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#/

Book Reflection: Becoming by Michelle Obama

My most recent read is Becoming by former first lady, Michelle Obama. The book is a memoir that covers Obama's early life and years in the White House. Through her retelling of past life stories, she provides readers with insight into the experiences that made her the woman she is today. From home piano lessons in Chicago to state visits at Buckingham Palace, Mrs. Obama paints vivid recollections of some of her life's most meaningful memories. I learned a great deal through reading Becoming and gained a newfound respect for the position of first lady. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes stories about the campaign trail and life inside the White House. This memoir is very honest and helps readers see the humanity in one of the most prominent figures of our time. As a college student, reading this book was very impactful, as it exemplified the surprises that life can present. I found her early quest for fulfillment and meaning to be relatable, as I often ask such questions of myself today. It was also nice to read about her interactions with Americans throughout the years. She beautifully writes about the families, children, and service members that helped shape her experience as first lady. Mrs. Obama's commitment to making a difference during her time as first lady was truly amazing. In an unpaid position, she fought relentlessly for the causes of childhood obesity, healthy eating, female education, and college accessibility. She was able to gracefully balance the demands of being a public figure, a mentor, a wife, and a mother. Through the telling of her story, Michelle Obama encourages others to appreciate the uniqueness and authencity in their own.  Becoming is a truly inspiring memoir that can be enjoyed by people of any background. I highly recommend checking this book out for yourself. Feel free to order using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/becoming-michelle-obama/1128038172?ean=9781524763138#/

Book Recommendation: The Anatomy of Peace

My latest read is The Anatomy of Peace: Resolving the Heart of Conflict  by The Arbinger Institute. The book, first published in 2006, uses a powerful narrative that provides you with the tools to combat conflicts at work, school, and in the home. Set at a teen rehabilitation center in Arizona, a group of parents dropping their children off engage in a moving discussion with the center's counselors. Through this discussion, the parents are challenged to re-evaluate their interactions with others, and to begin living in a way that promotes peace. One central idea in this book is transitioning from a heart at war to a heart at peace. It teaches how we often betray our human sense of compassion by treating others as objects instead of people. Further, it discusses how we seek to justify our self-betrayal by constructing boxes of better-than, need-to-be-seen as, and I-deserve complexes. The book uses several real-world examples to illustrate how both sides of a conflict can play a role in maintaining tension. A major lesson I learned from The Anatomy of Peace, is that we must evaluate areas where we need to improve before we can expect a change in others. By using a story, the concepts in this book are both relatable and easy to digest. By adopting the concepts in this book, I sincerely believe that we could begin to work through the many conflicts that exist in today's world. In general, we don't often consider how the opposing party of a conflict is affected by our actions. We tend to get so caught up in winning the conflict that we disregard the humanity of the other party. This book will help you take on a new perspective that both encourages you to consider the humanity in all people and to interact in a way that works in the best interest of all. I strongly recommend checking out The Anatomy of Peace. Feel free to order using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-anatomy-of-peace-the-arbinger-institute/1107766563;jsessionid=F7DD404A59D1A6AEA9C62A43E9E123FE.prodny_store01-atgap13?ean=9781626564312

Book Recommendation: Dreams from My Father

My latest read is Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance by former president Barack Obama. The book is a memoir, first published in 1995 that recounts Obama's early life leading up to his enrollment at Harvard Law School. Throughout the book, Obama takes a deep dive into exploring the many experiences he faced growing up as a young biracial man in America. Dreams from My Father is split into three parts, which represents three distinct chapters in his life. The first part is titled "Origins", and analyzes his childhood experiences in Hawaii and Indonesia. He speaks on his relationship with his grandparents, his mother, and the one time in which he was able to meet his father. As you will see by reading, Obama's relationship with his father is a recurring theme throughout the book. He often struggles with the contrast between the physical distance of his father living in Kenya and the intangible influence that follows him around the globe. The second part ,"Chicago", speaks on Obama's time as a young community organizer in the city's South Side. Readers are able to gain a sense of the beautiful struggle that created an intimate bond between Obama and the city of Chicago. It is amazing to see how this period foreshadowed the rise of the future politician. The final part is titled "Kenya", in which Obama takes readers along for the monumental journey of visiting his father's home country. In Kenya, Obama meets members of his paternal family and learns of his rich ancestral history. This was an incredibly powerful part of the book, as Obama is able to gain a sense of himself through exploring this vital piece of his identity. I enjoyed Dreams from My Father not only for its autobiographical perspective of a future world leader, but also for what it had to offer in its story of self-discovery and interconnection of culture. I encourage you to check out this powerful memoir for yourself, which you can do by ordering using the link below. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dreams-from-my-father-barack-obama/1100832650#/ 

My Awakening

It seemed like any ordinary day in my middle school experience. I had taken the two-hour bus ride from home, with my sights set on finishing my seven-hour shift and returning back to my PlayStation. Little did that young twelve-year-old know, that the perception through which he viewed society and himself would on that day change forever. Up to that particular day in my life, I innocently viewed my world as a place where other’s perception of me was solely based on my character. I had heard of America’s dark past, but I naively believed that we had all overcome the ludicrous sentiments that were prevalent in the time of my grandparents and earlier generations. It was not until that morning period in sixth-grade language arts that I realized my appearance was subject to being associated with cruel and demeaning stereotypes.

My teacher was introducing the class to a new research assignment. It was a paper in which we were to study the neurological effects of any topic of choice. The example provided, which the teacher read aloud, was on a street drug known as “crack”. In one of the sentences of the example, the term “crack baby” was used. I then found out that one of my classmates said my name to a group of kids when that term was read by the teacher. As one of two Black students in the class, it was apparent that this remark was made about my race. Though long ago, I can still recall the painful sensation that took place when I heard those words. I felt isolated from the rest of my classmates, consumed by a combination of anger and sadness. This event marked a dramatic shift in my mindset.

From that day on, I never truly felt accepted into American society. It showed me that no matter how intelligent, successful, or well-mannered I thought myself to be, I could still encounter people that sought to confine my existence within their lines of distasteful preconceived generalizations. I was moved to discover how such generalizations could be made on something as trivial as skin color. I began to read books that elevated my consciousness of the Black American experience. It was comforting to see how others have encountered similar experiences to the one I had on that day in sixth grade. I became more aware of the atrocities that have affected Black Americans for centuries and I even viewed myself in a different light. With my life I was working to prove a more positive perception of Black Americans.

Though spawned from a negative experience, I consider my altered state of perception to have had a desirable impact. It motivated me to discover more about my identity as a Black American. It taught me that America’s dark history still seeps through the cracks into our current society. This altered state of perception was vital for my growth towards viewing the society in which I live through a more enlightened lens.

Book Recommendation: My Bondage and My Freedom

One of my most recent reads is the second autobiography written by Frederick Douglass titled, My Bondage and My Freedom. The book is a thrilling first-person account about the life of Douglass through his years as a slave and his journey to becoming a freeman. I learned a great deal about Douglass through reading this book and was inspired by his turbulent quest to liberty. He truly transformed his life by educating himself and sought to dedicate his life toward fighting against the slave system. In My Bondage and My Freedom, Douglass provides readers with a window into his thoughts as he faced abuse from slave masters, criticism against his intellect, and inner-conflict as he sought to emancipate himself from the bondage that had held him captive since birth. Through reading this account, I believe we can gain great insight into this period of our nation's history as well as a deeper appreciation for the many individuals that have heroically sought to provide all Americans with the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The life of Frederick Douglass is an extremely intriguing story, and I could definitely see a great film being adapted from this autobiography. I strongly recommend checking out this compelling book or at least doing some research on the life of Frederick Douglass. Thanks for reading!

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/my-bondage-and-my-freedom-frederick-douglass/

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".

Creative Quest Review!

My most recent read is Creative Quest by Questlove. The book was released on April 24, 2018 and is the fourth book by the author. As a four-time Grammy Award-winning musician, disc jockey, culinary entrepreneur, and more, Questlove offers readers an eye-opening perspective on creativity. He explores how we can identify the creative genius within ourselves and make the greatest use of that energy. The definition of creativity is broad enough that this book will connect with people from all walks of life. One of things I learned from this book is that we all apply creativity in some form during our daily lives. Questlove talks about finding that creative spark, dealing with criticism, the science of collaboration, and more in this thought-provoking book. Creative Quest introduces its readers to an array of concepts through stories from the music industry, anecdotes from renowned creative professionals, and enlightening metaphorical viewpoints. This book is especially valuable for young professionals looking to make their mark on the world. I suggest you keep a notebook as you read, to jot down some of the many jewels dropped throughout. Order your copy of Creative Quest using the link below!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07192GT9Z/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

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!

Reflecting on Jackie Robinson Day

Often times in life, we face moments in which our character is tested. There are times when we must think beyond ourselves and immediate desires, to consider the ripple effect of our actions. It is a rough journey, where obstacles of fear and self-doubt must be overcome. These are the moments that separate the hero from the commoner. Reflecting on examples of these moments is important, as it inspires us to act courageously when our own character is tested. On April 15, 1947, Jackie Robinson faced such a test when he took the field in his Major League Baseball debut. Coming out of the Brooklyn Dodgers locker room, Robinson was making perhaps the most monumental entrance into a sports contest. This would be the game where he broke the racial barrier that existed in baseball during the time. We can only imagine the type of thoughts that raced through Robinson's mind at this moment. He was facing the expectations to represent his community, to withstand physical and verbal abuse, in addition to the pressure of performing well in his first MLB game. It takes a person of tremendous character to respond to such a task. This day transcends sports, as an honor to all of those who have worked to break barriers. When I think of Jackie Robinson, I am reminded of the composure that it takes to make a difference despite adversity. Had he not maintained composure throughout the many slurs and pitches aimed at his head, he would not only have held himself back, but also the great multitude of black players and people that stood on his shoulders. Each time he made a hit or stole a base, the impact was much greater than a simple boost to his stats. He showed that when provided the opportunity, people can excel in anything, regardless of the labels placed on them by society. Jackie Robinson's legacy stands as a testament to the power of character and how individual actions can affect the circumstances of others. When he took the field in 1947, Jackie Robinson stepped up to the plate and swung to break a glass ceiling for baseball and humanity. 

Wasted Talent Review!

On April 13th, Jim Jones released his seventh studio album, Wasted Talent. It comes seven years since the release of his last album, Capo, which was released in 2011. Wasted Talent consists of eighteen tracks, which include three listed as bonuses. The project features Jadakiss, Trav, Mozzy, YFN Lucci, Alexza, Eric Billinger, Ball Greezy, 5am, Yo Gotti, Axel Leon, Cam'ron, Lil Durk, and Juelz Santana. With this one, Jim Jones asserts a powerful return to the game. His lyrics reflect the contemplation and wisdom that comes from a period of hiatus. Throughout the project, he touches on lessons learned from his past, realities of fame and fortune, as well as his thoughts on current social issues. He vividly describes his days in the projects and how he made it out. In tracks like "Head Off", he talks about serving as an inspiration for others to know that they can make it out as well. I appreciate the way he is able to blend past experiences with current topics throughout the project. He can quickly transition from being on the block to driving a Ferrari. With his extensive career, it's interesting to hear his perspective on the current state of Hip-Hop. You can sense the personal growth in his music, while telling that he isn't too far removed from the New York streets that built him. This project shows you what happens when a veteran takes his time to produce a quality product. It's always refreshing to hear solid bars, and this project certainly gives you that. My favorite tracks are "Gotta Play the Game" and "Epitome". Thanks for reading!

Book Recommendation: Next Generation Leader

One of my recent reads is a book titled, Next Generation Leader: Five Essentials For Those Who Will Shape The Future. The book was written by Andy Stanley, and released in 2003. Reading this book has provided me with valuable knowledge of what it means to be a leader of virtue. In the book, Stanley breaks down five core principles that shape the effectiveness of a leader. These principles are competence, courage, clarity, coaching, and character. Out of the five, I was most inspired by the section on courage. Stanley does a wonderful job of explaining courage in a way that lights a fire in readers. "Courage is the willingness to move in a direction in spite of the emotions and thoughts that bid you to do otherwise." This quote is powerful, because we often believe that courageous people do not experience fear. However, the reality is to the contrary, courageous people are able to push through the fear they experience. I also enjoyed reading the section on character. Stanley explains the fine line between simply being a leader, and being a leader worth following. "Your gifts and determination may dictate your potential, but it is your character that will determine your legacy." This section of the book taught me the importance of living a life of purpose, and using my gifts to make a positive impact. One of the things that makes this book so profound, is that it incorporates the author's relevant experiences. Throughout the book, Stanley explains the many situations he's faced leading as senior pastor of North Point Ministries. The book is well-organized, and gets its message across clearly. I truly believe you can be positively impacted by giving this one a read. Feel free to order a copy using the link below.

https://store.northpoint.org/shop/books/next-generation-leader.html

Viewing Yourself as a Corporation: Structuring Your Personal Development

My mother is a woman of many creative thoughts and expressions. She gives great advice, and she's constantly offering me unique ideas to gain perspective on things. Recently, she introduced me to the idea of viewing yourself as a corporation. This perspective encourages you to analyze the many roles that you play in your personal development. Essentially, you're aligning these roles with the different parts of a business. This allows you to manage different areas of your life, and see which areas you can improve upon to optimize your potential. If you're like me, you're always looking for ways to improve as an individual. I've found this corporation perspective to be valuable, and I hope that you'll be able to learn from this organizational approach.

Sales- The sales team is the division responsible for selling a product or service. These are the people interacting with customers, and most directly related to generating revenue. Efficient sales teams set high, but realistic goals which they chase ambitiously. The business is only as good as its sales team, because it produces the results that drive the business forward. To manage your personal sales team, ensure that you're setting goals, and pursuing them aggressively. Assess whether you're doing the best you can to move your business in a positive direction.

Data Analysis/Accounting- Data analysts gather and investigate data, which they interpret to suggest the best direction for the company to go. Trends and statistics play a huge role in the decision-making process for businesses. The information yielded by data analysts can be vital in determining the formula for success. These analysts allow companies to measure their efficiency, and see what areas they can improve upon. These are people who "crunch the numbers." In similar fashion, we see numbers which represent very important aspects of our lives. Think about how you use numbers to measure your weight, income, age, etc. Just as businesses have a department to deal with managing numbers, you also have the capacity to manage numbers concerning your life. Such practices include time-management, budgeting, and weight management. Numbers are very impactful to our lives, and it is important that we organize them to better ourselves.

Marketing- The marketing department deals with the company's presentation. They are responsible for promotion, and introducing consumers to the company. Those in marketing are concerned with the company's appearance and managing its reputation. A successful marketing department requires excellent communication and plenty of research. To manage your marketing department, analyze how you are being presented. How are you, as a person, being marketed to the world? This includes your physical appearance, your resume, your social media, and your relationships. Do the necessary research to ensure that your are being marketed in a positive light. In our lives, reputations mean a great deal. A negative reputation can hinder your development, just as a positive reputation can propel your development.

Investor- Investors provide the capital to get the business running. They invest only into things of which they believe will provide a return on investment. Most businesses must seek investors through extreme effort and persuasion. Luckily for you, the investor of whom you seek is in the mirror. You can invest in your personal business in a variety of ways. This includes exercise, reading, meditation, healthy eating, and more. The basis of investment in this sense, is to place positive input in your life to receive positive output. Of course we are not perfect, and we make the occasional negative investment. However, it is important to manage your investment portfolio, to ensure that your overall investments have provided your company with the resources it needs to succeed.

CEO/Board of Directors/Owner- Each corporation has its executive personnel. The head of the company is tasked with the great responsibility of making crucial choices, which affect the company as a whole. Such decisions are made with careful consideration of possible outcomes, and require both wisdom and intuition. These people are well-compensated, and rightfully so. It takes character to be the face of a company, and to be responsible for its successes and failures. Just as the head of a company is tasked with decision-making and being held accountable for the company's condition, so are you responsible for making the major decisions that shape your life. Fortunately, you are the only person qualified for this position, and as long as you have your freedom, nothing can be done to remove your title. As the head of your corporation, ensure that you are making wise decisions and managing the various parts of your company effectively.

My aim in writing this is to inspire you to take a holistic approach towards improving as an individual. Our well-being consists of many dimensions, and it helps to take a step back to view the bigger picture. Through applying this principle, you will structure your life in a way that allows you to make specific modifications as necessary. If you see a department of your life that is lacking in efficiency, do a thorough investigation to make proper adjustments. Sure your business will experience wins and losses, but this is common of all corporations. Unlike most businesses, continual losses won't result in closure. As long as you are breathing, your business continues to operate with the potential to experience growth and prosperity.

The Hollywood Commandments Review!

DeVon Franklin, Hollywood producer, best-selling author, preacher, and motivational speaker released his third book in the fall of 2017 titled, The Hollywood Commandments. The book teaches you how to apply spiritual principles in the pursuit of secular success. Often times we learn spiritual lessons in church, but we don't learn how to use them outside of church. In this book, Franklin shows us how to translate those lessons into our careers and relationships using ten powerful lessons that he learned as a man of faith in Hollywood. As a person of character, you can be discouraged to follow certain paths at the risk of losing your character. However, by staying true to yourself you will be given an edge that allows you to thrive in all areas. This was one of the most important lessons that I learned from The Hollywood Commandments. Reading this book, it was amazing to see just how Franklin's values played a role throughout his successful career in Hollywood. Regardless of your beliefs, this book can serve as an excellent guide to achieving success. Lessons include following your passion, negotiating what you're worth, the importance of connections, and how to not get caught up in past failure or success. This is perhaps the most inspiring book that I have read, and it has taught me principles that I will be sure to hold on to. I encourage you to give this book a read, and I hope that it will have a positive effect on your life. Feel free to use the link below to order your copy. Thanks for reading!

https://order.hollywoodcommandments.com/

4:44 Tour Review!

On November 17th, I attended Jay-Z's 4:44 tour in Charlotte, NC. It has been going on since October 27th, and will last through December 21st. The tour is in support of Jay-Z's thirteenth studio album, 4:44, which released in the summer of 2017. Vic Mensa serves as the opening act. I won't spoil the set list for you, but it covers a wide range of Hov's career.  He has so many hits that the show could've went on for hours longer. I had a great time. The stage design consisted of an octagon in the center of the arena. I thought this was cool, because it allowed each section of the audience to have an equal perspective of the performer. The screens at the concert also moved around, which was a nice visual aspect of the show. My last time seeing Jay perform was in 2011 during the Watch the Throne tour. He's laid-back, but his music has the power to set an arena on fire. You have to respect his longevity in the game. Not too many artists have a catalog of hits from the 90's till 2017. As a fan, I wish I could hear all of his work performed. If he somehow did a total catalog show where he performed everything, you would definitely catch me in the crowd. Those in attendance received a six-month free trial of Tidal. The tour is ongoing, so if possible, I highly recommend checking it out. You have to take advantage of the opportunity to witness a living legend. Thanks for reading!

The Black Album Turns 14!

Fourteen years ago on November 14th, Jay-Z released his eight studio album, The Black Album. This album was considered to be a sign off project for the rapper. He was suggesting retirement, and even held a farewell concert at Madison Square Garden. In retrospect, we know this retirement was short-lived, but this theme of "fading to black" was a major concept regarding this album. One of Hip-Hop's greatest was gearing to leave the game. In the book  The 48 Laws Of Power by Robert Greene, law 16 is "use absence to increase respect and honor." Hov very well may have been using this tactic to his advantage. He's a clever individual, and I wouldn't be surprised if this was his intentions. Nonetheless, he gave us a classic album to go along with all of this. The album consists of fourteen tracks that include some of his greatest hits like "99 Problems", "Dirt Off Your Shoulder", and "Encore." We also hear the work of some legendary producers on this album. Production credits include Just Blaze, Kanye West, Timbaland, 9th Wonder, The Neptunes, Rick Rubin, and more. I consider it my second favorite Jay-Z album behind Reasonable Doubt. My favorite tracks on this album are "What More Can I Say" and "Public Service Announcement (Interlude)." You definitely have to check this album out if you haven't already. It's a certified classic. Thanks for reading!

The Incredible True Story Turns 2!

Two years ago on November 13th, Logic released his second studio album The Incredible True Story. I hope his day one fans don't scold me for this, but this is the project that really turned me onto his music. It takes you on a journey with an intriguing story line that takes place within some truly extraordinary tracks. Features include Big Lenbo, Dria, Jesse Boykins III, and Lucy Rose. I did some research on the album, and found that the underlying plot of the project is actually part of a pretty mind-blowing story inspired by filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. What stands out to me is the vibrant production in tracks like "City of Stars." It gives off that sci-fi vibe, that I feel really speaks to Logic's experimental nature in his art. The lyricism showcased on this album is also "incredible." I enjoy the skits, my favorite being the one at the end of "Fade Away." When I heard it was the anniversary of this album, I had to write about it. It's definitely one of my go-to projects. It's so hard for me to pick favorite tracks off of this album, but I'll go with "Young Jesus" and "Innermission." If you haven't already, check this one out. Thanks for reading!