A Different World.

I find myself truly blessed to reside amongst the small percentage of collegiate students who actually enjoy the academic path they chose. Although it took me a couple years to realize that Business Administration wasn't my strongest point, I'm very pleased to finally have found my passion in Mass Communication, and thrilled my University's program is based around its most celebrated graduate, Dan Rather.

It's almost a definite to ask an individual what their passion is and discover it has no ties with their career choice. With the value of money driving our youth in the twenty-first century, most would rather be emotionally indigent in order to be financially wealthy. Imagine the severity our country would face if our political system housed officials who sole career purpose was seeking to accumulate as many numerical figures as possible to their salaries. Our country is in one of its more darker hours financially due to this kind of selfish and inconsiderate behavior. With the world rapidly changing, we must also make the transition to insure that we uphold the value's and character this nation was built upon. With devotion from each individual we can truly enact the phrase "united we stand divided we fall," rather than allow it to be a prominent bumper sticker.

I'll be doing my part by ultimately inspiring others to be great, just as the greats have inspired me.

FireFest 2009 Video.

Last week I posted a brief story about an event my Univeristy held called "FireFest." Luckly I was in attendence with my camera to capture for footage. Here it is for your visual enjoyment.

iPhone Daily Flick 10/29.

Sid Ashford: Many times in life we fear change, and the presence of new things in life.

Don't fear exercising your mind, fear keeping it inside a box. If you don't happen to like it, drain it from you life. You lose nor gain anything. Get up, get out! There's a world full of things you haven't experienced yet.

Breast Cancer Awareness Fashion Show.

Last Tuesday the lovely ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated held a charity fashion show to support Breast Cancer Awareness. The event was a huge success, and of course I was in attendance to photograph the event, and show my support. Here are few shots my partner and I managed to capture for your visual enjoyment. Remember that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.

iPhone Daily Flick 10/28.

Sid Ashford: Yesterday's topic was constant motion. Although it's important to be constantly in motion, it's just as important to control your speed, and veer yourself from a possible crash. Avoid doing too little, as well as doing too much. Find yourself a nice happy medium.

Welcome To My City.

Venturing off into the city may seem as the norm by judging how I live in a large metropolitan city, but due to my recent ties with school I've been restricted from enjoying city life. Today shall mark an end to that, immediately following class I'll pack the camera, skateboard, a few clothes, and wreak havoc in downtown Houston with a couple bruvs.

Sounding much like a broken record lately, I can't reveal exactly what the project inholds, but it'll be definitely be nothing like you've ever seen. All information pertaining to the project will be released really soon. I'm a firm believer of "timing is everything" and I won't release anything until I know the situation is in my favor. Sit tight, and expect an extreme dose of inspiration.

Enjoy the view of my beautiful city, as you will be seeing a great deal of it in the near future.

Maestro Knows: NYC Edition (Nigel Sylvester)

In the first installment of Maestro Knows NYC Edition, Maestro rolls through the city with BMX great Nigel Sylvester. The guys also make their way to Format, a local bike shop in Queens, and the famous 5 Guys Burger. Peep it now, its illy!

iPhone Daily Flick 10/27.

First off I would like to apologize for the lack of iPhone Daily Flicks as of late. They will surely pick up this week, and return to its everyday form.

Sid Ashford: The world around you is constantly in motion, and many times we're caught observing others movement instead carrying out goals we set upon ourselves. Don't get caught looking, be seen moving. 

Objects In Mirror Are Closer..

It's apparent if your an avid reader of sidashford.com my goals and ambition exceeds those of the average individual. To date, I can't recall one project that I've been 100% completely and honestly satisfied with the results. I feel that if your as passionate about your craft as I am, there is always room for growth, and if you don't agree then you've lost your creative drive.

With the recent blog world becoming super-saturated much like the rap "profession" that "creative drive" is the edge that allows sidashford.com to top many other sites. Not intending to down any other blogs, but the excessive number of blogspots, and wordpress' that mimic each other has become awfully doleful. If you challenge yourself, your indirectly challenging others and assisting in the evolution of blogging.

Recently I have embarked on a great journey to expand the affairs that my site has to offer. Starting with "The Varsity Years," the return of my weekly show in its new form. Many more projects are currently in the works to follow including a new outfit for the site. My weekends over the past month have been spent trasnferring the thoughts and ideas in my head to a design application ultimately creating a place that will host the creations I fabricate on a daily basis. This past weekend I'm happy to report I wrapped up the final designs and emailed them to my personal web designer. Expect sidashford.com to undergo reconstruction soon..

My work will never be done. This is only the beginning of my triumphant adventure.

They Call It FireFest.

So, I'm beginning to wonder where was I last year during the pep rally/bonfire they call "FireFest?" It's definitely one of the University's best events as a number of organizations set up booths and ask trivia questions in exchange for free gifts. Amongst the booths and countless number of the student body in attendance, the University also offered everyone free corndogs, and delicious "Beat SFA" (our rival) cookies. The atmosphere was simply incredible, cheerleaders, radio stations, firefighters, and extravagant fireworks. Luckly I was present with my camcorder and captured as much footage as I can to ultimately create a viral video for the student body. Stay tuned for the outcome.

Roc Raida Tribute by DJ Craze.

DJ Craze ripped this Roc Raida Trubite!

Footage from 13thWitness.

David Brownings: Paper Shoes.

These are really dope, and I support anything the challenges our artistic ability. David Brownings displayed great detail in his paper version of the Nike Dunks. Check out more from the artist HERE.

And It Returns.. iPhone Daily Flick 10/23.

Sid Ashford: This one is simple. It's way too much negativity in the world. Kindly show the exit sign to all negativity and anything that doesn't benefit to youe growth as a person.

Maestro Knows: NYC Edition (Intro)

This intro fits Levi's personality extremely well, simple, but dope. I shall prepare myself for the next round of inspiration he's about to release. Film credits belong to the one and only 13thWitness. NYC Edition Episode 1 coming Next Week!

Entering The Time Capsule.

Upon arriving to the venue where the Glow In The Dark Tour was to be held, I now realize that I couldn't have been more ill-prepared for the amount of artistry and showmanship my eyes were about to partake in. Not to be miss-understood, Kanye West has been my favorite artist since the debut of the College Dropout, and I'm well aware of his creative capacity. But the journey he directed, steering thousands into a galaxy far and beyond space was nothing short of exhilarating. 

I found myself reciting every word to each song he performed throughout the hour. Although this was a rather challenging task due to the gentlemen beside me who couldn't recite one word, but was so stunned with excitement he mumbled every syllable along with a tenacious "head bob."

Many people disassociate themselves with Kanye simply because the media portrays him as an egotastical monster. Much of Kanye's actions are driven from his passion of not only music, but his drive to be number one. We're are taught to be number one in all of our endeavors, but frowned upon when it we announce it publicly? Arrogance is often mistaken for confidence. Every true artist should feel as if they're the best in their craft.

If your wondering my take on the VMA incident, it's as follows:

In no way shape or form do I agree with the way Kanye went about displaying his feelings towards the winner of that specific award. However I do find it odd how Beyonce managed to lose "Best Female Video," but win "Video of The Year." (sidenote: I'm a fan of Taylor Swift as well.)

Getting back to the topic at hand before I was rudely interrupted by the thoughts of the torment Kanye endured for his actions at an "Award Show"...

The concert ended up being the greatest performance I've seen to date. The greatest display of artistic vision I've seen to date. Kanye West is my number one artist/musican/performer.. to date.

Urbin Photography Is Back.

The business my partner and I started just under a year ago is back! Our website will soon be going under construction soon, and the new design is in the works. I will keep you updated. (sidenote: we took each others picture)

The Varsity Years Take 2.

-Prepare yourself for an event of epic proportions.

A State Of Shock.

There is nothing I would love more than to go into this elaborate story to do these photos great justice. As much as I would love that to happen, I'm currently in a state if utter shock! I recently just saw the photos that will be used in Kanye's Glow In The Dark Tour Book and I can simply define them in one word, AMAZING. I'll will now allow myself to properly recover and suggest that all of you add this book to your collection. I will wrap this story up tomorrow. A quick preview:

How To Spend A Day.

-Fill her up.

-Fill yourself up.

-Take to the city.

-Catch a flick made by Spike Jonze.

The Off Season..

-Photo by 13thWitness

It seems my title for this post will slightly contridict with its commentary due to the fact that Levi Maestro never has an off season, and is constantly working to stay ahead of the competition. Even though I'm not quite sure if there is anyone else in the world who goes from capturing the first filmed tour of the Nike Campus to exploring Japan with greats like Atiba Jefferson, and Eric Koston. Levi's taking a short residency in NYC where he will be filming the NYC Edition of his illustrious series Maestro Knows. Only he knows what barriers will be broke this season as NYC is the home to some of the most glorified individuals in every industry. If you have yet to make yourself fimailar with the series, head over to MK and check them out now.

TropicalTv With Birdman.

At it again are the good men from TropicalTv as the share a few words with Birdman, and a possible induction of Luke to Cash Money.

Nike 6.0 Rider: Garrett Reynolds.

-Simply ill.

iPhone Daily Flick 10/19.

Sid Ashford: Pride. Something all of us could to pay a little more attention to. It's important to take pride in your every action because it's a self-reflection on you as a person. The world is full of half-hearted efforts. Standout, take pride.

We Were Once A Fairytale: Directed By Spike Jonze.

It seems as if it's been a lifetime and a day since we first heard news about Kanye's short-flim project with director Spike Jonze. It was oringially set to be released on iTunes September 8th, more than a month ago, but was held back due to minor complications. The film's title was concieved by way of the chorus to "See You In My Nightmares,"  from Kanye's latest LP "808's and Heartbreak." Rather than go on and on, I'll prefer you just take a look and enjoy what these two creatives have to offer. A bundle of cameos from Ibn Jasper to Fonsworth Bentley and a great representaion of artistry of further explains why Spike Jonze will always remain in my top three favorite directors.

Maestro Knows- Announcement (NYC Edition)

I can't wait to see how this unveils!

Special Thanks To Hypebeast.

As you all know yesterday I had the opportunity to interview one of Hypebeast's Editors, Luis Ruano.

Luis made one of my dreams a reality as I got a chance to see an actual piece of my work on my favorite online magazine. Special shout out to him!

The Adventures of Max.

One of the most anticipated films of the year "Where The Wild Things Are" debuts today in theatres. As I write this in class, I can only think about how slow these last twenty minutes are going by keeping me away from the imaginary visions Spize Jonze created.

*Update 11:18am- My professor has finally released us! I'm off to the theatre, then to finish up some field work. Peace.

I'm Sid Q&A With Luis Ruano.

1. For those who may not be familiar with you or your work, tell us about yourself.

My official title is Editor, but I do a bit of everything at Hypebeast, including the day-to-day front page content, features, interviews, product photography, event coverage, and all the small tedious tasks no one else wants to do, haha. Aside from working for the site, I've actually become quite busy doing some editorial features for magazines and a book project scheduled to launch next year. Im a Bay Area native, went to school for Graphic Design at the Academy of Art University, but find myself enjoying this line of work much more and thus far its been a blessing.

2. In nearly five years, Hypebeast's growth has made it THE premiere medium for the latest in urban culture. From the start, were there any indications in your mind that the site would obtain this much recognition?

I've always been a fan of the site, but never imagined it becoming as popular as it has. I wasn't around when Kevin first launched Hypebeast, but I've witnessed the growth first hand within the past 2 years and honestly it doesn't surprise me to see us gain as much notoriety as we have. The strong work ethic from everyone here continually keeps pushing the envelope of what a blog should be. I'd like to think we're quickly becoming more of a formal online magazine, although that would be our "official" title nowadays anyway.

3. One of the neat features of the Hypebeast platform are the individual blogs for guys such as Phillip Annand and 13thWitness. What process is used to determine who receives their own column on the site?

I agree with you, the blog section is definitely one of my favorite features. For me its always neat to see what everyone is up to since we're all spread out across the globe and don't always have the chance to connect on the regular. There isn't a set "criteria" for who gets to blog but its usually narrowed down to what the person is doing and how they are contributing to the scene. Phil and Tim were individuals we felt were up-and-comers and could offer a fresh perspective into the culture, therefore they all are now a part of our extended HB family.

4. With becoming an editor for a successful online magazine hanging near the top of my career goals, what part of your job brings you the greatest joy?

Definitely the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Its one thing to connect with folks through the net, but when I have the chance to travel and meet people in person it makes that experience so much better.

5. An ordinary work day in the life of L.A. Ruano consists of:

Morning: I usually wake up, roll over, and grab my Mac off the floor. ESPN and Cocoa Pebbles kick start my day and checking my stacked Gmail inbox puts me into second gear.

Afternoon: The afternoon plays host to my lunch hour and then I usually have a long list of errands to run plus go through the company email and whatever packages the UPS man drops off. I also try to make a gym run...gotta keep my sexy on.

Night: As you can imagine, my work day really never ends, but night time is usually spent on developing my own creative ideas and turning them into reality. I usually have a ton of thoughts whirling around in my head, but executing them is an entirely different story. Aside from that, I try to spend time with the fam and make use of the HD cable I get raped on every month.

6. Working in any successful enviroment definetly has its perks. What do you feel is the biggest advantage of being an editor for Hypebeast?    

I don't know if its really an advantage but working with the site has definitely opened doors for me to become more involved in other facets of the industry. I'm always humbled by how many notable people actually track my progress and whether the feedback is positive or negative, I'm the type of person thats open to becoming a better professional through honest opinions.

7. Kanye West stated in a video "I'm a walking Hypebeast." How does that make the guys in the office feel after receiving a commendation from an individual such as Kanye?

Its flattering to hear good feedback from any of our readers, including Mr. West. I think a Hypebeast x Kanye feature would be nice, what do you think?

8. What brand do you feel has made the biggest impact in 2009, and why?

Tons of brands have stepped their game up in 2009, but I'm definitely liking what Play Cloths has going on, and I'm not just saying that because I'm wearing their hat. They really do a nice job of utilizing good quality materials, cuts, and construction and in my opinion, I feel like they never over-do their designs, which can make or break a collection. Pusha-T and Malice's involvement also helps keep the brand hyped.

9. What's something new we can expect from Hypebeast with the dawn of a new year approaching?

We have a few projects we've been working on seeing as next year marks our 5th Anniversary. I can't speak too much on those, but I'm definitely excited. Also, like I mentioned before, I'm currently working on a big project slated to launch in January, so expect to see that and more of those annoying previews alas the Adidas Zeitfrei project.

10. What is your honest opinion on http://sidashford.com in it's current state?

Its dope man. I like that its clean and simple and you always incorporate random stuff aside from the usual fashion-geared content. Keep up the great work and we'll catch up soon. Thanks for the continued support!


I want to thank Luis again for giving me this opportunity. It's not everyday someone gets to interview an editor for the favorite online magazine. You will definitely have my continued support. If you haven't made yourself familiar with Hypebeast.com and all it has to offer, please do so now. Hypebeast

Vote Kid Green Today!

Project Green Search is looking for the next green “it girl”: The woman who wants to take a stand, get noticed, and align her career endeavors with her personal beliefs, to be an advocate for the environment, animal welfare, fair trade, and human rights. She’s a model, spokesperson, host, brand ambassador and all around green model citizen, for progressive, sustainable, ethical companies, from fashion & beauty to cars & computers. The general public will be able to view entrants online and vote for their favorite ten candidates. Voting ends October 16th! Vote Kid Green today @ PROJECTGREENSEARCH.

A State of Mind.

-Photography by yours truly.

Cheers To You Sir.

                              I've got some issues that nobody can see..

                                                         .. and all of these emotions are pouring out of me.

With the pressure from the release of his debut album (Man On The Moon: End of Day)  at a great distance behind him, you only wonder what Scott Mescudi's up to these days. Being recently nominated for 3 BET Hip-Hop Awards, and tallying another nomination for "breakthrough artist of the year" at the AMA's is enough to bring a smile to any artists' face.