KTO and Lyrical Lemonade’s Cole Bennett Embolden NYC’s Creative Scene

Cole Bennett photographed wearing @straightlace101’s chain after the show.

Creatives converged at the inaugural IRL event hosted by Kids Take Over, marking a monumental day of connection, inspiration, and collaboration. Held on Thursday March 14th and supported by Shopify, KTO went live from NYC and served as a melting pot for enthusiasts to intersect, network, and delve into the rich tapestry of music culture. American music video director and producer Cole Bennett was a highly anticipated highlight of the evening as he participated in a motivating live conversation diving into his professional experiences and future aspirations.

KTO founder, Arshan Jawaid opened the show up offering profound insights into the magic of creativity and Hip Hop. Arshan, renowned for his innovative contributions to the music scene, mesmerized the audience with his wisdom, sharing anecdotes from his journey and providing invaluable advice for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike. His foray into the music industry stemmed from his fervent desire to share stories and amplify voices that resonated with the youth. Dissatisfied with the limitations of conventional media outlets, Arshan took a leap of faith and established Kids Take Over, affectionately known as KTO. This platform became his canvas for showcasing the raw talent and authentic narratives often overlooked by mainstream media. Arshan’s portfolio of interviews includes rappers like Ken Carson, Pi'erre Bourne, Polo G and A$AP Mob.

Hundreds of fans line up outside the venue in attempt to get in.

A full house of attendants surrounded the two media masterminds.

Adding to the excitement, attendees were able to plug and play their music in front of the audience and had the privilege of witnessing an exclusive interview with none other than Cole Bennett, the visionary behind Lyrical Lemonade. Bennett's revolutionary approach to music videos has redefined visual storytelling in the hip hop realm, and his presence electrified the atmosphere. From discussing his creative process to sharing behind-the-scenes anecdotes, Bennett's interview offered a rare glimpse into the thought-process of a mastermind.

Arshan (left) and Cole Bennett (right) discussing experiences, creativity and advice for aspiring artists and content makers.

Cole Bennett's latest album, "All Is Yellow" is a stunning visual journey that showcases his unparalleled talent as a director and his unique ability to merge visual surrealism with hip hop culture. The short film invites viewers into a vibrant world painted in hues of yellow, where dreamlike sequences seamlessly intertwine with energetic performances. Through masterful cinematography and captivating storytelling, Bennett transports audiences into a realm where visuals communicate a story just as much as the music does, leaving a lasting impression that lingers long after the screen cuts to black.

KTO Founder, Arshan Jawaid.

A fan wearing the Lyrical Lemonade aesthetic.

Lyrical Lemonade Founder, Cole Bennett.

Just a few of Cole Bennett's most popular music videos include:

"Lucid Dreams" by Juice WRLD: This music video skyrocketed to success, amassing nearly over a billion views on YouTube. Bennett's visual storytelling perfectly complemented Juice WRLD's emotive lyrics, making it a standout in both artists' careers.

“Poland” by Lil Yachty: This infectious song paired to a music video that matched its minimalist but powerful hook. This visual was accented by its beautiful color grading and deep tonality.

“Honest” by Justin Beiber ft. Don Toliver: This visual was a beautiful curation of Justin Bieber’s newest sound and Don Toliver’s intoxicating, melodic verses.

“Fighting My Demons” by Ken Carson: Dark underground hip-hop has risen to popularity as of lately, prompting Cole to collaborate with the genre’s biggest rising artist to create a compelling music video fit for a villain.

“Doja” by Central Cee: This was Cole’s first collaboration with a UK artist, highlighting a new milestone in his career and increasing his international presence.

“Godzilla”  by Eminem ft. Juice WRLD: This collaboration once again brought together one of Hip Hop’s most well-known artists and the genre’s latest visual curator for a fast paced music video that keeps up with Eminem’s tempo.

“Shotta Flow” Remix by NLE Choppa ft. Blueface: This cookout themed music video made rounds with its F U energy.

“Stop Snitchin Remix” by YG  ft. DaBaby: Another hard hitting track that gets a fun, visually seductive music video with replay value.

Cole has worked with additional artists such as Lil Uzi Vert, Lil Durk, Kid Cudi, Yeat, Trippie Red, Polo G, Blink 182, Lil Tecca, Post Malone, Cochise, The Kid LAROI, and many more.

Throughout the day, attendees seized the opportunity to forge meaningful connections, exchanging ideas, and forging potential collaborations. As beats filled the air, participants immersed themselves in the sounds of emerging artists, discovering new voices and celebrating the diversity of musical expression. For many, the event served as a catalyst for inspiration, igniting a renewed passion for creativity and a deeper appreciation for hip hop's cultural significance.

With "KTO Live in New York," Arshan aims to redefine the music event landscape, offering attendees an experience that transcends entertainment and leaves a lasting impact. By seamlessly blending music with education and inspiration, he is poised to set a new standard for live events, one that prioritizes enrichment and empowerment above all else.

In conclusion, Arshan's unwavering commitment to championing creativity and empowering young talent has solidified his legacy as a visionary leader in the music industry. As the sun sets on the inaugural event by Kids Take Over, it is clear that Arshan's influence will continue to reverberate, shaping the future of hip hop and inspiring generations to come.