PopularLemonade » Friday Ode

Drunk & High Movie Recommendation: Bridesmaids

@Radioestes — Fri, 01 Jul 2011 15:39:42 +0000

40 Apps to Freedom – TapDJ and Djay

@Radioestes — Fri, 27 May 2011 15:37:09 +0000

Adolescent men have one goal: champagne and blow-jobs. There are different ways to get there. Music is arguably the fastest method. Birds have songs, plants have flowers, humans have rock and roll. If it worked for Roy Orbison, it will work for you. Teenage boys see this clearly. They are presented then with a choice: guitar or dj? The choice is not a musical one as you may think. It comes down to this: guitar players wear cool shoes; djs wear cool hats.
I had long hair when I was 15, long hair looks silly with a hat, I had a pair of doc martin sandals that were both hippie and badass, I chose guitar. I stand by that choice, it’s served me well.

Eight years ago my band was performing an old-school hip-hop homage. We were all dipped in Adidas everything. I was playing guitar up-front, we had a dj next to the drums and bass cab. I met a young lady that night. She enjoyed my guitar stylings- she told me so. Later that night: champagne and blow-jobs. Mission accomplished. That pretty girl I first saw from the stage is now Mrs. Estes. Had I been a dj that fateful night, some other chump would now enjoy my beautiful family. He’d have the family and I’d be an international touring super-douche, posted up at the Four Season’s tiki bar. That’s how it works in my head.
I have a Stanton Straight-80 and a choice record collection. I’ve always had the intention of getting another record player and a mixer. I never followed through because I’m lazy, and spinning records ain’t gonna get me laid. If only there was a way to dj in bed, semi-conscious, with a whisky. Enter TapDJ and Djay. Two amazing dj apps for iPhone/ iPad.

TapDJ

Djay

Both apps give you two decks and the ability to mix and scratch the music in your ipod. TapDJ gives you a MPC style sample pad and channel volume control. Djay gives you an automix option and a little tighter looping interface. Both apps are very easy to use, they employ a cross-fader, and allow you to record your session. I am reviewing them together because they are nearly identical.

I headed to Craig’s house to get his opinion. He’s a hip-hop, vinyl purist. He also has an incredible man-cave. If anyone could flesh out the weaknesses of these apps – it’s Craig. He loved both apps. He couldn’t scratch with the same dexterity as he could with wax – but that was expected. He said a lot of the user interface was lifted from Serato. Wave-form view specifically. We plugged in the iPad and the Technics. I played songs I love and Craig scratched over it. It felt like Jamie Oliver was cooking me breakfast in my kitchen. With a little practice I figure I can make a pretty decent mixtape. I was going to link the sessionhere but I train-wrecked every 3rd song. I’ll update in a few when we nail it.

There is no replacing vinyl as Craig sagely stated. I agree, I love my records. These apps aren’t out to replace our 12”. Rather, these apps give music nerds an opportunity to really enjoy their music. For the working dj these apps could be incredibly useful. I am willing to bet right now some kid has a bottle of Korbel on ice. He’s preparing for the off chance that his $.99 dj iPhone app is going to get his dick sucked. It just might. Guitar Hero never did that. He’d better have a cool hat.

Aesthetics: Familiar.
User Experience: Elementary, joyous.
Cost: $.99 each

Grade: A+

-Ryan Estes

Craig's man-cave

Testosterown: The pocketknife

@Radioestes — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:52:32 +0000

Every man has a pocketknife, at all times. That or they have a much larger blade in their hands; clearing brush or quartering an animal. Compliment a man’s pocketknife by never asking to use it. If you don’t have a knife of your own, you can borrow the round-tip scissor.
Pocketknife uses:
Scrape the ash from your boots.

It’s spring and you’ll be in your mothers flower beds cleaning yard debris. With a torch preferably.

(Make yours for about $90 bucks.)

Fix your kid’s bike.

Then give it to the Goodwill, on your way to her boxing tournament.

Cut the gristle from your steak.

Dunk in sea-salt and eat for dessert.

Whittling.

(For starters.)

Don’t use:
To cut the foil off a bottle of wine.

Cutting the seal off Maker’s Mark is encouraged.

When dull.

Your past relationships prove that doesn’t last long.

As a key chain.

If you can’t collapse another man’s lung with your blade, you have a toothpick.

Ranking:

Honorable mention: clovis.
Hall. Of. Shame.

Travel:
TSA does their best to confiscate your knife. They are easily duped.

(That’s a chinese made american-blinged belt-buckle stabbing your neck terrorist!)

If you leave your blade at home for the flight, pick up a cheap replacement at the nearest gas-station upon arrival.

Care:

Clean your pocketknife with soap and water. Carry it in your front right pocket, or on your belt above your right ass-cheek. Do not wear a locking knife on your belt. Do not flip your pocketknife around like a toy. Throwing your knife at a tree and sticking-it should be practiced often, with attention to proper wrist technique. Follow-through is important. Your thumb should be pointing to the ground at the end of your release. Extra points for quickdraw and extra points for boot concealed sheath.

A pocketknife is a man’s tool; all that separates him from monkey.

Take care of yourself and your tool. See you on down the road.

PopularLemonade tribute :: Erykah Badu

Miss Rachel — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 20:55:53 +0000

There are very few women in our lifetime that have carried a comparable impact on lifestyle, music, and fashion more than Erykah Badu. In fact, there are very few women who have been able to truly hold their own within a world of masculine raps without losing the very essence of why they became invested in their art.

Always changing but never disappointing, Erykah Badu has remained the strong voice of an entire generation of music aficionados. Her fourth studio album, New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh), dropped today and earlier she released her video for the first non-Internet released single, Window Seat, which is by far one of the most creative and innovative music videos I’ve seen in the past few years. Shot in one take, Miss Badu shows us what she’s really got. Along with this video (featured first below), I have compiled some of MY most favorite Badu works in celebration of her new album, her fight against groupthink, and everything that makes her absolutely amazing (and a sweet female artists video which features one of my favorite Erykah tracks, Cleva).

Friday Ode :: Sam Flores

Miss Rachel — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:21:37 +0000

Sam Flores is one of my favorite artists and has held that coveted spot for years upon years. Anyone who knows me knows that almost everything I can have an avatar or icon for is some sort of Sam Flores painting that I have cropped (and probably don’t do justice to). Better yet, he’s a half-Mexican breed just like your favorite PopLemon. I’m such a sucker for balance, scale, and light within art… Flores seems to address all. His earlier work was centric around hardly proportionate men and women who were accessorized by bright renditions of planes, trains, automobiles, sneakers, dragons, and pretty much everything else under the sun.

Working with Upper Playground out of SF, Flores has been able to reach a vast audience of folks who are involved with skate, hip hop, and art culture by rocking his own clothing like – 24 Grain. Earlier this week, UP opened presale orders his newest print, Jungle Baby, a cross between feminine birds, butterflies, flowers, and the weird out of proportion sexiness his female characters always seem to hold. You can pick up the limited edition print for $100 via UP by clicking the image below. Keep in mind, this issue is limited at 100 prints.

Below are a few of my favorites out of some of his work – be sure to check out Flores’s e-portfolio at SamFlores.com

Control Lost. 36"x48" acrylic and aerosol on canvas

David Choe & Sam Flores - Denver DNC. I drive by this piece at least 3x a day.

Not enough Sam Flores? Be sure to check out the re-release of his 3-piece vinyl figure, which was crafted in conjunction with The Loyal Subjects out of LA (pictured below, clicking the image will take you to the pre-sale request form) and limited to 200 units.

Friday Ode :: Highest paid rappers

Miss Rachel — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:29:11 +0000

Forbes recently released its list of the most well-paid movers and shakers in hip hop in 2009… Here are the top 10. The full list can be viewed here and includes Common and Andre 3000 (damn, maybe it has something to do with Erykah…?). It’s obvious that building a mogul empire as Diddy and Jay have done is essential to topping the list. The most interesting thing to me is that Jay pulled $82M last year as a result of his contract with Live Nation but the 2008 top hip hop cash king was 50 Cent, who was knocked down to #4 on this year’s list. For all of the bitching about the recession, a cool $35M would be welcome in my pocketbook any day. In other news, I’d like to start a petition to pay Akon and T-Pain not to make music any longer.

Please note that Magic Don Juan (pictured left) is not on this list, as pimping isn’t recognized by the IRS… or Forbes for that matter.

1. $35M – Jay-Z

2. $30M – Diddy

3. $25M – Kanye West

4. $20M – tie Akon / 50 Cent

6. $18M – Lil Wayne

7. $17M – Timbaland

8. $16M – Pharrell

9. $15M – T-Pain

10. $14M – Eminem

Friday Ode :: Michael Jackson

Miss Rachel — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:20:49 +0000

By now, the whole world is aware that Michael Jackson has passed away – leaving his friends, fans, and family with an extensive discography full of classics. A product of the 1980s, I can honestly say that Michael Jackson was truly the first artist that I liked myself – without having to listen to whatever my parents had on the radio. A true entertainer, he captivated my little heart from an early age.

I remember my neighbor from across the street, Dominic, was old enough to check the Victory Tour and sadly, I wasn’t quite old enough – Dom was at a very elderly age of 4. I remember staying up until Dom & his family got home, mad as shit that my parents didn’t take me, and asking Dom questions until the wee hours in the morning which is quite late for a little girl. I had my MJ doll, complete with red leather jacket, silver glove, and awesomeness. I remember VHS recording the interview with Oprah. I remember seeing every one of his video debuts.

In memory of a true icon, trendsetter, and trailblazer for minorities everywhere, here are my top five Michael Jackson videos ever.

RIP, MICHAEL.

5.Beat It

I still get goosebumps during the opening scene with the gongs… I’ve always loved how MJ was a little gangster with it. If I was in a gang battle, this would obviously be my theme song.

Michael Jackson – New Music – More Music Videos

4. Rock With You

One of my top 10 songs of all time, the video doesn’t disappoint. I love simplicity – a sequined MJ is just right.

Michael Jackson – New Music – More Music Videos

3. The Way You Make Me Feel

When I was a little girl, I used to pretend I was this girl in my backyard… No joke. MJ is the only man who can pull off wearing white socks & black shoes any day and also holler at a girl by…. hollering at her.

Michael Jackson – New Music – More Music Videos

2. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough

I’m not exactly sure how many Soul Trains I’ve participated in to this song, but the count is off the rocker.

Michael Jackson – New Music – More Music Videos

1. Thriller

Need I say more? This video single-handedly explains why I’m such a freak about horror movies and men with red leather jackets. I love MJ’s dark & borderline twisted side. Vincent Price is an added bonus.

Michael Jackson – New Music – More Music Videos

Friday Ode :: Denver Nuggets

Miss Rachel — Sat, 30 May 2009 00:24:38 +0000

(Photo by Larry W. Smith-Pool/Getty Images)

Enough said. See ya’ll in the 09/10 Season… proper. Sure, I cried a little bit on the inside… but 8th row seats on the hookup for the final game in the Western Conference Finals against the Lakers isn’t anything to shake your head at. Big ups to Nickro.

Bonus Game 6 Nuggets theme song:

I Try (Live, NYC 2007) – Talib Kweli

Go Lakers!

Friday Ode :: Inspectah Deck’s opening verse on Triumph

Miss Rachel — Fri, 22 May 2009 16:18:42 +0000

So I’m rolling around in the whip with the iPOD on random, which is a pretty typical siutuation… That’s actually how I hear music most of the time, a random occurrence letting the Apple gods control what flows into my ears. Along comes ‘Triumph‘ from the Wu LP Wu-Tang Forever, which is probably one of my non-Ghostface favorite Wu releases. Let’s get something straight though Inspectah Deck is probably my least favorite Wu member – he never comes correct, he’s not very entertaining, and he’s standing amongst true veterans of early 90s hip hop. Dude must have eaten his Wheaties the morning he wrote this verse – it stands out in my mind as one of the most well written verses in Wu history. Inspectah Deck‘s kind of like that next door neighbor you really want to like, but he still lets his dogs shit in your yard. Somehow, on the very first single that was released from Wu-Tang Forever, Mr. Deck completely murders his verse. Check it out (and the video below, which was definitely THE most cutting edge hip hop video shit out there at the time… the bees!):

I bomb atomically, Socrates’ philosophies
and hypothesis can’t define how I be droppin these
mockeries, lyrically perform armed robbery
Flee with the lottery, possibly they spotted me
Battle-scarred shogun, explosion when my pen hits
tremendous, ultra-violet shine blind forensics
I inspect you, through the future see millenium
Killa B’s sold fifty gold sixty platinum
Shacklin the masses with drastic rap tactics
Graphic displays melt the steel like blacksmiths
Black Wu jackets queen B’s ease the guns in
Rumble with patrolmen, tear gas laced the function
Heads by the score take flight incite a war
Chicks hit the floor, diehard fans demand more
Behold the bold soldier, control the globe slowly
Proceeds to blow swingin swords like Shinobi
Stomp grounds and pound footprints in solid rock
Wu got it locked, performin live on your hottest block

See? killed it, right?

Wu-Tang Clan – Triumph

Friday Ode :: LARD Clothing

Miss Rachel — Sat, 16 May 2009 01:51:40 +0000

LARD Clothing. Big ups to the D/LARD for the conversation & multiple shots the other weekend… Dudes are putting in work for their Summer line. I’m excited, quite frankly… anyone that supports a women’s line whole heartedly deserves every ounce of shine I have.

Watch out now.

Their blog is killer too, definitely RSS that shit.

Unrelated but funny: Big ups to the homie Anthony as well.