Dank&&Dapper represents the idea of being or striving to be a well-rounded and multi-dimensional individual. Meeting your own standards of cool without sacrificing the beauty of the mind to appease the masses. Often times, you'll find that the union of beauty and substance to be a rarity. The purpose of this blog is to serve as a reminder that being yourself while pursuing a dream is much more gratifying, no matter what. You must appeal to yourself before you appeal to others. Dank&&Dapper is also the name of a lifestyle-brand I plan to launch in the very near future. In the meantime, delight in the visions of a visionary. [=♥

Saturday, July 30, 2011

VIDEO: THEOPHILUS LONDON x HUMDRUM TOWN


I close my eyes and witness the energy crawl from the music and creep into my soul.
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Thursday, July 28, 2011

UNIFORMED-UNICORN

First, let's take a minute to celebrate on the fact that the summer semester is over. And I'm free. And I'm screaming out loud in relief. Yes! Secondly, this blog post title is gonna be some random-empty-headed individual's tumblr name within 30 seconds of peeping this. Thirdly, throughout the semester, I don't put much thought or effort into an outfit. I just wear whatever brings me comfort which is usually a button-up with high-waist-denims or some variation of that. Nothing short of a uniform. Comfort over everything. So. Yeah, to commemorate the end of that strife, I copped my favorite snacks at the cornerstore on my way home: Arizona tea and plantain chips. Yeuhhh. Lol. Oh, by the way, this is the facial expression I've been wearing all day. Even while I slept.
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And like this

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And like this.

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That's my creepy smile. Hai. (:

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Wednesday, July 27, 2011

FEATURED ON: MUSINGS-OF-KRAV x C.W.I. PART II

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Click to read the interview.

Peace and love to Maricia of www.musingsofkrav.com for the acknowledgement. Beyond appreciative.
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VIDEO: HIGHLINE BALLROOM NYC x YOUNG JEEZY + MORE [LIVE]


Filmed by: Slick Jackson.

Much love to my homie, Slick for the amazing visuals. I heard about the show, but I had no idea Jeezy would bring out the likes of Jay, Kanye West, Fab and some other greats. Watch the video and find out, why don't cha?
This performance had to be epic beyond fathomable proportions. At least for the attendees.
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TEFFILOSOPHY VOL.5 x THE THIRD ELEMENT

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[Revised on: 11-8-11]
Have you attempted to write a poetic-prose about the self? It's not as easy as it may seem. Especially when you try to achieve some brand of order to keep from confusing your audience. You want it to leave this permanent imprint on the reader. Sort of pull the reader in and enclose 'em within its literary curtains. Initially, I philosophized this in solitude, so adapting it to suit the reader poses as a severe struggle. Do read on.

I am the 3rd element. This self-actualization philosophy was conceived shortly after conducting a self-shoot this past Saturday, 7-23-2011. To those of you who are unaware, water is, accepted by most as the 3rd element. The number 3 stands as a symbol of luck and is, indeed, most favorite number for many more reasons that need not be mentioned. Well, I suppose it would permit room for a better understanding if I did mention a few. The number 3, in many cases, symbolizes the unity of the mind, body and the spirit. This significance has held relevance consistent throughout history, but to me it symbolizes my pursuit of self-enlightenment, as well as self-fulfilment and my need to establish a stronger bond between the self and the self-that-examines-the-self. The-self-that-examines-the-self, to me, is an alias for the spirit. Furthermore, the element water, I feel, is representative of the fluidity of thoughts and emotions. I feel and express my emotions as freely as they come to me. Hence, I am primarily governed by them, whether voluntarily or involuntarily. Any emotion evoked involuntarily is fueled by passion; rendering it sincere. Conversely, any emotion evoked voluntarily is either false in a nature or a defense mechanism.
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The number 3 is the second triangular number--the triangle, numerologically speaking, is symbolic of creativity, proportion and ascension; 3 key things I believe that I possess, as well as pursue. The triangle, also representative of sacred trinity: the mind, body and soul/spirit --the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit -- Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, etc.

I chose to revise this on my birth primarily because of the date: 11-8-11. 8 subtracted from 11 equates 3 and conversely, 11 subtracted from 8 equates -3. The date, in itself, is golden.
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Monday, July 25, 2011

VIDEO: TALIB KWELI x KENDRICK LAMAR [LIVE]


I've been rendered speechless. If someone could honestly and boldly state that Kendrick Lamar lacks as an artist, they might want to dedicate some time to rediscovering the distinction between art and bullshit. I wonder if this is a freestyle. I need it on iPod as bad as I need this next breath I am about to take. Funny I stated I was rendered speechless, then proceeded to unveil all this unnecessary bullshit. Not that my opinion is bullshit. And I'm still typing away. And you're still reading. I now own your mind. Bye.
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A 1000 WORDS x SAM HESSAMIAN PHOTOGRAPHY

It's rare that I get enticed with the work of a photographer. A photographer as in singular. Just one. This can be attributed to the fact that the artists that I have a familiarity with their work, much like myself, don't maintain a consistency. Plus, I'd much rather stay within my lane in terms of photography. A sure way to remain true to my vision and artistry by minimizing outside influences. BUT that besides the point. I've spent the past hour drooling, gazing, and delighting in the work of NY-based-photographer, Sam Hessamian. A good portion of my admiration of his work probably lies with the fact he's photographed one of my favorite new faces in modeling, Olga Boiko. You'll recognize her as the beautiful brunette bearing an equally beautifully-placed mole above her lip. Sam's work with B&W film is phenomenal and stands as a testament to my incessant love for B&W photography. I'm also working on experimenting with film and polaroid before the summer is over. I have a photography-enthusiast as a friend in possession of a Yashica, not certain what model. We shall see. Oh, by the way, last night, I came up with a title and a concept for my photography project for the autumn season. I am beyond excited.
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VIDEO: ROBYN x "CALL YOUR GIRLFRIEND"


Yet another beautifully-constructed video, as are her other videos. Vibrant-simplicity. I feel as though that's a consistency with non-Hip-Hop songs; a stronger presence of that artistic-flare. Kanye is the only artist I can think to date that aims to create an artistic imprint in most of this videos. A true testament to the caliber he dwells in as an artist.
Her haircut and color is ideal. That's the tone of platinum-blonde I'm aiming for next. Shhh, don't tell a soul.
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Saturday, July 23, 2011

VIDEO: MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE x "HELENA"


Easily one of the most beautifully-constructed videos next to Kristina Perry's "jar of hearts" and many others. Yeah, I don't believe the previous statement requires explanation.
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AUDIO: L.A. x "I'M ALIVE" [PROD. HIPPIE SABOTAGE]

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Click here to download L.A.'s "I'm Alive" off of up and coming project titled, "L.A. Riots".

Lyrical-giant and dear friend L.A. has devoured yet another track. And that's as much as I can disclose. If you want to witness it, simply download and support great music. I promise, it'll be well-worth it. Also, do me the grand favor of visiting www.UCanCallMeLA.com for much more greatness.
P.S.: Have you seen this?
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VIDEO: KANYE WEST x JAY Z x "WATCH THE THRONE" [DOCUMENTARY]

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This is easily one of the most-anticipated-albums in the history of music as a whole. Upon hearing "H.A.M." and now "Otis", I joined the anticipating bunch. I can imagine the reviews on this album being split by both Kanye and Jay Z fans respectively. Some will say Ye outshadowed Hov, while others will say vise versa. Either way, I have a strong feeling it'll be deemed a classic by my standards. This feeling was conceived upon watching the documentary below. Very inspiring to see the work and happenings that's going on behind the process of creating this album. What I find most enticing is the interaction between both artists. I couldn't help, but notice Russell Crowe present in this video. He's one of my favorite actors of all-time. Like, I delight in the roles that he chooses and his ability to bring each character to life. My love for his accent resides on a whole other stratosphere.

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GET BETTER WITH TIME LIKE FINE-WINE

Some of you may be able to relate. Or not, but it's truly a bother to come from a family of camera-challenged individuals. lol I've commented on this before, but thankfully, my cousin, Mary is getting better and better each time I coach her. These pictures were taken on Monday. Yes, I do realize I am wearing leggings, Black leggings at that. What? It was a cold morning. Then, the heat hit and I looked within myself and question "WTF is wrong with you?". I woke up kind of late due to the fact my sleeping-pattern often suffers in the summertime. I just threw on whatever. lol I get asked often what's the inspiration behind my "look": my mood, really.
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Fun-day. Hot-day. Mostly a hot day. It's been exceptionally hot in New York so far this month. I'm a November-baby; I am not a fan of the heat. Though I was born in Nigeria. lol I just knew I was destined for a colder climate, ya know.
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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

VIDEO: K BOY x KENDRICK LAMAR x "MALCOLM X"


You need not be a stranger to my admiration with the undeniably amazing Kendrick Lamar. Why? It's really quite self-explanatory.
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VIDEO: MORUF x "DARRYL STRAWBERRY"


Click to download Moruf's "Ready To Live". Amazing artist with a mildly-addictive sound. Try listening to one Moruf track without seeking enjoyment in another. Respect.
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EVENT: FORT GREENE FEST. x MOS DEF + MORE

I've been beating myself up since last summer due to the fact that there were numerous FREE musical shows/festivals and I wasn't at all in attendance to either one of 'em. I vowed to not allow the same blunder to repeat itself the following summer. For example, the BK Hip-hop festival(which I ended up missing this summer, by the way; uggghhhhh) and some Barrel House Brooklyn shows, etc. However, I did attend the Fort Greene fest. lol if you're reading this and familiar with the date of its occurrence, you're probably thinking, "what in the world took you so long to blog about this?". Welp, there's school and then there's bullshitting. The bullshitting aspect superceding the school aspect, by the way. Yeah, then, there's the whole sharing a computer with your siblings thing. I need my own laptop, honestly. Perhaps then you'd hear more from me. ANYways. The festival was amazing. Beautiful people, amazing food as well as amazing clothing-vendors, the energy was inexplainable (for a split second, I felt like I was in NY circa 198-something), the music was energy-filled and ranged from R&B soul to funk. Ugh. The DJs were great AND it was co-hosted by the ever-so-amazing, Rosie Perez. You remember her, right? From the 1992 film, "White Man Can't Jump"? And I believe she also choreographed for "In Living Color". Amazing woman. I delighted in her accent. AND as you can tell by the title, King Mos Def headlined the show. Though he came out later than scheduled and anticipated, I was still swooning at the fact I was witnessing a living legend's performance. I tried to get as close as possible to get some good shots, thankfully, the crowd was a lot more pleasant than they were at Theophilus L.'s show. lol. I took it upon myself to capture some things that captivated me in one way or another while waiting roughly 4 hours under the sun. Ya know, as I usually do. We'll start off with Mos Def.
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Met a London-based photographer by the name of Matt King, you can find the photographs he took of the event and of myself by clicking right hurrr
Hit the jump for much more.

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Tuesday, July 19, 2011

VIDEO: GENERATION X x THE PRELUDE

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Featuring myself, Ricci Steez, L.A., LaFayette Bless, Kreemo + more. Masterminded by Alexandria Williams. Much love to her for providing a platform for us to further get our voices heard.

I've honestly anticipated the release of this short, documentary-style piece since filming back in June. I had a lot to say. I'm such an awkward individual. Ha! I could barely get through my part(s?), I fast forwarded. I'll come around to watching it in its entirety eventually. Yeah. So. Click play and give heed to young voices. Peace.

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RELEVANCE TRADES MASTERS

About two weeks ago, I came into the realization that I hadn't (mind you, this was prior to most of the photos I've posted in the past couple of updates), that I haven't conducted a self-shoot in a minute. If you've been following my blog, better yet, my photography, you should be familiar with my reluctance to use flash. My dislike for flash is borderline immense. Unless it's an external flash. Then, it's tolerable. Anyway doe. It's also seldom that I do self-shoots in the daytime, being that inspiration for 'em usually comes in the wee hours of the morning. No real concept to this, really. Just me, one of my favorite shirts, quirky faces and then some. Yeahhhhh. lol

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