Feblogious

The Homies

2010-02-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

With the buzz of Lite aka Coolroy's latest mixtape "Out to Lunch" it got me thinking about how far the Homies have come and how much more there is to expect from all the great people that we call the Felonious Family.

First off our very own Toby C. dropped his new website stuffed with some of the best photography you can find on the internet in one stop. For real, Doin' it!

Then you have our boy Frankie Martinez who has been honing is craft for years and recently put on by SkateBook as a staff photographer alongside names like Strickland, Ballard, and Dalgart. Some pretty good company for a great young Skateboard Photographer from LA. Oh! Did I mention he has his own Blog on SkateBook as well?

Our boy Ricci Rucker aka Ruckazoid has been at the top of his game for years and is so ever evolving that people usually don't get what he is doing musically until years later when it has influenced the Pop spectrum and filtered back down to the masses. He is your favorite producer's favorite producer, but they won't tell you that! Now that Vinyl and DJing in general is making a comeback he is definitely getting more exposure and a new generation of heads are finding out about his significant contributions to the game (e.g. Controller One Turntable). He also has a huge new project coming out titled "Daimond Studded Mothaship".

Do I even need to tell you how big our Homies over at 9Grand are doing it?! Mark, Geatty, Carter, and Derrick are hustling like those African dudes in the LA Marathon! Burnin' fools left and right with their quality, execution, and design aesthetic. It's an inspiration working alongside these guys, and to be able to truly call them our Family.

To all our Fam, Keep it Movin yall!

Good Eats.

2010-01-07T14:43:00.000-08:00

Our homie Lite (aka Coolroy) drops a long anticipated mixtape of previous unreleased tracks. Something to hold the people over until a proper full length release is dropped. Representing a new breed of LA emcees and showing his versatility in song writing with this kaleidoscope of sound featuring the likes of Little Brother, Pink Floyd, and Flying Lotus to name a few. Already a favorite in the Felonious house and getting great reviews on the blogosphere, so what are you waiting for? Download the mixtape free at 2DopeBoyz.

The Friday Tre.

2009-12-18T19:44:00.000-08:00

I love doing the Friday Tre, because it gives me some time to revisit albums and artists that I might not otherwise have on rotation at the moment. This week I draw Quincy Jones (you can have your Ye's and Dre's this guy right here is MY favorite producer of all time!), Sound Providers, and.... Los Tigre Del Norte?!! I told you the crates is deep, son. Something for everybody, even your little cousin's Quinceanera!

The Friday Tre.

2009-12-04T14:29:00.000-08:00

Today's three pulls from the crates provide some great memories from when I was a youngster. Starting out with Klymaxx, a lot of you might not remember but they were an all girl group from the early 80's that reached #4 on the US R&B charts with this single "Meeting in the Ladies Room".

Next is L.A. Dream Team with "Rockberry Jam" b/w "Funky Fresh", Talk about some OG LA Hip-Hop! I used to spin this record at all the B-Boy jams and it would GO OFF! The original pioneers in West Coast Electro Hip-Hop, The L.A. Dream Team!

The last one goes without saying, the Record of all records, by your favorite artist's favorite artist..... MJ with Thriller! Have a good weekend, and keep it nice n' easy people.

Thumb Control

2009-11-30T18:22:00.000-08:00

LA's Legendary Hip-Hop label Delicious Vinyl just released an iPhone app. The game takes some of their most notable classics like "Bust a Move", "Born To Roll" and of course "Passin’ Me By" and puts them on a Rock Band/DJ Hero style interface making you a "Virtual DJ". A cool time waster for all the Hipster-Hoppers out there, but I think I will stick with my decks and old-school Vinyl. Check out the promo video.

The Friday Tre.

2009-11-13T19:16:00.000-08:00

This Friday, the random pulls from the crates produce a couple gems that haven't shined in a while! We have People Under The Stairs "O.S.T.", Suicidal Tendencies, and Shotgun & Klever's "Dirty South Breaks". Keep it funky and have a good Friday!

No Club Med for Revok.

2009-11-02T13:50:00.001-08:00

***VANDAL VACATION*** from WWW.REVOK1.COM on Vimeo.

Where The Wild Things Paint

2009-10-29T15:10:00.001-07:00

Check out this video of LA's own Augor and Pharoe hitting one of the billboards in Los Angeles for the new Where the Wild Things Are movie.

Blog Love.

2009-10-20T19:04:00.000-07:00

With our new Fall'09 collection reaching shelves at your local boutique, the Interwebs are starting to buzz a little with some blogs showing us love and reps coming out of the woodwork to inquire about the brand. We just wanted to go ahead and point you to a couple online blogs/mags/whatever-u-wanna-call-em that shined some light recently on our little operation going global. So head on over to The Fresh Stock and The W3st to read what they have to say. This is the end of the beginning..stay tuned!

The Friday Tre!

2009-10-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

It's back yall..three random pulls from the depths of the crates. In an effort to educate the youngsters about other forms of music media than the tinny sounding mp3's they are downloading form itunes, I have decided to share these little gems called vinyl records. Keep the funk alive!..Oh ya, the three pulls this week consist of Simon and Garfunkel's greatest hits, the ever so funky Soulive, and one of Ricci Rucker's many releases "Like a Box of Chocolate". So go ahead, Google all these artists and treat yourself to some audible awesomeness! Have a good weekend. Peace!

Antwuan Dixon x Toby C. x Urban Ink Mag

2009-09-30T12:03:00.000-07:00

If you don't know who Antwuan Dixon is, I suggest you get familiar...

I linked up with Antwuan back in July at the Baker Boys Distribution Warehouse in Los Angeles, CA to photograph him for Urban Ink Magazine. Antwuan flew his tattoo artist, Mucca out from Tampa Bay, Florida to get a new tattoo for the photo shoot and decided to get the Deathwish Skateboard logo tatted under his belly button. It was literally one of the last open spots on his entire upper body. Here are some behind the scene videos from the shoot that pretty much sum up the entire experience of spending a day with Antwuan Dixon, one of the greatest skateboarders alive (not to mention a really cool dude, despite his reputation).

Big thanks to Steve Clare (Supra), Jeremy Gonsalves (Baker Boys Dist.), Paul Gambino (Urban Ink), Alex Ramos and Miles McAlpin for being a part of this project and helping to make it happen!

Outtakes

All Images: Toby Caughron © 2009

2009-09-26T16:16:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed by now, we have a whole new slew of designs for the Fall 09 season. Below you can check out some of the lifestyle shots from our lookbook. Or if you would like the full experience here is a link to our Digital Lookbook. The new drop is being shipped out to the finest streetwear retailers in California only, but you can hit up Authentix Boutique orHumidor Boutique for now if you can't wait anymore. More info on these designs a little later...enjoy!

photography: Toby C.

Coming Soon.

2009-08-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

We haven't gone anywhere. Fall 2009 dropping soon!

Speed Kills!

2008-09-13T23:08:00.000-07:00

USC-35 OSU-3

the play by play...

"Gotta Push" video shoot.

2008-09-06T05:03:00.000-07:00

I met up with Ruckazoid and Diamond Z at MKDunn Studios in downtown LA tonight to shoot the video for their new song "Gotta Push". Toby C. was there to co-direct the video and take part in the late night creative session also. The entire video was shot green screen and will feature some crazy visuals to go along with the feel of the song. So until then, here are some behind the scenes shots to hold you over...

and a video too!

photography by: Frankie Martinez

Next Level.

2008-08-26T19:40:00.000-07:00

First, watch this video... 5 different over head views were filmed, and the song was built around the main melody, which is the center picture. (Check out the the bass line made from a locked groove bass tone, controlled by keyboard via MIDI!)

Our homie Ricci Rucker has been killin' it on the cut and production for years now, and in 2002, he published an article on the historic Asisphonics turntablism website about a new turntable instrument which would change the way music was made. The idea was about a turntable which could change variable speeds of any record to be equivelent to note changes like a keyboard. These changes could be made through foot pedals & buttons. This was the first mention of what ended up being called the "Controller One"

About a year later, Rucker discussed the idea with DJ D-Styles and having it presented to Vestax. Vestax quickly picked up the idea, and began brainstorming with Rucker and D-styles. After the initial design were drawn up, 4 prototype turntables were designed in which only functioned with the foot pedal feature.

After Rucker & D-styles tested the prototypes, notes were taken, and the final Controller One design was solidified. Shortly after the turntable was laid out, other dj's were called upon for their own input. Dj's Mike Boo, Toadstyle, Excess, Teeko, and Dj Woody, to name a few. Mike Boo submitted the idea of including MIDI into the turntable, Teeko submitted the idea of the button memory storage.

4 years later, the "Controller One" a name coined by Rucker, hit the production line. Still unknown to many djs and producers as of yet, this turntable is the rolls royce of turntables. A full wooden body, the strongest motor designed for pitch perfect changes, and 3 different modes to play music. Now we have the honor in helping the creative process for the marketing of this revolutionary instrument for the masses.

For information, media, and how to purchase this revolutionary turntable check out Ruckazoid's Blog and Listen Compute Rock.

Recap: Dance Right

2008-06-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

We headed down to The Ruckazoid's in the late afternoon .Seriously, wtf?!I know, makes me wanna total my car too. and get a bike!
The Ruckazoid!
After loading his mountain of gear we were off to La Cita in Downtown .
Diamond Z let the music take control.Ladies represent!

this is the Mega Wave Sound.

Mega Wave Takeover!

2008-06-18T15:46:00.000-07:00

If you are in the LA area tomorrow night, do not miss the Mega Wave takeover as Ruckazoid comes with that future electro funk for your soul! Felonious Brand will be in the building as well, so see ya there!

Imagination. Creation.

2008-06-13T22:33:00.000-07:00

When Ricci Rucker needed some visuals to represent The Ruckazoid and his new invention The Controller One, he called me up to get the Felonious creative team together and throw around some ideas for a few photo shoots. You can see more about the first shoot on the Toby C. blog, as well as some of the final pics on The Ruckazoid's Space.
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that the lighting was not done in Photoshop!

Behind the scene

Gettin Up.

2008-06-07T14:13:00.000-07:00

Now this dude knows how to get up....crossin out all ur hoodz without you knowin!

The Sound of Music

2008-05-22T17:59:00.000-07:00

We cruised down to the homie Ric's last night, aka The Ruckazoid. Chilled for a minute and shared a lot of ideas for projects that we're working on. I'm not going to go into detail right now, so I just have two words for you; Megawave Sound.

I got two more words for you; Controller One.......that's the name of the new turntable-instrument that Ricci & D-Styles helped create for Vestax.

From Vestax website:
"The era of the Turntable only being able to perform or play records for a DJ or consumer has now been re-invented to bring you a new instrument..."
"The Controller One is a piece focused not only on the Scratch DJ, but also to all DJs where they can incorporate the product to their Djing allowing them to be more innovative and creative..."

photos: Toby C.

For more on Ricci Rucker's musical happenings tune into Listen Compute Rock.

Tyson talks Graff.

2008-05-15T15:15:00.000-07:00

The Friday Tre

2008-05-02T21:05:00.000-07:00

It's back yall....that's right, 3 random pulls from the good 'ol vinyl collection! You never know what might pop up...

-AR

The Fly Ball

2008-04-27T14:22:00.000-07:00

Get on the dance floor!

GB holdin' it down... no laptop needed.

MDA (One Block Radius) & Michelle Q

I know...it's been too long.

2008-04-25T17:13:00.000-07:00

Apologies all around for not updating the blog, but we've been all over the place puttin in work. I am making it a point to update as much as possible from now on. Not having a camera was also part of my problem =(. So, what have we been up to you may ask? Well, Toby is currently in London, then off to Africa until May 5th. Spreading the word and taking photos. You can read about his excursions and view his photographs via his awesome blog HERE!

As for me, I'm still holding down the fort solo for now...visiting local shops like Authentix in Claremont, Ca. Spreading the ethos of Felonious Brand, and getting to know "The Biz" a little better. After all I am an artist, which is like the opposite end of the spectrum in regards to business and finances...but if I am to survive in this market, I need to "know my shit". As you might like to know, Authentix is now carrying the latest designs from Felonious Brand. So stop by and check out the shop, which also carries brands such as Truimvir, Fuct, Rogue, Mishka, Grn Apple Tree, and many more. They also have a fine selection of sneakers as well. Shout out to Marlon and Roscoe the Bulldog!

This Saturday, Felonious Brand will also be attending DunkXchange at In Cahoots, Brea, Ca. So look out for us at the Authentix booth, and say waddup!

That same night of April 26th, we will also be holding a booth down at The Fly Ball, in Downtown LA. So come out and enjoy the vibes with us! Buy a shirt, get free stickers, support the scene, get crunk, and have fun! Hope to see ya there.

Release.

2008-01-26T17:45:00.000-08:00

Come thru and join the Felonious family in celebrating the album release for DJ Hoppa's album "Network Networth". Lots of free giveaways as well as items for sale.

**update**

JaeWest324 (Felonious Brand/THTcrew)

Broken Complex crew

Nice.

2008-01-08T20:19:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Toby and I headed down to Marina Del Rey for a meeting with Kev-Nice. But before that we had to get some grub from Mix Bowl...delivery steez.
It's always a fun time when we're in the studio with Kev, the energy is always high and the vibes are goooood!

listening to: The Cool Kids

Week in review

2007-12-22T18:45:00.001-08:00

So much to do, so little time...

Headed up to Santa Barbara.

I hope this guy is ok.

Photo shoot for Kev-Nice's new album "Mind Pressure", gettin the Old School washed and ready.

Petro gives us a preview of a deck he is working on for the Dogtown Graffiti Skateshop.

We headed down to meet up with JaeWest324. Got some nice things in the works...keep an eye out.
gotta get back to some design work, stay tuned.....

listening to: Lupe Fiasco

Death of Free-Energy

2007-12-13T22:44:00.000-08:00

Arie M. DeGeus, an inventor of a revolutionary, affordable, clean energy technology, died mysteriously at the airport...

*Full Story.

Was it heart failure? One wonders... Hopefully he passed on his works to the right people, seeing as something like a "Free-Energy Battery" would certainly topple Big Oil and the uber-corrupt power structure that supports it.

listening to: 2tall

Fight Night

2007-12-08T23:45:00.000-08:00

Toby C. and I cruised down to Kev-Nice's casa in Marina Del Rey for the Hatton v. Mayweather fight.

Peep the Christmas lights on this truck goin down the 405 freeway.

Manfredo v. Lacey!
Dirt Left and Kev-Nice
Hatton v. Mayweather!...With 6,000 Britts in the stands chanting, it sounded like a soccer match...it was nuts!Toby and Kev.
Dirt Left doin' the Mayweather knockout dance.

Fuct x Tecate.
Voski and Kev

listening to: Nosaj Thing

Friday Tre

2007-12-07T19:25:00.000-08:00

I thought that it would be fun to do a dig of 3 random records in my collection, enjoy.

speaking of Dee...

Rivals

2007-12-03T18:52:00.000-08:00

USC v. UCLA

Arrival Time 3:00am

7:00am
7:45am
Among the usual T-shirts and Bags, Energy Drinks were the #1 giveaways.
Best defensive front in college football...
Had to make a stop at El Huarache Azteca #1 on the way home, no doubt the best around.

Listening to: People Under The Stairs

Homies.

2007-11-15T23:24:00.000-08:00

Richard Villa

Cineskate

2007-11-15T22:51:00.000-08:00

The crew headed down to Cinespace in Hollywood for the premier of Via Marina. Cheggitout:

camera died =/

currently listening to: Poly