Bun B is someone I consider a friend, I always tell him he needs to start a clothing line.  When he was preparing to release his 3rd solo album Trill OG, I asked him if I could help put together some lifestyle items around the release.  We began working on what was to be a series of hats with this company called Quintin Co. out of Los Angeles.  After some bumps in the road, we finally came up with this design.  This Snapback hat is made of ballistic nylon, and features a leather underbill, and 3M raised lettering.  A very dope addition to any hat collection.  The Quintin Co. X Bun B – Trill OG Snapback Hat.  The hat will be available on December 22nd online, in limited quantities at Quintin Co., and we are doing an in-store with Bun B at Prohibit NYC to celebrate the release.  More pics after the jump.

Brother Dante Yasin Bey Smith with the Power To The People Piece

This guy doesn’t need any introduction.  One of my favorite artists, and someone I consider a friend.  Do yourself a favor and go see Free Man of Color at the Lincoln Center.

Amber Rose has become an international style maven, and muse of sorts.  Although her real talent is yet to be seen, she has managed to carve out a piece of legitimate celebrity for herself.  Before we hate, which we have all done, myself included…let’s remember that Amber was not the first woman to rise in notoriety because of who she dated.  There are countless women in history that came to public attention because of the men who loved them, or used them as a source of inspiration.  I am sure Yoko went through her share of hatred, for rising to fame because she was attached to John Lennon.  Regardless to how you may feel about modern celebrity , one thing you cannot deny is, the woman [Amber] has striking beauty, and a great sense of style.  She recently was spotted wearing the AFRICA PIECE, on consecutive days during London’s Fashion Week.  I am not sure who gave it to her, but I am happy she chose to wear it.

The great thing about the collaboration I did with GoodWood NYC is it has taken on a life of it’s own.  I can honestly say, that I have created something which has become so desired that it is bootlegged on the streets of New York.  I have been fortunate enough to give the Africa out to some influential people, but it always feels great to see it pop up on people I didn’t personally give the piece to.  Below is a shot of me and Amber last year when she taped a segment for Persona Magazine at Prohibit NYC.

Waaaaaaaake Uuuuuuuuup !!!!!

9th Wonder w/ the Chace Infinite X GoodWood NYC - Power Piece

This year has been a good one so far, I have been blessed. I have been working hard to build Prohibit NYC as a brand here in America, and further establish a lane for myself as a curator of lifestyle items.  new York has provided me with the opportunity to interact with like-minded individuals and the results have been humbling.

Earlier this year, I had an idea to bring back culturally relevant items, simply because I felt as though nobody was doing it.  I met the people over at Good Wood NYC through Chris Lee (where are you anyway?), and eventually did the Africa Piece with them.  The Africa Piece was a great success.  I was able to create a small phenomenon and bring back a culturally relevant item in a modern way, and that feels incredible.  I remember wanting to travel to New York and receive my custom beaded piece from Jamal Ski the Beadmaster back in the BDP heyday.  I remember seeing brothers with the official Zulu Nation leather Africa’s at every event and in every video, to think I had something to do with bringing that back, priceless.  I understand what it is to buy into something and learn a greater lesson because of it, I went through it.  My hope is that because of the popularity of the Africa Piece the same people who wear it as a fashion statement also begin to identify and learn about the continent that gave us all birth.

To close out the year, I am doing another collaboration piece with Goodwood NYC called The Power Piece.  The Power Piece is a symbol of solidarity and the need for the People to seize Power.  We are living in a time when Power or Rights are truly an illusion.  So many of our god-given freedoms are being taken from us, everyday…right before our eyes.  We are living in a time when world governments are considering the wealth of a select few, more than the well-being of all mankind.  We need PEACE but in order to achieve this, the People, all People must Unify and take the Power into our own hands.  The Power Piece is not specific to any one race, or religion it represents all People….Power To The People.

If you know me, then you know I am slightly obsessed with Japanese design.  They just seem to do everything a little better.  I recently attended the Capsule Show and ran across Japanese brand Masterpiece and their accessories really caught my attention.   I really need this pouch for my camera and other carried goods…

I have been knowing the brothers behind Crooks & Castles since the mid 90′s.  We have always supported each others creative endeavors, I have talked about how they were once signed to a label I was a partner in called S.O.L. Musicworks.  Since then they have gone on to conquer the fashion world, one step at a time.  The Crooks Empire now encompasses every part of your lifestyle, they have fully developed the line to include everything from wallets and bags, to denim and outerwear.  Their newest project is something I had personally been urging them to do for quite some time,  Crooks & Castles Footwear.  After seeing a couple of collaborations with Vans and some of their samples last Magic, I had been bugging them to get me a pair early….The homie Chris “Luda” Natalio recently sent me the Crooks & Castles Decklo.  A classic , clean design premium canvas, waxed laces, leather accents around the eyelets, low profile cup-sole, vulcanized, and comfortable….damn near perfect. Thanks to the homies at Crooks (too many to type) for lacing me.  Can’t Stop The Crooks !!

On my previous blog in 2007 I showed you an inside look at the Timberland offices in New Hampshire.  I had been invited to review their Fall 2007 line-up and give some insight.  At the time, they were suffering from trying to chase a growing sneaker market with some pretty horrible sneaker boot hybrids. They seemed to understand how much they had confused their heritage consumers and were getting back to making good old boots again. I also discovered that one of my favorite Hip-Hop journalists Brian Coleman was working there doing their PR.  Since then Brian has successfully helped Timberland regain some of their original flavor, and introduce the line that has given them credibility again The Abington collection.  I received the Timberland Abington joints (above) in the mail yesterday from brother B. Coleman.  Suede Tan Handsewn, and Black Abington Hiker…much obliged. If you read anything other than a blog, read his book Check The Technique, Rakim Told MeThe Abington Collection returns Timberland to it’s roots (no pun intended), and are made with great materials.  Nothing extra, just really durable, stylish shoes.