Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadeem McPherson.
Hi Kadeem, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Really, it all starts with my mom; she’s the one that introduced me to Al Green, Dennis Graham, Bob Marley, and Jay-Z, and since then I’ve always been open to different styles of art within music.
My friend iLLijah Moon & I used to have a rap battle in the back of the class, during lessons, and in the middle of class, so from there, we just started hanging out and making music together with our friends and formed a collective called iLL Music (Independently Living Life).
I teamed up with my friend Renzilla and joined the group GMAP (Ghetto Minds At Play) with three other members Andrew & Chase and from there, we built a name for ourselves by dropping music, visualizers, and music videos on platforms like Youtube, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Spotify, and Apple Music and anywhere we could be heard. We did showcases and even opened up for Chief Keef, KRS-ONE, & U-God of Wu-Tang.
Around 2020 I was introduced to photography by my mentor at the time and ever since then, I’ve been meeting new people, collaborating, and expanding my knowledge of what art looks and feels like. I’ve had the privilege of shooting BTS for artists like Mozzy, Gigi Vega, Jay Waves, & shooting visualizers for Will Claye, Bryyce, Muther Goat, Rome (Tee90008), and others.
In 2023, I’ve been featured in some magazines and still make music as a hobby. Recently have decided to document people’s journey through their dreams and the reality of the work it takes.
The biggest joy I find these days is when I meet someone who wants to create something that they haven’t seen before. It’s like cooking for the first time and not knowing which spices to add until you get more familiar with what works and what doesn’t. I’m finding joy in the process of creating now more than ever before.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
One of the biggest struggles is understanding myself.
I’ve built my identity with my family and friends but along the way, lost pieces of myself trying to live up to my own high expectations.
When I fall short, I become the biggest critic in the world, and I’m learning the same grace and love I give to others I can give to myself.
I learned that nobody is coming to save you, and those that do are angels sent from God to protect you from Self-destruction, whether you realize it or not.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Photographer with an eye for composition and specialize in headshots and portraiture.
I would say I’m more known for the music I make because I’ve done it since 2015, but lately, I’ve been featured in some magazines and even shot some music videos for talented artists like BRYYCE, Lyndon Enow & Selamo.
My most recent portrait looks and feels like a modern rendition of Al Green’s Greatest Hits Cover, and to see people say the same thing warms my heart to know we can still have people feel something with this thing we call art.
I feel like what sets me apart from others is my drive and competitive nature if I’m not as talented, I plan to outwork you or match your pace so we both get to the finish line together.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor comes with knowing yourself, so first understand that.
To be a driver, you have to learn how to start the car, and then know the streets and what is considered safe and dangerous.
It’s literally no different when you’re finding a mentor to help navigate through your profession.
Networking all comes from collaborating and providing value. If you can understand what people are looking for in life, then you can know how to add value and vice versa.
Pricing:
- $55/Hr for Headshots & Portraits
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kadeemsgallery.myportfolio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kadeemsartwork/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY-5FWkoT8I&list=PLy8I4Z-9ETt8ZNFIH14jZOozNkZ9gI7i6
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/malikislow
Image Credits
Models: Alexis Lucas, April Love, Brently Pearson, BrandNewJames, Kayla McPherson, Malachi, and Precious All images were shot and edited by Kadeem McPherson
