A Conversation With Dubelyoo, Curator of Jack Daniel's Art, Beats + Lyrics

Keandra "Ke Ke" Scott Tatum | 11/30/2018, 9:22 a.m.

Dubeloo, Bun B, and Jabari/photo credit Kat Goduco

“We want people to feel good and to see themselves represented..” -Dubelyoo, Curator of AB+L

If you haven’t had the opportunity to kick it at Art, Beats and Lyrics (AB+L) in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago or any other touring cities, you are missing out tremendously. It is the new age black renaissance; it’s melanin drippin’. This year marks the traveling art and music showcase 14th year as they continue to exhibit a mash-up of the hip-hop culture and urban pop. Founded and produced by Jabari Graham and curated by acclaimed multi-medium artist Dwayne “Dubelyoo” Wright, AB+L highlights a spectrum of artists and creatives including painters, photographers and digital illustrators. In the past AB+L has brought Bun B, Shock G, Little Dragon, Kendrick Lamar, Mannie Fresh, Phife Dawg (Rest In Power) and many other incredible talent to stages across the nation. From live music and art performances, interactive selfie experiences, and even free fresh gear, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey in collaboration with Cult Creative presents a tasteful experience for art nirvanasists.

AB+L touched down in Houston at Minute Maid Park (Union Station) earlier this month and it was visually breath taking. It was on some “next level” situations, ya’ll. The artwork was beautifully presented in the lobby and throughout as seasoned art collectors pursued the occasion. One of the standout art pieces were the electronic art exhibits. There were illuminating boxes with art that would have you staring in a daze and wondering how the artists manage to piece it together. The crowd gathered around to watch North Carolina emcee, Rapsody, as she performed hits off Laila’s Wisdom. Jack Daniel’s offered guest signature cocktails named after different elements of the show, from performers to the flow. We got a chance to speak with Dubelyoo (pronounced like “W”), a dynamic Atlanta-based artist and curator of AB+L.

Houston Style Magazine: How did the vision of one of the dopiest & well-curated (might I add) momentous art shows come about?

Dubelyoo: Years ago, I’m talking late 2004. Jabari use to work at a circus and got laid off and he wanted to do an art show with DJs, entertainment, and more. It was really difficult to get a hold of people; you had to really know people to track them down. There wasn’t an Instagram or social media to the level it is now. A lot of urban artists back then were difficult to locate. The first one was at a bar in Little 5 Points and then we had a show at The High Museum of Art in 2005. We went from a bar to being at a museum in 4 months.

HSM: Where were you born & raised?

Dubelyoo: I grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina and then I moved to Atlanta, GA after college.

HSM: Who or what influences your art?

Dubelyoo: All of my influences come from music and Hip-Hop culture, that’s pretty much how I got my start as a professional illustrator for different magazines and clothing lines.

HSM: What are some other cities you guys are expanding to?

Dubelyoo: Well, in this tour we have left, Miami-Wynwood. Atlanta is one of our big shows, we usually gets about 5,000-6,000 people. Last year we added a whole other section just to fill up the Mercedez-Benz stadium. We are still working on the logistics for the NBA All-Star Week. Afterwards, we are going to the Young Center- Louisville, Kentucky Derby.

HSM: We got a chance to meet and briefly converse with AB+L founder Jabari and we wanted to learn a little bit more about AB+L Radio. What is the connection for the AB+L vision for on air radio? Is it a separate cause?

Dubelyoo: AB+L is a project Jabari spearheaded. It’s almost like an off shoot of the show, which is taken place in Downtown-Atlanta. We’ve had a couple of live streams in the past at different shows.

HSM: Where do you see AB+L in 6 years? The 20 Year Mark.

Dubelyoo: I would like to see us in different countries, that’s something I would like to put on the radar, out in the universe. We would like to take this show abroad.

HSM: Do you have any advice for up and coming artists seeking to spread their love of art?

Dubelyoo: Sometimes you have to go out of your usual surroundings to get inspiration; there are a bunch of places. One thing I tell a lot of artists to do is to check out Art Bazile in Miami, FL. If you are really into art, it is definitely a game-changing situation to us. Once you find your new found inspiration take it back to your hometown. It happens in the first week of December every year.

HSM: How can artists get involved with AB+L? How does AB+L select artists?

Dubelyoo: We had open submissions this year, where everyone can submit. We encourage artists and those who feel like an artist should be represented on the tour to tag us on Instagram. We take recommendations. We have people from all over the country including Canada. The light boxes were just part one, holograms are next! We want people to feel good, to see themselves represented, and feeling inspired when they leave a show. One consistent thing we see in every city is an overwhelming amount of talent. We appreciate the love and support, but after the show has left the city. Be sure to go out and support your local artists and talents. Invest in your local artist as well.

HSM: What is your favorite cocktail from Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Honey?

Dubelyoo: Ha-Ha, I’m not much of a drinker, but, I enjoy how they tie in the entertainers to their cocktails, like Rapsody (featured cocktail).

Upcoming 2018-2019 Tour

Richmond, VA – September 14

Birmingham, AL – September 28

Chicago, IL – October 12

Atlanta, GA – October 19

St. Louis, MO –November 1

Houston, TX – November 9

*Next show touches down in Miami, FL – December 14

Charlotte, NC – February 15

Louisville, KY – May 4