Troy Buchanan

Archive for February, 2010

I can add DJ to my resume!

In Music, Personal Thoughts on February 27, 2010 at 10:37 AM

Sort of…

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.

Version 1

Version 2

My little fashion Betty.

In Fashion on February 25, 2010 at 10:23 PM

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.

Jaeger-Le Coultre
Timepieces

Cutler and Gross
Sunglasses and Optical


Read the rest of this entry »

This video is such a masterpiece!

In Art, Music on February 24, 2010 at 2:08 AM

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…

Kanye West – Coldest Winter

In Music on February 23, 2010 at 11:38 AM

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.

Art is all in the Family.

In Film on February 22, 2010 at 8:40 PM

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.

Heroic

In The Land of Kings (Ruth’s Teaser)

David LaChapelle – Good taste is the death of art.

In Art on February 21, 2010 at 11:28 PM

The Real Evil Genius.

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.

R+H Band Night 2.

In Music on February 19, 2010 at 11:39 AM

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.


Photographed by Daniel Cole

Alexander McQueen

In Fashion on February 18, 2010 at 3:24 PM

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.

Part 1

Part 2 – Starts off a little awkward.

Part 3

Part 4

I told you this guy’s show was like theater!

The things LA shows me.

In Blog Posts on February 17, 2010 at 8:03 PM

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!

I stay inspired.

In Blog Posts on February 16, 2010 at 1:41 PM

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.

I finished it!!!

In Art on February 15, 2010 at 8:31 PM

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.

I’ve been working! Hard…

In Personal Thoughts on February 14, 2010 at 10:21 PM

…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.*

Louis Vuitton by: MARC Jacobs

In Fashion on February 12, 2010 at 10:26 AM

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.

The Making of…Listen To My Tape! Part Deux

In Blog Posts on February 10, 2010 at 9:59 PM

Hello All!

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.

Thanks again for your support!

Click on the business card to see the video.

Marc Jacobs

In Fashion on February 10, 2010 at 11:26 AM

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.

When the world was blessed with Sade.

In Music on February 9, 2010 at 10:28 AM

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.

SADE

When they still made real music!

In Music on February 6, 2010 at 9:21 PM

That will be changing of course.

The second renaissance of music is coming! Troy Buchanan, Sean Buck, J Nic$, and Fresh N3rd are to the rescue! 2010 is the beginning of it all.

Click on my music page and listen to my tape, if you haven’t already!

Color me bad.

In Art on February 5, 2010 at 6:37 PM

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!

It’s like it came out of my own mind.

In Personal Thoughts on February 5, 2010 at 11:10 AM

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…

Ducks!

In Blog Posts on February 4, 2010 at 12:02 AM

Why Ducks?

–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.

For her…

Hurt so good…Clouded Thoughts in my mind…

In Music on February 2, 2010 at 11:35 AM

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 mixtape here.

Lastly, I would like to mention: Sean Buck – mixtape coming soon…very proud of you, dude. That’s my brother!

Summer 2010

I need more of it. Do I really?

In Personal Thoughts on February 1, 2010 at 11:17 PM

According to Wikipedia,

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.

More art speaking my language:

SICK!

In Music on February 1, 2010 at 4:28 PM

I love music. I love classical music. I love rock. Enjoy!

This is art at it’s best.

Where was Yeezy?

In Music on February 1, 2010 at 9:37 AM

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.