When I made the “Diamond Girl” movie back in 2007, I was doing exactly what I’ve always done: making the best use of my resources to bring a creative vision to life. Imagine my surprise and excitement upon hearing that the creative team at Lexus had interest in using the film as a reference for their latest campaign focused on the all-new, seven-passenger GX460:
Look closely and you’ll recognize the Moschino suit from my performance at the BET Honors, illustrating a creative seamless integration of the campaign’s kickoff with the television special (the ad begins just as I’m walking off stage). I posted this to encourage you all to be fearless. Taking on the challenge of executing your creative vision can be intimidating, especially when you are passionate about the message you wish to convey. At times, you may get caught up in the numbers. How many people are watching? I encourage you to consider that what really matters is who’s watching. In this case, the time and energy invested in making a short film have indirectly influenced a transition from the web to the small screen in the form of this amazing branding partnership. For a behind-the-scenes look at the deal, check the video below:
At this moment, I truly have to give it up to all of you – especially those who have shared my videos with your friends and families. Your support of my creative endeavors is the reason that the Lexus brand has integrated me in their messaging. I appreciate all of you and I’ll be working with Lexus to provide a chance for someone to come and test drive the car in NYC with me. Stay tuned for details.
Aside from the fact that I spent part of it shooting a video with Fabolous, the day captured in this footage is an especially historic one in my career:
Receiving two BET Award nominations (Best Male R&B Artist & Best New Artist) is truly an honor. From the time I started the pursuit of my passion as a young singer/songwriter/producer in college, I have always aspired to create music and art that had value. My parents taught me that I could not expect recognition or rewards without merit. That understanding is what got me into Harvard. My father stressed that he wanted me to deserve my spot in the freshman class by nature of my academic aptitude and performance and not my eligibility for affirmative action. To be recognized in these categories validates the work ethic and commitment to excellence I’ve applied to every aspect of my career.
I named this post “My Time” for two reasons. First, the scene I shot (for one of the records I produced for Fabolous) is an epilogue to his video for “My Time”. I have my friend Helly Nahmad to thank for the Rolls Royce in which I showed up to set. Second, I waited and watched (as their producer) two of my very close friends take their turn as artists before me. I supported and encouraged them as they fought their way through the obstacle course that is the music industry. All the while, I was evaluating what made me deserving of the opportunity that they had been granted. Now that the window has opened for me, I am resolved to make the most of it by staying true to my internal sense of musical integrity and giving all that I can afford to give. As I begin this new album cycle, I believe that now more than ever, it’s my time!
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Fab’s “My Time” video premiered via MTV yesterday so here’s the piece that features yours truly:
As always, I sincerely appreciate your continued support, love and encouragement.
Last week, I spent a few hours at MTV to do radio (yes, they have radio), on-line, and TV promo for the album. I ran into Sway while shooting a segment with Jim Cantiello, and talked music with Jayson Rodriguez for a news clip. All of this media should run shortly. Until it’s public, this is really all I can give you (at the Network’s request):
Here’s the first piece to go live – from the MTV Remote Control Blog. I show up at about 3:41:
Last month I visited Shade 45 Radio and announced that I’d be “launching the most unprecedented on-line campaign anyone has ever seen in history”:
I’ve watched labels and artists take advantage of the blueprint that I laid out in 2005 on ns4life.com and I’m happy to see that some have enjoyed incredible success with that model. Somehow, no-one’s been able to do it like we do it at NextSelection…you know, daily video updates from the artist. I stress DAILY, VIDEO, and ARTIST. That’s why I’m back to do it the way it’s supposed to be done.
I’ve read all the comments around the blogosphere (good and critical) of my album cover (shot by my friend Armen Djerrahian) and I say – it’s about the MUSIC. I know what I like – and if you like music that makes you feel good, I’m sure you’ll get into my album and into this right here:
When you watch the video again, make sure you look for the following NextSelection friends and family (in order of appearance): Zina Star, Rich Dollaz, Joy Leslie, Steven Galgano, Evan Rogers, Steve Graham, Brandon Fletcher, Willie Caba, Mike Norris, the top of Ed Woods’ head, Shiv Pandya, Yamill Vallecillo, Fabrizio Brienza (blurry on the couch), Noémie Lenoir, Jose “Jaq” Quezada, Debbie Weinberg, & Daytona Jones.
…And on my album cover – shout out to Corey Shapiro for the vintage Ray-Ban frames, Lyndon Mackenzie @ Reiss for the v-neck, Roger Hinds (my tailor in Boston) for the jeans, Dean & Dan Caten (as well as Rigo Lora and Anna Voorhees) of DSquared2 for the chain. Frida Giannini from Gucci…though I’ve yet to meet you, I respect what you’re doing at Gucci so I’m rockin’ your belt.
Looking for more? New to the Ryan Leslie experience? Make sure to check out the About Me and About My Site sections. Want to stay in touch? Put your info in my BlackBerry. Want a “Diamond Girl” tee? Get one in my store. Stay tuned and God bless!
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