yungEgypt's AGAVE VOL. 4

JAN 2024 SEPT 2023

AGAVE

VOLUME IV

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"As an artist, if you like it that's all of the value. the success comes when you say 'I like this enough for other people to see it.' -- not 'other people like it so its successful.' That doesn't mean anything. other people liking it is out of your control, all that's in your control is making your thing to the best of your ability...Its all an offering to god. and if your making an offering to god your not thinking about 'what's the budget?' or 'I hope this segment of the audience likes it' we don't think like that. its a higher vibration. We're making the best we can make, to the best of our ability, out of love and devotion. That's what it is. And there is no 'i'm changing it for someone else' because it can't be better than this devotional act that we're doing."

-Rick rubin

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VOLUME

VOLUME

FOUR

MILES Mouse WITH Joshua pollard canaan blackwell cliff wallace JUSTIN GIBBS BRIGHTON MILLS CREATED BY JARELL GIBBS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A sip of the unlimited growth and creativity that comprises the beauty of our world.

AGAVE deep dives into all areas of culture to enrich the passions worth devoting ourselves towards. An exercise in expression.

FASHION 20

From artist to icon: raps new entrance into creative direction

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takashi murakami: bridging the arts

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the odyssey of jacob and co. jewelry

POP CULTURE 45

yungegypt's top 10 albums of 2023

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andre 3000: the drifting renaissance man

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being genuine works -- j. cole's lesson on authenticity

ANIMANGA 68

Greatest arcs series: hunter x hunter chimera ant

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smiles & stares -- Vagabond's perspective on divinity

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Mangaka avatars!! - The hidden faces of the industries biggest talents

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What are you watching? -- blue eye samurai

TRAVEL 82

ronin roadstops: a travelers catalog of the world around him

PHILOSOPHY 94

DEEP THOUGHT ENTRY IV - YOUR WAY WORKS.

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR In response to the production and thought process on making yungEgypt's AGAVE: Volume 4 I’ve never been one to personally drag my feet in any of the endeavors I wanted to accomplish in my life. Call it impulsivity but even if my knowledge in something is laughably low or the optics aren’t particularly in my favor, I tend to take an immediate leap of faith towards my wants. This holds true even for projects such as AGAVE where my intrigue to hold another new copy in my hands keeps me driven to stay hard at work. At a certain point though, I began questioning whether this pace was too fast. Had I fully succeeded in reaching the creative tone and design capable for AGAVE Magazine? The same thing occurred to me with photography around the same time Volume 2 was nearing completion. The model of buying clothes, finding aesthetically pleasing locations and capturing pictures had become routine to me. I’d still get a flurry of different insights through social media, visually it’s not like they were bad and they were simple enough to create a consistent output of content. What I’m trying to allude to is that for both my media ventures, I had reached a point of complacency where I’ve seen what has worked and am faced with the options of either planting my feet in the ground with a certain style or risking the change of the unknown. And the main catalyst for this change would have to be a patience directly opposite of my typical speedrun mentality. For photography, it meant studying better photographers, taking gambles on visuals that were completely different for me and examining my strengths and weaknesses to fully comprehend what talents I held for the volition. And those same takeaways can be applied to AGAVE. Volume 4 is a product of a lot of different inspirations that wouldn’t have come to be without passionate observation for the works around me. I think a lot of people witness the media around them and feel something from it, but can’t put their finger on recreating what draws them in about that product. I wanted this fourth entry to embody what captured my attention from the release of Volume 3 until now, and I welcome the hiatus that diligence forced me to take. In hindsight, I regret deeming every new release I’d make as “the best one to date” or “my crowning achievement” because that’s not a realistic or fair model to keep up with. Each new volume release shouldn’t be me one-upping the predecessor. I believe each piece of my catalog to hold a particular gem that maybe the newest variation wasn’t able to capture. By keeping this fast paced race going against my own catalog, I only end up with a sense of redundancy by plugging in the same article ideas and layouts that have gotten me this far. So moving forward I don’t really care to chime in on whether each drop is better than the last but I will state with 100% certainty that each new volume will be different. The same designs and thoughts that went into my brainchild known as Volume 4 are one of a kind and will remain that way. And the next time you see me, I’ll be back with another equally as authentic but differently composed work that will be crafted with the time and love required of any offering to God. For those venturing to read or buy this copy thank you very much as well as those who support these magazines through photo submissions. Improvement is a process indifferent to anyone’s time table so just learn to enjoy the ride with a cool sip of AGAVE. Until we meet again.

The Loco Lyfe brand is more than just top of the line streetwear but a way of life. Have you ever craved the freedom to defy the social shackles locking in every creative mind? Well break free with our new release of Hoodies/Sweatpants/Beanies that will restructure your prior conceptions of what comfortability really means. The Loco Lyfe is open to all but only truly embraced by a select few. So start asking yourself, are you finally ready to take the next step into the new age? Collection available online now.

Loco Lyfe // Collections by Canaan Fall // Winter 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA WWW.LOCO-LYFE.COM

The Loco Lyfe brand is more than just top of the line streetwear but a way of life. Have you ever craved the freedom to defy the social shackles locking in every creative mind? Well break free with our new release of Hoodies/Sweatpants/Beanies that will restructure your prior conceptions of what comfortability really means. The Loco Lyfe is open to all but only truly embraced by a select few. So start asking yourself, are you finally ready to take the next step into the new age? Collection available online now.

Loco Lyfe // Collections by Canaan Fall // Winter 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA WWW.LOCO-LYFE.COM

The Loco Lyfe brand is more than just top of the line streetwear but a way of life. Have you ever craved the freedom to defy the social shackles locking in every creative mind? Well break free with our new release of Hoodies/Sweatpants/Beanies that will restructure your prior conceptions of what comfortability really means. The Loco Lyfe is open to all but only truly embraced by a select few. So start asking yourself, are you finally ready to take the next step into the new age? Collection available online now.

Loco Lyfe // Collections by Canaan Fall // Winter 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA WWW.LOCO-LYFE.COM

The Loco Lyfe brand is more than just top of the line streetwear but a way of life. Have you ever craved the freedom to defy the social shackles locking in every creative mind? Well break free with our new release of Hoodies/Sweatpants/Beanies that will restructure your prior conceptions of what comfortability really means. The Loco Lyfe is open to all but only truly embraced by a select few. So start asking yourself, are you finally ready to take the next step into the new age? Collection available online now.

Loco Lyfe // Collections by Canaan Fall // Winter 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA WWW.LOCO-LYFE.COM

The Loco Lyfe brand is more than just top of the line streetwear but a way of life. Have you ever craved the freedom to defy the social shackles locking in every creative mind? Well break free with our new release of Hoodies/Sweatpants/Beanies that will restructure your prior conceptions of what comfortability really means. The Loco Lyfe is open to all but only truly embraced by a select few. So start asking yourself, are you finally ready to take the next step into the new age? Collection available online now.

Loco Lyfe // Collections by Canaan Fall // Winter 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA WWW.LOCO-LYFE.COM

The Loco Lyfe brand is more than just top of the line streetwear but a way of life. Have you ever craved the freedom to defy the social shackles locking in every creative mind? Well break free with our new release of Hoodies/Sweatpants/Beanies that will restructure your prior conceptions of what comfortability really means. The Loco Lyfe is open to all but only truly embraced by a select few. So start asking yourself, are you finally ready to take the next step into the new age? Collection available online now.

Loco Lyfe // Collections by Canaan Fall // Winter 2023 - Pittsburgh, PA WWW.LOCO-LYFE.COM

AGAVE

From Artist To Icon Raps new entrance into Creative Direction

Time and time again we find that the limits of creativity aren’t bound solely to the genre of one’s specialty. Meaning that simply because someone prides themselves on their musical ability or artistic handiwork, doesn’t mean that same eye can’t be innovative in other equally as crucial creative ventures. In the past we have seen icons like Kanye West take their revolutionary progressive thought from the music studio directly to the clothing world with the legendary success of the Yeezy brand. Now in the current day we have a whole new slate of musically talented artists trying their hands at being key directors for their own major brands. But what is a creative director anyway? A question that if you were to ask ten different people, you’d be sure to receive ten different answers. However speaking broadly, a creative director is generally the imaginative engine behind the marketing and tone that a brand chooses to represent itself as. And in the modern web age, this usually takes the form of providing marquee visual media to accompany the image and people you want the general public to associate with your brand. And seeing as how artists are no stranger to evoking emotion and setting tones through their own catalogs of music, it should come as no surprise that these same abilities are almost second nature to those venturing out into the fashion world. So let’s take a look at a few artists who have successfully crossed that barrier to make recognizable ripples in the modern scope of fashion.

FASHION

AGAVE

FASHION

Pharrell Williams Pharrell has elevated the reach of his creative ventures to such a wide margin that if you were to ask anyone born within the past decade where they know his name from, it’s very possible they won’t say music. As one of the greatest musical producers of all time, Pharrell has simultaneously had an equally lengthy tenure in the fashion world developing his own brands and cultivating an original image for himself that sticks out even amongst other A-list celebrities in the industry. His adaptable wardrobe through the glam era of the early 2000’s to the more business casual trends of the 2010’s has always left the masses with something to talk about. But for real fashion lovers, Pharrell’s style can be appreciated for his attention to detail and love for the intricacies of styling that really separate him from his contemporaries. Any celebrity can just throw money at their nearest designer store to buy whatever is popular at that moment of time, but real visionaries develop trends true to themselves that are often ahead of their time. His keen eye for accessorizing and proportions made him one the top creatives, no matter the genre, alive today.

Which made his nomination as Men’s Creative Director for Louis Vuitton all the more eye opening.

Following the footsteps of a generational genius such as Virgil Abloh, who deserves a separate article in his own right, this led to questions of Pharrell’s capability to juggle such a task for a brand well renowned the world over.

And given opinions on clothing are subjective, I won’t speak too heavily on my in depth thoughts on the specific new pieces Pharrel has introduced, but I will say that he has objectively revitalized intrigue in Louis Vuitton by injecting colors, star power and media presence that have boosted the reputation of the brand to new heights in the modern day. Love or hate the Spring-Summer 2024 collections, you should at least admire the courage to take the brand into a different direction separate from what Virgil left behind. The figures used to walk the runways open a wider path of entry for fans of different audiences to be introduced to the clothing lines. Add that with Pharell’s other musical pursuits where he is constantly marketing his clothing from rap to pop videos, then you see a perpetual circulation of brand recognition that makes you associate Louis Vuitton with everything cool in the culture. I respect what Pharrell has done and hope to cop some new LV the next time my eyes and wallet are on the same accord.

AGAVE

A$AP ROCKY Although lacking the longevity as someone like Pharrell, Harlem’s very own A$AP Rocky is no stranger to the world of clothing. His fashion exploits are equally as notable to his persona as the sound he presents in his music. And beyond just naming brands, he has actually been a student of clothing culture way before he reached his current foothold of fame. A living mannequin for brands like Hood By Air & Vlone in past years, A$AP has become a trendsetter who usually motivates the consumer on what wave the culture is going and not the other way around. And it would seem his experience as both model and artist have finally intertwined since Puma appointed the rapper as the new creative director for their Formula 1 partnership “with a focus on the intersection of the sport and streetwear.” A challenge easily attainable for someone who's already known to blend his current styles and influences of the fashion world onto the roll outs for new album releases. I believe this partnership to be an untapped well of potential success for both Formula 1 and A$AP. Formula 1 capitalizes on the notoriety of an artist plastered all over media pages within recent years while bringing more recognition to their sport.

And for A$AP it gives him an aesthetic well inside his range to work with while adding to his portfolio for possible future ventures with other retailers. And judging by the presentation so far, I’d say it’s been successful. As stated earlier, the main mission of a creative director is to convey a tone for your brand through visual imagery and that has been taken above and beyond through the marketing of the campaign. Whether it be the daily accessorizing A$AP has been spotted sporting on his outings with Rihanna or him being the first musician featured on the new Las Vegas Sphere, the collection is definitely getting the publicity most other brands would die for. What would add another layer to this achievement would be the possible inclusion of the Puma silhouettes in the upcoming A$AP album rumored to be releasing sometime soon. A tour run plus a highly acclaimed critical release would really enhance both parties, proving again the tight knit bond held between music and style.

AGAVE

FASHION

Tyler the Creator

It’s difficult to hold back on Tyler the Creator discord.

The man has his hand in so many hats that his influence seems to grow with every passing day. But though most would struggle to produce consistently great musical projects, orchestrate sold out festival events and run two brands, Tyler never fails to produce an identifiable product that includes more than just his sign off on each release. Tyler’s ability to spearhead his fashion ventures is apparent and the character exuded through these drops have heavily shifted what wardrobe is to be expected from a hip hip fan. His original brand GOLFWANG started in 2011 as a basic concept streetwear entity producing graphic tees and hats. Since then, the brand has become synonymous for not only updating their style and direction but also for growing along with the mature nature of Tyler’s music. What were once rudimentary pieces with loud, rebellious colorways have now become more diverse in the variety offered and the pieces included. And this change to the brand has in turn shifted the streetwear obsessed minds of the public to adopting a more soft boy style with a heavy emphasis on cardigans, trousers and other pieces of apparel not associated with the genre twenty years ago. It all traces back to Tyler's own style and personality who actually identifies with the product he ships out to the public, making it easier to connect the style with the persona.

Whether on the street or live in concert, Tyler’s unique style is a part of him and the more people attach to that image, the more the brand itself is given validation. The marketing is awkward, unorthodox and visually difficult to replicate. Leading to a one of a kind affair perfectly reflective of the man behind it. But the true test of a creative director is flexibility. Any icon can assort a consumer base strictly from their followers in another lane. But Tyler isn't afraid to step out of the streetwear bubble and again adjust his ideas to his growing interests. Enter GOLF le FLEUR*. A newfound brand and outlet for Tyler to shift from streetwear to more posh apparel such as fragrances, travel accessories and more preppy designer wear. And with this different brand comes different creative imagery captured to reflect the distinct difference between this and GOLFWANG. Le FLEUR* presents softer imagery, more aesthetic scenery and the tenderness of escapism or traveling. Tyler has come to master these small details that most people couldn’t identify, but mean all the world to a creative director who has to concretely identify what it is your brand is all about. And with flagships and pop up stores sprouting out all across the world’s major markets, I have a feeling the name Tyler the Creator won’t be fading away any time soon.

MURIKAMI: BRIDGING THE ARTS

FASHION

The convergence of art and clothing is a fundamental union of the industry allowing it to be unlimited in creative potential. So it could be argued that those who are able to conjure the most impressively stylized modern art should be able to keep a dominant grasp over the realm of fashion. Well blending this surge of two artistic domains is a man that most here in the United States might not know immediately but whose work has certainly become recognizable by millions within the past few decades. Japanese contemporary artist and mogul Takashi Murakami is one of the most renowned leaders in his field mainly due to his ability to compile various forms of inspiration from seemingly unrelated hobbies and produce iconic artwork revolutionary in our lifetime. Let’s break down what it is that has made Murakami’s canvas based classics so appealing and how these concepts have been able to secure their own identity in the worldwide fashion space.

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Before discussing the influence Murakami’s art has had on others, first we should see what influences his art. Studying traditional Japanese painting, Murakami found himself heavily intrigued with multiple facets of other artforms including film, anime, western pop culture and ancient sculpting. This fascination with topics from numerous backgrounds combined with his advanced knowledge of contemporary Japanese art gave birth to a boundless product far different from what is commonly seen. A polished yet vibrant style that appeared as though the viewer was witnessing a mutation.

Murakami was able to establish an instantly recognizable style that he honed through passionate analysis and hard work. His art exhibitions became more than a showcase of off kilter looking paintings but were meaningful statements meant to express his viewpoint on a variety of topics.

Whether it be demonstrating the “flatness' ' of Japanese visual arts or expanding on the impact natural disasters have had on Japanese culture, Murakami made continuous attempts to actually say something through his refined works.

AGAVE

And with his revolutionary works gaining more steam it is no coincidence that many other trail blazers began to take note of the artistic merits Murakami was putting forth. Art is so diverse that it allows itself to bend to several different folds of our social space.

Whether that be Murakami’s influence on the music scene with providing inspiration for Kanye West’s third studio album Graduation or personally curating jewelry exhibitions commissioned by Pharrell Williams. It would appear that the tone and vision Murakami was able to master connected with an entire demographic who had entirely different backgrounds but all shared the same artistic desire to embrace the new.

FASHION

And that connection has yet to fade as his artwork has become an underground staple here in the United States increasingly associated with the graffiti culture of urban areas. Whether it be the supremely vibrant Murakami flower or the infinite collaborations with luxury brands sporting his iconography, Murakami has left in an imprint hard to simply explain through text rather needing to be digested with the eyes to truly revel in their creative complexity. The living legend of Takashi Murakami represents several things but most importantly how valuable the connectivity of several avenues can produce a newer, more vivid product if blended well. It is because of Murakami’s openness to inspiration that his work is able to cross over to so many different fields. Never closing himself off to new inspirations, that in turn allowed his pieces to connect with a wider audience and allow inclusivity from whole new demographics. It goes to show that creativity serves as a universal bridge connecting all the arts and those able to traverse the full scope of this bridge without limiting themselves are certainly capable of going the furthest.

AGAVE

FASHION

THE ODYSSEY OF

JEWELRY

AGAVE

If you know me, you’d know I’ve never been the biggest advocate for watches. They are clunky, not really essential for telling time and too often a very understated accessory given their price point. Charms like customized bracelets and rings have always been more my speed because they’re less constrictive while still having the distinct flair you would want out of your jewelry. But as a young adult trying to gain more knowledge on the trends dominating the fashion scene, it becomes bland and discouraging to witness monotonous trends like silver and gold accessories dominate the game. Sure iced out pieces are a beauty to observe when accessorized correctly, but in a vacuum they can just be seen as glamorizing wealth with no specific depth on creativity or imagination.

In my mind, jewelry has always been about more than the money you spend to attain it but the ideas you have in enhancing your stylistic vision. And after reading Pharrell Williams’ book, Pharrell: Carbon, Pressure & Time, I’ve discovered new utilizations and concepts on my favorite accessories that have altered my perceptions on what's possible. But more so than that, it’s opened my eyes to my new favorite collective in the world of jewelry as i”m sure you’ve guessed by the title.

Jacob & Co.

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Jacob and Co. and more specifically its founder, Jacob Arabo, is a staple in the luxury fashion space for his long standing reputation with the music industry. Jacob Arabo is no stranger to making the gaudy, overthe-top pieces usually associated with upscale jewelry and more often than not those are the selective items that will get sold the most.

But separating from this surface level salesmanship is a unique intrigue in pushing the creative bounds of what is usually expected out of gem studded accessories.

Jacob Arabo dating back to his youth serving as an apprentice in watch making shops, has a particular hunger to express one of a kind individualism and amazement through the pieces he crafts. Meaning even the commercialism of thick roped chained and gold lined rings isn't enough to satiate his curiosity. Jacob and Co. is revolutionary for blending the ideas of their celebrity clientele to produce products flourishing in innovation.

AGAVE

FASHION

The reputation Jacob and Co. cultivated created a unique give and take relationship wherein celebrities knew Jacob was not only capable enough to produce their unique ideas and had enough integrity to go above and beyond whatever his other contemporaries were able to put out.

And for Jacob these different encounters provided him perspective on what was possible to accomplish along with consistently pushing his limits on what could be accomplished with styling jewelry. These interactions contributed to accessories that have stood the test of time with their value and desirability increasing which is a rare feat in jewelry production.

The key to this success is viewing each new commission as wearable art, not just the newest fad of the season. This delicate approach along with prioritizing the wonders of creative design has offered a timeless feel to much of Arabo’s catalog, from the popularization of colored stones to his abstract iconography of his pendants. Jacob has established a labyrinth of beauty merged with the visual luxury honed by some of the most creative minds in the world today. Jacob & Co. is truly a wondrous expression of materialized imagination.

AGAVE

yungEgypt's

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2023 This year truly unlocked a library of new musical content and exploration which introduced me to different styles all inspiring my creative work.

Digging the crates of both the old and new offers so many variations of expressing art that my own work has found a way to be impacted in several areas. So with this new collection of musical knowledge at my disposal I figured I'd share the top 10 albums I delved into this past year in no particular order. In this list I wanted to push for variety in genre and shed some attention to artists who may not be as renowned by the masses. But every artist and project listed provided me with some form of enjoyment or reflection that made it impossible for me not to share them in this section. I hope you venture through these recommendations to find a sound, artist or message that might enlighten you as well.

POP CULTURE

VOIR DIRE (2023) EARL SWEATSHIRT & THE ALCHEMIST

This being my most anticipated album of 2023, Voir Dire didn't fail to meet my expectations combining one of the best lyrically talented and personable rappers in the game with my favorite producer in the industry right now, The Alchemist. You need a fine toothed comb to really grasp all the complex wordplay found within this surprisingly short album. These two together just work and the fun chemistry shared between the two is poured out on each track. And that's all I really wanted out of it. There's nothing more for these artist to prove to as far as their placement in the industry or to their fans, so listening to them give their continued best in the free formed fashion I have grown to love was more pleasurable than I could've asked for.

ALTERNATIVE RAP 11 Tracks 26 Minutes HEAT CHECK

AGAVE

SHADES OF BLUE: MADLIB INVADES BLUE NOTE (2003) MADLIB

This album made me fall in love with not only the genre of jazz but made me recognize the power a producer has to truly transform their sample material into something even greater. Calling this strictly a jazz album is somewhat cheating as Madlib brings his expertise of hip hop production into this project that can't be defined as anything other than cool. I think this offers a perfect bridge for those who find themselves on both sides of the music spectrum of loving the drums provided by rap and admire the subtle profundity of blues. I find myself listening to a song from this project at least once a day and I challenge you to give this a try and not do the same.

Jazz 16 Tracks 57 Minutes Montara

BEATS, RHYMES & LIFE (1996)

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST

Beats, Rhymes & Life is the child usually left out of ATCQ discord when discussing their best works.

And I never understood that. This album is a perfect continuation to their previous record that succeeds in playing off the same sound and tone which made this group so revolutionary. An under the radar rhythmic style that captures the authenticity that the genre represents. Every track offers something, albeit not groundbreaking, extremely enjoyable which is all I ever need. Additions of members like Consequence throughout many tracks brings new life that makes this more distinct than any of their previous outings. This is another peak tribe album that triumphed in evolving their music to match the current output of the time, and it worked extraordinarily enough to still be captivating today.

Hip Hop/Rap 15 Tracks 51 Minutes Mind Power

POP CULTURE

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THE PATIENCE (2023)

MICK JENKINS

The Patience was a remarkable surprise that I didn't expect to hold so highly. Never hearing of Mick Jenkins prior, what I was introduced to was a level of hunger and execution that made me an immediate fan. Mick is able to stand his own while collaborating with true heavyweights in his genre like Benny The Butcher, Freddie Gibbs and JID. Its really a standout highlight of 2023 that added yet another shining example of the merge between the poetry of rap and smooth jazz instrumentals. Not to say this project doesn't offer other angles on sound as well which were also very compelling to dive into. In short this was a stunningly solid project that certainly put Mick Jenkins on my radar.

Hip Hop/Rap 11 Tracks 28 Minutes Michelin Star

BURNING DESIRE (2023) MIKE

Burning Desire by MIKE was the most fun, inspired project to release in 2023. MIKE's new dominance over the underground rap scene is certainly hard to describe. His delivery is hilariously lethargic and his range isn't too complex but because of that he is a genuinely one of a kind talent making the best new projects in my opinion. This album samples everything from RnB to older rap classics in such a unique way that they stay in your head. It's able to leave a constant smile on your face due to all the variables occurring at once that shouldn't work, operating perfectly. This album is a masterpiece and really demonstrates how far the modern underground rap genre has come as far as being able to compete with and overcome its more contemporary rap peers.

Wherever you are right now, listen to this.

Experimental Rap 24 Tracks 51 Minutes THEY DON'T STOP IN THE RAIN

POP CULTURE

AGAVE

MODAL SOUL (2005)

NUJABES

it's still unbelievable to imagine the direction and evolution Hip Hop as a whole was able to make due in part to this album. Modal Soul by Nujabes flipped the game on its head with inspired production that hadn't really been heard before. Mixing flutes and harmonies from obscure Asian roots and combining them with rap drums was completely unheard of. Each song brings life to the listener in a new way that , in my experience, has still yet to be matched.

This album and the concept of what it was trying to accomplish is a treasure that becomes more intricate and inspiring with each listen. Long live the late Nujabes.

Lofi Hip Hop 14 Tracks 64 Minutes Flowers

THE FOREVER STORY (2022) JID

The Forever Story is such a well put together solid body of work that succeeds in al fronts. Re-establish JID as one of the best new generation artist out right now (check), provide a narrative on the impacts newfound fame has had on the artist (check), not overstay its welcome with a tracklist too bloated (check). It was such an unexpected outing from an artist who, although had been gradually gaining his own reputation in the industry, no one expected to drop arguably the best album of 2022. Other than the flexibility of his cadence and dynamics of his range, what most impressed me was JID's transparency in really making a story worth following throughout the album that really made him more personable and dope by the end. If you haven't already I would also check out a song cut from the album titled "2007" on youtube. The sample unfortunately wasn't cleared in time but it definitely is my favorite JID song to date.

Hip Hop/Rap 15 Tracks 59 Minutes Raydar

POP CULTURE

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ATMOSPHERE AIRLINES, VOL.3 (2020)

DELA

Relaxing, free and timeless are the main thoughts this album are able to stir up without fail. A compilation instrumental track, the Atmosphere Airlines series hit a uncontestable peak with this release that added modern renditions to some of the of the best tracks found in both Jazz and Rap. Each listen provides a distinct wave of serentity and ease that rewards true fans of music with nonstop references and samples from iconic songs taken from so many different genres. This album is an experience that has the rare ability to make the world around you seem just a little bit more wondrous.

Alternative/Lofi 19 Tracks 45 Minutes Amisioux

STAKES IS HIGH (1996)

DE LA SOUL

Stakes Is High is more than just the third entry in this groups discography but a definitive stance on perfected execution and tone that would come to define De La Soul's legendary status in Hip Hop history. They cement their identity from being hippie-like rappers who subtly hint towards social issues to poetic leaders speaking directly on the ills plaguing their community. The bleak subject matter and discussions within this album carry the most weight any project within the socially conscious Native Tongue movement were able to accomplish with their musical work, all the while still being consistently engaging. Stakes Is High never lectures you rather it organically draws you in with innovative lyricism and unmatched production that remains iconic, with J Dilla's work on the title track being one of the greatest rap beats ever produced.

Hip Hop/Rap 18 Tracks 68 Minutes Stakes Is High

POP CULTURE

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TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER (2003) KING GEEDORAH

Serving as the debut project for yet another alterego of the legendary MC, MF DOOM, this album does a fantastic job building on the ethos of the world DOOM has been able to conceptualize through the eyes of the title character King Geedorah. The production and featured artist on this album certainly create a unique experience that allows DOOM himself to take a more behind the scenes role serving more as the key producer this time around. The themes of villainy and destruction are profoundly exemplified through visuals of city wide devastation played to more melodic blues based instrumentals that create a soothing yet melancholy atmosphere to the project. For any MF DOOM fan or those who simply enjoy the intersection of Hip Hop and Jazz, this album is an absolute gem.

Experimental Rap 13 Tracks 42 Minutes Fazers

POP CULTURE

Andre

3000 The Drifting Renaissance Man

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eappe eeappearing in pop culture recentl erecently was Andre 3000, a public icon who seemingly has the ability to disappear from the social microscope at the drop of a dime. In his recent return to the spotlight, fans and observers alike were curious to see what enlightened musical offerings would accompany him this time around. And to everyone’s surprise, he had announced an upcoming flute album with no current attempts to rekindle any of his hip hop pursuits. Many were taken aback by this claim and felt confused from this departure as Andre 3000 is half of one the greatest rap collectives in history.

But after dissecting the years since Outkast’s last studio release, one can clearly see that Andre has been one to play to his own tune, never one to be pigeon-held to one singular volition. And it is in that regard that I think the true qualities of his artistry are found, a restless individual who has mastered one domain and now searches to venture into untrotted pathways. In doing this, Andre has left behind a noticeable footprint on plenty of genres past music that I believe deserve some recognition in the regard of trying something different, despite the public wanting him to stick with his past accomplishments.

Whimsical, soft-spoken and extraordinarily humble, let’s take a look at the creative journey of Andre 3000.

POP CULTURE

It’s no secret to anyone what initially put Andre Benjamin, better known as Andre 3000, on the map. The rap duo Outkast, also consisting of artist Big Boi, composed some of the most highly regarded musical works of the late 1990’s and early2000’s. They are trailblazers for having brought the southern sound to the mainstream and introducing the entire country to the lifestyle and swagger of the Atlanta rap scene. And as their notoriety heightened so too did the stylistic impressions of both artists, with Andre always being more off the wall with his sound and personal fashion.

They were a unique balance of yin and yang that meshed together perfectly to position their thumb over the rap industry. In 2006, the group would release their final album to date, Idlewild, leaving many to wonder what would come next for the artist. While many thought a solo career and slew of album releases would be natural for Andre given his credentials, Benjamin took this disbanding as an opportunity for exploration.

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In the years following Outkast, Andre would try his hand at a plethora of different crafts all relating to the arts. He would begin taking on more acting roles as well as producing his own documentaries and independent films. This was a far cry from the musical scene that demanded more flexibility than simply playing “the celebrity” lead but a real shift into taking on some roles that were tonally different from Andre’s public persona. Some of these films included Four Brothers alongside Mark Wahlberg and the comedy Semi Pro with Will Ferrell, both now deemed to be cult classics in the modern day. And in 2013, Benjamin played the leading man in the Jimi Hendrix biopic Jimi: All Is

By My Side which was later nominated for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead.

Other media ventures would include a recurring role on the series American Crime and a starring role in the Cartoon Network classic series, Class of 3000.

The latter of which was an effort to introduce the youth to the beauty and wonder offered by all variations of music. It was a show encouraging kids to invest in playing and performing in the musical arts that had given Benjamin his platform in the first place. And speaking as a kid in that era, the show was fantastic.

There was a quality production to the show and well done performances given by the whole cast including Andre 3000 himself.

But the theme of Andre’s travels can’t all be summed up to resound commercial success.

Along with his acting pursuits, he launched a closeline in 2008 titled “Benjamin Bixby” aiming to sell more preppy clothing inspired by college football from the 1930s at a luxury price point.

Andre would say it was majorly self-funded and the concepts and sketches of the end product were all originally done by him.

POP CULTURE

It was a commercial flop resulting in the loss of millions. But looking past that, Andre would claim the initial mission of the idea was to further expand his selfexpression and show that the “look of hip-hop” isn’t just one way. It was a personal investment to demonstrate the value of being yourself. A lesson that might’ve failed financially in the short-term, but spoke wonders about the mindset and mentality honed by an artist never wanting anyone to be limited by what’s considered conventional.

And as the years passed on, Andre would make rare appearances both musically and physically. He has essentially become a free drifter who virtually succeeded at the pinnacle of one craft and is now solely fueled by his other muses that pull him into making what’s

next. Whether it be appearing at pop up shops with Tyler the Creator or randomly playing his flute on the streets of Japan.

I think this new insert in Andre 3000’s discography is a reinstatement of what he’s been doing all along.

Refusing to be contained by the shackles of the fame he’s achieved and listen to the one thing that has been with him through the record breaking highs and astonishingly quiet lows, his gut. And as a fan of his integrity and message, I’m curious to see where the winds blow him next.

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Being Genuine Works J. Cole triumphs over the other giants of the rap game with a weapon too rarely utilized by his peers.

J. Cole occupies an interesting position in the current landscape of the music industry. Without a doubt his accolades speak for themselves and you would be hard pressed to find any living artist with as much talent for his craft or cultural acknowledgement as North Carolina’s golden child. However Cole’s career has been met with a certain skepticism by the public who call into question the credibility of his reign over the industry. In the years following his rise to A-list celebrity status, many have gone on to label the artist as boring or only appealing to a “mindless” demographic. These criticisms come from more than just your music loving hip hop head but of up and coming rap contemporaries who sometimes vocalize their gripes with the overlywoke nature of Cole’s music. But even with these negative assessments, Cole’s stock has continued to build gradually with an independent style that has created a fanbase absurdly loyal in their own regard. And how is that? Because through the peaks and valleys of Cole’s musical success, he has upheld a strength strong enough to connect with not only the ears of listeners but their minds and souls as well. Let’s take a deep dive into how J. Cole proved that being genuine works.

Now looking back at Cole’s 2011 studio debut into the rap game, it would nearly be impossible to associate his current mature themes and enlightened sense of social responsibility with the topics tackled in that project. At only 27 years old and finally receiving the recognition that his former years of musical hardship were built upon, Cole opted to strike the sounds and notions that would work on a commercial scale.

Though many have gone on to argue that this album can strictly be categorized as Cole’s attempt at a mainstream sound, even in the midst of those songs, which have proved to be a product of their time, you can still

POP CULTURE

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find Cole offering messages that directly deny the perception of perfection upheld through popular culture. Cole World: The Sideline Story proved to be a trial by fire for the artist who struck a divide between his early fans who had grown to love the authenticity exhibited in his previous mixtape series (iconic in their own right) and the newer listeners who wanted less thought provoking material from the artist.

In the attempt to please everyone, he was instead met with mixed opinions from the masses which left only one true alternative.

If in trying to please everyone you fail, why not just be yourself?

This progression of internal reflection was made even more apparent in Cole’s subsequent album Born Sinner, wherein songs like Villuminati and Let Nas Down, Cole questions himself on the external motives that were swaying the direction of his musical choices. Born Sinner represents an artist coming to grips with themselves and trying to conceptualize the viability of keeping their creative dreams afloat while still desiring to be true to themselves.

Highlighted are the multitude of politics associated with the business that unfortunately mute the morals and intentions of artists who want to be themselves but desire the success that their dreams have driven them to. In this musical installment, Cole seemingly openly refutes the glamorization of what making it to celebrity status means and makes countless tracks detailing his flaws in a variety of ways that appeal to the human side of the artist.

Whether it be songs like Land of The Snakes or Runaway, the listener is able to hear someone growing from the disingenuous pleasures that other artists at the time and even now would be championing.

Now this isn’t just some simple deep dive into all the core messaging of Cole’s discography. But as demonstrated through his early albums and the public appearances that followed, Cole began gearing himself in a much more silent space of humility while connecting with the life lessons that he learned while chasing the standard rap dream that many in Black America aspire towards. He began pulling back the curtain on the women, parties, money and fame that the entire genre would identify as you making it, and offered a new contrasting viewpoint that showed the downsides of such a lifestyle. In a way, from his meager origins expressed via his debut mixtapes Cole had climbed the ranks and lived the American dream of musical success for his fans and in reporting his findings realized the absence of happiness it truly signified.

But in doing so, he also was able to catch a glimpse of what true strength was like and became a voice to demonstrate that. Hence why from the release of 2014 Forest Hills Drive and onward, though there may be deviations in topic matter, productional sound and vocal inflection, the one consistent factor moving forward was the origin of the music. The untampered heart and transparency that was somehow able to relate with a generation of listeners who

were taught from his experiences that being socially acknowledged meant nothing if you couldn't be yourself. And in turn, Cole was rewarded with acclaim that exceeds any sales goal or billboard, but rather being respected for holding an integrity that won’t fade with the passage of time. Despite what was previously expected, a major audience was able to mesh perfectly with someone who could still make extremely captivating music but all while speaking to real problems and insecurities that plague almost everybody. It became empowering to see a man rack up platinum records all while addressing internal battles that you’re currently attempting to conquer. People love the escapism that music is able to provide and perhaps that is why lifestyles outside the ordinary are always able to generate major recognition. But more relevant than that facet of the industry are those courageous enough to go against that standard and produce lyrical gems that add support to the same community that your origins stem from.

In the same spirit that Cole transformed his sound dating back from 2011 until now, obviously there will be detractors who just can’t find the appeal of hearing the reflective thoughts of an artist paid to entertain. And they will always have a right to that opinion. But if anything, Cole positioning himself as a marquee figure between the marriage of worldwide acclaim and legitimate authenticity should be something worth studying for any fan of hip hop. His success symbolizes a larger question for all of us looking to achieve in our respective passions on how much of our true selves we are willing to sacrifice for acceptance. And as his catalog and messaging continue to soar to greater heights both professionally and intellectually, the example and answer to that question becomes all the more clear.

GOD BLESS MEDORA

MADE FOR YOU AND I

Greatest Arcs in Animanga Hunter X HunterChimera Ant Arc When discussing the apex of both anime and manga, one can be almost certain to find Yoshihiro Togashi’s masterful story of Hunter x Hunter within that conversation. Since 1998 this series has had an unreal impact on the animanga community through its mature themes, renowned power system and engaging story.

For those taking their first steps into the anime scene, whether it be the 1999 or 2011 adaptation, this series is unanimously suggested as a must watch and rightfully so. But there is a large gap between enjoyability and providing one of the greatest narratives in an industry nearly 100 years old. A claim as all encompassing as that shouldn’t be casted lightly, so what is it specifically that exalts this story over many of its peers? Well join me as we deep dive into why the modern epic of Hunter x Hunter’s Chimera Ant arc is deserving of the title Greatest Arc in Animanga.

For starters, let's discuss character motivations. The intersection of character motivations is some of the most complex we’ve seen in the story up until this point with so many different interests and agendas that all are

distinctly relatable and detailed. It is impossible to capture the litany of different characters in one concise article so I’ll primarily focus on the major players within the story. Our two series protagonists Gon Freecs & Killua Zoldyk begin this arc seemingly having found the last missing clue to finding Gon’s father, Ging, which had been the main objective of their adventure up until now.

However, they end up crossing paths with a man named Kite who serves as Ging’s disciple as well as a childhood mentor figure for Gon. Through a chaotic set of

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circumstances, Kite decides to take the two along to eradicate an invasive species of ants that have been plaguing a nearby country, this doubling as an opportunity for the two Hunter upstarts to possibly gain the final pointers of both strength and knowledge needed to uncover Ging's whereabouts. As the story progresses, the innocent quest for tutelage under a strong mentor turns into that of sheer survival as the ants far surpass their expectations of strength. The reunion with Kite no longer acts as a training ground for developing strength but a real demonstration of the sadistic and horrific sides of being a Hunter in this world. Without spoiling too much, motivations of revenge and procuring a friendship on the brink of collapse become integral motivations for our two leads as they toggle to deal with the unexpectedly dark realities their new world has to offer and personal desire to grow stronger. After following both of them for the whole story up until this point, their reasons for moving forward in the narrative appear both relatable and tragic given their character, and as both reader and watcher its an addictive throughline that makes every story beat intense and fulfilling. Besides our two main stars, other characters whose motivations are worth highlighting are that of the Hunter Association Chairman, Isaac Netero, and the Chimera Ant leader himself, King Meruem. On the surface, Netero acts as humanities' savior to the tyranny of Meruem's destructive invasion. But underneath this

perception is a role reversal that adds so many more layers to the story. Netero, although acting as the human races’ protector, mainly seeks to test his own martial arts limits and desires an adversary worth exerting his all to more than anything. He craves an all out battle so doesn’t give into any rationalization or peace but rather seeks that which will bring him the most personal pleasure and satisfy his pride.

Conversely, Meruem slowly discovers the essence of his own humanity, pushing him to cast away things like power in the search of those characteristics that truely comprise what a human is. Though warped and gradual, Meruem comes to understand the injustice of the current world and begins devising a way to change it for the better rather than maintaining the status quo. As stated earlier, there are way too many characters to supply a full breakdown for each shift or change but in essence what motivates our antagonists as the arc progresses is the search for their own lost humanity. The individual traits that comprise the self are lost to them, so they

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toggle with slowly becoming more human. Meanwhile our human allies (Gon, Netero, etc…) begin to abandon these qualitative attributes and are fueled by darker means to the point where the line between human and inhuman are practically blurred.

This transitions smoothly into our next topic, the themes of the arc. Given the more grim tone present within this stretch of story, it is no surprise that the highlighted themes are equally as morbid yet impactful. Given the gruesome atrocities enacted by the ants through the majority of the arc, they are painted as the clear definition of villainy who surpass the capability to withhold any humanity. But diving deeper into the actions of our “heroes” and what fuels them to fight, Togashi poses to the reader whether the human race is really better than the horrifying ants depicted. In fact he suggests that we are worse. The dualistic nature of mankind is showcased as the ants, through the growing compassion of Muruem, are shown the ability to mirror some resemblance of good meanwhile our heroes display that humankind has no limits to it’s malice and will do anything to ensure self preservation while upholding unfortunate injustice within the world. As a reader, those we champion to win simply cast away their humanity to become worse than their foes which begs the question on whether they were worth celebrating. Above all else, this arc becomes a case study on what it means to be human and all the intricacies accompanying that question. To where the fight of good (humans) versus evil (ants) becomes morally gray and makes you self reflect on how alike these two sides really are.

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No arc is perfect and downsides evident within this tale are the sheer number of characters introduced that allow the arc to drag in certain areas. Each story beat has a quintessential payoff that affects the overall narrative but the work to get there is sometimes monotonous.

The tone being as mature as it is works in benefit to the theme, but with this being the longest completed arc in the story to date, the prolonging of many of the gruesome events within the story definitely take a lot out of the viewer to commit to. Remembering how certain story threads connect can only truly be appreciated through multiple viewings as well as certain points of exposition simply being dumped by a narrator rather than shown, which is a polarizing style of storytelling Togashi has always opted for. All other weaknesses, as I suppose with the strengths too, come down to personal taste and the strategy of a slow build up can only be appreciated if the payoff is worth it.

And to that final point, the payoffs definitely do arrive. Giving iconic and emotionally enriching sendoffs to many of the characters.

The fight scenes are Hunter x Hunter at its best and a true climax to all the prior detail given to the Nen power system. No character conclusion felt forced and again without offering too many spoilers, the consequences and resolutions to each character's driving motivations are fully realized by this arc's conclusion.

In my opinion, this is the arc that skyrocketed Hunter x Hunter away from its contemporaries. Its current standing as a series where anything can happen was built on this foundation of providing some of the most masterful pieces of story ever put to manga. To question your protagonist's morality, flesh out the largest demonstrations of in-world power, incorporate an entire cast of well-written characters and provide satisfying and long lasting conclusions to character plotlines all within the same arc is ambitious to say the least. Bringing out the emotional core of an audience is the dream of any piece of art and that objective was met in an awe inspiring tale that will leave your standards for any narrative higher than when you started.

A PERSPECTIVE ON DIVINITY TAKEHIKO INOUE'S

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VAGABOND

he concept of divinity is a somewhat controversial pi topic across Japanese media, let alone anime and m manga. The cultural beliefs and religious viewpoints of of Japan tend to greatly differ from those over here in in the West. Because of these differing stances, stories are aren’t afraid to be critical of the idea of theology with many of them delving into mature themes that question the actual existence of an all powerful deity, while many other narratives can be found to lean more towards traditional Buddhist practices of worship and faith. Regardless of your own personal religious background, it is still profoundly interesting how stories that tackle this age-old topic find new ways to reinvent their perspectives through plots or characters that leave the audience with at least some new angle on religion to walk away with. If executed responsibly, I believe any series can provide the viewer with a valuable takeaway that does more than just play to the existence of a divine power, but further unroot what it is a divine being should represent in the first place. So with that notion out of the way, I’d like to reintroduce a favorite here at AGAVE Magazine, none other than Takehiko Inoue’s grand tale Vagabond, and how its comprehension of the divine resonates both within the story and in real life.

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A recurring topic within Vagabond is that of the “Hns” "heavens"and how our main protagonist Miy Miya Miyamoto Musashi wishes to perfect his swordsma swordsmanship to a state where the heavens will no will no longer laugh at him. It is through this mindset that we the reader are left to infer the vague but apparent nature that the divine are supposed to play within this world. Although not personally stating his own religious involvement, Musashi does ultimately believe in some overseeing entity constantly viewing the strides he makes in his daily life. And with that understanding he tries to perfect his physical might believing that the failures he faces along the way causes the heavens to revel in his mediocrity. It is this antagonistic relationship that Musashi holds for a large sect of his journey, arrogantly trying to prove himself to metaphysical forces that he’s certain think so little of him. His resentful attitude is a mirror of his own self image as Musashi’s own fear of inadequate strength terrifies him so he lashes out to prove to the powers-that -be that his existence isn’t just some joke.

Peeling back this thought process further, I can even find some connective threads to that way of thinking. As someone who believes in a higher power and purpose, it is difficult not to naturally associate life’s unfortunate situations and setbacks to that same power. It has the ability to foster an adversarial relationship wherein one tries their hardest to get through the misery that the “heavens” bestow upon us. But as shown throughout the story, all that viewpoint turns out to be is an arrogant defense mechanism desperately trying to disassociate the natural failures that come with living as intentional obstacles done by fate to deter us.

It’s an imaginary enemy meant to personify those tragic things outside of our control. And as Vagabond progresses, Musashi begins to open his eyes to this revelation as well. Along his journey Musashi frequently reunites with a monk/mentor named Takuan who offers consistent guidance on his spiritual journey. It is in one of these discussions that Takuan is able to detail to Musashi that our passages through life are preordained by the heavens above, but it is because our paths are pre-set that we have infinite freedom to become anything. Meaning a swordsman who’s trail is cloaked in blood today has room to change tomorrow just as it is equally possible for the good to be led astray. The direction of our paths have a set end and the independent decisions we take to get there are completely up to us with our free will. By ending the fight of what we think our destiny is supposed to be (believing the heavens are against us) we open our eyes to the directions and opportunities for growth provided by our past failures.

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What we believe is good for us as opposed to what we actually need can sometimes be on opposing spectrums.

Thus we relate this disconnect to the powers above refuting our desires. But what Vagabond proposes is that these denials aren’t the result of heaven's contempt as our fates have been predetermined. The real frustration occurs when we fail to learn from what is in front of us and don’t capitalize on valuable lessons that highlight the directions in growth we should be taking.

The heavens don't laugh, they just smile and stare.

If the conception of divinity were to be true, why would it preoccupy itself with such human trivialities such as laughing at individual hardship. Vagabond suggests that the heavens do not in fact negatively obstruct our means for happiness. The heavens do not laugh, people laugh. It is people that judge, criticize and belittle the unexpected turns that come forth in our lives.

Whereas the heavens themselves patiently watch, acknowledging the strides each of us make to conquer our specific hurdles and smile proudly. The heavens serve as a point of perspective. The continuous growth and perseverance through challenges that at once seemed impossible to overcome. And in conquering these accumulated challenges we grow further towards that path of predestined fulfillment, leaving those who watch us from above to simply observe our ventured routes with a smile.

Spiritual dialogue in manga is a valuable rarity because it doesn’t need to base itself in ceremonial practices but just offer a message transcendent of your belief system.

Misassociating the confusion and judgment of humanity on to the heavens above is a habit many of us find ourselves doing, and that denies the importance of things like failure. Failure and circumstance aren’t a web to overcome but bumpers in our experience that slowly mold us into growing and finding the real direction we want to take our lives. Similarly to how we can all look back on the concerns of our childhood or school years happily because we understand how those revelations shaped us into who we are, I hope to take my present obstacles in the same vein. Strength will never be found in defying the faceless powers above but in overcoming the barriers deterring you from self actualization as to one day look back on your struggles with a smile.

MANGAKA AVATARS! The Hidden Faces Behind the Biggest Talents One of the subtle details often showcased in manga that goes under-mentioned is the author caricatures existing in many of Japan’s most popular stories. It appears that, culturally, mangaka seldom like to show their faces to the public and sometimes go to great lengths to hide their identities from the masses. Unless it’s a special celebration of their work or a panel discussion involving their series, mangaka tend to shy away from the spotlight making it nearly impossible to find a variety of pictures they’re in. This caught my attention because in viewing the different anime discord I love on youtube or social media I find a redundancy in the images used to show different authors. You would think that these celebrities with millions of book sales to their names would have more than four to five quality images of themselves in the public domain. So what do they do instead?

Well in lue of flashing their faces in front of every chapter they illustrate, many of the industries’ best mangaka adopt a avatar to act as their faceless representative on the events occurring in the story.

From author letters to social media icons, plenty of mangaka simply identify as crudely drawn sketches that act as their figurehead voicing all their thoughts to the public. I find details like this really unique and its emphasizes how modest the culture in Japan really is. Little quirks like this even inspired my own workk and I wanted to just offer some spotlight to the caricatures behind the biggest entities in the world of manga.

Akira Toriyama Dragon Ball

Eiichiro Oda One Piece

Gege Akutami

JuJutsu Kaisen

Hajime Komoto

Yoshifumi Tozuka Undead Unluck

Yuto Suzuki Sakamoto Days

Haruichi Furudate Haikyuu!!

Tatsuki Fujimoto Chainsaw Man

Kaiu Shirai The Promised Neverland

Yoshihiro Togashi Hunter X Hunter

Kohei Horikoshi My Hero Academia

Hideaki Sorachi Gintama

Riichiro Inagaki Dr. Stone

Boichi

Mashle: Magic and Muscles

Koyoharu Gotoge Demon Slayer

Sun Ken Rock

What Are You Watching?

BLUE EYE SAMURAI

青い目

2023 was a year wherein major market streaming services such as Netflix heavily invested in the growing popularity of anime. This meant boosting their catalog of Netflix original content with shows like Castlevania: Nocturne, Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead and Onimusha all streaming on the platform. Without a doubt, however, the best series to rise from this new crop of Netflix inserts is the expertly directed, tonally mature and terrifically riveting tale of Blue Eye Samurai that has captured my attention better than any new anime series recently. Among the series’ litany of strengths is a solid and concise story direction that plays so beautifully off of the old western tropes of early Hollywood as well as the classic samurai films of early twentieth century Japanese cinema.

So without further introduction, let’s dig into what I’ve been, and what you certainly should be watching in Blue Eye Samurai.

What makes Blue Eye Samurai starkly different from the usual offerings of anime in recent years is the adult animation angle added to the show. While other series may cross this threshold through sheer violence and bloodshed, Blue Eye Samurai contains adult subject matter and imagery that isn’t there to simply appeal to the lowest common denominator but enhance the period wherein the story takes place. We are able to see how trivialized women are, how sexual gratification highlights this era of Japanese history and the conversations surrounding these topics become more real as a result.

But coming back to the topic of bloodshed, there certainly aren’t any punches pulled in this domain. The fight choreography from the season premiere to the finale are a masterclass in the genre. Hand to hand combat is such a visual appeal when executed correctly and the fights that take place in this series are so creatively set up and demonstrated that every one of them deserves your full attention. The impact, tension and detail of how brutal the violence can be is a main reason why this show is slowly garnering a cult following. In discussing the animation, I usually am not a fan of CGI animation brought to anime.

When done poorly, it looks clunky and the 3D models never capture the fluidity of movement that a series might need in order to be perceived as compelling.

But after viewing the blending of 2D and 3D animated techniques, I started to appreciate the style chosen for the series and it adds to the realism attempting to be conveyed through the world.

The atmosphere and back drops benefit fantastically from the

animation style with each new setting acting as wallpaper worthy snaps of the story. The intricate level of detail applied to the city streets and even the tone of skin visible on each character is recognizable and applaudable.

Even if you weren’t sold on these external details, the story itself would still have you compelled enough to binge all eight episodes in one sitting. It’s a story of revenge. Our lone swordsman, Mizu, sets out on a path soaked in blood in search of the four white men still harboring in Japan’s borders.

Along the trip we run into other characters who lead us down surprisingly intricate B side plots questioning their role in this period of Japanese history as well as how far one should fall in their search for retribution.

Blue Eye Samurai was a delight that I feel hasn’t been discussed enough this past year as being the standout masterpiece that it was. I for one am excited to see where this story leads, and with season 2 now in production from Netflix, I promise this won’t be the last you hear of this hidden gem.

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Sandy Point State Park, Annapolis MD 10/08/23

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founders day party in effect. vera bar and lounge, cherry hill nj 1/5/24

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howard university homecoming (campus square). Washington dc 10/21/23

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The park at 14th restaurant and nightclub. Washington dc 10/22/23

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Book browsing featuring Dilla time by dan charnas & ice cold by vikki tobak. bowie md 10/25/23

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Crab dip & salmon over grits. kitchencray cafe lanham md 10/27/23

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wide eye view of halloween in chocolate city, washington dc 10/31/23

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night time sight seeing over downtown, washington dc 10/31/23

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north carolina agricultural and technical state university homecoming, greensboro nc 11/4/23

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fried chicken eggs benedict at scrambled southern diner, greensboro nc 11/5/23

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Behind the scenes shots of justin gibbs (@jtgmedia) capturing the angles for the wonder of U dining room photoshoot. upper marlboro, md 11/18/23

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| ENTRY IV |

YOUR WAY WORKS.

DEEP THOUGHT

考思い深

In previous AGAVE Volumes, I’ve written at length on theories revolving the acceptance of unforeseen events and the long term merits of embracing the reset of our objectives. But what was mostly focused on in those previous writings was more so a way of approaching the dissonance of where we think we should be in our lives from a superficial standpoint.

What I have yet to acknowledge, that has been relevant in my life as of late, is a scenario wherein you reach that fork in the road of sticking with your prior convictions that have failed you or opt to adopt a new way of thinking. Recently I’ve been watching videos on musical artists such as jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, soul singer Marvin Gaye and rap group De La Soul who all reached a similar line in the sand with their careers. They had reached a breaking point for how far their own creative visions had brought them and were forced to either stick with their guts and risk ultimate failure or adopt a new style that they had to conform to out of necessity. Everyone of those individuals mentioned had their concept of what they wanted to stand for, the sound they wanted to appeal to and the methodology of how they created their music rejected by the masses for whatever reason at one point. So what should we do when we’re faced with that same challenge of having our own beliefs challenged and are forced to either change how we think or conform to a new ideology? Well I, along with those artists listed above, have come to discover that the answer to this struggle is simply the firm conviction and confidence to know that your way works.

念信

I’d like to believe that for the most part, everybody has a specific plan they have in store for their lives. A dream you’ve set out to conquer, a standard you’ve been taught to desire or any form of ideal that is manufactured in your mind that represents what the “good life” looks like. But sometimes the reality of real obstacles enters the fray that completely obliterates all the expectations and direction that you thought your life was heading towards. And in these moments it leaves you at a mentally vulnerable impasse on what needs to be done.

PHILOSOPHY

We all step forth in the different realms of life with a certain belief we want to see fulfilled. And these take infinitely different forms depending on who you are. If you have professional aspirations, maybe you conceive a life where you are respected amongst your peers, paid enough to live comfortably and have the ability to impact the world around you through your work. If we’re talking about love, maybe your preemptive belief is to find one special individual that values you for you, is transparent and is a reliable source of support. And if we’re talking about creative ventures, you may want to start your own clothing brand that epitomizes all of your interest without getting bogged down in the inauthentic trends of other competitors. Whatever the case may be, there is a set of expectations we all have towards those things we want and the virtues associated with our connection to them. It’s our way.

But as stated earlier, life gets in the way of that in various ways. Little and major things constantly occur to dim the perception on how far our standards are able to take us. The person once searching for a fulfilling job finds that corruption is the only effective way to secure power. The person searching for love may find emotional detachment to be ideal after discovering how common disloyalty and insincerity is in modern relationships. The aspiring creator may find that if he wants his clothing brand to take off, he may have to appeal to styles he was adverse to. These are the forks in the road for everyday people that test us on our mental confidence to stick with what we believe to be out there, the ideal, or change our mentalities to blend in to what we see in front of us, the reality.

And at this point many people begin to doubt their beliefs on what they once thought achievable and conform to whatever standard is put before them. Thus virtuous businessmen become money hungry, authentic romantics change to disengaged dependents who accept any bottom barrel treatment and creators lose their inner voice to prioritize what sells. But what is the point I’m making? That all of these outcomes are a result of not emboldening our belief in the standards we have for ourselves. When everyone around you is crazy, you're the one that’s insane is how the saying goes. And I think that when we’re accustomed to witnessing negative means get rewarded in this world, it makes us want to change how we accomplish our goals. Even when there is nothing wrong with the path we are on. I think the unbroken will to stick to the idealized version of the ventures we set out on is the truest expression of strengthened conviction that someone could have. But it also requires a certain aptitude of confidence to know that, no matter how many times you're knocked down, your way does work.

Don’t get me wrong advanced stubbornness and pride are legitimate weaknesses that can result in a person missing opportunities to gain new wisdom or perspective. What I’m referring to mainly is the genuine and authentic aspirations of our different ambitions that too often get washed away by hurt or mediocre individuals who would rather you settle for the easier way out instead of pursuing what your gut is telling you. And neither do I expect the payoff for doing things your way to always be immediate or grand. It is true that everyone isn’t rewarded for being themselves. You often make yourself very open to isolation or misfortune when sticking with your own compass of how to do things. But I think the payoff is more than worth it. It limits the underhanded disingenuousness and bitter traits of this world from defining who we are. And the lack of immediate gratification is meaningless to me if I don’t have to sacrifice my outlook on life to achieve it.

Doing things your way isn’t always a matter of shunning off more evil means of accomplishing goals.

In writing this magazine for example, there are other ways to achieve recognition for my work. I could choose more topical stories, bolster a non-stop media feed and pay for sponsored content by top tier influencers. But that’s not the way I want things to go.

The same could be said with the creative direction work I steadily pursue. There are an additional million ways for me to go about conquering the creative space, but instead of taking everyone else’s talents and methods I will simply continue to grow at my pace and make those calls most true to me. And I’m growing more daily to accept the effects of choosing to live by my own standards in my creative and personal life.

Because to me that is what being an individual is all about in simplest terms. Gaining a philosophy on life that molds and shifts to new experience but is steadfast enough to not shatter based on what's happening around me. It’s the true man’s road so to speak, and I will continue to walk mine. I implore any of you reading this to question what you really want out of your current pursuits and have faith in the direction of wherever you're hoping your beliefs take you.

AGAVE

VOLUME IV

AGAVE

VOLUME IV

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SEPT 2023