XU

Preservation of OUR Lifetime

2011-10-19T18:43:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop Culture has taken a beating over the years, honestly speaking. We can all admit we have seem some people "pimp" out the styles, commercialize the sounds and mass produce the art...
What ever happened to the preservation of traditions and values in Hip Hop? When did we stop paying homage to those who blazed the train before us?
When did it become acceptable to allow a part of American culture become distorted by misconception of, and I use the term loosely, "individual interpretation"?
Where is the social responsibility in the Art Industry that forces you to pay proper homage and balance of karma?

To all the Barry McGee's, Shepard Fairey's and BNE's of the world:
Do you even know your History?

In so many ways we see the destruction of the values in practice. Police brutality, segregation and "occupy wall st"...
The same people who are exploiting our ideas are the ones benefiting and making little to no effort to return the social responsibility and homage to its origins.

There are people out here who give their lives in becoming living legends of a time of Kings.
When paints, rhythms, and rhymes ruled this world.
The dictation of our conciousness came from Leaders like Ghandi, Public Enemy and Erykah Badu.

Who said music became okay to be re-mixed on the re-mix?
Where did the foundation of Hip Hop become molded into Jay-Z and Lil Wayne?

Honoring groups like The Bronx Boys, XMEN, UAC, KWOK and TATS for their extensive work in education generations to come after.
So many more original crews and communities are struggling to keep our values, morals and ethics alive.
Thanks to the Hip Hop Culture, American history has more stories to tell.

TYROX-XMEN

YOUTH CONFERENCE NYC SAVE THE DATE

2011-10-02T15:53:00.000-07:00

New York Knicks Poetry Slam and College Fair!!!

2011-10-01T06:52:00.000-07:00

The competition is one that puts young people on the map!
The college fair is an added bonus.
Registration is open NOW.
There will be contests, prizes, grant opportunities right off the bat.
The event brings youth in from all over New York City.
It's a great networking event too even if your not the most poetic person.

Sponsors include Urban Word NYC, New York Knicks, University of Wisconsin Madison, Adelphi University and many more.

The New York Knicks College Fair will be held on Columbus Day, October 10th 2011 from 10am – 2pm at the Metropolitan Pavilion.

This College Fair is one of the most unique annual college fairs in the tri-state area. High School students are encouraged to come out and meet with over 75 colleges and universities from around the country. While exploring the fair, you will be able to watch mast poets and dance groups perform, listen to music and live performances, and interact with over 2,000 youth. In addition to all these festivities, there are two dynamic competitions going on at the same time.

Kaplan will be providing workshops throughout the day and financial aid advisors will be on hand to answer questions.

Special guest including Knicks Legends will make periodic appearances throughout the day.

http://www.nba.com/knicks/community/poetryslam.html#

Fundraising Time!!!! Be A Part of our Growth!

2011-09-26T07:36:00.000-07:00

Xmental Inc & Fractured Atlas Make a Team

2011-08-14T15:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends,
We are proud to announce that Xmental Inc. is now being fiscally sponsored by Fractured Atlas , a resourceful group that will help us expand further into more possibilities.

With this new found partnership we are also able to take donations and in return, issue a tax exemption for your gifts.

GRRREAT NEWS RIGHT?!

We can now begin to operate like a 501 c 3 should. With the continuing support of our family, friends, collaborative partners and volunteers, we can keep building the dream both physically and mentally.
Xmental Inc still needs $$$ to finish building out the program loft space.

About $12,500 more.

We are striving to create an safe and open space to encourage our culture. This won't happen if we don't make the resources available for our youth to learn more about Hip Hop, life skills and the social responsibilities of our time.

Show New York City you care about what happens to it. Be apart of making a difference in the quality of life we are living with.

Please feel free to make a donation by using the Fractured Atlas donation button in the upper right hand corner of this blog.

Then, tell 5 people closest to you to read this blog.

PORT AUTHORITY TONIGHT!!! I'm Just Sayin'...

2011-05-25T10:12:00.000-07:00

XMENTAL DOES IT AGAIN!!!

TONIGHT @ Port Authority Main Atrium we will be giving out FREE Culture!!!

Come out and Play!

7pm- 8:30pm Tonight! Bring the Family.

PEACE-

Moving Forward into Spring and Things

2011-04-14T05:36:00.000-07:00

XMENTAL INC

Paint Straight® is running its third session in the borough of Brooklyn this year.
Since we all met in January, the young artists have made move like, taking interviews and getting commission jobs to paint in other cities.
Incredible.

This just goes to show when you provide the proper RESOURCE to a budding mind, it's capable of creating positive results.

"All that is valuable in human society depends upon the opportunity for development accorded to the individual."
-Albert Einstein

Paint Straight® @ The New York Port Authority

2011-03-30T20:10:00.000-07:00

This GREAT city of New York keeps on giving if you know how to make it happen. Thanks to all of your support, Paint Straight® has been making awesome progress in expanding and improving our program.
The New York Port Authority invited our youth to showcase their work in the main atrium in the display case for the month of March.
The exposure that gave XU was very helpful in keeping the organization visible.
With stories in the NY Times, Daily News, Wall Street Journal and Brooklyn Bodega, reading such kind and inspiring words.
The public sector has motivated Ralph and I beyond belief.
We are making great progress with our means to change the way naysayers see the art of Graffiti. Not only that, our participants are building their resumes and gaining so much more life experience that they didn't have access to before.
Our job is far from complete in launching Paint Straight® here in NYC.
We have just accepted an offer to operate not only in the borough of Brooklyn, but Manhattan as well. As we move forward, we hope that you will remain involved as much as possible with make our foundation super strong.

Thanks,

XU

Nergo His/Herstory Month

2011-02-01T13:09:00.000-08:00

The word BLACK doesn't define a whole race of people...
It's not even a color according to the color wheel...
Why did the celebration of colored people get the shortest month of the year?

We celebrate the same faces every year.
Most of which were assassinated, arrested, or carefully selected by the school systems...And we all know what a reliable source that can be...

Here are a few names I want to plant in your ear and give praise for being a trailblazer for Negroes across North America and the world:

Shirley Chisholm- was the first African-American woman elected to the US Congress. Shirley Anita St. Hill was born in Brooklyn, New York. After being a teacher and serving as a New York state assemblywoman, Chisolm was elected as a Democrat to the House of Representatives.

John H. Johnson-founder of the largest African American publishing company. Taught our African brothers & sistren out there that they are beautiful at a time when the prevailing media at best ignored them. (Ebony & Jet Magazine)

Sarah E. Goode-was a businesswoman and inventor. Goode invented the folding cabinet bed, a space-saver that folded up against the wall into a cabinet. When folded up, it could be used as a desk, complete with compartments for stationery and writing supplies. Goode owned a furniture store in Chicago, Illinois, and invented the bed for people living in small apartments.

Robert Nesta Marley-another poetical genius.This Jamaican continues to inspire peace loving and justice seeking people the world over! listen to the message!

Lincoln Perry- Although he never won an Oscar, Lincoln Perry was America's first black movie star. But for that distinction, Perry paid a heavy price — he is best known as the character of Stepin Fetchit, a befuddled, mumbling, shiftless fool.

Zulu Nation-The Universal Zulu Nation is an international hip hop awareness group formed and headed by hip hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa.[1]:101 Originally known simply as the Organization, it arose in the 1970s as reformed New York City gang members began to organize cultural events for youths, combining local dance and music movements into what would become known as the various elements of hip hop culture.

No one really talks about what great things Negros have done in this country enough. I'm ready to see a Brown face on my money already... What's the hold up? Brown folks are doing big things too. Much love and respect...beyond just the month of February.
Word.
-Tyrox

Urban Art Foundation Seeks to Promote and Decriminalize Graffiti - UnBeige

2011-01-27T05:47:00.000-08:00

Urban Art Foundation Seeks to Promote and Decriminalize Graffiti - UnBeige

Decriminalizing Graffiti

2011-01-27T05:15:00.000-08:00

*An artistic stream of conciosness...

I thought the only way paint could really kill you is if you drank it.
I never realized the addiction could cost so much, like Life.
Faced with the decision of the CAN or the BRUSH...
Black book with curious glares,
The studio educated artistic flares,
Of FUSION, new ways of thinking
positive intentional confusion.
For the sake of saying CHANGE needs to start right here.
Youth in the future need to see it this way
Protect yourself and that you LOVE
"They'll" try and take your joy away
Dictations from a Judge is no way to start the day.
So be smart, don't sleep on the job we need to do
SAVE THE RIGHT OF INDIGENOUS HUMAN TO DOCUMENT ONES SELF.
-Tynneal Grant, XU Co-Founder

Graffiti is not meant to hurt people... But why does it?

Decriminalization is the abolition of criminal penalties in relation to certain acts, perhaps retroactively, though perhaps regulated permits or fines might still apply (for contrast, see: Legalization). The reverse process is criminalization.

Decriminalization reflects changing social and moral views. A society may come to the view that an act is not harmful, should no longer be criminalized, or is otherwise not a matter to be addressed by the criminal justice system. -Wikipedia

-HIP HOP is an ART. GRAFFITI ART is of HIP HOP culture. CULTURE IS OF THE PEOPLE...WE ARE THE PEOPLE.

XU Meets ABC News in the Courts of NYC

2011-01-25T18:04:00.000-08:00

Paint Straight® is a program created and facilitated by Xmental University Founders Tynneal Grant and Rafael Perez. Xmental University in conjunction with KFIS, Adjustments division in the NY Dept. Of Probation. Honorable Judge Lee Elkins was a key supporter this time around in letting us host the show in the courtroom. The Youth that participated have the fundamental tools in operating within the art industry as real Artists. As Paint Straight® grows and we are able to continue to open doors for opportunity, the better off we ALL are. Thank you New York for your support. We hope you can understand how important this program is not only to the city of New York but the rest of the nation. We need funding, materials and teachers for expansion. We hope more people are encouraged by this and step up to make graffiti art safe.
"Teach the youth to know the truth so their hearts can see no hate, be the path to guiding light that evil can't penetrate."-Tynneal"Tyrox"Grant

New York, Can you hear US?

2011-01-20T18:40:00.000-08:00

We're GLAD people talk about us...
It's nice to be thought about period.
Here's to you New York.
To the rest of the WORLD, can you see what is happening?
Change is now.
Organizing-Union-Believers-Dreamers
This is not the time to make fear, but a time to heal.

Look US up.

NY 1 News

New York Times

PAINT STRAIGHT® is at it AGAIN!

2011-01-08T06:50:00.000-08:00

Namaste in the New Year!
2011 has brought Xmental University's PAINT STRAIGHT® program another opportunity to operate in collaboration with the NYC Dept. of Probation. We will continue to do so as we expand throughout the education and art community. We've saved a few lives, cracked open some knuckle heads and poured in great living works of poise and knowledge for art.

We would be honored if you would save the date and join us for another Gallery Show of the rehabilitated minds of youth, graffiti and progressive ideas.

Tuesday, JANUARY 25TH 2011
330 Jay St, BK
3:30-6pm Opening Comments at 3:30pm prompt. Reception to follow at 4pm.
FREE, of course. So spread the word because this time we can OPEN INVITE TO THE PUBLIC!

-It takes a village...

Good Endings to 2010 and Expectations of the New Year

2010-12-17T06:17:00.000-08:00

XU is sincerely grateful for all of the support we have had in our ventures of 2010. We had ground-breaking experiences in making positive change in our Hip Hop Community. Paint Straight, a curriculum created by XU Co-Founder Tynneal Grant, has gone to new heights in the influential learning styles of the youth participants the second time around in helping them understand their current life situations. Rafael has cued visual representatives from other NYC organizations, art collectives and businesses to participate in a few of our discussion forums.This was the best formula for getting our mission across to the youth and adults alike. Together the two have made a positive dent in the start of turning around the judicial approach to the system and vandalism. As we come into the new year, we are sure that the outlook for 2011 and graffiti will change for the better...Slowly, but surely.

Special Thanks to:
God's Funky Children
MOGA
Jaime Herrero
Capicu
Sofrito for the Soul
Pratt Institute
Utrecht Art Store, NYC
KFIS
Joe Show
Chino
KEO
Doves
Kevin Powell
Maisha Morales
Matthew Ruiz
The XMEN Family

*You made the foundation of this dream of change for the better possible... Let's keep it movin' in the RIGHT direction.
Xmental University still needs support with the build-out of the physical space. The electricity and plumbing are still on the list of things to do. So if you're feeling extra merry and generou$ during this holiday, please feel free to make a contribution to the build.

Have a SAFE and Happy Holiday. Stay WARM!

Toys TOYS toys and gut bustin' LAUGHS!!!

2010-12-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4TH THIS IS WHERE YOU SHOULD BE... THINK GOOD KARMA

Holiday cheer is on the $lim $limmy these days for all of us. Understood, this is the middle of the new dark ages... BUT, we shall not let this spoil the Holiday Spirit of food, laughter and wishes coming true. Once again TATU will play the Elf Master selling raffle tickets, along with his two BEAUTIFUL assistants TYROX & SALO XMEN, for really cool grown-up toys and things. Come laugh, make memories with us and give to the homeless children of NYC.

NY Oxygen Bar
24 Avenue C, between 2nd & 3rd Street
New York, NY

Branding Art- A Panel with Legends

2010-11-29T18:03:00.000-08:00

Graced with the presence of greatness... NYC Old School KEO, Doves and Chino came through to share their wisdom and savvy about branding your tag and how to market your art to the new school. What I though was silence in the room from being bored, was really our participants hanging on every word that was being said. Real talk about being arrested, coked up, paid and working. Anything and everything was talked about. These kids got the chance to first hand speak with some of the Originators of Graffiti and its cultural value to the Art Industry. What mistakes to never ever make and try not to make again on the streets and at the "business round-table".
Creating a name for yourself is essentially what the art of graph is about. Youth took notes about branding and marketing from the ones who made it happen. Companies like NIKE, Montana Paints, MARC ECKO, hire graffiti writers all the time. Realizing that their talents can become an income, by the end of this workshop Tatu and I think we made serious progress in influential thinking. These "babies" are now on a higher level.
"Teach the youth to know the truth."-Tyrox

Vandal Squad vs The Vandals

2010-11-29T17:00:00.000-08:00

We have taken Paint Straight to higher levels this time around by inviting the people that "brought these young people to justice",The Vandal Squad. Participants got the chance to ask the P.O's real questions like "What does arresting me do for you?,"Who gets paid every time I get caught?", and "How do I keep from getting picked up for something I've already done the time for?". All important issues we have be in discussion about for the first few weeks.
Things got REALLY REAL, REAL FAST...It was all about what damage is done and what to do now to stay OUT of trouble.

Off to GREAT things...

2010-09-02T14:10:00.000-07:00

First, I'd like to thank everyone that reached out and supported the "Paint Straight" program. We greatly appreciate you and there is still more to be done, but with your continued help this is just the beginning of something truly revolutionary.
There have been comments of praise and doubt for what the children will receive from enrollment into the probation program "Paint Straight". Some say "These children are vandals.", and I don't disagree. Yes, they came to us as vandals, they are leaving as people with a better sense of responsibility of what it means to be a productive member of society and the true meaning of respect. So many of our youth are misguided in their expression for art because schools have cut programs and the affordability for private classes are for another class that reach beyond the youth we serve.
Kids will do things in their adolescent age that will test limits of authority. We are all guilty of this. Some more than others. Xmental University wants to open the eyes of these young people and adults alike about what they think when they see graffiti and Hip Hop culture. If the New York City Department of Probation is willing to stand behind us in this new way of prevention programming, then all of New York should open their minds to what great possibilities this means for everyone. This will effect our society on many different levels. Mankind was meant to document its existence, sometimes it comes by any means necessary.
"The revolution WILL NOT be televised." It will be on canvas.

Paint Straight Program Finale

2010-08-25T10:51:00.000-07:00

As you know XU has been in partner with the NYC Dept. of Corrections for the last two months in implementing a Restorative Justice program by the name of "Paint Straight". This being our pilot session we lost a few students to other factors that were beyond our control, the one's that stayed dedicated and focused have completed the session and created an alternative visual on canvas. We are hosting a gallery event at the D.O.C. to close the first session.
330 Jay st. 11th Floor @ 3:30-4pm on September 1st. We are giving these kids a great send off before they go back to school and apply what they learned by spending their summer with us. We will be inviting the youth to come back to the Xmental Program as mentors to the next cycle of children that are on probation. Come out and see the amazing works of art and talk with the youth on the progress they have made and the hope they have for the future.

Helping the Homeless

2010-08-25T10:22:00.000-07:00

Xmental University is no stranger to the children who make due in life, without many of basic materials needed to succeed. The lack of available resources to be an active member of society has grown and it severely effects the youth in the streets of NYC. We see these kids everyday, selling candy on the trains, performing in Times Square, or just flat out pick pocketing people who are caught snoozing. Some of these kids, don't know any better, some of them are just trying to find a way to stay in the race. X.U. in partner with God's Funky Children and Capicu, we are hosting an fundraiser event to get these kids supplies to go to school and "get theirs". Pencils, notebook paper, backpacks, rulers, calculators, pens, etc., can be donated and would be greatly appreciated.
There will be live performances from Local NYC favorites and plenty to drink.
"Teach the youth that know the truth, their hearts can see no hate, be the path to guiding light where evil vibes can't infiltrate."
Friday, September 10, 2010 be at The Notice Lounge in Williamsburg. We are asking for a small donation of $10, doors @ 7pm Come out and support the mission!

Working with The Deparment of Corrections in NYC

2010-07-11T06:10:00.000-07:00

Xmental University in partner with the New York City Department of Corrections Juvenile Probation division has created a Restorative Justice Program by the name of "Paint Straight", that takes youth who are being picked up by the "Vandal Squad" on graffiti/ vandalism charges and giving them a second chance at making a better decisions with their artistic talents. The participants range from 13- 17 years of age. Paint Straight is designed as a rehabilitation curriculum through art.
Facilitators Tynneal and Rafael are teaching these young people that they ARE NOT criminals for wanting to show off their artistic talents to the world. Using art history, modern techniques, film and skill enhancement, we have caught the attention of youth beyond what we expected. We are teaching them to be SMARTER about how they gain fame from a name and how to market themselves in a manner where it can bring them positive options.
The youth are coming primarily from Brooklyn areas such as East New York, Bushwick and Crown Heights. All heavily populated ares of minorities and under-served families. Paint Straight is providing a place for these "troubled youth" to expand on their creative ideas and turn them into an avenue of open doors in the art industry.
It is a 10 week program then is scheduled to complete it's first cycle at the end of July 2010. The participants will conclude the program with a gallery show of their works which will also be available for purchase to the public. Furthermore, once the youth have fulfilled their probation requirements, they are eligible to apply for the XU Mentor ship program, a full art & culture education program to immediately follow during the school year.
If you are an artist, teacher, educational facilitator of any sort, please contact us about how you can be a part of making history in the Hip Hop Nation. We need the family to come together and reach out to our youth.
"It takes a village to raise a child."-

XU & CAPICU

2010-05-29T13:42:00.000-07:00

XU has been making waves in the artist community through both visual art and spoken word. In partner with Urban Mouse Productions, Bonafide Rojas and Xmental University, This video production done of the rooftop of the XU building is an Ode' to the Graffiti Writer and the magic of aerosol.

"CAPICU" X-Mental from UrbanMouse Productions on Vimeo.

Boat Party Fund Raiser!!!

2010-05-29T13:00:00.000-07:00

XU IS HAVING A PARTY!!!

JUNE 5, 2010
BOAT PARTY FUND RAISER!!!
$15.00 21+
12PM-4AM

DJ's, Comedians and Live Arts Show all in one!
Skyport Marina
Street: East 23rd Street and FDR Drive
City/Town: New York, NY

Come support the Foundation of Xmental University!
****Buy Tickets NOW!!! We DO sell out fast, you know how crazy it gets!****

2010-05-06T07:46:00.000-07:00

XU Fundraising T-shirts. Help support the launch of Xmental University. T-shirts are just $20.