–Recapping: ABDC's Top 10 Performance

This Sunday (Aug 2) check out the ABDC's Special recapping (Season 1-3) the most memorable and best performances. Here's a sneak peak.



Season 2 Highlights
Season 3 Highlights

Source: Blogging Best Dance Crew, YouTube: fanscapevideos

–JBWKZ on SYTYCD!

Ah- this was sick, glad they made the crossover to perform. I miss watching them on TV, I had to re-watch the performance again and again to see all the details.

–Power Up (Feat. Pacman & Moon)

Glad Philip continues to upload videos like this, so sick!

Wow –BBC "Billionaire Tee"

NICE! Such creative Typography!



Worth the $80?

Source: Billionaire Boys Club

Conan O'Brien –Manga Voiceover

This is Hella funny for manga fans and non-fans. (Check it out before the network takes it down)



Sidebar: This show is probably one of the reasons why I still stay up, esp. for unproductive/lazy day.

ABDC4 –Crews Announced! UPDATED

..Hmm we'll see, these crews got a lot to prove. Forsure there are some fan favorites but i dunno a lot of crews have these crazy "antics" (damn vogue dancers w/ 1 transgender, Cowboys, contemporary dancers). Swear they're trying to get different "styles" and just add in -hop to end of it. But i'll give it a shot there are a couple crews i haven't heard of or seen.
Dance Footage and Interviews ADDED.

AFROBORIKE (Las Vegas, NV) [Footage/Interview] – Comprised of fiery Puerto Ricans and Cubans, Afroborike is a hot Salsa crew ready to bring their own brand of raw and sexy Latin dancing to America.

ARTISTRY IN MOTION (North Hollywood, CA) [Audition Click Here] [Footage/Interview] – An all-female crew trying to break the stereotype of “bootyshakers,” they are strong-minded women who bring their own contemporary and original style called “contemp-hop.” (WTH?)

BEAT YA FEET KINGS (Washington, D.C.) [Audition Click Here] [Footage/Interview] – This D.C. crew will take the stage with their very own dance style called “Beatin’ Ya Feet.” Their performances consist of a unique mix of footwork that could make them unstoppable. Although their style is currently only known around the D.C. area, the Kings believe they have created something the rest of the world should see and catch up to. Featured on “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” and an MTV inauguration special, they are slowly making their way into the public eye.

FR3SH (Matawan, NJ) [Audition Click Here] [Footage/Interview] – With a unique blend of jazz and funk, Fr3sh infuses a sense of humor into their choreography and compare themselves to the movie “The Breakfast Club,” priding themselves on being rowdy and rebellious. Their mix of sarcasm, humor, cockiness and raw talent could take them all the way to the top.

WE ARE HEROES (Los Angeles, CA) [Footage/Interview] – This group of effervescent young women came together from New York, Idaho and as far as Japan to fulfill their dreams of dancing in Hollywood. Growing up in all corners of the globe, they were inspired by everything from Fred Astaire to Michael Jackson and have honed their dancing into something they call “Glam Style,” which they hope is good enough to crown them the first girl crew to win “ABDC.”

MASSIVE MONKEES (Seattle, WA) [Audition Click Here] [Footage/Interview] – This Seattle crew have grinded their way through national and international competition at the highest level over the past five years. They have won a number of prestigious titles including B-boy Summit 2000 and the World B-boy Championships at Wembley Arena in London, England.

RHYTHM CITY (Bronx, NY) [Audition Click Here] [Footage/Interview] – Struggling on the streets of the Bronx with little to no familial support gave Rhythm City no other option than to stick together, and they intend to use their original style from the Bronx – “the birthplace of hip-hop” – as a secret weapon. The crew has placed highly in an array of dance competitions including Invasion, Blazin’ the Stage, The Main Event, Switzerland’s Dance 2 Dance and, most recently, they won first place at Culture Shock EDC.

SOUTHERN MOVEMENT (Nashville, TN) [Footage/Interview] – Urban cowboys that hail from the country music capitol of the world, this crew fuses hard-hitting hip-hop choreography with country line dancing. They pride themselves on being able to hang in the club one night and a country bar the next. Referring to their style as “Hick-Hop,” (WTH?) this crew plans to bring something unexpected and their main goal is to change the way America views the South and its residents.

VOGUE EVOLUTION (New York, NY) [Audition Click Here] [Footage/Interview] – The first openly gay crew to ever compete on the “ABDC” stage, the five members of Vogue Evolution are out, proud and determined to live their lives the way they want to. Their distinctive “vogue” style of dance mixed with hip hop makes this crew unique, along with working to educate others on AIDS/HIV awareness. They hope to touch everyone watching with their outspoken flare (Man Hail Nah).

Source: MTV Remote Control Blog, YouTube: fanscapevideo, YouTube: BloggingABDC

Music Video –In the Spirit of Summer

Sounds so sweet.



Sidebar: If you never heard John Legend's Remix check it out here

ABDC4 –Promo Feat. Season 3's Winners

So exciting and hyped. Highlight: Steve AND Ryan doin the Pushflip.



America's Best Dance Crew will be Premiering at the same time as the U.S. for Canada! WOOHOO!

Previous Promos:


Season 3 Promo Feat. Super Cr3w



Season 2 Promo Feat. JBWKZ


Source: Blogging Best Dance Crew

Teaser Trailer –"Alice In Wonderland"

Freaky, Crazy, and in 3D.

More Alice in Wonderland Info

Source: IGN.com

Music Video –"Make Her Say" Kid CuDi with Kanye West & Common

Nice!

Source: Way More Fresher

ABDC4 –Quest Takin it to Church! UPDATED

OMG Epic! I'll get back to you once the vid comes out (Update TMR!)! Update: "Sundays Are For Worship" (Get It? lol) More pictures from MTV. Another Update: I JUST SAW IT AND ITS AMAZING...I'll wait till there's a high quality one to post cause it was someone filming their TV.



Double Pushflip??!?!!








Aha, I knew all their moves couldn't be real! Green Screen


Producer Sean Linehan & Director Evan Silver


Check Out More Pics Here
Photo Credit: Jamie Cary

Source: MTV Remote Control Blog, Quest Crew: Fusion, MTV.com

–Tims + Ice Cream? part 2

Finally got to check out Cold Stone in Canada!! Very exciting they have the exact signature ice creams and all the mixes. I went to the one on the intersection of Clarkson & Lakeshore W (near Port Credit). Wasn't able to figure out where the other locations are in Toronto, Oakville, and Hamilton but if you spot one should be attached with Tim Hortons. Check it out this summer.


Satisfied customer

Previous: Tims + Ice Cream?

Kababayan Fest –Featuring Quest & Kaba Modern

Crazy show for Kababayan Fest at Knotts Berry Farm (Cali Theme Park). Featuring a new mix from Kaba Modern which also features the bigger group (including Arnel the founder of Kaba and Joesar from Boogie Bots). Also Quest performed a crazy freestyle with Aris and Lydia Paek as well.






Source: Pacific Rim Videos

Music Video –All For the Benefit of Coke

All these artist collaborating together for the awesome promotion of Coca-Cola. lol weird eh? Funny thing is I actually like these artists. Song features: Cee-Lo (Gnarls Barkley), Brendon Urie (Panic At The Disco), Patrick Stump (Fall Out Boy), Janelle Monáe, Travis McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) & producer Polow Da Don. Interesting campaign with music and animation. Very stimulating visuals...Let's see if actually works on the public in promoting these artist and simply selling Coke.



Here's the Behind the Scenes...crazy lol.


Sidebar: Yeah I'll get the song uploaded next time i make a playlist.

Source: Music Is The Heart Of Our Soul

Preview –"Make Her Say" - Kid Cudi

Source: Mr. World Premiere

Download –"What That's On My iPod"

[Download]

–Mr. West & Mr. H - "Heartless" (Acoustic)

Nice acoustic version of the song performed at the iTunes Festival 2009.



They also performed Mr. Hudon's Supernova. Sidebar: "Give me a CHONCE"

Sidebar: Also came across this British interview right here. Pretty funny when they don't expect Kanye's reaction.

Source: Nah Right

–"I Choose You Bape-ACHU!!"

Pika?? That's right, this is sick. I love these Bape collabos. Pokémon??!!??! C'mon you can't get any better than that and plus the quality/expensive price!

Man this font/typography is so iconic especially for our generation.


They Gotta pick the best and most known Pokémon


These two are my favorite!

Source: Way More Fresher, World Famous Design Junkie

–ABDC4 Auditions!

Okay so here's the lowdown from what I've heard/saw:
• Auditions took place in L.A., Orlando, Chicago, and New York
• The audition process also included a choreography callback by Napoleon D'umo (click here)
• Just like every year they are looking for a complete new crew, distinct in their style
• Seen a couple of previous members from Status Quo, Supreme Soul, even that entire Shhh! crew
• The season is gonna start with 8 crews through a span of 8 episodes
• Now the show is moving to Sundays (just like Canada)

Here are a couple of highlights and 3 of my favorite auditions this season.

NY Compilation Video

Dtrix & Victor (of Quest) are also part of this crew too. Like them cause for B-Boys they got tight formations and choreo

1 of the top fan favorites! Unique and great partnering, tho they're OUT

Inside the Box Audition, ABDC Season 4

A House Crew, includes ToyBox a specialist of the style. Tho they're OUT too

Source: Blogging Best Dance Crew

If You Don't Know –Melanie Fiona

Torontonian Melanie Fiona just released a mixtape with ?uestlove of the Roots. It features a number of LIVE tracks from her new album The Bridge (now on sale - August 18 in the U.S.). Great mixtape to sample Fiona's music and style, sounds great with the live band and ?uestlove of course. Also features a number of stories and background with Melanie Fiona. Check it out, support!



Download Here

Source: kanYe West : Blog

Music Video –"Remember Me" - T.I. with Mary J. Blige

Re-Release of Paper Trail: Case Closed coming soon (maybe August)

Source: Mr. World Premiere

Man Hail Nah –"Black Label Series" - Andrew Baterina Successful

Swear they're gonna do every single song from Drake's So Far Gone.



Source: SRCTV

–Tims + Ice Cream?

Tim Hortons is/has launched a partnership with Cold Stone to sell Ice Cream! Cold Stone Creamery is a Ice Cream Parlour based in the States. They got all these crazy mixes and toppings. Said to be two locations in Toronto and one in Mississauga, Oakville, & Hamilton. I thought I saw one on Lakeshore near Port Credit recently...but i hope its not degraded in any way. They have a lot of choices, last time I had the Birthday Cake Remix - Mix of Cake Batter Ice Cream, Rainbow Sprinkles, Brownie, and fudge. They mix all that right in front of you its crazy.

Sorry this is the only pic I have inside the place...thought it was funny lol

Source: Mississauga News, Tim Hortons

Hoy! –Pinoy Dance Crew Competition (U.S./Canada)

Hey if you got a Crew either in America or Canada, this is your chance. The competition is split into East & West both in the U.S. & Canada and the registration is due in by July 18. The finalist competition per area will be in Toronto, Vancouver, L.A., & New York. I'm interested to see the outcome.


Sidebar: Yes Sky Flakes!

Source: GMA Pinoy TV, Pacific Rim Videos

Profile –Phillip "PacMan" Chbeeb

You've seen him this year on So You Think You Can Dance (Season 5). He has been auditioning for the show in the past couple of seasons before, even after his elimination last week I still give him credit for coming back (after becoming sick & losing in a Popping battle against Robert Muraine last season). He is also associated with a crew called Marvelous Motion as well associated with other crew members that have been on ABDC. No matter what he's got an insane style and hopefully we'll get to see more video's on YouTube like these ones.

INSANE Period



It's still the best hip hop routine so far this season

Check out more of Phillip's videos Here

Discovery –MSTRKRFT's "Heartbreaker"

(Pronounced Mastercraft) Just recently discovered these artists after checkin out this video. They are House group from Toronto, and for me I just like this track with John Legend.

Profile –Kaba Modern Often Imitated, Never Duplicated

One of the most precise and detailed crews out there. Focusing on the Kaba Modern (since it is a more bigger University based crew, with new members every year) on ABDC it was comprised of 6 of the craziest dancers. They were actually the first crew I saw when ABDC premiered in the U.S. (on YouTube). Just amazed with their precision to have these sharp "right on the beat" moves.



Pre-ABDC this includes other members as well, they place 2nd in this competition.


OMG the Girls portion is hot, Guys portion is just off the wall slick.


Jia not featured in this video cause she actually toured with Britney Spears as one of her backup dancers in her concert.

Source: MySpace: KMTVSIX

–808s & Heartbreak Single Covers

Besides the great concept and the tracks, what I really liked about the album was the cover design, especially the Single Covers. Plain and simple each cover displays the emotions of the songs in the album.


The album cover as well as the Special KAWS Edition
















Not sure if this one (left) was official. BUT the Heartless one is still my favourite


This was the first cover to released as kanYe's first single. I remember he didn't like his original cover (right) because of the font.

–New Pepsi Campaign

If you haven't seen the new logo for Pepsi they have been trying to promote it everywhere. My bro was showing me pics of all these billboard and street ads back in March. I started to notice all the ads for it last weekend when i was in Toronto. This one was spotted in Dundas Square.

What do you think of the new logo? It reminds me (resembles) the Old Spice logo lol. Just the colours and the resemblance of the boat.


Source: 1 Love T.O.

Insight –Drake's "Best I Ever Had" Music Video

After the recent release of Drake's video for Best I Ever Had interesting to see people's reaction and an overall dislike for the video and the concept. For me really, there's some videos to take seriously and others to be passive and have fun with. Drake had an interview with Complex recently talking more about the video, as well as the BET Awards, Michael Jackson, and his signed record deal.

Complex: Everyone’s been waiting on this video. Can you take us through the making of it?

Drake: Yeah. The video is directed by Kanye West. Basically we decided, as opposed to taking ourselves super serious, we just wanted to have some fun with it. Myself, being a young man, a young single man at that, I kind of wanted to be real about the way I function with women at this current point in my life. Which is, I don’t have one woman that I call my girl. There’s different girls in my life that play different roles and I see at different times, but collectively they kind of make up the roster of happiness for me [Laughs].

Complex: Understandable. So what’s the concept?

Drake: The concept of the video is, I’m a coach at a high school and the girls of my life are all on my high school basketball team. Throughout the video you see us prepping for this big championship game, and my team ends up losing. You see the looks on their faces at the end of the video, but the moral of the story, I guess, is win or lose, you can still be the best to somebody. When women see the video and see all the breast and ass, hopefully they don’t take offense. Hopefully they see the real meaning.

Interview By Damien Scott, more on the interview Here

Source: Complex, October's Very Own

–Brian Puspos' (SoReal Cru) Workshop

One of my favorite choreographers and another reason why I really like SoReal Cru and their style. This was one of the first workshops I attended in Toronto and it was a lot of fun. Brian Puspos is jokes, its crazy to see his concepts and references to Mortal Kombat and even the simple movements of a pillow feather.

Me and my friend actually attended both of his workshops (two pieces). The first one was a Brand New piece to "Houstatlantavegas" by Drake. He was still working on tweaking it here and there but from what he taught us and what I saw it was amazing!! I really want to post the video but under NuLite Ent and Puspos we can't (so i guess I'll have to wait later on till SoReal or Puspos post a video of it online). The second workshop was a dance to "T-Shirt" by Destiny's Child (voted by the majority there), which is an older piece Brian choreographed a while back. Check it out.






Found this on Puspos' YouTube today! Check it out Here

Beyond Inspiration –Pixar

Recently saw these cool pics (Tikko Studios) of the Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, California. Watching Toy Story and other Pixar movies has always been inspiring to me since I was a little kid. It is the mixture of imagination and creativity that showed me anything is possible.













Source: Tikko Studios

–Next Time Your In T.O. part 2

This weekend I was able to go Toronto's Waterfront with my friend and was able to check out the Wavedeck that I was talking about in my previous post. Waterfront is great place to check out in T.O. esp. when you have visitors or looking for a place to hang. Also got to check out HTO and the Music Garden.

And on a Sunny Day like this why not.

This is near the Power plant & Harbour Front Centre



Here's the Wavedeck, smaller than i thought but still cool

From the top





Nice aesthetic design of waves

Further Queens Quay W they're constructing another Wavedeck



Found It! The place with the yellow umbrellas

Great View of the Skydome and the CN Tower




















Toronto Music Garden, down Queens Quay W closer to Spadina

























Narnia