To most people, Ryan Spicer was a typical seventeen-year-old, Cleveland native, who attended St. Ignatius High School.  However, over the past few months, he has caused quite a buzz that is starting to give him recognition around the city. Spicer had a realization that he wasn’t contributing enough to his peers, and after much thought and research, he came up with the idea of organizing a benefit concert.  He planned on donating all of the proceeds to various foundations, and the concert was going to be called RapCure.  When it came time to select a cause to donate to,  Spicer knew he wanted the proceeds to go towards ‘ The Woo Who Foundation‘ and ‘The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’.  When I spoke to Ryan, he said, “My two best friends mothers died of cancer, and my grandmother has MS. While searching for a unique service activity to join or create I thought of them.”  Many months later, Spicer has now created a unique event where he can have fun with all of his friends while giving back to good causes.  The support of his friends and family has allowed RapCure to grow into a bigger event than Spicer could’ve imagined.  You can expect to see one of the hottest concerts of the year, this Friday night.  Mark Spicer’s words: it’s going to be crazy!

Check out Ryan’s top picks by each performer attending RapCure:

1. Luvi- ‘Stay Out’

2.  Rak Smith- ‘Where I’ve Been’

3. Chip Tha Ripper- ‘Catch Da Beat’

4. Shwayze- ‘High Together’

Tickets are now on sale at all NEXT locations- $30 plus tax for general admission, $50 plus tax for VIP.  Gates open @ 5PM- first act goes on @ 6:30PM.  For more information check out RapCure’s official website, here.

Stop in any NEXT location for this exclusive offer!

Stop by NEXT Akron for the official, Pre-Launch party featuring amazing summer styles that you don’t want to miss out on- can’t wait to see you there!

Check out the latest episode of NEXT “The True Culture”.  For modeling inquiries, please contact us at NextCleveland@gmail.com

Photo Cred: http://www.buzzfeed.com/mjs538/maurice-sendak-quotes

Since today marks the loss of a beloved American illustrator and author, Maurice Sendak, I thought it would be appropriate to pay homage to a great legend. Sendak’s enchanting children’s books have been enjoyed by adults and children for generations.  His ability to depict life lessons through words and drawings have inspired artists everywhere.  Check out this sick time-lapse video of a Sendak-inspired mural constructed in Brooklyn, in 2009, for a gallery called Espeis Outside:

The 9th Annual Fashion Week Cleveland began this past Friday, and it continues through this coming weekend.  I’m proud to announce Fashion Week Cleveland as the largest Fashion Week outside of NYC and LA.  FWC is known for entertaining runway shows, but its phenomenal educational workshops, seminars, and films, which deal directly with fashion, but mainly focus on the industry as a whole, have really put us on the map for this event.  This year’s theme is ‘Fashion Forward‘: a perdiction of the future of the evolving fashion industry and Fashion District, in our city.

Although half of the week has passed, including my favorite event: Glam Jam: Music and Fashion in the Rock City (a live runway show featuring body art as fashion), before you make plans for the weekend, be sure to check out the amazing FWC events happening around the downtown area on the official website. Here are my picks for top events for the second leg of the week:

1. Dressed- The Movie

Where: Cleveland Museum of Art- Morley Lecture Hall

When: Friday, May 11th @ 6:45 PM

Following the viewing of the film, there will be a question and answer session with the film’s director, David Swajeski and the star of the production, Nary Manivong. As a young, aspiring fashion designer, Manivong moved from Ohio to NYC to begin a fashion career.  The film depicts Manivong’s life as he fled from Columbus, with nothing, and finally made it to New York Fashion Week. Tickets cost $9 for general admission and $7 for seniors, students, and museum members.

2. The Artist’s Salon

Where: L’Albatros- 11401 Bellflower Road

When: Friday, May 11th @ 9:00 PM

Meet the models, designers, and committee  from FWC as well as other people intrenched in the industry.  The event is free and part of the ‘official’ Fashion Week party series.

3. Fashion Week Cleveland: Designer  Runway Events & Black-tie Gala

Where: The Halle Building: 1212 Huron Road

When: Saturday, May 12th @ 8:00 PM (doors open at 7:30.  Tuxedo required)

In my opinion, Saturday night’s end to FWC is the most exciting event of the weekend. Located in the heart of downtown, the historic Halle Building is a perfect setting for this party.  Doors open at 7:30 PM and the official cocktail hour starts at 8:00 PM.  There is going to be a Pop- Up Mall, exhibit showing retro styles from the Halle Department Store, and musical entertainment.  At 9:30, the runway shows begin.  VIP admission is $100 and general is $40.  Dress to impress and be sure to check out the Official After-party at Cowell and Hubbard, following the show.

My first product choice–the kid’s Toms, are new to the Next Beachwood store. Pictured below are some of the available colors. They are too cute and I definitely plan on picking up a pair for my little cousins!

Kid's Toms

The next picture is highlighting more of a look than one specific product. The look features pants from Obey, a tank from 10 Deep, and shoes from Vans. Very casual cool look.

My last look for this week features another 10 Deep tank, 10 Deep shorts, more Vans, and a hat from Fresh.I.Am. Definitely a great beach look!

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.