Kanye West Online Exhibit

I've seen a lot of things on the internet, but an online interactive exhibit featuring rapper Kanye West? I haven't yet come across that, well, at least not until now. The folks over at BrandMakerNews.com have created an online exhibit featuring Kanye West that was created to help artists and entrepreneurs with celebrity branding. But I'm sure the exhibit will peak the interests of others as well.

"Kanye exemplifies what it means to live your brand, because he's true to his passion, and comfortable with who he is as an artist," said David Harley, Chief Creative Officer of BrandMakerNews. "He's the only rapper that can style a photo shoot for Elle, create a film with an academy award-winning director, design a sculpture with a Japanese artist, and remain 100 percent in his element, every step of the way."

The online exhibit features sidebars showcasing everything from "Kanye's 10 Definitive Quotes" to the number of Tweets made following the VMA fiasco involving country-pop singer Taylor Swift. The exhibit can be viewed by clicking here.

Pac Div - "Whiplash/Young Black Male" (Video)

Fresh off the release of their mixtape Church League Champions (which can be conveniently downloaded here) California trio Pac Div have just released a video for "Whiplash" and "Young Black Male." Definitely happy to see this video from them, "Young Black Male" is easily one of my favorite songs from them.

UNDRCRWN "I Used To Love HER" T-Shirt

I'm not a huge fan of t-shirts, especially for myself, but UNDRCRWN never ceases to amaze me with their collection of t-shirts and clothing. Inspired by sports and music UNDRCRWN has created tee's based on films, athletes, and more. Just recently they created a line of t-shirts inspired by the movie White Men Can't Jump and even enlisted rapper Mos Def for an exclusive Cut & Sew line. Check out the latest from UNDRCRWN, their "I Used To Lover HER" tee's.

Gap's 2009 Holiday Commercial

I have yet to come across this commercial on television, but I spotted it earlier today on Gap's Website. For some reason Gap seems to go all out when it comes to the holiday season. After first watching the commercial I thought it was kinda cheesy. I mean it did consist of a bunch of overly happy, sweater-wearing models singing "Go Christmas! Go Hanukkah! Go Kwanzaa!" But after watching it a second time I actually thought it was kinda cute and somewhat clever (especially the dances). And plus, I'm really feeling the boots the women are wearing in the commercial. Check it out for yourself:

My Little Gaga

I was checking out Gangstarr Girl's blog today and I came across this piece by artist Mari Kasurinen. It's a My Little Pony figurine inspired by musician Lady Gaga. I thought it was kinda cool and even though it's a pony you can tell it's Lady Gaga right off the bat. I think the shades and the blonde wig were a major giveaway.

Zoya "Hot Lips" Twitter Promotion

The ladies over at Zoya are currently running an amazing promotion via Twitter, giving away three free tubes of Hot Lips lip gloss to its followers. If you aren't following them by now then you are definitely missing out. Just a few months ago Zoya gave its Twitter followers three bottles of their fabulous nail polish for free.

Click here to check out Zoya's Twitter page. The promotion ends tomorrow, November 13.

Chamillionaire - "Good Morning" (Video)

In preparation for his upcoming album, Venom, which will be released February 2010 rapper Chamillionaire has just released a new video for his song "Good Morning." Oh, and FYI Chamillionaire is dedicating this one to all the haters.

Chris Brown To Appear On 106 & Park

On today's (pre-recorded) espisode of 106 & Park, singer Chris Brown will appear in front of fans for the first time since his altercation with fellow singer Rihanna earlier this year.

Here are some excerpts from his interview with Rocsi Diaz...

On understanding the extent of what happened: “…with the situation…it’s not something you could take lightly and not something you could push under the rug…it’s a really serious situation and it’s something that I regret and I wish I didn’t do it.”

On being questioned about his sincerity in previous interviews: “…I just feel like at the end of the day I’m human…I can only tell you how I personally feel…I can’t make everybody love me, but I can just try… and I can honestly say that I am sorry.”

During the show Brown also discussed moving forward, the domestic violence he witnessed in his home, and how his fans have reacted.

The episode of 106 & Park featuring Chris Brown will air today (November 12) at 6 p.m.

New Freestyle iPhone App

For all you MC's out there the good folks over at Music Sales Group have launched a new iPhone/iPod Touch application that allows you to record music over original beats using just your device. An ideal app for the artist who is frequently on the go Freestyle comes equipped with a note pad, a microphone, a rhyming dictionary, and 10 original beats. Oh, and best part is this app is free (for the time being) and can be purchased from the App Store.

Before its release earlier this week Freestyle was tested out by a number of artists including Tanya Morgan, Fresh Daily, Senor Kaos, and more at last months CMJ Music Festival in New York City.

Check out this video of Fresh Daily, Senor Kaos, Homebody Sandman, Che Grand, and more rocking out thanks to the Freestyle app.

Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans

For all you movie buffs out there be sure to check out Bad Lieutenant: Port Of Call New Orleans, a movie directed by Werner Herzog that will be released in a handful of cities beginning Friday, November 20.

Bad Lieutenant boasts an A-list cast that includes Nicolas Cage, Val Kilmer, Eva Mendes, and rapper Xzibit. Described as being both "equally sad and manically humorous", Bad Lieutenant revolves around Cage's character who happens to be a shady detective living in post-Katrina New Orleans. Aside from that he's also a drug addict who's in love with a prostitute (played by Eva Mendes). With all of these factors combined, it's definitely a recipe for mayhem.

Check out a clip from Bad Lieutenant:



Release dates are as follows:

11/20
Los Angeles
New York
Chicago
San Francisco
Washington DC

11/25
Philadelphia
Boston
Dallas
San Diego
Seattle
Phoenix

12/4 and/or 12/11
New Orleans
Atlanta
Houston
Austin

Kosha Dillz Tour Flyer

For the next two months, rapper Kosha Dillz will be touring the country with Matisyahu making stops in Baltimore, Atlantic City, Washington D.C., and much more. In fact, they're making so many stops they had to create a flyer just so we can keep up with their numerous shows. Check it out!

Rachel By Rachel Roy

While doing some research for a piece I did for RefinedHype.com I came across designer Rachel Roy's line of clothing and accessories and I was blown away by a number of her jewelry pieces.

I'm really into accessories that are statement pieces, pieces that you probably won't see many other people rocking. This is why I'm really feeling a lot of Rachel Roy's pieces. And the great thing is her pieces range in price from the low $20's to the $100 and up range. I even saw one of her necklaces on sale at Macy for only $12.99! So if you're willing to splurge she definitely gives you that option.

Her pieces range from couture to Hip Hop (peep the Boom Box earrings I'm in love with), giving Rachel by Rachel Roy an extra heap of versatility. If you're feeling her pieces as much as I am check out RachelRoy.com or Macys.com.

Worn Gold Necklace With Pink Crystals, $75


Boom Box Wire Earring, $28


Two Finger Spear Ring, $32


Quilted Cross Body Bag, $69

Basquiat Exhibit At City Of Ink

This Friday (November 13), renowned tattoo shop City Of Ink and artist John Hairston Jr. will join forces for the opening reception of Hairston's "Hollywood Africans", a visual art show inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat. For all you Basquiat lovers and art lovers in general this is definitely an event not to be missed.

Peep the flyer for more info.

CamiCakes, Cupcake Connoisseurs

I heart cupcakes something vicious, I wish that wasn't the case but hey it is what it is lol. A little while back I was able to sample a few cupcakes from Florida/Georgia based bakery CamiCakes at an event here in Atlanta and they were beyond delicious. When it comes to deserts it's hard to find a cake/cupcake/etc. that's both aesthetically pleasing and tastes great, but CamiCakes has somehow managed to create something that both looks and tastes good.

At $2.50 a pop (which is about average) CamiCakes comes in a variety of flavors including Red Velvet, Sweet Potato (no dice), Banana Cream, Chocolate Raspberry Almond Cream, and more. For CamiCake locations and to check out more of their flavors click here.

Let the drooling commence...

Jay-Z Blueprint 3 Tour Dates

Rapper Jay-Z has just announced the latest tour dates for his upcoming North American tour. Tickets will be available for purchase starting November 13 on LiveNation.com.

Previously announced dates:
Nov 07 Fresno, CA Fresno State University/Save Mart Center
Nov 08 Los Angeles,CA UCLA/Pauley Pavilion
Nov 10 Austin, TX University of Texas at Austin/Frank Erwin Center
Nov 12 Champaign, IL University of Illinois/Assembly Hall

Newly announced dates:
Feb 22 Houston, TX Toyota Center
Feb 23 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center
Feb 25 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena
Feb 27 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena
Feb 28 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum Complex
Mar 03 Washington, DC Verizon Center
Mar 07 Norfolk, VA Scope Arena
Mar 11 Boston, MA TD Garden
Mar 16 Pittsburgh, PA Mellon Arena
Mar 19 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center
Mar 20 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse
Mar 22 Denver, CO Pepsi Center
Mar 24 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
Mar 26 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center