Thanks to Ro and Rick at Burn Rubber for sending over their latest creation with New Balance, the “Blue Collar” MT580, one of two sneakers set to release as part of their “WORKFORCE Pack,” the Michigan retailer’s tribute to the people who form the backbone of their state’s auto industry and embodying the “Make Something From Nothing” motto attached to the release. Read the rest of this entry »

Ro Spit has come pretty damn far in a relatively short amount of time. Probably four years ago, when the Pontiac, MI native was still going by Octane and partnered with his homeboy iLLiTe, I only knew him as the Burn Rubber guy who was attempting to double as an MC. At the time, his bars were on par, but the music seemed like it was somewhat stuck in the shadow of his one-story Royal Oak sneaker boutique, as if the budding entrepreneur hadn’t quite figured out which facet he wanted to take to the next level. Well, over the next thousand days or so, Ro’s rap name changed Read the rest of this entry »

How does Michigan’s Burn Rubber stay true and pay homage to their roots? Easy. They make a set of caps which take their inspiration from Faygo, a fellow Michigan company and the soft drink of choice throughout the state. Read the rest of this entry »

Meet Rick Williams, co-owner of Burn Rubber and creator of The Distinct Life. “Burn Rubber Rick” has been showcasing a different pair of New Balance every day in the month of June, making it a sneaker enthusiast’s version of “30 for 30.” Read the rest of this entry »

Charm Killings

Celebs Who Owe the Most Taxes [Wonderwall]

Condoleezza Rice to Guest Star on “30 Rock” [TV Squad]

Every Detroit Public School Teacher To Receive Layoff Notice [TWV]

“Star Trek” Porn Parody Has More Plot Than Most Hollywood Movies [Gamma Squad] Read the rest of this entry »

Royce Reed

Oprah’s Last Episode Will Air in May [GOT]

Nintendo 3DS Guide [G4TV]

A Super Low-Budget Wolverine Costume [BuzzFeed]

The Secret Behind Taco Bell’s Tasty Tiny Shrimp [Creative Loafing]

Greatest ’80s TV Catchphrases, From ‘Cheers’ to ‘Ninja Turtles’ [TV Squad] Read the rest of this entry »

Congrats are in order for the brothers at Burn Rubber for being the first U.S. shop to be chosen by New Balance to design a SMU (special make-up) for the MT580. I saw the kicks in early October when Ro rocked the PA stage @ A3C and words will not do them justice at all. For my tastes, the muted greys and gum sole matched with the complete comfort of the MT580 equate to the shoe I’d likely create if given the chance. Read the rest of this entry »

After a record number of entries, we’re proud to announce that Brett H. of Columbus, OH. won the Distant Relatives t-shirt & CD. Brett, report to the front desk and pick up your prizes.

Thanks to each and every one of you who entered. The more entries, the better the prizes will be. Support appreciated. Big respect due to Burn Rubber and Fat Beats for holding us down.

We’ll be announcing the winner tomorrow but we’re still accepting the entries from procrastinators today. Free gear and a CD? Even Nas & Damien are giving you a look, asking what you’re waiting for? Read the rest of this entry »

This limited edition Distant Relatives tee taken off our backs and handed directly over to one winner and we’ll kick in a CD copy of the album to boot. All you have to do is enter. So, what are you waiting for? Read the rest of this entry »

Quite a few release day exclusives today here @ TSS. We sparked things with the Janelle Monae performance clip (album in stores today), followed by a Smoking Session with Reflection Eternal (album in stores today) and we’re rounding the day out with what may be the sweetest gift of all for our visitors. Read the rest of this entry »

To coincide with TSS x Burn Rubber x Hustlepalooza landing in Austin on March 20th, a few of the artists gathered together in the name of all things Hip-Hop & holy to provide the pre-extravaganza listening experience. Mixed by Matt Boy White, this should help get you amped and hold you over until you touch down on Texas soil. Read the rest of this entry »

When we gave the first points for your SXSW itinerary, I mentioned that there would be updates. Check it as TSS & Burn Rubber together to provide support as Hustle Simmons presents Hustlepalooza: The SXSW Edition. Not like Hustle needs the extra muscle or weight behind him or his endeavors because he’s been pulling together shows for ages. Even more, did you not see the footage of him belly-to-back suplexing a Kanye impersonator in Chicago a couple of weeks ago? Really, I was like “Oooh” and thought, “glad I’m with him and not against him.”

Anyways, Saturday, March 20th @ The Light Bar. Free entry. No wristbands or badge needed. Now, if you pencil that in along with the other two events where our name is attached, that’s parts of your Thursday, Friday and Saturday covered with quality entertainment. Read the rest of this entry »

Krista Nicole

The Megan Fox Armani Underwear Commercial [Warming Glow]

Mistress: I Was Twice Pregnant By Tiger [Daily Beast]

NY Court Says Flavor Flav Owes Over $63k In Back Child Support [AHH]

Could the Olympic Luge Tragedy Have Been Prevented? [AP]

Obama Making Plans To Use Executive Power [NYT]

David Stern Says the NBA Is Poor: Teams Will Lose $400M This Year [With Leather]

4 Types Of Haters [Ronnie Fieg] Read the rest of this entry »

Picking up where the audio left off the other day, BR x AG’s Detroit Riots collaborative gear releases tomorrow @ noon, online and in-store. The sweatshirt is the same joint featured in Ro’s video and the 5′s look promising. Read the rest of this entry »