WUTANG 2000 is about to turn 25 years old. Here in the Northeast Section of USA.corp, The Wu Tang Clan is probably the closest thing we have to the Beatles, in the post modern world.
Yet somehow here in Massachusetts, it has become normal to see WU TANG alumni at the many cannabis/music events,
especially since folks like Cappadonna, Big Nate and Method Man have entered the 36 chambers of the cannabis industry.
Many WU members are also dropping nu-Tang including legendary Killah Priest who recently put out his new concept album, Forest of the Happy Ever After,
based in Nature and the spiritual aspects of creation and had a resulting gallery appearance featuring John Newsom's album art.
Newsom had previously worked with Wu Tang Clan member Raekwon, but said he hasn't done too many albums otherwise and so was excited to have worked on this project and is currently involved in the next release, which is currently underway.
Newsom's work is surreal, mixing form and texture and with a very bright palette. There is an emphasis on the lushness of summer and the light and shadows of the resulting shining sun.
Newsom includes animals and insects fungi and flora into his works with hidden visual treasures woven into the composition.
The pieces on display were probably 4x4 wood panels, and when displayed form a cohesive message about the rich community of life found in forests.
Forests of the Happy Ever After is an amazing work, refreshingly different and contemplative. A long tome fan of Killah Priest, I personally jumped at the chance to throw down some cash on a copy of the vinyl, not to mention there were rumors that dude would sign the album.
Many of the beats seem to be borrowing from like a relaxation cd and much of it is accompanied by almost a spoken word vibe. Not that its not dope. He talks about the earth from the perspective of a naturalist with experience in plant biology microbes and mycelium.
A very fun album and an interesting direction for Killah Priest to take. Is kind of a different deeper side of Killa Priest, one that is about wisdom purpose gratitude and clever lyricism.
The album is a sort of journey in the forest.
They even created a field guide for the album where Newsom describes the pieces and process, shedding light on some of the esoteric meaning behind the heavy symbolism in his art.
The homies from Big Dookie Podcast came through to take advantage of the opportunity presented by Brattleboro VT"s historic Art Galley
No joke, they brought copies of seemingly every single vinyl featuring Killah Priest. Killah is a man of the people and was happy to hook them up, signing absolutely everything. It was quite an impressive collection and so basically like writing an essay. (lol)
The event was held at the Art Museum in Brattleboro VT, and so there was tons of pieces to look at and the expected table of cheese crackers and fruits, as well as a laid back opportunity to discuss the work with both artists.
Killah Priest is in town for a show the next day at Brattleboro's Old Stone Church music venue and so that he came a day early to do this art show was incredible, I'm hoping to catch the show and so who knows there may be more to the story.
BRATTLEBORO Vt.'s Art Museum Killa Priest, Forest of the Happy Ever After and Art of John Newsom ...Highly Recommended
