Eminem Strikes Back

Eminem responds to Mariah's "Obsessed" joint. Press Play.

Throwback Thursday!

One of my favorite beats and songs ever. Just listen.

Supra Skytop “Steel Blue”

New Skytops called "Steel Blue". I respect these, but I never liked Skytop laces. I would cop these and just swap out these laces for some white SB one's. They are also available right now at your local online skate shop! Comment.

"Kuroshio Sea" in Japan

A stunning visual of the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium in Japan, which is the second largest
aquarium in the world. Thanks to Vimeo the brilliance of the visual is vividly conveyed to the viewer. Just something truly incredible to watch.

"The main tank called the "Kuroshio Sea" holds 7,500-cubic meters (1,981,290 gallons) of water and features the world's second largest acrylic glass panel, measuring 8.2 meters by 22.5 meters with a thickness of 60 centimeters. Whale sharks and manta rays are kept amongst many other fish species in the main tank.

This was shot using a Canon 5DMKII with a 28-135mm lens.

THERE IS SUCH INCREDIBLE LIFE IN OUR OCEANS....WE MUST PROTECT THEM!"

Kanye West x Ibn Jasper x Don

"That's why I stay as fly as Ibn Jasper." -Lupe Fiasco
Kanye and Lupe Fiasco's barber talks about the collaboration between Kanye West and LV and how he, along with his man Don (of fashion week photo infamy), and Mr.Hudson all got different shoe models named after them.

Jay-Z Talking About BP3 with DJ Semtex

Jay talking to Semtex about Blueprint 3. Can't wait to see what kind of direction this project takes.

No I.D. Speaks on Drake

Producer No I.D. speaking about Drake. Pretty self-explanatory. Cool to see a producer of his stature talking about an up and coming artist. (||)

Big Sean - Getcha Some

Kanye's new signing to his Good Music label Big Sean who I think is from Detroit. Perhaps this will grow on me, but for now its merely straight. (||)

Barack Obama Speaks on Gates "Incident"

In case you were under a rock last night, the President had a long question and answer session with members of the associated press concerning how imperative it is for the United States and, specifically, Congress to move forward in efforts to reform the inherently flawed health care system. However, the last question he received was about the Henry Louis Gates arrest that took place a couple of days ago. He offers his perspective on the incident.

We Are Witnesses...

A few weeks back we came across some disturbing news... LeBron got dunked on... and then had all physical, digital, etc. evidence confiscated. Both the dunk and the events that followed generated quite a bit of buzz (just check your boy Skip's rant we posted earlier). Bron lost a bit of respect and what's his name had a few minutes of fame. Now that all the drama has calmed down, it's only appropriate that you see some footage. You know what to do.

Mr. Hudson - White Lies

Dope Dope song. Press Play.

Fabolous ft. Drake - Throw It In The Bag Remix

Honestly, I didn't know how this would turn out, but I'm glad they did something really different from the original. This track samples Dream's "Fancy" (gets a lot of rotation in the whip). The song is really dope though. Press play.

Obama at NAACP 100th Convention

Obama was at the 100th year convention of the NAACP last week and spoke a lot of truth. I could go on and on about the impact of Barack's presidency, but I will keep it brief. Black children need good role models to look up to and aspire to. It is too often that the only black people seen on television are athletes, rappers, and sit-com characters who are often reduced into performers who confirm negative black stereotypes. With this being the reality, black children often have few positive role models to aspire to and craft their lives around. Given the opportunity to learn from powerful black men and women, black children would have a better chance in succeeding and passing on their success to their own children. Of course there is a plethora of other factors that influence the trajectory of black youth, but aspirations, hopes, and dreams of being doctors, lawyers, professors, and chief executive officers are a healthy start. That is one of the reasons why I try to highlight positive aspects of hip-hop culture rather than feature those who exemplify the negative aspects of it. Obama symbolizes a step in the right direction for black youth, as well as all youth of color that success at the highest level is entirely possible and cool.

Chrisette Michelle - What You Do Video

Her album Epiphany is a must buy.

Drake Talks "Successful"

Drake talking about the thought process behind the record "Successful" with Songs Yuuuuuup and Wayne. It's always interesting to hear how an artist came up with an idea and then listen to the final product.

Bobby Ray Talking About His Name & Music

One of my favorite new artists talked to MTV a while ago about why he switched his name from B.O.B. to Bobby Ray and previewed some tracks from his most current mixtape B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray. I have yet to hear it, but encourage you to download it at you're local downloading place. Press play SNITCHES.

Kanye West x Mr. Hudson "Heartless" Acoustic

Kanye doing "Heartless" without 808's. I don't know many other "rappers" who could get away with this and actually pull it off. Pause. He may have struck gold finding Mr.Hudson out in the UK...May make him a lot of money. Press play.

The Making of D.O.A. with Producer No I.D.

This is No I.D. (of Common and Kanye fame) talking about how Jay's D.O.A. record came about. This beat is so cold. Copped from Nahright.

Turn Your Swag On!

If you're like me, you have a thing for watches. Sometimes the price tag is too high though (like 2 posts ago). Here is a list made by Complex of 10 watches under $300 and where you can buy them. I might actually make a purchase off this list. Click here for the full article with a close up of each watch and improve your swag.

**I do not stand by all of these watches (that orange one looks terrible)... Kinda mad I passed on one of these earlier.

Sotomayor Hearings

Here at Fresh87.com, we cover a wide range of topics, so I wanted to actually be serious for a moment. This is yet another historic moment in this country's history as Sotomayor prepares to be confirmed into the Supreme Court. This is certainly a step in the right direction for inclusion of all races into the framework of the government and high powered positions overall--an ongoing battle nonetheless. However, during these hearings, as expected, she has been bombarded with questions about her "wise Latina" line she made during a speech to the UC Berkeley School of Law in 2001. She is on record as saying, "[A] Wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not (my emphasis) reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn't lived that life and those life experiences." She was essentially saying that her identity as a Latina woman in some cases would give her a more unique perspective on specific issues on the law. However, this perspective does not overrule the law, but instead offers a different lens in which to view a specific case through. She has since backtracked from the comments in this speech. That opens up another issue that I find quite problematic. Simply put, everyone, in one way or another is influenced by their background and how they grew up. Here the word background is loosely defined as race, gender, socio-economic status. Those experiences comprise who we all are as people. Some people share similar experiences, while others do not. Instead of acting as if people make decisions solely based on the ever elusive word of "objectivity," we should all embrace and celebrate our individual stories and experiences. Press play and please comment.

Yes or No?

This is a watch made by the Swiss watch-making company Zenith. I could do without the corny stars, but overall a nice look. Kinda looks like my watch on steroids...Please comment. Spotted at Flylyf.

LeBron Embarrased on Court (Again)

I really don't have anything against LeBron, but the hype behind him is absolutely ridiculous. To call someone the "King" before he even steps foot onto a basketball court at age 18 is disgusting. I largely blame Nike and ESPN for this doing. Furthermore, this whole "witnesses" campaign is a shrewd marketing tool, but what are we really witnessing? Don't get me wrong, LeBron is a great talent and has great statistics, but he first must learn how to shoot to take himself to the next level. He hasn't "made it" yet in my eyes. To make matters worse, no free agent will sign with the Cavs because LeBron keeps insinuating he's leaving Cleveland for NY in 2010 with shirts that say, "I Love New York"...Now, LeBron has been dunked on at his own camp and reportedly ordered Nike "reps" to confiscate the tape. Are you serious? Like really? What? We can't "witness" that? Okay...Heres a video of Skip Bayless, who obviously hates LeBron, actually making some valid points.

Large Professor x Nas

This is a song from Large Professor (of Illmatic and others 90's hip-hop fame) featuring Nas called "One Plus One". It was made in 1996 and is just now being released to the public in top, CD quality. Press Play.

What Happens In Spain...

...Ends up on YouTube in the form of a video that could very well spell out the end of Game's career. Unfortunately this isn't one of those visit Vegas commercials. Earlier this week we put you on Jay-Z's freestyle and the "controversy" it sparked with Game (and by controversy of course I mean Game was looking for the slightest opportunity to swing at a legend)...Well, here's the response Game felt most suitable for dealing with the situation. Yea, it's a bit worse than I thought. I don't know if it was his appearance or his freestyles. Maybe it was the entire international crowd dynamic (no disrespect to Spain) or the fact that most of his people on stage had body language that screamed "If Game's career ends, does that mean mine ends too?" It was just overall sloppy. I wonder where this is headed. You know what to do.

Drake x DJ Whoo Kid Interview

Your boy Drake sits down with DJ Whoo Kid for 17 whole minutes and talks about a whole bunch of things. Just press play really. Nothing further.

Over 100 Musicians on Twitter

If you just got Twitter and need some "famous" musicians to follow. You can even follow Soulja Boy! Or you can follow me. Read the Full List

**I have no clue why Ludacris chose that username... || || || ||

Bobby Ray (B.O.B.) Remakes Classic Tribe Song

Here is video of Bobby Ray, formerly known as B.O.B., doing a remake to the Tribe Called Quest's classic Bonita Applebum song for Reebok...I wanted to highlight Bobby Ray because of how talented and versatile a musician he is. He can sing, rap, play piano, guitar, and makes his on beats. He is currently partnered with T.I. and his Grand Hustle label and has largely been compared to Andre 3000 of OutKast. Normally, this would be an unfair comparison because 3000 is pretty much untouchable in my book (have him in my top 5 ever). However, comparing Bobby Ray to 3000 is not that far of a stretch. I will be posting more of his music in the future as well...Press play.

J. Cole Artist Spotlight

Here is an interview/spotlight XXL did on J.Cole. He is the first signing for Jay's RocNation label. I would not post this if he wasn't actually a good artist with a lot of potential. However, he does not seem like the guy to sell millions of records though...but who is at this point?

Jay-Z Freestyle ReUp

Yesterday we hit you with some stale product. No disrespect. Here's an updated rendition of Jay-Z's freestyle he performed in Vegas a few days back (this time live from Chicago). He added a few more lines and didn't mind starting off with an advance apology for anyone sensitive to his choice of words. Much respect to the person who shot this video and cared the least bit about image quality... Can't say the same about yesterday's video. In HD of course. You know what to do.  

Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West - Anyone But Him

Here is a new joint from Mr. Hudson and Kanye West. I would describe this song as different, but catchy none the less. Press Play. Also I've added this song to the Fresh Ipod. Scroll down for that...

The Science Behind Autotune

This is a video of the Nova show on PBS that shows the science behind Autotune. The creator of the software talks about his invention. Kinda interesting. Press play...in HD of course.

Kobe V Sample

Last NBA season, Nike combined its newest shoe technology and features to bring us the low cut, light weight Kobe IV. It looks like Nike's following a similar path for 2009-2010 with the Kobe V. I spotted this pic at NiceKicks. I don't know how light you could possibly want your hoop shoes, but it looks like they've managed to replace even more of the upper with flywire technology. In the interest of serious ball players everywhere (from the rec to the league), I am glad to see that they're at least thinking about ankle safety by possibly incorporating an ankle sleeve similiar to the one we saw on the Melo 4. The low cut was the main reason I never stepped on the court in the Kobe IVs. So far these look like a solid basketball shoe that could break my rotation. These are a sample, so no telling what we're going to see a few months from now. What do you think?

Lupe Fiasco's Trilly & Truly

This is a video shot by Complex where Lupe (rocking a pre-D.O.A. Hov afro) talks about his new street wear clothing line Trilly and Truly. He talks about the limited nature of some of the designs, but how he also wants it to be accessible. On a side note, that maroon and white varsity letterman is real dope. That black shirt (the picture in the still frame of the video) with the flying black kid is also hot. Simple, but hot nonetheless. I look forward to seeing what else materializes from his clothing line. It is clear Lupe has defined exactly what inspires him and his clothing line. Press play.

Drake - Think Good Thoughts (Complete)

Here is the completed version of "Think Good Thoughts" featuring Phonte of Little Brother and Elhzi of Slum Village from 2007's Comeback Season. Produced by 9th Wonder, it samples Anita Baker's classic record "Sweet Love."I actually haven't even listened to the full version yet, so it's you before me I guess. Press Play.

Mr. Hudson ft. Kanye West - Supernova

Here is the video from Good Music's Mr. Hudson. He does look a little ridiculous, but the music speaks for itself. I believe he was largely responsible for a lot of the musical elements in 808's and Heartbreak. He also has done a record for Jay's BP3 coming out whenever. I'm glad Kanye is giving him the right promotion for his project. His voice is dope and the song is pretty good, but could have been much better without Kanye and the autotune. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Mr. Hudson though. His album is going to be called Straight, No Chaser and will come out on Good Music/Def Jam. Also, check out this interview he did for Complex. Press play.

Eminem - Beautiful Video

Here is the Eminem "Beautiful" video. This was one of my favorite, if not favorite, joint off of Relapse. Unlike the Drake video, I actually like the direction of this one. Intertwining Eminem's depression with Detroit's recent economic struggles and the overall message of the song was a great idea.

Swag on High

I dont wanna hear it. Look at this ICE GRILL. CNN's David Gergen's swag is unparalleled. Probably only second to Chris Hansen of MSNBC's To Catch a Predator. When dude speaks, people listen. If you have a better suggestion please comment. If not, get your swag up.

Drake - Best I Ever Had Video

Here is the "Best I Ever Had" video from Drake, directed by Kanye West. NSFW at all. I'm still trying to figure out the concept Kanye was shooting for here, but press play if you want to take a guess. I would have preferred something more innovative with Drake actually performing the lyrics to the song, but I guess we'll have to settle for this until the official album.