What are we doing still posting Best of 2008 lists all the way on Jan 2nd? Catching up from the New Years madness if we’re beng totally honest. One last look at 2008—this time from the fabulous world of Dante Ross.
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Here’s some things/people/moments that I loved in 08. A personal best of list of sorts and a little acknowledgement for my many friends,co workers and compatriots:
1.NYC- My city makes me smile all the time…..Love where we are and how we got here…..wherever I lay my head I will always be in a NYC state of mind…..
2. Asher Roth and Oneal McKnight- The 2 nicest artist any a and r guy could ask for. You cats erase the horrors of Grand Puba daily….Thanks I love you guys!
3. Steve Rifkind- Dude’s been checking for me for 20 years. One of the 2 best bosses I ever had. Guys like family to me it’s way more than just work. Steve thanks for being like a big brother to me for all these years.
4. Tight pants rap- People might not like this getting bigged up and co signed by me but I dig the current changing of the guard. Charles Hamilton, The Cool Kids, Asher Roth, Mickey Factz, Currensy, B.O.B, Donnis, Hollywood Holt, AfroBot, Wale, Kid Cudi and the gang are all AOK in my book. These guys got me feeling like there is hope for rap music again. Thanks fellas
5.HardCore Punk Rock- Been a good year for shows and bro’s on the NYHC front. Ain’t lost any DMS brothers this year, went to a gang of shows and got to see my favs the Cro Mags not once but twice this year…. Sick of It All opening for Rancid at Irving was a tremendous show as well…..MadBall hardcore band of the year nuff said!
6.Girls- There the best thing ever invented…I mean like ever….here’s some proof….Just call me Ice D
7.Street Wear-Yeah we all gripe about it all the time but it continues to push the culture and keeps the lights on for many of us. Stop complaining guys were dam lucky when ya think about it.
8. Multiple Hustles- I got a gang of em from 10Deep to Pro Keds to being a vice president of a and r at SRC to writing for Vapors to working on my first book for Stussy/Prestel. I was inspired to multi task by Bobbito Garcia,Sacha Jenkins and Steve Rifkind if that makes any sense. Bob your the man thanks for the extra inspirato
9.Boogie- Cat got a spot in my heart,working with him on this book, hanging with my dude, drinking beer, watching him have his first child and experiencing his amazing pictures were/are an honor and a pleasure this past year. Thanks brother your amazing.
10.10Deep- Thanks to Josh and Scott and the whole family over at the Deep. You cats helped me re invent myself on some levels and I’m glad to be a part of what we got going on. It’s been a lot of fun my dudes!
I need to recognize the following people for making 08 one of the best years of my entire life and I’m 40 plus so that’s saying a lot:
Eric Haze for the dialog, Sacha Jenkins, Ryan Monihan for always believing, Prince Paul, Josh Fishel, The Joooo, Deana Reyes, Million Dollar Mano and Holt, Aron the Don, Ian from Kicks Hawaii, Ray Mate, Simon Sperms,Uncle Mike, Alife posse, Peter Agostan, Ayal Klienman, DR.Revolt, Alex Corporan, Jeremey Henderson for the extended visit I love you bro, Joey Tershay, Nick Diamond, Jumonji, Javier Nunez, King Emz for so many things I am indebted to you my man forever, Karen Raitt, lil Sidney, Marc Labelle for the positive vibes and for never talking shop and always talking life when I see him, DJ Soul, Gaby Acevedo for the jokes, Scooter Braun,Paul Mittelman, Jill Revson and Jessica Rosenblum, the holidays ain’t right without seeing yall, Bodagan, Jus Ske, Jenny Koenig, Big Luke,The Ross family, DMS family, Big Jeff and Allie, Cotton Mouth Lou, DJ Muggs, Everlast and Danny Boy, Mel D Cole, Omar Quimbo for the exchanges,Bill Spector ( My hebrew national brother for 20plus love ya Bill!), Brooklyn Dom, Aaron Levant, Kellen and the Agenda crew, Rap Music massive, MSK,Joell Ortiz and Mike Heron, Judith Supine, Doze Green, Steve Lazirides, Reas, Mode 2, Jordan and the lil frankies squad, Arab Parrot, Hawaii Mike for being the realest, Dave Ortiz and Chris/DQMposse for the laughs,London, Kiana, Shannon and cew at Max Fish, PJ Canale, Eric Foss, Sally Tsao, Kim Phan, Adam Lublin, Peter Bici, Tom Slosjberg, Steve Olson, Pat Conlon, Epstiens, Kessler, TV On the Radio and way to many other people I forgot cause I’m a human cheese burger…..
Thanks you all raised my spirits and made this a year to remember. I am blessed to know all of you, thanks for being who you are!
Dante Ross NYC
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