Connect with us

Entertainment

How “Art, Beats + Lyrics” evolved from a traveling art show into a cultural phenomenon

Published

on

Dwayne “Dubelyoo” White and Jabari Graham. Photo credit: Kat Goduco

For 20 years, Art, Beats + Lyrics has captivated audiences across the country, amplifying the voices of each established and emerging visual artists. To rejoice the occasion, the brand’s mainstays – Jabari Graham and Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright – hosted a special weekend of their hometown of Atlanta and likewise released a highly anticipated film that documents the brand’s journey from day one.

Directed by independent filmmaker Bill Horace, the documentary presents an intimate take a look at AB+L’s twenty years of commitment to artistic innovation and cultural diversity, highlighting the transformative power of art, music and community. It also chronicles Graham and White’s journey and their connection after Jabari’s first Art, Beats + Lyrics show at The Five Spot in Little Five Points.

How
Photo credit: Jorge Sigala

Just a few months later, the 2 expanded the cultural reach of Art, Beats + Lyrics with an unprecedented event at town’s High Art Museum. After three successful years, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey approached them to develop into a sponsor – a partnership that continues to this present day. What began as an exhibition for and by artists from hip-hop culture has evolved into an annual event that sells out across the country.

“Man, we’re still working,” Graham says of the success of his traveling art show. “We are still working on this matter. We are still energetic. So it’s still a day job, we still have a few shows to do and we wish to attempt to live to be 25 and even 30 years old.

“Like Jabari says, we’re halfway through — actually the first third of the tour,” adds White. “So throughout the entire thing, we thought, ‘Hey, we still have a show on Saturday.’ But it’s cool to see a few of the individuals who were around us after we began, after they were younger. Now they’re older, more mature; they’ve kids – individuals who had kids back then, now their kids can go to the show. So it’s nice to see all of it come full circle as our show has develop into a multi-generational event.”

How
© Kat Goduco Photo

Horace, who’s an enthusiast of counterculture documentaries, was invited by Vox Creative and presented a proposal that immediately delighted two of AB+L’s top leaders. As a young Black filmmaker, the chance to helm this project was a microcosm of the core initiative of Art Beats + Lyrics itself—to offer opportunities for creators of color that will have been missed for reasons often beyond their control.

“They open doors to artists who in many cases are underrepresented in “high art” galleries and spaces, museums, etc.” – Horace talks about brand influence. “They give these people, whose art in lots of cases only exists on the streets, exists only in public forums, a platform and a gallery that can travel across the country. It often brings attention to their work and gets them noticed, and sometimes it’s tangible.”

The director adds: “I think they really help give artists a chance and open doors for people. Creating a way for people, helping them.” In addition to AB+L’s story, the film focuses on three artists – Shawn Stewart, Sydney James and Lisette “Arrrtaddict” Correa – as they prepare for his or her twentieth anniversary tour. These stories gave viewers a glimpse into the drive of the artists in this system and the perseverance needed to realize success.

How
Courtesy of Art, Beats + Lyrics

“The creative community here is thriving and people are constantly working,” explains Graham. “It’s something we just wanted to show and say, ‘Hey, creators here, helping you follow your own path, whether it’s in the gallery world or outside of it, in advertising, doing murals or whatever. They work there and these are the artists we have in our program.”

During their decades-long journey, Graham and White transformed the National Exhibition into something far more. Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy art, dance the night away and witness performances by a very powerful artists of the time and legendary musicians based on their heritage. Most importantly, the AB+L program fosters community like no other. The Hulu documentary, released on March 29, perfectly captures the brand’s evolution over time and the way its producer and curator are laying the foundations for the long run.

How
©Kat Goduco Photography

Of all of the messages it has to supply, the poignant one will not be about art in any respect. Applying to any path in life, that with labor and focused dedication you’ll be able to create the life you should lead.

“You can make your own,” White tells ESSENCE. “Jabari says it all the time: ‘You can take a risk and have your own career.’ And that’s one of the things we want to make sure people get straight – that you don’t have to subscribe to what people say about an artistic career. You can make your own career.”

is now streaming on Hulu.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Entertainment

An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

Published

on

By

Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

Published

on

By

India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
Continue Reading

Entertainment

ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

Published

on

By

Instagram

With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
Continue Reading
Advertisement

OUR NEWSLETTER

Subscribe Us To Receive Our Latest News Directly In Your Inbox!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

Trending