QUAVIOUS AND DANIEL: WHAT THE HELLY?

In the world of art and hip-hop, collaborations and unexpected cultural crossovers are what make the landscape exciting. But when ego, legality, and a bit of high-horse energy get involved, we sometimes miss the bigger picture. That brings us to what I like to call: Quavious and Daniel — What the Helly?

Quavo, in front of Daniel’s work. Daniel don’t get mad because I posted this man lmao.

image via the fashion law

Let’s break it down. On March 31, Daniel Arsham — world-renowned artist known for eroded sculptures of classic cars, Pokémon busts, and architecture-inspired pieces — filed a copyright infringement suit against Quavo. The Migos member allegedly used Arsham’s 1961 Ferrari GT sculpture in a teaser video for his song "Trappa Rappa" without permission. The artist claims the sculpture was used without license or compensation, and while the video was eventually removed from some platforms, it remains active on others.

Now here's where it gets confusing — Arsham isn’t new to hip-hop. In fact, he’s embraced the culture many times. He sculpted Jay-Z's hands throwing up the Roc symbol for the Book of Hov exhibit, created a bust of Gunna for the DS4EVER album, and collaborated with Pharrell and Nas. This ain’t his first dance with the rap world. So the question becomes: why did this particular use by Quavo feel like such a violation to him?

Let’s keep it real: Quavo didn’t claim the sculpture was his. He wasn’t reselling it or repurposing it as merch. He stood in front of it. Rapped near it. Tagged the man. So what are we really mad at here? The fact that Quavo didn’t get a written license? Sure — that’s the technical foul. But the spirit of the interaction felt more like a tribute than theft.

As an artist and lawyer myself, let me tell you how I would've handled it. Quavo tags me? Uses my piece in a video? Boom — I reach out. I ask for credit in the video description, a profile link on socials, maybe even a short caption shoutout. I’d use the moment to drive traffic to my page. Then, I’d pitch a limited collaboration — imagine a Quavo bust in my sculpture style, followed by merch off the bust? That’s culture. That’s how you flip a moment into legacy.

Instead, we get legal filings, court headlines, and division. I know Daniel’s team would argue this is about protecting intellectual property — and legally, they’re within their rights. But this isn’t about legality alone. It’s about energy. It’s about how we treat each other in a creative ecosystem that already struggles with ego, access, and opportunity.

Daniel Arsham’s work, while masterful, also borrows. He’s flipped iconic visuals from pop culture with eroded textures — from Pokémon to vintage cars — and yes, I assume those were all licensed. But it still means he understands inspiration and reinterpretation. So why not extend that grace when someone else does it?

Quavo didn’t try to sell the sculpture. He didn’t repackage it. He rapped beside it. And if anything, it brought more eyeballs to Arsham’s world. We can debate copyright law all day, but what I care about is the spirit of the interaction. And this lawsuit? It feels like a missed opportunity.

What this moment needs is more brotherhood between artists of different mediums. Hip-hop and fine art don’t need to operate in separate universes. They should collide. They should overlap. They should build bridges, not court cases.

I say this not to tear anyone down, but to spark thought. I still support Daniel Arsham as an artist. His work is innovative and globally recognized. But I also support artists like Quavo who are continuously pushing visuals and sound into new territories. Let’s be more collaborative. Let’s be more generous. Let’s build.

This article is not legal advice. It is not an attack on Daniel Arsham. It’s just one artist’s opinion, reflecting on how this situation could’ve gone another, better way.

Let’s do better.

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Follow me on twitter.com/onlyonejaevonn and visit gettothecorner.com for more thoughts, art, and culture.

Legal Disclaimer: This article is not legal advice. It is a personal commentary and is not intended to defame or harm the reputation of Daniel Arsham or any parties involved. All individuals mentioned should be supported in their creative endeavors.

The Downfall of Hyper Independence

The Downfall of Hyper Independence

January 7, 2024

The Illusion of Strength

Hyper independence is often celebrated as a badge of honor in a world where self-reliance is seen as the ultimate marker of strength. The notion of "I’ve got it, I don’t need anyone" resonates deeply with many of us, especially those who’ve had to endure hardships and rely solely on their own abilities to push through. But what happens when hyper independence becomes less of a survival tool and more of a prison?

The Roots of Hyper Independence

For those of us raised in environments where dependency was a weakness—where asking for help was met with ridicule, rejection, or simply no response—hyper independence can feel like the only way to move forward. It's a mindset born out of necessity, one that says, "If I don’t do it, nobody will." And while it can fuel ambition and resilience, it also builds walls so high that no one can climb over to help, even when you desperately need it.

The Cost of Isolation

Hyper independence thrives on the illusion of control. You feel accomplished when you handle things alone. You’re proud when you juggle multiple responsibilities without breaking a sweat—at least outwardly. But behind closed doors, hyper independence is lonely. It’s exhausting. It’s isolating. The very traits that others admire about you are the ones eating away at your soul.

I’ve been there—balancing ten different plates, refusing to let anyone so much as touch a single one. Whether it’s financial struggles, family burdens, or professional pressures, I’ve told myself countless times, I’ll figure it out. And in many cases, I have. But at what cost? Burnout, resentment, and the sinking realization that my refusal to lean on others has robbed me of deeper connections.

The Truth About Vulnerability

You see, hyper independence isn’t strength—it’s armor. It’s a shield we use to protect ourselves from disappointment. If no one helps, they can’t let you down. If you never depend on anyone, you don’t have to deal with betrayal. But in protecting ourselves from vulnerability, we’re also cutting ourselves off from the benefits of community, love, and shared burdens.

Think about the moments where you genuinely needed someone but kept silent. Think about the times you struggled and someone offered help, but you declined because you didn’t want to appear weak. Hyper independence convinces us that being vulnerable is synonymous with being powerless. In reality, vulnerability is a bridge—it connects us to others in ways that hyper independence never can.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

So how do we break free? It starts with reframing our definition of strength. True strength isn’t about doing everything on your own; it’s about knowing when to ask for help. It’s about understanding that independence and interdependence can coexist. You can stand tall and still lean on others when necessary. You can be self-reliant and still invite people into your life to share the load.

For me, letting go of hyper independence has been a gradual process. It’s meant unlearning the idea that asking for help makes me weak. It’s meant recognizing that people who genuinely care about you want to help, not to diminish you but to stand beside you. And it’s meant forgiving myself for the years I spent thinking I had to do it all alone.

A New Definition of Strength

The downfall of hyper independence isn’t about abandoning self-reliance. It’s about finding balance. It’s about knowing when to carry the weight and when to pass it off. It’s about understanding that we’re not meant to live this life in solitary confinement, no matter how capable we are. Because in the end, the strongest people aren’t the ones who never need help—they’re the ones who know how to ask for it.

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Life Logs by Jaevonn Harris
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