First things first. Yes, her ass is that big in real life.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, onto the review. Rex and I were lucky enough to head out to the sold-out Nicki Minaj show this week.

Both of us are massive YMCMB whores and spend way too much time listening to Drake’s Take Care, so naturally, we absolutely love Nicki and her colossal ass.

Her latest record Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded has sold close to half a milli in the United States, was the first record by a female rapper to debut at #1 in the UK, and reached #5 right here in Australia.

Therefore, it’s no surprise that there was a massive shitfight outside the Hordern Pavilion before the show commenced. The line stretched back as far as my eyes could see, but I wasn’t wearing my glasses, so that’s a fairly redundant statement. Point is, the line was big.

The crowd was an interesting mix of metrosexual hip-hop heads, teeny boppers and kids you see hanging outside your local train station.

As this was a Nicki Minaj show, there was no shortage of fluoro wigs, multi-coloured tights, sequin dresses and generally retarded outfits. In comparison, Rex was wearing a normal red and white striped sweater. Some random called her Where’s Wally.

There was also a fair amount of parents bringing their kids along, which was a gutsy move in my books. There was a huge possibility that some uncoordinated munter would dance too hard to Starships and subsequently fly-kick baby Samantha in the forehead. Regardless, kids can be demanding in today’s day and age, so when they ask for Nicki Minaj tickets, you better damn well get ‘em.

We entered the venue as Timomatic was onstage. I’m not a huge fan of this guy because I saw him on an advertisement with Kyle Sandilands, so he is a dickhead by association. I’m only kidding and I’m sure he’s a nice guy, but yeah. Not a huge fan of his tunes. He played that Set it Off song but I was too busy checking my Facebook notifications.

Nicki Minaj then arrived in grand fashion. With the screen displaying a stained-glass window backdrop and a cloak draped mysteriously over Nicki’s head, this was like some super-kitsch religious reference that was totally confusing but also visually stimulating. She burst into Roman Holiday, a track which displayed her sporadic energy full of random grunts, accents and shit that just doesn’t make sense.

But Nicki’s erratic and borderline schizophrenic behaviour sells records, and this was displayed in her live performance full of bright colours, back-up dancers and multiple outfit changes. While she still stuck to the urban grind of highlight tracks Beez In The Trap and Dance (A$$), it was balanced with poppier dance material like Turn Me On and Starships.

The remix to DJ Khaled’s All I Do Is Win came on, and I absolutely lost the plot. This is undoubtedly one of Nicki’s hardest verses, and yes motherfucker, I rapped the whole thing word for word. Unfortunately, I didn’t realise that it was just the DJ playing the song as a recording while Nicki was backstage changing costumes. How embarassing.

Nicki also asked the crowd if anybody liked her track Bottoms Up with Trey Songz, and the crowd screamed with approval. She then got three fans onstage to rap her verse from the song, and offered $500 to anyone who could complete this task. She handed the microphone to the three fans, but the only words they knew were “bottoms up.” They didn’t seem to comprehend that repeating the name of the song does not constitute rapping an entire verse. This was really awkward and a total bummer.

But then one kid from the audience rose to the challenge and completely killed it. Nicki gave him a bunch of cash moneys, which is a pretty cool accomplishment. Kudos to that kid for not screwing up under pressure, because if I was him I probably would have melted under Nicki’s mesmerising and enchanting stare.

Aside from all this banter, she also ran through her biggest hits like Moment 4 Life, Right By My Side, Pound The Alarm, Stupid Hoe, and of course Super Bass. After just over an hour, Nicki concluded her performance and we got the hell out of there.

In conclusion, Nicki Minaj is a goddess and definite wife material. Besides a few too many costume changes and a slight over-reliance on backing tapes, she provided an engaging performance that I enjoyed way more than I would like to admit. After the show I went home to eat a steak and listen to three hours of DMX just to re-affirm my masculinity. But if you’re going to claim that you haven’t sung the hook to Super Bass in the privacy of your own home at least once, it’s very likely that you’re a dirty, filthy liar.

Check out all the flicks from the night right here!

The 2000's was a decade that left us with some fashion trends that we can look back on with some major embarrassment, especially if you, like myself, succumbed to some of the 'hot' fads that came our way during this time. It is only with hindsight that we can now go back in time and countdown the top 15 worst fashion disasters that were born in the 'noughties' and will continue to haunt us for some time to come. Join me as I prepare to tackle a whole lot of wackness.

15. Tees with a 'sexy' girl print/Osaka print tees

What is the deal here? Since when did every douche start thinking it was cool to rock the exact same shirt as the next douche? Pretty much as soon as I see some guy wearing one of these things, I run for the hills, cause I know they are going to be lame. Anyone who thinks it's rad to rock a shirt with a semi-naked chick on the front with the word 'WIFEY' written underneath whilst walking hand in hand with their girlfriend is an idiot...and that goes for the girlfriend as well. And as for this Osaka business, I'm not sure how this even took off, but it seemed that if you weren't wearing an Osaka 6 tee for a while there you just weren't in. Osaka these nuts is how I feel.

14. Bumbags

Really? Bumbags? I thought come towards the end of the noughties that dudes would get some more sense about them. Surely they wouldn't look at a bumbag and think, 'yep, that's a cool looking accessory, I bet that would look sick on me!'. How wrong I was. I think it was around mid 2009 that I first started to see the emergence of the bumbag, and even today in 2012 it is still flourishing. These horrors scream douchebag slash I'm a drug dealer yet guys still wanna rock them. Unbelievable.

13. Urban scarf/keffiyeh

These bad boys first came on the scene when Kanyeezy started rocking them at concerts and award shows. Don't get me wrong, I have mad love for Ye, the guy is a genius, but he has definitely been responsible for some crazy fashion disasters. This included. The keffiyeh is actually traditional Arab headdress, yet somehow dudes thought it would look cool to start rocking them around their necks like a scarf and think it would be fresh. I got news for y'all...it looked ridiculous. Thank goodness these faded out fast.

12. Skate belt hanging out the front/studded belts

These come in as a tie for me. I couldn't split them, and I am embarrassed to say that I was guilty of BOTH of these blunders. C'mon, I was young and stupid, what can I say? Having the skate belt hang down from the shorts was the shit for a while, and I used to wear my bright orange Volcom belt hanging low and proud! Then some years later, the new cool belt evolved into the studded masterpiece that is shown below. Again, I was a proud wearer of the studded belt, until I realised that I wasn't a punk and I wasn't cool.

11. Sweatbands

I've always dug sweatbands, but only on one condition. Mike Jordan used to wear one on his arm when he was tearing guys apart on the basketball court, and I used to think it looked cool and I'd wear one when I played as well. Like Mike, if I could be like Mike. You know the song. I get the fact that they're useful to athletes. What I don't get is when dudes used to pull them out for everyday wear. If you're not playing a sport, don't put on a sweatband! Remember when the band wristbands came into fashion? And then the USA old school flag sweatbands? How did this become an acceptable form of fashion? I cringe at the thought. But hey, don't feel too bad, even West Coast OG rapper Game got caught up in the trend, way back when he was going bar for bar with Curtis Jackson in G G G G G G-Unit!

10. The Faux Hawk

All I can do is shake my head and try and hide the photo evidence. Yes, it's true, the faux hawk mania that swept through the Western world in the mid 2000's took its grip on me and wouldn't let go until I was in a hairdressers asking the lady to give me a cut that Beckham and every other cool person was currently sporting. I feel deep shame in this. Luckily I came to my senses pretty quickly and shaved it all off before I punched myself in the face. Sadly, some guys are still gelling up their faux hawk today and walking around like they're some hard, macho homeboy. I look at these guys and wonder how could I have been so, so stupid. Let us not speak of this again.

 9. Oversized designer sunglasses

This can actually apply to both men and women, but since we're dealing with men fashion disasters, I'll keep it on point. The fact is, guys actually look wayyyyyyy more lame than ladies wearing these shades simply for the fact it makes them look really feminine. I guess guys started rocking these to imply that they had money (the sunnies were usually made by Dior, Armani, Prada etc) but instead it made them look cheap and tacky. The lenses themselves were usually quite light so you could see the eyes, which to me kind of defeats the purpose of wearing sunglasses in the first place. Either that, or they were fitted with white frames, which just looks horrible. Thankfully this trend has just about died out, but for a while there, I was scared to where we were heading.

8. Polos with the collar popped

It was 2004. I was only a fresh 18 year old. Saturday night - gotta dress up to impress the girls right? Why not go with a Ralph Lauren polo? Everyone was wearing them. Plus it was a bit more dressy than just a t-shirt. Hey wait, how bout I just pop the collar to give off the vibe that I'm a swanky dresser yet still casual baby...wow. Again, another one bites the dust. Polos swooped on the fashion world in a huge way in the mid noughties, and soon every label around was producing every colour known to man. Of course, the new-age metro wasn't afraid to rock the pink polo (again another Kanye influence) and pretty soon guys were looking for that extra edge. The answer? Not one, but two polos rocked with both the collars popped! Did this really happen? Yes. Was it a good look? Fuck no.

7. Chunky skate shoes

DC, es, Etnies, Globe, emerica, Lakai...in the early 2000's these brands were dominating the shoe scene. The bigger, fatter and chunkier the better. We wanted tongues so big it became awkward to get around. The cooler shoes even came equipped with little air cells, just like Nike runners, only these were hip, the in thing. Paired with some white socks pulled up and you were on your way to coolness with a capital C. My favourite pair were the es Quattro. I wore those shoes to death. Oh how times have changed...thank the lord.

6. Old English writing/Southern Cross tattoos

I'm not sure who to blame for this one. I remember all the girls going crazy at school for Mr Sonny Bill Williams when they saw pictures of him shirtless with the big WILLIAMS sprawled across the top of his back in that disgusting print. Pretty soon it became the in thing to let people know your last name by inscribing it onto your body for eternity. I struggle to see how this could be seen as a cool thing to do, and luckily this fad disappeared pretty quickly. I'm a massive fan of tattoos, but can't stand something as un-unique (is that a word?) as the last name on the back. Get creative already! Not much needs to be said about the dreaded Southern Cross tat. If you have one, I sincerely feel sorry for you. It screams I'm a bogan douche and doesn't look good on anyone. In saying that, I do know a couple people who have these tattoos, and even they regret putting needle to skin.

5. Visors

Ahhhh the visor. A type of head piece that resembles a baseball cap that has been cut off at the top, this mockery became huge around 2001. Surf brands like Billabong, Rip Curl and Quiksilver cashed in on the craze as young kids to adults alike sported the visor with the customary spiked hair and chunky skate shoes. Some dudes decided to get really cool and tilt it to the side, like a bawssss. (Insert Rick Ross voice here) Then it just got plain ridiculous, when douches thought it would be awesome to wear the visor upside down and backwards. There are no words to explain how stupid this looked, yet for a small time in the 2000's, this look was considered cool. Go figure. The only people who should be wearing visors are 70 year old women who play lawn bowls or professional golfers, and even then it's walking a fine line. An honourable mention goes to the beanie with a brim on the side, similar to a hat. Are you kidding me? If you have a beanie on, why would a brim be acceptable on the side? What is the point in this? Someone please explain this concept to me.

4. Eyebrow piercings

I'll admit this, but don't tell anyone. In the year 2002, I thought it would be awesome to follow the lead of Daniel Johns from silverchair and get an eyebrow piercing. I can't thank my Mum enough now for not allowing me to do so. What was I (and plenty of other seemingly sane kids) thinking?! This is not a good look on anyone, and reeks of tackiness and being a try-hard. It's kinda sad to see guys today still rocking the eyebrow piercing, but in most cases they're a lost cause, complete with a Chinese symbol tattoo and the beanie cap as mentioned above. I think I can safely say the coolest guy to sport the piercing was my main man Drazic (Callan Mulvey) from Heartbreak High...don't act like you don't know who I'm talking about. Shout out to the choker chains!

3. Crocs

I'm not sure how long I can spend on this matter, as the thought of it makes me a little ill. I don't care if they're comfortable. I don't care if you use them just around the house. If you wear Crocs, you've given up. Simple as that. You don't care whatsoever on what you look like. These 'shoes' are a disgrace. It's physically impossible to make these disasters look decent. It cannot be done. These vile pieces of work latched onto the fashion scene like a leech in 2002, and since then the company hasn't looked back, reportedly earning more than $1 billion last year in sales. That alone is a sad thought. Who knew that creating a slip-on that looks like absolute s%#t would make three guys filthy rich? Kudos to them. But in all seriousness, if you own a pair of Crocs, or are even thinking of getting a pair, never talk to me. Ever.

2. Shutter shades aka Kanye sunglasses

Kanye West is Kanye West. He's a musical icon and in turn has moulded himself into a fashion icon as well. Usually I have no complaints on the Yeezy front. But as I mentioned earlier, Mr West has been responsible for some fashion f*%*kups. The strongest case being the shutter shades he first rocked at the 2008 Grammys. I get it. It was a big show to a huge audience, and Yeezy had to stand out, and the shades were a novel idea at best. But then to my absolute horror, I started seeing these glasses pop up everywhere. It got to the point where my local 7-11 was selling them for $19.95 a pop. They'd taken over the world. Every douchebag in town started rocking them. I knew we were in trouble when Paris Hilton was spotted with them on. Not only did guys start rocking them in everyday life, they took it that step further and wore them in the club. At night. Inside. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was a good day when that trend died out as fast as it came in. Damn you Yeezy.

1. Ed Hardy & Von Dutch

Christian Audigier is perhaps singlehandedly the reason why the 2000's will be looked upon as one of the worst decades of fashion and straight up wackness. This man bought to the masses the two brands that are synonymous with douchebaggery. Audigier was the Head Designer of the horrible Von Dutch brand in 2002, when it gained popularity with celebs such as Justin Timberlake and David Beckham. I am proud to say I never once considered putting one of those things on top of my head. I despised them and thought they were a joke. Yet more and more people joined the VD movement.

The trucker caps were everywhere, and I was feeling more and more nauseous. Von Dutch paved the way for douche bag promoting companies around the world. The hats were so ridiculously and obnoxiously over done that they were almost the perfect recipe for vomit. They had 'cool' clashing colors and fabrics, and in no way looked good on your dome. Ashton Kutcher was the Von Dutch master, and single handedly allowed the douche bag to feel comfortable outside the confines of his bedroom or bro's house. Just disgusting.

Mr Audigier then decided he hated the world even more and moved onto Ed Hardy in 2004. What more needs to be said on this absolute tragic trend? I don't think I have seen a brand embarrass itself more with the products they put out...but what makes me sick to my stomach is the fact that so many people ate it up. I thought for a while that I was being Punk'd when I saw this travesty take off. Most often featuring pictures of skulls, animals and flowers and sometimes with crystals or sequins sewn onto the shirts so one can look like a disco ball florist, these were the definition of 'I'm a total dick'.

Ed Hardy consisted of ridiculously low quality garments for jacked up prices that had douches emptying out their fake Louis V wallets. A common phrase these idiots uttered was "don't diss it if you can't afford it." Yeah, right, I wish I could afford to tell the world that there is no hope for me anymore. In a strange twist, many people now agree that Ed Hardy is the devil's work. But don't get too comfortable...there are still PLENTY of douches out there rocking Ed Hardy proudly. May God have mercy on their soul. Amen.

Here's some exciting news!

Information regarding an Australian release of the highly anticipated Nike Air Yeezy 2 has emerged.

Don't get too excited, though. According to Laced, a Brisbane boutique sneaker store, the Nike Air Yeezy 2 will be extremely limited in Australian. To be more specific, only 60 pairs will be made available, 30 in the Wolf Grey/Pure Platinum colourway and 30 in the Black/Solar Red colourway.

As you would expect, the Nike Air Yeezy 2 will not be a cheap purchase with the retail price set at $350AU. However, $350 is going to seem like a bargain compared to what they will eventually go for on eBay after they sell out. Expect to pay upwards of $1000 (at least) for a deadstock pair.

Now onto the most important piece of information - the actual Australian release date. The Nike Air Yeezy 2 will be unleashed in Australia on June 9 at Laced and two other lucky stores that are yet to be identified.

America, on the other hand, have not yet been given a Yeezy 2 release date, but one is expected to be revealed very soon.

So, there you have it, Australia, details on the Nike Air Yeezy 2's Australian drop. Stay tuned for more on Kanye West's second signature shoe.

The Young Ones Shakuhachi’s latest offering for Summer 2013 has nothing to do with the TV series of the same name.

Although, it would look killer on Vyvyan.

The collection has balls. The fourth element is skin and lots of it. Silhouettes are cut out and play with framing the back and midriff (we’ve got 6 months of stomach crunches to get to) and refined gowns with Angelina Jolie thigh high splits.

A clear 80’s vibe can be felt through loose lounge suits with a hedonistic edge. Slick pantsuits with a lick of black racing stripes on the trouser. Nearly every fabric seems to have a slick or sheen – from iridescent rose gold silks to high-shine silver leather and suede.

Personally, I’m coveting the luxe sports styles, the slouchy grey sweat dress, navy silk bombers and the matching boxing shorts.

Shakuhachi manage to mix 80’s suits, midrifts, sport inspired styles with beatnik dusty coloured lace in a baby doll shift dress. If you can’t find something to dribble on the screen over in these images, I suggest you look again.

Rex and OneEightKevin headed to the Hordern Pavillion last night to witness Nicki Minaj in the flesh.

A sold-out show meant that swarms of punters were out in full force - fluoro wigs, tight pants and all. Timomatic warmed up the crowd before the YMCMB Queen strolled onstage with confidence. Rex took photos, while OneEightKevin stood there like the awkward moron that he is. A fun-filled night with its fair share of memorable moments. Check out the flicks below, and read OneEightKevin's review here.

Words by OneEightKevin | Photos by Rex
All photos belong to PRIMO! magazine, please credit accordingly.

The Bad Sports look book for bad boys and bad girls.

Ksubi's Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Australia show left us salivating for more. Their shift towards the street aesthetic we love is even more present in the look book.

Remember when it was frowned upon to leave the house in trackies? You won't very soon.

Drawstring waists, drop crotches, hoodies and layers. Styles are designed to be layered, layering shapes, textures and finishes.  There's also some graffiti-esque mens tees, adding to the richness of aforementioned layers. LAYERS. We love layers.

Stay tuned for dates it will drop in store, we're looking forward to donning some of those coats sooner rather than later.

For the chicks, it's all about androgyny with most pieces appearing unisex (except for the dresses, duh!) just another bonus if I can buy and share with Mr. Rex.

Check it out...

Rhymesayers label mates Atmosphere and Evidence just completed a tour of Australia and we got out to see them close it off at The Hi-Fi on Saturday night.

Being a massive Dilated Peoples fan and also of Ev's solo shit, I was so amped for this show. We arrived right at the end of the supporting act, Horrorshow, and the crowd was already buzzing. It was also the first time I'd seen the Hi-Fi since they renovated it and changed it's name from The Forum. Sadly, they've knocked out the elevated sides, closed off the second level and made the moshpit 3 times larger. It's a great setup, perfect size but it's just not the Forum, it was such an awesome intimate venue.

Anyway, it was time for Evidence. Coming out to lukewarm cheers he started out with The Red Carpet which got the crowd bobbing heads to but not much else. By track two Ev was loose and flashing that smile and clearly enjoying himself. About 20 minutes in though it was obvious the crowd was here to see Atmosphere as it wasn't a large contingent that was getting too into Evidence. That kinda sucked because I'm a massive fan of his work and it's a little hard to get into when the crowd is indifferent. He still managed to get the crowd going at some points with To Be Determined and You which featured Premier's Full Clip beat which was sweet as. Other than that. A bit lackluster. Take nothing away from Ev though, I think in front of an Evidence/Dilated crowd it would've been a better vibe.

The intermission between Evidence and Atmosphere was strangely a highlight of the evening. Keeping with the theme of recent MCA tributes, they were spinning strictly Beastie Boys tracks as the crowd jammed in closer and were prepping for Slug and Ant. Fight For Your Right came on and it was go time.

Out walks Ant and their guys on guitar and keys to a salivating crowd then Sluggo wastes no time launching into his first track. As if to warm up, they started slow but it was clear only a few songs in that most of these people in the crowd knew all the lyrics to these songs and were totally engaged. Knowing only half of their shit, the crowd carried the experience for me, then vibe was contagious. It was a lot of fun. GodLovesUgly and Trying To Find A Balance were insane. The crowd was at their peak during those tracks. It was raucous as hell.

We’ve been keeping our Ears out, and we hear there’s a new kid on the Sydney art block.

It’s a big bad world out there for emergent galleries. The competition and the art economy are rabid, and there exists an ever-present moral dilemma – do you do it for the love, or do you do it for the cash, because in most cases, you can’t have both. Daniel O’Toole (known better to you, perhaps, as Ears) is the man behind Sydney’s latest gallery, Soldiers Rd, and, as the co-founder of the now defunct Oh Really gallery, Newtown, I imagine he knows this conundrum all too well.

Marching on in the face of adversity, however, Soldiers Rd is throwing open its doors for the first time next week. Located in Surry Hills, the gallery is announcing its presence with Worlds A p a r t, a launch exhibition that boasts some serious names in Australian art. With the likes of Bennett and Max Berry jumping on board with O’Toole and his crew, it looks like Soldiers Rd is off to a strong start, and we can’t wait to see what they have in store for us.

Come check out the new space next Thursday, 24 May, to clink glasses in celebration. And also, maybe, in hope.

This is absolutely mental. For anyone out there who wishes that the earth will go to into total chaos, and can’t wait for the day that we become cyborgs, this is something that will get you up your alley. Meet Dave Hurban from Dynasty Tattoo, Newfield, NJ. Notice how the iPod Nano is mysteriously just floating on his wrist? Well the answer is not only a little shocking, but cringe worthy as well. Dave has implemented four magnetic points on his left wrist, resulting in his Apple iPod Nano being able to simply magnetize to the magnets.

The result? An easy to access, and somewhat never easy to lose watch with no band or fuss. Can you imagine how difficult it will become for this bro to go overseas, get into clubs, or even walk past a fridge? Metal detectors (and fridges that love magnets) will have a field day. Also, what is going to happen when the Apple decides to upgrade the Nano into a totally different shape and size? So many questions with absolutely no answers. This is killing me.

What is even more crazy, is that there are people who are loving it, and are asking if they can get the same procedure as he got done. Watch the video below if you have a strong stomach to see how he did it.

When it comes to mens t-shirts, they seem to slip into one of two categories. Great or shit.

The T-shirt is a seemingly easy trend and the printed variety has become the backbone of every male wardrobe. Gone are the days of  my Nonno donning a 3 piece suit to visit the local supermarket. Dapper is predominately dead, or too metro for most men to handle.

However, it's quite easy to get the  printed tee trend wrong - a la my 81 y/o Nonna wearing a tee reading "A Day in The Life of A Man" or the time 15y/o I wore an "Italians Do It Better" tee courtesy of Supre.  I’ve taken the liberty of combining some shirts which aren’t shit and which should save you some shopping time / fashion shame.

FRAGMENT DESIGN X ORIGINAL FAKE COTTON T-SHIRT
There’s just something so right about a female body with a cartoon head bending over. This gem is from the Original Fake X Fragment 2012 Collection. Find it here.

GIVENCHY PARADISE-PRINT COTTON-JERSEY T-SHIRT
The mirrored birds of paradise flower print is part souvenir shop, part awesome. Find it here but don’t wear it with mandals and white shorts NO MATTER WHAT MR PORTER TELLS YOU.

REPUBLIC BELIEVE T-SHIRT
Whilst it’s debateable whether this is a t-shirt or t-shit, everybody’s gotta have a slogan tee. Don’t act like your inner narcissist isn’t loving this sick.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD MAN MEDAL T-SHIRT
Speaking of narcissistic, why don’t you give yourself a medal or ten. You deserve them.

JUSTIN HUSTLIN BEAR-DOE SWEATSHIRT
Not a t-shirt, but if you don’t love a bad-ass bear there is something wrong with you.

YOU'RE WELCOME.

LeBron James is Nike's Employee of the Year. In other words, LeBron James is the NBA's Most Valuable Player for the 2011-12 season. You know what that means, right? A special edition Nike LeBron 9 "MVP".

During his now MVP season, LeBron James averaged 27.1 points per games, 7.9 rebounds per game, 6.2 assists per game, 1.8 steals per game and 0.8 blocks per game. He managed to do all that while shooting the ball at 53 precent.

For those who don't know, LeBron is now a three-time NBA MVP, which makes him the eight player to win the award three times in NBA history.

As for the actual Nike LeBron 9 “MVP, it features a rather interesting colour scheme that somewhat resembles the Miami Heat's strip (other than the colour yellow). The best features of the sneaker, however, have to be both the MVP logo on the heel of the shoe and the graphics of LeBron’s three MVP trophies that appear on the innersole.

This isn't the first time Nike have blessed LeBron with a new pair of MVP sneakers. The Nike LeBron 6 and Nike LeBron 7 were both giving MVP treatment when he previously won the award back-to-back in 2009 and 2010.

So, will the LeBron 9 "MVP" be available to the public? Not really, as it was made specifically for LeBon James. However, a limited amount will be available sometime next month, apparently.

Congratulations on winning MVP, LeBron James.

Like falling in love, Sirens will draw you in with its beauty, assault your senses until you’re overwhelmed and your mind is bruised, and still…. You won’t be able to turn away.

I can’t help but wax lyrically when I write about the offerings of Metro Gallery. Every sliver of artistic delight they serve our optics is as captivating as the last, and while, as a Sydney-sider, I emphatically deny Melbourne’s perceived superiority as this country’s cultural hub, it’s shows like Sirens that make me itchy to jump on that plane.

Sirens is the first solo Australian show of Hush, a UK artist who was recently named one of the London Independent’s “Top 20 Up and Coming Artists”. The body of work encompasses Hush’s signature blend of East and West artistic sensibilities, with seamless nods to both traditional figure drawing and to the lowbrow graffiti movement. Described by one viewer as what it would look like “if Nanami Cowdroy dreamed in technicolour”, the works are a chaotic medley of juxtaposing visual forces. Sirens is intense, beautiful, haphazard and compelling, and I am completely in love.

The show launches on May 21 at Metro Gallery, Armadale, and remains open until June 17. Go get to swooning.

This week we bring you a quality selection of Down-tempo beats from Compound Sydney's resident, Speakeasy.

Think smooth rhymes, textured drum lines and quintessential G-funk. This is a perfect playlist for your Sunday happenings.

Who knows, your mother might even like it.

Listen and enjoy!

Tracklist:
01. Nicholas Jaar - Wouh
02. Gucci Mane vs Dam Funk - Pillz West
03. Eazy E - Still Fuckem
04. So What - Babes Love Sacred Geometry
05. Heyoka - Lazy Bass
06. ARP 101 and Om Unit - Dr Funkenstein
07. ARP 101 - Groove
08. L-Vis 1990 - Cruisin
09. Rick Ross ft. Lloyd - Street Life
10. La Fine Equipe - Friandises
11. Mosca - Tilt Shift
12. Julio Bashmore - The Horn that Time Forgot
13. Missy Elliott - Meltdown
14. ARP 101 - True
15. Gucci Mane vs Dam Funk - Runnin' Theme
16. Cassie - Must Be Love (Jacques Greene remix)

COMPOUND INTEREST #002 by Speakeasy DJs

Prepare to release your inner teenage girl out of the box as Vans and Hello Kitty team up once again to bring us some more (loud) classics.

The popular feline and the legendary streetwear team joined forces to create a one-of-a-kind limited edition series of sneakers that are sure to break some necks.

While the line is primarily targeted at little ones, there's definitely something for those young at heart who want some footwear options that are sure to attract a lot of attention and lighten the mood.

A few different models of Vans are on showcase, including the Sk8-Hi (attached with a cute as bow!), the classic Slip-On, as well as the Authentic in a range of colour ways and all-over prints made to please anyone and everyone looking to add a fun and unique style to their collection.

I will admit I never jumped on the Hello Kitty bandwagon, perhaps because I am an older male and that would be kinda weird, but I can definitely see these appealing to the masses of Hello Kitty fans out there. Considering there's just about every other imaginable item available in a Hello Kitty design, it's only fair that the shoe game is locked up as well.

Will you be picking up a pair of feline footwear?

Look for these to become available in June.

Pics courtesy of freshnessmag.com.

So, Prince played in Sydney last night. Didn't matter though. Public Enemy were bringing the noise over at The Metro and that's exactly where I wanted to be.

25 years and 80 tours since dropping their debut album "Yo! Bum Rush The Show", PE are still going hard, still rockin' the crowd and still spreading the love. S1W's and all. Just, like, that.

Their last two Australian tours celebrated the 20th anniversaries of "It takes a nation of millions..." and "Fear of a black planet" which they blasted from beginning to end but this time, they didn't play their whole debut album, they played about half. It included the classics like Public Enemy No. 1, You're Gonna Get Yours and a sick rock remix of Miuzi Weighs a Ton (that according to Chuck's twitter, they came up with during sound check) which sent the crowd into a frenzy.

With the death of Beastie Boy Adam "MCA" Yauch still fresh in everyone's memories it was no surprise that PE gave it a mention in their show but it wasn't some lame attempt at getting the crowd on their side. Public Enemy and the Beastie Boys go back like car seats. It was the Beastie Boys that took Public Enemy on their first tour back in 1987. Just last month, 25 years later, it was Chuck D that inducted the Beasties into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. So the love and respect PE showed MCA and the Beastie Boys was real. Half way through Harder Than You Think, Flav punched in a simple little line "This show's dedicated to MCA" and you know he meant that shit. Hard. Just, like, that.

First time I saw PE a few years ago, Flav didn't show. It was just Chuck and the rest of the gang. Didn't matter though, first PE experience and it was awesome. That being said, I didn't know what I was missing out on. The next time they came, Flav showed up and as if to make up for the last Sydney no-show, they played for two and half hours. It was fucking amazing. One of the best hip-hop shows I'd seen. Last night I was decidedly nervous. Will this be anywhere as good? Then the band slowly rolled out, including Khari Wynn, the memphis native with blistering skills on the electric guitar and started warming the crowd up. Before Chuck, Flav or even the S1W's were anywhere to be seen the crowd was fucking on, the band was loose, we were ready.

Out come the S1W's doing their thing, then Chuck, then lift off. Here I am standing in the photographers pit in between the crowd and the stage with my finger holding the (camera) trigger standing two feet from Chuck D in total awe of this guy but also trying to actually take a good photo or two. Then it hits me, five minutes into the show, where the fuck is Flav? A backing track did his vocals for the first song. Fuck. He's done this before. Then Chuck just walked off stage. That's when I knew he was here and Chuck had to go get his tardy back side out the fuck in front of the packed house. Then out comes Flav. YEH BOI. He facilitates and the crowd goes ape shit. It was on. I actually stopped taking photos. All the other guys in the pit had their camera's with fully sick lenses glued to their faces while I just had to stand to the side and take it all in. To see the reaction that Flav elicits from the crowd is a truly beautiful thing. Right when I thought the shit couldn't get anymore live, they launched into their first track together and everyone went gorillas. I only took photos for about 30 seconds of that track because I just had to be a fan for this. It was special. It felt like christmas morning.

The rest of the show was great. They busted though some classics like Don't Believe The Hype, Can't do Nuttin' For Ya Man, Welcome To The Terrordome and my two all time faves, He Got Game and Harder Than You think. I can't help but picture Denzel nailing jumpers during He Got Game and those horns on Harder Than You think, I will never get sick of them. Never... Hard. Just, like, that.

They wrapped up proceedings with Fight The Power which was crazy. I thought there was so much energy in that building for the whole two hours but everyone just took it to a whole other level when they dropped that shit. It was ridiculous. After Chuck went off stage, Flav's speech closed the evening with well-wishes, goodbyes and lots of love and respect that was truly meaningful and sincere. It was beautiful. One guy said to me afterward.... "you can't fake that shit". Just, like, that.

PE fans are lucky enough that Chuck and Flav still hit the road after hitting the age of 50. We've gained a lot from MCA and the Beastie Boys but if there's one thing that sticks with me after MCA's passing it's that life can be too short. Make the most of it... and you should also go out and see that favourite band you always wanted to see because you never know if you'll have another chance. I saw the Beastie Boys twice. They aren't coming back. Go and see Public Enemy if you haven't already. It's a special night.

'The Delta Riggs', will be bringing their live show and their mouthful of an album name for an east coast bash.

If you like bare bones and dirty punk influenced rock, then Melbourne boys 'The Delta Riggs' are the shit you've been fiending. With a sound that's reminiscent to a throwback when things were simpler, honest and more in grill, the boys promise to bring a high energy and entertaining live show that will 'take the crowd on a musical journey', or at least force it so far down your throat that you have no option BUT to take a little trip with them.

After winning the Triple J Unearthed slot for Pyramid Rock in 2011, the bands success has been nothing short of awesome, wowing local punters and heads alike. With a great influence of many genres spanning punk, rock, blues and gospel, their latest and live session record, Talupo Mountain Music Volume 2, is due to be released Friday May 18th which will see them undertake their launch tour.

With four stops scheduled for Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, you can expect business to go off.

Talupo Mountain Music Vol. II - out May 18th via Inertia Access.

Talupo Mountain Music Vol. II - EP Launch Tour
all shows + Special Guests

Fri 08 June – FBi Social, Sydney
Tickets available from Oztix www.oztix.com.au, 1300 762 545 & Oztix outlets

Sat 09 June – Workers Club, Melbourne
Tickets available from Corner Box Office (57 Swan St, Richmond) or 03 9486 1677

Thu 14 June – Lambda Lambda Lambda @ Alhambra Lounge, Brisbane
Tickets available on the door

Fri 15 June – Elsewhere Bar, Gold Coast
Tickets available from Oztix www.oztix.com.au, 1300 762 545 & Oztix outlets

http://www.facebook.com/thedeltariggs

http://thedeltariggs.com/

Allen Iverson, the king of the crossover, brings one of the all time great basketball shoes back onto the scene this May in another movement by Reebok and its 'Reebok Back' campaign.

The Reebok Question was worn by AI in his rookie season in 1996. Coming out of Georgetown University, Iverson was the #1 pick in the NBA Draft and selected by Philly as the next Big Deal.

He delivered.

Highlight after highlight, AI bought excitement back to the 76ers, and put Reebok back on the map and into mainstream relevance. Young kids everywhere suddenly had another shoe to rock other than Jordan's.

In an early season game in '97, Reebok would have been pinching themselves after witnessing one of the all-time great individual moments in Philly history.

The defending champion Chicago Bulls had arrived in town and a young and fearless AI found himself at the top of the key against The Greatest, MJ. What happened next is.....well, Iverson straight crossed Jordan out of his XII's. Twice. Wearing the Reebok Question.

Check the sweet clip below as D-Wade makes an appearance and Iverson recounts his version of his most famous crossover.

The 76ers lost that game, but it didn't matter. There was a new kid in town, and he was niiiiiiiiice.

Things didn't exactly turn out the best for AI in the end, and after being traded to numerous teams towards the end of his NBA career, he now spends his days in China, playing in the national league, a shadow of his former self.

That doesn't change the fact that the Reebok Question is a classic and is being released May 25th in the red-accented colour scheme, which in my opinion is also the nicest. Be sure to cop these and break some suckas ankles at the local courts.

In a great moment for Australian sneaker heads and the shoe community, Perth shoe boutique Highs And Lows (HAL) hook up with the guys from Asics to bring us the impressive 'Bricks & Mortar' pack.

The pack brings together two HAL x Asics gems, with the Bricks (red/burgundy) being represented on the GT-II and the Mortar (grey) being shown through the Gel Lyte III.

The HAL logo on the tongue  is extremely cool and unique.

Both shoes features a square and compass logo that relates directly to the values of freemasonry and how applicable they are to everyday life. Bricks and mortar are two of the most essential tools in masonry, so the Masonic logo really helps tie the whole thing together.

Asics are known to collaborate with some of the biggest artists in the world, and in the past have caused mayhem with certain releases, most recently with the Asics x 24 Kilates collab that sold out in minutes worldwide.

It's so great to see an Aussie store doing so well, especially an independent one at that. Big high five to HAL and the geniuses behind this pack!

adidas Originals threw a party to launch the 'adistar Racer' Make Moves campaign which includes four influential Australian creatives and the moves they are making.

The event was set at their Westfield Sydney store, to celebrate the release of the adistar Racer heritage trainer and to preview the Make Moves campaign.

Inspired by the classic running shoe from 84, with the trademark 3 stripe, the adistar Racer has resurfaced in 5 colour ways and is with it’s EVA midsole and die cut rubber outsole, is super light weight.

The keys to the city are on your feet. all Originals Make Moves.

The Make Moves campaign follows the lives of four inspiring Australian creatives and the moves they are making: DJ Beni Single, paper engineer Benja Harney, award winning chef Mitch Orr and typographer and graphic artist Luca Ionsecu (featuring his absolutely adorable son that will give ANYBODY the desire to procreate).

Tunes were provided by DJ Seymour Butz (Stereogamous) wearing an out of control fringed gold Jeremy Scott x adidas jacket... The jacket was so good he could have been playing anything.

If the fact that a brand - as integral to our way of dressing (our feet, especially) - has taken the time to acknowledge a few Australians who are killing it wasn't delicious enough for some, the treats provided by Gelatissimo certainly helped. An old school popcorn machine provided that Cinema feel (without the overpricing) and we threw back a few ABSOLUT Vodka cocktails, Bulmers Ciders and were snapped on new Polaroid digital cameras.

adidas Originals sure knows how to make us move.

Nike shows the Blazer low-top some love on a special year for the shoe.

After first hitting shelves in 1972, the classic Nike Blazer celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2012.

As part of the celebrations, Nike unveil three basic yet classic colourways in the lesser used low-top model.

Featuring simple two-tone palettes, the Blazer lows will be available in black, red or grey suede with white highlights, finished off with a yellowed sole for the ultimate vintage feel.

I am not going to hide the fact that I'm a straight up Nike geek. And I am also a massive fan of simple and clean, whether that be in clothing or shoes.

All three of these Blazers are quite simply fresh as fuck, and if I had more ca$h money in my account I'd be jumping on this trio no doubt.

If you had to choose one colour, which would you go with?

Look for these to release next month.