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