Photos By Tiago Sperotto

The music video has intrigued me for the longest. Ever since I could remember, music videos have provided the context by which to understand an artist. Although more influential during my teenage years, I still look to the music video as the visual extension of a song. Like most works of art, when they’re good they’re really good, and when they’re bad they’re really bad. So when Colin invited us to a video shoot featuring Rick Ross and Fabolous, I couldn’t care less what the song was, or who it was by. “I was going to my first video shoot, and I was juiced…”

Getting the directions from Colin days before, I got off work and headed to the location as soon as I could. Passing through downtown L.A, two turns off the 10 East placed me amongst blocks of warehouses. When I looked to the left and noticed three trailers and four trucks, the only thought that crossed my mind was, “Damn Colin’s doin it.”

Stepping out of my car, I followed the raspy voice emanating from the closest warehouse. Passing trucks of cameras and equipment I entered the warehouse, and turned the corner to see what all the fuss was about.

I noticed his jewelry first. Looking over shoulders, past lights and into the camera screen I saw Rick Ross. Standing in front of a painted brick wall, Ross stood in an all too familiar pose, with probably a half dozen chains hanging from his neck. As he rapped into the air, the track blared in the background, deafening any words Ross could utter.

For a while I was mesmerized as I observed the scene I had stumbled upon. People with concerned looks and walkie talkies bustling back and forth. Makeup artists pampering the bald head of Ross while Colin methodically directed his motion. It was amazing, incredible and in a sense demystifying, all at the same time. A hero of hip hop standing right in front of me, working? Well sort of. In between each take Ross would step off camera and receive a lit blunt. I soon became fascinated by the occupation of Ross’ acquaintance as it seemed as though he was Ross’ official blunt holder. Not smoking it himself, he simply made himself available each time Ross stepped off stage, supplying Ross with a hit or two, before returning behind the camera.

As I waited for Will and Tiago to arrive I sat down next to a couple of girls in the middle of a conversation, “I can’t believe she just went and cut off her hair like that. She can’t just go and do that without telling the agency. They control her image.” As I eavesdropped on the conversation I began to understand the reality of the music industry, and the business of entertainment. It’s not all about the freedom to express yourself creatively. It’s also about what will sell.

Amidst the bustle of the shoot, I kept my eyes on Colin. Watching him work was inspiring. Folks had said he was doing big things, but seeing him in action was all the proof I needed. While Rick and Fabolous were the stars of the show, Colin was the center of attention. At the age of 22 he had already made his mark on the industry and he was only getting started.