to 27
I have a world of things to be grateful for.
This day last year was a day of melancholy and sadness grieving as my world changed around me. Even
amongst the movement - some of which was my own doing, no one told me to get a house - I felt like I had
Lost control, a triggering feeling.
But alas, I have closed doors that wanted to close and have opened doors where I see light. This has been
My year of “yes:”.
I am surrounded by love. I live relatively comfortably in New York City, a dream. I’ve met some geniune
People and amazing friends that I hope stay for a lifetime. Every day is an adventure. I wake up with no plans
And go to bed at 1 AM having been out all night.
I love bodega omelettes and the kennedy chicken by my apartment.
I’ve made some of the best songs ever that were supposed to come out today, but I found inspiration recently
And decided to continue to work on it some. #taurusenergy
I could’ve never seen this coming a year ago. But here I am letting in the light.
Reflections on January 6th from the Ground
I went to DC to capture the moment as a Black photographer after seeing many photographers, especially Black, weren't going. For the brief time I was in DC, I witnessed first hand the chaos and violence white nationalists committed against the United States and the people of DC.
After a few days of reflection I wanted to make four different points that I think should be discussed more.
WE MUST NAME FASCISM, EXPLICITLY
The United States is ripe for a fascist takeover as anyone who studies the rise right wing populism can tell you. A disenchanted working class (often made the image even though white nationalism unifies class lines) , fears of globalism (anti-China, anti Mexico), adoration of authoritorianism (BlueLivesMatter), and xenophobia are all signs. Germany showed us in the 1920s. Other Eastern European countries followed suit.
The mob violence on Wednesday was just a preview of fascist terror and any politician unable to name it as such is complicit at worst, or inept at best. We must not allow the right wing to control and frame the narrative. These right wing fanatics will call themselves pro-life, pro-freedom, and pro-America when they’re really pro-money, pro-greed, and pro-domination. They will attack women, children, and anyone they deem vulnerable in their bloodthirsty quest for power and dominion. They are fascists and we must be explicit in naming them as such.
CONSERVATIVES ARE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE
The Republican Party is directly responsible for the attack on the United States Capitol. Several sitting members of government at all levels need to be tried for sedition and conspiracy including - but not limited to - Rudy Guliani, Ted Cruz, and Josh Hawley.
In Maryland, we have Andy Harris, in Congress, and Dan Cox in the General Assembly who've stoked the fires and continue to support the blatant lie that has endangered the lives of DC residents, fellow government members, and more. The GOP is a party of hypocrites who lack any sort of accountability and they don't need any more power.
Democrats don't need to rush to try to reach across the aisle, though I suspect they will do so sooner than later. Instead of working to absolve the GOP of their crimes, empower the working class through passing sweeping reform like M4A and $2K stimulus checks. The morally bankrupt GOP has stolen enough from the people.
BLACK FOLKS, THIS IS OUR FIGHT TOO
There’s this notion that what happened yesterday doesn’t concern Black people and the unfortunate truth is that it should most certainly concern Black people. While we don’t need to defend the Capitol building, we should be educating ourselves on the threat of conservatism, fascism, and how these structures erode our own communities.
Right wing interests invade our own communities through the hypercapitalist obsession with Black wealth, Black Wall Street, Black police, and bastardized representation politics. Society is not built by individualism alone, but collectivism and cooperation. Black conservtives will peddle prosperity gospel under the guise of individualism and "hard work" - meanwhile Black labor is under attack through the gut of union jobs, the gig economy, and the devaluing of labor through the wage gap.
Yesterday's hysterics were fueled by conspiracy as much as it was fueled by hate. We must not let xenophobia and false prophents dominate our community. We don't need to sucuumb to the same forces that make white people fascists. If white conservatives have eroded their folks to this level of madness, what do you think Black conservatives will do to us?
WE can do better.
The right wing has been winning culture war for generations. Reaganism and austerity politics has ruled the US for some time now, but we cand and must turn directions. It starts with all of us individually, working for the collective. Antifacism is our friend. Collectivism is our friend. Mutual aid is our friend. Now is the time to work together for each other to build a better planet for the next generation.
My Top 7 Songs from the City 2020
This year, as hectic and hellish as its been, produced some great art - if not nationally, then locally. Baltimore artists really ate this year up with many artists putting out work that wouldn’t suggest having to survive while living amongst global struggle. We’re talking music that would’ve sent crowds in a frenzy, or maybe the music would’ve taken you to a quiet segment of Jones Falls Trail listening to the rush of the falls. This list contains songs that I would’ve loved to have experienced at The Crown, AFROPUNK, or a Brooklyn (New York) day festival. Wherever the music takes you, you’ll be better for it by giving it a listen and even better for buying it.
7. Smackdown by Chris Cassius featuring Deetranada
Chris Cassius has a good ear for beats as he slides over this song accompanied by Deetranada. The second verse is where he really goes in and it feels like the ante is really up. Then, as if you couldn’t get even more hype, Deetranada enters the game on 11. You feel the aggression and almost want to fight or flight yourself. I just feel it in my body that she had to have slammed the mic down when she finished her verse. Had to.
Apple Music Link | Bandcamp Link
6. Top Bitch by Baby Kahlo
Kahlo is definitely that girl. Her energy is definitely that of its own category. Her ability to mesh punk rock and rap into its own medley of something new is just of what being a Black female rapper is - creating your own avenue. “Top Bitch” is another song I wish I had the fortune of experiencing live. I want to mosh and scream “I”m a top bitch” Now that my hair is long enough and my body is more sturdy I could definitely bump some heads. Not to mention she released not just one but TWO videos for the single.
Apple Music Link | Bandcamp Link
5. Got it On by Butch Dawson
“Got It On” was produced, written, and performed by Butch Dawson himself. Dawson himself has modeled for several brands so its not surprising he would write about clothing in this sense. The song is definitely giving runway, but not in a untz untz way. I could see one of these expensive fashion brands using it in a promotional video. They tend to pull inspo from Black people anyway, so why not?
I admit, though I’ve heard the name Helmut Lang many times, I never thought to look into what the brand was, but the song made me curious so I took a look. Me, I’ma stick to the rivers and the Levis I’m used to.
Apple Music Link | Bandcamp Link
4. Nymph by Randi Withani
The third track from her debut EP portfolio drafts, “Nymph” is song the taste of vanilla glaze on a cinnamon roll. This song feels like the sunlight in Corinne Bailey Rae’s “Put Your Records On” video. This song is warmth. It’s comfort.
3. Pendulum Swing by Zadia
Choosing this song from Cheyenne Zadia’s Vacants was no easy to-do. The album is truly a gem from start to finish with a poetic introduction from Devin Allen , many features from some of Baltimore’s best artists, all the way through to the ninth track.
So, what makes “Pendulum Swing” the song I chose? “Pendulum Swing” is pretty much the setting scene of this project. I imagine it opens a beautiful Spike Lee film. It sets the tone for the album - smooth percussion backing a simple piano melody with Zadia’s layered soulful harmonies carrying the track. Ayefinney takes us to the middle with some dope bars “Fuck is fools hating for?”
Apple Music Link | Bandcamp Link
2. Straight Drop by YTK
2020 has been a good year for YTK, who released his full-length project “From Grace, For Grace” earlier this year. “Peyote” the opening track almost had this spot with its Raury-like dreamlike soundscape introducing the project. Then, not too long after, YTK released the one-off “Straight Drop” - the best manifestation of YTK’s “coolness”. The song could easily become a radio hit. Its one of those songs you’d play at a day party and find yourself bopping to without even being conscious of it.
1. Nasty by Miss Kam
“Nasty” could’ve been the song of the summer. It’s the song we deserved to hear at Artscape just ass being thrown like interceptions during an NFL game. But like the NFL, Artscape, and Summer, - the panoramic took ass shaking to “Nasty” away from us. At least in the context of a bunch of friends having fun. EYE happened to enjoy myself with this song and its helped me lose a few pounds (as I jump roped) over the summer. The song is the final track of her EP “Birthday Pack” released on her birthday. As a fellow May baby myself (on the Taurus side) I may be a bit biased, but its definitely worth topping the list. But you listen to the track yourself and tell me that I’m wrong!
Honorable Mentions
I’m Okay - T.Ali
Trackpants - Chris Cassius
Henny on the Pavement - Zadia
Thus Spoke My Father, The Coward - Infinity Knives
This Writing Thing, Again
Greetings,
I’ve decided to start this writing thing, yet again. As I type this, I know my mentor Professor Verdelle would probably whack me over the head for using the word “thing”. I can hear her disappointment now, but I promise its intentional (pinky promise).
Perhaps I shouldn’t say I’m writing again - this suggests that I haven’t written in a while which isn’t true considering my zine features a short story, and my photo book TOUJOURS contains several personal essays. But this is the first time I’m venturing back into the public world with my words and thoughts in such an accessible way.
I’m excited for it. I’ve been very inspired lately and creating so much work that I’m personally proud of. I realize that as an artist, I can share my sources of inspiration with others and they may find the same spark that I found. My day job celebrates unlocking creativity, and I abide by that mission in my own personal life. Me being open about the people and experiences from which I draw inspiration is only right as I move forward in my journey as an artist. Besides, sharing is caring.
This writing “thing” will be fun this time around.