Get ready for some exciting new feature articles from Freshness. If you’re a regular reader of the site, you know that our features have a deep set of visuals and an in-depth breadth of knowledge that we think is unique on the web. With our latest feature, we’ve detailed what may be the best-known name in non-baseball cap headwear – KANGOL. You’ve seen the kangaroo logo on the likes of the Notorious B.I.G. and Samuel L. Jackson, but we’re confident that our readers will learn a thing or two about the rich history of the brand that has roots that go back to the 1930s. Click through to read our interview with Nic Harris, the brains behind many of KANGOL’s ongoing collaborations, including one with Freshness that we will detail in a feature of its own quite soon.

» Freshness Feature: Deep Roots, Broad Horizons: A Conversation with Nic Harris of Kangol

The most powerful names in hip-hop– Jay-Z and Kanye West –have worked together often in the past. From Kanye’s production of tracks like “Takeover,” “Izzo,” and even one track from the 2000 album Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter, and on various guest appearances afterward, the two have had a strong bond. Since then, the gigantic personalities have rapped about their relationship to one another, and have had high-profile careers that have not been injured by the downturn in the music industry. They are calling their super-duo the Throne, and their collaborative album, Watch the Throne, is set to release digitally on August 8th and in physical format on August 12th. Along with the album, these tour veterans are set to embark on a 24-date tour beginning in Detroit on September 22 and wrapping up in Boston on November 3rd.  Click after the jump for the complete tour list, and head over to Live Nation beginning on July 28 to snatch your tickets to pay homage to the Throne.

After flexing their technological ability on a pair of pair of Phantom 4d boarshorts, Nike and Hurley again team up for a re-working of the Air Max 90. This model features the artwork of graffiti artist Dalek, whose signature can be seen on the tonal inner heel of the sneaker, in gradient greens and blues. The release of this sneaker collaboration will be limited to 500 pairs at select retailers beginning next week in conjunction with the opening of Salvation Malibu. Stay tuned to Freshness for more release information and photos of this exciting and futuristic model. via: HS

Packer Shoes in Teaneck, NJ was the site of a good ol’ fashioned barbeque DJ’d and MC’d by old school hip-hop legend and Yo Gabba Gabba star Biz Markie. The cause for celebration was the release of the PRO-Keds 69er in collaboration with Packer Shoes. Three models featuring Biz’ likeness were for sale–black, green, and and a Packer-exclusive cream white model. Those who purchased the sneaker in the days prior to yesterday’s cookout were treated to a ticket to what ended up being like a true block party. Biz manned the decks, and was later joined by the legendary Kid Capri, who traded off the musical duties. Both cut up break-beat classics and had the crowd, as well as the neighbors, thoroughly entertained on a sunny New Jersey day. During the event, Mike Packer and Biz headed inside the shop to discuss the true original nature of the 69er, and both parties seemed thrilled with the opportunity to re-release a classic model and inject some much needed heritage in today’s cluttered sneaker market. Outside, Pabst Blue Ribbon was flowing, along with hot dogs, chicken, burgers, and more for what turned out to be a kid-friendly, family atmosphere. Check the extensive photos below to get a feel for what were truly smooth vibes at a sneaker event that was more like a true family cookout and head to Packer Shoes to scoop up some of the remaining limited edition Biz Markie x Pro Keds 69ers.

Photography: Jesse Carr for Freshness

By now, you’ve probably seen the white and radient green model of the Air Jordan 5 (V) Retro which just dropped in Europe. If that model didn’t get you excited, then this black and radient Quai 54 model should also whet your appetite. There are only 54 of these models in existence, so chances are you will not get to see these in person, unless you happen to see DJ Clark Kent, who posted this picture of the shoes on his Twitter account. Instead of the tumbled leather on the recently-released white model, this colorway looks like the upcoming black and silver model, apart from the green hits on the lace tabs, jumpman, and outsole. The embroidered Quai 54 logo adorns the heel, where the “23″ normally hits on the Air Jordan V (5).

As has been the Jordan Brand release strategy in the last few years, we are getting an onslaught of famous Jordan retro models in 2011. The Air Jordan V (5) retro figures prominently in the 2nd half of the year for Jordan Brand, including the upcoming Black/Silver model, the recently-released Wolf Grey model, the ultra-rare Tokyo 23 edition, and this upcoming Quai 54 model. Decked in  a translucent radiant green sole to match the eyelets on the upper, the pop is enough to add to the fine tumbled leather. Adorning the heel is the Quai 54 logo, which is the famed Paris streetball tournament sponsored by Jordan Brand. These are reportedly releasing in limited quantities, so call your local Jordan retailer and ask if they will get these when they release via MarqueeSole

Air Jordan V Quai 54
Style: 467827-105
Color: White/Black-Metallic Silver-Radiant Green

Release Date: July 2011

In what is shaping up to be a jam-packed year of Air Jordan Retro releases, perhaps the most important Air Jordan, the third model, to ever release is getting some well-deserved attention. The cement and white model is the true original, and it was followed by a rare Black History Month release and an upcoming Stealth/Varsity Red release. This hotly-anticipated colorway is ready for a early June release. Along with the sneaker, we showed you the slipper, or the “retro slide” that has the requisite elephant print and visible air unit. A polo shirt that will accompany the release as well, complete with the signature elephant print on the placket. Three t-shirts with different graphic displays will also be available at the time of the release of the Air Jordan III retro. These will surely not last long on shelves, so get your connections lined up now before your left paying above retail.

Air Jordan III Retro
Style: 136064-104
Color: White/True Blue
Release Date: June 4th, 2011
$150

Paris’ BlackRainbow shop is well-known to the stylish Parisians as a go-to locale for all things in fresh streetwear. This lookbook for the shop, shot by Guillaume Lechat, features some non-touristy Parisian spaces, like le marché des enfants rouges (the red children market), Charlemagne’s Playground, chez Angela, and the 3rd District City Hall Square. In the shoot, American brands like Undefeated, Stussy, Supreme are juxtaposed with brands like Converse Jack Purcell and Barbour. Flip through the well-shop flipbook which features photos in a washed-out, California beach style lighting and get a sense of the other side of Paris’ culture. BlackRainbow is located on 68 rue des Archives, Paris 3e, so if you’re in the area, forgo the famous sites and make sure to take in some slick offerings at their shop.

In continued celebration of Stussy’s 30th anniversary, the brand is hosting a second group exhibition of the Tribe Called Stussy series, which will again be hosted by Stussy Japan at their Harajuku store. Just like Group 1, this exhibition will feature artwork from the vaults as well as new collaborative pieces. This batch includes work from Applebum, Facetasm, WONDER WORKER GUERRILLA BAND, SASQUATCHfabrix. and PHENOMENON, each of whom lent a unique design to the storied streetwear brand. Ranging in style from suurealism to native to a minimalist, these shirts display an aspect that’s pervaded Stussy’s releases for years–collaborations that allow for individual expression.

Nike Sportswear’s offerings have increasingly included more lifestyle-oriented items like updated versions of classic models like the All Court and Blazer. To correspond to the upcoming Grand Slam season in tennis, NSW will release their Vintage Grass + Vintage Clay collections that evoke sporting outings of yesteryear with slim cut chino shorts and retro-fitted polos. A tan harrington is classic UK styling at it’s finest, even down to the button-flap, angled pockets. The polos have a small tennis ball embroidered on the high-cut sleeves and a contrast color on the placket for some detailed pop. Start scouring your local Nike Sportswear retailers to grab these in time for Wimbledon and the French Open.

The Chlorine Pack has seen a few different models that get the old Griffey-like Seattle Mariners uniform treatment. The Air Trainer Max 2 ’94 looks right at home with the chlorine blue accents on the huarache-like tongue and heel, swoosh outline, and air bubble. Decked out with a thick 180 degree heel air max unit, this retro model fits well with the Air Trainer SC II which also joined the Air Griffey Max JR in the pack. As the temperature climbs, these colors will transition nicely to shorts and rolled khakis, so head to your Nike Sportswear retailers soon to snap up this model that gets a rare retro release.

While D. Wade is busy leading his Miami Heat team to a 2-0 series lead of the Boston Celtics, there will be an in-store event at the House of Hoops store in the Dadeland mall in Miami. Jordan Brand bills the Fly Wade as their lightest model ever crafted. We showed you images of the infrared model illustrated here a while back, and since that time the model has also been previewed to be customizable as an Nike ID shoe. For the launch of this Jordan Brand model on May 5th, comedian Kevin Hart, who is featured in the Air Jordan 2011 commercials, will be on hand for a question and answer session with 50 local area students. Also on hand will be Jordan Brand’s Vice President of marketing Howard “H” White,  whose book, Believe to Achieve will be the launch point for an inspirational chat with the students on hand. If you want to meet and gladhand, be sure to get there early, as the event begins at 4pm and will end at 6pm.