FTC in San Francisco’s Haight district isn’t just an independent skate shop — it’s a skateboarding institution. This past November the FTC crew celebrated their 25th anniversary with a party at Tokyo’s UNIT Daikanyama. A video recap of the festivities highlights an opening performance by Zen La Rock w/ Joy & Hammer, as well as a formidable procession of guest DJs: Muro, Sarasa, Asian Star, Masterpiece Sound, Gaines, DJ Kango, Nanmix.com, Eddile Raskel, Akeem, Big Taka, Killa Graham, Kashi da Handsome and Shingo3. The clip also includes interviews with Casual and Phesto of Bay Area hip hop collectives Hieroglyphics and Souls of Mischief, plus a conversation with FTC owner Kent Uyehara, who reveals an FTC book is forthcoming this year. Check out the video after the click.

Recently RZA sat down with Karmaloop TV to offer his razor sharp insight into what makes his Chambers by RZA headphones from WeSC stand out from their competitors. No. 1 is “the look” — as RZA explains, “Headphones are now becoming a fashion statement.” The Chambers headset was designed with that element in mind, which accounts for the overall presentation and different color choices. The second factor is sound quality, a major component of which is the noise-canceling foam used in the ear cups. Click through for video of RZA’s breakdown of his new line of signature headphones, as well as extended footage from the official product launch party in Los Angeles.

Aside from the growing rumors on Wu-Tang Clan‘s yet-to-be announced album, hip-hop’s original musical collective unleashed new skate decks line via its Wu-Tang Limited brand. The way RZA, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, and the rest of the Clan saw much similarities between hip-hop and skateboarding’s progressions, first as a grassroot culture before mainstream acceptance. That semblance continues on today. Limited in production, each board is made locally in New York by the one and only Chapman Skateboards. Available in the coming weeks at select Wu-Tang Limited retailers.

Just with the photography trade, DJ trade has been made tremendously easy by the introduction of digital software and internet. Back in the day, DJ’s would actually go out digging for records to find the breaks, unlike now where all of that information can be found online at the push of few buttons. One of the pioneers who took this genre to a whole new level is DJ Neil Armstrong who created the Original mixtape series ten years ago, showcasing both the original track and hip hop track that sampled it side by side. The anniversary also marks the incredible growth of DJ Neil Armstrong as a DJ as well. adidas and STPL got together to produce 50 limited edition friends and family track jacket to be handed out by DJ Neil Armstrong. Unfortunately, this is probably as close as we are going to get to the exclusive jacket, so check out the detailed photos after the jump.

Drake and his team at October’s Very Own have joined forces once again with expedition outfitter Canada Goose. Similar to last year’s Chiliwack Jacket, this year’s edition piles on special luxe details: buffalo leather exterior in black, 24k gold plated zippers and snaps, white duck down fill, silk lining printed with OVO’s distinctive owl trademark, and snorkel hood with removable Arctic fox fur trim. Made in Canada, the garment is the height of luxury mixed with Canada Goose’s cold-weather functionality. It’s available now in limited quantities at NEPENTHE NYC of Tokyo and Osaka, as well as Toronto’s NOMAD.

NOMAD – Richmond Street West
431 Richmond Street West | Map
Toronto, Ontario
M5V 1X9 Canada
TEL #: 416-682-1107

On December 22nd, Stones Throw Records celebrated their 15th anniversary with a party at the Exchange in Downtown Los Angeles, featuring sets and performances from over 25 MCs, bands and DJs on two different stages throughout the night. With appearances by Reggae Pops, Wildchild, The Lions and even a special birthday rap with Baby Boogalo, the crowd of music lovers from all walks were kept moving and rocking all night long. The event brought the old stock exchange building back to life with a festival-feel that is rare to find along the the busy streets of L.A. and was topped off the only way an event of this magnitude could: with a performance by the man who started it all, DJ/Producer Peanut Butter Wolf. More snapshots of the event are after the jump. via: FNG // LA Weekly

These new images provide the best look yet at the uber-exclusive “Watch the Throne” edition of the Nike LeBron 9, created by Nike Basketball to commemorate Kanye and Jay-Z’s landmark album of the same name. The shoe is strikingly designed with a black base accented with flashes of gold at the Swoosh, heel and tongue, but the two features that send the sneaker over the top are the lushly florid pattern on the lining and laces, as well as the oversized “WTT” gold lace jewels. Both are obviously inspired by Riccardo Tisci’s album artwork, which is in turn reminiscent of the designer’s Resort 2012 collection for Givenchy. An icy outsole is the proverbial icing on the cake. via: Stickie213

Christmas is only couple of days away now and Stussy have a musical treat for all of us, courtesy of Stussy Tribe member Jules Gayton, aka DJ Jules. This mixtape was first released around this time in 1998/99 with the mix created the old school way, only by using vinyl. It just goes to show that good music does not age at all and Stussy is reviving the mixtape as an Old Skool Holiday Mix for your listening pleasure. The almost one hour long mix features a great blend of soul, funk, reggae and hip hop, all in the theme of Christmas. So spread the spirit of Christmas by playing this out loud or sharing it with your friends and family.

Last week adidas and DJ Neil Armstrong hosted a celebration for the 10th anniversary of the latter’s classic mixtape “Original” with a party at New York’s Greenhouse. The soundtrack for the special event was provided by an all-star lineup of guest DJs: DJ Daddy Dog, G-Bo the Pro, DJ Total Eclipse, DJ Spinna and Questlove. In addition to a night of great music, VIP guests were presented with an exclusive DJ Neil Armstrong x adidas Firebird track jacket — a fitting tribute to the Global Brand Ambassador for adidas. Check out a video recap of the evening shot by Tarik Sykes of Billet Video Studios.

To illustrate the simplicity behind their Fresh Push Play app, Japanese breakbeat musical duo HIFANA sought help from W+K Tokyo Lab to document the process. It all starts with the partners sampling vivid and diverse sounds uniquely Tokyo’s. From greetings at maid cafe, reading of Zen Buddhist mantra, to kendo sparing session and robotic arms. After a day-long seek and record session with their Apple iPhone and iPad, KEIZOmachine! and Juicy composed an one-of-the-kind DJ set with all the captured sounds during night-time rave on the Sumida River.