Instagram SXSW 2012

SXSW 2012 was my favorite Austin trips in a while.  In 2010 we recorded Closed Sessions: ATX, and while that was an unforgettable experience, I never left the house and also didn't sleep. At all.  Last year we released the album during our time in Austin, and while we did a really dope party with Yelawolf, Stalley, Outasight and others, the rest of it is a blur.  This year, I went down there with really the only expectations to meet people, have some fun, help my students with their showcase, and throw another dope party with MTV2 Sucker Free.  I was able to do all that and more.

On Thursday we hosted Digital Freshness ATX vol. 2.  It was a party to announce the release of Closed Sessions Vol. 2, which will be dropping soon via MTV2 Sucker Free.  The party featured performances from Jon Connor, Boldy James, Chance The Rapper, Rockie Fresh, L.E.P., ShowyouSuck, Tito Lopez, Hollywood Holt, The Cool Kids, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire, YP, Scheme Rockwell Knuckles, Raekwon, and even Yo Gotti.  Yup, Yo Gotti.  It was a great time, and really great to see so many Chicago people celebrate with us in Austin.  Smif-N-Wessun, G-Side, and even Mel D Cole came through as well. The re-cap video will also be up soon.

On Friday my students in AEMMP Hip Hop at Columbia College through a day party for their new album with Thelonious Martin.  It went a lot better than I even imagined. No problems, no late artists, and a packed crowd throughout the day.  After their party, I caught up with the homies of dubFrequency at the W, where I was able to meet and talk with 9th Wonder as well as the homies 6th Sense and Outasight.

While I didn't get to meet Andy Cohn of The Fader as I hoped, he did hook me up with a special invite to eat dinner with Nas and Steve Stoute on Friday night.  That dinner and party was really dope, and shaking Nas' hand was a definite highlight of the trip. Steve Stoute is a visionary in terms of marketing and music, I was honored to be there.  Also on Friday, I was able to finally meet Shake at the 2Dopehouse before I hit The Illmore where Mike Dean told everyone he could about my interview with him, and how it was one of the best articles he's seen written about his life and times.  That was pretty fresh to say the least.  The Fader Fort was where I spent Saturday, taking in the sun and the music before hitting up some other showcases and catching random stuff.

All in all, SXSW 2012 was a great experience.  I have a ton of emails to catch up on.  Check out some instagrams below from my trip.


Freddie Gibbs and GLC (Heads of the Heads) By Virgil Solis

RH Photos: BTS "Heads of The Heads" Video

Earlier this summer we linked up with Freddie Gibbs and GLC to shoot a video for "Heads of The Heads", a song they made together during Closed Sessions: ATX.  The video was directed by Davy Greenberg of Elephilms, and will be released very soon.  Take a look at Virgil Solis' behind the scenes pics after the jump.

Closed Sessions: ATX is available now via iTunes, Amazon, and Tha Bassment.

 


Fall Lookbook: The Bread Factory

Here is the RubyHornet Fall lookbook, "The Bread Factory". Check out fashions from Penfield, Rocksmith, Leaders 1354, Peter Says Denim, DimePiece, Anna Hovet, Upper Echelon Sneakers, Code of Conduct, & Kustom Karats. RH Photographer Virgil Solis enlisted the the help of Chicago's Bin Laden Blowin Up (BBU), Jason Hoodrich (Code of Conduct), Celena, Rachel, & Caroline. The team hit the southside's abandoned Bread Factory and went from the bottom to the top of this massive 6 storied factory. Check out the whole lookbook after the jump.

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Leaders 1354: "L-Wing" Fitted (Black) - Mike (BBU)

Leaders 1354: "Chicago Leaders" Tee (Camo) - Mike (BBU)

Penfield:" Lakeville" Jacket (Light Khaki) - Mike (BBU)

Peter Says Denim: Gold II Jeans - Mike (BBU)

Code of Conduct: Logo Tee (Black) - Rachel

Peter Says Denim: Stingray Jeans - Rachel

UES: U - Rivinl Leather (Black) - Rachel

Kustom Karats: Diamond Rosary (White/Silver) - Rachel

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Leaders 1354: "L-Wing" Fitted (Khaki) - Rich (BBU)

Penfield: "Boxford" Sweater (Navy) - Rich (BBU)

Rocksmith: "B.I.G, Spirit" Tee (White) -  Rich (BBU)

Peter Says Denim: Platinum 1 jeans - Rich (BBU)

Anna Hovet: "Connect The Dots" Gun Tee (White) - Celena

Kustom Karats: "Knife Threw The Heart" Necklace (Silver) Celena

Kustom Karats: "Knife Threw The Heart" Bracelet (Silver) Celena

Peter Says Denim: Jean Leggings (Black) - Celena

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Peter Says Denim: Cowboy Plaid Shirt (Black/Grey) - Jason Hoodrich

Peter Says Denim:Platinum 2 Jeans - Jason Hoodrich

Vans: Snap Back - Jason Hoodrich

DimePiece: Mesh Hands Crop Top - Caroline

Peter Says Denim: Finger Point Jeans - Caroline

UES: U - Rivinl Leather (Black)

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Leaders 1354: Chicago Leaders Crew (Grey) - Jasson (BBU)

Peter Says Denim: Platinum 2 Jeans - Jasson (BBU)

DimePiece: "Love Don't Pay The Bills" Tee (Black) - Rachel

Peter Says Denim: Stingray Jeans - Rachel

Kustom Karats: Diamond Rosary (White/Silver) - Rachel

RubyHornet.com

Penfield: Outback Vest (Woodland) - Jasson (BBU)

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Leaders 1354: Wishbone Zip Hoody (Red) - Jasson (BBU)

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Rocksmith: Mic Check Flannel Shirt (Olive) - Jasson (BBU)

RubyHornet.com

Peter Says Denim: Platinum 2 Jeans - Jasson (BBU)

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

DimePiece: DimePiece Logo ASYM Tank (White) - Celena

Kustom Karats: "Machete" Necklace - Celena

Kustom Karats: "Fuck You, Pay Me" Two Finger Ring - Celena

Peter Says Denim: Jean Leggings (Black) - Celena

UES: Barowl Leather (Red) - Celena

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Leaders 1354: "L-Wing" Fitted (Black) - Mike (BBU)

Rocksmith: "Gemini" Button Down (Black/Cyan) - Mike (BBU)

Rocksmith: "Apex Canvas Anorak" (Khaki) - Mike (BBU)

Peter Says Denim: Gold II Jeans - Mike (BBU)

DimePiece: "Hold Me Tight" Dress (Black) - Caroline

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Penfield: Chatham Flannel Shirt (Black) - Rich (BBU)

Anna Hovet: Sunny Leggings (Black) - Rachael

Anna Hovet: Abbey Hoodie (White/Black) - Rachael

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Leaders 1354: "L-Wing" Fitted (Black) - Mike (BBU)

Rocksmith: "Gemini" Button Down (Black/Cyan) - Mike (BBU)

Peter Says Denim: Gold II Jeans - Mike (BBU)

Leaders 1354: "L-Wing" Fitted (Khaki) - Rich (BBU)

Penfield: Chatham Flannel Shirt (Black) - Rich (BBU)

Peter Says Denim: Platinum 1 jeans - Rich (BBU)

Penfield: Chatham Flannel Shirt (Red) - Jason Hoodrich

Peter Says Denim:Platinum 2 Jeans - Jason Hoodrich

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Anna Hovet: Reversible Unisex "Danny Hood" (Blue/Grey) - Celena

Anna Hovet: "Lara Sweatshirt" (Blue) - Celena

DimePiece: "Los Angeles Map" Leggings - Celena

Rocksmith: "Team Ninjas" Crewneck (Black) - Hoodrich

RubyHornet.com

RubyHornet.com

Kustom Karats: "RubyHornet" Pendent

RubyHornet.com

Rocksmith: Shaolin V-Neck (Black) - Jason Hoodirch

RubyHornet.com

Anna Hovet: Denim Vest - Caroline

Check out the behind the scenes video of the shoot HERE

Photographer: Virgil Solis

Make Up/ Hair: Cindy Delgado

Stylist: Ari / Virgil / Cindy / Edith

Photo Asst: Edith Solis

Models:

BBU (Rich, Mike, & Jasson)

Jason Hoodrich

Rachel

Celena

Caroline

Special thanks to: Javin for access to the Bread Factory, Ari (Code of Conduct) for pulling some awesome clothes, the whole COC fam, all the brands involved, models, and my asst Edith for all of her hard work pre/during/post the shoot.


RH Photos: Rick Ross Interview w/DJ RTC

Rick Ross

This s**t is kind of a blur to me now, as a lot was going on at the PHLI store yesterday during the Rick Ross media session.  Anyway, RubyHornet was given an interview with The Bawse and I was able to go beard to the beard.  We'll have the full video clip later this afternoon.  I talked to Rick Ross about how the definition of "Hustlin'" has changed since his debut album, the place of Chicago in his heart and career, "Free Masons", and why his new album is his best to date.  Look for the interview coming soon.
Read more


Lupe Fiasco Vinyl Figure

Lupe Fiasco

I didn't do that much on January 1st besides watch college football/basketball, and relax.  I also didn't turn on my computer, and missed the initial spreading of this vinyl projection of Lupe Fiasco.  This figurine was made in relation to Lupe's band, Japanese Cartoon.  No word if this is a one off or what, but it's pretty dope.  I'd love one... 

spotted at Lupe's site.


RH Photos: RTC's Bday @ Lava Lounge

RubyHornet.com

Man, first of all, thank you to everyone that came out to my birthday party at Lava Lounge.  I was literally shocked when I walked in at 11:40 PM, and the place was packed.  I saw a lot of familiar faces, faces I haven't seen in a minute, and a lot people I met for the first time that heard of the party from following RH and coming to my gigs.  This was perhaps my best birthday party, and I think the best party of the young spring 2009.  It's kind of blurry to me, but luckily my friend and RH partner, Virgil Solis, held it down on the photography tip, taking a ridiculous 150 pics.  We cut it down to our favorites, please check them out below, and let us know if you see yourself.  And special thanks to Jesse Lee of dubFrequency for helping me set everything up, Naledge, Really Doe, Phil G, Rude1, Metrognome, Word, Dave Jeff and Izzo for doing their thing as well so I could just get drunk and talk to girls...haha...
Read more


RH Photos: Attention Deficit Tour 4/22/09

Wale

On April 22, Wale brought his Attention Deficit Tour to Chicago's Abbey Pub. Leading up to Wale's set with UCB, the crowd was treated to sets by Dave Coresh, Bin Laden Blowing Up, Mic Terror, and Colin Munroe.  You know that Virgil Solis was behind the lens, check out his photos below.
Read more


Mireya Acierto x RH Chicago The Photo Album Photo Album: Lupe Fiasco Edition

Lupe Fiasco

RubyHornet has linked up with photographer Mireya Acierto, a very accomplished photographer that has documented a large portion of Chicago Hip Hop over the last several years.  Intended to celebrate both her work, as well as Chicago's Hip Hop achievements, we present "Chicago The Photo Album Photo Album", a look at some of her most notable shots and the stories behind them.  We kick off the series with several pics of Lupe Fiasco circa 2006-2007.  Check them out below, and look for the next edition coming soon. 
Read more