Repp Magazine - Issue Two

R e p p issue two

MAGAZINE

fall/winter 2017

Terrence Wimberly Music’s up and coming wonder boy

Meet Je va ug hn mc k e n z i e

Me e t ma d is o n r o s e

Me e t Jo nat ha n o’n eal

We talk business, inspirations,

This singer on the rise is on the

Faith and fashion can defintely go

and strategy with this talented

come up with her bright colors

hand in hand. Get to know this

creative.

and bold voice!

designer.

photography: Sydney foster 2

what is fear?

(Noun) • an unpleas ant e mot i on c au se d by t he b e l i e f t hat some one or something is dange rou s, l i ke l y to c au se p ai n, or a t hre at. ( Ver b) • feel anxie t y or ap p re he nsi on on b e hal f of.

About us No one can tell our stories better than we can. our voices, our lives, and our art-forms matter. representation shapes our culture and influences the world around us. Which is why it is ims e nd us yo ur s ubmis s io ns portant that we’re seen.

Wanna be featured in the next issue of

Who are we?

Repp Magazine?

Shoot us an email:

Repp Magazine is an online mag providing a space for black creatives to express, connect, and share their art with the world. It is important that we see ourselves in these spaces, showing that we do exist and we’re not going anywhere. not only for ourselves but, for future generations to come.

Let’s Repp!

reppmagazine@gmail.com __________________________________

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What’s inside?

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08

Jevaughn McKenzie

Madison Rose

1 4 S u b m i s s i on s/prin t a n n .

Where to purchase Repp Magazine in print & be feautured.

1 6 W h at a r e we list e n in g t o Our playlist curated for you when it feels like fear is taking over.

2 3 “ I n s i d e your m in d” A poem by Destiny Thomas on ridding fear.

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Jonathan O’Neal

Kimberly Kyne

2 4 h o w h ave you ove rcom e fe a r?

We asked some of our readers how they’ve overcome fear.

3 6 te r r e nce wim berly Get to know our cover star for this issue of Repp Magazine.

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CONTRIBUTORS é me r a ud e Mbuku Émeraude Mbuku is a graduate student at Ryerson University studying Documentary Media. In her spare time, she enjoys

PH OTO G RAP HER S

writing, discovering new music, and watching movies.

Sydney A. Foster

@labaguettenoir

Jevaugh McKenzie Paris Helena Alonzo Mitchell Tre’Shunn Harlan

A ma nda jo ne s Amanda Jones is currently a student at JSCC majoring in Art. She is a God-fearing young woman who is a time-traveler when

Mu a/s t y list

it comes to music and enjoys painting and drawing in her down

Gilbert Moran

around you.

time. Her motto is to always be true to yourself and others

Madison Rose

@z.esta

Sp ecial T h anks

d e s t iny t ho ma s

Saint Hale

Destiny primarily known as “herbeautyspeaks” is a poet and cre-

Ariel Briana

ative currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. She writes poems,

Melody Howell

stories, and articles that focus on the importance of appreciating one’s self, sharing love and creating unity amongst women

Kimberly Kyne

and men of the black community, and the magic of becoming.

@herbeautyspeaks

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LETTERS FROM EDITOR

“Everyday is NOT easy. I want to quit sometimes.

But, I remember the vision and I remember the people I want to inspire and realize that Repp Magazine is bigger than me.”

There are plenty things in life we fear. From fear of the future to irrational fears like driving over bridges or dryer lint. (It’s a thing.) But, the thing we should all understand is that fear can be deafening at times. Being so wrapped up in what scares you can stop you, if you allow. I know from experience, starting an independent publication at nineteen years old is hella scary. I had no one funding me, I didn’t really have full knowledge on how to do it or how to get started, and I was terrified of what local people would think of me. But, thankfully I am blessed with awesome family and friends who push me even when I feel like stopping or when if feels like fear is trying to cripple me. Repp Magazine still has many ways to go and I’m learning a lot along the way. Everyday is NOT easy. I want to quit sometimes. But, I remember the vision and I remember the people I want to inspire and realize that Repp Magazine is bigger than me. We’re connecting creatives and highlighting stories and art forms from people all across the world. I truly am proud of that. I truly am proud of ME.

Diona Renee Dion a Re n e e @dionarenee

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Meet Jevaughn Mckenzie J eva u g hn M c K en zie is a ph o to gra ph er to k eep yo u r eye o n! G et to k n ow th is a m a zin g a n d t a l ented c reat ive w ith a pa s s io n fo r better in g h is c ra f t.

Twenty-two

year old, Jevaughn Mc-

Kenzie’s photography truly captures the essence of mundane subject’s unique beauty. Living in Malverne, New York born unto Jamaican immigrants, Jevaughn’s passion and drive for business was always constant. “I study wealthy people like Tony Robbins, Mark Cuban, Daymond John, and Russell Simmons, because they were able to take the things they loved and create empires that touched the lives

So he purchased a camera and asked people on his college campus if they would want to be a part of his blog. He says that at first, he didn’t quite know how to use a DSLR camera but loved the challenge of mastering his new found obsession.

Jevaughn says, he wants every person that views his images to “gain a new sense of self-confidence and selfdetermination.” He best describes his

of millions, and I’d like to do the same.”

style of photography in three words:

Jevaughn says, his passion for photog-

biggest challenge [thus far] has been

raphy started out “as another way to start a business.” He owes his fascination of the art-form to the peak of the natural hair movement. “I got caught up in the fascination with our unique and extremely diverse curl patterns.”

He was inspired by the “explosion of self-love” along with the growth that came to small black-owned businesses.

“I really wanted to document all of it, and build a one-stop shop marketplace that was completely black-owned.”

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Dramatic, powerful, and vibrant. “The balancing my ambition with my lack of experience in the field. Honestly, it’s like the more you learn about photography, the more you realize you don’t know much.” Jevaughn says this has been one of the biggest frustrations but, he understands that most creatives sharpening their craft go through that. “It really all comes down to patience, and understanding that mastery is a progress and not a destination.”

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“One of the greatest accomplishments a person can have in life is to believe in yourself so much that you wor k hard ever yday for your goals, even if no one else seems to believe in you.”

One of the things Jevaughn would like to do is shoot for a large fashion magazine. He says that he notices one litte issue when flipping through the pages, though: No representation of black people.

“I’d like to do my part to fix that as a respected photographer.” Feeling burnout as a creative is common, but Jevaughn tackles it in a really necessary way. “The best thing to do is take a break. I usually eat first because sometimes I forget after working on a project for a couple of hours.” Making sure he’s hydrated and healthy along with catching up on anime is also one of the many ways he stays inspired and focused.

Jevaughn admits that time management isn’t his strong suit, but regardless he remains dead-set on completing his tasks for the day. “From morning to night, I’m either watching videos on editing, learning about running a successful photography business, editing or taking pictures. That’s about 90 percent of my day. The other 10 percent I’m relaxing by watcing anime, reading, working out, or talking to friends. It’s pretty haphazard.”

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photography by jevaughn mckenzie 12

Someone who’s work he’s truly inspired by is Makeda Sanford, (@ohmakeda) “Her style is much more dreamy and relaxed than mine, but the way she uses colors, and how she’s able to capture feelings of peace and serenity is like nothing else I’ve seen in anyone else’s photos. I’d like to be able to consistently capture emotion like she does.”

Mckenzie is simply inspired by people. “The more fashionable, the better.” He’s recently started to experiment with city themes since he lives close to Manhattan. He is inspired by the high energy, and tension the city brings. Which is why he believes it serves a good backdrop to his work. He also desires to live a life of financial freedom. “It [financial freedom] will allow me to make sure my parents are taken care of while I still do my photography. Once I’m able to do it for myself, I want to be able to teach other creatives how to do it too, so they can live a comfortable life without compromise.”

Overcoming fear is a daily drill for Mr. Jevaughn Mckenzie. By day he has a nice paying office job in the city but, he says that’s not the life he wants to live. “There are tons of reasons why I might not be able to support myself and my family as photographer one day but I know what I want, and I know who I want to be. I don’t want to look back as an old man and complain about how I didn’t take control of my life becasue I was afraid of failure. Ironically, it’s my fear of regret that overpowers all my other fears.

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Hey, guess what?

You can purchase each of our issues in print.

Visit our webiste to get linked to where to purchase.

ALSO, feel free to submit your photographs, pitches, projects, accomplishments, or pictures of your pet dogs to our email: reppmagazine@gmail.com We want to feauture you. Visit our guidelines. www.reppmagazine.com/submissions

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The

� r a e F o N e v “Ha Playlist Songs for when it feels as if fear consumes us. Enjoy our stress-relieving playlist curated for you. organized by Amanda jones

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Fever Tribe - The Balance Lianne La Havas - Midnight Leon Bridges - River Mali Music - Gonna Be Alright Hiatus Kaiyote - Borderline With My Atoms Mali Music - Worth It Lenny Kravitz - Always on the Run Lenny Kravitz - Life Ain’t Ever Been Better Than It Is Now Laura Mvula - Phenomenal Woman

Scan the barcode to be linked to Repp Magazine’s Apple Music Playlist

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Meet Madison Rose S he’s b o l d, she’s b r ight, a n d s h e’s rea dy to ta k e t he m u sic scene by s to r m . G et to k n ow n ewco m er M a dis o n R o s e!

Madison Rose had dreams of moving to Los Angeles at the age of nine. She always had a feeling that the city would allow her to blossom into the star she wanted and knew she could be. Originally, an Ohio native, Madison and her mother finally made the move by the age of eleven. She intitally wanted to pursue acting. She did a lot of musical theatre and realized that she didn’t have to be defined by one gift. It wasn’t until she was seventeen years old, that she pursued music completely. “I really fell in love with music when I started writing my own music. I’ve been singing since I was little but hadn’t considered myself a writer.”

She realized how powerful music was when she took a chance and realized how capable she was at telling stories through music. “I started to listen to everything differently. Then once you start creating, you see how much work goes into it and what a labor of love music really is.

With Madison’s eclectic and unique style, it’s no surprise that her music is isnpired by people who are unique, bold, and powerful like she. “Queen has been a source of inspiration for me since I was young. Freddie Mercury had a glamour about him. We all love Beyoncé, but with good reason. She is so precise. Her work ethic is unmatched - and I think it’s most apparent at her live shows. I want to grow to be at that level of expertise for my live shows. I’ve only recently been getting more into St. Vincent and she’s truly a genius. She is so unapologetically herself and her visuals are insane. Banks has always held a place in my heart. Her writing is so emotionally open.”

Madison describes her sound as “big, bright, and electric.” Much like her sense of style. She says that colors are very soothing to her and inspire her mood. “When I wear bright colors, it is to represent the message I wish to bring to the world.”

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Photography by paris helena mua: gilbert moran styling: madison rose 19

Photographer: Paris Helena Make Up Artist: Gilbert Moran Styling: Madison Rose 20

“ We need to understand that though we a re d i f fe re nt, t h e re i s ro o m fo r u s a l l to co ex i s t b e a u t i f u l l y - l i k e co l o r s i n a ra i n b ow.”

Madison has gotten to perfom in front of crowds in New York, she admits that there are butterflies at times, but she’s mainly excited to perform and give people a good show. Her advice to fairly new musicians just starting out is be yourself.

“I’m still quite new! But, as you’re crafting your sound, if anyone tells you that you should try to emulate another artist - run. Have your influences, but appreciate the unique qualities that you bring to the table because no one has lived your story.” Onto the subject of fear, Madison doesn’t let it define her. She experiences it, like most humans do but it essentially fuels her. “Like most people I have a lot of fears about the future. I’ll have moments where I feel like I’m not moving fast enough and I can’t see a way to the destination I’m trying to get to.” She overcomes anxiety and fear by meditating and keeping the faith.

Madison believes that representation presents a path to future generations. “I don’t want young, black kids feeling like they are incapable of any achievements because they’ve never seen someone that looks like them reach those goals.

I feel responisble to break down barriers so that those after me never feel like their skin was why they didn’t receive access to opportunities.” In the future, Madison high hopes for her musical career. She hopes to one day play at Madison Square Garden and sell out a tour. “Ultimately, I feel music is my platform to enact larger change. I’m on a mission to inspire peace around the world.” Expect to hear Madison’s new single January 2018!

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Illustration by Kimberly Kyne 22

Inside your mind everything may seem unclear.

Inside your mind the direction of your journey may seem as though it is not going right.

Inside your mind you may feel as though you are undeserving of all of the good things that are making their way about.

Inside your mind fear may find its way to move to through every part of your body uncontrollably but focus on what is blossoming magically right before you.

There's nothing wrong walking in the light of your purpose and destined calling.

There's nothing wrong with moving towards what you feel is best and will keep you full of peace.

May you continue to understand that you are worth every beautiful blessing and opportunity that is meant for you to enjoy, experience, and embrace.

May you always know that the rain won't last forever but the sunshine will be sure to arise once the rain goes away.

– Destiny Thomas

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What’s one way you’ve overcome fear this year?

Shelbi Denai • Memphis, TN One thing that has helped me and still helping me overcome fear is believing in myself and being confident in the gifts that God has blessed me with. Knowing and accepting that I’m made to be different!

Now I know that response is pretty cliche but let me explain.

I believe that YOU are the only person in control of your life so you can either make that a positive or a negative experience ; and sometimes we as people tend to block our own opportunities because we have these “what if” questions or these doubts that things won’t go how they should .

In most cases they don’t which is the fun part about life! Life is about taking chances and making the best out of what you have until you work hard for what you deserve!

Fear limits you and your vision! You have to let that fear go and be free! Take a chance , have fun and believe in yourself!

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What’s one way you’ve overcome fear this year?

Quincy Pugh • Memphis, TN I used to hold back from sharing my talents with other people. Ive been afraid to show people the real Quincy. I’ve doubted that people would connect with what I feel and my perspective on life. Fear stopped me from expressing myself because I did not have faith in myself and wanted to be accepted. But overtime, as I elevated in my relationship with God, he gave me power. With this power, he gave me strength. I finally had the strength to take control over my life and be who I really wanted to be. I reached this point of my life where I was tired of living in secret. I feel like God gave me all of my talents for a reason and I finally wanted to utilize them all no matter what. I stopped worrying about how people would receive me. I started living for today. Now I am more than eager to share who I am and my creations with people. I not only use my art to empower myself, but also to empower others around me. I realized the moment I stopped living in fear, is the moment I started to walk in my purpose. I used to seek validation from others. I used to allow the opinions of other people worry me, but now, I don’t care.

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Meet Jonathan o’neal Gra p hic designer, Jo n ath a n O ’N ea l is m a k in g a na m e fo r him s el f but m ov in g in h is ow n l a n e w hil e d o ing so. Th is is o n e c reative to watc h .

North Carolina native, Jonathan O’neal is a graphic designer, apparel designer and entrepeneur. “I started editing pictures on Picnik that were on Facebook and people started responding positively to them and paying me to edit.”

Eventually, he was asked to create a birthday flyer and the passion for cre-

One of Jonathan’s highlights has been traveling to London, meeting Brandy, and giving her one of his shirts. “I intended to meet her. I faithed it until I made it - She LOVED it and said it was so perfect.”

JAnthony Designs is a Christian and In-

ating was born.

spirational t-shirt brand. Jonathan says

Jonathan is finding a balance between

ereally a God dream. “I say God dream

that the concept of this idea was lit-

college life, managing a business, and division one tennis. “A balancing act is a definite representation of my life everyday. Balance to me isn’t about making more time - it’s about making the most of the time that I have. Putting 100% of my focus and energy into the time.” Like many other businesses, while navigating his business, he’s reached some highs and lows. “Some of the challenges I’ve encountered have been time management, realizing that the path isn’t always easy, and you can’t always sustain a business based on your family and friends. They are nice support systems but they won’t sustain your business.”

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because this is something God gave to me and it feels like a dream that he chose me to be able to carry this dream out.” Starting with just one shirt and a prayer, JAnthony designs is continuing to flourish. Jonathan says that this is more than a business to him, it’s his ministry.

As a creative, it can be daunting at times to remain inspired or motivated.

Jonathan stays inspired by living and learning. “Everyday life gives you a new opportunity to be inspired by something different, whether it’s relationships, friendships, family, music, culture - inspiration is everywhere.”

“S i mp ly p u t - I a m a c reative s o ul,

On the topic of representation, Jonathan values it extremely.

cou nt i n g it a l l j oy, c a r r y ing my

He believes that we have a different perspective on the the

c ros s, an d c ha nging t he c u l ture.”

own style, and our own eccentricities that makes us beauti-

things we experience everyday. “We have our own voice, our ful.” JAnthony Designs captures the essence of representation. An all black team creating positive shirts with a great message on faith truly is inspiring.

“When I get uninspired, it’s generally when the process becomes monotonous or it seems like what I am doing is overthought - then I take a break from it.” He continued.

In this issue of Repp Magazine, we’re tackling the idea of fear. Realizing how crippling it can be to some creatives.

Jonathan says that when it comes to his art, he hasn’t expe-

J o n at h a n ’ s A d v i c e f o r Building a Brand:

rienced fear. “As a creative, there’s always that voice in the back of your head that says - your work isn’t good enough, people won’t like it, or it’s not as good as someone else’s. But comparison will kill your dreams, if you let it.” When creating he reminds himself that this is bigger than him. He’s not creating for himself, it’s for a much larger purpose. He says the feeling usually goes away.

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1. Figure out what makes you different and build on it 2. Less is always more 3. Write the vision and make it plain (if it’s not written down - it’s not real) 4. Have a group of friends who will give honest or unbiased feedback 5. Just do you - to the best of your ability 6. Remember why you are doing what you’re doing 7. Know yourself - know your worth (then add tax)

Photography by Alonzo mitchell

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M e e t K i m b e r ly k y n e K im ber l y Ky ne is c reative, co o l, a n d c a r in g.

G et to k now thi s br il l ia nt fa s h io n des ign er a nd il l us trato r.

Freelance

On the road to success there can in-

illustrator and fashion de-

deed be challenges along the way.

signer, Kimberly Kyne made the big

Kimberly is a survivor of sexual assault.

move to LA to pursue art. She thought

“There was a period in my life where I

that fashion would be her only niche

didn’t feel in control. I struggled to face

but realized art was also her passion. “I

reality because it was too painful for

used to regret not being more focused

me to handle.” She says seeking thera-

earlier in life but a fine arts background

py was the smartest thing she could’ve

has really given me greater depth and

ever done. To keep the creative juices

range.” She says. Kim’s love of a fash-

flowing she surrounds her self with

ion comes from the inspiration of her

like-minded individuals. “We constant-

father. “As a Liberian émigré, his ap-

ly expose each other to culture. Seeing

proach to fashion is totally unique.”

art and meeting inspiring people gives

She says her father taught her the im-

me ideas.”

portance of taking pride in your apperance.

Onto the topic of representation, Kim circles back to her younger years when

Kimberly’s art style currently includes

she straightened her hair. She admits

experimenting with and combining

that it wasn’t just a preferred look but

shaded pencil portraits along with

that she was subconsciously, assimilat-

graphic painted portions. Being a free-

ing. “I want young black kids to feel the

lance illustrator gives her the freedom

beauty and pride in blackness. For chil-

to do whatever she wants creatively.

dren of all races to know it’s more than

She is sure to give thanks to the men-

okay to be different. I want to spread

tors who she admires too. “I’ve been

self-acceptance and self love.” What’s

so lucky to learn from and collaborate

Kimberly’s best piece of advice that’s

with people I admire. My advice to

been passed on to her that can be ap-

young creatives is to seek out those

plied to art or anyhting else? Nothing

you can learn from and ask questions.

good happens after midnight.

(If you can work for them even better!”)

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Photography by Tre’Shunn Harlan 31

Illustration by kimberly kyne 32

Kimberly says although the best is surely yet to come one of the highlights of her artistic career thus far is working as a Jewelry Designer for DYLANLEX. “I work with a team of all women.

There’s so much positive energy at the office.” Another highlight is in October, Chrissy Teigen wore a pair of earings that she had designed. “Seeing my idea go from a pencil sketch to Chrissy’s ear was super satisfying!” Kim hopes to start one day selling her own products and eventually collaborating with brands and muses. “I want people to be able to wear or own a piece of me. – Making an outfit for Solange or designing a feminine sneaker for Nike sounds like a dream.”

Every creative tries to master the art of time management but Kimberly is always ready to tackle the challenge. She admits that managing freelance and part time work is difficult. “I’ve learned that everything ends up taking longer than I anticipate so I always try to have personal due dates a few days before the actual deadline. Every Sunday, I set my goals and intentions for the week. Whenever I’m feeling stressed out, I try to remind myself of how lucky I am to have carved out this space in the world for myself, and that people like you support my creativity and expression.”

In this issue we’re talking about fear, Kim says that she tries to go deeper and find the root cause of the fear she may be experiencing. “The only way to dispel fear is to face it. I enjoy putting myself out there! It feels a little scary but, I know I’m doing something right. “

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Illustrations by kimberly kyne 34

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Meet

e c n e r ter y l r e b wim We talk about funk, art, backup plans, and navigating the industry with this talented musician and artist. by ĂŠ mera ud e m buku P h o to gr a ph y by Syd n ey fost er 36

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Photography by Sydney Foster

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University of Alabama junior, Terrence Wimberly is making a name for himself in his own unique way.

are the ones that I morph into a little bit. I don’t want to become a watered down version of them, but I really like The Internet, Childish Gambino, Mac Miller, Joey Bada$$, James Brown, and Rick James. I didn’t realise that Rick James

So tell me about yourself?

was an influence of mine until after I started making music.

I’m twenty years old; a junior at the University of Alabama at

When I was recently listening to him I was like, “He’s doing

Birmingham; an art major; I make music; I make art - paint-

some really cool stuff with his voice” and then I found myself

ing and drawing; I skateboard; and like anime.

trying to do that with my own music.

What kind of anime do you watch?

I watch Naruto and Bleach, but lately I’ve been into really old

“I don’t want to be the artistic equivalent of people who wear a Pink Floyd or AC/DC shirt and always go on about how that music is the best and new music is

90s anime movies that I’ve never heard of before.

When did you know that you wanted to be a musician?

From 2013 or about late 2012 I hung out with a group of

terrible, I don’t want to be stuck in that time.”

guys called No Coast Company - who I would describe as a sort of Odd Future type of group but not - in Colorado Springs - my hometown - and we would always be in the

As far as inspiration goes -

studio or in my friend Chris’ basement recording. I never re-

I have a really strange relationship with 70s progressive rock

corded with them because i was the artist. At the time, I had

as far as inspiration goes. There’s a lot of funk in it. They play

a small t-shirt company so that was my contribution to the

classic rock here so much in the South - Led Zeppelin and

group, but I just loved hanging around them whenever they

all these people. I have a love-hate relationship with those

were recording. I didn’t ever have the courage to write my

bands because the sound is very funky and I love hearing

own stuff until summer of 2014 when I started writing to

how they interpret funk, but it also feels like a watered down

YouTube beats. I brought some of what I wrote to the studio

version and almost white washed version of funk.

one day while they were working on some songs, showed them the beat, I spit the verse for them and they were like, “Alright, this is dope!” and we recorded the first two songs I ever made that day.

What was the first song you ever made with No Coast Company?

It was a song called “Philip Banks” and I think it’s still on the No Coast Company Soundcloud. It’s a really furious and scream-o kind of trap song, or at least kind of what some people call a trap song now, but I’m not a trap person so it’s kind of like nerd trap…I don’t know what you would call it.

What is it about No Coast Company that made you interested in music?

Since we were in the Midwest, we wanted to be the rise up of Colorado kind of like how West Coast rap came up again with Kendrick. We wanted to be that counter action between the two coasts. I still use the No Coast Company brand and my music videos are still on the No Coast YouTube and I still advertise with them.

What artists have influenced your sound and style?

I’d say - the list could really go on - but if I were to name drop, I’d say Tyler the Creator even though I hate saying that because he’s a big inspiration. I really like to run from my inspirations because I don’t wanna become like them. I’ll actually name the ones that I run from - my biggest inspirations

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Photography by Sydney Foster

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Do you think that you can take inspiration from the

Hair for the black community is important, it’s

mosaic and switch it up; make a song like Stairway to

part of our identity so that’s amazing that you

Heaven progressive by switching up the sound and

did all of this based on your hair, but I digress,

feel? For instance, in Led Zeppelin’s case, they took

is Black culture and Black hair what inspires

inspiration from Janis Joplin who sang from a place

your music and your art?

of pain - she sounded like a blues musician from the

Visual art is my first love; there a lot of lessons I learned

1930s - while Led Zeppelin was not.

from anime, manga and TV shows. As a kid, I would

I don’t know how to answer that question yet, but I’m gon-

spend full days with comic books sprawled out on the

na be thinking about that. That’s very interesting because

table, watching my favourite TV shows, trying to draw

I don’t know; I’m not sure. It’s hard to explain because that

all my favourite parts from the show, and learn how to

music is very much from its time so I feel like I would have

draw different things. I was really interested in peo-

to be careful with it; I don’t want to be the artistic equivalent

ple so I learned how to draw people because I wanted

of people who wear a Pink Floyd or AC/DC shirt and always

to be a comic book artist. I really like creepy stuff. I

go on about how that music is the best and new music is

saw Ghost in the Shell for the first time at a relatively

terrible, I don’t want to be stuck in that time. I do think that

young age and I saw Akira around thirteen - maybe

it would be more progressive as a Black artist - taking from

younger - so I was always into things that made you

that and repurposing it and bringing the essence back into

feel uncomfortable. They didn’t make me feel uncom-

it - but it would be weird because of context.

fortable because they weren’t real; they were organic and inorganic at the same time. I’m also really inspired by designers like Massimo Vignelli because he’s really simplistic and I like to bring that into the way i draw.

Where does the name Nappy Musik come from?

I’m really inspired by Impressionism.

When I first made my song “Ya Don’t Stop” in Spring of 2015 - my first good song - I was growing my hair out. I was really

Musically though, I’m influenced by funk and soul. I

into natural hair, really into locs and really into nappy hair. I

like Teddy Pendergrass, James Brown, Rick James, WAR

felt something in the atmosphere of the country and of the

and funkadelic and parliament. The power of funk and

world. I was going through a lot of spiritual awakenings and

whatever is weird. I think funk is such a powerful and

I was really into the 60s and I still am in - and kind of the 70s,

beautiful thing, I watch a lot of soul train and I’m really

there was this Afro movement where people started taking

inspired by the embodiment of funk and love and peace

pride in their natural hair and I saw it happening around me

and positivity and self-acceptance. I try to put funk in

- people were starting to do that again with freeform locs. I

my music. I also try to add things that are weird and

wanted to create something that I could use as a movement,

doesn’t care. I really love Solange and FKA Twigs and

a brand and a genre. The whole premise at one point is that

Moses Sunmi.

I wanted to make music that sounded the way my hair looks.

I’m super into low-fi, I wanted to start producing and making music that was so unpredictable and crunchy and raw as far as the tempo goes that it would sound like my hair. That’s when I came up with Nappy Musik.

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I have two questions directly responding to your answer. First, do you think artists like Solange and FKA Twigs and Jazmine Sullivan are as close as we are going to get to funk and soul music?

I think they’re a version of funk. I kind of am a purist with funk, but I’m also not one of those people who will deny anyone else’s form of funk so I think these artists are funk.

I don’t think they’re pure funk or that anyone can be pure funk. We have Alabama Shakes and Leon Bridges, but we can’t get anything from that time now because we’re not from that time.

You’ve just released “Anotha”, but are you working on a project right now?

Yes I am. I just got on a small label called Buttons and they mostly house electronic artists; they make clean electronic EDM and pastel-coloured, almost video game music. I’m working on an EP with them, but I’m not sure if it’ll be a beat tape… but it’s definitely going to be under the name Nappy Musik.

So how would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard of you?

Crunchy-funk-hip hop. I can’t see it transitioning into something bubbly.

Do you believe that the internet has helped you develop a style that is uniquely your own and do you think you’d be able to make music without it?

I owe the Internet everything when it comes to music.

There is no way I would have been able to find my style and I wouldn’t know what I’d be making - I don’t think I would be making music at all, really. I’d probably be making really cheesy EDM beats without the Internet.

As an artist myself, What is your backup plan?

I don’t have a backup plan because art and music are each other’s back up plans. After I get out of school, I want to get a job as a graphic designer and I want to work on music at the same time. If I had to pick one to be “plan b” it would be graphic design.

“ I’m rea lly i ns pi red by t h e emb o diment o f fu nk , love, peace an d p o sit ivit y.”

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Photography by Sydney Foster

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