Any true lover of hip hop will know how heart breaking it was to hear today's annoncement from Fat Beats. Unfortunately they have been forced to close their New York and Los Angeles based stores. The website & distribution will still be up and running, however this is truly the end of an era for us underground contributors and fans.
When I began designing flyers for NYC parties & shows back in 1998/1999, Fat Beats was always the first place we street teamers (at the time) would go to stack them. Sadly this was when I FIRST learned about the epic store. Being stuck in Georiga since 1993, my knowledge of the underground at the time was vague. But soon enough I fell in love with the whole scene. I always wanted to work with music, especially hip hop. This just fueled the fire!
The store was a wall to wall feast of vinyl and CDs. Anything you could ever want was there. Exclusives, hard to find, never opened-shrink wrapped classics, besides the popular stuff. It was magical. Plus it was an open door to many of the scene's performers. I honestly can't remember the first in-store performance I went to in the summer of 1999. I think it was someone who isn't even around anymore. I just remember it being packed in that sweltering summer heat! I befriended an employee/DJ named "Spanky". I lost touch with him. I hope he's doing ok. I'd usually see Eclipse in there, but I was way too shy to say hello (still am). My first CD design was sold in that store. It was a short lived label (Vigilante Ent.) , but I remember being so proud!
When I moved back to NJ in 2002, Fat Beats was one of the first places I had to visit. I was so happy it was still around. However, the crew I was with at the time said "it's not like it used to be." They really tore it apart. But to me, it was the treasure chest of the underground. Needless to say I dropped that crew. Over the years I would stick my head in, peek around, unload show flyers & posters, and buy rare CDs mostly that I couldn't get in the big stores. Believe it or not, I actualy stayed away from Fat Beats for a few years because an ex-boyfriend (REALLY bad breakup) worked there. So to avoid any conflicts I stayed away. But once I learned he was no longer there, I felt more comfortable visiting from time to time. I was still very shy and didn't want to bother anyone there. Much like I am now. I just played the quiet art chick role.
Once I began working withMr. Len & Prince Paul, everything changed. I designed the 12" jacket & labels for Mr. Len & Jean Grae's single "Monday" (B-side Mental Case). It was so vividly displayed in Fat Beats. This and other art work I began doing for him and other artists landed me a job at Studio Distrubtion - one of the leading indie hip hop distributors. Once I worked there, I got to oversee ALL the art submissions from labels like Draft, Copter, BBE, Kindred Spirits, SoulSpazm, Female Fun, Sound In Color, and tons more! I got to meet so many people like Guru, Nicolay, Darien Brockington, Rich Medina, Supastition, Pumpkinhead, and build relationships with DJ OP!, Doug Smiley (DJ Shakeyface), and Mr. "Rappers I Know" himself Frank Wiliam Miller Jr. (FWMJ) And where did the majority of the vinyl pressed up go? Yup, Fat Beats!
After a while Fat Beats began looking like my own personal art gallery. I'd say a good 15% was filled with album artwork of my own, artwork I had to tweak and edit, and of course my posters & show flyers. I truly felt ontop of the world and the envy of my peers!
However in March of 2006, Studio Distriubution was hit hard by the influx of the digital craze, and was completely unprepared to handle it. The bosses shut down the company (even though we, the employees, practically begged them not too) and labels lost hundreds of thousands of dollars. With music store power houses like Sam Goody and Tower Records closed, we knew we were in trouble. With no stores and no sale scans, we were doomed. Too many people were bootlegging our artists and the bosses weren't open to new forms of technology (like memory drives & digi-download cards). That was a little over four years ago, and I am still incredibly crushed over it. It was what I had worked so hard to achieve. It wasn't perfect, but it was my dream job.
But I tried to stay relevant. I still designed CD Covers, posters, flyers and whatever else. I was always dropping these things off at Fat Beats. One night, DJ KO (Elementality Productions) had an in-store with a whole cast of people from his new compilation CD Picture This... . Little did I know they were filming a video for the lead track "Here We Go" by Silent Knight and East. The store was filled with everyone like Eternia, John Robinson, Kaze, KON, DJ Ease, Emilio Rojas, and so many more! It's also where I met Mohammad Dangerfield's future marketing man, Jonathan Master. I didn't know this at the time, but In one segment of the video, director Court Dunn (Restless Films) captured me, and photographers Nicole Koupiaris (Soul Shot) and Amy Cortright. (A.M.C. Photo) (at 0:48 in the video). I was a bit self-conscious, but also so honored to be immortalized in such a fabulous setting! You can see the video here:
Another random memory I have was not that long ago. In 2008, I was dropping off posters I designed for the final hip hop show at Knitting Factory in NYC -- featuring Rakim. When I walked in, there was goofy Asher Roth and his little film crew. They gave me the stink eye as I handed off the posters to Audible Doctor (Brown Bag Allstars/Fat Beats employee). Yes, chunky-butt white girls hustle in this too!
In February of 2009, my Rugged N Raw performed at the in-store with Hasan Salaam. Both released albums in late 2008 so they both did tracks from their records with no mics! Here's a link to some of that footage:
Such great memories. As you've seen Virgin Records Stores closed all over NYC. I'm not even sure how Aomeba Records is holding out in California. I personally never thought I'd see the day when music stores were obsolete. When talking with Mr. Len today, he made a great point. Basically with all the stores closing, Fat Beats probably thought it would outlast most. Yup, I agree. That was until... Serato. DJs no longer had to buy or carry records. Yes in the beginning, MANY... and I do mean MANY DJ friends of mine turned their noses up at it. But some got a taste and were hooked. Others hesitated, but realized, this is just practical. So what does this mean for Fat Beats and few stores like it? The horizon was bleak. I have to give it to them though. They survived one of the worst recessions since the Great Depression last year. Even though we're still not 100% out of it, they definitely held on.
I was in Fat Beats just last month. Each day after attending The New Music Seminar I felt like, "hey, I'm in the city. It's daytime! I have to catch the PATH anyway, I'm going to visit Fat Beats! Even though Rugged N Raw introduced us last year, when he performed at Rock Steady, I finally got the courage up to formally re-introduce myself to Eclipse. Unfortunately now everyone knows me more as Rugged N Raw's girl than the "art go-to girl" in the scene. Pretty sad, isn't it? You'd think after all these years I'd be more "in" with the store & staff. That place just had this power over me that made me feel not worthy! But the store was dead. Still looked amazing, but no one was really in there. It worried me because it has been like that for some time now.
Everything the panelists at that seminar said, just a few short weeks ago, came true today. "Free is th new black." "Record stores won't exist." "The only albums you'll be able to find are at live shows and maybe Target."
I, like you, am crushed. I feel like I'm reliving the Studio Distribution closing all over again. So many hopes & dreams... gone. Another substantial outlet for artists & musicians... shut down. I got mad for second and said "I hope this is a wake up call that you are killing your own industry. Keep on downloading & bootlegging. You don't know what you got till its gone!" And I truly hope it is a wake up call. But I know after SEP 4th, it will be nothing more than a memory for most of us. We've developed such a fast-food mindset of "got to have it now" that we'd rather bootleg a non-tangible MP3 file. The term "support the artist" doesn't mean to only tweet about it. You have to take action.
I also hope our underground community steps up their game to make timeless
music, and not something trendy for the now. Maybe it's because I'm older, but I need more of a challage and more thought process than hearing about how great someone is. Maybe then there will actually be something to buy at the store? If I honest had to pay for some of the crap that has been coming out lately, I would be an enraged little girl!
Well, there's nothing more I can share with you or say what others have not already said. Just keep the memories of that glorious store in your hearts & minds. Stop by before the SEP 4 closing in NYC (SEP 18 in LA) to say THANK YOU. I'm sure there will be farewell events.
Thank you Eclipse and everyone at the stores over the years who gave me a deeper love and understanding for the music and the community.
You honestly have no idea what you have until it's gone.
08.17.10
St. Joe Louis
New Video: "30,000"
If you're an underground hip hop fan out of New Jersey, the group PRIZM might come to mind. Well, they never left! They just reinvented themselves as St. Joe Louis, and man, did they ever! This has to be one of my favorite music videos to come out this year. I'm so extremely proud of them. The song is great, the video is superb, the storyline reminds me of the hip hop I grew up on. Music with a message that we can boogie to. Many MANY props to the fellas.
08.07.10
Black Flag Shoppe x KupiFLAIR
KupiFLAIR is now available at the Black Flag Shoppe in Clifton, NJ. It's an excelent & beautiful skate shop & boutique, that has been very supportive of local artists and musicians. Be sure to check out their collections from Good Wood, Name, Name, Name, and so much more!
As a "thank you," I also designed buttons for them as well. Black FlagS Shoppe is located at Address, Clifton, NJ. Visit their blog online at www.blackflagshoppe.blogspot.com and of course follow them on twitter at twitter.com/BlackFlagShoppe
08.14.10
Mohammad Dangerfield x HipHopDX
New Video: "The BBQ Joint"
THE FLOOD GATES HAVE OPENED!
Artist: Mohammad Dangerfield (Hasan Salaam & Rugged N Raw)
Featuring Kendal Good (Pardon the Stranger)
Produced by Ironbraydz
Directed by Noisemaker Media.
Enter for a chance to win an assortment of prizes from Mohammad Dangerfield (Hasan Salaam and Rugged N Raw)
HipHopDx has teamed up with Mohammad Dangerfield (Hasan Salaam & Rugged N Raw) to bring you the Recession Special Contest!
Anyone can enter by @tweeting the video for "The BBQ Joint" to 25 different/unique Twitter users and be automatically entered to win the following:
1st Prize
$100 American Express gift card
$25 iTunes card
$25 Red Lobster
RNR/HS Autographed Catalog(Another Level, Truth Serum, Paradise Lost, Children Of God)
2 Music Video DVDs (Angel Dust and The Ultimate)
2nd Prize
$25 iTunes card
$25 Red Lobster card
CD Catalog & DVDs
COMING SOON:
The EP entitled $Free.99, is an introductory project from Mohammad Dangerfield (Hasan Salaam & Rugged N Raw) which will be released later this month.
- Features from Sha Stimuli and Shabaam Shadeeq
- Debut album will be coming this fall on Viper Records
I met KON back in 2002 when he and Silent Knight were in the group Unstoppable Unity. Since then KON has made a name for himself as a talented producer. However his MC game was never off point. KON has the ability to beautifully blend the two fields in this new album. Since free is the new black, he's giving away his new album, Above the Clouds, for all his fans to enjoy. The album features Ja Poet, Silent Knight, and more. Album also features production by Preface3, DJ Dyllemma, Marcus Sebastian, The Individualz, A. Johnson, KON himself. And trust me when I say, you will love this!
Also check out the promotional buttons we did for the project:
08.04.10
It's been a busy little month! DJ JUICE E & I have started doing a Brooklyn loft party. You can check out myspace.com/suciaparty or join the Sucia Allstars Facebook Group page OR follow Sucia on twitter to stay connected. They're held the last Wednesday of the month at the Douglass Street Loft. Spinning will be of course DJ Juice E, DJ Agent Trevor, and with live music by the ADM band. No rappers. No performances. Just dancing, drinks, and dark corners for dark deeds! Can't wait to see you there! So that's soaked up most of my time. But first, here's the new stuff:
They say when the economy is in the toilet, REBRAND YOURSELF! Well, that's exactly what I had to do. Although Jessica aka "that iheartdilla blog chick" has a pretty popular blog (and recently a guest spot on Beatminerz radio), her logo needed serious help. You can see by the before & after photos below, this was definitely needed.
As I usually do, I created 10 logos for her to choose from, to be tweaked & edited to her customized needs. Instead she held a contest so her readers could choose the one they liked the most. Here was the final winner:
She is very happy with it and it now looks a lot more clean & funky! So much, that we made buttons. You can buy them at www.iheartdilla.com.
07.02.10
As promised. Some new works!
It might look a little short, but as you know, I've been busy pushing the flair!
• :: CD Insert :: Da Circle: S.A.F.E. Hosted By DJ Statik Selektah
• :: CD Insert :: Silent Someone: Right To Remain Silent
06.15.10
KON x Fighting for Futures x KupiFLAIR
KON is one of THE MOST underrated talents in the NYC area. "KON" stand for "Knowledge Over Nonsense." I have been very cool with this young man for almost five years and he never ceases to amaze me. If you've ever bought a Silent Knight (Rawkus 50/ Band Called FUSE) CD or seen him rock a show, KON was usually heard on the production side, the lyrical side, and definitely by his side on stage. I don't like to promote hip hop that doesn't make you feel an emotion or help challenge your thought process. Nothing wrong with a little fun, but it's definitely a missing link in today's commercial, and trickle down effect to the underground, music. Kon will be releasing his album Above the Clouds this summer. I recommend it to be uploaded in your MP3 player the minute... i mean the second it drops.
What's better? He's a huge supporter of KupiFLAIR! Check out the video where you can see two buttons from the KupiFLAIR button/badge line on the left.
Fighting for Futures "is an organization that uses creative means to empower underprivileged youth around the world." I, along with Rugged N Raw and Hasan Salaam, were participants in their Toy Drive last December. Although I question their taste in music, and how it's run, they are definitely trying to bring awareness to global issues. I truly believe bringing a soul like KON will help bring more understanding to their cause.
06.15.10 MY DEEPEST AND MOST SINCERE APOLOGIES!
I have not updated my website in quite some time. I've been so incredibly wrapped up in life's little potholes. I had to deal with some psycho clients (well, now ex-clients), trying to make sense of the whole Guru mess, on top of getting in to a small fender bender (not my fault of course). FYI, you're not supposed to park your car on a crosswalk in Manhattan, not to mention far away from the curb, then fling your door open into moving traffic. You really expect NOT to hit someone! Ugh. So while my poor baby is in the shop, I've just been uber swamped! Money is crazy tight, as it is for everyone these days.
I can't believe I forgot to mention! I did a live interview for Real Deal Women on April 27th! I was interviewed along with EOW's Angel'a Thomas. Although there are no video archives, I believe there's a link to some audio on their site someplace. Thank you again ladies for having me up there!
Also, even though I didn't place first in the Body Shop art contest, I WAS the runner-up winner. So I won a great gift set of products worth $250. Thank you again for voting!
KupiFLAIR has been doing very well lately. I'm actually discontinuing some buttons and releasing some new flair! So be on the lookout for that. If you haven't already, you can become a fan of the button line of facebook! If you got yourself some of the flair, tag the photos to the page (CLICK HERE) or email them to me at kupiart@aol.com. Please no vulgar photos (no nudity, no middle fingers, etc.).
Thanks again everyone. I'll be posting up some new work very soon.
:)
- kupi
05.25.10
DJ Juice E x i[2]y I'm Too Young for This
Cancer Documentary Short Film
I met DJ JUICE E about three years ago. She's a tough chick. Not just because she's involved in the same stubborn male-dominated industry, but because she fought cervical cancer. Until recently she hasn't really spoke out about it. Just too personal and painful of course. However, she was brave enough to be involved in this short documentary film for i[2]y Cancer Foundation. She has DJ'd for several of their events, and stays actively involved in the community. I am so proud of her for keeping positive and keeping up with the fight. She's definitely an inspiration.
You can find DJ Juice E spinning at several locations around NYC and Brooklyn, including The Bubble Lounge, Habana Outpost, and The Vault inside Element. Check out her website (CLICK HERE) to see where you can see her in action, book her for events, and even download some mixes. Don't expect just hip hop either. She's the brains behind the Sucia Parties, the Make-Out Parties, and other crazy events. She's known for spinning, funk, rare grooves, classic soul, R&B, bugalu, and many other gems. Although she spins mostly vinyl, she's mastered new technology like Serato as well.
Juice E has been one of my biggest supporters and a close friend. I love her to death. Again, I am SO SO SO proud of you!
05.22.10
“Our Beautiful Planet” Live Painting Event
The Body Shop Nutriganics™ Promotion
On May 22, 2010, I was one of nine different artists The Body Shop selected to do live painting in their stores throughout Manhattan. Each artist painted on a canvas (between 3’x3’ and 4’x4’). We painted our interpretation of “Our Beautiful Planet" with eco-friendly paints and materials.
My painting was on 3'x3' plywood. I used Tri-art paints and of all things, water. How eco-friendly can you get???
To vote, you must first become of fan or "like" The Body Shop Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/TheBodyShop). Then go to the photo album to LEAVE A COMMENT for the painting you like the best. Those that receive the most votes will get $1,000 in art supplies.
Voting ends on Sunday, May 30!
You can also click here to vote.
Thanks you Dana from TH Outdoor Events for this fabulous opportunity.
Or you can view my photos on Facebook by clicking here.
Several months ago, I designed the branding for Rebecca McDonald, also known as BFresh Photography. We artists all work differently and sometimes have custom needs. So Rebecca turned to NAME of Junkprints NYC to give her camera bag a personal touch. The bag was designed and sewn by NAME herself. She did an incredible job using the logo I designed for BFresh. Click the photo above for the slide show.
04.24.10 i still find human contact to be much stronger than any digital interaction. Personal relationships will always outweigh social media.
Tuesday morning I woke up to grave news. My friend, my colleague Guru passed away. As I wrote back in February, Guru (formerly of Ganstarr) suffered cardiac arrest and was in a coma in a New York hospital. It's been reported he had cancer. Although some speculate he had AIDS. A lot of drama has unfurled this week. A "farewell letter" was released, which Solar, his music partner, insists was written by Guru on his deathbed. However we doubt Guru would not include his son in this letter or write "RIP Guru" to himself. You be the judge. Solar also appeared on Sway's video interview, expressing he WILL NOT be handling funeral or memorial arrangements, but then having Guru's body cremated? I know I'm probably biting the hand that fed me, but in this extreme case even I can't dismiss these actions.
This is a statement released by Guru's sister, Patricia: "The Elam family wishes to thank the fans of our son/brother/father uncle/nephew/cousin Keith aka GURU for the outpouring of love, concern and support.
Our hearts are broken by the loss of someone we loved so much. GURU was devoted to his young son, who will most keenly feel his absence. GURU suffered from multiple myeloma for over a year. Accrued complications from this illness led to respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. As a result, GURU was in a coma from mid February until his death and never regained consciousness. Early on the morning of April 19th, he became hypertensive due to low blood pressure. He again went into cardiac arrest and slipped away from us. GURU died far too young but he was, and we are, proud of all his many legendary musical contributions. The family is not aware of any foundations established by GURU. We know and understand that countless fans want to express their condolences and love and, to that end, we are planning a memorial event in the near future that will be all-inclusive. Please look for further details from the family as they become available.
- From the Elam Family"
This is a statement released by Guru's #1 friend & producer, DJ Premier: "It was a sad day for me to get confirmation on the death of a man who I will continue to call my brother, Keith Elam, better known as GURU of the legendary Gang Starr.
From 1988-2004, we experienced so much success together that we were able to expand our businesses independently and give each other what GURU called “creative space”, before planning to reunite for our 7th LP when the time was right. Tragically, we will never reach that day.
I’ve been asked to comment on a letter speaking ill of me which was supposedly written by GURU in his dying days. All I will say about it is that our time together was beautiful, we built a hip hop legacy together, and no one can re-write history or take away my love for him. One thing I would never do is play around with the truth about his life.
I will celebrate GURU’s life… I will honor his memory… I will grieve with the Elam family over his untimely death… I will remember the Gang Starr foundation and all of the original members of Gang Starr who came before me – we all know each other… mostly, I will cherish everything we created together as Gang Starr, forever. I’m gonna miss hearing his signature monotone voice when he walks in the room, but the songs will always bring it back to me….his rhyme flows were insane, and I will never remove him from my heart and soul…….rest in peace to the man who felt “satisfaction from the street crowd reaction” … I love you goo…….dj premier."
There's not much else I can say except, I'm crushed. Thank you, Guru, for believing in me these past few years. You will never be forgotten. Thank you to Justin Elam Ruff, Freddie Foxx, and DJ Premier for speaking out about this twisted situation and matters during Guru's final days. As I have stated, there's so much I want to say, but at a loss for words. Today is not about me or about you. It's about the human soul united by music. It's a weird feeling. Being heartbroken & disgusted at the same time. And SHAME on those who released their spur of the moment "Sponging-off-Guru's-death-to-get-my-shine-on" free mixtape downloads.
I personally can't listen to his music right now, or watch his music videos. Everytime I do, or talk about him I end up crying. I doubt I'm going to do an art piece. These days it's just seen as narcissistic. I have already done art and worked with the man, so I feel lucky to have worked with him during the years he WASN'T so popular. Unfortunately the one photo I DID take with Guru came out blurry and I felt like a chump bugging him to do it over again. So I left him alone. Yes, he was blindly happy. He really felt 7 Grand Records was going to produce classic sounds.
Just know, even though we all know Guru was terribly manipulated, he was a GOOD man and worked very hard. He had his reasons for staying low-key at times, but that comes with age and experience. He loved talking to people, he loved making music. He always showed me respect. Again, thank you Guru for the music, the love and the memories. I'll see you when I get there.
thank you
- kupi
04.17.10
Not Yo Mama's Craft Fair 2010 - Jersey City, NJ
Not Yo Mama's Craft Fair was an interesting day. Surrounded by lots of craft young people. Everything from one of a kind jewelry to erotic pillows. I would have loved to see the old ladies' faces when they came across that. To my surprise, my buddy, Jayson Ramos of Proper Criminals, had a booth right behind me. I was placed in a terrible spot, but maybe next time it'll be better. Thanks to everyone who stopped by to show their support. It really meant a lot to me! Enjoy the buttons!
Or you can view my photos on Facebook by clicking here.
04.17.10
Hub City Revival - New Brunswick, NJ
Hub City Revival is back! Come by on May 1st in New Brunswick, NJ to hear some great music from local bands & performers, view & buy art, and join in some great painting projects! Kids welcome! Some of my work will be on display during the show and you can also purchase some KupiFLAIR! You can link to us here: myspace.com/hubcityrevival
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
04.16.10
I've had quite of influx of demands! I'm not mad at it at all. Hoping the summer will continue to keep me busy:
• :: Flyer :: Gérard Duré New York Salon (Flyer #1)
• :: Flyer :: Gérard Duré New York Salon (Flyer #2)
• :: Flyer :: NY LIVE @ Southpaw, Brooklyn
• :: Flyer :: Hasan Salaam & Colin Dean's Roots & Grooves
• :: Flyer :: Hub City Revival (May 2010)
• :: Flyer :: Hip Hop Karaoke New Jersey + Naughty By Nature
• :: Flyer :: The Rim Re-Store
• :: Banner :: The Rim Re-Store
• :: Logo :: Hip Hop Karaoke New Jersey
• :: Logo :: The Rim Re-store
• :: CD Cover:: Hollywood Floss: House Of Dreams
04.05.10
ToyStreet 2010 - Soho, NYC
Toystreet was a WIN! So much phenomenal talent in one room. BIG UPS to Cookies-n-Cream for having a great event. Thanks vendors & patrons!
This has been a big hit with my followers. It was event featured here:www.sofreshandsogreen.com. Yes! You can do it too! Click here to see more!
03.17.10
Wow, I've been busy. There's been a lot of drama these since the beginning of the year. Hasn't there? My heart goes out to Chile & Haiti. Hope they got my donations. Then, my friend (and yours) Guru has been involved in some awful drama. We don't know if he's alive, if he's still in a coma, if he's even still in the hospital. All my prayers go out to Guru and I really hope things work out for the best. Much love to Guru.
However, we do have to keep working. As you saw from the main page, I have several events coming up. Hope you can make it out! This is a big deal for me, so wish me luck. I'm also finishing up work on Bully Mouth's LONG time coming album Eggs & Spinach, newcomer Hollywood Floss' album House of Dreams, and the highly anticipated album Mohammad Dangerfield from Hasan Salaam & Rugged N Raw. I should have that artwork up shortly! Other than that, here are a few new gems I've been dishing out:
• :: Poster :: Soulsa (UK) "Un Poco Loco" Party : 2010
• :: Poster :: Dam-Funk + DJ Spinna + More
• :: iTunes Cover :: Strange Fruit Project: Laudz M.A.S.K.
• :: iTunes Cover :: PVD: PVD Breaks: Volume I :
25 Original Royalty-Free Breakbeats
• :: Logo :: Hollywood Floss
• :: Logo :: Blacker Inkwells
• :: MySpace Page Design :: P.SO (formally known as P.Casso)
02.28.10
So at this moment I'm very shaken up. Guru (formerly of Gangstarr) has suffered cardiac arrest and is in a coma in a New York hospital. He will undergo surgery tomorrow. I don't have to tell you this man was a legend, but to me, he was a cool ass acquaintance. We met when I worked at Studio Distribution, when he released Street Scriptures 7.0. Yes, he was a hand full, but he was always so nice to me. We used to kick it and have some great conversations in the office, sometimes after hours. We'd talk about the state of hip hop, life, family, how crazy Jersey chicks were, how proud he was to be his son's soccer coach, and just real life stuff.
Unfortunately Studio Distribution shut it doors in 2006, just as I was in the middle of designing his press kit. Guru still kept in touch with me and we continued working on projects together. The last thing I did for him was design his Sell Sheet for Guru 8.0: Lost & Found (and yes I begged him to let me re-design the album art - but Solar said there wasn't enough time). He was hated on for experimenting with new music and working with Solar, but he truly
& blindly believed in 7 Grand Records.
No, he never had the same success in the USA, but the man was ALWAYS traveling overseas. But he felt great. Matter of fact the last time we spoke he said he was in the best shape of his life. "I wasn't in this good of shape when I was in my 20s!" he said. So this is a complete shock to me. As I'm sure it's a complete shock to everyone.
All I can say is, I wish him and his family all my deepest prayers and blessings. Guru, we're all with you.
thank you
- kupi
02.20.10
PhoneticallyDef: A Hip Hop Journey
with Phonetic & DefDom
I HAD to design this one. I JUST HAD TO! Phonetic called me in a heat of rage because he was so upset with the way the original artist designed the album cover. I have to say, I love these guys so much, I was more than happy to work my magic!
If you don't know about Phonetic or DefDom you will. Two talented men from New Jersey. Phonetic has appeared as a feature on albums for Venomous and opened for legends such as KRS-One. DefDom is no stranger, even though he's a member of the group Pardon The Stranger with Kendal Good. He has also produced tracks for Brokn.Englsh, Daniel Joseph, and many others. This album covers all basses of hip hop. It's hardcore, lyrical, beautiful and fun all in one, and with the omni directional production by DefDom this album really steps up to the plate and sets the bar high! Album features appearances by Bully Mouth, Venomous, Kendal, Poet, M.Josephine, and many other Jersey favorites. Get your copy today!
Special thanks to Chris Balzano for the great photos!
Hasan Salaam "Angel Dust"
featuring Lord Jamar (Brand Nubian)
Directed by Mark Carranceja of Noisemaker Media.
Welcome to her world. Hasan Salaam and Noisemaker Media present "Angel Dust," a voyeuristic tale of survival. The fusion of Salaam's lyrical prowess and Noisemaker's edgy technical vision create a dark and mysterious world dominated by red hot passion and gripping pain. Noisemaker Media provides cinematic depth and unique perspective to the music video genre, separating themselves as a timeless brand captivating audiences worldwide.
Much respect to Ameena Dove who plays the main character "Angel Dust".
AIDS/HIV Awareness. Get yourself tested!
02.01.10 Can you believe it? I'm a feature! Someone actually thought I was cool enough to spotlight on their blog. Philly based photog, Snapkraker, is no stranger. He was responsible for the gritty photos used in Rugged N Raw's Truth Serum album art in 2008. Today, showcases me, my history, and some selected art pieces on his blog www.snapkraker.com. ENJOY!
Also, many happy birthday wishes to DJ Juice E! She's a crazy little Cancer surviving DJ and we're so happy she's still with us! We love ya lady!
02.01.10
KupiFLAIR Buttons are HERE!!! Yes you can now rock original KupiArt designs and features anywhere you go! Over 80 unique 1.25" pin badges for you to rock! They include some funky images used in some past art projects and some that never saw the light of day. Other buttons have cool phrases with bright colors and patterns! There's something for everyone who loves to rock flair. CLICK HERE or the banner above to view the new collection.
Here are a few photos of some of the buttons!
01.30.10
This has been quite a start to the new year. We're all still donating what we can to Haiti, but don't forget to clean up your own backyard too! There were a lot of fund raising events that took place in January. I was asked to design some e-flyers and posters for them, however, I did NOT charge for my work. I don't like to profit off of someone else's tragedy. There was one event in particular at Santos Party House I designed a poster for, However, I was not involved with the planning or the running of the event. And again, I did NOT charge for my work. I wanted to make it clear. As for some other Haiti events, it seems a lot of musicians and some promoters are REALLY capitalizing on the tragedy in Haiti for their own vanity and gain. How do we really know where the profits go? Unfortunately in our own hard times people forget morals and values, and take advantage of other's charity. Yes, I too see many doors of opportunity, but I also have mirrors in my house. Say what you will, but I wouldn't be Kupi if I did something like that. That's all I really have to say about that.
Here's the new stuff:
• :: Poster :: Sounds of Resistance: Benefit Concert & Art Event for Haiti
• :: Poster :: Fuse Band + Wupa + Not For Nothings
• :: iTunes Cover :: The Custodian Of Records + Shawn Lov + Sadat X: Rare Grooves
• :: CD Insert :: Phonetic & DefDom: PhoneticallyDef
• :: CD Insert :: Kanu : Wunce Defunked
• :: Logo :: Capracare Charity Organization
01.12.10 Everyone I know is scrambling to find ways to help the victims of the earthquake that pretty much destroyed major areas of Haiti. Here are some ways to help:
• Text ‘Yéle’ to 501501 to donate $5 to Yéle Haiti. Your money will help with relief efforts. See more info at www.yele.org.
• Rise Up Radio DJ, Tasty Keish, has compiled an awesome list of events and donation drop-off lists on your website. Visit www.tastykeish.com to find out more.
EVENT:
Saturday, January 16
Nuyorican Poet's Cafe
WORDS: Hip Hop Showcase & Open Mic.
236 East 3rd St NYC / 10pm
Bring food & clothes, or anything you can donate. We will be collecting donations all night long. I'll be working the front door so talk to me.
5th Column Charities will also be planning a fundraiser. It will most likely be an open mic for MCs, poets, singers, etc. All proceeds will go to the relief fund.
Also, DO NOT donate money to places like The Red Cross. If 9/11 & Katrina didn't teach you anything, then I don't know what to tell you. 50% - 60% of their profit goes to "Admin Fees." Not right. So, make sure you know who you are donating your money to.
I'm not going to have all the info, so be sure to stay in touch with news and your friends about the steps to take in their aid.
Peace be with you!
01.08.10
Happy New Year (again)! I hope everyone had a great holiday season! It's not much yet, but here are some new works from last month (or last year) that I completed. To see more of what you missed click the dates at the top of the screen. Much more to come. Enjoy!
:: Flyer :: "Da Sessions" at End of the Weak
:: Flyer :: Hasan Salaam: "Angel Dust" Music Video Screen
Can you believe it? I'm a feature! Someone actually thought I was cool enough to spotlight on their blog. Philly based photog, Snapkraker, is no stranger. He was responsible for the gritty photos used in Rugged N Raw's Truth Serum album art in 2008. Today, showcases me, my history, and some selected art pieces on his blog 
