Devil's Night!

These signs used to be hung upon public areas and abandoned homes in the City of Detroit during the '90s.

Today, October 30th, is known as Devil's night in Detroit. Read all about the insanity, here.

Halloween Fully Zipped

It's no secret that I'm involved in Eminem's clothing label, Shady Ltd., as his manager. Recently, Shady Ltd. partnered up with the folks at Rocawear for a new manufacturing and distribution deal. The new partnership debuted officially at the February 2007 MAGIC clothing convention in Las Vegas. Our signature piece displayed prominently in front of the booth at this show was our full-zip hockey mask and chainsaw hoodie, pictured here.
Because of manufacturing delays overseas, the details of which I don't fully understand, it took a long time to bring this item to market. In fact, it just got to stores over this past weekend, just in time for Halloween. A certain clothing company decided that they liked the idea so much, that they copied it.

It's hard to make out here, but there are two chainsaws crossed on the front. You can read more about this, and see a detailed video on the subject, here. I will acknowledge that this company had a lot of success and did a fairly original piece with their full-zip skeleton hoodie (althought I think the first full-zip hoodies were put out by BAPE). So much so that I'm sure it inspired Shady Ltd.'s designers when they made our peice. However, thats where the inspiration ends. The hockey mask and chainsaw combo has been used by Eminem since the first Anger Management tour on stage in 2000, shown below.
Sure, the hockey mask is inspired by Jason of Friday the 13th fame, but he didn't really mess with chainsaws. The chainsaw comes from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre film. Em put the two together, and created his own icon, as shown again by this toy that was released in 2002 by Art Asylum.
The combination of Eminem, the chainsaw, and a hockey mask makes for a visual representation of a character that you all may know as Slim Shady...
Now, we've heard that the designers from the other clothing company claim that the Shady designers actually copied the idea from them, and somehow saw their design prior to our debut of our hockey mask hoodie in February. Really? The Shady Ltd. designers had to copy the idea of putting Eminem, a hockey mask, and a chainsaw together from somebody else? Come on, guys.
Here is me in my Halloween costume from this past Saturday.
I did my own little twist and added a baseball bat axe. After all, imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery. So, thank you.

Best. Play. Ever.

This play is unreal, if you've seen it already then too bad. If you haven't, you gotta check it out. For my non-football readers (I wont embarass you) there are 15 lateral passes in order to make this touchdown happen... A lateral pass is a sideways or backwards pass, under or overhand. It seems like the English are getting their revenge for us playing American Football on their turf, innit? Rugby anyone?

Stay Away

Stay away or get away if you see this man in the airport. He sat behind me on my flight from Detroit to NY today.

He starts off slurping his coffee like a cartoon character. Then he chews his ice like it was rocks. Next, he eats his pistachios from his baggie and the sound reminds one of rocks being crushed in a cave. He begins to grunt, clear his throat often, and cough. Finally, he tops it all off with groans and swearing to himself.
I've never witnessed a more disgusting and annoying human sound machine.

David Cronenberg/Viggo Mortenson

If you haven't seen A History of Violence or have yet to view Eastern Promises you are sleeping big time. Director David Cronenberg (Scanners, Naked Lunch) teamed up with the incredible actor Viggo Mortenson (Lord of the Rings, 28 Days) for both flicks. Both are underworld, gangster themed, and graphically violent.
But these are not typical gangster genre films. They are deeply psychological, have unexpected twists, great plots, perfect villains, and above all, phenomenal directing. Cronenberg presents atypical views into the underworld in both flicks, with the Philadelphia mob in Violence and the Russian Vory V Zakone mafia in Promises. In both films, Viggo plays a hardcore anti-hero impeccably. The guy is so convincing and bad-ass in these films that he gives any Pacino or DeNiro classic criminal roles a run for their money. Both also have unforgettable villains, played by Armin Meuller Stahl as Semyon in Promises and Ed Harris as Carl Fogarty in Violence.

Above is a Blackberry Curve on-screen picture of Viggo in Eastern Promises. Both of these films with this team are really worth seeing. I also guarantee, without ruining anything, they both have scenes that will be etched in your memory for quite some time. Ain't that right, Joey?

Travis At It Again...

Check out this video from the good folks at Famous Stars & Straps. This song "Swear They Do" is produced by Travis Barker and features Terry Kennedy, Lil B. from The Pack, The Philosopher and Eddie Rap Life.

Leave a comment and let us know what you think. This looks like a great, quality representation of the Famous lifestyle to me.

Pretty Good...

My friend 3H met Larry David and they took this pic together.

Is it just me or does it look like there may be some sort of genetic sharing?

"Wanna Know" (Remix)

Check out the video for Obie Trice & Saigon doing the Entourage thing for the Entourage Soundtrack, in stores now, on Atlantic Records.

I'm Just Sayin'...

For the first time today, as I decided to walk back to the office from lunch in the West Village due to the balmy 70+ degree weather in NYC, I passed by this street corner.

I've never really noticed this, but a corner of "Gay St." and "Christopher St."? I'm just sayin', that would be like if there was a corner of "Jew St." and "Fairfax" in LA.

The Cowgirls

Let's get a few things clear here. I really don't like the Dallas Cowboys. I also am not a fan of the New England Patriots. When I was a kid, way back in the late 70's and early 80's, there was a time where I liked the Cowboys, sure. Who didn't? It was either that or the Pittsburgh Steelers back then, Staubach vs. Bradshaw.
But when I became an independently thinking adult, I really stopped that nonsense and got my priorities straight. First, there is no such thing as "America's Team". In my opinion, you root for the team from where either a) you grew up, b) where you currently live (for at least a couple of years), c) if there is no team where you are from or where you currently live, you can pick one near by, or d) if the team where you currently live packed-up and bounced to some "expansion" city or otherwise, you can continue to root for that team (shouts out to the Los Angeles Raiders, Anaheim Rams, St. Louis Cardinals, and the Baltimore Colts). Sure, you can prefer one team win over another. You can even cheer for that team playing against a team that you despise. But to passionately root for a team that doesn't fit into any of the categories above, to the point that you wear their gear, sing their praises, and have "sports arguments" about that team is complete BULLSHIT. You know who you are. Stop it.
So anyway, I'm from Detroit, and have lived in New York for almost 12 years. So, yeah, I'm a Detroit sports fan first and foremost. But I occasionally root for the Yankees (when they aren't playing against the Tigers) and the Giants, sometimes even the Jets (I can't deal with the Knicks, and I'm not a hockey fan at all).
Yesterday, the two biggest magnets of the types of fans in the NFL that don't fall in categories a-d above faced each other. It was tough for me, since I don't like either, but I decided to root for the Patriots. The deciding factors were easy, Jerry Jones (Cowboys owner) and Terrell Owens (proffesional douche).
So for all that don't know or follow, both teams were undefeated prior to yesterday (5 straight wins), and both teams are expected to go all-the-way to the Superbowl in February in Arizona. So this was a highly touted match/preview of two teams that a bunch of people love because they are bandwagon, brainless, traitor or clueless type individuals. The Cowgirls got smoked by Tom Brady (5 touchdown passes, a personal record- don't get me wrong, I hate him and his perfect passing too) and Randy Moss.


Above is a picture of Cowgirls owner, Jerry Jones, looking defeated. I've been saving it for their first loss. Enjoy it.

Blestenation DVD Release

Blestenation, the 3 man group we manage on Geffen Records, has released their long in-the-making DVD of their self-made video collection; F@$% A Mixtape Vol. 4.
Last night in a rainy NYC the group performed selections from the DVD mixtape in front of a happy Knitting Factory crowd.
Check out a selection from the DVD "Hear That Their", to hold you over until the release of the official video we are scheduled to film this weekend for "The Way It Is".
For more information, click the Blestenation link on the right.

Scalped in DC

A brave man from Detroit and 2 of his friends took the Acela train from NY's Penn Station to DC's Union Station this past Saturday. The goal (at least for me) was to see the Detroit Lions and their "high powered" offense put a hurting on the Hogs. It wasn't to be.
There were some highlights, such as my first time at FedEx field (which honestly felt way more like a college stadium than anything else, a bit short on the amenities side), seeing some friends at half-time, and a nice supply of Lions' fans (including the beautiful man pictured below, who claimed that you get an American flag with every beer purchase- so not true).
But come on, where was my team? 3 frickin' points? 5 more sacks? This was just bad. We really need the upcoming bye week I guess.

VH-1 Hip-Hop Honors

Last night, I went to the filming of the 2007 VH-1 Hip-Hop Honors. This is the first time I've been to the event in-person, although I've watched every year on Tivo.
This year's show was incredible to say the least. I missed about half of it due to the security being horrible dickheads and an earlier engagement, but what I saw was great. I walked in when Whodini was doing their medley of "Freaks Come Out at Night", "5 Minutes of Funk", "One Love" and "Friends". Highlights other than that were the A Tribe Called Quest tribute with Common, Lupe, Pharrel and Busta. I mean BUSTA!!! Wow did he tear it down... I wont ruin the surprise but it was a return to form, so to speak. Snoop's set was fantastic as well.
Overall, this event was well run, had free booze and food, and was a really good time (except for the aforementioned security). Oh, and I forgot to mention I met Kool Moe Dee and Kool Keith (pictured above). What a kool night.

Doucheblog

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First, Vitamin Water... Now...

Shady Records and Eminem present the new healthy breakfast cereal, EmPower. Part of a complete breakfast with your bottle of Formula 50. (Watch somebody think this is real).

West Coast Snack Chips

I'm in Los Angeles and I'm hungry. Today is Yom Kippur, a/k/a the fasting holiday. I can't eat until 6:51 PM (I looked it up- trust me). So last night I grabbed my last set of snacks at a local 7-11 and I was reminded of what I have noticed for several years- LA has a better snack chip selection than where I'm from.
There are flavors available in LA and I think in California in general that we just don't have in the mid-west and the east coast. A lot of these varieties are influenced by Mexican culture and taste- Chili Lime Flamin' Hot Cheetos, Salsa Verde Doritos, Limon Frito Lay potato chips, Jalapeno chips, etc. These chips are wonderful if you like spice and tangy flavors which I do. Especially when I can't eat all day. This isn't fun.

2-0 Swagger

I am a Detroit Lions fan. It's not an easy thing to be. See, ever since I can remember following football and really understanding it (which is around 1979 and I was 8 years old), the Lions have broken my heart.
In the '79 season, they went 2-14. Then in 1980, when the Detroit defense started calling themselves "The Silver Rush" after their 4-0 season start, the Lions made a theme song. It was a interpolation of Queen's "Another One Bites The Dust", sang/rapped by the Lions' defensive back Jimmy "Spiderman" Allen. Here is a link to a blog that posted this ditty. Unfortunately, the pre-Bears' "Superbowl Shuffle" local hit wasn't enough to "restore the roar", and the Lions went on to not even make the playoffs at 9-7 under coach Monte Clark with Billy Simms.
So, I'll spare you the rest of the sad history, it can all be found here. But, the bottom line is that te Lions have never made a Superbowl appearance. In fact, the only time they were close was when they made it all the way to the NFC Championship Game in 1991, where they were smoked by the Redskins 41-10. Our last playoff appearance was in 1999. Since then, the Lions have the pleasure of having the worst overall record in the NFL.
BUT, I'm going to remain positive. We have what appears to be a solid coach in Rod Marinelli, a dedicated and brave if not too religiously outspoken QB in Jon Kitna, and phenom rookie overall #2 draft pick, WR Calvin Johnson... So with TWO wins under our belt to start the season off, I'm going to act cocky about the Detroit Lions NOW. Who knows how long the feeling will last?

Travis Barker- Soulja Boy "Crank That" RMX

Here is a video of our client Travis Barker playing drums to his rocked-out remix of Soulja Boy's smash, "Crank That". Check the techniques... this guy is incredible, if we do say so ourselves.

Curtis- IN STORES

Yes, you already know but I'm proud to announce that 50 Cent's new album Curtis is in-stores! We went to the Virgin Mega-Store in Times Square tonight and I bought a bunch of copies. It's a good-luck ritual that I always perform when a project that I'm involved with drops. Go out and support Shady Records and 50 Cent and purchase your own! Its the least you can do, I write this blog and entertain you for free, dammit!

My Late VMA Post

So we went to the 2007 Mtv Video Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday at the Palms Casino & Resort. I must say that the amount of anticipation and excitement in Sin City was pretty high...
The awards we very well organized but it was weird seeing the red carpet rolled right through the casino floor that I have spent many (too many) late nights losing money in. The casino remained "open" to the public while the glamorous and privileged folks strutted in. It was pretty odd to see so many gawkers so close with so many phone-pda-digital cameras roped off next to the slots and tables. Also, it always happens that when I hop out of whatever hired vehicle I roll up to awards shows in that people are inevitably disappointed that someone glamorous doesn't hop out. Just a big music industry Jewish bald man... (and his gorgeous wife of course- you too Brandon and Tony).
The show was very entertaining, especially the Lee/Rock mini-brawl (yes I did lean over the balcony and yell "Detroit WHAT!?!!). It was a tad confusing on the inside when the coverage switched from the main Pearl venue to the auxiliary performances, but Mark Ronson and his band were killingggg it between the main performances. That Chris Brown kid is super talented (and he really sang too) man he is just getting started it feels like. I was of course pleased as apiked punch with 50's set in the JT/Timbaland suite, as well as the long overdue Dr. Dre ovation.
On the inside it was awesome that each small section of rows was assigned a waitress and the drinks (drunks) were flowing, as well as trays and trays of endless hours d'ouvres (mini-burgers are always welcome by me). We didn't stay for the official VMA after-party though, which I heard was nice.
My only regret on the weekend was staying out too late on Saturday night and not having enough gas left after going to see the late performance at the House of Blues of my clients The Knux (put it in the airrrrr!) opening up for Common on Sunday night to go to more events. I'm getting old... I can't make it 2 full nights of hardcore Vegas'ing in a row anymore... Sad.
I hear the ratings for the show were up over 25% from last year, so I bet that Mtv will return to Vegas for 2008. I'm not mad at that. To remedy the situation, maybe I'll only stay for one night next time!