Loop Television

Loop Television is a blog dedicated to honoring and showcasing young artist in the Chicago area. Click the follow button, Follow us on Twitter @LoopTelevision, like us on Facebook "The Loop" and be sure to visit the site at www.looptelevision.com for all inquires and more content.

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who loves orange soda?!

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Junior Rose by DAGHE

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Lucky Bandit$

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Custom Timbs via toyafbaby - IG

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Queen Katie, 2013

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Chi Raq by Will Robson-Scott

Protein is very proud to present Chi Raq, a film by London-born photographer/filmmaker Will Robson- Scott. The first in a series of exclusive commissions for Protein&

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Chicago Redline: Then & Now

Top photograph circa 1943

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CPL Throwback Thursday - Scottie Pippen + Zubaz For The Win!

Today’s possibly best #TBT ever comes to use courtesy of Chicago Bulls legend Scottie Pippen’s Instagram. 

We just have one question about this amazing photo: Hipster or Horace Grant?

H/T to Sun Times Hoops!

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2005 art that details the evils of mussolini and the horrid Ethiopian Holocaust .. never forget or get over oppression to your people art by Marcellous Lovelace .. #Marcellouslovelace #Chicagoartist #stand #salassei #grow #truths #africanart #reality .. paint what you feel from the heart

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I was a highlighter today for @americanapparelchicago

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AMERICANAPPARELCHICAGO

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Chance The Rapper

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FASHION | PROTECT YA NECK [WUTANG x HUF]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0IUR4gkPIE&feature=kp

-KAREN SPEARS

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The god of gallons of milk: KELLI ANTHONY

BY: Karen Spears

www.thekoreanpears.tumblr.com

Visual Genius Kelli Anthony is a Chicago-based pop art photographer. His images are to your eyes as what candy is to your sweet tooth. 

His brand: Milk jugs,Bright neon patterns, stunning colorful backdrops, women, late 80's inspired wardrobes, magnificent cartoon edits

ALL IMAGES BELONG TO KELLI ANTHONY

www.kellianthony.com

Check him out.

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Saba On The Rise

By Evan Bell

“I’m going to need everyone to rock with me tonight. If you're rocking with me, say PIVOT! SAY PIVOT,” said Saba, 19.

Taj Malik Chandler, also known as Saba, a native Chicagoan from the west side and member of Pivot Gang talked with The Loop after performing at the Hip-Hop For A Cause show hosted by Four Stars Chicago at the Music Garage on Friday December 13th.

Hitting the stage after a really good performance by Mick Jenkins, Saba came on the stage with energy and got the crowd full of energy. By the time his performance was done, everybody was saying “PIVOT”. “It’s never been a goal of mine to takeover the Chicago rap scene. I’m not just trying to stay local; I’m trying to take it national. Get as many listeners as possible."I feel like I will always have love here,” said Saba. Saba is on a list of very talented, up and coming, rappers in Chicago. Performing both old and some new unreleased songs we haven’t heard with his delivery and word play within his lyricism, you can’t help but see the potential he has to make an impact real soon in Chicago’s music industry.

Saba plans to drop his mixtape, Comfort Zone, in 2014. When talking about the tape he was excited to talk about the quality of production on the project and also some collaboration with artists like NoName Gypsy and Mick Jenkins. “ I draw a lot of influence from No Name and Mick cause I think they’re just the coldest out here. That’s whom I want on my project, the coldest artists,” said Saba.

 He is putting emphasis on the production side of the project going all out by learning new instruments. “I just want to get away from the stuff I made in my basement and make this more of an actual project,” said Saba. The tape will be produced by Cam from Jusitice League who has produced some of Chance’s music in the past few years.

Saba is starting to generate a lot of buzz even before his performance at the music garage. He has hopped on tracks with other local rappers like Chance The Rapper. Saba appeared on Chance’s Acid Rap tape on the track, Everybody’s Something, which also featured BJ The Chicago Kid. He's been drawing influence from artists like Bone Thugs n Harmony, Pharell, and Twista. Saba attributes his colorful lyricism to going to open mic events throughout the city every week which helps him write his lyrics. Saba as well draws a lot of influence as far as delivery from East Coast Rappers.

Saba credits his growing reputation to not only the work he’s done but his team, Pivot. “Pivot you know we just make a lot of music,” said Saba. “We had a goal of making 300 tracks in one summer and got to 170 or something. Without Pivot I don’t think none of us would be on the scene and that is jus a credit to the hard work we’ve put in,” said Saba.Saba’s creative and colorful lyricism along with is strong delivery will keep him rising to the top as one of Chicago’s best lyricist. “2014 won’t be my year but it will definitely be a big year for me and Pivot,”

  Check out his Saba's Soundcloud here and follow him on twitter @sabaPIVOT

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The Natural Way: What's Society's Problem With Our Natural Hair Anyways?

  By Akira D.

  “Wow, did you see her hair?” Why did she cut it?” “Ooohh Girl your hair sure is nappy…kinky…cute?” The comments you just read may sound all too familiar, if you have done 1 of the 3 examples listed:

1. “The Big Chop”

2. In the process of growing out your relaxer/perm

3. Or you may have never had a relaxer/perm.

  As individuals question women about their natural hair and what does it signify to the all natural women? Our answers may indeed vary, from “My hair is damaged” to “I just wanted a new hairstyle” to “I can take a shower now without putting on a shower cap because the moisture helps my fro look even better.”

Now even if women with natural hair explain that to individuals who still do not comprehend why being natural works for us. Individuals still continue to ask and make silly statements like “Girl, what did your man have to say about your, hair?” “Do guys even like women with short and nappy hair” or my personal favorite from a random fine black sir “You’re pretty for a girl with natural hair.” And, yes I have personally heard all of these comments from friends, family and strangers on the street.

In one breath when I first did the “Big Chop” I expected people to be understanding and think that short hair is naturally beautiful. Instead I received a series of questions from a loved one that asked, “What are you going to do to your hair now? Are you just going to leave it like that? What style is that? How do you think others are going to react to your hair, now that you cut it all off?” Even though others did not seem to understand why I wanted my hair to be short and why I choose to remain a natural?

I explained to friends, family and others who asked about my hair that “I love my hair; it has created a new sense of self that I didn’t have before, I feel more empowered as a black woman and most importantly it makes me feel beautiful.”So why don’t we just cut to the chase, why it is that society has a problem with women/men who have natural hair?

After doing some research I found Luke Visconti’s column, Ask the White Guy. Visconti is the founder and CEO of Diversity Inc, he is a nationally recognized leader in diversity management. Individual’s may ask Visconti tough questions about race/culture, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability and age and can expect smart, direct and perfectly frank answers.

The question that was asked of Visconti’s was “Do Blacks need to relax their natural hair to get promoted?”, even though this question may seem obvious to most or may cause some type of disagreement between one another. He answers this question direct with a simple statement. “There’s no doubt in my mind that African-American men and women have been overlooked for a job position because of natural hair or darker skin color. Psychological tests show that most people, trust people who look like them. Since white men run most corporations in this country, straightened hair and/or lighter skin is going to be an advantage (disturbing, but let’s keep it real). However, allowing a bias like this to go unchecked is detrimental to business, as hair texture has no connection to talent or ability. An inability to manage past immaterial things like this makes a company less competitive.” Visconti says.

With Visconti explaining his answer, he brings up that psychological test that  have shown that people trust people who look like themselves. How do black women with natural hair fit into this arena of where they can’t be trusted? Well let’s take a step back and think of negative words that maybe associated with women who have natural hair. A few come to my mind, like unruly, difficult, unprofessional, lazy and unmanageable. Now do any of these words associated with hair, do they necessarily describe the individual whose head it is on? Of course not, our hair does not define who we are it is just a part of who we are as individuals.

 Our hair should not be a reasoning as too why we cannot work in “Corporate America”, or any other place where the employer may feel uncomfortable with our hair. Our hair, is not applying for the job we are and we should not be judged before we even have a chance to introduce ourselves.

So, what is the solution? How can black women and men and their natural hair be accepted in the workplace, at home, social events and etc.? We can begin by educating those around us about our choice and what it signifies for us as black women and men. We also need to understand that even if we explain our reasoning to why we choose to wear our hair a certain way; individuals will still question us about our choice.

The best thing that we can say is “What’s already been explained has already been understood by me. And that is all that matters.” We can find a job that accepts our natural hairstyle, by applying to companies who embrace diversity and who are choosing to accept their employee’s for uniqueness and individuality.

The Natural Way is not all about getting in touch with your roots at all times and it isn’t about people asking silly questions that may make you feel like less of a person. The Natural Way is a journey in its self, which will cause you to reevaluate, recommit and rediscover yourself.

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Fall Trends of 2013

With all these hot days we've been having, many of us have forgotten all about fall and all the goodies it brings to the fashion world.  In this post I'll mention some fashion trends for both men and women.  All of these trends were heavily shown in this year's New York Fashion week and also were reinforced by Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, GQ Magazine, as well as Glamour Magazine. Ladies First.

1. Gray is the new black

Although black will never truly go away, gray is making itself some stiff competition this season.  From slate to charcoal gray all sorts of shades were seen at this year's Fashion Week. Many designers even paired gray with more gray with models wearing it from head to toe. Try not to let all this gray damper your mood, but give it a try.

2. Winter White

 This trend isn't for my messy readers.  Winter white is the white you can and definitely should be wearing post Labor Day ladies.  It's not a crisp as regular white, but it'll definitely give you the same chicness.   Give this look a try, but stay away from all toddlers and juices. 

3. Knit Beanies This is such a great unisex pick up for most students. This look is practical for your ears and affordable for your pocket. Instead of just wearing it during a chill outing, to spice up a fancy outfit sport it. The major contrast is what makes it so hot this season.

4. Classic Patterns

 Enough with all the tribal prints and chevron already!  Many designers showed pieces with simple pinstripes, plaids, and our bestie leopard. A classic and for sure and my definite favorite is hounds-tooth  That's the floral of fall ladies so be on the lookout.

5. Over-the-knee boots

Not only did we love the boot-sandal mash up over the summer. Fall has upped it's annty with this trend. It's cute to wear with your fave pair of jeans or a skirt. Completely comfy too. If you wanna give this look a try prior to buying the boots, try your ankle boots with a pair of those leather leggings you have lying around.

6. Turtle Necks

 Although not the coolest thing when we were younger, the turtle neck is on the come up. Definitely a cute mix with a pattern coat.  Claire Huxtable is somewhere elated. Purchasing a couple of these in some standard solids will have you both fashion forward and nice and toasty.

7. Green The stand out color of this season. With so many shades there's a green for everyone. From forest to jade, find your green and add touches of it to your wardrobe.  Pantone suggested emerald as the color of 2013, and they definitely didn't let us down. 

There you have seven major trends for women. Fall will be all about the minimal bling and strong lines.  Shall we start with the men..

1. Statement Scarves   Bold neckwear choices can make a chill outfit look alot cooler.  This trend won't be hard to accomplish, soon enough you'll be seeing scarves everywhere.  You'll be both on trend and making your mom's happy by staying warm. 

2. Camo   As cliche as its become its very popular for the fall. Soldiers are still very much in style. Wanna get this look? Trade in a pair of shorts for a jacket and you'll be right on trend for fall.  Make sure you give me a salute.

  3. Burgundy  Subtle touches of this color will definitely have you looking trendy. It's one of the major colors to be on the lookout for.  We know it as burgundy, but the big wigs in the fashion world refer to it as Ox Blood, and that just sounds so much cooler, or is it just me?

4. Black Leather  Sharp cuts and strong lines are in with tailoring making a forefront in this year's NY fashion week. That black panther look is making a comeback, but really.  Avoid head to toe leather simply because it seems a bit constricting. You can never go wrong in black, trust me the ladies love it.

5. Plaid

 Now this isn't for you to go out and buy an entire plaid outfit.  Really like this trend? A well tailored pair of plaid pants will send a fashionable young lady to the moon. If you're more modest, a plaid scarf, tie, or hat will set you right on trend.

6. Cuffed Pants Not only are people cuffing jeans with oxfords or your fave pair of gym shoes. This trend has even made it to sweats. The cheapest trend of the season by far. Cuff those pants guys, it's cool again. Trust me.

7. Backpacks

Fashion has finally met function. Backpacks are great for students, guys with jobs, or going to the gym. We are definitely team backpacks. Lets just leave it at that.

The Rap Up- Fashion is all about repetition and mixing what you already have with a few new pieces.  With these trends you won't have to break the bank while maintaining a fashionable front for your friends. You don't have to wear all of these trends, but adding a few to your wardrobe will spice up your appearance for fall, for sure. 

  Love Always, 

Deshauna.