Long Beach Today (Relvspe Takeover)

All of today's Long Beach Today photos were provided by Relvpse!! 

Swinging For Life: A Garrett Hampson Story

Garrett Hampson is a Jr at Cal State Long Beach where he studies Consumer Affairs by day, and is a Dirtbag by night! Well......Afternoon....Whenever baseball practice is! Anyway Hampson has loved the sport of baseball since the age of 4, and that love has not diminished even slightly. Born in Reno Nevada he attended Reno high school where his varsity team won back to back regional championships. Talk about some hungry Huskies! After high school Hampson took his talents to Cal State where he was CBN All-Freshmen Team, 2014 all Big West First Team, and Player of the Year his Freshmen year!  His Sophomore year he made All-Big West Second Team, and to top the year off he made the USA Collegiate National Team! This season Hampson has made history recording 200 career hits! Which is something only 11 Dirtbags have done! On top of that he knocked out his first career homer at Blair Field this season. This kid is going to be something special, and we can assure you this won't be the last time his name is seen on our website. We wish Garrett and the Dirtbags the best of luck as they continue their season, and we believe just as much as he does that this sport can become a career for Garrett Hampson! Check out the Dirtbags schedule below, and follow Garrett on IG!

Long Beach State Dirtbags 2016 Schedule

Instagram: Ghamp2

R&B From Westside of LB

21yr old Westside Long Beach resident Neen is a R&B singer who has an interesting fascination with donuts. He has been singing all his life, and actually has quite a few performances in the LB, and LA area under his belt. Neen loves to sing because the music allows him to paint pictures with harmonies, and melodies. He is currently focused on perfecting his craft, and trying to branding himself. Neen wants to become very successful in the music industry! He ultimately wants the world to hear his voice, and his fascination with sugary pastries to become synonymous with his music. Whenever you think of donuts you should think of Neen. He's obviously been doing something right thus far based off the love he gets on Instagram, and co-sign via Snapchat from R&B singer Kehlani. The sky is the limit for this young man, and in a few years the donut emoji could takeover more than just his IG comments. Check out his Soundcloud, and follow him on IG!

Neen's Soundcloud 

Instagram: Ciaoneen

Relvpse™

Alex aka Relvpse is a local high school student who lives in the downtown area. He has been a photographer for 3yrs, but if you just went off of his Instagram page you'd think he's been doing this for years! Yeap his pictures are that good Relvspe is definitely a natural behind the lense! He has plans to attend the Art Institute in Santa Monica after he graduates, and continue to perfect his craft. With hopes to make a career out of photography Relvpse one day wants to shoot for big name brands. Whether he wants to freelance or sign to an agency/brand is unclear, but below are some shots of his that are! Check them out, and follow him on Instagram if you're feeling his pictures!

Instagram: Relvpse_

Movies on the Beach

Provided by: WeLoveLB 

Franzers Big Move

Chelsea Franzer is a 24yr old is an Ohio bred artist who moved to Long Beach just 1 year ago. She has been in touch with her artistic ability pretty much her entire life, but picked up painting at the age of 18. Her go to styles are portraits/realism, as you can see below she clearly has a nact for both! Art isn't just a hobby for Franzer she actually has a part time job teaching paint classes at Pinots Palette while also doing graphic design full time. Her goal is to eventually quit her full time job, and just freelance for a living. We are certainly for the being your own boss life so we wish you the best of luck on achieving your goal! Check out her website, and some of her work below...and go ahead and purchase some work from her while you at it!

Chelzart.com

Instagram: Chelzart

Zach & Robert Present the Hotspot App

Zach Palacios and Robert McCollister met back at Long Beach Poly where they were two of the three students on the football team in the PACE program and they have been best friends ever since. After high school Zach went to study Computer Science at Stanford University while Robert attended the University of Arizona to study Finance and Mathematics. After experiencing similar problems in college Zach and Robert decided to create Hotspot. Hotspot is an app with live rankings of local bars, clubs, and parties and it lets you easily see where your friends are going out for the night. After launching a month ago Hotspot has been spreading across several college campuses including, the University of Arizona, ASU, Notre Dame, and now CSULB. Every popular bar in Long Beach is on Hotspot and everyday, users can say where they're going out for the night and they can see what place will be the most popular. Hotspot is all about what's happening TONIGHT and all data starts fresh each morning. Hotspot is the easiest way to see what's popular, see who's going out, and invite your friends. As an avid bar hopper I am all for this app and am in the process of downloading it as I type this. In fact...You should be doing the same! Click the link below and make your Friday/Saturday nights less stressful!

 www.hotspotapp.co

Force of Nature Moving Arts Show

Date: May 31st

Time: 7pm-11pm

Admission: $5

Location: 313 E Carson St. Carson CA 90745

Long Beach Today

Shot by: IG User _iceveins_ 

Shot by: IG User Joshewuhhhh

Shot by: IG User Espinoza22

Shot by: IG User Craigmatthewphotography

Compton Seahawakd Spring/Summer Camp

Date: May 21st, June 4th, 11th, 18th, and 25th 

Time: 10am-12pm 

Location: Gonzalez Park, 1101 W Cressey St. Compton, CA 90220

Admission: $10 per camp or $35 for all. 

Contact: Dre - 509-828-8387

Meloboomin Reveals a New Naruto Piece

First Dricasso hit us with her Twenty88 piece, and now Meloboomin has dropped a new Naruto piece that is absolutely insane! We watched him as he was in the process of making this piece in the shop last week, and to see it finished is mind blowing! If you don't follow Melo on Instagram by now you better get to it! Check out the finished project, and our progress shot from last week below.

Dricasso Reveals Two New Pieces

Dricasso has finally given us some new work, and she promises there's more on the way! Check out this sneak peak of her Twenty88 collection inspired by the hip-hop duo Jhene Aiko, and Big Sean, and their new project Twenty88! Don't sleep on Dri! She got some tricks up her sleeve! Dricasso about to takeover this summer! 

The Invention of Sound

Could you imagine a world without sound? Yeah us either! So today we've decided to dedicate an entire article to The Invention of Sound. No! No! No! Not literally! The local band! The Invention of Sound is made up of 3 Whittier high school students named John, Sebastian, and Jonathan who are focused on keeping the music as real as possible, while creating their own sound. They draw inspiration from the works of classic rock bands like Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles, as well as contemporary artists like Ty Segall, Drenge, and Deftones. Although they are influenced by these other bands the bulk of their inspiration comes right from their name. As The inventor of sound their agenda is to continue to push the envelope, and find new ways to express themselves through well.....Sound. The band has been together since December, and are currently in the beginning stages of making their first album! Each member has their own solo projects already so this isn't their first rodeo, but a joint project is a lot different then releasing solo so they're taking their time with it trying to make sure everything is right. The Invention of Sound is looking to get themselves out their a little more trying to book a couple shows, and release their album as well as other projects. Until we get some more updated content check out their demo on Soundcloud! We strongly recommend "Beautiful Losers" or "Hectic" both sound really good, and if they're any indication of where this band is headed they have a bright future ahead of them!

The Invention of Sound's Soundcloud 

Instagram: TheInventionofSound

Chasing The Dream

As children all every little hooper wanted was to go to the league. As we grow older we realize that it takes a TON of hardwork, and a lifetime of dedication to even make it to the collegiate level. Most players find out in high school if they really are willing to put that time, and work in to truly achieve that goal. Kyle Benton is one of token few who have the luxury to continue at the next level, and he believes he can continue on to making basketball a career. Benton is a 6'7 230lb Forward with nice footwork, and is a bully down low! He attended Gahr high school for 3yrs then transferred to St. Anthony's where he averaged 16pts, and 12rebs, and  the Saints went 7-1 in league, 17-9 overall, and made it to the quarter finals of CIF playoffs. After high school Benton went on to play at Portland State, but left after his freshmen year. His Sophomore year he played at San Bernadino Valley Community College where he averaged 12.9pts, 7rebs, and shot 54.8% from the field! Benton was one, and done at CC taking his talents to North Carolina Central University where he instantly connected with head coach Levelle Moton. In his Jr season he averaged 6pts, and lead the team in rebounds with 6.5 boards a game! You can expect a strong Senior season from Benton next year with 4 seniors leaving he will have a bigger role within the team, and he's definitely ready! Benton is still focused on the goal of professional basketball, but he's not putting all his eggs in one basket as he is currently majoring in Psychology. Next season will be here in no time! Might want to keep your eye on Kyle Benton! Until then follow him on Instagram, and check out his highlight tape from his year at San Bernadino Valley.

Instagram: KyleBenton_25

Kyle Benton's Hudl

Getting Trippy

In 2013 a 17yr old from New Jersey by the name of Matt Rivera dropped everything he had, and left the east coast to start a life in the LBC. For an adult to make such a drastic move is crazy in itself, but for someone so young to make the decision to pack up, and start a new life on the opposite coast is just insane! At age 18, after moving into an apartment in Downtown Long Beach Matt decided to create a brand which at first was just something he shared with his friends, but now Matt has a plan, and nothing will get in the way of his vision. Trippy Culture is who Matt is, it's his struggle, his journey, and his overall way of living expressed through clothing. Inspired by drugs, sports, photography, and street wear as a whole Trippy Culture is Matt's way of bringing his west coast side, and east coast side together. He wants the people to be inspire people to keep creating, and never be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone, but also to never forget who you are, and where you come from. TC released their first cut and sew collection called "The Warm-Up" which features a long sleeve baseball jersey, and a short sleeve henley style tee both of which are FIRE!!!  Excited to say the least for their next two releases which will both come in limited quantities so I suggest you follow them on IG, and keep an eye out for their next drop! Check out "The Warm-Up" collection below modeled by local rapper E-Ham, and Houston University PG Chyanne Butler

Instagram: TrippyCulture

Trippyculture.bigcartel.com

Long Beach Today

Shot by: IG User Relvpse_ 

Shot by: IG User Jem3010

Shot by: IG User Ayomikeyy

Shot by: IG User X.insights

Snorlax House of Blends

After a 3 month stint without a haircut I decided to take a trip to my barbershop Snorlax's House of Blends off of Gaviota over on the east side for a much needed taper. House of Blends has been around for 2 years now, and I've been going to them since day 1! From where they started to where they are now I must say this establishment has become more than just a barbershop it is a breeding ground for creativity. Each barber adds their own essence to the overall creative atmosphere of the shop. Run by head barber/owner Kyle McKenna (Snorlax) who brings his extensive knowledge of sneakers, and impressive collection of Lego figurines  and staff Deshaon Adams (Meloboomin), and Chris Spears (Epic) bring their artistic abilities decorating their work space with their own art work. The overall atmosphere of the shop brings a little taste of Long Beach with a hint of the Bay Area. The heavy influence of art brings that Long Beach feel to House of Blends well that and the fact that there's a big signed picture of the staff and Vince Staples up on the wall upon entry. The Bay Area feel comes from the roots of the people on staff with them all being from the Bay Area their lingo, and music preference favors NorCal artists such as Richmond rapper Iamsu. This barbershop is more than a place to come for a fresh cut it's a place that welcomes all forms of creative expression. From freestyles, to live painting you never know what you'll witness when you enter Snorlax's House of Blends. This shop has seen its fair share of setbacks but they continue to bounce back, and continue to grow. Excited to see what is to come for the shop. Book an appointment, and check out one of the dopest barbershops in the LBC!

To book an appointment contact the barbers via InstagramDM:

OGSnorlax

Meloboomin

Thatguyepic

Comptons Gmac & Tdot Team Up For "23" Visual

Gmac, and T-dot are simply trying to get in the game, and do it big like Chicago Bulls great Michael Jordan. With the way they killed the beat it's safe to say that is a strong possibility! The visual features Gmac giving us a preview of his skills on the court, both artist turning up with a group in a sneaker boutique, tons of energy and dancing (both hype & provocative), a few clips of MJ being MJ, and a very athletic young man taking it hard to the paint! (What up QV!). Check out the visual above, and be on the look out for a more in depth write up on Gmac real soon!

Keilo & Famous Far Release "Get Paid" Visual

The dynamic duo is back at it again! Keilo, and Famous Far linked up for another hit entitled "Get Paid" with a super dope, and high energy video shot by Edub. We actually attended a roof top concert where the two performed this song for the first time, and the roof literally almost caved in. We are going to try and get that recap video up asap, but for now check out this clean visual!

DavidKill Presents DavidKill.com

DavidKiill has launched his website providing the world an inside scoop on his vision as a photographer. Davidkill.com is here to provide its customers with the following: private shoots, video production, social media marketing, video editing, professional flyers, photo touch ups, and graphic design. Keep up with David, and his work at the site linked below! He is preparing to do a look book, and video for SRLC.

DavidKill.com