Soleil Ashley I. Louis
Project: ITSFREEPLUSTAX
ITSFREEPLUSTAX, in collaboration with STAND0VT, proposes an underground hip-hop residency at Loudmouth in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. This residency will bring together NYC’s most promising underground rappers, producers, visual artists, and cultural workers for a unique collaborative experience. The program will culminate in a live, filmed cypher and a collaborative EP, inspired by iconic BET and Sprite cyphers, but with a distinct Brooklyn twist. Beyond music, this project aims to raise awareness about the fentanyl contamination found in grabba, a commonly used smoking product in the community. Through original music, visual storytelling, and an educational street team campaign, the residency will not only foster creativity but also educate the community on safe smoking practices, protecting the very culture that inspires it.
Project Description:
- What: A curated, collaborative underground hip-hop residency focused on artistic production, education, and community engagement.
- Where: Loudmouth BK, 348 Marcus Garvey Blvd, Brooklyn, NY 11221—a dynamic creative space, record store, and music studio in the heart of Bed-Stuy.
- When: The residency will span 6–12 months, with monthly recording, writing, and community-building sessions, culminating in a final live cypher event and art installation showcase open to the public.
- Why: To uplift NYC’s underground talent, highlight the importance of safe smoking practices in the community, and create impactful music and visuals that shift cultural narratives.
Bio:
ITSFREEPLUSTAX (Soleil L.) and Stand0vt (Shenaia R.) are Brooklyn- based event curators and hip-hop archivers with a deep love for the culture. As aspiring emcees, we are dedicated to preserving and showcasing the talents and stories within our community, believing that the people are the true blueprint of the world and pop culture. Our work focuses on amplifying the voices of those who shape the culture, emphasizing that hip-hop is more than just music—it’s a movement. Through our events, we foster community engagement and create spaces for artistic expression. Having curated numerous communities engaged and accessible cultural events across Brooklyn and NYC, we’re committed to providing platforms for emerging artists while fostering mutual aid and collaboration within their local communities. Our goal is to inspire and spread awareness globally, working towards a future where their community’s influence is recognized worldwide. With a passion for hip-hop and community-building, ITSFREEPLUSTAX and Stand0vt continue to strive for inclusivity, innovation, and cultural preservation, ensuring the legacy of our community remains at the forefront of the ever-evolving hip-hop landscape.