SKILLOSPHY: A Different Breed of Artists

SKILLOSOPHY: A Different Breed of Artist Alphabet City, New York (August 10, 2018) -

The co-founders of Lyricist Lounge and Defiant Entertainment are joining forces with EFFEN Vodka to present the 2018 Skillosophy Spotlight Series. Skillosophy, which started in 2016, is an event series focused on featuring artists who explore multiple avenues of creativity. It aims to break the mold of one-dimensional artists by providing an event where artists can feature their multiple crafts in one space.

The evening of August 10, 2018, Skillosophy will open again for one night in Manhattan at A2Z, 67 Loisaida Ave. (Ave. C), New York, NY, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm.

The summer show will have music and digital visuals by Afropunk & Okay Africa’s Underdog the DJ as well as performances by DJ and recording artist SONI withanEYE, and poet, DJ, rapper, singer OVEOUS. As a DJ, Underdog has shared the stage with artists like Femi Kuti, Common, Black Coffee, Kelela, A Tribe Called Red, Questlove and Thundercat.

From Afropunk to almost every major festival in NYC, DJ Underdog is currently holding down residencies with OkayAfrica DC, Electrafrique NYC and Future R & Bass. Art wise, he is the lead graphic designer for OkayAfrica and recently had a showing at #DigitaliaSF at The Museum of Art and Diaspora (MOAD). SONI withanEYE will be performing songs from her new full-length release, "REBEL", which features appearances by Questlove, Prodigy, Todd Terry and Raekwon along with production by Tony Touch. She also has a weekly DJ residency at Hotel Chantelle in New York City. OVEOUS has worked and recorded with Roy Ayers, Louie Vega, and Osunlade (Yoruba Records). He was also the lead in the film SPIT, won the Apollo Amateur Night multiple times, was featured on HBO’s original series Def Poetry and became a 3 time national poetry finalist.

Artwork by New York City’s premiere visual artists Shah Wonders and Riiisa Boogie will be exhibited, including live painting by Riiisa. Shah Wonders is a Grammy and MTV Video Award winning painter based in Brooklyn. Wonders and his team has done animation on the hit TV show “Black-ish” in which the show has been recently nominated for 5 Emmy Awards in 2018. Additionally he has done work for artists and brands such as TLC, LL Cool J, Mary J Blige, John Lennon, Tyra Banks, Marc Ecko, Jay-Z, Nike, Sony Records and Peabody Award Winning writer Kenya Barris. Riiisa Boogie is an illustrator, painter and a muralist who works on a wide range of projects in a number of mediums. Lately, she has been deeply involved in using plywood to bring her illustrations to life. Recent projects include, WTC Building 2 Mural, Art 4 WTC, Delusional Jonathan Levine projects, O+ Positive festival, Sun Rise Steam Shack, Int-O Yellow, and First Street Project. Curated by Danny Castro (Lyricist Lounge / Castro Co.) and Bianca Romero (creative producer, artist, curator), Skillosophy will be highlighting all facets of these talented individuals. In addition to the art, music and live performances, complimentary EFFEN Vodka cocktails will be served throughout the evening for guests to enjoy. Free with RSVP at www.skillosophy810.eventbrite.com Since its inception in 1991, Lyricist Lounge has maintained its dual commitment of promoting underground talent while paying homage to the pioneers of the Hip-Hop culture. The careers of artists like Mos Def, Eminem, Notorious B.I.G., and many others have been launched through the Lyricist Lounge television show, events, and tours. Bianca Romero is a creative producer with extensive experience working on branded events in New York City, Chicago, Miami and more. In addition to producing experiences for brands, Bianca is also a mixed media artist who has exhibited her works in galleries all over New York City. She is also the former co-founder of Defiant Entertainment.