We were lucky to catch up with One 9 recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, One thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
Thank you. I’ve started out as an artist, teacher who transitioned to film directer. Some of my films I directed are: Nas: Time is ILLmatic, L.A. Burning, and currently directing HUSSLE. A series on the life of NIpsey Hussle. 
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As an artist, film director and producer I’m constantly searching for Freedom and Independence.
As a filmmaker, I’m focused on making original films and content that embodies authenticity, purpose, and inspiration. I am drawn to narratives that amplify the voices and perspectives of radical-thinking cultural innovator.
Films that represent the underdogs. Products of the environment whose discipline elevated the culture.
I look for film where the crossroad was dark, where the pain sheds light. the search for the Higher frequency.
Every legend need fire to breathe.
Living in Bedstuy, Brooklyn, NY, I draw inspiration from the sounds and lifeforce of the city.
Inspiration through sacrifice.
No risk, no story.
Before my career as a filmmaker, I was fully immersed in the world of graffiti and anything abstract as an artist. I painted what I was listening to. Dark, gritty ass music. Anything from Mozart to Bad Brains, from Miles Davis to Mobb Deep. Music always played a part of what I was making. Sp ce, Dark, moody, abstract emotions with a message. Find the pain, find the light. I learned to use that as a base moving into directing.
As I transitioned to independent filmmaking, I moved towards stories that were raw and authentic. I gravitated to individuals who defied boundaries and shattered the constraints of conventional structures. My journey into directing began with a deep understanding of the power of editing. Loved to use broken rhythm and pacing to create emotions. Today, my directorial ethos is to tell unique stories that hit unique crossroads of darkness and ultimately the path to which they found their light. I try to find a higher frequency that elevated the culture.
The premiere of my first feature documentary, “Nas: Time is ILLmatic,” at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2014 opened doors of opportunity for me. It was the opening night film and Nas performed his classic “ILLmatic”. Learning how the power of film could inspire let me to a new career. It led to the chance to co-direct the film “LA Burning,” a powerful exploration of the LA Riots and Rebellion alongside the legendary film icon John Singleton. That film was nominated for an Emmy. This was my second film and now I realized this will be my path forward.
Through these projects, I discovered the transformative power of film as a voice for marginalized communities. Uplift as we create. Subsequently, I was honored to be entrusted with directing a documentary series on the life and vision of Nipsey Hussle, collaborating with the Ashgedom family and Springhill Entertainment to create a compelling portrayal of his legacy.
As a director, I embrace the responsibility of earning the trust of my subjects and authentically conveying their truth, laying the groundwork for future generations to comprehend their impact. My approach involves delving into the depths of pain, sacrifice, and inspiration, remaining committed to authenticity and the pursuit of truth.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
The first film I directed, “Nas: Time is ILLmatic,” took over 10 years to create. As it was our debut film, my producing partner Erik Parker and I learned the importance of patience and sacrifice to make sure it represented our vision. Despite numerous investments offers, we made the choice to decline them, opting instead to maintain creative control and the necessary space to bring our vision to light. Passion projects encompass a multitude of elements, including sacrifice, patience, risk, resilience, vision, and discipline. The process of attaining freedom and independence demands discipline, resilience, and self-belief.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
During my time as an artist, my focus was solely on creating paintings to find my voice. Searching for balance, searching for a light, I loved what I could make with filmmaking. Audio/Visual independence. I discovered the impact storytelling had when its inspiring others. I realized that true freedom emerged when I embraced the power of observation and channeled my creative abilities as an artist, director and producer to inspire through acts of sacrifice. Filmmaking is a long sacrifice that requires patience and resilience. It became clear to me that pressure is a privilege, and I adopted the motto of “living through giving.” 
Contact Info:
- Website: one9mediagroup.com
- Instagram: _one9_
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/one9-media-group-b0084727
- Twitter: One9___
- Youtube: one9mediagroup.com
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6305647/
Image Credits
Rebeca Diaz