Saturday, October 31, 2009

Weezer "Let it all Hang Out"

Another one off of Weezer's Raditude album, due out November 3rd. This particular song happens to be co-written by the one and only Jermaine Dupri... Cheers!

Trick or Treat



Just because it's Halloween... lol

Kanjii Mbugua: The Voice of the People



We at Civilian Renaissance not only have a passion for providing entertainment and showcasing dynamic creativity in all realms of artistic expression, but we also possess a deep rooted sense of responsibility to serve our people. Our people being black people. Our people being white people. Our people being the civilians of the world. This sense of duty that the three of us carry proudly upon our shoulders will be the reason why our greatest accomplishments will not be determined by the amount of money we make as we build the company of our dreams, but in the amount of people we help in realizing their own voice, their own dreams, and their own sense of self worth.

Furthermore, as civilians ourselves, it is our job as members of reality to not only expose the good, but the bad and the ugly, as well. For what is "good" without its polar opposite? Thus, I have decided to showcase this particular individual, an African (Kenyan) musician, by the name of Kanjii Mbugua, who is not afraid to reveal the ills of society and demand a better life for his people.

Read this article to gain further insight into his movement and mission...

And, the video for his song, "Just A Man," off his album, "Stories."


2012 Trailer



Any takers...?

Fashion Geek Clothing

One of my lady friend's introduced me to this designer and clothing line about a year ago. I do not know too many specifics about him, other than that he is based in Chicago. I do, however, enjoy his creative designs... Take a look, and check out more of his apparel at fashiongeekclothing

Here some items from his older collection that I like. I need to get my hands on some of his newer designs...














Michael Jackson: The Black Revolutionary


I thought this was quite interesting... I would love to hear the civilian response... take a look.

Beanie Sigel: THE EXPLANATION

I'll let it speak for itself...

Redman ft. Ready Roc "Coc Back"

I posted the song awhile back, therefore, it's only right that I give you the visuals...



This is the first single of Redman's upcoming album, Reggie Noble 9 1/2, due in stores December 8, 2009.

BLACKATLAS: Nelson George in Milan

And today, we go to Milan!



I love Italy. I'd probably love it more if I were there. lol

Game "Better Days"



For anybody that's goin' through a storm at the moment... Keep your feet on the ground and your head to the sky...



Digital Artwork for next album, due in stores December 8, 2009.

Wale: Triple Threat



The little man was holdin' it down on stage... And, now I present to you three songs fresh off the stove from DC's ambassador, WALE...

CASIO G-SHOCK/MACKDADDY Watch


Popular Japanese brand, MackDaddy, has teamed up with G-SHOCK for a November release of this Joker-esque G-SHOCK watch. It will available at select Japanese MackDaddy/G-SHOCK retailers and online.. This is something I'd definitely wear, although the colors are a bit throwed, I'd make it work..

Nike Blazer/Acronym Sneaker Preview



Back when I was a sneaker-head (I still am at heart), I would've waited in line to add these to my collection. Info on the release date of these sneakers has yet to surface, but when it does, I'll keep you posted...


Ryan Leslie's "Transition" (Drops 11/3/09)


I've been waiting for this album to drop, and I'm sure my fellow civilians won't be disappointed. (album artwork is groovy)  {p.s. I've the album and it's crazzzyy}

Jay's Response....


Jay-Z answers Beanie Sigel from la rue du hiphop on Vimeo.

Interesting...

Friday, October 30, 2009

Michael Eric Dyson "A Message To Young Black Men"




Good Message...

The Lighthouse Keeper


THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER from THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER team on Vimeo.

Since we also plan on getting into animation for the purposes of putting out children's cartoon/movies, I thought this video was dope, and I digg the animation/lighting in this joint....

Kanye West "Glow In The Dark Photo Book"


KANYE WEST "Glow in the Dark" book promo  by: NABIL from nabil elderkin on Vimeo.

Sweet....

Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys "Empire State of Mind" Video

The Teaser



... and, what we've all been waiting for...

Ted Van Cleave: The Hollywood Sign



Goodday,
As a photographer myself, I enjoy observing the masters in the art and learning from their techniques. It is also simply refreshing to see elements of life, be it highways, restaurants, cell phones, people, etc. in a novel fashion. It gives the viewer an opportunity to learn about the photographer as a human through the image. I also believe that the more simple the object, the more creative one can be when twisting its perception.

Ted Van Cleave is a professional photographer, based in L.A., who has received many rewards and accolades for his work. Mostly working in the abstract, Van Cleave enjoys restructuring images in the architectural and natural realms.

"Ted VanCleave has captured the urban landscape of Los Angeles by focusing on the city’s unique style of modern and postmodern industrial architecture. His photographs of the city’s architecture extend beyond representation and become brilliant, almost surreal, abstracts that juxtapose vibrant color and the geometry of the city’s landscape. VanCleave’s color palette expertly plays with photography’s unique ability to capture subtleties in light and shadow, adding a richness and narrative depth to his primarily abstract form". Metro Gallery, Los Angeles CA

Here are some images of The Hollywood Sign produced by Van Cleave...





J.Cole: Unabomber


Son is dope.... Check out his latest mixtape "The Warm Up"

Beanie Sigel: "I Ain't Ya Average Cat" (JAY-Z Diss)


Wow.....  We wouldn't usually post drama, but this is serious..

CrateBox Classic: DJ Quik ft. El DeBarge: "Els Interlude"



Just because he's the greatest..... DJ Quik

THE FASHIONABLE ABSTRACT #1 - "Westcoastrian State of Mind" by:...emcgee...

This is segment that we'll introduce to our fellow civilians simply to bring everyone closer to our frame-of-minds, creative outlook on life, or simply, just to allow all of our supporters the opportunity of becoming more familiar w/the young men on the other side of the laptops. Legendary photographers, lol- or soon to be -EMohn and ...emcgee... will offer brief explanations of our abstract photography. Of course, we'll post pictures of fashion shoots, our Homecoming photos and other things that might not require explanation; however, to get a complete understanding of our perspective for art, the Fashionable Abstract is necessary.. lol..

The Chuck Taylor- a vital piece of our fashionable West Coast Culture, has often been viewed from a negative perspective; however, in this photo my goal was to depict the Chuck Taylor in another light. Usually worn in red or blue, these shoes can say a lot about a person's affiliations but in fading everything to black and white i wanted to stray away from those negative assumptions. Through the positioning of my feet and the three gum stains on the concrete I was able to form a diamond. (long lasting)Symbolizing (1st) the strength in unity, the diamond also highlights the very thing that perpetuates many of the thoughtless acts of violence within the communities of the West Coast. "Gratification". This isn't a problem that can't be resolved, and since the grass isn't greener on the other side (hence the crazy colored grass) the civilians of the West Coast will eventually have to unite in working out all problems to solidify a much more positive tomorrow for the coming generations. When everything fades to "Black", despite social status, affiliation or opinion.. We'll only be left with ourselves to make things better.
But I Love My City... lol      [Shout to Compton]
NEXT UP E.MOHN

The Game ft. Gucci Mane: Krazy (Produced by: Timbaland)



For some reason, this intrigued me enough to post it... lol, but it sounds kool..

Thursday, October 29, 2009

M.I.A: MOHN IN ACTION



Check me out man, lol. This was during yardfest; the pinnacle/climax of Howard's Homecoming. You see Em and I had the best seats in the house. We might as well have been on the stage. Homecoming Pictures Coming Soon! We have 16,000 to go through so bare with us. You will not be disappointed.

Shout out to Zelena "BlackQueen" Williams for taking the picture. She's also quite the photographer here at Howard.

CNN Special: Black Men in the Age of President Obama



Before the election, the question we all pondered was, "how will Barack Obama influence the black community if he is elected?" We talked, and listened, and debated the issue until there was nothing left to be discussed. Here is what we've all been waiting for. CNN is doing a special on how Obama's presidency has affected black men and how the perception of black men has changed in America thus far. The special will air this Saturday October 31, 2009 at 10pm and this Sunday November 1, 2009 at 7pm. This is a must see for ALL AMERICANS, not just black men. This is a countrywide issue, so get your trick or treatin' done early, grab a snickers and plop down in front of the tube and pay attention, lol.

Click here for more info on the special.

Two Brothers = $1 Billion Big Ones



This is the type of story that keeps me relentlessly motivated to follow my heart, chase my dreams, and inspire others to do the same. These brothers started with nothing and with a little "sweat equity" created a $1 billion dollar empire "made up of 76 companies and 1,100 employees that owns commercial real estate, Tv stations, hotels, and much more... It is only a matter of time before the world sees Civilian Renaissance hotels, boutiques, restaurants, and so much more. LIVE THE LEGACY!!!

Click here to read the entire article on these two brothers.

Check out this video, as well.


Lupe Fiasco "Say Something" Freestyle


Wow! He goes off!

But, umm...  Lupe needs to come out with a freestyle mixtape. He also needs to drop his album, and another one, and another one... and another one. lol

Lupe Fiasco "Say Something" Freestyle

Terminator in Training...



LMAO!!! This is absolutely ridiculous. If I saw this kid on the street I would just run for my life.

Nas "Unreleased" (Snippet)


I'm supposed to be studying finance, but this goes too hard not to share with my fellow civilians... Enjoy, now back to the books.

Nas "Unreleased"

Robin Thicke ft. Jay-Z "Meiple" (Me I Play) SNIPPET



Interessante... I'm intrigued to see what Thicke has in store for us with his next album. I'm also glad to see this collab finally come to life.

Robin Thicke ft. Jay-Z "Meiple" (Me I Play)

Alicia Keys "Sleeping on a Broken Heart"



Oh Ms. Keys... just keep being you.

Paintball Pop Art


I just thought this was rather impressive.... lol

Album Artwork for Rhianna's "The Wait Is Ova"


Pretty Dope..

"Civilian Persistence"

When contacted from a distant friend the other day I was told that my keen sense of encouragement -and sometimes- hopeless optimism, are positive energies that people around me use to stay on track, stay focused or simply use to deal with the ills of our everyday college lives. So, I decided to post something for all of the civilians who might be going thru some things right now.. These joints always seem to get me through..  Stay Positive


Wednesday, October 28, 2009

THE BEST CIPHERS AS OF YET...


Shout to BET for making this happen... (finally)
Eminem, Mos Def, Black Thought & DJ Premier on the 1's and 2's.... In all honesty; who took the cake? and if a cipher were to take place between MTV's Top 3 MC's (Jay-Z, Drake, Lil Wayne) who would take the cake and why.? Shout to my man Nipsey Hussle..

SportCenter's Top Plays



Its that time again... Football, Baseball, Hockey and best of them all, Basketball is back in session. So stay tuned and we'll keep you posted w/important highlights and even interviews from everyday civilians w/valid opinions...

Gucci Diamante Fabric Duffle



Just for kicks.. This bag features an interesting diamond-patterned base w/lovely leather tan accents. Look out for this bag at your local Gucci retailer.. {p.s. this bag is approximately $2,073.00}

DJ Khaled ft. Young Jeezy, Drake, Usher & Rick Ross: "Fed Up"




Interesting sound

Ice The Villain: "The Relationship" (Chopped & Screwed)

Yes indeed Civilians, Ice the Villain & DJ Uneek have blessed us with "The Relationship" (Chopped & Screwed.) Give it a listen, and definitely download "The Relationship" (Original Version) if you haven't done so already, as well as check out Villain's personal blog... Get it done!



The Kickdrums "Walking Dream"



Enjoy this for me while I head to campus...



Paragliders at Point Cartwright by Christian Fitzpatrick


Paragliders at Point Cartwright on the 7D from Christian Fitzpatrick on Vimeo.


Looks like my cup of tea... love the beat too.

Jay-Z: Run This World



The Cover of 'The Source Japan Magazine' and a 6 page spread on him and him alone... Yes indeed, Hov has done it again...






Two for One: Ryan Leslie




Just listen...




The Jackson 5: The Reality Show

I saw Michael Jackson's "This is it" movie last night, and I was completely blown away by the magic The Man was conjuring up for his fans. Simply put, we, EMcGee, Ja-Hi, and myself, agreed that his concert would have been the greatest live show ever seen. It was an honor and a blessing to even be able to see a small glimpse at what Michael had in mind for his last concert... but on another note, check this preview out of The Jackson Five upcoming reality show...



How do my fellow civilians feel about this?

Lupe Fiasco: "Turnt Up" Freestyle



Lupe never ceases to amaze me...

Lil Wayne "No Ceiling's" Mixtape



Here you go my friends...

Poor Antoine... No Pun Intended



Click here for the true meaning of the title... What a shame?

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

A Day in the Life: Birdman Back in NYC

I respect Baby as a family-businessman, as well as his ability to manuveur throughout all tiers of the recording industry. Hate em' or love em', one has to respect what Cash Money, and now Young Money, has done for Hip Hop.Take a look at him handlin' some business as he returns to the states and supporting Jay Sean at his party in NYC...


BACK TO BUSINESS YOUNG MONEY CASH MONEY IN NYC from DERICK G on Vimeo.

Monday, October 26, 2009

Jay-Z & Pharrell: So Ambitious {Live in Calgary}


Jay Z ft Pharrell - So Ambitious (Live Part 1) from DjRefleX403 on Vimeo.

The best in the business, 
  This track  is damn-near the theme song for our everyday lifestyles... 

"Raekwon ft. Lyfe Jennings: Catalina" {Trailer}



This looks pretty smooth, and if you don't have "Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.. Pt 2", you need to get with the times joe..

Shock Value II Album Artwork - "Say Something" ft. Drake (final rip)


Indeed, (and no) your eyes aren't deceiving you,
  The legend himself, Timbaland, will be releasing SCHOCK VALUE II on November 23rd.. Click here for the final rip of "Say Something" featuring Drake..

Diggy Simmons "The First Flight" (Prequel)


The middle man, Diggy Simmons, has finally picked up the microphone in pursuit of a career as an artist. This should be interesting. Click here to listen to his first track

Preview of Master P's New Reality Show



And, your thoughts Civilians...

The Kickdrums "Things Work Out"

Yes Indeed, here is the video for The Kickdrums song "Things Work Out." The video is directed by Rik Cordero who has also worked very closely with Jared Evan. He is working hard and making a name for himself within this industry... enjoy!



Isn't the world just a whirlwind of "what if's?"

Michael Jackson "THIS IS IT"



I will definitely be catching the 12:01AM premiere of this movie... can't miss that for the world!



check out "This is it" the song below...




Drake "Beautiful Music" (Unreleased Track from '07)



Take a moment to enjoy some... "Beautiful Music"

Tupac: The Lost Interviews Pt. 1-6

We should have posted these Lost Interviews awhile ago, but here they are in their entirety. Not much needs to be said about the man Tupac... listen, learn and live the legacy!











Twista ft. R. Kelly "Yellow Light"




I don't know how many of you young ladies have heard this, but for those of you haven't... here we are...

LV: Michael Backpack

For all my Louis Vuitton fans... here ya go...


I'll take two please... lol

Check out more of their collections right here...

P.S. I love this ad...