Typography 18-Quadron

I know some folks are going to diagree with me on this one, but I think Denmark's Robin and Coco are bringing some serious Jazz like flavor with cuts like Løb Stop Stå , Simili Life, and Unpatience . You can hear it if you listen carfeully. Big ups to the Quadron crew! This is number 18 in a series of Jazz Typography. From old school musicians, to new ones that music lovers need to hear.

Fresh Juice in the Bronx-Styles P

Besides a lot of "you know what it is" and other slang words from NY this is pretty #$%^& dope. A rapper putting his name on something "healthy" for you, his community, etc. Too many cats be trying to put their name on liquor or power drinks.And its a real shop off the Castle Hill stop on the 6 train, check out the article in Black Enterprise. Might have to visit the next time I'm in NYC.

New Mural in SF "Tuloy Po Kayo"

Tuloy Po Kayo from Pueblo Nuevo Gallery on Vimeo.

I had the pleasure of adding a few brush lines on this one. Cece Carpio and Miguel Perez were the quarter backs, I am super proud of my sister, comrade, crew mate Cece because she was the one who ultimately oversaw the production of this HUGE wall. Give thanks to Miguel on the beautiful job shooting and editing the video, while painting some dope #$@%.

February Love & Light (Switch Plate)

LINK to the sto'

Short Story 11-Furqan's 1st Flat Top

Furqan was really nervous about going to get his first flat top. The Barber seemed like a nice old man, but Furqan still asked him to wait until he was ready. Finally the man began, holding the child's hair, moving the chair, and making funny faces. But, when all was said and done, the boy looked in the mirror, then looked turned around with a triumphant look on his face.He threw his fist up and motioned with his hand, emphasizing the "flatness" of his new cut. And that is how Furqan got his first ever "Flat Top", with a little extra gumby.

I went back to the digital medium for this one, to play around with light, texture, and shadow. Digital is different, but it can be fun. I also changed the type mid way through.I wanted to write it like Brazilian Pichação, but felt a more hand drawn look would bring out the "child" in it. Please let me know what you think and check out the snap shots from the process, which I must say is getting faster!

Seoul-ful pt. 3-Blast from the past (Mixtape)

As many of you know I love music, but you have no idea how obsessed I was with buying, listening to, mixing, scratching, organizing, and playing records I was. Now, must of it is done digitally. But this is a mixtape I made more than ten years ago (Can't find the original art/design). I still like it and a friend asked me to share it recently; so I thought why not share it with you. I didnt have a four track recorder at the time, just 2 1200 Technics Turntables, a Vestax 05 Pro, my amplifier, and a CD Recorder/burner. I was and still am a great admirer and appreciator of music. Enjoy. PS: Soundcloud cut out one of the tracks from the mix which included a dreamy Astrud Gilberto song, if you want me to send you the entire mix, just comment with your email.

Precious Knowledge (Video) Ethnic Studies

Yo! Just received this link Teacher Activist Group from some sisters out in Philly who put me up on a twitter campaign to fight for Ethnic Studies, specifically in response to Arizona's ban of Mexican American Studies/ Ethnic Studies, but generally for schools across the US. If you wish to get involved and you are on twitter, type in this hashtag #WishILearnedinHS and write something. If you are not on twitter and would like to get involved please visit FAAN(Fostering Activism and Alternatives Now!).

Check out this documentary in the making

Precious Knowledge Trailer from Ari Palos on Vimeo.

Jazz Portraits 19 -Celia Cruz (Vocals)

I'm still learning when it comes to Latin Jazz, and I wont argue about whether Celia is Salsa, Latin Jazz, genre's etc. Im putting her into my series because I love "Bemba Colora" (yes this version, specifically) , Mango Mangue, y Caramelo. This is an illustration of her infectious smile in older age, but look her up when she was a young lady too.She was definitely fly!

Muphoric Sounds 21-Eddie Kendricks

New piece for the "In the Trunk" series on Muphoric Sounds. This is the beat yall, seriously. Go check it out

HERE

Illustration for Bryant Terry's new book "The Inspired Vegan"

Just got the book from the homie today and its DOPE! This book is filled with great recipe’s and great atmosphere. Each recipe is complied with music, quotes, a story, and or film that inspired the recipe.

I first saw Bryant Terry when the book “Grub” came out. He was speaking about the book at a Borders book store.Very renaissance and contagiously passionate about his mission. Fast forward six or seven years later, this is his third book of recipe’s after Grub and Vegan Soul Kitchen and I've got a piece in "The Inspired Vegan" yall!

Along side the songs and the recipes are some great illustrations and graphics by artists such as Favianna Rodriguez, Jidan Koon, Rachel Konte, and one of my biggest mentor’s; Brett Cook. All of the pieces relate to the recipe, and or food. For example, the chapter my piece is on celebrates the spirit of Shirley Chisolm with several recipes and songs. From Ginger beer, tostones, and citurs sorbet to Brand Nubian, Bob Marley, The Abysinnians, and poems of Staceyann Chinn.

The brother is on his A game, with positive press from Huffington Post, NY Times, countless Chef's and Oprah to name a few. Please go check him and his beautiful family out for your self though, pick up the book at your local bookstore and thumb through it. A lot of us talk about eating healthier, but here is a simple tool to do it. I'm not a vegan, but I find the recipes, the stories, and the inspiration very fresh and empowering. Check out this video on Urban Organic TV too.