Wake Up

Before the Madness

I haven't blogged much even though I've been on vacation for the past two weeks mainly because I've been working so much and I've been dead tired by the time I get home. The biggest day I worked was easily the release date for the "Concord" Jordan XI. They're easily one of the most sought after Jordans ever and were released in somewhat limited quantities. So you can imagine that by the time the release came, things got crazy. An insane amount of people called/came into the store the day before asking if we're releasing the shoes, what time we're opening, how many pairs they have, and if they can get pairs on hold. Ridiculous. There were stories of riots popping off all around the country over the release with people getting stabbed/shot/mobbed for them. Luckily, I got my pair with no problems other than having to deal with all the phone calls the rest of the day from people asking if we had any pairs left. I was annoyed by the calls but at the same time, I felt sorry for them. It was either they were new to the whole shoe thing or they were just so desperate for the shoes that they called around looking for their shoes. It's releases like these that make me question why I still do this shoe thing. They're hot shoes, regardless but I just don't know. It's getting a bit tiring. They're not even comfy like my 2000 space jams. Oh well, I got my pair and thats all that matters really.

Livin Off the Wall

My man Levi Maestro got a collabo done with the Vans Vault. Loving the grey with the suede toe. I hope i can pick these up.

T.R.O.Y.

Daps and Pounds

The Landscape: Ira LaFontaine of Compound Gallery from Sole Collector on Vimeo.


A look into Portland's Compound gallery. It's a boutique based in Portland that carries tons of streetwear and art. The video features an interview with Ira Fontane, aka NT's own A-Powers (rap icon, lyrical legend), who is also the main footwear and clothing purchaser for Compound. It's an interesting look into streetwear and the boutique scene.

While we're on the subject of Portland, Brandon Roy retiring is mad depressing. He's way too young to be retiring. But his damn knees have know cartilage and well... he's done.

On another depressing note, the Lakers traded Lamar Odom... for basically nothing. We got cap room and trade bait.... I'm not happy about it. Lamar was one of my favorites. Sad to see him go.

Shine Blockas

For a good hour, Chris Paul was an LA Laker. I was unsure how I felt about the trade since Lamar Odom was part of it. He's a big part of the team who does the intangibles and I didn't wanna lose that. But when I found out they cancelled the trade, I was heated. That's some BS. How are the owners gonna veto the trade just cuz they think it's unfair? Haters gon hate...

Cashin In

I will forever be a believer in JR Smith.

The NBA IS BACK! and well... I'm still a huge JR Smith fan and it just so happens that he is an unrestricted free agent! Dude can sign wherever he wants. I keep telling people that he is one good mentor away from being crazy good and everyone laughs in my face. There are so many JR nonbelievers its ridiculous. I'll admit that he hasn't exactly shown his smarts or been the best role model but I think he just hasn't been around the right people. He's always been on unexperienced teams filled with young ones (Hornets) or surrounded by goons (Nuggets.) Give him a good shot and I bet you he'll succeed. He has all the tools to be great. 6"6 shooting guard with unlimited range, crazy athleticism and decent defensive skills? He's the prototypical 2! I bet you if he lands on the Bulls or the Lakers, he can do great things. Mark my words....


Or he can continue doing hoodrat things and still be dope lol