At the end of 2009, one of the illest, most artistic websites I’ve ever seen was launched. Manned by directors Coodie and Chike, as well as former CEO of Roc-a-Fella Records, Dame Dash, Creative Control brings something brand new to the table. It is what I would call raw art and genius caught on video. It displays everything from short conceptual films, to musical performances, to interviews. Creative Control has linked with the likes of the NYC socialite twins Dee and Ricky, to Erykah Badu, with each collaboration being nothing short of amazing. It is worth checking out, and I’m sure it will only get better. You’ll catch me on there one day doing something like this interview with one of my favorite photographers, Sante D’Orazio. Kudos to Dame, Coodie, and Chike.

So I was recently on one of my Barnes & Noble expeditions the other day, which usually consist of me perusing through magazines and photography books for hours. This time around, I just went straight to the magazine section because I was seeking inspiration for a school project and didn’t have much time to find it. The first thing that grabbed my attention, other than Rihanna on GQ, was a dope black and white photo of Tupac. It was on the cover of a magazine called “Respect”. So I pick it up and wonder why I’ve never heard of it and then I see it’s the premiere issue. I immediately take it to the register, along with Rihanna on GQ’s cover, and purchase it so I can go sit on a quiet corner and pick it apart. This magazine is amazing. In a nutshell, it’s a quarterly photo journal of Hip-Hop culture. The Respect Magazine premiere issue features nine photographers with subjects ranging from The Beastie Boys to Jay-Z. Get to your nearest magazine carrier and get your piece of Hip-Hop history today!

I never hesitate to give props to fellow Rochester Institute of Technology(RIT) Alumni, especially when they burst into their respective industry and shine. Photographer Chad Griffith couldn’t be a better example of this. This former photography major has an array of big names in his portfolio and I’m sure the list will continue to grow. Working out of NYC with major album and magazine covers to his credit, Chad’s come a long way from his days in snowy Rochester; and will surely continue to rise.

Peep his portfolio at http://www.chadgriffith.com

I’m not sure if you all were aware, but it is the first annual Photo Week in D.C. Some of you are probably like “Huh???” So I’ll give you the scoop on Photo Week although my knowledge of this occurrence is pretty limited itself. But from my understanding, Photo Week in D.C. is pretty much a mecca of all things photography throughout the entire district. They are special exhibits all around the city and even in Virginia and Maryland. The majority of them are free to enter and open to the public. Ya’ll know I absolutely love photography so I’m gonna have to utilize my only day off today (Wednesday) to check out some of the great things this event has to offer. This will be a great way to just meet professional and amateur photographers and just artists in general so I’ve gotta go rub elbows with some of the cats who are soon to be my competition. I’m a little late because it officially kicked off on November 15th but you haven’t missed anything because it goes all the way through November 22. So if you happen to be in D.C. this week make sure to check it out. It has drawn in great sponsors like Canon, the Washington Post, and the Smithsonian Museums so you know it’s serious business. The bulk of the exhibitions are being held at what is being called “FotoWeek Central” which is located in Georgetown at 3338 M St. NW. For the rest of the locations and other info about the first annual D.C. Photo Week check out the official website and if that’s too boring check out their blog. I’ll keep you updated on my adventures because it’s sure to be an M&N worthy experience. Peace n Photos.