Next, Eighty81 and I Love The Hype have a very special event this coming week featuring hip-hop star Wale. Come meet Wale at Next Beachwood on Thursday August 12th from 8-10. This is sure to be an event you won’t want to miss. Also, do yourself and grab Wale’s new mix tape as well, “More About Nothing” As a added bonus ALL customers in attendance will receive a $15 dollar gift card to Next.

Greetings. As a lifelong Cleveland Resident I share everybody’s disappointment that LeBron James has decided to continue his career with the Miami Heat rather than chase the title here in Cleveland. Much has been said and written, but let’s get a few facts straight. When LeBron arrived, this team was arguably one of the worst in the league, a perennial loser. In the seven years Lebron has been here the Cavs became a winner and one of the hottest attractions in the NBA. In 2007 he took an average team to the NBA Finals. He’s won 2 MVP’S and is the most exciting player I’ve ever seen. Sellouts at the Q are commonplace. In this economic climate that is nothing short of sensational. Let’s see what happens when he’s gone. Off the court his numerous charities have benefited many people in our community. At Next it has been a pleasure doing events with LeBron and his team, starting with the launch of his first sneaker where together we raised $10,000 for the Cleveland Public Schools.

Mr. Gilbert we appreciate the investment you have made in our community, but the venomous remarks Thursday night certainly do not reflect the actions of a leader. It was shocking and embarrassing, and probably not a very good recruiting tool for future free agents.

LeBron we are disappointed but we wish you well in Miami.
Go Cleveland.

Robert Rosenthal
Next Stores

A LOT of hip hop music dropped this past week/weekend so I thought I’d give a little recap. Not only was was there Chip and Steph’s Independence Day mixtape, but also new music from Mick Boogie and DJ Jazzy Jeff, DC artist Phil Adé, and Value Pack 5 by Columbus natives Fly Union. Makes sure you catch up on all these mixtapes below, as well as grabbing an official copy of Big Boi’s solo record “Sir Luscious Leftfoot: the Son of Chico Dusty” which came out Tuesday. Pheeeew, come get you some… if you haven’t done so yet:

Mick Boogie x DJ Jazzy Jeff – Summertime

Phil Adé – The Letterman

Fly Union – Value Pack 5

A mix like this should be a no brainer for any Cleveland music fan. Next family DJ Steph Floss and rapper Chip tha Ripper collab for this special holiday mixtape entitled Independence Day. Look for Chip’s collaboration with Chuck Inglish in the form of Gift Raps, coming later this month.

Download here.

Jordan 9 “Citrus” is now at all Next Locations.

All new Memories designs will be featured.

Bravo is a local emcee we’ve supported in the past and his new album/mixtape ‘Grey Area’ has finally dropped. It’s presented by Yours Truly and DJ EV… download here. There will also be a party tomorrow at Mercury Lounge to celebrate the release. See you there!

NEXT Stop Motion from The Lights and Sounds on Vimeo.

A little stop-motion action for you. (via The Lights and Sounds, AdAb)

KarmaloopTV interviewed the homie Chip and he talks his influences, linking with Cudi, and describes the Cleveland rap scene. He also talks the new mixtape produced by Chuck from the Cool Kids Gift Raps, which will be released in July. Check it out.

Darren Anthony recently performed at Next during last weekend’s “He’s the Blogger, I’m the DJ” event, and here we have his newest mixtape entitled “The Rebirth of Fresh”. Make sure you support local music, the kid has talent.

Download: Darren Anthony – The Rebirth of Fresh

More info after the jump…

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Another nice Saturday night event with some in-store performances by local artists, hosted by Steph Floss and Jameel of Eighty81. Make sure you come through 7-10PM for performances from Darren Anthony, 6S, and Tae 4rm da 50. It will be a great networking event and everyone will receive $20 their purchase. Hit the Jump for my recent review of volume 7, and the d/l link.

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Jordan VI “White/Varsity Red”
Release Date: 6/12/2010
Available at All Next Locations

Jordan VI “Infrared Pack”
Release Date: 6/19/2010
Available at All Next Locations