Whilst watching a few videos on YouTube, this Jame’s Harden Adidas Commercial caught my attention and I didn’t click “Skip Ad.” The commercial authentically intrigued me because it merged a few favorites of mine (when combined) sports, branding, and design. The commercial positions James Harden as the narrator of various scenarios that depict the void that a lack of creativity would create. Watch the commercial, below:

Transcending the importance of creativity in sports, this commercial (one of several commercial in Adidas “Needs Creators” campaign) implicitly expounds upon the importance of our individual creativity. Here’s five things you can learn about your creativity:

1. Creativity separates you from the usual, the expected, or the normal.
2. Creativity breathes life into your style; style (whether it’s what you wear, what you do, or how you exhibit your purpose) is how you fulfill your greatness.
3. Creativity is what makes you hot; your God-given ingenuity is what produces God-given [graytness].
4. Creativity unboxes the gifts, talents, and skills to the world.
5. Creativity allows you to live a life that is beyond basic; allows you to operate above basic.

The world needs your God-given creativity, use it in exhibiting your God-given [graytness].

The post Five Things to Learn About Your Creativity from @JamesHarden’s #Adidas “Basketball Needs Creators” Commercial first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

We. Go. Through. Things. Life has a way of exalting us in the happier of times and breaking us down in the harder of times. Sometimes, regardless of the situation, we lose sight or confidence that things will work out or get better. Tye Tribbett’s new single, “Work It Out” aims to remind us (me) that things will work out, through the involvement of God, in a eclectically engaging manner.

Before buying or streaming “Work It Out”, explore three reasons why you you should hold your head up, put your headphones in, and go OFFF to the song:

1. The Fusion of Trap & Gospel Harmonies & Arrangements: Now, listen here, I need to go purchase two things after listening to this track: 1). a Waka-Flocka esque dread wig to go awf at the drop of the beat throughout the song and 2). A praise dancer jersey material garment to praise dance in when the Gospel harmonies lace the track during several parts of the song. If you’re fond of OT Genasis’ “OG Bobby Johnson”, listen to this song because Tye Tribbett successfully bridged elements of today’s sound with gospel elements integral to his sound throughout the years.
2. The God-Centered Message: The track doesn’t glorify our problems or prioritize the significance of our issues in our life, instead, the track aims to amplify the significance of God’s power and capabilities in your life, REGARDLESS of the mountains of issues or struggles we face daily.
3. Lyrical Simplicity: The chorus and hook are aptly simple, making the song easy to sing along to and easy to speak over your life during the good times or the hard times. Making you believe every word lacing the beat.

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, artistic aesthetics, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post DONE GRAYT: Tye Tribbett’s “Work it Out” + Three Reasons to Listen! first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Honestly, truly, I have an affinity for clean, hype, motivational tracks. Last month, I shared 10 major keys from Kaleb Mitchell’s “45” mixtape–hypothetically, the soundtrack for everyone hustling to reach their dreams. Since that post, he’s released “Get It,” another bonafide “score” to the “film” of a dreamer’s life. The Juice Bangers production, the motivational & affirmational lyrics, and its sonic relevance converge to make this song one of the songs to add to your playlist when striving & thriving towards your dreams. Listen to the track below & get into five keys on getting it:

Four Keys on Getting It:

1. It’s a Requirement: You have to make up in your mind that you HAVE TO WAKE UP AND GET IT! “Have To” being the operative phrase!
2. Don’t Stop: Make up in your mind that their is NO STOPPING YOUR GRIND!
3. Work Hard:  Your hard work pays off! Your hard work works hard for your success!
4. Believe in Yourself: Everyday you wake up & look in the mirror, believe YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES to NOT STOP & WORK HARD! You have what it takes to be First Place!

Support & Buy “Get It” on iTunes!

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, artistic aesthetics, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post DONE GRAYT: @KalebMitchell’s “Get It” + Four Keys on Getting It! first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

While browsing Alic Wall’s Soundcloud, I came across Kaleb Mitchell’s “45” Mixtape. Soundbites, ridiculously hype production, and a good flow can easily keep me locked into a musical piece. Comprising all of the above, Kaleb Mitchell’s “45” definitely locked me in and hasn’t let me go, yet.

I always live for a good musical project that projects inspiration & motivation onto the listener–it makes it easier to listen to when working towards your own destiny. Doing just that, “45” has definitely become something to listen to while working, working out, or just brainstorming ideas on how to push closer to your purpose.

The Vibe:

This musical collective doesn’t lock you in over vain ambitions or vain accomplishments; the substance of the album and the subsequent vibe it fosters is what makes this a moving hip-hop fused mixtape. 45 is raw in its authenticity, honest in subject matter that millennials face, and emotional in its transparency. Kaleb’s aggressive and sincere flow fused with the mixtape’s general high energy elevates the mixtape’s relatability to a higher level. Above all, the contemporary nature of the mixtape makes for a comfortable listen.

The 10 #MajorKeys: Legitimately, each track has some “key” to make your good, GRAYT. Here’s 10 key takeaways to unlocking your GRAYTNESS from Kaleb Mitchell’s “45”:

1. Never say never, recapture your dream. (Track: 45)
2. Disregard the doubters of your dream. Be confident and determined in your destiny. Believe in your special! (Track: Whatchu Mean)
3. “Set a goal and execute” & Continue to believe in your dream. (Track: Free Throws)
4. “Sometimes you can’t be here for the compliments.” But, be here for the completion of your goals and dreams. (Track: Switch Up)
5. You can’t accomplish everything and/or perfect everything in your human ability, you need something greater. (Track: SOS)
6. Be determined to not be defeated by stress or pressure! (Track: No Pressure, All Good)
7. If “you have a dream, don’t let anyone take it”! (Track: No Pressure, All Good)
8. Declare that you are all good. Even if you’ve been to hell and back, speak over your life that you are all good! (No Pressure, All Good)
9. Identify your perception of yourself and keep working toward being true to your true calling (Track: Outro).
10. Fear nothing, you possess something greater inside of you! (Track: Goliath)

Ignite your life and STREAM this soundtrack to your GRIND, below:

Connect Kaleb Mitchell:
www.kalebmitchell.com
www.instagram.com/kalebmitchell

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, artistic aesthetics, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post DONE GRAYT: 10 #MAJORKEYS from @KalebMitchell’s “45” Mixtape + Stream the Mixtape first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Once again, Instagram has been the source for discovering GRAYT PEOPLE and GRAYT ART. Earlier this year, I discovered the Instagram account @WeirdCreative and  continuously became enamored with his artistic aesthetic and his digital art renderings.

If you want to push the boundaries of your imagination, @WeirdCreative is one artist who will collide your perception of reality with conceptions of futuristic possibilities. I had the opportunity to converse with @WeirdCreative to appreciate his art aesthetic even-the-more. Explore his art and three reasons (distinction, creativity, and connectivity) you should appreciate his art aesthetic:

As a graphic designer and somewhat of a digital artist myself, I dabbled in some of the styling elements that @WeirdCreative implements, nevertheless, he distinctively strides with the fusion of obscure realities to create masterful digital art. When asked, “What compels you to collide the tangibility of reality with fascinating futuristic imagery?,” he shared:

“Firstly I would say reality leaves a lot to the imagination. The awareness that not so much attention is given to how our thoughts can change reality makes me go deeper to create the possible and the impossible. I then wrap my mind  around things that may exist or create an idealistic imagination and fit them into my version of what reality means; that’s when it comes art. Because most of what I create seems impossible in the reality gives an illusion that they could become part of our reality in the future, I think that’s where the futuristic imagery comes from.”

Beyond pushing the boundaries of what one would interpret as reality, @WeirdCreative combines amazing colors, strong focal points, and beautiful imagery to create impactful pieces. Extremely motivated by what takes him into the worlds he creates, I asked, “What (whether it be music, places you’ve traveled, art you’ve seen other places, etc.) in your creative process brings you to the worlds you create with your artwork?”, he shared:

“The worlds I create are where I want to see and feel at that point in time, imagination takes me to where I want to be. Bringing my imaginations to reality completes me living in that reality. Nothing in life is more beautiful than nature and its my constant object of observation I also include the darker side of nature because hidden in these phenomena there is beauty. So I look for it in abundance in the sky, dept of the sea, animals, etc..”

I wholeheartedly believe that our talents and gifts are planted inside of us to be shared with others, with the hope that it would move them closer to their purpose and calling. Interested in how he wanted his work to connect with viewers and the world, I asked @WeirdCreative, “Where do you want to see your illustrations go in the future, whether it be in a museum, on someone’s wall, on someone’s phone, billboards, etc?”, in which he shared:

“I am more concerned about how people appreciate my work and Acknowledge my value of me being a true artist. Making every class of the society affirming this in their daily lives is where I would like my work to go in future.”

Keep up with his endeavors and his artwork on Instagram: @WeirdCreative

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, artistic aesthetics, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post DONE GRAYT X #ART: Three Reasons to Appreciate the “Weird Creative” Aesthetic first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Some people you follow because you know they have a ear tuned to what’s now and what’s next & a passion to inspire through their next move with distinction. Keyondra Lockett has become one of those individuals for me–stylistically, sonically, and vocally.

Recently, Keyondra released “Angels” produced by Luke Witherspoon III & Tedy P. If you still need a few reasons on why you should check out “Angels,” get into three reasons why I listened to the track over and over, and then listen to the track over and over:

1. Dorinda Clark-Cole Sample: “Angels” is actually a remake of Dorninda Clark-Cole’s “No Not One.” I am forever a fan of a good remake, remix, and/or sample; this was definitely a good remake.
2. Vibes Similar to Drake’s Views: Admittedly, the vibes this track gives fit in with today’s sound. In my head, if Drake were to re-release Views, this would perfectly fit in the middle section of the album and/or ending section of Views; feature it twice, it’s that good.
3. The Message: The message is comforting; “Angels” makes you feel secure in today’s crazy world, reminding you that under God’s grace we have angels watching over us!

You can download the track on NoiseTrade, HERE.

The post DONE GRAYT: Three Reasons to Vibe with @KeyondraLockett’s #ANGELS first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Last week, I was casually scrolling through Instagram when I heard a track that I INSTANTLY fell in love with. After locating the track on Apple Music by Philip Bixby, I played it at least 20-30 times. “Favor 2.0,” produced by Tyshane (@IAmTyshane), is an ode to the amazing things God can do in our lives when we acknowledge his grace in our lives. Get into the track below:

Enamored with the Travis Scott styled production of “Favor 2.0”, I found the second version of the track today that samples Monica’s “Why I Love You So Much.” Even the more enamored, the fusion of contemporary sounds, R & B sampling, and a empowering message definitely will get you HYPED & RIGHT for this new week!

Connect with Philip Bixby:
Instagram: @PhilipBixby
Twitter: @PhilipBixby
Tumblr: www.philipbixby.tumblr.com

The post DONE GRAYT: Start Your Week Hyped & Right with “Favor 2.0” by @PhilipBixby first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

While scrolling through Instagram this past weekend, I came across Jeff Manning and hist artwork captivated me. As I began scrolling through is Instagram (@jeffmanning_), his vibrant color contrasts, apparent melanin appreciation, mosaic-collage artistic style fusion, and art orientation moved me, inspired me, and motivated me.

Jeff Manning is a, “Philadelphia-based Graphic Artist…creat[ing] work that is informed by music, in particularly, the neo-soul genre. Music is what really sets the tone for him to get going creatively. He will usually listen to a specific song and then create artwork that is fueled by the vibe that he picks up from the song.” 

For me, Manning’s pieces illustrate the beauty & astonishment that can be found in complexity. When formatted, reformed, and healed, our complex issues can turn into a testimony of how life’s situations don’t have to break us, they can make us better!

Explore some of his pieces below and visit his website (click here) to view more of his artwork and purchase some of his pieces in various sizes in his SHOP.

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#DONEGRAYT explores visual projects, musical releases, cultural initiatives, branding efforts, advertising, and marketing campaigns, analyzing their creativity, distinction, and connectivity.

The post #DONEGRAYT x #ART: Jeff Manning Bridging Graphic Design & Afrocentricity first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

While in Argentina, I declared my attendance to #LivreSeason and this past Friday, Livre’ released their debut album. Jericho: The Tribe of Joshua is a collective that stunningly scores the generational gap between traditional Gospel church vibes and the creative, progressive trajectory of today’s sound. Jericho highlights the beauty of the past and the promise of the future.

More specifically, the album gives a voice to the generation and individual who’s in a battle–whether it be addiction, depression, low self-esteem, or identity crisis. Each song–a piece to the collective puzzle that is Jericho–details an element of battle and the victory that is accessible when embedded in Christ.

#DoneGrayt is almost an understatement, this body of work is exceptional in its vocal arrangements, harmonies, production & sound universality, ability to inspire, and cross-generational appeal. Throughout the progression of the album, Livre’ will captivate you with the synchronization of their voices, the mesmerizing blend of various vocal layers, and the crossover and universal elements of their production. Furthermore, their individuality, freshness, and youthfullness goes a long way to inspire listeners to live their best and do their best!

Below are my top five song choices from Livre’s Jericho: Tribe of Joshua:

5. J.E.S.U.S.

The cinematic, classical (or Romantic, not sure) backdrop of this hymn-styled arrangement immediately captivates you. As the track proceeds, the fusion of the groups beautiful voices, harmonies, and arrangements with the background strings and instrumentation propels the beauty of Christ and the impact of Christ in one’s life. Octaves, octaves, octaves, octaves–as a safety warning, buckle your seat-belt and secure any hair extensions as the group attacks your safety and edges at 4:13 *insert hand-raised emoji*.

4. Jericho (A$AP Ferg Version):

Need to burn a few calories? Play this track and begin ambitiously creating Zumba choreography as the eclectic features of this A$AP Ferg assisted track spews warfare on any battle or struggle in your life. As my most anticipated track upon viewing the tracklist, the track characterizes the ultimate victorious theme of the album. 

 3. Watch Me

“Watch Me” is another eclectic track, packed with so much SO MUCH crossover potential (Internal thought: Gosh, only if inspirational music, such as this, was afforded the financial backing of today’s top hits!). Seemingly curated to inspire listeners to rise to their potential out of the ashes of their past, this track is filled with summer Instagram captions. #WatchMe use some!

2. Something to Live For

Something to Live For is curated for visual production–sonically, the simple percussion driven instrumentation coupled with the harmonious oooh’s and aaah’s drives home the redemptive message of the song. This song attests to the universality of the group’s sound and the magnificent arrangement of Jericho’s collection of musical offerings. Plus, the Brandy-ness of the tones and harmonies at the end *insert hand-raised emojis, again*.

1. Perception

The build-up of this track and how it plays into the perspective that the accumulation of life’s experiences will lead us to the need for a savior is what makes Perception my favorite track. Intriguing, the duality of the production and the message of track propels the rational that we all need a savior, a someone to take away something all humans experience–pain. Although the song doesn’t lean towards “Mary J. Blige: My Life” pain or “Keyshia Cole: The Way It Is” pain, the song captures diverse processes of painful experiences , with a hope that a savior will rescue. Furthermore, the addition of a child’s voice, throughout, adds to the innocence and helplessness that pain casts upon us. Amazing.

The Livre brand and Livre’s Jericho: Tribe of Joshua are important to culture and the albums messages in the song are important to your quest of victory. Definitely, #DONEGRAYT. Get it HERE!

The post DONE GRAYT: #Livre x The Top 5 Songs that Make their Debut Album #GRAYT first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

“Listen” is the most recent Tim Bowman Jr. release and #listen is exactly what I did when I returned to the country from my travels abroad. Released last Friday, the album is an easy listen that captures you with #grayt vocals, #grayt content, and #grayt production. 

I rarely rock with male vocalists. There has to be something special about an individual for me to connect with the musical collective of a male vocalist (No, I’m not an esteemed musical critic or analyst, just acknowledging my struggle with connecting with male singers). Tim Bowman Jr’s “Listen” thoroughly impressed me, five reasons and/or songs on why I listened to this 15-track musical rendering and you should too:

1. Instrumentation: Produced by renowned producers, “Listen” comes through with high quality production and crossover arrangements. Above all else, Listen is a grayt piece of work because of its instrumentation–the use of instruments connects the listener to an authentic musical experience. 

2. Applicability: On some songs, I was sitting, unpacking my clothes thinking, “Wait, is he talking about God or is he talking about his wife?” I’m a sucker for an ambiguous Gospel song that can have various meanings outside of the four walls of a church and has the ability to be representative of more than a simple Gospel offering. I appreciate the applicability of many of the songs to different aspects in life or different situations listeners may encounter. 

3. I Won (Track 13): You know those songs that make you hate summer heat and simultaneously crave an ice cold lemonade that would make everything alright. This is one of those songs, evoking summery vibes; yet, the song maintains a message that would carry you throughout the heat of your struggles and the troubles you may endure. You’ll finish this song, confident in the fact that you will win whatever you’re fighting. 

4. Fix Me (Track 14): Following “I Won,” Bowman’s “Fix Me” seemingly modernizes the Gospel quartet flavor that frequented the radio after church on Sundays when I was younger. As a plea to be fixed by Jesus, I can easily see the song being performed at a Country Music Award Show. Whether this song takes you to the same Vounty Music Award show it took me, you will appreciate the way Bowman uses his tone to infuse a youthfulness and maturity into whatever musical styling he chooses to approach. 

5. Strength (Track 5): Gospel Funk, Funk You Up! *Bruno Mars voice*. This funk, disco, 80’s Zapp-tinged arrangement really captured me. With an added rap verse, the song further cements Bowman’s ability to “contemporarize” and curate songs that transcend the genres popular in the past to genres with respected relevancy today. 

When you do listen to Listen by Tim Bowman Jr, be aware that you will experience a journey of love and a journey of return towards a God, deemed powerful, loving, and merciful. 

The post #DONEGRAYT: Tim Bowman Jr. x #LISTEN first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

For some time, I’ve been intrigued by gospel-inspirational collective, Livre. This coming spring, May 20, 2016, they’ll be releasing their debut album, Jericho: A Tribe Called Joshua. From my first look at their album cover, I knew this would be a #season I’m completely #inattendance for! Check the  cover and five reasons I’m hyped about Livre and you should too, below:

1. Their Style: I can totally respect a group whose style reflects the trajectory of fashion trends and personal authenticity. Livre’ succeeds at this!
2. Their Artistic Direction: Apparent in their #GRAYT album cover, the group and its members understand how to push the envelope in a tasteful, progressive, and engaging method. I’d like to add to, that it’ll be dope if we can collab on some artistic/branding pieces in the future. Ha, #puttingitintheatmosphere
3. Alternative Approach to Music: So, yeah, I seen that A$AP Ferg is featured on one of their tracks, and based on my appreciation for Ultralight Prayer, you may understand that I’m eager to hear their approach.
4. Their Personalities: I follow a few of them on Instagram and they seem like dope individuals with dope personalities that will push their dope vision forward.
5. Age Demographic: Furthermore, today’s generation needs more inspirational figures to push us forward rather than leaving us stagnate or remedial, and I’m glad that Livre is pushing forward.

Pre-order their album, Jericho: Tribe of Joshua,  on ITunes now!  Available on May 20, 2016!

The post #DONEGRAYT: Five Reasons I’m Hyped about #LIVRE first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Admittedly, when listening to music, production value and abstract arrangements intrigue me. Nothing was more abstract than when I seen on Instagram that Kirk Franklin and Kanye West were to collaborate. Intrigued indeed, I was excited about the possibility. “Ultralight Prayer” is a extension to the ending of West’s “Ultralight Beam” off of his The Life of Pablo album. Nevertheless, this extension doesn’t feature West, Kirk Franklin takes front and center on this track, listen below:

Critics, skeptics, supporters, and the “in-betweens”  will continuously assert their opinion about the validity of the spiritual connotations of their collaboration, but I, personally enjoyed Ultralight Beam’s musical elements and I thoroughly enjoyed the Easter-release of “Ultralight Prayer.” Get into the five reasons I appreciated “Ultralight Prayer,” below:

1. The Prayer: The actual prayer is a cry for help and a seemingly desperate plea for God’s interaction in the lives of listeners by Franklin. I’m actually glad that Kirk Franklin prayed rather than Kanye, as it attests to the need for intercession on the behalf of believers. If nothing else, this extension should a be reminder to pray for others in times like these.
2. Kelly Price’s Background Adlibs: “Linda, honey, Just listen” I was absolutely here for every single ad lib that Kelly Price uttered.  Can we remix it with Fantasia, Le’Andria Johnson, or Brandy adlibs?
3. The Influence of the Gospel genre: Because I have Gospel roots, the gospel flavor that this extension “intentionally” curated naturally excites me
4. The Platform to Plant the Seed: I appreciate that Kirk Franklin remained true to his character in his involvement with this collaboration, in that he used this platform to plant seeds of positivity and pray for positivity.
5. Kanye West Kirk Franklin’d Kirk Franklin: Don’t get me wrong, I revere Unc (Kirk Franklin), but I’ve always found it ironic that all of his work is pushed out as “Kirk Franklin” when you only here is voice on 25% of his tracks. So it’s humorous to see “Ultralight Prayer” pushed out as a Kanye West track when you only here Kirk Franklin & Background vocals. (Don’t trip, I’m sure Kirk produces, composes, directs, legally involves himself, leverages his personal brand, and steers all of his musical offerings, so I’m sure there’s no malice with his music being pushed as “Kirk Franklin” offerings)

The post #DONEGRAYT: Five Reasons I Appreciate Kanye West’s “Ultralight Prayer” first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.

Cree, an emerging vocalist, released a gem recently, in the tune of “Possible.” Why is this a gem? The midtempo, urban “relax” record melodically and lyrically blends two aspects from my soundtrack in life–spirituality and trapsoul.

What is trapsoul? In my mind, trapsoul blends darker musical elements, grit, warmth, harmony, and soul–pratically, the R&B interlude approach Drake implements and the entire TrapSoul album by Bryson Tiller. While Tiller trailblazes and functions as the ambassador for  the trapsoul genre with topics about particular elements of life, Cree’s spiritual approach caresses a Gary Charles and Epiphany produced musical arrangement (sampling Jacquees’ “Come Thru,”) with her smooth, warming, silk-like vocals.

Attesting to the incomparable nature of the Lord and His tendency to make all things possible, get into Cree’s take on the trapsoul genre #DONEGRAYT:

Let me know below, is Cree’s “Possible,” GOOD or [GRAYT]?

The post #DONEGRAYT x #MUSIC: Cree’s “Possible” Invokes Spiritual Depth in #TrapSoul Genre first appeared on The Joshua Gray | Live Grayter.