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Music for Your Weekend: Leikeli47

LINA VIKTOR from Visionaireworld on Vimeo.

Have you seen the video above by fine artist Lina Viktor? The visuals are amazing, and I was immediately drawn in by the music which is by (the masked) rapper Leikeli47. Check out her dope SoundCloud and download music for free.

Music for Your Weekend: Karol Conka

I'm currently listening to the samba/batucada infused hip-hop sounds of Brazilian-born rapper Karol Conka.

Music for Your Weekend: Kelis' Food

Did you know that Kelis graduated from the Le Cordon Bleu, and has added chef and saucier to her resume? I was listening to this segment about Kelis at SXSW and learned that her latest album is inspired by her love for and knowledge of food. She even had a food-truck at the festival selling eclectic bites along with being a really smart PR vehicle (no pun intended) for the new album entitled, Food.

I have to say, I'm enjoying the album. It's a different sound for Kelis, which I appreciate since we should all be growing and experimenting creatively.

Have you listened? If so what are your thoughts?

 

Music for a Birthday Weekend!

Sooo, tomorrow is my birthday and I am doing all sorts of things to celebrate. One thing I'm hoping to include on my list is to check out Yuna who will be in the area for a stop on her US tour. I'm definitely a fan of her awesome sound, so if I'm not beat from a weekend of fun I will make my way Sunday night to check her out live. Have a great weekend!

Wangechi Mutu + Santigold

Have you seen the survey of Wangechi Mutu’s work, A Fantastic Journey, at the Brooklyn Museum of Art? I have not, but hope to get up there before it closes in March. Although all of her work is amazing, I am very drawn to her collages. Collage is a technique that is very challenging for me, so I’ve been forcing myself to explore it, just because I love the end result so much. Wangenchi's mastery of collage has definitely been an inspiration.

I came across the above video of Wangechi where she talks about her collaboration with Santigold, who is featured in one of her video installations called "The End of Eating Everything." Seeing these amazingly talented ladies working together is a absolutely beautiful. Check it out and let me know what you think.

Music for Your Weekend: Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings

The phenomenal soul band, Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings will release a new album (Give the People What They Want) next Tuesday. Check out the video for the new single, "Stranger to My Happiness." What will you be jammin' to this weekend?

Music for Your Weekend: Beyoncé

As you know, Beyoncé/Mrs. Carter/Queen Bee, released a surprise album late last night. Somehow I was awake to see the madness ensue! I got sucked in instantly when I saw "Beyoncé :: new album" flash across my Instagram stream. I was like whaaaaaaat??? In minutes I was downloading the album off of iTunes and my night got even longer as I was watching the many videos. I already love the video for "Grown Woman" and diggin' her song "Drunk in Love" featuring her boo/husband, Jay-Z. Check out the preview for "Grown Woman" below and let me know if you like the visuals as much as I do. Have you heard the album in its entirety? If so, what do you think?

Are You Living Ma'at?

The beautiful mind behind YMIB.com, Ericka Taylor, has launched a new site, Living Ma'at, which is dedicated to showing women how to live inspired and balanced lives.

Here is her definition:
Ma'at is the ancient Nubian principal of truth, balance, order, and justice. Living Ma’at provides articles, interviews, resources, and products that inspires Nubian women to be creative and to live a just and balanced life. In many cultures, feathers were put at the end of an arrow to help guide it while in flight. The wind is your life, you are the arrow, and Living Ma’at, like the feathers, are the principles which help guide you through the sentimental winds. Living Ma’at articles will highlight life through: creative living, whole living, natural style, homeschooling, and cooking; better known as everyday living!

I'm sad to see YMIB put to rest, but in her place I know this new online destination will continue to carry the essence of empowering others to be well-balanced creative vessels.

Check out the site to sign up for a notification for the official launch, and watch the promo video for Living Ma'at below.

Music for Your Weekend: Lorde's Pure Heroine

I have this album on repeat.

This teenage songstress (she turns seventeen this month) has captivated me with her ethereal sound on her latest album Pure Heroine. Check out "Royals" below. Do you dig it?

Music for Your Weekend: TLC Throwback

On Monday VH1 will premier the TV biopic of the biggest girl group ever, TLC. And I just realized that this will be the first biopic featuring legends I grew up listening to and watching. I'll actually have my own experiences to compare to when watching this movie. Does this mean I'm getting old?

I'm actually really excited to see CrazySexyCool, not just because I have always been a TLC fan, but how often do we get to see stories about dynamic women like us on television? With their strong personalities, style that pushed the boundaries, and girl power messages I'm looking forward to see how all this translates in this film.

Will you be watching?

Do you still listen to their music? I play "Diggin on You" every now and then, and still love their classics: "Baby Baby Baby," "Aint Too Proud to Beg," and "What About Your Friends."

(Also, check out this Inspired By post featuring TLC.)

Get More: TLC,

Bel Andrade Lima Illustrates for Carnival in Recife

All I can say is wow. I am in awe of these beautiful illustrated characters Bel Andrade Lima created for this year's carnival in Recife (a city on the coast of Brazil). As a designer/illustrator I totally wish this was something I worked on!

See more of Bel's rich style on her online portfolio here.

Music for Your Weekend: Coco O of Quadron

When was the last time you've been on Myspace? I can't even remember, but I know it's been some years. But I recently paid a visit when I was sent over a link to a video featuring the lovely Coco O from Quadron. This feature on Myspace is called Five Minutes to Stage, giving a quick glimpse of what various do to prepare for a performance.I'm a fan so it was fun to see her chat about whiskey and nerves.

Are you a performer? What do you do to prepare for a show?

Enjoy and have a lovely weekend.

William Okpo and 14+ Foundation

Hairdresser's sign from Burkina Faso

If you've been following Fly for some time then you know I am a big fan of barbershop signs from different parts of Africa. My Crowns of Color series were inspired by those beautifully hand-painted signs promoting different hairstyle ideas you can request at a barbershop or salon. So you can imagine how excited I was to see that the Okpo sisters of William Okpo incorporate a barbershop sign inspired print into their SS14 collection.

In collaboration with Opening Ceremony, the sisters designed a tee and tote for 14+ Foundation, which helps construct schools and orphanages throughout Africa. All proceeds from the capsule collection benefit the organization. (See more barbershop signs at Indigo Arts, one of my favorite stores in Philly.)

I love the idea of organizations partnering up with brands to produce product that can support their mission. I believe that design and creativity in general should function in this way.

If you could work with an organization to create something who would you partner with?

The Doux + DouxRags

The Doux (pronounced "doo") is a product line for "smart chicks" with relaxer-free hair. The founder, Mya Smith, is also the mind behind The HoneyComb, a natural hair salon in Germany which I had the honor of creating artwork for a few years back. I recently stumbled across The Doux and was pleasantly surprised to see that master-stylist, Maya, had expanded her brand from salon to a range of hair-related products.

Being a design nerd I absolutely love the logo and packaging. The look is so fun and fresh. And I adore the little hair illustrations found throughout the brand identity. And you have to love the clever names inspired by classic hip-hop songs, like "Bonita Afro Balm" and "Rebirth of Slick."

In addition to The Doux, Maya has launched DouxRags (so smart!!) — a line of cute, funky colored statement hair accessories with patterns inspired by street art and hip hop culture.

I need the one with the bamboo earrings print. I'm loving what Maya is doing!!

Music for Your Weekend: Locked in Closets

There's a little chill in the air and it's beginning to feel like fall. I love this time of year but for some reason I've been looking forward to it more than ever. I'm ready to wear boots with corduroy and sweaters; and go to flea-markets while drinking hot apple cider. The day-lighting changes and the air feels fresh. Fall is awesome.

The video for Solange's "Locked in Closets" (a collabo with Refinery29 and Absolut Tune) was released last spring  but totally captures those autumn vibes. Enjoy and have a lovely weekend.

Solange | Refinery29 | Absolut - "Locked In Closets" from Alan Del Rio Ortiz on Vimeo.