Point-O-2: LolaWolf

I support the AfroPunk movement. I subscribe to their email list and social media channels. Occasionally, I attend the events. AfroPunk keeps me relevant on what's happening creatively with new Black Excellence in the Arts. So, when I noticed how hard they have been promoting LolaWolf, I had to take notice.

“Who or what is a LolaWolf?” I wonder. I do the google thing.

The results go as follows:

Lolawolf was founded by Zoe Kravitz, first born beautiful child of two devastatingly beautiful people Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet. You know.. the staggeringly hot and talented rock star and the actress that inspired boy and girl crushes across the planet since her days a child star on the Cosby show? Yes. They made a baby and she won the genetic lottery in looks and talent.

Now, I was already familiar with Zoe from some stellar performances in a few independent films. She starred alongside Gabourey Sidibe in the gritty 2009 film “Yelling to the Sky”. The camera loved Zoe and right away I knew she would have a bright future on the silver screen. My prediction was correct! She went on to appear in films such as "Twelve", "Divergent" and "X-Men:First Class".

But this isn't about Zoe Kravitz' brilliant acting chops (which more than likely were obtained from her mother's contribution to a damn near perfect DNA helix). No.. this is about Lolawolf, the band.

Named after her younger siblings, Lola and Nakoa Wolf, Zoe and her bandmates James Levy and Jimmy Giannopoulos, embarked on a journey of experimental sound. Part Punk, part R&B, part Electronica, Part Fill-In-The-Blank... the end result is a delectable, effortless blend of unapologetic expression with an authentic edge.

I call it #MuttMusic.

Ms. Kravitz dropped the first EP self titled "Lolawolf" in 2014 and a second following in the same year "Calm Down".

The first song I heard, "James Franco", caught me off guard. Now that I'm officially part of the age 35-45 demographic check-off box on surveys :( , I automatically have this terrible expectation of young people having no concept of music theory and producing songs created from iPhone apps for other equally musically ignorant people to enjoy.

Forgive me. I know my prejudice is not cool, but it is what it is.

LolaWolf proved me wrong.

The allure that has inspired fashion designers and drew a fan base of millions is due to Zoe Kravitz's natural coolness. Her image doesn't appear to be contrived and her edge is quite possibly the most authentic I have seen penetrating mainstream arts in quite some time.

I watched her videos on YouTube and thought to myself, “This is who Rihanna is trying to be...”

But Zoe does commands your attention with ease. Like the way the rest of us breathe or place one foot in front of the other in an attempt to walk. She walks. She runs. She's ahead of the pack.

So, keep an open mind and open eye on Miss Kravitz. She's got a vision and I don't know about you, but I am ready to see what she has to show us.

Her sound might not be for everyone; particularly my Arts Lovers with seasoned tastes comes to miond. Nonetheless, I do applaud our young people taking risks and Miss Kravitz not only takes a risk, but she has the potential to create a risk.

> Listen to Lolawolf here <