
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Beat Bop recording
Unbeknown to many, the tragically brilliant American artist, Jean-Michel Basquiat, who set the art world alight with his neo-expressionist work before dying of an overdose in 1988, also produced a hip hop track of some note, collaborating with fellow graffiti artist Rammellzee under the mindful direction of the legendary Fab 5 Freddy. The resulting track, Beat Bop, is a spicy window into New York in the early 1980s.
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Tagged: 1980s, Beat Bop, Fab 5 Freddy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, neo-expressionism, New York, Rammellzee
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At the risk of sounding like a broken (vinyl) record, they just don’t make em’ like they used to. Rhiannon, Britney and co, the superstars (for better or for worse, with a strong lean towards the latter) of today, couldn’t hold a torch to the dancing divas of yesteryear, as this funkadelic clip from New York group Dee Lite proves.

A Cultural Guide to New York: Barcade
We asked some of New York’s more creative residents where they like to hang out in the city, and got a mixed bag of responses back. We’ll be running their insider tips over the next few weeks. This is illustrator Marcos Chin on his favorite arcade bar, aptly named … wait for it … Barcade: ‘Barcade is a time-warp into the 1980s when going to the arcade was the major past time for many of my friends and I. Lined throughout the space are a series of classic 25 cent video arcade games, like Q-bert, Donkey Kong, Arkanoid and Tetris. There’s also a pool table near the back of the space, and a terrific selection of beers to choose from. And yes, you can drink-and-play. It’s located near the Lorimer stop on the L train, at 388 Union Avenue, in Williamsburg’. Read more
I was working in New York in the early seventies, walked into a club, and heard this. It’s been in my head ever since. I knew the song because it had been launched in the UK by The Shadows some ten years earlier, but this blew it away. Africa Bambaataa and Kool Herc and others gave me a new direction.
Also by ZOLTON
Filmmaker creates LEGO stop motion to propose to girlfriend
Now, this is one for the ages: back in 2010, Atlanta film-maker Walter Thompson created a jaw-dropping LEGO stop motion to propose to Nealey Dozier, his girlfriend of four years. The video took 22 hours of shooting and some 2,600 pictures to splice together, a small sacrifice to pay for years of happiness together. Right? Right! Oh, and she said yes. Bonus.

Paul Marcinkowski tattoos an infographic on his body
Polish artist Paul Marcinkowski has turned his body into a walking infographic. All in the name of art, of course. The tattoo features a number of trivial, and not so trvial facts: including that 45 million Americans have tattoos. Read more

Iconic artwork recreated using Barbie Dolls
I love the brashness of this ongoing series, Poupée Barbie, by French artist Jocelyn Grivaud, created to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the doll that (most) every girl grew up with. Grivaud has pulled stills from iconic movies, paintings and photos, casting Barbie as the star in a statement about her seemingly timeless relevance. Read more
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A lot of artists working strictly with geometry and patterns fall a little flat for me, but I really love Aaron Moran’s work, particularly his jagged sculptures made from found wood. Read more
Whatever went on in Jean Luc’s mind when he constructed his sheep sculptures with vintage rotary telephone heads and earpiece feet? I don’t know, but the result is certainly fascinating. Read more
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly is a reminder of why the medium of film is so special. It features first rate visuals, performances, direction and acting, all of which fits together into one of the most insightful, powerful and touching pieces of cinema ever. Read more
In Los Angeles, in the gas guzzling centre of the Universe, BP has enlisted Office dA to embrace the paradoxical task of creating a green petrol station. Read more
We’ve all been there: funny do’s, extreme do’s, do’s that just don’t. Now there’s a website devoted to ridiculing one thing in life that, the older we get, we all wish we had more of. Read more
New York’s Infinity Window make some tripped-out, droning, psychedelic raagas that would be appropriate scoring films by Kenneth Anger or John Carpenter. Ominous and dark, the duo makes sounds like the rebirth of an ancient god.
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With waiting lists and pre-orders already taking place, there’s enough competition for this label without sharing it with the world. But what the heck. A little bit of fashion karma never goes astray. So listen up ladies. If you haven’t heard of Aussie label Maurie & Eve, you need to pay attention. Because their current collection, ‘End of the Line‘ is due to sell out as soon as it drops during October. Read more
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Francoise Nielly’s Yellow series
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Matthew Dear’s Black City album totem
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The return of the Brionvega rr226
Italian brand Brionvega has resurrected the classy Radiofonografio piece first created in 1965. The updated version is just like the original turntable/radio unit, but also has a CD/DVD player.

Baltimore Mural by Josh Van Horne
My friend Josh Van Horne, a local Baltimore artist, did this amazing mural in our neighborhood that depicts the history of this warehouse-laden area.

Pencils made from recycled newspaper
The problem with awesome things like these pencils made out of recycled newspaper is that you almost don’t want to use them.
Illustrator, sculptor, and mixed media artist Joseph Franz creates stunning and unexpected pieces centered on personal nostalgia and animals. His work is ever-changing, but the wildlife and reminiscent narrative seem to be ever-present. Read more
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