The USA Network honored Lupe Fiasco and artist Shepard Fairey by naming both as recipients of their Character Approved award. Citing Jay–Z’s approval and calling him the “future of Hip Hop” allowed Lupe to receive the award, which is designed to honor people who are influencing the culture of America in their own ways. Lupe is currently up for nominations in four different categories for this year’s Grammy Awards [click to read].
While Lupe‘s name is well-known throughout Hip Hop circles, many may not know that they have been equally, if not more, influenced by Fairey. Fairey is the artist behind the Barack Obama screen print featuring the word “Hope” inscribed below the president’s picture. After being seen in various forms throughout the past year’s election, his iconic portrait of President Obama made its way into the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian. Shepard joined legendary portrait artists such as Norman Rockwell, Gilbert Stuart and Elaine de Kooning.
“I’m a populist,”Mr. Fairey said in an interview with a portrait gallery curator. “I’m trying to reach as many people as possible.”
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In unrelated news, Harlem’s Apollo Theater will celebrate the 75th anniversary of Amateur Night tomorrow. The event has been a showcase for legends like Stevie Wonder, James Brown and Ella Fitzgerald. In more recent years artists such as Kid Capri and Miri Ben Ari have graced the stage, while D’Angelo has parlayed his Amateur Night winning performance into a successful solo career.
Uptown native Ron Browz, co-creator of “Pop-Champagne” [click to view], is slated as tomorrow night’s feature performer. The first 750 tickets are selling for a special price of $7.50.
