In this series i picked six songs by six different artist and made six paintings each with lyrics of the particular songs. What all these six song have in common is that they were made to reflect the artist transitory points in their careers. For example "Can i live" by Jay Z was reflecting on his past struggles and his rise, it was also a song that was featured in his debut album. Other songs like "The Heart Pt 3" by kendrick Lamar and "502 come up" by Bryson Tiller speak about their come up and future ambitions now that they are in the positions they worked to be in. However one of my favorites has to be without a doubt "Pound Cake / Paris Morton Music 2" by drake where the lyrics to that song pretty much drive the whole point home of the series. He starts the verse by saying "Look, f** all that "Happy to be here" shit that y'all want me on
I'm the big homie, they still be tryna lil bro me, dog” , the overall message being ...
“ He is referring to the common refrain (just happy to be here!) we hear from guests right after they are introduced on a talk show, or maybe from an upcoming starlet who just won her first Academy Award. What I get from Drake’s lyrics is that he’s grateful for the help he got from folks who helped him rise up when he was an underdog only known for playing Jimmy on Degrassi, but that he’s not obligated to preface everything he says with that gratitude, to continually perform it with everything from his words to submissive body language and clothing.
Existing in a space under such expectations is tiring. And it’s frustrating in the context of social movements and institutions, when as a person from an oppressed group you really should have been there in the first damn place, you just weren’t because, oppression. Additionally, having to constantly perform JHBH can inhibit your ability to push for answers to the hard questions and create systemic change that will help more people from oppressed groups follow in your footsteps.”
36 in x 36 in / Oil On Panel /
36 in x 36 in / Oil On Panel /
36 in x 36 in / Oil On Panel /
36 in x 36 in / Oil On Panel /
36 in x 36 in / Oil On Panel /
36 in x 36 in / Oil On Panel /