New York Observations: Part 1

There are lots of "it" girls in NYC but many of them go unnoticed. If they lived in Indiana they'd be the shit and everybody would stare at them as they walked by. But here, no one does.

In Indiana, if you make eye contact with someone you both either nod, smile, or quietly say hello. In NYC no one does that. They just keep walking. And if you do happen to get any reaction from someone, they'll give you the "what the fuck you lookin' at" look. Great.

There's ALWAYS things to do. I love the theater district (I think that's what they call it) on and off Broadway. I went to see "American Idiot" and I loved it. At all hours of the day and night you see people walking places. Even on a Sunday. Where the hell could you be going at 11pm on Sunday night? Take yo ass to bed. But I guess the city never sleeps, better slip you an Ambien.

The high end retail stores aren't stores at all, they're show rooms. Or atleast they look that way. Everything is so carefully constructed like the clothes themselves. Smooth hardwood floors, glass doors, impeccably dressed employees, meticulously placed clothing, bags, and accessories. Oh, and don't forget about the doorman and the suited security standing around everywhere.

Junior's is an awesome restaurant. I've eaten breakfast there three out of the four days I've been in NYC. The French toast is my favorite. Never had better at any restaurant.

Generally, people dress better here than anywhere else I've ever been. And I'm not just talking suits. I, more so, mean the casual wear. They know how to use their scarves, jackets, the right jeans, the right sneakers, and hats. The women love their leggings and heels here, too.

It's not always easy to get a cab. It took me over half an hour last night. I'm just sayin'.

Hoosier Draft? I Think So

Photo by James Brosher for the Indiana Daily Student

I’ve never been more excited for the NFL Draft than I am this year. This is the weekend where, for many players, life as they once knew it will end. Things will change for them – better for most. A new life, new opportunities, new pressures, new cities, and new temptations will be upon them. Speculations on potential picks are all around. Who will go where? How much money will he make?

Word is the St. Louis Rams haven’t confirmed that they’ll be taking Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, but it looks like that’s exactly what they’re going to do according to ESPN. Would I take him? Sure. Would I take Nebraska defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh? Sure. The fact is you can’t go wrong with either pick. But, to be perfectly honest with you I’m not worried about that pick or any of the first ten picks.

My excitement over the NFL Draft this year comes, not from the tantalizing suspense of who will pick who (although, I do still love that aspect), but the fact that a good number of Hoosiers could be picked this year. My boys, my teammates, my friends. The guys I danced and sang with in my underwear with while in the locker room. The boys I talked to nearly everyday for 5 years. The boys who I bled, cried, and fought with through pain, death, heat, sweat, heartbreak, happiness, anxiousness, everything.

And the memories! Hell, me and Rodger used to make up dances and songs about training camp, the season, winter conditioning, whatever. I’ll always miss those days.

There’s a chance Rodger could be picked tonight. If so, he’ll be the first IU player taken in the first round since wide receiver Thomas Lewis in 1994. He’s been shooting up many scout’s and critic’s draft boards since November. The same goes for Jammie Kirlew, although he’ll likely be picked in the mid to late rounds. Then there’s Nick Polk, Greg Middleton, Ray Fisher, Matt Mayberry, Austin Thomas, D McCray and more. They’ve all got a chance!

No matter what happens this weekend I’m proud of all my boys and the memories we’ve made. It’s unreal to see them go through this process. Success will come to all of them in one way or another. I just want it to be in the way they want it. The NFL will come calling for them. I know they’re ready. I just hope the NFL is ready for all these Hoosiers.

Paul & Joe Sister

This morning I’m finding myself fact-checking a short write-up on a new local boutique (you’ll have to pick up our May issue to find out which boutique) for Indianapolis Monthly. Out of curiosity, I decided to check out the collections of a couple of the featured designers. I was most impressed by the Paul & Joe Sister (not to be confused with Paul & Joe, their higher up line) collections. Here are a few of the pieces I liked most.

Jay-Z x Absolut 'NY-Z' Documentary

Say Cheese!...Or Not

This pic was taken at an IU party in Jan. '08

This past weekend I attended a bachelor party I had long planned for a best friend of mine. It was a great time – dinner at Harry & Izzy’s, Jay-Z concert and afterparty, hotel, plus messing with the people working at the hotel front desk – but this isn’t about the party itself so much as it is about the documentation of the party.

You see, every New Year I tell myself I’m going to take more pictures, but its uncommon for me to get urge to want to have to stop the movement of life to a capture a moment. I’m all for pictures for memories, but the idea of stopping to tell everyone to pose for a camera bother me a little.

I had left my camera in my SUV at the beginning of the party by accident. When I asked the fellas if I should retrieve it, they said no. One guy told me bachelor parties were things of legend and were only to be talked about to a certain point. No man takes pictures at his bachelor party (unless, ofcourse, you don’t mind your soon-to-be wife and her girlfriends finding out about Brandy, the stripper).

When I do take pictures I want them I want them to capture people in the process of living. Those are the types of pictures I love most. Not when someone’s posing. I don’t always care for the classic “look at me” pictures. The last thing I need is a picture of some pretty young thing stopping to suck in her stomach, stick her butt out, lift her breasts, and give pouty lips. That shit ain’t real. Where are the pictures of her dancing, flirting, and chatting about her new Jimmy Choo’s?

My point is this: I’m down for posing for a few pictures here and there to show who I was with, but excuse me if I don’t want to stop a good time to pose for a picture every five minutes. I say document life and what happens around, not how well you can pose. Save it for your magazine photo shoot.

New Artist #4: J. Cole

If you’re a Jay-Z fan you know of J. Cole. You heard his verse on “A Star is Born” off of Jay’s Blueprint 3. You even hit rewind to hear his verse again. Why? The young North Carolina native is a definite star in the making and he did more than enhance Jay’s track, he blessed it.

Writing rhymes since age 12, Cole isn’t your average rapper. He attended St. John’s University on an academic scholarship, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. When he wasn’t studying he was fine-tuning his sound as a rapper. He later released his mixtape The Warm Up, giving fans a taste of a conscious, insightful rap style that will surely make him a star. He spit fire, Common-like bars on “Lights Please” saying,

Ain’t it shameful how niggas blame hoes for givin’ birth to a baby that took two to make? Coward nigga, you a fake. How you gon’ look in your son’s face and turn your back? Then go start another family dog, what type of shit is that?

Cole goes on to put his own touch on a classic with Jay-Z’s “Dead Presidents.” We should all take notice and believe in the youngster in 2010. After all, Cole told us, “Yeah, I’m focused man, I’ll let you muthafu**as soak it in.” Clap for ‘em.

New Artist #5: Nikki & Rich

I’m putting this group here for two reasons: They’re such Grammy-bate and they’re music is infectious and downright great. Why weren’t they higher on the list? They might go generally unheard of among the masses for most of the year and may not release a full album until next winter, if not 2011.

Nikki & Rich consist of singer/songwriter Nikki Leonti and producer Rich Skillz. Nikki is a former Christian Music singer. She released her first LP in 1998 titled, Shelter Me before releasing a self-titled album, and Postcards From Mixaco: A Dance Re-MIX Fiesta. She’s come a long way since those days.

Nikki & Rich’s sound is retro pop, doo wop, and R&B. Every bit of it is both soulful and satisfyingly wrenching. Judging from the few songs I’ve heard, you can’t help but smile, dance, or sing along. Nikki has garnered positive comparisons to Amy Winehouse and combines a strong, soulful voice with attractive looks.

Their music was featured on the last season of HBO’s Entourage and the new 90210. They’re beginning to create more buzz, as they held a private showcase for media and friends in New York City on February 9. After catching a glimpse of their live show and hearing a few of their tunes, there’s zero doubt in my mind that Nikki & Rich will be a promising new act in 2010.