Choo Jackson

Cool Things Happening in Pittsburgh (Vol. 3) by Alex Young

a piece of history - respect to late Mayor of Pittsburgh Bob O'Connor

a piece of history - respect to late Mayor of Pittsburgh Bob O'Connor

Youth and popular culture in the 'Burgh flourishes because the movers are extremely active in pushing their innovation, creativity, community, and business minds. With this, the responsible public creates masterpieces like events or products that residents and tourists can enjoy.

Basically, the following reports on cool things happening in Pittsburgh to look out for.


1. Uptown Florals 2.0 by Makayla Wray

Cheers to this design prodigy. Since releasing a couple custom Nike Air Force 1 back in 2015, Makayla Wray returns to her bread and butter. Wray's Uptown Florals 2.0 are extensions of her "Warhol Flower AF1" and "BLK AF1" projects, Nike's iconic sneaker decorated with flowers. Officially under the "MAW" label, Uptown Florals 2.0 appreciate Swoosh heritage, Wray's ability to craft premium leather goods (the flower petals on 2.0 are calfskin), and "my uproot from Pittsburgh to New York—parallel to the same path taken by Andy Warhol," she says.

Stylistically, Florals is great. Though Wray spends a lot of time in New York, the Pittsburgh native is back in the city often, and she linked with locals model Donovan Green and photographer Preslav for the shoe's visual presentation.

Only 50 pairs of the Uptown Florals 2.0 will be available on July 1 via www.makaylawray.com at 4:12 p.m. EST. [$280]

2. No Joke with Paizley

Do you want to dance? Come to No Joke and be turnt. Paizley, the DJ, will keep the bangers going. The first time I heard Paizley was a year ago at Finesse with EYEJAY. He threw down, and I left the event sweaty. You can have fun at No Joke because Paizley advertises it as "Trap, Rap & Whatever Else." It's lit.

To give yourself fuel for No Joke on Saturday, July 1 at Remedy in Lawrenceville, listen to Paizley's new mix called "Blue Collar" that celebrates the 'Burgh's underground rap and hip-hop culture. "To be something special in Pittsburgh means working non-stop on your own time and with little resources," he says.

Remedy

5121 Butler Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15201

3. Creatives Independence Collection

"Creatives" becomes a way-of-life in Pittsburgh. The brand and slogan honor the people behind great productions. The staple that Cody Baker and Chancelor Humphrey have established in their Creatives Drink party they now transfer into core Creatives garments. The Creatives Independence Collection includes two Champion mesh short colorways and three Champion T-shirt colorways. Each comes with an American embroidered flag. Creatives' range drops on July 4 at 11 a.m. EST and will be available for 24 hours at creativesdrink.com.

4. Summer Livin

Splash around. Enjoy summer. Summer Livin provides energy and feels with food and music at the Highland Park Pool on June 30 from 1-9 p.m. Songbird Sierra Sellers and hot rappers like James Perry, and Lokal Foreners, have performances.

If you miss the pool party, attend LiveFromTheCity's Sun Fest '17 on July 7 in partnership with the 1Hood Media and Boom Concepts collectives. Support a community clothing drive and music.

Highland Park Pool

151 Lake Drive

Pittsburgh, PA 15206

Boom Concepts

5139 Penn Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

5. Supa Jefe Tour with Kap-G and J.R. Donato at Spirit

Georgia spits out rappers like faucets spit out water. Up and comer Kap-G, the dude who moans "I just took a flick with your girlfriend," is the latest product from The Peach State and he comes to Pittsburgh on July 10. Some of the city's prime rappers like Calvin Portsworth, Pet Zebra, and Pk Delay open for Kap-G.

Spirit

242 51st Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15201

6. JAILBREAK Festival

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[The] intent is to create strength in numbers by bringing together the diverse groups in this city while having a banging good time doing it.

The theme and date of this event was inspired by Bastille Day, where a mob of over 1,000 people united and stormed the walls of the Bastille prison in Paris, sparking a turning point in the French Revolution.

May JAILBREAK start a massive movement in Pittsburgh that people cannot ignore, an annual festival that brings local talent and local consumers to a big party. Heavyweights Choo Jackson, Benji, Mikey P, Tairey, Slim Tha DJ, DJ Seams, DJ Topgun, and much more entertain the crowd. The underground's best will also be in attendance on July 15 at JAILBREAK. Acquaint yourself with BABYT33TH and 1Geno. Review the entire festival lineup and show up to JAILBREAK for the culture. 

7. InTheRough Features with Geechi P and Yung Mulatto

Here are Pittsburgh's fashion forefather and Pittsburgh hip-hop's creative director. Geechi P and Yung Mulatto respectively move in their own lanes while influencing their peers. Geechi's attention to high fashion and streetwear educates a Pittsburgh public who is behind the fashion curve. Mulatto collects production credits for rappers like Blackboi, and he is the visual connection between artists' image and their music. Both young men are key players in the 'Burgh's progressive society. Learn more about them soon under Life's Goods.

Cool Things Happening in Pittsburgh by Alex Young

a piece of history - respect to late Mayor of Pittsburgh Bob O'Connor

a piece of history - respect to late Mayor of Pittsburgh Bob O'Connor

Youth and popular culture in the 'Burgh flourishes because the movers are extremely active in pushing their innovation, creativity, community, and business minds. With this, the responsible public creates masterpieces like events or products that residents and tourists can enjoy.

Basically, the following reports on cool things happening in Pittsburgh to look out for.

1. Javed + Serene at Matt's Music Mine

A knowledgeable and excited hip-hop culture comes together at Mr. Roboto Project on May 26. Rapper Javed and his Serene team flex a stylish and fun atmosphere on stage. Crisp production from retrorosser and bars from Calvin P, Jet and illiterate form Serene into an entertaining lineup. Other musicians, like the experimental band Skeletonized, are set to perform at the Matt's Music Mine event, a showcase of up and coming talent from Pittsburgh.

Mr. Roboto Project

5106 Penn Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

$5 | 7 p.m.

2. Aris Tatalovich ROY G BIV Bag

Aris Tatalovich is a young designer from the 'Burgh's outskirts who is responsible for handmade bags. Tatalovich's merch receives authentic appreciation from subculture heroes, and that is a plus as he looks toward longevity and market success. His bag seen on style icon Ian Connor and fresh rapper Playboi Carti hypes the ROY G BIV release, although Tatalovich's talent makes his brand stand alone.

Shop the Tatalovich bag here on May 26. $220 | 25 numbered bags available

@playboicarti $100k in who bag? 🌈🌈🌈

A post shared by Aris Tatalovich (@aristatalovich) on

3. Summer Sound Series #1 by Studio A.M.

Studio A.M.'s footprint in Pittsburgh's art community is consistent. They do best at bringing eclectic audiences to their artwork, painter Baron Batch's colorfully inspiring pieces or Chef Steve's food. Brunch, weekly yoga nights, and now the Summer Sound Series show the range of Studio A.M.'s interactions. On May 26, musical acts Starship Mantis, Mars Jackson, and Royal Haunts will perform alongside guest DJ RPM. Starship Mantis is a band who go by the phrase "dedicated to make you move," Mars Jackson is an O.G. hip-hop lyricist and live talent who is preparing to release a new album, and Royal Haunts fits the bill as a versatile singer-songwriter. The Summer Sound Series show starts at 9 p.m., and Studio A.m.'s brand manager Tori Meglio says the series will run throughout the summer months.

Studio A.M. - photo by Tori Meglio

Studio A.M. - photo by Tori Meglio

4. Trap Dojo with Choo Jackson, Mikey P and Friends

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Choo Jackson leads hip-hop's underground on Saturday, May 27, as he takes the stage at Boom Concepts with a solid cast of young artists. Choo readies to drop his new project called "Parade," which he recorded with I.D. Labs, and a party with Trap Masters Banks and Flack as the hosts in the Trap Dojo only aims excitement around Choo's music. Rapper Mikey P, spoken word artist Brittney Chantele, and Virginia native Miah Travis accompany Choo for the concert.

5. Jenesis Magazine x Drinking Partners Podcast

This year Jenesis Magazine celebrates their tenth year as Pittsburgh's "word up" news source. They've thrown an anniversary party and an archival gallery at their culture kitchen Boom Concepts. During episode 92 of comedians Ed Bailey and Day Bracey's Drinking Partners podcast, Jenesis founder Thomas Agnew and his business partner D.S. Kinsel spoke about their mission to add to Pittsburgh's creative communities. Together, Jenesis and Boom feed opportunities to local artists. Both entities show love to many people. In the name of collaboration and celebrating Jenesis's 10th anniversary, Drinking Partners will join the magazine to host brunch and record an episode of their podcast in front of a live audience. Drinks are unlimited, and you can get your ticket for the Sunday brunch event here.

6. The Couch Crasher Tour by Daily Bread x Lokal Foreners

Daily Bread, a streetwear clothier, and Lokal Foreners, a rap and skate crew, have enjoyed an effective partnership. Their images combine in music videos, lookbooks, and now a tour that stretches from their Pittsburgh home to Alabama and other locations. On June 2 or June 3, catch Hippy Swizzy, Que Dafoe, Ahse, James Perry, and the rest of the Lokal Foreners crew at Daily Bread in Pittsburgh or at the Greensburg, Pa. stop of The Couch Crasher Tour.

 

7. Three Rivers Arts Festival

Stop down to Point State Park in dahntahn Pittsburgh from June 2-11 for the annual Three Rivers Arts Festival. Enjoy plenty of free visual and experiential art, as well as major music shows for local acts. Rappers Choo Jackson, Hubbs, and others join the legendary DJ Selecta on June 8 for Beats + Bars. Explore all the events for the festival here.

Look for another edition of "Cool Things Happening in Pittsburgh" soon to ITR.

Choo Jackson and Daily Bread Present "Forever Kool Fried Chicken" by Alex Young

From "Time Spent with Choo Jackson," readers learned that Daily Bread, a lifestyle brand stationed in Pittsburgh, Pa., was "one of the first companies to promote Choo and expand his creative image" locally in the 'Burgh and nationally. Daily Bread uses the rapper in clothing look books, print deliverables, and they even host events for Choo and other rappers in the steel city.

The streetwear clothier, concert promoter, and skate team now develops their working relationship with Foreverkool Records' Choo Jackson. As partners, Choo and Daily Bread collaborate to present "Forever Kool Fried Chicken," a T-shirt range inspired by Choo's real life experiences flipping and frying chicken.

Blue, gray, and yellow color the tees which are nostalgic wearables that reflect on Choo's time in the food business in Chambersburg, Pa, also known as Chillinburg. The T-shirts are the first time the musician has provided merchandise for his fans. They also smartly draw attention to Choo's upcoming project with Sledgren of Taylor Gang, "Pray 4 The Best."

Additionally, "Forever Kool Fried Chicken" collection is limited to 100 shirts and will be followed by the "Back From Texas" collection, an offering of hats adorned with lyrics from Choo's hit song.

Shop "Forever Kool Fried Chicken" at Choo or Daily Bread's web-store here and here

Cool Things About to Happen in Popular Pittsburgh by Alex Young

Photo by Jimmy Schaffer for Faresh Brand

Photo by Jimmy Schaffer for Faresh Brand

People around the Steel City take matters into their own hands when it comes to finding things to do, they simply do it themselves.

Youth and popular culture in Pittsburgh, Pa. flourishes because the actors are extremely active in pushing their innovation, creativity, community, and business minds. With this, events, masterpieces, projects, and products are popping up all over the city for residents and tourists to enjoy.

The following reports on cool things about to happen in Pittsburgh to look out for.

1. The City Presented by Faresh Brand

"Pixburgh" apparel company, Faresh Brand hosts a mini festival on April 30 at Spirit Lodge. The mixed-genre event, with blues, rock, and hip-hop, will feature some of the 'burghs best musical acts, and attendees will represent the city's movers and shakers. See PK Delay of The Company Only, hot boys Choo Jackson, producer Christo, and DJ Socratee, along with talents Grandadchilds and Comancheria perform. Admission is free and the show starts at 8 p.m.

242 51st Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15201

2. 'I'm Just Being Nice' by Mars Jackson and Nice Rec

After local rapper Mars Jackson became the first hip-hop artist signed to label Misra Records, he announced a nine-track project executively produced by Pittsburgh's own Nice Rec to drop before his debut Unemployed Faith album. The new work titled 'I'm Just Being Nice,' is "for those whose been on this journey with me,"  and dedicated to his mother, Jackson says. The alternative hip-hop artist declares through his Instagram that the offering will drop before the end of April.

Photo by Keep Pittsburgh Dope

Photo by Keep Pittsburgh Dope

3. Market Street Block Party

Grocery, eatery, and beverage hookup, Market Street Grocery turned one year-old today. To celebrate, the shop, in collaboration with influencer and city advocate Cody Baker, is having a block party downtown. Join them for food, fun, and to listen to DJ Pete Butta on the tracks April 28 from 6-10 p.m.

435 Market Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15222

4. Creatives Drink 5

At the Mattress Factory on cinco de mayo, May 5 for non-Spanish speakers, people of creativity can connect, dance, network, and drink together in a motivated and energized atmosphere. Visual artist, food photographer, and event planner Cody Baker, along with partner in crime Chancelor Humphrey of lifestyle platform Keep Pittsburgh Dope, host the party where attendees drink for free. Go to Creatives Drink from 6-9 p.m.

500 Sampsonia Way

Pittsburgh, PA 15212

5. Cam'ron with Hardo and Choo Jackson

On May 13 at the iconic Mr. Smalls Funhouse, hip-hop descends on Pittsburgh as one of Harlem, New York's most entertaining talents comes to town for a headlining performance. Cam'ron, along with local rappers Hardo and Choo Jackson, will be hosted by DJ Afterthought and DJ Motor Mane of Taylor Gang. Buy tickets to the show here and show up before the show starts at 9 p.m.

400 Lincoln Avenue

Millvale, PA 15209

6. Pretty Chill Kickback

In the spirit of intimate and underground parties, representatives of The Company Only and Team Epic rap collectives Joel KellemPK Delay, and Norman Dean will throw a chill get together with music, BYOB, and hookah. Southside Hookah will hold the event, and you can get tickets for the night here. Catch the rappers perform and sets by Alex Rivera and DJ Noel on May 21 at 5-8 p.m. 18-year-olds and up are welcome.

57 South 10th Street

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

7. Hendawg Millionaire Release Party

To celebrate the release of his upcoming mixtape, Hendawg Millionaire, which releases May 9, Palermo Stone will have a party at incubation hub Boom Concepts. Stone's Rare Nation mate JKJ, KH of Mo'$crill Hotel, DJ Spillz, and others will accompany Stone at the release party. $10 for all ages to enter, $5 admission with a bottle of Hennessy, bring your own beer, and Hook's Chicken comes free with admission. The night kicks off at 8 p.m. on May 14. Promotion for the event, along with others on this list, is provided by Jenesis Magazine, a cultural cultivator whose owner, Thomas Agnew, also runs Boom Concepts with D.S. Kinsel.

5139 Penn Avenue

Pittsburgh, PA 15224

Choo Jackson - Broken Hearts Make Money (Album) by Alex Young

Subcultures of cities speak to diversification of ideas and the many people inhabiting the area. No matter the destination music always provides a vibrant, relevant, and meaningful scene transitioning from genre to genre. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania is no different and while Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller serve as the town's landmarks, the current culture is examined through contemporaries like Choo Jackson. The Remember Music affiliate operates in The Burgh's collaborative environment crafting a unique sound for himself using other talents the city offers. Yesterday Choo's Broken Hearts Make Money album released boasting a truthful narrative on emotion and his constant grind. Pittsburghers like producer Christo, ID Labs, and even Mac Miller on "HD" strengthen the rapper's sound. Take a listen to BHM$ in full below and catch Choo on September 20 at Stage AE with Mac Miller.