Embracing My Roots: A Black Advertiser's Journey Through Hip-Hop Studies

by: Mardline Prevot

Vision Collage by Mazopal Design  

Hey everyone, Mardi here, and I'm diving deep this semester. As a Black advertiser, CEO of Mazopal Design, and a proud Haitian American from Northeast DC, I'm embarking on a journey of self-discovery through the lens of Hip-Hop Studies. This isn't just another class for me; it's a profound exploration of my heritage, my identity, and my artistic expression.

Hip-Hop and My Life: More Than Just Music

Hip-hop isn't just a genre; it's a culture, a movement, and a mirror reflecting the realities of my life. Growing up in DC, I was immersed in the beats, the lyrics, and the raw energy of hip-hop. It was the soundtrack to my youth, a voice for the voiceless, and a powerful tool for storytelling. Now, I'm excited to dissect the five elements of old-school hip-hop – DJing, MCing, breakdancing, graffiti, and knowledge – and compare them to the evolution of the genre. I'm especially fascinated by the sampling of 80s and 90s songs in the early 2000s, a testament to hip-hop's ability to reinvent itself. Through this class, I aim to understand how hip-hop intersects with my identity as an Afro-Haitian non-binary artist and how it informs my work in advertising and visual communication.

Skills and Contributions: A Creative Toolkit

I bring a diverse skillset to the table. As a graphic artist and Adobe enthusiast, I'm passionate about transforming ideas into visual masterpieces. I'm also deeply invested in Pan-Africanism and advocacy, which informs my creative process. My experience as a CEO and entrepreneur has honed my business acumen, and I'm ready to apply that knowledge to the promotional and business aspects of hip-hop. I'm excited to explore the visual, literary, and sound aspects of hip-hop, from typography designs inspired by lyricism to creating beats and writing poetry that amplifies Black voices. My experience in marketing, TV, commercial, and content creation will also be invaluable as we delve into the promotional side of the genre.

Current Inspirations: Vodou, West African Vodún, and Beyond

My current inspirations are deeply rooted in my cultural heritage. I'm particularly fascinated by Haitian Vodou and West African Vodún, exploring their mystical nature and how they intersect with my identity. This inspiration is driving my senior thesis project, "Ayiti Nou La Racine Tribute," a powerful exploration of Haitian Vodou set to showcase in December 2025. I'm also inspired by brands like Adobe, Under Armour, Starter Z, True Religion, and Fila, which embody the intersection of culture, style, and innovation. I am also currently inspired by the work that goes into hip-hop discographies. I am also motivated by comedy, film, and vintage entertainment. I am also inspired by the work of Harmonik, Wyclef Jean, Lauryn Hill, Haitian Hip-hop Musicians, Tupac, Jay-Z, Mc Sha Rock, Harlem Renaissance, and the Negritude Movement.

Skills to Learn and Improve: A Continuous Journey

As a lifelong learner, I'm always seeking to expand my skillset. In this class, I'm eager to improve my understanding of hip-hop's historical and cultural context. I want to refine my ability to analyze and critique hip-hop's various elements, from lyricism to production. I'm also interested in exploring the collaborative nature of hip-hop and building connections with fellow creators. I want to improve my skills in MCing and producing, and learn more about the business side of the music industry. I want to learn more about the history of hip-hop and how it has evolved over time. I want to learn more about how to create a successful hip-hop project. I want to learn how to produce beats. I also want to improve my writing skills. I also want to learn how to create a successful hip-hop project. I want to learn more about the technical aspects of music production. I also want to improve my skills in creating visual content for hip-hop projects. I want to learn more about the business side of the music industry. I want to learn more about how to promote a hip-hop project.

My Vision: MC Studios and Beyond

I'm excited to launch MC Studios, a platform for hip-hop projects that reflects my passion for collaboration and innovation. I envision MC Studios as a hub for creativity, where artists can come together to create impactful and meaningful work. I want to create projects that amplify diverse voices and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of hip-hop. I want to build a network of creators that reflects the spirit of the mid-90s, when collaboration was at the heart of the movement. I also want to utilize my advertising skills to help hip-hop artists promote their work and build their brands.

Why This Class?

Ultimately, I'm in this class to learn about my heritage through hip-hop interdisciplinary studies. I want to explore the connections between my Afro-Haitian roots and the cultural phenomenon of hip-hop. I want to understand how hip-hop has shaped my identity and how I can use it to amplify my voice and the voices of my community. I am also in this class to refine my creative process. I am excited to see how this class will impact my future projects.

This semester is about transformation, luxury lifestyle, youth, culture, greatness, mass production, and the purpose of critique. I'm ready to embrace my roots, hone my skills, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of hip-hop culture. Let's create something amazing!