A disciple of small talk, the art of Vince is to be in his presence, stories of grandeur, and the rollercoaster of vocations
"It's the fear of the unknown. That failure could be imminent. but so could perseverance"
So I find myself constantly thinking about time and space, I reflect on the notion that this instance has potentially occurred in another dimension, (Ive clearly watched Interstellar too many times). I begin to think about how vast those theories of time and space are; that at this moment, like an epiphany, I’ve seen the past, and I’ve discerned it. Consider your existence for a moment, or more precisely, self-identity. A myriad of ideas flow through your consciousness, and you settle on a few. On the way to work, you reconsider, am I really that person?
Friday night, Bed-Stuy: its Vince’s send off party, covid-protocols observed; the group is scattered across the rooftop. Upon entry, it's suggested you add a song to the queue, { Rising to the Top} that was my selection. After a few socially distanced greetings, I jumped right to the point; “Vince, how do you feel?” In a year that allowed us to take a step a back and prioritize, a year that showed again, that #BLACKLIVESMATTER, a year that showed injustice and racial inequality were pillars of America. A year that we lost; family, friends, acquaintances, purpose. “Im excited”, he laughed, It's the fear of the unknown, that failure could be imminent, but so could perseverance. We[western culture] believe that so much of our self identity is attributed to the job we work, if stripped away, what contents make up our character, what is indivisible.
[ Song Break; Dear Mama- Tupac ]
As I scan the room, quick head-nods to a few familiar faces, faux cheers to those close by, and a drink refill. “That’s what interest me!”, as I turn back around. “If I’m getting to know somebody and your “job” is in line with your humanistic endeavors, do you consider it a job? The contents of our character are not subject to our occupation; treating people with respect and kindness should be innate qualities. Those endeavors to create; through any art form are indivisible”. [I begin to wonder] In the simplest form, stripped of a title, I seek to uplift, empower and encourage; I’m more than just a narrator.
"The contents of our character are not subject to our occupation; treating people with respect and kindness should be innate qualities"
[Vince continues] “Its society that demands you work the 9-5, for what? Scraps? I understand the hustle & bustle, the need to work the 9-5 job that defines your self-worth, but understand that at face value; its merely scraps [job] don’t think anything different. Qualitatively, the manager at McDonald’s is doing the same thing as the man at Goldman Sachs; the compensation is different, but the quality is still the same, just trying to get food [paid]…
I digressed… ”
There is no difference between what you’re doing, and why I choose to play music one day, I don’t expect any sort of economic thing, and if you reduce it down, how is it any different than being a high powered attorney to working at Family Dollar, they shouldn’t be looked down upon. But unfortunately, we [society] think it does, and that’s the problem. Strip away that title, and guess what, this is me. That is what I respond to; what are you serious about, that which can’t be taken away. As I triple check my recorder is on, he pivoted with a chilling anecdote. “ For whatever reason, week 3 of quarantine, I proceeded to research Julius Caesar; and apparently, when he became dictator, he had this parade at the coliseum, dressed in his regalia, very ostentatious fellow, every time the crowd cheered, his slave, stationed behind him, would whisper in his ear; “You are just a man” “You are just a man, never forget it”
No difference, nothing has changed. Once you remove that, a lot of it is fear, especially in NY, you're unemployed, hate your job, what are you going to do about it? Confront it. Does it say anything about you?
I reflect about what I did during quarantine, and what I gained from that experience. I reset: mentally; my mind was sharpened, physically; my body was stretched, emotionally; my feelings expanded. I allowed myself to absorb energy, manifesting itself in many art forms. I confronted fear, and embraced my endeavors, crafting the consciousness of my character. When I began this project, I envisioned a book that told never-ending stories, relatable characters that inspired readers to create art.
When I reached out to Vince to be apart of this book, I thought about how much of his art form is conversation; stories of grandeur, joys in different cities. Originally from Marlton, NJ, a stint in West Philly is what sparked creative exploration. Adjacent row homes, underground house parties hosted math-rock. He churned out sounds, while contributing to the melting pot of cultures. I met him during his NYC residency, performing live shows, an overall conversationalist. Very fitting for this story to launch January; I remember cohosting NYE with Vince a few years back; Black-tie optional(preferred). Along the night, our party came to encompass a melting pot of cultures. Different life experiences build perspective, they inspire and influence us, just like this book. I want these stories to transport moods, spark conversations, and create art.
Agency: t-moods @t__moods
Directed & Narrated by: Dj McDonald @Tiger.Moods
Photographer: Irwin Rajos @Irwinrojas_
Styling: Morgane Press @Morganepress
Clothing: Press @Press.nyc