ECSTATIC FRESHNESS

Denim giant Levi’s continues continues to prove to be more than just a staple within the fashion industry by shedding light on the newest installment of their Levi’s Pioneer Sessions.

Legend & The Roots re-craft a lost classic by the great, yet somehow underappreciated, soul singer Ernie Hines. Mississippi-born, Hines grew up in Baton Rouge, Louisiana where he got his start singing in the church. Soul music eventually caught his interest and the singer/guitarist ended up playing with the likes of Lowell Fulsom and Clyde McPhatter. In 1970 he signed to the legendary Stax label, where he recorded “Our Generation.” Like much of that era’s music, Hines’ song doesn’t give in to the tumult and conflict of the times, refusing to be consumed by it and offering a call to young people to make the world a better place. It’s raw and soulful and honest.

Legend and The Roots’s modern interpretation of “Our Generation” retains the all of the authenticity of the original track: It gets funky from the outset, with big fat brass and an ice cold keyboard vamp, inspirational backing singers and a particularly gritty vocal by Legend who reiterates Hines’s 40-year-old message about making the future better by “getting rid of all the hate.”  Check it out after the jump, Read more…

CNN education contributor Steve Perry talks to Pharrell about how to help america’s youth. Pharrell is a global icon. He has sold more than 1 million albums (individually) and over 75 million (as a producer), performed on every corner of the globe and earlier this year he called to ask how he can help kids. You’re going to see how this American music phenomenon is the epitome of Perry’s Principles. He proves the first of Perry’s Principles – everyone should care about public education because everybody can do something to improve it. Pharrell is intelligent and engaging. I’m sure you’ll be as impressed as I was by the depth of his thoughts. I left the interview inspired.  Read more…

A couple of weeks ago, we did a post on Johnny Cupcakes and now Maestro goes to Boston to check him out at his home and accompany him on his lecture tour to junior high and high schools, colleges, universities and seminars around the country.  Johnny goes around to talk about his passions, very succesful businesses and motivation to those interested in following their passions all the while still staying true to what people love about his brand – cupcakes and clothes. Read more…

Summit on the Summit is a documentary filmed while a team of  celebrities climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in January 2010 to bring clean water to the locals. It started as a lone mission by Kenna, the group slowly grew to the likes of Jessica Biel, Emile Hirsch, Lupe Fiasco, Santigold and more.  It aired last night, but here’s the trailer.  I sure it’ll re-air sometime this week on MTV.  If I get my hands on the entire documentary, I’ll be sure to post it. Seems like an interesting documentary for a great cause.  Read more…

Ryan Leslie and Adidas are teaming up for their “Augmented Reality Virtual Neighborhood” campaign for community improvement.  Take a look at the promo from Ryan, himself Read more…

UCLA’s Hip-Hop Congress and Broccoli City Organic Lifestyle presents an intellectually stimulating panel discussion that explores the materialistic, misogynistic, and violent images portrayed in hip hop music videos. A celebrity hip-hop-affiliated panel will be present to contribute their opinions on these important social issues. Read more…

We Still Are The World

I rember the first one when I was a child. The “rapper” part was kinda corny, though…but I co-sign the effort and intention.

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Polo to the floor though...

Support the Haitian relief efforts with our limited-edition polo shirt, cut for a classic, comfortable fit from breathable cotton mesh and finished with iconic embroidery and the Haitian flag. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this polo will be donated to the United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund and its ongoing commitment to rebuilding Haiti. Available exclusively at RalphLauren.com

…that’s fresh.

AkShone – The Tennessee Volunteer