Are You Serious?

Kanye West 808's and Heartbreak x Kaws Billboard.

2009-01-07T22:52:00.002-06:00

New York City is beautiful in itself, but this new addition just sets it off.
Erected at 45th and 7th street, the billboard features the same artwork at the collabo album cover does.
Simply amazing.
Oh yeah, you might as well check out this track from 808's and Heartbreak.

Courtesy of Hypebeast & Freshness Mag.

J Dilla.

2009-01-05T13:05:00.003-06:00

Dilla Dawg.
Jay Dee.
Pay Jay.
James Yancey.
No matter which of those names you hear, you know who it is.
J Dilla, the greatest producer of all time.
With his birthday coming in about a month,
I thought I'd take the time out to speak about him a bit.

Dilla was a long time member of the Detroit-based group, Slum Village.
He also contributed heavily to Common's album, Like Water For Chocolate.
In 2001, he began using the name J Dilla to differentiate himself from Jermaine Dupri.
Dilla and LA-based producer/MC Madlib formed the group Jaylib in 2002.
Although we was already diagnosed with lupus, the effects really started getting to him in 2003, causing dramatic weight loss.
So dedicated to his music, he even performed in Europe in 2005 in a wheelchair.
Dilla liked to keep his condition a secret, and always told everyone that he was okay.
He passed away on February 10th, 2006...
Only 3 days after the release of his last album before his death, Donuts.
After Donuts, The Shining, Jay Love Japan, and Ruff Draft were released.
The Shining was only 75% complete when he passed, and Jay Love Japan never had an official release date.
Oh so many tributes have been created dedicated to Dilla.
His work was more than music, he really touched people..
His music will never die.

Now, I don't know everything about Dilla.. but his music is definitely worth checking out.
Check out one of my favorite instrumentals from Dilla.. Gobstopper.

Interview With Sneaker Connoisseur Larry Zehktser.

2008-12-30T00:58:00.012-06:00

This one is for all you sneakerheads out there.
You can't talk about shoes without mentioning the name Larry Zehktser.
If you've never heard of him, you better pay attention to this.
He's the leader of the Nike Dunk SB Group on Facebook..
Also, he's a pretty dope guy.

Nick: What do you do for a living?
Larry: Full time student, and freelance marketing.
Nick: What or who have you recently done marketing for?
Larry: Gruppo Creative Salon, Ultra Craft D Studio, B&N Auto Repair.
Nick: That's pretty interesting, you market a little of everything. What school do you attend and what's your major?
Larry: Kingsborough, and I major in Business Administration.
Nick: Great, great. Let's move on to fashion. You're quite the sneaker connoisseur. How long have you been into the whole sneaker game?
Larry: Since 1992, when I got my first pair of Jordan's. It's been game since then.
Nick: What exact pair of Jordan's did you get?
Larry: Raptor VII's, the OG's when they first released.

Nick: How old were you then?
Larry: 4.
Nick: Wow, that's pretty young. Approximately, how many pairs do you have?
Larry: 80 pairs.
Nick: A mixture of everything?
Larry: Most are SB's and pre-2004 Jordan's.
Nick: That's pretty ill. What is your favorite sneaker of all time?
Larry: The Heineken Dunk.
Nick: Haha! Would that have anything to do with your appreciation of the actual drink?
Larry: It would. I mean..I like dunks, I like green, I like beer.
Nick: Nothing wrong with that. Is there any shoe that you're dying to get?
Larry: I really want a pair of Medicom 2's, and I'm actually about to get them.

Nick: That's amazing man. I see that you're one of the admins of the Nike Dunk SB Group. How's that going?
Larry: It's going great. Antonio, the original creator, gave me a group. It was dead, so I started to try to get people involved. I got me a few more admins, and over the year we blossomed.
Nick: Looks like you know what you're doing. Any plans for the future?
Larry: Getting people more involved, and finishing our timeline.
Nick: Great man, hope all works out and I'll be on the lookout for you. So, anyone can search "Nike Dunk SB Group" on Facebook and they'll have all the info they need?
Larry: Pretty much, but if there's more questions, I will accept wall messages, PM's, and AIM contacts.
Nick: Thanks Larry. I wish you the best.
Larry: Thanks man. Good luck.

Click Here for the Nike SB Facebook Group Page.

Don't Worry Guys...

2008-12-27T17:50:00.003-06:00

Sup everyone?
I know I've been on a little hiatus mode lately,
but plenty of things have been coming up.
I've been sick, working much, and etc..
Thought I'd let everyone know what's on my mind right about now.
For those that don't already know,
I LOVE TO WRITE!
It's amazing to me.
I'm such a people person too..
I thought to myself, "Nick, why not take this further?"
So most likely, I'm switching my major to Journalism.
Oh so many things that I could do with that...
We'll see when the time comes.
Also,
2009 is right around the corner.
Soooooooo many things are going to change in my life.
It's gonna be stupid how things are going to change.
Won't let you know exactly right about now...
Be on the lookout though.
Be on the lookout for Chris Dansby,
You'll be hearing a lot of him.
Be on the lookout for Rickey Kim and EvilMonito,
Trust that.
Plenty of other names,
If they're associated with me.. big things are coming.
Peace out until...

WTF Of The Week: The Amazing Egyptian Hulk/Pimp

2008-12-21T20:42:00.002-06:00

I was browsing through youtube and the title of the vid caught my eye. The guy in the vid claims to have the strength of 30,000 men, which equates to 260 horsepower. According to the vid, an average person doesn't even have 1 horsepower. This guy is a real life Super Saiyan! Who else can bend coins with their eyes?! Oh, and the dude has like 35 kids and has sex 15 times a day. This is what Katt Williams would be like if he were Egyptian.

Whenever I Get A Girl, I'm Gonna Get These For Her!

2008-12-15T09:49:00.004-06:00

Nike Womens Air Digs.

I wish every girl I knew would have a taste in sneakers like I do.
Image courtesy of: SneakerFreaker.

Nike Basketball and Jordan Brand 2009 Releases.

2008-12-14T10:17:00.006-06:00

Boy, oh boy..
What can we say about these releases?
What a mixture of dopeness and wackness.
The only ones that catch my eye are the Eggplant Nike Foamposite's =]
Let me know what you think.

Nike KD1.

Nike Zoom Kobe 4.

Nike Foamposite-Eggplantttt!!!!!!

Nike Zoom MVP Steve Nash.

Air Jordan Quatro.

Air Jordan Force Fusion 6(without the Nike swoosh).

Air Jordan CP3.

Air Jordan Six Rings.

Air Jordan Jumpman Elite 2009.

Air Jordan True Flight.

Air Jordan 1 Retro-Infrared.

Ehhh, much?

Courtesy of SneakerNews.

WTF Of The Week: Some Guy Goes Ham On A Pillow.

2008-12-14T09:58:00.002-06:00

I was just making my daily rounds through my bookmarks bar, and I stopped on WorldStarHipHop.com(shoutout to them, they bring the good stuff)...and I saw a title that caught my eye.
"Some Chubby Guy Gets His Freak On With A Pillow"
Hmmm, the man in me was like "wtf, I don't wanna see that bull..", but the funny side in me was like "oh HELL yeah, time to laugh"..
So I watch, no homo..
I must say, he WRECKED that pillow.
Ladies, watch out.

Interview With the Amazing Mr. Rickey Kim.

2008-12-12T19:02:00.013-06:00

Here we have a recent interview that we held with Mr. Rickey Kim.
Founder of EvilMonito.com and MrKimSays.com
Read his websites, I guarantee you that it will change your life dude.

1. What exactly is EvilMonito.com?

Evilmonito.com is an online academic journal that deals with progressive pop culture.

2. What inspired you to create EvilMonito.com?

It was 2001 and I was an angry college student steeped in my Communication studies. I needed an outlet to express my thoughts so I found Evil Monito to provide the conduit.

3. Where’s the most amazing place you’ve been to and why?

I would say Seoul, Korea. I was there last year and spend a whole month there. It changed my life in how I see everything.

4. Who’s the most influential person in your life and why?

Right now I would have to say my dad. He and I don't exactly see eye to eye but as I get older, I realize how much I've learned from him.

5. Who is your favorite musical artist?

Currently Charles Mingus. I can listen to "Goodybe Pork Pie Hat" over and over again.

6. On your blog, we’ve seen that you have a great taste in footwear and clothing. What are your favorite brands to wear?

Well I keep my tastes pretty basic. I wear cassette jeans, a basic wrinkled oxford shirt, a well fitting blazer, and clean white kicks, lately I've been on the Keds tip.

7. You've been anywhere and everywhere.. and you've seen plenty of people. What's the most wild experience you've ever had on a trip?

There's too many. One would have to be when I was part of the Be The Riottt concert in San Francisco. To see over 5,000 people all together and being able to walk around and see their reactions during the concert was insane.

8. Dealing with the economy, how do you feel about the current state of the country?
We definitely need to get wiser with how we manage our money. We also need to make sure we surround ourselves with positive folks who give you reinforcement so you can remain positive and stay creative.

9. And for the last question..... President Bush, great or the greatest?

Pass. And you already know the answer, ha!

***

Evil Monito.
Mr. Kim's Blog.
Mr. Kim's Facebook.

Here Are A Few Things That Mr. Kim Has Worked On.

Evil Monito x Kangol Project: Fedora and Cabby.
1)A Classic Cabby model which we revisited utilizing British Millerain Wax Cotton, the classic royal hunting fabric that has been used over ages in Great Britain. This fabric was chosen as an homage to Kangol’s traditional British roots.
2)A Felt Fedora model which did not exist in the Kangol hat range. For this hat, we created this from the ground up assigning a classic hat manufacturer in Pennsylvania. This silhouette is classic in every shape and form. The hat is made of water resistant felt and is crushable (meaning you may touch the hat in different shapes and it will still retain its form).

K-Swiss x Logan Hicks x Evil Monito.

Kid Cudi Debuts His New Song "Extra Good".

2008-12-12T16:23:00.001-06:00

Pretty dope.

Courtesy of OnSmash.com

Protege The Influence.

2008-12-11T22:47:00.003-06:00

Protege The Influence.
Chris Dansby.
Even just Pro.
Doesn't matter, whatever way you see him... he's a great MC.
Started off making dirt-quality mixtapes on his computer microphone, to working in legit studios now.
Started off carrying around a thick composition book.....and still does, haha!
Nonetheless, his style varies from being very punchline heavy to very chill and relaxing.
Either way, he's a force to be messed with and he's coming strong...so look out.
Check out his recently released mixtape, "In All Seriousness".

Kid Cudi.

2008-12-11T20:59:00.004-06:00

In this day and age, the radio plays nothing but trash.
Great artists, imo, are the ones not the ones mainstream..(with a few exceptions like Kanye)
Curren$y, Charles Hamilton, Asher Roth and the rest of the artists featured on the November's issue of XXL Magazine are the hottest things out.
Kid Cudi is no exception to the great list of slept on artists.
He hails from Cleveland, Ohio(not really known for their hip-hop artists), but that doesn't matter at all.
Not really being accepted by the mainstream as well as the GARBAGE out there, he's gonna make his name known...no doubt.
Check out one of my favorite tracks out now: Day N Nite.

About The Asian Guy...

2008-12-05T17:03:00.003-06:00

Yes, he contributes to the blog.
He kicks me ideas, and I just write all of the posts.
Ladies, don't worry...he's going to send me a picture soon.
But for right now, just look at this one.
He looks very similar to the one in the red.
Close enough =]

Please Say No To Fakes.

2008-12-05T14:23:00.006-06:00

I don't understand.
What's the point of making fake shoes?
I've seen:
Air Jordan Six Rings Fusions..
Air Jordan 9 Fusions
Air Jordan 7 Fusions
Faked Puma's
Faked Adidas'
Faked Crocs'
Are you kidding me?
The nonsense goes on.
Please, please, please say no to fakes.
I've reported websites to Nike before, and I won't hesitate to do it again.
Everyone, please, go to Nike's website and report these idiots.

Fake shoes courtesy of:
coolkicks.com
sbshoe.com
brandshoesale.com

WTF Of The Week: Juney Boomdata-Wassup Wit Da Cookies "Freestyle".

2008-12-03T22:59:00.003-06:00

GARBAGE!
Wassup Wit Da Cookies is one of the worst songs I've ever heard in my life, including Do The Ricky Bobby, Get Silly, etc...
Some BUM made a "freestyle" over it.
Please stop rapping my friend.
GARBAGE!
Did I mention GARBAGE!
Pretty funny though, check it out.

Black Friday.

2008-11-28T23:32:00.003-06:00

I thought I'd go out and do a little shopping for Black Friday like everyone else.
Bought a few things, closet just got a little boost :D
Buttttt...
There were some things I didn't approve of.
TWO sightings of fake fusions in one day in the same place...
Nonsense.
I don't even know where you can buy some fake fusions.
Why?
That's all i want to know...why?
What a disgrace.

Mickey Factz.

2008-11-25T16:11:00.003-06:00

“I’d like to think I’m everything that Afrika Bambaataa would’ve envisioned hip-hop to be in 2008, 2016, 2030.” -Mickey Factz(SPIN Magazine May 2008).

I'm sure Afrika Bambaataa is proud.

Mickey Factz definitely belongs in everyone's Top 10 list.
Hell, even their Top 5.
He's also known for being of the few rappers who wears glasses.
I love him for it personally(pause pause).
They're fresh as hell too...can't go wrong with Prada.
Personally, I love my Lacoste and Gucci glasses =]
Nevertheless, Mickey Factz is DEFINITELY going to be a huge face in the rap game.
Try to find another rapper since Kane that extravagant.
Here's some feel good music for you...
Check out this track: Automatic.

Charles Hamilton.

2008-11-25T09:49:00.002-06:00

aka Sonic The Hamilton.
That's right.
He thinks he's Sonic.
Does that sound stupid to you?
Doesn't matter if it does or not, he's one of the best lyricists out there.
He's on the come up.
Go ahead and say it, "are you serious?".
Dead serious.
There's this little thing out there called "The Hamiltonization Process",
which is him basically TAKING SHIT OVER with the mixtapes.
Haha!
It probably goes a little more in depth than that, but the music does it for me.
His exclusive DJ is DJ Skee, and if you know your music, you know that Skee does his thing.
So this should be enough for right now.
charleshamilton.blogspot.com
iamnotcharleshamilton.com
Get at him.
Here's one of my favorite tracks from him.
Check it out: Ring Around The Rosey.

The Asian Guy Still Doesn't Have A Picture.

2008-11-24T15:36:00.002-06:00

What a nub.

Today Is The Day.

2008-11-24T14:43:00.002-06:00

The Black Guy here.
I've been waiting for this day to come for sooo long, it's not even funny.
I've previewed the album on Kanye's blog.
I've heard the leaked tracks on certain websites.
Nothing compares to going to the store and actually buying the album.
To date, 808's and Heartbreak is the 5th album that I've ever bought...
And it's worth it.
It's more than worth it; I should be thanking Kanye for putting out such a masterpiece.
I've been a loyal fan for so long, but this album just takes the cake.
I have never heard so much emotion in one album in my life.
From Coldest Winter, to Pinocchio Story...you can't help but to feel chills go through your body.
I woke up this morning around 9:00.
At 9:45, I was standing at the checkout line in Best Buy.
Inside the album book, there's one picture that just got to me...made me feel so much emotion.
It's a picture of Kanye kissing his mother on the cheek.....
Enough rambling.
GO BUY THE ALBUM!
GO BUY THE ALBUM!
GO BUY THE ALBUM!

88-Keys - The Death of Adam.

2008-11-23T23:36:00.012-06:00

Who is 88-Keys you ask? He's a producer and a rapper who's been associated with Kanye West, Mos Def, and many other artists. The whole premise of his new album, "The Death of Adam" was inspired by one thought, what gave him pleasure? He thought of things that gave him pleasure such as money, making beats, copping Blue Label Polo clothing, but mainly pussy is what gave him the most pleasure! I'm sure most of us can relate to 88-Keys with that last sentence, and that is why you should check out his new album out.
Check this track out: Stay Up!(Viagra).

Joe Budden - Halfway House.

2008-11-23T23:06:00.002-06:00

I know, I know.
This is that guy that made "Pump It Up", right?
Yeah, you're right.
Might not have been the greatest song ever, but Joe Budden is damn sure one of the best lyricists out there.
He shows off his latest insane lyrics on Halfway House.
GREAT MIXTAPE!
Check out some of the heat for yourself.
Oh, and by the way, look out for Joe Budden TV(YouTube or WorldStarHipHop, search it).
Check out this track: Slaughterhouse.

Kanye West - 808's and Heartbreak.

2008-11-23T21:42:00.008-06:00

What can you say about Mr. West?
Tomorrow is the release of his newest work of art, 808's and Heartbreak..so it's only right that we talk about him.
808's and Heartbreak is a love/hate kind of album.
There's no in-between...either you love it, or you hate it.
We personally LOVE the album.
We got the chance to preview the album on Kanye's blog(link available on the side of the page),
and it's simply amazing.
You might not be a fan of the auto-tune/vocoder/robot thingy, but great music is great music.
Tomorrow will be historic, and we will be buying the album WITHOUT ANY HESITATION! haha.
Check this track out: Amazing.

About Us.

2008-11-23T20:05:00.004-06:00

Welcome to "Are You Serious?".
Basically, the blog is going to talk about unknown music from unknown artists.
We'll even talk about known artists who produce great music, but are overlooked by the mainstream scene.
Hell, we might even talk about anything from the latest fashion in Paris, to the guy we saw walking down the street with some fake Jordan's on.

Usually when you try to tell someone about a lesser known artist and how talented they are, the main response that is given is usually, "are you serious?"...hence the name of the blog.
The same goes for great fashion, people these days just don't have great taste.

As far as music goes, most genre's will be discussed(we don't bang with the country stuff).
But when it boils down to it, the radio is gar-bage'(garbage in French).
We feel like it's our duty to let the world know about the real music and the nice clothing out there.
Stop by anytime you'd like to find out about about that good good.
Let's get it started.