artist of the month - hip hop humanism2024-03-29T09:42:33Zhttps://hiphophumanism.ning.com/news/feed/tag/artist+of+the+monthAugust 2017https://hiphophumanism.ning.com/news/august-20172017-08-10T20:50:38.000Z2017-08-10T20:50:38.000ZJay Renehttps://hiphophumanism.ning.com/members/TheJayRene<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2462196?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>If you have been paying attention you would have noticed that this month, we did not drop an “Artist of the Week” for the first week of August.  That is because the first week of August was dedicated to the great man Adam ‘MCA’ Yauch.  It is now time, however, to get back to schedule.  This month, we will showcase two artists, Dan Lish and La June.  Here is a snippet on all the events of August.</p>
<p>All this month, we will be paying tribute to Adam Yauch.  If you missed MCA Day, kick yourself.  It was the most powerful, heart-warming and kick ass experience of my life to date.  The love in the building that poured out into the street was easily felt as everyone joined together to celebrate the life of a courageous man, humanitarian, activist and American Rap artist.  The music and the artwork was phenomenal.  Love and thanks to everyone is extended!  Now here is a bit about our two “Artist of the Week” for August. </p>
<p>Dan Lish is the creator of ‘Egostrip’ which is a “series of illustrations based on Hip Hop creators, artists, legends and individuals” (Danlish.com, 2017) that have been Dan’s inspiration.  He has been creating art since the age of four and he was encouraged by his parents to pursue the craft.  His artwork is super detailed and you can easily tell that time and love has been put into each creation.  As a multi-disciplined artist, he has been involved in many projects over the last 25 years.  He has even designed for Rockstar Games and Sony. </p>
<p>La June is a music artist that we encountered at this year’s MCA Day.  Her stage presence was impressive and easily transferred her energy to the crowd.  Her music mixes Hip Hop and different genres to produce an interesting and gravitating sound.  Along with making music she also is an actress and won the “Outstanding Guest Actress” at the 2015 Los Angeles Web Fest Awards.  She has been featured in Bust Magazine as well as featured on Hollywoodlife.com (Iamlajune.com, 2017).</p>
<p>We look forward to introducing or reacquainting you with these fabulous artists who are sharing their incredible crafts and abilities with the world.</p>
<p>Hip Hop Humanism</p>
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<p>For more info on these artists check out the links below:</p>
<p>Dan Lish</p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.danlish.com/">www.danlish.com</a></p>
<p>Twitter:  @danlish1</p>
<p>Instagram:  @danlish1</p>
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<p>La June</p>
<p>Website:  <a href="http://www.lajune.com/">www.lajune.com</a></p>
<p>Twitter:  @iamlajune</p>
<p>Instagram:  @iamlajune</p>
</div>Grand Opus Written by Chinyere Eguhttps://hiphophumanism.ning.com/news/grand-opus-written-by-chinyere-egu2017-08-05T04:10:29.000Z2017-08-05T04:10:29.000ZJay Renehttps://hiphophumanism.ning.com/members/TheJayRene<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2462208?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>The Grand Opus is a North Californian based hip-hop group that recently released a song called 360 degrees. This group is comprised of two musicians, Joc Scholar and Centric where Centric is the music producer and Joc Scholar the emcee. The combination of these talented individuals is what created this unique group as a duo that works harmoniously. </p>
<p>Centric who comes from Oakland California has a passion for music, fitness and food. The combinations of these three qualities makes him a powerful producer. His talent is seen in the production of hip-hop music and he continues to experience success in his work. Also, he has collaborated with other musicians such as Sean Price, Chino XL, Big Mike of the 26 Day Crew, Cuzoh, Planet Asia, and Sadat X amongst others. Besides his passion and creativity, he is also an award winning music producer. </p>
<p>Joc Scholar who has been involved in rhyming for a long time, comes from Fresno California. He has done other albums for instance Kold Crush, A story of an Emcee, and Water from the Nile. Joc, Scholar like Centric is also passionate about music, loves art, film, photography and design. Music is his source of livelihood and that is what he has used to bring up his son Souleaux. Notably, Souleaux has also developed an interest in music. As a vocalist, Joc shows his consciousness and anyone listening to him gets mesmerized. Both Joc and Centric are a duo that is surely unforgettable when one gets the chance to listen to their music. </p>
<p>When one gets the opportunity to listen to the debut single – 360 degrees by the Grand Opus; they will review their life, choices and reality. Life has taught people that they have to make decisions and to take the right path according to societal beliefs. It is the society that helps individuals determine what is right or wrong. In this song, Joc Scholar cites that people make themselves “Slaves to society say it loud and die silently.” Therefore, as people try to fit into society, some fail because not everyone is acceptable based on social class, race and gender. Unfortunately, in this society not every individual is treated with due respect despite the constitution guaranteeing equality for all people. The song makes one question all the violence and corruption existing in the country. People are still divided and what is acceptable in one society is not in others. More so, who should determine what is right? What is acceptable in the upper social class may be unacceptable in the lower class. As such, to understand the differences in life, one must use varying perspectives. 360 degrees states the challenges and benefits of life to empower people. Joc as a conscious lyricist attempts to leave people with useful information about life. As such, the Grand Opus enlightens the society in addition to providing entertainment. </p>
<p>Most importantly, Grand Opus highlights love, hate, pain and reality. Also, the Grand Opus goes on to educate society on matters pertaining to lifestyle, social class and the world. Notably, the world continues to spiral meaning that people have to make the right choices. Through this, the disregard for humanity through actions such as racism will cease to exist. Taking the words of the song, “Round and round we go.” it will stir a difference in people’s perspectives, such that they will show concern and respect for each other.</p>
<p>Chinyere Egu, student editor promoting positive hip hop in the Bay Area, can be reached @chindog7@gmail.com. For more information on Grand Opus, visit Grand Opus on Facebook and @Granopusca on Twitter.</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2411968?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2411968?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"></a></p></div>Artist of the Week - Kevin Carmody: Not Your Average Joehttps://hiphophumanism.ning.com/news/artist-of-the-week-kevin-carmody-not-your-average-joe2017-06-14T21:55:07.000Z2017-06-14T21:55:07.000ZJay Renehttps://hiphophumanism.ning.com/members/TheJayRene<div><img src="https://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2462181?profile=RESIZE_400x&width=400"></div><div><p>Kevin Carmody, coined "The Lumberjack" is not your average Joe. He is a member of Mr. Chuck D.'s mADurgengy artist collective. His above average art is followed up with an above average attitude. He is humble and truly loves what he does. Passion is something that many lack now a day. No one seems to have passion about anything. It is refreshing and appreciated to see someone with some passion, especially since that passion is something toward the good. We have an interview that we conducted with Kevin that will give you more insight in who he is as a person and as an artist. Here it goes.</p>
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<p>HHH: Tell us a little about yourself...</p>
<p>Kevin: I'm 36 years old now. I attended Frostburg State University- (received Bachelor of Fine Arts), Montgomery College- (received Associate of Applied Science in Construction Management), and the University of Maryland University College- (Received Master of Science in Management). Art is a hardcore hobby of mine. It is not how I make my living. I just have fun with it. Simply put, I love it.</p>
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<p>HHH: We can definitely appreciate your art, thank you for creating it. So when did you first fall in love with Hip Hop?</p>
<p>Kevin: As a teen and young adult, I'd often find myself hanging out smack dab in city. It didn't matter If I was in Washington DC, Baltimore, or surrounding sub-cities/suburban areas like Wheaton, Silver Spring, Rockville, etc.; hip hop was always in the vicinity. It was either in your face or it was background noise. Regardless, it was just there. </p>
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<p>HHH: How you said that, about Hip Hop and its presence was awesome. Hip Hop was my “theme” music growing up as well. </p>
<p>Kevin: Yes. Also, I grew up during part of Hip Hop's Golden Era. This was part of a time when rap was exploding. It was a time when it had surged into new American territories. It wasn't just in LA or NYC anymore. It had become one of the most intriguing developments in US pop culture/art. Especially for kids. As a result--I loved it and it has stuck with me. </p>
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<p>HHH: Same here. We are around the same age, so I know exactly what you are talking about. Southern artist where shining, Mid-West…it was an awesome time to be connected to Hip Hop.</p>
<p>HHH: What made you begin to create the type of art you do? Hip Hop obviously has influenced you.</p>
<p>Kevin: It has always just been a music I have been fascinated with. There are so many different avenues I could take when answering this question.</p>
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<p>HHH: We are sure it is a complex answer. Well which piece is your favorite and why?</p>
<p>Kevin: My biggie Smalls piece. The colors and drip turned out decent.</p>
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<p>HHH: Yes, we like that one as well. Its way better than decent. It is a dope piece of art. So how does your art change the world?</p>
<p>Kevin: I’m not sure my art has changed the word. I just want to continue doing what I do without changing much [as an artist]. This would be having art shows while keeping my artistic themes true to the skateboarding and music industry. I also want to branch out into doing artwork related to sports figures. Designing dippy labels for soda and beer bottles would be enjoyable too. Just some quick thoughts. However, I don’t think any of these are world changers. Ha ha.</p>
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<p>HHH: We appreciate your humbleness. However, we believe your art does change the world. It's creative thought that becomes reality. It is positive and anything positive is effecting our world. So thank you again. What is something you want the world to know?</p>
<p>Kevin: I’m not sure how to answer this. If I did, I’d have to ponder over this question for quite some time. Besides, my answer would end up being way too long for this interview. My answer now is ……I don’t know.</p>
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<p>HHH: Fair enough, it is a big question. So did you get the name ‘Lumberjack’?</p>
<p>Kevin: This has no deep meaning or comprehensive origin. In college, my buddies gave silly nicknames to each other for laughs. Mine was Lumberjack. Some artists, like myself, keep nicknames that stick. They may also have phrases they coin. Personally, I do it for someone to easily remember me. However, I can't speak for others. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Kevin is a laid back guy who just loves what he does. We are thankful for this. We at Hip Hop Humanism appreciate Kevin’s hard work with his many artistic creations. No matter what brings you to Kevin’s art, one thing everyone who comes will agree upon: that is his art is fresh, dope, colorful and interesting. For more on Kevin check out his website and various pieces of art. His information can be found below.</p>
<p>Hip Hop Humanism is stoked about brining you another positive artist. We look forward to showcasing Shinobi Ninja which will start tomorrow evening and last the week. Thank you to all the artist of different kinds that have given us something that they can never get back: their time. We do not take that for granted.</p>
<p>Hip Hop Humanism. </p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2411937?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2411937?profile=original" width="480" class="align-full"></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2411983?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2411983?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="480" class="align-full"></a> </p>
<p>Twitter: @kevincarmody2</p>
<p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kevincarmodyart/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/kevincarmodyart/?hl=en</a></p>
<p>Website: <a href="http://www.thelumberjackartist.com/">http://www.thelumberjackartist.com/</a></p>
<p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kevincarmodyart/">https://www.facebook.com/kevincarmodyart/</a></p>
<p>Flickr: <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincarmody2003">https://www.flickr.com/photos/kevincarmody2003</a></p>
<p>Pinterest: <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/kevincar/">https://www.pinterest.com/kevincar/</a></p>
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