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!!