The Grand Opening Of ‘TRANSPARENT’ By Vance DNA At Miami’s Museum of Graffiti Coming In September

Screen Shot 2023 08 16 at 4.35.52 PM

The Museum of Graffiti proudly announces the VIP Grand Opening Celebration of “TRANSPARENT” – a solo exhibition by the visionary Shanghai-based artist and Chinese painter, Vance DNA. This new body of work promises to offer a fresh perspective on style, straight from Shanghai. The opening is set for September 9, 2023, from 6PM – 9PM.

Born in Juangsu, China in 1990, Vance DNA’s artistic journey began early with landscape painting lessons at the age of ten. As a teenager, his love for American rap music and break dancing flourished when he discovered hip hop. At 14, inspired by his experience as a b-boy and a pivotal Wu Tang CD adorned with intricate graffiti art, he ventured into the world of graffiti. Merging his traditional painting lessons with contemporary influences, Vance developed a unique approach, creating large-scale hyper-realistic murals and oil paintings. His works showcase a rich blend of light and shadow, Western animation, and a fascination with materials like glass and ice. All these elements culminate in art that nostalgically celebrates his youth, backed by a lifetime of honed skill and discipline.

With “TRANSPARENT”, Vance DNA brings to life transparent figures that convey a poignant message: the urge for authenticity and the call to embrace the true reflection one wishes to see. This exhibition is a testament to his multi-faceted talents, blending pop-culture, fine art techniques, and an unmatched attention to detail.

Vance DNA is not only the only member of the world-famous graffiti crew DNA in Asia but also a proud member of Thailand’s MSV crew. His global recognition is evident as he has showcased his art and painted murals in numerous countries including the US, Thailand, Philippines, Bulgaria, Japan, Macau, South Korea, Indonesia, Mauritius, Germany, and Australia over the past decade.

“We are immensely pleased to host Vance DNA and showcase his innovative and evocative art,” says Alan Ket, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti. “His creations go beyond artistry, striking a chord with the very essence of human authenticity and introspection.”

The post The Grand Opening Of ‘TRANSPARENT’ By Vance DNA At Miami’s Museum of Graffiti Coming In September first appeared on The Source.

The post The Grand Opening Of ‘TRANSPARENT’ By Vance DNA At Miami’s Museum of Graffiti Coming In September appeared first on The Source.

JAY-Z Purchased a Fan’s Paintings of Beyoncé During ‘Renaissance’ Tour Stop

JAY-Z Purchased a Fan's Paintings of Beyoncé During 'Renaissance' Tour Stop

JAY-Z has toured with Beyoncé throughout the entire Renaissance World Tour. During the stop in New Jersey, Hov added to his personal art collection, purchasing fan-made pieces of his wife. The fan shared her journey and pictures with Hov on TikTok.

JAY-Z has been impacting the communities across America throughout the tour. During his stop in Chicago, HOV made a surprise visit to Bronzeville Soul, where his presence has since increased the business for the restaurant.

The post JAY-Z Purchased a Fan’s Paintings of Beyoncé During ‘Renaissance’ Tour Stop first appeared on The Source.

The post JAY-Z Purchased a Fan’s Paintings of Beyoncé During ‘Renaissance’ Tour Stop appeared first on The Source.

Nas Celebrates Hennessy Collaboration And 50 Years Of Hip Hop

Screen Shot 2023 07 21 at 10.17.09 PM

Last night, an eclectic group of tastemakers gathered at Hall Des Lumières to celebrate Nas’ Hennessy collaboration, and the release of his new album. The hall was decked out in hip hop decor with projected images of classic music videos.

Everyone from DJ Red Alert to Mack Wilds was spotted enjoying intricately-crafted cocktails and a wide array of passed horderves. Creative activation stations reenacted CD album covers that doubled as coasters and personalized football jerseys.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

At midnight, Nas released his new album, Magic 2 and surprised the crowd with a run through his classic hits. From ‘NY State Of Mind’ to ‘Made Ya Look’, the Queensbridge MC wowed attendees in a cream suit and matching shoes. Hennessy also honored Hip Hop’s evolution and its undeniable cultural and global impact, launching a limited-edition Hennessy V.S bottle with Nas – to commemorate 50 years of Hip Hop. Hip Hop legends were in attendance, including DJ Mannie Fresh, Offset, Jodie Smith, Pom Klementieff, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Fabolous, Maino, and Hit-Boy to name a few.

Visual Portfolio, Posts & Image Gallery for WordPress

Hennessy and Nas also unveiled a new, limited-edition bottle to celebrate their partnership and Hip Hop 50. The bottle is the inspiration behind ‘Rep Yours,’ a new movement to give fans and creators across the globe a chance to rep where they’re from.  

Hennessy’s new campaign ‘Rep Yours Campaign’ is about paying homage to the innovators who came before and the artists who are up next – celebrating Hip Hop’s 50th birthday while also pushing the limits for the next 50 years.

CLICK HERE for more info on Nas X Hennessy!

Screen Shot 2023 07 21 at 10.19.05 PM

Watch the recap below.

The post Nas Celebrates Hennessy Collaboration And 50 Years Of Hip Hop first appeared on The Source.

The post Nas Celebrates Hennessy Collaboration And 50 Years Of Hip Hop appeared first on The Source.

Rapper DDG Slammed For Exposing His Insecurities In Relationship With Halle Bailey On New Song

Screen Shot 2023 07 15 at 12.58.45 PM

Rapper DDG must have been feeling a way about watching his girlfriend The Little Mermaid star Halle Bailey on the big screen with another man. This New Music he dropped off an album called Maybe It’s Me, with the song “Famous” seemingly venting about his relationship woes with Bailey. “Filmin’ a movie now you kissing dudes / You know I love you a lot / I don’t give a f**k if that shit for promo / I don’t wanna see this s**t no more,” the Michigan-born artist made it clear.

Since the song’s release, the hashtag #FailedRapper has been trending on Twitter. “Halle Bailey is a beautiful and talented soul. DDG is very jealous and possessive about her career. The fact that he threatened to hurt her image because he is insecure is a bad sign,” one person reflected after catching up on the tea.

Elsewhere, others suggested that it could all be a ploy for attention. “Lol that’s [wild] failed rapper is still trending. @HalleBailey and @PontiacMadeDDG I feel like [they’re] good. If you know DDG you know he’s a troll. N if Halle wasn’t cool with the song it wouldn’t be out. DDG is like 6ix9ine but a good boy,” someone speculated.

Thoughts?

The post Rapper DDG Slammed For Exposing His Insecurities In Relationship With Halle Bailey On New Song first appeared on The Source.

The post Rapper DDG Slammed For Exposing His Insecurities In Relationship With Halle Bailey On New Song appeared first on The Source.

Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine + More Surprise 50 Cent With A Belated Birthday Dinner

Screen Shot 2023 07 10 at 7.55.38 AM

London fans were surprised to see rapper/entrepreneur 50 Cent at a London restaurant to perform at the Wireless Festival in Finsbury Park on Saturday. The mogul was enjoying a belated birthday celebration at Somalian restaurant, The Village, on Fulham Palace Road, Hammersmith, on Sunday evening.

50’s friends, including music moguls Dr Dre, 58, and Jimmy Iovine, 70, who co-founded the Beats Electronics brand in California in 2006, put on a surprise belated birthday bash for the star, who actually turned 48 on July 6.

Fifty formed part of a star-studded line-up for Wireless, which first took place in Hyde Park in 2005. This year’s festival saw performances by Travis Scott, 32, ex-partner of the youngest Kardashian sister, Kylie Jenner, 25, with who he shares two children, New York rapper of the moment Ice Spice, as well as 34-year-old Jamaican singer Popcaan.

Fifty will be back in the UK later in the year for the UK leg of his The Final Lap Tour: Get Rich Or Die Tryin‘ – 20 Years Later. He’s playing the O2 Arena on Saturday November 11, then Wembley Arena.

The post Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine + More Surprise 50 Cent With A Belated Birthday Dinner first appeared on The Source.

The post Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine + More Surprise 50 Cent With A Belated Birthday Dinner appeared first on The Source.

Tupac Shakur’s Self-Designed Ring Part Of Sotheby’s Upcoming Hip-Hop Auction

Screen Shot 2023 07 06 at 2.12.14 PM

2Pac’s custom ring is scheduled to go up for auction later this month at Sotheby’s New York. The ring is made of gold, diamonds, and rubies, is shaped like a crown and was created in honor of his engagement to Kidada Jones. It’s estimated to bring in between $200K-300K when it goes up for auction July 18. The ring will be displayed at Sotheby’s New York from July 18-24.

Screen Shot 2023 07 06 at 2.08.18 PM

To celebrate Hip Hop’s milestone 50-year anniversary, Sotheby’s presents its third dedicated Hip Hop sale, highlighting Hip Hop’s profound impact on art and culture across five decades, from its inception in the South Bronx in 1973 through today.

2Pac wore the self-designed ring to the 1996 MTV Video Music Awards just days before he was shot. According to Sotheby’s, 2Pac typically wore the ring on his left ring finger. It will be auctioned as part of a special series in celebration of the 50th anniversary of hip hop.

The ring is on offer from Yaasmyn Fula, the artist’s godmother who was one of Tupac’s most trusted advisors with all of his most important matters, including commissioning a new piece of jewelry to commemorate his achievements and usher in a new era of prosperity.

Featuring original art, historic studio equipment, sneakers and jackets, archival flyers and posters, rare artifacts, and more, the auction spotlights the iconic artists and trailblazers who defined not only the musical genre as we know it, but also the global phenomenon of Hip Hop culture spanning art, fashion and much more, including Tupac Shakur, Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Ice-T & Afrika Islam, Fab 5 Freddy, Big Daddy Kane, Futura, Lee Quiñones, UNKLE, and Mo’ Wax Founder James Lavelle, among many others. The sale will be presented in collaboration with entertainment company Mass Appeal, which throughout the year has curated an array of programming as part of its Hip Hop 50 initiative.

The post Tupac Shakur’s Self-Designed Ring Part Of Sotheby’s Upcoming Hip-Hop Auction appeared first on The Source.

Airbrush Masterclass With Graffiti Artist Shirt King PHADE At Museum Of Graffiti

Screen Shot 2023 06 28 at 10.54.28 AM

The Museum of Graffiti is thrilled to announce an exclusive evening with the iconic graffiti artist and airbrush pioneer Edwin “PHADE” Sacasa, better known as Shirt King PHADE. As part of Modelo’s Summer Culture Series to celebrate the contributions of black and brown graffiti artists across generations, PHADE will be leading an extraordinary Airbrush Masterclass on July 7th, 2023, from 6pm to 9pm. 

This event is free and open to the public. 

PHADE, co-founder of Shirt Kings in the 1980s along with partners Nike and Kasheme, is a legendary artist who elevated the art of airbrushing with his creativity and visionary designs. Based in Jamaica, Queens, Shirt Kings has been a hub for hip-hop artists and fans seeking unique, custom airbrush designs for over four decades. Their roster includes celebrated artists such as Big Daddy Kane, LL Cool J, and Jay-Z, positioning Shirt Kings at the intersection of streetwear and high fashion.

Attendees will get an intimate look at the revolutionary techniques and the brilliant artistry behind PHADE’s work and enjoy complimentary beverages courtesy of Modelo. This rare event allows fans, aspiring artists, and art enthusiasts to dive deep into the world of graffiti and airbrush art, guided by one of the most influential figures in the field.

PHADE’s masterclass continues the “Fighting Spirit Stories”, a series of inspiring and culturally-enriching events throughout the summer at the Museum of Graffiti. Named after Modelo’s long-standing tagline, “The Fighting Spirit,” these events highlight the relentless spirit of those who have left an indelible mark on the arts and culture scene.

“We’re excited to partner with the Modelo to provide a platform for these trailblazers to share their inspiring stories and impact on the culture,” says Allison Freidin, co-founder of the Museum of Graffiti.

The post Airbrush Masterclass With Graffiti Artist Shirt King PHADE At Museum Of Graffiti appeared first on The Source.

MF DOOM Estate x SUPER7 To Launch ‘Operation: Doomsday’ Themed Collectible Action Figure

Screen Shot 2023 06 27 at 8.14.57 PM

San Francisco based Super7, the premier pop-culture design house and producer of lifestyle-oriented collectibles and toys, has teamed up with MF DOOM’s estate and Rhymesayers Entertainment to launch today their Operation: Doomsday themed collectible ReAction figure. One of Hip-Hop’s most beloved anti-heroes, the ever-inventive MF DOOM received widespread praise for his sharp, candid rhymes, as well as his choppy, sample-heavy production style. This 3.85″ articulated MF DOOM ReAction figure is inspired by the cover art from his celebrated 1999 debut album Operation: Doomsday and features his signature hoodie and mask, as well as a microphone accessory. Decades later, MF DOOM is still celebrated for all facets of his work and influence. In the face of tragedy, DOOM re-infiltrated the rap game on his own terms, and crafted an instant cult classic. Operation: Doomsday stands as a testament to the power of betting on yourself against all odds, making this a must-have for hip-hop collectors.

Additionally, the DOOM estate is releasing a limited run apparel line, including Operation: Doomsday inspired t-shirts and hooded sweatshirts, for adults and youth, as well as a baby onesie. Visit Gasdrawls.com for more information.

Screen Shot 2023 06 27 at 8.18.45 PM
Screen Shot 2023 06 27 at 8.18.45 PM

The post MF DOOM Estate x SUPER7 To Launch ‘Operation: Doomsday’ Themed Collectible Action Figure appeared first on The Source.

LL Cool J and Ice-T Team Up For New Show ‘Hip Hop Treasures’

Screen Shot 2023 06 27 at 10.04.49 AM

LL Cool J and Ice T’s new show on A&E will take a trip down memory lane and discuss some of hip hop’s coolest and most iconic memorabilia.

Deadline confirmed that the rappers-turned-actors would join forces on the new show Hip Hop Treasures, a docu-series focusing on hunting down memorable pieces important to hip hop culture.

From Flava Flav’s iconic clock chain to DMX’s Aaliyah car, fans can expect the nostalgia to be on full display, while hip-hop aficionados can rejoice at true artists of the craft bringing these items back to their memory.

The new dynamic duo will collaborate with a team of field collectors, such as Cipha Sounds and Yo-Yo, and curators of the Universal Hip-Hop Museum, Paradise Gray and Pete Nice. The museum will debut the biggest collection of hip-hop memorabilia next year.

CeeLo Green, Master P, and Soulja Boy, to name a few, will be present to help the co-hosts on their many quests.

LL Cool J and Ice-T  have made names for themselves in Hollywood starring in hit shows such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and NCIS: Los Angeles. Hip Hop Treasures is sure to be a hit with hip hop fans of all ages.

The show debuts on Aug. 12 at 10 p.m. on A&E.

The post LL Cool J and Ice-T Team Up For New Show ‘Hip Hop Treasures’ appeared first on The Source.

SOURCE SPORTS: Victor Wembanyama Reveals to ‘GMA’ Host Robin Roberts if He Didn’t Play Basketball He Would Find a Career in Art

Victor Wembanyama Reveals to 'GMA' Host Robin Roberts if He Didn't Play Basketball He Would Find a Career in Art

In a revealing Good Morning America interview, Victor Wembanyama, the highly anticipated NBA Draft prospect, opened up about his life beyond the basketball court.

Speaking with GMA co-anchor Robin Roberts, Wembanyama disclosed his second passion: drawing. The young basketball sensation expressed his love for art and revealed that if he hadn’t pursued a career in basketball, he would have dedicated his time to honing his artistic skills. This revelation offers a glimpse into the multi-dimensional talents and interests of the potential top overall NBA Draft pick.

“When I’ve got nothing to do, the first thing my mind is going to think about is grab a pencil and a sheet of paper and draw something,” Wembanyama said.

Entering the draft, it is all but declared that Wembanyama will join the San Antonio Spurs as the No. 1 overall pick. You can see the full interview below.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Victor Wembanyama Reveals to ‘GMA’ Host Robin Roberts if He Didn’t Play Basketball He Would Find a Career in Art appeared first on The Source.