Half Man Half Amazing

Perhaps the most celebrated and influential rapper to ever grace the microphone. This introspective, intellectual and charismatic emcee has been able to bridge the gap between hardcore and commercial rap with his sophomore classic "It Was Written". His debut album "Illmatic" is etched in the minds of youths from the projects to the suburbs and has even been included in the curriculums of some progressive college professors. Nasir Jones gave birth to a million emcees when he claimed "When I was twelve/ I went to hell for snuffin' Jesus". He also stated "I'm wavin' automatic guns at nuns"; it was this sacreligious style that set him apart from his contemporaries, but it didn't take long for them to catch on. AZ (a long time friend and collaborator) stated the following on his debut album "Doe Or Die": "I'll pistol whip a priest for a cross piece/ I'm rather unique". The Notorious B.I.G utilized the style as well, and the list goes on. This, however illustrates just a fraction of
Mr. Jones' influence. "It Was Written" sparked a trend in rap of glorification and emulation of organized crime which carried over into "The Firm" (a highly anticipated rap super group that featured the production skills of Dr. Dre, and combined lyrical abilities of AZ, Nature, Nas, Cormega, and Foxy Brown.) Nas took on the moniker and alter ego of "Nas Escobar", as a result of his fascination with Pablo Escobar, and began glorifying narcotic trafficking(namely cocaine). This style is most evident in the track "Affirmative Action", and best illustrated in a single line by Cormega in the song: "the nigga's dead on/ a key of heron/ they found his head on/ the couch with his dick in his mouth/ I put the hit out". Perhaps it was grotesque, overly violent lyrics like these that cost Cormega his spot in The Firm. In any case, there has been bad blood between Nas and Cormega ever since "It Was Written". Some would argue that Nas represents a commercially successful version of Cormega minus the street cred, never the less, Nas remains the iconic father of Queensbridge, and to a plethora of successful rap artists. More on Nas in the days to come, but right now it's Halftime!

A Message From The White Lion...

Back from a prolonged hiatus, the Lionheads and Clarks staff is rejuvinated and happy to have been linked to the online presence of the Motherf#@kingEWC. Although we here at Lionheads & Clarks cannot condone such vulgar behavior, it is refreshing to see people with a fresh approach to "blogging". We will now continue to look at style icons of the twentieth century, beginning with everyone's favorite Afrocentric Asian...

Peter, Sammy, Dean and Frank...

As a member of the tightly knit group of performers dubbed "The Rat Pack", Frank could often be seen at the casinos with a drink and a cigarette in one hand and a dame in the other. While he had already achieved great heights as an entertainer and earned international admiration and acclaim, his days as a member of the Rat Pack brought the singer to iconic status.

Sinatra & La Cosa Nostra

The feds always suspected that Frank was tied up in mob activities. This photo was taken backstage at a Westchester, NY performance. Among the mafiosi pictured with "Old Blue Eyes" are Frank Castellano (murdered by Gotti) and Carlo Gambino. Frank does look pretty comfortable around those guys. The FBI has an extensive file on Sinatra's envolvement with the mob. None of these allegations seemed to hinder Frank's career.

The Chairman of the Board

Frank always had a way with the ladies which landed him in the Bergen County Jail for a charge that no longer exists...seducing a young woman.

Style Icons of the 21st Century: Pt. I

A look back at some of the most influential people in fashion, style, and art. These individuals had such unique personal style that entire genres and or lifestyles were created for them. We begin with the "Chairman of the Board" himself, Mr. Frank Sinatra.

Welcome to Lionheads & Clarks...

Lionheads & Clarks is a celebration of style and fashion in the twentyfirst century. You will find a plethora of inspirational images in addition to commentary from young entrepreneurs in the clothing industry. We also hope to cover a wide variety of trends as well as events. Please join us as we look toward the future and celebrate the past.