Special thanks to Scott from 77 Media Management and all the models for their participation. For modeling inquiries, please contact us at NextCleveland@gmail.com
We decided to get inside of the super star’s head and give our readers a taste of what to expect at the meet and greet with Chip on Thursday, at the Akron store. I had the honor of sitting down and asking him few questions:
1. What’s it like now, returning to Cleveland, after you’ve moved out to California?
::: Being in Cleveland always feels good. It feels like the old TV show “Cheers”. It’s all love for the most part.
2. What are your earliest musical memories from your childhood?
::: Earliest memories: Going to club “Möda” waiting for DJ Chicago to play my jams. Then goin HAM when he’d finally spin em. Lol. Those were the days.
3. How do you gain inspiration for new music?
::: I gain inspiration for new music by just living & observing life. The small things are the things that make us. The small things that ppl can relate to no matter what age, color or culture.
4. Aside from Cleveland, what is your favorite city, and why do you love it so much?
::: Aside from Cleveland, California is the best place I’ve ever been, and I’ve been almost everywhere on earth. Weed is legal, weather is great and it’s just beautiful. Malibu is unreal.
5. When it comes to fashion, what’s your go to style?
::: All black. Favorite denim is Dior. I love their cut. Louis Vuitton of course. Nothing too crazy. Jordan’s. Maison Martin Margiela’s.
6. Since ‘The Cudi Life Tour’, you have really started branding yourself as a musician. Looking back on the past year, how has your life changed?
::: Every year things get better. Fans want to hear good stuff. According to feedback, people are starting to realize that my music is not only fresh, but my views are new & innovative. I always try to out-do my last work. It’s a gift & a curse.
7. What can we expect to see from Chip this summer?
::: This Summer hopefully Chip will be the go-to guy for flawless jams. As I listen to mainstream rap, I hear music that is good but not as good as some of my overlooked material. I’d rather be on the rise then at my peak though. Chuch.
Come see Chip @ NEXT Akron on Thursday, April 26th from 4-6 PM. In the mean time, download the newest project, “Tell Ya Friends“. See you, Thursday!
Photo Cred: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/-N1EYM8CTEU/Theophilus+London+Tour+De+Roses+2012+Opening/qYAiM1R7pvt
Photo Cred: http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/-N1EYM8CTEU/Theophilus+London+Tour+De+Roses+2012+Opening/qYAiM1R7pvt
I had the pleasure of seeing Theophilus London perform at the Grog Shop, back in January. As his debut in front of a live crowd, his lack of experience definitely showed that he has a lot to learn before he makes it in the big leagues. But I still love his music. London’s alternative-rap-fusion style is refreshingly unique , and as time is progressing, I can already see him transforming into a true star. He almost reminds me of Kid Cudi, back in the day…raw lyrics and an unfamiliar style. His latest track, ‘Big Spender‘ dropped back in February, and the full version was finally released, last week. Check out his CD, ‘Timez Are Weird’ on iTunes and the making of his latest single, ‘Big Spender‘ with A$AP Rocky- I can see this becoming a summer anthem:
Download the full version of the single, here.
Photo Cred: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150791368186648&set=a.10150791365216648.471943.20281766647&type=3&theater
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival began the past Friday, April 13th, in Indo, CA. As music fanatics know, Coachella kicks off festival season, which means summer is almost here 
The beautiful scenery, ornate sets, and impressive lineup at the festival made it really hard to narrow down my favorite moments of the first weekend, but I tried my best.
Here are a few highlights from Coachella 1:
1. Swedish House Mafia’s Finale
SHM was the perfect way to kick off the celebration, and as the first set of the festival, this dynamic trio set the tone for the weekend. This club banger from back in the Fall sounded better than ever and the light show was mesmerizing.
2. Azealia Banks’ US Debut
Coachella is known for transforming young artists into superstars, and Azealia Banks is my top candidate, this year, for a post-Coachella success story. It’s official; she has finally arrived and is about to blow up this summer.
3. Childish Gambino’s Saturday Afternoon Performance
As another rookie in the game, Childish Gambino’s perfect performance is definitely going to gain him respect. Gambino’s calm demeanor and interactive performance makes you forget he entered the music scene only a few months ago.
4. Eminem and Dr. Dre’s Collaboration
Even after over a decade of stardom, Eminem still knows how to put on one hell of a show. His stage presence and energy is electrifying, even when watching him perform on a computer screen.
5. Tupac’s Reserection
Coachella is notorious for pulling off big stunts, and I thought last year’s LED beach ball drop during the Arcade Fire’s performance was mind blowing. That was until I saw the video from the last set on Sunday night. All I can say is, this $100,000 masterpiece is going to be nearly impossible to beat, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for next year’s surprise! I get chills every time I watch this video:
Can’t wait for Weekend 2!! Stay tuned…
Check out part deux of the True Culture collection by Next that dropped this morning:
As the sun sets on a Thursday in April, 100 of the most talented and recognized faces of Cleveland’s art community can be found in a stark, white three room studio.
For hour increments, they take turns banging out pieces of work, which represent their personal styles that make them recognizable in our city.
It is the Second Annual Monster Drawing Rally at SPACES gallery on the West Side, and local art enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the finished pieces of work, which can be purchased for $70. The Monster Drawing Rally is a live fundraiser and interactive experience benefiting the gallery. SPACES is a unique studio, which provides open spaces for artsits to display over the top exhibits such as video, sculptural, and robotic pieces of work. Tonight, the room is buzzing with smiling faces, there is a DJ in the corner and a long line at the bar, and the artists continue to develop intriguing masterpieces. The artists and onlookers interact in an informal setting, and all proceeds are donated to the gallery at the end of the night.
Here were some of my favorite works:
I bought this one for my brother’s new apartment:
This artist was constructing a life size picture of a room. I didn’t stick around long enough to see the finished product, but it’s still a cool picture.
Think you have what it takes to be a model? Think your Next’s flyest customer? Submit your flyest pic to NextCleveland@gmail.com for your chance to win a $100 Next giftcard and an appearance in our next video shoot. One picture only please. More details below…
Photo Cred: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150415769874107&set=a.439163569106.234569.21010144106&type=1&theater
The 27th Anual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is coming home to Cleveland on Saturday, April 14th, and I for one am very excited!! This years’ inductees are as admirable as ever and consist of the following performers, early influencers, and sidemen:
If you missed out on getting a ticket, there are still many ways to participate in the festivities. Special events will be happening downtown at the Rock Hall from April 5th-14th including the grand opening of the Library and Archives, tours of the Museum’s revamped interior, free concerts, and more. For those of you who want to truly get in on the action, enter to win a free balcony ticket to the sold out show. All you have to do is submit your information on the Museum’s Facebook Page (which also includes a list of events leading up to the big night) before the end of the week- good luck!!
Everyone enjoys watching a friend suffer in exchange for a good laugh, and April 1st is the perfect excuse for a prank- all in the spirit of good fun, of course. One of my favorite pranks of all time took place in 2009, between two best friends: Amir of Jake and Amir and Streeter of College Humor. This epic competition lasted 8 rounds, and some argue it’s the greatest Prank War of all time. Once part 6 aired on the College Humor website, everyone was buzzing about this hilarious dual. But, I still had to go with part 7 as the ultimate prank in this battle.
New Video from Elle Varner. The song is called “Refill” and is the follow up to her first single “Only Wanna Give It To You” ft. J. Cole. Elle may look and sound familiar because of her appearances on 106&Park and BET Music Matters. This video and artist are extremely near and dear to my heart, since Elle is a fellow NYU graduate and friend. Besides that, the song is great and Elle’s voice is amazing.
You can download Elle Varner’s “Conversational Lush” mixtape here: Conversational Lush
