Music as cinema. The whole “Compton” album is meant to accompany the release of Straight Out Of Compton, and by listening to every song on this masterpiece over and over, I’ve found that it was inspired and intentionally designed to take the listener to the city it was named after. Water, seagulls, wind, the voice of someone drowing: these are all the things that are artfully blended in with drums, a melodic baseline, and an arrangement of sound of effects that leaves you feeling submerged. I’d rather much be drowning in music than in water, and thanks to Dr Dre., now we know what it sounds like.
Deep Water by Dr. Dre
So, I was thinking…..
If you took all these pictures and blended them together, that is how I’d like to look and think. My mind would be beautiful-like royal palace halls with walls encased in gold-and the words out of my mouth would shine, inspire, seem regal, and regale the ears of those around me. I’d sweat the elegance that drips from that St Agnes basillica photo. Please exuse the smell. Also, please excuse me as my mind drifts off to dreams of Rome. Sometimes the mind is like taming a wild mare.
Good thing I brought my to-do list with me. Almost missed dinner with an angel. “Take this helicopter to her house right away!” “Yeah, its ok. Just hop in. We’ll park on the rooftop Joan.” The helicopter smells like flowers now. We float down to our destination. I’m looking at the wind blowing through her hair. I gently take her hand and help her down. We’re at the door now and are quickly escorted to our table. “Compliments of the chef Sir John. I look forward to bringing you the next course soon.” Night falls. Let’s take our champagne to the limo. Out of the window, there are long lines everywhere. No matter. We’ll just walk to the front. Is that Zoe Kravitz? “You don’t mind do you Joan?” Ok, I guess we’ll all go to St. Regis now. Goodnight.
Sun is beamimg through the sliver in the curtains. Is it the afternoon already? “Sir Mullins, we’re here to take you to your next appearance.” I nod and close the door. I turn around and am greeted by an motion in picture in progress. She’s putting the new dress on I got her last week. Time to go.
I’m in the Versace store now. Can’t believe my friends and family have all this to ourselves. I take a glass of champagne from one of the waiters. Who is that talking so loudly? Seems like he’s really trying to get my attention. Is it? It is. *Sigh* “I’m sorry. I’ve been so busy. I promise to call you back tomorrow Ricardo. Givenchy isn’t until 3 days from now.” Sometimes they are just so demanding though. *Sigh* Where’s Joan? “Yeah. I’ll take you up in the helicopter again.” Nothing is more beautiful than that smile. “Man, this wine is amazing John.” Let’s take our glasses with us and go walk across that bridge over there. The summer breeze greets us as we open the doors and exit across the garden.
Sant’Agnese in Agone. 17th century church in Rome. A beautiful story behind this. http://www.poetryfoundation.org/poem/173735
Givenchy Haute Couture 
Raquel Zimmerman in Versace for Vogue Paris
Raquel Zimmerman in Bottega Venetta for Vogue Paris
Any day is a good day to look at Zoe Kravitz pictures 🙂
She made her own catwalk.
From Harper’s Bazaar
Joan Smalls. Words are not enough. Ever 🙂
The Black Aesthete 