Watch the Trailer to New Animated movie, ‘Bilal: A New Breed of Hero’ Inspired By True Events.

For now, I won’t get into the politics on why this animated film wasn’t more heavily promoted, but the trailer to this movie looks fantastic! The first fully Middle Eastern-funded and produced CGI-animation film, Bilal is inspired by the life of Hazrat Bilal bin Rabah, the Ethiopian slave and companion of the Prophet Muhammad “Peace Be Upon Him” (PBUH), whose valor was considered nothing short of legendary.

New York Comic Con 2017: Amazing Photo Gallery and Video Highlights From NYCC

I hope everyone’s experience at New York Comic Con 2017 was as awesome as mine was! It gets bigger and better each and every year.  Being a creative, I couldn’t help but feel enormously inspired to keep pushing myself forward as an artist, writer, graphic designer, entrepreneur and simply an aesthetically-driven individual who wants to make his mark and hopefully, make the world a little more pleasant.  Events such as these, makes you want to do more and BE MORE than what you already are.  My enthusiasm to create is flying high and despite some of the issues that we are dealing with in society right now, I remain optimistic that somehow we’ll find a way to make a little more beautiful, and a little less chaotic.I took some time to post some photos and put together a video, capturing some amazing cosplay, artwork, geek stuff and random moments from NYCC 2017, in which I hope that many of you will appreciate.  Just check them out below.  Special thanks to the staff, security and crew who made sure the event was organized, lines were orderly and that fans were moved through the lines with respect, care and safety for each other.  Thank you for bringing the incredible to the show at the Javits Center.  Enjoy the video and the photos, and don’t forget to let me know what you think.  Stay #WERKSpired!

Reflecting On Hip Hop Legend Tupac Shakur On the 21st Anniversary of His Death

“I am not a gangster and never have been.  I’m not the thief who grabs your purse.  I’m not the guy who jacks your car.  I’m not down with people who steal and hurt others.  I’m just a brother who fights back.  I’m not some violent closet psycho.  I’ve got a job.  I’m an artist.” — Tupac Shakur

Prophet.  Poet.  Gangster.  Thug.  Hip hop icon.  During the life and times of Tupac Shakur, he was labeled many things, but after his death, the polarizing, legendary rap artist was universally accepted as an extraordinary and influential talent.  Personally, whenever someone asks me about Tupac Shakur, the immediate thought that comes to mind is “tortured soul.”

20 Cool Photos From the First Annual Five Points Festival 2017 in NYC

This past weekend on New York City’s Lower East Side was the inaugural Five Points Festival, a brand new fan convention curated by Clutter magazine and presented by Midtown Comics.  The festival is a collision of toys, comics, street art, and counterculture, replete with food trucks and craft beer.  This was pretty much a geek’s version of Valhalla.sThe Five Points Festival was held at Pier 36, on the lower east side of Manhattan.  Comic book creatives such as Amy Reeder, Dan Slott, Jamal Igle, Greg Capullo, and Scott Snyder made an appearance.  Several toy and art guests were on hand as well, including Amanda Louise Spayd, Tokidoki’s Simone Legno, and Tara McPherson, founder of The Cotton Candy Machine art boutique in Brooklyn, NYC.

Jesse Williams’ Empowering Speech on Black Oppression, Race Injustice at the 2016 BET Awards

Four days ago, Grey’s Anatomy actor and activist Jesse Williams won a humanitarian award at the 2016 BET Awards, and he pretty much stole the show.  Personally, I had to take a few days for all the noise on social media to die down and allow Jesse Williams’ words to marinate on my conscious.  The message that this brother dropped on the world was so deep, unflinching and POWERFUL.  It was one of the most coherent and sincere critiques of systemic racism, police brutality, cultural appropriation and exploitation and a heartfelt message to black women here and afar who have “spent their lifetimes dedicated to nurturing everyone before themselves.  We can and will do better for you.”  There were so many grand moments of this speech, but there was one particular tidbit that stood out to me:

Prophet. Poet. Hip Hop Legend. Happy Birthday Tupac Shakur

“I am not a gangster and never have been.  I’m not the thief who grabs your purse.  I’m not the guy who jacks your car.  I’m not down with people who steal and hurt others.  I’m just a brother who fights back.  I’m not some violent closet psycho.  I’ve got a job.  I’m an artist.”

When I think of the late Tupac Shakur, my immediate description that comes to mind is “tortured soul.”  Tupac Amaru Shakur born Lesane Parish Crooks; June 16, 1971, also known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was born in East Harlem, New York City.  During the first 17 years of his life, he was raised by his Black revolutionary mother, Afeni.  Both of his parents and several other people in his family were members of the Black Panther Party, whose ideals were later reflected in his songs.  In his early youth, Shakur became involved in the performing arts as a theater actor and rapper.  Aesthetically-driven by the arts, he moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to gain greater opportunities.  Shakur received his big break as a roadie, backup dancer and MC for the alternative hip hop group Digital Underground, thanks to group leader Shock G.