GLD x Taylor Gang House Party and Pop-Up Shop

Art by CaMoCustomz

A post shared by •• GLD •• (@shopgld) on Sep 29, 2017 at 9:05am PDT

Local Pittsburgh legend Dan Folger has seen his stock rise since being Wiz Khalifa's photographer and visual director to diamond and gold dealer. Now, he's enjoying his success and furthering his GLD brand in the process.

Folger joins Wiz for a Taylor Gang x GLD pop-up shop located on the South Side's East Carson Street. They offer apparel and jewelry with TGOD and Pirates themes coming in strong through the Pittsburgh P's pendants. The experience is timely as Wiz visits his hometown for his performance at Thrival music festival on Saturday.

Last night, Shop GLD and the Taylor Gang hosted a house party at the pop-up shop. Gang was there with a handful of guests, like trapstar Jimmy Wopo and party master Flack who was on-hand to catch the moment. During the turn up, Wiz and Wopo debuted the track they made together that's juiced by Sledgren production. The shit rides and the night ended with police stepping through a shattered glass door. It got too lit in the 'Burgh, but that's what the culture needs. Catch pieces on Folger's Snapchat (danfolger).

Visit the shop up through October 1 and get tickets for Wiz at Thrival here. Be ready for that Wiz x Wopo track to shake the city up.

Shop GLD x Taylor Gang Pop-Up Shop

1015 East Carson St

Pittsburgh, PA 15203

New music on the way from @WizKhalifa and @jimmywopo_ 🔥👀pic.twitter.com/wqMk6yQZWD

— The Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) September 29, 2017

Last nite was 🔥🔥🔥@wizkhalifa @jimmywopo_ @DJMotorMane @therealRickyP pic.twitter.com/60ZKFmlGEb

— Sir Flackwood🙅🏾‍♂️ (@Flack412) September 29, 2017

Hilltopolis Preview

People were elated when The Cool Kids, an elite rap duo comprised of Chuck Inglish and Sir Michael Rocks of Chicago, announced last summer that they would officially reunite. Last Friday, Inglish and Rocks delighted fans even more with the release of their first album, "Special Edition Grandmaster Deluxe," since their 2011 output "When Fish Ride Bicycles."

Now, the news gets better. Thanks to Work Hard Pittsburgh, a cooperatively owned and operated business incubator, underground giants The Cool Kids visit the 'Burgh for a concert on Friday, September 22, 2017.

To match the cooperative effort of Work Hard Pittsburgh, key partners collaborate on the concert officially called Hilltopolis. Drinking Partners Podcast emcee the event. Creatives Drink, a free networking event disguised as a turn-up, hosts the pregame party and the afterparty. Cody Baker and Chancelor Humphrey will throw the C.D. afterparty in a warehouse 30 minutes after The Cool Kids leave the Hilltopolis stage in Grandview Park located between Mount Washington and Allentown. C.D.'s resident DJ Pete Butta will spin the tracks.

A post shared by Creatives Drink (@creativesdrink) on Sep 14, 2017 at 6:47pm PDT

Further, emerging local stars Pk Delay and Pet Zebra are the opening acts for Inglish and Rocks. Both Delay and Zebra steadily make names for themselves in the 'Burgh and elsewhere with their entertainment value. Recently, they visited Morgantown, W. VA. to open for rapper Riff Raff.

A post shared by Hilltopolis (@hilltopolis) on Sep 12, 2017 at 7:02am PDT

Most importantly, Hilltopolis is a charity event. Tickets are free, but Hilltopolis advertising encourages attendees to "pay what you want." All proceeds benefit Brashear Kids, a non-profit which supports citizen education and community improvement.

Get tickets here and come to Hilltopolis prepared to celebrate "social innovation through music and activism."

Hilltopolis

330-332 Bailey Ave

Pittsburgh, PA 15211

Creatives Drink Afterparty

829 Industry St. 

Pittsburgh, PA 15210

Cool Things Happening at Uptown Art House

Travis setting up the light filters.  Photograph by Maxwell Young

Art work by Marc Bryant.

Every time you walk into Uptown Art House, you're liable to find new installation pieces and contraptions or catch it amidst a cosmetic transformation. Camille and Niles Parker designed a DJ booth and projection walls for their techniclored-event, 'Hue Lounge,' featuring DJs Naive Nebula, Kno I'm Not, Romero, Atanga and Bast who formulate their creative collective. Resident artist at the Art House Maps Glover, has been busy constructing several performance art pieces, while Yacine Fall and Sarah Craft have installed a metal hanging apparatus, as they conceptualize an upcoming show.  Mensa Kondo has popped in-and-out of the space continuing to progress his vibrant mural, as other paintings from Marc Bryant and an evolving array of graffiti tags have manifested inside the space.

Nate G and Naive Nebula photographed by Maxwell Young.

Uptown Art House is a multi-disciplinary venue.  Whether attending a weekend event falling into a sensory experience of light projection and experimental sounds or walking into a boutique of Native American jewelry, the various disciplines of art and cultural expression are evident here.  Last month not only featured a performance by April + Vista, but D.C. thrift-retailer Earl's Closet hosted a vintage shopping event at the Art House.  There's no intent to slow down the space's programming as co-directors Jamal Gray and Sebi Medina-Tayac have committed to Uptown Art House until January 2018.  Take a look at a number of the events taking place at the Art House this August.

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1. August 11th, 7-11pm, $5- A Period of Appreciation: a Solo Exhibition by Maya Sun

Visitors to the Art House may have already seen some of resident artist Maya Sun's work, as she was integral to Maps Glover's art piece, 'Home' during Dawkins and April + Vista's show last month.  Her solo exhibition attempts to amplify the bondage of self and mind, peeling through present and past constructs created by self, sexuality, love, womanhood and blackness.  Sun welcomes us to her inner-working through a range of different media.

2. August 12th, 7-11pm, $10- Dawkins, Dreamcast, Leach, Crue

A Dawkins band member checks out the aluminum TV set during their event last month. Photograph by Maxwell Young 

Dawkins and Dreamcast are familiar faces to the Art House, having already performed groovy sets here this summer.  The latter you can also hear on ITR's Sounds of D.C. playlist. OTHERFEELS a DMV-based artist collective and blog is bringing these artists back this Saturday along with Leach and Crue.  Visual projection mapping will be on display as well as physical and performance art.

3. August 13th, 7-11pm, $5- XK Scenario Homecoming Tour

Northern Virginia band XK Scenario is returning to the DMV scene following their first northeastern tour.  XK is supported by an A-list bill of D.C.'s budding independent artists such as Canker Blossom, Lies Kill and Jamal Gray as RAYGUNOMICS.

4. August 19th, 5-10pm- The Artist Solidarity Foundation House of Art 2.0: Ways of Healing

Join the ASF and MNM Creative & Underground D.C. for their second iteration of House of Art.  This year's program is dedicated to discovering the various means humans and artists have for healing.  DMV-based artists and vendors will bring their art and participate in the artistic discussion.  There will also be live music of the andean 'folk' and northern Native American singing/drumming varieties, handmade goods and new wave sounds spun by DJs Luchaoso and DJ A-lex.

5. August 20th, 6-9pm- Psychedelics and Art

The D.C. Psychedelic Society exists and boasts a community of around 250 followers on Facebook.  Later this month, they will be exploring the intersection of psychedelics and art.  Local artists including Khalid Thompson, Luke Stewart, Carmen Jackman and Farrah AbuBaker will speak on how psychedelics have impacted their art and life.  Live painting, visual projection and vending by donut shop Glazed & Infuzed will be amongst the list of activities for the night.

UPTOWN ART HOUSE

3412 CONNECTICUT AVE NW

WASHINGTON, DC 20008

Cool Things Happening in Pittsburgh (Vol. 3)

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.

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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

“[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

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 Mar 21, 2017 at 4:09pm PDT

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

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

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.