Mason Di Emperor, The Philanthropist
Mason Di Emperor is on a mission to share love through his gift as a musician, singer, song writer, producer, and author. It is a longstanding vision. And in 2018, Mason Di Emperor amplified his mission statement with the release of an amazing album, Lover’s Rock and companion memoir, Changed Man. Then, he presented the EP Freedom, and a collaborative single and accompanying video with Rudie Rich, “Bring Di Vibes.” All refined and detailed works of art. Like a well thought out gift, timely selected and deeply invested.
Art, the place where the artist gives us gifts. From visual, literary, and sonic narratives, the artist and the audience meet at a noteworthy space. Every encounter is unique and so is the gift. Consequently, we are either immediately receptive to the message or later after reflection. Nonetheless, eventually the audience gets the gift, even if it challenges the space of previous beliefs.
And in kind, the artists go off to play hard because they have worked hard. Agreeable. Art is a challenging career, wearing the body and mind and significant relationships. So, artists like Mason Di Emperor, who is proficient at reservedly challenging opinions has a right to live life out loud. But he does not. Rather, he reinvests in challenging injustices on the behalf of many.
While there are several injustices in this world, being devalued through obscurity is the pathway to rapid social and economic decline. Aware of the problem, Mason Di Emperor is removing the shadowy tales which, hinder the ways we see each other as world citizens. Through his personal philanthropic efforts, the Share Di Love and Save a Life foundation and collaboratively with the Palais organization, numerous people are being seen the right way.
Many familiar with this publication are aware of our interest in mediating culture and art for the social and economic well being of a society. As well, we see a lot of artists contribute their time, money, and intelligence to the marginalized. And Mason Di Emperor’s time in Trench Town, Jamaica deserves attention because he is reinvesting in the root of a community that is a vital part of national and international identity.
Trench Town, located in the western part of Kingston, is renown for its contribution to the life and works of ska, rocksteady, and reggae pioneers; Mortimor “Kumi” Planno, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Dean Fraser, Leroy Sibbles, Stranger Cole, Hortense and Alton Ellis, Delroy Wilson, Joe Higgs, and The Techniques. And to the world of hip hop, it is also the place of Clive "DJ Kool Herc" Campbell.
A place of value viewed through polarizing gazes. A sphere of exceptional creativity and shared appreciation for Father Hugh Sherlock of Boys Town. To the trenches of a space to legitimize street credibility. Pass through the garrison, Trenccch Town, quickly. Immortalize the experience with hyphenated expressions and immersive visuals of barren and despair.
Arguably, Trench Town can be a volatile place. But humanity, the valued lives of people, continues to exist. Not a tale of back then during the formation of world treasures, but right now in 2018. And Mason Di Emperor, the team of Rebel Soulz, his manager Dionne Lawson and music director Rayon "Short Boss" Webb, and Ryunosuke "Lou" Takano’s value driven perspective is moving. A solid representation of citizens that is far removed from the shadow of ideologies or an artist compelled to give his time and money.
Captured vividly by the team of Realizm Studios is a footage of the citizens of Trench Town at the Culture Yard that leaves the viewer cognizant of the beauty and love of the people. An environment of respect fostered through men meticulously preparing meals that consumes the senses. The angelic voices of children in a choir. And Mason Di Emperor immersed in the surroundings. View the documentary to observe him at one with the people distributing school supplies, singing, conversing with friends, and slowly strolling the streets. During the trip he also holds a story time event at the public library. A refreshing approach of gift giving.
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