Travel
VICE: The Japanese Love Industry (Video)
‘In a society that commoditizes everything, sex sells, and the Japanese are buying!’
– Ryan Duffy, VICE
VICE with another very interesting expo. We posted the one on successful women ‘hiring out’ for boyfriends a short while ago. So, what might happen to a society that, on the whole, does more ‘microwave dating’ than mating and creating families? VIBE found an answer… Less focus on family, and more focus on buying, has left Japan a nation that is dying.
‘Japan is a country that is dying—literally. Japan has more people over the age of 65 and the smallest number of people under the age of 15 in the world. It has the fastest negative population growth in the world, and that’s because hardly anyone is having babies. In these difficult times, the Japanese are putting marriage and families on the back burner and seeking recreational love and affection as a form of cheap escape with no strings attached. We sent Ryan Duffy to investigate this phenomenon, which led him to Tokyo’s cuddle cafes and Yakuza-sponsored prostitution rings.’
– VICE
VICE: Japanese Boyfriends For Hire (Video)
“In Japan, it’s not uncommon for successful women to pay attractive young men huge sums of money for a few cocktails and an hour of platonic companionship. VICE in conjunction with Schweppes sends correspondent Joel Cornell to Shibuya to explore this strange world and to find out if he can cut it as a professional boyfriend for hire.”
– VICE
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 19: Vancouver, Canada… That’s A Wrap… Season Finale With The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
Man. Even with your bros, even rolling in a luxury tour bus… the road can get old. And too long a trip across the Canadian outback, it can get COLD! Same crappy food… crazy sound setups… gotta ask why a deejay does what he does sometimes. Then, take another look… at the beauty everywhere. The people partying everywhere. It is what Jazzy Jeff, Skillz and the crew were meant to do. Wrapping Canada in Vancouver, with quick stop in Seattle to get the mixer fixed… then a New Year’s Eve extravaganza featuring a drum and DJ set (none other than fellow Philly native Questlove on the drums). THAT’s a season finale! Watch.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EPISODE 18 | 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
Read the rest of this entry »
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 18: Across the Canadian Countryside With the Magnificent ‘DJ Jazzy Jeff’ (Video)
For Episode 18, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Skillz and the rest of the guys continue on the tour bus… across Canada’s back highways and woodlands… In their company, deejays, an emcee, and Jeff can make beats. So, there WILL be music available; with video games and TV, there should be much male bonding. But before leaving civilization, the gang MUST hit up the Wal-Mart for supplies (of course).
Now, eventually, we do get to see the fellas work a couple of parties. But this trip is mostly hanging out in different spots as they go about day-to-day activities. Highlight: With the artistic and engineering genius it takes to put on their shows, why does doing the LAUNDRY puzzle these dudes so? Hilarious.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EPISODE 17 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
Pusha T Speaks On His Native Virginia, His Path To Success, And More While In Jamaica (Video)
Mr. Numbers on the Boards chit-chats with Noah Callahan-Bever (of Complex Magazine) on the Mass Appeal Media channel. Pusha T was in Jamaica to do the video shoot for his single “Blocka.” Talking about keeping roots in Virginia but going beyond Virginia (like to Jamaica) in his music… about how he might crossover if he was ever to crossover… his relationship with producer, fellow Virginian and friend Pharrell Williams… and more. UPDATE: Part 2 of this video below…
King I Divine – “Reign Showers” (Video)
Incredible! Top to bottom. Enjoy the audio and visual stimulation provided above.
‘The first official video from my new album “Reign Showers.” The visuals give a little insight on what inspired me and what I used to make the beat. It was also shot in Panama. Check it out, and if you dig please share it!! Thank you for supporting!’
– King I Divine
This is the title track to King I Divine’s “Reign Showers” instrumental LP. We posted on that here earlier.
Rich Kidd Gets It Crackin’ In Canada During The Caribana Festival (Video)
Ghana-by-way-of-Toronto rapper/producer Rich Kidd goes up to North North America for a work-cation – ending up at Canada’s Caribana parade, but not before doing some studio work with Young Guru, doing some stage time, and visiting The Remix Project (a community center for kids interested in music and film).
But the Kidd finally does get to the festival of fine women, and he gets it in. Chatting, partying… running amok on the streets… horsing around so wild he manages to break his ankle (different spin on “break a leg, Kidd“ to be certain). Now, you might think laughter is the best medicine; but check out the medical ASS-istance Rich Kidd gets instead. Crazy!
PRIORS: RICH KIDD – A VIBE CALLED QUEST FEAT. DENZIL PORTER & LORDQUEST
Read the rest of this entry »
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 17: Globetrotting From Capetown To Canada With DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
For Episode 17, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Skillz finish strong in South Africa. Capetown… promo, press, radio, demo show at a school… all to work up interest and ensure high attendance for the party. And what a party!
‘Our job is, pretty much, is to go around the world and make people have a good time.’
And after a job well done in South Africa, the fellas hop that ocean to get a week’s rest… then back at it! Cross country, east to west coast, Canadian tour… but in a NICE tour bus. More ‘chill time’ on this tour, but even down time on the bus is time for Jeff to work on beats in his rolling suite! Everybody can’t do this, but thanks to Vinyl Destination, everybody can ride along.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EPISODE 16 | 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
VICE: The Harlem Globetrotters & Dennis Rodman Visit North Korea (Video)
I’ve been posting interesting stories & documentaries from VICE for a few years now. And this isn’t the first time we’ve posted their reports on North Korea, but what makes this particular trip back to North Korea wildly interesting is they’ve brought along the Harlem Globetrotters & former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman. The news that VICE was returning to North Korea & that NBA champion Dennis Rodman agreed to go with them sent shockwaves throughout the world & had everyone around the globe talking. There’s moments of hilarity in this video captured this North Korea trip but it wasn’t at all perpetuated by Dennis Rodman. It was in the cultural differences & appearances the North Korean government was trying to keep up for their guests. Overall from watching this video of the trip to North Korea it’s clear that the Harlem Globetrotters may have left the biggest impact on this diplomatic exchange.
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 16: ‘Bout That Life… Wild Life in Africa With The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
For Episode 16, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Skillz and the crew go on safari in Africa. But that’s not the only place they experience the ‘wild life’ in this episode. Another great time tripping with Jazzy Jeff. Watch.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EPISODE 15 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 15: From Europe To South Africa With The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
In episode 15 of Vinyl Destination, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Skillz take us through Switzerland and London … then off to Cape Town (South Africa). Starting with spider bites on the lip? Breakfast for 97 bucks? Damn… and damn! And according to Jeff, this trip still wasn’t as scary as his other South African show with Will Smith back in the day. At least nothing crawled up his leg during these sets. Break beats, break dancers, watching record-breaking super-sonic skydiving (like we did on here), building with DJ Premier.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EPISODE 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1
Read the rest of this entry »
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 14: Off To Madrid With The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
In episode 14 of Vinyl Destination, DJ Jazzy Jeff takes us to Madrid to kick off a European tour. And Skillz has a confession:
‘I got vinyl. I have plenty of vinyl… I literally remember going to Food Lion stealing milk crates… so I could put my records in them. Yeah, I did that!’
Okay, so it was wrong. But Skillz really wanted to be a deejay back in the day. Now, the dinner conversation was fun… but Jeff rocking the show later? C’mon! Off the meter! And the vid isn’t even half over by that point. Another great trip for Vinyl Destination.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EP 13 | EP 12 | EP 11 | EP 10 | EP 9 | EP 8 | EP 7 | EP 6 | EP 5 | EP 4 | EP 3 | EP 2 | EP1
Read the rest of this entry »
Fresh Off The Boat With Eddie Huang: Back in Taiwan (Video)
“This is a 5,000 year old culture. The medicine is different. We have a different way of life. And it’s not better. It’s not worse. It’s just what it is.”
– Eddie Huang
For this Fresh Off The Boat (From Vice), Eddie Huang heads back to Taiwan. The 3-parter starts with Eddie exploring metal music in Taiwan scene – face paint, screaming lessons, and furry pink pillows. In Gongguan, there’s diner and debate (on Taiwanese independence) over a home cooked meal with local metal group, CHTHONIC. All this and more. Press play and step off the boat with Eddie.
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 13: Celebrating Independence Day With The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
In episode 13 of Vinyl Destination, DJ Jazzy Jeff was back home with family… so to speak… doing his thing on stage with his fam The Roots in the hometown Philly. Everybody from Queen Latifah to Common to Daryl Hall was in town for the Fourth of July celebration show. Great practice footage; and the fanfare and fireworks at the concert were appropriate for the incredible show enjoyed by all. An unparalleled celebration of America in the city of its birth. But the party didn’t stop there. It was off to Dusk (a venue in Atlantic City). On the way, Jeff shared some touching sentiments about his late friend DJ AM.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EP. 12 | EP. 11 | EP. 10 | EP. 9 | EP. 8 | EP. 7 | EP. 6 | EP. 5 | EP. 4 | EP. 3 | EP. 2 | EP. 1
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 12: What Happens in Vegas… With The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
In episode 12 of Vinyl Destination, DJ Jazzy Jeff is back in the USA. Vegas baby! Partying in the desert is great time for Skillz on the mic and Jeff cutting loose with the blends. But before you know, the duo is back up bright and early; heading out to join Jill Scott for her Block Party Tour in the morning.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EPISODE 11 | EP. 10 | EP. 9 | EP. 8 | EP. 7 | EP. 6 | EP. 5 | EP. 4 | EP. 3 | EP. 2 | EP. 1
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 11: Farewell UK, Hello USA With The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
In episode 11 of Vinyl Destination, DJ Jazzy Jeff wraps the European leg of his tour in London; doing some TV taping from his ‘private beach’ taking a trip out to the Bristol countryside with the crew (and some KFC). Of course, they receive high praise for the last hoorah in Europe before flying back stateside (Washington DC). But Skillz, Jeff, and the rest could not get love everywhere in the UK… Wonder why the restaurant would not let them sit down?
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EPISODE 10 | EPISODE 9 | EP. 8 | EP. 7 | EP. 6 | EP. 5 | EP. 4 | EP. 3 | EP. 2 | EP. 1
Fatman Scoop ‘Hits the Floor’ to Party in Lebanon. YOLO! (Video)
Damn! Talk about ball ’til you fall. More like wild out until you fall out. Laugh with Fatman Scoop as he starts the party… then hits the floor… and yet… the party don’t stop. Now, that’s a DJ!
‘I hope somebody caught that on video, because I need that for my f#cking website!’
– Fatman Scoop
Scoop is Scoop worldwide. Fun even in folly. Check out the hilarious clip.
Travel: Hotels Overbooked? Don’t Camp Out… ‘Glamp’ Out In Style (Video)
World travelers hoping to get into some of the biggest events are elated when they do. But then… they often run into a classic logistics problem: There are no hotel rooms available. Where am I going to stay? Enter companies like Snoozebox and Pop-Up Hotels. They allow folks to stay near the events, without sleeping in cars or on the ground. This is high-class ‘roughing it’… Now, jet-setters (or folks with some jet-set cash) can glamorously camp (or ‘glamp’) out in style – with amenities like air conditioning and showers! Check out how they do it in the video clip after the jump.
– @ojones1
50 Cent & G-Unit At ‘X Games’ in Barcelona and in Brussels (Video)
50 Cent takes Precious Paris, Tony Yayo, Kidd Kidd and DJ Whoo Kid to the X Games… in Barcelona, Spain… and to meet Tony Hawk… and tear down a stage or two. This video could easily be re-titled ‘G-Unit Living the Hip-Hop High Life To The Fullest’ starring 50 Cent and friends. Cap the excursion with 50 Cent hopping over to Fiesta Club Louis in Brussels to get it in with and for the fans, and you’ve got yourself a complete experience AND a video short worth watching!
Vinyl Destination | Ep. 10: Dirty Laundry In London With The Magnificent DJ Jazzy Jeff (Video)
In episode 10 of Vinyl Destination Philly’s finest DJ & producer DJ Jazzy Jeff continues on with the European leg of his tour along with his crew as they travel by planes, trains, & automobiles through Romania, France, & eventually finding their way to the UK in London. In this particular episode we again find DJ Jazzy Jeff speaking on the good & bad of traveling around the world including those times when it’s necessary to air out ‘dirty laundry’.
WATCH: PREVIOUS ‘VINYL DESTINATION’ EPISODES
EPISODE 9 | EPISODE 8 | EPISODE 7 | EPISODE 6 | EP. 5 | EP. 4 | EP. 3 | EP. 2 | EP. 1
Read the rest of this entry »