Visually Bloggable: Video Vixon's 100th Post

"Yellow's a different breed of human"

Word Vixon? Different breed of human. Don't be the next contestant on that "It's Racism It's Always Racism" category. Lol.

And I'm 4th?

Visually Bloggable: Janelle Monae "Many Moons" video!

Now y'all know I wouldn't forget about her.

I'm mad I could've been in the video, but had to turn it down.

Ludacris "Theater of the Mind" Preview

I had the good pleasure of attending the Ludacris Theater of the Mind preview over in Tribeca, NY this past Thursday. The writers, journalists, photographers, members of the Def Jam staff, all descended upon Tribeca cinemas to see what the Disturbing the Peace leader had in store. I didn't get around to watching the movie that was playing in conjunction with the event (I believe he it accompanies the album), but I heard a of the few songs that will be featured on the album, and I think Mr. Bridges has yet another banger ready. Mick Boogie was in the building spinning some great music, and MC Serch actually made an appearance at the event. The stand-out cut to me was this track he has with DJ Premier--which was announced as the first collaboration between a Southern artists and Primo.

The Great Debate

So McCain decided to have the debate. I'll be tuned in to PBS watching it. I'm surprised he's not catching heck for it. I mean, I thought Republicans don't flip-flop?

I mean isn't that what Democrats do?

I won't lie, I respect that McCain is concerned about the economy. Of course I can't help but consider what Chris Rock says...

Props to Real Talk NY

The timing for this economic collapse couldn't be any better. It's almost too perfect in my opinion. To me it almost seems as if it was orchestrated for the benefit of these candidates. Now it's on the top of everyone's list. The public wants to know what these men can bring to the table as far as fixing the problem. Would this had happened during a non-presidential election year? And if so, would the general public pay attention to it? Would mainstream media even care? I'll save my thoughts for a later post, but just consider this if you have the chance.

On the bright side of all this, if you're in the NY Metro area, debate parties will be going on throughout the city. Peep this link for info.

Visually Bloggable: David Letterman Speaks on McCain

Peeped this via AllHipHop.

They often say that there's truth in comedy and this is one of the prime examples. You laugh, but you laugh because you know the comedian is right. Funny but relevant, Letterman really dishes it to McCain.

Losing it....

Ok, so I haven't made a worthwhile post in a fat minute. My consistency has flailed being involved with a million & one things. I peeped my Sitemeter report today and found that I had dropped quite a number of views this week. I'm going to try and get back on track with everything soon, and hopefully have the new Yellow Rebel blog up in the next month or so.

Anyhow, I've been trying to keep up with current events. I'd love to post and comment on all of it but it's all so overwhelming. And depressing.

Between the economy, and the election, I wonder if it's the media that has me feeling this way, or it really is that bad. Experts were expecting a bad recession, but of course there was no rush to solve it until it happened. Maybe it was bureaucracy, maybe it was ignorance, but either way it's a troubling feeling. Every time I log on to the New York Times, I get distracted by the ongoing issue of the economy.

I realized that part of my lukewarm posting is due to my inability to formulate anything relevant to these issues. With that said, I no longer want to be ignorant to these issues. I'm going to try my best to keep this blog updated with more economic and political stuff. Of course I'm going to have my random event/comic book/techie/music/visually bloggable post here and there, but I'm going to try and get back on my grizzly when it comes to the news. Stay with y'all.

Lazy With the Post...

Man have I been slacking. Don't worry I'll have some stuff up shortly. Just bare with me.

Visually Bloggable: "Notorious" Movie Trailer

Honestly, it doesn't look that bad. I had my doubts, but the way they packaged the trailer, I'm more convinced now than before.

Yellow Rebel x Hoodman Clothing

This past weekend I went to Hoodman's "I Shoot Hipsters" Rooftop Sale/Party. Met up with Eddie and the gang. Even copped a t-shirt...

Shout-outs to everyone on Saturday! I see Hoodman doing big things in the next year or so.

Cool Headphones/Atmos x K-Swiss

Last night I did a bit of event hopping. First I went to this shindig at the Bloomingdale's on Lexington. It was an event sponsored by WESC and Nylon Magazine for Guys. I didn't stick around too long. I just browsed some sneakers and stood in line for some headphones...


Nice, huh?

After that, I had dinner with some good company, and then went uptown to check out the newly released collaboration between Atmos and K-Swiss....





Shout outs to Mikey Fresh, Jaeki, Yos, the Wrong Crowd, and everyone else who came through!

My apologies...

I owe anyone reading this an apology. With my schedule in a state of flux, I haven't really had time to dedicate a post to anything meaningful. I haven't done a Random News posting in quite some time and I never got round to writing about the DNC or RNC (although given my level of cynicism, I'm sure you already know what to expect).

With the recent crisis that's taken place on Wall Street, I figure it's time to get back into writing something socially relevant. I've been posting about a lot of stuff that I go to and have essentially let the blog turn into open space to put my event-hopping misadventures. For those that have grown bored of my antics; my bad. I never intended for this blog to be just about that stuff. Likewise, this is not a blog dedicated to strictly politics. I wanted to balance both the music stuff with the news-worthy stuff and just get people excited about both things.

In all honesty, I intended for Yellow Rebel to be more of pop-culture blog with a slight urban twist. It's come a long way and in due time I will be relaunching it, new domain name and everything.

Anyhow, back to Wall Street--it's depressing seeing this type of collapse. And sad to say I think the Recession has already begun and I think the American government teeters on becoming a socialist republic.

I'm no politician, philosopher, sociologist or expert of any sort but I do have theories. One theory that I've hypothesized is that during certain economic circumstances, that people will turn to some form of socialism to cope with the disastrous circumstances. In some cases it would state sponsored, in other cases it would be privately sponsored (a sort-of corporate feudalism). To give folks a clear idea of an economic circumstance that would dictate this consider what Section-8 housing is. An example of privately sponsored socialism would be when a corporation provides living quarters for their workers (Google actually does this from what I've heard).

Prior to the political mudslinging that took place between Dems this past summer, one of the biggest issues was universal health insurance. The American public wants to be covered equally. On a smaller scale we do have a state-sponsored initiative, Medicaid, which only applies to low-income individuals and families (if you put two and two together, you might come to the realization that we might have a solution on our hands if Medicaid became the universal health coverage system but I'll save that for another blog).

To me the government rushing to the aid of these banks is the next step towards socialism coming into fruitation. If the government is in the position to pump money into these banks to prevent an economic catastrophe, who really is control of the market? Better yet, what if the government were to nationalize the banking system? It'd probably bring new meaning to the name "Bank of America".

I know this sounds paranoid, but I consider this type of stuff when I watch the news.

So what good can possibly come out of any of this? Well, if anyone is betting on the economy getting any better, investing in some cheap stocks might be good idea. Other than that, I can't imagine what will happen in the next 4 years. I have more thoughts about this that tie in with the election that I will save for another entry.

Feel free to comment. Peace.

The Cool Kids @ Le Poisson Rouge

I managed to make it out Le Poisson Rouge to check out a show put on by Mountain Dews newly minted Green Label Sounds--a "singles only" label (thanks to Mikey Fresh for that info). Here are some pics:

I wasn't too big on the Cool Kids, but after watching their live show, I must say I have a new found respect. I'd heard "Black Mags" and I liked their verses on the "Drivin' Down the Block" remix, but other than that I didn't take the time to check for them consistently. These cats definitely rocked it last night with a lot of energy.

Here's some footage of them performing "Delivery Man":


Cool Kids @ Le Poisson Rouge NYC from yellowrebel on Vimeo.

If you're really feeling the song, you can download it for free at the Green Label Sounds website.

This Coming Saturday

If you're in NYC this weekend and want to get your freshness game up, swing by Hoodman's rooftop sale. For the price that they're offering their shirts and sweaters, I might buy have a new wardrobe for the Fall. Check out Hoodman Clothing online here.

Visually Bloggable: Blu & Main Frame aka Johnson and Jonson "J&J" Video!

A lot of people are unaware of who Blu is. Allow me to initiate the uninitiated. Blu is a West Coast emcee who dropped a well-received indie album last year with the producer with whom he was working with at the time named Exile. The name of the album was titled Below The Heavens. A lot of people are still under the impression that Blu & Exile are a group, but Blu is really a soloist artist whose shtick is that he works with a different producer for each album. His latest offering is with producer Main Frame and they are going by the name Johnson & Jonson (hence the theme of the video).

Free Q-Tip Show

I peeped this when I was at Knitting Factory.

For all of you Tribe heads, the Abstract will be having a free show on Sept. 29. The information for it can be found here.

Where is Yellow Rebel? Pt. 2

Aiight...So I been kind of sheisty with the posts these last few days. So here's a rundown of the last few nights view pictures...

Thursday evening I briefly swung by Training Camp by Bryant Park. While I was out there I noticed a frenzy of people checking out the entrance to Fashion Week. I snapped a few pics of the logos on the tents, but that was really it. Later on that night I went to this album release party where DJ Beverly Bond was spinning. Didn't take to many pics out of laziness. Shout-outs to Jaeki, Kareem, the Def Jam reps, and everyone else I ran into that night.

Friday night was kind of crazy. It started out mild. I went to Fresh Daily's B-day over on the Lower East Side. When I first got inside I peeped Deep spinning. Before you knew it Fresh was in the building, along with Print, 8thWon, Sandman, and DJ Melo-X. As the night progressed I ran into a bunch of other people I knew. Big ups to Wayne, Wendy, Ant "The Man", Ajua, and Amenan.

Saturday was pretty calm. But Sunday things bounced back. I ended up checking out Blu's show at Knitting Factory and running into the same people again. Shout-outs to Hackman, Donny Goines, Sav Kills, Outasight, Ease, P.Casso (congrats on the review in XXL), DJ Sosa, Nola Darling, Kels, Melissa, Eric and everyone else who was in the cut.

There's more to come so stay tuned.

7 Years...

I'll never forget 9/11. Rest in peace to all of the victims and condolences to their families.

Kanye West @ Knitting Factory

Via Best of Both Offices

There's other footage that's been floating around the 'Net, but BOBO are good with their stuff too.

I find it funny that the emphasis on all the blogs has been Kanye, when it was a showcase for the good homey (and Queens representative) Consequence (plus Kid Cudi and Mickey Factz were in there).

Speaking of Queens representative, I had an idea for one that I'll post on another blog entry...

Visually Bloggable: Pac Man: The Movie

This came out last month, but hey, I still think it's fresh.

Will Smith as Captain America???

Yes I did the Photoshop job myself

Peep this quote from a First Showing article:

You heard that right, apparently the latest superhero casting rumor to hit is that Will Smith is Captain America! This is very, very far from being official or confirmed, so just be sure you know that this is one big rumor, nothing more. It's such a big rumor, that I couldn't go without posting it, so here it is to discuss. Is this good news? It could be! Will Smith is undoubtedly an incredible actor - at least in movies like The Pursuit of Happyness and I Am Legend. I'm just wondering if it'll be too big of a shock for most comic book readers to accept?

"Just shows you how times have changed," Luke mentioned. I hate to bring this up, but I think it'll be the most poignant area of a discussion: a black Captain America. To be perfectly clear, I have no problem with it, and I support Will Smith

Interesting rumor. How interesting is it that given the climate of the 2008 presidential race, we have this rumor about a black male who becomes a superhero that represents America?

In all honesty, I think Will Smith is great action star and would fit the mold needed to portray Cap'. However, I always envisioned Will Smith as the Black Panther. His acting prowess is always on point and I think he has the acumen to make T'challa, a B-list superhero in the Marvel world, compelling enough to become an A-lister. I imagine a great Avengers tie-in would come out of it as well.

The race thing is null to me. There was a black Captain America at one point too.

Now A Message From Shogunna...

Yeah boy, Shogunna reps Flushing.

Word to Queens.

Check his music out if you get a chance too.

Air Jordan 1's in Olympic Colors

Found these on OnSmash.

Not bad for $100. Anyone else think I should cop?

Visually Bloggable: Obama+MLK Jr. Remix Video

Peeped this vid a few days ago. Good editing job. Major props to Zmaximo.

Sunday Night Bloggin'...

Chilled this past weekend. Nothing exciting

Got some pics from Thursday evening I thought I should share...

These were taken at the Fila Store and the Fader Issue #56 Release party.

I'll have some more stuff up soon--including my thoughts on the Democratic National Convention.

Ill(matic) Gear...

Got this the other day (Good lookin' out Bodega Steve). Forgot to share with everyone. It's a t-shirt from this company called 5 Finger Discounters. The shirt is an homage to Nas.

What I really caught my attention about this shirt was not only the nod to Nas, but it utilizes a Spider-Man image as well as Mets colors. In a sense you can be a fan of three different things and rep this shirt.

Visually Bloggable: Zack and Miri Make A Porno Trailer!

Frackin' hilarious.

Image of the Day

Via Cinephilia

Props to Video Vixon for the find.

Visually Bloggable: Wiley ft. Kenna "Summer Time" Video

Wiley - Summertime


Props to smokeYYY @ That Real Ish.

No this is not a remake of the Fresh Prince song. And I find it odd that summer's almost over and this comes out.

But this is one funky, retro inspired video. I mean we've all seen 80's inspired videos but this definitely takes the cake. Without question.

Props to Def Jam....

I can't wait to listen.

Also, I have the Karina Pasian album, which I'm sure you're all DYING to hear about.

Audibly Bloggable: Buckshot & 9th Wonder ft. Mickey Factz "Concrete Jungle"

Unreleased track off of The Formula. Love the sample. Got this in my inbox. The tag on the Zshare link says it's from NahRight.com. Click here to d/l.

Black August 2008

August 31, 2008 marked the day of the annual Black August Festival this year. Taking place at B.B. King's in Times Square, the event was packed with lovers of conscious rap, old school rap, and music with a revolutionary message. I only stayed for the first few acts unfortunately (I was concerned with the post-midnight travel), but got to see some familiar face perform. Enjoy the pics.

Hamlet 2 Review

With the summer coming to an end, and all of the action-packed CGI-fests pretty much done until late September/October (Max Payne anybody?), I'm guessing Hollywood felt that August would be the time of laughter. If you've followed this blog in recent weeks, you'll know that I went to check out Tropic Thunder (hilarious) and Pineapple Express (amusing but meh for a Seth Rogen comedy). During PE, I peeped a preview for Hamlet 2 that was so funny I thought it be worth my time to check out. The verdict?

Funny.

Not over-the-top hilarious like Tropic Thunder (TT takes it as the funniest movie this summer), but it definitely gets a little more credit than PE (just by a little bit). I think Hamlet 2 had an element of "profound-ness" that PE was lacking. Hamlet 2 at it's core was the story of a down-and-out Drama teacher who loses his class due to a budget cut, but finds it within himself to inspire his students to join him on a quest to produce an original theatrical work that will not only save his career but show off his student's respective talents as well. Although the humor is somewhat dry, it still has it moments. The reality some of the humor isn't even funny so much as it's true, which would explain the the dryness.

The best part of the movie was this song...

"Rock Me Sexy Jesus" will join the ranks of "America, F--k Yeah" (from Team America) and "Scotty Doesn't Know" (from Eurotrip) as under-appreciated songs from comedy movies. For those that have never heard these songs, do yourself a favor and listen below...

Anyhow, Hamlet 2 is worth a watch if you're bored. If you found yourself disappointed with this summer's comedies, this movie might make up for it.

Hey it's Labor Day!

For those that don't know, Labor Day marks the date of the annual West Indian Day Parade--a lively parade that celebrates the distinct West Indian/Caribbean cultures that have had a major impact on Brooklyn, NY and takes place on Eastern Parkway.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to make it over there this year (ever since that year Professor P and I got stuck on Eastern Parkway and Franklin we agreed that the only way we'd go again is in large group). However, Video Vixon managed to go to Jouve, which is the celebration that takes place the night before on the Parkway and features face-painting and assorted flag-waving fun.

Here's to the day:

Visually Bloggable: Kanye West's ONE Party Outside of the DNC

Via Associated Press' YouTube

LOL @ "He's sort of Bi-Partisan in a musical way"

Leave it to 'Ye to have a party outside the Democratic National Convention. I imagine the DNC must have looked like one ill industry event this year. Makes me wonder if Edwards or Clinton had received the nom, would the clamor or excitement be as high?

Of course the party is for Bono's ONE campaign, so you can't be mad at that.