I know what your thinking, “I thought you said your official rap name was Troy Buchanan?” It is, but I have also go by Troy Buck. The “Buck” suffix is one my brother and I have carried since our premature years in music and still do till this day. Troy Buck also describes a person who is slightly different from Troy Buchanan on a song (I love talking about myself in the third person by the way). He’s a little more risqué, rebellious, and a true artist. That is who emerges on the next mixtape which the new song below is featured.
When one releases their first collection of music to the world they learn much in the process. New artists go through a lot. Aside from the emotions and weariness of wondering whether people will like your music, and also battling the vengeance of proving those who wrote you off, while not letting that emotion get the best of you – you can also learn quite a bit.
Personally, the three most important things that I learned from Listen To My Tape were: patience and true perseverance. In my eyes, Listen To My Tape was a success. It was a classic collection of music, and by classic I mean, 5 years from now, If I play it back, the quality of the music will still hold up. Which is exceptional, for a new artist who put it together by himself (while getting some help from his brother), acting as his personal manager and promoter. Not many people can take on the roles of being artist, studio staff, manager, and booking agent and PR rep. It’s not easy by any means. It’s a lot of work. I was able to see my way through so much while recording this second mixtape. I wrote and recorded about 20 songs in 6 months. Of course, there won’t be 20 songs on the tape, some just don’t fit the theme that I have created.
What I have for you below kind of isn’t fair – it’s a tease. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a full song, but I want you to know it’s just a taste of what’s to come: representation for 3 new songs that you will be getting up to the release of Thoughtfully Crazy. And I promise, not one of them will disappoint. The first two songs will be up for free download, while the third will be the first official single on iTunes for myself, as an artist, and my label, Stereo Hall Records, LLC. Fall of 2010 will not leave without Troy Buchanan getting another shot to show the world that he is really serious about his music.
I’m showing you what I’ve got.
So without further adieu, my new single, Like A Dream featuring my brother, Sean Buck.
Like A Dream
Troy Buchanan feat. Sean Buck
Producer: Unknown
Engineered/Mixed by: Troy Buchanan
Sure that’s a bit crass but the words mean something. They had to come from somewhere. Some emotion or situation sparked inside this man that caused him to make a song about telling a girl to fuck off. I never believed in censorship. If someone wants to use those words to get their point across, than dammit, they have the right to do so. The pun was intended.
The song gives me chills every time I hear it. It hits so close to home, emotionally. It’s also such a masterpiece of a song. In an interview, Cee-Lo said that he feels the song is a work of art. I totally agree with him. It sounds like what could be the biggest song of the year, if not the song to set off the next decade expression art in music. I don’t think I’ve heard anything like this in quite some time. I also believe you probably couldn’t have released a song like this 10 years ago, hell, 5 years ago… Goes to show you how far we have come.
I heard the song when it first leaked to the internet and I was immediately a fan, but I was more curious what kind of visuals would come along to accompany the sound. What you see below, did not disappoint me. It’s classic Cee-Lo. It has some artistic value to it that is Cee-Lo Green, but most importantly its fun. If I can try to draw the right conclusion about the song and video, is that it’s not meant to be taken too seriously, but what’s awesome about the song title is that there is so much meaning behind it. When you say those words in any fashion, you mean something within it. It is the best balance between art/emotional, intention/execution, I have seen in a long time. I applaud him. He’s always been a real talent, and he never disappoints me. His voice and delivery alone on the track is something to marvel.
Sometimes I come across photos from photographers, in the case of this post Michel Comte, and I see a picture, then begin to go into an analysis mode of deconstructing the composition, the subject, etc., much like any artist or lover of art would. Then there are times where I almost force myself to do this. It’s usually because I can’t find the words on why I like the picture, or why I find it so captivating. At that point, I tell myself to stop…just enjoy the picture. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. With these, I just couldn’t find any. I mean, I know I like the artist, but the pictures just drive me emotionally. What they are saying? I do not know. Tongue’s bitten. If I have to really think about it, it’s not worth spending the time to figure it out. Words should just come to you sometime.
I feel that’s the mark of true art – on a personal level. When you connect with a piece and are not totally sure why, but it evokes some sort of emotional response, all you should probably do is allow yourself to come to grips with it. Understand that, you just like it. Simple as that. This is kind of lame or lazy, but it’s like letting the art chose you instead of the other way around…
This is probably my most haphazard post to date. It just is what it is.
Clark Gable is the name of the song. J Nic$ is the name of the artist. The video is golden. I say golden because it carries you back to a young Hollywood, where stars such as Clark Gable once held the throne as the “it” guy. Right now, in Miami, J Nic$ and his comrades of the C9 group/movement, Phresh James, Sean Buck and Lil Champ with Fresh N3rd at the helm, are making a strong presence that can’t be ignored. As their fellow rapper who hails from 561 and has lived in the 954 and happens to support the 305 as well (but oddly no longer resides in either) I consider myself a nomad rapper. One that has talent and sees talent everywhere I go; I become fascinated in our generation of entertainment. It’s refreshingly new. I’m confident enough to say I have what it takes, and I see what I am out to accomplish and I can only hope that it carves out a nook deep enough to make a difference in this thing we call Hip Hop with Stereo Hall Records. C9 is out to do the same. Strength in numbers is their motto. That is the wonderful thing about our generation, we are all self-starters. We don’t give a damn about the esablishments. We pay our respects and our dues (at least I do) and then we let it be know that we are apart of this now. They must share the land, or we will take it.
There is so much music out right now. So much art. So many new filmmakers. Much of it is actually good. There is still a lot of art out there that is, well, just not that good. On the reverse, there are more artists that will be influential than center of amusement. That, I find just awesome. I think that it will be the first to happen that way in a very long time.
J Nic$ is definitely next up in Miami. This video shows something new and different. It think it should be embraced and congratulated. Toast to C9 from TroyB Arthouse/Stereo Hall Records. Salud!
Burberry is one of the most recognized fashion brands in the world. It’s a statement that goes without saying, but tis the part of the statement that states it’s the concept and word brand that I want to call attention to. Branding has become such a fascinating concept to me, and when it comes to fashion there are so many others that are much larger than Burberry that I could have chosen such as, Gucci, Dior, or Chanel. Those are huge in comparison to Burberry, but I feel they have lost their unique sensibilities to their branding missions. Maybe not Chanel so much, but Gucci and Dior have definitely lost much of the style that has made them monsters in the fashion world. Also, I just happen to personally like Burberry more than the three. The “Silent Giant” is what I could equate Burberry to. The special thing about the brand, is that they have their unique pattering as their primary logo. It has been one of the most widely copied trademarks. I believe that when others begin to copy you, you’ve succeeded at branding. Often times I feel like what most fashion brands do, and I’ve seen this mostly with their accessories is copy each other. I can’t say that I have seen Burberry do this. Why would they want to? They have created a blueprint on themselves.
As I continue to delve deeper into being a professional recording artist, I understand that branding is more important than ever. But what’s most important that I find is not what you brand (which in this case is myself), but it’s how you brand. That will separate the men from the boys, and the ones who will succeed at achieving majority recognition. It’s what we all want isn’t it? Well, in order to be a superstar amongst your peers this needs to happen. It’s just a shame that you could take something that you know is terrible in quality, brand it correctly, and it will be huge. Evermore than what’s of exceptional quality. The irony really frustrates me. It just goes to show you that the majority (masses) cannot recognize levels of quality. Or they chose to ignore the fact. So what does all of this have to do with Burberry? Not much at all, but it’s an underlying anomaly that I was trying to parallel between what I’m attempting to do and what is already done. When it comes to quality, between the fashion giants and a the little big giants, it’s debatable. I’m also not as knowledgeable on the fashion world as I would like, to be so technical. So, this is all in how I see it. In my opinion, Burberry overtakes Gucci and Dior in quality. I honestly don’t know where Chanel falls, or any others for that matter. The matter of the fact for me is that I love fashion, but I also love competition. There is a lot of that in fashion…And music…And film. If I have to brand my ass off to get where it is I want to be, knowing that what I have is of exceptional quality, you best believe I will fight hard against those who are trying to trick the majority into believing that what they have is anything better that what I possess. To me, that is a third of what this journey to success is all about.
The word Prorsom, following the Burberry name is a Latin word “Prorsum”, meaning forwards. That is truly noble to include into your brand name. I won’t analyze that, it speaks for itself. How many at the top, even acknowledge the need to move forward? Many that reach the top, plateau during their bask of glory.
And so, I am including Burberry Prorsorm’s Spring 2011 Men’s collection into this post. The style alone looks to have remnants of now, but pushes to newer or nostalgic styles (I spot a futuristic nineties) that take us away from everything we’ve seen in the last 5 years, which has been reproduced so much. They are definitely focusing on coats but the overall style feels familiar but new. I can’t even explain why that is. It’s definitely not hipster, nor chic. Both have had a long run the past few years…I want something a little different. Let’s move forward- yeah brand that.
This is one hell of a painting. I can’t stop watching this. It’s so cool. The symmetry and asymmetry in one. The art references, the color, the shooting techniques. How can you not like this?
Kanye West- Power
Directed by: Marco Brambilla
This is why I can’t stop pursuing music. Not only music, but showing the world that I am an artist. No matter what medium I will end up creating in, it will change how you see everything. I promise that. I love art, and I always said that, “Art is everything.”
The release of my next mixtape will be the start of it all. Thoughtfully Crazy- I don’t think they understand me. They probably think I’m crazy. If the shoe fits. So be it. Crazy with good intentions. I don’t think they really understand what I am trying to do. Well, the only way for them to get it. Is to show them. This fall, everything changes. But, since Kanye is in a better position than I am, I’ll let clear the path for me. You have to follow in someone’s footsteps. Most cases, when you do, it’s of someone who has lead. How else would you know how to be a leader? How else would you know how to evolve on what was already done? How will you ever know where you stand, if you don’t put yourself behind who is now, so that you can be next?
Many times before, I have spoken on how I feel about being apart of a new generation of artists. It’s extremely exciting. I feel that the voices of tomorrow have more to say than those of yesterday. It’s the honesty. It’s the reservation, far from anything that is snide or conniving, or, being in it for the luster. Those particular individuals still do exist, but as entertainment and art evolve, the prior is taking shotgun while the generation still driving takes us to their final destination and allows us to hop in the driver seat for once and induce a change of scenery on the path ahead.
I really don’t want my statement on “the next generation having more to say” be overlooked. I truly believe this. It can be viewed like this: if the increased accessibility of certain technologies are allowing people, who would have never been able to do so before, go out and create art on a level that most times surpasses the commercial market in terms of quality, do you not think those artist had some intention of getting a message they feel strongly about, out there, even if it means doing it without the proper funds, nor being able to recoup anything from it? Sure you have some out there that pick a tool and dick around with it and give us the maddness we see flooding our YouTube and other blog sites. The public is also to blame for it’s prevelance. Same goes for the terrible entertaiment we see and hear on professional level from the corporate companies that control the art platform. We complain, buy into it, and instead of taking the initiative to go out there and find the hidden gems, we keep buying into the gruel they feed us. And that’s why they keep making it.
Alas, we are all human. We can’t be faulted for everything. It’s in our DNA to fuck up. I say it like that because, we really do. It’s only when special artists come around and show us something that we identify with, touch our hearts, captures our souls with the kind of art that makes us say “Man, how did I miss this? This is awesome.” If we only trusted ourselves more. We are hesitant to accept anything new unless it’s stamped with the approval of a name or brand we already know – and it’s a shame.
People will say that no one wants intellect anymore. No one cares about something that’s emotionally involving. We just want to veg. We just want to be entertained. True; in that last statement. But the rest, to me that’s nonsense. Again, we are all human. Just as much as fucking up is in our DNA, so is needing something to identify with. We need something that drives us emotionally in order to grow. Fluff and lack of substance can only take us so far. Remember the old proverb, “Man cannot live off of bread alone”? It’s no different.
If you’ve read up to this point, I’m grateful, because you too believe I have something to say. So do the young filmmakers that inspired this post, Average Joe Productions. I love the irony in their name and the subject at hand – they are just college students. I’ve shown you before their past trailers, and I’ve informed you that they are young filmmakers doing what they love in hope of someone seeing the passion and potential for good things to come. They have not stopped. In fact, they have completed their first short, Paragons. I’m truly impressed with what they have come up with, considering they have no budget, and they use minimal equipment. They rely on telling a story. I often wonder what they could come up with if they ever had the proper backing. They never cease to showcase their know-how to me. I feel they deserve the spotlight. I wish them much success in the future. I know they will surprise a lot of people.
I couldn’t resist posting this. After I heard the “Free Mason” song off of Rick Ross’ new album for the first time, waiting to hear Jay-Z’s verse (knowing that he wrote it on the spot, in his head, when Rick Ross played the beat for him backstage after he finished his performance) my head dropped backwards. Just incredible. Excuse me, amazing. It’s a testament to why he is, in my opinion, the greatest rapper living. It’s not just his skill that I feel grants him that title. It’s everything he embodies. He’s an a artist, an orator, a self made millionaire, and probably one of few rappers who have held onto their integrity throughout their entire career. He has been, and will always remain my favorite rapper. Always. And for many reasons that extend beyond fanatics or obsession. He’s someone to look up to. A life influence. Someone who I felt made sense to aspire to be like. Better put, a black man who I felt was important to look up to. We don’t have too many of those left, you know? Rappers have such bad stereotypes that surround them, but when one comes along and has grown up in the industry, showing that you rise from literally nothing and be something, and have class. Most importantly, be respected universally for it. And by universally, I mean acceptance by the white culture. It may sound biased or one sided, but from the perspective of a young black man, that is a big deal. When you are accepted and respected by blacks as a good representative for them, and then whites – you’ve made it.
I can now add Obama to the list of someone to look up to and aspire to be like. But before Obama, for me, it was Jay-Z.
Side-note: This verse is in response to accusations that Jay-Z is a Freemason or “Devil Worshiper” after he released the video for “On To The Next One”
Niggas couldn't do nothing with me
they put the devil on me
I would have preferred if niggas squeeze the metal on me
Rumours of Lucifer
I don't know who to trust
whole world want my demise, turn my music up
here me clearly, if y'all niggas fear me
just say y'all fear me
fuck all these fairy tales
go to hell
This is God engineering
This is a Hail Mary pass
y'all interfering
he without sin shall cast the first stone
so y'all look in the mirror
double check your appearance
bitch I said I was amazing
Not that I'm a Mason
It's amazing that I made it though the maze that I was in
Lord forgive me I never would've made it without sin
Holy water my face in the basin
Diamonds in my Rosary shows He forgave him
Bitch I'm red hot, I'm on my third six, but the devil I'm not
My Jesus peice flooded but thou shall not covet
keep your eyes off my cupboard I'm a bad motherfucker
it's HOV
just say you love it
I’m sorry but that up there, is fucking poetry. You can’t deny it.
Take a listen:
“Free Mason” Rick Ross feat Jay-Z and John Legend
… as she has requested us to call her. Though most know her as Lauryn Hill, or L Boogie – one third of the legendary group, The Fugees, and the most talented female emcee to ever grace hip hop music. Ever. It’s arguable, but I strongly believe this, and I stand firmly behind it.
She has now, finally, after years of self exile from music, returned to recording. I don’t know if this song is new or maybe something she has been sitting on, but it’s so damn relaxing to hear her voice once again. This song is new to my ears so I’m going to call it new. I read in an interview she had with Hip Hop DX, not too long ago, that she has decided to return to recording music and was planning a body of work for release. I’m not how sure how long ago she decided this, because she could have been recording for years and has just sat on it, waiting for the right moment to give it to the world. I often belive this of artists, the fact that they never stop doing thier craft. It’s impossible for me to believe that one can just leave something as cherished as their craft cold turkey. So, that’s why I say, maybe she has been holding on this. It’s a gem and a wonderful taste of what is to come.
Of course Kanye beat me to it, and had it on his blog first. But, what else would I expect? The man is connected in the music world. I would expect him to be the first person all over this song. I mean, he did say that Lauryn’s solo debut, “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill” was the direct inspiration to “The College Dropout,” and you know what? I’m glad it was. Nevertheless, I feel that it belongs on my blog too. I would like to share this beautiful teaser with you all. I present, the second brith of Lauryn Hill (excuse me, Ms. Hill) with:
Repercussions (2010?)
It’s an old picture…but, I love this one of her. That is a beautiful black women right there.
For some artists, the ability to create is limitless. No medium is the limit. In the case of Erika Simmons’ “Ghost In The Machine” series, she takes something as vintage and nostalgic as VHS and Cassette tapes, rips the guts out, and creates portraits of some of America’s favorite heroes.
What’s most fascinating is her different techniques in creating the portraits. You’ll see in the Traci Lords portrait below, her way of creating blond hair with thin black tape. It’s really inspiring to see when artists are able to create and spot out an idea that is so removed from what would be conventional. That I think is what keeps the culture and the minds of others evolving. Bravo Ms. Simmons.
Traci Lords
Jimi Hendrix
Kurt Kobain
John Lennon
Nick Cave
Alfred Hitchcock
To see more of her “Ghost In The Machine” creations visit her Flickr page.
Two things to obsess over.
Women: The complex wonders of the world. Beautiful and essential for life.
The City: Bright lights, the inhabitants, and their stories that become it’s soul.
“8 million stories, out there in the naked/ city is a pity/ half of y’all won’t make it…” – Jay-Z from “Empire State of Mind”
There is something magical about looking out of a window of a high rise down into the silence of a loud city. Odd saying this, since I have never done that, but I’ve seen it a million times before in a picture or in action in a film. It’s become a memory for me now, an image that burns in my mind, and an experience I long for. Not to mention, a beautiful young model sprawled in fine lingerie on a chair waiting behind me as I take in the moment. It sounds like the perfect moment to have in the nighttime on eves of success; like a night that is lonely only until the interaction with her. What’s interesting about the images we see in life is the multiple interpretations that are drawn when they are viewed by different people. The emotions are not collectively consistent at all. Fantasy is the greatest. As the world evolves, fantasy has become more important. It’s even become reality. What is fantasy to some (dreamers and those who want to experience celebrity life), is reality to others (the celebrities themselves). Now you probably think that I must’ve been speaking on elves, sorcery, or hobbits. Far from that. Our present day fantasy is everything we see on TV, movies, and magazines. Sad, only a fraction of the percentage who seek that life out will ever experience it. Not everyone is meant to make it. Talent is not common. But people who believe they have talent are in abundance. It’s not my job to break the news to them that they don’t have what it takes. That’s just the bitchiness of the world. As an artist myself, I believe I have the talent and what it takes. I’ve only come to this conclusion through consensus by many in support of this. Or has the world just not shown me her bitchiness to me yet? My sake, I hope she’s a sweetheart.
Thanks to photographer David Drebin, I can extend views of 8 millions stories and scantly clad women. Love to look. Looking can take you somewhere you’ve never been. Good luck to all of those out there trying to make it. Don’t give up.
Very few rappers can use their lyrics to illustrate a story on a level that commands your minds capabilities for visual manifestaion. Not to say that any rapper is better than another because they can do this, I’m more or less saying that it’s a skill that’s tough to master. It’s a combination of being a good storyteller and having the vocabulary to speak using the least amount of words possible that offer a visual intensity to get the point across. Some of the best to ever do this, in my opinion are Nas, Slick Rick, The Notorious B.I.G, Jay-Z, and Ghostface Killah.
My fellow rap peer of Miami, FL., J Nic$ offers his latest chapter on what he describes as Gotham City in his newest single ”The Illustration.” It’s a very cold song and the tone is erie. I personally love it. Its produced by Mr. Familiar. I’m sure this is not the last collaboration with these two guys. I invite you to hear and view “The Illustration” by young J Nic$.
I’m sure when my parents, or your parents, where kids, their parents said to them (still with me?), “This generation, they think they know everything. This music is crap now, all they do is spend time in front of the idiot box ( the TV. In fact our present idiot box is the computer and internet), and they dress like some rebels (gotta love hipsters). Rebels. Huh? Do they even know what they’re rebelling against? No damn cause at all…” I could go on, but I’m sure you’re catching my drift. I personally, often wonder about my own generation. I see so many brilliant minds in the making, but the I look to the right and I see a so many others who are confused without their own acknowledgement of being confused. As I get older and become more aware and mature ( I can only hope that I am) I see so many of my peers who out for causes they don’t understand, and jump on bandwagons and have no idea where it’s heading. They follow trends “just because” and, I have learned as a writer:
No.
One.
Likes.
Anything,
that’s long, has too many words that are not simple to follow, or is not visually hammering to the eyes.
No one likes to excite the brain anymore. Thinking has taken the backseat to everything being written out for you. I personally like intricate. I enjoy complex. I love puzzles. I cannot get enough of the perplexing moments that are the parts of the whole we call life. Sure not everything should be so serious but at least we should exercise our minds every once and a while. Keeps the world void of dummies. I the case of music (and I use this because I’m a musician) everyone likes simple cheesy music. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like most of the songs that’s in your Top 40, but they just are timeless. Here today gone tomorrow. In my music I attempt to change this. I only want to make classic tunes. More importantly, when I step on stage to perform these songs, I want the feeling to be extended. It should be different than hearing it on record. I wonder how can I ever achieve this if a club can’t even get their sound together? Really frustrating. Nevertheless I rise to the occasion. I fight with emotion to allow my voice to be heard. I love performing. It’s the most euphoric feeling (comparable to sex) that I experience. Two nights ago, I performed once again at The Airliner in Los Angeles, CA. I feel out of almost 20 performers. I was the best one. Said without arrogance. I performed for a little over 21 minutes. I actually went 5 minutes over my allotted 15 minute set. But, they fucked up my sound again, so they owed me. You’ll say, “Wow 20 minutes? That’s long.” True but I put my heart into it. I feel I was engaging. I commanded my audience’s attention. They probably didn’t even care that I was going more than I was supposed to. Maybe some did but, they’re haters. My lyrics are not the most simple either. I actually have pretty thought-provoking lyrics. At least I think so. You know, what’s funny is, if they could hear what I was saying, I’d actually believe they were listening to what I was saying. Maybe I connected. Maybe I was doing something right, despite the fact I was on more than most attention spans can handle or what most minds care to think of ones lyrics. Then, there are some who do care. I really appreciate you all.
Then again…Maybe I’m wrong about this all. Maybe I’m insulting people’s intelligence. Maybe this long ass blog post was a waste of time. Anyway, here is the video:
I’m on my grind shawty. Don’t block my shine shawty. – Gucci Mane on “Sihine Blockas” with Big Boi from Outkast.
When you work harder than everyone around you, you know it. That’s because they are partying and enjoying life when you’re no where to be seen, somewhere slaving away and getting it in. Life is full of challenges. But that’s what keeps life interesting. If things were so easy to obtain then there would be no balance. There would be no reason to fight for something you believe in, which I feel is the greatest feeling ever. The reason? When you get what it is you’re after, you feel like you’re on top of the world and no one can tell you anything. I chase a multitude of things: Success, The Cool, Money, Knowledge, Perfection, Growth, and the ability to Shine. Shine… See, Shinning is everything, and I don’t mean in the physical sense, like with jewelry or material posessions. I’m talking about that glow that emunates from one when they have reached their zenith. I’m talking that kind of glow that Bruce Leroy obtained in “The Last Dragon.” My life has become my passion. My passion is an extension of myself. I love it as if it were my own child. I feel everyone who has a passion should treat it as such too.
I want to Shine. And I will one day soon enough. Right now, I’m putting in my dues, working hard, and preparing myself for the day when everything will be for once right in my life. When I get there people will try to take it from me. They will hate me for what I have. Or, for who I am. But you know what? That’s the kind of person that will never be anything. They will slowly die inside. I personally hate to see that in any individual. There is a reason we strive for things. It gives life some value. I’m out for mine, and I will get it. And when I do, don’t block my shine homie. To all the girls, love me for my ambition, ’cause I’m on my grind shawty.
Big Boi feat. Gucci Mane – “Shine Blockas”
“When You’ve Got The Glow”
- From Berry Gordy’s “The Last Dragon”
I saw a post by a friend of mine on facebook recently about a blog post written by Roger Ebert stating that video games could never be considered art. “?”
Has he gone mad? I think he has come to his senses, becase not too long after wiritng that blog post, he wrote an apology.
It’s upsetting to hear someone say that video games can never be art. For an industry that makes up a huge percentage of entertainment (and all forms of entertaiment are considered art), not to mention it’s monetary contribution, it’s hard to miss video games in the mix. For someone like myself with a degree in visual effects, and a gamer since the age of 5, I know first hand what kind of time and skill it takes to create not only film visual effects but the video games that generate so much money for giant publishers such as Electronic Arts and Acitvision. The developers, many of them, are small companies with artists who work freelance tirelessly to meet deadlines and create the experience that has become the lifestyle of many hardcore gamers. Many of these artists are some of the most talented and creative minds in the world today. The visuals you see in video games do start from concept art. And that concept art evolved from an idea. It is a creative process. So I feel that anyone who dispels the creation of video games as an art form has no right to do so. Just to prove my point, I have presented concept art from some select games franchises that have survived the test of time, in which I truly love the art style, and have provided you with the game’s trailer – of the most recent games in their respective series – to show you exactly how that idea translates to concept art, and from there, they mesh to give you an tangible art experience that is nothing like any other way of experiencing any art form we know of.
Very, very long sentence.
The Street Fighter Series (circa 1987 to Present Day) (Developed and Published by Capcom)
Ken (no relation to Barbie) – probably my favorite character.
The Metal Gear Solid Series (circa 1987-Present)
(Developed by Konami/Kojima Productions. Published by Konami)
Solid Snake – The HeroLiquid Snake – The Villan/Brother
You can’t tell me after watching that you wouldn’t want to play it.
The Super Mario Bros. Series (circa 1983- Present Day) (Developed and Published by Nintendo) You know who this is, I don’t even have say.
Bowser!
Poor Luigi, he’s always forgotten.
Don’t tell me that’s not art. Look how fantastical that game looks.
I dedicate this post to all my loyal gamers out there. Let’s all join together and say to Mr. Ebert, “Go screw yourself for saying video games are not art. We take that shit kinda personal.”
I was thinking about doing another blog post last night but, I decied to focus on Mr. Aubrey Graham, or Drake, as the world currently knows him. I just had the opportunity to watch the MTV doc on him entitled, “Better Than Good Enough.” Incredibly insightful. For the first time I feel like I was given an opportunity to see who Drake was. I’ve heard all of his music (both the mixtape and the recently released album) but for the longest time I was saying to myself, “Man, he’s really good, but I can’t relate to him. I love all of the things he’s saying but for there was always some disconnect, and I couldn’t figure it out. Drake is extremely talented and an intelligent young man too. What’s even more odd is that I’m writing about my peer directly, being only a few months older than Drake, and I’m also a fellow emcee. Just so happens Drake’s fanbase and my fanbase are like a grain of sand and a bolder in comparison. But, I feel that I can reach where he is at somepoint in my career. I’m not sure when that will take place because I cannot predict the future but, understanding his point of views from a rapper to rapper perspective should have some merit. So, everything that I am about to say should have some validity.
Read this slow: I think the biggest problem with Drake’s career right now is that people are forgetting that he is human.
As spectators, we often forget that celebrities and public figures are no different than us. They bleed like us, breath the same air as us, and surprisingly put on their pants one leg at a time. Although, some may be rich enough to have a machine do it for them, but the message is that they experience emotion. They think, they analyze, and they even experience self doubt just like any other human being. No matter how on top of the world one may be, I am also sure they they question themselves at some point. Confidence goes a long way but no human is ever confident enough to not realize that it could all be over at any moment. Same as those who appreciate life and say, “Man, I’ve gotta live for today. I don’t know if I’ll be here tomorrow.”
I think it’s also forgotten that he’s an artist.
Everything we hear in Drake’s music is deriveed from some personal experience or an effort to paint a picture for us, becuase he wants us to appreciae his visions, and as he put it, “I just want people to be confident in my abilities…” That’s a quote of someone who is trying to prove something to people. But why would Drake need to prove something to anyone? He’s currently one of the biggest artists in music right now, he just became shy of reaching a gold certification on his first album in it’s first week’s release, and he was literally an overnight success. That sounds like someone who has proved himself doesn’t it? Yes and no.
When Drake began to skyrocket in stardom last year and get so much acclaim that people – and the media – began crowning him the king of the game, the next Will Smith, or next Jay-Z of the game. This was all when he hadn’t even put an album out yet. He was just rising off of the success of a very good mixtape and a smash single. His talent was not deniable but, I was confused as to why everyone was saying this about him. I felt I hadn’t seen anything yet. I really wanted to see what Drake had to offer. Not to mention I was still having trouble connecting to him. Therein lies what I think is something that needs to stop, especially with the media, for numbers sake: hyping these artists up so much that they are viewed as God’s when they have barely begun to start their careers. Same goes for the public. You’re cutting their legs from under them. In the intro to the documentary, Drake is on stage kneeled before a sea of people in an arena and he says, “My name is Aubrey Graham. I’m a 23 year old kid…” I think that says a lot about someone’s view of themselves versus the world’s view of them, and even though he’s exalted. It almost seems like he feels the world’s view is of the bird’s eye onto him. I find that incredibly interesting. Continuously throught the doc and in the interviews it seems that Drake is trying to fight to get people to believe that he’s not a rap legend, just yet. This is all the beginning for him. Sure there’s never been such a success for a hip hop artist in such a short period of time, but I think he deserves the right to grow as an artist. Let him release a couple of albums first. Let him actually try and make an impact first. What’s sad to me I feel like Drake’s impact at the beginning of his career will be minute in comparison for the rest of his career. He may continue to be huge but and become a rap legend, but I feel like he’s been robbed the opportunity to do what he probably envision’s as his impact. And he’ll have to just roll with it. I really want to see Drake continuing being a success. I hope that he has the chance to live out his career as he truly envisions.
My god brother, and hip hop head, is a big Drake fan. I remember when So Far Gone released, he was saying that Drake exemplifies greatness. And he wasn’t the only one. To myself I was saying, “But he just came out. He hasn’t even released an album yet. Drake is really good, but is it safe to say he’s ‘greatness’? Shouldn’t we let him become that first?” The first time I listened to Drake’s album, Thank Me Later, I was numb. I didn’t know what to think. It was good, infact, it’s a really good album, but it’s not a classic. I actually wanted to give it a 3.5 out of 5. Drake can make a classic album. I believe this strongly. And I can’t wait until the day he releases that album. His first effort is a good. But, I was actually disappointed in it a little. I was expecting so much more. But it was the hype that did that. I doesn’t make me want to listen to it over and over. I had to force my four listens before I could feel like I had a good grasp on what it was: a guy poring his heart over beats. That’s hip hop in it’s core but, as album, and it being a classic, I don’t feel so. Let’s let Drake make one first before we all become yes men to the hype and not take the time to really analyze what we are hearing. As a rapper, I want my friends to be totally honest to me on all the music that I put out. I’m not Drake’s friend, and I don’t know him, but if I had the chance to speak to him as one I would say, “You’re getting there homie. Your close. Just keep going. You didn’t get it this time, but you will. I’m just mad that it looks like you were rushed to put that album out.”
And it’s pretty too. This is BMW’s Latest Art Car. Looks nice, yah?
I think so…I’m a huge fan of exotic cars. Well, I love cars in general. Secretly. And I don’t think my father knows this, which he probably should, and would be proud, since he’s been working in the automotive industry longer than I’ve been alive. If he happens to read this post, he will know now. I’ve always had an appreciation for the vehicles that have a distinctive design – what was under the engine never really excited me as much. Although, I have always been a tech-head, and since I began to learn way back about the technology they were introducing into many cars, such as futuristically dreamed navigation systems and even cameras mounted in the bumper for reversing. Just awesome. Needless to say, I will have the flyest car when my means allows me to…hey, maybe I literally can. Aren’t we close to flying cars? Didn’t they have those in Back To The Future? Wasn’t it 2015 they were depicting? That means we’re close. And where’s my Hoverboard!? Someone please get on this ASAP.
This art car was designed by renowned artist Jeff Koons, who has been wanting to design an art car for BMW for some time now. He finally got his chance. His canvas? The BMW M3 GTS. In the design, he decided to base the theme on power and energy with bold colored strips from an explosion of debris running along the car from front to back.
Jeff Koons was very pleased with his work. And lucky for him, the car actually touched the road. It raced in the 24 Hour Le Mans race on June 12th. Art cars have been around for some time. Most famously was a car completed by Andy Warhol in 1979. Oddly enough, the car isn’t really painted. It’s just vinyl wrap covered with two layers of clear coat. Just makes for a lighter car. It is supposed to be a racing car, so it makes sense.
That is, if they are of beautiful women cut out from many magazines and arranged to cover the wall in a collage fashion…but put up obsessively, as if creating a masterpiece. Unaligned and taped down. Some with crinkled edges from previous fantasies, others perfectly maintained as to not taint the perfected beauty that the camera and photoshop has created. Sounds a little deranged and awkward. Yes, but it makes for good visuals and a possible movie scene.
Ben Hassett: The Photographer. The women below: Prisoners held in captivity to a bathroom wall… Don’t forget to put one behind the mirror in the medicine cabinet…
Criticize the art, not the insanity. Encourage the creativity, and befriend the bizarre. – Troy Buchanan
Obstacles are of the utmost important in life. The situations that make you feel uncomfortable, or moments of embarrassment that cause you to fight through and be resilient are the molds of what make you who you are. The night of my last performance was no different.
It was a calming night. I was nursing myself back from being sick earlier in the week, so I was saving my energy. I was ready. More ready than any other performance I have ever had. I was also going to be capturing footage for something really special that I am putting together in collaboration with my good friends who are very talented filmmakers and graduates of the American Film Institute. We did some pick up shots before I was to take the stage – that took a little out of me. Afterward I had to wind down, I needed to gather myself. The promoter of the event JiJi informed me that someone performing after me had canceled, and that she could move my set up 11:15p from 9:45p. I felt good about this and the turn out that I had was so humbling. At least 15 of the friends that I have made since I have been living in LA showed up. It made me feel like this is possible…Me, really being taken seriously as a musician. That’s the one thing I have been fighting for as long as I have been one, and one of my biggest self doubts. I believe in myself so much, but it’s different when others join in. Now, I have people that believe. It was very surreal.
11:15p, I’m not on yet, “What’s going on?” is what I said to myself. I turn to the host and remind him that I’m supposed to go on after the guys who took my spot. I anxiously waited by the stage. When it was my time, I stepped onto the stage with the feeling home being home again. I immediately got right into it and hype the crowd with the classic , “Can I kick it!?” As they shout back, “Yes you can!” Which I borrowed from Tribe Called Quest and the Jay-Z song “22 two’s” The energy they gave back showed they were ready. I turn to one of the DJs to run the tracks and he looks at me and says, “I don’t know it’s not playing. It’s not reading the tracks.” I immediately look down and see that he is running my tracks off of a CD player. I was so upset. To myself I say “You are a DJs. You have DJ software. The files are AIFF’s there is no reason you should be ill prepared to play these.” The thing that bothered me the most was I gave him my tracks way before my set and told him what I had and he assured me it was fine. I had to just keep cool and remaining professional. I asked how we can get them playing and it finally strikes him to play the songs on his DJ software off of his laptop. I swear they came across as amateur DJs and didn’t seem to really care. But they worked to get them playing and I was appreciative of their efforts… but I was standing there looking like a fool. I felt embarrassed. Thinking quickly I just jumped into a freestyle. I couldn’t leave the crowd hanging and I hate the sound of silence at a club. I just started going rapping, of the top of my head and other written stuff I had. I just gave some of the energy I was saving for the songs I was to perform. I noticed people started to come out of the woodworks. Soon enough, I was building a crowd. After about 3 different freestyles and turning to the DJs to see if they had gotten it together I was ready to go. In my mind I was just trying to keep it together and not fuck up.
The sound system was terrible. The speakers couldn’t save a house party. But I’m on the come up and I’m sure every rapper has had to perform under the most unfavorable environments. So I just gave energy and rapped my ass off. There was nothing else I could do.
Once they got things going I went in with a vengeance, but I could barely hear what part of the beat I was on, which caused me to fall off for a few bars on the first two songs but I worked my way back and saved myself. I was growing more frustrated as the set went on but I kept telling myself, “Keep going! Don’t let em’ see you falter.” The last 3 songs of my set were the most personal to me. The emotion began to come out, and that’s when I found it. I finished the set strongly and walked off stage to a now packed area and love from not only my friends but people I didn’t even know. That was a great feeling. It was the first time that I realized that maybe this is my calling. Maybe I am meant to be an entertainer. If I connected with a few people that night, maybe I could connect with hundreds at the right venue. I’ll only know if I just keep going. Fighting my way to the top. You have to take what you want. No one ever gives it to you.
Here is the video for that performance. It was very difficult for me to watch knowing how I was feeling throughout. But, every dog has his day. I can’t expect every performance I do to come out incredible. I can only make it memorable. Plus, I sure as hell can make sure that I get better every time, until I reach incredible.
Special Thanks to my friend Han who recorded this. It starts from the point I began to freestyle.
… humble, curious, hard working, kind, and respectful…Life is hard, but I’m resilient. Greatest ongoing experience in my life: the journey to find myself. Yup.
…Or Jigga Man, J Hov, Hova da God, The Blueprint Jay-Z, or Shawn Carter. So many names that describe one man that has done the impossible in a time, and at a age, where it is harder to be a rapper – let alone be successful - than ever before. There is much to be learned from him. I know I have picked up a few things over the years following his career closely to the point of obsession and fascination at why he has accomplished what no other rapper has before him. He’s definitely the anomaly.
In my last post, I spent some time tributing to my other idol Sean “Puffy” Combs and it was supporting the artful boasting that a man such as himself displays that lines itself with cockiness that you can appreciate but won’t annoy. You already know what he’s accomplished but his happiness in all those accomplishments is special because to me, it inspires. He’s risen to the top, rode the waves, roughed the seas, and sailed smoothly again and again. But Jay-Z, my other major life influence has had a different path – of the beaten persuasion. The two of them are only a few months apart at age 40, and are incredibly successful but have had different paths to that success. Jay has experienced the hard road and is not only experiencing the biggest success of his career – the kind of success that Puffy has experienced so many years before, in which he’s now maintaining – but Jay, even though he seems to be finally enjoying the fruits of his labor, you hear a hidden resentment and explanation for it in his music. Much of of those themes can be heard in Blueprint 3. I have always tried to deconstruct his lyrics because of their intricacy believing there is always a deeper meaning that what was directly said and to that, I can honestly say that I can catch things that a seasonal Jay-Z listener may not catch. This is one of the reasons that I adore hip hop and why I think it is such an important musical genre. You are getting real life in every song. Despite you general singles and club songs, you don’t get much fantasy. Then again, many rappers do fabricate their lives for sales but you can generally tell who’s being real and who’s not.
I tend to believe in signs. I found this magazine in the same week that I obtained the XXL with Diddy on the cover. And I don’t believe in coincidences, so I found it important to get the issue and read that article on Jay-Z like it was meant to tell me something important about getting into this rap game and how I should examine my career. Same for Diddy’s issue. The article is interestingly vague. It gives you a but only crumb more off of the giant gingerbread man that is Jay-Z. The comments they chose to quote inspire further thinking about how he views himself at this point in his life. You also read about a more personable side of Jay-Z. He’s a really curious guy…and extremely intelligent.
What’s amazing about Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter is that we may never really know what goes on in his mind. And I think that is the secret to the longevity of his success. As incredibly curious he is, we are in equal amount of curiosity about him.
I have to say it like that, because the man deserves the arrogant mention of his name. There is no black business man who has accomplished more than what he has. Will Smith may be the only other contender I can think of, but Puffy (I know him as Puffy, being that I’ve followed this man’s career since 1997), he’s on a completely different scale.
Earlier this week, on my “ever time flying 30 minute break,” I stopped into Borders and was drawn to the latest issue of XXL, hip hop’s biggest editorial. One the cover was my idol, in all his glory, the man they have known as Puff Daddy, P. Diddy, and now, just Diddy. He’s not doing bad for a 40 year old. Leave it to men like Jay-Z and Puffy to make being middle aged appealing. I grew with these men and they grew with me. In my life though, Diddy came before Jay (his first album No Way Out was the first rap album that I ever bought), and Diddy has continted you influence my life every year that I age. So you can imagine the feeling that would come over me when I see something this epic one the cover of a magazine.
“I got my billions up, fuckin with dem white folks/ Now I don’t give a fuck, ’cause I’m richer than dem white folks…”
-Diddy’s verse on Wocka Flocka Flame’s O Let’s Do It (Remix)
Now everyone knows that Puff doesn’t write his own lyrics, but the way that line came off, man it sounds like his own thoughts. The cockiness just drips his pores. But you can’t hate him for it. You know that he’s worked to gain the status that has and all of the credibility that comes along with it.
What’s interesting about this month’s XXL cover is that this is Puff’s first cover for the publication. Ever. He’s been in the game longer than most artists and entrepreneurs in hip hop and he is just now gracing a cover of XXL. It’s well deserved. As I read on, I dream about would could be, in my career. Could I be the next Diddy? Could I strive to accomplish what Jay-Z has done as a rapper? Or should I just think of it in the scope of what I’m going to do? The latter sounds a little better. I need to be the next “me.” You ready world?
If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this month’s XXL and read the article on Diddy. It’s very insightful and provides a cool insight into his madness as a workaholic and why he truly is the best thing to happen to hip hop on a business forefront. Where Russell took it into the mainstream in the early nineties, Diddy made expanded on that and made hip hop an international genre. Everyone knew who Biggie was. Everyone remembers those damn shinny suits. Everyone gave him flack for sampling. Yet, everyone still shook their ass. Even music videos. No one in black music since Michael Jackson up the point of Diddy doing it, did music videos feel like mini movies. Thanks Diddy. Thanks Hype.
Business in music will never be the same because of Diddy. Hell, even his partner Jay-Z (silent partner I like to say) will show you what it means to be a black business man in music…hmm…
“Don’t worry if I write rhymes/I write checks…”
Diddy’s verse on ”Bad Boy 4 Life” from The Saga Continues…
We all do it. Most of us who want something so bad, we will go for it and risk losing everything we have in the process. Much of the time it’s our sanity. I heard this song and it allowed me to put everything back into perspective – one of the many reasons why music is so dear to me. It’s the language that speaks to me where I gain the most understanding. It’s just incredible to have that feeling. The feeling of solace and no worries. Everything will be alright. Mind’s clear again. Ok now, just focus and go do it. The negative will always try to find it’s way in the mix. It’s up to you to filter it out. That’s merely an extension of Asher Roth’s message in the song and my own interpretation, but it makes sense to me. And one day…As one of my favorite rappers, Common, once said in his album title, “One Day It’ll All Make Sense.” I told this girl to go listen and that album and take notes when she posted in her facebook status that, “she doesn’t understand life.” I don’t think any of us are meant to. If we do then it’ll probably be when we perish and the casket closes shut and etched on inside of the cover our soul will read the meaning. I never expect anything in life to be so simple to understand that’s why we live into old age, spending all that time learning about the things life has to offer. When your time is up, most likely means you’ve learned everything you were meant to. So, I urge you, take advantage. And I’m off to go take my own advice. But first…
Speaking on Asher Roth, I am a little upset with myself that I stumbled upon this song, which is a newly released single, and I hope from his new album to come, because I still have yet to listen to his first album. It’s not that I never wanted to, but because it kept slipping my mind. What’s so unfortunate about our media is that we never get an equal amount of attention on artists. So we only know a few. Which goes to show you why I know more about what’s going on in Drake and Lil Wayne’s career more than any other artist. The truth is, I never even seek out information on their careers. It’s just information that’s always there, which is unfortunate for talented emcees like Asher Roth who I feel deserves a little more exposure. He is of the new generation in Hip Hop and he’s contributing something worthwhile. I guess he’s not flashy enough.
Either way, this song feels like a nice new anthem for 2010.
G.R.I.N.D by Asher Roth
*Disclaimer: This is an unofficially released song. I do not own this song. It belongs to Asher Roth. I have no affiliation with the host of the YouTube upload.*
Diversitile. Fashion. Art. Comics! The mix up, mix-up is just so beautiful!
If you remember my post from a month or so back displaying the Medusa inspired dunks from Diversitile clothing, then you can appreciate their latest offering. Except no impostors! These young men are talented and they mean business, literally. It’s an amazing feeling to see your friends using their talents in a way that keeps pushing the boundaries on something as simple as sneakers. But these young men just don’t make sneakers, they make literal works of art inspired by the very culture that has grabbed the attention of many young boys who grew up in our generation. Comics and the superheroes that glace their covers. There is no other character or person imaginative young boys would rather be. This time around you can feel like the superhero with these limited edition Iron Man and War Machine dunks. These are by far the coolest sneakers I have ever seen.
What’s even more exciting is the response these two gentlemen have been receiving from all over the world. As far as Singapore! Below are pictures of the shoes along with an explinatino of the shoes from the creators.
From Diversitile:
Ok so here they are! We have literally been working in the lab, just like Tony Stark, to create state of the art creations matched by none. When you put these on your feet, you should feel like your ready to save the day. Both shoes are layered with armored paneling to make sure you feet are well protected against any villain. And yes they even have working versions of the staple of Ironman and War Machine; the glowing cores that give power to the suites. No, it’s not a photoshop trick, press down on the tongues to turn on and off the the glowing power.
Basically we pulled all the stops out on these, and may have had the most fun on these two pairs than any shoes to date. When they light up the room, it really feels like your about to take off and fly like Ironman!
If you are thinking, “How can I get my hands on a pair?” don’t worry, we will be posting a link shortly with purchase options and pricing. The run will be limited. Once we reach our predetermined # of sales, thats it! So, keep checking the blog and the website for updates on purchasing your pair, how many will be sold, and pricing.
Due to the overwhelming response for purchase of the shoes they have decided to set up an Ebay auction for the shoes, which are limited, and will end on June 5 at 12am. Visit www.diversitile.com for details.
I have expressed the love that I have for my heritage to you all before, but I wanted to continue to share that love with what created many of the fonder memories in my childhood. The music of my culture. Jamaica is one of the richest countries that I can think of, when it comes to morality. Despite the high murder rate, corruption in politics, and the church, the spiritual ideologies that many of the people share is one to be cherished. In much of the music that I have heard from the Reggae genre as I grew older expressed life lessons and what I like to call musical Psalms that always seem to hit me deep in my soul. There are some artist that sing their message so powerfully that it comes as if they are singing to you, personally. I think much of that has to do with the hard life that many Jamaicans face. There are way more poor citizens than middle class ones, and the rich, most of which belong to the corrupted sanctions that keep the poor right where they stand. But those who rise above and separate themselves from the life that gave them so much sorrow always seem to be able to recapture those feelings and express it as if they are still living it. Memories can never fade. What I think is important to point out is that many of Jamaica’s artists, even though the become rich from their careers, always speak back to the people with uplifting tunes that give them hope or music that preaches on issues that need to be addressed.
From the perspective that I have had growing up in this world raised as an American and Jamaican I could never find a middle ground. I could never find the beauties in Jamaica that I loved, namely on the point I just spoke on, in American culture. To me it always seemed that America was lacking deeply in morals. Particular philosophies that I live my life by, many of my peers could never relate. That always made me wonder.
Maybe my points would be better explained with songs from big artists in Jamaica that no longer have the reason to sing about being poor or living a life that is hard, yet they still do. I find that in American culture as well, but it is so rare nowadays and far in between that you might as well say it’s none existent. And it mostly exists only in Hip Hop. These types of songs give hope to people, because not everyone is as privileged as you and I. And what you and I are privileged with, there are two other people out there who have it better than us. So in that, I feel it is necessary to always try and speak back to the people who are growing up where I came from. Let, them know that they too can escape all of what keeps them down…And how ironic, I haven’t even made it yet.
These are songs that have been released in the last 5 years, starting with the newest.
There’s nothing more thrilling than seeing my peers bringing their ideas to life. They always they, “You can draw a line between those who talk and those who do. Those who have talent and those who have the talent of talking.” Or something along those lines.
My cousin and his friends are definitely doing it, and it (film) is what they love. They show so much promise everytime I see a new trailer of theirs. The one below is their newest trailer of many, but most importantly, they trailer for their first short film. It’s entitled The Paragons. It’s an original story about 4 friends who find a device that gives them special powers. I’m really excited to see the finished product. If they make a short as well as they make trailers, I think people are in for a real treat.
“…And I spent 400 bucks on this/just to be like nigga, you ain’t up on this!” – Kanye West on ” All Falls Down” from The College Dropout.
That statement is the epitome of someone who always likes to be onto the latest trends. In some cases not the latest trends, but things that are of either out of reach of the common man due to their exclusivity to the rich and famous or it is a prized gem few know about because it slips under the radar to the public. I will be the first to tell you that I’m not one to always be up on the latest trends. I love new and emerging styles, fashions, technologies into our culture but I always felt that I shouldn’t endorse it just because everyone likes it. If it’s actually good product then it deserves spotlight.
Working at a sunglasses boutique I see some of the most beautiful eyewear. I have also grown a certain obsession for any type of new eyewear that I come across. I have been wearing optical lenses since the age of 11, it’s pretty fun to change up your individuality with a cool pair of spectacles, whether they be for vision or sun protection. The accessories culture is an interesting one and it generates large sums of money for it’s designers.
Recently I came across the beautiful Barton Perreira line, a handmade collection of luxury eyewear designed by Patty Perreira. They have such a marvelous modern elegance to them. A sophistication that could really be respected by anyone who dons them and would be sure to garner compliments. It’s fashion items like Barton Perreira that get me more intrigued with high fashion. I look at it from this perspective (and I want to be quoted on this), “We cloth ourselves to reflect our personality and individuality. The designs of such fashions allow us something tangible to treat our bodies as canvases. High fashion is art. It allows any person within reach of it and the know how on coordination to literally be a walking work of art.”
Will Smith has always been one of my idols. I followed his career ever since I was a small child and he still inspires me to this day. I always looked at him as the anomaly out of all the black successful men that have “made it” in entertainment. Who couldn’t like Will Smith? He was charismatic, funny, and a damn good actor – not to mention he was the first rapper to ever win a Grammy award. I can’t say that I ever bumped his albums but I remember almost all of his singles. They were some of the biggest rap songs I could remember growing up. I mean huge. Who could forget songs like, Parents Just Don’t Understand, Ring My Bell, Gettin’ Jiggy Wit It, Miami, or the Men in Black song. It was the hip hop that I always respected but could never make. I don’t know why that is, but as a rapper, at least right now in my career I can’t find it in me to write a song like Miami. I remember the story Will Smith once told in an interview about why he never cursed in his music. It’s one of the most respectable reasons I have heard on not needing to curse in rap music. Although, there were other good reasons on why I found it okay to do so, or even important to do so. I was always torn between the two ends. I have toned it down a lot recently. There’s an interesting story why that I will probably share another time. The problem that I think hip hop music has is that often times it speaks to only one type of people, it’s not like the other genres that are easily universal. But hip hop is, what I call the true voice of a black man and all characteristics of a black man. You will find every single characteristic if you thumb through all of the rappers out there. Some with so much sense, you wonder how they missed an ivy league university, some with no sense at all that I find it embarrassing to other rappers and the black community.
What I have found to be the most interesting thing about Will Smith is that without much effort he has spoken to many races, and cultures across the world through his music, movies, and all of the causes that he supports. He is widely liked. He’s just being himself. He is the last of a dying breed and he is also incredibly intelligent. Something that is overlooked in celebrities these days. Where in entertainment you have to try so hard to stand out these days many people do not remain themselves. They create a facade. What I call the cash cow facade – the personality that the companies push because it makes money.
There is also the rise to success. It’s much harder than ever to be successful in media. The culture is so saturated. If you think you would die to be famous, be a movie star, singer, news anchor, or TV personality, there is someone opposite of you ready to literally kill in order to do it. There are only a small number of people that actually commit themselves to becoming the best at what they want to pursue. Things like practice and dedication are swept underneath the rug to shortcuts and nepotism. This is probably why we have such an abundance of entertainers and not enough talented people giving us the media that we consume like candy so fast we are bored after 30 seconds. I long for the days of substance. I long for the days where I feel like the energy that I put into such things like my blog would be something people check everyday as they would their e-mail, or FAIL Blog, because it’s of some substance to their lives. Fact of the matter is most people don’t like to read. So I’ve already written too much, and I’ve already become too profound and borderline preachy. I’ve been told people don’t like that. Therefore, let me just wrap this up. The video you see below is of Will Smith speaking on some very important issues about success, being focused on your desires, and conquering the fears that are associated. My brother showed this to me last year and I had to revisit it. I wanted to share it with you all. If you are someone like myself chasing something greater in your life, once you watch it, remember it, and keep it with you.
The word is visual in itself, but the visuals below serve justice on a much more candid level. Black and white photography – in my opinion it’s among the most beautiful out of any style of photography.
Irony: Despite all of the racism that has transcended in the world over years, the marriage of black and white photography always come across to me as the most visually intense, looks the most beautiful, and the subjects are the same color – a shade of gray. How about that? Though that is purely and opinion and a mere observation, I think it’s valid and justifiable.
Michel Comte, a photographer of Zurich, Switzerland, who I was just introduced to while skimming through some pictures when I came across the ones you see below you. They were stark, and strangely addictive to my eye. What’s most interesting about the photographs from his edition is that they are all taken at different time periods, yet they resonate with a consistent style that is is all his own, a motif of cigarettes he seems to have a thing for, and celebrities as the subjects.
I always believe that the most talented people are the ones where it comes out of them naturally; as if they were born to be some anomaly to this world in whatever craft it is that makes them a talented wonder. I also believe that you can learn talent. It’s called practice. It’s also called dedication – to be the best. Dedication…that is the talent that a person who learned how to be good in their craft was able to become “talented.” Their is no science to it. It’s all about just doing it. Non stop. Breathing it. Literally doing it as you eat, which I have done many of times. They say there is no time for meal breaks or you don’t want to stop doing it so you switch between your meal and that craft sharing the attention. Example: I eat and write all the time. It could be me writing a blog and eating, writing rhymes and eating, or simply avoiding eating all together (most of the time it’s forgetting) because I don’t want to stop what it is that I am working on. At that point it lends itself to be called “for the love of doing it.” I once spent over 36 hours working on a painting and a drawn still life, going back and forth between the two for my art class finals. I must have eaten once in that entire time frame and drank 3 cups of coffee. I was having so much fun. Nothing in the world existed but those pieces of art. It was just me some music and my tools. I actually had some friends with me there too. I must have acknowledged them a couple of times.
It’s amazing to see people in their element. Especially the truly gifted. This is what they do, it’s what they love. Nothing else around them even interferes. It’s really amazing to see people so engrossed in their work. It keeps me inspired. You know for the longest time, I never felt I was talented until I proved it to myself. Then, for another long period of time I suffered from a lot of frustration trying to prove to people that I was talented. I started to hear it more recently after I put out certain works of mine that made some people say it to me at the drop of a hat. Then, there are some who just don’t get it. Some who no matter how much you try to beat them over the head with it, they don’t give in. Hard to please, haters, or just oblivious. At that point you just have to spell it out to them. Maybe I’m in that part of it all. Maybe it will take for me to be legitimally famous before they finally see it. Not that matters but, it’s about the mission in showing the world what you can do. Making it…THAT in itself is a talent. I’m trying to do that right now, and people who know that, are seeing me do it everyday. They are watching me work. From the trenches to the high rise. You know I like to think highly of myself, so I call myself a genius. Well then, I guess those same people have been watching a genius at work
Here are some of my favorite geniuses at work. Enjoy.
I know that I have been a little absent a couple of days at a time with the blog, but I have been very busy and for good reason. I have been working to align myself with the very same rappers that I have been posting in past blog as inspirations. I am, “On the come up,” as they say. I feel that I am more than just an emcee. I feel like rap and music is my whole life. It’s the only thing that I have ever really put above anything else. I am such as serious music fan that it still means something to me to go and buy an album of my favorite artist on release day and peel the packaging right there in the car and bump the tape on my way to my next destination. I will even listen to it like 10 times over before I even decided to switch to a new CD.
It’s self inspiring to see where I have come from, how hard I work just to get the small wins only to feel like, “Yeah! This is actually working out. I can’t believe it…” That’s how I felt when I booked my next show and my first actual debut to LA. The first two shows I did at The Good Hurt were practice. It was a great introduction for me too, but I performed mostly in front of co-workers and friends. Now comes the moment of truth. I will be in front of people who don’t even know me. All that matters now is the music. Can my music touch them in some way where they say, “Wow, who is this guy? He’s pretty good.” From that point, I have accomplished one part of my goal, get a new fan. This is about music. It has always been. It’s about making music that I like and hope that other people will like. I have a story to tell. I can tell the story of other people too, but I need to address my own before I can do that. It’s also about advancing music. I can’t just come out and expect to be like every other artist. I don’t want to be a clone. I do want to be myself but I know that I have something new to offer. All that it takes for recognition is ears and people who like real. I’m never going to preach how real I am in my music, I will just be who I am. That’s as real as you can get.
This is the real beginning. I can only pray that things go up from here. I always talk about what my story will be. Like, how will I get on in the game? I still think of that everyday. What’s funny, I’m listening to the last track on “The College Dropout” right now, where Kanye tells the story of how he got signed to Roc-a-Fella. It’s really awe-inspiring to hear stories like that. One day I will come back and tell everyone my story.
Below is the flyer to the show that I was able to book. It’s at The Airliner in Los Angeles on June 11th. I will be going on at 9:45pm downstairs. If you are in the LA area on that day, whether you know me or not, are a fan or have never heard my music, I would appreciate it if you came out and experienced what I feel is a special addition to the culture known as hip hop. Word is my bond.
The most famous was the first which took place in Florence, Italy from the 14th to 17th century, but the most forgotten was the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920′s and 30′s.
After a conversation one evening with my friend, Devin, who directly inspired this post, showed me a painting that was from the Harlem Renaissance. She could not stop talking about how beautiful it was. She sent me the painting and I was instantly in agreement.
Black Belt (1934)
Archibald J. Motley
It’s a shame that some of the most beautiful works of art, which seem to be overshadowed, are from some of the most talented African American artists of the 20th Century. What is interesting about the Harlem Renaissance, not only in fine art, but in music and other entertainment media, African American artists had the first opportunity to speak a voice for representing their culture with some truth that had never seen before. The pioneers of African American artists in Western Art were more known for thier landscapes, still life, and sculptures but at the sight of the Harlem Renaissance, political, satirical themes on racial life, and the Jazz culture were in abundance. If you love art, please take the time to experience the magnificence of what the Harlem Renaissance offered to the culture.
If the artists of the Renaissance or the Harlem Renaissance, or even the young genius minds we celebrate today more that when they were alive like, Andy Warhol and Jackson Pollack, made art knowing that it would sprout monetary means much larger that they could ever imagined on a single painting? Do you think that they would have altered their vision in some way? Would they have saw their art as something more commercially viable than an expression of their artistic visions or an avenue for their passions or emotions to travel through? It’s a valid question. It’s like with any other art form in entertainment or leisure. If they all knew it would make them millions of dollars beforehand would they have said, ” Well if this is going to make me this famous, I need something more grand, something that says $106.5 million dollars.” Those probably would have been the words of a young Picasso during the time he was painting Nude, Green Leaves and Bust in 1932. Earlier this week that same painting was sold for that exact amount in an auction and is now the world’s most expensive painting.
It’s astonishing to think one painting could be worth so much. It is a Picasso, and he is respected as one of history’s greatest artists. I just find it fascinating that most fine artists who begin to paint, merely for the love and the hope that someone out there will appreciate and connect to their vision, never know that it can one day return them means that they, and I guarantee, never expected to be. In some way it beings to reshape the way we think of the phrase “struggling artist.” Then, most of them perish and tumble into the category of “they never miss you until your dead and gone” and become one of the most respected figures in history. True genius’ are never realized until the lay in the coffin. I’ve always wondered why that is. It presents itself to me how many followers we have in our society. Most of the time it takes just one person to co-sign something whether it be good or bad, then rave about it, and soon enough the rest of the world is in agreement. Here’s a simple test. Next time you are in a class or a seminar and the speaker finishes his lecture and asks, “Are there any questions?” I promise you at first no one will raise thier hand, even if they do have a question. But, you be that brave soul and ask a question, watch how many people start to raise thier hand after you. Some of it is breaking the ice, and some part of it is the others joining in on “Well, if everyone else is asking a question, I might as well ask one too.” It’s kind of sad that’s how our socitey works.
To sort of answer my own qestion on how artists would approach their work if they knew they could make millions of dollars on thier art before they even dive into the acrylics, I can parallel today’s entertainment industry. Divide a large portion of actors, musicians, and other entertainers who pursue their crafts for reasons of vanity and money simply because it’s been presented to them that, this is what you can have if you do this. Then all focus on art is long gone out the window and we have a group of artist trying to get rich by making the kind of trivial art they know will strike them oil. It’s an unfortunate truth.
In some way I kind of feel sorry for Picasso’s estate because I wonder if any of that money will be returned. It’s sort of like music artists who don’t make a dime on most of their royalties, instead it’s funneled back into the record labels, through devious schemes. “So sad, too bad,” is what they probably say.
Pay attention young artists, this is what a hundred million dollar painting looks like. I’m sure you can make one too. Just paint by numbers.
Albeit, it is a really beautiful painting.
Pablo Picasso Nude, Green Leaves and Bust (1932)
Oil on canvas
This young man has been one of my favorite rappers since he stepped onto the scene in 2005. He released his first album in 2006 entitled, Lupe Fiasco’s Food and Liquor. He’s the kind of rapper that you want to grow up to be like -well educated, being himself, and doing the music for the love of it all – yet he has something to prove. He has stated that many of times he feels that people are sleeping on his talents and he has let it be know that with the release of his new album Lasers, which was supposed to be L.U.P. End (his last studio album), it looks as if he is not going out without a fight.
He is also another rapper that kept me going after the dream of being a musician and not needing to form some image to succeed. Rappers struggle so much in order to separate themselves from that. I feel that they just want to be apart of music and not need to fall under any pressures of marketing gimmicks in order to sell albums. Lupe has overturned that many of times and has continuously been himself and released two successful studio albums. I for one am looking forward to Lasers. I need that chicken soup for my music soul. You should stand in line with a bowl ready as well. Enjoy his first single from the album, I’m Beamin’
What is a bored artist? Someone like myself who was at work, in a retail store that was getting no business, bored out of his mind an unable to use his talents so that they stay fresh. Or was I? I present to you my newest piece, I call Rising Upwards Against The Forces.
An artist should be able to create using any medium he has in reach. On this particular day I had a magnet base an some paper clips. It’s not much but it make for an interesting sculpture. The focus, as I built, became centered on balance an organization, hence the name. I like the idea of using something so easily bent and lightweight as paper clips trying to form a shape and stay uniform despite the strong force of the magnet base acting upon it. It’s simple and not much but it’s and effective exercise. It’s sort of a metaphor for my own life. More art to come! I still draw! Not much as I should, but I have some cool pieces on the way.
I think there is something interesting about a young man who hangs with the likes of Andy Warhol, and other then soon to be famous artists, and becomes inspired to pursue fashion. Which Sir Paul Smith did, and when he did it, was flavored with all the sensibilities of a radical.
I first became exposed to Paul Smith in the last month while working at Solstice. I was never fortunate enough to see the glasses that are under his line until I started working at the Century City location I currently reside at. I was reading through the product training book on a day of boredom to the point it felt like the dead air and silence of no human moving in the store shuffling glasses along with the pumping of disco music would soon begin drilling a hole into my head, which I would then examine in the mirror and smile because it was something new and refreshing to happen to me instead of the same old monotonous Solstice rigmarole. As I read through the book, I came to the sections of Oliver Peoples and Mosely Tribes which are lines all designed by Oliver Peoples founder Larry Leight. I then came to the Paul Smith tab, immediately following, and I learned that his line of spectacles are too designed in collaboration with Mr. Leight. Though an interesting surprise, that was not what intrigued me so much about Paul Smith, but it was how he entered the world of fashion and his particular ideologies that influence his work that had me attracted to his art. He once had the only ambition of becoming a cyclist but after a terrible accident that laid that dream to rest, he soon made friends with a bunch of art students and soon, he dived into the fashion world and for the last 30 years, he has created styles for men and women that defined his name and his peculiar personality. Much of his fashion that I have seen are fun yet, play like painted canvas’ that you can wear, with the display of color that many of the collections have. Everything in the Spring/Summer 2010 collection all look as if they set right between trendy and the classic look.
I researched him more recently and I find him completely up my alley – a mad artful genius. I present, Sir Paul Smith.
Courtesy of Men’s Style
Paul Smith Summer 2010 Collection Courtesy of JALOUTV.com
I have to keep going. It’s a new month and a new set of events have yet to transpire. I put a hell of a grind in last month, and in May, I need to step it up even more. I am so close. I know it. I feel it. I can’t give up.
This video is classic hip hop and a perfect fit for today. Rock with me y’all and sing, “Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! It’s the first of the month…”
If you have ever looked at my resume on this site then you know a little bit about my background and what contributes to my love for art, the knowledge and the everlasting pursuit of showing people what I can do as an artist myself. But allow me to trek to the second attribute, the knowledge. On my resume, you can view my current experience in Film and my work as a Musician. Many people will respect what I do now, or what I have done in the past, and that holds true for anyone who has received accolades or is in the possession of many accomplishments. Its often over looked as to what groomed them in order to reach at the doorstep of those accomplishments. I always wonder, why? It seems no one is ever really interested in what you did in school. I think that’s unfair. Many of times school is the place that beats you up into the person you become as a professional. Same as how your childhood shapes the person you become as an adult.
At the University of Central Florida where I received my B.A in Digital Media (everything that encompasses fine art to visual effects created on digital platforms). Computer Animation was my focus. I was required to take several fine art classes as pre-requisites before I could delve into my major. At first, I was wondering why do I need to take 2D Design in order to be a computer animator? I know now, and I appreciate it more than anything. In my sophomore year, I took 2D Design and Drawing I. Everything about taking an art class was so foreign to me, but I was very excited nonetheless. Was I an art student before? Nope. Never picked up a conte crayon let alone a 2B Pencil to draw before. Ryan Burkhart was the first person to teach me everything I know and love about art. He is the sole person that ignited a fire in me to want to be the best at anything I do as an artist. Robert Reedy followed right behind and solidified that feeling and surrounded it with being a professional on every level. Everything must be clean and presentable when you show it to Mr. Reedy, if not, expect to be chewed out. I don’t think I will ever let it die out. Everything that I do is in direct respect to Art and Professionalism talked on all the time by two gentlemen.
To show my appreciation to them for serving as professors, mentors and inspiration, I wanted to put some of their artwork on display in a gallery on TroyB Arthouse. I hope you enjoy it. Thank you gentlemen for all that you have offered me.
Ryan Burkhart
Robert Reedy
Vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness.
-Robert Reedy
Music and Cinematography (or Videography). They marry and we have something is not commonly known as music videos (though it really is) but we have two art forms that, in a pair, are so adequate to the drive of a song that it becomes consistently underrated. So much that it’s presence has vanished from the television. Well, not so much vanished but just had MTV (the network that gave birth to music videos) turn it’s back on it for the plastic, silicone filled reality programs. Now, if you want to see a music video, trek to your computer and type YouTube into your address bar, then search for the video to a song, and wait for it – your directed to another site (VEVO) at which controls most of the music videos on the internet now. Hmm…something seems fishy. I mean, I see scales scattered about and I get the smell, so it has to be corporate control manipulation once again. Whatever happened to The Box? I miss my Video Soul, I want what I once new as Total Request Live back! MTV you officially are not what your name states you are. There is no music on my TV.
Music videos are a wonderful art and a wet dream of expansion for a musician’s creative vision. Not to mention, it has been a great platform for many of aspiring filmmakers to gain the start they needed to propel themselves into their passion: telling feature film narratives. Case in point? David Fincher. You might know him. He brought us classic films such as Fight Club, Seven, and most recently The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. He also started out directing music videos since the mid 80′s. Remember this video? It was actually banned from being played on television.
Nine Inch Nails Closer
Directed by: David Fincher
A beautifully sick kind of art, that video. I don’t know why but I liked it ever since I first saw it. It came out in 1994. Kind of ahead of it’s time. I wonder if they released that today, will it have had the same reaction? Maybe. I think by now, our culture has seen it all, done it all. But it also is a great representation of how artists feel about having the creative freedom to do what they feel best represents them, and that video is clearly Nine Inch Nails.
This video is one of the most clever videos that I can ever remember. It’s simple and it has an underlying narrative.
Kanye West Flashing Lights
Directed by: Spike Jonze (also a feature filmmaker)
What’s so remarkable about the video is there is no ending. The song isn’t even finished when the video ends. It’s brilliant. Let your imagination give you the ending. Although there have been many stories as to why the video ends like that, or if it can be even considered the official music video. What’s also so great is the use of slow motion, most will say there are 2 cuts in it, but I count three. One cleverly put seamless cut. What the video also boils down to is, does it even matter that there is no ending or the song wasn’t entirely used? The video works either way. That is something that I have loved about music videos, it doesn’t even have to make sense to be good. It’s really about the visuals, although having a narrative that supports the song can push it farther.
MTV bring back music videos, please. Don’t force me to watch them on my laptop with the crappy speakers and small screen. We have LCD and Plasma Televisions now. Some that go as tall a 72″. We have Surround Sound entertainment setups. There is no reason why we should not be watching music videos in that type of environment. I can’t change the world but I sure can attempt to. Wait until you see my music videos.
Here is another video that I saw recently that I kind of fell in love with. I am in love with the song so that already give it a front seat to my attention.
Usher featuring will.i.am OMG
Directed by: Anthony Mandler
GIVE RESPECT TO MUSIC VIDEOS! A LOT OF WORK GOES INTO MAKING THEM.
I want to speak on myself when I say that but I feel I have to give credit where it is due. This guy man…he came at the right time. Hip hop needs this. I can only imagine what will happen when I get on. I really wonder, what will be my story? How will it happen for me? I’ve said that many of times before but I really think about that quite often. I’m putting the work in. I’m losing sleep to get to it. I am praying about this everyday. I need to be doing music. It’s in my blood. I feel so close. I can’t let go of it. It’s apparent that J Cole has embraced his calling as well.
This video is of J Cole when we has performing at S.O.B in New York City, debuting the first single from his album Who Dat?. It definitely says that there are good things in store for his album. It will be well worth the wait. And when you have someone like Jay-Z backing you, how can you lose?
No, not Elvis or T.I., but Jack Kirby, one of the most respected and remembered comic book artists of the past generation. It is important to remember these legends as they have laid the groundwork for what we see before us today. Without Jack Kirby, Stan Lee, and Will Eisner we wouldn’t have our Todd McFarlene, Frank Miller or Joe Quesada – a some of the men who transformed comics into what it is today. The mainstream has caught on, it has become a cash cow, and we have almost too many comic book movies in production. Blame Hollywood to take something and slut it out.
I have always appreciated the art of comics from my younger years. More so than the stories. I wasn’t sure why but not many of the comic book stories never attracted me. The only superhero I could ever identify with was Batman, which is strange because he’s a billionaire middle aged white man who fights crime at night with technology’s best equipment and a kick ass car. How could a middle class black child ever relate to that you ask? Well, it was the human element that I loved the most – no powers. He was a mortal, yet knowing this he felt as if he couldn’t die fighting crime. The comic was very dark, and Batman was full of flaws. Everything that pushed him as a superhero was his inability to let go of his past and vengeance drove everything. There were many reasons I could relate to that, and that is what I loved about comics, at least the ones not too suspended in fantasy. I also loved Spiderman. I really appreciated his story and the constant confusion of his own identity.
When I was first exposed to Jack Kirby’s art, many years after he passed in 1994, I got a chance to see how it evolved during his career, which is pretty remarkable to see. He started in golden era of comics and he transitioned to the years when guys like Todd McFarlene and Frank Miller where beginning to give the genre a major overhaul in style. Below you can see what real talent can offer. In my definition that is the ability to grow with the times of the culture and still remain relevant with your art.
Dr. Doom
Dr. Doom and Silver Surfer
Star War Six Galaxy
Fantastic Four
The Losers
(The recently released movie is based on a comic book)
If you remember me saying before that, “Art is Everything” it’s because I truly believe that. I feel that art can be anything that you want it to be. Sometimes the world, or even our universe can show of some of the most beautiful images the naked eye can marvel. I have always been a science junkie, and anything that involves technology, I am all over it. I remember seeing a documentary as a young teen about the Hubble Space Telescope and the epic journey of doing the repairs needed to save it in 1993. Since it’s official birth in 1990 the telescope has allowed us to witness some incredible art on display by the universe. The photo below is no different, taken recently and released in honor of the telescope’s 20th Anniversary. It is star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. The enormous pillar of gas and dust is 3 light-years tall. The seam in the middle is the result of new stars forming and emitting powerful gas jets that are ripping the pillar apart.
Beautiful, isn’t it?
You can read more about the Hubble Telescope’s 20th Anniversary on Wired News.
I saw these photographs on Kanye’s blog a while back and I held off on posting it on here because I wanted to leave credit to him for the find, but I came across this again and I just had to post it. It’s some of the most beautiful photographs I have ever seen. Especially seeing how much I love women – I think they are the most beautiful beings ever conceived. To me, they are the closet thing next to angels breathing. These photographs feel like an extension of that.
These are from the “Silver” edition photographed by Guido Argentini, and Italian medical student turned photographer at age 23. It was his passion. It seems that one’s passions take over the direction of we peruse as a conventional job. I believe the passion is the right job. Much of Guido’s work have been published in the leading magazines such as, Marie Claire, Men’s Health, Panorama, Playboy, Vogue, Max, Maxim, and among others.
Here are some extras that I found of Guido’s other editions.
Young boys, young boys. Hustlers, stick up kids, and wanna be’s… Live life without recklessness. Give yourself the image of having intelligence. Do not ever forget where you come from but know, where you come from, not everyone will relate or understand. Give them reason NOT to profile you. The world is your oyster.
Being a rapper (an African American rapper) having the preconceived notions on your lifestyle, your environment, and your demeanor, is something common to them. As long as I have been a hiphop fan, going on 14 years now I have seen rappers speak out against the profile they get. Some embrace it and glorify it. It’s fascinating to me that hip hop after having life for around 30 years, the genre and it’s artists are still the most misunderstood and the confusion doesn’t seem to die down. The environment that most rappers arise from are not of the most attractive. Fact: Most rappers were at some point drug dealers or involved in crimes. Fact: Most rappers were troubled teens. Fact: Most rappers fabricate their life because they feel in order to be accepted they need to be like those other rappers. So in turn we have felons and misguided youth for no reason at all. Is it influence or is it the media’s portrayal without the proper conducted research and understanding on this thing we call “hiphop” or even this thing the world knows as the Young Black Man.
Many rappers address these topics but it is often drowned out by the money market nonsense that is ever present and easily accessible. But I feel it is important to spread the right word. Two of my favorite rappers Pusha T and Malice of the Clipse continue to do this. Malice started a video blog last year and has since released some very important messages since.
Some words from Malice. Some of you might understand this, some may not. It’s important to be heard by anyone who has a view or opinion on the artists in hip hop or what they represent.
There is a certain art to putting together a good commercial ad campaign. It can be a clever storyline or theme, or really well used visual effects. As we crossed the line into the 21st Century and commercials became, funnier, more over the top, and with higher production values, it was the world that of visual effects that was called on to help with the execution. I come from a visual effects background, and having a B.A. in the field, and I must say that the integration of visual effects into almost everything we see in media, is one of the most fascinating evolutions I will probably witness in my life. As a teen in high school I followed effects closely and what I remember then in comparison to what I see now, is truly astonishing. Although, I will say that it has become over used – to the point I no longer get that wow factor that I once had.
Now, after working for a visual effects studio, Rhythm and Hues, I walked away with an even greater appreciation for the art form. It’s hard work. Don’t let anyone ever tell you different. Contrary to popular belief, the computer does not do all of the work. Many extremely talented artist work long hours to bring the elements that many marvel over when they see it in a movie, video game, or commercial. I feel that it goes as far as to even “make the product.” Let’s take Transformers for instance – no matter how you want to debate it, but visual effects made that movie. Same for Avatar. It’s kind of sad because visual effects in feature films or commercials is not a story telling tool. It’s like the butt of a joke or a pun, it’s only there to advance the thing that it supports. Yet, many of times, it takes center stage due to a weak story. I blame laziness among the brains behind the storytelling. Sorry, many will hate me for that but, I feel Avatar did have a weak story.
The two commercials below belong to a Samsung campaign promoting their newly devised 3D television, and a Coca-Cola Super Bowl ad spot. Forget what’s being advertised when watching these. Pay attention to how they are being advertised. It’s pretty remarkable at effects allow to believe or question what to believe. That holds much stronger in the first one. The visual effects for these commercials, from my research, were done by ad agencies CHI, and Wieden + Kennedy, respectively.
If you have ever been interested in all the cool CG that you see in your favorite movies I recommend that you do a little research and see how it is done. I almost guarantee that you will be surprised at what goes into it. The appreciation is necessary. It will be the most important asset in almost all media in the next 5-10 years. I promise you that.
I am very proud of my history and my heritage – the culture that raised me with what I call, a unique perspective of the world. By being of a Jamaican nationality brought up in the American society, not only has it been a blessing but it has been somewhat of a difficult adjustment. I was first generation born in the United States but I was raised as if I was living in Jamaica. I love my heritage so much that it is an undertone in every thing that pursue. It is the very fabric that I clothe my life in. There is a greater good in the morals that I live by, and it’s affects not only on me but the people I surround myself with.
The art that comes from the island is of the only country that I can think of where it is recognized worldwide. A very small country at that. Mostly it is the music. But Jamaica is more than music, more than Bob Marley (Uncle Bob as we call him), it is the spirit of people who believe that everything in life is a blessing. I swear, growing up, I heard so many proverbs on feeling blessed for what you currently have versus what you want to obatin to consider blessing. That is the true nature of what Jamaicans exude. The art is the voice of that.
Give Praise
Luciano
Give Thanks
Artist: Homer Brown
Give Thanks
Assassin
Artist: Stephen Spath
“So Much Going On” Oil on Canvas
“Emily – Sexy Lady, Crazy Thing” Oil on Canvas
These two pieces reminds me to give thanks for all of the strong beautiful women that come from Jamaica. Unmatched.
Conceptualize. I personally, love to engage in the act. My brain adores it even more. Well, it is my creative charm that seduces the muse to fulfill my erotic desire to breath into the lungs of a new born idea. It’s fun. I do it sometimes subconsciously. It just so happens to be a style of art as well. Conceptual art. It is among my favorite of the many techniques of fine art. What I appreciate about it the most, is that you are bound to no rules. The result can be anything that your mind can dream of, and in any form you desire. It can be on bristol paper in a drawing, on canvas in oil or acrylic, or even a conceptual still life. After that point, it is up to the viewers to interpret it’s meaning. That piece of art can mean the difference between someone seeing exactly what you were after or it being given a meaning completely opposite of what you had in mind. Then it just becomes something entirely new. And for every person that sees it, a new description arises. It’s really wonderful.
One of the first conceptual artists that I was introduced to in college was Marcel Duchamp, in my 3D Design class. He has become of my favorite artists standing in the same lineup as Vincent Van Gogh. He was an artist of the Dadaist and Surrealist movements referring to many of his works as “readymades” by taking the most mundane objects which would have not been considered art, altering them in someway and or renaming them and placing them in a gallery. This inherently became his style. Much of the work that he created in his time and helped influence development of post World War I Western Art.
The Fountain (1917)
Yes, this is a urinal.
L.H.O.O.Q (1917)
Reproduced postcard of Leonardo Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Duchamp’s addition: the beard and mustache. One of his more famous “readymades”
Nude Descending Staircase, No. 2 (1912)
Oil on canvas
You have the right to: reserve a spot be a in the spotlight and find out what to do in it.
I’m sitting here in my bed, partially paralyzed from a really bad cold that has been kicking my ass since last week. It’s a reason for the lack of posts in the last few days as well. I apologize to the 10 people who check it on a regular basis. “Get some rest, Troy!” “You need to take better care of yourself” I know, believe me, I know. Somehow in my sickly state, I cannot help but want to work. It’s like, I don’t feel right If a day goes by whereas I don’t do something productive. I live off of the mentality that when I’m asleep the other guy is working. I can’t allow him to get on before me. I’ve worked to hard just to even stay alive long enough to get where I presently am. Where am I presently? So close. When I get there, you can best believe that I will be there for a long time, moving forward and upward. It’s the only way.
Some people, well most people, tell me to be patient and that my time will come when it’s supposed to. I understand that more everyday, but before it was like you couldn’t tell me to relax and take a break from working. I try to, but then I just slip away and do something constructive. Now sitting back and taking it easy, reflecting on life, that too can be constructive. What happens if I make it too young, I don’t know how to handle it, and it all slips away, and so do I along with it? Did I do something unrealized to make it before my time? Or, was it really my time?
I wonder about child stars all the time. I wonder are many of them ever meant to be “it” all of their lives or are they only meant to be that shinning star when they actually are? I think about Corey Haim, who’s recent death comes as a huge shock to the entertainment community but given the lifestyle that we have seen him lead in the public eye since the days post being the teen heartthrob that he was, did we really not see it coming? When you see a tree fall, you instinctively have no question about what it will do – I will fall and land somewhere. The place of it’s final rest many can never predict. It’s very sad to see people go through that. Not to mention someone being viewed by everyone via the media. That’s even more depressing. I remember seeing him in some of my favorite movies growing up. When I grew up and he disappeared from the screen, I just assumed he quit acting. Naive.
For child stars when I see then become so huge so early one of two feelings comes over me, “How did they get it so early? What am I doing wrong?” Or I will usually say, “Let’s see where they go.” Only with young rap artists will I say the prior. That’s because for rap/hip hop, the impression is given many of times, if you haven’t made it by this age, you probably never will. Or no one wants to see some old guy rapping. Tell that to Jay-Z. Not to say that he’s old but he’s a 40 year old rapper, who is still relevant. I don’t think we’ve seen that before. I’m still young and I’m trying to make it, not in rap but in music (I consider rap music. Sorry critics). I have seen a huge number of the new generation of rappers all just blowing up one after the other and they are taking the music in a very different direction from what most hip hoppers have seen and known, and it’s very interesting. The other interesting thing is all of these rappers are in they’re early 20′s. I’m not going to disclose my age, but I will say that I am older than many of them. It’s a little unsettling to say the least becuase that mindset of making it as a rapper, being young is still very much a factor. There is only a certain age bracket that is say, marketable to a rap audience. I ask myself, “Why should that matter? I’m not them.” Then I wonder, well, will I be one of the next rappers to dispel that myth? We shall see. Until my time comes, I will just continue to do what I know: work. Work as hard as I can to make it all worth obtaining. I work like I want it more than my own health. Hell, I do it so until I end up getting sick, which is not the best way to live. I’m learning from mistakes. I’m taking more time to enjoy my life and the journey of making it. I can honestly say it’s wonderful. The way the last few years have been playing out. It’s been great. I didn’t realize it at the time but in retrospect, gosh, it’s been a blessing.
Then, I see young Drake. Hip hop’s newest young “icon.” I say “icon” because he has yet to release a first album and he was instantly being called the next best thing. Thee future, Jay-Z. The next Will Smith. A lot of pressure for a newbie. He’s only 23, I believe. He’s also a child star. An actor in his teen years on the show, Degrassi: The Next Generation which aired on Nickelodeon in the early 2000′s. He’s also had an explosive and meteoric rise as a celebrity amongst the younger audience not in just hip hop but in general, which I think has been unseen in sometime. When I first drew my attention to Drake, I didn’t just ask myself one of those questions that come to mind. I asked myself both. I also really liked his music but I hated what the media was doing to him, and I didn’t feel he deserved all of this credit so soon. Which might be selfish of me. I cannot hate on another man’s success. I really hope that for him, he does not become victim to what happens to so many young stars. For some insane reason, people think that when the day is over they go to their home on Mt. Olympus or something. It’s a fact. Most young stars are viewed as a deity. For me, I just hope when I make it, I’m around long enough to make a name for myself, and put food on my family’s table. As a young guy, everything is tempting. If you know half of Drake’s story, you would find the mood and lyrics to the first single on his album a wonder. For me I had to, or tried to read between the lines to understand where he was coming from. But, I also found some disappointment because in a year later, from departure in the one that saw his “boom,” I am seeing some downgrading in the quality of his music. I hope it’s not he forces getting to him. Hold tight Drake, you ain’t felt nothing yet. I’ve seen many rappers come a go. I’ve studied the industry and what it does to artists. This rap game will eat people up and spit them out. It’s so much about competition, and testing the human psyche more so than it is about making music. But what do I know? People tell me I read into things too much. The video seems kind of lonely to me.
There is something special about J Cole, the rapper. I really believe that he is next to change the game, and take it into a positive direction not only musically, but on a image forefront as well.
If you remember my, A Rapper’s Delight post a few weeks back where I first introduced him as one of my favorite current rappers in the game, and the one rapper that ignited me even more to keep going. That rarely happens for me. That feeling to come from a peer, instead of an elder. Normally it’s the established artists that I look up to that keep me on my toes, but when I heard J Cole for the first time, that all changed.
I was surfing the internet last night and I came across a 3 part interview of J Cole conducted by Vibe.com and posted via 2dopeboyz. It was the kind of interview that exemplified why J Cole is out of the ordinary among any rapper to emerge in quite some time. He’s a very educated young man, a St. John’s graduate, and rapper who shows that his intelligence need not be neglected from his musical art. I wish more emcees would realize that as well. His interviews magnify this. He sounds very candid in his speech and the common sense that he shows when speaking on certain subjects almost knocks you to floor. He just puts things in a way that no other rapper I can recall has decided to choose words and lay them in a structure I have never heard before. The structure of understanding and learned.
I felt that it was important to post this interview because I want to try and dispel as much as I can that rappers are more aware than the are portrayed to be. Hip Hop is one the youngest genres in music and it still receives the most criticism, especially to be still be looked at as not real music. Which I think is the most unfair argument of them all. I believe the fault can be put on the record labels, the media, and most of the artists themselves…and also the black community. We’ve allowed the one genre in music which has allowed us a voice to speak the kind of honesty never seen before in entertainment and we have taken it for granted many of times. J Cole is one of the rappers who is belongs to a small club of emcees to show that it is in fact not the case. His songs can be proof and I really hope that he obtains some commercial success because the masses deserve to hear what he has to say. It’s a rarity that these type of rappers gain that commercial spot and still manage to hold onto that level of integrity that they began with. I think that he may be the exception.
Losing My Balance from, The Warm Up
Please click on the cover art of J Cole’s first mixtape, The Come Up to view the Vibe.com interview. Also, if you have not heard that mixtape and you liked The Warm Up, I highly recommend that you track a copy of it down and listen to it.
My good friend and college buddy Richard Gordon and his partner started toying around with the idea of custom shoes during the Nike Air Force One craze during the mid 2000s when we were both attending the University of Central Florida. They soon formed their company Diversitile Custom Clothing with the focus of a theme for every custom sneaker and apparel. They also cater to the customers ideas. If you can dream it up, they will create it. They have since been supplying Central Florida and other regions with new and fresh takes on Nike shoes and other apparel.
They are very talented young men and they carry along with them college degrees that justify their skills as artists. It shows with every creation. There is a special attention to detail with every shoe. They conceptualize and execute the designs themselves using air brush and paint brush techniques.
I want to clear out a space in the gallery of TroyB Arthouse for these gentlemen. I introduce to you, Diversitile. Here is one of my favorite designs from them, a long time idea but recently came to fruition.
Medusa Dunk – Highs
Yes, they even take the theme down to the shoebox!
To visit Diversitile’s website and gallery, click here, where you can also purchase any of the shoes that you want to add to your collection. Sneaker heads, this is your sanctuary!
An adventure full of imagination…and theatrics. So that makes it sort of a drama too.
It’s a slow night. A boring slow night. All of the glasses are clean, the mirrors and glass cases have been wiped down, the floor…eh, I can sweep and mop before I leave. The shipment for the day has already been taken care of. It’s evening now. The sun is turning in. The mall becomes desolate around this time and less people come into the store. I’m alone, as I always tend to be. Personal life and work life are just too much alike. I can write some rhymes…but I have been doing that since I clocked in – in between helping customers and doing other menial tasks that don’t really seem to make the digital numbers on the register clock morph quite fast enough. So now, I’m all rhymed out. I write maybe 2-3 16 bar verses everyday I work. Sometimes I write full songs in addition. Which is nice because I have time to think about more of what I want to say. As soon as I get here, I want to leave. I feel like Kanye and GLC…
I did sell. I do sell. I sell quite more than I’m expected to most days. The others, I just can’t force myself to care anymore. I hate my job. I’m sorry. Hate is such a strong word. I’m unhappy with my job. Yeah, that’s more positive with out being too negative. You have to be more positive. That’s what The Secret tells us. That’s what people who try to be empathetic to ones unfortunate situations say. It might be true, it makes sense, it has to be true. Many times question do I really believe in all of that. When I do, it gives me hope. I think about her when I’m here. Too much alone time. Too many thoughts running through my head. I need a muse.
I stare at the campaign ads posted over the brands with the models presenting a selected pair of glasses that we don’t even carry. They do this all the time. This company is so backwards. How do you advertise product you don’t even have? Posers. As I shake my head at the backwards-ass-ness (I’m making it a word for this post) I look a little harder at those models saying, “That should be me up there. I can model those glasses better then them, and I look rough right now. I didn’t even care how I came into work today… Where do they find these cheesy looking people? Don’t they read Vogue? That’s where you find real models.” I let out a frustrated sigh.
Again, as soon as I come in, I want to leave. “Man, fours years in college for this?” Wasn’t much better when I was a P.A. working on feature films (it was really cool some days and I learned a lot). At least I don’t have to get people food this time. That just made me remember how much I hated waiting tables. Being a model is not my passion. I’m a rapper and a musician. I’ve always wanted to model though. I had something to prove to certain people and I wanted to dispel a few things about myself, to myself. “Ahhh, I hate my job.” Just like the bitter lady who lives at the end of the hall on my floor and snapped at me yesterday for doing my laundry on “her day.” Yeah we have a schedule, but no ones follows it. It just two items. Really quick. It was early morning. See what hating your job can cause people to do? They snap over the most trivial things.
You know what, I can’t take this anymore, I’m bored. Let me try on some of these glasses and take pictures of myself in them. At least I can stay creative. You know, I’ll post them on facebook too. Yeah that will be fun. Bless an iPhone. I can capture and post in less than five minutes. This should be fun. Ok, do the serious model face…but don’t forget to smile.
Mosely Tribes
Giorgio Armani
Mosley Tribes
Tom Ford
Dior Homme
Dita
Marc Jacobs
Dior Homme
Diesel
In the process of advertising myself, I advertise Solstice. So unintentional. They should pay me more for doing that. It’s the least they could do. I can barely pay my bills. In due time, Troy. Your nights and days will play out much better. I promise. In the meantime, keep creating, and keep blessing the world with your voice and words. It’s up to the world if it wants to listen or care. You can look back and say, “At least I tried, and I was damn good at it too.” No one can take that from you.
It’s cool. Let it hit you in the face and the young people shine and show the style that represents them as individuals. It’s also competitive out there. Everyone is trying to look more fly than the next. It’s really inspiring to see different styles from people across the world. If only I had the means. Soon enough. I want to be the freshest guy on the block. You’d swore that I woke up out of a ziploc bag every morning, brushed my teeth with style, and washed my face with confidence and showered in greatness.
These youngsters look like that’s exactly what they did.
Laura E. 21 Year Old Vet from Bucaramanga
-She’s sporting that polka dot bow!
Louise E. 21 Year Old Art History Student from Paris
-Bowlers will never go out of style.
Unyime A. 19 Year Old Blogger/Tweeter/Sandwhich Eater from the Womb – the most eccentric described one I’ve seen yet.
-Pea coat. White Belt. Great match. It’s like the two make everything else on him pop.
Melika D. 28 Year Old Stylist from Montreal
-I can’t really say much. She’s just wearing the hell out of both of those outfits. The boots in the first picture and the tights and the pumps(correct me if I’m wrong ladies) in the second – awesome. The jacket is crazy too.
Denny W. 22 Year Old Asian Sensation from New Jersey
-The tie is great and I love the jacket. He’s definitely got style. His pants might be a little too tight though…
Some tweeted words from one of my 6 influences in life, Diddy. Some know him as Puffy, Puff Daddy, P. Diddy (which was actually a name Biggie used to call him), or the guy who keeps changing his name. This time I think Diddy is the one. I don’t think he’ll change it after that. I kind of have to laugh at that. It’s really funny to me because I think of all the names I went through for my rap name before I just decided to go with my government. Seriously though, you can’t just pick any rap name. It’s delicate. For me, Troy Buchanan was recommended by my god brother as a, “just go with that” type of conclusion. I thought about it for a second and it made sense. If I can’t come up with a name that sticks maybe I’m not meant to have some cool superhero rap name like Method Man or Redman or Lupe Fiasco. Those are cool names. My name I think states exactly what kind of rapper I am. It’s me, being myself. I mean, I have other monikers that sort of stuck, were for play, and were derived from my full name like: TroyB, Troy Buck and Troy Cannon. The last one doesn’t really sound right, so I kept the first two. Troy Buck is my favorite. I named the blog with TroyB because it’s like the median between Troy Buchanan and Troy Buck. You’ll understand the difference between those two alter egos as time goes and you’re exposed to more of my music.
So you’re probably saying, “Why in the hell is he going on about names? Well a name is a very important thing. It’s literally your reputation. It’s how everyone perceives you, and how they identify your actions and vernacular.
Now back to Diddy. A great business mind. Some one who is relentless. He loves music. He’s an elaborate entertainer. He was the man who brought us The Notorious B.I.G. He’s got great charisma. He’s more successful than any other black executive in music I can think of since Berry Gordy, and Russell Simmons. Only now can I add Jay-Z to that list. He’s someone that I feel gets more flack than credit for his accomplishments. He throws the best parties. Although, that’s a statement I’ve read and heard more than once throughout his career. I’ve never actually been to a Diddy party. Although I want to go to one before I die… Those are all assessments that I derived from his name. It describes the man, Diddy, Sean Combs. I hope that you can understand and appreciate this message: Grow in this world with your name meaning everything to you. Your name is how people remember you. Someone speaks your name and they get a mental image of what you look like, how they remember you (situation or action), your personal traits, and your accolades. That is why I believe to not take your name lightly. Make it mean something to the world. If you are going to be a doctor. Make sure the name that proceeds the prefix rings bells of one of the best damn doctors people know. That’s how serious it should be. That will reflect what kind of doctor you want to be. Your name is how they remember you. Make them want to remember you. Everybody knows who Diddy is. The man is on billboards, television, the internet, everywhere. No matter what he does in the future, he’ll be remembered for how he got to Diddy, what he did as Puff Daddy to what he has done to get to: the D, the I, the D, the D, the Y, it’s DIDDY!
D.I.D.D.Y
P. Diddy feat. Pharrell
Directed by: Brett Ratner and Sean Combs
I am Troy Buchanan. I am a rapper/entrepreneur. I want to be one of greatest rappers to grace the genre. I want to be a remembered entrepreneur to music and film. I am an artist. I love to create. I love business. I am an artist with a business mind. I try to say the utmost honest words possible in my everyday speech and my blog. I love music. I love art. I love film. Those are my passions. I am passionate. Sometimes emotional. But I’m an artist, artists are emotional. I love to be ambitious. I support those who want to live out their dreams and pursue their passions. I believe in standing up for what you believe in. I believe in speaking from the heart. I believe in never backing down. I believe in living, and surviving by an means necessary. That’s what my name says to me. I’ve got a lot of work ahead of me if I want you to actually believe me on all of that. I’m ready. Thanks for being so inspiring Diddy. Check out my attributed post to him a few months back, here.
I do not know why but I really like this video. It is not really whether I have mixed feelings on it, it more that I cannot find the words to explain why I like it. It’s just wildly vivid and the moment I saw it, it reminded me of an edition of photographs for D Mode Magazine that I saw not too long ago on Kanye West’s blog by Herring and Herring. The video was directed also by fashion photographers going on the same theme, Rankin and Chris Cottam.
Kelis’ voice is beautiful. I’ve always been a fan of the different types of music she releases. None of her albums sound the same. She really tries to explore new sounds with everything she does. I highly respect that in any artist – always evolving. The song was produced by David Guetta and it is about her son, Knight. Enjoy
Acapella
Kelis
Directed by: Rankin and Chris Cottam
It sounds strong when you repeat it back to yourself. That’s because it is. I believe in supporting anyone who is chasing their dreams. My peers hold no execption.
Cloud 9 has been making a really great name for themselves in the past year as not only as a management company but a movement. The “305 Renaissance” as they call it – 305 being the area code fo Miami, FL where the gentelmen hail from. I would hope you all know of them by now, but in case it slipped your memory or you never saw the previous posts, I will reintroduce them to you:
J Nic$
Sean Buck
Fresh N3rd
Phresh James
Lil’ Champ
Those five young musicians are titling themselves as the future of Miami’s music scene. I believe them. In about roughly a year they have all made a name for themselves and with the release of J Nic$ Dirty Sneakers, Phresh James’ and Lil Champ’s recently released, M.I.Aliens, they are creating an buzz not seen in Miami’s music front for sometime now. With Sean Buck’s debut mixtape on the way and a group compilation album, there is no stopping them. Strength in numbers and that is exactly what they are standing for in this family they have formed. They are also my family. Sean Buck is my brother and group mastermind Fresh N3rd is my god-brother. The other gentlemen are friends and extended family to the troybArthouse gallery. Most importantly from young black man to other young black men, they are my Brothers. Get that?
Recently they shot a video introducing themselves to the world. They all had an opportunity to show the world what skills they posses. Click the group photo to see how they get down.
Don’t be what THEY want you to be, be who YOU want to be. Breakout and show them who you are.
This is by far one of the coolest and most brave videos that I have seen in some time. There is also an important message in the video. It is self explanatory, I just ask that you watch it, if you haven’t seen it already. If you have, watch it again.
Thank you Ms. Erykah Badu for coming back once again and delivering the soul that the game has been missing.
Window Seat
Erykah Badu
Directed by: Coodie
This video was world premiered three days ago and has since caused a stir and actual charges may be brought up on Erykah Badu. Either way, I feel it’s important to get ones message across. You cannot stop art. You cannot confine artists. No matter what, we will break free.
Hard work pays off.
Hard work gets you places – to the top, where the money is, where the girls live…
Hard work means lost sleep.
Hard work means you don’t see your family and your friends as often as you should.
Work hard and you will get everything you desire.
The young who work hard, work hard for the rest of their life.
Young black men work hard to survive.
It’s hard work being a young black man.
I’m a hard working young black man.
I work hard to survive.
Working hard when others are having fun or slacking off.
Why do they say, “Don’t work too hard?”
I work harder than a lot of people I know. Why am I still struggling?
It’s hard to work when it’s such a beautiful day outside.
They say Mexicans are the hardest working people.
I’m Jamaican, we work hard with multiple jobs.
Drug dealers work hard. Staying up late hours on the corner for the night fiends to wander by.
The homeless man must be working hard on the street asking for change and holding his sign up in the hot sun.
Parents work hard to keep the kids under roofs and fabrics to keep them warm.
Teens work hard to keep up with the teenage Jones’.
People work hard to maintain an image, don’t they?
It’s harder to easily be yourself than to put in work being something that will get you attention.
Those who do it, and are successful, good job, you worked hard. Honorable mention.
Seeing the low number of visitors to my blog works really hard on my heart.
I work hard on my blog. I worked hard on my mixtape. I worked hard to promote it by myself.
Why people pass and brush off go-getters as if it’s not hard work to chase your dreams?
Those same people work hard to rekindle when the go-getters make it, don’t they?
I love to work. I love to go hard. I love to work hard. I just hope it doesn’t leave me scared.
I work hard to be myself.
In short, on all levels, work hard!
Some art with the themes of hard, going hard, or working hard:
DJ Khaled feat Kanye West and T-Pain Go Hard
Directed by: Hype Williams
Rihanna feat. Young Jeezy Hard Directed by: Melina Matsoukas
Which one makes sense to find first? Well do you care about a companion or living as you dreamed your whole life? The latter I’ve always equated to true happiness. You know, in most cases the two can be found in one swoop. Maybe happiness for someone is finding love. For me they are still separate and I often wonder which I will come across first in my life.
In the pursuit of happiness. That’s a statement, made by many. It incites that you must find happiness, it will never come to you. That sounds like work. Looking for love in all the wrong places. That’s a statement too. That also sounds like work.
Well everything in life is, as I have come to learn is work. For those very two things that comes off as a little unfair. It was my understanding for a very long time that love or happiness are things that “happen” as you age. Such as, “I feel in love” or “I am finally in love.” I still don’t beleive in looking for love. I was always told, as long as you looking for love, it will hide. It comes when your hands are tied behind your back, you’ve lost your glasses, and are impounded to a wheelchair. Metaphorically of course. And I wasn’t exactly told just like that, I sort of put my own twist on the words.
Well, what about happiness? Isn’t that a feeling? How can you chase a feeling? It will be fake at that point you find it. Shouldn’t it happen a more natural to be authentic? You can work for that top position in the company and when you get it, you’ll be so happy. In the end you still didn’t pursue happiness. You only pursued what would make you happy – the job. The two statements above sound like a paradox. How can you be out looking for either in life, when they more or less come to you or better yet, happen?
I happen to be chasing my dreams. My dreams consist of jobs that I don’t see as jobs but passions drawn from my interests and characteristics that define me as an artist and at some point in my life they will bring that true happiness that I have wanted all my days. I cannot chase happiness or love in that explanation. I’m chasing the actual things that I love. They happened to me. They came a random age and I feel in love. In my case it was music, film, and art. All in my younger years. Early on, I knew what made me happy. I am blessed. Some people do not find that until late in life.
Where am I going with this completely jumble of thoughts trying to make sense out of statements people so often use but may not fully understand? Meaning. I’d rather try to use it, or understand it in the right way before I just fall in line and join the parade. There’s always a path unexplored. I like that path. It’s lonely, quite and allows me the freedom to think. Plus once someone finds me and pulls focus to what I have discovered, I can say I was here first. It’s okay to boast a little. Take credit for your free thinking. So many don’t do it.
Some pieces that fit:
The Nightmare, 1781
John Henry Fuseli
Romanticism Art Period
Now she looks happy. Mona Lisa, 1503-1506
Leonardo Da Vinci
Italian Renaissance
I absolutely love discovering new artists. The music is always so refreshing. By the time you get to an artist signed by a major label there is so much money behind them, the manufactured sound begins to creep through and it almost feels like that real artistry is lost. In some cases, not all. The biggest example is when you actually are a fan of a band form their unsigned days to the ink on a recording contract. The sound of their music can shift dramatically. It can either mature and become better or it can fall victim to a commercial appeal with only structure and no soul. This happens across all genres. The reason I feel that may be is because when you sign to a major label there are millions of dollars put into you as an artist. You are seen like a project. You are also an investment so you better be an earner. There is little room for error so it probably feels like everything has to be calculated much like the numbers “ching-chinging” around you. There are some artists who easily able to look past that and just create good music no matter what. Great art. Great sounds. Classics. That is the mark of a talented musician.
On an indie label, it it’s much more free range. More organic. Cage free. The artist doesn’t need to feel the pressure from first week sales or how many spins their single will get. Those are important things but the beauty of being on an indie label, it’s become more about how can we get the artist’s name out there? The music may be awesome and the label will need to feel like, “The world needs to hear this, this is just amazing.” I may be skimming through it but, you can get the general understanding and that’s only my interpretation of it.
I came across this band a couple of nights ago, Phantogram, via a friend who has been helping me mix tracks for my EPK and new mixtape, You Heard A Classic (*cough* shameless plug), and when I heard the track he sent me I got that feeling I love when I hear a new artist or band and the music is so good. The band is an electronic rock duo hailing from Saratoga Springs, NY. It consists of guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel. That’s it. It think it’s simply amazing that two people can create the sound of what seems like 4 or 5 (you’ll hear below). Their music is simply structured but feels layered. I would owe that to the change up of melodies throughout and the prominent plucks from the Josh Carter.
The track that I heard was “Mouth Full of Diamonds.” A very electronic and dark song, but the grove is enough to have you nodding your head to the beat. He later let me hear a few more tracks last night off the album they released this past February entitled, Eyelid Movies, and I got that “face scrunched” expression. You know, that expression you give when you hear a music or a sound that is so pleasing in it’s foreignness that it makes you look ugly. That’s when you know you heard something good. Most rappers do it when they hear the beat of their dreams. It’s an undeniable expression. Here, I’ll show you:
Watch Jay’s face on the last two beats.
That’s almost exactly what happened to me when my friend played me this song from Phantogram:
Hear the song on good speakers.
Though the videos pose two different types of music, but as a musician, the effect works. Though, it may not work for everyone.
For me, I love the experiences of hearing new music. Especially when it’s good music. It keeps me inspired. I stay fighting. People do want to hear music that is expression of the artist and not the commercial mouth. No matter what anyone tells you, the people do not always want to hear club music. That music can only be played in the club. On the other six days of the week when a majority of people don’t go out, when they are at work, or driving, or in their house on a Saturday morning cleaning, they want to hear music that will in some way touch their heart and grab their soul and fly it away to a place where they feel at ease with life or a moment where they feel all the built up pain or strife is being released in the music sharing the same mood. That is how I think music is interpreted by people. I wish the radio would understand that people don’t need to hear top 40 every single day. Top 40 is usually the music playing in the clubs or lounges. There is other music out there. Play it. I don’t need to hear the same song every two hours.
So, I ask that you do yourself a favor, if you like the song above, please give Phantogram a chance. Explore some of their music a little more. Not everyone will like their music. I just happened to really enjoy it and I felt it was important to share them with you all and my thoughts on new artists and the wonderful experience of being exposed to new music, of any kind.
To explore Phantogram further, please visit thier MySpace.
Mr. Hype Williams. Music Video Director extraordinaire. Pioneer. Color fiend. Hip Hop’s visual saving grace and also the one person who many said contributed to it’s “death”.
You know, growing up as a hip hop fan I was in love with all aspects of the culture. From the conscious to the hardcore. Many artists (rappers) have pioneered the sound in their own way, but when it came time for hip hop to have a visual representation, it was Hype Williams who is probably the only director to influence all areas of art form on visual plateau. Even as far as influencing the artists themselves with their style and persona.
When hip hop presented herself to the years of the new millennium she walked the streets more flamboyantly than ever. She was loud, shining, dripping in a new set of jewels. She had graduated from rope gold chains to VVS princess cut inlaid diamonds in watches and necklesses. She and her friends wore less clothing. She went from Afrocentric to the shapely shorty down the block with curvature unmatched. Breasts and a behind that made any average women jealous. She increasingly had a role in the videos of many rappers and soon enough the cringe worth name “video hoe” was bestowed upon to her. Many said that it was Hype Williams who first introduced the staple of vivacious young women into the video where artists soon carried on with misogynistic actions and supposedly gave the genre a bad name. I think that’s unfair to Hype. He did include that element to his video but it was much smaller than what it is made out to be and shadows the greater things that he offered as a filmmaker to the genre. From a pure film aesthetics he continuously created a style all his own and presented a new take on music video artistry all his own. He never told blatent narratives in his videos but gave more abstract creations with the use of techniques such as the fish eye lens, colored light, and wide shots, and his most famous the widescreen effect. In watching any of his videos there was always something new to point out that he may be experimenting with along with his notable signtures that return from previous videos. He is the only music video director that I can think of that has given one music genre a voice of it’s own and increased popularity. That is something that can never be taken away from him. He is one of the main reasons that hip hop is as popular as it is now. For a young genre that is extremely impressive.
He is by far my favorite music video director of all time, with Bryan Barber following in second. I followed his career quite close throughout the years and when I had decided that I wanted to become a filmmaker, which I still do just later on in my career, music is first, it was he that would be my biggest influence in finding a style. He was fortunate enough to film his first feature film in the late 90′s, Belly, which became a cult classic is an an exceptionally made film with brilliant cinematography provided via Malik Sayeed. I really wish that he would return to the feature length form because that film really showed that beyond what many music video directors get the opportunity to do, he did it and put the stamp that showed he is competent in telling a long form narrative. It is often said of music video directors by film elites that they will never be good feature film directors because all they understand is visual style and are unable to tell a story. I totally disagree and feel it’s outright disrespectful. I was ecstatic when Hype came through and dispelled that argument with Belly.
Below are some of my favorite music videos done by Hype Williams in chronological order (starting in the early 90′s to the present), just to show his advancement as a filmmaker and the type of art that he brought to the table of hip hop. Eat up. These videos are definitely food for thought and show you that music video directors belong in the film community.
Wu-Tang Clan
Can It All Be So Simple
Craig Mack feat. Notorious B.I.G, Rampage, LL Cool J, and Busta Rhymes Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)
Busta Rhymes Woo-Hah! (Got You All In Check)
Mob Deep feat. Lil’ Kim Quiet Storm (Remix)
Nas feat. Puff Daddy
Hate Me Now
Slim Thug feat. Bun B and Pharrell
I Ain’t Heard of That
Kanye West
Stronger
Kanye West
Can’t Tell Me Nothing
Coldplay
Viva La Vida
There are just way too many great videos that Hype has directed and the ones above are just a few personal selections and don’t even make a dent into his catalog. That’s why in my opinion he is easily one of the greatest to ever do it. Not only for hip hop for other genres as well. The man has directed a Coldplay video for crying out loud! That’s just insane. Please, give yourself the pleasure of going onto YouTube right now and look up some of Hype’s videos.
Jay-Z is showing rappers how it is supposed to be done. He’s the epitome of longevity and an icon who has remained true to himself and what he represents. He is my biggest influence in anything that I do, way beyond rap. It’s about who you want to be in this world. I’m not saying I want to be Jay-Z. I cannot be Jay-Z. I can only be Troy. I want to be the first and last Troy Buchanan. What it is Troy Buchanan wants to be? Well, just wait and see. I think you’ll be surprised. Hell, I think I myself will be surprised. At this point, I already am and I’m excited as hell for the rest of my life. I’m ready to savor it. In the same respect, please savor this mini-documentary on a man named Shawn Carter but known as Jay-Z, and his love with New York City and how it has influenced him as a music artist and a person.
The documentary was directed by Danny Clinch in support by Absolut Vodka.
I really love photography. I love when photographers try to tell a narrative in the moments they capture. Or even a subliminal message that the composition can evoke with the right interpretation. In most cases viewing the art of photographer can really spark imagination, and in other cases it forces you to think outside of the box. In my interpretation of any art, I usually go off the emotion of what I am seeing or hearing what to think of the piece, whether I like it, the excitement it can bring, inspiration, or a mood changer. I like to approach it in that way because my emotional senses are strong, and it’s where I find the most pleasure in something. Other humans (yes, that’s on purpose) may ride on of a visually striking piece. They may like a certain print because it has a shock value that cannot steer the eye away no matter how hard you try to not look at it. Almost like it’s a guilt for liking something because it feels wrong or forbidden, but that’s why I love art! You can truly think and feel exactly as who you are, in your own mind, free of judgment. I find the the most fascinating because no one is ever who they truly seem. I always wonder what really goes on in the mind of people. What are they thinking of when they speak to you. No person’s mind is ever blank in conversation. At least I don’t think so. When someone is trying to hide an emotion opposite of what they are portraying, how are they talking themselves through it? I like to think the interpretation of art work much in those ways. Whether it be film, fine art, or music. Or even just standing in a crowd of people. That’s actually very fun. Analyzing the different people around you; seeing all their actions describe their characteristics. To me, that is a fine piece of art that only the maker (whoever he, she, or it may be) can create.
Meet photographer Roxanne Lowit. A 30 year career in photography has gotten her many accolades and innovative techniques into the medium such as the “backstage scene” which was lauded as changing fashion photography forever. She has photographed many celebrities and personalities over the years and has also shot ad campaigns for many brands magazines including: Moët & Chandon, Dior, Emporio Armani, Barney’s New York, Vivianne Westwood, and Cosmo. If you are ever happen to be in Japan, you can view a permanent collection of her work in the Kobe Fashion Museum.
Below are some of her photographs from various editions along with my own interpretations of them as they came right out of my head. What are yours? Write them down as you see them. You’ll be surprised at what you thought when you actually see it on paper.
The girls who play innocent. Can’t fool me. They are enjoying every moment of it.
At a party being drunk, high, horny, having a hell of a time, and wanting to capture the moment but no is there but you.
A quick smoke of the caner stick before carrying out the hit.
1. A double team…?
2. I wonder who’s gonna get her first?
3. Was this all apart of her plan?
The dream where everyone in the world is exactly the same person but you. Creepy..
The lean only the greatest feeling, or high can bring. I want to feel that. It looks euphoric.
I was talking to my good friend and filmmaker on Thursday while we spent most of the day politicking while watching the NCAA Championship Basketball games about my plans and ideas on collaboration with the people who’s work I most respect. He happens to be one of them. He’s an AFI (American Film Institute) graduate by way of the Director track. He is very talented individual and incredibly smart. If you ever want to quiz someone on sports trivia, he is the one to do it with. You won’t stump him. I will put some coins on that.
Thinking a few days back on what we discussed while writing this post, I came across the short film We Were Once A Fairytale, which was the recent collaboration between acclaimed director, Spike Jonze and Kanye West. It is the direct translation of what I one day aim to accomplish. Creating groundbreaking art with my peers who deserved to have their names mentioned beyond their own world. That last sentence really forces me to think of the aesthetics behind collaborations. I often see it as a way to work with a peer in which you respect or admire their work, but I also see it as a way to introduce your own fans, or followers, to someone who they may not know. If they are already familiar, then it becomes a way to present to them a new “style” that can born under the circumstances of the working chemistry. Even a new found friend can be made if they weren’t one before.
It’s also really interesting the variations of collaborations, such as marriage. That is a collaboration on life. One can become a better person, or find happiness.
In art, I believe some of the greatest work comes when two artists meet halfway to create. The results are often refreshing. I hope my time to be given the chance to create art on a larger scale is nearby. Be it through the mediums of music, film, or a future interest, fashion. More will undoubtedly believe in the dream that I am after. I anxiously wait for the day that I will not necessarily need to create on my own as I have done for many years until that is allowed to happen, I learn to be my own collaborator and inspire myself. What’s most incredible about being a fan, or a pupil of those I admire, is that I can be inspired by works such as this:
I almost forgot about this band. I discovered them through a friend back in 2008 when he was introducing me to some of his favorite Electronica and Alternative bands. This is really an incredible song. It’s very relaxing. In fact even so relaxing that it comes across as a bit of a lonely song even though it poses the opposite. Providing a little background on Air, they are a duo from Versailles, France. The name Air is a backronym for Amour, Imagination, Rêve which translates to Love, Imagination, Dream. Pretty cool, huh? The song is featured on their 1998 album Moon Safari. In 2009, they released their most recent album entitled, Love 2.
The video to the song (below) was directed by: Mike Mills. In a statement he made about the video after it’s release expresses his surprise to the final product and it’s reactions from fans, “…that video definitely was a big turning point for me as I discovered something in myself. You know when you do something and the piece is far bigger than you are. Just by luck or unconscious something pops out and you’re like “whoa, what was that?” And with that piece it was a willingness to be totally sincere and borderline maudlin but hopefully not. Emotional without being maudlin. I had always been sort of afraid of that and hidden before behind maybe a little irony or a just little distance. But that piece kinda showed me that I can get really emotional, I can get really sincere and actually I really loved the way the audience really reacted to it. I was like I want more of that! I want more people’s interior lives and how complicated that is and how sort of endless that is..”
I won’t tell you what the video is about. I just feel that it is important to watch. Tonight, while writing another post I watched this video, and when it was over I felt that this was the right blog post for the day. It made me feel a little melancholy. For two reasons, one which I chose to not express but the other being: it made me really miss the 90′s. I sort of wish that I had the opportunity to live through them again. There was so much that I missed out on.
Here is a little intro to the post that I was writing before I decided to go with this one. It’s also very fitting.
Keep your head up Chris. Your personal life is separate from your artisty. I’m still a fan.
Jordan Sparks…Damn you fine.
When I first heard J Cole rap I was sucked in to a hole. Literally. It was one song that did it: Heartache. I was so entranced. The next thing I listened to was his entire mixtape, “The Warm Up”, in the same sitting that I heard the song mentioned, which is also featured on the mixtape. On that particular day, I was HipHopDX catching up on some news in the genre when I saw the headline about the first artist Jay-Z signed to Roc Nation. I was intrigued. I was curious to see who the self proclaimed and proven “God MC” was co-signing. That was a big deal. After the Roc-A-Fella breakup Jay-Z had not stood behind an artist since Kanye West for his own label. That was only with Dame Dash giving the push of signing him. When I clicked on the link, it was J. Cole who was featured. That’s when I listened to “Heartache”, and that’s when I became so captivated by his music. It made sense. I clung onto his music like a leech. He’s quality. I really mean, quality. The kind that only comes around every few years. That one artist, when you hear them, you know that they will have a long career.
As I listened to the mixtape at work, ignoring any other work that I had to do, and pausing to only do the most important (that’s exactly how important music is to me), I was feeling like I was listening to myself. I related to him so much. Every word spoken felt like I wish I was writing it. Down to his story. I won’t get into details but, It was insane to me how every rapper that is getting on has had the same direct experience that I have had which has contributed to their success as an artist or ability to land that deal after of a long road of fighting to win. I don’t know what that means for me but…I hope it doesn’t adversely affect me. Like when I get my shot, they compare me to everyone of those rappers. I want to be my myself. What’s even more curiously odd, is that my cousin went to school with him. She was among some of the the people who doubted him as a rapper when he was trying to do his thing. She admits to swallowing her words now.
If you listen to J Cole you can hear his story. The details of his background are not always direct but you have to really listen to him. You can understand him, he’s not talking in code, but it pays to invest into an artists lyrics. I know it’s hard. For me it’s not. I gravitate to lyrics first, but for most of the people I speak to about music, most tell me the only care for the beat at first. You can’t really blame them. The quality of content in music has degraded so much over the years I’m sure most got fed up and stopped caring.
I really wish J Cole the most success in his career. Even though rap is so competitive and I probably should be promoting myself instead of another rapper being that I am on the come up myself, that’s what not it’s about…I will get on as I am supposed to. If I can at least spend a 15 minutes out of my morning giving another rapper his props because he kept me pushing when I was trying to finish my mixtape, showing me that I can make it, just as he did, then I will do so. Either way, I am a fan of J Cole and I really respect his work. Same as Kanye, when I was telling everyone to listen to him and give him a chance no one listened. My brother did, and he saw exactly what I was talking about. Now, those same people who didn’t listen when I urged to, are now fans of J Cole. Your music works homie. Please keep delivering.
Far from riding on anyone’s third leg or being a “fanboy,” this is merely respecting a fellow artist’s work. I have been following Nabil for over a year know and I have noticed Kanye West’s increasing work relationship with him. It was in fact, the “Welcome To Heartbreak” video that he directed for Kanye, off his 808′s & Heartbreaks opus from winter of ’08, that got my attention of him as a director. The visual style of that video is something that I had never witnessed before. It was really raw and digital, if you will. I had to see more of his work. In my research, I stumbled upon his website for the company Blur Photo that he works out of, located here in Los Angeles. I had no idea that he gained much of his accolades as a Photographer. Funny enough, I was doing some house cleaning on my Vimeo account, adding some new videos and such, and I stumbled across his page from watching the “Welcome To Heartbreak” video once again. So, I built up the courage and added him as a contact. Then, I built up a little more courage and sent him a message saying that I was a big fan of his work and I was wondering where he drew his inspiration from. He simply told me that it was everyday life. Simple, of course, but also overlooked by many when it comes to being inspired. As artists we can kill ourselves for that one bit of inspiration to help drive us along in our projects, when all we need to do is look at the life surrounding us. I guess that’s what Nabil does. But, I’m almost sure there is more to it for him. We actually communicated back and forth a couple of times but I haven’t heard back from him after my last message. That was regarding him listening to my music. He entertained the idea and even encouraged me to send him anything I wanted. I never heard back from him, but I just assumed he has become increasingly busy. I can see from his work with Yeezy, that’s the best explanation. I can only hope he liked it.
I really love what I am able to do with this blog and my ability to introduce my readers (the number is still small but growth is inevitable) to artists that the may have never heard of, my respected artists, or artists that they see and like but only get the commercial side of their catalog. In entertainment, it’s always a give and take. You put out the commercial, money making project, then you go away and do your baby “arthouse” project. I’m praying that in my career, what I am doing now (my arthouse projects) will catch on and in turn, allow me to please myself and my fans. That only seems to happen once in a blue moon, but who says that blue moon can shine on the eve of my introduction into the game? Before I go on any further tangents, I am going to present to you all, the work of Nabil Elderkin. For more sightings of his projects, please visit Blur Photo and his website. Please enjoy. Even get sophisticated with it. Pop a cork on some fine wine and nibble on some cheeses…
…other than, he’s a talented young producer/engineer/mixer/recording artist.
This is the first single off of his very first mixtape featuring fellow Miami rapper Marino Marli. The mixtape will be arriving very soon. In the meantime click the link below to download the track.
A family partnership between TroyB Arthouse and Cloud 9 Productions
On March 11, 2010 two young entrepreneurs made a pact.
You all may have seen previous posts regarding the the artist J Nic$, my younger brother Sean Buck and their opus mixtape “Dirty Sneakers.” With J Nic$ delivering vocals and Sean Buck behind the boards handling production, engineering, mixing, and mastering, and to add, a feature on one of the tracks, that very mixtape was the first born brain child to emerge from the womb of the musical family and team known as Cloud 9 Productions, or C9 for short. The team includes the recording artists J Nic$, Phresh James, Lil’ Champ, and Sean Buck, as producer/engineer/rapper. It was started by the Fresh N3rd (who is also my god-brother) and Merv the Barber, with both serving as managers of sorts to the musical family. The first official mixtape to be released under Cloud 9 support was J Nic$’ “Dirty Sneakers. It was received with open arms and critical acclaim in Miami and he is now being praised and labeled as the rappers to keep eyes focused to in the future. The mixtape was recently named, “Mixtape of the Week” by the Miami New Times.
After speaking with Fresh N3rd recently and having a discussion on the direction of entrepreneurial endeavors with our respective brands, TroyB Arthouse and Cloud 9, we have decided to form a partnership as family. The two of us have shared, more or less, the same dreams when it came to music since our younger years. We are hardcore fans of hip hop, and it has even been said by some that we know some of our favorite artists as if we know them personally. I am a recording artist myself with a business mind that has allowed me to stay afloat on the west coast in pursuit of a music career. Fresh N3rd has used his knowledge and ear for choice music to help guide the artist that he has endorsed to the level of their careers that they desire. The two of us are far form a record label or entertainment company, but the vision is there. Until we can become more specific on our desired path, we will partner up and give support to one another until have reached the envisioned destination. So, that said, you will see more features on the artists currently in C9 as their music becomes available and you will see TroyB Arthouse exposed on more avenues in order to build a following for the dreams we share. I have a strong feeling this will be an exciting year for both parties. In the summer, you can look forward to mixtape releases from myself, and Sean Buck, an album from Phresh James, and an EP from the talented J Nic$.
Fresh N3rd calls his movement the 305 Renaissance. I call what I am doing, simply, unheard of. Music is about to experience something that will change the culture, for the better. I believe so. Do you?
This edition is brought to you by the same photographer behind the Liquid Light Series that I posted a couple of weeks back. After seeing that edition, I was an instant fan. He work is by far the most imaginative that I have seen from any of the photgraphers that I have been exposed to. Although, I cannot compare David LaChapelle to him. He’s in his own class. When it comes to avant garde photography, Mr. Schatz to me, stands in the front lines. There are other photographers that I have yet to be engrossed by their work so, it may be too early to call Howard Schatz my favorite. For now, he is at the top of my list of photographers.
All of the images you see below were taken underwater. With such balance and finesse, the models look so angelic and peaceful. For a bit of technical background on the creation of these underwater studies from Photographer Limited Editions, they are shot in a state-of-the-art, custom-built pool fitted with studio lights and covered with a giant dome to regulate temperature. Enjoy these fine pieces of art. To see more of Howard Schatz’s Photography Editions, click here.
Featuring the latest trailers from Average Joe Productions - The Hypnotist and In The Land of Kings (Group Therapy).
I am really loving what these young black filmmakers are doing. It’s so wonderful to see youth making use of their time with something constructive, and are out to chase their dreams. I really like what they attempted on The Hypnotist. It’s very twisted and dark but it shows the potential they have to tell a narrative visually with minimal dialogue. For In The Land of Kings (Group Therapy), I see much potential for skillful shooting techniques and cutting on moving cameras. Which is always tricky. Even down to fight choreography – they look as if they really put a lot of thought into their work. Kudos Average Joe! For self taught filmmakers, I see much promise for them in the future. Keep your eyes peeled. In the meantime, enjoy them on the come up.
I had the pleasure of meeting Micah not too long after I moved to LA last year. We met when I came to the Apple store in the Glendale Galleria mall where he works. I was working at Solstice which was right downstairs. It was my day off and I was seeking help from the Genius Bar for my iPhone. We spoke briefly as he helped me get an appointment, which I never knew I needed in order to go to the Genius Bar, being it was my first time to the store for a product issue. I got good vibes from him. He seemed like someone that I could actually politic with.
When I came back for the appointment he immediately remembered me. Once my iPhone had been sought after and all issues resolved, we bagan to talk as the store was closing. We spoke on area of interests, my recent move to the city, and what we were involved in. The first commonality presented, was that we were both artists. Next actions led to me powering up my laptop as he took me to his website. I was immediately a fan. I was also more excited that I found another Black artist in a city where we are very scarce. That was even more exciting. His work really blew me away the first time I saw it. It was unusual and a style that I had never seen before. There is a charming darkness to it, even though that may sound a little paradoxical, I hope you see what I mean when you take a look at his work. When I spoke to him, he immediately reminded me of the many artists that I meet. They all have this one trait, some stronger in others. They seem as if they fight to express themselves in real life actions as they do in their work. I myself, struggle with the same pitfall. But, when two artists speak, it seems that goes out of the window. It’s like we have our own vernacular. Our own language that only we understand. People have been so rude as to call it “geek talk” but I feel that it is communication on another level. A level that the layman cannot comprehend. That is, because most artists are geniuses. And most artists struggle with the simplest of tasks in communication. How odd that is? (Did you catch that?)
It’s like a glitch in our maker’s to be visualized, “perfectly constructed brain for a human.” What’s even more odd and sad is that, that one glitch can make or break an artist. I have come to believe that’s why many artists are outcasted by their peers growing up or as they get older they become more lonely and introverted. The world is very harsh. Life is very difficult. People are cruel. The artists that do make it, and become as famous as pop culture icons, or are actual pop culture icons themselves – movies, music, and other forms of entertainment- are the ones that found out how to communicate on both levels. In the case of Micah, he’s a charasmatic guy, and seems very confident in his skills. But he knows what he wants for himself as an artist. He is one of those artist that chose to work on a smaller level. Which I highly respect. It’s tough when you try to break out as an artist to serve the masses. Many…so many try, and yet only a fraction of what you would call “a few” succeed. If I can do Micah justice and introduce his work to another audience so that his talents may be appreciated then I will feel I have done a good deed in helping a fellow artist be recognized. By doing so, I can even be mid-wife to the birth of his new fans. No greater joy. So now, I open a gallery in TroyB Arthouse to: Micah Mckinley
This is my favorite.
From his Stairway to Nowhere Series
Be sure to click Micah’s name to visit his website and see more of his work.
Friday Night March 5, 2010. Approximately 7pm, Western Standard Time.
I stood on the sidewalk of Olympic Blvd in downtown Los Angeles, the Staples Center behind me, facing The Nokia Plaza as I waited patiently for my friends to arrive so that we all can enter the stadium for the big game. In my perspective: the big game. This was the night of my first real sports event – to see the Los Angeles Clippers take on Oklahoma City Thunder. What made it so special is that I am a huge basketball fan…
Begin Tangent
I don’t why I like the game so much. The only thing that I could justify is my fascination with the players and not specifically the teams. Kevin Garnett is my favorite player of all time. If you ask why, it’s because he loves the game so much. He plays his heart out every game like it’s his first. I can relate to that feeling. Contrary to popular belief, Michael Jordan is not everyone’s favorite player. He is one of the greatest, if not the greatest basketball players to ever grace the game. We’ll see what Lebron James does in his career. My friends and I spoke on him possibly surpassing Jordan. For me, with Jordan it ends there. I didn’t want to be like him growing up, as most did. Evening gaining the phrase, “Be like Mike,” or “Everyone wants to be like Mike.” Play ball with some friends and see how many of them stick out their tongue on a drive to the basket. I didn’t want to be like KG either. I may have wanted to emulate him but it was the statement that I wanted to marry more than anything: “I love this game. It will forever be apart of me.” Or with Jordan: “I want to be the best. I am the best”
End Tangent.
…but standing there captured and mesmerized in the display of lighting and the many monitors housed in the foyer of the plaza from my view showed me everything that I dream of. The Nokia Plaza is where many big musical acts perform on their leg of their tour to LA. On the monitors I could see: “The Black Eyed Peas with Special Guest, Ludacris,” I saw “Boyz II Men, Saturday March 8th.” The monitors were blaring with color my eyes felt heavy as the emotion became to come over me: This is were I am going to perform one day. Right there -
- on the leg of my tour. It will happen. I could be in one year, it could be two. It will happen, and it will happen sooner than I think. From the moment I parked and stepped out of my car, I put my headphones on and begun the mascaraed of orchestrated tunes into my ears in order to heighten the moments leading up to the game. Jay-Z’s Blueprint 3 was the soundtrack of choice. By the time I made it to the spot you see above, the most epic track, and one of my favorites, on the album began to play. And it went:
Yes! Yes…I’m already home. Yup, there’s my home:
The stage that building houses. It’s what I’ve wanted the most since I was 14 years old. – a stage. Any state. Any stage that I could give people the show that would be a memory to last a lifetime. The song blasted so loud and so beautiful in my ears. My pulse began to pick up. Palms became sweaty. The emotion was almost too much to bear. All I did was stare and zone out, imagining the happiness that faces me. I can be there. It’s just across the street. So close, yet so far away. Yet still, I can get there. It feels like the first occurrence this song pierced my ears:
As the song ended. I just took in the moment and the realization that all dreams are possible. All it takes is hard work, persistence, and dedication. 10 years. If that’s not dedication, I don’t know what is. Focus. I’ve got that. A path. I walk the one that feels right. Support. *Turns around and points to people behind him* There you have it. And with that, I retreated to a corner as I continued to listen to the music in waiting of my friends. When they arrived and I felt as if I was in the happiest mood that I can ever remember. It’s been a long time since I last had the feeling. Graduating college maybe matches it.
The evening then played out with a series of unfortunate events, first with one of my friends being pick-pocketed and losing the tickets. To not spoil the feeling of this post, I’ll just say it went downhill with roadblocks from then on, but we were able to laugh about everything the whole time. It was fun. It reminded me of the times I spent with my brothers back home. I felt really bad for my friend who lost the tickets, because he felt bad which I can understand, but incidents do happen so we try and find a resolution and move forward. That’s we all did. The best part about the whole night is that we found a work around to every road block and we made it in. We had a great time at the game and went for drink after. We laughed it up. The one thing that I think they won’t know until they read this is that the experience I had and the happiness I captured for the brief time before they showed up made my whole night. Nothing could have taken that away from me. Not even losing the tickets. It was like I was on a high and nothing cold kill my buzz. The beer that followed just made it even sweeter. It’s the little things in life that make my world. That’s coming from a kid who hasn’t seen or experienced much. Whatever I have, it’s the kind I want to block out of my memory. I just reboot and start over. ONE
…around the world. They are just like you and me. They put their pants on one leg at a time and they and they are confident with their look. They just know fashion. Tis their expression. Their individuality.
Juliett K., 22 year old girl from Poland
*Her leggings are crazy!*
Stephanie Big Beauty Z, 33 Year Old Actress, Plus Size Model, Fashion Coach from Paris
Keiko L., 25 Year Old Clothing Designer From Brooklyn, NY
Axel S., 16 Year Old From Stockholm
*That’s a real spiked collar! So ill!*
Said Young Hova, better known as Jay-Z, on the Diamonds From Sierra Leone Remix.
I believe that statement is important to understand if you are trying to brand yourself and be set apart from the pack. You have to be comfortable with yourself. You can never back down from what you believe in.
In this day and age, whether we want to believe so, us as individuals have become literal products. You must sell yourself. You have no choice. Other wise you’ll sit on the shelf with the other products that didn’t have good marketing gathering dust. You have to sell yourself in everything. You have to let people understand why you are important, or even relevant, why they should give you some of their time in exchange for whatever it is you have to offer. Be it goods and services, a talent that you want someone to support in, a school (you have to sell yourself to those colleges: SATs, entrance essays, letters of recommendation), a job, and even something as simple as friendship or a relationship. Think about those last two. People want to be around the cool kids. Why? Because they sold something about themselves that is widely attractive. Now, some get that because they are simply being themselves and they just naturally stand out and people flock to them because they are uncommon. I won’t use the word different, and I’ll tell you why. Anyone can be different. All you have to do is not do what everyone else is doing. Put a little shock value in to spice things up and there you have it, ready made different. That’s when people stop being themselves and start trying to be something that they think will get them attention. A market. Something to sell. A day where they don’t have to say, “Oh, pick me! Pick me! I want to be apart of your cool kid circle.” The ones that succeed. Well, you could just say that they have good business minds. They may not be doing it the moral way but they created something about themselves that is attractive (or completely odd and intriguing) to people and they sold it.
Even when trying to find a boyfriend or girlfriend these days. In young age mind you (mostly). You like someone but you know you aren’t totally what they want. You have something to offer but it’s not as strong as the other person who’s wining in the race. So what do you do? You play up the attributes that they like. Get their attention. Sell yourself. Everything boils down to business. I sort of thought about that analysis as I wrote this. It made a lot of sense to me…
I have been working very hard on my music, this website, writing my script, and trying to find that break that will get me where I want to be so that I can work comfortably and relentlessly toward my goal. Music is my main focus. I want to be a recording artist. That’s what I want. I’ve always wanted it. I have other ambitions but that’s what a career is for, so that you can gain opportunities that will allow you to grow as a professional and artist. I have so many different talents but I haven’t been given the chance to do what I want. I plan to use everyone of those talents until it gets me right there at the front door of the opportunity that I dream of. It’s the only way. At least that’s how I perceive it to be. So now, I have my calling card. My marketing if you will. Long overdue, but I feel that this website grew to the age where I feel it’s the right time to start getting it out there to the people.
I read this at the most strange moment, while taking a quick break from working on my next project (something special to me) which I should have up for you all tomorrow.
This is from Kanye West’s Blog, posted today. Well, as long as it’s still the 2nd on the west coast…yesterday for the eastern folks. There are points in your life or day that something just jumps out at you and has the power to explain almost everything that is troubling you. It can be a few key words or phrase mentioned in conversation with someone. It can be something seen on random occurrence. Or it can be just your, unconsciously giving yourself the answers. The latter is just what happened to me 5 minutes ago… in my head I thought, “I didn’t check his blog today, let me see what he posted…and there was the answer. So, I only feel it’s right to post his statement on my blog. It deserves to be here.
Click on the image to read what Kanye said:No one ever believed Kanye would be what he is today. They swore him off when he first came out as being too left field. I remember when I first heard of him – reading his name in the liner notes of the Blueprint album. I didn’t know who this guy was, I didn’t know what he looked like, I didn’t even know he was a rapper/producer. I just knew that I heard the beats he did for the album and it was so fresh, so incredibly opposite of everything musically in the rap game that I can remember from that time. From then on, I hyped him up to everyone. People thought I was crazy. It was like I was one of his old friends acting as street team for him. That’s how much of a fan I became of this artist, and that was before he even released any of his own music. I followed him since that point. Awaiting that first single. Then, “Through The Wire” released. Still, no one really knew of him at this point. I believe most of the buzz that he had accumulated at this point was for all his work as a producer on other people’s albums and going on tour with Talib Kweli. I tried to put him on so many people. I was always like, “Yo, you need to listen to this guy. He’s really, really good.” No one seemed to care. Most said they weren’t feeling him. Then the album drops and the game changes. Late Registration is what really did it for him. Those who didn’t believe before, were believers. What is also most fascinating, is that his first album, College Dropout released my first year in college. Then came, Late Registration during the very year that my life took a drastic turn and my mind become so focused on succeeding. My art skills came out of hiding, I started in my major, and it was like my “real world” opened up right in front of me. Then, just shy of a week after I graduated in August of 2007, he releases his third opus, GRADUATION. For those that know me well, know that Jay-Z is my biggest life influence period. When Jay announced his retirement from rap in 2003 and then following, a Roc-a-fella breakup , it was like my life felt empty. Every year since the age of 14 I looked forward to a Jay-Z album. It was what was getting me through life. So if you can imagine not having any Jay albums during probably the most important time that I would need one… you can imagine my feeling of loneliness and loss. But luckily right after The Black Album released, it was Kanye that filled the void. I don’t believe in coincidences. I’ve become a fan of Kanye so early on for some reason that I probably will never understand, but he came in and did his thing at the right time. It was literally seeing someone become greatness right in front of your eyes. From the moment I saw what my life needs to be when I was in college discovering all these things about myself, I never once thought that I would be anything short of great. I look up to these great men, because I see parts of myself in each of them. I’m sure they had influences the same. This goes past a rap influence for me. This is life influence. Those who don’t believe now. It’s ok, I forgive you. But you will at some point believe. That’s because I am going to show you.
It’s really wonderful to experience the discovery of a new recording artist or band. You can discover them halfway through their career or when they are underground. To everyone else they may be old, but to you, they are the best thing ever to happen to your ears. Or you may be the one to put people onto them, and then they blow up. You almost feel like you were the one who discovered them and boosted them to stardom.
The Blackroc album was released on November 27, 2009. Black Friday to be precise. This is the hip/hop/blues/rock mash up album spearheaded by Dame Dash with production by The Black Keys. I had known about this album prior to it’s release but it seemed to slip my mind and was then reintroduced by my colleague and friend when he was able to get an advance copy of it. I’m glad he did. It’s very rare that I play an album to death. This is one of those albums. Truly good work. This made me take more notice in The Black Keys. Their sound is so soulful. Yet, grungy. Mos Def, Jim Jones, Pharoe Monch, Nicole Wray, Q-Tip, RZA, Raekwon, Ludacris, Pharoahe Monch, NOE, Billy Danze and the late Ol’ Dirty Bastard all contributed to the project.. An incredible roster, and they all really gave something heartfelt to the album. To me the standout artist on the project was Jim Jones. He’s the guy famous for that “Ballin” tune that even got a move to go with the song. I say it that way because that was the song that brought him some commercial success. What people overlook is that Jimmy is really good rapper. He says some incredible stuff in his music. I’ve been following him since The Diplomats album when he was apart of the Roc-a-fella roster. Before the breakup. He’s constantly surprised me lyrically and his delivery. I already know that most hip hop heads will disagree with me but this is what happens when as a rapper your forced to put out a “mediocre commercial smash” in order to get recognition. Your true artistry is always overlooked.
Below, I would like to introduce you all, if you haven’t heard them already, to The Black Keys. I can’t quite put my finger on who I would compare them to but, on the Blackroc album, it sounded like they rose Jimi Hendrix from the dead to collaborate. I would also pay strong attention to background vocals on Hoochie Coo. That is the vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach. What a man that can sing so soulful. Just incredible. The Black Keys are now my new favorite rock band. Excuse me while I go find another fix. Enjoy the freeze that I left.
I never understood the importance of marketing and the role that it plays in our shapeshifting society until I took on the role of being my own manager/promoter for my career as a recording artist. The first thing you do when you need to market something nowadays is scuddle to your computer and hop on Facebook, Twitter, or Myspace, and then tell the whole world (or at least your social circle) what you doing with yourself. Seems simple, yes? Maybe. You see in more ways than one, the increase and push on doing everything on the internet can be annoying. I think it’s the competition. Not the real competition, but the competition with people doing the senseless and shameless promotion, including the ridiculous amount of odd YouTube videos of people begging for fame, and the ever baffling Facebook status updates that read something like, “Just woke up. Brushing teeth,” or “Eating dinner.” It really makes it hard on the people actually trying to use the tool for the right reasons. You see, if you notice the videos on YouTube that have the most hits are ones that have no relevance to anything. RE: the “leave Britney alone” video which now has accumulated over 8 million hits. Mind boggling. Why it has that many hits? I wish I knew. But I think that it’s a good example where us as a culture has our minds. There is wealth of information floating around on the web, not to mention many artists, professionals, and real talented people using it for the right reasons in an effort to be noticed and obtain work doing their passion, when only to become overshadowed by everything on the web that drains intelligence.
Here’s a test. Study Facebook. Try to search for the most status updates that have either someone is actually trying to say something of importance or nothing important at all, and see which ones gain the most comments. I guarantee you, it will be the ones that serve no value. I see it all the time. I’ve even see someone announce on Facebook in their status that they have a yeast infection. At that point, I feel that this social networking thing is just going too far. Alas, I cannot fight the system. Not alone at least. I am an artist and in order for me to get my work seen, I have to market it. I need to utilize these outlets no matter how much they seem trife. It’s boiled down to, “If you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em.” In most ways. I still shy away getting overly personal on the web. I’ve slipped a few times. I use this blog as my own art journal of sorts, forgetting that anyone can read it. It’s expression – the true attribute of an artist. That attribute has now become sacred, because on the web, there are no rules. You can judged, chastised, exalted, and aligned with heaven all in the same day. There are no laws to govern. I have also come to realize that no one cares what your doing. They only care if you’ve made it, or when you make it. I can have 28 followers on Twitter today and tomorrow I get a deal with Def Jam, knowing word spreads quickly, I can blow up and have 1 million followers by the end of the week. Maybe that’s a little exaggerated, but not far from what could actually happen. It’s a sad reality of life – your only important, when your important. No one gives a damn that your on the come up, losing sleep, living a hard life, barely paying bills to get by, just to live out your dreams. Only your closest family and friends will care. Matter of fact, sometimes, not even they care. That’s got to be the most hurtful. Other than that, when you make it, that’s when everyone comes out of hiding.
But you know the social networking is not all bad. It’s tough to break through to people but it has done a lot of good. It does make somethings much easier. As a matter of fact it has become entertainment’s biggest scouting tool in recent years. The sad part is that Hollywood and the Music industry are still very poor in their selection skills. Not always, but about 70% of the time in my opinion. That is purely on a “let’s pick who has talent” basis. They no longer really seem to do that, but instead they pick who is “most marketable.” To me that just comes off as a cry for help and makes the entertainment industry look pathetic. Everything is about money these days. They only want to invest in what they “think” will make money. Sure it can be proven but that doesn’t mean that it’s actually good.
Scenario: If you feed a child bread and water (which we’ll call fluff) all their life, assuming they can live off of this. When they get to older age and finally get their first taste of a juicy steak (which we’ll call substance) they won’t know how to react. In most cases they may be disgusted and want that tasty bread and water meal. To you and I it may be the most delicious meal ever, and it may actually be, but the child won’t know that. All their parents ever exposed them to was fluff. They don’t know any better. In most real life cases they just may keel over and die. They don’t even have the stomach acids to tolerate the steak. Understand where I’m heading with this? That’s the biggest problem with our culture, the people that control what we are entertained by are giving us pure bread and water. So it’s all we know. We don’t like complex and thought provoking. It’s too much for our brains to handle. We want explosions or digitally manufactured sounds. It’s what we are used to. So that’s what we buy. Blame the so called “smart execs” who decide what we see and hear. They are bad parents. They don’t know what’s good for us. They also don’t know how to give us new and innovative. They take the easy way out and give youngLucas Cruikshankhis own movie because they saw that his video on YouTube was getting a million hits:
*Yes, his voice will be like that in the movie.
I don’t know about you, but I don’t see at all how this turned into a feature length film could be in any way entertaining. That’s Hollywood for you.
Then on the other hand, a filmmaker and stop motion ace by the name of Patrick Boivin hailing from Canada uses YouTube to ink a deal with Hollywood. He’s one of the rare cases that just happened to be a talented artist and have something that is totally relateable and well done that gained him the recognition that he deserves. This doesn’t contribute to the fact that he is a real professional in the industry. He directs commercials. I can also guarantee that the young lad above is not a professional comedian. Is is safe to say that he even has talent? I would strongly argue that Patrick Boivin does. Then again, he is that rare case. It never really happens that way, and it’s a damn shame.
*Check who he’s sponsored by. Doesn’t surprise me one bit.
Sometimes you never understand your purpose in life until that purpose needs you to prove it to yourself and others. Follow me.
A friend of my cousin is a boxer and she needed some entrance music. She had an idea of what she wanted but needed to execute it. She also needed this music the day before she decided to ask me if I can do it for her. It was last minute yes, but I agreed to help her out. She wanted to have Jadakiss’ The Champ Is Here track play along with T.I’s Bring ‘Em Out with a glass breaking sound effect to break them up as intro and the actual move out music. Simple as stated. Yes and no. The execution of it is simple but finding the tracks that work is the tricky part. That was with the Jadakiss track. You see that song is on a mixtape that he put out with Big Mike and DJ Green Lantern. If any of you know a hip hop mixtape, the DJ’s love to talk all over the track. So I was presented with the challenge of chopping up the record so that you don’t here the DJ talking. She didn’t want this and it just doesn’t work if your coming out before a match and this is supposed to be your introduction music. Boy, did I chop it up. I was really surprised with myself in achieving the end result.
The track came out pretty hot. If anyone knows me, I really don’t end up doing anything simple. Not because I don’t want to, my mind and work ethic just doesn’t gear that way. I actually tried to give the track a concept as if trying to picture how she would come out and tailor the track to that vision. I ended up doing two versions for her. Originally I thought she wanted to have the Jadakiss track go first and with T.I. to follow. That version came out pretty good and is my favorite of the two but she really wanted it the other way around. I had to make a few changes so the transition would work a little better.
I really love music and I think this shows more how strong my passion for it is. Shouts to my brother Sean. He always does things like this too. We both could so be DJ’s, rappers, producers, engineers, what have you. We have the skills. The passion is there. Someone needs to give a shot! We work hard for it. We never get the break we deserve nor fair pay. There’s no reason to have a college degree and still be barely making rent. Uncalled for. I did this for free. This was for a friend. I was helping someone out, but I know a few DJ’s and I can only imagine what they would have charged for something like this. The best thing though, when she, my cousin, and her friends heard the track, they loved it. She called me and thanked me and sounded so excited. I know I can do this. I love when my art effects someone in a good way. That’s what I hope to do when I get on in the game and become a successful musician. I’m going to be amongst the elite in the game. My brother will be right there with me. Highly respected for our talents. I can feel it.
So if you are an A&R for one of the labels, or someone that works at one of the labels, or is someone connected, get at me! Please! Go to my music page right now. I’ve got the talent! You won’t be sorry.
I think that I have stated before that it was a new found friend a couple of years ago that really ignited and furthered my interest in the fashion world. No, her name’s not Betty. It’s just a nickname.
I went into some detail before on Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen who have definitely contributed to high fashion in many ways in the new millennium. They have their unique style and they have made a name for themselves. But they are people. What does that have to do with anything? Well, let me introduce you to the world of accessories -brands if you will. Brands that have built a following off of a name, quality, and a style that separates itself from anything else. What is a brand? Wikipedia defines a brand as, a name used to identify and distinguish a specific product, service, or business. To put closure, Gucci, Dior, Prada, Ray Ban. Well know names. You already know what those brands are of. They all built their names from accessories or more. It is an unspoken of fact that Gucci just didn’t do bags. They specialized in leather goods in the company’s birth, and that even included horsebits and stirrups – which influenced a motif that Gucci continues to follow in it’s designs to this very day.
I currently work at designer sunglasses boutique, Solstice, and it has been a year with the company. During this time I have come to learn the importance of branding and the reputation just a name alone can bring. To me, this is what makes accessories so fascinating.
I would like to give an introduction to some little known (and I say that because these are either exclusive brands or because they are European), companies that manufacture some of the world’s finest crafted accessories. I hope this intro will open to your mind more when you go to by a watch, a pair of sunglasses or even something as underrated as a backpack. It pays to buy quality. Gentlemen, if you can spend $200 on a pair of Jordans, why wouldn’t you invest $1500 on a fine watch that will last you double digits years and can become something to pass onto offspring? Think about it. I am choosing to not focus on already well-known brands within the U.S. but brands well know throughout the rest of the world. Americans can tend to be a little close minded to only wanting to know about what is popular in our own homeland versus what the rest of the world raves over. Be sure to click the names of the brands to go to their websites for more information.
Jay-Z feat. Swizz Beatz On To The Next One Directed by: Sam Brown
This video has been out for over a month now but I just had to write a post. It is the epitome of art. It’s genius in many ways. I was really disappointed by the criticism that it started to get shortly after it’s release associating Jay-Z with satanism and also the accusations of being a Freemason – which in no way interests me. I really don’t like when people try to tarnish the images of celebrities and feel the need to put them under a microscope. The are people just like you and me. No different.
This video is just a thrill to watch. It has such edgy visuals. The follow-up to the play on 3′s which is present in the logo for the Blueprint 3 album is cleverly used throughout the video. There are still symbolizms and meanings that I am still trying to make out. That’s why I appreciate Jay-Z’s work so much. He’s very intricate and puts much thought into the work he showcases. Over 10 years later I can listen to his first album, Reasonable Doubt, and pick up gems in his rhymes that went over my head years back. He was so ahead of his time, and still is. The video is like watching that old Maxell commercial from back in the day. You know the one…
I have been waiting so long for this video to arrive and it’s finally here! This is by far my favorite song off of his last album 808s and Heartbreaks.
The video is directed by Nabil Elderkin. A really talented director and one of my personal favorites. He’s done many of Kanye’s videos including the really cool Welcome To Heartbreak. You can view “Coldest Winter” here.
In my family, we are very artistic and charismatic people. It’s in our blood – an undeniable trait. My younger cousin Ronald Cason, Tony Zucco, and their friends have taken to the camera and are out to prove the world that they have the talent to make films.
Introducing Average Joe Productions – A team of aspiring young filmmakers from Atlanta Georgia. They have released a collection of shorts and mock trailers over the past year and are gaining some good local and online attention by word of mouth. They definitely have much potential to go far in the business should they maintain their course and continue to make shorts. They show a strong competency in camera set-up, staging, editing, scoring, and they even are some pretty good actors.
I strongly believe in supporting new emerging artists. Especially those who show the talent. Encourage those who aren’t as talented and promote those who are. I believe that if you are taking the time to put something out there and are serious about it, then you deserve support. So many people are lazy and want things to come to them. You have to work for it. Hard work pays off and I really hope these young filmmakers make it. You can view all of their shorts and trailers on YouTube by subscribing to Tony Zucco’s channel. Below are a couple of my recent favorites.
Photography is a fine art. The ignorant will say, “All it is taking a picture.” That couldn’t be so far from the truth than George Bush actually winning an election. Long behind us but still relevant. There is a truth in art. Usually it is the artist’s telling of how he sees the world. Every artist is different. They range from the realist to the reverie. I fall into the latter. So does David LaChapelle. Every one of his photographs tells some sort of story that bleeds from a sometimes presented chaotic mind. He’s definitely in a class of his own and I think that’s why he’s probably one of the most successful photographers. He definitely pushes boundaries and I continue to believe in that as the key to great art.
Below are some of his photographs that I chose to showcase. Each really displays a funny message on our pop culture in relation to the subject matter. I won’t say what I think of each, I’d rather leave that to your own interpretation. We all look at art differently.
To read a biography on David LaChapelle click here.
You can also see more of his work on his website.
I move onward/only direction/Can’t be scared to fail/search your perfection… y’all should be afraid of what I’m gon’ do next… Jay-Z from On To The Next One
I did my thing! I shut it down. When I came off of the stage everyone was congratulating me and saying how good I was. What a humbling and wonderful thing that was to hear. A former colleague even urged me to find a manager and a label connection. Everyone said that I need to do more shows, and asked when my next one was.
Last night was just my second career performance as a recording artist. I have waited 10 years to get on stage. To me, this is my first real performance. The first one was rather short and felt like training ground for what’s to come. Also it was a way for me to find my stage presence. It was a really good thing that I recorded the last performance because I was able to study that and see what things I wanted to correct. I am my worst critic but I believe that in being tough on myself, I leave no room to slack. In my eyes I did good. But, I also feel I have some work to do. I know that I can be great at this and for someone who has only done 2 performances ever, and get this much good feedback? I know that if I keep practicing and getting the opportunity to do more shows who knows what I could become. I feel like all these little shows are trial runs for that one Grammy performance that I dream of. Or that one international concert tour that I hope to go on. These are the stuff dreams are made of. The passion is there and the drive will never run out of fuel. I love what I do. The arts really saved my life. This is only the beginning. I am having fun.
I had a great time last night but I also took the time to watch a few of the other performances. Particularly the rappers who went after me. There were like 5 rappers on stage for that set. Sometime through the set it was all of them at once or just two or three. By default they had more energy. Their beats were knocking hard too. But my brother’s beats have that soul no one can match. I couldn’t really hear what they were saying either. It was a good performance don’t get me wrong. They did their thing and I congratulate them. These guys were professionals too – one of them was the son of Temptations singer David Ruffin. They have deals, they do shows on the regular and they have the entire package. I also studied them…What I realized is that in my set I was the only person on stage and I managed to command the crowd. Not everyone, but I had mostly everyone’s attention from what I could remember. I was trying to go as hard as I could. I had the energy, but it led me back to what I remember DMX saying one time after battling Jay-Z is that he learned a valuable lesson about that. You can have have energy but it must be controlled. Chaos within that is never good. I don’t know if that makes any sense versus how I think of it in my head…
Here is the video of the first four minutes of the performance. I was really hoping to get the entire set but my camera bummed out after a full memory card which is disappointing because I made sure that I cleared a lot of things off of the card beforehand. I guess I should have taken off more. Luckily a friend was able to get the entire set on his camera so once he sends me that video I will most definitely post it for you all.
I could call him the Tim Burton of fashion. It seems like the most acceptable comparison. To be honest, I have never really seen any of his fashion designs before, but I knew of him. I also had no idea of how controversial he was. I usually equate controversy with success – to me it means your doing something right. If your art can cause people to become rowled up about it, then you obviously are utilizing art to it’s potential. By that I mean, breaking boundaries.
I do believe in having rules, but I don’t believe in following them. Why the contradiction you ask? Well, I feel if you know the rules you should be able to bend them and even break them for the sake of good intentions. I could attribute this to Alexander McQueen and his perception of fashion. This is merely from my recent viewing of his work and what I interpreted.
Below is the video from his Atlantis show presenting his Spring 2010 line. The theme is just as brilliant as the colors in the patterns on the fabrics. Many of them are very reminiscent of tie dye. Everything looks very organic which I’m almost sure that was the intention. The shoes are really a sight to behold. The models don’t seem to show any struggle in their struts on the catwalk. I think that’s pretty remarkable because the high sloping front in marriage with such high heels looks almost impossible for any human to walk in. Those models disprove that argument fully. Some of the dresses almost appear to flow even in their short measure. In part 2 of the show, you see some really nice dark suits that really make me see everyting as “real” 21st century fashion. The androgynous models add to that was well. These are some fashion designs like I’ve never seen before. It’s really fresh. I can see why so many people considered him a genius. Even down to his show. It’s a very elaborate production. It’s almost as you are not watching a fashion show but a theater play. Rest peacefully Alexander McQueen. I’m anxious to see which individual will replace you and continue what you have started.
1. Ext. – Santa Monica Blvd – A man in his SUV is having a heated conversation with the passenger seat. But no one is there. Cocaine aftermath?
2. I saw Jesus standing on the corner of Sepulveda and Wilshire. He had a long white robe on with sandals, his grail in his hand, and a hair like wool to boot. Was he looking for people to heal?
3. A homeless man in Marina Del Ray stands outside of the supermarket with a sign that reads, “Spaceship broke. Need parts.” Why won’t someone help him get back to his home planet!
4. A 15 year old girl accompanied by her friend came into my place of work, Solstice, and bought over $900 in designer sunglasses. She’s a blessed individual. Wouldn’t you say?
5. Some people will do anything for a discount. Even if you tell them they are the 99th customer, and say if they walk out and come back in they will be the 100th customer and get a free pair of sunglasses. Works everytime.
6. A very snobby, and rude, young woman clothed in a designer tank top (who I ended up helping) began to put on a pair of sunglasses, only to expose her unshaven arm pits. Was the right thing to do to laugh it off? She thought so.
I on the other arm, did not.
7. On my route to work every morning, a homeless man stood in the same exact location every morning with a sign asking for help. After about one month, I noticed his shirt was always neatly pressed. Should I switch careers?
8. Everyone who talks on their cellphone paces and dons a serious face as if they are making an important business deal. I wonder who they know? Maybe I can finally get in on the action.
9. Girls under the age of 10 know about Chanel, Gucci, and Marc Jacobs. Are they the future Vera Wang? Or are they just future customers?
10. Batman, Captin Jack Sparrow, and Spiderman all live on Hollywood Blvd. It’s true. I snuck a picture of Spiderman.
LA is without a doubt packed with weirdos- the good kind though. Harmless indeed, and either unhappy or lonely. Sometimes I become sadden by what I see, other times I laugh uncontrollably. In the end, after one year, I can say this has been a cool place to live. It is truly the entertainment capital of the world. It’s not everyday you can see someone arguing with an empty passenger seat. It’s theater! And yes, people really do say “dude” out here. Later dudes!
It is only so often that something, or someone, can show its presence that can ignite something in us that provides that extra bit of energy to push a little harder. I get that everyday. I not only like to inspire myself by keep on doing projects with my talents that help me prove to myself that I am an artist – a rather unique one a that – but I also come across other artists that stoke that fire in me.
Uniqueness is something that is a rarity. People have misused the word “different” in the last couple of years. Now that a movement has started where as it’s cool to be “quirky” or “different” has yet again, like many trends, manufactured things that, in my opinion, are not so different at all. I’ll use the “nerd movement” as an example. Many years ago nerds were the outcasts, they were uncool, and often chastised for being who they were. Now that there has been a rise in celebrities who were nerds (and still are might I add) and are accepted by the masses, now everyone wants to be a nerd. They even dress the part. See the latest fashion trends if you don’t believe me. When it was cool to be “gangsta” everyone wanted to be that. I am a nerd. A real one. Ask any of my friends. I don’t take part in the whole nerd revolution. I don’t see the need to. I can be myself and fit right in. I don’t dress the part. Why put on a costume just to be who I am. I just do me, and when the trend fades out, I’ll still be a nerd and everyone else will change… If I see another person wearing those damn nerd glasses…Sorry. Pop culture (insert long sigh here).
Now back to my description of unqiue. I think that is just an extent of someone who is being themselves and just happens to fall no where in any of the categories that are popular and in turn become popular and start a whole new category by themselves. That is a rare thing. In the case of Cyhi Da Prince, a rapper from Atlanta. I saw just that and I hope that I’m right in his uniqueness. It was this rapper, who I later learned is signed by Konvict/Def Jam, that inspired me last night and let me know there is hope for myself. Not that I ever doubted there is hope, but it can become hard to keep the fight up some days. What I saw in this rapper is what I felt is unique, and I mean purely on rhyming ability and just the fact that he seems like he’s being totally himself. I don’t know him personally and I don’t know if he’s going to change the game and start another revolution but I think as a real rapper, he’ll be around for a while. He’s doesn’t appear to have any facade or gimmick. He’s just rapping. I alingn myself with the same thing. I just want to rap. I love to rap. I love the music. I want to do it on an international scale and touch the lives of my fans. I don’t think I have found myself as an artist yet, but I am getting closer and when I do. The game will have some trouble on it’s hands. So, I would like to introduce you all to Cyhi Da Prince. I think this young rapper will have something very special to offer the game. I wish him the best of luck. I hope to do a track with him one day. Enjoy.
Here is the track on Yelawolf’s Remix “I Wish” that got him noticed by Kanye West.
Not my best, but for some spare time doodling. I really like how this came out.
I have really been exploring continuity and line more. This was kind of tough to play around with line because I wasn’t using the best pens, only what I had available to me. I tried to at least tell some form of a story with every individual image. I hope you all like these. More to drawings to come.
…And I’m tired. But I can’t give up. I always seem to do the work of like 5 people. Insane how I manage sometimes…
I apologize for the lack of posts over the weekend. I’ve been working really hard to solidify more hours at my job, along with promoting this mixtape and getting a plan laid out for the future. That does mean I am working on new music. I am very excited about what I have the opportunity to do with an independent release. I am going to and do what many are afraid to do as a solo artist. What’s that? You’ll have to wait and see. I promise that it will be worth the wait. As I told a friend, I am trying to lay down the foundation of what will be something pretty epic for one person. In order to help all…
I have also been preparing for the showcase on Thursday night with R+H. I’m very excited and I hope that someone in the crowd is with a record label, or knows someone, who knows someone, and well, you know how they say it.
I do promise to bring you all the Alexander McQueen post, but it may be a few days out. I want to bring you all some other interesting posts this week. Stay tuned. I am planning to buy my first condenser microphone after this week. Super excited about that. I am my own engineer when I am in LA. If I’m in Florida, of course it’s my brother Sean. We are real artists here! We do everything! Even our own flyers (see below)! Keep an eye out on Friday or Saturday for the video from the performance. Wish me well. Take care friends. Bless!
*Oh, I apologize for some of the gramatical errors on some of the posts. It’s embarrassing and also unlike me, as a screenwriter. I do write many of these posts late at night when I’m tired. I’m trying to tighten it up though. I promise.*
I really have to bring Marc Jacobs back into the picture because there is something magical about what I saw in the show for his work on Louis Vuitton’s Spring/Summer 2010 RTW (Ready To Wear). The artist aesthetic that I have seen in fashion (mainly high fashion) upon my actual discovery of what it has to offer is exactly what I search for in anything that I attempt to pursue — which is why seeking out to become a fashion model for print became more attractive. Now, before anyone jumps to judge and call me out on backsliding on what I have said that I want for myself as a career — Music/Film. Fashion modeling is merely a means to an ends for me. It is also can be a wonderful experience that can open many doors for me and provide that artist fulfillment (a photography and fashion sushi roll if you will) while I continue to work towards my main goals. It’s been a struggle to break in so far but I won’t give up. I wouldn’t be pursing this if I didn’t believe that I could be good at it.
Sorry, for the tangents…Marc Jacobs has taken the reins for the Spring/Summer Collections with an interesting theme. It really reminds me of that fantastical world that I often find in video games. I get a very fun, cute, and “pixelated” world in mind when I see the models strut in some very colorful garbs. The bags really stand out. I also love the oversized lucky rabbit foot and tassels. I feel that adds a nice touch, and balance, to the already large bags. The shoes are also one to mention. The furry open toed sandels can only open the imagination on what could be Summer wear. The patterns on some of the shirts are really wonderful. One worth pointing out is on the model stepping at 2:51 on part 1. It almost appears to be a Paisley take on what would be translated to a blouse in lieu of a tie. If that’s what the concept was, I think it’s pretty creative.
I am miles away from a fashion expert and I can only interpret the designs from a fine art perspective which my 3-D Design professor Robert Reedy and my 2-D Design professor Ryan Burkhart would have expected me too. The former really drilled it into me to speak on art intelligently using the correct vocabulary instead of speaking in very vague and pretentious phrases that most people use to describe art when they “think” they know what they are talking about. I am getting much better the more I research designers and understand trends, fabrics and such — I vow to stay inside of the culture. Please enjoy the Louis Vuitton collection and I promise to shine the spotlight on some other designers in the future, not just my favorites. Everything is objective on this site. It’s only fair.
Part 1
Part 2
In remembrance of Alexander McQueen — I will explore his designs in the next post.
If you have noticed, I have recently purchased my first domain — www.troyb.wordpress.com is now www.troybarthouse.com. Tell your friends. To kick off the string of changes (good changes, mind you) that will occur over time to the site I wanted to give you part 2 of the, “Making of…Listen To My Tape!” in video blog form. This is first of many. I want to apologize in advance if my speaking voice is a little low, I wasn’t sitting close enough to the laptop microphone — it will get better.
I also want to encourage you all to comment on any the posts with, general thoughts, ideas, feedback, or even if you have art that you would like me to showcase — be it fashion, fine art, music, or anything involved in film. If it’s good art. I will showcase it. You can send inquiries to troyb.arthouse@gmail.com.
The Avant Garde fashion designer is what I call him. He’s absolutely without a doubt my favorite fashion designer. I think he’s highly underrated amongst the others and his collection are in my opinion ahead of their time.
Here are some styles from his Fall 2002 RTW just to show you what I mean.
These styles illustrate what everyday people were wearing last year and even trickling into 2010. Of course I’m referring to the most fashionable cities in the country: NY, Miami, Los Angeles, and Chicago. I’ve been living in LA for over a year now, and it’s very evident that fashion doesn’t reach the general public for years out after collection are introduced. It’s very much like the car industry. Any auto show you go to, and I guarantee that you will see a very evolved design on vehicles, only to see them actually touch the streets years out. I think it’s amazing that such a small culture of designers and artist influence the fashion styles of hundreds on millions of people. That’s mind boggling.
Many people do not know that I am into really into fashion. I have always been, but my mind become more open after I met a friend in 2008 who pretty much changed my world view on the culture. I always thought she and my cousin in NY should go into business together. They’ve got incredible fashion sense.
Marc Jacobs Spring/Summer 2010
This collection is probably his most exotic and very risky. I have yet to really come to a conclusion on what I think about it.
It is only so often that great musicians bless the world with sultry sounds, a unique voice, and lyrics that give chills. As a young boy I remember hearing Sade’s music on the radio, most familiar is Smooth Operator. It was a song that sounded so classic, I never felt as if the tune would ever leave my mind. Actually, I can hear it playing in my head as I type this. As a recording artist and songwriter, I believe in making the music that comes from the heart. The kind of music that you, yourself would want to hear and with hope, others can connect. Sade is the best example of this. She has never been a direct inspiration for me musically but she is a great reminder of what it means to make good meaningful music.
Today is the release of her long awaited album, Solider of Love – after 10 years! So fitting. I hope many of you do yourselves the pleasure and get the album. Don’t question whether it will be good or not, or worth your money. Just get it. Buy it in stores, download it on iTunes, or find a torrent. Just listen to it. Just as I have requested many of you Listen To My Tape and give honest music a chance. If music is really my calling then I will never let it leave my life. It’s clear to me that I must have some sort of involvement in it. I have been rapping and pursuing a music career for 10 years. That says a lot. I probably have outlasted the rappers who said they wanted it so bad when we all started around the same time. You never give up. That’s the cardinal rule. I will not lose. That’s my motto.
Valentine’s Day is about five days away. Find your love and claim it as your Valentine. It doesn’t have to be a person. It can be anything that you love or makes you feel loved. I have two this year. Music is one of them. Enjoy Sade, and happiness with your love. Bless.
I know that I have been slacking on the art posts lately, and in lieu, spending the last week more or less venting in the posts. I had to get some things out. Not to fear, back to our regularly scheduled program.
These photographs are from Howard Schatz in his Liquid Light Series studies of the human bodies as a canvas. These are, excuse my 90′s slang, bad!
We gon’ last today, we have to pray
Besides what the pastor say, I have to say
Since Pac passed away,
Most you rappers don’t even deserve a track from me.
You see, if you ever wanted to ever be anything
There’d always be somebody that shoot down any dream.
There’ll always be haters, that’s the way it is.
Hater niggaz marry hater bitches and have hater kids.
But they gon’ have to take my life ‘fore they take my drive!
‘Cause when I was barely livin, that’s what kept me alive.
Just the thought that maybe it could be better than where we at, at this time
Make it out of this grind, ‘fore I’m out of my mind
And get some leeway on the he say, she say
You girl don’t like me, how long has she been gay?
Spanish girls say “No hable´ ingles”
And everybody want to run to me for their single.
It’s funny how these wack niggaz need my help
Wasn’t around when I couldn’t feed myself!
Dog, If I was you, I wouldn’t feel myself
Dog, If I was you, I’d kill myself!
Made a mill myself, and I’m still myself
And I’ma look in the mirror if I need some help
Ya’ll don’t speak from the heart, y’all all frontin’
Everybody feel a way about K but at least y’all feel something.
-Kanye West “Bring Me Down” from The Late Registration
Not all entirely true for me yet. But I forsee. I couldn’t have said better Yeezy…
–They are my 3rd favorite animal, along with Lions and then the Turtles taking the lead.
–They make the best cartoon characters – Daffy, Donald, Darkwing, Plucky, Scrooge McDuck, Huey, Duey and Louie to name a few. Oh! Duckman. Can’t forget good ‘ole Duckman. Remember him? It was USA’s fault why I was “Up All Night.”
–Also becuase a good friend of mine is obsessed with them. Show her a duck and she smiles. Greatest thing ever. It’s completely endearing and you can’t help but find it adorable when she gets excited at the sight of them. It’s almost true happiness. It’s the kind of happiness a child evokes on Christmas morning and it melts my heart away.
In my 24 years on this planet I have searched for happiness. I’m still searching but I have come to realize in the past few weeks, living a certain way or reaching a goal does not need to provide happiness. Have you ever heard the phrase, Piss poor and happy? No? Well that’s because I just made it up. Why did I ask then, if I just made it up? I wanted to make sure no one else is stealing my lingo. That’s why. You have to be careful here people. These words are priceless. So what do I mean by that sort of paradox? Well, I do not come from money. I know what it’s like to live with hand me downs. I know what it feels like to work hard for something as simple as groceries. I know what it feels like to see everyone else around you having the best of things while you’re stuck with the second rate stuff and have to make it work for you. Within all of that, I can find ways to make it work and look as if I have the best. Following me? I know rich people, I know poor people as well. In all of my accounts, the richer people always seem to be the most dull in personality, less charismatic, and also oddly, shameful of what they have. That’s whether they worked hard for it or had it passed down. Flipping pages to read about my poor friends now…
The pages glow with light, and I see that they are like the happiest people I can ever meet. Though, it must be noted not all of the times are happy…but they know how to live life with the bare essentials. They laugh, make jokes and enjoy what they have, even though things could be dreadful. I am Jamaican. I know this first hand. I never understood the importance of that until recently and, well. Ducks. Sometimes all you need is that one thing. For the same poor people, it could be hope. For rich people it may their money and being able to buy their worldly possessions. For my friend, it’s ducks. For me? I’m not sure yet. I could say music. It’s the only thing that could make my day better. Something soulful and serene. If I gets chills, it’s doing the job. If I get inspired, it’s doing the job. But you know, music frustrates me just as equally. So I can’t say that it’s my ultimate treasure trove just yet. I get frustrated with my own music and trying to find my sound. I also become discouraged when other artists that I know I’m more talented getting more recognition than me. So for now, I have hope. That will make me smile for the moment. I won’t be totally happy but it’ll suffice. I look forward to the day of living out my dreams, finding Ms. So Fly, coming to grips with my flaws, and embracing my demons. One way or another I’m going to find my “ducks”. You should too. Things may not always go as planned but being able to have that one thing to calm our world can make all the difference. It sounds so simple but you would be surprised how much we over look the simple things in life.
Rhythm and Hues Band Night
Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
February 18th, 2010
8:00pm
Thanks to the wonderful people that I worked with at Rhythm and Hues, they have asked me to come back and perform once again for this year’s band night at The Good Hurt here in Los Angeles. I am very excited and I have been working on my performance and visualizing how I want this all pan out. I will be performing some music from my just released mixtape, “Listen To My Tape!” which you can download from the music page here on the site. Click The Good Hurt banner for club information.
I also would like to announce the vicious return of Sean Buck and J Nic$ this coming April. This summer, J Nic$ will release “Clouded Thoughts,” his second mixtape after the critically acclaimed release “Dirty Sneakers.” The first mixtape was praised by Miami’s biggest culture website, The305.com. You can see the “Dirty Sneakers” feature and download the mixtapehere.
Lastly, I would like to mention: Sean Buck – mixtape coming soon…very proud of you, dude. That’s my brother!
Patience is the state of endurance under difficult circumstances, which can mean persevering in the face of delay or provocation without becoming annoyed or upset; or exhibiting forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties. It is also used to refer to the character trait of being steadfast.
It is one of the seven virtues that I feel I struggle with the most. I’ve got the others down pretty good. Those came early in life for me through circumstance but patience… that it’s the most difficult to tame. I live my life at a certain pace, it tends to be in the fast lane. People tell me to slow down all the time. I try to take their advice but it’s hard. What’s most hard about it is I don’t think they understand why I am that way. There were certain events in my life that lead to that way of living. You can’t waist time in life. Mine needs meaning. I see epic, my own interpretation of epic. You do also have to smell the flowers but I can plant a garden when I build my house. That’s how I see it. You don’t have to experience things at any specific time in life. It’s life – meaning, it spans over a course of a predetermined (if you believe so) set of years. I can smell flowers anytime I want. Who’s to say a rose won’t smell like a rose when I’m 10 or 50. Sure the strength of the scent may not be as strong when I’m 50 but the fact is I had that rose in my hand and to my nose and as long as I’m happy with that then, all is right in my world.
I love the experiences that I have had thus far and I look forward to many more but what’s so provocative about life to me more than anything is the ability to achieve. Living dreams. I believe in that. A close friend told me, it’s reaching goals. Dreams happen in sleep. She’s partly right. If you look at it how I look at it, daydreaming, or better yet envisioning, is a form of dreaming that can manifest itself to reality. I strongly believe that. It’s like visualizing a win and that turing itself into confidence which incites the actual win. Try it. You’ll be shocked. Then you can promote to everyone that you are living out dreams. What greater feeling?
So to patience. I will probably fight with you for the rest of my life because I don’t plan on slowing down. I will work with you and embrace your teachings but it’s not my fault if the world doesn’t move at a pace that I determine for myself. I’m not moving at that pace for kicks. I am not doing it voluntarily. It’s way past that. This has penetrated to my subconscious my friends. I am going to live by my heart. I believe there is no other way to do it. As long as I’m learning and growing, I see no reason to change. Happiness here I come.
It was sad to not see Kanye West at this year’s Grammy’s. What’s even more unfortunate is how hip hop get’s little to no respect as a musical genre at award shows, especially the Grammy’s. Best Rap Album was not even televised this year. As one of my favorite artists, I feel Kanye West will continue to inspire and create amazing art no matter his mistakes. I defended you ‘Ye. I tried. In your honor, here is your 2008 performance at the Grammy’s and probably the one performances that will forever stay with me.
I was working at CBS News during that year and for 40 years the Grammy’s have been televised on CBS. You can bet that I went to work that night (I was working nights) and dubbed the performance from the master tape to my hard drive as a souviner. I would like to share it with you all. Enjoy. This is what true artists do.
This is what it’s all about…right here. It’s looks like heaven.
I have worked very hard to bring this mixtape to everyone and I owe many thanks to my brother Sean for his help in the engineering, mixing, and mastering of the music. This was a collaborative effort between the two of us over a few years and recently, a distance of 3,500 miles away. I myself started work on this officially around 2003. I have stated before that it took me ten years to make this, which is true, I have envisioned making a collection of music every since I started rapping. It’s the road blocks along the way that prevented the actual start of the project back when I was in high school. So, I took the time to invest in strengthening my skills. I can remember everyday when school was out I sat at the picnic tables outside the lunchroom at Suncoast High writing as if every rhyme was for my first album. I filled 2 spiral note books by the time I graduated. Then I added a third by the time college unlocked it’s chains.
Since those picnic table days, I had thought about the sound, the content of the tape, and how I was going to actually get it out to the world. It wasn’t until 3 years later, in 2003 that I built up the courage, and the skills, and found ways to record whereas I felt like I could actually get going on this. The concepts keep changing. My style keep changing. My lyrical content kept – no, everything kept evolving. Everything kept maturing. As an artist I kept getting better. There were just circumstances that led it to be in fact a 10 year project. I was lucky enough to get some people to record me and work with me a little in becoming more comfortable with actually recording (that is a skill in itself). Those guys were Gary, Kamathi, and Adrien. Then, when he actually got his mic, my brother Sean. It was with my brother that I would find a great chemistry and someone who was patient to put up with my nervous issues, wanting to record the entire verse over if I messed up and refuse punching in. I always believed that to be fake shit. I look at recording as a live performance – one shot to make it good. I will not lie to you though, I did have to punch in quite a bit on this tape. I fell to that in order to: 1) finish the song. Sometimes it took me two hours to finish. 2)Obtain a better flow, and 3) learn that it is a technique that can actually help the quality of the song. I’m stubborn and my brother knows this. The self torture which I call seeking perfection can really hinder me at times.
The unfortunate and almost regretful part about this mixtape is that, the concept and vision I spoke on earlier really fell apart as the years went by. The result of what you listened to was me trying to piece the puzzle back together at the last minute. I do feel, it comes off a little sloppy at times. I wish that wasn’t the case because I worked so hard much of the time to perfect my skills as a rapper, this tape doesn’t really exploit that the way I had hoped. Maybe some of you feel different. I am my own worst critic but I just wanted to really be finished with this tape too. Trying to make something perfect can only live for so long. I had so much to say and I couldn’t wait any longer for people to hear what I had to say about certain situations and people. It’s a very personal mixtape if you listen to the lyrics. I really put myself out there. I say a lot of things I probably shouldn’t have, but it’s how I felt. I do apologize to Shakera and Fabiola for not editing their names out of certain songs. I did want to, but I no longer had access to the vocals and cutting out a section and leaving dead air would have disrupted the song and hurt the integrity of the music. I hope you two understand. I consider you very close friends and I hope that past feelings expressed in lyrics will not offend and hurt the relationship.
With all the above stated, if your looking for some kind of concept or story within this mixtape, you will not find one. By this point, I put the tape out as just music. Music from the heart. Music of my early years as a rapper to this present time and feelings and thoughts that I wanted to share with people – whether they care or not does not matter to me. I did what I wanted to do, and that’s what matters. You will actually hear variations in my voice as it started to change. The lyrical content is of Troy – “rap facade” NOT included. There are many emotions expressed and situations discussed. That’s why I called it “Listen To My Tape!” I just want people to listen to my music and hear what I have to say. I just wanted a shot. I know I am a talented rapper. No one ever took me serious as a rapper. Many people still don’t – it hurts. Especially when many know that hip hop and music means so much to me. It is truly what helped me get my life together… In a way, it almost felt as if some people didn’t care when I put it out. Those who had expressed great interest or hyped me up about it hadn’t even listened to it when I asked them days after I posted it. Many of those people I consider close friends. I try not to have negative thoughts like that though. I always tell myself, “Well maybe they are busy.” I can’t make excuses for those people.
I do appreciate those who listened to the tape very first day. That means so much to me. It can feel like the world doesn’t want to hear me out or give me a break when I constantly work hard to obtain what I want for myself, but I also feel that it’s important to stay humble and keep working. Things will happen soon enough. It’s not like I’m some sloth that expects everything to come his way. Look at my resume. Look at my catalog. You see the blog. You see the art. I’ve been working hard at these many talents for a long time. Matter of fact, I haven’t gotten to put up everything on here yet. I’ve put in the hours while others have partied or kicked on the metaphorical hammock. I never, ever, asked to be some overnight success. Those types of careers end in disaster and it’s plain selfish. I just want the opportunity to not be looked at as some lowly rookie in a entry-level position making peanuts to throw back at the gallery in my frustration. I’m tired of that. I am no rookie. I may be new to the majors but I have the experience. I’ve proven that I can run with the majors. Ask anyone that I have worked with. Most notably the major companies that I have worked for. I do have a lot more to learn but that’s why you move up to new heights and gain more experience. I don’t ask for much. I just want put my art out to the world. Of course the important factors remain: I want to prove my talents, change the game, make a good living, and spend the rest of my career rising to the top. I could tell you what my dreams are in life. I’ve tried to explain myself before. No offense, but my dreams are too complicated for most to understand. I’d rather show you.
I’m hiding. From what? Problems. Why? Circumstance. Huh? I just like to work. Leave it at that – my art comforts me.
What am I working on right now?
My second screenplay entitled, Hopeless Romantics and Sweet Dreams.
My first solo album entitled, Thoughtfully Crazy.
Becoming a fashion model for print. I’m going to open calls at all the agencies. I’ve been turned down by four so far. I have to keep at it. Many more to go.
Looking for a second job. One providing more hours and pay higher than what I have now – which is pretty close to minimum wage. I’m attacking the bigger studios at the moment. Ones with money. I’ve always had a great business mind so I was thinking a position in Marketing or Business Affairs would suit me well. I could parlay my artistic knowledge and creative skills into those sectors and attack on higher ground.
Other business ventures, with my younger brother and god-brother. Hint: it involves music.
Music video ideas. I directed and edited my first on my senior year in college with two good friends and it came out really well. Now that I have made some new friends at AFI and they are actually interested in my work, I feel it’s time to do another one. The mixtape is completed. It’s time to promote and capitalize on what it can do for me.
Booking more shows. My first performance late last year at The Good Hurt here in Los Angeles was so exhilarating. I want that feeling again. Performing my music gave me so much leverage to show people how much passion I have for the medium. I want my live show to be second to none. I am currently in talks to do another Feb 18th with the bands from my prior employer Rhythm and Hues Studios.
Busy? Affirmative. Do I have time to relax, play, and enjoy life? It’s sparse but I really do try my best to have those checks and balances. I just want it so bad. What is that “it” you ask? The opportunity to turn my art (my muses) into a full fledged career and touch the lives of others who find inspiration, solace, and escape in the work of true artists, be it music, fine art, film, or literature. That’s what I want. Oh, and to not be a struggling artist. I’ve been poor long enough and not being able to provide myself with the things that I need and desire. So therefore, I will also adopt the attitude, “If it don’t make dollars, it don’t make sense.” Don’t get me misconstrued, money is not my objective, art is. Money will come as long as the art is successful and people embrace it. Whether that will happen is up to the people. I pray that it happens.
New Artwork:
A doodle I did while I was at Solstice board out of my mind. It’s sort of a continuity study. The drawings are crude on purpose.
The say you should inspire yourself. I do that, but I would be lying if I said there wasn’t any figure that helped mold my way of thinking and my relentless display of ambition. I have always had role models and idols growing up. The Fellowship, as I call it, has not changed by much since my younger years. Some have been inducted by way of striking me in a manner that ignites my mind and heart furiously sending that rush of enzymes to my brain that will not allow my actions to cease. “I will not give up!”, said President Obama tonight in the State of the Union address as he spoke with such great conviction. I concur good sir.
I would like to introduce The Fellowship to you all. These men affect me in different ways but as a young, black, and gifted male in this world, they are everything I need to guide me along the lonely beaten path that I so often chose to take. I find myself so separate from my peers, either ahead or alone in my thought process on attack in my career in my life. I owe much to my own unique personality, and to these great men who continuously teach me that greatness does not occur on rested feet nor by an unused mind. So, I run towards my goals and dreams and I use more than that 10% of my brain.
First off, I have to apologize for the lack of posts in the last few days. Pretty mind numbing times to the gears moving in my head – much on my mind.
There’s No Way Out.
But, I’ll live on Forever because The Saga Continues…and when they Press Play, I’m guaranteed that Dirty Money.
Only then, will I be able to jump on that Last Train To Paris.
The prose above is the remnants of a little motto that I want to bless myself with. I came up with it today while driving listening to Diddy’s previous studio album “Press Play.” The bold words are the titles of all of his studio albums.
Very few people know, but I am an extremely huge fan of Puff. I call him Puff because, that’s who I first knew him as. You see, it was he who got me interested into Rap music. Not personally, but through what he was doing with the music in the mid-nineties. His first studio album, “No Way Out” was the first rap album that I ever bought and that changed everything for me. Originally I had thought that it was The Notorious B.I.G’s “Life After Death” was the first one I had purchased but as I recall, it was the second. You see Puff was the second major mogul in hip, and really all of music, after Russell Simmons had his run with Def Jam. I saw what he did and it wasn’t until I started rapping where I actually felt like I wanted to be someone. This was a little before I discovered Jay-Z. After that, and as a rapper, you could understand why I wanted to emulate Jay. But I still quietly remained a Puffy fan. He wasn’t really popping with the music like he was when Biggie was alive but you know, I always loved what he put out since then. It always had an interesting charm to it – and a hunger that I didn’t see much in music. Everyone seemed to make music look easy, like there was no reason to be hungry for success(at least in my eyes) because they were giving out deals like flyers at the club when you walk out when it the party shuts down.
Many had their issues with Puff, saying that he fell off (I sort of felt so for a while), that he would sell his nuts for a plaque (it seemed so many of times), and that he sort of played unfairly in the business. Most notably with The L.O.X. and Mase, and not pushing his artists on Bad Boy properly (Black Rob, Craig Mack, G Dep, Da Band, Danity Kane, Day Six, amongst others). Oh, and who can forget the many Making The Band seasons, and the famous cheesecake walk to Brooklyn. I still laugh at that shit. *Pauses. Takes moment to reflect and laugh* There was even a joke me and my fellow rap friends carried: We wanted to get a deal but not with Puff -we’d never come out.
You almost can’t fault him for the many misfires on searching for new talent. The man found and presented Hip Hop, and music, with one of the greatest to ever do it, The Notorious B.I.G. Sadly he died in his meteoric rise. You can only imagine how Puff must have felt to lose a friend and an artist like that. You have to think- Puff would have become spoiled by Biggie. He was an incredible artist and he must have spent every ounce of energy in all those Making The Band seasons, and those other artists, trying to find the next Biggie.
Those are many reasons to criticize Puff, but what people forget is what he has made himself: An Icon. He’s made Sean John more than just urban clothing, he’s run the New York Marathon, he supported the right President in the Vote or Die campaign on two separate campaign runs, he’s supplied more blacks jobs than most companies, and tired to give more young passionate musicians and entrepreneurs opportunities over any other music mogul that I can think of. The most admirable to me: he’s shown his continued love for music. He may not write his own lyrics but he recruits some of the best songwriters (some newbies, some vets) and respects talent. He may not actually produce all of the music, but he’s got an ear and a vision and he shows it in the type of music he makes. That makes him an artist to me. Lastly, you can sense the soul and passion in all of his songs. There’s a love there. He’s in it all for the love. I think at this point it’s past money. This is all why I respect Puffy so much. I don’t necessarily want to be like him; I want to be myself. But I want to be able to achieve what he has done in his career in my own way. It’s businessmen and artist like him that continue to inspire me and allow me to feel, and say:
“I’m going to be somebody! I’m going to be great!”
Thank you all for being patient and supportive. This collection of music means a lot to me – my heart and soul went into making this. The entire project was:
Engineered/Mixed/Mastered by: Troy and Sean Buchanan
Production on “The Crown” and “How You Like Me Now?” by: Sean Buchanan
Many thanks to my brother Sean for working around his night shifts at The Hit Factory to help me finish this. Love you, dude!
I feel really embarrassed. I promoted myself so well. Yet, I failed to deliver. These kind of actions are totally unlike me. I have a reputation for my work ethic: I work hard, I do it passionately, and I complete it on time. In the case of this mixtape it has been a 10 year battle. Literally. I wanted to make a mixtape or album when I started rapping in high school. I had all these ideas on what it would be and how it would sound. My endeavours as a rapper have really been a struggle for me and much of the time I feel it’s been unfair. I never had access to recording equipment in high school nor the money to go to a studio. I was working but making pennies. I was always interested in doing things the guerilla way. Why pay out my life savings when I could hustle to find other, cheaper means of seeing my vision realized. Studio time is expensive and I wanted to make that tape. I wanted to prove to people, who I felt never believed in me as a rapper. For me, hearing it would sooth my own soul. To me my music always felt inspiringly epic.
Fast forward to college. I really wanted to finish it this time. The constant teasing from my peers had taken shape into, “When’s the mixtape dropping Troy?” The snickering really got under my skin. I tried to link with a friend who was also a DJ and also had a decent set-up for recording welcomed the idea of helping me try and really make the tape. That soon turned into him either being busy, not showing the real interest that I felt should’ve been there – he did try and work with me though. He actually tried to coach my sound and help my flow get a little better. Once classes in my major started to pick up the only time I had left was to stay home at night and write rhymes while everyone went out. I had no money to go out, and besides, perfecting my rhyming skills seemed more important to me. Soon enough there was no time left. Film had consumed my life and I just decided to put rap to the back for a little and go forth with film as my real career. For some crazy reason to me, it felt more guaranteed; something that seemed to work out for me more. Rap was always such a struggle for me. As much time that I put into it, the love that I showed it, it really felt like it was harder than it should be. It really frustrated me. Other guys were getting the opportunity to do it. They had people backing them. I was always doing this on my own. I never felt the people believed in me as a rapper as much as I believed in myself. The only person that I really ever felt believed in me as a rapper was my brother, Sean. More than anyone else he really believed in me.
Then rappers started to blow, as I witnessed them on my TV showing up on 106 and Park and MTV.
“Wait! WTF man!? Damn they’re rapping about the shit that I’ve been rapping about. That’s sort of how my style is.” No they didn’t steal my style. They just succeeded before I did, and they happened to have the type of style that I had. What was even more frustrating was that they were the rappers that ended up changing the game in some respects. RE: Kanye West, Lupe Fiasco. And now, Drake, Kid Cudi, Wale, amongst the Freshman in the game who are now realized as the next generation in hip hop. Where do I fit in here? When Kanye came out, and even other rappers before him, it caused me to change my style over the 10 years that I was rapping. Why did I do this, you ask? Why didn’t I just stay myself? I did. But, rap is so competitive (more than any musical genre) I had to tailor my style so that I was still me but different than everyone else. Imagine doing that more than 5 times. Hip heads, critics, and fans are so quick to say that you are not yourself and are using someone else’s style or you sound like someone. That alone can hurt your career. See Guerrilla Black and Shyne. Both compared to Biggie. Shyne was actually lucky enough to rise from that comparison but it is a rarity. If you understand the rap game or are following me, you can understand my frustrations.
Now, at a point where I am 3,000 miles away from everything that I know, everything that made me who I am. It is lonely but more importantly, I feel like I am trying to get back there while never leaving where I currently am. I came to LA for a reason. To achieve my goals and live out my dreams. The two are not one in the same. The latter is living on another level. Ask Jay-Z. Ask Kanye. They are doing it. I left a secure job to keep this feeling alive. It just gets harder every step. I am now closer than ever to finishing my first mixtape which is long overdue. It is finished but, it’s not mastered. My brother Sean is helping me do that. I took on the role of doing everything else: recording myself (Sean recorded a few songs too), mixing the tracks, doing the promotion, and the cover art. I wanted to release it yesterday but I couldn’t. I’m not blaming my brother at all. He is trying to help me while having to work around his work schedule and night shifts at The Hit Factory. But at the same time it feels like, “Man, what more I gotta do? Why is that everyone can get their tape out but there is always some element trying to spoil it for me?” But I fight. No matter what this tape will see the light of day and air waves in someone’s room or ear canal of some person that I hope to inspire. I will get to the zenith in my life and career. When it happens hip hop will be there right by my side. Even if I’m directing movies. She will be in the director chair alongside mine.
Alfred moves to the bedside. Looks down at Young Bruce.
ALFRED
Took quite a fall, didn’t we?
Young Bruce looks up at Alfred. Manages a slight smile.
ALFRED
And why do we fall, Master Bruce?
Alfred reaches up to the curtains. Young Bruce says nothing.
…Eh Eh Ehem…I mean Romeo. Where for art thou Romeo? Is what she asked. Of course every girl wants a Romeo or some romantic male figure in their lives (we’ll call him Raul) whether they marry him or have as many orgasms from him as they can before they realize he’s not marriage material and then marry someone else – who has money and a Porsche. Some of you are probably reading this and saying, “He sounds bitter.” You may be rightly so…MAY be rightly so. I’m more or less trying to make sense of this quest we humans have to find love and how we classify what love is.
I have started to write my second feature screenplay entitled Hopeless Romantics and Sweet Dreams (shameless plug) and I’m sure you can guess from the title that it is a romantic film. It is, but it’s a half depressing half funny one – loosely based on my own love experiences. I have actually been trying to collect thoughts and memories while writing because it is such a thoughtful subject for me. I can’t just put anything down on paper. It won’t be honest, because I am still trying to make sense of the feeling. It’s also painful to revisit some of those moments. Moreover, I wanted to be a little selfless and not write this for myself but also try to offer something for both women and men to relate to. Love is universal. She has a beautiful face but she’s so bloody indecisive.
Growing up, I have watched a lot of relationships beautifully blossom and I have seen some end in disaster that change people and leave them miserable. I’ve met some real heartbreakers and then I have met good girls that have slipped away because I was affected by those heartbreakers and shut them out fearful of experiencing that hurt again. Can you blame me? But, is it my fault for letting them slip away, or that girl’s prior? To this very day I honestly don’t know.
The people that I have witnessed become destroyed by love were close friends or family members. It’s not a pleasant thing to watch. In fact I have learned a lot about relationships from watching other people. Those observations have caused me to drastically slow down my need for wanting to be in one. Though, I may long for love and companionship like every other human wants and needs, I would rather settle for bachelor exploration until I can at least say that it’s worth the fight and the casualties. I’ve fought many of times only to come back ten men short. My battalion now only consists of myself. Anymore fighting and the cause will be lost and no more, along with it’s general. At 24, I’m too young for all of that.
What I come to realize is that from boy meets girl, it’s boy and girl “say” they are in love faster than that actual love has time to be born, if it is even meant to happen between those two people. The sex seems to be the highlight of most relationships for people. I don’t know about highlight of a relationship, but it’s become the highlight of my life. It feels more like adventure then a chore, which it can become in relationships. More often than not sex is what fools people to into thinking that love exists between them. Sure that’s where a connection can be made but it doesn’t really equate to love. I’ve also seen people move in with their boyfriend or girlfriend which just ends in breakup and hatred. I wonder sometimes if thought is put into what it means to live with your companion. To me people jump into it because it seems like a good idea at the time but what they forget is that it will be the same person they will see ALL the time. It’s pretty much like being married…
What’s worse is that some people hate being alone so much that they get into relationships with people who at least seem down for the ride or have some attribute that will fill their void for the time being. I’m wondering what’s the sense in that? Your almost setting yourself up for something that has a higher chance of not succeeding. For something as fragile as love and he human emotion it sounds completely masochistic.
I don’t write to sound like an expert or some love scholar. I am merely huddling my thoughts on the matter into a pile. I will sit indian style in front of it going though each trying to find the ones that make most sense to me and tossing the others over my shoulder. I could be wrong on all my assessments. Maybe I really am bitter. Maybe I need to stop typing and go and find my Mona Lisa. Or, maybe some girl will read this post and see the earnest attempt at where I have gone wrong or where I sound like an idiot and seek me out to help resolve some of these issues. I do have more to say. Oh, yes. You thought that I would let you get away that easily? There is a part two to this. For now I’m part you with some songs that represent the different levels of “love and like” that I have lived through.
It is the early morning. Darkness slightly looms. The earth is sweating from the morning dew.
It is Los Angeles on the 7th day of a new year. The sun begins to climb over the horizon. In two days it will rise earlier than usual signifying that the second year for the chosen one has begun.
A meeting is being held in a hidden room at the base of an abandoned building. Three strapping young lads all resembling could be mistaken for brothers, but in fact, they are the same. They stand around a fire reaching up out of a barrel pulsing an orange light on their faces. They are clad in armor as if they are about to engage into battle.
Despite the fire the room still appears cold and feels disease ridden. It has been the meeting place of the men since childhood. It is warm to them. They treat it as home.
Breaking the silence, Me, the oldest, begins to speak:
“So here we are, once again gathered around this fire meeting as a fellowship. In two days it will be one year since embarking on this journey. It was in the birth of our last meeting, right before we departed from our families – everything we know and love, I stated this was the end all be all. Success is a must. Failure will happen but we mustn’t give up. Enemies will be bred in the belly of the weak who thrive on our downfall. This is in remembrance of what we sacrificed so long to accomplish!”
*the men roar in support with fire mirroring into their eyes being fueled by the emotion of the moment*
“I am your brother but we are one. I promised you that I would not leave you astray. I promised you the kind of success that will bring us true happiness. We prayed for riches. Though it is not our purpose, but our reward. We’ve lusted for women. Though we know they as abundant as the water in our world, and the reward opens the facet for them to flow and shower us as we bask in the green light of our success. Our father said, ‘Steer clear of Medusa.’ Every man crosses her path once in life. Our vision must remain directly ahead. Never look of to the side. If we ever become tempted to look behind to the past we turn to stone and our mission is no more.
This is our moment of glory!
This is our opportune time to show all of them the faces of thier mistakes when they passed on us, when they told us that we were not ready, and when they clearly did not give us what we deserve! Oh no gentlemen, the unfairness of it all shall no longer eat at the head of our table!”
*The men bellow once again as the pain from the memories spoken forms a hunger in their bellies*
We shall fight! We will fight until our hearts no longer chose to beat. Even then our ghosts will walk the earth until our mission is carried out. Men, it is my duty, and pleasure to swing my sword on the battlefield alongside you. May our father be with you in the event of expiration. May he guide you as he has guided me to lead you. This is only of care and precaution. I hope to walk with you back to our families carrying victory. This is our goal.”
*The brothers stare at one another for a brief moment taking in what was said. They embrace each other joining their fists together. They don their helmets and exit in silence.
Me, Myself, I, valiantly walk off into the rising sun. Only who resides on the other side will ever see them again*
I found this video back in June and was totally floored by the level of detail and patience that it must have taken to complete this animated project. The artist is a student of the Savannah College of Art and Design. Any artist or aspiring aritst knows that some serious talent comes from that school. This project absolutely justifies it. It’s already gotten about 3 million hits on YouTube, but I just had to post it on the blog for those who have not seen it yet.
I also came across this video today:
Electropolis
It’s really interesting short. It was created by 13 students in the 3rd year of the BAA Animation program at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Canada. All hail student art! It’s the most refreshing things you will ever see; even with all the rough edges and skills still being explored. I find it to be sometimes the most inspiring.
