Young Self Employed
In the making for two decades, a remarkable visual anthology is set to encapsulate the vibrant pulse of Houston's hip-hop scene between 2000 and 2010. "Young Self Employed at Houston" is not just a photo book; it's a historical ledger that chronicles a pivotal era defined by the likes of Swishahouse, Paul Wall, Slim Thug, Z-Ro, Trae, Devin the Dude, Mike Jones, and Chamillionaire among others. This period marked a significant chapter in the city's cultural narrative, where these artists played critical roles.
The project aims to offer more than just a visual experience. It seeks to create a platform for fans, industry insiders, and the artists themselves to weave their narratives into the fabric of this book, enriching it with personal anecdotes, insights, and reflections. Accompanying the compelling cover artwork, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and promotional material are the stories of Houston's evolution. These narratives paint a vivid picture of the city and its culture during this era, providing depth and context to the visual content.
As visitors navigate through the website, they are invited to contribute their memories and experiences. These shared recollections will not only enrich the book but also serve as testament to the community's collective journey. Houston emerges from these pages not just as a backdrop for these artists' rise but as a character in its own right, embodying the ethos that dreams are attainable with determination and hard work.
This book endeavors to tell the story of a cultural revolution, tracing its roots back to the efforts of the generations that came before. It's a narrative of how Houston's hip-hop scene was not merely born but meticulously built, laying claim to a unique identity on the national stage. Through "Young Self Employed at Houston," readers will embark on a journey through time, exploring the city's indelible mark on the music industry and how it continues to inspire those who dare to dream.
Roadmap
January 2024: Conceptualization, Planning, and Research
Initiate the project with a thorough phase of conceptualization, planning, and research. This stage is crucial for setting the direction and scope of the book, focusing on Houston's hip-hop journey from 2000-2010.
March 2024: Website Launch and Story Collection
Officially launch the project website, designed to be the primary platform for collecting firsthand stories from fans, artists, and industry insiders. The objective is to encompass a diverse array of perspectives on Houston's hip-hop scene during the specified decade.
April 2024: Crowdfunding Campaign for Data Recovery
Begin a crowdfunding campaign via platforms such as GoFundMe or Kickstarter. The aim is to finance the recovery of damaged drives, which contain approximately 20% of the total photo and art collection. While recovery is not guaranteed, the endeavor is deemed essential for the project's comprehensiveness.
May 2024: Visual Content Curation
Start the meticulous process of sifting through over 100,000 photos and thousands of pieces of artwork. The goal is to curate the most impactful and representative visuals for inclusion in the book.
June 2024 to October 2024: Design and Layout Phase
Dedicate several months to the design and layout of the book. This critical phase involves hundreds of hours of work to ensure the visual and textual content is seamlessly integrated and presented in a compelling manner.
October 2024: Final Review and Revisions
Conduct a final review of the draft book with peers and stakeholders. Gather feedback and make necessary revisions to refine the book to its final draft form.
January 2025: Production Commencement
Begin the actual production of the book, turning the finalized draft into a physical reality. This marks the transition from planning and design to tangible creation.
May 2025: Book Release and Art Show
Celebrate the culmination of the project with the official release of the book, accompanied by an art show. This event will showcase the visual and narrative journey of Houston's hip-hop era as captured in the book, providing a platform for further engagement and appreciation.