Jay-Z

By Souleo There is a reason why rising hip-hop sensation J. Cole, who is signed to Jay-Z's Roc Nation label, was our featured model for our 2009 "Fresh for Fall" campaign. The dude looks good in our gear and so can you when you style it as seen below.

Get comfortable with these straight leg Levis

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/mens/bottoms/levis-511-jean/51112?color=Blue

You can never go wrong with a plaid shirt and this Mecca design proves the point:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/mens/tops/mecca-arctic-woven/M810232?color=Blue

These Adidas with a suede overlay and synthetic lining for comfort balance the look:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/mens/footwear/adidas-roundhouse-mid-sneaker/G20039?color=Black

Finally because there is still a chill in the air you'll need this Mecca jacket with epaulette detail ad perforated detailing throughout:

http://www.jimmyjazz.com/mens/outerwear/mecca-surplus-jacket-sizes-l-3x-/M810900?color=Black

Now this is a look that Jay-Z can co-sign too.

DJ Scratch: "There are smoke and mirrors in the clubs"

By Souleo If you want an honest opinion on today's music scene sometimes your best bet is to ask the DJ (as long as they are not involved in Payola). The deejay reigns supreme as the gatekeeper of music with an influential position to make or break a record. DJ Scratch whose credits include Diddy, Jay-Z, The Roots and more represented for all DJ's by winning $250,000 and the title of "Master" on the Centric Network's Smirnoff reality series, "Master of the Mix." DJ Scratch kept it real with JimmyJazz.com as he revealed the challenges behind-the-scenes of the show, why youth need to see the struggle and why the clubs ain't what they used to be.

On the "draining" competition:

It was physically draining. They didn't get to show it but in the Las Vegas challenge we were in 115 degree heat for seven hours in the sun and then we had to DJ. In all of our usual careers we don't do that. We will be in a hotel room under air conditioning and have everything set-up before we get on. So it took us out of our spoiled environments and took it back to paying the dues.

On what it takes to be successful:

On the come up you pay dues. I went on tour with Run DMC in 1998 in Australia and Japan. I had no hotel room. I took showers and ate at the venues so that's paying dues. That's why I was able to get through all of the behind the scenes stuff because I been through that. If they get a second season they need to show the struggle. Too many kids see the success but not the struggle and that's important.

On what it takes to get the club poppin':

A lot of DJ's can't blend at all. They use sound effects or scream on the microphone like Ralph Kramden to distract from their lack of mixing. There are smoke and mirrors in the clubs. An underground DJ who understands the art can play an Usher throwback and then go into the original Dionne Warwick sample and the crowd still rocks with it because it's the same music. Most of them won't know that song is a sample so they enjoy the original as well as the Usher version.

By Souleo w/assistance from Melissa Santaella. It's all black everything when it comes to Jay-Z's winter look.

The superstar rapper and entrepreneur keeps it simple starting out with this Decibel v-neck:

It's all about layering and to stay warm nothing does it like an Essentials thermal cardigan with ribbed trims:

There was a time when hip-hop was all about the sagging pants but more and more A-list stars are opting for a classic straight leg style like these Levis jeans:

You can never forsake making a statement with your footwear and sleek Jordans featuring internal PU midsole and eyelets for durability do just the trick:

Finally it's all about the stitching in this Essentials jacket and hoodie:

By Souleo When the biggest and brightest celebrities from the urban entertainment scene want to party one of the people they call is party promoter, Cedrick Pierre. As the CEO of Elite Entertainment Marketing Group, Cedrick has hosted all kinds of parties from holiday themed ones to extravagant birthday parties and in the process has partied alongside the likes of Jay-Z and Beyonce. With his drive and marketing talent he is definitely one to watch since his party doesn't seem nowhere near its end. Read on to discover how this young entrepreneur impressed Jay-Z, how Trey Songz put him in his place, dealing with the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake crisis and more.

On getting props from Jay-Z:

My favorite one would have to be a party I did with Jay-Z. It was last Halloween at the 40/40 club. I met him and I met Beyonce. Jay-Z shook my hand and said, "Thanks, you made me a lot of money today." I just found that to be something that stuck in my head for quite some time and he's never forgotten me since then. So I kind of like that.

On learning that he can't compete with Trey Songz:

The second party I did at the 40/40 was on the day before Thanksgiving which is also Trey Songz' birthday. So I had to learn the hard way that I can't compete with Trey Songz and I failed pretty hard that night. Only 500 people showed up to my party that night to a club that can hold 2,000.

On how his young age has been an obstacle to overcome:

A lot of clubbers don't hire a promoter my age because they'd rather hire a guy that has been in the game 20 or 30 years. It came to a point where you have no choice but to give me a chance and once you give me a chance, I'm not going to let you down. So I've managed to build a reputation for myself.

On the international party scene:

We've done the Dominican Republic, Acapulco, Aruba and Jamaica. For this year's Spring break we actually went on tour with MTV. Overseas they are crazier because you don't really have to worry about laws, where people can't do this or that. Everybody is free and they can do whatever they want. I'd have to say they're definitely crazy.

On how the Haiti earthquake affected his family:

I had my sister, my cousins and nephew out in Haiti and they were affected pretty bad. My nephew is actually living with me now and hopefully my sister will be coming over soon, but they managed to pick themselves up. We do our best everyday to maintain and to get by because by nature we are a strong people. But to know that your own flesh and blood is suffering-I don't think you overcome that until they are okay. So it has made me a little more motivated. Sometimes I forget how many opportunities I have in this country and it's crazy not to make the best of it.

By Souleo Not everyone wants to dress like Lady Gaga and that includes rising hip-hop artist, Donnis. His style is a far cry from Lady Gaga and one marked by comfort, splashes of bright colors and trademark glasses and hats. Donnis, a formerly active member of the United States Air Force is buzzing in the industry after several notable highlights including opening for the likes of T.I. and Erykah Badu, securing a spot on the coveted Freshman 2010 cover of XXL Magazine and receiving praise for his Fashionably Late EP. The EP features his versatile rhymes that are playful one minute and brutally honest and emotional the next. It's matched up against equally dexterous beats that range from club ready southern anthems to top 40 jams.

We picked Donnis' fashion brain and discovered the one outfit that turned girls off, a bad case of yellow pants fashion disaster, why he refuses to go the way of Lady Gaga and more.

On how bad fashion sense prevented him from getting girls:

When I was super young I used to go to the skating rink and I used to wear the same outfit there every time. I used to wear these baggy cross-colored shorts and I used to think it was the coolest s*** ever. I used to wonder why aren't girls talking to me? It was because I was wearing the same damn outfit every Friday. So they probably thought I had no clothes. So now I like to switch up the outfits.

On how he almost ruined his fashion game:

About a year and a half ago I went back to the colored pants. I wore some mustard yellow pants I copped from American Apparel and I shouldn't have did that. I'm back on my regular jean game now.

On why you'll never catch him rocking anything Lady Gaga might wear:

I like to be comfortable with everything that I wear. I like my style to be very classic and traditional. I might go throwback a little bit but nothing too crazy. I'm not going to Lady Gaga it.

On how Jay-Z inspired him to get a Hawaiian shirt:

I was definitely the hip-hop kid with the extra baggy pants. I remember wanting to be fashionable when Jay-Z released the "Big Pimpin'" video. I saw him on that boat and I was like "Yo! I gotta get a Hawaiian shirt. What the hell am I doing ? I'm not cool, Jay-Z is the coolest." So I went from that to finding my own personal style. Now I try to be a trendsetter with my accessories.

On shopping at jimmy Jazz:

When I first moved to New York, Jimmy Jazz was one of the first stores I went to. I had a girlfriend who lived on 104^th St. & Amsterdam Avenue so I used to walk my ass right up to Harlem and get me some Jimmy Jazz stuff. I used to run in there and get my kicks because they always have good deals on the kicks. That was when I was a big sneaker head.

Check out Donnis’ performance of his single, “I Made It,” here:

By Souleo. If Grammy Award-winning recording artist/producer, David Banner has his way we will soon be asking where did all the pop stars go.  Known for his lyrical wit, high energy and skilled production credits (T.I.'s "Rubberband Man") David has teamed up with fellow hip-hop heavyweight producer, 9^th Wonder (Little Brother, Jay-Z, Beyonce) for the collaborative album Death of a Pop Star. The thought provoking collection is a look at the state of the music industry and the devaluing of music driven by a lack of substance.

It's a hot topic but David is not one to bite his tongue.  Yesterday he gave us his tips on style for big and tall men and today he talked his love for Burberry, never thinking he'd make it this far in the industry, his thick pleasure tool and more.

Stop the hype: The beef against south music.

I wish I could: I want to be invisible so I could sneak into my favorite actress' room and watch her get dressed.

Currently crazy about: God of War III.

Favorite brand/designer: Burberry because they are the only top line of clothes that make clothing for big men.  Even when I lose weight and I'm in shape I'm very muscular.  So it's hard to find shirts that fit my shoulder width and arms.

Five years from now: I want to own a professional basketball team in Mississippi.

When I was younger: I would have never dreamed I'd be doing the stuff that I am doing now from acting in movies to producing Gatorade commercials.  That's what I mean by the power of God.  There is no losing for me anymore even if nothing else happens for me again but I know it will.

If I were the opposite sex: I would probably be attracted to me.

One thing that makes me a good lover: Width and girth.

For more information please visit:

www.david-banner.com

www.9thwonderpresents.com

By Souleo. Everywhere you turn whether you're petite, curvy, average sized or big and tall there is always some so-called fashion expert enforcing a list of do's and don'ts to help you develop the right style.  If you're Grammy Award-winning recording artist/producer, David Banner you boldly disregard such advice.  While promoting his new collaborative album with producer, 9^th Wonder (Little Brother, Jay-Z and Beyonce) David noted that big and tall men need to follow their own inner style guide.

"I realized that most of the guidelines for fashion come from people who have limitations.  Once they get in a power position they put those limits on others because it works for them.  I think once you're comfortable with who you are you see that fashion has to do with you.  It is internal and once others see your swagger they will be trying to figure out what you do," he said.

One of David's best tips for big and tall men to begin developing their own sense of style is by shopping early at their favorite stores for the widest selection of choices possible.

"Being big you have to shop early and know when a new line is coming out.  The big sizes especially for name brands go quick.  So for the everyday guy who has some money to spend on fashion during the recession be on it and be in the stores."

In the end whether or not you have money to shop doesn't matter to David so long as you maintain confidence as your best accessory.

"True fashion isn't something you buy.  It's something that just is so if you don't have it then it's nothing.  I can stand here buck naked and be a fashion icon 'cause I just am."

Now that's the kind of confidence that men and women of every size can use a little more of when it comes to style.

For more information please visit:

www.david-banner.com

www.9thwonderpresents.com

Check out David's work producing, arranging and writing the Gatorade theme song "Evolve" as performed by Kermit Quinn here:

One of the best things about Rocawear is that you get a piece of Jay-Z with the urban fashion collection, like the recent "Empire State of Mind" tee we blogged about earlier this week, but that was just a taste.

The brand, which of coarse is owned by Hovi, released more silk screen tees inspired by the Marcy Projects rapper. The tees have song titles and references from some of Jay-Z's biggest songs, like "Can't Knock the Hustle", "Empire State of Mind", "Dead Presidents", among several others. Obviously, these tees are limited edition, so shop now before they are all gone!

Mens Winter Fashion Tip: It's cold out there and we don't want you getting sick. Wear a thermal under your tee. Available in multiple colors at JimmyJazz.com.

Dead Presidents Tee by Rocawear

LETS TAKE IT BACK: Reasonable Doubt is without question one of the best hip-hop albums of all time. Beats, rhymes, a witty Jay-Z, and the blueprint for making money. Here's the original video for "Dead Presidents":

One of the best sayings in the streets (and maybe just in general) is "you can't knock the hustle". A simple quote to live by with so much meaning that was made famous from Jay-Z. Now where those words on your sleeve... literally.

Can't Knock the Hustle tee by Rocawear

LETS TAKE IT BACK: Just like "Dead Presidents", "Can't Knock The Hustle" was also featured on Reasonable Doubt. The classic features the Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige.

Jay-Z Photo Source: Roc4Life.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