1000% Me: Growing up Mixed - trailer

 

Video link

One to watch out for. A new doc by W. Kamau Bell ( Do the work, stand up, united Shades of America) . Its great to see some friends and folks in this trailer too. 

Dig this? check out my last inspiration board.

Inspiration board 42

 

Yall, it gives me so much pleasure to share some of the things I'm seeing, hearing, feeling, reading, learning from, and getting inspired by. PLEASE check out some of these people, things, etc and get inspired!!! Here are they are left to right, top to bottom.

1. Snapdragon by Kat Leyh (graphic novel) Witches, Queer identity, etc

2. Eve Ewing (Author/Educator) writes about super heroes, school closures, and science

3. Vamos! by Raul the Third (Picture book) Bilingual literacy, Latinx, kids lit

4. A Tradition of Violence by Cerise Castle (podcast) LA Sheriff gangs, journalism, police brutality

5. Sebastian Mikael's new EP Phileo (Soul Music) Soul, hip hop

6. Pinocchio by Guillermo Del Toro (Animated film) stop motion, 

7. Alvin Irby founder of Barbershop Books (Interview) activism, literacy, black boys

8. I am the Subway by Kim Hyo Eun (Picture book) train, humanity, working class

9. Nala Sinephro's album Space 1.8 (Jazz music) jazz, experimental jazz, harp

10. Abel Cruz's fog nets (Water) BBC, World hacks, water crisis, fog nets, peru

11. Sibylline Meynet (Artist) illustration, gouache, artist

12. Afu Chan's Outer Darkness (Artist) comics, illustration

13. Ovarian Psycos (Documentary) cycling, women's rights, trauma, women

14. Noni Sessions (Activist) East Bay Permanent Real Estate Coop, coop's, land, activism

15. Coop Conversations (Podcast) Cooperative housing, podcasts, coop's, alternative housing

16. Teach the Children the Truth by Marisa Villegas (Podcast) Ethnic studies, Raza Studies, education

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 41

Inspiration board 40

 

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube. 

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Stuff I've Been Listening to 22 - (Instrumentals)

 

Wha gwan? I got hip to this group through my mom who loves "The New Birth". This group "The Nite Liters" is an off shoot or sub group of the New Birth and its the band I believe. Anyway, dig it. LINK . If you're new. Every year I share some music that I love from many genres. The core is Black music. Take a listen to these instrumentals and beats! The Nite Liters - KJee (Louisville, 1970)

Slept on this album. I dig this beat. Alchemist has so many bangers across his career. Link to listen. 

The Alchemist - No Window Tints (FETTI) (Los Angeles, 2018)

Don't know much about Peruvian Pysch or the hisory of cumbia, but I love this instrumental version of "Botecito" by Los Orientales de Paramonga. I wrote about this song back in 2014 here on the Muphoric Sounds blog.  

Los Orientales de Paramong- Botecito (Paramonga Peru, 1972)

This entire LP is headphones/ ride out music. One half of the Stuyvesants, brother Allmos made this dope album. Aromas is my favorite song off this. 

Allmos- Aromas Naturalle (Portland, 2017)

Kokoroko is an amazing band lead by trumpeter Sheila Maurice Grey from the UK and I love their mix of jazz, high life, funk, and everything in between. 

Kokoroko-Age of Ascent (United Kingdon, 2022)

Love this dude DJ Harrison. First heard him via Ivan Ave from Oslo. He's a multi-instrumentalist from Richmond Virginia and is also a member of Butcher Brown. His bandcamp is full of incredible beat tapes like this. Pen Eyes 9 is my favorite. 

DJ Harrison- Pen Eyes 9 (Richmond,VA, 2021)

This whole LP is fire. Jahari Massamba Unit is drummer/producer Karriem Riggins and producer Madlib. Merde is my favorite track from the album. 

Jahari Massamba Unite - Merde (Detroit/ Los Angeles, 2020)

Kiefer is such a dope musician. His work as a producer and jazz pianist is instantly recognizable when you hear it. Peep his catalogue. 

Kiefer - Superheo (Los Angeles, 2021)

This is a dope cut from vibraphonist and vocalist Roy Ayers. Produced for the 70s Blaxploitation flick Coffy starring Pam Grier. Fans of Hieroglyphics will recognize this one from Casual's first LP.

Roy Ayers - Brawlin Broads( Los Angeles, 1973)

I became familiar with "The Putbacks" through Hiatus Kaiyote and I dig the way they play alone and with other artists. This is my favorite track from this album. 

The Putbacks - Hold on (Melbourne, 2018)

I grew up listening to this band and I love Sade. If you go back and listen, the band included an instrumental song on most of the Sade albums including their solo Sweetback album. Siempre Hay Esperanza is dope but this is my favorite.

Sade - Mermaid (United Kingdom, 1992)

Georgia Anne Muldrow, the producer and vocalist has a ton of records under her belt including an album by Elzhi entirely produced by her, and several instrumental LPs such as Vweto 2. This is my favorite from that album. 

Georgia Anne Muldrow- Bass Attack Rap (Los Angeles, 2019)

If I were a producer I would add an 808 and some drums to this interlude produced by Lianne La Havas and Geo. Its my 2nd favorite track on this album. But as it stands, I would listen on repeat for days.

Lianne La Havas - Out of your mind (London, 2020)

That's it, there are so many more like this snippet from Oddisee's new material but thats it for today. If you like discovering new music check out some of these other posts I've made over the past few years. Remember, even though you may have a sweet spot for a specific era or period, there's always great music to be discovered and appreciated. Some of its old, and some is brand new! The best way to hear that new new is through your local favorite DJ. Playlists are great too, but hug a human through your speaker.

Stuff Ive been listening to 21: Raps

Stuff Ive been listening to 17: Soul

Stuff Ive been listening to 19: UK Artists

Stuff Ive been listening to 20: Remixes

EDIT: Added later

ESG (Emerald , Sapphire, & Gold) - UFO Classic rock/hip hop shit

Moonchild - Too Good

Been a fan of Moonchild for a long time and i'm loving this new LP. Listen to the whole album here.

More Music? Did u see my last post of UK artists I'm listening to? Listen here

VIDEO: My fav art books

 

What up y'all, been wanting to do this video for a minute. Art books are a great way to unplug from the internet or get someone reading who doesn't normally like books. Whenever I get stuck I pull out some ill art books, read them, and just flip through them. Check these books out. Cop them from an indy store or request them at your local library!

If you missed my last inspiration board check it here

The last kids book I did is called Alejandria Fights Back

Here are all the books I mention in this video, please support them. Cop from the artists themselves,   your local independent bookstore, or Bookshop.org.

-"Spraycan Art" by Henry Chalfant & James Prigoff 

-"One Track Mind" Graffiti Magazine 

-"OS Gemeos" 

-"Reflections In Black" by Deborah Willis 

-"Chaz Bojorquez" 

-"The Early Bird" by Morning Breath 

-"De La Soul" by Frank 151 

-"Spider Man Into the Spiderverse" by Sony/ Marvel 

-"The Dam Keeper" by Tonko House 

-"Robota" by Doug Chiang and Orson Scott Card 

-"Celebrate People's History" by Josh MacPhee 

-"Everyday Love Vol. 3" by Nidhi Chanani 

-"Frontier" by Hellen Jo 

-"Spam 4" by Mingjue Helen Chen 

-"The Black Book" by Khari Randolph 

-"Version 002" by Jake Wyatt 

-"Art of Jisei" by Miguel C. Hernandez

Inspiration board 39

 

Ok, lately a lot of whats been on my mind is the study of film, particularly how to storyboard a good film sequence. Heres the board from top top bottom, left to right: 

1. Gaidaa- Incredible young singer/songwriter from the Netherlands via Sudan 

2. PBS YouTube series "Weathered" about climate change is scary and engaging 

3. Cassey Kuo-incredible concept/story artist 

4. DJ Premier is doing a videos series abt beats! 

5. Lightbox Expo-art, film, animation, illustration expo online 

6. Greentea Peng-great UK singer songwriter photo by Suki Dhanda 

7. Maya and the Three-Upcoming film by Jorge Gutierrez 

8. Blk Wmn Animator-is a video series by Deborah Anderson 

9. Jordi Lafebre-french illustrator for comics

10. Drik the Villain-Graf writer w/ 3d styles

11. Native artist- David Kanietakeron Fadden great piece abt native genoicde

12. My Dad the Bounty Hunter-an upcoming animated seriess by Everett Downing Jr. 

13. Studio Binder-great resource for learning film 

14. Screenwriter and story consultant Brian McDonald gets deep into the story

15. Hand lettering by Carmi Grau 

16. Script consultant/writer - Shannan E. Johnson gets structure

Please check out the links and support these folks, things, etc.

Did you miss the previous inspiration board? Here are a few 

Inspiration board 38 

Inspiration board 37

What's this? This inspiration board is one of the ways I stay inspired and sane through all of life's trials, and tribulations, work, etc. I've been making inspiration boards full of films, books, music, events, people, artists, movements, and more for over a decade. Do you have an inspiration board? Please share in the comments.

Who am I? My name is Rob and I'm an artist working in kid lit, public art, and other disciplines. Go to my website, or follow me on IG or YouTube.

You can purchase my book "Art of Rob" here

Tortured Soul Feat N'Dea Davenport

 

A little light today in constant heavy times. 

Just Us Video Interviews

Pat Cummings has been super encouraging to me and so many other book creators. Check her out.
This was a great interview about their work and historical knowledge about the Tom Feelings , Pat Cummings, Black creators for children, and so much more. This series is interesting because they interview some OGs in the children books world.

RAD (1986) - Movies I love

LOVE this movie. Always have. I didn't see it in theaters because I was probably too little (1986) but I watched the vhs of this over and over and over again. Its is one of my all time favorite films ever. Still holds up. And you can now own it digitally which is dope. Cop it on digital platforms.

This is a great film about skill, talent, practice, love of your craft (in this case-riding bmx), redemption, and being an underdog. This film made me want to ride, and I did. For hours and hours, days and days. I felt freedom on my bike and always feel super inspired when watching this. The cult fandom of this flick is super deep and loyal too! And the soundtrack is dope-an eclectic mix of 80s synth rock from the US and the UK.

 

Here's an indy film I worked on: Transfinite  

What is this? This is a part of my blog where I share my favorites films. I enjoy them for their pacing, action, comedy, drama, lighting, acting, score, so many things. I grew up as a lover of cinema going with my parents, friends, and by myself. I'm no scholar but I bet I could find a movie we both love to talk about. Stay tuned for more.....

Never Have I ever

Highly recommend this show and I'm only half way through the first season! And it got green lit for a 2nd season already. Go Mindy Kaling! WATCH! Hella funny.

Distortion 2 Static -Bay Area Hip Hop TV Show

Legends

I remember seeing this. You never know who on the street is a part of hip hop history. Respect everyone. These cats used to bboy out there on Market st in SF all the time. Style Elements? Before I even knew who he was Doooom Rocky!

Article - Permanently Organized

Yoooo, this right here! The writer Michelle is an old friend and her organization "Movement Generations" has been organizing around land, labor, justice, and ecology for a minute. What does that mean? Its a lot to explain-but they're down. Please take 6 minutes and read this article about how we stay ready for the apocalypse.

LINK

I'll give you an example of how she practices what "Movement Gen" preaches from a parent perspective. You ever wanted to go out for a date whether you're boo'd up or single but you have a child or children you don't want to leave at home? This sister and her family created an organized community strategy to this. 5-10 families all pitch in by watching each other children on a rotating basis. Each Friday the kids go to one families house who watches all the kids (think activities, food, movies) and the other families go out for 2 maybe 3 hours to dance, see a movie, see a concert, or relax. Sound cool? Imagine if we were all so connected we didn't have to grocery shop or put elders in an old folks home, we'd all help each other by sharing the care.

Finance, knowledge, shame- Berna Anat, Farnoosh Torabi, and Ramona Ortega

We all have debt whether you're poor, working class, or middle class. Only the wealthy and ultra wealthy can possibly say they do not have debt. We all struggle with paying rent, mortgage, bills, and living life because of financial knowledge, historical theft, so much.

But Berna Anat really is an approachable, plain language, and funny person who is knowledgeable about debt and some of the cultural nuances that most white male financial planners talk about. Check out this talk! Really worth following her.

Farnoosh! Love her she has a great podcast called "So Money" with short practical tips and interviews with folks who specialize in specific areas of finance. I subscribe to her podcast to learn!!

Lastly, Ramona Ortega! I found Ramona through Backstage Capital (Arlan Hamilton). Her company My Money My Future/ Mi Dinero Mi Futuro is a financial advising school and service. I subscribe to her newsletter and it is awesome.

Yes you can get advice and services for finances. You don't have to be a rich white man to get it either.

Inspiring women tackling finance for people who don't have the time, but want to save, grow their money, diversify their income streams, and live life. Of course there is this thing called Capitalism , Racism, and Imperialism which maintains unequal distribution of wealth and has literally robbed folks. But thats a whole other conversation. 

Be well and get fed mentally!

Inspiring Artist - Mode 2 (NSFW)

MODE2 "Preludes" Art Exhibition in Paris from Rebild Productions on Vimeo.
I'm not joking when I say I have been a fan of this guy's since I was a kid. It all started with Spraycan Art by Jim Prigoff. Then , just seeing his work in Graffiti magazines (before the internet). Then actually seeing some of his pieces up close in NYC. Now you can follow him on social media and he has had a website for at several years. Check out this video of him putting together a show!

Check out the post about Alberto Mielgo if you missed it

Stuff I've been listening to - 12

Wow, I must have listened to this song 20 times playing the bridge over and over. Gabby Wilson aka H.E.R. is an incredible musician and deserves every single praise and or accolade. These are a bunch of songs I've had on repeat recently. You can see the last "Stuff I've been listening to" HERE
Temani really gives a different style on this one. Unlike any voice i've heard recently.
This is an old one, but I've been listening to a lot of house lately. Good vibes please! Both Yvette and Spinna did their thing on this! Makes me want to dance every time I hear it.


Destani Wolf's voice is a thing to behold. I've been in the same room as her while she sang and it just lifts you off the ground. Headnodic of Crown City Rockers produced this incredibly vibe filled beat.
This entire EP is fire. Just head nod material from start to finish!
Anthony Valadez, shout out to RecordBreakin!
A group of giants! R+R=Now
Again, found them via RecordBreakin!

Wanna hear more? Here is "stuff I've been listening to" 11

( Video) Record Breakin

Beeb listening for awhile, good to see these cats still going.

Amiri Baraka quote

The word “art” is something the West has never understood. Art is supposed to be a part of a community. Like, scholars are supposed to be a part of a community… Art is to decorate people’s houses, their skin, their clothes, to make them expand their minds, and it’s supposed to be right in the community, where they can have it when they want it… It’s supposed to be as essential as a grocery store… that’s the only way art can function naturally.

—	Amiri Baraka  (via westindians)

Video: Larry Herd (house music)

Growing up, I did not know Black folks invented house music. I only know a few songs here and there but "Can you feel it" is one of the best songs i've heard! Props to Larry Heard.

Nipsey Hussle - Double Up (inspiration)

Been listening to this on repeat and really feeling the sentiment behind it, the beat, and both Nipsey and Dom's verses.

WaxPoetics EP 1- VIDEO Soul City