Yeats, Monet, Bach… In the daily turmoil of our lives, we often forget about art. We don’t read as much as we think we should, we don’t watch all the films we’ve been recommended, and a trip to a museum is a once-a-year (if that) kind of occasion. We’ve shoved art aside; it has lost its importance. Or so we think.
What we seem to frequently forget, however, is that the very act of living itself is made up of artistic masterpieces, one by one, colliding into each other. Human relationships are art, and the most exquisite of these is the one single connection that has managed to evade capture by our feeble words, hands, and minds: love.
Love has been pursued by the most capable of hunters, and as a result we have libraries, museums, and iTunes playlists full of homages to the one ethereal higher power we all seem to be capable of worshipping. We have tried to capture love by giving it a name (the insufficient “love/amor/愛/etc.”), turning it into a symbol (the “heart,” which is really just a variation on a circle, indicating love’s endlessness), and rallying behind it as a mantra (all you need is love). But love is a fickle beast; it manages to skitter away right when even the most capable of human thinkers and creators believe they have cornered it.
To put it simply, love is a masterful combination of ineffable emotions and chemicals. It’s the driving force of humanity, the reason we work, the reason we dream, the reason we breathe. We each long to catch a glimpse of the deity Love at least once in our short lives, even if it may only be through a muddled reflection in a broken mirror. Though incomplete, that one shimmer of the Divine, as philosophers of yore might attempt to label it, will be enough. Love, and the simple knowledge that it exists, is enough to sustain us through our journeys through the dark valleys, because we are confident in its ability to supply the nirvana that occurs when we finally reach the summit, even if we are not meant to linger there for long.
The greatest pieces of art are not, then, comprised of our insufficient mortal imitations, but rather the source of our inspiration itself: love. Love is the most effective and yet the simplest form of communication we have yet devised. Love, in its many infinite and equally meaningful forms, can exist anywhere two people are together, sharing a moment in the swirling current of time, as they each acknowledge the pulsing beat of life radiating from within the other and know, without a doubt, that they are not alone. We live to love, which is to say we live to appreciate the life in others and have our own reality similarly validated. Every piece of “art” that stems from this force is really just a microscopic piece of a cosmic puzzle that all humans across the ages have been trying to put together. Our art attempts to capture the essence of the only real art in our reality, the great and powerful crazy-little-thing called Love.
--Amy Kristen
I just got back from a service trip with my middle schoolers in Little Haiti.* It's amazing how much energy you get from teaching (though it always leaves you dog tired). After 10 hours in the van, with another hour of driving ahead of us, I turned to my kids and said, “I love y’all but I am ready to go home.” Undoubtedly they agreed. Not that we weren’t having a good time! We filled the hours with stories and sleep but mostly music.
Music flowed throughout the whole trip as we picked our themesong, danced on the streets of Little Haiti and all of us, students and chaperones alike, felt the joy and pressure of sharing our music with the masses.
Initially we played it safe, sharing music that you’d hear on the radio or that you knew would be appreciated by your friends. The generational gap furthered the divide; students inundated the car with contemporary hits while chaperones dug into our ipod’s crates to find that “You ain’t up on this!” classic of yesteryear.
But really, how many times can one listen to Black and Yellow** or No Hands?
When it was my turn to plug in my iPod I didn’t know where to start.
I got caught between playing music that is dope and music that they (my fellow passengers) would like. My taste is fairly eclectic and I generally listen to music that helps me write (lyrics and otherwise) but it got me thinking about the difficulty that comes into making any kind of art.
I think the best art hits people on a variety of levels. You get the high end, intellectually stimulating stuff that still gets people interested who are like, “Ooh, that’s shiny!”
I’d much rather make an artifact than be hot but isn’t the truly timeless able to do both?
I don’t buy albums as much as I used to*** but one album I’m absurdly excited for is Lupe Fiasco’s latest effort.
I thought this album was NEVER going to come out after fans had to protest and petition just to get a release date but the fantasy is now reality.
I’d read that Atlantic wanted him to have a more commercial appeal and I believe Lupe has been able to achieve that with the records I have heard thus far off of Lasers.
Lupe is an emcee after KRS’ own heart. He is a master of edutainment. From I’m Beamin’, to The Show Goes On, Lupe uplifts and empowers while giving you a lil’ something to dance to.
On an interview with DJ Semtex, Lupe called “All Black Everything” his best song yet. And he is absolutely right.
I’ve been playing it all day! Reminds me of a sermon I heard that talks about how one can tell unconditional love. When it's real, it adds value.
It’s not just about the hottest song, or using music to pass the time, the best art feeds the soul.
*They managed a fantastic blog with a ridiculously long name.
**Black and Yellow has successfully supplanted A Milli as the most over-remixed song of all time. (Sidenote: Did you know the official video has 45 million hits on youtube?! Applaud this man.) There should be a Rushmore for this sort of thing.
***As it is currently, mixtapes>>>albums

Tyler "The Creator" of OFWGKTA , the "Golf Wang" west coast skateboarding crew is pushing forth odd.future culture along with some awesome music and blogging to match.
Yonkers from Tylers upcoming album entitled Goblin is enough to make Lil Wayne and his "a milli" Young Money troupe of clowns actually sit down a write something mainstream that could possibly stand up with the greats, the hip hop narrators and poets, the rappers instead of the entertainers. An obvious artist, Tylers' word play and delivery are unlike anything that I have ever seen in West coast hip-hop. He's not rapping solely about weed and California girls, he's posing thoughts about masculinity, consciousness and absentee fathers.
An image that the youth is currently attracted to...dark, uninhibited, and strong enough to shock the lovers of indie-turned-commercial innovators such as B.o.B and Bruno Mars who had to change up their sound and style to adapt to mainstream music, art like this takes me back to a few questions I've posed on Art Star in the past.
Can you sell art without "selling out"?
I was watching a clip on T.V. One where Cathy Hughes (Founder of TV & Radio One) interviewed comedian Martin Lawrence and inquired on why producers always place black male actors in dresses, Many believe this is conspiracy to feminize black men in the media, something I don't believe is necessarily true as male comedians of all ethnicities have portrayed the opposite sex at some point in their careers, He responded with this: If they saw those fat checks I get for wearing a dress they wouldn't have nothin to say.
Would you "sell out" for a few bucks? Trade your dignity and values in for mere...stuff? What happens when public figures such as artists, journalists, and politicians start taking checks as opposed to informing and being the voice of the people? We are in a time where individuals are stepping up to be heard, voicing their opinions and fighting for their rights.
What happens when that voice is silenced, when people stop saying things that are worth knowing?
I heard Yonkers when it first came out and debated on whether I should publish it because of Tylers negative lyrics about Jesus and his obvious need to point out that he's an atheist (What is the point of constantly commenting on what you don't believe in?), over a million views (and 10 replays) later and its apparent that although "Tyler had to hang himself to get a million views" and his delivery is a bit atypical, people are now listening and I'm excited to hear what else he's got to say.
And pick up Stevie Wonder to be the wide receiver
Green paper, gold teeth and pregnant gold retrievers
All I want, fuck money, diamonds and bitches, don't need 'em
But where the fat ones at? I got somethin' to feed 'em
In some cookin' books, the black kids never wanted to read 'em"...
8<3Track Honey
Even though Valentine's Day is not just for lovers, it is, in fact, for lovers. A whole lot of hypocrisy, I know, but I hope you'll forgive me, because I meant to make you a mixed tape, but this is all I have to give... I'm going to suggest you make your own gifts, or at least cards, this Valentine's Day. What better way to show your true affection than by something you spent time, working on. I don't know about you guys, but I'm a firm believer in, It's the thought that counts. That being said, next to each song, I'm also going to include a few lines from it, so you may include them in your card. These will definitely be more original than your typical Hallmark cards.


Pink Floyd- Us and Them


There's nothing cool like a female MC bold enough to step up in the male dominated rap scene.
Kid Sister is a Chicago based rapper who creates music for the dance floor, known for her 2008 track Pro-Nails ft. Kanye West, she has recently debuted her first mixtape KissKissKiss.
Kid Sister has an 80's hip-hop/techno sound, like a mix between Ke$ha and Diamond. Although I have my qualms with many female rappers who opt for materialistic or hyper-sexualized and self-centered images instead of using their work to preempt positive change, I recognize that it's got to be tough out there for them, trying to be everything to everyone while having to deal with the dilemma faced by most modern artists today: make art that's meaningful or make art that sells?
Kid Sister has obviously decided that getting people to dance is what matters most. I'm a pretty big fan of 80's rap/fashion and the Chicago music scene so her latest single "Right Hand Hi" is right up my alley. Although some of her lyrics are a bit materialistic, she makes fun music I can dance to, whether I'm with my girls or dancing in my room while trying on my "at home/girls-only" party dresses .
Also Check Out Laidback Luke's sweet remix of DO!DO!DO! from KissKissKiss below.
8<3Track Honey
Apparently desperate to cover air time, the leaders of the local college radio station have granted me my own two-hour time block to mess around on-air and play songs that no one has heard of.


I'll never forget my reaction to his first major track "Flow Stoopid", a cover of Nasir Jone's (aka Nas) "Made You Look (They Shootin)", my uncle sent me the download via email, and I remember thinking..."Finally" (you know...that inner sigh of refreshing relief when you hear music worth listening to.) He introduced a clean and clever take to a recognizable classic, he brought back that 90's hip-hop sound, and he's done the same with "Digg is Like.." from his latest Mixtape PastPresentFuture.
Produced by DJ Premiere, this track is dope; although Diggy's lyricism still leaves much to be desired, his flow/style is impressive and classic east coast. I am interested in seeing where his career will lead him and how his rhymes will develop as he continues to grow as an artist.Check "Digg is Like" below...
What do you think? Is he a hip-hop hopeful or are his self-centered lyrics a sign of the same old?
8<3Track Honey
The Masquerade: Exclusive Feature- Karen Blessen, Ishi, DJ B3, Hello Lover, Able Youth and 29 Pieces
Who Are You? A Masquerade Ball Benefiting 29 Pieces
Last Saturday Art Stars, cool kids, artists, lovers, dancers, creatives, drunks, and some of the best damn bands in Dallas adorned with sparkling masks, suits, dresses, mini skirts, oxfords, pocket squares, platform heels and feathers crammed into Life At Deep Ellum, to party, play, network, jam and most importantly, give. Who Are You, hosted by Green Bandana Group (and sponsored by Art Star), was a night plentiful with exploration, expression, hugs, kisses, and for me...tears.
We've got the exclusive on the nights performers including Ishi, Hello Lover, Able Youth, DjB3, and artist/philanthropist Ms.Karen Blessen, and for those who were unable to attend, we've captured a few of the nights best moments including performances by Muscle Memory and The Gritz along with some Shadow Puppetry, Fencing and The Phantom of The Opera as a sweet cherry on top.
Check it out below
Special thanks to all of the performers, interviewers and Green Bandana Group.
There's about 200 images, feel free to choose "view all"!
Thanks Red ID Agency for sending us some of your pics!
The Interviews*
Select the images below and find out who these artists were, who they are now, and who they hope to be.
The Stars*
The unstoppable team who worked together to provide exclusive press for this 300+ guest event.
Thank You.
If you like this feature, you might also like The Drama. |
The sudden change of weather in Dallas has me in the mood for early spring and Comin' Back To Me by Jefferson Airplane definitely soothes my hunger for tulip fields, kite flying and good music made with genuine instruments. Most mainstream artists today have abandoned the beauty of musicianship in exchange for synth and protools, possibly due to the increasing lack of patience in world society. There's nothing sweet for the soul like taking the time to master a craft. This 1960's psychedelic band will not only inspire you to slow down but also to notice the intricacies of the word and the people around us that often go unnoticed in the neverending rush hour.
I was introduced to this song by VJ Evelyn Garza's show, H.A.M Radio on the Radio UTD circuit. College radio is a great way to get in tune with a few classics, and some undergroud/indie tracks that don't get a lot of mainstream airplay. Check out her show on Wednesday's and delve into the vintage goodness of Jefferson Airplane below.
Peace
8<3Track Honey
“Should’ve known you was trouble from the first kiss. Had your eyes wide open… why were they open?” – Bruno Mars, “Grenade”
It is indeed a rare and strange phenomenon, kissing with your eyes open. It seems to occur most frequently when the participants wish to gaze into each other’s souls, express their feelings for each other, and create a more intimate bond. But yeah Bruno, you’re probably right, if a girl has her eyes open that probably means she’s a raging love-hating monster who’s out to destroy your heart. Ditch the bitch.
(Side note: You realize that if you threw yourself over this hypothetical grenade, it would still explode with enough force to kill her, too, right? Unless you actually want both of you to die, in which case, proceed!)
“Everybody's lookin’ for love… ain’t that the reason you’re at this club?” – Jason Derulo, “In My Head”
Actually, I’m just trying to get drunk, dance, size up other girls to ensure I rank higher on the hotness meter than they do, make eyes at sexy/rich/table-service-receiving boys, and maybe sleep with one of the aforementioned males later on at night and not remember it the morning after when I wake up in his bed. If I wanted love I’d sign up for fucking Match.com.
“Come here, rude boy, boy can you get it up?” – Rihanna, “Rude Boy”
“What's your name? Girl, what's your number? I'm glad I came. Can you take my order?” – Justin Timberlake, Timbaland’s “Carry Out”
Every waitress loves getting hit on. Especially by someone like this.
“Have you ever had sex with a pharaoh? I put the p*ssy in a sarcophagus.” – Kanye West, “Monster”
Sex with a pharaoh sounds nice, but it sounds like you need a little anatomy lesson, Kanye. Boys have the sticky-outy parts, and girls have the sticky-inny parts. Which means it would probably be very difficult to put a woman's cavernous lady parts inside another hole-shaped object. But lesbians find a way to work past that; I’m sure you can, too.
“The square root of 69 is 8 something, right? ‘Cuz I’ve been tryin’ ta work it out.” - Drake, Rihanna’s “What’s My Name”
It’s 8.3066. Buy a calculator. Idiot.
“Oh, that was your girl? I thought I recognized her.” – Drake, Young Money’s “Bedrock”
Drake. Honey. Stop talking.
“But can you feel this magic in the air? It must have been the way you kissed me.” – Taylor Swift, “Today Was a Fairytale”
What? Oh yeah, yeah, that’s magic you’re feeling. MAGIC. Not some adolescent boy’s premature ejaculation. Magic’s known for being recognizable by its sticky texture. How’s the fairytale going for you, by the way? You know a relationship is meant to be when you wear a dress and the guy wears “a dark gray t-shirt” and he picks you up at 6:00 so he can get you back home before your curfew, as you said.
“Is she out there? I just need somebody to love.” – Justin Beiber, “Somebody to Love”
Don’t we all, Justin. Don’t we all.
--Amy Kristen
Well, well, well, another Valentines Day is on its way. For many, this day is about love (obviously), passion, and lots and lots of red, and hearts, and stuffed animals that sing in a disquieting fashion. However, for those of us who do not have that special someone, it can also serve as a painful reminder or our afflicting loneliness (not really). How many Valentines Days is one supposed to spend alone, only wishing the person they’re crazy about will notice them? Everyone goes about it in a different manner; some buy themselves a giant box of delectably fattening assorted chocolates, others, a gallon of ice cream, as they spend a romantic evening between themselves and about 6,000 calories, but for those of us afraid of developing heart disease, we simply turn on some comforting tunes which empathize with our dilemma. Here are some of my favorite tracks.

(Track not available)
