What’s going down Mann!? What’s happening!? How have you been? Chilling, chilling. What’s good out in Cincinnati? Oh shit, definitely it ain’t the weather, but it’s cool though. Just trying to get it in man—you know. How did you get your start in the rap game? Well shit, I’ve been doing this rap thing for a minute. I remember being younger doing it just for a hobby and started to like it and love it. I said what the hell, so I started to putting myself to try and make it. I’m still grinding—it’s been about, I’ma
say at least ten man, ten years I’ve been grinding out here. What keeps you going? I’m trying to have something basically. That’s just the motivation for me— I’m trying to have something. What’s your creative process for lacing up a new track? Mainly what I do, I like to get the beat first. Get the beat, play it a few times, while I’m smoking something good or something—you know. If the idea pops in my head, then I ride with it. How has Cincinnati helped to define you as a rapper? Basically man, the ‘Nati is full of the
good and the bad. So shit, it aint hard to stay humble and real—I just do me out here—you know. What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced and overcome so far? I’ma have to say when my Father passed when I was younger. I’m still trying to get over it to this day—you know. I know everybody loses friends or family members, but the hard thing about it for me was I lost him when I was young. I thought he was going to come back. But when I got older and understood death, I knew he wasn’t coming back. For that day still go on now—I’m a grown man now—I still think about it every day.
I’m still trying to overcome it, but that kinda help me keep going to. How do you handle the hating that comes along with success? [laughs] The hating and shit, that’s my motivation baby! I Love it—keep the hating coming. Do you see the Internet as a positive tool for musicians? Ahh, most definitely—hell I can be in the ‘Nati and link up with folks overseas, or somebody in Cali. The Internet man, that’s a big ass plus as far as promotion and all that getting yourself out there. It’s a hell of a tool. So social media has helped you to reach a larger audience?
Yeah, the thing about social media is that you can tap into all types of walks of life and shit. Like people that you wouldn’t expect to listen to your music, and that social media or whatever, it kinda puts them up on game. It also lets you know as far as what to take your music to next, or what you need to do from listening to their feedback. So yes, not only has social media helped me to reach a larger audience, but it’s also helped to grow as an artist. How was it working with Hi-Tek? Ahh, it was truly a blessing, that’s a humble dood. And shit, anytime you can be around a person like that it don’t do nothing but push you to work harder. You know—step your shit up to the next level. Plus man, that’s my rother from another mother, so what can I say? What are you currently working on? Well, you know, I just dropped that Cadillac Ridin: The Chop Session. I also just finished the Undaground Capp’n Vol. 1, that’s coming soon by the way. But right now, right now, as we speak I’m working on this third project man. I don’t gotta name for it yet, just busting out motherfuckin’ music man. Song by song, I’m working on that right now. So when can we expect Undaground Capp’n Vol. 1 to drop? I’m gonna try get that one out there for the springtime—probably April, sometime around the beginning of April. Would you say that you’re doing
what you love with music? Ahh yes, most definitely—I love music. I can’t go a day without music. I just like the stress relief of it—it’s my therapy or whatever you want to say. You know—anytime that you’re down or anytime you’re hype, no matter how you’re feeling, music always will compliment you with good shit. I love music. I love doing music. The thing about that is, I like to let the people know how I’m feeling with my music, my ideas or whatever. The shit I go through, I like to share it with people because maybe they might be going through the same shit, or feeling how I’m feeling at that time or whatever. So really, I’d just like to share my music with the world. What’s next? Just more music, more music and more music. Then we get off into other adventures and all that. But right now, it’s just studios and shows. Basically it’s just about the music with me. Overload ‘em—you know! Thanks a trillion for getting involved with UNDR RPBLC. Do you have any shout-outs? I want to shout out to UNDR RPBLC most definitely. Good shit from you, thanks for hollering and chopping it up with a nigga. I want to shout out to the whole ‘Nati! Shout out to the whole Ro. And basically I’m gonna shout out to everybody that’s holding me down, on they shit, getting it in, doing what they do.
What’s happening Herman? What up! I just finished up my West Coast tour with my partner Acee-Ville. I’m really excited for this New Year, I’ve got big plans for ‘11— the grind never stops! How are you? I’m great—staying busy like always. Currently I’m getting ready for our ‘11 UK tour and prepping for new projects coming out! Can you explain the feeling you get while performing? At first I was really excited, but after you do a lot of shows it gets crazy. Don’t get me wrong—I love it. Every time I get on stage I feel that same
initial rush, it’s the best feeling ever! With all this touring, what helps you to unwind once you’re back at home? Spending time with my family, making more music and reading. I’m always trying to improve at what I do best. Congratulations on your firstborn son! Has he helped to change your outlook and drive in life? Thank you. Yes, it has been a wild ride and a big challenge in my life trying to be a family man while maintaining my career. It’s honestly the best thing that’s ever happened to me—he’s a wild one! Besides your family, what motivates
you as a musician? All the talented people around me remain my motivators. What projects are you currently working on? Right now I’m working on my new record with Ikey Owens of The Mars Volta and the Free Moral Agents. Acee-Ville and I are also working on The IinTerCepTerZ new album Learn The Letters and I’ve got another solo album dropping with DJ Press of Key-Hub Music. When can we expect those to drop? They will all be released in ‘11. I’ll have the exact dates sometime in February.
Where can we buy ‘em? They will be available from iTunes, CDBaby, Amazon, http://kkidz.com and Grimm Image Records. We’re also planning on a few record stores in Arizona, Cali and Montana—more info to be announced soon! What’s your role at Grimm Image Records? I’m a recording artist at Grimm Image Records along with the likes of 2Mex, Ceschi, Xololanxinxo, K The I???, Bleubird, Circus, Existstereo, Life, Rexall, Deeskee, Nabahe, Alextryxal and many more! How did you and Acee-Ville originally get linked up?
I’ve known about Acee since ‘99— he’s a really good friend of my family and everyone over at Grimm Image Records. Back in ‘08 Acee and I caught back up with each other at a few shows. After that we went on tour together and progressively started working together more and more. Based on the successes we’d had together, we formed The IinTerCepTerZ (Acee and I). Acee is like a mentor to me, we stick together—that’s my brother! What was it like working with Ikey Owens of The Mars Volta? It was a great experience—he’s a very talented man. I’ve got tons of respect for him and The Mars Volta. It’s really cool to be working with Ikey—the album is going to be dope! What’s next? More shows, albums and tours—the grind never stops! Any shout-outs? Big shout-outs to Acee-Ville, Worldwithoutcolor Ent., K-Kidz— Creative Mind Flow, Grimm Image Records, Tripp Apparel, Fake Four Inc., Ceschi, Ramos, DJ Press, Ikey Owens, Free Moral Agents, Public Defendaz, Mic Bles, Key-Hub Music, Curt Connect, Abstract Rude, Myka 9, Ariano & Ld, 2Mex, Nabahe, everyone @ The Ranch, The 805, La-FE, Traumaticc, Ybv, all the homies, my brother Sunspot Jonz, M9 Ent., JT The Sarge, Busdriver, Oldominion, Xololanxinxo, Ken Kong, Dapper Dan, all my supporters, friends, family and fans! Thank you!
Hey Jennifer! Hola! How’s it going in the sunshine state? It’s fabulous! Have you been getting any sun lately? Actually, it’s been feeling like I’m back in NYC here recently, but give it a good month or so and the sunny days will be back again for Florida. ;] So, you’re originally from the Bronx right? Yes I am, but I lived in Brooklyn since I was two. The Bronx will always have my heart though! What brought you out to Florida? My fiancé and I were ready for a
change. After having lived in Nashville for quite some time, Tampa was a great place for us to go for a fresh start. Not to mention, it’s a terrific place to raise our kids. Do you call Florida your permanent home? For now I do, but my dream would be to go overseas and launch Jennifer Lizeth Designs worldwide. Do you miss New York? Of course I do! New York is always going to be home for me. I try and go every two or three months when I get the chance. You’re a fashion eyewear designer right?
Yes, and I also have a custom Lego collection. What initially got you into designing eyewear? My fiancé and I have a photography company called Vroom! Photography—so we were always working with models and I was looking to do more than just that. I wanted to come up a clever way to get my own name out there, while at the same time doing something fresh and original. So I started making the shades. People were supportive of my designs almost immediately and I didn’t want to stop. I now know of four similar companies, but they’re
not here in Florida or overseas. So that’s where I come in, ready to take over! =] What is the name of your eyewear line? Jennifer Lizeth Designs. I’ve noticed the cute Lego heart in each of your photos. Is that your logo? That’s actually not my logo, it’s just something I came up with and started doing. Now, I’m rocking it in all sorts of ways, like rings, pins and things. You name it—I can make it. =] I love how you go from mainstream in some of your styles to avant-garde with others. I’m intrigued by the
eccentricity of each of your pieces—the gold-fringed glasses are my favorite. Where do you draw your inspiration? Thanks. I’m more free hand type of gal than anything else. I will sit at my table, pull out my LV duffle bag with all my stuff and just go off on what I think will have everyone talking. Do you enjoy designing more for mainstream/everyday use, or do you enjoy designing hot couture styles? I love all types of styles. If it’s a custom order—I will enjoy satisfying my client’s needs. But if it’s one of my personal creations you can guarantee that it’ll be major. I feel like the more I have people talking about my designs the more they will get around. Love ‘em or hate ‘em—that’s a Jennifer Lizeth Design! How would you describe your personal style? I feel like I’m very unique with what I do. I try to bring a little bit of everything into a Jennifer Lizeth Design. I can be simple and basic, or I can flex outrageous and breathtaking. So basically, you’re like a “one woman army”. A photographer, stylist and fashion designer all wrapped up into one. What’s it like living in your shoes? Let’s not forget super-mom!!! =] My life can be really crazy at times, but I’m thankful no matter what. When I juggle more than one task at a time it helps make my creative thinking
process grow even stronger. Whatever I do I make sure it’s perfected—I’m a perfectionist! What’s next? I plan to have the baddest chicks and hottest men wearing Jennifer Lizeth Designs. One day I will be more than just a household name! What are some of your greatest accomplishments? I would have to say the fashion shows I’ve done and the outstanding people I’ve had the pleasure of working with. To me everyone’s a celebrity and I’m honored to be a part of their world, just like they’re honored to be a part of mine. I can see that you’re a busy woman. On top of knocking out numerous recent fashion shows, you’re styling photo shoots with Tango from Vh1 and Def Jam/Universal Records recording artist Layne Harper. Where else can we find your work and purchase your eyewear? Let me also add that I’ve worked with Plies, YG, Lil Kee and Triple C’s. You can find more of my work at http://modelmayhem.com/jenniferlizeth If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would it be? Just being real, I wouldn’t want to switch lives with anyone—I want to live out my own dream. Well, Jennifer it’s been a pleasure. I love your work and I hope to see more of your stuff for years to come. Do you have any shout-outs? God!
What up Chato!? Hi there! How the heck are you man? I’m doing great—with a lot of projects in mind and a big smile on my face. Thanks for the invitation. Of course! What’s cracking out in Bogota? Well, the street action is getting bigger—a lot of people are doing art and exploring the city boundaries in new and crazy ways. So that, for sure, will bring awesome things to the city. What initially got you into art and design? I’ve always drawn, but I’d have to
say back in ‘98 when I started skateboarding. I think all the images involved in the skate industry hit my mind and I just wanted to draw skate stuff. Then, I started printing t-shirts for my friends and I. It’s that sort of curiosity for graphics that’s still here making me go further each day. What do you find to be the most rewarding aspect of your design work? Smiles—I really enjoy when people smile and have a good time with my work. I think that every graphic communication should end with a positive thought. I mean your designs can be political, dealing with heavy
themes or whatever, but if it delivers the message in a positive way, somebody, somewhere will be smiling. …Street art? The learning process—the street is a very different space for my art. I’ve found my street experience to be full of experimentation—and when you experiment you tend to learn a lot. The streets have challenged me to do really quick stuff and that’s a big stretch for me (I’m like that dude that takes hours to finish a piece). That challenge has helped me to reach new developments with my art. I must say that street art action is all
about friends and collective work. I would never change out a day out painting with the homies for a day inside alone in front of a computer, or in front of a blank white canvas. Of the two, which would you say that you prefer? That’s a really a good question man! In my art the street art and design worlds are building each other up in some sort of reciprocity. When I go to the street I might take a picture of some texture, watch something strange or find something interesting in the process. That then becomes part of an illustration or design I’ll do—and the same can be said for
my street art. Do you get the same rush or feeling from seeing someone sporting a t-shirt design you’ve created as you would from having a mural running up the block? Well, it’s quite an emotion to see somebody on the street sporting a t-shirt you’ve designed. Recently, I did some commissioned artwork for Nike and was really happy with the result. The fact that a lot of people will have a piece of my work in their wardrobes is awesome to me. With a street art piece, I honestly feel more of a rush doing it than checking it out later, or knowing that it’s still there. I think they are both different emotions, but both are really intense. What is the inspiration behind your “Monster” characters? I came to Bogota in ‘07 from my hometown Cali, that’s a middle city here in Colombia. Moving here was a big shock for me. At a certain point I started to imagine that invisible monsters were living among us in the city, screaming stuff and trying to tell us things. So, ever since that day I’ve become, like, some sort of graphic translator for my dear monster friends. Love is something that has always inspired me to create. In fact, I started painting in the streets again because I wanted to share the monsters with somebody I love. Music, politics, others people’s art, family, places, my dog and life in
general are also part of my everyday inspiration. Maybe that’s why my monsters are usually surrounded by a lot of elements and concepts. How old were you when you caught your first tag? I think I was like eighteen or something. That’s gotta be like ten years ago—man I’m getting old. Has much changed since then? I don’t really know—I guess I still have the same curiosity for graphic communications and to express my ideas out in the world. Now I just have more technical and conceptual tools to do so. Does Colombian culture play a significant role in your work? Yes of course—I was born here, I still live here and I can’t deny my cultural roots. How do you gather the inspiration for your next design? I don’t really have a specific method or anything like that—ideas just seem to jump out at me. Sometimes they’ll spawn from a word, a sentence, a song, a person, a creature, a movie, or anything else that’s out there. Are there any particular people in your life that really motivate you to be the best that you can be? My mom, my family, the woman I love, my friends, my artist colleagues and my dog. Design or art? The two in the same day. Bikes or cars? Bikes. Stencils or wheat paste?
Stencils. Hip-hop or rock? The two in the same day. Legal or illegal? Legal in the day—illegal at night. And last but not least—computer generated or hand drawn designs? Hand man, even to turn on your computer you need to use your hand. Where do you see all your hard work going in the future? Everywhere. I want to show my stuff to the world and then hear what the people have got to say about it. A great way to get better as an artist is to share.
Would you say that you’re doing what you love? Hell yeah!!! I’m still not making a living off of it, but I hope will! What’s next? Traveling and busting my monsters up in your hood! Thank you very much Chato! Any shout-outs? Thanks to you, UNDR RPBLC for this cool time. Big ups to everybody doing art anyway that they can. Tons of respect to people that love art and the street as a place for it. A lot of paint and positive vibes for the UNDR RPBLC readers out there— keep it up.
Hey Mark! Hey Under Republic! What’s up!? How are you? I’m doing perfect! What’s going down in Malabon? Nothing much—it’s still the same old city with the same old people I know. You’ve mentioned that most of your design work is done while you’re at work, how on earth have you managed that? [laughs] Yes, you’re right—I got really inspired when I first saw the Behance Network. I typically don’t have the time to open my computer at home because I’m really tired after work since I work the graveyard shift. So
every time I see new work on Behance and other graphic design sites, I feel inspired to create my own artwork. There are times when my creative juices won’t stop flowing and I can’t resist creating even if it’s at work. I only take a few breaks and sometimes I won’t even eat lunch— just so I can finish up my artwork. Each one of my pieces usually takes about two to three days to finish. Has designing at work ever gotten you in any trouble with the boss? Yeah, sometimes—but before I do my artwork, I make sure that I have finished most of my daily tasks. What is your day job anyhow?
I work as a graphic designer at a US based printing company called Uprinting. I design brochures, business cards, calendars, posters, flyers, etc. You can check our website at http:// uprinting.com—cheap high quality prints! How long have you been involved with graphic design and photography? For three years now, when I started learning Photoshop. I learned Illustrator a year ago and InDesign a half a year ago. I’ve also been taking pictures since I was a kid and got my DSLR camera about two years ago. Would you consider a career in
graphic design or photography, if an opportunity presented itself to you? That’s a hard question—one cannot live without the other. But I think I would go for graphic designing more. I could still design even without photos and graphic design is broader field. What’s your main source of creative inspiration? I get a lot of inspiration from other artists. There are many, many talented artists all over the world. I believe that your artwork is a reflection of yourself. So just be yourself and put your own style in and you’ll be ok. Could you describe your creative
process to us? First I begin with an idea, but as I go further along with the artwork the idea becomes something else. At that point, the artwork seems to define its own distinct style. Well actually, I don’t have a creative process when creating these artworks. I just work, revise, undo and then I just suddenly stop when I feel that the canvas is too cluttered or overdone. Do you have a piece that is—hands down—your personal favorite? My newest piece is always my personal favorite. Every day I learn new styles and get more ideas—so my favorite piece for now is “Tiguru 156”. All of your work available online is really recent, has anything in your life sparked a sudden surge of creativity? I’ve never really pictured myself as being a graphic designer. Thank God that I learned Photoshop, because without it I probably wouldn’t have a job right now. What’s up with your band Psycho Destroyer? Psycho Destroyer is the heaviest band in the world! Nah, just kidding—we are a hardcore band from Malabon City that consists of six members and so far we have seven original songs. We play in some parts of metro Manila and are planning to release our full album in November of ‘11. You guys rock!!! Where else can we find your music?
Thanks! You can catch more of our music at http://www.myspace.com/ psychodestroyer, http://rakista.com/ psychodestroyer/ and on YouTube and Facebook, just type in “Psycho Destroyer”. Are you planning any tours or shows soon? Right now, the band is busy with their day jobs, but we are always available to play on weekends. Just invite us and we will play for free— just give us a few free beers! [laughs] What instruments do you play besides drums? Second to drums I play the guitar, the bass and a few piano chords. Would you say that you’re doing what you love? Yes! I wouldn’t be in the graphic/ music industry if I didn’t love it. My motto in life is “Do what you love and love what you do.” What’s next? I’m planning to explore more about the world of graphic design. I’d also like to learn more design software and techniques. Thanks a ton for getting involved with UNDR RPBLC! Do you have any shout-outs? Anytime! You are very welcome UNDR RPBLC. First and foremost thanks to God for being so good to me. To my family, who’s always been supportive and always believed in my talent. And a big shout to all my friends and officemates that have been a daily inspiration to me! Cheers and God bless you all!
What’s up Jake!? Not much man—just stoked to be doing this Q&A with you. How’s NYC? NYC is pretty intense, but in a good way—there’s always a lot going on here to shoot. There’s plenty of dope architecture, art, fashion and loads of people basically everywhere you look. It keeps me extremely busy. In a nutshell, I love it here. What got you into photography? When I was growing up, I was lucky to be around cameras from a very young age. Even though I came from a large family and resources were often spread fairly thin, my
parents always hooked me up with film and supplies. The first camera that was really “mine” was a gift from my parents when I was in grade school. It was an old brown Kodak 110 that looked like a candy bar. I had to shoot outside mostly because the flash bulbs were single use and fairly costly. My first SLR was a hand me down from my dad—everything on it was manual. He gave it to me when I signed up for my first photography course in 8th grade. It came with two lenses, one was a 50mm and the other was some really long telephoto lens that I hardly used. The film door
latch was broken, so I always had to have it duct taped shut—it was pretty gangster. I never shot anything amazing with that camera. But I had a blast with it, shooting my friends when we were goofing off, skating, etc. At the time, there was not much that was more satisfying than being able to process my own film and print off the stuff that I liked in the darkroom. Throughout the rest of school, I took a series of photography courses, mostly for the darkroom access. But I like to think that era is also where I learned the fundamentals of composition, exposure and other basic elements
of photography and art. Can you remember the moment you decided to become a photographer? I can’t really say when that moment was, or even that I made a decision to become a photographer. It seems like it is just something that happened organically. I was shooting a lot of stuff that I thought was pretty cool— most of the time for fun, occasionally for pay. I think that the first time I saw my title on a business card as “photographer” is when it really sunk in mentally for me. That is not to say that someone has to make money to be a photographer. I know plenty
of people who shoot some amazing stuff just for their love of the art. Who, I might add, I’m constantly amazed by. Why do you shoot? Because I love to do it. I have a day job that affords me absolutely de minimis creative outlet, so when I get behind the camera it doesn’t even feel like work. I absolutely love the feeling of being able to document something that is visually appealing to me and frame it up in a way that gives it a little bit of a unique aesthetic. I feel like the photographic medium is the way that I can best achieve that, more so than I could by drawing, painting or writing about it. What camera(s) do you use? I primarily shoot with a Canon 7D—I love pretty much everything about that camera. Recently, I’ve been shooting a lot of stuff with a Polaroid 230 Land Camera using Fuji FP3000B film. The Polaroid is a blast because it yields instant results, the same way a digital camera does, but the images have that rich depth and feel that can’t really be achieved with pixels. How do you feel about Photoshop? I think that Photoshop is amazing—it is a very powerful tool. For me personally, I like to do the heavy lifting with the camera and then use Photoshop only for minor retouching/ adjusting, exposure, contrast, etc. Basically, I use Photoshop for the same stuff that I used to do in the darkroom when making prints. When
things like HDR first became popular, I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder. I thought that people were somehow “cheating” by using Photoshop as a proverbial crutch to make up for what they lacked when capturing the original image. For some reason, I felt like tons of Photoshopping somehow diminished what I was trying to do. My attitude now is that different people find different things aesthetically appealing. What I might consider over processed, or generally overdone, other people might love. It isn’t really my place to say what is and is not art. If someone is good with Photoshop and enjoys creating something unique, I say go for it. Film or digital? I love different aspects of both formats—digital is so amazing. If for nothing else, the way it allows me to snap a string of a thousand images for absolutely zero dollars in materials. The versatility of digital format is a modern marvel—I mean—even ten years ago doods in Silicon Valley were dreaming about the day that people could capture images on their phones and transmit them wirelessly. These days even homeless guys have nicer cameras in their phones than the first digital camera I owned—it’s pretty remarkable. I love film because it makes me really slow down and think before I hit the shutter button. I double-check all of the settings, focus, composition— then triple check. When I’m holding
a print that I shot with film, I love that I’m holding something that’s a one of kind. It’s absolutely unique. I love knowing that the image doesn’t exist anywhere else in the universe, not on Google images, or some server out in cyberspace. I’m holding the only print currently in existence. I feel like I’m getting too philosophical. Next question... Color or B&W photography? When shooting film, I have to say that strongly prefer black & white. But then again, I really like aspects of each. There are some shots that I know are meant to be monochromatic as soon as I square things up in the viewfinder. Generally speaking, when I’m shooting something on assignment, people don’t want B&W. So most of the stuff that I have had published in B&W has been stuff that I have shot for fun/art. I did a shoot with my grandparents on my father’s side last time I was in my hometown and the B&W images from that session are probably some of my favorite stuff that I’ve ever shot. I have to say that I love the really directionally lit, high-contrast Terry Richardson style of stuff too. On the other hand, some images would be crap if it weren’t for the rich color that they contain—so I hope that counts as an answer. What’s your preferred subject matter to shoot? I don’t know if I have a favorite subject matter, per se. I really enjoy setting up shots that have a lot of
contrast. Not necessarily contrast in the sense of light/dark, although I do like that. It can be contrasting shapes or themes, even something like hard straight lines next to messy clouds, water or street art. I do enjoy shooting candid photos of people also. I feel like there’s something so genuine about those photos. My favorite people to shoot are my family. Is there anything that you haven’t shot yet that you’re really looking forward to taking pictures of? Yes, there are many things. I would absolutely love to shoot a major campaign for a fashion label that I like. I also think that it would be amazing to do some work in the water. I grew up drooling over surf photography. I’m a big fan of action sports photography in general— I would love to do more of it. How often do you shoot? Almost, if not every day. Of all the pictures you’ve taken, why did you choose these photos for UNDR RPBLC? I felt like it was a pretty good cross section of some stuff that I’ve shot here in NY, as well as abroad. Each of them contains at least one element that I feel pretty strongly about— whether it’s location, subject or style. What inspires you? My friends and family definitely inspire me a great deal. One of the reasons that I initially made the jump to the DSLR realm was the birth of my daughter. I live far away from my
family and I wanted them to be able to see documented progress of our little girl portrayed as lifelike as I knew how to capture it. My wife—for sure. I know that the term “muse” is a bit tired, but she really has given me ideas that I consider to be among some of my best. There’s also a huge list of contemporary photographers that have inspired me considerably throughout the years. That list also includes several of my friends, whose style I’ve tried to imitate on various occasions, because I’m such a fan of what they do.
I’ll round off the list with my first “favorite” photographer—Ansel Adams. I’m still blown away by his stuff. How do you see you hard work paying off? I feel like when I first started shooting professionally, I had to do a lot of hustling. Don’t get me wrong—I still do a lot of hustling. But I kind of felt obligated to take every job that came around, even if I couldn’t really vibe it and didn’t necessarily want my name on it. To a degree, that is still true. But, for the most part, I can be a lot more choosy of the work that I decide to
do, compared to when I first started shooting paid gigs. Would you say that you’re doing what you love? Absolutely—when I’m taking pictures, it never feels like work. What’s next? I wish I could nail that one down for sure. [laughs] That’s always the looming question. I’ve been working closely with Titel Media for just shy of a year as their NYC staff photographer, primarily for Highsnobiety. Working with them has allowed me to form several relationships within the NYC fashion
community. I intend to keep pursuing those channels, as well as documenting the streets and walls of NYC as I see them. Thank you Jake for getting involved with UNDR RPBLC. Do you have any shout-outs? Definitely—it was my pleasure. Yeah, I would like to shout out my wife and little girl, for sure. I would also like to give a big thanks to all of my photographer friends for all of the advice, borrowed gear and inspiration. Big shout to my extended family too, for always being so supportive of my interests.
Beat Hazard
Catfish
Tech N9ne
My sister Mini-G put me up on this one—Beat Hazard is a slamming old-school shooter that has implemented an algorithm that functions with whatever music track you’ve chosen for a particular level. Basically, each level is formed and changes around whatever track you’re slumping in the background—fresh as fuck right!? It goes like this, import your favorite tracks, blast on some chumps, collect some power and volume increasing bits, all the while trying not to go into a seizure from the vivid strobe effects. Oh, and make sure you break out that 160 BPM or higher type shit to guarantee that each level is stupefying. This is the type of innovation that I love to see—independent game developers taking things to the next level. It sorta makes me wonder, what’ll they think of next? Beat Hazard available on Steam— booya!!!
A few months back I was perusing some design mags at the bookstore there and I came upon a few the Catfish movie posters— and man lemme tell ya—they were looking sharp. Then a couple weeks back, I caught the movie trailer, which only further perked my curiosity of this flick. Well, tonight I sat down and watched this bad boy— good stuff. Out the gate Catfish does a great job of captivating the audience and building tension on the already popular subject of Internet relationships. It goes like this—Nev meets a gal on Facebook and goes to meet her—you can pretty much fill in the blanks from there. But the outcome is interesting to say the least— definitely a terrific look at an already wacky subject. So, when you have a chance, check it out. Catfish is well worth your time.
Tech N999nnneee!!! Tech stays consistently dropping albums and flipping his own syllable bouncing, boisterous style. This time around Tech teamed up with DJ Whoo Kid and his fellow label mates Krizz Kaliko, Kutt Calhoun and Jay Rock for the release of the Bad Season mixtape. Always one for fun Tech spits “Porky Pigging you from the back, cuz I’ma bedeat bedeat that mideat till you start twideaking out yo’ sheets. Once you gideek I’m gonna skideet. I’m out, go skideeching down your streets.” Yep. On the hard hitting “Down For The Block” newcomer Jay Rock compliments Tech well and make sure you don’t miss the Dr. Dre produced Travis Barker drummed “Hard Liquor”. Just a few months since Seepage dropped and another solid release—Tech N9ne continues to stay on top of his game.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Buffalo Wild Wings
Sonic Colors
Super Mario Galaxy 2 is on some ol’ super fun, challenging, exciting, 3D world flipping, camera angling, mind tripping, tile shifting, cloud bouncing, goomba stomping, star capturing, lava vaulting, coin collecting, still keeping it treal—2D repping, Princess saving, extraordinary-fun-time-extravaganza-type-tip. I wish games were this ill when I was a kid because they’ve really out down themselves with this one. It’s my honest belief that this game can help kids out tremendously with problem solving and other shit like that. Anyhow, it starts off just as Mario games do— Bowser rolls through and snatches up the Princess and we all know Mario don’t play dat. So off you go, cruising around with some puffy doods and collecting stars to get the girl—yada yada yada. All you need to know is how fun this game is... tons.
I recently took on a job as a shoe schlepper at the mall. Let’s just say the work is menial at best, but the hot wing perks are what make it all worthwhile. I work Tuesdays and Thursdays both of which happen to be 50¢ wing nights— fuck yeah! Tuesdays are good old-fashioned hot wings, whereas Thursdays are the boneless joints—let’s just say that I’ve put on a couple extra elbo’s over the last few weeks. So far the “Caribbean Jerk” and “Wild” sauces are my shiznit. I haven’t stepped my spicy game up to their “Blazin” sauce yet, but if you know me, you know that’s bound to happen. Their mojo potato wedges are slamming and they also provide a nice intermediate for that spiciness factor. I don’t know if you got a Buffalo Wild Wings in your neck of the woods, but if you do, Tuesdays and Thursdays get down with the boogie.
Sensory overload!!! I don’t know the last time you played Sonic The Hedgehog but right about now is the time to catch up with our dear old friend. Sonic Colors successfully splices new school 3D gameplay with classic 2D side-scrolling Sonic freshness, making for a truly exhilarating experience. This time around Sonic is battling Dr. Robotnik in his tremendous outer space theme park. Basically you’ve got six worlds, each containing seven levels apiece, boasting some of the sharpest visuals I’ve seen on the Wii so far. Trust me, you’ll stay zoomin’ those super Sonic speeds that will leave your senses reeling! The games storyline makes use of some cute Saturday morning-esque Sonic cartoonies and the soundtrack delightfully compliments each level. Go get this game and hang on for one hell of a ride!