Now on Tumblr!

We've relocated the blog to tumblr. Please keep following us at our new site.

Jam of the Day - 2pac & Joe Sample

Check out Joe Sample doing his thing. So soulful that Pac had to sample it for a track dedicated to his moms. Joe Sample has a really unique soulful sound to his jazz, so I encourage everyone to check him out.

RIP Baatin

We just want to say RIP to Slum Village's Baatin. Our thoughts go out to his friends and family. This photo was taken by Kinga at Rock the Bells. Be sure to check out her photography....

Curtis

Check out this new Curtis Mayfield print comin out of our studio. It is an edition of 6 entitled "move on up". Curtis is pictured in front of the Cabrini Green housing projects, where he spent some time as a young man. I've included some of my favorite curtis mayfield tracks with it as well. If you like these check out more of our stuff.

District Nine Pre-Screening

I've heard nothing but great reviews about this flick. Next wednesday a pre-screening will be held at AMC river east. Enter to get free tickets at www.aintitcool.com!

The Primeridian and Black Spade TONIGHT!

Thursday July 30th @ the Shrine 2109 S. Wabash. South Loop. Hear It Live featuring The Primeridian and Black Spade. MC'ed by Anacron. $10 cover. Doors open at 9. Valet parking available. Good Bean in da CAUwFEEE!!!!!!!!

Leroy's Soul Jam of the Day Three 6-Willie Hutch

Nothing need be said.

Leaves of Change Bag Restocked!

We've restocked our beautiful double sided leaves of change bag. It is now available for purchase in the store. One side of the bag shows the changing autumn colors and the other displays the tree in it's spring transformation. We restocked this bag due to popular demand, so we encourage you to contact us with anything that's on your mind.

Leroy's Soul Jam of the Day - Leon Haywood, Snoop, Dre

Both great songs. Is the female moaning in the background a bit oversexed? Leon doesn't think so...neither do I.

Leroy's Soul Jam of the Day - Isley Brothers, Ice Cube

Are we really sure...can a love that lasted for so long still endure?

Leroy's Jam of the Day- Otis Redding and Marly Marl

Gotta love the wild west theme in this Juice crew video.

Leroys Jam of the Day BIG & Bobby Caldwell

Bobby Caldwell is probably the most soulful white singer I've ever heard....All you soul jam of the day fans, don't hesitate to leave comments on the videos!

The Hurt Locker

Saw this last night. Easily one of the best movies of the year. Currently, this film is only playing at a handful of theaters around the city, however, it is set to expand soon. Check it out. It's a blast.

Run, Blago, Run

Artist Ray Noland, who became famous for his blago graffiti, will be headlining an art show appropriately titled "Run, Blago, Run". The exhibit features over a dozen artists and opens today (friday, July 24th). Heres a sneak peak :

http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/chi-run-blago-run-gallery,0,2483947.photogallery

Show starts: Friday at 6 pm and runs until sunday. The gallery is located at : 1925 N. Milwaukee Ave. Check it out!

Leroys Soul Jam of the Day - Smokey Robinson

Smokey Robinson will be performing tomorrow, Saturday July 25 at Morton Arboretum in a Chicago suburb tomorrow. He was a veritable hit machine in the Motown days. Some of his most famous songs include "The Tracks of my Tears", "I Second That Emotion" and "You've Really Got a Hold on Me." There are many, many more hits. The show is $50 and starts at 7 p.m. so if you've got the money you should definitely go. This is "Quiet Storm", later sampled in the De La Track "Breakadawn".

Star Spangled Skyline for ladies

We just got this tee for women in the store. We apologize to all the ladies for the delay!

Leroy's Jam of the day

Stan Getz was a big player in the bossa nova movement, a style of jazz that began in the 1950s and used samba rhythms extensively. This track was sampled by the great J Dilla in Pharcyde's "Runnin" off of LabCabinCalifornia.

New Do or Die Ft. Twista and JP

Hot new joint from Do or Die....

Leroy's Soul Jam of the Day - Marvin & Talib

This track is from Marvin Gaye's album "Here My Dear". After he had recently divorced with his wife, Marvin had to give the proceeds from this album to her as damages. "Here my Dear" is one of his most emotionally charged albums. Sampled by Hi-Tek in "Time" ft. Talib Kweli

Leroy's Soul Jam of the Day 7/20 Ahmad Jamal

You could argue that this is more jazz than soul...but its some soulful ass jazz, there's no argument about that. This is "Swahiland" by Ahmad Jamal. It was sampled later on by the great J Dilla for De La Soul's "Stakes is High". Enjoy!

DE LA MIXTAPE

check it out: http://www.sendspace.com/file/zh4zft
"Sweet Dreams" is straight FIRE. Thanks to whoever is hosting this out there in the matrix!.

Soul jam of the Day - Curtis - Kung Fu.

I could go on for weeks strictly posting my favorite Curtis Mayfield tracks. For now I've selected 'Kung Fu'. Curtis was from Chicago's Cabrini Green Projects before he dropped out of high school and joined the Impressions, who were a Motown Hit. Enjoy

Leroys Soul Jam of the Day 7/18

Girl you're welcome, stop on by!

Leroys Soul Jam of the Day 7/17

Before hip hop there was Gil Scott Heron, a poet whose spoken word pieces and songs dealt with the issues surrounding life in America, particularly in the ghetto, in the 1970s. His spoken word provides an interesting snapshot of the realities of that time. Truly one of the best of his time.

Not everyone knows: Rams in Apple.

I'm guessing Laurent gave me carte blanche to start blogging so I'll start with an interesting conversation my neighbour brought up. I'm sure in the designer and art community it has known for years that the 1960s and 70s Braun electronics look quite similar to the revolutionary Apple electronics emerging now.

The genius behind Braun, as my neighbour goes on, is Deiter Rams. Rams was obsessed about minimalism and believed that design should melt away leaving the product with only function and form. It was said that Rams' office was completely white save a small orange pack of smokes on his desk.

Deiter Rams also forged his style from the self founded ten commandments of design, which are listed below, I also added a few pictures on the similarities, but if you Google it there hundreds more. Sorry Ives.

Good design is innovative
Good design makes a product useful
Good design is aesthetic
Good design helps a product to be understood
Good design is unobtrusive
Good design is honest
Good design is durable
Good design is consistent to the last detail
Good design is concerned with the environment
Good design is a s little design as possible

Leroys Soul Jam of the Day 7/16

Classic from Stevie, this album is probably one of the greatest albums of all time, of any genre of music.

Leroy's Soul Jam of the Day

Classic Jam from EWF

Pugs Atomz feat. the Primeridian and Wes Restless

Check out this new video shot by Pugs Atomz.

H.O.V.A

Rap mogul Jay-Z will be in Chicago Tuesday, July 7th for one of only a handful of concerts scheduled around the US this month. The Grammy award-winning artist is backed by a live band and singer/song writer Ciara. Jay said this concert tour will give him a chance to "connect with the fans" as the tour moves around major cities including Chicago, Atlanta, Phoenix and Las Vegas. According to Ciara's Twitter page, the duo could hit upto ten cities in both the US and Canada. The show is scheduled to take place at Chicago's very own Charter One Pavilion which offers an incredible skyline backdrop with a smaller, more intimate crowd setting.
Both Jay and Ciara will be promoting their new albums, "Fantasy Ride" and "The Blueprint 3." Jay's next album is set to release September 11th, 2009 and is produced almost entirely by Chicago's very own, Kanye West. According to the released track list, the album features hard-hitting artists such as Eminem, Andre 3000, Scarface and Nas. Needless to say, we're all very excited. See you tuesday, Jigga!

Bye Bye BG

Ben Gordon agreed in principle to a deal with our rivals the Detroit Pistons yesterday. Although he turned down 2 deals worth over $50 million from the Bulls the past two summers, BG has agreed to a contract that will pay him around $55 million over the next 5 seasons. Detroit is looking to improve their roster at the guard position and the Bulls didn't want to cough up the elite-player money Gordon has been asking for. I'm going to have to agree with the Bulls move to let Gordon go.
Gordon is a streaky shooter, albeit clutch in late game situations. However, he has just as much a chance at shooting your team out of a game as keeping them in the game. He is a small guard, and he scores remarkably well for someone his size. His size makes it more likely that he will hack up shots rather than get to the paint and the line, which is the difference between him and elite guards. He also plays absolutely no defense, making him a liability on the floor when he isn't putting up points. Gordon had some very clutch games this postseason, and the Bulls were a better team with him than they are now without him. But if the Bulls are going to make a serious bid at someone from the 2010 free agent class, which includes Melo, Wade, Lebron and Chris Bosh, they can't afford to spend $60 million+ for scoring off the bench.
However no one in Chicago will ever forget this shot, the best bulls playoff moment post-MJ.
So farewell to little Ben...........

the fineprint goes to canada ey?

Pass the Barock made a recent appearance abroad when the primeridian graced Toronto with some Chicago-style hip-hop. Thanks to Jaytoo for the photo. 

Blagojevich Art

The funny thing about political scandal is the artistic response it often incites. These stenciled pieces of Blagojevich have been popping up around the city. The graphic was created by Ray Noland, but he denies having anything to do with the spray painted pieces. Check out more of Ray Noland's work.  Be sure to check out our Blago art as well. 

Dog

Cause non-humans wearing human clothing is always funny.

NEW GEAR

We have plenty of new gear in the store. Here are a couple of highlights....

RIP to Micheal

Few figures in our generation have been as polarizing as Michael Jackson. His music made him a global icon and his tours sold out everywhere from the UK to Japan. His death at the young age of 50 is an ending to his bizarre and puzzling life and career, which started in the late '60s as the lead singer of the family band, the Jackson 5 under the Motown Label. MJ went on to have enormous success as an individual artist with his killer record "Thriller" which sold hundreds of millions of albums worldwide. However, in the last 20 years MJ was in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons; His numerous plastic surgeries and publicized sexual assault lawsuit landed him extensive negative publicity.
Despite his recent troubles, one cannot deny that Micheal Jackson among the greatest entertainers of all time and dramatically changed the history of music. He was the most important pop icon of the 1980s and his choreography will definitely never be forgotten. One of his overlooked accomplishments was introducing pop-locking to mainstream America. You've probably tried to moonwalk at the club after a few too many gin & tonics...lord knows I have. Though his hits were a little before my time, I was no stranger to his music. As a young kid I had the "Bad" tape and bumped it for hours on end, until the tape ribbon came off the spools. Even though my parents wouldn't buy me a new one, it didn't matter. I could sing 'Man in the Mirror' by heart and didn't need it anymore. RIP to Micheal Jackson.

I leave you with my favorite 5 Michael Jackson songs (Click the link to watch the youtube vid)
5. I'll Be There (Jackson 5)
4. I Want You Back (Jackson 5)
3. Rock with You
2. Thriller
1. Billie Jean

Donors Choose

The Fineprint recently got this thank you package from the recipients of our recent art donation to Donors Choose.org, a site where public school teachers can have their independent projects privately funded. A couple of months back, TFP funded a project to get a public school class airbrushing supplies. It looks like they are well on their way to making fine airbrush art and tees. You can read more about the fineprint and donor's choose at fnprnt.com. Make sure to visit Donors Choose to see how you can help public schools. 

Leroy's Dub Smokin Mix

All reggae heads check out this mix, with jams from sister nancy, the skatalites, gladiators, the scientist, eek-a-mouse and more.

Fried Hard, with Hau't Sauce

Everybody loves shopping online, but now you can catch some fineprint gear in stores! Hurry up and get over to Hau't Sneaker Boutique at 5360 W. Division for this exclusive shirt.

Here are a few tips when eating some of that famous Chicago chicken everybody must be thinking of right now:

1. Bring your own napkins...you only get one with your meal, and depending on the location, you may be charged for extras.

2. Use your wonder bread as a napkin. The white bread is surprisingly and conveniently absorbent and makes sure non of that delicious sauce goes to waste.

3. Use one of your slices of bread to make a fry sandwich and add some fried chicken skin in there. Mmmmm hmmm!!!

4. Please stick to the chicken. I was with a friend who tried to order a hot dog....it was unfortunate to say the least...

His Airness

Check out more Chicago art work at the fineprint store.

Boy Kings

Much love to Boy Kings for the fabulous feature on The fineprint. Check it out!

Boy Kings is the place to go for music, culture and Chicago lifestyle. Make sure to check their web-based magazine frequently.

Sean Hallisey.

The fineprint announces a new contributor to its blog. Sean Hallisey has been in El Salvador documenting the country's social movements. You can see more of his work at his blog. Sean's work will be featured in our art gallery soon. As always, feel free to share your thoughts by commenting.

FP Behind the Scenes

No dirty factory. No foreign country. No disturbing labor practices. Just 100% chi. Printed by our boy leroy in the FP's studio in the south side's lovely Hyde Park neighborhood (Obama land) The FP makes ALL garments by hand. SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES!

Primeridian + Rakim

Check out The Primeridian's Race getting down on the Fineprint's Stimulus of Style package at the Chicago group's recent concert with Rakim. Be sure to check out the Primeridian's most recent album "Da Mornin Afta". It's that Chicago fire. Props to Kinga for the photos!

Chicago Bulls

This nice little home stretch that the bulls have put together has me reminiscing about the good old days. The days when you knew whose jersey to buy and you knew you would be watching the bulls come June.... These photos were taken at Saturday's game vs the Hornets. Thanks to Didier Varlet for the excellent action shots. Contact us if you would like to buy an 8.5" x 11" printout.

Fresh Off the Press

Check out the new styles available at the Fineprint. The Chi-Scraper and Star-Spangled Sky-line tees can be found in our men's section. Stay tuned for more updates from the FP.

Official Fineprint Press Release

What up Fineprint Fans,
We have added the new LP Zoo Bag to our women's section and new styles to our men's section. Check out our new Facebook and Myspace pages and check back soon for new apparel and accessories.
Stay Fresh,
The FP



FP Press Release/ March 7th. 2009

The Fineprint Chicago: Chicago Style Fashion and Art Company gets involved in local community.

The Fineprint Chicago combines the elements of quality, originality and local inspiration to create clothing that is truly Chicago-style. Formed by three Chicago natives in 2008, this design company designs and hand prints apparel that represents the heart, art and streets of Chicago. From the majestic skyline to the el, and the Lincoln Park Zoo, the Fineprint’s designs capture the city’s imagery and speak to a local crowd. Through their online boutique the Fineprint features talented local artists, and the very artists that create the designs handprint the clothing. While the Fineprint captures the city’s beauty, it also strives to improve the less glamorous parts of Chicago. The Fineprint dedicates a part of sales to fund artistic projects through Donor’s Choose, a website where public school teachers can find private donors to fund their independent projects. Recently, the Fineprint helped fund a project to provide a south-side school with supplies to start airbrushing. An owner of the company also gave the class a tutorial to help them get started with their new art supplies. The Fineprint also only uses water-based non toxic inks on its garments to keep its employees and the environment safe and happy.

Haut Boutique Fashion show

Check out the scene at the last Haut Boutique fashion show.

LP Zoo handbag

What up FP fans, new handbag available Feb 20th/09 at www.fnprnt.com.

Primeridian Show

Check out the Primeridian rocking some fresh Fineprint gear at their show in Chicago.

Welcome All

What up. Welcome to the official FP blog site. Feel free to leave comments, feed back, or just your thoughts.

the fp