She: Hey Kim, thanks for taking time to answer my goofy questions. I'm not a ,journalist so bear with me and these questions. But you're my homie GIRL and I love everything that you do. You are one talented girl and your designs are always so fresh. Where do they come from?
Kupi: Aww. No problem. I’m glad you like my stuff so much. I guess I’m just influenced by music, life and other amazing designers. My parents were also pretty creative and my sister is a cartoonist. I grew up around art and music. I used to draw too and still paint when I have the time. Plus I’m a big nerd - that helps.
She: You've done many big names in the hip hop community, from CL Smooth to Jean Grae to the locals like Delinquent Soundz to Bully Mouth. What is it like when all these artists ask for your wonderful work? How do you react? I bet you get sooped. I know I would.
Kupi: I’ve done them? Heehee… that sounds dirty! But hell yeah I get souped! Especially when they’re artists I respect. Like when I was asked by BBE Records to help design the Questlove sequel to “Babies Makin’ Babies”, I was in disbelief. It’s exciting yet kind of intimidating when you’re approached for the bigger names. I keep it professional, but inside, I’m ecstatic because it’s a big deal! If I screw this up, it can hurt my chances in the future. And to gain a poor reputation is something I can’t afford. There’s so much competition out there, fighting for your clients. You can always be replaced. But this is my passion! I want to make the experience as easy going for everyone involved. It’s rare you ever get to actually meet the people you’re designing for. I got to meet Questo, Jean Grae, and work directly through Guru and Mr. LeN, but it’s not always that way. Doing projects for hometown heroes like Delinquent Soundz & Elementality Productions feels just as good because I know I’m helping to give them an image. Sad to say, but no one outside of the area really who Ramadan or Silent Knight are. But with the right imagery and promotion, it gets the masses interested.
She: Any pros and cons to things?
Kupi: PROS – Fulfilling the dream! Seeing the final product, seeing your creations on store shelves, in magazines and even on billboards. It’s probably the only time I’m actually proud of myself. Clients coming back for more projects and being recommended to others. Going to shows and networking. Meeting cool musicians and people in the business. Just getting your name out there and meeting people who actually hear about you and give you love. Developing your skills, getting better. Taking chances. Learning the do’s & don’ts of the business and expanding into other fields. You just never know where this stuff can lead.
CONS – Egos, betrayal & money. When working with most unknown emcees, they think they have this hierarchy over me. Meanwhile, they haven’t done a damn thing but put out a mixtape. A lot of times people think because I’m nice, and a girl, they can flirt & take advantage of me. This is how I pay my bills and when I don’t get paid, that means I’m one step closer to being evicted. You’d be surprised how some of these big bad, slick tongued emcees cry like infants when I stand my ground. Unfortunately, I have made quite a few enemies along the way. Nobody’s perfect.
She: Sometimes I get all aggravated because Jersey heads that come out to shows have become too egotistical and never clap for everyone. They only applaud for their friends or they think they are better. What's your take on Jersey hip hop?
Kupi: Oh I agree. I’m going get into a lot of trouble answering this question. So hear goes my rant. Haha. But c’mon, you’ve been to shows lately. It’s not just Jersey. It’s the state of hip-hop really. “Too many emcees, not enough mics.” I used to catch as many shows as possible, but these days… I haven’t been going (aside from being broke) because I’m actually bored. It’s at the point where I can look at a flyer, see who’s on the bill and already know what to expect. Not many people are doing anything new. Everything has been done, you know? There’s nothing left but spitting “how weird can I get” rhymes or “I’m that dude because…” rhymes or the worst “my guns/my money/my cars/my bitches” rhymes. How many different ways can a showcase of 8 people spit about how great they are and how much of a chump the next man is? And you remember when that one emcee (who shall remain nameless) got in YOUR face like he was going to beat you down? Now, what was that about?! When ego-brain emcees are onstage, their lack of class pours out of them. The audience isn’t stupid. They can see right through them.
Plus, most everyone in the crowd themselves are aspiring emcees or producers. They stand there, staring at each other, critiquing every person on stage, only waiting for their turn to spit a quick 16 bar verse (which they try to extend into a whole 15 minute set). Nearly everyone thinks they can rhyme. Sure, I can get up on stage and mesh words together, but am I saying anything? There are a lot of people who just want the recognition. They don’t do anything productive with this gift. They don’t understand hip-hop and it’s history – and worse, they don’t care.
I admit, I’m just as bad when I’m in the crowd. I’m the worst critic of them all when it comes to performance & skill, which can get me in trouble sometimes. I’ve rolled my eyes, sat down and left shows. But if you suck, you suck. I’m not going to support a performer (no matter what genre) who is clearly on stage to satisfy their own appetite. It’s very evident to the audience. So I honestly don’t totally blame Jersey heads in that sense.
On the other hand… it’s pretty unfair when a performer is killing it on stage and people STILL show no love. Just straight jealousy. I hate to say it, but the hottest set of the night is usually toward the end of the show. But, people just leave as soon as they or their boy performed. So people miss out on an amazing talent. I wish the audience would stay and buy their merchandise. The true ones aren’t just putting out mixtape after mixtape. They have original music they are trying to bring to the people. This is their dream. It’s up to the people to spread their support.
She: What do you think about Myspace?
Kupi: It’s crack! Haha! It’s one big meet-market. I never went on there to hook-up but way too many people do. I just like the networking aspect of it. I like that everyone is in one place and I can see what friends from college and my musical friends are up to. I joined MySpace in 2004, when it was a smaller community (and NO annoying flash advertisements). It was really great! But, MySpace has become a popularity contest now. Seems people care more about how many “friends” they have rather than who they are. I only have people on my list according to if I know them, or if I like their music. For musicians, it’s a great tool. It’s free, and if you can’t afford a website, this is a good jumpstart. Some labels really DO check out the music, the friend count, play count, profile views, etc. But they shouldn’t just leave it up to MySpace to do the work for them. Just like shows, too many people think they are musicians. So they create music accounts with horrible mix-downs of songs and cell phone pics of themselves holding a gun or pose nearly naked. The REAL musicians get lost in the matrix. And it’s not just hip-hop. It’s Latin singers to rock bands. (But MySpace really has to do something about those spammers.) Like anything, it has it’s pros and cons, but for now, I’m on it everyday!
She: I first met you at a beat battle at the old studio Underground like 2-3 years ago. I was ecstatic because I like meeting new people especially girls in a hip hop show. Girls are so sparse when they come out to hip hop shows. It bugs me out. What is it about hip hop you love the most?
Kupi: Yeah, that was a great night. Was it a beat battle? I just remember mad emcees performing. I’m a straight up and down beat chick. I’ve always been a fan of instrumentals. People think just because I’m a graphic designer, it’s all I know. But I love musical arrangements & compositions. My family are music heads too. My mom is from the Bronx and my father was born in Austria. When I was a kid my parents used to play a mix of soul classics from Sam Cooke & Al Green along with bands like Fleetwood Mac & The Beatles. My grandparents listened to music from Mozart, Edith Piaf and took me to see Russian Operas as a kid. And my sister was heavy into 80s new wave and metal. Plus growing up in and around Paterson, I was surrounded by the sounds of Joe Arroyo and Grupo Niche. So I have this whole urban/rock/latin/jazz/classical love. Hip-hop takes bits and pieces of all these musical genres and compiles them into one melody – with a gritty punch to it. Honestly… I can do without the lyrics most of the time. Anyone can spit identical verses, but it’s really difficult to duplicate an original beat. I find myself listening to mostly hip-hop instrumentals lately from Nicolay, Blockhead and Pete Rock. And even our local producers like Ron Alpha, Self and of course DEF DOM! If the producer is a true composer, they will be able to capture a feeling. The beat should be able to speak to you without the use of words. Whether it’s anger, sadness, love or just cooling out. Or even catching a moment in time or the feel of a place. Like the “Wild Style Subway Theme” wouldn’t really fit if played in the Rocky Mountains. A beat is so much more than a simple loop. To me, it should resemble a sort of an urban symphony. If the beat doesn’t catch me within the first few seconds, it’s shut off. My choice in music is a very personal thing. Never been a fan of straight keyboard beats. There are very few producers who utilize the piano’s range and take the time to learn chords and compositional skill of the keyboard. Hard to explain.
She: What do you think about Sheena She?
Kupi: You’re a little spit-fire. You have such a knack for style and trends. You hardly ever have a negative thing to say, but you DO keep it real. And I love that you don’t dress slutty and get caught up in the in the hype. You’re modest and keep it low-key. I love being your friend. We have different tastes in music and such, but it’s cool having someone understand my weird girly ways. I also like being apart of your journey. Seeing your growth and your strengths is pretty inspiring. But you need to quit smoking! STOP IT NOW!
She: Your fliers and websites always come out amazing. What's your secret?
Kupi: Thanks, but I really don’t think my stuff is all that great. There are MUCH better artists out there than me. I’m just trying to keep up. I went to college for 5 years, earned a Bachelors of Fine Art degree in Graphic Design, took unpaid internships, collected show flyers and ads from stores… paid my dues. I say do your research. Develop concepts, themes, break out of the traditional and learn how to manipulate your fonts, placement & layouts. Research art books and magazines. And MOST of all… stay AWAY from Photoshop filters!!! They can and most likely WILL make your art look cheese ball!
She: Are you doing any upcoming projects right now?
Kupi: I’m swamped at the moment. I just finished the 12” jacket for CL Smooth’s single release (Shaman Work Recordings). I’m laying out the poster and LP jackets for Guru’s Jazzmatazz Vol. 4. Designing EP & iTunes imagery for Junior Reid. Designing a CD cover & 12” jacket for DJ KO’s “Picture This…”. Designing a CD cover for BullyMouth’s “Eggz & Spinach”. And I was recently contacted by Waxploitation for a CD Cover design. And of course continuing projects for Delinquent Soundz, 5th Column Media, Elementality Productions, and more. Also various flyers and such for more local artists and promoters. But for myself, I am planning on doing an art book. Hoping to have it published in 2008.
She: Last words/vents/comments?
Kupi: I think I’ve blabbed enough. Haha. Let me give a HUGE thank you to everyone who has given me a shot and supported me. This past year has been a struggle, but you guys give me hope, especially my #2 fan, Rugged N Raw. Cuz mom is my #1 fan. :D
Check out www.kupiart.com for more info!
Thanks Sheena She!!!
1 comment:
thanks chica's ... enjoyed the read :) both of yall keep doin what yall doin for the culture xoxo
Post a Comment