NYC Show Highlights Artists Biggest Goal: Making It

“Mamma Imma Make It” is no longer just a phrase for struggling artists & dreamers trying to make a name for themselves–its now being branded and packaged as a showcase series featuring underground artists in NYC.

Started by Samantha Alexandra this is the second showcase titled ‘Mamma Imma Make It’.

“The idea came from being bored in my summer classes and thinking of ways to make some money since I didn’t have time to work,” said Samantha.

“I thought a showcase would be something quick and easy, but everyday that I put together the ideas, I fell more in love with it. I know and have heard extremely talented artists and I just want to make sure they are seen and heard.”

Atomic Vision: Opening Night With Justin Jay West

They call him ‘young 5 figures,’ and with pieces ranging from $3,500 to $12,000 and showings in galleries from Harlem to Chelsea, this emerging artist is a clear example of being young and doing it.

Last week was the opening night for Atomic Vision, the exhibition of art pieces being shown at the Tria Gallery featuring artists Jay West, Ryan Cronin, and Johnny Taylor. The collection centers around  hard-edged cartoon style paintings, and will be showing through January 7th. One of the featured artist, brought out an overwhelming large following to the debut night, his first gallery opening in Chelsea.

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Kendrick Lamar Rocks Sneaker Pimps

Sneaker pimps, the annual event where sneaker enthusiasts come to sell trade and simply bask in the ambience of a venue full of sneakers. It’s obvious that I’m far from a sneaker enthusiast but acts like Kendrick Lamar, Waka Flocka, Jim Jones, Stalley and newcomers Nyemiah Supreme and Kris Kasanova brought out music enthusiasts as well.

As I walked into the high line ballroom, my expectations weren’t too high, but I was immediately hit by the electricity of the crowd as headliner Kendrick Lamar took to the stage. This marked the fourth show in New York headlined by Lamar, and many in the audience proclaimed to have been at them all. Lamar also brought out ASAP Rocky and the rest the ASAP crew to perform ADHD.

Conversation & Controversy Sparked By CNN’s Black in America 4

Advice For Emerging Black Tech Entrepreneurs – CNN BIA4 from ICED MEDIA on Vimeo.

CNN once again hit us with a the 4th installment of their Black in America series, this time bringing to light the disparities of the tech world. This edition, titled “Silicon Valley – The New Promised Land” was hosted by Soledad O’Brien. Michael Arrington, founder of tech crunch and a venture capatilist sparked conversation and controversy with his comment “I don’t know a single black entrepreneur” and stating further “Not enough women or people of color are even asking for funding.”

The response, was divided, some saying he’s right while others grew angry citing dozens of website founders, graphic designers, programmers, engineers and coders they know. The tech world, seems to be color blind, so blind they aren’t even aware of their own bias and failure to provide funding to Black founders. With the growing economic and innovation oportunities evolving in the tech space lack of funding and investment opportunities for Black tech entrepreneurs has become a serious issue.

Steve Stoute Talks Passion, Being Heard & “Tanning”

I only got the chance to attend one panel during influencer con NYC and I’m glad I did. Even though the organizers did have a live stream online, being IN the room while these talks are happening is another level experience.

The room I was in was one with Steve Stoute and Philip L. McKenzie, the founder of the influencer conference, in a conversation titled “The Tanning of America.” Though Stoute obviously was there to push his book, some gems were dropped including the importance of making sure you are heard, following through, and following your gut.

An Inside Look At Internet Week 2011: Panels, Parties & More