Simply…
happy birthday to ME!
congrats to the Elevated Crew…5 Years..Hustle Hard, Eat Well, Live Elevated!
and lots of pics of lots of people from lots of parties in the gallery…

Just got the email from my man Dave, saying that the “Video is Up over on Kanye’s Blog!” And I must say that the video is very fresh. The song has been floating around the net for some while now, and the video has finally dropped. The video is for the song Everybody, by Mr. Bentley featuring Kanye, Andre 3000 and produced by Sa-Ra, the video showcases classics performances by each of the, and is directed by Dion Watkins. Shout out to the whole crew for a great song and video to compliment it. Make sure to check out Bentley tonight in the premier of G’s to Gents on MTV. Video and message from Bentley below.

Bentley X elevatedla.com

If you know that classic and said “Its mine, its mine, its mine” then you probably know that today Nas dropped his 9^th studio album “Untitled.” With plenty of controversy surrounding this album because of its initial title, many have been awaiting its arrival. Already being rated as a classic in many notable publications make sure to cop the album today. If you have been paying close attention to our events, you will know that Nas has be a guest and host on more than one occasion, and its only fitting that we produce his Official Album Release Party tomorrow night at Cabana Club. In addition the 2008 EPSY Awards will be filmed tomorrow night, and its is only appropriate that our favorite athletes join us in celebration. Cuttino Mobley (Clippers), Matt Kemp (Dodgers) Vernon Davis (49ers) Shaun Phillips and Stephen Cooper (Chargers) will co-host this combo event.

In review, today go buy Nas album “Untitled”, tomorrow join us for Nas’s Official Album Release Party/ESPY Awards After Party. Though you will never be quizzed on these things, you may still want to take notes, “Hustle Hard, Eat Well, Live Elevated.”

Literally “lets get dirty.”!  In a constant effort to stay healthy and fit, I could not back down, when a friend challenged me to complete the Camp Pendleton 10k Mud Run. Since I have completed in marathons (26.2 miles), one on foot and the other on bike, I figured how hard could a 10k (6.2 miles) race be.  As I sought information on this “Mud Run”, I learned that the course was equipped with tire obstacles, river crossings, tunnel crawls, slippery hill climbs, and the final 30-foot mud pit.  Needless to say, I think I have a found a fulfilling challenge.

The Mud Run is October 18th, which gives myself and those who dare to accept this challenge more than enough time to prepare. Registration is $55 and as this is a popular event spots fill up months in advance, so sign up early!  If you are content with the treadmill as your work out, be sure to check back later this year and see how team Elevated survived the Mud Run.

Satisfy your sweet tooth at Sprinkle’s in Beverly Hills, off of Santa Monica Blvd.  This modern bakery is bound to have a line out the door when you arrive, but trust me when I say, “It’s well worth the wait.”  Not to worry, the line moves quickly so make sure you’ve decided upon the cupcake of your choice by the time you get to the front!  Most Sprinkle-goers would agree with me that you can’t go wrong with the southern style Red Velvet cupcake, topped with a rich cream cheese frosting.

Sprinkle’s endless selection of mouth watering cupcakes include staples such as their Vanilla Milk Chocolate, Carrot, and Cinnamon Sugar, all of which are baked fresh throughout the day. Look good and send a box of a dozen or more cupcakes to the office or your “sweetie” and Sprinkle’s will deliver just about anywhere in the Los Angeles area (48 hours notice required).  Sprinkle’s even offers dog-friendly cupcakes for sale, so whether your picking up something sweet for you or your pup, I strongly advise ordering online before you leave the house.  Order ahead of time, avoid the line, and indulge! 

Tips:  Opt to park in the metered lot on Santa Monica and Camden (street parking is limited).  The cupcakes can be pricey so expect to pay $36 for a dozen or $3.25 per cupcake (maybe it’s because the chocolate sprinkles are imported from France?)

Sprinkle’s
9635 Little Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA

I have been fooled many times before, receiving a mailer, that store X is having their semi annual sale with lower prices than ever.  To my dismay, I hurry to the store to see a 10% mark down, which essentially just takes away what I would normally pay in tax.  Lucky one of the few truths in the world is back, and as much as I would like to keep it a secret I must share.  This weekend Five Four returns with another Warehouse Sale, where you can find a wide variety of fresh gear at a  true sale price.  Go early, beat the heat, and grab your gear before it’s gone!

Five Four Warehouse Sale | 6.28 -6.29 | 10am – 6pm
2444 Porter St.
Los Angles St, Ca. 90021

I could never understand why so many people dreaded Mondays. Starting of a new week, back in the office, and if you were lucky you have stories to share with your co-workers on what a great weekend you had. Though there is no known cure for the a case of the Mondays, I prescribe a little medicine I stumbled upon.

Every Monday Phonte of Little Brother and DJ Brianchild release a podcast episode of the Gordon Gartrell Radio Show. A mix of great music and comedic yet prophetic commentary make for good listening while working on those TPS reports. You can subscribe to the podcast via iTunes, or just check back for their updates. If you can’t listen to music while sitting in your cubicle, you can get a new job, or just download it and listen later.

If you couldn’t answer the question faster than you read it, your timepiece may be suspect. Last night, the JL boys produced the NOOKA X DDCLAB event in Hollywood at the DDCLAB Los Angeles store. With ever-flowing drinks and rare grooves by Gomez Warren IV, the collaborative event gave invited guests a glimpse of the two brands.

NOOKA, a design company, shared their line of watches that fit as a normal watch with abstract digital displays that make them beyond typical. Having seen a couple of these watches up close, some practice is needed before wearing — as you don’t want to stumble through a response to my initial question. With many styles and colors to choose from, they have pieces for any outfit or occasion. The summer uniform of tees, sneakers and jeans have a new buddy to set a scene off right.

DDCLAB is a product of Roberto Crivello and Savania Davies-Keiller’s design studio DDC USA. This duo is committed to enhancing fashion through emerging technology but never “reinventing the wheel.” So, “The look is the same. It is simple. It is classic. But is now improved. It is fashion technology.” Although my sneakers may be fly, they can’t make me fly — but if it ever happens I know where it will happen first.

Check out the photos LAZO shot at the event and catch your own peek of NOOKA X DCCLAB.

Located atop Cahuenga Ave, one of the primary gateways of Hollywood, is a small French coffee house known as Solar De Cahuenga.  On the corner of Cahuenga and Franklin, Solar is one of the first business you see upon your approach to the bright lights of the city.  The java spot prides itself on being a chill atmosphere with the promise of great food and comfort.  With free Wi-Fi and multiple seating areas and styles, I have had the option to kick back with a pillow and a book, throw the laptop on a table or sit on the patio and enjoy the weather.  They carry an assortment of salads, sandwiches, crepes, and coffees prepared from all natural foods, so you can fill up your stomach without draining your pockets.  Open nightly, you can check out Solar before you hit the club.

Solar De Cahuenga
1847 N Cahuenga Blvd,  
Hollywood

They’ve penned…and recorded a summer anthem (probably one of many to come but…whatevs). So if you’re looking for a concert to hit that will compliment the laid back and chill summer you EXPECT to have (we can only hope), Shwayze is probably the ticket you’re looking for.

Who is Shwayze? you ask. Correction: Who are… Just a couple of guys (Cisco Adler and Shwayze) who met at a party and let their love for music (or was it partying) lead them to make music we love to BBQ/sip Coronas/mindlessly groove to during the unique So Cal summer.

A few live shows, and one infectious hook later (not to mention the look…) Shwayze had folks buzzin’ all over town…

So if you’re not feeling totally relaxed by now, check out the song that you’ll probably blast up and down PCH for the rest of the summer (or at least in your backyard with the inflatable pool, it’s all good) …

… and check ‘em out when they stop by at one of these So Cal venues.

Shwayze
Fairplex Park, Pomona| 6.20
Seaside Park, Ventura | 6.22
Home Depot Center, Carson | 8.17

For those of you that reside in California and have never had the pleasure of a good ole fashioned southern cooked meal, Stevie’s Creole Café & Bar has the recipes for your appetite. Located on Balboa and Ventura Blvd this Cajun based restaurant is as good as it gets to Southern dishes. Me, being from Texas I was doubtful at first that a restaurant on the West coast could satisfy my dirty south appetite. The menu has numerous appetizers and entrees to fulfill any taste bud, as well as mixed drinks like their famous “New Orleans Hurricane”(named well before Hurricane Katrina). My entree of choice has been the catfish and grits, if you have never had grits before or never had southern grits I can tell you these are as real as it gets especially with butter and a little salt. Most meals are southern fried and have a little spiciness to it, hence Cajun style restaurant. Other notable options are the calamari with its spicy ranch and many choices of gumbo and po’ boy sandwiches. The prices are pretty high with the catfish ad grits meal priced at $22 but well worth the price. The restaurant itself has a southern feel with wooden tables and chairs, not too comfortable and nothing fancy but they do have a few flat screen TV’s for fight nights and game days. Around the bar area are several pictures of the many celebrities that also enjoy their tasty cuisines. Also, on some selected weekend they have live jazz bands which are perfect for you and your someone special.

Stevie’s Creole Café & Bar
16911 Ventura Blvd
Encino, CA 91316

As the days roll along, we find ourselves upon another sunny weekend in LA. Last we were packed with things to do and lines to stand in. As predicted, our Memorial Day Party on Sunday night at Opera was off the hook, and many had to be turned away. Our apologies to all those who were unable to get in, the pictures are up for you to get a glimpse of what happened behind those closed doors. This Sunday we are right back at it, Entrée Sunday’s at Crimson/Opera.

To pass the time before you head over to Entrée, check out Jazzy’s show at the Temple Bar in Santa Monica. New music by a great performer with a beautiful voice will no doubt make the trip to Santa Monica worth while. If you aren’t familiar, I suggest you do your homework before the show.

Jazzy - In Love

Temple Bar
1026 Wilshire Blvd.
Santa Monica