Lioness in the Concrete Jungle: 7/27/08

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Young Jeezy: Issue #1 - The ECONOMY!!

SO artists are all really addressing what's going on in the world huh? Gone are the references to popped bottles and 24" rims!...now it's more like high gas prices, no jobs and the mortage crisis. You would have to be under a rock to not feel the effects of whats going on , so it would only make sense. According to this interview Jeezy's current single "Put On" is the theme song of those pushing through these hard times and still keeping a dignified front/facade (i.e. fakin the funk) for the world. Peep it....

"Somethin Gotta Give" Big Boi feat Mary J Blige

You know the econony is ISSUE #1 as they say on CNN, when Big Boi and Mary are singing about it...this is real talk. Good to see that artists are a part of the real world...dealing with the same things we are all dealing with!

Monday, July 28, 2008

2,3 Train (HARLEM) - HOOKZ feat JAE MILLZ and TAKIA MIGUEL

CHECK OUT OUR GIRL TAKIA "Fly Ta" Miguel murdering them on this record!!!

This weeks featured Lioness: TOO FLY, Graffiti Artist...the woman behind the Around the Way Girl that we Love...

Name: TOOFLY

Hustle: ART , DESIGN, ORGANIZING

City: New York

1. When I was a kid I daydreamed about...

drawing, painting, and hanging out with my friends...

2. As an adult I daydream about...

creating important pieces of work, owning a home, having kids, and moving out of the city into the mountains of Ecuador. Living a very simple, quiet, and healthy life...

3. In my group of friends I'm the one who...

organizes the parties and special events. The one who laughs at everything, the one who is always hungry, and is down for whatever when I'm not busy.

4. When I was a little girl I was told that I couldn't stay out late because I was not a boy. Only boys can stay out late...

5. How did you break into your industry?

I think I broke into the " art world " as soon as I became public with my street work in early 2002. When that happened my name got out there a lot more, and I began to network with various type of people from graffiti artists, to community organizers, and activists. They would hire and invited me to do designs and collaborations for various Hip Hop, Graffiti, and Educational events.

6. Favorite part of what you do?

Having a vision of something I really want to do and actually making it a reality...

7. Least favorite part of what you do?

Trying to secure the right type of funds to make it happen the way I want it to...

8. Who do you admire in your field?

Artists, designers, entrepreneurs, teachers, activists. I love people with a good heart who care and are experienced in their field. Their energy transports so much more than anyone who is out for themselves or for money. It's very refreshing and what motivates me to keep doing what I do.

9.Fav designers are:

Fashion designers or Graphic designers? There's no one in particular with a story that I feel drawn to...I have always liked Comic Books illustrators like Jim Lee, and Scott Cambell, Graff artists from the early 90's, and a bunch of artists and photographers. Too many to name...

10. Moment your hustle pays off was/will be when:

When I no longer have to work for anyone but myself.
I own my own house, run my own studio/business travel at least 3-6 times a year, paint whenever i want, and and spend carefree time with my family and friends.

11. My family is proud of me because...

I have pursued my dream to be and do something I enjoy while staying honest and grounded in the values they taught me as a kid.