photography by Ysa Pérez
ASAP Rocky; Harlem’s “Pretty Boy” Flody rapper. Purple Swag from his upcoming mixtape LiveLoveA$AP, has 300, 000 views on youtube in a month, if you’re interested in numbers. “Your worth is not measured in likes, comments, notes, or follower count.” But more importantly, this is the first artist to reach my iPod after the release of Watch the Throne. I’m usually good for some trap music, it’s a given coming from the south. Somehow this fall through the cracks. Weeding through the ‘Lils’, ‘Youngs’, and ‘Macs’ for something that stands out from the standard design becomes a hard task. Rocky’s second single “Peso” debuted a video directed by LateBoots family Abteen Bagheri. The visuals bring back classic New York hip hop–riding handlebars, dice games, 40 ounce and posing. 
+ No, he doesn’t have a Maybach yet. This won’t be your new ‘I can live vicariously through you rapper’ dreaming your way to Paris. But you will hear about Margiela, gold fonts, girls, and fresh braids–true stories of being young growing up in Harlem. Not to mention I’m an inch into ponytail status, so by default he’s apart of my new obsession. ASAP Rocky – “Peso” music video inside –>Inside Story
The Drums; an indie pop band from Brooklyn that was formed from two best friends; Band mates Jonathan and Jacob we’re childhood friends who meet at summer camp. “Money” is the first single off their sophomore album, Portamento. The Drums burst on to the music scene in 2010 with their freewheeling Summertime EP before releasing a self-titled debut that went on to sell 200,000 albums. Photographer Hedi Slimane also took interest in the dreamy band members for ROCK DIARY in Novemeber of 2009. NOWNESS: How would you sum up the song’s meaning? Jonathan Pierce: It’s essentially about trying and failing, but with a heart that is mostly sincere.
Sham Shirley
When you look back years from now I want you to say “Phifer taught me“. Putting your speakers into a sarcophagus–so the best advice is to just get on top of this. Morehouse College gossip–gossip? And in the mist of the student whispers we’re delivering our dreams–hard like some 808′s–Bass. Hey do you have some Kam Parker inside your iTunes?—would you like some? Look at you–look at you. Formerly known for just his producing efforts, Parker releases his own and goes for the classic R&B feel (the all-devouring sonics of love)– he goes for all of it, in every track.
[CLICK IMAGE TO DOWNLOAD] Track List: So Happy, Fly (Interlude), I Want You, Inception.
Ofcourse, in true Phifer etiquette, I had a session with Parker and heard a catalog of his original produced material that stay on heavy rotation in my musical library. If you’re in search of some classic Rhythm and Blues then downloading XXII will be a treat.–I’ve got one questions three words–Are You Ready? Kam Parker releases his 4 track compilation titled XXII.
Marquis Phifer
George Lewis Jr. (lead singer of Twin Shadow) pictured with Hooray for Earth
Present Day. Shallow Hal picks the songs for my playlist. My ipod rolodex is stuck somewhere in between Radiohead’s In Rainbow and 17 Days. So for now I’m only recruiting the lookers–package deals. Twin Shadow, born George Lewis Jr, released his debut album Forget produced by Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear. I don’t know about you , but I’m starting to fall for the kid. #Longhairdontcare as he sings, “Everything I see looks like gold, Everything I touch goes cold, Castles in the snow…”
(Live Performances Inside) –>Inside Story
Phlo Finister is a musical misfit but it works. This indie artist who hails from Oakland, California has created a sonic storm with her Avant-Garde yet chef d’oeuvre style. The former model/stylist (@PhloJoe) is no stranger to the public eye as she’s been seen with such acts as Kanye West, Taz Arnold, Kid Cudi, Kelis, and bestfriend to British socialite Peaches Geldof. She makes her LateBoots debut with the release of her inaugural album Silver Hill; mimicking the Life & Times of Andy Warhol and the psychiatric hospital days of Edie Sedgwick–it’s crazy good.
Heavily influcened by the 1960′s, her music allows you to enter her world with classic influences of rock and trendy dub pop. She gives you all of herself in her debut album Silver Hill which you can download HERE. (Released with independent label Ti$a Records).
Marquis Phifer
Recording artist D-Why releases a new music video off his upcoming mixtape Don’t Flatter Yourself– “Crazy World” directed by Fredo Tovar and Scott Fleishman with art direction/video treatment by D-WHY. DOWNLOAD SONG: http://tinyurl.com/CrazyWorldMP3 “Sometimes a bee sting ain’t worth the honey”
Sham Shirley
The musical known as C.O.L.O.U.R.S. is coming to town –beep beep; with a brand new talk that is. Fonzworth Bentley is known for his colorful flare, well, America’s Perfect Gentlemen is now apart of the music business–Puff, Russell, Kanye; all of his mentors. The people from good homes are talking this year! Turn to the left; now turn to the right–C.O.L.O.U.R.S.! What’s the contrast? This is Mick Jagger–Paul Mccartney–David Bowie colorful; Let’s Dance! Click here to DOWNLOAD select tracks.
[Click Image to Listen] Notable Guest include; Faith Evans, UGK, Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Anthony Hamilton and Andre 3000.
Take a listen to the mixtape, lend your ear to the flagrant flow of Mr. Bentley.
Marquis Phifer
Theophilus London Bushmills Billboard in New York on Broome and Crosby
Remember when I interviewed London on LateBoots circa ’08 ? You know back in the blogspot days? Check back here, take a walk down memory lane. Now fast forward to the present date. “Why Even Try” the second single off LOVERS HOLIDAY, premiered on MTV directed by Bryan Schlam “It’s another journey fantasy with a Female as captured in “Humdrum Town”, “Hey Wonderful” and “Flying Overseas” music videos. Its a story between myself and a female during a glamorous period in NYC. Its always fun to portray your life in Music videos”, says London on the new video.
Sham Shirley
(Photo taken Summer 2010 in Brooklyn New York) Nevermind me, the homie to the site and friend Diggy Simmons freestyles over Mobb Deep’s “Shook Ones”… –>Inside Story
Recording artist Marcus Harmon, released a new video to his single, “Save the Night.” The song is melodic and soulful but the images are the beautiful visual matched for the senses. Peep the video after the jump –at the end there is a blissful surprise… –>Inside Story
I am changing my friends circle, watch! All that other music is for the birds. Get into Mark Ronson! I must confess that I play “The Bike Song” every morning. After purchasing his latest album Record Collection, and his newly blonde hair–he can do NO wrong!… –>Inside Story
The volume of information that we are exposed to is almost unbearable sometime; except when it’s new videos to some of my favorite songs. Rob Roy’ s “Carmencita” has been in my playlist since 08′. And I’m sure you guys are familiar with D-Why… –>Inside Story