DC LiFE District 4

DC LiFE releases the District 4, a new vulcanized shoe inspired by the Reality, a popular Danny Way and Colin McKay Signature Pro model shoe from 2002. Premium features included custom high-performance abrasion resistant pill pattern leather, super slick suede on the toecap, a hidden lace system and custom fox tape with a pill pattern stripe. Priced at $85 USD, the shoes are offered in three colorways through select DC LiFE accounts, including the brand’s website.

Nike 2011 Black History Month Pack

This year’s Black History Month pack from Nike celebrates the achievements and pioneering spirit of three important basketball players: Julius Irving, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant. There was a call to greatness for all three players, a moment in time that defined their careers, and changed the course of history for the sport of Basketball. For Dr. J, it was unifying the ABA and NBA with his finesse and high flying style. For Jordan, it was the ’87 Slam Dunk title, the one that made kids all over draw chalk lines to jump from in their backyards. When Kobe scored 81 points in ‘06, it made you question what planet he was from. Each player laid the foundation for the next to elevate the game even further. The predominantly black upper of this Black History Month pack is a nod to the past, because in the early days of the sport of basketball, shoes on the court were almost always black. The hints of gold all around the shoe are reminders of the golden moment we all are striving to achieve. Stay tuned for release details.

adidas Metro Attitude XXL

Spring 2011 sees a new colorway in the adidas Metro Attitude XXL. A throwback to the old school basketball days, the shoes feature a beefy makeup with the XXL tongue we’ve seen as of late on most Jeremy Scott designs. Consisting of a white/blue/red colorway, the kicks feature a premium leather base with ripstop detailing and vintage off-white midsoles. These are now available via Schuh-You.

A Bathing Ape Pirate Store London

This month will see A Bathing Ape open their first ever European pop-up Pirate store. The store will stock special edition and hard to find items from various seasons in a new store that will be open for just over a week. Having already enjoyed the success of Pirate stores in Tokyo and New York, the latest pop-up will be located in London and will stock the Japanese label’s “Pirate Booty Bags” which contain secret items at a substantial discount. To commemorate the occasion, a new T-shirt will be released each day that maintains the pirate theme. The new items will be exclusive to the London location and will predominantly feature the iconic Ape head, clad in typical pirate clothing. The store is set to open on January 22nd and will be open for just 9 days, closing on January 30th.

ANOTHER THIRSTY PR STUNT?: Amber Rose & Wiz Khalifa Expose Their Love, Kanye Pops Off?

Here we go with the twitter tales.  Looks like Amber Rose and rapper Wiz Khlalifa are using the formula of exposing your personal life via Twitter for publicity.  And according to their very public tweets they made sure all their followers saw, Amber is in love with "Cam"--Wiz's government name--and Wiz loves her back.

Their tweets and Kanye West's alleged penial response when you read on...
Last we checked, Wiz was dating "Bad Girls Club" chick Natalie Nunn and she was all up in everybody's cameras talking about how in love they were.  Amber has constantly said she and Wiz are "just friends" as the've only been spending time togetehr recently because Wiz will be the new face of her sunglasses shop and will appear on her "Behind The Shades" reality show.
But it was a different story last night when these tweets to each other hit their timelines:

Ummm....ok.  So is this just thirsty fake PR for Amber upcoming reality show?  Or is it real love?  Or do we even care enough to find out?
We also got a hold of Kanye's ALLEGED tweet that one of his followers ALLEGEDLY retweeted:

We can't verify Kanye actually tweeted this as it is no longer on his timeline. But it would be funny if true.

BONUS: Amber accompanied Wiz to his recent interview on Big Boy's Neighborhood:

Rappers React To Gucci Mane's Face Tat + His Tattoo Artist Says He Will NOT Do That Again

Wonder what other folks are saying about Gucci Mane's decision to get a face tattoo?  So were we...and you can find out inside.  Plus, hear what the tattoo artist had to say about his creation and if he will ever do it again....

A few other rappers in the game have offered their opinions about Gucci's face tat we were the first to break the news about on Wednesday. Here's our roundup...
D-Nice, legendary BDP member, tweeted:
Gucci Mane's facial tattoo of an ice cream cone causes my finger to inch closer to the delete button in Serato. He must've been #wasted,"  

Talib Kweli tweeted:
That he was on his way to the "tattoo parlor for my new face tattoo. I'm gonna get my face tattooed on my face!"

Oakland rapper Yukmouth created a new hash tag dedicated to Gucci Mane:
"#guccimaneicecreamconetattoo used to be on #MASTERp arm…he upgraded from shoulder [sic] to 2 face."
Teehee.

And Joe Budden said
"I'm sure rappers are racing to get their Gucci Mane/cream on the face punchline…I'm getting mines done asap,"

SMH.  I'm sure the jokes will keep coming...

Meanwhile, Shane Willoughby, Gucci's tattoo artist and owner of the shop says that Gucci will be the last person to ever get a facial tattoo with triple scoop ice cream cone with lightening bolts from Atlanta’s Tenth Street Tattoo, because he probably won’t do that again.

"I was [hesitant] like 'Are you sure you want to put that much [ink] in that area?,'" Willoughby told Vibe.com. "He came straight to the counter and that's where he pointed.  When [Gucci] said he wanted to do the ice cream thing I said 'Well why don't we do it somewhere else?' But he was like I don't have anywhere else."

And for those of you who have seen Gucci shirtless...you now that isn't a lie.  Where else would he put it?  So...what makes a man put ink to his face?  I'm still not sure but it wasn't the purple drank.

"I won't tattoo anybody if they’re [drunk] or high because I can't stand the smell of weed... [Gucci] seemed completely sober” ha explained. “He knew what he was doing. He said 'I want something rock 'n roll.' There's nothing more rock 'n roll than lightening bolts."

Asked if he would do it again, Shane said no....he won't be taking anymore outragous requests.
"I don't think I'll ever do [that] again... no matter how successful [the celebrity]," he said. 
Sigh...

Aretha Franklin: "I Never Had Pancreatic Cancer"

Aretha Franklin is finally opening up--somewhat--about her recent health issues.  She says she did have surgery, she was in the hospital, and she is recovering...but not from pancreatic cancer.  Deets after the jump...
News organizations all over the world reported the news that Aretha Franklin had pancreatic cancer.  Especially after her own family members were quoted as saying so.  Now, Ms. Franklin herself is denying that she ever had the disease.
Though the Queen of Soul is still keeping mum about what she had exactly, we now know what she didn't have.  She told Access Hollywood,

"I don’t know where 'pancreatic cancer' came from.  I was sitting there reading the newspaper and it was saying someone in my family said that. No one in my family ever said that to anybody."

Aretha did reveal that she initially sought treatment for something that caused a pain in her side so great that "it almost brought me to my knees."
She then had a "successful procedure." And now she feels fine.

"[My doctor] said, 'The surgery that you just had is going to add 15 to 20 more years to your life," she said, adding that she's slimmed "down to a rockin' [size] 16-18. It’s getting better every day. I plan on keeping this weight that I have now -- I’m so happy with it."

So was this "surgery" gastric bypass?  Either way, we are pleased to hear that she is doing well.  She even copped a letter from President Barack Obama.  She said, "I got a wonderful and beautiful letter from the President.  And nobody does it like him!"

Usher Breaks Down On Euro Tour Dates Due To Drugs & Alcohol?!?!

The stresses of a world tour seem to be getting to Usher Raymond.  We're getting reports from our European readers that Usher is missing his Euro dates and it's not because of "illness" like his reps have been making people believe.

We've got video of Usher struggling to get through one of his songs and leaving the stage in the middle of it.  And juicy details about him allegedly getting caught drinking and popping pills at a bar after cancelling his Berlin concert.  Read on for the deets....
Usher's reps stated earlier this week that he would be cancelling his Berlin tour date due to illness.  But apparently, the Berlin and European fans believe something else is going on.
Here's an email we received from a reader in Berlin about Usher getting caught drinking and possibly partaking in some "substances" at a bar right after he cancelled his tour date:

Hey Natasha!
I'm from Germany and I'm pretty sure that almost none of you heard about the BIIIIIIIIIIG Usher scandal in Germany. Yesterday, Usher had his first show of his OMG Tour in Germany/Berlin and after the previous artist, Tinie Tempah, fans waited more than 40 minutes until the management cancelled the show because Usher "wasn't feeling well" and they postponed it to today.
It is also said that he was seen in Berlin in a Cocktailbar after cancelling the concert! His fans had to wait about 40 more minutes today until he came on stage. There were five songs (sung only playback not live), interrupted by several 5-minute breaks during which Usher left the stage without further announcements and a "DJ" took over for a few minutes.
Then the fiasco took its course: as Usher sang a song which he sang "wrong and crooked", he interrupted the song and gave an excuse for the cancellation of the previous day. While trying to sing everybody booed at him.
Usher's reaction: he sat down and put his head on the microphone. After he had sung for another 10 seconds, he went off the stage. The lights went on and the concert was over. Fans from all over Germany, Austria and other countries came to see him and then something like this happened.  No one knows exactly what happened, if he's really ill or if he took drugs, too much alcohol. I thought this might be interesting for you and sorry for my bad English!

Here's a few videos where Ursh had a break-down mid-song and looked visibly ill and disturbed. He told his fans he would have to postpone and return at another time:

Whats going on Ursh?

Kevin Hart Files For Divorce, Seeks Joint Custody Of Kids!

Well this explains the new chick he was holding hands with recently at the Lakers game.  Actor and funny man Kevin Hart has filed for divorce from his wife of eight years, Torrei Hart.  Get the deets inside...

Kevin, who appeared in The 40-Year-Old Virgin and Little Fockers, has formally filed for divorce from Torrei and is seeking joint custody of the children, 5 year old daughter, Heavenly, and son, Hendricks, who is 3.
In the legal docs, Kevin cites irreconcilable differences for the split and is asking the court to not give any spousal support to Torrei. He also requested that Torrei be barred from leaving the state of California with their children without his permission or a court order.
We knew something was up because Kevin was spotted at the Lakers game last month holding hands with a new chick and he had mentioned previously that he and his wife were on the outs.
We hate to see families split up.  Hopefully the divorce won't be messy.   

Drake Thinks Kanye West & Jay-Z Jacked The Watch The Throne Album Idea From Him & Lil Wayne! [Audio]

Foxy Brown – Massacre (Lil Kim Diss) [Audio]

Short Dawg (Young Money) - Freaky Tales

Joe Budden Speaks On Slaughterhouse Signing To Eminem's Shady Records! + Expectations For The Alb

Belly - Murder Music

DJ Khaled Finalizing His New Single "Welcome To My Hood" Featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, Plies & T-Pain!

8Ball - Stars

Soulja Boy - Smooky

Gorilla Zoe - Im Good

Rocko - Exit Strategy

Layzie Bone (Feat. Krayzie Bone & Flesh N Bone) - Hear'Em Knockin

Usher Booed Off Stage In Germany At The OMG Tour!

Kanye West x Tiret Watches

When you’re Kanye West, pretty much anything goes so they say. The pop culture icon has been fearless in his pursuit of music and fashion and effectively disregarding the opinions relative to his own. The music superstar recently plunked down $180,000 USD to have Tiret Watches create a timepiece in his likeness from a brand created by none other than Damon Dash. The oval shaped gold watch features 8 carats worth of diamonds and took five months to create.
Source: HODINKEE

Nike SB Dunk Mid Charcoal Heather/Tar

Arguably one of the nicer Dunk Mids we’ve seen from Nike SB makes it way to retail accounts. Previewed earlier in the month, the dunks feature a suede makeup that follow a charcoal heather upper with tar detailing and gum outsoles. Priced at $87 USD, these can now be picked up online through Premier.

adidas Originals 2011 Spring Superstar Vintage 80’s

adidas Originals brings back its Superstar 80′s for another seasonal run, this time focusing on the classic white/black colorway. The kicks featuring vintage detailing, including pre-yellowed midsoles and toecap along with gold accenting on the tongue. These are now available through select adidas Originals accounts, including Shoelosophy online.
Source: FreshNGood

Nike All Court Leather Black/White

Nike welcomes another leather version of its All Court for Spring 2011. Keeping the design clean and simple, the shoes take on a versatile black/white colorway with perforated detailing and all the timeless elements you’d expect from the classic tennis silhouette. These can now be found through finer Nike retail accounts, including Primitive.

swagger S.W.A. Ring

swagger launch their Spring and Summer 2011 collection with the release of some jewelry. The S.W.A. Ring abbreviates the well-known Japanese brand’s name into a three finger format. The stylized font includes a contrast between smooth and a textured border with three colors available starting January 15, 2011.

Ransom by adidas Originals “The Valley”

The ongoing collaboration between adidas and Ransom continues, starting this year with this “The Valley” model. Drawing inspiration from technical hiking footwear, the Valley successfully integrates with it both casual and contemporary aesthetics. The latest edition is lined with leather and features a black suede upper. Releasing in limited numbers, the boot is now available at End Clothing.

Richard Mille Extra Flat Automatic RM033 Watch

Having shown a run of luxury watches at the recent SIHH in Geneva, Richard Mille has just released their latest model, the RM033. Created as a “high-tech, high-performance” timepiece, perhaps the watch’s most striking feature is its ultra-thin case. The case features a skeletal design that reveals the inner workings that sit below the Roman numeral display. The watch also makes effective use of a platinum micro-rotator, which here makes its debut appearance for Mille. For full specifications, please visit here.

CASBIA William “Rope”

Only a few seasons old, Edmundo Castillo and Manuele Bianchi created CASBIA last year. With a collection spanning both footwear and accessories, some of their traditional footwear profiles are complimented by some interesting sneakers. A version of the William seen here features a rope-style upper created in contrasting grains with a split midsole and wrap-around lacing.

Reebok Pump Court Victory “Grand Slam” Collection

Reebok pay homage to the yearly tennis Grand Slam tour with a pack of Pump Court Victory sneakers. Once the signature sneaker of American teen prodigy Michael Chang, the collection of four sneakers each draw their respective inspirations from Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open. The sneakers should start hitting retailers soon in anticipation of the upcoming Australian Open.

MCM by PHENOMENON Capsule Collection

Anybody familiar with the work of PHENOMENON has probably understood its position as a progressive and maybe deemed avant-garde approach to design and streetwear. In a collaboration for this season, the brand teams up with another brand with some of the same creative sensibilities as MCM help produce an extensive collection. Everything from fashion to accessories can be seen including an obvious emphasis on the use of leopard patterns. The collection will release on Saturday, January 15 at retailers including THE CONTEMPORARY FIX, UNITED ARROWS HARAJUKU and PHENOMENON OSAKA.

Pooch Hall & Hosea Chanchez Get Sexy In A Valentine's Day Fashion Shoot For THE SOURCE

The fellas of "The Game" get color struck for The Source Magazine's new fashion shoot for their Valentine's Day issue.  We've got the first look at their pics, plus some behind the scenes footage when you read on...
Actors Pooch Hall and Hosea Chanchez sexed it u a bit for the Feb/March issue of The Source Magazine, presented by 1800 Tequila. Check put their Valentine's inspired fashion shoot:

Lookin' good fellas.

FOOLISH ACTIVITIES: Light Skin VS. Dark Skin Party Sparks Outrage

Get ready for this....you just received a flyer saying there's a party.  And the theme is Light Skin VS. Dark Skin. Do you attend?  While you think about it, get the deets on a real life party full of color lines...

Go on down to Columbus, Ohio where you can join "#teamlightskin” or “#teamdarkskin.” By the way...these are actual Twitter hashtags.
Some promoters got together to create a party based on the color of your skin to go down on of all days...Martin Luther King weekend.  So how has the reaction been?  Mixed.
One follower said, “This might be the most popular failed event ever.”
Another Twitter user, PoeticSongBird wrote, “The media is telling us White is beautiful but no, we have to add our own spin on it and degrade ourselves.”
So...I'm thinking they may atually have a good turnout. Knowing how the masses can be sometimes. Would you attend this foolishness?

Raz B's Brother Ricky Romance Issues Smartass Apology For Twitter Feud

Ricky Romance, Raz B's brother, has finally spoken out about his role in the Chris Brown Twitter feud.  Get the deets inside...

Seems as Ricky, has been playing with his Webster's dictionary dropping all king of fancy words like fallaciloquences, nanocephalous, macrotus and humgruffin in his new "message" about Chris.  This was supposed to be an apology:

"I would like to extend my most sincere apologies to the elderly and youth of our nation for my sudden acrasial message of violence towards other individuals of unimportance."
I must eclaircise any misunderstandings that I am a Man of irrational aggression and behavior.
In no way am I attempting to justify my actions towards persons of high immaturity levels and hypocritical methods of “becoming a better person,” I was wrong.
My unexpected reaction to fallaciloquences embellished with deceitful humgruffin cover-ups and unnecessary remarks towards my younger brother enraged me.

Ok...so i guess we can see he is a smart-ass.  That's no way to apologize for a murder threat.  Let's do something more productive in 2011 people.