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Welcome to the colorful, rhythmic world of Modello Brown,  the pioneering spirit and creative genius behind “Hip Hop Littles.” This innovative series has captured the hearts of young readers everywhere, blending the vibrant energy of hip hop culture with enchanting narratives to foster a love of reading and the arts. Dive into the pages where beats meet books, and discover how Modello’s passion for music and storytelling is inspiring a new generation to groove their way through the wonders of literacy.

SHEEN: Can you tell us about your early life growing up in Englewood and how it has influenced your music and art?

Modello: Although my company and music is reified by my upbringing in Chicago, most of my motivation comes from my mother and friends I’ve lost. Understanding the balayage is most important when you’re creating real life situations from a childlike perspective. One of my closest high school friends was murder over his child and another kid playing. His kid accidentally hit the parent of the other kids car with a rock. The guy got upset, followed my friend into his house and murdered him. My mother on the other hand had a very capricious life dealing with my father and her mother growing up as well. Acknowledging these incidents was the final push I needed to really piece together the Hip Hop Littles series, and company as a whole.

SHEEN: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced in the beginning stages of your career?

Modello: Building my brand from scratch led me to working with individuals who didn’t have my best interest in mind. Finding numerous people from a spiritual standpoint is tough. I’ve been misled by known producers in the music industry, and I’ve been scammed by publishing companies in the book world. There have been situations where I’ve looked out for people who surpassed me in the game and acted as if they didn’t know who I was when they’ve reached their status. I’ve been broke living in and out of hotel rooms with rats and spiders all to become who I am today and more. That’s honestly where I think I’ve written my best music.

SHEEN: How did your interest in various forms of art develop into a passion for music, specifically Hip Hop and R&B?

Modello: Well it was pretty organic. My father is magnificent when it comes to drawing and painting, not better than me though lol. When I was around him he would always have music playing as he created his work. So, at home I would always trace Looney Tune characters & WWE wrestlers around the age of 5, 6 and gradually I became very confident in sketching them free hand. This developed my sense of creativity. As I got older my friends would always freestyle as we’re walking the neighborhood so I would join in and it just developed my artistry in music. Now! The R&B came from me dealing with women haha, the toughest minutes of my life turned into creation.

SHEEN: Could you share more about the moment during the recording session when you realized the importance of unity in music?

Modello: So in the midst of me recording a mixtape track, I was stumbling over 2 bars that literally weighed heavy on my heart. They defined how badly I wanted my talent to coruscate in this dark box I’m living in. During this moment there were 2 other guys arguing right outside the studio door on who was going to lead a song they were intending on recording. Long story short, one of the guys shot the other guy as they were leaving the studio. It was almost as if my city had lost its soul. The only way I felt I could contribute was through my art and music.

SHEEN: What inspired the creation of “Hip Hop Littles” and what is its main objective?

Modello: With all of my talents in artistry and being intrigued by Looney Tunes and Disney, I felt generating my own cartoon would be substantial. I’m from poverty in the Englewood area of Chicago so I wanted to create something that resonated with our communities. When you watch Disney movies you don’t see “US” individuals from the hood, our struggles, or our passions. Things that create millionaires from our situations. The main objective is to bring a magic kingdom to the hood. Create magical stories of the underprivileged. Our children’s dreams and ambitions should be projected as exorbitant and not as meaningless conversations or carry ons.

SHEEN: How do you think “Hip Hop Littles” helps in bringing communities together?

Modello: That’s a no brainer. Hip Hop was created for that reason alone in the 70’s, and to give black people something we could call our own. Being an anti drug and violence genre signified the peace we needed to navigate through our hardships. Hip Hop was just that exclusive in deliverance. With us as creatives expressing our stories to the outside sources of people that can hear and feel our pain through these pictures is phenomenal. It’s literally the point of celebration for us and them.

SHEEN: What role do you believe music plays in addressing social issues in communities like Englewood?

Modello: My personal opinion, I feel there is no destination to the address also saying there isn’t one. If my statistics serve me correctly Chicago’s crime rate is at about 3,500 per 100,000 people, that’s above average. Compared to the national rate. Hip Hop is a valued love of mine but it has lost its way in my opinion. The promotion of violence has escalated so it creates more diabolical actions within our communities. Now granted everyone can make their own choices but in reality, our communities look up to the rich and famous.

SHEEN: Can you describe your creative process when you sit down to make music or work on another art project?

Modello: Well with my process I do a lot of research on myself. Looking for the definitions of the eventful matters that had the most effect on me as a person. Where is the relation between myself and someone who’s possibly going through what I’ve been through or, currently dealing with this matter. I’ve been in several violent acts I’m not perfect, but I’ve been shot down by love so much in my life that it outweighs anything else. This is where my passions start to talk. “The snapshots in my memory defines the strokes lines In my tendencies, old loves a canvas, new loves a template. – Modello Brown

SHEEN: What advice would you give to young artists from challenging backgrounds who aspire to make it in their fields? 

Modello: Read everything you can. Your story only gets better because you know the author. Keeping a focused drive bets all and never be afraid to fail art anything you’re pursuing. Try everything and learn from it, because it’s ok now to fail but once you hit that spot you’re working hard for it won’t go unnoticed. That’s when everything gets real.

SHEEN: What are your future plans for yourself as an artist and for the “Hip Hop Littles” initiative?

Modello: Well we have a few things coming soon. Me and my team has been working on our animation series, I have a new book planned to be released next year around the holiday season. This will be the 3rd book in the series. As we build the community around the brand we will start to host events for kids so that’s going to be a major thing.

We are so excited for what Modello is doing. The new generation needs more impactful entertainment and this is a great start. Make sure to visit [Hip Hop Littles](https://www.hiphoplittles.com) to explore an innovative platform that dives deep into youth culture with a hip hop twist. Modello Brown, a forward-thinking author, has masterfully woven narratives that resonate with the younger demographic by linking the vibrancy of hip hop culture with everyday stories. Whether you’re a parent seeking relatable content for your child, or a young adult navigating through early life experiences, Hip Hop Littles offers a fresh perspective that celebrates diversity, creativity and the youthful spirit of hip hop.

Photo Credit: Modello Brown