So here is a surprise Ep from one of the more advertised members of Odd Future. 'Hodgy' better known as Gerard Damien Long tweeted that a week after 'Rella' hit that he would drop an E.P. Unbeknownst to us the 'The Dena tape' solo artist hit us all with this nine track mix tape. One of the most amazing things about this E.P (apart from the fact it's free) is that it does not feel rushed, although Odd Future are rushed of their feet with albums and cartoon shows to release Hodgy has still find time to contract in big producers such as Flying Lotus, Juicy J, The Alchemist, and Thelonious Martin.
Arriving off the back of his phenomenally successful sophomore album The Defamation of Strickland Banks, Plan B is back with the first single since the success of that very album. 'Ill Manors' [which is often stylized as iLL MANORS] is a grotesquely urban single in which Plan B [real name Ben Drew] returns to his emcee roots once more, the roots that ensured him major success on the underground scene on his debut album Who Needs Actions When You've Got Words. It was debuted last night on Zane Lowe's BBC Radio 1 show as the Hottest Record in the World Today and assures Plan B's eagerly anticipated return to the music scene. It appears that he has ditched the velvety tones which dominated his previous album for a politically charged anthem which features a direct attack on politicians and current affairs. Lines in the song such as 'we're not broken Britain, we're just broke in Britain' highlight the rapper's political stance, he also refers to the 2011 August Riots. Check it out...
Plan B's successful second album has given him
opportunity to explore other creative avenues
Plan B is said to be filming and directing his own film which is set to also be titled 'ill MANORS'. He has become a little bit of a rising star in the British film industry, what with starring roles in Harry Brown and Adulthood giving him a brilliant platform for him to be able to direct his own film. We're pretty sure it's going to feature scenes of Britain's deprived urban areas and the culture of crime which riddle these very districts. He will also be writing and composing the official film soundtrack himself, so he most definitely has his work cut out for him! The film will be on a big screen near you on 4 May (UK), and us here at OBWD are excited as to what he has to bring to the world of film.
Cover art for 'ill MANORS' EP
Ill Manors will be made available for download on March 25 (UK)
On Thursday we witnessed the announcing of the T in the Park festival line-up and yesterday it was announced that The Stone Roses, The Killers, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Snow Patrol would all be headlining V Festival (above). The organisers of V this year have pulled it out the bag yet again in a very much guitar orientated bill, is this a sign of the times? Other big name artists at the event will include Tinie Tempah, Example, Madness and Nero for starters, but it'll be a fight to the death as always to acquire tickets!
Stone Roses will be headlining V as
well as T in the Park. What a comeback!
V Festival have managed to snap up Noel Gallagher and
his 'High Flying Birds' after his successful #1 debut album . Do not miss!
The headline spot at V Festival as well as T in the Park
will mark a very successful campaign for Snow Patrol
And finally The Killers headlining can only mean
one thing... New material is imminent!
Following the massive flop of the last England replica home strip, kit suppliers Umbro have decided it be a fitting opportunity to make some more money out of England supporters by drafting in a new home strip just in time for the 2012 European Championships. The last kit was only worn by England players for an embarrassing eight games and has been axed as a result of poor sales. The shirt was produced with the new controversial 'Tailored by Umbro' design ethos at heart once more. Umbro are said to be designing more 'designer clothing' orientated shirts as opposed to the usual breathable garments. These are set to reflect the roots of English tailoring and high-fashion in the 18th and 19th century. We wonder what the players think! Otherwise it is a nice shirt despite the hefty price tag of £55, and it is a shirt that would look good when worn casually with, say a pair of jeans. It appears that Umbro have harked inspiration from some of the timeless shirts they made during the 80s and 90s which look good when worn even today. The England boys will be sporting the new strip in the game this week against the Netherlands at Wembley. See what you make of it all anyway....
The shirt will be available at all major sportswear retailers on 29 February 2012 and can be pre-ordered on the Umbro website.
More info on the shirt and the 'Tailored by Umbro' campaign can be found on the Umbro blog.
Shepard Fairey at The Simpsons 500th episode event
As subtly acclaimed streetwear designer and artist Shepard Fairey prepares for his introduction to The Simpsons special guest cameo 'hall of fame', we here at OBWD see it as a fitting opportunity to introduce this widely unknown figure to you UK viewers that don't already know. Shepard Fairey is a controversial figure in American art and clothing design. He is famous through his profound art and clothing design, of which features connotations of conspiracy theories and political propaganda. You will probably be aware of a streetwear brand called 'OBEY', this is Fairey's clothing label which instills this 'OBEY Propaganda' in clothing form. Like many streetwear label owners he began his trade on the underground doldrums as a graffiti artist in South Carolina. He also created prints on the undersides of skateboards before attending the Rhode Island School of Design where he attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration in 1992. His first exhibition was titled Supply & Demand in partnership with his book, and was based at the Institute of Contemporary Arts in Boston in late 2009.
The iconic 'Andre the Giant' sticker
Fairey's 'Andre the Giant has a Posse' sticker campaign (above) launched in 1989 and was to be the pedestal for purveying his street art brand. He then went on to create the instrumentally iconic Andre the Giant stencil of which he is critically acclaimed for. 19 years later he would produce the creative brilliance which would help President Barack Obama storm to the top of the popularity polls in the run up to the 2008 elections, placing him in good stead with the youth electorate.
Fairey (second right) with spray paint can in pocket
Fairey is said to be appearing in an episode entitled 'Exit Through the Kwik-e-Mart. This is said to be a direct play on a Banksy Oscar-nominated documentary called 'Exit Through the Gift Shop'. In this episode Bart is said to want to pursue a hobby in street art, he later gets caught out by Shepard Fairey and three other well known artists Ron English, Kenny Scharf and Robbie Conal, who to Bart's surprise invite him to have his work displayed in a gallery - interesting stuff! The episode will premiere on FOX in the US on March 4.
Shepard Fairey is said to have lied about the photo used in the 'HOPE' campaign
Shepard Fairey has recently pleaded guilty in a copyright infringement case involving the Barack Obama 'HOPE' campaign posters and the Associated Press (US). Fairey is said to have lied about which photo he used to create the posters of which he has admitted in court. He could face up to 6 month behind bars and a maximum fine of 5000USD which is completely baffling. This all appears to have come straight out of the blue as the 42-year-old is a phenomenally talented artist who has produced some eye-opening pieces of work spanning decades. Could this be a plot to land the man behind bars who has an influential swing at this moment in time in the States, a man who creates highly influential propaganda? Who knows!
Information about Shepard Fairey and OBEY Clothing can be found on the official website.
Thank you one and all for turning up to Tendai's apartment to celebrate his 21st birthday. It was a remarkable evening, one of which every single person came made the effort and looked impeccably stunning. Us at Only Bespoke Will Do would like to thank you all for making Tendai's birthday all the more special.
Tomorrow evening OBWD will be celebrating the Life and Times of Tendai Taruvinga's 21 years with a bespoke themed bash. Photos from the event will be posted on the blog early next week so keep your eyes peeled. Thanks for your support...
The air is feeling very much warmer at the moment and with perfect timing this has come! The official line-up for T in the Park has been announced with The Stone Roses, Kasabian and Snow Patrol all set to headline the bill at the Scottish festival. We can only guess how excited you guys are for the 2012 festival season, and with many a line-up for some of Britain's top festivals set to follow, it's only a matter of time before the summer sun comes round again and you've got a pint of refreshing cider in your hand on a packed out field! Oh to be British!
The much loved Stone Roses are set to make an
astonishing return to the music scene in spectacular fashion
Snow Patrol have made a stunning comeback
with their latest album Fallen Empires
Kasabian will be taking their stunning fourth album
'Velociraptor' for a spin with the Scottish rockers!
More details about tickets and the full line-up can be located on the official website.
This had to be posted as currently OBWD is currently shared between Leicester and Lincoln. (Lewis) I myself will be very much looking forward to seeing all of these artist perform and welcoming them into our city. Summer Sundae takes place between the 17-19 of August and is located at De Montfort Hall and Gardens in Leicester. The first acts that have been announced are as follows:
PUBLIC IMAGE LIMITED / KATY B / tUnE-yArDs / ASIAN DUB FOUNDATION / REVEREND AND THE MAKERS / WILLY MASON/ FRANCOIS AND THE ATLAS MOUNTAINS / JONATHAN RICHMAN / JUAN ZELADA / LAZY LESTER AND FRIENDS / DAN MANGAN / RACHEL SERMANNI / CASHIER NO 9 / GOODNIGHT LENIN / GRACE PETRIE / THE MAGIC TOMBOLINOS / Y NIWL
So if any of these artists take your fancy head on down to Summer Sundae Tickets to get your hands on a ticket.
The first instalment from the Golf Wang hooligans has arrived and as we wait for the eagerly anticipated 'OF TAPE VOLUME 2' (out next month 20th) they have given us this track featuring Hodgy, Domo and Tyler just to keep us on edge. with the Release of their first single 'Rella' they have added tour dates to their already expansive tour all through North America, Australia and the U.K. One of the things we love about Odd Future is the fact that there is never a dull day in the life of the Wolf Gang. Take this new video for example, this must have been amazing to film (directed by Wolf Hayley)
if you have enjoyed this creative yet tripping video you may enjoy the Odd Future Blog it has all sorts of crazy stuff throughout their day to day life. However if this is not enough to cure your insatiable appetite for these Los Angeles Rappers catch them on their U.K. tour throughout March and April.
Here at Only Bespoke we do not judge, we are not prejudice and we definitely do not discriminate. We are dedicated to bringing you the freshest and sickest videos and stories from around the world, but one thing that may just shock you is the development on the Chris Brown and Rihanna story. The pair have outraged the world by releasing two songs containing each others vocals in them, let's not forget that three years ago Chris assulted Rihanna and is still under probation for doing so. The sex charged track features lyrics that seem to be almost as if Chris is enticing Rihanna into bed with him, however this will do him no good as he still has a 10 yard ban on the multi-Brit award sex symbol. So without further adieu take a look at the more raunchier of the two remixes entitled 'Birthday Cake'
So we will leave you to make your own mind up, is it a case of two artist re-uniting in a mutual love for good music? Or is it a case of Rihanna is giving off the wrong impressions to domestic couples around the world and should know better? We'll leave that one with you guys...
So... The BRIT Awards have come and gone for another year and we've witnessed an array of various stunning ensembles sported by several of the artists nominated for awards or performing at tonight star-studded event. Here are some of the key photos from tonight's events, take your pic on who's the 'best dressed'.
Olly Murs takes to the stage with Rizzle Kicks
who are sporting their own tour tees
The One Direction boys dressed to impress to
collect their first ever award at their debut event
Blur roll back the years in a performance which sees them
win Lifetime Achievement gong with their 'Dad's on Tour' look
The beautiful Adele upon receiving her first award,
later going on to snatch the Best Album title
Ed Sheeran suited and booted to collect his
first ever Brit. Well done!
Ed Sheeran strips down to the bare
essentials for BRIT Awards performance. Keeping
it real in his much loved Element tee.
GQ 'Best Dressed Man of the Year' Tinie Tempah
in the smart and sophisticated look. The shiny jacket
brings out his skin tone nicely.
Classy look from Lana Del Rey the Best
International Breakthrough Act winner in a
Vivienne Westwood dress
Rihanna in a rather unexpected
elegant dress ahead of the show! A first.
Jessie J came home empty handed,
but looked stunning nonetheless
And it wouldn't be the BRITs without a
raunchy performance from Rihanna!
She picked up the Best International Female gong
All the BRIT Awards winners....
Critics' Choice Award - Emeli Sande
Outstanding Achievement Award - Blur
Best British Female - Adele
Best International Male - Bruno Mars
Best International Female - Rihanna
Best British Male - Ed Sheeran
Best British Group - Coldplay
Best International Group - Foo Fighters
Best Breakthrough Act - Ed Sheeran
International Breakthrough Act - Lana Del Rey
Best British Album - Adele
Best British Single - One Direction
The JLS boys usually have a horde of female attention, however tonight they more than deserve it. These well dressed lads have effortlessly inter twined street fashion with sharp dress. The Jack Lad Swing boys have sold over 3 million albums worldwide but can they get their hands on the Best British Single Award that they are nominated for?
Jessie J is looking as glamorous as ever with a red lace dress that covers a lot up but is very revealing at the same time. The dress accentuates her slender physique and will give the male audience something to stare at for most the evening. The 'Do it like a brother' Star is certainly not showing any signs of masculinity tonight! Jessie is nominated in: British Female Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act and British Single.
This is a man that clearly prides himself in standing out. A silvery grey Armani suit is sure to astound the crowd as it has us. We have to remember that is wasn't so long ago that Ben Drew wasn't so used to looking this dapper, his début album 'Who needs actions..' does not depict a suit wearing, crowd serenading, ladies man. As it stands though he is looking amazing.
Pixie is looking drop dead stunning to night wearing a strapless black dress that has a ruffled material covering the whole of it. Her hair is looking amazing swept to one side and pulled back on the opposing. Someone has obviously spent hours making her look gorgeous, with just the right amount of make-up we would say. She will definitely look the part if/when she gets up to receive her Best British Single award.
Dizzee has opted for a very crisp trench coat to don the the red carpet this year, however beneath the coat a crisp suit can be seen. Dizzee is a key part of British heritage and at only bespoke we love the guy. It was only 2 years ago when we saw him and Florence take to the stage to perform you've got the dirty love, lets see what treats he has lined up for us tonight.
And here is your host Jaammmeeess Corden looking very dapper in his black suit and waistcoat duo set off by his chequered tie. It makes you wonder just how nervous this man must be right about now with a mere half an hour to spare. He looks fairly happy though, or at least he may have an ace up his sleeve. Lets hope he has not lost his speech as the 'Gavin and Stacey' star left his 18 tickets allocated to family and friends at a sanwich bar in london earlier on this week.
Ed who is nominated in a staggering 4 separate groups is looking fresher than ever. Rocking a modest slim fitting suit and shirt combo the you star is bound to woo the ladies even if not the general public. These Garments are a dramatic change from his usually casual attire. Fingers crossed for Ed in the following categories: Male Solo Artist, British Breakthrough Act, British Single, MasterCard British Album Of The Year.
Foster the people wearing all all British clothing brands, we are Definitely loving this Los Angeles pop trio. This group best known for pumped up kicks are looking very stylish in all sorts of tweed suits and shocking colour shirts. They are nominated for the best international breakthrough act so lets wish them luck. From left to right we have Pontious, Foster and Fink.
Converse have teamed up with the digital rock juggernauts that are Gorillaz to release a a limited edition range of creps for the Spring / Summer fashion season. The collection sees a very informal design on the classic but timeless converse shoe, with design featuring members of the band. The iconic British band have now been immortalised in shoe form! Check it out....
So yes it's that time of year, it's February and with February obviously comes the barrage of awards ceremonies in music and film. Just over a week ago we had the Grammy Awards in the US of which fellow Brit Adele cleaned up! But we're all about the fashion here, which is not to say we're not big music fans ourselves, but we'll be bringing you the bare fashion essentials from what the nominees are repping on the red carpet and back stage and how you as a civilian can get the look on the high street. Please stay tuned and watch this space, we'll bringing you as much material as we can get our hands on so you can see who is frontin' the bespoke look!
The Brit Awards 2012 will be aired on ITV1 (UK) tomorrow between 1900-2000 (GMT) and will be hosted by James Corden
