Nike xmasThe package of spots for Nike’s MVPuppets holiday campaign, featuring LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, reached new heights with the two-minute music video,  “Dunking on Reindeer.”  With beats originally produced by indie hip-hop duo, the Cool Kids, the track was remixed and rearranged by Justin Hori. Max Stinson penned the song’s lyrics, which were then recorded by KRS-One of legendary hip-hop group Boogie Down Productions. In “Dunking,” KRS plays the role of Santa aka Kris Kringle, while young MC, Lupe Fiasco, plays a supporting role as the disgruntled reindeer, Blitzen.
During the recording of “Dunking,”  an idea began percolating: a hip-hop beef, old school style, complete with back-and-forth battle raps between Blitzen and Santa. So, new beats were created by Justin Hori, and Lupe Fiasco delivered a stellar verse, calling out KRS-One. KRS quickly countered with a sharp retaliation verse. Another classic hip-hop beef was entered into the books. In fact, listening to KRS’ Santa dis Fiasco’s Blitzen brings to mind the unforgettable beef between KRS and MC Shan back in 1985.
Immediately after the initial airing and posting of “Dunking on Reindeer” on YouTube, the blogs were abuzz, and the debate over who won ensued. Regardless of who emerges as the victor of the battle, one thing remains clear:  Nike’s MVPuppets spots are adored by fans of hip-hop and puppets alike. “The game is over. The game is over. Bud a bop. Baah.”

Thanks to everyone who attended! Raphael is one of the best performers touring and we’re so glad he was able to take time out of his schedule for us!

http://www.raphaelsaadiq.com

Check out more photos on our Facebook Page

We’re up and running in Santa Monica. Robot-genius Justin Hori is nestled in & composing in his new studio, blocks from the ocean, thousands of miles away from Chicago’s frozen flurries.

Bonny Dolan’s Executive Producing for both locations, though she’s currently in LA with freelancing producer Lisa Kleckner Ansis at her side. Kate Adams keeps the office smooth and stocked with treats while Tommy Romersa (& bulldog pal, Harley) cover client contact in the region.

As an added bonus (!!!) we’ve thrown in Stacy Paris, the young lass running Foundation Content’s west coast operations from our very own Santa Monica space.

Stop by and say hello!

Justin (aka jus one) and DJ SD are special guests on Garth Trinidad’s Chocolate City All Stars channel on Scion Radio 17. Listen to excerpts from the latest edition of the Sexy Beast mixtape series and an interview with the DJs at Scion Radio 17 Tight biscuits! Email Justin for a copy of the mix.

Click here for a Holga Holiday Video!

Punch Recipe:

One liter ginger ale.

One quart orange sherbert.

One can concentrated orange juice.

One bottle vodka.

Put sherbert and concentrated oj in punch bowl. Wait twenty minutes for them to soften. Add vodka and ginger ale. Mix. Enjoy. (You are going to want to buy two of everything so you can make it again quickly when it runs out immediately. People love this punch.)

Variations: Add cut fruit! Add pink lemonade! Add Sprite if you run out of ginger ale!

Thanks to Kate McCombs and Warner/Chappell!

plain white t's: acoustic set

punch: delicioso!

plain white ts: acoustic set

plain white t's: acoustic set

pwts: with kate, morgan, & seng

pwts: autographs!

Happy Holidays!
You may have received a colorful package in your inbox.
If you did, we hope you put it to good use.
Here are some helpful hints on your new toy camera.

One of the really special things about the Holga is it’s…unpredictability. You may have noticed that on the Holga, the viewfinder is not connected to the lens…making it easy to forget to remove the lenscap. The Holga comes with electrical tape so you can tape up the back panel…which sometimes leaks light.

We’ve found that, as with most cameras, the Holga prefers daylight. But you can get some great effects on your film by using the colored flashes on your indoor photos. If you want a clear shot, we recommend the “W” flash setting (white?). But if you want to look like you spent all night at a righteous party; yellow, red, and blue will do.

The Holga takes 120 film (instead of 35mm.) Your prints will be square; usually 4×4 or 5×5.
You can purchase and develop it at some of the places below:

Lomography
http://shop.lomography.com/shop/

Helix Camera & Video
www.helixcamera.com
310 S. Racine
Chicago, Il 60607
Phone: 312-421-7030

Gamma Imaging
http://www.gammaimaging.com/
222 N. Des Plaines (at lake street)
Chicago, Illinois 60661
312 337 0022 phone

Ritz Camera
most locations, but call ahead
http://www.ritzcamera.com/