Review: Art, Beats, and Lyrics

Companies are constantly searching for ways to break into culture, such as forming exclusive collaborations with artists, influencers, and other community members, or organizing tailored gatherings.

Although there are many initiatives to support Black artists, some organizations still lack the necessary resources to provide authentic and equitable aid to this community. Fortunately, Jack Daniels stands out as one of the few brands that are committed to providing genuine support to amplifying emerging urban artists and creatives.

The Art, Beats, and Lyrics series, co-founded in 2004 by producer Jabari Graham and curator Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright, is a remarkable representation of the dedication of Black creators and culture keepers to work with existing brands to promote lesser-known artists, creators, and musicians who often lack recognition in the mainstream. Moreover, the event series provides a one-of-a-kind and communal experience for all participants to revel in.

I decided to attend the Chicago installment back in April 2023 at Radius, which is one of my favorite venues in the city. It's extremely spacious and modern, which made for a perfect space for the event. One of the many things that stood out to me was the way in which the art was curated and displayed. Walking through the space, the builds were scaled up so that even the smallest portraits or canvas art were emphasized in a seamless way. The curatorial experience itself was super refreshing, featuring the works of artists like Chicago's own Mia Lee, muralist Muhammad Yungai, and Filipino-American photographer Kat Goduco.

At times, traditional art institutions and museums can feel overwhelming due to the sheer amount of artwork they try to display in limited space. This can make it hard for visitors to fully grasp and appreciate the art's meaning. However, in this venue, despite the crowds, the art and installations were arranged thoughtfully throughout the space. This ensured that every artist received equal attention and recognition, making it easy for guests to navigate and appreciate the artwork to the fullest.

I particularly enjoyed the DJ set during the evening event. DJ Cash Era, a renowned DJ in Chicago since 2019, curated an amazing playlist that featured a mix of Beyoncé's hits, early 2000s music, and a mash-up of Panic! At the Disco's "I Write Sins Not Tragedies" and Lil Scrappy and Trillville's "Some Cut". The way DJ Cash Era is able to blend the genres of Pop Rock and Rap was so seamless, and I felt like my musical worlds collided in the best way possible. It's not common to find DJs who can blend different genres together so well.

I strongly urge anyone with a passion for art and music to attend Art, Beats, and Lyrics. This event is an exceptional blend of both, and it unites the community to feature local emerging artists. While social media is a great platform to promote artists digitally, there's nothing quite like experiencing their work in person. So, if you have the opportunity to attend this event in your city, I strongly recommend checking it out when it hits the road again!

In the meantime, if you are interested in checking out the art featured in the 2022-2023 exhibits, visit the link here to learn more about the individual works, the artists, and the price for purchase.

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I am a creative multi-hyphenate with a strong passion for the arts. To check out more of my journey and the different art exhibits and events I go to in real-time, follow me on Instagram at @erparrish_

If you would like to read more of my poetry and prose, as well as see some of my visual photography all in one place follow me on Instagram at @wordsbyep_