Sometimes we have to remind ourselves of this simple and true statement. There are times in everyone's life where we feel overwhelmed by the pressures of career, family, school, health, what have you. And that's why I feel like we can all relate to this record by Chicago's Grammy-winning poet, J. Ivy. Literally, everyone. Whether you're a longtime fan of J. Ivy since the days he graced Kanye & Jay's "Never Let Me Down" or you landed here casually after seeing the thumbnail on the homepage. I know if this is your first time hearing J. Ivy, you'll feel his passion and soul, which is seen even further in the video that brings these words to life amidst a fitting, raw Chicago climate.
J. Ivy has the ability, skill, personality, and message to relate to everyone from the streets to the college campus and in between, and "Everything" is a perfect example of this. Adding to the soul is singer Chris Rob, whose vocals contrast wonderfully on the record and the scenes with him and Ivy also naturally add to the visuals. To top it off, we have yet another nicely shot and presented Camovement by Emmy-award winning Cam Be. Shouts to J for giving us the headsup on this and all parties involved for a must-see audio/visual experience. Looking forward to more GWHH x J. Ivy collabs in the future as for now, we can lift our spirits to "Everything" above!
"Everything" is off 'Here I Am' — the album and the book are available now.
Cam Be drops a fresh new Camovement above called 'Nothing Else', starring Destiny Love Jones. The premise is simple: a short film set to music - Bon Iver's "Hinnom, TX" to be exact. The song is a perfect combo with the amazing (per usual) visuals. I'll let you take a look for yourself to take it all in. Shot in good ole Chi-Town!
In Heavy Soul Part 2, Nneka chops it up with brother Jeff Baraka about her studies in anthropology and how if influences her music. She mentions her connection with God, the audience, and her band mates when she is performing. Nneka also speaks a little Igbo in her native Nigerian language. You can also catch a glimpse of her SXSW performance.
- Jamaar J
If you were touched by 'Heavy Soul' Part 1 last week, no doubt you'll conjure the same sorts of feelings with Part 2 above. I sure did. Nneka's soulful music and personality are once again on display as we also get to see more of her intellectual perspective, specifically when it comes to how anthropology has impacted her music both conciously and sub-consciously and also through her relationship with God and with the people. BIG shouts once again to the production and video crew listed below - they killed it for another masterpiece! Watch above and cop Nneka's album, Soul Is Heavy, available now.
Follow GWHH in this new video above on our road trip from Chicago, IL to Austin, TX where we attended SXSW 2012 earlier this year! We were rollin' in double digits, rented a van, rented a house in Austin, and attended all of the big-name events that were going on all week at SXSW. Seen in the video is a compilation of some of the fun times we had together on the road trip and a glimpse at some of those events and interviews we got during the week. Easily one of the most memorable team trips ever, shoutout to #TeamGowhere!
"'Heavy Soul' is a Superstar Film by Jamaar J . Part one focuses on international artist Nneka. She sits down (literally) in the streets of Chicago with Jeff Baraka and talks about her album Soul Is Heavy. They also discuss her creative process, her influences, growing up in the Niger Delta, and recording her latest album in her home in Lagos, Nigeria. You can also catch a glimpse of her live performance at the Double Door in Chicago. Part two coming soon!"
- Jamaar J
So soulful. Nneka's words and music are powerful, thought-provoking and captivating. From beginning to end, the soul just oozes out of the video and affects you, the viewer. Not lost in creating this feeling is the conversation co-created with Nneka by Jeff Baraka, the filming from Jamaar J, Terrence Jones, and Cam Be, and editing it all together, Jamaar once again. Watch this above! We are one!
