Who Wore It Better?

In a crazy (and kinda eerie) coincidence the June/July issue of Complex Magazine cover is graced by funnyman actor Jonas Hill wearing a vintage Michael Jackson “Thriller” leather jacket topped off with Jackson’s signature white glove. On Sunday, the multitalented Jamie Foxx hosted the BET Awards, which represented strongly as a wonderful tribute to Jackson, wearing a Jackson outfit inspired by Jackson's "Beat It" video. Sure, it may have been a little tight but he pulled it off very well in paying tribute to the King of Pop.

So, I ask you. Who wore it better? I could just tell you what I think, but that’s no fun is it? Leave a comment and tell me your opinion.

Michael Jackson: Thank You

When Michael Jackson passed away I was at work – The Journal Gazette newsroom. I had been scouring the web for about 45 minutes, doing my best to fact check a few articles before I sent them to the copy editors.

At some point I got up to use the rest room and on my way there I noticed the words “Breaking News” in the bottom left part of a small TV screen we have in the room. It was turned to CNN, where they consistently showed over-head shots of the hospital Michael was taken to. I proceeded to ask a couple of my co-workers what was going on, knowing full well what was happening. They told Michael Jackson had a heart attack.

My heart dropped. A huge lump in my throat formed immediately as I stood in the middle of an isle in front of the TV. No one else seemed as scared about this as I was. I no longer needed to use the restroom, but I went anyway just to look in the mirror to make sure my fear didn’t show. As I made my way back to my desk, a thousand thoughts ran through my head.

What if he dies? Wait, Michael Jackson can’t die, he’s the King of Pop! Is he even that old? How can he have a heart attack, he’s in shape and he’s always been thin right?

Once in my seat, I checked the web, only this time strictly for news on Michael.

Twenty minutes passed. I just sat and glanced at the TV, stood up, sat back down, got up again, paced a little and suddenly I heard the voice sad voice of a coworker say, “He just died. Michael Jackson died.”

“What!?”

I couldn’t believe it. I sat down in my chair, stared at my laptop, which showed a picture of Michael, and my eyes began to water. I quickly sucked it up. I couldn’t be caught tearing up at work. I mean, it’s not like I was related to him. But still, I was hurt by this news though it really hadn’t hit me yet.

Fastforward a few hours. I sat at home glued to the TV as nearly every channel payed tribute to the King of Pop. MTV played non-stop Michael Jackson videos and called Sway to action to break the news and host a special show where numerous celebrities called in and stopped by the studio to comment on this tragedy. BET played all Michael Jackson videos and the same went for VH1.

What I think was most amazing on that day was how Jackson may have saved his best performance for last. Twitter was put down for nearly an hour as so many people were tweeting R.I.P. messages for Michael the website couldn’t handle it. As a matter of fact, people in Iran trying to communicate through Twitter were unable to log on due to the flooding of messages having to do with Michael. The same thing happened to Google , TMZ, the LA Times and Wikipedia among many others.

I must say it was really nice to see the outpoor of emotion and graciousness everyone had towards Michaels death. Sure, he had his troubles but nothing was proven and he meant so much to so many people.

I’ve told many people already that he’s one of the people who define a lot of my childhood. The first music I ever loved was Michael’s. I can remember dancing so hard to every song of his. A childhood friend of mine and I used to walk around wearing one glove while singing to all of the songs and doing kicks and twirls all in the name of the King of Pop. I’ll never forget those times.

Michael Jackson’s music meant so much to me growing up. I remember learning the dance to “Thriller” and actually getting pretty good (I can still do the kick pretty well). I wanted to be Michael. He was larger than life. He was a hero to me, as he was to so many. I’ll never forget him, as his music will always live on and I will never be afraid to play some Michael Jackson at any moment. He’s truly the King of Pop and there will never be another like him.

Thank you, Michael, for being a part of my life.

R.I.P. Michael Jackson - To Me, You'll Always Live

It's been a shocking and crazy day. Michael Jackson has died at the age of 50. I still can't believe it. I'm going to write a column on my experience as a Michael Jackson fan and how he affected my life in the next couple of days, as I'll be busy out of town on assignment. Check back in a couple days for it.

Gwen Stefani for Elle Magazine July 2009

I was flipping through magazines while I was in Walmart the other day to pick up cereal. I thought the pictures were beautiful and so is Gwen. The photos were taken by Carter Smith.

Regina Spektor - "Laughing With" Video

I became interested Regina Spektor's music during my freshman year in college after hearing an MTVU commercial run over and over again featuring a snippet of her song, "Us". It easn't until I finally saw the video for her song, "Fidelity" that I knew who she was. This song and video comes from her latest album, Far, to be released tomorrow. I'm going to buy it.

Urban Chic in Black

I came across this photo on seaofshoes blog. I, especially love what the guy ( according to the blog his name is Amit) is wearing. It gives me a great idea for an outfit and design. The black with the off white shirt and weathered white sneakers work well giving him a great sense of urban chic.

Gucci Spring/Summer 2010 Menswear Show at Milan Fashion Week

Lauren Conrad on The View/Releases Her Novel

Lauren basically admitted that The Hills was staged. As for her book, I'm actually interested in it and will probably buy the paperback. It's nice to see her come out and keep it real.

Positivity and Knowledge From My Aunt Poke

My Aunt Poke told me something about myself today that I think is so true. She said, “Bryan, you don’t have conversations, you have events.”

That statement came out of a conversation about how proud she was of me for pursuing my dreams and staying on the right path and out of trouble, unlike so many family members before me. When she said that, I didn’t pause, I didn’t even stop to ponder why she said it. But it did hit me like a cool dose of water on a blistering hot day – it was refreshing.

Once our conversation was done, I handed the phone to my mom so they could talk before thinking more about what she said. It’s actually so true. I love talking to people and I’ve always seen conversations with people as events and privileges. I see them as “Thank and You’re Welcome” moments like Kanye West describes in his book.

“Great ‘Thank You and You’re Welcome’ moments happen when both parties give and both parties gain.” – Kanye West

I just recently tweeted via Twitter “The greatest thing about being a journalist is getting to talk to cool and interesting people and get paid for it.” Don’t get that twisted; it’s not about the money. The point is I just love discussing things. I can probably talk someone’s head off if they let me – and don’t bring up writing, fashion, sports, or life in general, then it’s over.

I feel that while, I do have my flaws, I’m a pretty likable guy and pretty personable. I use my conversations to give people something and to get something from others. I want to leave them feeling better for having spoken to me, and vice versa. I guess, the problem with most people is all they do is try to get something from someone but they don’t want to give in return. Those are not “Thank You and You’re Welcome” moments.

It’s funny to me how my Aunt Poke could tell this even though she doesn’t always see me converse with others from her home Detroit. But she knows me well, she’s seen how I operate, she’s read my writing and she talks to my mom, her sister, about me.

Needless to say, her comment, along with talking to my dad today before he went into work, made my day. I could also tell that she was very happy to speak to her successful nephew. She gave me an injection of positive energy and has me ready to work even harder in this last half of summer. Thanks Aunt Poke and you’re welcome.

Wale x Lady Gaga - "Chillin" Video

I was flipping through my latest GQ Magazine (June 2009 issue) and read a short profile on Wale (pronounced Wah-lay), a D.C. native. He's a new, fresh rapper on the come up. I've been hearing a lot about him lately. Most say he has a great chance to be the next best thing, as he draws comparison's to Kanye West and Jay-Z because of his "crystal-clear jocular flow" according to GQ. I'll take their word for it.

His real name is Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, he's 24 years old and he's just signed a management deal with Jay-Z's company Roc Nation. Last year he released The Mixtape About Nothing, which was, well, a mixtape that was more than nothing. It helped catapult him into the hearts of many hip-hop heads around the country, setting him up for future stardom.

I actually missed a chance to go see him perform at this year's Little 500 at IU. I remember seeing signs up promoting the concert and saying he would be at Dope Couture two hours before his show for a meet and greet. I, now, regret that I missed that.

He currently has a single/video with Lady Gaga called "Chillin" (seen below), which is an instant hit in my book, and his debut album, Attention Deficit is bound to go over well with music fans with production from Mark Ronson (one of GQ's 10 Most Stylish Men In America of 2009), Cool & Dre and Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio. Word is its to be released December 29 of this year. Not sure if that's true, but that's quite a wait, but I'm sure it'll be worth it.

Lady Gaga Covers "Heartless"

Lady Gaga: Transmission - Episode 3

Complex's Best of 2009 (So Far): The Top 10 Sneakers

#10

SNEAKER: COMMON PROJECTS SAFARI BOOT
RELEASE: JANUARY+
Common Projects shoes are always pretty pricey but their durability combined with effortless style with monochromatic color-ways make them worth the price.

#9

SNEAKER: AIR JORDAN V TORO BRAVO PACK
RELEASE: MAYI've seen these sneakers at the local Footlocker and I do like them, but not better than the Common Projects shoe. But it is Jordan and I guess the bright red is pretty dope.

#8

SNEAKER: COMMONWEALTH X REEBOK PUMP OMNI LITE
RELEASE: JUNE
These are okay. I can see some people rockin' these with a pair of slim, black jeans. But they do look like something my mom would wear. I'll pass.

#7

SNEAKER: VANS X KICKS/HI “3 Feet High” Half Cab
RELEASE: JUNE
Got my Vans on, but they look like sneakers. The Pack helped give this brand a boost a few years back with their song "Vans". I've never been a big fan of the brand and I'm still not.

#6

SNEAKER: NEW BALANCE MT580 GORE-TEX
RELEASE MONTH: MARCH
Ummm...Why are these on the list?

#5

SNEAKER: NIKE DUNK HIGH NYLON
RELEASE: JANUARY+
Saw this shoe in Chicago last week. I like it. I think my dad has a similar pair from year 2000 or something. It has a classic, but modern look. I can dig it. It's too high on the list though.

#4

SNEAKER: SUPRA TK SOCIETY
RELEASE: MAYThese shoes are the real deal. I immediately began searching the web for a pair as soon as I saw these. I'm not sure if I'll end up with them, but I'll sure try.

#3

SNEAKER(s): CONVERSE SKATEBOARDING (CTS)
RELEASE: JANUARY+
I like these. they're simple, but cool. You can wear them with anything, including a suit.

#2

SNEAKER: adidas CONSORTIUM 3-WAY NIZZA HIGH
RELEASE: MAY
Wow! I love the grey color - its one of my favorite colors. Adidas came strong with this one. It's so classic, yet modern and reminds of me of sophistication.

#1

SNEAKER: NIKE AIR YEEZY
RELEASE: MAY-JUNE
The grand-daddy of them all (for this half of the year anyway)! The Yeezy's have been the most coveted shoe in the country and maybe the world so far. Kanye West put together a wonderful design and color-way scheme with all of the releases. I only wish there was still some left so I can have a pair.

Kathy Griffin on Larry King Live

I freakin' love Kathy Griffin. I think she is one of the funniest people in the world and I love how she's not afraid to say anything to anyone. I caught her on Larry King Live a couple days ago and thought she was her classic self, which is always great. Enjoy.

Lady Gaga: Transmission - Episode 2

Sasha Grey in V Man Magazine

She's the 21 year-old porn star people loved to hate on the Tyra Banks Show a while back. She made no apologies for the industry she's in and what she does. I don't condone her line of work, but I respect the fact that she doesn't care much what others outside of her circle think.

Lady Gaga: Transmission - Episode 1

Okay, so Lady Gaga has been posting a series of videos documenting her tours and escapades throughout the past year and I've just discovered them on youtube. Sure, you can go on the site and get them all but since I'm becoming a bigger fan of hers by the minute I've decided to post a video of hers a day. She has around 40 videos documenting her experience over the past year. They're called Lady Gaga Transmission Here's video 1:

Miss Info Talks Fashion At Summer Jam 2009

Three thoughts:

1) Why does Busta Rhymes have that hot ass velour outfit on? You know he's gotta be burning up Louis Vuitton or not.

2) You hear how Soulja Boy spends? That's how I would probably be if I had more money. Hell, I'm like that now, only I shouldn't be spending and instead of cars, I'm buying clothes.

3) Soulja Boy and Kanye together on a track? That would be dope!

Santigold - "L.E.S. Artistes" Video

I love this song and I love this video. I've just recently really got into Santigold's music and her style. I think she is a reputable trendsetter and is a force to be reckoned with in the music biz. Straight out of the mold of M.I.A., people think she is weird, but her music and style are catchy. To me, she's street, punk and alternative all in one. She gets respect in all communities. She's hip-hop and alternative. She's among those who aren't afraid to change the game and challenge norms and is a big part of the future in music along with the likes of people like Kanye, Lady Gaga, M.I.A., Ryan Leslie and others. I actually still need to buy her CD. I guess I better get on that.

Beyonce x Kanye West - "Ego (Remix)" Video

Peep the Louis Vuitton sneakers on my boy Kanye at 0:20. They're Dope!


Find more videos like this on The Celebrity Network

Working Late Sucks

I know I shouldn't say that because I'm the intern, but its true and its probably nothing you didn't know. I'm all for showing up early and staying late, but the time right now is 11:40 p.m. and I'm about ready to go. I'm working the GA shift ( 6 p.m. to midnight) and nobody seems to enjoy it. I don't really mind it that much except for staying late.

I actually showed up early today to get some extra work done, but the downside to that is I'm still sitting here at a quarter 'till midnight, honestly ready to go. And its not because I'm lazy or don't work hard. I just want to be in front of the TV or tell jokes and hang out with my parents. I guess this is the life of a working man.

There's a woman in the newsroom who shows up at 11 p.m. and leaves at 6 a.m. EVERYDAY! That's ridiculous if you ask me. I like to keep it real, but not to the point where I'd tell her this (unless she reads this blog, which I doubt she ever will), but her job sucks. Why would you ever apply for that job? If that were me years from now I'm sure my marriage would suffer, my kids would suffer, and, oh yeah I'd probably be a jerk all day because I was so damn irritable and sleepy. I haven't noticed her being that way, but I know I couldn't stand it. All power to her.

Before you give me the 'ol "well maybe you shouldn't be a journalist" crap let me tell you that I love journalism and I like what I'm doing. Lots of people will tell you "oh I love this job and everything about it". That's BS. I've only been a "working man" for a month and I can tell you nobody feels that way. There will always be parts of the job you hate. My hatred is for late nights on the job when the only things you can think about are late night Teddy Graham binges, sleeping, watching HBO, or asking that cute co-worker out for drinks. But no, you're stuck at your desk, working away.

I'm getting through it and I'm learning in the process. But I can't front, I hate late nights.

My Favorites From the Reebok Summer 2009 Releases

For summer 2009, Reebok has revamped a number of heritage models in updated color-ways and materials. Styles include the Hexalite-cushioned Sole-Trainer and lightweight Inferno running shoes, as well as classic basketball models such as the Commitment, the Pump Omni Lite and the Sir Jam in flashy, streaming colors. The new drop is capped of with the Ex-O-Fit S.G. Strap in shiny, bubble gum hues.





For more looks go here

Bring Back Your Baby Style

Just the other day I was talking to my parents about a baby picture they have of me wearing white sneakers, navy blue shorts, a white button down shirt with a navy blue bow tie (clip on, I assume), and a tan, navy checked blazer with no lapels.

How I pulled off a blazer with no lapels is beyond me, but needless to say, not only was I looking good, I was very preppy.

There are numerous pictures of me wearing clothes more fit for a country club
gentleman rather than a toddler who’ll probably just smile and then spit up on his new navy blazer.

Nevertheless, I think my mom was on to something when she used to dress me. It’s shaped the way I dress today.

Go back and take a look at your baby or adolescent pictures. Often times we rolled, crawled and then walked around in onesies and footies.


But look at the way you dress now. Notice any resemblance?

If you don’t, that’s okay too. Maybe your parents set you down in diapers and spoke baby gibberish to get you to smile for pictures, but most of the time your parents dressed you up to go meet relatives, to go to school, to go to church, etc.


Why did all of that have to stop when we got older?

I see nearly everything as an occasion. Am I wearing a blazer to do everything? No. But I do think about how I look before I do anything. Why? It’s out of respect for the occasion.


We subconsciously had that when we were babies. Everything was an event. Well, guess what? It still is.

Life is an event. When you go eat lunch with your friends today that’s event. When you go to the mall or go to class (yes, I said class) those are events.

Some people don’t even dress well to things that actually are labeled “an event." Have we lost that sense of style we had when our loving parents dressed us each morning?

I say we bring it back. If you were a prep growing up go ahead and bring back those cropped khakis with the deep creases and that bow tie. If your parents dressed you in t-shirt and jeans for everything, buy some vintage T’s, fitted jeans and some cool sneakers with little lining so you won’t need socks.

If you wore suspenders, go ahead and channel your inner Larry King and bring those back too.

Don’t worry about what people are going to think. You didn’t care when you were a baby, did you? If someone asks you about it just say, “I’m bringing back my baby style” or “this is my 1989 swagger” (I was four years old then), or whenever you were born – bring it back.

So if you see me walking around with a blazer and a bow tie this fall, don’t be alarmed, it’s probably because I’m bringing back my baby swagger, the best – and most precious - kind there is.

A Chicago Moment: My Threatened Life

So, I'm walking out of the Chicago Theater after the Kanye West concert on Thursday night to find my cousin Carla waiting for me. She came to help me navigate my way around the city. We walk to the bus stop on State St. to wait for the number 29 bus to arrive and take us back to the Red Roof Inn on Ontario St. The wait was to be about 15 minutes.

In that time span I overheard a man verbally harassing a lady standing behind me. There were probably 20 people waiting at this bus stop and everyone ignored what was going on - I guess they were used to this sort of thing. I kept glancing back at the lady. She was cute. Young, black with noticeably great skin. Her hair was curly like Tracy Ross's. She was petite (about 5'4"), skinny and in shape. She probably knew some type of defense fighting. I could envision her kicking this guy's ass.

The man harassing her was about the same height. He wore an over-sized doodoo-colored T-shirt, with ripped black jeans and some beat-up sneakers.

I mouthed "Are you okay?" to the lady. She responded with, "this nigga can't do nothin'. I can handle this."

Can you say Damn!?

While this was happening I noticed a crowd of people gathered across the street in front of two TV's faced out to the street. Inside was the ABC Channel 7 News studios. On the TV's was the Lakers vs. Magic game. The crowd oohed and awed at every point scored. I began making comments about the game and the man stopped harassing the lady to come give me some dap (I guess we were both rooting for the Lakers). He held his hand up for a good five seconds before I looked away and said, "Naw I'm good."

That set him off.

"Awww fu** this nigga! I ain't taking that sh**!"

Yeah, he was kinda offended.

I continued to ignore him. He then held up a can of 211 Beer (apparently its pretty dense) and threatened to hit me over the head with it. I just looked at him with a straight face. I then looked at the lady, only for her to smile back at me and say, "Your turn."

Damn.

He went on and on for about five minutes before walking off across the street mumbling to himself. I turned to the lady with a perplexed look on my face. She had little sympathy.

"It's nothing," she said. "It happens all the time. Where are you from?"

The Concert of My Dreams Is Coming!

Kanye West announced on The View this morning that he'll be touring with Lady Gaga this fall - sucks for me because I'll be playing football. But that's okay because I'm going to see him tomorrow in Chicago! He actually talks about the concert on the show. I'm so freakin' excited!

Below is a video of Kanye on The View this morning!

Charlie Murphy (Leroy Smith) Help You Get Your Basketball On

I just saw this funny infomercial o TV, while sitting in my teammates apartment watching the MTV Movie Awards. It's Charlie Murphy acting like a basketball guru. Dude is incredibly funny. He became famous, not because his brother is Eddie Murphy, but from his funny performances o The Dave Chappell Show. Remember that!? Hilarious. Here's the video.

New Drink: The "O.G, Diddy"

I might try this at some point.

Keri Hilson for 944 Magazine

Adidas Y-3 Fall/Winter '09 Honja Hi Bark

I came across these shoes at hypebeast.com. These kicks are so dope! Adidas has teamed up with Y-3 to make a high fashion but sporty collection, which includes these high tops for the fall/winter 2009 collection.

Kanye West - "Paranoid" Video

KANYE WEST "PARANOID" feat: RIHANNA Dir: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Street Chic: Public School Fashion Line

I first discovered the Public School clothing line while scouring the web looking for new brands for inspiration. The brand was founded by Dao-Yi Chow and Maxwell Osborne - both used to work for Diddy's Sean John label. They're very good at mixing rugged outerwear influences with more refined cut & sew designs. My favorite is their rendition of the brown/black leather bomber jacket. It's more street and urban and is the staple of what their label is about. I'm not yet sure how to buy any of their clothes without going to NY and buying them.

Below I've posted a video that was posted on Complex.com of them explaining their line. Check it out and see what they have to say, design and put the faces with the name.

www.publicschoolnyc.com

Justin Timberlake on SNL

88 Keys' Ralph Lauren Obsession

He calls himself a "Lo-head", meaning he loves Ralph Lauren. He claims to have worn only RL since 1993. Wow! He's also my favorite designer.

GQ: How To Buy A Suit

GQ: Project Upgrade: Summer Business Casual

Footlocker "It's A Sneaker Thing"

This is how I feel about my white sneakers. I seriously would've been pissed if someone stepped on my kicks on accident, let alone on purpose. He should've stole her in her face and then took her wallet and ran...LOL just kidding. That'd be cold blooded.

Lady Gaga Style

Lady Gaga's style is difficult to understand. Maybe this short interview could help...or not.