HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!!! #ARTBYSKIP SOSODEF STARS & STRIPES

FRESH KICKS:

New Balance Steps up the Deconstructed 696
The latest addition to the Summer Utility Collection.
Adding to their Summer Utility Collection, New Balance has dropped a remake of the classic Deconstructed 696. The redesign features some premium new upgrades, including a nubuck suede upper and a Revlite midsole. The material forms comfortably to the wearers foot, as the new design is also seamless towards the forefoot. The look is finished with subtle perforated branding, perforation throughout, leather laces, and a custom leather tongue tab. This comfortable and refined silhouette is available now, both online and in store for $130 USD.

The Nike Tennis Classic Gets the Premium Woven Treatment
The Swoosh celebrates the French Open with a new look for the retro low-top.
Nike’s Tennis Classic has been the subject of some of the brand’s most underrated drops over the past year thanks to the likes of the recent “Nai Ke” design, multicolored Flyknit construction, a “Hot Lava” tribute to the Air Tech Challenge II, an iridescent make-up, a fragment design collab and even a Velcro-equipped makeover. Now, after celebrating the Australian Open back in January, the kicks have returned in honor of the French Open. This time around, the design ditches perforated suede in favor of woven construction. However, unlike last year’s woven Tennis Classics — which saw clean Black/Ivory, Cool Grey/Gum and Black/White colorways — these eschew AC soles in favor of Ultra construction while switching up the upper for a combination of nylon and premium leather.
Expect both the black and grey looks to be available from NSW spots like HAVEN starting this Friday, May 27.

Nike Is Blacking-Out the Kyrie 2
Fresh off combining with LeBron James and Kevin Love for 71 points to take a 3-2 series lead over the Raptors (as part of a 38-point drubbing, no less), Kyrie Irving is getting some brand new kicks from Nike. Unveiled ahead of tomorrow’s game six showdown in Toronto, the latest Kyrie 2 follows the likes of the shoe’s Air Flight Huarache-inspired makeover and “Crossover” PE with an all-black look that pairs the shoe’s usual synthetic construction with a suede strap.
Will Kyrie get a chance to lace these up in the NBA Finals? Stay tuned and look for the kicks to drop worldwide July 2.

adidas Is Resurrecting the Gazelle in Its Purest Form
The Gazelle has long been a mainstay in Europe, but outside of a few sporadic releases, the retro silhouette has largely been absent from other markets — especially in OG form. Thankfully that’s changing next month as adidas presents the “Vintage Suede” pack for Spring/Summer 2016. Based on an early ’90s version of the underrated classic, the new release is a faithful reproduction of the original, right down to the off-white rubber sole unit, serrated Three Stripes and stark white tongue. Best of all, the pack is set for a worldwide drop, thus ushering in the welcome return of a classic.
All three colorways will hit adidas Originals stockists June 3.

Nike Kobe 11 Elite 4KB "Red Horse"
Earlier this year, Nike released the Kobe 11 4KB featuring an upper constructed of multicolored Flyknit. If you weren’t able to get your hands on that release, here’s another one that might pique your interest. Named the “Red Horse,” this pair of 4KBs includes a white leather tongue and heel, with an additional pull-tab only seen on the 4KB style. Its upper is constructed from a melange of red hues, culminating in the toe with a multicolored mix. These will release June 1 for $220 USD, and will be available at select Nike retailers worldwide, including RISE.

NEW MUSIC:

         

2 Chainz and Lil Wayne are back at it once again with the drop of their latest visual called Gotta Lotta.          

Chance The Rapper is back with the official video for his latest single called No Problem featuring 2 Chainz and Lil Wayne.        

Tyga ecides to share his latest video called Cash Money. Tyga new mixtape entitled Im The Shit 3 is due out later on this year.

NEW BAPE & STUSSY FASHION

         

The Stussy 2016 summer collection ranges in price from approximately $50 to approximately $116 USD, and is available now at all Stussy Chapter stores.         

All items can be purchase from BAPE locations starting May 28.

Gucci Mane Released From Prison PLUS Gucci Mane – First Day Out Tha Feds

         

After Three Years Gucci Mane is finally been set free a few months early to return home before the summer. At the moment, Gucci is set to remain on probation for the time being.         

Gucci Mane is back and decides to drop his brand new track called First Day Out Tha Feds produced by Mike Will Made It.

MUSIC MOGULS COMING TO BET THIS JUNE!!! CHECK ME IN IT!!

          

SKETCH CHEMISTRY - FEEL FREE ARTZ

VAN STYLES PICS OF SHAUNA MELINDA IN BROOKLYN (CHECK VISUALAPPAREL.COM)

What is up everyone! I have a crazy week ahead of me but still trying to keep up with some posts! This is a set I shot with Shauna Melinda at her apartment in Brooklyn while out in N.Y. We lucked out with some harsh lighting which played up very well for this set. Mixed with her outfit I was loving the contrast which is evident in the imagery below. Be sure to check the rest of the set out and if you are going to SoundSet this weekend I will see you there!

NEW MUSIC: ARIANA GRANE / ROYCE RIZZY / YG

         

Ariana Grande is back with the release of her new video called Into You produced by Max Martin & Ilya Salmanzadeh and directed by Hannah Lux Davis.

Royce Rizzy is back with the release of his brand new visual called Had To featuring Madeintyo produced by TM88 and directed by Joshua Medina.

YG links up with Kamaiyah and Drake for his new single called Why You Always Hatin.

The Olivier Rousteing x NikeLab Sneaker Collection

A Look at the Olivier Rousteing x NikeLab Sneaker Collection

After taking to Instagram to confirm his rumored collaboration with NikeLab, Olivier Rousteing and the sportswear giant have officially unveiled their forthcoming range via Vogue. The Balmain Creative Director has put a dark glamorous spin on a selection of functional sportswear pieces for both women and men, which have been rendered in a predominantly black and gold color scheme. Highlights include matching tees and shorts detailed with gold trimming and drawstring closures, while the sleek light outerwear pieces boast a similar makeup but with additional zip detailing. Hints of dark grey are also seen throughout the range offering a subtle, yet welcomed contrast. Check out the entire collection above and purchase any items starting June 2.
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FRESH KICKS:

DreamWorks, BAIT & Diadora Come Together for a 'Kung Fu Panda' Themed Sneaker for COPA
America welcomes the COPA América Centenario for the first time on U.S. soil as the international football (soccer) tournament celebrates its 100 year anniversary this year. In honor of the milestone, made in U.S.A. companies DreamWorks and BAIT are coming together with Italian footwear purveyor Diadora for a special series of six sneakers that kick off today with a collaborative S8000 model.
As previewed earlier, the sneaker dons a bold black and white colorway inspired by the animation studio’s hit film Kung Fu Panda. The premium rendition of the made in Italy shoe features quality pony hair with supple leather details across its upper. Custom tri-branded insoles line the footbeds while lace options include flat waxed black and white laces. The shoes are encased in a Kung Fu Panda-themed box.
Limited to 300 units, BAIT x DreamWorks x Diadora S8000 “Kung Fu Panda” sneakers can be purchased for $300 USD when they launch May 28 at all BAIT chapter stores. Enter BAIT’s raffle for a chance to win the sneakers online.

Nike Drops Off A Lupine Colorway of the Nike Air Huarache
Nike’s latest take on the Air Huarache features a subdued white and gray colorway. The trainer’s upper consists of wolf grey neoprene and white leather which contrast with a black heel tab for a clean look. These lupine creps could be perfect for the summer months, or you could stash them and save them for when winter finally comes.
They’re available now from Undefeated for $110 USD.

adidas Releases Two More Colorways For the Coca-Cola Climacool 1
adidas recently brought back its 2002 Coca Cola “Clima-Cola” sneakers in its red iteration, and now the Three Stripes is completing the pack with both a silver and a black colorway. Originally released for the 2002 World Cup, the shoes feature a mesh upper with red accents, staying true to the Coca Cola aesthetic. Keep an eye out for these to release in the coming weeks at adidas retailers such as Caliroots, where it will be available for approximately $170 USD.














Kevin Durant's Nike KD9 Makes Its Debut
Nike unveiled the next generation of Kevin Durant signature sneakers back in March, but it hasn’t been seen since then. Last night, Durant finally debuted them out on court in the Oklahoma City Thunder’s crucial playoff win over the Golden State Warriors. Rendered in a cool grey matched with a bright pink sole, the shoes feature Flyknit technology and an all-new full-length Zoom Air unit. The shoes must have given Durant a boost, because OKC demolished Golden State to take a 2-1 series lead in the Western Conference Finals
The Nike KD9 will be released to the public this June.

adidas Gives the Stan Smith a Colorful Mesh Rework
After being released in a minimal Primeknit Triple White and Black iteration, adidas gives the Stan Smith a colorful revamp for the summer as a part of its adicolor collection. The latest version of the ubiquitous silhouette encompasses breathable mesh throughout the upper, available in either a teal or dark blue colorway that blends in seamlessly with the porous white panels. The iconic branding is adorned onto the tongue and heel tab, as the entire shoe sits atop a crisp white sole. Grab a pair of these mesh Stan Smith adicolors at retailers like Renarts now.

Beyoncé & JAY Z's Joint Album Reportedly Finished

There have been plenty of rumors circulating around the possibility of a joint project between Beyoncé and JAY Z ever since the release of the Queen Bey’s LEMONADE, in which the singer seemingly confirmed her husband’s infidelity with a certain “Becky with the good hair.” Now according to Page Six, this was all a marketing ploy to strum up publicity for a joint album that would serve as a platform for the couple to respond to the claims of extramarital affairs among other things. The source claims that “Jay and Beyoncé were never going to do an interview to address all the questions that came up after ‘Lemonade.’ It’s more their style to respond through music.” He/she also says that the project is already completed and will be dropping on TIDAL (of course) “very soon.” Stay tuned for more updates regarding this joint project and head over to HYPETRAK for the latest in the world of music.

FASHION:

KAWS Teams up With Mira Mikati to Drop a Trio of Limited Edition Bombers
After making its debut last year as a colette exclusive, KAWS’ collaborative bomber with designer Mira Mikati is making a return for Spring/Summer 2016 — this time with two additional designs in tow. As with the previous drop, this season’s release utilizes a combination of appliqué, print, and intricate embroidery to showcase KAWS’ distinctive artwork on the colorful pieces. Said Mikati:

I love that his work appears to be so understated. Take a closer look though, and you’ll see each piece is perfectly painted, layer upon layer — you’d think a computer might have done it. And that’s similar to the way I approach a collection — the overall effect has a sense of ease, but the details are important inside and out.

Retailing for $1,895 USD, each jacket is available in-store now from the likes of Boston-based concept ALL TOO HUMAN.

SOPHNET. & Vans Drop Another "Star Classic" Pack
After getting a first look at the collaborative take on the Classic Slip-On courtesy of SHOES MASTER, SOPHNET. and Vans have unveiled the full range of goods that make up the second instalment to their “Star Classic” pack. This latest drop, like the first one, is comprised of footwear and apparel but it’s further supplemented with the inclusion of small leather goods. A pair of beach-ready shorts emblazoned with the same all-over pattern as the laceless sneaker is found alongside a pair of co-branded tees and leather pouches which have been made available in both navy and white variations. Check out the range above and look to purchase any items from BILLY’s locations in Japan and SOPHNET. locations starting May 28.


A Bathing Ape Drops Tropical Camo
All items can be purchase from BAPE locations starting May 28.

HAPPY G-DAY BIGGIE!!!! CHECK ART ON skip-smith.fineartamerica.com #ARTBYSKIP

SHOP SOSODEF / AFROMAN CARTOON / GLOBAL14.COM / RAPGAME SEASON 2 / BET MUSIC MOGULS / #ARTBYSKIP

FRESH KICKS:

Nike Drops the Ronaldo-Inspired Air Max Mercurial R9
The Swoosh transforms the Brazilian legend’s old boots for wear away from the pitch.

If Nike Cortez Had a Bruce Lee Tribute, This Would Be It
The pioneer of track since 1972, the Nike Cortez Ultra QS is back for another makeover. Embraced for its undeniable comfort and simple appearance, the beloved classic here features a black leather upper, with an eye-catching gold Swoosh and heel tab. Additionally, a full-length EVA foam midsole adds a thick layer of padding to cushion your foot with each stride. Stay tune for the May 26 release of the Nike Cortez Ultra QS Black/Metallic Gold on Sneaker Politics for $100 USD.

Nike Gives the Air Max 95 a Clean New Blue & Grey Colorway
The retro runner drops in navy blue shades.

Nike Kyrie 2 "Cavs" Colorway Drops In Time For NBA Finals

The NikeLab ACG Lupinek Flyknit Gets a Low-Top Version
Released towards the tail end of last year, the NikeLab ACG Lupinek Flyknit SFB was an original high-top silhouette created to tackle all but the worst winter conditions. Now with the summer months almost upon us, NikeLab has reengineered the sneaker into a low-top variation for balmier environments. Shedding the padded ankle collar, this low-top utilizes dirt and water-repellant Flyknit construction across the upper, with a reinforced mudguard textured using VAC-TECH. A Phylon midsole and rugged Special Field Boot outsole ensure traction across all manner of terrain, while finishing touches include a perforated leather tongue and a padded mesh heel insert for extra support. Releasing in dark grey and grey/white colorways, look for the NikeLab ACG Lupinek Flyknit Low to release imminently online at Nike.com.