L to R: Anson Carter, Warrick Dunn, Jonathan Johnson-Griffin, Fred McCrary

Señor Kaos warming up the crowd

JJG and a piece of the Nike 2013 BHM footwear & apparel collection designed by Jonthan Johnson-Griffin

Former Atlanta Falcon Warrick Dunn

Señor Kaos, Anson Carter, Warrick Dunn, Janice McKenzie-Crayton, Alicia Willis, JJG, Fred McCrary, Christian Weaver

Today Nike releases two new colors of the Nike+ Fuelband. In addition to the Black/Steel color that launched early this year, now there’s two new colors known as black ice & white ice. The ice Fuelbands are transparent so you can see the microchips inside. In addition to these new bands being available at Nike stores, Apple retailers are also now selling the Fuelband.

If you remember earlier this year the Nike+ Fuelband was thee hot item to have. It was only sold in two Nike stores in NYC and anybody else that wanted it had to be lucky enough to catch it when the online replenishment came through on Mondays. Now with the widened distribution consumers around the country have more access to the Fuelband. That’s pretty HUGE.

I’ve had mine since about April and I love it. If I forget to wear it, or leave it at home, I’m upset at the fuel points I could be gaining. It’s also cool to compete with friends who have one as well. The Nike+ Fuelband measures your activity during a days time. It turns your movement into “Fuel” and also tracks steps, and calories. Once you know how active you are, you’ll want to be more active and that’s the inspiration behind the Fuelband.

Now that Apple stores are carrying the Fuelband and it may be easier to get ahold of one, will you be copping?

Nike+ FuelBand and Path: A Day with Ndamukong Suh

Suh shows you how to get 6,000 Fuel points. Life is a sport… Make It Count!

Cornerstone is a marketing firm based in NYC that started in the later half of the 90′s by music industry insider Rob Stone. I’m not sure how long they’ve been cranking out the Cornerstone Mixtapes actually, by the time I heard of them, the series was on around Volume 16 and that was around the year 2000. What I do know though, is the mixtapes were never sold at retail, they were only sent to DJ’s, promoters, tastemakers, industry insiders, etc. via mail. In order to get a copy you had to be in the know. Each volume featured the newest music straight from the labels (before you could download something off a blog). Receiving a mixtape in the mail meant you were getting a new mix from some of the best DJ’s from NYC and around the country as well as something exclusive. It also meant you were in the know and probably a person people needed to know in your city.

In addition to new music, the cornerstone mixes also promoted the latest products from various brands including: Levis, Brand Jordan, Dodge, Trojan (Condoms), Converse, etc. They were the first to create a real synergy between Hip Hop mixtapes and corporate marketing.

It took a while before I made it on the list (Shouts to DJ Mega). Over the years it seems as if I’ve ended up with a whole collection of these things. Every once in a while I would take some time and listen to these old mixes. Some are still great, while others sound very dated.

Some of my CD’s include mixes from the Beatminerz, J. Period, Aphiliates (Drama, Don Cannon, Jaycee, Jamad, Ox), Mick Boogie, Clark Kent, Mark Ronson, etc. I just went through my collection today, and snapped a few pics, and wanted to share this story for those who may have never heard of these mixtapes. These are true collectors items.

Excellent Makers are not defined by success, wealth, or status, but by a passion for what they do. These craftsmen, athletes, artists, and musicians believe in sharing their authentic, inspired visions with everyone and everything they touch.

In addition to the music, it also looks like Converse is using this project to market the new Chuck Talyor All Star “Padded Collar” sneaker. Yo Fresh! Gone and send me a pair of those joints so I can stay fresh too.

Stream below or Download HERE.

Tracklist:

1. G.G.G (Okay, Okay) produced by Benamin
2. We On Again produced by D/Will
3. Cool Thoughts feat. Om’mas Keith prod. by BMB Spacekid
4. Believe the Hype feat. Murs produced by Shigeto
5. You Love it Though feat. Mike Bake the Bike Maker produced by Shuko & Audiotreats
6. C4 feat. Rockwell Knuckles produced by Doc Illingsworth
7. Submarine Bass Face (Turn me up!) feat. Suede Jury & Melo-X produced by P.U.D.G.E
8. Pregamin’ produced by Sabzi
9. Laced up produced by Jinesis additional production by Benamin
10. Don’t You Agree feat. Om’mas Keith produced by Sam Champ
11. Workin’ it Out (‘96 Cipher style) feat. Moruf & Black Spade produced by Suede Jury
12. The way it is (For Stella) feat. Black Spade produced by Black Spade co-production by Benamin

(more…)

On April 24th, Bo Jackson will begin Bo Bikes Bama, a five-day bicycle trip through tornado-ravaged parts of Alabama to help raise $1 million for the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund. Nike is one of a handful of sponsors who will help with this project, along with Trek and CSE, but Bo is also looking for donations as well as fellow riders. Hit the jump for a video detailing Bo Bikes Bama (yes, you could ride bikes with BO JACKSON), and head to BoBikesBama.com to learn more.

I guess it’s time to make an announcement! I’ve been selected as a Nike Better World Champion for the Atlanta, GA market. Nike Better World deals with sustainability, as well as finding a journey to a better world through sport. As April approaches, there will be some really exciting things I will be working on including Ultra-Endurance Jason Lester’s run from Niketown New York to Eugene, Oregon.

Anyone who knows me or my music, knows I have a passion for making the world a better place. Whether it’s inspiring through my music, mentoring youth at the Boys & Girls Club, or fighting against police brutality, I’ve always believed in doing the right thing.

So needless to say I’m excited to be working with the Swoosh in the capacity of the Better World Ambassador for my city. Stay tuned as I will be blogging about my journey for a Better World.