New images in the sketchbook and tattoo gallery for y’all to peep before I put it in overdrive for the weekend and then bounce on out to Sauble beach on Monday for some much needed R&R, BBQ, and BEACH VOLLEYBALL with the fam!

My reliable, ass-kickin girl that takes me wherever I want to go. After a headache of paperwork obstacles, I’m finally starting to become acquainted with her, and there’s a lot about her that I really enjoy. She can keep up with other bigger bikes, loves wrappin around twisties, and best of all, she doesn’t have “Ninja” scrawled on her side, ’cause she’s OG and incognito about it. Initially, I wasn’t too crazy about the red on her, eventhough red is my favorite color, but they’ve really grown on me. The colorway is pretty rare in The Dot. Her name originates from a combination of her pearlescent white which strikes up a heavenly vibe to me, and my Godmother, Emily, who passed away a few months back. I hope that she will protect me when I’m on the road.

To all the peeps behind the wheel out there: I see you pullin’ that stupid shit every now and then. Please keep your eyes open for other riders.

I promised some announcements.

Here’s the first one: My wife, Mikka‘s photography has been selected for an upcoming show at the Leslie Lohman Gallery in the art and food mecca of the world, bright and busy, NYC. One of the two shots that was chosen by the gallery includes Yours Truly done up in drag. You can peep the photograph here. It’s the one with the one where I’m lying down. Despite totally tripping on the fact that someone may actually purchase this shot, we’re pretty stoked, as that shot made two dreams come true: Mikka had the opportunity to do a shoot in her style and receive recognition, and I finally got to explore the taboo world of drag. That week in June is going to find her in NYC accompanied by her wonderful Papadukes, while I’ll be in sunny Los Angeles to reach the Iron n’ Ink convention in Longbeach, as well as attending a huge shop opening after wrapping up my convocation ceremony here at the University of Toronto. Hard work really does pay off, doesn’t it?

With finals about to rear their ugly head in my direction, I had the opportunity to work with Scarlet O’Neill, who is so talented and driven. She is in the process of putting together an installation called Inked, and revolves around, you guessed it, tattoos and every individual’s unique stories behind their chosen ink. If you are tattooed, doesn’t matter how big or small, and have always had the desire to have yourself shot by someone who has an incredibly crisp vision, please do not hesitate to get into contact with her. From what I have seen of the shots so far, I love what she has done and I am anticipating checking out the rest of the flicks. For a preview of what she was able to capture, you can go and peep it here

Here are images of a tattoo I did on Emily and Nikki. Emily has a knack for getting pieces in outrageous spots, and this side of the head bird was no exception.

Nikki came to me wanting a really beautiful and elaborate halfsleeve. What she had envisioned was a native woman caught in a moment of sheer ecstasy (her idea, not mine, surprisingly) surrounded by flowers with a dreamcatcher in the background to showcase her Native background. Her native name literally translates to “wildflower woman,” so this is what I ended up doing for her. As you can see, it’s just the line work, but I’m pretty happy about the foundations I’ve laid down, and she’s just as, if not more stoked than I am on it. We’ve got quite a few sessions to go, but I can already tell this one’s gonna be a doozy.

Stay up, My People.

Took a pause from the usual hustle to attend a few social functions and let loose for a change. Thursday brought about a handful of bouts thanks to Counterpunch Production’s Brawl on Bay St. VI. Noteworthy happenings included a hit that left one contender out like a light, ten toes up. It’s especially amazing because I happened to look away for that split second when that connection was made. I always seem to miss the good stuff.

We also had good great ringside seats right behind the soundboard. (This one’s for y’all that turned down my extra ticket opportunity..) Peep the view:

Not too shabby right? Once that was over, I made my way over to link up with the crew for our weekly boogeyfest down at Li’ly Lounge, which can be found in the Little Italy area of the Tdot. If you’re down with soulful and funky house grooves and wanna jam with a no-hate-on crowd, then this place is definitely something you should reach. (My homegirl, Lucia also assures me that this is a great Saturday night “film lounge” spot. I was astounded to learn that these days thats what all the kiddies are calling “afterhours.” I guess I wouldn’t know anymore because I haven’t been found kickin it in any of those places in enough time. Anyway, back to the original topic at hand.) DJ Dirty Dale and his crew always have us cuttin up nuff carpet into the later hours of the agro mack, and I’m more than certain they’ll have the same effect on you too. One thing I love about house jams as well, is the mixed crowds especially when it means that I get to see my bboy’s!

Here’s a track I’ve been grooving to on the regular ever since we started hitting up Li’ly’s a month ago:

I’ve got so much to hitchu all up on, update wise that I’m afraid it’ll have to wait til tomorrow. I can definitely guarantee you that it’ll be packed with dope images of shots I did with photographer Scarlet O’Neill, new sketchbook material as well as new ink that I’ve been busy slangin’ onto happy clients, old and new. I’ve also got a major announcement to make that I’m bursting with, so be sure to stay tuned and peep back quickfast, pamilya!