Upcoming Appearance on Podcast this Sat!

I will have the privilege to be on the podcast of Andrew Sanford's called "Half white son of a black man". Andrew is a graphic novelists and comedian as well. I'll be on there talking about my indiegogo campaign. https://igg.me/at/printtheillusion/x/16247109 as well as current events with a topical spin to them. Make sure to click the link below to get a taste of what Andrew does. The Episode will air on Saturday!

http://www.halfwhitesonofablackman.com/

I raised $1,000+ for my campaign!!!

This is a proud moment, and milestone for my indiegogo campaign to print my illustration book. I still have more to go but I'm going stick my chest out on this because I've come pretty far!   *There are only 8 days left in my campaign, contribute! Donate! Share! All make a huge impact! Here is the link https://igg.me/at/printtheillusion/x/16247109

In this thank you video I brought my easel & sketch pad and thanked not only the people who contributed but who shared my indiegogo campaign which brought me support too. To do the same here is the link to my crowdfunder https://igg.me/at/printtheillusion/x/16247109

I started a new weekly Hip Hop Cypher called 'Knock-Ternal Rhyme Sessions'.

Every Thursday night from 8pm-12am I host a Weekly Hip Hop cypher called 'Knock-Ternal Rhyme Sessions'. Here is the link to the facebook page, give us a like!

https://www.facebook.com/KnockTernalRhymeSessions/

Here, right below is the youtube channel with more videos of all the happenings from #KTRS
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC56MPDOS9-G7OV7Owcx2u2Q

Now we are currently taking a short break because one of our main speakers busted so now we need to get a new one. It shouldn't be long, but until we do the cypher is post poned!

Andre 3000, Rob Zombie, and I on indiegogo

For those of you not in the know, both Rob Zombie and Andre 3000 are both really good visual artists aside from making chart topping music that has captured the imaginations of millions of fans. For more of you not in the know. I myself have always been a visual artist since I was a kid!

You was holding out on us huh? So drawing was your Love Below?? Say whaaaaat!?!

Really Super King!?! I didn't know you knew how to draw! Tell me more!

 Sure Rob! For the very first time I am in the position to self publish my first illustration book! It's based off my album 'Gone Is The Illusion' the same album I did the front and back cover for, and which is linked to the right side of this page through Bandcamp. Completing this project has been very important and liberating for me to accomplish.

Maaaan lissen! It feels good to be free boi!!

The artwork in the book is based off each and every song from my album. With descriptions attached to each one, and bonus material from my upcoming graphic novel titled '4'.

Now that's some creative shit!

Ain't it!? So here's what I did for my next trick! I created an indiegogo  to publish the book. I'm offering all types of perks including original artwork from in and outside of the book. Below is the video from my indiegogo check it out!

In this next video from my campaign I do a thank you roll call for all the contributors to it, up to that point of the campaign! I've had an influx of new contributors since. Once you contribute you can be in my next thank you video!

This is the name and hashtag of the campaign #PRINTTHEILLUSION

click the link below or the hashtag to go to the campaign and contribute!

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/print-the-illusion-books-comics/x/16247109#/

Prodigy(Mobb Deep)R.I.P

On Tuesday, June 20th, 2017 I heard the news that Queens bridge, legendary MC, and one half of rap group 'Mobb Deep' Prodigy had passed away as a result of complications from having Sickle Cell Anemia. Prior to that I believe he was doing shows in Las Vegas. R.I.P to one of the greats. Below are a few things that come to mind when I reflect on Prodigy.

RIP Albert Johnson! The HNIC!

I remember back in 1995 when Mobb Deep came out with 'The Infamous' I was in H.S. at the time and was listening to ATCQ's "Midnight Marauders" My mans comes up to me and says "yo bro, we not listening to that shit no more, it's about this Mobb Deep shit now". LOL, yes that was a serious conversation had verbatim. While I would never just drop ATCQ for anything. I would without a doubt become a big fan of Mobb Deep, and their unique hardcore sound.

One of the things that stands out to me the most about Prodigy is that he wasn't a rapping ass rapper.  What I mean by that is, he didn't hit you with a bunch of Multi's, heavy punchlines, and metaphors and crazy ass wordplay to get his point across. He was a storyteller who painted gritty street tales that made you feel like you were right next to him as it were happening. The phrase comes to mind "Less is more", and Prodigy magnified that. In essence he reminded me of Rakim in that approach. Not overtly hype just a down to earth matter of fact expression of words. Life as a man who has lived it, not talking down to you in the least bit.

 

There are more memories, reflections, that I can piece together. That would only happen after I revisit Prodigy's music. There are some albums and songs I haven't listened to in years to be honest. 

  

Sakinah Iman's music video 'Waiting Tables'.

My good friend Sakinah Iman just released her new video for her single "Waiting Tables" featuring rapper $mitty. The message of the song is. "Why are we, who chase our dreams, for as long as we have, not successful yet, still working these unfulfilling jobs?". Sakinah takes it from the perspective of a waitress, hence the name..Waiting Tables. Here's the video below, check it out!

Also, here is a link to her Soundcloud. You can check the rest of her music out!

My new live show series is called "The Iller-Strate show. The first edition is named "Spirit Animals".

Off the heels of the success of my Birthday, Graphic novel, illustration book preview show, at Left field Bar on March 4th. I decided to throw another show on May 25th 2017. Now I know, I know, It's a couple a months from now but ain't nuthin wrong with getting a head start! Now I've been thinking about what could I base this show around, and it dawned on me that all my shows moving forward should incorporate my artwork in the biggest capacity always! So I coined the name for the series of shows I will be throwing now and they will be called the "Iller-Strate shows". This being the first edition, I went with the theme of  "Spirit Animals". So when you show up wear anything that has your spirit animal on it. Whether it be a t-shirt, a hat, body paint, tattoo, a onsie, you name it! Bring it out! Plus I'm also taking requests, I'll draw a spirit animal for you, whatever you want! I also "took" the liberty since ain't nobody wanted to give it to me to create some hashtags for the event. #Illerstrateshow and #Spiritanimaledition use them to the maximum effect. Of course I will be posting the official set list as the date to the show draws nearer. I will have my band assembled for the event and live beat making. I always aim to make a memorable show and this night will be no different. Make sure you rsvp at the facebook event page for exclusive updates to the show: https://www.facebook.com/events/335773133487208/

Below is the flyer I developed

for the show. I used spirit animals in it. I also took a nod to author H.P. Lovecraft who the venue is named after. I even added one of his most famous creations in the  flyer, called Cthulu which is supposed to be some under water elder god that is malevolent and extremely evil and terrifying. I also added a hydra which is a multi-headed beast from Greek mythology. A crab for those with not so much of a nasty spirit animal, plus a werewolf and a unicorn.

And so it begins!!

What happened at the Birthday show at Leftfield on MArch 4th!?!

Success is the first word that comes to mind thinking about the show last week. *Sidenote, after most shows I have I'm usually out of it, exhausted once the adrenaline has worn off. Then there is the rare case of when I'm so excited from a show that I just can't sit my ass down and I don't know what to do with myself. The latter is what happened to me after this show. Also my conditioning has gotten better over the years so I'm not out for the count when a show is done. I say all that to say this. After a show whether up or down I want to just be away from any computers or people and be in my own head space. But we here now. 

Back to the show! Man my energy wasn't just at a high level. The house was packed which made it that much more charged. I'm still feeling a high from the show. It left me in a place mentally full of euphoria and seeking the next, but wanting to relive the moment. I got my artwork blown up on engineer prints from staples as you will see in the photos below. My team, yes I have a team with me now! They helped set up all my artwork. Which added to the energy already built around the event. There is video footage being edited, so film of my set is on the way. I played with my live band and live beat maker during my set.

I covered Outkast's "ROSES", with a story about a childhood crush of mines who didn't quite reciprocate. I opened my set with a cover of Mos Def & Massive Attacks "I against I" from the Blade 2 soundtrack.  P.Cruz did his own mix of "I Against I" which was ill!

I did an acapella of  my song "Freak Of Nature", which the crowd really dug. I also did a verse from the title "Gone is the illusion".

The band and I did a rendition of my song "I workout" with some crowd participation and we was vibing. Had the whole crowd moving from side to side and chanting "I Workout!". It was great!

I really enjoyed the mix that P.Cruz did of "Knights in Shining Darkness" It sounded real eerie! he even did his own remix of it which is totally different from the live mix he did during the show. Check it out! It's available for streaming and free download! 

https://pcruz.bandcamp.com/track/knights-in-shining-darkness-p-cruz-remix

I think one of the big highlights for me was the live version of my song "Henny On Ice". Which I started with an acapella of the songs first verse which the crowd really enjoyed. The line in the beginning always get's em! You'd think my name was Charles....The way I lay the Dickens. Haha, people love that line so we thought it best that it be delivered with the rest of the verse with no beat playing. 

I previewed the artwork, especially the art that went with the songs during the set. I only had a 45 minute play time so I had to keep it tight.

The bookers of the show were happy with the results, meaning the turn out. They've invited me back to do more shows! i couldn't be happier man! Like I said success. 

Check the pictures below for some visuals of the evening. Great times!! Even More to come!!

My friend Epiphany B, who is a dope artist herself, standing next to a picture of the main character who is a grim reaper in my graphic novel. 

In this pic, my keyboardist Simone Acosta left, far right my bassist Tariq Tucker. In the middle my good friend Tasty Keish with her TK: AM shirt on, rep'n her radio show hard. Then me, shirtless, face paint on, serenading her during my song called "I workout".

Neon light ambiance while rocking LeftfieldBar. This was a damn good show, shit it felt good!

This is art from my illustration book. This piece is called "Groundhog's Day". It was inspired by Bill Murray's movie by the same name and the image in the upper left corner is twilight zone inspired. The endless cyclical cold melancholy day plays out in this song. Stir crazy delirium.

This photo was taken by Annie McCray. All is a blur, the world is spinning. I like this one a lot.

This is a great shot showing my audience from my show. My man P.Cruz from the Hip Hop duo Punskription doing live beatmaking on Ableton. Behind him is artwork from my illustration book, that one is titled "Knights in Shining Darkness". Which he just did a remix of. I'll be posting it shortly. Beside him is the grim reaper who is the main character from my upcoming graphic novel.

This has been a popular picture. Everyone always asks me for it to buy. It's the image for my song "Henny On Ice". Books and individual images on sale soon.

This is the first page from my Graphic novel titled "4". It shows our cast of characters on the verge of sieging enemy territory.

Here is another character from my graphic novel, he is a scarred individual with a tortured mysterious past involving vampires.

As I mentioned before, this is my piece for my song "Knights in Shining Darkness". 

Ahhhh! Squad up, ya know? People in this picture I go way back with. My man's Warren S Britt MC, documentarian. on my right, behind me is my dude Magnit Handz, dope beatmaker. Left my dude Varyius Ways, Educator, promoter, and entertainer. Boss Level. Down front is my homegirl from H.S. Lima who surprised me with a visit! That made my day. Then the fly DJ KK47! beside me. Then Keish next to KK and behind my friend Shavon. Love my peoples man!

My good homie, my road dog Roberto DeJesus. The brilliant mastermind behind Supreme Bars. A monthly MC competition which just branched out to philly. Check them out in NY at the Lantern!

Today I will be on the radio for some "Beats, Treats,& Eats".

The two people in this photo are not only very dope people, dope DJ's, international performers touring the globe, but also awesome radio hosts.

They host a show which airs on www.LittleWaterRadio.org 4-6pm EST on Wednesdays called "Beats, Treats, &Eats". Which I will be interviewed on today! I'll be talking about my upcoming Birthday show at Leftfield Bar, on 87 Ludlow this Saturday at 7pm. Also my recently finished illustration book which is a companion to my album 'Gone Is The Illusion'. Plus my graphic novel which is in the works. Be sure to tune in by clicking on the little water link above!

And if you haven't rsvp'd to the show this Saturday, here is the fb link! https://www.facebook.com/events/332129380504294/

 This photo of M-tri and DJ Leecy T is of  there project they released which is very dope too! check the link! https://mtrianddjleecyt.bandcamp.com/album/monday-morning-music 

I'm in Japan!? Illustration WhAt!?! You rock'N another show!!?!! DAAAAAANG!!!!

Salute people! I have great news! I have finished my illustration book! Finally after working on it for most of 2016 I finished it at 1:04 am on January 26th 2017. Haha! I feel REEEEALLY excited that I finished this project. I feel lightweight. You know that good hollow feeling you get when you accomplish something? Man. Now if that wasn't enough my good homie Fran, who lives in Okinawa, Japan, loved the artwork of my flyer for my bday show, so he asked if he could borrow one of the images for a flyer he was designing for a punk rock show in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. I said for sure! That ended up being the flyer in the pictures below in the streets of Japan! Take a look. 

This is the first time I saw my artwork of myself in Japan from my friends flyer. It looks like a arcade this was posted in.

This is from what is called "Kokusaidori" which is the downtown Naha in Okinawa! It usually gets as busy as Times Sq New York.

And from what he told me, the reception to my artwork has been great. He wants me to send more, and translate my book into Japanese to be distributed in indie stores overseas. 

Man! What a way to kick off the new year! Don't you think? So the next process of getting this done is SELF PUBLISHING!! I'm on it! Stay tuned for more details!!

Now Saturday night I will be performing at the event below on the flyer. This is my 3rd time performing at Mickey Mo's Cafe. The vibe    is always chill and the food is good. Dope set up to. So, If you are near 428 Sunrise Hwy, Lynbrook New York. Stop by, say hi. Soak in the music and have a great evening!

My BDAY SHOW!!! MARCH 4TH 2017!!!! Get Ready!!!

This is the flyer to my Bday show that I designed myself. Figured it was appropriate since I'm featuring more of my artwork at this performance. I decided to go with a more simplistic, stripped down, hand drawn look. As opposed to font heavy, gradients, and digital inking. I'm going to print this as a flyer, and pick a certain kind of paper to do it so it enhances the comic book feel. I used an 11x17 bristol board, Pigma Micron Ink Pens, and Copic Markers. The bottom right image is of me wearing my signature flak jacket, screaming the lyrics from song "Warganism". To the left is a werewolf, If anybody knows me I have a fondness for werewolves and came up with an EP called the Werewolf Lullabies. Above image is a birthday cake and combination of a live audience while I am rocking the mic. I've been noticing a ton of flyers lately with a throw back to flyers from the 70's with this DIY feel to them. So I felt like I could put my own spin on the current trend and this is what I came up with.

I will be previewing artwork from my upcoming graphic novel "4" and maybe some stuff from my illustration book, we'll see. :) I also have my homie P.cruz doing live beat making during my set and some other live instrumentation. More details to come. Be sure to check out the event page because that's where I first put the new updates.  
https://www.facebook.com/events/332129380504294/294/

My night out at Inspired Word in New York City at Parkside Lounge

Most of the Players involved in last nights show!

This picture right here was taken after the event, "inspired Word". Which was on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017. It was at Parkside Lounge on Houston St in Lower Manhattan. Most of the performers, some of the crowd and even the host are in this photo. Bottom left is Scottt Raven the host, then LawlySe with the hat turned back, she is a dope beatmaker. Her and my friend behind me in this photo, Happy Accident a dope emcee in her own right, teamed up for there feature performance and killed it! More on that later! Jumping across to the far right, behind the first row with one person between us is my dude A.D. rep'n the Bronx. He closed out the open mic and killed it. Next to him is the homie Lex Rush! Ill Freestyle emcee and Hip Hop artist. She joined Happy Accident during her set with a guest verse. Next to her is my friend Shawn Randall, he does an event called "Symphonics Live". He has performers from a wide range of disciplines come out and perform. He is one of the most chill dudes I have ever met. Check him out. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2729243

On my left is Gardenia.SB, talented Emcee from Far Rock. Next to her is Clyde Phalanx, that brother sick on the instruments. Guitars and piano is what I saw him rock during his set. In front of my comrades Lex and A.D. is another Emcee from the Boogie Down that killed it. I don't remember her stage name so I don't know if she would be cool with me sharing her Gov'ment an all, So I'll just keep it as is in the meantime. But she shared a few verses over some industry beats and the crowd ate it up. Same thing goes for sis in the front in the black tank top with the glasses. She is a poet. Right in front of me is homie named Leo, he was an audience member. Alll the way in the back ,peace sign up. is David Freeman, Singer Song writer who did a few covers earlier in the show and did his thing. He did a cover of TLC's "Scrubs". That song stay stuck in my head,lol. 

When I hit the stage later in the evening I did an acapella version of my song "Knights In Shining Darkness", and "The Return". Along with some crowd participation on both hooks and clapping on the beat. I never tried it with "Knights In Shining Darkness" but I have with "The Return". 

During the live set of Happy Accident and LawlySe they did this song called "Period Piece". Which is about...Yep..You guessed it,lol. Women on their period. I've seen lately a group of female Mc's approach their art form unapologetically in a way I've never seen before and to be honest it's really dope! During the performance women in the audience were throwing pads and tampons on the stage, I'm so serious! None of them were used though..That would've been very gross. But the energy was raw and I really appreciated it. 

What I love about Parkside Lounge is it reminds me of old New York. Gritty dive bar in the front. Then you walk to the back and see a lounge like environment. Somewhat posh and in front is the stage for the artists to perform. I love that combination. Well that does it for this blog entry.

Be sure to stay tuned, I am having a show on my Bday. March 4th 2017. At Leftfield Bar on 87 Ludlow. I'll be rocking out for 45min. Live Band and Beatmaking and my rhymes. Get ready!

*I forgot to add these photos from this event. They were taken by Mike Geffner and Marvin Mendlinger.