Monday Spotlight: MUSIC: Beedie

Lately, it seems as though Pittsburgh has become the new powerhouse for talented hip-hop artists. Pittsburgh rapper Beedie, is a prime representation of this new hip-hop revolution. The 24-year-old rapper, born Brian Green, has gained a following of loyal fans through his music since 2007.  

Originally from New York City, Beedie's lyrical lexicon is reminiscent of classic New York hip-hop.  Before moving to Pittsburgh, Beedie was skilled in piano, guitar and bass and used these sounds to influence his music.

Beedie officially debuted as a rapper alongside Mac Miller in the duo The Ill Spoken. After The Ill Spoken, Beedie continued to release music as part of the East End Empire, a conglomerate of Pittsburgh rappers, before forming the duo Varsity Squad with rapper Jon Quest. Since debuting, Beedie has released several projects, including the critically acclaimed “The Beat Bully" LP.

In 2012 Beediereleased "Above The Weather", a free EP featuring production from Buckwild, Statik Selektah, ID Labs, among others. He has been touring non-stop to promote the new project.

The music released by Beedie helped him secure placement in various local publications, including JENESIS Magazine’s coveted music cover in 2011. The magazine also tapped Beedie a year later as one of five Pittsburgh rappers to succeed on a national level. His music has also been covered by notable media such as Complex, XXL, Hip Hop DX, 2DopeBoyz, Smoking Section, DJ Booth, etc.

His latest projects include music videos from the "Above The Weather" EP, including the zombie apocalyptic video "Miss Me"  and the trippy animated space journey "The Cloud Life" feat. Gene Stovall.    Beedie has upcoming features with Sean Price & T. Mills, and has been in the studio working with legendary producer Buckwild from DITC crew.

"Miss Me" by Beedie 

"The Cloud Life" feat Gene Stovall (ID Labs)

Click HERE for a free download of "Above The Weather" 

Follow Beedie: Twitter: @Beedie412  FB: BeedieMusic

Take a trip to BeedieLand at Beedieland.com

Watch more Beedie videos HERE - Youtube BeedieLand

Foto Friday | Pittsburgh Evening Skyline by Robert Hester

Pittsburgh Evening Skyline by Robert Hester

This Foto Friday features my dear friend Robert Hester III.  Robert and I met at a Style Segment party in the Strip District last year and shared tons of ideas, thoughts, and goals.  I loved his creativity  his thoughtfulness and his whole demeanor.  I asked him if he would be interested in taking the photos for my editorials, and he was more than willing to do so.  Now we are a team and Robert continues to inspire me and keep me on my toes about what's going on in the city.

Robert works as a freelance photographer, photojournalist and blogger in Braddock, PA.  His credentials include Carnegie Mellon University, Steel City Magazine, and TONS of local fashion shows and photo shoots.  Click HERE to find out more information on Robert and to view some more of his work.


Foto Friday is a way to highlight local photographers - If you are interested in featuring YOUR photography on Foto Friday, please submit your photo as well as a small paragraph about yourself along with contact info to:  thepghlook@gmail.com

It must be your own work and has to be conducive to either style, music, art, or culture in Pittsburgh - be creative!  

Throwback Thursday: 80's Winter Chic

"Clash of Styles and Seasons Downtown Pittsburgh" Feb 2, 1985 - Pittsburgh Post Gazette (The Digs) 

Back from the holiday vortex known as Christmas and what a snow storm we've had!  Still, that's no excuse not to flaunt your winter's finest apparel.  I love this picture - look at those fabulous fur coats and hats, perfect for a cold snowy day much like we've been having.  Hope you all had a good holiday :)

Throwback Thursday: Christmas Glamour

One of my favorite things to do during the holidays is watch old Christmas movies.  Mainly because they're just so romantic and pretty, and the wardrobe is usually fantastic! Nowadays you never see women in gorgeous gowns, elaborate costumes, or men in tuxedos - we're too busy having ugly sweater parties.  Maybe next Christmas I'll throw a Glamorous Christmas Party?  Take a look at these amazing Christmas outfits and have yourself a Merry Little Christmas.....

White Christmas 1954 (diaryofacelluloidgirl)

Audrey Hepburn with Santa 1952 (fashionsmostwanted)

Ceil Chapman (fashionfadesstylestays)

Susan Hayward 1950 (fashionsmostwanted)

Jayne Mansfield (fashionsmostwanted)

Top 5: Best Places for Asian Food

Happy Tuesday!! I don't know what it is about Christmas that makes me crave Asian food- maybe it's watching the ending scene of A Christmas Story that does it? Either way, I have found some truly amazing Asian restaurants in Pittsburgh ranging from Chinese to Thai, Japanese to Malaysian.  Whether you're the type who doesn't like to venture too far away from egg rolls and fried rice, or if you're the type who is looking for something new and adventurous,  Pittsburgh holds some true gems when it comes to Asian food.  Try one of these places for your next lunch outing or dinner date and you won't be disappointed. Here are my Top 5!

Pittsburgh to Plate

Sushi Too
This is hands down my favorite place for sushi in Pittsburgh! Located on Walnut St. in Shadyside, Sushi Too has an amazing and friendly staff, the place is always clean, the fish is very fresh, and they have an awesome bento box lunch special!
Try:  Any lunch special (ton of food), Fantasy Roll, Sunshine Roll, Fresh Salmon Roll, Eel Roll and Tofu Skin Pockets.
Visit: http://sushitoo.net/

Spicy Laht Nah of Thailand 

Spice Island Tea House 
If you are looking for a quiet, dimly lit, intimate place with a delicious menu, this is the place.  And of all places, it's located in the Pittsburgh college party capital - Atwood St. in Oakland.  Spice Island has a very peaceful and almost zen-like atmosphere with a unique and clever menu. You get a TON of food for what you pay for and they even have a beer and wine list. Try to make reservations, it gets quite packed!
Try: Anything on the tea menu, The Ever Famous Pad Thai (actual name on menu), Lemongrass Beef, Fish Cakes, Java Fried Rice and Spicy Laht Nah of Thailand
Visit: http://www.spiceislandteahouse.com/Homepage.html

Urbanspoon

New Dumpling House 
I love that when you come to New Dumpling House, they greet you with a complimentary pot of hot tea, tempura crackers, and sometimes garlic cucumbers (give it a try!).  So as you pillage through their extensive menu of sushi, Chinese dishes, noodle soups, and of course dumplings, you have a little something to munch on. Whenever I go here, I order the fried chicken dumplings and some sushi to share- and believe me that's enough!  This is a great place to take a large group of people who want to try a little bit of everything.
Try: Green Fuji Maki, White Fish & Mint Leaf with Spicy Fish Roe Roll, Fried Chicken Dumplings, and Eel Udon.
Visit: View their Menu - Click Here

GoTime.com

Bangkok Balcony
Probably one of the most attractive restaurants I've seen in Pittsburgh, Bangkok Balcony overlooks the busy shopping area on Forbes in Squirrel Hill.  They have great salads and wonderful curries to choose from.  Great place for a date!
Try: Satay Chicken, Lemongrass Shrimp Salad, and Chicken Mussaman Curry
Visit: http://bangkokbalconypgh.com/

Food Collage

Lulu's Noodles
This is a fun, loud and colorful atmosphere!  Also located in an area packed with hungry college students, Lulu's Noodles is on Craig St in Oakland.  Lulu's seems to have the best prices out of all these places, with the most amount of food. This was the first place where I tried a bubble tea, as well as an authentic version of ramen soup that beats the stuff in a package any day! Order your food at the counter, take a number and get ready to enjoy some of the best noodles in the Burgh!
Try: A bubble tea (any flavor will do), Classic Lo Mein, Ramen Soup, Moo Shu Pork (can be substituted with any meat or tofu).
Visit: View their menu - Click here

Top 10 Local Places to Shop in Pittsburgh for the Holidays

(Etsy)

The holidays are here! Have you started your holiday shopping? For some of us, the idea of shopping at  large corporate stores with their "big blowout deals" and cookie-cutter products is such a bore.  Why not get your loved ones something unique while supporting local businesses?  There are tons of places to shop in Pittsburgh without having to step foot in a mall or department store. There's a little something for everyone around the city, you just have to look!  Here are 15 ideas on where to shop for the holidays in Pittsburgh!  Happy Holidays!

Wildcard

• Wildcard 

Practically a one-stop shop, Wildcard has everything from jewelry to stationary, t-shirts, craft supplies, original art, cards and some pretty amazing wrapping paper!  Located in Lawrenceville, Wildcard also serves as a local gallery space.  If you're looking for unique cards and wrapping paper, this is the place to go! 

EONS (Post Gazette)

• EONS 

Attention all vintage junkies!!!  EONS is vintage heaven!!!  Give the gift of nostalgia; this Shadyside store has fantastic dresses, hats, shoes, uniforms, coats, and more dating all the way back to the 30's.  Surprise your loved one with an awesome pill-box hat, a gorgeous broach or an authentic 50's pencil skirt. They even have some great things for men like authentic leather jackets, silk ties and cowboy shirts.

Thick Bikes (Justin Merriman Photography)

• Thick Bikes 

I'm seeing more and more bikes around the city lately, why not support the movement and the local shops that make it happen?  This Southside bike shop specializes in repairs and custom-made bike parts.  So if someone you're shopping for needs a new frame or is looking for some new handlebars for their ride, Thick Bikes has you covered!  

Decade (Midnight Guru) 

• Decade  

This loft-styled storefront is great for graphic tees, hoodies, jeans, interesting prints, and dresses.  Decade is the epitome of street wear; it has a cool urban edge with a little bit of a west coast twist.  It's a little skater, a little hipster and completely cool!  

Dozen Bake Shop Cupcakes (Cupcakestakethecake)

• Dozen Bakeshop 

Great for an office party or a super sweet hostess gift, Dozen Bakeshop is the cupcake capital of Pittsburgh!  With unique and mouth-watering flavors like cosmo, east end chocolate stout and elvis (peanut butter and banana), and in vegan options as well, it's a gift that everyone can enjoy!  Not only can you get delisious one-of-a-kind cupcakes, but they also have amazing brownies, rice crispie treats and fruit tarts.  Check out their menu and order HERE.  

Jerry's Records

• Jerry's Records 

Today, music can be acquired in a matter of seconds, but there's something about putting it on vinyl and hearing the "real deal."  If you're shopping for a music lover, find out what kind of music they love and then hit up Jerry's Records to find some original, lightly used, amazing records. Located in Squirell Hill, Jerry's Records is one of the biggest record stores in the country!  It has thousands of records to choose from and listening stations to test them out.  Check out Jerry's Records HERE and also check out The PGH Look's photo shoot in Jerry's Records HERE! 

(Pavement) 

• Pavement

Want to find them something that no one else is wearing?  Pavement has unique and very cute things: dresses, tops, pants, and really great shoes!  Pavement is located on Butler St. in oh-so-cool Lawrenceville and carries names like local designer Kelly Lane, Popomono, Splendid and Feather. Check out Pavement for cute pieces to add to their wardrobe.  Take a look at our photo shoot that features Pavement clothing! 

Slacker (Pittsburgh Signs)

• Slacker

Need a present that ROCKS? This edgy shop has great t-shirts, kinky lingerie, posters, incense, piercing gear, and more!  Located in Southside, Slacker is known for it's gritty edge and fun attitude.  It's a great place to get something fun and lighthearted, or maybe even a little naughty.  Check out Slacker HERE: 

(FreedomMilitarySurplus)

• Broadway Army Navy Surplus 

If you need something for an outdoorsy, adventurous type, why not check out a local army-navy surplus store?  Broadway Army Navy Surplus on Liberty Ave in Downtown has everything for all their hiking, camping, shooting, and other venturesome needs.  

Wusthof Mincing Set (In the Kitchen)

• In The Kitchen 

Give the gift of delicious-ness!  In the Kitchen, is an independently owned store in the Strip District specializing in unique and innovative cooking appliances.  Get your loved one a the newest,coolest gadget to make their cooking experience just a little more special.  Find great kitchen appliances HERE.