KiD Cudi joins forces with Best Coast over production by Vampire Weekend’s Rostam Batmanglij for “All Summer,” a collaborative track for Converse’s Three Artists. One Song project. Read the rest of this entry »

The NVUS Twins

Letting Go Of Chris Bosh [Raptors Republic]

The 7 Worst Nude Recreation Activities [Complex] Read the rest of this entry »

Converse presents a short video clip of Cudi taking viewers to Cleveland, showcasing the influences that helped shape his musical destiny. All a part of the shoemaker’s Three Artists. One Song., which will culminate with an original track – featuring Read the rest of this entry »

For the past three days, I’ve been hunkered down in Manhattan, immersed in Nike Basketball’s media event to announce their creation of the World Basketball Festival in partnership with USA Basketball. From new sneakers, to plans to takeover NYC hoops this summer (sorry LBJ), the partnership’s ultimate goal is to use the sport to foster a global impact on communities.

Once I get situated, I’ll share a full disclosure of all that I saw and heard. Until then, check the full press release by clicking here. Read the rest of this entry »

Looks like Jim Jones was able to back up all the trash he talked leading up to the Converse Band Of Ballers. At yesterday’s event in Atlanta, The Jones Family got down for their crown, defeating hometown favorite Southern Hospitality (Shawty Lo, Pill, OJ’s squad) in the final showdown. Besides the basic shenanigans & bloopers, the biggest surprise had to be Cam’ron showing up, running the court for the uptown team & making the whole Dips reunion idea official. After reconciling on radio a few weeks ago, it looks one of Hip-Hop’s favorite movements is gaining momentum and headed in the right direction. Read the rest of this entry »

Regardless of who wins this year’s Band of Ballers Celebrity Basketball Tournament the event will be sure to entertain. If not for the exhibition, for the guaranteed trash-talk. Words have already been exchanged between Jim Jones, Jay Electronica, and OJ Da Juiceman to name a few.

Thanks to all who entered, but there’s only five pairs of tickets to give away so we had to select a few winners. And they are… *rustles envelope* Read the rest of this entry »

A few other Band Of Ballers participants have had their say (Watch: Southern Hospitality “practice” and Jim Jones’ trash talk) and now the Black Lips are running off @ the mouth too. Not sure how a self-described “flower punk” band will fair on the court but they really couldn’t be any worse than Jewman. Their strategy is – “mostly half court shots, some full court ones” – may be a little unorthodox though. Read the rest of this entry »

Unfazed by Jim Jones and his jibber jabber, the home team of Southern Hospitality refuse to lose on their own turf. If there was ever a formidable-looking rap basketball team, this may be it. Read the rest of this entry »

“This is our Stanley Cup for Harlem.”

Such bold statements being made. But winning affords you that luxury and Capo and co. did take the chip in last year’s Band Of Ballers game. And yes, that is God Shammgod, former Providence notable and a fellow Harlemite who’ll be hooping with The Jones Family again. Watch & listen below as the twosome display that usual uptown swag and throwing a little competitive shade @ fellow competitors Jermaine Dupri (“What is he, like 5’2″? What is he gone do?”) and OJ Da Juiceman (“Does he look like he’s athletically inclined even a lil bit?”). Read the rest of this entry »

Basketball & Hip-Hop go hand in hand like sugar and Kool-Aid. For as long as I can remember, cats have aspired to make it in life either via gripping a microphone or by handling the rock on the court. So when I see something like the Band Of Ballers event going down, I know it’s authentic because half of these artists swear music wasn’t their first calling in life (and for some, it actually wasn’t).

The second Band Of Ballers Celebrity Basketball tournament that will take place in Atlanta on May 1st. Last year’s Band Of Ballers event (click here for highlights) was a huge success and saw Jim Jones and The Jones Family squad taking the chip. This year, they’ll be in the A, looking to defend their crown. Seeking to cut their reign short, there’s a motley crew of opponents on other celebrity teams featuring the likes of Jermaine Dupri And The So So Def Family, Shawty Lo, OJ Da Juiceman, Pill, Bad News (Jay Electronica, Sean Price, and Donnis), Steel Train, The Black Lips, Of Montreal and more.

Sounds good, right?

The bad news: Access is limited.

The good news: We’ve got you covered with FIVE pairs of tickets to share with TSS readers. Yep, you and a friend will be in the house on May 1st, provided that you have your own transportation. If you’ve got that covered, we’ve got you covered with access to the event. All you have to do is enter below.

Winners will be announced no later than April 28th. So and your friends should enter now to increase your chances.

RMF!

Below, a few photos of the participants but I really don’t think this is all. I’m already guessing a few of these squads will be trying to slip in ringers to play.

Is there anyone who hasn’t owned at least one pair of Chucks in their lifetime? With an endless array of colors, countless materials available to be used and, more than anything, a never-ending supply of buyers make Chuck Taylors as American as apple pie, white tees and hearing “The Star-Spangled Banner” at sporting events. For this pair, the shoe picks up a heather grey cotton, making it comparable to LC’s favorite sweatpants. Available now @ places where they sell cool like Sneakersnstuff. Read the rest of this entry »

Nobody ever sent me those red Chucks I asked for but I did end up with some neato burrito stickers and a few copies of “My Drive Thru” by N.E.R.D., Santogold & Julian Casablancas.

Want a couple of stickers and your own copy of the single? Read the rest of this entry »

HUF drops their sneaker for the Converse 1HUND(RED) Artists campaign. Choosing the Skygrip, these feature a black canvas upper with an all-over “H” print, white accents and the signature Red eyelet. Read the rest of this entry »

Ebony, A Jet Beauty Of The Week

Horror Chick: ‘Jennifer’s Body’ Is Garbage, But You’d Tap It Anyway [Awl]

Wu-Tang’s Raekwon Shows Digital Muscle With Linx 2 [Reuters]

How Nirvana’s Bleach Brightened Up Grunge [Guardian]

Soda Tax: It’s the Real Thing [Boston]

The Ten Most Painful USC Losses Under Pete Carroll [The Bleacher Report]

Converse Chuck Taylor “Felt” Pack [NK]

The Colts Had the Ball for Under 15 Minutes and Won? GTFO! [KSK]

Did Tavis Smiley Push Bad Loans to Blacks? [Black Voices]

NFL Tells MLB That Favre Is More Important Than Their One Game Playoff [Awful Announcing]

NFL Pro Bowler Herschel Walker Signs with MMA’s Strikeforce [Recall]

Kanye West Offered $10M to Wrestle Three Times? [Daily Swarm]

Double D gave us a peak @ Lupe’s Product Red All-Stars a while back when he attended the unveiling @ Chicago boutique St. Alfred’s. Now they’re available for purchase @ the Converse website with a portion of the sales going to a good cause. Read the rest of this entry »