QUAVIOUS AND DANIEL: WHAT THE HELLY?

In the world of art and hip-hop, collaborations and unexpected cultural crossovers are what make the landscape exciting. But when ego, legality, and a bit of high-horse energy get involved, we sometimes miss the bigger picture. That brings us to what I like to call: Quavious and Daniel — What the Helly?

Quavo, in front of Daniel’s work. Daniel don’t get mad because I posted this man lmao.

image via the fashion law

Let’s break it down. On March 31, Daniel Arsham — world-renowned artist known for eroded sculptures of classic cars, Pokémon busts, and architecture-inspired pieces — filed a copyright infringement suit against Quavo. The Migos member allegedly used Arsham’s 1961 Ferrari GT sculpture in a teaser video for his song "Trappa Rappa" without permission. The artist claims the sculpture was used without license or compensation, and while the video was eventually removed from some platforms, it remains active on others.

Now here's where it gets confusing — Arsham isn’t new to hip-hop. In fact, he’s embraced the culture many times. He sculpted Jay-Z's hands throwing up the Roc symbol for the Book of Hov exhibit, created a bust of Gunna for the DS4EVER album, and collaborated with Pharrell and Nas. This ain’t his first dance with the rap world. So the question becomes: why did this particular use by Quavo feel like such a violation to him?

Let’s keep it real: Quavo didn’t claim the sculpture was his. He wasn’t reselling it or repurposing it as merch. He stood in front of it. Rapped near it. Tagged the man. So what are we really mad at here? The fact that Quavo didn’t get a written license? Sure — that’s the technical foul. But the spirit of the interaction felt more like a tribute than theft.

As an artist and lawyer myself, let me tell you how I would've handled it. Quavo tags me? Uses my piece in a video? Boom — I reach out. I ask for credit in the video description, a profile link on socials, maybe even a short caption shoutout. I’d use the moment to drive traffic to my page. Then, I’d pitch a limited collaboration — imagine a Quavo bust in my sculpture style, followed by merch off the bust? That’s culture. That’s how you flip a moment into legacy.

Instead, we get legal filings, court headlines, and division. I know Daniel’s team would argue this is about protecting intellectual property — and legally, they’re within their rights. But this isn’t about legality alone. It’s about energy. It’s about how we treat each other in a creative ecosystem that already struggles with ego, access, and opportunity.

Daniel Arsham’s work, while masterful, also borrows. He’s flipped iconic visuals from pop culture with eroded textures — from Pokémon to vintage cars — and yes, I assume those were all licensed. But it still means he understands inspiration and reinterpretation. So why not extend that grace when someone else does it?

Quavo didn’t try to sell the sculpture. He didn’t repackage it. He rapped beside it. And if anything, it brought more eyeballs to Arsham’s world. We can debate copyright law all day, but what I care about is the spirit of the interaction. And this lawsuit? It feels like a missed opportunity.

What this moment needs is more brotherhood between artists of different mediums. Hip-hop and fine art don’t need to operate in separate universes. They should collide. They should overlap. They should build bridges, not court cases.

I say this not to tear anyone down, but to spark thought. I still support Daniel Arsham as an artist. His work is innovative and globally recognized. But I also support artists like Quavo who are continuously pushing visuals and sound into new territories. Let’s be more collaborative. Let’s be more generous. Let’s build.

This article is not legal advice. It is not an attack on Daniel Arsham. It’s just one artist’s opinion, reflecting on how this situation could’ve gone another, better way.

Let’s do better.

—

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Legal Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. It is a personal commentary and is not intended to defame or harm the reputation of Daniel Arsham or any parties involved. All individuals mentioned should be supported in their creative endeavors.

The Case for Strategic Careers in the Family: Balancing Passion and Practicality

The Case for Strategic Careers in the Family: Balancing Passion and Practicality

March 6, 2025

Lawyer Harry making sure the fam is good, lol.

There’s a reason every successful family—especially in Black wealth-building—needs a lawyer, accountant, and doctor. These aren’t just career choices; they’re pillars of sustainability, protection, and generational progress. When families have these roles covered, they don’t have to rely on outsiders who may not have their best interests at heart. Instead, they can move as a unit, ensuring that knowledge, resources, and power stay within the family.

I’ve seen firsthand how this plays out. Just recently, I was able to help my cousin for free with a legal issue that could’ve otherwise cost thousands. If I weren’t a lawyer, he might have been forced to settle for whatever public defense or overpriced legal services he could afford. But because I pursued law—strategically, not just for personal gain but as a family asset—I was able to step in. That’s wealth in action, not just in terms of money but in access and security.

The Black Family’s Missing Infrastructure

Black families often struggle with wealth retention, not because of a lack of talent or ambition, but because of a lack of infrastructure. Wealth isn’t just about making money; it’s about keeping it, growing it, and passing it down. Without the right people in place, families lose money to bad contracts, poor investments, unnecessary medical bills, and legal pitfalls.

We’ve seen other communities master this formula. The lawyer ensures no one gets taken advantage of. The accountant ensures money is managed and grown properly. The doctor ensures health remains a priority, keeping the family functioning at full capacity. This setup isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Passion Still Matters, But So Does Strategy

Now, here’s the caveat: children shouldn’t be forced into careers they hate. That’s how you end up with resentful, underperforming professionals who never reach their full potential. Instead, families should observe their kids early, see what they naturally gravitate toward, and nudge them into paths that align with both passion and practicality.

For me, I always had artistic talent. If I blindly chased that with no strategy, I could have ended up a starving artist, struggling to make ends meet. But I followed my passion with logic and strategy, choosing law as a stable foundation that could fund and empower my creative pursuits. Now, I can create without the pressure of desperation. Success in law makes pursuing art easier, not harder.

A Family Plan for Career Success

The solution isn’t about strict enforcement; it’s about intentionality. Families should sit down and discuss, “Okay, who’s going to take on what? Who’s best suited for law, finance, or medicine? What’s a sustainable way for each child to contribute to the family’s strength?”

This isn’t about limiting options—it’s about expanding them in a structured way. When every member plays their part, the family moves like a corporation, each person contributing to a greater vision.

The ultimate goal? Self-sufficiency, longevity, and generational power. Because when you build a family where the money stays, the knowledge stays, and the resources stay—Black wealth stops being a dream and starts being a reality.

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You Are Appreciated: The Rarity of a Clean Public Restroom

You Are Appreciated: The Rarity of a Clean Public Restroom

February 22, 2025

Public restrooms are one of life’s unavoidable experiences. Whether you’re at a gas station off the highway, a fast-food joint, or even a high-end shopping mall, you’ll eventually have to venture into the abyss. And let’s be real—most of them smell like open ass.

It’s almost as if there’s an unspoken agreement that public restrooms are meant to be disgusting. The scent of bodily functions lingers in the air like an unwanted guest, the floors are often sticky for reasons unknown, and there’s always that one stall with a toilet seat that looks like it barely survived an apocalypse. It’s a universal struggle.

That’s why, when I stumble upon a genuinely clean public restroom, I feel like I’ve hit the jackpot. The level of appreciation I have for a spotless, well-maintained, odor-free bathroom is beyond words. It’s like finding an oasis in the desert, a glimmer of hope in an otherwise grim reality. A restroom that smells neutral—or dare I say, pleasant—deserves its flowers. A place where the soap dispensers actually have soap, the paper towels aren’t empty, and the toilet seats don’t look like they should be condemned? That’s a place of honor.

What’s wild is that maintaining a clean restroom isn’t rocket science. Regular cleaning, functioning ventilation, and basic courtesy from the people using it could go a long way. And yet, here we are, bracing ourselves every time we push open a stall door, preparing for the worst.

So, to the businesses, restaurants, and public spaces that prioritize keeping their restrooms clean: You are appreciated. You may not hear it enough, but those of us who truly value hygiene salute you. May your floors remain dry, your air stay fresh, and your toilets always flush properly. The world needs more of you.

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The Downfall of Hyper Independence

The Downfall of Hyper Independence

January 7, 2024

The Illusion of Strength

Hyper independence is often celebrated as a badge of honor in a world where self-reliance is seen as the ultimate marker of strength. The notion of "I’ve got it, I don’t need anyone" resonates deeply with many of us, especially those who’ve had to endure hardships and rely solely on their own abilities to push through. But what happens when hyper independence becomes less of a survival tool and more of a prison?

The Roots of Hyper Independence

For those of us raised in environments where dependency was a weakness—where asking for help was met with ridicule, rejection, or simply no response—hyper independence can feel like the only way to move forward. It's a mindset born out of necessity, one that says, "If I don’t do it, nobody will." And while it can fuel ambition and resilience, it also builds walls so high that no one can climb over to help, even when you desperately need it.

The Cost of Isolation

Hyper independence thrives on the illusion of control. You feel accomplished when you handle things alone. You’re proud when you juggle multiple responsibilities without breaking a sweat—at least outwardly. But behind closed doors, hyper independence is lonely. It’s exhausting. It’s isolating. The very traits that others admire about you are the ones eating away at your soul.

I’ve been there—balancing ten different plates, refusing to let anyone so much as touch a single one. Whether it’s financial struggles, family burdens, or professional pressures, I’ve told myself countless times, I’ll figure it out. And in many cases, I have. But at what cost? Burnout, resentment, and the sinking realization that my refusal to lean on others has robbed me of deeper connections.

The Truth About Vulnerability

You see, hyper independence isn’t strength—it’s armor. It’s a shield we use to protect ourselves from disappointment. If no one helps, they can’t let you down. If you never depend on anyone, you don’t have to deal with betrayal. But in protecting ourselves from vulnerability, we’re also cutting ourselves off from the benefits of community, love, and shared burdens.

Think about the moments where you genuinely needed someone but kept silent. Think about the times you struggled and someone offered help, but you declined because you didn’t want to appear weak. Hyper independence convinces us that being vulnerable is synonymous with being powerless. In reality, vulnerability is a bridge—it connects us to others in ways that hyper independence never can.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

So how do we break free? It starts with reframing our definition of strength. True strength isn’t about doing everything on your own; it’s about knowing when to ask for help. It’s about understanding that independence and interdependence can coexist. You can stand tall and still lean on others when necessary. You can be self-reliant and still invite people into your life to share the load.

For me, letting go of hyper independence has been a gradual process. It’s meant unlearning the idea that asking for help makes me weak. It’s meant recognizing that people who genuinely care about you want to help, not to diminish you but to stand beside you. And it’s meant forgiving myself for the years I spent thinking I had to do it all alone.

A New Definition of Strength

The downfall of hyper independence isn’t about abandoning self-reliance. It’s about finding balance. It’s about knowing when to carry the weight and when to pass it off. It’s about understanding that we’re not meant to live this life in solitary confinement, no matter how capable we are. Because in the end, the strongest people aren’t the ones who never need help—they’re the ones who know how to ask for it.

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My Disappointment in Puff

My Disappointment in Puff

October 4, 2024

I was supposed to write this article a while ago, but I’m glad I waited because now I have more information to work with. I’m actually Diddy’d out (pause) but I have to give my two cents before I quit paying attention.

I.PUFF’S INFLUENCE

If you know me then you know Puff was a super influence in my upbringing and creative life. It was easy to admire the guy, He had the swagger, the bravado, the success in multiple arenas, black guy from unfavorable circumstances like, genius in music, and overall a shining beacon for someone like me to follow.

The Puff influence ran deep, my first drank of alcohol was Ciroc, I only took it because Puff made it look cool and I wanted to support cuz. I believe I was around 20 years old too, so you see how long I waited not to drink alcohol and only did it because one of my role models did it. Growing up, people would always compare to Ye or Puff, due to the way I dressed, mannerisms, and most people were aware of my life aspirations.

II.DARKSIDE OF PUFF

Like everyone has mentioned this dark side of Mr. Combs isn’t new, we literally heard rumors since we heard who dude was. My idea of Puff before the levy broke on him was ,he was a shrewd businessman but he was a cool fun guy just don’t sign to him! lol. I thought that’s the only thing you would have to worry about the guy, don’t be his artist directly and otherwise you can pretty much rock with him (wrong lol).

https://soundcloud.com/gettothecorner/sets/boss-vibes-puffy-style

The funniest thing about all this is I remember conversations I would have with one of my guys around 2015/16. We were working on my underground cult classic, Boss Vibes Puffy Style, (people used to tell me how much they loved that tape, still get spins today but its not on DSPs, head to soundcloud lol).

Anyways, while we was working on that tape dude would always make a joke about Diddy, calling him “Bisexual Puff”. I’m used to crack up but I used to defend him like man “Boy is not bisexual please quit putting that on him”. He used to be like boy you are an idiot lmao. Then he also said “Boy you gon be so disappointed when you meet these n****” I never thought about that sentence afterwards but lately that sentence been reverberating in my mind.

III.A CONFUSING FALL FROM GRACE

I never met Puff and probably won’t at this point, but I was always confident that I would but now I guess I’m glad I won’t? Its so confusing man, boy was such an indirect integral apart of my life. All the Sean John I used to wear, I even had Sean John shoes! You know I was in too deep , who the hell had Sean John shoes??!?!

Damn BIG, imma still listen but this Puff stuff wild man

I even made “Can’t Nobody Hold Me Down” the theme song of my life. You know how wild that is? My entire life lmao. Out of all the songs I could’ve chose, I thought that best described me best now its like the song is tainted. (sorry Mase). I even though “Victory” was literally the greatest rap song ever made, (I still think that) and I thought “Life After Death” is the greatest album of all time.

When I make albums, I don’t even finish an album without listening to Life After Death in full, its basically a ritual for me.

What I can’t understand is why would he destroy his legacy for his penis? Like bro them sex demons was on your head beloved! You ain’t have no control! lol. I was holding out a glimmer of hope when the Cassie suit first broke, like man we don’t know we gotta wait.

But the moment that video dropped the hammer dropped. Even then I still held a shiny glimmer of hope, like you know people get into arguments and wild out with their girl all the time. But all hope was lost when he kicked her. Once I saw that it was like I seen him sign his own death certificate.

Like man you did not have to kick her man, then you dragged her back to the room like bro are you nuts?! Why would you do that? Everyone who askst hat question gets told the same thing, his drug fueled ego was is downfall. People are starting to say this is a learned behavior, he grew into this, man I don’t care about none of that. Puff had ful agency and knew right from wrong just as good as he knew to say take that take that every two seconds.

IV.BOY RUNNING FROM HIS PAST OR SOMETHING

I resignated with what Charlamagne said on Brilliant Idiots on one of them episodes. It hurts to keep seeing cultural icons destroy their own legacy with their own hands. And I’m not buying the liquor lawsuit conspiracy even though I know how petty institutions can be when you cross them but regardless that liquor company ain’t force him to have freak offs and go around acting like he was in the Gotham. Boy took the Harlem vibes too far, he really thought he was Money Mitch or Bumpy Johnson or something, boy thought he was still in Get him to The Greek or something man I don’t know what was going through his head lol.

However I know it gotta be a crazy stinger to spend damn near 30 years in wealth to overnight sleeping in a cell next to rats while being afraid of being poisoned. Its not worth acting like you’re bigger than the program or untouchable just for you to eventually get touched. Don’t ever forget this, everybody can get touched!!

V. BAD BOY FOR LIFE

I think the next step for Puff is getting his soul right with Christ. Jesus is literally the only person that can save him at this point. Them Federal Boys on him tighter than a leather dress!

When people get this deep especially like him I wonder did he ever think of his family in all this? Through all the jerking of artists, the violence, the sexual deviancy, the outright evil acts, he ain’t never think “man I should chill out for the sake of my kids”. Especially after having a newborn in your 50s! Like Damn its time to grow up and chill out man.

But when you do the things like Puff do, one can only ask, What is he running from? its clearly something, what’s in his past that occurred that brought him to this point? I think the people who are or were his supporters deserve to know to gain some understanding on this? I know most people don’t care about him and is glad to see him rot but think if this was your family member.

No matter what you would your family to get a shimmer of mercy even for the most heinous acts. Does he deserve mercy at this point? Probably not but I’m praying its at least some mercy on his soul because its looking like he’s cooked in this life. However, God is a greater judge than anyone in the Southern District of New York, they can take your life away but God can take your LIFE away, don’t let that go over your heads!

Damn Puff, you messed up big time beloved, can’t call you my mans no more, it was fun while it lasted. Damn…

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BRO GIVE IT A DAY OR TWO

BRO GIVE IT A DAY OR TWO

October 4, 2024

Today the end of an urban legend came today, Power Book II: GHOST aired its last episode the series at Midnight, Now I’ve been looking forward to this series finale all week. Its been a tough week so I was looking forward to relaxing kicking my feet up and enjoying a nice meal while watching Tariq and them crazy Tejadas tear the streets of New York up!

image via Deadline

More throughout the week though the talk of the finale start getting at an all time high of anticipation, which was definitely expected. I told myself I would stay off the internet until the episode came, but I foolishly opened up Reddit, first post someone saying” yall mad Tariq ain’t die’. I’m like got damn beloved I gotta watch this show before the streets ruin it for me damn!

So I had to watch the finale at 6am, with none of the vibes I wanted. I needed to go to the store it was too early for that, I’m in the bed tired, I went to sleep listening to that new Von Alexander album , go check that out. Anyways, I’m all droggy and I’m like I gotta watch this now. I watched it then afterwards I immediately start seeing thesis and whole analytical breakdown on the show and I’m like Damn its just drop beloved relax!!!

I was so glad I woke up and watched it but man when its big time events for this can people please give a grace period for people to watch it. Everybody ain’t tryna watch Power at Batman hours man, people be wanting to sleep.

Please keep that in mind when Tommy and Raising Kanan come back. Alright yall be good man. smh

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THE SYMBOL OF PEACE

The Symbol of Peace

July 26, 2024

I've been binge-watching My Hero Academia on Netflix. With news that the manga is in its final arc, I thought this would be a good time to jump in and see what I've been missing all these years. Man, I thank God I did—I love this show! From the first episode, I felt young Midoriya's passion. The episode was filled with so many emotional triggers, reminiscent of early Naruto. Then I was introduced to the inspiration for this article, All Might! I instantly liked All Might because he's one of those characters, like Gojo, who is recognized and heralded as "the symbol of peace."

Image via New York Times

I was watching the episode where All Might first faced off against All for One, the series’ main antagonist at that point, and he was on his last ounce of strength. The remaining embers of his fire were blazing as he looked out to take down the foe whose existence posed a threat to all of Japan! The way people showed admiration for him even in his most vulnerable moment sparked a fire inside me.

I might have been taking this show too literally, but at that moment, I, too, adopted the moniker of "the symbol of peace," which is even more fitting for me because I’m a lawyer. I remember several years ago when word first got out that I was pursuing a career in law, my church members would say, "Here’s our civil attorney right here." My mother and I would always laugh because we both thought, "Man, we’re on the money; I ain’t trying to be that." But if you know me, or can even tell from my articles, the plight of the small folk touches my heartstrings in a different way.

In a prestigious profession like mine, I’ve seen people stricken with ego and lose touch with others. I never wanted to be like that. My first lawyer job was working as a staff attorney handling evictions. Saving people from losing their homes at all costs was life-changing. I had a special connection because, a year prior, I was in most of those people’s shoes—a broke guy trying to cross that bar at all costs!

When people put their literal lives in your hands, you’re given a different level of responsibility. Knowing they don’t have the knowledge or tools to fight for themselves, yet they entrust you to fight their battles—it's something I could never take for granted.

One of my main driving factors in blazing this path to wealth is to help people, and not just in talking points—literal helping. I will create housing programs that will help students so they won’t have to worry about such things while in school. I will buy city blocks that will have transitional houses, where people can live for a year while receiving a monthly stipend. The goal is to get them financially literate and give them a jumpstart, to move out on their own and continue stability for their families. I will have galleries where up-and-coming artists can have showcases like million-dollar artists.

I will continue to be the hope for the hopeless and the voice for the voiceless. The light that shines for those in the dark. The current that powers the circuit of hope. The bridge from failure to success and the ladder from disbelief to faith. I am now and always forever, the symbol of peace!

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Convenient Money!

Convenient Money!

July 25, 2024

Kamala Harris' Presidential Run

“hehehehe I’m kamala momala cabala”

This is not the source to get your political news, but just in case you’ve been under Patrick’s rock, current Vice President Kamala Harris is now officially running for President of the United States after Biden’s sudden departure from the race. Since running, Kamala has raised $81M in 24 hours, which are record-setting numbers. When I saw that, I couldn’t help but think the same thought every time this happens: “Where is this money for the less fortunate?”

Money for Crisis, But Not for the Poor

Ukraine gets money, we had money for the stimulus during COVID, and every time this gets brought up, somebody wants to put their economics knowledge to use and explain inflation. I simply don’t think that is an excuse. Being able to raise that much money for one person could literally be done for some urban areas in America. It could supply monthly stipends, provide decent housing for the homeless, not just shelters that are barely hospitable. It could help provide food that isn’t canned and doomed to hell but actual quality foods. Why is it so hard for people to care about the less fortunate and those affected by unlucky economic situations?

Personal Responsibility and Wealth

#screwinflation

When I become wealthy, I want y'all to hold me to the fire and make me remember the promises I made to help those who came from similar situations as me. I didn’t grow up the worst, but like most people born in urban communities, I experienced some setbacks. I know what instability feels and looks like. I know what it’s like not knowing where your next meal is going to come from, living check to check, being carless, taking two steps forward and one step back. I just know how it feels to have life give me its ass to kiss despite working EXTREMELY hard to subvert those circumstances.

cuz signing that stimulus package that will NOT be returning lol.

The Need for Opportunity and Assistance

After all that hard work and strapping up them damn bootstraps, people simply need opportunity and assistance, a financial head start similar to what children of the wealthy are provided with. I also wonder, when stories like these surface, do the people donating ever think, “Man, we gave our money pretty easily to this. Maybe we can actually help a community out.”

Challenges of Implementing Change

Then, when people actually commit to making actual change, the people they are helping get engulfed with jealousy, which is triggered by perpetual lack. They don’t even know how to handle someone from a similar background acting as a benevolent figure. In other words, people are haters, and it's messed up out here.

Deserving a Decent Life

Nonetheless, everyone on Earth still deserves to live a decent, humane life. Not everyone has to be in Range Rovers or wear vintage Chanel that CoCo never even had; people just deserve to experience some of the wealth that many of the elites hoard. Sure, you worked hard for your money; it’s your choice to do whatever you want with it. However, at certain moments, the government and institutions alike should let morality kick in and do what it takes to save people from desolate poverty, no matter the cost.

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