Eat your heart out....

Have you ever eaten so much that it felt like you gained 4 pounds?! Well competitive eater Takeru Kobayashi knows exactly how you feel. Earlier today, in an effort to help end world hunger he attempted to break the world record for most fruitcake eaten (in 10 minutes), which is 4 pounds, 14 ounces. With 3 world records for eating hot dogs under his belt, accomplishing this feat should be a piece of cake, right? Well not quite. The density of the fruitcake seemed to slow him down as he was only able to eat 4 pounds 4 ounces. He declined to give a comment to because after all, it's rude to talk with your mouth full. Until next time....Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Merry Christmas

Its been about a year and at times you're still under my skin
I feel myself cringe when you take it on the chin
Because I care for you like my next of kin
And I know you're not used to seeing this side of me
AkA One of most cold hearted people arguably
And the omen says the apple doesn't fall far from the treeAnd he doesnt deserve to grow up like that, naturally
So I will accomodate our current circumstances quite passively
Because when we were us we faught quite actively
Which led to the axing of thee
On Christmas Eve.

But understand that I dont want you back
not because you annoy me like the women in the pink cadillacs
or because you handcuff and arrest my livelyhood Miss Cardiac
or because your baked potato is ordinary, in refence to the sack
but because you're THE DEVIL disguised as a homicidal maniac
and I know you're going to bust the windows out my car for exposing crap
But you and jasmine can go to hell, tell all your Lifetime watching friends I said that.

At the very least I can be civil for my son
When my father is just a criminal with a gunAnd what if death comes ,soon {{google Big Pun}}
And I never see the light of day with my son {{include the pun}}
History then repeats itself and we're back to square one
So I'll swallow my pride and be the rare one
And look up to the sky and ask HIM to spare oneHeart, two souls, and three wishes
For my future not to suffer because of my past physics
And I can't make up for lost time in one visit
But I won't forget the look on his face when he saw his father walk through the front door and say


"Merry Christmas."

-Wally Vega

Until next time...Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane

Merry Christmas from Urbane Society

Merry Christmas from Wally.Vega and Debonoir
Find your Swank.Think Insane.Be Urbane. and as Always May the Force be with you....

All I want for Christmas...

Naughty.




Nice.

Keri Hilson.

..But we can't forget about you

I bet I know what they want for christmas.

Super Cool Cinema

Will Smith is quickly becoming the best actor alive after the best actor (Denzel) retires. Nah, he's the best actor alive. Many critics have categorealized success by saying that "You're only as good as your last movie/song/play/game." Well the last four Will Smith movies have brought me to tears. These are figurative tears afterall, because men, especially black men, don't cry. He is undoubtbly the most versatile actor right now. He is the hardest working actor right now. He is the most talented, charismatic actor right now. Oh, and he is also the 4 Billion dollar man, which makes him the ONLY man on earth that Oprah would marry without a prenup. I believe that his best days have yet to come. Look out Tom Cruise, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Leonardo Dicaprio...your great white hope is coming to an end.

Bottom line.Go see it. If you don't like it, I reemburse you. Scouts honor. Until next time...Find your swank. Think insane. Be Urbane.

I don't even like Grape Soda

Honestly, I laughed heartly when i heard this song, but upon further reflection, I can not help but to be hurt...deeply. But I dont know if I am hurt more that he actually had the confidence that if he manifested, documented, and distributed this hack of artistry that people would identify with him or that we supplied him with the images that continually project to the rest of the world as truth or that no one but me seems to have taken offense to this Tom Foolery. Until next time...Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

You know better....

For years society, mainly America, has dealt with many double standards, with two of the most debated being sexuality and racism. In any academic setting, you can always hear students banter about the roles of men and women. "If a man sleeps with 10 women in month, he is a legend. If a woman does the same, she is labeled a whore." Well, both of them will be remembered, for spreading or dying of some sexually transmitted disease that cannot be cured. One can be walking to the restroom and can fall into that conversation but matters of race are still taboo as we inch closer to th inauguration of the first African-American president.

I have been told a few times that black people do not have the ability to be racist. Black poeple do indeed have the mental and emotional capacity to hate people because of thier race, disregrading a persons character. I have seen it time and time again in music. African American artists can say whatever they may like about other races of people, but as soon as some one thinks that a quote heard in the media has a racial inuendo, all hell breaks loose.

As an African American male, I have been discriminated against, sterotyped, degraded, and ridiculed. But that is not reason to hate someone else or ignorantly stereotype others because of my heartache. It is my duty to look genuinely in someone's eyes and treat them with the respect that they deserve, regardless of what their skin color/nationality may SEEM to respresent.

With that said, Busta Rhymes you know better. You are a pioneer in hip hop. I know getting "Arab Money" is another way of saying that you would like to have alot of money, but you should take into consideration of the stereotypes that you are perpertuating with this video.




Until next time...Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Rick Warren: Is it really that serious?

Now, I voted for Obama, I'm against Prop. 8 but I am in NO way offended by Obama's choice of Rick Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. I understand what Obama was going for to some extent. You can't tell me that if he had picked T.D. Jakes or Al Sharpton that people would not have called that "predictable". Obama was doomed before he started so he might as well shake things up. Someone somewhere will always have SOMETHING to say. And its not as if Warren is going to be discussing gay marriage at the inauguration anyhow, the whole event is a celebration of Obama bridging the gaps and bringing the country together and that means conservatives in the same room as liberals. This is not a high school dance where cliques huddle around in various spots of the gymnasium. Inclusion is not conditional. So lets refocus and get back to dialoguing about how to fix this country and restore it to its Pre-Dubya days. May the Force Be With You.
Your main man,
Debonoir

Debonoir Back on the Scene

After a very hectic end to my first semester of law school, I'm back to deliver pearls of sartorial wisdom over this much needed winter break. So since it is winter, lets talk outerwear, topcoats to be exact. So seeing as you've read the posts on Suits, Shoes, Shirts and Ties and are no doubt dressing smarter and more urbane than ever, you only have one thing left, and that is; what to wear over that new, spiffy gear. Well here's a big hint (Your Rocawear parka is not the answer). Instead, try a nice wool topcoat. They come in a variety of colors, are made by many menswear houses and can be found at either end of a wide price range. A few tips on the fit: 1. They should hit your knees (unlike a full length trench) 2. They should be the SAME size as your suit coat (buying bigger will make you look like you're wearing your dad's old coat) 3. Single or Double Breasted is ok, just make sure you're confident in what you choose.

P.S.
If you want a bit of flair, try a Chesterfield. This British version is famous for its velvet around the collar instantly adding some class to a menswear staple. Sort of (read: exactly) like this version from Banana Republic. $249

Love Lockdown

Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Manic Monday

Having trouble studying to that new T.I. album? Is my girlfriend Rhianna's voice too annoying to concentrate on your chemistry notes? Does Neyo always make you want to go to sleep during those all nighters during finals week? Well then it is time to switch up your music selection while studying. If you did not know, jukin and jivin to that new Kanye West single in the library does not help you retain that Quanitative Analysis that you study for 3 hours at a time. You should try some music that is cool, mellow, light, and devoid of alot of base.

Insert Frank Sinatra here. Yes. Frank Sinatra. Please open up your music prejudices for the purpose of graduating! Just go to Pandora.com and type in Frank Sinatra. They will filter in everything from his time period. You may have to skip through some of the more edgier songs from the 50's but I promise you will have better success studying. Don't knock til your try it!

Until next time...Find your swank. Think insane. Be Urbane.

Just Window Shopping

Of course I can not afford anything in the REAL Louis Vutton, well accept for an extra button lying around, so I will not be shopping in this newly designed 5th avenue store...but when Rhianna and I go shopping, I promise to take pictures for you all. Until next time.
- Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Cool Quote of the Week

My president is black, my Lambo's blue
And I'll be goddamned if my rims ain't too
My momma ain't at home, and daddy's still in jail
Tryna make a plate, anybody seen the scale?
My president is black, my Lambo's blue
And I'll be goddamned if my rims ain't too
My money's light green and my Jordans light grey
And they love to see white, now how much you tryna pay?
Let's go!

[Verse 1: Young Jeezy]
Today was a good day, hope I have me a great night
I don't know what you fishin for but catch you a great white
Me, I see great white, heavy as killer whales
I cannot believe this, who knew it came in bails
Who knew what came with jail, who knew what came with prison
Just cause you got opinions, does that make you a politician?
Bush robbed all of us, would that make him a criminal?
And then he cheated in Florida, would that make him a seminal?
I say and I quote, "We need a miracle"
And I say a miracle cause this shit is hysterical
By my nephews and nieces, I will email Jesus
Tell him forward to Moses and CC Allah
Mr. Soul Survivor, guess that make me a Konvict
Be all you be, now don't that sound like some dumb shit
When you die over crude oil as black as my nigga Boo
It's really a Desert Storm, that's word to my nigga Clue
Catch me in Las Vegas, A.R. Arizona
Rep for them real niggas, I'm winnin in California
Winnin in Tennessee, hands down Atlanta
Landslide Alabama, on my way to Sevana

[Hook]

[Verse 2: Young Jeezy]
I said I woke up this morning, headache this big
Pay all these damn bills, feed all these damn kids
Buy all these school shoes, buy all these school clothes
For some strange reason my son addicted to Polos
Love me some spinach dip, I'm addicted to Houston's
And if the numbers is right I take a trip out to Houston
An earthquake out in China, a hurricane in New Orleans
Street Dreams Tour, I showed my ass in New Orleans
Did it for Soulja Slim, brought out B.G.
It's all love Bun, I'm forgivin you Pimp C
You know how the Pimp be, that nigga gon' speak his mind
If he could speak down from heaven he'd tell me stay on my grind
Tell him I'm doin fine, Obama for mankind
We ready for damn change so y'all let the man shine
Stuntin on Martin Luther, feelin just like a king
Guess this is what he meant when he said that he had a dream

[Hook]

[Verse 3: Nas]
Yeah, our history, black history, no president ever did shit for me
Had to hit the streets, had to flip some keys so a nigga won't go broke
Then they put us in jail, now a nigga can't go vote
So I spend doe, all these hoes is trippin
She a ain't a politician, honey's a polotician
My president is black, rolls golden charms
Twenty-two inch rims like Hulk Hogan's arms
When thousands of peoples is riled up to see you
That can arouse ya ego, we got mouths to feed so
Gotta stay true to who you are and where you came from
Cause at the top will be the same place you hang from
No matter how big you can ever be
For whatever fee or publicity, never lose your integrity
For years there's been surprise horses in this stable
Just two albums in, I'm the realest nigga on this label
Mr. Black President, yo Obama for real
They gotta put your face on the five-thousand dollar bill

Until inauguration....-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Black Diamonds and Pearls

Enough Said

Wear with Caution: The Cropped Suit

High Fashion Menswear has been obsessed with the cropped suit for the past few years thanks to the innovation (or abomination) of the likes of Thom Browne, Jil Sander, Dolce and Gabbana etc...Even Brooks Brothers is getting in the mix (with the help of Thom Browne of course). A cropped suit is quite literally, a regular suit only shrunken. There is a very fine line when it comes to the cropped suit. If you're short and you're suit is not cropped enough, no one will understand the look you're going for, on the flipside, if you're tall and you're suit too cropped: Instant Urkel Status. I know the geek chic thing is in but even with a cropped suit, your trousers should end just above your ankles not in the middle of your calves. Your jacket should hit right at your hips and your sleeves right at your wrists. Again, wear this with caution, you won't catch me wearing one (I feel like I'm too tall) but I admire those with the courage to own this style and wear it with confidence. Just like a regular suit; the details (shirt, tie, shoes, tie bar, suspenders) will help complete the look. As Always May the force be with you.
Your main man,
-Debonoir

P.S.
This picture is the man himself Thom Browne (notice the naked ankles). Feel free to opine, declare him style genius or deviant, or be indifferent.

"Step on My Shoes I will kill YOU"

Now, you all know me as Debonoir, the tailored shirt, narrow tie, leather loafer wearing style-minded guy (guru in training if you will) but I can always appreciate style in whatever form in which it comes, that's why I wanted to share these with my streetwear comrades out there who are members of Urbane Society as well. There is no doubt that you(as well as I) knew about these months ago so I am simply writing to tell you that they are available at pickyourshoes.com for $130 so go cop til your heart's content (One to rock, one to stock) that's how sneakerheads get down. May the force be with you,
Your main man,
-Debonoir

Geek Post: Blackberry Bold Out Today!

For all you members of Urbane Society with AT&T cellular service, today I envy you. The Blackberry Bold Device is now officially available online and in AT&T stores all across the country. Go get one and increase your productivity while looking cool at the same time. As always, May the force be with you.
Your main man,
-Debonoir

Haberdashery Defined

Gents, let me explain something to you: Haberdashery is not just about what you wear, but HOW you wear it. You see how he is wearing these pieces so easily and elegantly, its as if he's wearing a tee shirt and jeans. This is the essence of style, dressing well but wearing with ease. Take notes gents....And as always, May the Force Be With You.
Your Main Man,
-Debonoir



Photo: The Sartorialist

These are just sweet....

I don't really have any pearls of sartorial wisdom to impart on you all today gents, I just stumbled upon these while blog surfing and decided to share them with you. They are black jeans by a brand called Fremont and these would look good with some diesel trainers, a black velvet blazer, fitted white shirt and skinny black tie. As always, May the force be with you....
Your main man,
Debonoir

Shout out to the The Moore Report

"I don't wear sneakers! I wear slippers..."

The title to this post is by up and coming MC but well established fashion icon (and one of my role models) Mr. Fonzworth Bentley. Now gents there are few things in this world that personify elegance (especially in business casual America). However, there are some bright spots, like these Ralph Lauren Purple Label Velvet Slippers. Wear them with a tuxedo and add some Playboy to your black tie. Sadly, I won't even be touching these until I get out of law school, these will run you almost a stack ($950). On the other hand I believe I could trick people into believing they were monogrammed specifically for me (RL are also my first and last initials). Happy window shopping gents. And as always May the Force be with you......
Your main man,
Debonoir

Cool Quote of the Week

Have you ever felt like you gave everything you had to something, until you were consumed by the beast you created? Yes. That was rhetorical. This week's cool quote comes from one of the most emotional entertainers today, Kanye West. In this song he pours out every tear he had sitting in the bucket under his mothers hospital bed. I think that this new album, 808's and Heartbreak, should be dedicated to his former fiance'. Although his voice may be altered by a computer, his lyrics are raw, remorseful, spiteful, yet apologetic. You call it schizophrenia, I call it creativity.


[Chorus]
In the night, i hear 'em talk,
the coldest story ever told.
somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul.
to a woman so heartless..
how could you be so heartless? oh.. how could you be so heartless.

[Verse 1]
How could you be so, cold as the winter wind when it breeze yo.
just remember that you talkin' to me though.
you know need to watch the way you talkin' to me yo. i mean after all the things that we've been through.
i mean after all the things we got into.
hey yo, i know of some things that you aint told me.
hey yo, i did some things but that's the old me.
and now you wanna get me back and you goin' show me.
so you walk around like you dont know me.
you got a new friend, well i got homies.
but in the end it's still so lonely.

[Chorus]
In the night, i hear 'em talk,
the coldest story ever told.
somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul.
to a woman so heartless..
how could you be so heartless? oh.. how could you be so heartless.

[Verse 2]
How could be so Dr. Evil, you bringin' out the side of me that i dont know..
i decided we weren't goin' speak so.
why we up 3 A.M. on the phone.
why does she be so mad at me fo'.
homie i dont know, she's hot and cold.
i wont stop, i wont mess my groove up
cause i already know how this thing go.
you run and tell your friends that you leaving me.
they say that they dont see what you see in me.
you wait a couple months then you gon' see.
you'll never find nobody better than me.

[Chorus]
In the night, i hear 'em talk,
the coldest story ever told.
somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul.
to a woman so heartless..
how could you be so heartless? oh.. how could you be so heartless.

[Verse 3]
Talkin', talkin', talkin', talk
baby lets just knock it off
they dont know what we been through
they dont know 'bout me and you
so i got something new to see
and you just gon' keep hatin' me
and we just gon' be enemies
i know you cant believe
i could just leave it wrong
and you cant make it right
im gon' take off tonight
into the night..

[Chorus]
In the night, i hear 'em talk,
the coldest story ever told.
somewhere far along this road, he lost his soul.
to a woman so heartless..
how could you be so heartless? oh.. how could you be so heartless.

Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

"I said Toast M*therf*cker!!!"

In a world where children never make it to their 10th birthday, the golden age of 22 must be cherished. I am oblidged to wish my brother but more importantly, my friend, A Happy Birthday. I tip my hat to all the people who are born in October! Until next time...-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Debonoir is in the tomato red cardigan, plaid shirt, brown tie with cream pindots, raw denim Levi's and Banana Republic Loafers

Let's Talk Shirts and Ties.....

Gents, this pearl of wisdom may change your life (or at least get you a compliment from that young lady you've been eyeing)

YOUR SHIRT AND TIE SHOULD COMPLIMENT EACH OTHER, THEY SHOULD NOT MATCH.

There, I said it. Do you see how the words "match" and "compliment" are different (that's very important). Let's begin with the shirt. First of all there are 5 shirts every man must have. A white, a blue, a pink (that's right, man up), a checkered, and a plaid and when I say plaid, I don't mean the lumberjack variety, I'm speaking of a more subtle, smarter, urbane pattern that is more boardroom than Extreme Home Makeover. Begin with those shirts, they are your basics. I will show you how do match a plaid shirt with the right tie. Now your tie should SUGGEST your shirt, not mirror it. If you are wearing a blue shirt, wear a red tie with subtle blue stripes or pindots. If you are wearing a pink shirt, wear a brown paisley print silk tie. GET FAMILIAR WITH THE COLOR WHEEL, the colors that are opposite each other are COMPLIMENTS which means for a shirt and tie combo, they work. Mixing patterns with patterns is ok. If you have on a checkered shirt, then picking a striped tie is good, as long as the checkered pattern and the stripes are of similar strength. And what I mean by strength is that one should not outweigh the other, shirts and ties should be balanced. If you mix patterns (which I encourage) make sure they are of similar width and that the colors are close without being exact and different without clashing. Going monochromatic is OK sometimes but it should not be overdone meaning if your suit is navy, then your shirt and tie should not be. Got it? Good. Now go practice. And stop having your girlfriend do it. You're a grown man, dress yourself.

You see how the example shirt and tie work together even thought the patterns are completely different. The navy stripes in the tie suggest the navy blue in the shirt? (which is really a gingham pattern rather than a plaid) This is how its done. Until next time gents, May the force be with you....
Your main man,
Debonoir

Flip Phones are NOT obsolete!

It seems like everybody has a PDA/Smart phone now-a-days. I really don't blame them, the keyboard texting is easier and more effecient, you can check your email on the go, and even book airline tickets while working out at the gym. However, there are still some people that use cellular devices for their primary function, to make calls....or so I thought.

On my way to class I saw this guy taking a quick nap between classes and I was impressed by his innovation of what seemed like a VCR in the days of Blu-Ray. Although I hope he didn't acquire a MEAN sun tan line! Until next time....-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

If I were you...

I'd put some gas in my automobile...like, YESTERDAY!

So Uncool...

Thanksgiving, Aye? So Soon?

The history of Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to an explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Orient. In the year 1578, he held a formal ceremony, in what is now the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, to give thanks for surviving the long journey. The feast was one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in North America, although celebrating the harvest and giving thanks for a successful bounty of crops had been a long-standing tradition throughout North America by various First Nations and Native American groups. First Nations and Native Americans throughout the Americas, including the Pueblo, Cherokee, Cree and many others organized harvest festivals, ceremonial dances, and other celebrations of thanks for centuries before the arrival of Europeans in North America .

Frobisher was later knighted and had an inlet of the Atlantic Ocean in northern Canada named after him — Frobisher Bay. smb At the same time, French settlers, having crossed the ocean and arrived in Canada with explorer Samuel de Champlain, also held huge feasts of thanks. They even formed 'The Order of Good Cheer' and gladly shared their food with their First Nations neighbours.

After the Seven Years' War ended in 1763 handing over New France to the British, the citizens of Halifax held a special day of Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving days were observed beginning in 1799 but did not occur every year. After the American Revolution, American refugees who remained loyal to Great Britain moved from the United States and came to Canada. They brought the customs and practices of the American Thanksgiving to Canada. The first Thanksgiving Day after Canadian Confederation was observed as a civic holiday on April 5, 1872 to celebrate the recovery of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) from a serious illness.

Starting in 1879 Thanksgiving Day was observed every year but the date was proclaimed annually and changed year to year. The theme of the Thanksgiving holiday also changed year to year to reflect an important event to be thankful for. In the early years it was for an abundant harvest and occasionally for a special anniversary.

After World War I, both Armistice Day and Thanksgiving were celebrated on the Monday of the week in which November 11 occurred. Ten years later, in 1931, the two days became separate holidays, and Armistice Day was renamed Remembrance Day.

So when you see your Canadian friends, make sure you wish them Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Until Next time- Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Cool Clothes for Cool Weather

The leaves are starting to fall, the wind is becoming more brisk, and the days are getting shorter. For many, this is a sign for their least favorite season of year, Winter. But for me, this is my favorite time. This means that I have the liberty of being more creative when it comes to my choices in clothing. Versatility is not luxury for someone like me, it is but a necessity. I live for the mornings when I have to decide between a pea coat and a scarf or a army inspired jacket with a hunter green hoodie.

Since Autumn is upon us I thought I would highlight a couple of my favorite fashion choices for the season. First let's talk about the cardigan sweater.The cardigan was named after James Thomas Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, a British military commander, following his service in the Crimean War. The cardigan sweater is usually lightweight and can be dressed up or dressed down depending on your personal fashion aspirations of that particular day. Today, to a meeting,I would wear it with some jeans, Steve madden loafers, a nice button up, and tie.

Speaking of ties, lets talk about the bow tie. The bow tie originated among Croatian mercenaries during the Prussian wars of the 17th century: the Croats used a scarf around the neck to hold together the opening of their shirts. This was soon adopted (under the name cravat, derived from the French for "Croat") by the upper classes in France, then a leader in fashion, and flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries. The bow tie gives any outfit a touch of sophistication and class. The bow tie is vintage look that is timeless. Wear a bow tie to the next big event at your school or job and see the response you get; and then couple that with a nice cardigan from Ralph Lauren Purple Label, outstanding!

You can find a cardigan at just about any retail store from Macy's to Banana Republic and the best place to find a bow tie is Jos A. Banks.

Until Next time....-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.


P.S. Here are instructions for tying a bow tie, wearing the clip- on is uncivilized.

The Coolest Cause

The Coolest has partnered with the oldest to make smartest humanitarian cause even better. The Gap's product RED campaign has been a hit ever since it hit the racks. Now Converse has collaborated with recording artist Lupe Fiasco to design the new product RED sneakers. The high top version is rumored to be in at the top of year. It is nice to see that someone from the music industry cares not just about money, women, and cars. Enjoy!


Until next time....-find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Super Cool Cars

If you know me, you know that I'm not really a car guy, but I AM a style guy. And one cannot deny the thin line between style and ingenuity that automobile manufacturers straddle in creating these new concepts for cars that are being released. If you know me, you also know how big of a dreamer that I am, so these cars are strictly for those of us with lofty ambitions.

Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster 722S



Mercedes have launched the latest iteration of their Mercedes McLaren SLR called the SLR Roadster 722 S. The Mercedes McLaren SLR Roadster 722 S is based on the SLR Roadster but features various performance improvements. The performance has been improved by lowering the suspension ten millimeters and recalibrating the spring and damper rates the engine has also been retuned to boost output to six hundred and fifty horsepower giving it a top speed of over three hundred and fifty kilometers an hour. The car is named the 722 after the Mercedes Benz 300 SLR driven by Stirling Moss and Dennis Jenkinson which won the 1955 Mille Miglia race. Only one hundred and fifty will be made with deliveries commencing next year. It's safe to say that I won't have one....unless this date with Rhianna goes well this weekend! :-(

Maybach Maybach 62S Landaulet

Ever since Hip hop Super Hero Shawn Carter introduced the Maybach to the ears of music in his Kingdom Come album, any and everybody from the affluent minority community has aspired to be seen in the chauffeur driven hotels on wheels. The 2009 version is not a diamond in the rough by any means, but pearl on her neck. Hip hop faithful's are sure to adore the "Belly" inspired white on white on white ensemble. If you look closely at the pictures, you will see the moon, excuse me the Jupiter roof. No more laying the seat back to watch the drive-in movies, just pull up in this yacht and unleash the moon roof and enjoy the show. I don't know what I'm going to do, but I have to have Miss Daisy driving ME in this....TOMORROW!!!!

Until next time...- Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Its THAT time again...

No. I'm not talking about Thanksgiving, Hanukkah's, Kwanzaa, or Christmas....but the coveted fourth quarter of music. Artists like Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne kept the summer hot and now that the leaves are starting to fall from the trees, the Giants of Hip Hop are awakening from their hibernation.

Last week I talked about the heavily anticipated release of T.I.'s Papertrail. This week lets discuss high climatic release of Kanye West's fourth studio album "808's & Heartbreak." He dramatically unveiled his new single "Love Lockdown" at the MTV Video Music Awards, back by the blaring African drums that would have made Christopher Reeves ( God bless his soul) tap his feet! I recently was watching Ellen (CHANNEL SURFING) and he was a guest on her show and he premiered the video for his new single. It looks as if the Louis Vutton Don was inspired by the movie "American Psycho,"but his hair looks like he's still on that spaceship from the Glow in the Dark Tour. As usual his creativity seems to be unmatched as I was drawn in to actually anticipate the events that were to transpire throughout the video.

Now another artist who is slated to release in the heavy fourth quarter is Kanye's label mate Common. His last two albums have been superb to say the least and I'm very elated to see what kind of music he and super producers,The Neptunes, can conger up. His first video, The Announcement was laid back, yet party inspired. I recently saw his second video, Universal Mind Control. This is definitely left field but, how many of us play baseball anyways?

Now videos are supposed to enhance songs, but in this video, Common EMBARRASSED his acting coach. The song is very upbeat and break dance-esque and he never comes out of his "too cool for school" shell. But don't take my word it, watch it for yourself!

Until Next time..- Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

P.S.A.

Excuse me. Yes, you reading this. Call your pimp/boyfriend/girlfriend/bus-it-baby/baby's mother. Not now, but RIGHT NOW!!!! After you curse them out for not paying child support, tell them that you are going to pick them up ( if you live in Ohio) because you all are going to vote early!

That's right. In Ohio, registered voters can vote early, now through election day, Nov.4. Ohioans can either vote by absentee ballot or at the Hamilton County Board of Elections, located at 824 Broadway. The Board of Elections is open Monday- Friday, 8:30am-4pm through Oct.12; Monday-Friday 8am-8pm from Oct.13- Oct.31; Saturdays 8am-12pm. For more information, visit votehamiltoncounty.org oooorrrrr call 513.632.7000.

Now you may return to your current boring-lazy-underachieving-9-5 working lives. Oh wait, you probably don't have a job. Thanks to good ol' George W.!!!! This public service anouncement was brought to you in part by Wally Vega and the gentlemen from Urbane. Until next time.

Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Cool Quote of the Week

These are a couple of the verses from Game's new album "L.A.X." He seems to manufacture pain at an uncanny rate. The way he uses colorful, yet ugly metaphors to describe things is amazing, coupled with a deeper meaning...ingenius.


"Letter to the King"

[The Game]
Second floor my hotel im rollin up bout to blaze
And zone out to this Frankie Beverly and Maze
As our days about to pass and them days in the past
He set my mind free so my mind free at last
So much that I don’t even drink from a f**kin glass
Id rather find the first fountain I can and do it fast
Didn’t understand a dream of a king now do the math
Coincidentally on your birthdays I ditched the class
Cuz the younger me, dumber me was chasin the cash
Chasin the ass, low life with his face in the grass
Ridin home from school in front of the bus
Not even thinking bout how Rosa Parks done it for us
How she stayed behind bars and she done it for us
And she stayed behind bars till she won it for us
Sometimes I wanna give up or at least take a break
That’s when I close my eyes and see Coretta Scotts face

Cuz Sometimes I wanna give up or at least take a break
That’s when I close my eyes and see Coretta Scotts face….



The word nigger is nothing like nigga
Don’t sound shit alike like Game like Jigga
One came before the other like aim and pull the trigga
One is slang for my brotha, one is hang and take a picture
The rope aint tight enough, he still alive go fix it
Pour some gasoline on him, call his daughters black bitches
Make him pick cotton, while they momma clean up the kitchen
The same cotton in white tees that’s the cotton they was pickin
If Dr. King marched today would Bill Gates march?
I know Obama would but would Hillary take part?
Great minds think great thoughts
The pictures I paint make the Mona Lisa look like fake art
I feel the pain of Nelson Mandela
Cuz when it rains it pours I need Rihannas umbrella
For Coretta Scotts tear drops
When she got the phone call that the future just took a f**kin head shot

I wonder why Jesse Jackson didn’t catch him before his body dropped
Would he give me the answer? Probably not

In this song, he brings the truth to your face and then slaps you with it. I won't stop feeling the sting from this for quite some time.

Until next time....-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Wear These: Cole Haan Oxfords

Ahhhh, the fall, time to put the Sperry Topsiders away gents and pick up some nice Mahogany colored leather, cap-toe lace ups like the ones above. Cole Haan's model is infused with Nike Air technology. Who knew Phil Knight was so style minded? These can go from business to business casual and even casual with the right jeans (Hint: Not Akdemiks!). These also will only set you back $100. Remember, its about investing in things that will last a long time. I will most likely be picking a pair up myself. Its 2008 almost 2009, leave the Stacy Adams Now and Later Gators at Harold Pener's Man of Fashion where they should be. Until next time gents, May the force be with you......
Your main man,
Debonoir

Destiny or Determination??

....."he lived the American Dream with a vengeance."- Scarface

Many people dream, but many people only dream. The people that dream in the daytime are the most dangerous, they act on their visions. Jay-z IS one of those people. Many people admire this man for his style, substance, and songs; but rarely do they know what makes this man who he is. I have revered this man for his work ethic, he always believed in himself and he did not ever let anyone tell him no. I can't be mad at that. If you believe it, it can be true. Your perception is your truth! But you can you endure, until it comes true? Many people can not. Many people take the back road to success. Hard work breeds longevity. No one will ever hand you anything, you have to take it! That's what you SHOULD learn from this video down below. It is the documentary of recording artist Jay-Z's first album "Reasonable Doubt" which is ultimately a documentary of his life. Take an hour and just absorb this video.You people of normality will just watch this video and go on about your day, but you people like me, I'll see you at the top....
Until next time...-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.


P.S.- Look at how he was dressing! He has been a trendsetter for a long time. "I can't teach you my swag. You can pay for school but you can't buy class."




Jay-Z - Reasonable Doubt Documentary

Having problems in Applied Calc?? WATCH THIS

LOL......!

Until next time- Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

So UnCool

Look closely at this picture...in the mirror. No, not at me. Look at the guy in the red in the mirror. I'm all for guys trying new things i.e. yoga, Pilate's, even ballet to improve on flexibility, but sheeesh! I would like to have children, many of them. And my scrotum cringes at this photo. LOL, but I was trying so hard to look inconspicuous, but clearly you can see me in mirror gettin my Satoralist on, ha! Have a good weekend! Until next time....-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Super Cool Music: Part II

They say that you can tell a man character not by how he acts in moments of triumph, but in moments of anguish. As Clifford "T.I." Harris' life goes, controversy is his best friend. Trials (no pun intended) and tribulations make or break a person. T.I. makes it loud and clear that 'hard takes a day and impossible takes a week' for him. In the midst of his most public hip hop beef known to date and a looming jail sentence on the horizon, that he is not fazed. He is actually enlightened and inspired simultaneously. The self proclaimed "King of the South" dethroned himself on his last effort, T.I. vs T.I.P. While it was an exceptional publicity stunt, the project overall lacked substance. While it consisted of many radio friendly songs, that effort did not exude the heart of a, king, if you will.

Fast forward to autumn 2007, T.I. was arrested the night of the B.E.T. Hip Hop Awards ( coincidence? NO) for possession of illegal firearms...not just any firearms...machine guns....WITH SILENCERS! Oh, and did I mention that he is a 3 time felon? It looked like the King of South had officially been buried. Then he releases "No Matter What,"a song about overcoming any situation that you are faced with. From then on, song after song leaked and successfully continued to sway the audience towards his album.

Then you buy the album and the first song " I'm Illy" leaves your jaw dropped like Janet Jackson at the Super Bowl. He then proceeds to spill his heart song, after, song, after, song. At some point you wonder why he's still harping on his beef with fellow ATLien Shawty Lo, but its from his heart. What more could you ask for? Also, he revealed that for this album, he started writing down his lyrics (take a hint Dwayne Carter!) which gave him a chance to really reflect on the message that he wanted to convey since he has become a voice for stopping violence. In every cloud is a silver lining, well in this case, a platinum plaque... We'll see you when you get out T.I....that is, if you EVER do go to jail.

Until Next time..-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Super Cool Music: Part I

You know school has started when: it's been 72 hours and you haven't seen Sportscenter, you haven't downloaded music in a week, and you go to bed and wake up for class in the same hour. Since school started last week, homework has increased, and life has decreased. I have been deduced to reading about Prehistoric art instead of the newest Nike Dunks that came out last week (ugh!). Yesterday, I found a couple of free hours under my bed, so I used them to catch up on some music that I have missing out on: two of the most controversial artists in hip hop right now, The Game & T.I., or T.I.P. depending on his mental state at the time.

The Game was ushered into the game on the coattails of Dr.Dre owned Aftermath Records. With the likes of Eminem, Busta Rhymes, and 50 cent as mentors, there is no way that one cannot succeed. As the story goes, Game soared off into the sunset with his first release, The Documentary, which featured the radio friendly "This is How we Do." By his second release, Doctor's Advocate, there was trouble in paradise, as his relationships with Dr.Dre & 50 cent were severed. We then saw a different side of The Game, pun intended. He was thirsty for conflict and sought lyrical warfare everyone from Joe Buddens to G Unit. This undoubtedly gave his image a new look.

With family becoming more of a priority on his third album, L.A.X., he is not looking to take a break from beef, but to spend more time with his loved ones. When family is involved, most people become more focused and more motivated, as this is the case for him on this album. His use of anti poetry is a flash of genius! His gritty content coupled with his colorful metaphors enables you to see the seams in the threads of his red bandanna. As usual, he never holds his tongue for the sake of respect; but as they say, the same thing that makes you laugh will be same thing that makes you cry. The Game's creativity is unmatched by many and his work ethic, recording 300 songs for this release, is inhumane. As much as I cringe when he speaks in interviews, I cannot help but to appreciate his artistry, as he takes your mind and soul on a journey your favorite book could never fathom. Until next time...-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

All the Small Things

As hear Lil Wayne bellow " Dear Lord, you've taken so many of my people/ I'm just wondering why, you haven't taken my life/ Like what the hell am I doing RIGHT?!?!" I can't help but to wonder why I am still here, living....but as I am always listening, so is God. I just recently got my point of refocus. On September 20, 2008 Travis Barker, drummer from band Blink 182 along with long time friend DJ AM, survived a catastrophic plane crash that killed four people.  There is no word on where they were heading but, it is pretty evident that they did not make it. Barker & the DJ suffered third degree burns all over their bodies. The last performer to pass away from from a plane crash was the angel Aaliyah. This made me so thankful to be alive. It also made me realize that I need to do everything that I can, because we never know when the plug will be pulled. Have we also realized that we are alive because God wants us here, he is not finished with us yet, so never quit!  Send your prayers out to Travis and DJ AM. Until next time....-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

The Outkast tries to fit in

Andre 3000, one half of the super hip hop group Outkast, has always been known to be eclectically intellectual and creatively classic. This time , at age 32, he had opted to turn in his mic and movie script for a pencil. A pencil that designs a vintage 'rebel- gentleman's' clothing line. His inspiration comes from that of the 1930's and the classic, vintage style seen so prevalently in England. He actually debuted his line in London this week at Harrod’s. With a name like Benjamin Bixby, this endeavour is sure to turn heads and empty pockets. I really appreciate the originality of this idea. It is quite clear that art is his profession, not business. He adds value to the old adage, "If you build it, they will come." Until next time...-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.

Super Cool Cinema

Many childhood actors make the transition from Disney to the Dead Zone. What is the Dead Zone you ask? The place where washed up childhood actors are stored until a large network needs a corny actor for a pilot reality show targeting budding dancers, ahem, Mario Lopez & America's Best Dance Crew. Well, beginning with Transformers, Shia LaBeouf, began his official journey from the shadows of the Disney Channel. I don't know if he is giving Leonardo DiCaprio a run for his money yet, but Orlando Bloom should be worried. Don't let Shia grow his hair out! In his latest movie, Eagle Eye, he gives it go with the lazy-unachieving-average Joe- turned to national hero persona again, which is most recently exhibited in the movie Wanted. He played his part very well, and added that sarcastic but witty sense of humor. The ending could have been better, but we can't have chicken & steak right?! The previews made the movie look better than it really was. The depth of the characters is what really made the movie worth while. The plot is thought provokingly scary, so it did not sit quite well with me. Don't let me decide for you though, gooo see it! Until next time...-Find your swank. Think insane. Be urbane.