KTTP’S NIKE SHOOT: OFF WHITE IN CHICAGO | KIM JONES IN LA

Before we all inevitably move on from the still-relevant, design-orientated Nike soccer collabs with Virgil Abloh and Kim Jones, we wanted to present our own effort at showcasing the two well-crafted collections. We come to you with a two-part fashion editorial where we took both collections onto the streets of two different U.S. cities. For Virgil’s Off White pieces, we decided to hit the hometown of the designer himself, Chicago, for a shoot featuring yours truly (they twisted my arm until I agreed to model for this…) as I gallivant about Wicker Park/Bucktown in an attempt to score myself a much-deserved donut, all captured by Turfmapp founder and photographer Trisikh Sanguanbun.

Our Kim Jones shoot, taken by long-standing HYPEBEAST photographer Aaron Miller, takes place in our own city of Los Angeles, where we bring on ex-pro soccer athlete and personal trainer Shawna Gordon, who joins me on the roofs of DownTown LA chasing after that city-synonymous sunset. Both editorials utilize the soccer-focused pieces under a more casual style sensibility, showing how one can wear – or even pair – the pieces off the pitch. Check out both shoots below.

OFF WHITE X NKE IN CHICAGO | THE DONUT HUNT IN WICKER PARK

KIM JONES X NIKE IN LOS ANGELES | WE COULD NEVER REACH THE MOON ANYWAY

WE TALK TO OLA KAMARA ABOUT ADIDAS X PARLEY & MORE

Although Earth Day has now passed – why isn’t every day Earth Day, we wonder… – we’re doing our little bit to keep the “movement” ongoing by highlighting the efforts adidas and Parley for the Oceans, a creative initiative focused on ending marine plastic pollution, have been doing this month. If you’ve been following either platforms or our Instagram stories, you’re already in the know about their ongoing collaboration’s latest campaign that brings Major League Soccer back into the mix, which ties perfectly with its “MLS WORKS Greener Goals” initiative.

officially dubbed “Earth Day Kits,” the three-way collab steps it up a notch from last year’s effort that picked only four clubs to create jerseys for. This year we saw the inclusion of MLS’ full roster of 23 clubs, each receiving a unique jersey constructed out of “upcycled plastic waste intercepted on beaches and in coastal communities.” As for our own efforts, we brought in the help of Norweigan-born pro soccer player Ola Kamara, who recently joined LA Galaxy, to model his new club’s adidas x Parley kits.

In addition to the photo editorial, we sat the man down to ask him about his new move to LA Galaxy as well as Los Angeles, the city he now calls home, what he thinks about the adidas x Parley x MLS kits, the brands’ environmental efforts as a whole, his personal opinions on saving the planet – seeing as Norway is pretty hands-on with ocean clean up, and more. Check out our interview with Ola below:

From our own research, Norway, which of course sits be the Norweigan Sea, does a lot in terms of cleaning up the ocean, so we can only imagine that it’s something you were conscious of growing up. Are you still aware of its current environmental efforts?

Coming from Norway, I think we’re doing a lot; there are not that many cars anymore. They’re actually pushing to get electric cars in and stuff like that, so hopefully it’s still getting cleaner. For me, thinking about the environment, even with clothing now, it’s a new step and it’s good innovation. As a [soccer] player, I think you always have to be creative and take that creativity to these types of efforts. adidas has been doing this for a while with their products, and it turns out that people are in fact interested in these kinds of the products and the thought and messages around them.

What about specifically what adidas, Parley and the MLS are doing with the eco-friendly kit campaign?

Well, my new teammates and I really like all the stuff adidas and Parley have been doing. We actually talk a lot about the environment and I think this initiative is all about that – getting the conversation going and being a positive effect on the community. I think that’s the thing that makes you proud of being a professional athlete, to be in a position where you can help promote action like that. It’s incredible that [adidas, Parley, and the MLS] are putting that effort out there for this particular cause. We’re all of the age now where we can think of the future, we can think of what our kids are going to be living in.

Aside from being eco-friendly, adidas and Parley have always been very conscious of the actual design of their products. It’s great that they’re using recycled waste to make the jersey’s but from what we’ve already seen of the kits, the design is on point – and always has been with the ongoing collab. Are you about the aesthetics of it all yourself?

To be honest I think the designs are fantastic, and really everything to do with the branding behind the whole recycling project. I was at adidas’ 747 event here in LA, and the build-out for Parley and how we got to see the whole construction process for the shoes was incredible! So yeah, of course the stuff looks good and it’s supposed to. When I go in to buy stuff from adidas, I’m looking at stuff that looks cool. The fact that the Parley stuff has that initiative that’s positive for the environment is just a bonus! The fact that they can make it look that good is fantastic.

What are you main comments on the Jerseys themselves?

Oh man, I’m excited about the Jerseys! They feel good. The one I have on now feels like I’m able to score some goals in it, so that’s always good!

Speaking of goals and soccer, can you bring us back to that first moment when you heard the news that LA Galaxy wanted you? Can you walk us through what was going on in your head?

Honestly, it was actually a long process. I think the moment it was clear that it was happening, it was amazing, but it was almost like I wanted the process to be over and I can actually get started being out here with LA Galaxy. When I actually got here in LA, that was when it was more like a game changer for me. like, I’m actually here and I’m going to play for LA Galaxy!

So how’s everything been since arriving here in LA?

It’s been busy the first couple of months, especially with needing to go back to Europe for the green card, and then only one week later back to playing with the national team, and then trying to find a place here in LA… It’s a lot of stuff that’s happening, but now I’m kind of settling in and my body is starting to feel a little bit better, so hopefully now it’s all about playing good, performing well and then also hopefully scoring goals! Outside of soccer though, it’s been amazing.

What about you and getting familiarized with the LA Galaxy team. How’s the rapport going? Are you fitting in with everyone?

I really like the guys! It’s been a lot of fun. Right now the team is in second place, and I don’t even think we’ve reached our full potential yet.

To get to know you personally a little better, what kind of things are interested in outside of soccer?

I’m big into hip hop right now. I think hip hop culture has a way of influencing you in terms of style and swag and everything. But I’m also a father, so you have to think about how you act and how you come across while enjoying all these things. And that actually ties back into the whole Parley thing, you know? I’m at a point where I’m thinking about what the next generation are going think. That being said, my son is only 2 years old, so all this stuff like hip hop and of course the soccer style and the sporty side of me is still all there – I’ve always been an active kind of guy. I love sports.

Well now that you’re living here in LA, which has a long history of hip hop, is there anything or anyone that you’re looking forward to seeing?

Hopefully I can see Kendrick Lamar! Maybe at their Champions Tour… So I’m looking forward to that, and then you actually have Nico and Vinz out here. The “Am I wrong” guys. So I guess you have some kind of Norwegian hip hop out here in LA!

Lastly, I wanted to ask if there’s anything going on in your life that you wanted to talk about perhaps a message to share with our readers. Anything at all.

Think about the environment, work hard, and enjoy life.

Photos by Brandon Ferlin

WHAT WENT DOWN AT THE ASSOCIATION DRAFT PARTY

This past Wednesday night saw the official drafting of The Association, our soccer league in partnership with adidas, that brings together teams led by a roster of our favorite brands and influencers, all of which duke it out on the pitch for fame and glory, and a dope AF trophy designed by the Los Angeles mural legend OG Slick.

We hosted the drafting party at The Association bar – naturally – in downtown LA, with free-flowing booze, street tacos, music spun by DJ Episode, and good banter all around. In addition to the brand reps from all participating teams and the to-be-drafted influencers, the turn out for the event exceeded our expectations, with Kicks to the Pitch‘s friends and family all under one roof getting steadily drunk.

Once everyone was in and loose, the drafting commenced, with each brand all taking turns picking two influencers to join their team. The order was randomly picked with the help of a comically small Bingo-styled ball cage, with the first round of picks to be followed by a second round in the opposite order. There were eight teams in total, with a total pool of 16 influencers that included ex-pro soccer, Olympic medalists, players, models, photographers, TV hosts, Radio networks and fitness gurus.

After an excited two rounds of picks, we’ve landed with the following teams:

FourTwoFour On Fairfax‘s “Golden State”
– Jared Martinez, photographer
– Umar Issa, photographer & podcast host

Complex‘s “Marauders”
– Chris Baris, ex-pro soccer player, model & actor
– Denise Jones, on-air personality & co-founder of All Def Music, TYT Sports

Dash Radio‘s “Real Radio FC”
– Dominic Chambrone aka The Shoe Surgeon, custom sneaker creator & designer
– Jacques Slade, host & video creator

Red Bull‘s “Red Bull Los Angeles”
– Geoff Gouveia, visual artist
– Karen Civil, author, philanthropist, brand curator & runs “Tru Women”

Beats by Dre‘s “The Defiant Ones FC”
– Hope Watson, actor & model
– Simonez Wolf, stylist

SpaceX‘s “Dragon FC”
– Lauren Sesselmann, ex-pro soccer player, Olympic Bronze Medalist, Pan Am Gold Medalist & World Cup athlete
– John Pangilinan, photographer & co-founder of OG Moto Show

Niky’s Sport‘s “Niky’s FC”
– Shawna Gordon, ex-pro soccer player turned skills trainer and developer
– Silas Lee, photographer and Team Cozy co-founder

Jason Markk‘s “Markkers FC”
– Tamra Dae, personal fitness expert, model and entrepreneur
– Terry Guy, creator/founder of Monorex, Star Los Angeles & Secret Walls

Check out our official photo recap taken by The Association’s official photographer Willie Toledo throughout, then be sure to check back in for more upcoming news on The Association!

THIS WEEKS #BESTOFBOTHWORLDS INSTAGRAM POSTS

It’s been a few weeks off from our #Bestofbothworlds IG feature, but we’re back at it again. Straight from the depths of our favorite social media app we bring you our favorite Instagram posts that inspire us and/or portray what we’re all about at KTTP, blending the beautiful game with culture, art music and more.

 

 

– ace Gyalchester United badge by @dumphimpress

A post shared by MUNDIAL (@mundialmag) on

Munted @fellaini for all those who demanded it. ( original meme by @browncardigan )

A post shared by lushsux (@lushsux) on

At Copa Jimador last night in my favorite @theconceptclub kit! : @thtkidkrs_

A post shared by Shawna Gordon (@ssshawnaaa) on

My #futbol #mural for @lbfutbol in #Philadelphia. Big thank you to @mrlbf for hosting me out here. #mylbflife

A post shared by art of geoff gouveia (@geoffgouveia) on

We're back! Art @varix #gunners #epl #originalmeatyfrenchforehead

A post shared by Howler Magazine (@whatahowler) on

KICKS TO THE PITCH X MITCHELL & NESS 23 CHICAGO

The concept is simple take, call on 23 influencers from various walks of life, sit them down at a dinner table and open up a dialogue about the beautiful game. First there was Vegas, then Paris and just this past Monday, we hit Chicago for MLS All Star. 

In conjunction with Mitchell & Ness, Jason Markk and Heineken, we hosted a dinner graced by the likes of Heath Pearce, Chicago Fire players, representatives, from Nike, Real Madrid, adidas, Instagram as well as several local Chicago influencers from the worlds of music and art. The conversation jumped from the explosion of soccer kits as fashion, to the influence of social media and the blending of cultures all within the beautiful game. Life-long soccer fans/influencers chopped it up with casual fans/newcomers, which created a uniquely fun and intimate dialogue about our beloved game. Check out our photo recap of the space and experience below. Also make sure to keep it locked for a video recap.

 

Q & A WITH JUST BLAZE

Sometimes the whole “better late than never” thing really makes sense. Way back in December we threw a really cool party with adidas soccer in Miami during Art Basel. Everything was built around a soccer inspired custom sneaker face-off with Red Ribbon Recon and Shoe Surgeon. The likes of Chad Ochocinco, John Geiger, Naturel and Tamra Dae came through to rock with us. There was also the guy who DJed our little soiree, a man by the name of Just Blaze. Arguably one of the hip hop’s greatest producers, Blaze has worked with everyone from Jay-Z to Kanye and everyone in between. The day after our Copa Basel shindig, Just Blaze sat down with us for a chat. Have a look at the in depth Q and A below.

KTTP: What type of music do you listen to on a regular basis and do you think it’s important for a producer or DJ to have a wide array musical influences?

Just Blaze: The only reason I have any success in my life is because I grew up on all types of music. If I grew up listing to one genre, I probably wouldn’t have made the things that I’ve made. It’s one of the things about hip hop that you have to remember, this music was born because kids in the ghetto had no resources. They had no music, they had no instruments and they had no money. So they went and pulled influences from everyone else. In the way I grew up my dad was jazz pianist and my mom used to sing in the church but she also loved like, early 80s new wave and synth pop. I had a cousin who was about 8 years older than me who was there from the beginning of hip hop and an aunt that was into straight soul music. So early on in my life, I had all these influences from family to school. In school, I hung out with a lot of kids that were into heavy metal. I remember asking my mom to buy me Mega Death albums because I liked the album covers, that’s where a lot of the dopest artwork was at the time and the kids in school would rock in on their vests. This before you could buy this at hot topic.

KTTP: It’s crazy to think about that, now you have models and girls like the Kardashians wearing this stuff

JB: Oh hell no, back then if you were rocking that, you were the real deal and I was always attracted to that artwork. I remember I believe it was Def Leppard, I think it was ‘Pyromania’ the cover had some kind of a gun crosshair with a building getting shot or blown up, I didn’t care about the music I just thought the album cover was cool! But then I went home and discovered  ‘Rock of Ages’ I remember finding a drum break on that. So for me, it was always about listening to everything and anything I’ve done throughout my career reflects that.

KTTP: We know you’re really into Star Wars, can you talk a bit about that and what are some of your influences outside of music? 

JB: I’m just a tech guy in general, because of the exposure we have now through social media, where people can look into your life a bit more than before, someone makes a Star Wars joke and people kinda run with it. Not that I don’t love Star Wars but it’s a very small part of my existence. But my whole love for the series came from my dad scaring me when I was little with Darth Vader. If you ever look at one of the original Star Wars soundtrack vinyls there’s a picture of Darth Vader on the back. He used to run around making that breathing noise and I used to run from him! (laughs). So that just stayed with me, as I got older around 6 or so years old Return of the Jedi came out, that was one of the first times I can remember my dad taking the family to a movie. So for me, it was more so identifying with my childhood. My dad was a science fiction guy so there was a lot of Dune, Star Wars, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica and he was a computer programmer so that was second nature to him. So sci-fi stuff was huge in my house and I think I just became a futurist by nature or by nurture, however you want to look at it. But had it not been for my dad having all this stuff around the house I might not have done certain things. I remember being in 4th grade and learning to program a computer, the first thing I asked was ” Can you make music on a computer?” because I used to watch him make music and work on computers. 

KTTP: Do you remember playing video games and listening to certain soundtracks that stuck with you or influenced you?

JB: Oh definitely! Nintendo was cool but I was more into Sega. Yuzo Koshiro did a lot of the classic Sega Genesis games and that was huge for me. Games like Revenge of Shinobi and Streets of Rage 2 the ill think about that was he was making music that sounded like records I was buying. If you think about like this, we all know the Super Mario Bros them but there wasn’t any real music that sounded like that outside of the game. Now you go back in put in that Revenge of Shinobi theme and you here Freestylers when you got to certain stages you heard house music, Detroit house stuff that actually sounded like authentic Detroit house. When you played Streets of Rage you heard real replications of early techno. So that’s why identified with that 16bit Sega realm, it sounded like the actual records I was buying.

KTTP: You feel like you could just listen to those soundtracks on their own?

JB: You know it’s funny I was just telling this story on twitter the other night, I remember playing the stage leading up to the night club in Revenge of Shinobi and my mom walked in she was like “Oh what’s that!?” then she kind of started dancing. I had friends over and eleven year old me was kind of embarrassed but she actually came over and watched us play because of the music.

KTTP: Going back to music do you have a top 3 beats that you’ve produced?

JB: I can’t do that. It’s like kids, you don’t have a favorite or love one more than the other. The same way kids come out of you is similar to the way music does for me. I mean don’t get it twisted I know I’ve made some great music but I know there’s stuff out there that people have managed to dig up that is terrible. I’ve for sure left the studio and thought; well that record really wasn’t that good but I got paid for it so I can’t really tell them not to put it out. But even those records represent a time and a place in my life. I also know there are records that have resonated with people over time and that’s something I’ve learned it’s not so much about what I like. Ultimately you could make a record that you don’t really love that becomes a classic.

KTTP: Can you name a particular record in which that’s happened? Like one, you weren’t super big on.

JB: There are two, kind of. It’s not that I didn’t expect them to be big hits but I didn’t expect to make such an impact on our culture. They are “Roc The Mic” and “What We Do.” They’re actually both Freeway records. I made “Roc The Mic” because I thought Freeway was a nice guy, not that I didn’t think he was dope. It’s actually kind of funny, we made that record right here in Miami. I was living here at the time, in fact, we all were. We were all leaving the studio, it was about 6 a.m. Freeway had just gotten down with us and right away he asked for a beat. When I thought about it, he was always so nice and respectful towards me as opposed to a lot of the other artists in the crew who came at me from a place of entitlement. When you think about it, I actually don’t owe you shit. Freeway was the opposite, always so respectful of my time and my space that I was like, “No problem.” I couldn’t say no because he was always so genuinely nice to me. So I made the beat in about 5 minutes gave it to him, remember it was about 6 a.m., I came back around 10:30  and they were having a pool party at our condo with “Roc The Mic” on loop over and over. He did the song right away, like the complete song. Obviously, once I heard the whole thing  I knew, we knew it was going to be a real record.

KTTP: What about “What We Do”?

JB: With that, it was like the structure and the nature of the song was so repetitive it takes a talented group of artists to make something fresh out of something so simple. So when I made it I honestly didn’t think it was going to be anything at all. Freeway jumped on it and boom. The next day Jay-Z comes in and asks about this track he’s been hearing about. So I play it for him and right away he’s like “YOOO let me jump on it” so he does. Beans was the last to get on and that was it. Sometimes you think nothing of it. You just make it and put it to the side. I’ve met artists that make something and think nothing of it but it speaks to me. I’ll literally tell them it taps into my identity, I don’t care what it costs I need to have it. 

KTTP: Alright it’s time for something we like to call “Stoppage time” we ask rapid fire questions and you answer as quickly as possible. First one: what’s something you always wanted be growing up?

JB: Music maker, that’s all I ever wanted to be. 

KTTP: Name one style trend you wish never became one?

JB: Throwback jerseys! You have to understand I wasn’t really in the cool crowd when the trend was poppin’ so I had to buy them. One day, me and a Def Jam homie of mine sat down and calculated all the money I had spent…It was enough to buy a damn house! (laughs)

KTTP: We wonder what Fabulous’s throwback tab was like

JB: Nah see Fab was cool, he was in mad videos and all over the place really. So people were giving them to him, I was behind the scenes so I had to buy mine. I’m hanging with these dudes so I have to keep up with them, but it really wasn’t fair. I was young and didn’t know any better. But to this day, in my mom’s basement, there are boxes of throwbacks.

KTTP: What are you most famous for amongst your friends?

JB: Tech support: “My iPhone is doing this weird thing” or “My computer does this when I turn it on” etc.

KTTP: Would you rather get dissed by Eminem or Jay-Z?

JB: That’s a good one. Probably Jay-Z because only because I could make a better response. I know Jay really well, we’re good friends. So I know a lot more about him. Don’t get me wrong me and Em are cool but I don’t have as much personal experience as I do with Jay. But this is all hypothetical! (laughs).

KTTP: If your house was burning down what are the first 3 things you would get?

JB: My family, my laptop and my server. I have a server that has my entire career on there. I’d sell some tracks and could easily start over.