Master Class Museum of Art History: JEAN MICHEL BASQUIAT

What can be said about an young innovator? A young artist DEFINITELY before his time. BASQUIAT (as he is commonly known) took his fusion of graffiti, poetry, pop culture and social activism from the streets of New York to the galleries of the world. Just as Zorro slashed his iconic "Z" through the latin world, BASQUIAT left his mark on the city of New York with his simple pivotal phrase of neo-expressionism, "SAMO" (Same Old Shit). He quickly became the toast of the art world and protege of art legend ANDY WARHOL. Also known as 'The Radiant Child' of the art world, no young artist captivated the art scene quite like BASQUIAT did in the 1980s. His death at the young age of 27 left the world wondering....what more could this talented young man have given us. Or.....were you only supposed to be in the presen

Basquiat

ce of this genius for the time we were given....

I have been a fan and a kindred spirit of this HIGHLY one of kind stand out artist for years and he is without a doubt #MasterClassCertified. 

Attached below is the 2010 documentary about the life and career of Jean Michel . Enjoy a MASTER CLASS SOCIETY look at "The Radiant Child". 

Master Class Passport: Studio 54 (1977-1981)

Disco. Fashion. Money. Art. Cocaine. Sex. All these words embody the 1970s club epicenter of the world that was STUDIO 54. Everyone from Michael Jackson, Andy Warhol, Halston, Diana Ross, Bianca Jagger, Truman Capote, Princess Grace of Monaco, and Grace Jones partied the night away in a drugged hazed abyss of music and mayhem. Never before had the world seen a club SO exclusive yet so bohemian. A place where dukes, designers, actors, and icons mixed and mingled with every day people. Imagine if twitter or facebook were around during this era. The scandal. The single MOST notorious nightclub in the world. Never before or since has there been a place where the sky was the limit and the champagne, cocaine and music never ended. With the rise AIDS, the end of disco, and the beginning of the Reagan years, STUDIO 54 lived the fast lane, in a short time. But the confetti in the cracks and the legends of the time STILL make STUDIO 54... MasterClassCertified.

Master Class INTERNATIONAL Spotlight: SALIF KEITA

With this being a forum for music lovers of all territories, I had to share this hidden treasure that many of you may not have heard of. I first heard of SALIF KEITA through a friend from Tanzania. I then became a fan of his sound upon watching the film ALI (starring Will Smith), in which his song "Tomorrow" struck an impact in me. Known as the Golden Voice of Africa, SALIF KEITA is one to be heard. You cannot listen to a song of his and not here the narrative sound of the people of Africa. 

So for his participation in the popularity of African based music... SALIF KEITA is certainly #MasterClassCertified.

Master Class UNSUNG artist: LABI SIFFRE

With his whimsical vocal tone and simplistic lyrics, Labi Siffre is a rare breed of artist. Sampled by music titans such as Kanye West (Wonder) and Eminem (My Name Is [Slim Shady]) SIFFRE is a one of those kind artists with a music catalog that has become profoundly heard through a new generation of music lovers. 

Although his name is not known by all...his sound is. And THAT is why he is

 #MasterClassCertified

Master Class Vault: Rare Moments in Music History

In 1972 after a show stopping number...the legendary STEVIE WONDER was on the equally legendary SOUL TRAIN and created a connecting musical moment with the youth that is as rare today as it was then.

Today we only see artists connect with youth thru promoting greed, material goods, and shit that matters not to the world. But this moment in music history should ring as a reminder for what was. 

That is why this moment...is #MasterClassCertified

Master Class OPEN FORUM

Someone asked me today...HOW DO YOU KNOW, YOU ARE MEANT TO BE AN ARTIST?

Some people are meant to be TEACHERS...to educate the new generation on the then, the now and the beyond. 
Some people are meant to be SCHOLAR...to learn of the greatness of the world; the internal and external of its nervous system.
Some people are meant to be ACTORS...to evoke the essence of a character...to display an ebb and flow of a scene in the body of another.
Some people are meant to be DOCTORS...to heal the world of ailment, sickness, and despair. To turn the negatives of the body and mind into positives.
And then....There are THE ARTISTS of the world. (This might be YOU)...
The artist is a TEACHER who uses their skill to educate and speak for those who have no voice thru lyrics of conscious effort and quality. The artist is a SCHOLAR who believes that one must STUDY THE GREATS...in order to become greater. The artist is an ACTOR...a true THESPIAN and CHAMELEON who can re-invent themselves and never miss a beat. The artist is a DOCTOR(not to be confused with Dr.Dre) who takes the tone of their music, and the consciousness of their lyrics to make people feel good. They take command of emotions...happiness...sadness...joy...and pain.

So you see...an artist must truly be a JACK of ALL TRADES...in order to be considered a true artist.

Are YOU an artist?

-Ryan O. Harris

#MasterClassCertified

Master Class Artist to watch: ALOE BLACC

I first saw this artist during NBA All Star Weekend 2013 at the Adidas Cross Over Day Party (which he was specially invited to Emcee). With his TRULY soulful tone, and smooth as cognac voice, ALOE BLACC is truly an artist to watch. When I met Blacc, I asked him what he thinks about the diverse crowd that came to enjoy numerous dj's spin, bottomless Sangria, Margaritas and flows....he answered "This is how it should be." 

I truly feel that with a much needed call to the era of Al Green and Donny Hathaway and Blacc brings a fresh dose to the sounds of today with his GROWING notoriety in the music industry since making his first dent in 2010...this California native is definitely a fresh artist to watch. Which is why ALOE BLACC is

 #MasterClassCertified