THE ORIGINATORS!

This month's spotlight goes to The Originators.




PRESS RELEASE


The Originators Clothing & Skate Brand Honors the Pioneers of Hip-Hop

The Originators is the original Hip-Hop Streetwear brand committed to the education of the early years of Hip-Hop; honoring the DJs, MCs, Graffiti Writers, and B-Boys that helped pave its way.

"After 30 years of Hip-Hop it was time to look back and give credit and respect to those that helped build it," says founder Adam Bach. "These guys, and still many others, built its very foundation. Hip-Hop is a strong Culture today, and it's time we learn who was instrumental in its conception and growth."

The Originators was started in 2004, by then filmmaker Adam Bach. "I had a strong desire to tell these guys stories in films. One day, I got the idea. Instead of taking money that I didn't have and 2 years of my life to tell one guys story, I could tell all of the early Pioneers stories in t- shirts and in clothing. With every shirt we would include a hang-tag with a biography of the person on the shirt so that the consumer could learn more about that individual. I saw it as an opportunity to educate on the early years of Hip-Hop, and on those responsible for its growth. That's when I got the idea for The Originators."

Obviously Mr. Bach is passionate about what he does as he tells me more. "Every Artist involved in this thing, is under a per-unit licensing deal, so the Artist makes money on every shirt sold bearing their name and likeness. This was very important to us when setting up the company. I wanted the Originator to make money as the company made money. They do well as we do well, and that's the way it should be."

When asked about the company's strategy and growth in the marketplace Mr. Bach answered, "I know this sounds funny but we want to grow organically, almost grassroots, like the Hip-Hop Movement itself. There will be other lines that try to do what we have done. They will saturate the marketplace in an attempt to make money... but the key in this thing is to do things with integrity and to do things correct, historically. We have a large responsibility here and we know it."

The line has honored such great Originators as: Kurtis Blow, Melle Mel, the Cold Crush Brothers, Love Bug Starski, GrandWizzard Theodore, Grand Master Caz, Prince Whipper Whip, DJ Disco Wiz, Jo Jo - Founder of the Rock Steady Crew, Mr. Freeze, Brother J, Wanda Dee, Tracy 168, Taki 183, Daze, and Stay High 149. Since 2004 The Originators has gone outside their comfort zone of Hip-Hop to honor such people as Gandhi, Roberto Clemente, Chick Hearn, and great sports teams like the 1985 Lakers and the great Yankees of yesterday's past. When asked about this Mr. Bach adds, "We are grounded in Hip-Hop. That is the foundation from which this company has been built and that is who we are as people. But as well rounded people that continue to be inspired and continue to grow, we have many interests that lie outside of Hip-Hop. It is with these many interests that we choose to introduce to our customer... It is
important in today's day and age to be diverse as a brand. We will continue to strive for diversity while remaining true to our foundation and true to our core customer. We will continue to honor more and more Originators because there are so many out there that deserve it!"

The Originators recently opened a flagship store in the Fairfax District of Los Angeles known as The Originators Store LA which exclusively sells Originators’ clothes, skateboards, and more.

The Originators Store LA is located at:
142 N. Hayworth Ave.,
LA, Calif. 90048.

The Originators is sold worldwide and online. For more information about The Originators and retailers please visit: http://www.theoriginators.com/




About the founder:


Adam Bach was raised in Los Angeles, and later graduated NYU with a degree in English Literature with a specialization in writing. Adam then attended the America Film Institute and graduated with a Masters degree in film directing. It was at the American Film Institute that Adam had a strong passion to tell the stories of those that helped build Hip-Hop.


Thanks to Adam and Nicole for the samples!

HMG has arrived!

Here's a look at the brand that made Spotlight for December 2008.

HMG - Home Made Goods

Backdrop.

HMG has roots from the Bay Area, but San Antonio, Texas is home. When the founders settled in, they immediately had visions of contributing to the street culture. They quickly realized that San Antonio was different than Californa in more ways than one. HMG made it a point to connect with the local shoe heads and subculture proponents, making it clear that HMG wanted to join the local family without the snobby "you guys are years behind Cali" attitude. What they found was a core group of people who love and live the same subculture they did.

HMG takes their latch-key Cali kid roots, old school hip-hop upbringing, otaku transportation culture, street fashion love and pours it all into their artistic expressions. These are 'keys' to what HMG is and everyone has keys. Every line and every design has a message that reflects HMG personality.

HMG is an avenue of artistically expressing what's real not only in the lives that make HMG possible, but ours as well. Unlike some brands out there, HMG has a deep faith in Jesus and what He has done and continues to do in their lives. Their designs may not connect with everyone, but each product is an expression of an inward reality.

I've had the opportunity to talk with Ken, one of the founders of HMG and if he is an indication of what HMG is to be, then I can confidently say that HMG will be a humble, true to their roots and successful brand. I am definitely keeping my eye on this brand. You should too!

For more information, please visit HMG.

Shadow Conspiracy 2008 Fall line

Sup_?!

Although I have a long list of brands I love and support, there are only a handful of brands that I currently and truly really like right now. And Shadow Conspiracy makes that handful. I ran across this brand browsing for bike parts and skulls on Google. I checked their site out and instantaneously I loved what their whole design. I got in touch with the Creative Director - Ronnie B. to find out more about the brand. A few talks through email and I quickly learned that Ronnie was one cool guy who's mission with the brand was inline with what I like - Simple, direct, creative and unique. So, with that in mind I give you a peak into Shadow Conspiracy's 2008 Fall line. Check their website on how and where to purchase their gear. I'm really diggin' the new Fall line as it really reflects on what's going on in this world today. Hits stores next week.

Drop a message to Ronnie and share your thoughts on Shadow - ron@sparkysdistribution.com.

This month's spotlight - Premier!

Every month I will showcase either a boutique or brand as part of my Monthly Spotlight. This month's spotlight goes to Premier in San Jose, CA. Premier opened its doors on November 24th, 2006 and has since then grown to become one of the South Bay's destination spot for sneakers and clothing. You'll find merchandise from brands like Nike, adidas, 10 Deep, Rock Smith, Hellz Bellz and Alife to name a few. Premier's location is prime as it is conveniently located less than a mile away from Santana Row, Valley Fair Mall and the 880 and 680 freeways. A plus for me is that it's just a 5 minute drive down Stevens Creek. If you're ever in the area then take my word, visit Premier and tell them JAYMATIK sent ya'. Cool store. Cool people.

For more information, please visit www.premierboutique.com

Aaron, Thanks again for the tees and your support!