JUNGLE JUSTICE

click on the link and watch the video then read my entry to get a better understanding


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5xVrxef6BY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dSu1izWj-I&feature=related

Did you watch it, what was your reaction ? you felt sorry for those people being burned. I don't blame you, it's human nature for us to feel for those that suffer. This video really does remind me of home. For those that don't know i'm nigerian, Born and raised for 27 yrs.. Well kinda, i moved out in 1997 and haven't been home since. But this video made me realize how much of a jungle my hometown was. Sure Nigeria has its fair share of good things. The food, the people, the churches, the market and whole vibe but this country is a jungle for real.

Now back to the video, The people that were burned were armed robbers. Now i don't condone violence, but take it from me because i speak from experience ( i was robbed and almost killed at gun point with my family years ago), these people had it coming. Nigeria has alot of corruption going on, ( corruption is everywhere though)I sometimes ask myself, how did i make it. I mean i'm really used to living conditions here. Armed robbers are ruthless in nigeria, so ruthless, i have heard so many stories of some of their terror. From their killings, kidnapping, rape, rituals where they cut off body parts as part of a sacrifice. so much more, they go the extra mile. If you go to any Nigerian Church, i can almost guarantee that you will hear a testimony of how someone escaped death, its that bad. Even the police are corrupt too, some of them are armed robbers too. That video showed people standing up to killers. Its wrong to kill but how do u teach evil people a lesson? If the police ain't doing shit to keep people safe you have to instill fear into these killers. This video does bring memories because it was such a norm in Nigeria for this to happen. Everytime i went to school, i would see a dead man tied up in barb wires like it was nothing, or anytime i saw tires and fire coming out from it, i already knew what was going on. There were so many times my driver would pick me up from school because of political riots , we would have to put a small tree branch on our car to signify that we were not corrupt, because if we didn't we would be attacked. I remember in elementary school where armed robbers invaded and luckly the police came in time. All these things are really just hitting me now, that is why it's important to thank God for every situation you are in, big or small. That's why you see alot of thankful nigerians because surviving an armed robber attack is like hitting a lottery ticket, You never make it. They kill everything in sight. This video was a reminder

Pictured above are members of a vigilante group called Bakassi boys. Let wikipedia do a better introduction for you

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bakassi_Boys

They go around from different cities in Nigeria doing what the police never do. Teaching evil doers a lesson. I have heard some horrific stories of what they have done to them ( i'd rather not share). Even though people praise the bakassi boys for their efforts in cleaning the streets, they are those that criticize them, and some of them end up getting killed too. And that's the problem i have with that video because some of the people that were killing those robbers are evil too. I watched a sermon on Minister Farrakhan ( not a fan of him) but he said something very powerful, He said if anyone is a threat to the things we love like family, we automatically turn to killers; Now that's real. My uncle accidentaly hit a bystander with his car, he immediately took off because if he stuck around, he would have been killed by vigilantes, because they would think he meant to hit that person. Bakassi boys are not only a terror to the robbers but people to a certain degree. Nigeria is known for prosecuting robbers from the petty ones to killers, why do you think alot of people with missing limbs beg around the streets in lagos. It's because they were thieves, and usually by law in the northen states they cut off your hands so you wouldn't steal again. Fucking crazy

Armed robbers were ( i don't know if it still is) a big problem in Nigeria. Let me share one of my personal experiences.Back in 96 i think, me, my brothers and my mom went to a market to buy food, as we were in a car we were ambused by people with guns. I mean we were surrounded, They took all of us down and almost kidnapped my little brother. My mom was lucky enough to grab him. They left with our car but we didn't trip because we had our lives which rarely happens when robbers attack. But the interesting part is that the armed robbers were hired by one of my mom's friends. Armed robbers are not only a problem here too, alot of people even the ones you consider as family usually want you dead, They would go to witch doctors and go the extra mile in seeing that you don't succeed. I know some of yall have seen local nigerian movies. ( By the way i don't watch em, the same shit everytime). Alot of the themes that deal with jealousy, witchcraft and pure evil is true. That shit does exist, in other word do not trust anyone. There are alot of jealous folks out there and i have heard so many things. Another incident even happened but this time with my mom, i was in houston that time. Armed robbers dressed as business men invaded our house. My dad was hiding in the restroom with no penny to him. I know it sounds like i'm exaggerating but listen, they searched the whole house for him because they wanted money. They held my brothers, my mom and my sister captive. My mom was slapped and questioned on the whereabouts of my dad, even shot the wall where she was at. ( a warning shot or a kill shot, i dont' know but they fired). All this happened while my dad was in the restroom praying. They ended up leaving stealing all our jewelry and stuff, but in the end they made it alive. My brother said that was the longest 10 minutes of his life. Ask him and he will tell you. Armed robbers are that ruthless. Like i said survivng an armed robber attack is rare, i know some of my moms friends that haven't been so lucky as we are. It's really sad


The whole point of this post is to explain the video. Why those people tortured those guys who looked innocent. Nigeria is beautiful place despite all this, I know it need prayer but it's so much to do there. I haven't been home since 97, I would love to check it out some day but i promise you it's a cool place to visit, you just have to be careful around there. The system there is so different from here, where America depends on credit, Nigeria is built on cash and carry. My fam prefers it over there. It really comes down to preference, Violence is everywhere but i really posted this to share why what happened in that video happened. Its been real yall. Good day and God bless.

UNDERSTANDING DENIM

Denim is really something that a select few really really really understand. Honestly i don't consider myself a denim head, but i can say i have seen some of the best hand made jeans and been to some of the best denim shops in the world. But before i speak about whatever, let me say to those that if you are into the tru religions, studded bullshits, and brand names and all other bullshits that make you spend $800 because your favorite rapper has them, then this is really for you. Have a seat and take note. There are things you must understand before buying the perfect... wait there isnt really anything perfect so let me start over. Before buying great denim, There are 4 things you must know.
Quality
Fit
Cut
Wash

Now i don't claim to be a denim guru, but i always find myself looking for a great pair. Prob. own 30 but who cares, numbers don't matter. U can never own enough denim. I know i need more. The reason why i bring this up is because it feels like the origin of denim has been forgotten. The full purpose and quality i feel, everyone should know.

This is Levi Strauss. The originator of what we know as denim. During the 19th century miners had complained about their trousers tearing up during work, so levis came up with a tougher material that had tougher pockets that could withstand harsh conditions. Denim back then was American workwear before anything else

The 501 jeans by levis were a staple in american workwear. Levis used old shuttle looms to stitch their jeans to give them a tough rigid feel for their workers. That's were the term selvage comes from
selvage or selfedge as defined in wikipedia is a type of denim which forms a clean natural edge that does not unravel. It is commonly presented in the unwashed or raw state. Typically, the selvage edges will be located along the out-seam of the pants, making it visible when cuffs are worn. Although selvage denim is not completely synonymous with unwashed denim, the presence of selvage typically implies that the denim used is a higher quality. Levis had stop using their shuttle looms to produce their denim decades ago due to a higher demand for jeans. So factory mills used newer looms to replace old ones to mass produce them which sacrificed quality of denim.
Fast foward many years later after quality was irrelevant in today's market, many " designer brand names" poped up which was a competition for levis because name was more important than quality. Bullshit brands like 7, true religion etc became the forefront of what denim is supposed to be to the masses. Levis was in serious jeopardy because it wasn't seen as fashionable like the other brands. After the millenium passed sales began to decline for levis and have not seen profit since. The only thing still keeping levis in the limelight is their hard to find vintage collections and collaborations, but still I am still suprised they are still in business during the recession.
Real denim stores are really hard to come by. As a matter of fact there are only 2 stores in America that specialize in good denim. Selfedge and blue in green. Alot of japanese were obssessed with American pop culture and 50s lifestyle so they mimiced alot of what we had back then including selvage denim. The old shuttle looms that levis had used to produce workwear for their miners, were used by the Japanese to revive the original selvage denim. Brands like Evisu, studio d'artisan, somet, pure blue japan, Sugar Cane and so much more continued the legacy that Americans forgot. That is why alot of collectors travel to Japan to purchase good quality denim.
Another thing i stated about denim is quality. Do you know good denim is supposed to last for 30 years. Denim is meant to be worn everyday, they become better in time and honey combs develop natural. I see it as something personal. Pictured above is a pair of apc jeans that were worn for 1 year everyday. Serious if you ask me
Fit and understanding what you are paying for should really be a factor when you are buying a pair. Do not let these " coporate vultures" tell you what is good. If you feel like this too confusing, or i made grammer errors ( which i always do - speake spanish, i'm sorry) then you need to watch this video, this is from selfdege- A one of a kind denim lifestyle store in san fransico. I guarantee that this video will make you think before you spend $300 on another pair of jeans, you must understand

quality

fit

cut

wash

check it out
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMKv3VfDCP8

mlk super sale

to celebrate mlk day and the inaguration, we decided to pull a sale off. But u know what else is cool. The eta mu alphas of u of h are having a bbq that day too at the quads at university of houston.

University of Houston
4800 Calhoun Rd.
Houston, TX 77004

BBQ starts at 12 so come around
FREE FOOD
FREE DRINKS
ALL SHIRTS FOR $20
* LADIES EAT FIRST* - SAYS THE ALPHAS

For more info call
281 226 0488

see you around

What to look out for in 09

09 is def. going to be a good look, and i say this because i am blessed to know people who will def. be icons of this generation. So let it begin

my brother easy yves recently moved to LA to focus on his music career. As of now i can't spill much on what he is up to but believe me it is big and huge.Just you wait and see. Here are some of the pics he posted on what he's been up to. Oh yeah thats a bentley coupe he is rolling in by the way

yves' transportation ?

Stay tuned the good shepherd is coming. Good luck to you Yves



def. look out for yves in 09. He got alot coming out his sleeves. Check out his myspace
http://www.myspace.com/somars



My boy sean is def. someone who you should be looking out for in 09. He recently just moved back from LA and has been making alot of moves in Houston. He is an aspiring actor, model and a writer. Check out his blog
http://seanwillindmix.blogspot.com/

These are pics of some of what Sean has been working on. This is an independent film he recently shot in houston

sean with his film crew.

Go Dj candlestick has been dropping alot of heat lately like birth control 6. He def. has more in the works, check out some of his mixtapes

http://www.mediafire.com/265pro

My other brother Niyi will be graduating from parsons this year in New York so you should be expecting something major from him. He has already interned for some of Well known designers from New York. Check out his blog, trust me you will feel smarter

http://afreekan.blogspot.com/

Dj Mr Rogers aka Slim Thug's Dj is making mad noise in Houston with his SH!T FACTORY. Check out his blog for more updates

http://www.djmrrogers.blogspot.com/

He also collaborated with the niceguys for a podcast ( i think i posted this a while ago) but anyhow check it out

http://www.niceshtradio.blogspot.com/

Willie Dean is a stylist, designer and a socialite. His crew are the most ambitious people i have seen in a while. It's better to view his website to see what i am talking about. It's gonna be huge. And watch that trailer too

http://styleno5.com/Style_No.5_-_WE_LIVE_FOR_THIS.html

A real definition of a hustler. I have known Kofi for several years to be up to something. He is an actor, a writer, a producer, a model and a singer. Kofi has been moving around new york and miami to focus on his career and believe you me, his work is def. going to pay off. He is a true def. of a go getter. I have been blessed to not only know this brother but to be posted on what he has been up to. Check out the pics below

Some of the films kofi has been shooting

Check out Kofi's myspace

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewProfile&friendID=390187575

and did i say kofi is a producer, he has a live channel where he makes beats. Check it out

http://www.ustream.tv/channel/LEONdemusic

and lastly

Jovan from new york. A consultant that has been on the move and making it. I've been blessed to know this brother, even though i don't know fam too well. But honestly The bro is a real inspiration. What he does is something i would like to end up doing sometime this year. I can say he is def. up to something. Check out his blog too. And read and i mean R-E-A-D everything. Trust me it's mad ill

http://thejohndoesociety.blogspot.com/

and as for me. look out for more drawings. I haven't done that in a minute. More ventures and so on, and yes graduation. 09 bout to be official. You heard it here first. Also the rockets whooped that ass lol. The Celtics need to play the lakers again. This ain't looking good for them. Anyhow Who cares Rockets all day. Oh yeah 0-team shirts are $30 come get some goodness ( yeah i'm spammin dammit)

2008

I know its cliche to write about the past as a whole but honestly, the year was neither good or bad, but was a reality hitter for me. Although meeting my nephew and nieces for the 1st time this year was all that mattered to me. Obviously everyone knows that the recession was really the main issue of 2008. I can honestly say maintaining a small t-shirt line has kinda been a pain especially this year. Every time i traveled to new york, the same people that were originally looking for something new and original are now looking for something that will sell. In other words "fuck art, fuck your message, we want to sell what's trendy so we can pay our bills." Can i blame them. No, that's life, i blame myself for spending thousands of dollars to add substance and originality to t-shirts. Why not add the " naked girls holding a gun" or something obvious, maybe my numbers would do better. The recession not only made alot of these boutiques settle down for mediocrity just to pay the bills, but competition between these stores and brands were tough. And this doesn't just apply to "streetwear" alone. Did you notice alot of sales going on this year. SUVs going for mad cheap at the dealership, your favorite "exclusive" brands becoming more accessible and cheaper just to make ends meet, Saks having a 70% markdown on products to make up for the millions of dollars they kept losing every week. Everything this year i thought had value lost it. I know some of you saw my last trip to new york, the topic was obviously the r-word. Everyone is not eating. Nothing is guaranteed. Sometimes its not all about that college degree that got you that 1 job. That's why i thank God i do more than t-shirts to secure my future. But honestly with the way this keeps up i don't know how long substance will be around. Since i'm graduating this year, i know dobale won't be my main priority. The funny thing is that most of the artists like Nigo and futura and brands like king stampede i look up to faced tough times when they started. I was watching TBN the other day ( hate that channel) and Creflo Dollar said what i believe is a solution to the issues we all face today. He said " Never let your outside influence your steps" In other words never let your situation determine your destination. That's easier said than done, but i can honestly relate to what he spoke about. The bottom line is whatever you love to do. Do it to the fullest because your craft will get the respect first, then the money afterwards. That's usually the case in the world of " streetwear". With all this said i will post what i think was the best of 2008 just to remember the good times like the O-TEAM

SNEAKER OF THE YEAR-COMMON PROJECTS

The true def. of minimalism. If you are looking for something that has quality, neutral colors and comfort, then this is the shoe.

Runners up - LANVIN, YSL, RAF BY RAF SIMONS

STREETWEAR BRAND OF THE YEAR-KING STAMPEDE
the most underated brand in America. I respect this brand for their consistency in adding substance to their shirts. Very artist driven and worth the money. I'm really jealous of them. They are inspired by 70s music, cults, religion, philosophy, sombero galaxies etc. The brand is indeed a thinkers brand

RUNNERS UP
perks and mini, original fake, maharishi, comme des garcons


ALBUM OF THE YEAR-TRONIC byBLACK MILK
honestly i really don't listen to much, i'm too lazy to know what's out there. My brother usually recommends stuff for me, but this album really did it for me. For 1 the production was sick and he is a producer that knows how to roc the mic



SHIRT OF THE YEAR-CHARVET
The french label is known for making the perfect shirt. They take up to 20 measurments on your body before they make the perfect shirt for you. Think i'm bullshittin, watch this
http://video.men.style.com/?&fr_story=d0a3a6c1ff423cdfa2b13c94824183e8bfd58899



HIGH FASH. BRAND OF THE YEAR-APC
U can't deny their top quality wool coats and their japanese selvage denim cuts. This french label was too official

runners up
NOM DE GUERRE, TOM FORD







JAM OF THE YEAR

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yHLXeikXeI

THAT'S SHAWTY LO by SHAWTY LO

I can't deny this, i heard this at the boundlessny store in brooklyn. I realized this had to be on the list when i got my car from the dealership yesterday. I just got some new speakers, and the bass was undeniable. Forget what yall gotta tell me. This shit go fed

VIDEO OF THE YEAR

INDMIX DOS AND DONTS BY FREE AND FBA

http://www.vimeo.com/2547184

Can't deny it, it's true

Ok i'm tired of posting pics

REST OF THE BEST OFS

GADGET - I PHONE

See 08 wasn't as bad as we all thought, but 09 is here and change is nice. We bringing back the good times. O-TEAM shirts are available for $30. Ask about them