Jake Davis Test Shots | Josh Peskowitz

Esteemed videographer Jake Davis, and his series of Test Shots has become quite the interesting montage when it comes to showcasing vibrant and passionate creatives. In this set of visuals Davis chose to capture one of New York's most stylish and pioneering individuals, Josh Peskowitz. Peskowitz is a 30 year old freelance editor, writer, stylist, and fashion consultant who's resume is nothing short of impressive, just as is his sense of fashion and the classics. Take a look and lend a close ear as we are awarded a bit of insight into Peskowitz's take on fashion.

Pharrell on the Importance of Education

Ronnie Fieg x KarmaloopTV

Levi Maestro Speaks at Schools

Levi Maestro Speaks at Schools from Scott Regan on Vimeo.

In a slightly different medium than we are accustomed to seeing Maestro, but it’s super dope to see the kid giving back to those in dyer need of direction. Since the birth of his online show Maestro Knows, now a little over a year go, he has cultivated an enormous following both foreign and domestic. Building his platform on principles of positivity and staying true to what you love, Maestro has the innate ability to act as a magnet. Everyone and everything he comes into contact with, seems to blossom. So check the footage of Levi as he in turn gives back some wisdom to a class of high school kids in Las Vegas. “I do what I love, and I don’t let people tell me I can’t do it.”

A Conversation w/DJ A-TRAK

A Conversation with A-Trak from EIKNARF on Vimeo.
Linked to Kanye and now Travis Barker, more and more people are beginning to recognize the sounds of DJ A-TRAK.

NY-Z - Documentary on Jay-Z

Do yourself a favor, and allow yourself to be educated... Jay and John Mayer at MSG, epic... -JSawyer

How To Make It In America - Hustles Stories (Eric Goldstein)

More on the hustle. HBO's How To Make It In America continues their Hustle Stories series with real life Jean Shop owner, Eric Goldstein. 

Ash Roth Speaks at Pepsi Idea Seminar

 
Asher has gradually become one of my favorite artists, not only for what he can do on the mic, but also for what he represents away from it. We get a small glimpse of who he is and what he tries to implement in his life from his speech at the Pepsi Idea Seminar. The event, which featured some of our generations foremost innovative thinkers and creatives, was put together as a tool of motivation for high schoolers and future generations to think outside the box per say and vow to make a difference. Huge props to Pepsi in their commitment to donate 20 million dollars toward the creative process and fulfillment of innovate ideas. Listen here as Ash Roth delivers some inspirational thoughts in which we should all take into consideration for our own lives. via Rap Radar

How To Make It In America

Continuing to get better and better. Chasing the dream, baby. We all can relate somehow. Don't stop til you get there... -JSawyer

Pharrell's Keynote Speech at MIDEM 2010

Pharrell Keynote at MIDEM 2010 from thecashmerethinker on Vimeo.

One of the most inspiring creators that seems to have a pretty solid head on his shoulders, Pharrell was just awarded with the Producer of the Decade title by Billboard. Check it out as he unleashes his words of wisdom on us all... JSawyer

Mike Posner - One Foot Out the Door (Ep. 7)

Puma Presents: Mike Posner “One Foot Out The Door” Episode 7: New York State of Mike from Mike Posner on Vimeo.

The homie Mike Posner continues to do his thing and populate his following. Check him out here as he makes a trip up to NYC and opens for 50, Cudi, and Wale. The kid is doing big things. Stay on the lookout... -JSawyer

Affirmation, check!

Recognition is a funny thing. We all want it, whether admittedly or not. We yearn for it from the right people, however. Some are fully motivated merely by that of acknowledgement on the far end. And others obtain a sincere appreciation from it and use it as further motivation in their craft. Affirmation to me has not always been necessary, but when coming from the appropriate individual, I soak it up as a means to put things in perspective. Being a creative mind, with the gift of making a connection through written word, it is tough to see the light or fruits of my labor at times.

Recently, I was paid a truly inspiring compliment from one of the most influential innovators of the blogging and creative world. Marcus Troy, who in my mind runs the illest blog out there, probably did not even realize the impact his small statement would have on me. Something as small as a shoutout on twitter has given me a renewed jolt of inspiration and a firm shot in the arm of motivation. My sincerest appreciation goes out to Marcus and his kind words. Be sure to check him out daily at marcustroy.com. -JSawyer

Mos Def Creating...

One of my favorite artists, all around. A creative genius at his finest...

"It's one thing to come up with a great idea, and it's another thing to come up with a great idea at the right time." -Mos Def

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.

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.

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

Maestro Knows - NYC Edition (13thWitness)

Maestro Knows - NYC Edition (13th Witness) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

In the final installment of Maestro's NYC Edition, watch as he parades around the city with one of the illest photographer's alive, 13thWitness, and dope, famed bike rider Nigel Sylvester.

Maestro Knows - NYC Edition (Jonathan Mannion)

Maestro Knows - NYC Edition (Jonathan Mannion) from Maestro Knows on Vimeo.

Maestro, still kickin it in NYC, strolls on over and visits with famed photographer Jonathan Mannion.

Ryan Leslie Yodel Studio EPK

Ryan Leslie is a BOSS. One of the most talented, most inspiring artists that I have ever seen, true story. Not only his passion for music and the arts, but his passion for learning and bettering himself, leave me striving for greatness in my own endeavors. If only there were more musicians like this cat! -JS