DECODE | Reveal Announcement

Art is about understanding. As artists we use art to try and understand the things we do not. Most importantly, though, we use art to to help others understand who we are. In creating art we leave a little of ourselves behind. Sometimes it's just an idea of ours, or a thought. Sometimes it's a secret we've never shared or a dream we've had. Whichever it is, an artist always leaves a trail of secrets in his work; a trail that, if traced back to its roots, leads straight to the artist's soul. - James Elliott, DECODE 

DECODE 

This summer the ground-breaking series is reborn as a beautiful hardcover coffee-table book. Featuring 20 photographs from photographer James Elliott; 10 from the original series plus 10 all new, never-before-released photographs. Each image is decoded in the artist's own words; adding new depth and dimension to already compelling pieces. Unlock the secrets this summer.

(Stay tuned to discover how you can become a part of DECODE)

Video best viewed in HD.

XX

Last year DECODE was the most read series on Through the Lens. This year the series is being reborn and it's bigger than ever. Join us on 4.23.13 when the new project is officially revealed.

Download these high-resolution wallpapers inspired by the upcoming series.

                   

 

Open Letter

Y'all gone learn today...

Those are the words that bounce around the hook of Mr. Carter's latest song. Rest assured "Open Letter" is not meant for radio time or meant to sell million on iTunes - so if you're not digging the Kevin Hart inspired hook then know this song wasn't made with you in mind. Instead the track is a classic hip-hop jam aimed at Jay-Z's critics. Recently Jay-Z and wife Beyonce caught a lot of fire for traveling to Cuba for their 5th anniversary. Many wondered what the couple was doing in a country the US has a strict embargo on.

With Open Letter Jay-Z addresses the questions fans and critic had alike. It looks like Jay has the White House on his side too. Along with the song an official letter from the Department of Treasury has been released stating the official reason of the Carter's trip.

"Ya'll almost want to start a revolution. You know whenever I'm threatened, I start shooting.Catch a body, head to Houston. I'm in Cuba, I love Cubans" - Jay-Z, "Open Letter"

In case you're wondering the song is excellent - as expected from the veteran MC. Controversy aside Jay brings two thrilling verses; weaving political jargon into his clever wordplay. The beat is hot too; a slow-hitting banger that Jay suggests you let "knock."

Death and All His Friends

With an art style all its own and a type of humor that is as funny as it is creepy The Backwater Gospel earns its spot as this week's featured film.

When the Undertaker arrives in the old west town of Backwater many fear that death has come, but for who? As the promise of death lingers the townsfolk take matters into their own hands and all Hell literally breaks loose.

We salute the work that director Bo Mathorne and the rest of his team did on this film. Backwater Gospel is funny, stylish, and just the kind of quirky that we love. The tension that builds in the short run-time of video is quite compelling and makes the final scenes all worth the wait.

Fluidity

Designer Martin Sati is a genius -- at least we think his work is. The UK artist has been on the map since 2006 and every year his work seems to grow more and more complex. His unique signature look comes from years of experimentation. Martin's use of color-play and shape design is astonishing. His work always feels natural and fluid. It invites the viewer in and has a hard time letting them go. Dive into more of the artist's work below.

The Artist

Having completed over 40 assignments for National Geographic as well as winning the coveted photographer of the year award, David Alan Harvey has more than proven his abilities as a photographer. In the mini-documentary film below David shares his views and reflections on his art, photography, and even offers advice to aspiring young photographers. The film is a must-see for all photographers. David's insights are truly inspiring. As a trained painter David draws his influences from famous French painters who have inspired him to find art in any situation. 

Can't Kill The Vibe

After being unofficially debuted last week at SXSW, the remix to Kendrick Lamar's "Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe" (featuring Jay-Z) has become one of the most sought after songs on the internet. This shouldn't come as much of a surprise. K. Dot was named MTV's Hottest MC of 2013 and Jay-Z is one of the best to ever do it. So naturally when two of the biggest hip-hop icons get together the world pays attention.

To most (if not all) of the world's delight, the remix was officially released earlier today. And it's a true remix. What we mean is that not only does the track get a fresh verse from Hov but it also gets two equally fresh verses from Kendrick. In our opinion, the remix far surpasses the original; and the original was a banger. Kendrick and Jay-Z absolutely slay the track, dropping the most thrilling 16's of the year. Don't miss it. Oh, and how about the track's art work? Kobe and Jordan... Get it?
 

The Most Dangerous Game

In just a few short weeks one of the best shows on television makes its long awaited return. The show, of course, is none other than Game of Thrones. There have been a number or teasers and trailers released for the upcoming third season of the show but none quite as thrilling as the most recent.

Game of Thrones shows no sign of slowing down with the upcoming third season. War has arrived and plots to maintain or seize the throne are well underway. The trailer manages to hit all the right marks, making the wait until March 31st seem just a bit longer. The third season of GoT is already shaping up to be the biggest season yet!

Hands on the Wheel

So this song isn't new or anything but it's still excellent. And worthy of a little feature on our site. The track is "Hands on the Wheel" from Schoolboy Q. The song plays off a reworked sample of Kid Cudi's "Pursuit of Happiness" and shows off the more illicit side of the rappers life. Apparently Schoolboy Q's  got a thing for "Weed and brews" and his buddy A$AP Rocky seems to find pleasure in similar things. Check out the music video below.

may be considered NSFW.

 

The Bling Ring

From 2008 until 2009 celebrities who lived around the Hollywood Hills area of California found themselves the victims of a group of burglars who wanted to live the same lavish lifestyle of those they targeted. The group, called the Bling Ring, notoriously burglarized the homes of Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom, and Lindsay Lohan, multiple times. Now the teenagers behind the the crimes are having their story immortalized on the silver-screen  in a film adaptation from Oscar-winning director Sofia Coppola (Lost in Translation).

The short teaser trailer below is all style and attitude; not dissimilar from the lifestyles of the characters portrayed in the film. Emma Watson stars as the leader of "The Bling Ring" and the story follows the lives of those involved and just exactly what it was like to steal millions from the homes of some the world's most famous celebrities. We'll be looking forward to the film's release later this June.

A New Dimension

Winter Solstice is a debut body work from hip-hop artist Keem Settles, but you'll come to know him as Keem de la Soul. Keem calls Winter Solstice an EP, though it runs much longer than any typical EP. In reality Winter Solstice is a mixtape, but it's so damn good we don't care if it's called EP, LP, or mixtape. No matter what you call it one thing is clear: You need to hear Winter Solstice.

The EP opens with an introduction. Here Keem talks directly to his audience and addresses the purpose of the EP and the track serves as an excellent opening for what's to follow. The EP can be considered a concept album. The theme of the album points back to the artist searching for recognition, purpose, and success. Track by track listeners are invited into Keem's world; one that is, at times, full of pain, struggle, and doubt. However the album remains positive and listeners are always left with a great sense of hope; this is mostly due to Keem's excellence as an MC. Keem may be seen as a newcomer to the world of hip-hop but his flows and style are up to par with (if not better than) the top artists. Metaphors are a common motif in Winter Solstice; mostly involving dream-states.

"The Chase," "Wake Up," "Perception of Life," and "Growing Pains" are the EP's strongest tracks. Each one is a pivotal part of the story Keem is trying to tell. The album hits its deepest and most compelling marks on "Growing Pains." This track is all about the loss of loved ones that Keem has suffered through. You can feel the artist's pain as each verse pounds away with a heart-aching beat.

Production wise the album is just as strong and the album's only true weakness come from a guest feature
on the song "French Inhale." A small gripe on an otherwise perfect release. After spending almost a week delving into the album it's hard to walk away unimpressed. Each track builds upon the last and always leaves you wanting more. Winter Solstice is as solid a body of work as they come and has us extremely eager for more. 2013 might just be the year of Keem de la Soul. Don't miss this album.

Spring Time Cometh

Spring is right around the corner. Which means goodbye to the scarves, jackets, and shoes you've been wearing the last few months. But don't fret, we've got your style inspiration covered below with some fascinating photos. As always they come courtesy of The Sartorialist, so if you find yourself needing a bit more inspiration you can head over to his site. Check out the photographs below and plan your Spring wardrobe accordingly. 

          

 

          

 

          

 

          

 

Still Hungover

They're back! The trio that the world watched tear apart both Las Vegas and Bangkok are returning to the place that started it all. This time there's no wedding, no bachelor party, but of course when the wolfpack gets together nothing is really safe.

The trailer that just released today (featured below) sees Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifianakis, and Ed Helms reprise their roles in what is suppose to the conclusion to the Hangover series. While we're a little skeptical that this will be the last film in the series we have now worries that it won't be a delight to watch. The film arrives Memorial Day, until then here's the trailer.

Wake Up

We can't stop listening to Keem de la Soul's debut EP, Winter Solstice. Though he's new and up and coming his repertoire doesn't reveal it. The South Carolina based rapper delivers lyrics like a seasoned pro; lyrics that would make veterans of the game stop and listen.

The full EP is out now, but we wanted to take a second and feature one of the stand-out tracks from Winter Solstice. "Wake Up" catches Keem spitting verses rapid-fire. It's fast, fluid, and, well, music to your ears. The newcomer raps about his rising fame and his focus on being the best MC that he can. Wake Up serves as a wake-up call to any and all who might be sleeping on Keem. Make sure you don't fall into that catergory. Keem de la Soul is here to stay. Give it a listen below and leave some feedback in the comments.

Black Flag

Assassin's Creed III was one of our favorite games of last year. The combat, breath-taking visuals, and historical setting made it fun, thrilling, and joy to experience. Naturally, we have been looking forward to where Ubisoft would take the franchise next, however we didn't think we'd have a follow-up appear so soon.

Not that we're complaining though. Monday, publisher Ubisoft announced Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. The new game features a new hero who isn't just an assassin but a pirate, the likes of which the legendary Blackbeard himself fears. The hero is Edward Kenway, father of Haytham Kenway from AC3. Take a your first look at AC4 with the premiere trailer below... just try not to drool all over yourself.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag arrices Oct. 29