Lyrics with Laci

If you missed the last post, for the month of February I did a black history collab with TYPICAL mag. The partnership was a 5-part series of designs based on songs of empowerment, love, and resistance. Sadly black history month and my collab is over but I want to share the entire project and give you some context behind each design. 

#1 Nina Simone: Mississippi Goddam

I already gave detail on this one here but for a quick overview:  Creatively 'Mississippi Goddam' has so many feelings, from the happy bounce of the instruments to some of the painful lyrics about what was happening in the south at that time. I wanted to create something that feels happy, but with earthly undertones. Even though this wasn't a happy time you can tell through Nina's sound that she used her music as healing to help the people. The bars represent both piano keys and the sign of equality – something my people died for in the south.

#2 Marvin Gaye: Inner City Blues

For this one I remember closing my eyes and thinking of the type of scene I see when this song plays. I immediately envisioned someone in their Detriot apartment reading a newspaper really frustrated with the ways of the world. When the person looks outside they see the things that are in the newspaper homeless, segregation – general pain. I wanted to capture the idea of that building and the vibe of an inner city. 

#3 The Impressions: Keep on pushing

From the title you can tell this is a song about empowerment and keeping your head up. *Fun fact, this actually started as a gospel song! Since this song is a reaction to the black struggle I wanted to create something that represents that BUT also shows that color is fun and beautiful. The beauty lies in the struggle. 

#4 Kendrick Lamar: Complexion (A Zulu Love)

This graphic is probably my fav! From the title you know its obviously about complexion but Kdot hits a lot of different points from embracing complexions to colorism that exists in the black community. Back in the day people would do a paper bag test which means if your skin was darker in than the bag you were not allowed in whatever space. For example certain sororities would apply that rule in their qualifications so if didn't fit that mold you were not considered. This graphic is a celebration on complexion. 

#5 Solange: Where do we go

Damn I love this song. Its so melodic and it can relate to so many things. I honestly think she's talking about two things: relationships and the black struggle. I see a lot of colors when I listen to Solo so I knew I wanted to something colorful and bold. When I think about the phase 'where do we go' the response it up. Of course the journey up won't be smooth but we can get there – which led to my rough line to the top. This one is my fav behind the Kendrick one. 

I gotta give a shoutout to TYPICAL Mag, I loved this project and hate that Black History Month is over! Each year I usually do a black history challenge when I create something each day for the culture but since the month was so busy I had NO time so instead at some point I'm going to do "30 days of blackness" I'm not sure when I'm starting but its coming! Because one month is not enough when we're relevant AF everyday.