It was ‘All Systems Go’ at the Cosmonauts Spacewear – Australian Launch Party held recently on 31st May, 2019 at Honour Store in Sydney.
Cosmonauts’ funky-fresh and out of this galaxy space theme concepts has taken a real following in their home country of Indonesia, and is now ready for take-off for the world to see.
The Launch party showcased their Q2-2019 ’04 Collection’ and also some event exclusives which were sold out from previous releases. Guest were able to purchase these items on the night, as well as enjoy the refreshments from ‘Butter’ Sydney and Young Henrys.
“The Travis Scott 1s they’re amazing! Quality is great. I know some have highlighted the QC differences between multiple pairs, but in isolation, they’re on point.
I entered so many raffles and tried to hit so many sites on the drop, but copped L’s everywhere I turned. After the weekend, I thought it was all over, until i woke up to an email from Slam Jam. They express shipped and went straight on foot.
There’s always so much construction going on in Sydney, so when I saw this magical spot I thought I better get a shot there before it goes.”
Watching Kev Hannibal on stage, in the moment where all an artist needs is one mic, you can really see, hear and feel the passion in his music. It’s a performance that grips the audience and delivers the heat – not bad for a young man from the hard knock roots of South-side Jamaica Queens, a suburb in New York synonymous for its pride, passion and servitude to the hip-hop legacy.
Before creating a new life in Sydney’s Western suburbs, Hannibal’s childhood was plagued with family tragedy, providing the foundations for enough life experience to write a book on. Using rhymes and a mic as personal therapy, his tracks are empowering and educative. His lyrical skill is unsurpassed, with a talent for beguiling storytelling and in your face delivery, Kev Hannibal is real.
His recent single, Colour of Your Skin is enjoying local and international radio love, and his multifaceted talents range from songwriting, production and acting, with Hannibal featuring in films as well as musical releases, continuously pushing the barriers of his hip-hop artistry.
SYDNEY When: Sunday, 30th of June 2019 Where: Valve Bar – 871 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tickets: $10 (Advance) or $15 (Door)
CANBERRA When: Friday, 19th of July 2019 Where: Transit Bar – 7 Akuna Street, Canberra ACT 2601 Tickets: $15 (Early Bird), $20 (Second Release) or $25 (Door)
Where the car enthusiasts at? This is one movie you don’t want to miss! The trailer dropped a few hours ago and is already creating quite a buzz!
The film is based on the true story of American car designer Carroll Shelby (Matt Damon) and his determination to end Ferrari’s dominance at the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans race in France. With the backing of Henry Ford II and Lee Iacocca, Shelby enlisted the help of British race driver Ken Miles (Christian Bale) to build what became known as the Ford GT40, an incredible endurance racer that was finally a worthy challenger to Ferrari.
Ford Vs Ferrari is due to hit cinemas here in Australia in November 2019
“Ima addict for sneakers, twenties of Buddha and bitches with beepers In the streets I can greet ya, about blunts I teach ya Inhale deep like the words of my breath I never sleep, ’cause sleep is the cousin of death I lay puzzle as I backtrack to earlier times Nothing’s equivalent, to the New York State of Mind” — Nas, N.Y. State of Mind (Illamatic Album)
Hype DC QV, Melbourne
Good ole Nas setting the vibe for us for this old school piece. We’ll get back to him in a little while. Headed down to Hype DC QV, Melbourne I wasn’t quite sure if there would be a huge turn out for our speaker tonight. For you see his name doesn’t quite resonate with today’s Jerry’s, Don C’s, Virgil’s and so on and so forth. For about a minute or two, I thought I was right. The line was 10 deep with familiar faces I use run with back in the day. OGs? It still is a name I struggle with. But for the sake of argument let’s just say lads and ladettes who had mad love for the scene before it started blowin’ up. 5 minutes to start time and the line began to swell up. It warmed my heart in this cold winter night to see that the “OGs” have suddenly become outnumbered by fresh faces in the scene. Maybe I was wrong. I hope I am wrong. Maybe our speaker tonight has transcended the generational gap between sneakerheads? And the youngin’s are finally paying attention to history? One could only hope.
Robert ‘Bobbito’ Garcia aka DJ Cucumber Slice, Kool Bob Love and Bobby Door Knob, is an American Author, DJ, Street Baller, Producer, Director, Professional Basketball player, Coach, Podcaster, Entrepreneur, Humanitarian and the OGs of the OGs when it comes to the sneaker culture!
Bobbito describes the Adidas Shell Toes as being one of the 3 transformative sneakers during the 70s era. It was the first low top leather sneaker that Rucker Park playground legend Joe Hammond to used to rock. Ball heads and Hip Hop heads took their cue from the legend and the rest is cult history.
The Puma Clydes was worn by another New York NBA legend, Walt ‘Clyde’ Frazier. The $25 price tag was a steep price to pay for during the 70s but if you wanted swag like Clyde and wanted the association with the style, the Rolls Royce and the fedoras you had to have em.
However, it was the clunky almost hiking boots like Air Force 1 that captured the heart and feet of Bobbito. The non-vis air made the sneaker more comfortable for the asphalt courts and the thick leather uppers made them more durable than its more popular predecessors. It drastically changed his life and made him feel better after balling. However, it would be many more years till the street culture found them sexy.
“I might’ve crossed Fat Joe once or Twice…”Air Jordan III ‘Motorsports’ @numbersnz
As for modern ball kicks. Kool Bob Love has fondness to a couple of Nike signature sneakers. Not only just in terms of overall performers, but more of their personal ties to him. The Kyrie 2s were an homage to Kyrie’s dad, his NBA Summer League teammate durings the 90s.
The Kobe IVs meanwhile, well Kobe and him share the same Alma Mater, Lower Merion High. Nuff said!
It’s not all fun and games for Bobbito though. He is a regular supporter and contributor to Hoops 4 Hope Zimbabwe. The organization helps educate and give necessary life skills to thousands of kids through music, basketball and kicks.
As for the present state of the scene?
He leaves us with these thoughts.
“It’s the golden era of sneakers!!! You can practically get any sneaker you want at your fingertips. You don’t have to travel. However, when the rare becomes the coveted, and everyone including their mum is wearing the same kicks, they become the common. Same with fashion. Same with music. There is still that ‘make your day’ kinda feeling, when a kid on the street eyeballs you rocking something he’s never seen before and asks you where did you get them from.”
Much love and respect to Hype DC QV and The Weekly Drop and their awesome staff!!! Once again, you guys have outdone yourself in this awesome event!!! Already looking forward to the next one!
For more on Bobbito and his upcoming projects you can check out the info here: Rock Rubber 45.
Nearly forgot, regarding that Nas verse and the whole context to this write-up, DJ Cucumber Slice claims that the GOAT rap album is Illmatic. Agree? Disagree? Let’s make it easy on you. How about your top 5 GOAT rap album of all time?
Check out the ICHPIG much anticipated Tech-Force 1/4 Zip Hood for 2019, featuring the high-neck chin guard and toggle tie system to keep the cool air out and the warm air in.
This 2.0 version features the infamous Tech-Force re-engineered with updated block panelling and additional ICHPIG colour-way branding. Both colour-ways are heavily 90’s inspired and vintage sports teams with ‘Ultramarine‘ highlighting the famous Nike AM180 colour-way, and ‘Dark Ducks‘ referencing the beloved Mighty Ducks underdogs.
This is a limited edition release with no re-stocks. It’s now available in store & online now. https://ichpig.com/
North side of Brisbane saw an awesome turn out with the King of creps opening up their doors last Thursday over at Westfield Chermside. JD Sports came through with the goods having the first hundred in the line up gifted with a $20 voucher once they walked in, greeted by the friendly and energetic staff that were ready to cater to your threads and sneaker needs.
To the ones that were late on the release of Jordan IV Breds nearly three weeks back, a neat stack were waiting for them behind the counter, having a couple heads rocking on feet walking out the door.
We were able to get a sneak peak of the store before they opened up shop, seeing The JD team dynamic hype up and get the good vibes rollin. Layout of the store made sure you knew you were in JD Sports. Features of new silhouettes, like that of the recently released Adidas Nite Jogger and Reebok RS-X Tech, exhibited in perspex displays and animated monitors made it a unique experience than your average sneaker store.
Massive front door real estate got you automatically ending up inside, finding your peripherals scanning round for the goods. And the DJ was spinnin’ all types of bangers making it known that JD Sports was in town.
If you’re ever around the area or Chermside is your local go to, make sure to come through, check the creps, sign up to the comp to WIN KICKS FOR A YEAR, and say Hi.
Kickstw has opened up another store location and this time it got the Royal Arcade Treatment. Located amongst the bustling lanes of Melbourne, just a couple flights up some stairs and you’ve hit Hype Motherload. With walls of the latest collaborations and releases up for grabs. But don’t forget the remarkable streetwear up for copping with brands like Supreme, Bape and more.
Once done with the 360 degrees of eye candy, check out Kickstw consignment options. with their fare consignment rates and quick sale turn around times, its bound to leave a smirk on your face.
For more details please see Kickstw Website and check out their Instagram for deals
Straight from the Paris Fashion Week catwalk to your feet! Li Ning’s highly successful street wear returns with a very familiar high end luxurious vibe.
One of the surprise non-Way Of Wades silhouettes to have splashed onto street wear consciousness is the Essence Ace series. This version comes back with the all too familiar blocky and deconstructed look, but with a very familiar luxurious leather design and breathable air knit mesh upper combo.
Li Ning has always been a brand I’ve kept my eye on. Not as globally recognized as your Nikes and your Adidas’, but they well and truly are a sportswear juggernaut in China. Every since they pried Dwyane Wade out of Jordan Brand and successfully launched the Way of Wades, they have been making a huge noise in the scene. I have always been impressed with their packaging, craftsmanship and their usage of premium materials in all their sneaker ranges.
Equally impressive is how this package was shipped and ordered from Sunlight Station. For the box nerds out there, the package came double boxed and bubble wrapped. Also included was a pair of Stance Socks! The socks were a very welcomed bonus gift!
Now back to the kicks.
The uppers is made of a cow split leather and breathable mesh combo. This provides a cool, comfortable and secure fit. The heel counter comes with a thick padding that provides a more stable yet comfortable hold on your heel that prevents foot slippages on quick stops.
The outer sole is made of durable rubber with a simple but grippy horizontal pattern. My only complaint was that there were some very minor traction issues during wet street conditions.
Now here is where the Essence Ace II really shines. The cushioning feels so much more responsive and bouncier than traditional EVA. I would say the ride feels like a more stable and non-squishy version of boost. EVA is not meant to perform like this. It’s usually a dense compound that require a ton of wears before it breaks in. Not in the case with these kicks, you’re good to go out of the box. Meanwhile, the segmented soles, while cosmetically appealing provides a functional and effortless transition on your heel to toe strides.
I will be taking these bad boys on my next holiday. They are comfortable enough to be worn for hours on end and versatile enough to slide into most streetwear fits. I’ve worn em for 8 hours straight for this review and I haven’t experienced the same foot fatigue when I wear my Airs and Boosts. Like I said in the beginning, you can’t go past the high end design cues it’s going for, but at the same time its got enough of that deconstructed street vibe to pull off that casual yet striking look. I’ve had a ton of sneakerheads doing double take head snaps thinking these were a Gucci Gang x Balenciaga collab.
If you want to stand out from the crowd and still consider comfort as king, the Li Ning PFW Essence ACE II AS is now locally available at Sunlight Station.