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Uncreative Radio with Dan Perri EP: 110

UNCREATIVE RADIO

DAN PERRI | EP 10

TV-MA | 24 min

We’ve known Dan Perri for years. We have collaborated with him on some dope video series and worked with him behind the scenes. We’ve seen him grow and have been fortunate enough to be a part of his outstanding evolution as a hairstylist/men’s groomer. In fact, he still cuts a few of the guy’s hair here at the studio (but only in Los Angeles).

Just as our business has spread from city to city over the course of a decade, growing in size and prestige, so has Dan Perri’s career. It’s actually really cool seeing a good friend’s career take off the way Dan’s has. From Fort Lauderdale, he moved to Jersey, where he got in deep with some really rich clients, and from there he pursued higher education in order to work with even more renowned characters on the West Coast. His work ethic and dedication to his craft is something we greatly admire. It’s actually what landed him a spot on Uncreative Radio!

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We’re on Uncreative Radio with Dan Perri in Los Angeles, where he works as a men’s groomer for some of the most famous names of our generation (so famous we can’t even mention them).

We’ve known Dan Perri for years. We have collaborated with him on some dope video series and worked with him behind the scenes. We’ve seen him grow and have been fortunate enough to be a part of his outstanding evolution as a hairstylist/men’s groomer. In fact, he still cuts a few of the guy’s hair here at the studio (but only in Los Angeles).

Just as our business has spread from city to city over the course of a decade, growing in size and prestige, so has Dan Perri’s career. It’s actually really cool seeing a good friend’s career take off the way Dan’s has. From Fort Lauderdale, he moved to Jersey, where he got in deep with some really rich clients, and from there he pursued higher education in order to work with even more renowned characters on the West Coast. His work ethic and dedication to his craft is something we greatly admire. It’s actually what landed him a spot on Uncreative Radio!

Episode 10

On Episode 10 of Uncreative Radio, Dan Perri shares defining moments throughout his professional career and how it evolved from humble beginnings. Right now, Dan is at the pinnacle of his career. He is working with celebrities on a personal level, as well as, behind the scenes during A-list productions.

His connection with his clientele is what elevates Dan as a personal groomer. He isn’t there just to make his clients look good. He is there to listen to them–to be their outlet of expression, reflection, and discretion. With great responsibility comes great trust, after all. And, as you will learn in Episode 10, that is what continues to mold and define his career.

Tune-in August 29th at 6 PM ET to join Josh Miller and Dan Perri on-air for Uncreative Radio. This is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

If you live in Los Angeles and are in need of a haircut, hit Dan Perri up on Instagram!

More From #UNCREATIVE Radio

#UNCREATIVERadio airs every Thursday at 6 PM. Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment, and inspiration.

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

#UNCREATIVERADIO

We Live. We Speak. We Create.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this radio show and/or podcast are solely those of the show’s hosts, producers and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of C&I an idea agency, nor C&I Studios Inc., and/or any/all contributors to this website.

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The Delorean

THE DELOREAN
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The Delorean: A C&I Studios Music Personality

Not many people know that we write and produce our own music for use in original television and film productions, as well as our client’s video work. But we do.

We’re not telling you anything new by saying that we’re most known for our video production work. It’s our bread and butter, sure, but it doesn’t capture everything that we do.

It’s strange… when you become so well known in a particular craft or discipline, people tend to confine you to that line of work. But the prism of creativity beams in all directions. It cannot be contained. That’s how we feel, so that’s exactly how we conduct ourselves. If we want to create something, we create. If we don’t know the skill, we learn it. If we don’t have a platform to use it, we build one. That’s how it’s always been.

The Delorean is our musical personality. It’s the cadence we walk to and the rhythm we think to. We branded our music identity differently because of you. If we named this side of our creativity “Uncreative Music” or “C&I Studios” music, then you’d say, “Hey, wait a minute, aren’t these guys pros at video and film production? What do they know about producing music?”

Short answer: A lot.

The Delorean is Uncreative Music

We are in the process of building a music library on our website.

We have well over 500 tracks ready for publication. Our team has been working tirelessly to create music that is suitable for any style of production. You can choose between reggae, hip-hop, classical, blues, jazz, symphonic, a broad range of genre-bending vibes, and a whole lot more.

Unlike most music creators/distributors, we encourage our clients to customize any song to their liking.

If you want to add lyrics to a track for use in your next video production, then we will mix it for you. If you want to replace the drop with heavier bass, then we will reconstruct the climax of the song. If you want to rearrange the buildup, then we will do that, too. Anything goes when you work with us.

We want you to feel connected to the songs you purchase. To us, music is personal. We believe that if you’re going to use one of our tracks, then you should have the privilege of making it your own. So, get excited about customizing the sounds to your next feature film, company profile video, or social media soundtrack. The Delorean is at your service.

The best part about customizing one of our tracks is that it is completely unique to your brand. No other business will have the same track as you. Check out this video we created for OneUnited Bank. We produced this soundtrack specifically for this video. It doesn’t exist anywhere else.

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Uncreative Music is Your Music

Creativity is limitless. Your access to creative content should be the same.

Brands thrive through storytelling. If you expect to become an authority in your industry then you must be present, original, and engaging. There is no in-between. You either commit to your narrative and tell it how it should be told, or fall short of your business goals.

When you subscribe to The Delorean music library, you gain access to unlimited tracks. We offer various subscription plans that allow our clients to select and customize tracks; to use their personalized soundtracks in whatever capacity they need; to adopt a musical database unique to their brand and their brand alone; and much more.

STREAMING NOW

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Music plays a huge role in storytelling.

We created The Delorean music library because we understand the value of originality in branding. In our experience, music is integral to storytelling. Where dialogue falls short, music keeps the user engaged; where visual cues need excitement, music adds to the intensity. If you limit your creativity you essentially limit your storytelling. That’s how we see it. If your brand is going to rise in your industry, then you must engage your consumer base. Having a collection of original music at your disposal will give you a significant upper-hand.

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Season 1 Episode 23 Predictions of a New Era For Miami Music

UNCREATIVE RADIO

ABEBE LEWIS | EP 23

TV-MA | 31 min

There is great power in the spoken word. The right voice, the right message, the right delivery can change history. We’ve seen it happen time and again on platforms as prestigious as the political stage to those as unexpected as the performance stage. And that is what we’re here to talk about today.

We invited Abebe Lewis to the studio to discuss the power of music and the responsibility that too many artists are ignoring.

Turn on the radio and listen to popular music. It’s unfortunate that so many of the artists that are thriving often take their voice and their platform for granted. They prioritize the fast track — a road derived from mimicking a shallow, inauthentic formula — so that they can get rich quickly. In many songs, the lyrics are meaningless, reduced to incoherent rumblings, random obscenities, and other hype-centric maneuvers. Are they fun to listen to? Sure. But what are they trying to achieve?

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We’re on Uncreative Radio with Abebe Lewis and he’s predicting a new era for Miami.

There is great power in the spoken word. The right voice, the right message, the right delivery can change history. We’ve seen it happen time and again on platforms as prestigious as the political stage to those as unexpected as the performance stage. And that is what we’re here to talk about today.

We invited Abebe Lewis to the studio to discuss the power of music and the responsibility that too many artists are ignoring. 

Turn on the radio and listen to popular music. It’s unfortunate that so many of the artists that are thriving often take their voice and their platform for granted. They prioritize the fast track — a road derived from mimicking a shallow, inauthentic formula — so that they can get rich quickly. In many songs, the lyrics are meaningless, reduced to incoherent rumblings, random obscenities, and other hype-centric maneuvers. Are they fun to listen to? Sure. But what are they trying to achieve?

Abebe Lewis remembers a time when rappers and hip hop artists created music to bring about positive change. He remembers that music was a movement; that lyrics mirrored society; that enlightenment was their architect. He remembers these times. He recalls the artists who led the charge. Hell, he grew up looking up to them; learning from them. His family’s recording studio, Circle House Studios, has dominated Miami’s music scene for four decades. They originated countless hit productions, like the 1987 theme song to Cops and the Bad Boys franchise.

Abebe Lewis was there. His father and his uncle taught him. Music is his life… and the future he sees is getting us excited. 

Abebe Lewis is certainly qualified to discuss music and the artists carving out a piece for themselves. So, on this episode of Uncreative Radio, we’re being treated to an unscripted, insider’s look into the contemporary hip hop scene. The world is on the verge of a musical revolution and its origins very well may be Miami.

Join us and Abebe Lewis this Thursday, November 28th at 6 PM to find out what the future may bring. 

#UNCREATIVERadio airs every Thursday at 6 PM.

Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment, and inspiration.

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

#UNCREATIVERADIO

We Live. We Speak. We Create.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this radio show and/or podcast are solely those of the show’s hosts, producers and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of C&I an idea agency, nor C&I Studios Inc., and/or any/all contributors to this website.

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Season 1 Episode 12
Why Social Media Is Like Wearing A Shirt With Your D*** Size On It

UNCREATIVE RADIO

ROB VILLANUEVA | EP 12

TV-MA | 47 min

It’s all fun and games when a relative, a close friend, or even you get drafted to live out lifelong dreams of playing in the big league of sports. But at what point should that excitement be channeled into planning for one’s future? When Rob Villanueva’s brother was drafted to play for the Toronto Raptors, he followed him to the NBA. He enjoyed the excitement and partying. Who wouldn’t? Looking back, however, he realizes how many obvious money-making opportunities he failed to capitalize on. Or, in his words, “We should all be millionaires right now.”

Rob did not take advantage of those early years. A lot of the athletes in his company didn’t. Seeing their pitfalls, and learning from his own mistakes, led Rob Villanueva into the world of creative brand consulting where he recognizes and optimizes every financial opportunity for his client’s. Rob shares a ton of valuable insights on how to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves and how planning for the future means the difference between a lifetime of luxury or financial woe.

MORE EPISODES
Uncreative Radio with Sam Stan Headshot of African American man wearing black headphones and black cap talking in microphone

We’re on Uncreative Radio with Rob Villanueva to discuss why successful athletes go broke, the fake veil of Instagram, and how creative professionals can improve their online presence.

Rob Villanueva is a creative consultant based in New York City. He is an expert at building brands for professional athletes and businesses that produce far-reaching financial benefits.

Rob Villanueva started out in I.T. in the world of PC. By the time he was 14, he was being paid for his I.T. work. From there, he got into network engineering, which started him on a 15-year career that led to Silicon Valley. Technology was his life right up until his brother, Charlie Villanueva, was drafted to the NBA. He quit his job. And started a new career which eventually brought him to the world of creative brand consulting.

In this episode of Uncreative Radio with Rob Villanueva, Rob shares his experience living alongside professional athletes in the NBA and how early decision making decides one’s financial future forever.

It’s all fun and games when a relative, a close friend, or even you get drafted to live out lifelong dreams of playing in the big league of sports. But at what point should that excitement be channeled into planning for one’s future? When Rob Villanueva’s brother was drafted to play for the Toronto Raptors, he followed him to the NBA. He enjoyed the excitement and partying. Who wouldn’t? Looking back, however, he realizes how many obvious money-making opportunities he failed to capitalize on. Or, in his words, “We should all be millionaires right now.”

Rob did not take advantage of those early years. A lot of the athletes in his company didn’t. Seeing their pitfalls, and learning from his own mistakes, led Rob Villanueva into the world of creative brand consulting where he recognizes and optimizes every financial opportunity for his client’s. Rob shares a ton of valuable insights on how to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves and how planning for the future means the difference between a lifetime of luxury or financial woe.

Check out how our friend Karelle Edwards is taking advantage of her early career as an Olympic Athlete with a creative suite of personal branding.

From Financial Planning to Brand Building

A major part of Rob’s business is social media, particularly Instagram. We have that in common. Given his background in tech, he has many great insights that the average user doesn’t consider. If you use Instagram this is where you’ll want to tune in. Rob and Josh remove the veil disguising fake social media accounts and how they devalue your online presence. “Don’t be sold by the number of followers,” he says. “You have to look deeper than that.”

Stick around, because after we lift the veil, Rob and Josh provide pro tips designed to help creative professionals build rewarding social media accounts. If you want to make a career out of your art then you need to know how to harness authenticity, storytelling, and one other key ingredient…

Tune in Thursday, September 12 at 6 PM ET to Uncreative Radio with Rob Villanueva to find out how you can beat the social media algorithm and cash-in on unlikely opportunities.

#UNCREATIVERadio airs every Thursday at 6 PM. Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment, and inspiration.

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

Uncreative Radio with Rob Villanueva wearing a black hat and t shirt with a white van behind him
#UNCREATIVERADIO

We Live. We Speak. We Create.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this radio show and/or podcast are solely those of the show’s hosts, producers and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of C&I an idea agency, nor C&I Studios Inc., and/or any/all contributors to this website.

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Season 1 Episode 8
Tapping into the International Music Scene

UNCREATIVE RADIO

SAM STAN | EP 8
TV-MA | 26 min

Sam Stan is a longtime friend of C&I Studios. We have worked with him on a number of creative projects from music videos, artist profiles, and recently on the debut episode of our Freestyle Friday series. We invited Sam Stan to the studio to talk about music culture and the grind required to make it in the music business as an underground musician going against the grain.

Sam Stan isn’t new to the rap game. Though, he goes about it completely differently. He’s more focused on building a following and creating valuable poetry than he is on signing a record deal. That’s been his guiding philosophy and it’s working. Sam has been making moves, climbing his way up, and establishing his name among some of our favorite artists. His style is reminiscent of Chance the Rapper but his lyrics are completely unique to his narrative. He’s blowing up on Spotify, exceeding 2 million hits on his single “Vroom Vroom.” And just released the EP Happy Camper.

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IU C&I Studios Page White X Uncreative Radio logo on air with Joey Wright title with him with short beard and hair wearing black headphones and olive green shirt smiling for the camera by a microphone

Joshua Miller connects with South Florida Rapper, Sam Stan, on this episode of Uncreative Radio.

Sam Stan is a longtime friend of C&I Studios. We have worked with him on a number of creative projects from music videos, artist profiles, and recently on the debut episode of our Freestyle Friday series. We invited Sam Stan to the studio to talk about music culture and the grind required to make it in the music business as an underground musician going against the grain.

Sam Stan isn’t new to the rap game. Though, he goes about it completely differently. He’s more focused on building a following and creating valuable poetry than he is on signing a record deal. That’s been his guiding philosophy and it’s working. Sam has been making moves, climbing his way up, and establishing his name among some of our favorite artists. His style is reminiscent of Chance the Rapper but his lyrics are completely unique to his narrative. He’s blowing up on Spotify, exceeding 2 million hits on his single “Vroom Vroom.” And just released the EP Happy Camper. You can check it out here.

On Episode 8 of Uncreative Radio with Sam Stan, he shares his insights on his creative process, how his music is being received by other artists and the value of storytelling in rap.

Be sure to follow Sam Stan on Instagram to track his rising career!

More Episodes of Uncreative Radio

#UNCREATIVERadio airs every Thursday at 6 PM. Our guests are some of the brightest minds in their industry. Most are self-starters and artists doing everything they can to establish their name among the best of the best. If you have great ambitions in life, then this is your source for art, entertainment and inspiration.

Check out the other episodes when you get a sec!

#UNCREATIVERADIO

We Live. We Speak. We Create.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this radio show and/or podcast are solely those of the show’s hosts, producers and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of C&I an idea agency, nor C&I Studios Inc., and/or any/all contributors to this website.

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Season 1 Episode 7
A Lesson on the Importance of Balancing Your Social Life and Career

UNCREATIVE RADIO

JOEY WRIGHT | EP 7

TV-MA | 43 min

In today’s technological landscape, we are always plugged in. We carry our lives in our pockets; our work, our friends, our families, our passions… So, how do we disconnect; can we disconnect? Is it possible to salvage our sanity when we are constantly engaged? What happens when our work life becomes the only life we know? Most of us grew up hearing that we have to fully immerse ourselves in our work to be successful. But that was before technology. Now work goes around-the-clock 24/7.

Most of us have learned this lesson the hard way. If you’ve ever snapped and totally flipped out on a good friend or suddenly quit your job then you know what we are talking about. Our generation faces challenges that have never been addressed until now: unplugging when we are constantly plugged-in. Fortunately, you have Uncreative Radio to learn a thing or two…

Joey Wright solved his work-life balance by establishing a social life outside his craft. He has friends who are professional photographers and friends in other careers. This has helped safeguard his passion for photography. Rather than his craft becoming a chore or the only thing he knows/does, it has remained one of the greatest joys in his life. And that has translated positively into both his private life and career.

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All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy… unless he finds a healthy work-life balance.

In this episode of Uncreative Radio with Joey Wright, Josh and Joey share valuable lessons on budgeting time and the importance of balancing work and play.

In today’s technological landscape, we are always plugged in. We carry our lives in our pockets; our work, our friends, our families, our passions… So, how do we disconnect; can we disconnect? Is it possible to salvage our sanity when we are constantly engaged? What happens when our work life becomes the only life we know? Most of us grew up hearing that we have to fully immerse ourselves in our work to be successful. But that was before technology. Now work goes around-the-clock 24/7.

Most of us have learned this lesson the hard way. If you’ve ever snapped and totally flipped out on a good friend or suddenly quit your job then you know what we are talking about. Our generation faces challenges that have never been addressed until now: unplugging when we are constantly plugged-in. Fortunately, you have Uncreative Radio to learn a thing or two…

Joey Wright solved his work-life balance by establishing a social life outside his craft. He has friends who are professional photographers and friends in other careers. This has helped safeguard his passion for photography. Rather than his craft becoming a chore or the only thing he knows/does, it has remained one of the greatest joys in his life. And that has translated positively into both his private life and career.

Before we get into all that, take a walk with Joey Wright and Joshua Miller as they reminisce on the early days of starting out as creatives… And share in the best “getting kicked out” story of all time.

Tune-in August 8, 2019, at 6 PM ET for Episode 7 of Uncreative Radio!

About Our Guest

Joey Wright is a professional swimsuit photographer. You can check out his portfolio by following him on Instagram.

We recently started a new community event for cinematographers, photographers, and models with Joey Wright and Chris Headshots. We host it at our studio in Fort Lauderdale and open it up to anyone with a camera and a vision. You can check out some awesome video recaps and photo galleries on our #UNCREATIVE Blog!

#UNCREATIVERADIO

We Live. We Speak. We Create.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this radio show and/or podcast are solely those of the show’s hosts, producers and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of C&I an idea agency, nor C&I Studios Inc., and/or any/all contributors to this website.

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Freestyle Friday Her Fantasy

South Florida rappers are keeping the freestlye going strong!

Last week South Florida singer-songwriter, Mistuh, joined us in the studio for a dope freestyle that ended with another call out.

Guess who heard the call? Her Fantasy!

And he had this to say…

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We started Freestyle Friday because we are dedicated to shining a spotlight on South Florida Rappers.

There is so much talent in South Florida, but very few stages for underground artists to share their skills. As professional content creators, we are lending our expertise to South Florida rappers with one goal in mind: to get their names out there!

We have studios all over the US, from L.A. to NYC and D.C., so if you possess rap skills of your own but don’t live in South Florida, you can still be featured on Freestyle Friday. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you want to take the freestyle cross-country!

Early in the freestyle…

For those who missed last week’s episode, just know that Freestyle Friday is all about featuring rhetoric in freeform from the artists who do it best. You can check out Mistuh’s freestyle here.

Hit us up on Facebook or contact us here if you think you’re worthy of being featured on our next Freestyle Friday or Artist Profile. If you want to see more original content, then check out our #UNCREATIVE Blog. This is where every creative video, photo gallery and artist spotlight lives.

And be sure to follow Her Fantasy on Instagram to show your support for South Florida’s music scene.

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Artist Profile | Alessia Andrade

Model Profile Alessia Andrade

Model Profile Alessia Andrade

There are many different joys of working with models who are dedicated to their craft. Obviously, the greatest joy is helping them secure a foothold in the industry, but behind the scenes the pleasantries are different. Every model carries themselves with their own air; has something unique to prove (to the world and themselves); reveals their body and personality like no one else before them; and interacts with our team on various levels of intimacy.

Take this model profile on Alessia Andrade. She moves effortlessly; naturally; beautifully. There is no sense of apprehension in her body language. She knows who she is and how she wants to present herself to her audience. Her posture is intoxicating in this way. She has this ability to lock-in the viewer and show them a side of herself that only they can see.

To our fellow artists, if you’re watching this, share with your friends and follow Alessisa Andrade on Instagram. We’re always on the lookout for talented models worthy of highlighting in our Artist Profiles. If that’s you, hit us up on Facebook or contact us here.

Looking For More Original Content?

If you’re on the lookout for original video content subscribe to our Youtube Channel! Every week, we release Freestyle Friday, Dailies, Uncreative Radio and more.

Model Profile 1

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Model Profile 2

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RESPEK THE MIC! | 4.26.19

RESPEK THE MIC

4.26.19

C&I hosts “Respek the Mic!” open mic night live at Next Door! Bring your instruments and invite your friends to watch you play live in front of a crowd at C&I Studios. Join us for brews, tunes, and talent on Friday, April 26th from 7pm-11:30m. We’ll be serving up drinks while you serve up the entertainment! Whether you’re joining the crowd or jumping on stage this event is free!

You didn’t come here just to perform, you came here to respek the mic! It all starts here.

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Artist Profile Sabela

Artist Profile Sabela

Artist Profile Sabela | “If I Am…”

If I sing am I purely a singer?

If I dance am I purely a dancer?

If I write am I purely a writer?

If I paint am I purely a painter?

If I immerse in my art am I confined to that outlet of expression?

This begs the question of exploration. That’s what art is after all, right? Exploring the unknown — the hidden aspects of the self; the untold mysteries of mankind.

Artists are, therefore, not confined to a box.

That would be a contradiction of art itself.

To be a singer does not mean to limit oneself to singing. A singer may explore the passions of their life wherever that may lead them.

So what if a songwriter chooses to convert their sensory experiences into a song? That does not (and should not) limit how they express themselves in the future.

An artist —whether they be a singer or rapper or anything — can also be a model, an athlete, a fashionista, a painter, a banker, a politician and anything else they put their mind to.

Because, an artist is one who uses every outlet of expression at their disposal to change perspectives, to elevate the meaning of their lives, to connect with society, to discover their inner-most self. To live. 

Sabela understands what it means to be an artist.

She follows her passions and expresses herself the way she chooses to.

Sabela is a singer, but she is not solely a singer.

Sabela is a dancer, but she is not solely a dancer.

Sabela is a model, but she is not solely a model.

Sabela is an artist, and she is not confined to a box.

To our fellow artists, if you’re reading this share with your friends and follow Sabela on Instagram. We’re always on the lookout for talented artist worthy of highlighting in our Artist Profiles. If that’s you, hit us up on Facebook or contact us here.

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Is Kylie Jenner Truly ‘Self-Made’ Billionaire?

Kylie Jenner Youngest Self-Made Billionaire?

Forbes thinks so. We're not convinced.

March 5th Forbes headline reads,

At 21, Kylie Jenner Becomes The Youngest Self-Made Billionaire Ever

While you may be gasping with envy at such an accomplishment, let’s back it up and recap Kylie’s journey to fame and fortune.

The 1997 baby born into notoriety and privilege, Kylie Kristen Jenner, has captivated households across America since her family’s reality show, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, first lit tv screens. With thousands of fans obsessing over each Jenner-Kardashian plot twist and turn, baby, surgery, fashion style, and trend, breakup, makeup, and marriage, along with several spin-offs series, including Life of Kylie — it’s no wonder the world was ready when Kylie Cosmetics hit the shelves at Ulta.

But is Kylie Jenner the youngest self-made billionaire? That’s pushing it.

Since the infamous E! series debuted on Oct. 14, 2007, though it has continually bombed in the critic’s eye, it has soared with top ratings and remained as the longest running reality-show series thanks to the two camps; the adoring fashionistas who follow Jenner-Kardashian fashion cues and those with guilty-pleasure find their own curiosity entangled in the narratives of the rich and famous. Whether you love the show or abhor it, its success has banked the green and secured an international fan base for each of the family members including, Kylie.

Being born into a family at home in the spotlight coupled with growing up on reality-show that provided a cult following well into the millions was the recipe for Kylie Cosmetic’s ‘overnight’ success.

It’s that simple. The scene was set. The players positioned. The audience anticipating. And just like that, when Kylie Cosmetics went live on Instagram, millions of fans double-tapped to make their purchase scaling profit off the charts. Although Kylie, was already a household name in showbiz, it was the launch of Kylie Cosmetics that landed her in the history books as the youngest “self-made” billionaire.

Okay, sure, she is the youngest billionaire.

Pretty cool, totally!

Strategic, yes.

‘Self-made’, no.

Let’s break it down.

According to the definition of self-made:

/ˈˌself ˈmād/
adjective
1. made by oneself.
“his self-made fortune”
2. having become successful or rich by one’s own efforts.
“a self-made millionaire”

Black and white ad of woman on a wall with Franchise over lips

Hmmm, so how is the privileged Jenner “self-made”?

Ours aren’t the only eyebrows raised. Across many media outlets, people are starting to question Forbes’ standards. According to Forbes, “Kylie is ‘self-made’ as someone who has built a company or established a fortune on her own, rather than inheriting some or all of it. As long as the list member didn’t inherit a business or money, she is labeled self-made.”

Unified with Forbes definition, Jenner explains that from the age of 15 her parents cut off her inheritance requiring her to generate her own wealth from that point forward. Defending her history-making title, “The self-made thing is true. What I’m trying to say is I did have a platform, but none of my money is inherited.”

Convincing?

Not in the slightest.

Forbes goes on to identify a sliding scale created in which they rank how self-made a business person actually is. The scale ranges from 1-10. For someone who has inherited everything will take their position at 1. Whereas, for someone who grew up impoverished and then overcame substantial obstacles will land at a 10, such as Oprah Winfrey.

On the scale, Forbes placed the plight of Kylie Jenner’s achievements as high as a 7, explaining that although she was born into a famous family, she has leveraged her influence to her own advantage.

Hold up.

Doesn’t that sound like Jenner should be at least at a 1 or 2? Certainly not a 7. Did she not grow up in provision, privilege, and prestige prior to 15 and then go to become a millionaire while living on-screen with her celebrity family? Sure, she became a billionaire, only after her family set her up to become a millionaire.

Let’s put it this way, Jenner cruised to the bank in a Lamborghini with no stop lights, yields, or traffic. All she had to do was hit the pedal. Whereas fellow icons on Forbes’ 400 Self-Made list started from scratch, walking their way to the bank, overcoming pot holes, reckless drivers, and the downpour of rain, followed by the scorching sun on their backs.

Take tv-legend, Oprah Winfrey. The internationally-acclaimed celebrity now was born far away from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood when she birthed to a single, teenage mother in the poor rural outskirts of Mississippi. From there, she grew up with her father in the inner-city of Milwaukee. After encountering the unimaginable assault of sexual abuse, Winfrey became pregnant at the age of 14. However, this precious child did not survive its premature birth. With the weight of the world baring down upon her such a young age, she forged forward. While in high school, she landed a job in radio. By the time she was 19, she became a co-anchor on local evening news station which unknowingly became her springboard into her history-making career in day-time tv.

So, how again did Forbes decide the achievements of Jenner ranked so closely to the triumph of Oprah?

Not quite sure.

Ads on a wall in a city

The sobering thing is… we are seeing that when society measures success and promotes one’s accomplishments over another it is actually redefining and reshaping our understanding of what it means to be history-makers and culture-shifters. Frankly, the Jenner narrative doesn’t sit well with us.

Yet, we would be amiss to not let her achievements as the youngest billionaire stir us, provoke us, and spur us onward towards our pursuits.

Landing anywhere on the scale 1-10, success is celebrated. Yet, it always comes with a chance, a shot, an open door, an opportunity. No matter how grand, privileged, accessible, or seemingly hidden, small or downright insignificant, we have all needed someone. Whether it’s been a path paved by inheritance or influence or that one long shot to talk to someone who knew a person who knew that one person who would give you 2 min. of their time- we all have someone to be thankful for. It takes a tribe to succeed, even if just one who believes, pulls, and pushes you, uplifts, and even carries you over the line, all the while they applaud.

Likewise, we will do the same, be that someone for someone.

Fortune or poverty, won’t define our future, because we believe nothing is impossible for those who dream and do. How we arrive; how we pursue, press on, forge thru, battle on, conquer above, and greet our dreams face to face will look different, feel different, be rewarded and recorded different, but it will be savored and celebrated. As Eleanor Roosevelt says,

“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”

It’s time to stop gasping at Kylie’s headline. Dream and do.

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Darius Daughtry Burdened By This Art

Darius Daughtry Hosts Respec the Mic!

Burdened By This Art

“Self-consciousness is the enemy of all art, be it acting, writing, painting, or living itself, which is the greatest art of all.”

— Ray Bradbury

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Darius Daughtry is Burdened by this Art

Art is action.

Art is living.

Darius Daughtry is a man of both.

Darius uses his art to empower those stuck in silence. Empowering them to speak up, speak out, and share their perspectives on life.

It’s not an easy thing to do. It takes a lot of bravery to say your peace without sugar coating the controversy. But art is controversy.

Without opinion we are lifeless. And we are lifeless… some of us — too many of us.

Our generation hides behind our computer screens and mobiles devices. We curate, edit, and carefully refine our every opinion, every photo, every video to optimize for artificial applause.

We tiptoe around syllables. We cast filters on our lives. We hardly share what’s true[ly you].

We don’t say this, we don’t say that for fear that it might lack…not meaning…not authenticity, but likes.

Because that is how we measure our voice today, isn’t it? That is how we grade our perspectives on life, sadly.

We moderate. We moderate. We moderate.

We tone down our lives to appeal to strangers — as many as possible — and hope they toss a “like” in our cup while scrolling by.

But there are those who say their peace — all of it — and listen to yours in return — all of it.

Call them crusaders if you want.

Headshot of Darius Daughtry host of Respec the Mic!

One thing is certain, they are enlightened.

They understand that humanity’s greatest asset is the mind; that no two individuals think identically; that we are all free to say and think, to learn and interpret, to be heard and to listen.

If you agree that our individuality is worth celebrating, spreading, and perpetuating then Respec the Mic!

Introducing your new host of Respec the Mic!, Darius Daughtry.

Darius Daughtry host of Respec the Mic! with red background

Dairus Daughtry is a guiding voice from the Art Prevails Project, which seeks to inspire and encourage artistic expression in its most enlightened forms.

The Art Prevails Project is a creative collective of poets, singers, writers, dancers, and performers.

Through art, they strive to teach us that it is alright to embrace our unique perspectives on life and to share those perspectives in the hopes of creating positive change on a local and global scale.

If you too believe in the power of art, first check out Art Prevails Project on Instagram.

Then join us Next Door on the last Thursday of the month for Respec the Mic! a monthly open mic night where we invite local artists to step into the spotlight to share their perspectives.

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