Modello Brown, a native of Englewood, Chicago, IL, has overcome numerous challenges and hardships to achieve the success he enjoys today. Growing up in a middle-class community that is known for its high crime rates and lack of diversity, Modello was determined to rise above the adversity. He has always been passionate about different forms of art, including music, animation, drawing, and painting, and in 2016, he made his debut as an underground hip hop and R&B artist.
However, Modello recognized that the music industry and culture were not unified, despite sharing a similar soul. During a recording session, he realized the need for togetherness. Modello firmly believes that music is a powerful force that can bring communities together, and thus, he founded Hip Hop Littles. Today, Modello stands tall as a testament to the resilience and determination of the human spirit.
In a recent interview he shared with FEMI Magazine an indepth conversation about his journey on the music scene and his business life.
Tell us a little about your childhood growing up in Englewood, Chicago.
Growing up for me in Englewood, Chicago was very pro and con like. There was a high altitude of violence, delivered cacophony but also a great deal of appreciation for family and friends. Living life as a child there you’re introduced to many unpleasant acts. I myself have dealt with family using drugs in the room right next to me whereas you could literally smell the crack in the air. Truthfully, I had a wonderful mother but grew up without my father being present, and I must admit that has had a great deal of affect on me trying to figure out this thing called life. My society encouraged me to want more, and I had to descry the difference in creating opportunities for myself and my loved ones.
What’s one of your favorite books in the Hip Hop Littles series so far and why?
I think my favorite book in the series so far is “Jordan’s First Day”. Not only because it was my first published literary piece but more because of the impactful representation is has. This book allowed me to create a metaphorical understanding from a childlike perspective, that would empower the mind of every child and parent who reads it to leave with “We have a responsibility”.
Bullying has become and always has been a huge factor in our communities, but this book also displays the building unit of a community of friends to help overcome these treacherous encounters.
How do you come up with the storylines and concepts for the books?
All of my books will relate to the huge genre of hip hop and its community. Using my personal life experiences to coexist allows me to create magical things that we could never imagine. The number one thing I’ve mastered unwillingly is to keep thinking (ha-ha), that makes me a creator at heart. All of my favorite sitcoms, cartoons, movies, and my love for music has constructed these concepts in my creativity. Hip Hop has such a great impact on society, so I wanted to also reassess that impact to push positivity in my storytelling.
I understand you are an artist as well, do you illustrate the books also?
Yes and no, I have a co-artist who helps with a lot of the illustrations. I may sketch a design but I’m fully coming up with the concepts of each page.
Your musical background helped lead to your wonderful idea to create Hip Hop Littles. What can you tell us about the moment you got this life changing inspiration?
Honestly it wasn’t a huge moment to really discuss. It was really the thought of my baby photo being cover art for a single. Thats honestly how I came up with the building on the Hip Hop Littles community. One thing I’ve always talked about in my music was love, but as the world developed, that has become lost in our society. When the development stage hit to where I realized this could be the rebirth of appreciation for one another, I knew I found my purpose.
From my understanding Hip Hop Littles is an entire brand including apparel, what other spaces are you planning to expand into?
Well they say don’t speak on your moves until you’ve flourished the dream but here’s my insider. My end goal is to be the Walt Disney for the culture, Bring a magic kingdom to the hood for those who feel overlooked. The underprivileged. Like I said once before “The most magical things come from seeing things you could never imagine”. Expect everything you see from Disney and more including 3D & 2D animation. Which is an expansion of my brand to come soon.
In conclusion what words of encouragement would you like to share for our teen and young adult readers who may have grown up similarly to you?
The best way to overcome fear or shame is to acknowledge the reflection in the mirror. That will be the hardest but most important conversation you’ll ever have in your life. Your story only gets better because you know the author.
Were you inspired? Well you can keep up with Modello Brown on Social Media for all his many ventures.
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