In 1970 a group of Black educators in Chicago developed a flashcard set of the Alphabet in order to provide Black centered teaching materials to a vastly White landscape of textbooks and learning materials. The Black ABCs were born. Now 50 years later, as the artist debuts his 2nd album, Don't Go Telling Your Momma is a view into his and America's Black Identity through 26 individual scenes, each representing a letter and Topaz's corresponding update to their meanings.

The up-and-coming rapper sought to create a visual album that not only displayed his talents and music, but illustrated the sociopolitical issues and personal history that inspire his work.

In partnership with the artist, the directors chose to use the Black ABCs, a set of educational flashcards developed by Black educators in Chicago in the 1970s, to paint a personal history of the artist and to explore Black identity as a whole. Weaving in interviews with educators, artists and activists, the strategy was to re-examine Jones’ upbringing through the lens of the Black ABCs and serve as a tribute to the way the environment we grow up in shapes our identity.

The film was crafted from 26 short vignettes, each illustrating different letters and words from A to Z. Threading archival footage, interviews, and surreal imagery, viewers get a closer, personal look at the role of education and the roots behind the artist’s own identity.

The final result is a film that exists beyond the conventional music video and doc worlds. Though the visual album is scored by the artist and illustrates the artist’s personal identity, it’s a short film that takes viewers on a unique learning experience and explores Black identity across all ages. Merging elements from the artist’s life and music with his upcoming album, the short is a one-of-a-kind viewing experience that educates while it inspires.