It is with great regret that I inform you, our friends, that after a 3 year relationship, we will be closing the Brick and Mortar location of Made To Order. This decision, while not an easy one, was wrestled with and we finally decided that it was the best option. We will however continue to bring forth pending projects such as Billy Penn Garments, Made For The Road, The Made brand, and the higher cut and sew tier, Fait. These projects will be dropping soon, so don’t worry, we will be around. Thank you for your support over the last 3 years, and we hope you choose to continue the support.

Today, marks the 13th year anniversary of the day that one of, if not the greatest mc of all time returned to the essence. For those of you who are old enough to remember, there was nothing like the release of a new BIG joint, even if he was just on the hook. Everything he touched instantly became a classic, upgrading sub-par artists like Shaquille O’Neal. BIG only released two studio albums, but some argue that these are two of the greatest hip hop albums ever invented. Known for his gruffy voice, and his confident flow, despite his appearance, we celebrate BIG’s life.

This past weekend, I had the privilege, to view a French film which has been causing quite the stir in Europe. Already the winner of The Movie Of The Year at the 2010 Cesar awards, Un Prophete is a gripping ride through a reality that not many of us will have encounter.

The movie begins with Malik El Djebena, a 19 year old illiterate Arab who is sent to a French prison for a 6 year bid, apparently convicted of assaulting a police officer. The film immediately takes you on a high speed ride through the eyes of El Djebena’s prison initiation of having his sneakers stolen from seasoned inmates. This proves to be the only lesson he needs to be taught of the value of friends inside. Shortly after this, Malik is introduced to Cesar, the imprisoned Mob boss whose control reaches not just throughout the prison, but as far as Corsica and neighboring European countries. Cesar coerces Malik into doing a favor for him, which officially begin’s Malik’s criminal career, and his education of the Parisian underworld. Packed with car chases, drug deals gone bad, and an intimate portrayal of life behind the walls, Un Prophete will definitely keep you glued to the screen for 2 1/2 hours.

3.5 P’s out of 4

February 21st marks the anniversary of the date of death of one of the most intelligent minds to ever fight for the rights of the African in America. Throughout his short lived life, Malcolm accomplished more than men with twice as many years on this planet. Regardless of your religious beliefs, don’t allow that to hinder your celebration of a modern day hero

Gilbere Forte has linked up with clothing brand Black Scale and drops this mixtape sampler titled ‘Black Scale Presents: Gilbere Forte Is Black’. The mixtape features Gilbere’s single ‘Black Chukkas’ along with tracks ‘The Color Black’ and his ‘I’m So Appalled’ freestyle. Download the mixtape here : http://gilbereforte.com/

Our good friend Pat and his business associates have been working hard over this past year with their company, Chwuny.  They recently released a few tees, which we carry here and sponsored an in-store event, where they gave away tons of free pretzels.  Well all their work has paid off, and the magazine is now done.

Check the cover art below and the beginning of the article that was written on Made.

Follow the link for the entire magazine.

Chwuny The Magazine

Steve ESPO Powers is about to open the Love Letter Tattoo Shop for a week long takeover, where the only available tattoo’s will be of Steve Powers’ art.  The takeover is set up alongside ESPO’s release of the Love Letter book documenting his public art project Love Letter in Philadelphia.

Yung Dulz : Highway

The homie Yung Dulz The Champ out of Moneyland just released the video to his first single Highway. As Dulz told me, this song is for everyone that has to put it on the highway, either to eat, for family, or for loved ones. This song is for the hustle in all of us.

PhilaLIVE!!! Two Year Anniversary & Volunteer Drive
featuring Babel

Thursday, February 4, 2010

@ The Underground - 13th & Montgomery Ave (Lower level of the Student Activity Center on Temple U’s campus)

Doors open @ 7:30pm, Show starts @ 8pm

Live Music | Live Painting | Open Mic

Cover: $7