beats.

Photo Copyright: Zach Mullen

The best headphones without a doubt.

stronger.

“I ask ‘cuz I’m not sure, does anybody make real shit anymore?” – Kanye West

boston’s boy.

Much like his namesake, Sam Adams is sparking a revolution. After gaining popularity from his “I Hate College” remix of Asher Roth’s “I Love College,” the 22-year old college student just released his first EP on iTunes. “Boston’s Boy” debuted at number one on the iTunes charts, beating out DJ Khaled. A native of Cambridge, MA, Sam Adams is set to graduate from Trinity College, is captain of the soccer team, and has college students everywhere adoring his rhymes. Talk about a solid senior year. All of which was accomplished without signing to a major label.

Just as Asher Roth was compared to Eminem, Adams will be compared to Roth. And rightly so. Both have a targeted audience of coeds and seem to have appeared overnight. And though he will be facing a firestorm of hate and criticism, the fact of the matter is this: Sam Adams can rap. Very well, in fact. His debut EP mixes ego, emotion, and at times, vulnerability. “Comin’ Up” and “Tab Open” highlight the club anthems contained on “Boston’s Boy.” “Just Love Here” shows a softer side of Adams and “Driving Me Crazy” is downright addicting. This young, aspiring rapper is not to be overlooked.

Listen to “Driving Me Crazy” Here.

john mayer.

On March 12, John Mayer’s Battle Studies World Tour made a stop in Columbus, OH. In traditional Mayer fashion, the Grammy-Award-winning singer/songwriter did not put on a show.. Rather, he himself was the show. Here is a small sampling of the evening’s festivities:

Photo: Copyright Zach Mullen

Photo: Copyright Zach Mullen

Photo: Copyright Zach Mullen

Photo: Copyright Zach Mullen

his name is mark.

Mark Hoppus Uncut

Lead singer and bassist of blink-182, Mark Hoppus, lets viewers into his pre-show rituals on Gillette’s Uncut mini-documentary. Hoppus was filmed and interviewed at the New York City stop of blink-182′s 2009 Summer Tour. One third of the iconic punk-rock trio describes life on tour, what it’s like to play Madison Square Garden, and manage his signature wild-style hair. Look for blink-182 on tour in Europe in Summer of 2010.

Visit Mark Hoppus’ own personal blog here.

over.

Photo: Paola Kudacki (via GQ)

Drake’s newest single. It’s here.

“Over” premiered early last week on a radio station in Drake’s hometown of Toronto. The first single released from the much-awaited “Thank Me Later,” the track is a self-reflection on the price of fame. Aubrey Drake Graham, or as he’s more publicly known, Drake, has become the hottest thing in hip-hop since his mentor, Lil Wayne. With his seamless transformation from actor to rapper, record labels were chomping at the bit to “sign his name besides an X, like Malcolm.” But family loyalty trumps all else in the world of hip-hop and Drizzy signed with Lil Wayne’s Young Money records.

With arguably the most anticipated album of 2010 sitting on the horizon, Drake cannot lose.

Listen here.

Available for download here.

malibu.

Some would argue that no person in their right mind should be paying $13.5 million for a house. We beg to differ. This oceanfront Malibu home is truly breathtaking. With its setting along Pacific Coast Highway, the open, airy, ultra-luxury home literally opens up to the Pacific. Boasting over 80 feet of glass throughout the house, there are uncompromised views of the ocean from the four bedrooms, four baths, and lavish patio. It’s hard to imagine a retreat more paradisical than this. Private beach access, a guest house, and a location within a gated community seal the deal.. As if one would have needed any further incentive.

View more photos here (via Trendir Modern House Design)

we own the sky.

A song of cinematic proportions, M83′s “We Own The Sky” takes the listener out of everyday life and into the extraordinary. (Off the album “Saturdays = Youth”)

Listen Here.

congratulations.

MGMT's "Congratulations" album artwork.

The electronic duo MGMT, have a new album on the horizon. Due out April 13th, 2010, their sophomore attempt entitled “Congratulations,” is a highly anticipated follow-up to their 2007 debut. “Oracular Spectacular” peaked at #38 on the Billboard 200 and was certified gold. Signed to major label Columbia Records, MGMT exploded onto the scene and have since been nominated for a Grammy Award.

Andrew VanWyngarden and Ben Goldwasser, the two men behind MGMT, enlisted famed surrealist Anthony Ausgang to take care of Congratulation’s album artwork (pictured right). If artwork is any indication, MGMT’s second album appears to follow suit with Oracular Spectacular, in that the music is a blend of far-out, spacey, electro, indie-rock. Mark your calendars.

natural cincinnati.

High above Ault Park. Photo: Copyright Zach Mullen

Though she’s 191 years old, the Queen City of Cincinnati, OH, still has plenty of life left in her.  Bordered by tree lined hillsides, the Ohio River, and near-by Kentucky and Indiana, Cincinnati has the amenities and modernity of a large city, yet the natural landscape of untouched countryside.

In the warm weather months, thousands flock to the countless parks, preserves, and natural recreation areas that the Queen City has to offer. Though a visitor to the city may see many of Cincinnati’s more famous landmarks, chances are they’ll miss out on two of the city’s gems: Alms Park and Ault Park.

Located in the aptly named neighborhood of Hyde Park, both of these parks are true sanctuaries from the daily hassles. The smaller of the two, Alms Park, sits high on a hill overlooking Cincinnati’s Lunken Municipal Airport, as well as the curving Ohio River. With nature trails, several scenic overlooks, and a formal pavillion, Alms Park is one of Cincinnati’s hidden treasures.

Located in what seems like a maze of residential streets and Victorian houses, the much larger Ault Park is a pleasant surprise to its visitors. With consistently manicured lawns, gardens, fountains, and a large pavillion of its own, Ault Park caters to the romantics. Whether it be couples taking a walk, families bringing their children, or actual wedding ceremonies and receptions taking place in the park itself, its hard to deny the fact that life happens within the park boundaries.