Scali

photos by Neil Bedford

photos by Neil Bedford

“I live for memories, the reason I do it is so people can see it (the memories)”
— Scali

We pulled up to Del Mar, San Diego to sit down with Visual Artist Scali...who is more of an overall Artist. He grew up with a music background playing guitar & piano which he incorporates into his “visual” work today.  Scali picked up photography in high school, skating & recording his friends...while rapping haha which turned into making his own beats “Scali Beats” aka birth of Scali. But the “Bay” is where he fell in love with the art of photography. After submerging himself in all the art San Francisco had to offer, he purchased his first camera.

Follow along below to experience each chapter!

Chapter 1

Working for The Hundreds Blog

Chapter 2

Working with Highsnobiety

Mac Miller - Behind the Track

Kobe Bryant - Behind the Scenes

circa 2020

Chapter 4

Melvin Ingram/Roc Nation

King Mel - Album Preview

NBA All Star Weekend

Chapter 5

Somewhere in SD

Somewhere in SD

Interview

Question 1: What inspired you?

Growing up, I was always inspired by the people closest to me. My Dad is a amazing artist & my brother introduced me to everything that’s cool. When it come to photography, my friends were living in different places & I would buy cameras off them & travel all around California just taking in the scenery. I’m still inspired by those around me, including new friends. It’s a tribe if you know what I mean.

Question 2: What advice do you have for the youth aspiring to be artist?

My advice to those getting into visual art is to never stop shooting & never stop trying something new. Do more with less. Find something you like & stick to it.

NikkoSan

Inland Records
Chess Moves

“Chess Moves”

Meet Founder & Artist of Inland Records NikkoSan. He invited us to his newly opened Studio located in Corona,CA (Inland Empire). First thing we got into was his new EP “Toxicity”; this was his first project produced through Inland Records. NikkoSan has been making music since he was in the 11th grade and over the course of his career has had many studios... but the new Inland Headquarters is home. Taking the same mentality he had when he was on the court, NikkoSan is always in the gym working on his craft. With the ability to produce everything in-house, NikkoSan & his team are constantly improving. Be on the lookout for his new visual “Toxicity” dropping soon. To stay updated with NikkoSan follow here.

Interview

Question 1: What inspired you?

Music is something I use to escape. Escape from all the expectations and perceptions from people. Its a outlet I use to just vent. So Inspiration comes in many different forms for me. Whether its through a struggle I overcame, or still trying to overcome still...or who I strive to be as a person in the future. Sometimes for me inspiration comes from just the people around me; it comes from me wanting to be successful and not letting the people who believe in me down.

Question 2: What advice do you have to aspiring artist?

 The advice I have for the Youth is just to keep your tunnel vision. Don’t worry about whats going on around you. Who is doing what. What you are missing out on. Where you are at now. Because everyone is operating on their own time table. Some people see success at 20. Others see success at 30. Don’t pay attention to the runner who is in the next lane over, just focus on the finish line.

Gallery

Words & Imagery by ARTbyMo

Jake Bunnell

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Understand that your art is a life long commitment.You do it because deep down you love it.Not because you want attention or anything else from it.Feel blessed that you discovered this part about yourself and allow yourself to have fun inside the process.If you’re not having fun while you’re creating/practicing then there is something wrong with your mindset.Remember you have all the power to switch that way of thinking.Train your mind to love the grind.

EVERYTHING POSITIVE!!!

-Jake Bunnell

Meet Beatmaker, Producer, & Turntablist Jake Bunnell. Currently making slaps out of San Diego county, Jake sat down with us to talk about his inspiration in music, how to make a beat and new music he’s working on. Seeing Dj Craze live was the moment he realized this style of art was for him, shortly after Jake picked up scratching. Finding DJ Q*bert allowed Jake to focus on becoming a Dj, equipping him with the fundamentals to not only produce a track but be able to rock a party on the tables as well. Earlier this year 4/20 to be exact, Jake B released his debut project ‘Slaps‘ which is available on all streaming platforms. You can view his music catalog here. Keep up with Jake Bunnell by following him on instagram @jakebunnellmusic.

INTERVIEW

Question 1: What inspired you ?

My first inspiration to make music came from an overwhelming feeling/need to be creative and have some sort of self expression through an artistic medium. There were still other motives, like making a living off what I love to do and not conforming to a regular 9-5 lifestyle. So once I found the producer/beat maker/DJ community and saw people making a living doing this, I knew that’s the path I wanted to take. Cut to a few year later, and that inspiration has exponentially grown. Music is just part of who I am now. I find myself wanting to improve daily so that my time on this planet is used to its maximum potential. The goal is to be better than I was yesterday and approach everything in life with an eagerness to learn. Whether that’s emotional, spiritual or financial. I’m inspired to become a well rounded human being who can be a positive force for my loved ones and community! Music was the catalyst that started this journey of self exploration/discipline and I really don’t know where I would be without it! I’m forever grateful for it to have come into my life.

Question 2: What advice do you have for the youth aspiring to be artist?

Everyone’s journey through life is different, so I give this advice, as if it is, to my younger self who is listening. But, that would be to take life one step at a time and to be open to all the possibilities that life has to offer. There is no need to rush and stress yourself out by thinking about how far you have to go or how “unsuccessful” you might be. Live day by day and just focus on being the best you can be within that 24 hour time period. Know that you are already everything you want to be and that this will shine through hard work. Have the confidence to follow your intuition and have the courage to push your comfort zone to the maximum. There is a lesson within every aspect of life that will help build you into the person you want to be. And many of these lesson, will be found outside of music! Live life and don’t let music consume yours. Work hard and then work harder! Learn new skills and hobbies that you feel drawn to, but don’t ever forget that the people you love come first. Remember to nurture the relationships around you and to keep your circle small. Fill it with people who inspire you and push you to be better. Also, always remind yourself of the saying from Jocko Willink (retired Navy Seal) ”DISCIPLINE=FREEDOM!!!!”

Words & Photos by ARTbyMo

Bcray

Love, Bcray by Bcray…OUT NOW!

Love, Bcray by Bcray…OUT NOW!

“This album tells the story of her challenges with love and lust, and how hard it was to move forward from sinful desires. It explains eventually how Bcray and her ways must be eliminated in order to be saved by YAH her heavenly father.”
— Love, Bcray

Right before Bcray released her new album ‘Love, Bcray’ she invited us into her studio for an early listen. But before we got to the album, she shared with us her journey into the art of music. Bcray is a former Pro athlete, competing overseas (Finland,Germany,China) for a few years chasing her dreams as a hooper. She talked about how the traveling experience made her stronger overall; playing in another country & coming home for the summer without a job got hard…and at one point left her homeless. This was the turning point in Bcray’s career, the music grind got real. Making music was something she was always passionate about, but once she put the ball down and started applying that same work ethic to the music her life changed. So here we are, in Orange County listening to her new project, which she described as a letter to her fans as well as to herself. To keep up with Bcray follow her on instagram: @officialbcray & listen to her new album here.

GALLERY

Writing by ARTbyMo

Photography by Jamil Brown Photography

INTERVIEW

Question 1:What inspired you?

I was inspired by adversity. Growing up I didn’t have much, a lot of my family was involved in substance abuse, gangs, or they were in jail. Music helped me release my thoughts and stay out of that world. It gave me a safe place and a way to express myself. My brother (Acetunez) and I started as a group together and that kept us going. We wanted to make it out with our art and so that inspired us everyday. I also get inspired by experiences I could be with a bunch of friends one day and then think of a random beat or song. The experience of living life itself inspires me to talk about it! All praise to the Most High for the gift of music. 


Question 2:What advice do you have for the youth?

Don’t forget why you started. Remember that you do it because of your love for the craft not for opinions of others. There will be people out there that don’t support you maybe even family, but keep grinding. If you are doing what you truly love no one will be able stop you! There are also gonna be times where you feel like you wanna quit, that’s when you gotta work even harder to get over that wall. We get tested for a reason and that is to see if our heart is really in it.

Espy

Create Change…

Create Change…

A few weeks ago we were able to cover muralist and live painter Jonathan “Espy” Cirlin, as he created a mural for UPVHS in Los Angeles. After 20 years of conducting art, Espy is in the prime of his art career. Moving forward he has decided to only work on projects with people who have positive intentions for art. Born in Jersey & raised in Philly, Espy would start in the streets of his communities; coming from a family of artist it was not hard for him to get inspired. However moving to LA was a turning point in his career, he was able to surround himself with artist that were better which allowed him to improve as an artist. Today you can find him in the field, working on a new mural. Follow him and his work here.

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"I have over 300 murals in this neighborhood"

INTERVIEW

Question 1: what inspired you? 

A great amount of things, music, art and whatever motivates me in that moment. I produce art everyday, it is my living, my life’s dream and form of expression. So staying inspired is a way of life. I try to have a steady stream of various music, dance and art every day in my life as well as surround myself with working professionals who are like minded artist.

Question 2: what advice do you have for the youth aspiring to be artist?

Some advice I would for the youth trying to be artists would be to surround yourself with positive people that support your dreams. Produce art for yourself, not for anyone or thing(Instagram,social media etc). About 90% of the work u will make won’t be sold, so focus on perfecting your craft and create your own standards and practices. At the end of the day you will be a better artist for holding yourself accountable for trying to reach your dreams. And like anything the more u practice the better u will be. Whatever ur passion or outlet to creativity is, make sure it makes you feel joy and follow those feelings and directions and it will lead you to where you need to go. As a professional I’d say there is always opportunity for artist to make money being creative, so if you desire you can do art or creative work the rest of your life and feel bliss while seeking it.

GALLERY

Photography by Jamil Brown & Marrice Hill

Chef Steven Agosto

A Puerto Rican kid from the Bronx, went from cooking in the trenches to cooking for the world!

A Puerto Rican kid from the Bronx, went from cooking in the trenches to cooking for the world!

We took a trip to the desert to visit 5 star Chef De Cuisine, Steven “Chef Papi” Agosto. He welcomed us into his kitchen to show us what he has been working on for the upcoming spring menu. His restaurant Cielo, has been a 4 diamond award level restaurant for the last several years but just recently they were able to achieve best food,steak & overall restaurant (via Open Table). These accomplishments have inspired new goals, he now wants to be rated top 100 restaurant in the nation! He talks about how growing up in the Bronx helped form the chef he is today; his grandma was a big influence on him becoming a chef. She always prepared home-made meals from scratch, but he would not appreciate them until he went to the military. While in the service he became a self-taught chef, just trying to make anything better than the “cafeteria food” they were providing. Shortly after his time in the military he would attend culinary arts school & land his first restaurant job; not as a chef but as a dishwasher/prep. His willingness to learn and be better than the next man allowed him to promote within his field. In due time he worked his way up to becoming Chef De Cuisine, and now his goal is to make all of his cooks better and hopefully chefs one day.

INTERVIEW

Question 1: what inspired you ? 

I get inspiration from  everything around me. From my guest who travel over 3 hours to eat at my restaurant while passing 50 steakhouses on the way to my restaurant. 

I get inspiration from everyone I work with, getting to know everyones background and letting everyone feel and be apart of the process. No greater feeling than motivating your staff to be great. 

And finally getting inspiration from my family, from rebranding the classics your grandma use to cook, to having an autistic daughter who is a picky eater and you need to cook 3 different diners to make sure she is eating correctly. Without love and passion you would never make it.

Question 2: what advice do you have for the youth aspiring to be artist?

Look,  I am gonna be straight forward.... Don’t make excuses! No matter how hard things get, no matter if the world is falling apart around you , it does not matter. I was never a kobe fan( I'm a NY Knicks fan lol) but one thing I respect is the mamba mentality. You have to have a killer mentality , nothing can get in the way of your dream, not your mother, father, brother , sister, friend, grandma. At the end of the day you control your own life and nobody can stop you from greatness. Every sweat, every tear, every hurting bone in your body should be pushing until the last bitter second; and it's all gonna be worth it at the end. Chef Papi out prattttt!

GALLERY

Kickasso

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“In 2nd grade I won an art contest, it was a chalk drawing featured @ University of North Texas. I remember the event vividly & I’ve been hooked on art ever since”.

The legendary Kickasso invited us into his shop for a interview & tour of the place, we talked everything art from sneaker collections to cartoon shows from the early 90s. He started off doing canvas work of shoes, before actually customizing shoes. 2011 was the year he started painting on shoes.  Growing up he didn’t have the opportunity to have “cool” sneakers so he didn’t pay them much attention... until ‘95 when Jason Kidd rocked the “air zoom flights” the appreciation for sneaker culture began. Even though customizing sneakers is what he’s most known for; Kickasso doesn’t have a particular style as he navigates in realism, abstract , graffiti etc.

First shoes ever painted was a pair of Oreo 6 Air Jordans.

Lebron 9’s were the first shoe that established his imprint in customizing sneakers. Kickasso would eventually create his own silhouette, releasing a high & low top version (pictured above). Today you can find him at his storefront located in DTLA or on FuseTV Tuesday’s @ 11pm est. Please enjoy our gallery from the interview below!

INTERVIEW

Question 1: what inspired you ? 

I’m inspired by everything.. colors, animals, people etc 

Question 2: what advice do you have for the youth aspiring to be artist?

Practice practice practice ! It takes many hours don’t give up.

Nathan James

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Meet Nathan James aka “The Photo Papí”, we took a trip to Los Angeles  to catch up with the artist and he filled us in on everything he has going on. Born and raised in Denver, Colorado before making his home LA in 2017. But before that he took his talents to Wyoming on a full ride scholarship for basketball. One could consider what happened in Wyoming a blessing in disguise; he underwent 2 knee surgeries which kept him sidelined and that’s when he started investing his time into art. But it wasn’t photography, Nathan took a liking to painting & customizing sneakers which led to painting on women...and well how do you show off all the work, that’s right by taking “photos” of it. His mother, who is an art teacher as well as an artist herself happened to send him a camera. Little did she know it would lead Nathan to become one of the biggest photographers in the world. While painting and  dabbling in photography, he also took on a role of managing different artist but that didn’t last long because it held him back from being creative. It wasn’t until 2019 which he calls his “rookie year” where he invested all of his time solely into the art of photography. One of his most iconic photos which came early in his career was a photo of Post Malone (see below) which sparked a buzz as Post was the biggest new artist at the time. Today you will still find Nathan collaborating with heavyweight artist like The Game, Trippie Red, and Tory Lanez. But he didn’t want to stop there, he is now stepping into the field of music himself. Months after his solo gallery “Nightmares” Nathan has decided to release a song for each piece. Follow him on his journey here and tune in for his 1st song that drops tonight! 2/20/20 9pm

Photo by Nathan James circa 2015

Photo by Nathan James circa 2015

INTERVIEW

What inspired you?

I was inspired by the passion & excitement that photography gave me. The process of not having everything planned out, and the fact that photography could take you to places & put you in doors you couldn’t get in without it. Another component of inspiration is being able to create myself, knowing you created something or did something creative is a great feeling.

What advice do you have for aspiring artist?

One thing I ALWAYS tell people is make sure you are passionate about whatever you are pursuing. And if you have the passion, you have to work hard & stay consistent. If you have passion, good work ethic and consistent that’s a dangerous combination.

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