Happy New Year, everyone! Well almost. I hope you all have a much better 2010. This past year has been tough for a lot of us, but we have to keep the faith right? Thanks to those who came through for me this year and helped keep me busy! Thanks to those who gave me shouts in their music and interviews. Means a lot to me. "Cheers to the future; may it come back." -- (Steve Ben Israel)
• :: CD Cover :: Eternia: Get Caught Up
• :: iTunes Cover :: Foundation Media: New Hits & Hot Bits
• :: Logo & Bizcard :: B-Fresh Photography & Media
• :: Flyer :: Majesty: Beyond A Reasonable Doubt Release Show
• :: Poster :: Soulsa (UK) "Un Poco Loco" Party
• :: Poster :: Aplified Entertainement: DJ Fresh NYC Party
• :: Poster :: Aplified Entertainement: DJ Fresh Miami Party
• :: Poster :: Ash Cash: Got Wealth?
12.19.09
Silent Knight - "Living Out a State of Mind Pt. 2"
New digital release! “Living Out A State of Mind Pt. 2″ is the 2nd single off DJ K.O.’s upcoming EP, Living Out A State of Mind Vol. 2, which again pairs up the two original Elementality members - Silent Knight & Analogic. Picking up where "Pt. 1" left off, the track continues to document the story of Elementality. "Pt. 2" goes back to the days of 2005 where SK, Analogic & DJ K.O. were beginning to establish themselves in the industry. This is also where I come in! Even though I didn't design this album cover, I did design Silent Knight's first CD jewel case cover, Hunger Strike. The guys were so broke, I designed it for him as a birthday present. haha. Times were better for me then. When he and K.O. came over to my place, I created a mock-up of what it would look like. He breaks it down in the song:
"It really felt right around that time / I had a sense of purpose / Like when I first wrote "Shine" / And when we met up with Kupi to check the album design / I remember seeing it in my hands for the first time / What a feeling / I didn't want to put it down / Looking at it from every angel with a stupid smile / Like a child."
You can't ask for anything more than that. Thanks SK for always being a great friend. Love you guys.
2dopeboyz.com & kevinnottngham.com present Eternia: Get Caught Up. Everyone knows I'm not a huge fan of mixtapes. But my friend Eternia came to me with an offer I couldn't refuse. These are very personal, previously unreleased tracks by Eternia. And yes, I did the art work for it. The album features production by Ant B., Apathy, Jake One, 9th Wonder and many more! Be sure to download this free mixtape and get caught up on this incredibly talented emcee.
Yes! It's one of my few design sales for the month of December! My design fee is usually more expensive, but it's a tough time for everyone. I can also get you 2500 flyers printed for only $100! I will be out of town December 10-18, so why charge full price? Contact me now so we can get started! EMAIL ME
11.29.09
Crazy month! Not only did I bring in my 33rd year on this earth, I had to report to Jury Duty! Yup, they GOT me! But all is good. It may not look like a lot, but for the past 2 weeks I've been working on various CD covers and digital releases for Soulspazm, Eternia, and Rewmec. I should be posting their work in the coming weeks. So in the meantime, here's some new works:
• :: CD Insert :: Phase One & Asa Buchanon: Bugnanas
YEAH! It's my birthday! Thanks for all the well wishes! Can you believe 2 albums I worked on were released on the same day (yesterday)?
Before you begin any project, you have to start at the drawing board. And that's exactly when the guys from Brokn.Englsh and my main dude DefDom began to make history. DefDom, who produced this entire 14-track album, is no stranger to the indie hip hop scene. He's produced tracks for everyone from Hasan Salaam to Daniel Joseph and is in an awesome R&B group called Pardon The Stranger with Kendal Good (see last month's post for the video "Brand New Me"). Brokn.Englsh have been on the scene for a minute too. They've performed at several big venues including the Brooklyn Hip Hop Festival and the Knitting Factory (NYC). Definitely keep your eyes out for these guys. The CD is a mix of rough and smooth, with some added humor in the middle. What would YOU do if Prince wanted to work with you? Download the free TEMPORARY album download while you can. I designed a Digi-Pak for them, but they decided to release it digitally first. Gotta get that buzz going! Here's the first video from the album, "Cherry Popper." (Nasty!)
Now it's time to get BUGNANAS!
I did the CD Packaging, Flyers and Posters for Bugnanas by Phase One & Asa Buchanon. I LOVE this album! It's just great feel-good, grown man hip hop. Not an abundance of swearing or knuckleheadness. Just great word play and excellet production. Crispy and light, but yet tough as nails. Not for the tight pants wearing MCs. They just launched a myspace page for the release, so make sure you link up with them here: myspace.com/bugnanas. Check out a couple videos to give you an idea of what I mean:
11.06.09
It's a Hub City Revival double feature! Come by on November 20th in Jersey City, NJ and/or November 21st in New Brunswick, NJ to meet & greet, plus hear some great music! Some of my work will be on display during the November 20th show. You can link to us here: myspace.com/hubcityrevival
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
11.17.09
Brokn.Englsh - The Drawing Board
Yup another project by yours truly. Well, the art, not the music. I'll leave that up to my boys from Brokn.Enlgsh. The album features tracks with Pardon The Stranger, 8thW1, Daniel Joseph, and Rewmec. The entire album was produced by my bestest homie DefDom. Download this free album and as they say... JERSEY STAND UP!
Happy November! I was pretty busy last month. Hub City Revival was great. We're having another 2 shows back to back this month. Also got to hang out with my amazing photography friend, B-Fresh. I'll be rebranding her business, so be on the look-out for those projects coming soon. And don't forget! November 11 is my birthday!
• :: iTunes Cover :: DJ K.O. : Picture These Remixes
• :: Flyer :: Ameena Dove : Actress/Host/Model
• :: Flyer :: BROKN.ENGLSH : The Drawing Board Listening Party &
"Cherry Popper" Video Screening
• :: Flyer :: Hub City Revival (October 2009)
• :: Flyer :: Da Sessions Hip Hop Showcase & Open Mic
Hub City Revival is back in swing! Come by on October 24th to meet & greet, plus hear some great music! And yes, some of my work will be on display. And yup, I designed this ad as well. :D
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
CLICK TO ENLARGE FLYER
10.10.09
Congratulations to my main dude DefDom and Kendal Good of Pardon The Stranger. They just released their first video called "Brand New Me." For the R&B lovers. I was literally at a show where Kendal was singing and girls I knew watched this man in awe, then whispered to me "Do I REALLY have to have a boyfriend?" Kendal's voice and DefDom's production feels like a warm summer's breeze. Bob your head to this one and feel good about yourself!
And if you're wondering, yes I will be re-working their CD Cover. To be re-released in Feb/Mar 2010. In the beginning of the video you can even see a beat battle award of Def's. And yeah, I designed that too way back in 2005 for the MTP Beat Battle. My how we've grown. HAHA.
10.09.09
DJ Juice E
DJ Juice E(Brooklyn) doesn't just give you one mix to download. She gives you FOUR plus ONE MORE! If you've been to one of her many Sucia Parties, then you'll want to take home the music by downloading these classic joints! DJ Juice E. digs deep in the crates to bring you mixes of classic rare grooves, funk, soul, house, reggae, bugalu, old school hip hop, and more. Continuous blends with no annoying bombs, sirens, or drops. Just good to the soul music!
The #5 free download is Loer Velocity's Uninfatuated EP. This features some tracks produced by DJ Juice E and the first track "Morn'N Afta" also features her singing on the hook!
As far as my role? I did the covers for them all except for Lo's. I also designed and help maintain the website (www.piecemasters.com). Check it all out!
Today's high was 65º. Do you KNOW how long I've been waiting for this day? Good-bye summer, hello autumn! It was kind of a slow month, however a lot of time was put into putting together a CD Digi-Pak for Brokn.Englsh and other smaller projects. Also been planning out projects for next month, including the return of Hub City Revival. Stay tuned for that! There's always a calm before the storm. This is how I ended September:
• :: iTunes Cover :: DJ Juice E : Sucia Promo Mix
• :: iTunes Cover ::DJ Juice E : The Treatment
• :: iTunes Cover :: Regulatin' Music : Heavy Hitters: World Series '09
• :: CD Cover :: Brokn.Englsh: The Drawing Board
• :: Flyer :: The Gathering (Philly)
09.14.09
August was hot and gross. As it always is. Laptop needed a logic board transplant in Texas. But she's back and better than ever. Thanks to Stephen for his diagnosis and all his help. But now that we're back on track, here's the rest of the new works from August:
• :: iTunes Cover :: DJ Revolution: One Dub Plate at a Time:
A History of Soulspazm
• :: CD Cover :: FUSE Band: The Soul Rebels
• :: Poster :: DJ Disco Wiz "Hip Hop Chronicles" on Urban Latino
• :: T-Shirt :: W.E.P.A. Organization: "Los Siete Suenos"
• :: T-Shirt :: W.E.P.A. Organization: "Porque Sonar Es Vivir"
08.08.09
Today marks the one year anniverary of Rugged N Raw's album release of Truth Serum. Remember that piece? It was the CD Cover were I designed each panel by hand. CLICK HERE to revisit the journy of this project and if you haven't yet picked up a copy of the album, please do so by clicking the icon over here to the left.
Thanks for all the support!
And the work continues! So where are we a year later? Summer is halfway over. Thank goodness. Although this summer has been pretty mild, nothing is better than sweater weather! Well, in my case hoodie jackets. Hope you all enjoy the final weeks of the season. Here's what I've been doing during these not so lazty days of summer:
• :: MySpace Page Design :: DJ Spinna
• :: iTunes Cover :: Grand Agent [f] Raynge + Camp Lo
: "Minivan"
• :: iTunes Cover :: Soulspazm "The Nicest" Series Volumes 1-5
• :: Poster :: Fuse Band and Soul Rebels Album Release Party
• :: Web Banner :: Dr. Pete Gratale : PowerCentering 2.0
07.15.09
Silent Knight - D.O.A. (Death Of Apathy)
Don't look so MAD, SK! New digital freebie from Silent Knight up for download on kevinnottngham.com. As you know I do the majority of Silent Knight's album art, so it's only right that I give you access to more of his incredible and timeless music. No, this is NOT a diss track toward the emcee Apathy. SK doesn't get down like that. With the help of Brazilian producer, Laudz they represent Elementality Productions flawlessly. Now, Elementality Productions will be releasing a few digital downloads this year (such as DJ K.O Presents: Living Out A State of Mind). Unfortunately I'm not designing most of the covers. But we are all still family and that's no reason for you not to get yourself some great new tunes! And what's the best part? I get a shout out on the song! "Give it to KupiArt / Put a fly design on it." We're also setting up for a few new Hub City Revival events. Stay tuned!
Had to get out of town for a little while. Nothing bad. It's just good to take a time out and regroup... and of course visit famiy! Hope you are all keeping cool heads during these rough times. I know I'm definitely laying off the music biz for a while. Well, at least trying to. Enjoy my latest work! Also check out the photo retouching section for some new "before and after" magic with Oscar, the alien on "The Sessions" flyers.
• :: Flyer :: Opposite Ends Album Release Show
• :: Flyer :: Spring Sessions (June 2009)
• :: E-Flyer :: Dam-Funk In-store Appearance
• :: Logo :: eMommie.com
• :: Logo :: Actually Clean, LLC
• :: Logo :: W.E.P.A. Organization
• :: Bizcard :: Actually Clean, LLC
• :: Bizcard :: W.E.P.A. Organization
06.15.09
Congratulations to author Ivan Sanchez and DJ Disco Wiz and the release of their book It's Just Begun: The Epic Journey of DJ Disco Wiz, Hip Hop's First Latino DJ. I've only know Wiz for the last couple of years, but have been a fan for the majority of my hip hop loving life. He and I worked together to create a logo for this "Hip Hop Meets Spoken Wordz" event, which fuses exceptional hip hop lyricists with innovative poets. Which if you're a bit more rounded in hip hop than just what's on the radio, then you know this isn't a huge stretch for most well-versed MCs. Wiz has show me, and my partner in crime (RNR) a whole lot of love and respect, and in turn I hope Wiz knows just how much we owe him. Thanks a bunch Wiz! We're fans, peers, and wish you much more success with the book, the music, and all your ventures! It's JUST begun!
This photo was taken at the Born In The Bronx book release party in February of 2008 of DJ Disco Wiz & myself.
05.12.09
Back to business. Enjoy the work & this glorious weather!
• :: Flyer :: Spring Sessions (May 2009)
• :: E-Flyer :: Disco Dom's Birthday Extravaganza (2009)
• :: Bizcard :: Monique (hair stylist)
• :: Fine Art :: Beetlejuice Munny
04.16.09
Kind of a slow month. Been helping out more with some event planning for some friends. The Red Velvet party was fantasic! Also a big congrats to Ameena Dove. She's featured in the new Kayne West video "Street Lights". I think 2009 is going to be the music video year for my friends. Hopefully things will begin looking up for yours truly too.
• :: CD Insert :: The Custodian of Records : She Hate Me (Some Beats I Did) Instrumental CD
• :: CD Insert :: CF: Constant Flow : Noncypher
• :: Flyer :: Spring Sessions (April 2009)
• :: Fine Art :: Girl Munny
• :: Fine Art :: Rugged N Raw Munny
04.06.09
Another great music video off Rugged N Raw's album Truth Serum. I got to do his make-up, blood and all for this video. Tell me what you think! This was filmed & directed by Mark Carranceja of Noisemaker Media One. If you like horror movies, you just might like this!
Hope you're all hanging in there doing this difficult time. Politics are politics no matter who is in charge. I'm still on the full time job hunt. Here's how I've been passing the time:
• :: Flyer :: Rugged N Raw : "The Ultimate" Music Video Screening
• :: Flyer :: Career Fair
• :: Flyer :: Spring Sessions (March 2009)
03.23.09
Gabriel Urist took a random fun image and logo design I created for Mr. Len, and made it into an eye-catching fashion piece! It's a one of a kind, made of brass and nickel. I personally think it's fantastic! You can visit Gabriel's website at www.gabrieluristjewelry.com.
02.22.09
Yes, I revamped my website once again. I guess I just wanted to tone it down. I've done a lot but only wanted to feature my best works. You get better with age, right? Eventually, I plan on working less with music and focus on other prospects. This is what I've been up to lately:
• :: Sale Sheet :: Guru : Guru 8.0: Lost & Found
• :: Flyer :: Red Velvet: Art & Music Event
• :: CD Insert :: Analogc : In Case You Missed It Vol. 1
• :: CD Insert :: Keisha Shontelle : L.O.V.E.
• :: Bizcard :: Melissa Almonor (1)
• :: Bizcard :: Melissa Almonor (2)
• :: Flyer :: Public Assembly Show
02.09.09
New video by Hasan Salaam. This is one of the singles, "15 Minutes", off his album Children of God which I did the album artwork for. Enjoy!
02.06.09
Hey! Did you go to any shows at the Knitting Factory last year? Wish you had something to remember it by? Well, now I'm selling digital prints of some of the posters I designed for shows held at the legendary club. My favorite is the Rakim show from 12.19.08. I redesigned it so it features EVERYONE who performed on stage that night, including Planet Asia, Questlove, and Consequence. So check out the store section and pick one (or two) today! (More goodies coming soon!)
01.14.09
Happy New Year! Man, 2008 was crazy. I got screwed at my job but gained a lot of respect for pushing on. It's a good thing I'm a stable-minded person. Not to mention the 2009 job market is so horrible right now. It can really take a toll on your self-esteem. What's a girl to do? I'm still searching for a full time position, so if you hear anything, let me know!
Don't let the website fool you. Yes, I have spent much of my time promoting and advertising for the music industry, however I am also well polished for the conservative and commercial ad world. My strong design eye can make any marketing concept come to life. I actually spend more time reading PRINT and Domino Magazine more than XXL or The Source.
During my employment at my previous companies, I was able to increase sales, increase productivity, and give a unique fresh style to their product, whether it was a magazine, a trade show, or a musical venture. I'm the type of person who follows through on an assignment to the very end, resourceful, and known for paying fine attention to detail.
If there's anything else you'd like to know, please feel free to contact me anytime!
