born again hooligan

Brownstone Sessions: UFOMan aka Algin Sterling

2010-01-30T14:11:00.000-08:00

My brotha from anotha Algin Sterling aka UFOMan of KD, UFO Movement, and TheCompany just groovin' to some real melodic musica. We miss you out there in NY, homie. We'll come visit soon. Count on that. One love. Enjoy the movement, peeps.

Nothin' to fuck with...

2010-01-30T13:57:00.000-08:00

You already know!

Hear my prayer... This is for you, Haiti.

2010-01-23T12:41:00.000-08:00

Be thankful. There are no tomorrows, so live for today. It can be worse. Pray for the victims affected by the earthquakes in Haiti. They're in dire straights down there at this very moment. It's disturbing for me to even fathom without taking action on the matter anymore. I know I will be spending my day donating my hard earned dollars to relief efforts for people affected, and god knows there are plenty. So be happy, and do something great for someone else today.

It takes the world, to save the world.

Peace.

Update: the best Birthday Week(end)!!!

2010-01-20T17:35:00.000-08:00

I turned 22 years young on the 18th of this month but just thought i'd share with you all the great things that happened before my actual birthday happened. Enjoy.

MONDAY 1/11:
So, typical Monday. I got off a long, tiring shift at work. I had started at 3am and got off at 11am. ugggh.. When I got home around noon and just passed out. I slept for a few hours when I was woken up by the misses with news that Rebel 8 (my favorite clothing brand) was throwing free shirts out of the window of their HQ. Half asleep, I literally jumped out of bed, got dressed faster than I've ever gotten dressed in my life and flew out the door with my partner in crime. Still trying to piece together what's happening I slowly start realize how dope it would be to get Rebel 8 shirts today, fo free!!! Twitter, you're the shit. So, we get to the R8HQ and there was a open window to yell up to get free gear. Me and gina ran to the window like fat kids to free cake and yelled up to the window, HELLLLLOOO UPPP THEEERRREE! Joshy of R8 sticks his head out and says wasssupp, what sizes are you? We tell him and he disappears for a moment, next thing we know shirts come flying out the window. One after the other after the other. He literally made it rain with shirts on us. He ended up thanking us for coming through, Joshy's the man! We left with close to 30 shirts. Oh yeah! With such a stressful and tiring day it was all washed away with getting hooked up by the greatest clothing brand ever, REBEL 8 por vida! Thank you guys! Me and G were happy campers to say the least. This was just the beginning.

Tuesday 1/12:
What a monday! Getting hooked up is the best. Today was another typical day at the job, long and tiring. Same as Monday just crashed when I got home. When I woke up, I went on to the R8 website just to poke around and sure enough they were doing the same thing as the previous day. "Come through, free gear out the window." I guess it's kinda selfish to go back a second day to get free stuff but hey, I'm that big of a supporter. I'm not gonna sleep on free gear especially my favorite. Me and the misses end up heading down there, again. We go to the window and yell up. A guy comes to the window and says, "hey, weren't you guys here yesterday?" Me and G look at each other and just laugh because we knew they would recognize us.. They toss a few shirts out then the guy goes and grabs Joshy to come to the window. I guess he prolly mentioned to him that we came yesterday or something because after Joshy got to the window he yells to me, "What size New Era do you wear?" I make the mistake saying Large because I thought he said shirt size.. Gina laughs, "He said hat size babe..lol" I yell "7 1/2!" He disappears for a moment then tosses this beauty down to me...
Thanks Joshy! You're a saint. Lucky day #2

Wednesday 1/13:
Got off early from work. Anxious about my upcoming turning of age. Excited about all the great gifts I had already received and ready to rock, I get to come home to a loving girlfriend. We spend the day running errands, food, post office, etc.. Gina had received a note from the mailman that she got a package and it was at the post office. One of Gina's gifts for me apparently arrived at the post office and I didn't put two in two together. Silly me. When we got home she asked me "If I would still would love her if she lied to me?" I looked at her with the look of death. She leaves the room, and I'm stuck there wondering what the fuck she was talking about so I go to find her to talk to her and that's when she whipped this out...
She yells Happy Birthday!!! She got me hella off guard. I was upset at first but that all went away with this great surprise. She remembered that my favorite soccer club was Manchester United and my fav player was Wayne Rooney so she copped me a on field replica jersey. Fuckin' awesome!! She told me she got me a second jersey but it hadn't arrived yet. But I didn't care, I was so surprised and happy that it didn't matter. This was from the heart. Thanks babe! OY OY OY!!!

Also I had began talks with my good homie Mel about hooking up with his Tattooist friend Steven about doing a portrait of my Dad for me for my birthday. When I was 7, I lost my father. He was stabbed multiple times and bled to death on the streets of San Francisco. He was 37. I have lived with this everyday of my life ever since. And since I was 13 or 14 I knew I wanted to get a portrait of him done on me one day to remember by. I had been trying to get ahold of Mel all week with no call back to make an appointment and today he called and said Steve would be down to do it. My prayers had been answered!

Thursday 1/14:
Met with Steven Lam, tattoo artist from Goldfields, he asked me if I want to do it tomorrow, I said fashoooo!

Friday 1/15:
Today is the day! After my shift at work, Gina picked me up and we headed to the tattoo shop together to get the ink I've been wanting to get ever since I was a kid. I'm gonna let the photos speak for myself in this part. Thanks to my beautiful girlfriend for documenting this great day. These photos look amazing.

4 1/2 Hours later:

My new best friend, jk. Thank you so much, Steve! Thank you for fulfilling a dream for me. And if anybody reading this is interested in getting tatted, Steve's the man. One love, homie.

Saturday 1/16:
So happy with the way my tat turned out. Today Gina and I went with Dezi Bruce, Andy Bruce, Ton Ton, and Raul to SJ to eat at Boiling Crab. I had never eaten at this spot before but only heard good things. MMMMM mmm. It was delicious! To say the least. It was amazing. Mos def going there again. I recommend the 1 pound shrimp, not spicy, the whole sha-bang!!!

The homie Ton, getting ready to do some damage.

Sunday 1/17:
Secret to dancing like a pro so I thought i'd try. lol.

Sundays are Company practice. So after practice we decided to go bar hopping on Valencia. The plan was to all meet at Elbo Room, more like no Elbo Room because we walked in and it was soo crowded that they wouldn't even let me n' G upstairs to where all my friends were to join them. We ended up heading to a small spot called Double Dutch. This spot was really dope. For sure caters to hip hop heads like me. They had cheap drinks, retro jordan's hangin' from the bar, dope graffiti on the walls, and even more importantly dope music! Big thank you to all the homies that came out to celebrate my being brought into this world, lol... But foreal though, thank you.

Happy Capricorn's! Dez:1/17 Me:1/18 Jeka:1/19. Good times!

Monday 1/18: (Happy Birthday to Me! 22.)
Finally had a day off from work.. Woke up to a package this morning. Opened it up and this was inside...

Te amo, querida!

Me and the misses spent most of the day being lazy then decided to go to Stonestown for Mrs. Fields cookies (love 'em) and to watch the premier of Netta B's 'Tonight' video on a computer at the Apple store because our laptop at home is too slow to watch video. Gina was one of the dancers in the video. She looked HOT! She was the Asian "Fantasy" in the video. I was/am really proud of her. Her dancing was strong, as well as her presence in the video. Great job babe. Later on we decided to go to Barracuda for Happy Hour. Food was delicious as always and was so surprised when they brought this out for me...
Greentea Gelato! Yummmm!

So, that was my birthday in a nutshell. Full of great memories, great people, and good times. I'm truly blessed to have people in my life who care for me. And without them, I would be truly assed out.. Thank you thank you thank you. I love you all.

'Til next year homies. Stay positive, stay humble, and give thanks. Everyday.

Much love,
-G

Happy (belated) Birthday MLK Jr.

2010-01-18T14:18:00.001-08:00

You will always be missed, but never forgotten. Your memory is still very much in my thoughts. I swear the words from the staple 'I Have a Dream' speech are just as important NOW as they were then. It's 2010 people... Isn't it obvious, we need to start loving each other and stop the hate. When will the world wake up and realize the importance of love and compassion for the simple fact that we are all gods creatures regardless of color, creed, or religion? We are people. The race of Humans. The differences in each other ARE what make life beautiful. Look at the world, the Earth is angry from the lack of love and its taking it out on us with all of these natural disasters i.e. Earthquakes, Hurricanes, etc.. The list goes on. People need to stop hiding behind hate and fear, and open up their minds to the idea that hatred is a poison and love is always the answer. So I too have a dream, and have faith that one day it will be fulfilled. Today is my birthday. I am 22. I just wanted to share a piece of my thoughts on the subject because as I continue my journey through life, another year older and wiser, I realize more and more that life is short and shouldn't be taken for granted and that you can't go through life with hate in your heart. Love, and having love in your heart is what creates change, creates life. It could create a sense of clarity and understanding amongst the masses that we as humans are all brothers and sisters for that simple fact. And the different human characteristics we ALL have should be appreciated and not hated. John Lennon said it best, all you need is love...

Remembrance Is Power.

peace,
-G

Happy New Year!!!

2010-01-02T17:33:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

Hear yee Hear yee! Come one, come all!

2009-12-12T15:12:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27th, 2009

FEATURING:

CHRISTOPHER ALDEGUER (theCO/Gen2)
PATRICK CRUZ (Director of theCO)
SHAUN EVARISTO (Director of Gen2/theCO)

$35.00 entire workshop
$15.00 per class

Registration 12:00-1:00pm
Workshops 1:00-5:00pm

Location:
Westlake School of Performing Arts
200 Northgate Ave. Daly City, CA.

What's Happenin': Rerun!

2009-12-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

Lock it up!

:My name is RERUN

2009-12-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

Frozen. C'mon Man!

2009-12-03T13:24:00.000-08:00

Rebel8 x Morning Breath collabo!!! Edicion Especial para Locals solamente. Increible!!!

2009-12-02T04:47:00.001-08:00

My two favorite brands coming together for one of the illest collaborations ever in my book to close out the year. This is noise for you sleepers! Good work.

Locals Solamente!

...just because.

2009-11-15T19:42:00.000-08:00

Maybe January light will consume
My heart with its cruel
Ray, stealing my key to true calm.

In this part of the story I am the one who
Dies, the only one, and I will die of love because I love you,
Because I love you, Love, in fire and blood.

-Pablo Neruda

Manny! Manny! Manny!

2009-11-15T08:34:00.001-08:00

Great bout! Me and the misses caught the fight @Gerry's Grill in Westlake. We had sinigang and bistek for dinner while watching the fight. This was a slugfest of a fight. The referee stopped it in the 11th round and said 'Cotto's had enough'. Make that 7 titles now for the PacMan. Eating up the competition! Now I can't wait for Pacquiao vs. Mayweather 2010. Pacquiao in the photo above was asked if Mayweather was next in line for a fight, Manny replied, I'm going on vacation first, then Mayweather. Ohhhhhh boy!

Just another day at the office for Manny. Job well done, sir.

You are the greatest.

Let's get ready to rumble!!!

2009-11-14T11:14:00.000-08:00

Leading up to tonight's fight, I took the liberty in indulging myself in all the episodes of HBO's 24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto. Pretty intense to say the least but comfortably enjoying the series on my much need day off.

...Breakdown...
Pacquiao Vs. Cotto: This fight is gonna be a banger! Both fighters look ready, both look good, both are serious contenders. Cotto being taller and stronger of the two will be a factor in this fight. There's a lot of power there. Cotto is focused 100% of the time. When he gets hit, he doesn't blink. Focused. On the other hand, Pacquiao's speed and agility is unmatched in the ring. His power is in his speed. He'll pick Cotto apart with his quickness but Pacquiao is at a disadvantages with Cotto's height and power. Nonetheless, two great fighters, that have the utmost respect for one another step into the ring tonight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas to duke it out in one of the most anticipated fighting bout's I think since the two have had a fight. Cotto coming off a win against Clotty, and PacMan coming off a win against Hatton. Both men have a lot at stake and have a lot to prove in this fight. They fight for their countries, their families, but most of all... the fans.

..ding..ding.. Let's get it on!

Where I wanna be...

2009-11-09T13:03:00.000-08:00

Beautiful.

Lincecum: Busted for weed...

2009-11-06T19:03:00.001-08:00

So, today I heard that Giants Ace Tim Lincecum got busted for marijuana on a routine traffic stop in Oregon. It was said he was caught with a little over 3 grams and a pipe in his car. Honestly, I knew it all along that this foo smoked. The hair's a dead giveaway. Tim, I ain't mad atcha. Not one bit. You still got the heaters bro. Now the real question is, are you blasted when you be throwin' your heat or what? Haha. This was the funniest news I heard today and had to share. You still the man, Timmy. Keep up the good work.

Priceless.

Go Carlton!

2009-11-03T15:08:00.000-08:00

Yes.

2009-11-02T15:19:00.001-08:00

God is good. God is great.

LOW LOW LOW...

2009-10-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

AMAZING!

2009-10-28T16:02:00.000-07:00

Me, Gina, Maricel, and Juelz reppin' the CinemAddict Society went and saw the opening of Michael Jackson's 'THIS IS IT' at the Kabuki Theater last night. Hardcore fans, a must see. Amazing! Nuff said... Mike you are missed...

peace & love.

...To the woman I share my life with and to all the women out there.

2009-10-24T23:04:00.000-07:00

You know what some people put themselves through to look just like you? You know what? Without makeup you're beautiful. What you need to paint the next face on for. We're not dealin' with the european standard of beauty tonight. Turn off the tv and put the magazine away. Look in the mirror tell me what you see... See the evidence of divine presence.

-Talib

Woman, you are beauty incarnate.

!!!Noise for you sleepers... ok ok yeaaahhh!

2009-10-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

A1 Headlines We All We Got at The Blue Macaw (originally 12 Galaxies) this Thursday night! If you are sick of bullshit music and want to get down to one of the realest lyricist out of Frisco or from anywhere for that matter come and hear what REAL looks and sounds like. Support independent music. If you ain't there, you're sleepin'. I'm gonna leave you with a lil dose of whats in store at the show.

Peace,

-G

!!!MIDNIGHT SHOWING: Where The Wild Things Are.

2009-10-14T13:08:00.000-07:00

Who's ready!? I know I am. One of my favorite books as a kid brought to life by acclaimed director Spike Jonze. The CinemAddict Society will be seeing the Midnight showing at Century 20 in Daly City after Company practice. Better get your tickets. Deuces people.

-G

!Eye Candy...

2009-10-07T11:53:00.000-07:00

New sketch, started her yesterday. Drawing girls... tuff.. but fun.

On another note, big up to Joshy and to the one and only Mike Giant for the dope artwork. Me and the misses went down to 111 Minna Gallery to go peep "Sketch Tuesdays". A bunch of artists were in the building, Nate Van Dyke, Adam 5100, and of course Mike Giant. We got there and saw him starting to sketch this. When he got closer to finishing the sketch I walked up and asked him if I could have the piece that he was sketching when it was done? He replied in a calm voice: Sure, man. No problem. We were stoked, this dude I've admired my entire life, a fuckin' dope ass artist, and I get to have a one of a kind piece done by him. He left the scroll blank til the end and asked what do you want it to say? I said, Remember Me Always. And me and g's names, I thought it only fitting because I always want to be reminded everytime I look at this great piece whats important, who I love and care for, my best friend, my family... Remember it always. The piece turned out beautiful. Thanks again, Mike. Big up REBEL 8!!!

I'm out, peace.

-G

!!! New Jointz: Custom "Hello Kitty" Vans Vol.3

2009-10-06T19:09:00.000-07:00

!!! BLACK BOOK SESSION:

2009-09-24T11:32:00.001-07:00

A1- Successful Remix

2009-09-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Walkin' on water, without a surfboard!!! Uhhhhh.

!!!Old and New:

2009-09-10T13:43:00.000-07:00

Ryan S. San Jose, CA. : TheGUHDlife Dunk

Leather based paint, no chip, or crack.

Gina L. (aka sweeter than yo average♥) San Francisco, CA. : CandyMonster Vans

Jessica. San Francisco, CA. : "City Livin'" Vans

Bboy Dereleek (Flex Flave): KING

more artwork to come... Peace.

-G

A1- Turn My Swag On & Tipsy REMIX!!!

2009-09-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Take em' to school like a bag lunch... Support real independent music.
Peep free99mixtape.com

!!! New Jointz: Custom 'Hello Kitty' Vans Vol. 2. + "if these walls could talk" Zine presented by Precita Eyes dropping TONIGHT!!!

2009-09-04T08:26:00.000-07:00

Yes, back again with a new installment of custom sneakers done by yours truly. The vans below were commissioned by Andrew H. of Stockton, CA. Done for his girlfriend's upcoming birthday. Makes a great gift! lol. I'm always open to anyone looking to get custom artwork done for any occasion. Be it shoes, hats, room painting, toys, design, etc... Sky's the limit. If you're interested you can get at me at george@since88sf.com.

Enjoy.

And now for something completely different...

+ Also TONIGHT, we got the "If these walls could talk" art&poetry Zine official drop presented by Precita Eyes. It's going down from 7:00pm-9:00pm @ Precita Eyes Mural Arts & Visitors Center, 2981 24th street in the heart of the Mission district in San Francisco. Short event for all those club goers, jk. Come through and support independent artists. I'll leave you with some pages from the zine. Happy friday!

Sao Paolo
Rio De Janeiro
Sao Paolo 2

blessings,

-G

2009-08-26T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, thats all I want to say...

L'Atlas (re:blogged from Wooster Collective)

!!! Dmoe Gomez - Sunday Morning

2009-08-06T11:02:00.000-07:00

After Vihn's SI class yesterday, which was dope as coke by the by, Pat showed me this video of a new project our homie Dmoe made. Just in case you readers don't know who Dmoe is, ahheemmm Gen 2, plus a whole long list of other shit he's done.. i.e Janet's rock with you video.. He's honestly become one of my biggest inspirations in dancing. Over the years I've known him, his work continues to get better and better, more creative, and imaginative. Watching this video for me, it's what love feels like, or better yet, when you've found the evidence of divine presence.. It's a truly beautiful piece. Good work Dmoe! So sit back, relax and enjoy the genius of Damian "Dmoe" Gomez.

Nike SB: "Today was a good day."

2009-08-02T12:43:00.000-07:00

This commercial is ill.

!!! RIP Titus ‘Baatin’ Glover 1974-2009

2009-08-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

I woke up this morning to hear of tragic news that Titus 'Baatin' Glover, 35-year-old co-founder of the hip-hop group Slum Village has died. His body was found this morning in Detroit, in the 14000 block of Anglin Street and taken to the Wayne County medical examiner’s office, where the cause and manner of death will be determined by an autopsy...

The Detroit native, known for his spiritual lyrics, hit the underground hip-hop scene in the mid 1990’s, first calling himself Scandalous-T. Slum Village made their national debut in 2000.

Baatin left the group in 2002, reportedly suffering from schizophrenia. He recently returned to the group to work on their upcoming album Villa Manifesto, scheduled to drop on September 22. He participated in a video shoot last week with other group members T3 and Elzhi, aka Jason Powers, for their upcoming single Cloud 9. He is survived through his son Michael Majesty Ellis, 9, and his daughter Aura Grace Glover, 1.

Baatin, along with T3 and the late J Dilla, were founding members of Slum Village. The original trio released two albums together, 1997’s Fan-Tas-Tic, Vol. 1 and 2000’s Fantastic, Vol. 2. They scored one of their bigger hits with “Tainted” featuring Dwele.

Today hiphop has suffered a great loss. Rest in paradise, Baatin.

!!! Morning Breath Inc. Alphabet Print

2009-07-21T19:56:00.000-07:00

They've done it again. Fresh alphabet. Morning Breath Inc. Brooklyn, NY.

!!! Precita Eyes presents: Urban Youth Arts Festival 2009

2009-07-20T21:40:00.000-07:00

Free food, free paint, live painting in the park, get up to get down!

Japanese MJ Vinyl figure...RIP

2009-07-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Thought this was tight. Damn MJ..

!!! No Label - ABDC Season 4 Audition + TheCompany @ Body Rock 2009

2009-07-14T12:13:00.000-07:00

My good friend Yusuf's audition piece for ABDC Season 4. It speaks for itself... Dope.

And I just wanted to put this up for the sake of putting it up. CAMP on mines!!!

!!!Nuclear Evolution: The Age of Love $$$

2009-07-13T21:41:00.000-07:00

Track: My Star & Butterscotch.

$$MONEY$$

RIP Air McNair...

2009-07-09T23:15:00.001-07:00

Death has been very sporadic and random this month. First Michael, then Farrah, and now quarterback Steve McNair. Honestly, death is a normal thing that's part of life. They go hand in hand. But when it chooses to visit and take someone from this world it's devastating. I don't know, it's just sad to hear of people passing. But life goes, legacies live... Peace, oh, and to the memory of Farrah. It feels you got over looked when MJ passed. So this is for you too.

May you both Rest in Peace.

!!!Custom "Hello Kitty" Vans

2009-06-28T22:33:00.000-07:00

These are some customs I did for my homegirl Lauren. Hello Kitty inspired, of course. Also put her last name on the heels. If anybody reading this and want a pair of their own customs, just hit me up. No jobs too big or too small. Enjoy :-)

Peace,

-G.

We'll miss you, Michael...

2009-06-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

Rest in Peace. 1958-2009
King of POP!

Livin' off the wall!

!!! Yes Yes Ya'll, and you don't stop...Keep on til the break of dawn.

2009-06-13T12:12:00.000-07:00

All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day,
put the pieces back together my way,
All I ever wanted was to pick apart the day,
put the pieces back together my way...

Aesop Rock.

!!! Uhhhhhh, a glitch in the Matrix...

2009-06-10T13:08:00.000-07:00

So, today I found out I was a victim of identity fraud! Shit is sooooo weak.. Having to get the run around by folks at the bank who are supposedly there to help but just make matters more difficult and aggravating for you. But then a ray of sunshine, a nice sounding woman actually concerned and willing to help me! Thank you geebus! She was so helpful, I got things sorted and back on some what the right track. All n' all, I'm still living and breathing. Thats what's important. Even as stressed out as I was having to deal with this sort of thing, in the long run, reality is I'm just still happy to be here and thankful for the friends, family that I have. Now back to reality.

Have a good and blessed day everyone. Company, you already know what time it is! 3 days and counting until Body Rock in SD! I got the Kobe Bryant mind set, you can't beat me or break me, all I see is victory...

Get ready!

peace,

-G

p.s.
Thank you Gina, I don't know what I'd do without you sometimes...

!!! UP

2009-06-02T10:08:00.001-07:00

Mos def a new and bold step for Pixar. I've been a fan of their movies since Toy Story and still to this day have dreams of working for them but that's another story. I would definitely have to say this was one of their best. I felt like it was good for both kids and adults alike. It'll make you laugh and cry.. I personally didn't cry, I'm just saying. lol. Go see it for yourself. It's $$$

-G

!!! It hurts so good...

2009-06-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

Last night I danced/trained for close to if not more than 12 hours.. Yeah. Literally... My pelvis has been sore for the past few days because i've been doing the P90X workouts at home, and for those who don't know what P90X is I recommend you find out. It's probably the craziest workouts you'll ever do with the best results. Long story short, after a brutal ab workout my pelvis was extremely sore and I was limping... And now I had to suck that up and go dance.

Here's the low down:

Yesterday, The Company had it's monthly dance workshop which features new and different choreographers every month. It started at 1pm and went until 5pm. This workshop featured my homies Chris Aldeguer, Algin "UFO Man" Ford, and Pat Cruz teaching. The first class was taught by Chris. It was a tight routine. Actually, every routine was a heater in my book.. Definitely every choreographer brought something different to the table and made me feel and move in different ways I wasn't necessarily used to but not unfamiliar with. It was great. It's been really dope seeing all of them develop and mature in their dancing over the years. Learning their styles keeps me fresh, focused, and just helps broaden my views and perspectives on movement itself. Very inspiring. I'm actually slotted to teach the next workshop with Jason Rillera and Pat so I'm excited to get on my grizzy and bring my movement to my peers.

By the time the workshop had finished I had already sweat through about 3 t-shirts, kinda gross but hey thats work being put in. But now we were about to start Company rehearsal and that was gonna go on until whenever. We had an hour break after the workshop. We started rehearsing at 7pm. Body Rock is coming up. Literally like a week away. Yikes! I'm trying to take it home this time. It's just crunch time. Our set is bananas! B-A-N-A, you know the rest... Tonight was actually the first time in awhile we got to rehearse in a studio. For the past few weeks we've been having to rehearse outside. Being back in the studio gave me a new sense of seriousness for the goal and just being grateful to be harm with a good floor to dance on. The more and more we practiced and cleaned each piece of our set I found new and different emotion behind the choreography which I feel is going to help to my advantage when performing.. When it comes to competing, I'm very competitive. I guess thats just the jock side of me. Before I danced, I was a total jock. But from playing sports I have the same mentally toward dance which is striving for perfect performance. I don't know, it's hard to explain. But in a nut shell, i've felt blessed to feel this way again.. I'm sore, but I love it. I'm alive!

The fam

p.s.
Happy Birthday, Pat.

deuces,

-G

Inhale influence, exhale influentials...

2009-05-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

I think this is very true. When I'm in the moment of creating and I'm on a roll, a bunch of different ideas, pictures, themes, atmospheres pop into my head and come resonating out of me like a whirl wind of creativity. Sometimes these feelings are overwhelming I don't know what to do with them. So I write them, draw them, dance them as best I can so I hang onto my ideas. I look at this quote everyday and am reminded that I strive for the best in myself and if I am not constant or am not creative, I am not living.

Creativity is King,

-G

I'm a FAT BOY!!!

2009-05-06T20:12:00.000-07:00

SWEETS FROM THE SWEETY:

Gina brought this delicious looking plate of goodies home for me from her work today. Looks good, right?? It was..lol.
Got milk?

Before:

After:

Hella bomb!

-G

Proud to be Mexican: Happy Cinco de Mayo!!!

2009-05-05T10:28:00.000-07:00

In the words of Antonio: FUCK THE FRENCH!!! (granted history is history... Life goes on ehh.. Peace be the journey.)

VIVA MEXICO!!! Be safe celebrating. One.

-G

Manny! Manny! Manny!: Yes, you are the greatest...

2009-05-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

!!!: Say G & E!

2009-05-02T12:20:00.000-07:00

These are just a few pics from a free show that The Grouch and Eligh of the Living Legends Crew did at Amoeba in SF this past week. I wanted to blog about this event not only because these are just some of my favorite MC's but because I had mentioned them on my 420 post as well.. Weird huh.. I thought it was funny that after I had made that post a few days later I'd have the opportunity to meet with them and see them perform live, and for free no less. Funny how great things happen..

Mellow fellows: Eligh, Me, and The Grouch

Scrarub of LL in the building as well.

The Justice remix to 'Electric Feel' is a hitter song for me by MGMT. I haven't heard much else of their stuff but found this at Amoeba and it made me laugh. Hyphy!

For the locals.

Catch you guys later. One.

-G

NERD- The way she dance

2009-04-30T13:52:00.000-07:00

Peace,

-G

Happy 4:20!!

2009-04-20T17:00:00.001-07:00

Irie..

Ta ta ta ta tah tah ta...Puff..

Track:
Chronic - G & E.

Peace,

-G

!!! Weekend Update: Club 6 -Mel Waters showing, Bboy Dereleek custom Trucker hats and custom tribal Era Vans!

2009-04-14T10:58:00.000-07:00

The Most Chill- Mel Waters portrait of the late great, B.I.G. ...fresh

Don't remember who painted these. The girls were sick though.

Pic of the Week: GMoneyy!!! The saga continues................................................

New Joints- I did these for my homie Derek aka Bboy Dereleek. This fool is nasssty on the bboy tip, foreal... I saw him wearing another hat he has with his name and crew on it and I said: "I could hook you up with a better one.." When you're in a battle you need to come correct, or get smoked. Puff! So I just wanted to throw a little steez on it so when you look at it in a battle against him it's like a slap in the face... Boom!

Any bboys/bgirls, or anybody for that matter...lol. I do a lot of custom apparel from shoes, t-shirts, hats, you name it for a lot of creative people, 9-5ers, homies, family, artists, barbers, writers, hustlas, poets, mc's, dj's, everyone... If you're ever interested, or you would like something done for yourself, holla wassup!?!

Peace,

-G

p.s.

New Joints- I also did a pair of era's for my homie Mallari. Tribal inspired. I just freestyled it. Came out nice. Mallari is the illest tahitian drummer, ever... Big up.

Happy Birthday Chris and Marien! Mallari, I got you pimpin'.. The back isn't done yet..lol.

this weekend...

2009-04-03T14:30:00.000-07:00

The earth just shook!!!

2009-03-30T11:30:00.000-07:00

So, I walked in the door of my apartment this morning and no more than 10 minutes after dropping my backpack on the floor the ground shook... I don't mean like the J train shaking the house as it goes by, I mean the earth shook.. It started slow and calm, then got rough, then it was over. It's a sunny day with a cold breeze, a nice day in the city and I was reminded today that this is San Francisco.. We're due for an earthquake... As scary as natural disasters are, it was an odd/warm reminder of where I am, and where i'm from. Frisco.

Yo, check out my boy A1's music page http://free99mixtape.com. Support independent music. Good, real music. Revolutionary minded artists.

"these fake ass bustas is liass, your music aint bumpin' then you should sell somethin' or you should fuckin' retire... But if you sucka free then sing along with me.." Fiyahh.

Song- Sucka Free- A1 of Slap Factory

This is me.

One.

-G

'Dirty Hands'- The Art and Crimes of David Choe...

2009-03-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

This was a few weeks ago but wanted to blog about it, ya dig?

So, Me and Gina got tickets for the premier at the Castro theater a few weeks ago to see a new documentary about one of my favorite artists, David Choe. Eight years in the making, 'Dirty Hands'- The art and crimes of David Choe, directed by Harry Kim, takes you on a serious journey through the last eight years of David's life. You see how he battles with himself, sex, his art, shoplifting, bombing, stints in jail (in a japanese jail for 3 months), soul searching in the Congo, finding God, and his love life. The intro to the movie is quite hilarious. Its Dave giving the intro but while he's speaking, there's three African prostitutes in the background butt naked, shaking their money makers... Needless to say it was pretty funny trying to hear him talk and then you look whats going on behind him and can't help but laugh... Great ice breaker. This movie is as much heart warming as it is heart breaking. As the movie goes on you start to realize how much life experience, pain, and feeling is truly behind his artwork. At least to me it does. It's a very inspiring film and I recommend any art lover or fan of his to go see it for yourself.

Go see this movie.

peace & god bless,

-G

Mr. Cartoon x Revok MSK AWR x Toomer TKO x Fast & the Furious...

2009-03-26T12:20:00.000-07:00

Sick.

Happy St. Patty's Day!!!

2009-03-17T11:34:00.000-07:00

Go Celtics!

-G

Yum!

2009-03-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Vans Vault 2009 Fall Chukka Moc Pack

Thank You!!!

2009-03-12T11:27:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to let everyone that was apart of making Urban Paradise 2009 such an amazing show that I appreciate all of your hard word, time, and energy. All the guest performers, thank you. The whole hula program at wspa, thank you. The entire hip hop program, holla wassup!!! Me, Chris, and Tati's project, THANK YOU! Yeah, I feel like this was such a good kick start for The Company this year. 2009, time to get our shine!

One.

-G

In case you didn't know...

2009-03-02T12:20:00.000-08:00

Urban Paradise 2009! In full effect!

The first dope dance showcase to go see this year!! Get tickets while you can!

Palace of Fine Arts San Francisco
March 7th, 2009

more info at: www.wspadance.com or (650)757-1244

BOOM!

Rest In Paradise, Mike... You are missed.

2009-02-20T07:39:00.000-08:00

Just paying respects to a great man, graffiti writer, visionary, revolutionary... Taken from this world February 17, 2000, Michael Francisco from Oakland better known to the world as "DREAM TDK" was one of my biggest influences growing up. My good friend Doug Cunningham first told me about him when I was just a little kid. He was a style technician, among other things but a symbol of what a true graffiti writer was and should be. I did not know him personally but he had a profound impact on my life as writer and as a man, and I still feel that till this day. Here's to you, REST IN POWER King DREAM!

One of Dream's last pieces. Frisco, California.

AMEN!

Peace,

-G

Zion I Crew's: The Take Over!!!

2009-02-16T23:57:00.000-08:00

At The Zoo recording studios in Oakland, California. This was the pre-release listening party for Zion I's new upcoming album The Take Over. Scheduled to drop in the near future so keep those eyes and ears open. More info at www.zionicrew.com

Our good friend Shireen is actually a rep for the crew so she invited us to enjoy the party. Me and Gina made our way out to the studio. It was pouring out, like literally cats and dogs going across the bay bridge... I was just juiced in the fact we'd have a chance to be rubbing elbows we some really talented artists who we've admired and respected for many years. Being avid music lovers, we try to take advantage of such opportunities.

The guests made their way to the main studio where all the equipment was set up to see Zion I perform a lil bit. Me and G found a spot right in front of course... While we were standing there we noticed people sitting in chairs behind us so we started thinking, A) We should respect the other guests watching the performance, and sit down on the floor, which we didn't mind or B) Fuck it! Its music you listen not watch it. One guy behind us was drunk and said "you gonna be standing there all night!?" We both looked back like "yeah!, we bout to dance, foo! You must not know who we is!" haha But respectfully we took a seat. So we sat there patiently waiting for them. I was chillin' sippin' on my Stella when DJ Amp Live appears. Now, for starters I did not know how tall this guy was. He's enormous. I wish I got a pic for you to see. But anyways, he goes and starts checking the mics to make sure they soundin' tight. He glances over at us and was like "ya'll can't be sitting down, we need you on your feet, dancin'.." Haha we looked back at that guy and was like "can't argue with the artist." That guy got served. After that in comes Zumbi accompanied by Deuce Eclipse (another raw MC). He starts making his way through the noice and then eventually he's standing right next to me. At this point i'm like "holy shit! this is tight, haha." Gina was off getting me a drink while I saved our spots, but when she came back she was so surprised to see me and Zion having a deep convo. At first, I waited til he was done talking to another person then just introduced myself. I started telling him how much it meant to me seeing him at the protests after Oscar Grant III was shot in cold blood by a BART officer on New Years Day. Right away his eyes were focused, face stern and was like "Thank you my brotha. These are hard times out here." I felt that.. That they are. We went on for lil bit jaberrin' more then Gina came back. We all got acquainted then Ricky was walking by and popped a shot of all three of us. I'd have to say that was a pretty dope moment for me, when someone who I've listened to for years and never thought I would ever meet took a little time to talk about some real shit. That was dope. After that he went up on stage and murdered it. Literally...

Birds Eye View- Me and G with Zion aka Baba Zumbi of Zion I.

The night was so chill. They were serving three varieties of chicken, sweet potatoes, and strawberries with a fondue fountain, yum. G could not stop eating those, they're her favorite. Oh, did I mention a open bar as well, lol.. Throughout the night we'd explore all the rooms in the studio. You'd walk into one room with a few people and there would be three guys on different key boards just jamming! I mean they were getting down, just vibing off each other's sound. It was dope. The highlight of the night I would have to say was seeing Zion I perform. There ain't nothing like live music, son!!! That bass, wooo! And being in such an intimate setting where the band was literally 5 feet away made it even that more special. During the performance, Algin showed up as well to par take in the night's festivities. The performance was out of sight! So worth it.

Upon exploring, we found this dope graphic on a random wall. It was beautiful. Im gonna have a wall like this in my house one day. This is would be a very inspiring wall to look at if I saw it everyday.

Politickin'- Photographer extraordinaire for the night, Ricky Afuang with the U.F.O. Man, Algin Sterling.

My heart almost stopped when we had this opportunity. She didn't perform but still graced the party goers with her presence. Radiant, the one and only, Goapele with the UFO's.

:-)

Thrash/Groove

Kicks

Business as usual. Peace, G.

"From the first time I saw you, infatuation
Pulled to the side to provide conversation
Wild reputation but you were so cool
Any old fool knew that you was a jewel
Ghetto to ghetto, your influence settled
More hardcore than r&b but not metal
Blacker than the kettle, you made me feel mellow
Introduction to my life, I said "hello"
Meet me in a minute 'cause I gotta finish school
Some of my homies, they never finished puffin' woo's
Stayin' up late, always studying the tapes
The world watched you fall in love, I guess fate had a,
Grip on my mind state, I wanna rhyme, wait
I fell in line, getting signed at the wrong gates
And so my heart braced at first for real
But I would still be lovin' you 'cause deep is what I feel...

Tetris Art!

2009-02-05T00:59:00.001-08:00

Thought this was a dope. Giant Tetris block instillation in Sydney, Australia. Live Lanes by: George! The artist and myself share the same name. Weird huh...

Today was a good day...

2009-02-04T01:03:00.000-08:00

Click to see the full photo.

Bernal Hill. (c) Gina Lu.
Chill day.

Starvin' Marvin's x Sirron Norris

2009-01-24T23:06:00.000-08:00

Artist: Sirron Norris

Yo. So Gina and I were deciding on where to go get our grub on the other day and didn't know where to go... We decided on this small, hole in the wall burger joint appropriately named "Starvin' Marvin's". Right near the house, we pass this place everyday but never had taken the time sit down and eat there. We were always curious about this place just because of the funny name. It reminds me of South Park. Haha. Anyways, right away I noticed a mural done by non-other than Sirron Norris. One of my favorite artists. Dope ass characters. Funny story, I actually trained under him a few years ago. Character development, the works... He is truly inspiring. Check out www.sirronnorris.com.

They have this combo for $6.45, not bad right? You get a quarter pound burger, fries, and a drink.. We both ended up getting that. Our verdict of our experience is that it was delicious. If anybody is interested it's right off the corner of Mission St. at Geneva in the City. Holla!

Deuces.

-G.

Tecate's and Ray Ray's! Keepin' it movin'...

2009-01-23T00:31:00.000-08:00

Hello! So I totally lagged about blogging about my birthday weekend but here it goes...

So I turned twenty one this past weekend on the eighteenth of this month. I never thought I would make it. Honestly, I just felt thankful to have lived to see this age. Another chapter to one's life. Legal to do pretty much anything... Finally. So for this birthday I left all planning up Gina. I trust her. I didn't want to know, or pretty much have any responsibility for the festivities. Long story short, it was one of the most perfect birthday celebrations i've ever had. I mean really, the most perfect birthday. Period. To see more photos of the night, check out Gina's blog

These were probably the dopest balloons i've ever seen.

Gina surprised me with Red Velvet Cupcakes with M&M's. Yummy! And told me she got me a new Mercier fixed gear bicycle! There's a pic of it behind the "Curious George" toy. How sweet is that!? I'm the luckiest guy in the world. I had been hesitant for the longest time to buy a new bike and I guess she knew it was something I had my heart set on so she went ahead and got it for me. Sadly it wasn't actually there quite yet, it was on it's way. So I had to wait two more days before it got here. It was gonna be worth the wait.

...................................................................................................................................................................................

It's finally here! Gina woke me up after hearing the doorbell ring saying "it's here, wake up!?" I jumped up and flew to the door. Barely even awake just seeing the box it was in I was juiced to ride already. Haha. I called Pat later in the day seeing that we could meet up to fix my bike. We ended up meeting at 9pm at this spot he called "The Garage." I had been there before but
not to ride. Rolling up I see Jolo, Pat, Angelo, Marty and Phil riding on their fixies and Hannah chillin' in the Focus. Gina and I get out the car and do our rounds of hand shakes and hugs with the folks and then brought the new ride out to get to work. Up until that night I built my bike Pat always talked about how chill this spot was. A kick-it spot for the homies who had bikes to drink, ride, and fix up their bikes. Crackin'.

Andre and Deang showed up after I got there. Everyone was joking about how Deang made up the new crew name "Sting Rays" from being drunk one night. It came from saying "bruh bruh" then it became yo "ray ray", then finally sting rays. Phil said he was gonna go as far as to put an aquarium in his back wheel with a sing ray inside. What a guy.. Jolo hooked me up with Pista handle bars and Pat gave me new pedals and toe straps. Sweet. We all pretty much built it together. It was tight. Here's some pics of the process.

....................................................................................................................................................................................

And there she is... Ain't she a beaut? lol. It rides like a dream. I swear I feel like a kid again when I'm riding. We decided to go grab some Tecate's to sip on. So we took my first ride to the 7 eleven to grab em. It was fuckin' tight. Smashin' through the streets with so much ease. G and Hannah followed just to make sure we were cool. We got back to The Garage and kicked it there until like 3am riding bikes. Practicing skiding, wheelies, all kinds of shit. All in all it was a great day/night. Thank you babe for the bike, I love it. And I recommend everybody that doesn't have one but is some what curious in riding get a bike because I love mine.

Phil's

Pat's

Look at this. Even G getting down. I thought she would be too scared to ride but got me... Cutie. Nice jacket.

Oh, and you already know I had to show some love to the new Prez. Barack Obama. Go get em tiger. I'm rootin' for ya. Til' next time peeps stay up and god bless. Mos def will be back. Peace.

-G

"It's all in the music..."

2009-01-15T10:55:00.000-08:00

I made my first step into collecting artwork yesterday. A one of a kind piece by Sam Flores. One of my favorite artists. I've been a fan for years... His characters have so much emotion behind them. It's dope. Happy birthday to me..