Jordan Brand is celebrating the end of May with the Air Jordan Fusion 9 Premier “Light Olive”, an ode to the Air Jordan Original - OG 9 (IX) Olives Black - Light Olive - True Red and the Nike Air Force One (1). The hybrid is distinguished by the AJ IX’s combination brown nubuck and black premium leather upper. A red Jumpman emblem and stitching mark the midsole and heel. The Air Jordan Fusion IX (9) is scheduled to release Saturday, May 30 at select Nike accounts.

9th Wonder Says "Get A Check!" from Jerry Barrow on Vimeo.

Sha Money XL Blasts Interscope & Rick Ross from Jerry Barrow on Vimeo.

Looks like Lance Armstrong and Nike have more than a few kicks up their sleeve. Here we see the Mister Cartoon AF1 which is a part of the Livestrong Greatest Hits Pack (pictured below). The laser etched AF1 is are given the Cartoon treatment with a webbed toebox, skull adorned side panel and a few flourishes for added flavor. The shoe maintains the signature colorway and is set to drop in July to coincide with the Tour de France. All proceeds of the sales go towards Lance’s foundation.

Back in April, we broke news that Michael Jordan would be inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in September 2009. We now have a look at the first of a rumored four sneakers to be released honoring Jordan’s great accomplishment. This Air Jordan Six Rings features a black patent leather and canvas base accented by white stitching, a grey outsole, red hits on the heel and inner lining, and a multicolored logo on the tongue. Though the colors are fresh, the most defining aspects of this sneaker are definitely the various numbers seen on the mid-sole which represent various moments in Michael Jordan’s career. The “Hall of Fame” Air Jordan Six Rings is scheduled to release in September 2009.

Lebron James is no stranger to having his own shoe. This time around he is given 2 Air Force 1 Low’s to commemorate his time at Ohio State and with the Cleveland Cavs. The OSU shoe features a black leather upper with a reflective underlay and patent leather swoosh. The white mid and outsole provide a stark contrast to the red laces, tongue tag and lining. The Cavs model is a very clean perferorated cream leather upper accented by maroon laces, tongue and lining resting atop a clear midsole and gum outsole. Both shoes are available at select retailers right now.

We brought you guys the news about the re-release of the Air Jordan 3 (III) -White / True Blue and just wanted to keep you guys updated. They sport a white leather construction along with true blue accents, as well as the notorious elephant print on the toe and heel areas. As of now, we do not recognize any major differences between the retro and re-retro version. Look for them to hit Jordan Brand accounts in August 2009.

http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/05/26/air-jordan-retro-3-iii-true-blue-august-2009-2/

In the sequel to the thrilling action film Transformers, Megatron returns to the big screen, and is also the source of inspiration for this pair of Nike Air Max CB’94 (GS). They were created in GS sizes, and sport a metallic silver upper along with purple accents and a black sole. The number 2 is located on the heel, which signifies the release of the sequel which is slated to hit theaters this June. You can pick these up now at select accounts as they retail for $80.

http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/05/26/nike-air-max-2-cb-94-gs-transformers-2-pack/

We have seen a plethora of Air Jordan 1 colorways featuring polka dots lately, and we now have a detailed look at two more styles which host chlorophyll polka dots with white and black accents. The first sneaker is an Air Jordan Retro 1 Mid, and it hosts a black nubuck base with chlorophyll hits seen on the stitching, out-sole, polka dots, and logos, while white accents are visible via the mid-sole. The second sneaker is an Air Jordan 1 Phat Low which yields a white leather upper with chlorophyll accents. The Air Jordan I (1) “Chlorophyll Polka Dot Pack” will be available for purchase next month.

"Patience is a virtue."

Here's the full CDQ version of the joint Juelz shot a video to awhile back. He claims it's the first single from his Def Jam album, Born to Lose, Built To Win finally droppin' this fall. We'll believe that when we see it at Best Buy. Bye-bye.

Props: Kingsley Osei

Previously: New Video: Juelz Santana "Days of Our Lives"

We don't know exactly what they're feeding the engineers up in Waterloo, but we're guessing it's a combination of Red Bull, NoDoz, and speed, because they appear to be working on about ten devices at once -- awesome news for anyone looking to pick up a new BlackBerry in the next 6 to 12 months. We've already seen the Onyx in the wild, but as a refresher, this puppy does UMTS (and we'd assume HSDPA as well), a 3.2 megapixel AF cam, an undoubtedly gorgeous 480 x 360 display, GPS, and WiFi in a body more svelte than the Bold's; now, CrackBerry's managed to score a unit and give it a quick once-over. All told the impression seems very positive, with the takeaway being that RIM has taken the best personality traits of the 8900 and 9000 series and stuffed it all into a single device. We're not necessarily expecting this one on the market any time soon -- AT&T just launched the 8900 a couple days ago, after all, and CrackBerry believes RIM could replace the trackball with a Gemini-style optical pad prior to launch -- but it's something to look forward to.

BlackBerry Onyx reviewed way before RIM intended it to be originally appeared on Engadget Mobile on Sun, 24 May 2009 14:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Earlier today, we showcased the “Urban Safari Pack” Air Jordan I (1) GS, and we now have the second sneaker from that pack to feature. Along with the aforementioned AJ1, this Air Jordan True Flight will also be dropping exclusively in gradeschool sizes. This pair hosts a rather simple colorway composed of a white upper with black accents seen on the sole, ankle, and tongue, while red accents can be seen via the midsole and heel. A couple other key aspects of this sneaker include a multicolored tongue and a slight white speckle effect on the black outsole. The Air Jordan True Flight GS from the Urban Safari Pack will be available at your local Air Jordan retailers in the coming weeks.

Via: Extra Butter.

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/05/23/air-jordan-true-flight-gs-urban-safari-pack/

Today, we have our first look at an Air Jordan I (1) made exclusively in grade school sizes from Jordan Brand’s latest Urban Safari Pack. This pack may come as a surprise to some due to the fact that we have neither heard any rumors nor have we seen any previews of this sneaker. This Air Jordan 1 features a cream colored nubuck upper accented by a white swoosh, suede on the toe-box, heel, and mid-panel, an orange sole, and orange laces. Overall, this pair yields quite an interesting colorway that is definitely worth checking out for the little ones in your life.

Big thanks to our good friends over at Extra Butter.

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/05/23/air-jordan-retro-i-1-gs-urban-safari-pack/

In October, a Foot Locker exclusive Nike Prestige Hi will be released.


The most interesting cue of this model is by far the navy and white speckled outsole.

The upper is mostly white with a slick grey material being utilized on the heel and back quarter panel.

http://www.footlockerunlocked.com/blog/2009/05/21/nike-prestige-hi-whitegreynavy-speckle-foot-locker-exclusive/

Jadakiss will be a busy man for the rest of 2009.

His latest effort, The Last Kiss sold more than 100 thousand units in its first week of release. On the heels of that outing, Kiss has announced that he’ll follow up with another release, tentatively titled Top Five, Dead or Alive.

While the album has no official release date, Jadakiss is eyeing certain producers in the game that he wants behind the boards for his fourth album.
"I'm definitely going back in," Jadakiss stated in an article that appears on Rap Radar. "The D-Block album is wrapped up. I'mma make sure we finish this LOX album, and I'm coming right back at the end of the year. I think I'm gonna call it Top Five, Dead or Alive. I'm only gonna work with Primo [DJ Premier], Alchemist, Swizz Beatz, Dame Grease, shit like that. Have a couple of South [producers], and that's it. Wham!"

The next album from The Lox, The New LOX Order will tentatively drop during the fourth quarter on Bad Boy.

http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.9143/title.jadakiss-declares-top-five-status-with-next-album

Cloudkicker TV: Emilio Sparks interviews Skyzoo from CloudKickers on Vimeo.

We featured a sample Air Jordan Force Fusion IV (4) - Black/Red/Cement earlier this year, and we now have pictures of the actual AJF4 that will release to share. The colorway of the pair picture here is most famously known as “Bred” due to its combination of black and red colors. Featuring a black nubuck upper a with grey accents seen on the semi-translucent midsole, laceholes, inner lining, and outsole, along with red accents seen on the outsole, stitching and tongue, this pair yields an overall similar composition to the Black/Cement Grey-Fire Red Air Jordan 4 which released in the 19/4 Countdown Pack. The Air Jordan Fusion IV (4) series is set to debut later this year, so be sure to stay tuned for updates.

Via Marqueesole.

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/05/14/air-jordan-fusion-iv-4-black-cement-grey-fire-red/

Willie D [click to read] has been a celebrated businessman, in addition to his 20-plus year music career. From brokering air travel, to foreign real estate, the Houston, Texas-based rapper has extended his brand beyond writing hits for The Geto Boys and numerous acclaimed solo albums, many released on Rap-A-Lot Records in the early '90s.

Today, The Houston Press reported that the political gangsta rapper was arrested for fraud charges, through his association with Texas One Wireless. The reports state that Willie set up an eBay account, and beginning September 2008, established feedback, selling Apple's iPhone internationally. Once a reputation was built, the rapper reportedly asked buyers to pay him for the coveted phones through wire transfers, not authorized through the Bay Area auction powerhouse.

Deposits were reportedly made, but items were not delivered.

The rapper told victimized buyers that he filed reports of lost product through the United States Postal Service, but then would cease communication.

These federal charges, if convicted, could cause the rapper to face 20 years and/or a maximum fine of $250,000.

Willie D is supposed to appear in court today.

In the last year, Willie D had been primarily focused on developing Alabama white-rapper trio, Huntzville, whom he was writing for and producing. The group received some recognition for their song about school violence, "Backpack Fulla Guns" [click to read].



http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.9136/title.willie-d-arrested-for-iphone-scam

* Update: MORE PHOTOS ADDED! Sooo much Storm 2 goodness it's ridiculous. *

BOOM. Here it is CrackBerry Nation, your FIRST look at the BlackBerry Storm TWO. I'm not even sure what to say here... other than a super trusty source sent us in these pictures of RIM's next generation of BlackBerry touchscreen. Looking at the photos, you can see it shares its physical appearance with both the original BlackBerry Storm and the yet unreleased BlackBerry Onyx/Driftwood. More photos below. And more info is sure to come. Let the comments begin!

http://crackberry.com/exclusive-first-look-blackberry-storm-2

The shoe made famous by one of the most beloved Knicks of all time, Patrick Ewing is back with a vengence with two clean colorways in this new pack. The classic hi top is now out in limited release in white/blue/orange and in white/blue/red flavors via Mita.

http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/05/14/adidas-attitude-hi-limited-edition-pack/

Lately we’ve had a lot of people become friends with us on MySpace. We love this and we always check out profiles of our new friends, so we’ve noticed something that we’d just like to let you know about.

It’s not that you’re doing it all wrong, but failing to use the way MySpace works to your best advantage is

Ultimately you’re on MySpace to get your music heard and make fans. Bearing this in mind, a lot of artists are not using their ‘influences’ and ’sounds like’ sections to their best advantage. This is something that we stress quite heavily in our MySpace book, but the basic premise is that you need to be as open and honest about your influences, and what you actually sound like as possible. You can try and be clever and say you sound like ‘a bad weekend’ or ‘ice cream on a hot day’ but that doesn’t let people know what to expect, and this is after all what they’ve come to your page to find out!

So here is how we think you can make the most out of these sections…

Genre:

Genre is one of the first things you choose when you sign up for a MySpace, and you can change it by going into your account setting. This lets people know the style of music you make and allows users to search for your band through that genre section in the music directory listings. You need to make sure that you choose the correct genre for your music in order to make sure that you are available to the right fans. Putting a comedy genre down may seem funny but will not do you any favours as no one who likes your style of music will be able to find you.

As I write this I can almost hear some you shouting ‘But my music doesn’t fit into any genre’. If your music genuinely doesn’t fit into anything at all in the options available, then congratulations, you are unique, and I’d love to hear what you’ve done! However, the chances are that you’re not. Take a step back and look at your music objectively, or play it to friends and see how they’d categorise it. A lot of people who think they can’t be categorised are just too close to their music and need a little reality check.

The genre selection you choose will also be displayed in your profile, and everyone will see it so make the right choice, or risk losing potential fans.

Influences:

Here you need to put down as many bands, artists and songs that have inspired and influenced you as possible. Rather than being pointless this is hugely helpful to anyone who visits your profile and can initiate conversation between you and your potential fans. For example, if you like guitar music and are given the choice of two bands to listen to, one inspired by Oasis and the other inspired by Girls Aloud then you have a pretty good idea of how their music is likely to sound and therefore which one you’re going to prefer.

Remember, you’re not trying to show how cool and obscure you are, you’re trying to gain fans. Users can search for new bands to discover based just on this, so don’t waste it. Provide as much information as possible and be honest!

Sounds like:

What does your music resemble most? Make as accurate a comparison as possible here because, as above, people will search out new acts based on what they sound like. Don’t lie about your sound or pretend to be something that you’re not as you will quickly be found out. If you can then compare yourselves to other bands and artists who sound like you, and make friends with these artists. Their fans will be more open-minded to you and your music than anyone else.

This is the one that people are most likely to fill in with an amusing quip as we said at the start - sounds like ‘a ten day hangover’ or something like that. Since people are searching for bands who sound like other bands, why would you shut that chance off?

This may sound simple, or just plain common sense, but the number of profiles we’ve come across that don’t follow this is amazing, and you’ll be surprised at the difference it actually makes!

So, once you’ve amended your profile to let the whole world know who influenced you, what you like and sound like, here’s a quick traffic tipfor you. Comment on the MySpace pages of any of the artists you’ve mentioned. It doesn’t have to be a huge comment, just a quick note along the lines of ‘you’ve inspired us’ or ‘we aspire to be like you’ or just tell them how much you love them. The fans of that band will then be able to click through to your profile and check you out, providing you with a whole new pool of potential fans. Lovely.

http://makeitinmusic.com/you%E2%80%99re-doing-it-all-wrong-%E2%80%93-how-not-to-mess-it-up-for-fans-browsing-myspace

A Guest Post by Juanita Appleby

I know what you’re thinking…”oh no not another social networking site”, right? But just bear with me.

LinkedIn’s appeal has widened beyond pocket-protected IT geeks to boasting over 39 million members across varying industries globally.

So how can you use this more upmarket social tool to advance your music career?

Simple.

Display a professional profile

Because LinkedIn works on a different platform of a CV-based profile you don’t have to be embarrassed to forward the link on to an industry exec.

It also allows you to display up to three links on your profile so it can be a portal to your other websites.

LinkedIn is well ranked within search engine results, which means that you will get the free organic traffic to your profile page and referrals to your other websites with minimal effort.

Network with others in the industry

This is the key benefit to getting up close and personal with LinkedIn. Once you are set up with a profile, then do a group search for “music”. Then sit back in amazement at the 25+ pages of networking groups with members from all walks of life in the music industry - management, media, publicity, marketers and other fellow musicians.

Mark Carras (in his post ‘If LinkedIn isn’t fun, why should my band care?’) touched on this subject and this is the feature on LinkedIn that will help get you out of that garage you’re practising in and closer to a money-making journey in music.

The important thing to know about LinkedIn is that you must demonstrate that you know the contact you are adding to your network in some way be it through a common group membership or say an ex-colleague.

So you may want to start with using LinkedIn’s contact import tool from your existing email address book to lay a foundation of connections.

Second to that, you can use the question and answer features of groups to enhance your reputation and raise people’s interest in connecting with you. I touch on how the question feature can help later but don’t be afraid to answer people’s questions too.

Networking may be uncharted territory for you so be patient, ooze intellect, swap “virtual” business cards and always keep in mind that in business a one-sided pitch will almost always fail. Be prepared to forge relationships on LinkedIn that are beneficial for both parties.

Promote your news

You can post your own news in groups and even link those news items back to any other websites you might have. Many members have weekly or even daily updates of group activity so your news will get delivered straight into their inboxes. Can’t get better than that.

Get advice from those that know

Trying to find a recording studio in your area? Need some tips on publicity? Request for reviews of your latest demo?

Yeah, LinkedIn can help. Once you’ve joined some groups and been accepted as a member, then you can start discussions in that group and other members can comment back or contact you directly via the website’s internal mail system.

Remember, don’t spam! That’s the quickest way for you to get your account banned. Stay topical and humble and you’ll find the help you need.

Find opportunities for your music

You’ll find that people will post job listings on LinkedIn and in music industry terms those are requests for songs for licensing deals, films, TV, you name it.

So while other social networking sites may be the platform to building a fanbase and getting your music heard by a wider indie audience, LinkedIn helps you focus on gaining visibility with the business contacts and advice to actually make it in music.

Good luck and keep rocking.

Juanita Appleby

The Air Max 95 has always been a fan favorite from Nike, and it’s coming back strong as ever with this new Green Mint colorway. The base of this color scheme is Neutral Grey, which is seen on plenty of other Air Max 95s. Nike decided to throw mint green on the laceloops, air bubbles, the swoosh, and laces. Many other colorways of the Nike Air Max 95 will be releasing soon, as this colorway will be arriving in the Fall of this year.

Via TheShoeGame.

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/05/13/green-mint-nike-air-max-95-fall-2009/

Nike and Lance Armstrong team up for a very cool take on 3 classic Air Max’s. The trademark yellow is applied to an Air Max 1, Air Max 90 & Air Max 180 producing some of the cleanest colorway in a long time. Aside from the use of black and yellow in each shoe the other thing that is consistent among this release is the LIVESTRONG tongue tag. The release date is set for May 18th and the shops that will carry them are listed below.

ALIFE, New York City
Bodega, Boston
Darkside, San Francisco
Dave’s Quality Meat, NYC
Goods, Seattle
Huf, San Francisco
Nike Sportswear @ 21 Mercer, NYC
Nike Sportswear @ The Montalban, LA
Shoe Gallery, Miami
UNDFTD, Las Vegas
UNDFTD, Los Angeles
UNDTFD, Santa Monica

http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/05/12/nike-air-max-livestrong-collection/

The Nike Dunk model is a timeless classic straight out of the Nike vault, and never seems to get old, no matter how many colorways we see them in. Here we feature a pair of subtle, clean Nike Dunks. The upper is constructed from a combination of leather and nylon. They sport a full white design along with a dark blue outsole and royal blue shoe laces. Via Titolo.

http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/05/11/nike-dunk-hi-premium-white-blue/

Nike has definitely been stepping up its game, especially with the Summer months coming up. Here we feature a new pair of Nike Blazers which sport a white/white-checker colorway. They sport a shiny white leather upper along with a checkered pattern that is definitely unique. They also sport a classic white, vulcanized sole. Look for them now at select accounts as they retail for $105. Via Choko.

http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/05/11/nike-blazer-white-white-checker/

Nike is beginning to release more colorways in the Nike Big Nike, and have decided to bless all of the ladies out there with three loud, vibrant colorways. All three sport leather constructions along with a classic white midsole. The color combinations include white/neutral grey-pink, white/persian violet-bright coral, and white/volt-imperial blue. The highlight of the Nike Big Nike model is the bold print on the heel which reads NIKE. Look for them now at select retailers as they will run you $127.

http://www.kicksonfire.com/2009/05/11/nike-womens-big-nike-high/

The XXL Editors received this letter from Louis Vuitton concerning the May 2009 cover of Rick Ross.

Dear Editor:

We were dismayed to see the cover of the May 2009 issue of XXL Magazine, which features a photo of Rick Ross wearing a pair of sunglasses prominently featuring counterfeit Louis Vuitton trademarks. Because the photo has generated considerable confusion among your readers and Louis Vuitton customers among others, we feel it is important to clarify several points.

The first is that the sunglasses Mr. Ross is wearing were not made by Louis Vuitton, and in fact, are counterfeit. Louis Vuitton did not grant permission to Mr. Ross or to whoever did make the sunglasses to use our trademarks. The second is that no affiliation, sponsorship or association exists between Rick Ross or XXL and Louis Vuitton. The third is that counterfeiting is illegal.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to correct the confusion.

Sincerely,

Michael D. Pantalony, Esq.
Louis Vuitton Malletier

http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=46026

The crew over at Commonwealth collaborated with Reebok once again to bring you that limited Pump Omni Lite funk for the oh-nine. Three different colorways are scheduled to release this coming June and will be limited to 300 pairs: seafoam green/white, royal purple/white, black/blue white. The Pump Omni feature the inflatable PUMP bladder in the tongue and splashes of perforated leather throughout. Look for the Commonwealth x Reebok Pump Omni Lite exclusively at Commonwealth this coming summer!

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/05/11/commonwealth-x-reebok-pump-omni-lite

To keep Sneakerness a hot event in Zurich this year, Parisian designers Double Goose and Art Force One have combined forces to create a special one of a kind Nike Air Force 1 pack. The result was the Double Goose x Art Force One x Nike Air Force 1 Camo Pack, complete with a handmade matching down vest. These custom force’s feature a black leather upper with a yellow splatter design that doesn’t overwhelm the shoe. It is offset by a white toebox, midsole, and grey sole. The vest is made of down leather to give that lux feeling. Both items come in a unique wood box to make this collabo legit.
Via hb.

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/05/11/double-goose-x-art-force-one-x-nike-air-force-1-camo-pack/

The look at 4:36 is priceless!!!



cheah201

57thave

One of the most anticipated hybrid sneakers in history, the Nike Air Penny 1/2 Cent is back in a new black and green colorway. We recently previewed another new colorway, which came in metallic silver and black. For those that don’t know, the Air Penny 1/2 Cent is a hybrid model which consists of parts from each of Penny Hardaway’s signature shoes. There are some key standout features on these sneakers, such as the translucent sole and the lightning-like design inside of the swoosh. These are definitely going to be one of the best releases from Nike this year, so when the time comes around, you better have your money ready.

Via Unheardof.

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/05/08/nike-air-penny-12-cent-black-green/

One of the most popular hybrid sneakers ever created, the Nike Air Penny 1/2 Cent, is set to release in a new metallic silver and black colorway in the upcoming months. October 2009 is the expected release month of this colorway of the 1/2 Cent. After the extremely successful release of the Varsity Royal/Black-Metallic Silver pair, many sneakerheads began waiting for the next style of the fusion basketball sneaker to drop. This colorway features a metallic silver base with black accents and a translucent sole. There is no denying the fact that this variation of the 1/2 Cent is extremely clean and will most likely sell out quickly. As previously mentioned, the Nike Air Penny 1/2 Cent - Metallic Silver / Black is set to drop in October of 2009.

Via NT.

http://www.sneakerfiles.com/2009/05/07/nike-air-penny-12-cent-metallic-silver-black/

You know Shady wants a sitdown right.....