The Pantalones

different may not be synonymous with good, but re-hashing unoriginal musical concepts is both underwhelming and generally un-creative. 700 guys can rap about 'not having a job' or 'struggle' or something over some tweaky soul sample (ideas which they originally drew from people like kanye); it all begins to sound like mush at some point. if you enjoy music that only meets your expectations, then this would be good for you, but i believe the intrigue in music (and art) is when people stray away.

Tue, 21 May 2013 00:29:00 -0400

That’s fine and valid, although highly contested, but what I’ve been saying is that Kanye’s latest tracks have not been successful in any manor. The lyrics are shit, the message is hypocritical (as well as recycled), the production is replicable (as well as recycled), and he owes any bit of “creative ingenuity” to the people he hires.

That’s what he’s become. That’s all I’ve been trying to say.

I’m not going to answer any more questions about this.

College Dropout and Graduation were soulful and great. WTT was fun to quote under pictures of italian dudes. Cold winter was kinda a turd. But pick a music site. Rolling stone, pitchfork, whatever. MBDTF is the top rated Kanye album of all time. Sure, he's hasn't been at his best lately. But, he is arguably the only rockstar left. Some say he shouldn't try so hard with the production, art, fashion, DONDA etc. But at least he pushes himself and is interesting.

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:47:00 -0400

I’ve said it over and over again, in any creative endeavor, different is not synonymous with good.

I think that Late Registration, College Dropout, and Graduation were great hip-hop albums because they were for the most part honest and had something to say that was relatable and humanistic.

Again, this isn’t law; it’s just my opinion.

Do you listen to jazz?

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:42:45 -0400

Not enough to be able to talk about it confidently. My housemate is an amazing jazz saxophonist, and he’s taught me a lot. I can’t say I’m exceptionally knowledgeable, more of a blues man myself.

top 3 rap albums of all time. go.

Mon, 20 May 2013 23:41:27 -0400

Can’t even begin to answer that.

Sorry.

(i listened to brother ali in 7th grade. this is not a joke nor a way to win this debate i actually did) (i also write rap reviews semi-professionally so i would consider myself versed on it) great taste in clothing, music i'm confused about. but that's that

Mon, 20 May 2013 22:17:47 -0400

Word. I listened to Kanye in 7th grade, so I’m not sure what significance that holds, but as my friend Skylar once said, “Music is music, and taste is taste. That’s all.”

On Metacritic, a website that aggregates all critical reviews, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the highest rated rap album of all time. ALL TIME. So...speak for yourself.

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:29:00 -0400

Stankonia is number one on Metacritic.
I am speaking for myself.
If anyone here thinks My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is the second best hip-hop/rap album of all time, including Kanye’s early work, I’d call them a fool, or thirteen years old.
Not going to apologize for that.

rappers rarely practice what they preach, and the ones who do (oj da juiceman, etc.) you probably wouldn't like b/c of their apparently 'anti-soul' sound. + every successful rapper is fairly egomaniacal (therefore 'douchey') b/c overwhelming confidence (i can get every girl, be the best ever, make the most money) is celebrated in hip-hop and always has been. kanye is just someone who consistently redefines the parameters of this genre (and arguably music as a whole) but is criticized for it

Mon, 20 May 2013 20:27:56 -0400

If that’s the way you view hip-hop (like most do) I really do feel sorry for you (and most).

The “underground” rap/hip-hop scene produces some of the most honest and noteworthy music around. Unfortunately, it rarely ever makes it to the radio, and when it does, it turns into Thrift Shop.

Give Brother Ali a listen. That’s honest music, as is the entire Rhymesayers Collective.

My main problem with Kanye is that he claims to be something special and he isn’t. He was, but he isn’t anymore.

The Alden Dover, in snuff suede

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:06:53 -0400

The Alden Dover, in snuff suede

Cifonelli.

Mon, 20 May 2013 09:08:50 -0400

Cifonelli.

why don't you like Kanye? who do you like?

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:36:00 -0400

I really just don’t like what Kanye has become, both musically and as a person. He doesn’t practice what he preaches, he’s a complete douche, and his music has honestly turned pretty damn shitty. He’s moved away from everything that made Late Registration and College Dropout, two of my favorite hip-hop albums to date, such great albums. He ditched his hip-hop inspired DJ sample/scratch driven beats for over-produced bullshit. His two tracks that he just performed on SNL sounded like subpar b-sides from Watch The Throne. A lot of people will say that he’s evolved as an artist, but I think that’s bullshit.

Rappers that I’m really into right now: Chance The Rapper, Joey Bada$$, and Action Bronson

Rappers/groups that I will always keep coming back to: Atmosphere, Gang Starr, Brother Ali, Grieves, Blue Scholars, SOL, early Kid Cudi, Wu-Tang, early Macklemore, Bliss n Eso, Pez, 360, Outkast, Big Boi, Language Arts Crew, early Lupe, Cunninlynguists, and Gorilla Warfare Tactics

Generally speaking, I like groups and rappers that respect the sounds and samples of classic soul, funk, and blues and then apply that to hip-hop in their own way.

what bag(s) do you use to carry around your stuff? any on your wishlist?

Sun, 19 May 2013 18:15:13 -0400

I really don’t like carrying bags. I’m not a bag guy; I like to make use of the pockets of my blazer and pants. I know some people have an issue with that because it “ruins the lines of your silhouette”, but it just makes sense to me. I also just carry my notebooks, books, and hard drive to class in my hands. I honestly think it looks cooler.

That being said, I’ve had an Incase back strap backpack for over five years and a messenger bag from Matt & Nat for just over two. I use them when I have to. I have a Navali weekender that I use all of the time for short trips and a vintage canvas Perry Ellis duffle that I use for longer trips.

I’m pretty happy with my bag situation right now, but if someone wanted to throw me some old school luggage or anything from Ghurka or Ernest Alexander, I probably wouldn’t be mad about it.

A man is only as real as his tweets.

Sun, 19 May 2013 14:00:24 -0400

A man is only as real as his tweets.

What if I wanted to get into the style you have. Can you give me an estimated price range on how much I would have to spend to get some versatile clothing? I'm 16 so I'm low on funds.

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:46:00 -0400

My wardrobe is very much cumulative, so I don’t know if I can really put a price on it. That’s pretty difficult.

If you want to get a solid start, I’d save up around three hundred dollars and hit Uniqlo. Although it’s not the best quality, the styles are always on point, especially for a younger kid who isn’t entirely sure of his style yet. A lot of great options for basics.

i know it's really contradictory, but do you know where could i cop a black suit with some linen in the fabric? I remember uniqlo having linen blazers, but they were blazers...

Sun, 19 May 2013 13:45:08 -0400

You might need to go MTM or Bespoke on that, man.

Nothing really comes to mind, in terms of off-the-rack options.

Let me paint a picture for you alright... You're an intern working in a very high stress, high pressure office this summer. Everyone in your department dresses differently. Some days your boss wears an ugly patterned button up tucked into khakis and dress shoes. Other days hes wearing mock neck long sleeve shirts tucked into dad jeans. Other members of the department wear jeans and slacks pretty evenly dispersed. You're the intern, what are you wearing to the office?

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:44:10 -0400

A very well-fitting shirt, a very nice belt, slim chinos, and some form of brogues.

I'm looking for some chocolate brown suede oxfords to wear to an event. Any ideas?

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:41:51 -0400

Price range?

Juice - Chance The Rapper It must suck to be any other rapper in...

Sun, 19 May 2013 12:34:00 -0400

Juice - Chance The Rapper

It must suck to be any other rapper in the game right now, because Chance is doing it better than you. This entire tape is untouchable.

Hey! I recently saw a photo of you on Sabir's Instagram - its a photo of you wearing your green Bogliogli blazer with white chinos. I was wondering what shirt you were wearing in the photo - it looks like a linen striped shirt, but I was wondering what brand it was.

Fri, 17 May 2013 21:22:00 -0400

Haha I actually have no idea.

I bought it at Daffy’s about a year ago. It’s a blue/white striped linen with impeccable construction, MOP buttons, crazy collar roll, etc. Snagged it for like twenty bucks.

No labels at all, except a EU size. Sorry about that.

Where are those loafers from?

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:46:00 -0400

Those are literally the most beat to shit Bass Weejuns in the world. I don’t think they do a beef roll in that color way any more, but I bought them like two years ago. The last on them is incredible.

There are actually holes in the soles. I’ve duct taped them twice.

Still wearing them as shit kicking shoes.

Thoughts on the Bass Larson 2 in "Brown Camaleon Leather"? (You can find them on Zappos.) any other ideas for a penny loafer around $100?

Fri, 17 May 2013 19:44:31 -0400

At that price point, Bass is basically the only non-ebay option.

I don’t have any major problems with that color.