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Q&A: Chill Black Guys (CBG) On Musical Influences, Their Steady Rise & Fairfax Avenue

Los Angeles' Fairfax Avenue is home to many of the streetwear industry's rising and already established brands. Names like Diamond Supply Co., The Hundreds, Hall Of Fame, RVCA and others have flagship stores on the very same block; and celebrities frequent many of these stores to re-up on new gear. But, the block breeds more than just fashion, it's also a melting pot for young rappers. In 2011, two of biggest success...
Hopsin
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Hopsin Explains Rumored Strange Music Deal, Talks Possible Tour With Tech N9ne?

Rising Los Angeles rapper Hopsin is coming off a huge 2011, set off by a feature on Tech N9ne's All 6's and 7's album -- on a track called "Am I A Psycho?" While the guest appearance introduced him to new fans, it also spawned rumors of a deal with the indie rap giant's label, Strange Music. Hopsin addressed the rumor in a recent interview with us, clarifying that Tech did, in fact, offer a deal, but he declined, choosing to follow his own destiny...
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Hopsin Talks Ruthless Records, Tech N9ne Collabo & Building Fanbase

It's been a long road for Southern California-bred spitter Hopsin, but determination and hard work has been the key to his success. Following a long stint with Ruthless Records, which eventually led to his album being shelved for five years before finally seeing a release, the rapper left and took matters into his own hands. He launched his own imprint called Funk Volume, and started from the bottom up. Taking a grassroots approach...
C/S logo
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Tribal Founder Bobby Ruiz Documents History Behind “C/S”

The term "C/S," short for "con safos," is becoming a very trendy symbol in the tattoo world, and not just among Chicanos, but across the board -- white kids, hipsters, etc. Despite it's popularity, not everyone knows its meaning and/or where it comes from. From our understanding, it's a term that dates back to, at least, the 1940's/50's, and was used as a sign-off on Chicano "placas" and graffiti throughout the Southwestern U.S. among Chicanos...
Kid Ink, shot by Estevan Oriol
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Introducing Kid Ink: Rising L.A. Artist Talks Transition From Producing & Quick Notoriety

With the emergence of newcomers coming out of the west coast, the lane is wide open for new talent to make their mark. Cue ... Kid Ink. While he's not exactly a household name, his rise over the past 12 months is undeniable. The Los Angeles native began his career on the other side of the fence though, tasting success as a producer while working alongside the likes of Diddy, Sean Kingston, and...
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Mister Cartoon, Vans OTW Releases Limited ‘Art Of Lettering’ Book

Over the summer, legendary Los Angeles tattoo artist Mister Cartoon held the "Art of Lettering" seminar, during the Hollywood Park Tattoo Invitational, where he discussed his rise in the tattoo and graffiti worlds ... and also broke down his lettering style. As part of the seminar, Toons teamed up with Vans OTW for a limited edition book, also called the Art Of Lettering. It features custom lettering and designs from the artist spanning over his long career. The book is the first in a series of forthcoming projects from Vans OTW Advocates...
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Good Wood NYC Drops Introductory Pair Of Custom Shades

Good Wood NYC, who is most known for their custom wooden jewelry, announced recently the upcoming release of their introductory pair of shades. Dubbed the "419", the shades are handcrafted in Brooklyn with "the highest quality components available," said the company. And, features walnut construction, UV protected lenses, and Italian hardware. The whole collection comes encased in a custom "419" wooden box, and a custom Good Wood...
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Self Scientific Returns With Free EP, ‘Trials of the Blackhearted’

Hip-hop duo Self Scientific -- made up of producer DJ Khalil and rapper Chace Infinite -- released a new, free EP this week, titled Trials of the Blackhearted. The duo is one of the most critically acclaimed groups to emerge from Los Angeles in the 90s, earning respect from both gangsta rap and underground hip-hop fans alike. The EP marks the group's first work together since 2005's Change, as Khalil has been busy...
Shwood 2010 Fall Collection
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Take A Peek At Shwood Eyewear’s 2010 Fall Collection

There's New York-based GoodWood, who specializes in custom wooden jewelry, but Portland, Oregon-based Shwood Eyewear are making their mark in the fashion industry with their unique brand of wooden frames. Each pair of Shwood sunglasses are skillfully handcrafted with precision outta Portland. The company just released the lookbook (below) for their Fall 2010 collection...