The iPod generation is solidified. On Colin Munroe's acclaimed ...Is The Unsung Hero [click to listen] mixtape, his ballad "Piano Lessons" sings of a boy finding salvation in his room with his instruments. As the crooning comes to a crescendo, Black Milk and Joell Ortiz jump in, bringing some Hip Hop flavor to the emotionally-charged moment.
This is Munroe's unique territory. He's not a rapper, or a Hip Hop genre artist. Then again, he doesn't admit to being a Rock artist either. Instead, the fresh-on-the-scene Toronto native is making tangible, heartfelt music, that knocks in the earphones of many. These things come across as the DXnext artist talks about his love of Detroit Hip Hop, his unique childhood, and how iPod-era artists like him ought not mourn the death of the album.
Where He Was A Year Ago:"It's been a year since the 'Flashing Lights' [
click to view] thing started to go down. Just before that, I had just started up my relationship with Dallas Austin [click to read] and his people. We had, at the time, a project I had finished and brought to him. We were supposed to start meeting labels and all that, doing that thing. It was that usual place of 'Okay, alright. People kind of believe in this. But where do we go? What do we do? How do we get people to pay attention? That's when other music started being made. That's when I [did] the 'Flashing Lights' thing, and have some fun. That force takes over, and takes it out of your hands and hang on."
How He's Embraced The "Unsung Hero" Image: "To me, that persona, I've worn it for a while. I think a lot of people do, in various walks of life. When you're trying to get noticed or say something in a world that's difficult to get heard in, I don't think it's something that I will completely ever drop. It's been such a part of me for so long, being the kid that no one really expected much of. I was never the biggest kid, the best-looking kid, yada yada, all that stuff. There's always that sense in myself that I need to prove something to someone."
Working With Hip Hop Acts Like Black Milk And Joell Ortiz: "The thing about these guys, myself and a lot of people that are coming up in this generation, I think we're the first generation that's not truly genre-bound. You're no longer divided by whether or not you're a Hip Hop kid, a Rock kid or a Punk kid. Most kids kind of listen to just everything on their playlists. It's a generation that's familiar with that, grew up with that, and is able to [accept] collaborations. They're no longer novelty items anymore. It's no longer Run-DMC and Aerosmith, it's an honest [creative artform].
It wasn't a stretch. Black [Milk] [click to read] came to me. He reached out. It's been me that's been more shocked than anyone else at how the Hip Hop community in general has embraced what I - and a lot of other people that are trying to bend genres, are trying to do. Hip Hop has always been the community that's embraced my music first."
On Music Being A Release: "It's been the escape. The story that's told in ["Piano Lessons"] is pretty true to life. Music was pushed to the forefront as an escape. I eventually, over the years, retreated further and further into my own head, and into my room. Eventually, I had my first recording studio in my bedroom. It was the most crowded room you've ever seen in your life, but it was my own little world. I felt like I could get outside the walls of the house. Being home-schooled and whatnot, in a small house with a lot of kids, sometimes it's the only way to get away."
Intentions To Connect With Specifically Underground Hip Hop Throughout His Career: "For me, it's a natural aesthetic, taste thing. When I was getting into Hip Hop back in the day, and I'm not by any means a big Hip Hop head - I wouldn't claim to be - but what got me into it was the Detroit sound. For whatever reason, with a few exceptions, that sound has always remained slightly under the radar. I think it was a natural thing. Joell [Ortiz] [click to read] isn't necessarily of that school, but I think has some commonalities with it - some of the other guys [I've worked with] too. So I'll probably always be coming back to that, as an entry point. It's a sound I enjoy. The production, what's talked about in the lyrics. That's what I get down with most."
Albums Versus The Present-Day Playlist Era: "I'm not necessarily one of these people that is lamenting the death of the album, if that's in fact what we're coming face-to-face with. I think it's partially because I like to see things as opportunities and less as [disappointments]. Not to say that the album form isn't a great form, and it's given us some amazing bodies of work. But really, it was a commercial invention. It was a combination of a new technology that allowed records to be a little longer, and a way for record companies to get people to pay a little bit more money for them. Artists find a way. That's what I do. I like the famous John Lennon quote: 'I'm an artist. Give me a fucking tuba and I'll get something out of it for you.' Obviously, there's some albums that have a very special place in my heart, and there will always be a place for some albums. [Others,] it could be dying, and that's not necessarily a bad a thing. There's opportunities though - maybe several smaller, more frequently released projects, maybe it is a more steady flow of singles. It's hard to say, but it's opportunity."
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Due to its always high demand, sneaker customizer Mark Ong, best known as SBTG, set to launch a new endeavor this Spring. The newly minted Made To Order Collection will drawn influences from one-of-the-kind SBTG created in the past, predominately from 2 popular themes: SBTG x PHU – Death From Above Project and SBTG x Lazy – Paramount Collection. Each will also consist of 2 DIY methods: classic custom paint or custom fabrication.
OFFICIAL LUPE FIASCO & FNF MERCHANDISE NOWAVAILABLE ONLINE ONLY @ 
The iPod generation is solidified. On Colin Munroe's acclaimed ...Is The Unsung Hero [click to listen] mixtape, his ballad "Piano Lessons" sings of a boy finding salvation in his room with his instruments. As the crooning comes to a crescendo, Black Milk and Joell Ortiz jump in, bringing some Hip Hop flavor to the emotionally-charged moment.
DJ Definit presents... 
Once again LRG Frogman and G-Shock team up for their 10th Anniversary watch. Coming out in all white, this watch includes some cool features that you might not find on many watches like 200M water resistance and it’s solar powered. This item is definitely one of those items you buy in two, you rock one and save the other for show and tell. There is still no date on when the watch will be available to the public but we’ll will sure have my eyes locked on this beauty. 
After years of development and endless requests. KRINK GOLD has arrived. Featuring the same high-quality standards found in all KRINK products the ink is handmade in the USA. Commemorating this release, alife has produced a limited edition GOLD by Krink tee shirts.Now available at Alife Flagship locations in NYC, Hollywood, and Vancouver, GOLD by KRINK.
In association with WA007, one of the premiere graphic design firms in the nation, Theory11 presents their Propaganda playing cards, a refreshing, industrial spin on modern playing card design with a best in class feel and finish. Innovative and intricate, Propaganda showcases a unique grunge with an edge of 20th century military imagery. Playing cards uniquely engineered to military precision, with original, iconic style and unsurpassed quality. The sets are now available via the Theory11 online store.
Designed by Modo illustrator Tim Cooper as a potential product from Tonino Lamborghini, they are definitely showstoppers.
Alcatel has partnered with LEGO to release a brick-inspired cell phone for kids, priced at or around $60. From the picture above, the faceplate appears to be comprised of three interchangeable sections. Technical specifications and availability have not yet been announced. 
Nike SB has just released a new Dunk Low Premium called Angel & Devil. The name is personified by the artwork on the footbed depicting… an angel and a devil character. The graphic is pretty simple but very tasteful. A good colorway combo to go perfect for the Spring season. Rumor also has it that there might be a Angel & Devil skateboard to release as well. No official word on whether that is in the works or true. The kicks are available now at select Nike SB dealers including Kix-Files.
