Hip-Hop's New Wiz Kid: Wiz Khalifa Taking Over the Game

Even before he collected the Best New Artist trophy at the BET Awards last night (June 26), Wiz Khalifa had already pretty much cemented his place in the hip hop community.

It must have been a surreal moment for an artist to be named the best “new” artist when he has been steadily in the game for around six years now! His first real single, “Say Yeah”, was released way back in 2007, and he already had two albums under his belt before this year’s Rolling Papers. But the numbers (not to mention a major label studio album) can sometimes make all the difference – Rolling Papers hit Number 1 in both the R&B and Rap charts, and it peaked at Number Two on the overall Billboard 200.

And the fact that Wiz’s first two singles from Rolling Papers, the infectious “Black and Yellow” and the Euro-synthy “Roll Up”, both went platinum no doubt had a big influence on his victory at last night’s awards ceremony. 

Aligning himself with a nearly endless list of other award-winning artists doesn’t hurt either! The Pittsburgh-born Chuck Taylor enthusiast has been featured on a ton of other great tracks with equally gifted artists, such as Cee Lo Green, Far East Movement, Soulja Boy, Wale, Rick Ross, Chris Brown, Lil’ Kim, Tinie Tempah, Chiddy Bang, and… well, I could go on all day! Mix that kind of experience with nine mixtape releases, not to mention appearing in no less than 35 music videos, it was only a matter of time before the 23-year-old started collecting some serious hardware and recognition for his contributions to the industry. And how can you not love this guy’s easy-going attitude and contagious grin? He reminds me of Snoop in his prime.

I can’t wait to see what else this kid has in store for the genre. Now that he’s broken out of the background and into the spotlight, the sky’s the limit!

Check out his latest single, “On My Level” ft. Too Short (NSFW!).

Charlie Lapson Designs Accessories Fit for the Stars

He’s hip, he's a jet setter, and he's a wanted man. Charlie Lapson is a designer for the people and finds inspiration in an array of ways that appeal to just about everyone. Even if this is the first time you are hearing his name, I guarantee that it will not be the last.

Lapson is an alum of the New York School of Visual Arts, where he studied fine arts like painting and sculpting, and he was been able to successfully parlay those fine refined skills into fashion design while at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Soon, he started to make a name for himself by creating his own signature line for the New York social and retail scene, having had a hand in the resurrection of Bugle Boy clothing! (Yes, those ARE Bugle Boys he's wearing, thanks for asking!)

These days, Charlie is the mastermind behind his own line of luxurious accessories for men and women such as bags, jewelry, and watches. He even designs super stylish wallets, and I should know, because I have one in my back pocket right now. Lapson’s list of celebrity clientele includes names like Brad Pitt, Felicity Huffman, Halle Berry, Will Smith, Anne Hathaway, and the list goes on. And it's no surprise either, since Charlie’s consistently unique creations are made of the highest quality products, like leathers from Italy and the finest jewels. More than just something to keep your money in or check the time with -- they are works of art!

 

If you are a what’s hot/what’s not kind of person, then it is imperative that you get acquainted with Charlie Lapson -- he’s the “Style Guru” after all!

Planking: A Bizarre Guerilla Stunt Gone Viral

As you guys have probably heard, there is a new phenomenon going viral worldwide; just don’t expect any spontaneous dance sequences that leave bystanders dazed, confused, and yet ready to dance... Nope, it just leaves people dazed and confused!

Just like every other viral outbreak, "planking" started as a plain old quest for easy amusement, and it all began across the big pond in England, around 1997. Eventually traveling to Australia, Asia, other parts of Europe, it inevitably hit the shores of the U.S., where countless numbers of people are trying to top each other by finding the most bizarre places to get photo-ready, lying face down with both arms to their side. Depending on the country, you could be playing the "lying down game", the "on one's belly game", "playing dead", or doing the "face downs". It might sound funny just saying it, but you’ve honestly got to see it to believe it. The game first gained media attention after several doctors and nurses in England were suspended for "planking on the job" in 2009. But, honestly, who could resist? I have never seen people have so much fun while lying still!

As you might expect, the game has reached a certain level of outrageous one-upmanship. Players are planking atop camels, road signs, and railings at great heights. Sadly, there have been some mishaps, but planking can be safe fun if you exercise caution, and I have a feeling that, in a few more years, just about everyone will have planked at least once... with online proof!