Power Illuminates the Dark

Still a WIP I guess. I'm finished for now but I'll ccntinue to work on it for a while. I'm never fully satisfied.

It's getting harder and harder to concentrate on pieces for long periods of time now and it's a little frustrating finishing pieces but not having them meet their full potential.

As for this picture, I was obviously inspired by Kanye West new album "My Beautiful Dark Twisted fantasy". I listened to it and was impressed by how West blended the themes and sounds of his previous albums into this one. He also has gone through some tough time personal and career wise within the past 3 years.
I also have had a few set backs in my life but nothing too dramatic within the past few years so I could somewhat relate to Yeezy's recent spaz outs.
I decided to make a picture capturing 'Ye in his triumphs and trials without making a passing judgement but just letting the images speak for themselves in a collage style similar to my "Holla" and "Castro" pieces.

Any veteran art eyes can see the flaws in it but I guess that's the beauty in it, while not exactly perfect it is bold and attention grabbing, the way West music is.

New Dj Hero ads

I gotta check it out at my friends crib. Very cool ads.

New Q-tip feat. Norah Jones video.

Off of the Kamaal the abstract album. It's too short.

Hip Hop Honors:Def Jam

Hip Honors powerhouse label Def Jam records tonite on vh1. Def Jam is like the rap version of Motown, in bringing the best artist of the genre of different backgrounds into the studio with the best up-coming producers. Russell Simmons and Rick Rubin helped make the genre mainstream along with artist LL Cool J, Beastie Boys and Public Enemy. It's been 25 years in the making and Def Jam finally gets it's due. I'm glad that VH1 has become way more hip hop than BET is now.

DJ Hero

This promo art of DJ Grandmaster Flash for the new DJ Hero game looks really cold. I don't know who did it, but man I wish I did.
The game itself looks pretty cool, I've never played any other "Hero" music games so I'm not very familiar to the in-game goals. However I imagine that this is completely different considering you're using a turntable instead of a guitar. I might check it out. It's definitely a good look for hip hop.

http://www.djhero.com/
http://xbox360.ign.com/objects/142/14280894.html-picture source

Man on the Moon review

One of the highly anticipated albums of the year, is finally out. Suprisingly it's a rather quiet debut release from Kid Cudi considering the hype behind last year's mix tape smash "Day N Nite". This is an okay first album from the Cleveland kid. What I like is that he's taking alot of risk and being very vulnerable and open considering the kinda rap that's out now and days. It's a true alternative to any "jerk" or "swag" rap album out there. I like that Cudi for the most part sticks to the sing songy style he used on "Day N Nite", however that is the only real stand out on this cd.
The only other good songs are "Soundtrack 2 My Life" "Sky Might Fall", "Alive" and "Cudi Zone". Otherwise everything sounds pretty much the same, except the catchy single " Make Her Say" which helps because Kanye and Common pump some energy into the track. Everything has a solemn tone that makes 808s & Heartbreak sound like a party album. "Day N Nite" is an instant classic but in order for him to make it into the top tier of hip hop stars he's gotta get some consistency and fire to want put out a stronger second disc. He's already off to a good start by seperating himself from his current copycat peers.

Jay-z album review

First of 3 albums are alot from a "retired" rapper. The hip-hop Jordan comes back with his best of CD of the three since his return in 2006. It's by no means as good as some of his classics including Hard Knock Life, Reasonable Doubt or even Blueprint 1. However Kingdom Come was a dissapointment and American Gangster didn't seem complete and here Blueprint 3 is full of major guest appearances with no specific star.
While most of the tracks are Jay trying out some new styles particularly on the Swizz Beats "On to the Next One" and "Venus vs. Mars" which is kinda weak but his relationship with Beyonce might have something to do with it. Kanye West makes his return as Jay's main go to producer and his presence is felt. On the single "Run this town" also feat. Rihanna(Jay-z protege) has Kanye finally matching big brother's flow and "Forever Young" sounds like a lost track from 808s & Heartbreak.
But I am feeling "Already Home" feat. Kid Cudi, "So Ambitious" produced by the Neptunes-even though it sounds like that song they did for Common. Also "Off that" featuring Rookie of the Year, Drake is growing on me. Overall ***1/2 outta 5*

Codine and blunts for breakfast.

Sketches

Late Music Legend-Issac Hayes
Music Loud Mouth(just kidding) Kanye West

Holla!!!

A representation of 2pac's song "Holla if ya Hear Me".
This piece gives me a chance to address my feelings on
racism, police brutality, the rap industry and faith.
I haven't gone political, but I also wanted to finally do
some illustrations with substance.

It's done in ink, collage and photoshop and it's fresh off
the press to you.

Magnetic Power-Really Doe

a track produced by my cousin Willie Beaman. You can check this track out on Kanye West "Cant tell me nothing" mixtape, downloadable on iTunes. Look out for Really Doe album, coming late 2008/early 09. Chicago stand up!!!

I know It doesn't make sense

X-Men character Deadpool & Michael Jackson.

KINGDOM COME (cover remake)

Hi everybody, I'm finally writing in my blog, because Marcelo told me to. I feel my art should do the talking, but I'll describe this piece in full detail, so here it goes: it's Jay-Z as Superman from Kingdom Come, because his album from last year was called..."Kingdom Come". Hopefully Alex Ross doesn't sue me.