AGENDA x MAGIC Vegas
We had the opportunity to head out to Las Vegas and attend the fashion trade shows including Liberty, Agenda Capsule, Magic, MVMNT, Project and Pool. After checking out all of the exhibitors, we handpicked those who spoke to our Artoholik DNA, check them out here.
We kicked it, networked, shoot footage and most of all enjoyed all the fresh discoveries. From denim to foot wear we met brands like Bush Smarts, a hiking accessories brand from Brooklyn that WOW'ed us with nicely branded simple everyday items.
We learned about a lot from the people behind these brands, some creating their brands based on their everyday lifestyle while others woke up and felt the need to create a brand of their own.
We spotted unique booths, cool props and interesting representatives...
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
[/one_third_last]
Enjoy more still visuals below, recap videos soon to come. Peace & ELI!
[divider type="dotted" text="Go to top" full_width="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]
[AFG_gallery id='19']
EXPLORE + LIVE & EXPLORE! (recap)
Well, well, well... What a month and what an outcome. Yesterday's pop-up shop at the Bourgeois Boutique in Hillside was amazing. If you were there, then you witnessed the works of Iquan and Guru throughout the boutique, some hand painted pieces, while all others were digital art infused with photos from the duo's Urban Exploring Excursions. We went into this event thinking it would be a year end celebration, but with all the love and support, how dare we do that.
Event go’ers had to opportunity to enjoy the sounds from fellow Artoholik, DJ Ream Supreme and tasty giveaways from RB’s Sweat Treats. Iquan’s mission was for the space to be designed to inspire you and activate your own mission, from the messaging on the shirts to the art-work on display, each piece had a statement that either you said to yourself once before, or something that made you want to get up off yo ASS.
From the works of art to the tees, customers were excited to get their hands on the piece that they came for.
Some attendees totally shocked us all by buying up everything, while others instantly felt the need to rock their favorite tee.
Overall, it was great to see friends, family, fellow Artoholiks and just everyone out to support and enjoy themselves on a Summer Sunday afternoon. This is the first of many more in steps towards the ultimate goal of an official Artoholik Shop that will be the home not only to Iquan and Guru but to...
See all the photos below, video to follow!
[divider type="dotted" text="Go to top" full_width="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]
[AFG_gallery id='17']
Urban Exploring: Episode 8 – Color Me Rad
THE SYNOPSIS
In this installment of Urban Exploring, The Artoholik's Ike & Guru head to Metlife Stadium to participate in the Color Me RAD 5k race. Prior to arriving at the stadium Ike & Guru get into a mini debate over directions and just so happen the camera was rolling. On arrival, Guru checks in and volunteer for an hour or so while Ike roams the crowd in search of flicks. The duo met back up, murdered the 5k run and then spent time enjoying the party with the rest of the crowd all while documenting the event. What good is an episode of Urban Exploring without food? Ike & Guru hit up local juice bar HLS in Maplewood, NJ to recharge on a healthy note. Enjoy!
THE DISCOVERIES
COLOR ME RAD
Color Me Rad is a 5K that fires off in a blaze of color bombs, color cannons, color mortars, and multi-toned courses that guarantee your outlook will be brighter, your boyfriend will be more affectionate, your boss will finally remember your name, the hair on your head will grow back and the hair on your back will fall out, and your gray outlook will turn green like a spring morning.
Historically, running has only been acceptable when trying to escape the law, personal responsibility, the truth, and grizzly bears.
Instead of running FROM something, get ready to run FOR something at this year's Color Me Rad. Run for the hell of it. Learn More
HLS (Health Love & Soul)
Our mission is to prove that foods and beverages can be delicious and fun without sacrificing nutrition or principles. We strive to be the destination of choice for selective meat eaters and vegetarians alike by offering a menu that caters equally to both. We pride ourselves on bringing diverse groups together in one warm and welcoming environment. HLS: Many choices. One love.
- Arinze and Emeka, Proud owners of HLS Learn More
THANK YOU
THE MUSIC
Music truly make our episodes, great music gives great energy. In this episode, we did something never done in any of our videos, we told the story with four different tracks, so it's only right that we thank these wonderful musicians for the sound.
Track1: 1000 BONUS JOINT by DJ Day
Track2: Until Then Overdue by SAVON
Track3: LoveNothing by Haan808
Track4: Byram's Groove by Slakah the Beatchild
Be sure to check out the photos from this event in our photo booth.
Color Me RAD 2014 (NYC)
In case you missed it last summer… The Artoholiks took part in the annual Color Me RAD NJ/NY 5K at the METLife Stadium. Okay let me share a secret with you. For those of you who don't know much about the Artoholiks crew, besides our diversity, we’re a dope collective of athletic creative heads who confront every new challenge like artistic dare devils. Any who we love running marathons. Last year we took part in the super kick @## & very nontraditional Color Me RAD NY/NJ 5k at the MetLife Stadium and definitely had a blast. Picture this, starting a 5K in a crispy white T-Shirt or tank top and finishing the run literally showered in a bust of awesome colors. As the folks at COLOR ME RAD said it best, "Historically, running has only been acceptable when trying to escape the law, personal responsibility, the truth, and grizzly bears.” Unfortunate if you missed July 27th festivities to get your fresh white tee color bombed in blue, green, pink, purple, and yellow until every inch of your body: face, shirt, socks, etc is camouflaged. We've got you covered. If you think that was all, you thought WRONG! Imagine also partying at 10AM with DJ Brostradamus after a 5k run. We’re cool peeps so we’ll share a bit with you guys. Watch us and some of our friends get color bombed RAD style & getting our party on. Check the photos below! YES they're free for download and make sure to tag us with @theartoholiks PEACE!
[divider type="dotted" text="Go to top" full_width="no" width="1/1" el_position="first last"]
[AFG_gallery id='1']
Urban Exploring: Episode 7 – Smorgasburg
THE SYNOPSIS
Episode 7 is totally a wild card episode. As we work towards ending season 1 of Urban Exploring we had two other episodes already filmed and in line for publishing. But this past weekend Iquan and Guru set out to have their weekly bike ride throughout NYC and this time the duo dared themselves to ride across the Williamsburg Bridge ending up in the Williamsburg section of Brooklyn. After a few blocks of riding they ended up at the weekly food festival by Brooklyn Flea Market called Smorgasburg, where they discovered a ton of people and smelled an array of delicious food. Come to find out Iquan was familiar with the event but never really shared it the way he normally would. Long story short, the guys ended up documenting their hangout and created another episode filled with fresh and yummy discoveries. Enjoy!
THE DISCOVERIES
SMORGASBURG
Smorgasburg happens in two locations every weekend: Saturdays at East River State Park—Kent Ave. and N. 7 St.—on the Williamsburg waterfront; and Sundays at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 5. Both locations are open from 11am to 6pm, and feature packaged and prepared foods, beverages, and more from purveyors from New York City and across the region, for a total of 75-100 vendors. The markets are always open rain or shine. For all inquiries, please email us at info@brooklynflea.com. Learn More
[one_third]
POTPURI
Potpuri is a labor of love to bring authentic Indian street fare to NYC. Different than most Indian food, this food is cooling and refreshing on a hot day and entirely vegetarian and organic. We are very excited to be a part of the Saturday Food/Flea market on the Williamsburg waterfront. Learn More[/one_third]
[one_third]
PIZZA MOTO
Pizza Moto cooks made-to order, wood-fired Pizza in our one-of-a-kind ovens. Over the years we have designed and built 4 mobile ovens, which can be found all over Brooklyn and Manhattan between April and November. Customers’ overwhelming curiosity and excitement about our ovens, our pizza, and our tinkering ways inspired us to keep searching for engineering projects in the pizza-verse. Learn More[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
BON CHOVIE
Anchovies. Highly traveled and beloved around the world. Though they're called by a variety of names, from Spain to China to the U.S., they represent a global tradition of small fish recipes and sea-borne nutrition. What's more, these guys are pivotal in global food security and reduction of our environmental footprint; if you want to make a difference, well, the way to do it is by eating a little lower on the food chain - it's true! - which reduces pollution AND resource consumption. Learn More[/one_third_last]
[one_third]
ASIA DOG
Asiadogs are hot dogs with Asian-inspired toppings. Born from a love of NYC, we wanted to push the limits of one of its most popular street foods by adding our own personal touch with super-fresh ingredients.
Coming from mixed Asian backgrounds, we celebrate NYC's diversity by incorporating flavors found in China, Korea, Vietnam, Japan, and more. Learn More[/one_third]
[one_third]
CHED BRED
Cornbread has gone from side dish to being sidelined. The soul of cornbread lives mostly in your long-lost southern relative or haunts an obscure hole in the wall restaurant. The retail alternative just doesn’t cut the cake, so to speak. Jack’s Chedbred is here to revive this authentic All-American classic and get it back in the game and on your table. Learn More[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
MR CUTTERS
Mr. Cutters is the ONLY Barbadian/Bajan food stand in NY that serves the traditional sandwich known as a “cutter.” So what exactly is a Cutter? Cutters are found in many of the island’s rum shops and street stands and are made using salt bread (a Bajan bread roll) and filled with anything delicious such as fish, ham, or cheese. Learn More[/one_third_last]
THANK YOU
JAMES W.A.T.T.
Jersey emcee/producer James Watts blessed us with four tracks for Season 2 of Urban Exploring however we couldn't wait to use at least one. The track used in this episode is titled "Is this love" and we choose to use this one because of the slow build up. It give the feeling that something is coming. James is far from a discovery to us, he is actually a long time friend of the crew and produced all the tracks on Aaron Brown's Poetry Album earlier in the year. For more on James and his music Click Here
Urban Exploring: Jake x GoPro in NYC
I was a little pissed that I had to give up an entire day just to take my son Jacob to the dentist all the ways in midtown NYC. See my wife and I go there and absolutely love our dentist, he offered to take a look at Jacob's problem even though he doesn't work with kids. Anyway living in Hillside, New Jersey means that we would have had leave New Jersey at 10:30a in order to make it there by 12p. Again, I wasn't happy with the thought of messing damn near an entire day of work just for an hour dentist appointment. But just like everything else in my life, I find a way to turn the bad into good and I did exactly that by turning Jacob's visit to an NYC dentist into an Urban Exploring Journey.
We parked the car in Newark and as we walked to Penn Station I saw the perfect photo opportunity and that's how the story started. During the train ride, Jacob asked... "Why are we riding the NJ TRANSIT train instead of the PATH train" I then explained... Because we're headed to midtown and NJ TRANSIT is faster than the PATH when heading to midtown. Then, following question was..."Dad, when I'm 33 years how old will you and mom be?" I answered... Mom and I are twenty five years older than you and in school you're currently learning how to add nickels, dimes and quarters. So... Add two dimes and a nickel to 33 and that's how you'll forever get your answer. He goes... "Ahhh 33 plus a dime equals 43, add another dime to get 53 and then a nickel to get 58. Y'all will be 58 when I'm 33." We played that game for a few more minutes. I thought that was fun and made the train ride easier.
Now that we're here in the big city, we got the perfect opportunity to grab another awesome picture. The Empire State Building is behind us and the essence of Madison Square Garden is to the side.
Unfortunately the dentist office was too dull and too serious for a photo op, but fire me for not taking a pic anyway.
Because I'm the dad there was absolutely no way I could handle the project alone of bringing the kid to NYC yet alone the dentist without any supervision. So super mom came to the rescue, well actually she only works a few blocks away so she came just to check on her boys... Isn't she a beauty?
But just like in our bedroom, she couldn't stay long, so Jake and I were once again on our own, I decided to feed my kid by taking him somewhere unique and fun.
Check out where we ended up, Shake Shake! Heard of it? Nah? Well, here's a new discovery for you! Word on the street is that this place has some of the best burgers around and Jake and I was determined to test them out even if we had to wait in this long line.
Finally, after waiting for a half hour, we got our food. But that didn't mean we were in the clear, we still had to find a seat. When super mom isn't around super dad steps up to the plate, and with that being said I got us a seat by utilizing my pretty smile while hugging my beautiful son and damn right someone offered HIM a seat.
Time to eat, I got the burger and he got a hot dog. We shared fries while slurping down vanilla and strawberry milkshakes. And if that's not fat enough, we got a COKE just to ensure that all the goodness is flushed all the way down. Yum!
Do we look full enough?
So we chewed up an entire hour at Shake Shack, which was perfect because we had to be at mom's office by 2, we had about 45 more minutes to burn. We started on 44th and 8th and had to troop to 41st and Broadway. Now to you New Yorkers you might say "that ain't far" but try walking with a lazy seven year old, however I had a plan! I knew he never been to Times Square, which was in the near area and with that came more photo opportunities...
My super dad powers also reminded me of the dressed up characters that pose up out here looking for tips, so I decided to take a walk in the opposite direction, felt it would be worth it...
What do you think?
Fun is over, let's get mom...
We made it, however she's busy so we'll wait...
Finally, we recused super mom, thank god for summer Fridays she got off at two and now we head back to Jersey. Jake is tired, but he's with his favorite super hero's so he can rest his head easy.
Moral of the story... Sometimes we can't control everything, so instead of soaking in disappointment or frowning down on change you should always try to make the best out of the situation. Today my kid is happy and got to explore parts of New York that he never got to see. And if that's not enough, none of my clients called, emailed or checked for me today, so you can say that it was a much need QT dad and son day planned by the universe. It was a WIN WIN WIN! I got quality time with my kid, he enjoyed a day off from school and The Artoholiks got another story out of me. Hope you enjoyed!
Urban Exploring: Episode 6 - Queen Ella
THE SYNOPSIS
In episode 6 of Urban Exploring Season 1, Iquan and Guru spent an entire day with Newark based R&B singer Queen Ella as she gets dolled-up for her show at the Apollo Theater later that evening. The two started out at popular Newark barber shop Center Stage Cuts, where they meet Queen Ella and waited for her to get her weekly unorthodox hair cut. Then the three jumped in the car and made way to Montclair, NJ to grab food from Raymonds an American New York themed restaurant located in the center of Montclair's church street. After a nice lunch the 3 split up to get changed for Queen Ella's Apollo Amature Night performance. Prior to this day, Iquan tagged along with Queen Ella and her crew to the Metropolitan Room in New York City as she headlined for first ever New York show.
THE DISCOVERIES
[one_third]
QUEEN ELLA
Known for her incomparable and captivating performances…two time Apollo winner Queen Ella, born Queenella Nicole Gibson, is a full-time recording singer/songwriter with ambition. Unemployed since July of 2009, the rebellious red-head Queen Ella decided to put aside her career in International Business to pursue her career in music. She has been performing for small crowds of all ages since the age of 4. The center of her mother’s living-room was her stage; performing for friends, family, and stuffed animals is how she discovered her passion as an entertainer. Learn More[/one_third]
[one_third]
CENTER STAGE CUTS
Barbershop for Men and Women
Center Stage Cuts is proud to offer a mix of grooming, entertainment and local retail - cuts & culture for men and women. Housed in a 19th century converted food market, we're located on the corner of Broad and Grant Streets in downtown Newark, the arts capital of NJ. The shop is filled with artwork by emerging artisans and designers. Additionally, we host a weekly calendar of events including live bands, spoken word poetry, karaoke, and art exhibits. Learn More[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
RAYMONDS (MONTCLAIR)
In 1989, when Raymond Badach opened his postage-stamp-size luncheonette on Church Street, coffee was just coffee and Montclair wasn't a mecca for New Yorkers.
One thing remains the same—our wish to provide great-tasting, fresh food at decent prices in an interesting atmosphere.
At Raymond’s you can always catch up on the local gossip, hang-out at the counter with a newspaper, or meet some new friends—especially if you’re the new kid in town. Learn More[/one_third_last]
METROPOLITAN ROOM
Voted #1 Jazz Cabaret Club by New York Magazine, The Metropolitan Room is one of the most critically acclaimed venues in NYC and is known as the "Home" for big name talents and rising stars. This famed, Flatiron District, 22nd Street bastion for singers, is located in the heart of Manhattan in the Flatiron/Chelsea District. A high-end cabaret and jazz club, the Metropolitan Room brings the best in live music to New York City. Every night of the week, at 7pm, 9:30pm and 11:30pm. Fabulous award-winning Broadway, TV, Film and Radio performers take the stage in an intimate 115-seat atmosphere reminiscent of the golden age of cabaret. Our renowned Chelsea club and performance space provides an intimate for a range of entertainments as diverse as New York itself. From spectacles like “The Sophisticates: Strip as it was Meant to be Teased” to performances by drag comedienne Hedda Lettuce, side-splitting comedy acts and moving cabaret sets by top Broadway stars, the 115-seat room provides the perfect setting for audience-pleasing shows, night after night. Learn More
THE THANK YOU'S
[one_half]
MEDIUM APPAREL
Thank you Zac & the crew over at Medium for the care package, I felt fresh in my CREAM t-shirt. Much love to my fam out west. - Iquan
Get Your Own
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
FLAT FITTY
Shout to my home girl Dove for having my hat game on point in this episode. - Iquan Cop One
[/one_half_last]
PHOTOBOOTH: Mott Street Cycles
A few weeks ago we posted Iquan an Guru's travels through NYC on their brand new custom bike from Mott Street Cycles, here are a few of the pictures. Enjoy! Oh, and if you didn't get to see the video, check it out here.
[AFG_gallery id='4']
Urban Exploring: Mott Street Cycles (Special Edition)
In this special edition of Urban Exploring, Iquan takes Guru to pick up his bike from Mott Street Cycles in China Town NYC. The two explore the shop and then cruise through the lower east side and Manhattan Bridge.
It all started a week prior to this journey when Iquan discovered Mott Street Cycles and immediately brought his bike from the unique and well branded bike shop. While heading back to Jersey Iquan texted Guru about the discovery and sent a few photos of the bicycle, Guru instantly said... "I want one". The very next day, the two headed over to China Town to order Guru's custom bike. It was a simple process, walk in, point at what you want, tell them the colors and what accessories then within 5 minutes your bike is ordered. Guru color choice was based off Iquan's color scheme which is the color scheme of the Artoholiks overall branding.
In a matter of days, Guru got the call from MSC to pick up his brand new means of transportation, the Urban Exploring duo got there within an hour and began they're exploration around downtown Manhattan. And just like that they created another story for Artoholiks.com, enjoy the video above and check out more photos in the photobooth. Deuces!
THE DISCOVERIES
MOTT STREET CYCLES
MSC Customs is a local bike and apparel company based in China Town Manhattan. Specializing in assembling fine personalized bicycles at a reasonable price, built with a commuters mindset. Learn More[/one_third]
PHOTOBOOTH: Sunday's Beats for Brunch 2
Yesterday we hosted our 2nd 'Beats for Brunch' event for the year in the lower east-side of New York City at Pianos, and this go around Laytonic featured Newark based DJ and fellow Artoholik 'Ream Supreme' to lead off the event making this his first NYC DJ appearance. Laytonic took over the 1's and 2's and laced a mean set of 90's hip hop instrumentals staying true to his style while providing a dope sound for the crowd to vibe out to. Then NYC based DJ 'Leecy T' closed out the DJ session with a blend that had the crowd dancing and bopping their heads featuring some 90's music as well as some fresh hip-hop and R&B rhythms. Just like our first B4B event back in February, we invited a live band to end the night. This time, Laytonic hand picked Brooklyn based hip-hop group 'ILLEGALIZE' to give our crowd some live and unique sounds.
Overall this event was just as successful as our first. Our mission was to get new people out to discover a different vibe, while enjoying food, music and each other. By the looks of the photo below, our mission was accomplished! Enjoy!
[AFG_gallery id='5']