Modello, the creative mind behind the Hip-Hop Littles series, is an inspiring force in children’s literature and animation, drawing from his own experiences growing up in Englewood. With a passion for creating stories that reflect real-life challenges while offering hope and empowerment, Modello has crafted a unique platform to educate and inspire young minds. Through his main character, Jordan—an extension of his own upbringing—Modello weaves tales of resilience, ambition, and community, making a meaningful impact on children who feel they have limited options in life.
In The City Magazine: What inspired you to create the Hip-Hop Littles series, and how does it reflect your own experiences growing up in Englewood?
Modello: Growing up I witnessed a lot of violent acts. Even been apart of some. Noticing that overtime my city seem to have lost it’s soul in such a way love has lost it’s taste. My stories are my
experiences. Creating these tales from a childlike perspective allows me to educate without manipulating the mind that needs substance. The main character in my series is Jordan, He is I
and I am him. The family lifestyle, friends, dreams and ambitions, are everything I encountered
in my upbringing.
In The City Magazine: Can you share a story of how music and art were instrumental in shaping your path out of a rough upbringing?
Modello: Well, it literally was all I felt I had to myself. Actually I was the best artist in my grammar school to the point the teachers would allow me to miss assignments to design the bulletin boards outside the classrooms. Music came second, I didn’t know much about what I wanted to express so it was very categorical approach for me. Pursuing my talents in both art and music, created a very distinctive euphoria for me. Being homeless 3 years of my life also allowed me to garnish my talents to prepare the full course of whats being served today.
In The City Magazine: How do you balance your various roles as an author, animator, and truck driver, and how do these experiences influence your creative process?
Modello: Well naturally I’m a creator first mind body and soul. The toughest part about it all is, when you’re an entrepreneur and trying to not allow a 9 to 5 to usurp your truth and or fate. I’m
literally all 3 at the same time on most occasions. When I’m driving my trucking I’m also doing
a lot of creative thinking. I use talk to text frequently to keep note of everything I’m thinking and I go back once I’m not driving and reassess everything. The number 1 thing as an animator is to
observe people. Observing others on how they’re body moves, how they interact with other
people this gives you a sense of how your characters body should operate on screen. Things I see help with creating the environments and interactions of people in my animations.
In The City Magazine: The theme of role models is central to your books. Can you talk about who your role models were growing up and how they influenced the characters in your stories?
Modello: Yes! So my role models growing up were more of the sitcom dads. Bill Cosby being the main
role model to the point I feel as if I owe him a disbursement. Uncle Phil, James Evans, these are
individuals who taught us structure from an antenna. Taken the information in inherited from
these icons, I applied that same mentality in my characters. Granted, each character has their own
personality but how they navigate certain situations reflects the education I received from my
role models. Musically, I would have to name people like Fabolous, Lil Wayne, Nipsey Hussle,
Jay Z, and a few others. A lot of their music taught me about the industry, the struggles, the
downfalls, and emotional roller coasters trying to become who you know you are.
In The City Magazine: What is the most rewarding feedback you have received from a young reader or their parent about the impact of your books?
Modello: Truthfully! I haven’t received anything back directly but I have visited a few schools. I’ve
seen parents comment on the teachers of the class about the visit and it was always pleasing. If I
can recall correctly. There was parent who said her child came home and talked about me all day
and I made a really huge impact on him. That was very rewarding. Also, during a class visit there
was this kid I met who reminded me of myself. He was very energetic, smart, dressed really well,
and almost like the class clown as well. He actually cried and didn’t want my staff and I to leave.
In The City Magazine: In what ways do you think your stories empower children who feel like they don’t have many options in life?
Modello: My stories empower children by emphasizing the art of possibility. Creating rich, vibrant stories and characters, that are very relatable in which navigates children through the process. The most magical things come from seeing things you could never imagine we take that
statement to heart. That statement defies the tragedies that deflates our children, but also allows
them to sore above the norm. Our hardships lead are our championships. To avoid palaver I use a
rhythmical system that teaches our children phonological awareness, and keeps them engaged.
In The City Magazine: What future projects are you excited about, and how do you see your work evolving to further support and inspire children?
Modello: As of now my team and I are working on the Hip Hop Littles cartoon series which is scheduled for release late 2026, early 2027. Hopefully nothing changes in between. Modello Brown Creative Studios is going to be the way of the underprivileged. I cant speak on exactly
how my work will be evolving, but I don’t want to seem as if I’m seeming omniscient. Let’s just
say that I plan to open a lot of door for certain people to walk through if that makes sense. But
along with that there will be tons of inspiration and support for our children.
As Modello and his team prepare to expand the Hip-Hop Littles universe with an animated series, his dedication to uplifting children from underprivileged backgrounds continues to be his driving force. With plans to create opportunities for others and inspire future generations, Modello’s work transcends storytelling. It’s a mission to ignite imagination, foster resilience, and show young people that their potential is limitless, no matter their circumstances. Through Hip-Hop Littles, Modello proves that art, hope, and inspiration can be powerful tools for change.
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