TOP TEN SELLERS

The SportsOneSource Group has released the U.S. retail Top Ten Sellers for 2007 in the branded Sport Footwear Category based on the retail point-of-sale data compiled by the company’s SportScanINFO service. Rankings are determined by sales.
I was actually surprised by some of the shoes on this list.
For the third straight year, The Nike Air Force 1 dominated the category ...Other familiar names at the top are the Jordan 8s and Jordan Spizikes.Below is the full list:
#1 Nike Air Force 1
#2 Timberland 6″ Premium Wheat Nubuck
#3 Mens Asics GT 2120
#4 Womens Nike Shox Classic
#5 Air Jordan Retro 8
#6 Womens Reebok Princess
#7 Air Jordan Spizike
#8 Womens Asics Gel 2120
#9 Nike 6.0 Banger
#10 New Balance 992
It's interesting to see that Nike is the only brand with more than 2 shoes in the top ten. They literally take out the competion with 4 different shoes!

VINTAGE VANDALS

Nike has been giving a lot of shoes the "vintage treatment" in the lasts few months... Everything from the OG runners, to Dunks, to the upcoming Terminators releases. The Nike Vandal is the next shoe to receive this treatment. This fall Nike will bring back the nylon upper Vandal Supremes. The last time these made it to the public was in 2003, and before that was two decades back.
So far we have gotten a sneak peek at three upcoming colors that are all originals that were released when the shoe premiered in 1984. Of course, Tradition will be getting these...

THE DROUGHT IS OVER

Thanks to Nah Right we bring you the newest mixtape from Lil' Wayne, "The Drought is Over 5 - Grand Closing." I haven't had a chance to listen to this yet, but I'm sure Jason will be bumping it on the regular... 19 Tracks!

AINT I

Thanks to Nah Right, we bring you Jay-Z's Aint I produced by Timbaland. I'm not sure what this song is from, but it is better than the majority of the tracks from his last two albums!

CHANGES...

Out with the old...

In with the new...


We have a new Vans Vault installation to go with our Spring Delivery of Vans. The "Skating Monkey" graphic was my favorite this season, and it is available in an Authentic in black and off white... The blue and red colorway should arrive sometime next month.

J. BANNON

Converge frontman, J. Bannon has recently launched his own website, Jacobbannon.com. The site will showcase all of his projects including his label, his bands, and his fine art. Jacob had a few pieces in our "Public Domain" artshow a few months ago, and I am excited to see what he has planned for the future.

YOU CAN'T STOP ME

From Rza's upcoming album, we bring you the leaked track entitled "You Can't Stop Me" featuring Inspectah Deck. Rza gives you a short history of the Wu, over a slow guitar sample... This track is a little more reminiscent to some of the tracks off of 8 Diagrams.

AIR RAID

The Air Raid originally hit the scene in 1992, and a few more colorways landed in 93. Back in the day the Air Raid was simply known as the “Criss Cross” shoe, and they were often compared to the Air Jordan 8 due to the similar strap units. The black/grey colorway is probably the most popular, probably due to the fact that it is the OG colorway. Expect these to drop in the next few weeks along with a bunch of other heat at Tradition!

SUGE'S UNFINISHED BUSINESS

Suge Knight is set to star in a new reality TV show called "Unfinished Business." The trailer has been posted online, and it looks like an exciting show. What more do you expect from one of the most notorious, controversial, and feared men in the music business? Im looking forward to it!

LAND OF SHADOWS

Soul Assassins just posted the newest video from DJ Muggs and Sick Jacken entitled "Land Of Shadows". It's a really dope dark video for one of the best songs of their album. If you have not yet heard "The Legend of the Mask and The Assassin", do yourself a favor and pick it up as soon as possible. Check out the video here.

SKULLPHONE HIJACKS DIGITAL BILLBOARDS!

I saw this story on Supertouch, and I had to repost it! An artist known as SKULLPHONE has straight up hijacked 10 of Clear Channel's digital billboards around LA in Hollywood, Westwood, and Culver City. He hacked into the billboard's computer network so hiss skullphones images play on the giant illuminated monitors.
Some of the most inventive graffiti I've seen in a while...

BLAME CANADA

ROYAL FLUSH

Thanks to Nah Right we bring you "Royal Flush" the first single off Big Boi’s Sir Luscious Left Foot LP. This track features Andre 3000 and Raekwon, and is the best thing I've heard from the Outkast guys in awhile... Check it out here.

DIZ GIBRAN

Our homey, Diz Gibran has an interview up on HipHopDX.com. You might know him from the Diamond store on Fairfax, and he's one talented dude... Check out the interview here.

AIR FORCE 1 SAFARI

Nike is set to release the Air Safari Air Force 1 as part of the upcoming Air Force 1 "ACG" Pack which takes its color inspiration from some popular OG colorways. This shoe takes it's cue from the classic Air Safari and features a black, orange, and gray speckled upper with a black sole. This is one of the best AF1's I have seen in a long time... Don't sleep on these. Coming soon to Tradition!

FOCUS - "DEDICATED"

Aftermath producer, Focus just released his debut album, "Dedicated". After getting the stamp of approval from super producer Dr. Dre, Focus has been building a platinum plus discography without killing the spotlight. In the last few years Focus has produced for the likes of Busta Rhymes, Stat Quo, Bishop Lamont, The Game, The Outlawz, and many others and he's working on what is said to be Dr. Dre’s last solo effort titled, Detox.
Thanks to Dubcnn you can download "Dedicated" for free!
All tracks are produced by Focus himself and features Busta Rhymes, Bishop Lamont, Stat Quo, DJ Khalil, Chino XL, Lil Brother, Rafael Saadiq, Ya Boy, Illa J. (J Dilla's brother), Ronnie Jordan (Comedian), Epik, Mami Montana, JaySol and Denise Thompson.

AIR TECH CHALLENGE II

Just in time for spring, Nike will be releasing the Air Tech Challenge II in it's OG White/Black/Pink colorway... This is one of the hottest shoes dropping this year, and of course Tradition will be the first to have them! Stayed tuned!

THA DOGG POUND

After premiering Daz and Kurupt's new single "Cheat" from the upcoming Dogg Pound album "100 Wayz", Dubbcnn is back with a full interview with the duo, to get the full scoop on the new album.
Daz and Kurupt talk about the concept of "100 Wayz" and the effort that went into creating it. Production will be coming from Daz of course, along with Pete Rock, Soopafly, Swizz Beatz and Denaun Porter, while guests include Snoop Dogg, Cassidy, Krayzie Bone and DJ Quik amongst others.
Check out the interview here.

DTA BY ROGUE STATUS

Rogue Status is about to launch a new limited edition line called DTA. They've featured DTA ,or “Don’t Trust Anyone” , on a few select designs from previous collections, and Rogue Status has decided to expand DTA into their limited edition line. Tradition will be one of the small handful of stores to receive the spring collection. Look for it in the upcoming months.

MR CARTOON INTERVIEW

Unotre just posted a new interview with legendary tattoo artist Mr. Cartoon. He discusses his upcoming projects including a movie and a graphic novel, and his past work with Nike, Undeafeated, and Super Rad Toys. You can read the interview Here. For those of you not in the know, Mr. Cartoon recently designed our new Crest logo availble now in our online store.

BUCKSHOT AND 9TH WONDER FT. TALIB KWELI

Thanks to Nahright we bring you "Hold It Down" from Buckshot and 9th Wonder's upcoming album "The Formula". This track is dope, and features smooth production from 9th as well as Talib on a verse.

I GOT FIVE ON IT

The U.S. government unveiled a new design for the $5 bill that will be issued and enter circulation in early 2008, followed by a new $100 bill. The Federal Reserve Board and the Treasury Department said the new $5 bill design will incorporate improved security features that make it harder to counterfeit but easier for consumers and businesses to check for authenticity.

COPE2 NINGYO

Legendary NYC graffiti writer COPE2 teamed up with Super Rad Toys to bring you one of the best Ningyo's that I have seen in a long time. I am a bit partial to the exclusive that we did with Dalek last year, but Cope2's Ningyo is fresh! His Graffiti style is reflected perfectly in this new toy... Dropping in May.

MR. CARTOON - LOST ANGEL, BROWN PRIDE EDITION

Super Rad Toys are back at it again with the newest edition of the "Lost Angel" by Mister Cartoon. The new Brown Pride edition comes with new signature Air Force 1's, boombox, Sidekick, wifebeater, Dickies style shorts, plaid boxers and of course flocked wings. New accessories include a Joker x Nike collabo shirt, tattoo gun and rosary beads. Of course Tradition will be one of the first to have it!

MICK BOOGIE &TALIB KWELI - THE MCEO MIXTAPE

Illroots premiered a brand new mixtape by Mick Boogie and Talib Kweli. It features exclusive material from Mick and Talib, Strong Arm Steady, Jean Grae and others, and also features guest appearances from KRS-One, Justin Timberlake, Busta Rhymes, Ne-Yo, and more. Check it out here.

NIKE AF1 "AIR MAX" PACK

The "Air Max Pack "Air Force Ones will release in June. Nike called upon memorable colorups such as the Infrared 90’s, Neon 95’s, and Silver 97’s. Besides the color blocking, Nike hit each with touches such as retooled tongues, back tabs, and a heel Air Max unit on the 95 as well as full length for the Air Max 97 (not shown). These are some of the best AF1's I have seen in a long time, and of course Tradition will be among the first stores to have them!

THE BIGGIE HENDRIX EXPERIENCE

Complex just posted a link to download DJ Doc Rok's mix CD blending the late Biggie Smalls with Jimi Hendrix... I'm burnt on a lot of the mash up stuff, but check it out for yourself here.

STRIFE IN CANADA

My Band, Strife will be heading to Eastern Canada in May for the following shows:
May 09th Quebec City, QC - L'anti (feat. Reign Supreme, Fired Up, To The Lions)
May 10th Montreal, QC - L'inco
May 11th Toronto, ON - The Kathedral (feat. Reign Supreme, Fired Up, To The Lions)

This will be the first show we have played since the small string of west coast dates that we did last year, and it should be a good time. I will keep you guys posted about anymore upcoming dates.

THA DOGG POUND - "CHEAT"

Dubcnn just posted Tha Dogg Pound's new single "Cheat", the first single from Daz & Kurupt's upcoming album "100 Wayz". "Cheat" features Pharrell and was produced by Daz Dillinger.
Check it out here.

DEREK ALBECK

Our good friend Derek Albeck made it onto the newest issue of Vapors Magazine. He has been a part of most of our artshows, and most recently was handpicked to be one of the artists in the Vans Sky Gallery. Derek will be doing some big things in the next few years, and he is definitely an artist to keep your eyes on.

BLEK LE RAT

Blek le Rat is a pioneer of graffiti in Europe. He was one of the first street artists to use stencils instead of a standard tag, one of the first to break away from the dominant "New York" graffiti style, and one of the first to use icons rather thatn words in his art. His method of creating street art changed the face of graffiti and still continues to influence artists around the world; including Shepard Fairey and Banksy. Bansky claims, “every time I think I’ve painted something slightly original, I find out that Blek Le Rat has done it as well, only twenty years earlier…”
Blek le Rat's newest show entitled "Art is Not Peace But War" will open April 5th at Subliminal Projects. Do not miss this rare chance to see the Parisian artist's work in person.

SUBLIMINAL PROJECTS
1331 W. Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026

LA COKA NOSTRA

Soul Assassins posted a 7 song download from La Coka Nostra. LCN consists of Everlast, Ill Bill, Danny Boy, Slaine, and DJ Lethal, and have been called the "white Wu-Tang" by many. They have collaborated with everyone from The Hundreds, to Diamond, to Dizzisit, to Grey One and more... You can download the songs here.

I AM THE WEREWOLF

My buddy Rick showed me this ridiculous YouTube video of a "special" werewolf poetry slam. Watch it here and laugh all day thinking about it... Then watch the metal remix! Haha...

ICE CUBE FT. SCARFACE AND NAS

Thanks to Nah Right, check out the remix of "Gangsta Rap Made Me Do It" featuring Scarface and Nas. Don't sleep Cube still has it...

DJ PREMIER WEIGHS IN ON NAS' NEW ALBUM

Producer extraordinaire, and half of the legendary duo Gang Starr, DJ Premier Weighs in on Nas's new album "N*gger".
"I just hope it's a banging album, if you're going to use that title. If it was up to me to do an album called N*gger, believe me it's gonna sound just like the title, beats-wise, lyric-wise, content-wise-everything," he added. "As long as its banging I'm gonna applaud him. If it sounds wack, I'm going to be disappointed and diss him like anything else because I have that right as a fan. I'm a fan of Nas so let's hope he bangs it out."
Premier has produced tracks for everyone from Nas, The Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z, Rakim, Common, Mos Def and More. You can read the whole story here.

KILOS AND GRAMS

If you haven't already, check out our homey's blog, Kilos and Grams for all your streetwear and sneaker updates!

ALVA: 77 NEO-RETRO

For those of you in the L.A. area, this Saturday is the opening of a new show entitled "Alva: 77 Neo-Retro". This show is the first for gallery Exhibit A which is located inside the the Alva store on Fairfax, and features collaborative works and individual pieces from Shepard Fairey, Glen E. Friedman, and Tony Alva.

MIDNIGHT '08

Check out the new track/Smirnoff ad from Q-Tip called Midnight '08. This track was produced by Cool & Dre for the Smirnoff Signature Mix Series. I think homeboy left his wallet in El Segundo, and needed to be paid! Check the Smirnoff shout out! Haha...

GLASSJAW RETURN

Glassjaw recently did and interview with The Grixer discussing their recent appearances, their current line-up, and their first album in 6 years. The influential Long Island band has undergone numerous line up changes in the past, and I am interested to see them with their current line-up. You can read the interview here.

THE DAMNED, THE SHAMED

Terror bassist Jonathan Buske recently checked in with the following update on the bands forthcoming new album:
Hey everybody...
Just checking in to let you all know that the new record is DONE!!! We finished tracking and doing vocals a few days ago and have been working with Zeuss on mixes for the past few days. Like every band says about their newest shit, it's without a doubt the best and hardest Terror record to date. Expect some new Terror flavor, some of the old and some unexpected flavor. We can't wait for you all to hear it!!
We take off in a few days on the Firestorm Fest tour, so be sure to check out the dates for that on our page. You can purchase tickets for every show on that tour from the link above as well. Following that, we are doing the legendary Superbowl Of Hardcore in NYC, shooting a couple videos with our bros at Space Monkey Studios, then taking off to Europe to do a run with Ignite, Strung Out and Death Before Dishonor... then hitting up South America for a week or so. So, be sure to check the dates... we have a ton of stuff coming up.
See you all soon."
You can catch Terror, along with Earth Crisis, Sworn Enemy, and Shai Hulud at the follwong dates:
Mar. 05 - Omaha, NE @ Sokol Underground
Mar. 06 - Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
Mar. 07 - Logan, UT @ Club NVO
Mar. 08 - Boise, ID @ The Venue
Mar. 09 - Seattle, WA @ Studio Seven
Mar. 10 - Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theatre
Mar. 11 - Petaluma, CA @ Phoenix Theatre
Mar. 12 - Los Angeles, CA @ Knitting Factory
Mar. 13 - Long Beach, CA @ The Vault
Mar. 14 - Tucson, AZ @ The Rock
Mar. 15 - El Paso, TX @ Chic’s
Mar. 16 - San Antonio, TX @ The White Rabbit
Mar. 17 - New Orleans, LA @ The High Ground
Mar. 18 - Orlando, FL @ Backbooth
Mar. 19 - Atlanta, GA @ The Masquerade
Mar. 20 - Richmond, VA @ Alley Katz
Mar. 21 - Allentown, PA @ Crocodile Rock
Mar. 22 - Cleveland, OH @ Peabody’s
Mar. 23 - Albany, NY @ Northern Lights

DUNK WARS

Dunk Wars is a website designed by NIke that pits 8 classic Nikes against each other in the ultimate battle for sneaker supremacy. The first battle is between the iconic Supreme Dunk and the Tiffany Dunk. It's a tough battle, but my personal vote is for the Supreme Dunk. Head over to Dunk Wars and vote for yourself.

NY'S FINEST

Super-producer, Pete Rock just released "NY's Finest", his first album in four years. The album features an impressive roster of MC's including Wu-Tang’s Raekwon and Masta Killa, Dipset’s Jim Jones, Papoose, D-Block and Redman amongst others. Pete Rock is a very inspirational producer influencing everyone from Kanye West, to Just Blaze, to DJ Premier and others. Dubcnn hooked up with Pete for an exclusive interview, discussing the album, why he decided to put it out, his personal highlights, and how it compares to his previous work. Check it out here.

DJ MUGGS VS PLANET ASIA

Fresno's Planet Asia aka King Medallions just teamed up with DJ Muggs for the newest in the VS. series. The album, due out in July, is produced entirely by DJ Muggs, so of course the beats are banging. Check out the first leak, called "Shadows of Hell".