NWK to MIA: March 2016

In what has got to be heartbreaking news, Phife Dawg — legendary member of A Tribe Called Quest — reportedly passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, March 23rd, due to complications from diabetes. Pioneering DJ Chuck Chillout would first announce the news on his Twitter account, which would then be confirmed by Statik Selektah.

The family of Phife Dawg have released a statement confirming that he passed away from diabetes. In 2008, he had a kidney transplant after renal failure due to diabetes complications.

Five years later, Phife, was back on dialysis, according to Diabetes Forecast.

“I haven’t really spoken about being on dialysis again and needing another kidney,” he said during a 2013 interview with Diabetes Forecast. “It’s a strain on me as far as going where I want to go, doing what I want to do. When I was on dialysis the first time, my stepson was playing basketball… . I couldn’t practice with him. I wanted to go out and run with him and things of that nature, but I didn’t feel good.”

His family issued the following statement on his passing.

“We regret to share the news that on Tuesday March 22nd, 2016, Malik has passed away due to complications resulting from diabetes.

Malik was our loving husband, father, brother and friend. We love him dearly. How he impacted all our lives will never be forgotten. His love for music and sports was only surpassed by his love of God and family.”

Dion Liverpool, his manager, adds, “While I mourn the loss of my best friend and brother, I also will celebrate his incredible life and contribution to many people’s ears across the world. Even with all his success, I have never met a person as humble as he. He taught me that maintaining a positive attitude and outlook can conquer anything. Now my brother is resting in greatness. I’m honored to have crossed paths with him. Riddim Kidz 4eva.”

The family asks that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Nike Has an Auto-Lacing Shoe Releasing This Year And It's Not The Air Mag

VIA: Nike will deliver on the promise of self-lacing sneakers this year not only on the Nike MAG, but also on the Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, which made its debut today at the brand's 2016 Innovation Summit.

The shoe uses a system called Electro Adaptive Reactive Lacing (EARL for short) to eliminate traditional lacing. Nike senior innovator Tiffany Beers says that the shoe automatically activates as soon as the wearer puts it on.

"When you step in, your heel will hit a sensor and the system will automatically tighten," she explains. "Then there are two buttons on the side to tighten and loosen. You can adjust it until it’s perfect."

Beers worked with longtime Nike designer Tinker Hatfield on this project.

The HyperAdapt 1.0 launches exclusively via Nike+ for Holiday, 2016 in the colorways seen here.

Ahead of that, Nike athlete Cristiano Ronaldo got a chance to try the shoes out. Watch his reaction below.

Wow! Thanks @Nike for letting me be the first athlete trying the new HyperAdapt 1.0 #nike2016 #nikeinnovation pic.twitter.com/RVWZgJjkqf
— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) March 16, 2016