It's All Academic - Mishka and Das Racist

 LIFESTYLE:

MISHKA HOLIDAY 2010 LOOKBOOK

Mishka NYC

Looking for something FREE and interesting to do; clicked through Flavorpill and decided on an in-store performance from Das Racist.  Checked out the Mishka NYC site to see what was up with the spot. Mishka's flagship shop is under the train tracks in South Williamsburg on Broadway blocks, yet a world away, from destinations like Dressler's, Marlowe and Sons, Fatty Cue,  and Peter Luger's. Landing on Mishka's Holiday 2010 Lookbook, I was surprised to see an edgy, interpretation of prep/jock/collegiate with hallmarks of Mishka's origins in skater, Si Fi, streetwear and graphic tee culture. Page turning editorial photography by Elizabeth Weinberg sorta made me forget the night was about new music. 

The plan was to meet my friend Adam; check out Das Racist; see what was hot about Mishka. People cued down the block before 7p show. We met across the street at Trophy Bar. Had a Miller High Life. Went back to Mishka. Das Racist had spit their rhymes and the turntables were being packed up at 8p sharp. Punctual set! Sucked for us. Stayed and looked around the space. Checked out the photo exhibit of Insane Clown Posse fans (Juggalos) by Jason Shaltz who followed the band on a US tour. Mishka has a curated calendar of events and installations  that are expositions of and expansions on the Mishka brand. 

These days Mishka spans its roots in graphic tees and caps branching out to vinyl toys (Lamour Supreme, Secret Base, Cure Toys), a record label, NSFW pin-up girl calendar and now this sleek, retro meets skater cut and sew line of clothing. Next Wave street cred, hitting platforms and keeping a poignant point of view.

MUSIC:

Clicked around to learn more about Das Racist and their burgeoning pop status beyond cultural meme.

photo: Caroline Mort

For a relatively new duo that is really a trio, Das Racist has kicked up a lot of dust since 2008 and garnered a lot of ink. I listened to the "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell"and found it funny in a Cypress Hill, stoner humor way. BUT lurking below the surface of "Sit Down, Man", there is a thick layer of smarty pants, academic cultural and social deconstructionism. Das Racist stands in the Next Wave street cred fast lane. Still bumming, I missed Das Racist close-up and free before they embark on a world tour. Listen up.

Enjoy!

Cooking Lounge