Random Thought

I don't want a girl that's gonna compliment my style. I want one that's gonna set precedent for her own, and then we can stand out together... -JSawyer

My Take on Christmas '09

Thoughts directed to my dear family regarding Christmas 2009: 

Growing up, it's not uncommon for most children to hear from their parents in so many words or less that the older you get, the less and less you will be concerned with receiving literal, material gifts on Christmas. Now of course at the age of sixteen even, I was still stoked on the latest gadget or newest pair of kicks that jolly old saint Nick was to deliver to me on that blessed holiday. So like most parental advisings, it was somewhat shrugged off, and I would think to myself… but I love me some "stuff!" Just as usual however, the intellectuality and oh so profound wisdom flowing forth from the parental well springs of knowledge did so come to fruition. Although it did take a bit longer than maybe even I myself had suspected in the back of my head, the true essence of family and the holidays are so dear to me this year. 

Being that I have been away from most of my family for the past few years, I do cherish the short gatherings that I am blessed with, especially as sparse as they may be. I do often regret the distance that separates us all, but I am confident that with our small, tight knit family, we are as near and dear to one another's hearts as humanly possible. So as I began to ponder on this holiday season and actually having the opportunity of spending more than 36 hours with the ones I love most in this world, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement, as well thankfulness. I now can without a doubt say that "toys" no longer serve precedent as part of my Christmas experience. My gifts, when broken down to the core, past all of the commercialization and greedy "me" mentalities are stripped down to a handful of people, most of which just so happened to share my last name. I do not essentially believe that we can ever ultimately shed all of our selfish nature, but I do believe that I am to the closest state of selflessness when it comes to my family. 

Separated by generations, and even the kids being so diverse and eclectic to each his own world, understanding is not always possible, but unconditional love and support is undeniably the backbone and key ingredient that encompasses the Sawyer family. Normalcy, in any regard but especially involving family, is never present, and I don't know about you, but I would hate it if it were! Without tests, trials, hardships, and highs and lows, we would not truly appreciate the supportive aspect of family and coming together in love when all is said and done. For without these things, there would be no "victories" in life even. 

So this holiday season, I hope all of you, just as I myself have, experienced the true, raw meaning and appreciation of family and Christmas when it has been stripped from its commercialized shell or wrapping paper if you will. Mom, Dad, Mandi, Daniel, Becca, and Papa and Nene, you are truly God's most amazing Christmas gifts that have been so intricately placed in my life, gifts that continually present themselves in a thousand different lights. My overwhelming love goes out to you all.

Merry Christmas, 

Jonathan - 12/25/2009

Maestro Knows - Episode 3 (Ibn Jasper)

Maestro Knows - Episode 3 (Ibn Jasper) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

Here's a little Christmas present for all of y'all, straight from the creative mind of Levi Maestro. Check him out in his latest episode as he and his pal Ibn Jasper tear it up at Venice skate park and then later hit up RSVP Gallery.

Mike Posner - One Foot Out the Door (Ep. 5)

Puma presents: "One Foot Out The Door" Episode 5: University of Michigan from Mike Posner on Vimeo.

So I can't lie. I haven't exactly been following the homie Mike Posner since day one. To tell you the truth, i kind of shrugged him off a while back, but the more I checked out exactly what he's doing and the more I caught some of his music, the more of a fan I became. The dude has an amazingly dope ear from a production stand point and when he gets on a track with his homie Big Sean, magic is the result. So check this episode out as Mike journeys back to his home state of Michigan.

Nano Universe x G-Shock

Japanese based watch retailer Nano Universe teams up with watch  juggernaut Casio to unveil this dope collabo, all of which contain a black, white, and pink color way. Shoot, I'll rock a pink G!

Complex Cut & Show - 10 Deep

To be honest with you guys, I have never really been a huge fan of the work from 10 deep, but after seeing this video I definitely have a respect and admiration for what the guys are doing... Makes me think twice about their brand... -JSawyer

Kobe on His Latest Shoe/Lil Wayne/LeBron

Kobe Bryant Talks Nike, Lil' Wayne & LeBron James With the.LIFE Files! from the.LIFE Files on Vimeo.

Okay okay, so first of all, I am 100% on team King James, but I can't deny Kobe is a monster on the court. Also, he has seemed to have cleaned up his act over the past couple years and transformed into a genuinely cool dude. Listen here as he talks on his most recent sneaker, the rapping style of Weezy, a new watch he'll be dropping, and a one on one game with Bron Bron.

"How to Make It In America" Trailer

How to Make It in America: Teaser Trailer from DP on Vimeo.

Mark Wahlberg is at it again, and here is the trailer for his most recent project, "How to Make it in America." The show, which will be featured on HBO is set to premiere on February 14th. Not only can Cudi spit, but evidently he's not a half bad actor either...

Jay-Z Ft. Mr. Hudson - "Forever Young" Video

"Forever Young" from Hov's BP3, his 11th number one album, just in case you all have forgotten...

MVPuppets - Blitzen Raps

HaHa, this is epic. Cudi jumps on the MVPuppets and does voiceover for Blitzen.

Ubiq Fatima

New from Japanese footwear label, Ubiq, comes a new style for their popular Fatima model. With its upper in houndstooth material, these particular Fatimas come in four colorways. Retailing at 12,000 YEN, these will be available at ANOUT COMMUNE on Christmas Eve. (via Hypebeast) 


Lovin this Fatima model, as well as the color ways. They look mad comfortable too. From what I can see, I give them a 4.5 out of 5 stars. -JSawyer

adidas Originals Spring 2010 Highrise

A dope, new look coming from adidas, these bad boys are already available for pre-order. Check styles for the full run. I guess the guys over at the company figured if you can't beat em, join em. And it looks like that is what adidas has chosen to do. The style looks somewhat similar to many other top sneaker brands, but hey, I'm not hating. I think they're dope. My favorite aspect of the shoe is the strap on the back. All in all, I give the Highrise a 4.5 out of 5 stars. -JSawyer

Metrofarm - DJ Desk

Despite the optimistic and righteous say, most human beings are visual and frivolous creatures. Most of the time, one’s motivation to pick up a skill or a piece of clothing or a gadget doesn’t wander too far from “cool”. With that in mind, METROFARM, has probably created the coolest DJ Desk we have seen and would absolutely drive many to pick up DJing. Based in Berlin, METROFARM is a design studio run by Julia and Nunu. The studio has a roster of clients such as Nike, 55DSL, ABSOLUT Vodka, Idee, Pioneer and BEAMS. The high end DJ Desks created by METROFARM are crafted specifically to the DJ’s equipment, and some of the models built here come in a variety of style and installation methods. There is minimalist yet party-worthy stainless steel number with mixers and turntables embedded into them; a bright orange legless number that is bubbling 60s; a nature-inspired woody number….and sorts. Rather than the usual boring black boxy platform of a DJ stand, these will make the most important equipment of a bar/club as swanky as the place itself, and definitely be the enviable fixture in any home. (via Freshnessmag.com)

So I guess I might just need to scoop my turntables first, before I snag me one of these bad boys, but this is definitely now on my list. So illy... -JSawyer

Crackberry Catch of the Day

Due to the recent monsoon in the Miami Dade area, the 305's inhabitants have resorted to wandering around by canoe and u-boats. It's been quite a good time if I do say so myself... -JSawyer

Peanuts x New Era Japan Cap Collection

Celebrating the work of legendary artist Charles M. Schulz and his internationally recognized comic strip, Peanuts, New Era Japan create two new sets of “Peanuts” fitted caps. As always, the brand utilizes its industry-leading 59Fifty platform and creatively embroiders the classic Peanut characters, including Charlie Brown, Lucy, Woodstock and Snoopy, onto the caps. While the primarily black set is now available online, the other looks to drop in January of 2010. (via Hypebeast)

Always looking for something "different," these Peanut New Eras are pretty dope in my opinion. My lil sis is a pretty huge fanatic of Peanuts. Think she'd rock it if I snagged her one?? Ha ha okay, maybe not... -JSawyer

Dear Diary - 12/17/2009

Exhausted almost to the point of incoherent hallucinations, I better get this final post in for the day before it starts to look like this - aldfjadslfkaujowaglkvnl. Okay, now that that's out of my system. Not much for today, other than my sincerest urge to cherish the people around you. Without the slightest of warnings, they can be removed from existence and you could be left only with thoughts of "I wish I would have..." Everyone and everything is placed in our paths for a specific reason, so seize each and every opportunity and live a life of no regret... -JSawyer

Genesis of Style: Mike

GENESIS OF STYLE: MIKE from TONE on Vimeo.

Dope work as usual by Tone. This is gonna be fashion at its finest. Stay tuned for the finished product...

Supra TK Society (Blue/Lime Green)

I stay a Supra fan, even though the Skytop II's were pretty much butt in my opinion. I am feeling these lusciously loud TK Society editions right here though. I have a feeling these are gonna be an all in or a no go to most fans. Love it or hate it baby... I loves em. -JSawyer

Jordan 11 Space Jams at Premium Goods

The days are counting down to the release of the Air Jordan 11 “Space Jams.”  Brooklyn spot Premium Goods will have them in stock and ready to roll on the release date of December 23rd.  Your whole family is covered at this shop with Space Jams available from infant sizes to adult.

premiumgoods.
347 5th Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11215-282

Mister Mort for A Continuous Lean New Era Caps

New York’s man about town Mister Mort cooked up a fresh batch of bespoke (read: custom embroidered) New Era fitteds for A Continuous Lean’s online shop. In addition to the “O’Snap” and “BLAH” caps pictured above, there’s also “ACL”, “FeDoras” and “MISTER” variants. All caps are made in the USA and available now from ACL.

Working at Lids for almost a year, I've pretty much seen it all when it comes to New Era fitteds, but these right here from Mister Mort are straight HILARIOUS! -JSawyer

MTV's #2 Man of the Year - Jay-Z

MTV Shows

That boy HOV! You all know I was gonna throw this on here. I'm just highly disappointed my man didn't get the number one spot! Who oh who will get number one?? Stay tuned...

Alice In Wonderland Trailer

Tim Burton's latest project, the highly anticipated "Alice In Wonderland" starring Johnny Depp has just hit the internet with another trailer. Look for the movie to hit theaters in March 2010.

Norah Jones Performs on Jimmy Kimmel

Don't care what y'all say, Norah is doooope! Here she is performing "Chasing Pirates." Song makes me smile. :)

Clipse talks Neptune's Beat Selection

Pretty interesting stuff from Clipse on the production side of things between the artists...

Dear Diary - 12/16/2009

Today I received a subtle reminder that life is that much more enjoyable when you are able to find the "light" in everyone. Not that you will see eye to eye or even get along with all those you come across, but there can always be some sort of silver lining. Look forward to each encounter as a possible "day booster." You never know what one person can offer you and vice versa. Your outlook determines your outcome... -JSawyer

Nike x Undefeated U-MAN Puppet Tees

UNDFTD teams with Nike Basketball on an exclusive set of MVPuppets t-shirts, combining a cartoon version of the Undefeated U-Man logo with the now iconic Kobe and LeBron puppets. Available Saturday, December 19th at all UNDFTD chapter and web stores.
UNDFTD + MVPuppets = FTW! 

Stephen Colbert Raps w/Alicia Keys on "Empire State of Mind"

ak on TCR
by yardie4lifever2

Move over Jay! Stephen Colbert is petitioning for his spot on Empire State of Mind Pt. 3!

Mac Miller - "Live Free"

Not a huge fan of the kid Mac Miller, but this is definitely a feel good join right here. I give everybody a fair shot, and he got me with this one...

Mosley Tribes Resort 2010 Collection

Premier eyewear company Mosley Tribes offers us a look into its Resort Collection for the Spring 2010 Collection. The video features a seasonal theme with appearances by Alex Beh and Nicole Lemoine showcasing the line’s upcoming frames.

Crooks & Castles x Seiko WIRED H

Following the successful launch of its UNDERCOVER collaboration last month, timepiece label WIRED h, a subsidiary of electronic giant Seiko, paired up with Crooks & Castles, in creating a special watch for the quintessential So-Cal brand.  Featured the the “chain link” coil motif, in black and red, set around the bezel, the Crooks & Castles edition carried 2 technical advancements WIRED h is known for. First, the face of the watch is dotted with miniature solar panels, which constantly charges the battery, no matter the light source. An internal battery acts as a backup but it rarely need to be change. The second advancement is the watch’s ability to synchronize with the atomic clock, via 2 low frequency radio towers, on a daily basis. This not only ensure the accuracy of the time (an accuracy of 1/100th of a second). It also ensure the user never have to adjust the time. In addition, the watch incorporate a large LCD, allow dual time displays of 32 major international cities, and is water resistant up to 100 meters (~300 feet).

Limited to 350 units worldwide, the Crooks & Castles x Seiko WIRED h Watch is currently available at selected WIRED h dealers across Japan and online retailers, such as STLESS of ZOZO shopping network.

MTV's #5 Man of the Year - Lil Wayne

MTV Shows

Weezy F, another uber talented creator. Hate him as a person, love him as an artist.

Erykah Badu Levitates

Erykah Badu Levitates from Creative Control on Vimeo.

Erykah Badu offers Creative Control a chance to experience the listening party to her new album. Later Damon leads her on a tour of DD172. Truly a creator's creator... 

"I don't like to do 99 cent songs." - Erykah Badu

John Mayer Interview with Ellen DeGeneres

Watch and listen as ladies man, John Mayer, vows to take a break from the dating scene.

Fox Brothers x Clarks

Combining the aesthetics and refinement of Saville Row, Clarks’ 2010 Spring/Summer collection features the use of Fox Brothers, together with some of their most iconic models. Each style’s upper features a chalk stripe flannel created from 100% lambswool, milled by Fox Brothers of Wellington, Somerset. Fox Brothers has maintained a legacy spanning all the way to 1772. Look for the collection to drop next year at select Clarks retailers. (Via Hypebeast)

Being a fan of Clarks basically from the beginning, this collabo with Fox Brothers is pretty high up there for me. The high tops are my favorite in this collection here, and I give the overall work 4.5 out of 5 stars. JSawyer

MTV's #7 Man of the Year - Kanye West

MTV Shows

Say what you want critics, but from an artistic perspective, Mr. West is one of the most innovative individuals of our time. Period. I stand by his work and his creativity.

Dear Diary - 12/15/2009

Sometimes I believe I even get ahead of myself. A thorough thought process is sometimes overlooked due to the constant "hustle" mentality. Quality over quantity is something that I truly believe in and try to shape my work around. Who cares if I have thousands of articles and writings out there if 995 of them are merely subpar. I am in an intense search of a platform for my work, but that should not take any of the effort away. I will be in the world's eye view in due time. Until then, I slave for perfection. Anything less is selling myself short. -JSawyer

MVPuppets - Mystery Solved

Lebron's VII has been located, but by an unnoticed suspect. Stay tuned for the next episode.

A Day in the Life of DJ Neil Armstrong

A day in the life of one of the illest DJs out there, Jay-Z's personal spinner for the BP3 tour, DJ Neil Armstrong.

Quote/Thought for the Day

"Think outside the box, you say?? Shoot, I threw the box away years ago..." -JSawyer

Quote/Thought for the Day

You can have amazing thoughts and ideas all played out in your head, but people can't see them until they're put into action... With action, comes belief. -JSawyer

MVPuppets - Mystery of the Missing VII

In this episode of MVP Puppets, the guys get their Sherlock Holmes on as they search for the missing Air Max VII.

Maestro Knows - Episode 2 (Mr. Cartoon)

Maestro Knows - Episode 2 (Mr. Cartoon) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

Maestro hits his native streets of LA, while linking up with the famed Mr. Cartoon and also checking out the Cartoon/G-Shock collabo event. "I never took no design classes to design a watch or a shoe or something. I just did it." -Mr. Cartoon

Quote/Thought for the Day

Generations apart. They don't see what I see. I might not see what they see or have seen. A mutual understanding may never come to fruition, but a consistent wall of support should always be in place. -JSawyer

MTV's 5 Things w/Ryan Leslie

The 5: R Les
by yardie4lifever2

One of my favorite artists, Ryan Leslie consistently seems to have a feel on the true essence of dope music. Being a truly intelligent individual, as well as a masterful artist, I have no doubt that his latest work "Transition" will be amazing stuff. Be sure to check it out in stores now. -JSawyer

My Writings Elsewhere (Vatican's Hit List)

You guys will never guess what track made the cut of the Vatican's faves! To find out, check my article here! -JSawyer

Black Scale x Android Homme

Black Scale x Android Homme from Sean Desmond on Vimeo.


Quite impressed with results of the Black Scale and Android Homme collabo, the kicks are refreshing and somewhat futuristic. I give the line a 4.5 out of 5 stars. -JSawyer

Lupe Fiasco - "Solar Midnight"

Lupe gets his hip rock on for this, his latest track that was also produced for the recent Twilight New Moon flick. And please, please, don't judge it because of that because the track and the video are equally dope material.

Quote/Thought for the Day

Watch your coat tails, people. Once you start to take off, those that can't do for themselves will be all over em. -JSawyer

Quote/Thought for the Day

"I'm a firm believer in knowing as many people as possible. It can only help your endeavors." -JSawyer

Maestro Knows - Season 3 Premier (9th Wonder)

Maestro Knows - Episode 1 (9th Wonder) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

Maestro takes his show on the road ,as usual, but this time he finds himself in my home state, good ole NC baby. Check him out as he visits with his homie 9thWonder, and he cooks up a fresh track for Maestro's season three intro.

My Writings Elsewhere (Billy Corgan - Free LP)

Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan ventures back to the true essence of art, and is giving away the group's upcoming LP for FREE!! To read my article, click HERE!!

My Writings Elsewhere (Nicolas Cage - Humanitarian Award)

So there is some good still out there in Hollywood. Nicolas Cage just recently won the Humanitarian Award given by the U.N. Check my article here!

Art Basel - 12/3/2009

The setting was a mildly humid, yet still refreshing post rain affected Miami Art District. With eager eyed faces wandering to and fro rotating from phone to camera to friend to art and back to camera, a low resonating jibber jabber filled the air, but the excitement was intense nonetheless. All in appreciation and love of creativity and art in general. Art Basel 2009.

Being a ripe, new resident of south Florida and a lover and admirer of art in general, I knew this was an occasion I could not pass up. It was my first time experiencing such a profoundly appreciated festival such as this, and I definitely left fulfilled and inspired to the max. Some of the most talented and infamous artists from all over the world had their pieces in many of Miami's finer galleries. Feeding from and being inspired by fellow creators is a huge part of any artistic process. If you attended Art Basel and didn't experience the waves of creativity smacking you in the face, please check yourself into the nearest health facility right away. Your imagination is a powerful tool, which much of the time, need not be harnessed at all.

The Wynnwood Walls being the highlight of the event for myself, left me somewhat in awe of the beauty but more importantly the creative vision of such amazing artists. Check below for a few pics I was able to capture at the event.

-JSawyer