I Am Zain: Photography Issue 4 by I Am Zain Photography

Photo credit: Zzain1 Photography

INSIDE I Am Zain CONTRIBUTORS Publisher & Photographer:

Phillip “Zzain1” Dias Jr. Editor:

Perpetua Romain Contributing Photographer:

Achraf Baznani

Contributing Writer:

Carlos Florian Music Artists:

King Kas MoneyVangogh Models:

Yaniri Jimenez Erica Espinales Kayla Santiago Partnership:

Leanna Reginald Wilfredo Betance Augusto Suarez III Jacqueline Monique

www.jacquelinemonique.com Photoshoot Bookings:

Zzain1@aol.com Website:

www.iamzainmagazine.com Special Thanks To:

Edwige Dias Wesley Dias Alfred Hill

I Am Zain Photography Magazine is an independent publication, promoting new talent and encouraging natural beauty through unprocessed photos. I Am Zain Photography Magazine welcomes contributing pieces pertaining to the issue’s topics. The opinions expressed in I Am Zain Photography Magazine are not necessarily those of I Am Zain Photography Magazine. By submitting pieces, contributing writers automatically grant full permission to make necessary changes to the article to reflect upon excellence and accuracy. I Am Zain Photography Magazine reserves the right to edit and to refuse publication of any submission. All the materials submitted to I Am Zain Photography Magazine become property of I Am Zain Photography Magazine. Please note that all of the images in this magazine, and on my full portfolio site are copyrighted.

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I AM ZAIN PHOTOGRAPHY Encouraging Natural Beauty

CONTENTS 4 10 22 34

Spotlight: Photographer Street Photography Music Artists The Art of Love: Double Standards 38 Up & Coming Models: Futuristic Edition

PUBLISHER’S NOTE

Zzain1 Photography is a local, well-established studio, located in new Jersey founded in 2006. my portable studio combines both classic and contemporary styles of photography, creating striking, classic images and a hint of cinematic flare. Photography is my passion; I truly believe your final portraits will not only be treasured memories, but everlasting works of art. I am always open to your ideas and would love to answer any questions you may have. contact the studio to set up a consultation. I look forward to creating with you! “Turning your dreams into reality.” ~ Zzain1

DESIGN zzain1@aol.com @zzain1 Facebook.com/iamzzain1

KInG KAS

The artist talks about creativity, music in our generation, future projects and what motivated him to challenge the world with his style. BY PHILLIP DIAS JR.

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SPOTLIGHT

ACHRAF BAZNANI InteRVIeW BY: PHILLIP DIAS JR

my name is Achraf Baznani, born in marrakech, morocco. I started photography since I was young, completely by chance. I got an eKtRA compact 250 for my birthday, which was intended to immortalize the good times. Then finally, I was hooked. I then made several short films and documentaries, including “on,” “The Forgotten” and “Immigrant,” for which I received several national and international awards. I once again opt for photography, but this time the strange and surreal photography. I am self-taught and I have no formal education in this field. For Bookings contact: achraf@baznani.com online Portfolio: www.baznani.com

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I Am Zain SPOTLIGHT

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PHOTO CREDIT: Achraf Baznani

I Am Zain SPOTLIGHT

The Underwater World 6

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I Am Zain SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO CREDIT: Achraf Baznani

Into the Abyss I Am Zain Photography APRIL 2014 iamzainmagazine.com

I Am Zain SPOTLIGHT

PHOTO CREDIT: Achraf Baznani

My Small World 8

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STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Is an art photography that features the human condition within public places and does not necessitate the presence of a street or even the urban environment.

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HIP-HOP ARTIST

KING KAS

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I Am Zain MUSIC

KING KAS “Dreams are just thoughts in your subconscious. It takes drive, determination, and hard work in order to make those dreams a reality.” ~King Kas INTERVIEW BY: PHILLIP DIAS JR.

ing Kas was born in Paterson, New Jersey. As a child, he fell in love with music and had dreams of becoming a rapper. After hearing Big Daddy Kane’s “Ain’t No Half Steppin” and watching artist Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick and more perform on stage, Kas knew that entertaining people through music was what he wanted to do for a living. Kas cites Ne-Yo, Marvin Gaye, Barry White, Diddy, Andre 3000 and Michael Jackson as some of his influences. He is also a supporter of breast cancer awareness and believes that every woman should be tested because you can never be too careful. King Kas. An Underrated Lyricist. Bars That Comes From The Depths of Paterson’s SubConscious. Willpower, Mind & Soul of a Boss. A Star With Potential To Become a SUPERNOVA With His Imprint Forever Etched In The Rap Universe. Bonafide MC.

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I Am Zain MUSIC How do you get started when transitioning to a professional status?

Most artists are hype. Some artists take a drink. Well me, I’m more so to myself when getting ready for anything musical. I’m very quiet, laid back and focus. Headphones are definitely a must for me. Surprisingly Hip Hop isn’t what I listen to. New school and old school R&B get me right where I need to be. I have my eye on everything trying to figure out what I could do differently to wow my future fans. Right before I hit any stage, I pray for a great show, take a deep breath and close my eyes for a second to embrace the moment. Once I open them back up, I understand it’s show time! Then, tunnel vision begins.

How do you get people to take you seriously as a musician?

First I take myself seriously as a musician. If one doesn’t take themselves seriously, how can they expect anyone else to? Taking the time out to perfect my craft is important. I give everything I got when I hit the stage or go into the booth. I want people to see and hear the hunger, the drive and the ambition, so I never let up. Last but definitely not least, I never mix the business side of my career with my personal life.

What is your definition of creativity?

Different! Risk! That’s what creativity is to me; being able to step out of the box, reinventing yourself and your craft. Not being

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I Am Zain MUSIC

scared of change. Knowing that the world may not like something but it feels good to you. Also being able to take what you have been through, seen or even learned from and being able to write about it and express it through this music, or any other form of art. You never know when one of your fans or all of your fans can relate.Â

What type of music do you specialize in?

I specialize in all types of music, from Hip Hop to Bluegrass. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always trying new things and looking for a new sound. Anyone close to me will tell you I can be

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I Am Zain MUSIC inspired by Tupac one minute, trying to write something lyrical, or inspired by Kiss trying to create something that would rock for ages. But I must say the two types of music that really click with me and what I choose to stick with are Hip Hop & R&B! To me, there is no other form of music that expresses what I’ve been through in life and where I’m trying to go. I have mastered this thing. They don’t call me “King” Kas for nothing. Royalty!

What sort of lasting impression do you hope your work will have on other people?

Never give up! So many people will say you can’t do it. So many people will not support. So many people will try to tell you what’s best for you. Anger and pain drives me as opposed to joy and happiness. I want people to know just because your life isn’t gold doesn’t mean you can’t shine. Fight through that pain and speak through your heart. Never let the negative things stop you. Keep pushing. Keep grinding. Twitter: KingKas_NJ Instagram: KingKas_NJ Facebook: King Kas Link to music: whosnext.hot97.com/artist/8272

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I Am Zain MUSIC

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HIP-HOP ARTIST

MONEYVANGOGH 28

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I Am Zain MUSIC

MONEY VANGOGH INTERVIEW BY: PHILLIP DIAS JR.

Nas claims “Hip Hop is dead.” What is your opinion? When Nas said Hip Hop was dead, I was a sophomore in high school and at the time I kind of agreed with him. Although I was still listening to the music he said ceased to exist, I understood where he was coming from with it at that time, which was also before I started to make my own music. Now of course I do not believe that— Hip Hop is very much alive and well. There are so many rappers who keep it breathing and as an artist/fan of a variety of artists, I am thankful for those who still care. My thing is I think you kill anything when you lose the love you once had for it. I think you kill anything when the money starts to weigh more than the message you intend to send out through those sound waves. I love Hip Hop too much.

Do you think music is enjoyed more for the beat or for the words, and why?

I think today music is enjoyed more for the beat, and I think that is on a much grander scale than the ones who still love lyrics. The first couple of seconds in a song you decide if you like the song or not, so you have to have a great instrumental to

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I Am Zain MUSIC

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I Am Zain MUSIC have a successful song. By the same token, when it’s just the beat you’re listening for, more than likely the artist is not saying very much. I am only relating this to Hip Hop because other genres are created off of the dope beats. Hip Hop started on lyricism and I often wonder how we swayed away. Eminem says in the song, Cold Wind Blows: “Shawty dance while I diss you to the beat, f*** the words you don’t listen to ‘em anyway.” People have forgotten about how awesome it was to hear a sick line some don’t even care anymore.

Who was your inspiration?

My inspiration ranges from a number of artists. I’ll say the Notorious B.I.G. was my number one inspiration. As a kid I would ride around with my father and that is all he would play— the “Ready To Die” album. I learned the words really fast and today I have great memorization skills. Tupac was also a big inspiration and ironically, while he and Biggie had their whole “West Coast Beef ” fiasco going on, I still put them 50/50 with me. Eminem comes right after both Big/Pac; I would listen to the “Marshall Mathers LP” when I was just in second or third grade. That album was filled with so many things a young boy should not hear, although I did not fully understand it, I loved it. Jadakiss and The Lox are huge inspirations of mine. What inspires me a lot is watching other artists perform, especially if they are really good.

When did you start making music?

I started to make music when I was

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I Am Zain MUSIC sixteen, junior year in high school. Let me tell you a funny story, my first time in an actual studio I was recording a diss track going at a rapper in my school because he took my name. Long story short, I just never stopped writing, I thought I was the best thing since sliced bread and now, I look back and ‘shake my head’ at the old me. My friends and I always talk about music but back then it was like that was the only thing going on. We would be on the lunch table having heated debates about different rap battles that came and went. No one was ever right but it was always fun to discuss those different situations… I am getting nostalgic just thinking about it now. I was so

clueless about the amount of time it takes to put together a song back then.

In what ways do you reach out to your supporters?

1. I have a lot of supporters and I am always trying to get them involved in different shows I am having or events I am apart of. I mostly reach out on social networking sites such as, Twitter or Facebook, even Instagram. If I have their numbers, I will text them personally and invite them to a performance, or let them know I will drop off a copy of my mix tape to them. I would love to be able to do so much more with the people who hold me down and one day,

when the time permits itself, I will. As for right now, I am just trying to get my name out there and have my supporters right behind me when it happens. My supporters/fans are my backbone, they are the ones in the crowd driving me to perform to the best of my abilities, every time I hit that stage, or touch that booth, I am truly thankful for them. Twitter: Moneyvangogh Instagram: Moneyvangogh Facebook: Moneyvangogh Gallmon Link to music: soundcloud.com/Moneyvangogh

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I Am Zain MUSIC

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ART OF LOVE

DOUBLE STANDARDS “Society Sees Double”

any times we are in a social situation where we experience what can best be described as a “double standard,” but what is a double standard? It is basically a social norm, or a generalization that when applied to a specific gender, ethnicity, race, or sexual orientation it is socially acceptable, however, when applied to another group it is taboo. Think about a group of ladies who are getting ready to go out. They might be inclined to verbally compliment each other on their looks. Similarly if a group of guy friends are getting ready to go out and one compliments another on their looks, everyone else will most likely look at that one person in awe like if they had done something wrong. Another great example happens right in school. If a male was to exceed academically he is usually considered a ‘nerd.’ However, if a woman is exceeding academically she might be considered hard working and smart! One of the most hypocritical double standards to date has to do with sexuality. When a male is hanging out with a group of female

friends, people are more likely to be inclined to see him as a sociable person. When a female is hanging out with a group of male friends she is instantly seen as a promiscuous woman. But this double standard doesn’t stop there! Think about a male that conquers a large mass of females. People will usually rationalize this behavior with thoughts that the male is a stud. People will even praise him under the notion that he is a real ladies’ man. The instant you change this scenario around the female counter part would be degraded as a harlot. She would be questioned as to why she has been with so many guys and looked down on from a social perspective. In the end was there really a big difference between the male and female’s behavior? No, only society’s opinion and perspective of the scenario changed. Double standards are proof that equality is a work in progress and will take time to be fully present in modern day society. Contributing Writer Carlos Florian

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I Am Zain THE ART OF LOVE

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Futuristic Series

YANIRI J. 36

PHOTOGRAPHER: ZZAIN1 HAIR & MAKE UP: LEANNA REGINALD

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I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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ERICA E. PHOTOGRAPHER: ZZAIN1 HAIR & MAKE UP: LEANNA REGINALD

I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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KAYLA S. PHOTOGRAPHER: ZZAIN1 HAIR & MAKE UP: LEANNA REGINALD

I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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I Am Zain MODELS

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URBAN APPAREL FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM: ZZAIN1 56

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Hoodies

Whereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Your Zain Gear?

Model: Helen Mafinejad

URBAN APPAREL

Crop Tops

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I Am Zain Photography/ FeBRUARY 2014