City Taxes
September 21, 2020
“Going nowhere fast” isn’t what you always think it is. Going somewhere slow is so much worse. Within about a three block radius surrounding Granny’s Chandelier, the gallery Lokye operates, there are a few who go nowhere fast - and it sometimes feels close to nirvana.
Lokye’s new music video Neverland directed by Djkage showcases that nirvana in neon glory, giving those who haven’t been to Granny’s a good visualization of what it often feels like to be there. Those gambling with Lokye in the video aren’t strangers by any means. Familiar faces Nvhdeem, Wurlsotto, SkinnyG, and Babycakk appear as per usual - and to no surprise - with the current pandemic the circle in mind.
(Legend says if you drive by Granny’s you can see a couple of these faces eating chicken and rice from across the street, drinking naked juice, and smoking cigarettes everyday)
Neverland’s jazzy production and Lokye’s quick but cool delivery become even more nuanced when framed through Djkage’s lens. The video starts with Lokye spotlighted and glowing, surrounded by the usual characters, and ready to throw the dice - alley shenanigans. This imagery is in stark contrast to the later visuals of Lokye, red lights filling the gallery, his back to a wall of his newly produced paintings.
The juxtaposition of these two scenes give authentic gravity to Lokye’s approach as a multifaceted artist currently working in Hamtramck. As a painter, rapper, and gallery owner, utilizing Granny’s Chandelier as the set for the video allows for Lokye’s aesthetic vision to speak for itself.
The group effort makes it evident that another small group is working hard in the city, as many seem to be right now. Shining in the group setting, Lokye reflects alone in crimson but remains calm, confident, and interested in the future. This is daily life, these are his friends and collaborators, and while the dice game in the video ended with a small victory, a small victory is substantial when you play everyday. Nowhere is the present moment.
**I’ve taken photos of Lokye at his gallery and around Hamtramck since February of this year and a couple of these are attached. I post my photos at @citytaxes on Instagram.**
**Lokye is showcasing his paintings at Granny’s Chandelier for a small art show opening on the 25th, and having an album listening party October 9th for his new album titled Color Coded Part 2.**
Lokye at Granny’s Chandelier with art by Daisy. (Image Courtesy of @citytaxes)
LOKYE - NEVERLAND music video by DJKAGE (Image courtesy of DJKAGE and Lokye)