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20 YEARS STRONG September 22 2011
I was 10 years old and in fifth grade when the X-Large store opened on Vermont in Los Feliz, at a time when skateboarding and hip-hop were at a crossroads. They sold that lifestyle through their own brand and through the other brands they carried. I remember my friends talking about the shop because besides the Van Nuys swap meet, it was the place to go for Ben Davis and Carhartt gear. In two decades, X-Large has rode the many streetwear waves, has opened and closed stores around the world, has received cosigns from names like Mike D and Sofia Coppola, has taken Japan by storm (under streetwear conglomerate, B’s International), has executed collaborations with brands like Disney and Timberland, and has easily become one of the most influential brands of my generation. My first X-Large tee was the one that played on the X-Men comic book. Boom.
The original store still stands on Vermont, still stocked with logo tees, and sometimes hosting art shows in the retail space. If longevity is a measure of success, then X-Large is truly accomplished. Tonight the crew and I will be celebrating their 20th Anniversary and the launch of their sub-brand, XL America. My man, DJ Muggs is on deck, too. Congratulations.
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FROM A GALAXY FAR AWAY September 21 2011
There’s a Star Wars inspired art show at Hold Up Art. Enough said.
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RADIO LIFE September 20 2011
I haven’t posted about Soul Assassins Radio in a minute. There were some times where I couldn’t make it, and there were times when it would just be me, DJ Muggs, Mr. Choc, and Erndogg. But last Thursday we broke the streak and had Dizzee Rascal and Casey Veggies. My girl, Jenn, also helped out with the show and co-interviewed our guests. A packed studio always makes for a good night. You can download part one of the show HERE, and part two of the show HERE.
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GETAWAY September 19 2011
After seeing RN perform, we enjoyed San Diego for the rest of the weekend. I hardly visit SD. I think the last time I was there was two years ago. I only know a few things about it: theme parks, carne asada fries and Cali burritos, Extraordinary Desserts, and the beach. With the exception of theme parks, we pretty much accomplished everything.
Fries from Lolita’s and crème brûlée from Extraordinary Desserts.
I even got to see this beautiful piece of machinery. We were at the gas station when a 1935 Ford Woodie approached next to us. I was intrigued; it reminded me of Southern California surf culture. I had a chance to talk to the two owners of the vehicle. They had just came back from Oceanside, where hundreds of Woodies were on display on the pier. Apparently this car can smoke the owner’s Maserati.
La Jolla Beach, where I was experiencing an Incubus Wish You Were Here moment.
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AMP MUSIC FESTIVAL September 19 2011
Like I said in that last entry, we were in San Diego to catch the Rhythm Natives at the AMP Music Festival. Kudos to the guys for putting on another live show. I should also shout out the entire staff at the festival who put on a successful inaugural event. A little background on AMP - it’s an all day event with nine hours of entertainment on two stages. While music is the primary focus, the festival also aimed to raise awareness and funds for the ABA Community Foundation that provides music and art scholarships. I’ve been with the guys to many of their gigs in the last two years or so, and AMP was definitely one for the books.
The crowd forming for RN. Somewhere in there is our friend, Mike, who used to be in the band and is now dedicating his time to youth and community building in San Diego. Also spotted were producers Eponym and Esta.
The guys were laced in Primitive’s new Fall 2011 t-shirts.
Winner!
And then this happened during the meet and greet. Me versus Bojo in an Over the Top moment.
Next show for the guys is on October 6 at Scotland Yard in Canoga Park. FREE!
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