" . . . moving with an easy Negro stride out of the shadow into the light"
ally, rival, and opposite self of our unnamed protagonist, as well as my favorite character in the book - Tod Clifton seems to represent the anger and passion - and the internal polarity we currently face as young black men on the urban landscape
if you haven't had a chance to read the classic 'invisible man' by ralph ellison be sure to put it on your reading list!
Get your nerd on, with this hook-up from NSF clothing, a label from out of Los Angeles. Add these snake print wingtips by Vans, and a slim fit pair of jeans, and your well on your way to being Mister Cool.
Below other work by Ortiz (from top to bottom Biz Markie, & Angela Davis)
Big jewelry has always been an identifying mark of hip-hop culture, and don't expect it change anytime soon. Yet, with or with out hip-hop, believe me brothas would still be rocking their jewel bedazzled watches, gold chains, and medallions with the same unapologetic fervor. Many poor black people have always searched for solace in material things, be it jewelry, clothes, cars, or whatever could bring some temporary measure of dignity and self respect, especially in the face of poverty and racism. Eventually it just became something synonymous with our lifestyle. 
Before rappers, it was bootleggers, number runners, pimps and drug dealers. Anybody who could get their hands on some real paper were trying to floss and look good- anything to feel better about themselves, even if it came at great cost. But it wasn't only poor blacks from the inner cities, it also included jazz musicians, preachers with their big Cadillacs, and even black professionals who sought what dignity they could buy through the social acceptance of elite universities, private clubs, and societies.
Nonetheless, all these things have served as emblems of prestige and prosperity for black people during times when many of our due liberties seemed to still eluded us. Now for better or worse it's just an everyday part of black culture, thus hip-hop culture. And in the spirit of competition, it's has always been a constant battle to one up the next cat.
You gota keep at least one pair of stunna shades in the arsonal. Looks like Versace has some comp!
Harlem has always been America's capital of black art and culture. Candice Hoeflinger's website HarlemPhotoBlog.com is visual document of this historic neighborhood. If you haven't had the opprotunity to visit Harlem, her website is the next best thing. You can see more of her work at candicehoeflinger.com.
