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 Recommendation: The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell

I recently had the chance to read The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell: Tales of a 6'4", African-American, Heterosexual, Cisgender, Left-Leaning, Asthmatic, Black and Proud Blerd, Mama's Boy, Dad, and Stand-Up Comedian by W. Kamau Bell. The book was first published in May 2017 and tells the story of Bell's life from an autobiographical perspective. Bell provides readers with a humorous, but deeply personal take on the whirlwind of events that shaped him. Through reading, we learn about Bell's childhood, which consisted of many moves across the country. We are introduced to his parents, who of course play a large role in shaping his personality. Bell recounts his experiences as an Ivy League student at the University of Pennsylvania and explores the factors that led to him dropping out. In addition, we learn about Bell's unconventional rise in comedy and experiences as a host of his two television shows, Totally Biased and United Shades of America. Throughout the book, there is the common theme of coming up in the world as an outsider. Bell often faced circumstances that veered form the norm. However, this lack of normality provided him with unique opportunities and wisdom. It was interesting to read Bell's thoughts on race, superheroes, television, and Denzel Washington. He offers a perspective that is both humorous and honest. It speaks to the power of comedy as a truth-telling expression that is necessary in our world. The book possesses a nice balance of intelligence and entertainment. The Awkward Thoughts of W. Kamau Bell is definitely a fun read, but you will also walk away with some things to think about. I strongly encourage checking out this powerful book. W. Kamau Bell's story is dynamic and will give you the opportunity to laugh, cry, and learn. Thanks for reading! 

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

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/

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!

Dex Meets Dexter Review!

On April 6th, Famous Dex released his debut album titled, Dex Meets Dexter. The album consists of fourteen tracks, with features from Drax Project, Wiz Khalifa, A$AP Rocky, and Diplo. Throughout the project, Dex offers his distinct rhythmic flow over a variety of dynamic beats. His lyrics seem to take a carefree approach and provide a rock star aesthetic. He showcases his range on this album, going from laid-back tracks like "PROVE IT" to more hype songs like "CHUMP". The project is filled with energy and makes for good music to turn up to. Famous Dex definitely represents the younger generation of rap. As seen throughout this project, his music is focused on living for the moment and enjoying the material wealth that comes with stacking money. Reading the track list, I was familiar with two songs, "JAPAN" and "PICK IT UP" featuring A$AP Rocky. It's a fun project to listen to and you'll find it hard not to dance along with its rich production. My favorite tracks on the album are "LIGHT" and "TAKE HER". 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

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.

Thanksgiving 2K17

There's something special about coming together with family members. You share genetics, memories, and traditions with these people, which produces a unique sense of intimacy. One of my family's most valued traditions is our Thanksgiving reunions. We all travel from our different locations to meet up at a family member's home. It's a time for us to catch up with each other and share details relating to our work, school, and other extraordinary life happenings. This year, Thanksgiving was hosted by my aunt in South Carolina. She did an amazing job to make things flow smoothly, and made sure everyone was comfortable. There was an array of dishes. The food was spectacular, of course. My favorite dishes were the smoked turkey and macaroni & cheese. I definitely overindulged, and had to resist a food coma for the rest of the evening.  After eating, it was time for the Slice of Heaven cooking contest. The contest is a family tradition that was established in 2010. My mother and her siblings compete to make the best version of a chosen food item. This year's food item was cake. We had four contestants this year, and four judges. The winner was none other than my mother. It was her first time winning, and bringing the trophy back home. While everyone was gathered at the conclusion of the contest, another cake was placed on the table. Only this cake was not another contest entry. My cousin and his wife were announcing a new addition to the family. They presented us with a gender reveal cake. It was a huge surprise that no one saw coming. The cake was sliced, and a pink frosting emerged. It was a legendary moment. We all rejoiced with the news that our family was growing. It was a day filled with laughter, joy, and excitement. You wish that times like these could last forever. These times provide positive memories that stick with you for a lifetime. I enjoyed my Thanksgiving, and the day was filled with rich experiences. Just know that I did eventually succumb to that food coma, and didn't awake until around noon on Friday. For a visual representation of my family's Thanksgiving, check out my sister's vlog below. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your holiday season.

My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy Turns 7!

Seven years ago, Kanye West released his fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. The album consists of thirteen tracks, with features from Bon Iver, CyHi the Prynce, Jay-Z, John Legend, Justin Vernon, Kid Cudi, Nicki Minaj, Pusha T, RZA, Raekwon, Rick Ross, and Swizz Beats. It stands as an important piece of Kanye's discography. During this period, Kanye was under much scrutiny for a controversial interruption during Taylor Swift's acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. This among other pressures, led him to undergo a self-imposed exile in Hawaii. In some cases, artists make great work during times of turmoil. It's similar to finding a diamond in the rough. I certainly consider this project to be one of those cases. It was reported that West never slept a full night at the house he rented in Hawaii. Instead, he chose to take power naps in the studio, and had rented three rooms so that songs could be crafted simultaneously. He flew in a variety of premier artists and producers to collaborate with. One of the most interesting stories I found surrounding the development of this album, was that Kanye hired two private chefs, one for hot food, and one for cold food. The album is regarded as one of the most expensive albums to make, with an estimate listed at $3 million. He really invested his all into this project. Listening to the album, it's evident that plenty of time, thought, and energy was put into the composition of this album. It's truly a work of art. Through expressing himself, Kanye allowed us to experience his mindset during this time. You can feel the emotion he puts into crafting tracks like "Blame Game" and "Lost In The World." There's a theme of dealing with pressures of the celebrity lifestyle, relationship/personal issues, as well as internal struggles. This theme resembles the pressures Kanye faced in real life during this period. Throughout his career, Kanye's work has always reflected the essence of his current lifestyle. His work is a realist perspective of his life. For this reason, it's unfair to divide his career as "old" or "new" Kanye. He's the same artist in a different space. My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy was a "dark" space that yielded "beautiful" music. My favorite tracks off the album are "Gorgeous" and "Runaway." Thanks for reading.

Hip-Hop as a Human

Here's a piece I wrote when I was 16, around the time when Kendrick Lamar's To Pimp A Butterfly released.

Hip Hop is like a human.
Upon creation it started out saying random words like a crying infant that struggles to communicate with you (infant stages/rappers delight era).
 Next, it grew into a child and its only goal was to have fun. It began to build relationships with a core group of people that shared its common values (childhood/Run-DMC era).
 It then grew into a teenager. At this stage it battled through a confusing period, still about being cool and having fun but yet wanting to be understood (early teenage years/ late 80s early 90s).
 Next, it developed into an older teenager and it wanted to appear hard, be heard, and struggled to find itself. It did crazy things to express the chaos within it, so it turned to crime and often gave off a negative and dark vibe. Unfortunately, this gave off a negative impression and caused some people to stay away from it and damaged relationships (late teenage years/gangsta rap era).
 After the transition it became a young adult and experienced a rejuvenation, while it still held on to some of the baggage from it's teenage years, it started to be more about fun again and was filled with new energy (young adulthood/2000/early 2010s hip hop).
Today, it has taken its past experiences and wants to change for the better. As it knows one day it won't be so strong, and has to make the most positive impact it can while it still has this energy. It plans to combine this energy with the wisdom it has picked up along the way (adulthood/ Kendrick Lamar/ J. Cole/ current state of Hip Hop).

Syre Review!

On November 17th, Jaden Smith released his debut studio album, Syre. The album consists of seventeen tracks, with features from A$AP Rocky and Raury. The title of the album refers to his name, Jaden Christopher Syre Smith. If you're familiar with Jaden Smith, you know he operates on a higher frequency than most. His elevated thinking is clearly on display within this album. With this one, Smith gives us a tour of his mind. It's expressive, it's deep, and it's artful. I feel this album will really resonate with the youth. The transition between tracks is so smooth that it was hard for me to notice when the song changed. Pay attention to his lyricism too, he drops some gems. I'm deeply impressed with this project. He exhibits flow, emotion, and that Jaden Smith philosophy. When listening, you'll experience the free range of his mind. He knows no boundaries. My favorite tracks are "Falcon" and "Breakfast." Definitely give this one a listen. Thanks for reading.


    

Old School vs New School: The Importance of Balance

It is apparent that Hip-Hop has changed dramatically since its birth. Production techniques, subject matter, mainstream influence, and more are in constant shift as the culture grows. Due to this change, we see a divide that separates fans according to time periods. Today we see "old heads" that are quick to express disdain for the current generation of Hip-Hop. Likewise, we see a new wave of artists and fans that dismiss the old school as played out. There seems to be a polarization within the culture. If there's anything I've learned in my eighteen years on this Earth, it's that strength lies in unity. We would get more out of the culture if elders supported the youth, and if the youth respected the elders. I'm here to offer a neutral perspective, and promote the importance of balancing old school and new school within Hip-Hop.

Old school. The original. The blueprint. They've paved the road traveled on today. They've planted the seed for what is harvested today. What right does the new generation have to live off this hard work without paying due respect? "The kids today aren't talking about anything." "I'll just stick to 'real' Hip-Hop." It's a common argument coming from what we call "old heads", or fans devoted to the preservation of old school Hip-Hop. I can definitely understand this. You see the culture you celebrated from your days as a youth being transformed into unrecognizable form. It's not uncommon to reminisce and yearn for the "good 'ol days." However, resisting change can turn out to yield an unproductive result. In order for Hip-Hop to last, change is necessary. Don't get me wrong, I love old school Hip-Hop, but if the culture didn't evolve it wouldn't survive. Imagine if the U.S. still used World War II weaponry today simply because it worked in the past. It wouldn't stand a chance against those that put more effort towards advancing. It's fine to prefer a certain era, but be sure to remain a part of the culture. We still need the lessons of World War II weaponry, to build off of for future success. Value lies in the wisdom of the old school that is only beneficial if the culture is unified. I encourage the old heads to balance your listening, and find some new school artists that you can support. They're out there, you may just have to go beyond mainstream radio. Grow with the music, so that the culture you once loved can live on.

New school. The wave. The future. They keep it fresh. They carry the torch. Why should we focus on the past? "Music is more fun now." "That music is for old people." "I'm not wasting my time listening to that outdated music." It's a common position held by the younger generation of Hip-Hop. This could have been me if I wasn't exposed to old school at a young age. This is some of my peers. I can understand it. What's the point of listening to music that came out decades before you were born? It's fun to stay in the moment. However, you'll gain a clearer perspective of where you're going if you know where you came from. History provides a formula for success and a record of mistakes. As philosopher George Santayana stated, "those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it." We know some negative events that have transpired within Hip-Hop's history, and by learning we lower the risk of making these events cyclical. Trust your elders. They've seen similar obstacles, and can provide guidance. Continue innovating, but make sure you're mindful of the rich history that precedes you. I encourage the new school to balance your listening, and find some old school artists that you can appreciate. They're out there if you do your research. A flower doesn't grow without roots.

Let's unify the culture, so that we may be able to move on stronger. The "fad" they once called Hip-Hop is still here forty years later. At what point do we realize that enough is done already to divide us? It's counterproductive to separate the culture based on time. Picture a relay race. Does the current runner reluctantly hand off the baton to the next runner? No, because it would only slow the team down. In order to be most efficient, the current runner has to confidently hand off the baton, knowing that the next runner will keep the team moving towards success. Likewise, the new runner wouldn't be able to run without the efforts of the previous runner. The role of smooth transition is key for the team's chances of success. In Hip-Hop, this smooth transition is done by understanding our teammates, or other generations. We have to balance our perspective, and learn to appreciate the other side. After all, we are connected.