Caktuz..?13
New York City, New York, United States
Music
Press
Emerging multi-talent, Caktuz..?13 & legendary father of Black American Film, Melvin Van Peebles (Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song) were spotted together in New York City recently, engaging a store full of eager fans at one of their book signing appearances for the graphic novel adaption to Van Peebles new film Confessions OfA Ex-Doofus-Itchy-Footed Mutha. (Published on Akashic Books www.akashicbooks.com).
The line stretched out the door of the small Revolution Books (146 W 26th st.) Store. Fans of all ages awaited their specialized autographed copy of Van Peebles latest effort in the American graphic novel genre. The room grew quiet as Van Peebles introduced his partner in the book’s creation and protege, indie recording artist, Caktuz..?13.
Caktuz..?13, an artist whose list of accomplishments rival most well known artists (art, Music, Fashion, film, etc), illustrated the 60 page story closely with Van Peebles over 6 months. “It was a pleasure, working with Caktuz..?13,” says Van Peebles about his new protege’. “It was one of the best experiences I’ve had. 1st, because the gentleman is talented and 2nd, he tries to get into the mind of the narrator. Very important in communicating ideas back & forth to one another. ”
Caktuz..?13, an award wining graphic illustrator, fashion designer, and actor, isn’t just making the rounds with Van Peebles. ‘Mr. Multi’ will be releasing his sophomore project God’z Porno. The EP, a homegrown version of southern hip-hop he calls Carolina Bluez, will be put out through a joint venture with Block Starz Music & his own AMAS Multi-Media label. After working with such artists as Kardinal Offishall & Akon, dead prez, MOP, Bilal, and more, he is regarded by many to be a rising breath of fresh air in today’s music. With a cult following of passionate fans, and a successful European tour, completed earlier this year, Caktuz..?13 has plans to head back out this fall to South Africa & Japan.
When asked a question about passing the torch, Van Peebles said, “well he was already well past being an apprentice when I met him. A protege seemed like the next step. He was open to that. If I had to pass the artistic torch I couldn’t think of a more capable or enlightened person to pass it to.” The elder statesman finished by saying ” I am very proud of Caktuz..?13. I think he’s gonna be one of the most remarkable multi-talented artists of his time”.
Van Peebles’ new film has already received rave reviews from magazines such as Variety, and got a standing ovation at the Tribecca Film Festival this past year. Doofus is set to premiere in NYC Aug. 21st at Cinema Village.
http://newsone.com/entertainment/melvin-van-peebles-introduces-new-protege-at-book-signing/ - News One August 11, 2009
Caktuz..?13 aims new reverse cartoon at NY PostAMAS Multi-Media recording artist Caktuz..?13 spins the outrage against the recent NY Post page 6 cartoon - caricaturing the police shooting of a chimpanzee in Connecticut.It shows two police officers standing over the chimp's body: "They'll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill," one officer says. It was meant to mock an ineptly written federal stimulus bill, but it has been taken as a depiction of President Obama. "Every part of our struggle is our art" says Caktuz..?13 from a Brooklyn NY studio. "And our art is always at war. So consider this retaliation"....
- Soul Pitch Hustle
I caught up with Caktuz during his trip to the UK recently.
Born in North Carolina but now residing in Brooklyn, Caktuz continues to do his thing.
Caktuz was imprisoned for 8 years at a young age. Since his release he’s been on his grind. He is now emcee, a published author, a graphic designer and a businessman.
He has done work for Ecko, Sean Jean, LRG. As a music artist, he has worked with Dead Prez, M.O.P. and Brand Nubian. He’s also helped the progression of Wheatbread Media.
In this exclusive interview I speak to Caktuz about his journey into Hip Hop, his involvement at the Liverpool Hip Hop Week, what Hip Hop is lacking, what he learnt from his time in prison, co-sign from M1 (of Dead Prez) and his new album. - The Hip Hop Chronicle
The Radio Boys (C.Truth, Kev Lawrence) caught up with Ken Bookins from the Official Hip Hop Trading Cards and his partner Caktuz. Ken broke down the inspiration for the trading cards, the criteria, where he will first launch the cards, how you can get them and be a part of the movement. The cards feature emcees, dj’s, producers, graffiti artist, breakers, radio hosts, and beyond. Basically, all the personalities that represent hip hop. The artist Caktuz Tree also joined us and he spoke on: his roots of High Point, NC, playing in the backyard with Fantasia and Jodeci, the grass of North Carolina, why he uses the ski mask way, the upcoming book with Melvin Van Peebles, the movie he worked on with Wesley Snipes, and his recent European Tour. Give your ears some entertainment. Then log on to: www.thermalsoundwaves.com for what's to come in the future. Peace ! - Thermal Sound Waves Radio
Guest DJ, AMAS Recording artist Caktuz..?13, ruffles the feathers of Kanye West's new Grammy Family affiliate, Really Doe, in a recent phone interview. This 3 part interview can be heard in full here on AMAS Radio, or in part on http://www.blockstarzmusic.com
http://amasradio.podOmatic.com/entry/2009-08-19T05_18_46-07_00 - AMAS RADIO
UK mega-hustler Charlie Sloth catches up with Caktuz..?13 while touring in England. We are happy to report the episode has reached over 1 million views in such a short time. Check out this show here @ www.charliesloth.com
- World Star Hip Hop
I love my hometown! I was alerted a few days after this article appeared on the front of the Lifestyle section that there had been a spike in sales for this particular Sunday edition. I'd just like to say thanx for all your support & prayers. I put on for my city!!! Today High Point tomorrow the world! UK or bust!!
To download this article for reading click here - High Point Enterprise
Discography
2 Hevi 4 Heaven
Wheat Bread Compilation CD: Bread Breaks Vol 1&2
Tha Pursuit Ov Happynezz
East Coast Block Starz Compilation
GOD*z PORNO
Photos
Bio
A diamond in the rough, Caktuz..?13 is a witch’s brew of talent. An accomplished author by the age of 18, he wrote and illustrated his 1st graphic novel noir ‘Futprintz’ for The American Red Cross. As the 1st urban graphic novel focusing on AIDS Awareness, the book, was heavily distributed all over the US and reprinted many times after. Since then Cak..?13'z writing has advanced into screenplays, novels, animation, and storyboard production for commercial and theatrical scripts. Cak..?13 was commissioned by the legendary Melvin Van Peebles to illustrate the feature film adaption of his most recent movie Confessions OfA Ex Dufus Itchy-Footed Mutha. His 2009 induction into the The Official Hip Hop Tarading Card Company's 1st inaugural collection left hip hop fans & industry incumbants baffled as to why they would honor an indie artist whose never held a major deal...in short, "who is Caktuz..?13"..."why him?"
A political prisoner for a crime he did not commit, Caktuz..?13 gave 8 yrs. of his youth to an unforgiving prison system. Never defeated, only inspired, he has since become a rising indie recording artist on his own AMAS Multi-Media label, having worked with such artists as Bilal, dead prez, Boot Camp Clik, SA-RA, The Dey, Brand Nubian, M.O.P., Michael K Williams aka Omar from HBO's Emmy Nominated The Wire, & many more. The grandson of James Brown protege', early soul music legend Johnnie Scotton, Cak..?!3 is a Carolina blues man by blood. His 1st album, the critically acclaimed 2 Hevi 4 Heaven, set Caktuz..?13’z place in the industry as a musical and genre innovator. Creating his own ‘Carolina Bluez’ sound & weaving live performance art into his stage shows.
From music to gracing the Broadway stage with the legendary Melvin Van Peebles, his DRX performance art group raised the energy of the show.
Donning the the Musical Director seat, Cak..?13 created & managed Wheat Bread Radio for the lifestyle brand Wheat Bread’s media division, as well as the release of it's 1st album, Bread Breaks Vol.1 & 2. An album executive produced and mixed by Cak..?13.
This country strange fruit is an award winning graphic illustrator/designer, working with virtually all the top designers, such as Ecko, Apple Bottoms, Parish, Timberland, Rocawear/Shady Ltd. Having laced celebs such as Wendy Williams, Queen Latifah, Wesley Snipes, Spike Lee, Chris Brown, & Melvin Van Peebles with his work he has undeniably become heavily sought after by Hollywood. Many corporate clients, such as Smirnoff, DC Comics, TBS, Pepsi, Wal-Mart, have called on Cak..?13 by name.
His on air charisma landed him into the acting spotlight. Cak..?13 or his distinctive voice have appeared in a number of film and television efforts, including his mentor Melvin Van Peebles’ new film, The Eddie Black Story (formerly tittled Deceptz), the controversial semi-biopic on the infamous NYC street gang The Decepticons, & even more films in production now. All this and still more to come. Caktuz..?13 is the poster boy for a multi-media revolution.
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