Discovering inspiration alongside the artist Luke James as he unveils his eagerly awaited album, “to feel love/d.”

Read time 5 minutes

As the world eagerly awaits the release of his highly anticipated album, "to feel love/d," Luke James, the visionary artist known for his soulful melodies and captivating performances, invites us into his creative sanctuary.

Speaking on the new release, Luke says, “This album is a body of work that is a culmination of experiences. [it’s] music that I’ve lived with for a while. I like to think of this album as more of a bridge into my new endeavors being an independent artist.” “To feel love/d” marks Luke’s much-awaited return to his widely successful music career following a two-year hiatus to focus on his work in acting. The three singles from the album, entitled “go girl” ft. BJ The Chicago Kid and Ro James, “all of your love,” and “blow” took the music streaming platforms by force, including features on massive playlists such as Spotify’s New Music Friday, Are & Be, and rotation on Amazon’s Global R&B platform.

Lukes’ credits are as vast as they are impressive. Throughout his career, he has written songs for the likes of Justin Bieber, Snoh Aalegra, and Chris Brown, to name a few. He has also performed alongside the late Prince and is one of the very few artists to ever open for Beyoncé, during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Luke received his first Grammy nomination for Best R&B Performance for his hit song “I Want You” (from his first mixtape “#Luke”) and received his second Grammy nomination for Best R&B Song for “Options” ft. Rick Ross (from his self-titled debut album “Luke James”).

On the television front, it was announced that Luke is set to star in the third season of the hit Showtime drama series, “The Chi.” Created by Lena Waithe, the series follows the lives of a group of people in the South Side neighborhood of Chicago after a fateful turn of events sends shock waves through the community but also connects them in unexpected ways.

Luke also recently starred in the smash hit Universal Pictures’ comedy “Little,” opposite Issa Rae, Regina Hall, and Marsai Martin and is well-known for his starring role in the musical drama series “Star” on FOX, created and helmed by Oscar-nominated director Lee Daniels. Additional acting credits for Luke include recurring arcs on HBO’s “Insecure,” USA’s “Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G.,” and his role as R&B singer Johnny Gill on BET’s “The Bobby Brown Story.” Luke recently spoke to Slick to discuss his biggest adrenaline rush, his philosophy on life, and the plans he has in store

Slick: Who is Luke James in five words?

Luke: Loving, Honorable, Nasty, Happy, Sad…. Okay, let’s see what else is there?

Slick: What’s the first thing you do in the morning?

Luke: I guess a check, diagnostic check, you know, self-diagnostics. I just feel my body, fill my mind, my spirit and I project gratitude for waking up another day. Thank you, God!

Slick: What’s your philosophy on life?

Luke: Don’t worry be happy. Yeah, not to be cliche. My mother used to always say, don’t worry. I think I’m at a place where I want to be. So yeah, don’t worry, be happy because everything’s gonna work out for sure.

Slick: What do people always misunderstand about you?

Luke: I think I’m finding that people think that I am somewhat of an extrovert, I guess. Maybe I act the part well, sometimes. I think my career kind of helps me out of my introverted ways because I want to enjoy life and all the different aspects of it and sometimes my innate ways don’t allow that pleasure. My career helps me get out. It helps me meet people. It helps me get into new ideas, you know, keeps my mind open.

“With ‘to feel love/d,’ I aim to create a sonic journey where emotions flow freely, melodies captivate, and every listener finds solace in the music.” – Luke James

Slick: What gives you the biggest adrenaline rush?

Luke: My biggest adrenaline rush, I’d say has been on the stage. It’s a rush like no other. I can come off stage and have cut myself and not even realize I did until the next day, you know, my adrenaline took over…

Slick: What do you think about when you’re by yourself?

Luke: A lot of things rather personal… I think about work, you know, in the sense of like work, as everyone else may think of work. I find pleasure in what I do so when I’m talking about work, I’m talking about my passions which happen to make me money which turns into work. It is something that I must do to continue making a living. I enjoy it so I guess to answer your question I think about creativity. I think about God, I think about love, I think about the world. I try my best to think about happy things…

Slick: What qualities do you admire about yourself?

Luke: One of the qualities I admire about myself is my really strong willpower. I am constantly reminded of my willpower. So yeah, I truly admire that about myself. If there’s something I want, truly want, I work my ass off to get it, to have it. It seems like everything around me just conform to enable me to have whatever it is I’m in search of. I’m not sitting here saying or acting like I’m a guru. I’m still figuring that thing out too.

Slick: What is the weirdest thing you would consider about yourself?

Luke: The weirdest thing about me, I don’t know. I think maybe someone else may have to say what that is. I don’t particularly find anything I do weird. I’m interesting (lol).

Slick: What are the three things you value most about a person?

Luke: A person’s empathy, the person’s intellect, and their spirituality, you know something in that realm. There are so many things fucking three is just not enough…

Slick: Tell us about any struggle you’ve overcome.

Luke: Seeing myself for who I am, acknowledging it, adhering to it, and strengthening it. Being happy with the process of becoming better, a better me. Falling in love with that process. It’s a constant. I believe it to be a struggle that just about everyone goes through.

Slick: If you could tell your former self one thing, what would it be?

Luke: Wake up early, create, create, create, stay open, be a sponge. Don’t worry. Leave negative people and things alone. Let them go. You may love them but you can love them from afar. Enjoy yourself, enjoy the moment, and don’t listen to anyone but yourself. Stay centered. There’s going to be a lot of trying things that will come your way. Be still and push forward. Everything will be alright. Yep, that’s that. I hope that all made sense.

Photography by Ben Abarbanel. Styling by Guvanch Agajumayev. Grooming by Travis Lester.Casting by Andre’ Adkins.

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

Text by
Kylar Ashton

Photography by
Ben Abarbanel.

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

August 9, 2018

By & Large Culture Discussions Fashion Film Luke James Philosophy

Underlined

Valentin Chmerkovskiy dives into the history of dance liberation with “dance with me”

Read time 5 minutes

Text by
Adrian Hendrix

Photography by
William H. Cudd

Fashion by
Guvanch Agajumayev

Posted
June 19, 2022

Step into the world of Valentin Chmerkovskiy: dancer, philanthropist, and eternal optimist. Join us as he opens up about his remarkable journey.

In the annals of dance history, there are stories that transcend the mere rhythm of steps. They echo with the resilience of the human spirit, the triumph over adversity, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s saga is one such tale – a narrative that unfolds from the humble streets of Ukraine to the glittering ballrooms of America.

In his poignant memoir “I’ll Never Change My Name,” penned with raw honesty in March 2018, Valentin bared his soul, recounting the arduous journey of immigration that marked his childhood. With little but determination to their name, his family embarked on a voyage to America, seeking opportunity amidst uncertainty. It was a leap of faith that would shape Valentin’s destiny in ways he could scarcely imagine.

Since those early days of struggle and adaptation, Valentin has emerged as a luminary in the world of dance, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unparalleled talent. With each graceful movement, he has etched his name in the annals of dance history, becoming a 14-time US National Champion and a two-time World Dance Champion. His mastery of the art form transcends mere technique; it embodies the essence of passion and perseverance.

Yet, Valentin’s contributions extend far beyond the spotlight of the stage. As a philanthropist and co-founder of Dance With Me, he has championed a noble cause – to nurture a community where movement knows no bounds. With a mission to keep people active, healthy, and creative, irrespective of age, ability, or economic circumstance, Dance With Me stands as a beacon of inclusivity and empowerment.

In an exclusive interview with Slick Magazine, Valentin offered a glimpse into the inner workings of his mind – the musings of a man driven by purpose and fueled by ambition.

When queried about his childhood role model, Valentin’s response was unequivocal: his father, whose indomitable spirit served as a guiding light through life’s tumultuous waters. Reflecting on his aspirations, Valentin confessed to an ongoing journey of self-discovery, where the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds. His quest for greatness transcends the confines of accolades, rooted instead in the relentless pursuit of self-improvement.

Amidst dreams of fatherhood and artistic innovation, Valentin shared his desire to hone new skills, expressing a penchant for the culinary arts and a longing to reconnect with the melodies of the violin – a testament to his insatiable thirst for knowledge and growth.

For Valentin, life’s greatest lessons are found in the everyday, a testament to the profound wisdom borne of humility and openness to the world’s infinite possibilities. As the lens of William H. Cudd captures his essence, Valentin Chmerkovskiy stands as a testament to the transformative power of dance – a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. Styled by Guvanch Agajumayev and groomed by the deft hands of Gabrielle Steves and Hiro Furukawa, his presence is a testament to the fusion of artistry and elegance.

“Life’s journey is not just about the steps we take, but the heart and soul we infuse into every dance. – Valentin Chmerkovskiy”

In the grand tapestry of life, Valentin Chmerkovskiy’s story serves as a reminder that greatness is not merely achieved through talent alone but through the unwavering courage to chase one’s dreams against all odds. And as the world eagerly awaits the next chapter of his journey, one thing remains certain – the dance of Valentin Chmerkovskiy will continue to inspire and captivate hearts around the globe.

Slick: So, Valentin, tell us, who was your role model when you were a kid?

Valentin: Ah, my dad, no doubt. He’s been the beacon guiding my way since day one. Hard to find anyone else who comes close.

Slick: What about your dreams as a kid? Did you have any particular career in mind?

Valentin: You know, I’m still trying to figure that one out. Life’s been a journey of discovery, and I’m just rolling with the punches.

Slick: Totally get that. Now, what’s the best piece of praise or advice you’ve ever received?

Valentin: Oh, that’s an interesting one. Praise-wise, it’s probably when someone said I’m just a tad above decent as a husband, son, brother, and friend. As for advice, I always tell myself that to be the best, I gotta outwork the best.

Slick: Wise words, Valentin. Looking ahead, where do you see yourself in five years?

Valentin: Five years? Well, I hope to be a dad, providing more than just the basics for my family. And artistically, I wanna be pushing boundaries, creating stuff that’s beyond the norm. And hey, staying healthy enough to enjoy it all would be a bonus.

Slick: Ambitious goals! Switching gears, any skills you’re itching to learn?

Valentin: Oh, for sure! I’ve always wanted to get into cooking properly. And I used to play the violin back in the day, so getting back into that groove would be awesome.

Slick: That’s quite the range! Lastly, what’s been the biggest learning moment for you in life so far?
Valentin: Honestly, every single day brings something new to the table. Keeping an open mind has been key. Life’s all about the journey, right?

Slick: Couldn’t agree more, Valentin. Thanks for sharing your insights with us!

As the final notes of our conversation with Valentin Chmerkovskiy fade away, it’s evident that his story resonates far beyond the confines of the page. His journey from humble beginnings to international acclaim serves as a reminder that greatness is not defined by circumstances but by the relentless pursuit of one’s passions.

With each step forward, Valentin embodies the essence of resilience, creativity, and compassion, leaving an imprint on hearts and minds alike. As we reflect on his words and aspirations, we’re reminded of the power of perseverance and the boundless potential within each of us. In a world often clouded by uncertainty, Valentin’s unwavering optimism and determination shine as beacons of hope, lighting the way for others to follow. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter in his journey, we’re grateful for the opportunity to witness the extraordinary story of Valentin Chmerkovskiy unfold before our eyes.