The Inspiration
In 2020 not only did we suffer from COVID but more specifically the Black community suffered from the ongoing traumatic experience of seeing our people die to unjust & racist killings by Law Enforcement from all over the United Sates. George Floyd to Breonna Taylor are two of the most recent lives lost but we’ve lost many over the past few years. I’ve never had too many things to say on record (music) about this negative part of the Black experience due to me not being motivated these conversations into my art. I sometimes have the tendency to want to expound with care and careful dissertation and I feel as if three hooks and two 16 bar verses aren’t enough.
In addition, I’m more of a — vocal person via in person conversations with my Black & White peers, show my support via social media and with my money when the opportunity presents itself — kind of person. However, this time around I was inspired and encouraged by a solid homie & overall person within music culture to let my voice be heard in the art simply because “my artistic voice was needed.”
The Anthem
The first musical piece that I created during 2020 was the Take 10 Freestyle audio & visual. It not only addresses the racial injustice Black people face but also speaks to the white and non-Black population who don’t speak up for us but enjoy our music, style and culture (we call them culture vultures). It also speaks on the untimely death of Oluwatoyin Salau and the mental health growth I experienced during that time in my life in general.
Not too long afterwards, Black Beamin’ was written, recorded and filmed. I’d like to say it’s one of my best pieces I’ve made in my creative stay; written, co- & executive produced. In addition, I could NOT have completed this work without my friends & collaborators from DL Zene, theDeeepend, Southpaw Swade, J. Pelham and more! You can find the IG recap interview we did right below the official visual.
Black Beamin’ The Official Visual
Black Beamin’ Song + Video // A Creative Recap
The Affirmation
Two iconic Black artists both wrote incredible songs that would be both played out loud & verbally used at rallies, protests, schools and more to uplift Black people as a whole. Nina Simone’s “To Be Young Gifted and Black” and James Brown’s “Say It Loud - I’m Black & I’m Proud”. These aren’t the only two artists that have made affirming records for us but they are the first two I was introduced to as a teenager and that I’ll never forget.
Reflecting on this inspired me to issue a challenge to some friends & Black creative minds I know to help me create some content that can inspire, motivate & encourage all fellow Black people who come in contact. I’ll be sharing more of these here in this blog in the weeks to come. You can find the video/s below.
The Tee
I knew when I finished filming the video, I wanted to do a shirt. A shirt that was simple & straight to the point but also looked good on Black people and our allies alike. A shirt that we can wear and be proud of. Something that not only brings the phrase “Black Beamin’” to life but that is also a sign of hope, love and encouragement to our community.
AND .. something that is transferable to not just t-shirts but to other accessories and clothing alike.
I pitched an idea to my younger sister who is an incredible artist and creative mind. She loved it! We’ve worked on several pieces in the past so this was an easy layup.
The official Black Beamin’ T-Shirt is out, now! Shout out to my wife for the dope last minute pictures!
