Hypes been abuzz in the fashion world for 2011. No, it’s not Kate Middleton or her hot sister. Urban fashion icons Akomplice have once again teamed up with the musical curators of our grimy, urban environments. Akomplice prides itself on the creative inspiration that drives its clothing line. In their words, the apparel they create attempts a “positive impact, provoke thought, and communicate about issues.” As we all know, hip-hop has been the cultural movement most evocative of these ideals. So when a classic, innovative, and conscious hip-hop apparel company collaborates with a representative artist… it’s a mad ting. Keeping in line with images and thoughts conveyed in their art, the aritst’s AK collaborate with no doubt share these forward thinking traits. Detail is another crucial aspect of Akomplice that I've admired for a while. Their tendency to use simplicity in some instances actually comes across as being a component to an overall complexity toward the meaning they are trying to convey. Get me? No worries.
Last time I linked up with AK on the interwebz was when they teamed up with Hiergolyphics on the wicked Varisty Hoodie (stillavailable online). Check out that piece covering the release reception, here. This time, the peeps at AK linked with DOOM. Formerly MF Doom, the rapper has been an underground legend for years. His easily distinguishable, kicked-back flow and ace lyrical content has blessed DOOM with a loyal following and mass appeal without any major label assistance. Even more impressive than his personal work is his other collaborative works. In addition to Akomplice, DOOM has collaborated with Danger Mouse as well as Wu-Tang; notably producing tracks for Ghostface, as well as Think Differently's compilation which featured DOOM and RZA on the experimental “Biochemical Equation”. Pushing it further forward on the left-field urban tip, DOOM, a former British ex-pat collaborated with Dabyre, which included offical remixes from FlyLo and Kode9. Massive respect to DOOM on that one, as the LA beat scene and the stateside dubstep were still relatively nascent at the time.
So as it is... a collaboration between DOOM and Akomplice is simply something to anticipate. But what exactly are we waiting for? That’s just it… no one knows, that's part the hype. The project remains a mystery as the fruits of this gauranteed-sick collab are sealed inside a wood box, with the DOOM and AK logos branded beautifully on the exterior. Don’t have a crow bar to pry it open? That’s cool, Akomplice got you covered with an engraved one matching the box's complimentary artwork. So you want to wait to find out what’s inside?? Well since that’s no fun, this purchase will only be available for 1 day on their online store. But hurry up, cause the clock is ticking and you don’t want to be without this. Whatever “this” may turn out to be. Done know!
Additionally, the item will be available at the AK’s storefront location in partnership with your Fuzion, on State Street, Santa Barbara. AK just hosted their summer release party, with some sick threads from their new collection. Patrick McCarney and the AK team blessed Santa Barbara with some ILL hip-hop with some ILL hip-hop acts throughout the night, imported from AK's former HQ in Colorado. Fuzion also brought back KC badman, and SB resident Chadillac, always kickin' the flavor in your ear. Following some high energy performances, an after-party at Tonic featuring a fashion show with some hot models modeling this summer’s hottest apparel. Be sure to cruise through Fuzion every first Thursday and check out some amazing art, clothing and music with some awesome people. The new Fuzion x AK partnership is sure to elevate both companies stature in this 805 coastal paradise. My bwoy X-seed was the first in-line for the event, and always lookin' out for their supporters, the crew HOOKED him up with madd gear. So get down there July 7th and party proper with the AK and Fuzion boys. And don’t forget to pre-order your mystery DOOM x AK piece TODAY. Check it... the clock is ticking!
Just a couple hours on the countdown till my Santa Barbara mandem, sexy fasonistas and fine glass aficionados converge on Fuzion SB. Starting at 5:00PM tonight, 11.4.10, Fuzion will be hosting a reception for Hieroglyphics & Akomplice, to kick-off the release of a highly-anticipated collaboration effort between the two crews. Over years of progressive innovation and creative product, AK and Hiero have long built a mutual respect and admiration for urban aesthetics toward one another. Finally manifesting into fruition this year, AK is taking you back with one their massively popular Hoodie Varsity silhouette designs. The jacket will be adorned with the distinct Akomplice trademark, as well as Hiero's OG flavor-- Originally designed by Del, the son of an abstract artist, the 3rd-eye straight faced logo has become a staple image in hip-hop. It can be seen all over the world; from bombed up concrete walls graff-art world capital São Paulo, to tatted-up Oakland badmen, to a 5-9 fitted on the dome of that skater grinding curbs outside your house. In a 2000 interview, Del himself recalled how the image alone increased Hiero's promotional perception, "when I invented that symbol, I never thought it would get this big [...] I think slowly but surely people are starting to pay attention to us."
Just in time for an impending winter, these limited-edition pieces will keep you looking crisp outside and warm inside. Cozy arm-struts as you roll one up. As stated, this is a exclusive product based off Hiero~AK's synergistic qualities. It is sure to sell out. Consider that after today, it will only be available to purchase from Hieroglyphics and Akomplice's respective online-retail stores. I would recommend getting your ass down to Fuzion today and cop that shit!! Must also be mentioned that Hiero went into the studio to make a tune specifically for this. The jacket will come with an unreleased Hiero digi-dubplate! In addition to "The Collab" itself, there will be plenty more ill gear to scope and purchase. Exclusive new products will be showcased from Fuzion's wicked apparel, which has become a staple in SB, as well and their incredible selection of high-end glasswork. Further, Akomplice will have more signature gear rolling out their arsenal of urban wear. Personally, I've been buying AK gear since 2006, and rate it as one of the top it its industry... although to be fair, there actually isn't an industry when it comes to an AK design. The creative uniquity and strict-drive to separate from mass-appeal and popular trend, makes AK they're own industry: Unmatched.
Shit-- just spent too much time writing... it's time get ready. Head on down to Fuzion's storefront location right now, located at 1115 State St., Santa Barbara. Come kick it with some of the Hiero members and peep out the illin' threads whilst surrounded by beautiful art and beautiful people.
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Oh yeah, nearly forgot. Y'all know Hieroglyphics wouldn't rolling into town without a show, right? Following the reception will be a performance of Souls of Mischief w/ Pep Love!! The feature will be SC's Virbrant EYEris, an experimental hip-hop/dubstep crew. But foremost, my homeboy NUK will be opening to get Velvet Jones kicked-off correct! Conveniently, you can get your pre-sale tickets at Fuzion. I wish I could be there tonight... but unfortunately my Santa Babylon clique will be playing AKA's "Dub-Hoppin'" at EOS nightclub. Ironically, the event is sponsored by Fuzion and Akomplice, in cooperation with Nightowl, an SB promotion coalition. 2 rooms: Hip-hop and Dubstep. Headlining the latter, you can find myself, Hoodzpah, rinsing-out on the mic with our face-melting DJs. Whatever way you roll down State tonight, get to Fuzion for the pre-party. Cause either way... tonight is gonna be off the hook! Yep. It's like that and a-- a Hieroglyphics, yeeaah!! P.E.A.C.E.
Out-note: When I heard my choice emcee of the Oakland collective, Pep Love, was going to be accompanying Souls of Mischief, I thought a couple 2010 remixed gems would be fitting. Per usual, my standard end-post audio is by NUK, off his promo mixtape, covering Deltron 3030's "Mastermind". Additionally, the video --although 2010 creation-- will no doubt take you back to 1993. Pep, teaming up with some of the Bay's rising stars on hip-hop's most classic riddim. Enjoy the revamped nostalgia... but those golden days ain't over. Hiero back a'gone '10 till infinity!
