The 2010 AICP Show, held last night at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, brought together a who’s who of the advertising community. Yes, Comma was very much in attendance. In fact, Comma was voted into the 2010 Show in the Musical Arrangement category for the work we did on Nike’s animated “Dunkin’ on Reindeer” spot, featuring Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, with guest turns by rappers Lupe Fiasco and KRS-One. Comma thanks Wieden +Kennedy for presenting this opportunity to us—and congratulates our very own Justin Hori, who nailed it! Comma would also like to thank MoMA, which includes each year’s Show in its film archives. In this way, the museum helps to bring the Show’s honorees (Comma and others) to the attention of thousands of museum visitors every year.

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!