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July 27, 2005
SF Invasion & Freestyle Review

SF Invasion: What a week! Things are definitely speeding by... Besides, I just finished watching What the Bleep Do We Know!? and I'm not quite sure how far into the rabbit hole I want to go. Either way, perception and reality seem to be blending into one and I can dig it - well, at least sometimes. For the rest of the week I'll be out west. I'm off to San Fran mad early tomorrow, which has just turned into today. I'm hoping to catch the Brandon Monroe gallery at Giant Robot, so stay tuned for more coolness. In the meantime, our homeboy D has another great review for your reading pleasure...
Freestyle Review | D. Scott: Everyone I know has seen 8 Mile. And, the only part of the 110-minute movie everyone talks about, (besides the scene where Em gets jumped outside his own crib), is the battle scene at the end. People even downloaded the audio from the battles and threw them on their iPod’s. Why? Because every true Hip Hop fan loves a good, grimy, f*ck you – I’m better, freestyle battle. However, many of those fans don't know how pivotal a role freestyling has played in Hip Hop. It was for those faux fans that DJ Organic (AKA Kevin Fitzgerald) pieced together the motion picture collage, Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme.
Though only an anemic 75 minutes in duration, Freestyle gives viewers who are unfamiliar with the culture, a crash course in the history of freestlying. Prof. Organic takes his students (the viewers) on a bi-coastal field trip spanning over 20 years with guest lecturing by notable Hip Hop legends such as the Last Poets. The films aesthetic is as rugged and raw as the MC’s featured in the film; hop scotching from a granular black & white scene with a young Black Thought rhyming over a Questlove beatbox to a watered down color section with Mos Def flowing in a cipher.
Freestyle, shines light on a bevy of instantaneous rhyme spitters that would otherwise go unnoticed in today’s world of glitzy, pre-packaged rap. One such artist, Supernatural, a MC from Brooklyn, NY, who was once the reigning freestyle champion, explains the art of freestyling in great detail in between effortlessly exhibiting his own “supernatural” freestyle abilities. The film also touches on a number of topics that may seem cliché but serve their purpose in the celebration and explanation of the forgotten art.
At times, Freestyle may seem like the same old Hip Hop history lesson, going over information that even the most rattlebrained fan already knows. Despite it’s moments of unoriginality, Freestyle more than makes up for it with the raw energy that is exuded by its guests. For those of us that already know the history, it’s a refreshing review. For those who believe rap started with Biggie and Pac, prepare to be schooled.
Posted by taj at 12:46 AM | Comments (17)
July 25, 2005
Kris Chau Interview & Super Lyrical

Kris Chau: Fam-a-lam! Check out our latest interview with one of the coolest folks on the planet, Kris Chau. She comes to you live and direct from a bakery in a secret location. Well, its not a secret (I just felt like typing that). But, it is the illest bakery in all of Philly. That's besides the point though. I had a blast writing this interview, and an even better time meeting with Kris. Her work is unbelieveable. To be in her presence is to know an artist who appreciates every moment, scene and experience of life. Cold check the words & work: [Kris Chau Interview | Her Portfolio]
Super Lyrical: This evening I was riding my bike through the city - heading for the Dork Offices. I was dodging all sorts of cars. As my brain was rifling through ideal soundtracks for the moment, I fondly remembered Super Lyrical by Pun & Black Thought. Do you remember the first time you heard that song? That was one guerilla of a track. Happy Monday everyone!
[Download | Super Lyrical by Pun & Black Thought]
nice with the blah blah blah. taj
Posted by taj at 09:29 PM | Comments (13)
July 22, 2005
People who embody inspiration & Prozac Nation

Prozac Nation: After hearing some rave reviews about this independent flick I decided to que it up on Netflix. In short, the movie is based on Elizabeth Wurtzel's best-selling memoir, Prozac Nation. It stars Christina Ricci, who plays a woman on the verge of losing her grip on life after she leaves her emotionally fraught home to start college. Quickly, her life takes a turn for the worse: She clashes with her roommate (Michelle Williams) and decides her boyfriend, Rafe (Jason Biggs), is her sole salvation. Her psychiatrist prescribes Prozac? But is that her only choice? Is it just a band-aid for the pain she'll have to endure?
I enjoyed the movie. The direction and adaptation from the book were well done. There was a terrific balance between letting the story unfold and thoughtful interjections of narration which seemed to strike at all the right moments. In addition, the acting was fantastic. All of it was convincing, so much so that it felt a little disturbing at times. Throughout the movie I thought, when did watching a movie become a voyeristic act? [More]
Personified Inspiration: But who needs prozac when you have a perspective like Nigo!? This cat is one of the illest. I've been reading several publications recently that have attempted to describe the captains of cool, the tastemakers and the socialites. But rarely do they highlight why these cats are in the position to create trends or inspire others. Time Asia does a nice story on Number|2 and reveals some of the reasons why he's made such an impact. Here's a quote: "I just tried to do what I love and create the things that I wanted to create." It's that simple. Word up! [Read more]
peace. taj
Posted by taj at 07:50 AM | Comments (11)
July 21, 2005
Who is Kudu? Junior hits London! Black August

Who the phunk is Kudu? I really don't know much about the group. I got a random email about them and checked out their site and they frigin' rule! They're a girl/boy music machine (think The Whites Stripes in a cipher with M.I.A, Blondie, and SaRa). I think the dude does production and the dudette is on vocals. If you like amazing precussion and 80's synth-pop, this is your group. Plus their site has some great graphic art and pics. Oh yeah they're performing tonight @ Joe's Pub. I am there! [Joe's Pub | Kudu]
DJ Junior's London jaunt: Make sure you check our homebwoi Junior on Solar Radio from 9-11pm. Junior, you ever think of making One Blood by Junior Reid your intro song? Just a thought. Stay safe chief! Be sure to check out Junior's Worth Diggin column for a taste of what he will play. [Check it]
Black August: Did you miss Live 8? Do you need a way to get over the guilt of being a rich punk while shaking your booty to righteous rhythms? Good news! The 8th annual Black August benefit concert for AIDS awareness is August 7th @ B.B. Kings! The headliners: Mos Def & Peedi Crak, I mean Talib Kweli. Does this mean we might hear a Blackstar album before the end of the decade? Dudes, please don't wait 10 years like The Fugees. Smiff n' Wesson, Black Moon, Jaguar Wright, and Immortal Technique will also be performing. Hurry up and buy tickets because they're already sold out on Ticketmaster. [Get 'em]
In these crazy times we should all remember that we are One Blood. One Blood, One Blood, ONE BLOOD (in my best rasta man accent)! Okay I really like that song. One Blood!
peace. james
Posted by james at 07:46 AM | Comments (12)
July 20, 2005
Hedcheq, Loft Party & Black Star
Hedcheq: These are some nefarious cats operating on some questionable moral turpitude. ha! I haven't heard the term "moral turpitude" since school. But, that's how they describe themselves. I came across their work a few weeks ago and have been a fan ever since. The pic above was an ode to the coveted and beloved Jordans, however they've done some other noteable work. Their choice of color, lines and mediums are always striking. I've never seen realism manipulated so well. You can view more of their work [Here | Buy their work & read the details here]
Loft Party: TurntableLab, Mark Ronson and Qtip are back at it again. Thursday July 28, they're hitting the world with some more of their jump and funk audible goodness. Get ready for a classic NYC Loft Party. Tickets are on sale at the lab. It looks like a smashing time. I'm sure the dork crew will be in attendance. [Details]
The Proud (live): Everytime I think we have every single Black Star recording released and unreleased, one of our friends shows up with another pleasant surprise. Remember Nkiru Books - the BK Book store owned by Mos and Kwe? They used to have shows there during the height of the Rawkus Renaissance. Well, here's a live performance from one of our favorite duo's. Thanks Alan!
[Download | The Proud performed by Black Star]
peace. taj
Posted by taj at 07:59 AM | Comments (48)
July 19, 2005
T-shirts, Netflix & Gordon Gar

Every now and then I like to ramble. I think we are most honest when we communicate at length with many digressions.
T-Shirts: T-shirts are the greatest thing to happen to fashion. They're egalitarian and functional. Even when a tee is expensive it costs like $40. So we can all look fly whether we are super rich or crazy broke. Most of all it gives an individual a chance to stand out and say “I am not an ant - I am unique”. Russ and I were talking about some cool ideas for tee's . His idea was pure genius. We would take last names of our buddies and put them on tee's. Like you'd see someone walking down the street and you'd say "Yo he's wearing a Reid shirt – what the funk is that?"
Netflix: Taj finally got down with these dudes. Now we can obsess about obscure flicks like we do with music. Two movies I'd recommend to any friend would be Manhattan and Downtown 81. I love movies about New York. This city is so diverse, and it's impossible to make a movie in New York without it becoming the main character. That's true in real life too.
Manhattan, probably Allen's best film, can be described as a movie about a man who, with too many options, doesn't know what he wants and ultimately gets nothing.
Downtown 81 is a time capsule that takes you back to a time when nobody wanted to live in New York – except for superpoor hipper than hip artists. It stars Basquiat as an unassuming artist getting evicted from his home and wandering the streets of Lower Manhattan. If you watch these films and then watch Kids and Raising Victor Vargas, you'd know more about the real NY, assuming you don't already.
- Eight months ago I told my nemesis Gordon Gartrelle that dorks were the new cool. She laughed at me and then poured hot tea in my lap. Now I've been validated: [Check it]
Enough rambling, time to work on DWM!
-James
Posted by james at 04:26 PM | Comments (11)
July 18, 2005
York Stop the Best Stop & Weekend Recap

The Dork-Set: Thanks to all that came out for our Dork Jam on Friday. It was great seeing you. I'd like to extend a special thanks to Ian and Funkdigi for absolutely killing it with their sets. It was a night of dope music, fun, convo and dollar-gambling!? (Neka! You are a hustler!) Pics from the jam will be posted soon. The York Stop is the best stop.
Part II of Issue #3: Although we've hit some minor technical difficulties, Part II is on its way. The interviews and video montage are too cool to post without everything being just right. So please bare with us on this one. Muchas Gracias!
Futura on SpineTV: The folks over at Spine are crushing things again. With the recent reup of SpineTV, get set to see your favorite inspirations interviewed by some of the best on the net. Currently, they're featuring an interview with Futura - NY graffiti artist who's influence has spread far and wide. At one time trains were his canvas, and now you can find his work on everything from toys to billboards. [Details]
Apple Rumor: Those who are close to the Dork offices know that we're Apple fanatics. We make a conscious effort not to post about Apple too much on here, but this news is too interesting not to discuss. Engadget is reporting that Apple has supposedly approached various music labels about video content for an Ipod that will support video content. Folks will be able to download videos at a cost of $1.99 to be viewed on their Ipod. The prospect looks promising considering that Itunes 4.9 supports video and Apple has already posted up music video content. I hope this comes to fruition. The latest video ipod will probably hit around September, just in time for the back to school crowd and upcoming holiday season. [Read more details]
peace. taj
PS> Vince got Aquaman! Word up!
Posted by taj at 07:55 AM | Comments (24)
July 15, 2005
Dork Party, Rhymefest & One Mind Review

Dork Party: Tonight! The Dork Deejays (James and I) along with DJ I-queue and Funkdigi will be spinning the latest and greatest. It's going to be a great night. You can't beat good convo, food and a whole lot of music. We hope to see you there. [Details | Pics from the last jam]
Brand New Mixtape: Yesterday the office was hit by another invasion of great music. Rhymefest is relentless. Homeboy keeps delivers one quality mixtape after another. His latest endeavor, Brand New (the mixtape which includes the song of the same title), continues on that path of exciting and innovative music he's made his standard. The opening tracks testify to his marathon like ability to keep churning out fierce rhymes backed by explosive beats. Confidence - check. Creativity - check. Clever - mos definitely. He lets you know that "Nobody beats the Fest," and at this point that may be true. We're loving his energy. I can't wait for the new album. (Also note: Brand New includes Little Brother, Ghost & Rae and other dope artists.) [Read Rhymefest's interview with Dork in Issue #3]
The Art of One Mind - Review: Check out the latest album review from Damien Scott. We met Damien a few weeks back and have been collaborating ever sense. His sense of art and hip hop's context is too ill. We're psyched to have him write for us. Thanks D! [Read more]
peace. taj

The Art of One Mind
Album review by Damien Scott
Whoever said the Internet was a detriment to the development of the music industry was not speaking for the new wave of Hip Hop maestros. With out it, the Newark, NJ sample chef, Illmind, would not have been able to swing by the Strange Fruit Project website and listen to some beats by the keyboard and synth favoring Symbolic One (S1). Three years and many emails later, the beatsmithing duo presents a pleasing sonic experience.
The album commences with “AoOM Intro,” a short instrumental which foreshadows the landscape of the album. The sample driven intro, spiced up by Illminds hard-hitting drums and S1’s keys ease the listener into the delectable rhythmic experience that is The Art of Onemind.
With Onemind chock full of lush musical backgrounds, M.C.’s with lyrics as punishing as Illminds bass lines would be required. No problem. The artist list is a mélange of some of the most insightful, raw, and lyrically sophic artists in the game. Including Ghostface who reverts back to his Ironman demeanor to flow viscously over an Illmind creation: “12 years strong in the game you can’t touch me/ I must be made out of steel y’all can’t crush me/ watch how I paint this picture into a mixture / with symbolic words when they merge they form scripture.” Illmind is at his best when craftily chopping up samples as he does on “High Power” featuring The Procussions and “The Broke Song” featuring the Strange Fruit Project. With a soulful backdrop, the SFP offers listeners a glimpse into the hardships are being broke (“and all I’m hearing is, your check bounced/you’re a gram short of an ounce/ and it’s hard to pay the rent with nothing by common sense”).
While Illmind slices and dices samples, S1 holds his own creating compositions based around different synth sounds and littered keyboard chords. The west coast influenced “The Grove” has Organic Thoughts rhyming over pulsating synthesizer sounds and pounding drums. On a softer note, “Guilty Pleasures” has Kenn Starr and Thesis telling tales of forbidden love: “We both like it / the rush and the thrill / having secret meetings to sneaking a touch or a feel.”
The only handicap of the album would be the lyrical weakness of some guests such as Tree on “Club Aquarious,” a sore thumb of a track that should have been left in pro tools. Inconsequently, Onemind proves to be a strong album, one where the beats seem to be perfectly tailored for the artists (peep the 9th Wonder-ish beat on “Right Here”), and the artists, in return, decorate the instrumentals with lyrical gems.
Posted by taj at 07:48 AM | Comments (68)
July 14, 2005
Dork Get Together, 50 50 & CMYK

The Dork Get Together: Anyone who has seen Real World Austin knows that dummies can party their butts off. Everything from drunk wannabe party girls dancing on top of tables to drunk wannabe macho-men getting their skulls cracked – LOL!!! Dorks don't party – we chill. So come to the Dork Get Together, have some shrimp dumplings, hop up out of your seat and dance like a fool when we play your song. Then, politely sit down and finish your sake. Ha! Check the new [flyer ].
Fifty-Fifty: Vapors Magazine and Beck(y) Bags are putting on the Fifty-Fifty Show. The creation, destruction and re-creation of functional works of art. Over 35 of the best artists in the world rendered skate board decks and Becky Hickey turned them into her wonderful bags. Come see and bid on these one of a kind creations. All art work will be auctioned to benefit Adaptive Action Sports, a non-profit organization.
Fifty-Fifty's NYC Opening reception is Thursday July 14, 6-9PM @
The PowerHouse Gallery 68 Charlton Street (between Hudson and Varick). Afterparty at Table 50 w/ Stretch Armstrong playin the best dirty disco and rock (643 Broadway at Bleeker). Sounds like a fun time. For more info [Details].
The Best Page in the Universe: The Maddoox page is always good for a laugh or two. It's the kind of web page I would have if I were angry and broke. Why does it seem that you come up with the funniest stuff when you're broke? In his latest post, Maddoox deconstructs the blogosphere. Although, he'd probably make fun of me for using the word "blogosphere," I still like him. Check out the post [Here]
CMYK: CMYK is the first and only international festival dedicated to independent magazine culture. The event starts July 21st in Germany and publications like B-Guided, Rock De Luxe, and Tokion will be leading round table discussions. There'll also be seminars like: Pure Journalism – The reason why content should rule over form & The End of Editorial - In an overcrowded media landscape, can magazines still be editorially pure? CMYK would be a great event for the Dork crew to hit up, but I just found out about it. Maybe next year. Check out the site [Here].
peace. james
Posted by james at 10:26 AM | Comments (20)
July 13, 2005
Brandon Monroe, Prequel to a Classic & Call me

GRSF & Brandon Monroe: At the end of the month, we'll be invading San Fran. I'm looking forward to checking out Giant Robot's latest gallery installed by Brandon Monroe entitled, Momentary Murk. Monroe will transform GRSF into one of his "off" realities using paintings, sculptures and prints as his primary tools. These daydream worlds Monroe creates feature a menagerie of creatures that look like experiments gone wrong but are flanked by backdrops of serene stillness and beauty. The gallery runs from Saturday, July 9th to Monday, Aug 22nd, 2005. [Check it out |GRSF 622 Shrader Street, San Francisco, CA 94117]
Prequel to a Classic: Yesterday the new SV mixtape hit the Dork offices. There is something about the Detroit sound that hits me everytime. They're always Grade A on the low-end watery bass tones. And, their sampled chops can make the sappiest crooning have an edge. Whether it's Wajeed, Treblefree, Dilla, or Kareem Riggins behind the boards, you gotta love their sound - abundant atmosphere and mood. Prequel to a Classic is no different. Although it's a snippet compilation, they've managed to generate enough of a vibe to give you some reassurance that they won't deviate from the Detroit standard. Below, check out a track that we had on repeat for at least an hour this morning. D-star-Dwele is on the track with fantastic production and word play from Elzhi and T3. We're looking forward to their latest endeavor. Stay tuned...
[Download | SV | Call me]
[Don't forget to read our latest issue of Dork Magazine | here]
- Cool Hunting Mash-Up Contest: CH is hosting a contest where you can win a really ill skateboard. Basically all you have to do is create an original mash-up from one of the tracks off of the Gorrillaz' Demon Days. Send it in to them via mp3 before July 29, and they'll pick their favorite entry. [Sweet!]
- B Version: The first step to being a cool geek is buying this watch [Cold Check it!]
- Futbol Competition: I was so bummed when I saw that we weren't invited to this competition. Don't they know that Nigerians and West Indians have some of the illest futbol game in the world? Man, we would so seriously rock that jam. [Can I kick it?]
- Alta: This is probably one of the coolest adverts for one of the coolest bikes. [AltaBIKES]
- Dork Party Friday: This Friday @ Low Bar - we're doing it again. Come out to the monthly jam where we hang, have ill convo, eat dope food and share some laughs. Don't miss it. (This months flyer will be hitting your mailbox and others far and wide this evening.) Get ready mi amigo!
peace. taj
Posted by taj at 07:39 AM | Comments (30)
July 12, 2005
Sneaker Freaker Review & Heroes

Sneaker Freaker # 6: I got the latest issue of SF this weekend (fat shout to Yung Woodward!). On the cover they have the sickest pair of Nike Court Force. This isn't any old Court Force, but the Stussy 25th Anniversary jumpoff! The colors are sick – Hot Butter and Basic Black (I'd have to go for the Basic Black). Unfortunately those supercool stinkers at Stussy are only hooking up a select few with their custom kicks (Note-to-self: Send email to Stussy ASAP!).
Those crazy Aussies have been on an award tour promoting their latest issue. They already had launch parties in Amsterdam and Paris. Check the flicks from their Paris launch @ Colette [View]. You can purchase the mag on their site or at the nearest hipster outlet near you. Enjoy!
"A hero ain't nuthin but a sandwich": Great quote, but sometimes people can be heroes without smearing themselves with mayonaise or putting tomatoes or lettuce on their heads. The New Heroes tells stories of daring people who are successful at alleviating poverty and illness, combating unemployment and violence, and bringing education, light, opportunity and freedom to poor and marginalized people around the world. We need more shows like this. I mean, aren't you tired of our media making actors, rappers, and reality show stars our heroes? Check your local listings and please watch, it's very inspirational TV.
- Mark Ronson: I've seen Mark Ronson spin a bunch of times. I even forced some vinyl into his hands Ultimate Hustler style, but I've never seen him interviewed. This is a little old but I said, "Why not! Maybe you haven't seen this either." [Check it out]
- Got Milk?: Remember that ish? Now it seems marketing dummies use "Got" on t-shirts to promote everything. Like: Got Hustle?, Got Cable? Got Soul? So corny. So unoriginal. Please stop.
- On The Outs: This is a must see darnit! It starts Wednesday @ the Film Forum.[Listings]
- Update near complete: We're putting some final touches on the July 12 update. DWM would have been ready sooner if I hadn't gotten sick, but be patient, you'll love it. Also I got a great interview with Rhymefest at the BK Hip Hop fest. Soon come star!
- Dork Party!: Come chill with us on July 15th at LOW [The place to be]. I think it will be our best party yet. I got a round or two. Plus expect some special guests!
Cheers! James
Posted by james at 04:06 PM | Comments (24)
July 11, 2005
Part II of DM Issue #3 & Camera Moratorium

Camera Moratorium: It pains me to report that the picture above was the last picture I took with my favorite camera. One lonely evening the skies opened up and threw buckets on me and my fellow digi cam. With no shelter to run to - completely caught out there - we got drenched. That was the last evening that I would ever hear the sony shutter click from my trusty friend. Why didn't I bring a zip lock bag. I just wasn't thinking. That camera had amazing luck and timing. It captured so many ill pics - many of which appeared on these pages. Rats man! rats...
Part II of DM Issue#3: Brace yourself for impact, part two of DM Issue #3 comes your way this evening. It includes an interview with Kris Chau, Liz & Luke, Asheru and others. We hope you dig it. These cats have a brilliant perspective on life and their craft. Until then, peep Part I from Issue #3 [here] or below.
peace. taj
Posted by taj at 08:59 AM | Comments (43)
July 08, 2005
The Weekend Post: On The Outs & James 4.0

Bacteria & Movie Review: I've had a cold for the last few days but I'm feeling a lot better now. Whenever I get over a bad cold, I undergo a rebirth. So now I'm James 4.0 – a new man! Anyway, I went by Cornerstone for a screening of On The Outs. The film brilliantly deconstructs myths about urban life by telling the story of three girls: Oz, 17, a drug dealer, Suzette, a naive 15 year old, and Marisol, 17, a single mother and an addict. Telling the story through the eyes of women gives people, who would not know otherwise, a glimpse of what it's like to be poor and living in urban America.
In the past, movies like Just Another Girl on the IRT and Set It Off have tried to tackle these issues. Unfortunately both of these movies lacked the realism displayed in On the Outs. In this movie the drug dealers dress cool and wear the latest clothes, but they are homeless and steal beans and rice from crack addicted single mothers.
The making of the film is an interesting story in and of itself. They began by developing an acting and writing program at a juvenile detention center in Secaucus, NJ. Then they filmed on the roughest blocks in Jersey City, NJ and incorporated the local residents, giving them supporting roles and using their stories in the film. This gave the film another level of realism not achieved since Larry Clark's Kids.
The world depicted in On the Outs is insane, untenable, and absurb, but it shouldn't scare you – it should make you feel like a big jerk for being so unenlightened! On the Outs starts Wednesday, July 13 at the Film Forum. I pity the fools that miss this.
- Netflix Club: Hey I need some more Netflix friends. So far I only have 2. So send me an email and join my Netflix club.
- Dork Party: Friday July 15th the Proud Posers will be getting our boogie down at Low (the bar below Rice. I don't know about you but I plan on doing this new dance where I spin on my head and then jump into my rendition of the running man to M.I.A's Sunshowers.
- Digable in the NYC! [Check it]
- More proof that kids are cooler than adults: [Check it]
peace. james
Posted by james at 03:46 PM | Comments (26)
July 06, 2005
Colette, Busy-Being & Thanks!

Colette Expo: Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to venture across the pond and check out Colette with my own eyes. It is quite the experience. I've never seen tees priced so high. ha! But all in all, if cool could be captured in a bottle and sold, it would be sold there. They have a great variety of products and have managed to blend them seamlessly in a refined lifestyle gallery. From cafe to sneaker shop - you can find funky unique stuff. This summer they have an ill expo going down from June 27 to August 27. Check out Henry Diltz' photography on the first floor. His reputation manifested itself within the California rock scene between the late 60's and early 70's. Diltz, epitomizes rock photography in all its glory. Throughout a range of portraiture and spontaneous imagery which has left its mark on assorted album covers, books and magazines throughout the past forty years, the reality of everyday life for musicians and superstars shine through as an essential component of his work. [Colette,FR 213 rue saint-honoré 75001 Paris | Website]
Busy-Being: Dork works really hard at capturing stories that will inspire others to pursue their passions. Busy-Being is one of those stories. The funky online store was started by Amber Abramson. It's a small company for busy people who prefer to function from home. No longer a 9-5er, Amber spends most of her time writing and responding to emails and when not doing that she's been filling up her time working with artists on a few great upcoming (and past) exhibitions and various projects. The rest of the time she's busy being a mother, a girlfriend, an entrepreneur, a friend, and a fan, as well as the owner of an excessive number of pets. Most of the store's product are made by friends, associates and other respected artists. [Cold Check it!]
Thanks! To all those who have called, sent the fresh emails, pigeons and love regarding our latest issue. We really appreciate it. If you want to get down with the next jawn, know someone who should be featured, or just want to give us praise (we love that) feel free to email us [Contact | Read DM Issue #3]
peace. taj
Posted by taj at 07:29 AM | Comments (29)
July 05, 2005
Dork Magazine presents Issue #3

No time for sleep, when life is this much fun: Hola! I hope the three day weekend treated you well. The fam and I took the opportunity to do some camping and get down with the outdoors. We copped this really fly tent and posted up in the deep deep wildernesses of my parents' backyard. ha! So-what! I'm taking baby steps man. Amazing Race, here we come!
DM Issue #3: Anyway, after all the bbq'ing, fireworks and lightning bugs, I was able to put the finishing touches on Issue #3 of Dork Magazine. I hope you enjoy it. James and I feel really proud of this issue. The writers are some of the most insightful people I've met and have created grand conversations around our focus - art, habitat and people. Whether it's the "community mapping" of Williamsburg, or the dope stories told by 88 keys, you will definitely be invested and inspired. We would like to thank everyone who made this issue possible. Part I is delivered today, while Part II will hit you on Monday July 12. Once you've clicked below, click on each title to read the articles. Stay tuned, keep reading and buy land whenever possible.
[Read the latest issue of DM | DORK MAGAZINE ISSUE #3]
peace. taj
Posted by taj at 01:05 PM | Comments (44)
July 01, 2005
Great events & the DWM invasion!

DWM! INVASION: Issue #3 of Dork drops on July 5th! It's only right that DWM! drops the same day. Kinda like a double album (think 2pac: All Eyez on Me / My Ambitons as a rider)! Read previous DWM's [here]
It's on and poppin: What's a brah to do when there's so many friggin' cool events poppin' off this weekend? I already decided to cancel my July 2nd IKEA shopping spree. Now I have to decide what events I will hit up:
- Live 8 in the Illadelphia - just steps away from the Dork office [more]
- The Rub has its 3 year anniversary party on Saturday [more]
- My homey Ramsey Jones is going to be playing at CBGB's on Saturday. [The event starts @ 9pm]
- Matzu's opening reception @ Triple Crown is On Saturday too. It starts @ 6pm. Free booze! [more]
- On July 4th DJ A-Trak will be spinning @ Sway (305 Spring St.) [more]
- On July 5th Omar will be performing in Fort Greene Park. [The show starts @ 7pm.]
- Ge-ology album release party @ APT on July 5th [413 West 13th St.]
There's some stuff going on Sunday too, but I can't rememeber. Plus I gotta bbq! I must! Not for me, but for our troubled country.
Have a great weekend. Be safe and don't play with fireworks. Those things are for the pros.
Chowda! Semaj
Posted by james at 11:23 AM | Comments (42)