The Art Of Rap Official Photographer
Carl L Smith lll aka Blaksmif – Based out of New York City, Known as Mr Grindking, A man with many hats in the entertainment biz such as a Booking Agent, Artist Manager, A&R record exec and now he is currently known as a celebrity photographer. Carl became passionate about photography in late 2000’s and decided to refine his craft hands-on as a apprenticed to veteran celebrity photographer Ronnie Wright. Carl has also been inspired and / or mentored me over the years by veteran photographers such as Ernie Paniccioli, Joe Conzo, Derrick Williams, Erskine Issacs, Kenya Smith, Louis Mendes, Walik Goshorn and the late great Gordon Parks to name a few.
Carl specializes in the entertainment business, covering live shows, shooting celebrities and exclusive social events such as BET Awards, Hot 97’s Summer Jam, Jay-Z Tidal event, BET’s Black Girls Rock, P. Diddy Bad Boy 20th year Anniversary, Adam Torres Concerts, Ice-T’s Art of Rap Festival, Circle of Sisters Expo name a few. Carl also worked at many Weddings receptions, private family functions and party events throughout the United States.
With its production of multi-city, multi-stage touring music festivals and destination events, The Art Of Rap™ work across genres of music with acts ranging from the Hip Hop To R&B AND COMEDY to DJ’S and producer. The Art Of Rap success is attributed to years of experience working with artists and musicians, attention to detail, a high level of organization and deep music industry relationships. The Art of Rap™ values long-term partnerships with brands, corporations, artists, and other entertainment entities to co-produce events or assist with the development and execution of their mutual objectives. Produce some of the hardest rocking and loudest bumping music festivals in the past 5 years.
The Art of Rap™ will feature artists per date featuring a who’s who of the history of rap & hip-hop. The events will be a full festival experience featuring break-dancers, live graffiti artists, vendors, an interactive festival Concerts area and so much more. The Art of Rap™ has worked with companies from various industries including but not limited to, beverage, Metro Pcs retail. While this list is not all-encompassing, some of these brands include Rockstar Energy Drink. The Art of Rap Music Festival follows in the footsteps of Ice-T’s critically acclaimed documentary film “The Art of Rap™.” True to the theme of the film, the massive lineup. “Hip-Hop is the most powerful and influential cultural movement since rock & roll. A true art form that deserves respect” said Ice T. Hip Hop is crucial to many people’s lives and The Art of Rap is the true game of Hip Hop! Zulu Nation forever.” – Mickey Bentson (CO-Founder of The Universal Zulu Nation and brainchild of THE ART OF RAP™.
Mickey Bentson is the CEO OF Pay Up Management and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He has worked with Ice-T, Fat Joe, Afrika Bambaataa & Grandmaster Mele Mel, and the Furious Five.
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