TGK First Annual Rap Awards 2012

The rap game is a tough field of competition. If you aren't beefing with some one through words, it's through album sales.  In turn, you have to sift through a lot of garbage music in order to find the actual gems. Now, I'm not the biggest listener to underground stuff, but here are my most notables of the A list names.

Heather Grey Fur-Trimmed Mackage for SSENSE Federico Jacket

This Mackage jacket made for SSense was really stunning enough that I got off my lazy behind and wrote the first post in almost 3 weeks. As all-black-everything is to Jay-Z, all-heather-grey is the equivalent to TGK.  I currently own a Mackage winter jacket and it definitely is warm enough for Canadian winters (not test in Central Canada though).  This SSense exclusive comes with the usual leather trim found on Mackage's, as well as a dark fur trim on the hood and a small emblem which makes this jacket distinctive without being too forward. Swap out that played out Canada Goose, and upgrade to Mackage.

Official Link at SSENSE.COM

Magazines available on Google Play

I've been waiting for the longest time to read GQ on my tablet. Honestly, it wasn't fair that you could only do that on iOS. Luckily, magazines are now available in the Canadian Play store. Click the below link to see what's available now!

Google Play Store: Magazines

Wintercheck Factory Consoliwallet

Short of using a murse (man-purse) the modern male has to carry a lot of stuff in his pockets. For instance, wallet, gum, keys, smartphone. Along with the trend of the ever slimming jeans, it only makes sense to try and slim down on the contents as well.  Well the Consoliwallet is here to the rescue! Made up of aluminum plating and a rubber latex cord, this is a modern day, stylish money clip.

Uniqlo - ECommerce

Uniqlo is one brand that I've been watching for a while. Making simple yet stylish clothes (and yes, a Metal Gear Solid Line) it is quite difficult to find their stores unless you are in Japan, or closer, New York. Uniqlo ECommerce is the Japanese retailer's expansion from the brick and mortar stores and into the online world. Now, you can purchase their items from anywhere in the US. Upon visiting their site, however, it does not seem to be loading properly. Possibly they are experiencing high traffic. Regardless, I look forward to when they make shipping available to Canada.

Uniqlo Website

Patterned Socks

Most people go through their lives wearing plain old black socks with their suits. That's cool... maybe for your 50's. But if you're looking to add a little flair to your suit game,  the second simplest way (I think pocket squares are first) is to throw some patterned socks into the mix.

App Update: Google+ for Android phones

I don't use Google+ often,  but when I do (queue meme) it's s usually on my PC. That is mainly because that is the only way I can post on my Google+ page for TGK. Luckily, the most recent update to Google social app allows for users to select where they post from. As a result of fact, I'm typing this on my Galaxy S3 and on the Blogger app as well. It would just feel wrong if I didn't.

Game News: Angry Birds Star Wars

The Angry Birds franchise has branched off into the Bad Piggies title, but the update before that brought the Birds into outer space. This new crossover will bring them even further, to a galaxy far, far away, in fact.  Due out on November 8th, I am anxiously awaiting this update, and I think would definitely be worth the purchase. This game will be available on Android, iOS and PC, and I am sure a slew of toys and other merchandise will follow. *throws money at screen*

Angry Birds Tumblr Page

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GQ for Gap Best New Menswear Designers in America 2012

GQ, in collaboration with GAP clothing stores and online retailer, has recently launched a new collection. This series combines the best from their crowned "Best New Menswear Designers in America" and allows each of those brand those showcase their best pieces. See below for some of my favourites from the collection!

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Song of the Day: Compton by Kendrick Lamar feat. Dr. Dre (Prod by Just Blaze)

October 22nd is the set release date for good kid, m.A.A.d. city from Kendrick Lamar. Only 20 days away but still a long time. Until then we have the next single released. Produced by Just Blaze, those homage to the Cali town sounds very west coast, as something produced by Dre. I'm sensing there's going to be a remix with Game soon. Maybe not Gorilla Black.  Dre's feature on this is quite lengthy, but the track would have been more dope if Nate Dogg was still around.

BBC Ice Cream Bee Line

From the Billionaire Boy's Club's own Instagram post, their line of button downs are a great addition for fall when you need to layer up.

BBC Store Link

Lego Star Wars: Desert Skiff (9496)

While there are many Lego Star Wars sets that seem huge and daunting to build, the Desert Skiff is a relatively smaller set. The vehicle itself is not one which a fan would be rushing to buy, (“OMG Desert skiff?!”) however the Minifigs are what make this set.

Google Maps vs iOS 6 maps

The most recent update to Google Maps on Android devices added a feature where you can "access your desktop and mobile search history through My Places" as well as 'single-handed zoom" to allow for easier navigation while you are planning your trip before you start driving. This is done by double-tapping and then holding down finger and slide to zoom, which I believe to be a great innovation.

In contrast, Apple's iOS 6 has decided to exclude Google Maps, and have launched their own navigation app. This app now has turn by turn navigation and 3D renderings. As it is a new product launch from Apple, there are bugs to be expected. Check out some hilarious mistakes here. I guess after the lawsuits, Apple wants to limit their Google ties, but is it really worth it to deprive your users of a great experience due to spite? One company's maps advance with updates every few weeks, while the other's has taken many steps back.  Let's see how Apple responds.

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Song of the Day: J. Cole - I'm A Fool

Released today, this track gives Cole's fans something to chill to while awaiting his next studio effort.  Maybe I'm greedy, but I'm a little more interested in the snippet at the end of this track. Either way, have a listen below and lmk your thoughts...

Game Review: Major Mayhem

While browsing through the Google Play store on my friend's new Nexus 7, I came across Major Mayhem.  Another freemium game, the objective is to send the Major through the battlefield while shooting enemies by tapping on the screen. Through the missions you will collect coins which you can use to unlock items, or if you can not wait, you guess it, you can pay for coins to unlock the more costly items.

iPhone 5: Nothing New.

The announcement of iPhone 5 yesterday was one of the biggest busts technological advancements in recent times. The highly anticipated phone boasted new features that, yes, may be new to the Apple world, but is nothing new in the smartphone market. Such features include a 4 inch screen, LTE compatibility, and Panoramic photos. While I can't even begin to imagine how a company can hold a press conference and expect people to eat up these pioneering new additions, I have to give credit to Apple's marketing team for building a brand that has such a loyal (and sometimes sheep-like) fan base.

I came across an article on Phandroid.com that better illustrates the situation and also provides many examples. Consumers, open your eyes!

Track of the Day: Clique - Kanye West x Big Sean x Jay-Z

The newest single from G.O.O.D. Music's delayed Cruel Summer album comes with a nice new beat. Big Sean lends a simple but catchy hook, Kanye raps about Kim and other nonsense that manages to somehow sound smooth, and Hov drops one of his nicest flows in recent times. What do you think?

Grooming: Comb Sleeve by The Craftmen

So your style has grown up, and you're not doing the old "spike-up" any more. Good for you! You find that you need to carry a comb with you in case the slick back needs some readjustment, like in the old timey films. Well, important things go in a case! (see below video).

Zara Men's Fall Jacket

Summer is almost done,  and fall is just around the corner,  which means retailers have already stocked their shelves with warmer clothes.

Video: 2 Chainz ft. Kanye West - Birthday Song

A new video that just hit the internet, this video is equally ridiculous as the lyrics of the song itself. Chainz is throwing himself a lil birthday shindig and a much dressed down Kanye arrives with what is presumably Chainz's gifts. "All I want for my birthday is a big booty hoe"

Check the link!

The Daily Hookup deal site

The Daily Hookup

In a time where you get bombarded with 11 emails a day from deal sites, it is nice to see one site that has narrowed down their target market. The Daily Hookup boasts "Shopping for the modern man" and this tag-line certainly has me intrigued.  Currently, there doesn't appear to be an abundance of deals, but they seem fairly new so I look forward to their oncoming additions.

From my somewhat limited interactions with their customer service, responses have been quick and very helpful.  Make sure you bookmark these guys!

The Daily Hookup homepage

Game Review: Jetpack Joyride

Another game to finally make it's way over to Android from iOS is Jetpack Joyride. I've heard a lot about this game, but never had a chance to try it since it was previously only on iOS devices.

TMNT Classic Collection 6-Inch Retro Series Figures

So right after I buy the set from the new Nickelodeon series, I found out there was another set that was done to look like the classic cartoon series. At first i was hesitant since I already have figures from the 25th Anniversary release, but when I Googled the pictures, I was immediately sold.

Guide: Unlock Dead Ops Arcade in COD Black Ops Zombies

I was excited at first when I heard that COD:BOZ was coming to Android. I love playing at home, and the thought of being able to enjoy it on the go was exciting, but let's be honest, it is NOT fun playing Black Ops Zombies on a touchscreen phone. You try to aim, and then next thing you know your face is in a wall, while zombies are mauling you from behind. The only consolation, to me, was to be able to play the Dead Ops Arcade. This seems more plausible without any physical buttons.

Star Wars Unleashed: Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi

This is an older set, but I finally found a spot to put it, so now it is unpackaged. Here are some pics. Some great detail, and for the cost of the Unleashed line, a very good value.

Track of the Day: DJ Khaled feat. J. Cole, Big K.R.I.T. and Kendrick Lamar

From Khaled's upcoming CD featuring three big names.  If Cole produced it, what the heck did Khaled even do?

YouTube Link

Indochino Superhero collection

The epitome of theGrownKid?
Link

App update: Instagram

Today Instagram released  a new update for their mobile apps. You can now have a map(pic 3) on your profile that shows where your pictures were taken (the ones with locations tagged, anyway). You will have the option to select which pictures you want to display, and which ones you'd like to hide from stalkers (pic 2).
Also in the update, the timeline's "load more" button at the bottom is gone, and auto-loads older photos for those desperate times when you are really bored.

Game Review: Ski Safari

From Defiant Development, Ski Safari is a fast paced game where your character, Sven, is skiing downhill to avoid an oncoming avalanche. Concept is simple enough, and so are controls and gameplay.

full website coming soon!

Just registered a domain! keep visiting here to check out what's up until the full site is up and running!

New Nickelodeon TMNT

This series was released for the upcoming show. I'm liking the different colours of the Turtles, and the weapons packaging are reminiscent of the original figures.

First post

I've recently come to realize that I've been spending a lot of money. One week I'm buying dress shirts and ties, and I don't even wear them to the office. Growing out of older clothes and styles. Next week, I'll be spending on things the I never grew out of, things that companies reissue to make money off of our pasts. There's no reason that these two things can't combined to make one, awesome being, is there? TGK.