Metal Leaves Studio

J Dilla Foundation Benefit in Brooklyn. [Donuts are Forever]

Yesterday the life and music of J Dilla was celebrated full force in Brooklyn. The tribute was orchestrated by DJ Metaphysic, Iverani. NobleStar, Drastic Measure, Jessica Estevez of iHEARTDilla.com, Fat Beats NY, The Bronx Museum, and Scratch Academy. 

Proceeds were given to the J Dilla Foundation. There will be an additional benefit tomorrow evening at The Bell House. 

that ECHOecho was going to be strutting their stuff tonight at the Bowery Ballroom- Yeah Sean! more lata...

Last week I attended 'Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History' at the Brooklyn Museum. This was an exceptional collection of photographs that spanned from 1950 to the present, and was filled with photographers whom I have followed throughout their careers as well as some I am fortunate enough to know.

The exhibit was remarkably executed. The curator showcased works that depicted quintessential moments in music. Included were explosive stage performances, unobtrusive behind-the-scenes shots, formal portrait sessions, and unguarded moments.

Notable works include Tina Turner shot by Bob Gruen, Jay & Diddy by Seliger, Paul McCartney as seen through Linda Eastman's lens, and Dylan as captured by Don Hunstein. 

More about the unbelievable exhibitions at the Brooklyn Museum in a later post. Let's just say that I enjoyed this as much [if not more] than the Tate.

Brooklyn Museum
Exhibitions: Who Shot Rock & Roll: A Photographic History
October 30, 2009-January 31, 2010
Morris A. & Meyer Schapiro Wing, 5th Floor

Back to Bedford-Stuyvesant- The Livest One! 

Last night was the opening of Elizabeth Gregory Gruen's latest exhibition., 'Cut-Work 2010' at Salomon Art Gallery in Tribeca. It is an astounding collection of work which 'examines the paradoxes and duality of the human condition.'

Each sculptural piece was created with exceptional precision and a patience that is difficult to comprehend. Her tool of choice- a scalpel.

The magnificent aspect of this work is to fully realize the intricacy involved in the creation of each piece and then to witness the destruction that befell select pieces- a fatal gunshot. 

Both instruments play a significant role and can be explored on many levels, both artistically and psychologically. And the concept itself can be investigated further as you begin to ask questions that cannot be answered.

Back in NY.  Attended opening in TriBecA, then back to my old neighborhood for a sec. 

Spent NYE in NYC.  [but not the part you are thinking of]  For this installment, we kicked it Village Style, although the obligatory shot of the Chrysler still came into play.
Next time around= TriBecA & Bedford Stuyvesant. And eventually some Brighton Beach Memoirs & Coney Island Dreams.

Let's talk about: Jay-Z. From Marcy Houses to Madison Avenue, Jay-Z has established himself as a pioneer in the music industry, as well as in the business world. He has created an empire, adeptly shaping his future into what it is today. His rise from dealer to designer, and from emcee to executive seemed effortless. It wasn't. The price is probably higher than anyone could imagine.  

Growing up  [a few blocks away from me] in the war zone that was Bedford-Stuyvesant [The Livest One] helped Jay, at an early age, become desensitized to the pitfalls that would distract other contenders. From the age of four, he realized he liked the attention and the admiration of others. And he knew money could help make a hard life easier.

He probably never questioned whether he would attain what he set out to accomplish. It was simply a matter of when, not 'if.'  In the brief times I met him, he seemed very self-assured.  Not arrogant- just aware, knowledgeable, and certain.  When he makes moves, they are calculated, like a game of chess. 

He just keeps climbing. And climbing.  And climbing.  When its time for the takeover,  he will step aside and let someone else wear the crown. But it's difficult to kick the king off the throne. Checkmate