Complex Visions

pop culture, design, advertising, and hip-hop

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Is this the beginning of the end for quality sound? Are we slowing losing the emotion? or will our mp3 generation fight to keep what's been lost in the process of an industrialized music industry? This mini documentary brings to light the frustration of musicians and producers who continuously lose sleep to bring perfection to match the beats and melody's from their head to the listeners ears. So much of our music quality, range and emotion, is immediately lost when iTunes and other music sharing platforms decide to distribute compressed files and flatten the sounds so many have worked hard to keep. At this moment I wonder, will technology catch up to provide us with both an efficient download capability and a depth of sound originally intended by the artist? 

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After a recent recommendation from a co-worker (s/o sraz) for this new mixtape by Cyhi the Prynce I went straight to Soundcloud, as I always do, and was immediately hooked. Listening to it for the first time I ran through the songs from cover to cover without so much as a blink. The Prynce has got lyrical chops and an uncanny ability to beat up the beat. Mature lyrics with a sort of ghetto gospel undertone. Not someone you're going to find on Rolling Stones Mag just yet but signed to G.O.O.D. music as of 2010 this guys' got a good future if he's able to get enough ears to listen.

Here is a link to his video from the album 

Link: Cyhi the Prynce "Mandela" video

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In an interview with Complex magazine, Kendrick Lamar talks about the impact of Good Kid, M.A.A.D. City, turning him from an internet sensation to an A-list rap artist. As what I would consider the new face for West Coast rap he's returned a sense of "real rap" and depth in his lyrics that has been desperately needed after the wake of one-dimensional mainstream hip-hop that has been heavily peddled by iPod DJ's and dance clubs around the globe. A top artist for Top Dawg Ent., Lamar is working in collaboration with many other greats on the label such as Odd Future, YG, DJ Mustard, Nipsey Hussle and more. Needless to say, i'll be watching closely as Lamar and others on the label work to shape the future of Hip-Hop. 

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From the stock footage purveyor, Dissolve, this video portrays the use of emoji's as inhabitants in the most natural of places around us. A well produced video and interesting tactic to not only sell product but to capture an audience with great cinematography and relevancy. 

Emoji Among Us

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Paul Rodriguez Interview  

A Complex Mag interview with an engaging digital component and interesting visual anchors of storytelling declination.

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Vacation Equality Project

Educational, actionable, and generationally relevant; all identifiable qualities of a great campaign. A movement sponsored by Hotels.com to make progress towards providing guaranteed paid vacation days for all American workers. Shining a spotlight on the shameful fact that, "America is the only advanced economy in the world that does not guarantee any paid vacation days. It’s time for change". It’s a win-win for everyone. Well played Hotels.com. Additionally, the typography in the sand, great idea. Eye catching, shareable, and a unique way to communicate a message. Now, seriously, go submit your petition.

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New young artist out of Denver with a mature sound acceptable for almost any occasion. Any easy listen with well produced beats and a thought fueled flow.  

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Although it may be unclear whether Kanye's intentions are benevolent or there is some ulterior motive to insert himself wherever possible I do know that this is pretty cool. I'm seeing a trend of music videos becoming more cinematic and incorporating more storytelling (e.g "happy" by Pharrell Williams) and this one kept my attention.