Let’s take a trip to the library and see what inspires laidback. laidback is inspired by the streets, with a high regard for hip hop. Before laidback could even come at you we had to get our game tight which means keeping our minds right so we studied “Think and Grow Rich A Black Choice” by Dennis Kimbro, I told you guys how hype I was too meet him last month. “How to Be A Guide to Contemporary Living for African Americans” by Harriet Cole who is now heading it up over at Ebony magazine is a muct read for proper decorum. Now for design inspiration I run to Martha Coopers’ Hip Hop Files and Subway Art, as well as Sneaker Freaker, the book and the site. I have collected and read so many books and want so many more, that I think at some point I am going to add an amazon book store to the site with my picks, because there are so many more like Tricia Guild Pattern: Using Pattern to Create Sophisticated, Show Stopping Interiors, and Marimekko: Fabrics, Fashion, Architecture, these two books are great resources for color and pattern, while the pattern itself might not be your style the layouts and the color usage and graphics is bananas! Like I said there is so much more, later this week I will also hit you with some of the best magazines that inspire from all over the world that inspire laidback. While kickin back stylishly, chilling at the pad bedecked in laidback, don’t just be stylish, read style.

I had the privilege of partying with the publishers of a great new magazine that is representing the voice of our youth, Say It Loud a few weeks ago.
I met Kayinde through a friend at dinner one night and we chatted about goals and what we are doing. She left me with one of the issues that was a great read form cover to cover. Great styling, interviews and real talk all written and produced by our future… teens and young adults. It is a must read. I also had the good fortune to advertise in the current issue. Check out the site, become their friend, and pass it on.

The talented tenth are in the room.. Excuses are reasons for inactivity…

These are words from the prolific speaker, entrepreneur, author, man that has helped to shape me. The Laidback lifestyle is not for all, but if you are down you gotta be about becoming educated as much as about being and living fly. So I thought it would be cool to jump off the blog and the lifestyle by introducing you all to Dennis Kimbro. I first learned of him I believe my last year of HS or first year of undergrad, his book Think and Grow Rich: A Black Choice, had me on fire, wanting to utilize the other 90% of brain power that is said that we don’t use. If you don’t read but one book this year make it this one. I had the privilege of meeting him earlier this evening at an afterwork mixer, and did the man speak, inspire, ignite and challenge. I am on fire!! The collection is on fire and about to ignite. So watch out.