Peace! We hope all is well. The Commonwealth Summer ‘09 Collection is now available instore and online. Below is a preview of this seasons offerings. Drop by any of our two locations now to view the collection in person, or swing by  Cmonwealth.com

The “Hand” tee is loosely based off the Black Panther Party’s, Minister of Culture, Emory Douglas’ artwork. Featuring the globe in the grip of the corporate world that has put us into the tough economic times we are feeling now. Including members of the “Big Three” and a few of the bailout boys club.

The “Freedom” tee is another graphic inspired by Emory Douglas. When all is said and done our freedom and education is all we need to pull us through tough times, and one of the best things you can do for self is to continue learning. Sometimes we have to go through hell to get right. So, hold down your square and push through. You must learn!

The King of Pop may have just recently passed, but were still mourning the loss of the Godfather of Soul…the “Hardest Working Man in Showbiz.”

Comic’s have been a staple in most peoples lives since childhood. Offering an escape from reality, and allowing readers to take a time out from the stress of everyday life.

Peace. We hope all is well. For those in the Norfolk area (or willing to take a road trip) you will want to clear your calendars for July 11th. Commonwealth and Fool’s Gold Records presents: “Best of the Beast”, an exhibition of work by Dust La Rock. Music will be provided by Fool’s Golds’ own - Nick Catchdubs. In addition we will be releasing a limited run of tees designed by Dust La Rock for this special occasion. Doors open at 8PM and the night ends at 11P. Some sound advice - arrive early! We anticipate meeting capacity early.

* Dust La Rock

Joshua Prince, aka “Dust La Rock,” is a graphic designer, illustrator, and “part-time savant”. La Rock is co-founder and Creative Director of Fool’s Gold Records, serves as Art Director for renowned producer A-Trak, and has his hand in a number of low-brow and high-profile projects at any given time.

Hailed a “cult NYC designer” by Dazed and Confused, La Rock’s most accessible work resonates throughout street culture and the music industry. La Rock’s album covers and hand bill art have circumnavigated the globe via the internet, becoming synonymous with emerging hybrid music and some of NYC’s most unabashed party promoters. Citing the works of Peter Blake, Ralph Bakshi, and Salvador Dali as some of his greatest influences. La Rock has transmuted their inspirations into his own psycho-surreal expressions, and in the process is helping redefine contemporary Americana.

* Fool’s Gold

Fool’s Gold is your new favorite record label. Named an “indie visionary” by Billboard magazine, the imprint was founded by DJs A-Trak, Nick Catchdubs and designer Dust La Rock as he natural extension of years spent sharing new music and brainstorming on various creative projects. Fool’s Gold is one of the few labels that represents the DJ scene that has influenced music scenes across the world and represents the absolute best in club music on all levels.

Artists on the label including Kid Sister, Trackademicks, Jokers of the Scene, and Treasure Fingers.

This Thursday, July 2nd, Commonwealth VA & DC will simultaneously drop our Summer ‘09 Collection with and instore event. Music and complimentary drinks will be provided. The event begins at 6 PM and will continue till 9PM (maybe longer.) See you here!

Not sure when this list came out, but the crew over at Complex put our upcoming Reebok Omni Pumps on their “Best of 2009 (So Far): The Top Ten Sneakers. We took the ‘Eight Spot.’ Much thanks, and stay tuned for the a release date as it nears.

Read what Complex had to say below.

SNEAKER: COMMONWEALTH X REEBOK PUMP OMNI LITE

RELEASE: JUNE

• These technically haven’t dropped yet (another week or so), but Omar and his crew did such sick job re-interpreting the shop’s first Pump, and these are even better.

Click on image for larger view.

The sh*t you find lookin’ through craigslist. We’re sure the invited kids won’t notice it’s not Weezy-F-Baby. Ha! Get money…

Commonwealth has teamed up with 368 Music Group, the DMV’s newest boutique record label/production company, to present to you the freshman mixtape of Phil Ade, ‘”Starting on JV,” which is the first hip-hop artist signed to the DMV based boutique label/production company. Phil Ade’ is a 20 yr old rapper/singer hailing from the DMV with a lyrical gift that has gained the attention and critical acclaim of hip-hop heads and the songwriting ability to gain fans of popular music…. “Starting on JV” is due out on July 10th and will be available for free download via 368 Music Group>.

The first official release event will take place at Commonwealth Washington, DC on July 10th, see flyer below for info.

Download Phil Ade’ - Going Off: here

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Our good friend Eric Elms, is currently taking part in a little friendly competition at the Vans Off The Wall Gallery. Each artist has recreated their own version of the “OTW” logo, and in Adorn style, Eric has created the above mixed media sculpture. Make your way to the gallery here, and check out the other artists as well - Steve Caballero, Parra, Taka Hayashi, and more. Don’t forget to cast a vote for you favorite (Eric Elms!)

Last Thursday the Stones Throw Tour made it’s way through DC, and blessed Stussy with a live set before hittin’ the mainstage at the 930 Club.

I unfortunately missed this op’, but thankfully the DC Chapter captured it on film. James Pants and Dam-Funk on the set, free Red Stripes, and a crowd there for the right reasons. I’ll take this is a lesson learned.

Not all was lost however, I did get to see Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra live in Virginia Beach. If you’ve never seen Antibalas live, then f*ck, I don’t know what to say. Do not miss them. Whatever the price of admission is - it’s worth it.

Photo credit: Mike Wood

-JMR

Starting Today In DC!

Big up to the man below for stoppin’ by Commonwealth DC

-Kevin Durant

Stones Throw & Stussy DC