The weekly series about passion, perseverance and the pursuit of dreams, features Chicago Artist, Hebru Brantley whose work delves into political and social issues with a conscious focus on playful insight and the optimism and possibilities of youth. Brantley’s raw talent has put the Chicago art scene on the map with celebrities like Jay-Z, Lenny Kravitz, and George Lucas, lining up to add a Brantley piece to their collection.

Much of Brantley’s work is aimed at children growing up amid Chicago’s South Side gang violence and poverty, just as he once did.  In this episode of Hear the Roses, Brantley shares the meaning behind the young superheroes, the Fly Boys and Fly Girls, reflects on his journey, and opens up about his creative process and his purpose.

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/heartheroses/hebru-brantley

Listen: Soundcloud.com/heartheroses

HEAR THE ROSES is also available on partner sites The Museum of Light, Fusicology, and RESPECT. Magazine

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The post Hear the Roses Podcast features Chicago-Based Multi-Disciplined Artist, Hebru Brantley appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

This podcast was recorded on Saturday, January 21, 2017, the day of The Women’s March. On this historic day, millions of people around the world came together to march in solidarity for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families, recognizing that our vibrant and diverse communities are the strength of our world. Jamel Shabazz’s iconic photos are a testament to the beauty, diversity and humanity that we are striving to preserve.

January 26, 2017 — Hear the Roses Podcast features iconic photographer Jamel Shabazz whose journey through Brooklyn’s streets in the ‘80s to drugs, graffiti and hip hop has served as the world’s “visual medicine.”

This week Roses features photographer Jamel Shabazz who shares his journey from capturing some of the most iconic photos of ‘80s Brooklyn and the emerging hip hop scene to how his photography has a deeper purpose as visual medicine.

Listen: https://soundcloud.com/heartheroses/jamel-shabazz

 

Listen: Soundcloud.com/heartheroses
HEAR THE ROSES is also available on partner sites The Museum of Light, Fusicology, and RESPECT. Magazine

The post Hear the Roses Podcast features Documentarian, Jamel Shabazz appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: Just as an alchemist transforms led into gold, do you feel that being an artist relates to that of being an alchemist? Do you view the artist journey and your creative expression, as alchemy?

JAMEL SHABAZZ: As a practitioner of the craft of photography, it affords me the ability to transform a chemically based roll of unexposed film that has been placed in a camera, measuring light and adjusting speed towards a particular subject, conceptualizing and composing by the third eye through a glass lens, before applying pressure on the camera shutter release button, freezing a moment in time, thus preserving history. So yes, I would say that there is a direct correlation between being an artist and an alchemist. Any creative artist, whether they are a painter, musician, sculptor or photographer, who uses their innate ability to create something from nothing, is in fact dealing with the science of Alchemy. The various schools of artistry all use science in their creative process and it may consist of the mixing of chemicals, arranging sound, or creating shapes, but when these practices are applied, the results are magical manifestations of a high form of alchemy.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: Artists are often labeled as “stars.” Just as a star radiates light and the planets then reflect this light, do you see your work as an artist like that of a star? Is this “light” that stars radiate merely the evidence of this journey of becoming a star/learning to radiate light?

JAMEL SHABAZZ: As a young man coming of age, I was told by a very wise man that I was the equivalent to the sun which was a giant star in the center of the universe, and that through studying the nature of the sun along with the solar system, I would better understand my purpose in life. It was that wisdom that placed me on the path of enlightenment and provided me with light, guidance and purpose. Like the sun, I would learn that my primary purpose in this universe was to use my kinetic energy to stimulate life and matter through my creative process in hopes that I would create other forms of light and energy in a world that was slowly becoming cold and gloomy.

THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT: When an artist is not “creating” it is often labeled a “creative block.” How do you navigate this space, how do you find the creative spark in the dark, and does it require courage to create from this unknown space? Describe this process.

JAMEL SHABAZZ: With all honesty, I have never been confronted with a “creative block.” My creative energy is in constant motion and the light that guides me seems to always be illuminated. During the course of my many expeditions, I have accumulated such an abundance of photographs, negatives, and other forms of research, that are readily available to me. This keeps me in a constant creative mode to the point that I no longer travel outside my space to take images like I once did. At this stage in my journey, it took courage for me to realize that I needed to reevaluate my assignment in life, and I have been blessed to create a space where I can meditate, reflect and process what I have been blessed to document. In this undertaking, I continue to seek ways to share what I have with the universe and young visionaries who are fresh on the path of self-discovery.

You can also find this story at THE MUSEUM OF LIGHT and on FUSICOLOGY.

Photo Credit: Jamel Shabazz

www.jamelshabazz.com

The Museum of Light is curated by: Billy Johnson Jr., Adell Henderson, Joslyn Rose Lyons, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik Buie.

 

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The post CONVERSATIONS IN LIGHT: JAMEL SHABAZZ, THE LIGHT THAT GUIDES ME appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Film and television producers Joslyn Rose and Noris Rose launch the second episode of their HEAR THE ROSES podcast on Wednesday, January 18, on HeartheRoses.com.

The weekly series about passion, perseverance and the pursuit of dreams, features photographer Mel D. Cole who shares his journey from picking up a disposable camera to becoming one of the most influential photographers in the music scene.

Listen: Soundcloud.com/heartheroses

HEAR THE ROSES is also available on partner sites The Museum of Light, Fusicology, and RESPECT. Magazine.

The post Hear the Roses Podcast Features Photographer Mel D. Cole House Photographer for Legendary Roots Crew and Trey Songz  appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

For Immediate Release

Time is Illmatic director talks working on Nas documentary, plus upcoming projects

One9 opens up about the 10 year road to completing Time is Illmatic and offers insight on his current ventures in film and television, directing a project on police violence that airs on PBS in February and a new project for Academy Award-winning director John Singleton called “LA Burning” that will air on A&E Network in April 2017.

HEAR THE ROSES will also be available on partner sites The Museum of Light, Fusicology, and RESPECT. Magazine.
Soundcloud.com/heartheroses

The post ‘Hear the Roses’ Podcast Launches With Interview With Award-Winning Director, One9 appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

Billy Johnson Jr., Adell Henderson, Joslyn Rose Lyons, Rafael Casal, Matt Smith, Malik K. Buie

Veteran music journalist Billy Johnson Jr., a producer and curator for the Museum of Light, stresses the importance of discussing the artistic process. “The artists light up when asked to explain their art, their intentions, and connecting with their audience,” Johnson says. “Each of these stories are incredibly motivating.”

The Light has been in the works for a few years. When Joslyn Rose Lyons, who conceptualized the project, called me to get involved, I got the butterflies.

I said, “You mean, we’ll talk to artists about purpose? Whether they compare their work to alchemy? No buzzy moments?”

I was in.

I figured creatives prefer to discuss more substantive topics, and we found this to be true with every artist we’ve interviewed. Seeing how Pharoahe Monch, V.Bozeman, Michelle Williams, TiRon and Ayomari and so many others light up when asked to describe their creative process has been fulfilling.

Considering the need for more platforms for artists to express themselves beyond the scope of their latest promotional efforts, I’m that much more thankful to be a part of helping generate more Light.

One of the coolest aspects of The Light is how it takes shape in different forms. It’s a documentary in the works. It’s shareable inspirational quotes from artists. It’s an online interview series. It’s constantly evolving.

Another incredible part of The Light, for me, is getting to work alongside esteemed colleagues who share The Light’s vision. We’re grateful to have editorial support from RESPECT. mag.

Below, meet the curators.

With light,

Billy Johnson Jr.

Billy Johnson Jr., Music Journalist
@billyjohnsonjr

“There’s an over saturation of salacious media coverage on the internet. The intent of this project is to add more positive affirmations into the mix. The artists we have interviewed for the light thus far have shared with us the philosophies of their triumphs and we know people will be blessed when they hear these stories. This is just a taste of what’s to come… Those who are determined, fearless, and accomplished will find affirmation in the light. Those who are hopeful, apprehensive, and in need of direction, will use the light as a guide. That is our purpose.”  

Billy Johnson Jr., Music Journalist

billyjohnsonjr.tumblr.com
@billyjohnsonjr

Adell Henderson, Music Journalist/Editor in Chief at RESPECT-MAG.COM
@adellhenderson101 @respectmag

“As a leader, a student and a die hard fan of hip-hop, my responsibility as a journalist/producer is to showcase the greater good of the lifestyle, and preserve the culture that raised me. My decision to unite with influential, like minded peers to bring the light to the world was a no brainier.”

Adell Henderson, Music Journalist/Editor in Chief 

RESPECT-MAG.COM
@adellhenderson101 @respectmag

Joslyn Rose Lyons, Producer/Director
@itsjoslynrose

“It inspires me to explore the creative process and to understand more about the artists’ journey. The museum of light creates this space. It’s a platform where we highlight this process. All the content we are creating here, allows people to see a glimpse of the job of an artist and the magic that happens along the way.”

Joslyn Rose Lyons, Producer/Director

JOSLYNROSELYONS.COM

@itsjoslynrose

Rafael Casal, Writer/Producer/Performer GETRAFAEL.COM
@rafaelcasal

“As history shows, it is hard not to be drawn to the light. Both in people and in projects that resonate. When Joslyn first asked me if I was interested in a  project dedicated to giving language and focus to what drives the creative mind,  I realized was experiencing her creativity at work during that very conversation, excited and energized by the brainstorm that was stirring between us in collaboration. Realizing that the very feeling I was experiencing in that moment was the focus of the light project itself, how could I not contribute? It was already happening, and it hasn’t stopped since.”

Rafael Casal, Writer/Producer/Performer

GETRAFAEL.COM
@rafaelcasal

Matt Smith, Producer/Director REVOLUTIONLABORATORY.COM @mattsmif

“The light represents the power of the arts. I find it fascinating to
examine the truly gifted artist, who has not only mastered the
technical aspects of their craft but is also able to connect with,
influence and inspire an audience through their artistic light.”

Matt Smith, Producer/Director 

REVOLUTIONLABORATORY.COM
@mattsmif

Malik Buie, Director/Producer BET Networks & REDSUMMER.TV @RedSummerTV

“I would be crazy to turn down the opportunity to work with the
producers and curators for this project. I make it a habit of working with creative and inspirational people, and that’s who I’m working with for The Museum of Light. It’s important to explore the light and an artist’s journey in order to get a greater understanding of them, their process, but most importantly, its cool when you find commonalities in their journey that you relate to, and that speaks to you…That is inspiring.”

Malik Buie, Director/Producer

BET Networks & REDSUMMER.TV
@RedSummerTV

The post Curating the Alchemy of the Artists’ Journey appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.

The Museum of Light digital platform that explores the alchemy of the artists’ journey teams with Fusicology to create a content partnership.

The post Museum of Light and Fusicology Form Content Partnership appeared first on RESPECT. | The Photo Journal of Hip-Hop Culture.