man, thankful to share this project - I’ve been working on a children’s book over the past two years and it’s officially up for preorder (link in bio) - the story follows 7-year-old Norah Rose, a midwest kid with dreams of becoming a director - when her grandfather becomes sick, she sets out to make her first film just for him - along the way, she learns important lessons about problem solving, collaboration and creating from the heart - I wrote this book as an affirmation for kids to create, no matter where you’re from - children’s books were important beacons growing up (the very hungry caterpillar was essential) and I wanted to create a new beacon for the next generation of storytellers, something positive and uplifting in these crazy times - the process was a beautiful reminder of why we create, getting back to the basics of the craft - thank you @penguinrandomhouse@kokilabooks@tweetpathi for your partnership and support and to the brilliant @gdbeeart whose illustrations brought Norah’s world to life - and big s/o to my brothers @losxmichael and @matthewacherry for your mentorship and guidance throughout this process - the book officially drops on November 11th, more soon - 🅱️🛴🖇️💲📧
BÉACONS 002
Daniel Dumile, known to the world as MF DOOM, was born on July 13, 1971, in London, England, and raised in Long Island, New York. From a young age, he recognized the raw power of words. Through relentless experimentation, he developed a singular style — unpredictable rhyme schemes, cryptic references, and his signature mask—all of which cemented his status as one of hip-hop’s most innovative and enigmatic figures.
In the early 1990s, Dumile first emerged as Zev Love X in the group KMD. But in 1993, tragedy struck when his younger brother and KMD member, DJ Subroc, was killed in a car accident. The loss derailed his career and sent Dumile into self-imposed exile. When he reemerged years later, it was behind a metal mask — an emblem of both anonymity and rebirth. As MF DOOM, he reinvented himself as a villainous anti-hero, turning pain into poetic alchemy.
DOOM approached rap like a jazz musician, deconstructing language and rebuilding it with an unorthodox flow and masterful wordplay. His beats were equally captivating — sample-heavy, crackling with the warmth of old vinyl, and painted with obscure fragments of dialogue from 1960’s cartoons and cult films. His albums, from Operation: Doomsday to MM..Food to his magnum opus Madvillainy with Madlib, were more than records — they were complex narratives that blurred the line between villain and hero, artist and audience.
Yet, what truly set DOOM apart was his mystique. He rarely showed his face, sometimes even sending impostors in the mask to perform on stage. To him, the persona wasn’t just an image — it was a statement on identity, the nature of fame, and the relationship between artist and audience.
DOOM passed away on October 31, 2020, leaving behind a legacy as intricate and elusive as the man himself. His influence stretches across generations of artists who continue to decode his work. In a genre built on spectacle, DOOM found power in mystery, proving that the greatest impact sometimes comes from leaving questions unanswered. He didn’t just master the art of rap — he reshaped it, leaving behind a body of work that remains equal parts mystery, map, and monument.
BÉACONS 001
Gordon Parks was born on November 30, 1912, in Fort Scott, Kansas. At 28, Parks purchased his first camera, a Voigtländer Brillant, at an old pawnshop. He already knew the power a camera could wield, and quickly taught himself the art of photography. Parks' dedication to the craft quickly evolved into a signature style, blending technical mastery with fearless perspective, setting Parks on the path to becoming one of the most influential visual storytellers of the 20th century. In the 1940s, Parks began to establish his legendary career, capturing the pulse of American life through his lens. His camera became a conduit for truth, revealing the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of everyday people. His work was never just about the shot — it was an intimate dialogue with humanity, a bridge into worlds often overlooked. Parks was a master of natural light and composition, but what truly set his work apart was the humanity in every frame. On the first days of an assignment, he often left his 35mm Leica at home, choosing instead to immerse himself in his subjects’ lives. He sat at their tables, listened to their stories, and earned their trust before ever taking a photo. Whether he was shadowing Harlem gang leaders, capturing the quiet resilience of Ella Watson — his iconic American Gothic subject — or documenting the unguarded moments of Muhammad Ali, Parks had a rare ability to connect with people from all walks of life, allowing his images to reflect their deepest truths.
Through Parks’ lens, marginalized communities became symbols of resilience, dignity, and hope. His artistry was a seamless blend of technical precision, deep empathy, and an instinct for the moment — those fleeting, unscripted seconds that speak volumes. Gordon Parks didn’t just document history —he helped shape it. His work continues to inspire generations, reminding us that art, when created with intention and empathy, has the power to transform society itself.
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behind the music of yay
Music by David Buckley
Orchestra: Prague Symphonic Ensemble
Conductors: Jérôme Kuhn
Sound Engineer: Vit Kral
Digital Recordist: David Lukacs
Solo Cellist: Isaiah Gage
Orchestrator: Anthony Weeden
Score Mixed by: Jeff Biggers
Mix Assistant: Andrea Roberts
Editor: Edward Schroer
Prague camera op: Kristiana Stepanovica
Prague camera op: Pavel Klement
