KEEP CALM AND
GET TAYLORED
Santos Anne The atmosphere is perfect for a romantic evening and small groups. Lovely decor and a diverse menu (French/ Mexican fusion is on point). The service was great, no complaints here. Enjoyed the “Lolo Cassolette” and the “Spicy Escargot.” Both were cooked well and were full of flavor. NOT BLAND... MUST TRY! The highlight of Santos Anne was definitely the live music. Spanish guitar and jazz works very well with smooth vocal talent. An excellent place to relax and schmooze - Teniola
366 Union Ave Brooklyn, NY 11211 (718) 486-6979
As I Proceed To Lead Cause This Society Is In Need All These Homicides Among Fellow Peers Is A Disgrace Just Listen Please This Is What I’m Forced to Face? I Say Ima Make A Change & Show You The Way - David Sanchez
THE EXPERIENCE MAGAZINE
CO NTEN TS//
EXPM
FEATURES 52
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14 • The Hip-Hop Rant II DJ Ten is mad....again 18 • GET AT ME Dancer JoiLynn 26 • The Bloomberine The Maverick Mayor of New York City 30 • The Young Established Brooklyn Artist James Antwine 38 • Giants/Jets Season Preview Rilwan Ameen 42 • Snap Intuition Photographer John Spiziri 52 • The Challenge “Attenion Seekers Beware”
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rap vagabond •••|n . o . o. r http://getuhlife.tumblr.com/ http://soundcloud.com/uhlife
The Hip-Hop Rant II By DJ Ten
Hip-Hop culture has diversified throughout its many years of existence and still continues to do so. Change is something that cannot be stopped....... it is how you say.... inevitable......... The fact Hip-Hop culture continues to change is horrifying for many old school heads. Those who refer to themselves and others as “cats” and still wear their clothing excessively baggy. Those who still believe that rap music should solely exist over Pete Rock type beats. Those who repulse when they hear the word “swag” and “throwed”. These are the guys who will suffer the most as Hip-Hop evolves.
being one of the surprising high points. Hate as you may, from a production standpoint, “Ryan Lewis” has brought so many intricate and amazing orchestrational electronica into Hip-Hop. Similarly “Rico Love” and “Mike Will Made It” are pioneers of this type of production. These new generation producers are literally putting the old skool/ dated producers to shame!
Today’s generation/ Hip-Hop audience/ rappers perceive Hip-Hop quite distinctly when compared to the old skool generation . Firstly, today’s Hip-Hop Generation is sculpted with an “open arm” mentality in addition to a built in “head nod of acceptance” when dealing with change. When you listen to Hip-Hop music of today, there are many new and exciting elements involved in the production. The use of electronic sounds
An example.....Dr. Dre (who used to be a beast in the game) has struggled to keep up with this sound and thus with today’s audience due to their loyalty to the old skool mentality. A clear example of this would be the “Detox” album that has still never come out and never will. In the album’s early planning stages (spanning over 10 friggin years bai!) , Dr. Dre stated he would be producing the project. But as time went by and the game began to rapidly
change before his eyes, Dr. Dre began to panic! Thus Dre had to hire producers to produce for him rather then rely on his own sound and production. J.R. Rotem and Scott Storch were some of Dr. Dre’s choices to name a few. However, this still back fired as Dre lost belief in himself and scrapped the project altogether, after two failed singles!!!! His time is DONE folks. Dre could not keep up with Hip-Hop’s evolution. Change will consume those who cannot adapt to it. Secondly, there is now a clear integration of different cultures into Hip-Hop. Some people call it the gentrification of Hip-Hop. I think this is just irrational thoughts spilling out of the pessimistic minds of society . Here is how I see it. Rappers today are not solely folk from the hood any more. Neither are they drug dealers or or mobsters who survive in the streets . Rappers today are from different upbringings, smarter, younger and more educated than ever. In fact just about every culture is making its way into Hip-Hop now, which is either a hit or miss for many. A major culture integration being the “Hipster” culture. Values and content alike are so diverse from before. Rappers are actually rapping about paintings and other
platforms of art unlike before. It is unprecedented in HipHop! New doors continue to open. But why should this be a bad thing? New generation rapper Macklemore has also changed the game, being an independent brand to hit the top 10 in the Billboards without a major label. Macklemore himself adopts the “Hipster”/ free love culture into his music, promoting Gay Rights! Another unprecedented move in Hip-Hop. Also the music itself is groundbreaking thanks to …...again.....Ryan Lewis.
The change in Hip-Hop looks like it is heading into peaceful territory, and it may...... unless someone has the power to stop it. We certainly have one contender trying to stop this change. Thanks to non other than Kendrick Lamar, with that one verse of his full of name calling and New York slandering, we could now see Hip-Hop adopt a more lyrical and serious edge it once had. Rappers caring less about their image and more about their lyrical prowess. Well thought out lyrics that have meaning and can inspire as well as bring back that raw street edge and demeanor to all of Hip-Hop culture again. No more bright clothing, silly haircuts, big egos!! What will this mean for the production? Are we heading back to dark beats again?!This could be the age that the old skool heads get what they desperately want back. This could ultimately split up Hip-Hop and cause turmoil between old skool and new skool, or put Hip-Hop predominantly in the mainstream eye again. All I know is that one cannot sit still in this Hip-Hop game. Let us see where we go from here. P.S Check out Papooses Kendrick Lamar reply.... It is the funniest thing I have ever heard in this world!!
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ESMERALDA Color •Blower Corte • Plancha Deep Conditioning
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Get At Me
JoiLynn
By Simonette White Photographed by John Spiziri
T
JoiLynn • The Experience Magazine
he talent, rhythm, and skill surging through this dancer, woman, entrepreneur better known as JoiLynn is incredibly strong. Her body is consistently carrying a beat that can conceive dance moves to any style music.. She’s been featured in productions for Regis and Kelly, The Rachel Ray Show, Maybelline, Target, and various music videos including Jigga himself, Jay Z. As a military kid, the constant relocation allowed her to appreciate different cultures and in return produce from what she was exposed to. She has built her own company, JoiLynn Productions, in which she aspires to introduce the mainstream world to the deeper artistic flow of dance. JoiLynn is a definitive force you want to check out and get familiar with. Tell me about your first memories of dance. I have always taken dance lessons from very little. I did gymnastics quite seriously as a child. I remember doing performances, recitals as early as 6-7 years old. I choreographed a piece in a dance class in middle school and that was when I really noticed how much I loved it. When did you decide to take this seriously as a career? My grandmother, who used to sing with Duke Ellington, told me about a high school in Washington D.C. called Duke Ellington School of the Arts. I was currently living in Smithfield Virginia, but my mother encouraged me to audition. I got in and then my mother did everything possible for me to be able
How do you come up with choreography? Is it conceptualized beforehand or do you create on the spot? Usually I see the entire piece conceptualized in my head beforehand and then What is your favorite type create certain phrases. Once you start working on real of dance or dance style? bodies, there has to be some I love all types of dance, degree of creation on the seriously, but I would say that modern/jazz because of spot as you actually develop its athleticism and Hip Hop/ the idea. I do have to say though that there have been street styles because of its times when I have been dynamics and freedom. I also have a secret love affair forced to create on the spot and some wonderful things with ballroom styles and came out. swing dance. to attend. In fact, I moved up to the area before the rest of my family did. When I started classes there at a professional level, I knew that Dance was what I was going to do.
Can you create choreography to any type of music? I love to. I am not a person who likes only one kind of music. I am a military child and grew up moving around a lot and being exposed to so many different cultures.
How does it feel to see your fellow dancers moving and shaking to the choreography you just taught them? Of course it feels great that someone else can connect to the way that I interpret music and ideas. It is also
humbling to see my concepts come to life. Who did you look up to growing up? Who were you trying to dance like? I can’t say that I was trying to or am ever trying to dance like anyone...I did see a modern dancer named Hope Boykin move in high school and was like “yeah man, like that.” She embodied everything I valued as a performer and didn’t have the typical dancer image which I felt that I didn’t have either, so she gave me something to look forward to. However, everyday I see dancers whether it be at the club, in class, or at my own rehearsal all the time that exemplify some aspect of movement that I’d like to achieve. Is there anybody you would love to collaborate with or dance for? My work is greatly inspired by music and my favorite artist is Cee Lo Green because of his technical skill, musical composition, and the ideas that he presents to the world. I have already choreographed an entire evening show to his music in my mind.. :) I would love to create dance concepts for videos, and I mean serious artistic concepts not just a few dancers dancing in the background real quick. I believe film is a great medium for my movement and ideas.
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How would you describe your dance style? My dance style is the entertainment world meeting the artistic world. It is usually a combination of athletic modern and jazz movement infused with hip hop styles or dynamics. I like to present provocative work that is both edgy and technical. I also do not like to be limited by typical venues and settings. I love to fuse movement with different art forms and challenge how we see movement. I like to use other elements such as props or magic. Who would you compare your dance movements to? Hmmm, that is a tough one...I actually cannot think of any. I actually try not to do that at all! I create what speaks to me and don’t ever want to start comparing.
Where will JoiLynn be in 5 years? I will speak it into existence! JoiLynn will have produced one of her live shows, released her EP, be working on her full length dance film, and will be on set working on a role in a hot new action sci-fi film! :) Please let us know where to find your work, how to book you and where we can learn to move like you! All information about workshops, upcoming shows, and contact info can be found at JoiLynn. com. Get at me...
What else inspires your movement besides music? Music is a major motivator for me. I hear it and I see movement. However, certain stories or concepts can motivate me to create movement and I can then assign it to different music. Tell me about JoiLynn Productions, what are your goals for the company? My goals are to produce innovative dance work and to have “placed” dance in places we have not seen before. There are a number of dance films that are in the works as well. Another goal is to support dance being recognized and appreciated as an art and present the artistic world that dancers know to the mainstream world. Out of all the amazing projects, live shows and artists you’ve worked with, which was the most memorable for you? Hmmm, the most memorable? Well, I would have to say working on the development of a broadway show based on Bruce Lee’s life. We had to do hip hop, modern dance, nun chuck and fight choreography, and chinese opera movement...it was such a dope experience and the choreographer, who flew in from China, was just amazing....my kind of work.
“Music is a major motivator for me. I hear it and I see movement.” What are some exciting projects you’re currently working on? Currently, I am just in the process of producing two dance films for my company and I am actually also working on an EP. Any advice for future dancers? I would just say know your craft and know it well. Then, be a person and live life. There are too many dancers who are so obsessed with dance that they are literally killing themselves trying to be perfect. As an artist you have to be able to convey feelings and ideas to an audience and if you have never lived life, this will be hard.
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THE
BLOOMBERINE
n O n w o D Slashing s k n i r D t f o S r u Yo
But Sto Neve pA rO nd n Fr isk
KRISTEN ELISE CELLA DESIGNS
Kristen Cella
KRISTEN ELISE CELLA DESIGNS http://www.kristenecelladesigns.com/
J
ames Antwine has colors and creativity spewing out of his head and fingers. It’s not everyday you come across a young painter with so much soul and advocacy in his paintings. The fond love he has for his son, the women in his family, and all women of color is an admirable quality he is not afraid to display in his artwork. The fine details of his portraits and the messages embedded are the most intriguing components of his work. As you stare into the almost life-like faces of his paintings, you feel a deep connection to his subjects through the intensity in their eyes, which is by far his favorite feature to paint. The emotions can more than be seen on the subjects, from the shape of their face down to their actual facial expression. You can feel their stresses, happiness, anger, sensualities all with one look. With a Renaissance perspective, James has attributed his painter’s philosophy to genius Leonardo Da Vinci and has remained true to it. He has given forth to his community with inspirational murals and started his own foundation, The EAesthetic Art foundation,which he hopes will inspire creative brilliance for the generations that follow. His grind and his drive will only continue to build his career and leave the intended legacy for the world to love and his son to perpetuate.
The Young Established Photographed by Jonathan Alonso Interviewed by Simonette White
At what age did you realize your hands could create amazing art? I’ve been drawing my entire life, for as long as I could remember. But I first started to paint my freshman year in high school, Brooklyn High School of the Arts, in 2002. Where did you paint the mural that has the different colored children in dancing, singing and basketball poses? That mural was painted in a recreation room at an after school program called “New life of brooklyn” located on 1200 Dean Street, corner of Nostrand Ave Brooklyn, NY. What gets you in the mood to paint? I am always in the mood to paint, but inspiration plays a big part in my mood, meaning I paint whenever I am inspired. Does it help you cope if your feeling negatively, angry, sad, et cetera or can the mood be reflected in the painting? No matter what mood or emotion I am feeling before I start painting, once I start to paint, my mood changes toward a positive one. Painting is very relaxing and therapeutic. Who or What are your biggest influences? My family, culture, and my fellow artist influence me. Any other celebrity portraits, like the Erykah Badu or Wiz Khalifa paintings, you would love to do next? I am willing to challenge myself and paint anyone. What is your favorite subject to paint? I love to paint abstract portraiture involving subjects, concepts and people of color.
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What inspires you? My son, Elijah Antwine, inspires me. He’s my biggest motivation. I would like to leave behind a legacy for him and the world to continue to build on. You have a few human portraits, what do you find the most difficult to paint when it comes to a human’s facial structure? I think the biggest challenge when painting facial features is capturing the essence and complete likeness of the person’s skin tone, face muscles, shadows and variations of the skin. What is your favorite part to paint of the human face? The eyes. I have hazel eyes and I try to incorporate my concepts around the subject’s eyes to convey my message. When you paint portraits do you have the subject literally sitting in front of you? Or do you recreate from a photo? Usually I recreate from a photo, but I am not opposed to doing a still life painting. What would the perfect environment consist of in order for you to paint? Amazing natural light (sunlight), a nice space for clarity and music. What is the longest it has taken you to complete a painting or a mural? I can usually complete a painting in 10-24 hours straight, but the longest it has taken me for a mural was about 1-2 weeks.
“Women ultimately have the ability to create, nurture and bring out the best in everyone, which my family has done for me.”
What does this quote by Leonardo da Vinci mean to you “Art is never finished, only abandoned”? How can you relate to it? I actually incorporate that quote into my own personal painting philosophy. I believe a work of art is never complete, the artist just stops working on it. Artists are perfectionist and a work of art done by said artist would never be good enough in the eye of the artist, so we have to force ourselves to stop at a certain point, if not we would build and build. Do you ever get stuck on a painting? I guess a painter’s form of writer’s block. Yes, all the time. I have abandoned paintings and drawings for months at a time and then come back to it and finish it. I personally get sick of looking at my paintings sometimes once I’ve started it and must step away from it for a while, guess that goes hand and hand with the artist being a perfectionist. When you paint do you have a plan on how you want it look or do you let your creativity explore? Both, sometimes I have a visual in my head and other times its pure creation and new to me. Tell me about the ‘Women Are Power’ painting, what brought this idea to you? I was raised by my mom and grandmother, as well as other family members, but I view my mom and grandma as the most powerful people, and women in my life. Women
ultimately have the ability to create, nurture and bring out the best in everyone, which my family has done for me. What happens when you spontaneously come up with an idea but have no canvas, paintbrushes, or paint to begin your art? Do you rush home? Write it down? Begin a sketch? I write it down on whatever I have. I have tons and tons of ideas that I have not yet got to explore, in due time though. What is your ultimate goal with your artwork? To inspire the youth to participate in the arts. To involve the community in my vision and to cover the world in my artwork. But most importantly leave a legacy for my son, my foundation, The EAesthetic Art foundation is named after and designed for him. Do you sell your paintings or is this all for the love of art? Both, I do custom commissioned paintings, as well as paintings for my personal portfolio. Please let us know where people can find you and your work, as well as book you? Email:: Jantwine@pratt.edu Facebook:: Elijah Antwine Fan Page::EAesthetic Instagram:: Youngestablished
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James Antwine
Commentary
2013-2014 New York Giants & Jets Season by Rilwan Ameen New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium will be host to the NFL’s grandest stage – the Super Bowl. While February is a ways away, the road to Super Bowl XLVIII begins on Thursday September 5, as the Denver Broncos play host to the defending Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens. With the 2013 NFL season is on the horizon, both the New York Giants and Jets look to make history. If both or either were fortunate enough to reach the big game, they would become the first team(s) to ever play on its home field in the Super Bowl. Now coming off disappointing 2012 campaigns, both teams have much to prove. The New York Giants were the defending Super Bowl Champions, but finished with a disappointing 9-7 record. Inconsistent play on defense, primarily in the secondary and with the pass rush doomed their quest for a repeat championship. The Giants went 3-3 in the NFC East and failed to capitalize off of a 6-2 start to the season. Coach Tom Coughlin’s team has historically not done well in the second halves of seasons and will look to improve on the distinction this year. Missing the playoffs altogether led to some slight changes in the offseason. Longtime Giants, Running Back Ahmad Bradshaw and Defensive Lineman Osi Umenyiora departed to the Colts and Falcons respectively. Dynamic second year RB David Wilson looks to be the primary option to replace Bradshaw, while sharing carries with Andre Brown. Fan favorite Victor
signed an extension with the team and will be doing his popular salsa dance in the end zone for many years to come at MetLife. This season the Giants play the AFC West and the NFC North outside of its 6 scheduled NFC East divisional games. Seattle and Carolina are its two opponents beyond the slotted rotational division matchups. The Redskins winning the NFC East with rookie Quarterback Robert Griffin III was a surprise to many. Mike Shanahan’s squad returns with the confidence of a playoff appearance, by virtue of going 5-1 in route to win the division. The Cowboys although seemingly perplexing annually, still have stars Tony Romo, Dez Bryant and DeMarcus Ware at their disposal. The Eagles, pegged last in the division, have dangerous threats in Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and Desean Jackson. In December, the Giants should be in the hunt at the end of the season. Big Blue should be competing for an NFC East title; in a division where anything can take place from week to week. To describe the Jets season in two words would be ‘butt fumble’. Yes the highlight of the Jets season was Quarterback Mark Sanchez, running into his Offensive Lineman Brandon Moore’s buttocks during a nationally televised Thanksgiving night game. A woeful 6-10 campaign in the fourth year of the Rex Ryan-Sanchez regime pits both on the hot seat this upcoming season.
For Gang Green, they finished with a 3-5 mark in the AFC East and were outscored by their opponents with a 94 point differential. The team replaced General Manager Mike Tannenbaum with John Idzik. The feeling around the Jets thus far in training camp is different. There are no Super Bowl guarantee boasts nor questioning of the Patriots supremacy in the AFC East. In free agency, the Jets made personnel moves, leading many to believe team’s philosophy was to add through subtraction. The Jets’ decided not to bring back veterans Shonn Greene and Bart Scott, while trading away the team’s best player, Darrelle Revis to the Buccaneers. Saints RB Chris Ivory was the free agent player of note added to possibly start in the backfield. QB Geno Smith was drafted in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft and is expected to battle with Mark Sanchez for the starting spot This season the Jets play the AFC North and the NFC South outside of its 6 scheduled AFC East divisional games. Oakland and Tennessee are its two opponents beyond the slotted rotational division matchups. The Jets are not expected to do much this season, as many expect the team to finish last in the AFC East. With the dearth of talent at key skill positions, its difficult to see scenarios where the team does not struggle mightily this year. Predictions with a grain of salt… Jets 3-13 And with the first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the New York Jets select… South Carolina’s Jadaveon Clowney Giants 10-6 Win NFC East.
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SNAP INTUITION John Spiziri, an inspired photographer, moved from the west coast to the bright lights of the Big Apple exploring urban settings, and allowing his camera to admire our landmarks, quirky personalities, and sleepless nights. Photographed By Vandell Photography
H
is rocky beginnings only presented him with a more artistic outlet, giving him a chance to become acquainted with a camera. His passion for photography has led him to capture those nostalgic moments and significant details we all wish to be revisited and recreated. Don’t worry Cali, he hasn’t forgotten about you! John has sights set around the world, adventures in need of someone’s documenting, experiences ready to be had and moments prepared for photographing. His positive, yet complex absorption is often witnessed in his photographs. He captures the emotion within the subject and can feed it through to his audience. John’s talent stretches further than snapping photos, his editing skills are phenomenally pleasing to the eye. He can spruce up his photographs into perfection and complete the entire look with his natural artistic insight. With all of New York City in his lens ready to be explored and spontaneity awaiting to be encountered, John is prepared for moments that trigger his photographing abilities. His talent speaks for itself, but John speaks to Experience Magazine and let’s us in on his passion for photography. Interviewed by Simonette White When did you begin your career as a photographer? My career as a photographer began in the late 90’s. I was running with a rough crowd of artists and hooligans and we were inspired by each others talents and intuitions. Tell me about the moment you realized this was your passion. I knew photography was important when it hit me that capturing and documenting moments in life that were inspiring to me was indeed my passion. I was obsessed with perfecting every shot and learning as much as I could. My intentions have always been to knock down walls and have the viewer dig deeper to the onset of their own lives. I like expanding minds and making people think.
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Where do you draw inspiration from? I am inspired by the times we are living in and the city around me. Life experience plays a big role in my inspiration. Coming from Los Angeles and moving to New York a year ago I have been surrounded by amazing cultural influences along the way on both coasts . Describe your favorite setting to shoot in? I love shooting in urban rustic environments or anywhere off the beaten path to find an inspiring shot. What/Who is your biggest motivation? Coming from my rocky and rough around the edges beginnings (putting it lightly).... I am truly motivated to be here doing what I love. Who are your influences? My main influences are actually film-makers like Park Chan-Wook and Guy Ritchie. Films have always directly affected how I shoot still images The photos on the Brooklyn bridge are awesome, you were up pretty high, do you think photography is better when it’s more spontaneous and risky? I think everything is better when it’s spontaneous and risky. In life you have to take risks and gamble in order to succeed. It’s putting yourself out there that matters. I think photography was meant to be spontaneous..
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If you can shoot anywhere in the world, where would that be? I would like to travel to Bolivia and shoot at Salar De Uyuni, but China is on my radar before anything. Shanghai is on my radar.
“I don’t think apps like instagram help or hinder a professional photographer. It’s the times we live in right now. The internet is a universe of its own entity. A real photographer knows what it really takes to get an image of true quality.” 47
Are there any hidden gems in NYC you were excited to find and photograph? This whole city is insanely photographic. I’m still looking forward to shooting in many locations. What is your favorite subject to photograph? My favorite subjects to shoot are people and architecture. I like directing the entire shoot from location to wardrobe. How do you prepare for a shoot? Any routine rituals? Well besides prepping gear, its all about music. I like listening to the right music before and during any shoot. I’m sure your camera goes everywhere with you, what is it about your surroundings that will make you want to snap a picture? If I see something or someone that strikes an emotion in me and has the right intention then I want to take a picture. Sometimes its my surroundings that create the vibe and other times its just me being me. How do you feel about an app/social network like Instagram, that essentially makes everyone an “instant photographer”, do you think it helps or hinders the real photographers of the world? I don’t think apps like instagram help or hinder a professional photographer. It’s the times we live in right now. The internet is a universe of its own entity. A real photographer knows what it really takes to get an image of true quality. What is your ultimate goal as a photographer? My goal is to keep growing as a photographer and to work with many more talented people . Let us know how to find your art and how people can book you! Lets make art and travel the world. I’ll go anywhere and shoot anything as long as there is passion behind it. johnspiziri.com johnspiziri.tumblr.com
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FUCK A
GAME
AND A
THRONE BITCH
AN ARTIST JOB AIN’T DONE
TIL HE BECOMES A
KING
OCTOBER 27