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I had the chance to interview the creative genius behind Hip Hop Chocolates Marcus Gray and I have to say the pleasure was all mine – what lady can resist chocolate? Not me! The clever turntable and ghettoblaster boombox sweet treats will bring a smile to your face and enlighten your mood kinda like the love of your favorite hip hop beat that fills your soul bringing your feet to the dance floor.

Hip Hop Chocolate was featured on KTLA during Obama’s Inauguration – to show his gratitude to our 44th president of the United States he has created an exclusive Obama chocolate perfect for your consumption.

With no further delay the interview…

SF: What does your brand stand for?

MG: This Brand stands for the evolution of the Hip Hop Culture. Its meant to be an offering to Hip Hop’s connoisseurs who appreciate the sanctity of Hip Hop. This is Hip Hop’s Sacred Food.

SF: What is your inspiration?

MG: My initial inspiration was the Catholic Communion. But later evolved through a mediation on what culture is.

SF: Who are your customers?

MG: My customers are everyone and anyone interested in experiencing a more sensual side of Hip Hop. Hip Hop and Chocolate lovers of all ages and attitudes.

SF: What in your collection is new?

MG: In order to preserve the spirit of this historic election we have created a miniature bust of President elect Barack Obama! Also many other collaborations are in the works. A compilation mix CD of local underground producers due early 2009 and Hip Hop Gift Baskets which will include our newest additions to the Hip Hop chocolate product line… chocolate scented soaps and candles shaped like turntables!

SF: What items are people responding to most?

MG: People seem to respond the most to the Ghettoblaster and Turntable, but the Chocobama, though it hasn’t reached many eyes, has created an incredible response. Also the idea of the Hip Hop Gift Baskets is creating a bit of buzz.

SF: Are any celebs buying your pieces.

MG: Well, buying would be a strech. LOL. But I’ve presented dozens of celebrities with chocolate sculptures. Everyone from Erykah Badu to Tom Green… many of the photos can be seen on the numerous networking sites… Facebook and Myspace. Saul Williams and Esthero have been great supporters of the concept from the beginning. An esthero/pink pirate chocolate does exist although we haven’t put it into mass production.

SF: Have you custom designed any pieces for celebs or music artists?

MG: We’ve custom designed many pieces for many artists. Thomas the Messenger is responsible for most of the sculpting done at this point and has done an amazing job capturing logos such as the WuTang, Elke the Stallion, Stones Throw, Esthero, Fusicology, Hit & Run, DJ Dusk (R.I.P.) but my favorite was the life size screaming microphone we made and presented to Saul Williams.

SF: How did you get started in the industry?

MG: I’d like to think I got started the first time I heard Hip Hop! I’ve always wanted to contribute but didn’t have the desire to rap. The chocolate industry is something I continue to learn about daily. But I hope to also leave my mark in that industry as well.

SF: What is your favorite Hip Hop Chocolate item?

MG: My favorite has to be the life size Nike Blazer I made for Sneaker Pimps, an art show in Denver. It took me 2 weeks to get it right. And after I finished showing it I found out that there is only one other person in the world who has made a life size Nike and their budget was a lot more than mine to say the least!

SF: What celebrities or what brands would you like to collaborate with?

MG: There is a long list of artists I’d love to collaperate with. Mear 1, Manone, Etna, most of the LA graffitti scene, the sculptor VER… she’s amazing!, ZOSO, Shepard Fairey, ThinkSpace, Fro Hawk 2 Feathers, Kutmah, Han Cholo, Andre 3000, Janelle Monae… I adore her! The list could go on and on. Artists, celebrities, promoters, brands… I want to offer Hip Hop Chocolate to the culture. Collaborating is the only way we can all advance together. It’s also a brilliant way to insppire each other to achieve innocations. And of course Mele Designs! Our collaboration is way overdue!

SF: Is there anything else you would like to share with the Shopflick community?

MG: Well I’d like to say that first I’d love the opportunity to collaborate with you all! Second, Hip Hop Chocolates’ mission is to give the culture the opportunity to put Hip Hop inside their body. This art, as delicious as it is, has a purpose and a function. I believe that it’s possible for those participating in Hip Hop to reach a new level of appreciation for the culture by partaking in this rite. In other words when you support Hip Hop Chocolates you are supporting the evolution of the culture as a whole! Hip Hop is maturing. It’s time we validate that change with a symbol of our growth.

Vicarious vivid vibrant velvet vixen fashion celebrated the election victory at the Paper Magazine party in West Hollywood last night that would get Obama’s style stamp of approval. New trends popped up like velveteen rich flower blossom headbands mixed with hard edge belts and elongating black sleek cut tops.

Hipsters united by mixing up doll dresses with dark tights, plaids, leather jackets, boots, boots, and more statement boots to help support fall fashion. We can always count on them for vagabond victorious style.

The 70’s even showed up with cord skirts, bell bottom jeans, and dreamy lace tops that would stop a war in it’s W. tracks. Peace and love seemed to be the theme as free drinks were served and warning signs stating “dancing is encouraged” armed the party soldiers.

The fashionistas were equipped with festivity assets that let fashion prevail without mavericks killing the style fly buzz. Paper Magazine kept the movement rolling on Friday with their pop-up 24 hour shopping event co-hosted by Converse and Levi’s.