Reminisce with Kubi, watch "I Miss L.A," a home movie

i miss L.A from kubi on Vimeo.

Washington, D.C.—In case you missed it, DMV-based photographer Kubi released a ten-minute home movie feeling nostalgic of his time in Los Angeles circa summer 2018.

We’re familiar with his film work as he came through Uptown Art House to capture the raw, underground vibe that was present the night of Khan, Wifigawd, and Trip Dixon performances last year. Peruse his Instagram to find his trademark Cowgirl photos—undoubtedly friends, models, creatives, and strangers, too—fitted in varying cowboy boots and hats. Plus, his lens has caught a who’s-who of District creatives, framing the scene in a distinct visual context.

Kubi’s videography is eye-catching, though, because he uses fonts and graphics that are reminiscent of a Windows 2005 digital era. In “I Miss L.A,” quick cuts of intimate moments with friends and beach buds inform this abstract diary while distortions and iridescent filters heighten the level of indulgence and enjoyment evident in his West coast adventure.

Perhaps the most compelling component of the video, in my opinion, is the music. “No Time” featuring Gunna by Playboi Carti is one of the more euphoric sounds on Die Lit. It accentuates the beginning of Kubi’s movie—a sense of arrival and renewal. He never leaves this wavelength, running through cuts of Astroworld, more Carti, and The Weekend who highlights one of Kubi’s heartfelt moments along the shoreline.

You have to wonder if a permanent Los Angeles transition is imminent for Kubi Cowboy. Is he a man of the Wild West? Watch the video above for a pleasurable moment in your day.

Gil Veni Vici Presents "East Side Story"

Gil Veni Vici photographed by Wain Tan

Gil Veni Vici, best known for his image in streetwear campaigns for Los Angeles stalwarts like The Hundreds and Menace, is about to level up in the creative industry. The young, East L.A. native appears poised and ready to embark on his career as an artist and businessman, but first, he celebrates the city that raised him.

"East Side Story," is his multidisciplinary art exhibition on display at HVW8 Gallery in L.A. With large installations, a performance piece, and photographs, Gil shares his perspective on life and style rooted in the culture representative of where he is from. "Eastside Story" draws on his real-life experiences in L.A.'s El Sereno neighborhood, and his lifestyle while being influenced by his Mexican-American heritage and urban community. "Don't forget where you come from," Gil says.

The exhibit mostly features portraits of Gil taken by local photographers, like Castro Clifton, Adri Law, and Estavan Oriol. Leading the creative direction, Gil selected his friends and legends to capture the feel of East Los Angeles through his own natural persona. Inside the gallery, viewers become exposed to Gil's mind. The performance piece demonstrates a poker game sequence with the players being opposing gangsters and a mermaid card dealer. Here viewers are invited to visualize a fantasized scene from Gil's childhood. A large Virgin Mary shrine also stands surrounded by holy candles and rose petals. A wall tagged by Spanto of lifestyle label Born and Raised serves as a backdrop. "Details are important," Gil said about the curating process and inspiration for his exhibition.

Later into the night of the exhibit's opening reception on September 23, guests gathered in the gallery's parking lot which quickly turned into a party. Lowriders and quads added to scene. L.A.'s community was also out in full support - Jordan Clarkson of the Lakers, OverDoz's Joon, and Anwar Carrots were a few of the local legends in the crowd who came out and enjoyed the show. The whole experience was "overwhelming [with] so much love and positive energy in the air. I was really appreciative," Gil recalls.

On behalf of his efforts, he says, "I had to represent and show people you can do anything you want, just be creative."

Visual impressions, captured by Wain Tan, from the opening reception can be seen throughout this write-up, but experience Gil's "East Side Story" for yourself from now until October 16.

HVW8 Gallery

661 N Spaulding Avenue

Los Angeles, California 90036

URLA Brand featuring Cozz and Tha Committee

Cozz for URLA Brand

Underrated Los Angeles, more popularly known as URLA, is a lifestyle clothing brand originating in Los Angeles, Ca.

URLA's moniker and mission is an exposé of sorts, as the brand showcases, highlights, and promotes a class of artists undiscovered or underappreciated in the Los Angeles area and beyond. The creative forces, be them rappers or models, join URLA brand in projects such as collaborative t-shirts and lookbooks. URLA uses its website and social media platforms to feature the works, and then visibility is increased by the garments' real world implementation like on stage at live music shows.

For instance, in the past, California rapper Murs (Making the Universe Recognize and Submit or Making Underground Raw Shit), collaborated with URLA on multiple t-shirts, like "The Youth Have The Power," "Everybody Is Somebody," and the most recent "Three Sixteen" capsule. (Listen to his song called "No Shots" with producer 9th Wonder and Pittsburgh rapper Mac Miller.)

Additionally, the latest collection and collaboration from URLA cannot go overlooked. The streetwear label's new range of products, consisting of branded beanies, dad caps and a long sleeve logo T-shirt, are modeled by rap group Tha Committee, front manned by Cody Macc, aka Cozz from Dreamville Records. The clothing and lookbook release comes roughly two weeks after Cozz dropped his latest mixtape, Nothin Personal. MEEZ, the tape's executive producer, and Correy C, who appeared on Revenge of the Dreamers II, are also featured in the curated visuals. 

Underrated Los Angeles' brand execution, the partnership with relevant artists, and promotions underline the up and coming talents people need to take notice of. Through its clothing collections, URLA shows appreciation to the art and the culture at face value.

Shop URLA at urlabrand.com.