RDQLUS Dropshots; 100226

RDQLUS Stays So Complex

RDQLUS would like to thank Complex, who gave love for the third week (and 6 pairs) straight. Props to the crew over at Complex Magazine for the love. Keep doing what you do and I'll keep trying to come with the most RDQLUS style.

You Got No Game!

… at least not like this, you don't! Peep the techno freshy fresh and marvel at the fact that "gamer" is not a new term to the worldwide lexicon of video game play—a universal language that obviously went global long ago. This gear is tasty madness and the only thing more future retro techno logical is a Daft Punk helmet (which may be in this collection!)



CONSOLLECTION


But don't sleep on the cultural impact and future design skills. Take time to read the info on each of these amazing machines. How many do you remember? Which ones have you had? Which would you pick up even now? Check it all out, while I get back to my 9-volt powered LED football. Rec'a'nize!

Stevie G.

Peep The Fine Print

Meet my dude from the way back machine, Ryan O'Malley. He, along with his partner-in-crime Joseph Valasquez, are on a roll. Literally. They've set out to blow minds with the complexities of a simple thing; Put a mark to anything that holds a mark. Novel idea. From there it gets even simpler; An old craft made new by showing it to a new audience. A tried and true method of rejuvenating things. All pretty simple so far, right? Okay, so like any endeavor—from art to corporate—one of the first and main thoughts is "where's your location?", because you need a base of operations, a theater by which to put on your show, right? That's where we take a left turn… and a few right turns too.

Ryan and Joe are an artistic duo touring the country in an Honda Element van, staying with friends, sleeping on couches and floors (maybe the occasional hotel room), going to schools, universities, youth groups… all in the name of teaching the ages-old crafts of wood carving and wood-cut printing to anyone who cares to listen, learn or be inspired. But there are a few cool twists to the story. They are housed, clothed and fed by the patronage of the people, schools and organizations who sponsor them and the pedaling of their work. Their work? While some schools may have printing tools and facilities not all can possibly be set up as classroom environments. So how do they do teach or do this work by which they eat? I did mention the Honda Element van, right? Welcome to "Drive-By Press".



I get a message from Ryan, who's an old college friend, that he's going to be coming thru town and giving a teaching demonstration at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I'm for sure going to stop by, by but I was in no way prepared for what I saw…



Mounted in the belly of the van is an old school printing press. You know, the kind where "press" actually got it's name from? Yes, mounted on a track system to allow it to extend from the van into open working space, hangs a block printing press. Whoa. Consider my mind blown, but it gets better. On the side of the van, the inking station is set up to apply ink to the blocks that will be used for printing on materials. Blocks? Oh yeah, further to the side are a growing range of 25+ wood-cut blocks that these fine artists have cut and carved by hand! Boom! (that was my head… again)

But then comes my very own personal demo of how this all works. In a matter of mere minutes Ryan instructs me to pick a block or two and a t-shirt color that I like and a most delightful symphony of gritty, dirty, artistic movement is set in motion. about 7 total minutes later I have an exclusive, one-of-a-kind, hand-made work of art. I don't dare call it a "t-shirt". Remember, this all happened in 7 min. in the back of a van! There are a lot of things I could do in 7 min. in the back of a van, all of which I doubt would produce art or have a lasting positive effect such as this. Peep the process:
















There's so much more to the story that I could tell, but that's actually part of their gig so I'll let them tell you all about it. The next stop for them was Chicago and then points unknown. If you want to know more, the guys would be glad to hear from you. Drop then a line or an email and prepare for the Drive By!

Joseph Velasquez | 254.228.6016
drivebypress@yahoo.com

RDQLUS'ly GLOURIOUS!

Happy New Year… Amazing… Enough said… We'll speak no more of this.

They Will Swing On You!

Patting myself squarely on the back, I have a very keen ear for good sounds. Born and raised on the good, underground-style hip hop from the originals, shaped and molded as a rave and concert Jungle/Drum-n-Bass DJ with an affinity for Björk and Enya, my eclectic musical tastes and aural facinations are well documented. They have lead me to a relatively new group and they have quickly cemented themselves in my musical heart. Swing the way of PENDULUM. They are new to the states with their sophomore release 'In Silico', but they are established musicians from Oz.






This sonic barrage is like stepping into your own sci-fi movie soundtrack. Cue the flying cars and sweet tailored leather jackets. Bladerunner should be rescored to THIS! With an unapologetic, hard-driving sound they come at you in a full frontal assault that seems reckless until you find that they are getting through your defenses. They have a well-rooted sound that is 75% Drum-n-Bass with 25% ol'fashioned rock. Imagine that the Prodigy was haning out in the studio with your favorite hair-band while the Chemical Bros. tinkering on some beats, Trent Reznor whispering in everyones ears, and Kasabian and Linkin Park are chilling on the couch chiming into the convo… There you have it: PENDULUM.

Not since KASABIAN's "Leadfoot" have I fallen head-over-heels with a band's unique take on sound. Okay, at least until I cool out to Enya's Christmas CD.

Peaces,
Steve G aka RDQLUS

The RDQLUS Drop: 88-Keys

This cat is ridiculously talented and and complete breath of fresh air! Harlem MC/Producer is on some madness! imagine a less self-agrandizing Kanye West + the art of story-telling sensabilities like Outkast + old school vibes of A Tribe Called Quest. He writes, spins, produces and sings in that fun André3000 sort of way. Dude is a street Renaissence Man, with mad style and a breakout humor that allows him to transcend.



His latest release that I stumbled upon is "Death of Adam"; a particularly skillful exibition of lyricism and production. But there's something special here—the cat can tell a hell of a story. No, you're not hearing me… The whole disc is a storyline following the troubles of a man weaving thru the landscpe of relationships and troubles.



Peep and then cop… sleep if you want, but I wouldn't!

Pick Up the Spare.

With the events of a week ago now done, it's time to get back to the creative rantings and style ravings, the RDQLUS way, shall we?

I'm a noted accessories junkie, so I cruise and paruse in search of all things tasty, even if lacking refinement and high-class snobiety, though I'm all good with that too.



So I found this oh so money belt on UNCRATE! It's made of intertubing, yes—real rubber tubing from a bike. I'm all for crazy fun, unique things that don't have to look mad stupid to get attention. Peep the flavor of this subtly unique item.

Spare Tire Belt @ UNCRATE


-story courtesy of UNCRATE.com-

RDQLUS Style: Rock'em Like it's '88!

I don't really have many vices or obsessions so I consider myself fairly well-balanced although a bit out-there at times. But for those who know me, they know of my sneaker collection. if the ladies can spend insane amounts on one single pair of Choo(s) or Monolo(s), then leave me to my high-end collectables.

The newest additions are a classic pack of rare finds brought together for a killer combo. Behold, the Jordan III/XX combo pack.



There are nice… And I mean NICE! The III(s) alone are quite exquisite from my Jr high days before I was able to actually rock a pair. So between those & my mohawk, to quote the 'Cool Kids', "do the wop, do the smurf, baseball bat/rooftop like I'm bringin' '88 back!"



More sneaker shenanigans: The RDQLUS Collection (… and yes I rock them like dress shoes with suits, ties, slack and all. ha ha)

On the realness though, having something you love and are passionate about makes life all the better. Find something and dig into it; music, sneakers, style, gourmet coffees, duct tape wallets… who cares. You'd be surprised how the most trivial and silliest of things can lift the spirits or help you calm the mind from the fear-fest that is piped into the information stores of our everyday lives.

Ya' boy,
Steve G. aka RDQLUS

Who's Blockin' Jimmy?!

To continue the wreckles barrage of commercial hilarity, this is a gem from a bit ago. Keep an eye out for the girl in the kitchen with the most awesome t-shirt just about ever! Keep it smooth Jimmy.

Get Your "Swagger" Up!

Aw man, I'm a sucker for cheeky humor and pokin' a little fun at one's own self. Old Spice, who's been around for decades and had to over come an image something close to English Leather (everyone's dad had a bottle of the English!) has done some fn reinvention of the brand image.

It starte with the perfection that was the Bruce Campbell commercial and rolled from there. The new Swagger ads that have been running are flat out hilarious. My fave being LL Cool J… "Now look at me… NICE!"

Happy friday from RDQLUS, go forth and laugh your happy arse off!


Nice!


An honor duEL! (love how he throws the cap! LOL!)


Ice cream… yep!


And of course… The BRUCE!

Peep the painting… that's how he rolls! And, rolls and rolls and rolls!

Crazy Insane & RDQLUS'ly Wonderful!

Bike messengers are a different breed. If you are one, know one, seen one… you know that I mean. Now I want you to witness the free-wheeling love, in complete free-wheel!

I love NYC something crazy and I grew up racing and riding two-wheeled, pedal-powered pieces of a dream so this is a perfect marriage of the two. My guy Shane B. aka "Dunks" put me onto this and I haven't stopped watching it since. I even take a peek when I just need to see the city and feel the love again.



Now don't even think about doing this yourself! But marvel at the skill and freedom that you feel from riding along. I don't know who filmed it fromthe helmet-cam, but if you're out there… thanks man! I love this vid.

A RDQLUS Style Haven: ClassicKicks, NYC

If you know me, you know I'm a 'sneakerhead'. Now careful, Mr. Wingtips… We're talking high style, baby! So I have a few low-key spots on the sneaker underground that I like to get to for artistic inspiration & retail therapy. Sadly , a few of the places even know me by my style preferences and that kicks I buy and I don't even live in these cities! Whoa.

I usually hit New York City a few times a year and when I do there is a standing list of must-do(s) for a quasi-native:
1. grab a slice at Pisa Pizza & a cider at the Gael Pub on the UES, down the block where my childhood peeps now stay
2. cop my unlimited 7-day MetroCard because I gets my transit on, majorly
3. HIT CLASSICKICKS!


Ah yes, and now a return to the Classics


Classickicks, located at… haaaaaa, you actually thought I'd tell you? You can easily find out but have the fun is the search, so NO! What was I saying? Oh, right… On the lower edge of the East Village, down a narrow side street sits Classickicks. Known mostly for the sickest collection of Vans and classic Nikes, this shop has major custom sneaker love on brew like a hot pot. From the moment you step inside, the staff is laid back but helpful and one of the guys always recognizes me and gives love when I bounce thru the door. You know it's an underground spot when you can get any photos of the interior or the staff.

Classickicks often gets rare styles and colors of Vans classics like the Sk8, Chukka and Half Cab, and have recently done a few collaborations with the legendary skate company. Proudly, I personally own the Classickicks x. Vans Chukka.

You can't miss the shop if you find the right path; from the flag haning outside to the blaze red interior and wire-hung displays. Tell'em Steve G. aka RDQLUS sent you. May not work but then again…


Two hard to find things: a bathroom in lower Manhattan & Classickicks! Thanks Crate+Barrel

RDQLUS Happenings: NikeID Winner? Oh Word? Word!

Okay, so on a whim, fueled by my love of custom sneakers and creativity the like, I cuised on over to Nike's NikeID site to enter their recent Dunk Premium design competition. Literally thousands of people entered (often multiple designs) to try their hand at shoe design and perhaps get some props for the skills.

Well.. Fast forward to this morning when I get an email pop up that the contest is over and they have a sinner. Awww, not me? But hey props to the kid that won grand prize, right? So I'm checking out the page and the hot designs and I notice one that is shockingly similar to mine... but it's not. BUT THE ONE JUST BELOW THAT ONE IS!!!!! WHAT!?





Complete with cheeseball photo that I never thought would see the light of day and my own description of my design, Nike has given a sneakerhead kid like me one of those life dreams come true: I've designed a Nike shoe! Not like I haven't before but this time it's not hanging on my Mama's fridge! Nike likes me, they REALLY like me!