Academy Cotton at "The Animal House Tour"

JJaxx of Split Second reppin' "Maverick"

Exeter Rap Association

I really don't need to say much right here because the Exeter Rap Association pretty much says it all when it comes to March's music. To put it simply, ERA gets it done. Last year, they brought Chiddy Bang and XV to Exeter, New Hampshire for the best concert the state had ever seen. We know this year they have big things planned for a concert too, no matter how secretive they're being. But, the newest (well probably one of the oldest, but most recently revived) tool in the ERA toolbox is their blog: exeterrap.com.

Their newest post, about March's upcoming album drops features two artists: OCD Moosh & Twist and Lupe Fiasco. I won't go ahead and copy their entire blog so just go ahead and click here and read for yourself.

Split Second Drop!

Wednesday saw the final installment of the Skub Til Taget (Push The Roof) series, Animal Rights. The trio's foray into electro/dubstep/house was groundbreaking and yielded a number of quality tracks, but they are moving back to their purer rapping roots for the upcoming mixtape, Barely Legal. Today the Headless Threadsmen gets the exclusive drop on the second release off the mixtape. Daydream has slick production along the lines of what we saw with Blood Diamond, proving that the group is moving onward and upward from their dormroom beginnings. J-Jax and X have sick flow and clever lyrics as we have come to expect.

Grab Daydream here and be sure to keep an eye out for the rest of the mixtape which will be coming in the next few weeks.

Also be sure to peep the Blood Diamond music video, dropping soon, and Split Second gear by Academy Cotton to be unveiled soon.

Free Shipping on Any Order!!

Word from Academy Cotton is that there is free shipping on any order you make from their website. The site is www.academycottonshop.com and can be accessed by clicking right here. Take advantage of this offer now because it won't last forever. There will be a promo-code posted soon from their Facebook Fan Page (Academy Cotton Clothing) and The Threadsmen's twitter (@hdlsthrdsmn), but until then, they will refund shipping with a cash refund with your order. You gotta take advantage of this deal so just click above to see their newest stuff.

Blood Diamond

Split Second reppin' Academy Cotton in "Blood Diamond"

I'm keeping it short and sweet, but check out the official promo video of Split Second's "Blood Diamond" right here. The video goes hard, and as always Split Second's flow is on point. Check the Threadsmen over the next couple days to get a link to the full video, and make sure you peep the Skub Til Taget saga. Split Second is doing it big in 2011... don't get left behind.

2011 Loggy

The boy from Berkeley is back! Alliteration aside, Loggy marked the start of 2011 by releasing a fresh new track with Timeflies. A remix of Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream", it has an electro feel and is much more of a banger than the original. Check it out on Youtube here and be sure to grab the download link from the description. Get ready for more from Loggy, Split Second (everybody with an iPhone should check out their new app!), and Academy Cotton in the coming year. #itsbusinesstime

A Music Minute

This past week and a half has been huge musically. First, Dr. Dre released two singles, Kush and I Need a Doctor, that are set to be on his much anticipated album, Detox. Dre's rapping isn't, and never has been, anything too spectacular, but, as on I Need a Doctor, look for artists like Eminem and Snoop Dogg to bring lyrical justice to his beats. Secondly, Kanye West came out with his (some would say) "masterpiece," My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. He delivers a gem that is as much notable for its purely musical content as 'Ye's rapping. That being said, he's a nut. The last thing he needs is a wildly successful album to boost his ego. Watch out country music starlets....

Now who likes free music? (I do! I do!) If you're like me, and your quality of life revolves around the availability of good, new music, then you are in for some good times. Three names for you to remember: Machine Gun Kelly, Oncue, KAM Royal. These are three up and comers who have the talent to make big things happen. I'll start with MGK. Ok, Cudi fans take a deep breath.....Machine Gun Kelly is the best rapper to come out of Cleveland......ever. If you take a listen to his fresh sophomore mixtape, Lace Up, you'll realize that that last statement was no stretch. This kid goes harder than anyone else coming up in the game right now. His passion reminds me of a lot of Eminem. This is the kid from Cleveland to keep an eye out for. Oncue came out with a mixtape called Cuey Sings the Blues over the summer (a must have) that seriously put him on the map. Last week he dropped Leftovers, a collection of tracks that didn't make it onto the 'tape. That being said, these songs are every bit as good as the earlier ones, if anything, the gap gave him time to go back and polish them into something better. He fluidly combines solid rapping with a nice singing voice. Stick that with great production and some quality covers and you've got a recipe for success. Last but not least, we have KAM Royal. The least polished production-wise, I think he has the most potential given what I have heard of his lyrics. My favorite song off his first mixtape, Business as Usual, is The Lesson, a song that provides a smooth day-in-the-life profile of the artist. The other songs are along the same lines. The production will only get better, meaning that the only direction for KAM to go is up. Download the three mixtapes below.

One last note. Check out OCD: Moosh and Twist on youtube. These guys have opened for Mac Miller (one of my favorite artists right now) and are primed to release a mixtape in January. My favorite tracks by them are Wake Up, Live it Up, and Since the Beginning. Live it Up

Lace Up- Machine Gun Kelly
Leftovers- Oncue
Business as Usual- KAM Royal

Necking

If you've been following this blog from the beginning, you have heard of Outdoor Technology. They're back today as part of our Ski Season '10/'11 mini-series. I don't know about all of you, but over the years I have gotten tired of the traditional boring, black neckwarmers. During spring skiing, going without is definitely an option, but the stakes are upped a little bit when you're trying to go out on during January when the wind chill drops the temperature to -15. This Cali company has developed a sensible solution: the Arctic Yowie. How it works- it is longer than a normal 'warmer, so you fold up the patterned bit so that it covers up the warm fleece bottom. The result is good looking neck protection without looking like a fool by wearing one of those fake bandanas. If you want to go out on more of a limb fashion wise, wear it as a hat. You'll definitely get some looks. Check out the Arctic Yowie and the rest of the OT gear at their online store. Do so soon, as they are in the middle of some holiday promotions. Fan them on facebook for more info on promo codes etc.

Lookin Pro

So yes these goggles are a bit pricey, but whose to say it isn't worth it for the self-proclaimed "most technologically advanced goggles in the world"? I can neither verify nor deny that claim, but what i can see is that these bad boys will have you looking legit. Enough value cannot be placed on scratch-resistant lenses with UV protection. When the conditions get hairy and visibility goes down, being able to see the terrain is key. Fan RA optics on Facebook, or check out their website here. They also have some quality shades for when you hit the apres ski scene. This is an excellent alternative to Oakley if you want to get avoid the main stream.

Record Snowfall in Lake Tahoe Means Its Time to Gear Up for Ski Season

I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm definitely going skiing next week. Wether you're a skier or rider, the look is vital to your ability to ride in style and thus pick up all the hotties in the lodge. In the first part of our mini-series on slope steez, let me introduce you all to Moment Skis. These guys make a little something for everything-from cruising to park to powder. The selection of skis is rather limited, but you need to realize that they are all HANDMADE, in the USA no less. They also make some fresh jackets (see above) and snow pants. Check out your favorite domestic ski makers. Don't worry boarders, we've got some stuff in the vault for you guys too.

New Hundreds

As you all should know by now, The Hundreds is a clothing label out of the San Francisco area. I'll let founder Bobby Hundreds do most of the talking
"The past decade saw the rise and saturation of modern street culture, and as the next approaches, I’ve imagined a post-streetwear take on our classic apparel aesthetic. So what you will see over these next seasons, as far as our offerings go, is a certain modern familiarity with bold colors, smart graphics, traditional sportswear, and premium denim, but through a nostalgic lens. So what were once vivid hues have been toned down to classic shades, raw and crispy fleece may have a more comfortable hand-feel, and the washes follow suit. There is an obvious emphasis on worn-in sweatshirts and ready-to-wear jackets, while our trademark plaid flannels have taken a more subtle approach. The idea here is that these are your favorite The Hundreds clothes as you may find them to wear in years’ time. And we certainly hope that is the case."
I dig what they're doing. Check out their new collection here on their website.

New AC Website!

Check out Academy Cotton's revolutionary new website. Go to www.academycottonshop.com and see what its like for yourself. On their new home page you can choose to shop, subscribe to their newsletter, contact them, find them on Facebook, or even get redirected here to The Headless Threadsmen. There is a fall/winter line preview on the new site and you should be able to buy the new stuff by tonight. Also, rumor has it that starting soon you won't have to go through Paypal either, so the entire shopping experience will become that much easier. It's looking like the boys at Academy Cotton really are starting to Turn Up The AC.

Closer Detail on the New Items

Long Sleeve Tee pocket logo

Baby Blue Cardigan logo

Navy Cardigan logo

Rasta Halfzip logo

The Winter 2010 Academy Cotton Line

The new Academy Cotton line is here! Here are some pictures of ALL the new items, which will be up on the website over the weekend. When asked for a comment on the inspiration of this line, founders Jack Blasberg, Blake Chasen, and Leo Brossollet responded in unison: Steeziness.

Five For Friday

A little something here to get your Halloween weekend started off. Remember to tune into Bro Talk on Tuesdays from 8-10 on Colby College Radio. Also, if you haven't yet, take the opportunity to go see The Social Network. Its a great movie about an Exeter entrepreneur who makes it big (sound familiar..?) with Facebook.

It's The Dean's List: I'll be Ok
One of my favorite songs from these guys. Catchy chorus, good rhymes. Get pumped for a sweet show a week from tomorrow.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0UNzaSTQdg

The Ian Carey Project: Get Shaky
THE GREATEST TECHNO SONG OF ALL TIME. Ari Bental's words. But seriously, this song is dope.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hQ2sFuz4WE&ob=av3e

Mac Miller: Senior Skip Day
I know, this song's been out for a while, but the video is new. I can't get enough of Mac, and can't wait for his next mixtape to come out mid December. Also check out the video for his new song, Live Free.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7NJfuVk9hY

Aer: Water on the Moon
These guys are shades of Slightly Stoopid, but aside from that I've never heard anything like this before. Go to goodmusicallday.com and grab their new mixtape.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ij5-inFM2cw

Bob Sinclair: Rainbow of Love
Bob Sinclair, the guy brings it every time. Enough said.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh0D9p7svH0

Exeter Rap Assoc. Fall Concert

ERA made the announcement about their fall concert this morning. In case you missed it, on Nov. 6 our friends from Split Second will be opening for The Dean's List, a Boston based rap group with some serious talent. TDL's song The People appeared in one of the last Bro Talk Five For Friday. In addition, they have an EP available on iTunes. If you're looking for some free music, ERA has put together a sample mixtape of both groups' music to help promote the show. Grab it here. Props to ERA for making this happen.

The Original Smooth

Nothing says more about a man than the drink he chooses. Well, some things probably do, but a drink is important. So when you feel like a quiet night, the go to drink ought to be "The Original Smooth." Mello Yello is a forgotten soda made by Coca Cola, and it is flawless. Some say it's like Sprite, others say Fresca, but let me tell you that nothing tastes better nor is anything classier than Mello Yello. Buy one and then come thank me.

Real Throwbacks

Having a good collection of Throwback Jerseys can increase your steez exponentially. That's why you have to check out Throwback Jerseys at http://www.throwbackj.com. Their website isn't stylish, but it sure gets the job done. And we're not just talking about throwbacks to the days of the Houston Oilers or the Boston Braves. They've got gear from the Negro League, the WNBA, Minor League Hockey, and so much more.

Loggy!

In case you missed it on our facebook page, Loggy, a budding rapper from Berkeley and a standout receiver on their football team, came out with a new song this last week called Free to Be. It's a remix of a song by Phillip Michael and Akon, who are still on the chorus, that packs some serious punch when Loggy jumps on the beat. He kills it (as usual) with his lyricism and flow. All of you should have it by now, but if you don't, it's a must download. Grab it from GoodMusicAllDay.com here.

Five For Friday

By this time you should already know what it is. Five For Friday presented by Bro Talk and Academy Cotton. This week we've got a nice selection of tunes to get the weekend started off right. Don't forget, Bro Talk is back on the air this Tuesday from 8-10 pm on Colby College Radio. To listen in, go to itunes, select Radio, College/University, WMHB. There's no excuse for not listening, you don't even need a radio!
1. Beat Sauce (Duck Sauce vs. Micheal Jackson) – Party Ben
Nice mash up. MJ is a classic, and Duck Sauce's Barbara Streisand is a fun song thats definitely worth checking out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSSUd9zk2MQ
2. Round 2 –The Cataracs
Every bit as good as Like a G6. A little bit of a different feel on this track though, better lyrics here but not quite a banger on the same level.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WBA8PSSwro
3. 1000 Times Right Round – The Hood Internet
The sound quality on the video doesn't do this song justice. If you missed it, check out The Hood Internet's I'm Going In a Beamer Benz or Bentley mashup. These guys are the hottest new mashup group.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0m7P7bQhAgA
4. Say Yeah (DJ Nallen Remix)
Wiz Khalifa. Thats what's up. Check out the kid's new song, Know Your Name. In the meanwhile check out this hot remix of The Thrill with Better Off Alone.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKCBjPHCha4
5. We Are the People – The Deans List
Very chilled out song, they do a good remix of one of Empire of the Mind's great songs (check them out). These guys are solid, look out for more of their stuff up here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBL7mzCSzVY

**BONUS**
Two Future Radio Bangers:
We R Who We R – Kesha
What’s My Name – Rhianna f/Drake
We called it. Just sayin.