Hailing from the unforgiving climate of the Southwest, Tucson-based Hip Hop group Jivin’ Scientists have unveiled a short film titled, “Thirsty,” a three-song montage featuring “Crazy,” “Million Man Army” and “20 on the Chiefs” from the trio’s 2015 album of the same name.

Produced by the Albuquerque, New Mexico-based creative company Concept Flux, the nearly 12-minute video serves as both a thought-provoking short film and also a music video aimed at taking the viewer on a journey through a broken relationship. 

Director Phillip Torres tapped into emerging technologies like projection mapping and depth sensors to create the film, two tools that are virtually unheard of in the music industry. 

The story starts with emcee James “Runt” Owens falling through white space, which can be interpreted as his memory, and then lands in a truck that takes him to an undisclosed drop off. Along the way, he raps in the back of the truck bed as he’s juxtaposed with the imagery of him lying in bed with his former love. Eventually, the viewer sees the lover disappear into particles and fade away, just as she did from his life.  

“Technically, we wanted to capture the love scenes in a more subjective way so they would mesh well with the digital scenes,” Torres explains. “We projection mapped onto the subjects faces to get the cool effect and then we used VFX to make her disappear.”

The next scene in the film shows Owens getting picked up in the desolate desert by a ’59 Impala, which uses projection mapping and rear projections to make it more visually enticing. 

Although Owens insists he “writes fiction,” he delivers his lyrics like it’s something he’s lived, leading the viewer to believe he’s experienced every heart-wrenching emotion the film depicts.

Check out www.jivinmusic.com for more detailed information.

The post Jivin’ Scientists Utilize Creative Cinematic Tools For Short Film “Thirsty” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

New Mexico Hip-Hop staple Wake Self has teamed up with the illustrious Gift of Gab from the Oakland duo, Blackalicious. Together, they execute one of his most important songs yet, “Change the World.”

Produced by SmokeM2D6 of Oldominion, “Change the World” was a dream collaboration for the budding emcee. While on tour with Gab in 2014, the two talked about doing a track together. One particular night after a show in Durango, Colo., a fan asked, “When is a Wake Self and Gift of Gab song coming out?” The timing was finally right.

“This was actually the first beat I sent Gab from Smoke and he immediately said he wanted to use it,” Wake explains. “He actually did his verse first and I heard it and bounced of the content he had put together. It’s always a blessing when you can rock a track with artists who’ve inspired you over the years.”  

The track takes aim at several culture trends in society that Wake believes are damaging for our souls, including social media, vapid entertainment, celebrity worship, and other things that distract us from truly living our lives.  

In addition to the unveiling of “Change the World,” Wake has also announced his sophomore album, Malala, which is due out August 24, 2016, Wake’s mother’s birthday.

“My main focus with music is to share my ideas with the world, to bring awareness, help heal and inspire people with music, and make my mom proud,” he says. 

Wake has been working on Malala for the past two years and it’s an album he’s proud to share with the world.

“I love this album,” he says. “The journey up to this point has been amazing. I really feel like making this album has already changed my life. I healed and found myself again.” 

Wake Self Online:

www.wakeself.com

www.soundcloud.com/wakeself

@wakeself

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The post Blackalicious’ Gift of Gab and Wake Self Drop “Change the World” appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.