I’ve been watching the iLL crew work on this musical project for over a year now, and although I haven’t been as involved this time around, watching from the outside has been just as exciting.

iLL-Literacy always seems to impress me with not only their artistic direction, but their business savvy thought process.  For the release of their first album (ever), they took their promotional campaign to the digital streets, and created a viral campaign that values QUALITY over QUANTITY.

Discussing this with Drizzletron the other day, we both agreed that getting a feature on a blog, magazine, etc., has more value when the person writing about the album actually listened to it, as opposed to just copy and paste features.  With over 50 blogs invested in iLL-Literacy for this campaign, the sonic virus that is iB4the1.1, is sure to make a few folks iLL out there. (sorry, i can’t help making these puns!)

I’m excited to see how iB4the1.1 pushes iLL-Literacy to the next level in their career… watch, listen, partake in all that is iLL…

iLL-Literacy Experience: The Live Show from ill-literacy on Vimeo.

screen shot from iLL-Literacy website

For those of you in the Bay Area last week, you all know the weather was a bit hectic with a rain storm, and some flooding, so we had to cancel the PR workshop that was scheduled on October 13.  We’re hoping this time around there won’t be any major interruptions from mother nature, although everyone is feeling like it’s “earthquake weather”, eek!

These past few weeks I’ve been working with Estria, a graffiti artist from Oakland, CA, via Hawaii.  I worked with a dope, and efficient team, and experienced the beauty of Hip Hop in its truest form, through community, youth, expression through art, and social justice.

Here’s a photo recap of the project via TiRone (my iphone).

I’d like to thank everyone that helped spread the word, came through to the events, and contributed to making this year’s battle a success.  We’re still gathering all the press and photos, so look out for a more in depth recap of EIGB 09 soon!

“If you trade security for freedom, then you start living” - Paulo Coelho

It’s been a lil over a month now since I let go of my security blanket of a day job, in exchange for freedom to spend my time on projects that I want to work on, and become independent of corporate America.  And just like the quote from Paulo Coelho, I do feel like I’ve started living.  I wake up happy, and rested, and confident that I made the right decision.  Financially, there’s more pressure to keep the overdraft fees at bay, which sucks.

Also, I’m adjusting to this new schedule, and realizing that I don’t have to “work” from 9-5, Mon-Fri. I choose my schedule, my Monday night, might be someone else’s Friday, and working on a Saturday afternoon, isn’t so bad when I already cleaned the house Thursday afternoon.  Time becomes abstract, and unlearning the schedule ingrained into society is an interesting challenge to take on.

With my 30th New Year around the corner, these next few months will take on the script of a suspense thriller.  I’m not sure how it’s going to end, but I do know I’m just getting started…

In all business situations, knowing about the laws surrounding the industry you’re involved in, is essential to the longevity of how successful the business becomes.  Contracts, agreements, and all other transactions, whether monetary or not, should be legally documented.  Why? Because, these are the rules, regulations, and expectations, of what the deal is… Once both parties agree on the terms, it leaves little room for someone to not follow through with their end of the deal.  Those who fail to come through, will have a weak argument to battle.

The higher the stakes, the more you realize how important it is to invest time and money in the legal aspects of your business.  This is something entrepreneurs should do first, to protect your assets is a top priority.  So when I got an email about a music business seminar happening in the Bay from Kofi Acquaah-Arhin (Papa Lo Down’s attorney/legal advisor), I thought I should let you know as well.

The Volume 2009 - Music Business Seminar, an all-day educational event for the Bay Area music community, is the perfect place for independent artists to learn more about this element of their career.  I highly suggest attending, especially since the fees are WAY less than many music industry events.

Check below or go the website www.calawyersforthearts.org for more info:

iLL-Literacy (formerly a spoken word collective from Oakland), recorded a music project, moved across the country to form a new city - “Brookland” (Brooklyn+Oakland), and hooked up with Brooklyn based entertainment marketing and publicity firm,(hi Michelle!) Audible Treats

The release of their first EP, iB4THE1.1, is putting them in the same shark tank as some of their favorite artists, so the pressure is on to make the right moves.  From spoken word to recording artists, iLL-Literacy has been plotting these moves for a long time.  Research has been done, money has been strategically invested, and the power of the iLL is with them.  These next few months will prove to test their persistence, not just cause they’ll experience LIVING in the snow for the first time, but also because it’s game time!!!

NOTE TO ASPIRING ARTISTS - If you’re just starting out, it takes TIME, lots of strategic planning, (some collage making), and a solid team to work with. It also takes courage… to jump.

http://www.illshare.net/koolaid

My new life of independence has been amaaazing! kind of like The Jabawockeez  performance last night

Here’s to my new happy hour, who wants to join?! :)

I’ve been super busy.  In between gearing up for the 3rd Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle, scouting locations in San Jose for MADE Jewelry, and training as a high school speaker for FIDM, I’ve also been plotting on getting this workshop in Sacramento locked down.

Yaaaay! I’m really excited to teach this workshop in a city bursting with talent.  Some of you may know that Ruby and Dahlak are from Sacramento, AND happens to be the city iLL-Literacy recorded the majority of their album iB41 before they moved to NY.  There are so many more designers, DJ’s, producers, emcees, dancers, make-up artists, hair stylists, and all around dope.talented.creative souls in this city, I had to come through and support.

Special thanks to Cheryl and Jen at Capitol Roots Studio, Glenda Macatangay, and Jen Nodora, for all your help and support in making this happen.

———————————————–
WEAPONS OF MASS PROMOTION
Understanding the purpose and elements of a one-sheet
(A PAPA LO DOWN PR WORKSHOP)

Join iLL-Literacy’s PR Manager,  Paloma Belara aka “Papa Lo”, for an educational workshop designed for the independent hustler in mind. Artists and entrepreneurs from all creative backgrounds are welcome.

What is a one-sheet? A one-sheet is a press kit on one page, and a standard industry tool artists can use to promote themselves for press, booking, and general business opportunities.

WHEN: Tuesday October 13, 2009 / 8:30pm
WHERE: Capitol Roots Studio
35-D Quinta Ct. Sacramento
www.capitolroots.com / 916.681.6882
FEE: $15 (1hr session)
RSVP: required - paloma@papalodown.com

*refreshments will be served!

For the past few months Bay Area graffiti legend, Estria, has traveled to Harlem, Chicago, and Honolulu, in the 3rd Annual Estria Invitational Graffiti Battle (EIGB).  This year’s battle is in collaboration with “The Life Is Living Festival” curated by Marc Bamuthi Joseph, and will come to an end on October 10, 2009, where one graffiti artist will be crowned champion.  Winners from the Harlem, Honolulu and Chicago battles will be flown to Oakland to compete in the finals!  
 

If you’re in the Bay this week, make sure you come to one of the events for Independent Artists Week (IAW). Papa Lo Down will be participating in IAW during the “Opportunity Knocks” event, if you’ve been wanting to get some feedback and meet really dope industry folks from the Bay make sure you come through, Zoneil from Oh Dang! Magazine will be there as well with brand new copies of their first print issue.

Opportunity Day “Opportunity Knocks”
Tuesday September 8^th, 2009
6pm to 8pm
@ Yoshi’s San Francisco

For a full list of events and to learn more about IAW check out http://www.infin8sync.com/iaw/