The Spark! w/ Amanda Diva

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

Last week while I was in New York I stopped by AOL’s Black Voices for an interview with my home girl Amanda Diva on her show “The Spark!” The show featured Hip-Hop phenom Swizz Beatz & Yours Truly, J. Ivy. Check it out.

Coming Soon…

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

J. Ivy – Write from cyesergio on Vimeo.

The Human Project

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

What’s up People! I hope all is well in Your World! I wanted to share the latest project with you entitled “The Human Project. I had the opportunity to shoot with Arian Camilleri, which was then painted by Rodney White. Check out what they sent out and I hope you enjoy the piece below. “HERE I AM” Coming Soon…9.21.10!!!!

Hello!

Just wanted to give everyone an update on the Human° project that Rodney White and I have been working on.

For those of you that are new to this experience it is a collaborative portrait project. This involves photography, painting, and words from the subject to create a one of a kind original piece of artwork.

The latest in the series in from poet/artist J Ivy. J has worked with such artists as Kanye West, RZA, Mos Def, Jill Scott and John Legend just to name a few. Check out his new album “Here I am”. www.j-ivy.com

Feel free to see our ever growing portrait series project at: www.humandegree.com

J. Ivy “HERE I AM”

Saturday, August 21st, 2010

After years of planning, praying, and searching for the right sound, songs, and message that I wanted to convey, it is my pleasure to sound off the countdown of my album “HERE I AM.” I will be releasing my album by summer’s end September 21st, 2010 on my website www.J-Ivy.com, which will be followed by other digital releases. The album itself is a work of art that I am extremely proud of and can’t wait to share with You and The World. It is the beginning of a new musical journey and I am overjoyed that you will be taking the steps with me. A long time ago, I told You that “I Would Never Let You Down,” and with God’s Grace I plan to keep My Word. Thank You all for your continued support. I would not have had the fuel to keep pushing this independent effort without You. Much Love and Please Stay Tuned for The Album “HERE I AM.”

On top of the World!

Friday, August 13th, 2010

Tonight I’m hosting on the roof…top of the World!! Come kick it..

Back From Aruba…

Wednesday, August 11th, 2010

What a trip!! After three amazing weeks and some very long days, I’m back in the Chi catching my breath and getting caught up with my work. The project Art Rules Aruba was truly successful and the final show was a reflection of that. Every discipline; Dance, Photography, Film, DeeJaying, Theatre, Fashion, and Rap & Poetry performed and displayed what they learned in two weeks in a final show themed “I Am,” which was thought of by yours truly. The students dug deep and spoke to the people thru their gifts and the sold out audience at Casa Di Cutura was more than impressed. It was a great opportunity and I must say I grew a lot during the time spent there on the Happy Island. The people were more than welcoming and I look forward to returning to my home away from home. Thank you to my students, to my fellow instructors, and to the Pancake Gallery for organizing a historic experience. I’m inspired by you all. God Bless!!

For more pics check out facebook.com Search: J. Ivy

Art Rules Aruba

Monday, July 26th, 2010

Art Rules Aruba Kickoff PartyAfter the kickoff party on Friday, which was OFF THE HOOK, in was time for class on Monday…

Welcome to the Cipher…

It started off great!!!! The kids were all very excited and open to express their feelings, their experiences, and their talents. We introduced ourselves, letting them know where our own personal paths and gifts have taken us thus far. After hearing our stories, they quickly fought thru their shyness and excitedly shared their own. At that moment we could see how passionate and ambitious they are. We were so touched by their stories and dreams. Although we expected more students, we ended up with a total of 4 kids from the ages of 13 to 17 and we could immediately sense that they were young people with much older souls. After the introductions, we spoke on basic writing techniques, performing, and the importance of being in touch with your inner self. From there, we gave them a quick assignment, which was merely to write down what they wanted to achieve short & long term and what they felt their own strengths and weaknesses are. This gave us a clear image of what they want to learn and what key techniques we need to teach them. We feel a STRONG obligation to not only teach them about the craft, but to also help them personally…so that’s when we started clearing the clutter. J spoke about the only two emotions that really exist, ‘LOVE’ and ‘fear’ and how important it is to be confident in one’s self and how critical it is to be in love with yourself. Not the kind of love that makes one vain, but the kind of love that makes an individual unstoppable. We may have gotten a little deep but it was so inspirational!! Before we knew it, the class had come to an end, the students were heading home with a smile on their face, and we went home satisfied and looking forward to day two.

Day two:

My, my, my word travels fast…in just one day our class has gone from 4 to 6 students. Excited about what was to come from the days lessons we hopped right in and asked the students to recite poems they had either written or to bring in a favorite poem or song that another author had written. To our surprise, everyone brought in original pieces and the two new students were already prepared (always stay ready!!). From there we transformed our room from a cipher (a circle of chairs) to a stage-styled atmosphere lining up our chairs in a straight line. This enabled us to break down the fear factor. (Each student has a very unique and special story, so it’s important that they realize that early on.) One by one, each of them stood in front of us and unleashed some of the most amazing writings we’ve ever heard. As professionals, we were blown away by their talents, but equally amazed that they had know idea how good they really are. They needed help in stage presence, knowing how to use the different tones of their voice, and making eye contact, but these young people were born to write. Some read poems, one student sang, one student delivered an amazing piece she had one past competitions with and even translated her Papiamento poem to English so J. Ivy could understand. Pure amazement!! After reading their poems, one of the students shared one of his raps over a beat, which had the class in an uproar! Now everyone wanted to rap their poems! And they did!! One by one, they jumped back on “stage” and spit their raps…It was truly a fun session!!

Wanting them to have a sense of some of the transitions rap & poetry has gone thru, we had a video session, which included clips of Langston Hughes, The GodFathers of Rap a.k.a. The Last Poets, Gil Scott-Heron, and Jessica Care Moore. These Poet’s eras span from the Harlem Renassaince to America’s days of Revolution in the 60’s to current day Poets and friends, which opened their minds some more as we expressed the importance of them being the storytellers of their day. They are the reporters of these times. They are the future and the future is now.

After two wonderful and very productive days, the students were truly, truly excited about the class and the final show to come in next week. They are gifted and they are ready…LISTEN!! We Are…

Peace…

J. Ivy (Chi-town!!!) & Zanillya (Rap Instructor from Amsterdam)

PS. Shout out to Angelle Stamper, Estefanie, Eleen, Kimbery, Chando, and Jonathan. You are truly an inspiration!!!

Off to Aruba!!

Thursday, July 15th, 2010

Today I’m heading out for a 3 week trip to Aruba, where I’ll be teaching a Poetry workshop during Arts Rules Aruba. It should be a very exciting time teaching the young ones the ways of the Force…lol! I’ll definitely keep you posted with pics and videos. Until then be blessed and I’ll talk with you soon. Peace!!

J. Ivy presents “Voice of the City”

Wednesday, July 7th, 2010

The day is finally here! I’m excited about performing for you tonight (July 8th, 2010). As well as myself, there is a list of amazing performers set to hit the stage tonight. Come out and kick it. It’s going to be a night to remember. See YOU There!!!

“Don’t Blame Me, It’s the Voice”

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

One week from today I’ll be performing live for you. I just hope you’re there to see it…lol! But on a serious note, this show is going to be one to remember. I have finally completed my album!!!!! And I want to share some of the newness with you next week. Come check me out Live at the Zhou B Art Gallery 1029 W. 35th St. in Chicago for my event “Voice of the City!” Doors open at 8pm and it’s only $10. I’m excited about this one! Until then have a GREAT holiday weekend…Be Blessed. Holla!