crackpopular

urban culture, emerging talent, fashion & trends, new music & design

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N.E.R.D + André 3000=

 “Rollinem 7′s”

THE SECOND SINGLE FROM N.E.R.D’S MADD-HYPED NEW ALBUM, ‘No_One Ever Really Dies.’ LISTEN NOW

Featuring André 3000 and following last week’s release of their first single “Lemon” (a Rihanna collab, infectious and catchy) “Rollinem 7′s” premiered yesterday on Pharrell and Scott Vener’s Beats 1 show, OTHERtone. Without confirming the release date, N.E.R.D performed the entire ‘No_One Ever Really Dies’ at last week’s Complex Con LA and revealed the album will also showcase Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane, Wale, MIA, Ed Sheeran and more.

Listen to Rollinem 7’s

Also, check out the video for “Lemon” below.

URBAN CULTURE: MUSIC

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ALRIGHT.  KENDRICK LAMAR SHOOTS US IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION WITH HIS STUNNING NEW VIDEO.

Directed by Colin Tilley and shot in black and white, this video gives us an up close and personal look at life on the streets of Compton.  However, somehow through the music and the magic of film, it does feel as if its gonna be alright.  (Pun intended.)  Well done Lamar, keep em coming.  :)) 

URBAN CULTURE: MUSIC 

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WE ARE HANDSOME’S “VICE” 2015 SWIMWEAR COLLECTION

How HOT (pun intended) is this summer collection by Australian swimsuit label We Are Handsome??  Suitably named “Vice,” it features one-piece, two-piece and rash guard styles adorned with graphic prints in vibrant pastels. Expect flamingos set on ’80s geometric patterns, pineapples on repeat, and gaudy jaguars climbing through palm leaves. This collection is their most playful and nostalgic mosdef!  Prices range from $187 to $315.  Go to We Are Handsome now and get yours quick!

URBAN CULTURE: FASHION

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SKATE MEETS FASHION ~ SSENSE x PALM ANGELS 2015 FALL VIDEO LOOKBOOK!

You know we looooove our skate videos around here.  So when Hypebeast post this new Video Lookbook featuring actual skateboarders, skating, while displaying the line, we got a little excited :))  Check it out!

SSENSE and Palm Angels have released a lookbook video that showcases the streetwear brand’s Francesco Ragazzi-designed debut collection. Titled “A Praise to Eternity,” the SSENSE and Ragazzi-co-directed video was shot inside an abandoned church and embraces a distinct skateboarding theme, as the inaugural collection takes inspiration from the skaters of Venice Beach, California. The range of unisex apparel includes both skate and preppy styles with pieces like 70′s-inflected blazers, biker jackets, button-down shirts, T-shirts and flared trousers that feature various graphics influenced by L.A.’s skate culture and Californian iconography. Checkout  an excerpt from designer Francesco Ragazzi’s conversation with SSENSE below, and purchase the Palm Angels 2015 fall collection over at SSENSE.

On the skate culture theme:

I based the entire project on trying to upgrade skateboarding, with the maximum quality and craftsmanship.The inspiration came from brands like Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren: brands that are extremely authentic. I really wanted to push that classic American wardrobe and reinterpret it in a modern way. I’m obsessed by Californian minimalist art. That kind of architecture defines my brand; I need that simplicity in every piece of the collection.

Crackpop loves the bomber and biker jacket at the end :))  We can’t wait to get our hands on one of those for fall.  Hell yeah.

URBAN CULTURE: FASHION

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UNDER THE INFLUENCE: NEW YORK HARDCORE

In the first episode of Noisey’s new series Under the Influence, we go from the streets of the Lower East Side all the way to South Korea to examine one of the most distinctive genres to sprout from the concrete of New York City: hardcore. Along the way, we’ll meet with everyone from tattoo shop owners to chefs to government workers—all of whom have been inspired by the teachings at musical meccas like CBGB’s and A7 and found ways to apply the lessons learned from the scene to their own lives. Join us—as well as members of Agnostic Front, Title Fight, Youth of Today, Incendiary, and more—as we explore a world living under the influence of New York Hardcore.

URBAN CULTURE: MUSIC

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THE OG OF UK RAP, ROOTS MANUVA, PREMIERES NEW MACHINEDRUM PRODUCED TRACK "LIKE A DRUM"

This article originally appeared on Noisey UK.

He's back. Rodney Smith, arguably the greatest rapper to ever emerge from British shores, returned last month with the Four Tet produced "Facety 2:11," a single which proved he has not mellowed one iota over the past twenty years. Now he's premiering the single's flipside "Like A Drum,"

Produced by one of electronic music’s most exciting voices, NYC’s Machinedrum, "Like a Drum" is a reflective take on the price of progress. Its percussion swings on a melody intricately weaved from jazz samples and warm pads. In his inimitable words, the single is "a wee spring warmer in voodoo coptic dialect shape shifting: the remit the same as ever in awakening one’s inner, modern-day Sun Ra, ODB, and Kate Bush on an overdrive of 'doing because we can't help ourselves…'"

exclusively from Noisey.

URBAN CULTURE: HIP HOP

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EXCLUSIVE GO HARD TOUR MIXTAPE BY ANNA LUNOE!

Our offices were all a-glo listening to this sweet mix this morning!

On the road to HARD Summer this August, the HARD festival brand is criss-crossing the nation as part of the GO HARD tour, an excursion that will bring together a crew of DJs that could furnish a festival lineup by themselves. Just take a look at some of the names: Porter Robinson, Tchami, RL Grime, Anna Lunoe, What So Not, Eric Prydz, Dillon Francis, Destructo, Flosstradamus, DJ Snake, Griz.

In celebration of the tour’s kick off Lunoe made this high energy, vibrant mix that perfectly balances pop, house and bass.  Have a listen!

Stay tuned for more HARD coverage as we get closer to summer and can really GO HARD :))

URBAN CULTURE: MUSIC

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 natalie westling - the freshest face in town

Photography Willy Vanderperre Fashion Director Alastair McKimm

Hair Duffy at Streeters London, Session and Editorial Ambassador for Vidal Sassoon Make-up Lynsey Alexander at Streeters London using Estee Lauder Nail technician Charlene Coguard at Artlist Casting Angus Munro for AM Casting (Streeters NY) Photography assistance Corentin Thevenet, Mickael Bambi Digital technician Henri Coutant at Dtouch Lighting technician Romain Dubus Styling assistance Katelyn Gray, Lauren Davis, Louise Mast Hair assistance Cameron Rains Make-up assistance Camila Fernandez Production Floriane Desperier at 4Oktober Production assistance Fabien Jallot Model Natalie Westling at The Society for i-d Activist issue cover

URBAN CULTURE: FASHION

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THE A-Z OF DANCE

Crackpop loved i-D’s throwback and vibrantly insightful video of dance movements, old, new, and everything in between.  Shot in Urban LA on a beautiful day, watch some fresh, innovative choreography that will def get your toe tapping.  Hit it..

URBAN CULTURE: DANCE

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VANS’ GOIN OLD SKOOL WITH THEIR 2015 SUMMER COLLECTION

Crackpop was super stoked to hear what’s up with Vans this summer.  I still remember my first pair!  Black n white checkered slip ons.  Part practical and ALL RAD.  Check it out!  

Vans‘ classic Old Skool silhouette is getting the seasonal treatment with its Summer 2015 collection. The collection features a series of warm-weather motifs throughout including Fourth of July references and whimsical floral, flamingo and pineapple skull prints. Rounding out the collection is a selection of solid color canvas offerings in yellow, black, purple and navy blue hues. The Summer 2015 roundup of Old Skool are available now at select Vans stockists, retailing between $55 and $65 USD.

Go get yourself a pair before they run out :)) 

by Hypebeast

URBAN CULTURE: FASHION/FOOTWEAR

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IKEA REACHES OUTSIDE IT’S PLYWOOD BOX

EYES/NIGHTS ONLY is an exhibition by Belgian creative agency DIFT,  to bring life back into a series of rooms over two floors.  The first edition was based in a residence setting and staged in a temporary, doomed space. The concept involved installations in an abandoned Belgium school.  Designers and brands (IKEA) conceptualized and created their ideal rooms.  During the day, the rooms were accessible to visitors, at night, it turned into a hotel.  "The great thing was people often didn’t see immediately which brand it was and were surprised by the brand's approach," says DIFT.  Following the exhibition, the building was knocked down for luxury flats. 

EYES/NIGHTS ONLY’s next stop is Paris, Montmartre.  Where they will create a temporary mini-hotel and a hotel shop.

URBAN CULTURE: INTERIOR DESIGN/ART

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If you’re looking for fresh, emerging acts to follow, check out this playlist. These artists haven’t gone full-on commercial yet, but they’re generating a good buzz for themselves, get on the bandwagon now, before they POP!

Vacationer This Philadelphia-based group has a very chill sound, mixing elements of psychadelia with classic hip-hop and electronic-pop, and they’ve been winning people over rapidly for the past few years. Consider us a few of those people won over. Follow Vacationer: www.vacationermusic.com Branchez This NYC native may very well save electronic trap music from becoming the next disco. He’s only just begun to invade airwaves, so hop on board now. Follow Branchez: www.facebook.com/BranchezMusic Erimaj This genre-bending band features a ton of musicians from across the globe. These folks have gotten together to shake up the NYC music, and have already scored a #1 record on iTunes. Follow Erimaj: www.erimaj.com Michael Christmas Michael’s sound is raw. It serves as a culmination of funky, soulful tunes with smooth, upbeat drum sequences. Spitting vivid tales — most of which are comical, explicit accounts of his life — this Boston native has become a staple on prominent music blogs. Follow Michael Christmas: www.soundcloud.com/michaelchristmas Little Pain Little Pain is the leading the pack of emotional rappers, so you’ll probably either love him or hate him. His mixtape, When Thugz Cry (amazing title) is sure to entertain either way. Follow Little Pain: www.soundcloud.com/rapgamewarrensapp-1 Prada Mane Brooklyn rapper Prada’s Blue Prada project takes you on an emotional roller coaster. You can’t get durags this rare. You go to the beauty supply store and get the regular joints. These fabrics are imported, and the delivery times are just heartbreaking because customs doesn’t want to clear the packages. He runs with the other pioneers of the sad wave: Little Pain, Yung Lean etc.. Follow Prada Mane: www.soundcloud.com/prada-mane Spooky Black The St. Paul crooner is surely making a name for himself these days, leaving the internet in a seemingly constant frenzy. His heavily reverberated, lo-fi sound is surely on trend, but his content is what every soul — old and young — can identify with. Follow Spooky Black: www.spookyblack.com Lucki Eck$ This witty Chicagoan is well-ahead of his time. At just 17 years old, Lucki is garnering a following by rapping about the stuff he’s into — fashion and drugs amongst many other things. His approach is fresh, sincere, and the perfect balance between nostalgic and trendy. Follow Lucki Eck$: www.twitter.com/LuckiECKS197 Ratking NYC’s own Ratking is doing an amazing job of making a name for themselves. Rappers Hak and Wiki vibe over funky samples chopped up by their in-house producer, Sportinglife, seamlessly meshing the sound of 90′s hip-Hop with elements of today’s sound. Follow Ratking: www.ratkingnyc.com BONUS: Kaytranada This Montreal-based producer has a funky sound inspired by older generations of hip-hop and R&B. We think “rage-dancing” is a perfect term, to describe the action this music is meant to invoke. Follow Kaytranada: www.kaytranada.com by slamxhype URBAN CULTURE: NEW MUSIC

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MR. BLACK DENIM REFRESH & WASH We love our denim at Crackpop and care for our jeans the best way possible; by doing nothing at all. That's right, if you want denim to last and look good doing it then don't wash it. Ever. Unless, of course, you have Mr. Black Denim Refresh & Wash. Start with Refresh, a botanical spray-on treatment that essentially kills odors and draws out dirt. If you absolutely have to give your jeans a "B-A-T-H" (shhh! they hate that!) then hand-wash them in cold water with Wash, an enzyme-free formula designed especially to decrease fading, stretching, and shrinking. Get these and other "garment essentials" here. URBAN CULTURE: FASHION

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COMME des GARÇONS SHIRT LEATHER “BLACK & GREY CAMO” SNEAKERS Since we just love camo so much.. :)) Esoteric Japanese label COMME des GARÇONS SHIRT continue their series of premium leather sneakers, following from their collaborative projects with Scandinavian artist Erik Schedin. While the brand’s footwear program was most notably seen in their three way mashup with Vans and Supreme, here they have opted for a more toned down skate-style low top, adorned with a series of vertical perforations on the upper, a wingtip style toe panel and a brushstroke-effect camo printed sole. by alec leach PIck yours up HERE URBAN CULTURE: FOOTWEAR

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BAPE X JAM HOME MADE CAPSULE COLLECTION As you may know, Crackpop promotes a ton of designer collaborations, we love the idea of creative forces coming together to create something new and unique. Known for its premium accessories and jewelry, JAM HOME MADE has produced a tote bag and two sizes of wallets as part of the collection. The three silhouettes each come in the classic BAPE camo and in a black on black version of the camo. A BATHING APE has produced the two matching full-zip shark hoodies to complete the line-up. The collection will be released November 2014. by david fischer URBAN CULTURE: FASHION

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SUPREME FW ACCESSORIES COLLECTION Crackpop is never disappointed with the unique accessories that Supreme has to offer each year. This year is no different. From resort wear to household items, and handy things like key rings and bottle openers, there’s not much that you can’t add a Supreme logo (and price tag) to. Fans of the brand can now get acquainted with the Fall/Winter 2014 accessories line up, which includes everything from a Zippo lighter to a thermos, toolkit and colored carabiners. Also included is Supreme‘s coveted eyewear selection, and new skateboard deck designs. The collection releases August 21 in New York, Los Angeles and London while Japan will see an August 23 release. The online store will be open as of August 28. URBAN CULTURE: ACCESSORIES

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MADE KIDS FALL/WINTER 2014 LOOKBOOK What does Crackpop love even more than streetwear?? Ridiculously adorable kids swagged out in streetwear. Too cool for school doesn't even cover it here, I mean look at these little dudes! With the release of their Fashion Misfits Collection, MADE Kids founder Andrew Guzman is establishing the clothing brand’s role as an authority on street-inspired kids wear. Staying true to a black-and-white color scheme, clean allover patterns and sleek cut-and-sew designs round out the collection. Tees, long-sleeve shirts, and jogger pants complete the range, showing that MADE Kids has all the right elements to further develop a growing kids streetwear market. Check out the lookbook above, and don’t miss the MADE Kids cruising through this summer’s AGENDA NYC event in the video below. Shop the latest MADE Kids products here. by highsnobiety

URBAN CULTURE: FASHION