ILLESTHETIC a
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MAGAZINE
THE
SEVEN ART WONDERS MATTHEW PIERCE, ALEX KNOWLES,
MEET PAINTER, ILLUSTRATOR, BODY & ART THERAPIST p. 13
AARON DEE, JASMYNE HAMPDEN, WALDO, MAURICE MCCOY, & DE'MONTAZ BROWN
JASMYNE HAMPDEN
POWER of PURSUING YOUR PASSION the
READ ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER AARON DEE AND HOW HE TOOK HIS CAREER TO THE BIG CITY p. 7
APR 2018
volume
5
ILLESTHETIC magazine APRIL 2018
Page Editor, Art Director, Writer Calah Jones Writer Corrine Harris Writer Ali Pham Writer Shae Harris Writer Kenae Frazier Editor-In-Chief Aikayla Green
Photographer Tyson Spence
Photographer Patrick Fletcher
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Aaron Dee, Photographer & Videographer
Matthew Pierce, Illustrator & Entrepreneur
J a s m y n e H a m p d e n " M a r s ", Painter & Illustrator
" Wa l d o ", Photographer
De'Montaz Brown, Designer & Entrepreneur
M a u r i c e M c C o y " O G S o u u l ", Photographer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
5 7 11 13 17 21 23
A l e x K n o w l e s " K i d M e r c i ", Graphic Artist
2
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR 3
T
his is the fifth issue of ILLESTHETIC Magazine (pronounced ill-aesthetic), an ArtByLuna
Collection publication, founded by Page Editor and Art Director Calah Jones. The first issue of this magazine was published in February of 2017 with the intention to give young writers and journalists an opportunity to write for their own magazine and to feature local visual artists. With our success, we have been able to feature several visual artists in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Visual artists include, but are not limited to, sculptors, graphic designers, painters, photographers, illustrators, culinary artists, fashion designers, tattoo artists, and more.
The vision for ILLESTHETIC Magazine is to give
these artists the voice and audience they may not have. Visual arts are often overlooked. Knowing this, ILLESTHETIC Magazine's goal is to help change this perspective and give visual artists the audience they may not have had in the past. This magazine is quarterly, meaning there are four issues each year: January, April, July, and October. Our magazine can be purchased as a hard copy on our website at www. illestheticmag.com.
— Calah Jones
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KID
MERCI
K
id Merci is a graphic designer
another piece of work by Merci. It looks like the
out of Richmond, Virginia
Earth and is filled with red, blue, green, and
and was born in Heidelberg, Germany. His
yellow colors. It is also covered with circular
real name is Alex Knowles and he stated his
things that look like eyeballs in black and white
artwork is mainly characters from “anime, old
and outlined in red. Merci said humorously that
cartoons, as well as eastern religions and
was how he wanted the world to look when
folklore.” When Merci was asked about his
he takes over the world with his artwork. The
skills, he stated that his best skills are average
background in “The Whole Thing” is in a pale
and said, “Technical skills can only take your
color and nothing else in the background. It
work so far.” Merci's favorite artwork is called
shows great resemblance of nothing is better
“Torpedo Boy” and it started his interests in
than Merci's world of artwork because there is
drawing cartoon characters. “Torpedo Boy is
nothing around his world at all.
like a child's interpretation of a weapon for war,”
Merci explained. “Torpedo Boy” is filled with
did because of Murakami and his Superflat
red, orange, yellow, and purple colors to show
movement. “Ouch!” is an anime cartoon
off his bright attitude. Torpedo Boy also has a
character getting stabbed by crystals and the
little green and blue around his face and hand.
character says the word ouch in Japanese.
The background is filled with many images of
The character can be seen crying with a tear
the artwork and the background is covered in
dripping down its eyes and the character's face
dark.
is turning kind of peach. Merci also has another
photo by Alex Knowles
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Merci stated that
“Ouch!” is another artwork that Merci
artwork similar to this called “Feeling Pretty.”
contemporary artist Takashi
It is another anime cartoon character getting
Murakami and his Superflat
stabbed by crystals. The character is heart-
movement is what inspired
shaped, pink, and is getting stabbed by red
him to become a graphic
crystals instead of brown crystals unlike “Ouch!”
designer. When Merci
Merci love's to make cute cartoon characters
saw Murakami's Superflat
getting hurt to make it fun and different instead
movement, he said the
of making every cute characters be in a happy
artist made him think what
mood like most people's artwork is.
was going on around him
as a person. Murakami's
Merci said his is that he works too quickly
Superflat movement was
sometimes, wants to finish his projects quick,
what influenced him to make
and that could cause him to not do great
his artwork of “Torpedo
artwork. Graphic design is his dream job, but
Boy”. Merci said the thing
he also stated that he also makes music and
people most like about his
animation. With anime fans on Merci's back, he
artwork is the colors he uses
can definitely attract the whole world since he is
in his artwork. Merci uses
capable of making characters of anyone such
mostly vibrant colors instead
as rappers, musicians, famous athletes, actors,
of darker colors and that
actresses, and anything you can possibly name.
catches people's attention.
Merci has a future ahead of him and his artwork
is taking over.
“The Whole Thing” is
Everybody has a weakness and
— Ali Pham
images by Alex Knowles
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DEE
AARON
“99.8%
of what I
photographer. If he ever feels uninspired,
learned
he doesn’t shoot. He allows all inspiration to
was from watching YouTube,” said Aaron
come to him without forcing it. This is apparent
Dee. In September of 2014, the photographer
through the authenticity of his photographs. His
became interested in photography and
style has a sense of genuineness which seems
videography around the same time that his
to come naturally and is difficult to imitate.
close friend, Huey Supreme, began his music
Aaron photographs in modern settings. He also
career. Together, they embarked on a journey
prefers to photograph in areas with windows
that has been extremely rewarding. Aaron, a
for natural lighting or photograph using colors.
graduate of Old Dominion University, initially
Setting plays an important role in Aaron’s
came to college for IT. However, after deciding
photography. In this way, his work has matured
it wasn’t his calling, the artist prayed to find his
over time. Unlike before, he takes placement of
true passion. A prayer which led him to rent a
the object in a location into high consideration.
camera at the school’s library.
To achieve this, he looks at how the setting
surrounding the object looks.
From the moment he began
photography, Aaron knew that he wanted his
photos to look as professional as possible.
but is more passionate about videography.
For guidance, he turned to YouTube and
“Photos are fun. Videos are more impressive”
even friends who were into the craft. Aaron’s
says Aaron. Unlike photography, videography
first photoshoot happened during winter
consists of a longer process of shooting and
break going into 2015. The shoot took place
editing. Aaron works actively to master this
at a house of a friend. The model, Yaany,
process. The only thing that discourages him
created the concept using the shadows from
is not having a team to work with. The artist
the windows in the room. Together, they had
currently does most of the work on his own.
a successful first photoshoot. Aaron was
However, despite the demanding work of the
thoroughly surprised by the outcome of the
craft, Aaron continues pushing himself to new
shoot as were many of the people who saw his
limits. His favorite shoot to date was shooting
work. He remembers people being not only
the “Never Fall” video with musical artist Huey
being positive but also excited for him and his
Supreme. For the video, they rented out a diner
new-found talent.
to which a lot of people came to support. The
video was shot in 2016 and instantly received
Although he is clearly a natural,
Aaron has a “go with the flow style.” This has been one of his greatest strengths as a
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The artist enjoys photography
support from social media viewers.
photo by Aaron Dee
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Working with Huey Supreme has brought
Aaron to a new realization. The artist says he has a passion for artist management as well as an ear for music. He enjoys being in control of certain projects because he knows they will get done. His goal right now is to assemble a video production team. Videography is currently his main focus and he is working with production teams. Aaron has been able to “connect dots” from working with different people and is actively learning from the professionals surrounding him.
After graduating from ODU, Aaron
moved to New York in efforts to pursue new opportunities. Contrary to Virginia, New York has a higher demand for artists. In Virginia, there aren’t many opportunities to work with new people. Although this seems like a con, Aaron saw this as beneficial to his learning process. The artist was able to learn and create without feeling the additional pressure of competition. This allowed him to get better at his craft. One thing he wishes he would have done as a new photographer is be more experimental. However, this did not alter his success. Overtime, Aaron’s name begins to hold more weight as he effectively brands himself and his work. Growing as an artist, Aaron continues to exceed new limits, inspiring us along the way.
— Corrine Harris
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photo by Aaron Dee
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PIERCE
MATTHEW
M
atthew S. Pierce is an illustrator,
In relation to his business, he explains that it gets
designer and entrepreneur from
difficult wanting to do so much.
Chesapeake, Virginia. Pierce studied abroad for a
semester in Seoul, Korea at Yonsei University after
I sacrificed sleep, I sacrificed time with my friends,
attending Tidewater Community College in Virginia.
and I even sacrificed family time. At the end of the
He recently graduated from Old Dominion University
day,” he said, “all the things that I’m doing is to
in Norfolk, Virginia with his B.F.A. as of December
make money to support them. I have to make these
2017.
necessary sacrifices right now. It’s not going to be
Pierce explained that he always wanted to go
to East Asia, specifically Japan. “I started to broaden
like this forever. Eventually, I’ll get to a place where I
my horizons and study more about Korea when I got
make a steady income and I’m comfortable and won’t
older, just out of curiosity. I wanted to leave and see
have to be scrambling and hustling every day.”
other things. When I was there, I visited Japan, as
well,” he said.
that support him, Pierce dreams to take his brand
He is also the creator of his spearheaded
brand “Yiia”.
“Yiia” stands for “Your Idea is
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Motivated by his friends and family
international. “It’s already too big. There’s no way to contain it,” he explained. “ I’ve already attracted
Amazing”. Pierce’s brand has three facets, which
people that are likeminded and want to do creative
include Yiia Design, Yiia Music, and Yiia Idea. Yiia
ventures, so it’s inevitable that that happens.” This
Design is a design solutions company. Yiia Music is
young entrepreneur has collaborated with a lot of
music collective. Yiia Idea takes people’s ideas that
artists and is a frequent collaborator with music artists
are intangible and makes them tangible.
such as Nino Skyz, Nephew Skywalker, and Michael
Pierce is very dedicated to his brand and all of it’s
Seven. “We’re all just the rat pack,” he explained.
components. “I do a lot of things and I’m interested
“We stick together and help each other. Whatever I
in multiple facets of arts and creativity.
can do to help your brand, reciprocate that and we
I couldn’t
limit myself to just being a designer because I like
can all get somewhere together.”
music. My mind kind of goes like, I want to do this this
day and try something else that day. So, I think about
music, his peers, and through his everyday life. One
how I can make that happen and how I can make
of his favorite artists is Takashi Murakami, a Japanese
revenue off of that,” he explained. Pierce expresses
contemporary artist. Murakami works in fine arts
Pierce also finds his motivation through
that he sometimes struggles
media as well as commercial media and is known for
with time management in
“blurring the line between high and low arts.”
terms of his creative process.
photo by Tyson Spence
“I had to make sacrifices in other areas.
“Murakami’s work makes me excited
that he carries himself,” he said. “Everything about his
because it’s something I’ve never seen before. When
brand just speaks to me on another level.” Pierce has
you can bring something new to the world, it’s just
designed some ideas for Pusha T’s next album and
very special. When I saw his work in person in New
hopes to get a chance to some day work with him. “I
York at the MoMA that solidified it for me. I analyzed
would love to be involved as far as aesthetics go, or
everything about it, it was just crazy,” Pierce exclaimed.
branding or marketing. I really want to do the cover of
Not only is Pierce an entrepreneur, but he is also an
“King Push.”
illustrator and paints occasionally. His illustrations
include portraits of famous artists such as Distortedd,
something that he wants to do. He sees this as his
Pusha T, D.R.A.M., Kehlani, MadeinTYO and more.
destiny. “I think that once you know what your calling is,
He also designs cover art for music. His work can be
nobody can really stop you. There’s going to be more
found on his Instagram at @YiiaDesign.
no’s than yes’s. Just keep your head up. You’re the
only person that can stop yourself,” Pierce said. With
Pierce hopes to collaborate with artists such
Pierce believes “Yiia” is deeper than just
as Kanye West, Pharrell, and Pusha T. “I really want
more artwork coming and major business opportunities
to collaborate with Pusha T. I’ve wanted to design
coming his way, Pierce is building his brand across the
some stuff for him because of his energy and the way
east coast and soon across the world.
— Calah Jones
images by Matthew Pierce
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"ALWAYS BE TRUE TO WHO YOU ARE.. PROTECT YOUR ENERGY. PROTECT YOUR GIFT." — JASMYNE HAMPDEN
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photo by Jasmyne Hampden
HAMPDEN
JASMYNE
P
ainter and illustrator Jasmyne “Mars”
Hampden was born in Philadelphia,
Hampden’s life. “I like the area and the people that
Moving to Norfolk was a huge change in
Pennsylvania. “Mars” is Hampden’s art alias in which
I’ve been networking with here,” she expressed. “I
she feels she expresses more of her creative side.
feel like there’s more of my type of people here. I get
She got her nickname “Mars” on February 27, 2017,
more exposure with people here with my artwork than
to be specific. “I just shifted and went on this huge
when I was at Radford.”
hiatus: no art or social media. It was just me being
present with myself. Almost like a rebirth. I found
different art shows in Norfolk. Her first show was
Mars in myself.”
February 2nd, hosted by Old Dominion University’s
BeYOUtifully Natural organization at a poetry slam
The twenty-three year old currently lives in
In February, Hampden participated in six
Norfolk, Virginia attending Old Dominion University.
where she did live painting.
In 2013, she first attended Chowan University in
the next day on February 3rd at the Urban Workshop
Her second show was
North Carolina and the following year she transferred
Art Showcase at Pacers Intl. On February 8th, she
to Radford University here in Virginia. After making
showcased her work at Old Dominion’s Black Art
the decision to move to a different environment,
Matters showcase on the school campus getting a
Hampden then transferred to Old Dominion
chance to sell some of her work. February 15th she
University in Norfolk in 2018. “I look at me going to
participated in a group show hosted by one of her
these different schools as a process, almost,” she
friends in the area, and just a few days later on the
explained. “Like, at Chowan, I was a caterpillar still
18th, Hampden was back at it again at an art show
finding my way, and at Radford I was in my cocoon
at local Norfolk restaurant 37th and Zen. “I sold all
finding parts of myself, and now at Old Dominion, I’m
my latest work,” she said. “A buyer recently wanted
the butterfly.” Using everything she’s learned from
to buy all my art, and I told him that I couldn’t sell all
both Chowan and Radford, Hampden now flourishes
my work to him, so he was willing to buy a piece for
at Old Dominion. “It’s still a learning process, but
$100!”
that’s how I look at it,” she said.
photo by Tyson Spence
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Hampden comes from an artistic background.
Hampden continues to do body painting on
Both of her parents are artist, as well. “My mom can draw
her self and others. Outside of painting, she also does
her butt off! So, it just comes natural to me. They just
illustrations, mostly of herself. Hampden hopes to learn
got caught up in life and took different paths away from
installation art and sculpting, as well. She does a lot of her
art. That’s not what I want to do. I don’t want to work a
own videography and occasionally records herself while
9-5,” she expressed. Hampden originally went to school
creating. Hampden also writes poetry in her free time.
for psychology. One of her dreams is to become an art
“I just love telling stories. I always have a journal on me. It
therapist. “Art therapy’s important to me because the way
wasn’t until last year I decided to start sharing my thoughts
I heal through tough situations is through my art. So, I feel
through social media,” she said. Hampden’s poetry
like it’s my job to help other people heal through art and
influences most of her artwork.
find a light within themselves by creating something.”
Some of her inspirations are famous artists such as
contemporary African-American artist Mickalene Thomas,
Primarily using acrylic paint on canvases,
Hampden even paints on herself. She started body
best known for her mixed media paintings of African-
painting back in July of 2016. “I remember telling my
American women made of rhinestones, acrylic, and
friends I was going to do something different and step
enamel.
outside of the box in the art world,” Hampden said.
uses forms of mixed media in her art such as glitter, and
The young artist paints on her nude body as a form of
art utensils. Other artists such as Jean-Michel Basquiat
therapeutic expression. “Often, a naked body is looked
inspire her, as well. Hampden’s artwork is primarily
at as something sexual or in a negative way, but also
abstract with bright and vibrant colors and brushstrokes,
a positive way. I looked at it as a way for me to break
similar to his work.
out of my comfort zone and take risks. I knew it would
Hampden is working on a website for her business
start controversy. I wasn’t going to let it affect me, but
but often sells and promotes her work through social
eventually it did. Last year, it became too much and
media. Eventually, she hopes to open a gallery or artistic
got a little overwhelming because not only was I getting
environment for people to come to create and express
backlash, but my friends were also. At this point, I really
themselves. Hampden believes it important to stay
don’t care about anything people have negative to say
focused with what you want to do, no matter what it may
about what I do. People are going to judge you regardless
be. “Always be true to who you are,” she said. “Protect
of what you’re doing.”
your energy. Protect your gift.”
“I love her stuff!” she exclaimed. Hampden also
— Calah Jones
WELC 15
MARS
photo by Tyson Spence
TO
COME
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WALDO
N
early four years ago, Blake Washington picked up a camera for the first time. Since
then, the artist has grown creatively as well as professionally. Washington, also known as "Waldo", is currently located close to Richmond, VA. The artist attended Virginia State University, earning his bachelor’s degree in History. However, while in college, he began to explore his interest in photography. He recalls his first shoot with one of his good friends. She tweeted that she wanted to model nude, so he encouraged her to allow him to do the shoot. Together, they split a hotel room, shared ideas, and began to shoot. When posted on social media, the photos caught the attention of another model who then reached out to Waldo. That moment marked the beginning of his career as a photographer.
Unfortunately, not everyone supported the artist
initially. Waldo experienced a lot of negative backlash when he first began posting photos on social media. “People felt like I just got women to get naked to take pictures.” As expected, most photos of nude women will create a certain level of controversy. The artist says that many people were confused and doubtful when he first began photography. However, this did not stop him from creating. Despite the initial responses, Waldo continued to have faith in his abilities and pursue his passion.
Waldo aims to capture women in their natural,
sexiest form. “Simple & Sexy” is how the artist describes his photography style. To achieve this, he uses minimum editing and photoshop. “I want the photo to look as if you walked past and saw the shoot happening,” Waldo said. Despite the change of scenery or shooting with different models, Waldo has one consistent goal: to make all women feel comfortable in their own skin. He stated that the most rewarding thing about what he does isn’t being featured in magazines, likes on social media, or an increase in followers. The most rewarding thing about what he does is hearing and seeing the reactions of the women he photographs and watching their confidence grow.
Playboy sparked his interest before Waldo ever
picked up a camera. He enjoyed Playboy, not because of the sexy photos, but his admiration for the female body. This encouraged him to show women in a sexy manner without doing so sexually. Waldo explained that the biggest challenge of his work is dealing with the different personalities of women
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photos by Waldo
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photo by Waldo
and sparking the connection needed to have a successful shoot. In addition, it is also challenging getting a woman to feel comfortable enough to show her sex appeal in a manner that is natural and doesn’t look forced. Both are challenges that he willingly accepts in order to create some of his best work.
Waldo also draws inspiration from music and
current women’s fashion when he’s at a standstill creatively. He shares ideas with other models who are as serious about their craft as he is when he needs inspiration. One of his favorite models to work with is Chi Chi (@blamechichi). After knowing each other for nearly four years, the two collaborated to shoot. Although it was her first shoot, she was very comfortable and natural which showed in her photos. Since then, Chi Chi has been one of Waldo's favorite models to shoot with.
In addition to the model, Waldo also pays close
attention to setting in his photographs. He enjoys shooting in urban settings and with natural lighting. One of his favorite places to shoot is in an abandoned warehouse located in Richmond, VA. The artist finds it beautiful although it’s falling apart and covered in graffiti.
Many may wonder what differentiates one
photographer from another. Waldo achieves individuality by staying true to his style, a task he thinks that many other artists struggle with. He is dedicated to ensuring that each image relates back to his mission statement: “every woman has her own unique sex appeal. It just takes the right person, clothes, or pose to bring it out of her.” This mission is apparent through his photography as he shoots with women of all races, shapes, and sizes. With each photograph, the artist defies the societal standard of what beauty is and is not. One of his personal goals is to be Kim Kardashian’s or Drake’s personal photographer, capturing candid moments of their daily lives. In addition, Blake desires to have his photos be the face of a look book or a fashion house’s seasonal campaign.
Looking back, Waldo is very pleased with his
growth as a photographer. He is now more knowledgeable of the technical aspects of photography. Although he wouldn’t change much about his journey, he would have spent more time learning the camera when he first began as he feels like his earlier work suffered due to lack of preparation. Nonetheless, Waldo is proud of his photos, career, and his persistence to stay dedicated to his style. As a result, people have become more receptive of his work and look at it in a more positive light. A vision that was already clear to him is now becoming clearer to those viewing his work; and that is his greatest reward.
— Corrine Harris
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BROWN
DE’MONTAZ
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D
e’Montaz Brown, creator of the
awareness to the daily struggles all minorities
Virginia based clothing brand “My
endure.
Melanin,” is from Fredericksburg, Virginia but he
is spreading his talents through Norfolk, Virginia.
will shed light on what it means to be black, head
‘My Melanin’ is a brand that spreads awareness of
held high when wearing ‘My Melanin’”. Brown is a
minority culture. His brand-new features of beanies
lone star when it comes to his brand. He not only
and caps are styled in colors that compliment the
created it, but he furnishes, packages and sends
seasons with the word “Melanin” embroidered
his hats out to his customers. His brand over time
across. De’Montaz Brown has always been
has grown and reached people not just nearby but
into writing and poetry but progressed more in
in other communities as well. Brown wants to start
art. Brown stated “fashion was always a form of
his own boutique containing black-owned clothing
expression along with poetry. I fused them together
and accessories.
and created ‘My Melanin’.”
platform for minorities to learn about themselves
The idea hit Brown when a Missouri
Brown goes on to say, “I think my brand
Brown boasts that he wants to build a
protest was held on campus. Brown stated that he
and admire the culture they are from and embrace
became frustrated with people only showing up to
their uniqueness. “If I didn’t have ‘My Melanin’, I’d
protest for the newspaper, media outlets, and social
be lost. ‘My Melanin’ has blessed me with so many
media. He said, “I feel like protest shouldn’t only be
opportunities that I would have had without it”.
when traumatic events happen in our community,
Brown gives vital advice about reaching his goals.
it should be every day.” When the word melanin
“Just do it. Stop waiting around to start your craft,”
is used or thought of, the African American skin
he said. Although, Brown has not started his official
tone is pictured, and Brown created the brand that
clothing line stay tuned because he is ready to
is representative of minority culture, which brings
bring on more.
— Shae Harris
photo by Aaron Dee
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photo by Patrick Fletcher 22
OG
SOUUL
M
aurice McCoy, also known as “Og Souul”, is a 21-year-old rapper and
photographer from Charleston, South Carolina, making waves around the 757 area with his music. McCoy has been rapping for two years and is heavily inspired by rappers Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Big Krit, and the DMV based Wale. McCoy expressed that he is currently disappointed with the state of music. “Music really is just missing a balance. Typical mistakes I think people make are not staying true to themselves and chasing money and trends. The idea of originality is lost these days,” McCoy explained. He is always looking for new ways to push his creative limits and lyrical abilities when rapping.
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photo by Patrick Fletcher
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photo by Patrick Fletcher 24
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He often practices everyday writing different
emotions and personal experiences. “The most emotional
material until he is drained. “I definitely try to practice
song I think I’ve written is a song called ‘How I (A Black
every day I make sure I write something every day no
Man) Feel.’ It was definitely touching on social issues in
matter how much time I have. I normally try to go as long
the African American community and just how hard it is
as I can” McCoy said. His musical influences are Outkast,
to be a Black man in America.” He also spoke about how
Method Man, and Biggie Smalls. “Outkast was just always
hard is it for other young African American men, children,
pushing the needle as far as creativity while being true to
teenagers, and adults, and how they have to be five steps
them. Method Man was just always in attack mode and
ahead for survival.
just vicious and I think that’s good from a competitive
He has been into photography for about
standpoint. Biggie just had so much lyrical finesse,” he
two years. He takes pictures of himself as well as other
said.
people. He plans to educate himself on how to shoot
McCoy explained that balancing music with his
videos, as well. His biggest photography influence is
everyday life is not as hard as other people might make
Chinese photographer, film director, and actor Fan Ho. “I
it to be. It is really up to how much effort and how much
love how he makes people look so significant to a picture
you believe in yourself. “I treat the music, brand, and
when it’s not even intentional like he literally just catches
photography all with the same importance because they’re
people at the right time,” he explained. McCoy’s love for
all aligned with one another for me.”
photography has to do with his love for creativity. Just
the mere ability to create something out of nothing is
McCoy’s music is very therapeutic to him. It
is a way for him to express himself as open and honestly
exhilarating. Some advice he would give to other artists is
as possible. He has a song called “Nonchalant” that he
to never be afraid to take risks, no matter how big or small.
bears all his feelings into. He speaks about personal challenges he faces and just being completely raw with his
— Kenae Frazier
photos by Maurice McCoy
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ILLESTHETIC Visual Arts Magazine was published by ArtByLuna Collections.
www.illestheticmag.com