J Says (Pt. 9)

     Beaming from the uncontrollably uplifting life high that now overwhelmed his entire body, the thought of fear had never even peaked through X's skull, for he was an adventurer now, the leader and sojourner of his sole, self appointed metaphorical, yet all too physical journey. Rummaging through the wooden fortress in search of any sign of mere inhabitants, he found himself in an awkwardly warm state of fascination. No, there was no sign of life as we think of it, but  it was almost as if he had stumbled upon an enchanted museum filled with a plethora of unimaginable artifacts, the kind of items one never expects to experience first hand, in their entire existence. 


     Bracing himself for a moment of solitary rest from his exuberant state of awe and wonderment, he managed to lean back upon an old, cob web laden, dust cloud covered, chest conveniently tucked just beneath the bend of his knees. Before succumbing to the innate notion of enjoying a rechargeable sit down, he glared downward to read what appeared to be an inscription placed just above its' crest. Wiping the exhaustive amount of debris with the back of his outstretched right hand, he could almost get a grip on the wording. Leaning closely, he attempted to make it out. 


     Initially, what he thought was a line filled with incoherent gibberish, suddenly smacked himself right between the eyes. He then realized why it had taken him a moment to gain his sense and calculate  the strange wordage. It was Latin, but fortunate for the travelled adventurer, he had taken a few linguistic courses involving such, during college. Regaining himself, he then began to make out what appeared to be read, "Pro bellum pro diligo pro nex pro vita pro prosapia usquequaque." Naturally puzzled, X began to pace to and fro, dissect the mysterious phrase over and over, repeating it under his breath. "For war for love. For death for life. For."  He froze. What was the last bit of wording? "For war for love. For death for life. For." Like a bewildered broken record, until something finally clicked and he jolted in excitement. "For war for love. For death for life. For family always." 


     Feeling quite accomplished, he focused himself back to the task at hand, the chest. Slowly stepping forward and positioning himself squarely in front of the equivocal wooden container, knees cracking, eyes securely locking in, he reached downward to separate the two sections of the caged fortress...


-J.Sawyer 

Dante Ross x WESC Headphones

All around cultural activist and long time musical maniac, Dante Ross is no stranger to audio technology. Thus, his recent collaboration with street fashion brand WESC (We Are the Superlative Conspiracy) should certainly come as no shock. Featured, we have the visuals accompanying the audio technical goods and a great, poetic piece from Dante himself. Music is undoubtedly the centerpiece of our culture, so no matter age or gender or race or whatever, we can all come together and connect thru it in some aspect. Beautiful set from Ross and WESC, which actually entails a great deal of what my premiere book will detail. No promo.

-J.Sawyer

Eyes On The Prize | Random Rambling For The Day

Now I'm not too sure if I really buy into all this "law of attraction" hype, as I believe it was probably just an optimist's conjuring of good fortune. And for those of you who are unfamiliar with the concept that I'm speaking of, it is basically this: you stay positive and think something good is going to happen and it does. Kind of, think it into existence sort of thing.

While I am quite possibly one of the most happy go lucky, optimistic cats you will ever come across, I just can't fully agree with that. It takes exhaustive amounts of hard work, dedication, and a relentless attitude for your dreams to be reached as reality. However, I do believe a positive attitude and uplifting type spirit is a very integral part in the process.

 If you believe that somewhere down the road, ultimate failure is eminent and only negatives will appear, then odds are, that will indeed come to pass. So set your eyes on the prize, visualize success and greatness, but don't forget the main ingredients in putting the blood, sweat, and tears into it all. And last but not least, be relentless, in everything.

-J.Sawyer

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.

illRoots x Ibn Jasper | Profile (Video)

Dubbed as one of the most talented and free spirited creatives on the scene today, large in part thanks to the backing of good friend Kanye West, Ibn Jasper immolates a lifestyle that most can’t help but be attracted to. From fashion to skateboarding to bike riding to his more highly known talents as a barber, or merely the overall effect of how he lives day to day life, Ibn is a rare positive influence amidst an array of negative entities in this world.

Ill Roots had the opportunity to subject him as a part of their Profile feature, in which they were warranted intimate face time with the Chicago native. Following Ibn around some of his favorite LA hot spots, he explains how he basically “fell into” cutting hair, due to himself being his initial test dummy. Also big into the streetwear scene, he leads the Ill Roots crew to The Hundreds shop and one of his favorites, Diamond Supply Co. And you heard it from Mr. Jasper himself, drop the weights and hit the skatepark.

Quote of the Day

Life is a beach, I'm just playin' in the sand... 

Quote of the Day

Amidst the downsized, albeit multifaceted corporate minded day and age that we live in, if you do not obtain a plethora of skills valued by your employer, you will have no value, be replaced, and therefore be working the drive-thru at Taco Bell. Diversify, expand, perfect... -J.Sawyer

Quote of the Day

Test yourself daily in order to strengthen yourself infinitely... -J.Sawyer 

Quote of the Day

You can't put a price on inspiration. Spoil Yourself. -J.Sawyer

Thought for the Day

Feeling like my talents have been utterly underused as of late, this is my feeble attempt in regaining some sort of self imposed balance of sorts. None to blame other than myself, I'm afraid I have gotten caught up in the subjects in which most "like" to see and read about, as opposed to what will truly utilize my skills. Long story short, never sell yourself short. The quick fix and proverbial easy way out is usually quite the contrary. It leads to no satisfaction whatsoever and actually lowers self worth and your measurement of function-ability as a whole. Engage in activities and tasks that will stimulate your mind and "strengthen those muscles" that need shaping. A dull tool is of no use at all. -J.Sawyer

Bosh, Wade, and James To Cover Sports Illustrated

Anybody recognize these cats? Nah, me neither. I hear they made quite the splash in the sporting world over the past week or so. Who am I kidding? I live in Miami, baby, and we've got the Three Kings! Now add to that list Mike Miller, Big Z, and rumored Juwan Howard. Yeah, we're pulling him out of his retirement home. When you have the youth of Bron, Bosh, and Wade, you can afford a little "experience." Nonetheless, Pat Riley seems to be consistent with his grind in adding a nice, little nucleus around the three all-stars. Who knows, maybe I'll even get the nod... -J.Sawyer

No Words Necessary

Chris Bosh To Join D. Wade In Miami | LeBron Too??

D. Wade, easily one of the top five players in the league, unofficially has a fellow all-star joining him down in South Beach. Former Raptors PF, Chris Bosh, is rumored to become Wade's new "Robin."

Barely clawing their way to a playoff bid in the '09 - '10 season, the Miami Heat arguably will be in contention for an Eastern Conference crown during the upcoming season, and even title hopefuls.

But could there be a new "King" in Miami? While the city is undoubtedly Wade County, if perceivably the best player in the league in LeBron James decides to move ship down south, it could be one of the most impressive trios in the history of basketball. The question is, is LBJ willing to diminish his roll quite a bit and play along side a fellow perennial superstar and another all-star?

No doubt he is hungry for a ring, and as far as critics are concerned, it is a must to even be mentioned as a great. This year marked his seventh season as an NBA player, yet sill his Championship tally is zero. Jordan won his first of six titles during his seventh season, but instead of mirroring the greatest player to ever lace 'em up, LeBron further distanced himself from his airness, as well as his "nemesis," Kobe Bean Bryant.

As for my take on all this LeBron free agent madness: From day one, my inclination has been that he will remain a Cleveland Cavalier.  Of course, they will have to get him help, as they have attempted to do the past several seasons. But a washed up Shaquille O'neal and fairly lacking Antawn Jamison just won't cut it.

For the King to migrate down to South Florida it would be diminished his "brand" quite a bit. True, many of the greats have won with fellow all-stars, but to be paired with another top five player in the league, would belittle the titles if seized. I honestly do not see him taking that much of a back seat and joining Wade and Bosh in Miami. However, this IS the biggest decision of his career, and if he does not snag a ring in the next two or three seasons, he will be lumped into a category with the likes of Charles Barkley. Sorry Chuck.

For now, as a resident of the great 305, I am elated to discover the news of Bosh joining the club. No matter the outcome of LeBron, I have a legitimate Heat team to take pride in, and will definitely be hitting up AAArena several times this year. And who knows, the legendary Pat Riley might even step down and take hold of the reins. If this happens, watch out. Contenders for sure... -J.Sawyer

PS. What'd ya think? Ha!

Originality vs. Creative Development

What does it mean to be original? Is it strictly owning a thought, idea, creation, not even near ever dreamed of? Or is true originality all lost, and we are simply stuck with morphed views and convictions that in due lead to our current developments? Beethoven. Plato. Thomas Jefferson. Martin Luther. Can there even be unprecedented movements some hundreds and even thousands of years after the beginning of human life?

While moderately conflicted on this topic myself, I am tempted to respond with yes and no. To deem no possibility of turning one's sole dreams into reality is beyond pessimistic and in turn offers up such negativity to never even begin the process. But in 2010, can anything, in fact, be without one trace of an afore-conjured particle? 

Such innovative pioneers as mentioned above have had their concoctions, whether in tangible object or word, taken from since the beginning of time, and in this ongoing debate and investigative report, if you will, I plan to delve deep into certain "founders" of their craft and how their ideas have been modified through the hands of time. 

Stay tuned for my initial look into one of the single most important items in the history of, not only clothing, but travel, comfort, and protection; ie the "shoe."

With each subject and leading person, I will research as close as can be found on the beginnings of the topic or item and the modifications that have been made throughout history. Along the way, I will inform of branches from the original piece and how we see them in our current time period. There will also be a look into inventions and doctrines of modern day, to balance out both sides of the spectrum. Feel free to hit me with suggestions, feedback, or topics that you would like to see discussed. Now hop along for the ride. -J.Sawyer

Quote/Thought for the Day

If you never take the time to stop and make a conscious effort to venture upon something new, how can you ever expect growth and expansion? Diversity is so crucial in advancement; advancement of you, your abilities, your intellect, and your hustle. Get Cultured. -J.Sawyer