# @ourgenerationmusic on YouTube - **Type:** Video - **Original URL:** https://youtube.com/watch?v=N2l5VE7EwmE - **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/61572047-ourgenerationmusic-youtube - **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/39045b4236.jpg - **Posted:** 2026-03-26T23:54:40.000+00:00 - **Account Owner:** Our Generation Music (@ourgenerationmusic) — https://gondola.cc/ourgenerationmusic ## Caption #OGM #ourgenerationmusic In this interview, host Hakeem Rowe sits down with painter Jahlil Nzinga to explore his journey from viral rap success to becoming an independent fine artist. Nzinga reflects on his early days as part of the Bay Area group The Pack, emphasizing their cultural impact in blending skateboarding and hip-hop, and being among the first artists to go viral online. He speaks on how their authenticity and willingness to stand out helped shape trends, even if they didn’t initially receive recognition from their local scene. Transitioning into painting, Nzinga explains his decision to leave music behind in pursuit of full creative control. Unlike music, where many contributors shape the final product, painting allows him to fully own both the process and the outcome. He highlights the importance of independence, rejecting traditional gallery splits and instead building his own system for selling art directly to collectors. Nzinga also shares insight into his business mindset—limiting options for buyers, creating in-person experiences, and emphasizing lifestyle as part of the art. He stresses the importance of investing in oneself, staying authentic, and not chasing validation. Ultimately, Nzinga frames success as discipline, consistency, and belief in one’s vision. Follow Jahlil Nzinga: https://www.instagram.com/jahlilnzinga/ Time Codes 00:00:00 – 00:01:23 - Selling Paintings / Studio Experience 00:02:07 – 00:03:20 - Group Shows & Standing Out 00:03:20 – 00:05:24 - The Pack & Cultural Impact 00:05:24 – 00:07:11 - Vans, Virality & Industry Impact 00:07:11 – 00:09:02 - Lil Wayne Co-Sign & Early Fame 00:09:02 – 00:11:13 - First Viral Artists / MySpace Era 00:11:13 – 00:16:03 - Bay Area Culture & Influence 00:16:03 – 00:19:35 - Lack of Early Support / Breaking In 00:19:35 – 00:21:16 - Royalties, Longevity & Advice 00:21:16 – 00:26:10 - Transition from Music to Painting 00:26:10 – 00:28:28 - Artist Team vs Rap Team 00:28:28 – 00:33:34 - Galleries vs Independence 00:33:34 – 00:38:11 - Sales Strategy & Psychology 00:38:11 – 00:41:16 - Lifestyle as Part of the Brand 00:41:16 – 00:44:05 - Breaking Into Fine Art 00:44:05 – 00:46:11 - Art Industry Realities & Work Ethic 00:46:11 – 00:50:55 - Studio Discipline & Work Structure 00:50:55 – 00:54:00 - Celebrity Clients & Value 00:54:00 – 00:56:30 - Pricing Your Work / When to Raise Prices 00:56:30 – 00:58:30 - Understanding Value Through Cost 00:58:30 – 01:00:30 - Mindset Around Money & Art 01:00:30 – 01:03:00 - Scaling as an Artist 01:03:00 – 01:05:30 - Confidence & Presence in Sales 01:05:30 – 01:08:00 - Psychology of Buyers 01:08:00 – 01:11:00 - Artist Identity & Authenticity 01:11:00 – 01:14:00 - Challenges in the Art Industry 01:14:00 – 01:17:00 - Long-Term Vision & Career Longevity 01:17:00 – End (~01:20:00) - Final Gems / Advice to Creatives CREDITS: Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/ayohakeem/ Directed/Shot by: https://www.instagram.com/toosam_/ Graphic by: https://www.instagram.com/gothdre/ Follow Our Generation Music 🔰 Web: https://ourgenerationmusic.com IG: https://instagram.com/ourgenerationmusic/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ogmusicco/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourgenerationmusic STAMPS: 0:00 - Intros ## Stats - **Views:** 17,102 - **Likes:** 771 - **Shares:** 0 - **Comments:** 71 ## Tags ogm, ourgenerationmusic --- Copyright (c) Gondola