I had troubles coming up with something for Throwback Thursday this week as I’ve left it to the last second. Luckily our very own atek was online and when asked to give me some inspiration she pointed me in the direction of EMF’s “Unbelievable”, to which I responded with a “WTF?”. Incredibly I actually had forgotten about this song. This British indie dance band really started popping off during the late ’80s to early ’90s. The song “Unbelievable” came off of their debut album Schubert Dip and to be perfectly honest none of their albums really popped off like this one did, but the song “Unbelievable” did hit number 1 in the USA and is forever ingrained in our souls. Actually now that I think about it, wasn’t this song featured in a Hallmark or Carlton Cards commercial for mothers day?

Just becuase 2008 is over, doesn’t mean the sales are. Hot deals are still rollin’ in, especially online. Check this Liv triangle suspender dress by StyleIN over at one of my fave shops Pixie Market. The dress was originally retailed at $189… not that it wasn’t worth the price then. But when the dress has been newly-reduced to just $113, you can’t help but click on the “buy” button.

This super comfy (think fave pair of warn-in leggings comfy) cotton dress (97% cotton, 3% elastane) hits high at the waist, and the suspenders form a V in the back. The hem measures 31″ from the shoulder, but the exaggerated seam at the waist keep this dress from looking too short. I’m digging this bright electric blue shade, and the triangles definitely lend some graphic interest to both the front and back.

To wear this dress now, slip the dress on over a pair of black leggings or opaque tights and a body-hugging T-shirt or long-sleeved top. Finish the look off with a pair of boots and your winter coat and you’re good to go! When spring and summer arrive, follow the lead of this model and tuck a solid-colored tank on underneath.

Buy it HERE.

Minutes before the Smithsonian closed, we were reaching the end of the Modern and Contemporary exhibits located in the Lincoln Gallery of the Museum.  As we came around the corner, we did not anticipate catching sight of Nam June Paik’s amazing video art.  The neon video installation by Nam June Paik is called Electronic Superhighway: Continental U.S. Paik was one of the first to use the term “Electronic Highway” which dates back to 1974. Interestingly enough, Rickey had made a reference to Paik during an earlier discussion.

Can you imagine a world without advanced technology and communications?

Electronic Superhighway (Charles Stutts)

Check out this video I found on YouTube:

Here is a description from the Smithsonian Institution:

“When Nam June Paik came to the United States in 1964, the interstate highway system was only nine years old, and superhighways offered everyone the freedom to “see the U.S.A. in your Chevrolet.” Walking along the entire length of this installation suggests the enormous scale of the nation that confronted the young Korean artist when he arrived. Neon outlines the monitors, recalling the multicolored maps and glowing enticements of motels and restaurants that beckoned Americans to the open road. The different colors remind us that individual states still have distinct identities and cultures, even in today’s information age.”

The South Korean (born) artist developed an interest in electronic art while studying in Germany.  His work is displayed in museums located in the states as well as internationally (Italy, Germany, Japan, Australia and Greece).  Paik’s ability to capture electronic moving images on television screens is far beyond technology in his days.  Standing at 15 x 40 x 4 ft. in height, it took me a moment to absorb Paik’s sculpture of America.

To construct this large sculpture, Paik used forty-seven channel and close circuit video installations.  There are approximately 336 monitors displaying flash images associated with a particular location on the map. A reference to the Wizard of Oz may be symbolic to Paik because the movie was the first full length feature to be shown in color on CBS (1956). It was also the first film on prime-time television.

I was in “aw” of this sculpture and it’s still amazing to think that Paik developed this idea before the internet was created by the Department of Defense.  You may not appreciate art in this form but Paik was a pioneer like many great artists in American history who’s legacy continues to inspire us each day.

A larger zoom version of Paik’s work is featured on the Smithsonian Institute’s website.

Below are photographs that I found.  There is a current exhibit featuring his work in Hanvoer as well.

Tv Cello (http://www.lyseo.edu)

I Never Read Wittgenstein (http://www.artnet.com)

Video Piano (Artnet)

“Nam June Paik. Works from the Kunsthalle Bremen” is located in the Sprengel Museum in Hannover. The exhibition runs until February 22, 2009. (NIGEL TREBLIN/AFP/Getty Images)

Source: Smithsonian Institute, Nam June Paik

Many thanks to AJK for turning me onto Valerie Cherie.  Which in turn is how I came across today’s mixtape by one of the Valerie Collective artists, Edwin Van Cleef.  Those that are fans of the Aussie powerhouse label, Modular Recordings, should appreciate this dreamy mix or anything by Valerie Cherie for that matter.  Listen to the mix below and download the track here.  On a side note, if you’ve fell in love like I did, Valerie is making a stateside appearance at Webster Hall on the 23rd.

The above collabo fitted between Masterpiece and New Era is a must own for the cold weather.  Flip down flap hats by New Era is nothing new, but substituting in a skull cap look for the usual wool lined is a good look.  The collegiate style “MP” logo and New Era flag on the flap and usual posts on the left panel keep this model clean.  Two colorways are available to include denim/white and tonal black.  Both are now available at DeepinsideInc.

Image Source: Strictly Fitteds

What’s good fam. Hope everyone had a great New Years last night. Kicking off the new year with a some love to the band Foreigner and their song “Cold As Ice”. Had two separate conversations this week where I played this song as a joke to the discussion, but in all seriousness, this song is pretty awesome. The vocals from Lou Gramm in this song are incredible, honestly think classic rock and this is one of the voices that would define that genre. The song “Cold As Ice” came off of the 1977 Foreigners’ debut self-titled album, Foreigner. Other hits that came off that album include “Feels Like The First Time” and “Long Long Way From Home”, classic album indeed. The first time I would really hear this song was through a sample by M.O.P. (Mash Out Posse) that had a song named “Cold As Ice” on the album Warriorz, again this was my mom that picked out the sampled and schooled me with the original. Thanks moms. See the M.O.P. version below.

New Year’s Eve calls for something a little out of the ordinary… but that doesn’t mean you should hand over all your Christmas cash on a dress for one night. Why shell out $200 when you can throw on this Silence & Noise Bowtie Dress available at Urban Outfitters for $78 and look like a million bucks?

This swingy party dress is made of light and airy chiffon, tucked under at the hem for a cute bubble look. The strapless bust is topped off with an oversized taffeta bow, and the smocking in the back ensures that it’ll fit right without flattening out the chest.

I’m all for picking party looks that keep it fun and costumey. The short, babydoll silhouette and oversized bow in the front is flirty and cute. And the turquoise green color will really pop in a sea of black dresses. Throw on a pair of black nylons, patent pumps and a leather motorcycle jacket, and all you’ll need to find is someone to kiss at midnight.

Buy it HERE.

Who would have thought a child’s “toy” would become more than just tiny pieces of bright plastic?  We are discovering new ways to express ourselves with LEGO.

Known as the Brick Artist, Nathan Sawaya makes LEGO sculptures as a living.  I can’t imagine how many LEGO pieces it took to construct the figures above.  It’s amazing!

Aside from Art, LEGO is also worn as a fashion accessory:

The Forever Young Collection by artist Jacqueline Sanchez features jewelry made from sterling silver and plastic material resembling LEGO pieces.

The collection offers necklaces, rings, cuff links, earrings and wristbands in an assortment of different colors.  For a customized pair of earrings, the artist will handcraft any piece to your choice of colors.  Some items also include a diamond set in 14kt yellow gold.  The LEGO inspired jewelry line is priced at $95 to $350.

Her collection is funky and stylish for the young, old and hip!  To order custom made jewelry by the artist, please click here.  Jacqueline Sanchez may have some steep competition in the accessories department with twin brothers Dee and Ricky.

The 19 year old twins LEGO inspired accessories became an instant hit with Marc Jacobs this year.  Their brooches and belt buckles appeared in Jacobs’ Spring 2008 runway.  Several notable cameos of Dee’s and Ricky’s designs appeared on Kanye West and recently on Takashi Murakami at an event in Japan.

There must be the child in all of us because LEGO is still hot!

Source: Brandish, Brick Artist, Beauty & Janine, BBC

Hope everyone had a pleasant holiday and continue to have a pleasant holday into 2009. Here’s a 2008 recap mixtape from Mick Boogie and Terry Urban. A lot of these songs on this mixtape are remixed so keep that in mind when listening. Predominately a hip hop mix but I did notice a Sammy Bananas remix of N.E.R.D.’s “Everyone Knows”. Check the full tracklisting below then hit the download link.

Download Here

Intro (6th Sense)
So Fly (Slim f Biggie - Mick Boogie Mix)
Announcement (Common f Biggie - Mick Boogie Mix)
I Luv Your Girl (Dream f Jay-Z MB/TU Mix)
Paper Planes (MIA - Terry Urban Mix)
Swagger Like Us (Jay-Z - Mick Boogie Transition)
Jockin My Wonderwalls (Jay-Z & Oasis - N Doe Mix)
Diamond Girl (Ryan Leslie f Kanye West - Mick Boogie Mix)
Paris Tokyo (Lupe Fiasco f CL Smooth - Mick Boogie Mix)
Girls Around (Lloyd f Rakim - MB/TU Mix)
Drivin Down The Block (Kidz In The Hall f/ El-P)
Gettin Up (Q-Tip)
Milli (Lil Wayne - Wonder/Excel Mix)
Love Lockdown (Kanye West f LMFAO)
Falsetto (Dream - Terry Urban Mix)
Day N Night (Kid Cudi f Jay-Z - Terry Urban Mix)
Lollirock (Lil Wayne & Kanye West - Kickdrums Remix)
Dangerous (Kardinal f Akon)
The Boss (Rick Ross f Lil Wayne - Mick Boogie Mix)
Out Here Grindin (Khaled)
My President (Young Jeezy f Nas)
Black President (Nas f Young Jeezy)
American Boy (Estelle f Jay-Z and NERD - Terry Urban Mix)
Everyone Knows (NERD - Sammy Bananas Remix)
Dont Touch Me Remix (Busta Rhymes f Nas)
Magic (Robin Thicke f Jay-Z - Mick Boogie Mix)
The Light 08 (Common)
How We Rock (Termanology f Bun B)
Rising Down (The Roots f Mos Def & Styles)
Viagra (88 Keys and Kanye West)
Midnight 08 (Q-Tip)
Go All Out (9th Wonder and Buckshot)

ELM Company is easily one of my favorite fitted ball cap companies right next to New Era.  The company always pushes boundaries with different materials and colorways.  Here is a sneak peak at a fitted coming up in Winter 2009.  From a first glance, both leather and wool make up the panels with the letterman/varsity jacket as it’s inspiration.  For those that love texture, the embroidery also alternate with chenille for the leaf patch and chainstich for the “E” logo.  If that wasn’t enough to seal the deal, this limited fitted also comes with a matching tshirt.  This bit of Friday morning excitement somewhat makes up for me having to slave away at the office.  Expect more news on this fitted when 2009 rolls around.

Image Source: Strictly Fitteds

This weeks Throwback Thursday easily goes out to Godfather of Soul, better known as James Brown. He passed away on December 25th, 2006, exactly 2 years today. The man influenced a generation of hip-hop, rnb and soul heads and for that we dedicate this weeks Throwback Thursday to him. A moment of silence one of the greatest performers of our time, R.I.P.

image:toohotfortnr

If you’ve been shivering in the cold with no coat, you don’t have any excuse now. Try this toasty Arctic Snorkle Parka by Spiewak on for size.

This bronze-colored parka is loaded with four snap pockets plus one zippered pocket on the left sleeve. A combined zipper and button closure keeps the cold out, and the fur-lined hood add a dash of luxe for the outdoors.

I’m loving this coat not just for its warmth but for its details - the subtle shade of bronze, the inner-ribbed sleeve cuffs, and the snap-button closures on all the pockets. This coat is great for everyday wear, especially on rainy or snowy days. And at a sale price of $196 from $280 at Karmaloop, why not warm up?

Buy it HERE.

In an effort to find any remotely as phenomenal sounding as The Devil Made Me Do It mix, I came across this gem. Unfortunately, neither the outdated email in my inbox, nor Fairtilizer had a track listing, but expect goodies from Grovesnor and Friendly Fires. Having heard those two tracks near the 20 minute mark had me sold. Anyway, have a listen if Italo-disco is your flavor and download the mix here. And if for some reason, you haven’t heard of Little Boots before, check out Stuck on Repeat.

Source: Fairtilizer
Image Source: Little Boots

Also, big ups to Common for mentioning Killahbeez on his blog this week.  The Killahbeez family enjoys reading the comments that you guys leave on our site, as well as receiving love from other sites and blogs. Drop us a line and let us know what is on your mind.

Click on the screen shot to see the full version of Common’s blog below:

Source: Common

For this week’s Fitted Friday, we present to you a non-New Era fitted by 7 Union in Japan.  Once again teaming up with Rogue Status’ DTA line, 7 Union produced a fitted that bears a strong resemblance to the USA Today logo.  And of course, its the first thing that caught my eyes.  To the point that made me realize that I really don’t own articles of clothing in pastel colors.  This fitted keeps it simple with only a royal blue and white colorway.  But with that in mind, there is a lot of embroidery.  The DTA Today Logo is huge along with the “Don’t Trust Anyone” slogan on the underbill.  Finally, 7 Union’s logos are slapped on the left side and back.  Finally, one more hint of the DTA x 7 Union collabo is provided on the right side of the fitted.  Keep an eye for this fitted, it should be available pretty soon where 7 Union is sold.  Which means those interested may need to call up a cousin in Asia to be a shopping mule.

Image Source: CtotheJL

Last Thursday I was going to follow up the previous Throwback Thursday with another group and song that my cousin, Van, introduced me to when I was kid. That didn’t happen due to the server crash, but it’s all good cus I’m gonna finish that segment today. The year 1991, by this time I was fully into hip-hop, the era best known as the Golden Era. Well in one of my trips to visit my cousin, he decided to get me into a music genre that I was quite unfamiliar with, electronic dance. My ears would get a taste of this genre with LA Style and their hit track “James Brown Is Dead”. Quite honestly I probably listened to that song and the numerous remixes attached to it like a million times that Summer. I remembered the bass just thumping constantly and then there was rhyming so there was a bit of that hiphop tieback. Anyways that was my introduction to electronic dance music thanks to my cousin. As for LA Style, they weren’t from LA, they were from the neitherlands and pretty much faded after that one song.

Also, let’s take a moment to actually remember the late great James Brown who passed away on December 25, 2006, two years ago. The man was a legend. R.I.P. James Brown.

One thing that gets me excited for winter is the chance to don some of my favorite pairs of boots. Whether it be suede or leather, ankle or thigh-high, fringed, studded or clean-cut, I love them all.

This pair by Hits combines three of my favorite trends: metallic, ankle and fringe. And at just $122, these boots will have you rockin’ it out on the dance floor with change still left for the bar.

Made of metallic, gun-metal shade leather, these boots feature a cowboy-style wooden stacked heel and a slightly pointed toe. The boots fall just below the ankle bone with the front rising up a little higher. One level of fringe covers the entire ankle - consider these boots “moccasins meet disco”!

Try these boots on with a pair of skinny jeans or a pair of black high-waisted shorts with black opaque tights underneath. Wear them into spring by pairing the boots with your favorite pair of worn-in denim shorts or a vintage mini dress to keep the boho feel alive.

Available in US sizes 6-9 at Pixie Market.

Buy it HERE.

Rihanna

Rihanna receives my number one pick based on her appearance on the red carpet and off the red carpet. She places a lot of emphasis on accessories, which makes her outfit stand out on the red carpet. She can pull off any look, from 5 inch stilettos to dunks when she’s chillen with Chris Breezy. Let’s not forget that she was the influence of the “crop haircut” in 2008.

Chloe Sevigny

Chloe is all about taking fashion risks. She mixes and matches vintage pieces, modern designs and different patterns from head to toe.

Nicole Richie

For her frame and size, she is the shortest in height on my list. And that does not stop her from looking chic on the red carpet. I love Nicole’s style because it’s comfortable and casual. She is often seen wearing fitted bottoms to show off her tiny waist. She has come a long way from being “the other girl next to Paris” and hot red lowlights.

Lindsay Lohan

I don’t care what people say about Lindsay Lohan and her leggings! I love wearing leggings and tights during the winter. It’s neutral and goes with everything. Lindsay’s outfit is put together with leggings, bright accessories and Chanel bags.

Keri Hilson

Keri’s swagger is dope. She can run with the boys and hold her own.

Image Sources: Getty Images, Rihanna Style, Lindsay Lohan, Team Sugar, Celebrities Wonder, Nicole Richie, Day Life, Wire Images, Nylon

Back in September we posted a dope mix from The American Dream Team (seen here), or TADT for short, called What Dreams Are Made Of v2.0, well now they’ve gone and released v3.0 and we have it here for you all to hear. The Brooklyn bred team mixes electro, house and hip-hop to get you noddin’ your head. Give it a listen then hit the download link.

The American Dream Team What Dreams Are Made Of v3.0
Download Here

1. TADT Beach Party Intro with Pismo
2. The American Dream Team - My Boo feat Lili
3. Chromeo - 100 Percent (Treasure Fingers remix)
4. Vega - All Too Vivid (Kill The Noise Remix)
5. Headshot Boyz - Runnin The Show
6. Meterhead - Biggie Dance
7. Dj Felli Fel - Get Buck In Here (Villains Remix)
8. Grum - Woah (TADT Remix) Collie Buddz Come Around Big League Chune Duplate Mix
9. Bass Kleph & Paul Anthony - Helium (Wolfgang Gartner Remix)
10. Digitalism - Idealistic (A-Track Remix)
11. Hostage - Shake It
12. Mikey Hook - Soul Sellin
13. Black Holes - Shake And Glock
14. Shiny Toy Guns - Ricochet! (TADT Remix)
15. The American Dream Team - Nightmare Disco
16. Mt. Sims - The Bitten Bite Back (True Pseudo Remix)
17. Mini Viva - Tokyo (Treasure Fingers Remix)
18. Kill The Noise - I’m Gone
19. Meterhead - Let It Go
20. Barrington Levy - Here I Come (Andy Harding remix)
21. The American Dream Team - Money featuring Whiskey Pete & Andre Parnel
22. Feed Me - Mordez Moi
23. the Juice Is Mine Outro

So I’ve been reading a lot of these “Top 10 albums of 2008″ list in the last little while and decided, hell our staff here at Killahbeez has some pretty dope taste in music, we should also do one. So we’ve compiled a list from our writers annnnnd on top of that we’ve reached out to people that we’ve worked with in the past year such as Jeff Hamada from Booooooom, Sasha Lee from Halcyon Magazine, Michael Halford from Orland Kurtenblog and Sean La-La from Spectrum Events. This process was a tough one for all of us as we all hated narrowing it down to 10 and then ranking them created some nightmares. Check out the list below and let us know if you agree or disagree and what your top 10 would be in the comments below.

AJK’s Top 10

1. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
2. M83 - Saturdays = Youth
3. Anoraak - Nightdrive With You EP
4. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
5. Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream
6. The Presets - Apocalypto
7. Nas - Untitled
8 Black Milk - Tronic
9. Chairlift - Does You Inspire You
10. Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke

Atek’s Top 10

1. Q-Tip - Renaissance
2. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
3. T.I. - Paper Trail
4. Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It
5. N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds
6. Kid Cudi - A Kid Name Cudi
7. Lil’ Wayne - Tha Carter III
8 The Virgins - The Virgins
9. The Clipse - Road To Til a Casket Drops
10. Santogold - Santogold

DT’s Top 10

1. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
2. Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke
3. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
4. Nas - Untitled
5. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
6. N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds
7. Pacific! - Reveries
8. Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream
9. Santogold - Santogold
10. Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair

Lee’s Top 10

1. Black Mountain - In The Future
2. Dávila 666 - Dávila 666
3. Jay Reatard - Matador Singles ‘08
4. Diplo & Santogold - Top Ranking (Mixtape)
5. TV On The Radio - Dear Science
6. The Duke Spirit - Neptune
7. No Age - Nouns
8 Vivian Girls - Vivian Girls
9. Spiritualized - Songs in A&E
10. Tim and Eric - Awesome Record, Great Songs! Vol. 1

Mila’s Top 10

1. Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
2. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
3. Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
4. Santogold - Santogold
5. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
6. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
7. Lil’ Wayne - Tha Carter III
8 T.I. - Paper Trail
9. Leona Lewis - Spirit
10. Adele - 19

Mona Alice Oakenfold’s Top 10

1. MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
2. Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair
3. Santogold - Santogold
4. N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds
5. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreaks
6. Ladytron - Velocifero
7. Girl Talk - Feed The Animals
8 Lykke Li - Youth Novels
9. TV On The Radio - Dear Science
10. Cat Power - Jukebox

Neran’s Top 10

1. Johnson & Jonson - Johnson & Jonson
2. Lil’ Wayne - Tha Carter III
3. The Game - LAX
4. Bun B - II Trill
5. T.I. - Paper Trail
6. Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
7. The Roots - Rising Down
8 Nas - Untitled
9. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreaks
10. Good Charlotte - Greatest Hits & Remixes

Ry’s Top 10

1. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
2. Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream
3. Sebastien Tellier - Sexuality
4. The Presets - Apcocalypto
5. Nas - Untitled
6. The Cool Kids - The Bake Sale
7. Coldplay - Viva La Vida
8 Lykke Li - Youth Novels
9. Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair
10. Raphael Saadiq - The Way I See It

Van’s Top 10

1. The Presets - Apcocalypto
2. Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
3. Kitsune Maison Compilation 6
4. Empire of the Sun - Walking On A Dream
5. CSS - Donkey
6. Q-Tip - Renaissance
7. Ladyhawke - Ladyhawke
8 Megapuss - Surfing
9. Pacific! - Reveries
10. Walter Meego - Voyager

Jeff Hamada from Booooooom’s Top 10

1. Mr Oizo - Lambs Anger
2. TV On The Radio - Dear Science
3. The Dodos - Visiter
4. Lykke Li - Youth Novels
5.MGMT - Oracular Spectacular
6. Johnson & Jonson - Johnson & Jonson
7. Lil’ Wayne - Tha Carter III
8. Priscilla Ahn - A Good Day
9 Wale - Mixtape About Nothing
10. DJ Shadow - 4 Track Era Bundle

Michael Halford from Orland Kurtenblog’s Top 10

1. TV On The Radio - Dear Science
2. Portishead - Third
3. Madvillain - Madvillainy 2
4. Kings of Leon - Only By The Night
5. J.Dilla - Ruff Draft (Re-Issue)
6. A Tribe Called Quest - The Best of A Tribe Called Quest
7. Beck - Modern Guilt
8 Cut Copy - In Ghost Colours
9. Kanye West - 808s & Heartbreaks
10. Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer

Sasha Lee from Halcyon Magazine’s Top 10

1. Big Elf - Cheat The Gallows
2. Danava - UnonoU
3. Dungen - 4
4. Howlin Rain - Magnificent Fiend
5. Pride Tiger - Lucky One
6. Trigger Renegade - Rip It and Pass It
7. Mammatus - The Coast Explodes
8 Annihilation Time - Tales of the Ancient Age
9. Conifer - Crown Fire
10. Mt. Eerie - Black Wooden Ceiling Opening EP

Sean La-La from Spectrum Event’s Top 10

1. Santogold - Santogold / Annnd Santogold & Diplo - Top Ranking Mixtape
2. Colin Munroe - Is The Unsung Hero (Mixtape)
3. The Roots - Rising Down
4. Q-Tip - Renaissance
5. Scarface - Emeritus
6. Jake One - White Van Music
7. Jamie Lidell - Jim
8 Sam Sparro - Sam Sparro
9. T.I. - Paper Trail
10. Al Green - Lay It Down