"The name Etran de L’Aïr translates to “the Stars of the Aïr,” the mountainous region of Northern Niger."
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ETHEREAL.PRESS
Tell us about BIG UP MENACE X.
BIG UP MENACE X
BIG UP MENACE X stands for "beautifully uplifting minds unknowingly" So that is a necessary measure I tend to take every second uplifting thyself to reflect with the select few who get it. Heaven & Hell, I love a good bite to eat with genuine individuals, food for thought so to speak. A constant learning graduate from the school of Hard Knocks, Freestyle Art and Crate Digging academy, etc.
A guerrilla style Motivational speaker.
ETHEREAL.PRESS
You tend to gravitate to more abstract/avant-garde aesthetics.
Why is that?
BIG UP MENACE X
It's the only way I know, since the beginning, I studied any & everything ranging from every genre, style, culture, and energy that concocted who I am.
I always felt like an alien observing instead of absorbing what the masses found amusing & entertaining, so it's really just my reality of what I think, feel, see, hear, etc., through the art. I grew up in the slums yet maintained knowledge of self with the love & wisdom my parents gave me. I was allowed to stay home from school in 1st grade & play Backyard Wrestling 1 while Sade would play on the smooth jazz radio in the background.
I come from the OG Era despite the age of my physical body. I was brought up in the Nation of Islam, while still being influenced by so many things it's ridiculous like a catch-22/paradox, so my thinking was always wired differently.
I'm free and open with my sexuality, gender, race as a black male artist from Detroit, so I'm constantly breaking barriers and ideals being projected onto me by individuals who aren't entirely comfortable with themselves and their voice. I say whatever I want even if it upsets people at times because I am no greater than the next man or woman who has fluidity with thyself and having an understanding of it all.
As kind as I may spit some unkind things at times to get people riled up to show just how powerful a voice can make you feel because that's the reality of life for me in my journey, fight or flight.. despite how loyal or real you are that doesn't mean shit to people which birthed the later aggressive lyrics and flows I've created.
My love for all things creates a mirror effect for the real ones out there without a filter & without judgment in the greater scheme of it all.
It won't be accepted by all because not all even accept themselves...
Years of blood, sweat, & tears created me.
Years of being the outcast since the beginning made me have extremely tough skin because at heart, I'm a very emotional & generous person, art imitates life.
Countless years of studying all things that go against the ideals of being a conscious black man from Detroit made this. Abstract/Avant-garde things gravitated towards me because that is the frequency I have always radiated at since the old earth; it's humbly in my blood thanks to my ancestor's positive progress and horrible mistakes to make this vision breaking the chains.
Victor no victim.
Constantly learning through trial & error with life to make bliss out of love and light. No one is perfect, so that's what it is truly about, creating what you want without judgment of yourself despite your shortcomings. Even if it makes you a target for judgment or misunderstanding, it doesn't matter because when you die, it's just the individual & GOD left to speak.
BIG UP MENACE X
I have been making short films since 2008 in 3rd grade but It took me 12 years to finally gather the discipline & determination to finally make my own film of myself without the help of anyone with a full storyline.
As discouraging as it appeared, the thought of doing something like that while maintaining quality was very exciting yet extremely tedious with brutal trials & errors. The first half of the film was shot guerrilla style during a very heartbroken time while I had COVID.
The script was written the first 2 days of my quarantine January 25th 2022 then finalized February 2022. Shooting began March 2022 while I was finishing up working on my last Album RESSURECTED RENEGADE JUNIPER'S SATCHEL which was an emotionally fulfilling yet draining album to make alchemizing pain into power.
I really cranked out a piece that I have dreamed about for over a decade, especially tapping in to some of my favorite East Asian Cinema energy.
Extremely grateful and humble for the opportunity to finish it so I can crank out the next films. Making personal pieces to wear and art installations was very tedious yet fulfilling also.
ETHEREAL.PRESS
Does the project follow a narrative?
BIG UP MENACE X
It's really open for interpretation at this point, whatever lesson the viewer gained from it was what spirit intended for them to feel.
Unless ideals are being projected from their own selves, the true narrative is infinite duality In a heavenly barbaric manner. To show the raw emotions and elements of my visual/auditory world with the film and score.
ETHEREAL.PRESS
What is the NEW WORLD ORCHESTRA?
BIG UP MENACE X
It was like 2017/18 & I had a vision of this super group like the X-MEN with each member having their own selection of abilities.
Called and explained the concept to a few individuals but the finalized outcome became BIG UP MENACE X,38KEA, BRYANT CANELO, jak3/TRASHMAN & newly added member "derit" from LA. A beautiful group of the most dopest artists and musicians I have met in person thus far.Each member does their own thing, we're family.
I always wanted a group of friends that were creative my whole life.
We may not speak all the time because everyone is on their own journey that leads forward to unison when the time is right. WHITE CASTLE? ROANOKE? But if you support us you are NWO TOO! ITS A MOVEMENT TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATIONS.
Also, Shouts out to my bro Davis Dylan out of ATL if you are ever down there hit him up because he is one of the best photographers I know.
ETHEREAL.PRESS
Does spirituality influence your creative process?
BIG UP MENACE X
EVERYTHING
ETHEREAL.PRESS
What would you like to accomplish as a creative?
BIG UP MENACE X
I want to accomplish at least 99% of the ideas constantly flowing in & out on a daily basis properly.
To inspire the next generation to be themselves despite their trials and tribulations without biting my ish either humbly na mean? Breaking the chains! Be a positive example for the lone wolves out there with no hope! The impossible can be accomplished despite any negatives trying to weigh you down.
Despite your identity, race, body, beliefs, upbringing etc. you can truly live in your truth even if it makes others uncomfortable which is completely fine. Not everyone is going to approve but living or creating for the approval of others is where you lose in spirit.
Keep believing in yourselves and never judge others because you never know someone's story.
ETHEREAL.PRESS
What's next for BIG UP MENACE X?
BIG UP MENACE X
SHHHHHHH!
Gotta wait and see on the next episode!
Expect the Unexpected. Peace and blessings to all!
I'm grateful for the opportunity to have this Chat G, Peace.
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