“Guru, a rapper from the pioneering hip-hop group Gang Starr, is in a coma after suffering a heart attack over the weekend; DJ Premier, the other half of Gang Starr, first confirmed the news on his Sirius Satellite Radio Show Sunday.” -Usmagazine

      Gangstar was a key source of ‘good’ hip-hop for me in high school. Some of my  high school days consisted of trying to educate people on what is “real” hip-hop. Even though I was no pioneer, I felt like being involved in the hip-hop/bboy culture made me a soldier for what I stood for. hahaha I guess I felt better  listeningto Gangstar instead of Nelly. It was just one of those things that separated you from the norm in high school trends. I mean…of course I wanted Nelly’s stuff to hit when I wanted to bump and grinndd…but…If  ’Full Clip’ turned on… 5 people would go nuts, but out of those five, I was included! Pushing people out of the way to get that circle going…but of course, they never played that at a high school dance. I would probably just have to settle and break dance to ‘Chronic 2001′, which wasn’t bad. Anyway; I’m just sharing  how Gangstar played a small role in my life.If you have a short story…lets hear it. Here’s a few of my favorite hits from Guru and Dj Premiere..GANGSTAR!

Friday, I had an opportunity to check out the opening reception of Haze’s gallery done in collaboration with Stussy, curated by Known Gallery. For those in the know, Haze really needs no introduction for his graff work in the streets of Manhattan’s West Side during the 70′s.

As an artist, it was no mystery what he wanted to set out to accomplish early on as a designer who roots were set in the Graff. From the streets of NY to artwork for the Beastie boys & EPMD, Haze’s handiwork can be seen and felt from many facets of differing cultures. His signaure handstyle and use of black and white, is instantly recognizable.

Going into the reception,the curation, exhibit and response were immense as well as refined. A lot of Ogs were in the building including: Revok, Mear, Abel, Risk. It was definitely nice to see the community gather together for such a fresh exhibit. The Stussy Haze collaboration project is an interesting one because it represents the union of two forces that have paid their dues in the grimey streets but continue to perpetuate to influence modern street culture and art, while having their roots etched very deep. Personally, I enjoy seeing Haze’s work on the street or a wall, where the subtle details of his work play on the context of its environment.

Cut Chemist was spinning some delicious Latin vinyl which set the mood.

One of the favorite pieces of the night…

Haze recap’s from Tokyo…