Complex Blog » hipster

Trendhumper: V-Neck Tees

treats — Fri, 02 May 2008 17:45:47 +0000

At first, V-neck T-shirts were subtle, dropping just below the collar bone. But these days, it’s as if the Tees are being overwhelmed by the force of gravity, causing the chest to be more exposed than it should be. The unfortunate result: man cleavage.

During the hot summer months, V-necks can be advantageous, giving your chest more room to breathe. But these days, it’s increasingly becoming all about the deep-cut American Apparel style, making it fashionable for dudes to air out their thickets of taco beef (that’s chest hair, in case you’re wondering). With the warm weather creeping up on us this year, the real question is, how low will you go? Vote to “Hump” or “Dump” the trend after the jump.

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Brand Profile: Amongst Friends

treats — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 17:29:31 +0000

If you’re looking to hang out at the country club this summer, be aware that the mimosa-sipping retirees might look down on the bold, youthful graphic tees of today’s streetwear. While most of the sports associated with streetwear are skate and snow, Amongst Friends is open to more leisurely sports like golf and tennis, without forcing you to check your style at the door. Founder Mikol Stambough launched his spring/summer line to match the season’s soft colors on their signature New Eras and polo shirts. See a gallery of products from their ‘08 lookbook after the jump.

[Click on an image to view full size]

Kidz In The Hall Drive With Pusha, Bun B & Cool Kids

treats — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:44:03 +0000

After Snoop captured the '80s VHS look with his “Sensual Seduction” video, Kidz In The Hall take the retro style one step further with the video for “Drivin’ Down the Block (Low End Theory),” the lead single from their Duck Down debut The In Crowd. In this Rik Cordero-directed joint, rapper Naldege and producer/DJ Double O throw on some polyester suits and play a pair of down-on-their-luck used car salesmen. Watch the video after the jump, and then listen to the remix featuring Clipse’s Pusha T, Bun B and The Cool Kids.

Kidz In The Hall f/ Pusha T, The Cool Kids & Bun B
“Drivin’ Down The Block (Remix)”

Related:
-Album Preview: Kidz In The Hall

- Kidz In The Hall Explain Hipster Rap

Behind The Scenes Of Chromeo’s New Video

treats — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 20:56:15 +0000

Good things really do come in pairs. Chromeo'a group made up of singer Dave 1 (DJ A-Trak’s older brother) and DJ/producer P-Thugg'will re-release last year’s electro-pop jam, Fancy Footwork as a two-disc album on June 19th. The additional CD will be chock full of remixes, bonus songs and videos, like the new one for the title track “Fancy Footwork,” which they just shot. NME went behind the scenes at the shoot and took some pictures for an inside look. Check 'em out after the jump.

[NME]

Retail Spotlight: Endovanera

treats — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:15:31 +0000

Photo: Refinery 29

Since the opening of Endovanera’s Los Angeles flagship store, the dismal mood of the brand’s signature dark designs is brighter than usual. The new retail space, which opened it’s doors this month on Front St., shows the genesis of its tailored slim-cuts with vintage sewing machines and a few tools (on display) used in founders David Michael Hershberger and Mitch Moseley’s refined looks. After launching Endvanera in 2005, their style has remained as moody as the emo-hipsters that wear them, but with their store in full-effect, they have more of a reason to crack a smile. See a gallery of their latest collection after the jump.

Album Preview: Kidz In The Hall’s The In Crowd

treats — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 22:36:06 +0000

The rapper/producer combo of Naledge and Double O (l to r) are riding a new wave of success right now. Last night, Complex was invited to a listening session for their potentially pivotal sophomore album, The In Crowd, on the same night as Double O’s birthday. Buckshot even stopped by to show support for his Duck Down signees, plus play his new collabo-album with 9th Wonder, The Formula. Get quick preview of six solid tracks from The In Crowd and a couple of photos from the event after the jump.

1. “Mr. All Of That Shit”
Naledge’s takes typical hip-hop bragging to a whole other level. “Flyer than a giraffe’s pussy,” nuff said.

2. “Love Hangover” f/. Estelle
The Chicago born MC’s lazy delivery over the string laden track sounds a lot like Ma$e. A line like, “I’m her groupie,” might have something to do with it.

3. “Let Your Hair Down” f/ Skyzoo
Another track for the ladies featuring the rising Justus League affiliate.

4. “The Pledge”
The obligatory Duck Down posse cut. According to Double O, when they tried to get Sean Price as a featured guest on the song, they got more than they bargained for when Buckshot offered Kidz In The Hall a record deal instead.

5. “Inner Me”
This seven minute track is the only song without a guest feature. “I tried to play piano at the end but ended up doing all crazy shit,” says Double O.

6. “Drivin’ Down The Block (Low End Theory) (Remix) f/ The Cool Kids, Pusha T and Bun B
Their nod to hip-hop’s old school gets a face-lift with the Cool Kids lending their throwback steez to the record. Pusha even manages to squeeze in a quick plug for the Clipse’s clothing line Play Cloths in the song.

The Knux Deconstruct Hipster Hip-Hop

treats — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:09:01 +0000

These days, it seems like every young rapper who doesn’t wear rhinestones like Jim Jones gets branded as “hipster hip-hop.” But if you ask up-and-coming duo The Knux, the “hipster” label just shows that they’re doing something different from the mainstream. In a recent interview with MTV, the New Orleans-bred siblings Rah Almillio (left) and Krispy Kream (right) make an interesting analogy: mainstream hip-hop today is like cheesy hair-metal in the ’80s, and all the so-called “hipster rap” is like punk rock because it takes it back to the raw essence. After the jump, watch the video to get the full explanation.

[MTV]

Related:

The Knux Premiere Their New Video

The Knux as Complex Men of 2008

Kidz In The Hall Explain Hipster Rap

treats — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 14:51:50 +0000

The MC/DJ twosome, Kidz In The Hall were strangely lumped into the hipster rap category upon the release of “Drivin’ Down Tha Block (Low End Theory).” In an interview with Whatever’s Good, Naledge (right) and Double O (left) explained the strange coincidence of being lumped in with the trend that’s also associated with Cool Kids, Mickey Factz, and Wale…

Double-O: The definition of a hipster is a, well, I don’t know what the original Wikipedia definition was when they used it back in the ’50s, but now it’s become a very pretentious title. It defines somebody who may or may not really be attached to the art form, but they just like it because it’s kind of ahead of the curve or it’s cool. So, I think that all it is is another definition, trying to define a sub-genre of music that they just haven’t figured out how to define yet. That, really, to me, that’s the buzz on music going around right now. I don’t call it hipster rap, there’s a lot of different types of stuff going on, it’s not just hipsters that like it. It just so happens that the bloggers and some of the more forward-thinking people are up on it.

[Whatever's Good]

The Cool Kids Cover Laced Magazine

treats — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:02:43 +0000

Chuck English (left) and Mikey Rocks (right) kick off the sneaker-heavy publication’s fifth issue. They are joined by the white-hot Floral Supra Skytop, and Nike Air Vandal Supreme. Pick it up on newsstands now.