I have this sick addiction to magazines. Thousands of them sit tucked away in boxes and plastic tubs waiting to be chronicled in this huge periodical room that I've envisioned for myself. As I get younger I accumulate more bullshit, wondering what wiseguy will come along and create the magazine connoisseurs version of youtube. Usually if I'm buying a mag it's for the cover. Today I came across Fashion Rocks Magazine w. J-Lo on the cover and wondered why I was holding on. In this case I had lifted it from the nail salon strictly for the feature on one of my favorite hip-hop couples and their promise to reveal themselves through reality tv. You see, magazines are little treasures because words are valuable and I love to look back on history, kind of how a DJ collects vinyl. Well, Mr. & Mrs. Jones it's been a year and I'm still waiting.
Neo Soul Is Dead? Yea, that's what I thought too when I hadn't heard anything new from Philly's finest by way of Liverpool. I was shocked to learn that Floetry had gone to Splittsville. But if you're like me, you'll take 'em separately than not @ all. Follow the drip and listen to her mixtape, I swear she can flow over anyfuckin'beat. MissMarshaAmbrosius (8.08) will continue to perform under the Floetry name while Nat will entertain as "The Floacist". Too bad, their show was off the meters. Adieu Adieu...
I'm no stranger to the green. And I think it's fabo that the world is adopting the "Go Green" motto. My latest obsession is the Green channel and their greenovation episodes. If you've downsized to basic like me, you can watch it online @ planetgreen (see > link). Today me & Gayle went to a workshop in Arlington, VA sponsored by the Arlingtonians for a Clean envoironment (ACE). Thanks for the public invite for there's nothing like seeing in person. These pics were taken on the roof of a condo building. How awesome! Something to consider when you do your next roof renovation:
Conserves energy
Improves air quality
Provides insulation
Extends the life of the roof while minimizing UV & Temp impact
Dramatically reduces storm water run-off & flow rate
There used to be very little info on the web about LisaWilliamson (b.1964) after the release of The Coldest Winter Ever--a strong indication of its cult following. There were promises of a Smith-funded movie in the works and then nothing. With Jada's new role as director (The Human Contract), our wishes might be granted after all. Word is that SisterSouljah's long break from the world of car trunk literature comes from travel around three continents to research her new protagonist. Yep ladies, clean out the begged for, borrowed or stolen and make room! According to Publisher's Weekly, Atria Books will release the sequel, Midnight, October 14, 2008 with an initial print run of 500,000. {And that's without the aid of Opie's approval}. Amidst all of your excitement, let's not forget the origins of a true Master Teacher.
Where did the treatment for Going On come from and upon hearing the song, did you initially want to include Gnarls Barkley in the video?
The brief for the video was open to have the band in it or not. Given the idea I had and the location, I thought they would probably be cool with not being in it. The idea came like any other idea, the song led to it, it’s the type of idea that changes and evolves a you are in the process but given the lyrical contentent and the feel of the song, I had the idea of a portal to another dimension.
Your direction seems reminiscent of the shots seen in the movie, City of God. Any influences?
To be honest not really, I like that movie allot but I wasn’t thinking about it, I think the locations and the cast maybe led to that look incidentally.
Movement is another theme, do you have a background in dance/choreography?
No I don’t. I know what I like though and we casted dancers based on how they moved naturally, we also has an excellent choreographer with us by the name of shotyme.
I recently viewed your blog where you spend a lot of time in Barcelona. Aside from the people, what places, structures inspire you behind the camera?
Lots of different things inspire me, one of the most inspiring things I can remember in terms of a place is riding a train into NYC and getting to see all the boroughs and backyards along the way. I also took a trip to Africa a few years ago which was a big inspiration for this video.
Toronto as well?
Yes I spent a long time living in Toronto where there is a big West Indian population; I love dancehall and reggae music in general.
Living in Toronto and viewing your MTV clips for the 10 Spot, sexisn't taken too seriously compared to a highly-sexed U.S. where commercials and videos tend to stick to PG safe mode. What are some of the other major comparisons between the two countries where film is concerned?
I think Americans are a little more repressed than Canadians, Canadians are nicer and maybe more boring.
How do you prepare for your next video shoot?
Stress allot, draw story boards, not sleep much and argue allot.
Advice for artists pursuing a career in video/film?
If you want it really bad just start making stuff, people will notice if you really put your heart into something.
Any grand ideas for your future in film?
Yes I’m currently working on a feature film script, lets hope one day I get to direct it.
Always skeptical when a new Black indie film hits the market, I heard that BillDuke (2.26) (Menace to Society, "you know you fucked up?") dropped a straight to dvd joint about the down low, exploring the ramifications where leading a double life is concerned and how it ruins a woman's perspective on love, family and relationships. I usually give a flic fifteen minutes before I decide if it's a keeper or accidentally scratch the disc so that the return will go smoothly. Five minutes into Cover I was hooked. The movie opens with Valerie Maas played by Aunjanue Ellis (In Too Deep, Ray) as the prime suspect for the murder of a famous singer, Ryan Chambers (Leon). I won't give too much away although a smart cookie can piece together the puzzle after the first half...most of it anyway. Valerie's naivete' and outlook is like most women who ignore the signs of a man who is, well suspect. I've ignored them in more instances than I care to remember, but who am I to judge or pull out my gaythermometer any time I sense a little femininity? If I did that, then every boyfriend--past, present and future share the DL gene. But no seriously, it's quite obvious in the movie and in reality that the signs are almost always evident. However, it is a woman's right to know if the man you trust and love likes a little pudding on his stick. Reiterated, the right to know, the right to share the experience (sometimes a man can have his cake and eat it too), or the right to walk away. When the world gets over the idea of two men together and acknowledges the fact that we are all curious and attracted to one another in this big ol' gay world, then the so-called DL epidemic won't be too hard to swallow. Until that happens, let a mafucka know.
Aural Inspiration:
Dru Hill, What Are We Gonna Do
{Ummm, was I the only one who thought this was an ode to a D.L. love affair that could never be}
If my Sundays were reserved for TimRussert, then my late nights held a slot for Politically Incorrect. Boy was I glad to see BillMaher (1.20) return with Real Time. I sooo respect the views and logical sense that come so easily for my boy and his sarcasm meter is killer. {I definitely can see Karrine's attraction}. October 3rd can't come quick enough for the release of his doc, Religulous directed by Borat's Larry Charles. The film explores religious ideas, beliefs and claims that are patently absurd, comical and well, ridiculous. Fast forward and imagine how riled up the fanatics will be. Grab the green, I can't wait!
I'm really gonna miss my dude TimRuss (3.07). I introduced myself to politics when I was about 16 and Meet the Press was the show that got me excited about world affairs. I caught him interviewing Clinton about Iraq (1997) and Saddam's promise to shoot down any spy planes zooming over his country. Clinton insisted that these flights were merely United Nations airplanes whose job was to monitor activity after the Gulf War and Iraq's possible use of biological warfare, schume those weapons of mass destruction. How ironic that a decade later the u.s. media is still wasting ink and tv time on reasons why they have every right to rape the Iraqis of whatever resources they have left. While Tim's voice reminded me of a no-nonsense professor, his presence was good ol' saint Nick with the button nose and rosy cheeks that seemed to get brighter whenever a guest pissed him off. What I respected most is that he provided an unbiased platform for every guest, allowing them to right their wrongs and most times giving them just enough rope to hang themselves. That same year he interviewed Mr. Farrakhan and I was hooked. Sunday mornings @ 11am was my chance to see just wtf was goings ons in this crazy ass world of politics&bullshit. And nobody did it better! R.I.P. Russ, not sure who will fill those shoes.
It's June and I have been on a creative hiatus, at least from the blogosphere. I can't lie, it's a little daunting and takes more than courage to let your words go. I have trouble most times writing my thoughts in my blue leather bound journal for fear that in the wrong hands, shit could get outta control. I even carry it around with me at all times (past relationships will leave you scarred in more ways than you thought). But this week I learned a lesson in fearlessness, wondering how and when I had lost my armor, remembering when I used to take risks without hesitation. The other night I dreamt that I drove my bicycle (gas prices even haunt me while sleep) from Bmore to the 215. Significance: Bike, train, automobile I must take flight. Well, the kid is back and the show must go on.
I have this sick addiction to magazines. Thousands of them sit tucked away in boxes and plastic tubs waiting to be chronicled in this huge periodical room that I've envisioned for myself. As I get younger I accumulate more bullshit, wondering what wiseguy will come along and create the magazine connoisseurs version of youtube. Usually if I'm buying a mag it's for the cover. Today I came across Fashion Rocks Magazine w. J-Lo on the cover and wondered why I was holding on. In this case I had lifted it from the nail salon strictly for the feature on one of my favorite hip-hop couples and their promise to reveal themselves through reality tv. You see, magazines are little treasures because words are valuable and I love to look back on history, kind of how a DJ collects vinyl. Well, Mr. & Mrs. Jones it's been a year and I'm still waiting.
