SAVE YOURSELF

Roles:
Creative Direction, Photography

Credits:
Creative Director & Photographer: Kayla Reefer
Executive Producer: The Delegation
Art Director: James Merrick
Engineered by: Devon Paul & Henry Anguiano
Mixed and Mastered by: Mark “Keitel” Lowe Jr.

When Nana entrusted me with the responsibility of shooting the cover for his debut album, I knew I had to come correct. No regular shoot or concept would do.

I started perusing for references and came across an image of Big L photographed in his native Harlem by Danny Clinch. This photo struck so many things in me at once that it made me do my research!

I immediately dived into Big L and his music. I learned about how much of a legend he already was and how much bigger he was slated to become. How other heavyweights like Nas and Jay-Z praised him for his talent and lyricism, and how he was about to be signed to Roc-a-Fella Records. He put on for Harlem, and he put on for his people.

I see Nana in a lot of the same ways. An underrated (for now) lyrical juggernaut, a Crenshaw district, and an L.A. legend. An artist who can stand out and hold his own amongst greats. I knew from the very first moment he played me his music. I wanted his official introduction to the world to feel like my introduction to him. I wanted folks to do their research!

Thanks to a huge collaborative effort, we made it happen! Like Big L, everyone surrounding Nana on this cover are his people, and only a tiny fraction of them at that. Grateful to all involved for believing in him, us, and this entire project.