Gorillaz

They're known as the world's first digital band, anime characters who are simply avatars to their real life musical counterparts. The Gorillaz project was started in 1998 when Damon Albam, of the band Blur, and british cartoonist Jamie Hewlett met. They created four ape cartoon characters, 2D-the lead singer, Murdoc Niccals-the base guitarist, Noodle-guitarist and vocalist, and Russel Hobbs-the drummer. The Gorillaz universe is explored through multiple media forms, and the characters all have unique personalities. They work with many artists, such as Mos Def and MF Doom. Their music encompasses Rock, Rap, Hip-Hop, Electronic and Pop. When their self titled album hit in 2001, they were a success, becoming Guinness World Records most successful digital band. Still, the Gorillaz were considered underground untill 2005 when their Demon Days album hit, and the band got an ipod commercial, featuring arguably one of the most played songs of the decade, Feel Good Inc.

The commercial accelerated the band's success and made Feel Good Inc. an instant hit. In my opinion though, the best song on Demon Days was All Alone, it had an amazing Hip-Hop beat.

Demon Days went double platinum in the U.S. and after a five year hiatus, Gorillaz released their third album, Plastic Beach. The music off this album clearly reflects the title, as many of the songs have a laid back island feel, which makes this album a far-cry from the very urban sound of their previous album. One of the songs off that album, Stylo, featuring Mos Def currently has been climbing the charts.

Gorillaz - New Music - More Music Videos

A great InVESTment

So, I wake up this morning, to realize that I had to be at a formal occasion in the next two hours. Problem is, my suits are at the cleaners, and all I'm stuck with are assorted button ups, a few khaki pants and a vest. Now I hate going to social events and not looking sharp, so I decide to start with my go-to item, the vest. To be politically correct, I'm actually wearing a waistcoat, a vest that sits at the waist. The waistcoat's origins are actuallly well known, in 1666, King Charles II of England, Scotland and Ireland introduced the waistcoat as a part of correct dress during the Restoration of the British monarchy. It was derived from the Persian vests seen by English visitors to the court of Shah Abbas. As time passed, the waistcoat became a very fashionable item, and for the most part it has held that status throughout history.

Back on to my problem, or rather its solution, I wear a blue and yellow plaid shirt, with my Dockers pants, Blue Sperry Topsiders, a blue G-Shock DW-6900 and a vest. Problem solved!..........(Matt Farmer)

The Kidz

Being in college I feel it's appropriate to discuss Kidz in the Hall. Jabri Evans and Michael Aguilar a.k.a. Naledge and Double-O respectively. Naledge is a Chi- Town native while Double-O hails from Jersey. Back to the college part. They met in the University of Pennsylvania in 2000 and became Kidz in the Hall as we know today. They unite as Double-O being the beat maker/ rapper and Naledge being the rapper. They break mold from Gangsta rap taking "collegiate/ intellectual" approach to rap. They also don't mind rappin' about kicks and just chillin'. Here's their song Mr. Alladatshit feat. Chip the Ripper. Enjoy.. (Leon)

"What ever You wanna' Call it"

Ralph Lauren, Polo, or Rugby, three names one idea: Fashion.

I think at least one person has already posted that Fall/Autumn is coming, but I must REPEAT fall is coming!!!! Its Basically around the corner, but that's beside the point. Ralph Lauren..Polo...Rugby, what ever you wanna' call it has an amazing fall collection already. The collection includes this suede patched button up for men. (Makes me wish I was a man) I might buy it anyway.

Some samples, but check out the website yourself :

http://www.ralphlauren.com

Tomorrow's Another Day

One of my College buddies told me about this guy. He goes by the name of Netsky. He's classified in the Dubstep and Electronic genres...This is great running music(not that I run or anything). Basically it's dope..just listen and....Enjoy........(Christopher Colas)

"What's G.O.O.D ?"

Kanye West...Cocky greatness....(sowhat). He's still my favorite artist for a number of reasons. His armada of musicians and lyricists make his label "G.O.O.D music" truly good. "Getting Out Our Dreams" are a clan of "Word Players" who have fun and make for some enjoyable. It's the variety of different artist who create such a force. Check out their mixtape entitled "G.O.O.D. ass Mixtape". Tracks to listen to include: Whatever you want, Bullshitin', Erase Me, and See Me Now. They have a blog of their own check it out and Enjoy.................(Christopher Colas)

http://www.goodmusic-blog.com/

Franz Ferdinand

Okay, let me first start by saying, why is it that Lindsay Lohan gets out of jail early? Nobody even cares about her!!!! I understand that Lil Wayne isn't the best role model (okay, he's a horrible role model), but c'mon! he's definitely more relevant that Ms. Lohan. Besides, Lindsay Lohan might change her ways because of jail, I doubt that jail will change Lil Wayne's ways......Damn,....I digress....uhm what was todays topic again? Oh! Right. Franz Ferdinand. Heres a quick history lesson; Franz Ferdinand (AKA Archduke Franz Ferdinand) was the soon to be leader of Austria whose murder sparked WWI. Funny thing about that history lesson....Franz Ferdinand the band has nothing to do with the dead guy. Franz Ferdinand the band was formed in 2002 in Glasgow, Germany, and their name actually comes from a racehorse whose name happened to be.....you guessed it, Franz Ferdinand. Their first song was the oh so catchy "Take Me Out", a song that you might remember from those old PSP commercials (humph, didn't think so...)

Franz Ferdinand's claim to fame is their "Glam rock" style, not unlike that of older rock groups such as Queen and the Bee Gees (the music your parents blast, you know, "Another One Bites the Dust"..."Stayin Alive"... those guys)


What I really like about this band though, is that from day one, their focus has been on trying to set themselves apart from the crowded "light rock" genre. They're no Coldplay, you will not find yourself guessing if thats Franz Ferdinand, you will know it. Their music is unique, and upbeat and quirky. Overall though, its alot of fun. Here's "No you girls" off their newest album.

......still working on a signoff phrase...(Matt Farmer)

" New Dew "

My hair has always been changing. Not that this is absolutely vital to the betterment of your knowledge, But as a contributor of the backpack boys, I feel you should know. It took me a year and a half to grow out my "Mane". 447.5 DAYS!!!! well basically I went from this.....

To this.............

I only wish I could say enjoy ( I miss my hair dearly).....................(Christopher Colas)

A New Dorothy

We're Definitely not in Kansas anymore.

Janelle Monae, Kansas City raised, moved to New York City to pursue a career in theatre, but she soon learned she had a calling for music. Soon after she moved to Atlanta she was discovered by Big Boi from Outkast.

(Of course, maybe that is why after watching her video for Many Moons she reminded me of Andre 3000 in Hey ya!) With other creative musical minded artists, she founded the Wondaland Arts Society.

Her Music ranges from feel good party music, to motivational, all the way to the simplest of simples love song. ("You are my everything")

Monae's sense of style is like no others. From the top of her head (her hair) to the tip of her shoe (shiny patten leather of course), there is no comparing her to any other artist today. Her idea of music and Entertainment is definitely to change the world and its perception.

Below is her latest video COLD WAR. Its captures the audience with its simplicity. Enjoy!

Lifetime of Memories

Have you heard of L.L.Bean? U know...the clothing company? Well, Its one of my favorite brands, why? Well, where do I start....theres the quality, the legendary comfort and durability of their products, and of course, their lifetime warranty. What clothing brand do you know of with a lifetime warranty? I had a pair of L.L.Bean boots for years, until I grew out of them, so I can personally stand by them. I mentioned in an earlier post that I am looking for some winter boots....well I can look no further.
So, what exactly does L.L.Bean stand for? Its actually the name of the companies founder Leon Leonwood Bean (His parents must've loved the name Leon) L.L.Bean was founded in 1912 by avid hunter and fisherman Mr. Bean in Greenwood, Maine, where he had developed a waterproof boot that he sold to hunters. In that same year, he was selling the "Bean Boot", or Maine Hunting Shoe, through a four-page mail-order catalog, and the boot today remains a staple of the company's outdoor image. Ironically, defects in the initial design led to 90% of the original production run being returned: Bean made good on his money-back guarantee, corrected the design, and continued selling them. Thus, L.L.Beans legendary reputation for customer service and loyalty to quality was born. Today, L.L.Bean shares a level of customer loyalty matched only by brand name giants such as Apple or Starbucks.
But, back to the task at hand..... Decisions, decisions
I could go with the L.L.Bean Rubber Moc, a sort of Boat shoe on steroids....

Or the legendary Bean Boot, the the tried and true classic

Or the Gumshoe, sort of in between the two

All of them come with a lifetime warranty, and since my foot doesn't really grow anymore, whichever one I chose could be with me for a while. (Matt Farmer)

The Vagabond

A vagabond or "drifter" is an itinerant person. A vagabond is characterized by almost continuous traveling, lacking a fixed home, temporary abode, or permanent residence. Vagabonds are not bums, as bums are not known for traveling, preferring to stay in one location.

The Vagabond's real name is Moises Liberato. He's a 19 year old upcoming rapper from the Washington Heights region of Manhattan. He is well recognized due to his appearance. Tattoos, Gauges, Piercings, & sense Of style. He has populated a decent level of "Buzz" amongst the Facebook Networking Site and even has a steady fanbase. We here, at The Backpack Boys got to sit down and interview him.

BPB: So The Vagabond is very unique name. how did that name develop?

VGB: I got the name from the show "Samurai Champloo" that aired on adult swim, the character Mugen was so arrogant and laid back, confident and never cared what people thought of him, my friend brought it up, I tagged it on my display name and it just stuck. I love the name

BPB: Your musical origins, where do they spawn from as well as influences?

VGB: Honestly I'm always just trying to be the best that I can be, of course I pick up my influences from artists, such as Lupe, Kanye, Cudi, and Jay, but at the end of the day it's still my flow and my lyrics that I just try to push to it's perfection.

BPB: At what age did you find yourself wanting to do this music industry thing?

VGB: I picked up fruity loops: the beat making program; during my senior year at 17, and I wrote to my beats, figured I could rap, started a group, broke that up, and figured I was better than I thought, my focus grew once I graduated highschool, it's the only thing i love.

BPB: Your appearance isn't that of what you say a "rapper" would be described as? The piercings, tats, and your style?

VGB: Nah my style is just me, the piercings come and go, the tattoos are just a representation of my art. I am defined by my music, not my appearance. I just do what I like.

BPB: What can we expect from you? projects, shows, events, etc?

VGB: Still working on releasing a mixtape by the end of this year or beginning of next. Im still in the perfecting process.

BPB: Anything else you have in the works? Such as crews, promoteams, art?

VGB: Yeah of course shoutouts to my street team BKS, if anything most likely turn that bitch to a record label, plan on writing for a few singers, innovate and just do it different, help reach out to camera men and upcoming clothing labels that are down to represent me and vice versa.

You Can Find Him On Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thevagabondmusic

Eff The Money: http://limelinx.com/files/0c19f6762699d30b44a6666198c8757d

" Hold On "

I think this song is pretty cool and somewhat inspiring. I've always loved electronic, rave, and club music. Rusko's music though, is classified in the genre "Dubstep". I'd call it Redbull for your ears. The video is enjoyable and Amber Coffman's vocals really decorate the track. Hopefully I can own a club one day and hire Rusko to Dj for a night; I'd love to reflect on my desired success...LOL!!! Enough with the philosophy of my life! Enjoy............(Christopher Colas)

Be Prepared

Let me state the obvious, Its August, the "dog days" of summer. Soon it there will be school, fall, and finally winter. But don't wait for winter to start! Get your clothes now and save some money! This year, I need a coat, some sweaters, and some boots. For me, a hot ticket item is the shawl collar cardigan, my favorite! I hopped on google and found this cardigan on landsend.com...look at it!

I got this online for $20! (plus $7 shipping of course) Its high quality, and warm! Ill be comfy in this thing in the winter. Theres still some left on landsend.com, but hurry! Buying your clothes a season or two ahead of time ensures that you get a great deal, so click away! (Matt Farmer)

" Mint Condition "

I'm not sure why exactly I associate everything before dark greens as Mint(wtf?), But...I do!!! As I mature I'm looking at more simple patterns and designs to start wearing. These "Mint" ALIFE Chukka boots are cool and fun and accommodate my request for simplicity, but still have that urban twist with the color choice. There not to bad on price either, So these should be in the closet soon. Enjoy.............(Christopher Colas)

Old Skool's Finest

A Tribe Called Quest was formed in 1985 in Queens, NY. A.T.C.Q. consists of Q-tip, Phife Dawg (a.ka. the Five Foot Assassin because he is 5'3'') , and their DJ, Ali Shaheed Muhammed. They had a forth member Jarobi White who left the group after their first album. A.T.C.Q.'s music has a strong jazz influence, intellectual lyrics, and catchy hooks. For their time they were a very intellectual rap group and were also very lyrically advanced. This was during the time where rap was becoming violent and "gangsta" rap was emerging from the west. A Tribe was breaking mold with their new style of rap. Their influences can be seen in today's rap. In my opinion their would be no Lupe, Wale, or even Kanye without A Tribe Called Quest.

Here is a classic, "Scenario" from their "Low End Theory" Album. Leaders of a New School are featured in this song (Charlie Brown, Dinco D, and Busta Rhymes). Also check out the "old skool" style which you can see has an influence on the styles of today. Enjoy... (Leon)

Salvation Summer

Summer's out and school is starting up. I'm pictured here in a 50's pin-up style outfit(listed below). The Barn-side Portrait of " The King Himself" makes this picture vintage, classy, and classy. Enjoy.................(Klarisse Torriente)

Jeans : 80's Guess High Waisted , Bleached, and Distressed....... never gets old.

Shirt : American Apparel

Shoes: Vintage Hush Puppies

Spectacles: American Apparel (vintage classics)

5 percent inspiration, 95 percent perspiration

These last few years have seen a shift in rap's balance of power from hardcore street thugs to more poetic, and less violent rappers. This has led to a rap itself questioning where its headed. The wheels of change are in motion, and some rappers are choosing to stick to their old methods, while others are embracing raps new direction, and are even branching out into other genres of music (808's and Heartbreak, Rebirth). A new rapper to enter the foray is Jay Elctronica, a rapper, who in my opinion, as far as sheer creativity and drive go, has no peer. Jay Electronica is enigmatic, making no major public appearances, few photo's and no albums......but plenty great mixtapes. Nobody really knew who he was until after he released two tracks,Exhibit A and Exhibit C, and by then, Jay's music was already well known. What separates Jay Elec from other contemporary artists is his hard edge, deeply religious undertones, his use of old school beats, and finally, the fact that he was actually at one point homeless. Often, Jay Electronic's songs are on him finding his way to where he is now, and how he wants to change rap.

Try one of his mix-tapes such as Attack of the Clones, but make sure to get Exhibit A, Exhibit C, Holiday featuring Mos Def, and My World.

Here's Exhibit C which samples the song "cross my heart" by Billy Stewart

"Mac MIller"

I love mixtures of different types of music. I'd never heard of a white rapper from Pittsburgh, who's Jewish, idolizes Marijuana and sports snap-back caps like they're religious attributes........until Mac Miller came along. A sly and fresh lyricist with urban flare, he's someone who can represent our community. His jazzy instrumentals and fun wordplay make his music enjoyable and awkwardly classy. His previous mix-tape " The High Life " was pretty good, But his new tape entitled " K.I.D.S " ( Kickin Incredibly Dope Shit) is sick. I Love walking and listening to this music....well....I could walk everywhere to these tracks. Check Mac and his crew "most Dope" walking and chillin' in his music video " Kool-Aid & Frozen Pizza "; Part 3 in his "Day in the life" series. Enjoy.......................(Christopher Colas)

Gadgets

Clothes, Accessories, Shoes, great. We've touched on all of these topics, but there's one more. Chances are, this one is already lying in your pocket right now. I'm gunna play psychic for a second and say that you have a cell phone in your pocket...or is that an ipod?......hmmmm....I'm not very good at this, but was I close? Yeah? It figures. Cellphones, mp3 players and the like have become a staple of our lives. Its hard going a day without consulting a portable media device. Lets sample some of the latest and greatest offerings available right now. How about we look at alternatives to Apple because unless you live in a hole, you've probably at least seen or heard of them.



Cell phones

Ah, the devices that have singlehandedly destroyed the English language..., but hey they make life sooo much easier what would we do without them?
Here are the latest challengers to the iphone (from left to right) the Palm Pre, The Sidekick 2009, and the Motorolla Droid. When it comes to phones, pick what fits your social habits, the Sidekick and Droid are perfect for those social people, while the Palm Pre is perfect for you aspiring business people out there.

Music Players

The world of music players is a flea market of bargain music players, bootlegs, and nameless brands. To make your life easier, if you are a true music aficionado, then besides the ipod, there is only one true mp3 player, the Zune HD. This sub brand of Microsoft has created possibly the best "music-oriented" mp3 experience. Sorry ipod lovers, there is no camera, and there is no app store. But when I say that the screen and music player are gorgeous, I mean GORGEOUS! Its actually painful for me to go back to the ipod, but alas, I must, Zunes aren't Mac compatible.

"Concrete Jungle"

Here's a photograph that I took of Diamond. Simplicity in nature makes for great visual appeal. It's the combination of vegetation and our fast "concrete" lives that make photos like these surreal and stunning. Diamond really pulls all elements of the photo together and provides for other topics of interest. Enjoy....................(Christopher Colas)

V-Neck Tees

Everyone wears T-shirts, I wear em, you wear em, even my dog has worn em. Ever walked down the street in NYC? I bet you there are more T-shirts there than people. T-shirts are beyond popular, they're a necessity, one most of us cant live without. So, how do you set yourself apart from every other faithful T-shirt wearer? How do you become an island of uniqueness in a T-shirt sea? It's actually quite simple, go V-neck!
I love V-necks, they seem like they are more than a T-shirt, and they give the illusion of higher quality. Now, I believe in the old saying "To each his own" so for me, I don't like the low or "deep" V-necks, but that's just my preference.
Here's Me (Matt)
In the early Spring, with my LRG V-neck, J. Crew cardigan, Levis 511 skinny's, and Nike Dunk High Premium.
V-necks subtle difference adds a level of style that most normal tees just can't match. C'mon!, try it.

Accessories Part 3: Shades

Okay, time to wrap it up, so for today's post, lets talk sunglasses.
Sun glasses are actually an accessory that you need to put a lot of thought in. Very few people can walk into a store, take a random pair of shades and expect to look good all the time. You have to know what looks good on you. I take my time when buying sunglasses to make sure that I like em. Don't always go with whats trendy, go with what you like.

Here's me with a pair of aviator style sunglasses, along with a Henley tee, skinnies and Supra Skylows . This style of shades work for me and the upside is that they never go out of style.

Okay, okay this blog deals with what's trendy, so lets check out the sunglasses that are hot right now.

Kanye (this man should be an honorary Back Pack Boy) is wearing his "stunna" shades, which some people say Kanye made popular in his Stronger video.

And here are some Ray-Bans a classic sun glass, but not one for everybody. Again, do what works for you.

Finally, here's these, see what I mean by do what works? These Dior Homme "Blow" sunglasses were worn by Pharrell in the Everyone Nose Remix, whether they looked good was another story. But when you're Pharrell, you're fresh regardless.
Sunglasses are a way to shine in the shade, just remember..... do you.