Events

By Souleo.

Hip-hop was out in full force, quite literally that is, at the 2009 OutMusic Awards held in NYC this past Tuesday at the legendary Webster Hall.  The event was presented by the LGBT Recording Academy in partnership with Logo/MTV network.  JimmyJazz.com was on hand to check in on the state of LGBT hip-hop.  It is a scene that is emerging into the mainstream very slowly but surely thanks to the persistence of LGBT urban artists and their straight allies in the mainstream such as Kanye West, who earlier this year criticized his peers for their homophobia.

For Pony Zion, the lead choreographer/dancer of MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew,” team finalist, Vogue Evolution, eliminating homophobia is crucial to fully integrating LGBT artists into the hip-hop scene.

“We should be further out there than we are.  If there was less homophobia and more focus on talent then BET, MTV and Logo could unite on more projects.  There are some things we can’t do ‘cause of homophobia,” he said.

Former American Idol finalist and openly gay R&B recording artist, Anwar Robinson agrees that homophobia is still a major barrier but is even more challenging for his fellow R&B/soul artists.

“With R&B there is a heterosexual romanticism which makes it a lot more difficult because they immediately link it to appealing to females,” he said.

The issue of homophobia was quite timely considering the new controversial lyrics from rapper, Eminem.  This is not Eminem’s first time coming under fire in the LGBT community for homophobic lyrics.   This time around he has targeted American Idol alumni and pop stars, Clay Aiken, Adam Lambert and former N’Sync member, Lance Bass.  In his new song, “Elevator” Eminem raps:

Sorry Lance, Mr. Lambert and Aiken ain’t gonna make it/They get so mad when I call them both fake/It’s all these f****** voices in my head, I can’t take it…”

Many are suggesting that the phrase “fake/It's” sounds phonetically like "faggots."  In response to the rapper’s latest controversy famed gossip columnist of the Village Voice, Michael Musto had a few choice words for Eminem.

“From the beginning I’ve been one of the few people saying Eminem may be brilliant but he is homophobic.  We have to stop making excuses.  I was really angry when Elton John did that duet with him at the Grammy’s and made it okay to like Eminem.  I think he really has a problem and he needs to just take it up the a** and get over it,” he said.

Overcoming homophobia is one of the most challenging issues facing the LGBT urban music community, but many left the awards show feeling uplifted and inspired that with a lot more hard work LGBT artists will soon find mainstream acceptance.

“It’s revolutionary and much awaited.  There are so many different audiences for our music and it's time for it.  People don’t realize it’s happening but this is the revolution,” said Anwar.

For more information please visit:  www.outmusic.com

By Souleo.

(Pictured Above: ROCKSMITH X FLuD Table Turns)

It is time to get grown and sexy according Flud Watches’ CEO, Doug Cohen and brand manager, Mel Peralta.  At an exclusive preview of the company’s 2009 Winter collection for press and stylists, JimmyJazz.com got a sneak peek at the new line and learned from Mel that this collection is all about representing the new level of maturity in the hip-hop world.

“I think it’s cool to be an older in style dude.  Rappers like Ghostface Killah or Jay-Z are still dope and relevant and selling records.  So we do have youth inspired pieces but this new collection gives the teenage guys and the kids just out of college with that first real gig something that fits their career and lifestyle change.  They are wearing more buttoned up shirts and cardigans.  It isn’t just about the baggy jeans and t-shirts and this new line reflects that transition,” Mel said.

The “grown and sexy” look is already receiving rave reviews from those within hip-hop such as rising lyricist and producer, David E. Beats.

“I like the hip-hop influence and the fact that it goes with any outfit, even the higher end ones.  They look understated which is the look I like to go for,” he said.

To attain this new look the collection is all about mixed materials and reinterpreting pieces with leather, silicone and stainless steel mesh bands to add versatility and flavor to each new design.  A few of the featured highlights include tricolored movements and the instantly popular, THN watch which features no hands.

Mel also revealed that beginning in March there will be one major featured collaborator per month for all of 2010.  Could JimmyJazz.com be one of them?!  Time will tell (no pun intended).

You can check out a few previews from the line below.

NEGATIVE SPACE

THE EXCHANGE

By Souleo.

If you thought hip-hop was one dimensional, think again.  Newcomer and Toronto rapper, Shaun Boothe is out to showcase all of the different elements of hip-hop and his persona in 3-D fashion.   JimmyJazz.com was in attendance to witness the premiere of his new video “Poor Boy,” at New York’s Bryant Park Hotel Screening Room.

Shaun Boothe “Poor Boy” Video Trailer:

The event was hosted by Hot 97 and MTV personality, Cipha Sounds who kicked it off in his usual humorous style.  Cipha Sounds noted that he had to support Shaun Boothe based on his creative concept of utilizing 3-D and his unauthorized biography series, where Shaun raps out the biography of noted figures such as Diddy, Oprah Winfrey, Bob Marley and others.

“You need some concept because everybody can make music now.  So getting CD’s used to be rare and you would know it was good for the money and effort, but now it’s hard to get through the muck.  I think Shaun has a creative concept that will get a lot of people’s attention,” Cipha said.

Already Shaun has attracted the attention of many industry tastemakers who were in attendance to witness the video première.  While 3-D glasses were inexplicably not given out we were able to witness the video and all of its colorful and energetic visuals.  We would have loved to have gotten the full effect but we at least got to hear a talented new hip-hopper arriving on the scene with a catchy and hard-hitting single.

Shaun Boothe’s Unauthorized Biography of Sean Combs:

For Shaun Boothe, the inspiration behind the 3-D concept was all about stepping outside of the limits of hip-hop.

“I’m a diverse person and as artists we get forced into a box.  When I’m in a box I punch air holes in it.  So I’m packaging it so they get all sides of me and not just one,” he said.

One side that Shaun Boothe is not afraid to show is his vulnerable side.

“As rappers we have this superman complex that as an artist you’re bigger than human and perfect and polished.  The reality is when I’m on stage I try to become bigger than life but still want to show my weaknesses and vulnerabilities,” he said.

One such insecurity he must grapple with is the reality being a starving independent artist.

“When you’re an artist and put everything on the line that’s the biggest gamble on yourself and dream.  I have friends who are lawyers and doing things and I'm still here grinding and struggling pursuing my dream.  It is hard sometimes to accept that I don’t have the monetary stuff to validate who I am but I know that I’m doing what I love and looking back with no regrets,” he said.

Shaun Boothe is definitely moving forward and helping to usher in the new hip-hop talent arriving from Canada, one dimension at a time.  Shaun is currently finishing up his debut album and plans to embark upon a 3-D hip-hop tour in 2010.  It all sounds exciting but just make sure next time we get a pair of 3-D glasses.

For more information on Shaun please visit: www.myspace.com/shaunboothe

On November 19th, the multi-talented musician and humanitarian, Wyclef, came by our Jimmy Jazz store on 442 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY. The Haitain-born, Wyclef help launch the new Timberland® Earthkeepers™ Yéle Haiti Collection at our store by greeting fans and signing autographs. As mentioned in our previous post, the cool thing about each Yéle Haiti boot sold is that $2 will be donated to Wyclef's Yéle Haiti organization to support reforestation in his homeland of Haiti. So basically you get to look cool and help help others... you can't beat that!!

Here are some photos from the event. Also don't forget to cop Clef's latest release, From The Hut, To The Projects To The Mansion, Available now!

Fans anxiously wait outside 442 Fulton Street for Wyclef to make his entrance.

Jimmy Jazz crew is suited up for the event.

Wyclef gets into swing of things right away.

The crowed continues to grow into the late evening.

Wyclef wraps up the event with a picture perfect group shot with the Jimmy Jazz crew.

Jimmy Jazz is excited to announce a cool partnership with Timberland and Grammy award-winning musician, humanitarian and former-member of The Fugees, Wyclef Jean. To help launch and promote Wyclef's signature Timberland Earthkeepers Yele Haiti boot collection, fans can drop by our Jimmy Jazz location on 442 Fulton Street in Brooklyn on Thursday, November 19th from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Clef will be on-site to talk about the Timberland collaboration and his  Yéle Haiti organization. Afterwards, he will conduct a meet and greet with Jimmy Jazz shoppers. Shoppers who purchase the Earthkeepers™ Yéle Haiti boot on 442  Fulton Street will receive a free CD copy of the brand-new mixtape EP DJ Drama Presents Wyclef Jean A.K.A. Toussaint St. Jean From The Hut To The Projects To The Mansion.

(Video Above) Wyclef Jean Presents Yéle Haiti Earthkeeper Line.

Jimmy Jazz is one of the first locations in the metro New York area to be carrying the Yéle Haiti collection, co-developed by Wyclef and Timberland under the popular Timberland® Earthkeepers™ line.  For every pair sold, $2 will be donated to Wyclef’s Yéle Haiti organization to support reforestation efforts in his homeland of Haiti. The Yéle Haiti collection is comprised of 16 styles of boots for men, women and kids, made from a variety of recycled and organic materials.

As summer vacation ends, school session begins, and Jimmy Jazz knows you’re looking for that fresh new look. On Saturday, August 1st  in New York City, sneaker guru Kiante “The Sneaker Mann” Young, held his event Kiante The Sneaker Mann’s Back 2 School Fashion Block Party, to help parents and teens do just that. 

1,000 attendees witnessed a fashion show, live paintings of honoring the late Michael Jackson, and plenty of giveaways from companies such as Sprite Green and Footlocker, sponsored by The Source Magazine. The event showcased fall fashion lines from Forever 21, Akademiks, Sabit, B. DES, Pastry, Adidas, Baby Phat/Phat Farm and many more. 

The Sneaker Mann is one of America’s foremost fashion and sneaker experts. He showcases the latest footwear trends on news shows across the United States. From athletic sneakers to fashion forward sneakers, Kiante knows his kicks. 

Earlier this week, the JimmyJazz.com crew had the privilege of attending the re-launch of Creative Recreation's showroom here in NYC. To celebrate the newly designed showroom, the Creative Recreation team gave attendees a sneak peek of their upcoming Spring 2010 footwear line for men, women and kids. Check out some of the pics below!

Creative Recreation footwear will soon be available at JimmyJazz.com. In the meantime, browse through our mens, women's, boys, and girls footwear selections at JimmyJazz.com.

Attention North Carolina! Jimmy Jazz is happy to announce 2 new store openings in the Charlotte area. To celebrate our new Northlake mall and Carolina Place mall openings, Jimmy Jazz, along with our friend No Limit Larry, from Power 98 FM's The Morning Maddhouse show will be broadcasting LIVE from our Carolina Place mall Jimmy Jazz locatio this Saturday, June 27th from 2pm-4pm.

Shop for the latest fashions, enjoy good hip-hop & r&b and hang out with our staff!!!

Event: Live In-Store Radio Broadcast with Power 98 FM's No Limit Larry (from The Morning Maddhouse) 

Date: Friday, June 27th

Time: 2pm-4pm

Place: Jimmy Jazz at the Carolina Place Mall, 11025 Carolina Place Parkway, Pineville, North Carolina 28134

Jimmy Jazz recently got hooked up to attend a exclusive listening session for Hurricane Chris' mega remix for "She's Fine (Halle Berry)". Features on the record include hip-hop heavyweights Lucacris, Lil' Boosie, Yung Joc and new Polo Grounds signees, Pitbull, Yo Gotti & C-Ride. 

Aside from the huge superstars on the track, the legendary Reggae singer, Beenie Man jumps on board and kills it! Check out some photos from the session! 

Hurricane vibes out to his own remix.

Beenie Man chops it up with Rick Ross and Polo Grounds Bryan Leach.

Beenie takes a quick second to cool off.