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We recently had the opportunity to check out the work done by six artists to create the new kits for the World Cup. The event was held at the Atrium in downtown Sydney and the event was crazy. Congratulations to Luisa and the team at Nike and The Atrium really put on a top night.

Six Collaborations spawned from Nike Sportswear’s desire to celebrate the beautiful game of football in a way that connects to the national team fans who dwell at the intersection of sports and culture. In 2006, Nike collaborated with a group of artists to curate and design environments and spaces that represented their countries, but there was no product connection to this partnerships. This year, Nike worked with established and emerging artists from six countries to create alternative National Team Kits that flip the script on the classic football kit. “We wanted to include the kinds of apparel and accessories that would be in a footballers bag,” “They would be the same colors of on-field uniforms, but with the artists’ twists.” says Jarrett Reynolds, Nike Sportswear Apparel Design Director. In order to accomplish this, the Nike team asked artists contribute a badge, mascot, print and an alphabet in their handwriting style. Each collaboration includes N98 Track Jacket, AW 77 hoodie, kit tee, polo shirt and short for both men and women; then tee for men.

England Artist: James Jarvis While British graphic artist James Jarvis is best known for his playful illustrations and contributions to the designer toy phenomenon, he takes his sports seriously. At first glance, his interpretation of the England crest stays true to the national archetype, but up close the designs are all Jarvis: his heraldic lion flashing a trademark googly-eyed grin. Jarvis drew from medieval woodblock prints for inspiration, and the “10” on the chest is traditionally reserved for the most beautiful players of the game.

Brazil Artist: Nunca Inspired by Incan symbolism and a primitive style of graffiti called “Pixação,” Sao Paolo street artist Nunca crafted a unique Brazilian kit that connects the people of the favelas to the sport they hold dear. Five stars within the otherworldly, eye-like crest symbolize Brazil’s five championship wins, and Nunca’s hieroglyphic handwriting and pattern (lining the hoodie) connects the kit to the ancients in a modern way.

Netherlands Artist: Delta Graffiti artist Delta, aka Boris Tellegen, has created a geometric world with his art that is a colorful reflection of the constructivist movement that brings to mind both block-like cities as well as pixelized digital environments. A rabid football fan, he was especially excited to play with the colorways on The Netherlands’ new kits. His artwork for the assortment is an extension of his blocky visual language: The boxy mascot is a simple-yet-dynamic running man, the crest is a cubic puzzle of numbers, and the font is unlike anything before it – heavy as concrete, but somehow agile through its italicized forwardlean.

France Artist: So Me So Me, nee Bertrand De Langeron, is an acclaimed illustrator as well as the art director of Ed Banger records, one of the world’s most cutting – edge labels. Since 2003, his album art and music videos have come to embody the eclectic world of Ed Rec, adding complimentary visuals to their innovative sounds. His contributions to the France kit exhibit his pop art sensibility and tongue-in-cheek style. The colorful mascot and crest feature a simple character that’s a parody of the stereotypical Frenchman – complete with a tilted beret and manicured moustache. The pattern lining the hoodie on theAW77 is a brick-like repeat in vibrating red, blue and black and the hand-written font features rounded edges, adding to the kit’s playful vibe.

USA Artist: Mister Cartoon Calling himself “Mister Cartoon,” this Los Angeles street art legend has had a strong relationship with Nike for many years. His detailed black and white drawings are highly sought after in the music world and beyond. When presented with this project, Cartoon jumped at the opportunity to work on a uniform that would represent the country he loves. His eagle mascot is tough as nails, with a halo of stars and a look in his eye that says, “Don’t mess with the U.S.” On the crest, “USA” is written in Cartoon’s modified version of old English and scrolls remind wearers of the visual language of tattoos art.

South Africa Artist: Kronk Kronk is an emerging designer/illustrator from Cape Town. His work is colorful and whimsical, a collision of rock poster rebelliousness and wry pop culture references. His contributions to the South African team kit are the most intricate of the collection, with an insanely detailed crest embroidery, a bubble lettered font, a kaleidoscopic illustrated pattern (lining the AW77 hoodie), and a cartoonish mascot who seems to be in constant motion. Is he a footballer breaking away on the pitch or a fan blowing a horn in the stands? They are one in the same in Kronk’s mashed-up world.

The Atrium: Shop 5, 591 George St, Sydney (enter via Eager Lane off Sussex Street)

Skullcandy – Taking music to a whole new level

Talk about one of the coolest names on earth – Skullcandy! If you don’t know who they are and what they do, then let me give you the lowdown.

They are the sole manufactures in some of the worlds leading and trendiest head phone gear & earphones for your MP3’s or iPod’s without a doubt. As well, they are dazzlers in the street urban fashion style that can’t be beaten. To me Skullcandy headphones are the ‘Viagra for your head’ and I can’t get enough!

Recently, we test drove; a set the Skullcrushers headphones (pictured) are and all I can say is they were the best with its slick design of money rolls; who can’t ague with that. Mixed with the pair of mini-subwoofers against your skull makes the bass feel like it can move mountains. To their great detailing of colour inside the rims which were classy and chic. Best of all they have attachments for any of your entertainment needs; whether you are listing to your favourite music on your iPod to watching MTV on the plane to Ibiza, there is no competition to these bad boys.

So take my word – the Skull Crushers amazing headphones for a good price. I specially love the bass amplifier. These babies are the perfect partner to my iPod and listening to all my old school hip hop tracks!

Jealous Ahura - Mazda RX7

There’s absolutely nothing “common” about the princely RX-7 known as Jealous Ahura

As a matter of respect, its owner must be addressed as T.M.R. These three letters are the abbreviation of “Tatah Mahkota Rawa”, which in English translates to “The Crown of Indonesia”. T.M.R. descends from the bloodline of the very first King of Malaysia. He is bona fide royalty, the man who himself will one day be the Emperor.

However, upon meeting T.M.R., a man of much importance to his people and state, you’re immediately struck by his low key nature. The quietly spoken VIP is somewhat of a Renaissance man, an elite singer and accomplished exponent of the erhu, a Chinese two-stringed violin. T.M.R. certainly has an eye for detail and with assistance from his team of loyal, royal servants – who are dedicated to the maintenance of the car 24/7 – has poured five years into the conception and creation of Jealous Ahura.

In Japanese, “Ahura” means “God of Light” and was the name given by the Mazda family to the first of its eponymous vehicles. “When the car was 70% completed, those who jeered became quiet and turned their backs on me. They never returned my phone calls again,” T.M.R. explained, “I assume they were probably jealous, hence the name for the car.”

Before its unveiling, this regal FD RX-7 was so shrouded in secrecy, it was transported to the Sydney Showgrounds – the site of Meguiar’s MotorEx – under the cover of darkness at 2am. “Most of the time, we kept Jealous Ahura covered,” said T.M.R, “but there was some spying going on.”

Jealous Ahura made history when it debuted in the House of Kolor Inauguration on Saturday 11^th July 2009. It is the first international show car to participate in the prestigious event – for which it was specifically built – and the first time a vehicle from Malaysia has travelled abroad to compete. Even in the car’s infancy, T.M.R. knew his passion, belief and execution would eventually draw international interest: “It is not easy to make the cut for such a prestigious event. Some of my friends even mocked me, thinking that I would never have the drive to modify the car as the first Malaysian entry in the competition,” T.M.R revealed.

Importantly, the majestic RX-7 boasted the support and approval of government, including Tourism Malaysia, plus the Tunku Mahkota, His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince of Johor, who visited Team T.M.R.’s workshop upon the car’s completion. His Royal Highness is an avid car enthusiast with a fleet of exotica from the likes of Ferrari and Lamborghini. “Tunku Mahkota scanned the car in detail. He saw the bodywork, the paint, the electronics and popped the hood to see the engine,” said T.M.R., “he was smiling all the time.”

Jealous Ahura has been many years in the making, the job at hand made all the more challenging by the limited specialists in automotive modification and customisation in Malaysia: “My team and I had to search high and low for spare parts,” T.M.R. recalled.

Whereas a local fibreglass worker made the customised widebody kit, the automatic Lamborghini scissor doors were sourced from Canada. Internationally acclaimed Aussie airbrush artist Joe Webb of Bad Image was flown with House of Kolor’s Owen Webb to Malaysia where they spent a week in Johor working on the RX-7.

The bodywork’s “East meets West” theme features the Royal Kerawang motif of Tatah Mahkota Rawa’s own ancestry that normally adorns Indonesian and Malaysian architecture, royal clothing and handmade silver jewelery. T.M.R. was persistent that the vehicle reflect its Malay roots: “My culture is in the car.”

In a new interpretation on the traditional emblem, Webb incorporated tribal flames and pin-striping techniques throughout the House of Kolor Kandy Apple Red paint over Gold base. “I am proud of (Joe’s) work,” said T.M.R., “I must say he has done an exquisite job with my car.”

T.M.R. sourced local craftsman Nur Amynuddin who hand-made the Royal Kerawang motifs throughout the car from copper and sent them to Chrometech in Australia to be chrome-plated. The flower pods and leaves were then fully encrusted in brilliant red Swasrovski crystals.

The superbly customised interior sparkles, as does the exquisitely polished engine bay and immaculately prepared exterior, including those 19 inch Weds Sport rims.

While international recognition is reward for the crew’s hard work, T.M.R. hasn’t lost sight of Jealous Ahura’s opportunity to shine the spotlight on Malaysia and its people, who lent their support even while the project was top secret. To show their gratitude, Team T.M.R. will embark on a road trip upon returning to Malaysia, allowing the people to at last see Jealous Ahura in all its majestic glory. That’s before T.M.R. undertakes his next automotive project, which he simply described as “American Muscle”. Won’t all the naysayers be jealous now!

SPECS. Jealous Ahura - Mazda RX7

Owner: Tatah Mahkota Rawa
Vehicle: 1991 Mazda RX7 Series VI
Engine: 13B twin-turbo rotary
Gearbox: Factory five-speed auto
Suspension/Brakes: Tein Super Street adjustable coil-overs with EDFC, VTTR six-piston callipers, cross-drilled (front) and slotted (rear) rotors
Wheels/Tyres: Weds Sport Kranze 19inch rims, Yokohama Advan Sport 255/30 (front) and 305/35 (rear) tyres
Bodywork: Custom bodywork and bonnet, automatic Lamborghini scissor doors
Interior: Red and black leather re-trim (repadded seats, steering wheel, dash, door-trims, pillars, roof-lining, red Swarovski crystals throughout, Defi Blue Racer meters (USA) (boost, water, temperature, volts), GReddy turbo timer
Audio/Visual: Pioneer touchscreen TV, 6inch speakers, custom Royal Kerawang covers, subwoofer cover with RX-7 logo
Awards: Meguiar’s MotorEx 2009 Superstar and Kudos award

FAST & FURIOUS

Fast cars and hot women, what more could you want! This is the fourth instalment in the Fast and Furious franchise and it really delivered. The driving sequences where awesome and the combination of muscle cars against Japanese cars were a refreshing change and something that had not been done before.

The four major characters from the original movie have all returned to bring back the magic that the fans were craving. Diesel, Rodriguez and Brewster were all missing from the middle two and Walker sat out the third, set in Tokyo.

The story is along the line of a drug lord named Campos who recruits ‘street racers’ to drive drugs across the border. Did someone say far-fetched? Well it is a touch far fetched but this is F&F and you wouldn’t want it any other way! Just like how cars blow up causing them to flip ass over head when they are shot in the radiator…

All in all, I liked it because I went in knowing what to expect and it delivered. From the breathless opener to the ‘they are so making another one’ final scene it really kept with the F&F slogan of new model original parts. 4/5

Ministry of Sound: Progression Volume 2 (MUSIC)

What has come to be one of the most anticipated albums in the Ministry of Sound collections has come into fruition. For many followers of Progression 1 – this album will truly impress its fans of emotive mix of progressive, trance and house. Mixed by; Adam K who is known as one of the industries master blenders in this genre and Anthony from Hook N Sling who is fully known as an un-predictable producer have succeedingly placed themselves with a chance of a nomination for the 2009 Aria Awards. And this comment; I don’t have a habit of making lightly. Overall, the fusion of the different blends of genre’s and Producers; make it the perfect dance, trance album to come into season and will for sure find its place in clubs across Australia and into the systems of music enthusiasts. Progress 2 is an album that you can go ‘long & hard’ for – if you know what I mean! 4/5

TEST DRIVE - 2008 H3 HUMMER (MOTORING)

Stacked chips for a rainy day? Man, have we got the ride for you…

Ever heard a big-time rapper claim they stepped straight out of  poverty, or Compton, into a Hummer? They lied.

You don’t “step” into a Hummer, you climb in. Ungracefully at that. If your girlfriend happens to be Paris, Britney or Lindsey, this is not the car to pick them up in come those special nights they choose to wear short skirts and air out the laundry.

If you need a little substitute for length the Hummer will go the hard miles for you, which beats the shit out of pulling a hamstring trying to find that extra half-inch on the dining room table. Not that any of the team at Freestyle have ever experienced that problem…

So why would you buy a Hummer? Well, why would yo’ deck yo’ self out in a sweet diamond-encrusted grill? Or have a set of Playboy twins that spend all your money? Or have a mach-ed out crib on the hill with tennis courts, heli-pad, nine-hole golf course and Grotto?

The Hummer is a celebration of one’s right to excess. That divine entitlement to snub thy nose at conservatism, extend thy finger at the establishment, and shake thy ass at the painfully-mundane concept of sensibility.

A Hummer says “what recession…?” A Hummer says “what climate change?” A Hummer says “what danger to sensory-challenged geriatric pedestrians and out-bullied Korean shopping trolleys?”

It’s an automotive symbol of America. A tribute to bigger is better, size does matter and crude oil is in endless supply. You don’t have to be able to take nine slugs in one sitting to look tough in one of these bad boys, but it helps.

So what sort of engine does it take to haul this gargantuan, 2-plus tonne hunk of steal around? It’s American so it must be a strappin’ lump of good ol’ god damn yeeha ‘n hot-dang Detroit-proud bent-eight huh? Well, err, actually no. As it turns out, it’s a 3.7-litre DOHC, wait for it… 5-cylinder that has been befitted with the chore of encouraging this pimpin’ juggernaut along. Considering its inherent battle with ballast, it does a pretty fair job of it at that.

Despite any preconceptions you may have, the big wheeler possesses its fair share of 21st century electro-know-how. Traction control, dynamic rear brake proportioning and electronic stability control all make an appearance, but hey, who cares? You can’t really see Bone Thugs N Harmony ticking off the active safety features.

But, we hear you say, a Prado can take 83.5 passengers. A Pajero won the Paris to Dakar 113 times. The Toureg can tow a 747. Hey, let’s be real here. Have you ever stood on the sidewalk in awe and envy, watching a Prado, Pajero or Toureg cruise by?

Those Nancy-wagons are made for pre-occupied soccer mums who practice unintended population-control outside primary schools, for well-heeled weekend-warrior retirees and for boring academic couples with 3.2 children and a pair of Labradoodles that politely sip on puppychinos at clicky café’s of a  Saturday morning.

When it comes to pure toss-factor, the Hummer is the real deal, the genuine article. The pose-per-penny ratio is outright unmatchable in this country because, in a rare coup, the H3 actually looks more expensive than it is. You won’t need to be strapped with ‘gats, slingin’ ‘cane and runnin’ the game to get your crew on board, but you’ll probably look like you just might be.

Won’t fit in your garage? You’d be surprised. Yeh you could comfortably accommodate five stoogie-smokin’ Arnie’s across the front of the original military-spec H1, and the “civilized” H3 does represent a somewhat reconstituted version. However, that said, it still has generous enough dimensions to haul approximately two slightly-emaciated Arnies, with just enough space left for a Danny Devito on the centre console.

While you probably won’t get your average M60 into the trunk, there’s easily enough room for a stash of smart grenades, a few semi-automatics and the odd bunker-buster.

Take into account all the room in the doors for the spare clips, and you are pretty much as prepared as you are going to be for an all-out assault on the town.

Despite outwardly appearances, visibility is actually quite good. Especially courtesy them jumbo-spec wing mirrors, which as it turns out you don’t need anyway. For some reason, when you indicate and start moving over, there is never anyone there…

As for the H3’s off-road ability, you can take these things off road too? Man this bad boy just keeps on giving! In actual fact we weren’t particularly concerned about crawl ratios, grade capabilities and water fording depths, but we did roll it over a few tree roots in my mum’s front yard. Which I might add, was previously un-chartered territory for a four-wheeled vehicle. These weren’t just your average garden-variety roots though, I used to use them as kickers on my motocross bike as a kid. Actually it was only last year.

As it turns out it will be the one and only ‘yard crossing,’ and in retrospect, I really should have called mother on approach. Only after identifying myself on a megaphone while waving a white hankerchief and explaining we weren’t actually terrorists in a hostile takeover, was I able to convince her to put down the 12-guage.

So a Hummer’s not for everyone, but hey, if we had a lazy sixty large layin’ around, we’d probably have ourselves one. Just for the off-road capabilities and towing capacity, you know? Nothing to do with trying to compensate for physical short-comings, or having a mid-life crisis, or…

SPECS. 2008 H3 HUMMER

3.7-litre DOHC 20-Valve in-line 5-cylinder with VVT
180kW @ 5,600rpm
328Nm @ 4,600rpm
5-speed Manual / 4-speed Auto
Weight. 2245kg
Height. 1904mm
Width. 1989mm
Length. 4782mm

H3: $52,990* (manual) $54,990* (automatic)
H3 Luxury: $60,990* (automatic)
H3 Adventure: $58,990* (manual) $60,990* (automatic)

Visit HUMMER to book a test drive.

Review by Nathan Luck. Photography by Phil Cooper

JAKE ONE: WHITE VAN MUSIC (MUSIC)

Thank God for Jake One. After subjecting myself to Kanye’s 808s and Heartbreak album it’s good to hear some decent hip-hop again. That’s probably gonna influence my rating no doubt, but then again I’d probably give Souljah Boy four stars after listening to that 808’s rubbish. OK, so yeah back to Jake. Well it seems Jake is some sort of production master who has decided to put together his own compilation album where he gets a variety of rappers to rap (no way!) over his beats. The cool thing is Jake isn’t one for regional snobbery and has enlisted the a smorgasbord of talent that includes everyone from internet hip-hop forum favourites MF Doom, Little Brother and Brother Ali mixed with hardcore New Yorkers M.O.P, West Coasters Evidence and Bishop Lamont and even ex G-Unit member Young Buck. That’s a lot of dope emcees to serve so the question must be asked: Does Jake come hard on the beats? The answer my friend is a resounding yes! 4/5

DEVIN THE DUDE: LANDING GEAR (MUSIC)

If you ever heard a Devin album then you don’t even need to read my review. If you’re a fan you’re gonna cop this no doubt because you know what to expect. So I guess who I’m talking to is the uninitiated Devin virgins. So for those that don’t know Devin is a rapper with somewhat limited subject matter that revolves around smoking pounds of weed and slamming chicks. Awesome! I know. The beats are really laidback and are perfectly matched by Devins smoked out flow. ‘I Can’t Make it Home’ and ‘I Don’t Chase ‘Em’ featuring fellow (or is that reformed) weed head Snoop D O double G are the highlights. If you like your music on the chill side then this is for you. 3.5/5

SCOTT BURNS: DAY 1 (MUSIC)

Having seen Scott Burns spit at many a freestyle battle in the local Sydney scene I was fairly interested to hear what he had to offer in terms of actual songs. I needn’t have worried as the somewhat veteran emcee has delivered an album full of fine lyrics mixed with some excellent beat selection. Tracks like ‘Lottery Ticket’ are straight boom bap goodness while ‘Big City Music’ will make your neighbours hate you if you have a decent sub woofer. Sydney legends Sereck and Brass chime in on the monster ‘Shift Gear’. Lyrically Burns tears up the battle rap side of things but also gets to flex his story-telling skills on ‘Something to Write Home About’ with A-Love. Sydney always seems to be the poor cousin to Melbourne and Adelaide when it comes to getting recognition amongst peers but hopefully this will bring the focus back to Sydney. 4/5

Motorex

The Nike Sportswear Colab Collection at The Atrium