Ross Dwyer, Author at Kicks-1-2

What Is It About The Jordan XI?

June 2, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

Anyone who’s into sneakers (and even a lot of people who aren’t) know: the Jordan XI causes mass hysteria every time it drops. From the summertime low-top releases, to the thirsted-after holiday release, XI’s cause sneakerheads, fashionistas, and Michael Jordan fans to lose their collective minds every time they drop.

I love Jordans, (I’s, III’s and IV’s especially), and I think the XI’s are dope, but I don’t love them as much as most people seem to. So I figured we’d take a journey together today. A journey in which we try to figure out why people love their XI’s so damn much. Let’s begin. read more

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VLONE Is Poised To Break Out In A Major Way

June 1, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

You’ve probably already seen the shirts. A$AP Rocky, Playboi Carti (above), and Virgil Abloh have all sported them. You’ve heard the music, Carti’s “Vlone Thug”. You might be wondering what VLONE is all about, or you may know already. Regardless, you need to know one thing: VLONE is poised to break out in a major way this summer/fall.

Don’t know much about the brand? Fear not, here’s a quick backstory. Started by A$AP Bari, a founding member of A$AP Mob, VLONE is a cult fashion brand that produces tees and hoodies. Although the classic VLONE graphic is the most recognizable (they’ve even collaborated with Off-White on a limited shirt), they also offer other graphics like their “Friends” logo tees. Originally, VLONE was only available through pop-up shops and Bari himself (if you were lucky), but now their online store is open, and the brand is available to the masses. read more

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Soundset 2016: My Thoughts/Experiences

May 31, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

Editor’s Note: All photos in this article courtesy of Adam DeGross. Be sure to follow him on Instagram to see even more of his work.

If you were at Soundset on Sunday, there’s a good chance you spent most of yesterday recovering. Kicking back and taking in everything you heard and experienced while you were at the State Fairgrounds, watching some of the best rappers in the world do their things. And if you’re like me, when you were done reminiscing on everything you’d seen, there was only one conclusion you could come to: It was lit. Super lit. 5-alarm fire lit. read more

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Music Mondays: May 30th

May 30, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

For this edition of Music Mondays, we’re bringing you a new banger courtesy of Cousin Stizz that’s sure to find a place in your music rotation. Here’s “Gain Green”, produced by DumDrumz

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Toasty Boys All Summer

May 29, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

Sunday. You’re probably doing one of two things today, getting ready for Soundset (like us), or sitting back and relaxing, preparing for the week ahead. Whatever it is that you may be doing, we’d like to run something by you…something that just might totally switch up your whole summer style.

What if we told you that you didn’t have to wear shorts and white tees all summer? That you didn’t have to stuff your jeans and hoodies into the back of the closet until the weather started cooling down once again? That’s right. You can join the Toasty Boys. read more

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Photo Recap: Piff Collection 002 Pre-Release Party

May 28, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

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This past Thursday, Piff thew a party to celebrate the release of their second apparel collection. The event featured DJ sets from DJ Boogie Wonderland and Phrol, Polaroids from Juice, and beer from Able Seedhouse + Brewery (a local craft beer company, far better than what you’ll usually find in a keg at most parties). Good vibes were flowing through the night, and the KicksOneTwo staff was on hand to capture the action.

All types of people came through to check out the clothes, grab a beer, and chill. read more

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Soundset: The Ins & Outs

May 27, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

There are few things that are more dope about living in Minnesota than Soundset. Every year, Minneapolis’s own Rhymesayers bring in the best hip-hop talent from across the country for an epic show that always makes memories for all in attendance.

And this year just might be the best year yet. There’s a new venue (Soundset has moved from Canterbury Park to the State Fairgrounds), and a dope lineup (A$AP Rocky, Future, The Roots, Common, and Anderson .Paak to name a few). What’s not to love? read more

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Take Flight: GoodKarmaNiles’s SPVCESHIP Is Here

May 26, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

Summer is upon us. It’s beautiful out in the Twin Cities, and you’re probably in need of some fire music to bump in your whip. Well, you’re in luck. GoodKarmaNiles just dropped his highly anticipated EP SPVCESHIP, produced entirely by RP Hooks, Ninety, and CONNYE.

The EP features ethereal-sounding production, car-rattling bass, and extremely relatable lyrics. It’s a conceptual project with a very distinct sound. Ever been through the struggle and came out stronger because of it? So has GoodKarmaNiles, and you’ll be able to relate to what he’s spitting through the whole project. It’s all about creating something that gets you to your destination and your goals, be it a spaceship or a car (GoodKarmaNiles loves fast cars). read more

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The Best Spots For Sneaker Photography In Minneapolis

May 25, 2016May 25, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

Minneapolis is a great city. It’s a melting pot of cultures, design, and art, and no matter where you’re at, be it far South or far North, you can always manage to find something dope. And if you like to take photos? Then you’re really in luck, as there’s tons of spots that provide scenic backdrops and great photo opps.

We love taking photos. Sneaker photos specifically (we are a sneaker-based website after all). Over our years of taking photos, we’ve developed a list of favorite places to go shoot…so we’re going to go ahead and list them off so you can get to snapping too. Without any further ado, here’s the best spots for sneaker photography in Minneapolis. read more

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Don’t Do It Fam! How To Avoid Mindless Copping

May 24, 2016 by Ross Dwyer

There’s really nothing quite like copping a new pair of kicks. The rush you get when you see something that you like and you cop it is a unique and extremely enjoyable feeling, and when you’re borderline obsessed with buying shoes, you tend to want that new-cop feel over and over again. However, in this case, you can have too much of a good thing.

In the pursuit of that rush, you may find yourself doing a lot of mindless copping. See shoe, like, shoe, buy shoe. See how thinking wasn’t involved in that process? That’s how you wind up with a closet full of kicks you won’t wear and didn’t really want in the first place. We’ve been there before, and we know how it gets. Thankfully, we’ve learned from our experiences, and we also know the best ways to ensure that you don’t wind up doing way too much mindless copping. Sit back and relax. You’re about to get educated. read more

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