"Take The Money"

It's been a minute since I dropped anything new. Here's a gem from The Faculty's debut album Hard Lessons featuring myself, Persia, and the legendary Kool G. Rap



Source: NQM (shouts to Ace & Junie)

Lupe Fiasco: The 2nd Coming of Nas

Oftentimes I theorize about Hip-Hop, and occasionally drop a gem or two. Despite what many believe, the culture & music is very cyclical. I've even made the analogy that Hip-Hop is nothing more than a high school cafeteria. Every superstar has a crew, and every few years, someone replaces a seat. For example; for every Busta Rhymes there's a Ludacris and for every Snoop, there's a Wiz Khalifa. You follow?

I guess Nasir Jones summed it up best on Stillmatic's "What Goes Around". Mr. Ether isn't exempt from a successor to carry his baton. Hell, if you're old enough to remember, even Nas was heralded as the second coming of Rakim. Which brings me to Lupe, who seems to be his heir apparent. I've followed both of them and their careers are eerily similar.

Let's begin with their 1st appearances, which were both features. Nas stole the show on Main Souce's "Live at the Barbeque" and was instantly immortalized for his shocking, "when I was 12, I went to hell for snuffing Jesus". Lupe's 1st big look came back in 2005 courtesy of Kanye on "Touch The Sky". Furthermore, both of their debut albums were both counter movements to the popular sound.

If there were ever a single Nas line that spoke volumes, it has to be on "Ether" when he recites "I am the truest/ name a rapper that I ain't influence". To fully grasp it, I'll put it in a tangible context for you. Pre-Illmatic, Hip-hop was popularized by Onyx's screaming, Das Efx's "bum stiggity", and Chip Fu's uber fast rhyming. Even Jay-Z was doing "that stuff". However, post-Illmatic, we saw a renaissance with more poetic flows and lyricism from Common, Biggie, Jay, Raekwon, and too many others to mention.

Lupe's Food & Liquor debuted while Nas defiantly claimed Hip-Hop was dead and Dem Franchize Boyz had the world "leaning with it and rocking with it". I've always felt this was the beginning of what I like to call the "Great Divide" which segmented the community and artistry into 2 distinct groups: lyrical Hip-Hop & non-lyrical Hip-Hop. As a direct result, people looked towards Lupe to be a savior of sorts, especially with the co-sign of Kanye and Jay-Z. Similarly, Nas must have felt the same pressure while crafting an album produced by the heavyweights of an era in DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Large Professor, and Q-Tip. Still following?

Ironically, the most interesting part of their journeys has to be the quest for mainstream appeal. Despite being critically acclaimed and viewed as perennial all-stars in the eyes of Hip-Hop purists, there's been a conscious effort by their labels to make them more appealing to the casual fan. For Nas, this meant pairing him with the Trackmasters, Lauryn Hill, video treatments based on Casino, and wearing pink suits. Lupe seems to be going through his own "Steve Stoute era" with the recent release of Lasers. While it marked a period of increased popularity for Nas by transforming him into "Escobar", he was also crucified by his diehard fans. The short term success became a long term fight for creative control and artistic integrity. It further escalated into disputes with his label Columbia and later Def Jam. Present day, Lupe's been going through the same thing with Atlantic and it's been well documented. It's taken the form of album delays, fan petitions, and what seems like outright discontent in interview

Drama aside, they're both 2 of the best lyricist Hip-Hop has ever seen. Lupe has also openly stated that Nas' "It Was Written" was very instrumental in him rapping. But if you need further proof of how similar they are, just listen to "All Black Everything" which strikes me as a modern day take on "If I Ruled The World". Just food for thought....

be sure to leave comments on this post at Blaise it Up!

Official "Hometown" Video

Dreams and Dream Killers

Before I forget, the homies Digital Dao & Mikey Fresh (Circa '87) just dropped their debut album "Dreams and Dream Killers" a few days ago. Check it out and download it HERE!!! I genuinely co-sign their music and their movement.



Can't say I never put you on to anything. ENJOY!!!

New Music Tuesdays: Week 2 - "ShakyBaby"

Ok, I'm a day late on my own blog. Don't crucify me. Here's "ShakyBaby" produced by the good homie, The RL. It's making it's round on the net, so please spread the word and show love by leaving comments.



Also, I'm incredibly grateful for all the sites and blogs that rock with, co-sign me, and post my music. Here's a few other DL links
NQM post
2dopeboyz post
Sermon's Domain post
OnSMASH post
DJ Booth post
Hypem
The Maroon Cafe

New Music Tuesdays: Week 1 - "Just Livin"

Starting today, I'm releasing a new song or video every Tuesday so you get your regular dosage of Shakespearean goodness. Here's the joint du jour by the dope duo, Circa '87, called "Just Livin" featuring me.

The Future Is Now!

I had a great day. Incredible in fact. Thursday, July 22/Friday, July 23rd will be remembered for many reasons. It wasn't debauchery filled or grandiose in any particular way, but it all felt RIGHT. I checked my barber, who's like an older brother to me, and we had a very revealing and genuine conversation. Jon Solo and I performed a song from our upcoming project to an incredibly receptive audience. The setting could best be described as AOL Studio Sessions meets MTV's "Unplugged". I later went to my boy's going away party. Throughout the night, I saw a bunch of old friends and met a few cool folks as well. The interesting thing about it all though, is the fact that I felt like I was surrounded by people who will positively influence my future. I'll end this post with a corny Ice Cube cliche, "Today Was A Good Day"

Uno

PS: To my new blog followers, thank you and what up?

The Invasion Continues

Lately, a lot of people have been hitting me up because they're just discovering the British Invasion. Some are close friends, while others are fans from half-way across the globe. To be honest, I think I've taken for granted how far its reached. I find songs uploaded on YouTube, my inbox has messages from people in Germany, Sweden, and London, and its even become the theme music to pro athletes. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it means a lot to me. So I'd like to thank everyone that has listened, put somebody on to it, or just appreciated the music! Thank you



FREE DOWNLOAD

Rap Vs Porn!!!

We've all heard the comparisons; "The rap game reminds me of the crack game". My boy once told me that Hip-Hop is like the WWE, with its top stars fighting for position. Ironically, after he told me this, it became a headline in an issue of The Source magazine. Lately I've come to think of Hip-Hop like porn. On what basis you ask? Let me explain...

I'm no porn connoisseur despite finding Roxy Reynolds to be a BAD chick (insert Luda song), but I've noticed some commonalities. For one, they handle age similarly. In porn, when you're the new face, you're all the rave and the cat's meow. However, the minute you look a day over 25, you automatically get labeled a "MILF". Far worse is getting into your late 20s or early 30's because then you're branded as ..."MATURE". How awful? Hip-Hop does the same thing. In today's current climate we find a lot of young artist that find success with one or two singles only to disappear into obscurity shortly after a la Hurricane Chris. Longevity eludes most with the exception of Jay-Z or Eminem, but then they're criticized for being old and out of touch. It's crazy.

I understand Hip-Hop has always been a youth driven music, but the truth is, the artist that penetrate the culture and stick around are usually older. Prime examples; Young Jeezy and Rick Ross. Both have been mainstays since their respective solo debuts in '05 and '06, but neither were spring chickens. However, there's always this negative stigma of being old. It's Hip-Hop's proverbial elephant in the room. Somewhere in people's mind they see rappers as being young, when in all actuality, the most successful aren't.

I guess it all comes down to relevance. Every artist will have their day and hopefully a solid run, but no one stays on top forever. Heather Hunter and Janet Jackme can't compete with Jada Fire, but eventually her flame will out too. With closer inspection, the industries are different. A rapper may spend years trying to "get on" and may not get a break until much later into their recording career whereas new pornstars are sought after once they become legal. They're all treated the same in the end though. At a certain point, they become disposable and have to step aside for the newer face. I guess no one ever wants to bow out, but I've realized you have to be accepting and do so gracefully. At least then, you'll be remembered fondly. No one wants to be the dilapidated rapper past their prime or the pornstar with droopy titties and a vajayjay that looks like roast beef.

Just my thought. Uno

Rhyme and Reason Ep. 1 (Architect Preview)

I don't know why the audio is out of sync, but you get it...

The Architect of My Happy Ending

First off, I love my people. I don't mean race or even humanity for that matter when referring to "my people", but rather my friends. They're AMAZING!!!

So late last night I'm on the phone with one of my favorite artist friends, Nakia Henry, whom you should remember from my most recent "Official Co-Sign". As we're discussing our music careers and the nature of being creative, she makes an incredibly insightful comment that borders on philosophical and downright genius. She says, "we're all creators in that we shape the world around us. Whether good or bad, we have a hand in every part of our daily lives." Now as poignant as that statement is, I already knew this and most introspective people do too. However, what followed, blew my mind. She began to differentiate being "a creator" vs "a creative". As artists, regardless of aesthetic, we are "creatives", and unlike "creators" we naturally assume accountability for the lives we lead. At least that's how I interpreted it, but let me explain further...

The difference isn't just accountability, but more so the fact that "creatives" relish, appreciate, and embrace the control over their world. This translates into and ultimately explains where our art comes from. We aggressively shape our universe through art! It also answers why we're moody when we're not proactively creating or honing our crafts. Deep right? I know....

So here's my half-ass attempt to make some sensible correlation between the post title and my new philosophical finding. Whether a "creative" or a beloved talentless counterpart, we both shape our own existences. On all accounts, we're the same. However, as a "creative", my happiness in life is directly tied to my music. In mathematical terms, if 1 + 1 = 2, then Shake/"creative" + music/(insert random art aesthetic) = happiness/Shaky in Wonderland. Excelsior!!!

If I've lost you at some point, don't worry because that was partly my intent. If you've extracted anything from it, even better. In great allegorical fashion, the moral of the story is, we shape our world. As Lyor Cohen would say, "If you're a rapper, rap!" Do whatever you love and own every moment of it because we are indeed the architects of our happy ending.

Finding A Solution...

So as usual, I'm up in the wee hours of the morning and my mind is racing. I'm frustrated. I'm inspired. I'm disheartened. I'm optimistic. I'm clueless!!!

I love music!!! I think this is common knowledge to most people that know me. I'm also good at what I do. However, there's a huge disconnect. Late last summer, the "Skinny Jeans" video did 20,000 views on YouTube in 2 weeks, and it didn't even get posted on Hip-Hop's most popular blog. I understand that it was controversial which helped, but look at my peers' videos and compare their stats. Not to toot my own horn, but comparatively speaking, they're not close. A few months later, I dropped The British Invasion and it was critically received. I remember checking my email and getting a Google alert informing me MTV posted it! Despite these small milestones, what does it all mean? You would think this would translate into something more, but as I type this I still only have a couple hundred fans and followers on Facebook and Twitter respectively.

Where are the thousands that viewed the vid or the thousands that downloaded the Invasion? Hence, the disconnect.

I must be doing something wrong. Seriously, I must. I'm amazed that when the keywords "the + incomparable" are typed into Google, I'm suggested before Christ. If you don't believe me, check for yourself *Smh* The world we live in!!! With all this said, when will I crack the glass ceiling? There's obviously some type of buzz or momentum, but what do I need to do to transition? Do I need a superstar co-sign? Am I working with the wrong people? Am I not doing enough? I'm stumped, and it just doesn't make much sense.

Somebody, anybody...help me find a solution

My Top 10: Rap is Like the NBA: '94 Draft Edition

So in the past 3 years, XXL magazine has done 2 groundbreaking, yet controversial covers that give shine to up and comers. For some oddball reason, the Hip-Hop community, mostly frustrated artists, complain about their respective choices. I think that 1) the publication should be applauded because no other mag has done something so avant garde, and 2)the staff shouldn't be crucified for their choices because there must be a definitive criteria for consideration. Granted, they dropped the ball with the notable absence of Drizzy in '08, but the truth is, homie's buzz grew exponentially towards the later half of the year which could explain why he missed it. However, to put thing in perspective, I've compiled my Top 10 Draft for what many consider one of the last seminal years in Hip-Hop; 1994. The results may surprise you.

Criteria:
1: No SOLO releases prior to 1994 (Sorry Common & The Roots)
* Rank is based on overall buzz, hype, and relevance

1: Method Man - his team was unquestionably the biggest thing going in Hip-Hop at the time and everyone was anticipating his solo release after the gargantuan single based on his moniker

2: Nas - the underground rallied around him, mainstream hailed him the new Rakim to a post Das EFX/Onyx era, and he had the co-sign of every super producer of the time

3: Notorious B.I.G - The star power of Bad Boy captured the hearts of Hip-Hop fans with underground gems like "Party & Bullshit", "Dreams" and guest appearances alongside the Queen of R&B/Soul, Mary J. Blige

4: Jeru The Damaja - after countless appearances alongside Hip-Hop mainstays, Gangstarr, Jeru was set to release a classic produced exclusively by Preemo. Not to mention his single "Come Clean" sent waves through Hip-Hop

5: Warren G. - yup, we seem to have collectively forgotten that "Regulate" was one of the biggest records of the year, and it didn't hurt either that he was affiliated with Dr. Dre, Snoop, and Death Row.

6: Da Brat - Jermaine Dupri was set to prove that Kris Kross and TLC were no flukes, and he sure did with his female Snoop. Between "Give It To You" & "Funkdified", homegirl's debut was set to establish a new precedent for females.

7: OutKast - with a single whose title is too long to spell out, I'll just say that ATL's premier group brought an entirely new sound that hadn't been heard on a national level in Hip-Hop yet. Thank goodness for these 2 southern boys..

8: Craig Mack - Project Funk Da World may not have had the impact that he anticipated, but it produced 2 hits, 1 bonafied classic, and 1 of the best remixes ever in Hip-Hop. I'd be lying if I said that the Easy Mo Bee produced track "Flava In Ya Ear" still isn't DOPE as hell

9: Keith Murray - The Def Squad must have sure been proud when their fellow member broke out the gate with a classic like "The Most Beatifullest Thing In The World". Though he used words out of context, made little to no sense, his rhymes sure sounded ill.

10: Smif N Wessun - Though their debut wouldn't drop until '95, they sure rode the momentum of Black Moon. The singles "Bucktown", Wreckonize" and "Wone Time" were already certified underground classics, and the group would further penetrate the mainstream with the memorable back and forth on Mary's "I Love You"

So there you have it. Notice anything? For one there are some noticeable absences like M.O.P, who began making noise. There was also Mic Geronimo, who's single "It's Real" was smashing NY. AZ's appearance on ILLMATIC generated a similar buzz to Nas' on "Live at the Barbeque", but wasn't enough to qualify. Most notably is the man that would basically define the next 12-14 years in Hip-Hop, Mr. Sean Carter. Although he had singles that made noise, he wasn't THAT dude at that moment, and couldn't crack the top 10.

Just as in the NBA, it doesn't always pay to be "numero uno" or in the Top 10 at all a la Glenn Robinson, Kwame Brown, and "Mr. Ether" himself, Sam Bowie. Take note folks. You can get your panties in a bunch, but nobody can predict the future, not even XXL.

Go ahead and debate...........

I'm Over It!!!!

So I'll begin by saying congrats to Sucio Smash on celebrating 7 years at WKCR. He's taken the reigns from underground luminary, Bobbito "DJ Cucumber Slice" Garcia, and has helped keep the "underground" alive.

However, I'm disgusted!!! I feel like the entire scene suffers from this elitist attitude which ultimately keeps it from growing. As I waited to participate in the festivities, and even as I got behind the mic, I realized I no longer wanted to be a part of this scene. My fondest memories of underground radio were those of Jay Smooth introducing me to Keith Murray's "Most Beautifullest Thing In The World" or Martin Moore & Meyhem breaking Junior Mafia's "Players Anthem". I fondly remember having my cassettes ready to catch Natural Elements cipher on Stretch & Bob. NY underground radio used to be instrumental in breaking the future stars of tomorrow. Their play list would be something like this; new Nas, new Roots, a relative unknown named J-Live, new Redman, new Natural Elements, new G Rap, and pre Reasoonable Doubt Jay-Z. The aforementioned play list is the furthest from an accurate representation of today's underground.

I understand the game has changed, but what made it so dope is missing. I'm not sure who's to blame; the fans or the DJs? Somewhere towards the mid to late 90's there was this shift to "preserve authentic Hip-Hop" amidst the Puff era, but something went awry. Isn't this the same scene that gave us Eminem, Mos Def, and Common? They've obviously lost their way, and I feel this was blatantly apparent last night. It's become progressively harder for me to listen to these shows when Funk Master Flex of Hot 97 does a 90's mix that's more reflective of underground Hip-Hop than the current mainstays. Instead of hearing the "next" Buckshot or being introduced to the next "King of NY", I'm left with some abstract, super lyrical, incomprehensible song about planets and toilet paper. WTF?

While I was ecstatic to see Homeboy Sandman rhyme next to General Steele and Rock of BCC and underground favorite, Pharaoh, everything else was a bit disappointing. As I listened to several talented emcees spit endless bars, I kept thinking, "this isn't it". These ciphers won't become the stuff of legends like "Jay-Z and Big L's? This isn't remotely close to that legendary night The Roots rocked NYU's radio show with a who's who of NY hottest like Lord Tariq and Sadat X. While I respect most of the emcees, with the exception of a notable performance by Cymarsahll Law, it was disheartening.

I often hear that NY's Hip-Hop scene is in shambles and is dire need of help, but it begins on the underground level. If the DJs don't partially accept accountability for not cultivating potential talent and ushering the future stars, NY Hip-Hop will continue to be irrelevant. Especially when foreigners like Pill and B.O.B are beginning to fit the bill.

Random Thoughts: Life is Great!!!!

-Ultra "Joy" is the realest and will knock you out
-The Armory Show was incredible and deserves it's own post, which I may do. It was a bit overwhelming, but dope nonetheless
-anything impromptu is fantastic, whether photo shoots or jam sessions with amazing musicians
-Thank you to everyone that showed an immense amount of love last night. I had the time of my life
-Congrats to the homie Anthony for dancing at The Oscars. It was great talking to you
-never underestimate the impact you've had on people's lives
-Biggie's spirit lives on; "We'll always love Big Poppa"
-Can't wait to work with the homie RTNC tomorrow
-To my new homie, you've inspired me and don't know it. Thank you
-I'm sitting on Cloud 9
-"don't ever forget the moment you began to doubt/transitioning from fitting in to standing out"
-That's where I'm at

Soundtrack of my Life

Music has an incredible way of defining my life. Just about every significant moment I've ever experienced is directly linked to a song. I can typically tell how much I feel a chick if certain songs begin to speak to me, as if I'm living vicariously through the artist. In the same breath, I can tell when I'm over someone when the song doesn't hold any more sentimental attachment. If the person was meaningful enough, it will always be there though. Relationship stuff aside, I can remember where I was, what I was wearing, who I was chilling with, and so much more based on music.

I'll never forget the summer of '92 because Pete Rock and CL Smooth's "T.R.O.Y" was THAT joint. The minute those horns came in, I'd lose my mind. I can see myself in that awful colored all over print t-shirt with my gold Guess denim shorts and matching NIKE Diamond Turf's with the gold mesh on the side standing in front of Naptale's house kicking rhymes (I thought I was fly, but I wasn't). I'll never forget watching the video to Shawn Stockman's (of Boyz II Men) solo record and being on the verge of tears around the time I lost my mom. I fell in love for the 1st time while bumping Lauryn Hill's "Miseducation.." and "Nothing Even Matters" spoke to me in new ways. Teedra Moses' "Be Your Girl" defined an incredible summer in 2004 that was filled with opulent living, excessive drinking, and all around debauchery. I know some of y'all remember.

It's just amazing what music can do for you. There are so many countless memories... All I want to do is define someone else's life through my music in the same way artists have done for me and pay it forward.

Current Playlist
"Un-Thinkable (I'm Ready) - Alicia Keys
"Spotlight" - Gucci Mane Feat. Usher
"So Beautiful" - Musiq Soulchild
"Cloud 9" - me
"Only In Dreams" - Weezer
"Rich off Cocaine" - Rick Ross

Gangstarr: Severely Under appreciated

The Hip-hop community has been in hysteria over the past few days as the rumormill has been buzzing over Guru, of the legendary rap duo Gangstarr. I don't know many concrete facts, but it's known that he suffered a heart attack and later had surgery. Amidst all the drama, social networking sites like Twitter became a hell of a plague as some folks reported homie died. Luckily reports and tweets from sources close to Guru, like DJ Scratch, have reported that he's well. Thank goodness.

I wanted to take this moment to explain a few things because as the title indicates, I believe Gangstarr is underrated, under appreciated, and ignored when conversations of "the greats" come up. When the discussion of classic group albums and consistency arise, I often hear people mention A Tribe Called Quest or even Mobb Deep. Not to take anything away from either group because they great as well, but for the uninitiated, do your homework; Gangstarr went in!!! We're talking Step In The Arena, Hard to Earn, and Moment of Truth, which respectively spawned classics like "Just To Get A Rep", "Mass Appeal", "Dwyck" and countless others. So if the barometer is ATCQ's and M-O-B-B's first 3 releases, why can't we talk Preemo and Guru?

They may not have been the biggest group at any specific moment, but they were always relevant. We need to thank them for introducing us to Jeru, who produced a classic debut, G Dep pre-Diddy, and even Group Home. We all got scared when we thought we may have lost dude, but it's time we show appreciation while he's still here. So let's make a toast to arguably the best rapper/producer duo... THANKS



Shouts to the homie Vic Black... I see you

Growth Spurt

So as most of you can tell, (all 5 of you) I've been mad emo lately. It is what is, but I'm sitting on this new song which I recorded last week that's pretty BIG. It's very different from what I'm accustomed to making, but it comes from a very genuine place. Since I've been working with the homie Silver, I've been very experimental and free creatively. To our benefit, the end results have been incredible and positively received. I'm not sure most people would have expected a "Cruise Control" or even a "Crazy Chick" from me which were 2 of my favorites from the Invasion. I guess sometimes writing behind bars can be like a life behind bars.

Well I'm free, and it's a dope feeling. I've always said the only things I've ever wanted to do in life were draw and make music, but in doing so lately, I'm aware that I'm growing. I'm no longer afraid to express myself artistically. I've always thought of myself as being free, but I'm realizing that I've limited my music to some invisible genre line. It's like boundary lines on a map; sure there's a distinction but crossing over is literally as simple as crossing over. Well I'm planting my feet all over the place these days and covering new terrain. I hope you enjoy the new sights and sounds as much as I do. Uno

My Top 10: Songs of 2009

Happy New Year y'all! So everyone is compiling lists of songs and albums of the decade, but not me. I'm sticking to my guns and doing a top ten of the songs which defined my year, and joints I ran into the ground. So here you go...

10. "Pretty Wings" by Maxwell - Here's a song that I wasn't crazy about when it came out, but after a very recent conversation with someone, I heard and felt the joint in a different light. The last few weeks of '09 were all about this joint

9. "His Dream" by Asher Roth - in a genre that rarely produces beautiful songs, here's one. This may be the most genuine parent song since "Dear Mama"... yeah I said it! I personally think considering his audience, this would have been the perfect follow up to " I Love College"

8. "Empire State of Mind" by Jay-Z feat Alicia Keys - y'all already know

7. "Lions, Tigers, and Bears" by Jazmine Sullivan - Sorry Drizzy, but I made a mistake and this song is more deserving. I literally ran this song into the ground during the 1st half of the year. No other song has articulated the fear of love like this one...real talk.

6. "Use Somebody" by Kings of Leon - here's a song that could either get me excited or on the verge of tears. I always think of only 1 person when I hear this... and I doubt they know it

5. "So Beautiful" by Musiq Soulchild - my ode to a very special person

4. "Fool of Me" by Me'Shell Ndegeocello - Ok, this didn't come out this year' but it sure defined mines. With all the tumultous and heart wrenching moments I experienced this year, this encompassed all my feelings. Listening to it now, I'm taken back to that place...

3. "Best I Ever Had" by Drake -He made the list which is a testament to his incredible songwriting. This song defined my spring & summer... ;-)

2. "Hometown" by me - Yeah, it may seem arrogant or cocky, but I think this is an amazing record. I think it does what many Hip-Hop records can't or will ever do

1. "Fancy" by The Dream - no emotional attachment to this one, but on tough days, it's relaxing and makes me unwind. I play this so religiously, it must be criminal at this point

Dazed and Confused

As I pack my bags and prepare to spend the holidays with my sister, I'm not very festive. As I look back on '09, I'm actually sort of sad. On one end, I saw my visibility skyrocket because of a controversial music video. I recently dropped a project which is receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback within days of it's release. Best of all, I have a new nephew. That's alot to be happy about. On the other end however, I see fragments of past friendships and relationships that defined a huge part of my decade. Friends became associates and significant others became strangers. It's tough...

I guess I have to embrace this new space I'm in. I see glimmers of light breaking through the door, but I'm frightened to go in. I ask myself, "Have I become complacent and a shell of my former self?" Most people that have known me for a while would probably describe me as an outgoing, ambitious, and free spirited individual. However, I don't know where or when that changed.

Now I find myself re-learning things I once knew. I'm re-learning how to be hungry. I'm re-learning how to love. I'm re-learning alot...

As I write this, I'm suddenly overcome by a feeling of optimism. This is funny... comical even. What started out as a somewhat depressing and random post has slowly morphed into something inspirational; at least from this writer's perspective. Deep down, I'm excited for what the future holds. I've seen more success with the aforementioned projects in a few months than I've seen in a long time. I went out recently, and was reminded of the lasting impression I left on very influential people. If anything, I had an incredible weekend with 2 people that reminded me of what happiness, love, and kindness look like. Thank y'all. It's on.

I need to pay attention to my own music more often because "I've got a ticket to success and it's one way... I'm taking off with no baggage." I just needed to vent...bare with me