Jungle Gym Magazine’s Best Of 2011 | Randoms

2011 has been good to us, each year we meet more exciting people and brands and grow with them on and offline. We the staff of Jungle Gym Magazine have grown as individuals too this year, learning from mistakes and not being afraid to take chances. This year some of the best music was produced, we showcased artists that will have the future of music in their hands. In art a lot of people went above and beyond, some even broke the rules, but that’s what you gotta love about art there are no boundaries when it comes to it. We saw a lot of young fashion brands emerge from nothing to something, 2011 represented progress. Below are 20 picks from which we’ve previously posted this year, we feel that these 20 stood out the most and had a great impact this year. ENJOY!

Video: James Rich – “Gourmet”

This video hold’s the title for the most talked about video on our website. This was the first time we ever had such a huge response posting an independent music video. Much props to James Rich.

A$AP Rocky – “LiveLoveA$AP” – Mixtape

Everyone waited Impatiently for this mixtape to drop, after getting teased by two viral videos and a couple of single’s. A$AP Rocky really stirred up a lot of noise for the east coast.

The “1990″ Interview W/ Elvin Roman Of UNICO.

Every year we introduce a handful of clothing brands through an interview. This one seemed to get the most shine, The Unico 1990 , a young brand out of Connecticut with a genuine following and great designs. Look out for them in 2012

(Click photo to read interview)

Siri Ushers in The Age of Artificial Intelligence

Everyone was freakishly fascinated by the new Siri feature on the new iPhone 4s. The ability to talk to your phone and it would fulfill your requests, look out for more technology with Siri in 2012.  (Click photo for article)

Mr. MFN eXquire – “Lost In Translation” – Album

This album is like a glitch in the Matrix, a dirt stain on your silk shirt. Mr.Muthafuckin eXquire helped bring 0the realness back to a rap game which is over saturated and soft.

Nike Releases Air Mag’s AKA “Marty McFly’s

About 3 years ago it was rumored that these would come out, people even gathered up a petition for these to be produced. They finally saw the light of day in 2011, a limited and expensive release. All of the proceeds went to a foundation to help people with parkinsons.

Supreme’s Aerial Promo Video

The name speaks for itself. Supreme will always be number one, this promo was so boss and so NY. No brand does it better.

Danny Brown X A$AP Rocky Live @ ALIFE

This was one of the most buzzed about shows in NYC this summer, this party was to celebrate the release of Danny Brown’s XXX album. A$AP Rocky already had the streets of NYC on smash with 2 singles, so this was the place to be, everyone wanted to be here. Honored to have captured this footage for you.

Man Steals 100K KAWS Piece

Even though KAWS took a loss, he actually gained more fame from the channel 1 news saying his name every 15 minutes. His work was stolen out of Marc Ecko’s office, it was never recovered…

“WHO – SHOT – YA!” An Interview w/ Brook Bobbins

This year we introduced one of the best music lifestyle photographers to come out of NYC, Brook Bobbins. He has captured the likes of many great artists, you really can relive a moment through his photos. He has done impeccable work this year, deserves a lot more credit too.

(Click photo for interview)

Video: “ShoeZeum” Guided Tour

This is the most outrageous and amazing sneaker ensemble ever, the first ever sneaker museum composed of Nike’s and Jordan’s.

KAWS x Hennessy Bottle Design Launch

KAWS really did his thing this year, this was a very loved collabo. Liquor and art go hand in hand.

Video: ASAP Rocky – “Purple Swag”

The week this video dropped everyone was in awe about this rapper from NYC sounding like he was from Houston. Every blog site , magazine, whatever. If you looked, he was there.

Supreme NYC Store Vandalized

KIDULT caught wreck on NYC’s most respected street wear brand. Much disrespect, one of those  “If I shoot you I’m brainless, but if you shoot me you’re famous” kind of moves.

Audio: Mayjah League “The Jungle”

Not many know this but we actually have our own anthem, thanks to recording artist Mayjah League out of Harlem NYC. Listen below.

Big Sean X Jungle Gym Magazine Interview

This was quite random and awesome, we caught up with Big Sean at the Grey Goose rising icons event before his finally famous album dropped.

The Weeknd | “House Of Balloons” Mixtape

Hands down one of the best R&B releases to come out this year, from this project he has gained so many listeners just off word of mouth promo.

Alex Pardee “Tiger Blood-Winning” T-Shirt

Everyone remembers when Charlie Sheen snapped on national TV, his catch phrase was “WINNING”. People all over mocked and praised him for a week straight, brands even took it into their hands to create a shirt with his catch phrase on it.

Frank Ocean | “Nostalgia, Ultra” Mixtape

Again, hands down another classic R&B release. This year R&B was all about The Weeknd and Frank Ocean.

Marino Goods Release Party

Last year we introduced Marino Goods to the site, they threw one of the wildest clothing release parties we have ever attended, shouts to Slick Jackson for the footage.

Honorable Mention:

40oz NYC x Prohibit Tee Launch Event

Even though his infamous BBQ’s are no more, he released a t shirt with Prohibit this year to celebrate that Underground NYC still lives with or without the 40 OZ Bounce.  This was a pretty cool event, the original 40 0z crew came through.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!