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This photo essay is an observation and reflection
of the artist Blak Rapp M.A.D.U.S.A., an art activist
that speak out through rap and performance their
struggles being a African American womxn who has
gone to prison.
In + Out of the
Limelight
In the limelight, you can’t take your eyes off them.
Yet outside of their performance, somehow they fade
into a gentle presence. This dichotomy is explored
through a series of juxtaposed images in and out of
the limelight.
Photo essay about Blak Rapp M.A.D.U.S.A
By Christina Brown
Taken during the WATS:On? Festival
Blak Rapp’s one womxn play during the WATS:On? Festival 2019: NOW.
Blak Rapp during the music video filming conducted by Carnegie Mellon University College of Fine Arts students
Blak Rapp during transit from one filming location to the next
For the WATS:On? Festival 2019: NOW. , Blak Rapp played an instrumental role as one of two lead artists
in the music video “Speak no Evil” produced by Carnegie Mellon University students, in addition to
performing their own one-womxn play titled the “Memoirs of an Artivist”.
Tackling many challenging topics such as African American injustice, female injustice, and female
prison injustice through art and performance, Blak Rapp used their voice to convey passion, anger, and
sadness.
BW PRINT
However when you look past the intense language and performances, Blak shows a side of respectful
gentleness. It was like seeing a switch flip on and off.
Blak Rapp during the music video filming conducted by Carnegie
Mellon University College of Fine Arts students
It was quite beautiful how they lit sage before a performance, getting rid of bad energy in the space.
Their thoughts and actions were gentle, despite the pain you hear in their voice.
Blak Rapp during the music video filming conducted by Carnegie Mellon University College of Fine Arts students
Blak Rapp during the music video filming conducted by Carnegie Mellon University College of Fine Arts students
What they said resonated within everyone in the crew, we were all mesmerized by their rap and
performance, gutted by the pain and empowered by their movement.
But at the same time, we were also mesmerized by Blak Rapp, the person.
Blak Rapp and Jasiri X during the music video filming conducted by Carnegie
Mellon University College of Fine Arts students
Sometimes, you just saw them sitting there, contemplating.
BW PRINT
Blak Rapp during a break in filming
But their pain was real, it was evident on stage. They bring out their vulnerability, performing out their
own trauma to help send out a message - a cry for help.
It is so real and so emotional that it cuts into your heart.
Blak Rapp during the one-womxn play
They fought for what they believed in, they empowered others,
Blak Rapp used their own experience to help others not have to
experience the same thing.
Blak Rapp during the one-womxn play
Blak Rapp after their one-womxn play, talking about the Dignity Act Now
Campaign that help incarcerated women
It was painful, it was
necessary,
it was life changing.
In and out of the limelight, Blak Rapp’s energy and soul breathes a new
perspective into everyone that have the privilege of witnessing.
Blak Rapp provides the voice as loud as day that things are not okay, and
that we have the power to make a change.
WATS:On? Festival 2019: NOW.
Curated by Spike Wolff and Cassandra Howard
Blak Rapp performing live during the WATS:On? Festival