“Your ancestors took the lash, the branding iron, humiliations and oppression because one day they believed you would come along to flesh out the dream” ~ Maya Angelou Black people, we have some work to do. I often see our generation and others after us not taking life seriously, saying things like, “It’s just music” or “It’s just entertainment” when talking about the messaging in our music. I see people circle jerking and giving out community service awards and accolades like oranges at a soccer practice, and to be honest I’m irritated. I’m irritated by the low standards that…
Author: Kevin Bourne
Kevin Bourne
Kevin Bourne is the co-founder and editor of SHIFTER magazine. Born and raised in Toronto, Kevin currently resides in Ottawa with his wife Koliah and their three children. He's a big fan of hip-hop, pop culture, and urbanism and spends most of his time keeping up with the Kardashians.
For many, Barack Obama’s election in 2008 was the fulfillment of a dream; the culmination of a century long struggle for civil rights. There was even talk, however wishful, of a post-racial America. His election, on the wings of one of the most memorable campaign slogans in U.S. history, “Yes We Can”, was underpinned by record levels of minority political participation, as well as significant support from white Americans. Eight years later, an appropriate response would be “How Did We Do?” For many black folks, the prospect of a black President was something they never thought they would see in…
There’s never been a better time for artists to go independent, whether in music, writing, fashion, or film and television. Being independent has always been a part of being a fashion designer or filmmaker, but more and more musicians, authors and content creators are finding mainstream success taking the independent route. Why? One word. The internet. In the past if you were looking for mainstream success as a musician you needed to get signed to a record label so they could distribute your work to the masses. If you were an author you needed a publishing company to do the…
Name: Hayden Cashion Home Base: Ottawa, Canada Industry/Creative Discipline: Write, record, mix, and master Hip-Hop music Biggest Accomplishment So Far: The growth in support over the last eight months, and the clarity of my vision for 2017. What Creativity Means to Me: Creativity allows me to look at the world and go, “Hey, you see your perspective, but take a second to check out mine.” For me it’s about shedding new light on a situation and showing people that you can look at the world from different angles, without either side being right or wrong. I could’ve done this in…
Never before has it been easier to take what used to be just a hobby and turn it into your bread maker. For evidence of this reality look no further than YouTube. Today, individuals are using the YouTube platform as a career builder and source of income. For this generation, YouTubers are the new celebrities, garnering even more popularity than musicians and actors. Some videos created by today’s top YouTubers are getting more views than the most successful television shows. One of these YouTubers turned celebrities that comes to mind is Ryan Higa, whose channel nigahiga contains over nine years…
Wisdom from the world’s hottest rapper, Drake. Are you living or just existing?
He’s a throwback to Shakespearean theatre, has embraced the role as advocate for the Puerto Rican community, and has extended the reach of hip-hop into Broadway. Among his many accolades, this is what Lin-Manuel Miranda did in 2016. Hamilton’s accomplishments this year are noteworthy- the Pullitzer Prize for Drama, the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album, and a record-setting 16 Tony Award nominations, 11 of which it won, including Best Musical. Miranda won the Tony Awards for Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical, and was nominated for the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical,…
This article was originally published by jocelynmandrykphoto.com. Reposted with permission from the author. The New Year is just around the corner and with that comes resolutions, a fresh start, and of course an analysis of what’s to come in photography. If you’re looking to give your business and brand a refresh, then photography is inevitably a part of that strategy and it’s important to take a closer look at what trends will give you the most engagement for your efforts. Just like fashion, photography goes through trends. If burgundy is the new black, then patterns are the new minimalism. Tune…
The following article was a guest post by our editor, Kevin Bourne, for apt613.ca At a recent meeting for the House of Paint festival I sat around a table with some of the most engaged and civic minded fans of hip-hop culture in the capital. During one of the icebreakers we were asked three questions, “Who are the legends of hip-hop?”, “Who are the legends of Canadian hip-hop?”, and “Who are the legends of Ottawa hip-hop?” The first two questions were easy to answer, but as a Toronto native I drew a blank when trying to figure out who the…
Our team recently had a heated debate on who in popular culture we considered “Shifters”- people who use their creativity and influence to impact the world around them. They’re creators, whether artists, entrepreneurs or thought leaders, who had an idea or inspiration and have cultivated it to live out their dream. When Kim Kardashian came up in our discussion reactions were mixed. Most people fail to see the significance of what the Kardashian clan has accomplished. Anyone can create art. Few people can create products. Even fewer people can create a successful brand, whether personal or corporate; the Kardashians have.…
Koliah Bourne recently had the opportunity to chat with Sudz Sutherland and Jennifer Holness, producers of CBC’s latest drama series Shoot the Messenger. Canada’s top TV production duo talked about diversity in film and television, the recent U.S. election, advice for up and coming producers, and their latest and biggest project. Koliah Bourne: So thank you first off. I am just getting to know you. I love your stuff. Sudz Sutherland: Thank you so much. Jennifer Holness: We appreciate you saying that. Thank you. Koliah: So you both are becoming one of the more well-known producers in Canada. Tell us…
This article was originally published on JodianneBeckford.com. Reposted with permission from the author. From the title, many of you have already been in that very position. As a creative you strive on individuality and creating the upmost “original” work. But, yes there is a “but”, there are times when things just get stagnant. You freeze, your flow begins to run dry and you panic, like having to wear the same thing twice in the first week of school. Phew! I’m not the only one (excuse my over exaggerated example). As I was saying, it just happens, but there is something…
