Sneaker Pimps Tour Footage

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T.O. rapper Blake Carrington (who I swear is hype on life itself…lol) was part of the Sneaker Pimps Tour…Cali version…back in September. The tour also featured The Game and artist Rich Hill. The Game’s favourite sneaker…Jordan’s…..what else *shoulder shrugs*

Sneaker Pimps is the worlds largest touring sneaker hip-hop lifestyle exhibition featuring over 1500 pairs of rare, limited edition, vintage, celebrity signed, artists collaborated sneakers and a collection of sneaker inspired artwork, fashion and photography. The tour also features live street art installations, live skateboarding demonstrations, street basketball competitions and live hip-hop and rock performances by some of the world’s foremost recording artists

The Sneaker Pimps Tour was founded in Sydney, Australia by Peter Fahey and has traveled to more than 60 cities world-wide and put on over 200 shows since 2003….read more.

Shout to Blake Carrington for doing his thing and representing T.O.!

Manifesto X National School of Ballet Hip Hop Flash Mob

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The Manifesto Festival of Community & Culture ended their 5th Annual 2011 festival with an even bigger bang than their last. Each year Manifesto takes pride in showcasing our talented pool of Canadian singers, poets and visual artists: through various workshops, special performances and events (over a two week period). The grand finale or “Live At the Square ” event took place at our famous Yonge & Dundas Square (the equivalent of Time Square in the US). The entire day was filled with performers, vendors, the All Good in The Hood competition (presented by Scion) and several other special events.  One of the most memorable performances of the day; the Hip Hop Flash Mob presented by Manifesto & the National School of Ballet.

Che Kothari (Director of Manifesto Community, Arts & Culture) Quote:

We have been documenting the National Ballet School (NBS) flashmob since their inception. Earlier this year I reached out to them asking if we could partner on a hip hop version where I could help choose the track & choreographer. On September 25th, to help kick off our Live At The Square event NBS and MANIFESTO teamed up at Yonge Dundas Square and it went down.

Check out footage and more about the annual festival here.

Do U Original An Art Experience

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I know I’m not the Art Contributor but I had to give my two cents about my evening at the DUO: Do U Original Art Exhibition. Similar, to Russell Simmons writing a random piece for Global Grind, tweeting it and the hits (I’m sure) tripling on that day alone. I’ll be doing the same for the Art Contribution, all the while hoping that my hits do the same..lol.

Do U Original. Is not always an easy statement to live by but at last evening’s presentation of the DUO: Do U Original Art Exhibition Artists; Jason O’Brien &  Kwame Delfish did just that, they did them. I’ve become fond of DUO’s (previously members of JMK) work over the last few years. Largely because it was my truest introduction to the world of visual Art in Toronto. To watch their growth as artist collectively  and as individuals, was a pleasure.

Jason O’Brien’s exhibit The Audacity of Purple showcased  “A journey of intimate meditations inspired by the colour Purple.”   While Kwame’s Follow up Stream exhibit clearly demonstrates his passion for Art, beginning in his early adolescent years.

Jason’s past collections has commonly captured the essence of a woman and the strength behind her afro centric hair.  However, with the Audacity of Purple Collection it was refreshing to view several interpretations of Art, where the central inspiration is derived simple from one eye-catching colour, purple.  Symbolically, Purple is associated with Royalty, Power, Nobility and Creativity.  For Jason to capture some of the colours symbolism in his collection, added another level to his ongoing creative work. Favourite pieces: Caught Up In the Rapture and The Golden Palms.

Some may say I would be bias as I write this,  considering Kwame “The Del” Delfish is an extended part of the IAWH Family but “who cares, I was impressed”.   This collection was in my belief his best yet. It’s a clear example of an artist taking Art “to that next level”.  An artist either confident or crazy enough to mix an Obama piece, with Captain America caricatures, Teddy Bears, Chalk Boards and vintage elementary school desks, clearly this is a passion for Art, not just a talent.  Not that his past works weren’t representations of his creativity but Follow up Stream clearly incorporated elements of  “The Del’s” personality, big ole kid with a love of everything child-like.  Favourite pieces:  Captain America, L.O.L. and Peace. Love.Sacrifice.

DUO: Do U Original Art Exhibition A Must See!
Twist Gallery
1100 Queen Street West
Sept 1^st – Sept 29^th
11pm – 6pm

Welcome To Iamwhatshot.com

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“Allow me to re-introduce myself my name is Kayyyyyy” (Jay Z Public Service Announcement playing in the background…lol). It’s been a long time coming but I seriously needed an update, a facelift of sorts. Here you have it, a new and improved iamwhatshot.com. A little something to thank my readers (both old and new) for allowing me to voice my opinion, on anything from entertainment to art to our Canadian culture.

I am Karen G. Bishop, the founder/Creator/Blogger/Main Contributor of iamwhatshot.com and I welcome, welcome, and welcome you to my blog.  Thanks for taking the time to visit my site and allowing me to express my thoughts. What began as a hobby, in a very short span has now become an official entertainment news resource, a recognized part of local media and most importantly an outlet for hot artist to show their stuff.  In this past year everything related to this crazy world of entertainment has captured my heart: music, fashion, visual art, photography and anything else that you can think of. Although, I have many loves/interests, I’m still excited to continue to express what I believe to be HOT!

So, What’s New?

I have great things coming your way, regular posts, covering some of the hottest events in the city, more interviews, artist reviews, iamwhatshot.com TV, our branded retail store (coming soon) and two monthly features; iamwhatshot.com tshirt campaign and IAWH Artist on The Rise.  So stay tuned!

How do I plan to keep it all together? Well, the blog wouldn’t be the same without my witty charm…lol. I’m super excited, that this time around I have a little help.  I introduce to you, two of the newest contributors to the iamwhatshot.com family,
Introducing Sherief a.k.a Surereef…

Sherief (Surereef) Salem, is one of the most versatile music lovers I’ve met in a long time. His passion for music and his appreciation for various genres of music are uncanny. His personal musical library ranges from Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes to Nirvana, from Gangstarr to Rick Ashley. With his love or addiction for the internet, an aspiring digital marketer and his versatile musical interest, I’m sure you’ll enjoy his musical ramblings and look forward to his posts as our, iamwhatshot.com music contributor. “Among being connected at the hip with anything that is Internet and/or sports based, I require music as part of a healthy balanced diet. In short: I love music, and have discovered I love writing about it as well.”

Introducing Kwame aka The Fish…

Well introducing him to my readers that is…Visual Artist/Illustrator Kwame Delfish can find artistic elements in anything from a dilapidated building to a withered flower on a concrete sidewalk. I guess that’s the benefit of being born with such a creative spine.  His artistic eye intertwined with his love for music (a Kanye enthusiast), fashion (a santorialist follower), photography and pretty much anything that can brought to life on a piece of canvas, will surely give his art & culture contributions to my blog some real depth. Don’t get it twisted although it’s all about art…..expect a random music or photography post here and there. In the end it’s all about the Art. ” I explore the non-existent relationship between classical art and popular culture, so follow up my stream”

So there you have it, a little help, more features from the blog etc etc. iamwhatshot.com
is back for the better…..so let’s get this show on the road.  

 “Through iamwhatshot.com I’ve redefined the definition of HOT with my belief that: HOT is not necessarily popular, but is unique and confident in one’s style & abilities. iamwhatshot.com If it’s hot, it’s here.”

Hermann & Audrey Contact Exhibit

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They’ve done it again! Hermann & Audrey Photography Agency showcased their second annual Contact Exhibit, at the newly renovated 99 Subdury location: 99 Gallery. The space in itself was an asset to the layout of the H&A Exhibit. All white everything, a DJ, a out of site bar, a few red 60’s styled chairs and each of the five exhibits strategically placed along the white walls of the 5000 square foot venue. I strolled in just in time to see all members of H&A being interviewed, photographed and awed by numerous fans of their creative work.

Steve Carty (and the man behind H&A) presented his “Moving Pictures” exhibit: 12 Video Portraits that resemble living photographs. The video images moved repeatedly almost demanding the eye to pay attention to the physical details of each portrait model.

Photographer Javier Lovera teamed up with Simon Rajas to present: Figure & Ground. Like his last Contact Exhibit Javier is known for taking chances with Photography & Technology and beautifully blending the two. “Figure & Ground” allows the viewer to physically interact with a structure, using technology that will allow the status of each structure to be modified. In lamens terms, you connect with the structure physically (using feet or hands etc) and the structure changes its current state. Listen, Science or Technology was never my fav’s in elementary school…lol (just take a look at the bleeding eye structure below).

The most notable exhibit of the five (in my opinion) was Photographer Jalani Morgan and his “Attack” Exhibit. Jalani presented extra large images that showcase the fine line between 2D & 3D Graphics. His fashion portrait, accented by life size wings & gold rope chain made of acrylic took stage of the gallery, which became the main conversational piece. Definately the “hot piece” of the night.

The rest of the H & A family, Cory Vanderplog & Scott McIntyre “Ashern Prophecy” explored the relationship of how lives have become absorbed by technology and extended H & A family Graffiti Artist Skam, Che Kothari, Elicser, create two original pieces of Graffiti Art, demonstrating Graffiti as a legitimate Art form.

Location
99 Gallery at 99 Sudbury

Gallery Hours

May 6-22, 2011
Thursdays 4pm-9pm
Fridays 4pm-9pm
Saturdays 12pm-9pm
Sundays 12pm-5pm

Opening PARTY
May 6th, 7pm-11pm

Check out the gallery for more amazing pictures!