys that people
can download, cut out and piece together. I am also into making exclusive one-off paper toys with my original designs.
FYI: Why Do You Do It?
ST: One
reason is that I wanted to meet many artists and designers from all over the world. The other is to express my ideas and imagination. Some people make paintings, go tagging,
post stickers, etc. But I like to be different. Therefore, I chose paper toys as my stage.
FYI: Describe Your Style and What Influences/Inspires You?
ST: I’m
deeply influenced from HIP-HOP culture, especially grarriti art. There are a lot of strong passionate messages [in there]. When I think of a new idea and design, I’m always
listening to HIP-HOP music with mega-volume. Break Beats and Rap [music] give me fresh [ideas and] inspiration.
src='http://fyi-mag.com/fyi/wp-content/uploads/2007/07/shin.jpg' alt='shin.jpg' />
FYI: Who Have You Worked With/For In The Past?
ST: I have worked with many
designers, artists, graffiti writers and brands; for example, adidas and Onitsuka Tiger to name a few.
FYI: Who Would You Like To Work With/For In The Future and
Why?
ST: My works are related to fashion, so I’d love to work with more Apparel Brands and Designers. But I’m willing to work with as many people as possible who like
my work, it doesn’t matter for me if they are professional or amateur.
FYI: What Are Your Thoughts On The Current State of Fashion, Art and
Entertainment/Music?
ST: I think the current state is all about “large-scale production-and consumption”. People are always looking for something cool. To meet someones
needs, we have to release cool stuff everyday. However, the consumer gets tired quickly… So we Artist gotta stay fresh! I have had lots of exhibitions in many countries: USA,
UK, France, Italy, Germany, South Africa. And I have worked with over 300 designers and brands on my paper toy projects.
FYI: WOW! Where Do You Go From Here?
ST:
I’ve been using my paper toy as my expression material, but I want to try and use other materials such as canvas and vinyl toys. Many people love my stuff and ask me “How they
can get them?”, However my paper toys are one-off and handmade, only a few people can have my REAL paper toys. It’s impossible for me to make many copies, so I’m planning to
make it in vinyl toy so people can display them in their rooms.
FYI: Shin, Thanx for your time and energy. We wish you all the best and continued success!
ST:
Thanks, PEACE!!!
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