A diverse group of Detroit artists from across mediums on Saturday celebrated the work of the up-and-coming generation.
The Not Safe For Work III show was co-hosted by musician and media artist Rob Apollo and illustrator and muralist Habacuc S. Bessiake as an album release party, birthday celebration and the kickoff to his tour all-in-one with performances and art from past collaborators. The goal: to celebrate the culture and young artists of Detroit.
“When we started the NSFW series back in 2023, the goal was to create a space where Detroit’s fine arts and bass-heavy beats could harmonize, celebrating arts in the city of Detroit,” Apollo said of the third annual show. “The NSFW Show started as a digital exploration of the debauchery of young adulthood, but by this third run, it’s become a living, breathing space where music, art, and raw expression exist on the same plane.”
With more than 500 tickets sold, NSFW III featured Detroit musicians and rappers such as Kaio and Thot Squad and visual artists such as Xavier Cuevas, Raymar and Jimel Primm. The show also included tattoos by Metro Detroit-based tattoo artists Angel Amores and Mond Sankara.
Kaio described the show as a celebration of art and Detroit culture while being unapologetic about your truth.
“It’s about being debaucherous and playful. The live shows are a combination of artwork, performance, community, a collage of what this specific Detroit art scene is about,” the Detroit rapper said Saturday during the show at the LOVE Building on Grand River.
That’s what Kaio brought to the show when his team of “Social Terrorist Enforcers,” a group of MMA fighters and security guards, pulled up in a U-Haul at the venue and ushered the rapper up to the stage. Titling his performance “Social Terrorist Flash Mob,” Kaio set out to give the NSFW audience members an indelible show.
“We’re just trying to do something unforgettable, do something that hasn’t been done before, and really create a once-in-a-lifetime experience and make this NSFW the best one ever,” he explained.
The flash mob is one part of an art series and brand Kaio has been producing since 2020 that includes other works of performance art along with visual art and music releases.
Keeping his eyebrow-raising arrival a secret from even the host, Kaio wanted to use his unique brand to the best of his ability to amplify NSFW.
Colin Ellis, a Kaio fan, joined the Social Terrorist Enforcers for the performance, something he’d never done before.
“It was a truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience where I got to work with one of my favorite up-and-coming artists in Detroit,” Ellis said. “It was basically like being security but more fun. I’ve never done anything like that before and I feel super lucky to be included.”
The visual arts were also celebrated at the show.
Model Maat Dismuke, a first-time attendee, was featured in a display by Raymar.
“This is my first NSFW…I love being here; it’s fire, I’m turnt and I love the energy” Dismuke said.
Raymar who had been to an NSFW show before said Apollo ensures each show is special while still making them all feel connected and cohesive.
“Rob makes sure to curate a new vibe but also a similar aura, so last year was high-energy and this year is high-energy but there’s new members,” the Detroit-based photographer and filmmaker said.
Both found the collection of work displayed the talents and uniqueness of Detroit and its artists, allowing individuals who had known each other prior to the show to connect in new ways artistically.
“I love it a lot because a lot of these people, we see each other a lot in passing and at parties, were all friends and know each other as friends, so finally getting to see each other in this light all together at an art show showcasing our art is completely different, it shows a different side of all of us for each other not even for the masses… it’s about understanding more about each other so we can evolve in other ways.” Dismuke stated
“(There’s) nothing better than seeing our friends in art pieces and then having friends telling you they also saw you.”
Serenity Perry, a newcomer to the Detroit art scene felt the welcoming vibes, too.
“I felt very nervous at first. When walking inside I didn’t know how to feel. I kept overthinking, wondering if I overdressed or if I looked good enough, though when finally entering the building all the worry passed,” Perry said. “Seeing all the brightly colored hair, to those who dressed monochromatic, and those who dressed almost as if they were going to be attending NY Fashion Week.”
This being the final show in the series, Apollo and his fellow organizers set out to pull out all the stops to make NSFW III an unapologetic and unforgettable night.
“Myself and the other organizers all agreed that for the final Not Safe For Work show, we truly let our feelings against the nine-to-five American workplace be known,” Apollo said. “This show is absolutely a critique of the current culture we have around corporate greed and the mistreatment of the employees that make everything possible.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated to clarify that the Not Safe For Work III show was co-hosted by musician and media artist Rob Apollo and illustrator and muralist Habacuc S. Bessiake.