Soul Assassins Mash Up Radio "Monday Nights"

Soul Assassins "Mash Up" Radio Tonight 10-12 pm (est time) and
7-9 pm (Pac time) on SIRIUS SHADE 45 - PEEP IT!!

THIRSTIN HOWL THE 3RD & RACK-LO HITS CRASH MANSION IN NYC circa 2008

Thirstin Howl The 3rd & Rack-Lo live @ Crash Mansion (NYC) 2008

www.lolifes1988.com

www.spitfactoryonline.com

THIRSTIN HOWL THE 3RD & RACK-LO PERFORMS LIVE IN BOSTON @ DUNK EXCHANGE SAT JUNE 28, 2008

Come out and chill with the LEGENDS........................

http://www.thirstinhowlthe3rd.com/

http://www.lolifes1988.com/

DUNK EXCHANGE SNEAKER BATTLE, MIAMI 2008.... REVIEW

Sneakers and fly kicks have always been a staple in Hip Hop culture. From Bally Competitions to Spot Builts, Lotto's, 15 humdred New Balance, Gucci kicks, Dunks, Bubble Air Max, Asics, Saucony and of course the Run Dmc Addidas. But the list is non stop.

The love of sneakers was evident at Miami's dunk exchange snekaer battle on Sunday June 22, 2008. The placed was packed from wall to wall with sneaker fanatics of all races and ages. The competition was high as heads came through in majority sporting NIKE official foot wear. It was definitely a heavy presence of classic even vintage Air Jordans in the building. Mr. Jordan himself would have been proud.

From the custom designed kicks to the original NIKE manfactured types the colors were banging. I mean people literally came out in style as it relates to foot wear. It was definitely a sight to see. The sneaker culture is big and will only get bigger as sneaker lovers will continue to embrace new styles and designs for tomorrows fashion world.

As I walked around the event snapping photos of the banging kicks on display, the crowd was thick. Attendees was making their way back and forth toting multiple pairs of kicks with the purpose of going home the winner.

With a atmosphere filled with the hottest sneakers on and off the market, Thirstin Howl The 3rd and Rack-Lo (all the way from Brooklyn NY) took the stage and blessed the crowd with some Hip Hop gems. Rack-Lo even served as a judge in the sneaker comptition as well.

As far as the battle goes it was surprising because many females came out to represent. And when they came to the stage they definitely put in work. Some of the females did outdo some of the dudes kick wise and that's just the truth. But, beyond just NIKE being represented, XMAS APE came through with the classic filo cream tennis joints with the RL 2000 shoes. Those were in a class by themselves.

Also to top it off the DJ played nothing but that great ole mind blowing classic Hip Hop. That type of music set the scene so well as heads were in a trance. This event was on point and many elements of Hip Hop was repped. Graf Writers blazed canvasses creating murals that were candy to the eye. It was a good day and MIAMI came out represented and put it down. Now the world knows that MIAMI too got sick kick game.

Look for the next sneaker battle coming soon as DUNK EXCHANGE takes it to Boston. See you there! And make sure your kicks are classic!
SHOUTS OUTS:

Big up to Mi Gente Clothing, Dunk Exchange and all of the sponsors for putting on an outstanding event. Safe, what up kid? Keep doing your thing. Also to Skillionaire recording Artists Thirstin Howl The 3rd, Rack-Lo, Grieco and Box-Lo.

http://www.lolifes1988.com/
http://www.spitfactoryonline.com/

PEDIGREE CHUMPS "SO FAR SO DRUNK" NEW COMPILATION ALBUM COMING SOON

Critical Beatdown Promotions
"Reppin The Real Hiphop"

Coming soon

The Pedigree Chumps
"So Far So Drunk"

The Compilation Cd featuring around 18 tracks of Pedigree Hiphop..Featuring the best tracks from the 2 very ltd edition vinyl eps and about 10 new or previously unreleased joints..

Track listing includes

Yeah,Yeah,Yeah
Bar Brawl
The X-Fam
The Morning After
Oldfools Oldskool
Intoxicated Munkiez
Drink Religion
Rock The Party
The 4 Fuckups

and many more..

More info coming very soon....

mrcrf@cbmag.co.uk

MIGENTE CLOTHING PRESENTS: THIRSTIN HOWL THE 3RD LIVE IN MIAMI, JUNE 22, 2008

Rack-Lo will also be live along side Thirstin Howl The 3rd rocking this event. This is one of the illest sneaker battles ever. After Miami, we'll be hitting Boston and then NYC. Come out and rep with the legends.




http://www.thirstinhowlthe3rd.com/

http://www.lolifes1988.com/

DJ Chong Wizard "Hell's Kitchen" Raekwon the Chef -VS- Mobb Deep

DJ Chong Wizard Classic CD "Hell's Kitchen". Exclusive Raekwon the Chef spittin over Mobb Deep beats. A must buy @ www.myspace.com/djchongwiz

Polo Ralph Lauren Profit Rises (Reuters)

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Clothing maker and retailer Polo Ralph Lauren Corp (RL.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) reported a higher quarterly profit on Wednesday, helped by strong sales, a lower tax rate and acquisitions.
Net income rose to $103.5 million, or $1.00 per share, in the company's fiscal fourth quarter, ended March 29, from $73.2 million, or 68 cents per share, a year ago.
The company, whose brands include Polo, Chaps and Club Monaco, said net revenue increased to $1.24 billion from $1.03 billion a year ago, as higher wholesale and retail sales offset a decline in licensing revenue.
The company affirmed its outlook for fiscal 2009, saying it still sees full-year earnings of $3.95 to $4.05 per share on revenue expected to increase by a low-to-mid single digit percentage rate.
For the first quarter, Polo said it expects revenue to grow at a low-to-mid single digit rate and its operating margin to fall 3 to 4 percentage points.




Reuters....

Rack-Lo Presents: The Life Of Lo "Award" Fashion Inspired

Building this Lo empire to today's momemtum wasn't an easy task. Throughout the 80's, 90's and new millenium we have started and continue to rep the Lo all hands down. Seeing the Lo culture surface in places such as; New Zealand, Sweden, Australia, Norway, London, Switzerland and all across The United States of America is an amazing thing.

With it all originating in Brooklyn New York, Brownsville and Crown Heights respectively this movement is showing no signs of slowing down. I mean this Lo movement has found its way through generations of Lo heads and even our kids have begun to have a taste for Ralphies garments. It's so deep that eventually I'll have grand kids who will be rocking and collecting Lo pieces. And you know Grandpa Lo will be schooling them on the realness. The official Lo legacy baby!!

As the fashion world already knows, The Lo-Lifes created a street fashion institution that has mirrored itself in surburbia big time. See that's the connection right there, fashion is universal it speaks to everyone. In saying that, this Lo movement has undoutedly united people of all colors and economic backgrounds. This culture has affected poor people to rich kids who are fascinated by our dress code. And guess what, it's all "Love & Loyalty" May the movement continue to grow and expand.

As I have been telling some other live Lo heads that we were about to take the movement to different heights. So the "Life of Lo" award will be giving to an official Lo head who has demonstrated his or her style and continue to do so. They have repped the Lo consistently and in some way or another is adding to the culture. So being recognized as a nominee for the "Life of Lo" award means that you have appeal, a Lo mansion and you stay fly. The Lo down from head to toe motto is what I'm talking about.

Note: The Life Of Lo Award will be giving at out one of our future Lo events coming soon!!

Vote for the nominee that you think reps the hardest at;

www.lodownarticles.blogspot.com - The winner will be based on your votes strictly!

So the 2008, Life of Lo award nominees are;

1. Meyhem Lauren
2. Oprime (VGA)
3. Wiggz-Lo
4. Ceez-Lo
5. Chappa-Lo

LL's Up!

Sneaker Addicts (Paris) & Dr. Medzoo Presents: Rack-Lo "Get Lo" Vandals

The miraculous one Rack-Lo teams up with the illest custom kick designers out of Paris France, Sneaker Addicts & Dr. Medzoo. Together, they create the Lo-Life inspired Get Lo vandals. These kicks symbolizes what Rack-Lo stood for "Money, Hoes & Clothes" and now what he stands for "Money, Power & Respect".

Laced with the original Lo-Life cookie emblem on the back surface with Rack-Lo's signature towards the front these are classics for sure. Sneaker lovers all over the place would like to get their hands on a pair of these joints. They are comfortable and can be worn with almost any colored outfit as the colors are in variety.

This is just the beginning of the Rack-Lo "Get Lo"Vandals. Look for the 2nd edition as we contiue with the series. The 2nd edition is in development as we speak.

To get your pair w/free shipping log onto www.spitfactoryonline.com/shoescontent.htm

Spit Factory Presents: Backwood Bullies

Spit Factory Presents :Backwood Bullies

(Happy Lungz & Sess Spicoli) two notorious weed

puffers are here to put their stamp on the genre of
music. Comprised of a 2 the hard way type of flows

and verbal appealing chemistry, they bring forth styles

and creative ideas that prove to be entertaining.

Representing Brooklyn (Happy Lungz) and New Jersey

(Sess Spicoli) they combined to bring you the the most

entertaining tales of choking on that good ole greenery.

Puffers and blazers of all kinds will appreciate the lingo,

slang, concepts and momentum and energy of these artists.
Already creating a buzz, with the release of their highly sort

after mixtape "Smoker's Bible", Backwood Bullies are on their

way to rising to the top. With featured gems such as; "The Dealer",

"Reefer Man", "Weed Hunt", "Spark Up The Fire", "Mary Jane"

and "Titties in my Mouth" proves that these artists are here to stay.

With story telling abilities combined with high grade textures and beats provided bysome of todays trail blazing producers, peep the bullies.
Backwood Bullies are simply the "Cheech and Chong" of Hip Hop and have entered the game to entertain all puffers alike with creative, quality driven and banging tales of getting twisted.
Although the good ole greenery is what sparked this Hip Hopcollective, their song topics are universal. They bring you into their worlds and demonstrate pure skill on the microphone.
Look for Backwood Bullies to be one of the best Hip Hoptag teams (2 man group) to do this. Anticipate their album titled "Smoker's Therapy" coming in 2008. Their highly critically acclaimed mixtape "Smoker's Bible" is heating up the streets and internet protals all over the world. So as we sign off, puffresponsibly and know your limits. And no we don't glorify
puffing, but it's something that we do and entertain with well. So enjoy this get high because Backwood Bullies would be selling the best product on the block and to us the block is a universal mind state.

Cd on sale now @ www.spitfactoryonline.com/storecontent.htm

Polo BBQ 2008 "Thank You's w/Photos

Yo, I just want to touch base and say thanks to everyone who came out to the POLO BBQ and celebrated the 3rd annual with the Lo pioneers. I GUESS WE GOT LUCKY CONSIDERING THE WEATHER THE NIGHT BEFORE. It was a sight to see as the LO was everywhere and all colors. This event is something that I started promoting in 2006 and it has been picking up more and more momentum every year. Every year I see and meet new Lo heads.. This culture is big as hell. We are gonna keep it that way. So shout out to all of those who were in attendance.The Lo-Wives with the AMERICAN FLAG collection took the award for the Lo team/theme of the day. 2 L's Up to ya'LL! Overall, the vibes were good and hopefully everyone left in good spirits. It was ill to see Lo heads that was doing it live back in the 80's. To see that heads are still active, healthy and fly is a marvelous thing. And to all the young Lo heads, big ups. Ya'll are holding it down for real. And I respect the fact that even though heads are teenagers they are knowledgeable of their lo history and its association to the LL's. The 4th annual POLO BBQ is going to be even more monumental. There's a lot of great things in the works for the Lo movement. We are about to take it to the next level. 2009, will see many Lo events as we continue to share our lifestyle with world. So if you missed the 3RD ANNUAL POLO BBQ, you missed a great time. But hopefully you'll be able to join us on our next Lo extravaganza. JUST A FEW SHOUT OUTS TO THE SPONSORS; MODERN PHOTOGRAPHIX (CHAPPA LO), VGA (VINTAGE GEAR ADDICTS), SNEAKER ADDICTS (PARIS), DR. MEDZOO (PARIS), SOLACE (INDUSTRY SHAKEDOWN RADIO), LO-LIFES JAPAN, ZONE 5 & SPIT FACTORY

http://www.lolifes1988.com/

http://www.spitfactoryonline.com/

LL's Up!!

BLOOMINGDALES GOT RUSHED FOR POLO GEAR, EPISODE 1

Yo, I remember the day clearly like it was yesterday. 1988, Lo-Lifes linked up with other boostin clicks from Brooklyn and headed to Mid Town Manhattan. The rush was on. Our destination was Bloomingdales, but before we got to Bloomies we ransacked everything in sight. Hermans got taken for crazy ski apparel particularly HEAD & GORETEX. Heading up 3rd Avenue shit was about the get hectic. Heads were hungry for the Lo and we practically would do the craziest things to get it. We were like real stuntmen for the Lo gear. We hit Bloomingdales on 59th & 3rd Avenue and entered the mens Lo section like wolves.

It was an entire table full of Big Cross Flags and heads went crazy. We literally took every sweater and headed to the door. The sales person aint do nothing, but the dees was on the way. I had caught like 4 big flags myself and was crazy excited full of energy. Heads ran for the door and guess what we all made it outside safely. But I would say about 5 seconds after we exited the store, crazy store detectives appeared and started snatching heads up. Heads started running and taking flight. I even seen 1 Lo head from Bed stuy get thrown into a moving taxi cab by a store detective. The dees really tried to go all out on this day. But heads still went all the way to the end for that Lo gear. I would say about four or five of us were apprehended. The dees even chased one of the Lo-Lifes to the other side of Manhattan near Central Park.
On that day,they were like marathon runners. We took all of the big flags and they wanted their property back. But they still took a major lost. Yeah, I was one of those who got caught. I kicked a alias and was released. And guess what the next day I returned to Bloomingdales and caught 2 big flags. Ha Ha, who got the last laugh. While we were all in the holding cell, my man even stole his mug shot. Now that's a real thief right there. All those Lo-Lifes who had escaped were fortunate.I know when I got back around the way, I saw crazy big flags. So I was amped to get mines. Shit, I'm a true Lo-Life. It was just that way. Some days everyone got away scott free and on other days some people got caught. But if you was slick and clever like me, you always found a way to get released. I was a master at kicking aliases and giving a false age.

Bloomingdales kept getting rushed. We never let them rest. They hated to see us coming. We ran that spot. Bloomies was our house. From the kids Lo section to the men's Lo section.. that was all us. Stay tune for episode 2, the ski vest and polo goose rush at Bloomingdales..

LL's Up!

http://www.lolifes1988.com/

http://www.spitfactoryonline.com/

FASHION: THE 5TH ELEMENT OF HIP HOP

"Hip Hop it started out in the park, we use to do it out in the dark" and you know the rest. It was all about the music, captivating the crowd and audience with your sound systems, bombing and tagging at the lay ups and rackin up spray paint, markers and black books, b-boys break dancing with wind breakers with straight leg pants rock steady style on linoleum, dj's spinning records at block parties making spectators go into a frenzy, the club scene was hot and mc's battled daily for respect and rulership seeking to own the lyrical throne. Melle Mel changed the game and raised the bar on lyricism with the release of "The Message". And amongst all of these elements that collectively branched together a unison called Hip Hop, a fifth element would surface subtlely while co-existing silently and it's apart of us all and that element is fashion.
I remember the phase of the V bomber leather, sheep skin coats with the hat and gloves to match. Snorkles with the ski hat was catchy. The cazal frames without the lenses was ill. Ocean Pacific and Osh Kosh B Gosh was big in the hood. Hockey jerseys were sporty and Wallabees and British Walkers, and Bally's were some of the greatest foot wear rocked in the hood.

Along side Polo was Guess, Georges Marciano then later came Helly Hansen and others. Guess Jumpers was the shit and not to many people had them. Guess farmers was one of my favorites.
The very first real fashion statement that I recollect of myself would have to be 1984 Easter Sunday. My moms had always managed to get us all outfits once Easter Sunday came around. So on this particular Easter Sunday, she decided to dress me and my brother up alike sort of like twins. So once it was time to get dressed, I sported the red and white suede Pumas and fat laces with the blue Lee jeans with a red sweat shirt to match the Pumas. And I topped it off with the tight ceasar like haircut. And my brother wore the blue and white Pumas with a blue top and Lee jeans and all. When we stepped outside to take pictures, it was one of greatest feelings in the world. People just surrounded us and the compliments ran high. We had people mesmerized, just by the way we looked and presented ourselves. What was interesting was the way in which we coordinated our outfits maximizing it's full impact and setting trends. It was truly a riveting situation. On that day, I had had my first taste of fashion and it's something that has stuck with me up to this day. And one thing I do know is that it's not always how expensive you shop, it's how you coordinate your attire that makes you stand out.

Growing up in Brooklyn, New York during the golden age of hip hop, fashion had taken on a life of it's own. I mean even the music industry was making huge statements in fashion, especially in Hip Hop. But it has always been here as innovators of the first decade like Africa Bambatta, Treacherous 3, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Cold Crush Bros and a host of other pioneers ushered in new styles and made fashion a main ingredient in their performances. It's just something that puts you in a class by yourself when done right. Then came ground breaking artist like Eric B & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, Slick Rick, Dana Dane, Run DMC, Naughty By Nature , NWA and countless others who all continued their fashion agendas in the global Hip Hop arena making it all relevant.

Wearing jewelry also became fashionable in the New York City. Just like the way you see today, how everybody is on this bling bling, iced out trip – well it was a time when "gold" was just like "ice" is today. There were artist who would wear loads of chains around their necks and rings on each finger. They were'nt blinging, but they were considered to be "heavy" which is a similar term as bling bling as far as slang termonology goes. And with the jewelry of course these individuals were about fashion as well. But as far as the jewelry go and styles, we rocked; cable rope chains, gucci links, heron bone chains, high riser rings, four finger rings, two finger rings and fronts also known as Gold Teeth. It was reality as well. See when we would see people like Biz Markie, Kool G Rap, Big Daddy Kane and Slick Rick in the public "heavy" it wasn't that far fetched for us. Being heavy and wearing excessive amounts of jewelry was something that we also did in our own neighborhoods. So even though there were these Rappers flossing, we did the same thing in our neighborhoods they were doing. They just did it for a wider audience. Even though we were pure hip hop fans coming up, I know a lot of them was shocked that we possessed a lot of or even more of what they had. With wearing that much jewelry or any jewelry for that matter was dangerous. So even to do it you had to have had a reputation already. You were well known in the ghetto and in the streets and people respected you. Street credibility and reputation is really all you really have. When you really think about it, everything that we do in life stems from our reputations. From getting a job to how someone treats you. It's all based on your reputation and your self projection to the world. Run DMC and Jam Master Jay, really helped bring the jewelry craze and fascination to mainstream America. The same way they were responsible for putting a different spin to Hip Hop as far as fashion is concerned. With the black hats, leather jackets, shell toe Addidas without shoe strings and the big gold rope chains was trend setting. They had so much appeal and influence that Addidas would soon grant them an endorsement deal. Dapper Dan was a big hit uptown in Harlem as well. Designing different styles and prototypes from major designers adding a unqiue street flavor to it. I would see a lot of different people rocking those Dapper Dan designs especially on 42nd Street and Times Square. Wearing designs by Dapper Dan made you feel hood rich.

Footwear is also seen as a must have in the hood. Back then it was Spot Bilts, Saucony's, Lotto's, Ellesse, Converse, Puma, Addidas, Gucci, New Balance, Bally's, Stan Smiths and even Troop. Always having a fresh pair of kicks became essential to the image. Besides, it should be that way. Fashion sort of was divided in New York City at one time though. I say this because when I think of Ex-Clan and The Jungle Brothers and Public Enemy, they contributed to the culture fashionably, but they did it on a different scale. For instance, Ex-Clan sported african medallions, beads and flaunted social messages in their lyrics raising ones consciousness.Their look was truly motherland inspired. Then The Jungle Brothers had a real safari banana republic type of look that was happening. But Public Enemy, they were really organized. With Chuck D's powerful and attention grabbing voice and Flava Flav as hype man, wearing the clock around his neck was real catchy. It took off so fast, that people really began wearing the clock similar to Flav around their necks. In the hood we called them the Stop Watch. And with the S1W's with the ozzy machine guns with the all black army vetiege suits was straight eye candy. Then on the other hand, there were artist who represented what I call "hood wear" like baggy jeans, hoody sweat shirts, sneakers, boots which also had an impact on the people. That's what you call influence. Because people followed what a lot of Hip Hop groups were doing even under the current state of hiphop. To capitalize on the billions of dollars flushed into fashion by urban America, Tommy Hilfiger began hiring Rappers to be models in his advertising campaigns. Grand Puba was sort of like the poster boy for Hilfiger at that time. Ralph Lauren even showed interest in working with the fashion b-boys "Lo-Lifes" who continue to set fashion trends while Tyson Beckford became an offcial Polo model. And of course we can't forget LL Cool Jay with Troop back in days.
When I refer to fashion, I'm talking about the many things that make ones appearance bigger than life. Whether it's clothing, jewelry, footwear, hairstyles, cars or whatever, it's something that catapults ones image and reputation. It's like when you have a glow to you and your unique, stylish and the different attractions you receive are plentiful from all angles. Females, money, jealousy, envy, lust, success and a bunch of unwarranted problems. Like The Notorious BIG quoted "More Money, More Problems". And that's what being fashionable and fly created sometimes, problems. Since people constantly see "eye candy" which is your image, they associate that to money. This is so prevalent in urban America. Fashion, being dipped, jigged out, flossing, flaming and being at the top of your game is vital. In the hood, being fashionable is also immediately related to success and wealth. When your seen in the public constantly and you always seem to have the finer things in life people automatically assume or judge your circumstances. And that breeds envy and jealousy. For some reason, that's just the way the ball bounce. It's also a attitude, energy and a mentality that being fashionable fit is the shit. In urban America everybody wants to be put on a higher pedistol as far as their access to finances and having what others dreamed about. So in the ghettos of America, the lust for materialism has plaqued us for decades.

To get fly kids would save up money for weeks and months or depend on their parents for such rewards. Others worked nine to five jobs or engaged in some type of other street hustle to get dip. And honestly, most people couldn't keep up. Besides, the cost was expensive and it was hard times for many. People just couldn't afford it. I guess their budgets wouldn't allow it. It was driving them nuts to a point where devilish deeds were employed to satisfy their thirst to get fly. But there were other fashion revolutionaries in the late eighties (80's) to mid nineties (90's) like the legendary "Lo-Lifes" who raised the stakes in fashion and made a tremendous impact and became Hip Hop fashion phenoms. Major designers on Fifth Avenue were given free advertisement as these Brooklyn fashion B-Boys would expose their labels to the public non stop. These kids were like "walking bill boards" or commercials all for the love of fashion. And with their large influence in the streets, this phenomenon and trend would spread like wild fire globally. And getting their hands on these expensive name brand items was no problem for them. It came with ease by mastering the "strong arm shopping trade". Besides, nobody really cared about how you got all of your possessions just as long as you had them. As far as what the "Lo-Lifes" did for fashion it's evident as they have created a cult type following.They became so influential from a fashion stand point and survival and they have always been apart of Hip Hop and Street Life. Being fly and getting all the attention, being the main attraction in the pubics eye is like a rush, having wears in loads and being fashionbly fit. When I think back to the days of when Hip Hop was just Born and on the rise, I noticed that fashion was always apart of the agendas. B-Boys (break dancers) would coordinate outfits for their battles just like they did with their dance techniques. Mc's and groups projected fashion statements loudly. Dj's were from the local neighborhood so of course they would be up to date and rocking the turn tables was being fashionable enough. With the exception of Graffiti, fashion is closely tied with all elements of hip hop. So if you truly think about it, "fashion is the fifth element of hip hop" as stated by the legendary, The Great Dana Dane.

Fashion was definitely visible in all the hang out spots and Hip Hop clubs in New York City. Attending Hip Hop clubs like; Union Square, Latin Quarters, Mid Town 43, Octagon, Studio 54, The Muze, HomeBass, The Apollo, Club Negril and Car Wash, you would see people dressed in Gucci, Louis Vutton, Guess, Polo, Izod Lacoste, Ellesse, Fila, Perry Ellis and the list goes on. It was evident that NYC was about how you looked. Image played a huge part in your rep. All the hustlers and money getters never lacked as far as dressing goes. For them, it was apart of their livelihoods. It's something that they were deeply rooted in. Besides, if you were considered what we called a "bum" people taunted you especially in school and in the streets.
However, in the early nineties an entreprenurial shift in the minds and spirits of eager designers began to take place. Although designers would be here one day and out of business the next, I noticed a new breed of designers entering the fashion game. And these new jacks were young, energetic, creative, innovative and African American.
Yes, young men and females launching their own designs and brands with international appeal and mind frames of entreprenuers. Names that come to mind are; Cross Colours, Karl Kani, Walker Wear etc.

Before this sudden emergence, the hood wore designer names like; Bennetton, Descente, Gerry G, Polo, Guess and all those others designers that had some stakes in the fashion industry and was hot. We were accustomed to supporting the designers on Madison and Fifth Avenues for so long. So when these new black owned designer names started getting light they gained support and clientele instantly. Of course, this trend continued to expand through out the nineties and into the new millenium with brands such as; Wu Wear, Rocawear, Sean John, FuBu, G-Unit Apparel, Akademics, Enyce, to name a few. With entertainers (Rappers) coming to the understanding of their influence, value and selling power, why model someone else's clothes when you can design your own brand and flaunt it and market it and sell it. Now that's fast, quick and business minded people thinking big.
As with everything nothing stays the same. Change is inevitable from evolution to revolution and finally conclusion. Every decade of Hip Hop has seen some great and inspiring changes that reflects the growth and innovative minds of this forever growing movement we call Hip Hop. From the "gold" phase to the "ice", phase, from the "gold fronts" to "platinum fronts", from artist being fashion loyalist and consumers to owners of their own designs, publishing, record companies, sneakers and liquors all illustrate the fresh ideas that each hip hopper breaths into the culture. Whether it be graffiti, break dancing, djaying or mcing, beat boxing and now fashion and entreprenurialship , controlling your name, product, brand, destiny, empire and everything else attached to your trade mark is the way to go. No longer are people settling for the norm, we are creating the norms.


http://www.lolifes1988.com/
http://www.spitfactoryonline.com/

Posted by Rack Lo in Words.

POLO IN JAIL (LO-LIFES NEW YORK CITY)

A lot Lo-Lifes not only held down the culture of polo on the streets, but we did so in jail as well. It was Lo-Lifes who repped those L's behind the wall for real. Like my man Ralph-Lo, he's a prime example of a nigga that reps fully behind the wall. What do heads know about being LO DOWN in jail. We did because we are some live motherfuckers. But being in jail you couldn't wear shit like POLO unless you had heart. You had to be going all out for yours. Because once the inmates seen that Lo shit, the drama was on.Niggas would get locked up and have half of damn near their whole collection behind bars. Shit I remember going through Rikers Island with the big cross flag hoodey, black guess jeans and 1500 new balance. I also had a mouth full of fronts. 6 tops and 6 bottoms to be exact. Shit I was a walking target going to the mess hall and niggas was preying on my Lo shit and all. But shit is that way and either you survive or buckle and a nigga like me is a survivor. I respect them inmates who were scheming, but fuck them. I came home with all of my shit. Remember were talking early 90s on Rikers Island. The jail was fucking crazy. I seen some of the craziest shit. Some of that shit shocked me, but I became immune to the shit.And you know my lo collection was heavy so I wore lo allday everyday. And not that I was a super gangsta, but very adaptable.I had so much lo I left some of that shit with my comrads in 3 lower.My niggas Thirstin Howl The 3rd aka Big Vic Lo and G George from St Johns and Utica are fuckin gangstas to the heart. Them 2 dudes sported polo throughout their whole bids. And they lived in some of New York States worse Prisons. Now imagine that shit, you in prison with killers, robbers, kidnappers, drug dealers, murderers and you still fucking rep that lo shit to the death. And not only that you have other inmates acknowledging that shit. Thirstin and G George even had their cells looking like lo mansions behind bars style.So this lo shit runs deep. We rock lo but we have crazy big hearts. we rep this culture for real. Street culture that is. This is just how we do.We rep the lo shit for real. This is no fake shit here. This is the truth. Heads know how it was when they got bagged up and went through the system Lo Down. And all those heads that made it up north and did time, when they came home it was brand new lo waiting for them. We celebrated by giving them new lo pieces. You know why? because the lo was equivalent to money, jewelry and even having a car. That's how we looked at Polo Ralph Lauren. It was our duties to be the flyest and we did that, hands down. The history speaks for itself. How many heads experienced shit on that level. So now we are taking this lo thing from the streets to corporate suites. All of my official lo heads suit up, the MEEAHH is on!!LL