SMBNYC x IQUAN Winter 2017
Randomly our Artoholik crew members Steve Cancel @smbnyc & Iquan Worthington aka @iquanw get together at least twice and year and document their hangout through photos and video all just for the fun. With Spring closely approaching, we decided to compile a batch of images from their recent Winter campaign titled smbnycxiquanwwinter. This is the first time that the duo, systematically edited and posted their images together with a proper hashtag and timeline. Oh, and there’s a vlog to go with it if the images don’t tell the story of their day completely.
MIGGY SMALLS: Here's what I learned...
from intern to jr. designer
a heart warming story from our resident millennial and her Artoholik journey.
They say, “Results happen over time, not overnight. Work hard, stay consistent and be patient.” That pretty much explains my journey with The Artoholiks agency. Let’s take a trip down memory lane to when I first met Aaron and Iquan at my Kean University portfolio event where we discussed my projects and they started giving me great advice to move forward in my design career. Fast forward to my first day, I had feelings of excitement and nervousness because it was a new experience and I did not know what to expect. A few months into the internship I had already learned a lot about the design world.
Each week I come in, I am introduced to new techniques and different avenues of design such as tracing, using a Wacom tablet, color correcting photos, assisting in designing logos, social media, designing for commerce sites, doing photo shoots and being social at creative events, just to name a few. I remember before graduating, my professor explained to the class the importance of having good mentors who invest in your growth. The best part about working for a small agency is that they are able to spend time with me to help me grow. From the many wise words of Ike — that’s Iquan — “There should be more to a designer than just sitting at the computer designing for hours.” Those are the very words that have shaped my experience working for them and in turn helping me to be well rounded in the graphic design world. Every day I leave the office having learned something new ranging from real life stuff to design to even being inspired to go home and be creative! The Artoholiks agency has the best office morale which makes it even harder to leave at the end of the day.
This experience has taught me that I need to work smarter to become better at designing, staying consistent, trusting the process, and being patient because crafting one’s gift takes time. And because of this I have been promoted from Intern to Junior Graphic Designer. This promotion shows that despite my feelings I am
still making progress and I can’t wait to find out what’s in store for my future at this amazing agency!
Following The DJ: Nick Wiz
"HOW PERFECT. I'M JUST FINDING OUT ABOUT THIS NOW."
THE RESEARCH
I read a tweet today from a hip-hop music producer I follow named J-Zone that said “Cool shit about being a crazy late bloomer with so many things is being hyped about shit everyone around you gave up on already.”
This quote stood out to me because I can relate to it. I too feel the same way about discovering music that I love well after its release date. There are so many records that have come out over the years that I’ve slept on or never even knew existed.
When so much music gets released every week, how can you possibly stay on top of everything anyway? When I fall in love with music that hits me, I can listen to it on repeat for months, sometimes years. I’m still listening to Nas’s “Illmatic” debut.
This brings me to Nick Wiz, an underground hip-hop producer born in NYC and raised in Teaneck, NJ, whose appeal lends itself to fans of raw, uncut, jazz-laced, bass driven, mid-tempo, 90’s hip-hop. If you dig the sounds of DJ Premier or Buckwild, you can definitely get down with Nick Wiz.
Nick Wiz first made an impact on the 90’s hip-hop scene with his beat contributions to Ecko Unlimited’s “Underground Airplay” cassette series, which are now highly collectible. He is also considered to be an integral part of the early Lyricist Lounge movement. His most notable work can be found on the Cella Dwellas 1996 debut album “Realms n’ Reality” on Loud Records.
I didn't realize it at the time, but I first heard a Nick Wiz beat on the Rawkus Records mixtape Soundbombing 1 back in 1998, on one of my personal favorites, Shabaam Sahdeeq’s “Arabian Nights”. His unique choice in samples, low-end filters, hard hitting SP-1200 drums and dense bass lines can also be heard on records by Mad Skillz, Chubb Rock, Chino XL and Rakim.
THE DISCOVERY
Recently I discovered two full-length albums of nothing but Nick Wiz instrumentals from that same era and I couldn’t be more hyped.
The first one was actually released in 1997 on a compilation series called “Hydra Beats Vol. 12” while the other one was just released a couple of weeks ago, simply called “Unreleased 90’s Hip Hop Instrumentals.”
Through my constant journey as a DJ, searching for that 90’s sound I’ve come to love, it’s always a challenge finding a certain flavor that I can listen to on repeat for lengths of time. It might be dated but it takes me to a place that satisfies my ears and soul.
Some highlight tracks from the two albums include “Mind Crusher”, “Starlite”, “Four Elements”, “Hermano”, “Hey Man”, “Xylophone” and “Ride Out”. Check out these dope tracks yourself and help support underground hip-hop by purchasing Nick Wiz’s music on Bandcamp.
THE SOURCE
BANDCAMP Nick Wiz Unreleased 90's Hip Hop Instrumentals
YOUTUBE Mind Crusher
ARABIAN NIGHTS Watch It
STARLITE Watch It
WORDS by LAYTON W. // CREATIVE by IQUAN W. (another Ike & Laytonic collaboration 2013+)
A DAY - Mr. Jack Saturday PREVIEW
Over the winter I managed to connect with an old friend and during our time together I learned a lot about his plans for 2015. We ate with him and his pops, we walked around his neighborhood and just caught up on life. Stay tuned as I tell my story about my friend Ian a.k.a Jack Saturday.
In My Shoes ft. Lo Miller
Inspirational Explorer | Founder of Can't Stay Put
I was in the middle of the infamous "quater-life" crisis us millennials suffer through. I was unsatisfied with my life and was yearning for purpose. I wanted to share with the world something that was specific to me. After months of praying, I finally decided to put in my notice at work and as a gift to myself I traveled to Maui shortly afterwards. Using the experience as my version of Eat, Pray, Love. I had my A-ha moment while walking through the bamboo forest. Cliche, I know! But I realized my purpose was to do exactly what I was doing. Inspire others through my experiences around the world. And then I thought about my life. It wasn't a coincidence I started flying by myself at 5, or had traveled to multiply countries throughout my life, or that I was always the designated trip planner, or that I was always taking advantage of opportunities that required me to travel, or that I bought a ticket with sky miles only at 13. That was it! Travel was specific to me and out of that self-discovery CAN'T STAY PUT was born. CAN'T STAY PUT is about not being complacent, not sitting still, not letting life hold you back. With a primary focus on young creative millennials, it's about learning, following your dreams, seeking out new experiences, growing, evolving—essentially not staying put!
I traveled to Nicaragua in 2010 on a Business Mission Trip with the Wake Forest University Business School. One of our assignments was to meet and consult with local business owners. We visited a shoe-maker who supplied the boots for the Nicaraguan Army. His shop didn't have the latest technology but it was authentically his with the smell of fresh leather in every corner. In one room shoes were lined up by sizes. The latest batch. I asked how much? 7 American dollars. No brainer. I got them.
Fast Forward 2 years or so... 2013, when I quit my job to start Can't Stay Put, I started to wear sort of a uniform that always included my boots. I had a real rugged, tomboyish, "I'm going to work" look. After all, I was starting to build a business and brand. My daily fit was the least of my worries. I was tomboy chic. Next thing I knew they became my travel shoes.
My Can't Stay Put shirt, leggins, and my boots. I wore them everywhere. They were indeed my signature, so much so that they're part of the 1st CSP logo. It was only right.
California Fire Escape
Soaking up the view on the fire escape of my apartment. I would soon later break my lease in an effort to build Can't Stay Put vowing not to sign another lease until I was getting paid to do what I wanted to do. 
The day I received my first financial contribution for the 1st official Can't Stay Put trip after many failed attempts. My luck soon got better.
The day I departed for Hong Kong. The 1st destination on the 1st official Can't Stay Put trip.
Thailand Tuk Tuk- The primary mode of transportation in Thailand
[/one_fourth_last]
Explore + Live & Inspire!
[one_half]
ABOUT THE EVENT
Throughout the course of the year, you've seen us documenting people, events and brands and in that process, we've learned a few things and shared them with you via photos and videos along the way. To keep the momentum going, we decided to release a new t-shirt collection this Summer and infuse our recipe for success...
EXPLORE: As creatives we feel that it’s extremely important to keep our eyes on what’s
new as well as what’s out there. We created a web series based on exactly that called Urban Exploring just to make our point of view clear.
LIVE: How can you design and sell anything if your trapped within four walls? We would not be living if we we’re not exploring things and living out our discoveries.
INSPIRE: Once you explore and live enough it’s important to take what you’ve learned and share it with your peers!
With the release of this collection, we are inviting 40 to 50 tastemakers who are not afraid to push the status quo. People who EXPLORE, LIVE and INSPIRE others on a daily basis.
At this event, guests will mix and mingle while viewing the artwork of the Artoholiks as well
as shop the limited edition collection of t-shirts and artistic expressions.
EVENT DETAILS
WHEN: Sunday August, 3rd 1PM to 4PM
WHERE: BOURGEOIS 1118 Liberty Avenue - Hillside, NJ 07205
Bourgeois is Essex & Union County's premiere boutique for both Men's and Women's premium clothing. The Bourgeois space is clean, classy, spacious and modern offering up a comfortable shopping experience as well a huge selection of the latest sneakers, denim, shirts and accessories.
MUSIC: DJ REAM SUPREME
Ream Supreme is one of our DJ's within the Artoholik crew and we selected him to spin this event because of his love for themed sets. You can look forward to hearing some of your favorite tracks that make you get up and enjoy life. Ream's set will be designed to make you happy, relaxed and ready to dance.
ABOUT THE COLLECTION
Instead of over using our brand elements on a t-shirt that would give you nothing but a cool looking tee, we felt that we should create a series of tees that you would be able to relate to. Quotes that you might have said a few times in your head or simply a few words that would inspire you to get up and get out.
Each tee was planned and developed from over 15 quotes, words and ideas. Each tee features at least one illustration from Iquan Worthington's doodle book and between illustrations, colors and quotes... we feel like we have a strong product. Our end goal with this collection is to deliver this message: Time waits for no one, get out EXPLORE, LIVE and INSPIRE.
PROMO VIDEO 1 OF 3
PROMO VIDEO 2 OF 3
PROMO VIDEO 3 OF 3
THE LOOKBOOK
The EXPLORE, LIVE and INSPIRE look book is themed to do everything that we preach...
CLAP FOR ME: Soar pass the people who hate what you stand for.
TO THE MOON: Reach for the moon when planning and attacking.
EXPLORE EVERYTHING: Explore everything even when it says "do not enter" go for it, satisfy that curiosity.
LOVE LIFE: Love life and what it has to offer, do the things that you always wanted to do and try the things you never did.
DROP SILENT BOMBS: People love news that they didn't expect. So once you plan your attack, drop the bomb silently.
After you explore and reach the moon, wave to the haters and ask them to clap for you because your loving life.
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
RSVP
[boxed_content type="coloured" custom_bg_colour="#AADC2F" custom_text_colour="#000000" pb_margin_bottom="no" width="1/2" el_position="first last"]
Error: Contact form not found.
[/boxed_content]
Click here to see the full Lookbook
[/one_half_last]
Following the DJ: Madlib & Freddie Gibbs
THE RESEARCH
[one_third]There’s a great story told by the legendary Nile Rodgers, American musician & producer, known for producing hits for artists like Duran Duran, Diana Ross, David Bowie and Madonna, as well as being a founding member of disco/funk band Chic - where he talks about handing a copy of Chic’s very first single to a DJ who was spinning at Studio 54 in NYC. The DJ liked it so much after one listen that he immediately played it for the people on the dance floor and that’s essentially how Chic started their success. Watch
PHOTO PROPS: WHO SHOT YA?
[/one_third]
[one_third]This post is dedicated to the DJ, the music curator to the masses, the original source. Back in the day, if you wanted your song to get heard, you had to give a copy to your local DJ and hope they’d play it, or you could pay a lot of money to the radio station and guarantee rotation (this still goes on today.) When looking for new music I tend to stick to record labels, online blogs and other trusted sources that I like. Freddie Gibbs & Madlib’s album, Piñata, I found through LA-based record label Stones Throw and online news blog Rappcats.com, a website dedicated to promoting three of my favorite artists: J Dilla, Madlib and MF Doom.
PHOTO PROPS: RAPPCATS.COM[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
Madlib has described himself as a DJ first, producer second and MC last. If you’re wondering how this record relates to following a DJ, Madlib is the DJ and he is the reason why I got hip to this music in the first place. Read more about Madlib here
PHOTO PROPS: ELECTRONIC BEATS MAG
[/one_third_last]
THE DISCOVERY
The Freddie Gibbs and Madlib collab started in late 2011 with the release of their debut EP Thuggin’. Rappcats.com along with Madlib’s own record label, Madlib Invazion via Stones Throw, teamed up for the release of all three EP’s as well as the group’s full-length LP, Piñata, which was released earlier this year - an artist release schedule spanning the course of three years.
As a record collector, following a record release like this is one of the most rewarding experiences for a music fan. Back in 2011 when I first purchased the Thuggin’ EP, I knew it was going to be an immediate classic in the eyes of music aficionados and hip-hop heads.
I kept my eyes and ears open for more info and news about what would come next from the group. As each year passed and a new EP was released, clocking in at just over 15 minutes front to back, I experienced a sense of anticipation and appreciation for the music.
November 18, 2011 – Los Angeles based DJ & producer, Madlib, along with Gary, Indiana based rapper, Freddie Gibbs, announce their first collaborative EP entitled Thuggin’, live at the Madlib Medicine Show in San Francisco. All five hundred vinyl copies of the EP were sold out that evening.
[one_half]
November 21, 2011 – Thuggin’
This album sparked a sense of awe and appreciation from the hip-hop community. There is something really profound about Freddie Gibbs’s dark delivery over Madlib’s excellent use of soul sampling and worldly genres. Like a lot of Madlib’s music from recent years, the choice of drums and percussion used to create back beat is something cinematic and crate digger worthy. The content presented here is reminiscent of early west coast gangster rap.
September 24, 2013 – Deeper
Deeper was the last of the EP’s and would eventually become the lead single for the group’s full-length album. Lyrically there had not been a song reflecting the realities of incarceration and outside drama since Nas’s 1994 release, “One Love.”
PHOTO PROPS: PETER BESTE
PHOTO PROPS: WHO SHOT YA?
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
June 26, 2012 – Shame
Seven months after the release of Thuggin’ came the Shame EP. This only proved the duo’s chemistry to be stronger and left myself and critics wanting more. Jon Hadusek of Consequence of Sound graded the EP with a “C-“ stating: "To call Shame an EP is misleading, it's only two tracks – 'Shame' and 'Terrorist' – with instrumental and acapella versions, as well as some tacked on 'bonus beats.’ These songs are strong, however, and make the prospect of a proper debut album from Gibbs that much more exciting. If he wants a legacy, he needs to release a full-length."
March 18, 2014 – Piñata LP
(originally titled Cocaine Piñata)
The long awaited debut full-length album, Piñata, that music fans and hip-hop heads had been eagerly anticipating for over three years was finally released. All the hype and expectation had been full-filled. After immediate release, large music blogs like Pitchfork and Spin were already nominating it to be Rap Album of the Year. I had already made my prediction back in December of 2013 when I tweeted this and got a response from Now Again Records founder and former Stones Throw label manager, Eothen “Egon” Alapatt. Check it!
May 28, 2014 – Piñata Beats
(Freddie Gibbs Instrumentals)
The latest release, Piñata Beats, is the full-length instrumental version of the album. Essential to most DJ’s is the instrumental version of the song. This version is crucial to your mix. Whether you’re a DJ making live remixes or a radio disc jockey playing an instrumental version of a hit song in the background, the instrumentals are key elements to any serious DJ’s style.
[/one_half_last]
CONCLUSION
PHOTO PROPS: NOISEY
Together the duo’s chemistry is undeniable. Lyrically Freddie Gibbs could be compared to greats like Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G. based on their ability to tell stories from an array of perspectives. From cutting up dope, hustling, and expressing the realities of street life to expressing pain, heartbreak and close friend fall-outs, the stories embedded in each track and how well they flow with the beats makes Piñata an instant classic. This album shone a light on what is missing in hip-hop music today.
Following The DJ - Tuamie "The Gift Vol. 4"
THE RESEARCH
[one_third]Discovering new music in today’s world is practically effortless. Depending on your preference, there are multiple music outlets online, allowing you to listen to and purchase music digitally via iTunes, Pandora, Amazon or Spotify. If you haven’t already familiarized yourself with these companies, then you probably still listen to music in a traditional format like radio, TV, or maybe you are overwhelmed with the amount of options to choose from and gave up.[/one_third]
[one_third]If you’re a hip-hop fan like me, you can easily discover new music by turning on the radio and tuning in to one of the first clear signals that comes through. Hot 97 in NY, Power 99 in Philly, Power 106 in LA, Hot 107.9 in Atlanta; most major cities have a primary radio station dedicated to hip-hop.[/one_third]
[one_third_last]You can also hop online and visit music blogs like EgoTripLand, Pitchfork, MassAppeal, Consequence Of Sound, SampleFace, or PotholesInMyBlog to get your daily dose of what’s fresh. The ease of finding music to listen to has become greater now that most people in the world own smartphones and these big companies like iTunes have an app to preview and download music straight to your device. In today’s world, this is considered the norm. I tend to follow these blogs myself for what’s new, but earlier this year I focused on a different source; The DJ"[/one_third_last]
[one_half]
American Hip-Hop Producer and DJ, Michael “House Shoes” Buchanan, has been an essential person in the continually rising growth of the Motown scene in Detroit and has been given the title by peers: “Hip-Hop’s Ambassador to the World”. Four-time winner of “Best Hip-Hop DJ” and a long time resident at hip-hop staple, St. Andrews Hall, from 1994-2004, House Shoes has also been credited as one of the first people to shop some of J Dilla’s early beats when he went under the “Jay Dee” moniker back in 1994. He continues to carry the Dilla torch today.
Like many J Dilla fans, I started researching more and more about his music and wanted to find other producers and DJ’s affiliated with him. If you watch any of the documentaries or read anything that has surfaced since Dilla’s passing, you’ll quickly start to see the name “House Shoes” circulating. There is an entire series of videos online produced by another Detroit native, Jeedo and his “Bling47” label, that interview some of Dilla’s peers and dissects some of his most famous work.[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
There are about six videos from House Shoes where he talks about how and why Dilla sampled the records he did and you can listen to first-hand accounts of stories he shares and can start to understand the relationship they had. From here I started following House Shoes and his music. I quickly got hip to more amazing music from underground artists as well as more unheard Dilla material.
Over a year ago back in March of 2013, House Shoes started an inaugural free download release via his SoundCloud account of compilation “beat tapes” from young, undiscovered artists he felt deserved more recognition from the masses. House Shoes states: “…a series where I will be spotlighting producers and artists you may not be aware of. Each volume will be curated from prior bandcamp/soundcloud releases as an introduction to cats who have released prior material that I feel hasn’t reached its potential audience like it should.”
[/one_half_last]
THE DISCOVERY
[one_half][/one_half]
[one_half_last]Fast forward later that year to November, The Gift Vol. 4 featured Atlanta beat maker and mystery man, Tuamie. Just as House Shoes quoted in the release in regards to the music, “I was floored” – I too share the same enthusiasm.
Tuamie’s beats are reminiscent of J Dilla and Madlib. The sounds are very chill, intriguing and raw. Laced with hard-hitting drums with a lot of attack, obscure samples, hints of jazz and old-school R&B grooves they have a unique quality that holds its own.
The Gift Vol. 4 is a mix of different beats pulled from different self-releases on Tuamie’s Bandcamp page as well as some highlights from his debut release on GrandGarden Records, “Masta Killa”. The compilation is sprinkled with musical treats for any hip-hop lover.
Catchy vocal samples on tracks like “Reoccurring Feeling of Loneliness” & “The More Weed Smoke I Puff” will have you humming along to each note. The jazzy hooks on “No Limitations”, “Plant”, and “High Eyes” will keep your melodic taste buds satisfied while sample heads and hip-hop aficionados can find joy in recognizing flips on tracks like “Feed Em Gunpowder” and “Eva-re-moanin”. All in all, this album stays true to hip-hop form and it is noted, stating that all beats were made using only records and an MPC.
[/one_half_last]
"The Gift Vol. 4" is now available on limited edition vinyl. Buy your copy from FatBeats.com
WORDS by LAYTONIC // CREATIVE by IQUAN
In My Shoes ft. Torae
[one_half]
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]Growing up in Brooklyn in the 80's was the coolest. Hip Hop was bursting on to the scene, the fashion was crazy & Michael Jordan was on his was to becoming a basketball God. Not only was I viewing his super human feats on the court, I was watching his feet on the court, and in February of 1988 Nike released what is in my opinion the greatest Air Jordan sneaker ever. It was the 3rd sneaker released between the two parties & it was a doozy! Now being a March baby I really wanted these sneakers bad for my birthday but kids my age were getting robbed left & right for their kicks back then. It was a long shot but I asked......and got rejected, we really didn't have money like that back then anyway but moms just hit me with the it's too dangerous excuse & shattered my hopes & dreams.
[/one_half_last]
[one_half]
[/one_half]
[one_half_last]
It would be a number of years before I had another shot at obtaining these beauties. Without dragging you through my various failed attempts at getting the 3's I'll just fast forward to 2010 when I FINALLY got my first pair of retro Jordan 3's (black cement color way to be specific).
[/one_half_last]
[spb_parallax bg_image="30222" bg_type="cover" alt_background="none" width="1/1" el_position="last"]
[/spb_parallax]
[one_third]As an artist in the public eye it's important for me to always show up fresh from head to feet & the Jordan 3 never let's me down no matter what the outfit. I've walked the red carpet, hosted events, performed all over the world & have interviewed your favorite artists wearing this sneaker.
[/one_third]
[two_third_last]
[/two_third_last]
[spb_parallax bg_image="30222" bg_type="cover" alt_background="none" width="1/1" el_position="last"]
[/spb_parallax]
[one_half]
[/one_half]
[one_half_last] I can recall landing in about a foot of snow in Germany back in 2012 and all I had to rock was my trusty 3's.
[/one_half_last]
[spb_parallax bg_image="30222" bg_type="cover" alt_background="none" width="1/1" el_position="last"]
[/spb_parallax]
[one_third]
[/one_third]
[one_third]
They're fashionable, comfortable & durable. My oldest pair I've had about 2 years but they've been through it all with me. Anytime they retro I try to get a couple pair at least at retail price, but my latest pair I paid a pretty penny for (Thanks to Flight Club). My closet holds over 100 pair of sneakers, but none compare to my beloved Jordan 3's.
[/one_third]
[one_third_last]
[/one_third_last]
Discovery: Jeff Staple
Jeff Staple, of Staple Design sits with Sutterstock for their video segment titled “Shutterstock in Conversation”. Jeff discusses the things that inspire him, how good design shapes his business and the process that he use to keep his businesses creative. Jeff also shared the many layers of Staple Design which is the parent company of Reed Space a fashion boutique in SOHO NYC and Staple Pigeon an urban menswear line. Want to know more about Jeff Staple watch the video below…
- Hero Image by: Photos by Jaryl Cabuco ©
- Video by: Shutterstock