Love or hate it, Chris Brown has a new mixtape out called In My Zone 2.
In my opinion as a big fan, I think its an "okay" mixtape, but doesnt get me to hyped for the new album F.A.M.E. nor does it top his previous mixtape, Fan of a Fan which featured hip hop artist Tyga.
Best song on the album by far is "Life Itself", with heartfelt lyrics over an old school R and B sound and the newest single, "Boing".
I think fans are ready for an album, so lets hope fame comes out sooner than later.
So Kanye made his way out to the Thanksgiving Day Parade here in NYC. I encourage everyone to check out Ye's album, I'm not gonna say its better than College Dropout, but definitely one of my favorites of the year. Right now I'm feeling just about every track, but my favorite by far is "Blame Game." This song is so gritty, honest, and heartbreaking. And the Chris Rock skit at the end is pure comedy. And I know that you was somewhere doing your thang, and when the phone called it just rang and rang, you aint pickup but your phone accidentally called me back and I heard the whole thing." Dam. Heartless.
With tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I wanted to post a little seasonal cheer and promote a charity that is very important to me. Toys for Tots is a great organization that delivers new unwrapped toys to children in need over the holidays. There are drop off locations located all over the United States. If you are in New York like me I recommend stopping by the iconic FAO Schwarz in midtown at 767 5th Avenue where you can purchase a toy there and drop it off there as well as it is also a Drop Off Center. There is so many children out there who could really use your help and this is a great chance to really make a difference in someones holiday. Find out more here, along with other drop off locations, TOYSFORTOTS
Photo courtesy of Maestros intern, Devlin whose posts you can view here Devlin
Yesterday I took off work early and jetted down to Reed Space in Manhattan to see the homie Levi of Maestro Knows. This is the nicest person you will ever meet and is loaded with intelligence on how to market yourself as a brand name and always inspiring others to work hard and do what they believe in. He was just over in Vegas the night before filming for Usher hopped on a plane and edited his video on the way to NY, helped out the community by lecturing to students, all to later hop back on a plane and continue shooting in Vegas. I will try to post some of the lecture if I get a chance to chop some of the footage which I shot on my point and shoot Nikon S8100. With my conversation with Maestro he definitely gave me some good points on how to promote yourself in a new and big city and how I should approach pricing.
Check his work here at MAESTROKNOWSnothing out there quite like it
There was also the head of the head of the Jordan Apparel line who I was able to get in touch with about a payed internship for Jordan! :)
Great way to start the week for sure!
Find out more about Reed Space here REEDSPACE
Heres a clip from his website showing an intro to his work with Usher
As I gear towards a career in art and advertising I wanted to include a monthly posting of some of my favorite ads and a short description of why I like them and why I think they work. Here are my 2 picks for November.
This commercial is beautifully shot and stands out as very unique with a bizarre twist. The songs are both effective especially when the animals prance in to Blossom Dearies, Doop Doo Dee Doop. Great tagline also, "Just the Right Amount of Wrong".
Good choice of casting using Mad Mens John Slattery. I think the piano theme is haunting and grabs your attention. Futuristic style commercial that makes the Lincoln actually seem cool, a tough feet. There is a follow up commercial incorportating the holiday season as well.
Whats your favorite ad out right now? Submit a link in a comment below!
If your in the area I definitely urge you to check out the Brooklyn Museum. I went today with class and it has many great contemporary works dealing with all sorts of topics such as feminism and race. We had to go for a variety of artists but most specifically to see the intricate work of Fred Tomaselli.
I always want to allow my readers to connect with me so I wanted to share a few updates.
We recently moved into our new building at Pratt which is absolutely amazing and my office is dope now. We will also be getting our own studios next week. Take a look at the space!
Also this past weekend I was able to check out the NYC Marathon from my balcony.
NYC is such a great city to live in, but I love to travel and see more. I'd love to know where are you from and what makes your city special.
