Interview with Mr. Soul, the Man Behind Visual Soul Creative Lab

The complicated soul of a visual artist is usually left to be deciphered by art connoisseurs and appreciators. Very rarely do we question the background and the spirit of those who fill our lives with admirable aesthetics.

Uncover the soul.

Mr. Soul, the man behind Visual Soul Creative Lab, has given life to several Hip-Hop visuals. We can thank his creativity for several popular music images, such as the U.G.K. logo, the recognizable design of Lloyd's name, and the memorable Disturbing tha Peace insignia. But, while he's been entrenched in music projects, Mr. Soul also has the beginnings of a tagger and the coveted gift of being a fine arts painter.

In the spirit of giving props to all things encompassed by Hip-Hop culture, I caught up with Mr. Soul to talk about inspiration, style, and of course, art.

AHD: When did you first realize that you had a gift for art?

MS: I don't think I realized that I had a gift until later in life, maybe junior high to high school. Before then, I just thoroughly enjoyed drawing and being creative.

AHD: Who are some of your artistic influences?

MS: My primary influences from the 1st grade to about the 4th grade, were a first grade teacher, Mrs. Cooper, my cousin Terry, and a variety of comic book artists, since that's what I was into. Around 4th and 5th grade I was one of those kids who got consumed by Hip-Hop culture. Graffiti, the culture's art form, was my immediate attraction. So at that point my influences became people like Seen, Dondi (R.I.P.), Skeme, Mode 2 and a host of other graffiti artists. As I got older I became familiar with Black artists such as WAK, Gilbert Young, Charles White, Charles Bibb and of course Mr. Ernie Barnes from Goodtimes fame.

AHD: A lot of artists- from Kandinsky who was influenced by opera to Justin Bua whose art has a presence of Hip-Hop and Jazz- are inspired by music. What type of music inspires you to create?