On Tuesday, December 3rd, New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter attended the VIP Preview of Art Miami + CONTEXT, making a special stop at the Taglialatella Gallery to celebrate the debut of JETER, a collection created in collaboration with renowned pop artist Russell Young and Major League Baseball. The collection features six large-scale paintings, The Jump and The Swing, reimagining two iconic images hand-picked by Young and Jeter. Proceeds from the collection will benefit Jeter’s Turn 2 Foundation and the Perry J. Cohen Foundation, honoring the deep connection between Derek and Perry, whom he inspired and supported.
On Wednesday, December 4th, multi-platinum recording artist, tech innovator, and FYI.AI founder will.i.am celebrated the debut of MBUX Sound Drive in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG at Nikki Beach Miami Beach. The private event featured an intimate beachside chat with will.i.am, moderated by Lex Borrero, co-founder and president of NEON16. They discussed the revolutionary MBUX Sound Drive, a next-gen audio system that uses motion sensors to turn a car into an instrument, offering a unique, immersive music experience that allows real-time music manipulation while driving.
Legendary producer and hip-hop curator Salaam Remi brings the MuseZeuM art gallery experience to life once again during Art Basel weekend in Miami, Florida. Running from December 5th-9th, the four-day exhibit at 2032 NW 2nd Ave marks the final U.S. showcase before the collection embarks on a global tour.
This year, MuseZeuM highlights hip-hop’s rich legacy and iconic storytellers with an exclusive GRAND PUBA and MC LYTE art unveiling on Friday, December 6th, hosted by Miami’s own Supa Cindy. This momentous event, kicking off at 8 PM, will celebrate two of hip-hop’s most influential figures.
The gallery offers a rare glimpse into the stories of hip-hop legends through visual art. Previous pop-ups have captivated audiences in Miami, Washington D.C., and New York City. Returning to its Miami headquarters, MuseZeuM showcases an expanded collection, featuring tributes to Trina, Notorious B.I.G., Celia Cruz, and more.
Additionally, the full collection curated by Salaam Remi includes Art That Has Creative Approvalby icons such as Bob Marley, Nas, Marvin Gaye, Slick Rick, Fab 5 Freddy, Amy Winehouse, Celia Cruz, Dennis Brown, and more.
Guests will have the opportunity to view and purchase one-of-a-kind art pieces, along with unique authenticated merchandise that celebrates the legacies of these groundbreaking artists.
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration of hip-hop, culture, and creativity.
Sooz the Artist’s story is one of resilience, passion, and a deep connection to her cultural roots. Born in El Salvador and raised in Los Angeles, Sooz has always felt a unique bond to both places—a duality that shapes her art and her identity. In a world often dominated by fast-paced trends and instant gratification, Sooz’s path serves as a reminder of the power of creativity, mentorship, and the pursuit of one’s true calling.
Sooz’s childhood in El Salvador was filled with rich cultural traditions and a deep sense of family. When she was just five years old, her family moved to Los Angeles, marking the beginning of a journey that would shape her life in ways she couldn’t have predicted.
The transition from her home country to the U.S. came with its own set of challenges. “I struggled with bullying and self-esteem, especially while learning the language,” Sooz recalls. “But art was my escape, my safety blanket, and my strength.” Drawing became her way of expressing herself when words failed, and through art, she learned to connect with others, finding a sense of belonging in a new and unfamiliar world.
Initially, Sooz dreamed of becoming an architect. However, a well-meaning but discouraging piece of advice changed her trajectory. “I was told that I was too nice to be an architect and that I’d get eaten alive,” she recalls. Undeterred, Sooz took a leap of faith and decided to pursue Fine Art instead.
This decision would prove to be transformative. Over the years, she found a mentor in renowned artist Larry Gluck, who took her under his wing and guided her for two decades. “Having a mentor who believed in me and my vision made all the difference,” Sooz shares. “I never looked back.”
One of the most serendipitous moments in Sooz’s career came during her annual trip to Art Basel in 2017. The prestigious event, known for bringing together artists and collectors from around the world, proved to be a turning point in Sooz’s artistic journey. At a networking event hosted by a travel magazine, attendees were asked to write down a destination they’d like to visit. Without hesitation, Sooz chose Tuscany, inspired by a recent painting trip to Italy.
As the evening unfolded, Sooz met an elegant and approachable woman. They struck up a conversation, and by the end of the night, the woman invited Sooz to visit Turks and Caicos—an island she had long been fascinated with. It was an invitation that would prove to be a catalyst for Sooz’s creative evolution.
“I had been studying and developing my style under Larry’s guidance for years, but I was still uncertain about how to fully express myself,” Sooz reflects. “That encounter crystallized my path. In Turks and Caicos, I found the vibrancy I had been searching for—the ocean, the people, the colors—they were all so alive.”
This chance encounter in 2017 marked the beginning of a new phase in Sooz’s artistic journey. The vivid beauty of the islands became a defining influence on her work, and it continues to inspire her to this day.
Because of her Los Angeles roots, Sooz has also created a series of paintings dedicated to hip-hop legends, from Nipsey Hussle and Pharrell to Drake and Biggie. These paintings illustrate her multifaceted personality and create art for the culture.
To follow Sooz on her artistic journey and stay updated on her latest work, you can find her on social media at @sooztheartist.
Sooz’s journey proves that art is more than just a career—it’s a way of life. Through her work, mentorship, and commitment to her cultural roots, Sooz is building a legacy that will inspire generations of artists to come.
Grammy-winning artist and cultural innovator Chance the Rapper is the cover star of Ocean Drive magazine’s highly anticipated Annual Art Issue. The feature dives into Chance’s trailblazing career, his interdisciplinary approach to art and music, and his plans for this year’s Miami Art Week, including his immersive Writings On The Wall: A Star Line Listening Experience.
The Annual Art Issue is available now, ahead of Chance’sWritings On The Wall activations at Wynwood Studios during Miami Art Week, running December 3-6.
As part of his Miami Art Week lineup, Chance the Rapper will host Writings On The Wall: A Star Line Listening Experience, an immersive multi-sensory activation previewing his forthcoming project, Star Line. The event combines music, art, and technology, creating a transformative experience for fans. Sessions include surround sound listening, projected visuals, and exclusive cinematography, with attendees encouraged to fully engage with the art and music through note-taking and reflection.
Sessions
Tuesday, December 3: 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM ET
Wednesday, December 4: 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM ET
Thursday, December 5: 1 PM ET
Friday, December 6: 3 PM, 6 PM, 9 PM ET
Chance’s Ocean Drive cover marks a celebration of his ongoing efforts to push boundaries in art and music. His Writings On The Wall sessions expand on his history of innovation, from becoming the first artist to rise through SoundCloud to his game-changing, forthcoming project Star Line. At Miami Art Week, he continues his mission to blend music, art, and storytelling with technology to reimagine fan engagement.
Museum of Graffiti, the leading contemporary art museum in Miami’s Art District of Wynwood, is celebrating a milestone anniversary of 5 years on December 4 – 6, 2024 with a hand-selected group of partners guaranteed to serve up an experience in culture that Miami has never seen.
Highlights include panel discussions, live performances, limited edition releases, and culinary experiences curated by CookUnity. Don’t miss the private collectors’ preview, a public opening featuring Rahzel, and a thought-provoking panel on “Global Hip Hop Culture Born in Miami.” Additional activities include live tattooing, single-line portraits, rap battles, and exclusive listening parties.
In line with its mission to share the power of expression, spark wonder, and inspire creativity for and about the graffiti art movement, Museum of Graffiti has tapped Rolling Loud for an official partnership guaranteed to pair audio with the visual art that spans 3 different exhibitions in separate buildings that are all connected via an interactive patio that will be home to the Spotify Artists’ Lounge. The three solo exhibitions are CEY ADAMS’ Departure: 40 Years of Art & Design, TRISTAN EATON: Women of Marvel, and SLICK: MIA.
This milestone event showcases the evolution of graffiti art while celebrating the Museum’s mission to inspire creativity and highlight graffiti’s cultural significance.
The Weeknd has announced the release of a special edition vinyl LP for Hurry Up Tomorrow, featuring exclusive artwork by celebrated Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. Known for his hyper-realistic and futuristic depictions of robots and humanoid hybrids, Sorayama has once again partnered with The Weeknd, this time incorporating a unique twist on his iconic style to complement the album’s rebirth theme.
Sorayama’s influence spans art, fashion, and pop culture, blending eroticism with sci-fi elements, and his collaborations with cultural icons like George Lucas and Christian Dior have cemented his status as a leader in Japanese contemporary art. In this latest collaboration, Sorayama adapts his renowned aesthetic slightly to align with the thematic exploration in Hurry Up Tomorrow.
The limited-edition vinyl will be available for purchase exclusively for 72 hours, beginning at 9 a.m. PT on November 13 at theweeknd.co/HurryUpTomorrow. The collectible release offers fans a rare piece of art-meets-music history, bringing together The Weeknd’s vision with Sorayama’s futuristic touch for a unique addition to any vinyl collection.
Images have surfaced on social media that show that the mural. of the late Dayvon “King Von” Bennett has been removed from the walls of O’ Block in his hometown of Southside Chicago.
The picture below shows the detailed image of the “Crazy Story” rapper sitting backwards in a chair wearing an MLB fitted cap and his iced out O’ Block chain being painted over, leaving a blank, grey wall. With the wall being buffed in broad daylight, there obviously was no objection to its removal.
The question is, why was the mural removed and who called for its removal? Also, was the removal of the image of one of Chicago’s most celebrated as well as criticized rappers related to any current legal proceedings, including the arrest of Lil Durk?
There is much speculation around the reason for the removal of the mural, but the fact is that King Von’s legacy will live on regardless of the existence of any drawing or recording ever created.
The NFL’s 2024 Artist Replay program is spotlighting BIPOC and emerging artists throughout the season, concluding with a gallery showcase during Miami Art Week on Dec. 7. This year’s program includes Brooklyn-based artist Sophia Yeshi, who created a special piece honoring Baltimore Ravens icon Ray Lewis. The artwork will be part of a December event at Art Basel, celebrating the intersection of football and diverse artistic expression.
Curated by renowned photographer Cam Kirk, who has worked with hip-hop stars like Megan Thee Stallion and Migos, Artist Replay features five unique artists, each crafting football-inspired pieces. Selected artists include Cristina Martinez, Julian Gaines, Sophia Yeshi, Murjoni Merriweather, and Mike Ham, representing mediums from illustration to sculpture.
“Being a BIPOC artist, to me, is an opportunity to create something for the next generation,” said Yeshi. “It’s about leaving that legacy and showing what’s possible. It feels surreal to be one of the chosen artists,” said Yeshi. “I’m really excited to be mentored by Cam Kirk and think it’s not often that you get access to people like that. I can’t wait to hear what he’s going to share with us.”
Throughout the season, the NFL will profile these artists with in-depth content showcasing their creative processes, inspirations, and personal journeys in art. The profiles will lead up to the Miami Art Week event, offering fans and attendees an inside look at each artist’s interpretation of football culture.
“The goal is always to create platforms for diverse artists to shine, and where their work can resonate with people around the world,” said Cam Kirk, photographer, program curator, and founder of Cam Kirk Studios. “By amplifying their art, we’re not only elevating their voices but also deepening the connection between the game and its fans.”
“NFL Artist Replay blends the worlds of art and football, and with Cam’s artistic expertise and guidance, this program will bring to life talented artist interpretations of the sport,” said Eddie Capobianco, vice president of influencer marketing at the NFL. “Being able to feature their pieces in all different mediums at Art Basel is a huge opportunity to authentically connect with football fans and art lovers on a whole new level.”
The program aims to amplify diverse voices in art, reflecting the broader stories and communities within football. Artist Replay content and artist spotlights will be featured across NFL platforms, offering a digital showcase of the artists’ work throughout the season at nfl.com/artistreplay.
This year’s exhibition promises an immersive celebration of the cultural impact of football through a diverse artistic lens.
MuseZeuM is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking collaboration with Apple Music to bring fans “The Best Curated DJ Mixes,” a unique series of mixes that merges artistry with cutting-edge sound. This series marks the beginning of MuseZeuM’s mission to make iconic mixtapes accessible in a format that ensures artists and DJs receive their due recognition and support.
Each mix within this exclusive collection is designed to deliver an immersive experience, true to the MuseZeuM brand. The inaugural lineup includes legendary producer Salaam Remi, known for his soul-stirring blend of classic and contemporary sounds; DJ Dirty Harry, who seamlessly fuses nostalgic throwbacks with modern beats; Ralph McDaniel, the visionary behind Video Music Box, who marries iconic visuals with fresh audio; Bambino, renowned for his dynamic mixes of old-school and new-school reggae; and Disco Neil, who infuses high-energy dancehall vibes that keep listeners on their feet.
“Our partnership with Apple Music is about more than just music; it’s about creating a space where art and technology intersect to pay homage to classic mixtapes while supporting the artists who inspire us,” says Salaam Remi, founder of MuseZeuM. “These mixes offer a unique blend of nostalgia, rhythm, and creativity that makes the MuseZeuM collection an unforgettable listening experience.”
Listeners can follow the MuseZeuM Apple Music page to stay updated on the latest releases, handpicked playlists, and exclusive content. This launch is only the beginning—MuseZeuM and Apple Music have much more in store to enrich the music culture and create memorable audio experiences for fans worldwide.
