Erick Hercules: No Photoshop

It is my pleasure to present an incredible interview conducted by the Art of Visuals podcast featuring my brother and photographer extraordinaire, Erick Hercules.

The insightful sit-down touches on Erick’s humble beginnings as an opera singer, his unworldly metamorphosis into an elite lensman and everything else in between. Grab a pen and notepad to jot down all of the gems that are bursting out of this conversation. 

Erick Hercules and Frendy doing what they do best

Enjoy below: (press play and wait a few seconds)

Leader of The Delinquents

“Cudi: hmmmm, Everyone: this nigga spitting!” Aw man, the jokes about Scott’s immaculate hums never gets old! In his latest sonic offering, “Leader of The Delinquents,” Mr. ‘Beautiful Morning’ kicked off the track with his infamous low, steady continuous sounds, which eventually led us to some equally potent (and revealing) lyrics. 

The cello-filled tune is Mescudi’s first solo single in a whopping four years!  Although “Leader of The Delinquents,” dates all the way back to 2012, it is easily relatable to our current reality. In one bar he spits, “gotta smack em with some shit before the world ends.” 

Dot da Genius, Cudi, Frendy

The world is far from ending, but we certainly are shifting into a new paradigm. What an exciting time to be alive! With that said, check out Cudder’s latest bop below: 

A Night At The Museum

Hello everyone, it’s Goldie!  I hope everyone is doing things they enjoy during quarantine. An activity that I found myself doing is visiting various museums in Europe. Yes, you read that correctly! (haha). Thanks to Ruth Doherty’s article over at Housebeautiful.com, I’ve discovered 11 of the best virtual museum and art gallery tours. These museums include Le Musée du Louvre and Musée d'Orsay in Paris, The Metropolitan Museum of New York, and The Natural History Museum of London.

My favorite museum that I’ve visited has to be Le Musée du Louvre. The first time I’ve virtually experienced this iconic site is through The Carters’ aesthetically pleasing video for “APESHIT.” The way that the institution was captured with its wide shots and cinematography made me feel like I was actually there.

Thankfully, my longing to see the museum has been satisfied. Got an art fix? Click this link (https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/lifestyle/g31911114/virtual-tours-museum-art-galleries/) and go visit these amazing places. But first and most importantly, get your favorite beverage (mine happens to be vanilla chai black tea with almond milk) or snack, sit back, relax, and visit these grand galleries from the comfort of your home.

Written by Goldie Lemorin

Boiler Room In The Living Room

Hello everyone, it’s Goldie and I’m back at it again with a new article. I hope you are all well! Remember to stay safe and prioritize your mental health by doing things that give you joy and peace. Something that has personally helped me feel a sense of serenity during this time has been watching past Boiler Room DJ sets on YouTube.

Prior to the pandemic, I would occasionally go out to the Bushwick hotspot Lot45 to dance the night away with my closest friends. There, we would be a part of this massive sea that was made up of beautiful and eclectic bodies that moved and grooved to the lit sounds that the DJ so gracefully played. I felt a sense of freedom and I could tell that everyone who was there felt the same way.

Who would have known that things would have changed so soon? 

Since we all can no longer go to our favorite bars or nightclubs, I decided to revisit Boiler Room’s YouTube channel. Yes, it’s different in the way that I can no longer physically share the same space with my fellow club-goers, but it is the same in that I get to listen to a dope DJ set and get turnt….even if it is in the comfort of my living room. 

My relationship with Boiler Room started approximately six years ago. I started listening to more alternative, less mainstream artists that I discovered from Tumblr and randomly searching on YouTube. The first DJ set that I watched on Boiler Room was Kaytranada in Montreal. I loved his set and how it moved the people for 42 minutes straight! To this day, I still admire his original and upbeat sounds that always gets me dancing.

This week, I’ve been binge watching Boiler Room DJ sets to keep me motivated, moving, and inspired. Here are some links to my current favorite sets that include the likes of JadaLaReign, Pi’erre Bourne, and PHONY PPL:

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCyDSqPeKrI  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cMPwrzQtY0M  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlA8ThSQBlE    

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_VlLp-BA7E  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpLba-JKsrg  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6770-7YggH0  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECfxP6OpsNU  

● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAGMDqLPTOg

Also, on Boiler Room’s website there is a new series where DJs are streaming from Isolation. I know that I will definitely be tuning in. Happy Dancing!

Written by Goldie Lemorin

Peedi Party

In Pop Smoke’s menacing yet hypnotizing hood anthem “Christopher Walking,” the late east coast rapper savagely questioned the street cred of his ops. Well, one person that certainly isn’t afraid of “going outside” is none other than Peedi. No, I’m not talking about the former Roc-A-Fella records emcee Peedi Crakk (que linda ma!), but like the legendary Philly spitter, the Brooklyn bred hustler is running amok through his respective state like it’s his own property. 

Name any percolating event that’s going down in the greater areas of NYC and Peedi, aka Peedi Piff, is most likely the person that’ll welcome you to the party. Peedi and I initially met at Nigo’s former SoHo hotspot more than 10 years ago where he would frequently slide through with his crew. Believe it or not, we had our first conversation about a month before I eventually dipped from the store in 2015.

Peedi is a massive socialite who is constantly attending the biggest parties so I wanted to check up on him to see how he’s coping with this unbearable quarantine lockdown. Since he’s constantly on the move, this is the perfect time to catch him while he’s literally forced to remain still.

Check out the transcript of our conversation below as we talk about his upbringing, party hopping and future endeavors.

FRENDY: What’s good homie! Is your name really Peedi or is it just an alias?

PEEDI: Alias.  I no longer use my actual name, everyone uses “Peedi” now. So it’s rare to hear any other name. 

FRENDY:  How did you even get that moniker?

PEEDI: Through a close friend of mine. I used to work at his father’s store. He said I look like Peedi Crakk one day and it carried on over into high school. 

FRENDY: Really? *Laughs*. I don’t see the resemblance at all—maybe it was because y’all had similar styles back in the day. If you don’t mind me asking, what is your real name?

PEEDI:  That's a secret *Laughs*.  I’m in the process of getting it changed legally as we speak. 

FRENDY: I respect that.  It’s dope that we’re both BK boys. What’s your background though?

PEEDI:  Mostly Jamaican background. I’ve heard I have Dominican in there somewhere though.  I haven’t met that side, so I stick strictly to Jamaican. 

FRENDY: Nice. I’m Haitian but I’m pretty mixed as well. Have you ever been to Jamaica?

PEEDI: Crazy, I haven’t *Laughs*.  Not as an adult at least. I used to have a fear of traveling alone and I would get asked to go by myself. I wasn’t down for that though *Laughs*. 

FRENDY:  That’s pretty funny *Laughs*.  How was your experience growing up in Brooklyn?

PEEDI: Different.  Growing up there was really aggressive for me. I started off in East Flatbush and bounced around through Canarsie. I loved it though!  Its high energy, fast pace. I got sent to live in Queens midway through school by my mom. She said it would be better living wise for me growing up. 

FRENDY: I totally agree with you on that. I moved to the East New York area of BK when I was seven—and let's just say it wasn’t sweet *Laughs*. Tough areas build character for sure though. Which part of Queens did you migrate to?

PEEDI:  Rosedale, Queens. I think at the age of 10. Prominently Haitian neighborhood. Real quiet—complete opposite of where I was in Brooklyn. That’s where I learned to speak Creole. Not fluently, just enough though. Haitian parents hate speaking English for too long *Laughs*. 

FRENDY: Ayy!  You’re an honorary Haitian then. I’m guessing you didn’t have to worry too much about getting into trouble there. How was High School like for you?

PEEDI:  High School was different from what I expected it to be. A lot of it was violent, mostly due to the crowd I was around. I went to Martin Van Buren. Queens wasn’t as crazy as Brooklyn to me. They for sure carried their fair share though. 

During my sophomore year in High school, I started going to the Bape store after 9th period to catch a pair of kicks. One of my closest friends was gang affiliated in high school.  A lot of the people I met at first were in gangs. Good people (some), the stigma still carries. By the time I got to my senior year I was in school by myself. At first it started out as a group of us that didn’t necessarily know each other in junior high. We just gravitated towards each other due to being at the same place. 

FRENDY:  As they say, “birds of a feather flock together.” I’m glad you didn’t end up in any serious jam. And yeah, I do remember you coming to the shop with a bunch of fly guys back in the day. I could tell y’all were “up to no good,” but still cool people though *Laughs*. Are you still close with the old crew?

PEEDI: Yeah, I think you are referring to when I would come there after high school. I used to go more frequent before then. I met those guys towards my senior year and transitioned into a new group of people to surround myself with. I still speak to them though.

FRENDY:  Besides the fact that you were the only one left in HS, What inspired you to kick it with a new group of cats that wasn’t as “troublesome” as before?

PEEDI:  I was focused on income always and... females. So that was huge and I got with like minded people.  We started to throw events together. 

FRENDY: Financial abundance and beautiful women, name a better duo? I like where your head's at.  Would you say that your new set of friends introduce you to the party scene?

PEEDI:  Yeah, exactly. And they did for sure!  They had me sneaking out of the house on school nights to go to “18 for girls, 21 for guys” college parties. Then I would sneak back home to shower, and go straight to school. 

FRENDY:  Was your partying interfering with school? As far as keeping up with HW and projects due?

PEEDI:  Not really.  Senior year I kind of breezed on through. I only had 4 classes and lunch so I was out before noon. I was being lazy that year. I passed everything though.   By that time I was over school and on a different type of time mentally. 

FRENDY: It was time to turn up and get it! How was your relationship with your parents during that period? Did they instill that go-getter attitude as a youngin’?

PEEDI:  No, most of the things I know have been self taught. 

FRENDY: Interesting. Well, that just shows you were aware enough to know where you wanted to be in life (no Donell Jones).  How often were you partying senior year in High School? Did you carry on the tradition throughout College?

PEEDI:  Not much.  A Thursday here and there. When I graduated I started throwing my own. 

FRENDY:  Nice, so freshman year of college you started throwing your own events. Do you remember your very first one? Were you nervous about the turn out? 

PEEDI:  Yeah, the first one we were more anxious than nervous. We knew people would come; we didn’t expect it to have as big a turnout as it did. 

FRENDY:  Pleasant surprises are the best.  Did you throw the event in Queens or the city?

PEEDI:  [In] Long Island at a place called Rapture Lounge at the time.

FRENDY:  Let’s run it back a little. So during the latter years of High School you started heading out to Bape. Was that your first introduction to Soho or were you aware of the glamorous downtown area before?

PEEDI:  I’ve been to Soho before that in high school.  We would go walking around looking for garments.

FRENDY: I must admit, you were fresher than most since I saw you the very first time at Bape. We never had a full blown conversation but I felt the cool vibes. Soho has changed so much, from the stores all the way down to the type of individuals that kick it over there. What do you miss most about the area?

PEEDI:  Man a lot—Bar 89 for one . So much has changed in fashion and social media. I believe it was only MySpace and Facebook back then. I miss going to SoHo and eating at Wendy’s over by Broadway, I miss Atrium. There’s a bunch of experiences that have been taken away changing the aesthetics of the vibes of soho. Running into random people. 

I miss the old Bape squad, a lot of them went to Old Westbury. So I met them there, a few of my partners went there so that college was like a hub for us.  We spent a lot of “Thirsty Thursdays” at Old Westbury. Attending a few of their parties. A lot of our core came from there. I had to use that college back when you had to go to college to be on Facebook.  Now I’m just in and out of Soho.  I spend most of my leisure time in the LES. 

FRENDY: I hear you.  Which college did you attend? Or did you decide to skip it altogether?

PEEDI: I didn’t have the at home support it took to get to college. Long story. I tried York [and] they owned my pockets. I was too popular by then to focus so I stopped going. 

FRENDY: Trust me, I know exactly what you mean. I couldn’t finish school [Brooklyn College] because of financial reasons. The only thing that matters is one’s motivation to succeed and persistence. All things are possible when there’s belief. When did you first realize that you could utilize your popularity into a business opportunity?

PEEDI:  Out of high school.  That’s the first thing I used social media for. That’s why people knew me. 

FRENDY: What did you usually post? Your outfits or just the events you attended? Were you strategic about them…

PEEDI: I only promoted our flyers. There’s always a formula you use especially when something is good.

FRENDY:  That's a fact. You hardly post on Instagram now. What caused you to suddenly shift it to mystery mode?

PEEDI:  The content on the internet [is] flooded with garbage. Lies. The internet just got nasty....I also noticed when people miss you they pay attention to you more. You can overflow people with your thoughts, opinion, style etc. if you give it to them in increments, it hits harder. It’s like when you are always with your family vs when you’ve been away from them for a while, the love that is shown is different. People appreciate you more when you are not as accessible.

FRENDY: What do you consider as nasty *Laughs* ? 

PEEDI:  Just an overflow of nothing going on. Borderline porn in some cases.  Not knocking it, I just don’t want my sauce mixed in with that.

FRENDY:  Although you aren’t posting as much, those who personally know you are aware of your infamous party hopping.  How many events do you go to on a given night?

PEEDI:  Not even sure, it can vary honestly. I’ve had nights I’ve gone to three events and four clubs, and even done after parties. I started drinking red bull with whatever I drank after a while to keep up.

FRENDY:  What is your most memorable party thus far?

PEEDI: I would say between Kevin Durant's birthday party of 2019 and Rihanna’s Fenty after party Fashion Week the same year.  Both [were] crazy!

FRENDY: Sounds bananas, for sure. How do you get into these exclusive shindigs?

PEEDI:  Knowing where it’s at.  Whether it be through email, friend, or word of mouth. A lot of the time I know the people at the door through networking or they remember me from my past when I’ve thrown events. I connect with many different people. I've done so many different jobs and been in different situations in life.

FRENDY:  How are you dealing with all of the social distancing that’s going on right now in New York due to the COVID-19 pandemic?

PEEDI:  It’s calming.  It’s also slowing money—especially for those seeking new employment and other business ventures. I rather us be safe, but I am also ready for it to be over and continue on with our lives.  We are due for an intervention. 

FRENDY:  Facts! Speaking of money, how does one go about actually making money from throwing events? The amount of tickets sold or profit from the bar?

PEEDI:  It just depends on what you negotiate like my man Lenny S. says *Laughs*.  There’s always a contract involved.  You negotiate it. 

FRENDY: Diddy is notoriously known for throwing the most popping parties on planet earth. Has he influenced you at all in the way that you run your business?

PEEDI: Not at all. I have noticed how he host his events and seen similarities in the way I conduct myself when people are around people.  The live energy. Honestly, the party thing occurred because we were capitalizing on our popularity. The use of the women we had around us. 

FRENDY: I feel you. Effortlessly doing what you do best to make ends meet. Are you still throwing parties with your core group of friends or are you now working with marketing agencies?

PEEDI:  Right now, I’m aiming to get into film. Everyone has their own thing going on. I am hoping to curate my own events in the near future with some brands I have created relationships with. 

FRENDY: Producing films or actually acting in them?

PEEDI:  Mostly producing them. This first project I will play a role in it. I like off screen titles. One thing I’ve learned from back then the attention from people is a lot and can be overwhelming so I’m aiming for behind the scenes. 

FRENDY: Some people crave attention, but don’t know how to act when it's sizzling under the microscope. 2020 started off a bit shaky. What are you doing to remain focused during these trying times?

PEEDI: Man!  Honestly, the world is shaken the way I see it. We both have grown up and, I mean, if you look back at how vast the world has changed and the ups and downs. This will be corrected. 

I am always creating mentally. Keeping myself sharp. A guy I met recently that works for Disney said something to me that stuck. He said to never not keep your mind busy. Even if it’s not your field. Get it on a platform and create. Once you do that it’s evidence to show to companies. So I am mindful of what I put out. I joke a lot that helps me too. I know what I want. Also I have done a lot so remaining focused isn’t even a task. When I’m out I’m usually working a room. One thing I’ve noticed in the entertainment field [is that] a familiar face will always be in 1st place.

2020 Quarantine Mix

Hey everyone! It’s Goldie and I’m back with a playlist that’ll guarantee to lift your spirits from what’s been currently happening in the world. Music has the magical ability to help us heal from any situation and through this playlist, I aspire to pour out love, light, and high vibrations to your ears during this trying time. 

This playlist is categorized in three parts. The first part consists of Spring Feels. The first six songs invoke a gentle and sunny feel to the heart, making you feel lighthearted and airy. The second part of the playlist is called Reclaiming your own power. These three songs all have a common message: You are capable of accomplishing any dreams or goals you have. Nothing can stop you. Lastly, the songs that follow are Songs that make you move. You deserve to enjoy yourself even in a time like this and these songs definitely remind you of that. 

I hope you all feel empowered by my musical recommendations. We are in this together. 

Written by Goldie Lemorin

My Relationship With Tumblr

Hello everyone! My name is Goldie Lemorin and I am the kid sister of the lovely Frendy Lemorin (haha). I am a Writer, Photographer, and developing Graphic Designer. Frendy, being the supportive brother and overall great person that he is, offered me a position as a Writer on this beautiful platform that touches the lives of so many people. So here I am, embarking on a new creative venture that I hope you all receive, feel, and enjoy.

I’ve always felt that I had a creative calling on my life. My artistry initially originated through dance and chorus while I was in Elementary School. In addition to being involved in dance and choir groups at school, I attended a private dance school every Saturday. Dancing and singing were huge components of my life and I enjoyed every minute of it. Unfortunately, I stopped attending dance school when I entered Middle School and I haven’t gone back ever since. 

During the years I attended Middle School, I totally neglected the art forms that were once passions of mine. Yes, I would randomly dance and belt out a random song that I heard on MTV here and there but it wasn’t like before. I began writing about my days in my diaries and was also interested in the social media site, Facebook. My diaries were my heart outside of my body. They were filled with my 11/12 year old’s deepest, darkest feelings about the state of my life.  The feelings I had and the events that occurred that I thought I could never share with anyone were written inside. The diaries were truly my only group of friends. In contrast, I performed another version of myself at school and Facebook. This alternative version of myself followed contemporary trends (ewww!) and interacted with folks that I knew did not like me.

Even after leaving Middle School and going into High School, I continued spewing my teenage emotions into my journals. During this time I came into knowing of my queerness and I struggled with my attraction towards other women. Due to my own insecurities, I felt that I couldn’t really express who I was on Facebook to my “friends” and family, so my diaries were my only safe haven. Or so I thought (haha). It was Sophomore year when I heard of a new website called, Tumblr. 

Me being naturally curious, I researched the website and my mind exploded. I thought this is what Eve must have felt like when she bit the forbidden fruit. I was exposed to a brand new world and way of thinking. I found photos of LGBTQIA+ love, I was informed about socio-economic events that were impacting the lives of oppressed peoples in USA and other countries, I read heartfelt and beautiful pieces by an array of individuals, I heard about new musical artists that were not mainstream yet, and learned about gifs! A lightbulb automatically clicked in my head and I was so inspired that I immediately decided to create a Tumblr blog that authentically reflected me.

That was 7 years ago and I still aim to always stay true to who I am. Writing for me was always a means to express what’s happening around, inside, and outside of me. With the help of Tumblr, I no longer fear being vulnerable publicly because I believe that there is magic in outward expression. Words have the power to inspire, teach, encourage, heal, and motivate others. I see firsthand how my brother’s writing on his website and Instagram impacts his followers and that in itself inspires me to be on that same wavelength. 

I hope to follow in my brother’s footsteps by providing new and interesting content on this website. Thank you all. Cheers! 

Written by Goldie Lemorin

Dior x Rimowa

For those who aren’t aware, I am now an agent at *insert the #1 airline in the world here*. Thank you, thank you.  I truly appreciate your support (I will fund my dreams by any means). With that said, my fancy for an awesome traveling bag has never been stronger!  Luckily, Dior and Rimowa recently dropped their highly-anticipated luxurious luggage collection.

Initially revealed last year at the prestigious French fashion house’s Spring/Summer 2020 collection, the collaborative cabin cases are built to perfection and are offered in a plethora of sizes and colors.

The Dior x Rimowa products range from $2440 for the personal clutch to $4620 for the blue gradient Oblique-printed large suitcase. Quality is always worth it!

Love Is The New Money

“We got love, love, love. You better believe it.”

There’s nothing more soothing than an incredible song with an equally powerful message. Teyana Taylor’s “We Got Love,” is a clear example of such riveting tune.

The minimalist track, rightfully produced by the Kanye West we all adored, was initially scheduled to appear on Teyana’s sophomore album K.T.S.E, but didn’t make the cut due to clearance issues (The chorus features a sample of The Younghearts). Fortunately, there are rumblings that the song will find a spot on the Harlem songstress’ forthcoming project The Album (yes, that’s the name of the...you get the drift), which is due for release in early 2020.

Ye and Tey actually shot a video for this scorcher last year, yet it is nowhere to be found. Hey, at least we can still rock out to it with our lit sage on deck.

Listen below:

Kerwin & Rocky's Second Dance

SOHO scene kid turned thriving DJ and social media personality Kerwin Frost kicked off the new year with an extensive sit-down with Harlem’s very own ASAP Rocky.

Some of you may not be aware, but this is actually the second time these blossoming buds have chopped it up. Six months ago, Ian Connor and his ASAP affiliate joined Frost to discuss Downtown NYC’s golden era. On this occasion, Rocky gets a bit more personal as he touches on his humble beginnings Uptown (as a matter of fact, he gave off major Goldie vibes in the interview), untimely arrest in Sweden, issues with SpaceGhostPurrp, ASAP Yams’ “magical” powers and many more. 

Check out the chat in its entirety below:

P.S I still have a few sizes left in my SOHO,NYC hoodie—don’t miss out on it. Click here to cop. New items are dropping shortly!

Yummy

It’s only right that my very first article of 2020 goes to the King of Bop, Biebervelli himself, the Don of Songs (I don’t even know what that really means, but it sounds dope), Justin Bieber. 

After a much needed sabbatical from the music industry, Canada’s prized product is ready to chew up the charts with “Yummy,” his first solo single since releasing the Purpose album in 2015. 

Not only did Justin release a certified, stick-to-your-noggin’ banger, the multi-talented singer also announced his forthcoming tour and a new Youtube docu-series titled Justin Bieber: Seasons. As you can see, the boy is back and he ain’t taking no prisoners!

“Yummy,” is found on Bieber’s next studio LP, which will arrive later this year. For now, enjoy the catchy chune below: 

Mr. Carter

“Hey, Mr. Carter tell me where have you been?/ Cause they’ve been asking/ They’ve been searching/ They’ve been wondering why.” Man, Lil Wayne was extremely reluctant to reveal his exact whereabouts on Tha Carter III’s JAY-Z-assisted hit “Mr. Carter.” But at least we were reassured that they didn’t skip a beat despite already earning secured spots on Hip Hop’s Mount Rushmore. Rising spitter Dayne Carter not only shares the same surname as these two master wordsmiths, he also mirrors their killer work ethic that’ll hopefully propel him to goat level status in the rap game and beyond.

The New Jersey native and I met through David Biral and Denzel Baptiste, better known as the Grammy-nominated DJ/Production duo, Take A Daytrip (insert their infamous tagline here). I’ve known the brilliant maestros for years. David and I became great friends when he was in HS. While living in Vermont, Dave and his awesome dad would frequently visit me at BAPE where we would chop it up about music, fashion and life in general. As a matter of fact, he was the mastermind behind my Facebook artist page *Laughs*. When Dave attended NYU, he introduced me to Denz and the rest is history. I honestly didn’t speak much to Dayne the first time we met in Soho, but his vibrant energy alone indicated how much of a genuine person he was.

Months after our initial meeting, I surprisingly bumped into Dayne at a Daytrip party in Brooklyn—Kinfolk, to be exact. We practically hung out the entire night and I was blown away by our conversation. Apart from being a budding rapper, Dayne revealed that he worked full time at the integrated marketing agency, The Robot Company , that is co-founded by Maverick Carter and Paul Rivera. Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of other artists who are making ends meet by working a 9 to 5. The only difference is how many of them can actually say they love it while they’re continuously pursuing their heart’s passion?

Upon hearing just a fraction of his story, I immediately told Dayne that I would love to continue our conversation on the #FrendyOriginals platform. One year later, here we are! Check out my long-awaited sitdown with the hustler that is Mr. Carter below:

FRENDY: What’s good, D? I’m glad we’re finally able to have this talk. First off, how many people have ever asked if you’re actually related to Weezy or Jay? *Laughs*

DAYNE: What up, Frendy! *Laughs*. I used to get that all the time when I was younger! My first rap name was Lil Dayne but nope, no relation. Carter is a strong last name though!

FRENDY: You already know I had to break the ice with a little joke. My conversations always start with laughter—it’s good for the soul. In any case, you started working as an intern at The Robot Company since its inception in 2014. How did that come about?

DAYNE: Great question! I have a cousin who always had a career path I admired. She was heavily involved in music and did some A&R work on the side. I was getting ready to graduate and had no clue what I wanted to do. I called her to get some advice on how she got to where she was. She said she’d look out in case anything came up. 

One thing led to another, and she mentioned she had a mentor [PR] who was starting his own company. No background on the company or what they do, but it was a dope opportunity that involved music and sports. Almost 6 years later, and I’m still here. I love it. 

FRENDY: That is absolutely incredible. It was written!  We’ll def talk more about your schooling in a bit. I checked out your LinkedIn profile and it stated that you are the company’s Talent & Influence Manager.  What does the role entail?

DAYNE: It’s a new role that I’ve been in for the past few months. Basically, I help to identify talent and create unique opportunities that connect them with brands. A lot of times, the approach can be very one-sided and transactional. Our goal is to create partnerships and moments that are mutually beneficial.

FRENDY: And I'm sure you’re doing a great job at it.  It’s funny how you’re working with talent on the corporate side of things while you’re one yourself. Are you ever tripped out by that?

DAYNE: *Laughs* I appreciate that! I don’t view myself as talent, but it’s helpful having a lot of friends that do dope things due to my interests. Since I make music, I happen to know a lot of creative people. I understand their mindset, and find that I’m more approachable than someone who might not come from their world. It brings the guard down and allows for a more meaningful relationship.

FRENDY: Speaking of meaningful relationships, last week I peeped your Instagram story showcasing how proud you were of your dad for his latest career move. How close are you with your parents?

DAYNE: Very close! We talk all the time, and our relationship continues to grow as I get older. It’s amazing to watch them pursue their passions. I want to be just as supportive to them, as they have always been to me.

It’s funny, man. A lot of my friends who do music viewed their parents as obstacles. I did a show at Pianos earlier this year, and my parents were front row rapping every song word for word. My dad is always bumping my music in the car, and my mom has my songs on her gym playlist. Every time I perform, they invite their friends. Sometimes when friends can’t make a show, their parents show up with mine.

FRENDY: Aww, man *Laughs*.  Did they cultivate your love of music?

DAYNE: I’d say so. I don’t think it was done intentionally, but they’d always play music at the house. They like a lot of soul and r&b. My dad loves Jazz music. He also plays the drums in church every Sunday still. One of the first songs my mom told me I loved as a baby was LL Cool J’s, “Doing It Well.” I loved the melody and always sang along to it on the radio, so she bought the record. However, she didn’t realize the radio version was completely different than the explicit so it didn’t last long at the crib *Laughs*.

FRENDY: We’re not even done talking and I already feel that this is my funniest interview yet *Laughs*.  Where are you from originally?

DAYNE: I feel like I’m from both NY and NJ equally. I was born in Queens, NY and lived there for 10 years. Then I really grew up in Hillsborough, NJ where my family still lives. But I went to college in NY and have been living here since. I’m always back and forth between the two.

FRENDY: How difficult was the adjustment moving from Queens to Jersey?

DAYNE: It wasn’t difficult at all aside from leaving friends. Two very different areas though. Hillsborough is what it sounds like: very suburban and a lot of farmland. It’s a beautiful place to grow up.

FRENDY: Do you have any siblings?

DAYNE: I have two older siblings. My brother’s name is Austin. My sister’s name is Ashley.

FRENDY: Nice, I see what your parents did with the letter A.  Do you speak to them often?

DAYNE: We’re close. We might not speak as often as we should, but when we do it’s like we haven’t lost any time. 

FRENDY: How important is it for you to forge your own path in the music scene?

DAYNE: It’s always been my mindset, and the process is more satisfying that way. I have friends that are killing it in music, and it’s motivating to see. I never want to be viewed solely as someone's cosign. I want longevity, so I’m trying to pave my own lane. 

FRENDY: Earlier you mentioned that you weren’t sure which direction to go after graduating college. Which one did you attend? and what was your major?

DAYNE: I went to Fordham University and majored in communications and new media studies. After graduation, I always used to feel like working towards a separate career and pursuing music was conflicting. Obviously, you have less time to dedicate towards it, but it’s allowed me to move smarter. I’ve learned a lot of things that most artists rely on other people to do or figure out for them through my job. It’s made me more self sufficient and better at managing my time. I haven’t released anything in a while, because I’ve got a few things I’m excited about in the future.

FRENDY: I was thoroughly impressed with your 2018 project, Roadtrip.  In its intro you stated that “you’ve been at it since the 6th grade.” What inspired you to start rapping at such a young age?

DAYNE: Ahh, man—that’s love! Thanks so much for giving it a listen and glad you enjoyed it. I’ve always been an outgoing person, but it takes a while for me to open up and have deep conversations with a lot of people. Music has always been an outlet where I enjoy being introverted and gathering my thoughts.

In high school, I didn’t really party much so I spent a lot of time in my basement writing and fell in love with the process. Recently, I’ve been waking up at 6am and writing for a few hours before work at a studio in SoHo. Nobody books sessions at 6am so the space is always open.

FRENDY: Was there any particular reason why you chose “Roadtrip” as the title for your album?

DAYNE: One meaning is the literal journey back and forth between NY and NJ. The deeper meaning is as humans, we tend to get complacent when we stay within the same environment for too long. Roadtrip is my journey in trying to break those comfort zones by exploring new surroundings and finding reassurance in what’s unknown. A topic I feel like we can all relate to.

FRENDY: One of my favorite tracks off the project is “Never Home,” feat Austin Charles. When did you leave your hometown to pursue your dream as a rapper?

DAYNE: Thank you! That and “Introvert” were my two personal favorites. Austin is a close friend from Hillsborough with a similar story to mine so it felt like the perfect song to have him on. My family is still there, but I haven’t really fully lived there since high school. College was the first conscious decision where I was like, “Where can I get an education but also pursue music?” That was a reason I picked my school [Fordham] having access to the city. Just knowing there is always something going on at all times meant more opportunity.

FRENDY: I always gave Cudi so much props for leaving Cleveland with nothing to make it big here in NYC. He went through so many hurdles but never gave up on his dreams. Fortunately, you are able to focus on your bigger picture without the hassle of scrambling around for bread.  Are there any downsides though working full time in the corporate world while pursuing a rap career?

DAYNE: Cudi is dope! For me it was J. Cole’s journey that inspired me. It definitely has its pros and cons. The culture in music is a lot of late night sessions. It’s not conducive when you wake up at 6am. Nobody wants to collaborate at 6am either. Also, you have to be careful with what you say. Sometimes you come up with something witty, but it might not be received well when you’re representing a larger company. I’d definitely be an ill ghost writer though *Laughs *.

FRENDY: Get them checks!  What’s your weekly schedule looking like? Are you able to hit up the studio after work?

DAYNE: It varies depending on what’s going on. There are office hours, but if there’s a big project you’re kind of always on. I’ve become a morning music person though, because I can better control my schedule. But if someone wants to work late, I’ll definitely make it work. But if I’m just writing myself, I prefer mornings.

FRENDY: Smart man. Your very first headlining show in NYC took place late last year.  How was that experience for you? Were you nervous at all?

DAYNE: It was amazing! We finished school, so it’s not as convenient for my friends to come out late on a weekday. People have real responsibilities, and I understand that. I’m not the guy to text everyone and blow up social media begging people to pull up. I was definitely nervous that the show could be empty. The fact that over 200 people came out to see me was a blessing. It’s dope to have that type of support system. It makes you want to go harder.

FRENDY: Nothing tops genuine support, for real. How do you go about booking shows? 

DAYNE: *Laughs* It’s a funny process. Since I work in marketing, I’ve had a lot of experience in writing proposals. I have an alias “manager” account that I’ll use to reach out to promoters and venues. Most of the time, they never want to hear directly from an artist, so I’ll speak in third person.

FRENDY: Talk about a double shift *Laughs*.  Who would you love to collaborate with musically?

DAYNE: I’m down to work with anyone who has a story to tell and is in it for the right reasons. The dream collaboration would be J. Cole! He’s been my favorite artist since I was a teen.

FRENDY: What are the motivations behind your relentless grind?

DAYNE: I just want to show that it’s possible for anyone. You believe you can do anything when you’re younger, but once you grow up and life intervenes passions turn into hobbies. I want to prove that you can make it and accomplish success at your own pace if you keep working. Grind now, shine Later.

FRENDY: What advice would you give to those who are on the brink of giving up due to their pending “success”?

DAYNE: Don’t lose focus and always remember the reason why you started. If it’s worth it, keep pushing. You don’t want to look back 10-15 years from now and wonder, “what if I would’ve put my all into it?” I can live with failure, but I can’t live with a lack of effort.

Sicko Mode

2019 has officially been the year of the upload for comedic duo Jae and Trey Richards. Not only have they been consistently delivering a myriad of new Random Order podcast episodes, the 4YE boys are also pumping out gut-busting skits faster than a celebrity break up!

This time around, the Brampton-bred bros are disguised as exuberant hypebeasts who are attempting to cop merchandise worn by their fashion idols.  The “Sick Guys” are serious when it comes to style...even if they have don’t have a clue about what they’re actually rockin’.

I may or may not my have seen these types of scenarios go down during my time at Nigo’s former shop (let me stop, y'all know I have). But hey, who am I to judge? 

Check out the sickness below:

Get Flee In The New Flea

About a month ago, Cactus Plant Flea Market released a rather unique iteration of the Nike Blazer Chukka which sold out before it could even cool down! (Get it? Blazer...y’all ain’t ready for the bars).  Made under the Swoosh’s “By You” customization platform, customers were able to remix their respective pair with an array of materials, patterns and colors. The shoe itself features deconstructed edges, quiltings you can find on your grandmother’s favorite comforter, asymmetric textiles and a tan upper comprised of mixed materials.  

Now, Cynthia Lu’s brainchild is gearing up to deliver yet another hotly anticipated sneaker with the american multinational corporation utilizing its classic Air Force 1 model.

Already worn by two of Hip Hop’s major braided up players, Travis Scott and ASAP Rocky, the CPFM x Air Force 1 is made with the silhouette’s triple black and white colorway. As seen on Instagram, Flacko rocked the “Air Flea” version in black, while La Flame flexed in the “Air Sunshine” pair in white. Rimmed with a potent reflective material, the bold letters (they resemble those on Scottie Pippen’s Uptempos) are located across the kicks’ upper.

Unfortunately, there’s no word on when these are going to drop. Knowing CPFM’s style, these bad boys will be sold in limited quantities!

A Brief History Lesson on Cactus Plant Flea Market

The fast rising label was founded by mysterious designer Cynthia Lu, who was a former intern for Complex and then later worked as Pharrell Williams’ assistant.  As you can see, she took a page right off The Jeffersons and swiftly moved on up “to a deluxe apartment in the sky,” which, in her case, is inhabited by other streetwear giants.

Lu has done no interviews. As a matter of fact, fans had to get their Sherlock Holmes on just to figure out that she was the mastermind behind the booming brand.  They started piecing the puzzle together after Pharrell gave her a shout out during his awe-inspiring acceptance speech for the CFDA Fashion Icon award in 2015. “So you see, I’m not a style icon. I’m just inspired—I am Other, and I’m ok with that. Someone’s gotta do it,” says a humble P.  “And to my genius assistant Cactus, listen to your instincts and the people who see the qualities in your differences, because you too might just make a difference.”

In just over a year since its inception (2015), the brand was co-signed by many tastemakers, including Big Sean, Cara Delevingne, Tyler, the Creator,Travis Scott, and of course Skateboard P (I mean, it can’t get any better than the Gawd himself).  In March of 2016, Lu revealed that CPFM would be sold at Dover Street Market New York.

The playful label has collaborated with a slew of prominent brands such as Nike, Nigo’s Human Made, motorcross brand Alpine Star and even designed merchandise for the ASAP Mob, Kanye West and Kid Cudi.

Barneys' Bankruptcy

The hood’s Bergdorf Goodman Barneys New York has officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection!  Arranged on August 6, the Chapter 11 filing allows Barneys to stay open while it works out a plan to rev up the business and pay off its debts.

According to Business of Fashion, the luxury department store has been struggling with high rent and changing consumer tastes.  Below is Barneys’ official statement regarding its surprising move:

“For more than 90 years, Barneys New York has been an iconic luxury specialty retailer, renowned for its edit, strong point of view, creativity and representation of the world’s best designers and brands.  Like many in our industry, Barneys New York’s financial position has been dramatically impacted by the challenging retail environment and rent structures that are excessively high relative to market demand. In response to these obstacles, the Barneys New York Board and management team have taken decisive action by entering into a court-supervised process, which will provide the Company the necessary tools to conduct a sale process, review our current leases and optimize our operations.”

Due to the bankruptcy, Barneys New York is closing 15 of its 22 brick-and-mortar shops, which includes their locations in Chicago, Las Vegas, and Seattle branches. Furthermore, 7 of the company’s 9 Barneys Warehouse stores and 5 concept stores will also be shut down (no Skepta). Fortunately, the luxury retailer will keep 5 flagship locations in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Boston. My online shopping heads are in luck because Barneys online stores, Barneys.com and BarneysWarehouse.com, will also remain in business.

What was the first piece you ever copped at Barneys?

New Oreo Alert

“Sippin’ on some siz-erp, sip, sippin’ on some,sip!” Some of you reading this article might be a little too young to remember Three 6 Mafia and UGK’s 1999-recorded classic, “Sippin On Some Syrup,” but that’ll be the jam I’ll be rapping to myself as I gobble up Oreo’s latest limited-edition fall flavor: Maple Creme. 

Alright, you don’t have to state the obvious—I won’t be able to literally sip the sweet syrup flavored filling off the cookie, nor is it the actual euphoria-inducing substance the song talks about.  I will be in a little trance off its creamy goodness though. 

Maple cookies aren’t really a thing here in the states, but they surely are raved about in good ol’ Canada. I trust my friendly Canadians so if they’re telling me that it’s fire, then the famed cookie brand has hit the jackpot with its forthcoming flavor. I mean, we already know how it enhances our enjoyment of pancakes, waffles, and (clears throat) I’ll just keep it PG here. 

According to Hypebeast, Nabisco is planning to release Oreo’s Maple Creme cookie on my birthday month: September (Virgos stand up!). How do you think it’ll taste?

Location

Your favorite journalist’s favorite storyteller is back! I apologize for my lack of articles, but I most certainly needed a break from writing. This was actually the very first time in a whopping 10 years that I’ve taken an entire month off from creating content. It’s truly important to have your spirit, mind and body aligned and that’s exactly what I did during my rest period.

Speaking of time away, rising British spitter Dave released a bangin’ tune that perfectly compliments an enjoyable getaway in the form of, “Location.” Found on his debut studio album Psychodrama, the UK platinum single, featuring the African Giant himself Burna Boy, is co-produced by Fraser T. Smith, Jae5 and Dave.

The video for “Location,” was aptly shot abroad in Ibiza and displays BTS footage of Stormzy’s #MERKY festival, which was co-headlined by Stormzy, Dave and Fredo. Burna Boy appears in the clip, alongside a slew of cameos including British funnyman Michael Dapaah and beautiful songstress Jorja Smith (jheez).

Check out the festive, Kaylum and Dave-directed visual below:

Woah

Woah!! I didn’t expect this kind of song from Rich The Kid at all.  Maybe that’s the real meaning behind its title.

Showcasing the smooth crooning of Miguel and Ty Dolla $ign, “Woah” is a surprisingly heartfelt single from the Rich Forever Music CEO’s sophomore studio album, The World Is Yours 2, which was released on March 22.  The 16-track project features a star-studded cast including Big Sean, NAV, Lil Pump, NBA Youngboy, Tory Lanez, Offset, Gunna, Young Thug and more.

I’m not going to front, none of Dimitri’s songs (yeah, I just wrote his government name) are saved on my personal Spotify playlist or downloaded on my Iphone, but this one definitely makes the cut and will serve as the new soundtrack for my *clears throat* lusty nights.

Check out the Bobby Hanaford-directed music video for “Woah” below:

The Thiiird

Throughout my nearly nine-year stay at BAPE, I’ve encountered a vast array of personalities who taught me so much about myself and various aspects of life.  A few “bad” apples, but for the most part, I formed long-lasting relationships with individuals who remained sturdier than 2 Milly dancing at a poppin’ Brooklyn basement party.  Robert Owusu III is a member of this elite group.

Although he wasn’t a regular shopper, the fashionable Yonkers, New York native would stop by Nigo’s former shop on the release dates of our most exclusive pieces. It was during those times we were able to chat about life and practically everything else in between. Despite having a neck-breaking drip, Rob’s most defining trait is his sincerity. “A lot of people think I’m from another borough based on how I carry myself,” he humbly says.  “I enjoy the fact that nobody can never guess that.”

Recently, Owusu—also known as “The Thiiird”—and I reconnected in person after four years at his In My Miiind art exhibit which paid homage to “the nostalgic space and times that birthed a generation of creatives and dreamers.”  Which particular period of time you might ask?  It is the era of 2006 through 2010, where the incomparable tandem of Pharrell Williams and Kanye West influenced an entire generation to become the “freaks and geeks” they truly are. Rob’s presentation was so inspiring, I had no other choice but to showcase his genius on this #FrendyOriginals series.

Check out the transcript of my sit-down with The Thiiird, as we discussed Skateboard P and Ye’s undeniable influence in pop culture, his childhood years in Yonkers, fashion, and artistic endeavors.

FRENDY:  My man, Rob.  I’m really looking forward to the gems that are about to be dropped in our talk.

ROB:  First and foremost, thank you for interviewing me. We’ve known each other in passing since the BAPE days. It’s ironic that we are doing things creatively and linked up on the same frequency. Always been a genuine person so I thank you for that.

FRENDY:  The pleasure is all mine.  You revealed earlier that you were actually born in Harlem.  When did you move to Yonkers?

ROB: Yeah, my family moved to Yonkers when I was about two years old.  Like DMX said: “home of the brave, baby. Home of the brave.”

FRENDY: Those who are uninformed would assume that people from “the backyard of the Bronx” are mean, rugged, and just straight up grimey *Laughs*. You’re the total opposite of that stereotype.

ROB: I mean, Yonkers is the lost borough.  It still gets real in the field out there, but it isn’t the way it used to be. Yonkers is a place where unity isn’t practiced since most have a “crabs in a barrel” mentality and everyone wants to be “the man”. But now things are starting to change and there are a few who are leading the pack. You have DJ Steph Cakes, who recently opened for Meek’s Motivational Tour, you have Iman who is doing songs with The Lox, Rondon doing beats for HighBridge, Sav The Genius, Prada Mama, and more.

FRENDY: How was it like growing up in Yonkers? Were your parents strict?

ROB: Growing up in Yonkers was the average ghetto story. The normal: parents trying to make a living for my brother (Brandon) and I, keeping us out of trouble in the best way possible. They also instilled principles and morals within us that we still carry on till this day. My parents are from Ghana and they were NOT lenient. I’m sure if you ask anybody whose parents are from a third world country would say the same *Laughs *. But they did the best that they possibly could for Brandon and I.

FRENDY: Did you experience any sort of hardships in school?

ROB:  I would say one of the hardships in school was finding friends that shared similar interests as me.  I had a few close friends though. Looking back, I’ve realized that my gift was being able to relate to all different types of people. I had honors classes with the smart kids, Spanish community embraced me, the hood dudes messed with me by default. I don’t judge anyone and do not care about status or race—I believe that’s how the world should rotate. Slowly but surely.

FRENDY:  Same here, I’ve always had the ideology that we’re all one. When did you start caring about your aesthetics and such?

ROB:  I started very young. I started caring about clothing and my appearance in fifth grade.  My cousins would put me on to what was cool and what wasn’t. One of my cousins, Trisha, lived in the Bronx and she had EVERYTHING.  We would travel there to just observe and bring the swag back to Yonkers.

I started taking my style seriously once I found out about SoHo—thanks to Pharrell wearing BAPE. I was mesmerized by the Bapestas he wore in Jay-Z’s 2004 documentary, Fade To Black.  Once I found out that BAPE had a store in New York, things only snowballed from there.

FRENDY: Yeah, when I was informed that Nigo opened up a store in New York, I knew I was supposed to work there. It took a few years, but my dream came true! Do you remember your very first purchase from The Busy Workshop (BAPE’s old moniker)?

ROB: Of course, like it was yesterday! My father took me. It was my first $200 sneakers at the time. I was in middle school so this was around 2004-05. The beginning of a big spending habit *Laughs*. I had to beg him to take me. This was when I would get lunch money. I literally saved up $2.00-$3.00 religiously. I believe I was a few dollars short and my father spotted me since he saw how determined I was to purchase them. From the aesthetics of the store to the consumers coming in, I knew this was where I belonged.

FRENDY:  Crazy.  Were you the first person in your hood with Bapestas during that time?  If so, that’s legendary status *Laughs*.

ROB:  At this point, Stas started to get popular with [rapper] Cassidy having it in his videos and etc. There were a lot of fakes floating around. Maybe not the first, but I was probably the youngest to my knowledge.

The only person I knew with an authentic pair was my close friend Sway who I met my freshman year of high school. I gained his respect on being that young with the style I had.  We literally learned the streetwear game together. From then on, we started bonding off of similar interests and did campouts. We were the ONLY people from Yonkers on all the lines. We had to stick together.

FRENDY:  Funny how fashion can bring people together.  I was initially drawn to Pharrell and Kanye’s artistry because they were winning by simply being themselves during a time where gangster rap was dominant. I’m sure you were intrigued by them for the same reason.

ROB: Exactly. Coming from where I'm from, we’re only exposed to so much. I thrived off of anything that was different from all spectrums. From fashion, music, and art, these were the figures who were being themselves and still had the ability to thrive in hip-hop. To finally find an area [SoHo] where I stumbled upon kids who looked like me—I felt like I found my nirvana.

FRENDY:  The two albums that changed your life are Skateboard P’s debut solo album, In My Mind, and Kanye’s third project, Graduation. Why were those two so monumental for you instead of their earlier works?

ROB: Oh man! Those two projects were like a breath of fresh air sonically, never mind the backpack luxury bars. Rap has always been this boastful, rambunctious art form, but the way they put it together was entirely different.

I wasn’t around during the time of De La Soul or A Tribe Called Quest, but their music stands the test of time. It’s no surprise that they are the influence of Pharrell and Ye’s music. I literally lived In My Mind that summer when it dropped in July. I played the album EVERY…SINGLE...DAY. 

Graduation was the first album that I didn’t want to hear not one leaked song until it came out. I think “Barry Bonds” leaked and I had to literally keep away from the computer and radio to prevent from hearing any song from it. I’m glad I did that because when I first heard the album from top to bottom, it took me to utopia. I couldn’t get past “Good Morning.” The fact that music can have such an impact on us is really beyond me. Both of their earlier works played a significant role in my life as well and seeing the growth, but those two projects was the “baby boom” of our era.

FRENDY:  I feel you.  You know what’s strange, P felt In My Mind was a failure. In a 2014 GQ interview, he said he wrote those songs out of ego and the album served no real purpose.  I definitely disagree—that body of work helped kids like us tap into our real creative bag, you know? Like “we can do it too.”

ROB: I totally agree with you. I feel that when anyone wants to reach the masses, they have to put the medicine inside the candy. It was the perfect blend, especially at that time to penetrate musically and cross over. 

We know that Pharrell is far from being an egotistical maniac, but even at that time, I never viewed the project like that at all. I’m glad he has that in him *Laughs*.   Even with all the super flexing he was doing, I was super inspired. People still follow his way of dressing till this day. From AP’s to Goyard, that was way back in 2005. People are still playing catch up 14 years later!

 FRENDY:  A true visionary indeed.  For as long as I’ve known you, I wasn’t aware of your passion for curating. Which college did you attend? Were you an art major?

ROB: I first attended the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) as a medical major, and then transferred to the University Of Hartford in Connecticut where I graduated at Barney School of Business with a Marketing degree. I wish I was an art major *Laughs*. But it was there where I had an epiphany to go into the creative field I am in now.

FRENDY: What caused that epiphany?

ROB: Going to UHART, I was still a medical major. It was heading into my junior year when I had a realization that these courses are only getting more difficult as my interest in the field that I was majoring in. It clicked to me when it would take more effort to grasp information that would come second nature to my colleagues. To go even deeper, this was a major my parents wanted for me and I had no desire in it—I didn’t know what I would replace it with. It was a tough decision on switching majors but once I did that, everything clicked for me. It was one of the best decisions I made in my life. My father wasn’t too happy, but I think up until recently that he knows I was destined to what I’m currently doing.

FRENDY:  Proud of you for following your gut instinct. I was thoroughly impressed by your “In My Miiind” exhibit. Did you pull it off with an outside team or received any backing to complete it?

ROB:  Thank you so much, I appreciate that. I wish I had backing. Everything was self-funded and no outside team. Just home team. After countless attempts to gallerists, etc., I was not going to wait for approval for that space. I have a community behind me. It takes a village to raise a child. 

FRENDY:  Speaking of village, can you tell me a bit more about The Dynasty collective?  Was the name inspired by JAY-Z’s moniker for his former crew?

ROB: Yes, that’s where the inspiration came from. It was all my brother’s idea (Don=Brandon). We all studied the blueprints of the greats in this industry. From Ruff Ryders, to Roc-a-fella. They were only powerful because each person played a significant role. Newcomers like AWGE brought a new concept that it isn’t just about the individuals, it’s about the vision in its entirety.

The goal was to create an innovative experience with products and activities. What we all have in common is that we’re all first generation Americans. From Ghana, to Colombia, to Jamaica, to Dominican Republic, we each have a responsibility to carry on the legacy of our family. Creating a Dynasty. Trying to tie all this into an idea is when the name evolved. Jay-Z repeating “Dynasty Continues” is what we all agree with. I’m sure you remember the clip of prime Roc era of Dame saying, “Never one man above the team.”  We truly believe that. Majority rules in decisions as well as leaving any ego you may have at the door.

FRENDY:  Amazing. We all need a power crew, or like minds to help us push our agenda for the greater good.  The common denominator in all of your exhibits are the incredible neon light displays. What’s your process of making them?

ROB: I kind of work backwards. There are some artist who just create as they go, and though sometimes  I may do that, I am always thinking longevity and creating an overall experience. No matter how long it takes me. Once I have the overall theme first and what I want to convey, then it’s time to undergo the process. Sometimes I may “build too much for my bridges,” but there’s no better feeling than to create EXACTLY what I have in my head. Of course things won’t come out 100% perfect, but the 90th percentile is enough for me.

FRENDY:  Are you curating full time?

ROB: No, I am a freelance creative as an art creative and social media strategist for different companies and clients.I’m aware that galleries and art curatives frown upon that but that doesn’t stop Sallie Mae from harassing me. Got to do what I got to do. I have to fund these ideas by any means. Full time is the destination on this journey.   

FRENDY:  We’re funding our own dreams out here. Did you receive any sort of mentorship from anyone who’s deeply embedded in the art world?

ROB:  I have one main mentor in this and that is my bro Ronald Draper. He is a visual artist from Harlem whose work illustrate his experience as well as being pro-black in his message. The main thing that made us click is that he is unapologetically relentless in his work. When he has an idea, he is trying to have it out YESTERDAY. I finally met my match in level of craziness of getting ideas out. He is a hustler in every sense of the word and I believe he sees a younger version of him in me.That is why we mesh and I am grateful to have him as a mentor.

Also, another artist I have in my journey is the talented Sarah Owusu from London She has given me tremendous guidance and confidence in the intro to this art world. Ironically we have the same last name, but I think it’s the universe aligning me to her. She continues to set the bar for all African-American women in the world and we continue to root each other. I am appreciative to have her in my life as well.

FRENDY:  Who are your dream collaborators?

ROB: Since I live in multiple mediums there’s so many. Where do I begin…as far as visual goes with my light installations, I would say Kaws, George Condo, Murakami, Albert Diaz (Samo), or a Virgil Abloh and Patrick Martinez as far as collaborating on a neon since we have the same medium. With cinematography, Kid Art is at the top of the list. Photography, Nick Knight, Jonathan Mannion. Garment wise, Hedi Slimane or Raf. 

FRENDY:  I commend you for taking such a bold step in pursuing your passion.  What’s your ultimate goal in the art world?

ROB: My ultimate goal in the world is to make my mark in it. I view myself as a man in this new Renaissance that is occurring. Art spewing into all these different mediums. But I believe that they coexist with each other. The art matches the visuals which aligns with the garments which align with product and garments.

More importantly, I want to show that regardless of your background, skin color, or where you're from; you can achieve anything and everything no matter what the odds are against you. You have to be determined to get even with it. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I hope my neon is at the end of it for motivational purposes.

Lingo

When three young gunners hop in the booth, fire always ensues. West London’s very own Jevon capped off an outstanding 2018 with a rejuvenating single entitled, “Blossomed/Mercy,” which celebrates a fresh start in his promising music career. With a polished slate, the 24-year-old polymath kicked off the new year in high gear with a banger, assisted by UK-based Nigerian spitter Kida Kudz and Diggy.

“Lingo,” produced by Jevon himself, showcases how three distinct flows can co-exist in one scorching, afrobeat-influenced track. “The idea of the song came from us teaching each other our ways of saying stuff—each other's lingo—as we're all from different places: Diggy from NYC; Kida from Lagos; and me, from London. Three artists from different backgrounds and continents working collectively on a vision,” says Jevon to Complex.

Fittingly, Lingo’s accompanying visual was shot in London and The Big Apple. Check it out below: