Prince: I appreciate that fact that after years of putting out dope music you still continue to do so. I appreciate your ballsy attitude and you’re continued influence on everyone from The Dream to The Neptunes. I appreciate your work and everything you stand for. I appreciate everything you’ve recorded down from “Purple Rain” to “3121.” I appreciate that after years you still know how to keep a party going.

Madonna: I appreciate your work ethic. I appreciate your ability to reinivent yourself time after time for each album. I appreciate the dedication you put into your work. I appreciate the bold statements you make time and time again. I appreciate that you’ve made out with Britney Spears and Christina Aguileria. I appreciate everything you’ve recorded from “Like A Virgin” to “Hard Candy.”

Anne Leibovitz: I appreciate your ability to take iconic images like this one or this one. I appreciate your “eye.” I appreciate your humbleness, your humilty, and how you bring out the humanity and sheer beauty in the subjects you shoot.

Whoopi Goldberg: I appreciate your talent for making people laugh, because laughter is the only way to get through something for most people–myself included. I appreciate your mind, you’re not just some dumb comedian.

Alice Walker: I appreciate that you are a wordsmith. I appreciate that you wrote “The Color Purple”–My favorite novel ever. I appreciate that you write so fluid and so pretty that it seems heaven sent.

Honorable Mentions: Stevie Wonder, Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Bjork, Timbaland, Missy Elliot, Diana Ross, Quincy Jones, Toni Morrison

NY Times-

“His race was very blurry,” said Ning Liu, 28, an electrical engineer who moved to the Chicago suburbs from China four years ago.

Still, it was Mr. Jackson’s changeability that, in part, allowed him to resonate with millions of people around the world.

Mr. Liu, who went to Gary to place flowers outside Mr. Jackson’s childhood home, said: “His voice, his look, the way he did things — it didn’t fit the stereotype people had of black people. People were not afraid of him.”

Opening for him were The Plastiscines, ex Blood Brothers members new band Jaguar Love, and my new favorite band Living Things. This time, I brought along my friend Crystan who I’m currently teaching how to play guitar. I told her that the best way to learn to play would be to watch someone else play and to mimic them, so I thought it would be perfect for her to see a real band play live. We got there a little late, but we were just in time to see Living Things take the stage. Upon seeing the group, they reminded me a bit of The Strokes because they looked like cool New Yorkers playing rock music that made you dance and because of the lead singer’s catchy lyrics which I caught the band members reciting even as they played. I always say that what makes a great band is when all of the members are good at what they play and Living Things fit the mold.

First, the charismatic lead singer gave a toast to Atlanta which he got off the stage (which he did throughout the show) and tapped beers with one of the audience members. He also held up the old American flag and gave a shout out to America . I especially like the guitarist because he played exactly how I would play if I was in a band. He played really fast riffs which made you want to jump and dance, which Crystan did from time to time during the show. I could tell that the drummer was really amped up because although he was drowning in sweat, he banged on his drum set like a mad man. The bassist, as always, was the most laid back and cool member, but you can tell he was really into it as he almost hit someone in the audience in the head with his bass as he was swinging his it around. Although I was there to cover Patrick Wolf, I’m glad that I saw Living Things play because they really inspired me in starting my own band.

Now Patrick Wolf was a whole other show. It took at least 20 minutes or so to set up for his set because he had so many instruments on stage that had to be tuned from a violin, a cello, a ukulele to you name it. His music would generally be classified as Theater Pop which I never knew exactly what that was, but I soon found out from watching his show. As his music started, he came out onto the stage in a costume where he was covered in green leaves which looked like he could have played as a tree spirit or an old Owl in a play. He was also glammered up from head to toe with his face shining brighter than the lights that shined on him. It was definitely theatrical! The way his violinist struck those chords was so dramatic it made me think that I was in a movie where something big was about to happen. He morphed back into a regular person when he took of the suit and picked up his black and white Flying V guitar which I thought was kind of cool even though I would never get one. It matched his black and white outfit which was a tight, strapped Speedo that was cut down the middle exposing his chest and his ribs. It was a pretty interesting outfit to say the least. From seeing his show, I can see why NYLON magazine signed him to their new label and gave him the headline show for the tour. He looked like he could have been featured in the magazine himself which I’m sure he probably already has.

I’m glad that I was able to go to the show, even more so because I got to show Crystan a real rock show. Living Things totally made an impact on me and Crystan as well, and the guitarist, Cory was a cool guy as he told me how they got started and the places that he’s been. He also told me about their new album that is out in stores called Habeas Corpus which I plan to buy in the next few days. I’m sure if their show is hot then their album should be even better. It was also an experience to see Patrick Wolf perform as I had never seen any artist perform under the Theatrical Pop genre. Anyone who can go on stage with all of those instruments and sing really high notes is a rock star to me. I can safely say that you will never see me wear anything like that on stage. I’ll just stick to my ripped jeans and t-shirt.

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Art Nouveau Magazine: Describe your music to someone who has never heard it?

JR: DOPE!!!.. lol!! Maad , wicked , fresh.. need I say more (smile) Island-vibe meets world wide appeal. I sing / singjay-rap.. its different , check it out!

ANM: You’re signed to Epic, tell me about how that happened?

JR: The label was looking for an artist from jamaica to feature on a record and my name came up, once they heard my songs and seen a couple of my videos myspace /youtube, they didnt want a feature anymore, they wanted to sign me. Charlie Walk who was the president at the time along with Keith Naftaly who was head A&R , also no longer with Epic loved my style and vibe, sought my management and thats pretty much how it happened.

ANM: You’re working with the likes of Ne-Yo and Diplo writing tracks. Were you nervous going into the studio with artists of that stature?

JR: I was so excited I think I forgot about being nervous lol.. I enjoyed working with them both. It was a great experience for me, really cool people.

ANM: You’ve been compared to Gwen Stefani and Alanis Morrisette, who are your musical inspirations?

JR: Artist like Marcia Griffiths, Bob marley, Stevie Wonder, There are so many.. Lauryn Hill the list goes on and on. Gwen And Alanis are such beautiful songwriters it’s an honor even be considered in comparison.

ANM: How important is it for you to write your own lyrics?

JR: Writing is important to me because as an artist, what better way is there to express yourself than in your own words. Music is a medium and there is always a story to be told.

ANM: Would you consider your music pop music?

JR: Yes , but not entirely though, My music has a touch of reggae, also hip hop at times, little rock elements,but for me pop is popular music and popular sounds really good to me right now (smiling

ANM: You’re already a star in Jamaica, why do you think it’s taking a bit longer to hit it big in the US?

JR: Everything is a process, nothing happens over night and I totally understand that .. I have an amazing team behind me and a country rooting for me , Big up all my Jamaicans!!). On a crossover level u not only have to have that right material to build that bridge and keep it there.. its a world wide stage.. promotion is key. But dont worry wont keep them waitin’ too long.

ANM: Tell me about your album “Rebel Love Goddess”?

JR: There are 3 sides to Jovi Rockwell ( ok and here I am speaking in 3rd party already lol) but, as I said earlier music is a medium, this album is basically about a girl who can be a Rebel (never wanting to be part of the crowd, a Lover(relationships) and a Goddess(spirituality) on any given day,and thats the idea behind the music . So I’m basically introducing myself to the world. Describe myself in 3 word Im A” Rebel.Love.Goddess”

ANM: You’ve said Europe is the best place to boost an artists esteem. Do you still believe that and why?

JR: Yes.. The fans there are so welcoming and open to all types of musical vibes. There is a certain freedom i want to say, about the crowd and performing over there, the energy is indescribable. Love Europe!

ANM: Whats next for you?

JR: Completing my Album, that’s the focus right now, when that’s finished cant wait to meet the fans on tour and rock out! (Also Jovi Rockwell Mixtape coming out next month)

ANM: Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

JR: Just want to give thanks for all my blessings and all the fans that continue to show love and support.. Jamaica world wide..You guys mean so much to me! Big up my management Waded Entertainment, Uprize Music and Ruddy Rock Inc. Look out for the album “Behold The Rebel.Love.Goddess.” coming soon!!! Look out for the mixtape soon too!!!

Click here for everything Jovi Rockwell.

From June 26 - September 20 The Robert E. Blum Gallery in the Brooklyn Museum will present UK-based Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare’s exhibition of midcareer survey of his work entitled Leisure Lady with Ocelots. Yinka’s life-size fiberglass mannequin, three fiberglass ocelots, Dutch wax printed cotton, leather, glass explore contemporary African identity and its relationship to European colonialism through painting, sculpture, installation, and moving image.

For more information visit www.brooklynmuseum.org
The Philly Foundation Art Show 2 by Eric Jordan at The Rum Bar

July 1st, illustrator and Art Nouveau blogger Eric Jordan will show new work at the Philly Foundation Art Show 2. The opening will last from 9pm- 2am and will have free drinks, free food and new work by Eric Jordan and introducing Nikki Saffron hair and make up stylist who will exhibit her work with models walking around the event.

For more information visit www.ejordanill.com

Monet Water Lilies at The High Museum of Art in Atlanta

If you’re in Atlanta this summer run to The High Museum of Art. The museum has an intimate view of  four of Monet’s most spectacular works. The highlight of the exhibition is undoubtedly the breathtaking 42-foot painting that inspires a sense of serenity, meditation, and the infinite. The show runs through August 23.
For more information visit www.high.org
Neoteny New Works by Sam Parker at Beep Beep Gallery

From July 11 - August 2nd The Beep Beep Gallery will present “Neoteny,” an exhibition of new works by Sam Parker. According to Parker, he began these works as a child and continued to draw as an adult. With a tagline like Retention of juvenile characteristics in adult specimens of a species I know this show we’ll be bomb.
For more information visit www.beepbeepgallery.com
Extraordinary Machine at the Wm Turner Gallery

Art Nouveau Magazine will open a portal at the Wm Turner Gallery where imagination meets mechanism. “Extraordinary Machine,” an art show featuring works by two radical visionaries, Kendrick Daye and Corinne Stevie Francilus, will open with a wine reception beginning promptly at 6p.m. The show will run through July 18th.

All artwork and merchandise will be available for purchase, a percentage from the work sold will be donated to a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the enrichment of social and cultural experiences in the metropolitan communities of Atlanta.

For more information visit www.an-mag.com or www.newvoevents.com