The Internet...Ego Death

The Internet is not only a place to find the answers to homework questions, purchase new released sneakers, and troll the internet to stalk celebrities we'll never meet...but it's also a super dope group affiliated with Odd Future. Every summer I search for an anthem, usually something with a ridiculously heavy baseline and slightly obnoxious lyrics...but as I mature, so does my listening ear. The Internet gave me just what I needed this summer...an intense, yet light and refreshing mixture of musicality and smooth vocals. Not to mention they have features from a few of my favorites such as Vic Mensa, James Fauntleroy, and Kaytranada (click here).  
"Better act like you know who I am"...something that I frequently want to say to a few people, but never do...is a line from my favorite song on the album called 'Special Affair'. 
Thank you Syd tha Kyd for your smooth vocals...I appreciate ya.

Click Here for a Live Stream of the album: Ego Death.

Nicknames are only for...

...my close friends and family. Therefore, when I introduce myself to you...please don't ask me if I have a nickname because you are too lazy to pronounce my name properly. Here are a few things you must know about me and a few questions that must be answered before you are ALLOWED to use a nickname for me.
1. Umm....do you know my last name yet? Why are you so eager to already give me a nickname?
2. Do you know where I'm from?
3. My parents chose my name for a reason...I promise, it wasn't on a whim.
4. Nicknames are personal...I JUST met you...less than 5 minutes ago...don't rush this relationship because rushed relationships rarely last.
5. If I wanted you to use a nickname, I would have picked another name to introduce myself as...but I didn't...weren't you listening.
There are very few things that people actually own in this world so the last thing I need you to do is  disrespect me by insinuating that my name is not worth remembering or too hard for you to pronounce. There are a list of names you can pronounce that are actually more difficult than my name (i.e. Schwarzenegger, polawski, etc.)
So the next time someone decides to ask me if I have a nickname, after I have introduced myself with the name I want to be called...i'll literally say "bye Felicia"...and i'm pretty sure you're name isn't Felicia either...but it could be your nickname!

You Owe the World Your Gifts

Hi, my name is Aminata B. Sow and today I decided that I will contribute to the "The Intellect Collective" blog. My friend Olamide called me on Saturday to ask if I would write, and my initial reaction was "maybe". Honestly, I have not written consistently since AP English 12th grade (almost 10 years ago). The more she explained the purpose of the blog, the more excited I became. I ALWAYS have something to discuss (ex. The State of the Black Community, Black Owned Businesses, Gentrification, Financial Literacy, Relationships, etc.), but those conversations, thoughts, and rants are only shared amongst family and friends.

We all have a talent that we use to be good at but stopped doing for whatever reason. We become conditioned to work a 9-5, pay bills and repeat. When did we stop feeding our creative energy? Why do we stop doing the things that we love to do?

TODAY I challenge you to tap into your creative space and start doing something that you use to be good at or something you love to do. The time to do it is now. You owe the world YOUR gifts.

Peace, Love & Blessings,

Aminata B.

It's my birthday...

A letter to the reader...

So my birthday has actually passed already...but I celebrate in the month of July as well. Anyway, I decided to tell everyone that I have a blog and I'm petrified of what the response will be. I'll have to accept...that my blog probably isn't that good...yet. It's definitely a work in progress...just like me of course...but one day it'll be something cool. If you know me personally then you'll know that a lot of the things already posted are definitely things I'm interested in and love to discuss. I really enjoy introducing people to cool places, cool tattoos, cool items to purchase, and new music to listen to...all of this is opinion based of course. I plan to incorporate more thought provoking pieces on here...but right now I'm just trying this thing called blogging out.

Since it is my birthday/pseudo-birthday month I just have a few favors to ask of you all...
1. Read all the posts...pretty please!!!!
2. Comment on at least one post.
3. If you have my number...text me and give me constructive criticism.
4. If you need me to put together an outfit for you or find an item for "the low"...let me know.
5. Suggestions on new topics are welcome.

Thanks for reading in advance.

Adidas Gazelle OG

I ordered these for my partner and I...and we both agreed that this might not be the shoe for us because our feet are narrow...and for some reason, they make our feet look ridiculously long. I've always been a fan of a classic shoe so it is quite unfortunate that I can't rock these for the general public. Regardless of how they fit me...I still think these are the bomb!!! 

So today I bring to you the Adidas Gazelle OG.
Price: $95 (Night Indigo/Running White/Metallic Gold)
          $85 (Core Black)
Description: Created in 1968, and now a true icon, the men's Gazelle OG shoes feature a full-suede upper. The textured detail on the outsole adds to the vintage look.

Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Just a few pictures....

Tattoo Placement of the Day: Ears!

On the back of the actual ear is my favorite. Thoughts?

Gladiators and Fringes

I wear them out every single summer. I must walk "hard", stomp or run through piles of gravel because when September rolls around, the sandals that I purchased at the beginning of the summer look like I've had them for years. While going through my spring and summer clothing in preparation to transition to my favorite seasons...I realized that my sandals were no longer wearable. The soles were separated from the foot bed, the straps were destroyed, and the buckles were a bit faulty...therefore the time has come to purchase something new. 

I'm sure you all have figured out that I really love shoes. Cinderella is proof that a good pair of shoes can change your life. On a personal note, I have had back issues all of my life, so I constantly search for shoes with support (hence my love of sneakers) because a bad pair of shoes can ruin my day. Feet are the foundation of our bodies and we must treat them with care!

Anyway...I decided to check Zara out to see what they had and surprisingly I found two options that work well for my slightly arched feet. Zara and I have not always gotten along when it comes to good support and my feet, but they did pretty well with these two options below. 

Leather Roman Sandal

$99.90

Click Here

Fringed Leather Flat Sandal

$89.90

Click Here

Flower Child at Heart

I'm a flower child at heart, my favorite color is black, and a blatant sneaker head. So when the Aloha Pack was released I was overjoyed! The Aloha pack consists of a few of Nike's classic designs as well as a few modern entries. Unfortunately there was a limited release in the United States, but if you're willing to spend a little extra money then you can order them from Size (UK sneaker site) or purchase one of the releases on eBay. Unfortunately they've only been released in women...HOWEVER...if you're male and can get your foot into one of the larger women sizes...I would still purchase them because they're that dope. See the released items below!

Nike Women's Huarache

Nike Women's Cortez

Nike Women's Roshe

Nike Women's Air Max 1 

Nike Pegasus 83 

Nike Women's Dunk Hi

Senso-ble Heels

You may or may not be familiar with the brand Senso. Established in 1980, SENSO is an Australian footwear brand originally founded by husband and wife duo, Scarlett and Kim Meller. The Meller’s three daughters, Alicia, Imogen & Skye, have since joined the family business and have added a fresh and youthful confidence.

"Senso stays true to its vision of bringing you shoes with a point-of-view, an edge, a touch of fun and a distinguished sense of effortless style."

So today I bring to you the Riley V by Senso.
Price: $189.95
Colors: Chalk Leopard Pony
Description: Crafted from printed pony skin, the cut out sandals feature a single strap to the vamp and a lace up front. Set upon a chunky four inch heel with durable outsole and contrast detail.