Book Reflection: Let Love Have the Last Word

How do you define love? It's one of those words that you can feel, but not be able to articulate. In his New York Times bestselling memoir, Let Love Have the Last Word, Common analyzes love from his perspective. He recognizes love as a powerful force that shapes the way we live. The book touches on different aspects of love including God's love, self-love, love of partners, and love of family. He defines love as a practice, something that requires time, effort, and attention. Common acknowledges that love is hard, and discusses his own shortcomings in giving love. It can be difficult to focus on love when there is so much negativity in the world. However, practicing love can serve as an antidote that can help us overcome these challenges. In some of the most impoverished places, love shines and helps people live enriched lives. As Common mentions, love requires us to be vulnerable and honest. It also asks us to listen and be patient with those we love. As humans, we crave love. It influences many of our actions and emotions, but yet we don't fully understand it. This book is powerful because it encourages us to do our own self-assessment of love in our lives. While reading, I often thought about how love has operated in my life. I realized that the people I love are those that have made the greatest impression on my life. They have invested love into me, and I can only hope that I have done the same for them. Love is strengthened when it is reciprocated. Though it may not solve all of our problems, leading with love is the way to ensure that we are on track for progress and healing. Let Love Have the Last Word is also a good read for artists, as it provides insight into Common's creative process. He describes creativity as a way to experience love through divine expression. Art requires us to be vulnerable and be comfortable exposing ourselves to the world. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. It provides a great conversation about love in its many forms. It's not too often that you get to go inside of the mind of one of your favorite artists. If you want to check out Let Love Have the Last Word, feel free to order or preview using the link below. Thanks for reading!

Book Reflection: Shoe Dog

 

My latest read is Shoe Dog by Phil Knight, the creator of Nike. Released in 2016, this memoir chronicles the early days of the global multibillion dollar footwear and apparel brand. Knight takes readers back to 1962, when he was a recent college graduate seeking his purpose in the world. He dreamed of an extraordinary life where he could live out his passion and have a career that didn't feel like work. He embarked on a journey around the world, and began pursuing what he called his "crazy idea". When he returned from that trip, he began distributing shoes that he imported from Japan. He called his company Blue Ribbon, and partnered with his college track coach, Bill Bowerman. More than a business, Knight was looking to develop a lifestyle brand. His company would go on to transform the shoe industry and become a household name. In the book, Knight tells the stories that shaped the brand. Far from a smooth journey, the book is a testament to resilience and risk-taking. A "Shoe Dog" is someone who makes shoes, but finds a deeper meaning in their work. They see themselves as a part of each step a person takes in their shoes on the journey of life. Considering what Nike is today, it's hard to fathom the challenges that the company faced in its infancy. From lawsuits to federal investigations, the company almost didn't live to see its full potential. Even Knight acknowledges the pivotal role that luck played in Nike's success. Shoe Dog was a very uplifting read for me. Few people possess the audacity to chase their wildest dreams. Through Knight's memoir, we see how a shy kid from Oregon went on to develop a multinational corporation. I definitely recommend adding Shoe Dog to your reading list. You will be entertained, informed, and inspired. Feel free to order using the link below. Thanks for reading! 

Book Reflection: Shook One

My latest read is Shook One: Anxiety Playing Tricks on Me by Charlamagne Tha God. The book is the author's second piece of work following his New York Times bestseller, Black Privilege. In Shook One, Charlamagne develops an enlightening conversation regarding mental health. He discusses his own experience dealing with mental health issues and encourages readers to embark on their own journey towards healing their mind. He provides deeply personal life stories that express his struggles with anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Further, he relates his experience to others in the Black community. Through this book, Charlamagne advocates for the need of increased attention paid toward the mental health of Black Americans. He analyzes the many factors that deter Black Americans from therapy such as cultural perception, self-medication, and lack of access. Charlamagne dedicates chapters to these factors among others to help readers gain a sense of how we can overcome these obstacles on our mental health journey. It is apparent that Charlamagne did his research in writing Shook One, but the book also contains expert advice from psychiatrist, Dr. Ish Major. Through reading the book, I appreciated the way Charlamagne frames each topic through his own narrative. His willingness to open up about his experiences makes the book a powerful read. His growth from being a drug dealer in Moncks Corner, South Carolina to becoming a nationally-syndicated radio host is certainly inspiring. In Shook One, Charlamagne acknowledges both the good and bad that molded him into the successful public figure he is today. He presents his stories in a way that is both humorous and impactful, which keeps you from wanting to put the book down. Reading this book, I noticed parallels to my own mental health journey. I too engage in counseling, meditation, and regulation of social media to protect and enhance my mental wellbeing. I recommend checking out Shook One, and assessing how you are investing time and attention towards your mental health. Feel free to order a copy using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/shook-one-charlamagne-tha-god/1128615643?ean=9781982109820#/

Hive Mind Review!

On July 20, 2018, The Internet released their fourth studio album titled, Hive Mind. The album comes three years since the release of the group's last album, Ego Death. Hive Mind consists of thirteen tracks and provides listeners with an artful collection of songs on love. With soulful instrumentals, graced over by the voice of lead vocalist, Syd, the album makes for a nice laid-back project to vibe to. As a cohesive unit, the group delivers a soothing yet energizing flavor with their style of R&B. I imagine that the project would make the perfect soundtrack for a movie about a millennial relationship. The album flows together really well and I almost couldn't tell when a song transitioned into the next. Be sure to check out Hive Mind and more work from The Internet. My favorite tracks on the album are "La Di Da" and "It Gets Better (With Time)". Thanks for reading!

Rolling Papers 2 Review!

On July 13, 2018, Wiz Khalifa released his sixth studio album titled, Rolling Papers 2. It comes as a sequel to Wiz's Rolling Papers, released in 2011. The album consists of 25 tracks, with features from Jimmy Wopo, Hardo, THEMXXINLIGHT, Curren$y, Snoop Dogg, Gucci Mane, Swae Lee, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Chevy Woods, Darrius Willrich, Lil Skies, Problem, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, and Ty Dolla $ign. Listening to the album, I found it to be dynamic throughout. Wiz showcases a variety of styles from laid-back tracks like "Late Night Messages" to more upbeat songs like "Goin Hard". I appreciate the versatility of Wiz's subject matter. His lyrics do a nice job of balancing motivation and partying, which takes me back to his 2012 hit, "Work Hard, Play Hard". With this project, Wiz gives fans numerous bangers for every occasion. There are tracks you can add to your workout playlist or just relax to. Though Wiz has been well-known in the game for awhile, he still makes sure to mention where he came from in tracks like "420 Freestyle" and "B OK". Rolling Papers 2 is definitely one of my favorite projects released this summer. I'll be returning to it for time to come. My favorite tracks are "Hopeless Romantic" and "Real Rich".

KOD Review!

On April 20, 2018, J. Cole released his fifth studio album titled, KOD. The album came rather unexpectedly, with Cole only giving fans about a week to prepare for the project. Through his Twitter account, Cole announced the album with a tweet that read:

New album. KOD 4/20

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) April 17, 2018

Around the same time, Cole announced surprise meet and greets for fans in New York and London. Each event turned out to be a listening session for the album. Wide speculation erupted regarding the meaning of the album's title, KOD. J. Cole responded to this confusion with a tweet that read:

KOD. 3 meanings.

Kids on Drugs
King Overdosed
Kill Our Demons

The rest of the album I leave to your interpretation.

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) April 19, 2018

Upon release of the tracklist, fans were shocked to see two tracks listed with features credited to an artist named kiLL edward. This came as a surprise to people who knew J. Cole for going platinum with no features on his two previous albums, 2014 Forest Hills Drive and 4 Your Eyez Only. After thorough investigation, fans found little evidence of anyone named kiLL edward. However, a single track titled "Tidal Wave (just a little reference)"  appeared on streaming services, which fans soon found out to be J. Cole's alter ego.


With everything surrounding the album, its release was highly anticipated through its few days of promotion. I for one, had no idea of what to expect from this project. We've seen Cole go in a variety of artistic directions through the years, so it was interesting to see what messages he wanted to send with KOD. Tuning in on the midnight of its release, I was ready for the thought-provoking introspective tracks that J. Cole's music often provides. The album consists of twelve tracks that deal with various themes. Some of the subjects Cole talks about include dealing with pain, drug culture, taxes, temptation, and much more. I was impressed by Cole's production throughout the album. He includes more fast-paced tracks like "KOD" and "ATM", which distinguishes this project from the laid-back vibes of his two previous albums. Lyrically, the album paints a powerful picture. Cole possesses a unique gift for storytelling and speaking for underrepresented groups. I've listened to the album several times since its initial release. Each time I find something else to digest. I feel Hip-Hop needed this cultural criticism coming from a respected figure like J. Cole. On the track "1985- Intro to "The Fall Off"", Cole rips through an unidentified young rapper whose apparently been playing around his name. Fans have their theories of who the song may be towards, but it's all speculation at this point. As the album has only been out a day, it will be exciting to see what visuals and more come from its release. The video for "ATM" was released on the day of the album, which is definitely interesting to watch.



KOD is a great listen in my opinion. Through the album, you're taken inside of Cole's experiences and given his perspective of the world. Definitely give it a listen. I'll be vibing out to this one for awhile. My favorite tracks are "Kevin's Heart" and "FRIENDS". Thanks for reading!

Invasion of Privacy Review!

On April 6th, Cardi B released her debut studio album titled, Invasion of Privacy. The album consists of thirteen tracks with features from 21 Savage, Bad Bunny, Chance the Rapper, J Balvin, Kehlani, Migos, SZA, and YG. The album has performed well commercially, with the milestone of being certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on the first day of its release. Cardi B's lyrics are powerful in how they vividly express her personality. She approaches music with honesty, which makes her art both entertaining and relatable. Throughout the project, you'll hear her frequently reference life before the fame in tracks like "Money Bag". When you listen to some of her songs, you almost feel as if you've gotten to know her. Her lyrics are a window that give you a clear perspective of her life. For instance, in the song "Be Careful", she expresses her struggle dealing with infidelity in her relationship by painting an honest conversation between her and her partner. The album is also packed with club bangers, including tracks like "She Bad" and the hit singles, "Bartier Cardi" and "Bodak Yellow". The production of the album is artfully composed with several tracks that you can dance or nod your head to. It's one of the most talked about projects of the year, so definitely check it out. I enjoyed listening to this project and I look forward to seeing where Cardi goes from here. My favorite track on the album is "Best Life". Thanks for reading!

Book Review: Black Privilege

My latest read is Charlamagne Tha God's book, Black Privilege: Opportunity Comes to Those Who Create It. I must start by advising viewer discretion for anyone that chooses to purchase this book. It was published in 2017, and follows the story of Charlamagne's life. If you're unfamiliar with Charlamagne, he's a prominent media figure whose work can be found on his radio show The Breakfast Club, his podcast Brilliant Idiots, his television show Uncommon Sense, and more. Black Privilege is an autobiographical account of his eventful story. He describes his upbringing, his rocky adolescent years, and his ascent in the media industry. He walks you through his school expulsions, jail experiences, multiple job terminations, and much more. My favorite aspect of this book is the self-help element within it. Through all his mistakes and shortcomings, Charlamagne is able to draw valuable lessons. Despite some crude stories and details, he drops some serious knowledge in this book. His personality is certainly expressed through the pages, with his brutal honesty and unrestrained sense of humor. Never have I read a book that made me laugh out loud as much as this one. It really captivates you within his experiences, and by the end you'll feel that you know him personally. He touches on some serious topics like race, homophobia, and gender norms. Some of his advice includes living your truth, viewing losses as lessons, and accessing your personal privilege. If you're of age, and you can handle some suggestive language, I definitely recommend this book. It's motivational, it's humorous, and it's insightful. Read and learn how a young boy from a trailer in Moncks Corner, South Carolina became a renowned media personality.

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Privilege-Opportunity-Comes-Create/dp/1501145304

Pressure Review!

On December 15th, Jeezy released his eighth studio album titled, Pressure. The project consists of thirteen tracks, with features from J. Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Kodak Black, Payroll Giovanni, Rick Ross, Sean Combs, Tee Grizzley, Tory Lanez, Trey Songz, Wizkid, YG, and 2 Chainz. Listening to the album, you still get those motivational lyrics and knocking beats prevalent in Jeezy's music. However, you can tell that his subject matter has evolved. He seems to be moving on from music about being in the trap, and on to enjoying the fruits of his labor. On tracks like "Bottles Up", he's celebrating his success and showcasing "trap excellence". As he stated in his interview with The Breakfast Club, this album reflects his current lifestyle. With a career as extensive as Jeezy's, it's only natural to see maturity over the years. He's been around the game for awhile, and he possesses a lot of wisdom that he passes on through his music, as well as off-the-mic moves. I've always respected his longevity and consistency. Pressure gives you the perspective of one that has made the most of their struggle, and built success from the bottom-up. His growth is showcased in tracks like "In A Major Way", where he talks about being a multi-millionaire from the hood. You have to appreciate a successful person that hasn't forgotten their roots. I'm not the most hardcore Jeezy fan, but I enjoyed listening to this album. Jeezy stays true to his style, and is complemented by some special guest verses. The production is spectacular, and definitely fitting for a Jeezy album. I recommend the tracks "This Is It", "Pressure", and "American Dream".